FR3146969A1 - seal suitable for a thermal regulation device. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a seal (57) with an annular cross-section configured to be mounted on a female connection sleeve (535), which sleeve has an internal wall (5355) and an external wall (5357), said seal (57) comprising a cylindrical portion (571) configured to fit onto the female sleeve (535), said portion comprising an internal branch (5713) and an external branch (5711) extending along the axis of said cylindrical portion, which branches are configured to, in use, be in total or partial overlap, respectively, of the internal wall (5355) and the external wall (5357) of the sleeve, and at least one lip (573) which extends inside the cylindrical portion, from the internal branch (5713), the lip (573) being configured to be in sealing contact with an external wall (5371) of a male connection element (537) when said element (537) is fluidically connected to the female connection sleeve (535). Abstract figure: Fig. 3

Description

seal suitable for a thermal regulation device. Technical domain.

The present invention relates to a seal configured to be mounted on a female connection sleeve. The invention also relates to a thermal regulation device comprising at least one exchanger with a female sleeve and a seal, and a thermal regulation device comprising at least two exchangers positioned successively and in fluid communication thanks to said seal. Finally, the invention also relates to an electrical energy storage system for an electric or hybrid vehicle, and a method for assembling the thermal regulation device.

The invention relates to the technical field of electrical energy storage systems, in particular motor vehicles, and more particularly electric or hybrid vehicles. More specifically, the invention relates to thermal regulation devices allowing the cooling of said systems.

State of the art.

Nowadays, more and more people are turning to electric or hybrid vehicles. However, these vehicles require a greater number of batteries to operate. All these batteries contribute to increasing the operating time of the vehicle between charges, while increasing the charging speed and operating power of said batteries.

To achieve this, each battery includes components used to store electrical energy, these components preferably being cells. The number of cells, as well as their size, influences the capacity and recharging power of the battery. However, when the cells produce and store energy, they also diffuse heat. This heat must be properly evacuated, because it can lead to overheating of the cells, thus leading to a partial or total loss of their operation. This loss can in particular be due to the deformations undergone by the cells when they overheat, such as swelling.

In a battery, the cells are generally grouped into different sets of cells facilitating the regulation of their temperature. Each set is therefore separated from another set by at least one heat exchanger. These exchangers promote the evacuation of heat emitted by adjacent cells by the passage of a heat transfer fluid in said exchangers. All of the exchangers form a thermal regulation device for the battery.

However, there is a problem with the efficiency of fluid circulation within the thermal regulation device. The exchangers, which are positioned successively, must be fluidically connected in such a way as to allow this fluid circulation, and thus thermally regulate the battery. The connection between the exchangers can be made in a sealed manner by a seal.

An example of a connection between two exchangers is described in published patent US 10,020,550 B2. Each exchanger is extended, in this document, by two conduits, each conduit allowing the connection to the conduits of the adjacent exchangers. The connection between two conduits is then made by a pipe, in which the conduits are fitted. However, the fitting of the conduits into the pipe is difficult to achieve, which complicates the installation and can cause damage to the equipment used during assembly.

The invention aims to overcome at least one of the drawbacks of the aforementioned state of the art. More particularly, the invention aims to produce a seal, of generally annular cross-section, which is configured to be mounted on a female sleeve and improving the seal.

Another objective of the invention is to improve the connection of two adjacent exchangers of a thermal regulation device, and in particular to improve the sealing between said exchangers.

Another objective of the invention is to facilitate the assembly of two adjacent exchangers.

Presentation of the invention.

The solution proposed by the invention is a seal with an annular cross-section configured to be mounted on a female connection sleeve, which sleeve has an internal wall and an external wall, said seal comprising a cylindrical portion configured to fit onto the female sleeve, said portion comprising an internal branch and an external branch extending along the axis of said cylindrical portion, which branches are configured to, in use, be in total or partial coverage, respectively of the internal wall and the external wall of the sleeve, and at least one lip which extends inside the cylindrical portion from the internal branch, the lip being configured to be in sealing contact with an external wall of a male connection element when said element is fluidically connected to the female connection sleeve.

The seal according to the invention, and more particularly the cylindrical portion whose internal and external branches extend along the axis of said cylindrical portion. The annular cross-section of said seal is understood as the section produced along a plane perpendicular to the axis of the cylindrical portion, and more particularly of the fitted cylindrical portion. This section has a general shape resembling a ring. Thus, the seal covers a free end of the sleeve, so as to improve its sealing.

The sleeve is a preferably tubular element made of metallic materials, allowing two parts to be connected. The expressions “female connection sleeve”, “sleeve” and “female sleeve” may be used equivalently in said application.

The seal according to the invention is intended to improve the connection of the two aforementioned parts, in particular to improve the sealing at the level of said connection.

