WO2018060613A1 - Unitary tubular module for combustion engine automotive vehicle, and thermoelectric generator including a plurality of these modules - Google Patents

Unitary tubular module for combustion engine automotive vehicle, and thermoelectric generator including a plurality of these modules Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2018060613A1
WO2018060613A1 PCT/FR2017/052618 FR2017052618W WO2018060613A1 WO 2018060613 A1 WO2018060613 A1 WO 2018060613A1 FR 2017052618 W FR2017052618 W FR 2017052618W WO 2018060613 A1 WO2018060613 A1 WO 2018060613A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
flanges
transverse
tubes
thermoelectric
tracks
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/FR2017/052618
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Véronique MONNET
Cédric DE VAULX
Kamel Azzouz
Ambroise SERVANTIE
Patrick Boisselle
Original Assignee
Valeo Systemes Thermiques
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Application filed by Valeo Systemes Thermiques filed Critical Valeo Systemes Thermiques
Publication of WO2018060613A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018060613A1/en

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
    • F28D21/00—Heat-exchange apparatus not covered by any of the groups F28D1/00 - F28D20/00
    • F28D21/0001—Recuperative heat exchangers
    • F28D21/0003—Recuperative heat exchangers the heat being recuperated from exhaust gases
    • 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 by exhaust energy
    • F01N5/02—Exhaust or silencing apparatus combined or associated with devices profiting by exhaust energy the devices using heat
    • F01N5/025—Exhaust or silencing apparatus combined or associated with devices profiting by exhaust energy the devices using heat the device being thermoelectric generators
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
    • F28D7/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary tubular conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall
    • F28D7/0008—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary tubular conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall the conduits for one medium being in heat conductive contact with the conduits for the other medium
    • F28D7/0025—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary tubular conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall the conduits for one medium being in heat conductive contact with the conduits for the other medium the conduits for one medium or the conduits for both media being flat tubes or arrays of tubes
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H10—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H10N—ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H10N10/00—Thermoelectric devices comprising a junction of dissimilar materials, i.e. devices exhibiting Seebeck or Peltier effects
    • H10N10/10—Thermoelectric devices comprising a junction of dissimilar materials, i.e. devices exhibiting Seebeck or Peltier effects operating with only the Peltier or Seebeck effects
    • H10N10/13—Thermoelectric devices comprising a junction of dissimilar materials, i.e. devices exhibiting Seebeck or Peltier effects operating with only the Peltier or Seebeck effects characterised by the heat-exchanging means at the junction
    • 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 unitary tubular module intended to equip a motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine, and a thermoelectric generator comprising at least one sheet or bundle of said modules.
  • the invention applies to the recovery of thermal energy resulting from the operation of the vehicle for generating electrical energy in the vehicle.
  • thermoelectric generators using rows of thermoelectric elements for generating an electric current in the presence of a temperature gradient between two of their opposite faces, by the Seebeck effect.
  • These generators usually comprise a stack of layers of hot tubes carrying vehicle exhaust and cold tubes carrying a cooling liquid, between and in contact with which the thermoelectric elements are typically sandwiched by soldering in contact with the hot tubes.
  • These elements are subjected to a temperature gradient generated by the temperature difference between these gases and this liquid, so that these generators make it possible to produce electricity from a conversion of this thermal gradient resulting from the recycling of gases. .
  • thermoelectric generators the hot tubes of which are each provided at each of their ends with a flange for connection to a fixing member of the fluid distribution circuit.
  • each hot tube is made in several blocks and has a rectangular section for example double jacket defining two large opposite faces surmounted by thermoelectric elements, while in KR 101327735 B1 each hot tube has a polygonal section surrounded throughout its perimeter by thermoelectric elements.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 schematically illustrate in longitudinal section and in perspective a unitary tubular module 1 according to another example of the prior art, with a hot tube 2 in one piece of rectangular section (conveying the exhaust gases in the direction of the arrow A ) which is surrounded on its large opposite faces 2a and 2b by at least two upper and lower series of cold tubes 3 (carrying the coolant in the direction of the arrow B) with interposition, by interfaces brazed with the hot tube 2 and unreinforced with the cold tubes 3, thermoelectric elements 4 coated with flat electrical conduction tracks 5a, 5b in contact with the cold tubes 3.
  • the elements 4 are brazed on the faces 2a, 2b of the hot tube 2 and are soldered by lanes 5a, 5b which are in "dry" contact with the cold tubes 3 (ie without brazing, usually with the interposition of a thermal interface material in tracks 5a, 5b and tubes 3).
  • the hot tube 2 is equipped at each of its ends with a transverse fixing flange 6 each incorporating threaded holes 6a receiving assembly screws (not visible) to a transverse manifold plate 7 of the exhaust gases (illustrated in FIG. Figure 4) outside the flange 6.
  • FIG. 1 which shows in addition to FIG. 2 the two upper and lower pairs of coolant collectors 8 (these collectors 8 form tubes inserted into the coolant distribution boxes, called water boxes ), these collectors 8 are mounted clearly outside the flanges 6, which has the disadvantages that they are located too close to the hot source which can affect their proper operation, and that these collectors 8 and offset from to the hot tube 2 give the cold tubes 3 a high total length which would be reduced, since it generates a additional pressure drop and goes against the efficiency and compactness sought for the generator.
  • tubular module 1 of Figures 1 and 2 Another major disadvantage of the tubular module 1 of Figures 1 and 2 lies in the attachment of the flanges 6 to the manifolds 7 by these assembly screws which pass through the flanges 6 by projecting axially inwards, so that firstly, each screw occupies in particular by its head a non-negligible axial space between the flange 6 that it passes through and the thermoelectric elements 4 which forms a non-functional dead volume that could be used otherwise and that, on the other hand, each flange 6 must be sufficiently thick (usual thickness of at least 3 mm) to be threaded and receive these screws.
  • these very thick flanges 6 represent in known manner about 50% of the total mass of each hot tube 2, which penalizes the overall mass of the thermoelectric generator.
  • thermoelectric generator incorporating these hot tubes 2.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a unitary tubular module intended to equip a motor vehicle with internal combustion engine, which overcomes all of the aforementioned drawbacks, the module comprising:
  • a hot tube which is adapted to convey exhaust gases at high temperature of the vehicle and which has an outer surface extending about a longitudinal axis of symmetry for the hot tube, said outer surface being intended to be surrounded by at least two sets of outer tubes arranged facing each other, called cold tubes, adapted to conveying a coolant of said vehicle on either side of the hot tube,
  • each of the flanges respectively enclosing one end of the hot tube, the flanges being intended respectively to be assembled by means of assembly means to two transverse collector plates of said exhaust gases, said collector plates extending to flanges with respect to said axis, and
  • thermoelectric elements which are integral with said external surface and which are coated with electrical conduction tracks intended to be mounted in contact with the cold tubes.
  • a unitary tubular module according to the invention is such that said assembly means are external to each of the flanges.
  • each of the flanges is advantageously devoid of threaded hole therethrough for receiving an assembly screw to a said collector plate.
  • this assembly of the flanges according to the invention which is not traversing with respect to them makes it possible to dispense with the above-mentioned assembly screws of the prior art between flanges and collector plates, which presents the double advantage of being able to minimize the thickness of the flanges (and therefore their mass and their bulk) and to otherwise use the vacant space between each flange and the proximal thermoelectric elements on the hot tube resulting from the absence of any screw head in this space.
  • this vacant space can be advantageously occupied by each collector of upper and lower pairs of collectors.
  • each flange at the header plate not only allows the collectors to be positioned in this vacant space between flanges and elements. thermoelectric, but still use the same vacant space to implement other tracks of electrical conduction, as explained below.
  • each of the flanges may have a thickness of less than 3 mm which may be equal to 1 mm in an axial direction parallel to said axis, such that the module is lightened in comparison with a reference module with tapped hole flanges for screws. assembly.
  • the flanges of the invention provide a substantial reduction in mass for a given hot tube (ie of the same geometry and material) both along said axis and in a transverse plane, in comparison with the hot tube with tapered flanges of FIGS. 2.
  • each flange without assembly screws is advantageously spaced from a row of said thermoelectric elements proximal to the flange by a reduced distance in said axial direction, so that that the module is more compact in comparison with a reference module flanged with tapped holes receiving assembly screws and thus imposing a greater distance with said proximal row.
  • said conduction tracks of said upper (respectively lower) series can advantageously extend in several different planes and include:
  • thermoelectric elements parallel and adjacent said large upper (respectively lower) side of said outer surface of the hot tube in a first (upper) lower longitudinal plane
  • said external tracks may be formed by end portions of said main end tracks coating the proximal thermoelectric elements, portions which are folded from said first plane to said second plane in close proximity to said proximal rows of thermoelectric elements of the consecutive hot tubes, alternation at said two ends thereof.
  • thermoelectric generator makes it possible to use less space in the longitudinal direction of said axis than in the prior art of FIG. 1, and thus to further compact the unitary tubular module according to FIG. 'invention.
  • said first longitudinal plane (eg horizontal) for said main connection tracks between the thermoelectric elements is advantageously chosen perpendicular to said second transverse plane (eg vertical) connection between consecutive hot tubes, or connection to the electrical inputs and outputs of the thermoelectric generator.
  • thermoelectric elements consist of prismatic pads (i.e. defined in the broad sense by a directional broken broken line line extending along a generator) for example parallelepipedal or cubic.
  • prismatic pads i.e. defined in the broad sense by a directional broken broken line line extending along a generator
  • cylindrical studs ie defined broadly by a curved closed-line directrix extending along a generator
  • thermoelectric generator intended to equip a motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine is such that it comprises:
  • said at least two series of cold tubes which are respectively provided with two upper and lower pairs of coolant collectors, each said upper pair (respectively lower) comprising two said upper collectors (respectively lower) each positioned axially relative to said axis, between the flanges and rows of said proximal thermoelectric elements vis-à-vis the flanges.
  • said assembly means may comprise clamping jaws which at least partially enclose the flanges and which are fixed to the collector plate facing each other by assembly screws passing through said jaws and the collector plate. , with the interposition of a seal axially between the flanges and the collector plate, each of said clamping jaws being mounted in a transverse plane parallel to said flanges being able to maintain in position at least one said hot tube and to densify said at least one web in two perpendicular transverse and vertical directions defining said transverse plane.
  • each flange is the reduction in volume of each flange according to the invention, in particular along said longitudinal axis, which makes it possible to use these clamping jaws coming to grip the flange by axially pressing it against the adjacent collector plate.
