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

Abstract

A heat dissipation device, particularly for motor vehicles, said device comprising a heat pipe (10) configured for heat exchange between, on the one hand, a hot source comprising an electrical component, and, on the other hand, a cold source, said device further comprising: - a first thermal interface element (20) in contact with the heat pipe (10) and intended to be in heat exchange with one of said hot or cold sources, - a second thermal interface element (80) in contact with the heat pipe (10) and intended to be in heat exchange with the other of said hot or cold sources, said first thermal interface element (20) having a base (20a) in contact with the heat pipe (10), a head (20b) intended to be in heat exchange with said hot or cold source, and a flexible zone (20c) situated between said base (20a) and said head (20b). Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 2

Description

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0006] The invention aims to overcome, at least in part, the aforementioned drawbacks and proposes for this purpose a heat dissipation device, particularly for motor vehicles, said device comprising a heat pipe configured for heat exchange between, on the one hand, a hot source comprising an electrical component, and, on the other hand, a cold source, said device further comprising:

[0007] - a first thermal interface element in contact with the heat pipe and intended to be in a heat exchange relationship with one of said hot or cold sources,

[0008] - a second thermal interface element in contact with the heat pipe and intended to to be in a thermal exchange relationship with the other of said hot or cold sources,

[0009] said first thermal interface member having a base in contact with the heat pipe, a head intended to be in a thermal exchange relationship with said hot or cold source in question, and a flexible zone located between said base and said head.

[0010] The use of a heat pipe improves heat dissipation between the hot and cold sources. Furthermore, the flexibility of the first thermal interface element allows, particularly during assembly, good contact between the part of it intended to be in heat exchange with the corresponding source, which helps compensate for any manufacturing variations in the parts involved.

[0011] In the context of an application to an electrical energy storage device, it is thus possible to reduce the temperature to which the safety components will be subjected and to avoid their oversizing. Indeed, the effect of the heat pipe combined with the improved contact provided between the parts promotes heat dissipation from the hot source to the cold source.

[0012] According to various additional features of the invention, which may be taken together or separately and which constitute so many embodiments of the invention: - said flexible zone is configured to deform elastically, - said flexible zone is configured to deform according to a force applied to the said first thermal interface element, during assembly, against the said hot or cold source in question, - said flexible zone comprises one or more blades connecting said base and said head of the first thermal interface element, - the said blade(s) extend along a surface generated by an axis displaced parallel to a longitudinal extension axis of said heat pipe, - the said blade(s) include at least one bend, - said base of the first thermal interface element comprises a first sleeve inside which said heat pipe is inserted, - said base of the first thermal interface element includes a first flange for attaching said blade(s), - said first bridle extends from said first sleeve, - said head of the first thermal interface element includes a diffuser intended to be in a heat exchange relationship with said cold or hot source in question, said head of the first thermal interface element includes a second flange for attaching said blade(s), said diffuser extends from said second flange, said head of the first thermal interface element comprises a thermally conductive and electrically insulating material intended to be in contact with said hot or cold source in question, said thermally conductive material is in contact with said diffuser, said head of the first thermal interface element includes a spacer to protect said thermally conductive material, said spacer is connected to said diffuser so as to define a housing for said thermally conductive material. said housing unit is intended to be located between said diffuser and said hot or cold source in question. said head of the first thermal interface component includes a housing accommodating said diffuser and / or said second flange, said housing also accommodates said spacer, which is designed to be movable within said housing. said casing includes a passageway for a fastening device to said hot or cold source in question, said housing includes a positioning bracket for said blades, said second thermal interface element has a second sleeve inside which said heat pipe is inserted, The heat pipe is fixed in the said first and / or second sleeve by welding, brazing, crimping and / or by fitting. said second thermal interface element has a third flange for fixing to said hot or cold source in question. said third flange extends from said second sleeve, said device is configured so that the heat exchange between the heat pipe and the cold source occurs via said first thermal interface element, referred to as the cold element. said device is configured so that the heat exchange between the heat pipe and the hot source occurs via said second thermal interface element, referred to as the hot element, said heat pipe is inclined so that, in use, a portion of the heat pipe in heat exchange with said hot thermal interface element is vertically at a level lower than that of a portion of the heat pipe in heat exchange with said cold thermal interface element, said heat pipe is straight, - said heat pipe has a rounded cross-section, in particular substantially circular, - said heat pipe is sintered, - said heat pipe is twisted and / or grooved.

