Support device for a refrigerant circuit distribution module, and an assembly comprising such a device and such a module

Abstract

A support device (1) for a refrigerant circuit distribution module, particularly for use in a motor vehicle, said module comprising a body having one or more refrigerant circulation channels, said support device (1) comprising a frame (2) having one or more attachment points for said body and one or more attachment points (6a-6c) for said device to a chassis, said frame (2) being made of plastic material. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Support device for a refrigerant circuit distribution module and an assembly comprising such a device and such a module

[0001] The invention relates to a support device for a refrigerant circuit distribution module and to an assembly comprising such a module and such a support. Its applications will include, in particular, applications in the field of thermal conditioning, for example, for motor vehicles.

[0002] In this field, it is known to achieve thermal regulation of areas or equipment of the vehicle, such as the passenger compartment, an electrical energy storage battery, and / or other components of an electric vehicle motor. This is achieved using a refrigerant fluid that performs a thermodynamic cycle during which it exchanges heat with other fluids and also absorbs and / or releases heat directly to said equipment.

[0003] The circuits used for this purpose include a large number of pipes and components such as heat exchangers and devices for controlling the distribution of the refrigerant in loops or branches of the circuits, such as valves or expansion devices. Since space is limited, their integration into the vehicle can be problematic.

[0004] A distribution module has already been proposed comprising a body equipped with conduits for connecting numerous branch or loop connection points within said body. Such a module improves the level of integration of the refrigerant circuits equipped with it by reducing the number of flexible hoses to be connected and by grouping a large number of refrigerant distribution control devices within the module. This also facilitates a more streamlined electrical connection of said control devices.

[0005] Such modules must however be brought onto a vehicle chassis to ensure their attachment, moreover sometimes in the company of other circuit components such as one of the circuit's heat exchangers or an accumulator allowing storage of part of the refrigerant fluid.

[0006] Support plates are known in this sense on which the distribution module and the desired components are mounted, the plate being further configured to be fixed to the chassis.

[0007] Such soles are metallic, which makes them relatively heavy and penalizes their cost price.

[0008] The invention aims to overcome at least in part the previous drawbacks and proposes to this end a support device for a refrigerant circuit distribution module, in particular intended for a motor vehicle, said module comprising a body provided with one or more refrigerant circulation conduits, said support device comprising a frame provided with one or more attachment zones for said body and one or more fixing zones for said device to a chassis, said frame being made of plastic material.

[0009] Thanks to the use of a plastic reinforcement, the support device according to the invention is lighter. Furthermore, the use of plastic allows for greater freedom in the shape of said reinforcement, since the use of plastic materials makes it possible to modify the geometry of said reinforcement simply by adapting relatively simple tools.

