CN116659276A

CN116659276A - Oil temperature management assembly

Info

Publication number: CN116659276A
Application number: CN202210156698.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 乔基奥·基隆迪
Original assignee: Shanghai Sofima Automobile Filter Co ltd
Current assignee: Shanghai Sofima Automobile Filter Co ltd
Priority date: 2022-02-21
Filing date: 2022-02-21
Publication date: 2023-08-29

Abstract

An oil temperature management assembly fluidly connectable to an oil circulation system of an operating group of a vehicle includes a main heat exchanger and a support and fluid connection module. The module includes a module body, a thermostat valve, and a bypass valve. The module body includes: an assembly inlet nozzle fluidly connected to the first oil gallery; an assembly discharge nozzle fluidly connected to the second oil passage; a main exchanger inlet nozzle and a main exchanger outlet nozzle for fluid connection of the main heat exchanger and the module; an auxiliary nozzle in which oil flows to the auxiliary heat exchanger. A thermostat valve is housed in the module body in the thermostat valve housing, fluidly connected to the assembly inlet nozzle, the primary exchanger inlet nozzle, and the secondary nozzle, detects the temperature of oil entering the module, and directs the oil to the primary exchanger inlet nozzle and/or the secondary nozzle. A bypass valve is received in the module body in the bypass valve housing, fluidly connected to the assembly inlet nozzle, the thermostat valve, and the assembly outlet nozzle, senses oil pressure entering the module, and directs oil to the thermostat valve and/or the assembly outlet nozzle.

Description

Oil temperature management assembly

Technical Field

The invention relates to an oil temperature management assembly. Preferably, the present invention relates to an oil circulation system including the oil temperature management assembly.

In particular, the invention relates to the field of automobiles.

In fact, the oil temperature management assembly of the present invention has particular application in vehicles, with the aim of regulating the temperature of the operating group of the same vehicle. In particular, an operating group refers to a component or group of components, such as an engine group and/or a transmission group and/or a gearbox group, etc.

In particular, the oil circulation system is fluidly connected to the operating group and comprises, in addition to the oil temperature management assembly, an auxiliary heat exchanger and specific pipes and openings adapted to fluidly connect the above-mentioned components. The auxiliary heat exchanger is known as an embodiment of an air-oil radiator. Auxiliary heat exchangers are also known as embodiments of plate heat exchangers.

In particular, the oil temperature management assembly includes a main heat exchanger and a support and fluid connection module. The module has dual functions: in fluid connection with the main and auxiliary heat exchangers and directing the oil to one or the other component depending on the temperature of the oil entering the module and its pressure.

With particular regard to the main heat exchanger described above, it should be noted that the main heat exchanger can be fluidly connected to a vehicle cooling system in which a water-based fluid typically flows, in addition to being part of the oil circulation system.

Background

In the background art, a technical solution of an oil temperature management assembly included in an oil circulation system is known. Such known oil temperature management assemblies comprise a plate heat exchanger adapted to perform an oil temperature adjustment operation by heat exchange with a fluid. By means of such a heat exchanger, the oil is subjected to heat exchange with the cooling fluid, which increases its temperature.

Some known oil temperature management assemblies can be fluidly connected to an auxiliary heat exchanger, which in turn is adapted to perform a heat exchange operation with the oil. By means of the auxiliary heat exchanger, the oil is subjected to heat exchange, which reduces its temperature.

In contrast, an embodiment is also known in which the oil heating operation is performed by an auxiliary heat exchanger, and the oil cooling operation is performed by a main heat exchanger included in the oil temperature management assembly.

However, known solutions of oil temperature management assemblies have particularly complex geometries and layouts (with complex fluid geometries therein) and complex fluid connection patterns with the pipes of the oil circulation system.

Thus, in the background art solutions, the greater complexity of the geometry and of the layout also requires a complex management of the oil flow circulation. Complex fluid management of the oil involves an inefficient and not abrupt management of the oil temperature circulating in the operating group, thus being detrimental to the functioning of the operating group itself.

Furthermore, in the solutions of the background art, the greater complexity of the geometry and of the layout corresponds to higher production and manufacturing costs.

In addition, in the technical solutions of the background art, the greater complexity of the layout corresponds to a particular difficulty in positioning the oil temperature management assembly inside the vehicle: moreover, there is a particular need in the automotive field to optimize the occupation of available space.

