Thermal conditioning system comprising two plates forming two fluid circuits

Abstract

The invention relates to a 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 a heat transfer fluid circuit and a refrigerant fluid circuit, said system comprising an intermediate plate, located between the first (20) and the second (21) plate, the intermediate plate extends along a plane P0 parallel to the planes P1 and P2 and forms a closing portion for the above-mentioned first and second channels. Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 2

Description

Title of the invention: Thermal conditioning system comprising two plates forming two fluid circuits Technical field.

[0001] The invention 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. The invention also relates to a method of assembling this thermal conditioning system.

[0002] 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 evaporation and condensation of a refrigerant fluid within different heat exchangers making it possible to ensure heating or cooling of different parts. State of the art.

[0003] Thermal conditioning systems commonly use a refrigerant loop and a heat transfer fluid loop exchanging heat with the refrigerant. Such systems are thus called indirect. The refrigerant loop is formed 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 air flow intended for the passenger compartment in order to heat it. The heat transfer fluid circuit also makes it possible to cool elements of the vehicle's powertrain that dissipate heat, such as the vehicle's electric traction motor or the power electronics controlling the electric motor. For this, another heat exchanger makes it possible to carry out a heat exchange between the heat transfer fluid and the refrigerant in order to cool the heat transfer fluid.

[0004] There is thus a need to arrange thermal conditioning systems as compactly as possible, which can offer different modes of cooling and / or heating the battery or different elements of the vehicle's powertrain.

[0005] Thermal conditioning systems consist in particular of thermal management components, such as pumps, valves, heat exchangers, in particular of the condenser and / or plate cooler type, a accumulator or desiccant bottle as well as components for temperature regulation, including temperature and / or pressure sensors. Components, such as conduits, are also provided for guiding a fluid and fluidically connecting the thermal management components together.

[0006] 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 systems with reduced footprint.

[0007] However, the optimized management of space under the hood or more generally in the vehicle remains essential, including for electric vehicles in which new components (compared to thermal cars) are necessary.

[0008] Also the reduction of these components or their associated connections is of major interest.

[0009] The invention aims firstly to propose a solution to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention.

[0010] The invention thus relates to a thermal conditioning system for heating and / or cooling electrical and / or electronic elements and / or the passenger compartment of an electric or hybrid motor vehicle using two plates for supporting said components as well as a single intermediate plate for forming the fluid circulation channels, said support plates being configured in such a way that their association / fixing with the intermediate plate forms flat closing portions for closing / delimiting each of said channels.

[0011] The invention thus relates to a thermal conditioning system for heating and / or cooling electrical and / or electronic elements, in particular the battery, of an electric or hybrid motor vehicle, and, preferably, the passenger compartment of said vehicle, comprising: - a heat transfer fluid circuit for heating and / or cooling the electrical and / or electronic elements, and preferably the passenger compartment of the vehicle, said circuit comprising a first plate extending along a plane PI, said first plate forming, by protuberances relative to said plane PI, first channels defining a collector for the heat transfer fluid; - a refrigerant circuit comprising: • a condenser, • a compressor, • a first evaporator, preferably to cool the passenger compartment of the vehicle, said refrigerant circuit comprising a second plate extending along a plane P2, said second plate forming, by protuberances relative to the plane P2, second channels defining a collector for the refrigerant.

[0012] The thermal conditioning system according to the invention is characterized in that it further comprises an intermediate plate, located between the first and the second plate, the intermediate plate extends along a plane PO parallel to the planes PI and P2 and forms a closing portion for the above-mentioned first and second channels.

[0013] Thanks to these characteristics, space is saved by arranging different elements of the fluid management module of the thermal conditioning system on both sides of the structural support in an optimized manner, the plates of each of the two circuits - heat transfer fluid and refrigerant fluid - serving directly, with the intermediate plate, to define or form the collectors of each of the two circuits.

[0014] The structural support here consists of the first and second plates as well as the intermediate plate. Such a structural support is capable of serving as a mechanical support, namely that this support is capable of carrying components which must be mounted on it.

[0015] Such a structural support formed by the assembled plates fulfills several roles, namely at least one structural role and one functional role, which makes it possible to have a compact module with a number of parts which can be limited.

[0016] The invention makes it possible in particular to have a grouping of several components of a hydraulic circuit of heat transfer fluid and refrigerant fluid, in an optimal manner with in particular a single plate support which integrates the hydraulic circuit.

