Device for regulating the flow of a fluid, fluid circulation module comprising a circulation unit and such a device for regulating the flow of a fluid, and thermal conditioning system comprising such a fluid circulation module

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for regulating the flow of a fluid, such as a refrigerant fluid, in particular for a fluid circulation module of a thermal conditioning system of a vehicle, in particular of a motor vehicle, the regulating device (1) being intended to be integrated into a duct (20) of a fluid circulation unit (100, 150, 160), the regulating device comprising a valve body (11) which extends along an X-axis and through which the fluid is able to circulate, the valve body (11) being able to bear axially against a bearing element (21) of the duct, the regulating device (1) being characterised in that it includes a holding element (15) able to allow the fluid to pass, the holding element (15) being able to be screwed into the duct (20) in order to hold the valve body (11) against the bearing element (21).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Title of the invention: DEVICE FOR REGULATING THE FLOW OF A FLUID, FLUID CIRCULATION MODULE COMPRISING A CIRCULATION UNIT AND SUCH A DEVICE FOR REGULATING THE FLOW OF A FLUID AND THERMAL CONDITIONING SYSTEM COMPRISING SUCH A FLUID CIRCULATION MODULE.

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of vehicle thermal conditioning systems, in particular for motor vehicles. Such systems make it possible to achieve thermal regulation of different parts of the vehicle, such as for example the passenger compartment or an electrical energy storage battery, in the case of an electrically powered vehicle. Heat exchanges are managed in particular by the compression and expansion of a refrigerant fluid and take place at the level of different heat exchangers making it possible to ensure heating or cooling of different parts of the vehicle.

[0004] Thermal conditioning systems include thermal management components such as pumps or compressors, valves, heat exchangers, and components for temperature control. Circulation units such as blocks, such as valve blocks, or manifolds or circulation cylinders are also provided, which incorporate one or more conduits, guiding a fluid and fluidically connecting the thermal management components to each other.

[0005] The development of CO2-based refrigerant loops such as R-744 requires adapting the fluid circuit and its components to the high pressures involved with such a fluid.

[0006] The invention aims to provide a solution to improve the situation regarding the integration of valves.

[0007] To this end, the present invention relates to a device for regulating the flow of a fluid, such as a refrigerant fluid, in particular for a fluid circulation module of a vehicle thermal conditioning system, in particular an automobile, the regulation device being intended to be integrated into a conduit of a fluid circulation unit, the regulation device comprising a valve body extending along an axis X and through which the fluid is able to circulate, the valve body being able to come into axial abutment against a support element of the conduit. The regulation device comprises a holding element able to allow the fluid to pass, the holding element being able to be screwed inside the conduit to keep the valve body in abutment against the support element.

[0008] The device may include at least one of the features listed below:

[0009] - Advantageously, the holding element comprises a thread capable of cooperating with a tapping provided inside the conduit.

[0010] - Advantageously, the holding element comprises an imprint capable of engaging in rotation with a complementary imprint of a screwing tool for screwing the holding element inside the conduit.

[0011] - Advantageously, the holding element comprises a holding ring inside which the fluid can flow. The fluid can flow into the internal opening of the holding ring.

[0012] - According to one embodiment, the retaining ring can bear against the valve body.

[0013] - According to one embodiment, the thread is provided on the external contour of the retaining ring.

[0014] - According to one embodiment, the imprint is formed by the internal contour of the retaining ring.

[0015] - According to one embodiment, the internal contour of the holding element has a non-circular shape so as to be able to engage in a rotationally integral manner with a screwing tool for screwing the holding element inside the conduit, the internal contour having for example a triangle, square, pentagon, or hexagon shape.

[0016] - According to one embodiment, the retaining ring can thus be a retaining nut with external thread.

[0017] - According to one embodiment, the valve body and the holding element, in particular the holding ring, are integral with each other. In other words, the holding element may be formed in one piece with at least part of the valve body. In other words, the regulating device comprises a valve comprising the valve body and the holding element is integrated into this valve.

[0018] - According to one embodiment, the retaining ring extends the valve body or is capable of coming to bear against the valve body.

[0019] - According to one embodiment, the regulating device comprises a valve comprising the valve body, and the holding element is a ring separate from the valve body. - According to one embodiment, the fluid being able to flow radially inside the ring.

[0020] - According to one embodiment, the regulating device comprises a seal capable of preventing the fluid from bypassing the valve radially outside the valve body when the regulating device is arranged inside the conduit.