  • These jaws form mechanical clamping jaws to maintain in position each hot tube and ensure the gas side sealing with this plate.
  • said clamping jaws may each have a length, measured in said transverse or vertical direction, at least equal to half the length of each flange in the same transverse or vertical direction, and still more advantageously at most equal to the length of each flange in the transverse or vertical direction multiplied by N + 1, where N is the number of consecutive hot tubes of the generator in the transverse or vertical direction.
  • thermoelectric generator makes it possible to increase in two the aforementioned mass ratio (weight of the thermoelectric elements / mass of the generator) relative to the generator of the prior art illustrated in FIGS.
  • said generator further comprises coolant distribution boxes, called water boxes, which are adapted to receive and distribute the liquid between different layers of the cold tubes, at least one said water boxes can advantageously support temperature sensors and / or electrical connectors.
  • thermoelectric generator makes it possible, for this purpose of increasing the density of the thermoelectric generator, to group the distribution functions of the cooling circuit and the collection of the electrical connectors.
  • said at least one water box may be provided with an electrically insulating closure plate forming an electrical panel, which is adapted to modify electrical parameters of the generator according to the desired current / voltage variables at the output and / or to isolate possible electrical faults detected.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view in longitudinal section in the plane 1-l of FIG. 2 of a unitary tubular module according to the prior art with a hot tube provided with flanges, equipped with cold tubes and corresponding collectors,
  • FIG. 2 is a view from above and in perspective of the unitary tubular module of FIG. 1, without these cold tubes or their collectors,
  • FIG. 3 is a view from above and in perspective of a unitary tubular module according to the invention, with a hot tube provided with the flanges of the invention, thermoelectric elements and their conductive tracks according to the invention but without the cold tubes. neither their collectors,
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic view in longitudinal section in the plane IV-IV of FIG. 3 of this module according to the invention, illustrated without these tracks but with the assembly means according to the invention flanges exhaust manifold plates,
  • FIG. 5 is a view from above and in perspective of a module according to the invention, schematically showing the two secant planes containing the two types of tracks according to the invention visible in FIG. 3,
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic view in longitudinal section of this module of the hot-tube invention provided with flanges, cold tubes and corresponding collectors, for comparison with that of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 7 is a partial view from above; and in perspective of a thermoelectric generator according to the invention incorporating a stack of modules plies according to FIG. 6, collectors included, and further showing the assembly means of FIG. 4,
  • FIG. 8 is a partial view from the front and in perspective of this thermoelectric generator according to the invention showing the stack of layers according to FIG. 7 but without the collectors, and the arrangement of the external tracks, and
  • FIG. 9 is a partially exploded partial perspective view of this thermoelectric generator according to the invention, further showing the assembly of two water boxes laterally in relation to the collectors of the cold tubes.
  • the unitary tubular module 1 ' according to the exemplary embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 6, which forms the thermoelectric generator 10 of FIGS. 7-9 by stacking several plies of these modules 1', comprises:
  • a hot tube 2 (eg made of stainless steel), which conveys high-temperature exhaust gases from the vehicle and which has an outer surface of generally rectangular section extending around the longitudinal axis of symmetry Y 'of the tube, whose long horizontal sides 2a and 2b are intended to be surrounded by at least two upper and lower series of cold tubes 3 (eg aluminum, see FIG. 6) facing each other carrying a vehicle coolant, two transverse fastening flanges 6 'extending in the transverse plane XZ of FIG.
  • a hot tube 2 eg made of stainless steel
  • thermoelectric elements 4a, 4b formed in this example parallelepipedal pads (eg cubic) which are respectively integral with the upper and lower sides 2a and 2b by two brazed internal interfaces and which are coated with main electric conduction tracks 5b intended to be in contact with the cold tubes 3 by two external interfaces brazed.
  • each flange 6 ' is devoid of any threaded hole therethrough for receiving an assembly screw to a collector plate 7, contrary to the prior art of FIGS. to minimize its axial thickness (which may advantageously be only 1 mm) and therefore its mass and its bulk (thanks to these flanges 6 'thinned, it is possible to reduce by up to 60% the total mass of each hot tube 2).
  • the assembly means 9 between each flange 6 'and the adjacent collector plate 7 comprise, in place of the assembly screws used in the past, two transverse clamping jaws 9a (extending in the XZ plane and for example stainless steel) which each enclose at least one flange 6 'at the axially inner face 6a' of the flange (s) 6 '(inwardly facing face of the tube 2 relative to the Y axis) and its peripheral edge 6b 'by plating it to the collector plate 7 opposite by assembly screws 9b passing through each jaw 9a and the plate 7 around each flange 6'.
  • axially interposed a seal 9c (eg into a compressed graphite) between each flange 6 'and the plate 7 to ensure the gas-tightness on the exhaust side.
  • each of the two jaws 9a thus makes it possible to maintain in position several hot tubes 2 of two horizontal plies stacked one on the other (see FIGS. 8-9) and to densify each ply in the transverse X and vertical Z directions.
  • each jaw 9a has a length, measured in the transverse direction X, substantially equal to three times the length of each flange 6 'in the direction X.
  • each collector 8' being mounted relative to the axis Y 'between a flange 6' and the proximal row 4a and no longer beyond the flange 6 adjacent (see Figure 1), which allows to to minimize the length L2 of each hot tube 2 and the length L3 of the bundle of cold tubes 3 and to bring the collectors 8 'closer to the thermoelectric elements 4a, 4b (thus avoiding that the collectors 8' are located too close to the hot source as in Figure 1), finally conferring increased density to the generator 10; and as illustrated in FIGS.
  • each flange 6 ' to implant axially external upper and lower electrical conduction tracks 5a' which extend by folding at an angle straight along a vertical plane XZ terminal portions of main tracks 5b of upper and lower ends extending along a horizontal longitudinal plane XY to connect in series the upper and lower thermoelectric elements 4b.
  • the external tracks 5a ' are folded vertically as close as possible to consecutive two-to-two proximal rows 4a fitted to a horizontal sheet of adjacent hot tubes 2, proximal rows 4a consecutive that these tracks 5a' electrically connect to one another overflowing laterally of these consecutive rows 4a in the transverse direction X to join between two consecutive hot tubes 2.
  • FIG. 5-6 the external tracks 5a 'are folded vertically as close as possible to consecutive two-to-two proximal rows 4a fitted to a horizontal sheet of adjacent hot tubes 2, proximal rows 4a consecutive that these tracks 5a' electrically connect to one another overflowing laterally of these consecutive rows 4a in the transverse direction X to join between two consecutive hot tubes 2.
  • thermoelectric generator 10 makes it possible to double the ratio (mass of the thermoelectric elements 4a, 4b / mass of the generator 10) relative to the tubular module generator 1 of the art. prior to Figures 1-2, this mass ratio can for example reach a value as high as 0.15.
  • thermoelectric generator 10 As specifically illustrated in FIG. 9 and in order to have a "densified" thermoelectric generator 10 (ie of increased compactness and efficiency), it is advantageous to group the functions of fluidic distribution of the cooling circuit and assembly of electrical connectors, through water boxes 1 1 according to the invention, the design has been optimized as explained below.
  • the stacks of hot tube plies 2 / thermoelectric elements 4a, 4b / cold tubes 3 (four plies each comprising six hot tubes 2 arranged in parallel in this example) with in particular, in each front and rear side of the generator 10, the coolant manifolds 8 '(transverse manifolds), flanges 6' provided with the clamping jaws 9a, the exhaust manifold plate 7 to which the flanges 6 'are fixed by these jaws 9a and the screws 9b, and the seal 9c interposed between the plate 7 and each flange 6 '; and
  • Each water box 1 1 according to the invention which can be made of an electrically insulating material (preferably plastic) or aluminum for example, is adapted not only to distribute the coolant between each layer of cold tubes 3 , but also :
  • thermocouples 11b for measuring the temperature of the exhaust gas, and / or
  • closure plate 12 preferably in an electrical insulating material which is provided with each water box January 1, which closure plate 12 advantageously comprises a table of electrical connectors, to be able to modify as necessary the electrical circuit of the generator 10 according to the desired current / voltage magnitudes output and to isolate potential electrical faults that may appear in operation.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Exhaust Silencers (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a unitary tubular module for an internal combustion engine automotive vehicle, and a thermoelectric generator comprising at least one sheet of said modules. This unitary tubular module (1') comprises: - a one-piece inner tube, referred to as a hot tube (2), which is suitable for conveying exhaust gases of the vehicle and has an outer surface that is intended to be surrounded by outer tubes that are arranged opposite each other, referred to as cold tubes, which are suitable for conveying a coolant for the vehicle; - two transverse attachment flanges (6'), each flange holding one end of the hot tube, the flanges being intended to be joined by assembly means (9) to two gas collector plates (7); and - thermoelectric elements (4a and 4b) that are rigidly connected to said outer surface and covered with electrically conductive tracks for contact with the cold tubes. According to the invention, the assembly means are outside each flange, which flange is without a tapped hole for its assembly to the collector plate.

Description

MODULE TUBULAIRE UNITAIRE POUR VEHICULE AUTOMOBILE A MOTEUR THERMIQUE, ET GENERATEUR THERMOELECTRIQUE  UNITARY TUBULAR MODULE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE WITH THERMAL MOTOR, AND THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR
INCORPORANT PLUSIEURS DE CES MODULES. La présente invention concerne un module tubulaire unitaire destiné à équiper un véhicule automobile à moteur thermique à combustion interne, et un générateur thermoélectrique comprenant au moins une nappe ou faisceau de dits modules. L'invention s'applique à la récupération d'énergie thermique issue du fonctionnement du véhicule pour générer de l'énergie électrique dans le véhicule.  INCORPORATING SEVERAL OF THESE MODULES. The present invention relates to a unitary tubular module intended to equip a motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine, and a thermoelectric generator comprising at least one sheet or bundle of said modules. The invention applies to the recovery of thermal energy resulting from the operation of the vehicle for generating electrical energy in the vehicle.
