Heat dissipation device as well as electrical connection box, electrical energy storage device and vehicle including such a heat dissipation device.

Abstract

A heat dissipation device, particularly for motor vehicles, said device comprising a heat pipe (10) configured for heat exchange between, on the one hand, a hot source comprising an electrical component (14), and, on the other hand, a cold source (16), said device further comprising a first thermal interface component (18) having a first heat exchange surface in contact with said heat pipe (10) and a second heat exchange surface intended to come into contact with one of said hot or cold sources for heat exchange between said heat pipe (10) and said hot or cold source via said first thermal interface component (18), said device being configured to apply a force (F) between said heat pipe (10) and said first thermal interface component (18). Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 10

Description

Title of the invention: Heat dissipation device as well as electrical connection box, electrical energy storage device and vehicle comprising such a dissipation device.

[0001] The invention relates to a heat dissipation device, particularly for a motor vehicle. It also relates to an electrical connection box for an electrical energy storage device, particularly a battery, comprising such a dissipation device. It further relates to such an electrical energy storage device, particularly a battery, comprising such a box and / or such a dissipation device. It also relates to a vehicle comprising such a storage device, such a box, and / or such a dissipation device.

[0002] In this field, it is known that electric or hybrid vehicles are equipped with a battery pack comprising a casing which houses several electrochemical cells connected together and providing a high voltage at the terminals of the battery, typically a voltage of several hundred volts.

[0003] It is then necessary to equip the battery with an electrical connection box containing safety electrical components (relays, fuses) in order to cut off the current when necessary. These components are connected using busbars through which the input or output current from the battery flows.

[0004] In certain situations, the battery supplies or receives a high electrical power. This is the case, for example, during so-called fast charging of the vehicle's battery, or when the vehicle must exert significant traction. In these situations, the flow of a high-intensity current generates a sharp increase in temperature, particularly in areas commonly referred to as "hot spots," such as safety-critical electrical components, which are then at increased risk of degradation.

[0005] To limit this risk, it is common practice to oversize these components. However, this generates significant bulk, an excessive increase in weight, and an additional cost.

[0006] The invention aims to overcome, at least in part, the aforementioned drawbacks and, to this end, proposes a heat dissipation device, particularly for motor vehicles, said device comprising a heat pipe configured for heat exchange between, on the one hand, a hot source comprising an electrical component, and, on the other hand, a cold source, said device further comprising a first component thermal interface having a first heat exchange surface in contact with said heat pipe and a second heat exchange surface, intended to come into contact with one of said hot or cold sources for heat exchange between said heat pipe and said hot or cold source via said first thermal interface element, said device being configured to apply a force, in particular elastic, between said heat pipe and said first thermal interface element.

[0007] Thus, according to the invention, the first thermal interface element enhances heat exchange through dedicated exchange surfaces between the heat pipe and the hot or cold source in question. Furthermore, the anticipated force between the heat pipe and the first thermal interface element promotes contact between them and therefore good thermal conduction.

[0008] In the context of an application to an electrical energy storage device, it is thus possible to reduce the temperature to which the safety devices will be subjected and to avoid their oversizing.

[0009] According to various additional features of the invention, which may be taken together, in any technically compatible combination, or separately, and which constitute so many embodiments of the invention: - said first thermal interface element, referred to as cold, is configured for heat exchange between said heat pipe and said cold source, said first and second heat exchange surfaces being referred to as cold, - said device comprises a second thermal interface element, referred to as the hot element, having a first heat exchange surface, referred to as the hot element, in contact with said heat pipe and a second heat exchange surface, referred to as the hot element, intended to come into contact with said hot source, - said device comprises a support and an element for applying said force, intended to cooperate with said support, - said support is configured for fixing said heat source - said support is intended to be fixed to said cold source, - said second cold exchange surface has a shape designed to fit over an upper face of said cold source, - said second cold exchange surface is flat, - said cold thermal interface element comprises a body, housing said heat pipe, and a diffuser attached to said body and intended to come into contact with said cold source, - said cold thermal interface element has a hollow shape accommodating said heat pipe, - said body flares out towards said diffuser by means of curved shapes, said device includes a thermal conduction pad exhibiting electrical insulating properties, said pad is intended to be located between said second cold exchange surface and said cold source, said device configured to determine a compression of the pad between said cold thermal interface element and said cold source under the effect of the force F, said heat pipe is inclined so that, in use, a first zone of the heat pipe in heat exchange with said hot thermal interface element is vertically at a level lower than that of a second zone of the heat pipe in heat exchange with said cold thermal interface element, said heat pipe is straight, said heat pipe has a rounded cross-section, said heat pipe has a substantially circular cross-section. said heat pipe is sintered. said heat pipe is grooved. said device includes a wedge supporting said heat pipe, said wedge is intended to be located between said heat pipe and said cold source, said hot thermal interface element is located between said wedge and said cold thermal interface element along said heat pipe, said wedge is located near one longitudinal end of said heat pipe, said hold includes a cradle conforming to said heat pipe, said device is configured so that said force is adjusted by a chosen relative position of said force application organ with respect to said support. said device is configured so that said force-applying element is in elastic contact with said support, said force-applying device includes a rod configured to apply said force, said rod exhibits thermal conductivity properties such as to form said hot thermal interface organ, said rod comprises an elongated body and a head attached to said elongated body, said head being in contact with said heat pipe. said head flares out from said body in curved shapes, said head is welded, in particular brazed, and / or crimped to said heat pipe. said head comprises a first throat housing said heat pipe said first groove extends around an upper portion of said heat pipe, said hollow shape includes a second groove, said second gorge extends around a lower portion of said heat pipe, said second groove has a rounded straight section, said rod is configured to exert said force on said heat pipe so as to press said heat pipe against said first cold exchange surface by a lever effect, said rod is threaded, said device comprises one or more nuts cooperating with said support to apply said force via said rod and through a relative position of said nuts along the rod with respect to said support, said force application element comprises a spring exerting said force on an upper face of said cold thermal interface element, bearing against said support, said spring is formed from a folded blade, said hot thermal interface element includes a thermal conduction lug, said thermal conduction leg has a first branch equipped with a first sleeve housing said heat pipe, said first heat exchange surface is formed by an internal surface of said first sleeve, said thermal conduction leg has a second branch configured to be attached to said heat source, said first branch has a funnel shape extending from the base of said second branch, said first and second branches of the thermal conduction leg form an L, said hollow shape is formed by a second sleeve housing said heat pipe, said first cold exchange surface is formed from an internal surface of said second sleeve, said rod comprises a bearing portion, connected to the support, and a bearing portion, in contact with said heat pipe, said bearing portion being movable, in particular elastically, relative to said bearing portion in order to exert said force, said rod includes a spring bearing on said support part and exerting said force on said support part, said support part is configured to be immobilized relative to said bearing part in a first configuration of said rod corresponding to a first level of elastic force between said bearing and support parts, during an assembly operation of said device, and to be, after assembly, in a second configuration of said rod corresponding to a second level of elastic force between said bearing and support parts, said support part and said support part slide one into the other in a translational movement along a longitudinal extension direction of said rod, said support portion includes a buttress surface against said support, in a first direction following said translation. said rod includes a nut mounted on said bearing portion and forming a stop against said support in a second direction following said translation, said support portion includes a pin originating from said stop surface and passing through said support, said nut being fixed to said pin, said rod includes a finger connected to said support part and sliding through said support, said pawn is tubular and said finger slides through said pawn. said finger includes a stop, said rod being configured for positioning a tool between said stop and said support portion in said first configuration and for transitioning from the first to the second configuration according to said translational movement, upon withdrawal of the tool, said finger is made of material from said support part, said stop includes a pin fixed near a free end of said finger, said finger includes a screw fixed to said support part, said screw is fixed to said support part by one of its ends, said stop is formed by the head of the screw, said finger includes a screw linked to said support part according to said translation while allowing a rotational movement of said screw relative to said support part, - said pin has a threaded hole intended to cooperate with said screw to allow passage of said rod between the first and second configurations - said rod includes a pin connecting said finger to said support portion.

