WO2017046482A1 - Hydraulic coupling and thermoelectric device intended, in particular, for generating an electric current in a motor vehicle, including such a hydraulic coupling - Google Patents

Hydraulic coupling and thermoelectric device intended, in particular, for generating an electric current in a motor vehicle, including such a hydraulic coupling Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017046482A1
WO2017046482A1 PCT/FR2016/052254 FR2016052254W WO2017046482A1 WO 2017046482 A1 WO2017046482 A1 WO 2017046482A1 FR 2016052254 W FR2016052254 W FR 2016052254W WO 2017046482 A1 WO2017046482 A1 WO 2017046482A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
hydraulic coupling
thermoelectric
central
coupling according
central tube
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/FR2016/052254
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Kamel Azzouz
Patrick Boisselle
Cédric DE VAULX
Véronique MONNET
Ambroise SERVANTIE
Original Assignee
Valeo Systemes Thermiques
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Application filed by Valeo Systemes Thermiques filed Critical Valeo Systemes Thermiques
Publication of WO2017046482A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017046482A1/en

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L59/00—Thermal insulation in general
    • F16L59/14—Arrangements for the insulation of pipes or pipe systems
    • F16L59/16—Arrangements specially adapted to local requirements at flanges, junctions, valves or the like
    • F16L59/18—Arrangements specially adapted to local requirements at flanges, junctions, valves or the like adapted for joints
    • F16L59/184—Flanged joints
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01N—GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F01N5/00—Exhaust or silencing apparatus combined or associated with devices profiting from exhaust energy
    • F01N5/02—Exhaust or silencing apparatus combined or associated with devices profiting from exhaust energy the devices using heat
    • F01N5/025—Exhaust or silencing apparatus combined or associated with devices profiting from exhaust energy the devices using heat the device being thermoelectric generators
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L53/00—Heating of pipes or pipe systems; Cooling of pipes or pipe systems
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L53/00—Heating of pipes or pipe systems; Cooling of pipes or pipe systems
    • F16L53/70—Cooling of pipes or pipe systems
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01N—GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F01N2230/00—Combination of silencers and other devices
    • F01N2230/08—Thermal reactors
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
    • Y02T10/00—Road transport of goods or passengers
    • Y02T10/10—Internal combustion engine [ICE] based vehicles
    • Y02T10/12—Improving ICE efficiencies

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a hydraulic coupling and a thermoelectric device, in particular for generating an electric current in a motor vehicle. , including such a hydraulic connection.
  • electric thermo devices also called electric thermo generators or TEG according to the acronym "ThermoElectric Generator”
  • TEG electric thermo generators
  • electric thermo elements to generate an electric current in the presence of a temperature gradient between two of their opposite faces according to the phenomenon known as the Seebeck effect.
  • These devices comprise a stack of first tubes, intended for the circulation of the exhaust gases of an engine, and second tubes, intended for the circulation of a heat transfer fluid of a cooling circuit.
  • the electrical thermo elements are sandwiched between the tubes so as to be subjected to a temperature gradient from the temperature difference between the hot exhaust gases and the cold cooling fluid.
  • thermoelectric devices having a plurality of thermoelectric modules have already been developed, each module comprising annular-shaped thermoelectric elements in which the first fluid and the second fluid circulate transversely relative to one another.
  • a thermoelectric module comprises a plurality of annular-shaped thermoelectric elements arranged in the longitudinal extension of one another in a coaxial manner, with for example an alternation of N-type thermoelectric elements and thermoelectric elements. P-type electrical elements.
  • thermoelectric element has fins extending from the outer periphery, transversely and radially. These fins, usually obtained in aluminum or stainless steel and crimped on the outer diameter of the rings of the thermoelectric elements, make it possible to promote heat exchange with the hot exhaust gases flowing through said fins, a fluid cold circulating in the center of the electric thermo elements, and extract the maximum heat of the exhaust gases to transfer it to thermoelectric materials.
  • Said modules thus comprise electric thermo elements which are assembled in the form of cylindrical rods and are distributed in a cylindrical enclosure so that the hot exhaust gases circulate freely between each module while a heat transfer fluid of a cooling circuit circulates in the center of the electric thermo elements.
  • These cylindrical configuration devices have the disadvantage of having separate parts to perform the functions of hydraulic and electrical connectors of the various cylindrical rods thus increasing the size of these devices.
  • thermoelectric device comprising a plurality of electric thermo modules, each thermoelectric module comprising at least a plurality of cylindrical thermoelectric elements comprising a central circular recess receiving a central tube, said electric thermo elements being capable of generating an electric current under the action of a temperature gradient exerted between a first defined external face by an outer periphery surface and a second inner face defined by an inner periphery surface, a first fluid being adapted to flow through the central tube and a second fluid being adapted to circulate around the outer periphery, said fitting comprising a body provided with means for placing in fluid communication the outlet of the central tube of a first thermoelectric module with the inlet of a central tube of a second thermoelectric module and at least one or even two supports for electrical contacts integral with said body.
  • a hydraulic connection combines electrical and hydraulic functions thus reducing the size of components providing these functions and reduce costs by providing a single room for these two functions. According to different embodiments
  • the body is obtained in a dielectric material
  • the body is obtained in a dielectric plastic
  • the dielectric plastic consists of polyamide or polypropylene
  • the one or more electrical contact supports consist of threaded rods obtained in a plastic material
  • the threaded rods are secured to the body of the hydraulic coupling by overmolding,
  • the threaded rods are secured to the body of the hydraulic coupling by gluing, the threaded rods are secured to the body of the hydraulic coupling by screwing said rods into tapped holes in said body,
  • the body is constituted by a cylindrical crown-shaped housing, having two side walls which have the shape of a disc provided with a central circular hole, a cylindrical inner wall and a cylindrical outer wall, holes made on one of the side walls for receiving the central tubes of the thermoelectric modules, said holes being provided with sealing means, at least one internal partition defining at least one so-called inlet chamber and a so-called exhaust chamber, and at least one intake manifold opening into the intake chamber and an exhaust manifold opening into the exhaust chamber,
  • the intake and exhaust pipes extend radially from the outer body peripheral wall
  • the threaded rods extend radially from the outer peripheral wall of the body
  • the sealing means consist of O-rings positioned in the holes receiving the central tubes,
  • the holes receiving the central tubes are uniformly distributed around the body.
  • thermoelectric device comprising at least a plurality of electric thermo modules, each thermoelectric module comprising at least a plurality of cylindrical thermoelectric elements comprising a central circular recess receiving a central tube, said thermoelectric elements being susceptible to generate an electric current under the action of a temperature gradient exerted between a first so-called outer face defined by an outer periphery surface and a second inner so-called face defined by an inner periphery surface, a first fluid being intended to circulate through the central tube and a second fluid being intended to flow around the outer periphery, and at least one or even two hydraulic connections according to the invention to put in fluid communication the outlet of the central tube of a first thermoelectric module with the inlet of a central tube of a second electric thermo module.
  • said module comprises a so-called inner tubular electrode integral with the inner face of each thermoelectric element, an outer tubular electrode secured to the outer face of each thermoelectric element.
  • said device is configured to be positioned in a motor vehicle exhaust gas conduit so that said gases circulate in the envelope, said gases defining the second fluid.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view in longitudinal section of the thermoelectric device according to the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a thermoelectric module of the thermoelectric device according to the invention
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of the connection of two electric thermo modules of the thermoelectric device according to the invention
  • FIG. 5 schematically illustrates, in cross section, an example of a thermoelectric device according to the invention.
  • thermoelectric device 1 comprising a plurality of modules 2, as will be detailed below, positioned circularly and extending parallel to the interior of a tubular casing 3 of which the ends are closed by an intake manifold 4 of a first fluid, in this case hot exhaust gases, and an intake manifold 5 of a second fluid, namely a heat transfer fluid of a circuit cooling, and respectively by an exhaust manifold 6 of said first and second fluids.
  • the casing 3 has a circular cross section and the modules 2 of thermoelectric elements are positioned circularly inside said casing 3 about the axis of revolution of said casing 3.
  • each module 2 comprises a plurality of electric thermo elements 7n, 7p, cylinder-shaped or straight prism and having a central recess, capable of generating an electric current under the action of a temperature gradient exerted between a first so-called outer face defined by an outer periphery surface and a second so-called inner face defined by an inner periphery surface, and a casing 8 covering the said electric thermo element (s) 7 comprising at least one so-called first slot intake 9 and a second slot called exhaust 10 hot exhaust gas.
  • the outer and inner faces of the electric thermo elements 7 are for example circular. However, more generally, any section of rounded shape, such as an oval shape for example, and / or polygonal is possible.
  • Such elements operate, according to the Seebeck effect, by making it possible to create an electric current in a load connected between the inner and outer faces of the electric thermo elements 7n, 7p subjected to temperature gradient.
  • such elements consist, for example, of Bismuth and Tellurium (Bi 2 Te 3 ).
  • the electric thermoelectric elements 7 may be, for a first part, elements 7p of a first type, called P, making it possible to establish an electric potential difference in a direction, called positive, when they are subjected to a gradient of given temperature, and, for the other part, elements 7n of a second type, called N, allowing the creation of a difference of electric potential in an opposite direction, called negative, when they are subjected to the same gradient of temperature.
  • thermo elements 7 shown consist of a ring in one piece. They may however be formed of several pieces each forming an angular portion of the ring.
  • the outer surface has, for example, a radius of between 1.5 and 4 times the radius of the inner surface. It could be a radius equal to about 2 times that of the inner surface.
  • thermoelectric element 7 has, for example, two opposite parallel flat faces.
  • the ring constituting the thermoelectric element 7 is of rectangular annular section.
