Support and connection device

Abstract

The invention relates to a support and connection device (1) for an operating group (900) of a vehicle, suitable for supporting an operating device (500) comprised in the operating group (900) and for fluid connection with the operating device (500). The supporting and connecting device (1) identifies a vertical axis (Z-Z) and two longitudinal axes (X-X; y-Y) for a working fluid, and comprising: at least one plate-like unit (10) in which at least one opening (11a; 11b; 11b; 11c; 11c; 11d). The plate-like unit (10) comprises an upper layer element (110) and a lower layer element (120) stacked on each other along a vertical axis (Z-Z), a hollow space (100) therebetween. According to the invention, at least one port for the flow of fluid is laterally delimited by fluid port walls (11a ', 11b', 11c ', 11d') consisting of an upper port edge (111) comprised in the upper layer of the element (110) and a lower port edge (121) comprised in the lower layer of the element (120).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a support and connection device for an operating group of a vehicle. In addition, the present invention also relates to an operating group comprising the support and connection device.

[0002] In particular, the invention is intended for use in the automotive field.

[0003] In fact, such operating groups are well known in the automotive field, where an "operating group" refers to a component or a group of components suitable for fluid connection with a specific circuit of the vehicle to perform certain operations (such as thermal regulation, filtering, etc.). Thus, an operating group is suitable for fluid connection with one or more fluid circuits (for example, the oil circuit or the water circuit of the vehicle). Background Art

[0004] It is well known in the prior art that a vehicle comprises one or more operating groups. Typically, a known operating group is mounted at a predetermined position in the vehicle, preferably on an engine group, a transmission group, a gearshift group, so as to be close to these components in a fluidic manner.

[0005] Known operating group solutions include: operating devices, which are particularly suitable for performing their operations on corresponding working fluids; and also include supporting and connecting devices, whose purpose is to support and provide fluid connection of the operating devices to the vehicle (especially to the above-mentioned engine group, transmission group, and shift group).

[0006] The solutions of the supporting and connecting device known from the prior art consist of a single integrated body specially designed and mounted on the respective vehicle group, which is suitable for supporting and connecting the operating device (through fluid ducts present in its interior).

[0007] However, these solutions of supporting and connecting means have particularly complex geometries and arrangements, their production is particularly complicated and they have considerable bulk and weight.

[0008] There are also known support and connection devices which are constructed by stacking a series of planar elements of constant thickness, rather than as a single integrated body.

[0009] While these forms are more versatile and at least partially resolve the production problems associated with complex geometries and layouts, they are still very bulky and, most importantly, very heavy.

[0010] For example, the patent document with document number US7225785 shows some structural forms of the supporting and connecting devices. Summary of the invention

[0011] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an effective supporting and connecting device that solves the above problems.

[0012] The object of the present invention is to provide a supporting and connecting device the weight and any bulk of which are reduced as much as possible.

[0013] This object is achieved by a supporting and connecting device according to claim 1. Furthermore, this object is also achieved by an operating group according to claim 19 and by an operating group according to claim 20. The claims dependent on these claims show preferred embodiments relating to further advantageous aspects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments, which are illustrative and non-limiting, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] Figure 1 A perspective view showing the components of an operating group according to a preferred structural form of the present invention, the operating group comprising a support and connection device according to a first preferred structural form, which is also the subject of protection of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A side view of the operating group shown;

[0017] Figure 2a , 2b and 2c show Figure 2 A top view, a bottom view and a plan cross-sectional view of the support and connection means included in the illustrated operating group;

[0018] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A top view of the operating group shown;

[0019] Figure 3a , 3b , 3c and 3d respectively show the Figure 3 The cross-sectional view along the AA line, Figure 3 Cross-sectional view of line BB, along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view along the CC line and Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of the DD line;

[0020] Figure 3a' , 3b’ , 3c' and 3d' show Figure 3a , 3b , some partial enlarged images of 3c and 3d;

