CN218600355U - Oil temperature management assembly and oil circulation system of operation group of vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

An oil temperature management assembly fluidly connectable to an oil circulation system of an operating group of the vehicle. The oil temperature management assembly includes a main heat exchanger and a support and fluid connection module. The support and fluid connection module includes a module body and a thermostat valve. The module body to which the primary heat exchanger is operatively connected comprises only the following nozzles: an assembly access nozzle fluidly connectable to the first oil passage; an assembly discharge nozzle fluidly connectable 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, the main exchanger outlet nozzle being in fluid communication with the module outlet nozzle; and an auxiliary nozzle through which the oil flows to the auxiliary heat exchanger. A thermostatic valve is housed in the module body, fluidly connected to the assembly inlet nozzle, the main exchanger inlet nozzle, and the auxiliary nozzle. The thermostat valve detects the temperature of the oil entering the module and the oil is directed to the main exchanger inlet nozzle and/or the auxiliary nozzle.

Description

Oil temperature management assembly and oil circulation system of operation group of vehicle

Technical Field

The utility model relates to an oil temperature management subassembly. Preferably, the present invention relates to an oil circulation system comprising an oil temperature management assembly.

In particular, the present invention relates to the automotive field.

Indeed, the utility model discloses an in the vehicle is specifically applied to the oil temperature management subassembly, the temperature of the operation group of purpose regulation 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 ducts and openings suitable for fluidly connecting the above mentioned components. Embodiments are known in which the auxiliary heat exchanger is an air-oil radiator. Embodiments are also known in which the auxiliary heat exchanger is a plate heat exchanger.

In particular, the oil temperature management assembly includes a main heat exchanger and a support and fluid connection module. This module has dual functions: is in fluid connection with the main heat exchanger and the auxiliary heat exchanger, and directs the oil to one or the other component depending on the input temperature of the oil.

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

Background

In the background art, solutions of oil temperature management assemblies included in oil circulation systems are known. Such known oil temperature management assemblies include a plate heat exchanger adapted to perform an oil temperature regulation operation through heat exchange with a fluid. By means of such a heat exchanger, the oil is subjected to a heat exchange action 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 a heat exchange action, which lowers its temperature.

In contrast, there is also known an embodiment in which the oil heating operation is performed by the auxiliary heat exchanger, and the oil cooling operation is performed by the 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 among them) and complex fluid connection patterns with the pipes of the oil circulation system.

Therefore, in the solutions of the background art, 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 inefficient and not abrupt management of the temperature of the oil circulating in the operating group, thus penalizing the operation of the operating group itself.

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

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

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

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

An aspect of the present invention provides an oil temperature management assembly that is fluidly connectable to an oil circulation system of an operating group of a vehicle, such as an engine group, a transmission group or a gearbox group, wherein the oil circulation system comprises an auxiliary heat exchanger, wherein the oil temperature management assembly comprises a main heat exchanger and a support and fluid connection module, the support and fluid connection module comprising:

a module body, said main heat exchanger being operatively connected to said module body, said module body comprising:

a component inlet nozzle fluidly connectable to a first oil passage of the oil circulation system through which oil from the operational group flows, and a component outlet nozzle fluidly connectable to a second oil passage of the oil circulation system through which the oil flows to the operational group;

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

an auxiliary nozzle fluidly connectable to an auxiliary oil gallery of the oil circulation system through which the oil flows to the auxiliary heat exchanger;

wherein the module body includes only the mouth;

a thermostat valve housed in the module body fluidly connected to the assembly inlet nozzle, the main exchanger inlet nozzle, and the auxiliary nozzle, wherein the thermostat valve detects a temperature of the oil entering the module and is configurable, relative to a temperature threshold, to a main state directing the oil to the main exchanger inlet nozzle and an auxiliary state directing the oil to the auxiliary nozzle.

Another aspect of the present invention provides an oil circulation system of an operation group of a vehicle, wherein the oil circulation system includes an auxiliary heat exchanger and the above-mentioned oil temperature management assembly.

The oil temperature management assembly performs oil temperature regulation operations in an efficient manner with the simplest possible pipe geometry and layout.