On connaît dans des véhicules automobiles des générateurs thermoélectriques utilisant des rangées d'éléments thermoélectriques pour générer un courant électrique en présence d'un gradient de température entre deux de leurs faces opposées, par effet Seebeck. Ces générateurs comprennent usuellement un empilement de nappes de tubes chauds véhiculant des gaz d'échappement du véhicule et de tubes froids véhiculant un liquide de refroidissement, entre et au contact desquels les éléments thermoélectriques sont pris en sandwich typiquement par brasure au contact des tubes chauds. Ces éléments sont soumis à un gradient de température généré par l'écart de température entre ces gaz et ce liquide, de sorte que ces générateurs permettent de produire de l'électricité à partir d'une conversion de ce gradient thermique issu du recyclage des gaz.  In motor vehicles, thermoelectric generators using rows of thermoelectric elements are known for generating an electric current in the presence of a temperature gradient between two of their opposite faces, by the Seebeck effect. These generators usually comprise a stack of layers of hot tubes carrying vehicle exhaust and cold tubes carrying a cooling liquid, between and in contact with which the thermoelectric elements are typically sandwiched by soldering in contact with the hot tubes. These elements are subjected to a temperature gradient generated by the temperature difference between these gases and this liquid, so that these generators make it possible to produce electricity from a conversion of this thermal gradient resulting from the recycling of gases. .
Les documents US 2015/0333244 A1 et KR 101327735 B1 présentent de tels générateurs thermoélectriques, dont les tubes chauds sont chacun pourvus à chacune de leurs extrémités d'une bride de connexion à un organe de fixation du circuit de distribution fluidique. Dans US 2015/0333244 A1 , chaque tube chaud est réalisé en plusieurs blocs et présente une section rectangulaire par exemple à double enveloppe définissant deux grandes faces opposées surmontées d'éléments thermoélectriques, alors que dans KR 101327735 B1 chaque tube chaud présente une section polygonale entourée sur l'ensemble de son périmètre par les éléments thermoélectriques. Ces générateurs présentent comme inconvénients majeurs de présenter un poids et un encombrement élevés avec, pour chaque module tube chaud/ éléments thermoélectriques, des ratios massique et volumique [éléments thermoélectriques/ module] qui sont relativement élevés. Documents US 2015/0333244 A1 and KR 101327735 B1 disclose such thermoelectric generators, the hot tubes of which are each provided at each of their ends with a flange for connection to a fixing member of the fluid distribution circuit. In US 2015/0333244 A1, each hot tube is made in several blocks and has a rectangular section for example double jacket defining two large opposite faces surmounted by thermoelectric elements, while in KR 101327735 B1 each hot tube has a polygonal section surrounded throughout its perimeter by thermoelectric elements. These generators have the major drawbacks of having a high weight and bulk with, for each module hot tube / thermoelectric elements, mass and volume ratios [thermoelectric elements / module] which are relatively high.
Les figures 1 et 2 illustrent schématiquement en section longitudinale et en perspective un module tubulaire unitaire 1 selon un autre exemple de l'art antérieur, à tube chaud 2 monobloc de section rectangulaire (véhiculant les gaz d'échappement dans le sens de la flèche A) qui est entouré sur ses grandes faces opposées 2a et 2b par au moins deux séries supérieure et inférieure de tubes froids 3 (véhiculant le liquide de refroidissement dans le sens de la flèche B) avec interposition, par des interfaces brasées avec le tube chaud 2 et non brasées avec les tubes froids 3, d'éléments thermoélectriques 4 revêtus de pistes planes de conduction électrique 5a, 5b en contact avec les tubes froids 3. Plus précisément, les éléments 4 sont brasés sur les faces 2a, 2b du tube chaud 2 et sont revêtus par brasage des pistes 5a, 5b qui sont en contact « sec » avec les tubes froids 3 (i.e. sans brasage, usuellement avec interposition d'un matériau d'interface thermique entre pistes 5a, 5b et tubes 3). Le tube chaud 2 est équipé à chacune de ses extrémités d'une bride transversale de fixation 6 incorporant chacune des trous taraudés 6a recevant des vis d'assemblage (non visibles) à une plaque transversale collectrice 7 des gaz d'échappement (illustrée à la figure 4) extérieure à la bride 6.  FIGS. 1 and 2 schematically illustrate in longitudinal section and in perspective a unitary tubular module 1 according to another example of the prior art, with a hot tube 2 in one piece of rectangular section (conveying the exhaust gases in the direction of the arrow A ) which is surrounded on its large opposite faces 2a and 2b by at least two upper and lower series of cold tubes 3 (carrying the coolant in the direction of the arrow B) with interposition, by interfaces brazed with the hot tube 2 and unreinforced with the cold tubes 3, thermoelectric elements 4 coated with flat electrical conduction tracks 5a, 5b in contact with the cold tubes 3. More precisely, the elements 4 are brazed on the faces 2a, 2b of the hot tube 2 and are soldered by lanes 5a, 5b which are in "dry" contact with the cold tubes 3 (ie without brazing, usually with the interposition of a thermal interface material in tracks 5a, 5b and tubes 3). The hot tube 2 is equipped at each of its ends with a transverse fixing flange 6 each incorporating threaded holes 6a receiving assembly screws (not visible) to a transverse manifold plate 7 of the exhaust gases (illustrated in FIG. Figure 4) outside the flange 6.
Comme visible à la figure 1 , qui montre en plus de la figure 2 les deux paires supérieure et inférieure de collecteurs 8 de liquide de refroidissement (ces collecteurs 8 forment des tubulures insérées dans les boîtes de distribution du liquide de refroidissement, appelées boîtes à eau), ces collecteurs 8 sont montés nettement à l'extérieur des brides 6, ce qui présente comme inconvénients qu'ils sont situés trop près de la source chaude ce qui peut nuire à leur bon fonctionnement, et que ces collecteurs 8 ainsi déportés par rapport au tube chaud 2 confèrent aux tubes froids 3 une longueur totale élevée qui gagnerait à être réduite, vu qu'elle génère une perte de charge additionnelle et va à encontre de l'efficacité et de la compacité recherchées pour le générateur. As can be seen in FIG. 1, which shows in addition to FIG. 2 the two upper and lower pairs of coolant collectors 8 (these collectors 8 form tubes inserted into the coolant distribution boxes, called water boxes ), these collectors 8 are mounted clearly outside the flanges 6, which has the disadvantages that they are located too close to the hot source which can affect their proper operation, and that these collectors 8 and offset from to the hot tube 2 give the cold tubes 3 a high total length which would be reduced, since it generates a additional pressure drop and goes against the efficiency and compactness sought for the generator.
Un autre inconvénient majeur du module tubulaire 1 des figures 1 et 2 réside dans la fixation des brides 6 aux plaques collectrices 7 par ces vis d'assemblage qui traversent les brides 6 en les dépassant axialement vers l'intérieur, de sorte que, d'une part, chaque vis occupe notamment par sa tête un espace axial non négligeable entre la bride 6 qu'elle traverse et les éléments thermoélectriques 4 qui forme un volume mort non fonctionnel qui pourrait être utilisé autrement et que, d'autre part, chaque bride 6 doit être suffisamment épaisse (épaisseur usuelle d'au moins 3 mm) pour pouvoir être taraudée et recevoir ces vis. Or, ces brides 6 très épaisses représentent de manière connue environ 50 % de la masse totale de chaque tube chaud 2, ce qui pénalise la masse globale du générateur thermoélectrique.  Another major disadvantage of the tubular module 1 of Figures 1 and 2 lies in the attachment of the flanges 6 to the manifolds 7 by these assembly screws which pass through the flanges 6 by projecting axially inwards, so that firstly, each screw occupies in particular by its head a non-negligible axial space between the flange 6 that it passes through and the thermoelectric elements 4 which forms a non-functional dead volume that could be used otherwise and that, on the other hand, each flange 6 must be sufficiently thick (usual thickness of at least 3 mm) to be threaded and receive these screws. However, these very thick flanges 6 represent in known manner about 50% of the total mass of each hot tube 2, which penalizes the overall mass of the thermoelectric generator.
Encore un autre inconvénient du module des figures 1 et 2 réside dans l'encombrement axial des pistes de conduction électrique d'extrémités 5a qui s'étendent axialement au-delà de la rangée d'éléments thermoélectriques proximale 4a vis-à-vis des brides 6 (i.e. la plus proche de celles-ci), ces pistes d'extrémités 5a qui revêtent chaque rangée proximale 4a étant montées au contact des tubes froids 3 supérieurs ou inférieurs en s'étendant axialement en regard de l'espace séparant cette rangée 4a de la bride 6 adjacente.  Yet another disadvantage of the module of FIGS. 1 and 2 lies in the axial size of the electrical conduction tracks of ends 5a which extend axially beyond the row of proximal thermoelectric elements 4a with respect to the flanges. 6 (ie the closest of these), these end tracks 5a which cover each proximal row 4a being mounted in contact with the upper or lower cold tubes 3 extending axially opposite the space between this row 4a flange 6 adjacent.
Il résulte donc notamment de cet agencement connu des figures 1 et 2 que les ratios massique et volumique précités demeurent relativement élevés pour un générateur thermoélectrique incorporant ces tubes chauds 2.  It thus follows in particular from this known arrangement of FIGS. 1 and 2 that the aforementioned mass and volume ratios remain relatively high for a thermoelectric generator incorporating these hot tubes 2.
Un but de la présente invention est de proposer un module tubulaire unitaire destiné à équiper un véhicule automobile à moteur thermique à combustion interne, qui remédie à l'ensemble des inconvénients précités, le module comprenant :  An object of the present invention is to provide a unitary tubular module intended to equip a motor vehicle with internal combustion engine, which overcomes all of the aforementioned drawbacks, the module comprising:
- un tube monobloc intérieur, dit tube chaud, qui est adapté pour véhiculer des gaz d'échappement à haute température du véhicule et qui présente une surface externe s'étendant autour d'un axe longitudinal de symétrie pour le tube chaud, ladite surface externe étant destinée à être entourée par au moins deux séries de tubes extérieurs disposés en vis-à-vis, dits tubes froids, adaptés pour véhiculer un liquide de refroidissement dudit véhicule de part et d'autre du tube chaud, an inner monobloc tube, called a hot tube, which is adapted to convey exhaust gases at high temperature of the vehicle and which has an outer surface extending about a longitudinal axis of symmetry for the hot tube, said outer surface being intended to be surrounded by at least two sets of outer tubes arranged facing each other, called cold tubes, adapted to conveying a coolant of said vehicle on either side of the hot tube,
- deux brides transversales de fixation, chacune des brides enserrant respectivement une extrémité du tube chaud, les brides étant respectivement destinées à être assemblées par des moyens d'assemblage à deux plaques transversales collectrices desdits gaz d'échappement, lesdites plaques collectrices s'étendant au-delà des brides par rapport audit axe, et  two transverse fastening flanges, each of the flanges respectively enclosing one end of the hot tube, the flanges being intended respectively to be assembled by means of assembly means to two transverse collector plates of said exhaust gases, said collector plates extending to flanges with respect to said axis, and
- des éléments thermoélectriques qui sont solidaires de ladite surface externe et qui sont revêtus de pistes de conduction électrique destinées à être montées au contact des tubes froids.  thermoelectric elements which are integral with said external surface and which are coated with electrical conduction tracks intended to be mounted in contact with the cold tubes.
