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, on the one hand, a hot source (12) comprising an electrical member (14), and, on the other hand, a cold source (16), the device further comprising one or more thermal interface members (18, 20) configured for heat exchange between the heat pipe (10) and one of the hot or cold sources (12, 16), the one or more thermal interface members (18, 20) being configured to allow an angular orientation of the heat pipe (10).

Description

Description Title of the invention: Heat dissipation device as well as electrical connection box, electrical energy storage device and vehicle comprising such a dissipation device.

[0001] 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.

[0002] 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.

[0003] 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.

[0004] 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 are then at increased risk of damage.

[0005] To mitigate this risk, it is common practice to oversize these components. However, this results in significant bulk, an excessive increase in weight, and additional costs.

[0006] The invention aims to overcome, at least in part, the aforementioned drawbacks and, to this end, proposes 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 including an electrical component, and, on the other hand, a cold source, said device further comprising one or more thermal interface components configured for heat exchange between said heat pipe and one of said hot or cold sources, the said thermal interface element(s) being configured to permit angular orientation of said heat pipe.

[0007] Thanks to the heat pipe's ability to be oriented angularly, particularly during assembly, good contact between the heat source(s) and the thermal interface element(s) is promoted, compensating for any manufacturing variations in the parts. Such angular orientation is achieved, for example, by a ball joint.

[0008] In the context of an application to an electrical energy storage device, this makes it possible to reduce the temperature to which the safety components will be subjected and to avoid oversizing them. Indeed, the improved contact between the parts promotes heat dissipation from the hot source to the cold source.

[0009] According to various additional features of the invention, which may be taken together or separately and which constitute so many embodiments of the invention: - said thermal interface element comprises a load-bearing part, thermally connected to said hot or cold source, and a contact part, articulated with respect to said load-bearing part, said heat pipe being fixed to said contact part, - said load-bearing part includes a housing configured to accommodate said contact part, - the contact piece includes a movable rounded projection within said housing, - the contact piece includes a sleeve housing said heat pipe, - said contact piece is welded, in particular brazed, and / or crimped to said heat pipe, - a first of said thermal interface elements, called the cold one, is configured for heat exchange between said heat pipe and said cold source, - said rounded projection of the contact piece is located in an axial extension of said sleeve, - said cold thermal interface element includes a diffuser connected to said carrier part and intended to come into contact with said cold source, - said load-bearing piece flares out towards said diffuser by means of curved shapes, - said device comprises a thermal conduction pad exhibiting electrical insulating properties, - said bearing is intended to be located between said cold thermal interface element and said cold source, - a second of said thermal interface elements, referred to as the hot element, is configured for heat exchange between said heat pipe and said hot source, - said rounded projection of the contact piece extends transversely, in particular radially, with respect to said sleeve, - said hot thermal interface element is configured to apply an elastic force between said heat pipe and said cold thermal interface element, - said hot thermal interface element comprises a rod configured to apply said force, - said rod comprises an elongated body and a head forming said support piece, - said support piece is elastically movable relative to said body in order to exert said force, - said rod includes a spring bearing on said body and exerting said force on said support piece, - said body and said support piece slide one inside the other in a translational movement along a longitudinal extension direction of said rod, - said device includes a support configured for fixing said hot source and / or intended to be fixed to said cold source - said rod includes a nut for fixing said body to said support, - said body comprises a pin passing through said support, said nut being fixed to said pin, - said thermal interface element has a first heat exchange surface in contact with said heat pipe and a second heat exchange surface, intended to come into contact with said hot or cold source in question, - 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, - said heat pipe is straight, - said heat pipe has a rounded cross-section, - said heat pipe has a substantially circular cross-section, - said heat pipe is sintered or grooved.

[0010] 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.

[0011] According to various additional features of the invention, which may be taken together or separately and which constitute so many embodiments of the invention: - said electrical component includes an electrical protection component, - said electrical protection device includes an electrical relay, - said heat source includes electrical connection terminals, electrically connected to said electrical component and in heat exchange relationship with said dissipation device, - the said electrical connection terminals are traversed by the said rod, - said electrical connection terminals are fixed to said support, in particular by said nut, - said enclosure includes an electrical conduction busbar intended to be electrically connected to said heat source, - said electrical conduction busbar is traversed by said rod, - said electrical conduction busbar is fixed to said support, in particular by said nut, - said cold source comprises a plate exhibiting a thermal inertia much greater than the thermal inertia of said hot source.

[0012] 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.

[0013] The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising an electrical energy storage device, in particular a battery of accumulators, a connection box and / or a dissipation device as described above.

