Refrigerant distribution module

Abstract

The invention relates to a refrigerant distribution module (50) comprising:-a first refrigerant flow channel (11) connecting a first inlet (E1) and an outlet (S); -a second channel (12) connecting the second inlet (E2) and a first connection region (C1) arranged on the first channel (11) between the first inlet (E1) and the outlet (S); -a third channel (13) connecting the third inlet (E3) and a second connection region (C2) arranged on the first channel (11) between the first connection region (C1) and the outlet (S); the first passage (11) comprises a one-way valve (17) arranged between the first connection region (C1) and the second connection region (C2), the one-way valve (17) being configured to allow refrigerant to flow from the first connection region (C1) to the second connection region (C2), and being configured to prevent refrigerant from flowing from the second connection region (C2) to the first connection region (C1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of thermal regulation systems. These systems can in particular be provided on board a motor vehicle. When the vehicle is an electric propulsion vehicle, such a system allows thermal regulation of different components of the vehicle, such as the passenger compartment or the electric energy storage battery. The heat exchange is mainly managed by compression and expansion of a refrigerant in different heat exchangers, allowing the different components of the vehicle to be selectively heated or cooled. Background Art

[0002] The thermal regulation system uses a refrigerant circuit comprising a main refrigerant circulation loop and a plurality of bypass branches. Various heat exchangers and various refrigerant expansion devices make it possible to control the heat exchange within the thermal regulation system. The valve group makes it possible to produce different refrigerant circulation combinations in the refrigerant circuit and to provide different operating modes, i.e. to select which exchangers participate in the heat exchange and the direction of these heat exchanges. Each operating mode can be selected according to the thermal conditions encountered by the vehicle and its occupants, and the driving conditions. Thus, different operating modes can be produced, such as a passenger compartment heating mode, a passenger compartment cooling mode, a passenger compartment dehumidification mode or a mode for cooling elements of the vehicle driveline.

[0003] Integrating a thermal regulation loop into a vehicle is often difficult. The available space for installing the entire thermal regulation system tends to decrease, while the number of components to be installed tends to increase. As a result, fitting the system into a vehicle becomes more difficult. Furthermore, adapting an existing system to a new vehicle may require extensive modifications to suit the new environment, which increases development time and costs.

[0004] It would therefore be desirable to provide a thermal regulation system that is easier to integrate, can use standardized components, and provides optimized thermodynamic performance. Summary of the invention

[0005] To this end, the present invention proposes a low-pressure refrigerant distribution module, comprising:

[0006] - a first refrigerant flow channel, connecting the first inlet and the outlet,

[0007] - a second channel connecting the second inlet and a first connection zone, the first connection zone being located on the first channel between the first inlet and the outlet,

[0008] - a third channel connecting the third inlet to a second connection zone, the second connection zone being located on the first channel between the first connection zone and the outlet,

[0009] The first channel includes a one-way valve between the first connection area and the second connection area,

[0010] The one-way valve is configured to allow the refrigerant to flow from the first connection area to the second connection area, and the one-way valve is also configured to prevent the refrigerant from flowing from the second connection area to the first connection area.

[0011] The distribution module enables different low-pressure refrigerant gas streams to be brought together in order to deliver them to another component, such as a refrigerant compression device. The same module can be used in multiple configurations, which allows standardization.

[0012] The features listed in the following paragraphs can be implemented independently of each other or in any technically feasible combination.

[0013] According to one aspect of the refrigerant distribution module, the first refrigerant circulation passage, the second refrigerant circulation passage, and the third refrigerant circulation passage are formed by recesses inside a body of the module.

[0014] Since the connections between the channels and the channels themselves are made directly from the body of the distribution module, the number of hoses and connectors required to ensure the circulation of the refrigerant is reduced.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the refrigerant distribution module, the body of the module comprises a set of planar outer surfaces.

[0016] Thus, the fastening of lugs for holding tubes or hoses for conveying refrigerant to the inlet of the module or for discharging refrigerant from the module is simplified.

[0017] According to an exemplary embodiment of the refrigerant distribution module, the body of the module is substantially parallelepipedal.

[0018] Therefore, the module is compact, which makes it easier to integrate.

[0019] According to an exemplary embodiment, the first inlet is arranged on a planar face of the body of the module.

[0020] According to an exemplary embodiment, the second inlet is arranged on a planar face of the body of the module.

