Patent ID: 12224420

The features, the alternatives and the various embodiments of the invention can be combined with one another, in various combinations, provided that they are not mutually incompatible or exclusive. In particular, alternative embodiments of the invention can be contemplated that only comprise a selection of features that are described hereafter independently of the other described features, if this selection of features is sufficient to provide a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

In particular, all the alternatives and all the embodiments described can be combined together if there are no technical obstacles to this combination.

In the figures, elements common to several figures keep the same reference sign.

InFIG.1, a system of electronic components100, suitable in particular for being fitted to an electric or hybrid motor vehicle, is shown. Such a system100is intended to supply electrical energy to an electric motor fitted to the motor vehicle for the purpose of moving the vehicle.

According to the invention, the system of electronic components is equipped with a thermal regulation device2which comprises at least one first circuit4configured to allow the circulation of a heat transfer fluid and at least one second circuit5configured to convey a dielectric fluid, this second circuit comprising at least one outlet for distributing the dielectric fluid in the direction of an electronic component, the temperature of which must be regulated in particular because it heats up during operation. The dielectric fluid captures calories given off by the electronic component, where appropriate vaporizing under the effect of the temperature to be regulated, and the heat transfer fluid present in the first circuit has the main role of recovering calories from the dielectric fluid by convection. Thus, the first circuit is in thermal interaction with the dielectric fluid distributed by the at least one outlet of the second circuit, to cool the latter, if necessary to restore it to a liquid state, so that it can be reinjected into the second circuit and sprayed again onto the electronic component.

Furthermore, the thermal regulation device is configured such that the first and second circuits are in thermal contact, that is to say with a mechanical proximity such that calories can be exchanged from one circuit to the other, and more particularly from a fluid present in one circuit to another fluid present in the other circuit. Such an arrangement allows, where appropriate, sub-cooling of the dielectric fluid before it is sprayed onto the electronic components, or in other words preliminary cooling of the dielectric fluid while it is circulating in the liquid phase in the second circuit, and therefore greater efficiency in the desired thermal regulation.

In the example shown, the system of electronic components100comprises a first housing101which houses a plurality of electronic components, in this case taking the form of electronic components103, it being understood that other configurations of the system of electronic components could be implemented according to the invention when this system comprises a thermal regulation device in accordance with the teachings of the invention.

The first housing101comprises two half-shells109a,109b, including a first shell109aand a second shell109b, which are arranged as a cup and which are joined together by means of their rims110. To this end, each rim110is provided with a lip111, the lip111of the first shell109abeing secured to the lip111of the second shell109bby means of reversible joining means112, such as screws or the like.

The electronic components103are shaped as a parallelepiped and are arranged relative to each other by being disposed as a tiered stack. More specifically, the electronic components103are stacked on top of each other in a plurality of columns105while being distributed over several tiers106a,106b. In other words, each tier106a,106bof electronic components103preferably comprises a plurality of electronic components103as a function of the number of columns105, it being understood that the number of tiers and of columns of electronic components varies as a function of the permitted spatial requirement of the first housing and as a function of the amount of electrical energy to be stored. In the same tier106a,106bof electronic components103, said electronic components are disposed side-by-side and each tier106a,106bof electronic components103is supported by a shelf107a,107b, on which the electronic components103rest.

According to the example shown, there are six electronic components103and they are distributed over two columns105and three tiers106a,106b, each column105comprising three electronic components103and each tier106a,106bcomprising two electronic components103. As stated above, the number of columns105and the number of tiers106a,106bmay be different from the example shown, in particular higher.

As they operate, the electronic components103tend to heat up. Thus, the motor vehicle is equipped with a thermal regulation device2for thermally regulating the electronic components103, as described above. Advantageously, the thermal regulation device2of the present invention is capable of simultaneously cooling each of the tiers106a,106bof electronic components103.

In the example shown inFIG.1, the thermal regulation device2associates at least one condenser3housing a first circuit4, more particularly a heat transfer fluid circuit, with a second circuit, more particularly a dielectric fluid circuit.5, which is arranged to spray a dielectric fluid1onto a corresponding tier106a,106bof electronic components103. The heat transfer fluid circuit4is in particular intended to change from a vapor state to a liquid state the dielectric fluid1sprayed onto the electronic components103and converted to vapor under the effect of the heat given off by the electronic components.

The first heat transfer fluid circuit is thus in thermal interaction with the dielectric fluid once the latter has been sprayed from the second circuit and vaporized by the heat given off by the electronic components, in the sense that the heat transfer fluid and the corresponding first circuit are configured to exchange calories with the vaporized dielectric fluid, and in particular to transfer frigories to this dielectric fluid so that it returns to the liquid state.

In particular, the heat transfer fluid may consist of a coolant or a coolant fluid, and for example may consist of glycolated water, R134a or 1234yf, or of CO2, without this list being limiting.

With respect to the dielectric fluid, this is selected as a function of its phase transition point. By way of an example, the fluid selected in this case must have an evaporation temperature at atmospheric pressure that is higher than 32, 33 or 34 degrees Celsius and a condensation temperature that is lower than 31, 30 or 29 degrees Celsius.

