System comprising a heat-insulating plate, a powertrain component and a vehicle component

Abstract

System (200) comprising: a powertrain component (120); a vehicle component (130); a heat-insulating plate (100) comprising: a plate material (102) configured to provide heat insulation to the powertrain component (120), wherein the plate material (102) comprises at least one uncompressed area (104) and at least one already compressed area (106), wherein the already compressed area (106) provides a rigid mounting position for supporting the vehicle component (130) on the powertrain component (120), wherein the rigid mounting position is located at a potential thermal bridge between the powertrain component (120) and the vehicle component (130) in order to thermally decouple the two components (120, 130), wherein at least part of an opening (110) is formed in the already compressed area (106) of the heat-insulating plate (100). a fastening (140) connecting the powertrain component (120) to the vehicle component (130) and extending through the opening (110), wherein the powertrain component (120) is a heat source or a potential heat source and the vehicle component (130) is a heat sink or a potential heat sink.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to a system comprising a heat-insulating plate, a powertrain component, and a vehicle component. The invention further relates to a vehicle comprising such a system. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] In a vehicle, it may be desirable to limit heat transfer to or from certain components, for example, those with a preferred operating temperature. Heat transfer can be controlled, for instance, by encapsulating a component using heat-insulating panels that cover at least portions of the component that is desirable to be kept warm or cool. These panels are designed to reduce heat transfer between the component and the environment or other parts of the vehicle. Such panels can also provide sound attenuation to reduce the transmission of airborne noise from a component to the vehicle occupants or outside the vehicle.

[0003] To reduce manufacturing costs, it is often necessary to attach one component to another, frequently within tight technical tolerances. The resulting direct contact between the components often creates thermal bridges, which can allow heat to be transferred between the vehicle components. It is often not possible to encapsulate the two attached components, or it is preferred to encapsulate only one component. In these circumstances, the thermal bridge acts as a heat sink, and the effectiveness of the encapsulation is reduced. Known prior art includes US 2003 / 0124314 A1, EP 0229977 A2, DE 112006000808T5, DE 202011109219U1, JP H08-276796A, and WO 2011 / 038338 A2.

[0004] An objective of the present invention is to more effectively limit heat transfer between vehicle components, taking into account the complex and precise geometry of some interconnected vehicle components. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The above objective is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Inventive aspects and embodiments provide the following: a heat-insulating panel for use in a vehicle; a system comprising a heat-insulating panel; and a vehicle comprising a heat-insulating panel according to the appended claims.

[0006] A person skilled in the art recognizes that the powertrain of a vehicle comprises the following: an engine, an intake system, an exhaust system, a cooling system, a transmission, and a drive system with interconnected control systems and devices. Additionally or alternatively, the powertrain may include an electric drive motor, an inverter, a battery, and / or an auxiliary power unit with interconnected control systems and devices.

[0007] One aspect of the invention is to create a new type of heat-insulating plate for a vehicle, specifically designed to reduce heat transfer between a first vehicle component and a second vehicle component that are attached to one another, particularly when a vehicle powertrain comprises the components. The first vehicle component can be a powertrain component, and the second vehicle component can be any other component that contacts or is coupled to the powertrain component, such as a support bracket as described below. This reduction in heat transfer is achieved by extending the heat-insulating plate between the first and second vehicle components in such a way that it lies between the contact points or surfaces of the first and second vehicle components.The heat-insulating plate partially or completely decouples the first vehicle component and the second vehicle component.

[0008] The description of connecting a first vehicle component to a second vehicle component in this document is synonymous with connecting the second vehicle component to the first vehicle component. Neither indicates a direction or purpose in which a fastening is used.

[0009] The description of connecting the second component to the first component does not require direct contact between the components. However, in at least some embodiments, direct contact would occur, or could potentially occur, between the vehicle components in the absence of the heat-insulating plate. Similarly, the design of either the first, the second, or both components can be adapted to accommodate the spacing provided by the heat-insulating plate.

[0010] The heat-insulating panel can be provided as an independent product, separate from a powertrain or vehicle.

