Vehicle Thermal Management Components

Abstract

The present invention discloses a thermal management component (1) of a thermal management system (500) of a vehicle. The thermal management system (500) includes a first fluid circuit (510) connectable to an electronic group (600) (i.e., a battery group), and a second fluid circuit (520) connectable to an operating group (700) (i.e., an engine group). The thermal management component (1) includes: a main body (2), including a first inlet nozzle (211) and a first outlet nozzle (212) fluidly connected to the first fluid circuit (510), and a second inlet nozzle (221) and a second outlet nozzle (222) fluidly connected to the second fluid circuit (520), and including a plurality of fluid connections; a thermal regulating component (3), including a container (30) at least partially contained in the main body (2) or located on the main body, and a predetermined amount of phase change material (S) in the container (30); a mechanical ignition component (4), suitable for igniting the thermal regulating component ( 3) performs a vibration mechanical action on the material (S), which triggers an exothermic crystallization reaction of the material (S); the command member (5), housed in the main body (2), can be configured in the following items: i) a first configuration, in which a fluid path close to the thermal regulating member (3) is defined in the fluid connection from the first inlet nozzle (211) to the first outlet nozzle (212); ii) a second configuration, in which a fluid path close to the thermal regulating member (3) is defined in the fluid connection from the second inlet nozzle (221) to the second outlet nozzle (222).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a thermal management component of a thermal management system of a vehicle. In addition, the present invention also relates to a thermal management system of a vehicle comprising the thermal management component. In addition, the present invention also relates to a vehicle comprising the system and the thermal management component. Background Art

[0002] In other words, the invention relates to the automotive field, in particular to thermal management systems for vehicles.In particular, the term "vehicle" relates to any means of transport without any restriction in type or size, ie a motor vehicle or a semi-articulated vehicle.

[0003] As is known from the prior art, it is necessary to manage the temperature of the operating groups of a vehicle in order to bring them to and / or maintain the best possible operating conditions (by cooling and / or heating them). Specifically, an "operating group" hereinafter refers to a specific component or group of components used to perform a given operation required for the movement of the vehicle. Thus, for example, an "operating group" refers to an engine group, for example an endothermic engine group, but also an electric engine group.

[0004] Furthermore, with specific reference to the present invention, an "operational group" includes an "electronics group" that identifies a "battery group" contained in the vehicle.

[0005] With particular reference to electronic groups, especially batteries, there is a particular need to bring them to the desired optimum operating condition as quickly as possible.

[0006] That is, note how important it is to get the electronics pack to optimal operating temperature as quickly as possible, for example, after ignition. Furthermore, the more stringent the ambient temperature in which the vehicle operates, the more pronounced this problem becomes. Summary of the invention

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a novel thermal management assembly by which the above-mentioned problems are solved.

[0008] In particular, the object is achieved by a thermal management assembly as set forth in the present invention. Similarly, the object is achieved by a thermal management system for a vehicle, the system comprising such a thermal management assembly as set forth in the present invention. Furthermore, the object is achieved by a vehicle comprising a thermal management system as set forth in the present invention.

[0009] The claims dependent on the preceding claims show preferred variants suggesting further advantageous aspects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Other features and advantages of the present invention become apparent from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments thereof, given by way of non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0011] Figure 1A schematic diagram showing a thermal management system fluidly connected to some vehicle operating groups, the thermal management system including a thermal management assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0012] Figure 2 Depicted Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a thermal management system in an activation phase of a thermal management component;

[0013] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a thermal management system with a thermal management component in a first configuration or a heating configuration;

[0014] Figure 4 Shows Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a thermal management system of a thermal management assembly in a second configuration or regeneration configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] 1. Referring to the drawings, reference numeral 1 denotes a thermal management assembly of a thermal management system 500 for a vehicle according to the present invention.

[0016] The present invention also relates to a thermal management system 500 comprising a thermal management assembly 1 .