  • Said thermoelectric elements 7p, 7n are arranged, for example, in the longitudinal extension of one another, in particular in a coaxial manner, and the P-type thermoelectric elements alternate with the N-type thermoelectric elements, according to a direction D. They are, in particular, of identical shape and size. They may, however, have a thickness, that is to say a dimension between their two planar faces, different from one type to another, particularly depending on their electrical conductivity.
  • thermoelectric elements 7p, 7n are, for example, grouped in pairs, each pair being formed of a said P-type thermoelectric element and a said N-type thermoelectric element, and the said module is configured to allow a current flow between the first surfaces of the electric thermo elements 7 of the same pair and a flow of current between the second surfaces of each of the electric thermo elements 7 of the same pair and the thermoelectric element 7 adjacent to the neighboring pair. In this way, a series flow of the electric current is ensured between the electric thermo elements 7p, 7n disposed next to each other along the direction D.
  • the module according to the invention comprises a cold liquid circulation channel in contact with said second surface of said electric thermo elements 7p, 7n.
  • Said channel consists of a so-called central tube 11.
  • the central tube 11 cold liquid circulation is unique and placed in the center of the module.
  • a plurality of cold liquid circulation channels may be provided.
  • the at least one liquid circulation tube 11 is, for example, of circular section.
  • the said module 2 comprises a cold liquid circulation tube 11 on which a plurality of electric thermoelectric elements 7 of the same type, alternating in the direction of longitudinal extension D of the tube 11, are mounted with a electric thermo element of the other type.
  • the tubes 11 are, in particular, metallic. They define at least in part said channel.
  • Said module 2 may furthermore comprise electrical insulation means, not shown in the figures, arranged between two faces vis-à-vis neighboring thermoelectric elements 7p, 7n in the direction of longitudinal extension D of the tube 11 .
  • Said module 2 further comprises first electrical connection means 12 connecting the outer periphery surfaces of two of said thermoelectric elements 7, provided adjacent and of different types.
  • Said first electrical connection means 12 include, for example, a layer of electrically conductive material, especially copper and / or nickel, coating said electric thermo elements 7p, 7n.
  • Said module 2 advantageously comprises secondary exchange surfaces, in particular fins 13, with the exhaust gases. This increases the exchange surface between the electric thermo elements 7 and said exhaust gases.
  • Said fins 13 are arranged, for example, transversely, in particular radially to said electric thermo elements 7. They are here positioned parallel to each other with a spacing allowing a good heat exchange with the exhaust gas while limiting the losses of loads.
  • Said fins 13 may be off-center with respect to said electric thermo elements 7p, 7n, in particular elongated on the side of the arrival of the second fluid.
  • Said fins 13 may comprise a catalytic coating for catalytic conversion of toxic components of the second fluid.
  • said module 2 can in this way equip a catalytic converter in addition or substitution of components conventionally used for catalysis in such equipment.
  • Said fins 13 are fixed, for example, on said first electrical connection means 12, in particular by crimping and / or brazing.
  • the module 2 may also include second electrical connection means 14 establishing an electrical connection between the inner periphery surfaces of two of said adjacent thermoelectric elements 7, of different types and not connected by said first electrical connection means 12. Otherwise said, said first 12 and second 14 electrical connection means connect two said electric thermo elements in pairs so as to establish an electrical circulation in series between said thermoelectric elements 7 of the module 2. Furthermore, the envelope 8 covering the elements Electric thermo 7 may be in one piece or in two assembled parts 8a, 8b.
  • said envelope 8 consists of two parts 8a, 8b respectively corresponding to a fraction of tube of circular cross section, each fraction of tube being substantially hemi-cylindrical, and closed at its ends respectively by a washer 15 of complementary shape, that is to say of circular shape, comprising at least two lugs extending outwardly from the periphery of said washer 15 so as to form at least two slots 9 and 10 between said fractions of tubes 8a, 8b.
  • the inner wall of the casing 8 is supported on the fins 13.
  • the entire flow of exhaust gas flows through the fins 13 of the electric thermo elements 7.
  • the parts 8a, 8b of the envelope 8, as well as the washers 15, are obtained in a material having dielectric properties to ensure the electrical insulation of the electric thermo elements 7 with the external environment.
  • said portions 8a, 8b of the envelope 8 and the washers 15 are obtained in a material having a temperature withstand of at least 800 ° C.
  • the portions 8a, 8b of the casing 8 and the washers 15 are obtained in molded ceramic, extruded mica or alumina.
  • the intake and exhaust slots 10 are arranged in such a way that the passage section given by the slots 9 and 10 is equivalent to the passage section through the fins 13.
  • said exhaust gas intake manifold 4 consists of a cylindrical nozzle 16 opening into the casing 3 while flaring out and the collector 5 of the heat transfer fluid of the cooling circuit consists of a coupling hydraulic and electric.
  • Said hydraulic and electrical connection consists of a cylindrical crown-shaped housing whose body 17 comprises two side walls 18, 19 which have the shape of a disk provided with a circular central hole 20, a cylindrical inner wall 21 and a cylindrical outer wall 22, holes 23 formed on one of the side walls 19 for receiving the central tubes 11 of the thermoelectric modules 2, said holes 23 being provided with means for 24 in this embodiment, said holes 23 receiving the central tubes 11 of the electric thermo modules 2 are uniformly distributed around the central hole 20 and have the number of 10. The number of holes 23 and their distribution can be easily adapted depending on the use of the thermoelectric device.
  • the body 17 of the coupling is obtained in a dielectric material such as a dielectric plastic, said dielectric plastic consisting of preferably in polyamide or polypropylene to provide electrical insulation of the modules 2.
  • said body 17 comprises electrical contact supports 25 integral with said body 17 in order to electrically connect the thermoelectric modules 2 in series and / or in parallel.
  • These electrical contact supports 25 consist of threaded rods 26 obtained from a material radially extending from the outer peripheral wall 22 of the housing 16.
  • the threaded rods 26 are secured to the body 17 of the hydraulic coupling by overmoulding, gluing, or screwing said threaded rods 26 into threaded holes in said body 17.
  • said body 17 comprises at least one internal partition defining at least one so-called inlet chamber and an exhaust chamber, not shown in the figures, and at least one intake manifold 27 opening into the chamber intake and a so-called exhaust pipe 28 opening into the exhaust chamber.
  • the intake manifolds 27 and exhaust pipes 28 extend radially from the outer peripheral wall 22 of the body 17.
  • the holes 23 receiving the tubes 11 of the electric thermo modules 2 open into the intake chambers and the exhaust chambers in order to put in fluid communication the output of the central tube 11 of a first thermoelectric module 2 with the input of a central tube 11 of a second thermoelectric module 2.
  • the exhaust manifold 6 has a conical shape in communication with gutters 29 extending between two modules 2 of adjacent electrical thermo elements 7 respectively comprising an inlet slot 30 in fluid communication with the escape slot 10 of a module 2.
  • the hot exhaust gases are introduced into the casing 3 via the intake manifold 4 at the center of the modules 2 of electric thermoelectric elements and then is introduced into the envelopes 8 of said modules 2 via the intake slots 9 of said envelopes 8.
  • the exhaust gases pass through all the fins 13 before emerging envelopes 8 via the exhaust slots 10 and to be recovered by the gutters 29 and
  • the heat transfer fluid of the cooling circuit is introduced into the intake manifold 4 via the intake manifolds 27 so that it circulates in the central tubes 11 via the exhaust manifold 6. the hydraulic connection of the exhaust manifold 6 before escaping through the exhaust pipes 28 of the hydraulic coupling of the intake manifold 4.
  • Said exhaust manifold 6 also comprises a hydraulic connection and electric consisting of an inner ring having holes receiving the central tubes 11 of the electric thermo modules 2 in which circulates the heat transfer fluid of the cooling circuit, said ring having internal walls, not shown in the figures, to put in communication two tubes
  • this second hydraulic and electrical connection is constituted, in the same manner as above, a cylindrical ring-shaped housing whose body 17 comprises two side walls 18, 19 which have the shape of a disc provided with a circular central hole 20, a cylindrical inner wall 21 and a cylindrical outer wall 22, holes 23 made on one of the side walls 19 for receiving the central tubes 11 of the thermoelectric modules 2, said holes 23 being provided with sealing means 24 consisting of O-rings positioned in said holes 23.
  • the body 17 is obtained from a dielectric material such as a dielectric plastic, said dielectric plastic preferably consisting of polyamide or polypropylene to provide electrical insulation modules 2. Furthermore, said body 17 also comprises electrical contacts 25 secured to said body 17 to electrically connect in series and / or in parallel the thermoelectric modules 2. These electrical contact supports 25 consist of threaded rods 26 obtained in a plastic material and extending radially from the peripheral wall In addition, the threaded rods 26 are secured to the body 17 forming the hydraulic coupling by overmolding, gluing, or screwing said threaded rods 26 into tapped holes in said body 17.
  • Said body 17 also comprises at least one internal partition defining at least one so-called admission chamber and a so-called exhaust chamber, not shown in the figures, the holes 23 receiving the tubes 11 of the electric thermo modules 2 opening into the intake chambers and the chambers exhaust system in order to put in fluid communication the outlet of the central tube 11 of a first thermal module o electric 2 with the input of a central tube 11 of a second thermoelectric module 2.
  • this second hydraulic and electrical connection is identical to the first hydraulic connection with the exception of intake and exhaust pipes.
  • said connectors combine the electrical and hydraulic functions thus reducing the size of the components providing these functions and reduce costs by providing a single piece for these two functions.
  • the two connections being identical with the exception of intake and exhaust pipes, the same mold can be used for their manufacture thus reducing production costs.
