Hydraulic unit for refrigerant in thermal management circuit
By designing hydraulic units in the thermal management circuit, optimizing the refrigerant flow path using flow pipes and check valves, and covering the openings through additional units, the problem of compact design of the thermal management circuit in motor vehicles is solved, and the compact combination and efficient circulation of components are achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202380066143.X
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-07-29
- Filing Date
- 2023-07-25
- Publication Date
- 2025-05-06
AI Technical Summary
Existing thermal management circuits are difficult to achieve compact designs in motor vehicles, especially in electric or hybrid vehicles, where space limitations make component arrangements and duct arrangements difficult.
A hydraulic unit is designed to achieve a compact flow path of the refrigerant by introducing a first and a second flow duct, an auxiliary duct and a check valve into the hydraulic unit, and cover the openings through an additional unit to further optimize the element layout.
The compact combination of thermal management loop components is realized, reducing the floor area of the thermal management loop and improving the installation and use efficiency of the thermal management loop in a small space.
Smart Images
Figure CN119948246A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a hydraulic unit for a refrigerant in a thermal management circuit. More specifically, the present invention relates to a hydraulic unit in which a refrigerant is intended to circulate and which is intended to be incorporated into a thermal management circuit for a motor vehicle, in particular for an electric and / or hybrid vehicle. Background Art
[0002] Thermal management circuits in motor vehicles, such as air conditioning, cooling or heat pump circuits, are usually bulky devices, since they include different components. Some of these components, such as heat exchangers or compressors, cannot be reduced to increase compactness and allow the thermal management circuit to be installed in a small space, such as in electric or hybrid vehicles, where most of the space must be reserved for the battery to increase the driving range.
[0003] Elements of the heat management circuit that can be influenced to allow the heat management circuit to be as compact as possible are the arrangement of the different ducts and elements relative to each other.
[0004] One object of the present invention is therefore to at least partially overcome the drawbacks of the prior art and to propose a hydraulic unit architecture which makes it possible to combine the elements of the thermal management circuit so as to make it as compact as possible. Summary of the invention
[0005] The invention therefore relates to a hydraulic unit for a refrigerant in a thermal management circuit of a motor vehicle, the hydraulic unit comprising at least a first flow duct for the flow of the refrigerant between a first opening on a face of the hydraulic unit and a second opening on a face of the hydraulic unit,
[0006] The first flow conduit comprises a first auxiliary conduit connecting said first flow conduit to a third orifice,
[0007] The hydraulic unit also includes a first machined recess, which is sunken into the first auxiliary pipeline from a first opening formed on the face of the hydraulic unit, and the hydraulic unit includes a first check valve completely inserted into the first recess, and the first check valve is configured to prevent the refrigerant from flowing between one of the orifices of the first flow pipeline and another of the orifices.
[0008] According to one aspect of the invention, the first opening of the first recess is different from the orifice of the first flow duct, the first opening being blocked by the closing means.
[0009] According to another aspect of the present invention, the first opening of the first recess is also the third orifice of the first auxiliary duct.
[0010] According to another aspect of the invention, the hydraulic unit comprises a second flow conduit for the flow of refrigerant between a first orifice on the face leading to the hydraulic unit and a second orifice on the face leading to the hydraulic unit,
[0011] the hydraulic unit comprises a second auxiliary conduit connecting the second flow conduit to the third orifice,
[0012] The hydraulic unit also includes a second machined recess that is sunken into the second auxiliary conduit from a second opening formed on the face of the hydraulic unit, and the hydraulic unit includes a second check valve that is fully inserted into the second recess and is configured to prevent refrigerant from flowing between one of the orifices in the second flow conduit and another of the orifices.
[0013] According to another aspect of the invention, the second opening of the second recess is different from the orifice of the second flow duct, and the second opening is blocked by the closing means.
[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, the second opening of the second recess is also the third orifice of the second auxiliary duct.
[0015] According to another aspect of the invention, the third opening of the first auxiliary pipeline opens to the face of the hydraulic unit, and the third opening of the second auxiliary pipeline opens into the first auxiliary pipeline between the third opening of the first auxiliary pipeline and the first check valve.
[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention:
[0017] - a first opening of the first flow conduit opens onto a first face of the hydraulic unit, the first opening being used as a refrigerant inlet,
[0018] the second opening of the first flow conduit opens onto a second face of the hydraulic unit different from the first face, so as to allow the refrigerant to flow directly between the first opening and the second opening of the first flow conduit,
[0019] the first check valve is configured to allow the refrigerant to flow from the first flow conduit to the third orifice of the first auxiliary conduit and to prevent the refrigerant from flowing from the third orifice of the first auxiliary conduit to the first flow conduit,
[0020] - a first opening of the second flow conduit also opens to the first face of the hydraulic unit, the first opening being used as a refrigerant outlet,
[0021] the second opening of the second flow conduit opens onto a second face of the hydraulic unit different from the first face, so as to allow the refrigerant to circulate directly between the first opening and the second opening of the second flow conduit,
[0022] The second check valve is configured to allow refrigerant to flow from the third orifice of the second auxiliary conduit, and thus from the first auxiliary conduit to the second flow conduit, and to prevent refrigerant from flowing from the second flow conduit to the third orifice of the second auxiliary conduit and thus to the first auxiliary conduit.
[0023] According to another aspect of the invention, the hydraulic unit comprises an adjacent additional unit covering the first and second openings, the additional unit comprising a conduit connecting the first and second openings to each other and to an orifice leading to the outside of the additional unit.
