Module to be brazed onto a refrigerant circuit pipe

Abstract

Module for brazing onto a refrigerant circuit pipe. The present invention relates to a module (1) for brazing onto a pipe in a refrigerant circuit, the pipe being provided with an opening. The module (1) comprises: - a sensor (4) provided with a probe (42), - a valve (5) for charging or discharging the refrigerant within the circuit, - a block (3) intended to be brazed onto the pipe. The block (3) has a first face (31) adapted to fit a surface of the pipe surrounding the opening, a second face (32) opposite the first face (31), and a probe hole (34) adapted to allow the passage of the probe (42) and extending between the first face (31) and the second face (32). The block (3) further comprises a passage hole (35) for the refrigerant connecting the first face (31) and the charging or discharging valve (5). (Figure 5)

Description

Title of the invention: Module for brazing onto a refrigerant circuit pipe

[0001] The present invention relates to the fields of heat treatment systems and mechanics. More specifically, the invention relates to a module to be brazed onto a refrigerant circuit of a vehicle's thermal conditioning system, the module comprising a sensor and a charge or discharge valve, and finding particular application in the automotive field.

[0002] A vehicle's thermal conditioning system is used to cool or heat the vehicle's passenger compartment. It includes a refrigerant circuit, the temperature and pressure of which must be controlled. For this purpose, the refrigerant circuit includes one or more temperature and pressure sensors, which may be located on a high-pressure and / or low-pressure section of the refrigerant circuit.

[0003] Generally, such a temperature or pressure sensor is mounted on a sensor port that is brazed around an opening in a line of the refrigerant circuit. The sensor port has an orifice leading into the opening and, on the side opposite the opening, a mounting interface for the temperature or pressure sensor. This interface may be a brazing surface or a means allowing a removable connection and provided with a sealing gasket.

[0004] When brazing a temperature sensor port and a pressure sensor port onto the same pipe, a minimum distance, for example three centimeters, must be maintained between the corresponding sensor ports, which must be brazed onto the pipe. This is because the brazing temperature is so high that brazing one sensor port can compromise the stability of the other sensor port on the pipe. The same applies to mounting a refrigerant charge or discharge valve port, which must be installed at a minimum distance from the sensor ports.

[0005] Furthermore, the ports must not be brazed onto angled sections of the pipe because bending the tubes alters their geometry and prevents a smooth surface from forming, thus preventing a leak-proof brazing. This could lead to leaks.

[0006] Therefore, designers of a thermal conditioning system must provide straight pipe sections on which to mount sensor ports and a charging or discharging valve, these straight sections being located upstream of a compressor and / or downstream of a condenser, and within a space allowing the connection of sensors and a charging or discharging valve.

[0007] However, these constraints are incompatible with a requirement for a reduced size of the thermal conditioning system, which must be able to be integrated into the vehicle's engine compartment with the other vehicle components, which are very numerous, especially when the vehicle is an electric or hybrid vehicle.

[0008] There is therefore a need for a thermal conditioning system that is not bulky and in particular for a system for fixing the sensors and valves of the refrigerant circuit of such a system, which is less restrictive.

[0009] The present invention aims to remedy at least in part the aforementioned drawbacks by providing a module to be brazed onto a pipe of a refrigerant circuit, a pipe and module assembly as well as thermal conditioning systems, in which a single block brazed onto the pipe allows for the reception of at least one sensor and one valve.

[0010] To this end, the invention proposes a module to be brazed onto a pipe of a refrigerant circuit, the pipe being provided with an opening, the module comprising: - at least one sensor having at least one probe, - a valve configured to charge or discharge the refrigerant within the circuit, - a block intended to be brazed onto the pipe, the block having a first face configured to fit a surface of the pipe surrounding the opening, a second face opposite to the first face and a probe hole suitable for allowing the passage of the sensor probe, the probe hole extending between the first face and the second face, the module being characterized in that the block further comprises a passage hole for the refrigerant connecting the first face and the charge or discharge valve, the passage hole being distinct from the probe hole.

