Sealing connector for cooling plates

Abstract

A sealing connector (100) for two cooling plates (200, 300) of a cooling system (S) for at least one electrical / electronic component (B) comprising an inner sleeve (1) and an outer casing (2). The inner sleeve (1) has a tubular conformation and defines a channel (10) configured for the passage of a coolant liquid between a first opening (11) and a second opening (12). The outer casing has at least two outer shells (3, 4, 5) with tubular conformation, chained along a longitudinal axis (Y), wherein each of the two outer shells externally wraps a longitudinal portion of the inner sleeve. The outer casing defines an outer complete and articulated envelope of the sealing connector and externally wraps the inner sleeve throughout a longitudinal development thereof.

Description

[0001] SEALING CONNECTOR FOR COOLING PLATES

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention has as its object a sealing connector for cooling plates. Specifically, the sealing connector object of the present invention is a sealing connector for cooling plates being part of a cooling system of at least one electrical / electronic component. More in detail, the object of the present invention finds particular application in the sealing connection of cooling plates in the context of a cooling system of electric batteries of an electrically powered device, preferably an electrically powered vehicle.

[0004] The present invention has also as its object a cooling system for at least one electrical / electronic component comprising said sealing connector.

[0005] Furthermore, the present invention concerns a method of production of said sealing connector.

[0006] STATE OF THE ART

[0007] In the electronic field, in order to ensure an efficient behavior and a maintenance of certain safety standards determined by national and international rules and regulations, it is essential to control the temperature of electrical / electronic components. It is in fact known that almost all the electrical / electronic components are characterized by a temperature range within which the correct and safe behavior of the component itself is ensured. Outside this range, the component and the entire system wherein it is installed are exposed to risks of malfunctions that could generate situations of electrical danger or of other nature (fires, explosions, ...).

[0008] In particular, in the context of powering devices, systems and / or vehicles using electric batteries, maintaining the temperature of said batteries plays a crucial role in order to ensure a high efficiency and a satisfactory autonomy. In particular, it is essential to prevent batteries from overheating because, in addition to the aforementioned problems of efficiency and autonomy, excessively high temperatures could damage their structure and / or chemical composition to such an extent that their operation could be irreparably compromised. In electrically driven vehicles, the batteries suitable for providing the propulsion are organized in battery packs, generally composed by several cells, arranged in opportune housings of the vehicle body which, especially in hot seasons, may reach such temperatures as to preclude their operation. Any uncontrolled increase of the temperature in the battery packs could trigger the so-called "thermal runaway” phenomenon, which consists of a rapid rise of the temperature of the electric battery cells, accompanied by the release of flammable gases, which, in contact with the high-temperature electric batteries, could ignite a fire.

[0009] In order to avert such situations, the propulsion organs of electrically driven vehicles are provided with cooling systems suitable for exchanging heat with the battery packs. In particular, cooling systems have the function of absorbing heat from electric batteries, cooling them so as to maintain them within a specific optimal operative temperature range that ensures a high efficiency and durability. As an example, batteries that implement lithium- ion technologies present an optimal operative range from 15 °C to 40 °C. Typically, cooling systems are configured as cooling circuits, within which a coolant liquid is circulated so as to operate a thermal cycle, where the heat is withdrawn from the electric batteries and is subsequently transferred to the outer environment in other points of the cooling circuit, wherein are generally present at least one among a compressor, an evaporator, a radiator and / or an expander. The fluid that circulates within the cooling circuit can be, by way of example, a solution of water and glycol.

[0010] Among the typologies of cooling systems is particularly appreciated the cooling plate structure. These cooling systems comprise a plurality of cooling plates that are interposed among the various battery packs and within which the coolant liquid is circulated in order to maintain the temperature of individual cells in the optimal operative range. The cooling plates can present a planar or curvilinear development, at least in sections, depending on the conformation of the batteries with which they have to interact. In an embodiment, in which the individual battery cells assume a so-called prismatic shape, the cooling plates present a substantially planar shape. In a different embodiment, in which the individual battery cells present a cylindrical shape, the cooling plates assume a conformation that is curvilinear in sections in order to maximize the heat transfer surface. Regardless of the conformation assumed by the battery cells and by the cooling plates, such a temperature control solution is defined as "indirect cooling.” In fact, in cooling plate circuits, there is no actual contact between coolant liquid and battery pack cells: the heat exchange occurs, in fact, through the walls of the cooling plates. In order to constitute a unique cooling circuit, the cooling plates are interconnected and in fluid communication to each other so that the coolant liquid can flow into them. In this regard, each cooling plate is provided with at least one inlet connection and one outlet connection, typically arranged in a portion of the cooling plate that, in use, emerges from the battery pack, i.e., a portion of the cooling plate wherein no heat exchange occurs with the battery cells.

[0011] In order to allow the exchange of coolant liquid, the cooling plates are connected to each other by means of appropriate connectors. These connectors are shaped as reduced-length duct segments that put the outlet connection of a cooling plate in communication with the inlet connection of the adjacent cooling plate. In fact, the connectors constitute connecting elements that put two adjacent cooling plates in fluid communication so as to allow the passage of the coolant liquid.

[0012] A fundamental function of connectors within a cooling system is to maintain the sealing with the inlet and outlet connections of the cooling plates they interconnect. In fact, if the sealing is not maintained, the coolant liquid could leak at the walls of the inlet / outlet connections of a cooling plate, undermining the efficiency of the entire system. In addition, the leaked coolant liquid could come in contact with other vehicle components, including battery packs, exposing these components to corrosion and / or deterioration phenomena that could impair their functionality.

[0013] In addition, it should be noted that cooling circuits operate under pressure. By way of example, within the cooling circuit of an electrically driven vehicle, pressure levels ranging from 3 bar (300 kPa) to 6 bar (600 kPa) can occur. Therefore, maintaining the sealing at the level of the cooling plates connections is crucial for the correct functioning of the entire cooling system. The Applicant noted that the known cooling systems present a satisfactory behavior under optimal positioning conditions, that is, when the components of the system are in their nominal design positions. In particular, the cooling systems present an optimal behavior when the cooling plates are perfectly aligned. In such a situation, the inlet and outlet connections are all aligned along a same axis and the connection by means of the known sealing connectors is facilitated and effective.

[0014] However, due to spatial constraints and / or inaccuracies inherent in mounting processes, it often occurs that the components of the cooling systems are installed in positions that deviate from the nominal design positions. In particular, the Applicant has verified that typically the cooling plates are not perfectly aligned and, consequently, the relevant connections to be connected do not lie on the same axis.

[0015] In such a situation, the Applicant has found that phenomena may occur wherein the structural integrity of the entire system may be affected. Specifically, the components that have demonstrated the greatest fragility are the afore-mentioned connectors, which do not allow the maintenance of the sealing at the connections of the cooling plates. This issue is particularly pronounced in the field of electrically driven vehicles, which are constantly subjected to accelerations due to the propulsion generated by the electric motor and / or to the asperities of the road surface on which the vehicle is moving.

[0016] In practice, the cooling plates can considerably deviate from their nominal positions and become misaligned, subjecting the connectors interposed to each other to mechanical stresses that impair their functionality and / or structural integrity.

[0017] Thus, the Applicant notes that in the field of cooling systems, and in particular in cooling systems for electrically driven vehicles, it is particularly felt the need for providing a connector that ensures an optimal sealing with the connections of the cooling plates even under misalignment conditions.

[0018] PURPOSE OF THE INVENTION

[0019] General purpose of the present invention is therefore to solve at least one of the drawbacks and / or limitations of the preceding solutions.

[0020] A purpose of the invention is to make available a sealing connector for cooling plates of a cooling system that presents an optimal behavior even in situations of inaccurate mounting of said cooling plates.

[0021] Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a sealing connector that allows to compensate for misalignments of the cooling plates between which it is interposed without affecting the sealing with the relevant inlet and / or outlet connections.

[0022] A further purpose of the present invention is to make available a sealing connector for cooling plates with a particularly solid structure, even in situations of excessive pressure (greater than 800 kPa).

[0023] Still another purpose of the present invention is to provide a sealing connector for cooling plates that ensures the maintenance of the sealing under both pressure conditions and vacuum conditions.

[0024] Another purpose of the present invention is to make available a sealing connector for cooling plates with the simple, rational and tribologically efficient structure.

[0025] A further purpose of the present invention is to describe a cost-competitive sealing connector for cooling plates. Still another purpose of the present invention is to provide a sealing connector for cooling plates with easy and intuitive installation.

[0026] A purpose of the present invention is also to describe a cooling system for at least one electrical / electronic component comprising said sealing connector device. In particular, purpose of the present invention is to provide a cooling system for at least one electrical / electronic component particularly solid even under imprecise mounting conditions of the cooling plates.

[0027] A further purpose of the present invention is to provide a cooling system for at least one electrical / electronic component wherein it is maintained the sealing among the various components even when the components are in positions other than their nominal positions.

[0028] Another purpose of the present invention is to make available a method of production of a sealing connector with simplified implementation.

[0029] One or more of the above indicated purposes are substantially reached by a sealing connector for cooling plates, by a cooling system for at least one electrical / electronic component comprising said sealing connector and by a method of production of said sealing connector according to one or more of the attached claims and / or of the following aspects.

[0030] SUMMARY

[0031] According to a first aspect the present invention refers to a sealing connector for two cooling plates. In particular, the present invention refers to a sealing connector for two cooling plates of a cooling system for at least one electrical / electronic component. Preferably, said at least one electrical / electronic component comprises at least one electric battery. More preferably, said at least one electric battery is configured to power an electric vehicle. In an aspect, said sealing connector comprises an inner sleeve having a substantially tubular conformation around a longitudinal axis. According to this aspect, said inner sleeve defines a channel that extends between a first opening and a second opening along said longitudinal axis. Specifically, said channel is configured to a transit of a coolant liquid between said first opening and said second opening.

