Cooling module, in particular for a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a cooling module (1), in particular for a vehicle, this module having a support (2) comprising at least one channel (3) for the flow of a heat-transfer fluid, this support (2) bearing at least one component (5; 6) with a fluidic function, such as a valve or a pump, this module further comprising a box (8) for distributing the heat-transfer fluid, and this box being able to house at least one heat-exchange component that is distinct from the component with a fluidic function and is designed to circulate a refrigerant, the box (8) being designed so as to allow, within it, an exchange of heat between the heat-transfer fluid and the refrigerant, this box (8) being at least partially formed by the support (2).

Description

Cooling module, especially for a vehicle [1] The present invention relates to a cooling module, particularly for a vehicle. The vehicle may be of the land, sea, or air type. The cooling module is particularly intended for use in a cooling system, or more generally a thermal management system, including in particular a heat pump. [2] A major current challenge for vehicles is reducing the size of the various equipment. [3] The invention proposes to achieve the objective of reducing the size of a thermal management system. [4] The invention thus proposes a cooling module, in particular for a vehicle, this module comprising a support including at least one channel for the flow of a heat transfer fluid, this support carrying at least one fluidic function component such as a valve or a pump, this module further comprising a heat transfer fluid distribution box and this box being able to house at least one heat exchange component separate from the fluidic function component and arranged for the circulation of a refrigerant fluid, the box being arranged so as to allow, within it, heat exchange between the heat transfer fluid and the refrigerant fluid, this box being formed at least partially by the support. [5] The heat exchange component is for example a refrigerant fluid cooler, also called a "chiller" in English. [6] The term “fluidic function” refers to a function involved in the operation of the module, for example chosen to act on the flow of the heat transfer fluid or to measure a parameter related to the fluid or its flow in the channels. [7] The invention provides many advantages. [8] First of all, the support fulfills several roles, namely at least a structural role as it carries components and a functional role, which allows for a compact module with a limited number of parts. [9] The invention makes it possible in particular to have a grouping of several components of a hydraulic circuit of heat transfer fluid, in an optimal way with in particular a support which integrates the hydraulic circuit.

[0010] The invention notably eliminates the need for additional tubing / pipes to fluidly connect different components. These fluidic connections are made directly through channels in the substrate.

[0011] The assembly of the different components together can be simplified because it is not necessary to use tubing / pipes.

[0012] The invention thus reduces costs because it eliminates the need for numerous pipes to connect the components. The invention also reduces the amount of coolant used.

[0013] Furthermore, as we will see below, it is possible to use the support as a component of a valve or a pump, for example. This allows for a highly compact module.

[0014] The invention thus makes it possible to reduce the space occupied by the components, thereby reducing the overall size of the cooling module. In the case of a heat pump, for example, the invention makes it possible to reduce the size of all its components, particularly the various fluid circuits.

[0015] In general, the structural support can be compact.

[0016] According to one aspect of the invention, the support comprises a first plate and a second plate assembled together to define the channel, these plates being joined and together forming a circumference of the channel.

[0017] According to one aspect of the invention, the channel is formed by a first cavity of the first plate and / or a second cavity of the second plate.

[0018] According to one aspect of the invention, the cavities are joined and together form the circumference of the channel.

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, the cavities are joined along a junction plane.

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, the joining plane is parallel to the main plane of the plates.

[0021] According to one aspect of the invention, each cavity is formed by a cylindrical wall of the associated plate.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, the plates each comprise one or more flat regions present between cylindrical walls which form the channel or channels.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, each plate has a flat joining face onto which the associated cavity opens.

[0024] According to one aspect of the invention, the joining faces of the plates have an identical perimeter.

[0025] According to one aspect of the invention, the plates are each made from a monolithic piece.

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, the plates are made of metal.

[0027] According to one aspect of the invention, the plates are made by casting.

[0028] Alternatively, the plates can be manufactured by injection or stamping, depending on the material used.

[0029] According to one aspect of the invention, the plates are assembled together by welding or by gluing.

[0030] According to one aspect of the invention, the module includes means for fixing the plates together, in particular fixing tabs of complementary shapes which engage mutually, or flanges, screws, nuts or rivets, this list not being exhaustive.

[0031] According to one aspect of the invention, the module includes attachment elements for the support to an external structure and / or attachment elements for fixing components such as valves or pumps to the support.

[0032] These fasteners are complementary shaped fixing lugs that engage each other, or flanges, screws, nuts or rivets, this list is not exhaustive.

[0033] According to one aspect of the invention, the plates are welded or glued, in particular along the channel or channels to make this or these channels sealed to the heat transfer fluid along their entire length.

[0034] As an alternative or in addition to welding or gluing, at least one of the plates includes at least one groove arranged to receive a sealing gasket along the channel to ensure the sealing of this channel.

[0035] According to one aspect of the invention, the plates have a plurality of cavities to form a plurality of channels.

[0036] According to one aspect of the invention, at least one of the channels is straight over at least a portion of its length.

[0037] According to one aspect of the invention, at least one of the channels has at least one bend or bifurcation for flow.

[0038] According to one aspect of the invention, the box comprises a side wall, with a generally rectangular perimeter, this wall being made in one piece with the support, in particular with the first plate, this plate forming a bottom of the box.

[0039] According to one aspect of the invention, this side wall is perpendicular to the first plate.

[0040] According to one aspect of the invention, the channel or channels formed by the assembly of the plates extend to the right of this side wall.

[0041] According to one aspect of the invention, the first plate comprises one or more shapes, including one or more recesses, which are at the base of the side wall and arranged to house at least partially a fluidic function component such as a valve.

[0042] According to one aspect of the invention, the side wall comprises a network of reinforcing ribs, this network of ribs including in particular ribs which cross perpendicularly.

[0043] According to one aspect of the invention, the side wall includes a free rim arranged to receive a cover.

[0044] VARIANT

[0045] In another example of implementation of the invention, the support comprises a single plate arranged to carry the component(s).

[0046] According to one aspect of the invention, the channel is formed, at least partially, by a tube which is external to the single plate.

[0047] According to one aspect of the invention, the tubing is at a non-zero distance from the plate, at least over part of its length.

[0048] According to one aspect of the invention, the tubing is a separate element from the plate and is, for example, fixed, for example by welding, to the plate.

[0049] According to one aspect of the invention, the side wall of the box is attached and fixed to the support, in particular to the single plate.

[0050] According to one aspect of the invention, the single plate forms the bottom of the box.

[0051] According to one aspect of the invention, the side wall is connected to a cover, in particular made in one piece with the side wall.

[0052] According to one aspect of the invention, the assembled plates, in one embodiment of the invention, or the single plate, in the other embodiment of the invention, carry at least one pump and / or a valve to act on the flow of the heat transfer fluid circulating in the distribution box.

[0053] According to one aspect of the invention, the distribution box is closed by a cover fixed to the side wall.

[0054] According to one aspect of the invention, this cover is flat and includes in particular an opening for the passage of a connecting flange forming an inlet and outlet of refrigerant fluid of the heat exchange component.

[0055] According to one aspect of the invention, the heat exchange component for the refrigerant fluid comprises, in a manner known per se, tubes in which the refrigerant fluid circulates.

[0056] According to one aspect of the invention, the support comprises several hydraulic circuits, for different types of fluids.

[0057] According to one aspect of the invention, the support, for example provided with two assembled plates or a single plate, carries at least one of the following components: - a pump to pump the heat transfer fluid, - a heat transfer fluid diverter valve, - a non-return valve for the heat transfer fluid, - a restrictor valve for the heat transfer fluid, - a plate heat exchanger, specifically an evaporative heat exchanger also known as a "chiller" in English, - a condensing heat exchanger, specifically a "water condenser", - an electric heating element arranged to heat the heat transfer fluid, - a desiccant bottle for the circuit dedicated to the refrigerant, - a filter to filter particles present in the heat transfer fluid, in particular a dielectric fluid.

[0058] According to one aspect of the invention, the support, for example provided with two assembled plates or a single plate, forms part of a body of the valve or pump.