[0021] According to an exemplary embodiment, the third inlet is arranged on a planar face of the body of the module.

[0022] According to an exemplary embodiment of the refrigerant distribution module, the outlet is arranged on a flat face of the body of the module.

[0023] According to an exemplary embodiment, the first inlet and the outlet are arranged on a same planar face of the body of the module.

[0024] The second channel is straight.

[0025] The third channel is straight.

[0026] The first channel includes a series of straight sections.

[0027] Thus, each channel can be obtained by drilling, which allows low-cost manufacturing of the module.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the first channel comprises a first portion extending between the first inlet and the first connection area; the first portion of the first channel and the second channel extend along intersecting axes.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the first portion of the first channel and the second channel extend along a vertical axis.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the first channel comprises a second portion extending between the first connection area and the one-way valve.The second portion of the first channel and the first portion of the first channel extend along a perpendicular axis.

[0031] The second portion of the first passage and the second passage are coaxial.

[0032] According to an exemplary embodiment of the refrigerant distribution module, the non-return valve is arranged in a cavity formed on a face of a body of the distribution module.

[0033] The refrigerant distribution module can thus integrate a non-return valve, for example a check valve, in a simple manner.

[0034] For example, the cavity for the non-return valve and the second inlet are arranged on opposite faces of the body of the dispensing module.

[0035] Therefore, the different components of the module are distributed around the outer surface of the module.

[0036] The one-way valve includes a flat portion that is flush with the face of the dispensing module.

[0037] The cavity for the non-return valve is cylindrical.

[0038] According to an exemplary embodiment of the refrigerant distribution module, the cavity for the non-return valve extends along an axis which is coaxial with the axis of the second flow channel.

[0039] According to an embodiment of the refrigerant distribution module, the first channel comprises a third portion extending between the non-return valve and the second connection area. The third portion of the first channel and the third channel extend along a vertical axis.

[0040] The second channel and the third channel extend along a vertical axis.

[0041] According to an exemplary embodiment, the first channel comprises a fourth portion extending between the second connection area and the outlet; the fourth portion of the first channel and the third portion of the first channel are coaxial.

[0042] According to an embodiment of the refrigerant distribution module, the first portion of the first channel and the third portion of the first channel extend along parallel axes.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment of a refrigerant distribution module, the body of the distribution module is formed by an assembly of metal blocks.

[0044] Therefore, the main body of the distribution module is strong and low-cost, and has satisfactory sealing properties.

[0045] For example, a metal block is molded.

[0046] For example, a metal block is formed by extrusion.

[0047] For example, the metal block is made of aluminum.

[0048] The body of the dispensing module may be in one piece.

[0049] The distribution module comprises a flange for fastening the module to a support.

[0050] The distribution module comprises first means for holding a first tube for conveying refrigerant into the first inlet.

[0051] The distribution module comprises second means for holding a second tube for discharging the refrigerant from the outlet.

[0052] The distribution module comprises third means for holding a third tube for conveying refrigerant into the third inlet.

[0053] Each retaining means may comprise a stud and a nut.

[0054] Each retaining device may include a threaded hole and a securing bolt.

[0055] The invention also relates to a thermal regulation system for a motor vehicle, comprising:

[0056] - a compression device comprising at least one inlet and one outlet,

[0057] - a first heat exchanger, configured to operate as a condenser,

[0058] - a second heat exchanger, configured to operate as an evaporator,

[0059] - a third heat exchanger configured to selectively operate as an evaporator or a condenser,

[0060] - a fourth heat exchanger, configured to operate as an evaporator,

[0061] - a refrigerant distribution module as described above,

[0062] in

[0063] The outlet of the second heat exchanger is connected to the first inlet of the distribution module,

[0064] The outlet of the third heat exchanger is connected to the second inlet of the distribution module,

[0065] The outlet of the fourth heat exchanger is connected to the third inlet of the distribution module,

[0066] And wherein the outlet of the distribution module is connected to the inlet of the compression device.

[0067] In one embodiment of the thermal conditioning system, the first heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat with an airflow inside the vehicle passenger compartment.

[0068] As a variant, the first heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat with a heat transfer liquid of a heat transfer liquid circuit, the heat transfer liquid circuit comprising a fifth heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with an air flow inside the vehicle passenger compartment.

[0069] According to an embodiment of the thermal conditioning system, the second heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat with an air flow inside the vehicle passenger compartment.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the third heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat with an air flow outside the vehicle passenger compartment.

