Assembly for a thermal conditioning system for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle

Abstract

Assembly for a vehicle thermal conditioning system, said assembly comprising a fluid circulation unit and a support (200) formed in a separate part of the fluid circulation unit, the support (200) comprising a plate having a receiving area (202) on which the fluid circulation unit is mounted, and the support (200) further comprising attachment arms (214a, 214b) for attachment to a chassis of a vehicle, the receiving area (202) and the attachment arms (214a, 214b) being integrally formed.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Title of the invention: ASSEMBLY FOR A THERMAL CONDITIONING SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE, PARTICULARLY A MOTOR VEHICLE

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of thermal conditioning systems. These systems can in particular equip a motor vehicle. Such systems make it possible to achieve thermal regulation of different parts of the vehicle, such as for example the passenger compartment or an electrical energy storage battery, in the case of an electrically powered vehicle. Heat exchanges are managed mainly by the compression and expansion of a refrigerant fluid within different heat exchangers making it possible to ensure heating or cooling of different parts.

[0004] Thermal conditioning systems commonly use a refrigerant loop and a heat transfer fluid loop that exchange heat with the refrigerant. Such systems are therefore called indirect systems. The refrigerant loop is designed so that the refrigerant transfers heat to a heat transfer fluid in a first heat exchanger. The heat transferred to the heat transfer fluid can then be dissipated in an airflow intended for the passenger compartment to heat it. The heat transfer fluid circuit also allows for the cooling of heat-dissipating elements of the vehicle's powertrain, such as the vehicle's electric traction motor or the power electronics controlling the electric motor. To achieve this, another heat exchanger allows for a heat exchange between the heat transfer fluid and the refrigerant to cool the heat transfer fluid.

[0005] There is therefore a need to have thermal conditioning systems that can offer different modes of cooling and / or heating the battery or different elements of the vehicle's powertrain, in particular without requiring the circulation of pressurized refrigerant fluid.

[0006] Thermal conditioning systems include thermal management components such as pumps, valves, heat exchangers, and temperature control components. Components such as conduits are also provided to guide a fluid and fluidically connect the thermal management components to each other.

[0007] The development of electric vehicles has increased the need for optimized thermal conditioning systems with simplified and economical manufacturing processes while creating a demand for efficient systems, with a reduced footprint, light weight, simple to manufacture and easy to integrate into the environment of a motor vehicle. The invention aims to propose a solution to improve the situation.

[0008] To this end, the present invention relates to an assembly for a vehicle thermal conditioning system, said assembly comprising a fluid circulation unit and a support formed in a separate piece from the fluid circulation unit, the support comprising a tray provided with a receiving area on which the fluid circulation unit is fixed, and the support comprising arms for fixing to a chassis of a vehicle, the receiving area and the fixing arms being formed in one piece.

[0009] In other words, the support is monolithic from the receiving area to the fixing arms. The length of the tray defines the main longitudinal direction. The receiving area is preferably arranged on the tray.

[0010] Thus, a single part provides the interface between different attachment points on the vehicle chassis and the circulation unit. This makes it easier to install the thermal conditioning system within the vehicle.

[0011] The invention may also include one or more of the following characteristics: Advantageously, the fluid circulation unit is capable of circulating a refrigerant fluid.

[0012] Advantageously, the fixing arms extend from the tray to one end.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the fixing arms extend substantially orthogonally to the receiving area of ​​the support to one end.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the fixing arms each comprise a housing, each housing being capable of receiving a decoupling element intended to cooperate with a fixing element of the vehicle chassis.

[0015] According to one embodiment, each housing extends along an axis perpendicular to the direction of extension of the corresponding fixing arm.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the support comprises at least three fixing arms.

[0017] According to one embodiment, two fixing arms are arranged so that one of these two arms extends from the first face and extends the other of these two arms which extends from the second face.

[0018] According to one embodiment, a set of cavities extends along at least one of the attachment arms.

[0019] According to one embodiment, this set of cavities extends perpendicular to the receiving area. According to one embodiment, the arm comprises a plurality of cavities closed at the end of the arm and open on the first face and at least one cavity open at the end of the arm and closed in the plane of the first face.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the cavities of the arm have a polyhedron or prism shape extending orthogonally to the receiving area, for example a right prism shape with a hexagonal base or a diamond base.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the support comprises an installation portion capable of receiving a compressor, the receiving area being formed on a first face of the plate and the installation portion being formed to project relative to a second face of the plate opposite the first face, the installation portion being formed in a single piece with the receiving area of ​​the support.

[0022] According to one embodiment, several circulation units are mounted on the same reception area.

[0023] Advantageously, the installation portion extends between two fixing arms. In other words, one fixing arm is arranged at or beyond each longitudinal end of the compressor.

[0024] Advantageously, these two arms extend respectively from the first face and the second face of the support.

[0025] Advantageously, these two fixing arms are arranged, considering the width of the compressor, on either side of the compressor.

[0026] Preferably, the receiving area is arranged at least partly opposite the installation portion.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the length of the receiving zone is between 1 and 2 times the length of the compressor.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the installation portion extends on the support from one circulation unit to another circulation unit.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the support has a curved concavity so as to match the shape of the compressor by wedging two opposite sides of the compressor.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the concavity of the installation portion has the shape of a cylinder portion.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the concavity of the installation portion extends between two ridges of the installation portion. The concavity can thus have a double ramp shape. According to one embodiment, the concavity is supported by ribs connecting the bottom of the concavity and the first face.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the ribs are parallel. The ribs extend from one ridge to the other. The ribs are perpendicular to the ridges.

[0033] According to one embodiment, a portion of the receiving area is formed by the ribs supporting the concavity of the installation portion of the compressor.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the installation portion comprises at least three threads arranged perpendicular to the receiving area.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the threads can be formed directly in the support or in added inserts.

[0036] According to one embodiment, at least one of the threads is provided inside a tube.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the tube extends from the second face to one of the ridges of the installation portion.

[0038] For example, the tube is arranged in a support cone of the installation portion. The support cone is arranged in a corner of the installation portion. The support cone extends from the second face to one of the ridges.

[0039] Advantageously, the installation portion is configured so that the compressor axis extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of the support. The compressor thus effectively contributes to the rigidity of the assembly.

[0040] Advantageously, the circulation unit comprises at least one channel formed by a first wall element and a second wall element shaped so as to delimit a cavity which is closed by the first wall element.

[0041] Advantageously, the first and second wall elements are metallic.

[0042] Advantageously, the second wall elements are formed from pressed metal plates. This makes the circulation unit lightweight and easy to manufacture, and rigidity is achieved by the support and the first wall elements. Proper positioning of the compressor can also help increase the rigidity of the assembly and prevents the support from twisting.

[0043] Advantageously, the support is made, preferably molded, from a composite material and / or a plastic material. According to one embodiment, the first wall element is flat and the receiving area is flat, the first wall element being pressed against the receiving area.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the support comprises at least one recess inside which the receiving area is located. This recess can be used to guide the positioning of the first wall elements during assembly. The recess can be approximately 2 mm. The edge of the recess can be inclined (chamfered), for example to a height of 1 mm, to guide the positioning of the first wall elements. According to one embodiment, the support comprises cavities.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the cavities are arranged in the first face of the support as well as in the second face of the support.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the cavities of the support are blind. In other words, the cavities have a bottom and form pockets, hollow relative to the first face and the second face.

