Subassembly for a fluid distribution module, particularly for a heat transfer fluid, distribution module comprising such a subassembly, and method for testing said subassembly

Abstract

Subassembly for a fluid distribution module, particularly for a heat transfer fluid, said subassembly comprising a support frame (20), a distribution element (22) rotatable within said support frame about a longitudinal axis (X), and a distributor element (24), said subassembly being configured so that the distribution element (22) assumes different angular positions about said longitudinal axis (X) in order to determine specific fluid flows through said distributor element (24), said support frame (20), said distribution element (22), and said distributor element (24) being configured so as to be held pre-assembled on one of them for mounting said subassembly in said module. Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: Subassembly for a fluid distribution module, in particular for a heat transfer fluid, distribution module comprising such a subassembly and method for testing said subassembly

[0001] The invention relates to a subassembly for a fluid distribution module, particularly for a heat transfer fluid; a distribution module comprising such a subassembly and a method for testing said subassembly. Its applications will include, in particular, applications in the automotive field, for example in automotive heat transfer fluid circuits.

[0002] In this field, valves comprising a distributing element, which rotates about a longitudinal axis, and a distributing element are known. The valve is configured so that the distributing element assumes different angular positions about the longitudinal axis in order to determine specific fluid flows through the distributing element. Such valves are often called axial valves because they allow fluid to flow parallel to the longitudinal axis of the valve.

[0003] According to a first configuration, such valves are available fully pre-assembled and ready to be mounted on a support. A disadvantage of such a configuration is that it exhibits a low level of integration when several valves are required to complete a given circuit.

[0004] Distribution modules comprising a common body housing the other valve components have already been proposed in a different configuration. Such modules are manufactured by mounting each component separately in the body, valve by valve.

[0005] One drawback of such a configuration is that it remains largely unstandardized. Furthermore, the module can only be tested once all the valves are fully installed. Thus, in the event of a failure, the entire module must be discarded, even if only one of the valves is faulty.

[0006] The invention aims to overcome, at least in part, the aforementioned drawbacks and, to this end, proposes a subassembly for a fluid distribution module, particularly for a heat transfer fluid. This subassembly comprises a support frame, a distribution element rotatable within the support frame about a longitudinal axis, and a distributor element. The subassembly is configured so that the distribution element assumes different angular positions about the longitudinal axis in order to determine specific circulations of the fluid. fluid through said distributing member, said support frame, said distributing member and said distributing member being configured so as to be kept pre-assembled on one of them for the purpose of mounting said sub-assembly in said module.

[0007] Such pre-assembly allows the sub-assembly to be mounted in the module in a single operation rather than piece by piece. It also allows for standardized sub-assemblies and streamlines module manufacturing. Furthermore, the sub-assembly is functional due to its constituent parts, enabling it to be tested before assembly in the module by being placed in a test jig.

[0008] According to various additional features of the invention, which may be taken together or separately and which constitute so many embodiments of the invention: - said distributing unit and said distributing unit are mounted on said support frame, - said support frame, said distributing element and said distributing element are stacked along said longitudinal axis, - said support frame and said distributing element are mutually configured to form a stop along said longitudinal axis, - said sub-assembly is configured so that said stop is elastic, - said distributing unit comprises a distributing disc having at a distribution orifice, - said distributing orifice is in the shape of an angular sector, - said distributing unit comprises a distributing disc having a plurality of distributing orifices, - said distributing orifices are in the shape of an angular sector, - said distributing orifice is configured to be opposite one and / or more of said distributing orifices depending on said angular positions of the distributing element, - said distributing disc slides on said distributor disc, - the distribution disc and / or the distributor disc are configured to provide a seal between said distributor orifices, - said sub-assembly includes a seal for sealing the passage of a shaft of said distributing element through said support frame, - said sub-assembly includes an elastic element enabling the elastic character of said stop to be imparted to it, - said elastic element is configured so as to apply said seal against said support frame, said distributing element against said element distributor and / or said distributing element against said support frame, along said longitudinal axis, - said elastic component is a helical spring, - said support frame includes a cover, - said support frame includes an inlet and / or outlet flange of the fluid, - said flange is fixed to said cover, - said support frame includes a hinge bearing, - said distributing unit comprises a drive shaft articulated on said bearing and / or linked to said distributing disc, - said support frame includes fixing brackets extending along said longitudinal axis to form said stop, - said legs extend from said lid, - said legs have a distal end cooperating with said organ distributor to form said stop, - said distributing disc is located between the distal end of said legs and the distributing disc, along said longitudinal axis, - one face of said distributor disc opposite said distributor disc, said lower face, cooperates with said distal ends to form said stop, - said lower face of said distributor disc comprises a plurality of ribs, configured to provide a seal between said subassembly and said module, - said distributor disc is made of rubber, elastomer and / or polymer, - said distributor disc is configured to cooperate with said legs fixing according to a bayonet mounting movement of said distributing element onto said support frame,

[0009] The invention also relates to a fluid distribution module comprising a body and at least one sub-assembly as described above, said sub-assembly being mounted in a fluid circulation housing formed in said body.

