Filtration device for solenoid valve of a heat treatment device

Abstract

Title of the invention: Filtration device for solenoid valve. The present invention relates to a filtration device (6) for a solenoid valve (4) of a heat treatment device (1), comprising a filtration pad (21) having a hollow cylindrical portion (24) extending along a longitudinal axis (L) and intended to be inserted through the solenoid valve (4), the filtration pad (21) comprising a stop portion (26) and an end portion (22), the stop portion (26) extending mainly in a plane perpendicular to the cylindrical portion (24) and being configured to be in contact with a first wall (16) of the solenoid valve (4), and the end portion (22) being configured to extend mainly in a plane perpendicular to the cylindrical portion (24) and to come into contact with a second wall (18) of the solenoid valve (4). Abstract figure: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Filtration device for a solenoid valve of a heat treatment device

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of motor vehicles, and more particularly to the field of heat treatment devices equipping these motor vehicles.

[0002] Motor vehicles are usually equipped, in order to ensure the thermal regulation of their passenger compartment, with a heat treatment device of the heat pump type. Such a heat treatment device comprises a plurality of functional elements, such as for example a condenser, an evaporator or solenoid valves, these various functional elements being connected to each other by heat transfer fluid circulation ducts which, depending on the embodiment, may be rigid or flexible ducts.

[0003] The solenoid valves of the heat treatment device can be controlled to regulate the flow of treated fluid within one or more of the functional elements, and this operation can cause vibrations that are likely to propagate within the motor vehicle, thereby causing noise. Such noise is all the more noticeable in electric motor vehicles, where it is not masked by motor noise.

[0004] To reduce noise associated with the use of solenoid valves, they are usually connected to the frame of the heat treatment device by means of a metal mounting bracket interposed between the frame and the solenoid valve, thus decoupling the solenoid valve. This mounting bracket has a first fixing point on the frame with a first screw and a second fixing point on the solenoid valve with a second screw. At this second fixing point, a first damping pad is positioned between the solenoid valve and one face of the mounting bracket, and a second damping pad is positioned between the head of the second screw and an opposite face of the mounting bracket.

[0005] While the mounting bracket and its damping pads filter vibrations and thus prevent noise, they have the drawback of increasing the cost of the heat treatment device. Furthermore, this system requires significant assembly time due to the numerous screws. This is particularly true in automotive applications where the heat treatment device performs a multitude of different thermal functions and therefore has many solenoid valves allowing the circulation of the heat transfer fluid through numerous conduits.

[0006] The present invention falls within this context by proposing a means of limiting the noise resulting from the operation of the solenoid valve which is inexpensive and easy to mount on the heat treatment device.

[0007] The present invention thus has as its main object a filtration device for a solenoid valve of a heat treatment device, comprising a filtration pad including a hollow cylindrical portion extending along a longitudinal axis and intended to be inserted through the solenoid valve, the filtration pad including a stop portion disposed at a first longitudinal end of the filtration pad and an end portion disposed at a second longitudinal end of the filtration pad, the stop portion extending mainly in a plane perpendicular to the cylindrical portion and being configured to be in contact with a first wall of the solenoid valve, and the end portion being configured to extend mainly in a plane perpendicular to the cylindrical portion and to come into contact with a second wall of the solenoid valve.

[0008] The filtration device according to the invention is configured to limit the noise resulting from the operation of the solenoid valve of the heat treatment device by limiting its vibrations. To this end, the filtration device comprises a filter pad made of an elastomeric material, for example, rubber, whose role is to absorb vibrations by isolating the solenoid valve from other components of the heat treatment device. This filter pad is composed of three main portions: a cylindrical portion, a stop portion, and an end portion. The cylindrical portion is positioned between the stop portion and the end portion and thus constitutes a central zone of the filtration pad, while the stop portion and the end portion correspond to its extremities.When the filtration device is installed on the solenoid valve, the stop portion is in contact with the first wall of the solenoid valve, and its end portion is in contact with the second wall of the solenoid valve. Thus, the stop and end portions are positioned on either side of the solenoid valve, while the cylindrical portion passes through it. The cylindrical portion is hollow to allow the passage of a fastening means; a single fastening means is sufficient to secure the solenoid valve to the heat treatment device and to secure the filtration pad within this filtration zone. Advantageously, the heat treatment device does not require a metal mounting bracket.

[0009] According to an optional feature of the invention, the stop portion comprises a first face opposite the cylindrical portion and a second face opposite the first face, the second face being studded.

[0010] The studs provide a means of preventing excessive deformation of the stop portion during the operation of fixing the filter pad onto the The heat treatment device has a second face designed to come into contact with the head of a screw of the fastener that passes through the cylindrical portion. These studs are, for example, arranged in a star pattern on the second face of the stop portion to ensure even distribution of forces.

[0011] According to an optional feature of the invention, the end portion comprises a plurality of deformable tabs configured to move away from the longitudinal axis under an axial force.