[0017] Specifically, if Figure 1 As shown, the thermal management system 500 of the present invention and / or the thermal management system 500 of the present invention that can be installed with the thermal management component 1 includes: a first fluid circuit 510, in which a first fluid flows; and a second fluid circuit 520, in which a second fluid flows.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, a first fluid flows in the first fluid circuit 510 , and a second fluid different from the first fluid flows in the second fluid circuit 520 .

[0019] According to other embodiments, the same liquid flows in the first fluid circuit 510 and the second fluid circuit 520 .

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the first fluid circuit 510 may be fluidically connected to an electronic group 600 of the vehicle, such as a battery pack. That is, the liquid flowing in the first fluid circuit 510 is suitable for regulating the temperature of the electronic group 600.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the second fluid circuit 520 may be fluidically connected to an operating group 700 of the vehicle, such as an engine group. That is, the liquid flowing in the second fluid circuit 520 is suitable for regulating the temperature of the operating group 700.

[0022] Preferably, the first fluid circuit 510 and the second fluid circuit 520 each include specific conduits adapted to allow fluid connection with the respective operating group.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the first fluid circuit 510 comprises a first pump set 519 adapted to move the first fluid in the first circuit, ie in a conduit of the first circuit.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the second fluid circuit 520 comprises a second pump set 529 adapted to move the second fluid in the second circuit, ie in the conduits of the second circuit.

[0025] According to the present invention, the thermal management assembly 1 may be fluidly connected to a first fluid circuit 510 and a second fluid circuit 520 .

[0026] As described below, the thermal management assembly 1 is adapted to manage the temperature of the liquid flowing in the first fluid circuit 510 , and thus the temperature of the electronics group 600 .

[0027] According to the invention, the thermal management assembly 1 comprises a body 2 fluidically connected to said circuit. That is, the thermal management assembly 1 is connectable to a conduit of said circuit. In other words, the body 2 is a fluid collector.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, the body 2 comprises a first pair of nozzles connected to a first fluid circuit and a second pair of nozzles connected to a second fluid circuit.

[0029] In practice, the body 2 comprises a first inlet nozzle 211 and a first outlet nozzle 212 which are fluidically connected to the first fluid circuit 510 .

[0030] Furthermore, the body 2 comprises a second inlet nozzle 221 and a second outlet nozzle 222 which are fluidically connected to the second fluid circuit 520 .

[0031] According to the present invention, the body 2 comprises a plurality of fluid connections extending between the above-mentioned inlet and outlet nozzles. Therefore, the liquid flowing in the first fluid circuit 510 and the liquid flowing in the second fluid circuit 520 are adapted to flow in the fluid connections.

[0032] According to the invention, the thermal regulating assembly 1 comprises a command member 5 housed in the body 2 , which command member 5 can be configured in various configurations, as described below.

[0033] In particular, as described below, the command member 5 is adapted to allow a liquid to pass through one fluid portion but not through another fluid portion, thereby determining a specific fluid path for one or more liquids in the body 2 .

[0034] That is, as required, with the aid of the command member 5, one or more fluid paths through which the first fluid and the second fluid flow are identified in the main body 2.

[0035] According to the present invention, the heat regulating assembly 1 comprises a heat regulating member 3 comprising a container 30 and a predetermined amount of a phase change material S contained in the container 30 .

[0036] The heat regulating member 3 is at least partially accommodated in the main body 2 or located on the main body 2 .

[0037] Preferably, the container 30 is sealed and contains the phase change material S to avoid potential external contamination of the phase change material S.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment, the phase change material S is a liquid-based substance containing a supersaturated liquid.

[0039] Preferably, the phase change material S is entirely composed of supersaturated liquid.

