Field of application

[0001] The present invention relates to a thermal regulation device . In particular, the present invention relates to a thermal regulation device of a battery pack of an electric and/or hybrid powered vehicle . Furthermore , the present invention relates to an electric and/or hybrid powered system of a vehicle , which comprises said thermal regulation device .

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to the automotive field .

[0003] The thermal regulation device of the present invention finds speci fic application on an electric and/or hybrid powered vehicle , being engageable ( i . e . , coupled) to a battery pack to regulate and control the temperature thereof .

Background art

[0004] In the background art , solutions of thermal regulation devices are known couplable to a battery pack of a vehicle to regulate its temperature by heat exchange . Also , as a function of the operating conditions of the vehicle and the recharging conditions , the battery packs undergo to high and sudden temperature variations which must be managed and regulated by means of special thermal regulation devices in which working fluid, typically water and glycol , flows : indeed, the battery packs are either coupled to or mounted onto said thermal regulation devices or vice versa .

[0005] In the currently known embodiments , such thermal regulation devices have a substantially planar shape , being bulky only along two main directions and so as to have two " faces" , wherein a battery pack is couplable or mountable on at least one face .

[0006] A problem encountered in such thermal regulation devices is that they do not have an ef fective heat exchange in all their portions . Furthermore , the known thermal regulation devices have limited surfaces available for heat exchange with the cooling fluid .

[0007] In particular, in known thermal regulation device solutions , it has been observed that the temperature measured at the interface surface between the thermal regulation device and the battery pack lacks uniformity . Indeed, maj or temperature variations were found on said interface surface . In other words , non-uni form temperature distribution on the interface surface and a consequent inadequate thermal regulation of the battery pack have been found .

[0008] To overcome this problem, many varieties of solutions of thermal regulation devices with complex geometries have been suggested in the background art, such as to identify complex fluid paths for the working liquid. Such thermal regulation devices have a particularly complex geometry and layout, thus causing a complex, and therefore further inefficient, method of coupling with the battery packs.

Solution of the invention

[0009] The need is strongly felt to make available a thermal regulation device, which solves the above problems .

[0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide a thermal regulation device, which has an effective heat transfer in all its portions, i.e., having a temperature on the interface surface of the battery pack which is as uniform as possible. At the same time, said thermal regulation device has an extremely simplified shape and an optimal, effective coupling with the battery packs.

[0011] Such an object is achieved by a thermal regulation device as claimed in claim 1. Furthermore, such an object is also achieved by the electric and/or hybrid power system comprising said thermal regulation device according to claim 18. The claims dependent thereon refer to preferred variants implying further advantageous aspects .

Description of the drawings [0012] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description provided below of preferred exemplary embodiments thereof , given by way of non-limiting example , with reference to the accompanying drawings , in which :

[0013] - figure 1 shows a perspective view with separated parts of the thermal regulation device according to the present invention, according to a variant embodiment ;

[0014] - figure 2 is a top view of the thermal regulation device in figure 1 ;

[0015] - figures 3a, 3b and 3c show three cross-sectional views along longitudinal planes A-A, B-B and C-C in figure 2 ;

[0016] - figures 3d and 3e show two cross-sectional views along transverse planes D-D and E-E in figure 2 ;

[0017] - figure 4 shows a perspective view with parts separated of the thermal regulation device according to the present invention, according to an embodiment ;

[0018] - figure 5 is a top view of the thermal regulation device in figure 4 ;

[0019] - figures 6a, 6b and 6c show three cross-sectional views along longitudinal planes A-A, B-B and C-C in figure 5 ;

[0020] - figures 6d and 6e show two cross-sectional views along transverse planes D-D and E-E in figure 5 ; [0021] - figure 7 shows a perspective view with separated parts of the thermal regulation device according to the present invention, according to a yet further embodiment ; [0022] - figure 8 shows an electric and/or hybrid powered system of a vehicle comprising a battery pack and a thermal regulation device 1 according to the present invention;

[0023] - figure 9 shows a thermal regulation device according to the present invention, according to a yet further embodiment .