Other advantageous features of the joint object of the invention are listed below. Each of these features can be considered alone or in combination with the remarkable features defined above. Each of these features contributes, where appropriate, to the resolution of specific technical problems defined further in the description and in which the remarkable features defined above do not necessarily participate. The latter may be the subject, where appropriate, of one or more divisional patent applications.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the lip is connected to the internal branch of the cylindrical portion by a bulge, a zone of lesser thickness forming the junction between said lip and said bulge.

The presence of the thinner zone between the lip and the bulge of the internal branch improves the flexibility and mobility of the seal, and more particularly of the lip, by facilitating the correct positioning of the metal parts that are fitted into the seal. This flexibility improves the seal by facilitating the positioning of the lip against the corresponding metal part. If the thinner zone is too thick, it would lose its effectiveness. By flexibility of the lip, we mean the ability of the lip to flex without breaking.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the ratio between a thickness of the lip and the thickness of the zone of lesser thickness is between 0.8 and 1.2, preferably between 0.9 and 1.1.

The ratio between the thickness of the lip and the thickness of the thinner area is important so that the lip remains flexible, so as to absorb defects between the two metal parts to be connected. The thickness of the lip also determines how well the seal of the joint is maintained. Thus, a minimum thickness is necessary in order to have the best possible mechanical strength of the seal on the parts, in particular to avoid tearing, and thus allow good resistance to the pressure induced by the fluid.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the lip extends along the axis of the cylindrical portion, in the same direction as the internal and external branches, the junction between the lip and the bulge is located at the level of a first edge of said lip, which lip has a second free edge opposite said first edge.

Advantageously, the internal and external branches of the seal match the shape of the internal and external walls of the female connection sleeve. The particular positioning of the lip will allow said lip to match the shape of the second part inserted into the seal, and promote sealing. The insertion of this second part into the seal will also be facilitated, and the risk of damaging or tearing the lip when inserting the second metal part is also reduced.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the spacing between the internal and external branches of the cylindrical portion is such that said portion fits forcefully onto the sleeve.

The forced fitting improves the retention and sealing of the seal on the female sleeve.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, an external face of the external branch has a radial groove capable of receiving a clamping collar.

The presence of a radial groove and a clamping collar improves the retention of the seal on the female connection sleeve. In fact, the groove allows the clamping collar to be held in position, and the clamping collar tightens the seal against the underlying female sleeve.

Alternatively or additionally, the external branch of the cylindrical portion of the seal has at least one radial rib or at least one radial groove configured to fit respectively into a complementary groove or rib provided in the external wall of the female sleeve.

Thus, the radial rib(s) and the radial groove(s) are positioned on an internal face of the external branch of the seal, so as to be in contact with the external wall of the female sleeve. This alternative, by improving the contact between the external branch and the external wall of the female sleeve, also improves the retention of the seal on the sleeve.

Alternatively or additionally, the internal branch of the cylindrical portion of the seal has at least one radial rib or at least one radial groove configured to fit respectively into a complementary groove or rib provided in the internal wall of the female sleeve.

Thus, the radial rib(s) and the radial groove(s) are positioned on an external slope of the internal branch of the seal, so as to be in contact with the internal wall of the female sleeve. This alternative, by improving the contact between the internal branch and the internal wall of the female sleeve, also improves the retention of the seal on the sleeve.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the external branch has at least one longitudinal rib or at least one longitudinal groove configured to fit respectively into a complementary groove or rib provided in the external wall of the sleeve.

The longitudinal rib(s) and the longitudinal groove(s) are positioned on an internal face of the external branch of the seal, so as to be in contact with the external wall of the female sleeve. This alternative, by improving the contact between the external branch and the external wall of the female sleeve, also improves the retention of the seal on the sleeve.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the external branch comprises three longitudinal ribs or three longitudinal grooves arranged at 120°.

Alternatively or additionally, the internal branch of the cylindrical portion of the seal has at least one longitudinal rib or at least one longitudinal groove configured to be inserted respectively into a complementary groove or rib provided in the internal wall of the female sleeve. Thus, the at least one longitudinal rib or the at least one longitudinal groove preferably extends on an external slope of the internal branch, so as to be in contact with the internal wall of the internal branch and to improve the retention of the seal on the female sleeve.

Advantageously, the internal branch comprises three longitudinal ribs or three longitudinal grooves arranged at 120°.

The longitudinal ribs or grooves, on the internal and/or external branches, are used to improve the retention of the seal on the corresponding female sleeve. The positioning of the ribs or grooves at 120° from each other improves, on the one hand, the retention of the seal on the sleeve, and on the other hand, facilitates the assembly of said seal on the sleeve.

Advantageously, the seal is made of a polymer or plastic material, preferably ethylene-propylene-diene monomer. The choice of material depends preferably on the desired seal, the strength and the flexibility selected for the manufacture of the seal.