[0010] The invention also relates to an electrical connection box for an electrical energy storage device, in particular a battery, comprising a hot source, a cold source, and a dissipation device as described above.

[0011] According to various additional features of the invention, which may be taken together or separately and which constitute so many embodiments of the invention: - said electrical component includes an electrical protection component, - said electrical protection device includes an electrical relay, - said heat source includes electrical connection terminals, electrically connected to said electrical component and in heat exchange relationship with said dissipation device, - the said electrical connection terminals are traversed by the said rod, - said electrical connection terminals are fixed to said support, in particular through the use of the said nut(s), - said connection box includes an electrical conduction busbar intended to be electrically connected to said heat source, in particular to said electrical component, and more particularly to one of said connection terminals, - said electrical conduction busbar is intended to be fixed between said thermal conduction lug and said hot source, - said electrical conduction busbar is traversed by said rod, - said electrical conduction busbar is fixed to said support, in particular through the use of the said nut(s), - said cold source comprises a plate exhibiting a thermal inertia much greater than the thermal inertia of said hot source.

[0012] The invention further relates to an electrical energy storage device, in particular a battery of accumulators, comprising a connection box and / or a dissipation device as described above.

[0013] Advantageously, the connection box plate includes all or part of a lower face of a housing for the electrical energy storage device.

[0014] The invention further relates to a vehicle comprising a storage device, a connection box and / or a dissipation device as described above.

[0015] The invention will be better understood, and other objects, details, features and advantages thereof will become more apparent during the explanatory description detailed description that follows, of at least one embodiment of the invention given by way of purely illustrative and non-limiting example, with reference to the attached schematic drawings, among which:

[0016] [Fig.1] schematically illustrates, in side view, a motor vehicle according to the invention;

[0017] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates in perspective, exploded view, organs of a heat dissipation device according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0018] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates in perspective the organs of the [Fig.2], assembled;

[0019] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates in perspective, partially, a housing of connection including the heat dissipation device according to the first embodiment of the invention, complete and mounted on a cold source;

[0020] [Fig. 5] schematically illustrates, in longitudinal section view, the device of thermal dissipation of the [Fig.4], before mounting on the cold source;

[0021] [Fig.6] schematically illustrates in perspective, exploded view, organs of a heat dissipation device according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0022] [Fig.7] schematically illustrates in perspective the organs of the [Fig.6], assembled;

[0023] [Fig.8] schematically illustrates in perspective, partially, a housing of connection including the heat dissipation device according to the second embodiment of the invention, complete and mounted on a cold source, according to a first orientation;

[0024] [Fig.9] schematically illustrates, in longitudinal section view, the device of thermal dissipation of the [Fig.8], before mounting on the cold source;

[0025] [Fig. 10] schematically illustrates in longitudinal section view the heat dissipation device of the [Fig.8], after mounting on the cold source;

[0026] [Fig. 11] schematically illustrates in longitudinal section view the heat dissipation device of the [Fig.8], according to a second orientation;

[0027] [Fig. 12] schematically illustrates in perspective a third embodiment of a heat dissipation device according to the invention;

[0028] [Fig. 13] illustrates schematically in perspective, in a partial way, an example of an embodiment of a connection box according to the invention incorporating the dissipation device of the [Fig. 12];

[0029] [Fig. 14] schematically illustrates, in cross-sectional view, a part of the housing of the [Fig. 13], in a first configuration;

[0030] [Fig. 15] repeats [Fig. 14] in a second configuration;

[0031] [Fig. 16] illustrates schematically in perspective, in a partially exploded view, a fourth example of the realization of a heat dissipation device according to the invention;

[0032] [Fig. 17] schematically illustrates in cross-sectional view, in a partial, a connection box according to the invention incorporating the dissipation device of the [Fig.16], in a first configuration;

[0033] [Fig. 18] repeats [Fig. 17] in a second configuration;

[0034] [Fig. 19] schematically illustrates in perspective a fifth example of implementation of a heat dissipation device conforming to the invention;

[0035] [Fig.20] schematically illustrates in cross-sectional view, in a partial, a connection box according to the invention incorporating the dissipation device of the [Fig. 19], in a first configuration;

[0036] [Fig.21] repeats [Fig.20] in a second configuration.

