Filtration device for a solenoid valve of a heat treatment device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a filtration device (6) of a solenoid valve (4) of a heat treatment device (1), the filtration device comprising a filter pad (21) that comprises a hollow cylindrical portion (24) extending along a longitudinal axis (L) and intended to be inserted through the solenoid valve (4), wherein the filter pad (21) comprises an abutment portion (26) and an end portion (22), the abutment portion (26) extending mainly in a plane perpendicular to the cylindrical portion (24) and being configured to be in contact with a first wall (16) of the solenoid valve (4), and the end portion (22) being configured to extend mainly in a plane perpendicular to the cylindrical portion (24) and to come into contact with a second wall (18) of the solenoid valve (4).

Description

[0001] Title: Filtration device for solenoid valve of a heat treatment device

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of motor vehicles, and more particularly to the field of heat treatment devices equipping these motor vehicles.

[0003] Motor vehicles are usually equipped, in order to ensure the thermal regulation of their passenger compartment, with a heat treatment device of the heat pump type. Such a heat treatment device comprises a plurality of functional elements, such as for example a condenser, an evaporator or even solenoid valves, these various functional elements being connected to each other by heat transfer fluid circulation conduits which, depending on the embodiments, may be rigid conduits or flexible conduits.

[0004] The solenoid valves of the heat treatment device can be controlled to control a flow rate of treated fluid within one or other of the functional elements, and this operation can cause vibrations that are likely to propagate within the motor vehicle, thus causing noise pollution. Such noise pollution is all the more noticeable in electric motor vehicles, for which it is not masked by engine noise.

[0005] In order to reduce noise pollution associated with the use of solenoid valves, they are usually connected to a chassis of the heat treatment device by means of a metal fixing bracket which is interposed between the chassis and the solenoid valve and which allows decoupling of the solenoid valve. Such a fixing bracket has a first fixing zone on the chassis by a first screw and a second fixing zone on the solenoid valve by a second screw. At this second fixing zone, a first damping pad is arranged between the solenoid valve and one face of the fixing bracket, and a second damping pad is arranged between the head of the second screw and an opposite face of the fixing bracket.While the mounting bracket and its damping pads filter vibrations and therefore prevent noise pollution, they do have the disadvantage of increasing the cost of the heat treatment device. In addition, this system requires a significant amount of assembly time due to the large number of screws. This is particularly the case in automotive applications where the heat treatment device performs a multitude of different thermal functions and therefore has a multitude of solenoid valves allowing the circulation of the heat transfer fluid in a multitude of conduits.

[0006] The present invention falls within this context by proposing a means of limiting the noise pollution resulting from the operation of the solenoid valve which is inexpensive and easy to mount on the heat treatment device.

[0007] The main subject of the present invention is thus a device for filtering a solenoid valve of a heat treatment device, comprising a filtration pad comprising a hollow cylindrical portion extending along a longitudinal axis and being intended to be inserted through the solenoid valve, the filtration pad comprising a stop portion arranged at a first longitudinal end of the filtration pad and an end portion arranged at a second longitudinal end of the filtration pad, the stop portion extending mainly in a plane perpendicular to the cylindrical portion and being configured to be in contact with a first wall of the solenoid valve, and the end portion being configured to extend mainly in a plane perpendicular to the cylindrical portion and to come into contact with a second wall of the solenoid valve.

[0008] The filtration device according to the invention is configured to limit the noise pollution resulting from the operation of the solenoid valve of the heat treatment device, by limiting its vibrations. For this purpose, the filtration device comprises a filtration pad which is made of an elastomeric material, for example rubber, and whose role is to absorb vibrations by isolating the solenoid valve from other components of the heat treatment device. This filtration pad is composed of three main portions, including a cylindrical portion, a stop portion and an end portion. The cylindrical portion is arranged between the stop portion and the end portion and thus constitutes a central zone of the filtration pad while the stop portion and the end portion correspond to its ends.When the filtration device is installed on the solenoid valve, the stop portion is in contact with the first wall of the solenoid valve and its end portion is in contact with the second wall of the solenoid valve; thus, the stop and end portions are arranged on either side of the solenoid valve while the cylindrical portion passes through it. The cylindrical portion is hollow so as to allow the passage of a fixing means, a single fixing means being sufficient to ensure the holding of the solenoid valve on the heat treatment device and to ensure the holding of the filtration pad in this filtration zone. Advantageously, the heat treatment device does not require a metal fixing bracket.

[0009] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the stop portion comprises a first face opposite the cylindrical portion and a second face opposite the first face, the second face carrying pins.

[0010] The pins constitute a means of preventing excessive deformation of the stop portion during an operation of fixing the filtration pad on the heat treatment device, the second face being intended to be in contact with a screw head of the fixing means passing through the cylindrical portion. These pins are for example arranged in a star shape on the second face of the stop portion so as to ensure distribution of the forces.

