Connector for circulating a heat transfer fluid in a temperature control device

Abstract

The invention relates to a connector (14) for circulating a heat transfer fluid in a temperature control device (1) for electrical energy storage members (3), the connector comprising a first heat transfer fluid flow duct (28) and a second heat transfer fluid flow duct (30) arranged around the first duct (28), the first duct (28) having a notch (42) and the second duct (30) having a first slot (44) and a second slot (46), the connector (14) comprising means (36) for partially obstructing the second duct (30), the notch (42) in the first duct (28) and the first slot (44) in the second duct (30) communicating via a hollow body of the partial obstruction means (36).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Title: Connector for the circulation of heat transfer fluid in a thermal regulation device

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of thermal regulation devices and more particularly to the means used to regulate the temperature of electrical energy storage components equipping vehicles.

[0004] It is now common practice to equip electric, internal combustion, or hybrid vehicles with electrical energy storage systems that provide power to the various components of the vehicle. These electrical energy storage systems are generally composed of electrical energy storage cells, positioned within a battery module or battery pack.

[0005] During vehicle operation, the cells can generate a significant amount of heat, and the battery packs can therefore be subjected to temperature increases that can, in some cases, cause damage or even destruction. Consequently, cell cooling is essential to maintain the battery pack in good condition and thus ensure the vehicle's reliability, range, and performance. Conversely, battery pack operation can be less efficient at low temperatures, as the cells within these packs require a period of warm-up time before operating at full capacity.

[0006] To achieve this, one or more thermal regulation devices designed to regulate the temperature of the battery packs are implemented to ensure the heating and / or cooling functions of the cells inside these battery packs and thus optimize the operation of the various components.

[0007] These thermal regulation devices are generally traversed by a heat transfer fluid which can, depending on the needs, either absorb the heat emitted by one or the other of the cells in contact with the thermal regulation device in order to cool the battery pack, or provide heat if the temperature of the cells within the battery pack is insufficient for its proper functioning.

[0008] Battery packs can be made up, for example, of rows of electrical energy storage components in the form of cylindrical or tubular cells. Thermal regulation devices in the form of sinusoidal plates, particularly those made of heat-conducting metallic material, can be interposed between such rows. The heat transfer fluid then flows through these sinusoidal plates to cool or heat the cylindrical cells against which the thermal regulation devices are positioned.

[0009] It is known in the prior art to propose thermal control devices in which the connection between each adjacent sinusoidal plate, for the supply and discharge of heat transfer fluid, is ensured by means of a connecting device located at one end of the thermal control device. This connecting device is, in this case, a box comprising four ports: two fluid inlet ports and two fluid outlet ports. These inlet and outlet ports allow, on the one hand, the circulation of the heat transfer fluid within the thermal control device, and on the other hand, the transfer of said fluid from one thermal control device to another. Such a box, however, has drawbacks; in particular, it generates a significant amount of bulk due to its numerous ports, and it requires various machining operations that make its manufacture expensive.Furthermore, this box also poses difficulties when assembling it to the rest of the thermal regulation device and / or to the box of an adjacent thermal regulation device, as a poor connection of the box could then generate leaks of heat transfer fluid.

[0010] The present invention falls within this context by proposing a unique means of connection which allows on the one hand the conveyance and evacuation of the heat transfer fluid, and on the other hand participates in the connection to adjoining thermal regulation devices, and which is less bulky than the systems of the prior art.

[0011] The present invention relates primarily to a connector for the circulation of heat transfer fluid in a thermal regulation device for electrical energy storage components. The connector comprises a first heat transfer fluid circulation conduit and a second heat transfer fluid circulation conduit arranged around the first conduit. The first conduit has a notch, and the second conduit has a first slot and a second slot. The connector includes a means for partially obstructing the second conduit, defining a hollow body between the first and second conduits. The notch in the first conduit and the first slot in the second conduit communicate via the hollow body of the partial obstruction means. The connector according to the invention is intended for use within a thermal regulation device to contribute to the thermal regulation of electrical energy storage components, for example, cylindrical cells.The connector is used, for example, in a battery pack. Depending on the embodiment, the connector is made of aluminum or plastic.

[0012] Within the thermal regulation device, the connector serves both to convey the heat transfer fluid within a tube of the thermal regulation device and to drain the heat transfer fluid from this tube. The connector also helps to connect the thermal regulation device to adjacent thermal regulation devices within the battery pack. To this end, the connector comprises a first conduit, which may, for example, be a heat transfer fluid inlet conduit, and a second conduit, which may, for example, be a heat transfer fluid outlet conduit. Of course, without departing from the scope of the invention, the heat transfer fluid inlet and outlet can be reversed provided that the associated concentric conduits are each dedicated to a specific direction of flow and that the slots, notch, and partial obstruction means allow the two directions of flow to be independent via a single connector.

[0013] The first and second conduits are concentric, which helps to minimize the connector's size, with the second conduit surrounding the first. It is therefore understood that the circulation of the heat transfer fluid within the second conduit refers to the circulation of fluid in a given direction, not throughout the entire internal volume of the second conduit, but within the annular channel formed between an external face of the first conduit and an internal face of the second conduit.

[0014] The connector's conduits have openings that allow the heat transfer fluid to flow from the connector to the tube for supplying the fluid, and vice versa, from the tube to the connector for draining the heat transfer fluid. The connector includes, as these openings, a notch formed in the thickness of the first conduit and two slots formed in the thickness of the second conduit, the second conduit being arranged around the first. The notch and slots are through-holes. The notch is aligned with the first slot in a radial direction to the conduits. The notch and the first slot are configured to connect one end of the first conduit to a first part of the thermal control device. The second slot is configured to connect one end of the second conduit to a second part of the thermal control device.This allows for thermal regulation of the heating system without mixing between the portion of heat transfer fluid intended for supply and the portion intended for exhaust. To achieve this, the connector includes a means of partially obstructing the second conduit, which, for example, blocks half of the second conduit's interior. The obstruction is partial because it only radially affects a portion of the second conduit; it is understood that, apart from this partial obstruction, the heat transfer fluid flows freely within the second conduit.

[0015] The partial obstruction means comprises a hollow body extending across the flow of the heat transfer fluid within the second duct. This hollow body communicates with the notch and the first slot, and also isolates them from the second slot. Within the second duct, the hollow body of the partial obstruction means, together with the notch and the first slot, forms a guideway for the heat transfer fluid from the inside of the first duct to the outside of the second duct, without propagation into the second duct. Here, "within the second duct" means that the partial obstruction means is positioned between an external face of the first duct and an internal face of the second duct.

