Device for containing liquid, of the container or circulation circuit type, and methods for producing this device

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for containing liquid, of the type which is a container or thermal regulation circuit using heat-transfer liquid, comprising at least one metal wall (2) which comprises openings (3, 3') for liquid to pass through the wall (2), a feed or discharge pipette (4, 4') being present on the outer face of the wall (2) at each opening (3, 3') and being sealingly connected to the opening (3, 3') concerned. The device (1) is characterised in that each pipette (4, 4') is a pipette made of thermoplastic material, secured exclusively in an indirect manner to the metal wall (2), around the opening (3, 3') concerned, through a metal intermediate part (5) which is joined directly to the outer face of the metal wall (2), and / or, through a part or intermediate layer made of thermoplastic material (5'), welded or overmoulded onto the outer face of the metal wall (2) or onto a metal intermediate part (5) which is joined directly to the outer face of the metal wall (2).

Description

Description Title of the invention: Device for containing liquid, of the type container or circulation circuit, and methods for manufacturing this device

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of devices designed to contain, statically or dynamically, a liquid fluid, and in particular to the inlet and outlet ports, or supply and discharge connections, of such devices. In this context, the invention more specifically relates to devices of the type containing or circulating liquid, particularly thermal regulation circuits using heat transfer fluid, for example, for vehicles, as well as corresponding manufacturing methods. A particularly beneficial application of the invention concerns thermal regulation circuits using heat transfer fluid in the power and / or energy storage (battery) units of electric motor vehicles.

[0002] In relation to the above, the invention relates to a device for containing liquid, of the type container or circulation circuit for liquid, a module comprising such a device and methods for manufacturing this device.

[0003] Such a device comprises at least one metal wall, which has at least one opening for the passage of liquid through it. A feed pipette and / or a drain pipette is present on the external face of said wall, at the level of said opening or each opening, each being connected in a hermetic manner to the opening concerned.

[0004] The type of thermal regulation circuit with heat transfer fluid concerned more specifically has, in most cases, a substantially planar, or even flat, structure.

[0005] Currently, interface or fluidic connection pipettes are generally pre-formed metal parts attached with assembly by welding or brazing on one or both parts forming the circulation circuit, at the level of the opening concerned.

[0006] These metal pipettes include, depending for example on the environment under the hood or connection requirements, pipettes straight (machined or stamped) and / or angled pipettes (machined and bent), but also in some cases more complex shapes.

[0007] However, manufacturing such pipettes requires, depending on their shape, one or more production operations (molding, forging, bending, machining, etc.) and an assembly operation (welding, brazing, TIG, MIG). Thus, pipettes of this type are not only expensive to manufacture (material cost, energy cost), but also costly and complex to assemble (energy cost and long, expensive cycle times), particularly for angled pipettes. Furthermore, the possible shapes for these metal pipettes are limited, or require additional operations that further increase their cost.

[0008] The present invention aims to overcome at least the main drawbacks mentioned above and to offer an alternative solution for manufacturing pipettes in the context indicated, both for their production and assembly. The proposed solution should also improve pipette integration, allowing for complex shapes, with reduced weight and cost, resulting in an overall more economical process. Finally, the proposed solution should advantageously allow for the replacement of only a portion of a pipette arrangement in case of breakage during transport or handling of the device in which it is used.

[0009] To this end, the invention relates to a device for containing liquid, of the type container or circulation circuit for liquid, as described above and which is characterized in that the pipette or each pipette is a pipette made of thermoplastic material, attached exclusively indirectly to the metal wall, around the opening concerned, through an intermediate metal piece, assembled directly with the external face of said metal wall, and / or, through an intermediate piece or layer made of thermoplastic material, attached by welding or overmolding onto the external face of said metal wall or onto an intermediate metal piece assembled directly with said external face of the metal wall.

[0010] The invention will be better understood from the following description, which relates to preferred embodiments, given by way of non-limiting examples, and explained with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which:

[0011] [Fig. 1 A] is a partial cross-sectional view, along a plane including the median axes of the pipettes, of a container in accordance with an embodiment of the device of the invention in the form of a container provided with two pipettes, and

[0012] [Fig. 1 B] is a partial perspective view of the metal wall forming part of the container shown in figure 1A;

[0013] [Fig. 2A] is a cross-sectional view, along a plane including the median axes of the pipettes, of a device of the liquid circulation circuit type (thermal regulation circuit) according to a first embodiment of the invention and

[0014] [Fig. 2B] is a partial perspective view of the metal wall forming part of the circuit shown in figure 2A;