[0011] According to an optional feature of the invention, the end portion comprises a plurality of deformable tabs configured to move away from the longitudinal axis under an axial force.

[0012] The presence of deformable tabs corresponds to a first embodiment for which the filtration pad is intended to be inserted through the solenoid valve from only one side thereof, that is to say only through the first wall, during an operation of mounting the filtration pad on the solenoid valve. The tabs are thus brought closer to the longitudinal axis so that they can be inserted into the solenoid valve, then they are deformed so as to move away from the longitudinal axis during an axial force which corresponds to the operation of fixing the filtration pad on the heat treatment device.

[0013] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the tabs are deformable between a first standard position intersecting but not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and a second constrained position substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0014] The first standard position corresponds to the position in which the tabs are located when the end portion is inserted into the solenoid valve, while the second constrained position corresponds to the position of the tabs when they are pressed against the second wall of the solenoid valve. In the first standard position, the tabs form a ramp relative to the longitudinal axis. They are thus prestressed so as to ensure that they are deformed away from the longitudinal axis under axial force.

[0015] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, in the first standard position a dimension of the tabs measured, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, between a base of a given tab and a base of a radially opposite tab, is less than an external diameter of the cylindrical portion.

[0016] The term "base" means an end of the tabs which is opposite their free end; in other words, their base corresponds to their portion which connects them to the cylindrical portion. In other words, at least in the first standard position, the thickness, that is to say the dimension measured perpendicular to the axis, of a tab, and in particular at its base, is less than the thickness of the cylindrical portion measured between its internal face and its external face. Such a difference in dimension between the tabs and the cylindrical portion facilitates deformation of the tabs by moving away from the longitudinal axis. Indeed, this difference in thickness creates a zone of fragility, which forms a pivoting zone during the operation of fixing the filtration pad to the heat treatment device.

[0017] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, in the first standard position the tabs fit into a cylindrical volume whose diameter is less than the external diameter of the cylindrical portion.

[0018] This allows for easy translation of the end portion, which includes the tabs, through the solenoid valve.

[0019] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the filtration device comprises a fixing means of which a rod extends at least partially within the hollow cylindrical portion and of which a head is in contact with the stop portion.

[0020] The fixing means is, for example, a screw. The head of the fixing means is more particularly in contact with the second face of the stop portion, where appropriate with the pins arranged on this second face. The filtration device has a fixing means which takes the form of a single part. This makes it possible, on the one hand, to reduce manufacturing costs and, on the other hand, to limit the time required for the fixing operation.

[0021] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the filtration device comprises at least one means of stopping the movement of the rod, in particular a shoulder provided on the rod of the fixing means.

[0022] The stop means prevent crushing of the filtration pad during the operation of fixing it to the heat treatment device.

[0023] The shoulder is a reduction in the diameter of the rod on its portion furthest from the head of the fixing means. This shoulder is present in the first embodiment of the filtration pad, namely in the presence of the deformable tabs. Alternatively, in a second embodiment the rod of the fixing means has a constant diameter.

[0024] According to an optional feature of the invention, the stop means comprise at least one rigid insert disposed against an internal wall of the cylindrical portion. The insert is rigid in that it is made of a material that is less deformable than the elastomeric material forming the filtration pad. The insert is, for example, made of aluminum. This insert is disposed against the internal wall of the cylindrical portion, i.e. the wall that delimits the lumen of the cylindrical portion and opposite which the rod of the fixing means is disposed. The insert makes it possible to prevent deformation of the cylindrical portion under the axial force.

[0025] According to an optional feature of the invention, the insert extends over an entire dimension of the cylindrical portion measured along the longitudinal axis.

[0026] In other words, a dimension of the insert measured along the longitudinal axis is substantially identical to the dimension of the cylindrical portion measured along this longitudinal axis. In this way, the cylindrical portion is not crushed when the fixing means, which is inserted into this cylindrical portion, is screwed onto the heat treatment device. This identity of the dimensions of the insert and the cylindrical portion corresponds to the first embodiment.

[0027] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the cylindrical portion is formed of a first section and a second section aligned along the longitudinal axis, the filtration pad being formed by a first sub-assembly comprising the first section and the stop portion, and a second sub-assembly comprising the second section and the end portion.

[0028] Such a sectioning of the filtration pad into a first subassembly and a second subassembly corresponds to a second embodiment. The first subassembly and the second subassembly have dimensions, measured along the longitudinal axis, which are substantially equivalent, so as to be able to standardize, if necessary, a manufacture of the sections. In this second embodiment, the tightening of the fixing means is facilitated, a screwing of the fixing means being carried out when the two subassemblies are in contact with each other. On the contrary, in the first embodiment the filtration pad is made in a single piece, which facilitates the operation of mounting the filtration pad on the solenoid valve because the fixing pad can be held in position at its stop portion or its end portion.

[0029] According to an optional feature of the invention, the filtration device comprises a first insert arranged in the first section and a second insert arranged in the second section, a dimension of the inserts measured along the longitudinal axis being less than a dimension of the sections measured along the longitudinal axis.

