Module for heat exchanger assembly with battery cells

Abstract

Module for heat exchange assembly with battery cells The present invention relates to a module for heat exchange assembly with at least one battery cell, comprising at least: a support structure for at least one battery cell including at least one orifice forming a housing of complementary shape to the peripheral edge of the at least one cell, a heat exchange panel (11) positioned against the support structure and including an internal volume for the circulation of a heat transfer fluid between at least one inlet orifice and an outlet orifice of the fluid, characterized in that the heat exchange panel is made by at least two substantially planar structures positioned opposite each other and assembled together by their peripheral edges so that the sealing of the internal volume of the heat exchange panel is achieved by a peripheral weld between the two structures.Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 8.

Description

Title of the invention: Module for a heat exchange assembly with battery cells

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of battery thermal regulation devices and more particularly to the field of modular heat transfer fluid distribution devices for the thermal regulation of battery cells.

[0002] Maintaining the temperature of batteries conventionally involves heat exchange plates positioned in contact with the surface of the batteries to be heated or cooled. Each of these heat exchange plates has a hollow structure inside which a heat transfer fluid circulates. The contact of such a plate with the surface of a battery optimizes heat exchange between the two surfaces. The heat transfer fluid moving inside a heat exchange plate allows heat to be supplied to or removed from the battery. The circulation of the heat transfer fluid thus allows for optimized maintenance of heat exchange between a battery and the heat exchange plate, with a continuous supply or removal of heat to the battery.

[0003] Inside the heat exchange plates, the heat transfer fluid moves between two orifices, inlet and outlet, generally located at the periphery of the plates. The heat transfer fluid is distributed among several heat exchange plates arranged parallel to each other and positioned between and in contact with one or more coils to be cooled. This arrangement of coils with heat exchange plates can be achieved, in particular, by a modular construction combining, on the one hand, a heat exchange plate and, on the other hand, a frame structure with dimensions complementary to the heat exchange plate, to be assembled on a surface and to hold a coil or group of coils against this heat exchange plate.

[0004] A key requirement in this type of construction is the perfect sealing of the heat exchange plates. Indeed, the presence of a heat transfer fluid leak near batteries is likely to lead not only to a degradation of the operating performance of these batteries but also to damage to the motor powered by the energy supplied by these batteries. Furthermore, batteries intended for integration into such modular constructions generally rely on the use of rare earth elements and are susceptible to undergoing a reaction significant exothermic reaction upon contact with certain liquids, reinforcing the imperative of rigorous sealing of heat exchange plates.

[0005] The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks of the prior art by proposing a solution enabling optimized sealing of the elements involved in the circulation of heat transfer fluid, while taking advantage of the constraints imposed by the realization of a modular construction for maintaining the temperature of a group of batteries.

[0006] The invention thus relates to a module for a heat exchange assembly with at least one battery cell, comprising at least: - a support structure for at least one battery cell comprising at least one opening forming a housing with a shape complementary to the peripheral edge of the at least one cell, - a heat exchange panel positioned against the supporting structure and comprising an internal volume for the circulation of a heat transfer fluid between at least one inlet and one outlet of the fluid, characterized in that the heat exchange panel is made up of at least two substantially planar structures positioned opposite each other and joined together by their peripheral edges so that the sealing of the internal volume of the heat exchange panel is achieved by a peripheral weld between the two structures.

[0007] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a module according to the invention, the internal volume of which, within a heat exchange panel, comprises a circulation circuit for a heat transfer fluid, characterized in that the method notably includes a manufacturing step for at least one heat exchange panel, which further comprises: - a positioning step of at least two substantially planar structures supported against each other, the two structures being joined together by their peripheral edges, - a step involving the positioning of formwork elements against the outer faces of these two structures, at least some of the formwork elements having a raised surface, - a hydroforming and / or air-forming stage by injecting a fluid between the two substantially flat structures so that these structures deform to conform to the respective surfaces of the formwork elements, - a stage of removing the formwork elements.

[0008] The invention further relates to a heat exchanger assembly with at least one battery cell, characterized in that the assembly comprises at least two modules according to the invention, these modules are assembled so that the support structure of at least one of the modules is positioned between, on the one hand, a heat exchange panel of its own module and, on the other hand, a heat exchange panel of a second module.

[0009] The invention will be better understood from the following description, which relates to a preferred embodiment, given by way of non-limiting example, and explained with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which:

[0010] [Fig-1] represents a schematic illustration of an example of an assembly of two structures for the construction of a heat exchange panel,

[0011] [Fig.2] represents a schematic illustration of an example of the assembly of two heat exchange panels in the context of the construction of a module according to the invention,

[0012] [Fig.3] represents schematic illustrations of an example of the construction of a heat exchange panel for a module according to the invention in a three-quarter view, in a section view and in detail at a peripheral junction of a heat exchange panel,

[0013] [Fig.4] shows schematic illustrations of two examples of the construction of heat exchange panels for the construction of modules according to the invention,

[0014] [Fig.5] represents schematic illustrations of an example of the construction of portions of piping around the periphery of a heat exchange panel for a module according to the invention before forming the heat exchange panel according to a sectional view in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the heat exchange panel, according to a side view and according to a sectional view in a plane parallel to the plane of the heat exchange panel,