[0016] According to an optional feature of the invention, the slots of the second conduit are diametrically opposed.

[0017] The slots are symmetrical with respect to a plane containing a principal elongation axis of the second duct. Each slot extends angularly over a dimension less than half the length of the duct. Thus, for a given cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the elongation axis of the ducts, material is provided between the two slots to distinguish them from one another.

[0018] According to an optional feature of the invention, the partial obstruction means comprises two radial walls and two axial walls connecting the radial walls, the radial walls being arranged on either side of the notch and the first slot, the walls extending between an external face of the first conduit and an internal face of the second conduit, the hollow body being axially delimited by said two radial walls.

[0019] The walls of the partial obstruction define the path for guiding the heat transfer fluid from the inside of the first duct to the outside of the second duct. These walls also create a sealed section between themselves and the rest of the second duct. In other words, the heat transfer fluid is guided from the inside of the first duct to the outside of the second duct within the walls of the partial obstruction. This prevents the heat transfer fluid passing from the outside to the inside of the second duct through the second slot from mixing with the heat transfer fluid circulating within the partial obstruction.

[0020] The radial walls extend perpendicularly to the principal elongation direction of the connector, i.e., the axis of revolution of the connector's conduits. They are axially one dimension greater than the axial dimension of the notch in the first conduit so that they can be positioned on either side of it. The axial walls are angularly separated by 180°, meaning they have an angular opening angle 180° greater than the opening angle of the notch. In other words, the notch opens completely into the internal volume of the partial obstruction means. This prevents heat transfer fluid leakage. Advantageously, the dimensions of the walls of the partial obstruction means are only slightly larger than those of the notch, so as to avoid pressure loss within the partial obstruction means.

[0021] According to an optional feature of the invention, the axial dimension of the first conduit is greater than the axial dimension of the second conduit.

[0022] According to an optional feature of the invention, the connector includes a ring disposed around the second conduit, the ring comprising a first notch opposite the first slot of the connector and a second notch opposite the second slot of the connector.

[0023] This ring acts as a spacer, facilitating the integration of the connector within the thermal regulation device. The ring is positioned between the second conduit and the tube with which the connector is intended to interact. The ring extends over a central portion of the second conduit.

[0024] Like the connector, the ring has openings, including a first notch and a second notch. These notches prevent the ring from interfering with the flow of the heat transfer fluid from the connector to the tube and from the tube to the connector. It follows that the notches in the ring have dimensions at least equal to the dimensions of the slots in the second conduit. According to an optional feature of the invention, at least the second conduit includes a keying means.

[0025] The alignment guide ensures correct positioning of the connector within the tube with which it is intended to interact. Specifically, it ensures that the partial obstruction is correctly oriented towards the desired portion of the tube. The alignment guide also facilitates insertion of the connector into the tube.

[0026] The keying device is, for example, a lug formed on an external face of the second conduit. In some embodiments, the ring is also equipped with a keying device that complements the keying device of the second conduit.

[0027] According to an optional feature of the invention, the ring includes at least one means for attaching to the second conduit.

[0028] This attachment method facilitates the positioning of the ring on the second conduit during the assembly of these two elements. In particular, the attachment method allows for crimping the ring in embodiments where the aluminum connector is machined.

[0029] According to an optional feature of the invention, the connector includes a sealing element disposed between the second conduit and the ring.

[0030] This sealing element is, for example, an annular seal. The sealing element is used to facilitate assembly of the ring to the second conduit in embodiments where the connector is made of plastic.

[0031] The invention also relates to a connection assembly for a thermal regulation device for electrical energy storage components, comprising a connector as described above and a connection fitting for another connector as described above. The connection fitting comprises a first channel, one axial end of which is arranged around the first conduit of the connector, and a second channel, one axial end of which is arranged around the second conduit of the connector. According to an optional feature of the invention, at least a portion of the connection fitting has a degree of rigidity lower than the degree of rigidity of the connector.

[0032] The connecting end fitting is a joint that allows two connectors of two adjacent thermal control devices to be joined, while managing the tolerances between these two connectors during assembly. The connecting end fitting can be made of EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) for this purpose. The reduced rigidity of the connecting end fitting compared to the connector is achieved, for example, by locally modifying the pipe thickness.

[0033] The connection fitting consists of two concentric pipes, with a second pipe positioned around the first. The first pipe may be a supply pipe for the heat transfer fluid, and the second pipe may be a discharge pipe for the heat transfer fluid.

[0034] The connecting end pipes are configured to be connected around the connector conduits, forming an extension of these conduits to carry the heat transfer fluid to the conduits of the adjacent connector.

[0035] The connection tip extends over a distal portion of the conduits, this distal portion being understood along an extension axis of the connector.

[0036] According to an optional feature of the invention, the first pipe has reduced axial dimensions compared to those of the second pipe. In this way, the two pipes can be made to cooperate with the two conduits of the connector, the first conduit, which forms a watertight connection with the first pipe, having a larger axial dimension than the second conduit, which forms a watertight connection with the second pipe.

[0037] According to an optional feature of the invention, the connecting end has at least one rib on an internal wall of each of the first and second pipes.

[0038] This rib locally reduces the internal diameter of the pipe it is fitted to, resulting in a press fit of each pipe onto its corresponding conduit and ensuring a watertight seal between the pipe and the connector conduit it surrounds. According to an optional feature of the invention, the connection assembly includes a stiffening ring arranged around the connection end.

[0039] The stiffening ring serves both to reinforce the connection assembly and to prevent the connection tip from swelling during temperature changes. To achieve this, the stiffening ring is made of a plastic that is more rigid than the material of the connection tip. For example, the stiffening ring is made of polypropylene or polyamide 6.6.

[0040] According to an optional feature of the invention, the connecting end comprises a wall extending between the first pipe and the second pipe, a main extension dimension of the wall being less than an extension dimension of the second pipe measured along its main axis.

[0041] The wall extends between the outer wall of the first pipe and the outer wall of the second pipe. It helps to stiffen the connection fitting. The wall does not extend the entire length of the second pipe to allow the heat transfer fluid to circulate around the entire circumference of the connection fitting.