[0010] 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 frame is reinforced, - said plastic material is reinforced, - said plastic material is fiber-reinforced, - said fibers include glass fibers, - said reinforcement includes reinforcing cells, - said plastic material comprises / is made of polypropylene, - said plastic material is molded, - said chassis mounting areas are three in number and / or are configured for mounting in at least two directions, - the aforementioned chassis mounting areas are equipped with a vibration-damping device, - there are two of these attachment zones, - said reinforcement comprises two opposing longitudinal ends along a principal extension direction of said reinforcement, - said frame defines a tank support forming a housing for a tank of said fluid, - said tank holder is located at one of the first longitudinal ends of said frame, - said tank holder includes a base and / or a side panel, - said side wall extends from said base, forming a gutter, - said reinforcement cells of the reinforcement are present at least at the level from said base, said side wall is interrupted at an angle so as to define a passage for introducing said tank into said housing, said device includes an access hatch to said dwelling, said hatch is removable from said frame, said hatch has a pivot point relative to said side wall so that it can pivot between an open and a closed position. said rotational articulation is achieved by means of hinges originating, on the one hand, from an angular edge of said side wall and, on the other hand, from a first edge of said hatch, said hatch is configured to be locked onto said frame, said hatch includes a base wall equipped with a first locking hole, said foot wall originates from a lower edge of said hatch, near a second edge of said hatch, opposite said first edge, said frame includes a flange forming a radial protrusion of said side wall, said flange includes a second locking orifice, The aforementioned first and second locking holes are intended to be positioned opposite each other in a closed configuration of the said hatch in order to allow the passage of a locking screw. said hinges and / or said flange are configured to form radial stops for said tank, said hatch includes an axial stop for said tank, said axial stop is located at the level of an upper edge of said hatch, said hatch features reinforcing cells, said flange has a cavity for connecting the circulation tubing of said refrigerant. said frame includes a base, said sole is reinforced said reinforcement cells of the frame are present at least at the level of said sole, said sole has a central section extending along said principal extension direction of said reinforcement, said framework presents inclined panels on either side of said central panel along said main direction. The first of these inclined sections is rising relative to the central section. a second of said inclined panels is descending relative to said central panel, said tank holder is derived from said sole, said tank carrier, in particular the base of said tank carrier, is located in the extension of said inclined panel descending along said main direction, said base of the tank holder and said central panel of the sole are parallel, said sole includes lights. The first of these lights is located at the level of the said upward-sloping section, said sole includes a groove for the passage of a conduit for the circulation of said fluid. said groove extends along said central panel and / or said descending inclined panel, a second of said lights is located along said gorge and / or at the level of said descending sloping face, said sole is provided with two of the chassis fixing zones, referred to as sole fixing zones, said sole has opposing longitudinal edges, said framework comprises a longitudinal wall, said longitudinal wall originates from said footing, in particular from a first of the longitudinal edges of said footing, said longitudinal wall extends along said upward sloping panel and / or a part of said central panel, said longitudinal wall is reinforced, in particular by a ribbed texture, said frame includes a mounting hole for an electrical connector intended to be connected to one or more control devices of said module, said electrical connector mounting hole is located on said longitudinal wall, specifically near an edge of said longitudinal wall, opposite said first longitudinal edge of the base, said framework includes a pillar at the base of which is located a first of said fixing zones by the base plate, said pillar originates from said foundation and / or borders said longitudinal wall, said pillar is located at the level of said central panel. said pillar is reinforced. said pillar is equipped with internal reinforcing ribs. One free end of said pillar has a first fixing hole for a connecting flange of the module body, said first of said sole fixing zones is located along said first longitudinal edge, said first area of ​​attachment by the sole is located at the level of said central panel. said frame includes a transverse buttress rib, said buttress rib is located along a second of said longitudinal edges and / or at the level of said central panel, said frame includes an angle bracket, said angle bracket is derived from said sole, in particular from a first transverse edge and / or the second longitudinal edge of said sole, said angle bracket is located at the level of said upward sloping section. said angle bracket is reinforced. said reinforcing cells are present at least at the level of said angle bracket, said angle bracket presents a first of the module attachment zones, said frame, in particular said angle bracket, presents a third of the fixing zones to the chassis, said first attachment zone is located at the level of a first side of said angle bracket, said first side extending parallel to said second longitudinal edge of the sole, said third fixing zone is located at the level of a second side of the said angle bracket, the said second side extending parallel to the said first transverse edge, said second side of the angle bracket has a projecting bracket beyond said first side, said third fixing zone is located at the level of said gallows. said gallows is reinforced. said frame has one or more reinforcing brackets between said support and said first side of the angle bracket, said frame includes a second fixing hole for a connecting element of the circulation tubing of said fluid, said second fixing hole is located in said sole at the base of said angle bracket, A second of these sole-fixing zones is located at the foot of the tank holder, extending from its base. said extension of the base is connected to said downward inclined panel, - said frame includes a buttress at the base of which is located the second area of ​​attachment by the sole, - said rib has an extension beyond the central panel to connect to said tank holder, - said buttress forms a notch in line with said rib and / or extends beyond said rib along said tank support, - said buttress is reinforced, - said descending inclined panel is provided with a lateral side forming a right angle between the extension of said rib and said buttress, - said framework includes initial reinforcing walls between said buttress and said second area of ​​attachment by the base, - said extension of the rib forms a cord extending angularly around said tank holder, - said frame includes secondary reinforcing walls between said side wall of the tank carrier and said rib, - the said fixing zone(s) to the chassis are respectively located near a reinforcement zone formed in said frame, - the said fixing area(s) are fitted with a skirt surrounding the shock absorber, - said tank carrier forms a second attachment zone for said module via said tank, - said attachment zones are positioned so that said module stiffens said frame, - said fixing zones are located at the apex of a triangle, - at least two of the sides of said triangle are intended to be traversed by the body of said module, - a common apex of said two sides is located near said pillar, - said frame is equipped with handling holes, - a first of said handling ports is located at the level of said longitudinal wall, - a second of said handling ports is located at the level of said tank carrier.

