HEATING SYSTEM FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE

Description

[0001] The field of the present invention is that of thermal systems for motor vehicles and more particularly of thermal systems capable of equipping a front end of a motor vehicle, and in particular of an electric motor vehicle.

[0002] The normal operation of a motor vehicle requires a significant amount of air to cool all the components necessary for its operation, including the cooling of electric and / or internal combustion engines, and to maintain the passenger compartment temperature. This large quantity of air is drawn in primarily by the front of the vehicle, and a portion of the airflow is directed through a thermal system located between the front of the vehicle and the engine before being drawn into the engine to allow fuel combustion. These thermal systems are designed to facilitate heat exchange between the airflow passing through them and various fluids circulating through heat exchangers, such as radiators or condensers.The cooled fluid(s) are used for vehicle passenger compartment air conditioning loops and / or for cooling circuits of vehicle components such as batteries, for example.

[0003] It is known to design thermal systems with multiple heat exchangers, each with its own support frame. To facilitate the manufacturing of the thermal system components, and to simplify the assembly of the various exchangers and control their final position relative to one another, a single-piece support frame is commonly used. The heat exchangers are typically attached to the frame by inserting them along one face of the frame. The frame has an open face through which the exchangers are successively inserted. The first heat exchanger is inserted butted into the bottom of the frame, and the second heat exchanger overlaps the first by being attached to the frame and / or the first heat exchanger itself.

[0004] Furthermore, to optimize the performance of thermal systems, it is desirable for a maximum amount of air to pass through each heat exchanger. When the various heat exchangers of a thermal system are mounted on a frame, it is therefore advisable and well-established to provide sealing solutions between the frame and the heat exchangers to limit air leakage between the exchangers and the frame of the thermal system. It is understood that such leaks reduce the amount of air passing through the heat exchanger surface and thus decrease thermal performance. Specifically, it is well-established practice to install flexible seals around the entire perimeter of the heat exchanger most likely to be traversed by the airflow first, and to position these seals against the side walls of the frame.However, such a configuration does not prevent air leakage between the heat exchangers and the side walls of the frame, once the air has passed through the first of the heat exchangers.

[0005] Examples of thermal systems of a motor vehicle comprising a one-piece frame consisting mainly of two parallel side walls and two parallel longitudinal walls extending perpendicularly to the two side walls are also shown in documents EP1120620A1 and EP2 333266A2.

[0006] The invention falls within this dual context and aims to provide a thermal system that allows, firstly, easy and reliable mounting of the various heat exchangers on the same monobloc support frame.

[0007] The invention relates to a thermal system of a motor vehicle comprising a monobloc frame composed mainly of two parallel side walls and two parallel longitudinal walls extending perpendicularly with respect to the two side walls, the frame comprising a front face and a rear face, characterized in that the frame comprises on each of its two faces means for fixing at least one heat exchanger, said fixing means being such that first fixing means disposed on the front face of the frame are configured for fixing a heat exchanger in a first direction of insertion and that second fixing means disposed on the rear face of the frame are configured for fixing a heat exchanger in a second direction of insertion opposite to the first direction of insertion.

[0008] The invention implements a one-piece frame which, through a single component obtained simply and economically by a single manufacturing operation, allows for the advantageous mounting of at least two heat exchangers. This mounting is advantageous because such an arrangement allows for control of the distance between the two heat exchangers after their respective assembly on the frame, thus reducing dimensional constraints, since the frame serves as a common reference for mounting both heat exchangers via each of its faces.It is understood that, according to the invention, the dimensions to be taken into account for the assembly of the second heat exchanger on the frame only concern the manufacturing clearances of the frame, the second heat exchanger and the means of fixing integrated into these two elements, without taking into consideration the manufacturing clearances of the first heat exchanger, unlike an assembly where the heat exchangers are stacked one on top of the other on the same side of the frame.

[0009] According to one feature of the invention, the first and second fastening means are configured for attaching their respective heat exchangers to the frame in a transverse direction, perpendicular to a principal elongation plane of the heat exchangers in a fixed position on the frame. In other words, the two heat exchangers, each fixed to one face of the frame, are arranged such that, after installation on the frame, they have an axial gap between them in a direction perpendicular to the principal elongation plane of the exchangers, that is, in a direction parallel to a stacking direction of the heat exchangers. This axial gap creates a space between the two heat exchangers.