[0030] The tightening of the fixing means is complete when the first insert and the second insert come into contact with each other. A dimension of these inserts, measured along the longitudinal axis, determines a maximum compression of the filter pad.

[0031] The invention further relates to a heat treatment device comprising a solenoid valve, a support frame and a filtration device as mentioned previously, the solenoid valve having a body delimited at least by a first wall arranged opposite the support frame and a second wall opposite the first wall, the stop portion of the filtration pad being pressed against the first wall of the solenoid valve and the end portion of the filtration pad being pressed against the second wall of the solenoid valve, the body of the solenoid valve having an opening extending from the first wall to the second wall, the cylindrical portion of the filtration pad of the filtration device being arranged within the opening of the solenoid valve.

[0032] The heat treatment device according to the invention is intended to equip a motor vehicle, in particular an electric motor vehicle, in order to ensure its air conditioning functions. The heat treatment device is for example a heat exchanger. The support frame corresponds to a chassis of the heat treatment device to which the solenoid valve is secured by means of the fixing means and the filtration pad. When the fixing means is inserted into the filtration pad, which is itself inserted within the solenoid valve, tightening of this fixing means makes it possible to press the stop portion of the filtration pad and its end portion respectively against the first wall of the solenoid valve and the second wall thereof. The end portion is then further pressed against the support frame.

[0033] According to an optional feature of the invention, the support frame has an orifice within which a thread is provided, the rod of the fixing means being inserted within the thread.

[0034] The fixing means is therefore secured by screwing to the support frame rather than to the cylindrical portion, or where appropriate to the insert, which are themselves without threading.

[0035] According to an optional feature of the invention, the shoulder of the rod of the fixing means is pressed against the support frame.

[0036] The shoulder thus forms a stop against a portion of the support frame which delimits the orifice.

[0037] Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description which follows on the one hand, and examples of embodiment given for informational and non-limiting purposes with reference to the appended drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0038] [Fig. 1] illustrates, schematically, a heat treatment device comprising a solenoid valve, a support frame and a filtration device according to the invention, a portion of the filtration device being interposed between the support frame and the solenoid valve;

[0039] [Fig. 2] illustrates, schematically, the filtration device of figure i, the filtration device corresponding to a first embodiment;

[0040] [Fig. 3] illustrates, schematically, a sectional view of the heat treatment device, the filtration device according to the first embodiment being positioned using a fixing means;

[0041] [Fig. 4] illustrates, schematically, another sectional view of the filtration device according to the first embodiment being positioned using the fixing means; [Fig. 5] illustrates, schematically, a sectional view of the heat treatment device, the filtration device according to the first embodiment being pressed between the support frame and the solenoid valve using the fixing means;

[0042] [Fig. 6] illustrates, schematically, a sectional view of the heat treatment device, the filtration device according to a second embodiment being positioned using the fixing means.

[0043] The features, variants and different embodiments of the invention may be combined with each other in various combinations, provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be conceived comprising only a selection of features described below in isolation from the other features described, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage and / or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0044] In the figures, elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0045] Figure 1 thus illustrates, schematically, a heat treatment device 1 according to the invention which is intended to be installed within a motor vehicle, in particular a hybrid or electric motor vehicle. This heat treatment device 1 is for example part of a heat pump system which provides the heating and / or air conditioning functions of the vehicle.

[0046] The heat treatment device 1 comprises in particular an evaporator and a condenser, not shown here, which are arranged within a support frame 2 of the heat treatment device 1. The heat treatment device 1 further comprises one or more solenoid valves 4, the role of which is to regulate, from an electrical signal, a flow rate of heat transfer fluid caused to circulate within circulation conduits arranged between the heat exchangers and on which the solenoid valves are mounted. The solenoid valve 4 is secured to the support frame 2 of the heat treatment device 1 by means of a filtration device 6 whose role is to attenuate the vibrations caused during the operation of the solenoid valve 4, so as to avoid any undesirable propagation within the motor vehicle.As illustrated in Figure 1, the heat treatment device 1 has two filtration devices 6, but it should be noted that in other embodiments the heat treatment device could comprise a single filtration device 6. The solenoid valve 4 is arranged opposite an external edge 8 of the support frame 2, opposite an internal edge 10 which is opposite the evaporator and the condenser in particular.

[0047] The solenoid valve 4 comprises a magnetic coil 12 mounted on a body 14 intended to be traversed by a heat transfer fluid. The body 14 has the general shape of a rectangular parallelepiped delimited by various walls, including a first wall 16 and a second wall 18 which are both substantially parallel to the external edge 8 of the support frame 2. The second wall 18 is closer to this external edge 8 than the first wall 16.

[0048] The body 14 of the solenoid valve 4 also has at least one opening 20, visible in FIGS. 3 to 5, which extends from the first wall 16 to the second wall 18. In other words, the opening 20 is a through opening. This opening 20 extends substantially perpendicular to the first and second walls 16, 18, and therefore substantially perpendicular to the external edge 8 of the support frame 2.