[0024] According to another aspect of the present invention:
[0025] - a first opening of the first flow conduit opens onto a first face of the hydraulic unit, the first opening being used as a refrigerant inlet,
[0026] the second opening of the first flow conduit opens onto a second face of the hydraulic unit different from the first face, so as to allow the refrigerant to flow directly between the first opening and the second opening of the first flow conduit,
[0027] the first check valve is configured to allow the refrigerant to flow from the first flow pipe to the third orifice of the first auxiliary pipe and thus to the pipe of the additional unit, and to prevent the refrigerant from flowing from the third orifice of the first auxiliary pipe and thus from the pipe of the additional unit to the first flow pipe,
[0028] - a first opening of the second flow conduit also opens to the first face of the hydraulic unit, the first opening being used as a refrigerant outlet,
[0029] the second opening of the second flow conduit opens onto a second face of the hydraulic unit different from the first face, so as to allow the refrigerant to circulate directly between the first opening and the second opening of the second flow conduit,
[0030] The second check valve is configured to allow refrigerant to flow from the third orifice of the second auxiliary pipe and thus from the pipe of the additional unit to the second flow pipe and to prevent refrigerant from flowing from the second flow pipe to the third orifice of the second auxiliary pipe and thus to the pipe of the additional unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from a reading of the following description, given by way of non-limiting illustration, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0032] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a hydraulic unit according to a first embodiment,
[0033] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 Schematic cross-sectional top view of the hydraulic unit,
[0034] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 Shown along Figure 1 A schematic side sectional perspective view of a first section of the hydraulic unit in FIG.
[0035] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 Shown along Figure 1 A schematic side sectional perspective view of a second section of the hydraulic unit in FIG.
[0036] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 FIG. 2 shows an exploded perspective schematic diagram of an assembly for a receiver-drier according to a first embodiment,
[0037] [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 FIG. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of a receiver-dryer assembly according to a second embodiment,
[0038] [ Figure 7 ] Figure 7 shows a schematic sectional top view of a hydraulic unit with an additional unit according to a second embodiment,
[0039] [ Figure 8 ] Figure 8 Shows Figure 7 Schematic cross-sectional perspective view of the hydraulic unit and additional units,
[0040] [ Fig. 9 ] Fig. 9 Shows Figure 7 Schematic perspective view of the hydraulic unit and additional units,
[0041] [ Fig.10 ] Fig.10 Shows Fig. 9 Schematic perspective view of the hydraulic unit.
[0042] In different figures, identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0043] The following embodiments are examples. Although the description relates to one or more embodiments, this does not necessarily mean that each reference relates to the same embodiment, or that a feature applies only to a single embodiment. Individual features of different embodiments may also be combined and / or interchanged to provide other embodiments.
[0044] In this specification, certain elements or parameters may be assigned ordinals, for example, a first element or a second element and a first parameter and a second parameter, or a first standard and a second standard, etc. In this case, the purpose of the ordinal numbering is only to distinguish and represent similar but not identical elements or parameters or standards. Such ordinal numbering does not imply any priority of one element, parameter or standard over another, and such numbering can be easily interchanged without departing from the scope of this specification. Likewise, such ordinal numbering does not imply any chronological order, such as when evaluating any given standard.
[0045] In this specification, "upstream" means that one element is located before another element relative to the direction of fluid flow. On the contrary, "downstream" means that one element is located after another element relative to the direction of fluid flow.
[0046] Figure 1 A hydraulic unit 3 for a refrigerant in a thermal management circuit of a motor vehicle is shown. The hydraulic unit 3 is particularly intended to be integrated into a compact thermal management circuit in order to guide the flow of the refrigerant. The hydraulic unit 3 may be made of metal, for example aluminium or an aluminium alloy.
[0047] Therefore, the hydraulic unit 3 comprises at least a first flow conduit A for the flow of the refrigerant (see Figure 2 , Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 The first flow conduit A particularly comprises a first orifice A1 connected to the surfaces 3a, 3b, 3c of the hydraulic unit 3, and a second orifice A2 connected to the surfaces 3a, 3b, 3c of the hydraulic unit 3. The refrigerant flowing in the first flow conduit A thus flows between the two orifices A1, A2. The first flow conduit A also comprises a connection between the first flow conduit A and the third orifice A3 (in Figure 2 The first auxiliary pipe A' can also be seen in FIG.
[0048] The hydraulic unit 3 further comprises a first recess R1 which is sunken into the first auxiliary conduit A' from a first opening O1 formed on the faces 3a, 3b, 3c of the hydraulic unit 3. Therefore, the first recess R1 can extend in the hydraulic unit 3 along an axis parallel to the extension axis of the first auxiliary conduit A' and preferably coincident with the extension axis of the first auxiliary conduit A'. Therefore, the first recess R1 can extend the first auxiliary conduit A' up to the faces 3a, 3b, 3c of the hydraulic unit 3.
[0049] The hydraulic unit 3 also includes a first check valve V1 (see Figure 2), the check valve is fully inserted into the first recess R1 and is configured to prevent the refrigerant from flowing between one of the orifices A1, A2, A3 of the first flow pipe A and another of the orifices A1, A2, A3. Here, "fully inserted" means that the entire thickness of the first check valve V1 is inserted into the first recess R1 so that it does not protrude from the first recess R1. Figures 1 to 6 In the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the first recess R1 may be formed entirely in the hydraulic unit 3. Figures 7 to 10 In the second embodiment shown in FIG. 4 , the first recess R1 can also be formed by associating the hydraulic unit 3 with the additional unit 4. The orientation of the first non-return valve V1 can vary depending on the requirements and the position of the hydraulic unit 3 in the thermal management circuit.
