Fluid management module
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- NOVARES FRANCE
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-25
Smart Images
Figure FR2025051218_25062026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] FLUID MANAGEMENT MODULE
[0002] The present invention relates to electric or hybrid vehicles and, more specifically, to the thermal management of the components of these vehicles, including the passenger compartment.
[0003] Currently, a very large proportion of vehicles worldwide run on internal combustion engines that use fossil fuels, such as gasoline. However, the use of these vehicles presents two major problems. First, fossil fuels are limited in quantity, and their restricted geographical availability leads to significant price fluctuations, often upward, which directly affects consumers. Second, the combustion of these fuels is a major source of carbon dioxide emissions, thus contributing significantly to global warming. These challenges have motivated increased research into alternative drive systems for personal and commercial vehicles.
[0004] Electric vehicles appear to be a promising alternative to internal combustion engine powertrains. However, designing an efficient and user-friendly electric powertrain presents significant thermal management challenges. These include the specific cell configuration requirements of battery systems, as well as the need to ensure adequate heating and cooling for the passenger compartment. Current thermal management systems for electric and hybrid vehicles often have limitations in terms of efficiency or excessive complexity. For example, early generations of electric vehicles used independent thermal subsystems, each requiring specific components such as pumps, valves, or refrigeration systems, resulting in inefficient approaches from an energy efficiency perspective.
[0005] To overcome these limitations, some solutions rely on integrated thermal management systems, using multiple heat transfer circuits sharing the same heat transfer fluid. These interconnected circuits allow heat to be transferred between high- and low-temperature zones. Some systems also describe more efficient solutions incorporating multiple cooling loops and a single heat exchanger, for example, for the battery system, passenger compartment, and powertrain.
[0006] However, these systems often rely on electrically controlled pumps and multi-position valves to direct the heat transfer fluid. These valves require expensive actuators, significantly increasing the cost of cooling systems. The present invention proposes an innovative fluid management module that overcomes these drawbacks, enabling the distribution of the heat transfer fluid within a thermal management system without the need for electrically controlled valves.
[0007] Accordingly, in a first aspect, the invention relates to a fluid management module for managing the circulation of a fluid between different components of a motor vehicle, said module comprising:
[0008] - a substantially hollow fluid circulation housing defining a plurality of fluid circulation lines, said housing being equipped with a plurality of fluid inlet / outlet pipes in fluidic communication with said plurality of fluid circulation lines,
[0009] - at least one reversible pump,
[0010] - at least one non-return valve, and
[0011] - at least one pilot-operated diaphragm, wherein said at least one reversible pump, said at least one check valve, and said at least one pilot-operated diaphragm are configured to define at least one specific fluid circulation circuit within said fluid circulation housing, and wherein said at least one pilot-operated diaphragm comprises a flexible membrane acting as a separator between a first fluid circulation line, in which a fluid flows under a first pressure, and a second fluid circulation line, in which the fluid flows under a second pressure, and a pilot device connected to said membrane allowing the position of said membrane to be changed according to a pilot pressure, which corresponds to the fluid pressure captured by a pickup line from a predefined point along one of the fluid circulation lines,said membrane being configured to regulate the fluid flow between said first and second fluid circulation lines in response to variations in first and second pressures and pilot pressure.
[0012] Thus configured, the fluid management module of the invention allows the distribution of a heat transfer fluid to be controlled via several specific circuits, each specific circuit corresponding to a preferred operating mode that optimizes heat transfer in a motor vehicle. This fluid management module has the particular advantage of not using electrically controlled valves.
[0013] According to other features, the fluid management module of the invention comprises one or more of the following optional features considered alone or in all possible combinations:
[0014] - The controlled diaphragm includes elastic return means capable of returning the diaphragm, or a shutter connected to said diaphragm, to a closed position if the pilot pressure is greater than a threshold value. - The controlled diaphragm includes elastic return means capable of returning the diaphragm, or a shutter connected to the diaphragm, to a closed position if the pilot pressure is less than a threshold value.
[0015] According to a second aspect, the invention also relates to a thermal management module for an electric or hybrid vehicle, comprising a fluid management module as defined above and at least one fluid circulation line in fluidic communication with said fluid management module, said at least one fluid circulation line circulating a heat transfer fluid in at least one component of a motor vehicle.
[0016] According to other characteristics, the thermal management module of the invention comprises one or more of the following optional characteristics considered alone or in all possible combinations:
[0017] - The thermal management module includes:
[0018] - a first main fluid circulation line circulating a heat transfer fluid within a battery unit,
[0019] - a second main fluid circulation line circulating a heat transfer fluid through an engine unit and a refrigerated liquid cooler,
[0020] - a third main fluid circulation line circulating a heat transfer fluid through a radiator-type heat exchanger,
[0021] - a fourth main fluid circulation line circulating a heat transfer fluid through an evaporator,
[0022] - a first pump capable of modifying the flow rate and direction of circulation of the heat transfer fluid in the fourth main fluid circulation line,
[0023] - a second pump capable of modifying the flow rate and direction of circulation of the heat transfer fluid in the second main fluid circulation line,
[0024] - a plurality of secondary fluid circulation lines connecting a plurality of connection points located on the first, second, third, and fourth main fluid circulation lines,
[0025] - a plurality of pilot-operated check valves and diaphragms configured to selectively block or allow the circulation of the heat transfer fluid in the main and / or secondary fluid circulation lines, such that the thermal management module can operate in at least two modes of operation, respectively a first mode of operation in which a heat transfer fluid circulates in a loop and successively in the second main fluid circulation line, the third main fluid circulation line, the fourth main fluid circulation line, the first main fluid circulation line and again in the second main fluid circulation line, and a second mode of operation in which a first heat transfer fluid circulates in a loop and successively in the first main fluid circulation line,The second main fluid circulation line returns to the first main fluid circulation line, and a second heat transfer fluid circulates in a loop successively through the fourth main fluid circulation line, the third main fluid circulation line, and again through the fourth main fluid circulation line.