[0071] In one embodiment, the fourth heat exchanger is configured to be thermally coupled to an element of an electric drive train of the vehicle.

[0072] Elements of the electric powertrain may include electrical energy storage batteries.

[0073] As a variant or in addition, the elements of the electric drive train may include an electronic module for controlling an electric drive motor of the vehicle.

[0074] As a further variant or in addition, the element of the electric drive train may include an electric drive motor of the vehicle.

[0075] According to one embodiment, a thermal conditioning system comprises a refrigerant circuit comprising:

[0076] - A main refrigerant circulation circuit, which includes in order in the refrigerant circulation direction:

[0077] -- compression device,

[0078] -- The first heat exchanger,

[0079] -- The first expansion device,

[0080] -- Second heat exchanger,

[0081] - a first bypass branch fluidically connecting a first junction point on the main circuit upstream of the first exchanger and downstream of the first expansion device to a second junction point on the main circuit downstream of the second heat exchanger and upstream of the compression device, the first bypass branch comprising a second expansion device upstream of the third heat exchanger,

[0082] - a second bypass branch, the second bypass branch fluidically connecting a third junction point on the main loop located downstream of the first exchanger and upstream of the first junction point to a fourth junction point on the main loop located downstream of the second junction point and upstream of the compression device, the second bypass branch comprising a third expansion device located upstream of the fourth heat exchanger.

[0083] The main refrigerant circulation loop includes an accumulation device located downstream of the first heat exchanger and upstream of the third junction.

[0084] In one embodiment of the thermal regulation system, the first bypass branch includes an internal heat exchanger, which includes a first heat exchange section located upstream of the second expansion device and a second heat exchange section located downstream of the third heat exchanger, and the internal heat exchanger is configured to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant in the first heat exchange section and the refrigerant in the second heat exchange section. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0085] Further features, details and advantages will become apparent from reading the following detailed description and from studying the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0086] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a thermal conditioning system incorporating a refrigerant distribution module according to the present invention,

[0087] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a thermal regulation system incorporating a distribution module according to the invention,

[0088] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 A perspective view of a refrigerant distribution module schematically shown in FIG.

[0089] Figure 4 Seen from different perspectives Figure 1 and Figure 2 Another perspective view of the refrigerant distribution module schematically shown in FIG.

[0090] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 and Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the distribution module in FIG.

[0091] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 and Figure 4Another cross-sectional view of the distribution module in FIG.

[0092] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the operating mode of the thermal regulation system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0093] In order to make the drawings easier to read, different elements are not necessarily shown to scale. In these drawings, the same elements have the same reference numerals. Some elements or parameters can be given serial numbers, in other words, for example, designated as the first element or the second element, or the first parameter and the second parameter, etc. The purpose of this sequential numbering is to distinguish similar but not identical elements or parameters. This sequential numbering does not imply that one element or parameter takes precedence over another element or parameter. Therefore, the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. are interchangeable. Similarly, the term first / second is used in a sequential manner and does not imply that one element takes precedence over another element.

[0094] In the following description, the expression "a first element is upstream of a second element" means that the first element is placed before the second element with respect to the circulation or travel direction of the fluid. Similarly, the expression "a first element is downstream of the second element" means that the first element is located after the second element with respect to the circulation or travel direction of the relevant fluid. In the case of a refrigerant circuit, the expression "a first element is upstream of the second element" means that the refrigerant sequentially travels through the first element and then through the second element without passing through the compression device. In other words, the refrigerant leaves the compression device, optionally passes through one or more elements, then passes through the first element, then the second element, and then returns to the compression device, optionally having passed through other elements.

[0095] The expression “a second element is placed between a first element and a third element” means that the shortest path traveling from the first element to the third element passes through the second element.

[0096] When a subsystem is specified to include a given element, this does not exclude the presence of other elements in the subsystem.

[0097] The expansion device used, also called an expansion valve, can be an electronic expansion valve, a thermostatic expansion device or a calibrated orifice. In the case of an electronic expansion valve, the flow area through which the refrigerant is allowed to pass can be adjusted continuously between a closed position and a fully open position. To this end, an electronic controller controls an electric motor which moves a movable closing device which controls the flow area available to the refrigerant.

