Title: thermal dissipation device and electrical connection box, electrical energy storage device, and vehicle comprising such a dissipation device

Abstract

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

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0023] - said device configured to determine a compression of the pad between said cold thermal interface element and said cold source under the effect of the force F,

[0024] - 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,

[0025] - said heat pipe is straight,

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

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

[0028] - said heat pipe is sintered,

[0029] - said heat pipe is grooved,

[0030] - said device includes a wedge supporting said heat pipe, - said wedge is intended to be located between said heat pipe and said cold source,

[0031] - said hot thermal interface element is located between said wedge and said cold thermal interface element along said heat pipe,

[0032] - said wedge is located near a longitudinal end of said heat pipe,

[0033] - said hold includes a cradle conforming to said heat pipe,

[0034] - said device is configured so that said force is adjusted by a chosen relative position of said force application element with respect to said support.

[0035] - said device is configured for said force-applying element to be in elastic support on said support,

[0036] - said force-applying element comprises a rod configured to apply said force,

[0037] - said rod exhibits thermal conductivity properties such as to form said hot thermal interface organ,

[0038] - said stem comprises an elongated body and a head attached to said elongated body,

[0039] - said head is in contact with said heat pipe,

[0040] - said head flares out from said body in curved shapes,

[0041] - said head is welded, in particular brazed, and / or crimped to said heat pipe

[0042] - said head comprises a first throat housing said heat pipe

[0043] - said first groove extends around an upper portion of said heat pipe,

[0044] - said hollow shape includes a second groove,

[0045] - said second throat extends around a lower portion of said heat pipe,

[0046] - said second groove has a rounded straight section,

[0047] - said rod is configured to exert said force on said heat pipe so as to press said heat pipe against said first cold exchange surface by a lever effect,

[0048] - said rod is threaded, - said device comprises one or more nuts cooperating with said support to apply said force via said rod and through a relative position of said nuts along the rod with respect to said support,

[0049] - said force application element comprises a spring exerting said force on an upper face of said cold thermal interface element, bearing against said support,

[0050] - said spring is formed from a folded blade,

[0051] - said hot thermal interface element includes a thermal conduction lug,

[0052] - said thermal conduction leg has a first branch equipped with a first sleeve housing said heat pipe,

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

[0054] - said thermal conduction leg has a second branch configured to be attached to said hot source,

[0055] - said first branch has a funnel shape extending from the base of said second branch,

[0056] - the said first and second branches of the thermal conduction leg form an L,

[0057] - said hollow shape is formed by a second sleeve housing said heat pipe,

[0058] - said first cold exchange surface is formed from an internal surface of said second sleeve,

[0059] - said rod comprises a bearing portion, attached to the support, and a bearing portion, in contact with said heat pipe, said bearing portion being movable, in particular elastically, relative to said bearing portion in order to exert said force,

[0060] - said rod includes a spring bearing on said support part and exerting said force on said support part,

[0061] - said support part is configured to be immobilized relative to said bearing part in a first configuration of said rod corresponding to a first level of elastic force between said bearing and support parts, during an assembly operation of said device, and to be, after assembly, in a second configuration of said rod corresponding to a second level of elastic force between said bearing and support parts,

[0062] - said support part and said support part slide one into the other in a translational movement along a longitudinal extension direction of said rod,

[0063] - said bearing portion includes a buttress surface against said support, in a first direction following said translation,

[0064] - said rod includes a nut mounted on said bearing part and forming a stop against said support in a second direction following said translation,

[0065] - said support portion includes a pin originating from said stop surface and passing through said support, said nut being fixed to said pin,

[0066] - said rod includes a finger attached to said support part and sliding through said support,

[0067] - said pawn is tubular and said finger slides through said pawn,

[0068] - said finger includes a stop, said rod being configured for positioning a tool between said stop and said support part in said first configuration and for transitioning from the first to the second configuration according to said translational movement, upon withdrawal of the tool,

[0069] - said finger is made of material from said support part,

[0070] - said stop includes a pin fixed near a free end of said finger,

[0071] - said finger includes a screw fixed to said support part,

[0072] - said screw is fixed to said support part by one of its ends,

[0073] - said stop is formed by a screw head,

[0074] - said finger includes a screw linked to said support part according to said translation while allowing a rotational movement of said screw relative to said support part, - said pin has a thread intended to cooperate with said screw to allow passage of said rod between the first and second configurations,

[0075] - said stem includes a pin linking said finger to said support part.

[0076] 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.

[0077] According to various additional features of the invention, which may be taken together or separately and which constitute so many embodiments of the invention:

[0078] - said electrical component includes an electrical protection component,

[0079] - said electrical protection device includes an electrical relay,

[0080] - said heat source includes electrical connection terminals, electrically connected to said electrical component and in heat exchange relationship with said dissipation device,

[0081] - the said electrical connection terminals are traversed by the said rod,

[0082] - said electrical connection terminals are fixed to said support, in particular by means of said nut(s),

[0083] - said connection box includes an electrical conduction busbar intended to be electrically connected to said heat source, in particular to said electrical component, and more particularly to one of said connection terminals,

[0084] - said electrical conduction busbar is intended to be fixed between said thermal conduction lug and said hot source,

[0085] - said electrical conduction busbar is traversed by said rod,

[0086] - said electrical conduction busbar is fixed to said support, in particular by means of said nut(s),

[0087] - said cold source comprises a plate exhibiting a thermal inertia much greater than the thermal inertia of said hot source.