In other words, the dielectric fluid sprayed in liquid form onto the electronic components of a given tier recovers calories released by these electronic components and is thus converted into vapor. The vapor rises and comes into contact with the condenser3, inside which a heat transfer fluid circulates, and the condenser recovers the calories previously stored by the dielectric fluid until the latter is liquefied, by thermal interaction between the first heat transfer fluid circuit and the dielectric fluid then in the gas phase. Once in liquid form, and as droplets, the dielectric fluid falls into the first housing under the effect of gravity.

In this first embodiment, the thermal regulation device of the present invention comprises at least as many dielectric fluid circuits5as the first housing101accommodates tiers106a,106bof electronic components103, and it advantageously comprises as many condensers3as the first housing101accommodates tiers106a,106bof electronic components103. Moreover, each dielectric fluid circuit5is advantageously associated with a corresponding condenser3in order to optimize condensation of the dielectric fluid1and, subsequently, cooling of the electronic components103, tier by tier, with such an association being as compact as possible inside the first housing101which defines a confined space that is desired to be as small as possible.

As is more specifically shown inFIG.2, the first housing101comprises a base constituting a recovery tray108for the dielectric fluid1that flows under the effect of gravity from one tier106a,106bof electronic components103to a lower tier106a,106bof electronic components103. More specifically, the recovery tray is used to recover dielectric fluid that has been vaporized by each condenser. To this end, each of the shelves supporting the tiers of electronic components is configured to allow fluid to move under the effect of gravity toward the recovery tray.

Among the shelves107a,107bon which a respective tier106a,106bof electronic components103rests, there is a lower shelf107aon which a lower tier106aof electronic components103rests. It is understood that the lower tier106ais that of the tiers106a,106bthat does not overlie any other tier and is thus the lowest of the tiers106a,106bof the tiered stack of electronic components103described above, with reference to a vertical arrangement and to the gravity flow direction of the dielectric fluid in liquid form. It is also understood that the upper tiers106bof electronic components103supported by a corresponding upper shelf107boverlie at least one other tier106a,106bof electronic components103.

Having made this distinction, it should be noted that the lower shelf107ais perforated with a plurality of orifices119allowing the dielectric fluid to flow through it toward the recovery tray. The orifices119are designed to allow an operation that involves filtering the dielectric fluid before it enters the recovery tray. In order to enable an efficient filtering operation, the lower shelf107ais designed to be in contact, over its perimeter, with the walls defining the first housing.

It also should be noted that the upper shelves107bhave a solid, non-perforated surface, and that they are designed to form a peripheral passage between the perimeters of the corresponding shelf and the walls defining the first housing. It is understood that these upper shelves107boverlie a lower tier and thus a condenser and that in this embodiment it is not desired for the dielectric fluid in liquid form to flow over the upper face of the condenser, i.e. over the face opposite the upper shelf. Therefore, note that according to the invention, and as illustrated by dashed lines inFIG.2, the dielectric fluid in liquid form is discharged via the sides of the shelf in the upper tiers by falling onto the lower shelf, the dielectric fluid being able to pass into the recovery tray via the orifices119when this fluid stagnates on the lower shelf107a.

According to an alternative that has not been shown, each, or at least some, of the upper shelves may also be perforated, provided that the condenser which these perforated shelves overlie is arranged such as to have a plane which is inclined relative to the plane of the corresponding shelf. Therefore, the water flowing through the upper shelves via the perforations cannot stagnate between the condenser and the corresponding upper shelf and can flow over the sides in order to fall into the recovery tray under the effect of gravity.

With reference toFIG.3, the recovery tray108is provided with a discharge pipe113for the dielectric fluid1recovered inside the recovery tray108, the discharge pipe113being in fluid communication with a recirculation duct114for the dielectric fluid1. The recirculation duct114is equipped with a pump115for conveying the dielectric fluid1to each of the dielectric fluid inlets23equipping a condenser. Thus, the pump115, which is common to each of the tiers of electronic components of the thermal regulation device2, is capable of supplying dielectric fluid1to all the dielectric fluid circuits5that the thermal regulation device2comprises, which is advantageous in terms of the production cost. It is understood that a distributor, not shown in the figure, is capable of supplying dielectric fluid1to all the dielectric fluid circuits5that the thermal regulation device2comprises and that equip a respective tier106a,106bof electronic components103.

As shown, note that the dielectric fluid inlets23are all arranged on the same side of each condenser3, in order to facilitate the distribution of the dielectric fluid recovered in the common recovery tray to each of the dielectric fluid inlets.

Each dielectric fluid circuit5is provided with at least one spray nozzle37, which is capable of spraying the dielectric fluid1in the liquid state toward the electronic components103in order to cool them. It is thus understood that the dielectric fluid1passes through a circulation loop116comprising the recovery tray108for recovering the dielectric fluid1in the liquid state, the recirculation duct114for recirculating the dielectric fluid1equipped with the pump115supplies, via recirculation means117, jointly each dielectric fluid circuit5equipping a tier106a,106bof electronic components103, the spray nozzles37of the dielectric fluid circuits5spraying the electronic components103with dielectric fluid1which vaporizes on contact with them and then liquefies in contact with the condensers3before dripping into a common recovery tray108under the effect of gravity.