[0010] According to various additional features of the invention, which may can be taken together or separately and which constitute so many embodiments of the invention: - the said housing is closed by the said lid, - said body includes at least one passage for said fluid allowing to connect the said flange and the said housing, - said passage opens radially into said dwelling - said body comprises a plurality of connection ports opening onto a back wall of said housing, - said distribution ports are respectively located opposite said connection ports, - said module is configured to compress said distribution unit, in particular the distribution disc, against said bottom wall so as to provide a seal between said distribution and / or connection ports, - said ribs of said distributor disc are configured so as to provide a seal between each of said distribution orifices and each of said connection orifices located opposite them, - said sub-assembly defines a fluid circulation volume within said housing, between the cover of said support frame and said distribution unit, - said distributing disc and / or said distributing disc are configured so as to provide a seal between said circulation volume and each of said connection orifices.

[0011] The invention further relates to a method for testing a sub-assembly as described above, said method comprising a first step in which said sub-assembly is placed in a test jig having a housing similar to the housing of the module as described above, and a second step in which said fluid is circulated while moving said distributing member from one of its angular positions to the other.

[0012] The invention will be better understood, and other objects, details, features and advantages thereof will become more apparent in the course of the detailed explanatory description that follows, of at least one embodiment of the invention given by way of purely illustrative and non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, among which:

[0013] [Fig-1] schematically illustrates an exploded, perspective view of an example of module conforming to the invention;

[0014] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates an exploded, perspective view of an example of subassembly conforming to the invention;

[0015] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates an assembled perspective view of the sub- the whole of [Fig.2];

[0016] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates, in perspective, a distal end of the sub- the whole of [Fig.3], according to a first assembly stage;

[0017] [Fig.5] schematically illustrates, in perspective, the distal end of the [Fig.4], according to a second assembly stage;

[0018] [Fig.6] schematically illustrates, in perspective, the distal end of figures 4 and 5, according to a third assembly step.

[0019] It should first be noted that the terms upstream and downstream used in the following description refer to the direction of flow of the fluid in question. Furthermore, the terms "first", "second", "third", ... are used solely to distinguish the components concerned from one another and do not imply any order or potential importance of said components.

[0020] As illustrated in [Fig.1], the invention relates first of all to a fluid distribution module comprising a body 10 provided with one or more housings 12, here three, each receiving the organs 14 which, with said body 10, form an axial valve, once assembled.

[0021] Said fluid is, for example, a heat transfer fluid, in particular a mixture of water and antifreeze, for example, glycol.

[0022] Said module is intended to be integrated, in particular, into a thermoregulation circuit, for example of a motor vehicle. Said circuit comprises several branches and said module is advantageously configured to control the distribution of the fluid in the branches of the circuit.

[0023] Said body 10 is, for example, forged and / or cast. It is formed, in particular, from metal, metal alloy and / or plastic material. In the figure, it is partially illustrated and can take any desired shape.

[0024] The said housings 12 are here defined by walls 122 originating from a bottom 120 of said body 10. Alternatively, they are defined as recesses in said body 10.

[0025] Said body 10 advantageously includes further areas for attachment to a support, areas intended to accommodate other components of the module, for example other types of valves, and / or reinforcing ribs 16. Said body 10 is here locally hollowed out at the level of identified areas 18.

[0026] As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the invention also relates to a subassembly for said fluid distribution module. Said subassembly advantageously comprises the components identified 14 in [Fig. 1].

[0027] More specifically, said subassembly comprises a support frame 20, a distributing element 22, movable in rotation in said support frame 20 around an axis X, said longitudinal, and a distributing element 24.

[0028] Said subassembly is configured so that the distributing member 22 takes different angular positions around said longitudinal axis X as illustrated by the arrow marked 23, so as to determine specific circulations of the fluid through said distributing member 24.

[0029] The axial valve formed by assembling said sub-assembly in the body 10 thus allows, depending on said angular positions of the distributing member 22, to selectively distribute said fluid in the branches of the circuit equipped with said module.

