Refrigerant distribution module

Abstract

The invention relates to a refrigerant distribution module (50), comprising: - a first refrigerant circulation channel (11) connecting a first inlet (E1) and an outlet (S), - a second channel (12) connecting a second inlet (E2) and a first connection zone (C1) disposed on the first channel (11) between the first inlet (E1) and the outlet (S), - a third channel (13) connecting a third inlet (E3) and a second connection zone (C2) disposed on the first channel (11) between the first connection zone (C1) and the outlet (S), the first channel (11) comprising a one-way valve (17) disposed between the first connection zone (C1) and the second connection zone (C2),The one-way valve (17) is configured to allow refrigerant flow from the first connection zone (C1) to the second connection zone (C2) and to prohibit refrigerant flow from the second connection zone (C2) to the first connection zone (C1). (See Figure 2 for an abstract.)

Description

Title of the invention: Refrigerant distribution module technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of thermal conditioning systems. These systems can be used, in particular, to equip a motor vehicle. Such systems make it possible to regulate the temperature of various vehicle components, such as the passenger compartment or an electrical energy storage battery, when the vehicle is electrically powered. Heat exchange is managed primarily by the compression and expansion of a refrigerant within different heat exchangers, allowing for the selective heating or cooling of different vehicle components. Previous technique

[0002] Thermal conditioning systems use a refrigerant circuit comprising a main refrigerant circulation loop and multiple branch lines. Various heat exchangers and refrigerant expansion devices control heat exchange within the thermal conditioning system. A set of valves allows for different combinations of refrigerant circulation within the refrigerant circuit and enables different operating modes, i.e., selecting which exchangers participate in heat exchange and the direction of this heat exchange. Each operating mode can be selected according to the thermal conditions encountered by the vehicle and its occupants, as well as the driving conditions.It is therefore possible to implement different operating modes, such as a passenger compartment heating mode, a passenger compartment cooling mode, a passenger compartment dehumidification mode, or even a mode for cooling a component of the vehicle's powertrain.

[0003] Integrating the thermal conditioning system into the vehicle is generally difficult. Indeed, the space available for installing the entire thermal conditioning system tends to decrease, while the number of components to be installed tends to increase. Mounting the system in the vehicle thus becomes more difficult. Furthermore, adapting an existing system to a new vehicle may require substantial modifications to integrate it into the new environment, which increases the time and cost of the development activity.

[0004] It is therefore desirable to have more thermal conditioning systems easy to integrate, allowing the use of standardized components, and offering optimized thermodynamic performance. Summary

[0005] To this end, the present invention proposes a low-pressure refrigerant distribution module, comprising: - a first refrigerant circulation channel, connecting a first inlet and an outlet, - a second channel connecting a second input and a first connection zone located on the first channel between the first input and the output, - a third channel connecting a third input and a second connection zone arranged on the first channel between the first connection zone and the output, the first channel comprising a one-way valve located between the first connection zone and the second connection zone, the one-way valve being configured to allow refrigerant flow from the first connection zone to the second connection zone, the one-way valve being also configured to prohibit refrigerant flow from the second connection zone to the first connection zone.

[0006] The distribution module allows the various low-pressure refrigerant gas flows to be grouped together for transfer to another component, such as a refrigerant compression device. The same module can be used for multiple configurations, thus enabling standardization.

[0007] The features listed in the following paragraphs can be implemented independently of each other or in any technically possible combination:

[0008] According to one aspect of the refrigerant distribution module, the first refrigerant circulation channel, the second refrigerant circulation channel and the third refrigerant circulation channel are formed by an internal recess in a body of the module.

[0009] The number of hoses and fittings required to ensure the circulation of the refrigerant is reduced, since the connections between channels and the channels themselves are provided directly by the body of the distribution module.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the refrigerant distribution module, the module body comprises a set of flat external surfaces.

[0011] The fixing of retaining brackets for the tubes or hoses bringing the refrigerant to the module inlets, or returning the refrigerant from the module, is thus facilitated.

[0012] According to an example embodiment of the refrigerant distribution module, the The body of the module is roughly parallelepiped in shape.

[0013] The module is therefore compact, which facilitates its integration.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the first input is arranged on a flat face of the module body.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the second input is arranged on a flat face of the module body.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the third input is arranged on a flat face of the module body.

