Assembly comprising heat exchanger

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly (1), in particular for a vehicle, comprising:-a heat exchanger configured to allow heat exchange between a first heat transfer fluid flow, in particular a water-based fluid flow, inside the heat exchanger on the one hand, and a second heat transfer fluid flow, in particular a refrigerant or dielectric fluid flow, inside the heat exchanger on the other hand; -in particular a support (2) arranged to carry at least one fluid component, in particular a plurality of fluid components; -a container (5) arranged to receive the heat exchanger, the container (5) being configured such that, when the heat exchanger is placed in the container, a fluid path (6) for a third heat transfer fluid is formed between a side wall (7) of the container and an outer peripheral wall of the heat exchanger.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an assembly including a heat exchanger, particularly an assembly for vehicles. Background Technology

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

[0003] Typically, there is a desire to reduce the space occupied by components in a vehicle. This is a significant challenge. In the case of vehicle heat pumps, one approach is to make all components, particularly the refrigerant circuit and heat transfer fluid circuit, compact. There is also a need to improve the performance of various cooling functions in motor vehicles.

[0004] This invention is particularly intended to achieve such an objective. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the present invention relates to a component, particularly a component for a vehicle, comprising:

[0006] - A heat exchanger configured to allow heat exchange between a flow of a first heat transfer fluid (particularly water-based) within the heat exchanger on one side and a flow of a second heat transfer fluid (particularly refrigerant or dielectric fluid) within the heat exchanger on the other side.

[0007] - In particular, the support members are arranged to support at least one component with a fluid function, and in particular, multiple components with a fluid function.

[0008] - A container arranged to receive a heat exchanger, the container being configured such that when the heat exchanger is placed in the container, a fluid path for a third heat transfer fluid is formed between the side wall of the container and the outer peripheral wall of the heat exchanger, the fluid path being configured to be fluidly connected to an external cooling circuit for cooling at least one auxiliary module, particularly an auxiliary electronic module whose operation is temperature sensitive.

[0009] With the aid of this invention, a heat exchanger specifically designed for, for example, vehicle air conditioning (e.g., forming part of a heat pump) can be used to cool one or more auxiliary modules. The auxiliary modules are, for example, electronic modules forming part of a driver assistance system or ADAS.

[0010] The present invention is particularly advantageous in that it provides synergy between various cooling functions by using the same heat exchanger for various functions. The present invention allows various cooling functions to be concentrated around the heat exchanger.

[0011] In particular, the present invention recommends the use of heat exchangers, especially "cooler" type heat exchangers, for exchanging heat with a third fluid circulating in a fluid path around the heat exchanger. This heat exchange mode of the third fluid may be sufficient when the third fluid in the external cooling loop is used to cool auxiliary modules that require relatively low cooling power (e.g., less than 5 kW, for example between 2 kW and 3 kW).

[0012] When cooling requirements are relatively low, particularly compared to the cooling power obtained in the heat exchanger between the first and second heat transfer fluids, the present invention enables improved performance. For example, driver assistance systems (ADAS) require only about 1 or 2 kW of cooling power.

[0013] The external cooling loop can be separated from the flow of the first heat transfer fluid within the heat exchanger. Therefore, the first heat transfer fluid circulating within the heat exchanger can have different flow rate and temperature values ​​than the third fluid circulating in the external cooling loop.

[0014] For example, in the case where the first heat transfer fluid is used to cool the vehicle battery, the first heat transfer fluid circulating in the heat exchanger may have a temperature of about 25 degrees Celsius and a flow rate of about 1,000 liters per hour. The third fluid circulating in the external cooling loop may itself have a temperature of about 65 degrees Celsius and a flow rate of about 150 liters per hour, in order to cool, for example, driver assistance systems (ADAS).

[0015] Integrating this fluid path around the heat exchanger allows for the management of cooling of auxiliary electronic modules without reducing the cooling capacity of the heat exchanger or "cooler".

