Thermal dissipation device and electrical connection box, electrical energy storage device, and vehicle comprising such a dissipation device

Abstract

The invention relates to a thermal dissipation device, in particular for a motor vehicle, the device comprising a heat pipe (10) configured for heat exchange between a hot source, comprising an electrical member (14), and a cold source (16), the device further comprising a first thermal interface member (18) having a first heat exchange surface in contact with the heat pipe (10) and a second heat exchange surface intended to come into contact with one of the hot source or cold source for heat exchange between the heat pipe (10) and the hot source or cold source via the first thermal interface member (18), the device being configured to apply an elastic force (F) between the heat pipe (10) and the first thermal interface member (18).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: Heat dissipation device as well as electrical connection box, electrical energy storage device and vehicle including such a dissipation device.

[0003] The invention relates to a heat dissipation device, particularly for a motor vehicle. It also relates to an electrical connection box for an electrical energy storage device, particularly a battery, comprising such a dissipation device. It further relates to such an electrical energy storage device, particularly a battery, comprising such a box and / or such a dissipation device. It also relates to a vehicle comprising such a storage device, such a box, and / or such a dissipation device.

[0004] In this field, it is known that electric or hybrid vehicles equipped with a battery pack include a casing that houses several electrochemical cells connected together and providing a high voltage at the battery terminals, typically a voltage of several hundred volts.

[0005] It is then necessary to equip the battery with an electrical connection box containing safety electrical components (relays, fuses) in order to cut off the current when needed. These components are connected using busbars through which the battery's input or output current flows.

[0006] In certain situations, the battery supplies or receives a high electrical power. This is the case, for example, during so-called fast charging of the vehicle's battery, or when the vehicle must exert significant traction. In these situations, the flow of a high-intensity current generates a sharp increase in temperature, particularly in areas commonly referred to as "hot spots," such as safety-critical electrical components, which then present an increased risk of degradation. To mitigate this risk, it is common practice to oversize these components. However, this results in significant bulk, an excessive increase in weight, and a higher cost.

[0007] The invention aims to overcome at least in part the aforementioned drawbacks and proposes to this end a heat dissipation device, particularly for motor vehicles, said device comprising a heat pipe configured for heat exchange between, on the one hand, a hot source comprising an electrical component, and, on the other hand, a cold source, said device further comprising a first thermal interface component having a first heat exchange surface in contact with said heat pipe and a second heat exchange surface, intended to come into contact with one of said hot or cold sources for heat exchange between said heat pipe and said hot or cold source via said first thermal interface component, said device being configured to apply an elastic force between said heat pipe and said first thermal interface component.

[0008] Thus, according to the invention, the first thermal interface element enhances heat exchange through dedicated exchange surfaces between the heat pipe and the heat source, whether hot or cold. Furthermore, the anticipated pressure between the heat pipe and the first thermal interface element promotes contact between them and therefore good thermal conduction.

[0009] In the context of an application to an electrical energy storage device, it is thus possible to reduce the temperature to which the safety devices will be subjected and to avoid their oversizing.

[0010] According to various additional features of the invention, which may be taken together or separately and which constitute so many embodiments of the invention:

[0011] - said first thermal interface element, referred to as cold, is configured for heat exchange between said heat pipe and said cold source, said first and second heat exchange surfaces being referred to as cold,

[0012] - said device comprises a second thermal interface element, referred to as the hot element, having a first heat exchange surface, referred to as the hot element, in contact with said heat pipe and a second heat exchange surface, referred to as the hot element, intended to come into contact with said hot source,

[0013] - said device comprises a support and an element for applying said force, intended to cooperate with said support,

[0014] - said support is configured for fixing said heat source

[0015] - said support is intended to be fixed to said cold source,

[0016] - said second cold exchange surface has a shape designed to fit over an upper face of said cold source,

[0017] - said second cold exchange surface is flat,

[0018] - said cold thermal interface element comprises a body, housing said heat pipe, and a diffuser attached to said body and intended to come into contact with said cold source,

[0019] - said cold thermal interface element has a hollow shape accommodating said heat pipe,

[0020] - said body flares out towards said diffuser by means of curved shapes,

[0021] - said device comprises a thermal conduction pad exhibiting electrical insulating properties,