[0026] - the thermal management module can operate according to a third operating mode, in which a heat transfer fluid circulates in a loop and successively in the second main fluid circulation line, the fourth main fluid circulation line, the first main fluid circulation line and again in the second main fluid circulation line.
[0027] - the thermal management module can operate according to a fourth operating mode, in which a first heat transfer fluid circulates in a loop and successively in the first main fluid circulation line, the fourth main fluid circulation line and again in the first main fluid circulation line, and a second heat transfer fluid circulates in a loop and successively in the third main fluid circulation line, the second main fluid circulation line and again in the third main fluid circulation line.
[0028] - The thermal management module includes an electronic control unit capable of controlling the flow rate and direction of fluid circulation of the first and second pumps in order to switch from one operating mode to another.
[0029] - the thermal management module includes a first pilot-operated diaphragm disposed along the first main fluid circulation line, the pilot pressure of said first pilot-operated diaphragm being taken from a point located along the third main fluid circulation line, a second pilot-operated diaphragm disposed along a first secondary fluid circulation line connecting a connection point located along the first main fluid circulation line to a connection point located between the third main fluid circulation line and the fourth main fluid circulation line, the pilot pressure of said second pilot-operated diaphragm being taken from a point located along the fourth main fluid circulation line,a third pilot-operated diaphragm disposed along a second secondary fluid circulation line connecting a connection point located between the second main fluid circulation line and the third main fluid circulation line to a connection point located along the first main fluid circulation line, the pilot pressure of said third pilot-operated diaphragm being taken from a point located along the second main fluid circulation line, a fourth pilot-operated diaphragm disposed along a third secondary fluid circulation line connecting a connection point located along the second main fluid circulation line to a connection point located along the third main fluid circulation line,the pilot pressure of said fourth piloted diaphragm being taken from a point located between the second main fluid circulation line and the third main fluid circulation line, a fifth piloted diaphragm disposed along a fourth secondary fluid circulation line connecting a connection point located along the second main fluid circulation line to a connection point located along the fourth main fluid circulation line, the pilot pressure of said fifth piloted diaphragm being taken from a connection point located along the fourth main fluid circulation line,a sixth pilot-operated diaphragm disposed along a fifth secondary fluid circulation line connecting a connection point located between the first main fluid circulation line and the fourth main fluid circulation line to a connection point located along the third main fluid circulation line, the pilot pressure of said sixth pilot-operated diaphragm being taken from the connection point of the third secondary fluid circulation line on the third main line, a seventh pilot-operated diaphragm disposed along a sixth secondary fluid circulation line connecting a connection point located along the fourth main fluid circulation line to a connection point located along the fifth secondary fluid circulation line,the pilot pressure of said seventh pilot-operated diaphragm being taken from the connection point of the fourth secondary fluid circulation line to the fourth main fluid circulation line, and an eighth pilot-operated diaphragm disposed along the fourth main fluid circulation line between the connection point of the fourth secondary fluid circulation line to the fourth main fluid circulation line and the connection point of the sixth secondary fluid circulation line to the fourth main fluid circulation line, the pilot pressure of said eighth pilot-operated diaphragm being taken from the connection point of the fourth secondary fluid circulation line to the second main fluid circulation line.
[0030] - the thermal management module includes a first non-return valve disposed along the third main fluid circulation line between the connection point of the fifth secondary fluid circulation line on the third main fluid circulation line and the connection point of the third secondary fluid circulation line on the third main fluid circulation line, a second non-return valve disposed along the first secondary fluid circulation line, a third non-return valve disposed along the second secondary fluid circulation line, a fourth non-return valve disposed along the third secondary fluid circulation line, a fifth non-return valve disposed along the fourth secondary fluid circulation line,and a sixth non-return valve disposed along a seventh secondary fluid circulation line forming a bypass branch of the fourth main fluid circulation line between the connection point of the fourth secondary fluid circulation line to the fourth main fluid circulation line and the connection point of the sixth secondary fluid circulation line to the fourth main fluid circulation line.
[0031] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a thermal management method using the thermal management module as defined above, said method comprising the following steps:
[0032] - to measure the temperatures of several functional areas of an electric or hybrid vehicle,
[0033] - analyze the need to adjust these temperatures,
[0034] - select the operating mode of the thermal management module to meet these adjustment requirements,
[0035] - control the flow rate and direction of circulation of at least one heat transfer fluid circulating inside the thermal management module by means of the first and second pumps in order to achieve the selected operating mode.
