FR3139035A1 - HEAT TRANSFER FLUID DISTRIBUTOR FOR A COOLING CIRCUIT AND MANUFACTURING METHOD - Google Patents

Abstract

Distributor (10) of heat transfer fluid for a cooling circuit of a motor vehicle, the distributor (10) comprising: - at least one inlet (13) and at least one outlet (14) of said heat transfer fluid; - a support part (11) comprising at least one main channel (19);- a complementary part (12) comprising at least one complementary channel (41); the support part (11) and the complementary part (12) being arranged so that the at least one main channel (19) and the at least one complementary channel (41) together form at least one tubular conduit (42) hollow fluidly connected to one of the at least one inlet (13) and/or to one of the at least one outlet (14), in which the support part (11) alone carries the at least an input (13) and/or the at least one output (14). Abstract Figure: Figure 2

Description

HEAT TRANSFER FLUID DISTRIBUTOR FOR A COOLING CIRCUIT AND MANUFACTURING METHOD

The present disclosure concerns a heat transfer fluid distributor for a cooling circuit of a motor vehicle. The present disclosure also relates to a method of manufacturing this heat transfer fluid distributor.

A motor vehicle is equipped with one or more cooling circuits limiting the risk of overheating of the various components of the vehicle. For example, the motor vehicle may be provided with a cooling circuit for a vehicle battery and a cooling circuit for an engine of said vehicle.

Each cooling circuit includes a plurality of pipes inside which a heat transfer fluid, also called coolant, flows. The heat transfer fluid absorbs heat from a vehicle component, such as the battery or engine, preventing that component from reaching temperatures high enough to cause a breakdown.

In order to distribute the heat transfer fluid between various components of the vehicle or to mix flows of heat transfer fluid coming from the different components of the vehicle, each cooling circuit may comprise at least one heat transfer fluid distributor. Such a distributor comprises at least one heat transfer fluid inlet, at least one heat transfer fluid outlet, and at least one conduit connecting each inlet to at least one of the outlets. Each inlet, each outlet and each conduit of the distributor generally has a tube shape.

In known manner, the distributor is manufactured from the assembly of a first part and a second part, each of which comprises a portion, in particular a half, of the side wall of each of the tubes formed by each inlet, each outlet and each distributor conduit.

For explanatory purposes, the shows a schematic perspective view of a detail of the first part 1 and the second part 2 of the distributor according to the prior technique before assembly. In particular, the shows an elongated portion 3 of the first part 1 and an elongated portion 4 of the second part 2 each having a semi-annular section. The elongated portion 3 belongs to a portion of a side wall of one of the inlets, one of the outlets or one of the ducts of the distributor, while the elongated portion 4 belongs to a remaining portion of the wall side of the inlet, outlet or conduit which comprises portion 3.

Portion 3 comprises two longitudinal edges 5 and portion 4 comprises two longitudinal edges 6 which serve to connect parts 1, 2 as explained below. Each of the edges 5, 6 extends over the entire length of the respective portion 3, 4.

The assembly of parts 1, 2 of the distributor according to the prior technique is now detailed with reference to the .

As visible on this , in order to assemble the first part 1 and the second part 2, the two parts 1, 2 are brought into contact with each other, the edges 5 of the portion 3 facing the edges 6 of the portion 4 Then, an energy flow 7 is emitted and directed towards the first part 1, the flow 7 being aligned with the edges 5, 6 of the portions 3, 4 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the edges 5, 6. When the energy flow 7 reaches the longitudinal edges 6 of the portion 4, the energy of the flow is absorbed by the portion 4, which causes the melting of the material forming the longitudinal edges 6. The material of the edges 6 can then mix with the material of the edges 5, this which makes it possible to connect parts 1, 2 after solidification of the molten material by the energy flow 7.

However, as shown schematically in the , before reaching the longitudinal edges 6 of the portion 4, the energy flow 7 must pass through a non-negligible thickness of the portion 3. A significant part of the energy of the flow 7 is therefore absorbed by the portion 3, which implies that the quantity of energy available to melt the material of the edges 6 of portion 4 is reduced. Consequently, the quantity of melted material from the edges 6 is low, which prevents the first part 1 from being connected to the second part 2 in a robust and durable manner, particularly at each inlet and each outlet of the distributor.

Summary

This disclosure improves the situation.

For this purpose, a heat transfer fluid distributor is proposed for a cooling circuit of a motor vehicle, the distributor comprising:
- at least one inlet of said heat transfer fluid;
- at least one outlet for said heat transfer fluid;
- a first part, called the support part, comprising at least one channel, called the main channel;
- a second part, called the complementary part, comprising at least one channel, called the complementary channel;
the support part and the complementary part being arranged so that the at least one main channel and the at least one complementary channel together form at least one hollow tubular conduit fluidly connected to one of the at least one inlet and /or to one of at least one output,
in which the support part alone carries the at least one inlet and/or the at least one outlet of said heat transfer fluid forming the end of said at least one tubular conduit.