[0021] - According to one embodiment, the holding element, in particular the holding ring, in particular the holding ring, comprises an annular groove capable of receiving the seal.

[0022] - According to one embodiment, the seal is arranged so as to be pressed axially between the valve body and the holding element, in particular the holding ring.

[0023] - According to one embodiment, the regulating device comprises a plug capable of blocking an opening of the circulation unit communicating with the conduit and through which the valve body and the holding element are introduced. For example, the conduit opens outside the circulation unit at this opening, when the plug is removed.

[0024] - According to one embodiment, the cap is integrated into the holding element. In other words, the cap and the holding element are integral with each other.

[0025] - According to one embodiment, the holding element can be formed in one piece with the stopper.

[0026] - According to one embodiment, the holding element is formed in one piece with the plug and the valve body, at least in part. In other words, the valve body, the holding element and the plug form a sub-assembly so that they are inserted together, or integrally, into the conduit. In other words, the plug is integrated into the holding element which is integrated into the valve.

[0027] - According to one embodiment, the cap and the holding element are formed on separate parts. In other words, the cap and the holding element are separate parts.

[0028] - According to one embodiment, the diameter of the retaining ring is greater than the diameter of the valve body.

[0029] - Advantageously, a movable member, in particular axially, is arranged inside the valve body, to prevent, authorize or regulate the flow of fluid inside the valve body.

[0030] - According to one embodiment, the valve body may be composed of several parts. According to one embodiment, it groups together the fixed parts of the valve. - According to one embodiment, the X axis is an axis of revolution of the valve body.

[0031] - According to one embodiment, the holding element is configured to be mounted centered on the X axis.

[0032] - According to one embodiment, the regulation device is a non-return valve device.

[0033] - Advantageously, the seal is an annular or O-ring seal.

[0034] The invention also relates to a fluid circulation module for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, the fluid circulation module comprising a fluid circulation unit, the circulation unit comprising a conduit capable of circulating a fluid and a regulation device as mentioned previously.

[0035] The traffic module may include at least one of the features listed below:

[0036] According to one embodiment, the circulation unit comprises an opening communicating on the one hand with the exterior and on the other hand with the conduit (when it is not blocked by the plug).

[0037] According to one embodiment, the regulation device is arranged at least partly in the duct of the module,

[0038] According to one embodiment, the conduit of the module comprises a support element against which the valve body bears axially,

[0039] According to one embodiment, the conduit further comprises a thread cooperating with the thread of the holding element so as to keep the valve body pressed against the support element,

[0040] According to one embodiment, the regulating device comprises a plug obstructing the opening of the circulation unit.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the circulation unit comprises a groove located axially set back relative to the support element, the seal being arranged in the groove.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the groove, in other words the seal, can be arranged radially inside or outside the support element.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the seal is arranged so as to be compressed as the holding element is screwed towards the support element of the conduit, the seal being for example arranged axially between the support element and the valve body, and / or axially between the holding element and the valve body. According to one embodiment, the opening and the conduit are coaxial.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the plug closes the opening of the circulation unit communicating with the conduit.

[0045] The invention also relates to a thermal conditioning system comprising at least one heat exchanger, for example two, three or four heat exchangers, and at least one circulation module as mentioned above.

[0046] The thermal conditioning system may include at least one of the features listed below:

[0047] According to one embodiment, at least one of the exchangers is in fluid communication with the conduit of the circulation unit,

[0048] According to one embodiment, the circulation unit is a valve block or a support unit or a hollow housing,

[0049] According to one embodiment, the circulation unit is a valve block or a support unit supporting at least one of the heat exchangers.

[0050] Other advantages and characteristics of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description, given for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, and the appended drawings in which:

[0051] [Fig.1] is a schematic sectional view of the state of the art

[0052] [Fig.2] is a schematic sectional view according to a first embodiment

[0053] [Fig.3] is an exploded schematic 3D view of the first embodiment

[0054] [Fig.4] is a schematic perspective view of a two-plate circulation unit incorporating a fluid control device.

[0055] [Fig.5] is a 3D schematic and cutaway view of a valve block incorporating a fluid control device.

[0056] [Fig.6] is a 3D schematic view of the valve block of Figure 5.

[0057] [Fig.7] is a 3D schematic view of a hollow housing incorporating a fluid control device.