[0013] The invention also relates to an electrical connection box for an electrical energy storage device, in particular a battery of accumulators, comprising one or more hot sources, a cold source and a dissipation device as described above to establish a heat exchange between the said hot source(s), on the one hand, and the said cold source, on the other hand.

[0014] According to various additional features of the invention, which may be taken together or separately and which constitute so many embodiments of the invention: - The electrical component of the hot source(s) includes an electrical protection device, - said electrical protection device includes an electrical relay, - the said hot source(s) include a protective casing housing said electrical component, - said protective housing includes electrical connection terminals, electrically connected to said electrical component and in heat exchange relationship with said dissipation device, - said electrical connection terminals are flush with said protective box, - said dissipation device is in a heat exchange relationship with one of said connection terminals, - said connection box includes one or more electrical conduction busbars intended to be electrically connected to said heat source, in particular to another of said connection terminals, - said dissipation device is configured to be in thermal exchange relationship with one of the first connection terminals of a first of said hot sources and with one of the first connection terminals of a second of said hot sources, said first connection terminals being provided at the same electrical potential, - said dissipation device comprises two said second thermal interface elements respectively in heat exchange relationship with each of said hot sources, - said heat pipe is in contact with each of said second thermal interface elements by opposite longitudinal ends of said heat pipe, - said heat pipe is in contact with said first thermal interface element by a zone, in particular a median zone, located between said longitudinal ends of the heat pipe, - said cold source comprises a plate exhibiting a thermal inertia much greater than that of said hot source - said plate includes all or part of a lower face of a casing of an electrical energy storage device.

[0015] The invention further relates to an electrical energy storage device, in particular a battery of accumulators, comprising a dissipation device as described above, in particular at the connection box of said storage device.

[0016] The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising a dissipation device as described above, in particular at the level of the vehicle's electrical energy storage device and / or the connection box of said storage device.

[0017] The invention will be better understood, and other objects, details, features and advantages thereof will become more apparent in the course of the detailed explanatory description that follows, of at least one embodiment of the invention given by way of purely illustrative and non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, among which:

[0018] [Fig-1] schematically illustrates, in side view, a motor vehicle according to the invention;

[0019] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates, in perspective, an example of the realization of a heat dissipation device according to the invention;

[0020] [Fig.3] illustrates schematically, in perspective, in partially exploded view, the dissipation device of the [Fig.2];

[0021] [Fig.4] illustrates schematically, in perspective, partially, an example of the realization of a connection box incorporating the dissipation device of figures 2 and 3, according to a first viewpoint;

[0022] [Fig.5] reproduces [Fig.4] from a second viewpoint;

[0023] [Fig.6] illustrates schematically, in perspective, in partially exploded view, a first thermal interface element of the dissipation device in Figures 2 and 3;

[0024] [Fig.7] illustrates schematically, in perspective, in partially exploded view, sub-parts of the first thermal interface element of the dissipation device in Figures 2 and 3;

[0025] [Fig.8] illustrates schematically, in perspective, in exploded view, parts of one of the sub-parts shown in the previous figure, namely the distal sub-part;

[0026] [Fig.9] schematically illustrates, in perspective, said distal sub-part, in a pre-assembly configuration;

[0027] [Fig. 10] schematically illustrates, in longitudinal section view, said distal sub-part, still in said configuration before assembly;

[0028] [Fig. 11] schematically illustrates, in cross-sectional view, a part of the connection housing of figures 4 and 5 in order to visualize said distal sub-part illustrated in figures 9 and 10, after assembly.