InFIGS.4and5, the electronic components may be battery cells, for example.FIG.4shows a tier106a,106bof battery elements103according to a first alternative embodiment. Each battery element103comprises a second housing102that accommodates a plurality of electrical storage cells104. The second housing102comprises a cover118, which is removed from one of the second housings102in order to reveal the electrical storage cells104. In this first alternative embodiment, the dielectric fluid sprayed via the nozzles equipping the dielectric fluid circuit comes into contact with the second housing and vaporizes under the effect of the heat released by this second housing. The cooling of this second housing causes a temperature drop in the enclosure in which the electrical storage cells are housed, and therefore causes a temperature drop in the cells themselves.

FIG.5shows a tier106a,106bof battery elements103according to a second alternative embodiment. Each battery element103only comprises a plurality of electrical storage cells104. In this second alternative embodiment, in which the electrical storage cells are directly opposite the condenser, the dielectric fluid sprayed via the nozzles equipping the dielectric fluid circuit comes into direct contact with the electrical storage cells and vaporizes under the effect of the heat released by each of these cells.

It is understood that each electrical storage cell104is the functional unit of the battery element103that at least partially supplies the electric motor with the electrical energy that it requires. The electrical storage cell104is a lithium-ion cell or similar, for example.

FIG.6shows an embodiment of a housing for electronic components in which two cooling devices are provided. In accordance with the above description, each thermal regulation device is associated with a portion of the system of electronic components100comprising a housing101,201that accommodates a plurality of electronic components103arranged in tiers106, and each thermal regulation device comprises a recovery tray arranged at the bottom of the corresponding housing in order to recover the dielectric fluid originally sprayed onto a plurality of tiers of electronic components.

In the example shown, a first housing101and a second housing201are arranged side-by-side with a connection portion202that has a clearance zone in order to conform to a particular arrangement of a motor vehicle, with this by no means being limiting. The example ofFIG.6is particularly advantageous in that it explains that a housing for electronic components may comprise a plurality of recovery trays and a plurality of pumps, in which each recovery tray and each associated pump are arranged to recover the dielectric fluid sprayed onto a plurality of electronic components stacked on top of each other and above the recovery tray in question.

Various embodiments of a thermal regulation device according to the invention will now be described with reference toFIGS.7to19. It should be noted that in these figures the thermal regulation device is shown in a configuration associated with a single tier of electronic components, but that it could be implemented, with several other similar devices in a system of electronic components with several tiers as described above.

FIGS.7to10show a first embodiment, in accordance with what has been shown in the preceding figures, and show more particularly clearly the feature of the invention whereby the heat transfer fluid and dielectric fluid circuits are in thermal contact with each other.

InFIG.7, the condenser3is shown in an orthonormal reference system Oxyz comprising a longitudinal axis Ox, a lateral axis Oy, and a transverse axis Oz. The condenser3comprises a main wall6that extends in a plane parallel to the plane Oxy. The main wall6is substantially arranged as a quadrilateral that comprises two longitudinal ends of the main wall7a,7b, opposite each other and provided at a first distance D1from each other, and two lateral ends of the main wall8a,8b, opposite each other and provided at a second distance D2from each other.

The condenser3also comprises three secondary walls9a,9b,9cthat respectively extend in a plane parallel to the plane Oyz. The following can be distinguished from among the three secondary walls9a,9b,9c: a first lateral secondary wall9athat is provided at a first longitudinal end of the main wall7a, a second lateral secondary wall9bthat is provided at a second longitudinal end of the main wall7band an intermediate secondary wall9cthat is interposed between the lateral secondary walls9a,9b, in this case being disposed at an equal distance from the first lateral secondary wall9aand from the second lateral secondary wall9b.

The first lateral secondary wall9aand the intermediate secondary wall9cdefine, with a portion of the main wall6, a first chamber10athat is intended to receive a first electronic component103. The second lateral secondary wall9band the intermediate secondary wall9cdefine, with another portion of the main wall6, a second chamber10bthat is intended to receive a second electronic component103.

The main wall6houses the heat transfer fluid circuit4coiled within the main wall6, above the first chamber10aand above the second chamber10b. According to one embodiment, the heat transfer fluid circuit4is provided in a thickness of the main wall6. According to another embodiment, the main wall6is formed by two shells placed against one another, at least one shell comprising a boss that defines a cavity forming the heat transfer fluid circuit4. In this case, the heat transfer fluid circuit4is provided in relief on at least one of the shells.

The main wall6comprises a first face11a, the upper face inFIG.7, which is provided with a heat transfer fluid inlet12aand a heat transfer fluid outlet12b. The heat transfer fluid inlet12ais provided to allow a heat transfer fluid13to enter the heat transfer fluid circuit4, while the heat transfer fluid outlet12bis provided to allow the heat transfer fluid13to discharge out of the heat transfer fluid circuit4. The heat transfer fluid13is carbon dioxide or similar, for example. It is understood that from a flow of heat transfer fluid13inside the first circuit4, the heat transfer fluid13cools the main wall6in order to keep it at a temperature that is below a condensation temperature of the dielectric fluid1, which ensures, upon contact therewith, that the dielectric fluid1transitions to the liquid state.

As may have been mentioned above, the heat transfer fluid circuit is thus in thermal interaction with the dielectric fluid distributed at the outlet of the second circuit.