[0058] [Fig.8] is a schematic sectional view of the hollow housing of Fig.7. [Fig.9] is a schematic sectional view of another embodiment.

[0059] [Fig.10] is a schematic sectional view of another embodiment.

[0060] [Fig.11] is a schematic sectional view of another embodiment.

[0061] [Fig.12] is a schematic sectional view of another embodiment.

[0062] [Fig.13] is a schematic sectional view of another embodiment.

[0063] [Fig.14] is a schematic example of a circuit capable of integrating a control device, a circulation module integrating the control device, or a conditioning system integrating this module.

[0064] Although the invention is not limited to the integration of a so-called non-return valve allowing the circulation of fluid in one direction only, the schematic embodiments relate to this type of valve. In the context of a non-return valve, the terms upstream and downstream are chosen with reference to the direction of circulation allowed by the valve.

[0065] Figure 1 shows a schematic section of a known assembly of a valve 10 in a conduit 20. The valve 10 is axially supported against a support element 21 of the conduit 20. This support element 21 is a shoulder made inside the conduit 20. This shoulder corresponds to a change in diameter of the conduit 20. On the other side of the valve 10, to keep it axially in position, an elastic ring ("snap ring" in English) is deformed to be introduced into the conduit 20 then released at a groove 22 of the conduit 20. The valve 10 is thus wedged axially between the shoulder 21 and the elastic ring 22. Such an arrangement is not easy to disassemble and reassemble and cannot withstand high fluid pressures such as those encountered with R744 type refrigerants.

[0066] A first embodiment of the invention is presented in Figures 2 and 3. A device 1 for regulating the flow of a fluid is integrated into a fluid circulation unit 100 of a motor vehicle. Such a circulation unit 100 may be composed of forged, cast or stamped parts and then machined if necessary. According to the first embodiment, the circulation unit 100 comprises two plates 110 and 120 superimposed face to face on each other along a plane P. The first plate 110 has cavities 111 delimiting with the second plate 120 channels 130 for circulation of the fluid. In other words, circulation channels 130 are formed between the two plates 110, 120 of the circulation unit 100. Another conduit 20 perpendicular to the plane P is provided in the first plate 110. This conduit is made in a protrusion 114 of the first plate 110. The regulation device 1 is inserted into this conduit 20.In this first embodiment, the regulating device 1 is mainly composed of a non-return valve 10 and a retaining ring 15.

[0067] The valve 10 comprises a valve body 11 extending along an axis X inside which the fluid can flow inside an internal conduit 18. A movable member 12, axially movable, is arranged inside the valve body 11 and is capable of closing the internal conduit 18. In particular, when the fluid flows in a first axial direction S1 of circulation, the movable member 12 is in a position for closing the internal conduit 18 preventing the fluid from passing through the valve body 11. When the fluid flows in a second axial direction S2 of circulation, opposite to the first direction S1, the movable member 12 can move away from the closing position and thus allow the passage of the fluid into the valve body 11. A return member 13, for example elastic, can also be present in the valve body 11 to promote the return of the movable member 12 in the closed position when the circulation of fluid in the second direction S2 ceases.

[0068] The valve body 11 is in axial support against a support element 21 of the conduit 20. This support element is a shoulder made inside the conduit 20. This shoulder corresponds to a change in diameter of the conduit 20. The circulation unit 100 comprises an orifice 29 through which the fluid can enter the conduit or leave it depending on the direction of circulation of the fluid. This orifice 29 is arranged so that the support element is between at least part of the orifice and the valve body. Here the orifice 29 extends from a first end located radially inside the support element 21, in particular on the same plane as the support element 21 to a second end. The circulation unit 100 may also comprise a connection collar 101 arranged at the outlet of the orifice 29, facing towards the outside of the circulation unit 100.The collar is capable of cooperating with an auxiliary fluid circulation member not shown in Figures 2 and 3 (pipe, flange, other external valve, etc.). The collar 101 has a diameter greater than that of the orifice. The second end of the orifice 29 may also have a bead radially inside the collar 101 so that the bead and the collar 101 jointly form a connection interface with the auxiliary circulation member.