[0050] The first non-return valve V1 may in particular be surrounded by one or more sealing means, such as gaskets.The first non-return valve V1 may also be held in place in the first recess R1 by one or more retaining elements (not shown), such as a snap ring.
[0051] Fully integrating the first non-return valve V1 into the dedicated first recess R1 allows combining multiple redirection and connection functions in a single compact element. This is particularly useful for reducing the footprint of the thermal management circuit as a whole in a motor vehicle.
[0052] The hydraulic unit 3 may further include a second circulation conduit B for circulation of the refrigerant, which allows the refrigerant to circulate between a first port B1 on the face 3a, 3b, 3c leading to the hydraulic unit 3 and a second port B2 on the face 3a, 3b, 3c leading to the hydraulic unit 3. The hydraulic unit 3 may further include a second auxiliary conduit B', which connects the second circulation conduit B to the third port B3.
[0053] The hydraulic unit 3 may further include a second recess R2 that is sunken into the second auxiliary pipe B' from a second opening O2 formed on the faces 3a, 3b, 3c of the hydraulic unit 3. Therefore, the second recess R2 may extend in the hydraulic unit 3 along an axis that is parallel to the elongated axis of the second auxiliary pipe B' and preferably coincides with the elongated axis of the second auxiliary pipe B'. Therefore, the second recess R2 may extend the second auxiliary pipe B' up to the faces 3a, 3b, 3c of the hydraulic unit 3.
[0054] The hydraulic unit 3 further includes a second check valve V2 which is fully inserted into the second recess R2 and is configured to prevent the refrigerant from flowing between one of the orifices B1, B2, B3 of the second flow pipe B and another of the orifices B1, B2, B3. Here, "fully inserted" means that the entire thickness of the second check valve V2 is inserted into the second recess R2 so that it does not protrude from the second recess R2. Figures 1 to 6In the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the second recess R2 may be formed entirely in the hydraulic unit 3. Figures 7 to 10 In the second embodiment shown in FIG. 4 , the second recess R2 can also be formed by associating the hydraulic unit 3 with the additional unit 4. As for the first check valve V1 , the orientation of the first check valve V2 can vary according to requirements and the position of the hydraulic unit 3 in the thermal management circuit.
[0055] The second non-return valve V2 may in particular be surrounded by one or more sealing means, such as gaskets.The second non-return valve V2 may also be held in place in the second recess R2 by one or more retaining elements (not shown), such as a snap ring.
[0056] The complete integration of the two flow ducts with the non-return valves V1 , V2 into dedicated recesses R1 , R2 makes it possible to combine multiple redirection and connection functions in a single compact element. This is particularly useful for reducing the footprint of the thermal management circuit as a whole in a motor vehicle.
[0057] according to Figures 1 to 4 In the first embodiment shown, the first opening O1 of the first recess R1 can be different from the orifices A1, A2, A3 of the first flow duct A, and the first opening O1 can be blocked by closing means 31. These closing means 31 can in particular be plugs screwed into the first opening O1. The closing means 31 can in particular have one or more sealing means, such as gaskets.
[0058] Likewise, the second opening O2 of the second recess R2 may also be different from the orifices B1, B2, B3 of the second flow duct B and may be blocked by closing means 32. These closing means 32 may in particular be plugs screwed into the second opening O2. The closing means 32 may in particular have one or more sealing means, such as gaskets.
[0059] exist Figures 1 to 4 In the example shown, the third orifice A3 of the first auxiliary line A' opens onto the faces 3a, 3b, 3c of the hydraulic unit 3. The third orifice B3 of the second auxiliary line B' opens into the first auxiliary line A' between the third orifice A3 of the first auxiliary line A' and the first non-return valve V1.
[0060] Still based on Figures 1 to 4 In the example shown, the first orifice A1 of the first flow duct A opens out onto the first face 3a of the hydraulic unit 3. This first orifice A1 is intended in particular to serve as a refrigerant inlet.
[0061] The second orifice A2 of the first circulation conduit A is connected to the second surface 3b, 3c of the hydraulic unit 3 which is different from the first surface 3a, so as to allow the refrigerant to directly circulate between the first orifice A1 and the second orifice A2 of the first circulation conduit A. Here, "direct circulation" means that the refrigerant can directly circulate between the two orifices A1, A2 without passing through a conduit other than the first circulation conduit A, and without passing through a shutoff or regulating element (such as a shutoff or check valve).
[0062] The first check valve V1 may be configured to allow the refrigerant to flow from the first flow pipe A to the third orifice A3 of the first auxiliary pipe A′, and to prevent the refrigerant from flowing from the third orifice A3 of the first auxiliary pipe A′ to the first flow pipe A.
[0063] The first orifice B1 of the second flow duct B may also open onto the first face 3a of the hydraulic unit 3. This first orifice B1 may then be intended to serve as a refrigerant outlet.