A cet effet, un module tubulaire unitaire selon l'invention est tel que lesdits moyens d'assemblage sont extérieurs à chacune des brides.  For this purpose, a unitary tubular module according to the invention is such that said assembly means are external to each of the flanges.
Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, chacune des brides est avantageusement dépourvue de trou taraudé la traversant pour recevoir une vis d'assemblage à une dite plaque collectrice.  According to another characteristic of the invention, each of the flanges is advantageously devoid of threaded hole therethrough for receiving an assembly screw to a said collector plate.
On notera que cet assemblage des brides selon l'invention qui n'est pas traversant vis-à-vis de celles-ci permet de se passer des vis d'assemblages précitées de l'art antérieur entre brides et plaques collectrices, ce qui présente le double avantage de pouvoir réduire au minimum l'épaisseur des brides (et donc leur masse et leur encombrement) et d'utiliser autrement l'espace vacant entre chaque bride et les éléments thermoélectriques proximaux sur le tube chaud résultant de l'absence de toute tête de vis dans cet espace. Comme cela sera détaillé ci-après, cet espace vacant peut être avantageusement occupé par chaque collecteur des paires supérieure et inférieure de collecteurs.  It will be noted that this assembly of the flanges according to the invention which is not traversing with respect to them makes it possible to dispense with the above-mentioned assembly screws of the prior art between flanges and collector plates, which presents the double advantage of being able to minimize the thickness of the flanges (and therefore their mass and their bulk) and to otherwise use the vacant space between each flange and the proximal thermoelectric elements on the hot tube resulting from the absence of any screw head in this space. As will be detailed below, this vacant space can be advantageously occupied by each collector of upper and lower pairs of collectors.
On notera également que cet assemblage de chaque bride à la plaque collectrice par l'extérieur de cette bride autorise non seulement le positionner les collecteurs dans cet espace vacant entre brides et éléments thermoélectriques, mais encore d'utiliser ce même espace vacant pour y implanter d'autres pistes de conduction électrique, comme expliqué ci-après. It will also be noted that this assembly of each flange at the header plate from the outside of this flange not only allows the collectors to be positioned in this vacant space between flanges and elements. thermoelectric, but still use the same vacant space to implement other tracks of electrical conduction, as explained below.
On notera en outre que ces brides non taraudées selon l'invention permettent d'obtenir un faisceau plus dense pour l'effet thermoélectrique que dans cet art antérieur des figures 1 et 2.  It will further be noted that these non-tapped flanges according to the invention make it possible to obtain a denser beam for the thermoelectric effect than in this prior art of FIGS. 1 and 2.
Avantageusement, chacune des brides peut présenter une épaisseur inférieure à 3 mm pouvant être égale à 1 mm dans une direction axiale parallèle audit axe, de telle sorte que le module soit allégé en comparaison d'un module de référence à brides à trous taraudés pour vis d'assemblage.  Advantageously, each of the flanges may have a thickness of less than 3 mm which may be equal to 1 mm in an axial direction parallel to said axis, such that the module is lightened in comparison with a reference module with tapped hole flanges for screws. assembly.
On notera que les brides de l'invention procurent une réduction de masse substantielle pour un tube chaud donné (i.e. de même géométrie et matériau) tant selon ledit axe que dans un plan transversal, en comparaison du tube chaud à brides taraudées des figures 1 -2.  It will be noted that the flanges of the invention provide a substantial reduction in mass for a given hot tube (ie of the same geometry and material) both along said axis and in a transverse plane, in comparison with the hot tube with tapered flanges of FIGS. 2.
Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, chaque bride dépourvue de vis d'assemblage est avantageusement distante d'une rangée de dits éléments thermoélectriques proximale vis-à-vis de la bride d'une distance réduite dans ladite direction axiale, de telle sorte que le module soit plus compact en comparaison d'un module de référence à brides à trous taraudés recevant des vis d'assemblage et imposant donc une distance supérieure avec ladite rangée proximale.  According to another characteristic of the invention, each flange without assembly screws is advantageously spaced from a row of said thermoelectric elements proximal to the flange by a reduced distance in said axial direction, so that that the module is more compact in comparison with a reference module flanged with tapped holes receiving assembly screws and thus imposing a greater distance with said proximal row.
On notera en effet que la suppression de l'espace nécessaire aux vis d'assemblage des brides des figures 1 -2 permet de diviser par deux le volume mort transversal nécessaire autour de chaque tube chaud. Il en résulte qu'un assemblage de plusieurs modules tubulaires unitaires selon l'invention (i.e. à plusieurs tubes chauds équipés de ces brides) est nettement plus dense que dans cet art antérieur.  It will be noted that the removal of the space required for the flange assembly screws of FIGS. 1 -2 makes it possible to halve the necessary transverse dead space around each hot tube. As a result, an assembly of several unitary tubular modules according to the invention (i.e. to several hot tubes equipped with these flanges) is significantly denser than in this prior art.
Selon un autre aspect de l'invention, pour lequel le tube chaud présente en section transversale une forme sensiblement rectangulaire à deux grands côtés supérieur et inférieur recevant deux séries supérieure et inférieure des éléments thermoélectriques, lesdites pistes de conduction électrique de ladite série supérieure (respectivement inférieure) peuvent avantageusement s'étendre suivant plusieurs plans distincts et comprendre : According to another aspect of the invention, for which the hot tube has in cross section a substantially rectangular shape with two large upper and lower sides receiving two upper and lower series of thermoelectric elements, said conduction tracks of said upper (respectively lower) series can advantageously extend in several different planes and include:
- des dites pistes principales qui connectent électriquement les éléments thermoélectriques parallèlement et de manière adjacente audit grand côté supérieur (respectivement inférieur) de ladite surface externe du tube chaud suivant un premier plan longitudinal supérieur (respectivement inférieur), et  said main tracks which electrically connect the thermoelectric elements parallel and adjacent said large upper (respectively lower) side of said outer surface of the hot tube in a first (upper) lower longitudinal plane, and
- d'autres dites pistes externes par rapport audit axe qui prolongent des dites pistes principales d'extrémités et qui sont adaptées pour connecter électriquement deux rangées respectives, proximales vis-à-vis des brides, des éléments thermoélectriques de deux tubes chauds consécutifs en débordant dudit grand côté supérieur (respectivement inférieur), lesdites pistes externes s'étendant suivant un second plan sécant audit premier plan et transversal audit tube chaud.  other said external tracks with respect to said axis which extend said main end tracks and which are adapted to electrically connect two respective rows, proximal to the flanges, of the thermoelectric elements of two consecutive hot tubes in overflowing said large upper side (respectively lower), said outer tracks extending along a second plane intersecting said first plane and transverse to said hot tube.
Avantageusement, lesdites pistes externes peuvent être formées par des portions terminales desdites pistes principales d'extrémités revêtant les éléments thermoélectriques proximaux, portions qui sont repliées dudit premier plan vers ledit second plan à proximité immédiate desdites rangées proximales des éléments thermoélectriques des tubes chauds consécutifs, en alternance auxdites deux extrémités de ces derniers.  Advantageously, said external tracks may be formed by end portions of said main end tracks coating the proximal thermoelectric elements, portions which are folded from said first plane to said second plane in close proximity to said proximal rows of thermoelectric elements of the consecutive hot tubes, alternation at said two ends thereof.
On notera que ces pistes externes repliées assurent la connexion électrique entre les rangées proximales respectives de tubes chauds deux à deux consécutifs au plus près de ces tubes chauds, du fait que ces pistes externes dépassent latéralement de ces rangées dans la direction transversale des tubes chauds.  Note that these folded external tracks provide the electrical connection between the respective proximal rows of hot tubes two to two consecutive closer to these hot tubes, because these external tracks laterally project from these rows in the transverse direction of the hot tubes.
On notera également que ces deux plans pour lesdites pistes principales et externes permettent d'utiliser moins d'espace dans la direction longitudinale dudit axe que dans l'art antérieur de la figure 1 , et ainsi de compacter encore davantage le module tubulaire unitaire selon l'invention. En effet, ledit premier plan longitudinal (e.g. horizontal) pour lesdites pistes principales de connexion entre les éléments thermoélectriques est choisi avantageusement perpendiculaire audit second plan transversal (e.g. vertical) de connexion entre tubes chauds consécutifs, ou de connexion aux entrées et sorties électriques du générateur thermoélectrique. It should also be noted that these two planes for said main and external tracks make it possible to use less space in the longitudinal direction of said axis than in the prior art of FIG. 1, and thus to further compact the unitary tubular module according to FIG. 'invention. Indeed, said first longitudinal plane (eg horizontal) for said main connection tracks between the thermoelectric elements is advantageously chosen perpendicular to said second transverse plane (eg vertical) connection between consecutive hot tubes, or connection to the electrical inputs and outputs of the thermoelectric generator.
De préférence, les éléments thermoélectriques sont constitués de plots prismatiques (i.e. définis au sens large par une directrice en forme de ligne fermée brisée s'étendant le long d'une génératrice) par exemple parallélépipédiques ou cubiques. En variante, on pourrait utiliser des plots en forme de pyramide ou de tronc de pyramide, des plots cylindriques (i.e. définis au sens large par une directrice en forme de ligne fermée courbe s'étendant le long d'une génératrice) ou même des plots en forme de cône ou de tronc de cône.  Preferably, the thermoelectric elements consist of prismatic pads (i.e. defined in the broad sense by a directional broken broken line line extending along a generator) for example parallelepipedal or cubic. As a variant, it would be possible to use pyramid-shaped or pyramid-shaped studs, cylindrical studs (ie defined broadly by a curved closed-line directrix extending along a generator) or even studs in the form of a cone or truncated cone.
