Cooling module, in particular for a vehicle

Abstract

A cooling module (1), in particular for a vehicle, comprising a support (2) comprising at least one channel (3) for the flow of a heat transfer fluid, the support (2) supporting at least one component (5; the invention relates to a module (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6), such as a valve or a pump, which module further comprises a tank (8) for distributing a heat transfer fluid and capable of accommodating at least one heat exchange component, which is different from the fluid-functional component and is designed for the circulation of a coolant fluid, a tank (8) is designed to allow heat exchange between a heat transfer fluid and a coolant fluid within its interior, the tank (8) being at least partially formed by the support (2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a cooling module, in particular for a vehicle. The vehicle may be a land vehicle, a sea vehicle or an air vehicle. The cooling module is particularly designed to be used in a cooling system, in particular including a heat pump, or more generally a thermal control system.

[0002] Currently, a major factor for vehicles is to reduce the size of different equipment.

[0003] The present invention proposes to achieve the object of reducing the size of a thermal control system.

[0004] Therefore, the present invention proposes a cooling module, in particular for a vehicle, which module includes a support, which includes at least one channel for a heat transfer fluid to flow, and the support supports at least one component with fluid functionality, such as a valve or a pump. The module also includes a box for distributing the heat transfer fluid, and the box is capable of accommodating at least one heat exchange component, which is different from the component with fluid functionality and is designed for the circulation of a coolant fluid. The box is designed to allow heat exchange between the heat transfer fluid and the coolant fluid in its interior, and the box is at least partially formed by the support.

[0005] The heat exchange component is, for example, a cooler with a coolant fluid, also called a refrigerator.

[0006] "Fluid function" means a function that participates in the operation of the module, selected to, for example, act on the flow of a heat transfer fluid or measure a parameter associated with the fluid or its flow in a channel.

[0007] The invention enables numerous advantages to be achieved.

[0008] Firstly, the support fulfils several functions, namely at least a structural function (since it bears the component) and a functional function, which makes it possible to obtain a compact module with a possibly limited number of parts.

[0009] In particular, the invention makes it possible to obtain a set of several components of a hydraulic circuit for a heat transfer fluid in an optimal way, in particular by incorporating a support of the hydraulic circuit.

[0010] In particular, the invention makes it possible to avoid the need to use additional pipes / tubes to fluidically connect the different components to each other. These fluid connections are directly produced by the channels of the support.

[0011] Assembling of the different components to one another can be simplified since no pipes / tubes have to be used.

[0012] The invention thus enables a reduction in costs, since a large amount of pipe material for connecting the components can be omitted. The invention also enables a reduction in the weight of the cooling fluid used.

[0013] Furthermore, as will be seen below, the support can be used as an element constituting, for example, a valve or a pump. This enables a high degree of compactness of the module to be achieved.

[0014] The invention thus enables reducing the space occupied by the components, which enables reducing the overall size of the cooling module. For example, in the case of a heat pump, the invention enables reducing the size of the assembly of its components, in particular of the components of the different fluid circuits.

[0015] Typically, structural supports can be compact.

[0016] According to one of the aspects of the invention, the support comprises a first plate and a second plate assembled to each other so as to define a channel, the plates being joined and together forming the circumference of the channel.

[0017] According to one aspect of the invention, the channel is formed by the first cavity of the first plate and / or the second cavity of the second plate.

[0018] According to one aspect of the invention, the cavities are connected and together form the circumference of the channel.

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, the cavities are connected along a connecting plane.

[0020] According to one of the aspects of the invention, the joining plane is parallel to the main plane of the plate.

[0021] According to one of the aspects of the invention, each cavity is formed by the cylindrical wall of the associated plate.

[0022] According to one of the aspects of the invention, the plates each comprise one or more flat areas present between the cylindrical walls forming the channels.

[0023] According to one of the aspects of the invention, the plates each have a planar joining face on which the associated cavity opens.

[0024] According to one aspect of the invention, the joining surfaces of the plates each have the same perimeter.

[0025] According to one of the aspects of the invention, the panels are each made from a single piece.

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, the plate is made of metal.

[0027] According to one aspect of the invention, the plate is produced by casting.

