Patent Application
20240035403
This invention relates to an oil temperature regulator assembly.
In particular, this invention is in the automotive field.
The oil temperature regulator assembly that is the subject of this invention finds, in effect, specific application in a vehicle, for example, in order to regulate the temperature of the oil circulating in an oil circulation system of said vehicle. Going into further detail, the oil temperature regulator assembly is mountable on an operating group of a vehicle to be fluidly connected to the oil circulation system of said operating group.
Specifically, an operating group refers to a component or group of components in which an oil circulation system is provided, such as a power group and/or a drive group and/or a gearbox group.
In addition, the oil temperature regulator assembly of this invention is also fluidly connectable to a water system of the vehicle, or generally to a cooling system in which a cooling fluid, preferably a typically water-based coolant, flows.
In the state of the art, solutions for oil temperature regulator assemblies are known which are connectable to an oil circulation system and a cooling system in which cooling fluid, for example water or a water-based fluid, circulates. Said known temperature regulator assemblies comprise a plate heat exchanger adapted to perform oil temperature regulation operations by heat exchange with the cooling fluid.
However, these solutions have particularly complex geometries and layouts, with particular reference to the presence and connection of specific oil circulation ducts and cooling ducts.
In the solutions of the prior art, greater complexity of said geometries and said layouts corresponds to greater costs of production and manufacture.
In addition, in the solutions of the prior art, greater complexity of these layouts corresponds to specific difficulties in positioning the oil temperature regulator assembly inside the vehicle: in the automotive sector, after all, the need to use as little space as possible is still particularly felt.
Therefore, there is a strong need to provide an oil temperature regulator assembly that solves these problems.
The object of this invention is to provide an oil temperature regulator assembly that performs oil temperature regulation operations effectively, i.e., such that a predetermined amount of oil having very precise physical features is transferred to the operating group connected thereto, which has a geometry and layout of the ducts that is as simple as possible.
This object is achieved by the oil temperature regulator assembly claimed in claim 1. The claims dependent thereon describe preferred embodiment variants involving further advantageous aspects.
Further features and advantages of the invention will become clear from the description given below of its preferred embodiments as non-limiting examples, in reference to the attached figures, wherein:
With reference to the accompanying figures, an oil temperature regulator assembly according to this invention is indicated with the numeral 1.
In particular, the regulator assembly of this invention, as broadly described below, is mountable to an operating group of a vehicle. Preferably, said operating group is a power group, for example an internal combustion engine or an electric combustion engine or a hybrid engine, or a drive group or a gearbox group.
According to this invention, in effect, the oil temperature regulator assembly 1 that is the subject of this invention is fluidly connectable with an oil circulation system of said operating group and with a cooling system of said operating group or of said vehicle.
According to this invention, moreover, as shown in a non-limiting manner in the accompanying figures, the oil temperature regulator assembly 1 defines a vertical axis V-V and two longitudinal axes X-X, Y-Y. In particular, the two longitudinal axes X-X, Y-Y lie on the same imaginary plane which is orthogonal to the vertical axis V-V.
Preferably, in the description provided hereinafter, when referring to planar position or elements, the intended meaning is with respect to said longitudinal axes, i.e., with respect to the imaginary plane on which said elements are housed. In other words, said components have extension substantially parallel to the plane in which the longitudinal axes X-X, Y-Y lie. Similarly, in the description provided hereinafter, when referring to superpositions, heights, and vertical extensions, reference is made to the direction parallel or coincident with the vertical axis V-V, thus orthogonal to the longitudinal axes X-X, Y-Y.
It should be noted that in this description, the use of the terms “upper” and “lower” specifically refers to the accompanying figures, but in no way limits the use of the oil temperature regulator assembly 1 or its positioning within a vehicle.
According to this invention, the oil temperature regulator assembly 1 comprises a heat exchanger 2.
The heat exchanger 2 comprises, along said vertical axis V-V, an upper exchanger plate 21, a plurality of intermediate exchanger plates 20 and a lower exchanger plate 22. In other words, said plates are stacked on each other along the vertical axis V-V.
According to a preferred embodiment, the upper exchanger plate 21 and the lower exchanger plate 22 are adapted to sandwich the plurality of intermediate exchanger plates 20 together.