[0016] Another advantage of this invention is the compactness of the components surrounding the heat exchanger, as the container and the support supporting one or more components with fluid functions can be manufactured as a single, one-piece part. Therefore, this invention allows for greater integration of the various elements of the assembly.

[0017] According to one aspect of the invention, the container and the support are manufactured as a single piece.

[0018] According to one aspect of the invention, the container and the support are formed as a single one-piece component, particularly obtained by molding, especially by molding from a plastic material.

[0019] As a variant, the container and support are manufactured as separate parts and then assembled together. In particular, the container and support can be assembled together detachably.

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, a support member, for example, produced by molding a plastic material, includes a flat base that carries a fluid component.

[0021] According to one aspect of the invention, the fluid path extends over at least a portion of the periphery of the outer peripheral wall of the heat exchanger.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, the sidewalls of the container and the outer peripheral wall of the heat exchanger are parallel to each other.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, the outer peripheral wall of the heat exchanger comprises four faces perpendicular to each other, optionally having rounded corners at their joints.

[0024] 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.

[0025] According to one aspect of the invention, the container is in communication with an inlet orifice for a third fluid, so as to convey the third heat transfer fluid toward a fluid path inside the container.

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, the inlet orifice is in communication with an end piece on the transverse wall of the container.

[0027] According to one aspect of the invention, in particular the planar transverse wall closes one end of the container.

[0028] According to one aspect of the invention, the transverse wall and the side wall of the container are manufactured as a single piece.

[0029] According to one aspect of the invention, the inlet orifice for the third fluid is positioned facing the widened portion of the container.

[0030] According to one aspect of the invention, the widening portion partially defines a fluid distribution volume on one side of the heat exchanger, particularly over the entire height of the heat exchanger.

[0031] According to one aspect of the invention, the distribution volume has a divergent shape that widens from the inlet orifice towards the outer peripheral wall of the heat exchanger.

[0032] According to one aspect of the invention, the container is in communication with an outlet orifice for a third fluid in order to remove the third heat transfer fluid that has circulated along the fluid path inside the container.

[0033] According to one aspect of the invention, the outlet orifice is in communication with an end piece on the transverse wall of the container.

[0034] According to one aspect of the invention, the outlet orifice for the third fluid is positioned facing the widened portion of the container.

[0035] According to one aspect of the invention, the widening portion partially defines a fluid collection volume on one side of the heat exchanger, particularly over the entire height of the heat exchanger.

[0036] According to one aspect of the invention, the collection volume has a converging shape that narrows from the outer peripheral wall of the heat exchanger toward the fluid outlet orifice.

[0037] According to one aspect of the invention, the fluid inlet orifice and the fluid outlet orifice are arranged substantially diagonally opposite each other, with one on each side of the heat exchanger.

[0038] In this way, the third fluid inlet and outlet orifices for the fluid path are located on the transverse wall of the container.

[0039] According to one aspect of the invention, the inlet and outlet orifices for the third fluid include connecting end pieces, particularly cylindrical, and particularly integral with the transverse wall.

[0040] According to one aspect of the invention, the terminal can be connected to an external cooling circuit to cool auxiliary modules, particularly auxiliary electronic modules.

[0041] According to one aspect of the invention, the auxiliary electronic module is particularly part of an ADAS or driver assistance system, and the auxiliary electronic module is particularly an ADAS control unit connected to sensors (e.g., radar, lidar, cameras, etc.).

[0042] According to another aspect of the invention, the auxiliary electronic module specifically includes a battery switch.

[0043] According to one aspect of the invention, the transverse wall of the container is substantially parallel to the support that carries the fluid-carrying component.

[0044] According to one aspect of the invention, the first heat transfer fluid and the third heat transfer fluid are of the same type, for example, ethylene glycol water.

[0045] As an alternative, the first and third heat transfer fluids are of different types; for example, in the case of the first fluid, it is ethylene glycol water, while in the case of the third fluid, it is a dielectric fluid.

[0046] According to one aspect of the invention, the heat exchanger includes an inlet opening for a first fluid located on a plate of the heat exchanger, which is particularly perpendicular to the sidewall of the container.