As is more clearly shown inFIG.8, the heat transfer fluid inlet12aand the heat transfer fluid outlet12bare provided in the vicinity of a first lateral end of the main wall8aand the heat transfer fluid circuit4extends from the heat transfer fluid inlet12ato the heat transfer fluid outlet12b. The heat transfer fluid circuit4comprises, for example, a plurality of heat transfer fluid circulation branches15,17,19,21that are provided parallel to each other. Thus, according to the example shown, the heat transfer fluid inlet12ais in fluid communication with a distributor14that supplies three first heat transfer fluid circulation branches15that are parallel to each other. These three first heat transfer fluid circulation branches15open into a first manifold16that is provided in the vicinity of a second lateral end of the main wall8b. Furthermore, the heat transfer fluid13travels substantially the second distance D2, shown inFIG.7, inside the first heat transfer fluid circulation branches15. The first manifold16is in fluid communication with three second heat transfer fluid circulation branches17that are provided parallel to each other. The three second heat transfer fluid circulation branches17extend from the first manifold16to a second manifold18that is provided in the vicinity of the first lateral end of the main wall8a. Furthermore, the heat transfer fluid13again travels substantially the second distance D2inside the second heat transfer fluid circulation branches17. The second manifold18is in fluid communication with three third heat transfer fluid circulation branches19that are provided parallel to each other, with one of the third heat transfer fluid circulation branches19bordering the second longitudinal end of the main wall7b. The three third heat transfer fluid circulation branches19extend from the second manifold18to a third manifold20that is provided in the vicinity of the second lateral end of the main wall8band that extends along the second lateral end of the main wall8bto the first longitudinal end of the main wall7a. Furthermore, the heat transfer fluid13again travels substantially the second distance D2inside the third heat transfer fluid circulation branches19. Furthermore, the heat transfer fluid13travels substantially the first distance D1, shown inFIG.7, inside the third manifold20. The third manifold20is in fluid communication with three fourth heat transfer fluid circulation branches21that are provided parallel to each other, with one of the fourth heat transfer fluid circulation branches21bordering the first longitudinal end of the main wall7a. The three fourth heat transfer fluid circulation branches21extend from the third manifold20to a fourth manifold22that is provided with the heat transfer fluid outlet12b. It is understood that the number of heat transfer fluid circulation branches15,17,19,21disposed between two manifolds16,18,20or between a manifold16,18,20and the distributor14, as well as the number of manifolds16,18,20, may be different from those stated above.

The fact that the heat transfer fluid13travels the second distance D2and the first distance D1several times allows the entire surface of the main wall6to be cooled and, subsequently, allows cooling of the dielectric fluid1that comes into contact with the main wall6after it is vaporized in contact with the electronic components103.

Note that the main wall and the various heat transfer fluid circulation branches that are formed therein are configured so that the heat transfer fluid circuit4is arranged in a central zone61of the main wall6.

Following the description of the heat transfer fluid circuit4, the dielectric fluid circuit5will now be described. In this first embodiment, the dielectric fluid circuit5is produced in the thickness of the condenser, i.e. by being integrated in at least one of the walls6,9a,9b,9cforming the condenser3.

The dielectric fluid circuit may in particular be described with reference toFIGS.9and10, which schematically show this circuit in an exploded view.

In particular, the circuit may be produced by stamped portions that are respectively formed in either or both of two shells that each form walls once they are assembled together. In this context, and according to an embodiment which is shown more clearly in the exploded view inFIG.10, the walls6,9a,9b,9cmay be formed from three shells301,302,303, which in particular are made of metal, and are U-shaped, a first shell301of which accommodates a second shell302and a third shell303, with the heat transfer fluid circuit4and the dielectric fluid circuit5being provided between the shells301,302,303, in particular by means of embossing of the shells. The shells301,302,303are brazed or welded together, for example. It is understood that, in this case, the second shell and the third shell are designed to each define a chamber for receiving an electrical component.

Moreover, and further to the aforementioned description of the position of the heat transfer fluid circuit in a central zone61, the dielectric fluid circuit5is arranged in this case in the condenser so as to leave this central zone formed in the main wall clear, either by extending over walls of the condenser other than the main wall, and/or by extending over a peripheral zone60of the main wall.

In each of these cases, note that, as will be described in detail below, at least a portion of the second circuit5is in thermal contact with the first circuit4, and that at least over a defined portion of this second circuit a sub-cooling step is implemented.

The first face11aof the main wall6is provided with a dielectric fluid inlet23that is provided in the vicinity of the first lateral end of the main wall8a. The dielectric fluid inlet23allows dielectric fluid1to enter the dielectric fluid circuit5. The dielectric fluid inlet23is in fluid communication with a first dielectric fluid channel24that runs along the first lateral end of the main wall8abetween the dielectric fluid inlet23and a first dielectric fluid circulation point25that is located in line with the intermediate secondary wall9c.

More specifically, the first dielectric fluid channel24may be formed by a stamped portion formed in the first shell301supporting the dielectric fluid inlet and by a flat surface of the second or third shell. As shown inFIG.8, this first dielectric fluid channel24, forming a portion of the second circuit5, is arranged bordering the second manifold18of the first circuit4, the stamped portion forming this first channel being in contact with the edge defining the second manifold. At least in this portion of the second circuit5, the circuits are in thermal contact, calories being exchangeable, by thermal conduction via the walls of the circuits, between the fluids circulating in each of these circuits.

The first circulation point may be formed by two opposite stamped portions respectively formed in the walls of the second and third shells helping to form the intermediate secondary wall.

