Separation device for a refrigerant circuit

Abstract

Separating device for a refrigerant circuit The present invention relates to a separating device (1) for a refrigerant circuit, comprising a cylindrical wall (3), a first end wall (4) and a second end wall (5), the cylindrical wall (3) and the end walls (4, 5) delimiting an internal volume (2), the separating device (1) further comprising an inlet channel (6) comprising an inlet orifice (10) opening into the internal volume (2), a first outlet channel (7) comprising an outlet orifice (11) arranged in the internal volume (2), and a second outlet channel (8) comprising an evacuation orifice (12) arranged in the internal volume (2), characterized in that the inlet channel (6), the first outlet channel (7) and the second outlet channel (8) pass through the same end wall (4, 5). (figure 1)

Description

Title of the invention: Separation device for a refrigerant circuit

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of refrigerant circuits of a heat treatment system of a motor vehicle, and more particularly concerns a separation device integrated into such refrigerant circuits.

[0002] Motor vehicles are commonly equipped with a refrigerant circuit and at least one heat transfer fluid circuit, both used to participate in a heat treatment of different zones or different components of the vehicle. It is in particular known to use the refrigerant circuit and / or the heat transfer fluid circuit to heat treat a flow of air sent into the passenger compartment of the vehicle equipped with such a circuit. This heat treatment is carried out in particular by means of a circulation of the refrigerant within a ventilation, heating and / or air conditioning installation arranged in the vehicle.

[0003] In another application of this circuit, it is known to use the heat transfer fluid circuit to cool components of the vehicle's powertrain, such as for example an electrical storage device, the latter being used to supply energy to an electric motor capable of setting the vehicle in motion. To do this, the heat transfer fluid is previously heat-treated using the refrigerant fluid thanks to a heat exchange occurring between the two circuits.

[0004] During the circulation of the refrigerant fluid within the refrigerant circuit, said refrigerant fluid is capable of switching between a liquid state and a gaseous state following a change in temperature and / or a change in pressure. However, it may happen that the refrigerant fluid circulates in the refrigerant circuit in a two-phase state, i.e. partly liquid and partly gaseous. The refrigerant circuit may thus comprise a separation device allowing an entry of the refrigerant fluid potentially in two-phase phase. The refrigerant fluid is then separated into a liquid fraction and a gaseous fraction within the separation device and each of the fractions can then exit the separation device via an outlet specific to each state.

[0005] Automobile manufacturers are aiming to continually improve their vehicles, in particular such a separation device. These improvements may in particular concern the adaptation of such a separation device to a particular environment, making it possible to optimize the mechanical size of said separation device.

[0006] The present invention falls within this context by proposing a safety device preparation for a refrigerant circuit of a heat treatment system of a vehicle, comprising at least one cylindrical wall, at least one first termination wall and one second termination wall closing on either side the cylindrical wall, the cylindrical wall and the termination walls delimiting an internal volume, the separation device further comprising an inlet channel configured to allow the entry of a refrigerant fluid into the separation device and comprising an inlet orifice opening into the internal volume, a first outlet channel configured to evacuate the refrigerant fluid and comprising an outlet orifice arranged in the internal volume, and a second outlet channel configured to evacuate the refrigerant fluid and comprising an evacuation orifice arranged in the internal volume, characterized in that the inlet channel,the first outlet channel and the second outlet channel all pass through the same termination wall among the first termination wall and the second termination wall.

[0007] The arrangement of all the channels at a single end of the separation device guarantees an advantageous arrangement in certain configurations, for example when the separation device must necessarily be arranged resting on a flat surface, preventing the installation of channels at both ends of said separation device.

[0008] The cylindrical wall may for example have a circular section in order to partially delimit the internal volume. The latter is adapted according to the quantity of refrigerant circulating within the refrigerant circuit. The terminal walls extend mainly according to the cylindrical shape delimited by the cylindrical wall and are arranged at the ends of this cylindrical shape, thus completely delimiting the internal volume with the cylindrical wall.