[0011] The invention also relates to an assembly of a distribution module and a support device as described above.

[0012] 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 conduits include a first collector conduit, or even one or more first supply conduits communicating with said first collector conduit, - said first collector duct is configured for circulation of said refrigerant in a low-pressure state, - said plurality of conduits includes a second collector conduit, or even one or more second supply conduits communicating with said second collector conduit, - said second collector duct is configured for circulation of said refrigerant fluid in a high-pressure state, - the aforementioned first and second collector ducts are parallel to each other, - said first and / or second supply conduits are respectively transverse to said first and / or second collector conduits, - said body further comprises a communication conduit between said first and second collector conduits, - said communication conduit is transverse to said first and second collector conduits. - said body includes inlets and / or outlets of said refrigerant fluid, - said module includes one or more control devices for fluid circulation through at least one of said conduits, for example one or more shut-off valves, non-return valves and / or pressure-reducing devices, - said body includes housing for the control body or bodies, - the said conduit(s) emerge from said module to be in communication with one of the entrances, one of the exits and / or one of the housings of said module, - said assembly further includes said flange for connecting to the module, - said flange for connecting to the module is fixed, on the one hand, to said device of support, at the level of said pillar, and / or, on the other hand, said module, particularly along one of the sides of said triangle, - said flange connecting to the module forms a connection element for a circulation pipe of said fluid, - said assembly further includes said reservoir, - said tank is linked to said module to stiffen said assembly, - said assembly further comprises a heat exchanger carried by said support device and / or by said body, - said heat exchanger and said distribution module are connected together for the circulation of said refrigerant.

[0013] The invention will be better understood, and other objects, details, features and advantages thereof will become more apparent during the explanatory description detailed 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 attached schematic drawings, among which:

[0014] [Fig.1] schematically illustrates in perspective an example of a support device according to the invention in a first orientation;

[0015] [Fig.2] repeats [Fig.1] according to a second orientation;

[0016] [Fig.3] repeats [Fig.1] according to a third orientation;

[0017] [Fig.4] repeats [Fig.1] according to a fourth orientation;

[0018] [Fig.5] schematically illustrates in perspective an overall example of the support device according to the previous figures and part of a distribution module;

[0019] [Fig.6] repeats [Fig.5] in a different orientation by completing the module of distribution.

[0020] It should first be noted that the terms "first", "second", "third", ... are used only to distinguish the components concerned from each other and do not imply any order or possible importance of said components.

[0021] As illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, the invention relates to a support device 1 for a refrigerant circuit distribution module. The module is not shown in these figures; it will be described later in relation to [Fig. 5]. The invention will find applications, in particular, in the field of thermal conditioning, for example, for motor vehicles.

[0022] Said support device includes an armature 2 provided with one or more attachment zones for a body of said module and one or more zones 6a-6c for fixing said device 1 to a chassis, not shown.

[0023] In the illustrated embodiment, there are three of these mounting zones 6a-6c. They take the form of an opening formed through the frame 2 to allow passage for a fastener, such as a screw (not shown). These mounting zones 6a-6c are configured for connection to the frame in at least two directions, in particular a first and a second direction perpendicular to each other. These first and second directions are respectively illustrated by the arrows labeled X and Z in [Fig. 1]. The mounting zones are here divided into two mounting zones 6a and 6b configured for mounting in the second direction Z and a mounting zone 6c in the first direction X. In [Fig. 1], a third direction, perpendicular to the previous ones, is illustrated by the arrow labeled Y.

[0024] According to the invention, said frame 2 is made of plastic material. The device is thus lighter compared to an all-metal support. Furthermore, the use Plastic allows great freedom regarding the shape of said armature 2, since the use of plastic materials makes it possible to modify the geometry of said armature 2 by simply adapting uncomplicated tools.