[0012] The presence of deformable tabs corresponds to a first embodiment in which the filter pad is intended to be inserted through the solenoid valve from only one side of it, i.e., only through the first wall, during an operation to mount the filter pad onto the solenoid valve. The tabs are thus brought closer to the longitudinal axis so that they can be inserted into the solenoid valve, and then they are deformed so as to move away from the longitudinal axis during an axial force which corresponds to the operation of fixing the filter pad onto the heat treatment device.

[0013] According to an optional feature of the invention, the tabs are deformable between a first standard position intersecting but not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and a second constrained position substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0014] The first standard position corresponds to the position of the tabs when the end portion is inserted into the solenoid valve, while the second constrained position corresponds to the position of the tabs when they are pressed against the second wall of the solenoid valve. In the first standard position, the tabs form a ramp with respect to the longitudinal axis. They are thus pre-stressed to ensure that they deform away from the longitudinal axis under axial force.

[0015] According to an optional feature of the invention, in the first standard position, a dimension of the tabs measured, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, between a base of a given tab and a base of a radially opposite tab, is less than an external diameter of the cylindrical portion.

[0016] The term "base" refers to an end of the tabs that is opposite their free end; in other words, their base corresponds to the portion that connects them to the cylindrical portion. In other words, at least in the first standard position, the thickness—that is, the dimension measured perpendicular to the axis—of a tab, and particularly at its base, is less than the thickness of the cylindrical portion measured between its inner and outer faces. Such a difference in size between the tabs and the cylindrical portion facilitates deformation of the tabs by moving away from the longitudinal axis. Indeed, this difference in thickness creates a zone of fragility, which forms a pivot zone during the operation of fixing the filter pad onto the heat treatment device.

[0017] According to an optional feature of the invention, in the first standard position the tabs fit into a cylindrical volume whose diameter is less than the external diameter of the cylindrical portion.

[0018] This allows for easier translation of the end portion, which includes the tabs, through the solenoid valve.

[0019] According to an optional feature of the invention, the filtration device includes a fastening means having a rod extending at least partially within the hollow cylindrical portion and having a head in contact with the stop portion.

[0020] The fastening means is, for example, a screw. The head of the fastening means is in particular in contact with the second face of the stop portion, and where applicable, with the pins arranged on this second face. The filtration device has a fastening means that takes the form of a single piece. This makes it possible, on the one hand, to reduce manufacturing costs and, on the other hand, to limit the time required for the fastening operation.

[0021] According to an optional feature of the invention, the filtration device includes at least one means for stopping the movement of the rod, in particular a shoulder provided on the rod of the fixing means.

[0022] The stop means prevent crushing of the filter pad during the operation of fixing it to the heat treatment device.

[0023] The shoulder is a reduction in the diameter of the stem on its portion furthest from the head of the fastening means. This shoulder is present in the first embodiment of the filter pad, namely in the presence of the deformable tabs. Alternatively, in a second embodiment, the stem of the fastening means has a constant diameter.

[0024] According to an optional feature of the invention, the stop means comprise at least one rigid insert disposed against an internal wall of the cylindrical portion.

[0025] The insert is rigid because it is made of a material less deformable than the elastomeric material forming the filter element. For example, the insert is made of aluminum. This insert is positioned against the inner wall of the cylindrical portion, that is, the wall that defines the opening of the cylindrical portion and opposite which the rod of the fastening means is positioned. The insert prevents deformation of the cylindrical portion under axial load.

[0026] According to an optional feature of the invention, the insert extends over an entire dimension of the cylindrical portion measured along the longitudinal axis.

[0027] In other words, a dimension of the insert measured along the longitudinal axis is substantially identical to the dimension of the cylindrical portion measured along this longitudinal axis. In this way, the cylindrical portion is not crushed when the fastening means, which is inserted into this cylindrical portion, is screwed onto the heat treatment device. This identity of the dimensions of the insert and the cylindrical portion corresponds to the first embodiment.

[0028] According to an optional feature of the invention, the cylindrical portion is formed of a first section and a second section aligned along the longitudinal axis, the filtration pad being formed by a first sub-assembly comprising the first section and the stop portion, and a second sub-assembly comprising the second section and the end portion.

[0029] Such sectioning of the filter element into a first sub-assembly and a second sub-assembly corresponds to a second embodiment. The first and second sub-assemblies have substantially equivalent dimensions, measured along the longitudinal axis, so as to allow for standardization of the manufacturing of the sections, if necessary. In this second embodiment, tightening the fastening means is facilitated, as the fastening means is tightened when the two sub-assemblies are in contact with each other.

[0030] On the contrary, in the first embodiment the filter pad is made in one piece, which facilitates the operation of mounting the filter pad on the solenoid valve because the fixing pad can indifferently be held in position at the level of its stop portion or its end portion.