[0011] The heat-insulating plate is already compressed in the area that forms the contact point or contact surface between the powertrain component and the vehicle component, making it more rigid in this area. This allows the use of a heat-insulating plate in situations where it was previously not possible due to the need to rigidly attach components to one another.

[0012] Here, "already compressed" refers to an area of ​​the panel constructed from the same material as the rest of the panel and, in some embodiments, from the same laminated layers. However, during the panel's construction, this area was subjected to a compressive force, which compresses the material or material layers, providing an area that is thinner and denser than the uncompressed area(s) of the panel. This contrasts with some types of thermal insulation panels, whose depth is reduced by removing material in certain areas, resulting in an area that is thinner than the uncompressed area(s) and has a uniform density with it.

[0013] According to some, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention, a heat-insulating plate is provided comprising: a plate material configured to provide heat insulation to a powertrain component, wherein the plate material comprises at least one uncompressed area and at least one already compressed area, wherein the already compressed area provides a rigid mounting position for mounting a vehicle component to the powertrain component, wherein the rigid mounting position is to be located at a thermal bridge between the powertrain component and the vehicle component, and wherein the heat-insulating plate defines at least a portion of an opening in the already compressed area through the plate material for receiving a fastening for connecting the powertrain component to the vehicle component.

[0014] Metal components of the drivetrain transfer heat to other components mounted on them, with the contact surfaces acting to create a thermal bridge. This invention aims to provide an insulating layer between the contact surfaces of the components without compromising the rigidity of the connection.

[0015] Furthermore, the sheet material can be configured to provide thermal insulation between a powertrain component and a vehicle component, wherein the sheet material provides at least one uncompressed area and at least one pre-compressed area, the pre-compressed area being dimensioned and positioned to be located between two possible contact points or surfaces of the powertrain component and the vehicle component. Optionally, the thermally insulating sheet includes an opening in the pre-compressed area through the sheet material to receive a fastener for attaching the powertrain component and the vehicle component.

[0016] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a heat-insulating plate is provided comprising: an uncompressed area and an already compressed area defining two opposing surfaces, wherein a component mounted on one support surface is rigidly connected to, but thermally insulated from, a component mounted on the opposite support surface, and the plate provides thermal decoupling of the two components. In this embodiment, the two opposing components can be rigidly connected to the heat-insulating plate by an ordinary fastener extending through an opening in the plate.

[0017] In all the aforementioned embodiments, the heat-insulating plate in the already compressed area can have a consistent thickness, be essentially incompressible, and be substantially more rigid than the uncompressed area that has already been compressed in use. This allows the use of a heat-insulating plate at a contact point or surface between two vehicle components, which was previously impossible due to the need to rigidly attach components to one another. The already compressed area provides a rigid connection between two components that, without the heat-insulating plate, would together form a thermal bridge at a contact point or surface.The already compressed area is incompressible and rigid to form a mounting point for the two components, where, if the plate were uncompressed, the area would be compressible and not rigid, and therefore would not be suitable to act as a rigid connection between the two components.

[0018] In some embodiments, the seal is embedded in or attached to the opening within the already compressed area of ​​the heat-insulating plate. A fastener that secures the vehicle component and the powertrain component may pass through the seal and the opening. This is a complementary component and improves the heat insulation and / or the rigidity of the connection at this point.

[0019] The heat-insulating plate can therefore include a seal in the already compressed area or next to a surface of the already compressed area of ​​the heat-insulating plate and partially or completely circumscribe the opening.

[0020] In some embodiments, the seal is used as an intermediate piece to achieve controlled spacing between the powertrain component and the vehicle component.

[0021] In some, but not necessarily all, embodiments, the seal may be a rigid seal that does not deform or deforms by no more than 2% under compression when in use.

[0022] In some, but not necessarily all, embodiments, the seal can be a heat-insulating seal.

[0023] In some, but not necessarily all, embodiments, the seal may be made of rubber or nylon; however, many other materials and composite materials are known to provide the advantages of the seal in this respect.