Un générateur thermoélectrique destiné à équiper un véhicule automobile à moteur thermique à combustion interne selon l'invention est tel qu'il comprend :  A thermoelectric generator intended to equip a motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine according to the invention is such that it comprises:
- au moins une nappe de dits modules tubulaires unitaires tels que définis ci-dessus en relation avec l'invention,  at least one sheet of said unitary tubular modules as defined above in relation to the invention,
- lesdites deux plaques transversales collectrices des gaz d'échappement auxquelles sont assemblées lesdites brides par lesdits moyens d'assemblage, et  said two transverse collector plates of the exhaust gases to which said flanges are assembled by said assembly means, and
- lesdites au moins deux séries de tubes froids qui sont respectivement pourvues de deux paires supérieure et inférieure de collecteurs de liquide de refroidissement, chaque dite paire supérieure (respectivement inférieure) comprenant deux dits collecteurs supérieurs (respectivement inférieurs) positionnés chacun, axialement par rapport audit axe, entre les brides et des rangées de dits éléments thermoélectriques proximales vis-à-vis des brides.  said at least two series of cold tubes which are respectively provided with two upper and lower pairs of coolant collectors, each said upper pair (respectively lower) comprising two said upper collectors (respectively lower) each positioned axially relative to said axis, between the flanges and rows of said proximal thermoelectric elements vis-à-vis the flanges.
On notera que ce montage de chacun des deux collecteurs supérieurs et inférieurs axialement entre la bride adjacente et la rangée proximale d'éléments thermoélectriques, en lieu et place du montage de l'art antérieur (voir figure 1 ) d'un tel collecteur axialement au-delà de la bride adjacente -ce montage selon l'invention étant rendu possible par la réduction substantielle du volume de chaque bride notamment le long dudit axe longitudinal - permet donc de réduire au minimum la longueur de chaque tube chaud et la longueur du faisceau de tubes froids et de rapprocher en même temps les collecteurs des éléments thermoélectriques, en conférant par conséquent au générateur thermoélectrique une densité accrue tant pour sa géométrie que pour son efficacité. It will be noted that this mounting of each of the two upper and lower collectors axially between the adjacent flange and the proximal row of thermoelectric elements, instead of the assembly of the prior art (see Figure 1) of such a collector axially at the adjacent flange -the assembly according to the invention being made possible by the substantial reduction in the volume of each flange in particular along said longitudinal axis - thus makes it possible to minimize the length of each tube the temperature of the bundle of cold tubes and at the same time bring the collectors of the thermoelectric elements together, thus conferring on the thermoelectric generator an increased density for both its geometry and its efficiency.
Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, lesdits moyens d'assemblage peuvent comprendre des mors de serrage qui enserrent au moins partiellement les brides et qui sont fixés à la plaque collectrice en regard par des vis d'assemblage traversant lesdits mors et la plaque collectrice, avec interposition d'un joint d'étanchéité axialement entre les brides et la plaque collectrice, chacun desdits mors de serrage étant monté dans un plan transversal parallèle auxdites brides en étant apte à maintenir en position au moins un dit tube chaud et à densifier ladite au moins une nappe dans deux directions transversale et verticale perpendiculaires définissant ledit plan transversal.  According to another characteristic of the invention, said assembly means may comprise clamping jaws which at least partially enclose the flanges and which are fixed to the collector plate facing each other by assembly screws passing through said jaws and the collector plate. , with the interposition of a seal axially between the flanges and the collector plate, each of said clamping jaws being mounted in a transverse plane parallel to said flanges being able to maintain in position at least one said hot tube and to densify said at least one web in two perpendicular transverse and vertical directions defining said transverse plane.
On notera que c'est la réduction de volume de chaque bride selon l'invention notamment suivant ledit axe longitudinal qui permet d'utiliser ces mors de serrage venant enserrer la bride en la plaquant axialement contre la plaque collectrice adjacente. Ces mors forment des mâchoires de serrage mécanique permettant de maintenir en position chaque tube chaud et d'assurer l'étanchéité côté gaz d'échappement avec cette plaque.  It will be noted that it is the reduction in volume of each flange according to the invention, in particular along said longitudinal axis, which makes it possible to use these clamping jaws coming to grip the flange by axially pressing it against the adjacent collector plate. These jaws form mechanical clamping jaws to maintain in position each hot tube and ensure the gas side sealing with this plate.
Avantageusement, lesdits mors de serrage peuvent présenter chacun une longueur, mesurée dans ladite direction transversale ou verticale, au moins égale à la moitié de la longueur de chaque bride dans la même direction transversale ou verticale, et encore plus avantageusement au plus égale à la longueur de chaque bride dans la direction transversale ou verticale multipliée par N+1 , où N est le nombre de tubes chauds consécutifs du générateur dans la direction transversale ou verticale.  Advantageously, said clamping jaws may each have a length, measured in said transverse or vertical direction, at least equal to half the length of each flange in the same transverse or vertical direction, and still more advantageously at most equal to the length of each flange in the transverse or vertical direction multiplied by N + 1, where N is the number of consecutive hot tubes of the generator in the transverse or vertical direction.
D'une manière générale, un générateur thermoélectrique selon l'invention permet de multiplier par deux le ratio massique précité (masse des éléments thermoélectriques / masse du générateur) par rapport au générateur de l'art antérieur illustré aux figures 1 -2. Selon un autre aspect de l'invention, ledit générateur comprend en outre des boîtes de distribution du liquide de refroidissement, dites boîtes à eau, qui sont aptes à recevoir et à distribuer le liquide entre différentes couches des tubes froids, l'une au moins desdites boîtes à eau pouvant avantageusement supporter des capteurs de température et/ou des connectiques électriques. In general, a thermoelectric generator according to the invention makes it possible to increase in two the aforementioned mass ratio (weight of the thermoelectric elements / mass of the generator) relative to the generator of the prior art illustrated in FIGS. According to another aspect of the invention, said generator further comprises coolant distribution boxes, called water boxes, which are adapted to receive and distribute the liquid between different layers of the cold tubes, at least one said water boxes can advantageously support temperature sensors and / or electrical connectors.
On notera que ces boîtes à eau selon l'invention permettent, dans ce but recherché de densité accrue du générateur thermoélectrique, de regrouper les fonctions de distribution du circuit de refroidissement et de collection des connectiques électriques.  It will be noted that these water boxes according to the invention make it possible, for this purpose of increasing the density of the thermoelectric generator, to group the distribution functions of the cooling circuit and the collection of the electrical connectors.
Avantageusement, ladite au moins une boîte à eau peut être pourvue d'une plaque de fermeture électriquement isolante formant un tableau électrique, lequel est adapté pour modifier des paramètres électriques du générateur en fonction des variables courant/ tension désirées en sortie et/ou pour isoler d'éventuels défauts électriques détectés.  Advantageously, said at least one water box may be provided with an electrically insulating closure plate forming an electrical panel, which is adapted to modify electrical parameters of the generator according to the desired current / voltage variables at the output and / or to isolate possible electrical faults detected.
D'autres caractéristiques, avantages et détails de la présente invention ressortiront à la lecture de la description suivante d'un exemple de réalisation de l'invention, donné à titre illustratif et non limitatif, la description étant réalisée en référence aux dessins joints, parmi lesquels :  Other features, advantages and details of the present invention will emerge on reading the following description of an exemplary embodiment of the invention, given by way of illustration and not limitation, the description being made with reference to the accompanying drawings, among which :
la figure 1 est une vue schématique en section longitudinale dans le plan l-l de la figure 2 d'un module tubulaire unitaire selon l'art antérieur à tube chaud pourvu de brides, équipé des tubes froids et des collecteurs correspondants,  FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view in longitudinal section in the plane 1-l of FIG. 2 of a unitary tubular module according to the prior art with a hot tube provided with flanges, equipped with cold tubes and corresponding collectors,
la figure 2 est une vue de dessus et en perspective du module tubulaire unitaire de la figure 1 , sans ces tubes froids ni leurs collecteurs,  FIG. 2 is a view from above and in perspective of the unitary tubular module of FIG. 1, without these cold tubes or their collectors,
la figure 3 est une vue de dessus et en perspective d'un module tubulaire unitaire selon l'invention, à tube chaud pourvu des brides de l'invention, des éléments thermoélectriques et de leurs pistes conductrices selon l'invention mais sans les tubes froids ni leurs collecteurs,  FIG. 3 is a view from above and in perspective of a unitary tubular module according to the invention, with a hot tube provided with the flanges of the invention, thermoelectric elements and their conductive tracks according to the invention but without the cold tubes. neither their collectors,
la figure 4 est une vue schématique en section longitudinale dans le plan IV-IV de la figure 3 de ce module selon l'invention, illustré sans ces pistes mais avec les moyens d'assemblage selon l'invention des brides aux plaques collectrices des gaz d'échappement, FIG. 4 is a schematic view in longitudinal section in the plane IV-IV of FIG. 3 of this module according to the invention, illustrated without these tracks but with the assembly means according to the invention flanges exhaust manifold plates,
la figure 5 est une vue de dessus et en perspective d'un module selon l'invention, montrant schématiquement les deux plans sécants contenant les deux types de pistes selon l'invention visibles à la figure 3,  FIG. 5 is a view from above and in perspective of a module according to the invention, schematically showing the two secant planes containing the two types of tracks according to the invention visible in FIG. 3,
la figure 6 est une vue schématique en section longitudinale de ce module de l'invention à tube chaud pourvu des brides, des tubes froids et des collecteurs correspondants, pour comparaison avec celui de la figure 1 , la figure 7 est une vue partielle de dessus et en perspective d'un générateur thermoélectrique selon l'invention incorporant un empilement de nappes de modules selon la figure 6, collecteurs inclus, et montrant en outre les moyens d'assemblage de la figure 4,  FIG. 6 is a schematic view in longitudinal section of this module of the hot-tube invention provided with flanges, cold tubes and corresponding collectors, for comparison with that of FIG. 1; FIG. 7 is a partial view from above; and in perspective of a thermoelectric generator according to the invention incorporating a stack of modules plies according to FIG. 6, collectors included, and further showing the assembly means of FIG. 4,
la figure 8 est une vue partielle de face et en perspective de ce générateur thermoélectrique selon l'invention montrant l'empilement de nappes selon la figure 7 mais sans les collecteurs, et l'agencement des pistes externes, et  FIG. 8 is a partial view from the front and in perspective of this thermoelectric generator according to the invention showing the stack of layers according to FIG. 7 but without the collectors, and the arrangement of the external tracks, and
la figure 9 est une vue partielle en perspective semi-éclatée de ce générateur thermoélectrique selon l'invention, montrant en outre l'assemblage de deux boîtes à eau latéralement en relation avec les collecteurs des tubes froids.  FIG. 9 is a partially exploded partial perspective view of this thermoelectric generator according to the invention, further showing the assembly of two water boxes laterally in relation to the collectors of the cold tubes.