  • the hydraulic and electrical connection of the intake manifold 4 receives the inlet of the central tube 11 of a first thermoelectric module 2 at the level of the intake chamber into which the tubing of the admission 27 and the output of the central tube 11 of a second thermoelectric module 2 at the exhaust chamber into which the exhaust manifold 28 opens.
  • the electrical input of the first electrical module is connected to a first threaded rod 26 of the hydraulic and electrical connection of the intake manifold 4 and the electrical output is connected to a second threaded rod 26 of the hydraulic and electrical connection of the intake manifold 4
  • the hydraulic and electrical connection of the exhaust manifold 6 receives the output of the central tube 11 of the first thermoelectric module 2 at the level of the exhaust chamber and the inlet of the central tube 11 of the second thermoelectric module 2 at the level of the admission chamber.
  • the intake and exhaust chambers of the hydraulic coupling of the exhaust manifold 6 being in fluid communication, the two electric thermo modules 2 are hydraulically connected in series.
  • the electrical output of the first electrical module 2 and the electrical input of the second electric thermo module 2 are connected to a threaded rod 26 of the hydraulic and electrical connection of the exhaust manifold 6 so that the two electric thermo modules 2 are electrically connected in series. Said connections thus make it possible to electrically and hydraulically connect two electric thermo modules 2 in series.
  • thermo modules are electrically mounted in series but any other electrical scheme may be considered.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hydraulic coupling for a thermoelectric device comprising a plurality of thermoelectric modules (2), each thermoelectric module (2) including at least one plurality of cylindrical thermoelectric elements (7p, 7n) comprising a central circular recess receiving a central tube (11), a first fluid being intended for circulating through the central tube (11) and a second fluid being intended for circulating around the outer periphery, a so-called inner tubular electrode (14) rigidly connected to an inner surface of each thermoelectric element (7p, 7n), a so-called outer tubular electrode (12) rigidly connected to an outer surface of each thermoelectric element (7p, 7n), said coupling including a body (17) provided with means for establishing fluid communication between the outlet of the central tube (11) of a first thermoelectric module (2) and the intake of a central tube (11) of a second thermoelectric module (2) and at least two electrical contact mountings (24) rigidly connected to said body (17).

Description

Raccord hydraulique et dispositif thermo électrique, notamment destines à générer un courant électrique dans un véhicule automobile, comprenant un tel raccord hydraulique La présente invention se rapporte à un raccord hydraulique et un dispositif thermo électriques, notamment destinés à générer un courant électrique dans un véhicule automobile, comprenant un tel raccord hydraulique. Dans le domaine automobile, a déjà été proposé des dispositifs thermo électriques, également appelés générateurs thermo électriques ou TEG selon l'acronyme anglo-saxon « ThermoElectric Generator », utilisant des éléments, dits thermo électriques, permettant de générer un courant électrique en présence d'un gradient de température entre deux de leurs faces opposées selon le phénomène connu sous le nom d'effet Seebeck. Ces dispositifs comprennent un empilement de premiers tubes, destinés à la circulation des gaz d'échappement d'un moteur, et de seconds tubes, destinés à la circulation d'un fluide caloporteur d'un circuit de refroidissement. Les éléments thermo électriques sont pris en sandwich entre les tubes de façon à être soumis à un gradient de température provenant de la différence de température entre les gaz d'échappement, chauds, et le fluide de refroidissement, froid.  FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a hydraulic coupling and a thermoelectric device, in particular for generating an electric current in a motor vehicle. , including such a hydraulic connection. In the automotive field, has already been proposed electric thermo devices, also called electric thermo generators or TEG according to the acronym "ThermoElectric Generator", using so-called electric thermo elements, to generate an electric current in the presence of a temperature gradient between two of their opposite faces according to the phenomenon known as the Seebeck effect. These devices comprise a stack of first tubes, intended for the circulation of the exhaust gases of an engine, and second tubes, intended for the circulation of a heat transfer fluid of a cooling circuit. The electrical thermo elements are sandwiched between the tubes so as to be subjected to a temperature gradient from the temperature difference between the hot exhaust gases and the cold cooling fluid.
Des tels dispositifs sont particulièrement intéressants car ils permettent de produire de l'électricité à partir d'une conversion de la chaleur provenant des gaz d'échappement du moteur. I ls offrent ainsi la possibilité de réduire la consommation en carburant du véhicule en venant se substituer, au moins partiellement, à l'alternateur habituellement prévu dans celui-ci pour générer de l'électricité à partir d'une courroie entraînée par le vilebrequin du moteur. Il a déjà été développé des dispositifs thermo électriques comportant une pluralité de modules thermo électrique, chaque module comportant des éléments thermo électriques de forme annulaire dans lesquels le premier fluide et le second fluide circulent de manière transversale l'un par rapport à l'autre. Un tel module thermo électrique comporte une pluralité d'éléments thermo électriques de forme annulaires disposés dans le prolongement longitudinal l'un de l'autre de façon coaxiale, avec par exemple une alternance d'éléments thermo électriques de type N et d'éléments thermo électriques de type P. Chaque élément thermo électrique comporte des ailettes s'étendant depuis la périphérie extérieure, transversalement et radialement. Ces ailettes, usuellement obtenues dans de l'aluminium ou de l'inox et serties sur le diamètre extérieure des anneaux des éléments thermo électriques, permettent de favoriser les échanges thermiques avec les gaz chauds d'échappement qui circulent à travers lesdites ailettes, un fluide froid circulant au centre des éléments thermo électriques, et extraire le maximum de chaleur des gaz d'échappement pour la transférer aux matériaux thermo électriques. Such devices are particularly interesting because they make it possible to produce electricity from a conversion of the heat coming from the exhaust gases of the engine. I ls thus offer the possibility of reducing the fuel consumption of the vehicle by replacing, at least partially, the alternator usually provided therein to generate electricity from a belt driven by the crankshaft of the vehicle. engine. Thermoelectric devices having a plurality of thermoelectric modules have already been developed, each module comprising annular-shaped thermoelectric elements in which the first fluid and the second fluid circulate transversely relative to one another. Such a thermoelectric module comprises a plurality of annular-shaped thermoelectric elements arranged in the longitudinal extension of one another in a coaxial manner, with for example an alternation of N-type thermoelectric elements and thermoelectric elements. P-type electrical elements. Each thermoelectric element has fins extending from the outer periphery, transversely and radially. These fins, usually obtained in aluminum or stainless steel and crimped on the outer diameter of the rings of the thermoelectric elements, make it possible to promote heat exchange with the hot exhaust gases flowing through said fins, a fluid cold circulating in the center of the electric thermo elements, and extract the maximum heat of the exhaust gases to transfer it to thermoelectric materials.
Lesdits modules comportent ainsi des éléments thermo électriques qui sont assemblés sous forme de crayons cylindriques et sont répartis dans une enceinte cylindrique de telle sorte que les gaz chauds d'échappement circulent librement entre chaque module tandis qu'un fluide caloporteur d'un circuit de refroidissement circule au centre des éléments thermo électriques. Ces dispositifs à configuration cylindrique présentent l'inconvénient de comporter des pièces distinctes pour assurer les fonctions de connectiques hydrauliques et électriques des différents crayons cylindriques augmentant ainsi l'encombrement de ces dispositifs. L'invention se propose d'améliorer la situation et concerne à cet effet un raccord hydraulique pour dispositif thermo électrique comprenant une pluralité de modules thermo électriques, chaque module thermo électrique comprenant au moins une pluralité d'éléments thermo électriques cylindriques comprenant un évidement circulaire central recevant un tube central, lesdits éléments thermo électriques étant susceptibles de générer un courant électrique sous l'action d'un gradient de température exercé entre une première face dite extérieure définie par une surface de périphérie extérieure et une seconde face dite intérieure définie par une surface de périphérie intérieure, un premier fluide étant destiné à circuler à travers le tube central et un second fluide étant destiné à circuler autour de la périphérie extérieure, ledit raccord comprenant un corps muni de moyens pour mettre en communication de fluide la sortie du tube central d'un premier module thermo électrique avec l'entrée d'un tube central d'un second module thermo électrique et au moins un, voire deux, supports pour contacts électriques solidaires dudit corps. On comprend bien qu'un tel raccord hydraulique combine les fonctions électriques et hydrauliques permettant ainsi de réduire l'encombrement des composants assurant ces fonctions et de réduire les coûts en procurant une unique pièce pour ces deux fonctions. Selon différents mode de réalisation de l'invention, pris ensemble ou séparément : Said modules thus comprise electric thermo elements which are assembled in the form of cylindrical rods and are distributed in a cylindrical enclosure so that the hot exhaust gases circulate freely between each module while a heat transfer fluid of a cooling circuit circulates in the center of the electric thermo elements. These cylindrical configuration devices have the disadvantage of having separate parts to perform the functions of hydraulic and electrical connectors of the various cylindrical rods thus increasing the size of these devices. The invention proposes to improve the situation and relates for this purpose a hydraulic connection for thermoelectric device comprising a plurality of electric thermo modules, each thermoelectric module comprising at least a plurality of cylindrical thermoelectric elements comprising a central circular recess receiving a central tube, said electric thermo elements being capable of generating an electric current under the action of a temperature gradient exerted between a first defined external face by an outer periphery surface and a second inner face defined by an inner periphery surface, a first fluid being adapted to flow through the central tube and a second fluid being adapted to circulate around the outer periphery, said fitting comprising a body provided with means for placing in fluid communication the outlet of the central tube of a first thermoelectric module with the inlet of a central tube of a second thermoelectric module and at least one or even two supports for electrical contacts integral with said body. It is understood that such a hydraulic connection combines electrical and hydraulic functions thus reducing the size of components providing these functions and reduce costs by providing a single room for these two functions. According to different embodiments of the invention, taken together or separately:
le corps est obtenu dans un matériau diélectrique,  the body is obtained in a dielectric material,
le corps est obtenu dans un plastique diélectrique,  the body is obtained in a dielectric plastic,
le plastique diélectrique consiste dans du polyamide ou dans du polypropylène,  the dielectric plastic consists of polyamide or polypropylene,
le ou les supports de contacts électriques sont constitués de tiges filetées obtenues dans un matériau plastique,  the one or more electrical contact supports consist of threaded rods obtained in a plastic material,
les tiges filetées sont solidarisées au corps du raccord hydraulique par surmoulage,  the threaded rods are secured to the body of the hydraulic coupling by overmolding,
- les tiges filetées sont solidarisées au corps du raccord hydraulique par collage, les tiges filetées sont solidarisées au corps du raccord hydraulique par vissage desdites tiges dans des trous taraudés pratiqués dans ledit corps, le corps est constitué d'un boîtier en forme de couronne cylindrique, comportant deux parois latérales qui présentent la forme d'un disque muni d'un trou central circulaire, une paroi intérieure cylindrique et une paroi extérieure cylindrique, des trous pratiqués sur l'une des parois latérales pour recevoir les tubes centraux des modules thermo électrique, lesdits trous étant munis de moyens d'étanchéité, au moins une cloison interne définissant au moins une chambre dite d'admission et une chambre dite d'échappement, et au moins une tubulure dite d'admission débouchant dans la chambre d'admission et une tubulure dite d'échappement débouchant dans la chambre d'échappement, the threaded rods are secured to the body of the hydraulic coupling by gluing, the threaded rods are secured to the body of the hydraulic coupling by screwing said rods into tapped holes in said body, the body is constituted by a cylindrical crown-shaped housing, having two side walls which have the shape of a disc provided with a central circular hole, a cylindrical inner wall and a cylindrical outer wall, holes made on one of the side walls for receiving the central tubes of the thermoelectric modules, said holes being provided with sealing means, at least one internal partition defining at least one so-called inlet chamber and a so-called exhaust chamber, and at least one intake manifold opening into the intake chamber and an exhaust manifold opening into the exhaust chamber,
les tubulures d'admission et d'échappement s'étendent radialement depuis la paroi périphérique extérieure corps,  the intake and exhaust pipes extend radially from the outer body peripheral wall,
- les tiges filetées s'étendent radialement depuis la paroi périphérique extérieure du corps,  the threaded rods extend radially from the outer peripheral wall of the body,
les moyens d'étanchéité consistent en des joints toriques positionnés dans les trous recevant les tubes centraux,  the sealing means consist of O-rings positioned in the holes receiving the central tubes,
les trous recevant les tubes centraux sont uniformément répartis autour du corps.  the holes receiving the central tubes are uniformly distributed around the body.