[0042] The invention further relates to a thermal regulation device for electrical energy storage devices, extending along a main extension direction between a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, each equipped with a transfer box, the thermal regulation device comprising at least one circulation tube extending between the first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end and comprising a first group of channels configured for the circulation of the heat transfer fluid and a second group of channels configured for the circulation of the heat transfer fluid, the thermal regulation device comprising a connector as previously mentioned passing through the circulation tube, the first conduit of the connector being in fluidic communication with the first group of channels via the notch and the first slot,and the second conduit of the connector being in fluidic communication with the second group of channels via the second slot.

[0043] The circulation tube is configured to be in contact with the electrical energy storage components, thus enabling heat exchange between the heat transfer fluid and these components. It can be corrugated, at least locally, so that its cross-section, parallel to the channels, has a sinusoidal shape conforming to the contour of the components. The circulation tube allows, via the channels, the circulation of the heat transfer fluid from one longitudinal end of the thermal control device to the other, i.e., from one transfer box to the other. The connector is assembled to the thermal control device so that its conduits extend substantially perpendicularly to the channels formed within the tube. The notch and the first slot are positioned opposite the first group of channels to allow the heat transfer fluid to circulate through the hollow body of the partial obstruction device.Conversely, the second slit is opposite the second group of channels.

[0044] According to an optional feature of the invention, within the tube the first group of channels and the second group of channels are separated from each other by a separating channel.

[0045] Depending on the embodiment, this channel is either a solid channel or a hollow channel where the circulation of the heat transfer fluid is prevented. The separation channel creates a distance between the heat transfer fluid intended to supply the first group of channels and the heat transfer fluid intended to be discharged from the second group of channels, thus preventing unwanted heat exchange.

[0046] According to an optional feature of the invention, the tube includes a means for positioning the connector.

[0047] This positioning device complements the keying device for the second conduit and / or the ring. It helps to correctly orient the connector relative to the tube, ensuring that the notch and the first slot are aligned with the first group of channels and not the second slot.

[0048] According to an optional feature of the invention, the connector is located at one of the longitudinal ends of the tube of the thermal regulation device, for example, at a distance from one of the longitudinal ends of the tube of between 1 and 10% of the total length of the tube measured between its longitudinal ends. The tube has, for example, a total length of between 30 and 250 centimeters.

[0049] This is an embodiment in which the connector is located near one of the transfer boxes. For example, the circulation tube has an exchange zone with the electrical energy storage devices and a connector reception zone interposed between the transfer box and the exchange zone, with the connector reception zone being mainly flat and the exchange zone being corrugated.

[0050] According to an optional feature of the invention, the connector is arranged substantially equidistant from the first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end.

[0051] This is another embodiment in which the connector occupies a central position within the thermal regulation device.

[0052] According to an optional feature of the invention, at least one of the transfer boxes includes peripheral partitions, which delimit between them an internal volume of the transfer box, and a separating partition.

[0053] The perimeter walls define the internal volume of the transfer box within which the heat transfer fluid circulates. The partition wall, which is separate from the perimeter walls of the transfer box, extends longitudinally along the wall separating the channel groups. The partition wall allows the heat transfer fluid to circulate in a U-shape within each channel group, resulting in better distribution of the heat transfer fluid within the thermal control system.

[0054] According to an optional feature of the invention, at least one of the transfer boxes comprising a separating partition includes an internal transverse partition substantially perpendicular to the separating partition.

[0055] The internal transverse partition allows for recirculation of the heat transfer fluid within the thermal regulation device, thereby maximizing heat exchange with the electrical energy storage components. This internal transverse partition is parallel to one of the peripheral partitions, specifically to a peripheral partition at the longitudinal end of the transfer box.

[0056] The invention also relates to a thermal regulation system for a motor vehicle, comprising a plurality of thermal regulation devices as previously described and a plurality of electrical energy storage components, the thermal regulation devices being arranged alongside the electrical energy storage components. The various thermal regulation devices are interconnected via connection assemblies as previously described.

[0057] Other features, details and advantages of the invention will become clearer upon reading the following description on the one hand, and the illustrative and non-limiting examples of embodiments given with reference to the accompanying drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0058] [Fig. 1] illustrates, schematically, a perspective view of a thermal regulation device according to the invention equipped with a connection assembly comprising a connector and a connection tip;

[0059] [Fig. 2] illustrates, schematically, a cross-sectional view of a portion of the longitudinal end of the thermal regulation device of Figure 1, in a transverse longitudinal plane LT with reference to the LVT trihedron of Figure 1;

[0060] [Fig. 3] illustrates, schematically, a top view of the connector in figure 1;

[0061] [Fig. 4] illustrates, schematically, a perspective view of the connector in figure 3;

[0062] [Fig. 5] illustrates, schematically, a cross-sectional view of the connector of figure 1 in a transverse longitudinal plane LT with reference to the trihedron LVT of figure 1;

[0063] [Fig. 6] illustrates, schematically, another perspective view of the connector in figure 1 which makes a ring visible;

[0064] [Fig. 7] illustrates, schematically, a perspective view of the connection tip of figure 1;

[0065] [Fig. 8] illustrates, schematically, an exploded view of the connection assembly and a portion of the thermal regulation device of figure 1;

[0066] [Fig. 9] illustrates, schematically, a variant of the thermal regulation device, in a cross-sectional view similar to that of figure 2;

[0067] [Fig. 10] illustrates, schematically, a battery pack comprising a plurality of electrical energy storage organs between which thermal regulation devices of figure 1 are interposed.

[0068] The features, variations, and different embodiments of the invention can be combined in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variations of the invention may include only a selection of features, described hereafter in isolation from the other features described, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage and / or to differentiate the invention from prior art.

[0069] In the figures, elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0070] In the detailed description that follows, the terms "longitudinal," "transverse," and "vertical" refer to the orientation of the thermal regulation device according to the invention. A longitudinal direction corresponds to a principal extension direction of the thermal regulation device, this longitudinal direction being parallel to a longitudinal axis L of a frame L, V, T illustrated in the figures. A vertical direction corresponds to a direction perpendicular to an alignment of the channels of the thermal regulation device, this vertical direction being parallel to a vertical axis V of the frame L, V, T, and this vertical axis V being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. Finally, a transverse direction corresponds to a direction parallel to a transverse axis T of the frame L, V, T, this transverse axis T being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L and to the vertical axis V.

[0071] Furthermore, in this description the term "heat transfer fluid" may refer to any cooling, refrigerant, thermal regulation, dielectric or two-phase fluid, provided that this fluid, liquid or gaseous, has the effect of cooling or heating electrical energy storage devices.