[0024] The heat-insulating plate can be provided as part of a vehicle's powertrain. For example, according to some, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention, a system is provided comprising: a powertrain component; a vehicle component; a fastening connecting the powertrain component to the vehicle component; and the heat-insulating plate, which includes an opening through which the fastening passes, wherein one or both of the components are part of an engine and the engine is configured for use in a vehicle.

[0025] In this example, the heat-insulating plate can extend between the powertrain component and the vehicle component in such a way that it forms a heat-insulating layer between the powertrain component and the vehicle component. The uncompressed area of ​​the heat-insulating plate can extend over at least a section of the powertrain component to thermally insulate the powertrain component, at least partially. The already compressed area of ​​the heat-insulating plate can extend between the powertrain component and the vehicle component in such a way that it forms a heat-insulating layer between the powertrain component and the vehicle component.

[0026] The fastening that connects the powertrain component to the vehicle component and extends through the opening may be thermally insulated to prevent the formation of a thermal bridge through the connection between the powertrain component and the vehicle component when in use.

[0027] The mounting can, for example, have a first contact surface for contacting the drivetrain component in use. The first contact surface can be a thermally insulated surface.

[0028] The mounting can, for example, have a second contact surface for touching the vehicle component in use. The second contact surface can be a thermally insulated surface.

[0029] In one example, the fastener comprises a bolt with a head and a threaded shank, and a nut with a threaded opening to engage the threaded bolt shank. The powertrain component and the vehicle component are compressed between an adjoining surface of the bolt head and an opposing adjoining surface of the nut. In some examples, the adjoining surface of the bolt head is thermally insulated. In some examples, the adjoining surface of the nut is thermally insulated. In some examples, the shank of the bolt is thermally insulated. Thermal insulation can be achieved, for example, by using a nylon or other coating.Similarly, the thermal insulation for the fastening can be provided as a coating on either the powertrain component or the vehicle component, or it can be provided as a bushing or washer between the fastening and either the powertrain component or the vehicle component.

[0030] The term "thermally insulated" indicates, when applied to something, that it does not readily transfer heat energy by conduction, convection, or radiation. Specifically, in the context of this document, "thermally insulated" indicates, when applied to something, that it does not readily transfer heat energy by conduction, thus preventing or inhibiting a thermal bridge between the powertrain component and the vehicle component.

[0031] The term "thermally insulated" indicates, in some but not necessarily all examples, a heat transfer by conduction of less than 0.045 W / mK at 20 °C.

[0032] In some embodiments, a heat-insulated or encapsulated vehicle component is covered by the insulating plate in such a way that heat cannot escape by convection and the heated air is trapped under the insulating plate.

[0033] The heat-insulating panel can consist of a single layer or multiple layers. The multiple layers can be several laminated layers arranged in parallel.

[0034] Examples of suitable layers include: polyurethane foam, felt. The felt can be made from fiberglass or natural fibers. Steam molding can be used to produce the heat-insulating panel.

[0035] The heat-insulating plate can be a three-dimensional, rigid plate that at least partially conforms to the shape of the powertrain component and / or the vehicle component.

[0036] The heat-insulating panel may include an outer rigid reinforcement layer on one or both sides of the thermally insulated panel for a vehicle. The heat-insulating panel may also include a cellular layer and / or a heat-reflecting layer on an inner side of one or both of the outer rigid reinforcement layers.

[0037] A reinforcing layer can be made from a mixed fabric of polyamide material in the form of a powder or flakes and reinforcing fibers.

[0038] The heat-insulating panel can be adapted for sound damping as well as heat insulation; this can, for example, include a soft sound-absorbing layer.

[0039] Although the invention finds particular use in engines, where the vehicle component may be an engine mount, it also finds use in other parts of a vehicle drivetrain, such as those parts of the vehicle in which high-temperature vehicle oil is stored and / or for maintaining the operating temperature of a battery or other temperature-sensitive component.

[0040] One or both of the above-mentioned components, whether a powertrain component or any other component associated with it, may be, for example, an engine component, an oil storage or oil circulation component, a temperature-sensitive component, or an electrical energy storage component.