[0015] [Fig. 3A] is a cross-sectional view, along a plane including the median axes of the pipettes, of a device of the liquid circulation circuit type (thermal regulation circuit) according to a second embodiment of the invention and

[0016] [Fig. 3B] is a partial perspective view of the metal wall forming part of the circuit shown in figure 3A;

[0017] [Fig. 4A] is a cross-sectional view, along a plane including the median axes of the pipettes, of a device of the liquid circulation circuit type (thermal regulation circuit) according to a third embodiment of the invention and

[0018] [Fig. 4B] is a partial perspective view of the metal wall forming part of the circuit shown in figure 4A;

[0019] [Fig. 5A] is a cross-sectional view, along a plane including the median axes of the pipettes, of a device of the liquid circulation circuit type (thermal regulation circuit) according to a fourth embodiment of the invention and

[0020] [Fig. 5B] is a partial perspective view of the metal wall forming part of the circuit shown in figure 5A;

[0021] [Fig. 6A] is a cross-sectional view, along a plane including the median axes of the pipettes, of a device of the liquid circulation circuit type (thermal regulation circuit) according to a fifth embodiment of the invention and

[0022] [Fig. 6B] is a partial perspective view of the metal wall forming part of the circuit shown in figure 6A;

[0023] [Fig. 7A] is a cross-sectional view, along a plane including the median axes of the pipettes, of a device of the liquid circulation circuit type (thermal regulation circuit) according to a sixth embodiment of the invention and

[0024] [Fig. 7B] is a partial perspective view of the metal wall forming part of the circuit shown in figure 7A;

[0025] [Fig. 8A] is a cross-sectional view, along a plane including the median axes of the pipettes, of a device of the liquid circulation circuit type (thermal regulation circuit) according to a variant of the first embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 2A and

[0026] [Fig. 8B] is a partial perspective view of the metal wall forming part of the circuit shown in figure 8A;

[0027] [Fig. 9A] is a cross-sectional view, along a plane including the median axes of the pipettes, of a device of the liquid circulation circuit type (thermal regulation circuit) according to a variant of the second embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 3A and

[0028] [Fig. 9B] is a partial perspective view of the metal wall forming part of the circuit shown in figure 9A.

[0029] Figures 1 to 9 illustrate different embodiments of devices (1) intended to contain liquid. The invention relates more particularly to devices of the container type (Figure 1) or of the circulation circuit type for liquid (Figures 2 to 9), in particular a thermal regulation circuit with heat transfer fluid.

[0030] Such a device (1) comprises at least one metal wall (2) which has at least one opening (3, 3') for the passage of liquid through said wall (2), a supply or discharge pipette (4, 4') being present on the external face (2') of said wall (2), at said or each opening (3, 3') and being connected in a hermetic manner to the opening (3, 3') concerned.

[0031] According to the invention, the pipette or each pipette (4, 4') is a pipette made of thermoplastic material, attached exclusively indirectly to the metal wall (2), around the relevant opening (3, 3'), through an intermediate metal piece (5), assembled directly with the outer face (2') of said metal wall (2), and / or, through an intermediate piece or layer made of thermoplastic material (5'), attached by welding or overmolding to the outer face (2') of said metal wall (2) or to an intermediate metal piece (5) assembled directly with said outer face (2') of the metal wall (2).

[0032] Thus, by proposing an indirect assembly link between the pipette or each pipette (4, 4') and the metal wall (2), which according to the embodiment variants can comprise or be made through: i) a layer (5'), ii) a part (5 or 5'), iii) a part (5) and a layer (5') or even iiii) two parts (5 and 5'), the invention makes it possible to manage with great flexibility the securing of the thermoplastic pipette(s) (4, 4') with this wall (2), while being able to optimize its mechanical resistance, by the implementation of two decoupled linking interfaces.

[0033] The provision of one or two intermediate pieces (5, 5') allows the invention to easily equip the device (1) containing liquid, at each of its inlet / outlet ports (openings 3, 3'), with pipettes (4, 4') which, due to their thermoplastic construction, can have various shapes and configurations, particularly fluidic connection means and various mechanical connection means (with external circuits / lines). In addition to their flexible, multi-shaped design, these pipettes (4, 4') are only indirectly attached to the outer face (2') of the metal wall (2) – thus access to only one face is sufficient during their manufacture – and preferably only in a local area surrounding the openings (3, 3') – simplifying their manufacturing process and reducing its energy cost. Naturally, each interface is liquid-tight.