Such an object is achieved by means of the oil temperature management assembly proposed by the present invention. Other embodiments show preferred embodiments relating to further advantageous aspects. This object is also achieved by the present invention by providing an oil circulation system comprising said oil temperature management assembly.

Drawings

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

fig. 1A, 1B and 1C diagrammatically show some embodiments of an oil circulation system according to the invention;

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

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

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 a thermostat valve in a primary state and a secondary state;

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

fig. 6A and 6B show 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.

Description of the reference numerals:

1. oil temperature management assembly

2. Main heat exchanger

22. Flat exchanger surface

221. Entrance

222. Discharge outlet

3. Support and fluid connection module

4. Module body

411. Component access nozzle

412. Component discharge nozzle

42. Flat module face

420. Main section

421. Main exchanger inlet nozzle

422. Discharge nozzle of main exchanger

43. Auxiliary nozzle

430. Auxiliary section

45. Thermostatic valve casing

452. Main opening

453. Auxiliary opening

46. Bypass valve housing

460. Bypass section

468. Valve insertion hole

469. Closing plug

47. Partition wall

470. Connecting channel

5. Temperature-saving valve

51. Temperature sensitive element

52. Gate element

53. Elastic element

6. Bypass valve

61. Closure element

62. Elastically yielding 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 shaft

Detailed Description

With reference to the accompanying drawings, reference numeral 1 indicates 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, with the purpose of managing the oil (and in particular the temperature thereof) flowing into the operating group of the vehicle. Preferably, said "operating group" is an engine group (for example with internal combustion or electric or hybrid propulsion), or a transmission group or a gearbox group.

The purpose of the present invention is also to provide an oil circulation system 900.

Preferably, the oil circulation system includes an auxiliary heat exchanger 930, the type and features of which do not limit the present invention.

According to a preferred embodiment, said auxiliary heat exchanger 930 is a radiator adapted to perform a heat exchange action 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 action 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 heat exchanger, an auxiliary heat exchanger (similar to the main heat exchanger described extensively below) is included in the oil temperature management assembly 1.

Furthermore, the oil circulation system 900 comprises pipes for connecting the 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 a 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 utility model discloses, oil temperature management subassembly 1 includes 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 of the components cooperating with the primary heat exchanger and the mode of operation of the component and/or feature and/or some of the components cooperating with the secondary heat exchanger.

According to a preferred embodiment, the "main heat exchanger" performs an oil heating operation, and 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 envisioned in which the main and auxiliary heat exchangers 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, stacked one on top of the other along said vertical axis V-V, to define two distinct zones, one in which the oil flows and the second fluid in which the second fluid flows.

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

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

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

Preferably, the horizontal planar areas intended for the circulation of the 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 the height direction parallel to the vertical axis V-V. Preferably, the plate has a longitudinal extension with respect to the longitudinal axes X-X, Y-Y.

According to the utility model discloses, oil temperature management subassembly 1 is including support and fluid connection module 3.

According to the present 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 utility model discloses, module body 4 includes:

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

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

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

According to a preferred embodiment, which is shown by way of example in fig. 1A and 1B, said auxiliary mouths 43 are fluidly connected to an auxiliary oil channel 903 which is fluidly connected to an auxiliary heat exchanger 930.

According to a preferred embodiment, shown by way of example in fig. 1C, said auxiliary mouths 43 are directly fluidly connected to an auxiliary heat exchanger 930.

According to a preferred embodiment, said auxiliary heat exchanger 930 is 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 operating group 500.

According to a preferred embodiment, said auxiliary connection conduit 904 is adapted to allow the return of the conditioned oil from the auxiliary heat exchanger 930 directly to the operating group 500. Preferably, the auxiliary connecting conduit 904 is fluidly connected to the second oil passage 902.

According to a preferred embodiment, module body 4 includes only the above-described mouth. In other words, module body 4 includes only five mouths.

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

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

The diagrams shown in fig. 1A and 1B illustrate a technical solution in which the auxiliary heat exchanger 930 is spaced apart from the oil temperature management assembly 1. Preferably, in such a solution, the auxiliary heat exchanger 930 is an air/oil radiator.

