Fluid management module

Abstract

The invention relates to a fluid management module (200) for managing the circulation of a fluid between different components (131-135) of a motor vehicle, said module (200) comprising: - a substantially hollow fluid circulation housing (210) defining a plurality of fluid circulation lines, said housing (210) being provided with a plurality of fluid inlet / outlet lines (218) in fluidic communication with said plurality of fluid circulation lines, - at least one reversible pump (141, 142), - at least one check valve (151-156), and - at least one pilot-operated diaphragm (161-168), wherein said at least one reversible pump (141, 142), said at least one check valve (151-156), and said at least one pilot-operated diaphragm (161-168) are configured to define at least one specific fluid circulation circuit within said housing (210) of fluid circulation. Figure 1b

Description

Title of the invention: Fluid management module

[0001] The present invention relates to electric or hybrid vehicles and, more specifically, to the thermal management of the components of these vehicles, including the passenger compartment.

[0002] Currently, a very large proportion of vehicles worldwide run on internal combustion engines that use fossil fuels, such as gasoline. However, the use of these vehicles poses two major problems. On the one hand, fossil fuels are limited in quantity, and their restricted geographical availability leads to significant price fluctuations, often upward, which directly affects consumers. On the other hand, the combustion of these fuels is a major source of carbon dioxide emissions, thus contributing significantly to global warming. These challenges have motivated increased research into alternative drive systems for personal and commercial vehicles.

[0003] Electric vehicles appear as a promising alternative to internal combustion powertrains. However, designing an efficient and user-friendly electric powertrain raises significant thermal management challenges. This is due in particular to the specific cell configuration requirements of battery systems, as well as the need to ensure adequate heating and cooling of the passenger compartment. Current thermal management systems for electric and hybrid vehicles often have limitations in terms of efficiency or excessive complexity. For example, early generations of electric vehicles used independent thermal subsystems, each requiring specific components such as pumps, valves, or refrigeration systems, which made these approaches inefficient from an energy efficiency perspective.

[0004] To overcome these limitations, some solutions rely on integrated thermal management systems, using several heat transfer circuits sharing the same heat transfer fluid. These interconnected circuits allow heat to be transferred between high and low temperature zones. Some systems also describe more efficient solutions incorporating several cooling loops and a single heat exchanger, for example, for the battery system, the passenger compartment, and the powertrain.

[0005] However, these systems often rely on the use of electrically controlled pumps and multi-position valves to direct the heat transfer fluid. These valves require expensive actuators, which significantly increases the cost of cooling systems.

[0006] The present invention proposes an innovative fluid management module which overcomes these disadvantages, by allowing the distribution of the heat transfer fluid within a thermal management system without resorting to electrically controlled valves.

[0007] To this end, according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a fluid management module for managing the circulation of a fluid between different components of a motor vehicle, said module comprising: - a substantially hollow fluid circulation housing defining a plurality of fluid circulation lines, said housing being equipped with a plurality of fluid inlet / outlet pipes in fluidic communication with said plurality of fluid circulation lines, - at least one reversible pump, - at least one non-return valve, and - at least one pilot-operated diaphragm, wherein said at least one reversible pump, said at least one non-return valve, and said at least one pilot-operated diaphragm are configured to define at least one specific fluid circulation circuit within said fluid circulation housing, and wherein said at least one pilot-operated diaphragm comprises a flexible membrane acting as a separator between a first fluid circulation line, in which a fluid flows under a first pressure, and a second fluid circulation line, in which the fluid flows under a second pressure, and a pilot device connected to said membrane allowing the position of said membrane to be changed according to a pilot pressure, which corresponds to the fluid pressure captured by a sensing line from a predefined point along one of the fluid circulation lines,said membrane being configured to regulate the fluid flow between said first and second fluid circulation lines in response to variations in the first and second pressures and the pilot pressure.

[0008] Thus configured, the fluid management module of the invention allows the distribution of a heat transfer fluid to be controlled according to several specific circuits, each specific circuit corresponding to a preferred operating mode that optimizes heat transfer in a motor vehicle. This fluid management module has the particular advantage of not using electrically controlled valves.

[0009] According to other features, the fluid management module of the invention comprises one or more of the following optional features considered alone or in all possible combinations: - the controlled diaphragm includes elastic return means capable of returning the diaphragm, or a shutter connected to said diaphragm, to a closed position if the pilot pressure is greater than a threshold value. - the piloted diaphragm includes elastic return means capable of returning the diaphragm, or a shutter connected to the diaphragm, to a closed position if the pilot pressure is less than a threshold value.

[0010] According to a second aspect, the invention also relates to a thermal management module for an electric or hybrid vehicle, comprising a fluid management module as defined above and at least one fluid circulation line in fluidic communication with said fluid management module, said at least one fluid circulation line circulating a heat transfer fluid in at least one component of a motor vehicle.