Le module tubulaire unitaire 1 ' selon l'exemple de réalisation de l'invention illustré aux figures 3 à 6, qui forme le générateur thermoélectrique 10 des figures 7-9 par empilement de plusieurs nappes de ces modules 1 ', comprend :  The unitary tubular module 1 'according to the exemplary embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 6, which forms the thermoelectric generator 10 of FIGS. 7-9 by stacking several plies of these modules 1', comprises:
- un tube chaud 2 (e.g. en acier inoxydable), qui véhicule des gaz d'échappement à haute température du véhicule et qui présente une surface externe de section globalement rectangulaire s'étendant autour de l'axe longitudinal de symétrie Y' du tube, dont les grands côtés horizontaux 2a et 2b sont destinés à être entourée par au moins deux séries supérieure et inférieure de tubes froids 3 (e.g. en aluminium, voir figure 6) en vis-à-vis véhiculant un liquide de refroidissement du véhicule, - deux brides transversales de fixation 6' s'étendant dans le plan transversal XZ de la figure 3, chaque bride 6' avant ou arrière enserrant respectivement une extrémité avant 2c ou arrière 2d du tube 2 (immédiatement en deçà ou en affleurement des extrémités 2c, 2d) avec lequel elles sont formées d'un seul tenant (i.e. les brides 6' peuvent également être réalisées en acier inoxydable), les brides 6' étant respectivement destinées à être assemblées par des moyens d'assemblage 9 (voir figure 4) à deux plaques transversales collectrices 7 des gaz d'échappement s'étendant axialement à l'extérieur des brides 6' par rapport à l'axe Y', et a hot tube 2 (eg made of stainless steel), which conveys high-temperature exhaust gases from the vehicle and which has an outer surface of generally rectangular section extending around the longitudinal axis of symmetry Y 'of the tube, whose long horizontal sides 2a and 2b are intended to be surrounded by at least two upper and lower series of cold tubes 3 (eg aluminum, see FIG. 6) facing each other carrying a vehicle coolant, two transverse fastening flanges 6 'extending in the transverse plane XZ of FIG. 3, each flange 6' front or rear respectively enclosing a front end 2c or a rear end 2d of the tube 2 (immediately below or flush with the ends 2c , 2d) with which they are integrally formed (ie the flanges 6 'can also be made of stainless steel), the flanges 6' being respectively intended to be assembled by means of assembly 9 (see FIG. 4) with two transverse collector plates 7 exhaust gases extending axially outside the flanges 6 'with respect to the axis Y', and
- deux séries supérieure et inférieure de n rangées chacune (n=9 dans cet exemple illustré, avec deux rangées proximales vis-à-vis des deux brides connectées entre elles par sept rangées centrales) d'éléments thermoélectriques 4a, 4b formés dans cet exemple de plots parallélépipédiques (e.g. cubiques) qui sont respectivement solidaires des grands côtés supérieur 2a et inférieur 2b par deux interfaces internes brasées et qui sont revêtus de pistes principales de conduction électrique 5b destinées à se trouver au contact des tubes froids 3 par deux interfaces externes non brasées.  two upper and lower series of n rows each (n = 9 in this example illustrated, with two rows proximal to the two flanges interconnected by seven central rows) of thermoelectric elements 4a, 4b formed in this example parallelepipedal pads (eg cubic) which are respectively integral with the upper and lower sides 2a and 2b by two brazed internal interfaces and which are coated with main electric conduction tracks 5b intended to be in contact with the cold tubes 3 by two external interfaces brazed.
Comme notamment visible aux figures 3 et 5, chaque bride 6' est dépourvue de tout trou taraudé la traversant pour recevoir une vis d'assemblage à une plaque collectrice 7, contrairement à l'art antérieur des figures 1 -2, ce qui permet de réduire au minimum son épaisseur axiale (qui peut avantageusement être de 1 mm seulement) et donc sa masse et son encombrement (grâce à ces brides 6' amincies, il est possible de réduire d'une valeur allant jusqu'à 60 % la masse totale de chaque tube chaud 2).  As can be seen in particular in FIGS. 3 and 5, each flange 6 'is devoid of any threaded hole therethrough for receiving an assembly screw to a collector plate 7, contrary to the prior art of FIGS. to minimize its axial thickness (which may advantageously be only 1 mm) and therefore its mass and its bulk (thanks to these flanges 6 'thinned, it is possible to reduce by up to 60% the total mass of each hot tube 2).
La suppression de l'espace nécessaire aux vis d'assemblage des brides 6' permet ainsi de diviser par deux le volume mort nécessaire autour de chaque tube chaud 2 dans le plan transversal XZ et le long de la direction axiale Y, et donc de densifier dans les trois directions X, Y, Z l'assemblage de plusieurs modules tubulaires unitaires 1 ' selon l'invention (voir figures 7 et 8). Comme illustré à la figure 4, les moyens d'assemblage 9 entre chaque bride 6' et la plaque collectrice 7 adjacente comprennent, en lieu et place des vis d'assemblage utilisées par le passé, deux mors de serrage 9a transversaux (s'étendant dans le plan XZ et par exemple en acier inoxydable) qui enserrent chacun au moins une bride 6' au niveau de la face axialement interne 6a' de la ou des brides 6' (face située vers l'intérieur du tube 2 par rapport à l'axe Y') et de sa tranche périphérique 6b' en la plaquant à la plaque collectrice 7 en regard par des vis d'assemblage 9b traversant chaque mors 9a et la plaque 7 autour de chaque bride 6'. De plus, on interpose axialement un joint d'étanchéité 9c (e.g. en un graphite compressé) entre chaque bride 6' et la plaque 7 pour assurer l'étanchéité côté gaz d'échappement. The elimination of the space required for the flange assembly screws 6 'thus makes it possible to halve the necessary dead volume around each hot tube 2 in the transverse plane XZ and along the axial direction Y, and therefore to densify in the three directions X, Y, Z the assembly of several unitary tubular modules 1 'according to the invention (see FIGS. 7 and 8). As illustrated in FIG. 4, the assembly means 9 between each flange 6 'and the adjacent collector plate 7 comprise, in place of the assembly screws used in the past, two transverse clamping jaws 9a (extending in the XZ plane and for example stainless steel) which each enclose at least one flange 6 'at the axially inner face 6a' of the flange (s) 6 '(inwardly facing face of the tube 2 relative to the Y axis) and its peripheral edge 6b 'by plating it to the collector plate 7 opposite by assembly screws 9b passing through each jaw 9a and the plate 7 around each flange 6'. In addition, axially interposed a seal 9c (eg into a compressed graphite) between each flange 6 'and the plate 7 to ensure the gas-tightness on the exhaust side.
Chacun des deux mors 9a permet ainsi de maintenir en position plusieurs tubes chauds 2 de deux nappes horizontales empilées l'une sur l'autre (voir figures 8-9) et de densifier chaque nappe dans les directions transversale X et verticale Z. On voit en effet à la figure 8 que chaque mors 9a présente une longueur, mesurée dans la direction transversale X, sensiblement égale à trois fois la longueur de chaque bride 6' dans la direction X.  Each of the two jaws 9a thus makes it possible to maintain in position several hot tubes 2 of two horizontal plies stacked one on the other (see FIGS. 8-9) and to densify each ply in the transverse X and vertical Z directions. in fact in Figure 8 that each jaw 9a has a length, measured in the transverse direction X, substantially equal to three times the length of each flange 6 'in the direction X.
Cette absence de fixation traversante entre chaque bride 6' et la plaque collectrice 7 adjacente permet également :  This absence of through fastening between each flange 6 'and the adjacent header plate 7 also allows:
- comme illustré à la figure 6, de remplir l'espace vacant entre chaque bride 6' et la rangée proximale 4a adjacente par l'un des deux collecteurs 8' de liquide de refroidissement d'une paire supérieure et d'une paire inférieure de collecteurs 8', chaque collecteur 8' étant monté par rapport à l'axe Y' entre une bride 6' et la rangée proximale 4a et non plus au-delà de la bride 6 adjacente (cf. figure 1 ), ce qui permet de minimiser la longueur L2 de chaque tube chaud 2 et la longueur L3 du faisceau de tubes froids 3 et de rapprocher les collecteurs 8' des éléments thermoélectriques 4a, 4b (en évitant ainsi que les collecteurs 8' soient situés trop près de la source chaude comme à la figure 1 ), en conférant finalement une densité accrue au générateur 10 ; et - comme illustré aux figures 3 et 5-8, d'utiliser l'espace laissé vacant axialement à l'intérieur de chaque bride 6' pour y implanter des pistes axialement externes 5a' supérieure et inférieure de conduction électrique qui prolongent par pliage à angle droit suivant un plan vertical XZ des portions terminales de pistes principales 5b d'extrémités supérieures et inférieures s'étendant suivant un plan longitudinal horizontal XY pour connecter en série les éléments thermoélectriques 4b supérieurs et inférieurs. as illustrated in FIG. 6, to fill the vacant space between each flange 6 'and the adjacent proximal row 4a by one of the two collectors 8' of coolant of an upper pair and a lower pair of 8 'collectors, each collector 8' being mounted relative to the axis Y 'between a flange 6' and the proximal row 4a and no longer beyond the flange 6 adjacent (see Figure 1), which allows to to minimize the length L2 of each hot tube 2 and the length L3 of the bundle of cold tubes 3 and to bring the collectors 8 'closer to the thermoelectric elements 4a, 4b (thus avoiding that the collectors 8' are located too close to the hot source as in Figure 1), finally conferring increased density to the generator 10; and as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5-8, using the space left axially inside each flange 6 'to implant axially external upper and lower electrical conduction tracks 5a' which extend by folding at an angle straight along a vertical plane XZ terminal portions of main tracks 5b of upper and lower ends extending along a horizontal longitudinal plane XY to connect in series the upper and lower thermoelectric elements 4b.
