Thermal regulation system for structural supports with fixed components to single faces of the support

Abstract

The present invention relates to a thermal regulation system (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising: a heat transfer fluid circuit including a first plate (20) forming one or more first channels (25) for heat transfer fluid; a refrigerant circuit including a second plate (21) forming one or more second channels (26) for refrigerant; a plurality of components for functionalizing the circuit; the first plate and the second plate being fixed to each other via intermediate structures (22, 23) to form a structural support; the intermediate structures and the first plate and / or the second plate having a plurality of orifices or cutouts (27) intended for passage of conduits (28) for connecting one or the other of the first channel and the second channel to the components; and a single face of the structural support having all the aforementioned components.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a thermal regulation system for heating and / or cooling electrical and / or electronic components of an electric or hybrid motor vehicle, and preferably for heating and / or cooling the interior of said vehicle. The invention also relates to a method for assembling the thermal regulation system.

[0002] This invention relates to the field of thermal regulation systems. These systems are particularly suitable for equipping motor vehicles. In the case of electric vehicles, such systems allow for thermal regulation of various components of the vehicle, such as the interior or the energy storage battery. Heat exchange is primarily managed through the compression and expansion of the refrigerant within various heat exchangers, thereby allowing for the heating or cooling of various components. Background Technology

[0003] Thermal control systems typically utilize a refrigerant circuit and a circuit for a heat transfer fluid that exchanges heat with the refrigerant. Such systems are therefore referred to as indirect. The refrigerant circuit is configured such that the refrigerant releases heat to the heat transfer fluid in a first heat exchanger. The heat released to the heat transfer fluid can then be dissipated into the airflow serving the vehicle interior to heat it. The heat transfer fluid circuit also allows for the cooling of heat-dissipating components of the vehicle's drivetrain, such as the vehicle's electric drive motor or the power electronics controlling the electric motor. For this purpose, another heat exchanger allows for the exchange of heat between the heat transfer fluid and the refrigerant to cool the heat transfer fluid.

[0004] Therefore, a thermal regulation system that is as compact as possible is needed, which can provide various modes of cooling and / or heating of various components of the battery or vehicle powertrain.

[0005] Thermal control systems typically consist of thermal management components such as pumps, valves, heat exchangers, and components for temperature regulation. Components such as pipes are also provided to guide fluid and fluidly connect the thermal management components to each other.

[0006] The development of electric vehicles has increased the demand for optimized thermal control systems with simplified and economical manufacturing methods, while also creating a demand for compact systems.

[0007] In fact, optimized management of the space under the hood, or more generally in a vehicle, remains necessary, including for electric vehicles, where new components (as opposed to combustion-powered vehicles) are required.

[0008] Reducing these components or their associated connections also has significant benefits.

[0009] The present invention is primarily intended to provide a solution for improving this situation. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Therefore, the present invention relates to a thermal regulation system for heating and / or cooling electrical and / or electronic components of an electric or hybrid motor vehicle, and preferably for heating and / or cooling the interior of said vehicle, comprising:

[0011] - A heat transfer fluid circuit for heating and / or cooling electrical and / or electronic components, and preferably for heating and / or cooling the interior of a vehicle, the circuit comprising a first plate extending in a first plane, the first plate forming one or more first channels for heat transfer fluid through protrusions or projections from the first plane;

[0012] - A refrigerant circuit comprising a second plate extending in a second plane parallel to the first plane, the second plate forming one or more second channels for the refrigerant by means of protrusions or projections from the second plane;

[0013] - Multiple components designed to enable the aforementioned circuit to function.

[0014] In this system:

[0015] - The first plate and the second plate are fixed to each other via an intermediate structure, the intermediate structure enclosing the periphery of the first channel and the second channel or forming part of the periphery of the first channel and the second channel or forming part of the periphery of the first channel and the second channel, the intermediate structure extending in a plane parallel to the first plane and the second plane, so as to form a structural support together with the plates for fixing and supporting each of the above-mentioned components;

[0016] - The intermediate structure and the first and / or second plate have multiple openings or cutouts for conduits to pass through, the conduits being used to connect either the first or second channel to the component, and then all the components are secured to the first or second plate such that a single face of the structure support has all the aforementioned components.