[0011] According to other features, the thermal management module of the invention comprises one or more of the following optional features considered alone or in all possible combinations:

[0012] - the thermal management module includes: - a first main fluid circulation line circulating a heat transfer fluid within a battery unit, - a second main fluid circulation line circulating a heat transfer fluid through an engine unit and a refrigerated liquid cooler, - a third main fluid circulation line circulating a heat transfer fluid through a radiator-type heat exchanger, - a fourth main fluid circulation line circulating a heat transfer fluid through an evaporator, - a first pump capable of modifying the flow rate and direction of circulation of the heat transfer fluid in the fourth main fluid circulation line, - a second pump capable of modifying the flow rate and direction of circulation of the heat transfer fluid in the second main fluid circulation line, - a plurality of secondary fluid circulation lines connecting a plurality of connection points located on the first, second, third and fourth main fluid circulation lines, - a plurality of pilot-operated check valves and diaphragms configured to selectively block or allow the circulation of the heat transfer fluid in the main and / or secondary fluid circulation lines, such that the thermal management module can operate in at least two modes of operation, respectively a first mode of operation in which a heat transfer fluid circulates in a loop and successively in the second main fluid circulation line, the third main fluid circulation line, the fourth main fluid circulation line, the first main fluid circulation line and again in the second main fluid circulation line, and a second mode of operation in which a first heat transfer fluid circulates in a loop and successively in the first main fluid circulation line, the second main fluid circulation line and again in the first main fluid circulation line, and a second heat transfer fluid circulates in a loop and successively in the fourth main fluid circulation line, the third main fluid circulation line and again in the fourth main fluid circulation line.

[0013] - the thermal management module can operate according to a third mode of operation, in which a heat transfer fluid circulates in a loop and successively in the second main fluid circulation line, the fourth main fluid circulation line, the first main fluid circulation line and again in the second main fluid circulation line.

[0014] - the thermal management module can operate according to a fourth mode of operation, in which a first heat transfer fluid circulates in a loop and successively in the first main fluid circulation line, the fourth main fluid circulation line and again in the first main fluid circulation line, and a second heat transfer fluid circulates in a loop and successively in the third main fluid circulation line, the second main fluid circulation line and again in the third main fluid circulation line.

[0015] - the thermal management module includes an electronic control unit capable of controlling the flow rate and direction of fluid flow in the first and second pumps in order to switch from one operating mode to another.

[0016] - the thermal management module includes a first controlled diaphragm arranged along the first main fluid circulation line, the pilot pressure of said first pilot-operated diaphragm being taken from a point located along the third main fluid circulation line, a second pilot-operated diaphragm disposed along a first secondary fluid circulation line connecting a connection point located along the first main fluid circulation line to a connection point located between the third main fluid circulation line and the fourth main fluid circulation line, the pilot pressure of said second pilot-operated diaphragm being taken from a point located along the fourth main fluid circulation line, a third pilot-operated diaphragm disposed along a second secondary fluid circulation line connecting a a connection point located between the second main fluid circulation line and the third main fluid circulation line to a connection point located along the first main fluid circulation line, the pilot pressure of said third piloted diaphragm being taken from a point located along the second main fluid circulation line, a fourth piloted diaphragm disposed along a third secondary fluid circulation line connecting a connection point located along the second main fluid circulation line to a connection point located along the third main fluid circulation line, the pilot pressure of said fourth piloted diaphragm being taken from a point located between the second main fluid circulation line and the third main fluid circulation line,a fifth pilot-operated diaphragm disposed along a fourth secondary fluid circulation line connecting a connection point located along the second main fluid circulation line to a connection point located along the fourth main fluid circulation line, the pilot pressure of said fifth pilot-operated diaphragm being taken from a connection point located along the fourth main fluid circulation line, a sixth pilot-operated diaphragm disposed along a fifth secondary fluid circulation line connecting a connection point located between the first main fluid circulation line and the fourth main fluid circulation line to a connection point located along the third main fluid circulation line,the pilot pressure of said sixth pilot-operated diaphragm being taken from the connection point of the third secondary fluid circulation line to the third main line, a seventh pilot-operated diaphragm disposed along a sixth secondary fluid circulation line connecting a connection point located along the fourth main fluid circulation line to a connection point located along the fifth secondary fluid circulation line, the pilot pressure of said seventh pilot-operated diaphragm being taken from the connection point of the fourth secondary fluid circulation line to the fourth main fluid circulation line,and an eighth pilot-operated diaphragm disposed along the fourth main fluid circulation line between the connection point of the fourth secondary fluid circulation line to the fourth main fluid circulation line and the connection point of the sixth secondary fluid circulation line to the fourth main fluid circulation line, the pilot pressure of said eighth pilot-operated diaphragm being taken from the connection point of the fourth secondary fluid circulation line to the second main fluid circulation line.

[0017] - the thermal management module includes a first non-return valve arranged along the third main fluid circulation line between the point of connection of the fifth secondary fluid circulation line to the third main fluid circulation line and the connection point of the third secondary fluid circulation line to the third main fluid circulation line, a second check valve disposed along the first secondary fluid circulation line, a third check valve disposed along the second secondary fluid circulation line, a fourth check valve disposed along the third secondary fluid circulation line, a fifth check valve disposed along the fourth secondary fluid circulation line,and a sixth check valve disposed along a seventh secondary fluid circulation line forming a bypass branch of the fourth main fluid circulation line between the connection point of the fourth secondary fluid circulation line to the fourth main fluid circulation line and the connection point of the sixth secondary fluid circulation line to the fourth main fluid circulation line.

[0018] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a thermal management method using the thermal management module as defined above, said method comprising the following steps: - to measure the temperatures of several functional areas of an electric or hybrid vehicle, - analyze the need to adjust these temperatures, - select the operating mode of the thermal management module to meet these adjustment requirements, - control the flow rate and direction of circulation of at least one heat transfer fluid circulating inside the thermal management module by means of the first and second pumps in order to achieve the selected operating mode.