[0011] The opening is a lateral opening made in the tubular casing of the pipe and is therefore separate from the ends of the pipe. It is preferably made outside of any bends in the pipe, the module preferably being brazed onto a straight section of the pipe. The pipe and the module are, for example, made of aluminum.

[0012] The sensor is a temperature or pressure sensor, the probe being configured to detect at least one state of the refrigerant.

[0013] The block may be in the form of a ring or cover only an angular portion of the tubular casing of the pipe. The first face therefore comprises a portion with a shape complementary to at least a portion of the tubular casing of the pipe, this portion serving for brazing the block onto the surrounding pipe surface The opening. The second face, opposite the first face, has, for example, flat surfaces onto which flat parts of the sensor and the valve are received or brazed. The second face is connected to the first face by side walls.

[0014] The block is configured such that the probe and through holes allow for a leak-proof fluidic communication with the opening when the block is brazed onto the surface surrounding the opening. Optionally, the probe and through holes each communicate with a separate opening, the openings being surrounded by the surface. This latter option, however, requires that the pipe withstand the creation of several openings without deforming.

[0015] The through hole opens, for example, onto a receiving face of the charging or discharging valve, this receiving face being part of the second face or a side wall of the block. The through hole then extends between this receiving face and the first face or communicates with the probe hole.

[0016] The connection of the sensor or valve to the block is made by brazing or by screwing or clipping, in the latter cases a sealing gasket being compressed between on the one hand the sensor or valve and on the other hand the probe hole or the passage hole.

[0017] Thanks to the invention, the sensor and the valve can be positioned close to each other, even touching, because the brazing of the module containing the sensor and the valve onto the pipe is carried out in a single operation on the same surface of the pipe. The sensor and / or valve fixings to the pipe therefore cannot damage each other, unlike the prior art which requires brazing two separate ports around two separate openings.

[0018] The invention allows for greater design flexibility in the refrigerant circuit, as the sensor and valve can be positioned on the same straight section of the pipe, which is shorter than in the prior art. In particular, the overall size of the sensor and valve assembly is reduced.

[0019] Furthermore, the invention facilitates the fixing of the sensor and the valve on the pipe since this fixing requires only a brazing operation.

[0020] The probe hole is, for example, configured to be positioned opposite the opening. In other words, the probe hole is positioned facing the opening, allowing the probe to penetrate the opening in a straight line, which is recommended for taking the temperature of the refrigerant, which must be done within the pipe.

[0021] In one embodiment of the invention, the first face forms a chamber configured to enclose the opening, and into which the probe hole and the through hole open. The chamber thus delimits a portion of the first face surrounded by the brazed part of the first face, and which is not in contact with the tubular casing of the pipe, the probe hole and the through hole opening onto this portion of the first face. When the opening in the pipe is reduced by in relation to the internal limits of this brazed part of the first face, which prevents weakening the pipe, the passage hole can open into the chamber without being opposite the opening.

[0022] Preferably, however, at least a portion of the through-hole is configured to extend radially from the opening. For example, the through-hole lies entirely within the radial continuity of the opening. These features allow for rapid refrigerant filling of the circuit, particularly in less than 30 seconds when the through-hole is fully aligned with the opening.

[0023] According to an optional and advantageous feature of the invention, the sensor is a temperature sensor, the probe hole being configured to be arranged opposite the opening, the module further comprising a pressure sensor, the block comprising a pressure sensor receiving orifice connecting the first face and the pressure sensor, the receiving orifice being distinct from the probe hole and the passage hole.

[0024] The receiving orifice opens, for example, onto a receiving face of the pressure sensor, this receiving face being part of the second face or of a side wall of the block.

[0025] The receiving orifice of the pressure sensor opens, for example, into the chamber. According to one embodiment, the receiving orifice of the pressure sensor opens into the chamber by being configured to extend beyond a radial continuity of the opening.

[0026] The pressure sensor probe does not need to be located within the pipe or even opposite the opening. Since the module is designed to be brazed onto a straight section of the pipe defining an axial direction, the chamber forms, for example, a channel along the axial direction between the radial continuity of the opening and a radial continuity of the receiving orifice. This channel carries the refrigerant to the pressure sensor probe without distorting its measurement.

