Heat exchange module having a housing comprising an inner frame and an outer frame

Abstract

A heat exchange module (1) comprising at least a heat exchanger (2) between two fluids and a housing (6) having at least an inner frame (20) arranged for holding the heat exchanger (2) and an outer frame (60) arranged for holding the inner frame (20), characterized in that the inner frame (20) and the outer frame (60) are separated by a non-zero distance (100) configured to form a thermal isolation between the heat exchanger (2) and the surrounding environment of the housing (6).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to heat exchangers, and more particularly to heat exchangers for use in air conditioning systems. Background Technology

[0002] Heat exchangers, particularly water condensers and coolers, are designed to allow coolant and refrigerant fluids to circulate in adjacent but separate spaces to permit heat exchange between these fluids. These heat exchangers may be equipped with additional elements, such as receiver-driers, designed to separate the liquid and gaseous portions of the refrigerant fluid, thereby forming a heat exchange module.

[0003] Modern heat exchangers suffer unwanted heat transfer between the fluid flowing inside and the environment surrounding the heat exchanger. To compensate for this unwanted heat transfer, the heat exchanger and / or the system in which it is installed need to be designed to increase the heat transfer between the two fluids, for example, by increasing the size of the heat exchanger. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to address the previously proposed problems by limiting the heat loss of heat exchangers to improve their performance.

[0005] The object of the present invention is a heat exchange module comprising at least a heat exchanger and a housing between two fluids, the housing having at least an inner frame and an outer frame, the inner frame being arranged to hold the heat exchanger and the outer frame being arranged to hold the inner frame, characterized in that the inner frame and the outer frame are separated by a non-zero distance, the non-zero distance being configured to form thermal isolation between the heat exchanger and the surrounding environment of the housing.

[0006] The heat exchange module described in this specification significantly enhances its performance, thereby improving the performance of the entire air conditioning system that includes this type of heat exchange module. This performance enhancement can be used to reduce the size of other components in the system and / or facilitate the rearrangement of these components within the vehicle's engine hood. Furthermore, this housing can be easily adjusted or modified to accommodate several types or sizes of heat exchange modules without requiring a complete overhaul of the heat exchange module.

[0007] Furthermore, this housing dampens the vibrations experienced by the heat exchange module as it travels through the vehicle. This vibration damping limits wear on the heat exchange module, reduces the risk of pipe or attachment breakage, and extends its service life, thereby reducing maintenance requirements and costs.

[0008] The heat exchange module according to the invention includes at least one of the following features, either individually or in combination with each other:

[0009] A heat exchanger is arranged to allow heat exchange between two fluids flowing in two adjacent but separate spaces located within the heat exchanger. One of these fluids is a first fluid, such as a refrigerant fluid, and the other is a second fluid, such as a coolant fluid. The heat exchanger is constructed to allow heat exchange between the first and second fluids, for example, by providing pipes in which the fluids can flow, these pipes being made of a thermally conductive material. Such thermally conductive materials include, but are not limited to, aluminum or aluminum-containing alloys.

[0010] The heat exchanger consists of plates stacked on top of each other along direction A. Direction A is the direction in which the plates are stacked. Direction A also indicates the vertical direction of the heat exchange module. This stacking of the plates creates two separate but adjacent spaces, one space allowing a first fluid to flow and the other space allowing a second fluid to flow.

[0011] - The distance is non-zero at at least a portion of the housing. In this embodiment, the housing has a non-zero distance between the inner frame and the outer frame at at least a portion of the inner frame and the outer frame. The inner frame and the outer frame are not separated by a non-zero distance at every point on the housing; the inner frame and / or the outer frame have portions that respectively contact the outer frame and / or the inner frame.

[0012] The housing has at least one spacer on at least one side. The spacer is located on the inner frame and / or the outer frame. The spacer is located on the inner surface and / or the outer surface of the outer frame, and / or on the inner surface and / or the outer surface of the inner frame. Any combination can be used, i.e., spacers on the outer surface of the inner frame and spacers located on the inner surface of the outer frame.

[0013] An internal surface or inner face refers to a portion of the housing that faces the heat exchanger or is oriented in the direction of the heat exchanger. An external surface or outer face refers to a surface that is opposite to the internal surface or inner face. The external surface or outer face may, depending on the circumstances, face the surrounding environment of the housing.

[0014] - The non-zero distance is generated by spacers. In another embodiment, multiple spacers cooperate to generate this non-zero distance.

[0015] - The spacer includes at least one rib formed on the inner frame or the outer frame.

[0016] - The rib extends between the inner and outer frames.

[0017] The outer frame includes ribs, here external ribs, extending on the inner side of the outer frame, and the inner frame has internal ribs extending on the outer side of the inner frame, wherein the external and internal ribs cooperate to restrict movement between the outer and inner frames. In a first embodiment of the invention, the external and internal ribs restrict movement between the outer and inner frames in a single direction perpendicular to direction A. In a second embodiment of the invention, the external and internal ribs restrict movement in two directions perpendicular to direction A.

[0018] - Spacers consist of internal and external ribs that work together. Non-zero spacing is generated by the cooperation between the internal and external ribs.

[0019] - The internal and external ribs face each other, for example, in a plane perpendicular to the side of the heat exchanger. In this configuration, each of the internal and external ribs extends in a plane, with the plane of the internal rib parallel to the plane of the external rib. In this configuration, the internal and external ribs restrict the movement of the internal frame relative to the external frame in at least one direction. Advantageously, the internal and external ribs restrict the movement of the internal frame relative to the external frame in a single direction.

[0020] The inner and outer ribs have complementary shapes. In this configuration, the inner rib is the negative image of the outer rib. Therefore, the outer rib can enter the inner rib, or the inner rib can enter the outer rib. Thus, the inner rib is the negative image of the outer rib, and vice versa. This interaction allows for the restriction of movement of the inner frame relative to the outer frame in two directions along the longitudinal direction.