[0064] The second orifice B2 of the second circulation conduit B can be connected to the second surface 3b, 3c of the hydraulic unit 3 which is different from the first surface 3a, so as to allow the refrigerant to directly circulate between the first orifice B1 and the second orifice B2 of the second circulation conduit B. Here, "direct circulation" means that the refrigerant can directly circulate between the two orifices B1, B2 without passing through a conduit other than the second circulation conduit B, and without passing through a shutoff or regulating element (such as a shutoff or check valve).
[0065] The second check valve V2 may be configured to allow refrigerant to flow from the third orifice B3 of the second auxiliary pipe B' and thus from the first auxiliary pipe A' to the second flow pipe B, and to prevent refrigerant from flowing from the second flow pipe B to the third orifice B3 of the second auxiliary pipe B' and thus to the first auxiliary pipe A'.
[0066] like Figure 5 As shown, the hydraulic unit 3 can be fluidically connected in particular to the receiver drier 2 .
[0067] The receiver-drier 2 extends in particular along a longitudinal axis L and is intended to receive a refrigerant. The receiver-drier 2 comprises a closed first end 2a and a second end 2b opposite the first end 2a, the second end 2b comprising a refrigerant inlet 21 and a refrigerant outlet 22. The receiver-drier 2 can in particular be fastened to a first face 3a of the hydraulic unit 3. The first face 3a then comprises a first orifice A1 of a first flow duct A and a first orifice B1 of a second flow duct b.
[0068] The second end 2b of the receiver-drier 2 further comprises at least one flange 24 extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis L. The at least one flange 24 may comprise at least one fastening means for fastening to the hydraulic unit 3. These fastening means may be, for example, through holes complementary to other holes 35 on the first face 3a of the hydraulic unit 3. More specifically, the holes 35 of the hydraulic unit 3 may be threaded so as to receive screws or bolts for fastening the receiver-drier 2.
[0069] In order to achieve correct positioning when fastening the receiver-drier 2 to the hydraulic unit 3, the fastening means 25 may in particular be an odd number, for example three, or be arranged irregularly around the receiver-drier 2. This thus makes it possible to connect the orifice used as the refrigerant outlet of the hydraulic unit 3 to the refrigerant inlet 21 of the receiver-drier 2, and makes it possible to connect the orifice used as the refrigerant inlet of the hydraulic unit 3 to the refrigerant outlet 22 of the receiver-drier 2.
[0070] Other error-proofing features may also include using fluid connections of different diameters between the receiver-dryer 2 and the hydraulic unit 3 , or not aligning the fluid connections with the center of the receiver-dryer 2 .
[0071] The receiver-drier 2 may notably comprise a dip tube 23 extending from its second end 2 b to its first end 2 a over at least 70% of the length of said receiver-drier 2 .
[0072] according to Figure 5 In the first alternative shown, the dip tube 23 is connected to the refrigerant inlet 21 of the receiver-drier 2. This therefore makes it possible to connect the first end 2a of the receiver-drier 2 to the refrigerant inlet 21 and thus position the receiver-drier 2 with its first end 2a oriented upwards and its second end 2b with the fluid connection oriented downwards. Here, upwards / top and downwards / bottom refer to the positions relative to the Earth's gravity. The outlet 22 is directly connected to the second end 2b and is therefore located at the bottom; the latter will only allow the refrigerant to be discharged in liquid state due to gravity.
[0073] This particular positioning relative to the second end 2b of the receiver-drier 2 makes it possible in particular to improve the assembly and maintenance of the receiver-drier 2, for example it can simply be placed on the unit 3 before fastening, without requiring means to hold it in place.
[0074] according to Figure 6In the second alternative shown, a dip tube 23 is connected to the refrigerant outlet 22 of the receiver-drier 2. This therefore makes it possible to connect the first end 2a of the receiver-drier 2 to the refrigerant outlet 22 and thus position the receiver-drier 2 with its first end 2a oriented downwards and its second end 2b with the fluid connection oriented upwards. Due to gravity, the outlet 22 will only allow the refrigerant to be discharged in liquid form. The inlet 21 is directly connected to the second end 2b and is located at the top.
[0075] According to one or another of these alternatives, the first orifice B1 of the second flow conduit B can serve as a refrigerant outlet of the second flow conduit B and is in fluid communication with the refrigerant inlet 21 of the receiver-drier 2. The second and third orifices B2 and B3 serve as refrigerant inlets.
[0076] The first opening A1 of the first flow channel A can be used as a refrigerant inlet of the first flow channel A and is in fluid communication with the refrigerant outlet 22 of the receiver-drier 2. The second opening A2 is used as a refrigerant outlet, and the third opening A3 can be used as a refrigerant inlet or outlet as required.
[0077] The second orifices A2 and B2 of the first and second flow ducts A and B may be arranged on a so-called lateral face 3b of the hydraulic unit 3. "Lateral face 3b" more particularly denotes a face of the hydraulic unit 3 which adjoins the first face 3a and forms an angle therewith, for example an angle which is substantially perpendicular to the first face 3a and parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the receiver-drier 2.
[0078] Such an assembly 1 makes it particularly easy to fasten the receiver-dryer 2 to the hydraulic unit 3, in particular for making a compact thermal management circuit, and for facilitating access to the receiver-dryer when maintenance of the receiver-dryer is required. Furthermore, the use of such a hydraulic unit 3 allows a simpler assembly and incorporation into a thermal management circuit, other elements of which, for the sake of compactness, are also incorporated into the hydraulic unit, such as pipes, valves, expansion valves or even elements such as pumps.