[0028] As a variant, the plates can be produced by injection or by drawing, depending on the material used.

[0029] According to one of the aspects of the invention, the plates are assembled to each other by welding or by gluing.

[0030] According to one of the aspects of the invention, the module comprises means for fixing the plates to one another, in particular fixing lugs of complementary form, or flanges, screws, nuts or rivets engaging one another, this list being non-limiting.

[0031] According to one of the aspects of the invention, the module comprises means for fixing the support to an external structure and / or fixing means for fixing a component, such as a valve or a pump, to the support.

[0032] These fixing units are fixing lugs of complementary form, or flanges, screws, nuts or rivets which engage with one another, this list being non-limiting.

[0033] According to one of the aspects of the invention, the plate is welded or glued, in particular along one or more channels, so as to seal the one or more channels along their entire length with respect to the heat transfer fluid.

[0034] As a variant or in addition to welding or gluing, at least one plate comprises at least one groove designed to receive a seal along the channel in order to ensure the sealing of the channel.

[0035] According to one aspect of the invention, the plate has a plurality of cavities to form a plurality of channels.

[0036] According to one aspect of the invention, at least one channel is straight along at least a portion of its length.

[0037] According to one of the aspects of the invention, at least one channel has at least one bend or branch for the flow.

[0038] According to one of the aspects of the invention, the box comprises a side wall having, in particular, a generally rectangular perimeter, which wall is produced integrally with a support, in particular with a first plate, which forms the base of the box.

[0039] According to one aspect of the present invention, the side wall is perpendicular to the first plate.

[0040] According to one aspect of the invention, the channel formed by the assembly of the plates extends in alignment with the side wall.

[0041] According to one of its aspects, the first plate comprises one or more formations, in particular one or more recesses, located at the bottom of the side wall and designed to at least partially accommodate a component having a fluidic function, such as a valve.

[0042] According to one of the aspects of the invention, the side wall comprises a network of reinforcing ribs, in particular comprising perpendicularly intersecting ribs.

[0043] According to one of the aspects of the invention, the side wall comprises a free edge designed to receive the cover.

[0044] Variants

[0045] In another embodiment of the invention, the support comprises a single plate designed as a bearing member.

[0046] According to one of the aspects of the invention, the channels are at least partially formed by ducts on the exterior of a single plate.

[0047] According to one of the aspects of the invention, the duct is at a non-zero distance from the plate at least along a portion of its length.

[0048] According to one of the aspects of the invention, the pipe is a distinct element from the plate and is fixed to the plate, for example by welding.

[0049] According to one of the aspects of the invention, the side walls of the box are added and fixed on a support, in particular on a single plate.

[0050] According to one aspect of the invention, a single panel forms the base of the box.

[0051] According to one of the aspects of the invention, the side wall is connected to a cover, which cover is in particular produced integrally with the side wall.

[0052] According to one of its aspects, the assembled plate in one embodiment of the invention or the individual plates in another embodiment of the invention supports at least one pump and / or valve to act on the flow of the heat transfer fluid circulating in the distribution tank.

[0053] According to one of the aspects of the invention, the dispensing box is closed by a cover which is fixed to the side wall.

[0054] According to one of the aspects of the invention, the cover is flat and comprises in particular openings for the passage of connection flanges forming the inlet and outlet for the coolant fluid of the heat exchange component.

[0055] According to one of its aspects, the heat exchange element for a coolant fluid comprises, in a known manner, a tube in which the coolant fluid circulates.

[0056] According to one of the aspects of the invention, the support comprises a plurality of hydraulic circuits for different types of fluids.

[0057] According to one aspect of the invention, a support, for example provided with two assembled plates or a single plate, supports at least one of the following components:

[0058] - a pump for pumping a heat transfer fluid;

[0059] - Valves for directing the heat transfer fluid;

[0060] - non-return valves for heat transfer fluids;

[0061] - throttle valve for heat transfer fluid;

[0062] - Plate exchangers, in particular evaporative exchangers, also known as chillers;

[0063] - condensation exchangers, in particular "water condensers";

[0064] - electrical heating resistors designed to heat a heat transfer fluid;

[0065] - a desiccant bottle for the circuit dedicated to the coolant fluid;

[0066] - Filters for filtering particles present in heat transfer fluids, in particular dielectric fluids.