The support part alone carries the at least one input and/or the at least one output, no connection between the support part and the complementary part is necessary at the level of each input and each output. This prevents the at least one input and the at least one output from constituting zones in which the support part and the complementary part are incorrectly connected. The durability and robustness of the dispenser are thus improved.

According to another aspect, said support part comprises a substantially flat zone, called flat support zone, surrounding at least partially the at least one main channel, and said complementary part comprises a substantially flat zone, called complementary flat zone, surrounding the at least one complementary channel, the flat support zone and the complementary flat zone being integral with each other.

According to another aspect, the flat support zone and the complementary flat zone are welded together.

According to another aspect, said flat support zone and said complementary flat zone each comprise a connecting portion and a support portion arranged around said connecting portion, in which the connecting portion of the complementary flat zone comprises a groove surrounding at least partially the at least one complementary channel, said groove being filled with material from the connecting portion of said flat support zone.

According to another aspect, said groove has a depth of between 0.5 mm and 2.5 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 2 mm, more preferably equal to 1.5 mm.

According to another aspect, the support portion of the flat support zone and the support portion of the complementary flat zone have a width of between 2 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 3 mm and 4 mm.

According to another aspect, the distributor further comprises at least one valve for controlling the passage of the heat transfer fluid between the at least one inlet of said heat transfer fluid and the at least one outlet of said heat transfer fluid, the valve being at least partially installed between said support part and said complementary part.

According to another aspect, a method of manufacturing a heat transfer fluid distributor for a cooling circuit of a motor vehicle is proposed, the method comprising:
- manufacture a first part, called the support part, carrying at least one inlet of said heat transfer fluid and/or at least one outlet of said heat transfer fluid, the support part further comprising at least one channel, called the main channel;
- manufacture a second part, called the complementary part, comprising at least one channel, called the complementary channel;
- arrange said support part and said complementary part so that the at least one main channel and the at least one complementary channel together form at least one hollow tubular conduit fluidly connected to one of the at least one inlet and /or to one of at least one output.

According to another aspect, when said support part comprises a substantially flat zone, called flat support zone, surrounding at least partially the at least one main channel, and said complementary part comprises a substantially flat zone, called complementary flat zone, surrounding the at least one complementary channel, the flat support zone and the complementary flat zone being integral with each other, during the step of arranging said support part and said complementary part, said flat zone of support and said complementary flat zone are connected by welding, for example laser welding, vibration welding, ultrasonic welding or hot plate welding.

According to another aspect, when said flat support zone and said complementary flat zone each comprise a connecting portion and a support portion arranged around said connecting portion, and when the connecting portion of the complementary flat zone comprises a groove surrounding at least partially the at least one complementary channel and the connecting portion of the flat support zone comprises a rib at least partially surrounding the at least one main channel and projecting substantially perpendicular to said flat support zone,
prior to the step of arranging said support part and said complementary part, said rib is arranged opposite said groove,
and, during welding between the flat support zone and the complementary flat zone, said rib melts so as to fill the groove of the complementary flat zone.

Other characteristics, details and advantages will appear on reading the detailed description below, and on analyzing the attached drawings, in which:

Fig. 1A

shows a schematic perspective view of a detail of a first part and a second part of a heat transfer fluid distributor according to the prior art in an unassembled position.

Fig. 1B

shows a schematic perspective view of the detail of the first part and the second part of the heat transfer fluid distributor of the in an assembled position.

Fig. 2

shows a schematic perspective view of a heat transfer fluid distributor according to one embodiment.

Fig. 3

shows another schematic perspective view of the heat transfer fluid distributor of the .

Fig. 4

shows a schematic perspective view of one face of a first part of the distributor of the .

Fig. 5

shows a schematic perspective view of another face of the first part of the distributor of the .

Fig. 6

shows a schematic perspective view of a detail of the first part of the distributor of the .

Fig. 7

shows a schematic perspective view of another detail of the first part of the distributor of the .

Fig. 8

shows a schematic perspective view of one face of a second part of the distributor of the .

Fig. 9

shows a schematic perspective view of another face of the second part of the distributor of the .

Fig. 10

shows another schematic perspective view of the heat transfer fluid distributor of the .

Fig. 11

shows a schematic perspective view of a heat transfer fluid distributor of the on which two valves arranged between the first part and the second part are visible.

Fig. 12A

shows a schematic sectional view of a step of a manufacturing process of the heat transfer fluid distributor of the .

Fig. 12B

shows a schematic sectional view of another step in the manufacturing process of the heat transfer fluid distributor of the .

Fig. 12C

shows a schematic sectional view of another step in the manufacturing process of the heat transfer fluid distributor of the .

Fig. 12D

shows a schematic sectional view of another step in the manufacturing process of the heat transfer fluid distributor of the .

Reference is now made to Figures 2 and 3 which show a distributor 10 of heat transfer fluid, or cooling liquid, of a cooling circuit according to the invention. The distributor 10 is in particular intended to be installed in a cooling circuit for a component of a motor vehicle, such as a battery or an engine.

