Cooling device for electric battery

By adopting a two-layer flexible material shell and an O-ring sealing structure in the battery cooling equipment, the problem of poor liquid sealing under thermal fluctuations is solved, and higher reliability and durability are achieved.

JP2025076393APending Publication Date: 2025-05-15ユチンソン
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024190755
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-10-31
Filing Date
2024-10-30
Publication Date
2025-05-15

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing battery cooling equipment has liquid sealing problems under long-term and large-scale thermal fluctuations, especially when connecting flexible material shells and hard pipeline systems, it is difficult to ensure long-term liquid sealing.

Method used

A battery cooling device is designed, which uses a shell made of two layers of flexible material, forms a liquid channel and a connection port through partial welding, and uses an O-ring sealing structure and welding circuit at the connection to enhance the liquid sealing.

Benefits of technology

Through this design, battery cooling equipment can maintain good liquid sealing under long-term use and large-scale thermal fluctuations, improving the reliability and durability of the equipment.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To provide a battery cooling device using a flexible casing for the circulation of a coolant and having fluid tightness that is guaranteed more favorably over time.SOLUTION: A battery cooling device includes: a casing formed from two sheets of flexible material; a circulation channel; an inlet orifice and an outlet orifice for fluid; and at least one fluidic connector 50 arranged through the orifice. In the fluidic connector, a base 80 includes: a base plate 82 defining a central through-opening 90, the base plate defining an upper face 92 arranged against an inner face of the sheet; a tube 84 integral with the base plate, extending through the inlet orifice or the outlet orifice and passing through the central opening; and a ring assembled on the base, circumferentially surrounding the tube, and arranged to bear against an outer face of the sheet. The upper face of the base plate is fixed to the inner face of the sheet by at least one weld circumferentially surrounding the tube.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6
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Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of electric batteries, and more particularly to the cooling of said batteries, which are installed, for example, in vehicles having electric or hybrid propulsion.

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

[0003] The invention also relates to an electric battery including such a cooling device. [Background technology]

[0004] In an electric battery having cells, i.e. a battery comprising several independent battery elements grouped in a housing, the hottest elements are placed in the center of the housing, and the elements are generally arranged with their sides touching each other to reduce their overall dimensions, so that the heat generated by these most enclosed elements is dissipated only at their lower surfaces.

[0005] Indirect fluid cooling is the method most commonly used by manufacturers because it is effective, fairly simple to set up, and inexpensive. This method consists of circulating a refrigerant (usually a water-glycol mixture) in a cooling device placed under the battery element. The fluid acts as a heat transfer fluid, drawing thermal energy from the battery as it circulates, carrying it away outside the enclosure.

[0006] As a result, heat removal is highly dependent on the thermal resistance of the exchange between the underside of the battery element and the cooling device.

[0007] To improve this thermal resistance, it is known to use thermal interface materials, such as thermally conductive resins, between the cooling plate of the cooling device and the underside of the battery element to fill local gaps between these surfaces due to irregularities and their roughness in these solid structures. However, such a solution significantly increases the cost and mass of the battery. In addition, the thermal contact made possible by the use of such interface materials is still significantly less effective than direct mechanical contact between conductive metallic materials.

[0008] Another possibility to improve thermal contact is to use a flexible casing for the circulation of the coolant instead of a rigid structure, which is free to deform under pressure from the circulating coolant so that it fits closely to the contours of the underside of the battery element, thereby providing good thermal contact.

[0009] The flexible casing is designed using two film sheets of multiple materials and layers, assembled by local welding to form one or more channels for the circulation of fluids. The two sheets may be separate or may be formed by a single sheet that is folded over.

[0010] Such a casing therefore makes it possible to have a cooling device that is light and easy to manufacture compared to the rigid coolers of the prior art, whilst benefiting from good thermal contact with the battery elements to be cooled.