The diagram of fig. 1C shows a preferred embodiment, wherein the auxiliary heat exchanger 930 is instead fixed to the oil temperature management assembly 1, in particular to the support and fluid connection module 3. Preferably, in such 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 accommodated in the module body 4.

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

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

According to the utility model discloses, thermostat valve 5 detects the temperature of the oil that gets into module 3.

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

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

According to the present invention, the thermostatic valve 5 can be configured, with respect to the temperature threshold, in a main state in which it directs the oil towards the main exchanger entry mouth 421 and in an auxiliary state in which it directs the oil towards the auxiliary mouth 43.

According to the utility model discloses, the thermostatic valve 5 can be constructed into its main state that leads oil to main interchanger entering mouth 421 and its auxiliary state that leads oil to auxiliary mouth 43 according to the oil temperature that gets into module 3.

In other words, the thermostat 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 entire amount of oil reaching the thermostatic valve 5 is directed to either the main heat exchanger 2 or the auxiliary heat exchanger 930.

According to a preferred embodiment, the thermostatic valve 5 can be configured in one or more intermediate configurations between the two above-mentioned configurations, in which the oil flow entering the module 3 is reduced between the main exchanger inlet mouth 421 and the auxiliary mouth 43.

According to a preferred embodiment, module body 4 includes a thermostat housing 45, and thermostat 5 is housed in thermostat housing 45.

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

According to a preferred embodiment, the thermostatic 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, gate element 52 moves longitudinally.

Preferably, the gate element 52 is rotationally displaced.

According to a preferred embodiment, the temperature sensitive element 51 is positioned at least partially between the assembly entry mouth 411 and the shutter element 52.

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

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

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

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

Preferably, the thermostatic valve 5 is in a position which normally corresponds to the main state.

According to a preferred embodiment, the thermostatic 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 condition, the shutter element 52 is positioned to open the main opening 452 and close the auxiliary opening 453, while in the auxiliary condition, 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 primary section 420 connecting primary opening 452 and primary exchanger inlet mouth 421, and includes a secondary section 430 connecting secondary opening 453 and secondary mouth 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 thermostatic valve housing 45.

Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, module body 4 comprises a discharge section 490 connecting main exchanger discharge nozzle 422 with assembly discharge nozzle 412.

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

According to a preferred embodiment, the support and fluid connection module 3 further comprises a bypass valve 6.

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

According to a preferred embodiment, the bypass valve 6 is operated in parallel with the thermostatic valve 5. In other words, the thermostatic 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 thermostatic valve 5 and the bypass valve 6 are in fluid communication with the same oil supply nozzle (i.e. the assembly inlet nozzle 411) and are configured to direct the flow of oil towards the respective oil circulation nozzles and/or ducts, 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 the oil flows completely to the thermostatic valve 5. Further, when oil flow having a pressure above the pressure threshold flows, the bypass valve 6 may be configured in a bypass configuration, wherein oil flows directly to the assembly drain 412.

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

According to a preferred embodiment, the bypass valve 6 avoids operating conditions 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 action of the pressure exerted by the oil flow on the closing element 61 overcomes the force of the elastically yielding element 62 by varying 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 substantially longitudinally.

According to a preferred embodiment, module body 4 includes a bypass valve housing 46 for housing bypass valve 6.

According to a preferred embodiment, the bypass section 460 is in fluid communication with the bypass valve housing 6.

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

Preferably, said connection channel 470 is positioned close to the assembly inlet mouth 411 with respect to the thermostatic valve 5.

According to a preferred embodiment, the thermostatic 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 mouth 411 with respect to the shutter element 52 of the thermostatic valve 5.

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

Preferably, the thermostatic valve 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 one another by a partition wall 47 included in the module body 4, wherein the connecting channel 470 is obtained in the 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 thermostatic valve 5 and the bypass valve 6 or between the respective thermostatic valve housing 45 and the bypass valve housing 46.

In other words, according to a preferred embodiment, the partition wall 47 extends in height so as to separate the thermostatic valve housing 45 and the bypass valve housing 46 up to the region close to the assembly entry mouth 411, in which the connecting channel 470 is positioned.