[0059] Thus the fluidic function is formed by a part of the structural body of the component.

[0060] According to one aspect of the invention, the valve is a throttle valve.

[0061] According to one aspect of the invention, the valve is a flow direction valve, in particular of the 3-way or 4-way type.

[0062] According to one aspect of the invention, the component advantageously integrates constituent elements of the valve, for example one or more movable flaps.

[0063] According to one aspect of the invention, the pump is actuable by an electric motor.

[0064] According to one aspect of the invention, the support is provided with at least two housings to receive two pumps.

[0065] According to one aspect of the invention, one of the components carries a sensor to measure a characteristic of the fluid or of the flow of the fluid, for example the sensor being a temperature sensor to measure the temperature of the fluid.

[0066] According to one aspect of the invention, the fluidic function component comprises a functional element such as a valve or flap or piston, this functional element being integrated within one of the channels formed by the support.

[0067] According to one aspect of the invention, the box includes a free rim arranged to receive a lid.

[0068] According to one aspect of the invention, the cover is substantially flat, with in particular an opening for the passage of a fluidic connection flange for the circulation of refrigerant fluid in the heat exchange component housed in the box.

[0069] According to one aspect of the invention, the support includes at least one fluidic connection tip arranged to connect the channel(s) of the support to a fluid tube.

[0070] This fluidic connection fitting can be of the male type arranged to cooperate with a tubing which is of the female type, or vice versa.

[0071] According to one aspect of the invention, the heat transfer fluid is chosen from: a dielectric fluid, a cooling fluid such as water or a mixture of water and ethylene glycol, a refrigerant such as R134a, R1234yf or R744.

[0072] The invention also relates to a heat transfer fluid circuit of a heat pump, comprising a module such as the one mentioned above.

[0073] In the context of a heat pump, the invention makes it possible to compact all the components of the module, these components being able to belong to a refrigerant circuit and to a heat transfer fluid circuit of the heat pump.

[0075] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent upon reading the following description, given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, and the accompanying drawings, among which:

[0076] - Figure 1 illustrates, schematically and partially, in perspective, a module according to an example of an implementation of the invention,

[0077] - Figure 2 illustrates, schematically and partially, in perspective, the module of Figure 1, from a different viewpoint.

[0078] - Figure 3 illustrates, schematically and partially, the module as seen in Figure 1, without the components mounted on it.

[0079] - Figure 4 illustrates, schematically and partially, one of the plates of the support for the module of Figure 1.

[0080] - [Figure 5] illustrates, schematically and partially, the other of the support plates for the module of [Figure 1],

[0081] - Figure 6 illustrates, schematically and partially, in perspective, a module according to another example of implementation of the invention,

[0082] - Figure 7 illustrates, schematically and partially, the module of Figure 6, from another view,

[0083] - [Figure 8] illustrates, schematically and partially, the support of the module of [Figure 6], in isolation.

[0084]

[0085] Figures 1 and 2 show a cooling module 1 according to an example of implementation of the invention, intended to be used in a heat pump system on board a vehicle.

[0086] This module 1 is integrated into a heat transfer fluid circuit, which can be a water circuit for the heat pump. This water circuit is connected to a refrigerant circuit for the heat pump to allow heat exchange between the heat transfer fluid and the refrigerant.

[0087] The heat pump will not be described in further detail, as it is known from the prior art. The invention is adaptable to a large number of circuit types. cooling, insofar as the different components can be chosen to perform the different expected functions.

[0088] The cooling module 1 includes a support 2 comprising several channels 3 for the flow of a heat transfer fluid, for example containing mainly water.

[0089] This support 2 carries fluidic function components which are two valves 5 and a pump 6.

[0090] These valves 5 are, for example, multi-way valves for managing the circulation of the heat transfer fluid.

[0091] Pump 6 sets this heat transfer fluid in motion and is operated by an electric motor.

[0092] This module 2 also includes a heat transfer fluid distribution box 8, and this box 8 is suitable for housing a heat exchange component. 10 distinct from the aforementioned fluidic function components 5 and 6.