[0079] exist Figures 1 to 6In the example shown, the same lateral face 3b contains the second orifice B2 of the second circulation conduit B and the third orifice A3 of the first auxiliary conduit A'. However, it is entirely conceivable that an embodiment in which these orifices B2 and B3 are arranged on different lateral faces 3b. The third orifice B3 of the second auxiliary conduit B' can be arranged on different lateral faces 3b. The (multiple) lateral faces 3b containing these orifices B2, A3, B3 can also include a fastening device 36 for fastening another element connected to the second orifice B2 of the second circulation conduit B and / or the third orifice A3 of the first auxiliary conduit A' and / or the third orifice B3 of the second auxiliary conduit B' to another hydraulic unit. The openings O1 and O2 of the first and second recesses R1 and R2 are also arranged on the lateral face 3b of the hydraulic unit 3.
[0080] exist Figures 1 to 6 In the example shown, the hydraulic unit 3 has a substantially parallelepiped shape, comprising a first face 3a, a second face 3c opposite to the first face 3a and lateral faces 3b connecting the first face 3a and the second face 3c, here four lateral faces. For example, other shapes of the connection and distribution unit 3 can be envisaged, in particular with more or fewer lateral faces.
[0081] In a thermal management circuit, the second orifice A2 of the first flow duct A can be fluidly connected, for example, to one or more heat exchangers used as evaporators or coolers, i.e. configured to increase the thermal energy of the refrigerant. Such heat exchangers can be, for example: an evaporator of an air conditioning circuit, which is used to cool the air flow intended for the passenger compartment; and / or a cooler, which is used to cool the battery of an electric or hybrid vehicle. More specifically, the second orifice A2 can be fluidly connected to one or more expansion valves arranged upstream of these heat exchangers.
[0082] The second orifice B2 of the second flow duct B may be fluidly connected to an interior condenser configured to heat an interior airflow of the passenger compartment.
[0083] Finally, in the first embodiment, the third orifice A3 of the first auxiliary conduit A3 is in fluid communication with an evaporator / condenser, such as an evaporator / condenser mounted on the front face of a motor vehicle. More specifically, the third orifice A3 may be fluidly connected to an expansion valve through which refrigerant may pass in both directions.
[0084] Figure 5 and Figure 6The circulation of the refrigerant according to the cooling operating mode is shown by arrows, wherein the refrigerant from the evaporator / condenser as condenser enters the hydraulic unit 3 through the third orifice A3 of the first auxiliary pipe A'. The refrigerant is blocked by the first non-return valve V1, enters the second auxiliary pipe B' through the third orifice B3 of the second auxiliary pipe B' and passes through the second non-return valve V2. The refrigerant reaches the second flow pipe B and enters the receiver-drier 2 through the first orifice B1 of the second flow pipe B. Due to a controllable non-return valve or shut-off valve, for example, which is fluidically connected to the second orifice B2, the refrigerant does not leave through the second orifice B2 of the second flow pipe B. After passing through the receiver-drier 2, the refrigerant returns to the hydraulic unit 3 through the first orifice A1 of the first flow pipe A and reaches the second orifice A2 of the first flow pipe A. The first non-return valve V1 is closed and does not allow the refrigerant to return to the first auxiliary pipe.
[0085] In the heat pump operating mode, the refrigerant from the internal condenser enters the hydraulic unit 3 through the second orifice B2 of the second circulation conduit B. The refrigerant passes through the second circulation conduit B and enters the receiver-drier 2 through the first orifice B1 of the second circulation conduit B. The refrigerant does not circulate in the second auxiliary conduit B' because it is blocked by the second non-return valve V2. After passing through the receiver-drier 2, the refrigerant returns to the hydraulic unit 3 through the first orifice A1 of the first circulation conduit A and passes through the first auxiliary conduit A' because the first non-return valve V1 allows the refrigerant to pass. The refrigerant leaves the hydraulic unit 3 through the third orifice A3 of the first auxiliary conduit A'. When leaving the third orifice A3 of the first auxiliary conduit A', the refrigerant passes through the expansion valve so as to experience a pressure loss before reaching the evaporator / condenser, which here acts as an evaporator. For example, because of a closed stop valve arranged downstream of the second orifice A2, or because of the closing of the expansion valve(s) arranged downstream of the heat management circuit, the refrigerant does not leave the first circulation conduit A or circulate in the first circulation conduit A and does not leave through the second orifice A2. As the second check valve V2 is closed, it prevents the refrigerant circulating in the first auxiliary pipe A' from returning to the second circulation pipe B through the third orifice B3 of the second auxiliary pipe B'.
[0086] Other operating modes are also possible, in particular operating modes in which the refrigerant can leave through orifices A2 and A3 simultaneously or through one or the other of orifices A2 or A3 to perform other functions of the thermal management circuit of the motor vehicle, for example, a heat recovery mode associated with elements such as a battery to help heat the passenger compartment, or a series or parallel dehumidification mode.
[0087] according to Figures 7 to 10In the second embodiment shown, the first opening O1 of the first recess R1 may also be the third opening A3 of the first auxiliary pipe A'. Similarly, the second opening O2 of the second recess R2 may also be the third opening B3 of the second auxiliary pipe B.
[0088] According to a second embodiment, the hydraulic unit 3 may in particular comprise an adjacent additional unit 4. This additional unit A more particularly covers the first and second openings O1 and O2. The additional unit 4 comprises a duct C connecting the first and second openings O1 and O2 to each other and to an orifice C3 leading to the outside of said additional unit 4.