[0009] The separation device is arranged within the refrigerant circuit and allows the refrigerant to enter it in any state, and to exit either in the liquid state or in the gaseous state. Even if the refrigerant is in the two-phase state when entering the separation device, the latter then separates the liquid fraction from the gaseous fraction and allows the exit of each of them. Thus, the inlet channel ensures the entry of the refrigerant into the separation device, the first outlet channel ensuring the exit of the liquid fraction of the refrigerant from the separation device and the second outlet channel ensuring the exit of the gaseous fraction of the refrigerant from the separation device. It is therefore through the inlet orifice that the refrigerant enters the internal volume and through the outlet orifice or the discharge orifice that the refrigerant leaves.

[0010] All of the channels pass through a single end wall, so that the opposite end wall remains free of any channel crossing. The latter therefore remains flat, which optimizes the spatial size of the device. separation according to the surrounding configuration.

[0011] According to a characteristic of the invention, the separation device comprises at least a first separation plate and a second separation plate distant from each other and arranged in the internal volume, the first separation plate being arranged between the inlet orifice and the outlet orifice, the second separation plate being arranged between the inlet orifice and the discharge orifice, at least one of the separation plates among the first separation plate and the second separation plate being arranged in the internal volume so as to delimit an annular space between said separation plate and the cylindrical wall.

[0012] Thanks to the separation plates arranged in the internal volume, the inlet of the refrigerant fluid is made so as not to be in direct contact with the refrigerant fluid in the liquid state or the refrigerant fluid in the gaseous state. This avoids phenomena of bubbling of the refrigerant fluid at the level of a volume of refrigerant fluid in the liquid state at the level of which the refrigerant fluid in the two-phase state entering the separation device flows directly. A phenomenon of direct projection of the refrigerant fluid in the two-phase state towards the second outlet channel is also avoided thanks to the separation plates.

[0013] The separating plates are arranged so as to separate two orifices from each other. The first separating plate is therefore interposed between the inlet orifice and the outlet orifice, through which the liquid fraction of the refrigerant fluid exits. However, it is common for a volume of refrigerant fluid in the liquid state to stagnate within the separating device, at the outlet orifice because it is through this orifice that the liquid fraction of the refrigerant fluid exits.

[0014] Thus, the first separation plate is positioned so that, when the refrigerant enters the internal volume of the separation device via the inlet orifice, it flows against the first separation plate instead of flowing directly into the volume of refrigerant in the liquid state, which can potentially form bubbling at the level of this volume of refrigerant, thus impairing the good separation of the fractions of the refrigerant.

[0015] By flowing against the first separating plate, a separation of the fractions of the refrigerant fluid is carried out. Subsequently, the liquid fraction flows to the volume of refrigerant fluid in the liquid state via a periphery of the first separating plate.

[0016] The second separating plate is positioned between the inlet orifice and the outlet orifice, through which the gaseous fraction of the refrigerant fluid exits. This second separating plate prevents liquid refrigerant fluid from being projected towards the outlet orifice and polluting the second outlet channel, which ensures the exit of the refrigerant fluid in the gaseous state only. The separating plates preparation thus guarantees an improvement in the separation of the fractions of the refrigerant fluid in the two-phase state, while avoiding a disturbance of the refrigerant fluid entering the fractions already separated.

[0017] The annular space promotes the flow of the fractions towards the outlet orifice or the discharge orifice depending on the state of the fraction. Advantageously, the two separating plates delimit an annular space with the cylindrical wall.

[0018] After entering the separation device, the refrigerant in the two-phase state is initially between the two separation plates. The latter must therefore include an opening so that the refrigerant can subsequently reach the outlet orifice or the discharge orifice. It has been determined that an annular space facilitates the circulation of the refrigerant in the separation device compared to a point opening. The annular space then ensures that the pressure drop of the refrigerant is minimized when the latter is within the separation device.

