Thermal conditioning system with a structural support fixing the components on a single face of said support

Abstract

The invention relates to a thermal conditioning system (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising: a heat transfer fluid circuit comprising a first plate (20) forming one or more first channels (25) for the heat transfer fluid; a refrigerant fluid circuit comprising a second plate (21) forming one or more second channels (26) for the refrigerant fluid; a plurality of components functionalizing the above-mentioned circuits; the first and second plates are fixed to each other via an intermediate structure (22, 23), so as to form a structural support; the intermediate structure and the first plate and / or the second plate have a plurality of orifices or recesses (27) intended for the passage of conduits (28) for connecting one or other of the first and second channels to the components, a single face of the structural support has all of the above-mentioned components. Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 3

Description

Title of the invention: Thermal conditioning system with a structural support fixing the components on a single face of said support 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 compression and expansion 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 heat, as well as components for temperature regulation. Components, such as conduits, are also provided that guide a fluid and fluidically connect 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 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 first plane, said first plate forming, by protuberances or projections relative to said first plane, one or more first channels for the heat transfer fluid; - a refrigerant circuit comprising a second plate extending along a second plane parallel to the first plane, said second plate forming, by protrusions or projections relative to said second plane, one or more second channels for the refrigerant; - a plurality of components adapted to functionalize the above-mentioned circuits.

[0011] In this system: - the first plate and the second plate are fixed to each other via an intermediate structure closing or forming a closing or circumferential portion of the first and second channels, which intermediate structure extends along a plane parallel to the first and second planes, so as to form with said plates a structural support for the fixing and support of each of the above-mentioned components; - the intermediate structure and the first and / or the second plate have a plurality of orifices or recesses intended for the passage of conduits to connect one or other of the first and second channels to the components, said components then all being fixed on the first plate or the second plate so that only one face of the structural support has the assembly of the above components.

[0012] The primary objective of the invention is to free a surface or face of the structural support from the thermal conditioning system, which makes it possible to place this face of the structural support against another wall or another component in the dedicated space of a vehicle. Indeed, the gain and optimization of the space under the engine hood is a recurring problem, in particular for electric or hybrid motor vehicles.

[0013] A second objective of the invention aims to propose or offer better integration of the thermal conditioning system in the vehicle.

[0014] Thanks to the characteristics of the invention, space is saved by arranging different elements of the fluid management module of the thermal conditioning system on the two faces 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.

[0015] The expression "structural support" means a support capable of serving as a mechanical support, namely capable of carrying components which must be mounted on it.

[0016] First of all, the structural support, formed by the assembled plates sandwiching the intermediate structure, 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 that can be limited.

[0017] The invention makes it possible in particular to have a grouping of several components of a hydraulic circuit of heat transfer fluid, in an optimal manner with in particular a single plate support which integrates the hydraulic circuit.

[0018] 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.

[0019] The assembly of the various components together can be simplified because it is not necessary to use pipes / tubes.

[0020] The invention thus makes it possible to reduce costs, because the invention makes it possible to do without numerous tubes / pipes to connect the components. The invention also makes it possible to reduce the weight of the cooling fluid used.

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

[0022] The invention thus makes it possible to reduce the space occupied by the components, which allows the overall size of the cooling module to be reduced. 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.

[0023] 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 plate and the second plate are capable of being placed flat on one face, in this case in contact with the intermediate structure, and this flat face of each of the two plates is opposite each other once the conditioning system according to the invention is assembled, the first plate and the second plate being separated only by the intermediate structure.

[0024] Other advantageous characteristics of the system 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:

[0025] According to one embodiment, the intermediate structure is formed by a first intermediate plate sandwiched between the first and second plates and one face of which closes or forms a closing or circumferential portion of the first channels, and another face of which closes or forms a closing or circumferential portion of the second channels.

[0026] Advantageously, the first intermediate plate has a plurality of orifices or recesses intended for the passage of conduits to connect one or other of the first and second channels to the components.

[0027] According to another embodiment, the intermediate structure is formed by: a first intermediate plate, one face of which closes or forms a closing or circumferential portion of the first channels; a second intermediate plate adjacent to the first intermediate plate, and one face of which closes or forms a closing or circumferential portion of the second channels; the two intermediate plates are sandwiched between the first and second plates.