To describe in space the different elements included in the distributor 10, we use in the following an orthonormal reference frame formed by a first direction X, a second direction Y and a third direction Z.

The distributor 10 comprises a first part 11, called the support part, and a second part 12, called the complementary part, which will be described in detail later. As will also be detailed, part 11 and part 12 are integral with each other.

The distributor 10 further comprises at least one heat transfer fluid inlet 13 and at least one heat transfer fluid outlet 14 from the distributor 10. In the non-limiting example of Figures 2 to 11, two inlets 13 and seven outlets 14 are provided, as visible in particular on the .

Each input 13 and each output 14 is for example substantially parallel to a plane comprising the XY directions, which will subsequently be called “XY plane”.

Each inlet 13 and each outlet 14 has a substantially tubular shape, a section of which in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane XY has for example an annular section.

In what follows, any section included in a plane substantially perpendicular to the XY plane will be called “transverse section”.

Advantageously, each input 13 and each output 14 is carried in its entirety by only one of the support part 11 and the complementary part 12. This avoids having a junction between the part 11 and the part 12 at the level of each inlet 13 and each outlet 14 when the part 11 and the part 12 are connected, which facilitates the assembly of the parts 11, 12 and reduces the risk that the parts 11, 12 become detached when the distributor 10 is in use .

In the figures, each input 13 and each output 14 is carried in its entirety by the support part 11, as will be detailed. Alternatively, each input 13 and each output 14 could be carried in its entirety by the complementary part 12. According to another configuration, certain inputs 13 and certain outputs 14 could be carried in their entirety by the support part 11, the rest of inputs 13 and outputs 14 being carried in their entirety by the complementary part 12.

The support part 11 will now be described with reference to Figures 4 to 7.

The support part 11 comprises a body 15 comprising a first face 16, called the lower face, and a second face 17, called the upper face, opposite. The lower 16 and upper 17 faces extend substantially parallel to the XY plane.

The part 11 may also comprise a rim 18 extending substantially in the direction Z over all or part of the periphery of the lower face 16. The rim 18 extends in particular in the direction Z from the lower face 16 in a direction opposite to the direction going from the lower face 16 to the upper face 17.

The rim 18 increases the rigidity of the part 11. Furthermore, the rim 18 helps in the correct positioning of the part 12 relative to the part 11 when the parts 11, 12 are connected.

As shown in the , a plurality of channels 19, called main channels, extend on the lower face 16. In the figures, each main channel 19 follows a curved path extending on the lower face 16, but this path could be straight. Furthermore, in the figures the shape of the paths of the channels 19 is different, but they could have all or some of them identical shapes.

Each main channel 19 forms a concavity of the lower face 16 of the part 11. Each channel 19 is thus open on the lower face 16. Preferably each channel 19 is open on the lower face 16 over its entire length.

Each main channel 19 preferably has a semi-tubular shape. A cross section of each channel 19 has for example a semi-annular shape.

As shown in the , each main channel 19 projects from the upper face 17 in the direction Z. This makes it possible to provide the support part 11 with sufficiently deep channels 19 while limiting the thickness of the part 11 and therefore, the quantity of material used for make part 11.

As visible in Figures 2, 3 and 5, at least one of the main channels, called the limiting channel and referenced 21 in the figures, can project more than the other channels 19 in the Z direction relative to the upper face 17 .

The limiter channel 21 is configured to accommodate a flow limiter 22, visible on the . The flow limiter 22 can have a ball shape, without this being limiting. The flow limiter 22 can be made for example of rubber.

The flow limiter 22 is configured to change position, for example by movement along the limiting channel 21, as a function of a pressure of the heat transfer fluid passing through the distributor 10. The flow limiter 22 can thus move from one position in which the circulation of the heat transfer fluid in the distributor 10 is blocked up to a position in which the heat transfer fluid can pass through the distributor 10 with a maximum flow rate. The limiter 22 can also have a set of intermediate positions in which the heat transfer fluid can pass through the distributor 10 with a flow rate lower than the maximum flow rate.

Each input 13 and each output 14 is connected to one of the channels 19. As visible in the figures, each input 13 and each output 14 is substantially parallel to the XY plane, without this being limiting.

Advantageously, the main channels 19 communicate with each other so that any main channel 19 connected only to an input 13 can communicate, directly or indirectly, with a main channel 19 connected to an output 14. Analogously, any main channel 19 connected only to an output 14 can communicate, directly or indirectly, with a main channel 19 connected to an input 13. Furthermore, any main channel 19 which is connected neither to an input 13 nor to an output 14 can communicate, directly or indirectly, with a main channel 19 which is connected to at least one input 13 or to at least one output 14.

As indicated previously, each of the inlets 13 and outlets 14 has an annular cross section, while each channel 19 has a semi-annular cross section. Thus, in order to be able to connect each input 13 and each output 14 to the corresponding channel 19, each input 13 and each output 14 can comprise an inclined portion 20 whose cross section gradually changes from a substantially annular shape corresponding to the cross section of the The respective inlet 13 or outlet 14, has a substantially semi-annular shape, corresponding to the cross section of the respective channel 19.