Detailed description

[0024] With reference to the accompanying figures , a thermal regulation device according to the present invention is indicated by the reference numeral 1 .

[0025] In particular, the thermal regulation device 1 finds speci fic application coupled to a battery pack 800 of an electric and/or hybrid powered vehicle .

[0026] It is a further obj ect of the present invention, an electric and/or hybrid powered system 900 of a vehicle comprising a battery pack 800 and a thermal regulation device 1 according to the present invention . In such an electric and/or hybrid powered system 900 , the battery pack 800 is coupled to said thermal regulation device 1 so that the latter regulates ( controls ) the temperature thereof by heat exchange . In other words , by coupling the battery pack 800 to the thermal regulation device 1 , it is possible to trans fer thermal power from the batteries to the working fluid and/or vice versa .

[0027] It is emphasi zed that the shape of the battery pack in no way limits the subj ect matter of the present invention, net of any features described below .

[0028] According to the present invention, the thermal regulation device 1 is substantially planar in shape .

[0029] In particular, the thermal regulation device 1 identi fies a longitudinal axis X-X, a transverse axis Y-Y and a vertical axis V-V . Preferably, the longitudinal axis X-X and the transverse axi s Y-Y lie on the same imaginary plane .

[0030] According to the present invention, the thermal regulation device 1 has prevailing development along the longitudinal axis X-X and along the transverse axis Y-Y, while along the vertical axis V-V the thermal regulation device 1 extends in height .

[0031] In particular, the thermal regulation device 1 comprises a plurality of substantially planar elements . Preferably, said substantially planar elements are obtained from sheets , or slabs , which are subsequently machined .

[0032] Speci fically, the thermal regulation device 1 according to the present invention comprises an upper plate 2 , an intermediate plate 3 and a lower plate 4 .

[0033] It is worth noting that the terms "upper" and " lower" are used for the sake of convenience , according to the accompanying figures show a preferred embodiment of the thermal regulation device 1 , in which the upper plate 2 is positioned relative to the vertical axis V-V at a higher height than the lower plate 4 . Preferably, the embodiment shown in the accompanying figures is one according to which the thermal regulation device 1 is , preferably, positioned in the vehicle , under the battery pack 800 . However, embodiments are also possible in which the thermal regulation device 1 is mounted in the vehicle in other positions , e . g . , above the battery pack 800 .

[0034] According to the present invention, the thermal regulation device 1 comprises an inlet mouth 11 of the working fluid, from which the working fluid enters , and an outlet mouth 12 of the working fluid, from which the working fluid exits .

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment , the inlet mouth 11 and the outlet mouth 12 are positioned substantially proximal to each other .

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment , the inlet mouth 11 and/or the outlet mouth 12 have respective connection sections to which appropriate fluid ducts of the vehicle are connectable . Preferably, but not necessarily, the inlet mouth 11 and the outlet mouth 12 extend with respective connection sections 110 , 120 parallel to the vertical axis . Preferably, but not necessarily, the inlet mouth 11 and the outlet mouth 12 are positioned on the same face of the thermal regulation device 1 . Preferably, the inlet mouth 11 and the outlet mouth 12 are positioned on the plate which engages the battery pack 800 , extending vertically therefrom parallel to said battery pack 800 .

[0037] Furthermore , according to the present invention, the thermal regulation device 1 comprises an operating chamber 5 in which the working fluid flows .

[0038] Said operating chamber 5 is defined between the upper plate 2 and the lower plate 4 . In particular, said operating chamber 5 is defined by the coupling of the two plates , i . e . , by the presence of the upper plate 2 above , and of the lower plate 4 below .

[0039] Preferably, the upper plate 2 and the lower plate 4 are peripherally engaged in a sealed manner .

[0040] According to the present invention, the upper plate 2 comprises upper peripheral edges 20 and the lower plate 4 comprises lower peripheral edges 40 .

