Subassembly for a module for dispensing a fluid, in particular a heat-transfer fluid, dispensing module comprising such a subassembly and method for testing the subassembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a subassembly for a module for dispensing a fluid, in particular a heat-transfer fluid, the subassembly comprising a support frame (20), a distributing member (22) which is rotatable in the support frame about an axis (X), referred to as the longitudinal axis, and a dispensing member (24), wherein the subassembly is configured such that the distributing member (22) assumes different angular positions about the longitudinal axis (X) so as to determine specific flow arrangements of the fluid through the dispensing member (24), and wherein the support frame (20), the distributing member (22) and the dispensing member (24) are configured so as to be kept preassembled together for installation of the subassembly in the module.

Description

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

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

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

[0003] In one configuration, such valves are available fully pre-assembled and ready to be mounted on a support. A drawback of this configuration is the low level of integration when multiple valves are required to complete a given circuit.

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

[0005] One drawback of such a configuration is its lack of standardization. Furthermore, the module can only be tested once all the valves are fully installed. Therefore, in the event of a failure, the entire module must be discarded, even if only one valve is faulty.

[0006] The invention aims to overcome at least in part the previous drawbacks and proposes for this purpose a sub-assembly for a fluid distribution module, in particular for a heat transfer fluid, said sub-assembly comprising a support frame, a distribution element, movable in rotation in said support frame around an axis, said longitudinal, and a distributor element, said sub-assembly being configured so that the distribution element takes different angular positions around said longitudinal axis so as to determine specific circulations of the fluid through said distributor element, said support frame, said distribution element and said distributor element being configured so as to be kept pre-assembled on one of them for the purpose of mounting said sub-assembly in said module.

[0007] This pre-assembly allows the sub-assembly to be mounted in the module in a single operation, rather than piece by piece. It also enables the use of standardized sub-assemblies and streamlines module manufacturing. Furthermore, the sub-assembly is functional, allowing it to be tested before installation in the module by being placed in a test jig.

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

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

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

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

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

[0013] illustrates schematically an exploded view, in perspective, of an example of a module conforming to the invention;

[0014] illustrates schematically an exploded view, in perspective, of an example of a sub-assembly conforming to the invention;

[0015] illustrates schematically an assembled, perspective view of the subset of the;

[0016] illustrates schematically, in perspective, a distal end of the subset of the, according to a first assembly step;

[0017] illustrates schematically, in perspective, the distal end of the, according to a second assembly step;

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

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

[0020] As illustrated in the figure, the invention relates firstly to a fluid distribution module comprising a body 10 equipped with one or more housings 12, here three, each housing organs 14 which, together with said body 10, form an axial valve, once assembled.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, the distributor 22 and the distributing element 24 are mounted on the support frame 20. This allows the subassembly to be manipulated via the support frame 20 for mounting in the module. The support frame 20 is advantageously provided with mounting holes 26 on the body 10.

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

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

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

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

[0037] The said sub-assembly further includes a seal 46 for sealing a passage of the drive shaft 32 through said support frame 20.

[0038] The distributor 24 comprises, for example, a distributor disc 36 having a plurality of distributor orifices 38 allowing the passage of fluid. These distributor orifices 38 are here in the form of angular sectors. They have a closed contour, for example, a kidney bean shape. In the illustrated example, without limitation, there are three of them and / or they extend over slightly less than 120°.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0045] Advantageously, the support frame 20 includes mounting brackets 58 extending along the longitudinal axis to form the stop 50. These brackets 58 extend, for example, from a periphery of the cover 52. There are three of them, spaced approximately 120° apart. It should be noted that the mounting brackets are not shown in the illustration to simplify the figure.

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

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

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

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

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

[0051] As can be seen in Figure 1, where only the distribution and distributor discs 28 and 36 are shown, these discs are equipped with peripheral notches 68 and 70 extending angularly. These notches 68 and 70 are the same number as the tabs 58. Therefore, there are three of them, spaced at 120° intervals. In the figures, these notches 68 of the distribution disc 28 are aligned with the notches 70 of the distributor disc 36 for the purposes of mounting the support frame 20.

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

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

[0054] At the point where, after relative rotation around said longitudinal axis X, of said support frame 20, on the one hand, and of said distribution and distributor discs 28, 36, on the other hand, the small arm of the leg 58 is opposite said flat 72. Said stop 50 is thus defined by the contact between said flats 72 and said small arm of the legs 58. Advantageously, said elastic element 44 exerts a force opposing the separation of said small arm of the legs 58 from said flat 72.