[0015] [Fig.6] shows schematic illustrations of an example of a heat exchange panel for a module according to the invention in a three-quarter view,

[0016] [Fig.7] represents schematic illustrations of examples of modules for a heat exchange assembly according to the invention in a three-quarter view and in section views in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the heat exchange panel,

[0017] [Fig.8] represents schematic illustrations of an example of the assembly of two heat exchange panels according to a sectional view in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the heat exchange panels and according to a detail at a peripheral junction of these heat exchange panels,

[0018] [Fig.9] represents a schematic illustration of an example of the assembly of two heat exchange panels at the inlet ports of the heat exchange panels according to a sectional view in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the heat exchange panels,

[0019] [Fig. 10] represents a schematic illustration of another example of assembly of two heat exchange panels at the level of inlet ports of the heat exchange panels according to a section view in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the heat exchange panels.

[0020] The present invention relates to a module 1 for a heat exchange assembly of at least one battery cell, comprising at least: - a support structure 12 for at least one battery cell 1 comprising at least one opening forming a housing 121 of complementary shape to the peripheral edge of the at least one cell, - a heat exchange panel 11 positioned against the support structure 12 and comprising an internal volume for the circulation of a heat transfer fluid between at least one inlet orifice 15 and one outlet orifice 16 of the fluid, characterized in that the heat exchange panel 11 is made up of at least two substantially planar structures 111, 112 positioned opposite each other and joined together by their peripheral edges so that the sealing of the internal volume of the heat exchange panel 11 is achieved by a peripheral weld between the two structures 111, 112.

[0021] In the module 1 according to the invention, at least one heat exchange panel 11, which has a substantially planar arrangement, is associated with a support structure 12 for one or more battery cells. Preferably, the heat exchange panel 11 and the support structure 12 have substantially similar or even identical dimensions and shapes so as to allow their assembly to form a module 1. The assembly of the heat exchange panel 11 with the support structure 12 in a module 1 is carried out such that one of the surfaces of the heat exchange panel 11 is positioned against a surface of the support structure 12, in particular against at least one housing opening 121 of the support structure 12 intended to receive at least one battery cell, so as to close this housing opening 121.For example, the support structure 12 has an arrangement with a thickness at least substantially similar, or even identical, to the thickness of a battery cell intended to be housed therein. The housing 121 in the support structure 12 for receiving a battery cell is arranged so that its opening is positioned opposite a surface of the heat exchange panel 11, so that at least one surface of the battery cell is in position against a surface of the heat exchange panel 11. This arrangement thus allows for optimized heat exchange between the battery cell and the heat exchange panel 11.

[0022] It should be noted that module 1 of the invention combines at least one heat exchange panel 11 with a support structure 12 for a battery cell. The juxtaposition of several modules 1 makes it possible to create a construction in which heat exchange panels 11 are successively positioned alternately with support structures 12 for cells. Also, according to another, more specific construction example, the support structure 12 has a housing 121 for a battery cell arranged through the thickness of this support structure 12. The support structure 12 thus frames the housing 121 and the battery cell positioned therein. Each of the openings of the housing 121 and of the cell is then opposite a surface of a respective heat exchange panel 11 positioned against the support structure 12, blocking the openings of the housing 121.According to this example, the battery cell is able to perform heat exchanges at each of the two orifices positioned on either side of the housing 121 with respectively, on the one hand, the heat exchange panel 11 of module 1 in which the battery cell is housed and, on the other hand, the heat exchange panel 11 of module 1 juxtaposed to module 1 in which the battery cell is housed.

[0023] Furthermore, within the framework of module 1 according to the invention, the particular arrangement of the heat exchange panel 11, consisting of two substantially planar structures 111, 112 joined together at their peripheral edges, makes it possible to seal the internal volume of the heat exchange panel 11 against the outside while also simplifying its construction. Preferably, the assembly of the two structures 111, 112 is achieved by making at least one weld at the periphery of these planar structures 111, 112. Ideally, this assembly involves a double line of welds on the periphery of the two planar structures 111, 112.As an example of construction, the two substantially planar structures 111, 112 of the heat exchange panel 11 are made of an aluminum-type material or a material with similar rigidity, strength, and thermal conductivity properties. Preferably, the two substantially planar structures 111, 112 have substantially identical dimensions for the construction of a heat exchange panel 11, particularly for the portion intended to form the internal volume of the heat exchange panel 11. However, these two structures 111, 112 may have differences in shape at portions intended for the fluid inlet 15 and outlet 16 ports.