[0036] The invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description with reference to the attached figures representing, by way of non-limiting example, an embodiment of a fluid management module according to the invention, as well as a thermal management module implementing such a fluid management module and a controlled diaphragm usable within such a fluid management module.
[0037] [Fig. 1a] is a perspective view of a fluid management module according to the invention.
[0038] [Fig. 1 b] is a view similar to figure 1a, but exploded.
[0039] [Fig. 2a] is a top view of the central part of the module shown in figures 1a and 1b.
[0040] [Fig. 2b] is a similar view to figure 2a, but from below.
[0041] [Fig. 3] is a schematic view of a thermal management module using the fluid management module of figures 1a and 1b.
[0042] [Fig. 4] is a view similar to figure 3, the module operating according to a first mode of fluid circulation.
[0043] [Fig. 5] is a view similar to Figure 3, with the module operating according to a second fluid circulation mode. [Fig. 6] is a view similar to Figure 3, with the module operating according to a third fluid circulation mode.
[0044] [Fig. 7] is a view similar to figure 3, the module operating according to a fourth fluid circulation mode.
[0045] [Fig. 8] is a cross-sectional view of a first example of a controlled diaphragm usable in the fluid management module according to the invention, the diaphragm being in a first functional state.
[0046] [Fig. 9] is a view similar to figure 8, with the diaphragm in a second functional state.
[0047] [Fig. 10] is an enlarged view of detail D shown in figure 9.
[0048] [Fig. 11] is a cross-sectional view of a second example of a controlled diaphragm usable in the fluid management module according to the invention, the diaphragm being in a first functional state.
[0049] [Fig. 12] is a view similar to figure 11, the diaphragm being in a second functional state.
[0050] An X, Y, Z axis system is provided in Figures 1a and 1b, in which the X, Y axes define respectively a longitudinal and a lateral orientation, in a horizontal plane, and the Z axis defines a vertical orientation.
[0051] In the following description, the term "a first element upstream of a second element" means that the first element is positioned before the second element with respect to the direction of flow, or path, of a fluid. Similarly, the term "a first element downstream of a second element" means that the first element is positioned after the second element with respect to the direction of flow, or path, of the fluid in question.
[0052] With reference to figures 1a and 1b, a fluid management module is illustrated according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0053] This module 200 includes a fluid circulation housing 210 formed by the assembly of a base 211, a cover 213, and a central part 212 arranged between the base 211 and the cover 213.
[0054] As shown in Figures 2a and 2b, the central part 212 has several internal cavities 214 extending in a vertical direction, said internal cavities 214 being delimited from each other by separating walls 215.
[0055] Furthermore, the central part 212 is surrounded by a peripheral wall 216 through which several openings 217a, 217b, 217c are drilled, the openings 217a leading to inlet / outlet pipes 218 of fluid attached to the casing 210, and the openings 217b, 217c leading to connection terminals 219 to which pumps 141 and 142 are connected. These pumps 141 and 142 are reversible so that they can circulate a fluid either from the opening 217b to the opening 217c, or from the opening 217c to the opening 217b.
[0056] Some of the internal cavities 214 of the housing 210 are configured to accommodate check valves 151 to 156. These check valves may include a spring that holds the valve in the closed position. The check valve opens under the pressure of a fluid flowing in a specific direction, allowing its passage. If an attempt is made to reverse the flow, the valve closes automatically under the action of the spring, thus blocking the passage of the fluid.
[0057] Certain other internal cavities 214 of the housing are configured to accommodate controlled diaphragms 161 to 168. These controlled diaphragms may include a deformable membrane that acts as a separator between a first chamber subjected to a first pressure and a second chamber subjected to a second pressure, and a control device connected to said membrane that allows its position to be changed according to a control pressure. These controlled diaphragms will be described in detail later with reference to Figures 8 to 12.
[0058] Once assembled, the housing 210 defines a number of flow paths for a fluid. The fluid enters or exits the housing 210 via the inlet / outlet pipes 218, and the fluid circulation through the housing 210 is controlled by the check valves 151 to 156 and the pilot-operated diaphragms 161 to 168. The circuit followed by the fluid inside the housing 210 will depend primarily on the flow rate and direction of fluid flow generated by each of the reversible pumps 141 and 142. These two parameters will notably modify the fluid pressure in the various internal cavities 214 of the housing 210, which, as explained in detail later, will influence the open and closed state of the check valves 151 to 156 and the pilot-operated diaphragms 161 to 168.
[0059] With reference to Figure 3, a thermal management module 100 is schematically illustrated according to an embodiment of the invention. This thermal management module 100 implements the fluid management module 200 described previously.
[0060] This module 100 allows the circulation of a heat transfer fluid through several main fluid circulation lines 101 to 104 and several secondary fluid circulation lines 111 to 117, said main and secondary fluid circulation lines being connected to each other at connection points a to m. Some of these connection points have been identified on the fluid management module 200 in Figure 1b. In particular, as shown in Figure 3, two connection points a and b are intended to be connected to a branch of module 100 that supplies fluid to an evaporator 135. Two connection points c and d are intended to be connected to a branch of module 100 that supplies fluid to a coil 131. Two connection points g and h are intended to be connected to a branch of module 100 that supplies fluid to a radiator 134.two connection points f and k are intended to be connected to a branch of module 100 which supplies fluid to a motor unit 132 and a refrigerated liquid cooler 133.