[0047] According to one aspect of the invention, the heat exchanger includes an outlet opening for a first fluid that allows the first fluid to re-emerge from the heat exchanger after exchanging heat with a second heat transfer fluid within the heat exchanger once it has circulated through the heat exchanger.

[0048] According to one aspect of the invention, the outlet opening of the exchanger communicates with the pump of the component, and the outlet opening specifically leads to the seat of the pump.

[0049] According to one aspect of the invention, the pump seat and support are formed as a single piece.

[0050] According to one aspect of the invention, a container configured to receive a heat exchanger includes a sidewall that is annular, particularly having a generally rectangular perimeter.

[0051] According to one aspect of the invention, the container receiving the heat exchanger includes a transverse end wall that is substantially perpendicular to the sidewalls.

[0052] According to one aspect of the invention, the transverse endwall is arranged at the end opposite to the plate of the heat exchanger.

[0053] Therefore, the container is defined by side walls, and at the ends, it is defined by a transverse wall at one end and a plate at the other end.

[0054] 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 the container.

[0055] 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.

[0056] According to one aspect of the invention, the 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 that has already circulated in the heat exchanger.

[0057] 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.

[0058] According to one aspect of the invention, the enclosure further includes a fluid connection end configured to connect to a pipe for conveying a first heat transfer fluid used by the heat exchanger.

[0059] According to one aspect of the invention, the exchanger is a plate exchanger, particularly an evaporative exchanger, also known as a cooler.

[0060] "Fluid function" should be understood as a function that helps the component operate, such as selecting the flow of the heat transfer fluid (e.g., a fluid flow channel) or measuring parameters related to the fluid or its flow in the channel.

[0061] According to one aspect of the invention, the fluid-functioning component is selected from the following elements:

[0062] - A pump used to pump the first or second heat transfer fluid.

[0063] - Valves used to guide the first or second heat transfer fluid, especially multi-way valves.

[0064] - Check valve for the first or second heat transfer fluid.

[0065] - A throttling valve for the first or second heat transfer fluid.

[0066] - Condensing heat exchangers, especially water-cooled condensers,

[0067] - A heating device with an electrically heated resistor, arranged to heat a first or second heat transfer fluid.

[0068] - Temperature and / or pressure sensors,

[0069] - Desiccant container or accumulator,

[0070] - A filter used to filter particles present in the first or second heat transfer fluid, particularly a dielectric fluid.

[0071] According to one aspect of the invention, the support forms at least a portion of the body of the valve and / or pump.

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

[0073] According to one aspect of the invention, the support member is provided with two recesses for receiving two pumps, and particularly with three recesses for receiving three pumps.

[0074] According to one aspect of the invention, the assembly includes a degassing tank, which may be manufactured as a single piece with the support, or alternatively, may be detachably attached to the support to allow for maintenance. A first heat transfer fluid may undergo degassing in the degassing tank to separate gases, particularly air, present in the first heat transfer fluid, which may be, for example, water-glycol.

[0075] The present invention also relates to a motor vehicle system comprising an assembly including a heat exchanger as described above and an external cooling circuit for cooling an auxiliary module, particularly an auxiliary electronic module forming part of an ADAS or driver assistance system, the auxiliary electronic module being particularly connected to an ADAS control unit of sensors (e.g., radar, lidar, cameras, etc.), the assembly including a container configured such that when the heat exchanger is placed in the container, a fluid path for a third heat transfer fluid is formed between the sidewall of the container and the outer peripheral wall of the heat exchanger, the fluid path being configured to fluidly connect to the external cooling circuit.

[0076] ADAS control units, in particular, include onboard computers. Attached Figure Description

[0077] Further features, details, and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the following description and several exemplary embodiments given in a non-limiting manner, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0078] Figure 1 A motor vehicle system including a component is shown very schematically, the component including a heat exchanger according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0079] Figure 2 A perspective view of an embodiment of the invention, as seen from a first angle, is schematically and partially illustrated.