[0021] Viewed from a direction parallel to direction A, the external ribs are I-shaped. This "I" shape is also visible in a cutting plane parallel to the plane in which the larger dimensions of the heat exchanger plates extend. In this configuration, the external ribs comprise single rods. These single rods connect to the walls of the external frame.

[0022] Viewed from a direction parallel to direction A, the internal ribs are U-shaped. This "U" shape is also visible in a cut plane parallel to the plane in which the larger dimension of the heat exchanger plate extends. In this configuration, the internal ribs include two side members connected by the walls of the outer frame. The U-shaped internal ribs restrict movement of the inner frame relative to the outer frame in two directions perpendicular to direction A.

[0023] The heat exchange module includes an internal flange extending within an internal space defined by an internal frame. This internal flange extends from the internal frame toward the heat exchanger. More specifically, this internal flange extends from the inner surface of the internal frame.

[0024] - The internal flanges of the inner frame are arranged to mechanically retain the heat exchanger. In this configuration, the internal flanges restrict or prevent movement of the heat exchanger relative to the inner frame in a direction perpendicular to direction A. In a preferred embodiment, the internal flanges restrict or prevent movement of the heat exchanger relative to the inner frame in at least one direction perpendicular to direction A. The heat exchange module may include a plurality of internal flanges located on at least one side of the inner frame.

[0025] The shell includes multiple ribs, at least two of which are located on adjacent sides of the shell, such as vertical sides. The ribs can be located on adjacent sides of the inner frame or adjacent sides of the outer frame.

[0026] - The housing is arranged to accommodate the liquid storage dryer of the heat exchange module.

[0027] - The internal frame is designed to support the liquid receiver dryer. For this purpose, the internal frame includes a bottle-encircling section to house the liquid receiver dryer.

[0028] - The outer frame also includes a bottle receiving area. The bottle receiving area is designed to receive the bottle within the outer frame.

[0029] The housing includes at least one rib, here a bottle rod, in the area arranged to hold the liquid receiver dryer, the rib contacting the liquid receiver dryer. The bottle rod is designed to hold the liquid receiver dryer. Furthermore, the bottle rod can dampen vibrations transmitted to the liquid receiver dryer by the vehicle or a portion thereof.

[0030] - The bottle stem extends to the outside of the outer frame. More specifically, the bottle stem extends from the bottle receiving area of ​​the outer frame.

[0031] - The heat exchange module includes a receiver-dryer. The receiver-dryer is designed to filter the refrigerant fluid; that is, it is designed to separate the gaseous and liquid phases. This capability ensures that the refrigerant leaving the bottle is liquid and eliminates the risk of damaging the compressor that pumps the refrigerant throughout the refrigerant circuit.

[0032] - The outer frame comprises at least two parts. In one embodiment, the outer frame includes a bottom and a top that define an inner region of the outer frame. Other configurations can be used, i.e., the outer frame may include two sides, or the bottom may be a single piece while the top comprises two pieces. The boundary between the bottom and the top lies in the plane that cuts the heat exchanger.

[0033] - The casing is made of a material with low thermal conductivity. Such materials can be polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyurethane, etc.

[0034] The housing is made of a material with vibration damping properties. The vibration damping characteristics of the housing allow for the reduction of stress caused by vehicle vibrations on the heat exchange module, which can shorten the service life of the heat exchange module.

[0035] At least one spacer serves as a positioning device for the inner frame within the outer frame. The spacer serving as a positioning device is inclined relative to a plane of the outer surface of the inner frame, or relative to a plane perpendicular to the bottom side of the outer frame and parallel to the longitudinal direction L. The inclined spacer, serving as a positioning device, is therefore referred to as an angled rib. The positioning device is configured to facilitate the insertion of the inner frame into the outer frame. The function of the positioning device is to counteract any misalignment that may occur between the inner and outer frames during the insertion of the inner frame into the outer frame, thereby facilitating the insertion of the inner frame into the outer frame.

[0036] - Angled ribs are inclined relative to the plane of the outer surface of the inner frame.

[0037] - Angled ribs are located on the outer frame and / or inner frame. In another embodiment of the invention, the angled ribs are outer ribs and / or inner ribs as defined below. Alternatively, the angled ribs are separate from the outer ribs and / or inner ribs, as described below.

[0038] - The spacer used as a positioning device further includes an inner surface of the outer frame, the inner surface being inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the bottom side of the outer frame and parallel to the longitudinal direction L.

[0039] - Angled ribs and internal surfaces are inclined in the same direction relative to the selected plane.

[0040] - The internal surfaces and angled ribs are located on the same side of the shell.

[0041] - The internal surfaces and angled ribs are located on opposite sides of the shell relative to the heat exchanger.

[0042] - The angle of the inner wall is strictly greater than 0° and less than or equal to 5°. The angle of the inner wall is measured between the plane of the inner wall at the bottom and a plane perpendicular to the bottom side and parallel to the longitudinal direction L.

[0043] - The angle of the angled rib is strictly greater than 0° and less than or equal to 2°. The angle of the angled rib is measured between the plane of the outer surface bearing the angled rib and the plane of the free edge of the angled rib.

[0044] A rib extends from a portion of the inner or outer frame that supports the rib, and this portion is shorter than the height of the inner or outer frame. The height of the inner frame is its dimension along direction A. In this configuration, the rib contacts only one end of the wall of the inner or outer frame.

[0045] The rib includes an indexing device that facilitates the insertion of the inner frame into the outer frame. The function of the indexing device is to compensate for any misalignment between the inner and outer frames during insertion, thereby promoting the insertion of the inner frame into the outer frame.