[0025] Advantageously, said frame 2 is reinforced to provide said device 1 with satisfactory rigidity, in particular before assembly of said module, during transport and / or assembly. For this purpose, for example, said plastic material is reinforced.

[0026] Said plastic material comprises and / or is formed, in particular, of polypropylene (PP), advantageously fiber-reinforced. Alternatively, it comprises, among other things, polyamide (PA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), fiber-reinforced or unreinforced. Said fibers comprise and / or are formed, for example, of glass fibers.

[0027] Alternatively or cumulatively, said reinforcement 2 includes reinforcing cells 8. They have, for example, a honeycomb shape.

[0028] Preferably, said plastic material is molded. This makes it easier to manufacture.

[0029] Said reinforcement 2 comprises, for example, two longitudinal ends 10a, 10b opposite along a principal extension direction of said reinforcement 2, here the first direction X. In other words, said reinforcement 2 has a dimension in the first direction X extending more than those in the second and third directions Z and Y.

[0030] Preferably, said frame 2 defines a reservoir holder 12 forming a housing for a reservoir of said fluid. Said reservoir is illustrated in [Fig. 5] and will be discussed further below. Said housing extends along a longitudinal axis parallel to the second direction Z.

[0031] Said tank carrier 12 is located, for example, at one 10a of the first of the longitudinal ends of said frame 2. Said tank carrier 12 includes, in particular, a base 14 and / or a side wall 16.

[0032] Said side wall 16 advantageously forms a gutter. In other words, said side wall 16 has an angularly interrupted cylindrical shape, in particular a half-cylinder. The purpose here is to define an inlet passage for said reservoir into said housing.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, said side wall 16 extends from said base 14. Said base 14 has, for example, a disc shape.

[0034] Preferably, said device 1 includes an access hatch 18 to said housing, said hatch 18 being represented [Fig.1].

[0035] Said hatch 18 is advantageously removable in relation to said frame 2. In other words, it can be totally detached and removed from said frame 2.

[0036] Alternatively or cumulatively, said hatch 18 has a rotational joint relative to said side wall 16 in order to be able to pivot between a position open and closed positions. In [Fig. 1], it is shown in the closed position. It thus presents a pivot axis, here parallel to the second direction Z. An arrow labeled P illustrates its pivoting movement. This rotational articulation is achieved, for example, by means of hinges 20 originating on one side from an angular edge of said side wall 16 and, on the other side, from a first edge of said hatch 18.

[0037] Advantageously, said hatch 18 is configured to be locked onto said frame 2. For this purpose, here, on the one hand, said hatch 18 includes a transverse extension forming a foot wall 22 provided with a first locking hole. Said foot wall 22 is issued, for example, from a lower edge 23 of said hatch 18, near a second angular edge of said hatch 18, opposite said first angular edge carrying the hinges 20. By "lower" is meant located in the lower part of the hatch 18, in use, that is to say, according to the visible orientation [Fig. 1]. In other words, the lower edge 23 of said hatch 18 corresponds to the edge of the hatch 18 located closest to the base 14 of the tank holder 12. On the other hand, said frame 2 includes a flange 26 forming a radial protrusion of said side wall 16. Said flange 26 includes a second locking orifice 28 as can be seen more clearly in [Fig.2].

[0038] Advantageously, said hinges 20 and / or said flange 26 are configured to form radial stops for said tank. In other words, they extend angularly and / or tangentially the side wall 16.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, said flange 26 has a cavity 36. It extends angularly with respect to said side wall 16. Said cavity 36 is intended for connecting tubing, not shown, for circulating said refrigerant. Said flange 26 here has a notch 38 for the passage of one of said tubing into the cavity 36, substantially along said first direction X.

[0040] If we refer again to [Fig.1], we see that the said first and second locking orifices are intended to come opposite each other in a closed configuration of said hatch 18 in order to allow the passage of a locking screw 30. The said locking screw 30 is here oriented along the said second direction Z.

[0041] Said hatch 18 has reinforcing recesses 34, advantageously located on an outer face of said hatch 18. One lower face of said hatch 18 is smooth. The same is true of one inner face of the side wall 16 of the tank holder 10.