[0014] 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:

[0015] [Fig.l] schematically illustrates, in side view, a motor vehicle according to the invention;

[0016] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates in perspective part of a connection box integrating a dissipation device according to the invention;

[0017] [Fig.3] illustrates schematically in perspective, in exploded mode, part of the dissipation of [Fig.2];

[0018] [Fig.4] reproduces [Fig.3] in exploded mode;

[0019] [Fig. 5] schematically illustrates, in side view, the dissipation device of the [Fig.2], some of the parts being represented according to a longitudinal section plane;

[0020] [Fig. 6] schematically illustrates, in side view, the connection box of the [Fig.2];

[0021] [Fig.7] reproduces [Fig.2], with some of the parts being represented according to a longitudinal section plane.

[0022] 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.

[0023] The invention relates to a heat dissipation device, particularly for motor vehicles.

[0024] As illustrated in [Fig. 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 for connecting 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] Advantageously, said cold source 16 comprises a plate having a thermal inertia much greater than a thermal inertia of said hot source 12.

[0027] The plate 52 may include all or part of a lower face of a housing for the electrical energy storage device. The plate 52 is provided, for example, with one or more channels for the circulation of a heat transfer fluid.

[0028] 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.

[0029] The said device further includes one or more thermal interface elements 18, 20 configured for heat exchange between said heat pipe 10 and one of said hot source 12 or cold source 16. The said thermal interface element(s) 18, 20 are configured to permit angular orientation of said heat pipe 10. Thus, for example, when the heat pipe 10 is straight, the longitudinal axis of said heat pipe 10 can be freely oriented angularly with respect to said thermal interface element(s) 18, 20, at least within a given solid angle.

[0030] Preferably, the thermal interface element(s) 18, 20 comprises a carrier piece 180, thermally connected to said hot source 12 or cold source 16. The thermal interface element(s) 18, 20 further comprises a contact piece 181, in a ball joint connection with respect to said carrier piece 180. Said heat pipe 10 is fixed to said contact piece 181.

[0031] To form the ball joint, said carrier piece 180 may include a housing 182 configured to receive said contact piece 181. The contact piece 181 may include a rounded projection 183 movable in said housing 182.

[0032] Advantageously, said load-bearing part 180 has openings 188a, 188b allowing the passage of pins 187a, 187b. Each of said openings 188a, 188b is opposite another opening not shown allowing the pins 187a, 187b to pass through the housing 182 from one side to the other when they are inserted into the openings 188a, 188b. The openings 188a and 188b are separated by a distance strictly less than the diameter of the rounded projection 183 so that these pins 187a, 187b prevent the rounded projection 183 from coming out of the housing 182 after the rounded projection is inserted into the housing 182, when said pins 187a, 187b are inserted into the openings 188a, 188b.

[0033] The contact piece 181 may include a sleeve 184 housing said heat pipe 10.

[0034] The said contact piece 184 can be welded, in particular brazed, and / or crimped to the said heat pipe 10.

[0035] For example, said heat pipe 10, in particular a first end of the heat pipe 10, is fitted into the sleeve 184 and held in the sleeve 184 by welding and / or crimping.

[0036] Advantageously, said rounded projection 183 of the contact piece 181 is located in an axial extension of said sleeve 184.

[0037] According to the illustrated embodiment, a first of said thermal interface elements 18, called cold, is configured for heat exchange between said heat pipe 10 and said cold source 16. A second of said thermal interface elements 20, called hot, is configured for heat exchange between said heat pipe 10 and said hot source 12.

[0038] As particularly visible in figures 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7, said cold thermal interface element 18 has 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 said cold source 16, for a heat exchange between said heat pipe 10 and said cold source 16 via said first thermal interface element 18. The first and second heat exchange surfaces 18a, 18b of said first heat exchange element are said to be cold.

[0039] The said cold thermal interface organ 18 comprises the carrier part 180, which is then thermally connected to said cold source 16, and the contact part 181, which is in a ball joint connection with respect to said carrier part 180.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the first cold thermal interface element 18 comprises a diffuser 24 connected to the carrier piece 180 and intended to come into contact with the cold source 16. The carrier piece 180 and the diffuser 24 are, for example, made of continuous material. The first cold thermal interface element 18 is, in particular, made of copper.

[0041] Preferably, although not visible in the figures, the said load-bearing part 180 flares out towards the said diffuser 24 by means of curved shapes. Such shapes promote heat conduction within the said cold thermal interface element 18.

[0042] The diffuser 24 is formed, for example, of a plate. The plate extends here beyond a junction surface between the carrier piece 180 and the diffuser 24 so that the diffuser 24 has a heat conduction surface that is enlarged relative to the carrier piece 180 in the direction of the cold source 16.

[0043] 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 embodiment, the second cold exchange surface 18b is flat.