[0098] The thermal conditioning system 100 to be described can be arranged on a motor vehicle. An electronic control unit (not shown) receives information from different sensors that measure in particular the properties of the refrigerant. The electronic control unit also receives setpoints issued by the vehicle occupants, such as the desired temperature inside the passenger compartment. The electronic control unit implements control laws for operating different actuators in order to control the thermal conditioning system 100 so as to achieve the received setpoints. The compression device 7 enables the refrigerant to circulate in a closed refrigerant circulation circuit 10. The compression device 7 can be an electric compressor, i.e. a compressor with moving parts driven by an electric motor. The compression device 7 comprises a suction side for low-pressure refrigerant, also referred to as the inlet 7a of the compression device 7, and a discharge side for high-pressure refrigerant, also referred to as the outlet 7b of the compression device 7. The internal moving parts of the compressor 7 bring the refrigerant from the low pressure on the inlet 7a side to the high pressure on the outlet 7b side. After expansion in one or more expansion devices, the refrigerant returns to the inlet 7a of the compressor 7 and a new thermodynamic cycle begins. Here, the compressor 7 is a compressor with exactly one refrigerant inlet and outlet.

[0099] Each junction allows the refrigerant to enter one or the other of the circuit parts that meet at the junction. The refrigerant is distributed between the circuit parts that meet at the junction by adjusting the degree of opening of the expansion device and the position of the shut-off valves located on each branch connected to the point. In other words, each junction is a device for redirecting the refrigerant that reaches the junction.

[0100] Here, the refrigerant used in the refrigerant circuit is a chemical fluid such as R1234yf. Other refrigerants such as R134a, R744 or R290 can be used.

[0101] The internal airflow refers to the airflow for the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. This internal airflow can circulate in a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) device. Such a device is not shown in the various figures. If necessary, a motor-fan unit (not shown) can be activated to increase the flow of the internal airflow Fi.

[0102] The external airflow Fe refers to the airflow that is not used for the vehicle passenger compartment. In other words, the airflow Fe is kept outside the vehicle passenger compartment. If necessary, another motor-fan unit (not shown) can be activated to increase the flow rate of the external airflow Fe.

[0103] Figure 1 A block diagram of a thermal conditioning system 100 for a motor vehicle according to a first embodiment is shown. The thermal conditioning system 100 has a refrigerant circulation circuit 10 that enables a controlled pressurized refrigerant flow to circulate in various heat exchangers. In normal use, the refrigerant circulation circuit is sealed and forms a closed circuit. The thermal conditioning system 100 includes a refrigerant distribution module 50.

[0104] A thermal conditioning system 100 for a motor vehicle comprises:

[0105] - compression means 7, comprising at least one inlet 7a and one outlet 7b,

[0106] - a first heat exchanger 1, configured to operate as a condenser,

[0107] - a second heat exchanger 2, configured to operate as an evaporator,

[0108] - a third heat exchanger 3, configured to operate selectively as an evaporator or as a condenser,

[0109] - a fourth heat exchanger 4, configured to operate as an evaporator,

[0110] - A refrigerant distribution module 50 which will be described below.

[0111] The outlet 2b of the second heat exchanger 2 is connected to the first inlet E1 of the distribution module 50,

[0112] The outlet 3b of the third heat exchanger 3 is connected to the second inlet E2 of the distribution module 50,

[0113] The outlet 4b of the fourth heat exchanger 4 is connected to the third inlet E3 of the distribution module 50,

[0114] The outlet S of the distribution module 50 is connected to the inlet 7 a of the compression device 7 .

[0115] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated first embodiment of the heat conditioning system 100 , the first heat exchanger 1 is configured to exchange heat with an air flow Fi inside the vehicle passenger compartment.

[0116] Therefore, the interior air flow Fi can be directly heated, that is, the refrigerant condensation heat is directly transferred to the interior air flow Fi when the interior air flow Fi passes through the first heat exchanger 1. The first heat exchanger 1 is located in a heating, ventilation and air conditioning device (not shown) of the vehicle.

[0117] In the example shown, the second heat exchanger 2 is configured to exchange heat with the airflow Fi inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The second heat exchanger 2 is also positioned in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning device of the vehicle. The second exchanger 2 enables cooling of the internal airflow Fi to adjust the temperature of the passenger compartment. In the heating, ventilation and air conditioning device of the vehicle, the second exchanger 2 is located downstream of the first exchanger 1 in the flow direction of the internal airflow.