[0022] - said pad is intended to be located between said second cold exchange surface and said cold source,

[0023] - said heat pipe is inclined so that, in use, a first zone of the heat pipe in heat exchange with said hot thermal interface element is vertically at a level lower than that of a second zone of the heat pipe in heat exchange with said cold thermal interface element,

[0024] - said device comprises an electrically conductive busbar intended to be electrically connected to said hot source,

[0025] - said heat pipe is straight,

[0026] - said heat pipe has a rounded cross-section,

[0027] - said heat pipe has a substantially circular cross-section,

[0028] - said heat pipe is sintered,

[0029] - said heat pipe is twisted,

[0030] - said force application device includes a rod configured to apply said force, - said rod is configured to exert said force on said heat pipe so as to press said heat pipe against said first cold exchange surface by a lever effect,

[0031] - said rod is threaded,

[0032] - said device comprises one or more nuts cooperating with said support to apply said force via said rod and through a relative position of said nuts along the rod with respect to said support,

[0033] - said stem comprises an elongated body and a head attached to said elongated body,

[0034] - said head is in contact with said heat pipe,

[0035] - said head comprises a first throat housing said heat pipe

[0036] - said first groove extends around an upper portion of said heat pipe,

[0037] - said hollow shape includes a second groove,

[0038] - said second throat extends around a lower portion of said heat pipe,

[0039] - said electrical conduction busbar is fixed to said support,

[0040] - said electrical conduction busbar is traversed by said threaded rod and fixed to said support by means of said nut(s),

[0041] - said rod exhibits thermal conductivity properties such as to form said hot thermal interface organ,

[0042] - said head flares out from said body in curved shapes,

[0043] - said head is welded, in particular brazed, and / or crimped to said heat pipe

[0044] - said second groove has a rounded straight section,

[0045] - said force application element comprises a spring exerting said force on an upper face of said cold thermal interface element, bearing against said support,

[0046] - said spring is formed from a folded blade,

[0047] - said hot thermal interface element includes a thermal conduction lug,

[0048] - said thermal conduction leg has a first branch equipped with a first sleeve housing said heat pipe,

[0049] - said first heat exchange surface is formed from an internal surface of said first sleeve, - said thermal conduction leg has a second branch configured to be fixed to said heat source,

[0050] - said first branch has a funnel shape extending from the base of said second branch,

[0051] - the said first and second branches of the thermal conduction leg form an L,

[0052] - said hollow shape is formed by a second sleeve housing said heat pipe,

[0053] - said first cold exchange surface is formed from an internal surface of said second sleeve,

[0054] - said electrical conduction omnibus bar is intended to be fixed between said thermal conduction lug and said hot source.

[0055] The invention also relates to an electrical connection box for an electrical energy storage device, in particular a battery of accumulators, comprising a hot source, a cold source and a dissipation device as described above.

[0056] According to various additional features of the invention, which may be taken together or separately and which constitute so many embodiments of the invention:

[0057] - said electrical component includes an electrical protection component,

[0058] - said electrical protection device includes an electrical relay,

[0059] - said heat source includes electrical connection terminals, electrically connected to said electrical component and in heat exchange relationship with said dissipation device,

[0060] - said cold source comprises a plate exhibiting a thermal inertia much greater than the thermal inertia of said hot source.

[0061] The invention further relates to an electrical energy storage device, in particular a battery of accumulators, comprising a connection box and / or a dissipation device as described above.

[0062] Advantageously, the connection box plate includes all or part of the underside of a housing for the electrical energy storage device. The invention further relates to a vehicle comprising a storage device, a connection box, and / or a dissipation device as described above.

[0063] The invention will be better understood, and other objects, details, features and advantages thereof will become more apparent in the course of the detailed explanatory description which follows, of at least one embodiment of the invention given by way of purely illustrative and non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, among which:

[0064] [Fig 1] schematically illustrates, in side view, a motor vehicle according to the invention;

[0065] [Fig 2] schematically illustrates in perspective, exploded view, the components of a heat dissipation device according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0066] [Fig 3] schematically illustrates in perspective the organs of figure 2, assembled;

[0067] [Fig 4] schematically illustrates in perspective the heat dissipation device according to the first embodiment of the invention, complete and mounted on a cold source;