[0017] The invention makes it possible in particular to avoid the need for additional tubing / pipes to fluidly connect different components together. These fluid connections are made directly via channels in the assembled plates.

[0018] The assembly of the various components together can be simplified because it is not necessary to use pipes / tubing.

[0019] The invention thus makes it possible to reduce costs because the invention makes it possible to do without numerous pipes to connect the components. The invention also makes it possible to reduce the weight of the cooling fluid used.

[0020] The components may in particular be chosen from: a pump for pumping the heat transfer fluid, a valve for directing the heat transfer fluid, a non-return valve for the heat transfer fluid and / or for the refrigerant fluid, a throttle valve for the heat transfer fluid and / or for the refrigerant fluid, a plate exchanger, a condensation exchanger, an evaporation exchanger, an electric heating resistor arranged to heat the heat transfer fluid, an accumulator or a desiccant bottle of the circuit dedicated to the refrigerant fluid, a filter for filtering particles present in the heat transfer fluid, at least one pressure and / or temperature sensor, an expansion device for the circuit dedicated to the fluid refrigerant, a charging port for the circuit dedicated to the refrigerant fluid.

[0021] In addition, it is possible to use the structural plate support as a constituent element of a valve and / or a pump, for example. This makes it possible to achieve a high compactness of the module.

[0022] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, at least one valve and / or one pump can be partially or totally encompassed by the structural plate support.

[0023] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, at least one valve and / or one pump is designed integrally in the structural support, in particular in the form of at least one hollow and / or at least one chamber, such as at least one valve chamber and / or at least one pump chamber.

[0024] The invention thus makes it possible to reduce the space occupied by the components, which makes it possible to reduce the overall size of the cooling module. In the case of a heat pump, for example, the invention makes it possible to reduce the size of all of its components, in particular the various heat transfer fluid circuits.

[0025] Furthermore, such a structure allows the elimination of pipes intended to conduct or bring the heat transfer fluid and the refrigerant liquid to their respective collectors.

[0026] The expression "first (or second) plate extending along a plane" means that these plates have an extension plane, P1 or P2 respectively, said plates also having protuberances, extending from this plane, and being intended only to form the channels for circulation / distribution of fluids, namely respectively of heat transfer fluid and refrigerant fluid. In other words, the first and second plates are capable of being placed flat on one face, in this case in contact with the intermediate plate, and this flat face of each of the first and second plates is opposite each other once the conditioning system according to the invention is assembled, the first and second plates being separated only by the intermediate plate.

[0027] Other advantageous characteristics of the apparatus which is the subject of the invention are listed below. Each of these characteristics can be considered alone or in combination with the remarkable characteristics defined above. Each of these characteristics contributes, where appropriate, to the resolution of specific technical problems defined further in the description and in which the remarkable characteristics defined above do not necessarily participate. The latter may be the subject, where appropriate, of one or more divisional patent applications:

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, the above-mentioned first and / or second plates are fixed to the intermediate plate by welding, at least along the first channels. and / or second channels so as to ensure the sealing of said first channels and / or second channels.

[0029] According to another embodiment, the above-mentioned first and / or second plates are mechanically fixed to the intermediate plate, preferably by crimping, fitting, clipping and / or by means of fixing elements such as tabs, screws, nuts.

[0030] According to yet another embodiment, the above-mentioned first and / or second plates are chemically fixed to the intermediate plate at least along the first channels and / or second channels, preferably by adhesion and fixing of at least one polymer layer present on one or other of the surfaces of the first and / or the second plate.

[0031] Advantageously, when the first and / or second plates are mechanically and / or chemically fixed to the intermediate plate, at least one seal is present between the first and / or second plate on the one hand and the intermediate plate on the other hand so as to ensure the sealing of the first channels and / or second channels, preferably the first and / or the second plate comprising a groove forming a receiving channel for the seal.

[0032] According to one possibility offered by the invention, the first and / or the second plates and / or the intermediate plate are metallic, preferably made of an identical material such as aluminum or steel.

[0033] According to another possibility offered by the invention, the first and / or the second plates and / or the intermediate plate are made of plastic.

[0034] Preferably, the condenser is connected or fixed directly to the second plate.

[0035] Advantageously, the first and second plates consist of a monolithic part, preferably formed by stamping.