[0017] The primary objective of this invention is to free up one surface or face of the structural support member of the thermal regulation system, thereby allowing that surface of the structural support member to be placed against another wall or component in a dedicated space within the vehicle. Specifically, minimizing and optimizing the space occupied under the hood is an ongoing issue, particularly for electric or hybrid motor vehicles.

[0018] A second objective of the present invention is to provide or give better integration of thermal regulation systems in vehicles.

[0019] With the features of this invention, space is saved by optimizing the arrangement of various elements of the fluid management module of the thermal regulation system on both sides of the structural support, and the plates of each of the two loops—the heat transfer fluid loop and the refrigerant loop—are used together with the intermediate plate to directly define or form the collectors of each of the two loops.

[0020] The term "structural support" is understood to mean a support that can be used as a mechanical support, that is, a component that can support the parts to be installed on it.

[0021] First, the structural support formed by the assembly plate sandwiching the intermediate structure in the middle performs multiple functions, namely at least one structural function and one functional function, thereby enabling the acquisition of a compact module with multiple components that can be constrained.

[0022] In particular, the present invention enables the optimal combination of multiple components of a hydraulic circuit for heat transfer fluid, especially having a single plate support including the hydraulic circuit.

[0023] In particular, this invention makes it possible to avoid the use of additional pipes / pipes to fluidly connect the various components to each other. These fluid connections are established directly through channels in the assembly plate.

[0024] Since no pipes or conduits are needed, the assembly of various components can be simplified.

[0025] Therefore, this invention enables cost reduction because it eliminates the need for multiple pipes / pipes used for connecting components. This invention also enables a reduction in the weight of the cooling fluid used.

[0026] Additionally, plate-type structural supports can be used as components for things like valves or pumps. This makes the modules very compact.

[0027] Therefore, this invention allows for a reduction in the space occupied by components, thereby enabling a reduction in the overall volume of the cooling module. For example, in the case of a heat pump, this invention allows for a reduction in the volume of all its components, particularly the volume of various heat transfer fluid circuits.

[0028] The description of "first (or second) plates extending in a plane" should be understood as these plates having extending planes P1 or P2 respectively, the plates also having protrusions extending from these planes, and used only to form channels for the circulation / distribution of fluids (i.e., heat transfer fluids and refrigerants). In other words, the first and second plates can lie flat on one surface, in this case contacting the intermediate structure, and once the regulating system according to the invention is assembled, the flat surface of each of the two plates faces the other, the first and second plates being separated only by the intermediate structure.

[0029] The following lists other advantageous features of the system that forms the subject matter of this invention. Each of these features can be considered alone or in combination with the prominent features defined above. Where appropriate, each of these features helps to solve a particular technical problem defined earlier in the specification, and the prominent features defined above do not necessarily help to solve these particular technical problems. Where appropriate, these features can form the subject matter of one or more divisional patent applications:

[0030] According to one embodiment, the intermediate structure is formed by a first intermediate plate sandwiched between the first and second plates, and one side of the first intermediate plate closes the periphery of the first channel or forms a portion of the periphery of the first channel, and the other side of the first intermediate plate closes the periphery of the second channel or forms a portion of the periphery of the second channel.

[0031] Advantageously, the first intermediate plate has multiple openings or slits for conduits to pass through, the conduits being used to connect either the first or second channel to the component.

[0032] According to another embodiment, the intermediate structure is formed by: a first intermediate plate, one side of which closes the periphery of the first channel or forms a portion for closing the periphery of the first channel or forms a portion of the periphery of the first channel; a second intermediate plate, which is adjacent to the first intermediate plate, and one side of the second intermediate plate closes the periphery of the second channel or forms a portion for closing the periphery of the second channel or forms a portion of the periphery of the second channel; the two intermediate plates are sandwiched between the first plate and the second plate.

[0033] Advantageously, the first and second intermediate plates each have multiple openings or slits for pipe passage, the channels being used to connect either the first or second channel to the component.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the intermediate structure is fixed to the first plate and / or the second plate by welding and / or mechanical and / or chemical means at least along the first channel and the second channel.