The invention also relates to a thermal regulation device for components whose operation is sensitive to temperature, these components being in particular intended for energy storage and possibly being battery cells, in particular for vehicles, said device comprising a heat exchanger configured to extend between two adjacent sets of cells so as to regulate the temperature of said cells, the exchanger comprising at least one female connection sleeve equipped with a seal, which sleeve has an inner wall and an outer wall, the seal is according to the invention, the cylindrical portion of said seal being fitted onto the female sleeve such that said cylindrical portion is in total or partial overlap with the inner wall and the outer wall of said sleeve, and the lip which extends inside the cylindrical portion from the inner branch is configured to be in sealing contact with an outer wall of a male connection element when said element is fluidically connected to the female connection sleeve.

“Temperature-sensitive components” means any type of component whose temperature change can lead to a reduction or even loss of its operation. Such components are, for example, reserved for the storage of electrical energy. More specifically, these are battery cells that are particularly suitable for hybrid or electric motor vehicles.

The heat exchanger is intended to regulate the temperature of battery cells, and more particularly of two adjacent sets of cells. The seal positioned on the female sleeve improves the sealing of the connection. The partial or total covering of the female sleeve by the seal improves the maintenance of said seal on the sleeve.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, each external and internal branch of the seal extends over a length of between 60% and 95%, preferably between 80% and 90%, of the length respectively of the external wall and the internal wall of the female sleeve.

The length of each branch of the seal allows for optimal fitting of said seal, therefore its correct positioning and good retention on the corresponding female sleeve. The sealing is also optimal in this configuration. The absence of total overlap of the female sleeve allows the seal to be possibly adaptable, for example in the event of manufacturing a shorter female sleeve than expected, which may be caused by manufacturing hazards or a choice by the manufacturer.

The invention also relates to a thermal regulation device for components whose operation is sensitive to temperature, these components being in particular intended for energy storage and possibly being battery cells, in particular for vehicles, said device comprising a first and a second heat exchanger, each exchanger being configured to extend between two adjacent sets of cells so as to regulate the temperature of said cells, and in which the first and second exchangers are fluidically connected in a sealed manner by direct cooperation of a female connection sleeve of the first exchanger, equipped with a seal, into which a male connection element of the second exchanger is inserted, which sleeve has an internal wall and an external wall, the seal being according to the invention, and comprises: a cylindrical portion fitted onto the female sleeve such that said portion is in total or partial coverage of the internal wall and the external wall, and at least one lip in sealed contact with an external wall of the male connection element.

Thus, exchangers are positioned successively between the sets of battery cells. The first exchanger is attached by its female connection sleeve provided with a seal to the male connection element of the second exchanger. This connection is facilitated by the presence of the lip and its flexibility. Indeed, the lip adapts to the diameter of the male element which is inserted into the seal, even in the event of a variation in said diameter which could be due to manufacturing and/or assembly hazards.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the ratio between a length of the lip and an internal diameter of the male connecting element is between 0.6 and 1.2, preferably between 0.8 and 1.

This ratio allows the ideal length of the lip to be determined to obtain the best possible support for the connecting element in the seal.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the lip extends in a direction of insertion of the male element into the female sleeve.

The orientation of the lip in the direction of insertion of the male connecting element facilitates the insertion of said element and limits the risks of tearing of said lip during said insertion.

Advantageously, the female sleeve has, at an end opposite the free end, a narrowing zone which will allow its attachment to the exchanger. Alternatively, the external branch of the cylindrical portion of the seal comprises, at a free end oriented towards the narrowing zone of the female sleeve, a circular sealing lip configured to extend into the narrowing zone. The circular sealing lip is an alternative for maintaining the seal on the female sleeve.

The invention also relates to an electrical energy storage system for an electric or hybrid vehicle, comprising several adjacent sets of components, such as battery cells cooled by a thermal regulation device, said device being in accordance with the invention.

The thermal regulation device according to the invention is applied to an electrical energy storage system, such as a battery. This device controls the temperature inside the battery, and more particularly, controls the temperature of the different cells making up said battery. In particular, this control promotes the cooling of the cells.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the components are cylindrical battery cells, the heat exchangers are of corrugated shape and extend longitudinally between two sets of cells, each exchanger comprises a plurality of longitudinal channels for circulation of heat transfer fluid formed next to each other in the material inside said exchanger.

Advantageously, each exchanger comprises two groups of channels that stack on top of each other, a first group of channels and a second group of channels. In this first variant, a fluid inlet and outlet box is positioned at a first end of the exchanger, and allows the fluid to enter and exit via inlet and outlet conduits. Thus, the fluid circulates in the exchanger via a first group of longitudinal channels, from the first end of the exchanger to a second end opposite the first end, and at which there is a fluid return box. The fluid will then circulate in the second group of longitudinal channels, and leave the exchanger via the outlet conduit.

The circulation of the fluid firstly allows the heat emitted by the cylindrical cells to be efficiently evacuated. In a particularly preferred manner, the circulation of fluid in the exchanger is done from a first group of lower channels to a second group of upper channels, the flow of the fluid being facilitated by the rise of the hot fluid in the circuit compared to the cold, heavier fluid.