[0080] Figure 3 It shows, schematically and partially, from perspective and from different angles [ Figure 1 ] components;

[0081] Figure 4 The cross-section is schematically and partially shown. Figure 1 ] components;

[0082] Figure 5 The cross-section is schematically and partially shown. Figure 1 The component, whose cross-sectional plane passes through the two end pieces of the container;

[0083] Figure 6 The cross-section of the plate parallel to the heat exchanger is schematically and partially shown. Figure 1 ] is a component. Detailed Implementation

[0084] The features, variations, and different embodiments of the present invention can be associated with each other in different combinations, wherein they are incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variations of the invention may be contemplated that include only selections of the features described below, isolated from other features described, if the selection of these features is sufficient to provide a technical advantage and / or distinguish the invention from the prior art.

[0085] Figure 1 A motor vehicle system 100 including component 1 is depicted. Component 1 includes a heat exchanger 10 and an external cooling circuit 200 for cooling an auxiliary module 201, in which case the auxiliary module 201 is an auxiliary electronic module forming part of an ADAS or driver assistance system. The auxiliary electronic module 201 is particularly connected to an ADAS control unit of sensors (e.g., radar, lidar, cameras, etc.).

[0086] The heat exchanger 10 is configured to allow heat exchange between the flow of a first heat transfer fluid (in this case, ethylene glycol water) within the heat exchanger 10 and the flow of a second heat transfer fluid (in this case, refrigerant) within the heat exchanger 10.

[0087] The first heat transfer fluid is used to cool the vehicle battery through cooling circuit 220.

[0088] The refrigerant fluid is selected from fluids such as R134a, R1234yf, R290 or R744, which is supplied to the vehicle's air conditioning system 210.

[0089] Exchanger 10 is a plate exchanger, particularly an evaporator exchanger, also known as a cooler.

[0090] Component 1 forms part of a heat pump installed in the vehicle. The heat pump is, for example, an indirect heat pump.

[0091] Component 1 will now be described in more detail.

[0092] As in Figure 2 and Figure 3 As can be seen, component 1 includes support 2, which is arranged to support components with fluid function. In this case, three pumps 3 are configured to pump either a first heat transfer fluid or a second heat transfer fluid.

[0093] The support member 2 forms part of the pump body for the three pumps 3.

[0094] The pump can be driven by an electric motor.

[0095] According to one aspect of the invention, the support member is provided with three recesses for receiving three pumps.

[0096] Component 1 also includes a container 5 arranged to receive the heat exchanger 10.

[0097] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, container 5 is configured such that when heat exchanger 10 is placed in container 5, a fluid path 6 for a third heat transfer fluid is formed between the side wall 7 of container 5 and the outer peripheral wall 11 of heat exchanger 10. The flow of fluid along this fluid path 6 is schematically indicated by arrow F2. One of the plates 50 of the stacked plates of heat exchanger 10 is in Figure 5 As can be seen in the text.

[0098] The fluid path 6 is configured to connect fluidly to the external cooling circuit 200, as will be explained in detail below.

[0099] Container 5 and support 2 are manufactured as a single piece.

[0100] Specifically, the container 5 and the support 2 form a one-piece entity obtained by molding from plastic material.

[0101] The support member 2 includes a flat base 9, which supports components with fluid functions.

[0102] The fluid path 6 extends around the periphery of the outer wall 11 of the heat exchanger 10.

[0103] The side wall 7 of container 5 and the outer peripheral wall 11 of heat exchanger 10 are parallel to each other.

[0104] The outer peripheral wall 11 of the heat exchanger 10 includes four surfaces 12 that are perpendicular to each other and have rounded corners at their joints.

[0105] The sidewall 7 of container 5 comprises four faces 14 perpendicular to each other, with rounded corners at their joints.

[0106] The container 5 is connected to the inlet port 20 for the third fluid so that the third heat transfer fluid is conveyed toward the fluid path 6 inside the container 5.

[0107] The inlet orifice 20 is connected to the end piece 21 on the transverse wall 23 of the container 5.

[0108] The transverse wall 23, which is a plane, closes one end of the container 5.