[0036] Advantageously, the first and / or the second plate comprises one or more guide elements arranged to cooperate with at least one guide element of the intermediate plate to guide the plates relative to each other for the purpose of fixing them.

[0037] These guide elements are not visible in the attached figures but may consist of rods / pins cooperating with grooves / holes or hooks cooperating with a grip. All types of mechanical elements may be considered here to form a foolproof device so that the operator is certain to correctly position the first and second plates as well as the intermediate plate relative to each other, in a single relative direction.

[0038] Advantageously, the refrigerant circuit comprises a second evaporator for cooling the electrical and / or electronic elements, such that the second evaporator is thermally coupled to the heat transfer fluid circuit.

[0039] Very advantageously, the first, as well as where appropriate the second evaporator, is connected or fixed directly to the second plate.

[0040] The present invention also relates to a method of assembling 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 heat transfer fluid circuit for heating and / or cooling the electrical and / or electronic elements, and preferably the passenger compartment of the vehicle, said circuit comprising a first plate extending along a plane PI, said first plate forming, by protuberances relative to said plane PI, first channels defining a collector for the heat transfer fluid; - a refrigerant circuit comprising: • a condenser, • a compressor, • a first evaporator to cool the vehicle's interior, • preferably a second evaporator to cool the elements electrical and / or electronic, such that the second evaporator is thermally coupled to the heat transfer fluid circuit, said refrigerant circuit comprising a second plate extending along a plane P2, said second plate forming, by protuberances relative to the plane P2, second channels defining a collector for the refrigerant.

[0041] The method of assembling a thermal conditioning system is characterized in that it comprises a step of fixing the first and second plates to an intermediate plate, located between the first and second plates, the intermediate plate extending along a plane PO parallel to the planes PI and P2 and forming a closing portion for the above-mentioned first and second channels.

[0042] Advantageously, the step of fixing the above-mentioned first plate and / or the above-mentioned second plate is carried out by welding, mechanically or chemically, preferably with the addition of at least one sealing joint between the first and second plates when the fixing is mechanical or chemical. Brief description of the figures.

[0043] Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the description of a preferred embodiment which follows, with reference to the appended drawings, produced as indicative and non-limiting examples and in which:

[0044] [Fig-1] is a simplified perspective view of a support for a fluid management module of the refrigerant circuit and the heat transfer fluid circuit of a vehicle.

[0045] [Fig.2] is a schematic sectional view illustrating the first and second plates surrounding the intermediate plate.

[0046] [Fig.3] is a schematic sectional view, along a plane perpendicular to the section of [Fig.2], illustrating the channels formed by each of the first and second plates enclosing the intermediate plate. Description of the embodiments.

[0047] The invention relates to a thermal conditioning system 1, as illustrated according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in [Fig.l] (the technical aspects specific to the invention not being visible in this figure), 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, conventionally comprising a heat transfer fluid circuit for heating and / or cooling the electrical and / or electronic elements, and, preferably, the passenger compartment of the vehicle, a refrigerant circuit comprising a condenser, a compressor 10, a first evaporator for cooling the passenger compartment of the vehicle, a second evaporator for cooling the electrical and / or electronic elements, such that the second evaporator is thermally coupled to the heat transfer fluid circuit, a fluid management module as well as a plurality of pipes 11 intended to connect the different components.

[0048] Generally speaking, the assembled plates 20, 21 - the first 20 and second 21 plates as well as the intermediate plate 22 - forming the structural support carry at least one, preferably a plurality, of the following components listed in a non-exhaustive manner: - a pump for pumping the heat transfer fluid, - a valve for directing the heat transfer fluid, - a non-return valve for the heat transfer fluid, - a throttle valve for the heat transfer fluid, - a plate exchanger, in particular an evaporation exchanger also called a "chiller" in English, - a condensation exchanger, in particular a “water condenser”, - an electric heating resistor arranged to heat the heat transfer fluid, - a desiccant bottle and / or an accumulator for the circuit dedicated to the refrigerant fluid, - a filter to filter particles present in the heat transfer fluid, in particular a dielectric fluid.

[0049] The refrigerant fluid used by the refrigerant circuit is here a chemical fluid such as R1234yf. Other refrigerants could be used, such as for example R 134a, or even R290 or R744.

[0050] The term “high pressure refrigerant” means a refrigerant at a pressure of around 15 / 20 bars and the term “low pressure refrigerant” means a refrigerant at a pressure of 3 / 7 bars.