[0010] Each heat exchanger can in particular be fixed, on its own face of the frame, by snapping it in the transverse direction, the frame being able to include a corresponding snapping means on one or both of its side walls.

[0011] According to one feature of the invention, the first fastening means and the second fastening means comprise snap-fit ​​fastening means, with at least one fastening means elastically deformable in a direction perpendicular to the transverse direction and comprising a stop suitable for locking the transverse position of the corresponding heat exchanger on the frame.

[0012] According to the invention, the one-piece frame comprises at least one sealing wall projecting from a lateral and / or longitudinal wall of the frame, said sealing wall having at least one free end portion extending into a space provided transversely between the two heat exchangers. It is understood that this at least one sealing wall extends from a lateral or longitudinal wall substantially towards the interior of the frame.

[0013] In other words, the sealing wall extends from a side wall and has a free end positioned inside the frame and arranged between the two heat exchangers. This arrangement of the sealing wall between the two heat exchangers allows for the formation of baffles in a lateral area of ​​the thermal system between the exchangers and the frame, a lateral area into which air is likely to leak. The simple formation of baffles, through functional integration within the monobloc frame, makes it difficult to prevent air leakage between the heat exchangers and the side walls. It is understood that mounting the heat exchangers on the frame on two opposite faces, with opposing insertion directions, allows for the implementation of a sealing wall with a free end extending transversely between the heat exchangers.This arrangement, which helps to create an effective baffle because it extends far enough inside the frame to have an effect on the potential deflection of the airflow, would not be possible with a mounting of the heat exchangers from the same side of the frame, the presence of such a sealing wall then hindering the insertion of the first exchanger to be inserted against the bottom wall of the frame.

[0014] According to one feature of the invention, at least one sealing wall extends in a plane parallel to the principal elongation plane of the heat exchangers. The principal elongation plane of the heat exchangers is understood to be the plane positioned transversely to the principal direction of the airflow when the heat exchangers are fixed to the frame. To precisely define the position of the sealing wall, reference may be made to a plane averaged by the various principal elongation planes of the heat exchangers, or to a single average plane, for example, that of the radiator.

[0015] According to the invention, the sealing wall has a thickness of between 2.5 mm and 3 mm. It is understood that the thickness of the sealing wall is measured in the transverse direction, so that this thickness must be less than a maximum threshold value for the free end of the sealing wall to be housed between the heat exchangers, and must be greater than a minimum threshold value for the baffle thus formed to have an obstructing effect aimed at preventing air leaks.

[0016] According to the invention, the sealing wall extends continuously along a side wall of the frame.

[0017] According to one feature of the invention, the sealing wall(s) extend in such a way as to obstruct the airflow exiting the sides of the thermal system, without, however, blocking the circulation of this airflow in the center of the heat exchangers. Each heat exchanger has a heat exchange surface delimited laterally by fluid collectors, and the thermal system according to the invention is such that these fluid collectors are positioned opposite the side walls when the heat exchangers are fixed to the frame. According to the aforementioned feature of the invention, the sealing wall is dimensioned such that its free end is positioned longitudinally opposite at least one collector box, thus ensuring that the sealing wall does not obstruct the passage of air through the heat exchange surfaces of the two heat exchangers.

[0018] According to one feature of the invention, at least one sealing wall is made from the same material as the frame. The sealing wall(s) are thus produced in the same manufacturing step as the frame, for example by injection molding of plastic.

[0019] Alternatively, at least one sealing wall can be made of a different material than the frame, for example, a polymer such as polyamide, which offers good wear resistance and rigidity. The sealing wall can then be overmolded onto the corresponding side wall of the frame, or it can be a separate element attached to that side wall.

[0020] According to one feature of the invention, the frame comprises at least one structural wall extending between the two longitudinal walls or the two lateral walls of the frame and between the at least two thermal elements. This at least one structural wall is preferably perforated to allow passage from one heat exchanger to the other for the airflow passing through the thermal system.

[0021] At least one structural wall reinforces the frame structure during the installation of the thermal system. The snap-fit ​​assembly can generate stress on the frame due to the force applied to the heat exchangers to snap them into place. These structural walls are also beneficial when the vehicle is in motion, as this can cause frame vibrations.