[0028] Advantageously, the first intermediate plate and the second intermediate plate each have a plurality of orifices or recesses intended for the passage of conduits to connect one or other of the first and second channels to the components.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the intermediate structure is fixed to the first plate and / or to the second plate by welding and / or mechanically and / or chemically at least along the first and second channels.

[0030] Advantageously, at least one seal is present between the first plate and the intermediate structure and / or between the second plate and said intermediate structure, so as to ensure the sealing of the first and / or second channels. Preferably the first plate, the second plate and / or the intermediate structure comprise a groove forming a receiving channel for the seal.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the first plate and / or the second plate and / or the intermediate structure are metallic, preferably made of a material such as aluminum or steel, or of plastic material.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the first plate, the second plate and the intermediate structure are made of an identical material, in particular a metallic material, such as aluminum or steel, or a plastic material.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the conduits for connecting one or other of the first and second channels to the components are made of plastic.

[0034] Preferably, the first plate, the second plate and the intermediate structure form a monolithic part.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the first plate and / or the second plate comprise one or more guide elements arranged to cooperate with at least one guide element of the intermediate structure to guide said plates and said structure relative to each other for the purpose of fixing them.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment, the components are chosen from a list comprising at least: 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, a throttle valve for the heat transfer fluid and / or for the refrigerant, a plate exchanger, a condensation 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, 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 refrigerant, a charging port for the circuit dedicated to the refrigerant.

[0037] 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, in particular the battery, and preferably the passenger compartment of the vehicle, said circuit comprising a first plate extending along a first plane, said first plate forming, by protrusions or projections relative to said first plane, one or more first channels for the heat transfer fluid; - a refrigerant circuit comprising a second plate extending along a second plane parallel to the first plane, said second plate forming, by protrusions or projections relative to said second plane, one or more second channels for the refrigerant; - a plurality of components adapted to functionalize the above circuits.

[0038] The assembly method comprises the following steps: - fixing the first and second plates on an intermediate structure closing or forming a closing or circumferential portion of the first and second channels, which intermediate structure extends along a plane parallel to the first and second planes, so as to form with said plates a structural support for the fixing and support of each of the above-mentioned components; - providing a plurality of orifices or recesses in the intermediate structure and in the first plate and / or the second plate to form conduit passages for connecting one or the other of the first and second channels to components; - fixing all the components on the first plate or on the second plate, so that only one face of the structural support presents all the components.

[0039] Advantageously, the fixing of the first plate and the second plate to the intermediate structure is carried out by welding, mechanically or chemically, preferably with the addition of at least one sealing joint between said first plate and / or said second plate and said intermediate structure when the fixing is mechanical or chemical.

[0040] It should be noted here that the characteristics relating to the thermal conditioning system are applicable to the method of assembling said thermal conditioning system, and vice versa. Brief description of the figures.

[0041] 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:

[0042] [Fig-1] is a simplified perspective view of a support for a management module fluids of the refrigerant circuit and the heat transfer fluid circuit of a vehicle not in accordance with the invention.

[0043] [Fig.2] is a schematic sectional view illustrating the first plate and the second plate enclosing the intermediate structure formed from a single intermediate plate in accordance with the present invention.

[0044] [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 structure, as illustrated in [Fig.2].

[0045] [Fig.4] is a schematic sectional view illustrating an embodiment in which the first plate and the second plate enclose an intermediate structure formed by two intermediate plates in accordance with the present invention.

[0046] [Fig.5] is a schematic sectional view, along a plane perpendicular to the section of [Fig.4], of the same type as [Fig.3] in which the channels formed by each of the first and second plates enclosing the intermediate plates are illustrated, as illustrated in [Fig.4]. Description of the embodiments.

[0047] The invention relates to a thermal conditioning system 1, as illustrated according to an exemplary embodiment not in accordance with the present invention in [Fig.l], 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 and a refrigerant fluid circuit.

[0048] The system 1 may comprise 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, which 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 different components.