[0088] The invention further relates to an electrical energy storage device, in particular a battery, comprising a connection box and / or a dissipation device as described above. Advantageously, the connection box plate comprises all or part of a lower face of a housing for the electrical energy storage device.

[0089] The invention further relates to a vehicle comprising a storage device, a connection box and / or a dissipation device as described above.

[0090] 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:

[0091] [Fig 1] schematically illustrates, in side view, a motor vehicle according to the invention;

[0092] [Fig 2] schematically illustrates in perspective, exploded view, the components of a heat dissipation device according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0093] [Fig 3] schematically illustrates in perspective the organs of figure 2, assembled;

[0094] [Fig 4] schematically illustrates in perspective, in part, a connection box comprising the heat dissipation device according to the first embodiment of the invention, complete and mounted on a cold source;

[0095] [Fig 5] schematically illustrates in longitudinal section view the heat dissipation device of figure 4, before mounting on the cold source;

[0096] [Fig 6] schematically illustrates in perspective, exploded view, the components of a heat dissipation device according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0097] [Fig 7] schematically illustrates in perspective the organs of figure 6, assembled;

[0098] [Fig 8] schematically illustrates in perspective, partially, a connection box comprising the heat dissipation device according to the second embodiment of the invention, complete and mounted on a cold source, according to a first orientation; [Fig 9] schematically illustrates in longitudinal section view the heat dissipation device of figure 8, before mounting on the cold source;

[0099] [Fig 10] schematically illustrates in longitudinal section view the heat dissipation device of figure 8, after mounting on the cold source;

[0100] [Fig 11] schematically illustrates in longitudinal section view the heat dissipation device of figure 8, according to a second orientation;

[0101] [Fig 12] schematically illustrates in perspective a third embodiment of a heat dissipation device according to the invention;

[0102] [Fig 13] schematically illustrates in perspective, in a partial way, an example of the realization of a connection box according to the invention incorporating the dissipation device of figure 12;

[0103] [Fig 14] schematically illustrates, in cross-section view, part of the housing of figure 13, in a first configuration;

[0104] [Fig 15] reproduces figure 14 in a second configuration;

[0105] [Fig 16] illustrates schematically in perspective, in a partially exploded view, a fourth example of the realization of a heat dissipation device according to the invention;

[0106] [Fig 17] schematically illustrates in cross-sectional view, partially, a connection box according to the invention incorporating the dissipation device of figure 16, in a first configuration;

[0107] [Fig 18] reproduces figure 17 in a second configuration;

[0108] [Fig 19] schematically illustrates in perspective a fifth example of the realization of a heat dissipation device according to the invention;

[0109] [Fig 20] schematically illustrates in cross-sectional view, partially, a connection box according to the invention incorporating the dissipation device of figure 19, in a first configuration;

[0110] [Fig 21] reproduces figure 20 in a second configuration.

[0111] It should first be noted that the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are used solely to distinguish the components concerned from one another and do not imply any order or importance of said components. The invention relates to a heat dissipation device, particularly for motor vehicles.

[0112] As illustrated in Figure 1, the invention also relates to an electrical connection box 1, an electrical energy storage device 2, in particular a battery, and a vehicle V comprising such a dissipation device. The latter is placed, for example, in the electrical connection box 1, said box 1 being used to connect the electrical energy storage device 2 to an electrical network 3 of the motor vehicle V. Said vehicle V is advantageously an electric or hybrid vehicle connected to said electrical network 3.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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 grooved.

[0115] As particularly visible in figures 2 and 3 as well as 6 and 7 or 12, 16 and 19, said device further comprises a first thermal interface element 18 having a first heat exchange surface 18a in contact with said heat pipe 10 and a second heat exchange surface 18b intended to come into contact with one of said hot or cold sources for heat exchange between said heat pipe 10 and said hot or cold source via said first thermal interface element 18. By "in contact", we mean here in a heat exchange relationship, whether by direct or indirect contact, in particular via a heat-conducting material as will be shown below.

[0116] In the illustrated embodiments, said first thermal interface element 18, said cold, is in heat exchange relationship with the cold source and the first and second heat exchange surfaces 18a, 18b of said first heat exchange element are said to be cold.

[0117] The cold thermal interface element 18 comprises a body 22, housing the heat pipe 10, and a diffuser 24, connected to the body 22 and intended to come into contact with the cold source 16. The body 22 and the diffuser 24 are, for example, made of continuous material. The cold thermal interface element 18 is, in particular, made of copper.

[0118] Advantageously, said cold thermal interface organ 18, in particular here said body 22, has a hollow shape accommodating said heat pipe 10 so that an internal face of said hollow shape defines said first cold exchange surface 18a.

[0119] The diffuser 24 is formed, for example, of a plate. The plate extends here beyond a junction surface between the body 22 and the diffuser 24 so that the diffuser 24 has a larger heat conduction surface compared to the body 22 in the direction of the cold source 16.