[0019] According to a characteristic of the invention, the inlet channel passes through one of the separation plates among the first separation plate and the second separation plate. Since the inlet orifice must open between the two separation plates, the inlet channel must therefore necessarily extend through one of said separation plates.

[0020] According to a characteristic of the invention, the first outlet channel or the second outlet channel passes through the first separation plate and the second separation plate. This is a characteristic consistent with the arrangement of the through channels of the same termination wall as described above. Indeed, such an arrangement implies the fact that one of the outlet channels passes through a termination wall opposite the volume of gas to which said outlet channel relates. In order to arrange the outlet orifice at the level of the liquid fraction contained in the separation device, or to arrange the discharge orifice at the level of the gas fraction contained in the separation device, one of the outlet channels must therefore pass through the first separation plate and the second separation plate.

[0021] According to a characteristic of the invention, the inlet channel and / or the first outlet channel comprises at least one expansion member, the expansion member being integral with the terminal wall crossed by said inlet channel and by said first outlet channel. The expansion member makes it possible to lower the pressure, and consequently the temperature, of the refrigerant fluid. This is useful for controlling a thermodynamic cycle of the refrigerant fluid, as well as for subsequently thermally treating a heat transfer fluid circulating in a heat transfer fluid circuit and configured to thermally treat only components of a vehicle powertrain or even the passenger compartment of said vehicle. The connection of the expansion member with the terminal wall crossed by all the channels makes it possible to integrate the latter into the separation device instead of integrating it at the level of another element of the refrigerant circuit, which can be advantageous depending on the spatial environment of the separation device.

[0022] According to a characteristic of the invention, the separation device comprises a moisture absorption module arranged in the internal volume, the moisture absorption module being integral with one of the termination walls. The moisture absorption module acts as a desiccant and absorbs any trace of water that may possibly be contained in the refrigerant fluid. Indeed, water may be present in the refrigerant circuit, for example following the assembly of the latter. Since water is a source of rust in the pipes of the refrigerant circuit, it is therefore advantageous to retain it to prevent its circulation. The moisture absorption module is advantageously arranged in the internal volume of the separation device so as not to mechanically obstruct the refrigerant circuit.

[0023] According to a characteristic of the invention, the moisture absorption module comprises a base secured to one of the end walls and an absorption element capable of being removably fixed to the base. The base constitutes the supporting structure of the moisture absorption module, allowing both the attachment to one of the end walls of the separation device and the fixing of the absorption element which is the element absorbing the water contained in the refrigerant fluid. The absorption element can be put in place and removed from the base simply and quickly, in order to be able to replace the absorption element in the event of wear.

[0024] According to a characteristic of the invention, the moisture absorption module is in contact with the outlet orifice of the first outlet channel. This positioning guarantees that no trace of water in the liquid state can exit the separation device via the first outlet channel.

[0025] According to a characteristic of the invention, the humidity absorption module comprises a filtering means configured to filter particles which may be present in the refrigerant fluid.

[0026] The invention also covers a refrigerant circuit for a vehicle heat treatment system, comprising a separation device as described above, the refrigerant circuit further comprising a compression device, a main branch starting at an outlet of the compression device and extending to the inlet channel of the separation device, a first heat exchanger arranged on the main branch, at least a first branch extending between the first outlet channel of the separation device and a first inlet of the compression device, a second heat exchanger arranged on the first branch, and a second branch extending between the second outlet channel of the separation device and a second inlet of the compression device.

[0027] The refrigerant fluid is circulated in the gaseous state by the compression device and then circulates to the first heat exchanger. Each of the heat exchangers is the heart of a heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid circulating in the refrigerant fluid circuit and the heat transfer fluid, mentioned above, circulating in the heat transfer fluid circuit. Thus, the refrigerant fluid being put under high pressure and high temperature by the compression device, said refrigerant fluid is cooled within the first heat exchanger arranged on the main branch. The refrigerant fluid is then at least partially condensed due to its cooling while the heat transfer fluid is heated to subsequently heat the passenger compartment of the vehicle or a component of a powertrain of the vehicle if necessary.

