Thermal regulation and electrical power distribution module for electrical and / or electronic components

Abstract

Thermal Regulation and Electrical Power Distribution Module for an Electrical and / or Electronic Component. The invention relates to a thermal regulation and electrical power distribution module (1) for at least one electrical and / or electronic component, comprising a housing (5) including at least one housing (7) configured to receive the at least one component, and at least one electrical current collector (9) configured to distribute electrical current to said at least one component. According to the invention, the at least one electrical current collector (9) includes at least one hollow tube (90) opening into the housing (7), the internal surface of the hollow tube (90) defining at least one fluid circulation channel, intended to be traversed by a dielectric fluid. The housing (7) defines a circuit (75) for the circulation of the dielectric fluid, configured to at least partially surround said at least one component. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Thermal regulation and electrical power distribution module for electrical and / or electronic components. Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of thermal regulation of one or more electrical and / or electronic components, particularly for vehicles, especially automobiles, for example with electric or hybrid engines. More specifically, the present invention aims at the cooling of such electrical and / or electronic components.

[0002] The invention also relates to the distribution of electrical energy to the electrical and / or electronic component(s).

[0003] The invention can be applied in particular to electrical and / or electronic components, known as power components, for example, of a power module, a DC-DC voltage converter, an on-board charger, an inverter, a computer, or an electric motor. Another application could be for electrical energy storage components, for example, a battery for electric vehicles. Technical background

[0004] For example, a power module is an electronic module, comprising electrical and / or electronic components, through which electrical energy can pass. These components may include, in particular, semiconductor chips, for example so-called power transistors or semiconductor transistors, and electronic switches.

[0005] It is known to electrically connect electrical and / or electronic components to each other or to an electrical power supply network by means of a set of current collector parts, or a set of bars called "Busbars" according to the English name.

[0006] Due to the high current load, current-collecting parts can experience significant Joule heating, which can generate substantial heat and could lead to component failure if not mitigated. To limit this risk, current-collecting parts are generally made of highly conductive copper with a large cross-section. As a result, they are significantly heavier, larger, and more expensive.

[0007] Furthermore, during operation, the temperature of one or more of the electrical and / or electronic components, particularly when dealing with components of Power consumption can be very high, which can lead to power loss and reduced efficiency. It is necessary to dissipate the heat generated by these electrical and / or electronic components.

[0008] To this end, it is known to use cold plates comprising a cooling liquid circulation circuit, the plates being in contact with the electrical and / or electronic components to be cooled. However, this can result in uneven cooling. Furthermore, this solution has the disadvantage of increasing the cost and weight of the housing containing the electrical and / or electronic components.

[0009] According to another known solution, a coolant circulation circuit comprises pipes for circulating the coolant within the housing containing the components. However, this solution involves significant constraints regarding sealing, electrical insulation, and coolant purity. Contamination by metallic particles could cause short circuits.

[0010] One object of the present invention is to overcome these drawbacks at least partially by proposing a thermal regulation solution that is simple to implement while ensuring effective thermal regulation, such as cooling, of electrical and / or electronic components.

[0011] The invention also aims to enable thermal regulation of current-collecting parts. Summary of the invention

[0012] To this end, the invention relates to a thermal regulation and electrical energy distribution module for at least one electrical and / or electronic component, said module comprising a housing including at least one housing configured to receive at least one electrical and / or electronic component, and at least one electrical current collection piece configured to distribute electrical current to said at least one component when it is received in the housing.

[0013] According to the invention, at least one electric current collecting piece comprises at least one hollow tube opening into the housing, the internal surface of the hollow tube defining at least one fluid circulation channel, intended to be traversed by a dielectric fluid.

[0014] The housing defines a circuit for the circulation of the dielectric fluid, configured to surround at least partially said at least one component when it is received in the housing.

[0015] Thus, one or more hollow tubes of the current-collecting parts (commonly called busbars) allowing the current supply are used as means to convey the dielectric fluid to the housing intended to receive said component(s), in order to create a dielectric fluid bath.

[0016] Said at least one component, when received in the housing, is then "bathed" in dielectric fluid as it flows out of the at least one hollow tube within the circuit defined by the housing. Said component exchanges heat with the dielectric fluid, for example in order to dissipate the heat generated by said component.

[0017] Said module may further include one or more of the following features described below, taken separately or in combination.

[0018] This refers in particular to a cooling module.

[0019] Said module can be configured to be arranged in a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle.

[0020] Since the fluid is dielectric, the hollow tubes, which provide the functions of collecting electric current (busbar) and circulating the dielectric fluid, can be devoid of insulation layers.

[0021] At least one hollow tube may include at least one dielectric fluid projection nozzle, arranged to project the dielectric fluid outwards from said tube.

[0022] Said at least one nozzle is for example arranged outside the ends of said tube.

[0023] Thus, several embodiments are possible. Hollow tubes can The dielectric fluid is discharged into the housing containing at least one component. Alternatively, or in addition, one or more nozzles allow for the application of the dielectric fluid to one or more other electrical and / or electronic components outside the housing.