[0019] The invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description with reference to the attached figures representing, by way of non-limiting example, an embodiment of a fluid management module according to the invention, as well as a thermal management module implementing such a fluid management module and a controlled diaphragm usable within such a fluid management module.

[0020] [Fig.la] is a perspective view of a fluid management module according to the invention.

[0021] [Fig.lb] is a view similar to [Fig.la], but exploded.

[0022] [Fig.2a] is a top view of the central part of the module shown on the figures aa and 1b.

[0023] [Fig.2b] is a similar view to [Fig.2a], but from below.

[0024] [Fig.3] is a schematic view of a thermal management module using the fluid management module of figures 1a and 1b.

[0025] [Fig.4] is a view similar to [Fig.3], the module operating according to a first fluid circulation mode.

[0026] [Fig.5] is a view similar to [Fig.3], the module operating according to a second fluid circulation mode.

[0027] [Fig.6] is a view similar to [Fig.3], the module operating according to a third fluid circulation mode.

[0028] [Fig.7] is a view similar to [Fig.3], the module operating according to a fourth fluid circulation mode.

[0029] [Fig.8] is a cross-sectional view of a first example of a controlled diaphragm usable in the fluid management module according to the invention, the diaphragm being in a first functional state.

[0030] [Fig.9] is a view similar to [Fig.8], the diaphragm being in a second functional state.

[0031] [Fig.10] is an enlarged view of detail D shown in [Fig.9].

[0032] [Fig. 11] is a cross-sectional view of a second example of a diaphragm controlled usable in the fluid management module according to the invention, the diaphragm being in a first functional state.

[0033] [Fig. 12] is a view similar to [Fig. 11], the diaphragm being in a second functional state.

[0034] A system of X, Y, Z axes is provided in figures 1a and 1b, in which the X, Y axes define respectively a longitudinal orientation and a lateral orientation, in a horizontal plane, and the Z axis defines a vertical orientation.

[0035] In the following description, the term "a first element upstream of a second element" means that the first element is placed before the second element with respect to the direction of flow, or path, of a fluid. Similarly, the term "a first element downstream of a second element" means that the first element is placed after the second element with respect to the direction of flow, or path, of the fluid in question.

[0036] With reference to figures 1a and 1b, a fluid management module according to an embodiment of the invention is illustrated.

[0037] This module 200 includes a fluid circulation housing 210 formed by the assembly of a bottom 211, a cover 213, and a central part 212 disposed between the bottom 211 and the cover 213.

[0038] As shown in Figures 2a and 2b, the central part 212 has several internal cavities 214 extending in a vertical direction, said internal cavities 214 being delimited from each other by separating walls 215.

[0039] Furthermore, the central part 212 is surrounded by a peripheral wall 216 through which several openings 217a, 217b, 217c are cut, the openings 217a leading to fluid inlet / outlet pipes 218 attached to the housing 210, and the openings 217b, 217c leading to connection terminals 219 to which pumps 141 and 142 are connected. These pumps 141 and 142 are reversible so that they can circulate a fluid either from the opening 217b to the opening 217c, or from the opening 217c to the opening 217b.

[0040] Some of the internal cavities 214 of the housing 210 are configured to accommodate check valves 151 to 156. These check valves may include a spring that holds the valve in the closed position. The check valve opens under the pressure of a fluid flowing in a specific direction, allowing its passage. If an attempt is made to flow in the opposite direction, the valve closes automatically under the action of the spring, thus blocking the passage of the fluid.

[0041] Certain other internal cavities 214 of the housing are configured to accommodate controlled diaphragms 161 to 168. These controlled diaphragms may, in particular, include a deformable membrane that acts as a separator between a first chamber subjected to a first pressure and a second chamber subjected to a second pressure, and a control device connected to said membrane that allows its position to be changed according to a control pressure. These controlled diaphragms will be described in detail later with reference to Figures 8 to 12.

[0042] Once assembled, the housing 210 thus defines a number of flow paths for a fluid, the fluid entering or leaving the housing 210 via the inlet / outlet pipes 218 and the circulation of the fluid through the housing 210 being controlled by the check valves 151 to 156 and by the pilot-operated diaphragms 161 to 168. The circuit followed by the fluid inside the housing 210 will depend mainly on the flow rate and direction of fluid flow generated by each of the reversible pumps 141 and 142. These two parameters will notably modify the fluid pressure in the various internal cavities 214 of the housing 210, which, as explained in detail later, will influence the open and closed state of the check valves 151 to 156 and the pilot-operated diaphragms 161 to 168.

[0043] With reference to [Fig. 3], a thermal management module 100 according to an embodiment of the invention is schematically illustrated. This thermal management module 100 implements the fluid management module 200 described above.

[0044] This module 100 allows the circulation of a heat transfer fluid through several main fluid circulation lines 101 to 104 and several secondary fluid circulation lines 111 to 117, said main and secondary fluid circulation lines being connected to each other at connection points a to m. Some of these connection points have been identified on the fluid management module 200 of [Fig. 1b]. In particular, as shown in [Fig. 3], two points Connection points a and b are intended to be connected to a branch of module 100 which supplies fluid to an evaporator 135. Two connection points c and d are intended to be connected to a branch of module 100 which supplies fluid to a battery 131. Two connection points g and h are intended to be connected to a branch of module 100 which supplies fluid to a radiator 134. Two connection points f and k are intended to be connected to a branch of module 100 which supplies fluid to a motor unit 132 and a cooled liquid cooler 133.