[0046] - The indexing device is located at the vertical end of the rib. The vertical end of the rib is the end of the rib along direction A.

[0047] - The indexing device includes a narrowed end of a rib. The narrowed end includes at least one chamfered portion.

[0048] Compared to the second vertical end of the rib, the two side bars are further separated at the first vertical end of the rib.

[0049] The housing includes at least one retaining device designed to hold the heat exchanger inside the inner frame.

[0050] - The retaining device is positioned on the inner frame. Furthermore, the retaining device is located on the top edge of the inner frame.

[0051] -After introducing the heat exchanger into the inner frame, the retaining device will be placed on the inner frame.

[0052] - The retaining device is a flexible tooth that is easy to deform during the introduction of the heat exchanger into the inner frame and easy to spring back to its original position to keep the heat exchanger within the inner frame.

[0053] The present invention also relates to a method for assembling the heat exchange module as described above, the method comprising a first step of mounting a heat exchanger inside an inner frame, and a second step of mounting the inner frame inside an outer frame. In a preferred embodiment, the second step includes an intermediate step of mounting the inner frame inside the bottom of the outer frame, and the method further comprises a third step of mounting the top of the outer frame onto the bottom of the outer frame. Attached Figure Description

[0054] Other features, details, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention. Various embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0055] Figure 1 Depicting the heat exchange module according to the present invention;

[0056] Figure 2 A heat exchange module with the top of the housing removed is depicted to show the interior of the housing;

[0057] Figure 3 Describe a top view of the heat exchange module;

[0058] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A close-up shot to better show the structure of the shell;

[0059] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a heat exchange module without an external frame;

[0060] Figure 6 Describe the bottom of the outer frame;

[0061] Figure 7 It is based on Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the heat exchange module with cutting plane II;

[0062] Figure 8 This is a side view including the internal frame of the heat exchanger to better show the construction of the internal ribs;

[0063] Figure 9 It is a side view of the outer frame including the external ribs;

[0064] Figure 10 Describe the retaining device located on the inner frame of the housing. Detailed Implementation

[0065] It should be noted that the accompanying drawings disclose the invention in sufficient detail to implement the invention, and these drawings help to better define the invention if necessary. However, the invention should not be limited to the embodiments disclosed in the specification.

[0066] In the following description, the vertical direction V refers to the dimension along which the heat exchanger plates are stacked. This vertical direction V is represented by reference line A. The longitudinal direction L is the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction V, along which the larger dimensions of the heat exchanger extend. The transverse direction T is the direction perpendicular to both the vertical direction V and the longitudinal direction L. These directions are represented by reference frames L, V, and T in different diagrams.

[0067] In this specification, some elements or parameters may be numbered, such as first element and second element. In this case, unless otherwise stated, this numbering is only used to distinguish and name similar but not identical elements. No concept of priority should be inferred from such numbering, as these terms can be interchanged without departing from the invention. Furthermore, this numbering does not imply any order in which the elements of the invention are installed or used.

[0068] Figure 1 This refers to a heat exchange module 1 according to the present invention. The heat exchange module 1 is part of an air conditioning circuit, which includes multiple components such as a compressor and at least one other heat exchanger, and is designed to allow changes in the temperature and / or humidity of the air blown into the vehicle's cabin.

[0069] The heat exchange module 1 described herein finds a particularly suitable application in heat pump mode. However, the function of heat exchange module 1 is not limited to heat pump mode and can be converted to cooling mode, for example.

[0070] The heat exchange module 1 includes a heat exchanger 2 concealed within a housing 6. The housing 6 consists of an inner frame 20 inside an outer frame 60. The inner frame 20... Figure 2 The above is visible and is described below.

[0071] The outer frame 60 consists of two parts, a top 64 and a bottom 62. The top 64 is attached to the bottom 62 by a plurality of attachment devices 8, such as snap-fit ​​devices. Other attachment devices 8 may be used, as long as they allow the attachment to be reversed, i.e., to separate the top 64 and the bottom 62 without damaging one and / or the other.

[0072] The housing 6, more specifically the bottom 62 of the outer frame 60, includes a plurality of mounting holes 16 cooperating with the mounting device 10 to secure the heat exchange module 1 to a portion of the vehicle. These mounting holes 16 are located on an arm 14 extending perpendicularly to the heat exchange module 1. Such an arm 14... Figure 3 The number and position of these mounting holes 16 and arms 14 can vary depending on the position of the heat exchange module 1 on the vehicle.

[0073] The heat exchanger 2 is designed to allow refrigerant fluid and coolant fluid to flow in two separate but adjacent spaces to facilitate heat exchange between these fluids. For this purpose, the heat exchanger 2 includes at least four fluid ports 12. Figure 1 Three of them can be seen in the image.

[0074] The outer frame 60 has multiple holes 13 to allow the fluid port 12 to exit the housing 6. One hole 13 is formed on the bottom 62 and two holes 13 are formed on the top 64. These holes 13 are located in front of the fluid port 12 of the heat exchanger 2. These holes 13 allow fluid conduits (not shown) to be inserted into the fluid port 12 of the heat exchanger 2.

[0075] exist Figure 2 Above, the top 64 of the outer frame 60 is removed, and the bottom 62 is shown transparently to show the inner frame 20 of the heat exchanger 2 and the housing 6.

[0076] The housing 6 also includes an inner frame 20 designed to support the heat exchanger 2. More precisely, the outer frame 60 of the housing 6 holds the inner frame 20, which supports the heat exchanger 2. The heat exchanger 2 is formed by a stack of plates placed on top of each other along direction A. In the example of the invention described herein, direction A is the vertical direction V of the LVT coordinate system.