[0041] In some examples, the invention provides a motor system comprising: a powertrain component; a vehicle component; a fastening connecting the powertrain component to the vehicle component; a heat-insulating plate extending in an uncompressed form over at least a section of the powertrain component to at least partially insulate the powertrain component and extending in an already compressed form between the powertrain component and the vehicle component such that it forms a heat-insulating layer between contact points or surfaces of the powertrain component and the vehicle component, wherein the heat-insulating plate defines an opening through which the fastening optionally extends, and wherein a heat-insulating seal in or beside the heat-insulating plate at least partially circumscribes the fastening.

[0042] The gasket can be an integral part of the thermal insulation panel, for example, attached to a surface of the panel or embedded within it. Alternatively, the gasket can be separate from the thermal insulation panel.

[0043] More generally, the invention provides, in some but not necessarily all examples, a vehicle system comprising: a powertrain component that is a heat source; a vehicle component that is attached to the powertrain component and is a heat sink; a fastening means that connects the powertrain component and the vehicle component; a heat-insulating plate that extends over the powertrain component and between a contact point or surface of the powertrain component and the vehicle component, such that it forms heat insulation of the powertrain component and interrupts the thermal bridge between the powertrain component and the vehicle component, wherein the heat-insulating means defines an opening through which the fastening extends.

[0044] The heat-insulating material can extend in an uncompressed form over at least a section of the powertrain component to thermally insulate the powertrain component, at least partially, and can extend in a compressed form between the powertrain component and the vehicle component, forming a heat-insulating layer between the powertrain component and the vehicle component. A heat-insulating sealant can be used in or alongside the heat-insulating material and can partially or completely encircle the fastener. The heat-insulating sealant for a vehicle can be located in or alongside a surface of the compressed section of the heat-insulating material for a vehicle through which the fastener extends. The compressed section can be a previously compressed section that is compressed before being attached to the system.When used herein, "already compressed area" means an area that is compressed to a greater extent than the uncompressed area. The fabrication of the insulating plate may involve the application of layers of insulating material to form the insulating plate, upon which pressure can then be applied to form the layers into a close ratio, this being the formation process of the plate, the areas of which are then already compressed before being incorporated onto the component(s) to be insulated.

[0045] Within the scope of this application, it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, and alternatives presented in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims, and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular their individual features, may be considered independently of one another or in any combination. This means that all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment may be combined in any way and / or combination, provided that these features are not incompatible.The applicant reserves the right to amend any patent claim originally filed or to file any new patent claim accordingly, including the right to amend any patent claim originally filed to depend on and / or incorporate any feature of any other patent claim, even if it was not previously claimed in this manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] One or more embodiments of the invention are now described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show: Fig. 1A, Fig. 2A, Fig. 3A Different examples of heat-insulating panels; Fig. 1B, Fig. 2B, Fig. 3B Various examples of vehicle systems that include heat-insulating plates between components; Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B Different examples of heat-insulating panels; Fig. 5 an example of a vehicle that includes one or more heat-insulating panels; and Fig. 6, Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 different examples of heat-insulating panels. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] In a vehicle, it may be desirable to limit heat transfer to or from certain components, for example, those with a preferred operating temperature. Heat transfer can be controlled, for instance, by using a heat-insulating plate that covers at least a portion of the component that is desirable to be kept warm or cool.

[0048] Due to the complex and precise geometry of vehicles, it is often necessary to attach one component to another, frequently within tight technical tolerances. The resulting direct contact between components or indirect coupling via fasteners often creates a thermal bridge, which can allow heat to be transferred between the vehicle components.

[0049] This description, and the accompanying figures, illustrate a novel type of thermally insulating plate 100, specifically designed to reduce thermal bridging between a powertrain component 120 (heat source) and a vehicle component 130 (heat sink) that are bonded together. This is achieved by the thermally insulating plate 100 extending between the powertrain component 120 and the vehicle component 130, thus being positioned between them. The thermally insulating plate 100 partially or completely decouples the powertrain component 120 and the vehicle component 130.