[0040] According to the present invention, the liquid phase change material S is "activatable" (e.g. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the phase change material S undergoes a phase change, which causes it to become solid. The phase change material S generates heat (releases thermal energy) during the phase change. Therefore, the generated heat is suitable for heating the environment around the container 30, thereby transferring heat. That is, once the phase change material S is activated, it undergoes an exothermic crystallization reaction, thereby changing from a liquid state to a solid state. Therefore, the stage in the present disclosure is referred to as a "heating stage". Preferably, during Figure 3 This stage is described in .

[0041] According to the present invention, the solid phase change material S can return to the liquid state. In other words, the phase change material S is suitable for undergoing a new phase change, which returns it from the solid state to the liquid state; that is, the phase change material S is "recharged" or "regenerated". Specifically, this operation can be performed by heating the solid phase change material S. That is, the crystalline form into which the phase change material S is transformed in the above-mentioned "heating stage" is dissolved. Therefore, the stage in the present disclosure is referred to as the "regeneration stage". Preferably, in Figure 4 Such a stage is described in .

[0042] According to the invention, the activation allowing the "heating phase" to be started is obtained by mechanical action.

[0043] Specifically, the heat regulating assembly 1 of the present invention comprises a mechanical ignition member 4 adapted to perform a vibrating mechanical action on the heat regulating member 3. This vibrating mechanical action is adapted to trigger an exothermic crystallization reaction of the phase change material S, transforming the phase change material S from a liquid state to a solid state.

[0044] According to this embodiment, the mechanical ignition member 4 is mounted on the container 3 or integrally embedded in the container 3 .

[0045] Preferably, the mechanical ignition member 4 is essentially a switch, which, when turned on, generates a vibration effect on the phase change material S, thereby activating crystallization.

[0046] According to a preferred embodiment, the specific fluid portion in the body 2 is located in the proximal region of the thermal regulating member 3, that is, the proximal end of the container 30. Therefore, the fluid flowing in such a fluid portion preferably exchanges heat with the regulating member 3.

[0047] Preferably, the body 2 includes a first main fluid portion 21a and a second main fluid portion 22a located at a proximal region of the heat regulating member 3. The amount of fluid flowing in the first main fluid portion 21a and the amount of fluid flowing in the second main fluid portion 22a perform heat exchange operation with the heat regulating member 3.

[0048] According to a preferred embodiment, the first main fluid portion 21a and the second main fluid portion 22a are fluidically different from each other.

[0049] According to one variant, the first main fluid portion 21a and the second main fluid portion 22a may be fluidically connected via the auxiliary fluid portions 21c, 22c, wherein the flow of fluid through the first main fluid portion 21a and / or through the second main fluid portion 22a and / or through the auxiliary fluid portions 21c, 22c is controlled by the command member 5.

[0050] According to a preferred embodiment, the specific fluid portion in the body 2 is located at the distal region of the thermal conditioning member 3, that is, the distal region of the container 30. Therefore, the fluid flowing in this fluid portion preferably does not exchange heat with the conditioning member 3.

[0051] Preferably, the body 2 includes a first bypass fluid portion 21 b located at a distal end position of the heat regulating member 3 , the first bypass fluid portion 21 b communicating the first inlet nozzle 211 and the first outlet nozzle 212 .

[0052] Furthermore, the main body 2 preferably includes a second bypass fluid portion 22 b located at a distal end position of the heat regulating member 3 , the second bypass fluid portion 22 b communicating the second inlet nozzle 221 and the second outlet nozzle 222 .

[0053] According to this preferred embodiment, the fluids flowing in the first bypass fluid portion 21b and the second bypass fluid portion 22b do not experience significant temperature changes.

[0054] According to the present invention, during the period when the physical state of the phase change material S changes from liquid to solid, the command member 5 is accommodated in the body 2 and can be configured in a first configuration (or heating configuration). Specifically, in this first configuration of the command member 5 in the fluid connection, a fluid path is defined, wherein the circulating fluid of the first circuit 510 flows from the first inlet nozzle 211 to the first outlet nozzle 212 near the heat regulating member 3.