[0024] The housing can be delimited by at least one internal wall of the housing.

[0025] At least one internal wall can be made watertight with respect to the rest of the case.

[0026] The housing can be independent of the rest of the casing.

[0027] The housing can be closed, in particular by a lid. The lid can be assembled in a hermetic manner to at least one internal wall.

[0028] The housing may include at least one first electrical connector and at least one second fluidic connector.

[0029] At least one hollow tube can be, on the one hand, electrically connected to the first electrical connector, and on the other hand, fluidically connected to the second fluidic connector.

[0030] The first and second connectors can be configured to cooperate with respective complementary connectors.

[0031] The hollow tubes can be electrically connected to the first electrical connectors via at least one electrical conductor, such as an electrically conductive plate.

[0032] Hollow tubes can be electrically connected to said component via at least one electrical conductor, such as an electrically conductive plate.

[0033] The housing may include at least one combined electrical and fluidic connection connector.

[0034] Said at least one combined connector can be configured to cooperate with at least one complementary combined connector.

[0035] Said at least one combination connector can be configured to receive an end portion of at least one hollow tube. According to one example, a combination connector can be configured to receive the end portions of two hollow tubes.

[0036] Said at least one complementary combined connector may include an electrical connection portion, having for example an internal wall for electrical conduction, configured to be electrically connected to an electrical power source.

[0037] Said at least one complementary combined connector may include a fluidic connection portion arranged in the extension, in particular axial, of the electrical connection portion and configured to be connected to a fluidic conduit.

[0038] The complementary combined connectors may include respective fixing interfaces configured to be assembled together.

[0039] One of the fixing interfaces can be fixed on the housing and receive the end portion of at least one hollow tube.

[0040] The end portion of at least one hollow tube can be configured to protrude into the complementary combined connector, when the fastening interfaces are assembled together, so as to be arranged in electrical contact with an internal electrically conductive wall of the electrical connection portion.

[0041] A first end portion of at least one hollow tube can be fluidically connected to a second fluidic connector or to a combined connector.

[0042] A second end portion of at least one hollow tube can be fluidically connected to an additional fluidic connector.

[0043] The at least one hollow tube may have a first end portion fluidly connected to a second fluidic connector or to a combined connector, and a second end portion fluidly connected to an additional fluidic connector.

[0044] A fluidic or combined connector can be positioned in the axis of the end portion of at least one hollow tube.

[0045] Said module may include at least one electrical conductor.

[0046] At least one electrical conductor can be made by an electrically conductive plate.

[0047] At least one hollow tube can be electrically connected to at least one electrical and / or electronic component via at least one electrical conductor.

[0048] At least one hollow tube can be electrically connected to at least one first electrical connector, via at least one electrical conductor

[0049] At least one first electrical conductor, such as at least one first electrically conductive plate, can define a receiving groove for at least one hollow tube.

[0050] At least one second electrical conductor, such as at least one second electrically conductive plate, can be arranged in electrical and mechanical contact with the first electrical conductor, such as the first electrically conductive plate, on the one hand, and in electrical contact with at least one electrical and / or electronic component on the other hand.

[0051] At least one second electrical conductor, such that at least one second electrically conductive plate can be arranged in electrical and mechanical contact with the first electrical conductor, such as the first electrically conductive plate, on the one hand, and in electrical contact with at least one first electrical connector on the other hand.

[0052] The dielectric fluid circulation circuit includes, in particular, a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The end of a hollow tube may open into the fluid inlet of the housing. The end of another hollow tube may open into the fluid outlet of the housing.

[0053] The housing may include at least one heat dissipation surface arranged in the dielectric fluid circulation circuit and configured to be in thermal contact with said at least one component when received in the housing.

[0054] The heat dissipation surface can be made in the form of a fin.

[0055] Alternatively, the heat dissipation surface may comprise a number predefined set of pins.

[0056] At least one hollow tube may be an extruded tube.

[0057] At least one hollow tube can define a plurality of fluid circulation channels dielectric.

[0058] The plurality of dielectric fluid circulation channels can in particular be achieved by an internal shape of said tube chosen from a corrugated shape, a sinusoidal shape, a crenellated shape, a sawtooth shape.

[0059] At least one hollow tube may have a substantially rectangular cross-section.

[0060] The substantially rectangular cross-section of at least one hollow tube may have a height between 2 mm and 10 mm, and a width between 5 mm and 25 mm.

[0061] At least one hollow tube can define between one and fifteen internal dielectric fluid circulation channels.

[0062] At least one hollow tube is made of an electrically and thermally conductive material, in particular aluminum or copper. According to a particular embodiment, at least one hollow tube is made of aluminum. Brief description of the drawings

[0063] Other advantages and features of the invention will become more apparent upon reading the following description, given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, and the accompanying drawings, among which:

[0064] [Fig. 1] is a perspective view of a thermal regulation and electrical energy distribution module according to a first embodiment.