Alternatively, a fluid inlet box or outlet box are positioned at each end of each exchanger. In this variant embodiment of the invention, the circulation of the fluid passes through the longitudinal channels but only takes place in one direction, before leaving the exchanger through the outlet box.

In each of these alternative embodiments of the invention, the longitudinal channels or groups of channels may have variations in the number of channels present, as well as in the shape of their cross section.

The invention also relates to a method of assembling a thermal regulation device according to the invention, comprising the steps of fitting the cylindrical portion of the seal onto the female sleeve so that said portion comes into total or partial coverage of the internal wall and the external wall of said sleeve, inserting the male connection element into the female sleeve so that the lip comes into sealed contact with the external wall of said male element.

Such an assembly method facilitates and improves the assembly of the seal on the female sleeve, then facilitates the assembly of the male connecting element in said seal. The positioning of this element can be precisely adjusted within the device, improving the sealing of the connection.

Brief description of the figures.

• est un schéma représentant un système de stockage d’énergie électrique selon l’invention.
• est une vue représentant partiellement un dispositif de régulation thermique selon l’invention.
• est un schéma en coupe représentant la liaison entre un élément de raccordement mâle, un manchon de raccordement femelle et un joint d’étanchéité selon une première variante de réalisation de l’invention. L’élément mâle n’est ici pas représenté inséré dans le joint d’étanchéité.
• montre une vue latérale d’un manchon femelle monté sur un échangeur thermique, et d’un joint d’étanchéité selon une deuxième variante de réalisation de l’invention.
• est un schéma en coupe représentant la liaison entre un élément de raccordement mâle inséré dans un joint d’étanchéité selon des deuxième et troisième variantes de réalisation de l’invention, monté sur un manchon de raccordement femelle. La deuxième variante de réalisation est représentée en inférieure du schéma, la troisième variante sur la partie supérieure du schéma.
• est un schéma représentant un joint d’étanchéité selon une quatrième variante de réalisation de l’invention, monté sur un manchon femelle.

Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear better on reading the description of a preferred embodiment which follows, with reference to the appended drawings, produced as indicative and non-limiting examples and in which:

• is a diagram representing an electrical energy storage system according to the invention.
• is a view partially representing a thermal regulation device according to the invention.
• is a cross-sectional diagram showing the connection between a male connecting element, a female connecting sleeve and a seal according to a first variant embodiment of the invention. The male element is not shown here inserted into the seal.
• shows a side view of a female sleeve mounted on a heat exchanger, and of a seal according to a second variant embodiment of the invention.
• is a sectional diagram showing the connection between a male connecting element inserted into a seal according to second and third embodiments of the invention, mounted on a female connecting sleeve. The second embodiment is shown at the bottom of the diagram, the third embodiment on the upper part of the diagram.
• is a diagram representing a seal according to a fourth variant embodiment of the invention, mounted on a female sleeve.

Description of the embodiments.

As used herein, and unless otherwise indicated, the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", etc., to describe an object merely indicates that different occurrences of similar objects are being referred to and does not imply that the objects so described must be in any given sequence, whether in time, space, ordering, etc. "X and/or Y" means: X alone or Y alone or X+Y. Generally speaking, it will be appreciated that in the various accompanying drawings, the objects are arbitrarily drawn to facilitate their reading.

There is a diagram representing an electrical energy storage system according to the invention.

Such an electrical energy storage system 1 may be any system 1 known to those skilled in the art, but refers in particular to a battery, and more specifically to a motor vehicle battery, such as electric or hybrid vehicles. Indeed, these vehicles require high-performance batteries to operate.

Each battery includes components that store electrical energy that are particularly sensitive to temperature. Indeed, variations in their temperature can affect their operation. In particular, in the event of overheating, they can deform, and in particular swell. In addition to coming into contact with adjacent components, swelling can reduce their efficiency. Thus, their energy storage capacity will be affected.

The components of the storage system 1 are generally grouped into several adjacent sets 3. Preferably, these sets 3 are in the form of rows so as to allow the best possible regulation of their temperature. The different sets 3 can however be grouped differently.

These components may in particular be battery cells 31. These cells 31 may be prismatic cells 31, but are preferably cylindrical cells 31. Indeed, cylindrical cells 31 have better performance and a better capacity to restore energy. Other forms of cells 31, not mentioned, may also be envisaged.

The various assemblies 3 are configured to be positioned in a housing that groups the cells 31 and makes it easy to install a thermal regulation device 5 around them (the housing not being shown in these figures). This thermal regulation is done by the passage of a heat transfer fluid within said device 5. The heat transfer fluid, by coming into contact with the various battery cells 31, will recover the heat emitted and facilitate their cooling.

More specifically, the thermal regulation device 5 of the battery comprises heat exchangers 51, which are of corrugated shape and which extend longitudinally between two sets 3 of adjacent cells 31. By “extending longitudinally”, it is meant that the exchanger 51 extends along and between two rows of cells 31. Thus, the number of exchangers 51 depends on the number of rows of cells 31 positioned in a battery block. It is these exchangers 51 which perform the thermal regulation function of said cells 31.