Disclosure of Invention

Accordingly, there is a strong need to provide an oil temperature management assembly that solves the above-mentioned problems.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an oil temperature management assembly that performs oil temperature conditioning operations in an efficient manner, with the simplest possible pipe geometry and layout.

Such an object is achieved by means of an oil temperature management assembly as claimed in claim 1. The dependent claims thereof show preferred embodiments relating to further advantageous aspects. The object is also achieved by an oil circulation system comprising said oil temperature management assembly as claimed in claim 14. The dependent claims thereof show preferred variants which represent further advantageous aspects.

Drawings

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred exemplary embodiment thereof, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C schematically illustrate some embodiments of an oil circulation system according to the present invention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B show two perspective views of an oil temperature management assembly of the present invention according to a preferred embodiment, respectively;

fig. 3A and 3B illustrate two perspective views of the oil temperature management assembly of fig. 2A and 2B, respectively, with separated parts and semi-separated parts;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the oil temperature management assembly of FIGS. 2A and 2B;

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate two partial cross-sectional views of the oil temperature management assembly of FIGS. 2A and 2B including the thermostat valve in a primary state and an auxiliary state;

FIGS. 5C and 5D illustrate two enlarged views of a particular throttle valve of the oil temperature management assembly of FIGS. 5A and 5B, respectively; and

fig. 6A and 6B illustrate two partial cross-sectional views of the oil temperature management assembly of fig. 2A and 2B in an embodiment including a bypass valve in a closed configuration and a bypass configuration.

Reference numerals illustrate:

1 oil temperature management Assembly

2 main heat exchanger

22 flat exchanger face

221 inlet port

222 outlet

3 support and fluid connection module

4 module body

411 assembly inlet nozzle

412 assembly discharge nozzle

42 flat module face

420 main section

421 main exchanger inlet nozzle

422 main exchanger discharge nozzle

43 auxiliary nozzle

44 return nozzle

430 auxiliary section

45-section temperature valve shell

452 main opening

453 auxiliary opening

46 bypass valve housing

460 bypass section

468 valve insertion hole

469 closure plug

47 dividing wall

470 connection channel

5-section temperature valve

51 temperature sensitive element

52 gate element

53 elastic element

6 by-pass valve

61 closure element

62 spring element

500 operation group

900 oil circulation system

901 first oil duct

902 second oil duct

903 auxiliary oil duct

904 auxiliary connecting pipeline

930 auxiliary heat exchanger

X-X, Y-Y longitudinal axis

V-V vertical axis

Detailed Description

Referring to the drawings, reference numeral 1 denotes an oil temperature management assembly according to the present invention.

In particular, the oil temperature management assembly of the present invention, as broadly described below, is adapted to be part of an oil circulation system of a vehicle for the purpose of managing oil (particularly its temperature) flowing into an operating group of the vehicle. Preferably, the "operating group" is an engine group (e.g. with internal combustion or electric or hybrid propulsion), or a transmission group or gearbox group.

The invention also aims at the oil circulation system 900.

Preferably, the oil circulation system includes an auxiliary heat exchanger 930, the type and nature of which are not limiting to the invention.

According to a preferred embodiment, said auxiliary heat exchanger 930 is a radiator adapted to perform a heat exchange between air and oil.

According to a further preferred embodiment, said auxiliary heat exchanger 930 is a plate exchanger adapted to perform a heat exchange effect between the oil and a second fluid, preferably a water-based liquid.

In this embodiment, the auxiliary heat exchanger 930 can be fluidly connected to a vehicle cooling system in which an additional fluid (preferably a water-based liquid) flows.

Preferably, in an embodiment having an auxiliary heat exchanger 930 in the form of a plate exchanger, an auxiliary heat exchanger (similar to the main heat exchanger described widely below) is included in the oil temperature management assembly 1.

Furthermore, the oil circulation system 900 includes conduits for connecting respective groups and/or assemblies, some of which are described below and also shown by way of example in fig. 1A, 1B, and 1C.

Furthermore, according to the preferred embodiment, the oil temperature management 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 orthogonal to the vertical axis V-V.

According to the present invention, the oil temperature management assembly 1 includes a main heat exchanger 2.