[0120] Preferably, said body 22 flares out towards said diffuser 24 by curved shapes. This is particularly visible in Figures 6 and 7, where the presence of a radius of curvature at the junction between body 22 and the plate can be seen. Such shapes promote heat conduction within said cold thermal interface element 18.

[0121] The second cold exchange surface 18b is defined here by a lower face of the diffuser 24. Advantageously, the second cold exchange surface 18b has a shape designed to fit an upper face of the cold source 16, which is here substantially flat. In the illustrated embodiments, the second cold exchange surface 18b is flat.

[0122] The said dissipation device further comprises a second thermal interface element 20, referred to as the hot element. This hot thermal interface element has a first heat exchange surface 20a, referred to as the hot surface, in contact with the heat pipe 10, and a second heat exchange surface 20b, referred to as the hot surface, intended to come into contact with the hot source 12, for heat exchange between the heat pipe 10 and the hot source via the second thermal interface element 20. The structure and operation of the hot thermal interface element 20 will be further described in relation to the various illustrated embodiments.

[0123] As shown in Figures 5 and 10 or 12, 16 and 19, according to the invention, said dissipation device is configured to apply a force between said heat pipe 10 and said first thermal interface member, namely here, for the record, said cold thermal interface member 18. Such a force has been illustrated in the figures by an arrow marked F.

[0124] According to some embodiments, the force in question is elastic in nature. As will become apparent from various corresponding examples illustrated later, the elastic nature of the force arises from the components used to apply it and / or from the elasticity of the materials used.

[0125] The first thermal interface element 18 enhances the heat exchange between the heat pipe 10 and the source in question by their dedicated exchange surfaces, here the cold exchange surfaces 18a, 18b. In addition, the force F provided between the heat pipe 10 and said first thermal interface element 18 promotes contact between them and therefore good thermal conduction.

[0126] Said dissipation device includes, for example, a support 30, in particular made of reinforced ABS, and an application element 40 for said force F, intended to cooperate with said support 30.

[0127] Advantageously, said support 30 is configured for fixing said hot source 12. Alternatively or cumulatively, said support 30 is intended to be fixed to said cold source 16.

[0128] Preferably, the device comprises a thermal conduction pad 44 having electrical insulation properties. This pad is intended to be located, for example, between the second cold exchange surface 18b and the cold source 16. The pad is advantageously compressible. Alternatively, instead of the pad, the device comprises, for example, a layer of paste-like material having thermal conduction and electrical insulation properties.

[0129] The device according to the invention is configured to determine a compression of the pad 44 and / or of said layer of pasty materials between said cold thermal interface member 18 and said cold source 16 under the effect of the force F. This further improves the heat exchange.

[0130] According to the embodiments shown in Figures 4 and 5, as well as 8 to 10 or 12 and following, the heat pipe 10 is intended to be oriented horizontally. It is shown here with a slight, non-visible inclination, such that, in operation, a first zone of the heat pipe 10 in heat exchange with the hot thermal interface element 20 is vertically at a slightly lower level than a second zone of the heat pipe 10 in heat exchange with the cold thermal interface element 18.

[0131] Alternatively, as illustrated in Figure 10, the heat pipe 10 is intended to be oriented vertically during operation, with the hot source 12 then located at its lower end. The cold source 16 extends vertically along the entire height of the dissipation device, but its heat exchange with the device is only at its upper end.

[0132] The said connection box includes one or more 50, 50a, 50b electrical conduction busbars intended to be electrically, or even thermally, connected to said hot source 12.

[0133] The heat source 12 includes an electrical component 14. This electrical component 14 consists of an electrical protection device, for example, an electrical relay and / or a fuse designed to open in the event of a fault in circuit 3. The heat source 12 includes electrical connection terminals, electrically connected to the electrical component 14 and in a heat exchange relationship with it. These electrical connection terminals are not visible in the embodiment shown in Figures 2 to 5 and are illustrated in Figures 116a and 116b for the embodiment shown in Figures 6 to 11, and in Figures 150 for the subsequent embodiments.

[0134] The cold source 16 comprises, for example, a plate 52 having a thermal inertia much greater than that of the hot source 12. 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 with one or more channels for circulating a heat transfer fluid.

[0135] The different implementation methods will now be described in more detail with regard to the application of effort F.

[0136] As will be seen, according to the first and fifth embodiments, the effort is not elastic but adjusted by a chosen relative position of said force application organ 40 with respect to said support 30. This means that said force F is fixed by a positioning of the parts relative to each other during assembly, without involving a spring and therefore without depending on a stiffness of said spring.

[0137] Alternatively, according to the second, third, and fourth embodiments, the force application element 40 is elastically supported by the support 30. It includes, for example, a spring. The first, third, fourth, and fifth embodiments have in common that the force application element 40 includes a rod 60 configured to apply the force F. The rod 60 is specifically configured to exert the force F on the heat pipe 10 so as to press the heat pipe 10 against the first cold exchange surface 18a.

[0138] Preferably, said rod 60 has thermal conductivity properties so as to form said hot thermal interface organ 20. It is, for example, made of copper.