[0049] The system further comprises a plurality of components adapted to functionalize - or make operational - the heat transfer fluid circuit and the refrigerant fluid circuit. These components are fixed on the structural support described further in the description. These components are chosen from the following non-exhaustive list, comprising at least: - a pump for pumping the heat transfer fluid, - a valve / direction valve for the heat transfer fluid, - a non-return valve / check valve for the heat transfer fluid, - a throttle valve / throttle valve for the heat transfer fluid, - a plate exchanger, in particular an evaporation exchanger called "chiller" in English, - a condensation exchanger, in particular a “water condenser”, - 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 to filter particles present in the heat transfer fluid, in particular a dielectric fluid.

[0050] The refrigerant fluid used in the refrigerant circuit is preferably a chemical fluid such as R1234yf. Other refrigerants could be used, such as for example R 134a, or even R290. The refrigerant fluid may be a high-pressure refrigerant fluid. The term "high-pressure refrigerant fluid" means a refrigerant fluid circulating in the refrigerant circuit at a pressure of around 20 bars.

[0051] The heat transfer fluid used in the heat transfer fluid circuit is preferably a dielectric fluid, for example a mineral oil or a fluorinated liquid. Other heat transfer fluids could be used, such as for example water or a mixture of water and ethylene glycol.

[0052] In the attached figures, the structural support on which the components functionalizing the heat transfer fluid and refrigerant fluid circuits are fixed, is constituted by the association of a first plate 20 and a second plate 21, which plates are fixed to each other via an intermediate structure 22, 23. Once assembled, the intermediate structure 22, 23 is sandwiched and is gripped by the two plates 20, 21, the assembly forming a monolithic part, that is to say a rigid single-piece part.

[0053] Referring to Figures 3 and 5, the first plate 20 extends along a first plane PL. It forms, by protrusions or projections relative to the first plane PI, one or more first channels 25 for the heat transfer fluid. Similarly, the second plate 21 extends along a second plane P2, parallel to the first plane PI, with protrusions or projections outside this plane P2 intended to form one or more second channels 26 for the refrigerant fluid. According to one embodiment, this or these channels 25, 26 respectively define a collector or circulation zone for the heat transfer fluid and a collector or circulation zone for the refrigerant fluid, at high pressure and / or at low pressure.

[0054] The intermediate structure is configured to close or form a closing or circumferential portion of the first channels 25 and the second channels 26. This intermediate structure extends along a plane PO parallel to the first and second planes PI, P2, so as to form with said plates, the structural support for the fixing and support of each of the above components.

[0055] In the embodiment of Figures 2 and 3, the intermediate structure is formed by a first intermediate plate 22 extending along a plane PO while the first and second plates 20, 21 each extend respectively along the first plane PI and the second plane P2. Once the plates 20, 21, 22 are assembled and fixed together, the planes PO, PI and P2 are parallel to each other.

[0056] The first intermediate plate 22 is thus sandwiched between the first plate 20 and the second plate 21. One face 220 of the first intermediate plate 22 closes or forms a closing or circumferential portion of the first channels 25, and another face 221 closes or forms a closing or circumferential portion of the second channels 26.

[0057] The first intermediate plate 22 is fixed to the first plate 20 and to the second plate 21 by welding and / or mechanically and / or chemically at least along the first and second channels 25, 26. The assembly is preferably carried out by adhesion and fixing of at least one polymer layer present on one or other of the surfaces of the first plate 20 and / or of the second plate 21, possibly of the first intermediate plate 22.

[0058] Advantageously, when the first plate 20, the second plate 21 and the first intermediate plate 22 are fixed mechanically and / or chemically, at least one seal is present on the one hand between the first plate 20 and the first intermediate plate 22 and on the other hand between the second plate 21 and said first intermediate plate, so as to ensure the sealing of the first and second channels 25, 26. For this purpose, the first plate 20 and / or the second plate 21 and / or the first intermediate plate 22, comprise a groove forming a receiving channel for the seal.

[0059] This embodiment where the intermediate structure is formed from a single intermediate plate 22 has several advantages, and in particular: reduced number of parts to form the support structure; simplification and speed of assembly of the different plates 20, 21, 22.