Preferably, the main heat exchanger 2 is a plate heat exchanger. In the configuration described below, oil and a second fluid (e.g., a water-based liquid) flow in the main heat exchanger 2.

It should be noted that the use of the term "primary"/"secondary" is used to distinguish between the mode of operation of the component and/or feature and/or some component that cooperates with the primary heat exchanger and the mode of operation of the component and/or feature and/or some component that cooperates with the secondary heat exchanger.

According to a preferred embodiment, the "main heat exchanger" performs an oil heating operation, while the "auxiliary heat exchanger" performs an oil cooling operation. According to such preferred embodiments, "primary" may be replaced with "heating" and "secondary" may be replaced with "cooling".

However, embodiments are contemplated in which the main heat exchanger and the auxiliary heat exchanger operate in opposite positions relative to the heat exchanger described in the preceding paragraph.

According to a preferred embodiment, the main heat exchanger 2 comprises a plurality of plates along said vertical axis V-V, which plates are stacked on each other along the vertical axis V-V to define two distinct zones, one in which the oil flows and the second in which the second fluid flows.

According to a preferred embodiment, each zone comprises vertical exchanger tubes and a horizontal planar zone.

Preferably, in the main heat exchanger 2, the horizontal planar areas intended for the oil circulation are arranged parallel to each other.

Preferably, in the main heat exchanger 2, the horizontal planar areas intended for the second fluid circulation are arranged parallel to each other.

Preferably, the horizontal planar areas intended for the circulation of oil alternate with the planar areas of the second fluid circulation along the vertical axis V-V.

According to a preferred embodiment, the main heat exchanger 2 extends in height direction parallel to the vertical axis V-V. Preferably, the plate has a longitudinal extension relative to the longitudinal axis X-X, Y-Y.

According to the invention, the oil temperature management assembly 1 comprises a support and fluid connection module 3.

According to the invention, the support and fluid connection module 3 comprises a module body 4 to which the main heat exchanger 2 is operatively connected.

According to the invention, the module body 4 comprises:

a module inlet nozzle 411 and a module outlet nozzle 412, the module inlet nozzle 411 being fluidly connectable to a first oil passage 901 of the oil circulation system 900 through which oil from the operation group 500 flows through the module inlet nozzle 411, the module outlet nozzle 412 being fluidly connectable to a second oil passage 902 of the oil circulation system through which oil flows through the module outlet nozzle 412 to the operation group 500;

a main exchanger inlet nozzle 421 and a main exchanger outlet nozzle 422 for fluid connection of the main heat exchanger 2 and the module 4, wherein the main exchanger outlet nozzle 422 is in fluid communication with the assembly outlet nozzle 412;

an auxiliary nozzle 43, which is preferably fluidly connectable to an auxiliary oil gallery 903 of the oil circulation system 900, through which oil flows to an auxiliary heat exchanger 930.

According to a preferred embodiment, illustrated by way of example in fig. 1A, said auxiliary mouth 43 is fluidly connected to an auxiliary oil duct 903, which is fluidly connected to an auxiliary heat exchanger 930.

According to a preferred embodiment, illustrated by way of example in fig. 1B and 1C, said auxiliary nozzle 43 is directly fluidly connected to the auxiliary heat exchanger 930.

According to a preferred embodiment, the auxiliary heat exchanger 930 is directly fluidly connected to the operating group 500. Preferably, the oil circulation system 900 comprises an auxiliary connection conduit 904, the auxiliary connection conduit 904 being adapted to fluidly connect the auxiliary heat exchanger 930 to the operational group 500.

According to a preferred embodiment, said auxiliary connection duct 904 is adapted to allow the conditioned oil to be returned directly from the auxiliary heat exchanger 930 to the operating group 500. Preferably, the auxiliary connection pipe 904 is fluidly connected to the second oil gallery 902.

According to a preferred embodiment, said auxiliary connection duct 904 is adapted to allow the return of conditioned oil from the auxiliary heat exchanger 930 to the oil temperature management assembly 1.

According to the preferred embodiment, the module body 4 includes a return nozzle 44 in fluid communication with an auxiliary heat exchanger 930 by way of an auxiliary connecting duct 904.

According to the preferred embodiment, the return nozzle 44 is in fluid communication with the assembly discharge nozzle 412.