According to this invention, the stacking of said plates defines an oil flow zone and a cooling fluid flow zone comprising, respectively, a plurality of planar oil flowing regions 40 and a plurality of planar fluid flowing regions 60 alternating with each other along the vertical axis V-V and comprising, respectively, vertical oil inlet and outlet ducts 41, 42, and vertical fluid inlet and outlet ducts 61, 62, fluidly connected to respective planar flowing regions 40, 60.
According to a preferred embodiment, the oil flow zone comprises two vertical oil inlet and outlet ducts 41, 42.
According to a preferred embodiment, the cooling fluid flow zone comprises two vertical fluid inlet and outlet ducts 61, 62.
This invention is not limited to the position of vertical oil ducts 41, 42 with respect to longitudinal directions.
According to a preferred embodiment, the vertical oil ducts 41, 42 are mutually positioned aligned with respect to a longitudinal axis.
Similarly, this invention is not limited to the position of vertical fluid ducts 61, 62 with respect to the longitudinal directions.
According to a preferred embodiment the vertical fluid ducts 61, 62 are mutually positioned aligned with respect to a longitudinal axis.
In other words, the exchanger plates are specifically shaped to vertically align a plurality of specific through openings in such a way as to define vertical ducts.
In other words, the exchanger plates are specifically shaped to define specific planar, i.e., longitudinal, passages therebetween.
According to this invention, the oil temperature regulator assembly 1 comprises a base device 3 engaged to the lower exchanger plate 22, preferably adapted to be mountable to the operating group. According to a preferred embodiment, the base device 3 allows the mounting and fastening of the heat exchanger 2 to the operating group of a vehicle.
According to a preferred embodiment, the base device 3 comprises a plurality of holes for fastening to the component on which said device is mounted.
According to a preferred embodiment, the base device 3 comprises a plurality of holes for fastening to the operating group of the vehicle.
Preferably, the base device 3 carries out the fluid connection with the heat exchanger 2. In particular, the base device 3 is adapted to carry out the fluid connection of the oil heat exchanger 2 of the operating group.
Preferably, the base device 3 carries out both the fluid connection and fastening of the thermal regulator assembly 1 to the vehicle operating group.
According to an embodiment, the base device 3 comprises inlet and outlet oil connection mouths 31, 32, respectively, fluidly connected with vertical oil inlet and outlet ducts 41, 42, suitable for fluidly connecting the heat exchanger 2 with the vehicle operating group.
According to a preferred embodiment, the inlet and outlet oil connection mouths 31, 32 are positioned vertically below the heat exchanger 2.
According to a variant embodiment, the inlet and outlet oil connection mouths 31, 32 are, at least one, positioned vertically outside the heat exchanger 2, in other words, beyond the footprint of the heat exchanger 2.
According to a preferred embodiment, the oil temperature regulator assembly 1 comprises fluid connection mouths adapted to connect vertical fluid ducts to the cooling system into which cooling fluid flows.
According to a preferred embodiment, said fluid connection mouths are comprised in the upper exchanger plate 21.
According to a preferred embodiment, said fluid connection mouths are comprised in the base device 3.
According to a preferred embodiment, the base device 3 comprises a lower plate-shaped base element 30 and an upper plate-shaped base element 34, which are vertically coupled.
Preferably, the coupling between a lower plate-shaped base element 30 and an upper plate-shaped base element 34 defines a main oil circulation duct 39.
Preferably, the oil connection mouths 31, 32 are formed in the main oil circulation duct 39.
According to a preferred embodiment, vertical oil ducts 41, 42 are fluidly connected to said main oil circulation duct 39.
According to a preferred embodiment, said main oil circulation duct 39 extends longitudinally, preferably along the longitudinal axis Y-Y, orthogonally to the other longitudinal axis X-X.
According to a preferred embodiment, said main oil circulation duct 39 extends along a U-shaped path.
According to a preferred embodiment, the lower plate-shaped base element 30 and the upper plate-shaped base element 34 are vertically coupled, such that an auxiliary oil circulation duct 35 is also defined.