[0061] Each connection point allows the heat transfer fluid to flow into one of the fluid circulation lines that converge at that point. The distribution of the heat transfer fluid between the fluid circulation lines at a connection point is achieved by opening or closing the check valves 151 to 156 and the controlled diaphragms 161 to 168 of the fluid management module 200, which is connected to that point. In other words, each connection point acts as a means of redirecting the heat transfer fluid arriving at that point.
[0062] The non-return valves 151 to 156 and the piloted diaphragms 161 to 168 thus allow the heat transfer fluid to be selectively directed into the different fluid circulation lines of the thermal management module 100, in order to ensure different modes of operation, as will be described later.
[0063] A first main fluid circulation line 101 extends from a connection point b to a connection point d and includes successively the piloted diaphragm 161 disposed along a first branch of the main line 101 extending from the connection point b to a connection point c, and then the battery unit 131 disposed along a second branch of the main line 101 extending between the connection point c and the connection point d.
[0064] A second main fluid circulation line 102 extends from the connection point d to a connection point k and includes successively the pump 142 arranged along a first branch of the main line 102 extending from the connection point d to a connection point e, then the motor unit 132 and the chilled liquid cooler 133 arranged along a second branch of the main line 102 extending between the connection point e and the connection point k.
[0065] A third main fluid circulation line 103 extends from the connection point k to a connection point h and includes successively the check valve 151 arranged along a first branch of the main line 103 extending from the connection point k to a connection point g, and then the radiator 134 arranged along a second branch of the main line 103 extending between the connection point g and the connection point h.
[0066] A fourth main fluid circulation line 104 extends from the connection point h to the connection point b and includes successively the pump 141 disposed along a first branch of the main line 104 extending from the connection point h to a connection point i, then the piloted diaphragm 168 disposed along a second branch of the main line 104 between the connection point i and a connection point a, and finally the evaporator 135 disposed along a third branch of the main line 104 extending between the connection point a and the connection point b.
[0067] A first secondary line 111 of fluid circulation extends from the connection point c to the connection point h and includes successively the piloted diaphragm 162 and the non-return valve 152.
[0068] A second secondary fluid circulation line 112 extends from the connection point k to the connection point c and includes successively the non-return valve 153 and the piloted diaphragm 163.
[0069] A third secondary fluid circulation line 113 extends from the connection point f to the connection point g and includes successively the non-return valve 154 and the piloted diaphragm 164.
[0070] A fourth secondary fluid circulation line 114 extends from the connection point e to the connection point a and includes successively the piloted diaphragm 165 and the non-return valve 155.
[0071] A fifth secondary fluid circulation line 115 extends from connection point b to connection point j and includes the piloted diaphragm 166.
[0072] A sixth secondary fluid circulation line 116 extends from the connection point i to a connection point m located along the fifth secondary fluid circulation line 115, downstream of the piloted diaphragm 166 when the fluid flows from the connection point b to the connection point j. The sixth secondary fluid circulation line 116 includes the piloted diaphragm 167.
[0073] A seventh secondary fluid circulation line 117 forms a branch off the second branch of the fourth main line 104 and includes the check valve 156.
[0074] Pumps 141 and 142 are reversible, allowing the flow rate and direction of the heat transfer fluid to be changed in the fourth main fluid circulation line 104 and the second main fluid circulation line 102, respectively. Such reversible pumps are called peripheral pumps, also known as regenerative pumps. This type of pump uses an impeller with numerous radial vanes mounted on a shaft that can rotate in two opposite directions, each direction corresponding to a specific fluid flow direction.
[0075] Module 100 may advantageously include at least one electronic control unit (not shown) capable of controlling motors equipping pumps 141 and 142, so that the flow rate and direction of fluid circulation in said pumps 141 and 142 can be modified to meet the vehicle's thermal requirements. Depending on the adjustments made by the electronic control unit, module 100 can thus switch from one fluid circulation mode to another.
[0076] Each of the check valves 151 to 156 is configured, within the fluid flow line where it is located, to block the passage of fluid when the fluid flows in the first direction of circulation, with the check valve in the closed state, and to allow the passage of fluid when the fluid flows in the second direction of circulation, with the check valve in the open state. In Figures 3 to 7, these check valves 151 to 156 are represented by a solid circle surmounted by an inverted V-shaped cap.
[0077] Each of the pilot-operated diaphragms 161 to 168 can be configured, within its fluid circulation line, either to block fluid flow when the pilot pressure exceeds a threshold value and to allow fluid flow when the pilot pressure falls below this threshold value, or conversely, to allow fluid flow when the pilot pressure exceeds a threshold value and to block fluid flow when the pilot pressure falls below this threshold value. This pilot pressure is transmitted to the diaphragm via a sensing line that can measure the fluid pressure from a predefined point along one of the main or secondary fluid circulation lines of the thermal management module. This sensing line can, for example, be a conduit thinner than the pipes carrying the heat transfer fluid.
[0078] Thus, the pilot pressure of the pilot diaphragm 161 is measured from the connection point g. The pilot pressure of the pilot diaphragm 162 is measured from the connection point a. The pilot pressure of the pilot diaphragm 163 is measured from the connection point f. The pilot pressure of the pilot diaphragm 164 is measured from the connection point k. The pilot pressure of the pilot diaphragm 165 is measured from the connection point i. The pilot pressure of the pilot diaphragm 166 is measured from the connection point g. The pilot pressure of the pilot diaphragm 167 is measured from the connection point a. The pilot pressure of the pilot diaphragm 168 is measured from the connection point e.