[0032] In an aspect, said sealing connector comprises an outer casing wrapped around said inner sleeve and comprising at least two outer shells distinct and movable to each other. Specifically, said at least two outer shells are chained along said longitudinal axis. According to this aspect, each of said at least two outer shells is configured to externally wrap a longitudinal portion of said inner sleeve.

[0033] In the present document, with the term "chained” is intended that said at least two outer shells are arranged in series to each other, that is, side by side to each other without necessarily implying any kind of constraint or contact between pairs of adjacent outer shells. In other words, with the term "chained” is intended that said at least two outer shells are arranged in an orderly sequence along a main direction of development of the outer casing, but without implying any kind of constraint or physical connection between adjacent outer shells, except for the inner sleeve. In light of the above, in the present document, the term "chained” is to be considered synonymous with the expressions "arranged in series” and "side by side to each other along a direction”. In an aspect, said outer casing defines an outer complete and articulated envelope of said sealing connector, externally wrapping said inner sleeve substantially throughout a longitudinal development of said inner sleeve along said longitudinal axis.

[0034] It is pointed out that in the present document the terms "inner,” "internally,” "inward,” "inwards" and analogously the terms "outer,” "externally", "outward,” "outwards” are to be intended as referring to a radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis, that is, a direction lying on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and to a direction moving away from said longitudinal axis.

[0035] In an aspect, said inner sleeve is realized in rubbery material. Preferably, said inner sleeve is realized in elastomeric material.

[0036] In an aspect, said inner sleeve is realized in silicone rubber, such as for example VMQ.

[0037] In an aspect, said inner sleeve is realized in an elastomeric material, such as for example EPDM.

[0038] In an aspect, said outer casing is realized in plastic material. In particular, each of said at least two outer shells is realized in plastic material.

[0039] In an aspect, said at least two outer shells are realized in common plastic material. By way of example, said at least two shells can be realized in a material belonging to the polyamide family (PA).

[0040] In an aspect, said outer casing presents a longitudinal development along said longitudinal axis greater with respect to the longitudinal development of said inner sleeve.

[0041] In an aspect, said outer casing extends longitudinally beyond said first opening of said inner sleeve.

[0042] In an aspect, said outer casing defines a first insertion interface configured to receive in insertion an inlet connection or an outlet connection of one of said two cooling plates.

[0043] In an aspect, said first insertion interface is configured to receive in insertion an inlet connection or an outlet connection of one of said two cooling plates along a first axis. According to said aspect, said first axis coincides, in use, with a development axis of said inlet connection or said outlet connection inserted in said first insertion interface.

[0044] In an aspect, said outer casing extends longitudinally beyond said second opening of said inner sleeve.

[0045] In an aspect, said outer casing defines a second insertion interface configured to receive in insertion an inlet connection or an outlet connection of one of said two cooling plates.

[0046] In an aspect, said second insertion interface is configured to receive in insertion said inlet connection or said outlet connection of one of said two cooling plates along a second axis. According to said aspect, said second axis coincides, in use, with a development axis of said inlet connection or said outlet connection inserted in said second insertion interface.

[0047] In an aspect, said first axis and said second axis can coincide with each other, preferably coinciding with said longitudinal axis, or can differ from each other. In particular, said first axis and said second axis can be parallel to each other or can be inclined.

[0048] In an aspect, said inner sleeve is realized in flexible material for compensating a difference between said first axis and said second axis. In an aspect, said outer casing is configured to compensate said difference between said first axis and said second axis maintaining said inner sleeve entirely contained within it, that is, without exposing any portion of the inner sleeve outwards. According to said aspect, said at least two outer shells are movable to each other and are configured to allow said first axis and said second axis to have directions different from each other.

[0049] In an aspect, said sealing connector presents a substantially specular structure with respect to a symmetry plane. In particular, said symmetry plane is a plane orthogonal to said longitudinal axis. Said symmetry plane is configured to divide said sealing connector into two substantially identical longitudinal halves.

[0050] In an aspect, said inner sleeve presents a structure substantially symmetrical with respect to said symmetry plane.

[0051] In an aspect, said inner sleeve comprises a first ending portion, a second ending portion and a central portion, interposed longitudinally between said first ending portion and said second ending portion along said longitudinal axis. In particular, said central portion develops between said first ending portion and said second ending portion. Said first ending portion, said central portion and said second ending portion develop with continuity along said longitudinal axis.

[0052] In an aspect, said first ending portion and said second ending portion are arranged specularly with respect to said symmetry plane.

[0053] In an aspect, said first ending portion defines said first opening.

[0054] In an aspect, said second ending portion defines said second opening.

[0055] In an aspect, said inner sleeve comprises a first transition zone, at a contact zone between said first ending portion and said central portion, and a second transition zone, at a contact zone between said second ending portion and said central portion.

[0056] In an aspect, said first ending portion and said second ending portion present a substantially cylindrical conformation having a substantially constant outer diameter. Preferably, said first ending portion and said second ending portion present a substantially smooth outer surface.

[0057] In an aspect, said first ending portion and said second ending portion comprise each one at least one sealing lip on the relative inner surface. In particular, said at least one sealing lip emerges from the relative inner surface toward said longitudinal axis.

[0058] In an aspect, said at least one sealing lip develops circularly around said longitudinal axis on the relative inner surface.

[0059] In an aspect, said at least one sealing lip is configured to contact said inlet connection or said outlet connection of one of the two cooling plates and is configured to avoid the leakage of said coolant liquid between said inner sleeve and said inlet / outlet connection of one of the two cooling plates.

[0060] In an aspect, each of said first ending portion and said second ending portion comprises two sealing lips.

[0061] In an aspect, each sealing lip presents a tapered conformation. Specifically, at each sealing lip, said inner sleeve presents a decreasing inner diameter in direction of said symmetry plane.

[0062] In an aspect, said central portion is shaped as a shrinkage of said inner sleeve. In an aspect, said central portion of the inner sleeve presents an outer diameter lower with respect to an outer diameter of said first ending portion and of said second ending portion.

[0063] In an aspect, said central portion presents a symmetrical conformation with respect to said symmetry plane.

[0064] In an aspect, said outer diameter of the inner sleeve defines an increasing monotone function from said symmetry plane to said first transition zone and an increasing monotone function from said symmetry plane to said second transition zone. In other words, the outer diameter of the inner sleeve decreases from said first transition zone to said symmetry plane and increases from said symmetry plane to said second transition zone. In an aspect, said central portion of the inner sleeve presents an inner diameter that defines an increasing monotone function from said symmetry plane to said first transition zone and an increasing monotone function from said symmetry plane to said second transition zone. In other words, the inner diameter of the inner sleeve decreases from said first transition zone to said symmetry plane and increases from said symmetry plane to said second transition zone.

[0065] It should be noted that with the term "decreasing / increasing monotone function” is not intended a "strictly decreasing / increasing monotone function.” Therefore, embodiments wherein the inner diameter and / or the inner diameter of the central portion present constant sections are still to be considered included in the previous definitions and in the purpose of the present invention.

[0066] In an aspect, the inner sleeve presents a first shoulder on said outer surface at said first transition zone and a second shoulder on said outer surface at said second transition zone. In other words, at said first transition zone and of said second transition zone, the outer surface of said inner sleeve presents an abrupt change in diameter. In an aspect, said central portion comprises a middle segment having substantially tubular conformation. In particular, said middle segment presents a substantially smooth inner surface.

[0067] In an aspect, said at least two outer shells comprise a first shell and a second shell.

[0068] In an aspect, said first shell and said second shell present a structure substantially identical between them. In other words, said first shell is substantially equal to said second shell.

[0069] In an aspect, said first shell and said second shell are, in use, arranged specularly with respect to said symmetry plane of said sealing connector.

[0070] In an aspect, said first shell is configured to wrap said inner sleeve at least at said first opening.

[0071] In an aspect, said first shell is configured to wrap at least said first ending portion of the inner sleeve. Preferably, said first shell is configured to at least partially wrap also said central portion of the inner sleeve.

[0072] In an aspect, said first shell presents a substantially tubular shape and is configured to partially wrap said inner sleeve.

[0073] In an aspect, a maximum diameter of one outer surface of said first shell is lower than 50 mm.

[0074] In an aspect, said first shell extends along said longitudinal axis between a first central end and a first peripheral end.

[0075] In an aspect, said first shell defines, at said first peripheral end, said first insertion interface configured to receive in insertion the inlet connection or the outlet connection of one of said two cooling plates. In an aspect, said first shell comprises a first peripheral portion and a first central portion. Specifically, said first peripheral portion and said first central portion are longitudinally chained along said longitudinal axis and develop with continuity to each other to form said first shell.

[0076] In an aspect, said first peripheral portion defines said first peripheral end and said first central portion defines said first central end.

[0077] In an aspect, said first shell comprises at least one first ribbing.

[0078] In an aspect, said at least one first ribbing extends from the inner surface of said first shell.

[0079] In an aspect, said at least one first ribbing is positioned at said first peripheral portion.

[0080] In an aspect, said at least one first ribbing is arranged substantially at said first peripheral end and extends from the inner surface of the first shell toward said longitudinal axis. In other words, said at least one first ribbing represents a protuberance that extends from the inner surface of the first shell substantially at the first peripheral end.

[0081] In an aspect, said at least one first ribbing extends from the inner surface of the first peripheral portion moving away from said first peripheral end. According to this aspect, said at least one first ribbing does not extend perpendicularly to said longitudinal axis and the distance from said first peripheral end increases as the distance from the inner surface of the first shell increases. In use, said at least one first ribbing extends approaching said symmetry plane and is configured to guide the insertion of said inlet connection or said outlet connection of one of said two cooling plates. In other words, said at least one first ribbing acts as an invitation for the insertion of the input / output interfaces of the cooling plates.