[0031] According to an optional feature of the invention, the filtration device comprises a first insert disposed in the first section and a second insert disposed in the second section, a dimension of the inserts measured along the longitudinal axis being less than a dimension of the sections measured along the longitudinal axis.

[0032] The tightening of the fastening means is complete when the first and second inserts come against each other. A dimension of these inserts, measured along the longitudinal axis, determines the maximum compression of the filter pad.

[0033] The invention further relates to a heat treatment device comprising a solenoid valve, a support frame, and a filtration device as previously described, the solenoid valve having a body delimited by at least a first wall disposed opposite the support frame and a second wall opposite the first wall, the stop portion of the filtration pad being pressed against the first wall of the solenoid valve and the end portion of the filtration pad being pressed against the second wall of the solenoid valve, the body of the solenoid valve having an opening extending from the first wall to the second wall, the cylindrical portion the filter pad of the filtration device being disposed within the opening of the solenoid valve.

[0034] The heat treatment device according to the invention is intended for use in a motor vehicle, particularly an electric motor vehicle, to perform its air conditioning functions. The heat treatment device is, for example, a heat exchanger. The support frame corresponds to a chassis of the heat treatment device to which the solenoid valve is attached by means of the fastening means and the filter pad. When the fastening means is inserted into the filter pad, which is itself inserted into the solenoid valve, tightening this fastening means allows the stop portion of the filter pad and its end portion to be pressed against the first and second walls of the solenoid valve, respectively. The end portion is then further pressed against the support frame.

[0035] According to an optional feature of the invention, the support frame has an orifice in which a thread is provided, the rod of the fastening means being inserted into the thread.

[0036] The fastening means is therefore secured by screwing to the support frame rather than to the cylindrical portion, or where applicable to the insert, which are themselves without threading.

[0037] According to an optional feature of the invention, the shoulder of the rod of the fastening means is pressed against the support frame.

[0038] The shoulder therefore forms a stop against a portion of the support frame which delimits the orifice.

[0039] Other features, details and advantages of the invention will become clearer upon reading the following description on the one hand, and the illustrative and non-limiting examples of embodiments given with reference to the accompanying drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0040] [Fig.1] illustrates, schematically, a heat treatment device comprising a solenoid valve, a support frame and a filtration device according to the invention, a portion of the filtration device being interposed between the support frame and the solenoid valve;

[0041] [Fig.2] illustrates, schematically, the filtration device of the [Fig.1], the device filtration corresponding to a first embodiment;

[0042] [Fig.3] illustrates, schematically, a cross-sectional view of the heat treatment device, the filtration device according to the first embodiment being positioned using a fastening means;

[0043] [Fig.4] illustrates, schematically, another cross-sectional view of the filtration device according to the first embodiment being positioned using the fastening means;

[0044] [Fig.5] illustrates, schematically, a cross-sectional view of the processing device thermal, the filtration device according to the first embodiment being clamped between the support frame and the solenoid valve by means of the fixing means;

[0045] [Fig.6] illustrates, schematically, a cross-sectional view of the processing device thermal, the filtration device according to a second embodiment being positioned using the fixing means.

[0046] The features, variants, and different embodiments of the invention can be combined in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be conceived comprising only a selection of features, described hereafter in isolation from the other described features, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage and / or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0047] In the figures, the elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0048] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a heat treatment device 1 according to the invention, intended for installation in a motor vehicle, particularly a hybrid or electric motor vehicle. This heat treatment device 1 is, for example, part of a heat pump system that provides heating and / or air conditioning for the vehicle.

[0049] The heat treatment device 1 includes in particular an evaporator and a condenser, not shown here, which are arranged within a support frame 2 of the heat treatment device 1. The heat treatment device 1 also includes one or more solenoid valves 4, which have the role of regulating, from an electrical signal, a flow of heat transfer fluid made to circulate within circulation ducts arranged between the heat exchangers and on which the solenoid valves are mounted.

[0050] The solenoid valve 4 is secured to the support frame 2 of the heat treatment device 1 by means of a filtering device 6, the role of which is to dampen the vibrations caused during the operation of the solenoid valve 4, so as to prevent any undesired propagation within the motor vehicle. As illustrated in [Fig. 1], the heat treatment device 1 has two filtering devices 6, but it should be noted that in other embodiments the heat treatment device could comprise a single filtering device 6. The solenoid valve 4 is positioned opposite an external edge 8 of the support frame 2, opposite an internal edge 10 which is opposite the evaporator and the condenser in particular.

[0051] The solenoid valve 4 comprises a magnetic coil 12 mounted on a body 14 intended to be traversed by a heat transfer fluid. The body 14 has a general shape of a rectangular parallelepiped delimited by various walls, among which a first wall 16 and a second wall 18 which are both substantially parallel to the external edge 8 of the support frame 2. The second wall 18 is closer to this external edge 8 than the first wall 16.