[0067] According to one of the aspects of the invention, a support, for example provided with two assembled plates or a single plate, forms part of the body of a valve or a pump.

[0068] The fluid function is thus formed by a part of the structural body of the component.

[0069] According to one aspect of the invention, the valve is a throttle valve.

[0070] According to one aspect of the invention, the valve is a valve for directing a flow, in particular a valve of the 3-way or 4-way type.

[0071] According to one of its aspects, the component advantageously combines a plurality of component elements of a valve, such as one or more movable flaps.

[0072] According to one aspect of the invention, the pump may be actuated by an electric motor.

[0073] According to one aspect of the invention, the support is provided with at least two receptacles for receiving two pumps.

[0074] According to one of the aspects of the invention, one of the components carries a sensor for measuring a property of the fluid or the flow of the fluid, for example a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the fluid.

[0075] According to one of the aspects of the invention, the component with a fluid function comprises a functional element, such as a valve or a valve flap or a piston, which is integrated in one of the channels formed by the support.

[0076] According to one of the aspects of the invention, the box body comprises a free edge designed to receive the cover.

[0077] According to one of the aspects of the invention, the cover is substantially flat and has in particular an opening for the passage of a fluid connection flange for the circulation of a coolant fluid in a heat exchange component housed in the housing.

[0078] According to one of the aspects of the invention, the support comprises at least one fluid connection link designed to connect a channel of the support to a fluid conduit.

[0079] The fluid connection coupling may be of male type, designed to cooperate with a female conduit, or vice versa.

[0080] According to one aspect of the present invention, the heat transfer fluid is selected from: a dielectric fluid, a cooling fluid (such as water or a mixture of water and ethylene glycol) or a coolant fluid (such as R134a, R1234yf or R744).

[0081] The subject of the invention is also a heat transfer fluid circuit for a heat pump, comprising a module as described above.

[0082] In the context of a heat pump, the invention enables compact assembly of components of a module that can belong to the coolant circuit and the heat transfer fluid circuit of the heat pump.

[0083] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent on reading the following description, provided by way of non-limiting illustration, and in view of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0084] -[ Figure 1 ] schematically and partially stereoscopically illustrates a module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0085] -[ Figure 2 ] schematically and partially stereoscopically showing from different viewing angles [ Figure 1 ] module;

[0086] -[ Figure 3 ] schematically and partially shows [ Figure 1 ], wherein the component is not assembled on the module;

[0087] -[ Figure 4] schematically and partially shows [ Figure 1 ] one of the plates of the support member of the module;

[0088] -[ Figure 5 ] schematically and partially shows [ Figure 1 ] another one of the plates of the support member of the module;

[0089] -[ Figure 6 ] schematically and partially stereoscopically illustrates a module according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0090] -[ Figure 7 ] schematically and partially shows from another perspective [ Figure 6 ] module;

[0091] -[ Figure 8 ] individually schematically and partially illustrated [ Figure 6 ] of the module.

[0092] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A cooling module 1 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown, which module is designed for use in a heat pump system on board a vehicle.

[0093] This module 1 is incorporated in a heat transfer fluid circuit, which may be a water circuit of a heat pump. This water circuit is associated with the coolant fluid circuit of the heat pump so as to allow heat exchange between the heat transfer fluid and the coolant fluid.

[0094] Since heat pumps are known from the prior art, they will not be described in more detail.The invention can be adapted to a large number of types of cooling circuits, since different components can be selected to provide the different functions required.

[0095] The cooling module 1 comprises a support 2 including a plurality of channels 3 for the flow of a heat transfer fluid, for example mainly containing water.

[0096] The support element 2 carries the components having a fluid function, which are formed by two valves 5 and a pump 6 .

[0097] These valves 5 are, for example, multi-way valves for controlling the circulation of the heat transfer fluid.

[0098] The pump 6 enables the heat transfer fluid to be set in motion and may be actuated by an electric motor.

[0099] The module 2 also comprises a tank 8 for distributing a heat transfer fluid and which can house a heat exchange component 10 different from the above-mentioned components 5 and 6 having a fluid function.