[0047] According to one embodiment, these cavities have a polyhedron or prism shape extending perpendicular to the receiving area, for example a right prism shape with a hexagonal base or a diamond base.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the cavities of one and / or the other of the first face and the second face are arranged in a staggered pattern.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the support comprises a first group of cavities arranged in the first face and a second group of cavities arranged in the second face, the cavities of the second group each being arranged between several cavities of the first group of cavities, the cavities of the first group and the cavities of the second group being offset from each other.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the cavities are distributed so that the support has a substantially constant thickness within the receiving zone.

[0051] According to one embodiment, according to a section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the support, the receiving zone has a section winding on either side of a median plane of the plate.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the support comprises a third group of cavities arranged in the second face, the third group of cavities being in the shape of a right prism with a diamond base.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the cavities of the third group of cavities each extend between two cavities of the second group of cavities. According to one embodiment, the cavities of the first group of cavities comprise a bottom and the cavities of the third group of cavities each extend between two bottoms of cavities of the first group of cavities.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the cavities are delimited by a lattice structure.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the receiving area is planar and the lattice structure surrounds the receiving area.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the circulation unit comprises a plurality of channels each connecting two components of a fluid circuit, at least two channels of the plurality of channels being such that the first wall elements are formed by the same part and the second wall elements are formed in separate parts. Thus, in particular when the second wall elements are stamped, it is easier to obtain the desired channel shapes by manufacturing the second wall elements on separate parts. The loss of rigidity associated with the presence of several parts to form the second wall elements is advantageously compensated by the presence of the support and / or a common part for the formation of the first wall elements. The compressor can also provide additional rigidity to the assembly and prevents twisting of the support.

[0057] According to one embodiment, said first wall elements of the channels are formed in a single flat plate. Thus, manufacturing is simple and this flat plate gives rigidity to the assembly.

[0058] According to one embodiment, a plurality of first wall elements is arranged in the recess. In particular; the flat plate is arranged in said at least one recess.

[0059] Several flat plates can be arranged within the same recess.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the recess is delimited by a rim and the first wall element comprises a border, at least a portion of which is placed against the rim of the recess.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the support comprises at least one through window and the fluid circulation unit comprises at least one through channel which passes through this window to circulate the fluid from one side of the support to the other; the through channel also passing through a passage orifice formed in the first wall element, the passage orifice opening inside the window of the support.

[0062] The invention also relates to a thermal conditioning system for heating and / or cooling electrical and / or electronic elements of an electric or hybrid motor vehicle, and, preferably, the passenger compartment of said vehicle comprising a preceding assembly, as well as a fluid circuit comprising at least one compressor, the compressor and the circulation unit being placed on either side of the support, in particular on either side of the platform.

[0063] Advantageously, the compressor is fluidically connected to the circulation unit.

[0064] According to one embodiment, with respect to a median straight line of the support perpendicular to the length of the support and separating the support into two substantially equal half-support surfaces, the compressor is arranged on the support so that it spans the median line. Thus, the compressor makes it possible to stiffen the support-circulation unit assembly.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the fixing arms are arranged so that the compressor is arranged longitudinally between the fixing arms. Thus, the compressor makes it possible to stiffen the support-circulation unit assembly.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the compressor extends over at least a quarter of the length of the support. Thus, the compressor makes it possible to stiffen the support-circulation unit assembly.

[0067] According to one embodiment, with respect to two straight lines perpendicular to the length of the support and separating the support into three portions of substantially equal support surfaces, a fixing arm is arranged on each of the two end surface portions.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the plurality of channels of the circulation unit extend substantially perpendicular to the ribs of the installation portion of the compressor.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the compressor extends substantially in the same direction as the plurality of channels of the circulation unit. Thus, the compressor makes it possible to stiffen the support-circulation unit assembly.

[0070] Advantageously, the support acts as a docking station for components such as the compressor, the bottle or the accumulator, the exchangers, the channels and, on the other hand, as a structure for fixing to the vehicle. The support is thus lightweight and multifunctional.

[0071] The invention also relates to an assembly for a vehicle thermal conditioning system, said assembly comprising a fluid circulation unit comprising at least one channel formed by a first wall element and a second wall element shaped so as to delimit a cavity which is closed by the first wall element, in which the assembly comprises a support formed in a part separate from said at least one channel, the support comprising a first face comprising a receiving zone on which is applied a face of said at least one first wall element of said at least one channel. According to one embodiment, the support comprises a plate, the receiving zone being arranged in whole or in part on this plate.

[0072] According to one embodiment, in a section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the support passing through the receiving zone, the support has a section winding on either side of a median plane (PM) of the plate.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the first wall element is planar and the receiving area is planar, the first wall element being pressed against the receiving area.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the support is formed from a material less dense than the material of said at least one channel.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the support is made of a composite material and / or a plastic material and the first and second wall elements are metallic.

[0076] According to one embodiment, in which the support comprises cavities, the support comprising a second face opposite the first face, and the cavities are arranged in the first face of the support as well as in the second face of the support, the cavities of the support being blind.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the cavities have a polyhedron or prism shape extending orthogonally to the receiving area, for example a right prism shape with a hexagonal base or a diamond base.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the support comprises a first group of cavities arranged in the first face and a second group of cavities arranged in the second face, the cavities of the second group each being arranged between several cavities of the first group of cavities, the cavities of the first group and the cavities of the second group being offset from each other.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the support comprises a third group of cavities arranged in the second face, the third group of cavities being in the shape of a right prism with a diamond base, the cavities of the third group of cavities each extending between two cavities of the second group of cavities.

[0080] According to one embodiment, wherein the cavities are delimited by an arrangement of lattice ribs.

[0081] According to one embodiment, wherein the circulation unit comprises a plurality of channels connecting a plurality of components of a fluid circuit, at least two channels of the plurality of channels being such that the first wall elements are formed by the same part and the second wall elements are formed in separate parts.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the assembly comprises on the same support reception area a plurality of circulation units each comprising at least one first wall element and at least one second wall element, the first wall elements of the different circulation units being formed by separate plates spaced apart from each other, each circulation unit comprising a single flat plate for the formation of its first wall element(s).

[0083] According to one embodiment, the support comprises arms for attachment to a chassis of a vehicle, the receiving area and the attachment arms being formed on the same part.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the support comprises an installation portion capable of receiving a compressor, the installation portion being formed to project relative to the second face of the support, and in one piece with the receiving area of ​​the support.

[0085] Other advantages and characteristics of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description, given for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, and the appended drawings in which:

[0086] [Fig.1] is a simplified perspective view of a circulation unit for a fluid management module for a vehicle, particularly an automobile.

[0087] [Fig.2] is a side view of the circulation unit of Figure 1.

[0088] [Fig.3] is a simplified bottom view of one face of the circulation unit of Figure 1; this face showing the circulation channels and part of the elements arranged on this face.

[0089] [Fig. 4] is a simplified top view of the opposite face of the circulation unit.

[0090] [Fig.5] is a schematic view of the refrigerant circuit associated with the circulation unit of Figure 1, operating according to a first mode of operation.

[0091] [Fig.6] is a schematic view of the refrigerant circuit associated with the circulation unit of Figure 1, operating according to a second mode of operation.

[0092] [Fig.7] is a simplified perspective view of the opposite face of Figure 4, this opposite face showing a part of the elements arranged on this second face. [Fig.8] is a simplified perspective view of the fluid management module comprising the unit of Figure 1.

[0093] [Fig.9] is a bottom view of the module of Figure 8.

[0094] [Fig.10] is a top view of the fluid management module.

[0095] [Fig.11] is a schematic view of a first embodiment of the invention in which a refrigerant circulation unit support is shown along a first face in part A and along a second opposite face in part B, the support being insulated.