[0068] [Fig 5] schematically illustrates in longitudinal section view the heat dissipation device of figure 4, before mounting on the cold source;

[0069] [Fig 6] schematically illustrates in perspective, exploded view, the components of a heat dissipation device according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0070] [Fig 7] schematically illustrates in perspective the organs of figure 6, assembled;

[0071] [Fig 8] schematically illustrates in perspective the heat dissipation device according to the second embodiment of the invention, complete and mounted on a cold source, according to a first orientation;

[0072] [Fig 9] schematically illustrates in longitudinal section view the heat dissipation device of figure 8, before mounting on the cold source;

[0073] [Fig 10] schematically illustrates in longitudinal section view the heat dissipation device of figure 8, after mounting on the cold source; [Fig 11] schematically illustrates in longitudinal section view the heat dissipation device of figure 8, according to a second orientation.

[0074] It should first be noted that the terms "first", "second", "third", ... are only used to distinguish the components concerned from each other and do not imply any order or possible importance of said components.

[0075] The invention relates to a heat dissipation device, particularly for motor vehicles.

[0076] As illustrated in Figure 1, the invention also relates to an electrical connection box 1, an electrical energy storage device 2, in particular a battery, and a vehicle V comprising such a dissipation device. The latter is placed, for example, in the electrical connection box 1, said box 1 being used to connect the electrical energy storage device 2 to an electrical network 3 of the motor vehicle V. Said vehicle V is advantageously an electric or hybrid vehicle connected to said electrical network 3.

[0077] As illustrated in the following figures, said heat dissipation device includes a heat pipe 10, configured for heat exchange between, on the one hand, a hot source 12 and, on the other hand, a cold source 16. By "heat pipe" is meant a heat-conducting element allowing a fluid to circulate inside the element, in particular by capillarity and / or by gravity, this in a closed cycle according to a principle of successive evaporation and condensation of the fluid.

[0078] Preferably, said heat pipe 10 is straight. It has, for example, a rounded cross-section, in particular circular. Said heat pipe 10 is, in particular, sintered and / or twisted.

[0079] As particularly visible in Figures 2 and 3 as well as 6 and 7, said device further comprises a first thermal interface element 18 having a first heat exchange surface 18a in contact with said heat pipe 10 and a second heat exchange surface 18b intended to come into contact with one of said hot or cold sources, here the cold source, for heat exchange between said heat pipe 10 and said hot or cold source via said first thermal interface element 18. In the illustrated embodiments, said first thermal interface element, said cold, has a first heat exchange surface 18a, said cold, in contact with said heat pipe 10, and a second heat exchange surface 18b, said cold, intended to come into contact with said cold source 16.

[0080] The cold thermal interface element 18 comprises a body 22, housing the heat pipe 10, and a diffuser 24, connected to the body 22 and intended to come into contact with the cold source 16. The body 22 and the diffuser 24 are, for example, made of continuous material. The cold thermal interface element 18 is, in particular, made of copper.

[0081] Advantageously, said cold thermal interface organ 18, in particular here said body 22, has a hollow shape accommodating said heat pipe 10 so that an internal face of said hollow shape defines said first cold exchange surface 18a.

[0082] The diffuser 24 is formed, for example, of a plate. The plate extends here beyond a junction surface between the body 22 and the diffuser 24 so that the diffuser 24 has a larger heat conduction surface compared to the body 22 in the direction of the cold source 16.

[0083] Preferably, said body 22 flares out towards said diffuser 24 by curved shapes. This is particularly visible in Figures 6 and 7, where the presence of a radius of curvature at the junction between body 22 and the plate can be seen. Such shapes promote heat conduction within said cold thermal interface element 18.

[0084] The second cold exchange surface 18b is defined here by a lower face of the diffuser 24. Advantageously, the second cold exchange surface 18b has a shape designed to fit an upper face of the cold source 16, which is here substantially flat. In the illustrated embodiments, the second cold exchange surface 18b is flat.

[0085] The said dissipation device further comprises a second thermal interface element 20, referred to as the hot element. This hot thermal interface element has a first heat exchange surface 20a, referred to as the hot surface, in contact with the heat pipe 10, and a second heat exchange surface 20b, referred to as the hot surface, intended to come into contact with the hot source 12, for heat exchange between the heat pipe 10 and the hot source via the second thermal interface element 20. The structure and operation of the hot thermal interface element 20 will be further described in relation to the various illustrated embodiments.