Preferably, the auxiliary oil circulation duct 35 is at least partially surrounded by the main oil duct 39.
Preferably, the auxiliary oil circulation duct 35 is housed in the main oil circulation duct 39.
Preferably, the auxiliary oil circulation duct 35 connects a vertical oil duct 41, 42 with a connection mouth 31, 32, and the main oil circulation duct 39 connects the other vertical oil duct 41, 42 with the other connection mouth 31, 32, whereby within the main circulation duct 39 a fluid inlet portion and a distinct fluid outlet portion are defined.
Preferably, according to a preferred embodiment, the auxiliary oil circulation duct 35 allows oil to enter the heat exchanger 2, while the main oil circulation duct 39 allows oil to exit the heat exchanger 2.
In other words, in the main oil circulation duct 39 the two oil connection mouths 31, 32 are distinctly connected with the respective vertical oil ducts 41, 42.
According to a preferred embodiment, the lower plate-shaped base element 30 and the upper plate-shaped base element 34 are shaped to comprise respectively a main protrusion 38 and an auxiliary protrusion 36, wherein said auxiliary protrusion 36 is adapted to be housed in the main protrusion 38. Preferably, therefore, the auxiliary protrusion 36 is surrounded at least in part, preferably in its entirety, by the space subtended in the main protrusion 38.
Preferably, the main protrusion 38 houses the main oil circulation duct 39.
Preferably, the auxiliary protrusion 36 houses the auxiliary oil circulation duct 35.
According to a preferred embodiment, the lower plate-shaped base element 30 and the upper plate-shaped base element 34 are obtained from respective cut and drawn metal sheets. In other words, the lower plate-shaped base element 30 and the upper plate-shaped base element 34 are two plates subject to hot and/or cold plastic deformation operations.
According to a preferred embodiment, the oil connection mouths 31, 32 are positioned proximal to each other. Preferably, such an advantageous embodiment is shown by way of example in the accompanying figures, in particular in
According to a preferred embodiment, the auxiliary protrusion 36 comprises a passage opening 360 fluidly connected to an oil connection mouth 31 formed on the main protrusion 38 and fluidly connected to a vertical oil duct 41.
According to a preferred embodiment, the oil connection mouth, the auxiliary protrusion, and the vertical oil duct are axially and vertically aligned.
According to a further preferred embodiment, the oil connection mouth, the auxiliary protrusion, and the vertical oil duct are axially and vertically offset.
According to a preferred embodiment, the heat exchanger 2 comprises a bypass duct 29 fluidly connected to the vertical oil ducts 41, 42, wherein oil flows, bypassing the planar flowing regions 40.
In other words, preferably the bypass duct 29 is adapted to fluidly connect the vertical oil ducts 41, 42 to be fluidly penetrated by the oil rather than said oil flowing into the planar flowing regions 40. For example, this operating situation occurs with particularly cold, and therefore very viscous, oil.
According to a preferred embodiment, the bypass duct 29 is at least partially defined by the upper exchanger plate 21 which comprises a bypass protrusion 28.
Preferably, the upper exchanger plate 21 is shaped to comprise a bypass protrusion 28 in which the bypass duct 29 is defined.
Preferably, hereinafter the main oil circulation duct and the bypass duct will be referred to only by the generic terminology of oil circulation duct(s).
According to a preferred embodiment, wherein the upper exchanger plate 21 or the base device 3 comprises an operating opening 27, 37 vertically aligned with a vertical oil duct 41, 42.
According to the accompanying figures,
According to the accompanying figures,
According to a preferred embodiment, the oil temperature regulator assembly 1 further comprises a filtering unit 5 extending along a filter axis F-F insertable as a cartridge through the operating opening 27, 37 into the vertical oil duct 41, 42.
Said filtering unit 5 comprises a filtering element 57 adapted to filter oil from solid particles.
In other words, by means of the filtering unit 5 the oil is not only subjected to specific operations for regulating its temperature but also to filtration operations.
Preferably, the oil is then delivered to the operating group at a desired temperature and also filtered of unwanted solids.
According to a preferred embodiment, the filtering element 57 extends in a tubular manner with respect to the filter axis F-F, being adapted to carry out the filtration in a radial direction, preferably from the outside to the inside, defining a dirty side and a clean side.