The first dielectric fluid circulation point25is in fluid communication with a second dielectric fluid channel26that extends inside the intermediate secondary wall9cto a second dielectric fluid circulation point27located in the vicinity of the second lateral end of the main wall8b. The second dielectric fluid channel26comprises two first dielectric fluid circulation branches28that are parallel to each other.

The second dielectric fluid circulation point27is in fluid communication with a third dielectric fluid channel29and a fourth dielectric fluid channel30that both extend along the second lateral end of the main wall8b.

The third dielectric fluid channel29extends between the second dielectric fluid circulation point27and a fourth dielectric fluid circulation point31that is located in line with the first lateral secondary wall9a.

The fourth dielectric fluid circulation point31is in fluid communication with a fifth dielectric fluid channel33that extends inside the first lateral secondary wall9aand that comprises two second dielectric fluid circulation branches34that are parallel to each other. The second dielectric fluid circulation branches34extend from the second lateral end of the main wall8bto the first lateral end of the main wall8b.

The fourth dielectric fluid channel30extends between the second dielectric fluid circulation point27and a fifth dielectric fluid circulation point32that is in line with the second lateral secondary wall9b.

As can be understood in particular fromFIGS.8and10, the third dielectric fluid channel29and the fourth dielectric fluid channel30, respectively forming portions of the second circuit5, are arranged bordering third manifold20of the first circuit4, the stamped portion forming these third and fourth channels being in contact with the edge defining the third manifold. At least in these portions of the second circuit5, the circuits are in thermal contact, calories being exchangeable, by thermal conduction via the walls of the circuits, between the fluids circulating in each of these circuits.

Inside the dielectric fluid circulation channels, the dielectric fluid1travels substantially the second distance D2, which allows the dielectric fluid to be sprayed over the whole of a first dimension, in this case the length, of the electronic components103. Moreover, the fact that the circulation channels comprise a plurality of dielectric fluid circulation branches allows the dielectric fluid to be sprayed over different heights of the electronic components, respectively for a second dimension of the electronic components parallel to the stacking direction of the tiers, and therefore allows the operation for cooling the electronic component in question to be homogenized.

The fifth dielectric fluid circulation point32is in fluid communication with a sixth dielectric fluid channel35that extends inside the second lateral secondary wall9band that comprises two third dielectric fluid circulation branches36that are parallel to each other. The third dielectric fluid circulation branches36extend from the second lateral end of the main wall8bto the first lateral end of the main wall8b. Thus, the dielectric fluid1travels substantially the second distance D2inside the sixth dielectric fluid channel35.

Each dielectric fluid circulation branch28,34,36is equipped with a plurality of spray nozzles37for spraying dielectric fluid1toward the chamber10a,10bbordered by the secondary walls9a,9b,9c. According to the example shown, each dielectric fluid circulation branch28,34,36is equipped with four spray nozzles37. The number of spray nozzles37equipping a dielectric fluid circulation branch28,34,36may be different.

It should be noted that the first dielectric fluid circulation branches28are provided with a number of spray nozzles37that is equivalent to twice the number of spray nozzles37that respectively equip the second dielectric fluid circulation branches34and the third dielectric fluid circulation branches36, for spraying dielectric fluid1toward the first chamber10aand toward the second chamber10b, due to the fact that the intermediate secondary wall9c, which is equipped with the first dielectric fluid circulation branches28, borders the two chambers10a,10b. It is understood that the spray nozzles37equipping the second dielectric fluid circulation branches34are intended to spray the dielectric fluid1toward the first chamber10aand that the spray nozzles37equipping the third dielectric fluid circulation branches36are intended to spray the dielectric fluid1toward the second chamber10b.

According to the alternative embodiment described above, the dielectric fluid circuit5is produced in the thickness of the main wall6of the condenser3and in the thickness of the secondary walls9a,9b,9cof the condenser3.

The description and the corresponding figures, in particularFIG.9, clearly show the feature whereby the heat transfer fluid circuit4is only provided in the thickness of the main wall6, and in a central zone61, whereas the dielectric fluid circuit5is configured to leave this central zone clear and not interfere with the action of the condenser on the vaporized dielectric fluid. In particular, the dielectric fluid circuit may extend in the thickness of either or both of the secondary walls9a,9,9c, and it may extend at the border of the main wall, in a peripheral zone60.

The presence of the heat transfer fluid circuit4in the main wall6, and in particular in the central zone61of this wall, makes it possible to envisage thermal interaction between this first circuit4and the dielectric fluid that may come into contact with this main wall6after being heated and in this case vaporized by the release of heat from the electronic component103.

Furthermore, as mentioned above, the circuits are advantageously arranged in the main wall such that the portions of the second circuit5extending in the peripheral zone60are very close to a branch of the first circuit4, in order to make possible heat exchange from one circuit to another. In light of the proximity of these circuits, it can be considered that there is thermal contact between the first and second circuits.

Further embodiments of the thermal regulation device according to the invention will now be described. In these embodiments, as can be seen inFIGS.11to19, the condenser3does not have secondary walls, so that it mainly consists of a plate formed by the main wall6. It should be noted that this is not limiting and that combinations of a dielectric fluid circuit as will be described below and a condenser with secondary walls as described above are to be considered in the context of the invention.

FIGS.11and12show a thermal regulation device according to a second embodiment, which differs from the above in that the second circuit5, or dielectric fluid circuit, is fully incorporated in the plate, in this case the main wall6, also incorporating the first circuit4, or heat transfer fluid circuit.