[0139] The said device further advantageously includes a shim 200 supporting the said heat pipe 10 for the purpose of better application of the force F by the said force application member 40, in particular by the said rod 60. The said shim 200 is located, for example, between the said heat pipe 10 and the said cold source 16.

[0140] Said hot thermal interface element 20 is located, in particular, between said wedge 200 and said cold thermal interface element 18 along said heat pipe 10.

[0141] Said wedge 200 is located here near a longitudinal end of said heat pipe 10. Said wedge advantageously comprises a cradle shape 202 conforming to said heat pipe 10. Said cradle shape extends around a lower portion of said heat pipe 10, notably over substantially 180°.

[0142] In the first, third, fourth and fifth embodiments, the force F enabling the heat pipe 10 to be pressed against the first cold exchange surface 18a can be seen as operating by a lever effect taking into account the spacing between the rod 60 and said first cold exchange surface 18a along said heat pipe 10.

[0143] The said rod 60 here comprises an elongated body 64 and a head 66 linked to said elongated body 64, at the level of an end of said elongated body 64 turned towards said heat pipe 10.

[0144] Said head 66 is in contact with said heat pipe 10. It is, for example, welded, in particular brazed, and / or crimped to said heat pipe 10. Said head 66 includes, for example, a first groove 68 receiving said heat pipe 10. Said first groove 68 defines said first hot exchange surface 20a.

[0145] The head 66 here has a roughly parallelepiped shape. It is connected to the elongated body 64 at one of its faces, namely an upper face 70, by means of rounded shapes. More generally, the head 66 flares out from the elongated body 64 in curved shapes.

[0146] The said first groove 68 is oriented substantially orthogonally to the said elongated body 64. It extends around an upper portion of the said heat pipe 10, in particular over substantially 180°.

[0147] The support 30 comprises a first wing 32 in the shape of an inverted U. The heat pipe 10 passes between lateral sides 34a, 34b of the first wing 32, at one of the ends of the heat pipe 10 located on the side of the hot source 12. An upper base 36 of the first wing 32 connects its lateral sides 34a, 34b.

[0148] Said second hot thermal interface element 20 is fixed to said support 30, for example to said upper base 36. Said electrical conduction busbar 50 and / or a first of the electrical connection terminals 150 are also fixed here to said support 30, for example to said upper base 36.

[0149] The busbar 50 is intended to be electrically, and possibly thermally, connected, on the one hand, to one of the first electrical connection terminals of the electrical component 14 by one of its ends, and on the other hand, to the rest of an electrical circuit of the connection box, in particular to another of its electrical components, not shown. The first connection terminal of the electrical component 14 is located, in particular, at one of the longitudinal ends of the electrical component 14, the electrical component having a cylindrical outer contour.

[0150] Although not illustrated, said connection box is intended to include a second dissipation device identical to the previous one and connected to the second electrical connection terminal of said electrical component 14, said second electrical connection terminal being located at a longitudinal end of said electrical component 14, opposite to the longitudinal end provided with said first electrical connection terminal.

[0151] We notice here a symmetry with respect to a median plane of said electrical organ 14.

[0152] Because of this symmetry, it is understood that another support 30' comprising a second wing 32' in an inverted U is located at the opposite longitudinal end of the electrical component 14. The second thermal interface component of the second heat dissipation device is fixed to said other support 30', the latter being intended to accommodate between its lateral sides the heat pipe of said second heat dissipation device.

[0153] In the first, third, fourth, and fifth embodiments, the first and second wings 32, 32' are integrated into a single frame, forming two opposite sides. This frame defines a housing for the electrical component 14. The frame includes a lower base 56 connecting the second wing 32' to the first wing 32. This lower base 56 is parallel to and fixed to the cold source 16. The electrical component 14 is at least partially located between the first and second wings 32, 32'.

[0154] On the side of said cold thermal interface element 18, said hollow shape is formed here by a second groove 46. Said second groove extends around a lower portion of said heat pipe 10, in particular over approximately 180°. Said second groove 46 has, for example, a rounded cross-section.

[0155] The body 22 of the first thermal interface element 18 has a substantially parallelepiped shape with its greatest extension parallel to a longitudinal direction of the heat pipe 10. The second groove 46 is oriented substantially parallel to the aforementioned greatest extension. As already mentioned, although not shown, lateral faces of the body 22 of the first thermal interface element 18 are advantageously connected to the diffuser 24 by radial shapes.

[0156] The method of implementation of figures 2 to 5 will now be described in more detail.

[0157] The said rod 60 is, in particular, straight. It is, for example, threaded, at least along part of its length, in particular at an end opposite said heat pipe 10.

[0158] Said device includes one or more nuts 62a, 62b cooperating with said support 30 to generate said force F via said rod 60 and through a relative position of said nuts 62a, 62b along the rod 60 with respect to said support 30.

[0159] The said elongated body 64 has the thread used for positioning the nuts 62a, 62b, in particular at the end of the said elongated body 64 opposite the heat pipe 10. The said elongated body 64 has a rounded straight section, in particular circular.

[0160] The upper base 36 of said first wing 32 has a slot allowing passage of said rod 60. Nuts 62a, 62b are located on either side of said support 30, in particular of said upper base 36, thus forming a nut / locknut assembly.