[0029] It should be noted that, in this description, the terms "first", "second", "third", ... are used only to distinguish the components concerned from each other and do not imply any order or possible importance of said components.

[0030] The invention relates to a heat dissipation device, in particular for motor vehicles.

[0031] As illustrated in [Fig. 1], the invention also relates to an electrical connection box 1, an electrical energy storage device 2, in particular a battery, and a vehicle V comprising such a dissipation device. The latter is placed, for example, in the electrical connection box 1, said box 1 being used for connecting the electrical energy storage device 2 to an electrical network 3 of the motor vehicle V. Said vehicle V is advantageously an electric or hybrid vehicle connected to said electrical network 3.

[0032] As illustrated in figures 2 to 5, said heat dissipation device comprises a heat pipe 10, configured for heat exchange between, on the one hand, one or more hot sources 12 and, on the other hand, a cold source 16. By "heat pipe" is meant a heat-conducting element allowing a fluid to circulate inside the element, in particular by capillarity and / or by gravity, this in a closed cycle according to a principle of successive evaporation and condensation of the fluid.

[0033] Preferably, said heat pipe(s) 10 are straight. They have, for example, a rounded cross-section, in particular circular. Said heat pipe(s) 10 are, in particular, sintered and / or grooved.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, the heat pipe 10 is unique and the dissipation device is configured to establish a heat exchange between two said hot sources 12 and said cold source 16 through said heat pipe 10.

[0035] As more specifically visible in figures 4 and 5, the said hot source(s) 12 include an electrical element 14. Said electrical element 14 is formed here of an electrical protection element, for example an electrical relay and / or a fuse intended to open in the event of an anomaly in the circuit 3. Said electrical element 14 includes, for example, a coil, not visible.

[0036] Said hot source 12 further includes here a protective housing 200 housing said electrical component 14. Said coil is housed in said housing 200. Said housing 200 is, in particular, substantially parallelepiped in shape.

[0037] Said hot source 12 includes electrical connection terminals 210a, 210b, electrically connected to said electrical component 14, in particular said coil, and in heat exchange relationship with said dissipation device, at least for one of them.

[0038] Said connection terminals 210a, 210b include, for example, sockets, not visible, passing through said protective housing 200. Said electrical connection terminals 210a, 210b, in particular said sockets, are flush with said protective housing 200. Said sockets are located, for example, at the level of a face 204 of said protective housing 200, here a lower face.

[0039] Said cold source 16 comprises, for example, a plate 18 having a thermal inertia much greater than that of said hot source(s) 12. Said plate 18 may comprise all or part of a lower face of a housing of the electrical energy storage device. Said plate 18 is here provided with channels for circulating a heat transfer fluid.

[0040] Said dissipation device further comprises:

[0041] - a first thermal interface element 20 in contact with the heat pipe 10 and intended to be in a heat exchange relationship with one of said hot or cold sources 12, 16,

[0042] - a second thermal interface element 80 in contact with the heat pipe 10 and intended to be in a heat exchange relationship with the other of said hot or cold sources 12,16.

[0043] If we refer again to figures 2 and 3, we further observe that, according to the invention, said first thermal interface element 20 has a base 20a in contact with the heat pipe 10, a head 20b intended to be in thermal exchange relationship with said hot or cold sources 12, 16 in question and a flexible zone 20c located between said base 20a and said head 20b.

[0044] The flexibility thus offered to the dissipation device according to the invention by means of said first thermal interface element 20 allows, in particular during assembly, good contact between the parts in question, despite their possible manufacturing variations, and consequently promotes heat conduction between the hot source(s) 12 and the cold source 16.

[0045] According to the illustrated embodiment, said device is configured so that said heat exchange involving said first thermal interface element 20 is in contact with said cold source 16. Said device is thus configured so that said heat exchange between the heat pipe 10 and the cold source 16 occurs by the intermediary of said first thermal interface element 20. Said first thermal interface element 20 is thus said to be cold.