[0051] In the particular embodiment of the fluid management module of the thermal conditioning system 1, the structural support is constituted by the association of the first 20 and the second 21 plates, the latter 20, 21 enclosing, once assembled, an intermediate plate 22.

[0052] The intermediate plate 22 extends only along a plane PO while the first and second plates 20, 21 each extend respectively along a plane PI and P2 with protrusions or projections outside these planes PI, P2 intended to form the channels 25, 26 of refrigerant fluid and heat transfer fluid. Once the plates 20, 21, 22 are assembled and fixed together, the planes PO, PI and P2 are parallel to each other.

[0053] In other words, the first and second plates 20, 21 forming a support for / for components each have one or more flat regions between the channels 25, 26, these flat regions extending respectively along the plane P1 or P2, as is particularly shown in [Fig.3].

[0054] It should also be noted that the intermediate plate 22 also has a mechanical holding function when it is fixed to the first and second plates 20, 21, the latter 20, 21 ensuring the support, maintenance or fixing of all the components. The expression “mechanical holding” is understood to mean that the intermediate plate avoids any relative movement of the plates 20, 21 whether in bending, twisting or folding, in particular under the weight of the components held / fixed.

[0055] Depending on the number of components that the first and second plates 20, 21 must carry or support, the appropriate thickness of the intermediate plate 22 is set so that the intermediate plate 22 perfectly ensures this function of mechanical strength of the structural support. Thus, the intermediate plate 22 preferably has a total thickness of between 0.2 centimeters (cm) and 2 cm.

[0056] The structural support 20, 21, 22 as such is formed of at least a first circulation zone for the high-pressure and / or low-pressure refrigerant fluid and a second circulation zone for the heat-transfer fluid. The structural support 20, 21, 22 according to the invention integrates or comprises the intermediate plate 22.

[0057] This structural support 20, 21, 22 is also called a central platform (or "hub" in its English name). The structural support 20, 21, 22 is intended to be part of a thermal conditioning system of a motor vehicle in which the refrigerant fluid circulates, in particular in an air conditioning and / or heat pump circuit.

[0058] Advantageously, the thickness of the plates 20, 21, 22 forming the structural support is substantially uniform both at the level of the flat regions and at the level of the channels 25, 26.

[0059] If we now consider [Fig.2], as an illustrative example, the first plate 20 supports or fixes a valve 31 for the heat transfer fluid, a sensor 32, a pump 33. The first plate 20 comprises, within these channels 26 formed by protuberances relative to the plane PI, an internal valve 34 intended to regulate the flow of the heat transfer fluid.

[0060] The second plate 21 supports or fixes a valve / valve or EXV (35 “Electronic expansion valve”) for the refrigerant fluid, a sensor 36, a charging port 37 and an exchanger or an accumulator 38.

[0061] As is apparent in [Fig. 3], the channels 26, 25 formed in the first and second plates 20, 21 are initially open (when each of the first or second plates 20, 21 is considered alone) and are closed by the intermediate plate 22, according to the plane PO. Such an arrangement facilitates on the one hand the production of the channels 25, 26 on each of the first and second plates 20, 21 and on the other hand the assembly by stacking the plates 20, 21, 22 or sandwiching the intermediate plate 22 by the first and second plates 20, 21.

[0062] The intermediate plate 22 is therefore a plate used to close or define a portion of the first channels 26 of the heat transfer fluid circuit as well as the second channels 25 of the refrigerant fluid circuit.

[0063] The section of the channels 25, 26 can be square or rectangular as shown in [Fig.3] but this section can still be substantially circular, it being understood that the closing portion - corresponding to the wall portion of the channels 25, 26 formed by the intermediate plate 22 - extends along a plane, in this case along the plane PO.

[0064] Although the invention has been described in connection with several particular embodiments, it is quite obvious that it is in no way limited thereto and that it includes all the technical equivalents of the means described as well as their combinations if these fall within the scope of the invention.

[0065] The arrangement of the various elements and / or means and / or steps of the invention, in the embodiments described above, should not be understood as requiring such an arrangement in all implementations. Various variants may be provided, and in particular: - the shape, dimensions or even thickness of the structural support 20, 21, 22, that is to say of the first 20 and second 21 plates as well as of the intermediate plate 22 provided that the latter effectively closes the channels 25, 26 defined by the first 20 and second 21 plates, - the components chosen to be supported or fixed by the first 20 or the second 21 plate, - the nature of the heat transfer fluid as well as that of the refrigerant fluid.