According to a preferred embodiment, the filtering unit 5 comprises a filter end 58 which is distal from the operating opening 27, 37, transverse to the filter axis F-F.
According to a preferred embodiment, the filter end 58 is closed.
According to a variant embodiment, the filter end 58 comprises a filtering end 587 adapted to carry out the filtration in the axial direction.
According to a preferred embodiment, the filtering element 57, and preferably the filtering end 587, comprises a filtering mesh.
According to a preferred embodiment, said filtering mesh has flow pores of a size equal to or less than 600 microns.
According to a preferred embodiment, the filtering mesh is made of synthetic material or metal material.
In other words, the filtering element 57 is fluidically crossable while forming a barrier to the suspended particles.
According to a preferred embodiment, the operating opening 27, 37 is connected to the oil circulation duct 29, 39.
Preferably, therefore, the filtering unit 5 penetrates the oil circulation duct 29, 39 comprising a main sealing portion 56 that sealingly engages an inner portion of the vertical oil duct 41, 42 wherein is housed preferably the upper exchanger plate 21 or the lower exchanger plate 22.
According to a preferred embodiment, the filtering unit 5 comprises a connecting portion 59 adapted to be housed in the oil circulation duct 29, 39 comprising a connecting opening 590 through which the vertical oil duct, preferably the clean side, and the oil circulation duct 29, 39 are in fluid communication.
Preferably, the connecting opening 590 is positioned radially relative to the filter axis F-F.
Preferably, the connecting opening 590 comprises a plurality of angularly equidistant fluid passages.
According to a preferred embodiment, the filtering unit 5 comprises an operating sealing portion 55 that sealingly engages the operating opening 27, 37.
Preferably, the main sealing portion 56 and the operating sealing portion 55 comprise annular sealing elements, such as O-rings.
In other words, the connecting portion 59 is housed in the oil circulation duct 29, 39, axially delimited by the two sealing portions 55, 56.
According to a preferred embodiment, the upper exchanger plate 21 or the base device 3 comprises a collar 270, 370 that extends vertically at the operating opening 27, 37.
According to a preferred embodiment, said collar also extends vertically within the oil circulation duct 29, 39 providing specific fluid openings adapted to allow the flow of oil.
According to said preferred embodiment, the filtering unit 5 comprises a fastening portion 54 adapted to engage and lock said collar 270, 370.
According to a preferred embodiment, the fastening portion 54 comprises said operating sealing portion 55.
According to a preferred embodiment, the fastening portion 54 engages the collar walls 270, 370. Preferably, the engagement involves screwing or snapping, or rototranslation between the parts.
Preferably, in a preferred embodiment, the oil temperature regulator assembly 1 further comprises a pin element 9 insertable in a radial direction through the collar 270, 370 and the fastening portion 54.
According to a preferred embodiment, the filtering unit 5 comprises a support structure comprising the fastening portion 54, the main sealing portion 56 and a support structure for supporting the filtering material, in particular the filtering mesh.
According to a preferred embodiment, the supporting structure is hollow.
According to a preferred embodiment, the support structure comprises one or more openings through which oil flows in filtration. Preferably on at least said opening there is a filtering material, preferably in the form of a mesh.
According to a preferred embodiment, the support structure is made of a single component.
According to a preferred embodiment, the support structure is made of plastics material.
According to a preferred embodiment, the filtering unit 5 comprises a support structure comprising the fastening portion 54, the main sealing portion 56, the connecting portion 59 and a support structure for supporting the filtering material, in particular the filtering mesh.
Preferably, the connecting portion 59 is axially positioned along the axis F-F between the fastening portion 54 and the main sealing portion 56.
According to a preferred embodiment, said plate-shaped elements are made of metal, preferably they are made of aluminum alloy or other alloys that may be machined by a brazing process.
In other words, the plate-shaped elements of the heat exchanger 2 and/or the base device 3 are integrally joinable together by a brazing operation, preferably in an autoclave.
Further embodiments of the oil temperature regulator assembly equipped with the aforesaid features in combination are envisaged.