[0041] Preferably, the peripheral edges consist of the alignment along the peripheral of more than one peripheral edge . Each peripheral edge corresponds to a section of the peripheral . Therefore , in this description, reference is made to "peripheral edges" when indicating the peripheral in its entirety and to "peripheral edge" when indicating a s ingle section .

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment , the aforesaid mutually sealed engagement between the plates is located in a region proximal to the upper peripheral edges 20 and the lower peripheral edges 40 .

[0043] According to a preferred embodiment , the upper peripheral edges 20 and the lower peripheral edges 40 are mutually engaged and sealed by delimiting the operating chamber 5 therein .

[0044] As shown by way of example , in the accompanying figures , the upper plate 2 is entirely planar ( as in figures 4 , 5 and 6 ) , or substantially planar ( as in figures 1 , 2 and 3 ) , while the lower plate 4 has a shape such that it comprises , and thus defines , a housing in which, in its entirety, the operating chamber 5 is defined .

[0045] According to a preferred embodiment , the lower peripheral edges 40 are vertically protruding parallel to the vertical axis V-V, thus resulting engageable by the upper peripheral edges 20 .

[0046] According to the present invention, the operating chamber 5 comprises a working region 500 speci fic for thermal regulation operations and a fluid connection region 550 for the fluid connection with the vehicle cooling fluid supply circuit . In other words , in the thermal regulation device 1 of the present invention, two regions are distinguished in the operating chamber 5 : the working region 500 suitable for the heat exchange and the fluid connection region 550 ( for connection to the vehicle cooling fluid circulation system) .

[0047] According to a preferred embodiment , the inlet mouth 11 and the outlet mouth 12 are located in the fluid connection region 550 . Preferably, the working region 500 and the fluid connection region 550 are j uxtaposed along the transverse axis Y-Y .

[0048] According to the present invention, at least one intermediate plate 3 is interposed between the upper plate 2 and the lower plate 4 .

[0049] According to a preferred embodiment , said intermediate plate 3 is sandwiched between the upper plate 2 and the lower plate 4 .

[0050] According to a preferred embodiment , said intermediate plate 3 is accommodated entirely within the lower plate 4 .

[0051] According to the present invention, said intermediate plate 3 divides the operating chamber 5 into an upper chamber 52 and a lower chamber 54 respectively fluidically connected to the inlet mouth 11 and the outlet mouth 12 or vice versa .

[0052] In other words , the intermediate plate 3 divides , along the vertical axis V-V, both the working region 500 and the fluid connection region 550 into an upper circulation region and a lower circulation region, i . e . , into an upper chamber 52 and a lower chamber 54 .

[0053] According to a preferred embodiment , the upper chamber 52 and the lower chamber 54 , mutually separated by the presence of the intermediate plate 3 , have substantially the same height .

[0054] According to the present invention, the thermal regulation device 1 comprises , within said operating chamber 5 , in particular within the working region 500 , at least one slot 6 suitable for putting the upper chamber 52 and the lower chamber 54 into fluid communication .

[0055] According to a preferred embodiment , the slot 6 is positioned in a region proximal to a peripheral edge of the device .

[0056] According to a preferred embodiment , the slot 6 is positioned in a region proximal to a plurality of sections that form the peripheral edges of the device .

[0057] Preferably, the slot 6 is positioned in a region proximal to more than one peripheral edge . [0058] For example , preferably, the slot extends parallel to the transverse axis Y-Y, in other words , transverse to the longitudinal axis X-X, preferably orthogonal to the axis X-X .

[0059] According to a preferred embodiment , the slot 6 is obtained within the intermediate plate 3 .

[0060] According to a preferred embodiment , the slot 6 is formed in a space delimited between an edge of the intermediate plate 3 and the lower peripheral edge 40 .

[0061] Furthermore , according to a preferred embodiment , the intermediate plate 3 further comprises an auxiliary opening 350 positioned in the fluid connection region 550 . Preferably, said auxiliary opening 350 is intended to allow the fluid passage through a planar connecting region 35 described in detail below .

[0062] Preferably, one of said inlet mouth 11 and said outlet mouth 12 is fluidically connected to said auxiliary opening 350 for fluidically communicating with said lower chamber 54 . Preferably, the outlet mouth 12 is fluidically connected with said auxil iary opening 350 .