[0034] As can be seen from the above, the indirect fastening of the pipette(s) (4, 4') to the metal wall (2) can be in three different embodiments and with a variable number and types of assembly interfaces, namely: - an indirect connection through only an intermediate metallic part (5); - an indirect connection through only an intermediate thermoplastic piece (5'); - an indirect connection through a metallic intermediate piece (5) and a thermoplastic intermediate piece (5'). In this latter case, the connection then comprises the following successive assemblies (-): metallic wall - metallic intermediate piece - thermoplastic intermediate piece - pipette.

[0035] In accordance with a first general embodiment, illustrated in particular in figures 2 and 8, the pipette or each pipette (4, 4') is indirectly secured to the metal wall (2) through an intermediate metal piece (5), advantageously of the type of a flat perforated plate or flat washer, arranged around the opening (3, 3') concerned and fixed by metal / metal welding to said metal wall (2), with which it is in direct contact over its entire face, the pipette (4, 4') considered being either a part formed by molding on said intermediate metal piece (5), or a part added and secured by thermoplastic / metal welding to said intermediate metal piece (5).

[0036] Thus, the part (5) with the pipette(s) (4, 4') can correspond to a prefabricated sub-assembly, with a particular focus on the connection between these elements, and which is fixed in a second stage on the external face (2') of the wall (2).

[0037] Advantageously, the thermoplastic / metal overmolding or welding bond between, on the one hand, the thermoplastic pipette or each thermoplastic pipette (4, 4') and, on the other hand, the corresponding (or possibly common) metal intermediate piece (5), is a bond by mechanical attachment or by chemical adhesion of the thermoplastic material of the pipette (4, 4') or of the intermediate piece made of thermoplastic material (5') with a microstructured and / or chemically altered surface layer, respectively of the external face (2') of the metal wall (2) or of the metal intermediate piece (5).

[0038] As an example, a surface microstructuring process such as that described in document US11745295 can be implemented.

[0039] In accordance with a second general embodiment, illustrated by way of example in Figures 1, 3 to 7 and 9, the pipette or each pipette (4, 4') is indirectly secured to the metal wall (2) through an intermediate piece of thermoplastic material (5'), forming a mounting site around the relevant opening (3, 3'), the pipette (4, 4') considered being either a part formed by molding on said intermediate piece of thermoplastic material (5'), or a part added and mounted on and / or in the intermediate piece (5'), advantageously with a locked fit, for example mechanically, by welding or by gluing, and with a seal being achieved.

[0040] Thus, depending on the variants, the indirect connection between the thermoplastic pipette (4, 4') and the metal wall (2) or part (5) can be obtained either by means of an intermediate thermoplastic layer (5') forming an adhesion layer, like an adhesion primer for a paint, or by means of an intermediate structured thermoplastic part (5') forming a site or a base for fixing or anchoring the pipette (4, 4') in question, or even a lower part of this pipette (4, 4').

[0041] Advantageously, the intermediate piece made of thermoplastic material (5') is an added piece joined by thermoplastic / metal welding to the metal wall (2) or to a metal intermediate piece (5) assembled by metal / metal welding to said metal wall (2), or a piece formed by molding on the metal wall (2) or on a metal intermediate piece (5) assembled by metal / metal welding to said metal wall (2).

[0042] Preferably, the bond obtained by overmolding or by thermoplastic / metal welding between, on the one hand, the intermediate piece in thermoplastic material (5') and, on the other hand, the metal wall (2) or the metal intermediate piece (5), is a bond by mechanical attachment or by chemical adhesion of the thermoplastic material of said intermediate piece (5') with a microstructured and / or chemically altered surface layer, respectively of the external face (2') of the metal wall (2) or of the metal intermediate piece (5).

[0043] According to a first alternative, the mechanical fastening connection corresponds to a multiple interlocking of the thermoplastic material with Surface microstructures present at least in one area (6) of the metal wall (2) or the metal intermediate piece (5) covered by the thermoplastic material of the pipette (4, 4') or the intermediate piece (5') concerned, these surface microstructures resulting, for example, from a surface structuring process by laser or other means. These surface microstructures, comprising recesses and / or protruding formations, including undercuts, advantageously have dimensions in the micrometer and submillimeter ranges (for example, on average between a few micrometers and several hundred micrometers – for example, between 5 and 500 micrometers).

[0044] As an example, a surface microstructuring process such as that described in document US11745295 can be implemented.

[0045] According to a second alternative, the chemical bonding corresponds to a surface bonding of the thermoplastic material of the pipette (4, 4') or of the intermediate piece (5') concerned with a corresponding area (6) of the metal wall (2) or of the metal intermediate piece (5) treated by passivation or anodization, that is to say having undergone a surface treatment of the passivation or anodization type.