According to a preferred embodiment, the module body 4 includes a return nozzle 44 in direct fluid communication with the auxiliary heat exchanger 930. In particular, the return nozzle 44 is adapted to allow the conditioned oil to return from the auxiliary heat exchanger to the oil temperature management assembly 1.

According to the preferred embodiment described above, the inlet and outlet nozzles for the second fluid (e.g. water) in the main heat exchanger 2 are on the main heat exchanger 2 itself. As shown by way of example in the figures 2A to 5D, said inlet and outlet mouths of the second fluid are positioned on the upper plane of the main heat exchanger 2.

In particular with respect to what has been described above, it is emphasized that a "mouth" is used to define a fluid passage for the oil, which is adapted to allow the oil to enter and exit the module body 4.

The diagram shown in fig. 1A shows a solution in which the auxiliary heat exchanger 930 is separated from the oil temperature management assembly 1. Preferably, in such a solution, the auxiliary heat exchanger 930 is an air/oil radiator.

The illustrations of fig. 1B and 1C show two preferred embodiments, wherein, alternatively, the auxiliary heat exchanger 930 is fixed to the oil temperature management assembly 1, in particular to the support and fluid connection module 3. Preferably, in such a solution, the auxiliary heat exchanger 930 is a plate exchanger. Preferably, the auxiliary heat exchanger 930 is included in the oil temperature management assembly 1.

According to the invention, the support and fluid connection module 3 further comprises a thermostatic valve 5 housed in the module body 4.

The throttle valve 5 is fluidly connected to the assembly inlet nozzle 411, the primary exchanger inlet nozzle 421 and the auxiliary nozzle 43.

According to a preferred embodiment, the thermostat valve 5 is configured to guide the flow of oil between an inlet mouth in fluid communication with the operating group 500 and two outlet mouths in fluid communication with the main heat exchanger 2 and the auxiliary heat exchanger 930, respectively.

According to the invention, the thermostat valve 5 detects the temperature of the oil entering the module 3.

According to a preferred embodiment, the thermostat valve 5 is positioned fluidly upstream of the main heat exchanger 2.

According to a preferred embodiment, the thermostat valve 5 is positioned fluidly upstream of both the main heat exchanger 2 and the auxiliary heat exchanger 930.

According to a preferred embodiment, the thermostat valve 5 is positioned in a region closer to the module inlet nozzle 411 than it is with respect to the module outlet nozzle 412 and with respect to the main exchanger inlet nozzle 421.

According to the invention, the thermostat valve 5 can be configured with respect to the temperature threshold in a main state in which it directs oil to the main exchanger inlet nozzle 421 and in an auxiliary state in which it directs oil to the auxiliary nozzle 43.

According to the invention, the thermostat valve 5 can be configured, depending on the temperature of the oil entering the module 3, in a main state in which it directs the oil to the main exchanger inlet nozzle 421 and in an auxiliary state in which it directs the oil to the auxiliary nozzle 43.

In other words, the throttle valve 5 detects the need to raise the oil temperature or lower the oil temperature, and is arranged in one of the above-described configurations.

According to a preferred embodiment, the total oil quantity reaching the thermostat valve 5 is led to the main heat exchanger 2 or the auxiliary heat exchanger 930.

According to a preferred embodiment, the thermostat valve 5 can be configured in one or more intermediate configurations between the two configurations described above, wherein the oil flow entering the module decreases towards the main exchanger inlet nozzle 421 and the auxiliary nozzle 43.

According to the invention, the module body 4 comprises a thermostat valve housing 45, the thermostat valve 5 being accommodated in the thermostat valve housing 45.

According to a preferred embodiment, the thermo valve housing 45 extends in length from the assembly access nozzle 411. Preferably, the thermostat valve housing 45 extends longitudinally. Preferably, the thermostat valve housing 45 extends parallel to the longitudinal extension direction X-X or Y-Y.

According to a preferred embodiment, the thermostat valve 5 comprises a temperature-sensitive element 51 and a shutter element 52 moved by said temperature-sensitive element 51.

Preferably, the temperature sensitive element 51 is made in the form of a wax element or in the form of a shape memory spring.

Preferably, the gate member 52 is longitudinally movable.

Preferably, the gate member 52 is rotationally movable.

According to a preferred embodiment, the temperature sensitive element 51 is positioned at least partially between the assembly access nozzle 411 and the gate element 52.