[0060] In the embodiment of Figures 4 and 5, the intermediate structure is formed by two intermediate plates, respectively a first intermediate plate 22 and a second adjacent intermediate plate 23, which are sandwiched between the first plate 20 and the second plate 21. The two intermediate plates 22, 23 are parallel to each other and extend along the plane PO. The two intermediate plates 22, 23 may extend along two parallel planes (one for each plate) offset from each other on either side of the plane PO, but overall, it is considered that they extend along the plane PO.

[0061] A face 220 of the first intermediate plate 22 closes or forms a portion of closing or circumferential portion of the first channels 25, and a face 230 of the second intermediate plate 23 closes or forms a closing or circumferential portion of the second channels 26. The other respective faces of the intermediate plates 22, 23 are adjacent and located in the plane PO.

[0062] As described previously, the first intermediate plate 22 is fixed to the first plate 20 by welding and / or mechanically and / or chemically at least along the first channels 25. And the second intermediate plate 23 is also fixed to the second plate 21 by welding and / or mechanically and / or chemically at least along the second channels 26. The fixing of the two intermediate plates 22, 23 to each other can also be carried out by welding and / or mechanically and / or chemically.

[0063] Advantageously, at least one seal is present on the one hand between the first plate 20 and the first intermediate plate 22 and on the other hand between the second plate 21 and the second intermediate plate 23, so as to ensure the sealing of the first and second channels 25, 26. For this purpose, the first plate 20 and / or the second plate 21 and / or the first intermediate plate 22 and / or the second intermediate plate 23, comprise a groove forming a receiving channel for the seal.

[0064] This embodiment where the intermediate structure is formed of two intermediate plates 22, 23 has several advantages, and in particular: better mechanical strength of the support structure; possibility of assembling independently, on the one hand the first plate 20 with the first intermediate plate 22 so as to form a first mounting assembly, and on the other hand, the second plate 21 with the second intermediate plate 23 so as to form a second mounting assembly, which assemblies are then fixed to each other.

[0065] To simplify the design, the plates 20, 21, 22 (and where appropriate 23) are advantageously metallic, preferably made of an identical material such as aluminum or steel, or of plastic material.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the first plate 20 and / or the second plate 21 comprise one or more guide elements 4 arranged to cooperate with at least one guide element 5 of the intermediate structure 22 (and where appropriate 23) to guide said plates and said structure relative to each other for the purpose of fixing them. These guide elements 4 may consist of rods / pins cooperating with grooves / orifices 5 or hooks cooperating with a grip. All types of mechanical elements are likely to be envisaged here to form a foolproof device so that the operator is certain to correctly position the first plate 20, the second plate 21 as well as the intermediate structure, relative to each other, in a single relative direction.

[0067] The intermediate structure (formed of one or more intermediate plates 22, 23) thus has a dual function: on the one hand, to close or form a closing or circumferential portion of the channels 25, 26; and on the other hand to ensure the mechanical strength of the structural support, one of the plates 20, 21 ensuring the support, maintenance or fixing of all the components. The expression “mechanical strength” is understood to mean that the intermediate structure 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.

[0068] Depending on the number of components that the first plate 20 or the second plate 21 must carry or support, the appropriate thickness of the first intermediate plate 22 is set, possibly also that of the second intermediate plate 23, so that the intermediate structure perfectly ensures this function of mechanical strength of the structural support. Thus, the intermediate plate(s) 22, 23 preferably has(have) a total thickness of between 0.5 centimeters (cm) and 2 cm.

[0069] This structural support 20, 21, 22, and possibly 23, is also called a central platform (or "hub" in its English name). The structural support 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.

[0070] Advantageously, the thickness of the plates 20, 21, 22, and 23 where appropriate, forming the structural support is substantially uniform both at the level of the flat regions and at the level of the channels 25, 26. Figures 2 to 5 allow a better understanding of the expression “flat regions” relative to the plates 20, 21 which comprise channels 25, 26 forming protuberances or projections relative to said flat regions.