The support part 11 further comprises at least one cavity 23 passing through the lower 16 and upper 17 faces of the part 11. In this case, the distributor 10 comprises two cavities 23. Each cavity 23 is for example of substantially parallel axis in direction Z.

In the example illustrated, each cavity 23 is delimited by a flange 24 projecting in the direction Z relative to the upper face 17.

As it appears from the , several main channels 19 open out or have their origin in the cavity 23.

As visible on the , each cavity 23 is shaped to receive a respective valve 25. Each valve 25 can for example be a mixing valve (also known under the English name "mixing valve") or switching valve (also known under the English name "switching valve").

The mixing valve makes it possible to mix the flow of heat transfer fluid coming from several channels 19. The switching valve makes it possible to authorize the circulation of the heat transfer fluid coming from a given channel 19, while blocking the circulation of the heat transfer fluid coming from the others channels 19. Generally speaking, each valve 25 makes it possible to control the passage of the heat transfer fluid between the at least one inlet 13 and the at least one outlet 14.

Each valve 25 can be actuated by an actuator 26. In the figures, each valve 25 is controlled by a respective actuator 26. According to a variant, a single actuator 26 can be used to control all the valves 25.

Each actuator 26 can be connected to the respective valve 25 by a shaft 27, visible on the . In the example illustrated, the shaft 27 extends substantially parallel to the Z direction.

Furthermore, each actuator 26 is connected to the support part 11. In particular, as visible in the figures, the support part 11 comprises a plurality of studs 28 extending from the upper face 17, preferably substantially parallel to the direction Z. In this case, three studs 28 are provided around each flange 24.

One end of each stud 28 opposite the upper face 17 comprises a hole 29 shaped to receive connecting means, preferably removable, making it possible to hold each actuator 26 in position relative to the support part 11. The removable connecting means are for example screws 30, visible in particular in Figures 2 and 3.

As can be seen from Figures 2 and 3, each valve 25 can be protected by a cover 31. The cover 31 is connected to the respective flange 24, preferably by removable connecting means, such as screws 32, visible on the . For this purpose, the collar 24 comprises at least one hole 33 shaped to receive the screws 32.

A shape and dimension of each cover 31 are chosen so that it closes the end of each cavity 23 delimited by the respective collar 24.

The support part 11 further comprises a substantially flat zone 34, called the flat support zone.

As is clear in particular from the , the flat support zone 34 surrounds, at least partially, each main channel 19. Advantageously, the flat support zone 34 surrounds each main channel 19 on any portion of the channel 19 which is not at the interface with another channel main 19 or with one of the cavities 23.

The flat support zone 34 can be continuous. Alternatively, the flat support zone 34 may comprise several parts, preferably coplanar, isolated from each other. For example, in the example of the figures, the flat support zone 34 comprises a first part 34' and another second part 34'' which are isolated from each other.

The flat support zone 34 comprises a connecting portion 35 and a support portion 36.

The connecting portion 35 comprises a rib 37 projecting in the direction Z relative to the lower face 16. A thickness of the rib 37 in the direction Z is preferably between 2 mm and 4 mm, more preferably between 2. 5mm and 3mm. A width of the rib 37, defined in the XY plane, can be between 1 mm and 2 mm. For example, the width of rib 37 may be equal to 1.5 mm.

The rib 37 surrounds, at least partially, each main channel 19. The rib 37 follows for example a path corresponding to the shape of the flat support zone 34. Thus, the rib 37 preferably surrounds each main channel 19 on any portion of the channel 19 which is not at the interface with another main channel 19 or with one of the cavities 23. The rib 37 can therefore be a continuous rib or comprise several rib portions isolated from each other. In the figures, the rib 37 comprises two rib portions referenced 37’, 37’’. The outline of the rib portion 37' corresponds to the shape of the first part 34' of the flat support zone 34, while the outline of the rib portion 37'' corresponds to the shape of the second part 34'' of the flat support zone 34.

As will be detailed later, the connecting portion 35 makes it possible to join the support part 11 and the complementary part 12 in the assembled position of the distributor 10.

The support portion 36 is arranged around said connecting portion 35. The support portion 36 is arranged around said connecting portion 35. Advantageously, the support portion 36 is located on one side of the portion of connection 35 opposite to one side of the connection portion 35 adjacent to the main channels 19. A width of the support portion 36, defined in the plane XY, is for example between 2 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 3 mm and 4mm.

When the rib 37 comprises several rib portions 37', 37'', the support portion 36 extends around each rib portion 37', 37''. The support portion 36 can therefore be continuous or discontinuous.

As can be seen from the figures, the rib 37 projects in the direction Z relative to the support portion 36. Preferably, the support portion 36 does not include any element projecting or recessed relative to the lower face 16 in the Z direction.

In the figures, for the sake of simplicity, the flat support zone 34 is only shown on the lower face 16 of the part 11. Note, however, that the flat support zone 34 comprises the entire thickness of the aligned support part 11. along the direction Z with the connecting portion 35 and the support portion 36. By "thickness" of the support part 11, we mean here the distance in the direction Z between the lower face 16 and the upper face 17 of the part 11.