[0086] As shown in Figures 5 and 6 and 7 to 10, according to the invention, said dissipation device is configured to apply an elastic force between said heat pipe 10 and said first thermal interface member, namely here, for the record, said cold thermal interface member 18.

[0087] As will become clear from the various examples illustrated later, the elastic nature of the force arises from the components used to apply it and / or from the elasticity of the materials used. Such a force has been illustrated in the figures by an arrow labeled F.

[0088] The first thermal interface element 18 enhances the heat exchange between the heat pipe 10 and the source 16 in question by their dedicated exchange surfaces, here the cold exchange surfaces 18a, 18b. In addition, the force F provided between the heat pipe 10 and said first thermal interface element 18 promotes contact between them and therefore good thermal conduction.

[0089] Said dissipation device includes, for example, a support 30, in particular made of reinforced ABS, and an application element 40 for said force F, intended to cooperate with said support 30.

[0090] Advantageously, said support 30 is configured for fixing said hot source 12. Alternatively or cumulatively, said support 30 is intended to be fixed to said cold source 16.

[0091] Preferably, the device comprises a thermal conduction pad 44 having electrical insulation properties. This pad is intended to be located, for example, between the second cold exchange surface 18b and the cold source 16. The pad is advantageously compressible. Alternatively, instead of the pad, the device comprises, for example, a layer of paste-like material having thermal conduction and electrical insulation properties.

[0092] According to the embodiments shown in Figures 4 and 5, and 8 and 9, the heat pipe 10 is intended to be oriented horizontally. It is shown here with a slight, non-visible inclination, such that, in operation, a first zone of the heat pipe 10 in heat exchange with the hot thermal interface element 20 is vertically at a slightly lower level than a second zone of the heat pipe 10 in heat exchange with the cold thermal interface element 18.

[0093] Alternatively, as illustrated in Figure 10, the heat pipe 10 is intended to be oriented vertically during operation, with the hot source 12 then located at its lower end. The cold source 16 extends vertically along the entire height of the dissipation device, but its heat exchange with the device is only at its upper end.

[0094] The said connection box includes one or more 50, 50a, 50b electrical conduction busbars intended to be electrically, or even thermally, connected to said hot source 12.

[0095] The heat source 12 includes an electrical component 14. This electrical component 14 consists of an electrical protection device, for example, an electrical relay and / or a fuse designed to open in the event of a fault in circuit 3. The heat source 12 includes electrical connection terminals, electrically connected to the electrical component 14 and in a heat exchange relationship with the device. These electrical connection terminals are not visible in the embodiment shown in Figures 2 to 5 and are illustrated in Figures 116a and 116b in the embodiment shown in Figures 6 to 10.

[0096] The cold source comprises, for example, a plate 52 having a thermal inertia much greater than that of the hot source 12. The plate 52 may optionally comprise all or part of a lower face of a housing for the electrical energy storage device. The plate 52 is here provided with channels for circulating a heat transfer fluid.

[0097] The method of implementation of figures 2 to 5 will now be described in more detail.

[0098] In this mode, said force application organ 40 includes a rod 60 configured to apply said force F. Said rod 60 is configured to exert said force F on said heat pipe 10 so as to press said heat pipe 10 against said first cold exchange surface 18a by a lever effect.

[0099] Preferably, said rod 60 has thermal conductivity properties so as to form said hot thermal interface element 20. It is, for example, made of copper. Said rod 60 is, in particular, straight. It is, for example, threaded, at least along part of its length, in particular at an end opposite said heat pipe 10.

[0100] Said device includes one or more nuts 62a, 62b cooperating with said support 30 to generate said force F via said rod 60 and through a relative position of said nuts 62a, 62b along the rod 60 with respect to said support 30.

[0101] The said rod 60 here comprises an elongated body 64 and a head 66 linked to said elongated body 64, at the level of an end of said elongated body 64 turned towards said heat pipe 10.

[0102] The said elongated body 64 has the thread used for positioning the nuts 62a, 62b, in particular at the end of the said elongated body 64 opposite the heat pipe 10. The said elongated body 64 has a rounded straight section, in particular circular.