L'invention concerne également un dispositif thermo électrique comprenant au moins une pluralité de modules thermo électriques, chaque module thermo électrique comprenant au moins une pluralité d'éléments thermo électriques cylindriques comprenant un évidement circulaire central recevant un tube central, lesdits éléments thermo électriques étant susceptibles de générer un courant électrique sous l'action d'un gradient de température exercé entre une première face dite extérieure définie par une surface de périphérie extérieure et une seconde face dite intérieure définie par une surface de périphérie intérieure, un premier fluide étant destiné à circuler à travers le tube central et un second fluide étant destiné à circuler autour de la périphérie extérieure, et au moins un, voire deux, raccords hydrauliques selon l'invention pour mettre en communication de fluide la sortie du tube central d'un premier module thermo électrique avec l'entrée d'un tube central d'un second module thermo électrique. The invention also relates to a thermoelectric device comprising at least a plurality of electric thermo modules, each thermoelectric module comprising at least a plurality of cylindrical thermoelectric elements comprising a central circular recess receiving a central tube, said thermoelectric elements being susceptible to generate an electric current under the action of a temperature gradient exerted between a first so-called outer face defined by an outer periphery surface and a second inner so-called face defined by an inner periphery surface, a first fluid being intended to circulate through the central tube and a second fluid being intended to flow around the outer periphery, and at least one or even two hydraulic connections according to the invention to put in fluid communication the outlet of the central tube of a first thermoelectric module with the inlet of a central tube of a second electric thermo module.
Selon un aspect de l'invention ledit module comprend une électrode tubulaire dite intérieure solidaire de la face intérieure de chaque élément thermo électrique, une électrode tubulaire dite extérieure solidaire de la face extérieure de chaque élément thermo électrique. According to one aspect of the invention said module comprises a so-called inner tubular electrode integral with the inner face of each thermoelectric element, an outer tubular electrode secured to the outer face of each thermoelectric element.
Avantageusement, ledit dispositif est configuré pour être positionné dans un conduit de gaz d'échappement de véhicule automobile de sorte que lesdits gaz circulent dans l'enveloppe, lesdits gaz définissant le second fluide. L'invention sera mieux comprise à la lumière de la description suivante qui n'est donnée qu'à titre indicatif et qui n'a pas pour but de la limiter, accompagnée des dessins joints parmi lesquels : Advantageously, said device is configured to be positioned in a motor vehicle exhaust gas conduit so that said gases circulate in the envelope, said gases defining the second fluid. The invention will be better understood in the light of the following description which is given only as an indication and which is not intended to limit it, accompanied by the appended drawings among which:
la figure 1 est une en perspective en coupe longitudinale du dispositif thermo électrique conforme à l'invention, - la figure 2 est une vue en perspective d'un module thermo électrique du dispositif thermo électrique conforme à l'invention, la figure 3 est une vue en perspective d'un raccord hydraulique et électrique du dispositif thermo électrique conforme à l'invention, la figure 4 est une représentation schématique du raccordement de deux modules thermo électriques du dispositif thermo électrique conforme à l'invention,  FIG. 1 is a perspective view in longitudinal section of the thermoelectric device according to the invention; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a thermoelectric module of the thermoelectric device according to the invention, FIG. perspective view of a hydraulic and electrical connection of the thermoelectric device according to the invention, FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of the connection of two electric thermo modules of the thermoelectric device according to the invention,
la figure 5 illustre de façon schématique, en coupe transversale, un exemple de dispositif thermo électrique conforme à l'invention.  Figure 5 schematically illustrates, in cross section, an example of a thermoelectric device according to the invention.
Sur les figures, les éléments identiques ou analogues portent les mêmes références. Comme illustré à la figure 1, l'invention concerne un dispositif thermo électrique 1 comprenant une pluralité de modules 2, comme il sera détaillé plus loin, positionnées circulairement et s'étendant parallèlement à l'intérieur d'un carter 3 de forme tubulaire dont les extrémités sont fermées par un collecteur d'admission 4 d'un premier fluide, en l'espèce des gaz chauds d'échappement, et un collecteur d'admission 5 d'un second fluide, à savoir un fluide caloporteur d'un circuit de refroidissement, et respectivement par un collecteur d'échappement 6 desdits premier et second fluides. Le carter 3 présente une section droite circulaire et les modules 2 d'éléments thermo électriques sont positionnée circulairement à l'intérieur dudit carter 3 autour de l'axe de révolution dudit carter 3. In the figures, identical or similar elements bear the same references. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the invention relates to a thermoelectric device 1 comprising a plurality of modules 2, as will be detailed below, positioned circularly and extending parallel to the interior of a tubular casing 3 of which the ends are closed by an intake manifold 4 of a first fluid, in this case hot exhaust gases, and an intake manifold 5 of a second fluid, namely a heat transfer fluid of a circuit cooling, and respectively by an exhaust manifold 6 of said first and second fluids. The casing 3 has a circular cross section and the modules 2 of thermoelectric elements are positioned circularly inside said casing 3 about the axis of revolution of said casing 3.
En référence aux figures 1 et 2, chaque module 2 comprend une pluralité d'éléments thermo électriques 7n,7p, en forme de cylindre ou de prisme droit et présentant un évidement central, susceptible de générer un courant électrique sous l'action d'un gradient de température exercé entre une première face dite extérieure définie par une surface de périphérie extérieure et une seconde face dite intérieure définie par une surface de périphérie intérieure, et une enveloppe 8 coiffant le ou lesdits éléments thermo électriques 7 comportant au moins une première fente dite d'admission 9 et une seconde fente dite d'échappement 10 des gaz chauds d'échappement. On notera que les faces extérieures et intérieures des éléments thermo électriques 7 sont par exemple circulaires. Toutefois, de façon plus générale, toute section de forme arrondie, telle qu'une forme ovale par exemple, et/ou polygonale est possible. De tels éléments fonctionnent, selon l'effet Seebeck, en permettant de créer un courant électrique dans une charge connectée entre les faces intérieure et extérieure des éléments thermo électriques 7n,7p soumises au gradient de température. De façon connue de l'homme du métier, de tels éléments sont constitués, par exemple, de Bismuth et de Tellurium (Bi2Te3). Referring to Figures 1 and 2, each module 2 comprises a plurality of electric thermo elements 7n, 7p, cylinder-shaped or straight prism and having a central recess, capable of generating an electric current under the action of a temperature gradient exerted between a first so-called outer face defined by an outer periphery surface and a second so-called inner face defined by an inner periphery surface, and a casing 8 covering the said electric thermo element (s) 7 comprising at least one so-called first slot intake 9 and a second slot called exhaust 10 hot exhaust gas. Note that the outer and inner faces of the electric thermo elements 7 are for example circular. However, more generally, any section of rounded shape, such as an oval shape for example, and / or polygonal is possible. Such elements operate, according to the Seebeck effect, by making it possible to create an electric current in a load connected between the inner and outer faces of the electric thermo elements 7n, 7p subjected to temperature gradient. In a manner known to those skilled in the art, such elements consist, for example, of Bismuth and Tellurium (Bi 2 Te 3 ).