[0042] As more clearly seen in [Fig.4], said reinforcement cells 8 of the frame 2 are present, for example, at least at the level of said base 14, in particular on an underside face.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, said frame 2 comprises a base 40. Said base 40 is here provided with two 6a, 6b mounting zones to the chassis, referred to as the fixing zones by the sole. Here they correspond to the fixing zones configured for fixing along the second Z direction. The said sole 40 has opposing longitudinal edges 48a, 48b.

[0044] Said sole is advantageously reinforced. For this purpose, here, said reinforcing cells 8 of the reinforcement 2 are present at least at the level of said sole 40, in particular at the level of an underside of the latter, for example over an entire of said underside of the sole 40.

[0045] By referring to figures 1 and 2, it can be seen that an upper face of said sole 40 is, on the contrary, substantially smooth, that is to say, substantially devoid of alveoli, at least of honeycomb alveoli.

[0046] Said sole 40 has a central face 40a extending along said main extension direction of said reinforcement 2, namely said first direction X. Said reinforcement has on either side of said central face 40a along said main direction X, inclined faces 40b, 40c.

[0047] Thanks to said panels, said sole 40 has substantially an S-shaped form. A first 40b of said inclined panels is upward relative to said central panel 40a, at approximately 45°. A second 40c of said inclined panels is downward relative to said central panel 40a, at approximately 45°.

[0048] Said tank carrier 12 is advantageously derived from said base 40. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the base 14 of said tank carrier 12 is located in the extension of said downward inclined face 40c along said main extension direction X of the reinforcement 2. Here, said base 14 of the tank carrier 12 and said central face 40a of the base 40 are substantially parallel.

[0049] Said base 40 may include openings 42, 44. A first 42 of said openings is located, for example, at the level of said upward inclined panel 40b. It is substantially rectangular. It is intended to allow access to said module through said base 40.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, said base 40 includes a groove 46 for the passage of a conduit, not illustrated, for the circulation of said fluid. Said groove 46 extends, for example, along said central panel 40a and / or from said upward inclined panel 40b.

[0051] A second 44 of said openings is located along said groove 46 and / or at said downward inclined face 40c. Said groove 46 is substantially straight. It connects said first and second openings 42, 44. Said second opening 44 is intended to allow the conduit running alongside said groove 46 to pass through said base 40.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, said reinforcement 2 comprises a longitudinal wall 50. Said longitudinal wall 50 is, for example, formed from said footing 40, in particular from a first 48a of the longitudinal edges of said footing 40. Said The longitudinal wall extends here along said rising inclined panel 40b and / or a part of said central panel 40a. Said longitudinal wall 50 is advantageously reinforced, in particular by a ribbed texture 51, here located on an external face of said longitudinal wall 50, and / or by one or more reinforcing brackets 52, here located on the internal face of said longitudinal wall 50.

[0053] Advantageously, said armature 2 includes a mounting hole 54 for an electrical connector, not shown, intended to provide power to one or more control elements, also not shown, of said module. Preferably, said electrical connector is unique and provides power to all of said control elements of the module. It comprises, for this purpose, the necessary number of electrical traces, for example, up to sixteen connection traces.

[0054] Said fixing hole 54 of the electrical connector is here located on said longitudinal wall 50, in particular near an upper edge of said longitudinal wall 50. It is understood that said upper edge is opposite the first longitudinal edge 48a of the base 40.

[0055] Preferably, said frame 2 comprises a pillar 56 at the base of which is located a first 6a of said fixing zones by the base.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, said pillar 56 originates from said footing 40 and / or borders said longitudinal wall 50. Said pillar 56 is located, for example, at the level of said central panel 40a. It extends, in particular, perpendicularly to said central panel 40a.

[0057] Said pillar 56 is advantageously reinforced. For this purpose, said pillar 56 is provided, for example, with one or more internal reinforcing ribs 58.

[0058] A free end of said pillar 56 here presents a transverse extension 60 forming a first fixing hole for a connecting flange of the module body, as will be developed further below in relation to [Fig.6].

[0059] Alternatively or cumulatively, said first of said fixing zones by the sole 6a is located along said first longitudinal edge 48a and / or at the level of said central panel 40a.

[0060] Preferably, said frame 2 comprises a transverse buttress rib 62. Said buttress rib 62 is located, for example, along a second 48b of said longitudinal edges and / or at said central panel 40a. As will be more apparent in relation to [Fig. 5], said buttress rib 62 is configured to retain a heat exchanger.