In other words, the oil entering from the assembly inlet nozzle 411 first encounters the temperature sensitive element 51 with the shutter element 52.

According to a preferred embodiment, the temperature sensitive element 51 of the thermostat valve 5 faces the assembly inlet nozzle 411.

According to a preferred embodiment, the thermostat valve 5 further comprises a resilient element 53 adapted to operate in opposite directions with respect to the temperature sensitive element 51. In other words, the temperature sensitive element 51 must overcome the action of the elastic element 53 to change the position of the shutter element 52.

Preferably, said elastic element 53 is made in the form of a helical spring.

Preferably, the thermostatic valve 5 is in a position generally corresponding to the main state.

According to a preferred embodiment, the thermostat valve housing 45 includes a main opening 452 and an auxiliary opening 453. In the main state, the shutter member 52 is positioned to open the main opening 452 and close the auxiliary opening 453, and in the auxiliary state, the shutter member 52 is positioned to close the main opening 452 and open the auxiliary opening 453.

According to a preferred embodiment, in the main state the shutter element 52 is positioned to open the main opening 452 and to close the auxiliary opening 453, whereas in the auxiliary state the shutter element 52 is positioned to open the main opening and the auxiliary opening 453.

According to a preferred embodiment, module body 4 includes a main section 420 connecting a main opening 452 and a main exchanger inlet nozzle 421, and includes an auxiliary section 430 connecting an auxiliary opening 453 and an auxiliary nozzle 43.

According to a preferred embodiment, the main section 420 and/or the auxiliary section 430 have an extension substantially parallel to the vertical axis V-V.

According to a preferred embodiment, the main section 420 and/or the auxiliary section 430 have a substantially transverse extension with respect to the thermostat valve housing 45.

Furthermore, according to the preferred embodiment, module body 4 includes a drain section 490 that connects main exchanger drain 422 with assembly drain 412.

According to a preferred embodiment, the discharge section 490 extends substantially parallel to the vertical axis V-V.

Furthermore, according to the invention, the support and fluid connection module 3 also comprises a bypass valve 6.

The bypass valve 6 is in fluid communication with the inlet nozzle 411 and the throttle valve 5.

According to a preferred embodiment, the bypass valve 6 operates in parallel with the thermostat valve 5. In other words, the throttle valve 5 and the bypass valve 6 are arranged in parallel with respect to the circulation direction of the oil entering the module 3.

In particular, the thermostat valve 5 and the bypass valve 6 are in fluid communication with the same oil supply mouth (i.e. the assembly inlet mouth 411) and are configured to direct the oil flow towards the respective oil circulation mouths and/or pipes, depending on the temperature and pressure of the oil entering the module 3.

According to a preferred embodiment, the bypass valve 6 is fluidly connected to the assembly discharge nozzle 412.

According to a preferred embodiment, the bypass valve 6 is normally in a closed configuration, wherein oil flows completely to the thermostat valve 5. Furthermore, when an oil flow having a pressure above the pressure threshold flows, the bypass valve 6 may be configured in a bypass configuration in which oil flows directly to the assembly drain 412.

According to a preferred embodiment, in the bypass configuration, the bypass valve 6 places the assembly inlet nozzle 411 in fluid communication with the assembly outlet nozzle 412, directing the oil flow directly to the operating group 500, thereby allowing the oil flow to avoid circulating through the main heat exchanger 2 and the auxiliary heat exchanger 930 for some pressure conditions to persist.

According to a preferred embodiment, the bypass valve 6 avoids an operating condition in which high pressure oil flows into the main heat exchanger 2 or the auxiliary heat exchanger 930.

According to a preferred embodiment, the bypass valve 6 comprises a closing element 61 and an elastically yielding element 62.

Preferably, in the bypass configuration, the effect of the pressure exerted by the oil flow on the closing element 61 overcomes the force of the elastically yielding element 62 by changing the position of the closing element 61.

According to a preferred embodiment, module body 4 includes a bypass section 460, bypass section 460 connecting bypass valve 6 to assembly discharge nozzle 412, preferably to discharge section 490.

According to a preferred embodiment, the bypass section 460 extends generally longitudinally.

According to the invention, the module body 4 comprises a bypass valve housing 46 for accommodating the bypass valve 6.