[0035] Advantageously, at least one seal is present between the first plate and the intermediate structure and / or between the second plate and the intermediate structure to ensure the sealing of the first channel and / or the second channel. Preferably, the first plate, the second plate, and / or the intermediate structure have recesses that form receiving channels for the seal.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the first plate and / or the second plate and / or the intermediate structure are metallic, preferably made of a material such as aluminum or steel, or made of a plastic material.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the first plate, the second plate, and the intermediate structure are made of the same material, particularly a metallic material, such as aluminum or steel, or a plastic material.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the conduit used to connect either the first channel or the second channel to the component is made of plastic.

[0039] Preferably, the first plate, the second plate, and the intermediate structure form an integral component.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the first plate and / or the second plate include one or more guide elements designed to cooperate with at least one guide element of the intermediate structure to guide the plates and the structure relative to each other to secure them.

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment, the components are selected from a list including at least the following: a pump for pumping heat transfer fluid, a valve for guiding heat transfer fluid, a check valve for heat transfer fluid and / or refrigerant, a throttling valve for restricting the flow of heat transfer fluid and / or refrigerant, a plate heat exchanger, a condenser heat exchanger, an electric heating resistor designed for heating heat transfer fluid, an accumulator or desiccant tank for a dedicated refrigerant circuit, a filter for filtering particles present in the heat transfer fluid, at least one pressure and / or temperature sensor, an expansion device for a dedicated refrigerant circuit, and a charging port for a dedicated refrigerant circuit.

[0042] The present invention also relates to a method for assembling a thermal regulation system for heating and / or cooling electrical and / or electronic components of an electric or hybrid motor vehicle, and preferably for heating and / or cooling the interior of said vehicle, the method comprising:

[0043] - A heat transfer fluid circuit for heating and / or cooling electrical and / or electronic components, particularly batteries, and preferably for heating and / or cooling the interior of a vehicle, the circuit comprising a first plate extending in a first plane, the first plate forming one or more first channels for heat transfer fluid through protrusions or projections from the first plane;

[0044] - A refrigerant circuit, the refrigerant circuit including a second plate extending in a second plane parallel to the first plane, the second plate forming one or more second channels for the refrigerant by means of protrusions or projections from the second plane;

[0045] - Multiple components designed to enable the aforementioned circuit to function.

[0046] The assembly method includes the following steps:

[0047] - The first plate and the second plate are fixed to an intermediate structure, the intermediate structure enclosing the periphery of the first channel and the second channel or forming a portion of the periphery of the first channel and the second channel or forming a portion of the periphery of the first channel and the second channel, the intermediate structure extending in a plane parallel to the first plane and the second plane, so as to form a structural support for fixing and supporting each of the above components together with the plates;

[0048] - A plurality of orifices or cuts are formed in the intermediate structure and in the first plate and / or the second plate to form a passage for connecting either the first channel or the second channel to the component;

[0049] - Secure all components to the first plate or the second plate such that a single face of the structural support has all components.

[0050] Advantageously, the first plate and the second plate are fixed to the intermediate structure by welding, mechanical means or chemical means. Preferably, when fixed by mechanical means or chemical means, at least one seal is added between the first plate and / or the second plate and the intermediate structure.

[0051] In this case, it should be noted that the characteristics associated with the thermal control system apply to the assembly method of the thermal control system, and vice versa. Attached Figure Description

[0052] Further advantages and features of the invention will become clearer from the following description of preferred embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided by way of non-limiting illustrative examples, wherein:

[0053] [ Figure 1 [This is a simplified perspective view of a support for a fluid management module in a vehicle's refrigerant circuit and heat transfer fluid circuit, and is not based on the invention.]

[0054] [ Figure 2 [Illustration] is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the first and second plates surrounding the intermediate structure formed by a single intermediate plate according to the present invention.

[0055] [ Figure 3 ] is perpendicular to Figure 2 A cross-sectional schematic diagram in the plane of the section shows the channels formed by each of the first and second plates surrounding the intermediate structure, such as... Figure 2 As shown.