[0044] Preferably, the device comprises a thermal conduction pad 44 having electrical insulation properties. This pad 44 is intended to be located between the cold thermal interface element 18 and the cold source 16. Specifically, the pad 44 is intended to be located, for example, between the second cold exchange surface 18b and the cold source 16, in particular between the diffuser 24 and the cold source 16. The pad 44 is advantageously compressible. Alternatively, instead of the pad 44, the device comprises, for example, a layer of a paste-like material having thermal conduction and electrical insulation properties.

[0045] The said second thermal interface element 20 has, for example, a first heat exchange surface 20a, called hot, in contact with said heat pipe 10 and a second heat exchange surface 20b, called hot, intended to come into contact with said hot source 12, for a heat exchange between said heat pipe 10 and said hot source 12 via said second thermal interface element 20.

[0046] For example, said first heat exchange surface 20a may correspond to the inside of another sleeve 185 into which a second end of the heat pipe 10 is fitted.

[0047] As shown in Figures 2, 5 and 6, said second thermal interface element 20 can be configured to apply a force between said heat pipe 10 and said first thermal interface element 18, namely here, for the reminder, said cold thermal interface element 18. Such a force has been illustrated in the figures by an arrow marked F. This force makes it possible, for example, to compress said bearing 44.

[0048] Preferably, the force in question is elastic in nature. The elastic nature of the force arises from the components used to apply it and / or from the elasticity of the materials used.

[0049] The first thermal interface element 18 enhances heat exchange between the heat pipe 10 and the heat source 16 through its dedicated exchange surfaces, in this case the cold exchange surfaces 18a and 18b. Furthermore, the force F applied between the heat pipe 10 and this first thermal interface element 18 promotes contact between them and thus good thermal conduction. It is also understood that the freedom of rotation of the heat pipe 10, as provided by the invention, facilitates the effective application of this force F.

[0050] According to the illustrated embodiment, said heat pipe 10 is inclined so that, in use, a first zone ZI of the heat pipe 10 in heat exchange relationship with said hot thermal interface element 20 is vertically at a level lower than that of a second zone Z2 of the heat pipe 10 in heat exchange relationship with said cold thermal interface element 18 ([Fig.3]).

[0051] As illustrated in [Fig.2], [Fig.6] and [Fig.7], said device includes, for example, a support 30, in particular made of reinforced ABS.

[0052] Ee support 30 is configured for fixing said hot source 12. It is intended to be fixed to said cold source 16.

[0053] Eedit hot thermal interface organ 20 is configured to cooperate with said support 30, in particular through an organ 40 for applying said force F.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, said hot thermal interface member includes a rod 60 configured to apply said force F. This 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.

[0055] Preferably, said rod 60 has thermal conductivity properties. It is, for example, made of copper.

[0056] As illustrated in figures 3, 4 and 5, said rod 60 comprises an elongated body 601 and a head 602. The head 602 is intended to cooperate rigidly with said support 30. This head 602 is elastically movable relative to said elongated body 601 to exert said force F.

[0057] For this purpose, here, said rod 60 includes a spring 603 bearing on said head 602 and exerting said force F on said elongated body 601.

[0058] The said elongated body 601 and the said head 602 slide into each other in a translational movement along a longitudinal extension direction of the said rod 60. This extension direction is represented by the arrow D on the [Fig.5].

[0059] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the elongated body 601 comprises a first longitudinal housing 604 in which the spring 603 is housed. The first longitudinal housing 604 comprises a first bearing surface 605 against which a first end of the spring 603 bears. The head 602 comprises a second longitudinal housing 606 in which the elongated body 601 can slide. The second longitudinal housing 606 comprises a second bearing surface 607 against which a second end of the spring 603 bears.

[0060] Said rod 60 may include a fixing nut 608 for fixing said application member 40 to said support 30.

[0061] The rod 60 may include a pin 609 intended to pass through the support 30. The pin 609 is integral with the head 602. The fixing nut 608 is fixed to the pin 609 so that the rod 60 is fixed to the support 30 by sandwiching the latter between a shoulder of the head 602 and the fixing nut 608.

[0062] Preferably, the sleeve 185 of said second hot thermal interface element is fixed rigidly to the elongated body 601. It is oriented perpendicular to said longitudinal extension direction D of the rod 60.

[0063] The said connection box may include one or more 50 electrical conduction busbars intended to be electrically, or even thermally, connected to said hot source 12.

[0064] The heat source 12 may include an electrical component 14. The electrical component 14 may include an electrical protection device. For example, the electrical protection device includes an electrical relay and / or a fuse designed to open in the event of a fault in the circuit 3. The heat source 12 may include electrical connection terminals 150, electrically connected to the electrical component 14 and in a heat exchange relationship with the heat dissipation device.