[0017] According to an example embodiment of the refrigerant distribution module, the outlet is arranged on a flat face of the module body.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the first input and output are arranged on the same flat face of the module body.

[0019] The second channel is straight.

[0020] The third channel is straight.

[0021] The first channel comprises a succession of straight portions.

[0022] Each channel can thus be obtained by drilling, which allows for inexpensive manufacturing of the module.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the first channel comprises a first portion extending between the first inlet and the first connection zone; the first portion of the first channel and the second channel extend along intersecting axes.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the first portion of the first channel and the second channel extend along perpendicular axes.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the first channel comprises a second portion extending between the first connection zone and the one-way valve. The second portion of the first channel and the first portion of the first channel extend along perpendicular axes.

[0026] The second portion of the first channel and the second channel are coaxial.

[0027] According to an example of an embodiment of the refrigerant distribution module, the one-way valve is arranged in a housing opening onto one face of the body of the distribution module.

[0028] The refrigerant distribution module thus integrates a one-way valve, such as a non-return valve, in a simple way.

[0029] For example, the housing for the one-way valve and the second inlet are arranged on opposite faces of the body of the distribution module.

[0030] The different components of the module are thus distributed around the external surface of the module.

[0031] The one-way valve includes a flat portion flush with one face of the distribution module.

[0032] The housing for the one-way valve is cylindrical.

[0033] According to an example of an embodiment of the refrigerant distribution module, the housing of the one-way valve extends along an axis coaxial with the axis of the second circulation channel.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the refrigerant distribution module, the first channel includes a third portion extending between the one-way valve and the second connection zone. The third portion of the first channel and the third channel extend along perpendicular axes.

[0035] The second channel and the third channel extend along perpendicular axes.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the first channel comprises a fourth portion extending between the second connection zone and the output; the fourth portion of the first channel and the third portion of the first channel are coaxial.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the refrigerant distribution module, the first portion of the first channel and the third portion of the first channel extend along parallel axes.

[0038] In one example of an embodiment of the refrigerant distribution module, the body of the distribution module is formed from an assembly of metal blocks.

[0039] The body of the distribution module is thus robust, inexpensive and has good sealing.

[0040] The metal blocks are, for example, molded.

[0041] The metal blocks are, for example, extruded.

[0042] The metal blocks are, for example, made of aluminum.

[0043] The body of the distribution module can be a single piece.

[0044] The distribution module includes a flange for fixing the module to a support.

[0045] The distribution module includes a first device for maintaining a first refrigerant fluid inlet tube in the first inlet.

[0046] The distribution module includes a second device for holding a second refrigerant outlet tube from the outlet.

[0047] The distribution module includes a third device for holding a third refrigerant inlet tube in the third inlet.

[0048] Each retaining device may include a stud and a nut.

[0049] Each retaining device may include a threaded hole and a fixing screw.

[0050] The disclosure also relates to a thermal conditioning system for motor vehicles, comprising: - a compression device comprising at least one inlet and one outlet, - a first heat exchanger configured to operate as a condenser, - a second heat exchanger configured to operate as an evaporator, - a third heat exchanger configured to operate selectively as an evaporator carrier or condenser, - a fourth heat exchanger configured to operate as an evaporator, - a refrigerant distribution module as described previously, in which One output of the second heat exchanger is connected to the first input of the distribution module. One output of the third heat exchanger is connected to the second input of the distribution module. One output of the fourth heat exchanger is connected to the third input of the distribution module. and in which the output of the distribution module is connected to the input of the compression device.

[0051] In one embodiment of the thermal conditioning system, the first heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat with an airflow from inside the vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0052] Alternatively, the first heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat with a heat transfer fluid from a heat transfer fluid circuit, the heat transfer fluid circuit comprising a fifth heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with an airflow from inside the vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the thermal conditioning system, the second heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat with an airflow from inside the vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the third heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat with an outside airflow to the vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0055] In one embodiment, the fourth heat exchanger is configured to be thermally coupled to an element of an electric powertrain of a vehicle.

[0056] The element of the electric traction chain may include an electrical energy storage battery.

[0057] According to one variant or in a complementary manner, the element of the electric traction chain may include an electronic control module for an electric traction motor of the vehicle.

[0058] According to another variant or in a complementary manner, the element of the electric traction chain may include an electric traction motor of the vehicle.