[0046] In accordance with a first example of application of the invention, illustrated in Figures 1, the metal wall (2) consists of a formed sheet and has two pipettes (4 and 4') on its external face (2') and forms with at least one other constituent part (7') the envelope of the container (1), for example of the reservoir type.

[0047] In accordance with a second application of the invention, illustrated in Figures 2 to 9, the metal wall (2) consists of a formed sheet and has two pipettes (4, 4') on its outer face (2'). Furthermore, this metal wall (2) is assembled with a second wall or complementary plate (7), having a grooved pattern (8) and sealed, for example by welding, to said metal wall (2). This grooved pattern (8), in conjunction with the inner face (2") of said metal plate (2), against which the wall or complementary plate (7) is applied, forms a conduit or network of conduits (9) for circulating liquid between the two openings (3, 3'), forming respectively an inlet opening and an outlet opening, each of which is provided with a thermoplastic pipette (4, 4'), said device (1) constituting a thermal regulation circuit. Such a circuit can in particular be associated with a power electronics and / or electrical energy storage module and the assembly of two walls (2 and 7) integrating the heat transfer fluid circulation circuit can constitute part of the housing of such a module, the components to be temperature regulated being able where appropriate to be brought into contact with or secured to the second wall or complementary plate (7).

[0048] Advantageously, the circulation circuit constitutes a thermal regulation circuit with a liquid circulation pipe or line (9) comprising at least one serpentine portion.

[0049] According to a first constructive variant of the second application example of the invention, illustrated in figures 2 to 9, the second wall (7) consists of a metal plate, of the type formed or molded sheet, in particular made of aluminium.

[0050] According to a second constructive variant of the second application example of the invention, illustrated in Figures 2 to 9, the complementary plate (7) consists of a plate made of thermoplastic material. This material may, in particular, have a composition or contain additives that give it enhanced thermal conductivity properties.

[0051] In this second design variant, the additional plate (7) can be welded to the inner face (2") of the metal wall (2). The connection between this plate (7) and the metal wall (2) is achieved through mechanical fastening or chemical adhesion of the thermoplastic material of the plate (7) to a microstructured and / or chemically altered surface layer of the inner face (2") of the metal wall (2). The surface treatment processes used can be similar to those described previously.

[0052] As can be seen from a comparison between Figures 1 to 7, on the one hand, and Figures 8 and 9, on the other hand, it can be provided that either the same intermediate metal piece (5) and / or the same intermediate piece made of thermoplastic material (5') secure(s) the two pipettes (4 and 4') to said metal wall (2), as shown in Figures 8 and 9 by way of example, or that Separate and distinct parts (5; 5') connect each of the pipettes (4 and 4') to the metal wall (2), as shown in Figures 1 to 7 as examples.

[0053] The attached figures provide a non-limiting overview of the various possibilities for concrete realizations offered by the arrangements according to the invention.

[0054] It should be noted that the pipettes (4 and 4') can have various shapes (straight, curved), which may or may not differ from each other, and the same applies to their connections with the intermediate thermoplastic piece (5'). These can be male connecting pieces (as illustrated in most of the figures) or female (pipette 4' in Figures 2 and pipette 4 in Figures 7).

[0055] Thus, these pipettes (4, 4') can each be connected to a respective intermediate piece of thermoplastic material (5') by being: - -simply welded or molded onto a piece (5') - see pipette (4 and 4') of figs 8 and 9; - -assembled by fitting into the tip-shaped part (5') with a radial seal (10) and a locking with a clip (11) - see pipette (4') in figures 1B, 2 and 4B; - assembled by screw connection (12) between a flange (12') formed in one piece with the pipette (4 or 4') concerned and screw barrels (12”) constituting or forming part of the respective intermediate piece in thermoplastic material (5'), with the realization of a radial seal (10) and with or without the presence of an underlying metal part (5) - see pipette (4) of figures 1 B, 3B, 4B and 5B; - assembled by fitting into a part (5') in the form of a tip or female fitting, in one or two parts, forming part of a pipette and overmolded on a metal part (5), with radial sealing (10) and locking by means of clips (13) - see pipettes (4 and 4') in figures 6; - assembled by fitting onto a piece (5') in the shape of a tip overmolded onto a metal piece (5), the pipette (4, 4') being able to be a female (4') or male (4) pipette, as shown in figures 7; - -overmolded on a piece (5) in the shape of a tip, itself overmolded on a metal piece (5) - another variant of the realization of the pipettes (4 and 4') of figures 7.