[0056] [ Figure 4 [Illustration] is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing an embodiment of the invention whereby a first plate and a second plate surround an intermediate structure formed by two intermediate plates.

[0057] [ Figure 5 ] is perpendicular to Figure 4 In the plane of the cross section and with Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of the same type, showing the channel formed by each of the first and second plates surrounding the intermediate plate, as shown. Figure 4 As shown. Detailed Implementation

[0058] This invention relates to a thermal control system 1, such as... Figure 1 As shown in the exemplary embodiment not based on the present invention, the thermal regulation system 1 is used to heat and / or cool electrical and / or electronic components of an electric or hybrid motor vehicle, and preferably for heating and / or cooling the interior of the vehicle. The thermal regulation system 1 typically includes a heat transfer fluid circuit and a refrigerant circuit for heating and / or cooling electrical and / or electronic components and preferably for heating and / or cooling the interior of the vehicle.

[0059] System 1 may include a condenser, a compressor 10, a first evaporator for cooling the interior of the vehicle, a second evaporator for cooling electrical and / or electronic components (the second evaporator is thermally connected to a heat transfer fluid circuit), a fluid management module, and multiple pipes 11 for connecting various components.

[0060] The system also includes multiple components designed to functionalize or enable the heat transfer fluid circuit and the refrigerant circuit. These components are secured to structural supports described earlier in the specification. These components are selected from a non-exhaustive list, which includes at least the following:

[0061] - A pump, the pump being used to pump the heat transfer fluid.

[0062] - A valve, the valve being used to guide the heat transfer fluid.

[0063] - A check valve for the heat transfer fluid.

[0064] - A throttle valve, which restricts the flow of the heat transfer fluid.

[0065] Plate heat exchangers, especially evaporative heat exchangers, are also known as coolers.

[0066] - Condensation exchangers, especially water-cooled condensers

[0067] - An electric heating resistance device designed to heat the heat transfer fluid.

[0068] - An accumulator or desiccant tank for a circuit specifically designed for refrigerants;

[0069] - A filter, which is used to filter out particles present in the heat transfer fluid, especially the dielectric fluid.

[0070] The refrigerant used in the refrigerant circuit is preferably a liquid such as R1234yf. Other refrigerants, such as R134a or R290, can also be used. The refrigerant can be a high-pressure refrigerant. The term "high-pressure refrigerant" should be understood as a refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit at a pressure of approximately 20 bar.

[0071] The heat transfer fluid used in the heat transfer fluid loop is preferably a dielectric fluid, such as mineral oil or a fluorinated liquid. Other heat transfer fluids, such as water or a mixture of water and ethylene glycol, can be used.

[0072] In the accompanying drawings, a structural support is formed by combining the first plate 20 and the second plate 21, to which the components that function as the heat transfer fluid circuit and the refrigerant circuit are fixed. These plates are fixed to each other via intermediate structures 22 and 23. Once assembled, the intermediate structures 22 and 23 are sandwiched and surrounded by the two plates 20 and 21, and the assembly forms an integral component, i.e., a one-piece rigid component.

[0073] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 5 A first plate 20 extends in a first plane P1. It forms one or more first channels 25 for heat transfer fluid through protrusions or projections from the first plane P1. Similarly, a second plate 21 extends in a second plane P2 parallel to the first plane P1, having protrusions or projections from the plane P2 intended to form one or more second channels 26 for refrigerant. According to one embodiment, these channels 25, 26 respectively define a collector or region for heat transfer fluid circulation and a collector or region for refrigerant circulation at high and / or low pressures.

[0074] The intermediate structure is configured to enclose the periphery of the first channel 25 and the second channel 26, or to form part of the periphery of the first channel 25 and the second channel 26, or to form part of the periphery of the first channel 25 and the second channel 26. This intermediate structure extends in a plane P0 parallel to the first plane P1 and the second plane P2, so as to form, together with the plate, a structural support for fixing and supporting each of the aforementioned components.