[0096] [Fig.12] is a schematic view of the refrigerant circulation unit support of Figure 1, along a first face in part A and along a second opposite face in part B, the support carrying the refrigerant circulation unit as well as components such as heat exchangers (part A) and a compressor (part B).

[0097] [Fig.13] is a schematic perspective view of a support with part of a refrigerant circulation unit in part A and a schematic perspective view of the support without the fluid circulation unit in part B.

[0098] [Fig.14] is a schematic perspective view of the ducts of a refrigerant circulation unit in part A and only the first wall elements of said ducts in part B.

[0099] [Fig.15] is a schematic perspective view illustrating the cooperation between first wall elements formed from a single piece and second wall elements.

[0100] [Fig.16] represents a schematic diagram of an example assembly of a support with first and second wall elements.

[0101] [Fig.17] is a schematic perspective view of a part of the module associated with the first embodiment, in the same orientation in part A and part B, the first heat exchanger (“internal heat exchanger”) having been removed on part B, part C showing a sectional view taken along a fluid connection duct from the compressor to the first heat exchanger.

[0102] [Fig. 18] is a schematic view illustrating the alignment of an outlet of a second heat exchanger with the first heat exchanger, associated with a module according to an alternative embodiment.

[0103] [Fig.19] [Fig.20] [Fig.21 ] [Fig.22] represent in perspective an isolated circulation unit support according to a second embodiment. [Fig.23] [Fig.24] [Fig.25] represent in perspective the support of figures 19 to 22 with a part of the fluid circulation unit.

[0104] [Fig.26] is a schematic diagram illustrating the positioning of the mounting arms and the compressor installation portion on the bracket.

[0105] [Fig 27] schematically illustrates a recess.

[0106] The invention relates to the field of thermal conditioning systems 1 for heating and / or cooling electrical and / or electronic elements of an electric or hybrid motor vehicle, as well as the passenger compartment of said vehicle.

[0107] This type of system may comprise a heat transfer fluid circuit for heating and / or cooling the electrical and / or electronic elements, and, preferably, the passenger compartment of the vehicle, as well as a refrigerant fluid circuit 2 comprising a condenser 52, a compressor 20, a first evaporator 48 for cooling the passenger compartment of the vehicle, a second evaporator 50 for cooling the electrical and / or electronic elements, such that the second evaporator 50 is thermally coupled to the heat transfer fluid circuit.

[0108] This type of system may comprise a fluid management module in which the fluid management module comprises a circulation unit 10 (also subsequently referred to as "the unit 10") having a first face 40 and a second face 42, the first face 40 being opposite the second face 42, and at least one channel 60, 62, 64 for the refrigerant circuit 2, the first face 40 of the circulation unit 10 supporting at least the second evaporator and the second face 42 of the circulation unit 10 supporting at least one valve 72-2 or 72-3. This type of module and circuit is for example described in the French patent application FR2204401.

[0109] The refrigerant used by refrigerant circuit 2 is a chemical fluid such as R1234yf. Other refrigerants could be used, such as R134a or R290.

[0110] "High pressure refrigerant" means a refrigerant at a pressure of around 20 bars, and "low pressure refrigerant" means a pressure of 3 bars.

[0111] First, the fluid management module of the thermal management system will be described based on Figures 1 to 4. The thermal conditioning system as a whole will then be detailed based on Figures 5 and 6.

[0112] In Figures 1 to 4, the circulation unit 10 is formed of at least a first circulation zone 12 of the refrigerant fluid and intended for the circulation of the refrigerant fluid at high pressure and a second circulation zone 14 of the refrigerant fluid and intended at least for the circulation of the refrigerant fluid at high pressure and / or at low pressure.

[0113] The unit 10 is also called a central platform (or "hub" in its English name). The circulation unit 10 is intended to be part of a thermal conditioning system 1 of a motor vehicle in which the refrigerant circulates, in particular in an air conditioning and / or heat pump circuit.

[0114] The refrigerant fluid circulation unit 10 here has a function of supporting components such as valves and exchangers, and a function of circulating the fluid with channels. The unit 10 is here formed of two plates secured to each other. In such a case, the channels for the circuit of a refrigerant fluid 2 are formed by at least one deformation of one of the two plates. In other words, in the case of figures 1 and 4 and subsequently 7 to 10, the unit 10 integrating the channels for the circulation of the refrigerant fluid 2 also has a function of supporting components such as exchangers, valves, etc. To do this, the plates forming the unit 10 each comprise one or more flat regions 15 between the channels 60, 64. The thickness of the plates forming the support is substantially uniform both at the level of the flat regions and at the level of the channels 60, 64.

[0115] The unit shown in Figures 1 to 4 comprises at least a first plate, called transfer plate 80, shaped to form at least one channel or corrugation for the circulation of the fluid. In other words, the curvatures of the transfer plate 80 constitute passages which form the channels. The unit 10 comprises at least a second plate called support plate 82. The support plate 82 is configured to provide the interface between the circulation unit 10 and elements secured to this unit 10. The support plate 82 may be flat to be in contact with a portion of the elements secured to the unit 10. The support plate 82 partly defines the conduits for the refrigerant fluid.

[0116] In Figure 3, it can be seen that the unit 10 comprises at least a first channel 60 intended for the circulation of the high-pressure refrigerant fluid.

[0117] The first channel 60, intended for the circulation of the high-pressure refrigerant fluid, here has a substantially Y-shape, with a main branch 60-1 and two branches called first (60-2) and second (60-3) branches. At least one valve support block is inserted on a branch of the first channel 60 intended for the circulation of the high-pressure refrigerant fluid.

[0118] Figures 3 and 4 also show two valve support blocks 70-2 and 70-3, each of which is inserted into a branch 60-2 or 60-3 of the first channel 60 intended for the circulation of the high-pressure refrigerant fluid. Here, the valve support blocks 70-2 and 70-3 are each capable of receiving a valve, in particular a stop valve 72-2 or 72-3 visible in Figure 7.

[0119] Alternative embodiments not shown propose that the circulation unit 10 comprises valves such as progressive valves, EXV (for "electronic expansion valve" in English) or TXV (for "thermostatic expansion valve" in English). These valves will preferably be secured to the circulation unit 10 via a valve support block common to several valves and / or an individual support block specific for each valve.

[0120] Thus, the circulation unit 10 comprises at least one valve support block 70-2 or 70-3 which can be seen as a distribution block for the refrigerant fluid in the circulation unit 10.

[0121] In other words, a stop valve 72-2 or 72-3 is placed in fluid communication with the first channel 60 intended for the circulation of the high-pressure refrigerant fluid via the valve support block 70-2 or 70-3.

[0122] More particularly, here, the fluid communication is carried out at the level of each respective branch 60-2 or 60-3 of the first channel 60 intended for the circulation of the high-pressure refrigerant fluid.

[0123] A temperature sensor 74 (visible for example in figure 7) is provided at the level of the first channel 60 intended for the circulation of the high pressure refrigerant fluid.

[0124] The temperature sensor 74 is arranged on one of the two branches of the first channel 60 intended for the circulation of the high-pressure refrigerant fluid (here the second branch 60-2).

[0125] More particularly, the temperature sensor 74 is arranged near the junction between the main branch 60-1 and the two ramifications 60-2 and 60-3 of the first channel 60 intended for the circulation of the high-pressure refrigerant fluid.

[0126] As indicated above, the first channel 60 is intended for the circulation of the high-pressure refrigerant fluid.

[0127] The main branch 60-1 of the first channel 60 is intended to ensure communication between a first flange 101, fluidly connected to a compressor 20, and the first (60-2) and second (60-3) branches.

[0128] The first branch 60-2 is intended to ensure communication between the main branch 60-1 and a condenser 52.

[0129] The condenser 52 is configured to carry out an exchange of calories between the high-pressure refrigerant fluid and a heat transfer liquid. The second branch 60-3 is intended to ensure communication between the main branch 60-1 and a second flange 102, fluidically connected to an internal condenser 46, not shown here.

[0130] This internal condenser 46 is a heat exchanger for regulating the passenger compartment of the vehicle, arranged for example in the passenger compartment of said vehicle. Said internal condenser 46 is intended to heat a flow of air passing through it.

[0131] The circulation unit 10 also comprises at least one second channel 62 intended for the circulation of the high-pressure refrigerant fluid.

[0132] The circulation unit 10 comprises five second channels 62-1, 62-2, 62-3, 62-4 and 62-5 intended for the circulation of the high-pressure refrigerant fluid.

[0133] One of the second channels, hereinafter referenced 62-1, is intended to ensure communication between the condenser 52 and another heat exchanger, hereinafter referred to as the first heat exchanger 54.

[0134] As can be seen in Figure 9, the first heat exchanger 54 is an internal heat exchanger, said internal heat exchanger making it possible to transfer calories between a low pressure portion of the refrigerant circuit 2 and a high pressure portion of said refrigerant circuit 2. Such an exchange of calories makes it possible to optimize the thermodynamic properties of the refrigerant circuit 2.

[0135] One of the second channels, hereinafter referenced 62-2, is intended to ensure communication between the first heat exchanger 54 and a branch, said branch being divided into one of the second channels, hereinafter referenced 62-3 and another of the second channels, hereinafter referenced 62-4.

[0136] The second channel 62-3 is intended to ensure communication between the second channel 62-2 and a valve, preferably an expansion valve. In the remainder of the description, this expansion valve will be referred to as the second expansion valve 28.

[0137] The second channel 62-4 is intended to ensure communication between the second channel 62-2 and another valve, preferably an expansion valve. In the remainder of the description, this expansion valve will be referred to as the first expansion valve 26.

[0138] Each of the expansion valves 26, 28, also called expansion valves, may be an electronic expansion valve, or EXV, a thermostatic expansion valve, or TXV, or a calibrated orifice. In the case of an electronic expansion valve, the passage section allowing the refrigerant to pass through can be continuously adjusted between a closed position and a maximum open position. For this, an electronic controller controls an electric motor which moves a movable shutter controlling the passage section offered to the refrigerant.

[0139] The first expansion valve 26 is here directly connected to a third flange 103, itself fluidically connected to a first evaporator 48, not shown.

[0140] This first evaporator 48 is a heat exchanger for regulating the passenger compartment of the vehicle, arranged for example in the passenger compartment of said vehicle. Said first evaporator 48 is intended to cool a flow of air passing through it.

[0141] One of the second channels, hereinafter referenced 62-5, is intended to ensure communication between the second channel 62-2 and a fourth flange 104, fluidly connected to the internal condenser 46.

[0142] The circulation unit 10 also comprises at least one third channel 64, intended for the circulation of the refrigerant fluid at low pressure.

[0143] It can be seen in Figure 3 that the circulation unit 10 comprises three third channels 64-1, 64-2 and 64-3 intended for the circulation of the refrigerant fluid at low pressure. One of the third channels, hereinafter referenced 64-1, is intended to ensure communication between the second expansion valve 28 and the second evaporator 50.

[0144] Here, the second evaporator 50 is of the stacked plate water cooler type (or "chiller" in its English name). This second evaporator is configured to carry out an exchange of calories between the low-pressure refrigerant fluid and a heat transfer liquid.

[0145] One of the third channels, hereinafter referenced 64-2, is intended to ensure communication between the second evaporator 50 and a fifth flange 105, fluidically connected to a bottle 56.

[0146] The bottle 56 is advantageously an accumulator, configured to contain the refrigerant at low pressure. The bottle 56 may be provided with a refrigerant charging valve 156. According to a variant not shown, the bottle 56 may be a desiccant bottle configured to contain the refrigerant at high pressure and capture the moisture from the refrigerant passing through it. According to this variant, the bottle 56, or desiccant bottle, would be placed on a high-pressure portion of the circuit.

[0147] One of the third channels, hereinafter referenced 64-3, is intended to ensure communication between a sixth flange 106, fluidly connected to the bottle 56, and the first heat exchanger 54. Furthermore, the circulation unit 10 comprises a seventh flange 107, fluidly connected to the first evaporator 48.

[0148] The two expansion valves 26, 28 make it possible to control the supply of refrigerant to the first evaporator 48 and the second evaporator 50. Thus, depending on the position of the expansion valves 26, 28, the first evaporator 48 and / or the second evaporator 50 can be supplied with refrigerant.

[0149] The first heat exchanger (54), the second evaporator (50) and the condenser (52) are fluidically connected to the first, second and third channels 60, 62, 64, by means of flanges. More precisely, the first heat exchanger 54 is connected by means of an eighth, ninth and tenth flange, respectively to the second channel 62-1, to the second channels 62-2, to the third channel 64-3, the second evaporator 50 is connected by means of an eleventh and twelfth flange, respectively to the third channel 64-1 and to the third channel 64-2, the condenser 52 is connected by means of a thirteenth flange and a fourteenth flange respectively to the first branch 60-2 of the first channel 60 and to the second channel 62-1.

[0150] It can be seen in Figure 3 that the at least first channel 60 intended for the circulation of the high-pressure refrigerant fluid is arranged on the first circulation zone 12 of the refrigerant fluid and intended for the circulation of the high-pressure refrigerant fluid, while the at least third channel 64 intended for the circulation of the low-pressure refrigerant fluid is arranged on a second circulation zone 14 of the refrigerant fluid intended for the circulation of the low-pressure refrigerant fluid.

[0151] The first circulation zone 12 of the refrigerant fluid extends substantially along a first plane P1 and the second circulation zone 14 of the refrigerant fluid extends substantially along a second plane P2 and in which the first plane P1 of the first circulation zone 12 of the refrigerant fluid and the second plane P2 of the second circulation zone 14 of the refrigerant fluid are different.

[0152] The first circulation zone 12 of the refrigerant fluid and the second circulation zone 14 of the refrigerant fluid are connected by a first common edge 16.

[0153] The circulation unit 10 comprises a third zone 18 capable of receiving at least in part the compressor 20, the third zone 18 being distinct from the first circulation zone 12 of the refrigerant fluid and from the second circulation zone 14 of the refrigerant fluid.

[0154] The third zone 18 extends substantially along a third plane P3, the third plane P3 being different from the first plane P1 of the first circulation zone 12 of the refrigerant fluid and from the second plane P2 of the second circulation zone 14 of the refrigerant fluid. The first plane P1 of the first circulation zone 12 of the refrigerant fluid, the second plane P2 of the second circulation zone 14 of the refrigerant fluid and the third plane P3 of the third zone 18 are parallel planes.

[0155] The third zone 18 and the second circulation zone 14 of the refrigerant fluid are connected by a second common edge 22.

[0156] The circulation unit 10 comprises a first opening 32 extending at least over the third zone 18 capable of receiving at least in part the compressor 20.

[0157] This first opening 22 can be seen as a cutout making it possible to lighten the circulation unit and making it possible to define two fixing lugs for the compressor 20.