According to a preferred embodiment, bypass section 460 is in fluid communication with the bypass valve housing 46.

According to a preferred embodiment, the thermostat valve housing 45 and the bypass valve housing 46 are in fluid communication by means of a connecting channel 470.

Preferably, the connecting channel 470 is positioned close to the assembly access nozzle 411 with respect to the thermostat valve 5.

According to a preferred embodiment, the thermostat valve housing 45 and the bypass valve housing 46 are in fluid communication by means of a connecting channel 470, which is preferably positioned close to the assembly inlet nozzle 411 with respect to the gate element 52 of the thermostat valve 5.

According to a preferred embodiment, the thermostat valve housing 45 and the bypass valve housing 46 extend parallel to each other.

Preferably, the throttle housing 45 and the bypass valve housing 46 extend along respective axes that are oriented substantially parallel.

According to a preferred embodiment, the thermostat valve housing 45 and the bypass valve housing 46 are separated from each other by a partition wall 47 comprised in the module body 4, wherein said connection channel 470 is obtained in said partition wall 47.

According to a preferred embodiment, said connection channel 470 is determined by the presence of a recess or the lowering of the partition wall 47, which is adapted to allow a fluid connection between the thermostat valve 5 and the bypass valve 6 or between the corresponding thermostat valve housing 45 and the bypass valve housing 46.

In other words, according to a preferred embodiment, the partition wall 47 extends in height direction to separate the thermostat valve housing 45 and the bypass valve housing 46 until the area of the assembly access nozzle 411 is approached, in which area the connection channel 470 is positioned.

According to a preferred embodiment, the assembly inlet nozzle 411 supplies oil to both the thermostat valve housing 45 and the bypass valve housing 46, wherein the thermostat valve 5 and the bypass valve 6 operate according to the above.

Preferably, the thermostat valve housing 45 and the bypass valve housing 46 are filled with circulating oil through the connection passage 470 according to the principle of the communication vessel.

According to a preferred embodiment, the peak of oil pressure detected by the bypass valve 6 allows the management of any overpressure when the thermostatic valve 5 manages the oil circulation according to temperature.

In addition, according to a preferred embodiment, the module body 4 includes a valve insertion aperture 468 into which the bypass valve 6 can be inserted. Preferably, the module body 4 includes a closure plug 469 adapted to close the valve insertion aperture 468.

According to a preferred embodiment, the module body 4 comprises an insertion hole for the thermostatic valve 5 and an insertion hole for the bypass valve 6. Preferably, the module body 4 comprises a closure plug adapted to close the two insertion holes.

According to a preferred embodiment, the module body 4 includes a flat module face 42. Preferably, the main exchanger inlet nozzle 421 and the main exchanger outlet nozzle 422 are located on said flat module face 42.

Preferably, the same main heat exchanger 2 comprises a flat exchanger face 22 on which the inlet 221 and outlet 222 are located facing the main exchanger inlet 421 and main exchanger outlet 422, respectively. Preferably, a vertical pipe of the region into which the oil flows extends vertically from the inlet 221 and the outlet 222.

According to a preferred embodiment, the module body 4 includes respective gaskets that surround the main exchanger inlet nozzle 421 and the main exchanger outlet nozzle 422 to allow the main heat exchanger 2 to be fluidly coupled to the module body 4.

According to a preferred embodiment, the module body 4 is a unitary body made of an aluminum alloy by casting or die casting.

According to a preferred embodiment, the module body 4 is a unitary body made of plastic material by an injection molding process.

According to a preferred embodiment, the base plate of the main heat exchanger 2 has special slots through which screws can be passed in order to fasten the main heat exchanger 2 to the module body 4.

According to a preferred embodiment, the main heat exchanger 2 and the module body 4 may be secured by brazing.

According to a preferred embodiment, the auxiliary heat exchanger 930 interfaces with the module body 4 according to the method described above for connecting the module body 4 to the main heat exchanger 2.

Preferably, in the table shown by way of example, the module body 4 includes specific fittings positioned at the assembly inlet nozzle 411, the assembly outlet nozzle 412 and the auxiliary nozzle 43 to facilitate engagement with the first oil passage 901, the second oil passage 902 and the cooling duct 903.

Innovatively, the oil temperature management assembly fully achieves the objects of the invention by overcoming the typical problems of the known art.

