OUTPUT DEVICE OF A COMPRESSOR

Abstract

 The present invention relates to an output device (5) of a compressor (1) suitable for an air conditioning system of a vehicle, comprising a head (6) configured to receive a refrigerant fluid compressed by a compression part (2) of the compressor (1), such head (6) comprising an output section (18) of refrigerant fluid, said output device (5) comprising a refrigerant fluid distribution body (7) which is directly linked to the head (6), said distribution body (7) comprising at least two channels (8, 9), each having an exit port (10) of refrigerant fluid, said output device (5) comprising at least two distribution valves (11) attached to the distribution body (7) and able to control the circulation of refrigerant fluid through each channel (8, 9).
The invention also relates to a compressor (1) comprising such output device (5) and to an air conditioning system comprising such compressor (1).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the domain of compressors used in an air conditioning system of a vehicle and more particularly to an output device of such compressors.

[0002] Automobile vehicles are commonly equipped with an air conditioning system which ensures a plurality of functions relatives to a thermal treatment of different parts or areas of such vehicles. It is well known to use the air conditioning system to treat an air flow in order to cool down or to heat up a cabin of the vehicle.

[0003] In another application, it is well known to use the air conditioning system in order to cool some elements of a powertrain of the vehicle. Such elements can be for example a battery which is used to supply an electrical motor which is able to move the vehicle. The air conditioning system is able to supply thermal energy to cool the powertrain when the vehicle is in movement.

[0004] Such an air conditioning system comprises at least a compressor. This compressor is able to circulate a refrigerant fluid inside the air conditioning system. During a closed refrigerant cycle, the refrigerant fluid is compressed, condensed, expanded and evaporated. Furthermore, the refrigerant fluid can circulate in different ways in function of the need of the cabin of the vehicle and/or the powertrain of the vehicle.

[0005] The vehicle manufacturers are in a view toward ongoing improvements. One of these improvements is to increase the compacity of such air conditioning system by gathering some elements of this air conditioning system.

[0006] The present invention fits into this context by providing an output device of a compressor suitable for an air conditioning system of a vehicle, comprising a head configured to receive a refrigerant fluid compressed by a compression part of the compressor, such head comprising an output section of refrigerant fluid, said output device comprising a refrigerant fluid distribution body which is directly linked to the head, said distribution body comprising at least two channels, each having an exit port of refrigerant fluid, said output device comprising at least two distribution valves attached to the distribution body and able to control the circulation of refrigerant fluid through each channel.

[0007] Thanks to such output device, the compressor and the distribution body are gathered in order to minimize a quantity of ducts of the air conditioning system. The output device, especially the distribution body and the distribution valves are disposed close to the compressor and limit the mechanical extension of the system in some other zones of the vehicle. In function of the needs of the air conditioning system, the distribution valves are opened or closed so that the refrigerant fluid circulates in a particular channel directly after being compressed. There isn't any separated duct between the compressor and the distribution valves.

[0008] In order to ensure the proper functioning of the compression part, the refrigerant fluid arrives into the compressor in a gaseous and expanded state. After the compression, the compressed refrigerant fluid circulates in the head of the compressor. The head could be a rear head of such compressor, meaning that the refrigerant fluid circulates from a front side to a rear side of the compressor. The head can be directly fixed to the compression part in order to mechanically and fluidly link the compression part and the head.

[0009] The compressed refrigerant fluid passes through the head until the output section of refrigerant fluid and circulates into the refrigerant fluid distribution body. The later defines a junction between the two channels, each channel directing to a different destination depending on the need that the air conditioning system has to fulfill. Each exit port of refrigerant fluid is linked to a duct which ensure the link with another element of the air conditioning system.

[0010] Each distribution valve authorizes or prohibits the circulation of the refrigerant fluid inside the channel considered. The term valve is defined as a piece which directly interacts with the channel. The distribution body comprising at least two channels, there is necessarily at least two distribution valves, even if these two distribution valves can be controlled by only one element, for example an electrical actuator. The opening or the closing of each distribution valve depends on which channel the refrigerant fluid has to pass through to answer to the need of thermal treatment.