[0037] It should first be noted that the terms "first", "second", "third", ... are used only to distinguish the components concerned from each other and do not imply any order or possible importance of said components.

[0038] The invention relates to a heat dissipation device, in particular for motor vehicles.

[0039] As illustrated in [Fig. 1], the invention also relates to an electrical connection box 1, an electrical energy storage device 2, in particular a battery, and a vehicle V comprising such a dissipation device. The latter is placed, for example, in the electrical connection box 1, said box 1 being used for connecting the electrical energy storage device 2 to an electrical network 3 of the motor vehicle V. Said vehicle V is advantageously an electric or hybrid vehicle connected to said electrical network 3.

[0040] As illustrated in the following figures, said heat dissipation device comprises a heat pipe 10, configured for heat exchange between, on the one hand, a hot source 12 and, on the other hand, a cold source 16. By "heat pipe", we mean a heat-conducting element allowing a fluid to circulate inside the element, in particular by capillarity and / or by gravity, this in a closed cycle according to a principle of successive evaporation and condensation of the fluid.

[0041] Preferably, said heat pipe 10 is straight. It has, for example, a rounded cross-section, in particular circular. Said heat pipe 10 is, in particular, sintered and / or grooved.

[0042] As particularly visible in Figures 2 and 3, as well as 6 and 7, or 12, 16 and 19, said device further comprises a first thermal interface element 18 having a first heat exchange surface 18a in contact with said heat pipe 10 and a second heat exchange surface 18b intended to come into contact with one of said hot or cold sources for heat exchange between said heat pipe 10 and said hot or cold source via said first thermal interface element 18. By "in contact" is meant here in a heat exchange relationship, whether by direct or indirect contact, in particular via a heat-conducting material as will appear below.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiments, said first thermal interface element 18, said cold, is in thermal exchange relationship with the cold source and the first and second heat exchange surfaces 18a, 18b of said first thermal exchange element are said to be cold.

[0044] Said cold thermal interface element 18 comprises a body 22, housing said heat pipe 10, and a diffuser 24, connected to said body 22 and intended to come into contact with said cold source 16. Said body 22 and said diffuser 24 are, for example, made of continuous material. Said cold thermal interface element 18 is, in particular, made of copper.

[0045] Advantageously, said cold thermal interface organ 18, in particular here said body 22, has a hollow shape hosting said heat pipe 10 so that an internal face of said hollow shape defines said first cold exchange surface 18a.

[0046] Said diffuser 24 is formed, for example, of a plate. Said plate extends here beyond a junction surface between said body 22 and said diffuser 24 so that the diffuser 24 has a heat conduction surface that is enlarged relative to said body 22 in the direction of said cold source 16.

[0047] Preferably, said body 22 flares out towards said diffuser 24 by means of curved shapes. This is particularly visible in Figures 6 and 7, where the presence of a radius of curvature at the junction between the body 22 and the plate can be seen. Such shapes promote heat conduction within said cold thermal interface element 18.

[0048] Said second cold exchange surface 18b is defined here by a lower face of the diffuser 24. Advantageously, said second cold exchange surface 18b has a shape designed to fit an upper face of said cold source 16, which is here provided to be substantially flat. In the illustrated embodiments, said second cold exchange surface 18b is flat.

[0049] Said dissipation device further comprises a second thermal interface element 20, referred to as the hot element. Said hot thermal interface element has a first heat exchange surface 20a, referred to as the hot surface, in contact with said heat pipe 10 and a second heat exchange surface 20b, referred to as the hot surface, intended to come into contact with said hot source 12, for heat exchange between said heat pipe 10 and said hot source via said second thermal interface element 20. The structure and operation of said thermal interface element hot 20 will be further developed in relation to the different embodiments illustrated.

[0050] As shown in Figures 5 and 10 or 12, 16 and 19, according to the invention, said dissipation device is configured to apply a force between said heat pipe 10 and said first thermal interface member, namely here, for the record, said cold thermal interface member 18. Such a force has been illustrated in the figures by an arrow marked F.

[0051] According to some embodiments, said force is elastic in nature. As will become apparent from various corresponding examples illustrated later, the elastic nature of the force arises from the components used to apply it and / or from the elasticity of the materials used.

[0052] The first thermal interface element 18 enhances the heat exchange between the heat pipe 10 and the source in question by their dedicated exchange surfaces, here the cold exchange surfaces 18a, 18b. In addition, the force F provided between the heat pipe 10 and said first thermal interface element 18 promotes contact between them and therefore good thermal conduction.

[0053] Said dissipation device includes, for example, a support 30, in particular made of reinforced ABS, and an application element 40 for said force F, intended to cooperate with said support 30.

[0054] Advantageously, said support 30 is configured for fixing said hot source 12. Alternatively or cumulatively, said support 30 is intended to be fixed to said cold source 16.

[0055] Preferably, the device comprises a thermal conduction pad 44 having electrical insulation properties. The pad is intended to be located, for example, between the second cold exchange surface 18b and the cold source 16. The pad is advantageously compressible. Alternatively, instead of the pad, the device comprises, for example, a layer of paste-like material having thermal conduction and electrical insulation properties.

[0056] The device according to the invention is configured to determine a compression of the pad 44 and / or of said layer of pasty materials between said cold thermal interface member 18 and said cold source 16 under the effect of the force F. This further improves the heat exchange.

[0057] According to the embodiments shown in Figures 4 and 5, as well as 8 to 10 or 12 and following, said heat pipe 10 is intended to be oriented horizontally. It has a slight, non-visible inclination, so that, in use, a first zone of the heat pipe 10 in heat exchange with said hot thermal interface element 20 is vertically at a level slightly lower than that of a second zone of the heat pipe 10 in heat exchange relationship with said cold thermal interface element 18.