[0059] In one embodiment, the thermal conditioning system comprises a refrigerant circuit including: - a main refrigerant circulation loop, the main loop comprising successively, according to a direction of refrigerant circulation: — the compression device, — the first heat exchanger, — a first expansion device, — the second heat exchanger, — a first branch fluidically connecting a first connection point located on the main loop downstream of the first exchanger and upstream of the first expansion device to a second connection point located on the main loop downstream of the second heat exchanger and upstream of the compression device, the first branch comprising a second expansion device located upstream of the third heat exchanger, - a second branch of the bypass fluidically connecting a third connection point located on the main loop downstream of the first exchanger and upstream of the first connection point to a fourth connection point located on the main loop downstream of the second connection point and upstream of the compression device, the second branch of the bypass comprising a third expansion device located upstream of the fourth heat exchanger.

[0060] The main refrigerant circulation loop includes an accumulation device located downstream of the first heat exchanger and upstream of the third connection point.

[0061] In one embodiment of the thermal conditioning system, the first branch branch includes an internal heat exchanger, the internal heat exchanger having a first heat exchange section disposed upstream of the second expansion device and a second heat exchange section disposed downstream of the third heat exchanger, the internal heat exchanger being configured to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant in the first heat exchange section and the refrigerant in the second heat exchange section. Brief description of the drawings

[0062] Other features, details and advantages will become apparent upon reading the detailed description below, and upon analysis of the accompanying drawings, on which:

[0063] [Fig-1] is a schematic view of a first embodiment of a thermal conditioning system integrating a refrigerant distribution module according to the invention,

[0064] [Fig.2] is a schematic view of a second embodiment of a system of Thermal conditioning incorporating a distribution module according to the invention,

[0065] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of the refrigerant distribution module illustrated schematically in figures 1 and 2,

[0066] [Fig.4] is another perspective view of the fluid distribution module Refrigerant schematically represented in figures 1 and 2, viewed from another angle,

[0067] [Fig.5] is a cross-sectional view of the distribution module of Figures 3 and 4,

[0068] [Fig.6] is another cross-sectional view of the distribution module of Figures 3 and 4,

[0069] [Fig.7] is a schematic view illustrating one mode of operation of the system of thermal conditioning of the [Fig.l]. Description of the implementation methods

[0070] To facilitate the reading of the figures, the different elements are not necessarily drawn to scale. In these figures, identical elements bear the same reference numerals. Certain elements or parameters may be indexed, that is, designated, for example, as first element or second element, or first parameter and second parameter, etc. This indexing aims to differentiate similar, but not identical, elements or parameters. This indexing does not imply a priority of one element or parameter over another. The designations 'first', 'second', 'third', etc., can thus be interchanged. Similarly, the terms primary / secondary are used for indexing and do not imply a priority of one element over another.

[0071] In the following description, the term "a first element upstream of a second element" means that the first element is located before the second element with respect to the direction of flow, or path, of a fluid. Similarly, the term "a first element downstream of a second element" means that the first element is located after the second element with respect to the direction of flow, or path, of the fluid in question. In the case of the refrigerant circuit, the term "a first element is upstream of a second element" means that the refrigerant flows successively through the first element, then the second element, without passing through the compression device. In other words, the refrigerant exits the compression device, possibly passes through one or more elements, then passes through the first element, then the second element, and then returns to the compression device, possibly after passing through other elements.

[0072] The expression "a second element is placed between a first element and a third element" means that the shortest path to go from the first element to the third element passes through the second element.

[0073] When it is specified that a subsystem includes a given element, this does not exclude the presence of other elements in that subsystem.

[0074] The pressure-reducing devices used, also called pressure regulators, can be an electronic pressure regulator, a thermostatic pressure regulator, or a calibrated orifice. In the case of an electronic pressure regulator, the cross-sectional area allows the fluid to pass through The refrigerant flow can be continuously adjusted between a closed position and a maximum open position. For this, an electronic controller drives an electric motor that moves a movable shutter, controlling the cross-sectional area available to the refrigerant.