[0049] The body 14 of the solenoid valve 4 is crossed, from the first wall 16 to the second wall 18, by the filtration device 6 which extends at least partially within the opening 20.

[0050] The filtration device 6 comprises a filtration pad 21 which is illustrated in association with the solenoid valve 4 in figures 1 and 3 to 6, and in isolation in figure 2. This filtration pad 21 is further represented according to a first embodiment in figures 2 to 5 and according to a second embodiment in figure 6. In the absence of obvious incompatibility or express mention, the characteristics described in relation to one of the embodiments are intended to apply mutatis mutandis to the other embodiment.

[0051] The filter pad 21 is made of an elastomeric material, for example rubber, which allows optimal absorption of the vibrations of the solenoid valve 4. The filter pad 21 is generally dumbbell-shaped. It is composed of an end portion 22, a cylindrical portion 24 and a stop portion 26. More precisely, the cylindrical portion 24 is arranged between the end portion 22 and the stop portion 26, so as to constitute a connecting portion between the two. The end portion 22 and the stop portion 26 form portions of larger diameters which radially extend the cylindrical portion 24.

[0052] The cylindrical portion 24 extends mainly along a longitudinal axis L. It is intended to be inserted into the opening 20 formed within the body 14 of the solenoid valve 4. The cylindrical portion 24 is delimited radially by an internal wall 28 and by an external wall 30, the external wall 30 being further from the longitudinal axis L than the internal wall 28. It is thus understood that the cylindrical portion 24 is hollow; in other words, the cylindrical portion 24 has the shape of a tube. Similarly, the end portion and the stop portion 26 are hollow. When the filtration pad 21 is associated with the solenoid valve 4, its external wall 30 is opposite the opening 20 of the solenoid valve 4, or even in contact with it, as is particularly visible in FIGS. 3 to 6.By "associated with the solenoid valve 4" is meant that the filtration pad 21 is secured to the solenoid valve 4 and is in an optimal position to ensure the filtration of its vibrations, which will subsequently also be called the "final position" of the filtration pad 21. Prior to this final position, the filtration pad 21 has an original position, the filtration pad 21 being deformed during its attachment to the solenoid valve 4 to move from its original position to its final position.

[0053] The stop portion 26 forms a first longitudinal end 32 of the filtration pad 21 while the end portion 22 forms its second longitudinal end 34. The first longitudinal end 32 and the second longitudinal end 34 are opposite along the longitudinal axis L.

[0054] The stop portion 26 extends mainly in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. When the filtration pad 21 is associated with the solenoid valve 4, the stop portion 26 extends substantially parallel to the first wall 16 of the solenoid valve 4 against which it abuts.

[0055] Similarly, the end portion 22 of the filtration pad 21 extends mainly in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. When the filtration pad 21 is associated with the solenoid valve 4, the end portion 22 extends substantially parallel to the second wall 18 of the solenoid valve 4 with which it is then in contact.

[0056] Each of the end portion 22 and the stop portion 26 is delimited, along the longitudinal axis L, by a first face 36 and a second face 38. As visible in FIG. 3, which illustrates the original position of the filtration pad 1, the first face 36 is substantially in the extension of the external wall 30 of the cylindrical portion 24, while the second face 38 is substantially in the extension of the external wall 30 of the cylindrical portion 24.

[0057] When the filtration pad 21 is associated with the solenoid valve 4, that is to say in its final position as illustrated in FIG. 5, the first face 36 is opposite the cylindrical portion 24 and the second face 38 is opposite it. Thus, the second face 38 of the end portion 22 and the second face 38 of the stop portion 26 longitudinally delimit the filtration pad 21.

[0058] The first face 36 of the end portion 22, the first face 36 of the stop portion 26 and the second face 38 of the end portion 22 are substantially smooth. On the contrary, the second face 38 of the stop portion 26 has roughnesses, which here correspond to pins 40 of oval section. As is particularly visible in FIG. 2, the pins 40 are arranged in a star shape around the longitudinal axis L. With the exception of these pins 40 which protrude from its second 38, the stop portion 26 has a general ring-shaped shape.

[0059] As mentioned above, the cylindrical portion 24 is hollow. The cylindrical portion 24 is thus capable of receiving a fixing means 42 participating in forming the filtration device 6. This fixing means 42 more precisely allows the fixing of the solenoid valve 4, through the filtration pad 21, to the support frame 2. For this purpose, the fixing means, for example a screw, comprises a rod 44 intended to be inserted within the cylindrical portion 24 so as to be opposite, or even in contact with its internal wall 28, as well as a head 46 connected to the rod 44 and intended to come into contact with the stop portion 26, and more particularly with its second face 38. The rod 44 has a dimension, measured along the longitudinal axis L, greater than a length of the fixing pad 21 measured along this longitudinal axis L between its first longitudinal end 32 and its second longitudinal end 34.As a result, the rod 44 has a distal portion 48 opposite the head which protrudes from the cylindrical portion 24 when the rod 44 is inserted therein. This distal portion 48 is intended to be inserted into an orifice 51 formed within the external edge 8 of the support frame 2 in order to secure the filtration device 6 to the support frame 2, the distal portion 48 and the orifice 51 comprising complementary screw threads for this purpose.