[0022] According to the invention, the at least two heat exchangers consist of a condenser positioned on the rear face of the frame and a radiator positioned on the front face of the frame. The condenser and radiator are arranged in series along a transverse direction of the airflow through the thermal system. It is understood that the front face of the frame is the face facing outwards from the vehicle when the frame is mounted on the front of the vehicle, and therefore the radiator positioned on the front face is the heat exchanger that is likely to be traversed first by the airflow passing through the thermal system. Arranged in series means that they are traversed successively by the same airflow.

[0023] The invention also covers a motor vehicle comprising at least one thermal system according to the preceding characteristics.

[0024] The invention also covers a method of assembling the thermal system as previously described, in which a first heat exchanger is positioned on the front face of the frame in a first direction of insertion and a second heat exchanger is positioned on the rear face of the frame in a second direction of insertion, the directions of insertion being opposite to each other.

[0025] The assembly method according to the invention is such that the heat exchangers are arranged on either side of a support frame, with a first heat exchanger being fixed to the frame according to a first assembly procedure and a second heat exchanger being fixed to the same frame according to a second assembly procedure. The first assembly procedure ends with a fastening, for example by snap-fitting, in a first direction of insertion, for example a first direction along the transverse direction perpendicular to the principal elongation plane of the heat exchangers, and the second assembly procedure ends with a fastening, for example by snap-fitting, in a second direction of insertion, for example a second direction opposite to the first direction along the same transverse direction perpendicular to the principal elongation plane of the heat exchangers.Assembly procedures culminating in fastening in either the first or second insertion direction may involve various assembly methods. For example, the heat exchanger can be fastened on both lateral sides of the corresponding face by a single translational action in this insertion direction. Alternatively, the heat exchanger can first be secured at one lateral end of the frame, then pivoted to bring the heat exchanger into a plane substantially similar to the plane in which it will extend once fastened, and finally pushed in the transverse insertion direction to be permanently fixed to the frame.

[0026] Other features, details and advantages of the invention will become clearer upon reading the description given below by way of example in conjunction with drawings in which: there [ Figure 1 ] is a perspective view of a thermal system according to the invention, showing a frame and its front face on which a first heat exchanger is fixed; the [ Figure 2 ] is a close-up view of part of a side wall of the front face of the frame, showing a means of fixing the first heat exchanger; the [ Figure 3 ] is a view of the thermal system of the [ Figure 1 ] from another perspective angle making the frame and its back face visible, opposite to the front face visible on the [ Figure 1 ], and on which a second heat exchanger is fixed; the [ Figure 4 ] is a close-up view of part of a side wall on the rear face of the frame, showing a means of attaching the second heat exchanger; the [ Figure 5 ] is a perspective view of the frame of the thermal system according to the invention; the [ Figure 6 ] is a cross-sectional view of a first longitudinal end of the thermal system according to the invention, making visible the first lateral wall of the frame and the two heat exchangers; the [ Figure 7 ] is a cross-sectional view of a second longitudinal end of the thermal system according to the invention, making visible the second lateral wall of the frame and the two heat exchangers.

[0027] It should first be noted that the figures set out the invention in detail to implement the invention, said figures being able of course to serve to better define the invention where appropriate.

[0028] In the following description, the terms longitudinal, vertical, and transverse will be used to define the orientation of the thermal system according to the invention, as well as that of the frame forming part of this thermal system. More specifically, the transverse direction corresponds to the principal direction of the airflow through the thermal system. The longitudinal and vertical directions define a principal elongation plane of one or the other of the heat exchangers fixed to the frame, the longitudinal direction corresponding to the principal dimension of the frame in the principal elongation plane as just described. The directions mentioned above are illustrated in particular by an LVT trihedron shown in the figures.

[0029] The thermal system 1 according to the invention comprises a frame 2 on which at least two heat exchangers are fixed, for example a radiator 8 and a condenser 10, the frame comprising on each of its faces means 29, 30 for fixing at least one heat exchanger. As will be described in more detail below, the fixing means are such that first fixing means 29 disposed on a first face of the frame are configured for fixing a heat exchanger in a first direction of fixing, and second fixing means 30 disposed on a second face of the frame are configured for fixing a heat exchanger in a second direction of fixing, opposite to the first direction of fixing.