Comme visible aux figures 5-6, les pistes externes 5a' sont repliées verticalement au plus près de rangées proximales 4a deux à deux consécutives équipant une nappe horizontale de tubes chauds 2 voisins, rangées proximales 4a consécutives que ces pistes 5a' connectent électriquement entre elles en débordant latéralement de ces rangées consécutives 4a dans la direction transversale X pour se rejoindre entre deux tubes chauds 2 consécutifs. La figure 8 montre que ces pistes externes 5a' peuvent être repliées en alternance devant et au plus près des deux rangées proximales 4a situées aux extrémités opposées 2c, 2d des tubes chauds 2 (i.e. dans la direction transversale X, en deçà de l'extrémité avant 2c du premier tube chaud 2 de la nappe puis de l'extrémité arrière 2d du second tube chaud 2 de la nappe, etc.).  As can be seen in FIGS. 5-6, the external tracks 5a 'are folded vertically as close as possible to consecutive two-to-two proximal rows 4a fitted to a horizontal sheet of adjacent hot tubes 2, proximal rows 4a consecutive that these tracks 5a' electrically connect to one another overflowing laterally of these consecutive rows 4a in the transverse direction X to join between two consecutive hot tubes 2. FIG. 8 shows that these external tracks 5a 'can be folded alternately in front of and as close as possible to the two proximal rows 4a located at the opposite ends 2c, 2d of the hot tubes 2 (ie in the transverse direction X, below the end before 2c of the first hot tube 2 of the web and then the rear end 2d of the second hot tube 2 of the web, etc.).
Ces deux plans XY et XZ perpendiculaires pour les pistes principales 5b et externes 5a' procurent une compacité accrue dans la direction Y, par rapport à l'agencement connu des pistes 5a, 5b de la figure 1 dans lequel les pistes d'extrémités 5a (contenues comme les autres pistes dans le seul plan horizontal XY) s'étendaient axialement jusqu'aux brides 6.  These two perpendicular XY and XZ planes for the main 5b and external 5a 'tracks provide increased compactness in the Y direction, with respect to the known arrangement of the tracks 5a, 5b of FIG. 1 in which the end tracks 5a ( contained as the other tracks in the only horizontal plane XY) extended axially up to the flanges 6.
Un générateur thermoélectrique 10 selon l'invention tel qu'illustré aux figures 7-9 permet de multiplier par deux le ratio (masse des éléments thermoélectriques 4a, 4b / masse du générateur 10) par rapport au générateur à modules tubulaires 1 de l'art antérieur des figures 1 -2, ce ratio massique pouvant par exemple atteindre une valeur aussi élevée que 0,15.  A thermoelectric generator 10 according to the invention as illustrated in FIGS. 7-9 makes it possible to double the ratio (mass of the thermoelectric elements 4a, 4b / mass of the generator 10) relative to the tubular module generator 1 of the art. prior to Figures 1-2, this mass ratio can for example reach a value as high as 0.15.
Comme spécifiquement illustré à la figure 9 et dans le but de disposer d'un générateur thermoélectrique 10 « densifié » (i.e. de compacité et d'efficacité accrues), on peut avantageusement regrouper les fonctions de distribution fluidique du circuit de refroidissement et de réunion des connectiques électriques, par l'intermédiaire de boîtes à eau 1 1 selon l'invention, dont la conception a été optimisée comme expliqué ci-après. As specifically illustrated in FIG. 9 and in order to have a "densified" thermoelectric generator 10 (ie of increased compactness and efficiency), it is advantageous to group the functions of fluidic distribution of the cooling circuit and assembly of electrical connectors, through water boxes 1 1 according to the invention, the design has been optimized as explained below.
Sont notamment visibles à la figure 9 :  In particular, see Figure 9:
- les empilements de nappes de tubes chauds 2 / éléments thermoélectriques 4a, 4b / tubes froids 3 (quatre nappes comprenant chacune six tubes chauds 2 agencés en parallèle dans cet exemple) avec en particulier, en chaque côté avant et arrière du générateur 10, les collecteurs 8' de liquide de refroidissement (tubulures transversales), les brides 6' pourvues des mors de serrage 9a, la plaque collectrice 7 des gaz d'échappement à laquelle sont fixées les brides 6' par ces mors 9a et les vis 9b, et le joint d'étanchéité 9c intercalé entre la plaque 7 et chaque bride 6' ; et  the stacks of hot tube plies 2 / thermoelectric elements 4a, 4b / cold tubes 3 (four plies each comprising six hot tubes 2 arranged in parallel in this example) with in particular, in each front and rear side of the generator 10, the coolant manifolds 8 '(transverse manifolds), flanges 6' provided with the clamping jaws 9a, the exhaust manifold plate 7 to which the flanges 6 'are fixed by these jaws 9a and the screws 9b, and the seal 9c interposed between the plate 7 and each flange 6 '; and
- deux boîtes à eau 1 1 formant deux parois latérales opposées en communication fluidique avec les collecteurs 8', comprenant chacune une entrée/sortie 1 1 a pour le liquide de refroidissement et pourvue d'une plaque de fermeture 12 fixée à la boîte à eau 1 1 (l'une des boîtes à eau 1 1 est montrée assemblée, l'autre en vue éclatée).  two water boxes 1 1 forming two opposite side walls in fluid communication with the collectors 8 ', each comprising an inlet / outlet 11a for the cooling liquid and provided with a closure plate 12 fixed to the water box 1 1 (one of the water boxes 1 1 is shown assembled, the other in exploded view).
Chaque boîte à eau 1 1 selon l'invention, qui peut être réalisée en un matériau électriquement isolant (de préférence en matière plastique) ou en aluminium par exemple, est adaptée non seulement pour distribuer le liquide de refroidissement entre chaque couche de tubes froids 3, mais aussi :  Each water box 1 1 according to the invention, which can be made of an electrically insulating material (preferably plastic) or aluminum for example, is adapted not only to distribute the coolant between each layer of cold tubes 3 , but also :
- pour servir de support à des capteurs de température comprenant par exemple des thermocouples 1 1 b de mesure de la température des gaz d'échappement, et/ou  to support temperature sensors comprising, for example, thermocouples 11b for measuring the temperature of the exhaust gas, and / or
- pour collecter les connectiques électriques du circuit intégrant le générateur thermoélectrique 10 par l'intermédiaire de la plaque de fermeture 12 (de préférence en un matériau isolant électrique) dont est pourvue chaque boîte à eau 1 1 , laquelle plaque de fermeture 12 comporte avantageusement un tableau des connectiques électriques, pour pouvoir modifier suivant les besoins le circuit électrique du générateur 10 en fonction des grandeurs de courant/ tension désirées en sortie et pour isoler de potentiels défauts électriques qui pourraient apparaître en fonctionnement.  to collect the electrical connectors of the circuit integrating the thermoelectric generator 10 by means of the closure plate 12 (preferably in an electrical insulating material) which is provided with each water box January 1, which closure plate 12 advantageously comprises a table of electrical connectors, to be able to modify as necessary the electrical circuit of the generator 10 according to the desired current / voltage magnitudes output and to isolate potential electrical faults that may appear in operation. 

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1 ) Module tubulaire unitaire (1 ') destiné à équiper un véhicule automobile à moteur thermique à combustion interne, le module comprenant : 1) Unit tubular module (1 ') intended to equip a motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine, the module comprising:
- un tube monobloc intérieur, dit tube chaud (2), qui est adapté pour véhiculer des gaz d'échappement à haute température du véhicule et qui présente une surface externe (2a, 2b) s'étendant autour d'un axe longitudinal de symétrie (Υ') pour le tube chaud, ladite surface externe étant destinée à être entourée par au moins deux séries de tubes extérieurs disposés en vis-à- vis, dits tubes froids (3), adaptés pour véhiculer un liquide de refroidissement dudit véhicule de part et d'autre du tube chaud,  an inner monoblock tube, called a hot tube (2), which is adapted to convey exhaust gases at high temperature from the vehicle and which has an external surface (2a, 2b) extending around a longitudinal axis of symmetry (Υ ') for the hot tube, said outer surface being intended to be surrounded by at least two sets of outer tubes arranged vis-à-vis, said cold tubes (3), adapted to convey a cooling liquid of said vehicle of on both sides of the hot tube,
- deux brides transversales de fixation (6'), chacune des brides enserrant respectivement une extrémité (2c et 2d) du tube chaud, les brides étant respectivement destinées à être assemblées par des moyens d'assemblage (9) à deux plaques transversales collectrices (7) desdits gaz d'échappement, lesdites plaques collectrices s'étendant au-delà des brides par rapport audit axe, et  two transverse fastening flanges (6 '), each of the flanges respectively enclosing one end (2c and 2d) of the hot tube, the flanges being respectively intended to be assembled by means of assembly (9) with two transverse collector plates ( 7) said exhaust gas, said manifold plates extending beyond the flanges with respect to said axis, and
- des éléments thermoélectriques (4a et 4b) qui sont solidaires de ladite surface externe et qui sont revêtus de pistes de conduction électrique (5a' et 5b) destinées à être montées au contact des tubes froids, caractérisé en ce que lesdits moyens d'assemblage sont extérieurs à chacune des brides.  thermoelectric elements (4a and 4b) which are integral with said external surface and which are coated with electrical conduction tracks (5a 'and 5b) intended to be mounted in contact with the cold tubes, characterized in that said assembly means are external to each of the flanges.
2) Module tubulaire unitaire (1 ') selon la revendication 1 , caractérisé en ce que chacune des brides (6') est dépourvue de trou taraudé la traversant pour recevoir une vis d'assemblage à une dite plaque collectrice (7). 2) unitary tubular module (1 ') according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the flanges (6') is devoid of threaded hole therethrough for receiving an assembly screw to said collector plate (7).
3) Module tubulaire unitaire (1 ') selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que chacune des brides (6') présente une épaisseur inférieure à 3 mm pouvant être égale à 1 mm dans une direction axiale (Y) parallèle audit axe (Υ'), de telle sorte que le module soit allégé en comparaison d'un module de référence (1 ) à brides (6) à trous taraudés (6a) pour vis d'assemblage. 3) unitary tubular module (1 ') according to claim 2, characterized in that each of the flanges (6') has a thickness of less than 3 mm may be equal to 1 mm in an axial direction (Y) parallel to said axis (Υ '), so that the module is lightened in comparing a reference module (1) with flanges (6) with tapped holes (6a) for assembly screws.
4) Module tubulaire unitaire (1 ') selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que chacune des brides (6') dépourvue de vis d'assemblage est distante d'une rangée de dits éléments thermoélectriques (4a), qui est proximale vis-à-vis de la bride, d'une distance réduite dans ladite direction axiale (Y), de telle sorte que le module soit plus compact en comparaison d'un module de référence (1 ) à brides (6) à trous taraudés (6a) recevant des vis d'assemblage imposant une distance supérieure avec ladite rangée proximale (4a). 4) unitary tubular module (1 ') according to claim 3, characterized in that each of the flanges (6') devoid of assembly screws is spaced from a row of said thermoelectric elements (4a), which is proximal to to the flange, a reduced distance in said axial direction (Y), so that the module is more compact compared to a reference module (1) with flanges (6) with tapped holes (6a ) receiving assembly screws imposing a greater distance with said proximal row (4a).