[0027] Thus the invention makes it possible to make only a small opening in the pipe, which makes it possible not to weaken it, although this opening benefits several sensors and a valve.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sensor is a temperature and pressure sensor, the probe hole being configured to be positioned opposite the opening. This embodiment further reduces the module's size relative to its functionality.

[0029] The invention also relates to a conduit and module assembly according to the invention, the conduit being provided with an opening and the first face of the module being brazed onto a surface of the conduit surrounding the opening.

[0030] The invention further relates to a vehicle thermal conditioning system, comprising a refrigerant circuit integrating a pipe and module assembly according to the invention, the refrigerant circuit comprising at least a first heat exchanger configured to operate as an evaporator, a compression element, a second heat exchanger configured to operate as a condenser or as a gas cooler and an expansion element, the pipe allowing fluid communication between the first heat exchanger and the compression element.

[0031] The invention finally relates to a thermal conditioning system for a vehicle, comprising a refrigerant circuit integrating a pipe and module assembly according to the invention, the refrigerant circuit comprising at least a first heat exchanger configured to operate as an evaporator, a compression element, a second heat exchanger configured to operate as a condenser or as a gas cooler and an expansion element, the pipe allowing fluid communication between the second heat exchanger and the expansion element.

[0032] This latter thermal conditioning system according to the invention may optionally include another duct and module assembly according to the invention, the duct of which allows fluidic communication between the first heat exchanger and the compression member, said duct being in accordance with the invention.

[0033] Thermal conditioning systems according to the invention are, for example, capable of operating in air conditioning mode and / or in heat pump mode.

[0034] The duct and module assembly, as well as the air conditioning systems according to the invention, have advantages similar to the module according to the invention.

[0035] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description on the one hand, and from several illustrative and non-limiting examples of embodiments given by reference to the accompanying schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0036] [Fig-1] is a perspective view of a module according to the invention, brazed onto a a portion of pipe comprising two sensors and a charging or discharging valve, according to one embodiment of the invention,

[0037] [Fig.2] is an isolated perspective view of the portion of the pipe in [Fig.1], showing an opening in this portion of the pipe,

[0038] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of a block of the module of [Fig.1], brazed onto the portion of the conduit of [Fig.1], without sensors or valves mounted on the block,

[0039] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of the block mentioned in relation to [Fig.3], from the side of a face of the block intended to be brazed onto the portion of the conduit shown in Figures 1 to 3,

[0040] [Fig.5] is a perspective view of the module of [Fig.1], isolated from the portion of conducted and seen from the face of the block intended to be brazed, mentioned in relation to [Fig.4].

[0041] According to an embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 1 to 5, a module 1 according to the invention is brazed onto a pipe 2 of a refrigerant circuit, only a section of this pipe 2 being shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3.

[0042] Since the section of pipe 2 has a cylindrical shape with its axis of revolution X, this axis X defines an axial direction. In this application, the axial direction therefore refers to the direction of the axis X of pipe 2. A radial direction is defined as orthogonal to and passing through this axis X, and an angular or orthoradial direction is defined as orthogonal to the axial direction and to a radial direction.

[0043] Module 1 detects the state of the refrigerant and fills or empties the refrigerant circuit. For this purpose, module 1 includes a temperature sensor 4, a pressure sensor 6 and a charge or discharge valve 5, and the line 2 includes an opening 22, referenced in Figures 2 and 3.

[0044] Module 1 further comprises a block 3 brazed onto the pipe 2, block 3 having a first face 31 referenced in Figures 4 and 5 and a part of which, of complementary shape to the circular envelope of the pipe 2, is brazed onto a brazing surface 24 (referenced [Fig.2]) of this circular envelope, surrounding the opening 22.

[0045] In this embodiment of the invention, block 3 and conduit 2 are made of aluminium, but other materials are conceivable, for example copper or steel.

[0046] The first face 31 of the block 3 is connected by side walls 30 of the block 3, to a second face 32 of the block 3, opposite the first face 31. This second face 32 has several facets forming receiving surfaces for the temperature 4 and / or pressure 6 sensors, and for the charging or discharging valve 5.