[0046] Said second thermal interface element 80 is then in a heat exchange relationship with said hot source 12. Said device is thus configured so that said heat exchange between the heat pipe 10 and the hot source 12 takes place via said second thermal interface element 80. Said second thermal interface element 80 is thus said to be hot.

[0047] Preferably, said flexible zone 20c is configured to deform elastically. Said flexible zone 20c is here configured to deform according to a force applied to said first thermal interface element 20, during assembly, against said cold source 16.

[0048] As more clearly seen in Figures 6 and 7, said flexible zone 20c comprises one or more blades 22 connecting said base 20a and said head 20b of said first thermal interface element 20. Said blades 22 are flexible. They consist of several substantially identical blades 22 and / or are stacked one on top of the other, for example, in two groups 22a, 22b arranged side-by-side.

[0049] Preferably, said blades 22 are elastically deformable, which further promotes good contact between the parts.

[0050] The blade(s) 22 extend, for example, along a surface formed by a generatrix displaced parallel to a longitudinal extension axis of the heat pipe 10. The generatrix here follows a substantially S-shaped curve, in particular in a plane perpendicular to the heat pipe 10. More precisely, for example, the curve successively presents a first, a second, and a third straight segments. They are connected to each other by rounded edges.

[0051] Here, said first segment is located at said base 20a and / or said third segment is located at said head 20b of the first thermal interface element 20. They are parallel to each other. Said second segment is perpendicular to the first and third segments.

[0052] The blade(s) 22 thus have an angled shape with successively a first flat portion at the level of said base 20a of said first thermal interface element, a first bend, a second flat portion, perpendicular to the first portion, a second bend and / or a third flat portion, perpendicular to the second portion and parallel to the first, said third portion being located at the level of said head 20b of the first thermal interface element 20.

[0053] Said groups 22a, 22b are here symmetrical to each other along a median plane P perpendicular to said heat pipe 10. They each correspond, for example, to a region of said base 20a of the first thermal interface element 20 respectively in heat exchange relationship with one of said hot sources 12, via heat pipe 10.

[0054] Said base 20a of the first thermal interface element 20 has, for example, a first sleeve 24 inside which said heat pipe 10 is inserted.

[0055] Alternatively or cumulatively, said base 20a of the first thermal interface element 20 has a first mounting flange 26 for said blade(s) 22. Said first flange 26 extends from said first sleeve 24, for example radially with respect to the heat pipe 10. Said blade(s) 22 are held on said first flange 26, in particular, by a first retaining plate 28. Said first flange 26 and / or said first retaining plate 28 are substantially flat and parallel to each other. They are connected by one or more first clamping screws 30. Said first clamping screws 30 pass through holes formed in said first retaining plate 28 as well as in said blade(s) 22, in particular in their said first flat portion, and are engaged in said first flange 26.The said blades 22, in particular their said first flat portion, are thus sandwiched between said first flange 26 and said first retaining plate 28. Said first flat portion of the plates 22 is substantially parallel to said first flange 26 and / or to said first retaining plate 28.

[0056] As illustrated in [Fig.8], said head 20b of the first thermal interface element 20 includes, for example, a diffuser 32 intended to be in thermal exchange relationship with said cold source 16.

[0057] The diffuser 32 here has an annular configuration. It is provided, for example, with two large parallel and opposite flat faces, connected by an outer edge 34, in particular circular, and an inner edge 36, in particular circular. Said inner edge 36 is configured for a passage from a fixing member of said first thermal interface member 20 to said cold source 16.

[0058] Alternatively or cumulatively, said head 20b of the first thermal interface element 20 comprises a second attachment flange 38 for said blade(s) 16. Said diffuser 32 extends from said second flange 38, notably with a continuous material surface. Said second flange 38 has a sector-like shape extending angularly over a portion of the ring formed by the diffuser 32.