[0030] There [ Figure 1 ] makes particularly visible the front face 20 of the frame 2 on which is fixed one of the first of the two heat exchangers, namely here a radiator 8.

[0031] The thermal system 1 extends mainly along a longitudinal dimension and has a first longitudinal end 56 and a second longitudinal end 57, opposite the first longitudinal end 56 along a longitudinal axis L. Furthermore, the thermal system is configured to be traversed by an airflow whose principal direction is transverse, according to the arrow F visible on the [ Figure 1 The airflow thus brought through the thermal system originates from outside the vehicle and enters through the front of the vehicle before entering the thermal system. A front face 20 of the frame is thus defined, the face visible on the [ Figure 1 ], such as the face likely to be in contact with the passing airflow first.

[0032] Frame 2 comprises a first lateral wall 6a and a second lateral wall 6b, parallel to each other and extending respectively, at each of the longitudinal ends of thermal system 1, along a vertical axis V. Frame 2 also comprises a first longitudinal wall 4a and a second longitudinal wall 4b, parallel to each other and extending along the longitudinal axis L of thermal system 1 to connect the first lateral wall 6a and the second lateral wall 6b. Frame 2 thus comprises a first corner 31, a second corner 32, a third corner 34, and a fourth corner 36. A corner is defined as the part of frame 2 where one of the longitudinal walls 4a, 4b and one of the lateral walls 6a, 6b meet perpendicularly. Frame 2 has a longitudinal and vertical median plane, taking the form of a right-angled quadrilateral in this plane, with a principal dimension along the longitudinal direction L.

[0033] There [ Figure 1 ] also illustrates a first ring 18 and a second ring 19. The first ring 18 is positioned on a rear face, visible on the [ Figure 3 ], of the second side wall 6b of frame 2 and protrudes from the second side wall 6b of frame 2.

[0034] The second ring 19 is positioned on the rear face of the first side wall 6a of the frame 2 and protrudes from the first side wall 6a of the frame 2.

[0035] The two rings 18, 19 have the function of fixing the thermal system 1 in a motor vehicle, for example in the form of a screw in cooperation with the rings 18,19.

[0036] On the front side 20, visible on the [ Figure 1 The frame 2 is configured to allow the radiator 8 to be fixed. The radiator 8 is in the form of a parallelepiped comprising a heat exchange surface 80 and collection chambers 82 arranged laterally on either side of this heat exchange surface. The radiator 8 thus comprises a first lateral end 14 formed by a collection chamber, which is located opposite the first lateral wall 6a when the radiator is fixed to the frame, and a second lateral end 16 formed by a collection chamber, which is located opposite the second lateral wall 6b of the frame 2.

[0037] In the following description, the first means of fixing 29 of the radiator 8 to the frame 2 will be described with reference to the [ Figure 1 ] and more specifically by referring to the detailed view of the [ Figure 2 ].

[0038] The first means of fixing 29 allowing the fixing of the radiator on the frame on its front face are configured to allow fixing according to a first transverse insertion direction, perpendicular to the plane of elongation of the radiator when it is assembled on the frame.

[0039] The first fastening means 29 here take the form of snap-on means, configured to allow the radiator 8 to be fixed to the frame in a transverse direction of insertion, these snap-on means comprising in the illustrated case fastening elements attached to the frame and fastening tabs attached to the radiator and capable of cooperating with the fastening elements.

[0040] More specifically, the thermal system 1 is configured such that the frame has on its front face 20 fastening elements 12 consisting respectively of at least one elastically deformable blade projecting from one or the other of the side walls in a transverse direction T, opposite the frame. The blade has a body which has at its free end a ramp-shaped 120 forming a bearing surface to generate elastic deformation of the blade, the ramp being extended by a shoulder which forms a stopping surface for the corresponding fastening tab when the radiator is in position against the frame. In the example illustrated on the [ Figure 2 The fastening element comprises two parallel blades, the respective ramps of which are configured to bring the blades closer together under the effect of elastic deformation. According to the invention, the body of each blade extends primarily in the transverse direction, and the stopping surface of each blade extends substantially parallel to the principal elongation plane of the radiator when it is mounted on the frame. Thus, the fastening element is capable of being deformed under a force parallel to the transverse direction and is able to lock the radiator in position in this same direction when it returns to its original position after elastic deformation.