[0161] The rod 60 is fixed to the support 30, for example to the upper base 36. The electrical conduction busbar 50 is traversed by the threaded rod 34 and fixed to the support 30 by means of the nut(s) 62a, 62b. The other support 30' is intended to be traversed by the rod of the second heat dissipation device and, as already stated, to accommodate the heat pipe of the second heat dissipation device between its lateral sides.

[0162] As shown in Figure 5, the relative positioning of the nuts 62a, 62b allows adjustment of the vertical positioning of the rod 60 with respect to the support 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the head 66 of the rod 60 is thus positioned vertically with respect to a lower edge 72 of the lateral sides 34a, 34b of the support 30. It is understood that, once the support 30 is in place on the plate forming the cold source 16, the force applied to the heat pipe 10 by the rod 60 is thus controlled. The same is true of the force F applied to the cold thermal interface element 18 by the effect of the lever arm transmitted by the heat pipe 10.

[0163] In the illustrated embodiment, it is further observed that the bearing 44 has a thickness E1 before assembly. Moreover, a vertical distance E2 between the lower edge 72 of the support 30 and an underside of the bearing 44 is determined by the vertical positioning of the rod 70 relative to the support 30, via the heat pipe 10 and the cold thermal interface element 18. It is understood that, during the assembly of the heat dissipation device, the difference between E1 and E2 allows for the compression of the bearing 44 between the cold thermal interface element 18 and the plate 52 under the effect of the force F.

[0164] In this first embodiment, the 200 shim was not shown but may be present. Alternatively, shimming via a shape of the connection box is achieved to ensure proper application of the force F. The embodiment shown in Figures 6 to 11 will now be described in more detail.

[0165] In this mode, as seen in figures 9 and 10, said force application element 40 comprises a spring 80 exerting said force on an upper face 82 of said cold thermal interface element 18 bearing on said support 30.

[0166] The spring 80 is formed, for example, from a folded blade, in particular in an inverted omega shape. The blade has a flexibility that gives it its elastic spring properties.

[0167] The support 30 is formed, for example, of a casing 84 having a housing 86 for the spring 80. The spring 80 bears on an upper face 90 of the support 30 by the ends of the lateral legs of the spring 80 and / or exerts the force F on the upper face 82 of the cold thermal interface member 18 by a vertex 88 of the spring 80.

[0168] As more clearly seen by referring again to figures 6 and 7, the said hot thermal interface element 20 here includes a thermal conduction lug 100.

[0169] The said thermal conduction leg 100 has, for example, a first branch 102 and / or a second branch 104. It is, in particular, made of copper.

[0170] Said first branch 102 is provided with a first sleeve 106 receiving said heat pipe 10. Said first hot exchange surface 20a is formed of an internal surface of said first sleeve 106.

[0171] The first branch 102 further includes a plate 105 beneath which the first sleeve 106 is located. The first sleeve 106 is oriented parallel to the heat pipe 10. It extends along the greater length of the plate 105.

[0172] Advantageously, said first branch 102, in particular said plate 105, has a funnel shape, specifically trapezoidal. Said first branch 102 extends, for example, from a base 108 of said second branch 104 to a free edge 110 corresponding here to a longitudinal end of said first sleeve 106. In the trapezoidal shape formed by said plate 105, said base 108 of said second branch 104 has a width greater than said free edge 110 of said first branch 102. Said second branch 104 is configured to be fixed to said heat source 12, in particular by screwing, as will be detailed below. It is substantially rectangular. It has an axis of greatest extension substantially orthogonal to said heat pipe 10.

[0173] Advantageously, said first and second branches 102, 104 give said thermal conduction leg 100 an L-shape. Such a configuration, possibly combined with the material which constitutes it, allows said thermal conduction leg 100 to offer good elasticity thanks to a spring effect present between said first and second branches 102, 104.

[0174] On the side of said cold thermal interface element 18, said hollow shape is formed inside a second sleeve 112 housing said heat pipe 10. Said first cold exchange surface 18a is thus formed from an internal surface of said second sleeve 112. The upper face 82 of said cold thermal interface element 18 at which said spring 80 presses on said cold thermal interface element 18 is formed from an external upper face of said sleeve 112.

[0175] The second sleeve 112 here forms the body 22 of the cold thermal interface element 18. It has a substantially parallelepiped shape. The second sleeve 112 has a direction of greatest extension parallel to the heat pipe 10. The second sleeve 112 has external lateral faces with the curved shapes mentioned above, serving for the junction with the diffuser 24.

[0176] Referring again to figures 8 to 10, we see that said envelope 84 extends to the thermal conduction leg 100. Said cold thermal interface element 18, said heat pipe 10 and / or said first branch 102 of the conduction leg 100 are located in said envelope 84.

[0177] The said envelope 84 also has here a notch 114 at the level of its upper face 90 to accommodate the electrical component 14.

[0178] As already mentioned, the said electrical component 14 has two electrical connection terminals 116a, 116b which also form, possibly, a thermal bridge and / or heat-generating points.

[0179] The said connection box includes here a second dissipation device identical to the previous one, the heat pipe of said second heat dissipation being illustrated 10' in figure 8. A symmetry is noted with respect to a median plane of said electrical component 14.