[0060] The head 46 of the fixing means 42 has a diameter, measured in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L, which is greater than a maximum diameter of the rod 44 measured in this same reference frame. As shown in FIG. 1, the head 46 may also have a diameter greater than a diameter of the stop portion 26. As mentioned above, the head 46 is intended to be in contact with the stop portion 26, one face of the head carrying the rod 44 then being in contact with the second face 38 of the stop portion 26 and the pins 40 which it carries.

[0061] The two embodiments of the filtration device 6 will now be detailed, the first embodiment being described in relation to Figures 2 to 5 and the second embodiment being described in relation to Figure 6. In the first embodiment, the filtration pad 21 is made in a single piece; in other words, a single element comprises both the end portion 22, the cylindrical portion 24 and the stop portion 26, which cannot be separated without irreversible deterioration of the filtration pad 21.

[0062] In this first embodiment, the end portion 22 is formed by a plurality of tabs 52. As seen in Figure 2, which shows the filtration pad 21 in its final position, the end portion 22 is formed by four tabs 52 arranged in the shape of a cross around the longitudinal axis L, but a different number of tabs 52 could be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention. Each tab 52 has a base 54 and a free end 56, the base 54 of the tab 52 being connected to the cylindrical portion 24 of the filtration pad 21 and the free end 56 corresponding to the edge furthest from the base 54.

[0063] The tabs 52 are deformable in that they are configured to move away from the longitudinal axis L when an axial force is exerted on the filtration pad 21. Such an axial force will be described more precisely later in relation to a method of fixing the solenoid valve 4 to the support frame 2.

[0064] The tabs 52 are more particularly deformable between a first standard position and a second constrained position. In the first standard position, which is illustrated in FIG. 4, the tabs 52 each extend in a plane intersecting but not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. The tabs 52 thus form, between their base 54 and their free end 56, a ramp relative to the longitudinal axis L, configured so that one deviates from the longitudinal axis L when going from the base 54 to the free end 56 of a tab 52. In the second constrained position, shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the tabs 52 are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. The tabs are also capable of taking a plurality of intermediate positions, that is to say inclinations between the first standard position and the second constrained position. A possible intermediate position is illustrated in FIG. 4.In the first standard position of the tabs 52, the end portion 22 is able to be inserted into the opening 20 of the solenoid valve 4, while in the second constrained position of the tabs 52 the end portion is able to be pressed against the second wall 18 of the solenoid valve 4. A transition from the first standard position to the second constrained position will be detailed in the method of fixing the solenoid valve 4 to the support frame 2, but it should be noted that in FIG. 2 the fixing stud 21, which is illustrated in isolation, is shown with the tabs 52 in their second constrained position solely for the purposes of illustration and understanding; in the absence of force, as is the case when the fixing stud 21 is isolated, the tabs 52 should be in their first standard position.

[0065] As is particularly visible in Figures 3 to 5, in the first embodiment the rod 44 of the fixing means 42 has a shoulder 58. This shoulder 58 makes it possible to delimit the distal portion 48 of the rod 44, this distal portion 48 thus corresponding to a portion of the rod 44 having a reduced diameter. The distal portion 48 thus has a diameter allowing it to be inserted into the orifice 51 of the support frame 2, whereas on the contrary the rest of the rod 44 has a diameter that is too large to be inserted into the orifice 51. As a result, the shoulder 58 constitutes a stop means for the fixing means 42, this shoulder 58 coming into contact with a portion of the external edge 8 of the support frame 2 which delimits the orifice 51.

[0066] The method of fixing the solenoid valve 4 to the support frame 2 will now be described in the context of the first embodiment. This method firstly comprises a step of mounting the filtration pad 21 within the solenoid valve 4, then a step of fixing an assembly formed by the filtration pad 21 and the solenoid valve 4 to the support frame 2, illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0067] In the first embodiment, during the step of mounting the filtration pad 21 within the solenoid valve 4, the end portion 22 is inserted through the first wall 16, slid within the opening 20 and then exits the solenoid valve 4 through the second wall 18. It is necessarily the end portion 22 of the filtration pad 21 which is inserted within the solenoid valve 42 since it carries the deformable tabs 52, while the stop portion 26 is already substantially perpendicular to the cylindrical portion 24 and therefore cannot be inserted into the opening 20 of the solenoid valve 4. It is understood that during this insertion, the tabs 52 are in their first standard position, that is to say that they form a ramp relative to the longitudinal axis L.The tabs 52 fit, in this first standard position, into a cylindrical volume whose diameter is smaller than the external diameter of the cylindrical portion 24, which facilitates the insertion of the end portion 22 into the opening 20 of the solenoid valve 4 which is sized to receive the cylindrical portion 24. At the end of the step of mounting the filtration pad 21 within the solenoid valve 4, the end portion 22 projects from the second wall 18 of the solenoid valve 4, and it is arranged between this second wall 18 and the external edge 8 of the support frame 2 when the solenoid valve 4 is attached against the support frame 2 to be fixed there. The tabs 52 are then always in the first standard position. The stop portion 26 is opposite the first wall 16 of the solenoid valve while the cylindrical portion 24 extends into the opening 20.