[0061] Preferably, as more clearly seen [Fig.2], said reinforcement 2 here comprises angle 64. Said angle is here derived from said base 40, in particular from a first transverse edge 48c and / or the second longitudinal edge 48b of said base 40. The said first transverse edge 48c forms a free edge of the upward inclined panel 40b of the sole 40. The said angle 64 is, for example, located at the level of the said upward inclined panel 40b.

[0062] Said angle 64 is advantageously reinforced, in particular by means of said reinforcing cells 8, for example present at the level of external faces of said angle 64, as more clearly seen in figures 3 and 4.

[0063] Said angle bracket 64 here presents the first one or more of the attachment zones 4a of the module. Said first attachment zone 4a is located, for example, at the level of a first side of said angle bracket 64, said first side extending parallel to said second longitudinal edge 48b of the flange 40. Said attachment zone 4a is here configured for attachment along the third direction Y.

[0064] Cumulatively or alternatively, said angle bracket 64 has a third 6c of the chassis attachment zones, namely the attachment zone configured for attachment along the first direction X. Said third attachment zone 6c is located, for example, at a second side of said angle bracket 64, said second side extending parallel to said first transverse edge 48c.

[0065] In the illustrated embodiment, the second side of the angle bracket has a projecting bracket 66 beyond the first side. The third fixing zone 6c is located at the bracket 66. The bracket 66 is reinforced here, for example, by means of the reinforcing recesses 8. The reinforcement 2 has, alternatively or cumulatively, one or more reinforcing brackets 68 between the bracket 6 and the first side of the angle bracket 64, more clearly visible [Fig. 1]. There are two reinforcing brackets 68, located along the longitudinal edges of the bracket 66.

[0066] Preferably, said frame 2 includes a second fixing hole 69 for a connecting member, not shown, of the circulation tubing of said fluid. Said second fixing hole 69 is located, for example, in said base 40 at the foot of said angle bracket 64, in particular on the first side of said angle bracket 64.

[0067] Referring to both Figures 1 and 4, it can be seen that a second 6b of said fixing zones by the sole is here located at the foot of said tank holder 12 in an extension of its base 14. Said extension of the base 14 is, for example, connected to said downward inclined panel 40c.

[0068] Alternatively or cumulatively, said frame 2 includes a buttress 70 at the foot of which is located the second zone 6b of fixing by the sole.

[0069] In the illustrated embodiment, said stop rib 62 has an extension 72 beyond the central panel 40a to connect to said tank holder 12. Said extension 72 of the stop rib 62 forms, for example, a bead 80 (visible [Fig.3]) extending angularly around said tank holder 12. In an alternative not illustrated, said cord 80 is freely arranged along said tank holder 12.

[0070] Said buttress 70 here forms a notch in the extension 72 of said stop rib 62 and / or extends along said second direction Z beyond said stop rib 62 along said tank carrier 12.

[0071] Said buttress 70 is advantageously reinforced. For this purpose, here, said downward inclined face 40c is provided with a lateral side 74 forming a right angle between the extension 72 of said buttress rib 62 and said buttress 70.

[0072] Alternatively or cumulatively, said reinforcement 2 comprises first reinforcing walls 76 between said base 40 and said first fixing zone 6a and / or between said buttress 70 and said second fixing zone 6b.

[0073] Again cumulatively or alternatively, said frame 2 includes second reinforcing walls 78 between said side wall 16 of the tank carrier 12 and said cord 80.

[0074] From the foregoing and more generally, it is understood that the said fixing zone(s) 6a-6c to the chassis are advantageously located near a reinforcement zone formed in said frame 2, here the pillar 56, the cantilever 66 and / or the buttress 70.

[0075] Alternatively or cumulatively, said chassis attachment zones 6a-6c are preferably provided with a vibration-damping element 82, illustrated only [Fig. 1]. This consists, in particular, of a ring made of elastomeric material intended to allow the passage of a fastener such as a screw.

[0076] The said attachment zone(s), at least for the said attachment zone(s) 6a, 6b by the sole, are provided with a skirt 84 surrounding the shock-absorbing element 82, in particular an outer wall of said ring made of elastomeric material. Said skirt 84 is connected to said first reinforcing walls 76.