[0030] According to the invention, said support frame 20, said distributing member 22 and said distributing member 24 are configured so as to be kept pre-assembled on one of them for the purpose of mounting said sub-assembly in said module.

[0031] Such pre-assembly allows the sub-assembly to be mounted in the module in a single operation rather than piece by piece. Furthermore, the sub-assembly is functional due to its constituent parts, allowing it to be tested before mounting in the module by being placed in a test jig, as will be described later.

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, said distributing member 22 and said distributing member 24 are mounted on said support frame 20. This allows said subassembly to be manipulated via said support frame 20 for its assembly in the module. Said support frame 20 is advantageously provided with fixing holes 26 on said body 10.

[0033] Said support frame 20, said distributing member 22 and said distributing member 24 are, for example, stacked along said longitudinal axis X.

[0034] Preferably, said support frame 20 and said distributing member 24 are mutually configured to form a stop 50 along said longitudinal axis X. Said subassembly is advantageously configured so that said stop 50 is elastic. The advantage of such a configuration and the manner in which said stop is implemented will become clear later.

[0035] Said distributing member 22 comprises, for example, a distributing disc 28 having at least one distributing orifice 30 allowing the passage of the fluid. Said distributing orifice 30 is here in the form of an angular sector. It has a closed contour, for example in the shape of a kidney bean extending over slightly less than 120°.

[0036] Said distribution member 22 further comprises a drive shaft 32 articulated for rotation about said longitudinal axis X on said support frame 20. Said drive shaft 32 extends along said longitudinal axis X. It is connected at a distal end to said distribution disc 28. At a proximal end opposite said distal end, it has a gear 34 for cooperating with a shaft of an actuator, for example, an electric motor. Although not illustrated, said actuator preferably forms part of said subassembly according to the invention.

[0037] Said subassembly further includes a seal 46 for sealing a passage of the drive shaft 32 through said support frame 20.

[0038] Said distributor member 24 comprises, for example, a distributor disc 36 having a plurality of distributor orifices 38 allowing the passage of fluid. Said distributor orifices 38 are here in the form of an angular sector. They have a closed contour, for example bean-shaped. In the illustrated example, without limitation, there are three of them and / or they extend over a little less than 120°.

[0039] Said distributor disc 36 is provided, for example, with a central orifice 40, articulated in rotation around said longitudinal axis X on a pinion 42 originating from said distributor disc 28. Preferably, said distributor disc 28 slides on said distributor disc 36.

[0040] Said distributing orifice 30 is configured to come opposite one and / or more of said distributing orifices 38 according to said angular positions of the distributing member 22. The contour of the distributing orifice 30 is here substantially identical to that of the distributing orifices 38.

[0041] Preferably, said subassembly comprises an elastic element 44. It is configured to tension, along said longitudinal axis X, said joint 46, said support bracket 20, said distributing element 22 and / or said distributing element 24 against each other. It advantageously provides the elastic character to the stop 50 formed by said support bracket 20 and said distributing element 24. More specifically, here, said elastic element 44 is configured so as to apply, along said longitudinal axis X, said joint 46 against said support bracket 20, said distributing element 22 against said distributing element 24 and said distributing element 24 against said support bracket 20. Said elastic element is, for example, a helical spring.

[0042] Said support frame 20 includes, in particular, a cover 52. Said fixing holes 26 are located at the level of said cover 52. There are three of them, regularly distributed at the level of a periphery of said cover 52. They are intended to be opposite bores made in said body 10.

[0043] Said support frame 20 further comprises, for example, a fluid inlet and / or outlet flange 54. Said flange 54 is advantageously fixed to said cover 52. It is located here at a radial extension of said cover 52. It extends parallel to said longitudinal axis X.

[0044] Said support frame 20 further includes a pivot bearing 56. It is oriented parallel to said longitudinal axis X. Said drive shaft 32 is, for example, pivoted on said bearing 56. Said joint 46 is located between said drive shaft 32 and an inner wall of said bearing 56.

[0045] Advantageously, said support frame 20 includes fixing lugs 58 extending along said longitudinal axis to form said stop 50. Said lugs 58 extend, for example, from a periphery of said cover 52. Here, there are three of them, spaced about 120° apart. It may be noted that said fixing lugs are not shown [Fig. 1] to simplify the figure.

[0046] Said legs 58 have a distal end 60 cooperating with said distributing organ 24 to form said stop 50. Said legs 58 have here substantially an L shape, a large branch of the L, connected to the lid 52 extending parallel to said longitudinal axis X and a small branch of the L extending radially in the direction of said longitudinal axis X. Said small branch of the L forms the distal end 60 of the legs.