[0077] This stacking of plates creates two separate but adjacent spaces, one for the flow of a first fluid and the other for the flow of a second fluid. The stacking of plates is where heat exchange occurs between the fluids. These spaces are divided into chambers for fluid flow. These chambers extend primarily in a plane perpendicular to direction A. The chambers for the flow of the first fluid are configured to alternate with those for the flow of the second fluid to maximize heat exchange between the two fluids. The fluids within the chambers both follow at least one "U" shaped pattern, entering the chamber through a fluid inlet and exiting through a fluid outlet located on the same longitudinal side of the chamber. The chamber has a gap between the fluid inlet and outlet to force the fluid to flow within the chamber in a "U" shaped pattern. According to another embodiment not shown here, the fluid can flow within the chamber in an "I" shaped pattern.

[0078] Heat exchanger 2 is connected to receiver-dryer 4 via pipe 5. Receiver-dryer 4 is tubular and designed to filter the refrigerant fluid. In other words, receiver-dryer 4 is designed to separate the gaseous phase of the refrigerant fluid from its liquid phase. Receiver-dryer 4 extends primarily along direction A. The addition of heat exchanger 2, receiver-dryer 4, and housing 6 forms heat exchange module 1 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0079] The liquid dryer 4 is located on the first longitudinal side 108 of the heat exchanger 2, and the fluid port 12 of the heat exchanger 2 is located near the second longitudinal side 110 of the heat exchanger 2. The first longitudinal side 108 and the second longitudinal side 110 are separated by the heat exchanger 2.

[0080] The reservoir dryer 4 is held by an internal frame 20, more specifically by a bottle surround portion 22. The bottle surround portion 22 has a circular portion 24, which is large enough to allow the reservoir dryer 4 to be inserted and tight enough to hold it in place. The bottle surround portion 22 includes a section 26 formed by two straps 27, which can move away from each other or move together to facilitate insertion of the reservoir dryer 4 into the bottle surround portion 22. The section 26 also includes fastening devices 25, which are screws screwed into holes within the straps 27 to move the straps 27 together and secure the reservoir dryer 4 within the bottle surround portion 22.

[0081] The outer frame 60 includes a bottle receiving area 66, which is designed to house the liquid storage dryer 4 inside the outer frame 60.

[0082] The housing 6 also includes a plurality of spacers 17, which in this embodiment are a plurality of ribs 18. The interaction between the spacers 17, the inner frame 20, and the outer frame 60 of the housing 6... Figure 3 This is more clearly seen above and described in more detail below.

[0083] The housing 6 also includes a first lateral side 104 and a second lateral side 106. The first lateral side 104 and the second lateral side 106 are separated by the heat exchanger 2.

[0084] Figure 3 This is a top view of the heat exchange module 1 of the present invention, with the top 64 of the outer frame 60 removed.

[0085] The housing 6 has a plurality of spacer devices 17 located on the outer frame 60 and / or the inner frame 20. Each of these spacer devices 17, formed by a rib 18, may be located on the inner surface 70 of the outer frame 60, the outer surface 34 of the inner frame 20, or the inner surface 32 of the inner frame 20. Here, the inner surface 70, inner surface 32, or interior refers to a surface, face, or orientation of a portion of the housing 6 facing or in the direction of the heat exchanger 2.

[0086] External surface 72, outer surface 34, or external refers to a surface, face, or orientation of a part of the housing 6 that faces or is directed toward the environment surrounding the housing 6.

[0087] Therefore, the outer surface 72, the outer surface 34, or the exterior is opposite to the inner surface 70, the inner surface 32, or the interior, respectively.

[0088] In the following text, the term and reference rib 18 refer to any kind of shape, as long as the shape is an extension of the inner frame or the outer frame. According to the embodiment not shown here, these ribs 18 can be separate elements, that is, they are not extensions of the inner frame or the outer frame but elements added between the outer frame and the inner frame.

[0089] The outer frame 60 includes a spacer 17 extending inside the outer frame 60 in the form of an external rib 68. More precisely, the external rib 68 extends from the inner surface 70 of the outer frame 60. The external rib 68 extends toward the inner frame 20 of the housing 6.

[0090] The inner frame 20 includes spacer devices 17 in the form of internal ribs 30 extending on the outer side of the inner frame 20. More precisely, the internal ribs 30 extend from the outer surface 34 of the inner frame 20. The internal ribs 30 extend away from the heat exchanger 2.

[0091] like Figure 4 As shown, the outer rib 68 cooperates with the inner rib 30 to form a non-zero distance 100 between the inner frame 20 and the outer frame 60. The non-zero distance 100 is measured between the inner frame 20 and the outer frame 60. More precisely, the non-zero distance 100 is measured between the outer surface 34 of the inner frame 20 and the inner surface 70 of the outer frame 60.

[0092] The non-zero distance 100 includes space 102 for air.

[0093] In this configuration, the heat of one fluid flowing inside the heat exchanger 2 is primarily transferred to another fluid flowing inside the heat exchanger 2, with only a small portion being unwantedly exchanged with the environment.

[0094] More specifically, the insulation between heat exchanger 2 and the environment increases heat transfer from the refrigerant fluid to the coolant fluid. This increased heat transfer, in turn, affects the air conditioning circuit, which should be understood here as "technology that alters air conditions," whether or not it is cooled or heated.

[0095] The inner frame 20 also includes an inner flange 28. This inner flange 28 extends from the inner surface 32 of the inner frame 20. The inner flange 28 extends toward the heat exchanger 2. The inner flange 28 contacts the heat exchanger 2, thereby mechanically holding the heat exchanger 2 within the inner frame 20. The inner frame 20 also includes a plurality of inner flanges 28 defining a region having dimensions suitable for accommodating the heat exchanger 2, the dimensions of which are approximately equal to, or slightly larger than, the external dimensions of the heat exchanger 2. The external dimensions of the heat exchanger 2 are the circumference of the heat exchanger, which is measured in a plane perpendicular to the direction A, i.e., its length along the longitudinal direction L and its width along the transverse dimension T.