[0059] Advantageously, said first thermal interface element 20, is electrically insulating.

[0060] For this purpose, here, as illustrated in figures 9 to 11, said head 20b of the first thermal interface element comprises a thermally conductive and electrically insulating material intended to be in contact with said cold source 16. It is presented, in particular, in the form of a pad 40, advantageously compressible.

[0061] Said thermally conductive and electrically insulating material is, for example, in contact with said diffuser 32. Said pad 40 has here an annular shape superimposed on that of said diffuser 32, for example by extending slightly radially inwards and / or outwards from the ring formed by said diffuser 32.

[0062] Before assembly, as illustrated in figures 9 and 10, said bearing 40 is advantageously protected by a cover 42. Furthermore, said thermally conductive and electrically insulating material, in particular said bearing 40, is uncompressed.

[0063] Preferably, said head 20b of the first thermal interface element 20 comprises a spacer 44 for protecting said thermally conductive and electrically insulating material, in particular said pad 40. Said spacer 44 is fixed on said diffuser 32 so as to define a housing for said thermally conductive material, said housing being intended here to be located between said diffuser 32 and said cold source 16.

[0064] Said spacer 44 is formed, for example, of an outer ring 46a and / or an inner ring 46b coaxial with each other and / or with the ring formed by said diffuser 32. Said outer ring 46a is opposite, or even in contact with, said outer edge 34 of the diffuser 32 and / or a corresponding outer edge of said bearing 40. Said inner ring 46b is opposite, or even in contact with, said inner edge 36 of the diffuser 32 and / or a corresponding inner edge of said bearing 40.

[0065] Preferably, said head 20b of the first thermal interface element 20 comprises a housing 48 accommodating said diffuser 32 and / or said second flange 38. Said second flange 38 opens here through a window 56 formed in said housing 48.

[0066] Said casing 48 has, for example, a flat wall 52, parallel to the large faces of said diffuser 32. Said window 56 is formed in said flat wall 52.

[0067] Said flat wall 52 has a disk configuration of diameter slightly greater than said diffuser 32. It is extended by a skirt 54. Said diffuser 32 is supported, for example, against said flat wall 42.

[0068] Said housing 48 further accommodates said spacer 44, for example at the level of one or more grooves, in particular annular grooves. Said grooves are here two in number, namely an external groove 50a and an internal groove 50b. They are concentric and configured to accommodate said external and internal rings 46a, 46b respectively.

[0069] In the illustrated embodiment, said external groove 50a is formed in said skirt 54.

[0070] Said spacer 44 is advantageously provided to be movable within said housing 48. In other words, here, said outer ring 46a is movable within said outer groove 50a and / or said inner ring 46b is movable within said inner groove 50b. In particular, they slide within said grooves 50a, 50b. They are movable in translation along a direction perpendicular to said spacer 32.

[0071] In Figures 9 and 10, said external and / or internal rings 46a, 46b project outside said internal and / or external grooves 50a, 50b so as to protect said bearing 40 before assembly. For this purpose, here, said first thermal interface member 20 comprises an elastomeric membrane 45 housed at the bottom of the groove(s) 50a, 50b and forcing said spacer 44 partially outside said groove(s) 50a, 50b. Said elastomeric membrane is here formed of two rings 49a, 49b corresponding to said external and internal rings 46a, 46b.

[0072] A peripheral edge of said operculum 42 is in contact with said external and / or internal rings 46a, 46b, in particular at the level of a distal end slice of the latter.

[0073] Said housing 48 includes, for example, a bracket 58 for positioning said blades 22. Said bracket 58 is located here at the edge of said window 56. It is formed of partitions extending perpendicularly to said flat wall 52.

[0074] Said fastening member of the first thermal interface member 20 on said cold source 16, designated 60 in [Fig. 11], operates, namely, by screwing. Said fastening member 60 is advantageously configured to lock said first thermal interface member 20 against rotation during assembly. It is, for example, a shouldered screw. Alternatively, positioning pins are used.