[0065] [Fig.2a] is a perspective view of a set of electrical and / or electronic components of the module of [Fig.1].

[0066] [Fig.2b] is a schematic cross-sectional view of the entire [Fig.2a].

[0067] [Fig.2c] is a schematic top view of the whole of [Fig.2a].

[0068] [Fig.3a] shows a schematic example of an internal corrugated shape defining internal channels of a hollow tube of the module of [Fig.l].

[0069] [Fig.3b] schematically shows different examples of internal shapes defining internal channels of a hollow tube of the module of [Fig.l].

[0070] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of a thermal regulation and electrical energy distribution module according to a second embodiment.

[0071] [Fig.5] shows a partial schematic view of a hollow tube of the module of [Fig.1] or 4, fitted with a fluid projection nozzle.

[0072] [Fig.6a] is a perspective view of an example of the realization of a fluidic connector at the level of a housing of the thermal regulation and electrical power distribution module of [Fig.l].

[0073] [Fig.6b] is a cross-sectional view of the fluidic connector of [Fig.6a].

[0074] [Fig.6c] is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a connector additional fluidic at the level of a housing for the set of components, inside the case.

[0075] [Fig.7] is a cross-sectional view at the level of a portion of wall delimiting a housing of the thermal regulation and electrical energy distribution module of [Fig.4], receiving complementary combined connectors for electrical and fluidic connection.

[0076] [Fig.8] a perspective view of an example embodiment of one of the combined connectors of [Fig.7].

[0077] In these figures, identical elements bear the same reference numbers. Only the elements necessary for understanding the invention are shown.

[0078] The following embodiments are examples. Although the description refers to one or more embodiments, this does not necessarily mean that each reference relates to the same embodiment, or that the features apply only to a single embodiment. Simple features of different embodiments can also be combined or interchanged to provide other embodiments, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0079] In the description, certain elements can be indexed, for example, first element or second element. In this case, it is simply an indexing to differentiate and name similar but not identical elements. This indexing does not imply any priority of one element over another, and such designations can easily be interchanged without departing from the scope of the present invention. Nor does this indexing imply any chronological order. Detailed description

[0080] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a thermal regulation and electrical energy distribution module 1, hereafter referred to as module 1. Module 1 may be intended to be installed in a vehicle, in particular an automobile, for example electric or hybrid.

[0081] Module 1 is configured to regulate the temperature of at least one electrical and / or electronic component. Module 1 can dissipate the heat generated during operation by the component(s). In this case, it is a cooling module 1.

[0082] Module 1 is further configured to allow electrical power distribution to the electrical and / or electronic component.

[0083] The embodiments shown in the figures illustrate a module or assembly 3 comprising the electrical and / or electronic component(s). Assembly 3 may be a power electronic module. Alternatively, it may be a battery module or battery pack comprising one or more electrical energy storage cells, specifically configured for use in an electric or hybrid vehicle. In other variations, assembly 3 may also be a voltage controller or converter, or an inverter. Any other electrical and / or electronic component or assembly of components may be considered.

[0084] Assembly 3 may include one or more sub-assemblies or sub-modules of electrical and / or electronic components, as described below.

[0085] Module 1 further comprises a housing 5 delimited for example by an enclosure 51. The housing 5 defines within itself at least one housing 7 configured to receive the component(s), for example the assembly 3.

[0086] This housing 7 may in particular be different from the entire internal space delimited by the enclosure 51 of the housing 5. In other words, it is a smaller space inside the housing 5.

[0087] The housing 7 can be delimited by at least one internal wall 71 within the housing 5. This internal wall 71 is advantageously sealed against the rest of the housing 5. This internal wall 71 can extend from a bottom of the housing 5, around the component(s) or assembly 3. The bottom is defined with reference to the specific orientation of the elements in [Fig. 1] or 2; it is the surface supporting the various elements / components. The bottom forms a lower surface.

[0088] The housing 7 can be closed, in a sealed manner, by a cover 72. The cover 72 is arranged opposite the bottom of the housing 5 (or bottom of the housing 7).

[0089] Housing 7 can thus be independent of the rest of the housing 5, at least in terms of sealing. In other words, housing 7 is adapted to allow the insertion of the component(s) or assembly 3, while maintaining a seal with respect to the rest of the interior of the housing 5.

[0090] As shown in Figures 2a, 2b, the housing 7 can be configured to receive a plurality of electronic sub-modules 31, for example three, forming the assembly 3. This is only a schematic example and the assembly 3 can comprise any other number of sub-modules 31. The sub-modules 31 are distributed in several compartments 73. The number of compartments 73 corresponds in particular to the number of sub-modules 31.

[0091] The compartments 73 can be separated from each other by partitions 74 arranged in the housing 7. Partitions 74 can also be provided between the end sub-modules 31 and the internal wall 71 delimiting the housing 7. The partitions 74 can extend from the bottom of the housing 5 (or bottom of the housing 7) to the cover 72 when it closes the housing 7.