[0058] Alternatively, as illustrated in [Fig. 10], the heat pipe 10 is intended to be oriented vertically during operation, with the hot source 12 then located at its lower end. The cold source 16 extends vertically along the entire height of the dissipation device, but its heat exchange with the device is only at its upper end.

[0059] Said connection box includes one or more electrical conduction busbars 50, 50a, 50b intended to be electrically, or even thermally, connected to said hot source 12.

[0060] Said hot source 12 includes an electrical component 14. Said electrical component 14 is here formed by an electrical protection device, for example an electrical relay and / or a fuse designed to open in the event of a fault in circuit 3. Said hot source 12 includes electrical connection terminals, electrically connected to said electrical component 14 and in a heat exchange relationship with said device. Said electrical connection terminals are not visible in the embodiment shown in Figures 2 to 5 and are illustrated in Figures 116a and 116b for the embodiment shown in Figures 6 to 11 and in Figures 150 for the following embodiments.

[0061] Said cold source 16 comprises, for example, a plate 52 having a thermal inertia much greater than that of said hot source 12. Said plate 52 may comprise all or part of a lower face of a housing of the electrical energy storage device. Said plate 52 is provided with one or more channels for circulating a heat transfer fluid.

[0062] The different embodiments will now be described in more detail with regard to the modalities of application of the effort F.

[0063] As will be seen, according to the first and fifth embodiments, the force is not elastic but adjusted by a chosen relative position of said force application member 40 with respect to said support 30. It is meant by this that said force F is fixed by a positioning of the parts between them at the assembly, without involving a spring and therefore without depending on a stiffness of said spring.

[0064] Alternatively, according to the second, third and fourth embodiments, said member 40 for applying the force F is in elastic support on said support 30. It includes for this purpose, for example, a spring.

[0065] The first, third, fourth and fifth embodiments have in common that said force application member 40 includes a rod 60 configured to apply said force F. Said rod 60 is in particular configured to exert said force F on said heat pipe 10 so as to press said heat pipe 10 against said first cold exchange surface 18a.

[0066] Preferably, said rod 60 has thermal conductivity properties so as to form said hot thermal interface member 20. It is, for example, made of copper.

[0067] The said device further advantageously includes a wedge 200 supporting the said heat pipe 10 for the purpose of better application of the force F by the said force application member 40, in particular by the said rod 60. The said wedge 200 is located, for example, between the said heat pipe 10 and the said cold source 16.

[0068] Said hot thermal interface element 20 is located, in particular, between said wedge 200 and said cold thermal interface element 18 along said heat pipe 10.

[0069] Said wedge 200 is located here near a longitudinal end of said heat pipe 10. Said wedge advantageously comprises a cradle shape 202 conforming to said heat pipe 10. Said cradle shape extends around a lower portion of said heat pipe 10, in particular over substantially 180°.

[0070] In the first, third, fourth and fifth embodiments, the force F enabling the heat pipe 10 to be pressed against the first cold exchange surface 18a can be seen as operating by a lever effect taking into account the spacing between the rod 60 and said first cold exchange surface 18a along said heat pipe 10.

[0071] Said rod 60 here comprises an elongated body 64 and a head 66 linked to said elongated body 64, at the level of an end of said elongated body 64 turned towards said heat pipe 10.

[0072] Said head 66 is in contact with said heat pipe 10. It is, for example, welded, in particular brazed, and / or crimped to said heat pipe 10. Said head 66 includes, for example, a first groove 68 receiving said heat pipe 10. Said first groove 68 defines said first hot exchange surface 20a.

[0073] Said head 66 here has a substantially parallelepiped shape. It is connected to said elongated body 64 at one of its faces, namely an upper face 70, by means of rounded shapes. More generally, said head 66 flares out from said elongated body 64 in curved shapes.

[0074] Said first groove 68 is oriented substantially orthogonally to said elongated body 64. It extends around an upper portion of said heat pipe 10, in particular over substantially 180°.

[0075] Said support 30 comprises a first wing 32 in the shape of an inverted U. Said heat pipe 10 passes between lateral sides 34a, 34b of said first wing 32, at the level of one of the ends of the heat pipe 10 located on the side of said hot source 12. An upper base 36 of said first wing 32 connects its lateral sides 34a, 34b.

[0076] Said second hot thermal interface element 20 is fixed to said support 30, for example to said upper base 36. Said electrical conduction busbar 50 and / or a first of the electrical connection terminals 150 are also fixed here to said support 30, for example to said upper base 36.

[0077] Said busbar 50 is intended to be electrically, and possibly thermally, connected, on the one hand, to one of the first electrical connection terminals of said electrical component 14 by one of its ends, and on the other hand, to the remainder of an electrical circuit of said connection box, in particular to another of its electrical components, not shown. Said first connection terminal of the electrical component 14 is located, in particular, at one of the longitudinal ends of said electrical component 14, said electrical component having here an external cylindrical shape.

[0078] Although this is not illustrated either, said connection box is intended to include a second dissipation device identical to the previous one and connected to the second electrical connection terminal of said electrical member 14, said second electrical connection terminal being located at a longitudinal end of said electrical member 14, opposite to the longitudinal end provided with said first electrical connection terminal.

[0079] Here we notice a symmetry with respect to a median plane of said electrical organ 14.

[0080] Because of this symmetry, it is understood that another support 30' comprising a second inverted U-shaped wing 32' is located at the opposite longitudinal end of the electrical member 14. The second thermal interface member of the second heat dissipation device is fixed to said other support 30', the latter being intended to accommodate between its lateral sides the heat pipe of said second heat dissipation device.

[0081] In the first, third, fourth, and fifth embodiments, said first and second wings 32, 32' are integrated into a single frame, of which they form two opposite sides. Said frame defines a housing for said electrical element 14. Said frame includes a lower base 56 connecting the second wing 32' to the first wing 32. Said lower base 56 is parallel to and fixed to said cold source 16. Said electrical element 14 is at least partially located between said first and second wings 32, 32'.