[0075] The thermal conditioning system 100 described below can be fitted to a motor vehicle. An electronic control unit, not shown, receives information from various sensors measuring, in particular, the characteristics of the refrigerant. The electronic control unit also receives instructions from the vehicle occupants, for example, the desired temperature inside the passenger compartment. The electronic control unit implements control laws to operate the various actuators, in order to control the thermal conditioning system 100 and ensure compliance with the received instructions. A compression device 7 circulates a refrigerant in a closed refrigerant circulation circuit 10. The compression device 7 can be an electric compressor, that is, a compressor whose moving parts are driven by an electric motor.The compression device 7 has a low-pressure refrigerant intake side, also called the inlet 7a of the compression device 7, and a high-pressure refrigerant discharge side, also called the outlet 7b of the compression device 7. The internal moving parts of the compressor 7 increase the refrigerant pressure from low pressure at the inlet 7a to high pressure at the outlet 7b. After expansion in one or more expansion devices, the refrigerant returns to the inlet 7a of the compressor 7 and begins a new thermodynamic cycle. The compressor 7 is thus a compressor with exactly one refrigerant inlet and one refrigerant outlet.

[0076] Each connection point allows the refrigerant to flow into one or the other of the circuit sections that converge at that connection point. The distribution of the refrigerant between the circuit sections converging at a connection point is achieved by adjusting the degree of opening of the expansion devices and the position of the shut-off valves located on each of the branches connected to that point. In other words, each connection point is a means of redirecting the refrigerant arriving at that connection point.

[0077] The refrigerant used by the refrigerant circuit is a chemical fluid such as R1234yf. Other refrigerants could be used, such as R134a, R744, or R290.

[0078] Interior airflow refers to airflow directed towards the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. This interior airflow may circulate within a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, often referred to by the English term "HVAC," meaning "Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning." This system does not have has been represented in the various figures. A motor-fan unit, not shown, can be activated to increase the flow rate of the interior airflow Fi if necessary.

[0079] The term "external airflow Fe" refers to an airflow that is not directed towards the vehicle's passenger compartment. In other words, the airflow Fe remains outside the vehicle's passenger compartment. Another motor-fan assembly, also not shown, can be activated to increase the flow rate of the external airflow Fe if necessary.

[0080] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a thermal conditioning system 100 for a motor vehicle, according to a first embodiment. This thermal conditioning system 100 has a refrigerant circulation circuit 10 for circulating a controlled flow of pressurized refrigerant through various heat exchangers. In normal operation, the refrigerant circulation circuit is sealed and forms a closed loop. The thermal conditioning system 100 incorporates a refrigerant distribution module 50.

[0081] The thermal conditioning system 100 for a motor vehicle comprises: - a compression device 7 including at least one inlet 7a and one outlet 7b, - a first heat exchanger 1 configured to operate as a condenser, - a second heat exchanger 2 configured to operate as an evaporator, - a third heat exchanger 3 configured to operate selectively as an evaporator or as a condenser, - a fourth heat exchanger 4 configured to operate as an evaporator, - a refrigerant distribution module 50 which will be described later. An output 2b of the second heat exchanger 2 is connected to the first input 1E1 of the distribution module 50, An output 3b of the third heat exchanger 3 is connected to the second input E2 of the distribution module 50, An output 4b of the fourth heat exchanger 4 is connected to the third input E3 of the distribution module 50, and the output S of the distribution module 50 is connected to the input 7a of the compression device 7.

[0082] In a first embodiment of the thermal conditioning system 100, illustrated in [Fig.1], the first heat exchanger 1 is configured to exchange heat with an interior airflow Fi to the vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0083] The interior airflow Fi can thus be heated directly, i.e. the heat of condensation of the refrigerant is transferred directly to the interior airflow Fi when it passes through the first exchanger 1. The first heat exchanger 1 is located in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system of the vehicle, not shown in the figures.

[0084] In the illustrated example, the second heat exchanger 2 is configured to exchange heat with an interior airflow Fi to the vehicle's passenger compartment. The second heat exchanger 2 is also located within the vehicle's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The second heat exchanger 2 cools the interior airflow Fi to regulate the passenger compartment temperature. The second heat exchanger 2 is located downstream of the first heat exchanger 1, following the direction of the interior airflow within the vehicle's HVAC system.

[0085] The third heat exchanger 3 is configured to exchange heat with an outside airflow Fe to the vehicle's passenger compartment. Depending on the operating modes of the thermal conditioning system 100, the third heat exchanger 3 can selectively dissipate heat into the outside airflow Fe when it operates as a condenser, or absorb heat from the outside airflow Fe when it operates as an evaporator. The third heat exchanger 3 can, for example, be located in the front of the vehicle and receive the airflow generated by the vehicle's forward speed.