[0050] The heat-insulating panel 100 can be supplied as an independent product, separately from a vehicle. Fig. 1A, Fig. 2A, Fig. Figure 3A illustrates examples of different 100 mm thick heat-insulating panels for a vehicle. They are similar, except that the 100 mm thick heat-insulating panels that are in Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B illustrates that at least one integrated seal 150 has been added, whereas the heat-insulating plate 100, which is shown in Fig. Figure 1A illustrates that it does not have an integrated seal 150.

[0051] The heat-insulating panel 100 can be provided as part of a vehicle system 200 or can be added to a vehicle system 200 after the vehicle has been sold. Fig. 1B, Fig. 2B, Fig. 3B illustrates examples of the same vehicle system 200 using the corresponding different heat-insulating panels 100 for a vehicle made of Fig. 1A, Fig. 2A, Fig. 3A.

[0052] With reference to Fig. In 1A, the heat-insulating plate 100 is already compressed in the area between the powertrain component 120 and the vehicle component 130, making it thinner in this area. This allows the use of a single heat-insulating plate 100 for a vehicle in situations where it was previously impossible due to the need to fit components together within very tight technical tolerances.

[0053] This example of a heat-insulating panel 100 comprises a panel material 102. The panel material 102 is configured to provide heat insulation between a powertrain component 120 and a vehicle component 130, as shown in Fig. 1B illustrates how to provide.

[0054] The disk material 102 comprises at least one uncompressed area 104 and at least one already compressed area 106.

[0055] Here, "already compressed" refers to an area of ​​the panel constructed from the same material as the rest of the panel and, in some embodiments, from the same laminated layers. However, during the panel's construction, this area was subjected to a compressive force, which compresses the material or material layers, providing an area that is thinner and denser than the uncompressed area(s) of the panel. This contrasts with some types of thermal insulation panels, whose depth is reduced by removing material in certain areas, resulting in an area that is thinner than the uncompressed area(s) and has a uniform density with it.

[0056] The already compressed area 106 is dimensioned and positioned to be located in use between the powertrain component 120 and the vehicle component 130, as shown in Fig. 1B illustrates.

[0057] The heat-insulating plate 100 defines an opening 110, the opening extending completely through the plate material 102 in the already compressed area 106. This opening 110 extends completely through the plate material 102 and is dimensioned and positioned to accommodate a fastening 140 configured to attach the powertrain component 120 to the vehicle component 130.

[0058] The heat-insulating plate 100 can have a consistent thickness Tc in the already compressed area 106 that is less than the thickness Tu of the uncompressed area 104. For example, Tc can be less than half of Tu.

[0059] The already compressed area of ​​the sheet material 102 can, for example, have the advantageous effect during the manufacture of the heat-insulating sheet 100 that the already compressed area 106 is not compressible or essentially not compressible in use, since it has already been compressed. This can enable the use of a heat-insulating sheet 100 in situations where it was previously not possible due to the need to consistently fit components 120, 130 together, perhaps within very small technical tolerances.

[0060] With reference to Fig. 1B will be the heat-insulating panel 100, which is in Fig. Figure 1A illustrates the use of a vehicle system 200. The vehicle system 200 comprises the following: a powertrain component 120; a vehicle component 130; and a fastening 140 extending through the opening 110 of the heat-insulating plate 100 and connecting the powertrain component 120 and the vehicle component 130.

[0061] In this example, the heat-insulating plate 100 extends between the powertrain component 120 and the vehicle component 130 such that it forms a heat-insulating layer between the powertrain component 120 and the vehicle component 130. The uncompressed area 104 of the heat-insulating plate 100 extends over at least one section 122 of the powertrain component 120 in order to thermally insulate at least part of the powertrain component 120. The already compressed area 106 of the heat-insulating plate 100 extends between the powertrain component 120 and the vehicle component 130 such that it forms a heat-insulating layer between the powertrain component 120 and the vehicle component 130.

[0062] The already compressed area 106 of the heat-insulating plate 100 is located between the powertrain component 120 and the vehicle component 130.

[0063] In this example, but not necessarily in all examples, the drive train component 120 includes an opening 121 that extends through the drive train component 120 and is sufficiently aligned with the opening 110 of the heat-insulating plate 100 to allow the fastening 140 to extend through both the opening 121 and the opening 110.