[0118] The third heat exchanger 3 is configured to perform heat exchange with the air flow Fe outside the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Depending on the operation mode of the heat conditioning system 100, selectively, when the third exchanger 3 operates as a condenser, the third exchanger 3 can dissipate heat into the external air flow Fe, or when the third exchanger 3 operates as an evaporator, the third exchanger 3 can absorb heat from the external air flow Fe. The third exchanger 3 can be located, for example, at the front end of the vehicle and receive the air flow generated by the driving speed of the vehicle.

[0119] The fourth heat exchanger 4 is configured to be thermally coupled to an electric drive train component 6 of the vehicle. The electric drive train component 6 may include an electric energy storage battery. The fourth exchanger 4 enables heat to be absorbed from the component 6. The thermal coupling may be achieved by a heat transfer liquid circulating in the circuit 30. The heat transfer liquid of the circuit 30 may be, for example, a mixture of water and ethylene glycol. The heat transfer liquid exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the fourth exchanger 4 and with the drive train component 6.

[0120] The electric drive train element 6 may include an electronic module for controlling an electric drive motor of the vehicle. The electric drive train element 6 may also include an electric drive motor of the vehicle.

[0121] exist Figure 2 In the second embodiment shown, the first heat exchanger 1 is configured to exchange heat with a heat transfer liquid of a heat transfer liquid circuit 20 comprising a fifth heat exchanger 5 configured to exchange heat with an air flow Fi inside the vehicle passenger compartment.

[0122] In this embodiment, the internal air flow Fi is heated indirectly, because the heat of condensation of the refrigerant is first transferred to the heat transfer liquid of the circuit 20, and then the heat from the heat transfer liquid is transferred to the internal air flow Fi in the fifth exchanger 5. The heat transfer liquid circuit 20 comprises a pump 28 capable of circulating the heat transfer liquid in the circuit 20. The fifth exchanger 5 is positioned downstream of the second exchanger 2 in the flow direction of the internal air flow Fi in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning device. The function of the other exchangers is the same as in the first embodiment. The heat transfer liquid circuit 20 for passenger compartment heating and the liquid circuit 30 for thermal coupling to the drive train element 6 are separate, that is, they are not connected.

[0123] More specifically, the thermal conditioning system 100 includes a refrigerant circuit 10, which includes:

[0124] - A main refrigerant circulation circuit A, which includes in order in the refrigerant circulation direction:

[0125] -- Compression device 7,

[0126] -- The first heat exchanger 1,

[0127] -- A first expansion device 31,

[0128] -- The second heat exchanger 2,

[0129] - a first bypass branch B which fluidically connects a first junction point 21 located on the main circuit A downstream of the first exchanger 1 and upstream of the first expansion device 31 to a second junction point 22 located on the main circuit A downstream of the second heat exchanger 2 and upstream of the compression device 7, the first bypass branch B comprising a second expansion device 32 located upstream of the third heat exchanger 3,

[0130] - A second bypass branch C, which fluidly connects a third junction point 23 located on the main loop A downstream of the first exchanger 1 and upstream of the first junction point 21 to a fourth junction point located on the main loop A downstream of the second junction point 22 and upstream of the compression device 7, and the second bypass branch C includes a third expansion device 33 located upstream of the fourth heat exchanger 4.

[0131] The main refrigerant circulation loop A includes an accumulation device 9 located downstream of the first heat exchanger 1 and upstream of the third junction point 23. In other words, the accumulation device 9 is arranged on the main loop A between the outlet of the first heat exchanger 1 and the third junction point 23. The fourth junction point 24 is arranged on the main loop A between the second junction point 22 and the inlet 7a of the compression device 7.

[0132] The distribution module 50 comprises a portion of the main loop A, a portion of the first bypass branch B and a portion of the second bypass branch C.

[0133] The low-pressure refrigerant distribution module 50 includes:

[0134] - a first refrigerant circulation channel 11, connecting the first inlet E1 and the outlet S,

[0135] - a second channel 12 connecting the second inlet E2 and a first connection zone C1 located between the first inlet E1 and the outlet S on the first channel 11,

[0136] - a third channel 13, connecting the third inlet E3 to a second connection zone C2, the second connection zone C2 being located between the first connection zone C1 and the outlet S on the first channel 11,

[0137] The first channel 11 includes a one-way valve 17 between the first connection area C1 and the second connection area C2.

[0138] The one-way valve 17 is configured to allow the refrigerant to flow from the first connection area C1 to the second connection area C2. The one-way valve 17 is also configured to prevent the refrigerant from flowing from the second connection area C2 to the first connection area C1.