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

Preferably, the thermostatic valve housing 45 and the bypass valve housing 46 are filled with circulating oil through the connection passage 470 according to the principle of communicating vessels.

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

In addition, according to a preferred embodiment, module body 4 includes a valve insertion hole 468 into which bypass valve 6 is insertable. Preferably, module body 4 includes a closing plug 469 adapted to close said valve insertion aperture 468.

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

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

Preferably, the same main heat exchanger 2 comprises a flat exchanger face 22, on which exchanger face 22 an inlet mouth 221 and a discharge mouth 222 are located, respectively facing a main exchanger inlet mouth 421 and a main exchanger discharge mouth 422. Preferably, vertical pipes of the region into which oil flows extend vertically from the inlet nozzle 221 and the discharge nozzle 222.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Preferably, in the drawings shown by way of example, the module body 4 includes specific fittings positioned at the component inlet nozzle 411, the component 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 present 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 a precise and timely manner by performing a timely management of the oil both in the heating step (e.g. directing the oil flow to the main heat exchanger) and in the cooling step (e.g. directing the oil flow to the auxiliary heat exchanger).

Advantageously, the oil temperature management assembly has optimized fluid paths within the module body, resulting in extremely high efficiency in reducing pressure drops 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 main exchanger and of the auxiliary exchanger allows to reduce the number of circulation mouths and ducts inside the module body, thus simplifying its structure, production process and costs associated with its manufacture.

Advantageously, the positioning of the thermostatic valve upstream of the main and auxiliary exchangers allows to reduce the number of openings and the length of the system circulation ducts, thus reducing the pressure drop imposed on the oil circulation system associated with the operation of the oil temperature management assembly.

Advantageously, the use of a modular body comprising said circulation mouth, combined with the positioning of the thermostatic valve upstream of the main heat exchanger, allows the oil circulating through the auxiliary exchanger to be directed directly to the operating group, avoiding the return of the conditioned oil towards the oil temperature management assembly. This solution simplifies the structure of the oil circulation system and the module body, thereby reducing the costs associated with the production of the oil temperature management assembly and the circulation system itself.

Advantageously, the presence of the bypass valve and the positioning of the bypass valve allow both the primary heat exchanger and the secondary heat exchanger to be fluid bypassed (i.e., in both "warm" and "cool" conditions), thereby protecting these components from undesirable overpressures for the entire set of operating conditions foreseen by the oil temperature management assembly.

Advantageously, the presence and positioning of the bypass valve allows the thermostatic valve, the main heat exchanger and the auxiliary heat exchanger to be bypassed in both "heating" and "cooling" conditions, thus ensuring a quick response to pressure and temperature variations, managing the circulation of oil to and from the operating group in an extremely optimal manner.

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 great ease in detecting and managing the oil circulation based on both the temperature and the pressure of the oil circulation.

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

Advantageously, the presence of the thermostatic valve housing in communication with the bypass valve housing allows integrating 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 use of control valves with simple structure mounted in respective housings in fluid communication allows to improve the reliability of the temperature management assembly, minimizing the risk of possible malfunctioning of the operating group and of the circulation system.

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

Obviously, to satisfy contingent needs, a person skilled in the art may make modifications to the oil temperature management assembly described above, all of which are included within the scope of protection defined by the present invention.

Claims (17)

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, transmission or gearbox group, characterized in that 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), the support and fluid connection module (3) comprising:

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

-a component inlet nozzle (411) and a component outlet nozzle (412), said component 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 component inlet nozzle (411), said component outlet nozzle (412) being fluidly connectable to a second oil passage (902) of the oil circulation system, said oil flowing through the component outlet nozzle (412) towards 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) fluidly connectable to an auxiliary oil channel (903) of the oil circulation system (900) through which the oil flows towards the auxiliary heat exchanger (930);

wherein the module body (4) comprises only the above-mentioned mouth;

a thermostat valve (5) housed in the module body (4), 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 is configurable, with respect to a temperature threshold, into a main condition of directing the oil towards the main exchanger inlet mouth (421) and into an auxiliary condition of directing the oil towards the auxiliary mouth (43).