[0158] The first opening 32 also extends over the second common edge 22 to the third zone 18 and the second circulation zone 14 of the refrigerant fluid.

[0159] It can be seen in Figure 8 that the circulation unit 10 comprises a second opening 24, the second opening 24 receiving at least in part a fifteenth flange 115.

[0160] This fifteenth flange 115 ensures fluid communication between the first heat exchanger 54 and the compressor 20.

[0161] According to another aspect of the invention, not shown here, the fifteenth flange 115 could belong to the circulation unit 10.

[0162] It can be seen in Figures 8 to 10 that the second face 42 of the circulation unit also accommodates a compressor 20. The compressor 20 is secured to the second face 42 of the circulation unit by any means such as, for example, screws.

[0163] It can be seen in Figures 8 and 10 that the second face 42 of the circulation unit also accommodates a bottle 56. In other words, the bottle 56 is secured to the second face 42 of the circulation unit 10.

[0164] The condenser 52 is arranged on a first circulation zone 12 of the refrigerant fluid of the unit 10 and intended for the circulation of the refrigerant fluid at high pressure, the second evaporator 50 and the first heat exchanger 54 are arranged on a second circulation zone 14 of the refrigerant fluid of the unit 10 and intended for the circulation of the refrigerant fluid at high pressure and / or for the circulation of the refrigerant fluid at low pressure.

[0165] It can be seen in Figure 10 that the compressor 20 and the bottle 56 each have a longitudinal extension direction L4 and L5 respectively and in which the longitudinal extension direction L4 of the compressor is perpendicular to the longitudinal extension direction L5 of the bottle 56. This arrangement is also repeated in the first embodiment, as can be seen in Figure 12b.

[0166] The longitudinal extension directions L4 and L5, respectively of the compressor 20 and the bottle 56, extend parallel to the first, second and third planes P1, P2 and P3.

[0167] These arrangements of the compressor 20 and the bottle 56 make it possible to improve the compactness of the fluid management module of the thermal conditioning system 1.

[0168] The thermal conditioning system 1 within the refrigerant circuit 2 will now be described in relation to figures 5 and 6. Furthermore, the refrigerant circuit 2 will be described starting with the compressor 20, but it is understood that this only represents a fictitious starting point of the refrigerant circuit 2 and that said refrigerant circuit 2 forms a closed loop.

[0169] A first mode of operation of the refrigerant circuit 2, comprising the thermal conditioning system 1, and making it possible to heat and / or cool electrical and / or electronic elements of an electric or hybrid motor vehicle, and, preferably, the passenger compartment of said vehicle, will now be described in relation to FIG. 5.

[0170] In order to facilitate understanding, it should be considered that only the pipes symbolized by solid lines in Figure 5 will be described, since they are implemented in the first operating mode. Furthermore, thicker lines of the pipes or components of the refrigerant circuit 2 make it possible to symbolize the portions of the refrigerant circuit 2 where the refrigerant is at high pressure.

[0171] In this first mode of operation, the compressor 20, described previously, makes it possible to compress the refrigerant fluid in order to increase its pressure, and, consequently, its temperature. Thus, it is understood that at the outlet of the compressor 20, the high-pressure refrigerant fluid is in the gaseous state and has a high temperature, that is to say higher than its inlet temperature in said compressor 20. The refrigerant fluid at the outlet of the compressor 20 circulates in a first pipe 110a, external to the circulation unit 10, then, via the first flange 101, in the main branch 60-1 of the first channel 60 and is directed by means of a first open stop valve 72-2 towards the first branch 60-2 then towards the condenser pass 17 of the condenser 52. Said condenser 52 then gives up its calories to a first heat transfer fluid 30a of the closed cooling circuit 44.Thus, at the outlet of the condenser 52, the refrigerant fluid is colder than at the inlet and is at least partly in the liquid state.

[0172] At the outlet of the condenser 52, the refrigerant is directed, via one of the second channels 62-1, towards the first heat exchanger 54. According to the operating mode illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first heat exchanger 54 is an internal heat exchanger. The high-pressure refrigerant circulating in the second pass 11 b of said first heat exchanger 54 exchanges calories with the low-pressure refrigerant of another portion of the refrigerant circuit 2, circulating in the first pass 11 a. This transfer makes it possible to improve the thermodynamic performances implemented in the refrigerant circuit 2.

[0173] At the end of its passage through the first heat exchanger 54 via the second pass 11b, the refrigerant circulates in one of the second channels 62-2 to a branch. The refrigerant then circulates in one of the second channels 62-3 and / or in one of the second channels 62-4 and passes respectively through a second expansion valve 28 and / or a first expansion valve 26 in order to lower its pressure and its evaporation point. It is understood that at this stage, we pass from the high pressure portion of the refrigerant circuit 2 to the low pressure portion of the latter.

[0174] At the outlet of the second expansion valve 28, the low-pressure refrigerant fluid is directed via one of the third channels 64-1 and circulates within the second evaporator 50 via the evaporator pass 13, in order to exchange calories with a second heat transfer liquid 30b intended to cool the electrical and / or electronic elements and passing through said second evaporator 50. More particularly, the second heat transfer liquid 30b passing through the second evaporator 50 is hot at the inlet of the second evaporator 50 and gives up its calories to the refrigerant fluid circulating in the evaporator pass 13, which thus evaporates, the change of state producing the energy necessary for cooling the electrical and / or electronic elements. Thus, it is understood that within the second evaporator 50, the refrigerant fluid evaporates under the effect of the capture of calories, the second expansion valve 28 having lowered its evaporation point.It is then understood that at the outlet of the second evaporator 50, the refrigerant fluid circulating in one of the third channels 64-2 is mainly in the gaseous state.

[0175] At the outlet of the first expansion valve 26, the cold, low-pressure refrigerant fluid is directed, via a third flange 103 then a second pipe 110b, external to the unit 10, towards the first evaporator 48 of a thermal regulation device 38 of the passenger compartment of the vehicle, arranged for example in the passenger compartment of said vehicle. More particularly, the thermal regulation device 38 is arranged in the passenger compartment in such a way as to be crossed by an air flow F which is sent into the passenger compartment. Thus, it is understood that the air flow F passing through the first evaporator 48 is cooled by the cold refrigerant fluid circulating within the latter, thus making it possible to cool the passenger compartment.The refrigerant fluid passing through the first evaporator 48 is then evaporated by the effect of the captured calories, such that it exits at least partially in the gaseous state in a third pipe 110c, external to the unit 10, up to a seventh flange 107 of the unit 10.

[0176] Once passed through the second evaporator 50, the refrigerant coming from one of the third channels 64-2 passes through a fifth flange 105, circulates in a fourth pipe 110d, external to the unit 10, and passes through the bottle 56, here the accumulator. The refrigerant coming from the first evaporator 48 passes through a seventh flange 107, then circulates in a fifth pipe 110e, external to the unit 10, to the bottle 56. The bottle 56, or accumulator, collects a liquid fraction of the refrigerant at the outlet of the second evaporator 50 and / or the first evaporator 48. Such a passage through the bottle 56 is necessary prior to the passage of the refrigerant into the compressor 20 which can only accept the refrigerant in the gaseous state.