Each exchanger 51 is advantageously constituted by a plurality of longitudinal channels, which will allow the circulation of the heat transfer fluid between the sets 3 of cells 31 (said channels not being shown in these figures). The longitudinal channels are preferentially formed next to each other in the material inside said exchanger 51. The formation of said channels within the exchanger 51 depends mainly on the circulation of fluid provided in the device 5. Thus, the number and the cross section of each of said channels can vary.

According to a first particularly preferred embodiment variant of the invention, a U-shaped circulation of the fluid is provided within the exchanger 51. Thus, at a first end 511 of the exchanger 51, there is a fluid inlet and outlet box 53. As its name indicates, this box 53 allows the fluid to enter the exchanger 51 via an inlet conduit 531, but also its evacuation via an evacuation conduit 533.

From the inlet duct 531, a first group 515 of one or more longitudinal channels are formed in the exchanger 51. These channels allow the circulation of the fluid to a second end 513 of the exchanger 51. At the second end 513 of the exchanger 51 is a turnaround box 55. This box 55 allows the transfer of fluid from the first group 515 of longitudinal channels to a second group 517 of longitudinal channels positioned in the exchanger 51, and which will allow the circulation of fluid in the direction by directing the fluid towards the discharge duct 533. In a particularly advantageous manner, the inlet duct 531 is positioned below the discharge duct 533, and the first group 515 of channels is positioned below the second group 517. This makes it possible to improve the circulation of fluid within the device 5. Indeed, the hot fluid tends to rise within the channels, thereby facilitating fluid circulation. In addition, each group (515, 517) of channels may have one or more different cross-sections, and a different number of channels.

According to a second variant embodiment of the invention not shown in these figures, a circulation of the fluid in I is provided within the exchangers. Thus, at the first end of the exchanger there is an inlet box connecting the inlet pipe to the exchanger. More specifically, the exchanger comprises one or more longitudinal channels, each having a different cross section. The number of channels can also vary according to requirements. The circulation of the fluid will be, within the exchangers, in a single direction, and the fluid will leave the exchanger via an outlet box positioned at the second end of the exchanger.

In the two aforementioned embodiments of the invention, two adjacent heat exchangers 51, in order to allow the circulation of fluid in the thermal regulation device 5, must be connected together. Thus, all of the exchangers 51 will be connected to the adjacent exchanger 51 so as to form a single conduit, which will connect the successive inlet and outlet boxes 53, or connect the successive inlet boxes or the successive outlet boxes together. Depending on the variants, the circulation of the fluid in the exchangers may be in one direction only, or in both. , this is the first variant which is represented, with an outlet channel positioned above the inlet channel, and a U-shaped circulation of the fluid within each exchanger 51. The fluid circulation is represented by arrows.

There shows an enlargement of a part of a thermal regulation device according to the invention.

The thermal regulation device 5 shown in the comprises inlet conduits 531 positioned under the fluid discharge conduits 533. The fluid therefore circulates from bottom to top in the exchangers 51.

In this figure, the heat exchangers 51 also have lateral extensions 519 which improve the contact between the heat transfer fluid circulating in the exchangers 51 and the battery cells positioned nearby. These extensions 519 are designed to partially surround the cylindrical cells (said cells not being shown in these figures), so as to improve the regulation of their temperature.

More particularly, at the first end 511 of each exchanger 51, the fluid inlet 531 and outlet 533 conduits extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the general longitudinal direction of the exchanger 51. By “substantially perpendicular”, it is meant that the conduits (531, 533) extend approximately at 90° relative to the longitudinal direction of the exchanger 51, with a margin of error of plus or minus 5°, depending on manufacturing hazards. Each conduit (531, 533) is formed, respectively, by one or two female connection sleeves 535, and/or one or two male connection elements 537, a male connection element 537 of an exchanger 51 being designed to fit into a female connection sleeve 535 of an adjacent exchanger 51. The sleeves and connecting elements (535, 537) forming a conduit (531, 533) advantageously have an annular cross section.

Thus, to ensure the fluid connection in a sealed manner between two adjacent exchangers 51, a first exchanger 51 will comprise a female sleeve 535, and a second adjacent exchanger 51 will have a male connection element 537 which will be inserted into the female sleeve 535 of the first exchanger 51. The exchangers 51 are therefore positioned successively, and their conduits (531, 533) are therefore designed so as to be able to assemble. The assembly between the adjacent exchangers is possible when the fluid circulation within said exchangers 51 is U-shaped or I-shaped.

Thus, the first and second exchangers 51 are fluidically and tightly connected thanks to the direct cooperation between the female connection sleeve 535 of the first exchanger 51, equipped with a seal 57, and the male connection element 537 of the second exchanger 51 inserted in said seal 57. This seal 57 will be more specifically detailed in FIG. .

The exchangers 51, female sleeves 535 and male connection elements 537 are advantageously made of metallic materials, such as, for example, aluminum. The assembly of these elements 537 is preferably carried out by brazing, but other methods known to those skilled in the art can also be used, such as induction or laser welding.

There is a sectional view of the female sleeve of a first exchanger on which the seal is mounted, and of the male element of a second adjacent exchanger. The seal shown is according to a first variant embodiment of the invention. The male element is not inserted into the seal.

The male connecting element 537 has an internal diameter DI significantly smaller than the diameter of the female sleeve 535, so as to allow its insertion into said sleeve 535. The sealing gasket 57 will ensure the connection and sealing between the female sleeve 535 and the male element 537.

The female sleeve 535 of the exchanger has a free end 5351 at which the seal 57 is fitted. At an opposite end of this free end 5351 there is a narrowing zone 5353 of the female sleeve 535, said zone 5353 allowing its attachment to the end of the corresponding exchanger. The female sleeve 535 further comprises an internal wall 5355 oriented towards the male connection element 537 when the female sleeve 535 is in the mounting position, and an external wall 5357 oriented towards the outside. The internal 5355 and external 5357 walls of the female sleeve 535 are advantageously manufactured in one piece.

The seal 57 generally has an annular cross-section, and is configured to be fitted onto the free end 5351 of the female sleeve 535 by means of a cylindrical portion 571. This cylindrical portion 571 has two external 5711 and internal 5713 branches, the external branch 5711 extending on the external wall 5357 of the female sleeve 535, and the internal branch 5713 extending on the internal wall 5355 of said sleeve 535. The cylindrical portion 571, and more specifically, its internal 5713 and external 5711 branches extend along the axis of the cylindrical portion 571. Thus, the external 5711 and internal 5713 branches completely or partially overlap the internal 5355 and external 5357 walls of said sleeve 535. In a particularly preferred manner, the spacing between the internal branches 5713 and external 5711 of the cylindrical portion 571 is such that the fitting of said portion 571 is carried out in a forced manner on the female sleeve 535. Advantageously, the cylindrical portion 571 is in total or partial overlap of the internal 5355 and external 5357 walls of the sleeve 535. In addition, each of the internal 5713 and external 5711 branches of the seal 57 preferably extends over a length of between 60% and 95%, more preferably between 80% and 90% of the respective length of one or the other of the internal 5355 and external 5357 walls of the female sleeve 535.

The seal 57 further comprises at least one lip 573 which extends from the internal branch 5713 inside the cylindrical portion 571. This lip 573 is attached to the internal branch 5713 by a bulge 57131. Thus, the lip 573 is configured to completely surround the male connection element 537 after its insertion.

In a particularly preferred manner, a zone of reduced thickness ZMe forms the junction between the lip 573 and the bulge 57131 of the internal branch 5713. This zone ZMe provides flexibility to the lip 573 and thus facilitates the insertion of the male connection element 537 within the seal 57. In a particularly preferred manner, the ratio between the thickness eL of the lip 573 and the zone of reduced thickness ZMe is between 0.8 and 1.2, more preferably between 0.9 and 1.1.

Advantageously, the junction between the lip 573 and the bulge 57131 is located at a first edge 5731 of the lip 573, the junction being oriented towards the free end 5351 of the female sleeve 535, when the seal is fitted onto said sleeve 535. The lip 573 further comprises a second free edge 5733 opposite the first edge 5731, the second edge 5733 being configured to extend into the fluid flow zone. The lip 573 therefore extends along the axis of the cylindrical portion 571, in the same direction as the internal 5713 and external 5711 branches. Thus, the lip 573 forms a sealed contact with an external wall 5371 of the male connection element 537, and extends in a direction of insertion of the male element 537 into the female sleeve 535. This particular positioning allows both the maintenance of the male connection element 537 within said seal 57, but also avoids the risk of degradation of said lip 573 during the insertion of said element 537. This also reduces the force required for fitting.

In a particularly preferred manner, the ratio between the length of the lip 573 and the internal diameter DI of the male connecting element 537 is between 0.6 and 1.2, more preferably between 0.8 and 1.

Particularly advantageously, the seal is made of a polymer or plastic material, preferably of ethylene-propylene-diene monomer. The preferred method of manufacturing said seal is by injection molding, but other techniques known to those skilled in the art may be envisaged, such as for example by thermoforming.

Different mechanisms can be used to improve the mounting and maintenance of the seal 57 on the female sleeve 535. According to a first variant embodiment shown in , the external branch 5711 of the seal 57 comprises an external face 57111 in which a radial groove 571111 is formed. By “radial groove” is meant a groove which extends over the entire annular external diameter of the external branch 5711. This groove 571111 is configured to receive a clamping collar (said collar not being shown in this figure) which may be made of plastic or metal, for example steel.

Figures 4 and 5 show, respectively, a perspective view and a sectional view of a seal and a female sleeve according to second and third alternative embodiments of the invention.