[0011] The direct link between the compression part and the output device and the direct link between the head and the distribution body participate to the improvement of the compacity of such air conditioning system.

[0012] According to a characteristic of the invention, the head and the distribution body are formed by a single piece. The head and the distribution body can be molded one to another in order to form a unique element which can be fixed to the compression part. The head and the distribution body can't be dissociated without breaking such unique element.

[0013] According to a characteristic of the invention, the head and the distribution body are two distinct parts in direct contact one to another. The head and the distribution body can be fixed one to another with any fixation means. The fixation by direct contact means that there isn't any intermediary element which links the two distinct parts.

[0014] According to a characteristic of the invention, at least a first channel among the two channels is aligned with the output section, a second channel among the two channels being branched to the first channel. The first channel is extended in a continuity of a direction of elongation of the output section of refrigerant fluid. If the head and the distribution body are two distinct parts, the fixation by direct contact allows the fluidic connection between the output section of refrigerant fluid and the first channel. The second channel can be considered as a ramification of the first channel.

[0015] According to a characteristic of the invention, the output device comprises at least a sensor configured to measure pressure and/or temperature of the refrigerant fluid circulating into the output section of the head. The sensor can only measure the pressure and the temperature can be deduced from the measured pressure and vice-versa. Such sensor allows to control that the refrigerant fluid is in good thermodynamic conditions to ensure an efficient thermal treatment by circulating inside the air conditioner system. The measure is made right after the compression of the refrigerant fluid.

[0016] According to a characteristic of the invention, each distribution valve comprises its own electrical actuator. The electrical actuator commands its own distribution valve in order to open or to close it. Each electrical actuators receives one or a plurality of signals and acts on the distribution valve as a result. When there is no need to operate the air conditioning system, each electrical actuator shuts off its own distribution valve, for example in order to prevent oil migration.

[0017] According to a characteristic of the invention, both distribution valves are controlled by a common electrical actuator. In other words, only one electrical actuator can switch between the control of a first distribution valve and the control of a second distribution valve. This common electrical actuator can be an electrical motor. Such motor can open or close variably each distribution valve and consumes less energy than a device with one electrical actuator for each distribution valve.

[0018] According to a characteristic of the invention, the two channels are curved at least between the output section and the exit port. The curved form allows to correctly separate each distribution valve and avoid mechanical interferences between them.

[0019] According to a characteristic of the invention, a first channel among the two channels is rectilinear at least between the output section and the first channel exit port.

[0020] According to a characteristic of the invention, a second channel among the two channels is rectilinear and secant to the first channel. For example, the second channel can be perpendicular to the first channel. Such configuration could facilitate the mechanical arrangements of the output device, especially those of the distribution valves.

[0021] According to a characteristic of the invention, a second channel among the two channels is rectilinear and parallel to the first channel. It's another example of a configuration for the arrangement of the distribution valves.

[0022] The invention also discloses a compressor comprising at least an output device as described previously, such compressor comprising a compression part and an electrical unit which controls the operating of the compression part, such compression part being disposed between the output device and the electrical unit.

[0023] As said previously, the output device is linked to the compression part to form the compressor. The electrical unit controls a level of compression by the compression part, for example by managing a rotation speed of the compression part.

[0024] According to a characteristic of the invention, the distribution valves of the output device are disposed between a first longitudinal end of the compressor and a second longitudinal end of the compressor. Regardless of the configuration of each channel, the distribution valves can extend above the compressor, for example above the head or above the compression part.

[0025] The invention also discloses an air conditioning system for a vehicle, comprising a compressor as described previously, such air conditioning system comprising a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger configured to condensate the refrigerant fluid circulating in the air conditioning system, the air conditioning system further comprising at least an expansion device and at least a third heat exchanger configured to evaporate the refrigerant fluid, the output device being configurated to control the circulation of the refrigerant fluid to the first heat exchanger and/or to the second heat exchanger.