[0052] The body 14 of the solenoid valve 4 also has at least one opening 20, visible in Figures 3 to 5, which extends from the first wall 16 to the second wall 18. In other words, the opening 20 is through-hole. This opening 20 extends substantially perpendicularly to the first and second walls 16, 18, and therefore substantially perpendicularly to the outer edge 8 of the support frame 2.

[0053] The body 14 of the solenoid valve 4 is traversed, from the first wall 16 to the second wall 18, by the filtration device 6 which extends at least partially within the opening 20.

[0054] The filtration device 6 includes a filter pad 21, which is illustrated in association with the solenoid valve 4 in Figures 1 and 3 to 6, and in isolation in [Fig. 2]. This filter pad 21 is further shown in a first embodiment in Figures 2 to 5 and in a second embodiment in [Fig. 6]. Unless there is a manifest incompatibility or express statement, the characteristics described in relation to one of the embodiments are intended to apply mutatis mutandis to the other embodiment.

[0055] The filter pad 21 is made of an elastomeric material, for example rubber, which allows for optimal absorption of vibrations from the solenoid valve 4. The filter pad 21 is generally dumbbell-shaped. It consists of an end portion 22, a cylindrical portion 24, and a stop portion 26. More specifically, the cylindrical portion 24 is positioned between the end portion 22 and the stop portion 26, so as to form a connecting portion between the two. The end portion 22 and the stop portion 26 form portions of larger diameters that radially extend the cylindrical portion 24.

[0056] The cylindrical portion 24 extends primarily along a longitudinal axis L. It is intended to be inserted into the opening 20 formed in the body 14 of the solenoid valve 4. The cylindrical portion 24 is radially delimited by an inner wall 28 and an outer wall 30, the outer wall 30 being further from the longitudinal axis L than the inner wall 28. It is thus understood that the cylindrical portion 24 is hollow; in other words, the cylindrical portion 24 has the shape of a tube. Similarly, the end portion and the stop portion 26 are hollow. When the filter pad 21 is connected to the solenoid valve 4, its outer wall 30 is aligned with, or even in contact with, the opening 20 of the solenoid valve 4, as is particularly visible in Figures 3 to 6. "Connected to the solenoid valve 4" means that the filter pad 21 is fixed to the solenoid valve 4 and is in an optimal position to ensure the filtration of its vibrations, which will subsequently also be referred to as the "final position" of the filter pad 21. Prior to this final position, the filter pad 21 has an original position; the filter pad 21 is deformed during its connection to the solenoid valve 4 to move from its original position to its final position.

[0057] The stop portion 26 forms a first longitudinal end 32 of the filter pad 21 while the end portion 22 forms its second longitudinal end 34. The first longitudinal end 32 and the second longitudinal end 34 are opposite along the longitudinal axis L.

[0058] The stop portion 26 extends mainly in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. When the filter pad 21 is associated with the solenoid valve 4, the stop portion 26 extends substantially parallel to the first wall 16 of the solenoid valve 4 against which it comes to rest.

[0059] Similarly, the end portion 22 of the filter pad 21 extends mainly in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. When the filter pad 21 is associated with the solenoid valve 4, the end portion 22 extends substantially parallel to the second wall 18 of the solenoid valve 4 with which it is then in contact.

[0060] Each of the end portion 22 and the stop portion 26 is delimited, along the longitudinal axis L, by a first face 36 and a second face 38. As can be seen in [Fig.3], which illustrates the original position of the filter pad 1, the first face 36 is substantially in line with the outer wall 30 of the cylindrical portion 24, while the second face 38 is substantially in line with the outer wall 30 of the cylindrical portion 24.

[0061] When the filter block 21 is connected to the solenoid valve 4, i.e., in its final position as illustrated in [Fig. 5], the first face 36 is opposite the cylindrical portion 24 and the second face 38 is opposite it. Thus, the second face 38 of the end portion 22 and the second face 38 of the stop portion 26 longitudinally define the filter block 21.

[0062] The first face 36 of the end portion 22, the first face 36 of the stop portion 26, and the second face 38 of the end portion 22 are substantially smooth. In contrast, the second face 38 of the stop portion 26 has asperities, which here correspond to oval-section studs 40. As is particularly visible in [Fig. 2], the studs 40 are arranged in a star pattern around the longitudinal axis L. With the exception of these protruding pins 40 from its second 38, the stop portion 26 has a general ring-shaped form.

[0063] As mentioned previously, the cylindrical portion 24 is hollow. The cylindrical portion 24 is thus suitable for receiving a fastening means 42 that contributes to forming the filtration device 6. This fastening means 42 allows the solenoid valve 4 to be fixed, through the filtration pad 21, to the support frame 2. To this end, the fastening means, for example a screw, comprises a rod 44 intended to be inserted within the cylindrical portion 24 so as to be opposite, or even in contact with, its inner wall 28, as well as a head 46 connected to the rod 44 and intended to come into contact with the stop portion 26, and more particularly with its second face 38. The rod 44 has a dimension, measured along the longitudinal axis L, greater than a length of the fastening pad 21 measured along this longitudinal axis L between its first longitudinal end 32 and its second longitudinal end 34.Therefore, the rod 44 has a distal portion 48 opposite the head which protrudes from the cylindrical portion 24 when the rod 44 is inserted into it. This distal portion 48 is intended to be inserted into an orifice 51 provided within the outer edge 8 of the support frame 2 in order to secure the filtration device 6 to the support frame 2, the distal portion 48 and the orifice 51 having complementary threads for this purpose.