[0024] According to an example relating to a variant construction of module 1 of the invention, at least one inlet 15 and / or outlet 16 of the fluid is carried by a first of the two substantially planar structures 111, 112 of the panel of heat exchangers 11, the second of the two structures 111, 112 having a solid surface positioned opposite the inlet 15 and / or outlet 16. The inlet 15 or outlet 16 of the fluid in the heat exchanger panel 11 is thus supported by only one of the two structures 111, 112 of the panel 11. As an example of construction, these two inlet 15 and outlet 16 of the fluid are respectively made by an orifice positioned at the level of the same surface of a first of the two structures 111, 112 of the heat exchanger panel 11, the surface opposite the second of the two structures 111, 112 of the heat exchanger panel 11 having a solid arrangement. According to this example, the two inlet orifices 15 and outlet orifices 16 are positioned at the level of the same surface of the heat exchange panel 11.As an example of a potentially complementary construction, the fluid inlet 15 and / or outlet 16 ports are positioned at a portion of the surface of one of the two structures 111, 112 of the heat exchange panel 11 which forms a peripheral protrusion relative to the rest of the surface of the heat exchange panel 11.

[0025] According to an example relating to a construction variant of module 1 of the invention that can be combined with either of the previously detailed construction variants, the sealing of the internal volume of the heat exchange panel 11 is completed by a sealing element 113 that encloses the assembled peripheral edges of the two structures 111, 112 of the heat exchange panel 11. This sealing element 113 has the form of a frame positioned on at least a part and / or a length of the peripheral edge of the heat exchange panel 11. Preferably, this sealing element 113 surrounds and / or frames the bulk of the heat exchange panel 11 while having free portions allowing the positioning of at least one inlet orifice 15 and one outlet orifice 16 of the fluid with the internal volume of the heat exchange panel 11.This sealing element 113 is likely to take the form of an elastic seal positioned along the peripheral edge of the heat exchange panel 11 so as to extend beyond the peripheral edge on at least part of each of the faces of the heat exchange panel 11 formed by the two structures 111, 112. In a plane in section perpendicular to the average plane of the heat exchange panel 11, this sealing element 113 is thus positioned as a rider on the peripheral edge of the heat exchange panel 11.

[0026] According to an example relating to another construction variant of module 1 of the invention which can be combined with either of the previously detailed construction variants, the sealing of the internal volume of the heat exchange panel 11 is completed by a thermoplastic structure A peripheral structure 114 encloses the assembled peripheral edges of the two structures 111 and 112 of the heat exchange panel 11. As an example of an embodiment, this thermoplastic structure 114 forms a frame positioned along at least a portion and / or a length of the peripheral edge of the heat exchange panel 11. Preferably, this thermoplastic structure 114 surrounds and / or frames the majority of the heat exchange panel 11. Similarly, and preferably, this thermoplastic structure 114 provides free portions at the peripheral edge of the heat exchange panel 11 to allow the positioning of at least one inlet 15 and / or one outlet 16 of the fluid with the internal volume of the heat exchange panel 11. Structurally, this thermoplastic structure 114 extends beyond the peripheral edge of the heat exchange panel 11 onto the faces of the heat exchange panel. 11.Thus, in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the mean plane of the heat exchange panel 11, the thermoplastic structure 114 has a rider-like arrangement positioned over the peripheral edge of the heat exchange panel 11. As an example of construction, this thermoplastic structure 114 is positioned and installed by means of an overmolding operation on at least a part of the peripheral edge of the heat exchange panel 11. It should be noted that when module 1 of the invention also includes a sealing element 113 positioned at the periphery of the heat exchange panel 11, the thermoplastic structure 114 is positioned over this sealing element 113 by wrapping it around to wedge it against the peripheral edge of the heat exchange panel 11.

[0027] According to an example relating to a specific construction variant of module 1 of the invention as detailed in the previously detailed construction variant, the peripheral thermoplastic structure 114 incorporates piping portions 115, 116 which communicate respectively with at least one inlet port 15 and at least one outlet port 16 of the fluid in the heat exchange panel 11, these piping portions 115, 116 respectively incorporating connection interfaces with piping portions for supplying heat transfer fluid. This integration can be achieved by joint overmolding of the piping portions 115, 116 with the peripheral thermoplastic structure 114. Preferably, these piping portions 115, 116 relate to axial tubular portions oriented substantially perpendicular to the mean plane of the heat exchange panel 11.These tubular sections are thus able to operate an easy connection with the complementary interface of a section of piping supported, for example, by a second juxtaposed module 1.

[0028] According to an example relating to a construction variant that can be combined with either of the previously detailed construction variants, The pipe sections 115, 116 are associated with a respective drainage channel positioned to allow fluid circulation parallel to the circulation within the pipe sections 115, 116. Preferably, this drainage channel is integrated into the peripheral thermoplastic structure 114 and communicates with the associated pipe section 115, 116 via one or more conduits also integrated into the peripheral thermoplastic structure 114. This integration can be achieved by jointly overmolding the drainage channel with the peripheral thermoplastic structure 114, or even with one or more of the associated pipe sections 115, 116. Preferably, the positioning and fixing of these pipe sections 115, 116 against an inlet 15 or an outlet 16 of the heat exchanger panel 11 are achieved by means of a double, leak-proof fixing.This watertight connection can be achieved by mechanical fastening or chemical bonding, such as chemical adhesion of the pipe section 115, 116 to a microstructured and / or chemically altered layer on the face of the heat exchange panel 11 surrounding the inlet 15 or associated outlet 16. For example, a surface microstructuring process is described in US11745295. Similarly, a technology for bonding a thermoplastic pipe to a metal wall is detailed in FR2406797. Alternatively or in addition to chemical bonding, the watertight connection can be achieved by physical assembly, such as welding, which also surrounds the periphery of the inlet 15 or outlet 16.A first sealed line 1171, with a smaller perimeter, connects, on the one hand, the inlet port 15 or outlet port 16 and, on the other hand, the port of the associated pipe section 115, 116. A second sealed line 1172, with a larger perimeter, connects, on the one hand, the inlet port 15 or outlet port 16 and, on the other hand, both the port of the associated pipe section 115, 116 and the port of the drainage channel. In this example of a connection, the second sealed line 1172 thus surrounds the first sealed line 1171 and the port of the drainage channel. Therefore, in the event of a leak at the first sealed line 1171 of this connection, the heat transfer fluid can be retained by the second sealed line 1172 and discharged into the drainage channel.