[0064] In this example, but not necessarily in all examples, the vehicle component 130 includes an opening 131 that extends through the vehicle component 130 and is sufficiently aligned with the opening 110 of the heat-insulating plate 100 to allow the fastening 140 to extend through both the opening 131 and the opening 110.

[0065] In this example, but not necessarily in all examples, the heat-insulating plate 100 is the only thing between the powertrain component 120 and the vehicle component 130. If it were removed, the powertrain component 120 and the vehicle component 130 would collide.

[0066] The fastening 140, which connects the powertrain component 120 and the vehicle component 130 and extends through the opening 110, may be thermally insulated to prevent the formation of a thermal bridge through the fastening 140 between the powertrain component 120 and the vehicle component 130 when in use.

[0067] The fastening 140 may have a first contact surface 141 for contacting the powertrain component 120 in use. The first contact surface 141 may be a thermally insulated surface. The fastening 140 may additionally or alternatively have a second contact surface 142 for contacting the vehicle component 130 in use. The second contact surface 142 may be a thermally insulated surface.

[0068] In one example, but not necessarily in all examples, the fastening 140 comprises a bolt 144 having a head 145 and a shank 146 with an external screw thread, and a nut 148 having a threaded opening 149 for receiving the thread of the bolt shank 146. The powertrain component 120 and the vehicle component 130 are compressed between an adjoining surface 142 of the head 145 of the bolt 144 and an opposing adjoining surface 141 of the nut 148.

[0069] In some examples, the mating surface 142 of the head 145 of the bolt 144 is thermally insulated. In some examples, the mating surface 141 of the nut 148 is thermally insulated. In some examples, the shank 146 of the bolt 144 is thermally insulated. Thermal insulation can be achieved, for example, by using nylon or other coatings.

[0070] In Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B is a seal 150 an integral part of the heat-insulating plate 100. In this example, the seal 150 is embedded in (inter) layers that form the heat-insulating plate 100.

[0071] In Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B is a seal 150, an integral but outer part of the heat-insulating plate 100. In this example, the seal 150 is attached to a surface 105 of the heat-insulating plate 100, for example, using an adhesive.

[0072] In an alternative example, the heat-insulating panel 100, which is in Fig. 1A illustrates the vehicle system 200, which is in Fig. Figure 3 illustrates the use of a seal 150, which is separated from the heat-insulating plate 100 and from the powertrain component 120 and the vehicle component 130.

[0073] The seal 150 comprises a circumferential section 152 that encloses (surrounds) an opening 151. The opening 151 may, but need not, be round, and the "enclosure" should be designed accordingly. The circumferential section 152 of the seal 150 has a depth that fills a space between the powertrain component and the vehicle component 130 and / or acts as an intermediate piece to achieve controlled spacing between the powertrain component 120 and the vehicle component.

[0074] The seal 150 is located in the already compressed area 106 and its opening 151 is in line with the opening 110, so that the fastening 140, which fastens the vehicle component 130 to the powertrain component 120, passes through the opening 151 of the seal 150 and the opening 110.

[0075] In some, but not necessarily in all embodiments, the seal 150 may be a rigid seal that does not deform or deforms by no more than 2-10% under compression when in use.

[0076] In some, but not necessarily all, embodiments, the seal 150 can be a heat-insulating seal. The circumferential section 152 can, for example, be made of rubber or nylon.

[0077] Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B illustrated various examples of heat-insulating panels 100 for a vehicle. In Fig. 4A is the opening 110 of the heat-insulating panels 100 for a vehicle completely within the already compressed area 106 of the heat-insulating panels 100 for a vehicle. In Fig. 4B The opening 110 is formed by a first edge of a first thermally insulating panel 100 and an opposing second first edge of a second thermally insulating panel 100. The first and second edges abut each other, except at the opening 110, where they are separated to form the opening 110. The first thermally insulating panel 100 forms only part of the opening 110, and the second thermally insulating panel 100 forms the other part. Seals or parts of seals 150 may be attached to or embedded in the first thermally insulating panel 100 and / or the second thermally insulating panel 100.