[0089] In this second embodiment, the first and second recesses R1 and R2 may be arranged entirely within the hydraulic unit 3, or alternatively span the hydraulic unit 3 and the additional unit 4. Therefore, the first check valve V1 and / or the second check valve V2 are fully inserted into the first recess R1 and the second recess R2, respectively, but may also span the hydraulic unit 3 and the additional unit 4.
[0090] Still according to this second embodiment, the first orifice A1 of the first flow duct A may open onto the first face 3a of the hydraulic unit 3. This first orifice A1 is intended to serve as a refrigerant inlet.
[0091] The second orifice A2 of the first circulation conduit A can be connected to the second surface 3b, 3c of the hydraulic unit 3 which is different from the first surface 3a, so as to allow the refrigerant to directly circulate between the first orifice A1 and the second orifice A2 of the first circulation conduit A. Here, "direct circulation" means that the refrigerant can directly circulate between the two orifices A1, A2 without passing through a conduit other than the first circulation conduit A, and without passing through a shutoff or regulating element, such as a shutoff or check valve.
[0092] The first check valve V1 may be configured to allow refrigerant to flow from the first flow pipe A to the third orifice A3 of the first auxiliary pipe A', and thus to the pipe C of the additional unit 4. The first check valve V1 is also configured here to prevent refrigerant from flowing from the third orifice A3 of the first auxiliary pipe A', and thus from the pipe C of the additional unit 4, to the first flow pipe A.
[0093] The first orifice B1 of the second flow duct B can also open out onto the first face 3a of the hydraulic unit 3. This first orifice B1 is intended in particular as a refrigerant outlet.
[0094] The second orifice B2 of the second circulation conduit B may be connected to the second surface 3b, 3c of the hydraulic unit 3 which is different from the first surface 3a, so as to allow the refrigerant to directly circulate between the first orifice B1 and the second orifice B2 of the second circulation conduit B. Here, "direct circulation" means that the refrigerant can directly circulate between the two orifices B1, B2 without passing through a conduit other than the second circulation conduit B, and without passing through a shutoff or regulating element, such as a shutoff or check valve.
[0095] The second check valve V2 is configured to allow refrigerant to flow from the third orifice B3 of the second auxiliary pipe B' and thus from the pipe C of the additional unit 4 to the second flow pipe B. The second check valve V2 is configured to prevent refrigerant from flowing from the second flow pipe B to the third orifice B3 of the second auxiliary pipe B' and thus to the pipe C of the additional unit.
[0096] Similar to the first embodiment, the hydraulic unit 3 of the second embodiment can be fluidically connected to the receiver-drier 2 described above.
[0097] For the first embodiment, according to one or another alternative position of the receiver-drier 2, the first orifice B1 of the second flow conduit B can thus be used as a refrigerant outlet of the second flow conduit B and is in fluid communication with the refrigerant inlet 21 of the receiver-drier 2. The second and third orifices B2 and B3 then serve as refrigerant inlets.
[0098] The first orifice A1 of the first flow conduit A can serve as a refrigerant inlet of the first flow conduit A and is in fluid communication with the refrigerant outlet 22 of the receiver-drier 2. The second orifice A2 then serves as a refrigerant outlet, and the third orifice A3 can serve as a refrigerant outlet as required.
[0099] The second orifices A2 and B2 of the first and second flow ducts A and B may be arranged on a so-called lateral face 3b of the hydraulic unit 3. "Lateral face 3b" more particularly denotes a face of the hydraulic unit 3 which adjoins the first face 3a and forms an angle therewith, for example an angle which is substantially perpendicular to the first face 3a and parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the receiver-drier 2.
[0100] Such an assembly 1 makes it particularly easy to fasten the receiver-dryer 2 to the hydraulic unit 3, in particular for making a compact thermal management circuit and for facilitating access to the receiver-dryer when maintenance is required. Furthermore, the use of such a hydraulic unit 3 allows a simpler assembly and incorporation into a thermal management circuit, other elements of which, for the sake of compactness, are also incorporated into the hydraulic unit, such as pipes, valves, expansion valves or even elements such as pumps.
[0101] exist Figures 7 to 10In the example shown, the same lateral face 3b contains openings O1 and O2, i.e., in the second embodiment, the third orifice A3 of the first auxiliary conduit A' and the third orifice B3 of the second auxiliary conduit B'. The additional unit 4 is adjacent to and fastened to the lateral face 3b so as to be fluidically connected with these third orifices A3 and B3. However, embodiments are entirely conceivable in which these orifices A3 and B3 are arranged on different lateral faces 3b, and in which the additional unit 4 has a shape suitable for fluid connection therewith. The second orifices A2 and B2 of the first and second circulation conduits A and B can be arranged on lateral faces 3b that are different from each other and from the faces containing the openings O1 and O2. The (multiple) lateral faces 3b containing these orifices A2, B2, A3, B3 can also include a fastening device 36 for fastening another element connected to the hydraulic unit 3 to another hydraulic unit.
[0102] exist Figures 7 to 10 In the example shown, the hydraulic unit 3 has a substantially parallelepiped shape, comprising a first face 3a, a second face 3c opposite to the first face 3a and lateral faces 3b connecting the first face 3a and the second face 3c, here four lateral faces. For example, other shapes of the connection and distribution unit 3 can be envisaged, in particular with more or fewer lateral faces.