[0109] The transverse wall 23 and the side wall 7 of the container 5 are manufactured as one piece.

[0110] The inlet orifice 20 for the third fluid is positioned facing the widened portion 25 of the container 5.

[0111] The widened portion 25 partially defines the fluid distribution volume over the entire height of the heat exchanger on one side of the heat exchanger 10.

[0112] The distribution volume has a radiating shape that widens from the inlet orifice 25 toward the outer peripheral wall 11 of the heat exchanger 10.

[0113] The container 5 is connected to an outlet orifice 26 for a third fluid in order to remove the third heat transfer fluid that has circulated along the fluid path 6 inside the container 5.

[0114] The outlet orifice 26 is connected to the end piece 28 on the transverse wall 23 of the container 5.

[0115] The outlet orifice 26 for the third fluid is positioned facing the widened portion of the container 27.

[0116] The widened portion 27 partially defines the fluid collection volume on one side of the heat exchanger 10 over the entire height of the heat exchanger 10.

[0117] The height corresponds to the dimension measured perpendicular to the transverse wall 23.

[0118] The collection volume formed by the widened portion 27 has a converging shape that narrows from the outer peripheral wall 11 of the heat exchanger 10 toward the fluid outlet orifice 26.

[0119] The fluid inlet orifice 20 and the fluid outlet orifice 26 are arranged substantially diagonally opposite each other, with one on each side of the heat exchanger 10.

[0120] In this way, the third fluid inlet orifice 20 and outlet orifice 26 for fluid path 6 are located on the transverse wall 23 of the container.

[0121] The inlet orifice 20 and outlet orifice 26 for the third fluid include cylindrical connecting end pieces 21 and 28, which are integral with the transverse wall 23.

[0122] End pieces 21 and 28 can be connected to an external cooling circuit 200.

[0123] The transverse wall 23 of container 5 is substantially parallel to the support 2 that carries the fluid-carrying component.

[0124] The first and third heat transfer fluids are of the same type, in this case ethylene glycol water.

[0125] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As clearly visible, the heat exchanger 10 includes an inlet opening 30 for a first fluid, which is located on a plate 31 of the heat exchanger 10, perpendicular to the side wall 7 of the container 5. The inlet opening 30 includes an end piece 37 fixed to the plate 31.

[0126] The heat exchanger 10 includes a first fluid outlet opening 32 that allows a first fluid to re-emerge from the heat exchanger 10 after it has circulated between the inner plates and exchanged heat with a second heat transfer fluid within the heat exchanger 10. The flow within the heat exchanger 10 is... Figure 4 The arrow F1 in the diagram is very symbolic.

[0127] The outlet opening 32 of the exchanger communicates with the pump 3 of the assembly. Specifically, the outlet opening leads to the seat 33 of the pump 3. The seat 33 of the pump and the support member 2 are formed as a single piece.

[0128] The transverse end wall 23 is located at the end opposite to the plate 31 of the heat exchanger 10.

[0129] Therefore, container 5 is defined by sidewall 7, and at the ends, it is defined by transverse wall 23 at one end and plate 31 at the other end.

[0130] The sealing plate 31 includes an opening 35 through which fastening elements such as screws can pass to secure the plate to the container 5.

[0131] The container 5 includes a perforated boss 36 configured to align with the opening 35 of the closure plate 31, and into which fastening elements such as screws can be inserted to fasten the closure plate 31 to the container 5.

[0132] The enclosure plate 31 supports a fluid connection flange 38, which includes an inlet for a second heat transfer fluid and an outlet for a second heat transfer fluid (refrigerant) that has already circulated in the heat exchanger 10.

[0133] The fluid connection flange 38 allows for the use of a second heat transfer fluid connection between the components according to the invention and the air conditioning system 210.

[0134] The support 2 also carries the valve 40, which is used to regulate the flow of the first heat transfer fluid (ethylene glycol water) according to the required operating mode.

[0135] The support 2 also includes a flow channel 41 for the first heat transfer fluid.