[0139] The distribution module 50 enables the different low-pressure refrigerant gas streams to be brought together in order to deliver them to the inlet 7a of the compression device 7. The same module can be used for a variety of configurations, which allows standardization. In addition, the geometry of the distribution module can be optimized to reduce the pressure drop, thereby improving the thermodynamic performance of the thermal conditioning system containing the distribution module.

[0140] Each channel 11, 12, 13 of the refrigerant distribution module 50 is a refrigerant circulation channel. Each channel 11, 12, 13 is generally tubular. The refrigerant circulating in the distribution module 50 contacts the surfaces of different channels 11, 12, 13. Each channel 11, 12, 13 has exactly one refrigerant inlet and outlet. In other words, the channel has no branches. The circuit part positioned in parallel is formed by at least two discrete channels.

[0141] Each connection area C1, C2 establishes fluid communication between two channels that meet in the connection area. The connection area is defined by the intersection between the two channels. They are called connection areas, not connection points, because the fluid flow channels are physically volume elements. Each connection area forms a junction point from one channel to another channel.

[0142] The refrigerant circulating in the distribution module 50 is a low-pressure refrigerant. "Low pressure" means that the refrigerant discharged by the compressor 7 has undergone expansion in an expansion device before passing to the distribution module 50. The pressure of the refrigerant at the inlets E1, E2, E3 is, for example, less than 5 bar.

[0143] The first refrigerant circulation channel 11, the second refrigerant circulation channel 12 and the third refrigerant circulation channel 13 are formed by a recess inside the body 15 of the module 50. Each channel 11, 12, 13 is formed by a recess inside the body 15 of the module 50. Each channel 11, 12, 13 is completely contained inside the refrigerant distribution module 50.

[0144] Since the connections between the channels and the channels themselves are made directly from the body of the distribution module, the number of hoses and connectors required to ensure the circulation of the refrigerant is reduced.

[0145] Figure 3 and Figure 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a refrigerant distribution module 50 . Figure 3 and Figure 4 The perspectives are different.

[0146] The body 15 of the module 50 comprises a set of flat outer surfaces. Thus, the fastening of lugs for holding tubes or hoses which convey the refrigerant to the inlet of the module or discharge the refrigerant from the module is simplified.

[0147] In the example shown, the body 15 of the module 50 is substantially parallelepipedal. The module is therefore compact, which makes it easier to integrate.

[0148] The module 50 comprises three refrigerant inlets E1, E2, E3 and a single refrigerant outlet S. The first inlet E1 is arranged on a plane 41 of the body 15 of the module 50. The second inlet E2 is arranged on a plane 42 of the body 15 of the module 50. The third inlet E3 is arranged on a plane 43 of the body 15 of the module 50. The outlet S is arranged on a plane of the body 15 of the module 50. The first inlet E1 and the outlet S are arranged on the same plane 41 of the body 15 of the module 50.

[0149] Figure 5 and Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the distribution module 50, in which the refrigerant circulation channels can be seen.

[0150] The second channel 12 is straight. The third channel 13 is straight. The first channel 11 comprises a series of straight sections. Thus, each channel can be obtained by drilling, which allows low-cost manufacturing of the module.

[0151] The first channel 11 comprises a first portion 11-1 extending between the first inlet E1 and the first connection zone C1. The first portion 11-1 of the first channel 11 and the second channel 12 extend along intersecting axes. In the example shown, the first portion 11-1 of the first channel 11 and the second channel 12 extend along a perpendicular axis. Figure 5 , reference numeral D11 - 1 denotes the axis of the first portion 11 - 1 of the first channel 11 , and reference numeral D12 denotes the axis of the second channel 12 .

[0152] The first channel 11 includes a second portion 11-2 extending between the first connection area C1 and the one-way valve 17. The second portion 11-2 of the first channel 11 and the first portion 11-1 of the first channel 11 extend along a vertical axis. The second portion 11-2 of the first channel 11 and the second channel 12 are coaxial. The axis of the second portion 11-2 is indicated by reference numeral D11-2.

[0153] The non-return valve 17 is arranged in a cavity 14 formed on a face 44 of the body 15 of the distribution module 50. The refrigerant distribution module thus integrates a non-return valve, such as a check valve, in a simple manner.