[0021] Figure 4An exploded perspective view showing an operating group according to a preferred structural form of the invention, comprising a supporting and connecting device according to another preferred structural form, which is also the subject of protection of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 5 for Figure 4 a side view of the illustrated operating group;

[0023] Figure 5a , 5b and 5c show Figure 5 A top view, a bottom view and a plan cross-sectional view of the support and connection means included in the illustrated operating group;

[0024] Figure 6 for Figure 4 a top view of the illustrated operating group;

[0025] Figure 6a , 6b , 6c and 6d respectively show the Figure 6 The cross-sectional view along the AA line, Figure 6 Cross-sectional view of line BB, along Figure 6 The cross-sectional view along the CC line and Figure 6 The cross-sectional view of the DD line;

[0026] Figure 6a' , 6b’ , 6c' and 6d' show Figure 6a , 6b , 6c and 6d.

[0027] Description of Reference Numerals

[0028] 1 supporting and connecting device; 10 plate-like unit; 11a; 11b; 11c; 11d fluid flow opening; 11a'; 11b'; 11c'; 11d' fluid flow opening wall; 15 reinforcing collar; 15' auxiliary reinforcing and sealing chamber; 16 peripheral wall; 18a; 18b; 18c; 18d blocking hole; 110 upper layer element; 111 upper rim; 115 upper reinforcing step; 115' upper plane abutting wall; 116 upper periphery; 120 lower Laminated element; 121 lower rim; 125 lower reinforcing step; 125' lower plane abutting wall; 126 lower periphery; 100 hollow space; 150 reinforcing and sealing chamber; 110a; 110b; 110c; 110d fluid flow conduit; 180a; 180b; 180c; 180d blocking channel; 20 base; 29 gasket; 30 head body; 500 operating device; 900 operating group; XX, YY longitudinal axis; ZZ vertical axis. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] With reference to the accompanying drawings, reference numeral 1 denotes a supporting and connecting device according to the present invention.

[0030] The supporting and connecting device 1 is suitable to be part of an operating group 900 of a vehicle.

[0031] The operating group 900 is also the subject of protection of the present invention, comprising: a supporting and connecting device 1, and an operating device 500.

[0032] According to a preferred structural form, the operating device 500 is a device for adjusting temperature. According to a preferred structural variation, the operating device 500 is a filtering device. According to another preferred structural variation, the operating device 500 is a pump device. According to yet another preferred structural variation, the operating device 500 is a valve unit (e.g., a temperature control valve). In other words, the operating device 500 is suitable for receiving a predetermined amount of working fluid (e.g., a predetermined amount of oil) and is suitable for performing an action and / or operation on the working fluid.

[0033] In the figures, the operating device 500 is a device for regulating temperature, in particular a heat exchanger. Preferably, the operating device 500 is an oil / water plate-fin heat exchanger.

[0034] According to the invention, the operating group 900 is suitable for connection to a functional group of a vehicle, such as an engine group, a transmission group or a gearshift group. In particular, the supporting and connecting device 1 according to the invention is suitable for fluidly engaging and connecting a functional group with the operating device 500.

[0035] According to a preferred structural form, the support and connection device 1 also connects the operating group with an auxiliary operating device in a fluid manner, which auxiliary operating device is included in the vehicle. For example, the support and connection device 1 supports a hydraulic connector, which connects the operating group 900 with an auxiliary operating device (for example, a turbocharger), wherein the hydraulic connector communicates with a fluid channel port and / or a conduit for generating a fluid channel in the support and connection device (for example, a fluid flow conduit 100d shown in the drawings and described below).

[0036] According to the invention, the support and connection device 1 identifies a vertical axis ZZ and two longitudinal axes XX, YY, which are arranged at right angles to each other in the same plane orthogonal to the vertical axis ZZ. In particular, the support and connection device 1 extends in a height direction parallel to the vertical axis ZZ. Preferably, in this context, when referring to a planar component, this refers to a component that is substantially parallel to a plane orthogonal to the vertical axis ZZ.