[0041] Such a fastening element 12, forming the male element of the first fastening means 29, can be arranged at each corner of the frame 2.

[0042] As previously stated, the first fastening means 29 further include fastening tabs 15 formed on the radiator 8 to cooperate with the fastening members 12 attached to the frame 2. The fastening tabs 15 extend longitudinally from a collector box, such that they are respectively positioned opposite a fastening member 12 previously described when the radiator is brought into assembly position.

[0043] Each retaining tab 15 has a central recess 150 configured to receive the free ends of the blades of a corresponding retaining member 12. The recess is sized to exert force on the ramps as the retaining member passes through the tab, i.e., during a transverse movement of the radiator towards the frame, in a first insertion direction. At the end of the radiator's movement, the retaining tab is beyond the ramp and comes to rest in the recess formed in the body of the retaining member 12, so that the member returns to its original position and the stop formed by the shoulder of the ramp locks the retaining tab, and therefore the radiator, in position.

[0044] In accordance with what has been described previously, such a fixing tab, forming the female element of the first fixing means 29, can be arranged at each vertical end of a collector box so as to correspond with a component arranged at each corner of the frame.

[0045] In the example shown on the [ Figure 1 [ ], it can be noted that similar first fastening means are arranged in three of the corners of the frame, the fourth corner being equipped with first fastening means reversed compared to those described herein, namely a male member disposed on the radiator and a fastening tab disposed on the frame, without this limiting the invention. Furthermore, it may be provided that certain points of attachment of the radiator to the frame are made by means of screws, provided that these screws are configured to achieve the attachment of the radiator in the first insertion direction as mentioned above.

[0046] It is understood from the above that the fixing of each of the lateral ends 14, 16 of the radiator 8 is effected simultaneously on the corresponding lateral wall of the frame by snapping, along the transverse direction T, each fixing tab 15 with the corresponding fixing member 12. Snapping is understood to mean an assembly without the possibility of reversal, achieved by elastic deformation of a female part under the insertion force of a male part and by locking the male part by the elastic return of the female part.

[0047] As can be seen from the above, the radiator 8 is mounted on a first face, or front face 20, of the frame 2 in a first direction of insertion la. The first direction of insertion la extends along the transverse direction T of the thermal system 1, from the outside of the thermal system 1 towards the first face of the frame 2.

[0048] There [ Figure 3 Figure 1 represents the thermal system 1 from a perspective angle that makes visible the rear face 22 of the frame, namely the face opposite the front face 20 described previously. A second heat exchanger is fixed to the rear face 22 of the frame. Here the second heat exchanger is a condenser 10. Only the elements not detailed in the [ Figure 1 ].

[0049] The condenser 10 comprises a heat exchange surface 100 and a desiccant bottle 38 installed laterally to said heat exchange surface, i.e., on a longitudinal end edge. The desiccant bottle allows, among other things, the dehydration of the circuit formed in the heat exchange surface of the condenser 10, the neutralization of acids, and the filtering of fine particles. In the assembled position illustrated in the [ Figure 3 ], the exchange surface 100 is across the frame and the dehydration bottle is arranged in a cavity formed in the second lateral wall 6b of the frame 2.

[0050] The condenser 10 includes a proximal end 17, consisting of the dehydration bottle 38 and a distal end 21, away from the dehydration bottle 38 and opposite to the proximal end 17 along the longitudinal direction L of the thermal system 1.

[0051] On this rear face 22 of the frame, the second lateral wall 6b of the frame 2 has three fixing fingers 13, which together with the second lateral wall 6b form the cavity, visible on the [ Figure 5 configured to receive the dehydrating bottle 38. The retaining fingers 13 form transverse stops to prevent the dehydrating bottle 38 from being removed when it is installed in the cavity. The cavity and the retaining fingers 13 are configured to allow the dehydrating bottle to be inserted at an angle of inclination of the condenser, for example, 20 to 30°, relative to the principal elongation plane of this condenser when it is in its working position, fixed to the frame. The cavity and the fingers then define a pivoting seat for the bottle about a vertical axis, so as to bring the distal end 21 opposite the first lateral wall 6a of the frame 2.

