Assembly comprising heat exchanger

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly (1), in particular for a vehicle, comprising:-a heat exchanger (2) configured to allow heat to proceed between a first heat transfer fluid, in particular a water-based heat transfer fluid, within the heat exchanger (2), and a second heat transfer fluid, in particular a water-based heat transfer fluid, within the heat exchanger (2); the second heat transfer fluid is in particular a refrigerant fluid or a dielectric fluid; -a degassing tank (3) in which the first heat transfer fluid can undergo degassing in order to separate gases, in particular air, present in the first heat transfer fluid; -a support (80) arranged to carry at least one component with fluidic function, in particular a plurality of components with fluidic function; -a main body (5) comprising a housing arranged to receive the heat exchanger (2) and a cavity arranged to form said degassing tank, the main body (5) being configured to be detachably assembled with a support (80).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an assembly comprising a heat exchanger, in particular for a vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] The vehicle can be a land vehicle, a sea vehicle, or an air vehicle.

[0003] Generally, it is desirable to reduce the space occupied by the components in a vehicle. This is a major challenge. In the context of a vehicle heat pump, one approach is to make all of its components compact, in particular the refrigerant circuit and the heat transfer fluid circuit.

[0004] The present invention aims in particular to achieve such an object. SUMMARY

[0005] The present invention thus relates to an assembly, in particular for a vehicle, comprising:

[0006] - a heat exchanger configured to allow heat exchange between, on the one hand, a flow of a first heat transfer fluid, in particular water-based, inside the heat exchanger, and, on the other hand, a flow of a second heat transfer fluid, in particular a refrigerant or a dielectric fluid, inside the heat exchanger,

[0007] - a deaeration tank in which the first heat transfer fluid can undergo deaeration, so that gases, in particular air, present in the first heat transfer fluid can be separated,

[0008] - a hub arranged to hold at least one fluidically functional component, in particular a plurality of fluidically functional components,

[0009] - a main body comprising a receptacle arranged to receive said heat exchanger and a cavity arranged to form said deaeration tank, the main body being configured so that it can be removably assembled with said hub.

[0010] In the present invention, the main body is structured so that it can be handled as a single part.

[0011] Since the deaeration tank is separate from the hub, the present invention offers greater flexibility, enabling it to adapt to different configurations and different sizes of deaeration tank. For example, different forms of deaeration tank can be fastened to a given hub. The present invention also makes it possible to improve after-sales service, i.e. maintenance during the service life of the product, since the deaeration tank and the hub, after removal, can be replaced separately, without having to scrap the other part. In other words, if necessary, only some parts of the assembly can be replaced. This is environmentally friendly and in particular makes it possible to reduce the carbon footprint of the maintenance operations during the service life of the product.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, the main body is integrally formed.

[0013] According to one aspect of the invention, the main body is a single piece.

[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, the body is manufactured using molded plastic material.

[0015] As a variant, the main body is formed by two parts assembled together, particularly two parts that are removably assembled together, one part defining the cavity of the degassing tank and the other part defining the container for receiving the heat exchanger.

[0016] Therefore, the portion defining the cavity of the degassing tank can be removed independently of the other portion defining the container for receiving the heat exchanger, which is advantageous during maintenance.

[0017] According to another variation, the body is formed by two parts welded together, one part defining the cavity of the degassing tank and the other part defining a container for receiving the heat exchanger.

[0018] According to one aspect of the invention, the one-piece body includes a partition wall between a cavity forming a degassing tank and a container arranged to receive a heat exchanger.

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, the hub, for example manufactured by molding a plastic material, includes a flat base for retaining the fluid component and a seat for receiving the body.

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, the cavity forming the degassing tank is closed by a cover that supports an annular lip abutting the cavity.

[0021] According to one aspect of the invention, the annular lip of the cavity is flat, and in particular has a rectangular perimeter.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, the cover forms part of a one-piece body.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, the cover is a component attached to a one-piece body and is fastened to the one-piece body, for example, by welding.

[0024] According to one aspect of the invention, the lid includes a removable cap that interacts with the vent hole of the can.