Les éléments thermo électriques 7 pourront être, pour une première partie, des éléments 7p d'un premier type, dit P, permettant d'établir une différence de potentiel électrique dans un sens, dit positif, lorsqu'ils sont soumis à un gradient de température donné, et, pour l'autre partie, des éléments 7n d'un second type, dit N, permettant la création d'une différence de potentiel électrique dans un sens opposé, dit négatif, lorsqu'ils sont soumis au même gradient de température. The electric thermoelectric elements 7 may be, for a first part, elements 7p of a first type, called P, making it possible to establish an electric potential difference in a direction, called positive, when they are subjected to a gradient of given temperature, and, for the other part, elements 7n of a second type, called N, allowing the creation of a difference of electric potential in an opposite direction, called negative, when they are subjected to the same gradient of temperature.
Aux figures 1 et 2, les éléments thermo électriques 7 représentés sont constitués d'un anneau en une seule pièce. Ils pourront cependant être formés de plusieurs pièces formant chacune une portion angulaire de l'anneau. In Figures 1 and 2, the electric thermo elements 7 shown consist of a ring in one piece. They may however be formed of several pieces each forming an angular portion of the ring.
La surface extérieure présente, par exemple, un rayon compris entre 1,5 et 4 fois le rayon de la surface intérieure. Il pourra s'agir d'un rayon égal à environ 2 fois celui de la surface intérieure. The outer surface has, for example, a radius of between 1.5 and 4 times the radius of the inner surface. It could be a radius equal to about 2 times that of the inner surface.
Ledit élément thermo électrique 7 présente, par exemple, deux faces planes parallèles opposées. Autrement dit, l'anneau constituant l'élément thermo électrique 7 est de section annulaire rectangulaire. Lesdits éléments thermo électriques 7p, 7n sont disposés, par exemple, dans le prolongement longitudinal l'un de l'autre, notamment de façon coaxiale, et les éléments thermo électriques de type P alternent avec les éléments thermo électriques de type N, selon une direction D. Ils sont, notamment, de forme et de dimension identiques. Ils pourront cependant présenter une épaisseur, c'est-à-dire une dimension entre leurs deux faces planes, différente d'un type à l'autre, notamment en fonction de leur conductivité électrique. Lesdits éléments thermo électriques 7p, 7n sont, par exemple, groupés par paire, chaque paire étant formée d'un dit élément thermo électrique de type P et d'un dit élément thermo électrique de type N, et ledit module est configuré pour permettre une circulation de courant entre les premières surfaces des éléments thermo électriques 7 d'une même paire et une circulation de courant entre les secondes surfaces de chacun des éléments thermo électriques 7 de ladite même paire et l'élément thermo électrique 7 voisin de la paire voisine. On assure de la sorte une circulation en série du courant électrique entre les éléments thermo électriques 7p, 7n disposés les uns à côtés des autres selon la direction D. Said thermoelectric element 7 has, for example, two opposite parallel flat faces. In other words, the ring constituting the thermoelectric element 7 is of rectangular annular section. Said thermoelectric elements 7p, 7n are arranged, for example, in the longitudinal extension of one another, in particular in a coaxial manner, and the P-type thermoelectric elements alternate with the N-type thermoelectric elements, according to a direction D. They are, in particular, of identical shape and size. They may, however, have a thickness, that is to say a dimension between their two planar faces, different from one type to another, particularly depending on their electrical conductivity. Said thermoelectric elements 7p, 7n are, for example, grouped in pairs, each pair being formed of a said P-type thermoelectric element and a said N-type thermoelectric element, and the said module is configured to allow a current flow between the first surfaces of the electric thermo elements 7 of the same pair and a flow of current between the second surfaces of each of the electric thermo elements 7 of the same pair and the thermoelectric element 7 adjacent to the neighboring pair. In this way, a series flow of the electric current is ensured between the electric thermo elements 7p, 7n disposed next to each other along the direction D.
Pour la circulation du fluide caloporteur du circuit de refroidissement, le module conforme à l'invention comprend un canal de circulation de liquide froid au contact de ladite seconde surface desdits éléments thermo électriques 7p, 7n. Ledit canal est constitué d'un tube dit central 11. For the circulation of the heat transfer fluid of the cooling circuit, the module according to the invention comprises a cold liquid circulation channel in contact with said second surface of said electric thermo elements 7p, 7n. Said channel consists of a so-called central tube 11.
Selon ce qui précède, le tube central 11 de circulation de liquide froid est unique et placé au centre du module. Selon une variante, il pourra être prévu une pluralité de canaux de circulation de liquide froid. According to the above, the central tube 11 cold liquid circulation is unique and placed in the center of the module. According to one variant, a plurality of cold liquid circulation channels may be provided.
Le ou lesdits tubes 11 de circulation de liquide sont, par exemple, de section circulaire. The at least one liquid circulation tube 11 is, for example, of circular section.
Aux figures 1 et 2, on constate que ledit module 2 comprend un tube 11 de circulation de liquide froid sur lequel sont montés une pluralité d'éléments thermo électriques 7 du même type alternant selon la direction d'extension longitudinale D du tube 11 avec un élément thermo électrique de l'autre type. Les tubes 11 sont, notamment, métalliques. Ils définissent au moins en partie ledit canal. Ledit module 2 pourra comprendre en outre des moyens d'isolation électrique, non représentés sur les figures, disposés entre deux faces en vis-à- vis d'éléments thermo électriques voisins 7p, 7n selon la direction d'extension D longitudinale du tube 11. In FIGS. 1 and 2, it can be seen that the said module 2 comprises a cold liquid circulation tube 11 on which a plurality of electric thermoelectric elements 7 of the same type, alternating in the direction of longitudinal extension D of the tube 11, are mounted with a electric thermo element of the other type. The tubes 11 are, in particular, metallic. They define at least in part said channel. Said module 2 may furthermore comprise electrical insulation means, not shown in the figures, arranged between two faces vis-à-vis neighboring thermoelectric elements 7p, 7n in the direction of longitudinal extension D of the tube 11 .
Ledit module 2 comprend en outre des premiers moyens de connexion électrique 12 reliant les surfaces de périphérie extérieure de deux desdits éléments thermo électrique 7, prévus adjacents et de types différents. Lesdits premiers moyens de connexion électrique 12 comprennent, par exemple, une couche de matière électriquement conductrice, notamment en cuivre et/ou en nickel, de revêtement desdits éléments thermo électriques 7p, 7n. Said module 2 further comprises first electrical connection means 12 connecting the outer periphery surfaces of two of said thermoelectric elements 7, provided adjacent and of different types. Said first electrical connection means 12 include, for example, a layer of electrically conductive material, especially copper and / or nickel, coating said electric thermo elements 7p, 7n.
Ledit module 2 comprend avantageusement des surfaces d'échange secondaire, en particulier des ailettes 13, avec les gaz d'échappement. On augmente de la sorte la surface d'échange entre les éléments thermo électriques 7 et lesdits gaz d'échappement. Lesdites ailettes 13 sont disposées, par exemple, transversalement, en particulier radialement auxdits éléments thermo électriques 7. Elles sont ici positionnées parallèlement les unes aux autres avec un écartement permettant un bon échange de chaleur avec les gaz d'échappement tout en limitant les pertes de charges. Lesdites ailettes 13 pourront être décentrées par rapport auxdits éléments thermo électriques 7p, 7n, notamment allongées du côté de l'arrivée du second fluide. Said module 2 advantageously comprises secondary exchange surfaces, in particular fins 13, with the exhaust gases. This increases the exchange surface between the electric thermo elements 7 and said exhaust gases. Said fins 13 are arranged, for example, transversely, in particular radially to said electric thermo elements 7. They are here positioned parallel to each other with a spacing allowing a good heat exchange with the exhaust gas while limiting the losses of loads. Said fins 13 may be off-center with respect to said electric thermo elements 7p, 7n, in particular elongated on the side of the arrival of the second fluid.
Lesdites ailettes 13 pourront comprendre un revêtement catalytique pour assurer une conversion catalytique de composants toxiques du second fluide. Dans le cas de gaz d'échappement, ledit module 2 pourra de la sorte équiper un pot catalytique en complément ou substitution des composants servant classiquement à la catalyse dans de tels équipements. Lesdites ailettes 13 sont fixées, par exemple, sur lesdits premiers moyens de connexion électrique 12, notamment par sertissage et/ou brasage. Said fins 13 may comprise a catalytic coating for catalytic conversion of toxic components of the second fluid. In the case of exhaust gas, said module 2 can in this way equip a catalytic converter in addition or substitution of components conventionally used for catalysis in such equipment. Said fins 13 are fixed, for example, on said first electrical connection means 12, in particular by crimping and / or brazing.
Le module pourra 2 comprend également des seconds moyens 14 de connexion électrique établissant une connexion électrique entre les surfaces de périphérie intérieur de deux desdits éléments thermo électrique 7, prévus adjacents, de types différents et non reliés par lesdits premiers moyens de connexion électrique 12. Autrement dit, lesdits premiers 12 et seconds 14 moyens de connexion électrique relient deux à deux lesdits éléments thermo électriques 7 de façon à établir une circulation électrique en série entre lesdits éléments thermo électrique 7 du module 2. Par ailleurs, l'enveloppe 8 coiffant les éléments thermo électriques 7 peut être d'un seul tenant ou en deux parties assemblées 8a, 8b. The module 2 may also include second electrical connection means 14 establishing an electrical connection between the inner periphery surfaces of two of said adjacent thermoelectric elements 7, of different types and not connected by said first electrical connection means 12. Otherwise said, said first 12 and second 14 electrical connection means connect two said electric thermo elements in pairs so as to establish an electrical circulation in series between said thermoelectric elements 7 of the module 2. Furthermore, the envelope 8 covering the elements Electric thermo 7 may be in one piece or in two assembled parts 8a, 8b.