[0154] like Figure 5 As shown, the cavity 14 for the non-return valve 7 and the second inlet E2 are arranged on opposite faces 44, 42 of the body 15 of the dispensing module 50. The different components of the module are thus distributed around the outer surface of the module.

[0155] The non-return valve 17 comprises a flat portion 18 flush with the face 44 of the dispensing module 50. The non-return valve 17 also comprises a boss 19 protruding from the flat portion 18. The boss 19 enables the non-return valve 17 to be gripped and, in the case of disassembly, to be removed from its cavity.

[0156] The cavity 14 of the one-way valve 17 is cylindrical. The cavity 14 for the one-way valve 17 extends along an axis D14 coaxial with the axis D12 of the second flow channel 12. Therefore, the cavity 14 for the one-way valve 17, the second channel 12 and a part of the first channel 11 can be obtained by drilling along the same axis, which makes the module easier to manufacture.

[0157] The first channel 11 includes a third portion 11-3 extending between the one-way valve 17 and the second connection area C2. The third portion 11-3 of the first channel 11 and the third channel 13 extend along a vertical axis.

[0158] The second channel 12 and the third channel 13 extend along a vertical axis. The axis of the third channel 13 is Figure 5 and Figure 6 Indicated by reference numeral D13.

[0159] The first portion 11 - 1 of the first channel 11 , the second channel 12 , and the third channel 13 extend in pairs along a vertical axis.

[0160] The first channel 11 comprises a fourth portion 11-4 extending between the second connection zone C2 and the outlet S; the fourth portion 11-4 of the first channel 11 and the third portion 11-3 of the first channel 11 are coaxial. Figure 5 , reference numeral D11 - 4 denotes the axis of the fourth portion 11 - 4 of the first channel 11 .

[0161] like Figure 5 As shown in detail in FIG. 1 , the first portion 11 - 1 of the first channel 11 and the third portion 11 - 3 of the first channel 11 extend along parallel axes. These parallel axes are indicated by reference numerals D11 - 1 and D11 - 4 .

[0162] Here, the main body 15 of the distribution module 50 is composed of an assembly of metal blocks. Therefore, the main body of the distribution module is strong and low in cost, and has satisfactory sealing properties.

[0163] The metal block can be molded. The metal block can also be formed by extrusion. For example, the metal block is made of aluminum.

[0164] The body of the dispensing module 50 may be in one piece.

[0165] The distribution module 50 comprises a flange 49 for fastening the module to a support.

[0166] The distribution module 50 comprises first means 45 for holding a first tube for delivering the refrigerant into the first inlet E1 and second means 46 for holding a second tube for discharging the refrigerant from the outlet S.

[0167] Likewise, the distribution module 50 comprises third means for holding a third pipe for conveying the refrigerant into a third inlet E3 (not shown in the figures).

[0168] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the example shown, each retaining means 45, 46 comprises a stud and a nut. According to a variant not shown, each retaining means may comprise a threaded hole and a fastening screw.

[0169] exist Figure 2 In the second embodiment of the heat conditioning system 100 shown, the first bypass branch B includes an internal heat exchanger 25, which includes a first heat exchange section 25a located upstream of the second expansion device 32 and a second heat exchange section 25b located downstream of the third heat exchanger 3, and the internal heat exchanger 25 is configured to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant in the first heat exchange section 25a and the refrigerant in the second heat exchange section 25b. The internal exchanger 25 can improve the performance of the heat conditioning system 100.

[0170] Figure 7 The operation of the heat conditioning system 100 in the so-called drive train energy recovery operating mode is shown. In this figure, the part of the circuit 10 in which the refrigerant circulates is shown in solid lines. The thick solid line corresponds to the high-pressure refrigerant and the thin solid line corresponds to the low-pressure refrigerant. The part in which the refrigerant does not circulate is shown with a dotted line.

[0171] In this operating mode, the refrigerant flow Q indicated by the bold arrow circulates in the compression device 7, where it becomes a high-pressure refrigerant, and in turn circulates in the first heat exchanger 1 (where it is condensed), supplies heat to the internal air flow Fi, and then circulates in the accumulation device 9. At the third junction 23, since the first expansion valve 31 and the second expansion valve 32 are in the closed position and block the circulation of the refrigerant, the refrigerant is directed to the second bypass branch C. The refrigerant circulating in the second bypass branch C circulates in the first expansion device 31, where it undergoes expansion and becomes a low-pressure refrigerant, and then circulates in the fourth exchanger 4, where it receives heat from the drive train element 6, and enters the distribution module 50 through the third inlet E3 and travels to the second connection area C2.