[0100] The heat exchange component 10 is, for example, a cooler with a coolant fluid, also called a refrigerator. Figure 2 Only the flange 9 of this component 10 can be seen.

[0101] The housing 8 is designed to allow heat exchange between the heat transfer fluid and the coolant fluid within its interior.

[0102] The box 8 is formed by the support 2 .

[0103] This support 2 comprises a first plate 11 and a second plate 12 assembled to each other so as to define channels 3 , these plates 11 and 12 being joined and together forming the circumference of each channel 3 .

[0104] In particular, in Figure 4 and Figure 5 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , each channel 3 is formed by a first cavity 14 of a first plate 11 and a second cavity 15 of a second plate 12 .

[0105] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the cavities 14 and 15 formed by the cylindrical wall 17 of the associated plate are linked and together form the circumference of each channel 3. The cavities 14 and 15 are therefore half-channels of a channel 3.

[0106] These cavities 14 and 15 are connected along a connecting plane 16 which is parallel to the main planes of the plates 11 and 12 .

[0107] The plates 11 and 12 each comprise a plurality of flat areas 19 adjacent to the cylindrical wall 17 forming the channel 3 .

[0108] The plates 11 and 12 each have a flat joining face 20 having a coincident and identical outer periphery.

[0109] The plates 11 and 12 are each made of a one-piece piece, for example of metal.

[0110] The plates 11 and 12 are produced by casting, or by injection or by drawing, depending on the material used.

[0111] The plates 11 and 12 are assembled to each other via the joining surface 20 by welding or by gluing.

[0112] The module 1 comprises a fixing unit 21 in order to fix the valve 5 and pump 6 components on the support 2 .

[0113] These fixing units 21 consist of screws engaging in corresponding studs or lugs 22 of the plate 12 and of the components 5 and 6 .

[0114] The plates 11 and 12 are welded or glued along the channels 3 in order to seal these channels 3 along their entire length against the heat transfer fluid.

[0115] According to one aspect of the invention, at least one channel is straight along at least a portion of its length.

[0116] Some of the channels 3 have a straight direction.

[0117] The box 8 comprises a side wall 25 having a generally rectangular perimeter, this wall 25 being produced integrally with the first plate 11 forming the base of the box 8 .

[0118] The side wall 25 is perpendicular to the first plate 11 .

[0119] Some of the channels 3 extend in alignment with the side wall 25 .

[0120] The first plate 11 comprises formations 26 , in this case recesses, located at the bottom of the side wall 25 and designed to partially house one of the valves 5 .

[0121] The side wall 25 comprises a reinforcing rib network 28 comprising perpendicularly intersecting ribs 29 .

[0122] The side wall 25 comprises a free edge 30 designed to receive a cover 31 .

[0123] The cover 31 is flat and comprises an opening 33 for the passage of the connecting flange 9 forming the inlet and outlet for the coolant fluid of the heat exchange component 10 .

[0124] In a known manner, this heat exchange member 10 comprises tubes or plates in which a coolant fluid circulates.

[0125] The support 2 provided with two assembly plates 11 and 12 forms a portion 37 of the body of the valve 5 or pump 6. This portion 37 is an annular collar on the plate 12, on which respective collar 37 the valve 5 or pump 6 is supported.

[0126] The support 2 comprises fluid connection links 38 designed to connect the channels 3 of the support to fluid conduits.

[0127] Each fluid connection link 38 may be of male type, designed to cooperate with a conduit of female type, or vice versa.

[0128] These connecting elements are produced integrally with the plate 12 .

[0129] The heat transfer fluid circulates in the components 5 and 6 in the inner space of the housing 8 .

[0130] like Figure 3As shown, the pump 6 is housed in a cavity 49 of the support 2 , and a suction orifice 46 is provided in the support 2 so as to allow fluid communication with the pump 6 .

[0131] The coolant fluid circulating in the cooler 10 is in particular of the R134a, R1234yf or R744 type.

[0132] exist Figures 6 to 8 In another embodiment of the invention shown, a module 50 is provided with a support 51 comprising a single plate 52 designed to support components including the valve 5 .