[0082] On the side of said cold thermal interface element 18, said hollow shape is formed here by a second groove 46. Said second groove extends around a lower portion of said heat pipe 10, in particular over approximately 180°. Said second groove 46 has, for example, a rounded cross-section.

[0083] The body 22 of said first thermal interface element 18 here has a substantially parallelepiped shape with a direction of greatest extension parallel to a longitudinal direction of said heat pipe 10. Said second groove 46 is oriented substantially parallel to said direction of greatest extension. As already mentioned, although not shown, lateral faces of said body 22 of said first thermal interface element 18 are advantageously connected to the diffuser 24 by radial shapes.

[0084] The embodiment of figures 2 to 5 will now be described in more detail.

[0085] Said rod 60 is, in particular, straight. It is, for example, threaded, at least along part of its length, in particular at an end opposite said heat pipe 10.

[0086] Said device includes one or more nuts 62a, 62b cooperating with said support 30 to generate said force F via said rod 60 and through a relative position of said nuts 62a, 62b along the rod 60 with respect to said support 30.

[0087] Said elongated body 64 has the thread used for positioning the nuts 62a, 62b, in particular at the end of said elongated body 64 opposite the heat pipe 10. Said elongated body 64 has a rounded, in particular circular, straight section.

[0088] The upper base 36 of said first wing 32 has a slot allowing passage of said rod 60. The nuts 62a, 62b are located on either side of said support 30, in particular of said upper base 36, thus forming a nut / locknut assembly.

[0089] Said rod 60 is fixed to said support 30, for example to said upper base 36. Said omnibus bar 50 for electrical conduction is traversed by said threaded rod 34 and fixed to said support 30 by means of said nut(s) 62a, 62b. Said other support 30' is intended to be traversed by the rod of the second heat dissipation device and, as already stated, to accommodate between its lateral sides the heat pipe of said second heat dissipation device.

[0090] As can be seen from [Fig. 5], the relative positioning of the nuts 62a, 62b allows the vertical positioning of the rod 60 to be adjusted with respect to the support 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the head 66 of the rod 60 is thus positioned vertically with respect to a lower edge 72 of the lateral sides 34a, 34b of the support 30. It is understood that, once the support 30 is in place on the plate forming the cold source 16, the force applied to the heat pipe 10 by the rod 60 is thus controlled. The same is true of the force F applied to said cold thermal interface element 18 by the effect of the lever arm transmitted by the heat pipe 10.

[0091] Still in the illustrated embodiment, it is further observed that said bearing 44 has a thickness E1 before assembly. Moreover, a vertical distance E2 between the lower edge 72 of said support 30 and an underside of said bearing 44 is determined by the vertical positioning of the rod 70 relative to the support 30, this by means of said heat pipe 10 and said cold thermal interface element 18. It is understood that, during the assembly of the dissipation device, the difference between El and E2 makes it possible to determine a compression of the pad 44 between said cold thermal interface element 18 and said plate 52 under the effect of the force F.

[0092] In this first embodiment, the shim 200 has not been illustrated but it may be present. Alternatively, shimming via a shape of the connection box is achieved to ensure proper application of the force F.

[0093] The embodiment of figures 6 to 11 will now be described in more detail.

[0094] In this mode, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, said application member 40 of the effort F includes a spring 80 exerting said effort on an upper face 82 of said cold thermal interface member 18 bearing on said support 30.

[0095] Said spring 80 is formed, for example, of a folded blade, in particular in an inverted omega shape. Said blade has a flexibility that gives it its elastic spring properties.

[0096] Said support 30 is formed, for example, of a casing 84 having a housing 86 for the spring 80. Said spring 80 bears on an upper face 90 of said support 30 by the ends of the lateral legs of the spring 80 and / or exerts said force F on said upper face 82 of the cold thermal interface member 18 by a vertex 88 of said spring 80.

[0097] As more clearly seen by referring again to figures 6 and 7, said hot thermal interface member 20 here comprises a thermal conduction lug 100.

[0098] Said thermal conduction leg 100 has, for example, a first branch 102 and / or a second branch 104. It is, in particular, made of copper.

[0099] Said first branch 102 is provided with a first sleeve 106 receiving said heat pipe 10. Said first hot exchange surface 20a is formed of an internal surface of said first sleeve 106.

[0100] Said first branch 102 further includes herein a plate 105 under which said first sleeve 106 is located. Said first sleeve 106 is oriented parallel to said heat pipe 10. It extends in a direction of greater extension of said plate 105.

[0101] Advantageously, said first branch 102, in particular said plate 105, has a funnel shape, in particular trapezoidal. Said first branch 102 extends, for example, from a base 108 of said second branch 104 to a free edge 110 corresponding here to a longitudinal end of said first sleeve 106. In the trapezoidal shape formed by said plate 105, said base 108 of said second branch 104 has a width greater than said free edge 110 of said first branch 102.

[0102] Said second branch 104 is configured to be fixed to said hot source 12, in particular by screwing, as will be detailed below. It is here It is roughly rectangular. It has an axis of greatest extension that is roughly orthogonal to said heat pipe 10.

[0103] Advantageously, said first and second branches 102, 104 give said thermal conduction leg 100 an L-shape. Such a configuration, possibly combined with the material which constitutes it, allows said thermal conduction leg 100 to offer good elasticity thanks to a spring effect present between said first and second branches 102, 104.

[0104] On the side of said cold thermal interface member 18, said hollow shape is formed inside a second sleeve 112 housing said heat pipe 10. Said first cold exchange surface 18a is thus formed from an internal surface of said second sleeve 112. The upper face 82 of said cold thermal interface member 18 at which said spring 80 presses on said cold thermal interface member 18 is formed from an external upper face of said sleeve 112.

[0105] Said second sleeve 112 here forms said body 22 of the cold thermal interface element 18. It has a substantially parallelepiped shape. Said second sleeve 112 has a direction of greatest extension parallel to said heat pipe 10. Said second sleeve 112 has external lateral faces provided with the curved shapes, mentioned above, serving for injunction with the diffuser 24.