[0103] Said head 66 is in contact with said heat pipe 10. It is, for example, welded, in particular brazed, and / or crimped to said heat pipe 10. Said head 66 includes, for example, a first groove 68 receiving said heat pipe 10. Said first groove 68 defines said first hot exchange surface 20a.

[0104] The head 66 here has a roughly parallelepiped shape. It is connected to the elongated body 64 at one of its faces, namely an upper face 70, by means of rounded shapes. More generally, the head 66 flares out from the elongated body 64 in curved shapes.

[0105] The said first groove 68 is oriented substantially orthogonally to the said elongated body 64. It extends around an upper portion of the said heat pipe 10, in particular over substantially 180°.

[0106] The support 30 comprises a first wing 32 in the shape of an inverted U. The heat pipe 10 passes between lateral sides 34a, 34b of the first wing 32, at one end of the heat pipe 10 located on the side of the heat source 12. An upper base 36 of the first wing 32 has an opening allowing the passage of the rod 60. Nuts 62a, 62b are located on either side of the support 30, particularly on the upper base 36, thus forming a nut / locknut assembly. The electrical conduction busbar 50 is fixed to the support 30, for example, to the upper base 36. The threaded rod 34 passes through the support 30 and is fixed to the support 30 by means of the nut(s) 62a, 62b.The busbar 50 is intended to be electrically, and possibly thermally, connected, on the one hand, to one of the first electrical connection terminals of the electrical component 14 by one of its ends, and on the other hand, to the rest of an electrical circuit of the connection box, in particular to another of its electrical components, not shown. The first connection terminal of the electrical component 14 is located, in particular, at one of the longitudinal ends of the electrical component 14, the electrical component having a cylindrical outer contour.

[0107] Although not illustrated, said connection box is intended to include a second dissipation device identical to the previous one and connected to the second electrical connection terminal of said electrical component 14, said second electrical connection terminal being located at a longitudinal end of said electrical component 14, opposite to the longitudinal end provided with said first electrical connection terminal.

[0108] We notice here a symmetry with respect to a median plane of said electrical organ 14.

[0109] Because of this symmetry, it is understood that another support 30' comprising a second wing 32' in an inverted U is located at the opposite longitudinal end of the electrical component 14. This other support 30' is intended to be traversed by the rod of the second heat dissipation device and to accommodate between its lateral sides the heat pipe of said second heat dissipation device.

[0110] In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second wings 32, 32' are integrated into a single frame, forming two opposite sides. This frame defines a housing for the electrical component 14. The frame includes a lower base 56 connecting the second wing 32' to the first wing 32. This lower base 56 is parallel to and fixed to the cold source 16. The electrical component 14 is at least partially located between the first and second wings 32, 32'.

[0111] On the side of said cold thermal interface element 18, said hollow shape is formed here by a second groove 46. Said second groove extends around a lower portion of said heat pipe 10, in particular over approximately 180°. Said second groove 46 has, for example, a rounded cross-section.

[0112] The body 22 of the first thermal interface element 18 has a substantially parallelepiped shape with its greatest extension parallel to a longitudinal direction of the heat pipe 10. The second groove 46 is oriented substantially parallel to the aforementioned greatest extension. As already mentioned, although not shown, lateral faces of the body 22 of the first thermal interface element 18 are advantageously connected to the diffuser 24 by radial shapes.

[0113] As shown in Figure 5, the relative positioning of the nuts 62a, 62b allows adjustment of the vertical positioning of the rod 60 with respect to the support 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the head 66 of the rod 60 is thus positioned vertically with respect to a lower edge 72 of the lateral sides 34a, 34b of the support 30. It is understood that, once the support 30 is in place on the plate forming the cold source 16, the force applied to the heat pipe 10 by the rod 60 is thus controlled. The same is true of the force F applied to the cold thermal interface element 18 by the effect of the lever arm transmitted by the heat pipe 10.

[0114] In the illustrated embodiment, it is further observed that the bearing 44 has a thickness E1 before assembly. Moreover, a vertical distance E2 between the lower edge 72 of the support 30 and an underside of the bearing 44 is determined by the vertical positioning of the rod 70 relative to the support 30, via the heat pipe 10 and the cold thermal interface element 18. It is understood that, during the assembly of the heat dissipation device, the difference between E1 and E2 allows for the compression of the bearing 44 between the cold thermal interface element 18 and the plate 52 under the effect of the force F.