[0079] An example of a pilot-operated diaphragm 10 is shown in Figures 8 and 9. This diaphragm 10 comprises a lower portion 11 and an upper portion 13, said lower and upper portions surrounding and connected to an intermediate portion 12. The portions 11 to 13 are configured to form within the diaphragm 10 a first fluid circulation line L1, in which a fluid flows under a first pressure P1, a second fluid circulation line L2, in which the fluid flows under a second pressure P2, and a collection line Le, which is subjected to a pilot pressure Pd. Between the upper portion 13 and the intermediate portion 12, a flexible membrane 14 is disposed. This membrane 14 has a substantially annular outer edge 144 which is compressed between the upper portion
[0080] 13 and the intermediate part 12 of the diaphragm 10. This annular edge 144 is connected to a central circular area 143 of the membrane 14 via a deformable intermediate wall 145. Thus arranged, the membrane 14 forms a separator between an internal chamber 17 formed inside the upper part 13 and a main conduit 18 formed by the junction between the first and second fluid circulation lines L1 and L2. As shown in Figure 10, the membrane 14 is configured to define, with the upper part 13, a fluidic channel 19 at the annular edge 144, said fluidic channel 19 providing fluidic communication between the internal chamber 17 and the collection line Le, so that the internal chamber 17 is subjected to the pressure Pd.A control device consisting of a piston 16 connected to the diaphragm 14 and a spring 15 disposed between the piston 16 and an internal wall of the upper part 13 allows the position of the diaphragm 14 to be changed according to the pressure Pd prevailing in the internal chamber 17.
[0081] When the pressure Pd is below a threshold value, the stress exerted by the spring 15 on the piston 16 is less than the thrust exerted by the fluid contained in the internal chamber 17, as shown in Figure 8, in which the piston 16 and the diaphragm
[0082] 14 are located away from an upper edge 122 of an annular section 121 of the intermediate part 12, said annular section 121 forming the junction between the first fluid circulation line L1 and the second fluid circulation line L2. In this position, a fluid can therefore flow from the first fluid circulation line L1 to the second fluid circulation line L2.
[0083] When the pressure Pd is greater than the threshold value, the spring 15 is configured to exert a constraint on the piston 16 in such a way as to return it elastically to a closed position, so that the piston 16 has approached the upper edge 122 of the annular section 121 until the central area 143 of the membrane 14 is in contact with said upper edge 122, as shown in Figure 9. In this closed position, a fluid can therefore no longer flow from the first fluid circulation line L1 to the second fluid circulation line L2.
[0084] Furthermore, the fluid flowing in the fluid circulation lines L1 and L2 also exerts a pressure on the membrane 14 tending to move it away from the upper edge 122. It is therefore clear that, by varying the pressures P1 and P2 of the fluid in the fluid circulation lines L1 and L2, it is possible to vary the position of the membrane 14.
[0085] The diaphragm 14, under the action of the pilot device, is thus configured to regulate the fluid flow between the first and second fluid circulation lines L1 and L2 in response to variations in the first and second pressures P1 and P2, and the pilot pressure Pd. The pilot-operated diaphragm 10 shown in Figures 8 and 9 is obviously only one possible embodiment; other embodiments are conceivable without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the shape or position of the various constituent elements of this diaphragm may vary. Thus, in another embodiment, it will be possible to position the spring 15 such that it exerts a force on the piston 16 tending to move it away from the upper edge 122.
[0086] In another embodiment shown in Figures 11 and 12, the controlled diaphragm 10 differs from the one described previously in that the junction between the fluid flow lines L1 and L2 is defined by a circular opening 123 formed in a partition wall 121 of the intermediate part 12. This opening 123 is closed by a shutter 21 attached to the piston 16 in a closed position, as illustrated in Figure 11, so that no fluid can flow from the first fluid flow line L1 to the second fluid flow line L2. Furthermore, a compression spring 15', located between the lower part 11 and the shutter 21, is configured to exert a force on the shutter 21, thus elastically returning it to this closed position.
[0087] As long as the pressure Pd in the internal chamber 17 is less than a threshold value, the stress exerted by the spring 15' on the shutter assembly 21-piston 16 is greater than the thrust exerted by the fluid contained in the internal chamber 17 and the shutter 21 remains in contact with the wall 121, as shown in Figure 11.
[0088] When the pressure Pd in the internal chamber 17 is greater than the threshold value, the thrust exerted by the fluid contained in the internal chamber 17 is greater than the stress exerted by the spring 15' on the shutter 21-piston 16 assembly and, as shown in Figure 12, the shutter 21 has moved away from the wall 121. In this position, a fluid can therefore flow from the first fluid circulation line L1 to the second fluid circulation line L2.
[0089] In another embodiment, it will be possible to position the spring 15' so that it exerts a constraint on the shutter 21-piston 16 assembly tending to move it away from the wall 121. In this case, the closed position of the shutter 21 will be reached when the pressure Pd in the internal chamber 17 is less than a threshold value.