[0106] Referring again to Figures 8 to 10, it can be seen that said envelope 84 extends to the thermal conduction leg 100. Said cold thermal interface element 18, said heat pipe 10 and / or said first branch 102 of the conduction leg 100 are located in said envelope 84.

[0107] The said envelope 84 further presents here a notch 114 at the level of its upper face 90 to accommodate the electrical element 14.

[0108] As already mentioned, said electrical component 14 has two electrical connection terminals 116a, 116b which also form, possibly, a thermal bridge and / or heat-generating points.

[0109] Said connection box here includes a second dissipation device identical to the previous one, the heat pipe of said second heat dissipation device being illustrated 10' in [Fig.8]. A symmetry with respect to a median plane of said electrical component 14 is noted.

[0110] Two busbars 50a, 50b are illustrated, each associated with one of the heat dissipation devices. They are fixed to the electrical component 14 and / or to the corresponding thermal conduction lug 100, for example to an upper end of its second arm 104, here by means of screws whose screw heads are visible at the reference points 116a, 116b. The busbars 50a, 50b are located between one of the thermal conduction lugs 100 and the electrical component 14.

[0111] The screws are connected to the electrical connection terminals 116a, 116b through slots provided in the busbars 50a, 50b and in the thermal conduction tabs 100. The busbars 50a, 50b are electrically, and possibly thermally, connected, on the one hand, to one of the electrical connection terminals 116a, 116b of the electrical component 14 by one of their ends, and on the other hand, to the remainder of an electrical circuit of the connection box, in particular to another of its electrical components, not shown. The electrical component 14 has a parallelepiped-shaped outer contour. It is provided with a partition 120 located between the busbars 50a, 50b.

[0112] In [Fig. 8], it is further noted that said casing 84 is common to said dissipation devices. It advantageously has lateral sides 92 extending from the upper face 90 of the support 30. These rest on said cold source 16. Said casing 84 is here open opposite the ends of the heat pipes 10, 10' located on the side of said hot thermal interface element 20. Alternatively, these characteristics apply to a casing that would house a single dissipation device as described above.

[0113] As illustrated in [Fig.9], before mounting on said cold source 16, said heat pipe 10 is slightly inclined from bottom to top going from said cold thermal interface member 18 to said hot thermal interface member 20.

[0114] In [Fig. 10], after mounting on said cold source 16, said heat pipe 10 is substantially horizontal, except for presenting the slight angle, mentioned above, to promote its operation.

[0115] Such a change in inclination before and after mounting promotes good compression of the pad 44 thanks to the elasticity conferred by said dissipation device. It also promotes good contact with said cold source 16, in addition to the effect produced by said force F.

[0116] According to the third, fourth and fifth embodiments, said rod 60 comprises a bearing portion 130, connected to the support 30, and a bearing portion 132, in contact with said heat pipe 10. Said bearing portion 132 is movable, in particular elastically, relative to said bearing portion 130 to exert said force F. The head 66 of the rod 60 is here integrated at the level of the bearing portion 132.

[0117] More specifically, here, said bearing part 130 and said bearing part 132 slide into each other in a translational movement along a longitudinal extension direction of said rod 60 corresponding to the direction of the force F.

[0118] In the embodiments of figures 12 to 15 and 16 to 18, said rod 60 includes a spring 134 bearing on said bearing part 130 and exerting said force F on said bearing part 132.

[0119] By way of example, said support portion 132 is configured to be immobilized relative to said bearing portion 130 in a first configuration of said rod 60 corresponding to a first level of elastic force between said bearing and support portions 130, 132, during an assembly operation of said device. Said first configuration is illustrated respectively in Figures 14 and 17 where a tool 300 is seen engaged with the rod 60 such that a given relative position, referred to as the assembly position, is imposed between said bearing portion 130 and said support portion 132. Said support portion 132 is further configured to be, after assembly, in a second configuration of said rod 60 corresponding to a second level of elastic force between said bearing and support portions 130, 132.This second configuration is illustrated in figures 15 and 18 respectively, where it can be seen that tool 300 has been removed so that said tool no longer imposes the mounting position mentioned above.

[0120] More specifically, here, the bearing portion 130 is tubular, for example with a circular internal cross-section. It defines a housing 136 opening towards said heat pipe 10. Said bearing portion 132 is movable within the housing 136 of said bearing portion 130. Said bearing portion 132 is provided with a groove 138 receiving said spring 134. To exert the force F, said spring 134 bears against a bottom of said groove 138, on one side, and, on the other side, against a bottom of the housing 136 of said bearing portion 130. Said bearing portion 132 is formed here of a piece of revolution upstream of said head 66, said groove 138 receiving said spring 134 is annular and / or said spring 134 is a helical spring.

[0121] Said bearing portion 130 includes, for example, a buttress surface against said support 30, in a first direction following said translation. Said buttress surface is here located at the level of a shoulder 140 defining on one side the bottom of the housing 136 of said bearing portion 130 and on the other side said buttress surface.

[0122] Said rod 60 further comprises a nut 142 mounted on said bearing portion 130 and forming a stop against said support 30 in a second direction along said translation. By combination of said shoulder 140 and said nut 142, said bearing portion 130 is thus immobilized relative to the support 30, in particular along said longitudinal direction of the rod 60, notably by tightening the nut 142.

[0123] For this purpose, here, said support part 130 includes a pin 194 originating from said stop surface, in particular from said shoulder 140, and passing through said support 30, in particular at the level of a slot 152 formed in said upper base 36. Said nut 142 is fixed on said pin 144, in particular by a thread provided for this purpose on said pin 144.

[0124] Said support part 130, in particular said shoulder 140, comes into contact with the support 30, in particular at the level of an inner face of said upper base 36. On an opposite outer face of said upper base 36 are stacked said bus bar 50 and said electrical connection terminal 150. Said nut 142 bears here on said electrical connection terminal 150 to fix the assembly of said rod 60, bus bar 50 and electrical connection terminal 150 on the support 30, by screwing onto the pin 144, provided to pass not only through said upper base 36 but also through bus bar 50, electrical connection terminal 150 and said nut 142.