[0045] Each connection point allows the heat transfer fluid to flow into one of the fluid circulation lines converging at that connection point. The distribution of the heat transfer fluid between the fluid circulation lines converging at a connection point is achieved by opening or closing the check valves 151 to 156 and the pilot-operated diaphragms 161 to 168 of the fluid management module 200 connected to that point. In other words, each connection point is a means of redirecting the heat transfer fluid arriving at that connection point.

[0046] The non-return valves 151 to 156 and the piloted diaphragms 161 to 168 thus allow the heat transfer fluid to be selectively directed into the different fluid circulation lines of the thermal management module 100, in order to ensure different modes of operation, as will be described later.

[0047] A first main fluid circulation line 101 extends from a connection point b to a connection point d and successively comprises the piloted diaphragm 161 disposed along a first branch of the main line 101 extending from the connection point b to a connection point c, and then the battery unit 131 disposed along a second branch of the main line 101 extending between the connection point c and the connection point d.

[0048] A second main fluid circulation line 102 extends from the connection point d to a connection point k and includes successively the pump 142 arranged along a first branch of the main line 102 extending from the connection point d to a connection point e, then the motor unit 132 and the cooled liquid cooler 133 arranged along a second branch of the main line 102 extending between the connection point e and the connection point k.

[0049] A third main fluid circulation line 103 extends from the connection point k to a connection point h and successively includes the non-return valve 151 disposed along a first branch of the main line 103 extending from the connection point k to a connection point g, then the radiator 134 arranged along a second branch of the main line 103 extending between the connection point g and the connection point h.

[0050] A fourth main fluid circulation line 104 extends from the connection point h to the connection point b and includes successively the pump 141 disposed along a first branch of the main line 104 extending from the connection point h to a connection point i, then the piloted diaphragm 168 disposed along a second branch of the main line 104 between the connection point i and a connection point a, and finally the evaporator 135 disposed along a third branch of the main line 104 extending between the connection point a and the connection point b.

[0051] A first secondary fluid circulation line 111 extends from the connection point c to the connection point h and includes successively the piloted diaphragm 162 and the non-return valve 152.

[0052] A second secondary fluid circulation line 112 extends from the connection point k to the connection point c and includes successively the non-return valve 153 and the piloted diaphragm 163.

[0053] A third secondary fluid circulation line 113 extends from the connection point f to the connection point g and includes successively the non-return valve 154 and the piloted diaphragm 164.

[0054] A fourth secondary fluid circulation line 114 extends from the connection point e to the connection point a and includes successively the piloted diaphragm 165 and the non-return valve 155.

[0055] A fifth secondary fluid circulation line 115 extends from the connection point b to the connection point j and includes the piloted diaphragm 166.

[0056] A sixth secondary fluid circulation line 116 extends from the connection point i to a connection point m located along the fifth secondary fluid circulation line 115, downstream of the piloted diaphragm 166 when the fluid flows from the connection point b to the connection point j. The sixth secondary fluid circulation line 116 includes the piloted diaphragm 167.

[0057] A seventh secondary fluid circulation line 117 forms a branch off the second branch of the fourth main line 104 and includes the check valve 156.

[0058] The pumps 141 and 142 are reversible so as to allow the flow rate and direction of circulation of the heat transfer fluid to be changed respectively in the fourth main fluid circulation line 104 and in the second main fluid circulation line 102. Such reversible pumps are called peripheral pumps, also known as regenerative pumps. This type of pump uses a wheel with many radial blades mounted on a shaft that can rotate in two opposite directions of rotation, each direction of rotation corresponding to a specific direction of fluid flow.

[0059] The module 100 may advantageously include at least one electronic control unit (not shown) capable of controlling motors equipping the pumps 141, 142 so that the flow rate and direction of fluid circulation in said pumps 141, 142 can be modified to meet the vehicle's thermal requirements. Depending on the adjustments made by the electronic control unit, the module 100 can thus switch from one fluid circulation mode to another.

[0060] Each of the check valves 151 to 156 is configured, in the fluid flow line where it is located, to block the passage of fluid when the fluid flows in a first direction of flow, the check valve being in a closed state, and to allow the passage of fluid when the fluid flows in a second direction of flow, the check valve being in an open state. In Figures 3 to 7, these check valves 151 to 156 are represented by a solid circle surmounted by an inverted V-shaped cap.

[0061] Each of the pilot-operated diaphragms 161 to 168 can be configured, in the fluid circulation line where it is located, either to block the flow of fluid when a pilot pressure exceeds a threshold value and to allow the flow of fluid when this pilot pressure is below this threshold value, or, conversely, to allow the flow of fluid when the pilot pressure exceeds a threshold value and to block the flow of fluid when this pilot pressure is below this threshold value. This pilot pressure is transmitted to the diaphragm via a sensing line that can sense the fluid pressure from a predefined point along one of the main or secondary fluid circulation lines of the thermal management module. This sensing line can, for example, be a conduit thinner than the pipes in which the heat transfer fluid circulates.