[0092] In the alternative where the assembly 3 comprises a single block of one or more components, a single compartment 73 may possibly be provided within the housing 7.

[0093] In addition, at least one heat dissipation surface 8 can be arranged in the housing 7 so as to be in thermal contact with the component(s) or assembly 3, once received in the housing 7. In particular, at least one heat dissipation surface 8 can be arranged in each compartment 73 so as to be in thermal contact with the component(s) of a corresponding sub-module 31.

[0094] At least one, in particular each, heat dissipation surface 8 may be in the form of a fin, or have protrusions. The heat dissipation surface 8 is, for example, brazed to the component or sub-module 31.

[0095] Furthermore, housing 7 defines a circuit 75 ([Fig. 2c]) for the circulation of a dielectric fluid. For this purpose, it includes a fluid inlet E and a fluid outlet S. The circuit 75 is configured to allow circulation of the dielectric fluid between the fluid inlet E and the fluid outlet S. The fluid inlet E and outlet S are, for example, provided side by side and on the same face of the wall 71 delimiting housing 7.

[0096] This circuit 75 is intended to surround at least part of said at least one component when it is received in the housing 7.

[0097] The circuit 75 extends, for example, around the compartment(s) 73. In particular, the circuit 75 extends around the partitions 74 and between the partitions 74. The circuit 75 thus passes through each compartment 73.

[0098] In particular, the heat dissipation surface 8, when provided, is arranged in the circuit 75 at the level of each compartment 73 for example, so that the dielectric fluid can flow in thermal contact with this heat dissipation surface 8. In order to facilitate understanding, the flow of the dielectric fluid through the circuit 75 is schematically represented by the arrows F, from the inlet E to the outlet S of fluid.

[0099] Referring again to [Fig.1], the module 1 further comprises one or more electrical current collector pieces 9, in particular two collector pieces 9, one of which may be positive and the other negative, configured to distribute electrical current to the component(s) or to the assembly 3, once received in the housing 7. The collector pieces 9 are intended to be connected on the one hand to the component(s) or to the assembly 3 and on the other hand to an electrical power supply.

[0100] The collector pieces 9 (commonly called busbars) which supply current, are also used as means to convey the dielectric fluid to the housing 7 intended to receive the component(s) or assembly 3.

[0101] To do this, at least one of the collecting parts 9, in particular each collecting part 9, may include at least one hollow tube 90 opening into the housing 7.

[0102] The electrical current-collecting parts 9 are preferably made of aluminum, or alternatively of copper, or any electrically and thermally conductive material, such as a metallic material. At least one hollow tube 90 is therefore made of an electrically and thermally conductive material such as aluminum or copper. According to a particular embodiment, at least one hollow tube 90 is made of aluminum.

[0103] This is, for example, an extruded tube. One of the advantages of extruded tubes is their simple manufacture. The cross-section of extruded tubes is constant and regular, which allows for good current distribution and homogeneity. Alternatively, the hollow tube(s) 90 can be made differently, for example, bent, or any other variant.

[0104] The internal surface of at least one, in particular each, hollow tube 90 defines at least one fluid circulation channel, intended to be traversed by the dielectric fluid.

[0105] The choice of the dielectric fluid makes it possible to produce one or more hollow tubes 90, both for the collection of electric current and for the circulation of the dielectric fluid, which may be without layers of insulation or sealing.

[0106] According to a particular example, a plurality of dielectric fluid circulation channels can be defined inside a given hollow tube 90. For example, the dielectric fluid circulation channels can be made by an internal shape 91 of the hollow tube 90 chosen from a corrugated shape, a sinusoidal shape, a crenellated shape, or a sawtooth shape. Examples are shown schematically in Figures 3a and 3b.

[0107] In addition, the hollow tube(s) 90 extend between a first end portion and a second end portion.

[0108] The first end portion of a hollow tube 90 can be configured to be connected to at least one connector 11, 12 or 13 (Figures 1 and 4, 6a to 7), in particular electrical and / or fluidic. Examples of connectors 11, 12 or 13 are described below.

[0109] The second end portion of a hollow tube 90 can open into the housing 7. In particular, the end of one of the hollow tubes 90 can open into / be connected to the fluid inlet E of the housing 7. The end of the other hollow tube 90 can open into / be connected to the fluid outlet S of the housing 7. The second end portion of a hollow tube 90 can be configured to be connected to at least one connector 12' ([Fig.6c]), in particular fluidic.

[0110] At least one, in particular each hollow tube 90, can also be configured to be electrically connected to the component(s) or to the assembly 3, in particular on a portion close to the second end portion. Alternatively, this second end portion can be configured to be electrically connected to the component(s) or to the assembly 3.

[0111] In addition, at least one, in particular each, hollow tube 90 may have at least one folded section between the first end portion and the second end portion, allowing the space inside the housing 5 to be limited while ensuring a sufficient cross-section for current distribution and the flow of the dielectric fluid.