[0063] According to a preferred embodiment , the intermediate plate 3 is entirely accommodated in the lower plate 4 . In other words , the intermediate plate 3 is vertically insertable into the space delimited in the lower plate 4 by the lower peripheral edge 40 . [0064] According to a preferred embodiment , the intermediate plate comprises an intermediate peripheral edge 30 . Preferably, the intermediate peripheral edge 30 is complementary to the subtended space in the lower chamber 54 . In further other words , the intermediate peripheral edge 30 is complementary to the vertical walls of the lower peripheral edge 40 .

[0065] According to a preferred embodiment , the lower plate 4 comprises a lower step 48 positioned proximal to the lower peripheral edge 40 .

[0066] According to a preferred embodiment , the lower step 48 extends peripherally into the working region 500 , comprising a lower opening 480 suitable for fluidically connecting the working region 500 to the fluid connection region 550 .

[0067] According to a preferred embodiment , the lower step 48 extends peripherally into the working region 500 , comprising a lower opening 480 suitable for fluidically connecting the working region 500 to the fluid connection region 550 in the lower chamber 54 .

[0068] According to a preferred embodiment , said lower opening 480 is configured as an interruption of the development profile of the lower step 48 .

[0069] Preferably, the lower step 48 is engageable , in abutment , by the intermediate plate 3 . Preferably, the intermediate peripheral edge 30 , at least in part , engages said lower step 48 in the working region 500 .

[0070] According to a preferred embodiment , the upper plate 2 comprises a protruding upper step 28 positioned proximal to the upper peripheral edge 20 .

[0071] Preferably, the upper step 28 engages the intermediate plate 3 . Preferably, the intermediate peripheral edge 30 , at least in part , engages said upper step 28 in the working region 500 .

[0072] According to a preferred embodiment , the upper step 28 extends peripherally into the working region 500 , comprising an upper opening 280 suitable for fluidically connecting the working region 500 to the fluid connection region 550 .

[0073] According to a preferred embodiment , the upper step 28 extends peripherally into the working region 500 , comprising an upper opening 280 suitable for fluidically connecting the working region 500 to the fluid connection region 550 in the upper chamber 52 .

[0074] According to a preferred embodiment , said upper opening 280 is configured as an interruption of the development profile of the upper step 28 .

[0075] According to such preferred embodiment , the upper step 28 is the only protrusion with respect to the perfect planarity of the upper plate 2 . [0076] Preferably, said upper step 28 extends in the same manner as said lower step 48 to be substantially aligned with said lower step 48 along the vertical direction V-V . [0077] According to a preferred embodiment , the upper step 28 is entirely accommodated in the lower plate 4 . Preferably, the upper step 28 , engaging the lower peripheral edge 40 is suitable for facilitating vertical stacking of the upper plate 2 in the lower plate 4 .

[0078] Preferably, the upper step 28 and the lower step 48 are suitable for closing as a sandwich, preferably by clamping, the intermediate plate 3 .

[0079] According to the present invention, the intermediate plate 3 is speci fically suitable for having circulation portions , which direct and/or promote the flow of the working fluid in a preferred direction .

[0080] According to the present invention, in the working region 500 , the intermediate plate 3 comprises a planar sliding portion 36 which extends parallel to and axially spaced apart from the slot 6 .

[0081] In other words , said planar sliding portion 36 promotes the flow of the working fluid . Indeed, the planar sliding portion 36 lacks having speci fic components or protruding elements which obstruct the flow of the working fluid .

[0082] In other words , the planar flow portion 36 is suitable for identi fying two flow ducts , the upper flow duct 520 and the lower flow duct 540 , one in the upper chamber 52 and one in the lower chamber 54 in which the working fluid flows undisturbed from the connection region 550 to the working region 500 or vice versa . In other words , the planar flow portion 36 is suitable for identi fying two flow ducts 520 , 540 in which the working fluid flows undisturbed to or from the inlet mouth 11 and/or the outlet mouth 12 .