Advantageously, in practice, the oil temperature management assembly has a particularly simple layout in its "fluid portion" and in its fluid connection with the respective operating group.

Advantageously, the oil temperature management assembly is adapted to detect the incoming oil temperature in an accurate and timely manner by performing timely management of the oil towards its heating (i.e. towards the main heat exchanger) or towards the auxiliary heat exchanger (i.e. towards the radiator).

Advantageously, the oil temperature management assembly has an optimized fluid path within the module body, resulting in an extremely efficient in reducing the pressure drop imposed on the oil circulation system and associated with operation of the oil temperature management assembly.

Advantageously, the positioning of the thermostatic valve upstream of the primary and secondary exchangers allows to reduce the number of circulation mouths and ducts inside the module body, simplifying its structure, its production process and the costs associated with its manufacture.

Advantageously, the positioning of the thermostat valve upstream of the main exchanger and the auxiliary exchanger allows to reduce the number of openings and the length of the system circulation duct, thus reducing the pressure drop imposed on the oil circulation system in connection with the operation of the oil temperature management assembly.

Advantageously, the presence and positioning of the bypass valve allows both the main and auxiliary heat exchangers to be fluid bypassed (i.e., in both "heating" and "cooling" conditions), thereby protecting these components from undesirable overpressure for the entire set of operating conditions envisioned by the oil temperature management assembly.

Advantageously, the presence and positioning of the bypass valve allows the thermostat valve, the main heat exchanger and the auxiliary heat exchanger to be bypassed in both "heating" and "cooling" conditions, ensuring a fast response to pressure and temperature variations, managing the circulation of oil to and from the operating group in a very optimal way.

Advantageously, the mutual positioning of the thermostatic valve and the bypass valve allows extremely powerful and efficient mutual operation.

Advantageously, the thermostat valve and the bypass valve communicate with the same oil supply port, resulting in extremely strong reactivity and extremely easy in detecting and managing the oil circulation according to both the temperature and the pressure of the oil circulation.

Advantageously, the mutual positioning of the thermostat valve and the bypass valve allows to create an oil management assembly capable of controlling the oil circulation according to both temperature and pressure using two valves mounted in respective housings, wherein each valve has a simple and cost-effective structure.

Advantageously, the use of control valves of simple structure mounted in respective housings in fluid communication allows to increase the reliability of the temperature management assembly, minimizing the risk of possible malfunctions of the operating group and of the circulation system.

Advantageously, the presence of a thermostatic valve housing in communication with the bypass valve housing allows to integrate both temperature control and pressure control on the management assembly, avoiding the use of a multifunctional valve that can be installed in a single housing and is characterized by a complex structure and high production costs.

Advantageously, the oil temperature management assembly ensures a high degree of maximization of the utilization of space in the vehicle. Advantageously, the oil temperature management assembly is particularly flexible in its application, for example, allowing a designer to take full advantage of free space in a vehicle.

It is obvious that the above-described oil temperature management assembly can be modified by a person skilled in the art in order to meet the possible needs, all of which are included within the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An oil temperature management assembly (1) fluidly connectable to an oil circulation system (900) of an operating group (500) of a vehicle, such as an engine group, a transmission group or a gearbox group, wherein the oil circulation system (900) comprises an auxiliary heat exchanger (930), wherein the oil temperature management assembly (1) comprises a main heat exchanger (2) and a support and fluid connection module (3) comprising:

i) -a module body (4), said main heat exchanger (2) being operatively connected to said module body (4), said module body comprising (4):

-an assembly inlet nozzle (411) and an assembly outlet nozzle (412), the assembly inlet nozzle (411) being fluidly connectable to a first oil passage (901) of the oil circulation system (900), oil from the operating group (500) flowing through the assembly inlet nozzle (411), the assembly outlet nozzle (412) being fluidly connectable to a second oil passage (902) of the oil circulation system, the oil flowing through the assembly outlet nozzle (412) to the operating group (500);

a main exchanger inlet nozzle (421) and a main exchanger outlet nozzle (422) for fluid connection of the main heat exchanger (2) and the module (3), wherein the main exchanger outlet nozzle (422) is in fluid communication with the assembly outlet nozzle (412);