[0037] According to the invention, the supporting and connecting device 1 comprises at least one plate-shaped unit 10 .

[0038] Preferably, the supporting and connecting device 1 comprises a plurality of plate-like units 10 which are reciprocatingly stacked along the direction of the vertical axis ZZ.

[0039] According to the invention, each plate-like element 10 has a substantially planar shape, with an axial thickness dimension, but extending above all longitudinally so as to be parallel to the longitudinal axes XX, YY.

[0040] According to the present invention, the plate-like unit 10 has at least one fluid flow opening 11a; 11b; 11c; 11d in the vertical direction, through which the working fluid can pass. In other words, the plate-like unit 10 includes at least one fluid flow opening 11a; 11b; 11c; 11d extending in a direction parallel to the vertical axis ZZ.

[0041] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the fluid flow opening 11a; 11b; 11c; 11d is laterally delimited by fluid flow opening walls 11a'; 11b'; 11c'; 11d'.

[0042] It should be noted that the number and shape of the fluid flow openings 11a; 11b; 11c; 11d, in particular the number and shape of the corresponding fluid flow opening walls 11a'; 11b'; 11c'; 11d' do not limit the subject matter of protection of the present invention in any way. As shown in the examples in the accompanying drawings, each plate-like unit 10 includes a plurality of fluid flow openings 11a; 11b; 11c; 11d. In addition, preferably, each fluid flow opening 11a; 11b; 11c; 11d has a different form from the other fluid flow openings, not necessarily a regular form.

[0043] Preferably, in a plurality of plate-like units 10 stacked along a vertical axis ZZ, corresponding fluid circulation openings 11a; 11b; 11c; 11d are vertically aligned and define corresponding fluid circulation conduits 110a; 110b; 110c; 110d. Preferably, depending on the form of the corresponding fluid circulation openings, the fluid circulation conduits are defined. Depending on the corresponding fluid circulation openings 11a; 11b; 11c; 11d on the corresponding plate-like unit 10, the fluid circulation conduits 110a; 110b; 110c; 110d have a form and trajectory that is not necessarily parallel to the vertical axis and / or the longitudinal axis. In other words, depending on the position of the corresponding fluid circulation openings 11a; 11b; 11c; 11d, the form and trajectory of the fluid circulation conduits (110a; 110b; 110c; 110d) are defined to facilitate the connection of fluid ports and outlets, which are not necessarily aligned in the vertical direction, and / or partially stacked in the vertical direction.

[0044] According to a preferred structural form, at least one plate-like unit 10 includes at least one blocking hole 18a; 18b; 18c; 18d in the vertical direction, and at least one blocking hole 18a; 18b; 18c; 18d can be passed through by a blocking element or a reinforcing element, such as a bolt, a rivet, a pin, and the reinforcing element is such as a bushing.

[0045] Preferably, the plurality of plate-like units 10 reciprocatingly stacked along the vertical axis ZZ define corresponding vertically aligned blocking holes 18a; 18b; 18c; 18d, and specific blocking channels 180a; 180b; 180c; 180d parallel to the vertical axis ZZ.

[0046] Preferably, each barrier hole 18a; 18b; 18c; 18d is laterally delimited by a barrier hole wall 18a'; 18b'; 18c'; 18d'.

[0047] According to a non-limiting form of solution shown in the drawings, each plate-like unit 10 has four blocking holes.

[0048] According to the invention, the plate-like unit 10 comprises an upper laminar element 110 and a lower laminar element 120 which are stacked one on top of the other along a vertical axis ZZ. Furthermore, the plate-like unit 10 comprises a hollow space 100 defined between the upper laminar element 110 and the lower laminar element 120.

[0049] In other words, the plate-like unit 10, a so-called structural member, is formed by connecting the upper layer element 110 and the lower layer element 120. According to the present invention, the structural member is hollow and has a hollow space 100 inside.