[0072] Figures 1, 2, 9, and 10 schematically illustrate a thermal regulation device 1 according to the invention. This thermal regulation device 1 is intended to equip a motor vehicle, particularly a hybrid or electric vehicle, in order to cool and / or heat its electrical energy storage components 3, which are, for example, stored in a battery pack 100 illustrated in Figure 10. Such electrical energy storage components 3, which in the context of the invention are cylindrical cells, provide electrical power to the various components of the motor vehicle. The thermal regulation device 1 is designed for the circulation of a heat transfer fluid, this heat transfer fluid exchanging heat with the electrical energy storage components 3 to regulate their temperature within the battery pack 100.The battery pack 100 thus comprises several rows of electrical energy storage elements 3, with thermal regulation devices 1 being intercalated between these rows of electrical energy storage elements 3.

[0073] The thermal regulation device 1 extends primarily along a longitudinal direction L between a first longitudinal end 2 and a second longitudinal end 4. The thermal regulation device 1 includes a heat transfer fluid circulation tube 6, which is a cross-sectional plate, in a longitudinal-vertical LV cross-sectional plane that is at least partially sinusoidal. The tube 6 extends from a first transfer box 8 at the first longitudinal end 2 of the thermal regulation device 1 to a second transfer box 10 at its second longitudinal end 4. The tube 6 has a substantially flat connection zone as well as a sinusoidal central portion that corresponds to a heat exchange zone with the electrical energy storage elements 3. Within the tube 6, the circulation of the heat transfer fluid is facilitated by the presence of channels 12 that extend from the first transfer box to the second transfer box 10.These channels 12 are aligned side by side along a transverse direction T of the thermal control device 1. At least one of the transfer boxes 8, 10 allows the heat transfer fluid to circulate in a "U" shape within the channels 12 of the tube 6 of the thermal control device 1, i.e., in a counter-current flow. This "U"-shaped circulation allows the heat transfer fluid to circulate from one group of channels 12 of the tube 6 to another.

[0074] To allow the supply of heat transfer fluid to the thermal control device 1 and the drainage of said fluid, the thermal control device 1 includes a connector 14. This connector 14, which will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 2 to 6 and 9, is configured to supply the tube 6 with heat transfer fluid, to drain the heat transfer fluid from the tube 6, and also serves to connect the thermal control device 1 to the thermal control devices 1 adjacent to it within the battery pack 100. For this purpose, and as can be seen in Figure 10, the connector 14 helps to form a connection line to a heat transfer fluid supply source located outside the battery pack 100, as well as to a heat transfer fluid collection area also located outside the battery pack 100.The power source and collection area, which are not shown here, can be arranged on the same side of the battery pack 100, or they can be arranged on opposite sides of the battery pack 100.

[0075] The connection of the various thermal control devices 1 of the battery pack 100 is made possible by a connection assembly, which includes the connector 14 and a connection fitting 16. The aforementioned connection line is formed by connecting these assemblies in series. Thus, the circulation of heat transfer fluid is permitted, firstly, from the connection assembly of a given thermal control device 1 to the connection assembly of the adjacent thermal control device 1, and secondly, within the tubes 6 to which the connection assemblies are connected. A connection fitting 16 is shown connected to the thermal control device 1 in Figure 1 and shown separately in Figure 7.

[0076] To convey the heat transfer fluid to and from tube 6, connector 14 is positioned across tube 6, extending directly beyond it. Connector 14 extends primarily in a vertical direction V between a first distal portion 18 and a second distal portion 20. Between its distal portions 18 and 20, connector 14 includes a central portion 22, which is the portion extending through tube 6. It is clear from the above that the distal portions 18 and 20 of connector 14 are positioned at a distance from tube 6, respectively on either side of it and facing an adjacent connector. Connector 14 is received within tube 6 in the connection zone near the first transfer box 8, that is, at the first longitudinal end 2 of the thermal control device 1.However, in other embodiments not illustrated here, the connector 14 could alternatively be received centrally in the tube 6, for example equidistant from the two return boxes 8, 10 and therefore from the two longitudinal ends 2, 4 of the thermal regulation device 1.

[0077] As can be clearly seen in Figures 2, 8, and 9, the tube 6 is free of corrugations where it receives the connector 14; in other words, at the point where the connector 14 is received, the tube has a straight cross-section rather than a sinusoidal one. It should be noted that at the point where the connector 14 is received, a positioning means 24 for this connector 14 is provided within the tube 6. The positioning means 24 is in this case a hole that forms an anti-rotation means, which prevents the connector 14 from rotating within the tube 6 by cooperating with said connector 14.

[0078] The positioning means 24 is more precisely arranged within a separation channel 26 of the tube 6. This separation channel 26 is not dedicated to the circulation of the heat transfer fluid, either because it is full or because it is blocked to prevent any passage of heat transfer fluid. The separation channel 26 occupies a central position along the transverse direction T of the thermal control device 1. The separation channel 26 allows for the separation, within the tube 6, of two groups of heat transfer fluid circulation channels 12, with a first group of channels 12A and a second group of channels 12b, each arranged on one side of the separation channel 26 along the transverse direction T. Due to the central position of the separation channel 26 within the tube 6, there are as many channels 12 in the first group of channels 12A as in the second group of channels 12B.The heat transfer fluid circulating in the first group of channels 12A, and illustrated by white arrows in Figures 2 and 9, is intended to supply the thermal control device 1, while the heat transfer fluid circulating in the second group of channels 12B, and illustrated by black arrows in the same figures, is intended to be removed from the thermal control device 1 after undergoing heat exchange. Therefore, the circulation in the first group of channels 12A and in the second group of channels 12B is at least partially counter-current.

[0079] Connector 14 will now be described in relation to Figures 2 to 6 and 9. Depending on the embodiment, connector 14 is made of aluminum or plastic. It is configured for supplying and draining heat transfer fluid within a given thermal control device 1, as well as for supplying and draining heat transfer fluid from one thermal control device 1 to another. To this end, connector 14 comprises two conduits 28 and 30, of which a first conduit 28, or internal conduit, and a second conduit 30, or external conduit, are required. The first conduit 28 is dedicated to supplying the heat transfer fluid, while the second conduit 30 is dedicated to draining the heat transfer fluid.