[0133] The channels 3 are each formed by a duct 53 which is located on the outside of a single plate 52 .

[0134] The ducts 53 comprise straight portions 54 which are at a non-zero distance from the plate 52 .

[0135] At least some of the ducts 53 are formed of parts that are different from the plate 52 and that are fixed to the plate 52 by welding, for example.

[0136] The plate 52 and the pipe 53 may be produced separately, but from the same material (eg metal).

[0137] The side walls 59 of the distribution box 58 (which performs the same function as the box 8 described above) are fixed to a single plate 52 forming the base of the box 58. In other words, the box 58 is partly formed by the support 51.

[0138] The side wall 59 is produced integrally with a generally flat cover 60 .

[0139] Thus, the side wall 59 and the cover 60 are formed from a one-piece piece of, for example, plastic or metal.

[0140] The cover 60 is provided with a flange 61 for fluidly connecting the coolant fluid to the heat exchange components contained in the housing 58 .

[0141] The fluid-functional components supported by the plate 52 are accommodated in the interior of a cover 62 fastened to the plate 52 .

[0142] In this example, the heat transfer fluid can be circulated between the pump 6 and the distribution tank 58 through the pipe 65. Figure 7 As displayed.

[0143] The plate 52 comprises a zone 66 provided with ribs 71 and designed to receive components with a coolant fluid, this zone being delimited by a partition 69 cooperating with the side wall 59 .

[0144] Each pump 6 is associated with a duct 67 perpendicular to the plate 52, such as Figure 7 shown.

[0145] As a reminder, "fluid function" means a function that participates in the operation of the module and is, for example, selected to act on the flow of a heat transfer fluid or to measure a parameter associated with the fluid or its flow in a channel.

Claims

1. A cooling module (1; 50), in particular for a vehicle, comprising a support (2; 51), the support comprising at least one channel (3, 53) for the flow of a heat transfer fluid, the support (2; 51) supporting at least one component (5, 6) with a fluid function, such as a valve or a pump, the module also comprising a box (8; 58) for distributing the heat transfer fluid and the box being able to accommodate at least one heat exchange component (10), different from the component with a fluid function and designed for the circulation of a coolant fluid, the box (8; 58) being designed to allow heat exchange between the heat transfer fluid and the coolant fluid in its interior, the box (8; 58) being at least partially formed by the support (2; 51).

2. A module according to the preceding claim, wherein The support (2) comprises a first plate (11) and a second plate (12) assembled to each other so as to define the channel (3), the plates (11, 12) being joined and together forming the circumference of the channel (3).

3. A module according to the preceding claim, wherein The channel (3) is formed by a first cavity (14) of the first plate (11) and / or a second cavity (15) of the second plate (12).

4. The module according to claim 1, wherein: The support (51) comprises a single plate (52) designed to support the component (5; 6).

5. A module as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein The box (8; 58) comprises a side wall (25, 59) having a perimeter which is in particular generally rectangular, in particular the side wall (25, 59) comprising a network of reinforcing ribs, in particular comprising perpendicularly intersecting ribs.

6. A module according to the preceding claim, wherein The side wall (25) is produced integrally with the support (2), in particular with a first plate (11) of the support (2), said first plate (11) forming the base of the box (8).

7. A module according to the preceding claim, wherein The side wall (25) comprises a free edge designed to receive a cover (31).

8. The module according to claim 5, wherein: The side walls (59) of the box (58) are added and fixed to the support (51), in particular to the single plate (52).

9. A module as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The support, for example provided with two assembled plates or a single plate, supports at least one of the following: - a pump (6) for pumping the heat transfer fluid; - a valve (5) for orienting the heat transfer fluid; - a non-return valve for said heat transfer fluid; - a throttle valve for said heat transfer fluid; - Plate exchangers, in particular evaporative exchangers, also known as chillers; - condensation exchangers, in particular "water condensers"; - an electrical heating resistor designed to heat said heat transfer fluid; - a desiccant bottle for a circuit dedicated to said coolant fluid; - A filter for filtering particles present in said heat transfer fluid, in particular a dielectric fluid.

10. A heat transfer fluid circuit for a heat pump, comprising a module (1; 50) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

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