[0028] The at least partially condensed refrigerant fluid then continues its circulation within the main branch until it reaches the inlet channel to enter the separation device. As described previously, the liquid fraction and the gaseous fraction are separated from each other within the separation device. The liquid fraction circulates within the first outlet channel then in the first branch, while the gaseous fraction circulates in the second outlet channel then in the second branch.

[0029] The liquid fraction thus circulates in the second branch and a new heat exchange is carried out between the refrigerant fluid and the heat transfer fluid, this time with the aim of evaporating the refrigerant fluid while cooling the heat transfer fluid. The latter is cooled to subsequently cool the passenger compartment of the vehicle or a component of the vehicle's powertrain if necessary. The evaporated refrigerant fluid is subsequently compressed again via the compression device by entering the latter via the first inlet.

[0030] The gaseous fraction leaves the separation device through the second outlet channel and then circulates within the second branch to directly reach the compression device by entering it via the second inlet. The refrigerant fluid then recirculates in a loop in the refrigerant fluid circuit as long as necessary.

[0031] According to a characteristic of the invention, the refrigerant circuit comprises a first expansion member arranged between the first heat exchanger and the inlet orifice, and a second expansion member arranged between the outlet orifice and the second heat exchanger. As mentioned previously, for complete the thermodynamic cycle of the refrigerant, the latter must be expanded after being condensed within the first heat exchanger and before being evaporated within the second heat exchanger. Two expansion members are therefore arranged upstream and downstream of the separation device. At least one of the expansion members is integral with one of the terminal walls of the separation device. The expansion members can also be arranged on the main branch and / or on the first branch.

[0032] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description on the one hand, and from several exemplary embodiments given for informational and non-limiting purposes with reference to the attached schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0033] [Fig.l] represents a first embodiment of a separation device according to the invention,

[0034] [Fig.2] represents a second embodiment of the separation device according to the invention,

[0035] [Fig.3] represents a third embodiment of the separation device according to the invention,

[0036] [Fig.4] is an illustration of a refrigerant circuit comprising the first embodiment of the separation device,

[0037] [Fig.5] is an illustration of the refrigerant circuit comprising the second embodiment of the separation device,

[0038] [Fig.6] is an illustration of the refrigerant circuit comprising the third embodiment of the separation device.

[0039] [Fig.l] is a representation of a first embodiment of a separation device 1 according to the invention. Such a separation device 1 is configured to be integrated within a refrigerant circuit of a thermal treatment system of a vehicle. It is therefore a two-phase refrigerant which circulates in the different components of the refrigerant circuit, including within the separation device 1.

[0040] The separation device 1 comprises an internal volume 2 defined by a cylindrical wall 3 closed by a first termination wall 4 and a second termination wall 5. The cylindrical wall 3 may for example be of circular section, and the termination walls 4, 5 are arranged at each end of the cylinder formed by the cylindrical wall 3.

[0041] According to an example illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the first termination wall 4 constitutes an upper wall of the separation device 1, while the second termination wall 5 constitutes a lower wall of the separation device 1.

[0042] The separation device 1 further comprises an inlet channel 6, a first outlet channel 7 and a second outlet channel 8. The inlet channel 6 ensures the entry of the refrigerant fluid into the separation device 1, while the first outlet channel 7 and the second outlet channel 8 ensure the exit of the refrigerant fluid from the separation device 1.