[0086] The fourth heat exchanger 4 is configured to be thermally coupled to an element 6 of an electric powertrain of the vehicle. The element 6 of the electric powertrain may include an electrical energy storage battery. The fourth heat exchanger 4 absorbs heat from the element 6. The thermal coupling can be achieved by means of a heat transfer fluid circulating in a circuit 30. The heat transfer fluid of the circuit 30 can, for example, be a mixture of water and glycol. The heat transfer fluid exchanges heat with the refrigerant at the fourth heat exchanger 4, and exchanges heat with the element 6 of the powertrain.

[0087] Element 6 of the electric powertrain may include an electronic control module for an electric traction motor of the vehicle. Element 6 of the electric powertrain may also include an electric traction motor of the vehicle.

[0088] In a second embodiment, illustrated in [Fig.2], the first heat exchanger 1 is configured to exchange heat with a heat transfer fluid of a heat transfer fluid circuit 20, the heat transfer fluid circuit 20 comprising a fifth heat exchanger 5 configured to exchange heat with an interior airflow Fi to the vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0089] In this embodiment, the interior airflow Fi is heated indirectly, since the heat of condensation of the refrigerant is first transferred to the heat transfer fluid of the circuit 20, and then the heat from the heat transfer fluid is transferred to the interior airflow Fi at the fifth heat exchanger 5. The circuit The heat transfer fluid 20 includes a pump 28 capable of circulating the heat transfer fluid within the circuit 20. The fifth heat exchanger 5 is located in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system downstream of the second heat exchanger 2, in the direction of the interior airflow Fi. The role of the other heat exchangers is the same as in the first embodiment. The heat transfer fluid circuit 20 for passenger compartment heating and the fluid circuit 30 for thermal coupling with the transmission chain element 6 are separate, meaning they do not communicate.

[0090] More specifically, the thermal conditioning system 100 comprises a refrigerant circuit 10 including: - a main refrigerant circulation loop A, the main loop A comprising successively, according to a direction of refrigerant circulation: — the compression device 7, — the first heat exchanger 1, — a first de-escalation device 31, — the second heat exchanger 2, - a first branch B fluidically connecting a first connection point 21 located on the main loop A downstream of the first exchanger 1 and upstream of the first expansion device 31 to a second connection point 22 located on the main loop A downstream of the second heat exchanger 2 and upstream of the compression device 7, the first branch B comprising a second expansion device 32 located upstream of the third heat exchanger 3, - a second branch branch C fluidly connecting a third connection point 23 located on the main loop A downstream of the first exchanger 1 and upstream of the first connection point 21 to a fourth connection point 24 located on the main loop A downstream of the second connection point 22 and upstream of the compression device 7, the second branch branch C comprising a third expansion device 33 located upstream of the fourth heat exchanger 4.

[0091] The main refrigerant circulation loop A includes an accumulation device 9 located downstream of the first heat exchanger 1 and upstream of the third connection point 23. In other words, the accumulation device 9 is arranged on the main loop A between the outlet of the first heat exchanger 1 and the third connection point 23. The fourth connection point 24 is arranged on the main loop A between the second connection point 22 and the inlet 7a of the compression device 7.

[0092] The distribution module 50 includes a portion of the main loop A, of the first branch of derivation B, and of the second branch of derivation C.

[0093] The low-pressure refrigerant distribution module 50 comprises: - a first refrigerant circulation channel 11, connecting a first inlet El and an outlet S, - a second channel 12 connecting a second input E2 and a first connection zone Cl arranged on the first channel 11 between the first input El and the output S, - a third channel 13 linking a third input E3 and a second connection zone C2 arranged on the first channel 11 between the first connection zone Cl and the output S. The first channel 11 has a one-way valve 17 arranged between the first connection zone Cl and the second connection zone C2. The one-way valve 17 is configured to allow refrigerant flow from the first connection zone C1 to the second connection zone C2. The one-way valve 17 is also configured to prevent refrigerant flow from the second connection zone C2 to the first connection zone C1.