[0125] Said rod 60 further includes a finger 146, connected to said support portion 132. More specifically, said finger 146 is immobilized relative to said support portion 132, at least in the direction of said translation. Said finger 146 slides through said support 30. Said pin 144 is tubular here, and said finger 146 slides through said pin 144 to allow the relative movement of the support portion 130 and the support portion 142.

[0126] Said finger 146 includes, for example, a stop 148, in particular at a free end of said finger 146, namely an end opposite to an end located near the head 66 of said rod 60. Said rod 60 is here configured for a positioning of the tool 300 between said stop 148 and said support part 130 in said first configuration and for a transition from the first to the second configuration according to said translational movement, upon withdrawal of the tool 300.

[0127] This is first illustrated in Figures 14 and 15 in the context of the third embodiment. In this embodiment, said finger 146 is formed from the material of said support portion 132 at the level of an upper part of the groove 138. Said stop 148 includes a circlip 160 fixed in a groove formed in said finger 146.

[0128] In [Fig. 14], it can be seen that, in the mounting position, taking into account the relative vertical position of the head 66 of the rod and the support 30, the assembly formed by the diffuser 24 and the bearing 44 is not yet in contact with the cold source 16, as symbolized by the clearance J.

[0129] At [Fig. 15], after removal of the tool 300, the spring 134 pushes the head 66 of the rod and therefore the heat pipe 10 downwards, thus allowing said assembly to come into contact with said cold source 16 while compressing said bearing 44. In addition, good contact between all the exchange surfaces involved is ensured under the effect of said force F.

[0130] This is also illustrated in Figures 17 and 18 in the fourth embodiment. In this embodiment, said finger 146 includes a screw 162 fixed to said bearing portion 132 by the end of said finger 146 located near the head 66 of the rod, said end being threaded for this purpose. Said bearing portion 132 includes a well 164 forming externally said groove 138 and internally a tapped bore to cooperate with said screw 162. Said stop 148 is formed by a head 166 of the screw 102.

[0131] In [Fig. 17], it can be seen that, in the mounting position, taking into account the relative vertical position of the head 66 of the rod 60 and the support 30, the assembly formed by the diffuser 24 and the bearing 44 is not yet in contact with the cold source 16, as symbolized by the clearance J.

[0132] At [Fig. 18], after removal of the tool 300, the spring 134 pushes the head 66 of the rod and therefore the heat pipe 10 downwards, thus allowing said assembly to come into contact with said cold source 16 while compressing said bearing 44. In addition, good contact between all the exchange surfaces involved is ensured under the effect of said force F.

[0133] In the embodiment of Figures 19 to 21, said rod 60 includes a screw 170 configured to exert said force F by fixing a relative position of said bearing and support parts 130, 132 according to the longitudinal extension direction of said rod 60, as a function of a degree of screwing of said screw 170. It is noted that, in [Fig. 19], said rod 60 is illustrated according to a longitudinal sectional view.

[0134] More specifically, said support portion 132 is configured to be immobilized relative to said support portion 130 in a first configuration of said rod 60 corresponding to a first degree of said tightening during an assembly operation of said device. Said support portion 82 is further configured to be, after assembly, in a second configuration of said rod 60 corresponding to a second degree of said tightening of said screw 170. This configuration makes it possible to avoid the use of tool 300 in the preceding modes.

[0135] As above, the bearing portion 130 is tubular, for example of circular cross-section. It defines a housing 136 opening towards said heat pipe 10. Said bearing portion 132 is movable within the housing 136 of said bearing portion 130. Here, said housing 136 has a shape of revolution and / or said bearing portion 132 is formed of a piece of revolution upstream of said head 66.

[0136] Said bearing portion 130 includes, for example, a buttress surface against said support 30, in a first direction following said translation. Said buttress surface is here located at the level of a shoulder 140 defining on one side the bottom of the housing 136 of said bearing portion 130 and on the other side said buttress surface.

[0137] Said rod 60 further comprises a nut 142 mounted on said bearing portion 130 and forming a stop against said support 30 in a second direction along said translation. By combination of said shoulder 140 and said nut 142, said bearing portion is thus immobilized relative to the support 30, in in particular along the said longitudinal direction of the rod 60, in particular by tightening the nut 142.

[0138] For this purpose, here, said support part 130 includes a pin 144 originating from said stop surface, in particular from said shoulder 140, and passing through said support 30. Said nut 142 is fixed on said pin 144, in particular by a thread provided for this purpose on said pin 144.

[0139] Said rod 60 further includes a finger 146, connected to said support portion 132. More specifically, said finger 146 is immobilized relative to said support portion 132, at least in the direction of translation. Said finger 146 slides through said support 30. Said pin 144 is tubular here, and said finger 146 slides through said pin 144 to allow the relative movement of the support portion 130 and the support portion 132.

[0140] More specifically in this fifth embodiment, said finger 146 is formed by said screw 170. The latter is linked to said support portion 132 according to said translation while allowing a rotational movement of said screw 170 relative to said support portion 132, for example by means of a pin 172. Said pin 172 is engaged in said support portion 132 and in said finger 146 so as to immobilize them relative to each other according to said translational movement while allowing the screw 170 to be tightened. For this purpose, here, said support portion 132 includes a well 174 in which the end of the finger 146, located near the head 66 of said rod 60, is housed. The said pin 172 is engaged in a passage formed for this purpose in the said well 174. For its part, the said finger 146 includes an annular groove 176 in which the said pin 172 slides during screwing.Said support part 130 includes an orifice 178 for the insertion of said pin 112.

[0141] Furthermore, said pin 144 has a tapped hole intended to cooperate with a threaded part of said screw 170 to allow passage of said rod 60 between the first and second configurations.

[0142] In [Fig.20], it can be seen that, in the mounting position, taking into account the relative vertical position of the head 66 of the rod and the support 30, the assembly formed by the diffuser 24 and the bearing 44 is not yet in contact with the cold source 16, as symbolized by the clearance J.