In these two variants, the maintenance of the seal 57 on the female sleeve 535 is improved by modifications to the external branch 5711 of said seal 57. Additional modifications to the external wall 5357 of the female sleeve 535 are also provided. No modification to the internal branch 5713 of the cylindrical portion 571 is provided in these variants. , the male connecting element 537 is inserted into the female sleeve 535 comprising the seal 57, allowing said element to be fluidically connected to the female connecting sleeve 535.

The second variant shown in the and in the lower part of the shows that the external face 57111 of the external branch 5711 of the seal 57 has the radial groove 571111 described in . The seal 57 may also have, in this second variant, a radial rib 571131 on an internal face 57113 of the external branch 5711 (said rib not being shown in the ). This rib is advantageously positioned at the level of the groove 571111. The radial rib 571131 of the seal 57 is configured to be inserted into a complementary radial groove 53571 positioned at the level of the external wall 5357 of the female sleeve 535. Alternatively but not shown in the figures, the presence of the radial rib on the external branch and of the complementary radial groove on the external wall of the female sleeve does not necessarily imply the presence of the radial groove on the external face of the external branch of said seal.

The third variant embodiment of the invention shown in the upper part of the shows that the external branch 5711 of the seal 57 has, in place of the radial rib, a radial groove 571133 configured to receive a complementary radial rib 53573 of the external wall 5357 of the female connection sleeve 535.

There shows a view of the seal mounted on the female sleeve, according to a fourth variant embodiment of the invention.

In this figure, the male connecting element 537 is mounted in the female sleeve 535 comprising the seal 57. The internal face 57113 of the external branch 5711 of the seal 57 comprises at least one longitudinal rib 571135 which extends over all or part of the length of the internal face 57113 of said branch 5711. Said longitudinal rib 571135 is configured to be inserted into a complementary longitudinal groove 53575 arranged in the external wall 5357 of the female sleeve 535. In a particularly preferred manner, the external branch 5711 comprises three longitudinal ribs 571135 arranged at 120°.

Alternatively not shown in these figures, the internal face of the external branch may have at least one longitudinal groove configured to receive a complementary longitudinal rib arranged in the external wall of the female sleeve. In a particularly preferred manner, the longitudinal grooves and longitudinal ribs are three in number, and arranged at 120° from each other. All of the aforementioned variants are intended to present alternative embodiments of the invention aimed at improving the maintenance of the seal on the female sleeve.

The invention also relates to a male element inserted into a female sleeve with a seal according to fifth and sixth variant embodiments of the invention. These two variants are not shown in these figures.

In both of these variants, modifications are made to the inner wall of the female connecting sleeve, and to an external slope of the internal branch. These modifications serve to improve the seal's hold on the female sleeve. The external branch of the cylindrical portion of the seal does not have any modifications.

In the fifth variant, the internal branch of the cylindrical portion comprises at least one longitudinal groove inserted into a complementary longitudinal rib arranged in the internal wall of the female sleeve. Advantageously, the internal branch comprises three longitudinal grooves arranged at 120° from each other.

In the sixth variant, the internal branch of the seal comprises at least one longitudinal rib inserted into a complementary longitudinal groove provided in the internal wall of the female sleeve. Advantageously, the internal branch comprises three longitudinal ribs arranged at 120° to each other.

The invention also relates to a method of assembling the thermal regulation device according to the invention, this method is described in correlation with figures 1 to 6. The method comprises the following steps.

A first step consists of fitting the cylindrical portion 571 of the seal 57 onto the female sleeve 535, so that said portion 571 completely or partially covers the internal wall 5355 and the external wall 5357 of said sleeve 535.

Finally, a second step consists of inserting the male connecting element 537 into the female sleeve 535 so that the lip 573 comes into sealed contact with the external wall 5371 of said male element 537.

The arrangement of the various elements and/or means and/or steps of the invention, in the embodiments described above, should not be understood as requiring such an arrangement in all implementations. In any event, it will be understood that various modifications may be made to these elements and/or means and/or steps, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Further, one or more features disclosed only in one embodiment may be combined with one or more other features disclosed only in another embodiment. Similarly, one or more features disclosed only in one embodiment may be generalized to other embodiments, even if such feature or features are disclosed only in combination with other features.

The use of the verb “to comprise”, “to understand” or “to include” and its conjugated forms does not exclude the presence of other elements or other steps than those stated in a claim.