[0080] The first conduit 28 and the second conduit 30 are concentric and coaxial round section tubes, so that the first conduit 28 is arranged within the second conduit 30. As is particularly visible in Figure 3, the first conduit 28 has a length, that is to say a dimension measured along its axis of elongation, here vertical, which is greater than a length of the second conduit 30.

[0081] Each of the first duct 28 and the second duct 30 is radially delimited by a wall having an inner face 32 facing the inside of the duct 28, 30 and an outer face 34 facing the outside of the duct 28, 30. Due to the concentric arrangement of the ducts 28, 30, the outer face 34 of the first duct 28 and the inner face 32 of the second duct 30 are opposite each other and delimit between them a space for the circulation of the heat transfer fluid within the second duct 30. In other words, the circulation of the heat transfer fluid within the second duct 30 is permitted in an annular channel formed between the outer face 34 of the first duct 28 and the inner face 32 of the second duct 30 rather than in the entire internal volume of the second duct 30.

[0082] In this space for circulating the heat transfer fluid, the connector 14 includes a means for partially obstructing the second conduit 30. As is particularly visible in Figures 2, 5, and 9, the partial obstruction means 36 intermittently prevents the circulation of the heat transfer fluid over substantially half of the cross-section of the second conduit 30. Here, "intermittently" means that the partial obstruction means 36 does not extend from one distal portion 18, 20 to the other of the connector 14; rather, it is located in its central portion 22. Thus, with the exception of this central portion 22, the heat transfer fluid can circulate over the entire cross-section of the second conduit 30.

[0083] The partial obstruction means 36 is formed by a plurality of walls, including two radial walls 38 and two axial walls 40. The two radial walls 38 are parallel to each other and extend primarily in longitudinal-transverse planes, in a plane perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the conduit. In this respect, the two radial walls 38 can be considered as the walls primarily obstructing the fluid flow. The two axial walls 40 extend in the same longitudinal-vertical plane and connect the radial walls 38 to form a hollow body between the two conduits.In other words, the radial walls 38 and axial walls 40 all extend from the outer face 34 of the first conduit 28 to the inner face 32 of the second conduit 30, at a distance from each other so that the partial obstruction means 36 is not solid and defines within itself a hollow body which corresponds to an opening allowing the passage of the heat transfer fluid from the first conduit to the second conduit.

[0084] According to the invention, a notch 42 is formed within the first conduit 30. This notch 42, which is particularly visible in Figures 4 and 5, is a through opening, that is to say, it extends from the inner face 32 of the first conduit 28 to its outer face 34. It is thus understood that the notch 42 ensures fluidic communication between the first conduit 28 and the second conduit 30. The notch 42 has a radial dimension, or opening angle, which is less than half the cross-section of the first conduit 28. Notably, the notch 42 is formed in the central portion 22 of the first conduit 28, so that it opens onto the hollow body of the partial obstruction means 36. In other words, the notch 42 is arranged axially between the two radial walls 38 of the partial obstruction means 36.The notch 42 thus ensures, more precisely, fluidic communication between the interior of the first conduit 28 and the hollow body of the partial obstruction device 36 located in the second conduit 30. The first slot 44 is positioned opposite the notch 42 of the first conduit 28; in other words, the first slot 44 and the notch 42 are radially aligned. This allows fluidic communication through the hollow body of the partial obstruction device 36 from the notch 42 to the first slot 44.

[0085] Similarly, a first slot 44 and a second slot 46 are provided within the second duct 30. The first and second slots 44, 46 are through-holes extending from the inner face 32 of the second duct 30 to its outer face 34, allowing the heat transfer fluid to enter and exit between the outside and inside of the second duct 30. Each of the slots 44, 46 has a radial dimension, or opening angle, that is less than half the cross-section of the second duct 30. Thus, the slots 44, 46 are connected to each other by material bridges 48 the same thickness as the second duct 30, which are particularly visible in Figures 3 and 5. The thickness of the second duct 30 corresponds to its dimension measured between its inner face 32 and its outer face 34. The first slot 44 and the second slot 46 are also diametrically opposed.

[0086] As particularly illustrated in Figures 5 and 9, the first slot 44 of the second conduit 30 is located between the walls of the partial obstruction means 36, and more precisely between the two radial walls 38, along the transverse direction T, and between the two axial walls 40, considering the circumference around the axis of revolution. In other words, the first slot 44 opens onto the interior of the hollow body of this partial obstruction means 36.

[0087] The outer face 34 of the second conduit 30 is equipped, in its central portion 22, with a keying means 50 which facilitates the positioning of the connector 14 within the thermal regulation device 1, in particular by cooperating with the positioning means 24. The keying means 50 of the connector 14 is more precisely carried by one of the material bridges 48 connecting the two slots 44, 46. This keying means 50 is here an edge or a lug projecting from the outer face 34 of the second conduit 30.

[0088] The outer face 34 of the second conduit 30 also carries at least one fastening means 52 for a ring 54 of the connection assembly, which is intended to surround the second conduit 30. The fastening means 52 is, depending on the embodiment, a groove projecting from the outer face 34 of the second conduit 30 around its entire circumference, or a snap-on element. The groove is illustrated in the embodiment of Figure 6, which is a first embodiment of the connector, while the snap-on element is shown in the embodiments of Figures 3 to 5 and 8, which correspond to a second embodiment of the connector.

[0089] The ring 54 is particularly visible in Figures 6 and 8. The ring 54 is configured to be positioned around the second conduit 30 of the connector 14, in contact with the central portion 22 of its outer face 34. The ring 54 thus overlaps the two slots 44, 46 of the second conduit 30. When the connector 14 is positioned through the tube 6 of the thermal control device 1, the ring 54 is intended to be interposed between the second conduit 30 and the tube 6. In order not to impede the flow of the heat transfer fluid from the conduits 28, 30 to the tube 6 and vice versa from the tube 6 to the conduits 28, 30, the ring has notches 56, 58. These notches 56, 58, which more precisely comprise a first notch 56 and a second notch 58, are through-holes formed within of a ring thickness of 54 which refers to its radial dimension.The ring 54 is positioned on the second conduit 30 so that the first notch 56 is arranged opposite the first slot 44 of the second conduit 30 and the second notch 58 is arranged opposite its second slot 46. The notches 56, 58 have axial and angular dimensions at least equal to the corresponding dimensions of those of the slots 44, 46.