[0026] The compressor circulates the refrigerant fluid in the air conditioning system. After a step of compression, the refrigerant fluid leaves the distribution body by passing through the first channel and/or the second channel until the first heat exchanger and/or the second exchanger.

[0027] As an example, the first heat exchanger can be configured to condensate the refrigerant fluid thanks to an air flow which circulates through such first heat exchanger. Such air flow is heated thanks to the refrigerant fluid and is driven to the cabin of the vehicle in order to heat it. The second heat exchanger can be used to heat some water which circulates in a water circuit and also passes through the second heat exchanger. The condensation of the refrigerant fluid can be useful in order to cool the cabin of the vehicle or a power train of such vehicle. The heated water can be used to treat the elements of the powertrain of the vehicle, for example a battery of the vehicle.

[0028] In order to apply the treating operations as cited above, the refrigerant fluid is in a liquid form after being condensed and be expanded thanks to the expansion device. The refrigerant fluid passes through the third heat exchanger at low pressure and low temperature. The refrigerant fluid is thus evaporated by an air flow or some water by passing through the third heat exchanger. In the air conditioning system, there could be a plurality of heat exchangers which generate the evaporation of the refrigerant fluid.

[0029] Once the refrigerant fluid is again in a gaseous form, it circulates until the compressor in order to form a new refrigerant cycle.

[0030] Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will become clearer on reading the following description, on the one hand, and several examples of realisation given as an indication and without limitation with reference to the schematic drawings annexed, on the other hand, on which:

[fig 1] is a general view of a compressor equipped with an output device according to the invention,

[fig 2] is a detailed view of two distribution valves which are disposed on the output device,

[fig 3] is a schema of an alternative structure of the distribution valves,

[fig 4] is a first embodiment of a structure of two channels included in the output device,

[fig 5] is a second embodiment of the structure of the two channels,

[fig 6] is a third embodiment of the structure of the two channels,

[fig 7] is a fourth embodiment of the structure of the two channels,

[fig 8] is a schema of an air conditioning system including the compressor.

[0031] The figure 1 illustrates a compressor 1 which can be integrated in an air conditioning system. Such compressor 1 comprising a compression part 2 which is able to compress a refrigerant fluid circulating into such compression part 2. The refrigerant fluid can be in a gaseous form. In order to ensure the compression of the refrigerant fluid, the compressor comprises an inlet port 3 where the refrigerant fluid enters at low pressure before being compressed inside the compression part 2.

[0032] In order to control the compression, the compressor 1 comprises an electrical unit 4. The electrical unit 4 controls the operating of the compression part 2. For example, if the compressor 1 is a rotating compressor, the electrical unit 4 allows to control the rotation speed of the compressing part 2 and thus to control the pressure of the compressed refrigerant fluid.

[0033] The compressor 1 also comprises an output device 5. Once the refrigerant fluid is compressed inside the compression part 2, the compressed refrigerant fluid circulates through the output device 5 in order to leave the compressor 1. Such output device is divided in a head 6 and a refrigerant fluid distribution body 7.

[0034] The head 6 is directly linked to the compression part 2. Such link simultaneously allows to mechanically fix the head 6 to the compression part 2 and to create a way from the compression part 2 to the head 6 for the compressed refrigerant fluid. Thanks to this configuration, the head 6 is able to receive the refrigerant fluid which comes from the compression part 2.

[0035] The compressed refrigerant fluid circulates inside the head 6, then inside the distribution body 7. The distribution body 7 of the output device 5 comprises a first channel 8 and a second channel 9 where the compressed refrigerant fluid can circulate. Each channel 8, 9 comprises an exit port 10 of refrigerant fluid which can be connected to a duct, not illustrated here. Thus, each channel 8, 9 allows to conduct the compressed refrigerant fluid until, as an example, a heat exchanger of the air conditioning system. In function of the need that the air conditioning system has to fulfill, the compressed refrigerant fluid is sent to the first channel 8 and/or to the second channel 9.