[0052] It will be understood that the number and shape of the fixing fingers 13 can vary without leaving the context of the invention, since the pivoting of the condenser in the seat formed on the frame allows the distal end 21 of the condenser to be brought in relation to the opposite side wall of the frame.

[0053] As previously stated, the frame has, on a second face, namely its rear face as just described, second fastening means 30 configured to allow the attachment of a second heat exchanger, here the condenser 10, via insertion in a second insertion direction Ib opposite to the first insertion direction described previously for attaching the first heat exchanger to the first face, or front face 20, of the frame. In the following description, second fastening means 30 of the condenser 10 to the frame 2 will be described in particular with reference to the [ Figure 4 illustrating a close-up view of one of these second means of fixation 30.

[0054] The second fastening means 30 comprise, on the one hand, the fastening fingers 13 described above on the second side wall 6b and, on the other hand, at least one fastening element 44 formed on the first side wall 6a of the frame in combination with a fastening tab 46 formed on the condenser. As described in relation to the first fastening means, the fastening element 44 and the fastening tab 46 are configured to allow the condenser to be attached to the frame by snap-fitting, in a transverse insertion direction perpendicular to the principal elongation plane of the condenser when it is assembled on the frame.

[0055] In particular, the fixing element 44 protrudes from the first side wall 6a of the frame 2 and has flexible hooks 440 capable of being elastically deformed to take a position of gripping an edge of the corresponding fixing tab 46.

[0056] The mounting bracket 46 extends outward from the condenser along the longitudinal direction L, such that it is aligned with the mounting element 44 of the first side wall 6a when the condenser has been rotated around the axis of the desiccant bottle. The mounting bracket 46 has a central opening 47 sized to receive the mounting element projecting from the frame, and at least one wall that helps to define the central opening is held in place by the spring return of the hook against which a lip of this wall abuts.

[0057] It is understood that the condenser 10 is fixed to the second face of the frame 2, namely the rear face 22, at the end of the assembly process, following a second insertion direction Ib which extends along the transverse direction T of the thermal system 1 and in the opposite direction to the first insertion direction of the radiator, as previously described. Therefore, it can be considered that the condenser 10 is fixed to the frame 2 by means of a translational assembly, since the final step in the condenser fixing process consists of a mechanical push along the transverse direction T of the fixing tab 46 around the fixing element 44 in order to allow the condenser to snap onto the frame.

[0058] As previously described, it can be foreseen that certain fixing points of the condenser on the frame are made by means of screws, provided that these means of screws are configured to make the fixing of the condenser according to the second direction of insertion Ib.

[0059] There [ Figure 5 [ ] illustrates the monobloc frame 2 alone, without the heat exchangers fixed according to the invention on either side of the frame via the first and second fixing means disposed respectively on one or the other face of the frame. At the level of at least one side wall, the monobloc frame includes at least one sealing wall 58a, 58b which extends perpendicularly to the side wall, extending inwards from the corresponding side wall into the frame.

[0060] In the illustrated example, the sealing wall(s) are formed from the same material as the rest of the frame; that is, the frame walls and each sealing wall are made in one piece, with the sealing wall(s) potentially being thinner than the lateral and longitudinal walls of the frame. According to the invention, the sealing wall(s) can be overmolded onto the corresponding lateral or longitudinal wall of the frame, so as to be made of two different materials.

[0061] More specifically, frame 2 has on the first side wall 6a a first sealing wall 58a, visible in particular on the [ Figure 5 ] and on the [ Figure 6 ]. The first sealing wall 58a extends continuously over the entire vertical dimension V of the corresponding side wall, substantially at the center of this wall when considering the transverse dimension.

[0062] The first sealing wall 58a extends from the first lateral wall 6a, substantially perpendicular to it, so as to extend substantially parallel to the principal plane of elongation of the condenser or radiator. The first sealing wall 58a has a free end 59a located inside the frame and arranged in the transverse direction between the two heat exchangers.

[0063] As can be seen on the [ Figure 6 ], the first side wall 6a may have two parts extending over two levels offset longitudinally to be as close as possible to the collector boxes of the radiator 8 and condenser 10, the first sealing wall extending substantially perpendicularly to the first side wall 6a at the level of the junction of these two parts.