[0062] Thus, the pilot pressure of the pilot diaphragm 161 is taken from the connection point g. The pilot pressure of the pilot diaphragm 162 is taken from the connection point a. The pilot pressure of the pilot diaphragm 163 is taken from the connection point f. The pilot pressure of the pilot diaphragm 164 is taken from the connection point k. The pilot pressure of the pilot diaphragm 165 is taken from the connection point i. The pilot pressure of the pilot diaphragm 166 is taken from the connection point g. The pilot pressure of the pilot diaphragm 167 is taken from the connection point a. The pilot pressure of the pilot diaphragm 168 is taken from the connection point e.

[0063] An example of a pilot-operated diaphragm 10 is shown in Figures 8 and 9. This diaphragm 10 comprises a lower portion 11 and an upper portion 13, said lower and upper portions surrounding and being connected to an intermediate portion 12. The portions 11 to 13 are configured to form within the diaphragm 10 a first fluid circulation line L1, in which a fluid flows under a first pressure PI, a second fluid circulation line L2, in which the fluid flows under a second pressure P2, and a collection line Le, which is subjected to a pilot pressure Pd. Between the upper portion 13 and the intermediate portion 12, a flexible membrane 14 is disposed. This membrane 14 has a substantially annular outer edge 144 which is compressed between the upper portion 13 and the intermediate portion 12 of the diaphragm 10.This annular edge 144 is connected to a central circular area 143 of the membrane 14 via a deformable intermediate wall 145. Thus arranged, the membrane 14 forms a separator between an internal chamber 17 formed inside the upper part 13 and a main conduit 18 formed by the junction between the first and second fluid circulation lines L1 and L2. As shown in [Fig. 10], the membrane 14 is configured to define, with the upper part 13, a fluidic channel 19 at the level of the annular edge 144, said fluidic channel 19 providing fluidic communication between the internal chamber 17 and the collection line Le, so that the internal chamber 17 is subjected to the pressure Pd. A control device consisting of a piston 16 connected to the diaphragm 14 and a spring 15 disposed between the piston 16 and an internal wall of the upper part 13 allows the position of the diaphragm 14 to be changed according to the pressure Pd prevailing in the internal chamber 17.

[0064] When the pressure Pd is below a threshold value, the stress exerted by the spring 15 on the piston 16 is less than the thrust exerted by the fluid contained in the internal chamber 17, as shown in [Fig. 8], in which the piston 16 and the diaphragm 14 are moved away from an upper edge 122 of an annular section 121 of the intermediate part 12, said annular section 121 forming the junction between the first fluid circulation line L1 and the second fluid circulation line L2. In this position, a fluid can therefore flow from the first fluid circulation line L1 to the second fluid circulation line L2.

[0065] When the pressure Pd exceeds the threshold value, the spring 15 is configured to exert a force on the piston 16 so as to return it elastically to a closed position, so that the piston 16 moves closer to the upper edge 122 of the annular section 121 until the central area 143 of the diaphragm 14 comes into contact with said upper edge 122, as shown in [Fig. 9]. In this closed position, a fluid can therefore no longer flow from the first fluid circulation line L1 to the second fluid circulation line L2.

[0066] Furthermore, the fluid circulating in the fluid circulation lines L1 and L2 also exerts a pressure on the membrane 14 tending to move it away from the upper edge 122. It is therefore clear that, by varying the pressures PI and P2 of the fluid in the fluid circulation lines L1 and L2, it is possible to vary the position of the membrane 14.

[0067] The membrane 14 under the action of the pilot device is therefore configured to regulate the fluid flow between the first and second fluid circulation lines L1 and L2 in response to variations in the first and second pressures PI and P2, and in the pilot pressure Pd.

[0068] The controlled diaphragm 10 shown in Figures 8 and 9 is obviously only one possible embodiment; other embodiments are conceivable without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the shape or position of the various constituent elements of this diaphragm may vary. Thus, in another embodiment, it will be possible to position the spring 15 so that it exerts a force on the piston 16 tending to move it away from the upper edge 122.

[0069] In another embodiment shown in Figures 11 and 12, the controlled diaphragm 10 differs from that described above in that the junction between the fluid flow lines L1 and L2 is defined by a circular opening 123 formed in a partition wall 121 of the intermediate part 12, said opening 123 being closed by a shutter 21 integral with the piston 16 in a closed position illustrated in [Fig. 11] so that no fluid can flow from the first fluid flow line L1 to the second fluid flow line L2. Furthermore, a compression spring 15', disposed between the lower part 11 and the shutter 21, is configured to exert a force on the shutter 21 so as to return it elastically to this closed position.

[0070] As long as the pressure Pd in ​​the internal chamber 17 is less than a threshold value, the stress exerted by the spring 15' on the shutter assembly 21-piston 16 is greater than the thrust exerted by the fluid contained in the internal chamber 17 and the shutter 21 remains in contact with the wall 121, as shown in [Fig. 1 1].

[0071] When the pressure Pd in ​​the internal chamber 17 is greater than the threshold value, the thrust exerted by the fluid contained in the internal chamber 17 is greater than the stress exerted by the spring 15' on the shutter 21-piston 16 assembly and, as shown in [Fig. 12], the shutter 21 has moved away from the wall 121. In this position, a fluid can therefore flow from the first fluid circulation line L1 to the second fluid circulation line L2.