[0036] The output device 5 comprises at least two distribution valves 11, each distribution valve 11 being related to one of the channels 8, 9. The distribution valves 11 are able to be opened or to be closed in order to respectively authorize or prohibit the circulation of the refrigerant fluid inside their considered channel 8, 9. Thus, the distribution valves 11 are controlled in function of which channel 8, 9 has to be opened or closed.

[0037] The distribution body 7 has the advantage to be directly linked to the head 6. The head 6 and the distribution body 7 can be formed by a single piece, for example by molding. The head 6 and the distribution body 7 can also be two distinct parts which are directly fixed one to another thanks to any fixation means. According to any configuration described above, the output device 5 can be fixed to the compressor 1 in order to form a compressor 1 which allows the compression of the refrigerant fluid and at least partially the distribution of the compressed refrigerant fluid.

[0038] Moreover, the distribution valves 11 are disposed between a first longitudinal end 12 and a second longitudinal end 13 of the compressor 1. As illustrated in the figure 1, the distribution valves 11 are extending above the compression part 2. Thus, the compressor 1 according to the invention gathers a plurality of elements of the air conditioning system, in order to improve its compacity. Such compressor 1, more particularly such output device 5, allows to set up the distribution part close to the compression part 2. It allows to reduce the quantity of independent ducts which are used to form the air conditioning system.

[0039] The compressor can comprise a sensor 14 which measures a characteristic of the compressed refrigerant fluid. The sensor 14 can measure the pressure and/or the temperature of the compressed refrigerant fluid. The sensor 14 allows to check if the characteristics of the compressed refrigerant fluid correspond to the need the air conditioning system shall answer.

[0040] The sensor 14 can communicate with the electrical unit 4. Thus, if necessary, the electrical unit 4 can adjust the capacity of compression of the compression part 2 in function of the characteristics which are measured by the sensor 14.

[0041] The figure 2 is a detailed view of the distribution valves 11 of the output device 5. The distribution valves 11 are linked to the distribution body 7 and are oriented to its own channel 8, 9. According to the invention, there is at least two distribution valves 11, the term "distribution valve" designating a part able to open or close one of the channels 8, 9 of the distribution body 7. Considering that there are two channels 8, 9, at least one distribution valve 11 has to be attributed to one channel 8, 9.

[0042] Each distribution valves 11 comprises a switch 15 and an electrical actuator 16. The switch 15 is electrically operated to open or to close the channel 8, 9 considered. Each switch 15 is controlled by its own electrical actuator 16.

[0043] The electrical actuators 16 receive signals that are the image of the circulation the refrigerant fluid has to follow inside the air conditioning system. In function of these signals, each electrical actuator 16 controls its own distribution valve 11 in order to open it or to close it, or to control it variably. The opening of the distribution valve 11 authorizes the circulation of the refrigerant fluid through the opened channel 8, 9 whereas the closing of the distribution valve 11 prohibits the circulation of the refrigerant fluid through the closed channel 8, 9. In this configuration, each distribution valve 11 has its own electrical actuator 16.

[0044] The figure 3 represents another configuration of the electrical actuator 16. According to this configuration, the electrical actuator 16 is common to both distribution valves 11. The common electrical actuator 16 can be an electrical motor 17 for example. Such electrical motor 17 can control both distribution valves 11 simultaneously. The electrical motor 17 can open or close variably each distribution valve 11 and consumes less energy than the configuration illustrated in figure 2, which includes an electrical actuator 16 per distribution valve 11.

[0045] Figure 4 is another view of the output device 5, where the channels 8, 9 are represented in dotted lines. The figure 4 also allows to illustrate that the head 6 comprises an output section 18 of refrigerant fluid. It's through this output section 18 that the refrigerant fluid, after being compressed in the compression part, circulates in the head 6.