[0029] According to an example relating to a construction variant of module 1 of the invention capable of being combined with either of the previously detailed construction variants, the heat exchange panel 11 has a substantially rectangular arrangement with a fluid inlet 15 and a fluid outlet 16 positioned at opposite corners of the heat exchange panel 11. When the fluid inlet 15 and outlet 16 are arranged On the same face of the heat exchange panel 11, the two orifices are positioned symmetrically with respect to the center of the rectangular surface of the heat exchange panel 11, so that the heat exchange panel 11 can be positioned in two different orientations, interchanging the orifices 15, 16 of the fluid. The "outlet" and "inlet" characterization of these orifices 15, 16 of the fluid is then defined by the direction of fluid movement relative to the internal volume of the heat exchange panel 11.

[0030] According to an example relating to a construction variant of module 1 of the invention forming an alternative to the construction variant detailed above, the heat exchange panel 11 has a substantially rectangular arrangement with an inlet orifice 15 and an outlet orifice 16 of the fluid positioned at corners located at the ends of the same edge of the heat exchange panel 11. This construction thus makes it possible to position the pipes for the circulation of the heat transfer fluid, on the one hand, for supply and, on the other hand, for discharge, on the same side of the heat exchange panel 11 and therefore, by extension, on the same side of module 1 or even of the entire module 1 assembly. This arrangement thus makes it possible to address space constraints for the positioning of pipes dedicated to circulating heat transfer fluid for maintaining battery cells at temperature.

[0031] According to an example relating to a construction variant of module 1 of the invention forming another alternative to the previously detailed construction variant, the heat exchange panel 11 has a substantially rectangular arrangement with an inlet orifice 15 and an outlet orifice 16 of the fluid positioned at a portion of the same edge of the heat exchange panel 11, for example at the center of an edge of the heat exchange panel 11. As with the previous construction variant of module 1, this construction also allows for the positioning of pipes for the circulation of the heat transfer fluid at the same side of the heat exchange panel 11 and therefore, by extension, on the same side of module 1 or even of the entire module 1.

[0032] According to an example relating to a construction variant of module 1 of the invention that can be combined with either of the previously detailed construction variants, at portions of the peripheral edge of the heat exchange panel 11 lacking an inlet 15 or outlet 16 for the fluid, the peripheral thermoplastic structure 114 carries piping portions 171, 172 without communication with the internal volume of the heat exchange panel 11. These piping portions 171, 172 correspond to piping elements allowing the circulation of a fluid completely independent of the internal volume of the heat exchange panel 11. The fluid The fluid present in these pipe sections 171, 172 is therefore able to circulate without passing through the internal volume of the heat exchange panel 11. Thus, the peripheral thermoplastic structure 114, which contributes to the creation of a frame that at least partially surrounds the peripheral edge of the heat exchange panel 11, forms, in module 1 of the invention, a support structure for these pipe sections 171, 172 without communication with the internal volume of the heat exchange panel 11. These pipe sections 171, 172 are thus able to circulate a fluid between two elements positioned on either side of the heat exchange panel 11, or even of module 1, without this fluid passing through the internal volume of the heat exchange panel 11. The peripheral thermoplastic structure 114 thus allows for the positioning and spatial maintenance of these pipe sections 171, 172.Also, the thermoplastic structure 114 facilitates the connection of these different pipe sections 171, 172 with complementary pipe connection interfaces. According to one construction example, the thermoplastic structure 114 has a cantilever arrangement positioned at one of its peripheral edges, the end of which carries or integrates at least one of these pipe sections 171, 172. This integration can be achieved by co-molding the thermoplastic structure 114 with at least one or the other of these pipe sections 171, 172.