5) Module tubulaire unitaire (1 ') selon une des revendications précédentes, le tube chaud (2) présentant en section transversale une forme sensiblement rectangulaire à deux grands côtés supérieur (2a) et inférieur (2b) recevant deux séries supérieure et inférieure des éléments thermoélectriques (4a et 4b), caractérisé en ce que lesdites pistes de conduction électrique (5a' et 5b) de ladite série supérieure (respectivement inférieure) s'étendent suivant plusieurs plans distincts (XY et XZ) et comprennent : 5) unitary tubular module (1 ') according to one of the preceding claims, the hot tube (2) having in cross section a substantially rectangular shape with two large upper (2a) and lower (2b) sides receiving two series upper and lower elements thermoelectric devices (4a and 4b), characterized in that said electrical conduction tracks (5a 'and 5b) of said upper (respectively lower) series extend in several distinct planes (XY and XZ) and comprise:
- des dites pistes principales (5b) qui connectent électriquement les éléments thermoélectriques (4a et 4b) parallèlement et de manière adjacente audit grand côté supérieur (respectivement inférieur) de ladite surface externe du tube chaud suivant un premier plan longitudinal (XY) supérieur (respectivement inférieur), et  said main tracks (5b) which electrically connect the thermoelectric elements (4a and 4b) parallel and adjacent to said large upper (respectively lower) side of said outer surface of the hot tube in a first longitudinal plane (XY) respectively (respectively lower), and
- d'autres dites pistes externes (5a') par rapport audit axe (Υ') qui prolongent des dites pistes principales d'extrémités et qui sont adaptées pour connecter électriquement deux rangées respectives, proximales vis-à-vis des brides (6'), des éléments thermoélectriques (4a) de deux tubes chauds consécutifs en débordant dudit grand côté supérieur (respectivement inférieur), lesdites pistes externes s'étendant suivant un second plan (XZ) sécant audit premier plan et transversal audit tube chaud. 6) Module tubulaire unitaire (1 ') selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que lesdites pistes externes (5a') sont formées par des portions terminales desdites pistes principales (5b) d'extrémités revêtant les éléments thermoélectriques proximaux (4a), portions qui sont repliées dudit premier plan (XY) vers ledit second plan (XZ) à proximité immédiate desdites rangées proximales (4a) des éléments thermoélectriques des tubes chauds (2) consécutifs, en alternance auxdites deux extrémités (2c et 2d) de ces derniers. - Other said external tracks (5a ') with respect to said axis (Υ') which extend said main end tracks and which are adapted to electrically connect two respective rows, proximal to the flanges (6 ' ), thermoelectric elements (4a) of two consecutive hot tubes protruding from said large upper (respectively lower) side, said external tracks extending in a second plane (XZ) intersecting said first plane and transverse to said hot tube. 6) unitary tubular module (1 ') according to claim 5, characterized in that said external tracks (5a') are formed by end portions of said main tracks (5b) of ends coating the proximal thermoelectric elements (4a), portions which are folded from said first plane (XY) to said second plane (XZ) in close proximity to said proximal rows (4a) of the thermoelectric elements of the hot tubes (2) consecutive alternately to said two ends (2c and 2d) thereof.
7) Module tubulaire unitaire (1 ') selon une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que les éléments thermoélectriques (4a et 4b) sont constitués de plots prismatiques, par exemple parallélépipédiques ou cubiques. 7) unitary tubular module (1 ') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thermoelectric elements (4a and 4b) consist of prismatic pads, for example parallelepiped or cubic.
8) Générateur thermoélectrique (10) destiné à équiper un véhicule automobile à moteur thermique à combustion interne, caractérisé en ce que le générateur comprend : 8) Thermoelectric generator (10) intended to equip a motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine, characterized in that the generator comprises:
- au moins une nappe de dits modules tubulaires unitaires (1 ') selon une des revendications précédentes,  at least one ply of said unitary tubular modules (1 ') according to one of the preceding claims,
- lesdites deux plaques transversales collectrices (7) des gaz d'échappement auxquelles sont assemblées lesdites brides (6') par lesdits moyens d'assemblage (9), et  said two transverse collector plates (7) of exhaust gases to which said flanges (6 ') are connected by said assembly means (9), and
- lesdites au moins deux séries de tubes froids (3) qui sont respectivement pourvues de deux paires supérieure et inférieure de collecteurs (8') de liquide de refroidissement, chaque dite paire supérieure (respectivement inférieure) comprenant deux dits collecteurs supérieurs (respectivement inférieurs) positionnés chacun, axialement par rapport audit axe (Υ'), entre les brides et des rangées de dits éléments thermoélectriques (4a) proximales vis-à-vis des brides. 9) Générateur thermoélectrique (10) selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que lesdits moyens d'assemblage (9) comprennent des mors de serrage (9a) qui enserrent au moins partiellement les brides (6') et qui sont fixés à ladite plaque collectrice (7) en regard par des vis d'assemblage (9b) traversant lesdits mors et ladite plaque collectrice, avec interposition d'un joint d'étanchéité (9c) axialement entre les brides et ladite plaque collectrice, chacun desdits mors de serrage étant monté dans un plan transversal (XZ) parallèle auxdites brides en étant apte à maintenir en position au moins un dit tube chaud (2) et à densifier ladite au moins une nappe dans deux directions transversale (X) et verticale (Z) perpendiculaires définissant ledit plan transversal (XZ). said at least two sets of cold tubes (3) which are respectively provided with two upper and lower pairs of collectors (8 ') of coolant, each said upper pair (respectively lower) comprising two said upper collectors (respectively lower) each positioned, axially with respect to said axis (Υ '), between the flanges and rows of said thermoelectric elements (4a) proximal to the flanges. 9) thermoelectric generator (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that said connecting means (9) comprise clamping jaws (9a) which at least partially enclose the flanges (6 ') and which are fixed to said plate collector (7) facing assembly screws (9b) passing through said jaws and said collector plate, with interposition of a seal (9c) axially between the flanges and said collector plate, each of said clamping jaws being mounted in a transverse plane (XZ) parallel to said flanges being able to maintain in position at least one said hot tube (2) and to densify said at least one sheet in two transverse (X) and vertical (Z) perpendicular directions defining said transverse plane (XZ).
10) Générateur thermoélectrique (10) selon la revendication 9, caractérisé en ce que lesdits mors de serrage (9a) présentent chacun une longueur (L1 ), mesurée dans ladite direction transversale (X) ou verticale (Z), qui est au moins égale à la moitié de la longueur de chacune des brides (6') dans ladite même direction transversale ou verticale. 10) thermoelectric generator (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that said clamping jaws (9a) each have a length (L1), measured in said transverse direction (X) or vertical (Z), which is at least equal at half the length of each of the flanges (6 ') in the same transverse or vertical direction.
1 1 ) Générateur thermoélectrique (10) selon la revendication 10, caractérisé en ce que lesdits mors de serrage (9a) présentent chacun ladite longueur (L1 ) qui est au plus égale à la longueur de chacune des brides (6') dans ladite direction transversale (X) ou verticale (Z) multipliée par N+1 , où N est le nombre de tubes chauds 2 consécutifs du générateur dans ladite direction transversale ou verticale. 1) thermoelectric generator (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that said clamping jaws (9a) each have said length (L1) which is at most equal to the length of each of the flanges (6 ') in said direction transverse (X) or vertical (Z) multiplied by N + 1, where N is the number of consecutive hot tubes 2 of the generator in said transverse or vertical direction.
12) Générateur thermoélectrique (10) selon une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le générateur comprend en outre des boîtes de distribution du liquide de refroidissement, dites boîtes à eau (1 1 ), qui sont aptes à recevoir et à distribuer le liquide entre différentes couches des tubes froids (3), l'une au moins desdites boîtes à eau supportant des capteurs de température (1 1 b) et/ou des connectiques électriques. 13) Générateur thermoélectrique (10) selon la revendication 12, caractérisé en ce que ladite au moins une boîte à eau (1 1 ) est pourvue d'une plaque de fermeture (12) électriquement isolante formant un tableau électrique, lequel est adapté pour modifier des paramètres électriques du générateur en fonction des variables courant/ tension désirées en sortie et/ou pour isoler d'éventuels défauts électriques détectés. 12) thermoelectric generator (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the generator further comprises coolant distribution boxes, called water boxes (1 1), which are adapted to receive and distribute the liquid between different layers of cold tubes (3), at least one of said water boxes supporting temperature sensors (1 1 b) and / or electrical connectors. 13) thermoelectric generator (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that said at least one water box (1 1) is provided with an electrically insulating closure plate (12) forming an electrical panel, which is adapted to modify electrical parameters of the generator according to the current / voltage variables desired at the output and / or to isolate any detected electrical faults.
PCT/FR2017/052618 2016-09-28 2017-09-27 Unitary tubular module for combustion engine automotive vehicle, and thermoelectric generator including a plurality of these modules WO2018060613A1 (en)

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FR1659262A FR3056726A1 (en) 2016-09-28 2016-09-28 UNITARY TUBULAR MODULE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE WITH THERMAL MOTOR, AND THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR INCORPORATING SEVERAL OF THESE MODULES
FR1659262 2016-09-28

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WO2004059139A1 (en) * 2002-12-26 2004-07-15 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Exhaust system
US20130000285A1 (en) * 2011-06-28 2013-01-03 GM Global Technology Operations LLC Internal combustion engine exhaust thermoelectric generator and methods of making and using the same
KR101327735B1 (en) 2011-12-23 2013-11-11 현대자동차주식회사 Thermoelectric generator of vehicle
US20140238005A1 (en) * 2012-09-28 2014-08-28 Empire Technology Development Llc Exhaust energy recovery for engines
WO2015004486A1 (en) * 2013-07-12 2015-01-15 European Thermodynamics Ltd Thermoelectric generator
US20150333244A1 (en) 2012-09-27 2015-11-19 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Thermoelectric generator

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2004059139A1 (en) * 2002-12-26 2004-07-15 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Exhaust system
US20130000285A1 (en) * 2011-06-28 2013-01-03 GM Global Technology Operations LLC Internal combustion engine exhaust thermoelectric generator and methods of making and using the same
KR101327735B1 (en) 2011-12-23 2013-11-11 현대자동차주식회사 Thermoelectric generator of vehicle
US20150333244A1 (en) 2012-09-27 2015-11-19 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Thermoelectric generator
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