[0047] More specifically, as seen in [Fig. 3], a first facet 324 of the second face 32, receiving the temperature sensor 4, has a probe hole 34 passing through the block 3 of the second face 32 to the first face 31. This probe hole 34 is located radially opposite the opening 22, so that a probe 42 (visible in [Fig. 5]) of the temperature sensor 4 enters the opening 22 and is in contact with the refrigerant in the line 2. This configuration allows a temperature measurement representative of the temperature of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit, which would not be the case if the probe 42 were entirely outside the line 2.

[0048] Similarly, a second facet 325 of the second face 32, receiving the charging or discharging valve 5, has a fluid passage hole 35 refrigerant, which passes through block 3 from the second face 32 to the first face 31. This passage hole 35 is located opposite the opening 22, so as to allow rapid filling of the circuit with refrigerant, for example in less than thirty seconds.

[0049] The second facet 325 and the first facet 324 are substantially parallel to the axial direction and are connected to each other by an edge of the block 3. The opening 22 extends angularly under the first facet 324 and the second facet 325, their centers being substantially equidistant from the X-axis. By "substantially parallel" is meant parallel with a tolerance of a few degrees, and by "substantially equidistant" is meant equidistant with a tolerance of approximately a few millimeters. This configuration allows the temperature sensor 4 and the charging or discharging valve 5 to have equivalent access to the opening 22, which is here more angularly extended than axially. Of course, other configurations of the opening and the facets are conceivable, as long as they do not mechanically deform the conduit 2.

[0050] The second face 32 of the block 3 also includes a third face 326, connected to the first face 324 by an oblique face 327, that is, one which defines a plane intersecting the axial direction, the oblique face 327 extending radially from the second face 32. More precisely, the third face 326 extends radially from a radial end of the oblique face 327, located away from the first face 324, to a coplanar plane of the first face 324. Thus, the third face 326 forms a receiving face for the pressure sensor 6, which is sufficiently radially distant from the pipe 2 to provide the necessary space for connecting the pressure sensor 6, and is also obliquely positioned so that a receiving orifice 36 of the pressure sensor 6, passing through the block 3 from the second face 32 to the first face 31, opens near opening 22.

[0051] More specifically, the receiving orifice 36, the probe hole 34 and the passage hole 35 open into a chamber 33, visible in Figures 4 and 5, formed by the first face 31 of the block 3. The chamber 33 is formed by a portion of the first face 31 which is distant from the tubular casing of the conduit 2, and which is delimited by the brazed part of the first face 31. This portion distant from the tubular casing is radially opposite an unbrazed surface 26 (visible in Figures 2 and 3) of the conduit 2, encompassing the opening 22 and surrounded by the brazing surface 24 of the circular casing of the conduit 2, this brazing surface 24 being entirely brazed with the brazed part of the first face 31.

[0052] As mentioned previously, the probe hole 34 and the passage hole 35 open into the chamber 33 by being arranged in the radial continuity of the opening 22. On the other hand, the receiving orifice 36 of the pressure sensor 6 opens into the chamber 33 outside the radial continuity of the opening 22. Indeed, the probe 62 (visible [Fig.5]) of the pressure sensor 6 does not need to be positioned in the opening 22 or radially in continuity with the opening 22.

[0053] However, it is preferable that the refrigerant be able to come directly into contact with the probe 62 of the pressure sensor 6 as it exits the opening 22. In this embodiment of the invention, the chamber 33 forms a channel 330 (referenced in Figures 4 and 5) oriented axially and directly connecting the opening 22 to the receiving orifice 36. Thus, the pressure measurements provided by the pressure sensor 6 are representative of the pressure of the refrigerant circulating in the line 2.

[0054] Furthermore, for illustrative purposes, the diameters of the probe hole 34 and the receiving orifice 36 are approximately 5 mm (millimeters), in order to allow passage of the probe 42 of the temperature sensor 4, the diameter of which is approximately 3.5 mm, and the probe 62 of the pressure sensor 6, respectively. The diameter of the through hole 35 is, for example, 4.5 mm. Alternatively, the diameters of the probe hole 34, the through hole 35, or the receiving orifice 36 may be larger or smaller than 5 mm, for example, on the order of millimeters or centimeters, depending on the dimensions of the refrigerant circuit.