[0180] Two busbars 50a and 50b are illustrated, each associated with one of the heat dissipation devices. They are fixed to the electrical component 14 and / or to the corresponding thermal conduction lug 100, for example, to an upper end of its second arm 104, here by means of screws whose screw heads are visible at the reference points 116a and 116b. The busbars 50a and 50b are located between one of the thermal conduction lugs 100 and the electrical component 14.

[0181] The screws are connected to the electrical connection terminals 116a, 116b through slots provided in the busbars 50a, 50b and in the thermal conduction tabs 100. The busbars 50a, 50b are electrically, and possibly thermally, connected at one end to one of the electrical connection terminals 116a, 116b of the electrical component 14, and at the other end to the rest of an electrical circuit of the connection box, in particular to another of its electrical components, not shown. The electrical component 14 has a parallelepiped-shaped outer contour. It is provided with a partition 120 located between the busbars 50a, 50b.

[0182] In Figure 8, it can also be seen that the said casing 84 is common to the said dissipation devices. It advantageously features lateral sides 92 extending from the upper face 90 of the support 30. These rest on the said cold source 16. The said casing 84 is shown here open opposite the ends of the heat pipes 10, 10' located on the side of the said hot thermal interface element 20. Alternatively, these characteristics apply to a casing that would house a single dissipation device as described above.

[0183] As illustrated in figure 9, before mounting on said cold source 16, said heat pipe 10 is slightly inclined from bottom to top going from said cold thermal interface member 18 to said hot thermal interface member 20.

[0184] In figure 10, after mounting on said cold source 16, said heat pipe 10 is substantially horizontal, except for presenting the slight angle, mentioned above, to promote its operation.

[0185] Such a change in inclination before and after assembly promotes good compression of the bearing 44 thanks to the elasticity conferred by said dissipation device. It also promotes good contact with said cold source 16, in addition to the effect produced by said force F.

[0186] According to the third, fourth and fifth embodiments, said rod 60 comprises a bearing portion 130, connected to the support 30, and a bearing portion 132, in contact with said heat pipe 10. Said bearing portion 132 is movable, in particular elastically, relative to said bearing portion 130 to exert said force F. The head 66 of the rod 60 is here integrated at the level of the bearing portion 132.

[0187] More specifically, here, said support part 130 and said support part 132 slide into each other in a translational movement along a longitudinal extension direction of said rod 60 corresponding to the direction of the force F.

[0188] In the embodiments of figures 12 to 15 and 16 to 18, said rod 60 includes a spring 134 bearing on said bearing part 130 and exerting said force F on said bearing part 132.

[0189] By way of example, the support portion 132 is configured to be immobilized relative to the bearing portion 130 in a first configuration of the rod 60, corresponding to a first level of elastic force between the bearing and support portions 130 and 132, during an assembly operation of the device. This first configuration is illustrated in Figures 14 and 17, respectively, where a tool 300 is seen engaging the rod 60 such that a given relative position, referred to as the assembly position, is imposed between the bearing portion 130 and the support portion 132. The support portion 132 is further configured, after assembly, to be in a second configuration of the rod 60, corresponding to a second level of elastic force between the bearing and support portions 130 and 132.The said second configuration is illustrated respectively in figures 15 and 18 where it can be seen that tool 300 has been removed so that said tool no longer imposes the mounting position mentioned above.

[0190] More specifically, here, the bearing portion 130 is tubular, for example with a circular internal cross-section. It defines a housing 136 opening towards said heat pipe 10. Said bearing portion 132 is movable within the housing 136 of said bearing portion 130. Said bearing portion 132 is provided with a groove 138 receiving said spring 134. To exert the force F, said spring 134 bears against a bottom of said groove 138, on one side, and, on the other side, against a bottom of the housing 136 of said bearing portion 130. Said bearing portion 132 is formed here of a piece of revolution upstream of said head 66, said groove 138 receiving said spring 134 is annular and / or said spring 134 is a helical spring.

[0191] The said bearing portion 130 includes, for example, a buttress surface against the said support 30, in a first direction following the said translation. The said buttress surface is located here at the level of a shoulder 140 defining on one side the bottom of the housing 136 of the said bearing portion 130 and on the other side the said buttress surface.

[0192] The rod 60 further includes a nut 142 mounted on the bearing portion 130 and forming a stop against the support 30 in a second direction along the translation. By combining the shoulder 140 and the nut 142, the bearing portion 130 is thus immobilized relative to the support 30, particularly along the longitudinal direction of the rod 60, notably by tightening the nut 142.

[0193] For this purpose, here, said support part 130 includes a pin 194 originating from said stop surface, in particular from said shoulder 140, and passing through said support 30, in particular at the level of a slot 152 formed in said upper base 36. Said nut 142 is fixed on said pin 144, in particular by a thread provided for this purpose on said pin 144.

[0194] The said support part 130, in particular the said shoulder 140, comes into contact with the support 30, in particular at the level of an inner face of the said upper base 36. On an opposite outer face of the said upper base 36 are stacked the said bus bar 50 and the said electrical connection terminal 150. The said nut 142 bears here on the said electrical connection terminal 150 to fix the assembly of the said rod 60, the bus bar 50 and the electrical connection terminal 150 to the support 30, by screwing onto the pin 144, provided to pass not only through the said upper base 36 but also through the bus bar 50, the electrical connection terminal 150 and the said nut 142.