[0055] That is, in the first configuration, the command member 5 defines such a fluid path that the fluid circulating in the first circuit 510 flows from the first inlet nozzle 211 through at least one main fluid portion 21a, 22a to the first outlet nozzle 212. This fluid thus preferably exchanges heat with the heat regulating member 3, generating heat during its transition from liquid to solid, thereby increasing its temperature.

[0056] According to a preferred embodiment, in the first configuration, the command member 5 is suitable for preventing the flow of fluid in the second fluid circuit 520 .

[0057] According to a preferred variant, in the first configuration, the fluid circulating in the second circuit 520 flows from the second inlet nozzle 221 through the second bypass fluid portion 22 b to the second outlet nozzle 222 , thereby moving away from the heat conditioning member 3 .

[0058] According to the present invention, the command member 5 can be configured in a second configuration (or regeneration configuration) during the change of the physical state of the phase change material S from solid to liquid. Specifically, in this second configuration of the command member 5 in the fluid connection, a fluid path is defined, wherein the circulating fluid of the second circuit flows from the second inlet nozzle 221 to the second outlet nozzle 222 close to the heat regulating member 3.

[0059] That is, in the second configuration, the command member 5 defines such a fluid path that the fluid circulating in the second circuit 520 flows from the second inlet nozzle 221 through at least one main fluid portion 21a, 22a to the second outlet nozzle 222. Therefore, this fluid preferably exchanges heat with the thermal conditioning member 3, which is opposite to the heat exchange of the above-mentioned stage: the flowing fluid has a higher temperature than that of the conditioning member 3, and in particular, some of the phase change material S is in a solid crystalline state, which is heated and thus returns to a liquid state.

[0060] According to a preferred embodiment, in the second configuration, the command member 5 is suitable for preventing the flow of fluid in the first fluid circuit 510 .

[0061] According to a preferred variant, in the second configuration, the fluid circulating in the first circuit 510 flows from the first inlet nozzle 211 through the first bypass fluid portion 21 b to the first outlet nozzle 212 , thus moving away from the heat conditioning member 3 .

[0062] Therefore, according to a preferred embodiment, the command member 5 commands the flow of the first fluid flowing in the first main fluid portion 21a and the second main fluid portion 22a and / or the flow of the second fluid.

[0063] In other words, in the first configuration, the command member 5 commands the flow of the first fluid and / or the second fluid flowing in the first and second main fluid portions 21 a and 22 a so as to increase the heat exchange area with the regulating member 3 .

[0064] According to a preferred embodiment, the command member 5 comprises a command set operatively connected to the regulating member 3. Thus, by controlling a specific configuration of the regulating member 3, the command set is preferably adapted to operate as a function of the temperature of the regulating member 3.

[0065] According to a preferred embodiment, as shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings, the control member 5 comprises a plurality of valve command elements 51, 52, 53, 54 housed in respective fluid portions of the body 2, the positioning of which regulates the passage of the fluid in the respective portions.

[0066] Preferably, the positions of the valve command elements 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 correspond to the fluid connections of the different fluid parts comprised in the body 2 .

[0067] According to a preferred embodiment, the valve command elements 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 are essentially valves positionable in respective angular positions in order to allow, prevent or direct the flow of the fluid in the fluid section.

[0068] Preferably, the command set is adapted to adjust each valve command element 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 in a respective position to define the aforementioned fluid path.

[0069] As mentioned above, the present invention also relates to a thermal management system 500 for a vehicle.

[0070] Preferably, the first fluid circuit 510 comprises a first heat exchange device 518, such as a radiator, adapted to perform heat exchange with a first fluid flowing in the first circuit. Preferably, the second fluid circuit 520 comprises a second heat exchange device 528, such as a radiator, adapted to perform heat exchange with a second fluid flowing in the second circuit.