[0050] According to the present invention, at least one fluid flow opening 11a; 11b; 11c; 11d is laterally defined by a fluid flow opening wall 11a'; 11b'; 11c'; 11d', and the fluid flow opening wall 11a'; 11b'; 11c'; 11d' is formed by the mutual engagement of an upper opening edge 111 included in the upper layer element 110 and a lower opening edge 121 included in the lower layer element 120.

[0051] According to a preferred structural form, in the stacking between the upper laminar element 110 and the lower laminar element 120, the upper lip 111 and the lower lip 121 at least partially overlap.

[0052] Preferably, the upper rim 111 and the lower rim 121 extend over an axial portion parallel to the vertical axis ZZ.

[0053] According to a preferred structural form, in the stacking of the upper laminar element 110 and the lower laminar element 120, the corresponding upper lip 111 and the corresponding lower lip 121 are preferably at least partially overlapped in the vertical direction. Preferably, the upper lip 111 and the lower lip 121 are in contact at a corresponding position to a connection point arranged on an imaginary plane parallel to the vertical axis ZZ.

[0054] According to a preferred structural form, in the stacking of the upper and lower laminar elements 110, 120, the corresponding upper edges 121 extend in the vertical direction and contact each other at horizontal connection points, which are arranged on an imaginary plane orthogonal to the vertical axis ZZ.

[0055] Furthermore, according to a preferred structural form, the plate-like unit 10 comprises a reinforcing collar 15 in the vicinity and peripheral area of ​​at least one fluid flow opening 11a; 11b; 11c; 11d.

[0056] Preferably, the reinforcing collar 15 is adapted to reinforce the vicinity of the corresponding fluid flow opening 11a; 11b; 11c; 11d.

[0057] According to a preferred structural form, corresponding to the reinforcing collar 15, the upper layer element 110 and the lower layer element 120 are engaged with each other.

[0058] Preferably, the reinforcing collar 15 includes an upper reinforcing step 115 included in the upper laminar element 110, the upper reinforcing step 115 protruding in the vertical direction, preferably toward the lower laminar element 120. According to a preferred structural form, the lower laminar element 120 is engaged with the upper reinforcing step 115 included in the upper laminar element 110.

[0059] Preferably, the reinforcing collar 15 includes a lower reinforcing step 125 included in the lower laminar element 120, the lower reinforcing step 125 protruding in the vertical direction, preferably toward the upper laminar element 110. According to a preferred structural form, the upper laminar element 110 is engaged with the lower reinforcing step 125 included in the lower laminar element 120.

[0060] Preferably, in a structural form including the upper reinforcing step 115 and the lower reinforcing step 125, one engages the other.

[0061] According to a preferred structural form, the upper reinforcing step 115 has an upper plane abutting wall 115 ′ which is tightly engaged with the lower laminar element 120 (particularly tightly engaged with the lower reinforcing step 125 ).

[0062] According to a preferred structural form, the lower reinforcing step 125 has a lower plane abutting wall 125 ′ which is tightly engaged with the upper laminar element 110 (particularly tightly engaged with the upper reinforcing step 115 ).

[0063] According to a preferred structural form, between the upper lip 111 and the upper reinforcement step 115 and / or between the lower lip 121 and the lower reinforcement step 125, there is a reinforcement and sealing chamber 150 in the hollow space 100. In other words, in the plate-like unit 10 between the fluid flow port and the corresponding reinforcement collar, there is a reinforcement and sealing chamber 150, the purpose of which is to strengthen the structure of the unit near the fluid flow port. In addition, the reinforcement and sealing chamber 150 is suitable for defining a space for accommodating any leakage of the working fluid between the lip edges.

[0064] According to a preferred form of construction, the reinforcement and sealing chamber is fluidically separated from the rest of the hollow space 100. In other words, the reinforcement chamber 150 itself defines a separate volume.