[0064] The head 46 of the fastening means 42 has a diameter, measured in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L, which is greater than a maximum diameter of the rod 44 measured in the same reference frame. As shown in [Fig. 1], the head 46 may also have a diameter greater than a diameter of the stop portion 26. As mentioned above, the head 46 is intended to be in contact with the stop portion 26, one face of the head carrying the rod 44 then being in contact with the second face 38 of the stop portion 26 and the pins 40 that it carries.

[0065] The two embodiments of the filtration device 6 will now be detailed, the first embodiment being described in relation to Figures 2 to 5 and the second embodiment being described in relation to [Fig.6].

[0066] In the first embodiment, the filter pad 21 is made in one piece; in other words, a single element comprises both the end portion 22, the cylindrical portion 24 and the stop portion 26, which cannot be separated without irreversible damage to the filter pad 21.

[0067] In this first embodiment, the end portion 22 is formed by a plurality of tabs 52. As seen in [Fig. 2], which represents the filter block 21 in its final position, the end portion 22 is formed by four tabs 52 arranged in a cross shape around the longitudinal axis L, but a different number of tabs could be considered without departing from the scope of the invention. 52. Each tab 52 has a base 54 and a free end 56, the base 54 of the tab 52 being connected to the cylindrical portion 24 of the filter pad 21 and the free end 56 corresponding to the edge furthest from the base 54.

[0068] The tabs 52 are deformable in that they are configured to move away from the longitudinal axis L when an axial force is exerted on the filter pad 21. Such an axial force will be described more precisely later in relation to a method of fixing the solenoid valve 4 on the support frame 2.

[0069] The tabs 52 are particularly deformable between a first standard position and a second constrained position. In the first standard position, which is illustrated in [Fig. 4], each tab 52 extends in a plane intersecting, but not perpendicular to, the longitudinal axis L. The tabs 52 thus form, between their base 54 and their free end 56, a ramp with respect to the longitudinal axis L, configured such that one deviates from the longitudinal axis L by going from the base 54 to the free end 56 of a tab 52. In the second constrained position, shown in Figures 2 and 5, the tabs 52 are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. The tabs are also capable of assuming a plurality of intermediate positions, that is to say, inclinations between the first standard position and the second constrained position. One possible intermediate position is illustrated in [Fig. 4].In the first standard position of the tabs 52, the end portion 22 is suitable for insertion into the opening 20 of the solenoid valve 4, while in the second constrained position of the tabs 52 the end portion is suitable for being pressed against the second wall 18 of the solenoid valve 4. A transition from the first standard position to the second constrained position will be detailed in the method of fixing the solenoid valve 4 to the support frame 2, but it should be noted that in [Fig. 2] the fixing stud 21, which is shown in isolation, is represented with the tabs 52 in their second constrained position solely for illustrative and comprehension purposes; in the absence of stress, as is the case when the fixing stud 21 is isolated, the tabs 52 should be in their first standard position.

[0070] As is particularly evident in Figures 3 to 5, in the first embodiment, the stem 44 of the fastening means 42 has a shoulder 58. This shoulder 58 defines the distal portion 48 of the stem 44, this distal portion 48 thus corresponding to a portion of the stem 44 with a reduced diameter. The distal portion 48 therefore has a diameter that allows it to be inserted into the opening 51 of the support frame 2, whereas, conversely, the rest of the stem 44 has a diameter that is too large to be inserted into the opening 51. It follows that the shoulder 58 constitutes a stop for the fastening means 42, this shoulder 58 coming into contact with a portion of the outer edge 8 of the support frame 2 which delimits the orifice 51.

[0071] The method of fixing the solenoid valve 4 onto the support frame 2 will now be described within the framework of the first embodiment. This method includes firstly a step of mounting the filter pad 21 within the solenoid valve 4, then a step of fixing an assembly formed by the filter pad 21 and the solenoid valve 4 onto the support frame 2, illustrated in [Fig.4].