[0090] In some embodiments, and particularly in the first embodiment shown in Figure 6, the ring 54 is equipped with at least one attachment means 60 for the second conduit 30. The attachment means 60 is a tab configured to cooperate with the fastening means 52 of the second conduit, here the groove. In Figure 6, the ring 54 has a plurality of attachment means 60 distributed around its circumference. In the first embodiment, the connector 14 is made of aluminum, and the attachment means 60 of the ring 54 are used to crimp the ring 54 onto the connector 14.

[0091] In contrast, in the second embodiment illustrated in Figure 8, the connector 14 is made of plastic. In this second embodiment, a sealing element 62 is interposed between the outer face 34 of the second conduit 30 and the ring 54. This sealing element 62, here a gasket, is formed of two circular portions surrounding the second conduit 30 and a straight segment connecting the two circular portions. This straight segment is positioned overlapping the material bridge 48 of the second conduit 30, which carries the keying means 50, while the circular portions are arranged on either side of the slots 44, 46 of the second conduit 30 along the vertical direction V.

[0092] Whether in the first embodiment or in the second embodiment, the ring 54 may, like the anti-misalignment means 50 of the second conduit 30, have an anti-misalignment element 64 facilitating its positioning relative to the tube 6 of the thermal regulation device 1, where appropriate by cooperating with the positioning means 24 of the tube 6 and / or the anti-misalignment means 50 of the second conduit 30.

[0093] The ring 54 includes a brazing element so that it can be brazed to the tube 6 of the thermal regulation device 1. In the first embodiment of Figure 6, i.e., when the connector 14 is made of aluminum, this brazing element is a brazing coating that covers at least one entire external surface of the ring 54. In the second embodiment of Figure 8, namely when the connector 14 is made of plastic, the brazing element is a brazing ring 66 that surrounds the ring 54. This brazing ring 66 is then perforated so as to receive the keying element 64 of the ring 54. The ring 54 is, for example, made of aluminum.

[0094] The circulation of the heat transfer fluid within the thermal control device 1 will now be described with reference to Figures 2 and 9. The thermal control device 1 illustrated in Figure 9 is a variant of the thermal control device 1 shown in Figure 2. To circulate the heat transfer fluid within the tube 6, the connector 14 is secured to the ring 54, either directly by crimping in the first embodiment or by inserting the sealing element 62 between the connector 14 and the ring 54 in the second embodiment. Positioning the ring 54 relative to the second conduit 30 of the connector 14 is facilitated by the presence of the fastening means 52 for this second end 30, which, as mentioned above, corresponds to a groove in the first embodiment of Figure 6, and to a snap-fit ​​element in the second embodiment of Figure 8.

[0095] In the second embodiment, the brazing ring 66 is also positioned around the ring 54. Once the ring 54 is connected to the connector 14, the notches 56, 58 are aligned with the slots 44, 46. The assembly formed by the connector 14 and the ring 54, and optionally the sealing element 62 and the brazing ring 66, is then inserted into the tube 6. The positioning of this assembly relative to the tube 6 is ensured by the alignment means 50 of the second conduit 30 and the alignment means 64 of the ring 54, which are inserted into the positioning means 24 of the tube 6. More precisely, this ensures that the notch of the first conduit 28, the first slot 44 of the second conduit 30, and the first notch 56 of the ring 54 are aligned with the first group of channels 12A, and that the second slot 46 of the second conduit 30 and the second notch 58 of the ring 54 are arranged opposite the second group of channels 12B.Thus, the first conduit 28 is in fluidic communication with the first group of channels 12A and the second conduit 30 is in fluidic communication with the second group of channels 12B.

[0096] As mentioned previously, the first conduit 28 is dedicated to supplying the heat transfer fluid, while the second conduit 30 is dedicated to draining the heat transfer fluid. As a reminder, the heat transfer fluid intended to supply tube 6 is represented here by white arrows, while the heat transfer fluid intended to be drained from tube 6 is illustrated by black arrows. Thus, the heat transfer fluid circulating in the first conduit 28 passes through the notch 42 of this first conduit 28, passes through the hollow body of the partial obstruction means 36 and then passes through the first slot 44 of the second conduit 30, the circulation of the heat transfer fluid being guided within the second conduit by the walls 38, 40. The walls 38, 40 also prevent a mixing of this heat transfer fluid intended for supply and circulating in the hollow body with the heat transfer fluid intended to be discharged and circulating in the rest of the second conduit 30.The heat transfer fluid intended for supply then passes through the first notch 56 of the ring 54 and opens into the channels 12 of the first group of channels 12A. The first notch 56 does indeed open into some of the channels 12 of the first group of channels 12A. The heat transfer fluid circulates, within these channels of the first group of channels 12A, both towards the first longitudinal end 2 of the thermal regulation device 1 and its second longitudinal end 4, that is to say, both towards the first transfer box 8 and the second transfer box 10.

[0097] As can be seen in Figures 2 and 9, the first transfer box 8 comprises, in addition to the peripheral partitions that define its internal volume, a central partition 68 extending along the longitudinal direction L. This central partition 68 is positioned opposite the separation channel 26 of the tube 6, so as to continue in the first transfer box 8 the separation effected in the tube 6 between the first group of channels 12A and the second group of channels 12B. In the thermal regulation device 1 of Figure 2, the central partition 68 extends over an entire longitudinal dimension of the first transfer box 8.The central partition 68 allows the heat transfer fluid propagating from the connector to the first transfer box to be directed, to make a half turn within the first group of channels 12A, so as to allow its circulation within eccentric channels 12 of the first group of channels 12A which are not opposite the connector 14. In this way, in the central part of the tube of the thermal regulation device, the heat transfer fluid circulates towards the second transfer box, either directly from the connector, through the channels in direct connection with the first notch or indirectly, from the first transfer box through the eccentric channels.

[0098] In the thermal control device 1 of Figure 2, the second transfer box 10 has no partition and only peripheral walls delimiting its internal volume. The heat transfer fluid arriving from the first group of channels 12A to the second transfer box 10 makes a U-turn and flows into the second group of channels 12B. It is therefore understood that the second transfer box 10 allows the heat transfer fluid to circulate in a "U" shape within the tube 6 of the thermal control device 1, first circulating in the first group of channels 12A and then in the second group of channels 12B. The heat transfer fluid circulating in the second group of channels 12B flows towards the first transfer box in the direction of connector 14, either directly or indirectly.