[0112] The hollow tubes 90 (or busbars) are intended to be cooled by the passage of the dielectric fluid within the internal fluid circulation channel(s) of the hollow tubes 90. Thus, for a given electric current, the hollow tubes 90 can have a smaller cross-section, the material can be of lesser thickness, the hollow tubes 90 can therefore be lighter compared to the current collector bar solutions of the prior art.

[0113] By way of example, at least one of the hollow tubes 90 has a rectangular or substantially rectangular cross-section, with a height of approximately 2 mm to 10 mm and a width of approximately 5 mm to 25 mm. Such a hollow tube 90 defines, for example, 1 to 15 internal fluid circulation channels. By comparison, for an application requiring an electrical current of approximately 230 A and accepting a fluid temperature increase of approximately 2°C / m, the hollow tubes 90 or perforated aluminum busbars have a volume of approximately 16 cm³ per meter of length and a weight of approximately 40 g per meter of length, i.e., for example, about 50% of the volume and 10% of the weight of a solution with a solid copper tube.

[0114] According to a first embodiment, shown in [Fig. 1], the housing 5 comprises at least one first electrical connector 11, in particular two first electrical connectors 11, and at least one second fluidic connector 12, in particular two second fluidic connectors 12, distinct from the first electrical connectors 11.

[0115] The first electrical connectors 11 and the second fluidic connectors 12 can be configured to cooperate with respective complementary connectors (not shown). Each set of complementary connectors comprises a female connector intended to cooperate with a male connector having a counterform that fits into the female connector.

[0116] The first electrical connectors 11 and the second fluidic connectors 12 can be provided on a wall of the enclosure 51 delimiting the housing 5, being oriented towards the outside of the housing 5.

[0117] The first electrical connectors 11 are for example arranged side by side, and on the same face of the housing 5.

[0118] The second fluidic connectors 12 are for example arranged side by side, and on the same face of the housing 5.

[0119] At least one of the hollow tubes 90, in particular each hollow tube 90, is, on the one hand, electrically connected to a first electrical connector 11, and on the other hand, fluidically connected to a second fluidic connector 12. More precisely, these connections are made at the first end portion. The first electrical connectors 11 allow the passage of electrical energy through the hollow tubes 90 while the second 12 fluidic connectors allow the routing and evacuation of the dielectric fluid through the internal channels of the hollow tubes 90.

[0120] In particular, the first end portion of at least one of the hollow tubes 90, in particular of each hollow tube 90, can be electrically connected to a first associated electrical connector 11 via at least one electrical conductor such as an electrically conductive plate 15a, 15b.

[0121] This is particularly advantageous when the first electrical connectors 11 are not arranged along the axis of the first end portions of the hollow tubes 90, as in the example illustrated in [Fig. 1]. In this example, the first electrical connectors 11 are arranged perpendicular to the first end portions of the hollow tubes 90.

[0122] Alternatively or in addition, the hollow tube(s) 90 can be electrically connected to the component(s) or to the assembly 3 via at least one electrical conductor such as an electrically conductive plate 15a, 15b.

[0123] In the example illustrated in [Fig. 1], each hollow tube 90 is electrically connected on the one hand to a first associated electrical connector 11 via at least one electrical conductor such as an electrically conductive plate 15a, 15b, and on the other hand to the component(s) or assembly 3 via at least one other electrical conductor such as another electrically conductive plate 15a, 15b. The electrical conductor(s) can be assembled to the hollow tube(s) 90, for example, by mechanical assembly, by gluing, or by brazing.

[0124] For example, but not limited to, a first conductive plate 15a can be press-fitted around a hollow tube 90. For this purpose, the first conductive plate 15a may have at least two opposing folded edges. At least one of the edges may be folded at least twice so as to define a groove for receiving the hollow tube 90. A second conductive plate 15b can be held in electrical and mechanical contact, for example by screwing, with the first conductive plate 15a. The second conductive plate 15b may be intended to be in electrical contact with a first electrical connector 11.

[0125] Another second conductive plate 15b may be intended to be in electrical contact with the component(s) or assembly 3 when the latter is received in the housing 7, and maintained in electrical and mechanical contact, for example by screwing, with another first conductive plate 15a pressed around the hollow tube 90. Wires of the component(s) may be screwed onto the conductive plates 15a, 15b.

[0126] Regarding the fluid connection, a hollow tube 90 can be connected, in particular at its first end portion, to a second fluid connector 12 for the inlet of the dielectric fluid so as to be able to flow to the housing 7. Another hollow tube 90 can be connected, in particular at its first end portion, to another second fluid connector 12 for the outlet of the dielectric fluid from the housing 7 to the outside of the module 1.

[0127] The second fluidic connectors 12 for the inlet and outlet of the dielectric fluid are for example positioned in the axis respectively of the first end portions of each of the two hollow tubes 90.