[0082] In an aspect, said at least one first ribbing is configured to contact said inlet connection or said outlet connection. In other words, the inlet / outlet connection of the cooling plate inserted at the first insertion interface is contacted both by the sealing lip, that avoids the leakage of the coolant liquid, and by the first ribbing, which ensures a better structural stability to the sealing connector.

[0083] In an aspect, said at least one first ribbing is configured to contact said inner sleeve and avoid the slipping of said inner sleeve from said first insertion interface. In other words, said at least one first ribbing is configured to abut said inner sleeve at the first opening of the inner sleeve and acts as an anti-slipping stop for the inner sleeve so as to prevent its displacement and leakage from said first insertion interface.

[0084] In an aspect, said first shell comprises a plurality of first ribbings.

[0085] In an aspect, said plurality of first ribbings is angularly spaced around said longitudinal axis at said first peripheral end.

[0086] In an aspect, each first ribbing occupies an angular segment of the inner surface of the first shell at the first peripheral end. Preferably, said plurality of first ribbings is equispaced around said longitudinal axis.

[0087] In an aspect, said first shell comprises three first ribbings. Preferably, said first ribbings are equispaced around said longitudinal axis to form angles of 120° around said longitudinal axis with the first adjacent ribbings.

[0088] In an aspect, said first shell comprises a first relief.

[0089] In an aspect, said at least one first relief extends from the inner surface of said first shell.

[0090] In an aspect, said at least one first relief is positioned at said first central portion. In an aspect, said at least one first relief is arranged substantially at said first central end and extends from the inner surface of the first shell toward said longitudinal axis. In other words, said at least one first relief represents a protuberance that extends from the inner surface of the first shell substantially at the first central end.

[0091] In an aspect, said at least one first relief presents a tapered conformation. Specifically, at said at least one first relief, the inner diameter of the first shell increases by moving away from said first central end.

[0092] In an aspect, said at least one first relief is counter-shaped with respect to a longitudinal part of the central portion of the inner sleeve.

[0093] In an aspect, said at least one first relief is configured to operate a shape coupling with at least part of the central portion of the inner sleeve.

[0094] In an aspect, in an end thereof distal with respect to said first central end, said at least one first relief presents a shoulder. According to this aspect, said shoulder of the at least one first relief is configured to abut the first shoulder present in the first transition zone of the inner sleeve.

[0095] In an aspect, said first shell comprises a plurality of first reliefs.

[0096] In an aspect, said plurality of first reliefs is angularly spaced around said longitudinal axis at said first central end.

[0097] In an aspect, each first relief occupies an angular segment of the inner surface of the first shell at the first central end. Preferably, said plurality of first reliefs is equispaced around said longitudinal axis.

[0098] In an aspect, said first shell comprises three first reliefs. Preferably, said first reliefs are equispaced around said longitudinal axis to form angles of 120° around said longitudinal axis with the first adjacent reliefs.

[0099] In an aspect, said first reliefs occupy angular sections of the inner surface of the first shell wherein are not present said first ribbings. According to this aspect, said first reliefs occupy angular sections on the first central end where there are not present, on the first peripheral end, said first ribbings. Analogously, said first ribbings occupy angular sections on the first peripheral end there are not present, on the first central end, said first reliefs.

[0100] In an aspect, said first reliefs and said first ribbings are angularly arranged with a 1 to 1 alternation.

[0101] In an aspect, in an embodiment comprising three first ribbings and three first reliefs, each first ribbing occupies an angular section at the first peripheral end equal to 60° and is spaced from the first adjacent ribbings by angular sections equal to 60°. According to this aspect, each first relief occupies an angular section at the first central end equal to 60° and is spaced from the first adjacent reliefs by angular sections equal to 60°. The arrangement of the first reliefs on the first central end is offset by 60° with respect to the arrangement of the first ribbings on the first central end.

[0102] In an aspect, said second shell is configured to wrap said inner sleeve at least at said second opening.

[0103] In an aspect, said second shell is configured to wrap at least said second ending portion of the inner sleeve. Preferably, said second shell is configured to at least partially wrap also said central portion of the inner sleeve. In an aspect, said second shell presents a substantially tubular shape and is configured to partially wrap said inner sleeve.

[0104] In an aspect, a maximum diameter of an outer surface of said second shell is lower than 50 mm. In an aspect, said second shell extends along said longitudinal axis between a second central end and a second peripheral end.

[0105] In an aspect, said second shell defines, at said second peripheral end, said second insertion interface configured to receive in insertion an inlet connection or an outlet connection of one of said two cooling plates.

[0106] In an aspect, said second shell comprises a second peripheral portion and a second central portion. Specifically, said second peripheral portion and said second central portion are longitudinally chained along said longitudinal axis and develop with continuity to each other to form said second shell.

[0107] In an aspect, said second peripheral portion defines said second peripheral end and said second central portion defines said second central end.

[0108] In an aspect, said second shell comprises at least one second ribbing.

[0109] In an aspect, said at least one second ribbing extends from the inner surface of said second shell.

[0110] In an aspect, said at least one second ribbing is positioned at said second peripheral portion.

[0111] In an aspect, said at least one second ribbing is arranged substantially at said second peripheral end and extends from the inner surface of the second shell toward said longitudinal axis. In other words, said at least one second ribbing represents a protuberance that extends from the inner surface of the second shell substantially at the second peripheral end.

[0112] In an aspect, said at least one second ribbing extends from the inner surface of the second peripheral portion moving away from said second peripheral end. According to this aspect, said at least one second ribbing does not extend perpendicularly to said longitudinal axis and the distance from said second peripheral end increases as the distance from the inner surface of the second shell increases. In use, said at least one second ribbing extends approaching said symmetry plane and is configured to guide the insertion of an inlet connection or an outlet connection of one of said two cooling plates. In other words, said at least one second ribbing acts as an invitation for the insertion in the second insertion interface of the relative inlet connection or outlet connection of one of the two cooling plates.

[0113] In an aspect, said at least one second ribbing is configured to contact said inlet connection or said outlet connection. In other words, the inlet / outlet connection of the cooling plate inserted at the second insertion interface is contacted both by the sealing lip, that avoids the leakage of the coolant liquid, and by the second ribbing, which ensures a better structural stability to the sealing connector.

[0114] In an aspect, said at least one second ribbing is configured to contact said inner sleeve and avoid the slipping of said inner sleeve from said second insertion interface. In other words, said at least one second ribbing is configured to abut said inner sleeve at the second opening of the inner sleeve and acts as an anti-slipping stop for the inner sleeve so as to prevent its displacement and leakage from said second insertion interface.

[0115] In an aspect, said second shell comprises a plurality of second ribbings.

[0116] In an aspect, said plurality of second ribbings is angularly spaced around said longitudinal axis at said second peripheral end.

[0117] In an aspect, each second ribbing occupies an angular segment of the inner surface of the second shell at the second peripheral end. Preferably, said plurality of second ribbings is equispaced around said longitudinal axis. In an aspect, said second shell comprises three second ribbings. Preferably, said second ribbings are equispaced around said longitudinal axis to form angles of 120° around said longitudinal axis with the adjacent second ribbings.

[0118] In an aspect, said second shell comprises a second relief.

[0119] In an aspect, said at least one second relief extends from the inner surface of said second shell.

[0120] In an aspect, said at least one second relief is positioned at said second central portion.

[0121] In an aspect, said at least one second relief is arranged substantially at said second central end and extends from the inner surface of the second shell toward said longitudinal axis. In other words, said at least one second relief represents a protuberance that extends from the inner surface of the second shell substantially at the second central end.

[0122] In an aspect, said at least one second relief presents a tapered conformation. Specifically, at said at least one second relief, the inner diameter of the second shell increases by moving away from said second central end. In an aspect, said at least one second relief is counter-shaped with respect to a longitudinal part of the central portion of the inner sleeve.

[0123] In an aspect, said at least one second relief is configured to operate a shape coupling with at least part of the central portion of the inner sleeve.

[0124] In an aspect, in an end thereof distal with respect to said second central end, said at least one second relief presents a shoulder. According to this aspect, said shoulder of the at least one second relief is configured to abut the second shoulder present in the second transition zone of the inner sleeve.

[0125] In an aspect, said second shell comprises a plurality of second reliefs.

[0126] In an aspect, said plurality of second reliefs is angularly spaced around said longitudinal axis at said second central end.

[0127] In an aspect, each second relief occupies an angular segment of the inner surface of the second shell at the second central end. Preferably, said plurality of second reliefs is equispaced around said longitudinal axis.

[0128] In an aspect, said second shell comprises three second reliefs. Preferably, said second reliefs are equispaced around said longitudinal axis to form angles of 120° around said longitudinal axis with the adjacent second reliefs.

[0129] In an aspect, said second reliefs occupy angular sections of the inner surface of the second shell wherein are not present said second ribbings. According to this aspect, said second reliefs occupy angular sections on the second central end where there are not present, on the second peripheral end, said second ribbings. Analogously, said second ribbings occupy angular sections on the second peripheral end where there are not present, on the second central end, said second reliefs.

[0130] In an aspect, said second reliefs and said second ribbings are angularly arranged with a 1 to 1 alternation.

[0131] In an aspect, in an embodiment comprising three second ribbings and three second reliefs, each second ribbing occupies an angular section at the second peripheral end equal to 60° and is spaced from the adjacent second ribbings by angular sections equal to 60°. According to this aspect, each second relief occupies an angular section at the second central end equal to 60° and is spaced from the second adjacent reliefs by angular sections equal to 60°. The arrangement of the second reliefs on the second central end is offset by 60° with respect to the arrangement of the second ribbings on the second central end.

[0132] In an aspect, said at least two outer shells comprise a third shell.