[0078] Fig. Figure 5 illustrates an example of a vehicle that, for instance, has a vehicle system 200 as shown in Fig. 1B, Fig. 2B or Fig. 3B described, includes.

[0079] Although the invention finds particular use in engines, in which, for example, one or both of the drive train component 120 and the vehicle component 130 may be engine mounts, it also finds use in other parts of a vehicle 300, such as a vehicle drive train, those parts of the vehicle in which high-temperature vehicle oil is stored or used and / or for maintaining the operating temperature of a battery or other temperature-sensitive component.

[0080] Consequently, one or both of the above-mentioned vehicle components, whether a powertrain component 120 or a vehicle component 130, may be, for example, an engine component, a vehicle powertrain component, an oil storage or oil circulation component, a temperature-sensitive component or an electrical energy storage component.

[0081] Fig. 6, Fig. 7 and Fig. Figure 8 illustrates various examples such as the heat-insulating panel 100, which is used in Fig. 2A illustrates how it is manufactured. The process can be modified to produce the heat-insulating plate 100, which is shown in Fig. Figure 1A illustrates how to produce the seals 150 by omitting them. The method can be modified to accommodate the heat-insulating plate 100, which is located in Fig. Figure 3A illustrates how to manufacture the seals 150 by integrating them externally instead of internally. In other examples, some seals 150 may be internally integrated and others may be externally integrated.

[0082] The figures illustrate various methods for producing a rigid, three-dimensional heat-insulating plate 100 that at least partially conforms to a shape of the powertrain component 120 and / or the vehicle component 130.

[0083] The heat-insulating panel 100 can be made from a single layer or from multiple layers 160. The multiple layers 160 can be several laminated layers.

[0084] Examples of a suitable layer or layers 160 include: polyurethane foam, felt. The felt can be made of glass fibers or natural fibers. Pressure steam molding can be used to produce the heat-insulating board 100.

[0085] The heat-insulating panel 100 can have a rigid reinforcement layer 162 on one side of the heat-insulating panel 100 ( Fig. 7) or on both sides of the thermally insulated panel 100 ( Fig. 8) include. The heat-insulating plate 100 may include a cellular layer 160 and / or a heat-reflecting layer 160 on an inner side of one or both of the outer rigid reinforcement plates 162.

[0086] A reinforcement layer 162 can be made from a mixed fabric of polyamide material in the form of a powder or flakes and reinforcing fibers.

[0087] The heat-insulating panel 100 can be adapted for sound absorption as well as heat insulation; this can include, for example, a rigid layer such as a reinforcing layer 162 or a layer of material configured to absorb or reflect noise.

[0088] The term “thermally insulating” or “thermally insulated” indicates, when applied to something, that it does not simply transfer heat energy by conduction, convection, or radiation. In particular, in the context of this document, “thermally insulating” or “thermally insulated” indicates, when applied to something, that it does not simply transfer heat energy by conduction or radiation, in order to prevent or inhibit a thermal bridge between the powertrain component and the vehicle component 120, 130, and provides insulation to reduce radiation from either the powertrain component or the vehicle component.

[0089] The term "heat-insulating" or "thermally insulated" indicates a heat transfer coefficient of less than 0.045 W / mK at 20 °C in some, but not necessarily all, examples. For comparison, it is 50 W / mK for steel and approximately 200 W / mK for aluminum at 20 °C.

[0090] The term "heat sink," when used to describe a component, is intended to refer to a component that is operating as a heat sink and / or has the potential to be operated as a heat sink. The term "heat source," when used to describe a component, is intended to refer to a component that is operating as a heat source or has the potential to be operated as a heat source. Powertrain component 120 and vehicle component 130 can be a heat source and a heat sink, respectively. Alternatively, powertrain component 120 and vehicle component 130 can be a heat sink and a heat source, respectively.

[0091] The description of connecting a powertrain component 120 to a vehicle component 130 in this document is synonymous with connecting the second vehicle component 130 to the powertrain component 120. Neither indicates a direction or purpose in which a fastening 140 is used.