[0128] An example of an embodiment of a second fluidic connector 12 is shown in Figures 6a, 6b. The second fluidic connector 12 may have a fixing interface 121 on the housing 5 and a fluidic coupling element 122, such as a tube, intended to be connected to a fluidic conduit.

[0129] The mounting interface 121 can be held on the wall of the enclosure 51 delimiting the housing 5 by any suitable means. At least one sealing gasket can be provided between the mounting interface 121 and the wall of the enclosure 51.

[0130] The mounting interface 121 can be mounted at least partially through an opening in the wall of the enclosure 51 delimiting the housing 5. For example, the mounting interface 121 can include a portion larger than the opening in the wall of the enclosure 51, which abuts against this wall on the outside of the housing 5.

[0131] On the inner side of the housing 5, the fixing interface 121 can receive the hollow tube 90, be fixed around the hollow tube 90. For this purpose, the fixing interface 121 can have a cross-section complementary to that of the hollow tube 90, for example rectangular.

[0132] The fluidic coupling member 122 can cooperate with a complementary member or connector fixed at the end of the fluidic conduit.

[0133] Furthermore, with reference to Figures 1, 2c and 6c, a hollow tube 90 can be connected, in particular at its second end portion, to an additional fluidic connector 12' for the inlet of the dielectric fluid into the housing 7. Another hollow tube 90 can be connected, in particular at its second end portion, to another additional fluidic connector 12' for the outlet of the dielectric fluid out of the housing 7.

[0134] The additional fluidic connectors 12' are for example positioned in the axis respectively of the second end portions of each of the two hollow tubes 90.

[0135] An example of an embodiment of an additional fluidic connector 12' is shown in [Fig. 6c]. The additional fluidic connector 12' has, for example, a fixing interface 121' on the internal wall 71 delimiting the housing 7.

[0136] The fastening interface 121' can be held on the inner wall 71 delimiting the housing 7 by any suitable means. The fastening interface 121' can be received in an opening in the inner wall 71 delimiting the housing 7 and have a face opening into the housing 7 and having an opening 120 communicating with the internal fluid circulation channel(s) of the hollow tube 90. The opening 120 can have a cross-section similar to that of the hollow tube 90, for example rectangular.

[0137] On the exterior side of the housing 7, the mounting interface 121' can receive the hollow tube 90 and be fixed around it. For this purpose, the mounting interface 121' has a cross-section complementary to that of the hollow tube 90, for example, rectangular. At least one sealing gasket can be provided between the mounting interface 121' and the internal wall 71 delimiting the housing 7.

[0138] According to a second embodiment, shown in [Fig.4], the housing includes at least one, in particular two combined connectors 13 providing both an electrical connection function and a fluidic connection function for the inlet or outlet of the dielectric fluid.

[0139] Such combined connectors 13 can be configured to cooperate with complementary combined connectors 14.

[0140] This second embodiment therefore differs from the first embodiment in that the electrical and fluid connection of a hollow tube 90 is made at a single point. Only the differences compared to the first embodiment are explained below.

[0141] An example of the realization of a set of complementary combined connectors 13, 14 is shown in [Fig.7].

[0142] A set of complementary combined connectors 13, 14 may include a female connector intended to cooperate with a male connector having a counterform which fits into the female connector.

[0143] The combined connectors 13, 14 are for example positioned in the axis respectively of the first end portions of each of the two hollow tubes 90.

[0144] A combined connector 13 may have a mounting interface 131 on the housing 5.

[0145] The fixing interface 131 can be held on the wall of the enclosure 51 delimiting the housing 5 by any suitable means.

[0146] The mounting interface 131 can be mounted at least partially through an opening in the wall of the enclosure 51 delimiting the housing 5. For example, the mounting interface 131 may include a portion larger than the opening in the wall of the enclosure 51, which abuts against this wall on the outer side of the housing 5. The mounting can be achieved, for example, by screwing. At least one sealing gasket, such as that an O-ring, by way of non-limitation, may be provided between the fixing interface 131 and the wall of the enclosure 51.

[0147] The mounting interface 131 can receive the hollow tube 90 and be fixed around the hollow tube 90. For this purpose, the mounting interface 131 has a cross-section complementary to that of the hollow tube 90, for example, rectangular. In particular, the first end portion of the hollow tube 90 protrudes from the mounting interface 131, on the outer side of the housing 5.

[0148] According to one example, the combined connector 13 can be a double connector cooperating with two hollow tubes 90. The fixing interface 131 then defines two receiving portions 131 A, 13 IB, each receiving a hollow tube 90.

[0149] The mounting interface 131 can cooperate with at least one mounting interface 141 of a complementary combined connector 14.

[0150] When the combined connector 13 is double and can receive the first end portions of the two hollow tubes 90, two complementary combined connectors 14 can cooperate with the double combined connector 13, or alternatively the complementary combined connector 14 can also be a double connector.

[0151] The interfaces 131, 141 can be fixed together by any suitable means, for example by screwing. At least one sealing gasket, such as an O-ring (without limitation), can be provided between the fixing interfaces 131, 141.