[0143] In [Fig.21], after screwing the screw 170, it can be seen that a head 182 of the screw 110 has moved closer to a free end of the pin 144. The said screw 170, in a downward movement along the said translation, has pushed the head 66 of the rod and therefore the heat pipe 10 towards the cold source 16, thus allowing the said assembly to come into contact with the said cold source 16 while compressing the said bearing 44. In addition, good contact between all the exchange surfaces involved is ensured under the effect of the said force F.

Claims

Demands

1. Heat dissipation device, in particular for motor vehicle, said device comprising a heat pipe (10) configured for heat exchange between, on the one hand, a hot source (12) comprising an electrical component (14), and, on the other hand, a cold source (16), said device further comprising a first thermal interface component (18) having a first heat exchange surface (18a) in contact with said heat pipe (10) and a second heat exchange surface (18b), intended to come into contact with one of said hot or cold sources for heat exchange between said heat pipe and said hot or cold source via said first thermal interface component (18), said device being configured to apply a force (F) between said heat pipe (10) and said first thermal interface component (18).

2. Device according to claim 1 in which said first thermal interface element (18), said cold, is configured for heat exchange between said heat pipe (10) and said cold source (16), said first and second heat exchange surfaces (18a, 18b) being said cold.

3. Device according to the preceding claim comprising a wedge (200) supporting said heat pipe (10), said wedge (200) being intended to be located between said heat pipe (10) and said cold source (16).

4. Device according to any one of claims 2 or 3 in which said device comprises in addition a second thermal interface element (20), said hot, having a first heat exchange surface (20a), said hot, in contact with said heat pipe (10) and a second heat exchange surface (20b), said hot, intended to come into contact with said hot source (12).

5. Device according to any one of claims 2 to 4 in which said cold thermal interface member (18) comprises a body (22), hosting said heat pipe (10), and a diffuser (24) linked to said body (22) and intended to come into contact with said cold source (16).

6. Device according to the preceding claim in which said body (22) flares out towards said diffuser (24) by curved shapes.

7. Device according to any one of claims 2 to 6 in which said device comprises a thermal conduction pad (44) having electrical insulating properties, said pad (44) being intended to be located between said second cold exchange surface (18b) and said cold source (16).

8. Device according to any one of claims 2 to 7 in which said device comprises a support (30) and an element (40) for applying said force (F), intended to cooperate with said support (30).

9. Device according to the preceding claim configured so that said force (F) is adjusted by a chosen relative position of said force (40) application member of the force (F) with respect to said support (30).

10. Device according to claim 8 configured for said force application member (F) to be in elastic support on said support (30).

11. Device according to any one of claims 8 to 10 in which said force-applying member (40) comprises a rod (60) configured to apply said force (F).

12. Device according to the preceding claim in which said rod (70) is configured to exert said force (F) on said heat pipe (10) so as to press said heat pipe (10) against said first cold exchange surface (18a) by a lever effect.

13. Device according to any one of claims 11 or 12, claim 11 being related to claim 9, wherein said rod (60) is threaded and said device comprises one or more nuts (62a, 62b) cooperating with said support (30) to apply said force (F) via said rod (60) and through a relative position of said nuts (62a, 62b) along the rod (60) with respect to said support (30).

14. Device according to any one of claims 11 or 12 in which said rod (60) comprises a bearing portion (130), linked to the support (30), and a bearing portion (132), in contact with said heat pipe (10), said bearing portion (132) being movable relative to said bearing portion (130) to exert said force.

15. A device according to the preceding claim in which said support portion (130) and said support portion (132) slide within each other in a translational movement along a longitudinal extension direction of said rod (60), said support portion support (130) comprising a buttress surface against said support (30), in a first direction along said translation, said rod (60) comprising a nut (142) mounted on said bearing part (130) and forming a buttress against said support (30) in a second direction along said translation.

16. Device according to the preceding claim in which said bearing part (130) comprises a pin (144) originating from said stop surface and passing through said support (30), said nut (142) being fixed on said pin (144), said rod (60) comprising a finger (146) linked to said bearing part (132) and sliding through said support (30), said pin (144) being tubular and said finger (146) sliding through said pin (144).

17. Device according to the preceding claim, claim 11 being related to claim 10, wherein said support part (132) is configured to be immobilized relative to said bearing part (130) in a first configuration of said rod (60) corresponding to a first level of elastic force between said bearing and support parts (130, 132), during an assembly operation of said device, and to be, after assembly, in a second configuration of said rod (60) corresponding to a second level of elastic force between said bearing and support parts (130, 132).

18. Device according to the preceding claim in which said finger (146) includes a stop (148), said rod (60) being configured for positioning a tool (300) between said stop (148) and said support part (130) in said first configuration and for passing from the first to the second configuration according to said translational movement, upon withdrawal of the tool (300).

19. Device according to any one of claims 17 or 18 in which said finger (146) is made of material from said support part (142).

20. Device according to any one of claims 17 or 18 in which said finger (146) comprises a screw (162) fixed to said support part (132).

21. A device according to claim 16, claim 11 being related to claim 9, wherein said finger comprises a screw (170) connected to said support portion (132) according to said translation while allowing rotational movement of said screw (170) relative to said support part (132).

22. Device according to the preceding claim in which said rod (60) includes a pin (182) linking said finger (146) to said support part (132).

23. Device according to any one of claims 8 or 10 wherein said force application member (40) comprises a spring (80) exerting said force (F) on an upper face (82) of said cold thermal interface member (18) bearing on said support (30).

24. Device according to the preceding claim in which said spring (80) is formed of a bent blade.

25. Electrical connection box for electrical energy storage device, in particular accumulator battery, comprising a hot source (12), a cold source (18) and a device according to any one of the preceding claims.

26. Electrical energy storage device, in particular accumulator battery, comprising a device according to any one of claims 1 to 24.

27. ​​Vehicle comprising a device according to any one of claims 1 to 24.