Selon le mode de réalisation représenté sur la figure 1, ladite enveloppe 8 est constituée de deux parties 8a, 8b correspondant respectivement à une fraction de tube de section droite circulaire, chaque fraction de tube étant sensiblement hémi-cylindrique, et fermée à ses extrémités respectivement par une rondelle 15 de forme complémentaire, c'est-à-dire de forme circulaire, comportant au moins deux ergots s' étendant vers l'extérieur depuis la périphérie de ladite rondelle 15 de manière à former au moins deux fentes 9 et 10 entre lesdites fractions de tubes 8a, 8b. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, said envelope 8 consists of two parts 8a, 8b respectively corresponding to a fraction of tube of circular cross section, each fraction of tube being substantially hemi-cylindrical, and closed at its ends respectively by a washer 15 of complementary shape, that is to say of circular shape, comprising at least two lugs extending outwardly from the periphery of said washer 15 so as to form at least two slots 9 and 10 between said fractions of tubes 8a, 8b.
Avantageusement, la paroi intérieure de l'enveloppe 8 prend appui sur les ailettes 13. Ainsi, la totalité du flux de gaz d'échappement circule à travers les ailettes 13 des éléments thermo électriques 7. Advantageously, the inner wall of the casing 8 is supported on the fins 13. Thus, the entire flow of exhaust gas flows through the fins 13 of the electric thermo elements 7.
Par ailleurs, les parties 8a, 8b de l'enveloppe 8, ainsi que les rondelles 15, sont obtenues dans un matériau possédant des propriétés diélectriques afin d'assurer l'isolation électrique des éléments thermo électriques 7 avec l'environnement extérieur. De plus, lesdites parties 8a, 8b de l'enveloppe 8 et les rondelles 15 sont obtenues dans un matériau ayant une tenue en température d'au moins 800°C. Ainsi, de préférence, les parties 8a, 8b de l'enveloppe 8 ainsi que les rondelles 15 sont obtenues dans de la céramique moulée, du mica extrudé ou encore de l'alumine. Moreover, the parts 8a, 8b of the envelope 8, as well as the washers 15, are obtained in a material having dielectric properties to ensure the electrical insulation of the electric thermo elements 7 with the external environment. In addition, said portions 8a, 8b of the envelope 8 and the washers 15 are obtained in a material having a temperature withstand of at least 800 ° C. Thus, preferably, the portions 8a, 8b of the casing 8 and the washers 15 are obtained in molded ceramic, extruded mica or alumina.
Avantageusement, les fentes d'admission 9 et d'échappement 10 sont agencées de telle manière que la section de passage donnée par les fentes 9 et 10 soit équivalente à la section de passage à travers les ailettes 13. Advantageously, the intake and exhaust slots 10 are arranged in such a way that the passage section given by the slots 9 and 10 is equivalent to the passage section through the fins 13.
En référence à la figure 1, ledit collecteur d'admission 4 des gaz d'échappement consiste en une tuyère 16 cylindrique débouchant dans le carter 3 en s'évasant et le collecteur 5 du fluide caloporteur du circuit de refroidissement est constitué d'un raccord hydraulique et électrique. With reference to FIG. 1, said exhaust gas intake manifold 4 consists of a cylindrical nozzle 16 opening into the casing 3 while flaring out and the collector 5 of the heat transfer fluid of the cooling circuit consists of a coupling hydraulic and electric.
Ledit raccord hydraulique et électrique, en référence aux figures 1, 3 et 4, est constitué d'un boîtier en forme de couronne cylindrique dont le corps 17 comporte deux parois latérales 18,19 qui présentent la forme d'un disque muni d'un trou central circulaire 20, une paroi intérieure cylindrique 21 et une paroi extérieure cylindrique 22, des trous 23 pratiqués sur l'une des parois latérales 19 pour recevoir les tubes centraux 11 des modules thermo électrique 2, lesdits trous 23 étant munis de moyens d'étanchéité 24 constitués de joints toriques positionnés dans lesdits trous 23. Dans cet exemple de réalisation, lesdits trous 23 recevant les tubes centraux 11 des modules thermo électriques 2 sont uniformément répartis autour du trou central 20 et sont au nombre de 10. Le nombre de trous 23 ainsi que leur répartition pourront être aisément adaptés en fonction de l'utilisation du dispositif thermo électrique. Said hydraulic and electrical connection, with reference to FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, consists of a cylindrical crown-shaped housing whose body 17 comprises two side walls 18, 19 which have the shape of a disk provided with a circular central hole 20, a cylindrical inner wall 21 and a cylindrical outer wall 22, holes 23 formed on one of the side walls 19 for receiving the central tubes 11 of the thermoelectric modules 2, said holes 23 being provided with means for 24 in this embodiment, said holes 23 receiving the central tubes 11 of the electric thermo modules 2 are uniformly distributed around the central hole 20 and have the number of 10. The number of holes 23 and their distribution can be easily adapted depending on the use of the thermoelectric device.
Le corps 17 du raccord est obtenu dans un matériau diélectrique tel qu'un plastique diélectrique, ledit plastique diélectrique consistant de préférence dans du polyamide ou dans du polypropylène afin d'assurer l'isolation électrique des modules 2. The body 17 of the coupling is obtained in a dielectric material such as a dielectric plastic, said dielectric plastic consisting of preferably in polyamide or polypropylene to provide electrical insulation of the modules 2.
Par ailleurs, ledit corps 17 comporte des supports de contacts électriques 25 solidaires dudit corps 17 afin de connecter électriquement en série et/ou en parallèle les modules thermo électrique 2. Ces supports de contacts électriques 25 sont constitués de tiges filetées 26 obtenues dans un matériau plastique et s'étendant radialement depuis la paroi périphérique extérieure 22 du boîtier 16. De plus, les tiges filetées 26 sont solidarisées au corps 17 du raccord hydraulique par surmoulage, par collage, ou par vissage desdites tiges filetées 26 dans des trous taraudés pratiqués dans ledit corps 17. Moreover, said body 17 comprises electrical contact supports 25 integral with said body 17 in order to electrically connect the thermoelectric modules 2 in series and / or in parallel. These electrical contact supports 25 consist of threaded rods 26 obtained from a material radially extending from the outer peripheral wall 22 of the housing 16. In addition, the threaded rods 26 are secured to the body 17 of the hydraulic coupling by overmoulding, gluing, or screwing said threaded rods 26 into threaded holes in said body 17.
Par ailleurs, ledit corps 17 comporte au moins une cloison interne définissant au moins une chambre dite d'admission et une chambre dite d'échappement, non représentées sur les figures, et au moins une tubulure dite d'admission 27 débouchant dans la chambre d'admission et une tubulure dite d'échappement 28 débouchant dans la chambre d'échappement. Les tubulures d'admission 27 et d'échappement 28 s'étendent radialement depuis la paroi périphérique extérieure 22 du corps 17. Les trous 23 recevant les tubes 11 des modules thermo électriques 2 débouchent dans les chambres d'admission et les chambres d'échappement afin de mettre en communication de fluide la sortie du tube central 11 d'un premier module thermo électrique 2 avec l'entrée d'un tube central 11 d'un second module thermo électrique 2. Moreover, said body 17 comprises at least one internal partition defining at least one so-called inlet chamber and an exhaust chamber, not shown in the figures, and at least one intake manifold 27 opening into the chamber intake and a so-called exhaust pipe 28 opening into the exhaust chamber. The intake manifolds 27 and exhaust pipes 28 extend radially from the outer peripheral wall 22 of the body 17. The holes 23 receiving the tubes 11 of the electric thermo modules 2 open into the intake chambers and the exhaust chambers in order to put in fluid communication the output of the central tube 11 of a first thermoelectric module 2 with the input of a central tube 11 of a second thermoelectric module 2.