[0099] A portion of the heat transfer fluid which flows in channels 12 of the second group of channels 12B which are not opposite the connector 14, i.e. which flows in eccentric channels 12 of the second group of channels 12B, continues its circulation within the tube 6 to the first transfer box 8. Within this first transfer box 8, the heat transfer fluid is redirected to the channels 12 of the second group of channels 12B opposite the connector 14 so as to allow discharge via the second conduit 30.

[0100] More specifically, the heat transfer fluid passes through the second notch 58 of the ring 54 and the second slot 46 in order to flow within the second conduit 30. Passage towards the first conduit 28 is prevented since this first conduit 28 has no notch opposite the second slot 46. Passage within the hollow body of the partial obstruction means 36 is prevented by the axial walls 40 of said partial obstruction means 36.

[0101] In the alternative embodiment of the thermal regulation device 1 in Figure 9, the first transfer box 8 has, in addition to the central partition 68, two lateral partitions 70, which also extend primarily along the longitudinal direction L and are arranged, along the transverse direction T, on either side of the central partition 68. The lateral partitions 70 are positioned at a distance from the peripheral partitions of the first transfer box 8 that define its internal volume. For example, the lateral partitions 70 are positioned opposite a channel 12, which is separated from the nearest transverse end of the tube 6 by a plurality of other channels 12.

[0102] In this embodiment, the central partition 68 and the lateral partitions 70 do not extend over an entire longitudinal dimension of the first transfer box 8. Rather, the partitions 68 and 70 extend from an edge of the first transfer box 8, which receives the channels 12 of the tube 6, to an internal transverse partition 72. This internal transverse partition 72 is perpendicular to the partitions 68 and 70 and parallel to a longitudinal end peripheral partition, which is the largest of the peripheral partitions. The internal transverse partition 72, together with the longitudinal end peripheral partition (i.e., the one opposite the tube), defines a passage for the heat transfer fluid through the first transfer box, on either side of the partition, and, in combination with the lateral partitions 70, it allows recirculation of the heat transfer fluid within the tube 6.

[0103] Thus, in the variant embodiment of the thermal regulation device 1 of the figure

[0104] 9, the heat transfer fluid which arrives in the tube 6 from the first conduit 28 of the connector 14 circulates in the first group of channels 12A, i.e. to the first transfer box 8 within which it makes a half turn between the central partition 68 and one of the lateral partitions 70 before joining the second transfer box 10, i.e. directly to this second transfer box

[0105] 10. It should be noted that the second transfer box 10 is also equipped with a central partition 68. Due to this central partition 68, the heat transfer fluid is redirected to the first group of channels 12A rather than to the second group of channels 12B as was the case in Figure 2. More precisely, the heat transfer fluid flows after a half-turn in the second transfer box, in end channels 12 of the first group of channels 12A, to the first transfer box 8. Within the first transfer box 8, the heat transfer fluid is channeled between the internal transverse partition 72 and the peripheral longitudinal end partition of the first transfer box 8, in other words, its edge opposite its edge which receives the channels 12.The heat transfer fluid circulates across the entire width of the thermal control device 1, i.e., across its entire transverse dimension, and then enters end channels 12 of the second group of channels 12B. The heat transfer fluid then travels through these channels 12 to the second transfer box 10, within which it makes a U-turn to be redirected to the connector 14. Such redirection occurs either directly or by passing through the first transfer box 8, within which the heat transfer fluid makes a U-turn between the central partition 68 and one of the lateral partitions 70.

[0106] Within a battery pack 100 comprising a plurality of thermal regulation devices 1, the heat transfer fluid circulates through all of these thermal regulation devices 1 in order to supply them successively. It is therefore necessary to provide a connecting line between the different thermal regulation devices 1 so that each can be supplied with heat transfer fluid on the one hand, and so that the heat transfer fluid can be drained from each on the other. To achieve this, the connectors 14 of two adjacent thermal regulation devices 1 are connected to each other via the connection fitting 16, which is illustrated in Figures 1 and 7.

[0107] The connecting fitting 16 is specifically configured to connect the first conduit 28 of a given connector 14 to the first conduit 28 of its adjacent connector 14, and similarly to connect the second conduit 30 of the given connector 14 to the second conduit 30 of the adjacent connector 14. To this end, the connecting fitting 16 has a first channel 74 and a second channel 76 designed to connect respectively to the first conduit 28 and the second conduit 30. As it flows along the connecting line, a portion of the heat transfer fluid can be distributed to each thermal control device 1 of the battery pack 100 and, as it passes through each tube 6, enter the first conduit 28 of its connector 14 via the first slot 44.The portion of the heat transfer fluid that does not enter the given tube 6 continues its path within the connecting line to the next tube 6, flowing for this purpose through the first conduit 28 and the first pipe 74 of the associated connection fitting 16. Conversely, the heat transfer fluid is recovered from each thermal control device 1 via the second conduits 30 of the connectors and the second pipes 76 of the connection fittings 16 of the battery pack 100, where applicable by flowing through the connecting line that links the various thermal control devices 1 of the battery pack 100.

[0108] The two pipes 74, 76 are concentric and coaxial round section tubes, so that the second pipe 76 is arranged around the first pipe 74. The first pipe 76 is dedicated to supplying heat transfer fluid to the thermal regulation devices 1 while the second pipe 78 is dedicated to their evacuation.

[0109] Each of the first pipe 74 and the second pipe 76 is delimited along the vertical direction V by a first axial end 78 and a second axial end 80. The length of the pipes 74 and 76 is measured between their axial ends 78 and 80. The first pipe 74 has a length that is less than the length of the second pipe 76. This allows for optimal connection to the connector 14, in which, as mentioned above, the first conduit 28 has a greater length than the second conduit 30.

[0110] As can be seen in Figure 1, the second pipe 76 of the connecting end 16 has a constriction here at substantially equidistant from its axial ends 78, 80. This constriction, which corresponds to a local reduction in the diameter of the second pipe 76, makes it possible to increase the rigidity of the connecting end 16 and to avoid deformations of it in the event of high pressures of the heat transfer fluid circulating within it.

[0111] When the connecting end 16 is connected to the connector 14, the first axial end 78 of the first pipe 74 overlaps and contacts the first conduit 28, and the first axial end 78 of the second pipe 76 overlaps and contacts the second conduit 30. The connecting end 16 thus overlaps one of the distal portions 18, 20 of the connector 14, i.e., at a distance from the ring 54. It is understood that the first pipe 74 has a sufficient diameter to surround the first conduit 28 by being in contact with its outer face 34, and similarly the second pipe 76 has a sufficient diameter to surround the second conduit 30 by being in contact with its outer face 34.More specifically, each of the first pipe 74 and the second pipe 76 is radially delimited by an internal wall 82 facing the inside of the pipe 74, 76 and an external wall 84 facing the outside of the pipe 74, 76, so that the external wall 84 of the first pipe 74 and the internal wall 82 of the second pipe 76 are opposite each other and delimit between them a space for the circulation of the heat transfer fluid within the second pipe 76.