[0025] According to one aspect of the invention, the annular lip of the cavity opening and the annular lip of the container opening extend in two intersecting planes, particularly planes intersecting at right angles.

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, the cavity forming the degassing tank includes sidewalls and endwalls.

[0027] According to one aspect of the invention, the cavity partially surrounds the container.

[0028] According to one aspect of the invention, a container configured to receive a heat exchanger includes a sidewall that intersects with the sidewall of the cavity.

[0029] According to one aspect of the invention, the corresponding sidewalls intersect at right angles.

[0030] According to one aspect of the invention, the container receiving the heat exchanger includes an end wall that is substantially parallel to a portion of the side wall of the cavity forming the degassing tank.

[0031] According to one aspect of the invention, the end wall of the container coincides with a portion of the side wall of the cavity forming the degassing tank.

[0032] According to one aspect of the invention, the container arranged to receive the heat exchanger and the cavity forming the degassing tank are separated by a single partition.

[0033] As a variant, the container and cavity are separated by a double partition.

[0034] In this case, the air gap in the double partition allows for satisfactory thermal insulation between the container and the cavity.

[0035] According to one aspect of the invention, the volume of the cavity is larger than the volume of the container used for the heat exchanger.

[0036] According to one aspect of the invention, the container for the heat exchanger includes a sealing plate.

[0037] According to one aspect of the invention, the sealing plate includes an aperture through which a fastening element, such as a screw, can pass to secure the plate to a container.

[0038] According to one aspect of the invention, the container includes a perforated boss configured to align with an opening in a closure plate, and into which fastening elements such as screws can be inserted to secure the closure plate to the container.

[0039] According to one aspect of the invention, a sealing plate carries a fluid connection flange, the fluid connection flange including an inlet for a second heat transfer fluid and an outlet for a second heat transfer fluid already circulating in the heat exchanger.

[0040] The fluid connection flange allows for the connection of a conduit between the component according to the invention and an air conditioning system using a second heat transfer fluid.

[0041] According to one aspect of the invention, the enclosure further includes a fluid connection end piece configured to connect to a conduit for conveying a first heat transfer fluid used by the heat exchanger.

[0042] According to one aspect of the invention, the container is configured such that, when the heat exchanger is placed in the container, a fluid path for the first heat transfer fluid is formed between the side wall of the container and the peripheral wall of the heat exchanger.

[0043] According to one aspect of the invention, the fluid path extends over at least a portion of the periphery of the heat exchanger's peripheral wall.

[0044] According to one aspect of the invention, the sidewalls of the container and the peripheral walls of the heat exchanger are parallel to each other.

[0045] According to one aspect of the invention, the peripheral wall of the heat exchanger comprises four faces perpendicular to each other, optionally having rounded corners at their junctions.

[0046] According to one aspect of the invention, the sidewalls of the container comprise four faces perpendicular to each other, optionally having rounded corners at their junctions.

[0047] According to one aspect of the invention, the container of the body is in communication with a first fluid inlet port for supplying a first heat transfer fluid to a fluid path inside the container.

[0048] The inlet port is connected to a pipe on the enclosure plate.

[0049] According to one aspect of the invention, the first fluid inlet port is positioned opposite the widened portion of the container.

[0050] According to one aspect of the invention, the heat exchanger includes a first fluid inlet opening arranged to receive a first fluid that is already circulating in a fluid path within the container.

[0051] According to one aspect of the invention, the first fluid inlet opening is located on the surface of the heat exchanger, which in particular is opposite to the end wall of the container.

[0052] According to one aspect of the invention, the heat exchanger includes a first fluid outlet opening that allows a first fluid already circulating within the heat exchanger to exit from the first fluid outlet opening after exchanging heat with a second heat transfer fluid within the heat exchanger.

[0053] According to one aspect of the invention, the outlet opening of the exchanger is in communication with a first fluid outlet port of the container, the first fluid outlet port being arranged to discharge a first fluid from the container.

[0054] Therefore, the first fluid enters the container through the first fluid inlet port, and then follows a fluid path before entering the heat exchanger through the first fluid inlet opening. The first fluid then exits the heat exchanger through the first fluid outlet opening before reaching the container's first fluid outlet port.