Advantageously, all the elements constituting part 11 described above, including each of the inputs 13 and each of the outputs 14, are made in one piece. For example, part 11 can be manufactured by molding.

Note that the flow limiter 22, each valve 25, each actuator 26, each shaft 27, each cover 31 and each screw 30, 32 described above are generally elements which are not part of the support part 11, but which are connected, directly or indirectly, to Part 11, or installed within Part 11.

Now the complementary part 12 will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 10.

The complementary part 12 comprises a body 38 comprising a first face 39, called upper face 39, and a second face 40, called lower face, opposite. The upper 39 and lower 40 faces extend substantially parallel to the XY plane

As shown in the , a plurality of channels 41, called complementary channels, extend on the upper face 39. In the figures, each complementary channel 41 follows a curved path extending on the upper face 39, but this path could be straight. Furthermore, in the figures the shape of the paths of the different channels 41 is different, but they could have all or some of them identical shapes.

Each complementary channel 41 forms a concavity of the upper face 39 of the part 12. Each channel 41 is thus open on the upper face 39. Preferably each channel 41 is open on the upper face 39 over its entire length.

As shown in the , each complementary channel 41 projects from the lower face 40 in the direction Z. This makes it possible to provide the complementary part 12 with sufficiently deep channels 41 while limiting the thickness of the part 12 and therefore, the quantity of material used to manufacture part 12.

Advantageously, each channel 41 is positioned on the complementary part 12 so that, when the parts 11, 12 are connected, each complementary channel 41 faces one of the main channels 19 perpendicular to the upper face 39. Preferably, the path of each complementary channel 41 is identical to the path of the main channel 19 opposite which it is located when the parts 11, 12 are connected. Each complementary channel 41 and each respective main channel 19 are thus facing each other along their entire path.

Each complementary channel 41 preferably has a semi-tubular shape. A cross section of each channel 41 has for example a semi-annular shape. Thus, when the parts 11, 12 are connected, each complementary channel 41 and the respective main channel 19 form a hollow tubular conduit 42.

As indicated previously, each main channel 19 is connected to an inlet 13 and/or to an outlet 14 of the distributor 10. The hollow tubular conduit 42 formed by each complementary channel 41 and each main channel 19 is therefore fluidly connected to at least one inlet 13 and/or at least one outlet 14. Each inlet 13 and outlet 14 to which conduit 42 is connected forms the end of said conduit 42.

The upper face 39 of part 12 may also include at least one housing 43. In this case, two housings 43 are provided.

Each housing 43 is for example of generally cylindrical shape. Housing 43 is closed at one of its ends by upper face 39. As visible in the , each housing 43 projects from the lower face 40 substantially parallel to the direction Z.

As can be seen from Figures 8 and 9, several complementary channels 41 open out or have their origin in the housing 43.

Advantageously, each housing 43 is positioned on the part 12 so as to be opposite one of the cavities 23 of the part 11 perpendicular to the upper face 39 when the parts 11, 12 are connected. Each housing 43 is therefore configured to receive one of the valves 25.

As illustrated on the , the complementary part 12 comprises a substantially flat zone 44 called complementary flat zone.

The complementary flat zone 44 surrounds, at least partially, each complementary channel 41. Preferably, the complementary flat zone 44 surrounds each complementary channel 41 on any portion of the channel 41 which is not at the interface with another complementary channel 41 or with one of the housings 43.

The complementary flat zone 44 can be continuous. Alternatively, the complementary flat zone may comprise several parts, preferably coplanar, isolated from each other. For example, in the example of the figures, the complementary flat zone 44 comprises at least a first part 44' and another second part 44'' which are isolated from each other.

The complementary flat zone 44 comprises a connecting portion 45 and a support portion 46.

The connecting portion 45 comprises a groove 47 which sinks into the part 12 in the direction Z relative to the upper face 39. A depth of the groove 47 in the direction Z is for example between 0.5 mm and 2 .5 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 2 mm. For example, the depth of groove 47 is equal to 1.5 mm. Furthermore, a width of the groove 47, defined in the plane XY, can be between 2 mm and 4 mm, preferably between 2.5 mm and 3.5 mm. For example, the width of the groove can be equal to 3 mm. Note that the depth and width of the groove 47 are advantageously chosen as a function of the thickness and width of the rib 37.

The groove 47 surrounds, at least partially, each complementary channel 41. The groove 47 follows for example a path corresponding to the shape of the complementary flat zone 44. Thus, the groove 47 preferably surrounds each complementary channel 41 on any portion of the channel 41 which is not at the interface with another complementary channel 41 or with one of the housings 43. The groove 47 can therefore be a continuous groove or comprise several groove portions isolated from each other. On the , the groove 47 comprises at least two groove portions referenced 47', 47''. The outline of the groove portion 47' corresponds to the shape of the first part 44' of the complementary flat zone 44, while the outline of the groove portion 47'' corresponds to the shape of the second part 44'' of the complementary flat zone 44.