[0068] The method of fixing the solenoid valve 4 on the support frame 2 continues with the step of fixing the assembly formed by the filtration pad 21 and the solenoid valve 4 on the support frame 2. For this purpose, the fixing means 42 is inserted into the filtration pad 21, the distal portion 48 of the fixing means 42 sliding successively through the stop portion 26, the cylindrical portion 24 and the end portion 20. It is understood that the rod 44 of the fixing means 42 is inserted within the filtration pad 21 from its first longitudinal end 32 to its second longitudinal end 34-

[0069] The distal portion 48 of the rod 44 of the fixing means 42 is inserted into the orifice 51 of the support frame 2 and is screwed therein by means of their complementary screw threads. Such a screwing operation of the fixing step is represented by a solid arrow in Figures 3 and 4. This screwing operation has the effect of pressing the head 46 of the fixing means 42 against the stop portion 26, more precisely against its second face 38. The stop portion 26 is, by means of its first face 26, pressed against the first wall 16 of the solenoid valve 4. Excessive crushing of the stop portion 26 during the screwing operation is prevented by the presence of the pins 40 on the second face 38 in contact with the head 46 of the fixing means 42.

[0070] The screwing operation, which presses the stop portion 26 against the solenoid valve 4, also tends to bring the second wall 18 of the solenoid valve 4 closer to the external edge 8 of the support frame 2.

[0071] At the end portion 22, under the action of the axial force exerted by the fixing means 42, the tabs 52 deform so as to pass from their first standard position to their second constrained position. A distance between the second wall 18 of the solenoid valve 4 and the external edge 8 decreases as the screwing operation progresses, which has the effect of compressing the tabs 52 between the second wall 18 and the external edge 8. Consequently, the tabs 52 move apart from each other and, due to the ramp 38, open in a corolla around the longitudinal axis L. This deformation, which involves the intermediate positions of the tabs 52, is illustrated in Figure 4 by curved arrows. During such deformation, it is necessary to ensure that the tabs 52 deform away from the longitudinal axis L rather than towards it or being crushed.In addition to their first standard position in which they form a ramp, the tabs 52 are dimensioned so as to facilitate their separation from the longitudinal axis L. More specifically, and as is particularly visible in FIGS. 3 and 4, a dimension measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L between the base 54 of a given tab 52 and the base 54 of the tab which is radially opposite it is less than an external diameter of the cylindrical portion 24. As a result, between the end portion 22 and the cylindrical portion 24, there is a folding zone which facilitates the folding of the tabs 52 outwards, that is to say away from the longitudinal axis L.

[0072] Once completely deformed, the tabs 52 are in their second constrained position of Figure 5 and are therefore substantially perpendicular to the cylindrical portion 24. The screwing operation continues until the end portion 22 is pressed against the external edge 8 of the support frame 2 by means of its second face 38, and against the second wall 18 of the solenoid valve 4 by means of its first face 36.

[0073] The screwing operation is limited by the presence of the stop means or means of the filtration device 21, namely in the first embodiment the shoulder 58. In the presence of the shoulder 58, the screwing is completed when the shoulder 58 comes into abutment against a portion of the external edge 8 of the support frame 2 which borders the orifice 51, as shown in FIG. 5.

[0074] At the end of the screwing operation and therefore of the step of fixing the assembly formed by the filtration pad 21 and the solenoid valve 4 on the support frame 2, the filtration device 6 is correctly positioned to ensure a reduction in the propagation of the vibrations emitted by the solenoid valve 4 and therefore a reduction in the noise pollution emanating from the heat exchanger 1.

[0075] The second embodiment of the filtration device 6 will now be detailed with respect to FIG. 6. As can be seen in this figure, the filtration pad 21 is not a single piece as was the case in the first embodiment; rather, its cylindrical portion 24 is made up of two sections 60, 62, including a first section 60 and a second section 62.

[0076] The first section 60 and the second section 62 are aligned one after the other along the longitudinal axis L, so as to ensure the continuity of the cylindrical portion 24. The first section 60 has a dimension, measured along the longitudinal axis L, substantially equal to a dimension of the second section 62 measured along the same axis; in other words, the cylindrical portion 24 is split in its middle.