[0055] According to one aspect of the invention, the cavity has a variable depth, which is smaller in the portion of the cavity located above the container for the heat exchanger.

[0056] The depth of the cavity is the distance between the plane of the annular lip of the cavity and the end wall of the cavity in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the annular lip of the cavity.

[0057] According to one aspect of the invention, the exchanger is a plate exchanger, particularly an evaporative exchanger, also known as a cooler.

[0058] "Fluid function" refers to a function that facilitates the operation of a component, such as being selected to act on the flow of a heat transfer fluid (e.g., a fluid flow channel) or to measure parameters related to the fluid or its flow in the channel.

[0059] According to one aspect of the invention, the fluid-functioning component is selected from the following elements:

[0060] - A pump used to pump either the first or second heat transfer fluid.

[0061] - Valves used to guide the first or second heat transfer fluid, especially multi-way valves.

[0062] - A check valve for the first or second heat transfer fluid.

[0063] - A throttling valve for the first heat transfer fluid or the second heat transfer fluid.

[0064] - Condensing heat exchangers, especially water-cooled condensers,

[0065] - A heating device having an electric heating resistor, the heating device being arranged to heat the first heat transfer fluid or the second heat transfer fluid.

[0066] - Temperature and / or pressure sensors,

[0067] - Receiver-dryer

[0068] - A filter for filtering particles present in the first or second heat transfer fluid, particularly a dielectric fluid.

[0069] According to one aspect of the invention, the hub forms at least a portion of the body of the valve and / or pump.

[0070] According to one aspect of the invention, the pump can be driven by an electric motor.

[0071] According to one aspect of the invention, the hub is provided with three recesses for accommodating three pumps. Attached Figure Description

[0072] Other features, details, and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the following description and from several exemplary embodiments given in a non-limiting manner with reference to the accompanying diagrams, wherein:

[0073] Figure 1 A perspective view of a component according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown schematically and in part.

[0074] Figure 2 schematically and partially shown Figure 1 Different views of components within;

[0075] Figure 3 schematically and partially shown Figure 1 The one-piece main body of the components;

[0076] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A depiction of a portion of the components;

[0077] Figure 5 It has Figure 1 A perspective view of the hub of a component in the diagram;

[0078] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A view of the heat exchanger components in the image;

[0079] Figure 7 This is a view of a component according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0080] The features, variations, and different embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other in various combinations, provided that they are not mutually incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variations of the invention may be contemplated that include only the feature selections described below, and are independent of the other features described, if such feature selections are sufficient to provide a technical advantage and / or distinguish the invention from the prior art.

[0081] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A component 1 for a motor vehicle is shown, which includes a heat exchanger 2 configured to allow heat exchange between a flow of a first heat transfer fluid (in this case, water glycol) within the heat exchanger 2 and a flow of a second heat transfer fluid (in this case, a refrigerant) within the heat exchanger 2 on the other hand.

[0082] The refrigerant fluid is selected from fluids such as R134a, R1234yf, or R744, which are supplied to the air conditioning circuit of the vehicle.

[0083] Exchanger 2 is a plate exchanger, especially an evaporator exchanger, also known as a cooler.

[0084] Component 1 forms part of a heat pump installed in a vehicle. The heat pump is, for example, an indirect heat pump.

[0085] Component 1 also includes a degassing tank 3, in which the first heat transfer fluid can circulate for degassing, so that the gas (in this case, air) present in the first heat transfer fluid can be separated.

[0086] Component 1 also includes a one-piece body 5, which includes a container 6 arranged to receive the heat exchanger 2 (particularly in...). Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 7 (as shown in the figure), and a cavity 7 arranged to form a degassing tank 3.

[0087] The one-piece main body 5 is made of plastic through molding.

[0088] like Figure 4 As shown, the container 6 is configured such that when the heat exchanger 2 is placed in the container 6, a fluid path 8 for the first heat transfer fluid is formed between the side wall 9 of the container 6 and the peripheral wall 10 of the heat exchanger 2.

[0089] The fluid path 8 extends around the periphery of the peripheral wall 10 of the heat exchanger 2.