[0033] According to an example relating to a construction variant of module 1 of the invention capable of being combined with either of the previously detailed construction variants incorporating a peripheral thermoplastic structure 114, the peripheral thermoplastic structure 114 comprises at least one interface for cooperation with the periphery of an edge of a support structure 12 for at least one battery cell. According to this construction example, the thermoplastic structure 114 surrounding the peripheral edge of a heat exchange panel 11 is of complementary shape and dimensions to those of the support structure 12 for at least one battery cell with which the thermoplastic structure 114 is intended to be juxtaposed, thus enabling the positioning of the heat exchange panel 11 against at least one battery cell for temperature maintenance.At one of its edges and / or one of its surfaces, the thermoplastic structure 114 includes at least one cooperation interface with a complementary interface carried by an edge and / or a surface of the battery cell support structure 12. This cooperation interface is configured to limit or even prevent the displacement, in particular sliding, of the thermoplastic structure 114 relative to the battery cell support structure 12. Under these conditions, the positioning and retention of the structure 114 are ensured by the thermoplastic structure 114. The battery cell is held against a heat exchanger panel surface 11 within a module 1 according to the invention. As an example of the design, the complementarity between the cooperation interfaces is achieved through complementary shapes and / or reliefs between the thermoplastic structure 114 and the battery cell support structure 12. In a further example of the design, the thermoplastic structure 114, which surrounds at least part of the periphery of a heat exchanger panel 11, also includes one or more cooperation interfaces arranged to interact with one or more peripheral surfaces of the battery cell support structure 12. This interaction can be achieved by clipping and / or pinching the support structure 12 between two portions of the thermoplastic structure 114 positioned opposite each other.

[0034] According to an example relating to a construction variant of module 1 of the invention capable of being combined with either of the previously detailed construction variants incorporating a peripheral thermoplastic structure 114 and forming an alternative to the previous construction variant, the peripheral thermoplastic structure 114 is made by at least a portion of a peripheral edge of the support structure 12. According to this construction variant, the support structure 12 has a frame-shaped structure with dimensions substantially similar, or even identical, to those of the heat exchange panel 11. In a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the mean plane of the heat exchange panel 11, the support structure 12 comprises at least two portions of its peripheral edge positioned opposite each other and arranged to define a recess between them allowing the positioning of the heat exchange panel 11.The respective surfaces opposite at least two portions of the peripheral edge of the support structure 12 are respectively arranged to be of complementary shape to the corresponding respective edges of the heat exchange panel 11 so as to be positioned in support, directly or indirectly, against the corresponding surfaces on the periphery of the heat exchange panel 11.

[0035] According to an example relating to a construction variant of module 1 of the invention capable of being combined with one or the other of the previously detailed construction variants, at least one inlet 15 and / or outlet 16 of the fluid is carried by a first of the two substantially flat structures 111, 112 of the heat exchange panel 11, the second of the two structures 111, 112 having a solid surface positioned opposite the inlet 15 and / or outlet 16.

[0036] According to an example relating to a construction variant of module 1 of the invention that can be combined with either of the previously detailed construction variants, module 1 also includes a second heat exchange panel 21 positioned against the first heat exchange panel 11. Preferably, the two heat exchange panels 11, 21 have substantially similar shapes and dimensions to facilitate their assembly against each other in the implementation of module 1 of the invention. The positioning of two heat exchange panels 11, 21 against each other allows for efficient heat exchange on the two faces opposite the faces facing each other of the two heat exchange panels 11, 21.Furthermore, the juxtaposition of these two heat exchange panels 11, 21 allows for heat exchange, firstly, with at least one battery cell housed in the support structure 12 of module 1 and, secondly, with at least one battery cell housed in the support structure of the juxtaposed module. According to a preferred arrangement, the juxtaposition of the two heat exchange panels 11, 21 also incorporates an insulating material in the volume 31 that separates the two panels 11, 21. This insulating material thus limits, or even prevents, any unwanted heat exchange between the heat transfer fluids circulating in each of the two heat exchange panels 11, 21.In addition, to limit any risk of leakage, the volume 31 separating the two panels 11, 21 is partitioned by at least one annular weld at the periphery of the surfaces opposite these two panels 11, 21 so that the volume 31 separating these two panels 11, 21 is sealed.

[0037] It should be noted that, preferably, each of the two heat exchange panels 11, 21 is respectively formed by a pair of substantially planar structures 111, 112 positioned opposite each other and joined together, for example by welding around their peripheries. Each of these two heat exchange panels 11, 21 incorporates a respective sealing element 113 positioned on the peripheral edge of this assembly of a pair of structures 111, 112. Similarly, each of these two heat exchange panels 11, 21 is capable of incorporating a respective peripheral thermoplastic structure 114 arranged to maintain the sealing element 113 in compression around the respective peripheral edges of the two structures 111, 112 of the heat exchange panel 11.The respective thermoplastic structures 114 of the heat exchange panels 11, 21 are then arranged to present interfaces dedicated to the cooperation of heat exchange panels 11, 21 within the framework of their assembly, so that these panels 11, 21 remain held and assembled together. Preferably, the heat exchange panels 11, 21. share a common thermoplastic structure 114 which participates in the pinching and compression of the respective sealing elements 113 positioned at the peripheral edges of each of the heat exchange panels 11, 21. In a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the average plane of the heat exchange panels 11, 21 juxtaposed in parallel planes, this thermoplastic structure 114 is thus arranged to present a double groove in the respective edges which are positioned on either side of the peripheral edges of each of the faces of the two heat exchange panels 11, 21. Complementarily, the thermoplastic structure 114 also incorporates a drainage channel, for example oriented along an axis substantially perpendicular to the average plane of the heat exchange panels 11, 21. The volume 31 which separates the two heat exchange panels 11, 21 is then associated with a conduit which communicates with this drainage channel.Also, in the event of a loss of seal in either of the heat exchange panels 11, 21, such that a flow of heat transfer fluid occurs at the level of the volume 31 separating the two heat exchange panels 11, 21, this fluid can be discharged into the drainage channel. As an example of a complementary construction, it should be noted that this drainage channel may be connected to one or both of the drainage channels associated with the pipe sections 115, 116 attached with an inlet 15 or outlet 16 of heat exchange panels 11, 21.