[0066] The use of the verb “comprise”, “comprise” or “include” and its conjugated forms does not exclude the presence of other elements or other steps than those stated in a claim.

[0067] In the claims, any reference sign in parentheses cannot be interpreted as a limitation of the claim.

Claims

Claims

1. 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: - a heat transfer fluid circuit for heating and / or cooling the electrical and / or electronic elements, and preferably the passenger compartment of the vehicle, said circuit comprising a first plate (20) extending along a plane PI, said first plate (20) forming, by protuberances relative to said plane PI, first channels (26) defining a collector for the heat transfer fluid;- a refrigerant circuit comprising: • a condenser, • a compressor, • a first evaporator, preferably for cooling the passenger compartment of the vehicle, said refrigerant circuit comprising a second plate (21) extending along a plane P2, said second plate (21) forming, by protuberances relative to the plane P2, second channels (25) defining a collector for the refrigerant; characterized in that it comprises an intermediate plate, located between the first (20) and the second (21) plate, the intermediate plate extends along a plane PO parallel to the planes PI and P2 and forms a closing portion for the above-mentioned first channels (26) and second channels (25).;

2. Thermal conditioning system (1) according to claim 1, wherein said first (20) and / or second (21) plates are fixed to the intermediate plate by welding, at least along the first channels (26) and / or second channels (25) so as to ensure the sealing of said first channels (26) and / or second channels (25).

3. Thermal conditioning system (1) according to claim 1, wherein said first (20) and / or second (21) plates are mechanically fixed to the intermediate plate, preferably by crimping, interlocking, clipping and / or by means of elements fixings such as brackets, screws, nuts.

4. Thermal conditioning system (1) according to claim 1, wherein said first (20) and / or second (21) plates are chemically fixed to the intermediate plate at least along the first channels (26) and / or second channels (25), preferably by adhesion and fixing of at least one polymer layer present on one or other of the surfaces of the first (20) and / or the second (21) plate.

5. Thermal conditioning system (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein at least one seal is present between the first (20) and / or the second (21) plate on the one hand and the intermediate plate on the other hand so as to ensure the sealing of the first channels (26) and / or second channels (25), preferably the first (20) or the second (21) plate comprising a groove forming a receiving channel for the seal.

6. Thermal conditioning system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first (20) and / or the second (21) plates and / or the intermediate plate are metallic, preferably made of an identical material such as aluminum or steel.

7. Thermal conditioning system (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the first (20) and / or the second (21) plates and / or the intermediate plate are made of plastic.

8. A thermal conditioning system (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the first (20) and second (21) plates consist of a monolithic part, preferably formed by stamping.

9. Thermal conditioning system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the refrigerant circuit comprises a second evaporator for cooling the electrical and / or electronic elements, such that the second evaporator is thermally coupled to the heat transfer fluid circuit, and wherein the first, and where appropriate the second evaporator, is connected or fixed directly to the second plate (21).

10. Method for assembling a 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: - a heat transfer fluid circuit for heating and / or cooling the electrical and / or electronic elements, and preferably the passenger compartment of the vehicle, said circuit comprising a first (20) plate extending along a plane PI, said first (20) plate forming, by protuberances relative to said plane PI, first channels (26) defining a collector for the heat transfer fluid; - a refrigerant circuit comprising: • a condenser, • a compressor, • a first evaporator to cool the passenger compartment of the vehicle, • preferably a second evaporator for cooling the electrical and / or electronic elements, such that the second evaporator is thermally coupled to the heat transfer fluid circuit, said refrigerant circuit comprising a second plate (21) extending along a plane P2, said second plate (21) forming, by protuberances relative to the plane P2, second channels (25) defining a collector for the refrigerant, characterized in that it comprises a step of fixing the first (20) and the second (21) plate to an intermediate plate, located between the first (20) and the second (21) plate, the intermediate plate extending along a plane PO parallel to the planes PI and P2 and forming a closing portion for the above-mentioned first and second channels (25), in which the step of fixing the above-mentioned first plate and / or the above-mentioned second plate is carried out by welding, mechanically or chemically, preferably with the addition of at least one seal between the first (20) and second (21) plates when the fixing is mechanical or chemical.

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