[0043] Depending on its state, the refrigerant fluid exits the separation device 1 via the first outlet channel 7 or via the second outlet channel 8. Indeed, as mentioned previously, the refrigerant fluid is two-phase, that is to say it can be in the liquid state or in the gaseous state. In addition, it is possible for the refrigerant fluid to enter the separation device 1 in a two-phase state, that is to say it is partly in the liquid state and partly in the gaseous state. In this configuration, the separation device 1 has the function of separating a liquid fraction and a gaseous fraction from the refrigerant fluid in the incoming two-phase state. The fractions formed can then circulate out of the separation device 1 via the outlet channel 7, 8 corresponding to the state of the refrigerant fluid.According to an example illustrated in all the figures, the first outlet channel 7 corresponds to the outlet of the refrigerant fluid in the liquid state and the second outlet channel 8 corresponds to the outlet of the refrigerant fluid in the gaseous state.

[0044] The inlet channel 6, the first outlet channel 7 and the second outlet channel 8 pass through one of the end walls 4, 5 among the first end wall 4 and the second end wall 5. The particularity of the separation device 1 according to the invention is that the inlet channel 6, the first outlet channel 7 and the second outlet channel 8 all three pass through a single end wall. The separation device 1 according to the invention is particularly advantageous in the situation where it is not possible to arrange channels at both ends of the separation device 1 for reasons of spatial space requirement. In such a configuration, the separation device 1 can rest on a flat support (not shown), without this being a hindrance to the positioning of the various channels ensuring the proper functioning of the separation device 1.This is therefore an optimized configuration of the separation device 1 in order to adapt to the environment around said separation device 1.

[0045] According to the first embodiment illustrated in [Fig.l], the inlet channel 6, the first outlet channel 7 and the second outlet channel 8 pass through the first termination wall 4. The separation device 1 may therefore comprise a plurality of flanges 9 ensuring that the first termination wall 4 passes through in a sealed manner.

[0046] The inlet channel 6, the first outlet channel 7 and the second outlet channel 8 respectively comprise an inlet orifice 10, an outlet orifice 11 and an evacuation orifice 12 arranged in the internal volume 2. Each orifice 10, 11, 12 constitutes one end of each channel 6, 7, 8 through which the refrigerant fluid enters or leaves the separation device 1.

[0047] Advantageously, the outlet orifice 11 is arranged in the internal volume 2 at a lower portion 13 where the gas in the liquid state is present. This lower portion 13 contains a volume of refrigerant fluid in the liquid state ready to exit through the first outlet channel 7 if necessary. The internal volume 2 also comprises an upper portion 14, containing a volume of refrigerant fluid in the gaseous state ready to exit through the second outlet channel 8 if necessary. As a result, the discharge orifice 12 is advantageously arranged at this upper portion 14.

[0048] The separation device 1 further comprises a first separation plate 15 and a second separation plate 16 arranged in the internal volume 2 so that each separation plate 15, 16 separates the inlet orifice 10 from the outlet orifice 11 or from the discharge orifice 12. In other words, the separation plates 15, 16 extend on either side of the inlet orifice 10. As a result, the separation plates 15, 16 are therefore distant from each other.

[0049] Thus, when the refrigerant enters the separation device 1 via the inlet channel 6, the flow occurs against one or other of the separation plates 15, 16, here on the first separation plate 15 according to [Fig.l]. A direct flow at the level of the lower portion 13 is avoided so as not to disturb the refrigerant in the liquid state contained in the separation device 1. In addition, this makes it possible to promote the separation of the refrigerant in the two-phase state because the latter does not flow directly into the refrigerant in the liquid state.

[0050] The second separating plate 16 is disposed between the inlet orifice 10 and the discharge orifice 12 and prevents projections of refrigerant in the liquid state towards the discharge orifice 12 when the refrigerant in the two-phase state enters. This makes it possible to prevent the circulation of refrigerant in the liquid state in the second outlet channel 8 intended for the circulation of refrigerant in the gaseous state. The first separating plate 15 and / or the second separating plate 16 may comprise a peripheral edge 17 projecting by a main dimension in order to facilitate the flow of the refrigerant in the liquid state or to further protect the discharge orifice 12 from projections of refrigerant.