[0077] Advantageously, said frame 2 is provided with handling holes 86a, 86b. They serve, for example, to mount said support device in the vehicle by allowing the fingers of one or more robotic arms to manipulate it.

[0078] A first 86a of said handling ports is located, for example, at the level of said longitudinal wall 50, in particular opposite said angle 64. A second 86b of said handling ports is located at the level of said tank holder 12, in particular at the level of an extension of an upper edge of its lateral wall 16. By "upper" is meant located in the upper part of the device 1 in use, that is to say, as already stated, according to the orientation visible in [Fig.1].

[0079] As more clearly seen in [Fig.5], the invention also relates to an assembly of a distribution module 100 and a support device 1 as described above.

[0080] By way of example, such a module is intended to be integrated into a thermal conditioning system comprising a closed refrigerant circulation circuit designed to perform a thermodynamic cycle. This system includes, in particular, a refrigerant compressor and a plurality of heat exchangers and various refrigerant distribution devices in loops or branches of the circuit to ensure different operating modes of the air conditioning system. These distribution devices include, for example, shut-off valves, check valves, and / or expansion devices. All or part of these distribution devices may consist, for example, of control elements integrated into the distribution module.

[0081] The refrigerant is intended to carry out said thermodynamic cycle. It is, for example, a chemical fluid such as R1234yf. Other active fluids can also be used, such as R134a, R290, or R744.

[0082] The body 102 of said module 100 is provided with one or more refrigerant circulation channels, visible through the transparent material. Said body 102 is, for example, made of steel, aluminum and / or aluminum alloy.

[0083] In the illustrated embodiment, said module 102 extends longitudinally along said first direction X, for example said first transverse edge 48c near said tank holder 12.

[0084] Said conduits include a first collector conduit 104, or even one or more first supply conduits communicating with said first collector conduit 104. Said first collector conduit 104 is oriented, for example, along said first direction X. The said first supply conduit(s) are oriented, for example, substantially perpendicular to said first collector conduit 104. Said first collector conduit 104 is configured for circulation of said refrigerant in a low-pressure state.

[0085] Said plurality of conduits includes a second collector conduit 106, or even one or more second supply conduits communicating with said second collector conduit 106. Said second collector conduit 106 is oriented, for example, along said first direction X. The said second supply conduit(s) are oriented, for example, substantially perpendicular to said second collector conduit 104. Said second collector conduit 106 is configured for circulation of said refrigerant in a high-pressure state.

[0086] It is understood that the first and second collector conduits 104, 106 are advantageously parallel to each other. The first and / or second supply conduits are respectively transverse to the first and / or second collector conduits 104, 106.

[0087] Said body 102 further includes optionally a non-visible communication conduit between said first and second collector conduits 104, 106. Said communication conduit is, for example, transverse to said first and second collector conduits 104, 106.

[0088] Said module 100 advantageously comprises one or more of said control elements for the circulation of fluid through at least one of said manifold, supply and / or communication conduits. To facilitate reading the figure, said control elements have not been illustrated. Said body 102 here comprises housings 110 for the control element(s).

[0089] Said body 102 further includes inlets and / or outlets 108 of said refrigerant. The said collector, supply and / or communication conduit(s) exit said module 100 to be in communication with one of the inlets, one of the outlets and / or one of the housings 108, 110 of said module.

[0090] In the illustrated embodiment, said assembly further includes said heat exchanger already mentioned in connection with said stop 62. It is here designated 112. It is, for example, a stacked plate heat exchanger. It is intended for heat exchange between said refrigerant and a heat transfer fluid such as water with added antifreeze.

[0091] Advantageously, said heat exchanger 112 rests on said base 40, for example at its central face 40a. Said body 102, in particular a lower face of said body 102, is located opposite said heat exchanger 112, in particular a upper face of said heat exchanger 12.

[0092] In [Fig. 6], the distribution module is equipped with several connecting elements, including the aforementioned module connection flange, designated 200 in that figure. The module connection flange 200 here forms a connection element for a pipe, not shown, for circulating the fluid.