[0065] In this way, a double sealing area is formed in the plate-like unit 10, which is suitable for preventing the working fluid from leaking toward the hollow space and / or the outside. According to a preferred structural form, the working fluid flowing into the fluid flow opening 11a; 11b; 11c; 11d encounters a first barrier due to the presence of the fluid flow opening wall 11a'; 11b'; 11c'; 11d' (composed of the upper opening edge 111 and the lower opening edge 121), and encounters a second barrier due to the presence of the upper reinforcement step 115 and / or the lower reinforcement step 125; wherein these barriers are separated by the reinforcement and sealing chamber 150.

[0066] In particular, in the case of a plurality of fluid flow openings 11 a ; 11 b ; 11 c ; 11 d , each of them is surrounded by a reinforcing and sealing chamber 150 .

[0067] In other words, in each plate-like unit 10, each conduit 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d has a reinforcing and sealing chamber 150 around it.

[0068] Preferably, but not necessarily, in the vicinity of the blocking hole, the plate-like unit 10 also comprises a rim and a reinforcing collar substantially similar to those described above.

[0069] According to a preferred structural form, the upper laminar element 110 includes at least one upper protruding element engaged with the lower laminar element 120 , and / or the lower laminar element 120 includes at least one lower protruding element engaged with the upper laminar element 110 .

[0070] Preferably, the presence of these protruding elements structurally strengthens the structure of the plate-like unit 10 .

[0071] According to a preferred structural form, the hollow space 100 is open to the outside at the periphery. In other words, there is airflow between the upper laminar element 110 and the lower laminar element 120. In particular, the hollow space 100 can be used for the circulation of other fluids (e.g., air), which can be used for the thermal regulation of the fluid circulating in the operating group 900.

[0072] According to a structural variant, the plate-like unit 10 comprises a peripheral wall 16 defined by the mutual engagement of an upper perimeter 116 included in the upper laminar element 110 and a lower perimeter 126 included in the lower laminar element 120. Thus, the hollow space 110 is preferably closed to the outside at the perimeter by the peripheral wall 16.

[0073] According to a preferred structural form, in the stacking of the upper laminar element 110 and the lower laminar element 120, the upper periphery 116 and the lower periphery 126 overlap at least partially. Preferably, the upper periphery 116 and the lower periphery 126 are joined to each other in the manner described above, so that the upper lip 111 and the lower lip 121 are joined to each other.

[0074] According to the first structural form, air is contained in the closed hollow space 100. In other words, the hollow space 100 is not suitable for the circulation of a fluid.

[0075] According to another structural form, the second working fluid circulates in the closed hollow space 100 .

[0076] According to a preferred structural form, in the case of a plurality of stacked plate-like units 10, each hollow space 100 itself is separated from other hollow spaces.

[0077] According to a structural variant, in the case of a plurality of stacked plate-like units 10 , the hollow spaces 100 for fluid are interconnected. Therefore, preferably a second working fluid (for example, water or coolant from a vehicle cooling system) circulates in these hollow spaces 100 .

[0078] Preferably, the support and connection device 1 operates as a heat regulating device (i.e., a heat exchanger) because when the working fluid circulates in the support and connection device, it exchanges heat with the air or the second working fluid circulating in the hollow space 100, which is defined by the lower layered element and the upper layered element, and / or the hollow space 100 is defined by a plurality of stacked plate-like units 10. Preferably, in the (one or more) hollow spaces 100, one or more filling elements (or turbulator elements) can be accommodated, suitable for making the second working fluid flow uniformly therein.

[0079] According to a preferred structural form, the upper layer element 110 and the lower layer element 120 of the plate-like unit 10 are made of metal and are connected to each other by brazing.

[0080] Preferably, the upper laminar element 110 and the lower laminar element 120 are obtained from sheets that have been specially processed, for example by cutting and plastic deformation operations. Preferably, for example, the above-mentioned collars and / or steps are obtained by plastic deformation operations, for example, all the collars and / or steps around a plurality of openings are obtained by a single operation. Preferably, in some structural forms, the collars and steps extend continuously around more than one flow opening.

[0081] Preferably, the thickness of the upper laminar element 110 and the lower laminar element 120 is between 0.4 mm and 2 mm, preferably between 0.4 mm and 1.2 mm.