As shown, the main wall6of the condenser3is in this case produced by joining, one on top of the other, two plates, with in this case a stamped plate62in which the branches of the first heat transfer fluid circuit and the second dielectric fluid circuit are produced and a flat plate64attached on the stamped plate so as to close off the branches and form the first and second circuits.

As shown, in the condenser plate3, once the two previously described plates are joined, this second circuit extends in the central zone61of the condenser plate, and therefore in the heat transfer fluid flow zone. In order to manage the coexistence of these two circuits in the same plate, the second circuit5is U-shaped, nestled within the first circuit.

More particularly, the second circuit comprises a first segment51which comprises a first end opening into the dielectric fluid inlet23and a second segment52parallel to the first segment and extending in the direction of the first lateral end8aof the plate, on which the dielectric fluid inlet is attached. The plate and the two circuits are arranged such that various branches of the heat transfer fluid circuit4extend between the segments51,52, such that the second segment52is sufficiently far from the first lateral end8aof the plate to allow passage for a connecting branch of the heat transfer fluid circuit, and such that the branches connected to the heat transfer fluid inlet12aand to the heat transfer fluid outlet12bare arranged on either side of the first segment51of the second circuit5.

It follows from the foregoing that the second dielectric fluid circuit5extends in the condenser plate3so as to be surrounded by branches forming part of the first heat transfer fluid circuit, and that thermal contact is thus created between the two circuits4,5. As may have been specified previously, this thermal contact is advantageous in that it allows a stage of sub-cooling of the dielectric fluid before it is sprayed onto the electronic components103, the temperature of which must be regulated. In other words, the dielectric fluid circulating in the second circuit exchanges calories with the heat transfer fluid in the first circuit4so that its temperature is lowered, doing so before being sprayed onto the electronic components, which are thus more especially cooled.

It should be noted that in this arrangement, advantageous owing to the thermal contact between the circuits which it allows since the entire second circuit is in thermal contact with the first circuit, the heat transfer fluid circulates over a major part of the surface of the condenser plate3, so that the thermal interaction between the first circuit and the fluid sprayed by the second circuit and vaporized by the heat given off by the electronic components is efficient.

Another feature of this second embodiment is that the dielectric fluid outlets are arranged on opposite faces of the condenser plate3. More particularly, and as can be seen inFIG.12, each outlet being in this case equipped with spray nozzles37, a first series of spray nozzles37is arranged projecting from the first face11aof the condenser plate3, and a second series of spray nozzles37is arranged projecting from the second face11b, opposite to the first face11a, of the condenser plate3. Spray nozzles are thus arranged on both sides of the condenser plate so as to be able to spray dielectric fluid onto electronic components arranged both above and below the condenser.

FIG.13shows a thermal regulation device according to a third embodiment, which differs from what has been described above for the second embodiment in the arrangement of the two circuits, these circuits again being incorporated in the same condenser plate.

In this third embodiment, the condenser plate3of the thermal regulation device2has a general shape similar to the main wall6described above but this time consisting of an intermediate wall200, a cover212which is attached to a first face of this intermediate wall and a plurality of caps222which are attached to the second face, opposite to the first face, of this intermediate wall. Thus, the cover and the caps are secured on either side of the intermediate wall.

The intermediate wall200is stamped so as to have on each of the faces alternating depressions and bosses and, on the opposite face, alternating cavities211and hollows221extending in parallel along the transverse dimension, from one lateral end8aof the condenser plate3to the other. Thus, the cavities and the hollows open out respectively on the first face11aand on the second face11b, and at least one plane passes through each of the cavities and each of the hollows.

The cover212is arranged to cover the first face11aso as to cover each of the cavities, the cover having an internal face turned toward the first face of the intermediate wall. More particularly, the cover comprises ribs230protruding from the internal face configured to interact with the edges defining the cavities211of the intermediate wall, so as to ensure sealed circulation of the fluid present in the cavities.

The caps222are positioned in the hollows221, with a clearance allowing the sealed circulation of fluid between the caps and the intermediate wall in the hollows221.

It should be noted that, as can be understood fromFIG.13, the hollows221are in communication with each other and help form one of the circuits of the thermal regulation device, in this case the second dielectric fluid circuit5. The caps222and/or the second face11bof the intermediate wall at the hollows221comprise dielectric fluid outlets, not visible here in the sectional plane, to allow dielectric fluid to be sprayed in the direction of electronic components.

Similarly, the cavities211are in communication, from one to the next, and help form one of the circuits of the thermal regulation device, in this case the first heat transfer fluid circuit4. An inlet and an outlet for heat transfer fluid are arranged on one edge of the intermediate wall to allow the circulation of heat transfer fluid in this first circuit4.

The alternation of cavities and hollows, and therefore of the portions of the first circuit and of the second circuit, is such that a cavity and the directly adjacent hollow share a common wall defining them, which ensures thermal contact within the meaning of the invention between a portion of the first circuit and a portion of the second circuit.

A fourth embodiment will now be described, with reference toFIGS.14to17, differing from the above in that the second dielectric fluid circuit5is formed by a conduit400, or tube, produced separately from the condenser plate. In other words, the second circuit is not incorporated in the condenser plate.