[0133] In an aspect, said third shell is interposed between said first shell and said second shell. According to said aspect, said outer casing is composed by the chaining of said first shell, said third shell and said second shell along said longitudinal axis.

[0134] In an aspect, said third shell is configured to at least partially wrap said central portion of the inner sleeve. According to this aspect, said third shell is shaped as a tubular sleeve.

[0135] In an aspect, said third shell comprises, on the relative outer surface, a pair of annular ribs. Specifically, said pair of annular ribs develop on the outer surface of said third shell around said longitudinal axis.

[0136] In an aspect, said pair of annular ribs is arranged at the longitudinal ends of said third shell. In particular, each of the annular ribs is positioned at a longitudinal end of the third shell along said longitudinal axis.

[0137] In an aspect, said annular ribs are configured to act as a guide for a relative movement of said first shell and / or said second shell with respect to said third shell. In particular, said annular ribs define sliding surfaces for the translation of said first shell and said second shell during the operations of misalignment compensation between said first axis and said second axis.

[0138] In an aspect, said inner sleeve and said third shell are co-moulded.

[0139] In another aspect, the present invention refers also to a cooling system for at least one electrical / electronic component.

[0140] In an aspect, said at least one electrical / electronic component comprises at least one electric battery. Preferably, said at least one electric battery is configured to power an electric vehicle.

[0141] According to the embodiment, said at least one electric battery can comprise a cylindrical battery or a prismatic battery or any other known typology of electric battery.

[0142] In an aspect, said cooling system comprises at least two cooling plates. In an aspect, said at least two cooling plates are arranged at a distance to each other and are configured to house said at least one electrical / electronic component in a space defined therebetween.

[0143] In an aspect, said at least two cooling plates are configured to be affected by a coolant liquid.

[0144] In an aspect, said at least two cooling plates are operatively active on said at least one electrical / electronic component and are configured to exchange heat with said at least one electrical / electronic component. Specifically, said at least two cooling plates are configured to withdraw heat from said at least one electrical / electronic component and, consequently, to cool said at least one electrical / electronic component.

[0145] In an aspect, said cooling system comprises at least one sealing connector according to at least one of the previously introduced aspects. Specifically, said at least one sealing connector is interposed between said at least two cooling plates.

[0146] In an aspect, said at least one sealing connector is configured to put in fluid communication said at least two cooling plates so as to allow an exchange of said coolant liquid. In an aspect, said cooling system comprises temperature and / or pressure treatment means of said coolant liquid. According to this aspect, said temperature and / or pressure treatment means comprising at least one among a compressor, an evaporator, a radiator and / or an expander.

[0147] In an aspect, said cooling system comprises a plurality of ducts configured to interconnect said at least two cooling plates and said temperature and / or pressure treatment means so as to realize a closed circuit.

[0148] In an aspect, each cooling plate comprises an inner cavity, i.e. each cooling plate is internally hollow. Said inner cavity is configured to be affected by said coolant liquid.

[0149] In an aspect, said cavity is at least partially defined by a heat exchange wall. Said heat exchange wall is configured to transfer heat between said at least one electrical / electronic component and said coolant liquid.

[0150] In an aspect, each cooling plate comprises at least one inlet connection and at least one outlet connection. Said at least one inlet connection and said at least one outlet connection are in fluid communication with said cavity. In an aspect, said at least one inlet connection and said at least one outlet connection are configured to be received in said at least one sealing connector. In particular, said at least one inlet connection and said at least one outlet connection are configured to be inserted in said first insertion interface and / or in said second insertion interface of the sealing connector.

[0151] In an aspect, said inlet connection is configured to receive said coolant liquid in insertion to the relative cooling plate and to send said coolant liquid to said cavity.

[0152] In an aspect, said outlet connection is configured to receive said coolant liquid from said cavity and to send said coolant liquid in outlet from the relative cooling plate.

[0153] In an aspect, said at least one inlet connection and said at least one outlet connection present a tubular conformation.

[0154] In another aspect, the present invention refers also to a method of production of a sealing connector for two cooling plates of a cooling system for at least one electrical / electronic component. In particular, the present invention refers to a method of production of a sealing connector according to one or more of the preceding aspects.

[0155] In an aspect, said method of production comprises the steps of:

[0156] - producing a flexible inner sleeve having a substantially tubular conformation around a longitudinal axis, wherein said inner sleeve defines a channel, extending between a first opening and a second opening, configured for a transit of a coolant liquid;

[0157] - producing at least two outer shells, different between them, in plastic material;

[0158] - fitting said at least two outer shells around said inner sleeve so that they are chained along said longitudinal axis and substantially in contact so as to generate an outer casing which defines an outer complete and articulated envelope of said sealing connector, externally wrapping said inner sleeve substantially throughout a longitudinal development of said inner sleeve along said longitudinal axis.

[0159] In an aspect, said step of producing at least two outer shells provide for producing a first shell and a second shell substantially identical between them. According to this aspect, said step of fitting said at least two outer shells around said inner sleeve provide for fitting said first shell at said first opening and said second shell at said second opening.

[0160] In an aspect, said step of producing at least two outer shells provide for producing a third shell destined, in use, to be interposed between said first shell and said second shell along said longitudinal axis.

[0161] In an aspect, said third shell is co-moulded with said inner sleeve.

[0162] Additional characteristics and advantages will result more from the detailed description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment, of a sealing connector for cooling plates, a cooling system for at least one electrical / electronic component and a method of production of said sealing connector, according to the present invention.

[0163] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0164] Some embodiments and some aspects of the invention will be described below with reference to the attached figures, which are provided for illustrative purposes only and therefore are non-limiting wherein:

[0165] - figures 1 -3 are a perspective view, a front plane view and a sectional view of the sealing connector according to the present invention according to a first embodiment;

[0166] - figure 4 represents an exploded view of the sealing connector of figure 1 ;

[0167] - figures 5-7 are a perspective view, a front plane view and a sectional view of a component of the sealing connector of figure 1 ;

[0168] - figures 8-10 are two different perspective views and a sectional view of a further component of the sealing connector of figure 1 ;

[0169] - figures 11-13 are a perspective view, a front plane view and a sectional view of the sealing connector according to the present invention according to a second embodiment;

[0170] - figure 14 represents an exploded view of the sealing connector of figure 11 ;

[0171] - figures 15-17 are a perspective view, a front plane view and a sectional view of a component of the sealing connector of figure 11 ;

[0172] - figures 18-20 are a perspective view, a front plane view and a sectional view of a further component of the sealing connector of figure 11 ;

[0173] - figure 21 is a perspective view of a cooling system according to the present invention according to a first embodiment;

[0174] - figures 22 and 23 are two sectional views of a detail of the cooling system of figure 21 according to two different configurations;

[0175] - figure 24 is a perspective view of a cooling system according to the present invention according to a second embodiment;

[0176] - figures 25 and 26 are two sectional views of a detail of the cooling system of figure 24 according to two different configurations. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0177] It should be noted that in the present detailed description corresponding parts shown in the various figures are indicated by the same numerical references. Figures may show the object of the invention by means of representations that are not to scale; therefore, parts and components shown in figures related to the object of the invention could relate only to schematic representations.

[0178] With reference to the attached figures it has been overall represented with reference 100 a sealing connector. In particular, the present description has as its object a sealing connector 100 for two cooling plates 200, 300 of a cooling system S for at least one electrical / electronic component B, as schematically shown in figures 21- 26.

[0179] In the following description reference will be made to said at least one electrical / electronic component B in the form of at least one electric battery. This reference is to be intended by way of example and absolutely nonlimiting thereto, as the sealing connector 100 according to the present invention can be used for connecting two cooling plates in the context of a cooling system of at least one generic electrical / electronic component B. In particular, the object of the present description can be applied in the context of maintaining the temperature of general components, preferably electrical / electronic components whose temperature must be controlled in order to ensure a proper and safe operation.

[0180] In view of the above, said at least one electrical / electronic component B comprises at least one electric battery B. Preferably, said at least one electric battery B is an electric battery configured to power an electric vehicle.

[0181] It is noted from the very beginning that two different embodiments of the sealing connector 100 are shown in the attached figures, both of them being part of the inventive concept at the basis of the present description: a first embodiment shown in figures 1-10 and 21-23, and a second embodiment shown in figures 11-20 and 24- 26. As apparent from figures, the two embodiments differ in their general conformation and in the number of elements that compose the sealing connector 100. Specifically, the first embodiment presents a more compact conformation while the second embodiment presents an additional component. Where not explicitly stated, what is stated below is to be intended as referring to both embodiments.

[0182] According to what is clearly shown in the attached figures, said sealing connector 100 comprises an inner sleeve 1. As shown in figures 5-7 and 15-17, said inner sleeve 1 presents a substantially tubular conformation around a longitudinal axis Y. Specifically, said inner sleeve 1 defines a channel 10 that extends between a first opening 11 and a second opening 12 along said longitudinal axis Y. In use, said channel 10 is configured to a transit of a coolant liquid between said first opening 11 and said second opening 12.

[0183] Furthermore, the sealing connector 100 comprises an outer casing 2 wrapped around said inner sleeve 1. As shown in sections figures 3 and 13, said outer casing 2 comprises at least two outer shells 3, 4, 5 chained along said longitudinal axis Y. In particular, said at least two outer shells 3, 4, 5 are distinct and movable to each other. Each of said at least two outer shells 3, 4, 5 is configured to externally wrap a longitudinal portion of said inner sleeve 1 .

[0184] In the present description, the terms "inner,” "internally,” "interior,” "inwards" and analogously the terms "outer,” "externally”, "exterior,” "outwards” are to be intended as referring to a direction radial with respect to the longitudinal axis Y, that is, a direction lying in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and to a direction moving away from said longitudinal axis.