[0064] There [ Figure 6 ] further illustrates the position of the free end 59a of the first sealing wall 58a in a space between the two heat exchangers and thus allows to illustrate the baffle hindering the circulation of air which the first sealing wall helps to form.

[0065] The heat exchangers, namely the radiator 8 fixed to the first face, or front face 20, of the frame and the condenser 10 fixed to the second opposite face of the frame, are mounted in series on the frame 2, each on a respective side of the frame, so that the airflow entering the thermal system passes through them one after the other. The [ Figure 6 ] and the [ Figure 7 ] thus allow us to illustrate the insertion directions Ia, Ib of the radiator 8 and the condenser 10 according to the invention, namely opposite directions.

[0066] The condenser 10 and the radiator 8 are mounted on the frame such that they are spaced, at the level of their respective heat exchange surfaces and in the transverse direction perpendicular to the respective elongation planes of the heat exchangers, by a distance D1, advantageously between 10 mm and 50 mm. As illustrated, the collection boxes arranged on either side of the heat exchange surfaces have a dimension in the transverse direction that is greater than the corresponding dimension of the heat exchange surfaces, and the distance D1 between the condenser 10 and the radiator 8 described above is provided to allow a space 70 between at least one collection box of one heat exchanger and the other heat exchanger that is large enough to receive at least the free end 59a of the first sealing wall 58a projecting from the first side wall 6a.

[0067] It should be noted that the free end 59a does not extend longitudinally beyond the innermost collector box in the frame. Consequently, the first sealing wall 58a acts as an impediment to airflow, potentially leading to leakage between the heat exchangers and the first lateral wall due to its position between the exchangers. Furthermore, the first sealing wall is not longitudinally perpendicular to the airflow across the radiator's heat exchange surface.

[0068] Furthermore, in the example illustrated on the [ Figure 5 ] and as can be seen on the [ Figure 7 ], frame 2 also includes a second sealing wall 58b projecting from the second side wall 6b of frame 2. The second sealing wall 58b extends continuously over the entire vertical dimension V of the corresponding side wall.

[0069] The second sealing wall 58b has a distinct shape from that described previously for the first sealing wall 58a, due in particular to the presence of the receiver cavity for the desiccant bottle 38. Specifically, the second sealing wall extends from a transversely offset portion of the second lateral wall 6b, and it comprises two successive parts. A first inclined part 74 extends from the second lateral wall and is continued by a second flat part 76, which extends along the longitudinal direction L, substantially in a plane parallel to the principal plane of elongation of the radiator and condenser.The first inclined part 74 has an inclination, which here is of the order of 45° with respect to the longitudinal direction without this being limiting of the invention, which allows the second flat part to be positioned in the space 70 provided between the two heat exchangers, while allowing the dehydration bottle 38 to be bypassed.

[0070] As previously described, the free end of the second sealing wall, formed by the second flat part 76, forms a barrier to the circulation of air which may leak between the heat exchangers and the second lateral wall.

[0071] It should be noted that such a configuration of the sealing walls 58a, 58b, namely sealing walls made of material with, or overmolded on, the corresponding lateral or longitudinal wall and whose free end extends towards the interior of the frame at least at the level of the collector boxes of the radiator 8 and the condenser 10, is only possible thanks to the specific mounting of the condenser 10 and the radiator 8 according to opposite insertion directions la and Ib, on either side of each sealing wall.

[0072] As illustrated on the [ Figure 5 The frame 2 also includes at least one structural wall 52, here two structural walls. The two structural walls 52 appear in the illustrated example as walls extending perpendicularly between the first longitudinal wall 4a and the second longitudinal wall 4b. When the heat exchangers are mounted on the frame of the thermal device, the structural wall(s) are configured to extend into the space 70 provided in the transverse direction between the heat exchangers, namely the condenser 10 and the radiator 8.

[0073] In an unillustrated variant, the two structural walls 52 could extend perpendicularly to the side walls 6a, 6b. It should be noted that the illustrated arrangement, namely structural walls extending from one longitudinal wall to the other, allows the structural walls 52 not to interfere with the sealing walls 58a, 58b projecting from the side walls 6a, 6b.

[0074] The structural walls 52 have the role of reinforcing the structure of frame 2 but also of facilitating the assembly of the thermal system by acting where necessary as a stop when positioning the radiator and the condenser in frame 2 according to the opposite insertion directions.