[0046] The head 6 is attached to the compression part by screws 31 that are angularly spread around a longitudinal axis L of the compressor 1. It has to be noted that the output device 5 is angularly extending between two adjacent screws. This aspect is advantageous because there is no need to re-design a full compressor, the compression part being the one used in the prior art.

[0047] The output section 18 is directly linked to the first channel 8 of the distribution body 7. If, as described before, the head 6 and the distribution body 7 are formed by a single piece, the output section 18 and the first channel 8 form a unique duct. If the head 6 and the distribution body 7 are two distinct parts in direct contact one to another, the output section 18 and the first channel 8 are facing one to another and are fluidically connected after that the head 6 and the distribution body 7 are attached together.

[0048] The first channel 8 is thus in the continuity of the output section 18, the second channel 9 being branched to the first channel 8. Such configuration constitutes a first embodiment of the structure of the two channels 8, 9.

[0049] Figures 5 to 7 represent three other embodiments of the structure of the two channels 8, 9. A second embodiment is illustrated on the figure 5, where the two channels 8, 9 are curved at least between the output section 18 and the exit port 10.

[0050] Figures 6 and 7 schematically represent a third and a fourth embodiment of the structure of the two channels 8, 9. In the figure 6, the two channels 8, 9 are rectilinear. As the first channel 8 illustrated in the figure 4, the first channel 8 illustrated in the figure 6 is extending in the continuity of the output section 18. The second channel 9 is also rectilinear and is secant to the first channel 8, extending for example in perpendicular direction with regards to the extending direction of the first channel.

[0051] For every embodiment described, the distribution valves 11 are disposed in order to avoid the mechanical interferences between them, but still extending above of the compressor and close to it.

[0052] The figure 7 is the fourth embodiment of the structure of the two channels 8, 9. As the figure 6, the two channels 8, 9 are rectilinear but the second channel 9 is distinct from the first channel 8, for example parallel to this first channel 8.

[0053] The figure 8 represents an air conditioning system 19 which includes the compressor 1 as described above. The air conditioning system 19 is configured to thermally treat different elements of the vehicle thanks to the circulation of the refrigerant fluid. Such refrigerant fluid is in a gaseous state when it circulates trough the compressor 1 in order to be compressed. Such compressor ensures the circulation and the compression of the refrigerant fluid. After that, the output device 5 of the invention ensures the distribution of the refrigerant fluid to a first heat exchanger 20 or to a second heat exchanger 21.

[0054] The first heat exchanger 20 allows a thermal exchange between the refrigerant fluid and an air flow 22. More particularly, the air flow 22 condenses the refrigerant fluid while the refrigerant fluid heats the air flow 22. Thus, the heated air flow 22 can be sent to a cabin of the vehicle in order to heat it.

[0055] The second heat exchanger 21 allows a thermal exchange between the refrigerant fluid and some water which circulates in a first water circuit 23. More particularly, the water of the first water circuit 23 condenses the refrigerant fluid while the refrigerant fluid heats the water of the first water circuit 23. Thus, the heated water can circulate in order to heat a cold battery of the vehicle to improve its efficiency, for example.

[0056] After being condensed by going through the first heat exchanger 20 or the second heat exchanger 21, the refrigerant fluid is at least partially in a liquid state. In order to improve thermal cycle performances, the refrigerant fluid can cross an internal heat exchanger 24 where the refrigerant fluid at two different temperatures and pressures can exchange heat.

[0057] After that, the refrigerant fluid can be directed to a third heat exchanger 25 or a fourth heat exchanger 26. Before going through these heat exchangers 25, 26, the refrigerant fluid is expanded by a first expansion device 27 dedicated to the third heat exchanger 25 and/or by a second expansion device 28 dedicated to the fourth heat exchanger 26. The expansion devices 27, 28 are configured to decrease the pressure of the refrigerant fluid.