[0082] Preferably, the handling device 500 is made of metal material and is connected to the support and connection device 1 by brazing or welding. Preferably, the handling device 500 is connected to the support and connection device 1 by brazing in a single run in an autoclave.

[0083] Preferably, the operating device 500 is made of a metal material and is connected to the supporting and connecting device 1 by bonding.

[0084] Preferably, the operating device 500 is made of plastic material and is connected to the supporting and connecting device 1 by means of bolts or rivets.

[0085] According to the invention, the supporting and connecting device 1 comprises a base body 20 which is solid and preferably a plate, on which at least one plate-like unit 10 is stacked in the vertical direction.

[0086] Preferably, the base body 20 is located on a side opposite to the operating device 500. Preferably, the base body 20 is adapted to engage with a corresponding vehicle group on which the operating group 900 can be mounted.

[0087] According to a preferred structural form, the supporting and connecting device 1 comprises a head body 30 which is solid and preferably a plate, on which the operating device 500 can be mounted.

[0088] Preferably, at least one plate-shaped unit 10 is sandwiched between the base body 20 and the head body 30 .

[0089] Preferably, the head body 30 and / or the base body 20 are made of metal. Preferably, the head body 30 and / or the base body are connected to the support and connection device 1 by brazing.

[0090] Preferably, the head body 30 , the base body 20 , the support and connection device 1 , and the handling device 500 are made of metal and are connected by soldering in a single soldering operation.

[0091] According to this preferred structural form, the base body 20 includes an inlet and / or an outlet, and the head body 30 may include an inlet and / or an outlet, which are fluidically connected to at least one fluid flow port 11a; 11b; 11c; 11d.

[0092] Preferably, the base 20 is provided with a gasket element and, if necessary, the head body 30 is also provided with a gasket element, such as a lower gasket 29 .

[0093] According to another preferred structural form, the gasket 29 is located in the gasket groove, which is integrally formed on the outer side of the plate-like unit 10, and the plate-like unit 10 is included in the supporting and connecting device 1, and the gasket groove faces the operating device 500 or faces a fixed surface arranged on the engine group, transmission group or shift group.

[0094] Other structural forms are also possible, for example, two consecutive plate-like units 10 are suitable for defining a specific additional auxiliary hollow space, which can be developed and utilized as needed.

[0095] For example, in a preferred structural form, in the periphery and nearby areas of the corresponding fluid flow openings 11a; 11b; 11c; 11d, two axially continuous plate-like units 10 define an auxiliary reinforcement and sealing chamber 15', which has the same purpose as the reinforcement and sealing chamber 15 described above.

[0096] Innovatively, the supporting and connecting device and the operating group comprising the same fully achieve the objects of the present invention by overcoming the typical problems of the background art.

[0097] Advantageously, in practice, the above-described support and connection means solve the weight problems arising in prior art solutions.

[0098] Advantageously, while occupying the same space as the supporting and connecting device solutions present in the prior art, the supporting and connecting device of the present invention has a greater percentage of free volume, thus offering advantages in terms of weight.

[0099] Advantageously, the support and connection device means a reduction in the weight of the vehicle to which it is mounted - whether the vehicle is powered by an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, or a hybrid vehicle. Advantageously, the support and connection device means a reduction in the fuel (or battery residual charge) consumption of the vehicle to which it is mounted.

[0100] Advantageously, compared to known solutions (whose supporting and connecting devices consist of a stack of a series of planar elements of constant thickness, the thickness of the planar elements generally being between 2 mm and 3 mm), the supporting and connecting device of the present invention means a reduction in the weight of the operating group of up to one third, while occupying the same space.

[0101] Advantageously, the support and connection means means a reduction in material usage and therefore lower production costs.

[0102] Furthermore, the support and connection means advantageously solve the problem of excessive bulkiness present in the solutions of the prior art.

[0103] Advantageously, the support and connection device optimizes the exploitation of the available installation space in the vehicle, in particular in the engine compartment, or on a fixed surface of a corresponding functional group, on which the support and connection device is assembled. Furthermore, advantageously, the support and connection device is simple to manufacture and has low costs.