[0055] Finally, as shown in [Fig. 3], the sealed mounting of the temperature sensor 4, the pressure sensor 6, and the charge and discharge valve 5 on the block 3 can take different forms. In this embodiment of the invention, the charge and discharge valve 5 is screwed or brazed onto the second facet 325, the through hole 35 forming a simple bore on this facet 325. The pressure sensor 6 and the temperature sensor 4 are screwed into the receiving orifice 36 and the probe hole 34, respectively, each of which has a thread (not shown) and a counterbore for receiving a seal, respectively between the pressure sensor 6 and the block 3 or between the temperature sensor 4 and the block 3. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 4 and / or the pressure sensor 6 are brazed onto their facets 324 and / or 326.In another variant, the charge and discharge valve 5 is screwed and sealed with a sealing gasket onto block 3.

[0056] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples just described, and many modifications can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the characteristics of the different embodiments of the invention envisaged in this application can be combined to carry out the invention, provided that these embodiments are not incompatible with each other.

Claims

Demands

1. A module (1) for brazing onto a pipe (2) of a refrigerant circuit, the pipe (2) having an opening (22), the module (1) comprising: - at least one sensor (4) having at least one probe (42), - a valve (5) configured for charging or discharging the refrigerant within the circuit, - a block (3) for brazing onto the pipe (2), the block (3) having a first face (31) configured to fit a surface (24) of the pipe (2) surrounding the opening (22), a second face (32) opposite the first face (31), and a probe hole (34) adapted to allow the passage of the probe (42) of the sensor (4), the probe hole (34) extending between the first face (31) and the second face (32), the module (1) being characterized in that the block (3) further comprises a passage hole (35) of the refrigerant fluid connecting the first face (31) and the charging or discharging valve (5), the passage hole (35) being separate from the probe hole (34).

2. Module (1) according to claim 1, wherein the probe hole (34) is configured to be arranged opposite the opening (22).

3. Module (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first face (31) forms a chamber (33) configured to enclose the opening (22) and into which the probe hole (34) and the passage hole (35) open.

4. Module (1) according to claim 3, wherein at least a portion of the through hole (35) is configured to extend in a radial continuity of the opening (22).

5. Module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sensor (4) is a temperature sensor, the probe hole (34) being configured to be arranged opposite the opening (22), the module (1) further comprising a pressure sensor (6), the block (3) comprising a receiving orifice (36) for the pressure sensor (6) connecting the first face (31) and the pressure sensor (6), the receiving orifice (36) being separate from the probe hole (34) and the passage hole (35).

6. Module (1) according to claim 3 or 4, taken in combination with claim 5, wherein the receiving orifice (36) of the pressure sensor (6) opens into the chamber (33).

7. Module (1) according to claim 6, wherein the receiving orifice (36) of the pressure sensor (6) opens into the chamber (33) by being configured to extend out of a radial continuity of the opening (22).

8. Module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sensor (4) is a temperature and pressure sensor, the probe hole (34) being configured to be arranged opposite the opening (22).

9. Conduit (2) and module (1) assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the conduit (2) being provided with an opening (22) and the first face of the module (1) being brazed onto a surface of the conduit (2) surrounding the opening (22).

10. Vehicle thermal conditioning system, comprising a refrigerant circuit integrating a pipe (2) and module (1) assembly according to claim 9, the refrigerant circuit comprising at least a first heat exchanger configured to operate as an evaporator, a compression element, a second heat exchanger configured to operate as a condenser or as a gas cooler and an expansion element, the pipe (2) allowing fluid communication between the first heat exchanger and the compression element.

11. Vehicle thermal conditioning system, comprising a refrigerant circuit integrating a pipe (2) and module (1) assembly according to claim 9, the refrigerant circuit comprising at least a first heat exchanger configured to operate as an evaporator, a compression element, a second heat exchanger configured to operate as a condenser or as a gas cooler and an expansion element, the pipe (2) allowing fluid communication between the second heat exchanger and the expansion element.

Images