[0103] The additional unit 4 may also have a parallelepiped shape similar to the hydraulic unit 3. The opening C3 may in particular be arranged on the lateral surface of the additional unit 4. Figures 7 to 10 As shown, the lateral face of the additional unit 4 containing the orifice C3 may be parallel to and adjacent to the lateral face 3b of the hydraulic unit 3 containing the second orifice B2 of the second flow duct b. This arrangement allows in particular for example easier connection to another hydraulic unit.
[0104] In a thermal management circuit, the second orifice A2 of the first flow duct A can be fluidly connected, for example, to one or more heat exchangers used as evaporators or coolers, i.e. configured to increase the thermal energy of the refrigerant. Such heat exchangers can be, for example: an evaporator of an air conditioning circuit, which is used to cool the air flow intended for the passenger compartment; and / or a cooler, which is used to cool the battery of an electric or hybrid vehicle. More specifically, the second orifice A2 can be fluidly connected to one or more expansion valves arranged upstream of these heat exchangers.
[0105] The second orifice B2 of the second flow duct B may be fluidly connected to an interior condenser for heating the interior air flow for the passenger compartment.
[0106] Finally, in this second embodiment, the orifice C3 of the duct C of the additional unit 4 is in fluid communication with an evaporator / condenser, for example mounted on the front face of a motor vehicle. More specifically, this orifice C3 can be in fluid communication with an expansion valve through which the refrigerant can pass in both directions.
[0107] In the cooling operating mode, the refrigerant from the evaporator / condenser acting as a condenser enters the additional unit 4 through the orifice C3 of the duct C of the additional unit 4. The refrigerant is blocked by the first non-return valve V1 and cannot reach the first circulation duct. The refrigerant passes through the second non-return valve V2 and reaches the second circulation duct B before entering the receiver-drier 2 through the first orifice B1 of the second circulation duct B. The refrigerant does not leave through the second orifice B2 of the second circulation duct B due to, for example, a controllable non-return valve or a shut-off valve fluidically connected to said second orifice B2. After passing through the receiver-drier 2, the refrigerant returns to the hydraulic unit 3 through the first orifice A1 of the first circulation duct A and reaches the second orifice A2 of said first circulation duct A. The first non-return valve V1 is closed and does not allow the refrigerant to return to the first auxiliary duct A' and the duct C of the additional unit 4.
[0108] In the heat pump operating mode, the refrigerant from the internal condenser enters the hydraulic unit 3 through the second orifice B2 of the second circulation conduit B. The refrigerant passes through the second circulation conduit B and enters the receiver-drier 2 through the first orifice B1 of the second circulation conduit B. The refrigerant does not circulate in the second auxiliary conduit B' because it is blocked by the second non-return valve V2. After passing through the receiver-drier 2, the refrigerant returns to the hydraulic unit 3 through the first orifice A1 of the first circulation conduit A and passes through the first auxiliary conduit A' because the first non-return valve V1 allows the refrigerant to pass. The refrigerant leaves the hydraulic unit 3 through the third orifice A3 of the first auxiliary conduit A' and reaches the conduit C of the additional unit 4 to leave through its orifice C3. When leaving the orifice C3 of the additional unit 4, the refrigerant passes through the expansion valve so as to experience a pressure loss before reaching the evaporator / condenser, which acts here as an evaporator. The refrigerant does not leave or circulate in the first circulation duct A and does not leave through the second orifice A2, for example because of a closed shut-off valve arranged downstream of the second orifice A2, or because of the closing of the expansion valve(s) arranged downstream of the heat management circuit. With the second non-return valve V2 closed, it prevents the refrigerant circulating in the duct C of the additional unit 4 from returning to the second circulation duct B through the third orifice B3 of the second auxiliary duct B'.
[0109] Likewise, other operating modes are possible, in particular operating modes in which the refrigerant can exit through both orifices A2 and A3 or through one or the other of orifices A2 or A3, in order to perform other functions of the thermal management circuit of the motor vehicle, for example, a heat recovery mode associated with elements such as a battery to help heat the passenger compartment, or a series or parallel dehumidification mode.
[0110] It can thus be seen that by fully incorporating at least one non-return valve V1 , V2 into a dedicated recess R1 , R2 , the hydraulic unit 3 can combine multiple redirection and connection functions in a single compact element.
Claims
1. A hydraulic unit (3) for a refrigerant in a thermal management circuit of a motor vehicle, the hydraulic unit (3) comprising at least a first flow duct (A) for the flow of refrigerant between a first orifice (A1) on a face (3a, 3b, 3c) leading to the hydraulic unit (3) and a second orifice (A2) on a face (3a, 3b, 3c) leading to the hydraulic unit (3), The first circulation conduit (A) comprises a first auxiliary conduit (A') connecting the first circulation conduit (A) to a third orifice (A3), The hydraulic unit (3) also includes a first machined recess (R1) sunk into the first auxiliary pipe (A') from a first opening (O1) formed on a surface (3a, 3b, 3c) of the hydraulic unit (3), and the hydraulic unit (3) includes a first check valve (V1) fully inserted into the first recess (R1), the first check valve being configured to prevent refrigerant from flowing between one of the orifices (A1, A2, A3) of the first circulation pipe (A) and another of the orifices (A1, A2, A3).
2. The hydraulic unit (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first opening (O1) of the first recess (R1) is different from the orifice (A1, A2, A3) of the first flow duct (A), and the first opening (O1) is blocked by a closing device (31).