[0075] Said housing 48 is configured to electrically isolate said fastening member 60 from live parts, in particular said diffuser 32 and said second flange 38.

[0076] In the illustrated embodiment, said housing 48 includes a well 62 for the passage of said fastening member 60. Said well 62 is centered on and / or passes through said disc-shaped wall 52 of the head 20b of the first thermal interface member 20. Said well 62 extends on both sides of said wall 52, in particular perpendicularly, to allow passage of said fastening member 60 of the first thermal interface member 20 over the cold source 16.

[0077] In the illustrated embodiment, said internal groove 50b is formed in a part of said well 62 intended to be turned towards said cold source 16.

[0078] Some of the partitions of the stirrup 58 connect to a part of said well 62 opposite to that turned towards the diffuser 32.

[0079] Said diffuser 32 is housed radially between said skirt 54 and said part of the well 62 intended to be oriented towards said cold source 16. Said bearing 40 is supported against said skirt 54, in particular at the level of a first shoulder 57 formed at the level of a free edge of said skirt 54. Said external groove 50a opens onto said first shoulder 57. Said pad 40 is in contact with said well 62, in particular at the level of a second shoulder 64 formed at the level of a distal edge of said well 62, this in correspondence with said first shoulder 57. Said internal groove 50b opens onto said second shoulder 64.

[0080] In [Fig. 11], said heat dissipation device has been mounted on said cold source 16. The cover 42 has been previously removed.

[0081] In this configuration, as already stated, the first thermal interface element 20 is fixed to the cold source 16, for example, by screwing. For this purpose, the screw forming the fixing element passes 60 through the well 62 and the diffuser 32 to engage with the cold source 16, specifically at a bore 66 formed in the latter. A head 68 of the screw bears against a third shoulder 70 formed in the well 62. Alternatively, not shown, the bore 66 is replaced by a threaded barrel, particularly in the case where the plate 18 is formed by extrusion.

[0082] After assembly, the first thermal interface element 20 rests against the cold source 16. The bearing 40 is thus compressed between the diffuser 32 and the cold source 16, particularly depending on the degree to which the fastener 60 is tightened. The spacer 44 is retracted into the groove(s) 50a, 50b. The housing 48 also rests against the cold source 16, particularly via the free edge of the skirt 54. The bearing 40 is thus encapsulated in the spacer 44 and / or the housing 48. It is thus protected from external elements, thereby ensuring reliable electrical insulation of the cold source 16 over time. This also limits the risks of creating an electric arc between the diffuser 32 and the cold source 16. The said membrane 45 is then compressed, in particular depending on the degree of screwing of the fixing member 60.

[0083] Referring again to Figures 6 and 7, it can be seen that the blade(s) 22 are held on the second flange 38, in particular, by a second retaining plate 72. The second flange 38 and / or the second retaining plate 72 have facing surfaces that are substantially flat and parallel to each other. They are connected by second clamping screws 74. The second clamping screws 74 pass through holes provided in the second retaining plate 72 and in the blade(s) 22, in particular in their second flat portion, and are engaged in the second flange 38. The blade(s) 22, in particular their first flat portion, are thus sandwiched between the second flange 38 and the second retaining plate 72. The second flat portion of plates 22 is substantially parallel to the surfaces opposite said second flange 38 and / or said second retaining plate 72.

[0084] Said diffuser 32 is fixed to said housing 48, for example by gluing and / or screwing. Here, as illustrated, said housing 48, in particular said flat wall 52, has one or more screw holes 53 for fixing said diffuser 32.

[0085] As better illustrated in figures 2 and 3, said second thermal interface member 80 has a second sleeve 82 inside which said heat pipe 10 is inserted.