[0058] Thus, the refrigerant fluid in a diphasic state crosses the third heat exchanger 25 or the fourth heat exchanger 26 at low temperature. The third heat exchanger 25 allows a thermal exchange between the refrigerant fluid and the air flow 22. More particularly, the air flow 22 evaporates the refrigerant fluid while the refrigerant fluid cools down the air flow 22. Thus, the cooled air flow 22 is sent to the cabin of the vehicle in order to cool it.

[0059] The fourth heat exchanger 26 allows a thermal exchange between the refrigerant fluid and some water which circulates in a second water circuit 29. More particularly, the water of the second water circuit 29 evaporates the refrigerant fluid while the refrigerant fluid cools the water of the second water circuit 29. Thus, the cooled water can circulate in order to cool a power train of the vehicle for example.

[0060] After being evaporated by going through the third heat exchanger 25 or the fourth heat exchanger 26, the refrigerant fluid is at least partially in a gaseous state and circulates towards an accumulator 30 which retains a potential liquid fraction of the refrigerant fluid. Thus, the refrigerant fluid leaves the accumulator 30 totally in a gaseous state and crosses the internal heat exchanger 24 to be heated by the hotter refrigerant fluid. After that, the refrigerant fluid rejoins the inlet port of the compressor 1.

[0061] The distribution valves of the output device 5 are therefore controlled in function of the need for the air conditioning system 19 to conduct the refrigerant fluid to the first heat exchanger 20 and/or to the second heat exchanger 21.

[0062] Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forth herein will come to the mind of one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed here and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

1. Output device (5) of a compressor (1) suitable for an air conditioning system (19) of a vehicle, comprising a head (6) configured to receive a refrigerant fluid compressed by a compression part (2) of the compressor (1), such head (6) comprising an output section (18) of refrigerant fluid, said output device (5) comprising a refrigerant fluid distribution body (7) which is directly linked to the head (6), said distribution body (7) comprising at least two channels (8, 9), each having an exit port (10) of refrigerant fluid, said output device (5) comprising at least two distribution valves (11) attached to the distribution body (7) and able to control the circulation of refrigerant fluid through each channel (8, 9).

2. Output device (5) according to claim 1, wherein the head (6) and the distribution body (7) are formed by a single piece.

3. Output device (5) according to claim 1, wherein the head (6) and the distribution body (7) are two distinct parts in direct contact one to another.

4. Output device (5) according to any preceding claim, wherein at least a first channel (8) among the two channels (8, 9) is aligned with the output section (18), a second channel (9) among the two channels (8, 9) being branched to the first channel (8).

5. Output device (5) according to any preceding claim, comprising at least a sensor (14) configured to measure pressure and/or temperature of the refrigerant fluid circulating into the output section (18) of the head (6).

6. Output device (5) according to any preceding claim, wherein each distribution valve (11) comprises its own electrical actuator (16).

7. Output device (5) according to claim 1 to 5, wherein both distribution valves (11) are controlled by a common electrical actuator (16).

8. Compressor (1) comprising at least an output device (5) according to any preceding claim, such compressor (1) comprising a compression part (2) and an electrical unit (4) which controls the operating of the compression part (2), such compression part (2) being disposed between the output device (5) and the electrical unit (4).

9. Compressor (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the distribution valves (11) of the output device (5) are disposed between a first longitudinal end (12) of the compressor (1) and a second longitudinal end (13) of the compressor (1).

10. Air conditioning system (19) for a vehicle, comprising a compressor (1) according to claim 8 or 9, such air conditioning system (19) comprising a first heat exchanger (20) and a second heat exchanger (21) configured to condensate the refrigerant fluid circulating in the air conditioning system (19), the air conditioning system (19) further comprising at least an expansion device (27, 28) and at least a third heat exchanger (25) configured to evaporate the condensed refrigerant fluid, the output device (5) being configurated to control the circulation of the refrigerant fluid to the first heat exchanger (20) and/or to the second heat exchanger (21).

Drawing