[0071] As shown by way of example in the figures, the fluid circuit further comprises specific valve members 515, 516 and a specific bypass pipe 510b, through which specific components (eg, the first heat exchange device 518) can be bypassed.

[0072] According to a preferred embodiment, the valve members 515, 516 can be specifically configured to correspond to the first configuration of the thermal regulation assembly 1 to promote heat exchange between the first fluid and the electronic group 600 (ie, the battery group) as much as possible, so that the electronic group is heated as quickly as possible.

[0073] According to a preferred embodiment, the thermal regulation assembly 1 is operatively connected to a control unit of the vehicle in order to control the first configuration (heating configuration) when the vehicle is ignited.

[0074] As described above, the present invention also relates to a vehicle including an electronic group 600 (eg, a battery group), an operating group 700 (eg, an engine group), and a thermal management system 500 having the above-mentioned features.

[0075] Innovatively, a thermal management assembly, a thermal management system for a vehicle comprising such a management assembly and a vehicle comprising said thermal management system broadly achieve the objects of the invention, solving the problems arising in the solutions characteristic of the prior art.

[0076] Indeed, in both the first heating configuration and the second regeneration configuration, the thermal management assembly has a highly simplified method of heat exchange with the thermal conditioning member.

[0077] Furthermore, the phase change material is advantageously contained safely in the container, avoiding the risk of loss or leakage thereof.

[0078] Phase change materials can be activated simply and instantaneously by mechanical manipulation.

[0079] Advantageously, the thermal management assembly is reliable and safe, thus suitable for being housed in a vehicle and subjected to a large number of operating cycles.

[0080] Advantageously, the command component is simple to implement.

[0081] Advantageously, the thermal management assembly is connectable to a control unit of the vehicle and can be controlled thereby.

[0082] Obviously, in order to meet possible needs, those skilled in the art may make changes to the thermal management components, the thermal management system and the vehicle, and all changes are included in the protection scope defined by the attached claims.

Claims

1. A thermal management component (1) of a thermal management system (500) for a vehicle, the thermal management system (500) comprising: a first fluid circuit (510) in which a first fluid flows, the first fluid circuit being fluidically connected to an electronic group (600) of a vehicle, the electronic group being a battery group; and a second fluid circuit (520) in which a second fluid flows, the second fluid circuit being fluidically connected to an operating group (700) of a vehicle, the operating group being an engine group; Wherein, the thermal management component (1) comprises: - a body (2) comprising a first inlet nozzle (211) and a first outlet nozzle (212) fluidically connected to the first fluid circuit (510) and a second inlet nozzle (221) and a second outlet nozzle (222) fluidically connected to the second fluid circuit (520), wherein the body (2) comprises a plurality of fluid connections extending between the aforementioned inlet nozzles and outlet nozzles; - a heat regulating member (3) comprising a container (30) and a predetermined amount of phase change material (S) contained in the container (30), wherein the heat regulating member (3) is at least partially contained in the body (2) or located on the body (2); - a mechanical ignition member (4) adapted to perform a vibratory mechanical action on the heat regulating member (3), the vibratory mechanical action being adapted to trigger an exothermic crystallization reaction of the phase change material (S) so as to transform the phase change material (S) from a liquid state to a solid state, thereby generating heat; - A command member (5), housed in said body (2), can be configured in the following manner: i) a first configuration, during a change in the physical state of the phase change material (S) from liquid to solid, in which a fluid path is defined in the fluid connection, wherein a circulating fluid in a first fluid circuit (510) flows from the first inlet nozzle (211) to the first outlet nozzle (212) close to the thermal regulating member (3); ii) a second configuration, during the change of the physical state of the phase change material (S) from solid to liquid, in which a fluid path is defined in the fluid connection, wherein a circulating fluid in a second circuit flows from the second inlet nozzle (221) to the second outlet nozzle (222) close to the heat regulating member (3); The main body (2) comprises a first main fluid portion (21a) and a second main fluid portion (22a) located in a proximal region of the heat regulating member (3), so that the amount of fluid flowing in the first main fluid portion (21a) and the amount of fluid flowing in the second main fluid portion (22a) perform a heat exchange operation with the heat regulating member (3); wherein the body (2) comprises a first bypass fluid portion (21b) located at a distal position of the heat regulating member (3), the first bypass fluid portion connecting the first inlet nozzle (211) with the first outlet nozzle (212), wherein the command member (5) configured in the second configuration allows fluid to flow in the first bypass fluid portion (21b), thereby being suitable for allowing the first fluid to flow in the first fluid circuit (510); wherein the body (2) comprises a second bypass fluid portion (22b) located at a distal position of the heat regulating member (3), the second bypass fluid portion connecting the second inlet nozzle (221) with the second outlet nozzle (222), wherein the command member (5) configured in the first configuration allows fluid to flow in the second bypass fluid portion (22b), thereby being suitable for allowing the second fluid to flow in the second fluid circuit (520).