[0069] On the other side of the valve body 11, a retaining ring 15 capable of being traversed by the fluid comprises a thread 151 on its external diameter. The thread 151 cooperates with a tapping 24 formed inside the conduit. The retaining ring 15 thus makes it possible to hold the valve body against the support element 21 even when high pressures of the order of 100 bars are applied. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the radially internal edge of the retaining ring 15 is hexagonal in shape so that the ring can be easily screwed with a tool of complementary shape. The hexagonal shape can of course be replaced by any other non-circular shape suitable for screwing. According to a variant, the internal contour can be circular provided that the ring is provided on its flank with a relief capable of cooperating with a complementary relief of a screwing tool.Such a relief or the sides of the internal contour of the ring 15 thus form a screw imprint.

[0070] In addition, the regulating device 1 comprises a seal 30. This seal 30 is arranged to prevent the fluid which infiltrates between the support element 21 of the conduit and the valve body 11 from bypassing the valve 10 outside the valve body 11. To do this, the circulation unit 100 comprises a groove 215 located radially outside the support element 21. The diameter of the groove 215 may have a diameter substantially equal to that of the collar 101. The end of the valve body 11 may come to bear against the support element 21 of the conduit and against the seal 30. This is an O-ring 30, in particular made of rubber or other elastomeric material. The opposite end of the valve body 11 (downstream according to the authorized flow direction S2) is here without a seal but another seal could be arranged there in addition to prevent the fluid from infiltrating outside the valve body 11 from this end.

[0071] Referring to the direction of circulation S2 permitted by the non-return valve 10, the seal 30 is advantageously arranged at the upstream part of the valve body 11, in particular so as to prevent the infiltration of fluid around the valve body 11, from the upstream end of the valve body 11. The seal 30 is for example arranged axially between the upstream end of the valve body 11 and the support element 21.

[0072] To ensure the maintenance of the valve 10, its disassembly, its reassembly, an opening 121 is provided in the second plate 120. It is arranged in the continuity of the conduit 20. The opening 121 is coaxial with the conduit 20 so as to be able to translate the valve 10 to the opening 121 to extract it from the circulation unit 100. The regulation device 1 therefore comprises a plug 40 capable of blocking the opening 121 communicating with the conduit 20. The valve 10 and the retaining ring 15 have previously been introduced through this opening during the assembly of the module. In other words, the conduit 20 also opens towards the outside of the circulation unit 100 at this opening 121.

[0073] The plug 40 comprises a thread 41 cooperating with a tapping 122 formed inside the opening 121. A sealing element 50 is clamped between the circulation unit, in particular the second plate, and a shoulder of the plug to prevent any leakage of fluid to the outside. The sealing element 50 is for example a metal seal, in particular if the fluid is of the r744 type. An elastomer seal can also be used depending on the context. The opening 121 can be formed in a boss of the circulation unit 100, here in the second plate 120. The shoulder of the plug 40 can be formed by a collar or any other means. The plug also comprises, on its outward-facing face, a screwing / unscrewing imprint 44. It may be advantageous to use the same shape of screw imprint for the cap 40 as for the holding element 15 so as to use a single tool for disassembly of the regulating device.

[0074] It can be seen in Figure 3 that between the opening 121 and the retaining ring 15, the conduit 20 communicates with another channel 130 of the circulation unit 100 by causing the fluid to take a turn, in particular a 90 degree turn. This aspect is not specific to this embodiment and can also be obtained, like the other previous characteristics, with a forged or cast circulation unit and then possibly machined.

[0075] Figure 3 illustrates the sequencing of the assembly of the regulating device 1 in the conduit 20 with installation, in this order, of the seal 30, the valve 10, the retaining ring 15, the sealing element 50 and the plug 40.

[0076] Figure 4 shows an example of a circulation unit capable of integrating such a regulation device 1. This example corresponds substantially to the unit described in connection with Figures 2 and 3. As mentioned previously, this type of fluid circulation unit, also called a “manifold”, can be composed of at least two main parts superimposed face to face on each other in a plane P. The first part 110 has cavities delimiting with the second part 120 fluid circulation channels 130. The part having these cavities can in particular be forged or cast to withstand high pressures. In the context of use at lower pressures, such as for example with a refrigerant of type r1234yf, this can be stamped. It can be seen that the unit 100 comprises a protrusion 114 perpendicular to the plane P of superposition of the plates 110 and 120. The protrusion 114 is also perpendicular to the channels 130 of the circulation unit 100.The regulating device 1 can be introduced and removed from the conduit 20 as explained previously, thanks to the opening 121 of the second plate 120. The fluid takes a 90 degree turn when passing from the conduit 20 to the circulation channel 130.