2. The oil temperature management assembly (1) of claim 1, wherein the module body (4) includes a thermostat valve housing (45) in which the thermostat valve (5) is housed, wherein the thermostat valve housing (45) extends in a length direction from the assembly access nozzle (411).

3. The oil temperature management assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the thermostat valve (5) comprises a temperature sensitive element (51) and a shutter element (52) moved by the temperature sensitive element (51), wherein the temperature sensitive element (51) is positioned at least partially between the assembly access mouth (411) and the shutter element (52).

4. The oil temperature management assembly (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the thermostat valve housing (45) comprises a main opening (452) and an auxiliary opening (453), wherein in the main state the thermostat valve (5) is positioned to open the main opening (452) and close the auxiliary opening (453), and wherein in the auxiliary state the thermostat valve (5) is positioned to close the main opening (452) and open the auxiliary opening (453).

5. The oil temperature management assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized by comprising a vertical axis (V-V) and two longitudinal axes (X-X; Y-Y) mutually orthogonal to each other, wherein the primary heat exchanger (2) extends vertically parallel to the vertical axis (V-V) and the thermostat valve (5) extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axes (X-X; Y-Y).

6. The oil temperature management assembly (1) according to claim 4, characterized by comprising a vertical axis (V-V) and two longitudinal axes (X-X; Y-Y) mutually orthogonal to each other, wherein the primary heat exchanger (2) extends vertically parallel to the vertical axis (V-V), the thermostat valve (5) extends substantially parallel to longitudinal axes (X-X; Y-Y), the module body (4) comprises a primary section (420) connecting the primary opening (452) and the primary exchanger entry nozzle (421), and comprises an auxiliary section (430) connecting the auxiliary opening (453) and the auxiliary nozzle (43), wherein both the primary section (420) and the auxiliary section (430) extend substantially parallel to the vertical axis (V-V).

7. The oil temperature management assembly (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the module body (4) comprises a discharge section (490) connecting the main exchanger discharge nozzle (422) to the assembly discharge nozzle (412), wherein the discharge section (490) extends substantially parallel to the vertical axis (V-V).

8. The oil temperature management assembly (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the support and fluid connection module (3) further comprises a bypass valve (6) in fluid communication with the assembly inlet nozzle (411) 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 in a closed configuration in which the oil flows fully 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 an oil flow having a pressure greater than a pressure threshold flows.

9. The oil temperature management assembly (1) of claim 8, wherein the module body (4) includes a bypass section (460), the bypass section (460) connecting the bypass valve (6) to the assembly drain nozzle (412).

10. The oil temperature management assembly (1) of claim 9, wherein the bypass section (460) connects the bypass valve (6) to the drain section (490).

11. The oil temperature management assembly (1) of claim 9, wherein the module body (4) includes a bypass valve housing (46) for housing the bypass valve (6), wherein the bypass valve housing (46) is in fluid communication with the thermostat valve (5).

12. The oil temperature management assembly (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the module body (4) includes a bypass valve housing (46) for housing the bypass valve (6), wherein the bypass valve housing (46) is in fluid communication with the thermostat valve (5), the thermostat valve housing (45) and the bypass valve housing (46) being in fluid communication by means of a connecting channel (470).

13. The oil temperature management assembly (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the connecting channel is located close to the assembly inlet mouth (411) with respect to the thermostat valve (5).

14. The oil temperature management assembly (1) of claim 12, wherein the thermostat valve housing (45) and the bypass valve housing (46) extend parallel to each other.

15. The oil temperature management assembly (1) according to claim 14, 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).

16. The oil temperature management assembly (1) according to any one of claims 8-15, characterized in that the module body (4) includes a valve insertion hole (468) into which the bypass valve (6) is insertable, the valve insertion hole (468) including a closing plug (469) adapted to close the valve insertion hole (468).

17. An oil circulation system (900) of an operating group (500) of a vehicle, characterized in that the oil circulation system (900) comprises an auxiliary heat exchanger (930) and an oil temperature management assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims.

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