[0051] In order for the inlet orifice 10 to be positioned between the separation plates 15, 16, the inlet channel 6 must extend so as to pass through one of the separation plates 15, 16. In [Fig.l], the inlet channel 6 passes through the second separation plate 16. In addition, since the channels 6, 7, 8 all pass through the first termination wall 4, the first outlet channel 7 must extend so that the outlet orifice 11 is arranged at the level of the lower portion 13 so that the refrigerant in the liquid state can circulate out of the separation device 1 via the first channel 7. outlet 7. Thus, the first outlet channel 7 extends so as to pass through the first separation plate 15 and the second separation plate 16 until it reaches the lower portion 13.

[0052] At least one of the separation plates 15, 16 is arranged so as to delimit an annular space 18 between said separation plate 15, 16 and the cylindrical wall 3. In all of FIGS. 1 to 3, the two separation plates 15, 16 each delimit an annular space 18. The latter allows, once the refrigerant fluid has entered and been separated into fractions, to migrate each of them towards the outlet orifice 11 or the discharge orifice 12, and this without causing a loss of charge of the refrigerant fluid.

[0053] Thus, the liquid fraction can flow along the first separation plate 15, then join the lower portion 13 by gravity via the annular space 18 formed by the first separation plate 15. The gaseous fraction can join the upper portion 14 by circulating through the annular space 18 formed by the second separation plate 16. The separation device 1 therefore guarantees separation of a refrigerant fluid in the two-phase state without disturbance and without pressure loss.

[0054] In order to improve the heat treatment of the refrigerant fluid while optimizing the spatial size and the service life of the separation device and / or the refrigerant fluid circuit integrating such a separation device 1, the latter is provided with a humidity absorption module 19, integral with the second termination wall 5. The humidity absorption module 19 is arranged within the internal volume 2 and is therefore not disruptive in terms of spatial size.

[0055] The moisture absorption module 19 has a desiccant role, that is to say that it absorbs the water contained in the refrigerant fluid. Water can in fact form in the refrigerant circuit comprising the separation device 1, for example following capture of ambient air during assembly of the refrigerant circuit. The presence of water in the refrigerant circuit can cause rusting of the pipes and therefore degradation of the refrigerant circuit. The moisture absorption module 19 therefore guarantees the retention of any trace of water contained in the refrigerant fluid in the liquid state, while allowing the circulation of said refrigerant fluid. According to the first embodiment, the moisture absorption module 19 is advantageously positioned at the outlet orifice 11 in order to ensure that any fluid in the liquid state leaving the separation device 1 via the first outlet channel 7 does not contain water.

[0056] The moisture absorption module 19 comprises a base 20 which constitutes the part secured to the second end wall 5 and which is crossed by the first outlet channel 7, as well as an absorption element 21 fixed to the base 20 in a removable manner. It is this absorption element 21 which allows the retention of water and its removability. allows the absorption element 21 to be changed easily in the event of wear.

[0057] In this embodiment, the moisture absorption module 19 may comprise a filtering means. The filtering means is arranged, for example, near the outlet orifice 11.

[0058] [Fig. 2] represents a second embodiment of the separation device 1. This second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the separation device 1 comprises an expansion member 22 secured to the first termination wall 4. The expansion member 22 is arranged outside the internal volume 2 and ensures the expansion of the refrigerant fluid before it enters the separation device 1. The expansion member 22 expands the refrigerant fluid circulating in the inlet channel 6 in order to lower its temperature. The attachment of the expansion member 22 to the separation device 1 can be advantageous in terms of spatial size compared to an expansion member arranged on a pipe of the refrigerant circuit.

[0059] The rest of the structural and functional elements of the second embodiment being identical to the first embodiment, reference will be made to the description of [Fig.l] for the elements common to both embodiments.

[0060] [Fig. 3] represents a third embodiment of the separation device 1. This third embodiment is similar to the first embodiment because it comprises the same elements as the latter.