3. The hydraulic unit (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first opening (O1) of the first recess (R1) is also the third orifice (A3) of the first auxiliary duct (A').
4. The hydraulic unit (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The hydraulic unit comprises a second flow conduit (B) for the flow of refrigerant between a first orifice (B1) on a face (3a, 3b, 3c) leading to the hydraulic unit (3) and a second orifice (B2) on a face (3a, 3b, 3c) leading to the hydraulic unit (3), The hydraulic unit (3) comprises a second auxiliary conduit (B') connecting the second flow conduit (B) to a third orifice (B3), The hydraulic unit (3) also includes a second machined recess (R2) sunk into the second auxiliary pipe (B') from a second opening (O2) formed on the surface (3a, 3b, 3c) of the hydraulic unit (3), and the hydraulic unit (3) includes a second check valve (V2) fully inserted into the second recess (R2), and the second check valve is configured to prevent refrigerant from flowing between one of the orifices (B1, B2, B3) of the second circulation pipe (B) and another of the orifices (B1, B2, B3).
5. The hydraulic unit (3) according to claim 4, characterized in that The second opening (O2) of the second recess (R2) is different from the orifices (B1, B2, B3) of the second flow duct (B), and the second opening (O2) is blocked by a closing device (32).
6. The hydraulic unit (3) according to claim 4, characterized in that The second opening (O2) of the second recess (R2) is also the third orifice (B3) of the second auxiliary duct (B').
7. The hydraulic unit (3) according to claim 2 in combination with claim 5, characterized in that The third orifice (A3) of the first auxiliary pipe (A') opens onto the surface (3a, 3b, 3c) of the hydraulic unit (3), and the third orifice (B3) of the second auxiliary pipe (B') opens into the first auxiliary pipe (A') between the third orifice (A3) of the first auxiliary pipe (A') and the first check valve (V1).
8. The hydraulic unit (3) according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first opening (A1) of the first flow pipe (A) is connected to the first surface (3a) of the hydraulic unit (3), and the first opening (A1) is used as a refrigerant inlet. The second orifice (A2) of the first flow conduit (A) is connected to a second surface (3b, 3c) of the hydraulic unit (3) which is different from the first surface (3a) so as to allow the refrigerant to flow directly between the first orifice (A1) and the second orifice (A2) of the first flow conduit (A). The first check valve (V1) is configured to allow the refrigerant to flow from the first flow pipe (A) to the third orifice (A3) of the first auxiliary pipe (A'), and to prevent the refrigerant from flowing from the third orifice (A3) of the first auxiliary pipe (A') to the first flow pipe (A), The first opening (B1) of the second flow pipe (B) also leads to the first surface (3a) of the hydraulic unit (3), and the first opening (B1) is used as a refrigerant outlet. The second orifice (B2) of the second flow conduit (B) is connected to a second surface (3b, 3c) of the hydraulic unit (3) which is different from the first surface (3a) so as to allow the refrigerant to flow directly between the first orifice (B1) and the second orifice (B2) of the second flow conduit (B). The second check valve (V2) is configured to allow refrigerant to flow from the third orifice (B3) of the second auxiliary pipe (B'), and thus from the first auxiliary pipe (A'), to the second circulation pipe (B), and to prevent refrigerant from flowing from the second circulation pipe (B) to the third orifice (B3) of the second auxiliary pipe (B'), and thus to the first auxiliary pipe (A').
9. The hydraulic unit (3) according to claim 3 in combination with claim 6, characterized in that The hydraulic unit comprises an adjacent additional unit (4) covering the first opening (O1) and the second opening (O2), the additional unit (4) comprising a pipe (C) connecting the first opening (O1) and the second opening (O2) to each other and to an orifice (C3) leading to the outside of the additional unit (4).
10. The hydraulic unit (3) according to claim 9, characterized in that: The first opening (A1) of the first flow pipe (A) is connected to the first surface (3a) of the hydraulic unit (3), and the first opening (A1) is used as a refrigerant inlet. The second orifice (A2) of the first flow conduit (A) is connected to a second surface (3b, 3c) of the hydraulic unit (3) which is different from the first surface (3a) so as to allow the refrigerant to flow directly between the first orifice (A1) and the second orifice (A2) of the first flow conduit (A). The first check valve (V1) is configured to allow the refrigerant to flow from the first flow pipe (A) to the third orifice (A3) of the first auxiliary pipe (A') and thus to the pipe (C) of the additional unit (4), and to prevent the refrigerant from flowing from the third orifice (A3) of the first auxiliary pipe (A') and thus from the pipe (C) of the additional unit (4) to the first flow pipe (A), The first opening (B1) of the second flow pipe (B) also leads to the first surface (3a) of the hydraulic unit (3), and the first opening (B1) is used as a refrigerant outlet. The second orifice (B2) of the second flow conduit (B) is connected to a second surface (3b, 3c) of the hydraulic unit (3) which is different from the first surface (3a) so as to allow the refrigerant to flow directly between the first orifice (B1) and the second orifice (B2) of the second flow conduit (B). The second check valve (V2) is configured to allow refrigerant to flow from the third orifice (B3) of the second auxiliary pipe (B') and therefore from the pipe (C) of the additional unit (4) to the second circulation pipe (B), and to prevent refrigerant from flowing from the second circulation pipe (B) to the third orifice (B3) of the second auxiliary pipe (B') and therefore to the pipe (C) of the additional unit.