[0104] Advantageously, the supporting and connecting means can be used as an additional heat exchanger, making full use of the "hollow space" between two layer-like elements and / or the "hollow space" defined by the plate-like units constituting it.

[0105] Advantageously, the support and connection device can also be used as a heat regulating device (heat exchanger), wherein the working fluid circulating in the support and connection device exchanges heat with the air circulating in the open space arranged around the fluid channel, the fluid channel being defined by the lower and upper laminar elements and / or by the stacking of plate-like units. Similarly, advantageously, the support and connection device can also be used as a heat regulating device (heat exchanger), wherein the working fluid circulating in the support and connection device exchanges heat with the liquid circulating in the hollow space, the hollow space being defined by the lower and upper laminar elements and / or by the hollow space defined by the stacked plate-like units.

[0106] Advantageously, by means of the support and connection means, a lightweight integrated thermal conditioning module can thus be created. Advantageously, by appropriately dimensioning the support and connection means, in particular by selecting a suitable number of plate-like units, an integrated thermal conditioning module of a desired power can be achieved. Advantageously, by inserting specific components (spoilers or heat sink elements) in the hollow space, an increase in thermal power can be achieved.

[0107] Advantageously, in a configuration in which the operating device is a plate-fin water / oil heat exchanger, the operating device is partially housed in the connection and support means. In other words, advantageously, the support and connection means allow the heat exchanger to be extended in the same device, occupying the same space, thereby increasing the thermal power from the operating group. Advantageously, the support and connection means are very versatile and very flexible.

[0108] Obviously, industry experts can modify the above-mentioned oil temperature regulating group to meet possible requirements, all of which are included in the scope of protection defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A support and connection device (1) for an operating group (900) of a vehicle, the operating group (900) being connected to a functional group of the vehicle, the support and connection device (1) being suitable for fluidly supporting and fluidly connecting to the functional group of an operating device (500), the operating device (500) being included in the operating group (900), wherein: The support and connection device (1) identifies a vertical axis (ZZ) and two longitudinal axes (XX; YY), and comprises at least two plate-like units (10), wherein at least one fluid flow opening (11a; 11b; 11c; 11d) is formed in the vertical direction, through which a working fluid can pass. 11d)； The plate-like unit (10) comprises: an upper layer element (110) and a lower layer element (120) stacked on each other along a vertical axis (ZZ), and a hollow space (100) defined between the upper layer element (110) and the lower layer element (120); wherein the at least one fluid flow opening (11a; 11b; 11c; 11d) is laterally defined by a fluid flow opening wall (11a'; 11b'; 11c'; 11d'), the fluid flow opening wall (11a'; 11b'; 11c') being composed of an upper opening edge (111) included in the upper laminar element (110) and a lower opening edge (121) included in the lower laminar element (120); Two axially continuous plate-like units (10) define an auxiliary reinforcement and sealing chamber (15').

2. The support and connection device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that In the stacking between the upper laminar element (110) and the lower laminar element (120), the upper lip (111) and the lower lip (121) at least partially overlap.

3. The support and connection device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The functional group is an engine group, a transmission group or a shift group.

4. The support and connection device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The operating device (500) is a temperature regulating device, a filtering device or a pump device.

5. A support and connection device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that In the fluid flow port (11a; 11b; 11c; 11d), the plate-like unit (10) comprises a reinforcing collar (15), the reinforcing collar (15) comprising: an upper reinforcing step (115), the upper reinforcing step (115) being a part of the upper layer element (110), the upper reinforcing step (115) protruding in the vertical direction; and / or a lower reinforcing step (125), the lower reinforcing step (125) being a part of the lower layer element (120), the lower reinforcing step (125) protruding in the vertical direction; wherein, in the reinforcing collar (15), the upper layer element (110) and the lower layer element (120) are engaged with each other.