[0172] The one-way valve 17 prevents the refrigerant from flowing from the second connection area C2 to the first connection area C1, that is, from the fourth junction point 24 to the second junction point 22. The migration of the refrigerant to the third exchanger 3 and the second exchanger 2 is avoided. When the temperature of the internal air flow Fi and the external air flow Fe is lower than the saturation temperature of the refrigerant, the refrigerant contained in each of the second and third exchangers can play a role. In the absence of a one-way valve, the refrigerant may gradually migrate to the second and third exchangers, which will reduce the heat exchange capacity of the heat conditioning system. The presence of the one-way valve makes it possible to operate the heat conditioning system in this operating mode, in which only the fourth heat exchanger 4 is active, while the second and third heat exchangers are inactive.

[0173] The distribution module described can also be implemented in a heat regulation system in which the first exchanger 1 , the second exchanger 2 and the third exchanger 3 function differently.

Claims

1. A low-pressure refrigerant distribution module (50), comprising: - a first refrigerant circulation channel (11), connecting the first inlet (E1) and the outlet (S), - a second channel (12) connecting the second inlet (E2) and a first connection zone (C1), the first connection zone (C1) being located on the first channel (11) between the first inlet (E1) and the outlet (S), - a third channel (13) connecting the third inlet (E3) and a second connection zone (C2), the second connection zone (C2) being located on the first channel (11) between the first connection zone (C1) and the outlet (S), The first channel (11) comprises a one-way valve (17) located between the first connection area (C1) and the second connection area (C2), The one-way valve (17) is configured to allow the refrigerant to flow from the first connection area (C1) to the second connection area (C2), and the one-way valve (17) is also configured to prevent the refrigerant from flowing from the second connection area (C2) to the first connection area (C1).

2. The refrigerant distribution module (50) according to claim 1, wherein: The first refrigerant circulation passage (11), the second refrigerant circulation passage (12), and the third refrigerant circulation passage (13) are formed by a recessed portion inside a body (15) of the module (50).

3. The refrigerant distribution module (50) according to claim 2, wherein: The body (15) of the module (50) comprises a set of planar outer surfaces.

4. The refrigerant distribution module (50) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The body (15) of the module (50) is substantially parallelepipedal.

5. The refrigerant distribution module (50) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein: The first inlet (E1) and the outlet (S) are arranged on the same flat surface of the body (15) of the module (50).

6. The refrigerant distribution module (50) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein: The one-way valve (17) is arranged in a cavity (14) formed on a surface of the main body (15) of the distribution module (50).

7. The refrigerant distribution module (50) according to claim 6, wherein: The cavity (14) for the non-return valve (17) and the second inlet (E2) are arranged on opposite faces of the body (15) of the dispensing module (50).

8. The refrigerant distribution module (50) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein: The body (15) of the dispensing module (50) is composed of an assembly of metal blocks.

9. A thermal regulation system (100) for a motor vehicle, comprising: - a compression device (7) comprising at least one inlet (7a) and one outlet (7b), - a first heat exchanger (1), configured to operate as a condenser, - a second heat exchanger (2), configured to operate as an evaporator, - a third heat exchanger (3), configured to selectively operate as an evaporator or a condenser, - a fourth heat exchanger (4), configured to operate as an evaporator, - a refrigerant distribution module (50) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in The outlet (2b) of the second heat exchanger (2) is connected to the first inlet (E1) of the distribution module (50), The outlet (3b) of the third heat exchanger (3) is connected to the second inlet (E2) of the distribution module (50), The outlet (4b) of the fourth heat exchanger (4) is connected to the third inlet (E3) of the distribution module (50), And wherein the outlet (S) of the distribution module (50) is connected to the inlet (7a) of the compression device (7).

10. The heat conditioning system (100) according to claim 9, wherein: The first heat exchanger (1) is configured to perform heat exchange with an air flow (Fi) inside a vehicle passenger compartment, in: - the second heat exchanger (2) is configured to exchange heat with an air flow (Fi) inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle, - the third heat exchanger (3) is configured to exchange heat with an air flow (Fe) outside the passenger compartment of the vehicle, and - The fourth heat exchanger (4) is configured to be thermally coupled to an element (6) of an electric drive train of a vehicle.

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