[0152] When the interfaces 131, 141 are assembled, the first end portion of the or of each hollow tube 90 is received inside the complementary combined connector 14.

[0153] The complementary combined connector 14 may include an electrical connection portion 14A and a fluidic connection portion 14B in the axial extension of the electrical connection portion.

[0154] The 14A electrical connection portion of the supplementary combined connector 14, more clearly visible in [Fig. 8], may include at least one internal electrically conductive wall 143, intended to be electrically connected to a power supply, for example via an electrical cable 20. The complementary combination connector 14 may, for this purpose, include a branch 144 into which the cable 20 can be inserted for the electrical connection. When the complementary combination connectors 13 and 14 are assembled, the first end portion of the hollow tube 90 is arranged in electrical contact with the internal electrically conductive wall 143.

[0155] The fluidic connection portion 14B of the complementary combined connector 14 may have at least one fluidic coupling element 142, such as a tube, intended to be connected to a fluidic conduit. The fluidic coupling element 142 may be in the axial extension of the fixing interface 141 and the electrically conductive portion 143.

[0156] During fluid connection, the fluid being dielectric, the latter can flow through the fluid coupling member 142, the electrically conductive portion 143, the fixing interface 141 and inside the hollow tube 90, without requiring electrical insulation within the combined connector(s) 13, 14.

[0157] On the housing side 7, the fluid connection can be made in a similar way to the first embodiment by means of fluid connectors 12'. The electrical connection can be made as previously described by means of electrical conductors, such as the conductive plates 15a, 15b.

[0158] In either embodiment, according to one example of operation, the dielectric fluid can enter the module 1 from a fluid connector 12 ([Fig. 1]) or a combined connector 13 ([Fig. 4]), then flow through the corresponding hollow tube 90 connected to this connector 12, 13, to the outlet of the hollow tube 90 opening into the housing 7, in particular at the fluid inlet E of the housing 7. The hollow tube 90 (or busbar) can discharge the dielectric fluid into the housing 7. The dielectric fluid can then at least partially fill the housing 7, thus forming a dielectric fluid bath. In other words, the housing 7 serves as an immersion chamber for thermal regulation, for example cooling, for the component(s) or the assembly 3.

[0159] Thus, the component(s) or assembly 3, received in the housing 7, is "immersed" in dielectric fluid and exchanges heat with this dielectric fluid, for example, in order to dissipate the heat generated by the component(s) or assembly 3. Immersion cooling is of great interest in the field of power electronics. It allows for a very good balance between hot spot cooling and overall cooling by bringing the dielectric cooling fluid directly into contact with the component(s) or assembly 3.

[0160] Thermal regulation, such as cooling, of the component(s) or assembly 3 can be confined to the housing 7, which prevents the dielectric fluid from being contaminated, for example, by metallic particles, by circulating through the housing before reaching the component(s) or assembly 3.

[0161] In particular, the heat dissipation surfaces 8, when provided in the compartments 73 for each sub-module 31 of the assembly 3, form turbulence structures in thermal contact with the dielectric fluid flowing within the circuit 75, which improves thermal regulation.

[0162] The dielectric fluid that has circulated through the circuit 75 can exit the housing 7 via the fluid outlet S, to which is connected the end of another hollow tube 90 opening into the housing 7. The dielectric fluid, after heat exchange, can flow through the hollow tube 90 (or busbar) until it is discharged out of module 1, via a fluidic connector 12 or combined 13.

[0163] Furthermore, regardless of whether the first or second embodiment is with separate or combined electrical / fluid connectors, at least one of the hollow tubes 90, in particular each hollow tube 90, may include one or more dielectric fluid spray nozzles 17 ([Fig. 5]). The spray nozzle(s) 17 are arranged to project the dielectric fluid outwards from the hollow tube 90.

[0164] The spray nozzles 17 are arranged, for example, along the hollow tube 90. They can be provided over the entire surface of a corresponding hollow tube 90, with the exception of the ends of this hollow tube 90. Such spray nozzles 17 make it possible to spray one or more other electrical and / or electronic components arranged in the housing 5, outside the housing 7. This is particularly advantageous when the module 1 includes one or more additional electrical and / or electronic components, for example power components, which require thermal regulation, in particular cooling.

[0165] The spray nozzles 17 can be arranged to spray the dielectric fluid towards at least one surface of the components. The spraying of the dielectric fluid by the spray nozzles 17 can be unidirectional or multidirectional.

[0166] Part of the dielectric fluid can be conveyed to the housing 7 and another part of the dielectric fluid can be projected into the housing 5, outside of the housing 7.

[0167] According to one embodiment, the spray nozzles are located on the hollow tube 90 which allows the dielectric fluid to be conveyed to the housing 7. These spray nozzles are advantageously associated with suction nozzles, which are located on the hollow tube 90 which allow the dielectric fluid to be evacuated.