[0185] Said outer casing 2 defines an outer complete and articulated envelope of said sealing connector. Specifically, said outer casing 2 externally wraps said inner sleeve 1 substantially throughout a longitudinal development of said inner sleeve 1 along said longitudinal axis Y. As clearly shown for example in figures 1 -3 and 11-13, the outer casing 2 entirely wraps the inner sleeve 1 , leaving substantially no portion of the inner sleeve itself exposed to the outer.

[0186] As it will be clearer below, the presence of two or more distinct and movable outer shells to constitute the outer casing 2, allows the sealing connector 100 to be able to compensate for any misalignments between the cooling plates 200, 300 including the sealing connector itself is interposed while maintaining the inner sleeve 1 entirely contained within the outer casing 2, without exposing any portion of it outwards. In other words, the complete and articulated envelope defined by said outer casing 2 ensures a compensation of misalignments between the cooling plates 200, 300 while keeping the sealing connector 100 structurally solid.

[0187] Preferably, said at least two outer shells 3, 4, 5 are substantially in contact to each other, that is the distance between two longitudinally adjacent outer shells is negligible with respect to the longitudinal development of the outer casing 2. In particular, said at least two outer shells 3, 4, 5 are relatively movable to each other transversely to said longitudinal axis Y, that is, through substantial sliding of a shell on the adjacent shell, or by means of relative rotation of a shell relatively to the adjacent shell.

[0188] Said inner sleeve 1 is realized in rubbery material. Preferably, said inner sleeve 1 is realized in elastomeric material. In an embodiment, said inner sleeve 1 is realized in silicone rubber, such as for example VMQ. In another embodiment, said inner sleeve 1 is realized in an elastomeric material, such as for example EPDM.

[0189] Said outer casing 2 is realized in plastic material. In particular, each of said at least two outer shells 3, 4, 5 is realized in plastic material. In an embodiment, said at least two outer shells 3, 4, 5 are realized in common plastic material. By way of example, said at least two shells 3, 4, 5 can be realized in a material belonging to the polyamide family (PA).

[0190] According to what is shown in the sectional views of figures 3 and 13, said outer casing 2 presents a longitudinal development along said longitudinal axis Y greater with respect to the longitudinal development of said inner sleeve 1 .

[0191] At a longitudinal end, said outer casing 2 longitudinally extends beyond said first opening 11 of said inner sleeve 1 and defines a first insertion interface 21. As shown in figures 21-26, said first insertion interface 21 is configured, in use, to receive in insertion an inlet connection 201 , 301 or an outlet connection 202, 302 of one of said two cooling plates 200, 300. In particular, said first insertion interface 21 is configured to receive in insertion an inlet connection 201 , 301 or an outlet connection 202, 302 of one of said two cooling plates 200, 300 along a first axis A1. Said first axis A1 coincides, in use, with a development axis of said inlet connection 201 , 301 or said outlet connection 202, 302 inserted in said first insertion interface 21. With reference to the embodiment of figures 21-26, said first insertion interface 21 receives the inlet connection 201 of the cooling plate 200. At another longitudinal end, opposed to the preceding one, said outer casing 2 longitudinally extends beyond said second opening 12 of said inner sleeve 1. As shown in figures 21-26, said outer casing 2 defines a second insertion interface 22 configured to receive in insertion a different inlet connection 201 , 301 or outlet connection 202, 302 of one of said two cooling plates 200, 300. In particular, said second insertion interface 22 is configured to receive in insertion said inlet connection 201 , 301 or said outlet connection 202, 302 of one of said two cooling plates 200, 300 along a second axis A2. In use, the second axis A2 coincides with a development axis of said inlet connection 201 , 301 or said outlet connection 202, 302 inserted in said second insertion interface 22. With reference to the embodiment of figures 21-26, said second insertion interface 22 receives the outlet connection 302 of the cooling plate 300.

[0192] As shown in the views of the sections 22 and 25, said first axis A1 and said second axis A2 can coincide with each other, preferably coinciding with said longitudinal axis Y, or, as shown in the views of the sections 23 and 26, said first axis A1 and said second axis A2 can differ from each other. In particular, said first axis A1 and said second axis A2 can be parallel to each other or can be inclined. In the situation of figures 22 and 25, the cooling plates 200, 300 are aligned to each other while, in the situation of figures 23 and 26, the cooling plates 200, 300 are misaligned to each other.

[0193] In this sense, said inner sleeve 1 is realized in flexible material for compensating a difference between said first axis A1 and said second axis A2. Analogously, said at least two outer shells 3, 4, 5 are movable to each other and are configured to allow said first axis A1 and said second axis A2 to have directions different from each other. In particular, said outer casing 2 is configured to compensate said difference between said first axis A1 and said second axis A2 maintaining said inner sleeve 1 entirely contained within it, that is, without exposing any portion of the inner sleeve outwards.

[0194] Figures 22 and 25 show a nominal resting condition of the sealing connector 100 when it is interposed between two cooling plates 200, 300. In this situation, the first axis A1 and the second axis A2 substantially coincide with the longitudinal axis Y and all the components of the sealing connector 100 are aligned. Also the inlet connections 201 , 301 and the outlet connections 202, 302 result aligned to each other along said longitudinal axis. It should be noted, that in said resting condition, the sealing connector 100 presents a structure substantially specular with respect to a symmetry plane Z. In particular, said symmetry plane is a plane orthogonal to said longitudinal axis Y and is configured to divide said sealing connector into two substantially identical longitudinal halves.

[0195] Figures 23 and 26 show a condition of misalignment between the cooling plates 200, 300. In particular, due to the misalignment between the cooling plates 200, 300, the first axis A1 and the second axis A2 do not lie on the same axis, that is on the longitudinal axis Y. Consequently, in order to maintain the connection between the cooling plates, also the sealing connector 100 deforms with respect to the resting condition. In particular, being flexible, the inner sleeve 1 plastically deforms while the outer shells 3, 4, 5 of said outer casing 2, which constitutes the outer complete and articulated envelope, dislocate to each other to follow the plastic deformation of the inner sleeve 1 , while always keeping it within it without exposing any portion of it outwards. In this way, the sealing connector 100 allows to maintain the cooling plates 200, 300 in fluid communication, without damaging it and without compromising the sealing with the inlet connections 201 , 301 and / or the outlet connections 202, 302.

[0196] In figures 5-7 and 15-17 is shown in detail the inner sleeve 1. As shown, said inner sleeve 1 comprises a first ending portion 13, a second ending portion 14 and a central portion 15, interposed longitudinally between said first ending portion 13 and said second ending portion 14 along said longitudinal axis Y. Specifically, said first ending portion 13, said central portion 15 and said second ending portion 14 develop with continuity along said longitudinal axis Y to form the inner sleeve 1 , wherein said central portion 15 represents the middle portion which develops between said first ending portion 13 and said second ending portion 14.

[0197] Preferably, said inner sleeve 1 presents a structure substantially symmetrical with respect to said symmetry plane Z. Specifically, said first ending portion 13 and said second ending portion 14 are arranged specularly with respect to said symmetry plane Z.

[0198] As shown in sections of figures 6 and 16, said first ending portion 13 defines said first opening 11 and said second ending portion 14 defines said second opening 12. Furthermore, said inner sleeve 1 comprises a first transition zone, at a contact zone between said first ending portion 13 and said central portion 15, and a second transition zone, at a contact zone between said second ending portion 14 and said central portion 15.

[0199] In the shown embodiments, said first ending portion 13 and said second ending portion 14 present a substantially cylindrical conformation having a substantially constant outer diameter. Still preferably, said first ending portion 13 and said second ending portion 14 present a substantially smooth outer surface.

[0200] At the relative inner surface, said first ending portion 13 and said second ending portion 14 comprise each at least one sealing lip 16. As shown in sections of figures 6 and 16, said at least one sealing lip 16 emerges from the relative inner surface toward said longitudinal axis Y. Preferably, said at least one sealing lip 16 develops circularly around said longitudinal axis Y on the relative inner surface.

[0201] Specifically, said at least one sealing lip 16 is configured to contact said inlet connection 201 , 301 or said outlet connection 202, 302 of one of the two cooling plates 200, 300 and is configured to avoid the leakage of said coolant liquid between said inner sleeve 1 and the relative inlet / outlet connection of one of the two cooling plates.

[0202] Advantageously, the arrangement of the at least one sealing lip 16 is not affected during the plastic deformation of the inner sleeve 1. In fact, as shown in figures 23 and 26, the plastic deformation of the inner sleeve 1 substantially affects only the central portion 15, where it is not present the at least one sealing lip 16. Therefore, sealing areas are not affected by the movements necessary to compensate for any misalignment between the first axis A1 and the second axis A2.

[0203] In the shown embodiments, each of said first ending portion 13 and said second ending portion 14 comprises two sealing lips.

[0204] In said embodiments, each sealing lip 16 presents a tapered conformation. Specifically, at each sealing lip 16, the inner sleeve 1 presents an inner diameter decreasing in direction of said symmetry plane Z. In other words, at each sealing lip 16, the inner diameter of the inner sleeve 1 decreases as the distance from the symmetry plane Z decreases, that is moving away from the relative first / second opening 11 / 12. Advantageously, the conformation of said sealing lips 16 ensures to maintain a better sealing with the corresponding inlet connection 201 , 301 or outlet connection 202, 303. Furthermore, the conformation of said sealing lips ensures to maintain the sealing with the inlet / outlet connections of the cooling plates 200, 300 also under vacuum conditions.

[0205] Preferably, said central portion 15 is shaped as a shrinkage of said inner sleeve 1. Specifically, said central portion 15 presents an outer diameter lower with respect to an outer diameter of said first ending portion 13 and of said second ending portion 14.

[0206] Still preferably, said central portion 15 presents a symmetrical conformation with respect to said symmetry plane Z.