[0090] The previously described thermal management module 100 can operate in numerous modes, in which one or more heat transfer fluids follow well-defined paths through the module's primary and secondary fluid circulation lines. Some of these modes will be described below and illustrated in Figures 4 to 7. In these figures, lines or portions of lines in which a heat transfer fluid flows are shown with thick lines. Lines or portions of lines in which the heat transfer fluid does not flow are shown with thin lines.According to a first operating mode of the thermal management module 100, represented in Figure 4, a heat transfer fluid circulates in a loop and successively in the second main fluid circulation line 102, the third main fluid circulation line 103, the fourth main fluid circulation line 104, the first main fluid circulation line 101 and again in the second main fluid circulation line 102.
[0091] According to a second operating mode of the thermal management module 100, represented in Figure 5, a first heat transfer fluid circulates in a loop and successively in the first main fluid circulation line 101, the second secondary fluid circulation line 112, the second main fluid circulation line 102 and again in the first main fluid circulation line 101, and a second heat transfer fluid circulates in a loop and successively in the fourth main fluid circulation line 104, the fifth secondary fluid circulation line 115, the third main fluid circulation line 103 and again in the fourth main fluid circulation line 104.
[0092] According to a third operating mode of the thermal management module 100, represented in Figure 6, a heat transfer fluid circulates in a loop and successively in the second main fluid circulation line 102, a portion of the third main fluid circulation line 103, the fifth secondary fluid circulation line 115, a portion of the fourth main fluid circulation line 104, the first secondary fluid circulation line 111, the first main fluid circulation line 101 and again in the second main fluid circulation line 102.
[0093] According to a fourth operating mode of the thermal management module 100, shown in Figure 7, a first heat transfer fluid circulates in a loop and successively in the first main fluid circulation line 101, a portion of the fourth main fluid circulation line 104, the fourth secondary fluid circulation line 114, and again in the first main fluid circulation line 101, and a second heat transfer fluid circulates in a loop and successively in a first portion of the third main fluid circulation line 103, a portion of the fifth secondary fluid circulation line 115, the sixth secondary fluid circulation line 116, a second portion of the third main fluid circulation line 103, the third secondary fluid circulation line 113,the second main fluid circulation line 102 and again in the first portion of the third main fluid circulation line 103,
[0094] These different operating modes can be obtained by appropriately controlling the flow rate and direction of fluid circulation in pumps 101 and 102, so as to induce a specific pressure in each of the main lines 101 to 104 and the secondary lines 111 to 117 of fluid circulation in module 100. This will therefore generate a pressure distribution at each connection point a to m of module 100. This distribution will cause either the opening or closing of the check valves 151 to 156 and the pilot-operated diaphragms 161 to 168.
[0095] In particular, the first operating mode of module 100, shown in Figure 4, is obtained as follows: i) Before pumps 141 and 142 start, diaphragms 161, 162, 164, 165, 167, and 168 are held closed in the absence of pilot pressure. Diaphragm 166 is held open in the absence of pilot pressure. Diaphragm 163 is floating. Check valves 151 to 156 are held closed. ii) Pumps 141 and 142 are started respectively according to the direction of flow: from connection point h to connection point i for pump 141 and from connection point d to connection point e for pump 142. iii) Pump 141 creates a vacuum in branch g / h, and pump 142 creates a pressure surge in branch e / f / k / j / m / b / a. Since these pressures are higher than the activation thresholds of the check valves, check valve 151 will then open.iv) Consequently, the pressure at connection point i, downstream of pump 141, becomes higher than that at connection point a, connected upstream of the same pump, due to the initial opening of diaphragm 166 creating the j / m / b / a connection. As a result, valve 156 opens, transmitting the overpressure from connection point i to connection points a and b. v) Diaphragm 166, now with low pressures P2 and Pd, and a high pressure P1 exceeding the spring preload, closes, shutting branch m / b. vi) At the same time, diaphragm 161, now with a low pressure Pd and a high pressure P1 exceeding the spring preload despite the pressure drop P1, opens. vii) The assembly therefore allows the establishment of a fluid flow along a loop e / f / k / j / g / h / i / a / b / c / d / e.
[0096] The second operating mode of module 100, shown in Figure 5, is achieved as follows: i) Before pumps 141 and 142 start, diaphragms 161, 162, 164, 165, 167, and 168 are held closed in the absence of pilot pressure. Diaphragm 166 is held open in the absence of pilot pressure. Diaphragm 163 is floating. Check valves 151 to 156 are held closed. ii) Pumps 141 and 142 are started respectively in the direction of flow from connection point h to connection point i and a zero flow for pump 141 and from connection point e to connection point d and a high flow for pump 142. iii) Pump 142 creates an overpressure in connection points d and c, and a vacuum in connection point e.iv) Initially, with the pumps stopped, the e / f / k / j / m / b / a branch being open, the vacuum propagates along it; consequently, the diaphragm 163 opens, allowing the establishment of a flow along the d / c / k / f / e loop. v) At the same time, the pressure in the g / h / i branch cannot differ significantly from that of the e / f / k / j / m / b / a branch, the opposite case triggering a rebalancing by the valve 151 or 156. As a result, the diaphragms 162, 167, 165, and 161, controlled respectively by points a, i, and g, will follow their pre-stresses: the b / c, i / m, h / c, and a / e branches therefore remain closed, and the b / m branch remains open. vi) Similarly, branch f / g is closed by diaphragm 164. If the flow rate of pump 141 increases until it counterbalances the activation pressures of valves 151 and 156, the flow of pump 141 is then established in loop i / a / b / m / j / g / h.vii) The assembly therefore allows the establishment of a fluid flow along a first loop d / c / k / f / e and a second loop i / a / b / m / j / g / h.