[0096] Inner flanges 28 are located on at least one of the inner surfaces 32 of the inner frame 20. Inner ribs 30 and outer ribs 68 have complementary shapes, with the inner rib 30 being a negative form of the outer rib 68. The form of each of these inner flanges 28 is described below. Figure 4 Further details are provided below.

[0097] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A close-up of the view shown.

[0098] Viewed along direction A, the outer ribs are I-shaped. This "I" shape is also visible in a cutting plane parallel to the plane in which the larger dimension of the plate of heat exchanger 2 extends. It has a single rod 74. In this embodiment of the invention, all outer ribs 68 have the same shape and size; however, it should be understood that at least one outer rib 68 may have a different shape and / or size.

[0099] Viewed along direction A, the internal rib 30 is U-shaped. This "U" shape is also visible in a cut plane parallel to the plane in which the larger dimension of the plate of the heat exchanger 2 extends. It has two side rods 36 that are parallel to each other and separated by a space 37. The internal ribs 30 described in this specification of the invention have different dimensions while maintaining their U-shape. In another embodiment, all internal ribs 30 have the same dimensions.

[0100] The outer rib 68 extends in the space 37 between the two side bars 36 of the inner rib 30 in front of it. To allow this insertion, the space 37 between the two side bars 36 is larger than the single bar 74 of the outer rib 68 entering the space 37. The interaction between the single bar 74 entering the space 37 and the side bars 36 restricts the movement of the inner frame 20 relative to the outer frame 60 in both longitudinal directions.

[0101] The inner flange 28 is I-shaped when viewed along direction A. The inner flange 28 extends from the top edge 40 of the inner frame 20 to the bottom surface 42.

[0102] Figure 5 The construction of the inner frame 20 and the inner rib 30 is shown more precisely.

[0103] The inner frame 20 has a right prism shape, opening at a first vertical side 112 and closing at a second vertical side 114. The second vertical side 114 restricts the insertion of the heat exchanger 2 within the inner frame 20. The inner frame 20 also includes a plurality of walls 44 extending between the bottom surface 42 located on the second vertical side 114 and the top edge 40 located on the first vertical side 112.

[0104] The wall 44 of the inner frame 20 defines an inner space 38. This inner space 38 accommodates the heat exchanger 2. An inner flange 28 extends within the inner space 38 to mechanically hold the heat exchanger 2 within the inner space 38.

[0105] The internal rib 30 extends parallel to the A direction on the wall 44 of the internal frame 20. The internal rib 30 has a length called the internal rib 30 length, which is its dimension along the A direction. The wall 44 has a length called the wall length, which is its dimension along the A direction. The internal rib 30 extends from the top edge 40 of the internal frame 20, and the internal rib 30 length is less than the wall length. In this configuration, the internal rib 30 extends only on a portion of the wall 44. This means that, in this embodiment, the internal rib 30 does not extend from the top edge 40 all the way to the bottom surface 42. However, in other embodiments, the internal rib 30 extends between the top edge 40 and the bottom surface 42.

[0106] The inner frame 20 includes a plurality of internal ribs 30 located on a plurality of sides of the inner frame 20. Each wall 44 includes at least one internal rib 30, except for the wall 44 of the inner frame 20 that includes the portion 26 connecting the bottle surround portion 22 to the inner frame 20.

[0107] Figure 5 A conduit 5 is also shown connecting the fluid port 12 to the receiver-dryer 4. The receiver-dryer 4 has the fluid port 12, which is adapted to allow fluid to flow into or out of the receiver-dryer 4, respectively, toward or away from the rest of the air conditioning system.

[0108] Figure 6 Depict the bottom 62 of the outer frame 60.

[0109] The outer frame 60, more specifically the bottom 62, includes a plurality of walls 65 defining an inner region 76 configured to receive and accommodate the inner frame 20 of the housing 6. A plurality of external ribs 68 extend from the inner surface 70 of the outer frame 60. The external ribs 68 extend parallel to the A direction from the bottom side 80 toward an edge 78 of the bottom 62, the edge 78 defining an opening in the bottom 62. The external ribs 68 have a length referred to as the external rib 68 length, which is their dimension along the A direction. The walls 65 have a length referred to as the wall length, which is their dimension along the A direction. The external rib 68 length is less than the wall length. In this configuration, the external ribs 68 extend only on a portion of the walls 65 of the bottom 62. In this embodiment, the external ribs 68 do not reach the edge 78 of the bottom 62 of the outer frame 60. In other embodiments, the external ribs 68 extend between the edge 78 and the bottom side 80.

[0110] The outer ribs 68 of the wall 65 continue their course and extend in a straight line on the bottom side 80, thus forming stripes 81. The bottom surface 42 of the inner frame 20 contacts the stripes 81 of the bottom side 80.

[0111] The bottom 62 includes a drain hole 63 configured to allow fluid present in the bottom 62 of the outer frame 60 to drain from the bottom 62.

[0112] The bottom 62 also includes, for example Figure 2 The bottle receiving area 66 is shown. Each wall 65 of the outer frame 60 includes at least one external rib 68.

[0113] The bottle receiving area 66 has a cylindrical shape, its walls 65 are circular and include an inner surface 83, and the bottle receiving area 66 also includes a base plate 85.

[0114] The bottle receiving area 66 includes a plurality of bottle rods 82. Each bottle rod 82 has a first portion 820 located on the inner surface 83 of the bottle receiving area 66 and a second portion 822 located on the base plate 85 of the bottle receiving area 66. Here, the bottle receiving area 66 includes three bottle rods 82 evenly distributed around the inner surface 83 and on the base plate 85, with two bottle rods 82 separated at a 120° angle.