A further preferred embodiment, comprising the main oil circulation duct 39 within the base device 3, comprises a suitable bypass opening adapted to allow a fluid passage for the oil that does not provide for transit through the heat exchanger 2. For example, this bypass opening allows direct return to the vehicle operating group without passing through the exchanger.
Innovatively, the oil temperature regulator assembly largely fulfills the object of this invention by overcoming problems typical of the prior art.
Advantageously, the oil temperature regulator assembly has a particularly simple layout in its “fluid part” and in its fluid connections with the respective operating group.
Advantageously, the regulating assembly is adapted to introduce into the oil circuit a quantity of oil with certain features, in terms of temperature and cleanliness.
Advantageously, the base device fulfills its purpose by being compact and easy to manufacture and assemble.
Advantageously, the base device makes it possible to fasten the filtration assembly to the operating group of the vehicle and at the same time achieves the fluid connection between the two components.
Advantageously, the base device is formed by suitably shaped and coupled plate-shaped elements in such a way as to have high mechanical strength, but at the same time being very light, making the thermal regulation assembly suitable for both vehicles powered by internal combustion engines and hybrid or electric powered vehicles.
Advantageously, the base device is made from formed plate-shaped elements comprising corresponding protrusions extending in the same main direction, e.g. vertical, simplifying the geometry of individual elements as well as the production processes of said elements and the assembly of the regulation assembly.
Advantageously, the base device is made from formed plate-shaped elements comprising protrusions and contact portions, substantially planar, ensuring adequate coupling between said plate-shaped elements at the contact regions provided to delimit passage openings and/or circulation channels. In other words, the base device is extremely reliable and resistant, minimizing the risk of any leakage at the contact regions between plate-shaped elements.
Advantageously, the base device is made from suitably formed plate-shaped elements ensuring the fluid coupling of the thermal regulating assembly to the vehicle operating group for different layouts, in particular also in the case of connection mouths positioned in proximity to each other.
Advantageously, the base device is made from suitably formed plate-shaped elements, allowing the integration of inlet and outlet circulation ducts of suitable section in the base device and limiting the height of said base device.
Advantageously, the base device is made from suitably formed plate-shaped elements, allowing the integration of circulation ducts with linear or curvilinear development, or which extend beyond the footprint of the exchanger.
Advantageously, the filtering unit is easy to insert and easy to replace.
Advantageously, the filtering unit has simplified geometry.
Advantageously, the filtering unit does not affect the pressure drop of the flowing oil.
Advantageously, the filtering unit is easily housable inside vertical oil ducts, ensuring fluid-dynamic coupling even with connection mouths that are offset with respect to the filter axis and/or the axis of the vertical duct.
Advantageously, the filtering unit is easily housable inside vertical oil ducts ensuring fluid-dynamic coupling of the dirty side and/or the clean side with circulation channels oriented transversally with respect to the filter axis.
Advantageously, the filtering unit has a structure that allows the insertion of the filtering portion inside the vertical duct even when the operating opening is not positioned near the vertical duct, maximizing the use of the available space even for the positioning of the circulation ducts in the base device and/or in the upper plate.
Advantageously, the filtering unit is easily integrable into a vertical oil duct of the exchanger, intercepting both the flow of oil circulating in the planar flowing regions of the exchanger and the flow of oil circulating in the bypass branch, always ensuring an adequate level of protection to the vehicle operating group and to the components installed on the oil circulation system in the various operating configurations.
Advantageously, the filtering unit is replacable with a plug, and the heat exchanger still fully fulfills its function as a thermal regulator.
Advantageously, the oil temperature regulator assembly is designable as required, e.g., to the necessary size and position of the ducts.
Advantageously, the oil temperature regulator assembly ensures a high maximization of space utilization in the vehicle. Advantageously, the oil temperature regulator assembly is particularly flexible in its application, for example allowing the designer to make full use of free space in the vehicle.
It is clear that a person skilled in the art may make changes to the oil temperature regulator assembly described above in order to meet contingent needs, all falling within the scope of protection as defined in the following claims.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 102020000032090 | Dec 2020 | IT | national |
| 102020000032120 | Dec 2020 | IT | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IB2021/061925 | 12/17/2021 | WO |