[0097] The thermal management module 100 as described above can thus be fitted to an electric or hybrid vehicle in order to adapt the circulation of a heat transfer fluid through various components of said vehicle according to the thermal needs of this vehicle.
[0098] The thermal management module 100 can, for example, be implemented within a comprehensive vehicle thermal management system using temperature sensors on specific vehicle components. The operation of this system could include several actions, such as:
[0099] - the measurement of temperature in several functional areas of the vehicle using temperature sensors,
[0100] - Analysis of the adjustment requirements for measured temperatures, - Selection of the operating mode of the thermal management module to meet the adjustment requirements,
[0101] - control of the flow rate and direction of circulation of one or more heat transfer fluids circulating inside the thermal management module by means of the thermal management module pumps in order to achieve the selected operating mode.
Claims
DEMANDS 1. Fluid management module (200) for managing the circulation of a fluid between different components (131-135) of a motor vehicle, said module (200) comprising: - a substantially hollow fluid circulation housing (210) defining a plurality of fluid circulation lines, said housing (210) being provided with a plurality of fluid inlet / outlet pipes (218) in fluidic communication with said plurality of fluid circulation lines, - at least one reversible pump (141, 142), - at least one non-return valve (151-156), and - at least one pilot-operated diaphragm (161-168), in which said at least one reversible pump (141, 142), said at least one check valve (151-156), and said at least one pilot-operated diaphragm (161-168) are configured to define at least one specific fluid circulation circuit within said fluid circulation housing (210), and in which said at least one pilot-operated diaphragm (161-168) includes a flexible diaphragm (14) acting as a separator between a first fluid circulation line (L1), in which a fluid flows under a first pressure (P1), and a second fluid circulation line (L2), in which the fluid flows under a second pressure (P2), and a pilot device (15, 16;15', 16, 21) connected to said membrane (14) allowing the position of said membrane (14) to be modified according to a pilot pressure (Pd), which corresponds to the fluid pressure captured by a sampling line (Le) from a predefined point (a, e, f, g, i, k) along one of the fluid circulation lines, said membrane (14) being configured to regulate the fluid flow between said first and second fluid circulation lines (L1, L2) in response to variations in the first and second pressures (P1, P2) and the pilot pressure (Pd).
2. Fluid management module (200) according to claim 1, characterized in that the piloted diaphragm (10) includes elastic return means (15, 15') capable of returning the diaphragm (14), or a shutter (21) connected to said diaphragm (14), to a closed position if the pilot pressure (Pd) is greater than a threshold value.
3. Fluid management module (200) according to claim 1, characterized in that the piloted diaphragm (10) includes elastic return means (15, 15') capable of returning the diaphragm (14), or a shutter (21) connected to the diaphragm (14), to a closed position if the pilot pressure (Pd) is less than a threshold value.
4. Thermal management module (100) for an electric or hybrid vehicle, comprising a fluid management module (200) according to any one of the preceding claims and at least one fluid circulation line in fluidic communication with said fluid management module (200), said at least one fluid circulation line circulating a heat transfer fluid in at least one component (131-135) of a motor vehicle.
5. Thermal management module (100) according to claim 4, said module (100) comprising: - a first main fluid circulation line (101) circulating a heat transfer fluid in a battery unit (131), - a second main fluid circulation line (102) circulating a heat transfer fluid in an engine unit (132) and a refrigerated liquid cooler (133), - a third main fluid circulation line (103) circulating a heat transfer fluid in a radiator-type heat exchanger (134), - a fourth main fluid circulation line (104) circulating a heat transfer fluid in an evaporator (135), - a first pump (141) capable of modifying the flow rate and direction of circulation of the heat transfer fluid in the fourth main fluid circulation line (104), - a second pump (142) capable of modifying the flow rate and direction of circulation of the heat transfer fluid in the second main fluid circulation line (102), - a plurality of secondary fluid circulation lines (111-117) connecting a plurality of connection points (ak) located on the first, second, third and fourth main fluid circulation lines (101-104), - a plurality of non-return valves (151-156) and pilot-operated diaphragms (161-168) configured to selectively block or allow the circulation of the heat transfer fluid in the main (101-104) and / or secondary (111-117) fluid circulation lines, such that the thermal management module (100) can operate in at least two modes of operation, respectively a first mode of operation in which a heat transfer fluid circulates in a loop and successively in the second main (102) fluid circulation line, the third main (103) fluid circulation line, the fourth main (104) fluid circulation line, the first main (101) fluid circulation line and again in the second main (102) fluid circulation line,and a second mode of operation in which a first heat transfer fluid circulates in a loop and successively in the first main fluid circulation line (101), the second main fluid circulation line (102) and again in the first main fluid circulation line (101), and a second heat transfer fluid circulates in a loop and, successively in the fourth main fluid circulation line (104), the third main fluid circulation line (103) and again in the fourth main fluid circulation line (104).