[0056] When the pipettes (4, 4') are assembled by fitting with a part (5'), a locking of the connection by gluing or welding can be provided.

[0057] The invention also relates to a power and / or electrical energy storage module, comprising a protective housing (which contains the electronic components and circuits and / or the energy storage elements). This module is characterized in that one of the walls of said housing is constituted by a metallic wall (2) forming part of a device (1) intended to contain liquid of the type of liquid circulation circuit, in particular a thermal regulation circuit with heat transfer fluid, as described above.

[0058] The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a device (1) of the type container or circulation circuit for liquid, in particular a device (1) as described above, in particular a thermal regulation circuit, comprising at least one metallic wall (2) which has at least one opening (3, 3') for the passage of the liquid through said wall (2), a supply or discharge pipette (4, 4') being present on the external face (2') of said wall (2), at the level of said or each opening (3, 3') and being connected in a hermetic manner to the opening (3, 3') concerned.

[0059] In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, this method comprises at least the steps of: providing a metallic wall (2), for example of the formed sheet type; producing at least one subassembly comprising a metallic intermediate part (5), advantageously of the perforated plate or washer type, and carrying an intermediate part of thermoplastic material (5') and / or at least one pipette (4, 4') of thermoplastic material, the latter being either welded or overmolded onto the metallic intermediate part (5), or overmolded or hermetically sealed onto and / or within an intermediate part of thermoplastic material (5'), which is welded or overmolded onto said metallic intermediate part (5); and hermetically sealing said or each subassembly by metal-to-metal welding of the metallic intermediate part (5) to the external face (2') of the metallic plate (2) at a corresponding opening (3, 3'); to assemble said metal wall (2) with at least one other part (7, 7') to constitute the container or circulation circuit (1); the thermoplastic material forming the intermediate part or parts (5') advantageously having a higher melting temperature than the thermoplastic material forming the pipette or pipettes (4, 4').

[0060] Such an implementation of the process allows a decomposition into two very distinct operational phases and in particular a limited energy consumption for the fixing or the formation of the pipette (4, 4') or the intermediate piece (5') in thermoplastic, since only the metallic intermediate piece (5) needs to be heated (and not the entire metallic wall 2).

[0061] In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, this method comprises at least the steps of: providing a metal wall (2), for example of the formed sheet type; hermetically sealing at least one intermediate piece of thermoplastic material (5') to the external face (2') of the metal plate (2) at one or each of the openings (3, 3'), either as a welded component or as an overmolded component on said metal wall (2); fitting or forming at least one pipette (4, 4') as an overmolded component or as a hermetically sealed component on and / or in the intermediate piece(s) of thermoplastic material (5'); assembling said metal wall (2) with at least one other part (7, 7') to constitute the container or the circulation circuit (1).

[0062] Advantageously, in order to improve the assembly connection concerned, the process consists of subjecting at least one area (6) of the outer face (2') of the metal wall (2) surrounding said or each opening (3, 3') or of the intermediate metal part (5), to a surface treatment resulting in a microstructured and / or chemically altered surface layer, so as to provide, during overmolding of thermoplastic material or thermoplastic / metal welding at the level of this area (6), a connection by mechanical hooking or by chemical adhesion of the thermoplastic material with a microstructured and / or chemically altered surface layer, of the outer face (2') of the metal wall (2) or of the intermediate metal part (5).

[0063] According to a first variant, the surface treatment carried out includes a surface structuring process by laser or similar, producing surface microstructures allowing, during overmolding or welding of the pipette (4, 4') or the part (5') in the thermoplastic material concerned, a multiple interlocking of the thermoplastic material at the level of the treated area (6).

[0064] According to a second variant, the surface treatment carried out includes a surface treatment of the type passivation or anodizing which promotes, during the overmolding or welding of the pipette (4, 4') or the part (5') in the thermoplastic material concerned, a surface chemical adhesion of the thermoplastic material at the level of the treated area (6).

[0065] According to an embodiment of a process, resulting for example in a device such as illustrated in figures 2 to 9, namely a liquid circulation circuit, the metal wall (2) is assembled with a second wall or a complementary plate (7), made of a metallic or thermoplastic material, having a grooved pattern (8) and sealed together, for example by welding, against said metal wall (2), this grooved pattern (8) forming by cooperation with the inner face (2”) of said metal plate (2), against which the wall or complementary plate (7) is applied, a conduit or a network of conduits (9) for the circulation of liquid between the two openings (3, 3'), which correspond respectively to an inlet opening and an outlet opening and each of which is provided with a pipette made of thermoplastic material (4, 4').