[0195] The rod 60 further includes a finger 146, connected to the support portion 132. More specifically, the finger 146 is fixed relative to the support portion 132, at least in the direction of the translation. The finger 146 slides through the support 30. The pin 144 is tubular, and the finger 146 slides through the pin 144 to allow the relative movement of the support portion 130 and the support portion 142.

[0196] The finger 146 includes, for example, a stop 148, in particular at a free end of the finger 146, namely an end opposite to an end located near the head 66 of the rod 60. The rod 60 is configured here for a positioning of the tool 300 between the stop 148 and the support part 130 in the first configuration and for a transition from the first to the second configuration according to the translational movement, upon withdrawal of the tool 300.

[0197] This is first illustrated in Figures 14 and 15 in the context of the third embodiment. In this embodiment, the finger 146 is formed from the material of the support portion 132 at the level of an upper part of the groove 138. The stop 148 includes a circlip 160 fixed in a groove formed in the finger 146.

[0198] Figure 14 shows that, in the mounting position, given the relative vertical position of the head 66 of the rod and the support 30, the assembly formed by the diffuser 24 and the pad 44 is not yet in contact with the cold source 16, as symbolized by the clearance J.

[0199] In figure 15, after removal of the tool 300, the spring 134 pushes the head 66 of the rod and therefore the heat pipe 10 downwards, thus allowing the said assembly to come into contact with the said cold source 16 while compressing the said bearing 44. In addition, good contact between all the exchange surfaces involved is ensured under the effect of the said force F.

[0200] This is also illustrated in Figures 17 and 18 in the fourth embodiment. In this embodiment, the finger 146 comprises a screw 162 fixed to the bearing portion 132 by the end of the finger 146 located near the head 66 of the rod, said end being threaded for this purpose. The bearing portion 132 comprises a well 164 forming externally the groove 138 and internally a tapped bore for cooperating with the screw 162. The stop 148 is formed by a head 166 of the screw 102.

[0201] In Figure 17, it can be seen that, in the mounting position, given the relative vertical position of the head 66 of the rod 60 and the support 30, the assembly formed by the diffuser 24 and the bearing 44 is not yet in contact with the cold source 16, as symbolized by the clearance J. In Figure 18, after removal of the tool 300, the spring 134 pushes the head 66 of the rod and therefore the heat pipe 10 downwards, thus allowing said assembly to come into contact with said cold source 16 while compressing said bearing 44. Furthermore, good contact between all the exchange surfaces involved is ensured under the effect of said force F.

[0202] In the embodiment of figures 19 to 21, said rod 60 includes a screw 170 configured to exert said force F by fixing a relative position of said bearing and support parts 130, 132 according to the longitudinal extension direction of said rod 60, as a function of a degree of screwing of said screw 170. It is noted that, in figure 19, said rod 60 is illustrated according to a longitudinal sectional view.

[0203] More specifically, the support portion 132 is configured to be immobilized relative to the bearing portion 130 in a first configuration of the rod 60 corresponding to a first degree of tightening during the assembly operation of the device. The support portion 82 is further configured, after assembly, to be in a second configuration of the rod 60 corresponding to a second degree of tightening of the screw 170. This configuration eliminates the need for the tool 300 of the previous modes.

[0204] As above, the bearing portion 130 is tubular, for example with a circular cross-section. It defines a housing 136 opening towards said heat pipe 10. Said bearing portion 132 is movable within the housing 136 of said bearing portion 130. Here, said housing 136 has a shape of revolution and / or said bearing portion 132 is formed of a piece of revolution upstream of said head 66.

[0205] The said bearing portion 130 includes, for example, a buttress surface against the said support 30, in a first direction following the said translation. The said buttress surface is located here at the level of a shoulder 140 defining on one side the bottom of the housing 136 of the said bearing portion 130 and on the other side the said buttress surface.

[0206] The rod 60 further includes a nut 142 mounted on the bearing portion 130 and forming a stop against the support 30 in a second direction along the translation. By combining the shoulder 140 and the nut 142, the bearing portion is thus immobilized relative to the support 30, particularly along the longitudinal direction of the rod 60, notably by tightening the nut 142. For this purpose, the bearing portion 130 includes a pin 144 extending from the stop surface, specifically from the shoulder 140, and passing through the support 30. The nut 142 is fixed to the pin 144, notably by a thread provided for this purpose on the pin 144.

[0207] The rod 60 further includes a finger 146, connected to the support portion 132. More specifically, the finger 146 is fixed relative to the support portion 132, at least in the direction of translation. The finger 146 slides through the support 30. The pin 144 is tubular, and the finger 146 slides through the pin 144 to allow the relative movement of the support portion 130 and the support portion 132.