[0086] Said second thermal interface element 80 has a third flange 84 for attachment to said hot source 12. Said third flange 84 is, for example, substantially flat. It extends from said second sleeve 82, in particular in a substantially tangential manner. Said third flange 84 extends here orthogonally to said first flange 26.

[0087] The first and / or second sleeves 24, 82 here have a jaw-like configuration. In other words, they have a longitudinal slot 83 that angularly interrupts the sleeve(s) 24, 82. On either side of the slot 83, the sleeve(s) 24, 82 have passage holes for clamping elements such as screws 85. The screw(s) 85 pass through one of the passage holes and engage with the passage hole located opposite it on the other side of the slot 83. Tightening the screw 85 thus tends to close the jaw formed by the sleeve 24, 82 on the heat pipe 10 for the purpose of fixing the latter in the first and / or second thermal interface elements 20, 80.

[0088] More generally, the heat pipe(s) 10 are fixed in the first or second sleeve(s) 24, 82, for example, by welding, brazing, crimping and / or by fitting, in particular according to a fit known under the reference H7p6.

[0089] Preferably, although not visible, said heat pipe 10 is inclined so that, in use, a part of said heat pipe 10 in contact with said cold thermal interface member 20 is located higher than one or more parts of the heat pipe 10 in contact with said hot thermal interface member(s) 80.

[0090] The diffuser 32, the second flange 38, the blades 22, the first flange 26 and / or the second thermal interface element 80 are, for example, made of copper. The spacer 44 and / or the housing 48 are, for example, made of polymer material, in particular ABS. The spacer 44 is, for example, made of elastomer material.

[0091] In an alternative not illustrated, a thin sheet, in particular of copper, is placed between the operculum 42 and the cushion 40.

[0092] Referring again to Figures 4 and 5, it can be seen that, in addition to the hot source(s) 12, there is the cold source 16 and the dissipation device intended to establish a heat exchange between the said hot source(s) 12 and the said cold source 16, as described above, the said electrical connection box according to the invention comprises one or more electrical conduction busbars 100 intended to be electrically connected to the said hot source 12, in particular the said electrical component 14.

[0093] The said busbar(s) 100 are also intended to be electrically connected to another electrical component, not shown, of said connection box and / or said electrical network 3.

[0094] In the illustrated embodiment, only one of said bus bars 100 has been shown for each of said electrical components 14. The said bus bars 100 are provided with electrical connection ports 102, for example located at opposite ends of said bus bars 100. In the figures, one of the ports 102 is visible while the other is not.

[0095] In the illustrated embodiment, said dissipation device is configured to be in heat exchange relationship with one of the first 210a connection terminals of said hot source(s) 12, in particular with said corresponding socket. It is further configured here to be electrically connected to said or said corresponding electrical components 14, via said connection terminal 210a, in particular via said corresponding socket.

[0096] Said dissipation device is fixed to said protective housing 200, in particular by means of a fastening element such as a first connecting screw 202, engaged in said connection terminal 210a, in particular in said corresponding socket. Said first connecting screw 202 is oriented here substantially perpendicular to said face 204 of the protective housing 200.

[0097] Heat is transferred to the hot thermal interface element 80, in particular to the third flange 84, by contact with the bushing and / or the first connecting screw 202. Such contact also allows current to flow between the corresponding electrical component 14 and the heat dissipation device. The heat dissipation device is therefore electrically energized, hence the importance of the electrical insulation provided by the thermally conductive and electrically insulating material, in particular the bearing 40 in contact with the cold source 16.

[0098] The other 210b of the connection terminals of said hot source(s) 12 is electrically connected to said busbar(s) 100. For this purpose, said connection box includes second connecting screws 206 passing through some of said through holes 102 and serving to fix said busbar 100 to said corresponding electrical component 14. Current flows between said electrical component 14 and the omnibus bar 100 by contact with said socket and / or with the second connecting screw 206.