[0072] In the first embodiment, during the step of mounting the filter pad 21 within the solenoid valve 4, the end portion 22 is inserted through the first wall 16, slid into the opening 20 and then exits the solenoid valve 4 through the second wall 18. It is necessarily the end portion 22 of the filter pad 21 that is inserted into the solenoid valve 42 since it carries the deformable tabs 52, while the stop portion 26 is already substantially perpendicular to the cylindrical portion 24 and therefore cannot be inserted into the opening 20 of the solenoid valve 4. It is understood that during this insertion, the tabs 52 are in their first standard position, that is to say they form a ramp with respect to the longitudinal axis L.In this first standard position, the tabs 52 fit within a cylindrical volume whose diameter is smaller than the external diameter of the cylindrical portion 24. This facilitates the insertion of the end portion 22 into the opening 20 of the solenoid valve 4, which is sized to receive the cylindrical portion 24. After the filter element 21 has been mounted within the solenoid valve 4, the end portion 22 protrudes from the second wall 18 of the solenoid valve 4 and is positioned between this second wall 18 and the outer edge 8 of the support frame 2 when the solenoid valve 4 is brought against the support frame 2 for fixing. The tabs 52 are then still in the first standard position. The stop portion 26 is opposite the first wall 16 of the solenoid valve, while the cylindrical portion 24 extends into the opening 20.

[0073] The method of fixing the solenoid valve 4 onto the support frame 2 continues with the step of fixing the assembly formed by the filter pad 21 and the solenoid valve 4 onto the support frame 2. For this purpose, the fixing means 42 is inserted into the filter pad 21, the distal portion 48 of the fixing means 42 sliding successively through the stop portion 26, the cylindrical portion 24 and the end portion 20. It is understood that the rod 44 of the fixing means 42 is inserted into the filter pad 21 from its first longitudinal end 32 to its second longitudinal end 34.

[0074] The distal portion 48 of the stem 44 of the fastening means 42 is inserted into the opening 51 of the support frame 2 and is screwed into it by means of their threads of additional screws. Such a screwing operation during the fastening step is represented by a solid arrow in Figures 3 and 4. This screwing operation has the effect of pressing the head 46 of the fastening means 42 against the stop portion 26, more precisely against its second face 38. The stop portion 26 is, via its first face 26, pressed against the first wall 16 of the solenoid valve 4. Excessive crushing of the stop portion 26 during the screwing operation is prevented by the presence of the prongs 40 on the second face 38 in contact with the head 46 of the fastening means 42.

[0075] The screwing operation, which presses the stop portion 26 against the solenoid valve 4, also tends to bring the second wall 18 of the solenoid valve 4 closer to the outer edge 8 of the support frame 2.

[0076] At the end portion 22, under the action of the axial force exerted by the fastening means 42, the tabs 52 deform so as to move from their first standard position to their second constrained position. The distance between the second wall 18 of the solenoid valve 4 and the outer edge 8 decreases as the screwing operation progresses, which has the effect of compressing the tabs 52 between the second wall 18 and the outer edge 8. Consequently, the tabs 52 move apart from each other and, due to the ramp 38, open in a corolla shape around the longitudinal axis L. This deformation, which involves the intermediate positions of the tabs 52, is illustrated in [Fig. 4] by curved arrows. During such a deformation, it is necessary to ensure that the tabs 52 deform away from the longitudinal axis L rather than moving towards it or being crushed.In addition to their first standard position in which they form a ramp, the tabs 52 are dimensioned to facilitate their separation from the longitudinal axis L. More specifically, and as is particularly visible in Figures 3 and 4, a dimension measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L between the base 54 of a given tab 52 and the base 54 of the tab radially opposite it is less than an external diameter of the cylindrical portion 24. As a result, between the end portion 22 and the cylindrical portion 24, there is a folding zone which facilitates the folding of the tabs 52 outwards, i.e. away from the longitudinal axis L.

[0077] Once completely deformed, the tabs 52 are in their second constrained position of [Fig.5] and are therefore substantially perpendicular to the cylindrical portion 24. The screwing operation continues until the end portion 22 is pressed against the outer edge 8 of the support frame 2 via its second face 38, and against the second wall 18 of the solenoid valve 4 via its first face 36.

[0078] The screwing operation is limited by the presence of the stop means of the filtration device 21, namely in the first embodiment the shoulder 58. In the presence of the shoulder 58, the screwing is completed when the shoulder 58 comes to rest against a portion of the outer edge 8 of the support frame 2 which borders the orifice 51, as shown in [Fig.5].

[0079] Following the screwing operation and therefore the fixing step of the assembly formed by the filter pad 21 and the solenoid valve 4 on the support frame 2, the filtration device 6 is correctly positioned to ensure a reduction of the propagation of vibrations emitted by the solenoid valve 4 and therefore a reduction of the noise nuisance emanating from the heat exchanger 1.

[0080] The second embodiment of the filtration device 6 will now be detailed with respect to [Fig.6]. As can be seen in this figure, the filtration block 21 is not a single piece as was the case in the first embodiment; rather, its cylindrical portion 24 is made up of two sections 60, 62, of which a first section 60 and a second section 62.

[0081] The first section 60 and the second section 62 are aligned one after the other along the longitudinal axis L, so as to ensure the continuity of the cylindrical portion 24. The first section 60 has a dimension, measured along the longitudinal axis L, substantially equal to a dimension of the second section 62 measured along the same axis; in other words, the cylindrical portion 24 is split in the middle.