[0208] More specifically in this fifth embodiment, the finger 146 is formed by the screw 170. The latter is linked to the support portion 132 according to the translation, while allowing a rotational movement of the screw 170 relative to the support portion 132, for example by means of a pin 172. The pin 172 is engaged in the support portion 132 and in the finger 146 so as to immobilize them relative to each other according to the translational movement, while allowing the screw 170 to be tightened. For this purpose, the support portion 132 includes a well 174 in which the end of the finger 146, located near the head 66 of the rod 60, is housed. The said pin 172 is engaged in a passage formed for this purpose in the said well 174. For its part, the said finger 146 includes an annular groove 176 in which the said pin 172 slides during screwing.Said support part 130 includes an orifice 178 for the insertion of said pin 112.

[0209] Furthermore, said pin 144 has a tapped hole intended to cooperate with a threaded part of said screw 170 to allow passage of said rod 60 between the first and second configurations.

[0210] Figure 20 shows that, in the mounting position, given the relative vertical position of the head 66 of the rod and the support 30, the assembly formed by the diffuser 24 and the pad 44 is not yet in contact with the cold source 16, as symbolized by the clearance J.

[0211] In Figure 21, after screwing in screw 170, it can be seen that a head 182 of screw 110 has moved closer to a free end of pin 144. Screw 170, in a downward movement along said translation, has pushed the head 66 of the rod and therefore the heat pipe 10 towards the cold source 16, thus allowing said assembly to come into contact with said cold source 16 while compressing said bearing 44. Furthermore, good contact between all the exchange surfaces involved is ensured under the effect of said force F.

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 a first thermal interface component (18) having a first heat exchange surface (18a) in contact with said heat pipe (10) and a second heat exchange surface (18b), intended to come into contact with one of said hot or cold sources for heat exchange between said heat pipe and said hot or cold source via said first thermal interface component (18), said device being configured to apply a force (F) between said heat pipe (10) and said first thermal interface component (18).

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

3. Device according to the preceding claim comprising a wedge (200) supporting said heat pipe (10), said wedge (200) being intended to be located between said heat pipe (10) and said cold source (16).

4. Device according to any one of claims 2 or 3 in which said device comprises in addition a second thermal interface element (20), said hot, having a first heat exchange surface (20a), said hot, in contact with said heat pipe (10) and a second heat exchange surface (20b), said hot, intended to come into contact with said hot source (12).

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

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

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

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

9. Device according to the preceding claim configured so that said force (F) is adjusted by a chosen relative position of said force (40) application member of the force (F) with respect to said support (30).

10. Device according to claim 8 configured for said force application member (F) to be in elastic support on said support (30).

11. Device according to any one of claims 8 to 10 in which said force application member (40) comprises a rod (60) configured to apply said force (F).

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

13. A device according to any one of claims 11 or 12, claim 11 being related to claim 9, wherein said rod (60) is threaded and said device comprises one or more nuts (62a, 62b) cooperating with said support (30) to apply said force (F) via said rod (60) and through of a relative position of said nuts (62a, 62b) along the rod (60) with respect to said support (30).

14. Device according to any one of claims 11 or 12 in which said rod (60) comprises a bearing part (130), linked to the support (30), and a bearing part (132), in contact with said heat pipe (10), said bearing part (132) being movable relative to said bearing part (130) to exert said force.

15. Device according to the preceding claim in which said bearing part (130) and said bearing part (132) slide one into the other in a translational movement along a longitudinal extension direction of said rod (60), said bearing part (130) comprising a stop surface against said support (30), in a first direction along said translation, said rod (60) comprising a nut (142) mounted on said bearing part (130) and forming a stop against said support (30) in a second direction along said translation.

16. Device according to the preceding claim in which said bearing part (130) comprises a pin (144) originating from said stop surface and passing through said support (30), said nut (142) being fixed on said pin (144), said rod (60) comprising a finger (146) linked to said bearing part (132) and sliding through said support (30), said pin (144) being tubular and said finger (146) sliding through said pin (144).

17. Device according to the preceding claim, claim 11 being related to claim 10, wherein said support part (132) is configured to be immobilized relative to said bearing part (130) in a first configuration of said rod (60) corresponding to a first level of elastic force between said bearing and support parts (130, 132), during an assembly operation of said device, and to be, after assembly, in a second configuration of said rod (60) corresponding to a second level of elastic force between said bearing and support parts (130, 132).

18. Device according to the preceding claim in which said finger (146) includes a stop (148), said rod (60) being configured for positioning a tool (300) between said stop (148) and said support part (130) in said first configuration and for passing from the first to the second configuration according to said translational movement, upon withdrawal of the tool (300).

19. Device according to any one of claims 17 or 18 in which said finger (146) is made of material from said support part (142).

20. Device according to any one of claims 17 or 18 in which said finger (146) comprises a screw (162) fixed to said support part (132).

21. Device according to claim 16, claim 11 being related to claim 9, wherein said finger comprises a screw (170) linked to said support part (132) according to said translation while allowing a rotational movement of said screw (170) relative to said support part (132).

22. Device according to the preceding claim in which said rod (60) includes a pin (182) linking said finger (146) to said support part (132).

23. Device according to any one of claims 8 or 10 in which said force application member (40) comprises a spring (80) exerting said force (F) on an upper face (82) of said cold thermal interface member (18) bearing on said support (30).

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

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

26. Electrical energy storage device, in particular accumulator battery, comprising a device according to any one of claims 1 to 24.

27. Vehicle comprising a device according to any one of claims 1 to 24.

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