[0075] exist Figure 2 and Figure 3 In one embodiment, the intermediate structure is formed by a first intermediate plate 22 extending in plane P0, while the first plate 20 and the second plate 21 each extend in the first plane P1 and the second plane P2, respectively. Once the plates 20, 21, and 22 have been joined and fixed together, the planes P0, P1, and P2 are parallel to each other.

[0076] Therefore, the first intermediate plate 22 is sandwiched between the first plate 20 and the second plate 21. One surface 220 of the first intermediate plate 22 closes the periphery of the first channel 25, or forms a portion thereof for closing the periphery of the first channel 25, or forms a portion thereof for closing the periphery of the first channel 25, and the other surface 221 closes the periphery of the second channel 26, or forms a portion thereof for closing the periphery of the second channel 26, or forms a portion thereof for closing the periphery of the second channel 26.

[0077] The first intermediate plate 22 is fixed to the first plate 20 and / or the second plate 21 by welding and / or mechanical and / or chemical means, at least along the first and second channels (25, 26). The assembly is preferably carried out by bonding and fixing at least one polymer layer present on any surface of the first plate 20 and / or the second plate 21 (possibly the first intermediate plate 22).

[0078] Advantageously, when the first plate 20, the second plate 21, and the first intermediate plate 22 are fixed by mechanical and / or chemical means, at least one seal is present between the first plate 20 and the first intermediate plate 22, and between the second plate 21 and the first intermediate plate, to ensure the sealing of the first channel 25 and the second channel 26. For this purpose, the first plate 20 and / or the second plate 21 and / or the first intermediate plate 22 have recesses that form receiving channels for the seals.

[0079] This embodiment, in which the intermediate structure is formed by a single intermediate plate 22, has several advantages, particularly: fewer components are required to form the support structure; and the various plates 20, 21, 22 can be easily and quickly assembled.

[0080] exist Figure 4 and 5 In one embodiment, the intermediate structure is formed by two intermediate plates, namely a first intermediate plate 22 and a second intermediate plate 23, sandwiched between a first plate 20 and a second plate 21. The two intermediate plates 22 and 23 are parallel to each other and extend in plane P0. The two intermediate plates 22 and 23 may extend in two parallel planes (one for each plate), which are offset from each other on opposite sides of plane P0, but are generally considered to extend in plane P0.

[0081] One surface 220 of the first intermediate plate 22 encloses the periphery of the first channel 25 or forms a portion thereof for enclosing the periphery of the first channel 25, and one surface 230 of the second intermediate plate 23 encloses the periphery of the second channel 26 or forms a portion thereof for enclosing the periphery of the second channel 26. The other corresponding surfaces of the intermediate plates 22 and 23 are adjacent and located in plane P0.

[0082] As described above, the first intermediate plate 22 is fixed to the first plate 20 at least along the first channel 25 by welding and / or mechanical and / or chemical means. The second intermediate plate 23 is also fixed to the second plate 21 at least along the second channel 26 by welding and / or mechanical and / or chemical means. The two intermediate plates 22 and 23 can also be fixed to each other by welding and / or mechanical and / or chemical means.

[0083] Advantageously, at least one seal is present between the first plate 20 and the first intermediate plate 22, and between the second plate 21 and the second intermediate plate 23, to ensure the sealing of the first channel 25 and the second channel 26. For this purpose, the first plate 20 and / or the second plate 21 and / or the first intermediate plate 22 and / or the second intermediate plate 23 have recesses that form receiving channels for the seals.

[0084] This embodiment, in which the intermediate structure is formed by two intermediate plates 22 and 23, has several advantages, particularly: better mechanical strength of the support structure; the ability to independently assemble the first plate 20 and the first intermediate plate 22 to form a first mounting assembly, and to assemble the second plate 21 and the second intermediate plate 23 to form a second mounting assembly, and then fix these assemblies to each other.