[0093] The heat exchange component 10 is, for example, a refrigerant cooler, also called a "chiller" in English. Only one flange 9 of this component 10 is visible in Figure 2.

[0094] Box 8 is arranged to allow, within it, heat exchange between the heat transfer fluid and the refrigerant fluid.

[0095] This box 8 is formed by the support 2.

[0096] This support 2 comprises a first plate 11 and a second plate 12 assembled together to define the channels 3, these plates 11 and 12 being joined and together forming a circumference of each channel 3.

[0097] Each channel 3 is formed by a first cavity 14 of the first plaque 1 1 and a second cavity 15 of the second plate 12, as can be seen in particular in figures 4 and 5.

[0098] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 3, these cavities 14 and 15, formed by a cylindrical wall 17 of the associated plate, are joined and together form the circumference of each of the channels 3. These cavities 14 and 15 are thus half-channels of the channels 3.

[0099] These cavities 14 and 15 are joined along a junction plane 16 which is parallel to the main plane of the plates 11 and 12.

[0100] Plates 11 and 12 each have several flat regions 19 adjacent to the cylindrical walls 17 which form the channel(s) 3.

[0101] Plates 11 and 12 each have a flat joining face 20, which joining face 20 have identical outer contours which coincide.

[0102] Plates 11 and 12 are each made from a single piece, for example from metal.

[0103] Plates 11 and 12 are made by casting, injection molding, or stamping, depending on the material used.

[0104] Plates 11 and 12 are joined together by welding or gluing, via the joining faces 20.

[0105] Module 1 includes fixing devices 21 for fixing the valve components 5 and pump 6 to the support 2.

[0106] These fixing elements 21 include screws which engage in respective columns or tabs 22 of the plate 12 and of the component 5 and 6.

[0107] Plates 11 and 12 are welded or glued along channels 3 to make these channels 3 sealed to the heat transfer fluid along their entire length.

[0108] According to one aspect of the invention, at least one of the channels is straight over at least a portion of its length.

[0109] Some 3 channels exhibit a straight direction.

[0110] The box 8 has a side wall 25, with an overall rectangular perimeter, this wall 25 being made in one piece with the first plate 11 which forms a bottom of the box 8.

[0111] This side wall 25 is perpendicular to the first plate 1 1.

[0112] Some channels 3 extend to the right of this lateral wall 25.

[0113] The first plate 11 has several shapes 26, here recesses, which are at the foot of the side wall 25 and arranged to partially house one of the valves 5.

[0114] The side wall 25 includes a network 28 of reinforcing ribs, which includes ribs 29 that cross perpendicularly.

[0115] The side wall 25 includes a free rim 30 arranged to receive a cover 31.

[0116] The cover 31 is flat and includes an opening 33 for the passage of the connecting flange 9 forming an inlet and outlet of refrigerant fluid from the heat exchange component 10.

[0117] This heat exchange component 10 comprises, in a manner known per se, tubes or plates through which the refrigerant fluid circulates.

[0118] The support 2, provided with two assembled plates 11 and 12, forms a part 37 of a body of the valve 5 or the pump 6. This part 37 is an annular collar on the plate 12, the valve 5 or the pump 6 resting on the respective collar 37.

[0119] Support 2 includes fluidic connection tips 38 arranged to connect the channels 3 of the support to fluid tubing.

[0120] Each fluidic connection fitting 38 can be of the male type arranged to cooperate with a tubing which is of the female type, or vice versa.

[0121] These tips are made in one piece with plate 12.

[0122] The heat transfer fluid circulates in components 5 and 6 and in the internal space of box 8.

[0123] As illustrated in Figure 3, the pump 6 is housed in a cavity 49 of the support 2 and a suction port 46 is provided in the support 2 to allow fluidic communication with the pump 6.

[0124] The refrigerant circulating in the cooler 10 is in particular R134a, R1234yf or R744.

[0125] In another example of implementation of the invention, illustrated in figures 6 to 8, the module 50 is provided with a support 51 which includes a single plate 52 arranged to carry the components among which are valves 5.

[0126] The channels 3 are each formed by a tube 53 which is external to the single plate 52.