[0094] The distribution module 50 allows the various low-pressure refrigerant gas flows to be grouped together and directed to the inlet 7a of the compression device 7. The same module can be used for multiple configurations, thus enabling standardization. Furthermore, the geometry of the distribution module can be optimized to reduce pressure losses, thereby improving the thermodynamic performance of the thermal conditioning system into which the distribution module is integrated.

[0095] Each channel 11, 12, 13 of the refrigerant distribution module 50 is a refrigerant circulation channel. Each channel 11, 12, 13 is generally tubular in shape. The refrigerant circulating in the distribution module 50 is in contact with the surface of the individual channels 11, 12, 13. Each channel 11, 12, 13 has exactly one refrigerant inlet and outlet. In other words, a channel is not branched. Parallel circuit segments are formed by at least two distinct channels.

[0096] Each connection zone Cl, C2 establishes fluid communication between two channels joining at this connection zone. A connection zone is delimited by the intersection of two channels. It is referred to as a connection zone and not a connection point because the fluid circulation channels are physically volumetric elements. Each connection zone forms a branch from one channel to another.

[0097] The refrigerant circulating in the distribution module 50 is a refrigerant Low pressure refrigerant. By "low pressure", we mean that the refrigerant discharged by the compressor 7 has undergone expansion in an expansion device before reaching the distribution module 50. The pressure of the refrigerant at the inlets El, E2, E3 is for example less than 5 Bar.

[0098] The first refrigerant circulation channel 11, the second refrigerant circulation channel 12 and the third refrigerant circulation channel 13 are formed by an internal recess in a body 15 of the module 50. Each channel 11, 12, 13 is formed by an internal recess in the body 15 of the module 50. Each channel 11, 12, 13 is entirely contained within the refrigerant distribution module 50.

[0099] The number of hoses and fittings required to ensure the circulation of the refrigerant is reduced, since the connections between channels and the channels themselves are provided directly by the body of the distribution module.

[0100] Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 are perspective views of an example embodiment of a refrigerant distribution module 50. The viewing angle differs between Fig. 3 and Fig. 4.

[0101] The body 15 of the module 50 has a set of flat external surfaces. This facilitates the attachment of retaining tabs for the tubes or hoses that supply the refrigerant to the module inlets, or return the refrigerant from the module.

[0102] In the example shown, the body 15 of the module 50 is substantially parallelepiped in shape. The module is thus compact, which facilitates its integration.

[0103] The module 50 comprises three refrigerant inlets El, E2, E3 and a single refrigerant outlet S. The first inlet El is arranged on a flat face 41 of the body 15 of the module 50. The second inlet E2 is arranged on a flat face 42 of the body 15 of the module 50. The third inlet E3 is arranged on a flat face 43 of the body 15 of the module 50. The outlet S is arranged on a flat face of the body 15 of the module 50. The first inlet El and the outlet S are arranged on the same flat face 41 of the body 15 of the module 50.

[0104] Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 are cross-sectional views of the distribution module 50, on which the refrigerant circulation channels are visible.

[0105] The second channel 12 is straight. The third channel 13 is straight. The first channel 11 comprises a succession of straight sections. Each channel can thus be obtained by drilling, which allows for inexpensive manufacturing of the module.

[0106] The first channel 11 comprises a first portion 11-1 extending between the first input El and the first connection zone CL. The first portion 11-1 of the first channel 11 and the second channel 12 extend along intersecting axes. In the example shown, the first portion 11-1 of the first channel 11 and the second The 12 channels extend along perpendicular axes. In [Fig.5], the symbol DI 1-1 illustrates the axis of the first portion 11-1 of the first channel 11 and the symbol D12 illustrates the axis of the second channel 12.

[0107] The first channel 11 includes a second portion 11-2 extending between the first connection zone Cl and the one-way valve 17. The second portion 11-2 of the first channel 11 and the first portion 11-1 of the first channel 11 extend along perpendicular axes. The second portion 11-2 of the first channel 11 and the second channel 12 are coaxial. The axis of the second portion 11-2 is illustrated by the symbol DI 1-2.

[0108] The one-way valve 17 is arranged in a housing 14 opening onto a face 44 of the body 15 of the distribution module 50. The refrigerant distribution module thus integrates a one-way valve, such as a non-return valve, in a simple way.