[0072] In another embodiment, it will be possible to position the spring 15' so that it exerts a constraint on the shutter 21-piston 16 assembly tending to move it away from the wall 121. In this case, the closing position of the shutter 21 will be reached when the pressure Pd in ​​the internal chamber 17 is less than a threshold value.

[0073] The thermal management module 100 described above can operate in numerous modes, in which one or more heat transfer fluids follow well-defined paths through the module's primary and secondary fluid circulation lines. Some of these modes will be described below and illustrated in Figures 4 to 7. In these figures, the lines or portions of lines in which a heat transfer fluid flows are shown with thick lines. The lines or portions of lines in which the heat transfer fluid does not flow are shown with thin lines.

[0074] According to a first mode of operation of the thermal management module 100, shown in [Fig.4], a heat transfer fluid circulates in a loop and successively in the second main fluid circulation line 102, the third main fluid circulation line 103, the fourth main fluid circulation line 104, the first main fluid circulation line 101 and again in the second main fluid circulation line 102.

[0075] According to a second operating mode of the thermal management module 100, shown in [Fig.5], a first heat transfer fluid circulates in a loop and successively in the first main fluid circulation line 101, the second secondary fluid circulation line 112, the second main fluid circulation line 102 and again in the first main fluid circulation line 101, and a second heat transfer fluid circulates in a loop and successively in the fourth main fluid circulation line 104, the fifth secondary fluid circulation line 115, the third main fluid circulation line 103 and again in the fourth main fluid circulation line 104.

[0076] According to a third operating mode of the thermal management module 100, shown in [Fig.6], a heat transfer fluid circulates in a loop and successively in the second main fluid circulation line 102, a portion of the third main fluid circulation line 103, the fifth secondary fluid circulation line 115, a portion of the fourth main fluid circulation line 104, the first secondary fluid circulation line 111, the first main fluid circulation line 101 and again in the second main fluid circulation line 102.

[0077] According to a fourth operating mode of the thermal management module 100, shown in the [Fig.7], a first heat transfer fluid circulates in a loop and successively in the first main fluid circulation line 101, a portion of the fourth main fluid circulation line 104, the fourth secondary fluid circulation line 114, and again in the first main fluid circulation line 101, and a second heat transfer fluid circulates in a loop and successively in a first portion of the third main fluid circulation line 103, a portion of the fifth secondary fluid circulation line 115, the sixth secondary fluid circulation line 116, a second portion of the third main fluid circulation line 103, the third secondary fluid circulation line 113, the second main fluid circulation line 102 and again in the first portion of the third main fluid circulation line 103.

[0078] These different operating modes can be obtained by appropriately controlling the flow rate and direction of fluid circulation in the pumps 101 and 102, so as to induce a specific pressure in each of the main lines 101 to 104 and the secondary lines 11117 of fluid circulation of the module 100. This will therefore generate a pressure distribution at each connection point a to m of the module 100. This distribution will cause either the opening or closing of the check valves 151 to 156 and the pilot-operated diaphragms 161 to 168.

[0079] In particular, the first operating mode of module 100, shown in [Fig.4], is obtained in the following manner: i. Before starting pumps 141 and 142, diaphragms 161, 162, 164, 165, 167, and 168 are held closed in the absence of pilot pressure. Diaphragm 166 is held open in the absence of pilot pressure. Diaphragm 163 is floating. Check valves 151 to 156 are held closed. ii. Pumps 141 and 142 are started respectively according to the direction of circulation from connection point h to connection point i for pump 141 and from connection point d to connection point e for pump 142. iii. Pump 141 creates a vacuum in branch g / h, and pump 142 creates an overpressure in branch e / f / k / j / m / b / a. Since these pressures are higher than the activation thresholds of the check valves, valve 151 will then open. iv. Consequently, the pressure at connection point i, downstream of pump 141, becomes greater than that at connection point a, connected upstream of the same pump, due to the initial opening of diaphragm 166 creating the connection j / m / b / a. As a result, the valve 156 opens, transmitting the overpressure from the connection point i to the connection points a and b. v. The diaphragm 166, having low pressures P2 and Pd, and a high pressure PI which exceeds the spring preload, closes, closing the m / b branch. vi. At the same time, the diaphragm 161, finding itself with a low pressure Pd and a high pressure PI which exceeds the spring preload despite the depression PI, opens. vii. The assembly therefore allows the establishment of a fluid flow along a loop e / f / k / j / g / h / i / a / b / c / d / e.

[0080] The second operating mode of module 100, shown in [Fig. 5], is obtained as follows: i. Before starting pumps 141 and 142, diaphragms 161, 162, 164, 165, 167, and 168 are held closed in the absence of pilot pressure. Diaphragm 166 is held open in the absence of pilot pressure. Diaphragm 163 is floating. Check valves 151 to 156 are held closed. ii. Pumps 141 and 142 are started respectively according to the direction of circulation from connection point h to connection point i and a zero flow rate for pump 141 and from connection point e to connection point d and a high flow rate for pump 142. iii. Pump 142 creates overpressure at connection points d and c, and a vacuum at connection point e. iv. In the initial state, when the pumps are stopped, the branch e / f / k / j / m / b / a being open, the depression propagates there; as a result, the diaphragm 163 opens, allowing the establishment of a flow along the loop d / c / k / f / e. v. At the same time, the g / h / i branch cannot have its pressure differ significantly from the e / f / k / j / m / b / a branch, the opposite case triggering a rebalancing by the valve 151 or 156. As a result, the diaphragms 162, 167, 165, and 161 controlled respectively by points a, i and g will follow their prestresses: the b / c, i / m, h / c and a / e branches therefore remain closed, and the b / m branch remains open. vi. Similarly, branch f / g is closed by diaphragm 164. If the flow rate of pump 141 increases until it counterbalances the activation pressures of valves 151 and 156, the flow of pump 141 is then established in loop i / a / b / m / j / g / h. vii. The assembly therefore allows the establishment of a fluid flow along a first loop d / c / k / f / e and a second loop i / a / b / m / j / g / h.