[0065] In the embodiment illustrated by the figures, said electrical connection terminals 150 are traversed by said rod 60. Advantageously, said electrical connection terminals 150 are fixed to said support 30, in particular by said fixing nut 608.

[0066] Preferably, the said busbar(s) 50 for electrical conduction are traversed by said rod 60. Advantageously, the said busbar(s) 50 for electrical conduction are fixed to said support 30, in particular by said fixing nut 608.

[0067] Thus, for example, the pin 609 of the rod 60 passes through said support 30. The bus bar(s) 50 of electrical conduction are taken partly sandwiched between the support 30 and said electrical connection terminals 150. Said support 30 is taken partly sandwiched between said elongated body 601 and the bus bar(s) 50 of electrical conduction.

[0068] Referring again to [Fig. 2], we see that the support 30 comprises a first wing 32 in the shape of an inverted U. This first wing 32 includes an upper base connected by its lateral sides 34a, 34b. One of these lateral sides 34a may include a notch allowing the passage of the heat pipe 10.

[0069] The said second hot thermal interface element 20 is fixed, for example, to the said upper base 36. The said electrical conduction busbar 50 and / or a first of the electrical connection terminals 150 are here also to the said upper base 36.

[0070] The busbar 50 is intended to be electrically, and possibly thermally, connected, on the one hand, to the first electrical connection terminal 150 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 150 of the electrical component 14 is located, in particular, at one of the longitudinal ends of the electrical component 14, the electrical component 14 having here an external cylindrical shape.

[0071] Although not illustrated, said connection box is intended to include a second dissipation device identical to the previous one and connected to a second of the electrical connection terminals 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 150.

[0072] We notice here a symmetry with respect to a median plane of said electrical organ 14.

[0073] Because of this symmetry, it is understood that another support 30' comprising a second inverted U-shaped wing 32' is located at the opposite longitudinal end of the electrical component 14. The second thermal interface component of the second heat dissipation device is fixed to said other support 30', the latter being intended to accommodate the heat pipe 10 of said second heat dissipation device.

[0074] 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. includes a lower base 56 connecting the second wing 32' to the first wing 32. Said lower base 56 is parallel and fixed to said cold source 16. Said electrical organ 14 is at least partially located between said first and second wings 32, 32'.

[0075] Alternatively or cumulatively, although not illustrated, the ball joint according to the invention is located at the level of said hot thermal interface member 20.

[0076] According to such variants, the said rounded protrusion of the contact piece of the ball joint extends, for example, transversely, in particular radially, with respect to the said sleeve hosting the heat pipe.

[0077] The support piece for the ball joint is located, for example, at the head of the rod. Thus, the support piece is elastically movable relative to the rod body to exert the force F. Bearing against the body, the spring then exerts the force on the support piece, the body and the support piece sliding within each other in a translational movement along the longitudinal extension direction of the rod.

Claims

Demands

1. Heat dissipation device, in particular for motor vehicle, 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 one or more thermal interface components (18, 20) configured for heat exchange between said heat pipe (10) and one of said hot or cold sources (12, 16), said thermal interface component(s) (18, 20) being configured to permit angular orientation of said heat pipe (10).

2. Heat dissipation device according to claim 1 in which said thermal interface member (18, 20) comprises a carrier piece (180), thermally connected to said hot or cold source (12, 16), and a contact piece (181), articulated with respect to said carrier piece (180), said heat pipe (10) being fixed to said contact piece (181).

3. Heat dissipation device according to the preceding claim in which the contact piece (181) includes a sleeve (184) housing said heat pipe (10).

4. Heat dissipation device according to the preceding claim in which the contact piece (181) includes a rounded projection (183), movable in a housing (182) of said carrier piece (180), said rounded projection being located in an axial extension of said sleeve (184).

5. Heat dissipation device according to any one of claims 2 to 4 in which said contact piece (181) is welded, in particular brazed, and / or crimped to said heat pipe (10).

6. Heat dissipation device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein a first (18) of said thermal interface members, said cold, is configured for heat exchange between said heat pipe (10) and said cold source (16).

7. A heat dissipation device according to the preceding claim, wherein said heat pipe (10) is straight and inclined such that, in use, a first zone of the heat pipe (10) is in heat exchange contact with a second (20) of said interface members thermal, said hot, is located vertically at a level lower than that of a second zone of the heat pipe (10) in heat exchange relationship with said cold thermal interface element (16).

8. Electrical connection box for electrical energy storage device, in particular accumulator battery, comprising a hot source, a cold source and a heat dissipation device according to any one of the preceding claims.

9. Electrical energy storage device, in particular accumulator battery, comprising a heat dissipation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. Vehicle comprising a heat dissipation device according to any one of claims there 7.

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