[0099] In the illustrated embodiment, said dissipation device is configured to be in a heat exchange relationship both with the first 210a of the connection terminals of a first of said hot sources 12 and with the first 210a of the connection terminals of a second of said hot sources 12, said first connection terminals 210a being provided at the same electrical potential. In this way, said dissipation device plays, in addition to its thermal role, a role as an electrical conductor between the electrical components 14 of said hot sources 12.

[0100] In other words, in the illustrated embodiment, said dissipation device comprises two said second thermal interface organs 80 respectively in thermal exchange relationship with each of said hot sources 12.

[0101] Said heat pipe 10 is in contact, for example, with each of said second thermal interface elements 80 by opposite longitudinal ends of said heat pipe 10. Said heat pipe 10 is in contact with said first thermal interface element 20 by a zone, in particular a median zone, located between its said longitudinal ends.

[0102] It is observed that, in this embodiment, the median plane of symmetry P mentioned above serves as a plane of symmetry for the whole of said dissipation device, or even for said hot sources 12 and / or said bus bars 100.

[0103] Such an embodiment is not limiting to the invention, which, alternatively, applies to a configuration with two heat pipes 10, each of said heat pipes connecting the cold thermal interface element 20 and the hot thermal interface element 80 corresponding to each of said hot sources 12, said median plane of symmetry being or not maintained. Also alternatively, the invention applies, in particular, to configurations with such a dissipation device connecting a single hot source 12 and the cold source 16, said device then comprising a single heat pipe 10 connecting the cold thermal interface element 20 and the hot thermal interface element 80 corresponding to said hot source 12.

Claims

Demands

1. A heat dissipation device, particularly for a motor vehicle, said device comprising a heat pipe (10) configured for heat exchange between, on the one hand, a hot source (12) comprising an electrical component (14), and, on the other hand, a cold source (16), said device further comprising: - a first thermal interface element (20) in contact with the heat pipe (10) and intended to be in heat exchange with one of said hot or cold sources (12, 16), - a second thermal interface element (80) in contact with the heat pipe (10) and intended to be in heat exchange with the other of said hot or cold sources (12, 16), said first thermal interface element (20) having a base (20a) in contact with the heat pipe (10), a head (20b) intended to be in heat exchange with said hot or cold source (12,16) involved and a flexible zone (20c) located between said base (20a) and said head (20b).

2. Heat dissipation device according to the preceding claim in which said flexible zone (20c) is configured to deform elastically.

3. Heat dissipation device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said flexible zone (20c) is configured to deform as a function of a force applied to said first thermal interface member (20) upon mounting against said hot or cold source (12, 16) in question.

4. Heat dissipation device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said flexible zone (20c) comprises one or more blades (22) connecting said base (20a) and said head (20b).

5. Heat dissipation device according to the preceding claim in which said blade(s) (22) extend along a surface generated by an axis displaced parallel to a longitudinal extension axis of said heat pipe (10).

6. Heat dissipation device according to any one of claims 4 or 5 in which said blade(s) (22) have at least one bend.

7. Heat dissipation device according to any one of the preceding claims in which said base (20a) comprises a first sleeve (24) within which said heat pipe (10) is inserted, said base (20a) further comprising a first attachment flange (26) for said blade(s) (22), said first flange (26) extending from said first sleeve (24).

8. Heat dissipation device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said head (20b) comprises a diffuser (32) intended to be in heat exchange relationship with said cold or hot source (12, 16) in question, said head (20b) comprising a second attachment flange (38) for said blade(s) (22), said diffuser (32) extending from said second flange (38).

9. Heat dissipation device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said heat pipe (10) is straight.

10. Electrical connection box for electrical energy storage device, in particular accumulator battery, comprising one or more hot sources (12), a cold source (16) and a heat dissipation device according to any one of the preceding claims for establishing heat exchange between said hot source(s) (12), on the one hand, and said cold source (16), on the other hand.

11. Electrical energy storage device, in particular accumulator battery, comprising a heat dissipation device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

12. Vehicle comprising one or more of the heat dissipation devices according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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