[0115] The first portion 820 of the bottle rod 82 located on the inner surface 83 of the bottle receiving area 66 extends in a direction parallel to direction A. These first portions 820 are configured to guide the liquid storage dryer 4 inside the bottle receiving area 66.

[0116] The second portion 822 of the bottle rod 82 located on the base plate 85 of the bottle receiving area 66 extends in a direction perpendicular to direction A. These second portions 822 are configured to hold the liquid reservoir dryer 4.

[0117] Additionally, the bottom plate 85 of the bottle receiving area 66 includes a drain hole 87. The drain hole 87 is configured to allow fluid present in the bottle receiving area 66 to be drained. This ensures that the bottle receiving area 66, and more generally the bottom 62, is free from any liquid that could potentially alter the function of the heat exchange module 1 or damage it.

[0118] The bottle rod 82 of the outer frame 60 and the bottle surround portion 22 of the inner frame 20 together hold the liquid storage dryer 4 in place.

[0119] The stem 82 of the receiver-dryer 4 also serves a vibration damping function to reduce the stress exerted on the receiver-dryer 4 due to vehicle vibration. Prolonged vibration can degrade the receiver-dryer 4 or the components connecting it to the heat exchanger 2, potentially leading to leakage or rupture.

[0120] The bottom side 80 and the bottle receiving area 66 are connected by a boundary 91, which includes three ridges 89 that are continuous with stripes 81 located on the bottom side 80.

[0121] The bottom 62 and the top 64 together form the outer frame 60 of the housing 6. The top 64 is shaped like a cap that covers the opening of the bottom 62. The top 64 also includes a bottle receiving portion. The top 64 may not include the external rib 68.

[0122] Figure 7 It is based on Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the heat exchange module 1 with the cutting plane II.

[0123] Figure 7 A heat exchanger 2 is shown, supported by an inner flange 28 of an inner frame 20, which is supported by an outer frame 60.

[0124] The spacer 17 also serves as a positioning device 84 to simplify the positioning of the inner frame 20 within the outer frame 60. The spacer 17, serving as the positioning device 84, is inclined relative to the plane 75 of the outer surface 34 of the inner frame 20 or relative to the plane 69 that is perpendicular to the bottom side 80 of the bottom 62 and parallel to the longitudinal direction L.

[0125] The spacer 17 used as the positioning device 84 includes an angled rib 46, which may be an internal rib 30 as explained with respect to the previous figures, and the angled rib 46 is inclined relative to the plane 75 of the outer surface 34 of the inner frame 20.

[0126] The angle 77 between plane 75 and angled rib 46 is strictly greater than 0° and less than or equal to 2°. In this embodiment, angle 77 is equal to 1°. The angle 77 is measured between plane 75 and the plane in which the free edge 33 of the angled rib 46 extends. The free edge 33 of the angled rib is the edge of the inner surface 70 of the bottom 62 of the angled rib 46 facing the outer frame 60.

[0127] In this configuration, the angled ribs 46 extend further outward from the top edge 40 of the inner frame 20 onto the outer surface 34 of the inner frame 20 than at the portion of the angled ribs 46 closest to the bottom surface 42.

[0128] The spacer 17 used as the positioning device 84 may include at least one first angled rib 460 located on the first lateral side 104 of the housing 6 and at least one second angled rib 462 located on the second lateral side 106 of the housing 6.

[0129] The spacer 17, which serves as the positioning device 84, also includes an inner surface 70 of the outer frame 60, which is inclined relative to a plane 69 that is perpendicular to the bottom side 80 of the bottom 62 and parallel to the longitudinal direction L.

[0130] The angle 79 between plane 69 and plane 67 extending therefrom of the inner surface 70 is strictly greater than 0° and less than or equal to 5°. In this embodiment, angle 79 is equal to 2°. Angle 79 is measured between plane 67 extending therefrom of the inner surface 70 and plane 69, which is perpendicular to the bottom side 80 of the bottom 62 and parallel to the longitudinal direction L.

[0131] The spacer 17 used as the positioning device 84 may include a first inner surface 700 located at a first lateral side 104 of the housing 6 and a second inner surface 702 located at a second lateral side 106 of the housing 6.

[0132] In this configuration, the first inner surface 700 and the second inner surface 702 are further separated from each other at the edge 78 of the bottom 62 of the outer frame 60 than at the bottom side 80 of the bottom 62.

[0133] The first angled rib 460 cooperates with the first inner surface 700. The second angled rib 462 cooperates with the second inner surface 702.

[0134] The first angled rib 460 and the first inner surface 700 can be inclined in the same direction relative to plane 75 and plane 69, respectively. The second angled rib 462 and the second inner surface 702 are inclined in the same direction relative to plane 75 and plane 69, respectively. The first angled rib 460 and the first inner surface 700 are inclined in a direction opposite to the inclination direction of the second angled rib 462 and the second inner surface 702.

[0135] The spacer 17, which serves as the positioning device 84, is used to counteract any possible misalignment between the inner frame 20 and the outer frame 60, thereby allowing the inner frame 20 to be inserted into the inner region 76 of the outer frame 60 more quickly, easily, and reliably.

[0136] In another embodiment, the housing 6 includes only one first angled rib 46 cooperating with the first inner surface 700, and the spacer 17 serving as the positioning device 84 is located on the first lateral side 104 or the second lateral side 106 of the housing 6. In yet another embodiment, the housing 6 may include first angled ribs 46 cooperating with the second inner surface 702, each located on a different lateral side of the housing 6.

[0137] Figure 8 and 9 The construction of the inner rib 30 and the outer rib 68 is further shown separately.

[0138] exist Figure 8 Above, an internal rib 30 is shown. The internal rib 30 includes a first indexing device 48 located at its vertical end. More specifically, the first indexing device 48 is located at a first vertical end 52 of the internal rib 30, which is closer to the bottom surface 42 of the internal frame 20. A second vertical end 54 of the internal rib 30 contacts the top edge 40 of the internal frame 20.