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

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

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

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

[0059] Referring again to the diagram, as already mentioned, we find that the module according to the invention comprises one or more sub-assemblies as described above. The said sub-assembly(ies) are mounted in the corresponding housings 12, here along the longitudinal axis X, as illustrated by the arrows marked 74.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0068] It is understood that a thickness of said stop 50, in particular a thickness of the small arm of the tabs 58, is configured so as not to impede the compression of said distributor disc 36, in particular of said ribs 66, 66', against said bottom wall 82. Here, "thickness" means the dimension of the stop 50, in particular of the small arm of the tabs 58, along said longitudinal axis X. Such a result is obtained, for example, by a depth along said longitudinal axis X of a notch formed in said distributor disc 36 to accommodate said stop 50, in particular the small arm of the tabs 58. This notch is located here opposite said flat 72 and corresponds to the space where the stop 50 is situated after the bayonet mounting movement.

[0069] The invention also relates to a method for testing a sub-assembly as described above.

[0070] The said process includes a first step in which the said subassembly is placed in a test jig having a housing similar to housing 12 of the module for which the said subassembly is intended.

[0071] In a second step, the fluid is circulated through the template while the distribution element 22 is moved from one of its angular positions to another. This verifies that each of these positions can be occupied without fluid leakage, or at the very least, with an acceptable leakage rate.

[0072] It is therefore possible for a first person who has assembled the said sub-assemblies to test the proper functioning of each of them before delivery to another person who will assemble them with the body 10 intended to form the module.

Claims

Subassembly for a fluid distribution module, in particular for a heat transfer fluid, said subassembly comprising a support frame (20), a distribution element (22), rotatable in said support frame about an axis (X), said longitudinal, and a distributor element (24), said subassembly being configured so that the distribution element (22) takes different angular positions about said longitudinal axis (X) so as to determine specific circulations of the fluid through said distributor element (24), said support frame (20), said distribution element (22) and said distributor element (24) being configured so as to be kept pre-assembled on one of them for the purpose of mounting said subassembly in said module. Subassembly according to the preceding claim in which said distributing member (24) and said distributing member (22) are mounted on said support frame (20). Subassembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said support frame (20) and said distributing member (24) are mutually configured to form a stop (50) along said longitudinal axis (X). Subassembly according to the preceding claim configured so that said stop (50) is elastic. Subassembly according to any one of claims 3 to 4 in which said support frame (20) includes fixing lugs (58) extending along said longitudinal axis (X) to form said stop (50). Subassembly according to the preceding claim in which said legs (58) have a distal end (60) cooperating with said distributing member (24) to form said stop (50). Subassembly according to the preceding claim in which said distributing member (22) comprises a distributing disc (28) having at least one distributing orifice (30), said distributing member (24) comprises a distributing disc (36) having a plurality of distributing orifices (38), a face (64) of said distributing disc (36), opposite said distributing disc (28), said lower face, cooperates with said distal ends (60) to form said stop (50). Subassembly according to the preceding claim in which said distributor disc (36) is configured to cooperate with said fixing lugs (58) according to a bayonet mounting movement of said distributor member (24) on said support frame (20). Fluid distribution module comprising a body (10) and at least one subassembly (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, said subassembly (14) being mounted in a housing (12) for the circulation of the fluid formed in said body (10). Module according to the preceding claim in which said body (10) comprises a plurality of connecting ports (80) opening at the level of a bottom wall (82) of said housing (12), said module being configured to compress said distributing member (24) against said bottom wall (82) so as to provide a seal between said connecting ports (80). Module according to any one of claims 9 or 10 wherein said subassembly (14) defines a fluid circulation volume (76) in said housing (12), between a cover (52) of said support frame (20) and said distribution element (22), said distribution disc (22) and / or said distributor disc (24) being configured so as to provide a seal between said circulation volume (76) and each of said connection ports (80). A method for testing a sub-assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, said method comprising a first step in which said sub-assembly is placed in a test jig having a housing similar to the housing (12) of the module according to any one of claims 9 to 11, and a second step in which said fluid is circulated while moving said distribution member from one of its angular positions to the other.

Images