[0085] To simplify the design, plates 20, 21, 22 (and, where appropriate, 23) are advantageously metallic, preferably made of the same material such as aluminum or steel, or of plastic material.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the first plate 20 and / or the second plate 21 include one or more guide elements 4 designed to mate with at least one guide element 5 of the intermediate structure 22 (and, where appropriate, 23) to guide the plates and the structure relative to each other for securing them. These guide elements 4 may consist of rods / pins that mate with grooves / holes 5, or hooks that mate with sockets. In this case, any type of mechanical element can be envisioned for forming a mistake-proofing system, allowing the operator to ensure that they have correctly positioned the first plate 20, the second plate 21, and the intermediate structure relative to each other in exactly one relative orientation.

[0087] Therefore, the intermediate structure (formed by one or more intermediate plates 22, 23) has a dual function: to enclose the periphery of channels 25, 26 or to form part of the periphery of channels 25, 26 for enclosing or to form part of the periphery of channels 25, 26; and to ensure the mechanical strength of the structural support members, wherein one of the plates 20, 21 supports, holds, or secures all components. The expression "mechanical strength" is understood to mean that the intermediate structure prevents any relative movement of the plates 20, 21, whether bending, twisting, or folding, especially under the weight of the components being held / secured.

[0088] The number of components that the first plate 20 or the second plate 21 must bear or support is considered the basis for determining the appropriate thickness of the intermediate plate 22, and may also be the basis for determining the appropriate thickness of the second intermediate plate 23, so that the intermediate structure fully provides this mechanical strength function for structural support. Therefore, the intermediate plates 22 and 23 preferably have a total thickness between 0.5 cm and 2 cm.

[0089] The structural supports 20, 21, 22, and possibly 23 are also referred to as the center platform (or hub). The structural supports are designed to form part of the vehicle’s thermal regulation system, in which refrigerant circulates, particularly in the air conditioning and / or heat pump circuits.

[0090] Advantageously, where appropriate, the thickness of the plates 20, 21, 22 and 23 forming the structural support members is substantially uniform in both the flat areas and the channels 25 and 26. Figures 2 to 5 This allows for a better understanding of the term "flat area" related to plates 20 and 21, which have channels 25 and 26 that form protrusions or projections from the flat area.

[0091] If we consider this now through illustrative examples Figures 2 to 5 As can be seen, all components used for the operation and use of the heat transfer fluid circuit and the refrigerant fluid circuit are located on the same surface of the structural support. In the selected example, all components are located on the first plate 20, i.e., on the heat transfer fluid circuit side. In this case, all components are directly or indirectly fixed to the first plate 20. Of course, all components can also be located on the refrigerant circuit side, in which case all components are fixed to the second plate 21.

[0092] To connect components to their respective circuits, the intermediate structure and the first plate 20 and / or the second plate 21 have a plurality of orifices or cutouts 27 for conduits, tubes, pipes, or the like 28 (these terms are synonyms within the meaning of this invention) to pass through for connecting either the first channel 25 or the second channel 26. Thus, the first intermediate plate 22 and (if appropriate) the second intermediate plate 23 have as many orifices or cutouts 27 as possible for conduits 28 to pass through, which are intended to connect one of the return channels to components necessary or useful for its operation and use. These conduits 28 may be metallic or preferably made of plastic.

[0093] Therefore, in Figures 2 to 5In the example, the first plate 20 supports or secures a valve 30 for the heat transfer fluid, a compressor 31 for the refrigerant, a sensor 32 for the refrigerant, a sensor 33 for the heat transfer fluid, a pump 34, and another component 35 (such as a plate heat exchanger or condenser for the heat transfer fluid), as well as a valve 36 for the heat transfer fluid. The cooling fluid circuit 26 also has an internal valve 37, preferably a check valve.

[0094] As a result, there are no components on the surface of the refrigerant circuit of the structural supports 20, 21, 22, and 23, and therefore the assembly 1 can be placed more easily against a solid object or against any wall.

[0095] Therefore, the first intermediate plate 22 and possibly the second intermediate plate 23 are plates that both enclose the periphery of the heat transfer fluid circuit channel 25 and the refrigerant circuit channel 26, or define a portion of the periphery of the heat transfer fluid circuit channel 25 and the refrigerant circuit channel 26, and allow the passage of a conduit 28 for connecting the heat transfer fluid circuit (or refrigerant circuit) to its components, which is structurally supported and secured by orifices or cutouts 27 pre-made in the first intermediate plate 22 and possibly the second intermediate plate 23.