[0077] Figures 5 and 6 show another type of circulation unit 150 in which the regulating device 1 can be integrated. The latter does not have any structural or functional differences with that previously described. The circulation unit 150 is here a circulation block 150. In other words, it is a block of metal which has been pierced to create the conduit 20 accommodating the regulating device 10 and other channels 130. The circulation unit 150 is therefore here monolithic. Such a block is generally used to accommodate a plurality of valves and can be called a valve block. The conduit 20, the opening 121, the orifice 29, the retaining ring 15, the valve 10, the seal 30 and the plug 40 may comprise all or some of the characteristics mentioned above.Again, the seal 30 is advantageously arranged between the upstream end of the valve body 11 and the support element 21, with reference to the direction of circulation permitted by the non-return valve.

[0078] Figures 7 and 8 show another type of circulation unit 160 in which the regulation device can be integrated. The latter does not have any structural or functional differences with that previously described. The circulation unit 160 comprises a hollow housing 160, for example cylindrical. The housing has in particular the shape of a right circular cylinder. The interior of the hollow housing 160 forms the conduit 20 receiving the regulation device 10. The circulation unit 160 also comprises a first pipe 231 connected to a first end of the hollow housing 160, in particular with the orifice 29 in communication with the conduit 20, as well as a second pipe 232 connected to a hole 166 formed in the cylindrical wall 162 of the hollow housing 160. The cylindrical wall is the wall extending parallel to the generator of the cylinder.The first pipe 231 can for example be introduced into the orifice 29 formed in the first end of the hollow housing 160. The valve 10 of the regulating device 1 is arranged in the conduit 20, fluidically between the first pipe 231 and the second pipe 232 so as to regulate the flow of fluid between these two pipes, for example by allowing the circulation of the fluid only from the first pipe 231 to the second pipe 232. The opening 121 of the circulation unit 160 and the plug 40 are arranged on the second end of the cylindrical housing 160, opposite the first end. The second pipe 232 is oriented for example at an angle between 30 and 70 degrees relative to the axis of the cylindrical housing 160, for example 45 degrees. The second pipe 232 opens into the conduit 20 in an area of ​​the conduit 20 located between, on the one hand, the valve 10 and the holding element 15, and on the other hand, the plug 40.The hollow housing 160 may comprise a tube 161 projecting from the cylindrical wall 162 of the housing, to connect the conduit 20 and the second pipe 232.

[0079] Again, the seal 30 is advantageously arranged at the upstream part of the valve body 11, in particular so as to prevent the infiltration of fluid around the valve body 11, from the upstream end of the valve body 11, with reference to the direction of circulation authorized by the non-return valve 10.

[0080] Figure 9 shows a diagram of another alternative embodiment to that of Figures 2 and 3. According to this variant, the seal 30 is not arranged between the support element 21 and the valve 10. The seal 30 is located between the retaining ring 15 and the valve 10, in particular axially clamped between the retaining ring 15 and the valve 10. The retaining ring 15 has a groove 153 facing the valve body 11. The seal 30 is arranged in this groove 153. The seal 30 is thus axially compressed between the retaining ring 15 and the valve 10. This embodiment is particularly advantageous because it makes it possible to avoid creating a groove in the circulation unit 100 to receive the seal 30.However, this embodiment can also be combined with the previous embodiments so that a seal is located on the upstream part of the valve body 10, as specified in the previous embodiments, and another seal is located on the downstream part of the valve 10, in particular compressed axially between the retaining ring 15 and the valve 10. It is understood that in the case (not shown) of a valve allowing the circulation of fluid in both directions, a seal is arranged at each end of the valve body 11. In Figure 9, the orifice 29 is a fluid inlet of the circulation unit.

[0081] In the module 1000 of Figure 10, the non-return valve 10 is mounted in the opposite direction to Figure 9 so that the fluid flows through the conduit in the other direction. The orifice 29 is here a fluid outlet from the circulation unit.

[0082] It can therefore be seen that with this type of assembly, the same valve 10 can therefore be introduced in both orientations depending on the direction of circulation of the fluid desired in the conduit 20.

[0083] Again, the seal 30 is advantageously arranged at the upstream part of the valve body 11, in particular so as to prevent the infiltration of fluid radially around the valve body 11, from the upstream end of the valve body 11, with reference to the direction of circulation permitted by the non-return valve 10.

[0084] The other aspects of the control device of Figure 10 are equivalent to what was mentioned previously.

[0085] In the case of figures 2, 5 and 8, it is also possible to have the valve body and the holding element integral with each other (before assembly in the conduit) or formed as a single piece. In other words, in this case, the holding element 15 is integrated into the valve 10. There are then fewer parts to integrate into the circulation unit. The solution is then simpler. In addition, such a valve can then only be assembled in one direction, which avoids assembly errors.

[0086] Figure 11 schematically shows a module 1000 in which a fluid control device is integrated into a block 150. The valve 10 is a non-return valve. The retaining ring 15 is located upstream of the valve 10 and the seal 30 is axially clamped between the ring 15 and the valve 10. The fluid passes through the valve 10 to engage perpendicularly in the channel 130 of the block 150. In the examples shown, the seals are seals integrated so as to be axially compressed. However, radially clamped seals between the circulation unit and the valve body or between the retaining element and the circulation unit can be used.

[0087] As mentioned previously, it is also possible to provide two seals, one being located at a first end of the valve body between the holding element and the valve body, and the other being located at the opposite end between the valve body and the support element.

[0088] When the cap and the retaining element are independent of each other, it may be advantageous to ensure that they have a similar screw pattern so that a single tool can be used to remove the retaining element and the cap.

[0089] Another embodiment is shown in Figure 12. The plug 40 and the holding element 15 are here integral with each other. The holding element 15 is here formed in a single piece with the plug 40. More precisely, the plug 40 is integrated into the holding element 15. This solution has the advantage of implementing a single thread capable of jointly fixing the plug 40 and the holding ring 155. The valve 10 and the holding element 15 are, on the other hand, two separate parts introduced successively into the conduit 20 during assembly. The thread 151 of the holding element 15 is here axially offset relative to the holding ring 155 which is in contact with the valve body 11. A connecting portion 60 connects the holding ring 155 and the plug 40. In other words, the connecting portion 60 connects the holding ring 155 and the thread 151.This connecting portion 60 comprises an internal channel extending the internal conduit of the valve body 11 and extending the internal opening of the retaining ring 155. This connecting portion 60 comprises ports 61 arranged to allow the fluid to escape from the internal channel and from the conduit 20 into another channel, in particular perpendicular to the conduit 20, of the circulation unit.

[0090] Two seals 30 are arranged on either side of the connecting portion 60, in other words upstream and downstream of the channel 130. At the level of the retaining ring 155, a first seal 301 is clamped radially between the retaining ring 155 and the wall of the conduit 20. The first seal 301 is arranged in a groove facing radially outwards. This first seal 301 could also be clamped axially between the retaining ring 155 and the valve body 11. This variant would only require moving the groove of the retaining ring 155. The second seal 302 is located axially between the thread 151 and the connecting portion 60. Figure 13 shows another embodiment in which the valve body 11, the retaining element 15, the connecting portion 60 and the plug 40 form a subassembly to be introduced jointly into the conduit.In other words, the valve body 11, the holding element 15, the connecting portion 60 and the plug 40 are integral with each other before introduction into the conduit 20. In other words, the plug 40 is integrated into the holding element 15 itself integrated into the valve 10. The plug 40 and the holding ring 155 are connected by the connecting portion 60. The two seals 301 and 302 described previously in connection with FIG. 12 can be implemented here in the same way.

[0091] Preferably, the thread is arranged on the portion of the holding element inserted into the conduit having the largest diameter (joints not taken into account).

[0092] The various examples illustrate the integration of a non-return valve but the invention is not limited solely to the integration of this type of valve.

[0093] Figure 14 shows an example of a circuit, in particular “in cold mode”, likely to require such a circulation module and such a conditioning system 2000. The circulation module of Figure 4 can for example be implemented at the outlet of a first exchanger E1 (or evaporator), for example at the valve 10A in Figure 14. The module of Figure 6 can for example be implemented at the outlet of a second exchanger E2, or condenser or also called “inner gas coder” in English for R744 refrigerants. The module of Figure 6 can for example be implemented at the valve 10B in Figure 14. The circuit of Figure 14 also includes a compressor 401, a third exchanger E3, an internal exchanger IHX, a fourth exchanger E4 (exchanger also called “chiller” in English) cooperating with a heat transfer fluid circuit c1.The conditioning system is capable of being connected to the first exchanger, the second exchanger and the third exchanger, and may comprise a module provided with a circulation unit and a regulation device as described above. The conditioning system may also comprise at least one exchanger, for example the internal exchanger and / or the fourth exchanger also called a “chiller”. The internal exchanger and the fourth exchanger communicate with the conduit of at least one circulation unit and are preferably supported by this circulation unit. Other configurations are possible. Such a system may comprise, for example, a water condenser in other configurations, for example carried by the circulation unit and in fluid communication with the circulation unit of a circulation module.