[0082] The first section 60 of the cylindrical portion 24 is associated with the stop portion 26, while the second section 62 is associated with the end portion 22. It is thus understood that the filter pad 21 is formed by the joining of a first sub-assembly which covers the first section 60 of the cylindrical portion 24 and the stop portion 26, and a second sub-assembly which comprises the second section 62 and the end portion 22. The two sub-assemblies are substantially symmetrical, with the exception of the pins 40 present on the second face 38 of the stop portion 26. It follows from the above that the end portion 22, like the stop portion 26, has a general ring shape which remains substantially constant during the assembly process.

[0083] In certain embodiments, the filter pad 21 comprises at least one insert 50 which forms the internal diameter of the cylindrical portion 24. In this way, the insert 50 is interposed between the rod 44 of the fastening means 42 and the elastomeric material forming the cylindrical portion 24. It is understood that in this case, the rod 44, the insert 50, and the cylindrical portion 24 are arranged radially in that order around the longitudinal axis L, the insert 50 then being opposite or even in contact with the internal wall 28 of the cylindrical portion 24. The insert 50 is made of a rigid material, that is to say within the framework of this application a material which has a lower deformation capacity compared to the elastomeric material forming the cylindrical portion 24.

[0084] In this second embodiment, the filtration device 6 more specifically comprises several inserts 50, with a first insert 50A disposed in the first section 60 and thus associated with the first sub-assembly, and a second insert 50B housed within the second section 62 and associated with the second sub-assembly. It should be noted that a dimension of each of the first and second inserts 50A, 50B, measured along the longitudinal axis L, is smaller than a dimension of the section 60, 62 to which it is associated.

[0085] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the rod 44 of the fastening means 42 is without a shoulder 58. Thus, as can be seen in [Fig. 6], this rod 44 has a constant diameter. In this second embodiment, the stop means for the filtration device 6 therefore consists of the first insert 50A and the second insert 50B.

[0086] It should be noted that, provided they are not incompatible, features extracted from the first embodiment and features extracted from the second embodiment can be combined. In particular, a third embodiment, not shown here, is possible in which the insert 50 is a single piece and at least the cylindrical portion 24 is overmolded above it. The insert 50 is then radially interposed between the fastening means 42 and the elastomer material of the cylindrical portion 24 of the fastening stud 21. In this case, the rod 44 then slides within the insert 50 rather than directly within the cylindrical portion 22.In this third embodiment, the rod 44 lacks a shoulder 58; therefore, it is the longitudinal dimension of the insert 50 that provides axial support, at one end against the support frame 2 and at the other end against the head 46 of the fastening means 42 when the tabs 52 are deployed. The insert 50 then extends at least over one dimension of the cylindrical portion 24, or even over one dimension of the fastening pad measured along the longitudinal axis L from the first longitudinal end 32 to the second longitudinal end 34. In the presence of the insert 50, its longitudinal dimension limits the axial force of the fastening means 42, defining a maximum compression of the filter pad 21 along the longitudinal axis L.

[0087] For the second embodiment, the method of fixing the solenoid valve 4 on the support frame 2 includes, similarly to the first embodiment, both the step of mounting the filter pad 21 within the solenoid valve 4 and the step of fixing the assembly formed by the filter pad 21 and the solenoid valve 4 on the support frame 2.

[0088] During the assembly step, the first subassembly, consisting of the first insert 50A and the first section 60, and the second subassembly of the filter pad 21, consisting of the second insert 50B and the second section 62, are each placed in the opening 20 of the solenoid valve 4. The first subassembly passes through the first wall 16 of the solenoid valve 4 for this purpose, while the second subassembly passes through its second wall 18. The stop portion 26 is thus positioned opposite the first wall 16, and the end portion 22 is positioned opposite the second wall 18, while the cylindrical portion 24, formed by the two sections 60 and 62, is placed in the opening 20 of the solenoid valve 4. Notably, the subassemblies are preferably formed so that the inserts 50A and 50B are flush at one end of their sections. 60, 62 respectively which is opposite the other section 60, 62.As a result, due to the reduced size of inserts 50A, 50B compared to that of sections 60, 62, an area of ​​the first section 60 closest to the abutment portion 26 and an area of ​​the second section 62 closest to the end portion 22 are without insert 50.

[0089] Once the assembly step is completed, the fastening means 42 is inserted into the filter pad 21 via the stop portion 26. Similar to the first embodiment, the distal portion 48 of the stem 44 of the fastening means 42 slides successively through the stop portion 26, the cylindrical portion 24 and the end portion 20 in order to be housed in the orifice 51 of the outer edge 8 of the support frame 2. The fastening means 42 is then secured to this support frame 2, by cooperation between a thread present on its stem 44 and a tapped hole present within the orifice 51 during a screwing operation of the fastening step.