En référence aux figure 1 et 5, le collecteur d'échappement 6 présente une forme conique en communication avec des gouttières 29 s'étendant entre deux modules 2 d'éléments thermo électriques 7 contigus comportant respectivement une fente d'admission 30 en communication de fluide avec la fente d'échappement 10 d'un module 2. En référence aux figures 1 et 5, les gaz chauds d'échappement sont introduits dans le carter 3 via le collecteur d'admission 4 au centre des modules 2 d'éléments thermo électriques puis est introduit dans les enveloppes 8 desdits modules 2 en passant par les fentes d'admission 9 desdites enveloppes 8. Les gaz d'échappement passent au travers de l'ensemble des ailettes 13 avant de ressortir des enveloppes 8 via les fentes d'échappement 10 et d'être récupérés par les gouttières 29 et d'être évacués par le collecteur d'échappement 6. Dans le même temps, le fluide caloporteur du circuit de refroidissement, est introduit dans le collecteur d'admission 4 via les tubulures d'admission 27 pour qu'il circule dans les tubes centraux 11 via le raccord hydraulique du collecteur d'échappement 6 avant de s'échapper par les tubulures d'échappement 28 du raccord hydraulique du collecteur d'admission 4. Ledit collecteur d'échappement 6 comporte également un raccord hydraulique et électrique constitué d'une couronne interne comportant des trous recevant les tubes centraux 11 des modules thermo électriques 2 dans lequel circule le fluide caloporteur du circuit de refroidissement, ladite couronne comportant des parois internes, non représentées sur les figures, pour mettre en communication deux tubes centraux 11 des modules 2. Ainsi, ce second raccord hydraulique et électrique est constitué, de la même manière que précédemment, d'un boîtier en forme de couronne cylindrique dont le corps 17 comporte deux parois latérales 18,19 qui présentent la forme d'un disque muni d'un trou central circulaire 20, une paroi intérieure cylindrique 21 et une paroi extérieure cylindrique 22, des trous 23 pratiqués sur l'une des parois latérales 19 pour recevoir les tubes centraux 11 des modules thermo électrique 2, lesdits trous 23 étant munis de moyens d'étanchéité 24 constitués de joints toriques positionnés dans lesdits trous 23. Le corps 17 est obtenu dans un matériau diélectrique tel qu'un plastique diélectrique, ledit plastique diélectrique consistant de préférence dans du polyamide ou dans du polypropylène afin d'assurer l'isolation électrique des modules 2. Par ailleurs, ledit corps 17 comporte également des supports de contacts électriques 25 solidaires dudit corps 17 afin de connecter électriquement en série et/ou en parallèle les modules thermo électrique 2. Ces supports de contacts électriques 25 sont constitués de tiges filetées 26 obtenues dans un matériau plastique et s'étendant radialement depuis la paroi périphérique extérieure 22 du corps 17. De plus, les tiges filetées 26 sont solidarisées au corps 17 formant le raccord hydraulique par surmoulage, par collage, ou par vissage desdites tiges filetées 26 dans des trous taraudés pratiqués dans ledit corps 17. Ledit corps 17 comporte également au moins une cloison interne définissant au moins une chambre dite d'admission et une chambre dite d'échappement, non représentées sur les figures, les trous 23 recevant les tubes 11 des modules thermo électriques 2 débouchant dans les chambres d'admission et les chambres d'échappement afin de mettre en communication de fluide la sortie du tube central 11 d'un premier module thermo électrique 2 avec l'entrée d'un tube central 11 d'un second module thermo électrique 2. Referring to Figures 1 and 5, the exhaust manifold 6 has a conical shape in communication with gutters 29 extending between two modules 2 of adjacent electrical thermo elements 7 respectively comprising an inlet slot 30 in fluid communication with the escape slot 10 of a module 2. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 5, the hot exhaust gases are introduced into the casing 3 via the intake manifold 4 at the center of the modules 2 of electric thermoelectric elements and then is introduced into the envelopes 8 of said modules 2 via the intake slots 9 of said envelopes 8. The exhaust gases pass through all the fins 13 before emerging envelopes 8 via the exhaust slots 10 and to be recovered by the gutters 29 and The heat transfer fluid of the cooling circuit is introduced into the intake manifold 4 via the intake manifolds 27 so that it circulates in the central tubes 11 via the exhaust manifold 6. the hydraulic connection of the exhaust manifold 6 before escaping through the exhaust pipes 28 of the hydraulic coupling of the intake manifold 4. Said exhaust manifold 6 also comprises a hydraulic connection and electric consisting of an inner ring having holes receiving the central tubes 11 of the electric thermo modules 2 in which circulates the heat transfer fluid of the cooling circuit, said ring having internal walls, not shown in the figures, to put in communication two tubes Thus, this second hydraulic and electrical connection is constituted, in the same manner as above, a cylindrical ring-shaped housing whose body 17 comprises two side walls 18, 19 which have the shape of a disc provided with a circular central hole 20, a cylindrical inner wall 21 and a cylindrical outer wall 22, holes 23 made on one of the side walls 19 for receiving the central tubes 11 of the thermoelectric modules 2, said holes 23 being provided with sealing means 24 consisting of O-rings positioned in said holes 23. The body 17 is obtained from a dielectric material such as a dielectric plastic, said dielectric plastic preferably consisting of polyamide or polypropylene to provide electrical insulation modules 2. Furthermore, said body 17 also comprises electrical contacts 25 secured to said body 17 to electrically connect in series and / or in parallel the thermoelectric modules 2. These electrical contact supports 25 consist of threaded rods 26 obtained in a plastic material and extending radially from the peripheral wall In addition, the threaded rods 26 are secured to the body 17 forming the hydraulic coupling by overmolding, gluing, or screwing said threaded rods 26 into tapped holes in said body 17. Said body 17 also comprises at least one internal partition defining at least one so-called admission chamber and a so-called exhaust chamber, not shown in the figures, the holes 23 receiving the tubes 11 of the electric thermo modules 2 opening into the intake chambers and the chambers exhaust system in order to put in fluid communication the outlet of the central tube 11 of a first thermal module o electric 2 with the input of a central tube 11 of a second thermoelectric module 2.
Ainsi, ce second raccord hydraulique et électrique est identique au premier raccord hydraulique à l'exception des tubulures d'admission et d'échappement. On notera que lesdits raccords combinent les fonctions électriques et hydrauliques permettant ainsi de réduire l'encombrement des composants assurant ces fonctions et de réduire les coûts en procurant une unique pièce pour ces deux fonctions. A cet égard, les deux raccords étant identiques à l'exception des tubulures d'admission et d'échappement, le même moule peut être utilisé pour leur fabrication réduisant ainsi les coûts de production. Thus, this second hydraulic and electrical connection is identical to the first hydraulic connection with the exception of intake and exhaust pipes. Note that said connectors combine the electrical and hydraulic functions thus reducing the size of the components providing these functions and reduce costs by providing a single piece for these two functions. In this respect, the two connections being identical with the exception of intake and exhaust pipes, the same mold can be used for their manufacture thus reducing production costs.
Ainsi, en référence à la figure 5, le raccord hydraulique et électrique du collecteur d'admission 4 reçoit l'entrée du tube central 11 d'un premier module thermo électrique 2 au niveau de la chambre d'admission dans laquelle débouche la tubulure d'admission 27 et la sortie du tube central 11 d'un second module thermo électrique 2 au niveau de la chambre d'échappement dans laquelle débouche la tubulure d'échappement 28. L'entrée électrique du premier module électrique est connectée à une première tige filetée 26 du raccord hydraulique et électrique du collecteur d'admission 4 et la sortie électrique est connectée à une seconde tige filetée 26 du raccord hydraulique et électrique du collecteur d'admission 4. Par ailleurs, le raccord hydraulique et électrique du collecteur d'échappement 6 reçoit la sortie du tube central 11 du premier module thermo électrique 2 au niveau de la chambre d'échappement et l'entrée du tube central 11 du second module thermo électrique 2 au niveau de la chambre admission. Les chambres d'admission et d'échappement du raccord hydraulique du collecteur d'échappement 6 étant en communication de fluide, les deux modules thermo électriques 2 sont reliés hydrauliquement en série. Par ailleurs, la sortie électrique du premier module électrique 2 et l'entrée électrique du second module thermo électrique 2 sont connectées à une tige filetée 26 du raccord hydraulique et électrique du collecteur d'échappement 6 de sorte que les deux modules thermo électriques 2 sont reliés électriquement en série. Lesdits raccords permettent donc de relier en série électriquement et hydrauliquement deux modules thermo électriques 2. Thus, with reference to FIG. 5, the hydraulic and electrical connection of the intake manifold 4 receives the inlet of the central tube 11 of a first thermoelectric module 2 at the level of the intake chamber into which the tubing of the admission 27 and the output of the central tube 11 of a second thermoelectric module 2 at the exhaust chamber into which the exhaust manifold 28 opens. The electrical input of the first electrical module is connected to a first threaded rod 26 of the hydraulic and electrical connection of the intake manifold 4 and the electrical output is connected to a second threaded rod 26 of the hydraulic and electrical connection of the intake manifold 4 Furthermore, the hydraulic and electrical connection of the exhaust manifold 6 receives the output of the central tube 11 of the first thermoelectric module 2 at the level of the exhaust chamber and the inlet of the central tube 11 of the second thermoelectric module 2 at the level of the admission chamber. The intake and exhaust chambers of the hydraulic coupling of the exhaust manifold 6 being in fluid communication, the two electric thermo modules 2 are hydraulically connected in series. Moreover, the electrical output of the first electrical module 2 and the electrical input of the second electric thermo module 2 are connected to a threaded rod 26 of the hydraulic and electrical connection of the exhaust manifold 6 so that the two electric thermo modules 2 are electrically connected in series. Said connections thus make it possible to electrically and hydraulically connect two electric thermo modules 2 in series.
On notera que dans cet exemple de réalisation, les différents modules thermo électriques sont montés électriquement en série mais tout autre schéma électrique pourra être envisagé. Note that in this embodiment, the various electric thermo modules are electrically mounted in series but any other electrical scheme may be considered.
Il est bien entendu que la présente invention n'est en aucune façon limitée aux formes de réalisations décrites ci-dessus et que des modifications peuvent y être apportées sans sortir du cadre des revendications annexées. It is understood that the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described above and that modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Raccord hydraulique pour dispositif thermo électrique comprenant une pluralité de modules thermo électriques (2), chaque module thermo électrique (2) comprenant au moins une pluralité d'éléments thermo électriques (7p,7n) cylindriques comprenant un évidement circulaire central recevant un tube central (11), lesdits éléments thermo électriques (7p,7n) étant susceptibles de générer un courant électrique sous l'action d'un gradient de température exercé entre une première face dite extérieure définie par une surface de périphérie extérieure et une seconde face dite intérieure définie par une surface de périphérie intérieure, un premier fluide étant destiné à circuler à travers le tube central (11) et un second fluide étant destiné à circuler autour de la périphérie extérieure, ledit raccord comprenant un corps (17) muni de moyens pour mettre en communication de fluide la sortie du tube central (11) d'un premier module thermo électrique (2) avec l'entrée d'un tube central (11) d'un second module thermo électrique (2) et au moins un support pour contacts électriques (24) solidaires dudit corps (17). 1. Hydraulic coupling for a thermoelectric device comprising a plurality of electric thermo modules (2), each thermoelectric module (2) comprising at least a plurality of cylindrical thermoelectric elements (7p, 7n) comprising a central circular recess receiving a tube central (11), said electric thermo elements (7p, 7n) being capable of generating an electric current under the action of a temperature gradient exerted between a first so-called outer face defined by an outer periphery surface and a so-called second surface face interior defined by an inner periphery surface, a first fluid being adapted to flow through the central tube (11) and a second fluid being adapted to circulate around the outer periphery, said connector comprising a body (17) provided with means for placing in fluid communication the outlet of the central tube (11) of a first thermoelectric module (2) with the input of a central tube (11) of a second thermoelectric module (2) and at least one support for electrical contacts (24) integral with said body (17).