As will be detailed later, the connecting portion 45 makes it possible to join the support part 11 and the complementary part 12 in the assembled position of the distributor 10.

The support portion 46 is arranged around said connection portion 45. Advantageously, the support portion 46 is located on one side of the connection portion 45 opposite to a side of the connection portion 45 adjacent to the complementary channels 41. A width of the support portion 46, defined in the plane XY, is for example between 2 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 3 mm and 4 mm.

When the groove 47 comprises several groove portions 47', 47'', the support portion 46 extends around and outside each groove portion 47', 47''. The support portion 46 can therefore be continuous or discontinuous.

As can be seen from the figures, the groove 47 is recessed in the direction Z relative to the support portion 46. Preferably, the support portion 36 does not include any element projecting nor recessed relative to the upper face 39 in the Z direction.

In the figures, for the sake of simplicity, the complementary flat zone 44 is only represented on the upper face 39 of the part 12. Note, however, that the complementary flat zone 44 comprises the entire thickness of the complementary part 12 aligned in the direction Z with the connecting portion 45 and the support portion 46. By “thickness” of the support part 12, we mean here the distance in the direction Z between the upper face 39 and the lower face 40 of the part 12. Advantageously, on the complementary flat zone 44, the lower face 40 of the part 12 does not include any element projecting in the direction Z.

Note that when the parts 11, 12 are connected together, the flat support zone 34 and the complementary flat zone 44 are integral with each other, as will be detailed. This prevents the heat transfer fluid which circulates in each tubular conduit 42 from leaking through the interface between the support part 11 and the complementary part 12.

Advantageously, all the elements constituting part 12 described above are made in one piece. For example, part 12 can be manufactured by molding.

A method of manufacturing the distributor 10 will now be described, with reference to Figures 12A to 12D. In these figures, the main channel 19 and the complementary channel 41 are shown, for reasons of simplicity, as having a substantially rectangular shape.

The method initially comprises the manufacture of the support part 11 and the manufacture of the complementary part 12.

As indicated previously, parts 11, 12 can be obtained by molding, without this being limiting.

Parts 11, 12 are for example made of the same material. Advantageously, parts 11, 12 are made of polymer material. More precisely, parts 11, 12 can be made of polypropylene reinforced with glass fibers, for example PP GF35 (that is to say, polypropylene composed of 35% glass fibers).

In certain cases, the composition of the material of only one of the parts 11, 12 promotes the absorption of the energy of radiation incident on the distributor 10 before the parts 11, 12 are connected together. The part having such a composition is then absorbent of the energy of the incident radiation, while the part not having this composition is transparent to the incident radiation. By “transparent” here we mean that the energy of the radiation is not absorbed. This is advantageous when the parts 11, 12 are connected by laser welding as will be detailed. For example, a material initially transparent to incident radiation can become absorbent of incident radiation from the addition to its composition of particles promoting the absorption of the energy of said radiation.

After manufacturing the parts 11, 12 of the distributor 10, the method comprises the arrangement of the support part 11 and the complementary part 12 so that each main channel 19 forms with one of the complementary channels 41 one of the tubular conduits 42.

Figures 12A to 12D schematically show an example of the steps allowing parts 11, 12 to be arranged in this way. In particular, Figures 12A to 12D show an example of the steps making it possible to connect the complementary part 12 to the support part 11 by laser welding.

As illustrated on the , initially, the complementary part 12 and the support part 11 are arranged facing each other, so that the rib 37 and the support portion 36 of the flat support zone 34 are opposite, respectively, the groove 47 and the support portion 46 of the complementary flat zone 44.

The support part 11 and the complementary part 12 are then brought together until the rib 37 is inserted into the groove 47. The rib 37 generally has a width less than the width of the groove 47, but the thickness of the rib 37 in the direction Z is greater than the depth of the groove 47. The rib 37 therefore abuts the bottom of the groove 47, thus preventing the support portions 36, 46 from being in contact with one of the 'other in this position, as shown in the .

Once the rib 37 is inserted into the groove 47, the support part 11 and the complementary part 12 are pressed on top of each other. For this purpose, a plate 48 is applied to the lower face 40 of the complementary part 12 in a direction substantially perpendicular to said lower face 40, which corresponds in this case to the direction Z. The plate 48 thus exerts on the complementary part 12 a force in the direction Z oriented in a direction of approach of the support part 11.

Note that the plate 48 is advantageously applied directly to the support portion 46 of the complementary flat zone 44. The plate 48 can in particular be a plate having a shape similar or identical to the shape of the support portion 46, which allows the force applied to be the same over the entire support portion 46. Alternatively, the shape of the plate 48 can be similar or identical to the shape of the complementary flat zone 44, that is to say, similar to the shape of the connecting portion 45 and the support portion 46 together.