[0168] Alternatively, the recovery of the dielectric fluid after projection into the housing 5 can be done via the end of the hollow tube 90 for the evacuation of the dielectric fluid, which is left open for this purpose.

[0169] Module 1, in particular at least one hollow tube 90, can be supplied by a source of dielectric fluid (not shown), which could be, for example, a reservoir in the vehicle. The circulation of the dielectric fluid within module 1 can be ensured by a pumping unit.

[0170] Thus, the electrical current collector(s) 9, enabling the distribution of electrical energy to the component(s) or assembly 3, may include at least one hollow tube 90 provided with internal channels for conveying cooling fluid to the component(s) or assembly 3 and / or for spraying dielectric fluid of other components received in the housing 5 through the projection nozzle(s) 17.

[0171] Such hollow tubes 90 make it possible to ensure at least three functions, a function of electrical energy distribution circuit, a function of dielectric fluid circuit, and finally a thermal regulation function, for example cooling, of the collecting parts 9, due to the flow of the dielectric fluid within the fluid circulation channel(s) internal to the hollow tubes 90.

Claims

Demands

1. A thermal regulation and electrical power distribution module (1) for at least one electrical and / or electronic component, said module (1) comprising: - a housing (5) comprising at least one housing (7) configured to receive at least one electrical and / or electronic component, and - at least one electrical current collector (9) configured to distribute electrical current to said at least one component when it is received in the housing (7), - characterized in that the at least one electrical current collector (9) comprises at least one hollow tube (90) opening into the housing (7), the internal surface of the hollow tube (90) defining at least one fluid circulation channel, intended to be traversed by a dielectric fluid, and - the housing (7) defining a circuit (75) for the circulation of the dielectric fluid,configured to at least partially surround said at least one component when it is received in the housing (7).

2. Module (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one hollow tube (90) has at least one nozzle (17) for projecting dielectric fluid, arranged to project the dielectric fluid outwards from said tube (90), said at least one nozzle (17) being arranged in particular out of ends of said tube.

3. Module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (7) is delimited by at least one wall (71) internal to the housing (5), so that the housing (7) is independent of the rest of the housing (5), the at least one internal wall (71) being provided in a sealed manner with respect to the rest of the housing.

4. Module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: - the housing (5) comprises at least one first electrical connector (11) and at least one second fluidic connector (12), and wherein - at least one hollow tube (90) is, on the one hand, electrically connected to the first electrical connector (11), and on the other hand, fluidically connected to the second fluidic connector (12), the first and second connectors (11, 12) being configured to cooperate with respective complementary connectors.

5. Module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the housing (5) comprises at least one combined electrical and fluidic connection connector (13), configured to receive an end portion of at least one hollow tube (90), and configured to cooperate with at least one complementary combined connector (14) comprising an electrical connection portion (14A) configured to be electrically connected to an electrical power supply and a fluidic connection portion (14B) arranged in extension of the electrical connection portion (14A) and configured to be connected to a fluidic conduit.

6. Module (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein: - the complementary combination connectors (13, 14) have respective fastening interfaces (131, 141) configured to be assembled together, one of the fastening interfaces (131) being fixed to the housing (5) and receiving the end portion of at least one hollow tube (90), and wherein - the end portion of at least one hollow tube (90) is configured to protrude into the complementary combination connector (14), when the fastening interfaces (131, 141) are assembled together, so as to be arranged in electrical contact with an internal wall (143) of electrical conduction of the electrical connection portion (14A).

7. Module (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein a first end portion of at least one hollow tube (90) is fluidically connected to a second fluidic connector (12) or to a combined connector (13), and a second end portion of at least one hollow tube (90) is fluidly connected to an additional fluidic connector (12').

8. Module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one electrical conductor, such as a conductive plate electrical (15a, 15b), and in which at least one hollow tube (90) is electrically connected to at least one electrical and / or electronic component and / or to at least one first electrical connector (11), via at least one electrical conductor.

9. Module (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein: - at least one first electrically conductive plate (15a) defines a receiving groove for at least one hollow tube (90) and - at least one second electrically conductive plate (15b) is arranged in electrical and mechanical contact with the first electrically conductive plate (15a) on the one hand, and in electrical contact with at least one electrical and / or electronic component or at least one first electrical connector (11) on the other hand.

10. Module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one hollow tube (90) defines a plurality of dielectric fluid circulation channels, wherein the plurality of dielectric fluid circulation channels is in particular realized by an internal shape (91) of said tube (90) selected from a corrugated shape, a sinusoidal shape, a crenellated shape, a sawtooth shape.

11. Module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one hollow tube (90) has a substantially rectangular cross-section of height between 2 mm and 10 mm and of width between 5 mm and 25 mm, the at least one hollow tube (90) defining at least one internal dielectric fluid circulation channel, preferably between one and fifteen internal dielectric fluid circulation channels.

12. Module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one hollow tube (90) is made of an electrically and thermally conductive material, in particular of aluminium or copper, and preferably of aluminium.

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