[0038] According to an example relating to a specific construction variant of module 1 of the invention as detailed in the previously detailed construction variant, the fluid inlet 15 and outlet 16 of each of the heat exchange panels 11, 21 are respectively positioned opposite each other. Thus, in this construction variant, the respective inlet 15 and outlet 16 of these heat exchange panels 11, 21 are arranged to be positioned close to each other, or even against each other and / or opposite each other. The juxtaposition of these two heat exchange panels 11, 21 thus allows for close positioning, or even a connection, of the respective inlet 15 of the two heat exchange panels 11, 21.This arrangement facilitates the distribution of heat transfer fluid in each of the two heat exchange panels 11, 21 by joint supply at a junction and / or connection point of the respective inlet ports 15 of these heat exchange panels 11, 21. A similar arrangement is also likely to be operated at the outlet ports 16 of the two heat exchange panels 11, 21.

[0039] According to an example relating to a specific construction variant of module 1 of the invention as detailed in the construction variant previously In detail, the fluid inlet 15 and outlet 16 ports are constructed such that, firstly, one of the pairs of substantially planar structures 111, 112 of each of the heat exchange panels 11, 21 has an outlet 15, 16 associated with a portion of piping 115, 116, and secondly, a second pair of substantially planar structures 111, 112 has an outlet 18 positioned opposite the corresponding outlet 18 of the other heat exchange panel 11, 21. According to this construction variant, the respective fluid inlet 15 and outlet 16 ports of the heat exchange panels 11, 21 are positioned at identical levels, symmetrically on either side of the average plane formed by the junction of the two panels. of heat exchangers 11, 21 juxtaposed and assembled.The pipe sections 115, 116, respectively positioned at each of these orifices 15, 16, are thus positioned at the level of opposite faces of the heat exchange panels 11, 21. The respective faces of the heat exchange panels 11, 21, which face each other, then each have their own orifice 18 positioned opposite the corresponding orifice 18 of the adjacent heat exchange panel 11, 21. These two orifices 18 are then aligned with the respective inlet 15 and / or outlet 16 of the adjacent heat exchange panels 11, 21, which are assembled along a common axis perpendicular to the mean plane of each of the adjacent heat exchange panels 11, 21 and which passes through these heat exchange panels 11, 21.This arrangement allows, on the one hand, the circulation of the heat transfer fluid along a section of pipe arranged to pass through the internal volumes of the heat exchange panels 11, 21 with which the pipe section communicates, and, on the other hand, the distribution or supply of heat transfer fluid to each of the heat exchange panels 11, 21. The respective internal volumes of the two juxtaposed heat exchange panels 11, 21 are thus connected to be supplied with heat transfer fluid at a substantially similar supply point. An arrangement with an identical construction is also implemented at the outlet ports 16, allowing the heat transfer fluid that has passed through the two juxtaposed heat exchange panels 11, 21 to be discharged at a substantially similar discharge point.

[0040] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a module 1 according to the invention, the internal volume of which, within a heat exchange panel 11, comprises a circulation circuit for a heat transfer fluid, characterized in that the method notably includes a manufacturing step of at least one heat exchange panel 11, which further comprises: - a positioning step of at least two structures 111, 112 of substantially planar shape supported against each other, the two structures 111, 112 being joined together by their peripheral edges, - a step of positioning formwork elements against the outer faces of these two structures 111, 112, at least part of the formwork elements having a relief, - a hydroforming and / or aeroforming step by injecting a fluid between the two structures 111, 112 of substantially planar shape so that these structures deform to conform to the respective surfaces of the formwork elements, - a stage of removing the formwork elements. It should be noted that the reliefs carried by the internal surfaces of the different formwork elements relate to negative reliefs of the surfaces 111, 112 of the thermal exchange panel 11 intended to be hydroformed or aeroformed.

[0041] According to an example relating to a variant implementation of the manufacturing process according to the invention, the process comprises: - a step of positioning formwork elements around the junction of the assembled structures 111, 112, which are substantially flat in shape, - an overmolding step of at least one thermoplastic structure 114 which envelops the junction of the structures 111, 112 of substantially planar shape, - a step of removing the formwork elements. It should be noted that these various additional steps of the process of the invention are likely to occur before, jointly or after the formwork and / or shaping steps of the two structures 111, 112 of the heat exchange panel 11, provided that the two structures 111, 112 of the heat exchange panel 11 are joined together by their peripheral edges, for example by welding.