Preferably, the plate 48 is made of glass. Glass has the advantage of being transparent to laser radiation, which allows any laser radiation to pass through the plate 48 without loss of energy. On the other hand, the glass is sufficiently rigid to prevent the plate 48 from deforming when it is applied to the complementary part 12. Of course, the plate 48 could be made of any other material which is transparent to laser radiation to the welding of parts 11, 12, and sufficiently rigid to press part 12 without the plate 48 deforming.

As also illustrated on the , another plate 49 can be applied to the upper face 17 of the support part 11 in the direction Z. The plate 49 thus exerts on the support part 11 a force in the direction Z oriented in a direction of approach of the part complementary 12.

The plate 49 is preferably applied directly to the support portion 36 of the flat support zone 34. The plate 49 may in particular be a plate having a shape similar or identical to the shape of the support portion 36, this which allows the force applied to be the same over the entire support portion 36.

Plate 49 can also be made of glass. However, any other material sufficiently rigid to press the support portion 36 without the plate 49 deforming is possible. Indeed, as will be explained, the support part 11 and the complementary part 12 are interposed between the plate 49 and the incident radiation. There is therefore no risk that the plate 49 absorbs part of the energy of the laser radiation necessary to ensure the welding of the parts 11, 12.

Despite the force exerted on part 12 by plate 48 and, possibly, on part 11 by plate 49, the thickness of rib 37 prevents parts 11, 12 from coming together.

Once the parts 11, 12 are pressed one on the other, a laser radiation 50 is emitted and directed towards the complementary flat zone 44 of the complementary part 12, as visible on the . As indicated previously, on the complementary flat zone 44, the lower face 40 of the part 12 does not include any element projecting in the direction Z. Thus, the thickness of the complementary part 12 to be passed through by the laser radiation 50 is small, which limits the energy of the laser radiation 50 absorbed by the complementary part 12.

Consequently, when the laser radiation 50 reaches the support part 11, it retains almost all of its initial energy. For example, the laser radiation 50 which reaches the support part 11 retains more than 75% of its initial energy, preferably more than 85% of its initial energy, even preferably more than 95% of its initial energy.

Furthermore, the complementary flat zone 44 comprising the groove 47 in which the rib 37 is inserted, the arrival of the laser radiation 50 through the complementary flat zone 44 allows the majority of the energy of the laser radiation 50 to be absorbed by the rib 37 of the support part 11.

The absorption of the energy of radiation 50 by the rib 37 causes the surface of the rib 37 to heat up. The rib 37 is therefore gradually melted. Furthermore, the energy absorbed by the rib 37 can be transmitted in part to the complementary flat zone 44 of the part 12 by thermal conduction, which can also cause a certain melting of the surface of the groove 47.

During the fusion of the rib 37, and possibly the surface of the groove 47, the force exerted by the plate 48 and/or by the plate 49 does not cease. The fusion of the rib 37 makes it possible to gradually bring the complementary part 12 closer to the support part 11, until the support portion 46 of the complementary flat zone 44 and the support portion 36 of the flat zone of support 34 are in contact with each other. The molten material from the rib 37 thus fills the groove 47. The molten material from the rib 37 can also mix with the molten material from the groove 47.

After solidification of the molten material of the rib 37, and possibly of the groove 47, the support part 11 and the complementary part 12 are connected together, as shown in . In particular, after solidification of the molten material by laser radiation 50, the flat support zone 34 and the complementary flat zone 44 are integral with each other. Thus, each main channel 19 faces one of the complementary channels 41, so as to form the tubular conduit 42.

As indicated previously, the thickness and width of the rib 37 are advantageously chosen as a function of the thickness and width of the groove 47. In particular, they are chosen so that after solidification of the molten material by the laser radiation 50, the groove 47 is completely filled with the material from the rib 37. More preferably, the thickness and width of the rib 37 are chosen so that after solidification of the molten material by the radiation 50, the groove 47 is completely filled with the molten material of the rib 37 while ensuring direct contact between the support portion 36 and the support portion 46.

As indicated previously, one of the parts 11, 12 could be transparent to the laser radiation 50, the other part 12, 11 being absorbent of the laser radiation 50.

In the example described above, it is advantageous for the complementary part 12 to be made in a composition which makes it transparent to laser radiation 50, the support part 11 being made in a composition which makes it absorbent to laser radiation 50. Indeed, the laser radiation 50 initially passes through the complementary part 12, making this complementary part 12 transparent to the laser radiation 50 allows the laser radiation 50 to retain all of its initial energy before reaching the rib 37 .

However, it should be noted that, thanks to the complementary flat zone 44, which is devoid of elements projecting in the direction Z relative to the lower face 40, the energy of the laser radiation 50 absorbed by the part 12 is very low, even if part 12 is not completely transparent to laser radiation 50. This ensures a firm and durable connection between part 11 and part 12 of distributor 10, even if part 12 is not completely transparent to radiation laser 50.

Furthermore, as indicated previously, each input 13 and each output 14 being carried only by part 11, no connection between part 11 and part 12 is necessary at inputs 13 and outputs 14.

In order to ensure substantially equal heating over the entire rib 37, the laser radiation 50 can move uninterruptedly along the rib 37, so as to scan the entire rib several times. Each point of the rib 37 is thus reached several times by the laser radiation 50.