6. Thermal management module (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that it can operate according to a third mode of operation, in which a heat transfer fluid circulates in a loop and successively in the second main fluid circulation line (102), the fourth main fluid circulation line (104), the first main fluid circulation line (101) and again in the second main fluid circulation line (102).
7. Thermal management module (100) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that it can operate according to a fourth operating mode, in which a first heat transfer fluid circulates in a loop and successively in the first main fluid circulation line (101), the fourth main fluid circulation line (104) and again in the first main fluid circulation line (101), and a second heat transfer fluid circulates in a loop and successively in the third main fluid circulation line (103), the second main fluid circulation line (102) and again in the third main fluid circulation line (102).
8. Thermal management module (100) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that it comprises an electronic control unit capable of controlling the flow rate and direction of fluid circulation of the first and second pumps (141, 142) so as to switch from one operating mode to another.
9. Thermal management module (100) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that it comprises a first piloted diaphragm (161) disposed along the first main fluid circulation line (101), the pilot pressure of said first piloted diaphragm (161) being taken from a point (g) located along the third main fluid circulation line (103), a second piloted diaphragm (162) disposed along a first secondary fluid circulation line (111) connecting a connection point (c) located along the first main fluid circulation line (101) to a connection point (h) located between the third main fluid circulation line (103) and the fourth main fluid circulation line (104), the pilot pressure of said second piloted diaphragm (162) being taken from a point (a) located along the fourth main fluid circulation line (104),a third controlled diaphragm (163) disposed along a second secondary fluid circulation line (112) connecting to a connection point, (k) located between the second main fluid circulation line (102) and the third main fluid circulation line (103) at a connection point (c) located along the first main fluid circulation line (101), the pilot pressure of said third piloted diaphragm (163) being taken from a point (f) located along the second main fluid circulation line (102), a fourth piloted diaphragm (164) disposed along a third secondary fluid circulation line (113) connecting a connection point (f) located along the second main fluid circulation line (102) to a connection point (g) located along the third main fluid circulation line (103), the pilot pressure of said fourth piloted diaphragm (164) being taken from a point (k) located between the second main fluid circulation line (102) and the third main fluid circulation line (103),a fifth pilot-operated diaphragm (165) disposed along a fourth secondary fluid circulation line (114) connecting a connection point (e) located along the second main fluid circulation line (102) to a connection point (a) located along the fourth main fluid circulation line (104), the pilot pressure of said fifth pilot-operated diaphragm (165) being taken from a connection point (i) located along the fourth main fluid circulation line (104), a sixth pilot-operated diaphragm (166) disposed along a fifth secondary fluid circulation line (115) connecting a connection point (b) located between the first main fluid circulation line (101) and the fourth main fluid circulation line (104) to a connection point (j) located along the third main fluid circulation line (103),the pilot pressure of said sixth piloted diaphragm (166) being taken from the connection point (g) of the third secondary line (113) of fluid circulation on the third main line (103), a seventh piloted diaphragm (167) disposed along a sixth secondary line (116) of fluid circulation connecting a connection point (i) located along the fourth main line (104) of fluid circulation to a connection point (m) located along the fifth secondary line (115) of fluid circulation, the pilot pressure of said seventh piloted diaphragm (167) being taken from the connection point (a) of the fourth secondary line (114) of fluid circulation on the fourth main line (104) of fluid circulation,and an eighth pilot-operated diaphragm (168) disposed along the fourth main fluid circulation line (104) between the connection point (a) of the fourth secondary fluid circulation line (114) to the fourth main fluid circulation line (104) and the connection point (i) of the sixth secondary fluid circulation line (116) to the fourth main fluid circulation line (104), the pilot pressure of said eighth pilot-operated diaphragm (168) being taken from the connection point (e) of the fourth secondary fluid circulation line (114) to the second main fluid circulation line (102).
10. Thermal management module (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises a first check valve (151) disposed along the third main fluid circulation line (103) between the connection point (j) of the fifth secondary fluid circulation line (115) on the third main fluid circulation line (103) and the connection point (g) of the third secondary fluid circulation line (113) on the third main fluid circulation line (103), a second check valve (152) disposed along the first secondary fluid circulation line (111), a third check valve (153) disposed along the second secondary fluid circulation line (112), a fourth check valve (154) disposed along the third secondary fluid circulation line (113),a fifth check valve (155) disposed along the fourth secondary fluid circulation line (114), and a sixth check valve (156) disposed along a seventh secondary fluid circulation line (117) forming a branch of the fourth main fluid circulation line (104) between the connection point (a) of the fourth secondary fluid circulation line (114) on the fourth main fluid circulation line (104) and the connection point (i) of the sixth secondary fluid circulation line (116) on the fourth main fluid circulation line (104).
11. A thermal management method using the thermal management module (100) according to any one of claims 5 to 10, said method comprising the following steps: - to measure the temperatures of several functional areas of an electric or hybrid vehicle, - analyze the need to adjust these temperatures, - select the operating mode of the thermal management module (100) enabling the aforementioned adjustment requirements to be met, - control the flow rate and direction of circulation of at least one heat transfer fluid circulating inside the thermal management module (100) by means of the first and second pumps (141, 142) so as to achieve the selected operating mode.