[0042] According to an example relating to a specific variant of the manufacturing process implementation variant detailed above, the formwork elements involved in overmolding a thermoplastic structure 114 also participate in the hydroforming and / or airforming operation. In this variant of the process of the invention, the formwork elements involved in forming the heat exchange panel 11 also participate in the overmolding step of at least one thermoplastic structure 114 onto at least a portion of the periphery of the heat exchange panel 11. The forming and overmolding operations, on the one hand, concerning different portions of the heat exchange panel 11, and different portions of the formwork elements specifically dedicated to these respective operations, are thus able to take place. to implement these steps either simultaneously or successively during the same formwork operation.

[0043] According to an example relating to a variant of the manufacturing process forming an alternative to the integration of a thermoplastic structure 114 into the module 1 by an overmolding operation, the thermoplastic structure 114 is produced prior to its positioning on the periphery of the heat exchange panel 11. The thermoplastic structure 114 is thus likely to be produced in the form of an assembly of one or more parts produced independently and then joined together during the installation of this thermoplastic structure 114 on the periphery of the heat exchange panel 11. As an example of construction, each of the parts intended for the production of the thermoplastic structure 114 is likely to be produced by a molding operation.The assembly of the parts that make up the thermoplastic structure 114 may involve additional clipping interfaces carried by each of the parts and / or by the peripheral edge of the heat exchange panel 11. This assembly may also involve joining or clamping parts such as screws.

[0044] According to an example relating to an embodiment of the manufacturing process specific to the previously detailed variant, when the heat exchange panel 11 is associated with a sealing element 113 positioned on its peripheral edge, the thermoplastic structure 114 is positioned on the periphery of the heat exchange panel 11 so as to be arranged as a rider over this sealing element 113 so as to envelop the sealing element 113 to wedge it against the peripheral edge of the heat exchange panel 11.

[0045] According to an example relating to an alternative implementation of the manufacturing process that can be combined with either of the previously detailed alternative implementations, prior to the formwork element positioning step, the process comprises a step of positioning four substantially planar structures 111, 112 leaning against each other, these four structures 111, 112 being joined together in pairs by their peripheral edges to form two heat exchange panels 11, 21 leaning against each other. Preferably, the forming operation of each of the heat exchange panels 11, 21 is carried out prior to the assembly of these heat exchange panels 11, 21 together.As an example of implementation, the assembly of the heat exchange panels 11, 21 involves at least one welding and / or bonding operation of the surfaces of the two panels 11, 21 at their opposite surfaces. This assembly is... capable of forming a volume 31 which separates the two panels 11, 21. When at least part of these two panels 11,21 is assembled and fixed so that the volume 31 which separates the two panels 11,21 makes it possible to define a housing, an insulating material is then injected at the level of this separating volume 31.

[0046] According to an example relating to a specific variant of the previously detailed manufacturing process, the process comprises, at the level of at least one fluid inlet 15 and / or outlet 16 of the heat exchange panels 11, 21, at least one perforation step in the substantially planar structure of each heat exchange panel 11, 21 positioned opposite and / or against that of the corresponding heat exchange panel 11, 21. This perforation step is carried out when the respective fluid inlet 15 and outlet 16 of the heat exchange panels 11, 21 are positioned at identical and symmetrical levels on either side of the mean plane formed by the junction of the two juxtaposed and assembled heat exchange panels 11, 21.This perforation allows for the creation of corresponding orifices 18 on each of the heat exchange panels 11, 21, positioned opposite each other. These two orifices 18, thus formed by perforation, are then aligned with the respective inlet 15 and / or outlet 16 on the juxtaposed heat exchange panels 11, 21, assembled along a common axis perpendicular to the mean plane of each of the juxtaposed heat exchange panels 11, 21, and which passes through these heat exchange panels 11, 21. The respective internal volumes of the two juxtaposed heat exchange panels 11, 21 are then connected to be supplied with heat transfer fluid at a substantially similar supply point.An arrangement with an identical construction is also made at the outlet ports 16, allowing the heat transfer fluid that has passed through the two juxtaposed heat exchange panels 11, 21 to be evacuated at a substantially similar discharge point. According to a particular arrangement of these perforated ports 18, the periphery of the ports 18 is associated with a sealing gasket 181 and a means 182 for fixing it, such as riveting.

[0047] According to an example relating to an embodiment of the manufacturing process that can be combined with either of the previously detailed embodiments, the process also includes a step of assembling at least one heat exchange panel 11, 21 to a support structure 12 of at least one battery cell. This assembly is likely to involve cooperation between complementary interfaces carried, on the one hand, by an edge and / or a surface of the support structure 12 of a battery cell 2 and, on the other hand, the thermoplastic structure 114 of at least one heat exchange panel 11, 21. This assembly is thus arranged to limit or even prevent the movement, in particular the sliding, of the thermoplastic structure 114 relative to the support structure 12 for battery cell 2.

[0048] The invention further relates to a heat exchanger assembly with at least one battery cell 2 characterized in that the assembly comprises at least two modules 1 according to the invention, these modules 1 being assembled so that the support structure 12 of at least one of the modules 1 is positioned between, on the one hand, a heat exchanger panel 11 of its own module 1 and, on the other hand, a heat exchanger panel 11 of a second module 1.