As shown, the condenser is produced by joining, one on top of the other, two plates, with in this case a stamped plate402in which the branches of the first heat transfer fluid circuit are produced and a flat plate404attached on the stamped plate so as to close off the branches and form the first circuit.

The conduit400forming the second circuit, i.e. the conduit, in this case tubular, in which the dielectric fluid may circulate, is attached to the second face11bof the condenser3, in this case consisting of one face of the flat plate404, which faces a chamber for receiving at least one electronic component. This conduit is more particularly visible inFIG.16.

The conduit400, in this case in the form of a tube40of circular section, may be made of a material different from that used to make the condenser plate3, and it may in particular be made of aluminum.

The conduit forming the second circuit has, in this fourth embodiment, a substantially flat shape and is arranged in a plane parallel to the condenser plate3. InFIG.14, the tube40forming the conduit400is visible in transparency under the main wall6of the condenser plate3.

The dielectric fluid1is sprayed from the fluid outlets of the second circuit5, away from the condenser plate3incorporating the first circuit4. These outlets may be equipped with spray nozzles37, which may be oriented to spray the dielectric fluid onto either side of the electronic components103the temperature of which is to be regulated. In accordance with the above, the first circuit4is in thermal interaction with the dielectric fluid leaving the second circuit5and vaporized by the heat given off by the electronic components, in that the first circuit exchanges calories with the vapor coming into contact with the condenser plate.

The thermal regulation device2comprises a dielectric fluid inlet end23rigidly secured to the conduit forming the second circuit, and a heat transfer fluid inlet and outlet connected to the heat transfer fluid circuit. In this fourth embodiment, the dielectric fluid inlet end23arranged at a free end of the conduit helping to form the second circuit is rigidly secured to the condenser plates3.

More particularly, the dielectric fluid inlet end23is fitted into an orifice406formed in the condenser, in this case in the flat plate forming the condenser and in particular at a lateral protuberance408such that, as can be seen inFIG.14, this protuberance and the dielectric fluid inlet end passing through it protrude laterally from the stamped plate forming the condenser.

The condenser incorporating the first circuit and the conduit, in this case tubular, defining the second circuit, thus form an integral assembly, which may be subsequently added to the system of electronic components. In order to ensure that the thermal regulation device comprising the two circuits is in one piece, in other words to ensure that the two elements which make up this thermal regulation device are inseparable without breaking one of them, brazing may be performed to ensure the dielectric fluid inlet end is firmly attached to the condenser.

Note that the low weight of the conduit, which is in this case tubular, does not in any way restrict the attachment by brazing and that when the thermal regulation device is handled, the tubular conduit400forming the second circuit stays at a constant distance from the condenser, preferably against the corresponding face of the condenser. The second circuit5is thus sufficiently close to the first circuit, in particular at a distance of less than 10 mm, for it to be considered, in accordance with what has been described above, that the two circuits4,5are in thermal contact with each other. Furthermore, once again, the thermal regulation device2is arranged in a thermal regulation assembly, facing electronic components103in particular, such that the first circuit, or heat transfer fluid circuit4, is in thermal interaction with the dielectric fluid sprayed from the conduit400, which is in this case in the form of a tube40, toward the electronic components and vaporized by the release of heat from these components when they are in operation.

In the example shown inFIG.15, securing studs410are also provided, arranged between the conduit400defining the second dielectric fluid circuit5and the condenser plate3. The main dimension of these securing studs thus defines the gap between the first circuit4and the second circuit5, the latter not being directly pressed against the condenser plate3incorporating the first circuit4.

Preferably, the main dimension of the securing studs410is less than 10 mm, in order to ensure proximity of the circuits to one another.

It follows from the above that in accordance with what has been described above, the thermal regulation device according to the fourth embodiment is configured so that there is thermal contact between the circuits. If securing studs are present, these are made of a material capable of conducting calories from one circuit to the other, and they are dimensioned so that a minimal distance is provided between the two circuits, which makes it possible to estimate that there is the equivalent of thermal contact between the two, as stated above.

In this fourth embodiment, the tube40forming the conduit400for the dielectric fluid is arranged in a flat coil which comprises first tube portions40aparallel to the longitudinal ends of the main wall7a,7band second tube portions40balong the lateral ends of the main wall8a,8b, at least a first tube portion40abeing interposed between two second tube portions40band at least one second tube portion40bbeing interposed between two first tube portions40a. Note that, inFIG.16, the second tube portions40bare alternately provided in the vicinity of the first lateral end of the main wall8aand the second lateral end of the main wall8b.

FIG.17shows an alternative of the fourth embodiment of the thermal regulation device, which differs from what has just been described in that the second tube portions40bare formed near the first lateral end of the main wall8a, the second dielectric fluid circuit having a comb shape with the first tube portions40aforming teeth parallel to each other.

This alternative also differs in that the conduit is formed by a flat tube, i.e. a tube with a rectangular section different from the circular section described above, and in that this conduit is placed against the condenser plate in grooves provided for this purpose. During the brazing operation in which the circuits are rigidly secured to one another to form a one-piece assembly, the arrangement of the tube in the bottom of the groove makes it possible to ensure that the tube is firmly attached and therefore to improve the thermal contact between the two circuits.

FIG.18shows a fifth embodiment in which the conduit400of the second circuit is formed by a bent tube which comprises lateral portions420that can run along the lateral faces of the electronic components103.