2. The thermal management assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The phase change material (S) is a liquid-based substance comprising a supersaturated liquid.

3. The thermal management assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein: In the first configuration, the command member (5) is adapted to prevent the flow of fluid into the second fluid circuit (520).

4. The thermal management assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The first main fluid portion (21a) and the second main fluid portion (22a) are fluidically different from each other.

5. The thermal management assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The first main fluid portion (21a) and the second main fluid portion (22a) can be fluidically connected via an auxiliary fluid portion (21c, 22c), wherein the flow of the fluid through the first main fluid portion (21a) and / or through the second main fluid portion (22a) and / or through the auxiliary fluid portion (21c, 22c) is commanded by the command member (5).

6. The thermal management assembly (1) according to claim 4, wherein: The command member (5) commands the flow of the first fluid and / or the second fluid flowing in both the first main fluid portion (21a) and the second main fluid portion (22a).

7. The thermal management assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The command member (5) comprises a command set operatively connected to the thermal conditioning member (3) such that the command set is adapted to operate according to the temperature of the thermal conditioning member (3) by commanding a specific configuration of the thermal conditioning member (3).

8. The thermal management assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The command member (5) comprises a plurality of valve command elements (51, 52, 53, 54) housed in respective fluid sections of the body (2), the positioning of the valve command elements regulating the passage of the fluid in the respective sections.

9. The thermal management assembly (1) according to claim 8, wherein: The valve command elements (51, 52, 53, 54) are positioned to correspond to the fluid connections of different fluid sections included in the body (2).

10. A thermal management system (500) for a vehicle, comprising: a first fluid circuit (510) in which a first fluid flows, the first fluid circuit being fluidically connectable to an electronic group (600) of the vehicle, the electronic group being a battery pack; a second fluid circuit (520) in which a second fluid flows, the second fluid circuit being fluidically connectable to an operating group (700) of the vehicle, the operating group being an engine group; - Thermal management assembly (1) according to claim 1, fluidly connected to the first fluid circuit (510) and the second fluid circuit (520).

11. The thermal management system (500) of a vehicle according to claim 10, wherein: The first fluid circuit (510) comprises a first pump set (519) adapted to move the first fluid in the first fluid circuit, and wherein the second fluid circuit (520) comprises a second pump set (529) adapted to move the second fluid in the second fluid circuit.

12. The thermal management system (500) of a vehicle according to any one of claims 10 and 11, wherein: The first fluid circuit (510) includes a first heat exchange device (518) suitable for exchanging heat with the first fluid flowing in the first fluid circuit, and / or the second fluid circuit (520) includes a second heat exchange device (528) suitable for exchanging heat with the second fluid flowing in the second fluid circuit.

13. A vehicle, comprising an electronic group (600), an operating group (700), and the thermal management system (500) according to claim 10, wherein the electronic group (600) is a battery group, and the operating group (700) is an engine group.

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