[0066] In particular when the metal wall (2) consists of a formed sheet, the process may consist, with a view to forming the intermediate part (5') or the pipette(s) (4, 4') by overmolding of thermoplastic material, of placing the metal wall (2) in an injection mold capable of rectifying the flatness of said wall (2) if necessary.

[0067] Preferably, the complementary plate (7) is a grooved plate made of thermoplastic material and is welded to the inner face (2") of the metal wall (2), the bond obtained between this plate (7) and the metal wall (2) being a bond by mechanical attachment or by chemical adhesion of the thermoplastic material of the plate (7) with a layer microstructured and / or chemically altered surface of the inner face (2”) of the metal wall (2), during a pretreatment step of said inner face (2”).

[0068] According to a possible additional feature, the process may also consist, during the formation of the intermediate part (5') or of the pipette(s) (4, 4') by overmolding, of simultaneously or in a delayed manner overmolding at least one other area of ​​the external face (2) and / or internal face (2") of the metal wall (2) with a thermoplastic material, identical or not to that forming the pipette(s) (4, 4'), to form for example stiffening and / or structural reinforcement structures (14) or a protective coating, preferably after a surface treatment of the area(s) concerned promoting the attachment or adhesion of the thermoplastic material.

[0069] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, this latter characteristic can in particular be obtained in relation to a single thermoplastic intermediate piece (5') for the two pipettes (4 and 4').

[0070] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown in the accompanying drawings. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the composition of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. A device (1) for containing liquid, of the type container or circulation circuit for liquid, in particular a thermal regulation circuit with heat transfer fluid, comprising at least one metal wall (2) which has at least one opening (3, 3') for the passage of liquid through said wall (2), a supply or discharge pipette (4, 4') being present on the external face (2') of said wall (2), at said opening or each opening (3, 3') and being hermetically connected to the relevant opening (3, 3'), a device (1) of the type container or circuit characterized in that the pipette or each pipette (4, 4') is a pipette made of thermoplastic material, attached exclusively indirectly to the metal wall (2), around the relevant opening (3, 3'), through an intermediate metal piece (5), assembled directly to the external face (2') of said metal wall (2), and / or,through an intermediate piece or layer of thermoplastic material (5'), attached by welding or overmolding onto the outer face (2') of said metal wall (2) or onto an intermediate metal piece (5) assembled directly with said outer face (2') of the metal wall (2).

2. Device (1) of the type container or circulation circuit for liquid according to claim 1, characterized in that the pipette or each pipette (4, 4') is indirectly secured to the metal wall (2) through an intermediate metal piece (5), advantageously of the type of perforated flat plate or flat washer, arranged around the relevant opening (3, 3') and fixed by metal / metal welding to said metal wall (2), with which it is in direct contact over its entire face, the pipette (4, 4') considered being either a part formed by molding on said intermediate metal piece (5), or a part added and secured by thermoplastic / metal welding to said intermediate metal piece (5).

3. Device (1) of the type containing or circulating circuit for liquid according to claim 2, characterized in that the connection by overmolding or by thermoplastic / metal welding between, on the one hand, the thermoplastic pipette or each thermoplastic pipette (4, 4') and, on the other hand, the corresponding intermediate metal part (5), is a connection by mechanical attachment or by chemical adhesion of the thermoplastic material of the pipette (4, 4') or of the intermediate piece of thermoplastic material (5') with a microstructured and / or chemically altered surface layer, respectively of the external face (2') of the metal wall (2) or of the intermediate metal piece (5).

4. Device (1) of the type containing or circulating circuit for liquid according to claim 1, characterized in that the pipette or each pipette (4, 4') is indirectly secured to the metal wall (2) through an intermediate piece of thermoplastic material (5'), forming a mounting site around the relevant opening (3, 3'), the pipette (4, 4') considered being either a part formed by molding on said intermediate piece of thermoplastic material (5'), or a part attached and mounted on and / or in the intermediate piece (5'), advantageously with a locked fit, for example mechanically, by welding or by gluing, and with a seal achieved.

5. Device (1) of the type containing or circulating circuit for liquid according to claim 3, characterized in that the intermediate piece in thermoplastic material (5') is an added piece and joined by thermoplastic / metal welding with the metal wall (2) or with a metal intermediate piece (5) assembled by metal / metal welding with said metal wall (2), or a piece formed by molding on the metal wall (2) or on a metal intermediate piece (5) assembled by metal / metal welding with said metal wall (2).