[0115] The method of implementation of figures 6 to 11 will now be described in more detail.

[0116] In this mode, as seen in figures 9 and 10, said force application element 40 comprises a spring 80 exerting said force on an upper face 82 of said cold thermal interface element 18 bearing on said support 30.

[0117] The spring 80 is formed, for example, of a folded blade, in particular an inverted omega shape. The blade has a flexibility that gives it its elastic spring properties. The support 30 is formed, for example, of a casing 84 having a housing 86 for the spring 80. The spring 80 bears against an upper face 90 of the support 30 by the ends of the lateral legs of the spring 80 and / or exerts the force F on the upper face 82 of the cold thermal interface element 18 by a vertex 88 of the spring 80.

[0118] As more clearly seen by referring again to figures 6 and 7, the said hot thermal interface element 20 here includes a thermal conduction lug 100.

[0119] The said thermal conduction leg 100 has, for example, a first branch 102 and / or a second branch 104. It is, in particular, made of copper.

[0120] Said first branch 102 is provided with a first sleeve 106 receiving said heat pipe 10. Said first hot exchange surface 20a is formed of an internal surface of said first sleeve 106.

[0121] The first branch 102 further includes a plate 105 beneath which the first sleeve 106 is located. The first sleeve 106 is oriented parallel to the heat pipe 10. It extends along the greater length of the plate 105.

[0122] Advantageously, said first branch 102, in particular said plate 105, has a funnel shape, specifically trapezoidal. Said first branch 102 extends, for example, from a base 108 of said second branch 104 to a free edge 110 corresponding here to a longitudinal end of said first sleeve 106. In the trapezoidal shape formed by said plate 105, said base 108 of said second branch 104 has a width greater than said free edge 110 of said first branch 102.

[0123] The second branch 104 is configured to be fixed to the heat source 12, notably by screwing, as will be detailed below. It is substantially rectangular. Its axis of greatest extension is substantially orthogonal to the heat pipe 10.

[0124] Advantageously, said first and second branches 102, 104 give said thermal conduction leg 100 an L-shape. Such a configuration, possibly combined with the material which constitutes it, allows said thermal conduction leg 100 to offer good elasticity thanks to a spring effect present between said first and second branches 102, 104.

[0125] On the side of said cold thermal interface element 18, said hollow shape is formed inside a second sleeve 112 housing said heat pipe 10. Said first cold exchange surface 18a is thus formed from an internal surface of said second sleeve 112. The upper face 82 of said cold thermal interface element 18 at which said spring 80 presses on said cold thermal interface element 18 is formed from an external upper face of said sleeve 112.

[0126] The second sleeve 112 here forms the body 22 of the cold thermal interface element 18. It has a substantially parallelepiped shape. The second sleeve 112 has a direction of greatest extension parallel to the heat pipe 10. The second sleeve 112 has external lateral faces with the curved shapes mentioned above, serving for the junction with the diffuser 24.

[0127] Referring again to figures 8 to 10, we see that said envelope 84 extends to the thermal conduction leg 100. Said cold thermal interface element 18, said heat pipe 10 and / or said first branch 102 of the conduction leg 100 are located in said envelope 84.

[0128] The said envelope 84 also has here a notch 114 at the level of its upper face 90 to accommodate the electrical component 14.

[0129] As already mentioned, the said electrical component 14 has two electrical connection terminals 116a, 116b which also form, possibly, a thermal bridge and / or heat-generating points.

[0130] The said connection box includes here a second dissipation device identical to the previous one, the heat pipe of said second heat dissipation being illustrated 10' in figure 8. A symmetry is noted with respect to a median plane of said electrical component 14.

[0131] Two busbars 50a and 50b are illustrated, each associated with one of the heat dissipation devices. They are fixed to the electrical component 14 and / or to the corresponding thermal conduction lug 100, for example, to an upper end of its second arm 104, here by means of screws whose screw heads are visible at the reference points 116a and 116b. The busbars 50a and 50b are located between one of the thermal conduction lugs 100 and the electrical component 14.