[0177] At the outlet of the bottle 56, the refrigerant, in the gaseous state and still at low pressure, is directed, via a sixth pipe 1 10f, external to the circulation unit 10, and a sixth flange 106 towards the first heat exchanger 54 by means of one of the third channels 64-3, in order to carry out the exchange of calories with the refrigerant of the high pressure portion of the refrigerant circuit 2 via the first pass 1 1 a, as described previously. Subsequently, the refrigerant is directed towards the compressor 20 via a fifteenth flange 1 15 and a seventh pipe 1 10g, external to the circulation unit 10, so that the latter increases its pressure and its temperature as described previously. According to the operating mode illustrated in figures 5 and 6, the fifteenth flange 1 15 is directly integrated into the first exchanger 54. According to a variant, not illustrated, this fifteenth flange 1 15 could belong to the circulation unit 10.We understand that thus, at the outlet of compressor 20, we switch back to the high pressure portion of the refrigerant circuit 2 and that a new thermodynamic cycle can take place.

[0178] A second mode of operation of the refrigerant circuit 2 comprising the thermal conditioning system 1, and making it possible to heat and / or cool electrical and / or electronic elements of an electric or hybrid motor vehicle, and, preferably, the passenger compartment of said vehicle, will now be described in relation to FIG. 6.

[0179] In order to facilitate understanding, it should be considered that only the pipes symbolized by solid lines in Figure 6 will be described, since they are implemented in the second operating mode. Furthermore, thicker lines of the pipes make it possible to symbolize the portions of the refrigerant circuit 2 where the refrigerant is at high pressure. In the same way as for the first operating mode, at the outlet of the compressor 20 in the first pipe 1 10a, outside the unit 10, the refrigerant has a high pressure, a high temperature and is in the gaseous state.The refrigerant fluid is then directed, by closing the first valve 72-2 and opening the second valve 72-3, via a first flange 101, a main branch 60-1, a second branch 60-3, a second flange 102 and an eighth pipe 110h, towards an internal condenser 46 of the thermal regulation device 38 of the passenger compartment, in order to heat the air flow F, here cold, passing through at least said internal condenser 46. Thus, it is understood that at the outlet of the internal condenser 46 of the thermal regulation device 38 of the passenger compartment, the refrigerant fluid is at least partially condensed, the latter having given up at least part of its calories to the cold air flow F in order to heat it and therefore to heat the passenger compartment. Subsequently, the refrigerant fluid leaves the internal condenser 46 via a ninth pipe 110i.

[0180] The refrigerant fluid leaving the internal condenser 46 of the thermal regulation device 38 of the passenger compartment then joins one of the second channels 62-5 via the fourth flange 104. The refrigerant fluid circulates in one of the second channels 62-5 then in the second channel 62-2 and passes through the second expansion valve 28 in order to lower its pressure and its evaporation point. It is understood that at this stage, we pass from the high pressure portion of the refrigerant fluid circuit 2 to the low pressure portion of the latter.

[0181] The refrigerant fluid then passes through one of the third channels 64-1 and then the second evaporator 50 via the evaporator pass 13 in order to capture the calories of the second heat transfer liquid 30b intended to cool electrical and / or electronic elements. By capturing the calories of the second heat transfer liquid 30b, the refrigerant fluid evaporates at least partially and continues its path in the refrigerant fluid circuit 2 in a manner identical to that described previously for the first operating mode.

[0182] According to a third mode of operation, not shown here, the condenser 52 has the function of exchanging calories with the first heat transfer fluid 30a intended, this time, to heat electrical and / or electronic elements of an electric or hybrid motor vehicle. In this mode of operation, the high-pressure refrigerant circulates within the condenser 52 via the condenser pass 17, in order to exchange calories with the first heat transfer fluid 30a intended here to heat the electrical and / or electronic elements and passing through said condenser 52. More particularly, the first heat transfer fluid 30a passing through the condenser 52 is cold at the inlet of the condenser 52 and captures calories from the refrigerant circulating in the condenser pass 17, which thus condenses, the change of state producing the energy necessary for heating the electrical and / or electronic elements.According to an example of this mode of operation, on the side of the second evaporator 50, the refrigerant fluid would pass through the evaporator pass 13 in order to capture the calories from the second heat transfer liquid 30b, said second heat transfer liquid 30b circulating in a radiator, not shown, placed for example on the front of the vehicle. The heat transfer liquid 30b would then release the captured calories to the ambient air through said radiator.

[0183] We now refer to Figure 11 which represents a circulation unit support according to a first embodiment of the invention. In Figure 11 is shown a support 200 of a unit 217 for circulating a refrigerant fluid. According to this embodiment, the support 200 has a general shape of a substantially flat plate and comprising a first face 200a and a second face 200b opposite one another and formed on either side of a median extension plane PM of the plate, this plane separating the two faces 200a, 200b. Figure 11A illustrates the support 200 seen from the first face 200a and Figure 11B illustrates the support seen from the second face 200b. The support-circulation unit assembly according to the first embodiment can be applied to a circuit and for a thermal conditioning system as described previously but is in no way limited to this circuit and this system.

[0184] As shown, the first face 200a of the support 200 comprises a flat receiving zone 202 intended to receive refrigerant circulation channels such as those described previously with reference to FIG. 3 or those described with reference to FIG. 7. The refrigerant circulation unit 217 thus comprises channels 218 applied against the first face 200a of the support 200 and tubular conduits 206 which are spaced from the support 200. This type of conduit is illustrated at 110g in FIG. 8 and also with reference to FIG. 12A at 206. The tubular conduits 206 can be dedicated for example to the circulation zones where the pressure is the highest.

[0185] As can be seen, the first face 200a and the second face 200b of the support each comprise a lattice structure formed by a plurality of first ribs 208 oriented in a first orientation and second ribs 210 oriented in a second orientation in the extension plane, the second orientation not being parallel to the first orientation. The ribs 208, 210 may be separated from each other by cells. In another embodiment, the first face 200a and the second face could comprise a lattice structure with ribs together delimiting cells having a honeycomb shape, that is to say with a hexagonal section. The ribs make it possible to stiffen the support.

[0186] In Figure 11A, it can be seen that the flat receiving area 202 is partly surrounded by a lattice structure formed by the ribs 208, 210. More practically, the upper surfaces of the ribs are flush with the flat receiving area 202. The support 200 thus formed with a flat receiving area 202 surrounded by a lattice structure proves to be rigid and light. The support can be made of a composite material and / or a plastic material. Advantageously, it is therefore not made of a metallic material, which makes it lighter and prevents it from transmitting heat. It can, for example, be a polypropylene or a polyamide filled with fibers. Note that the support is preferably made of a less dense material than the material constituting the channels of the refrigerant circulation unit.

[0187] The second surface 200b of the support 200 comprises a portion for installing the compressor 20. To improve the rigidity of the assembly, the receiving member 212 of the compressor is formed opposite the flat receiving zone 202 of the support 200. It can be formed of several ribs with a concave curved upper edge making it possible to support in a complementary manner a convex rounded outer face of the compressor 20.

[0188] The support 200 comprises arms 214a, 214b, 214c substantially perpendicular to the plane of extension of the support. These arms are intended to allow attachment to a casing or chassis of a motor vehicle for example. A first arm 214a extends from the first face and in a direction opposite to the second face. A second arm 214b extends from the second face and in a direction opposite to the first face. A third arm 214c extends in the same manner as the second arm 214b. The arms may comprise threaded metal tubular inserts for the passage of attachment members to the chassis. The attachment members may also be attached directly through the arms without an insert.

[0189] The support 200 may include windows 216 or passages for joining the first face 200a and the second face 200b. These windows are intended to allow the fluid connection between the components of the refrigerant circuit.

[0190] Figure 12 illustrates the support carrying the circulation unit 217 on the first face 200a, the circulation unit being carried by the flat receiving zone 202. The compressor 20 is carried on the opposite face 200b.