[0207] In the shown embodiments, said outer diameter of the inner sleeve 15 defines an increasing monotone function from said symmetry plane Z to said first transition zone and an increasing monotone function from said symmetry plane to said second transition zone Z. In other words, the outer diameter of the inner sleeve 1 decreases from said first transition zone to said symmetry plane Z and increases from said symmetry plane Z to said second transition zone.

[0208] Analogously, said central portion 15 presents an inner diameter that defines an increasing monotone function from said symmetry plane Z to said first transition zone and an increasing monotone function from said symmetry plane Z to said second transition zone. In other words, the inner diameter of the inner sleeve 1 decreases from said first transition zone to said symmetry plane Z and increases from said symmetry plane Z to said second transition zone.

[0209] It should be noted that with the term "decreasing / increasing monotone function” is not intended a "strictly decreasing / increasing monotone function.” Therefore, also embodiments as the one of figures 11-20 and 24- 26, wherein the inner diameter and / or the inner diameter of the central portion 15 present constant sections are still to be considered included in the previous definitions and in the scope of the present invention.

[0210] In the shown embodiments, the inner sleeve 1 presents, on the relative outer surface, a first shoulder 17 at said first transition zone and a second shoulder 18 at said second transition zone. In other words, at said first transition zone and at said second transition zone, the outer surface of said inner sleeve 1 presents an abrupt change in diameter.

[0211] In the embodiment of figures 11-20 and 24-26, said central portion 15 comprises a middle segment 15A having substantially tubular conformation. In particular, said middle segment 15A presents a substantially smooth inner surface, that is presents an inner diameter substantially constant throughout the relative longitudinal development.

[0212] As shown in figures 8-10 and 18-20, said at least two outer shells 3, 4, 5 of said outer casing 2 comprise a first shell 3 and a second shell 4. It should be noted that, in the first embodiment of figures 1-10 and 21-23, said outer casing 2 is entirely constituted by only the first shell 3 and second shell 4 while, in the second embodiment of figures 11-20 and 24-26, the outer casing 2 is only partially defined by said first shell 3 and said second shell 4, as it is present an additional element that will be described below. It should be noted that the first shell 3 and the second shell 4 of the first embodiment are substantially identical to the first shell 3 and to the second shell 4 present in the second embodiment.

[0213] As shown in the exploded views of figures 4 and 14, said first shell 3 and said second shell 4 present a structure substantially identical between them. In other words, said first shell 3 is substantially equal to said second shell 4. Therefore, what is stated below with respect to the first shell 3 is valid, with the due differences, also for the second shell 4.

[0214] According to the sections of figures 3 and 13, said first shell 3 and said second shell 4 are, in use, arranged specularly with respect to said symmetry plane Z of said sealing connector. In particular, said first shell 3 is configured to wrap said inner sleeve 1 at least at said first opening 11 and said second shell 4 is configured to wrap said inner sleeve 1 at least at said second opening 12. More specifically, said first shell 3 is configured to wrap at least said first ending portion 13 of the inner sleeve 1 and said second shell 4 is configured to wrap at least said second ending portion 14 of the inner sleeve 1. Preferably, said first shell 3 and said second shell 4 are configured to at least partially wrap also said central portion 15 of the inner sleeve 1 .

[0215] In the shown embodiments, said first shell 3 and said second shell 4 present a substantially tubular shape and are configured to partially wrap said inner sleeve 1. Preferably, a maximum diameter of an outer surface of said first shell 3 and said second shell 4 is lower than 50 mm.

[0216] As shown in figures 8-10, said first shell 3 extends along said longitudinal axis X between a first central end 31 and a first peripheral end 32.

[0217] In particular, said first shell 3 defines, at said first peripheral end 32, said first insertion interface 21 configured to receive in insertion the inlet connection 201 , 301 or the outlet connection 202, 302 of one of said two cooling plates 200, 300. Analogously, the second shell 4 defines, at a relative second peripheral end, said second insertion interface 22.

[0218] As shown in figure 8, said first shell 3 comprises a first central portion 33 and a first peripheral portion 34. Specifically, said first central portion 33 and said first peripheral portion 34 are chained longitudinally along said longitudinal axis X and develop with continuity to each other to form said first shell 3. In particular, said first central portion 33 defines said first central end 31 and said first peripheral portion 34 defines said first peripheral end 32.

[0219] Preferably, said first shell 3 comprises at least one first ribbing 35. As shown in section of figure 10, said at least one first ribbing 35 extends from the inner surface of said first shell 3.

[0220] Preferably, said at least one first ribbing 35 is positioned at said first peripheral portion 34. Specifically, said at least one first ribbing 35 is arranged substantially at said first peripheral end 32 and extends from the inner surface of the first shell 3 toward said longitudinal axis Y. In other words, said at least one first ribbing 35 represents a protuberance that extends from the inner surface of the first shell 3 substantially at the first peripheral end 32.

[0221] Still preferably, said at least one first ribbing 35 extends from the inner surface of the first peripheral portion 34 moving away from said first peripheral end 32. More in detail, as shown clearly in figure 10, said at least one first ribbing 35 does not extend perpendicularly to said longitudinal axis Y and the distance from said first peripheral end 32 increases as the distance from the inner surface of the first shell 3 increases. In use, said at least one first ribbing 35 extends approaching said symmetry plane Y and is configured to guide the insertion of said inlet connection 201 , 301 or said outlet connection 202, 302 of one of said two cooling plates 200, 300. In other words, said at least one first ribbing 35 acts as an invitation for the insertion of the input / output interfaces of the cooling plates. In use, said at least one first ribbing 35 is also configured to contact said inlet connection 201 , 301 or said outlet connection 202, 302. In other words, the inlet / outlet connection of the cooling plate inserted at the first insertion interface 21 is contacted both by the sealing lip 16, that avoids the leakage of the coolant liquid, and by the first ribbing 35, which ensures a better structural stability to the sealing connector 100. In addition, said at least one first ribbing 35 is preferably configured to abut said inner sleeve 11 and avoid the slipping of said inner sleeve 1 from said first insertion interface 21 . In other words, said at least one first ribbing 35 is configured to abut said inner sleeve 1 at the first opening 11 and acts as an anti-slipping stop for the inner sleeve 1 so as to prevent its displacement and leakage from said first insertion interface 21.

[0222] In a preferred embodiment, said first shell 3 comprises a plurality of first ribbings 35. Particularly, said plurality of first ribbings 35 is angularly spaced around said longitudinal axis Y at said first peripheral end 32. Specifically, each first ribbing 35 occupies an angular segment of the inner surface of the first shell 3 at the first peripheral end 32. Preferably, said plurality of first ribbings 35 is equispaced around said longitudinal axis Y.

[0223] In the embodiment shown in the attached figures, said first shell 3 comprises three first ribbings 35. Preferably, said first ribbings 35 are equispaced around said longitudinal axis Y to form angles of 120° around said longitudinal axis Y with the first adjacent ribbings.

[0224] Preferably, said first shell 3 comprises a first relief 36. As shown in figure 10, said at least one first relief 36 extends from the inner surface of said first shell 3.

[0225] Preferably, said at least one first relief 36 is positioned at said first central portion 33. Specifically, said at least one first relief 36 is arranged substantially at said first central end 31 and extends from the inner surface of the first shell 3 toward said longitudinal axis X. In other words, said at least one first relief 36 represents a protuberance that extends from the inner surface of the first shell 3 substantially at the first central end 31 .

[0226] In the shown embodiment, said at least one first relief 36 presents a tapered conformation. Specifically, at said at least one first relief 36, the inner diameter of the first shell 3 increases by moving away from said first central end 31.

[0227] As shown in figures 3 and 13, said at least one first relief 36 is counter-shaped with respect to a longitudinal part of the central portion 15 of the inner sleeve 1. Specifically, said at least one first relief 36 is configured to operate a shape coupling with at least part of the central portion 15 of the inner sleeve 1 .

[0228] Preferably, as shown in the section of figure 10, in an end thereof distal with respect to said first central end 31 , said at least one first relief 36 presents a shoulder 36A configured to abut the first shoulder 17 present in the first transition zone of the inner sleeve 1 (see sections of figures 3 and 13).

[0229] In a preferred embodiment, said first shell 3 comprises a plurality of first reliefs 36. In particular, said plurality of first reliefs 36 is angularly spaced around said longitudinal axis Y at said first central end 31 and each first relief 36 occupies an angular segment of the inner surface of the first shell 3 at the first central end 31. Preferably, said plurality of first reliefs 36 is equispaced around said longitudinal axis Y.

[0230] In the embodiment shown in the attached figures, said first shell 3 comprises three first reliefs 36. Preferably, said first reliefs 36 are equispaced around said longitudinal axis Y to form angles of 120° around said longitudinal axis Y with the adjacent first reliefs.

[0231] Preferably, as shown in figures 8-10, said first reliefs 36 occupy angular sections of the inner surface of the first shell 3 wherein are not present said first ribbings 35. Particularly, said first reliefs 36 occupy angular sections on the first central end 31 where there are not present, on the first peripheral end 32, said first ribbings 35. Analogously, said first ribbings 35 occupy angular sections on the first peripheral end 32 where there are not present, on the first central end 31 , said first reliefs 36. In other words, said first reliefs 35 and said first ribbings 36 are angularly arranged with a 1 to 1 alternation.

[0232] In the shown embodiment, comprising three first ribbings 35 and three first reliefs 36, each first ribbing 35 occupies an angular section at the first peripheral end 32 equal to 60° and is spaced from the first ribbings adjacent by angular sections equal to 60°. Analogously, each first relief 36 occupies an angular section at the first central end 31 equal to 60° and is spaced from the first reliefs adjacent by angular sections equal to 60°. The arrangement of the first reliefs 36 on the first central end 31 is offset by 60° with respect to the arrangement of the first ribbings 35 on the first central end 32.