[0139] The first indexing device 48 of the inner rib 30 includes a chamfer 50 on the side bars 36 constituting the inner rib 30. Each side bar 36 has a chamfer 50, and the chamfer 50 of each side bar 36 faces the chamfer 50 of the other side bar 36.

[0140] Due to these chamfers 50, the rods of the inner ribs 30 are further separated from each other at the first vertical end 52 compared to the second vertical end 54.

[0141] The first indexing device 48 of the inner rib 30 is constructed to allow the outer rib 68 to be easily inserted into the inner rib 30 by compensating for any possible misalignment between the inner rib 30 and the outer rib 68. Using the first indexing device 48, the inner rib 30 of the inner frame 20 does not need to be precisely aligned with the outer rib 68 of the outer frame 60 to allow the inner frame 20 to enter the inner region 76 of the outer frame 60. The first indexing device 48 also allows manufacturing tolerances of the inner frame 20 and / or the outer frame 60 to be disregarded.

[0142] The first indexing device 48 of the inner rib 30 is not limited to this embodiment, as long as the rods of the inner rib 30 are further separated from each other at the first vertical end 52 than at the second vertical end 54. Another embodiment of the first indexing device 48 of the inner rib 30 includes inclined side rods 36, which are inclined in different directions relative to each other.

[0143] exist Figure 9 Above, an outer rib 68 is shown. The outer rib 68 includes a second indexing device 86 located at a vertical end of the outer rib 68. In the case of the outer rib 68, the second indexing device 86 is located at a second vertical end 90, which is the vertical end of the outer rib 68 closer to the edge 78 of the bottom 62 of the outer frame 60, and the first vertical end 92 is located on the bottom side 80 of the bottom 62 of the outer frame 60.

[0144] The second indexing device 86 of the outer rib 68 includes a chamfered portion 88 located at the second vertical end 90 of the single rod 74. The chamfered portion 88 gives the second vertical end 90 of the single rod 74 a "V" shape. This "V" shape forms the narrowed end of the outer rib 68.

[0145] The "V"-shaped effect of the second indexing device 86 of the outer rib 68 is the same as that of the first indexing device 48 of the inner rib 30. The second indexing device 86 of the outer rib 68 cancels out any possible misalignment between the inner rib 30 and the outer rib 68, thereby facilitating the mounting of the inner frame 20 within the outer frame 60.

[0146] Together, the first indexing device 48 of the inner rib 30 and the second indexing device 86 of the outer rib 68 allow for the cancellation of longitudinal misalignment between the inner frame 20 and the outer frame 60, which is superior to the misalignment cancellation achieved by the presence of indexing devices 48, 86 on the inner rib 30 or the outer rib 68. Therefore, the first indexing device 48 and the second indexing device 86 make the installation of the housing 6 easier and less prone to accidents.

[0147] Figure 10 A retaining device 94 is shown, which is configured to restrict the heat exchanger 2 from moving out of the inner frame 20.

[0148] The retaining device 94 according to the embodiment described herein includes at least a base 96 and teeth 98. The base 96 is connected to the top edge 40 of the inner frame 20, for example, by extending the inner rib 30 as described above.

[0149] The teeth 98 of the retaining device 94 extend toward the internal space 38 of the inner frame 20.

[0150] The teeth 98 of the retaining device 94 have deformable characteristics. This deformable characteristic allows the teeth 98 to deform during the insertion of the heat exchanger 2 into the internal space 38 of the inner frame 20. The teeth 98 deform during the insertion of the heat exchanger 2 and then spring back to their original shape. The teeth 98, with their original shape, restrict the movement of the heat exchanger 2 out of the internal space 38. Thus, the operation of the inner frame 20, including the heat exchanger 2, is reliable. The retaining device 94 restricts the movement of the heat exchanger 2 out of the inner frame 20, thus limiting the risk of the heat exchanger 2 being removed from the internal space 38, for example, when the inner frame 20 and its heat exchanger 2 are manipulated by a production robot.

[0151] The tooth 98 can also be deformed by the operator to allow the heat exchanger 2 to be extracted, for example, for maintenance or replacement. Performing this operation will not damage or destroy any part of the heat exchange module 1.

[0152] In another embodiment of the invention, after the heat exchanger 2 is inserted into the inner frame 20, the retaining device 94 is positioned onto the inner frame 20. In this embodiment, the retaining device 94 has a fixing device configured to allow the retaining device 94 to be secured to the inner frame 20. This fixing device also allows the retaining device 94 to be removed without damaging the retaining device 94 or the inner frame 20.

[0153] An assembly example of the heat exchange module 1 will now be described. The process described herein is an example of assembly and should not limit the scope of the invention. The steps may be performed in different orders or simultaneously.

[0154] Each component is manufactured individually. For example, heat exchanger 2 is formed by stacking plates welded together and adding elements such as fluid ports 12, and both the inner frame 20 and the outer frame 60 are obtained by injection molding.

[0155] The heat exchanger 2 is inserted into the internal space 38 of the inner frame 20. The liquid receiver drier 4 is then inserted into the circular portion 24 of the inner frame 20, with two straps 27 allowing the liquid receiver drier 4 to slide easily within the bottle surround portion 22. The liquid receiver drier 4 is then secured between the two straps 27 by fastening devices 25. The liquid receiver drier 4 is then connected to the heat exchanger 2 via a pipe 5.

[0156] The inner frame 20, including the heat exchanger 2 and the liquid receiver 4, is then inserted into the inner region 76 of the outer frame 60. The liquid receiver 4 slides into the bottle receiving region 66 of the bottom 62 of the outer frame 60. The top 64 of the outer frame 60 is then positioned above the bottom 62, and the attachment device 8 of the outer frame 60 locks the two parts of the outer frame 60 together.