6. Device (1) of the type containing or circulating circuit for liquid according to any one of claims 1, 4 or 5, characterized in that the bond obtained by overmolding or by thermoplastic / metal welding between, on the one hand, the intermediate piece in thermoplastic material (5') and, on the other hand, the metal wall (2) or the metal intermediate piece (5), is a bond by mechanical attachment or by chemical adhesion of the thermoplastic material of said intermediate piece (5') with a microstructured and / or chemically altered surface layer, respectively of the external face (2') of the metal wall (2) or of the metal intermediate piece (5).

7. Device (1) of the type container or circulation circuit for liquid according to claim 3 or 6, characterized in that the connection by mechanical hooking corresponds to a multiple interlocking of the thermoplastic material with surface microstructures present at least at the level of an area (6) of the metal wall (2) or of the metal intermediate piece (5) covered by the thermoplastic material of the pipette (4, 4') or of the intermediate piece (5') concerned, these surface microstructures resulting for example from a surface structuring process by laser or other.

8. Device (1) of the type container or circulation circuit for liquid according to claim 3 or 6, characterized in that the chemical bonding corresponds to a surface bonding of the thermoplastic material of the pipette (4, 4') or of the intermediate piece (5') concerned with a corresponding area (6) of the metal wall (2) or of the metal intermediate piece (5) having undergone a surface treatment of the passivation or anodizing type.

9. Device (1) of the type container or circulation circuit for liquid according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the metal wall (2) consists of a formed sheet and has two pipettes (4 and 4') on its external face (2') and forms with at least one other constituent part (7') the envelope of the container (1), for example of the reservoir type.

10. A device (1) of the type containing or circulating liquid according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the metal wall (2) consists of a formed sheet and has two pipettes (4, 4') on its outer face (2'), and in that this metal wall (2) is assembled with a second wall or complementary plate (7), having a grooved pattern (8) and sealed, for example by welding, with said metal wall (2), this grooved pattern (8) forming, by cooperation with the inner face (2") of said metal plate (2), against which the wall or complementary plate (7) is applied, a conduit or a network of conduits (9) for circulating liquid between the two openings (3, 3'), forming respectively an inlet opening and a drain opening outlet and each of which is provided with a pipette made of thermoplastic material (4, 4'), said device (1) constituting a thermal regulation circuit. [Claim 1 1] Device (1 ) of the type containing or circulation circuit for liquid according to claim 10, characterized in that the circulation circuit constitutes a thermal regulation circuit with a liquid circulation conduit (9) comprising at least one serpentine portion.

12. Device (1) of the type containing or circulating circuit for liquid according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the second wall (7) consists of a metal plate, of the type formed or molded sheet metal.

13. Device (1) of the type containing or circulating circuit for liquid according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the complementary plate (7) consists of a plate made of thermoplastic material.

14. Device (1) of the type containing or circulating circuit for liquid according to claim 13, characterized in that the complementary plate (7) is secured by welding to the inner face (2”) of the metal wall (2), the connection between this plate (7) and the metal wall (2) being a connection by mechanical attachment or by chemical adhesion of the thermoplastic material of the plate (7) with a microstructured and / or chemically altered surface layer of the inner face (2”) of the metal wall (2).

15. Device (1) of the type containing or circulating circuit for liquid according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the same intermediate metallic part (5) and / or the same intermediate part of thermoplastic material (5') secure(s) the two pipettes (4 and 4') with said metallic wall (2).

16. Electrical power and / or energy storage module, comprising a protective case, characterized in that one of the walls of said case is made up of a metallic wall (2) forming part of a device (1) intended to contain liquid of the type liquid circulation circuit, in particular thermal regulation circuit with heat transfer fluid, according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. A method for manufacturing a device (1) of the type containing or circulating liquid, in particular a device according to one any of claims 1 to 15, in particular a thermal regulation circuit, comprising at least one metallic wall (2) which has at least one opening (3, 3') for the passage of liquid through said wall (2), a supply or discharge pipette (4, 4') being present on the external face (2') of said wall (2), at the level of said or each opening (3, 3') and being connected in a hermetic manner to the opening (3, 3') concerned, method characterized in that it comprises at least the steps of: providing a metallic wall (2), for example of the formed sheet type;to produce at least one sub-assembly comprising a metallic intermediate part (5), advantageously of the type perforated plate or washer, and carrying an intermediate part of thermoplastic material (5') and / or at least one pipette (4, 4') of thermoplastic material, the latter being either attached by welding or overmolded onto the metallic intermediate part (5), or overmolded or mounted in a sealed manner on and / or in an intermediate part of thermoplastic material (5') which is attached by welding or overmolded onto said metallic intermediate part (5); to seal said or each sub-assembly by metal-to-metal welding of the metallic intermediate part (5) onto the external face (2') of the metal plate (2) at the level of a corresponding opening (3, 3'); to assemble said metal wall (2) with at least one other part (7, 7') to constitute the container or the circulation circuit (1);the thermoplastic material forming the intermediate part(s) (5') advantageously having a higher melting temperature than the thermoplastic material forming the pipette(s) (4, 4').