Laser welding also has the advantage of causing heating which does not cause the elements installed in the distributor 10 to melt before connecting the parts 11,12, such as for example the flow limiter 22.

The present disclosure is not limited to the example described above with reference to the figures. On the contrary, this disclosure encompasses all the variants and combinations that those skilled in the art could consider in the context of the protection sought. For example, parts 11, 12 could be joined together by other techniques such as vibration welding, ultrasonic welding or hot plate welding. Alternatively, parts 11, 12 could be glued.

Claims (10)

Heat transfer fluid distributor (10) for a cooling circuit of a motor vehicle, the distributor (10) comprising:
- at least one inlet (13) of said heat transfer fluid;
- at least one outlet (14) for said heat transfer fluid;
- a first part, called the support part (11), comprising at least one channel, called the main channel (19);
- a second part, called the complementary part (12), comprising at least one channel, called the complementary channel (41);
the support part (11) and the complementary part (12) being arranged so that the at least one main channel (19) and the at least one complementary channel (41) together form at least one tubular conduit (42) hollow fluidly connected to one of the at least one inlet (13) and/or to one of the at least one outlet (14),
in which the support part (11) alone carries the at least one inlet (13) and/or the at least one outlet (14) of said heat transfer fluid forming the end of said at least one tubular conduit (42). Heat transfer fluid distributor (10) according to claim 1, in which said support portion (11) comprises a substantially planar zone, called planar support zone (34), at least partially surrounding the at least one main channel (19). , and said complementary part (12) comprises a substantially flat zone, called complementary flat zone (44), surrounding the at least one complementary channel (41), the flat support zone (34) and the complementary flat zone (44) being in solidarity with each other. Heat transfer fluid distributor (10) according to claim 2, in which the flat support zone (34) and the complementary flat zone (44) are welded together. Distributor (10) of heat transfer fluid according to one of claims 2 or 3, in which said flat support zone (34) and said complementary flat zone (44) each comprise a connecting portion (35, 45) and a portion of support (36, 46) arranged around said connecting portion (35, 45), in which the connecting portion (45) of the complementary flat zone (44) comprises a groove (47) at least partially surrounding the other minus one complementary channel (41), said groove (47) being filled with material from the connecting portion (35) of said flat support zone (34). Heat transfer fluid distributor (10) according to the preceding claim, in which the groove (47) has a depth of between 0.5 mm and 2.5 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 2 mm, more preferably equal to 1, 5mm. Heat transfer fluid distributor (10) according to one of claims 4 or 5, in which the support portion (36) of the flat support zone (34) and the support portion (46) of the complementary flat zone (44) have a width of between 2 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 3 mm and 4 mm. Heat transfer fluid distributor (10) according to one of claims 2 to 6, further comprising at least one valve (25) for controlling the passage of the heat transfer fluid between the at least one inlet (13) of said heat transfer fluid and the at least one outlet (14) for said heat transfer fluid, the valve (25) being at least partially installed between said support part (11) and said complementary part (12). Method of manufacturing a heat transfer fluid distributor (10) for a cooling circuit of a motor vehicle, the method comprising:
- manufacture a first part, called the support part (11), carrying at least one inlet of said heat transfer fluid and/or at least one outlet of said heat transfer fluid, the support part (11) further comprising at least one channel, called main channel (19);
- manufacture a second part, called the complementary part (12), comprising at least one channel, called the complementary channel (41);
- arrange said support part (11) and said complementary part (12) so that the at least one main channel (19) and the at least one complementary channel (41) together form at least one tubular conduit (42) hollow fluidly connected to one of the at least one inlet (13) and/or to one of the at least one outlet (14). Method according to the preceding claim, in which said support part (11) comprises a substantially planar zone, called planar support zone (34), at least partially surrounding the at least one main channel (19), and said complementary part ( 12) comprises a substantially flat zone, called complementary flat zone (44), surrounding the at least one complementary channel (41), the flat support zone (34) and the complementary flat zone (44) being integral with one of the other, in which during the step of arranging said support part (11) and said complementary part (12), said flat support zone (34) and said complementary flat zone (44) are connected by welding , for example laser welding, vibration welding, ultrasonic welding or hot plate welding. Method according to claim 9, in which the flat support zone (34) and the complementary flat zone (44) each comprise a connecting portion (35, 45) and a support portion (36, 46) arranged around said connecting portion (35, 45), in which the connecting portion (45) of the complementary flat zone (44) comprises a groove (47) at least partially surrounding the at least one complementary channel (44) and the portion of connection (35) of the flat support zone (34) comprises a rib (37) at least partially surrounding the at least one main channel (19) and projecting substantially perpendicularly relative to said flat support zone (34),
in which, prior to the step of arranging said support part (11) and said complementary part (12), said rib (37) is arranged opposite said groove (47),
and in which, during welding between the flat support zone (34) and the complementary flat zone (44), said rib (37) melts so as to fill the groove (47) of the complementary flat zone (44).