[0047] Said legs 58 advantageously have reinforcing ribs 62 extending parallel to said longitudinal axis X, in particular along said large arm of the L. Said reinforcing ribs 62 are here present in pairs at the level of each of said fixing legs 58.

[0048] Said distributing disc 36 is located between the distal end 60 of said legs 58 and the distributing disc 28, along said longitudinal axis X.

[0049] A face 64 of said distributor disc 36, opposite said distributor disc 28, said lower face, cooperates with said distal ends 60 to form said stop 50.

[0050] This is particularly visible in figures 4 to 6 where, in the illustrated embodiment, it can be seen that said distributor disc 36 is configured to cooperate with said fixing lugs 58 according to a bayonet mounting movement of said distributor member 24 on said support frame 20.

[0051] As can be seen in [Fig. 4], where only the distribution and distributor discs 28, 36 are shown, these discs are provided with peripheral notches 68, 70 extending angularly. These notches 68, 70 are the same number as the tabs 58. Therefore, there are three of them, spaced at 120°. In the figures, these notches 68 of the distribution disc 28 are aligned with the notches 70 of the distributor disc 36 for the purposes of mounting the support frame 20.

[0052] In [Fig. 5], one can observe the passage of one of the legs 58 into one of the notches 70 of the distributing disc 36 by means of a relative axial translational movement, about said longitudinal axis X, of said support frame 20, on the one hand, and of said distributing and distributing discs 28, 36, on the other hand. To this end, an angular span of said notches 68, 70 is slightly greater than an angular span of said legs 58. A radial depth of said notches 68, 70 is slightly greater than a radial extension of the small branches formed by the distal end 60 of said legs 58.

[0053] Said distributor disc is provided, at the level of a periphery of its lower face 64, with a flat 72 having substantially the same angular extension as said leg 58 and the same radial extension as the small branches of said legs 58.

[0054] In [Fig. 6], after relative rotation around said longitudinal axis X, of said support frame 20, on the one hand, and of said distribution and distributor discs 28, 36, on the other hand, the small arm of the lug 58 is opposite said flat 72. Said stop 50 is thus defined by the contact between said flats 72 and said small arm of the legs 58. Advantageously, said elastic organ 44 exerts a force opposing a detachment of said small branch of legs 58 of said flat 72.

[0055] After assembly of the sub-assembly according to the invention, said distributor disc 24 is blocked in rotation by friction, in particular under the action of the elastic element 44. The distributor disc 22 is on the other hand free in rotation around said longitudinal axis X, its radius being less than that of the inner faces of the large branches of the legs 58.

[0056] In an alternative not illustrated, said fixing tabs 58 are mounted by snapping onto said distributor disc 24.

[0057] The distribution disc 28 and / or the distributor disc 36 are advantageously configured to provide a seal between said distributor orifices 38. For this purpose, said distributor disc 36 is made of rubber, elastomer, and / or polymer. The advantage of the elastic element 44 for reinforcing this seal is further understood.

[0058] In addition, said lower face 64 of said distributor disc 36 comprises a plurality of ribs 66, 66' configured to provide a seal between said subassembly and said module.

[0059] Referring again to [Fig. 1], as already mentioned, it can be seen that the module according to the invention comprises one or more sub-assemblies as described above. The said sub-assembly or sub-assemblies are mounted in the corresponding housings 12, here along said longitudinal axis X, as illustrated by the arrows marked 74.

[0060] Preferably, said housings 12 are closed by said covers 52. Said subassemblies define circulation volumes 76 of the fluid in said housings 12, between said support frame 20, more particularly their said cover 52 and their said distributing element 22.

[0061] Said body 10 includes at least one passage 78 for said fluid allowing communication between said flange 54 and said housing 12, more particularly said circulation volume 76. Said passage 78 opens radially into said housing 12, more particularly said circulation volume 76.

[0062] Said body 10 defines a plurality of connection orifices 80 opening, preferably axially, at the level of a bottom wall 82 of said housing 12. Said distributing orifices 38 are respectively located opposite said connection orifices 80 for the passage of the fluid.

[0063] The fluid circulates as follows. It enters each of the valves through their flange 54 and reaches their circulation volume 76 through their passage 78. Depending on the angular position of their distributing member 22, it is selectively directed through said distributing orifice 30 towards one of the distributing orifices 38 and exits the housing 12 through one of the connection ports 80 to be distributed into one of the branches of the circuit equipped with said module. It should be noted that the fluid is possibly directed to several of the distribution ports 38 in certain angular positions of said distribution element 22.