[0109] As shown in [Fig.5], the housing 14 of the one-way valve 17 and the second inlet E2 are arranged on opposite faces 44, 42 of the body 15 of the distribution module 50. The various components of the module are thus distributed around the external surface of the module.

[0110] The one-way valve 17 includes a flat portion 18 flush with a face 44 of the distribution module 50. The one-way valve 17 also includes a stud 19 projecting from the flat portion 18. The stud 19 allows the one-way valve 17 to be gripped and allows the one-way valve 17 to be extracted from its housing, in the event of possible disassembly.

[0111] The housing 14 of the one-way valve 17 is cylindrical. The housing 14 of the one-way valve 17 extends along an axis D14 coaxial with the axis D12 of the second flow channel 12. The housing 14 of the one-way valve 17, the second channel 12, and a portion of the first channel 11 can thus be formed by drilling along the same axis, which simplifies the construction of the module.

[0112] The first channel 11 includes a third portion 11-3 extending between the one-way valve 17 and the second connection zone C2. The third portion 11-3 of the first channel 11 and the third channel 13 extend along perpendicular axes.

[0113] The second channel 12 and the third channel 13 extend along perpendicular axes. The axis of the third channel 13 is illustrated by the symbol D13 in Figures 5 and 6.

[0114] The first portion 11-1 of the first channel 11, the second channel 12 and the third channel 13 extend along axes perpendicular to each other in pairs.

[0115] The first channel 11 includes a fourth portion 11-4 extending between the second connection zone C2 and the output S; the fourth portion 11-4 of the first channel 11 and the third portion 11-3 of the first channel 11 are coaxial. In [Fig. 5], the symbol DI 1-4 illustrates the axis of the fourth portion 11-4 of the first channel 11.

[0116] As detailed in [Fig. 5], the first portion 11-1 of the first channel 11 and the third portion 11-3 of the first channel 11 extend along parallel axes. These parallel axes are illustrated by the symbols DI 1-1 and DI 1-4.

[0117] The body 15 of the distribution module 50 is here formed from an assembly of metal blocks. The body of the distribution module is thus robust, inexpensive and has good sealing.

[0118] Metal blocks can be cast. Metal blocks can also be extruded. Metal blocks are, for example, made of aluminum.

[0119] The body 15 of the distribution module 50 can be one piece.

[0120] The distribution module 50 includes a flange 49 for fixing the module to a support.

[0121] The distribution module 50 includes a first holding device 45 for a first refrigerant inlet tube in the first inlet EL. The distribution module 50 also includes a second holding device 46 for a second refrigerant outlet tube from the outlet S.

[0122] Similarly, the distribution module 50 includes a third device for holding a third refrigerant inlet tube in the third inlet E3, not shown in the figures.

[0123] In the example shown in Figures 3 and 4, each retaining device 45, 46 comprises a stud and a nut. According to an alternative not shown, each retaining device may comprise a threaded hole and a fixing screw.

[0124] In a second embodiment of the thermal conditioning system 100, illustrated in [Fig. 2], the first branch B comprises an internal heat exchanger 25, the internal heat exchanger 25 having a first heat exchange section 25a located upstream of the second expansion device 32 and a second heat exchange section 25b located downstream of the third heat exchanger 3, the internal heat exchanger 25 being configured to allow heat exchange between the refrigerant in the first heat exchange section 25a and the refrigerant in the second heat exchange section 25b. The internal heat exchanger 25 improves the performance of the thermal conditioning system 100.

[0125] Figure 7 illustrates the operation of the thermal conditioning system 100 in a so-called powertrain energy recovery mode. In this figure, the portions of the circuit 10 in which the refrigerant circulates are shown as solid lines. Thick solid lines correspond to the high-pressure refrigerant and thin solid lines to the low-pressure refrigerant. Portions in which the refrigerant does not circulate are shown as dashed lines.

[0126] In this mode of operation, a flow Q of refrigerant fluid, schematically represented by the thick arrow, circulates in the compression device 7 where it passes to high pressure, and circulates successively in the first heat exchanger 1 where it condenses, supplying heat to the internal air flow Fi, and then in the accumulation device 9. At the third connection point 23, the refrigerant fluid is directed into the second branch of bypass C, because the first expansion valve 31 and the second expansion valve 32 are in the closed position and block the circulation of refrigerant fluid.The refrigerant circulating in the second branch of the bypass C flows into the first expansion device 31 where it undergoes expansion and passes to low pressure, then into the fourth exchanger 4 where it receives heat from the traction chain element 6, and enters the distribution module 50 through the third inlet E3 and joins the second connection zone C2.