[0132] The screws are connected to the electrical connection terminals 116a, 116b through slots provided in the busbars 50a, 50b and in the thermal conduction tabs 100. The busbars 50a, 50b are electrically, and possibly thermally, connected at one end to one of the electrical connection terminals 116a, 116b of the electrical component 14, and at the other end to the rest of an electrical circuit of the connection box, in particular to another of its electrical components, not shown. The electrical component 14 has a parallelepiped-shaped outer contour. It is provided with a partition 120 located between the busbars 50a, 50b.

[0133] In Figure 8, it can also be seen that the said casing 84 is common to the said dissipation devices. It advantageously features lateral sides 92 extending from the upper face 90 of the support 30. These rest on the said cold source 16. The said casing 84 is shown here open opposite the ends of the heat pipes 10, 10' located on the side of the said hot thermal interface element 20. Alternatively, these characteristics apply to a casing that would house a single dissipation device as described above.

[0134] As illustrated in figure 9, before mounting on said cold source 16, said heat pipe 10 is slightly inclined from bottom to top going from said cold thermal interface member 18 to said hot thermal interface member 20.

[0135] In figure 10, after mounting on said cold source 16, said heat pipe 10 is substantially horizontal, except for presenting the slight angle, mentioned above, to promote its operation.

[0136] Such a change in inclination before and after assembly promotes good compression of the bearing 44 thanks to the elasticity conferred by said dissipation device. It also promotes good contact with said cold source 16, in addition to the effect produced by said force F.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Heat dissipation device, particularly for motor vehicles, said device comprising a heat pipe (10) configured for heat exchange between, on the one hand, a hot source (12) comprising an electrical component (14), and, on the other hand, a cold source (16), said device further comprising a first thermal interface component (18) having a first heat exchange surface (18a) in contact with said heat pipe (10) and a second heat exchange surface (18b), intended to come into contact with one of said hot or cold sources for heat exchange between said heat pipe and said hot or cold source via said first thermal interface component (18), said device being configured to apply an elastic force (F) between said heat pipe (10) and said first thermal interface component (18).

2. Device according to claim 1 in which said first thermal interface element (18), said cold, is configured for heat exchange between said heat pipe (10) and said cold source (16), said first and second heat exchange surfaces (18a, 18b) being said to be cold.

3. Device according to the preceding claim in which said device comprises in addition a second thermal interface element (20), said hot, having a first heat exchange surface (20a), said hot, in contact with said heat pipe (10) and a second heat exchange surface (20b), said hot, intended to come into contact with said hot source (12).

4. Device according to any one of claims 2 or 3 in which said cold thermal interface member (18) comprises a body (22), hosting said heat pipe (10), and a diffuser (24) linked to said body (22) and intended to come into contact with said cold source (16).

5. Device according to the preceding claim in which said body (22) flares out towards said diffuser (24) by means of curved shapes.

6. Device according to any one of claims 2 to 5 in which said device comprises a thermal conduction pad (44) having electrical insulating properties, said pad (44) being intended to be located between said second cold exchange surface (18b) and said cold source (16).

7. Device according to any one of claims 2 to 6 in which said device comprises a support (30) and an element (40) for applying said force (F), intended to cooperate with said support (30).

8. Device according to the preceding claim in which said force application member (40) comprises a rod (60) configured to apply said force (F).

9. Device according to the preceding claim in which said rod (70) is configured to exert said force (F) on said heat pipe (10) so as to press said heat pipe (10) against said first cold exchange surface (18a) by a lever effect.

10. Device according to any one of claims 8 or 9 in which said rod (60) is threaded and said device comprises one or more nuts (62a, 62b) cooperating with said support (30) to apply said force (F) via said rod (60) and through a relative position of said nuts (62a, 62b) along the rod (60) with respect to said support (30).

11. Device according to claim 7 in which said force application member (40) comprises a spring (80) exerting said force (F) on an upper face (82) of said cold thermal interface member (18) bearing on said support (30).

12. Device according to the preceding claim in which said spring (80) is formed of a folded blade.

13. Electrical connection box for electrical energy storage device, in particular accumulator battery, comprising a hot source (12), a cold source (18) and a device according to any one of the preceding claims.

14. Electrical energy storage device, in particular accumulator battery, comprising a device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

15. Vehicle comprising a device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

Images