[0077] The first section 60 of the cylindrical portion 24 is associated with the stop portion 26, while the second section 62 is associated with the end portion 22. It is thus understood that the filtration pad 21 is formed by the union of a first sub-assembly which covers the first section 60 of the cylindrical portion 24 and the stop portion 26, and of a second sub-assembly which comprises the second section 62 and the end portion 22. The two sub-assemblies are substantially symmetrical, with the exception of the pins 40 present on the second face 38 of the stop portion 26. It follows from the above that the end portion 22 has, like the stop portion 26, a general ring shape which remains substantially constant during the assembly process.

[0078] In certain embodiments, the filtration pad 21 comprises at least one insert 50 which forms the internal diameter of the cylindrical portion 24. In this way, the insert 50 is interposed between the rod 44 of the fixing means 42 and the elastomeric material forming the cylindrical portion 24. It is understood that in this case, the rod 44, the insert 50 and the cylindrical portion 24 are arranged radially in this order around the longitudinal axis L, the insert 50 then being opposite or even in contact with the internal wall 28 of the cylindrical portion 24. The insert 50 is made of a rigid material, that is to say in the context of the present application a material which has a lower deformation capacity compared to the elastomeric material forming the cylindrical portion 24.

[0079] In this second embodiment, the filtration device 6 more precisely comprises several inserts 50, with a first insert 50A arranged in the first section 60 and therefore associated with the first subassembly, and a second insert 50B housed within the second section 62 and associated with the second subassembly. It should be noted that a dimension of each of the first and second inserts 50A, 50B, measured along the longitudinal axis L, is less than a dimension of the section 60, 62 associated with it.

[0080] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the rod 44 of the fixing means 42 is devoid of a shoulder 58. Thus, as can be seen in FIG. 6, this rod 44 has a constant diameter. In this second embodiment, the stop means of the filtration device 6 therefore consists of the presence of the first insert 50A and the second insert 50B.

[0081] It should be noted that, provided that they are not incompatible, characteristics extracted from the first embodiment and characteristics extracted from the second embodiment can be combined. It is in particular possible to envisage a third embodiment, not shown here, in which the insert 50 would be in one piece and above which at least the cylindrical portion 24 would be overmolded. The insert 50 is then radially interposed between the fixing means 42 and the elastomer material of the cylindrical portion 24 of the fixing stud 21. If necessary, the rod 44 then slides within the insert 50 rather than directly within the cylindrical portion 22.In this third embodiment, the rod 44 is devoid of a shoulder 58; it is therefore the longitudinal dimension of the insert 50 which allows an axial stop, at one end against the support frame 2 and at the other end against the head 46 of the fixing means 42 when the tabs 52 are deployed. The insert 50 then extends at least over an entire dimension of the cylindrical portion 24, or even over an entire dimension of the fixing stud measured along the longitudinal axis L from the first longitudinal end 32 to the second longitudinal end 34. In the presence of the insert 50, the longitudinal dimension of this insert 50 limits the axial force of the fixing means 42, by defining a maximum compression of the filtration stud 21 along the longitudinal axis L.

[0082] For the second embodiment, the method of fixing the solenoid valve 4 on the support frame 2 comprises, similarly to the first embodiment, both the step of mounting the filtration pad 21 within the solenoid valve 4 and the step of fixing the assembly formed by the filtration pad 21 and the solenoid valve 4 on the support frame 2.

[0083] During the assembly step, the first subassembly formed by the first insert 50A and the first section 60 and the second subassembly of the filtration pad 21 formed by the second insert 50B and the second section 62 are each in the opening 20 of the solenoid valve 4, the first subassembly passing for this purpose through the first wall 16 of the solenoid valve 4 while the second subassembly passes through its second wall 18. The stop portion 26 is thus positioned opposite the first wall 16 and the end portion 22 is positioned opposite the second wall 18, while the cylindrical portion 24 formed by the two sections 60, 62 is arranged in the opening 20 of the solenoid valve 4. Notably, the subassemblies are preferably formed so that the inserts 50A, 50B are flush at one end of their sections 60, 62 respective which is opposite the other section 60, 62.Therefore, due to the reduced size of the inserts 50A, 50B compared to that of the sections 60, 62, an area of ​​the first section 60 closest to the stop portion 26 and an area of ​​the second section 62 closest to the end portion 22 are devoid of insert 50.

[0084] Once the assembly step has thus been completed, the fixing means 42 is inserted into the filtration stud 21 via the stop portion 26. Similar to the first embodiment, the distal portion 48 of the rod 44 of the fixing means 42 slides successively through the stop portion 26, the cylindrical portion 24 and the end portion 20 in order to be housed in the orifice 51 of the external edge 8 of the support frame 2. The fixing means 42 is then secured to this support frame 2, by cooperation between a thread present on its rod 44 and a tapping present within the orifice 51 during a screwing operation of the fixing step.