[0049] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown in the accompanying drawings. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the composition of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. Module (1) for a heat exchange assembly with at least one battery cell, comprising at least: - a support structure (12) for at least one battery cell 1 comprising at least one orifice forming a housing (121) of complementary shape to the peripheral edge of the at least one cell, - a heat exchange panel (11) positioned against the support structure (12) and comprising an internal volume for the circulation of a heat transfer fluid between at least one inlet orifice (15) and an outlet orifice (16) of the fluid, characterized in that the heat exchange panel (11) is made by at least two substantially planar structures (111, 112) positioned opposite each other and assembled together by their peripheral edges so that the sealing of the internal volume of the heat exchange panel (11) is achieved by a peripheral weld between the two structures (111, 112).

2. Module (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sealing of the internal volume of the heat exchange panel (11) is completed by a sealing element (113) which envelops the assembled peripheral edges of the two structures (111, 112) of the heat exchange panel (11).

3. Module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing of the internal volume of the heat exchange panel (11) is completed by a peripheral thermoplastic structure (114) which envelops the assembled peripheral edges of the two structures (111, 112) of the heat exchange panel (H).

4. Module (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the peripheral thermoplastic structure (114) incorporates piping portions (115, 116) which communicate respectively with at least one inlet port (15) and at least one outlet port (16) of the fluid from the heat exchange panel (11), these piping portions (115, 116) respectively incorporating interfaces of connection with sections of piping for supplying heat transfer fluid.

5. Module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heat exchange panel (11) has a substantially rectangular arrangement with a fluid inlet orifice (15) and an outlet orifice (16) positioned at opposite corners of the heat exchange panel (11).

6. Module (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that, at the level of portions of the peripheral edge of the heat exchange panel (11) without an inlet (15) or outlet (16) of the fluid, the peripheral thermoplastic structure (114) carries portions of piping (171, 172) without communication with the internal volume of the heat exchange panel (11).

7. Module (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the peripheral thermoplastic structure (114) comprises at least one cooperation interface with the periphery of an edge of a support structure (12) of at least one battery cell.

8. Module (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the peripheral thermoplastic structure (114) is made by at least a portion of a peripheral edge of the support structure (12).

9. Module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one fluid inlet (15) and / or outlet (16) port is carried by a first of two substantially planar structures (111, 112) of the heat exchange panel (11), the second of two structures (111, 112) having a solid surface positioned opposite the inlet (15) and / or outlet (16).

10. Module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the module (1) also comprises a second heat exchange panel (21) positioned against the first heat exchange panel (11).

11. Module (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the inlet (15) and outlet (16) ports of the fluid of each of the heat exchange panels (11, 21) are respectively positioned opposite each other.

12. Module (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the fluid inlet (15) and outlet (16) ports are made such that, on the one hand, a first of the pairs of structures (111, 112) of substantially flat shape of each of the heat exchange panels (11, 21) has an orifice (15, 16) associated with a portion of piping (115, 116) and, on the other hand, a second of the pairs of structures (111, 112) of substantially flat shape has an orifice (18) positioned opposite the corresponding orifice 18 carried by the other of the heat exchange panels (11, 21).

13. A method for manufacturing a module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the internal volume of which, in a heat exchange panel (11), comprises a circulation circuit for a heat transfer fluid, characterized in that the method notably includes a manufacturing step of at least one heat exchange panel (11), which further comprises: - a step of positioning at least two substantially planar structures (111, 112) supported against each other, the two structures (111, 112) being joined together by their peripheral edges, - a step of positioning formwork elements against the external faces of these two structures (111, 112), at least a portion of the formwork elements having a relief, - a hydroforming and / or air-forming step by injecting a fluid between the two structures (111,112) of substantially flat shape so that these structures deform to conform to the respective surfaces of the formwork elements, - a stage of removing the formwork elements.

14. A manufacturing method according to claim 13, characterized in that the method comprises: - a step of positioning formwork elements around the junction of the assembled structures (111, 112) of substantially planar shape, - a step of overmolding at least one thermoplastic structure (114) which envelops the junction of the structures (111, 112) of substantially planar shape, - a step of removing the formwork elements.

15. A manufacturing method according to claim 14, characterized in that the formwork elements that participate in the overmolding of a thermoplastic structure 114 also participate in the hydroforming and / or airforming operation.

16. A manufacturing method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the method comprises a step of positioning four substantially planar structures (111, 112) supported against each other, these four structures (111, 112) being assembled together in pairs by their peripheral edges for the production of two heat exchange panels (11, 21) supported against each other.

17. A manufacturing method according to claim 16, characterized in that the method comprises, at the level of at least one fluid inlet (15) and / or outlet (16) of the heat exchange panels (11, 21), at least one perforation step of the substantially planar structure of each heat exchange panel (11, 21) positioned opposite and / or against that of the corresponding heat exchange panel (11, 21).

18. A manufacturing method according to any one of claims 13 to 17, characterized in that the method also includes a step of assembling at least one heat exchange panel (11, 21) to a support structure (12) of at least one battery cell.

19. Heat exchange assembly with at least one battery cell characterized in that the assembly comprises at least two modules (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 assembled so that the support structure (12) of at least one of the modules (1) is positioned between, on the one hand, a heat exchange panel (11) of its own module (1) and, on the other hand, a heat exchange panel (11) of a second module.

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