2. Raccord hydraulique selon la revendication 1 dans lequel le corps (17) est obtenu dans un matériau diélectrique. 2. Hydraulic coupling according to claim 1 wherein the body (17) is obtained in a dielectric material.
3. Raccord hydraulique selon la revendication 2 dans lequel le corps (17) est obtenu dans un plastique diélectrique. 3. Hydraulic coupling according to claim 2 wherein the body (17) is obtained in a dielectric plastic.
4. Raccord hydraulique selon la revendication 3 dans lequel le plastique diélectrique consiste dans du polyamide ou dans du polypropylène. The hydraulic coupling of claim 3 wherein the dielectric plastic consists of polyamide or polypropylene.
5. Raccord hydraulique selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4 dans lequel le ou les supports de contacts électriques (24) sont constitués de tiges filetées (25) obtenues dans un matériau plastique. 5. Hydraulic coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the one or more electrical contact carriers (24) consist of threaded rods (25) obtained in a plastic material.
6. Raccord hydraulique selon la revendication 5 dans lequel les tiges filetées (25) sont solidarisées au corps (17) du raccord hydraulique par surmoulage. 6. Hydraulic coupling according to claim 5 wherein the threaded rods (25) are secured to the body (17) of the hydraulic coupling by overmolding.
7. Raccord hydraulique selon la revendication 5 dans lequel les tiges filetées (25) sont solidarisées au corps (17) du raccord hydraulique par collage. 7. Hydraulic coupling according to claim 5 wherein the threaded rods (25) are secured to the body (17) of the hydraulic connection by gluing.
8. Raccord hydraulique selon la revendication 5 dans lequel les tiges filetées (25) sont solidarisées au corps (17) du raccord hydraulique par vissage desdites tiges dans des trous taraudés pratiqués dans ledit corps (17). 8. A hydraulic coupling according to claim 5 wherein the threaded rods (25) are secured to the body (17) of the hydraulic coupling by screwing said rods into threaded holes in said body (17).
9. Raccord hydraulique selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 8 dans lequel le corps (17) est constitué d'un boîtier en forme de couronne cylindrique, comportant deux parois latérales (18,19) qui présentent la forme d'un disque muni d'un trou central circulaire (20), une paroi intérieure cylindrique (21) et une paroi extérieure cylindrique (22), des trous (23) pratiqués sur l'une (19) des parois latérales (18,19) pour recevoir les tubes centraux (11) des modules thermo électrique (2), lesdits trous (23) étant munis de moyens d'étanchéité (24), au moins une cloison interne définissant au moins une chambre dite d'admission et une chambre dite d'échappement, et au moins une tubulure dite d'admission (27) débouchant dans la chambre d'admission et une tubulure dite d'échappement (28) débouchant dans la chambre d'échappement. 9. Hydraulic coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the body (17) consists of a cylindrical crown-shaped housing, having two side walls (18,19) which have the shape of a disc provided with a circular central hole (20), a cylindrical inner wall (21) and a cylindrical outer wall (22), holes (23) on one (19) of the side walls (18, 19) for receiving the central tubes (11) of the thermoelectric modules (2), said holes (23) being provided with sealing means (24), at least one internal partition defining at least one so-called inlet chamber and a so-called chamber exhaust, and at least one intake manifold (27) opening into the intake chamber and an exhaust pipe (28) opening into the exhaust chamber.
10. Raccord hydraulique selon la revendication 9 dans lequel les tubulures d'admission (27) et d'échappement (28) s'étendent radialement depuis la paroi périphérique extérieure (22) du corps (17). 10. Hydraulic coupling according to claim 9 wherein the intake manifolds (27) and exhaust (28) extend radially from the outer peripheral wall (22) of the body (17).
11. Raccord hydraulique selon les revendications 5 à 10 dans lequel les tiges filetées (26) s'étendent radialement depuis la paroi périphérique extérieure (22) du corps (17). 11. A hydraulic coupling according to claims 5 to 10 wherein the threaded rods (26) extend radially from the outer peripheral wall (22) of the body (17).
12. Raccord hydraulique selon l'une quelconque des revendications 9 à 11 dans lequel les moyens d'étanchéité (24) consistent en des joints toriques positionnés dans les trous (23) recevant les tubes centraux (11). 12. Hydraulic coupling according to any one of claims 9 to 11 wherein the sealing means (24) consist of O-rings positioned in the holes (23) receiving the central tubes (11).
13. Raccord hydraulique selon l'une quelconque des revendications 9 à 12 dans lequel les trous (23) recevant les tubes centraux sont uniformément répartis autour du corps (17). 13. Hydraulic coupling according to any one of claims 9 to 12 wherein the holes (23) receiving the central tubes are uniformly distributed around the body (17).
14. Dispositif thermo électrique comprenant au moins une pluralité de modules thermo électriques (2), chaque module thermo électrique (2) comprenant au moins une pluralité d'éléments thermo électriques (7p,7n) cylindriques comprenant un évidement circulaire central recevant un tube central (11), lesdits éléments thermo électriques (7p,7n) étant susceptibles de générer un courant électrique sous l'action d'un gradient de température exercé entre une première face dite extérieure définie par une surface de périphérie extérieure et une seconde face dite intérieure définie par une surface de périphérie intérieure, un premier fluide étant destiné à circuler à travers le tube central (11) et un second fluide étant destiné à circuler autour de la périphérie extérieure, et au moins un raccord hydraulique selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 13 précédentes pour mettre en communication de fluide la sortie du tube central (11) d'un premier module thermo électrique (2) avec l'entrée d'un tube central (11) d'un second module thermo électrique (2). 14. Thermoelectric device comprising at least a plurality of electric thermo modules (2), each thermoelectric module (2) comprising at least a plurality of cylindrical thermoelectric elements (7p, 7n) comprising a central circular recess receiving a central tube (11), said electric thermo elements (7p, 7n) being capable of generating an electric current under the action of a temperature gradient exerted between a first so-called outer face defined by an outer periphery surface and a second inner so-called face defined by an inner periphery surface, a first fluid being intended to flow through the central tube (11) and a second fluid being intended to circulate around the outer periphery, and at least one hydraulic coupling according to any one of the claims 1 to 13 above for placing in fluid communication the outlet of the central tube (11) of a first module electric thermo (2) with the entry of a central tube (11) of a second thermoelectric module (2).
15. Dispositif thermo électrique selon la revendication 14 configuré pour être positionné dans un conduit de gaz d'échappement de véhicule automobile, lesdits gaz définissant le second fluide. 15. A thermoelectric device according to claim 14 configured to be positioned in a motor vehicle exhaust gas duct, said gases defining the second fluid.
PCT/FR2016/052254 2015-09-15 2016-09-09 Hydraulic coupling and thermoelectric device intended, in particular, for generating an electric current in a motor vehicle, including such a hydraulic coupling WO2017046482A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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FR1558644 2015-09-15
FR1558644A FR3041058B1 (en) 2015-09-15 2015-09-15 "HYDRAULIC CONNECTION AND THERMO-ELECTRIC DEVICE, IN PARTICULAR FOR GENERATING AN ELECTRICAL CURRENT IN A MOTOR VEHICLE, COMPRISING SUCH A HYDRAULIC CONNECTION

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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1256475A (en) * 1969-07-25 1971-12-08
US20050172992A1 (en) * 2004-02-05 2005-08-11 Kouji Shimoji Thermoelectric generator for internal combusion engine
WO2011011795A2 (en) * 2009-07-24 2011-01-27 Bsst Llc Thermoelectric-based power generation systems and methods
US20130145750A1 (en) * 2011-12-12 2013-06-13 Hyundai Motor Company Thermoelectric generator of vehicle
DE102013221573A1 (en) * 2012-12-18 2014-06-18 Magna Powertrain Ag & Co. Kg Thermoelectric generator for use with internal combustion engine, has thermoelectric elements which are arranged on plates, such that each of thermoelectric elements is in contact with heating section and cooling section

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1256475A (en) * 1969-07-25 1971-12-08
US20050172992A1 (en) * 2004-02-05 2005-08-11 Kouji Shimoji Thermoelectric generator for internal combusion engine
WO2011011795A2 (en) * 2009-07-24 2011-01-27 Bsst Llc Thermoelectric-based power generation systems and methods
US20130145750A1 (en) * 2011-12-12 2013-06-13 Hyundai Motor Company Thermoelectric generator of vehicle
DE102013221573A1 (en) * 2012-12-18 2014-06-18 Magna Powertrain Ag & Co. Kg Thermoelectric generator for use with internal combustion engine, has thermoelectric elements which are arranged on plates, such that each of thermoelectric elements is in contact with heating section and cooling section

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FR3041058A1 (en) 2017-03-17

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