[0011] However, connecting a casing made of a flexible material to a refrigerant distribution circuit containing rigid pipe elements can result in fluid tightness problems over time and during significant thermal fluctuations, especially in the environment close to the connector. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] The present invention aims to overcome these disadvantages by providing a battery cooling device which uses a flexible casing for the circulation of the coolant and has an improved liquid-tightness which is better guaranteed over time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] To this end, the present invention relates to a cooling device for an electric battery, comprising: - a casing formed from two sheets of flexible material extending facing each other, the sheets having welded areas where the sheets are fixed to each other and separation areas which allow the sheets to extend a short distance away from each other; - at least one fluid circulation channel extending between the sheets through at least one of the separation regions; - at least one inlet orifice for a fluid defined in one of the sheets, and at least one outlet orifice for a fluid defined in one of the sheets; at least one fluid connector, each fluid connector being disposed across at least one inlet orifice or at least one outlet orifice and fixedly mounted to a corresponding seat; A cooling device comprising: Each fluid connector is - a base, - a base plate defining a central opening therethrough and defining an upper surface disposed against an inner surface of a corresponding seat; a tube that is integral with the base plate and that extends through the inlet or outlet orifice and through a central opening in the base plate; a base including: a ring assembled on the base and surrounding the tube, the ring being arranged to support an outer surface of the sheet; Including, The present invention relates to a cooling device, characterized in that the upper surface of the base plate is fixed to the inner surface of the sheet by at least one weld that encircles the periphery of the tube.

[0014] Such a cooling device makes it possible to connect a flexible casing to a refrigerant distribution circuit allowing an improved tightness that is better guaranteed over time.

[0015] Each fluid connector may include at least one rib extending on the base plate and contacting the inner surface of the sheet and surrounding the tube, each rib defining a ridge along which the base is secured to the sheet by welding.

[0016] Such a feature makes it possible to have precise weld lines that are easy to create by heat welding on the ridges of the ribs.

[0017] The base plate may have a generally disc shape and each rib may extend along a circular contour centered in a central opening in the base plate.

[0018] Such features make it easier to form a weld between the base plate and the sheet, and for the weld to have better mechanical strength.

[0019] The connector may further include at least one O-ring disposed between a base plate of the base and an inner surface of the seat, the ring exerting a force on the O-ring through the seat.

[0020] Such a feature makes it possible to further enhance the liquid tightness of the connector by adding a second sealing means complementary to the weld.

[0021] The base may include at least two ribs radially spaced from one another relative to the tube and secured to the sheet by their respective ridges, at least two of the ribs defining an annular groove therebetween for receiving the O-ring.

[0022] Such a feature further improves the liquid tightness and durability of the connector by adding a second weld seam and makes it easier to install and hold the O-ring in place.

[0023] The inner surface of the ring and the outer surface of the tube may have corresponding threads arranged to allow for fixing of the ring to the base.

[0024] Such a feature allows for easy assembly and removal of the ring onto the tube and for proper maintenance of pressure on the O-ring.

[0025] The ring and the tube may have corresponding snap-fastening means arranged to allow the ring to be fixed to the base.

[0026] Such a feature allows for easy assembly and removal of the ring onto the tube and for proper maintenance of pressure on the O-ring.

[0027] Said snap-fastening means may comprise a plurality of teeth distributed circumferentially on the outer surface of the tube and projecting radially from said outer surface, and preferably an equal number of corresponding notches defined by a ring.

[0028] Such a feature makes it possible to have radially distributed mechanical stresses and thus improve the durability and liquid tightness of the connector.

[0029] The inner surface of the tube may have undulations arranged to create turbulence in the flow of fluid through the tube.

[0030] Such features make it possible to improve the mixing of the coolant in the circulation channel and therefore to increase the cooling efficiency. In particular, these undulations make it possible to prevent the appearance of stationary layers of fluid along the walls, which reduce the efficiency of heat transfer, by remixing this layer of fluid into the central flow.

[0031] The undulations may have the form of ramps extending on the inner surface of the tube in a direction transverse to the local direction of extension of the tube and projecting towards the inside of the tube.

[0032] Such features are easy to form, have good durability, and allow for contours that promote mixing of peripheral flows into the center of the flow.

[0033] The present invention also provides a plurality of battery elements disposed within an enclosure; - a refrigerant circulation device; - the cooling device as described above, wherein each fluid connector of the cooling device is fluidly connected to a refrigerant circulation device; 2. An electric battery comprising: The casing is positioned to contact the battery elements to be cooled when a coolant is circulating in the at least one circulation channel. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] 1 is an exploded perspective view of the main elements of an electric battery according to the invention; FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a cooling device for the battery of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the cooling device of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a detailed perspective view showing a means for assembling the cooling device of FIGS. 1 and 2. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the base of the fluid connector of the cooling device of FIGS. 2 to 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the base of FIG. 5 when transporting the O-ring. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the assembled fluid connector of FIGS. 5 and 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the connector of FIGS. 5 to 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] FIG. 1 shows an electric battery 10 intended for storing energy and in particular for use on board a vehicle, for example a vehicle with electric or hybrid propulsion.

[0036] The vehicle may be, for example, a car, a road or rail transport vehicle, a watercraft, or some other vehicle.

[0037] Alternatively, the battery 10 is intended for fixed or mobile installations that require a supply of electrical energy without connection to a power grid or in addition to such a connection.

[0038] The battery includes a closed and substantially sealed housing 12 (for clarity, only the cover is shown in the figures) and a plurality of battery elements 14 or cells disposed within the housing 12 that enable high-intensity electrical energy.

[0039] The housing 12 is partially represented in FIG. 1 and includes a removable top cover defining a port 16 intended for supplying a coolant.

[0040] Each battery element 14 is substantially a parallelepiped and thus has an overall shape defining an upper surface 18, a lower surface 20, and four side surfaces.

[0041] The terms "above" and "below" are understood herein to refer to the standard installation of the battery in operating conditions.

[0042] The battery elements 14 are aligned and disposed in at least one row extending in an alignment direction X. In addition, an upward direction Z and a lateral direction Y are defined perpendicular to each other and to the alignment direction X, with the upward direction Z being oriented substantially perpendicular to the normal operating direction of the battery 10.

[0043] The battery elements 14 may be arranged in contact with each other on their respective sides along the alignment direction X, or with a small gap between two adjacent battery elements along the alignment direction X.

[0044] Each battery element 14 includes a connector 22 arranged on its top surface 18, the connectors 22 being on either side of said top surface along the lateral direction Y. The connectors 22 of the battery elements thus form two rows extending along the alignment direction X.

[0045] The connectors 22 of the battery elements 14 are connected to parallel bus bars 24 that extend substantially along the alignment direction X and allow energy to be supplied to the battery elements 14 for storage or to be removed from the battery elements for powering an electrical device.

[0046] Battery 10, and more particularly battery element 14, generates heat during operation and requires cooling for optimal operation and to provide satisfactory operating time and safety.

[0047] To this end, the battery 10 includes at least one cooling device 30 for the elements to be cooled within the battery, as shown in more detail in FIGS.

[0048] The element being cooled is the battery element 14, and more specifically may be the bottom surface 20 or sides of the battery element, or the connectors 22 of the battery element as well as the bus bars 24 disposed on the top surface of the battery element.

[0049] In the example shown in the figures, the cooling device 30 is thus positioned to cool the connectors 22 and bus bars 24 of the battery element and is thus suspended from the cover and mounted within the housing 12 above the battery element 14 .

[0050] The cooling device 30 includes a flexible casing 32 intended to house a refrigerant as well as a support structure 34 adapted to improve the rigidity and strength of the cooling device 30 .

[0051] The casing 32 is formed from two sheets 36 of flexible material extending face to face and partially welded together.

[0052] The casing 32 thus has welded regions 38 where the sheets 36 are fixed together and separation regions 40 where the sheets 36 are not welded together and can therefore extend a small distance away from one another to define an interior space between the sheets.

[0053] The welded area 38 extends particularly along the outer edge of the casing 32 so as to seal the interior space of the casing 32 .

[0054] The sheet 36 is formed from a multi-layer film that is cut to obtain the desired shape.

[0055] For example, the film is a stack of layers such as the following: a first layer of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a layer of aluminum (Al), a second layer of polyethylene terephthalate, and a layer of polyethylene (PE). This type of film is commonly used in the food industry to advantageously cover products.

[0056] In the case of the flexible casing 32, the aluminum layer provides very good thermal conductivity and reduces the risk of fluids penetrating through the sheets, the polyethylene terephthalate layer provides good resistance to temperature and the ambient environment, and the polyethylene layer acts as an adhesive layer to secure the two sheets together by melting the two layers of polyethylene that are in contact with each other.

[0057] In the illustrated example, the flexible casing 32 has a substantially rectangular shape and defines a rectangular central opening 42. For example, the rectangular casing 32 includes two long sides 44 extending in an alignment direction X and two short sides 46 extending in a lateral direction Y.

[0058] The casing 32 defines lateral edges 47 , specifically outer edges 47 extending along the long and short sides, as well as an inner edge 47 running along the central opening 42 .

[0059] The cooling device 30 further includes at least one inlet fluid connector 50 and at least one outlet fluid connector 50 disposed within the casing, and at least one fluid circulation channel 52, shown in Figures 3 and 4, extending between the sheets 36 of the casing from the at least one inlet connector 50 to the at least one outlet connector 50.

[0060] The separate regions 40 of the sheet 36 together define the at least one fluid circulation channel 52 within the interior space.

[0061] In the illustrated example, the inlet and outlet fluid connectors 50 are located on the same side of the rectangular shape of the casing 32 .

[0062] For example, two fluid connectors 50 are installed on the same short side 46 of the rectangle of the casing 32, which means that at the same end of the casing 32 along the alignment direction X, the fluid connectors 50 are on both sides of the rectangle along the lateral direction Y.

[0063] In the illustrated example, the casing 32 includes a single fluid circulation channel 52 having a U-shape, meaning that the channel 52 extends from the inlet connector 50 along one of the long sides 44, then along the opposite short side 46 of the connector 50, and along the other long side 44 to the outlet connector.

[0064] More generally, the channel 52 extends along a path that forms at least one round trip on the casing 32 to extend along two rows of connectors 22 of the battery elements 14, enabling a fluid connection between the inlet and outlet at the same side edge 47 of the casing 32.

[0065] The channels 52 may also extend along a curved path along the extent of the casing 32, ie, form at least one serpentine path, which increases the surface area that is cooled.

[0066] Thus, the channel 52 may have a V-shape, a W-shape, etc.

[0067] Alternatively, the casing 32 may include several channels 52 that diverge from at least one entry point and recommence at at least one exit point.

[0068] As another alternative, the casing 32 may include multiple channels 52 that are fluidly isolated from one another.

[0069] In particular, the casing 32 may include two substantially straight, parallel channels 52 extending along the two rows of connectors 22 and bars 24 in the alignment direction X.

[0070] The cooling device 30 may advantageously further include a rigid support structure 34 for the flexible casing 32 .

[0071] The terms "rigid" and "flexible" are understood to be interrelated herein. In addition, the flexible nature of the casing 32 means that the casing will deform under the influence of its own weight without external action, whereas the rigid nature of the support structure 34 means that the support structure will not undergo significant deformation under the influence of its own weight.

[0072] The support structure 34 includes a first portion 54 and a second portion 56 , and means 58 for assembling the second portion 56 and the first portion 54 .

[0073] In the example considered, the support structure 34 and the casing 32 are intended to be placed over the battery element 14 .

[0074] The first portion 54 is disposed above the second portion 56 in the upward direction Z and is therefore an upper portion, and the second portion 56 is therefore a lower portion.

[0075] The second portion 56 and the first portion 54 are shaped to fasten at least one of the side edges 47 of the casing 32 therebetween when they are assembled.

[0076] Thus, the flexible casing 32 is held by its side edges 47 which are fastened by the support structure 34 and supported between the first portion 54 and the second portion 56 of the support structure 34 .

[0077] For example, the first portion 54 and the second portion 56 each have the shape of a flat rectangular frame extending perpendicular to the upward direction Z and defining a central opening 60, and the first portion 54 and the second portion 56 therefore have respective outer and inner edges.

[0078] Advantageously, the first and second portions 54, 56 include flanges 62 extending along their outer and / or inner edges and projecting in the upward direction Z.

[0079] Advantageously, the flexible casing 32 may include flaps 64 that extend along the inner edge 47 of the casing 32 and pass along the central opening 42, and these flaps 64 are retained between the flanges 62 of the first and second portions of the support structure 34. This further improves retention of the flexible casing between the two portions.

[0080] Advantageously, the multiple flanges 62 extending along the outer edges of the first and second portions 54, 56 cooperate to form an outer flange 66 of the support structure 34 that is arranged to be mounted along the outer edge of the set of battery elements 14 to facilitate mounting of the cooling device and prevent its movement.

[0081] The second portion 56 defines at least one cavity 68 intended to provide an opening in at least one of the separation regions 40 of the casing 32 to allow the casing 32 to protrude from the support structure 34 through the cavity 68.

[0082] Each cavity 68 has a shape identical to that of one of the fluid circulation channels 52. Thus, in the example shown, there is one cavity 68 having a U-shape identical to the shape of the fluid circulation channel 52 of the casing 32.

[0083] This allows the casing 32 to protrude through the cavity 68 along the entire extent of the channel 52 to reach the element to be cooled.

[0084] For example, each cavity 68 has a substantially constant width along its length, measured transversely to the local direction of extension of the cavity 68 and the coolant channels 52 .

[0085] The first portion 54 is advantageously closed opposite each cavity 68 of the second portion 56. This makes it possible to maintain a counter pressure on the flexible casing 32 to prevent it from stretching in an undesired direction.

[0086] For example, the means 58 for assembling the second portion 56 to the first portion 54 is a snap-on means of assembly that includes at least one tooth 70 protruding from an edge of one of the second portion and the first portion and at least one corresponding notch 72 defined by the other of the second portion and the first portion.

[0087] For example, the assembling means 58 includes indentations 72 distributed along the inner and outer rims of the first portion 54 and corresponding teeth 70 distributed along the inner and outer rims of the second portion 56 .

[0088] Advantageously, the support structure 34 further comprises attachment means adapted to fasten the support structure 34 to the cover of the electric battery housing 12 .

[0089] For example, the attachment means may be located on the first portion 54 along the outer rim.

[0090] Additionally or alternatively, the attachment means for the support structure 34 may be adapted to secure the support structure 34 to a side wall or a bottom wall of the housing 12 .

[0091] Additionally or alternatively, the attachment means for the support structure 34 may be adapted to secure the support structure 34 to the battery element 14 , in particular to the bottom surface 20 , the side surface, or the top surface 18 of the battery element 14 .

[0092] For example, the attachment means for the support structure 34 may be by snap fastening, by screw fastening or by hinge means.

[0093] The first portion 54 defines at least one orifice 74 positioned to allow passage of each fluid connector 50 connected to the casing 32. In the illustrated example having two connectors 50, the first portion 54 defines two orifices 74.

[0094] For example, the orifice 74 is substantially circular and mates with a corresponding port 16 defined in the housing 12 , and in particular in the cover of the housing 12 .

[0095] Alternatively, at least one of the orifices 74 is defined by the second portion 56 according to the configuration of the connector 50 .

[0096] Advantageously, the first portion 54 includes at least one stiffening rib that may improve the bending stiffness of the support structure 34 .

[0097] For example, the rib 76 advantageously extends along the upward direction Z from an outer rim to an inner rim of the first portion 54 .

[0098] In the illustrated example, the first portion 54 includes a plurality of such ribs 76 forming a rung.

[0099] The support structure 34 is formed from a plastic material, specifically by separately molding a first portion 54 and a second portion 56 .

[0100] Alternatively, the support structure 34 may be formed by stamping or additive manufacturing.

[0101] Alternatively, the cooling device 30 may include a simplified support structure such as a simple rigid frame to which the outer edge of the casing 32 is fastened, or may not include the support structure 34, particularly when the casing 32 is placed within a container or directly at the bottom of the housing 12 while in contact with the underside of the battery element 14.

[0102] According to the present invention, for example, the inlet and outlet fluid connectors 50 are of the type shown in FIGS.

[0103] The fluid connectors 50 are disposed within respective inlet or outlet orifices made in the sheets 36 forming the casing 32 .

[0104] Each fluid connector 50 includes a base 80 formed by a base plate 82 positioned inwardly relative to the seat 36 and a tube 84 secured to the base plate 82 and extending through an orifice in the seat 36 .

[0105] The base plate 82 is substantially perpendicular to the upward direction in the illustrated example, while the tubes 84 extend substantially along the upward direction Z.

[0106] Each fluid connector 50 further includes a ring 88 assembled to the base 80 and bearing against the outer surface of the seat 36 .

[0107] Advantageously, each fluid connector 50 further includes at least one O-ring 86 disposed between the base plate 82 of the base 80 and the inner surface of the seat 36 .

[0108] In this case, the ring 88 compresses the seat and the O-ring 86 against the base 80 .

[0109] Base plate 82 defines a central through opening 90 through which the mouth of tube 84 opens into the interior space of flexible casing 32 .

[0110] For example, the base plate 82 has a generally disk shape concentric with a central opening 90 .

[0111] Base plate 82 further defines an upper surface 92 by which connector 50 is secured to the inner surface of sheet 36 by a weld that wraps around tube 84 and extends around the orifice.

[0112] For example, to this end, the connector 50 includes at least one rib 94 defined on the base plate 82 around the circumference of the tube 84, and in particular at least two ribs 94 spaced radially from one another relative to the tube 84.

[0113] The ribs 94 project from the base plate 82 to a ridge 96 which secures the ribs 94 to the inner surface of the seat 36 .

[0114] For example, securing ribs 94 to sheet 36 may be accomplished by heat welding ridges 96 to the inner polyethylene layer of sheet 36 .

[0115] For example, the ribs 94 are substantially circular and concentric.

[0116] Advantageously, the ribs 94 define at least one groove 98 therebetween for receiving the O-ring 86 .

[0117] In the illustrated example, the base 80 defines two such ribs 94, which have two weld lines for welding to the sheet 36 and allow for a single O-ring 86 disposed in a groove 98 formed between the two ribs 94.

[0118] A ring 88, shown in FIG. 7, is assembled to the base, for example by screwing or snapping, and surrounds the circumference of the tube 84.

[0119] In the illustrated example, the tube 84 defines a plurality of teeth 100 on its outer surface regularly distributed around its circumference and projecting radially from the tube 84, while the ring 88 defines an equal number of corresponding notches 102 shaped to receive the teeth 100 with a snap fit when it is secured to the base 80.

[0120] Alternatively, the outer surface of tube 84 may define a thread and the inner surface of ring 88 may define a complementary thread, said thread allowing ring 88 to be secured to base 80 by screwing.

[0121] Thus, ring 88 is positioned to rest against the outer surface of seat 36 and exerts a force through the seat onto O-ring 86, enabling O-ring 86 to have an enhanced seal in addition to the weld line at rib 94.

[0122] The tube 84 may also define a peripheral rib 104 extending a short distance from the ring 88 on the side remote from the base plate 82 for securing a refrigerant carrying pipe.

[0123] Advantageously, as shown in FIG. 8, an inner surface 106 of the tube 84 has undulations 108 arranged to induce turbulence in the flow of fluid through the tube 84.

[0124] For example, the undulations 108 have the shape of a ramp extending on the inner surface 106 of the tube 84 in a direction transverse to the local direction of extension of the tube 84 and projecting towards the interior of the tube 84 .

[0125] Such undulations 108 may facilitate improved mixing of the fluid flowing through the tubes 84 and may avoid the formation of stagnant layers of fluid along the inner surface 106 that would reduce heat transfer efficiency. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 10 Electric Battery 12. Chassis 14 Battery elements 16 ports 18 Top 20 Bottom surface, bottom surface 22 Connectors 24 Busbar 30 Cooling Device 32 Casing 34 Support structure 36 sheets 38 Welding Area 40 separation area 42 Central opening 44 Long side 46 Short Side 47 Side edge 50 Fluid Connector 52 Fluid Circulation Channel 54 First Part 56 Second Part 58 Means of assembly 60 Central opening 62 Flange 64 Flap 66 Outer flange 68 Cavity 70 teeth 72 Notch 74 Orifice 76 Rigidity rib 80 base 82 Base Plate 84 Tube 86 O-ring 88 Ring 90 Central through opening, central opening 92 Top 94 Ribs 96 Ridgeline 98 Groove 100 teeth 102 Notch 104 Peripheral ribs 106 Inside 108 undulations

Claims

1. A cooling device (30) for an electric battery, comprising: - a casing (32) formed from two sheets (36) of flexible material extending facing each other, the casing (32) having welded areas (38) where the sheets (36) are fixed to each other and separation areas (40) where the sheets (36) can extend away from each other; - at least one fluid circulation channel (52) extending between said sheets (36) through at least one of said separation regions (40); - at least one inlet orifice for a fluid defined in one of said sheets (36), and at least one outlet orifice for a fluid defined in one of said sheets (36); at least one fluid connector (50), each of which is disposed across the at least one inlet orifice or the at least one outlet orifice and fixedly mounted to the corresponding seat (36); A cooling device (30) comprising: Each fluid connector (50) includes: - a base (80), - a base plate (82) defining a central through opening (90) and defining an upper surface (92) disposed against a corresponding inner surface of said seat (36); a tube (84) extending through the inlet or outlet orifice and integral with the base plate (82) through the central opening (90) of the base plate (82); a base (80) including: a ring (88) assembled on said base (80) and surrounding said tube (84), said ring (88) being arranged to bear against the outer surface of said seat (36); Including, A cooling device (30) characterized in that the upper surface of the base plate (82) is fixed to the inner surface of the sheet (36) by at least one weld that encircles the periphery of the tube (84).

2. 2. The cooling device (30) of claim 1, wherein each of the fluid connectors (50) includes at least one rib (94) extending over the base plate (82) and contacting the inner surface of the sheet (36) and surrounding the tube (84), each of the ribs (94) defining a ridge (96) along which the base (80) is secured to the sheet (36) by welding.

3. 3. The cooling device (30) of claim 2, wherein the connector further includes at least one O-ring (86) disposed between the base plate (82) of the base (80) and the inner surface of the seat (36), and the ring (88) exerts a force on the O-ring (86) through the seat (36).

4. 4. The cooling device of claim 3, wherein the base includes at least two ribs secured to the seat by their respective ridges, the at least two ribs defining an annular groove therebetween for receiving the O-ring.

5. 5. The cooling device (30) of claim 1, wherein an inner surface of the ring (88) and an outer surface of the tube (84) have corresponding threads arranged to enable the ring (88) to be fixed to the base (80).

6. 6. The cooling device (30) of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the ring (88) and the tube (84) have corresponding snap fastening means arranged to enable the ring (88) to be fixed to the base (80).

7. 7. The cooling device (30) of claim 6, wherein the snap-fastening means comprises a plurality of teeth (100) distributed circumferentially on the outer surface of the tube (84) and projecting radially therefrom, and preferably an equal number of corresponding indentations (102) defined by the ring (88).

8. 8. The cooling device (30) of claim 1, wherein an inner surface (106) of the tubes (84) has undulations (108) arranged to generate turbulence in the flow of fluid through the tubes (84).

9. 9. The cooling device (30) of claim 8, wherein the undulations (108) extend on the inner surface (106) of the tube (84) in a direction transverse to the local direction of extension of the tube (84) and have the shape of a ramp protruding toward the inside of the tube (84).

10. - a plurality of battery elements (14) disposed within the housing (12); - a refrigerant circulation device; A cooling device (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein each fluid connector (50) of the cooling device is fluidly connected to the refrigerant circulation device; Including, The electric battery (10), wherein the casing (32) is arranged to be in contact with one of the battery elements to be cooled when a coolant is circulating in the at least one circulation channel (52).