[0191] We now refer to Figure 13 which illustrates a support 200 identical to that described with reference to Figure 11 and on which is arranged a plurality of connecting channels 218 connecting components of the refrigerant circuit, that is to say at least two of a first heat exchanger 54, a second exchanger 50 and a compressor. According to the present document, at least one channel of the circulation unit 217 is carried by the flat receiving zone 202. Ideally, they are all carried by said flat receiving zone 202. The channels are thus carried by the flat receiving zone 202 of the support, which makes it possible to further stiffen the support 200. Thus positioned, the channels 218 are arranged opposite the compressor supported by the second face 200b of the support 200.The channels illustrated with reference to Figure 13 but also with reference to Figure 14 each comprise a first planar wall element 218a and a second wall element 218b, each second wall element 218b comprising a cavity formed by a boss. The boss has a first face defining a groove extending between a first end 220 and a second end 222.

[0192] According to one aspect of the invention, each second wall element 218b comprises a peripheral edge 219b surrounding the boss or groove. This peripheral edge 219b is applied to a peripheral edge 219a of a first wall element 218a. Said peripheral edges are welded or brazed together. They could also be assembled by another connecting means such as gluing. The connecting means must be able to withstand the pressure and temperature of the fluid circulating in the channels.

[0193] As illustrated in Figure 14A and Figure 15, the first wall elements 218a are formed in a single piece. In this embodiment, they are all formed in the same piece 221 which is applied to the support 200 (Figure 16).

[0194] Screw-nut connections may be provided to provide the connection between the circulation unit 217 and the support 200. Metal inserts may be present in the support to cooperate with the screws. Screwing the screw into a thread in the support, possibly the thread of a recessed insert, may also be proposed.

[0195] The part 221 advantageously has two substantially flat faces, a first 221a applied to the face 200a of the support 200 and a second face 221b receiving the second wall elements 218b. The second wall elements can in particular be manufactured from stamped metal plates.

[0196] Thus, in one embodiment, the part 221 has the shape of a plate having two faces 221 a, 221 b which are parallel and flat.

[0197] It is also observed that the second wall elements 218b may be formed separately from each other (in separate pieces) and are each coupled to a first wall element 218a. Each second wall element 218b includes an orifice 223 formed at at least one of its first and second ends.

[0198] In a variant, the part 221 having the shape of a plate could comprise a second non-planar face 221b. In other words, it could be formed from a plurality of surfaces for receiving a second wall element 218b, each surface of a first wall element 218a being able to be inclined relative to another surface of another first wall element 218a. The face 221a may be planar in order to be applied to a corresponding planar face of the planar receiving zone 202. As illustrated in FIGS. 14, 15 and 16, spaces 224 may be provided between all or part of said first wall elements and / or the second wall elements. In this way, it is possible to reduce the heat transmission between two first wall elements 218a and / or between two second wall elements 218b.

[0199] We now refer to figure 17 which illustrates the first heat exchanger (or IHX) 54 which is carried by the first face of the support 200 and the compressor which is carried by the second face of the support 200. The illustrated assembly is also applicable to the support described with reference to figures 1 to 10.

[0200] Figure 10C illustrates the fluid connection 1 10g between the first heat exchanger and the compressor, more precisely between an outlet 228 and the inlet 230 of the compressor. In Figure 10c, the fluid conduit 1 10g is illustrated, which is rectilinear. More particularly, the inlet orifice 230 of the compressor is partially aligned with the outlet orifice 228 of the first heat exchanger. In this case, said orifices are coaxial. In this first configuration, the refrigerant circulating at low pressure at the outlet of the first heat exchanger undergoes only a few pressure losses before entering the compressor compared to the prior art where the conduit was bent.

[0201] In a second configuration illustrated in figure 18, the outlet of a second heat exchanger, such as the second evaporator 50 could be aligned at least partially with an inlet of the first heat exchanger 226. In this case, the evaporator could be directly connected to the inlet of the first heat exchanger 54. In this second configuration, the second heat exchanger 50 is then arranged in place of the compressor which can be offset outside the support 200.

[0202] By aligned orifice, it is meant that at least part of the section of an outlet orifice is aligned with part of the section of an inlet orifice. And more specifically the sections of the orifices can be coaxial without being totally identical and can also be identical.

[0203] The length of the conduit which connects the two components concerned by the first configuration (figure 17) or the second configuration (figure 18) may be less than 60 mm, for example between 20 and 50 mm, in particular between 30 and 40 mm.

[0204] A second embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 19 to 25. This embodiment is distinguished by the use of a support of a different shape and by a different channel configuration for the circulation unit.

[0205] Figures 19 and 20 show the support isolated from the side of the first face 200a while Figures 21 and 22 show the support isolated from the side of the second face 200b. In this second embodiment, the support comprises at least one recess 241 inside which the receiving zone 202 is located. The support 200 comprises cavities 251, 252.

[0206] The cavities 251, 252 are arranged in the first face 200a of the support as well as in the second face 200b of the support. The cavities 251, 252 of the support are blind. In other words, the cavities have a bottom and form pockets, hollow relative to the first face 200a and the second face 200b. Preferably, the cavities 251, 252 have a polyhedron or prism shape extending orthogonally to the receiving zone 202, for example a right prism shape with a hexagonal base or a diamond base. Certain cavities are located within the receiving zone.

[0207] It can be seen that the cavities 251, 252 of one and / or the other of the first face 200a and the second face 200b are arranged in a staggered pattern.

[0208] The support comprises a first group of cavities 251 arranged in the first face 200a and a second group of cavities 252 arranged in the second face 200b, the cavities 252 of the second group each being arranged between several cavities 251 of the first group of cavities 251, the cavities 251 of the first group and the cavities 252 of the second group being offset from each other.

[0209] As can be seen in Figure 21, the cavities 251, 252 are distributed so that the support has a substantially constant thickness within the receiving zone 202.

[0210] In this figure 21, we see that in a section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the support passing through the receiving zone, the support 202 has a section winding on either side of a median plane PM of the plate.

[0211] In Figures 21 and 22, it can be seen that the support comprises a third group of cavities 253 arranged in the second face (200b), the third group of cavities (253) being in the shape of a right prism with a diamond base. The cavities 253 of the third group of cavities each extend between two cavities 252 of the second group of cavities. The cavities of the first group of cavities 251 comprise a bottom 251a and the cavities 253 of the third group of cavities each extend between two bottoms 251a of cavities 251 of the first group of cavities.

[0212] As before, the circulation unit 217 comprises a plurality of channels 218 connecting a plurality of components of a fluid circuit. At least two of the plurality of channels being such that the first wall elements are formed by a same part 221 and the second wall elements 218b are formed in separate parts. A plurality of first wall elements is disposed in the recess 241. Tl

[0213] Several first wall elements 218a of the channels are formed in the same flat plate.

[0214] In this embodiment, the assembly comprises a plurality of circulation units 2171, 2172, 2173 each comprising at least one first wall element and at least one second wall element, the first wall elements of the different units being formed by separate plates spaced apart from each other, each circulation unit comprising a single flat plate for forming its or its first wall elements. Advantageously, these flat plates are arranged in the same plane. The different circulation units can be fluidically connected to each other, in particular via other components.

[0215] In Figure 23, it can be seen that the recess is delimited by a rim 242 and one of the flat plates comprises a border 1181 of which at least a part is placed against the rim 242 of the recess 241.