In this context, the tube has lateral portions which extend substantially perpendicular to the plane in which the condenser plate extends. According to this fifth embodiment, the thermal regulation device2is in this case equipped with two dielectric fluid circuits5that extend at a distance from the second face11bof the main wall6, opposite the first face11a. Each dielectric fluid circuit5is produced, for example, from a tube40that partially extends in two tube planes P1, P2. Thus, each dielectric fluid circuit5comprises at least one first circuit portion41that extends in a first plane P1and a second circuit portion42that extends in a second plane P2, the first plane P1being interposed between the main wall6and the second plane P2, with the distances provided between the main wall6and the first plane P1, on the one hand, and between the first plane P1and the second plane P2, on the other hand, being non-zero. The first circuit portion41and the second circuit portion42of the same dielectric fluid circuit5are connected together by means of at least one third circuit portion43that extends along an axis orthogonal to the first plane P1and to the second plane P2. Mechanical reinforcements44extend between the first circuit portion41and the second circuit portion42of the same dielectric fluid circuit5in order to ensure the robustness of each dielectric fluid circuit5. These arrangements are such that each tube40is arranged as a coil that extends in a volume bordered at least by the main plate6and the second plane P2. The tube40is provided with a plurality of spray nozzles37oriented toward the first chamber10aor the second chamber10bthat are at least partially defined by an intermediate arrangement45of an element of a first circuit portion41and an element of a second circuit portion42one above the other, with the intermediate arrangement45being interposed between two respective lateral arrangements46of an element of a first circuit portion41and an element of a second circuit portion42one above the other, these lateral arrangements forming said lateral portions420of the bent tube.

FIG.19shows a sixth embodiment in which the first circuit, i.e. the heat transfer fluid circuit, differs from what has been described above and no longer fits into the thickness of a solid plate against or in which the second circuit is attached.

More particularly, the first circuit is in this case produced by means of a tube exchanger, with a plurality of tubes arranged parallel to each other between two heat transfer fluid inlet and outlet manifolds, the tubes of the exchanger being spaced apart from one another.

The conduit delimiting the second circuit is in this case identical to what has been described and shown for the fourth embodiment. In accordance with what has been described above, the second circuit is rigidly secured, by welding, brazing or adhesive bonding for example, to the exchanger forming the first circuit, so that these circuits are in thermal contact with each other, the first circuit being in thermal interaction with the fluid leaving the second circuit.

FIG.20shows various arrangements of a thermal regulation assembly, with a thermal regulation device associated with two electrical components the temperature of which must be regulated by spraying dielectric fluid.FIGS.20ato20fshow a condenser similar to what has been described for the first embodiment andFIGS.20gand20hshow a condenser similar to what has been described for the fourth embodiment for example, but the type of condenser does not limit the choice of such or such arrangement.

FIG.20afocuses in particular on a device in which the first heat transfer fluid circuit is advantageously arranged in the main wall6, above the electronic components, and in which the second dielectric fluid circuit, and at least the spray nozzles37, is arranged laterally to these components, in this case in the secondary walls9a,9b, oc. The two circuits are arranged relative to one another such that the first circuit is at least in thermal interaction with the fluid leaving the second circuit and evaporated by the release of heat from the electronic components. Furthermore, the second circuit is arranged close enough to the first circuit for it to be considered that the two circuits are in thermal contact and that sub-cooling of the dielectric fluid is thus possible as it leaves the second circuit. When the thermal regulation assembly is in place in the vehicle, the main wall forming the condenser is arranged above the electronic components. A recovery tray common to the two electronic components is provided under these components.

FIG.20bshows a reverse arrangement, in which the main wall forming the condenser is arranged below the electronic components. Once again, the second dielectric fluid circuit, and at least the spray nozzles37, is arranged laterally to these components, in this case in the secondary walls9a,9b,9c. The two circuits are arranged relative to one another such that the first circuit is at least in thermal interaction with the part of the fluid leaving the second circuit and flowing by gravity along the electronic components. Furthermore, the second circuit is arranged close enough to the first circuit for it to be considered that the two circuits are in thermal contact and that sub-cooling of the dielectric fluid is thus possible as it leaves the second circuit. In this configuration, it may not be necessary to provide a tray, as the fluid may be recovered along the main wall6. Securing studs420are in this case placed between the main wall and the electronic components.

FIGS.20cand20dshow arrangements which are similar to those ofFIGS.20aand20b, respectively, with an additional dielectric fluid spray zone, namely a zone included in the main wall6where the first heat transfer fluid circuit extends.

FIGS.20eand20fshow arrangements which differ from the above in that the heat transfer fluid in this case circulates only in the secondary walls, laterally to the electronic components, while the dielectric fluid and the corresponding spray nozzles are arranged above or below the electronic component the temperature of which is to be regulated.

FIGS.20gand20hshow arrangements which have been mentioned in the description of the third embodiment, with the spray nozzles37arranged on either side of the main wall6of the condenser.FIG.20gshows an arrangement in which all of the nozzles are oriented in the same direction, and at least all in the direction of the electrical component(s) the temperature of which must be regulated and which are covered by the condenser.FIG.20hshows an arrangement in which the nozzles are, in this case equally without this limiting the invention, arranged on either side of the condenser plate, a first part of the spray nozzles being opposite first electronic components arranged under the condenser plate and a second part of the spray nozzles being opposite second electronic components arranged above the condenser plate.