6. The support and connection device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that The upper reinforcing step (115) has an upper planar abutment wall (115') tightly engaged with the lower laminar element (120); and / or the lower reinforcing step (125) has a lower planar abutment wall (125') tightly engaged with the upper laminar element (110).

7. The support and connection device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that The plate-like unit (10) comprises a reinforcement and sealing chamber (150) defined in the hollow space (100), the reinforcement and sealing chamber (150) being between the upper lip (111) and the upper reinforcement step (115) and / or between the lower lip (121) and the lower reinforcement step (125).

8. The supporting and connecting device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The upper laminar element (110) includes at least one upper protruding element engaged with the lower laminar element (120), and / or the lower laminar element (120) includes at least one lower protruding element engaged with the upper laminar element (110).

9. The support and connection device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that A second working fluid circulates in the hollow space (100).

10. The support and connection device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that The second working fluid is air or liquid.

11. The support and connection device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The hollow space (100) is open to the external periphery.

12. The support and connection device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The plate-like unit (10) comprises a peripheral wall (16) defined by the mutual engagement of an upper periphery (116) included in the upper layer-like element (110) and a lower periphery (126) included in the lower layer-like element (120), wherein the hollow space (100) is closed to the outer periphery by the peripheral wall (16).

13. The support and connection device (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that In the stacking of the upper laminar element (110) and the lower laminar element (120), the upper perimeter (116) and the lower perimeter (126) at least partially overlap.

14. The support and connection device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The invention comprises a plurality of plate-like units (10) which are stacked back and forth along the direction of the vertical axis (ZZ) so that corresponding fluid flow openings (11a; 11b; 11c; 11d) aligned vertically define corresponding fluid flow conduits (110a; 110b; 110c; 110d).

15. The support and connection device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that At least one plate-like unit (10) comprises at least one blocking hole (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d) in the vertical direction, through which the blocking and reinforcing element can pass.

16. The support and connection device (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that The blocking and reinforcing element is a bolt, a rivet, a plug or a compass.

17. The support and connection device (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that The plurality of plate-like units (10) stacked reciprocatingly along the vertical axis (ZZ) define a specially designed blocking channel (180a; 180b; 180c; 180d) by vertically aligning corresponding blocking holes (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d), and the blocking channel (180a; 180b; 180c; 180d) extends parallel to the vertical axis (ZZ).

18. The support and connection device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The upper layer element (110) and the lower layer element (120) of the plate-like unit (10) are made of metal and are connected to each other by brazing.

19. The support and connection device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that include: A solid base (20) on which the at least one plate-shaped unit (10) is vertically stacked, wherein the base (20) is located on a side opposite to the operating device (500).

20. The support and connection device (1) according to claim 19, characterized in that The base body (20) is plate-shaped.

21. The support and connection device (1) according to claim 19, characterized in that include: A solid head body (30) on which the operating device (500) can be mounted, wherein the at least one plate-shaped unit (10) is sandwiched between the base body (20) and the head body (30).

22. The support and connection device (1) according to claim 21, characterized in that include: The head body (30) is plate-shaped.

23. The support and connection device (1) according to claim 21, characterized in that The base body (20) and possibly the head body (30) comprise an inlet and / or an outlet which are fluidically connected to the at least one fluid flow opening (11a; 11b; 11c; 11d).

24. An operating group (900) for a vehicle, comprising: Device (500) for regulating temperature, and a support and connection device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support and connection device (1) is fluidically connectable to one or more fluid circuits of a vehicle.

25. The vehicle operating group (900) according to claim 24, characterized in that Oil or water flows through the fluid circuit.

26. An operating group (900) for a vehicle, comprising: A filter device, and a support and connection device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that the support and connection device (1) can be connected to the oil circuit of one or more vehicles in a fluidic manner.

27. The vehicle operating group (900) according to claim 26, characterized in that The oil circuit of the vehicle is an oil circuit of an engine group and / or an oil circuit of a shift group and / or an oil circuit of a transmission group and / or an oil circuit of a turbocharger.

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