[0061] However, the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it is the second termination wall 5 which is crossed by the inlet channel 6, the first outlet channel 7 and the second outlet channel 8 instead of the first termination wall 4.

[0062] In this third embodiment, it is therefore the second outlet channel 8 which passes through the first separation plate 15 and the second separation plate 16 so that the discharge orifice 12 is at the level of the upper portion 14. In addition, the first outlet channel 7 passing through the same end wall to which the moisture absorption module 19 is secured, the first outlet channel 7 passes through the base 20 so that the outlet orifice 11 is arranged at the level of the absorption element 21. This makes it possible to ensure that water does not circulate within the first outlet channel 7.

[0063] The rest of the structural and functional elements of the third embodiment being identical to the first embodiment, reference will be made to the description of [Fig.l] for the elements common to the two embodiments.

[0064] Figures 4 to 6 schematically represent the refrigerant circuit 25 comprising one of the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 of the separation device 1.

[0065] Each of the illustrated refrigerant circuits comprises a compression device 26 and a main branch 27 starting at an outlet 28 of the compression device 26. The main branch 27 extends from the compression device 26 to the inlet channel 6 of the separation device 1, said inlet channel 6 being positioned in the continuity of the main branch 27.

[0066] The main branch 27 passes through a first heat exchanger 29 configured to carry out a heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and the heat transfer fluid circulating in the heat transfer fluid circuit 30. The refrigerant fluid having previously been put under pressure, and therefore under high temperature, by the compression device 26, the heat exchange taking place within the first heat exchanger 29 ensures both the temperature increase of the heat transfer fluid while at least partially condensing the refrigerant fluid. In a manner not illustrated, once heated, the heat transfer fluid can for example be used to heat the passenger compartment of the vehicle or a component of a powertrain of the vehicle.

[0067] At the outlet of the first heat exchanger, the at least partially condensed refrigerant fluid is expanded by the first expansion member 22a, which is arranged within the first branch 27.

[0068] Once the refrigerant fluid has been expanded, it enters the separation device 1 as described previously, then is separated into the liquid fraction and the gaseous fraction if necessary.

[0069] The refrigerant circuit 25 thus comprises a first branch 31 connected to the first outlet channel 7 and a second branch 32 connected to the second outlet channel 8.

[0070] The first branch 31, as illustrated in [Fig.4], comprises the second expansion member 22b ensuring the expansion of the refrigerant fluid to the liquid state. As the refrigerant fluid must be expanded at the outlet of the separation device 1, the second expansion member 22b is therefore positioned here on the first branch 31, between the first outlet channel 7 and a second heat exchanger 33.

[0071] At the outlet of the separation device 1, the refrigerant fluid in the liquid state continues its circulation at low pressure and low temperature until it passes through the second heat exchanger 33 within which a heat exchange also takes place with the heat transfer fluid of the heat transfer fluid circuit 30 in order to cool the latter, while evaporating the refrigerant fluid. In a manner not illustrated, once cooled, the heat transfer fluid can for example be used to cool the passenger compartment of the vehicle or a component of the vehicle's powertrain.

[0072] At the outlet of the second heat exchanger 33, the evaporated refrigerant fluid returns to the compression device 26 via a first inlet 34 to be compressed again.

[0073] The refrigerant fluid in the gaseous state contained in the separation device 1 leaves via the second outlet channel 8 and circulates in the second branch 32. The latter makes it possible to directly reach the compression device 26 via a second inlet 35 to be compressed again.

[0074] The circulation of the refrigerant fluid is similar for all of the following figures compared to [Fig.4]. [Fig.5] represents the refrigerant fluid circuit 25 provided with the second embodiment of the separation device 1 illustrated in [Fig.2], that is to say with the first expansion member 22a secured to the first end wall of the separation device 1. The refrigerant fluid is however expanded in the same way as with the first expansion member 22a arranged on the first branch 27 as illustrated in [Fig.4].