[0083] In yet further words , the planar flow portion 36 is without obstructive elements but is substantially planar identi fying a preferential flow direction for the working fluid .

[0084] In other words , the planar sliding portion 36 is a "non-machined" , i . e . , planar portion of the intermediate plate 3 which thus identi fies respective preferential distribution, or flowing, zones for the working fluid both in the upper chamber 52 and in the lower chamber 54 . [0085] According to a preferred embodiment , the inlet mouth 11 and the outlet mouth 12 are axially spaced apart from the planar sliding portion 36 .

[0086] Furthermore , again according to the present invention, in the working region 500 , the intermediate plate 3 comprises a circulation portion 31 , positioned between the planar sliding portion 36 and the slot 6 , comprising vertical protruding elements 312 , 314 .

[0087] Unlike the planar flow portion 36 , the circulation portion 31 comprises protruding elements 312 , 314 having the purpose of forcing, directing, modi fying, the flow direction of the working fluid .

[0088] Preferably, in the circulation portion 31 , the working fluid is instead forced, directed to follow a speci fic flow direction, and thus promote heat exchange . [0089] Preferably, the circulation portion 31 , by means of the vertical protruding elements 312 , 314 , comprises a plurality of fluid channels 310 in which the working fluid circulates .

[0090] Preferably, the circulation portion 31 through the vertical protruding elements 312 , 314 increases the exchange surface area and the turbulence of the cooling fluid . By virtue of the presence of the vertical protruding elements 312 , 314 , the thermal output that is manageable by the thermal regulation device 1 is increased .

[0091] According to a preferred embodiment , said fluid channels 310 extend axially between the planar flow portion 36 and the slot 6 . Preferably, the fluid channels extend longitudinally parallel to the longitudinal axis X-X and are mutually spaced along the transverse axis Y- Y . Alternatively, the fluid channels extend parallel to the transverse Y-Y axis and are mutually spaced along the longitudinal X-X axis . In further words , the position of the fluid channels 310 is a function of the position of the slot 6 .

[0092] Preferably, the fluid ducts are alternated such that , along the transverse axis Y-Y, there is a fluid duct 310 belonging to the upper chamber 52 and a fluid duct 310 belonging to the lower chamber 54 .

[0093] According to a preferred embodiment , the upper protruding elements 312 extend in height along the vertical axis V-V engaging the upper plate 2 . Preferably, furthermore , the lower protruding elements 314 extend in height along the vertical axi s V-V engaging the lower plate 4 .

[0094] According to a variant embodiment , the protruding elements are dimples , arranged in a matrix manner with respect to the longitudinal axis X-X and with respect to the transverse axis Y-Y .

[0095] According to a preferred embodiment , the intermediate plate 3 is in contact on both faces with the working fluid circulating in the upper chamber 52 and the lower chamber 54 respectively, promoting thermal power transmission between the working fluid circulating in the upper chamber 52 and the lower chamber 54 ( i . e . promoting heat transmission between the working fluid circulating in the chamber connected with the inlet mouth 11 and the working fluid circulating in the chamber connected with the outlet mouth 12 ) .

[0096] For example , in case of upper elements 312 and lower elements 314 having a conical/pyramidal ( or generally flared, i . e . , dimple ) part of the upper chamber 52 and the lower chamber 54 interpenetrate, remaining separated by the presence of the intermediate plate 3 . Such an interpenetration further promotes the heat exchange between the working fluid circulating in the upper chamber 52 and the working fluid circulating in the lower chamber 54 .

[0097] According to the above , the circulation portion 31 has the purpose of homogeneously distributing the working fluid avoiding it from concentrating only in speci fic regions of the respective chambers . Furthermore , the circulation portion is intended to increase the available exchange surface area and turbulence within the thermal regulation device .

[0098] According to the present invention, in the fluid connection region 550 , the intermediate plate 3 comprises a planar connection portion 35 .