18. A method for manufacturing a device (1) of the type containing or circulating circuit for liquid, in particular a device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, in particular a thermal regulation circuit, comprising at least one metallic wall (2) which has at least one opening (3, 3') for the passage of liquid through said wall (2), a supply or discharge pipette (4, 4') being present on the external face (2') of said wall (2), at said or each opening (3, 3') and being connected in a hermetic manner to the relevant opening (3, 3'), a process characterized in that it comprises at least the steps of: providing a metal wall (2), for example of the formed sheet type; sealing at least one intermediate piece of thermoplastic material (5') to the external face (2') of the metal plate (2) at one or each of the openings (3, 3'), in the form of a piece attached by welding or overmolded on said metal wall (2); fitting or forming at least one pipette (4, 4') as a piece overmolded or sealed on and / or in the intermediate piece or each of the intermediate pieces of thermoplastic material (5'); assembling said metal wall (2) with at least one other part (7, 7') to constitute the container or the circulation circuit (1).

19. A manufacturing method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that it consists of subjecting at least one area (6) of the outer face (2') of the metal wall (2) surrounding said or each opening (3, 3') or of the intermediate metal piece (5), to a surface treatment resulting in a microstructured and / or chemically altered surface layer, so as to provide, during overmolding of thermoplastic material or thermoplastic / metal welding at the level of this area (6), a bond by mechanical hooking or by chemical adhesion of the thermoplastic material with a microstructured and / or chemically altered surface layer, of the outer face (2') of the metal wall (2) or of the intermediate metal piece (5).

20. A manufacturing method according to claim 19, characterized in that the surface treatment carried out comprises a surface structuring process by laser or similar, producing surface microstructures allowing, during overmolding or welding of the pipette (4, 4') or the part (5') in the thermoplastic material concerned, a multiple interlocking of the thermoplastic material at the level of the treated area (6).

21. A manufacturing method according to claim 19, characterized in that the surface treatment carried out comprises a surface treatment of the type passivation or anodizing which promotes, during overmolding or welding of the pipette (4, 4') or the part (5') in the thermoplastic material concerned, a surface chemical adhesion of the thermoplastic material at the level of the treated area (6).

22. A manufacturing method according to any one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that, for the realization of a circulation circuit, the metal wall (2) is assembled with a second wall or a complementary plate (7), made of a metallic or thermoplastic material, having a grooved pattern (8) and sealed together, for example by welding, against said metal wall (2), this grooved pattern (8) forming by cooperation with the inner face (2”) of said metal plate (2), against which the wall or complementary plate (7) is applied, a conduit or a network of conduits (9) for the circulation of liquid between the two openings (3, 3'), which correspond respectively to an inlet opening and an outlet opening and each of which is provided with a pipette made of thermoplastic material (4, 4').

23. A manufacturing method according to any one of claims 19 to 22, characterized in that it consists, for the purpose of forming the intermediate part (5') or the pipette(s) (4, 4') by overmolding thermoplastic material, of placing the metal wall (2) in an injection mold capable of rectifying the flatness of said wall (2) if necessary.

24. A manufacturing method according to any one of claims 19 to 23, characterized in that the complementary plate (7) is a grooved plate made of thermoplastic material and is joined by welding to the inner face (2”) of the metal wall (2), the bond obtained between this plate (7) and the metal wall (2) being a bond by mechanical attachment or by chemical adhesion of the thermoplastic material of the plate (7) with a microstructured and / or chemically altered surface layer of the inner face (2”) of the metal wall (2), during a pre-treatment step of said inner face (2”).

25. A manufacturing method according to any one of claims 19 to 24, characterized in that, during the formation of the intermediate part (5') or the pipette(s) (4, 4') by overmolding, it consists of simultaneously or at a later stage overmolding at least one other area of ​​the outer face (2) and / or inner face (2") of the metal wall (2) with a thermoplastic material, identical or different from that forming the pipette(s) (4, 4'), to form, for example, stiffening and / or reinforcing structures (14). structural or a protective coating, preferably after a surface treatment of the area(s) concerned which promotes the adhesion or bonding of the thermoplastic material.

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