[0071] If we now consider Figures 2 to 5, as an illustrative example, we see that all of the components present for the operation and use of the heat transfer fluid circuit, as well as the refrigerant circuit, are located on the same face of the structural support. In the example chosen, all of the components are located on the side of the first plate 20, namely on the side of the heat transfer fluid circuit. In this case, all of the components are fixed directly or indirectly to the first plate 20. Of course, it is also possible to provide that all of the components are located on the side of the refrigerant circuit and in this case all of the components are fixed to the second plate 21.

[0072] To connect the components to their respective circuit, the intermediate structure as well as the first plate 20 and / or the second plate 21, have a plurality of orifices or recesses 27 intended for the passage of conduits, tubing, pipe or the like 28 (these terms being synonyms within the meaning of the invention), to connect one or the other of the first and second channels 25, 26. Thus, the first intermediate plate 22, as well as where appropriate the second intermediate plate 23, have(s), as many orifices or recesses 27 intended for the passage of the conduits 28 intended to connect one of said circuits to the components necessary or useful for its operation and use. These conduits 28 can be metallic, or preferably plastic.

[0073] Thus, in the example of Figures 2 to 5, the first plate 20 supports or fixes a valve 30 for the heat transfer fluid, a compressor 31 for the refrigerant fluid, a sensor 32 for the refrigerant fluid, a sensor 33 for the heat transfer fluid, a pump 34 and another component 35 such as a plate or condensation exchanger for the heat transfer fluid, as well as a valve 36 for the heat transfer fluid. The refrigerant fluid circuit 26 also comprises an internal valve 37, preferably a non-return valve.

[0074] Thus, on the face of the refrigerant fluid circuit of the structural support 20, 21, 22, 23 no component is present, so that this assembly 1 can be more easily placed against a volumetric object or even against any wall.

[0075] The first intermediate plate 22, as well as possibly the second intermediate plate 23, is therefore a plate serving on the one hand to close or define a closing or circumferential portion of the channels 25 of the heat transfer fluid circuit as well as the channels 26 of the refrigerant fluid circuit and on the other hand to allow the passage of conduits 28 connecting the heat transfer fluid circuit (or the refrigerant fluid circuit) to its components, said conduits being held and fixed by the structural support thanks to the orifices or recesses 27 made beforehand in the first intermediate plate 22, possibly also in the second intermediate plate 23.

[0076] As is apparent in Figures 3 and 5, the channels 26, 25 formed in the first 20 and second 21 plates are initially open (when each of the first or second plates 20, 21 is considered alone) and are closed by the first intermediate plate 22, along the plane PO, in the embodiment with a single intermediate plate of Figures 2 and 3 and are closed respectively by the first and second intermediate plates 22, 23, in the embodiment with two intermediate plates of Figures 4 and 5.

[0077] Such an arrangement facilitates on the one hand the production of the channels 25, 26 on each of the first 20 and second 21 plates and on the other hand the assembly by stacking the plates or sandwiching the first intermediate plate 22 (and where appropriate the second intermediate plate 23) by the first plate 20 and the second plate 21.

[0078] The section of the channels 25 of the heat transfer fluid circuit and of the channels 26 of the refrigerant fluid circuit may be square or rectangular, but this section may also be substantially circular, it being understood that the closing portion - corresponding to the portion of wall of the channels 25, 26 formed by the intermediate structure 22, 23 - extends along a plane, in this case along the plane PO.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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 the 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 first intermediate plate 22, or possibly even the second intermediate plate 23, provided that the latter effectively closes the channels 25, 26 defined by the first 20 and second 21 plates, - the choice of the face of the structural support free of components, either that on the side of the refrigerant fluid circuit, or that on the side of the heat transfer fluid circuit, - the components chosen to be supported or fixed by the first plate 20 or the second plate 21, - the nature of the heat transfer fluid as well as that of the refrigerant fluid.