[0075] Furthermore, on the [ Figure 5In each of the corners 31, 32, 34, and 36, a reinforcing bar 50, arranged at a right angle, is also visible. These reinforcing bars 50 strengthen the structure of the frame 2, and in particular the sealing walls arranged perpendicularly and projecting from each of the side walls, both during the assembly of the thermal system and during its use in a motor vehicle. The invention thus achieves its objective by improving the sealing of the thermal system through the mounting of different heat exchangers on a single monobloc frame with opposing insertion directions. Mounting the heat exchangers with opposing insertion directions allows for optimal control of the assembly tolerances to ensure the correct positioning of the exchangers relative to the frame, while maintaining a gap between the two heat exchangers.This assembly allows for the integration of sealing elements into the monobloc frame. These elements are fixed to the frame before the heat exchangers are installed and sized to extend, at least partially, into the space between the two heat exchangers. This ensures effective sealing, limiting air leakage between the heat exchangers and the frame, thanks to the free end of the sealing gasket which extends within a defined area between the heat exchangers, forming an effective baffle.

[0076] The invention described herein can be applied, in particular, to a thermal system for an electric motor vehicle, it being understood that it can be applied to any shape and / or size of thermal system integrated into any type of motor vehicle, electric or otherwise. Furthermore, various fastening methods can be implemented without departing from the scope of the invention, provided they allow for the attachment of a first heat exchanger to a single-piece frame via one side of the thermal system and the attachment of a second heat exchanger to the same single-piece frame via a second side of the thermal system.

Claims

1. Thermal system (1) of a motor vehicle comprising a one-piece frame (2) composed mainly of two side walls (6a, 6b) parallel to each other and two longitudinal walls (4a, 4b) parallel to each other and extending perpendicularly to the two side walls (6a, 6b), the frame (2) comprises a front face (20) and a rear face (22), and the frame comprises on each of its two faces (20, 22) means for fixing (29, 30) at least one heat exchanger (8, 10), said fixing means being such that first fixing means (29) arranged on the front face (20) of the frame are configured for fixing a heat exchanger (8) in a first insertion direction (la) and second fixing means (30) arranged on the rear face (22) of the frame are configured for fixing a heat exchanger (10) in a second insertion direction (Ib) opposite to the first insertion direction, and said one-piece frame includes at least one sealing wall (58a, 58b) that extends protruding from a side wall (6a, 6b) and / or from a longitudinal wall (4a, 4b) of the frame, characterized in that said sealing wall having at least one free end portion extending in a space (70) provided transversely between the two heat exchangers (8, 10).

2. Thermal system (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first fixing means (29) and the second fixing means (30) are configured for fixing their respective heat exchanger (8, 10) to the frame (2) in a transverse direction, perpendicular to a main elongation plane of the heat exchangers in fixed position on the frame.

3. Thermal system (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first fixing means (29) and the second fixing means (30) include snap-fit fixing means, with at least one elastically deformable fixing means (12, 44) in a direction perpendicular to the transverse direction and comprising a stop capable of blocking the transverse position of the corresponding heat exchanger (8, 10) on the frame.

4. Thermal system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one sealing wall (58a, 58b) extends in a plane parallel to the main elongation plane of the heat exchangers (8, 10) fixed on the frame (2).

5. Thermal system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one sealing wall (58a, 58b) is made from the material forming the frame (2).

6. Thermal system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein, the frame (2) comprises at least one structural wall (52) which extends between the two longitudinal walls (4a, 4b) or the two side walls (6a, 6b) of the frame (2) and between the at least two thermal elements (8, 10).

7. Thermal system (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the at least two thermal elements are a condenser (10) positioned on the rear face (22) of the frame (2) and a radiator (8) positioned on the front face (20) of the frame (2), the condenser (10) and the radiator (8) being arranged in series following a transverse direction (T) of the air flow through the thermal system (1).

8. Motor vehicle comprising at least one thermal system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

9. Method of assembling the thermal system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a first heat exchanger (8, 10) is positioned on the front face (20) of the frame (2) following a first insertion direction (la) and a second heat exchanger (8, 10) is positioned on the rear face (22) of the frame (2) following a second insertion direction (Ib), the insertion directions (la) and (Ib) being opposite to each other.