[0127] The one-way valve 17 prevents refrigerant from flowing from the second connection zone C2 to the first connection zone Cl, i.e., from the fourth connection point 24 to the second connection point 22. This prevents refrigerant from migrating to the third heat exchanger 3 and the second heat exchanger 2. Indeed, when the temperature of the indoor airflow Fi and the outdoor airflow Fe is below the refrigerant's saturation temperature, refrigerant can migrate from the second and third heat exchangers. Without the one-way valve, a gradual migration of refrigerant to the second and third heat exchangers could occur, reducing the heat exchange capacity of the air conditioning system.The presence of the one-way valve allows the thermal conditioning system to operate in this mode in which only the fourth heat exchanger 4 is active, the second and third exchangers being inactive.

[0128] The distribution module described can also be implemented in thermal conditioning systems in which the role of the first exchanger 1, the second exchanger 2 and the third exchanger 3 is different.

Claims

Demands

1. Low-pressure refrigerant distribution module (50) comprising: - a first refrigerant circulation channel (11) connecting a first inlet (El) and an outlet (S), - a second channel (12) connecting a second inlet (E2) and a first connection zone (Cl) disposed on the first channel (11) between the first inlet (El) and the outlet (S), - a third channel (13) connecting a third inlet (E3) and a second connection zone (C2) disposed on the first channel (11) between the first connection zone (Cl) and the outlet (S), the first channel (11) comprising a one-way valve (17) disposed between the first connection zone (Cl) and the second connection zone (C2), the one-way valve (17) being configured to allow refrigerant circulation from the first connection zone (Cl) to the second connection zone (C2),the one-way valve (17) also being configured to prohibit refrigerant circulation from the second connection zone (C2) to the first connection zone (C1), the first refrigerant circulation channel (11), the second refrigerant circulation channel (12) and the third refrigerant circulation channel (13) are formed by an internal recess in a body (15) of the module (50).

2. Refrigerant distribution module (50) according to the preceding claim, wherein the body (15) of the module (50) comprises a set of flat external surfaces.

3. Refrigerant distribution module (50) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the body (15) of the module (50) is substantially parallelepiped in shape.

4. Refrigerant distribution module (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first inlet (El) and outlet (S) are arranged on the same flat face of the body (15) of the module (50).

5. Refrigerant distribution module (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the one-way valve (17) is arranged in a housing (14) opening onto a face of the body (15) of the distribution module (50).

6. Refrigerant distribution module (50) according to claim previous, in which the housing (14) of the one-way valve (17) and the second inlet (E2) are arranged on opposite faces of the body (15) of the distribution module (50).

7. Refrigerant distribution module (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the body (15) of the distribution module (50) is formed from an assembly of metal blocks.

8. Thermal conditioning system (100) for a motor vehicle, comprising: - a compression device (7) including at least one inlet (7a) and one outlet (7b), - a first heat exchanger (1) configured to operate as a condenser, - a second heat exchanger (2) configured to operate as an evaporator, - a third heat exchanger (3) configured to operate selectively as an evaporator or as a condenser, - a fourth heat exchanger (4) configured to operate as an evaporator, - a refrigerant distribution module (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an outlet (2b) of the second heat exchanger (2) is connected to the first inlet (E1) of the distribution module (50), and an outlet (3b) of the third heat exchanger (3) is connected to the second inlet (E2) of the distribution module (50).An outlet (4b) of the fourth heat exchanger (4) is connected to the third input (E3) of the distribution module (50), and in which the outlet (S) of the distribution module (50) is connected to the input (7a) of the compression device (7).

9. Thermal conditioning system (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first heat exchanger (1) is configured to exchange heat with an interior airflow (Fi) to the vehicle passenger compartment, and wherein: - the second heat exchanger (2) is configured to exchange heat with an interior airflow (Fi) to the vehicle passenger compartment, - the third heat exchanger (3) is configured to exchange heat with an exterior airflow (Fe) to the vehicle passenger compartment, and - the fourth heat exchanger (4) is configured to be thermally coupled to an element (6) of an electric powertrain of a vehicle.

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