[0093] It can be seen that the said attachment zones 6a, 6b, 6c are advantageously located at the apex of a triangle, illustrated in dashed lines. At least two of the sides 202a, 202b of said triangle are intended to be traversed by the body 102 of said module. A center of gravity of said module may be outside said triangle.

[0094] A common vertex of said two sides 202a, 202b corresponds to the first fixing zone 6a. It is thus located near said pillar 56.

[0095] Said flange 200 for connecting to the module is fixed, on the one hand, to said support device, at the level of said pillar 56, here by a first screw 206, engaged in the transverse extension 60. Said flange 200 for connecting to the module is fixed, on the other hand, to the body 102 of said module, here by a second screw 208. Said flange 200 for connecting to the module is fixed to said module, in particular, along one of the sides of said triangle, here side 202a joining said first fixing zone 6a and said third fixing zone 6c.

[0096] In this way, the module contributes to stiffening its own support, in particular by preventing torsion that could be caused by the positioning of the module's center of gravity. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, an additional rigid connection is created between the module and the support device via the flange 200 connecting it to the module and the first and second screws 206, 208.

[0097] The first of the attachment zones 4a of the module on the support device is located near said third attachment point 6c, in particular along the side 202a joining said first attachment zone 6a and said second attachment zone 6c.

[0098] The first fixing zone 6a is on its side rigidly linked to said module by said pillar 56, possibly reinforced by its internal ribs 58, and the connecting flange 200.

[0099] Said first reinforcing walls 76 contribute to a stiffening between said first fixing zone 6a and said second fixing zone 6b.

[0100] The assembly further comprises the reservoir, designated 114, intended to be housed in the reservoir holder 12. The reservoir 114 forms, for example, a reservoir for the refrigerant, such as an accumulator or a desiccant bottle. It is substantially cylindrical. It is held in place by the reservoir holder 12 in combination with the access panel 18.

[0101] In this regard, preferably, said hatch 18 includes an axial stop 32 for said reservoir 114. Said axial stop 32 is located here at the level of an upper edge of said hatch 18. Said axial stop 32 is configured to come into contact with a peripheral edge of an upper face of said reservoir 114.

[0102] Preferably, said reservoir 114 is linked to said module 100 to help stiffen said assembly. For this purpose, here, said module 100 includes a connector 116 extending longitudinally from said body 102 to said reservoir 14. The said connector 100 connects, for example, the said first collector conduit 104 to an inlet port of the said tank 114, the said inlet port being located here on the upper face of the said tank 114.

[0103] Said tank carrier 12 thus forms a second of the attachment zones of said module, by means of said tank 114.

[0104] More generally, said module 100 forms a rigidifying spine of said support device 1. In other words, said attachment zones are advantageously positioned so that said module 100 rigidifies said frame 2.

[0105] It is further noted that, preferably, said support device 1 and / or said module 100 are preferably configured for fixing said refrigerant circulation lines from above. For this purpose, said frame 2 is configured to leave an upper face of said module 2 freely accessible. Furthermore, all or part of said refrigerant inlets and / or outlets 108 are located on said upper face of module 100.

Claims

Demands

1. Support device (1) for a refrigerant circuit distribution module (100), in particular for a motor vehicle, said module (100) comprising a body (102) having one or more refrigerant circulation channels, said support device (1) comprising a frame (2) having one or more attachment zones for said body and one or more attachment zones (6a-6c) for said device to a chassis, said frame (2) being made of plastic material.

2. Device (1) according to the preceding claim in which said reinforcement (2) comprises reinforcing cells (8).

3. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said chassis attachment zones (6a-6c) are three in number and / or are configured for attachment in at least two directions.

4. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims in which said frame (2) defines a tank holder (12) forming a housing for a tank (114) of said fluid.

5. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the chassis attachment area(s) (6a-6c) are respectively located near a reinforcement area formed in said frame (2).

6. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said attachment zones are positioned so that said module (100) stiffens said frame (2).

7. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims in which said frame (2) is provided with handling holes (86a, 86b).

8. Assembly of a distribution module (100) and a support device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

9. Assembly according to the preceding claim, taken in its connection with claim 4, said assembly further comprising said reservoir (114).

10. Assembly according to the preceding claim in which said tank (114) is linked to said module (100) to stiffen said assembly.

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