[0090] The side wall 9 of container 6 and the peripheral wall 10 of heat exchanger 2 are parallel to each other.

[0091] The peripheral wall 10 of the heat exchanger 2 includes four surfaces 11 that are perpendicular to each other and have rounded corners at their joints.

[0092] The container 6 of the body 5 is connected to the first fluid inlet port 60 so as to deliver the first heat transfer fluid to the fluid path 8 inside the container 6, for example, as shown in the figure. Figure 6 As shown.

[0093] The inlet port 60 is connected to the pipe 61 on the enclosure plate 62.

[0094] The first fluid inlet port 60 is positioned opposite the widened portion 63 of the container 6.

[0095] The heat exchanger 2 includes a first fluid inlet opening 66, which is arranged to receive a first fluid that is already flowing in the fluid path 8 in the container.

[0096] The first fluid inlet opening 66 is located on the surface 67 of the heat exchanger opposite to the end wall 68 of the container 6.

[0097] like Figure 6As shown, the heat exchanger 2 includes a first fluid outlet opening 69, which allows a first fluid that has been circulating in the heat exchanger 2 to leave the heat exchanger 2 after exchanging heat with a second heat transfer fluid in the heat exchanger 2.

[0098] The outlet opening 69 of the heat exchanger is connected to the first fluid outlet port 70 of the container, which is arranged to discharge the first fluid from the container 6.

[0099] Therefore, the first fluid enters the container 6 through the first fluid inlet port 60, and then follows the fluid path 8 before entering the heat exchanger 2 through the first fluid inlet opening 66. The first fluid then exits the heat exchanger through the first fluid outlet opening 69 before reaching the first fluid outlet port 70 of the container 2.

[0100] This allows the cooling boost function to be performed via path 8.

[0101] Component 1 also includes a hub 80, which is arranged to hold a component having a fluid function, as explained below.

[0102] The main body 5 is configured such that it can be removably assembled with the hub 80.

[0103] The one-piece body 5 includes a partition wall 20 between the cavity 7 forming the degassing tank and the container 6 arranged to receive the heat exchanger 2.

[0104] The cavity 7 is closed by a cover 21 that supports and abuts the annular lip 22 of the cavity 7.

[0105] The annular lip 22 of the cavity is flat, and in particular has a generally rectangular periphery.

[0106] The cover 21 is a component attached to the one-piece body 5 and fastened to the one-piece body, for example by welding.

[0107] The lid 21 includes a removable cap (not shown) that interacts with the vent 24 of the can.

[0108] The annular lip 22 of the cavity opening and the annular lip 25 of the container 6 extend in two intersecting planes that intersect at right angles.

[0109] The cavity 7 forming the degassing tank includes a side wall 9 and an end wall 68.

[0110] The cavity 7 partially surrounds the container 6.

[0111] The side wall 9 intersects with the side wall 26 of the cavity 7.

[0112] The corresponding sidewalls 9 and 26 intersect at right angles.

[0113] The end wall 68 is substantially parallel to a portion of the side wall 26 of the cavity 7.

[0114] The end wall 68 of the container overlaps with a portion of the side wall 26 of the cavity 7.

[0115] Container 6 and cavity 7 are separated by a single partition 27, as shown Figure 4 As shown.

[0116] As a variant, such as Figure 7 As shown, container 6 and cavity 7 are separated by a double partition 28.

[0117] In this case, the air gap 29 in the double partition 28 allows for satisfactory thermal insulation between the container and the cavity.

[0118] The volume of cavity 7 is greater than the volume of container 6.

[0119] The sealing plate 62 includes an opening 71 through which fastening elements such as screws can be passed to secure the plate to the container 6.

[0120] The container includes a perforated boss 72 configured to align with an opening 71 in the closure plate 62, and into which fastening elements such as screws can be inserted to secure the closure plate to the container.

[0121] The sealing plate 62 supports a fluid connection flange 74, which includes an inlet 76 for a second heat transfer fluid and an outlet 75 for the second heat transfer fluid that is already circulating in the heat exchanger 2.

[0122] The fluid connection flange 74 allows for the connection of a conduit between the component according to the invention and an air conditioning system using a second heat transfer fluid.