[0233] In the embodiment of figures 11-20 and 24-26, said at least two outer shells 3, 4, 5 comprise a third shell 5, shown isolated from the other components of the sealing connector 100 in figures 18-20. As shown, said third shell 5 is interposed between said first shell 3 and said second shell 4 so that said outer casing 2 is composed by the chaining of said first shell 3, said third shell 5 and said second shell along said longitudinal axis Y.

[0234] As shown in figure 13, said third shell 5 is shaped as a tubular sleeve and is configured to at least partially wrap said central portion 15 of the inner sleeve 1 .

[0235] Preferably, said third shell 5 comprises, on the relative outer surface, a pair of annular ribs 51 , 52. Specifically, said pair of annular ribs 51 , 52 develop on the outer surface of said third shell 5 around said longitudinal axis Y. Particularly, said pair of annular ribs 51 , 52 is arranged at the longitudinal ends of said third shell 5. In particular, each of the annular ribs is positioned at a longitudinal end of the third shell along said longitudinal axis Y.

[0236] Said annular ribs 51 , 52 are configured to act as a guide for a relative movement of said first shell 3 and / or said second shell 4 with respect to said third shell 5. In particular, as shown in figure 26, said annular ribs 51 , 52 define sliding surfaces for the translation of said first shell 3 and said second shell 4 during the operations of misalignment compensation between said first axis A1 and said second axis A2.

[0237] In a preferred embodiment, said inner sleeve 1 and said third shell 5 are co-moulded.

[0238] The present description has also as its object a cooling system S for at least one electrical / electronic component B, schematically shown in figures 21-26. In particular, said at least one electrical / electronic component comprises at least one electric battery B, preferably at least one electric battery to power an electric vehicle. According to the embodiment, said at least one battery B can comprise a cylindrical battery or a prismatic battery or any other known typology of electric battery. In shown figures, said at least one battery B is shown as a cylindrical battery.

[0239] Said cooling system S comprises at least two cooling plates 200, 300. In the embodiments of figures 21-26, the cooling system S comprises only two cooling plates 200, 300 but embodiments comprising pluralities of cooling plates are to be considered included in the scope of the present description.

[0240] As shown in figures 21 and 24, said cooling plates 200, 300 are arranged at a distance to each other and are configured to house said at least one electric battery B in a space defined therebetween. In fact, as shown in figures 21 and 24, said cooling plates 200, 300 are parallel to each other and said at least one electric battery B is housed in the space defined between them.

[0241] Furthermore, said at least two cooling plates 200,300 are configured to be affected by a coolant liquid. In particular, said cooling plates 200, 300 are operatively active on said at least one electric battery B and are configured to exchange heat with said at least one electric battery B. More in detail, said cooling plates 200, 300 are configured to withdraw heat from said at least one electric battery B and, consequently, to cool said at least one electric battery B.

[0242] According to what is shown, the cooling system S comprises at least one sealing connector 100 analogous to what is previously described. Specifically, said at least one sealing connector 100 is interposed between said at least two cooling plates 200, 300 and is configured to put in fluid communication two adjacent cooling plates so as to allow an exchange of said coolant liquid. It should be noted that the cooling system S of figures 21-23 differs from the cooling system S of figures 24-26 for the embodiment of the adopted sealing connector 100. Particularly, the cooling system of figures 21-23 adopts two sealing connectors 100 in the embodiment of figures

[0243] I-10, while the cooling system of figures 24-26 adopts two sealing connectors 100 in the embodiment of figures

[0244] I I-20.

[0245] According to what is shown in figures 21 and 24, said cooling system S comprises temperature and / or pressure treatment means 400 of said coolant liquid. Preferably, said temperature and / or pressure treatment means 400 comprising at least one among a compressor, an evaporator, a radiator and / or an expander. In particular, said temperature and / or pressure treatment means 400 comprise one or more components necessary for operating a thermal cycle on the coolant liquid. Specifically, said temperature and / or pressure treatment means 400 are configured to cool the coolant liquid heated in outlet from the cooling plates 200, 300 before proceeding to a new delivery to the cooling plates themselves.

[0246] In addition, said cooling system S comprises a plurality of ducts 500 configured to interconnect said at least two cooling plates 200, 300 and said temperature and / or pressure treatment means 400 so as to realize a closed circuit. Preferably, said cooling system S comprises one or more pumps active on said closed circuit to allow the circulation of the coolant liquid.

[0247] As shown in figures 22-23 and 25-26, each cooling plate 200, 300 comprises an inner cavity 203, 303, that is each cooling plate is internally hollow. Said inner cavity 203, 303 is configured to be affected by said coolant liquid. Said cavity 203, 303 is at least partially defined by a heat exchange wall 204, 304. Specifically, said heat exchange wall 204, 304 is configured to transfer heat between said at least one electric battery B and said coolant liquid.

[0248] As previously described, each cooling plate 200, 300 comprises at least one inlet connection 201 , 301 and at least one outlet connection 202, 303. Said at least one inlet connection 201 , 301 and said at least one outlet connection 202, 302 are in fluid communication with said cavity 203, 303.

[0249] As shown in figures 22-23 and 25-26, said inlet connection 201 , 301 and said outlet connection 202, 302 are configured to be received in said at least one sealing connector 100. In particular, said inlet connection 201, 302 and said outlet connection 202, 302 are configured to be inserted in said first insertion interface 21 and / or in said second insertion interface 22 of the sealing connector 100.

[0250] Specifically, said inlet connection 201 , 301 is configured to receive said coolant liquid at the inlet to the relative cooling plate 200, 300 and to send said coolant liquid to said cavity 203, 303. In a substantially specular manner, said outlet connection 202, 302 is configured to receive said coolant liquid from said cavity 203, 303 and to send said coolant liquid in outlet from the relative cooling plate 200, 300.

[0251] Preferably, said at least one inlet connection 201 , 301 and said at least one outlet connection 202, 302 present a tubular conformation.

[0252] ADVANTAGES OF THE FINDING

[0253] The present invention involves significant technical effects with respect to the state of the art.

[0254] In the first place, the sealing connector 100 according to the present invention presents an optimal behavior also in conditions of misalignment between the cooling plates among which it is interposed. As previously described, the sealing connector 100 allows to compensate for misalignments of the cooling plates 200, 300 among which it is interposed without affecting the sealing with the relative inlet and / or outlet connections. Specifically, by means of a plastic deformation of the inner sleeve 1 and a relative movement of the shells of the outer casing 2, the sealing connector 100 succeeds in compensating for misalignments of several millimeters (for example, up to 3 mm) between the first axis A1 and the second axis A2.

[0255] Furthermore, the outer complete and articulated envelope defined by the outer casing allows to have a sealing connector 100 with a particularly solid structure, also in situations of excessive pressure. Specifically, the sealing connector 100 allows to obtain results above 8 Bar (800 kPa) in the explosion test (burst test).

[0256] In addition, the conformation of the sealing lips 16, allows the maintenance of the sealing with the connections of the cooling plates both under pressure conditions, ranging from 3 bar (300 kPa) to 6 bar (600 kPa), and under vacuum conditions.

[0257] The sealing connector 100 according to the present invention presents a particularly solid structure because the contact with the connections of the cooling plates is not delegated solely to the inner sleeve. In fact, also the outer casing, in particular the ribbings of the first and of the second shell, contact the connection surfaces so as to provide a better solidity to the sealing connector. Beyond this, it is noted that in the sealing connector according to the present invention, the insertion of the connections of the cooling plates is carried out at the outer casing, which defines the two insertion interfaces. Thanks to this characteristic, the possibility of damages is minimized at the sealing area, that is in correspondence of the lips of the inner sleeve, which only have the function of preventing the leakage of the cooling fluid.

[0258] Another advantage of the sealing connector 100 is connected to the arrangement of the at least one sealing lip. It should be noted, in fact, that the area where the sealing lips are present is not affected during the plastic deformation of the inner sleeve. In fact, as shown in figures 23 and 26, the plastic deformation of the inner sleeve 1 substantially affects the sole central portion of the inner sleeve, where the sealing lips are not present. Therefore, the sealing areas are not affected by the movements necessary to compensate for any misalignment between the connections of the cooling plates among which the sealing connector is interposed.

[0259] In addition, it should be noted that the coolant liquid transiting between the cooling plates connected by the sealing connector 100 only comes in contact with the inner sleeve. In this sense, there is no contact between the coolant liquid and the shells that compose the outer casing, which can be realized in common plastic material. This, and other structural characteristics of the sealing connector 100, allow to contain production costs.

[0260] The so conceived sealing connector 100 presents, advantageously, a simple, rational and tribologically efficient structure. These characteristics allow the sealing connector 100 a high reliability and a considerable durability. Furthermore, according to what is previously described, the sealing connector 100 is characterized by an easy and intuitive installation.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Sealing connector (100) for two cooling plates (200, 300) of a cooling system (S) for at least one electrical / electronic component (B), said sealing connector (100) comprising:- an inner sleeve (1) having a substantially tubular conformation around a longitudinal axis (Y), said inner sleeve (1) defining a channel (10) extending between a first opening (11) and a second opening (12), said channel (10) being configured for a transit of a coolant liquid between said first opening (11) and said second opening (12);- an outer casing (2) wrapped around said inner sleeve (1) and comprising at least two outer shells (3, 4, 5) distinct and movable to each other, said at least two shells (3, 4, 5) being chained along said longitudinal axis (Y), each of said at least two outer shells (3, 4, 5) wrapping externally a longitudinal portion of said inner sleeve (1); said sealing connector (1) being characterized in that said outer casing (2) defines an outer complete and articulated envelope of said sealing connector (100), said outer casing (2) wrapping externally said inner sleeve (1) substantially throughout a longitudinal development of said inner sleeve (1) along said longitudinal axis (Y).