Claims (16)

A seal (57) with an annular cross section configured to be mounted on a female coupling sleeve (535), which sleeve has an inner wall (5355) and an outer wall (5357),
characterized in that said seal (57) comprises:
- a cylindrical portion (571) configured to fit onto the female sleeve (535), said portion comprising an internal branch (5713) and an external branch (5711) extending along the axis of said cylindrical portion, which branches are configured to, in use, be in total or partial overlap, respectively, of the internal wall (5355) and the external wall (5357) of the sleeve, and
- at least one lip (573) extending inside the cylindrical portion from the inner branch (5713), the lip (573) being configured to be in sealing contact with an outer wall (5371) of a male connecting element (537) when said element (537) is fluidically connected to the female connecting sleeve (535). Joint according to claim 1, in which the lip (573) is connected to the internal branch (5713) of the cylindrical portion (571) by a bulge (57131), a zone of reduced thickness (ZMe) forming the junction between said lip and said bulge. Seal according to claim 2, in which the ratio between a thickness (eL) of the lip (573) and the thickness of the zone of reduced thickness (ZMe) is between 0.8 and 1.2, preferably between 0.9 and 1.1. Joint according to one of claims 2 or 3, in which :
- the lip (573) extends along the axis of the cylindrical portion (571), in the same direction as the internal (5713) and external (5711) branches,
- the junction between the lip (573) and the bulge (57131) is located at a first edge (5731) of said lip, which lip has a second free edge (5733) opposite said first edge. Joint according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which the spacing between the internal (5713) and external (5711) branches of the cylindrical portion (571) is such that said portion fits forcefully onto the sleeve (535). Joint according to one of claims 1 to 5, in which an external face (57111) of the external branch (5711) has a radial groove (571111) capable of receiving a clamping collar. Joint according to one of claims 1 to 6, in which the external branch (5711) has at least one longitudinal rib (571135) or at least one longitudinal groove configured to fit respectively into a groove (53575) or a complementary rib arranged in the external wall (5357) of the sleeve (535). A joint according to claim 7, wherein the outer branch (5711) comprises three longitudinal ribs (571135) or three longitudinal grooves arranged at 120°. Thermal regulation device (5) for components whose operation is sensitive to temperature, these components being in particular intended for energy storage and being able to be battery cells (31), in particular for a vehicle, said device comprising a heat exchanger (51) configured to extend between two adjacent sets (3) of cells (31) so as to regulate the temperature of said cells, the exchanger comprising at least one female connection sleeve (535) equipped with a seal (57), which sleeve has an internal wall (5355) and an external wall (5357),
characterized in that the seal (57) is according to one of claims 1 to 8, the cylindrical portion (571) of said seal being fitted onto the female sleeve (535) so that said cylindrical portion completely or partially covers the internal wall (5355) and the external wall (5357) of said sleeve,
and in that the lip (573) extending inside the cylindrical portion from the inner branch (5713) is configured to be in sealing contact with an outer wall (5371) of a male connecting element (537) when said element (537) is fluidically connected to the female connecting sleeve (535). Device (5) according to claim 9, in which each external (5711) and internal (5713) branch of the seal (57) extends over a length of between 60% and 95%, preferably between 80% and 90%, of the length respectively of the external wall (5357) and of the internal wall (5355) of the female sleeve (535). Thermal regulation device (5) for components whose operation is sensitive to temperature, these components being in particular intended for energy storage and possibly being battery cells (31), in particular for a vehicle, said device comprising a first and a second heat exchanger (51), each exchanger being configured to extend between two adjacent sets (3) of cells (31) so as to regulate the temperature of said cells,
and in which the first and second exchangers (51) are fluidically connected in a sealed manner by direct cooperation of a female connection sleeve (535) of the first exchanger (51), equipped with a seal (57), into which a male connection element (537) of the second exchanger (51) is inserted, which sleeve has an internal wall (5355) and an external wall (5357),
characterized in that the seal (57) is according to one of claims 1 to 8, and comprises:
- a cylindrical portion (571) fitted onto the female sleeve (535) so that said portion completely or partially covers the internal wall (5355) and the external wall (5357), and
- at least one lip (573) in sealing contact with an external wall (5371) of the male connecting element (537). Device (5) according to claim 11, in which the ratio between a length of the lip (573) and an internal diameter (DI) of the male connecting element (537) is between 0.6 and 1.2, preferably between 0.8 and 1. Device (5) according to one of claims 11 or 12, in which the lip (573) extends in a direction of insertion of the male element (537) into the female sleeve (535). Electrical energy storage system (1) for an electric or hybrid vehicle, comprising several adjacent sets of components, such as battery cells (31) cooled by a thermal regulation device (5), characterized in that said device conforms to one of claims 9 to 13. System (1) according to claim 14, wherein :
- the components are cylindrical battery cells (31),
- the heat exchangers (51) are of corrugated shape and extend longitudinally between two sets (3) of cells (31),
- each exchanger (51) comprises a plurality of longitudinal heat transfer fluid circulation channels formed next to each other in the material inside said exchanger (51). Method of assembling a thermal regulation device (5) according to one of claims 11 to 13, comprising the steps of:
- fit the cylindrical portion (571) of the seal (57) onto the female sleeve (535) so that said portion (571) completely or partially covers the internal wall (5355) and the external wall (5357) of said sleeve (535),
- insert the male connecting element (537) into the female sleeve (535) so that the lip (573) comes into sealing contact with the external wall (5371) of said male element (537).