[0096] As in Figure 3 and Figure 5 As can be seen, the channels 26, 25 formed in the first plate 20 and the second plate 21 are initially open (when each of the first plate 20 and the second plate 21 is considered individually), and Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the embodiment with a single intermediate plate, it is enclosed in plane P0 by a first intermediate plate 22, and... Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the embodiment with two intermediate plates, the space is closed by a first intermediate plate 22 and a second intermediate plate 23, respectively.

[0097] This arrangement facilitates the formation of channels 25 and 26 on the first plate 20 and the second plate 21, and also facilitates assembly by stacking plates or by clamping the first intermediate plate 22 (and, where appropriate, the second intermediate plate 23) between the first plate 20 and the second plate 21.

[0098] The cross-section of the heat transfer fluid circuit channel 25 and the refrigerant circuit channel 26 can be square or rectangular, but the cross-section can also be substantially circular. It should be understood that the closed portion (corresponding to the wall portion of the channel 25, 26 formed by the intermediate structures 22, 23) extends in a plane, in this case in plane P0.

[0099] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with several specific embodiments, it is obvious that the invention is by no means limited thereto, and the invention includes all technical equivalents of the described apparatus and combinations thereof, all of which fall within the scope of the invention.

[0100] In the above embodiments, the arrangement of the various elements and / or devices and / or steps of the present invention should not be construed as requiring such an arrangement in all embodiments. Manifold variations are conceivable, particularly:

[0101] -The shape, size, or thickness of the structural support members 20, 21, 22 (i.e., the first plate 20, the second plate 21, the intermediate plate 22, and possibly the second intermediate plate 23) are subject to the condition that the second intermediate plate 23 effectively closes the channels 25, 26 defined by the first plate 20 and the second plate 21.

[0102] - The choice of component-free surfaces for structural support members, whether on the refrigerant circuit side or the heat transfer fluid circuit side.

[0103] - Select the component supported or fixed by the first plate 20 or the second plate 21.

[0104] - Properties of heat transfer fluids and refrigerants.

[0105] Furthermore, one or more features and / or steps disclosed only in one embodiment or exemplary embodiment may be extended to other embodiments. Additionally, one or more features and / or steps set forth only in one embodiment or exemplary embodiment may be combined with one or more other features and / or steps set forth only in another embodiment.

[0106] The use of the verbs “having,” “comprising,” “containing,” or “including,” and combinations thereof, does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those described in the claims.

[0107] In the claims, any reference numerals between parentheses should not be construed as limiting the claims.

Claims

1. A thermal regulation system (1) for heating and / or cooling electrical and / or electronic components of an electric or hybrid motor vehicle and preferably heating and / or cooling the interior of the vehicle, comprising: - A heat transfer fluid circuit for heating and / or cooling electrical and / or electronic components, and preferably for heating and / or cooling the interior of a vehicle, the circuit comprising a first plate (20) extending in a first plane (P1), the first plate forming one or more first channels (25) for the heat transfer fluid through protrusions or projections from the first plane. - A refrigerant circuit comprising a second plate (21) extending in a second plane (P2) parallel to the first plane (P1), the second plate forming one or more second channels (26) for the refrigerant by means of protrusions or projections from the second plane. - Multiple components suitable for functionalizing the aforementioned circuit; Its features are: - The first plate (20) and the second plate (21) are fixed to each other via intermediate structures (22, 23), which enclose the periphery of the first channel (25) and the second channel (26) or form part of the periphery of the first channel (25) and the second channel (26) or form part of the periphery of the first channel (25) and the second channel (26), and the intermediate structures extend in a plane (P0) parallel to the first plane (P1) and the second plane (P2) so as to form a structural support for fixing and supporting each of the above components together with the plates (20, 21); - The intermediate structure (22, 23) and the first plate (20) and / or the second plate (21) have a plurality of openings or cuts (27) intended for passage of a conduit (28) for connecting either the first channel (25) or the second channel (26) to the component, all of which are fixed to the first plate (20) or the second plate (21) such that a single face of the structural support has all of the aforementioned components.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The intermediate structure (22, 23) is formed by a first intermediate plate (22), which is sandwiched between the first plate (20) and the second plate (21). One side (220) of the first intermediate plate (22) closes the periphery of the first channel (25) or forms a portion of the periphery of the first channel (25), and the other side (221) of the first intermediate plate (22) closes the periphery of the second channel (26) or forms a portion of the periphery of the second channel (26).