Claims

Claims 1. Device (1) for regulating the flow of a fluid, such as a refrigerant, in particular for a fluid circulation module of a vehicle thermal conditioning system, in particular an automobile, the regulating device (1) being intended to be integrated into a conduit (20) of a fluid circulation unit (100, 150, 160), the regulating device comprising a valve body (11) extending along an axis X and through which the fluid is able to circulate, the valve body (11) being able to come into axial abutment against a support element (21) of the conduit, the regulating device (1) being characterized in that it comprises a holding element (15) able to allow the fluid to pass, the holding element (15) being able to be screwed inside the conduit (20) to keep the valve body (11) in abutment against the support element (21).

2. Regulation device (1) according to one of the preceding claims in which the holding element (15) comprises a thread (151) capable of cooperating with a tapping (24) provided inside the conduit (20).

3. Regulation device (1) according to one of the preceding claims in which the holding element (15) comprises an imprint (152) capable of engaging in rotation with a complementary imprint of a screwing tool for screwing the holding element (15) inside the conduit (20).

4. Regulating device (1) according to claims 2 and 3 wherein the holding element (15) comprises a holding ring inside which the fluid can flow, the thread (151) being provided on the external contour of the holding ring and the imprint (152) is formed by the internal contour of the holding ring.

5. Regulating device according to the preceding claim in which the valve body (11) and the retaining ring are integral with each other.

6. Regulation device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the regulation device comprises a valve (10) comprising the valve body (11), and the holding element (15) is a separate ring (15) from the valve body (11), the fluid being able to flow radially inside the ring (15).

7. Control device according to the preceding claim in which the control device comprises a seal (30) capable of preventing the fluid from bypassing the valve (10) radially outside the valve body (11) when the control device is arranged inside the conduit (20).

8. Regulating device (1) according to the preceding claim in which the holding element (15), in particular the holding ring, in particular the holding ring, comprises an annular groove (154) capable of receiving the seal (30).

9. Regulating device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the seal (30) is arranged so as to be pressed axially between the valve body (11) and the holding element (15), in particular the holding ring.

10. Regulation device according to one of the preceding claims in which the regulation device (1) comprises a plug (40) capable of blocking an opening (121) of the circulation unit communicating with the conduit (20) and through which the valve body (11) and the holding element (15) are introduced.

11. Regulation device according to the preceding claim in which the cap (40) is integrated into the holding element (15).

12. A regulating device according to claim 10 in which the cap (40) and the holding element (15) are separate parts.

13. Fluid circulation module (1000) for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, the fluid circulation module comprising a fluid circulation unit (100, 150, 160), the circulation unit comprising a conduit (20) capable of circulating a fluid and an opening (121) communicating on the one hand with the outside and on the other hand with the conduit (20), the fluid circulation module further comprising a regulating device according to one of claims 2 or 4, the regulating device (1) being arranged at least partly in the conduit (20), the conduit (20) comprising a bearing element (21) against which the valve body (11) bears axially, and the conduit further comprising a thread (24) cooperating with the thread (151) of the holding element (15) so as to keep the valve body (11) bearing against the bearing element (21),and the regulating device (1) comprising a plug (40) obstructing the opening (121) of the circulation unit (100, 150, 160)., 14. Fluid circulation module (1000) according to the preceding claim attached to claim 9 in which the circulation unit (100, 150, 160) comprises a groove (215) located axially set back relative to the support element (21), the seal (30) being arranged in the groove (215).

15. Thermal conditioning system (2000) comprising at least one heat exchanger, for example two, three or four heat exchangers, and at least one circulation module (1000) according to one of claims 13 or 14, at least one of the exchangers being in communication with the conduit (20) of the circulation unit, the circulation unit being a valve block (150) or a support unit (100) or a hollow housing (160), in particular a valve block (150) or a support unit (100) supporting at least one of the heat exchangers.

Images