[0123] The cavity 7 has a variable depth, which is smaller in the portion of the cavity located above the container 6 used for the heat exchanger.

[0124] The depth of cavity 7 is the distance between the plane of the annular lip 22 of the cavity and the end wall of the cavity in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the annular lip of the cavity.

[0125] In this case, exchanger 2 is a plate exchanger, specifically an evaporator exchanger, also known as a cooler.

[0126] The fluid-functional components held by hub 80 also include three pumps 48 for generating the flow of the first heat transfer fluid.

[0127] The hub 80 forms three recesses 49 or seats for the pump 48. Each seat 49 includes a channel 50 for the first heat transfer fluid that communicates with the corresponding pump 48.

[0128] Pump 48 is an electric pump.

[0129] Hub 80 also retains multi-way valve 53, which controls the flow of the first heat transfer fluid along various flow paths, some of which pass through degassing tank 3 and container 6.

[0130] like Figure 5 As shown, hub 80, for example manufactured by molding plastic material, includes a flat base 82 for retaining fluid components and a seat 83 for receiving body 5.

[0131] The seat 83 and the body 5 can be assembled using screws that pass through the hole 85 in the seat 83.

[0132] The seat 83 takes the form of a strip with a curved profile at its end, and the base of the body 5 rests on the strip.

Claims

1. A component (1), particularly a component for a vehicle, comprising: - A heat exchanger (2), the heat exchanger (2) being configured to allow heat exchange between a flow of a first heat transfer fluid within one side of the heat exchanger and a flow of a second heat transfer fluid within the heat exchanger (2) on the other side, the first heat transfer fluid being, in particular, water-based, and the second heat transfer fluid being, in particular, a refrigerant or dielectric fluid. - Degassing tank (3), in which the first heat transfer fluid can undergo degassing, thereby enabling the separation of gases, particularly air, present in the first heat transfer fluid. - Hub (80), said hub (80) being arranged to hold at least one fluid-functional component, particularly multiple fluid-functional components, - Body (5), which includes a container (6) arranged to receive the heat exchanger (2) and a cavity (7) arranged to form the degassing tank (3), the body (5) being configured to be detachably assembled with the hub (80).

2. The component (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein, The main body (5) is a piece.

3. The component (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The main body (5) is formed by two parts assembled together, particularly two parts that are detachably assembled together, one part defining the cavity (7) of the degassing tank and the other part defining a container (6) for receiving the heat exchanger.

4. The component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The hub (80) includes a flat base (82) for holding the fluid component and a seat (83) for receiving the body (5), the hub being manufactured, for example, by molding plastic material.

5. The component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The cavity (7) partially surrounds the container (6).

6. The component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The container (6) and the cavity (7) are separated by a double partition (28), and the air gap (29) in the double partition (28) allows for satisfactory thermal insulation between the container (6) and the cavity (7).

7. The component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The container (6) for the heat exchanger includes a sealing plate (62) and the sealing plate carries a fluid connection flange (74) including an inlet (76) for the second heat transfer fluid and an outlet (75) for the second heat transfer fluid that has already circulated in the heat exchanger.

8. The component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The container (6) is configured such that when the heat exchanger is placed in the container (6), a fluid path (8) for the first heat transfer fluid is formed between the side wall (9) of the container (6) and the peripheral wall (10) of the heat exchanger.

9. The component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The fluid-functional component is selected from the following elements: - Pump (48), the pump being used to pump the first heat transfer fluid or the second heat transfer fluid, - A valve, particularly a multi-way valve, for guiding the first or second heat transfer fluid. - A check valve for the first heat transfer fluid or the second heat transfer fluid. - A throttling valve for the first heat transfer fluid or the second heat transfer fluid. - Condensing heat exchangers, especially water-cooled condensers, - A heating device having an electric heating resistor, the heating device being arranged to heat the first heat transfer fluid or the second heat transfer fluid. - Receiver-dryer - Temperature and / or pressure sensors, - A filter for filtering particles present in the first or second heat transfer fluid, particularly a dielectric fluid.

10. The component (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein, The hub (80) forms at least a portion of the body of the valve and / or the pump (48).

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