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein, The first intermediate plate (22) has a plurality of openings or cuts (27) intended for passage of a conduit (28) for connecting either the first channel (25) or the second channel (26) to the component.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The intermediate structures (22, 23) are formed by the following: - First intermediate plate (22), one side (220) of the first intermediate plate (22) closes the periphery of the first channel (25) or forms part of the periphery of the first channel (25); - Second intermediate plate (23), the second intermediate plate (23) is adjacent to the first intermediate plate (22), and one side (230) of the second intermediate plate (23) closes the periphery of the second channel (26) or forms part of the periphery of the second channel (26); - Two intermediate plates (22, 23) are sandwiched between the first plate (20) and the second plate (21).

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein, The first intermediate plate (22) and the second intermediate plate (23) each have a plurality of openings or cuts (27) intended for passage of a conduit (28) for connecting either the first channel (25) or the second channel (26) to the component.

6. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The intermediate structures (22, 23) are fixed to the first plate (20) and / or the second plate (21) at least along the first channel (25) and the second channel (26) by welding and / or mechanical and / or chemical means.

7. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, At least one seal is present between the first plate (20) and the intermediate structure (22, 23) and / or between the second plate (21) and the intermediate structure to ensure the sealing of the first channel (25) and / or the second channel (26).

8. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first plate (20) and / or the second plate (21) and / or the intermediate structure are metallic, preferably made of materials such as aluminum or steel, or made of plastic materials.

9. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The components are selected from a list that includes at least the following: pumps for pumping heat transfer fluids, valves for guiding heat transfer fluids, check valves for heat transfer fluids and / or refrigerants, throttle valves for restricting the flow of heat transfer fluids and / or refrigerants, plate heat exchangers, condenser heat exchangers, electrically heated resistance devices designed for heating heat transfer fluids, accumulators or desiccant tanks for refrigerant circuits, filters for filtering particles present in heat transfer fluids, expansion devices for refrigerant circuits, and charging ports for refrigerant circuits.

10. A method for assembling a thermal regulation system (1), said thermal regulation system (1) for heating and / or cooling electrical and / or electronic components of an electric or hybrid motor vehicle, and preferably for heating and / or cooling the interior of said vehicle, said thermal regulation system comprising: - A heat transfer fluid circuit for heating and / or cooling electrical and / or electronic components, and preferably for heating and / or cooling the interior of a vehicle, the circuit comprising a first plate (20) extending in a first plane (P1), the first plate forming one or more first channels (25) for heat transfer fluid through protrusions or projections from the first plane. - A refrigerant circuit comprising a second plate (21) extending in a second plane (P2) parallel to the first plane (P1), the second plate forming one or more second channels (26) for the refrigerant by means of protrusions or projections from the second plane. - Multiple components designed to function the aforementioned circuit; The method is characterized by comprising the following steps: - The first plate (20) and the second plate (21) are fixed to the intermediate structure (22, 23), the intermediate structure enclosing the periphery of the first channel (25) and the second channel (26) or forming a portion of the periphery of the first channel (25) and the second channel (26) or forming a portion of the periphery of the first channel (25) and the second channel (26), the intermediate structure extending in a plane (P0) parallel to the first plane (P1) and the second plane (P2) so as to form a structural support for fixing and supporting each of the above components together with the plates (20, 21); - A plurality of openings or cuts (27) are formed in the intermediate structure (22, 23) and in the first plate (20) and / or the second plate (21) to form a passage for a conduit (28) that connects either the first channel (25) or the second channel (26) to the component; - Secure all said components to the first plate (20) or the second plate (21) such that a single face of the structural support has all said components.

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