[0090] At the beginning of the screwing operation, due to the small size of the inserts 50A, 50B compared to the sections 60, 62, there is some play between the first insert 50A and the first face 36 of the stop portion 26, as well as some play between the second insert 50B and the first face 36 of the end portion 22. The screwing operation results in the head 46 of the fastening means 42 being pressed against the second face 38 of the stop portion 26, and its first face 36 being pressed against the first wall 16 of the solenoid valve 4. Similarly, the screwing operation compresses the end portion 22 between the outer edge 8 of the support frame 2 and the second wall 18 of the solenoid valve 4.

[0091] The screwing operation, which presses the stop portion 26 against the solenoid valve 4, also tends to bring the second wall 18 of the solenoid valve 4 closer to the outer edge 8 of the support frame 2, and in so doing brings the first insert 50A closer to the second insert 50B.

[0092] The first insert 50A and the second insert 50B constituting in this second embodiment the stop means of the filtration device 6, the screwing operation is constrained by the dimensions of these inserts 50A, 50B. Thus, while the screwing operation allows compression of the filter element 21, such compression is limited by the rigidity of the inserts 50A, 50B. Therefore, the compression of the filter element 21 by the fastening means 42 cannot reduce its longitudinal dimension, measured between its first longitudinal end 32 and its second longitudinal end 34, below the dimension of the inserts 50A, 50B measured along the longitudinal axis L.

[0093] Once the screwing operation is complete, the step of fixing the assembly formed by the filter pad 21 and the solenoid valve 4 onto the support frame 2 is finished. The filter device 6 is positioned to optimally reduce the propagation of vibrations resulting from the operation of the solenoid valve 4.

[0094] The present invention thus proposes a means of effectively filtering vibrations caused by a solenoid valve within a heat treatment device by directly inserting a filter within the solenoid valve. Consequently, it is not necessary to provide additional mounting brackets between the solenoid valve and a support frame for the heat treatment device, thereby reducing the cost and assembly time of the heat treatment device.

[0095] The present invention is not limited to the means and configurations described and illustrated herein and also extends to any equivalent means and configuration as well as to any technically operative combination of such means.

Claims

Demands

1. Heat treatment device (1) comprising a solenoid valve (4), a support frame (2) and a filtration device (6), the solenoid valve (4) having a body (14) delimited at least by a first wall (16) disposed opposite the support frame (2) and a second wall (18) opposite the first wall (16), the filtration device (6) comprising a filtration pad (21) comprising a hollow cylindrical portion (24) extending along a longitudinal axis (L) and intended to be inserted through the solenoid valve (4), the filtration pad (21) comprising a stop portion (26) disposed at a first longitudinal end (32) of the filtration pad (21) and an end portion (22) disposed at a second longitudinal end (34) of the filtration pad (21),the stop portion (26) extending mainly in a plane perpendicular to the cylindrical portion (24) and being configured to be in contact with a first wall (16) of the solenoid valve (4), and the end portion (22) being configured to extend mainly in a plane perpendicular to the cylindrical portion (24) and to come into contact with a second wall (18) of the solenoid valve (4), the stop portion (26) of the filter pad (21) being pressed against the first wall (16) of the solenoid valve (4) and the end portion (22) of the filter pad (21) being pressed against the second wall (18) of the solenoid valve (4), the body of the solenoid valve (4) having an opening (20) extending from the first wall (16) to the second wall (18), the cylindrical portion (24) of the filter pad (21) of the filtration device (6) being arranged within the opening (20) of the solenoid valve (4).

2. Heat treatment device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the end portion (22) comprises a plurality of deformable tabs (52) configured to move away from the longitudinal axis (L) under an axial force.

3. Heat treatment device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the tabs (52) are deformable between a first standard position intersecting but not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L) and a second constrained position substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L).

4. Heat treatment device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein in the first standard position the tabs (52) fit into a cylindrical volume whose diameter is less than the external diameter of the cylindrical portion (24).

5. Heat treatment device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filtration device (6) comprises a fastening means (42) having a rod (44) extending at least partially within the hollow cylindrical portion (24) and having a head (46) in contact with the stop portion (26).

6. Heat treatment device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filtration device (6) includes at least one means for stopping the movement of the rod (44), in particular a shoulder (58) formed on the rod (44) of the fastening means (42).

7. Heat treatment device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said at least one stop means comprises at least one rigid insert (50, 50A, 50B) disposed against an internal wall (28) of the cylindrical portion (24).

8. Heat treatment device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cylindrical portion (24) is formed of a first section (60) and a second section (62) aligned along the longitudinal axis (L), the filter pad (21) being formed by a first sub-assembly comprising the first section (60) and the stop portion (26), and a second sub-assembly comprising the second section (62) and the end portion (22).

9. Heat treatment device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims in combination with claim 6, wherein the support frame (2) has an orifice (51) within which a thread is provided, the stem (44) of the fastening means (42) being inserted within the thread.

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