2. Sealing connector (100) according to claim 1 , wherein said inner sleeve (1) is realized in rubbery material, preferably in elastomeric material; and / or wherein said outer casing (2) is realized in plastic material; and / or wherein said outer casing (2) presents a longitudinal development along said longitudinal axis (Y) greater than the longitudinal development of said inner sleeve (1); and / or wherein said outer casing (2) extends longitudinally beyond said first opening (11) of said inner sleeve (1); and / or wherein said outer casing (2) extends longitudinally beyond said second opening (12) of said inner sleeve (1 ).

3. Sealing connector (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said outer casing (2) defines a first insertion interface (21) configured to receive in insertion an inlet connection (201 , 301) or an outlet connection (202, 302) of one of said two cooling plates (200, 300), said first insertion interface (21) being configured to receive in insertion said inlet connection (201 , 301) or an outlet connection (202, 302) along a first axis (A1); and / or wherein said first axis (A1) coincides, in use, with a development axis of said inlet connection (201 , 301) or of said outlet connection (202, 302); and / or wherein said outer casing (2) defines a second insertion interface (22) configured to receive in insertion an inlet connection (201 , 301) or an outlet connection (202, 302) of one of said two cooling plates (200, 300); said second insertion interface (22) being configured to receive in insertion said inlet connection (201 , 301) or said outlet connection (202, 302) along a second axis (A2); and / or wherein said second axis (A2) coincides, in use, with a development axis of said inlet connection (201 , 301) or said outlet connection (202, 302).

4. Sealing connector (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said first axis (A1) and said second axis (A2) can coincide with each other, preferably coinciding with said longitudinal axis (Y), or can differ from each other; and / or wherein said inner sleeve (1 ) is realized in flexible material for compensating a difference between said first axis (A1) and said second axis (A2); and / or wherein said outer casing (2) is configured to compensate said difference between said first axis (A1) and said second axis (A2) maintaining said inner sleeve (1) entirelycontained within it; and / or wherein said at least two outer shells (2, 3, 4) are movable to each other and are configured to allow said first axis (A1) and said second axis (A2) to have directions different from each other.

5. Sealing connector (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said inner sleeve (1) comprises a first ending portion (13), a second ending portion (14) and a central portion (15), said central portion (15) being interposed longitudinally between said first ending portion (13) and said second ending portion (14) along said longitudinal axis (Y); and / or said first ending portion (13) defines said first opening (11) and said second ending portion (14) defines said second opening (12); and / or wherein said first ending portion (13) and said second ending portion (14) comprise each one at least one sealing lip (16) on a relative inner surface, said at least one sealing lip (16) emerging from the relative inner surface toward said longitudinal axis (Y); and / or wherein said at least one sealing lip (16) is configured to contact said inlet connection (201 , 301) or said outlet connection (202, 302) and is configured to avoid the leakage of said coolant liquid between said inner sleeve (1) and said inlet connection (201 , 301) or said outlet connection (202, 302); and / or wherein each one of said first ending portion (13) and said second ending portion (14) comprises two sealing lips (16); and / or wherein said at least one sealing lip (16) presents a tapered conformation.

6. Sealing connector (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said inner sleeve (1) comprises a first transition zone, at a contact zone between said first ending portion (13) and said central portion (15), and a second transition zone, at a contact zone between said second ending portion (14) and said central portion (15); and / or wherein said central portion (15) is shaped as a shrinkage of said inner sleeve (1); and / or wherein said inner sleeve (1) presents a first shoulder (17) on the relative outer surface at said first transition zone and a second shoulder (18) on said outer surface at said second transition zone.

7. Sealing connector (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least two outer shells (3, 4, 5) comprise a first shell (3) and a second shell (4); and / or wherein said first shell (3) and said second shell (4) are, in use, arranged specularly with respect to a symmetry plane (Z) of the sealing connector (100); and / or wherein said first shell (3) is configured to wrap said inner sleeve (1) at least at said first opening (11) and said second shell (4) is configured to wrap said inner sleeve (1 ) at least at said second opening (12); and / or wherein said first shell (3) and said second shell (4) present a structure substantially identical between them; and / or wherein said first shell (3) extends along said longitudinal axis (Y) between a first central end (31) and a first peripheral end (32), said first shell (3) defining, at said first peripheral end (32), said first insertion interface (21).

8. Sealing connector (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said first shell (3) comprises a first central portion (33) and a first peripheral portion (34) longitudinally chained along said longitudinal axis (Y), said first central portion (33) defining said first central end (31) and said first peripheral portion (34) defining said first peripheral end (32); and / or wherein said first shell (3) comprises at least one first ribbing (35), said at least one first ribbing (35) extending from an inner surface of said first peripheral portion (34); and / or wherein said first shell (3) comprises at least one first relief (36), said at least one first relief (36) extending from an inner surface of said first central portion (33).

9. Sealing connector (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said at least one first ribbing (35) is arranged substantially at said first peripheral end (32) and extends from the inner surface of the first shell (3)toward said longitudinal axis (Y); and / or wherein said at least one first ribbing (35) is configured to guide an insertion of said inlet connection (201 , 301 ) or said outlet connection (202, 302) of one of said two cooling plates (202, 302); and / or wherein said at least one first ribbing (35) is, in use, configured to contact said inlet connection (201 , 301) or said outlet connection (202, 302); and / or wherein said at least one first ribbing (35) is configured to abut said inner sleeve (1) and avoid the slipping of said inner sleeve (1) from said first insertion interface (21); and / or wherein said first shell (3) comprises a plurality of first ribbings (35).

10. Sealing connector (100) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein said at least one first relief (36) is arranged substantially at said first central end (31) and extends from the inner surface of the first shell (3) toward said longitudinal axis (Y); and / or wherein said at least one first relief (36) presents a tapered conformation; and / or wherein said at least one first relief (36) is counter-shaped with respect to a longitudinal part of said central portion (15) of said inner sleeve (1); and / or wherein said at least one first relief (36) is configured to operate a shape coupling with at least a longitudinal part of said central portion (15) of said inner sleeve (1 ); and / or wherein said at least one first relief (36) presents a shoulder (36A) in an end thereof distal with respect to said first central end (31), said shoulder (36A) being configured to abut the first shoulder (17) of said inner sleeve (1); and / or wherein said first shell (3) comprises a plurality of first reliefs (36).

11. Sealing connector (100) according to any one of the claims from 7 to 10, wherein said central portion (15) of said inner sleeve (1) comprises a middle segment (15A) having substantially tubular conformation; and / or wherein said at least two outer shells (3, 4, 5) comprise a third shell (5), interposed between said first shell (3) and said second shell (4) along said longitudinal axis (Y); and / or wherein said third shell (5) is configured to wrap at least partially said central portion (15) of said inner sleeve (1); and / or wherein said third shell (5) and said inner sleeve (1) are co-moulded.

12. Cooling system (S) for at least one electric / electronic component (B) comprising:- at least two cooling plates (200, 300) placed at a distance between them for housing said at least one electric / electronic component (B) in a space defined therebetween, said at least two cooling plates (200, 300) being configured to be affected by a coolant liquid and being operatively active on said at least one electric / electronic component (B) for exchanging heat with said at least one electric / electronic component (B);- at least one sealing connector (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, said at least one sealing connector (100) being interposed between said at least two cooling plates (200, 300), said at least one sealing connector (100) putting into fluid communication said at least two cooling plates (200, 300) for allowing an exchange of said coolant liquid;- temperature and / or pressure treatment means (400) of said coolant liquid, said temperature and / or pressure treatment means (400) comprising at least one among a compressor, an evaporator, a radiator and / or an expander;- a plurality of ducts (500) configured to interconnect said at least two cooling plates (200, 300) and said temperature and / or pressure treatment means (400) realizing a closed circuit.

13. Cooling system (S) according to the preceding claim, wherein each one cooling plate (200, 300) comprises an inner cavity (203, 303) at least partially defined by a heat exchange wall (204, 304) and configured to beaffected by said coolant liquid; and / or wherein each cooling plate (200, 300) comprises at least one inlet connection (201 , 301) and at least one outlet connection (202, 302) in fluid communication with said inner cavity (203, 303); and / or wherein said at least one inlet connection (201 , 301) and said at least one outlet connection (202, 302) are configured to be received in said at least one sealing connector (100).

14. Method of production of a sealing connector (100) for two cooling plates (200, 300) of a cooling system (S) for at least one electric / electronic component (B); said method of production comprising the steps of:- producing a flexible inner sleeve (1) having a substantially tubular conformation around a longitudinal axis (Y), said inner sleeve (1) defining a channel (10) extending between a first opening (11) and a second opening (12), said channel (100) being configured for a transit of a coolant liquid;- producing at least two outer shells (3, 4, 5), different between them, in plastic material;- fitting said at least two outer shells (3, 4, 5) around said inner sleeve (1) so that they are chained along said longitudinal axis (Y) and substantially in contact so as to generate an outer casing (2) which defines an articulated outer envelope of said sealing connector (100) and wraps externally said inner sleeve (1) substantially throughout a longitudinal development of said inner sleeve (1) along said longitudinal axis (Y).

15. Method of production according to the preceding claim, wherein said step of producing at least two outer shells (3, 4, 5) provides for producing a first shell (3) and a second shell (4) substantially identical between them and said step of fitting said at least two outer shells (3, 4, 5) around said inner sleeve (1 ) provides for fitting said first shell (3) at said first opening (11) and said second shell (4) at said second opening (12); and / or wherein said step of producing at least two outer shells (3, 4, 5) provides for producing a third shell (5) destined, in use, to be interposed between said first shell (3) and said second shell (4) along said longitudinal axis (Y); and / or wherein said third shell (5) is co-moulded with said inner sleeve (1).

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