[0064] In an alternative not illustrated, said sub-assembly or sub-assemblies are configured to have a position for stopping the flow of fluid, for example by configuring said distributing and distributing elements 22, 24 so that, in at least one of the angular positions of said distributing element 22, said distributing orifice 30 does not open onto any of said distribution orifices 38.

[0065] Advantageously, said module is configured to compress said distributor disc 36 against said bottom wall 82 so as to provide a seal between said distribution and / or connection ports 38, 80.

[0066] Referring again to Figures 4 to 6, it can be seen that, for this purpose, at least some 66 of the ribs of the distributor disc 36 are configured so as to provide a seal between each of the distribution ports 38 and / or each of the connection ports 80 located opposite each other, so that the fluid passing through one of the distribution ports 38 cannot flow towards one of the connection ports 80 that is not opposite each other. These are the radially oriented ribs 66.

[0067] Preferably, said distributing disc 28 and / or said distributing disc 36 are configured so as to provide a seal between said circulation volume 76 and said connection ports 80. In the illustrated embodiment, such a function is fulfilled by the rib 66' extending in the form of a ring around the periphery of said lower face 64.

[0068] The invention also relates to a method for testing a sub-assembly as described above.

[0069] Said method includes a first step in which said subassembly is placed in a test jig having a housing similar to housing 12 of the module for which said subassembly is intended.

[0070] In a second step, the fluid is circulated through the template while the distribution element 22 is moved from one of its angular positions to the other. This verifies that each of these positions can be occupied without fluid leakage or, at the very least, with an acceptable leakage rate.

[0071] It is therefore possible for a first operator who has assembled said sub-assemblies to test the proper functioning of each of them before delivery to another operator who will be responsible for assembling them with the body 10 intended to form the module.

Claims

Demands

1. Subassembly for a fluid distribution module, in particular for a heat transfer fluid, said subassembly comprising a support frame (20), a distribution element (22), rotatably movable in said support frame about an axis (X), said longitudinal, and a distributor element (24), said subassembly being configured so that the distribution element (22) takes different angular positions about said longitudinal axis (X) so as to determine specific circulations of the fluid through said distributor element (24), said support frame (20), said distribution element (22) and said distributor element (24) being configured so as to be held pre-assembled on one of them for the purpose of mounting said subassembly in said module.

2. Subassembly according to the preceding claim in which said distributing member (24) and said distributing member (22) are mounted on said support frame (20).

3. Subassembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said support frame (20) and said distributing member (24) are mutually configured to form a stop (50) along said longitudinal axis (X).

4. Subassembly according to the preceding claim configured so that said stop (50) is elastic.

5. Subassembly according to any one of claims 3 to 4 in which said support frame (20) comprises fixing lugs (58) extending along said longitudinal axis (X) to form said stop (50).

6. Subassembly according to the preceding claim in which said legs (58) have a distal end (60) cooperating with said distributing member (24) to form said stop (50).

7. Subassembly according to the preceding claim in which said distributing member (22) comprises a distributing disc (28) having at least one distributing orifice (30), said distributing member (24) comprises a distributing disc (36) having a plurality of distributing orifices (38), a face (64) of said distributing disc (36), opposite said distributing disc (28), said lower face, cooperates with said distal ends (60) to form said stop (50).

8. Subassembly according to the preceding claim in which said distributor disc (36) is configured to cooperate with said fixing lugs (58) according to a bayonet mounting movement of said distributor member (24) on said support frame (20).

9. Fluid distribution module comprising a body (10) and at least one subassembly (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, said subassembly (14) being mounted in a housing (12) for the circulation of the fluid formed in said body (10).

10. Module according to the preceding claim in which said body (10) comprises a plurality of connecting ports (80) opening at the level of a bottom wall (82) of said housing (12), said module being configured to compress said distributing member (24) against said bottom wall (82) so as to provide a seal between said connecting ports (80).

11. Module according to any one of claims 9 or 10 wherein said subassembly (14) defines a fluid circulation volume (76) in said housing (12), between a cover (52) of said support frame (20) and said distribution element (22), said distribution disc (22) and / or said distributor disc (24) being configured so as to provide a seal between said circulation volume (76) and each of said connection ports (80).

12. A method for testing a subassembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, said method comprising a first step in which said subassembly is placed in a test jig having a housing similar to the housing (12) of the module according to any one of claims 9 to 11, and a second step in which said fluid is circulated while moving said distribution member from one of its angular positions to the other.