[0099] In other words , said planar connection portion 35 determines the flowing of the working fluid within the fluid connection region 550 . Indeed, the planar connection portion 35 identi fies speci fic flow regions for the fluid in the upper chamber 52 and the lower chamber 54 respectively in which the working fluid flows undisturbed to or from the inlet mouth 11 and/or the outlet mouth 12 .

[00100] According to a preferred embodiment , the thermal regulation device 1 , in the fluid connection region 550 comprises a lower connection duct , accommodated in the lower chamber 52 , and an upper connection duct , accommodated in the upper chamber 54 , suitable for fluidically connecting the inlet mouth 11 and the outlet mouth 12 with the working region 500 .

[00101] According to a preferred embodiment , the thermal regulation device 1 comprises a lower element 74 accommodated below the intermediate plate 3 .

[00102] According to a preferred embodiment , the thermal regulation device 1 comprises an upper element 72 accommodated above the intermediate plate 3 .

[00103] According to a preferred embodiment , the thermal regulation device 1 comprises a lower element 74 accommodated in the fluid connection region 550 .

[00104] According to a preferred embodiment , the thermal regulation device 74 is an independent component with respect to the intermediate plate 3 .

[00105] According to an embodiment variant , the lower element 74 is accommodated and comprised in the planar connecting portion 35 .

[00106] Furthermore , according to a preferred embodiment , the thermal regulation device 1 comprises an upper element 72 accommodated in the fluid connection region 550 .

[00107] According to a preferred embodiment , the upper element 72 is an independent component from the intermediate plate 3 .

[00108] According to an embodiment variant , the upper element 72 is accommodated and comprised in the planar connecting portion 35 .

[00109] According to a preferred embodiment , the lower element 74 and the upper element 72 comprise a lower channel 740 and an upper channel 720 suitable for fluidically connecting the inlet mouth 11 and the outlet mouth 12 with the working region 500 .

[00110] According to a preferred embodiment , the lower element 74 and the upper element 72 comprise a lower channel 740 and an upper channel 720 suitable for fluidically connecting the planar flow portion 36 with the inlet mouth 11 and the outlet mouth 12 .

[00111] According to a preferred embodiment , the lower element 74 and the upper element 72 are two plate-shaped elements , preferably cut in a manner to identi fy the lower channel 740 and the upper channel 720 .

[00112] According to a preferred embodiment , the lower element 74 and the upper element 72 are two plates having dimensions substantially complementary to the space in the lower chamber 54 and the upper chamber 52 referred to in the fluid connection region 550 .

[00113] According to a preferred embodiment , the upper element 72 comprises a connection opening 725 suitable for fluidically connecting the auxiliary opening 350 of the intermediate plate ( communicating with the lower chamber 54 ) with the respective mouth, preferably with the outlet mouth 12 .

[00114] According to a preferred embodiment , in which, preferably, the upper plate 2 lacks comprising the upper step 28 , the upper element 72 comprises an upper peripheral seam 728 extending peripherally into the working region 500 .

[00115] Preferably, the upper peripheral seam 728 comprises an upper opening 7280 suitable for fluidically connecting the working region 500 with the fluid connection region 550 , in particular with the upper channel 720 .

[00116] According to such a preferred embodiment , the upper peripheral seam 728 performs the same role and functions as the upper step 28 by sandwiching the intermediate plate 3 with the lower step 48 .

[00117] According to a further preferred embodiment , in which, preferably, the lower plate 4 lacks comprising the lower step 48 , the lower element 74 comprises a lower peripheral seam 748 extending peripherally into the working region 500 .

[00118] Preferably, the lower peripheral seam 748 comprises a lower opening 7480 suitable for fluidically connecting the working region 500 with the fluid connection region 550 , in particular with the lower channel 740 .

[00119] According to this preferred embodiment , the lower peripheral seam 748 has the same role and the same functions as the lower step 48 by sandwiching the intermediate plate 3 with the upper plate 2 , preferably with the upper step 28 or with the upper peripheral seam 728 ( i f present ) .

[00120] According to a preferred embodiment , the steps/cords described above are suitable for fluidically identi fying the working region 500 , dividing it from the fluid connection region 550 .