[0216] The support 200 comprises at least one through window 216 and the fluid circulation unit 217 comprises at least one through conduit which passes through this window to circulate the fluid from one side to the other of the support 200; the through conduit also passing through a passage orifice formed in a flat plate forming several first wall elements, the passage orifice opening inside the window 216 of the support.

[0217] As before, the support 200 comprises arms 214a, 214b, 214c for attaching to a chassis of a vehicle.

[0218] The receiving area 202 and the fixing arms 214a, 214b, 214c are formed on a single part. In other words, the support is monolithic from the receiving area to the fixing arms. These fixing arms 214a, 214b, 214c extend substantially orthogonally to the receiving area of ​​the support to one end.

[0219] The fixing arms 214a, 214b, 214c each comprise a housing, each housing being capable of receiving a damping decoupling element intended to cooperate with a fixing element of the vehicle chassis. Each housing extends along an axis perpendicular to the direction of extension of the corresponding arm.

[0220] The support preferably comprises at least three arms 214a, 214b, 214c.

[0221] In this embodiment, the two arms 214a and 214c are arranged such that one of these two arms 214a extends from the first face 200a and extends the other of these two arms 214c which extends from the second face 200b. It can be seen in FIG. 22 that a set of cavities extends along the fixing arm 214b. This set of cavities extends perpendicular to the receiving zone 202. This arm 214b comprises a plurality of cavities closed at the end of the arm and open on the first face 200a and at least one cavity open at the end of the arm and closed in the plane of the first face 200a. The cavities of the arm have hexagonal and / or diamond sections.

[0222] The support 200 comprises an installation portion 212 capable of receiving a compressor 20. As in the first embodiment, the installation portion 212 is formed to project relative to the second face 200b of the support 200, and in one piece with the receiving zone 202 of the support. The installation portion has a curved concavity capable of retaining two opposite sides of the compressor.

[0223] While the receiving concavity was formed by the ribs in the first embodiment, the curved concavity is formed here by a portion of a cylinder extending between two ridges.

[0224] The bottom of the concavity of the installation portion is supported by ribs 212a connecting the two ridges 212c to the first face. The ribs are parallel. A portion of the receiving area 202 is formed by the end of the ribs of the installation portion of the compressor. The plate extends around the installation portion 212 in this second embodiment. Only the ends of the ribs form a portion of the receiving area 202 opposite the installation portion 212.

[0225] The installation portion also comprises three threads 213 arranged orthogonally to the receiving area 202. The threads 213 can be formed directly in the support 200 or in added inserts. Thus the compressor 29 can be screwed onto the support.

[0226] The threads 213 are provided inside tubes, each tube extending from the first face 200a to one of the ridges 212c. For example, the tubes 212f are arranged in support cones 212d of the installation portion 212.

[0227] It is also noted in Figure 22 that the support also advantageously comprises a concave receiving portion 279 arranged to fit the shape of an accumulator or a bottle.

[0228] Figure 26 shows schematically the positioning of the arms and the installation portion of the compressor within the support according to the first and second embodiments. Considering a median straight line LM perpendicular to the length L1 of the support 200 and separating the support into two substantially equal support half-surfaces DS1 and DS2, the compressor 20 is arranged so that it spans the median line LM. The compressor thus provides additional rigidity to the assembly and prevents twisting of the support. The fixing arms 214a, 214b; 214c are arranged so that each thread 213 is arranged longitudinally between the median line LM and one of the arms 214A, 214b, 214c.

[0229] The compressor 20 extends longitudinally over at least a quarter of the length L1 of the support 200.

[0230] Considering two straight lines LP1 and LP2 perpendicular to the length L1 of the support and separating the support into three portions of support surfaces PS1, PS2, and PS3 substantially equal, the fixing arms are arranged on each portion of end surface PS1 and PS3.

[0231] Generally speaking, the plurality of channels of the circulation unit extends substantially parallel to the axis of the compressor 20, in other words perpendicular to the ribs 212a of the installation portion 212 of the compressor 20. The installation portion being configured so that the compressor extends longitudinally parallel to the length L1 of the support and substantially in the same direction as the plurality of channels of the circulation unit, the compressor makes it possible to effectively stiffen the support-circulation unit assembly.

[0232] In Figure 27 a recess 241 is shown diagrammatically. This recess can be used to guide the positioning of the first wall elements 218a on the support 200 during assembly. The recess can be approximately 2 mm. The edge of the recess can be inclined (chamfered), for example to a height of 1 mm, to gradually guide the positioning of the first wall elements until they are pressed into their final position against the support.

Claims

Claims 1. Assembly for a vehicle thermal conditioning system, said assembly comprising a fluid circulation unit (217) and a support (200) formed in a separate part from the fluid circulation unit (217), the support (200) comprising a tray (240) provided with a receiving area (202) on which the fluid circulation unit (217) is fixed, and the support (200) comprising fixing arms (214a, 214b, 214c) to a chassis of a vehicle, the receiving area (202) and the fixing arms (214a, 214b, 214c) being formed in one piece.

2. Assembly according to the preceding claim, in which the fixing arms (214a, 214b, 214c) extend substantially orthogonally to the receiving zone (202) of the support (200), up to one end.

3. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, in which a set of cavities extends along at least one of the fixing arms (214b), this set of cavities extending perpendicular to the receiving zone (202).

4. Assembly according to the preceding claim, in which the cavities of the fixing arm (214b) have a polyhedron or prism shape extending orthogonally to the receiving zone, for example a right prism shape with a hexagonal base or a diamond base.

5. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, in which the support (200) comprises an installation portion (212) capable of receiving a compressor (20), the receiving zone (202) being formed on a first face (200a) of the plate (240) and the installation portion (212) being formed to project relative to a second face (200b) of the plate (240) opposite the first face (200a), the installation portion (212) being formed in a single piece with the receiving zone (202) of the support (200).

6. Assembly according to the preceding claim, in which the installation portion (212) has a curved concavity so as to match the shape of the compressor by wedging two opposite sides of the compressor (20).

7. Assembly according to one of claims 5 to 6, in which the concavity of the installation portion has the shape of a portion of a cylinder.

8. Assembly according to one of claims 5 to 7, in which the concavity is supported by ribs (212a) connecting the bottom of the concavity and the first face (200a).

9. Assembly according to the preceding claim, in which a part of the receiving zone (202) is formed by the ribs (212a) supporting the concavity of the installation portion (212) of the compressor (20).

10. Assembly according to one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the installation portion (212) is configured so that the axis of the compressor (20) extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of the support (200).

11. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, in which the support (200) is made, preferably molded, from a composite material and / or a plastic material.

12. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, in which the circulation unit (217) comprises at least one channel (218) formed by a first wall element (218a) and a second wall element (218b) shaped so as to delimit a cavity which is closed by the first wall element (218a), the second wall elements being formed in stamped metal plates.

13. Thermal conditioning system (1) for heating and / or cooling electrical and / or electronic elements of an electric or hybrid motor vehicle, and, preferably, the passenger compartment of said vehicle comprising an assembly according to one of the preceding claims, as well as a fluid circuit comprising at least one compressor (20), the compressor and the circulation unit (217) being placed on either side of the plate (240).

14. Thermal conditioning system according to the preceding claim, in which, with respect to a median straight line (LM) of the support (200) perpendicular to the length (L1) of the support and separating the support into two substantially equal support half-surfaces (DS1, DS2), the compressor is arranged on the support (200) so that it spans the median line (LM).

15. Thermal conditioning system according to one of claims 13 to 14, in which the compressor (200) extends over at least a quarter of the length of the support (200). CORRECTED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP

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