[0081] Also, one or more features and / or steps disclosed only in one embodiment or example may be generalized to other embodiments. Similarly, one or more features and / or steps disclosed only in one embodiment or example may be combined with one or more other features and / or steps disclosed only in another embodiment.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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 first plane (PI), said first plate forming, by protrusions or projections relative to said first plane, one or more first channels (25) for the heat transfer fluid; - a refrigerant circuit comprising a second plate (21) extending along a second plane (P2) parallel to the first plane (PI), said second plate forming, by protrusions or projections relative to said second plane, one or more second channels (26) for the refrigerant; - a plurality of components adapted to functionalize the above-mentioned circuits; characterized in that: - the first and second plates (20, 21) are fixed to each other via an intermediate structure (22, 23) closing or forming a closing or circumferential portion of the first and second channels (25, 26), which intermediate structure extends along a plane (PO) parallel to the first and second planes (PI, P2), so as to form with said plates (20, 21) a structural support for the fixing and support of each of the above-mentioned components; - the intermediate structure (22, 23) and the first plate (20) and / or the second plate (21) have a plurality of orifices or recesses (27) intended for the passage of conduits (28) to connect one or other of the first and second channels (25, 26) to the components, said components then all being fixed on the first plate (20) or the second plate (21) so that only one face of the structural support has all of the above components.

2. System according to claim 1, in which the intermediate structure (22, 23) is formed by a first intermediate plate (22) sandwiched between the first and second plates (20, 21) and one face (220) of which closes or forms a closing or circumferential portion of the first channels (25), and another face (221) of which closes or forms a closing or circumferential portion of the second channels (26).

3. System according to claim 2, in which the first intermediate plate (22) has a plurality of orifices or recesses (27) intended for the passage of conduits (28) to connect one or other of the first and second channels (25, 26) to the components.

4. System according to claim 1, in which the intermediate structure (22, 23) is formed by: - a first intermediate plate (22) one face (220) of which closes or forms a closing or circumferential portion of the first channels (25); - a second intermediate plate (23) adjacent to the first intermediate plate (22), and one face (230) of which closes or forms a closing or circumferential portion of the second channels (26); - the two intermediate plates (22, 23) are sandwiched between the first plate (20) and the second plate (21).

5. System according to claim 4, in which the first intermediate plate (22) and the second intermediate plate (23) each have a plurality of orifices or recesses (27) intended for the passage of conduits (28) to connect one or other of the first and second channels (25, 26) to the components.

6. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate structure (22, 23) is fixed to the first plate (20) and / or to the second plate (21) by welding and / or mechanically and / or chemically at least along the first and second channels (25, 26).

7. System according to one of the preceding claims, in which at at least one seal is present between the first plate (20) and the intermediate structure (22, 23) and / or between the second plate (21) and said intermediate structure, so as to ensure the sealing of the first and / or second channels (25, 26).

8. System according to one of the preceding claims, in which the first plate (20) and / or the second plate (21) and / or the intermediate structure are metallic, preferably made of a material such as aluminum or steel, or of plastic material.

9. System according to one of the preceding claims, in which the components are chosen from a list comprising at least: 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 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, an expansion device for the circuit dedicated to the refrigerant fluid, a charging port for the circuit dedicated to the refrigerant fluid.

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 plate (20) extending along a first plane (PI), said first plate forming, by protrusions or projections relative to said first plane, one or more first channels (25) for the heat transfer fluid; - a refrigerant circuit comprising a second plate (21) extending along a second plane (P2) parallel to the first plane (PI), said second plate forming, by protrusions or projections relative to said second plane, one or more second channels (26) for the refrigerant fluid;- a plurality of components adapted to functionalize them; aforementioned circuits; characterized in that the assembly process comprises the following steps: - fixing the first and second plates (20, 21) on an intermediate structure (22, 23) closing or forming a closing or circumferential portion of the first and second channels (25, 26), which intermediate structure extends along a plane (PO) parallel to the first and second planes (PI, P2), so as to form with said plates (20, 21) a structural support for the fixing and support of each of the above-mentioned components; - providing a plurality of orifices or recesses (27) in the intermediate structure (22, 23) and in the first plate (20) and / or the second plate (21) to form conduit passages (28) for connecting one or other of the first and second channels (25, 26) to the components; - fixing all the components on the first plate (20) or on the second plate (21), so that only one face of the structural support presents all the components.

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