[0136] In this way, the support member 2 integrates various functions in a compact manner.

Claims

1. A component (1), particularly a component for a vehicle, comprising: - A heat exchanger (10) configured to allow heat exchange between a flow of a first heat transfer fluid within one side of the heat exchanger (10) and a flow of a second heat transfer fluid within the heat exchanger (10) on the other side, wherein the first heat transfer fluid is, in particular, water-based, and the second heat transfer fluid is, in particular, a refrigerant or dielectric fluid. - Support member (2), said support member (2) is arranged to support at least one component having a fluid function, particularly multiple components having a fluid function. - A container (5) arranged to receive the heat exchanger (10), the container (5) being configured such that when the heat exchanger (10) is placed in the container, a fluid path (6) for a third heat transfer fluid is formed between the side wall (7) of the container and the outer peripheral wall (11) of the heat exchanger, the fluid path being configured to be fluidly connected to an external cooling circuit (200) for cooling at least one auxiliary module (201), particularly an auxiliary electronic module whose operation is temperature sensitive. The component (1) is characterized in that the at least one fluid-functional component is selected from the following elements: - A pump used to pump the first or second heat transfer fluid. - Valves used to guide the first or second heat transfer fluid, especially multi-way valves. - A check valve for the first or second heat transfer fluid. - A throttling valve for the first or second heat transfer fluid. - Condensing heat exchangers, especially water-cooled condensers, - A heating device with an electric heating resistor, the heating device being arranged to heat a first or second heat transfer fluid. - Temperature and / or pressure sensors, - Desiccant container or accumulator - A filter used to filter particles present in the first or second heat transfer fluid, especially a dielectric fluid.

2. The component (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein, The container (5) and the support (2) form a single one-piece component, which is obtained in particular by molding, especially by molding from plastic material.

3. The component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The fluid path (6) extends over at least a portion of the periphery of the outer peripheral wall (11) of the heat exchanger (10), and the side wall (7) of the container (5) and the outer peripheral wall (11) of the heat exchanger are parallel to each other.

4. The component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The container (5) is in communication with an inlet orifice (20) for the third fluid so as to convey the third heat transfer fluid toward a fluid path (6) within the container, and the inlet orifice is in communication with an end piece on the transverse wall (23) of the container; in particular, the planar transverse wall closes one end of the container (5), and the transverse wall (23) is specifically made as a single piece with the side wall of the container (5).

5. The component (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein, The inlet orifice (20) for the third fluid is positioned facing the widened portion (25) of the container (5), and the widened portion (25) partially defines the fluid distribution volume on one side of the heat exchanger, particularly over the entire height of the heat exchanger.

6. The component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The heat exchanger (10) includes an inlet opening (30) for the first fluid, the inlet opening (30) being located on a plate (31) of the heat exchanger, the plate being particularly perpendicular to the side wall of the container (5), and the heat exchanger includes an outlet opening (32) for the first fluid, the outlet opening (32) allowing the first fluid to re-emerge from the heat exchanger (10) after exchanging heat with the second heat transfer fluid within the heat exchanger (10) once the first fluid has circulated through the heat exchanger (10).

7. The component (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein, The outlet opening (32) of the exchanger is in communication with the pump (3) of the component, the outlet opening specifically leading to the seat (33) of the pump, and the seat of the pump specifically forming a single piece with the support (2).

8. The component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The component includes a degassing tank, which is made as a single piece or removably attached to the support (2) to allow for maintenance.

9. A motor vehicle system (100) comprising a component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims and an external cooling circuit (200) for a cooling auxiliary module (201), the component (1) comprising a heat exchanger (10), the component comprising a container (5), the container (5) being configured such that when the heat exchanger is placed in the container (5), a fluid path (6) for a third heat transfer fluid is formed between a side wall (7) of the container (5) and an outer peripheral wall (11) of the heat exchanger, the fluid path being configured to be fluidly connected to the external cooling circuit.

10. The system (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein, The auxiliary electronic module forms part of a driver assistance system or ADAS.

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