[0157] The heat exchange module 1 can now be placed inside the vehicle and connected to the air conditioning system.

[0158] The heat exchange module 1 according to the invention may have additional features, such as a holding device 94, a first indexing device 48 or a second indexing device 86, and the assembly process includes additional steps, such as those described below.

[0159] During the insertion of the heat exchanger 2 into the inner frame 20 with the retaining device 94, the heat exchanger 2 deforms the teeth 98 of the retaining device 94. Once fully inserted into the inner space 38, the teeth 98 return to their original shape and lock the heat exchanger 2 within the inner frame 20. The inner frame 20 can then be inserted into the interior of the bottom 62.

[0160] With an inner frame having a first indexing device 48 and an outer frame having a second indexing device 86, the first indexing device 48 of the inner rib 30 and the second indexing device 86 of the outer rib 68 cooperate to facilitate the insertion. The insertion is further facilitated by spacers 17 located on the inner frame 20 and the outer frame 60, which serve as positioning devices 84.

[0161] Now, the heat exchange module 1 assembled according to the present invention and the above description can perform its heat exchange function.

[0162] The foregoing description clearly illustrates how the present invention achieves its objectives, as stated in the preamble, and provides a heat exchange module 1 having a housing 6 with thermal insulation properties.

[0163] Those skilled in the art can make several modifications and improvements to the heat exchange module 1 as defined above, as long as it includes a housing 6 having an inner frame 20 and an outer frame 60, the inner frame 20 being arranged to hold the heat exchanger 2, and the outer frame 60 being configured to hold the inner frame 20, the inner frame 20 and the outer frame being separated by a non-zero distance 100, the non-zero distance 100 being configured to form thermal isolation between the heat exchanger 2 and the surrounding environment of the housing 6.

[0164] In any case, since other embodiments may exist, the present invention cannot and should not be limited to the embodiments specifically described herein. The present invention should be extended to any equivalent means and any combination of technical operations of those means.

Claims

1. A heat exchange module (1) comprising at least a heat exchanger (2) between two fluids and a housing (6), the housing (6) having at least an inner frame (20) and an outer frame (60), the inner frame (20) being arranged to hold the heat exchanger (2), and the outer frame (60) being arranged to hold the inner frame (20), wherein, The inner frame (20) and the outer frame (60) are separated by a non-zero distance (100) configured to form thermal insulation between the heat exchanger (2) and the surrounding environment of the housing (6). The inner frame (20) and / or the outer frame (60) include at least one spacer (17) on at least one side, the non-zero distance (100) being generated by the spacer (17), the spacer (17) including at least one rib (18) formed on the inner frame (20) or the outer frame (60), the rib (18) extending between the inner frame (20) and the outer frame (60).

2. The heat exchange module (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The outer frame (60) includes ribs (18), here outer ribs (68), which extend on the inner side of the outer frame (60), and the inner frame (20) has inner ribs (30), which extend on the outer side of the inner frame (20), wherein the outer ribs (68) and the inner ribs (30) cooperate to restrict movement between the outer frame (60) and the inner frame (20).

3. The heat exchange module (1) according to claim 2, wherein, The inner rib (30) and the outer rib (68) have complementary shapes.

4. The heat exchange module (1) according to claim 2, wherein, The outer rib (68) enters the inner rib (30).

5. The heat exchange module (1) according to claim 1, wherein, At least one rib (18), referred to as the inner flange (28), extends in the inner space (38) defined by the inner frame (20).

6. The heat exchange module (1) according to claim 5, wherein, The internal flange (28) of the internal frame (20) is arranged to mechanically hold the heat exchanger (2).

7. The heat exchange module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The housing (6) is arranged to house the liquid storage dryer (4) of the heat exchange module (1).

8. The heat exchange module (1) according to claim 7, wherein, The internal frame (20) is designed to support the liquid storage dryer (4).

9. The heat exchange module (1) according to claim 7, wherein, The housing (6) includes at least one rod (82) in the area arranged to hold the liquid storage dryer (4), the rod (82) being in contact with the liquid storage dryer (4).

10. The heat exchange module (1) according to claim 9, wherein, The bottle stem (82) extends from the outer frame (60).

11. The heat exchange module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a liquid storage dryer (4).

12. The heat exchange module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The outer frame (60) has at least two parts, namely the bottom (62) and the top (64) defining the inner region (76) of the outer frame (60).

13. The heat exchange module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the housing (6) is made of a material with low thermal conductivity.

14. The heat exchange module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, At least one spacer (17) serves as a positioning device (84) for the inner frame (20) within the outer frame (60), and the spacer (17) serving as the positioning device (84) is inclined relative to a plane (75) of the outer surface (34) of the inner frame (20) or relative to a plane (69) perpendicular to the bottom side (80) of the outer frame (60) and parallel to the longitudinal direction L.

15. The heat exchange module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The spacer (17) includes indexing devices (48, 86) that facilitate the insertion of the inner frame (20) into the interior of the outer frame (60).

16. The heat exchange module (1) according to claim 15, wherein, The indexing device (48, 86) is located at the end of the rib (18).

17. The heat exchange module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The housing (6) includes at least one retaining device (94) designed to hold the heat exchanger (2) inside the inner frame (20).

18. An assembly method for assembling a heat exchange module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, comprising a first step of installing the heat exchanger (2) inside the inner frame (20), and a second step of installing the inner frame (20) inside the outer frame (60).

19. The assembly method according to claim 18, wherein, The second step includes an intermediate step of mounting the inner frame (20) inside the bottom (62) of the outer frame (60), and the method further includes a third step of mounting the top (64) of the outer frame (60) on the bottom (62) of the outer frame (60).

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