[0092] The description of connecting the second component 130 to the powertrain component 120 (or connecting the powertrain component 120 to the vehicle component) does not require direct buttress contact between the vehicle components 120 and 130. However, in at least some embodiments, direct buttress contact would occur, or might occur, between the vehicle components 120 and 130 in the absence of the heat-insulating plate 100.

[0093] "Module," as used herein, refers to a unit or assembly that excludes certain parts / components that would have been added by an end manufacturer or a user. The 100 mm heat-insulating panel can be a module.

[0094] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be noted that modifications of the given examples can be made without deviating from the scope of protection of the claimed invention.

[0095] The features described in the preceding description can be used in combinations, with the exception of the combinations explicitly described.

[0096] Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, these functions can be performed by other functions, whether described or not.

[0097] Although features have been described with reference to specific embodiments, these features may also be present in other embodiments, whether described or not.

[0098] While the above patent specification aims to draw attention to those features of the invention which are believed to be of particular importance, it should be noted that the applicant claims protection with respect to each patentable feature or patentable combination of features referred to above and / or shown in the drawings, whether or not particular emphasis has been placed on it.

Claims

[1] System (200) comprising: a drive train component (120); a vehicle component (130); a heat-insulating plate (100) comprising: a plate material (102) configured to provide heat insulation to the powertrain component (120), wherein the plate material (102) comprises at least one uncompressed region (104) and at least one already compressed region (106), wherein the already compressed region (106) provides a rigid mounting position for mounting the vehicle component (130) to the powertrain component (120), wherein the rigid mounting position is located at a possible thermal bridge between the powertrain component (120) and the vehicle component (130) to thereby thermally decouple the two components (120, 130), wherein at least a portion of an opening (110) is formed in the already compressed region (106) of the heat-insulating plate (100), a mount (140) connecting the powertrain component (120) to the vehicle component (130) and extending through the opening (110), wherein the powertrain component (120) is a heat source or a potential heat source and the vehicle component (130) is a heat sink or a potential heat sink. [2] The system (200) of claim 1, further comprising a seal (150) integrated into or attached to the heat-insulating plate (100) in the already compressed region (106), an opening (151) of the seal (150) being in line with the opening (110) of the heat-insulating plate (100). [3] The system (200) of claim 2, wherein the seal (150) is a thermally insulating seal (150). [4] The system (200) of claim 2 or 3, wherein the seal (150) is a non-deformable spacer for providing controlled spacing between the powertrain component (120) and the vehicle component (130). [5] System (200) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the heat-insulating plate (100) is formed from a plurality of layers. [6] The system (200) of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the heat-insulating plate (100) is a three-dimensional rigid plate that is at least partially adapted to a shape of the powertrain component (120) and / or the vehicle component (130). [7] System (200) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the heat-insulating plate (100) comprises polyurethane foam and felt. [8] The system (200) of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the thermally insulating panel (100) comprises a rigid reinforcement layer (162) at least partially covering one or both of the outer sides of the thermally insulating panel (100). [9] System (200) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the heat-insulating plate (100) is adapted for sound insulation. [10] The system (200) of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the uncompressed region (104) of the thermally insulating plate (100) extends over at least a portion of the powertrain component (120) to at least partially thermally insulate the powertrain component (120). [11] System (200) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the attachment (140) is thermally insulated to prevent the formation of a thermal bridge through the connection between the powertrain component (120) and the vehicle component (130). [12] System (200) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the attachment (140) comprises a thermally insulated first contact surface (141) for contacting the drive train component (120) and / or a thermally insulated second contact surface (142) for contacting the vehicle component (130). [13] The system (200) of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the thermal conductivity between the powertrain component (120) and the vehicle component (130) is less than 0.045 W / mK at 20°C. [14] The system (200) of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the vehicle component (130) is a component of an engine, a vehicle powertrain, a high-temperature vehicle oil reservoir, an electrical energy storage device of a vehicle (300), or a temperature-sensitive vehicle component. [15] Vehicle (300) comprising a system (200) according to any one of claims 1-14.

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