[0081] The thermal management module 100 as described above can thus be fitted to an electric or hybrid vehicle in order to adapt the circulation of a heat transfer fluid through various components of said vehicle according to the thermal needs of this vehicle.

[0082] The thermal management module 100 could, for example, be implemented within a comprehensive vehicle thermal management system using temperature sensors on specific vehicle components. The operation of this system could include, for example, several actions, including:

[0083] - the temperature measurement of several functional areas of the vehicle by means of temperature sensors,

[0084] - the analysis of the needs for adjusting the measured temperatures,

[0085] - the selection of the operating mode of the thermal management module allowing to meet the adjustment needs,

[0086] - control of the flow rate and direction of circulation of one or more heat transfer fluids circulating inside the thermal management module by means of the thermal management module pumps in order to achieve the selected operating mode.

Claims

Demands

1. A fluid management module (200) for managing the circulation of a fluid between different components (131-135) of a motor vehicle, said module (200) comprising: - a substantially hollow fluid circulation housing (210) defining a plurality of fluid circulation lines, said housing (210) being provided with a plurality of fluid inlet / outlet lines (218) in fluidic communication with said plurality of fluid circulation lines, - at least one reversible pump (141, 142), - at least one check valve (151-156), and - at least one pilot-operated diaphragm (161-168), wherein said at least one reversible pump (141, 142), said at least one check valve (151-156), and said at least one pilot-operated diaphragm (161-168) are configured to define at least one specific fluid circulation circuit within said housing (210) of fluid circulation,and wherein said at least one pilot-operated diaphragm (161-168) comprises a flexible membrane (14) acting as a separator between a first fluid circulation line (L1), in which a fluid flows under a first pressure (P1), and a second fluid circulation line (L2), in which the fluid flows under a second pressure (P2), and a pilot device (15, 16; 15', 16, 21) connected to said membrane (14) allowing the position of said membrane (14) to be modified as a function of a pilot pressure (Pd), which corresponds to the fluid pressure captured by a sensing line (Le) from a predefined point (a, e, f, g, i, k) along one of the fluid circulation lines, said membrane (14) being configured to regulate the fluid flow between said first and second fluid circulation lines (L1, L2) in response to variations in the first and second pressures (P1, P2) and pilot pressure (Pd).

2. Fluid management module (200) according to claim 1, characterized in that the piloted diaphragm (10) comprises elastic return means (15, 15') capable of returning the diaphragm (14), or a shutter (21) connected to said diaphragm (14), to a position of closure if the pilot pressure (Pd) is greater than a threshold value.

3. Fluid management module (200) according to claim 1, characterized in that the piloted diaphragm (10) includes elastic return means (15, 15') capable of returning the diaphragm (14), or a shutter (21) connected to the diaphragm (14), to a closed position if the pilot pressure (Pd) is less than a threshold value.

4. Thermal management module (100) for an electric or hybrid vehicle, comprising a fluid management module (200) according to any one of the preceding claims and at least one fluid circulation line in fluidic communication with said fluid management module (200), said at least one fluid circulation line circulating a heat transfer fluid in at least one component (131-135) of a motor vehicle.

5. Thermal management module (100) according to claim 4, said module (100) comprising: - a first main fluid circulation line (101) circulating a heat transfer fluid in a battery unit (131), - a second main fluid circulation line (102) circulating a heat transfer fluid in a motor unit (132) and a chilled liquid cooler (133), - a third main fluid circulation line (103) circulating a heat transfer fluid in a radiator-type heat exchanger (134), - a fourth main fluid circulation line (104) circulating a heat transfer fluid in an evaporator (135), - a first pump (141) capable of modifying the flow rate and direction of circulation of the heat transfer fluid in the fourth main fluid circulation line (104),- a second pump (142) capable of modifying the flow rate and direction of circulation of the heat transfer fluid in the second main fluid circulation line (102), - a plurality of secondary fluid circulation lines (111-117) connecting a plurality of connection points (ak) located on the first, second, third and fourth main fluid circulation lines (101-104), - a plurality of non-return valves (151-156) and pilot-operated diaphragms (161-168) configured to selectively block or allow the circulation of the heat transfer fluid in the main (101-104) and / or secondary (111-117) fluid circulation lines, such that the thermal management module (100) can operate in at least two modes of operation, respectively a first mode of operation in which a heat transfer fluid circulates in a loop and successively in the second main (102) fluid circulation line, the third main (103) fluid circulation line, the fourth main (104) fluid circulation line, the first main (101) fluid circulation line and again in the second main (102) fluid circulation line,and a second mode of operation in which a first heat transfer fluid circulates in a loop and successively in the first main fluid circulation line (101), the second main fluid circulation line (102) and again in the first main fluid circulation line (101), and a second heat transfer fluid circulates in a loop and successively in the fourth main fluid circulation line (104), the third main fluid circulation line (103) and again in the fourth main fluid circulation line (104).