[0127] The tubing 53 includes straight portions 54 which are at a non-zero distance from the plate 52.

[0128] At least some of the tubes 53 are separate parts from the plate 52, which are fixed, for example by welding, to the plate 52.

[0129] The plate 52 and the tubes 53 can be manufactured separately but in the same material, for example in metal.

[0130] The side wall 59 of the distribution box 58, which performs the same function as the box 8 described above, is fixed to the single plate 52 which forms the bottom of the box 58. In other words, the box 58 is formed partially by the support 51.

[0131] This side wall 59 is made in one piece with a generally flat cover 60.

[0132] Thus the side wall 59 and the cover 60 are formed from a monolithic piece, for example made of plastic or metal.

[0133] A flange 61 is provided on the cover 60 for the fluid communication of refrigerant fluid with the heat exchange component housed in the box 58.

[0134] Fluidic function components carried by the plate 52 are housed inside a cover 62 fixed to this plate 52.

[0135] In this example, heat transfer fluid can circulate between a pump 6 and the distribution box 58 through a pipe 65, as illustrated in Figure 7.

[0136] The plate 52 has a region 66 with ribs 71 arranged to receive the refrigerant component, a region which is bordered by a wall 69 which cooperates with the side wall 59.

[0137] Each pump 6 is associated with a tube 67 which is perpendicular to the plate 52, as shown in figure 7.

[0138] As a reminder, "fluidic function" means a function involved in the operation of the module, for example chosen to act on the flow of the heat transfer fluid or to measure a parameter related to the fluid or its flow in the channels.

Claims

Demands

1. Cooling module (1; 50), in particular for a vehicle, this module comprising a support (2; 51) including at least one channel (3, 53) for the flow of a heat transfer fluid, this support (2; 51) carrying at least one component (5; 6) with a fluidic function such as a valve or a pump, this module further comprising a box (8; 58) for distributing the heat transfer fluid and this box being able to house at least one heat exchange component (10) separate from the component with a fluidic function and arranged for the circulation of a refrigerant, the box (8; 58) being arranged so as to permit, within it, heat exchange between the heat transfer fluid and the refrigerant, this box (8; 58) being formed at least partially by the support (2; 51).

2. Module according to the preceding claim, wherein the support (2) comprises a first plate (11) and a second plate (12) assembled together to define the channel (3), these plates (11, 12) being joined and together forming a circumference of the channel (3).

3. Module according to the preceding claim, wherein the channel (3) is formed by a first cavity (14) of the first plate (11) and / or a second cavity (15) of the second plate (12).

4. Module according to claim 1, wherein the support (51) comprises a single plate (52) arranged to carry the component(s) (5; 6).

5. Module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the box (8; 58) comprises a side wall (25, 59), having in particular a generally rectangular perimeter, in particular the side wall (25, 59) comprising a network of reinforcing ribs, this network of ribs comprising in particular ribs which cross perpendicularly.

6. Module according to the preceding claim, wherein the side wall (25) is made in one piece with the support (2), in particular with a first plate (11) of the support (2), this first plate (11) forming a bottom of the box (8).

7. Module according to the preceding claim, wherein the side wall (25) includes a free rim arranged to receive a cover (31).

8. Module according to claim 5, wherein the side wall (59) of the box (58) is attached and fixed to the support (51), in particular to the single plate (52).

9. Module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support, for example provided with two assembled plates or a single plate, carries at least one of the following components: - a pump (6) for pumping the heat transfer fluid, - a valve (5) for directing the heat transfer fluid, - a non-return valve for the heat transfer fluid, - a restrictor valve for the heat transfer fluid, - a plate heat exchanger, specifically an evaporative heat exchanger also known as a "chiller" in English, - a condensing heat exchanger, specifically a "water condenser", - an electric heating element arranged to heat the heat transfer fluid, - a desiccant bottle for the circuit dedicated to the refrigerant, - a filter to filter particles present in the heat transfer fluid, in particular a dielectric fluid.

10. Heat transfer fluid circuit of a heat pump, comprising a module (1; 50) according to one of the preceding claims.

Images