[0085] At the start of the screwing operation, due to the reduced size of the inserts 50A, 50B compared to the sections 60, 62, there is a clearance between the first insert 50A and the first face 36 of the stop portion 26 as well as a clearance between the second insert 50B and the first face 36 of the end portion 22. The screwing operation leads to the head 46 of the fixing means 42 being pressed against the second face 38 of the stop portion 26, as well as to the pressing of its first face 36 against the first wall 16 of the solenoid valve 4. In the same way, the screwing operation makes it possible to compress the end portion 22 between the external edge 8 of the support frame 2 and the second wall 18 of the solenoid valve 4.

[0086] The screwing operation, which presses the stop portion 26 against the solenoid valve 4, also tends to bring the second wall 18 of the solenoid valve 4 closer to the external edge 8 of the support frame 2, and in doing so brings the first insert 50A closer to the second insert 50B.

[0087] The first insert 50A and the second insert 50B constituting in this second embodiment the stop means of the filtration device 6, the screwing operation is constrained by a dimension of these inserts 50A, 50B. Thus, if the screwing operation makes it possible to compress the filtration pad 21, such compression is limited by the inserts 50A, 50B due to their rigidity. The compression of the filtration pad 21 by the fixing means 42 cannot therefore reduce its longitudinal dimension, measured between its first longitudinal end 32 and its second longitudinal end 34, below the dimension of the inserts 50A, 50B measured along the longitudinal axis L.

[0088] Once the screwing operation is complete, the step of fixing the assembly formed by the filtration pad 21 and the solenoid valve 4 on the support frame 2 is completed. The filtration device 6 is in fact positioned to optimally reduce the propagation of vibrations resulting from the operation of the solenoid valve 4.

[0089] The present invention thus provides a means of effectively filtering vibrations caused by a solenoid valve within a heat treatment device, by inserting a filter directly into the solenoid valve. It is therefore not necessary to provide additional fixing brackets between the solenoid valve and a support frame of the heat treatment device, which allows a reduction in the costs and assembly time of the heat treatment device.

[0090] The present invention cannot, however, be limited to the means and configurations described and illustrated here and it also extends to any equivalent means and configuration as well as to any technically effective combination of such means.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Filtration device (6) of a solenoid valve (4) of a heat treatment device (1), comprising a filtration pad (21) comprising a hollow cylindrical portion (24) extending along a longitudinal axis (L) and being intended to be inserted through the solenoid valve (4), the filtration pad (21) comprising a stop portion (26) arranged at a first longitudinal end (32) of the filtration pad (21) and an end portion (22) arranged at a second longitudinal end (34) of the filtration pad (21), the stop portion (26) extending mainly in a plane perpendicular to the cylindrical portion (24) and being configured to be in contact with a first wall (16) of the solenoid valve (4), and the end portion (22) being configured to extend mainly in a plane perpendicular to the cylindrical portion (24) and to come into contact with a second wall (18) of the solenoid valve (4).

2. Filtration device (6) according to the preceding claim, in which the end portion (22) comprises a plurality of deformable tabs (52) configured to move away from the longitudinal axis (L) under an axial force.

3. Filtration device (6) according to the preceding claim, in which the tabs (52) are deformable between a first standard position intersecting but not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L) and a second constrained position substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L).

4. Filtration device (6) according to the preceding claim, in which in the first standard position the tabs (52) fit into a cylindrical volume whose diameter is less than the external diameter of the cylindrical portion (24).

5. Filtration device (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a fixing means (42) of which a rod (44) extends at least partially within the hollow cylindrical portion (24) and of which a head (46) is in contact with the stop portion (26).

6. Filtration device (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one means of stopping the movement of the rod (44), in particular a shoulder (58) provided on the rod (44) of the fixing means (42).

7. Filtration device (6) according to the preceding claim, wherein said at least one stop means comprises at least one rigid insert (50, 50A, 50B) disposed against an internal wall (28) of the cylindrical portion (24).

8. Filtration device (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the cylindrical portion (24) is formed of a first section (60) and a second section (62) aligned along the longitudinal axis (L), the filtration pad (21) being formed by a first sub-assembly comprising the first section (60) and the stop portion (26), and a second sub-assembly comprising the second section (62) and the end portion (22).

9. Heat treatment device (1) comprising a solenoid valve (4), a support frame (2) and a filtration device (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, the solenoid valve (4) having a body (14) delimited at least by a first wall (16) arranged opposite the support frame (2) and a second wall (18) opposite the first wall (16), the stop portion (26) of the filtration pad (21) being pressed against the first wall (16) of the solenoid valve (4) and the end portion (22) of the filtration pad (21) being pressed against the second wall (18) of the solenoid valve (4), the body of the solenoid valve (4) having an opening (20) extending from the first wall (16) to the second wall (18), the cylindrical portion (24) of the filtration pad (21) of the filtration device (6) being arranged within the opening (20) of the solenoid valve (4).

10. Heat treatment device (1) according to the preceding claim in combination with claim 6, in which the support frame (2) has an orifice (51) within which a thread is provided, the rod (44) of the fixing means (42) being inserted within the thread.

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