6. Thermal management module (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that it can operate according to a third mode of operation, in which a heat transfer fluid circulates in a loop and successively in the second main fluid circulation line (102), the fourth main fluid circulation line (104), the first main fluid circulation line (101) and again in the second main fluid circulation line (102).

7. Thermal management module (100) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that it can operate according to a fourth operating mode, in which a first heat transfer fluid circulates in a loop and successively in the first main fluid circulation line (101), the fourth main fluid circulation line (104) and again in the first main fluid circulation line (101), and a second heat transfer fluid circulates in a loop and successively in the third main line

8.

9. (103) fluid circulation, the second main line (102) of fluid circulation and again in the third main line (102) of fluid circulation. Thermal management module (100) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that it comprises an electronic control unit capable of controlling the flow rate and direction of fluid circulation of the first and second pumps (141, 142) so as to switch from one operating mode to another. Thermal management module (100) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that it comprises a first piloted diaphragm (161) disposed along the first main fluid circulation line (101), the pilot pressure of said first piloted diaphragm (161) being taken from a point (g) located along the third main fluid circulation line (103), a second piloted diaphragm (162) disposed along a first secondary fluid circulation line (111) connecting a connection point (c) located along the first main fluid circulation line (101) to a connection point (h) located between the third main fluid circulation line (103) and the fourth main fluid circulation line (104), the pilot pressure of said second piloted diaphragm (162) being taken from a point (a) located along the fourth main fluid circulation line (104),a third pilot-operated diaphragm (163) disposed along a second secondary fluid circulation line (112) connecting a connection point (k) located between the second main fluid circulation line (102) and the third main fluid circulation line (103) to a connection point (c) located along the first main fluid circulation line (101), the pilot pressure of said third pilot-operated diaphragm (163) being taken from a point (f) located along the second main fluid circulation line (102), a fourth pilot-operated diaphragm (164) disposed along a third secondary fluid circulation line (113) connecting a connection point (f) located along the second main fluid circulation line (102) to a connection point (g) located along the third main fluid circulation line (103),the pilot pressure of said fourth piloted diaphragm (164) being captured from a point (k) located between the second, main fluid circulation line (102) and the third main fluid circulation line (103), a fifth piloted diaphragm (165) disposed along a fourth secondary fluid circulation line (114) connecting a connection point (e) located along the second main fluid circulation line (102) to a connection point (a) located along the fourth main fluid circulation line (104), the pilot pressure of said fifth piloted diaphragm (165) being taken from a connection point (i) located along the fourth main fluid circulation line (104),a sixth pilot-operated diaphragm (166) disposed along a fifth secondary fluid circulation line (115) connecting a connection point (b) located between the first main fluid circulation line (101) and the fourth main fluid circulation line (104) to a connection point (j) located along the third main fluid circulation line (103), the pilot pressure of said sixth pilot-operated diaphragm (166) being taken from the connection point (g) of the third secondary fluid circulation line (113) on the third main line (103), a seventh pilot-operated diaphragm (167) disposed along a sixth secondary fluid circulation line (116) connecting a connection point (i) located along the fourth main fluid circulation line (104) to a connection point (m) located along the fifth secondary fluid circulation line (115),the pilot pressure of said seventh pilot-operated diaphragm (167) being taken from the connection point (a) of the fourth secondary fluid circulation line (114) to the fourth main fluid circulation line (104), and an eighth pilot-operated diaphragm (168) disposed along the fourth main fluid circulation line (104) between the connection point (a) of the fourth secondary fluid circulation line (114) to the fourth main fluid circulation line (104) and the connection point (i) of the sixth secondary fluid circulation line (116) to the fourth main fluid circulation line (104), the pilot pressure of said eighth pilot-operated diaphragm (168) being taken from the connection point (e) of the fourth secondary fluid circulation line (114) to the second main fluid circulation line (102).

10. Thermal management module (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises a first check valve (151) disposed along the third main fluid circulation line (103) between the connection point (j) of the fifth secondary fluid circulation line (115) on the third main fluid circulation line (103) and the connection point (g) of the third secondary fluid circulation line (113) on the third main fluid circulation line (103), a second check valve (152) disposed along the first secondary fluid circulation line (111), a third check valve (153) disposed along the second secondary fluid circulation line (112), a fourth check valve (154) disposed along the third secondary fluid circulation line (113),a fifth check valve (155) disposed along the fourth secondary fluid circulation line (114), and a sixth check valve (156) disposed along a seventh secondary fluid circulation line (117) forming a branch of the fourth main fluid circulation line (104) between the connection point (a) of the fourth secondary fluid circulation line (114) on the fourth main fluid circulation line (104) and the connection point (i) of the sixth secondary fluid circulation line (116) on the fourth main fluid circulation line (104).

11. A thermal management method using the thermal management module (100) according to any one of claims 5 to 10, said method comprising the following steps: - measuring the temperatures of several functional zones of an electric or hybrid vehicle, - analyzing the adjustment requirements of said temperatures, - selecting the operating mode of the thermal management module (100) enabling the fulfillment of said adjustment requirements, - controlling the flow rate and direction of circulation of at least one heat transfer fluid circulating inside the thermal management module (100) by means of the first and second pumps (141, 142) so as to achieve the selected operating mode.

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