[0075] Finally, [Fig.6] represents the refrigerant circuit 25 provided with the third embodiment of the separation device 1 illustrated in [Fig.3], where all of the channels are crossed by the second termination wall. However, on the scale of the refrigerant circuit 25, no structural or functional difference is to be noted compared to the refrigerant circuit 25 illustrated in [Fig.4].

[0076] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described and numerous adjustments can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0077] The invention, as just described, achieves the aim it set itself, and makes it possible to propose a separation device arranged in a manner adapted to an environment external to said separation device. Variants not described here could be implemented without departing from the context of the invention, provided that, in accordance with the invention, they comprise a separation device in accordance with the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. Separation device (1) for a refrigerant circuit (25) of a heat treatment system of a vehicle, comprising at least one cylindrical wall (3), at least one first termination wall (4) and one second termination wall (5) closing on either side the cylindrical wall (3), the cylindrical wall (3) and the termination walls (4, 5) delimiting an internal volume (2), the separation device (1) further comprising an inlet channel (6) configured to allow the entry of a refrigerant into the separation device (1) and comprising an inlet orifice (10) opening into the internal volume (2), a first outlet channel (7) configured to evacuate the refrigerant and comprising an outlet orifice (11) arranged in the internal volume (2), and a second outlet channel (8) configured to evacuate the refrigerant and comprising an evacuation orifice (12) arranged in the internal volume (2),characterized in that the inlet channel (6), the first outlet channel (7) and the second outlet channel (8) all pass through the same termination wall (4, 5) among the first termination wall (4) and the second termination wall (5).,

2. Separation device (1) according to claim 1, comprising at least a first separation plate (15) and a second separation plate (16) spaced from each other and arranged in the internal volume (2), the first separation plate (15) being arranged between the inlet orifice (10) and the outlet orifice (11), the second separation plate (16) being arranged between the inlet orifice (10) and the discharge orifice (12), at least one of the separation plates (15, 16) among the first separation plate (15) and the second separation plate (16) being arranged in the internal volume (2) so as to delimit an annular space (18) between said separation plate (15, 16) and the cylindrical wall (3).

3. Separation device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the inlet channel (6) passes through one of the separation plates (15, 16) among the first separation plate (15) and the second separation plate (16).

4. Separating device (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first outlet channel (7) or the second outlet channel (8) passes through the first separating plate (15) and the second separation plate (16).

5. Separation device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the inlet channel (6) and / or the first outlet channel (7) comprises at least one expansion member (22, 22a, 22b), the expansion member (22, 22a, 22b) being integral with the termination wall (4, 5) crossed by said inlet channel (6) and by said first outlet channel (7).

6. Separation device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a moisture absorption module (19) arranged in the internal volume (2), the moisture absorption module (19) being integral with one of the end walls (4, 5).

7. Separation device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the moisture absorption module (19) comprises a base (20) secured to one of the end walls (4, 5) and an absorption element (21) capable of being fixed to the base (20) in a removable manner.

8. Separation device (1) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the moisture absorption module (19) is in contact with the outlet orifice (11) of the first outlet channel (7).

9. A refrigerant circuit (25) for a vehicle heat treatment system, comprising a separation device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the refrigerant circuit (25) further comprising a compression device (26), a main branch (27) starting at an outlet (28) of the compression device (26) and extending to the inlet channel (6) of the separation device (1), a first heat exchanger (29) arranged on the main branch (27), at least a first branch (31) extending between the first outlet channel (7) of the separation device (1) and a first inlet (34) of the compression device (26), a second heat exchanger (33) arranged on the first branch (31), and a second branch (32) extending between the second outlet channel (8) of the separation device (1) and a second inlet (35) of the compression device (26).

10. Refrigerant fluid circuit (25) according to the preceding claim, comprising a first expansion member (22a) arranged between the first heat exchanger (29) and the inlet orifice, and a second expansion member (22b) arranged between the outlet orifice and the second heat exchanger (33).

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