[0112] The pipes 74, 76 are intended to be press-fitted around their respective conduits 28, 30, which is facilitated in particular by the EPDM material from which the connection fitting 16 is made. In order to ensure a seal between the first conduit 28 and the first pipe 74 on the one hand, and between the second conduit 28 and the second pipe 74 on the other hand, the connection fitting 16 has at least one rib 86 on the internal wall 82 of each of its pipes 74, 76. These ribs 86 induce a reduction in the internal diameter of their respective pipes 74, 76 and thus help to prevent leakage of heat transfer fluid, by deforming in contact with the conduits 28, 30 during their press-fitting. In order to improve the rigidity of the connection tip 16, which must be flexible enough to be able to be force-mounted on the connector 14 without damaging said connector 14, the connection tip 16 has stiffening means.The connection end 16 thus has at least one stiffening ring 88 disposed in contact with the external wall 80 of its second pipe 76. This stiffening ring 88 is for example overmolded on the second pipe 76.

[0113] The connection fitting 16 also includes, as part of its stiffening means, at least one wall 90 which connects the first pipe 74 and the second pipe 76, i.e., which extends between the outer wall 84 of the first pipe 74 and the inner wall 82 of the second pipe 76. In order to limit obstructions to the flow of the heat transfer fluid within the second pipe 76, this wall 90 does not extend from one axial end 78, 80 to the other of the first pipe 74. Rather, the wall 90 has a main extension dimension, measured along the vertical direction V, which is less than the length of the first pipe 78. In this way, the heat transfer fluid intended to be discharged from the various thermal control devices 1 of the battery pack 100 can flow over a whole section of the second pipe 76.

[0114] It should be noted that when mounting the connection tip 16 onto the connector 14, it is necessary to ensure the alignment of these two components. This is facilitated by the different degrees of rigidity of the connection tip 16 and the connector 14; the connection tip 16 is more flexible in order to deform during mounting onto the more rigid connector 14.

[0115] The present invention thus proposes a thermal regulation device in which the size is reduced thanks to the use of a single connector to carry out both the supply of heat transfer fluid and the evacuation of heat transfer fluid, this connector also allowing easy connection to other thermal regulation devices.

[0116] The present invention is not limited to the means and configurations described and illustrated herein, and also extends to any equivalent means and configuration as well as any technically operative combination of such means.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Connector (14) for the circulation of heat transfer fluid of a thermal regulation device (1) of electrical energy storage devices (3), comprising a first heat transfer fluid circulation conduit (28) and a second heat transfer fluid circulation conduit (30) disposed around the first conduit (28), the first conduit (28) having a notch (42) and the second conduit (30) having a first slot (44) and a second slot (46), the connector (14) comprising a means for partially obstructing (36) the second conduit (30) defining a hollow body between the first conduit (28) and the second conduit (30), the notch (42) of the first conduit (28) and the first slot (44) of the second conduit (30) communicating via the hollow body of the means for partially obstructing (36).

2. Connector (14) according to the preceding claim, in which the slots (44, 46) of the second conduit (30) are diametrically opposed.

3. Connector (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the partial obstruction means (36) comprises two radial walls (38) and two axial walls (40) connecting the radial walls (38), the radial walls (38) being arranged on either side of the notch (42) and the first slot (44), the walls (38, 40) extending between an external face (34) of the first conduit (28) and an internal face (32) of the second conduit (30), the hollow body being axially delimited by said two radial walls (38).

4. Connector (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a ring (54) disposed around the second conduit (30), the ring (54) comprising a first notch (56) opposite the notch (42) and the first slot (44) of the connector (14) and a second notch (58) opposite the second slot (46) of the connector (14).

5. Connector (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the second conduit (30) includes a keying means (50).

6. Connector (14) according to any one of claims 4 or 5, wherein the ring (54) comprises at least one means for attaching (60) to the second conduit (30).

7. Connector (14) according to any one of claims 4 or 5, comprising a sealing element (62) disposed between the second conduit (30) and the ring (54).

8. Connection assembly of a thermal regulation device (1) of electrical energy storage components (3), comprising a connector (14) according to any one of of the preceding claims and a connecting tip (16) to another connector (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, the connecting tip (16) comprising a first conduit (74) having an axial end (78, 80) disposed around the first conduit (28) of the connector (14) and a second conduit (76) having an axial end (78, 80) disposed around the second conduit (30) of the connector (14).

9. Connection assembly according to the preceding claim, wherein at least a portion of the connection tip (16) has a degree of rigidity lower than a degree of rigidity of the connector (14).

10. Thermal control device (1) of electrical energy storage elements (3), extending along a main extension direction between a first longitudinal end (2) and a second longitudinal end (4), each equipped with a transfer box (8, 10), the thermal control device (1) comprising at least one circulation tube (6) extending between the first longitudinal end (2) and the second longitudinal end (4) and comprising a first group of channels (12, 12A) configured for the circulation of the heat transfer fluid and a second group of channels (12, 12B) configured for the circulation of the heat transfer fluid, the thermal control device (1) comprising a connector (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 passing through the circulation tube (6), the first conduit (28) of the connector (14) being in fluidic communication with the first group of channels (12, 12A) via the notch (42) and the first slot (44),and the second conduit (30) of the connector (14) being in fluidic communication with the second group of channels (12, 12B) via the second slot (46).

11. Thermal regulation device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which within the tube (6) the first group of channels (12, 12A) and the second group of channels (12, 12B) are separated from each other by a separation channel (26).

12. Thermal regulation device (1) according to any one of claims 10 and 11, wherein the tube (6) includes a means for positioning (24) the connector (14).

13. Thermal regulation device (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein at least one of the return boxes (8, 10) comprises peripheral partitions, which delimit between them an internal volume of the return box (8, 10), and a separating partition a separating partition (68, 70).

14. Thermal regulation device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which at least one of the return boxes (8, 10) comprising a separating partition (68, 70) includes an internal transverse partition (72) substantially perpendicular to the separating partition (68, 70).

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