-an auxiliary nozzle (43) preferably fluidly connectable to an auxiliary oil gallery (903) of the oil circulation system (900) in which the oil flows to the auxiliary heat exchanger (930);

ii) a thermostat valve (5) housed in the module body (4) in a thermostat valve housing (45) fluidly connected to the assembly inlet mouth (411), the main exchanger inlet mouth (421) and the auxiliary mouth (43), wherein the thermostat valve (5) detects the temperature of the oil entering the module (3) and can be configured with respect to a temperature threshold to a main state of directing the oil to the main exchanger inlet mouth (421) and an auxiliary state of directing the oil to the auxiliary mouth (43);

iii) -a bypass valve (6) accommodated in the module body (4) in a bypass valve housing (46) fluidly connected to the assembly inlet nozzle (421) and the thermostat valve (5), wherein the bypass valve (6) is fluidly connected to the assembly outlet nozzle (412), wherein the bypass valve (6) is normally in a closed configuration in which the oil flows completely to the thermostat valve (5) and is configurable in a bypass configuration in which the oil flows directly to the assembly outlet nozzle (412) when a flow of oil having a pressure above a pressure threshold flows.

2. The oil temperature management assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the throttle valve (5) and the bypass valve (6) are operated according to the oil temperature and oil pressure at the inlet of the module (3), respectively.

3. The oil temperature management assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thermostat valve housing (45) and the bypass valve housing (46) are in fluid communication by means of a connection channel (470), which is preferably positioned close to the assembly inlet mouth (411) with respect to the thermostat valve (5).

4. The oil temperature management assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the thermostat valve (5) comprises a temperature sensitive element (51) and a gate element (52) moved by the temperature sensitive element (51), wherein the temperature sensitive element (51) is positioned at least partially between the assembly inlet mouth (411) and the gate element (52).

5. The oil temperature management assembly (1) of claim 4, wherein the thermostat valve housing (45) includes a main opening (452) and an auxiliary opening (453), wherein in the main state the shutter element (52) is positioned to open the main opening (452) and to close the auxiliary opening (453), and wherein in the auxiliary state the shutter element (52) is positioned to close the main opening (452) and to open the auxiliary opening (453), wherein the connection channel (470) is positioned closer to the assembly inlet mouth (411) than both the main opening (452) and the auxiliary opening (453).

6. The oil temperature management assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the thermostat valve housing (45) and the bypass valve housing (46) extend parallel to each other.

7. The oil temperature management assembly (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the module body (4) comprises a partition wall (47) separating the thermostat valve housing (45) and the bypass valve housing (46), wherein the connection channel (470) is obtained in the partition wall (47).

8. The oil temperature management assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the module body (4) comprises a valve insertion hole (468), into which the bypass valve (6) is insertable, the valve insertion hole (468) comprising a closing plug (469) adapted to close the valve insertion hole (468).

9. The oil temperature management assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a vertical axis (V-V) and two longitudinal axes (X-X; Y-Y) mutually orthogonal to each other, wherein the main heat exchanger (2) extends vertically parallel to the vertical axis (V-V), wherein the thermostat valve (5) extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axes (X-X; Y-Y).

10. The oil temperature management assembly (1) of claim 9, wherein the module body (4) comprises a main section (420) connecting the main opening (452) and the main exchanger inlet nozzle (421), and comprises an auxiliary section (430) connecting the auxiliary opening (453) and the auxiliary nozzle (43), wherein both the main section (420) and the auxiliary section (430) extend substantially parallel to the vertical axis (V-V).

11. The oil temperature management assembly (1) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the module body (4) comprises a drain section (490) connecting the main exchanger drain (422) to the assembly drain (412), wherein the drain section (490) extends substantially parallel to the vertical axis (V-V).

12. The oil temperature management assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the module body (4) comprises a bypass section (460), the bypass section (460) connecting the bypass valve (6) to the assembly drain (412), preferably to the drain section (490).

13. The oil temperature management assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the module body (4) comprises a flat module face (42), on which flat module face (42) the exchanger inlet mouth (421) and the exchanger outlet mouth (422) are obtained, wherein the main heat exchanger (2) is preferably sealingly fixed to the flat module face (42).

14. An oil circulation system (900) of an operating group (500), such as an engine group, a transmission group or a gearbox group, of a vehicle, wherein the oil circulation system (900) comprises an auxiliary heat exchanger (930) and a temperature management assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims.