Control valve for heat treatment circuit

Abstract

Control valve for a heat treatment circuit. The present invention relates to a control valve (1) for fluid circulation in a vehicle's heat treatment circuit, comprising a first connecting element (2) and a second connecting element (3) mechanically interacting with the first connecting element (2), the first connecting element (2) and the second connecting element (3) both defining an internal volume (9), characterized in that the control valve (1) further comprises a conduit (8) formed by the internal volume (9) of the first connecting element (2) and by the internal volume (9) of the second connecting element (3), as well as a control device (10) at least partially integrated within the conduit (8). (Figure 2)

Description

Title of the invention: Control valve for heat treatment circuit

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of heat treatment circuits and more particularly to a control valve for fluid circulating within such heat treatment circuits.

[0002] Heat treatment circuits, for example within a motor vehicle, ensure the circulation of a fluid so that it thermally treats a component by heat exchange. Components likely to generate heat can thus be cooled by the fluid. Such a fluid can be a refrigerant of type R134a or R1234yf, or a heat transfer fluid such as glycol water.

[0003] Heat treatment circuits generally comprise several branches, and it is important to control the fluid flow within these branches, for example, by means of control valves capable of allowing or preventing the flow of said fluid. Fluid flow control can notably be achieved by means of a control device that allows fluid to flow in a single direction, preventing any fluid flow in the opposite direction. The control device thus prevents backflow of circulating fluid that could disrupt the thermal equilibrium of the heat treatment circuit.

[0004] This type of control valve generally comprises a housing with two connecting elements attached to the housing on either side, enabling the mechanical and fluidic connection of the control valve to the circuit. The housing is sized to accommodate the control device, whose movements regulate the fluid flow within the housing. These control valves are functional and efficient, but the housing has a significant mechanical footprint, which can add installation constraints to these heat treatment circuits, whose basic structure is already complex to implement.

[0005] The present invention makes it possible to reduce the mechanical size of control valves by proposing a control valve for fluid circulation in a vehicle's heat treatment circuit, comprising a first connecting element and a second connecting element mechanically interacting with the first connecting element, the first connecting element and the second connecting element both defining an internal volume, characterized in that the control valve further comprises a conduit formed by the internal volume of the first connecting element and by the internal volume of the second connecting element. connection, as well as a control device at least partially integrated within the pipeline.

[0006] The volume of the control valve is thus greatly reduced, because the connecting elements themselves contain the control device, which guarantees the elimination of the housing interposed in the prior art between the connecting elements.

[0007] The first and second connecting elements allow for the mechanical and fluidic connection of two portions of the heat treatment circuit. The fluid can thus flow from one connecting element to the other through their respective internal volumes, provided that the control device permits this flow.

[0008] The conduit is formed when the connecting elements interact mechanically with each other. Each of the internal volumes constitutes a part of the conduit. When the connecting elements are mechanically connected, the internal volumes of each of them are opposite each other and thus form the conduit in its entirety.

[0009] The at least partial integration of the control device into the connecting elements thus greatly limits the mechanical bulk of the control valve.

[0010] According to one feature of the invention, the control device is arranged entirely within the conduit. In other words, the control device can be entirely integrated into the internal volume of the first connecting element, or entirely integrated into the internal volume of the second connecting element, or entirely integrated into an overall internal volume encompassing the internal volumes of each of the connecting elements.

[0011] According to one feature of the invention, the control device comprises a piston-spring assembly configured to block one direction of fluid flow in the pipe. In other words, the control device forms a non-return device that allows only one direction of fluid flow through the control valve.

[0012] The piston-spring assembly comprises a piston and a spring. The piston is capable of moving in a direction parallel to a main direction of fluid flow in the conduit, between a first position and a second position.

[0013] When the piston is positioned in the first position, the control device is closed, preventing any fluid flow through it. When the piston is positioned in the second position, the control device is open and allows fluid to flow.

[0014] The spring is mounted around the piston and exerts a restoring force that maintains the piston in its initial position. In other words, without any external pressure on the control device, the spring is fully relaxed, thus closing the control device.

[0015] When the piston is moved from the first position to the second position, it lifts a valve in the control device. As it lifts, the valve opens a passage through which the fluid can flow and thus pass through the control device.

[0016] The piston can move thanks to the pressure exerted by the fluid flow on the piston, provided that the direction of flow is that permitted by the control device. The fluid pressure on the piston is such that the fluid pushes the piston and compresses the spring. The valve is therefore lifted and the control device is opened, allowing the fluid to flow. If the pressure exerted by the fluid on the piston is stopped, the spring relaxes and returns the piston to its initial position, thus closing the control device.

[0017] According to one feature of the invention, the first connecting element and the second connecting element comprise fastening means, said fastening means ensuring the positioning of the internal volumes of the first and second connecting elements relative to each other. Each connecting element comprises a plate, which forms the body of that connecting element and which defines within it the internal volume specific to the connecting element. The plate has a prominent radial portion on which the fastening means associated with the connecting element are arranged.

[0018] The plate of each connecting element extends so as to be opposite the other plate when the connecting elements are positioned against each other to form the control valve.

[0019] The fastening means are configured to allow one connecting element to be fixed to the other and to enable a mechanical connection that completes the formation of the conduit between the two connecting elements. The fastening means may, for example, consist of a screw and nut assembly. The screw protrudes from the plate of the first connecting element, so as to pass through an opening formed in the plate of the second connecting element. The nut is then screwed onto the threads of the screw to press the plates together.

[0020] According to one feature of the invention, the first connecting element and the second connecting element comprise an internal wall defining at least partially the internal volume, the control device comprising an external wall arranged opposite at least one of the internal walls of the first connecting element or the second connecting element. The control device and the internal volume of each connecting element preferably have a cylindrical shape with a circular cross-section. This allows the control device to be arranged more easily within the internal volume of one or both of the internal volumes.

[0021] The cylindrical shape of the control device has a diameter substantially smaller than the diameter of the internal volume(s) so that it can be mounted within the latter. Once mounted, the external wall of the control device is opposite, or even substantially in direct contact with, the internal wall of the conduit, i.e., the internal volume(s) of at least one of the connecting elements.

[0022] According to one feature of the invention, the control device comprises at least one sealing element extending along the outer wall, said sealing element being in direct contact with the inner wall of at least the first or second connecting element. The sealing element may, for example, be an annular seal extending around a section of the outer wall of the control device. The outer wall may, for example, comprise a groove forming a housing for the sealing element.

[0023] The sealing element is therefore interposed between the outer wall of the control device and the inner wall of one of the connecting elements. The sealing element prevents the fluid from flowing by seeping between the control device and the inner wall of one of the connecting elements. Thus, the fluid can only flow within the control valve by passing through the control device.

[0024] If the control device is arranged within the internal volume of only one of the connecting elements, and if the control device comprises a plurality of sealing elements, then all of these sealing elements are interposed between the control device and the internal wall of only the connecting element in which the control device is housed. Having several sealing elements is advantageous in that the seal is reinforced and more secure if there are multiple sealing elements.

[0025] If the control device is arranged partly within the internal volume of the first connecting element and partly within the internal volume of the second connecting element, then the control device comprises at least two sealing elements, at least one of which is interposed between the control device and the internal wall of the first connecting element, and at least a second between the control device and the internal wall of the second connecting element. Sealing is thus ensured with each of the connecting elements. Advantageously, two sealing elements are interposed between the control device and each of the internal walls of each of the connecting elements in order to reinforce the seal.

[0026] According to one feature of the invention, the control device comprises two fluid connectors, each of the fluid connectors being able to be inserted into each of the internal volumes of each of the connecting elements by complementary shape. This is a first embodiment of the control valve according to the invention. Each fluid connector is disposed at an axial end of the control device and is associated with one of the connecting elements, having a diameter allowing it to be inserted into the internal volume of its respective connecting element. It is understood that the external wall of the control device on which the sealing element is positioned corresponds to at least one of the fluid connectors.

[0027] In this first embodiment, the control device is partially integrated within each internal volume of the connecting elements. The control device therefore advantageously comprises at least one sealing element around each of the fluidic connectors of the control device.

[0028] According to one feature of the invention, the first connecting element comprises a nozzle adapted to be inserted into the internal volume of the second connecting element by complementary shape. In other words, the nozzle of the first connecting element has a diameter substantially smaller than the diameter of the internal wall of the second connecting element. This allows for partial insertion of the first connecting element into the second connecting element. According to another feature of the invention, the nozzle has an external surface arranged opposite the internal wall of the second connecting element, the nozzle comprising at least one sealing element extending along the external surface, said sealing element being in direct contact with the internal wall of the second connecting element. This is a second embodiment of the control valve according to the invention.

[0029] Once the nozzle is inserted into the internal volume of the second connecting element, the external surface of the nozzle is aligned with, or even substantially in direct contact with, the internal wall of the second connecting element. The sealing element ensures a seal between the external surface of the nozzle and the internal wall of the second connecting element. This prevents fluid from seeping between the first and second connecting elements. Advantageously, the control device is also equipped with the sealing element to further enhance the seal.

[0030] According to one feature of the invention, the control device is engaged between the second connecting element and the nozzle. Advantageously, The diameter of the nozzle and the diameter of the control device are identical or nearly identical. Upon insertion, the nozzle also pushes the control device into the internal volume of the second connecting element. Sealing is thus achieved both between the control device and the internal wall of the second connecting element via the sealing element, and between the nozzle and the internal wall of the second connecting element via the sealing element.

[0031] According to one feature of the invention, the first connecting element and / or the second connecting element comprises at least one portion of conduit configured to mechanically and fluidly connect the control valve to the heat treatment circuit. The portion of conduit of one of the connecting elements corresponds to the end opposite the end of the other connecting element. The portion of conduit has means for connecting to any type of element, for example, a pipe, a heat exchanger, a pressure-reducing device, or any other element of the heat treatment circuit in which the control valve is located.

[0032] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description on the one hand, and from several illustrative and non-limiting examples of embodiments given with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0033] [Fig-1] is a general view of a first embodiment of a control valve according to the invention,

[0034] [Fig.2] is an exploded view of the first embodiment of the control valve,

[0035] [Fig.3] is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the control valve,

[0036] [Fig.4] is a general view of a second embodiment of the valve control,

[0037] [Fig.5] is an exploded view of the second embodiment of the control valve,

[0038] [Fig.6] is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the valve control,

[0039] [Fig.7] represents a control device for the control valve configured in a first position,

[0040] [Fig.8] represents the control valve control device configured in a second position.

[0041] Figure 1 is a general view of a control valve 1 according to the invention. The control valve 1 is, for example, suitable for integration within a heat treatment circuit of a motor vehicle.

[0042] The control valve 1 comprises a first connecting element 2 and a second connecting element 3, mechanically connected to each other by means of fastening means 4.

[0043] The first connecting element 2 and the second connecting element 3 each comprise a plate 6 and a portion of conduit 7. The connecting elements 2 and 3 are in contact with each other via their respective plates 6, which are pressed against each other. The fastening means 4 are positioned at radial protrusions of the plates 6 of each of the connecting elements 2 and 3, and are configured to mechanically hold the plates against each other.

[0044] The conduit portions 7 of each of the connecting elements 2, 3 extend in opposite directions to each other. Each of the conduit portions 7 can participate in a mechanical and fluidic connection with another element of the heat treatment circuit in which the control valve 1 is integrated.

[0045] Once the first connecting element 2 and the second connecting element 3 are mechanically assembled together, a conduit 8 is formed. The conduit 8 is defined by the combination of the two connecting elements 2 and 3 and is delimited by an internal volume 9 of each of them. The internal volume 9 of each connecting element 2 and 3 is more particularly defined by a hollow extending continuously between the plate 6 and the conduit portion 7 of each connecting element 2 and 3.

[0046] As will be seen later, the control valve 1 includes a control device arranged within the conduit 8, that is to say within the internal volume 9 of the first connecting element 2 and / or the internal volume 9 of the second connecting element 3.

[0047] The control device ensures the management of the circulation of a fluid through the pipe 8. Such a fluid can, for example, be a refrigerant circulating in the thermal treatment circuit and configured to perform thermal treatment of a vehicle interior by heat exchange.

[0048] Thanks to the integration of the control device within the connecting elements 2, 3, the compactness of the control valve 1 according to the invention is improved.

[0049] Figure 2 shows a first embodiment of the control valve 1 in exploded view. Figure 2 thus allows the representation of the control device 10 mentioned previously. Figure 2 also shows that the plates 6 of each connecting element have an opening 11 allowing the fluid to pass through the control valve 1, from one section of conduit 7 to the other.

[0050] According to the first embodiment, the control device 10 comprises two fluidic connectors 12, each of these fluidic connectors 12 being capable of being inserted within one of the connecting elements 2, 3. The control device 10 also has a shoulder 100, formed by a change in dimensions, specifically an external diameter, from one fluidic connector to the other. This shoulder 100 is particularly useful for positioning the control device 10 within the connecting elements 2, 3.

[0051] The dimensions, in particular a diameter, of each fluidic connector 12 are such that said fluidic connector 12 can be inserted within the internal volume 9 of the connecting element 2, 3 facing it. The dimensions of the fluidic connector 12 are in particular dependent on a diameter of the opening 11 and / or a diameter of the portion of conduit 7 of the connecting element 2, 3 into which said fluidic connector 12 is inserted.

[0052] Thus, the control device 10 according to the first embodiment of the control valve 1 is disposed partially within the internal volume 9 of the first connecting element 2 and partially within the internal volume 9 of the second connecting element 3.

[0053] The first connecting element 2 and the second connecting element 3 are in direct contact with each other, so that the plates 6 of these connecting elements 2, 3 are pressed against each other and the fixing means 4 can be implemented.

[0054] By way of example and as illustrated in [Fig.2], the plate 6 of the first connecting element 2 may include a screw 13 while the plate 6 of the second connecting element 3 may include an orifice 14. During assembly, the screw 13 passes through the orifice 14. The fastening means 4 may then be completed by a nut, not shown in [Fig.2], which is screwed onto the screw 13 and presses the plates of the connecting elements 2, 3 against each other.

[0055] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the control valve 1 once assembled. As previously described, the control device 10 is partially inserted within the internal volume 9 of each of the connecting elements 2, 3.

[0056] More specifically, the internal volume 9 of each connecting element 2, 3 is delimited by an internal wall 15. The control device 10 includes an external wall 16 extending at the level of the fluidic connectors 12.

[0057] When the control valve 1 is assembled, the outer wall 16 of the control device 10 is opposite, or even in contact with, the inner wall 15 of each connecting element 2, 3.

[0058] In order to ensure the sealing of the control valve 1, the control device 10 comprises a plurality of sealing elements 17. The sealing elements 17 may, for example, be circumferentially extending flexible polymer seals around the control device 10, along the outer wall 16. The control device 10 may therefore include grooves 18 formed at the level of the outer wall 16 and intended to receive the sealing elements 17.

[0059] When the control valve 1 is assembled, the sealing elements 17 are in contact with the internal wall 15 delimiting the internal volume 9 and they thus guarantee the seal between the control device 10 and the connecting elements 2, 3. The fluid circulating in the pipe 8 cannot therefore infiltrate between the control device and the internal wall 15 of the connecting elements 2, 3 and it must necessarily pass through the control device 10 to circulate within the pipe 8.

[0060] Preferably, the sealing elements 17 are distributed so that the internal wall 15 of each of the connecting elements 2, 3 is in contact with at least one of the sealing elements 17. Advantageously, and as illustrated in [Fig.3], the sealing between the control device 10 and each internal wall 15 of each connecting element 2, 3 is doubled, i.e. achieved by two sealing elements arranged axially one after the other, in order to reinforce the effectiveness of said sealing.

[0061] As mentioned previously, the control device includes a shoulder 100, which comes to rest against one of the plates during assembly to form an axial positioning stop.

[0062] Figure 4 is a general view of a second embodiment of the control valve 1 according to the invention. Here again, the control valve comprises two connecting elements 2, 3 fixed to each other at their base plate 6 by the fastening means 4. As with the first embodiment, the conduit 8 is also formed by the mechanical and fluidic connection of the connecting elements 2, 3 and their internal volumes.

[0063] Fig. 5 is an exploded view of the second embodiment of the control valve 1, said view allowing observation of the distinction with the first embodiment.

[0064] The first connecting element 2 of the second embodiment is indeed provided with an end piece 19 whose dimensions, in particular a diameter of the end piece 19, are provided so that the end piece 19 can be inserted within the internal volume 9 of the second connecting element 3. Thus, unlike the first embodiment, one of the connecting elements 2, 3 is at least partially arranged within the other connecting element 2, 3 when they are pressed against each other.

[0065] As will be seen later, the control device 10 is also included within the internal volume 9 of the second connecting element 3. The control device 10 is here devoid of fluidic connectors.

[0066] The fastening means 4 is here a bolt 20 passing through the plate 6 of the first connecting element 2. The bolt 20 can be inserted into a thread formed in the plate 6 of the second connecting element 3, said thread being not visible in [Fig. 5]. The type of fastening means 4 is, however, not specific to either embodiment of the control valve 1.

[0067] Reference will also be made to the description of [Fig.2] concerning the structural and functional characteristics common to the two embodiments.

[0068] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the control valve 1. As previously mentioned, the tip 19 of the first connecting element 2 is inserted within the internal volume 9 of the second connecting element 3, said internal volume 9 being delimited by the internal wall 15 of said second connecting element 3. The dimensions, in particular the diameter, of the tip 19 are provided so that the latter can be inserted within the second connecting element 3.

[0069] The nozzle 19 further comprises an external surface 21 which comes into contact or is substantially in contact with the internal wall 15 of the second connecting element 3. In order to ensure a seal between the first connecting element 2 and the second connecting element 3, the nozzle 19 comprises at least one sealing element 22 extending along the external surface 21 of the nozzle 19. Like the sealing member 17, the sealing element 22 can be inserted into a recess formed on the periphery of the nozzle, at the level of the external surface 21, and can be a flexible polymer seal extending circumferentially around the nozzle 19. The sealing element 22 thus prevents fluid infiltration between the nozzle 19 and the second connecting element 3.

[0070] The fastening device 10, as in the first embodiment, includes the sealing element 17 around its outer wall 16, said outer wall 16 being in contact or substantially in contact with the inner wall 15 of the second connecting element 3. The sealing element 17 prevents fluid from seeping between the contact device 10 and the inner wall 15 of the second connecting element 3. The fluid must therefore necessarily pass through the control device 10 to circulate entirely within the conduit 8.

[0071] The nozzle 19 has a diameter equal to or substantially equal to the diameter of the control device 10. The latter is therefore engaged between the nozzle 19 and the second connecting element 3. This element may, in this respect, include a stop. 23 ensuring the correct positioning of the control device 10 relative to the second connection element 3.

[0072] Figures 7 and 8 illustrate an example of an embodiment of the control device 10, respectively in a first position and a second position. The control device 10 comprises a main body through which a piston-spring assembly 24 passes, the latter having a piston 25 and a spring 26 arranged around the piston. The piston 25 has a rod around which the spring 26 is mounted and a plate 27 against which the fluid is able to exert pressure to push the piston plate 27 against the spring 26. The control device 10 also includes a valve 28 mechanically connected to the piston 25, that is, here connected to the end of the piston rod opposite the plate 27 and the spring 26, and sized to cover, where appropriate, an orifice passing through the body of the control device 10.

[0073] The control device 10 as illustrated in Figures 7 and 8 can be integrated into any embodiment of the control valve described above. The control device is such that it prevents fluid flow in a particular direction, namely when the fluid flows from the valve 28 towards the piston 25. The valve 28 then closes access to the passage of the control device 10 as illustrated in [Fig. 7].

[0074] The spring 26 has a return mechanism, which, when no external force is exerted on the piston 25, is relaxed and holds the piston 25 in the first position illustrated in [Fig.7].

[0075] When an external force, for example that of fluid circulation, is exerted on the piston plate 27 in a direction F, the piston 25 is then displaced to the second position, as illustrated in [Fig. 8]. The piston 25, under the effect of the fluid circulation force, then compresses the spring 26 and thus causes the valve 28 to lift, thereby opening a passage for the fluid to pass through the control device 10 and flow into the pipe. The control device 10, as illustrated, only allows fluid circulation if the direction of fluid flow is identical to the direction F of the force exerted on the piston 25.

[0076] When the force in direction F is no longer exerted on the piston 25, the spring 26 relaxes and returns the piston 25 to the first position shown in [Fig. 7]. The valve 28 then closes the passage and blocks any fluid flow through the control device 10.

[0077] The invention, as just described, achieves the goal it set for itself, by proposing a compact control valve comprising two connecting elements and a control device directly integrated within one or more of said connecting elements.

[0078] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples just described, and many modifications can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention. Variations not described here could be implemented without departing from the context of the invention, provided that, in accordance with the invention, they include a control valve conforming to the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. Control valve (1) for a fluid circulation for a heat treatment circuit of a vehicle, comprising a first connection element (2) and a second connection element (3) mechanically interacting with the first connection element (2), the first connection element (2) and the second connection element (3) both defining an internal volume (9), characterized in that the control valve (1) further comprises a conduit (8) formed by the internal volume (9) of the first connection element (2) and by the internal volume (9) of the second connection element (3), as well as a control device (10) at least partially integrated within the conduit (8), the control device (10) comprising two fluid connectors (12), each of the fluid connectors (12) being capable of being inserted within each of the internal volumes (9) of each of the connection elements (2, 3) by form complementarity,the control device (10) being arranged partially within the internal volume (9) of the first connection element (2) and partially within the internal volume (9) of the second connection element (3), the control device (10) having a shoulder (100), formed by a change in dimensions from one fluid connector to the other.,

2. Control valve (1) according to claim 1, wherein the control device (10) is arranged integrally within the conduit (8).

3. Control valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (10) comprises a piston-spring assembly (24) configured to block a direction of circulation of the fluid flowing in the conduit (8).

4. Control valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first connecting element (2) and the second connecting element (3) comprise fixing means (4), said fixing means (4) ensuring positioning of the internal volumes (9) of the first connecting element (2) and the second connecting element (3) in a manner that is consistent with the positioning of the internal volumes (9) of the first connecting element (2) and the second connecting element (3). connection (2) and the second connection element (3) opposite each other.

5. Control valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first connecting element (2) and the second connecting element (3) comprise an internal wall (15) at least partially defining the internal volume (9), the control device (10) comprising an external wall (16) arranged opposite at least one of the internal walls (15) of the first connecting element (2) or the second connecting element (3).

6. Control valve (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the control device (10) comprises at least one sealing member (17) extending along the external wall (16), said sealing member (17) being in direct contact with the internal wall (15) of at least the first connecting element (2) or the second connecting element (3).

7. Control valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first connecting element (2) and / or the second connecting element (3) comprises at least one conduit portion (7) configured to mechanically and fluidically connect the control valve (1) to the heat treatment circuit.

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