[00121] According to the present invention, the working fluid flows in the upper chamber 52 in a first direction while , the working fluid flows in the lower chamber 54 in a second direction opposite to the first direction, so that it flows in counterflow .

[00122] Preferably, working fluid flows into the upper chamber 52 being fluidically connected to the inlet mouth 11 .

[00123] According to a preferred embodiment , the thermal regulation device 1 comprises two working regions 500 adapted to the heat exchange with two battery packs 800 and a fluid connection region 550 fluidically connected to the inlet mouth 11 and the outlet mouth 12 fluidically connected to both working regions 500 , in which each working region 500 comprises a respective planar flow portion 36 .

[00124] Preferably, the two planar sliding portions 36 are proximal to each other, while the two slots 6 are axially distal from each other .

[00125] Preferably, the two planar sliding portions 36 are positioned in the central portion of the thermal regulation device 1 while the two slots 6 are positioned near the peripheral edge .

[00126] Preferably, the two planar sliding portions 36 are connected by respective intermediate connection portions suitable for fluidically connecting the two working portions in both the upper and lower chambers .

[00127] According to a preferred embodiment , the upper plate 2 , the intermediate plate 3 and the lower plate 4 are made of metal . Preferably, the upper plate 2 , the intermediate plate 3 and the lower plate 4 are made of aluminum sheets ( or aluminum alloy) .

[00128] According to a preferred embodiment , the upper plate 2 is made of an aluminum alloy .

[00129] According to a preferred embodiment , the lower plate 4 is made of an aluminum alloy .

[00130] According to a preferred embodiment , the intermediate plate 3 is made of an aluminum alloy . According to some embodiments , the intermediate plate 3 is of the same aluminum alloy as the lower plate 4 .

[00131] According to a preferred embodiment , the upper plate 2 , the intermediate plate 3 and the lower plate 4 are mutually j oined by braze-soldering .

[00132] According to a preferred embodiment , the upper plate 2 , the intermediate plate 3 and the lower plate 4 are mutually j oined by structural adhesives .

[00133] As mentioned, it is a further obj ect of the present invention to provide an electrical and/or hybrid powered system 900 of a vehicle comprising a thermal regulation device 1 having the above-described characteristics and a battery pack 800 engaged to the thermal regulation device 1 , preferably to its upper plate 2 , at the working region 500 .

[00134] Preferably, the electric and/or hybrid powered system 900 of a vehicle comprises a thermal regulation device 1 having two working regions 500 and thus the system comprises two battery packs 800 .

[00135] Preferably, the electric and/or hybrid powered system 900 of a vehicle comprises a thermal regulation device 1 having a plurality of working regions 500 ( e . g . , 4 ) and then the system comprises a plurality of battery packs 800 .

[00136] Innovatively, the thermal regulation device and the electrical and/or hybrid powered system which comprises it , being the present invention, largely ful fill the intended purpose by overcoming the typical problems of the background art .

[00137] Advantageously, the thermal regulation device has an extremely simpli fied structure . Advantageously, the thermal regulation device has a simple geometry and fluid layout which allows easy coupling with the battery pack and an ef fective thermal management thereo f .

[00138] Advantageously, the thermal regulating device allows the connection of the inlet and outlet mouths to the internal circulation regions using plate-shaped elements , which are substantially planar and thus easy to manufacture .

[00139] Advantageously, the thermal regulation device allows the connection of the internal circulation chambers to the inlet and outlet mouths by means of appropriately shaped channels provided on plate-shaped elements , substantially planar and easy to manufacture .

[00140] Advantageously, the thermal regulation device of the present invention is extremely versatile in its design and placement in the vehicle .

[00141] Advantageously, the implementation costs of the thermal regulation device are extremely low .

[00142] Advantageously, the thermal regulation device has high structural strength . Accordingly, the presence of the intermediate plate , and in particular of its circulation portion, confers high load-bearing capacity . Advantageously, the flatness of the thermal regulation device is guaranteed over time .

[00143] Advantageously, the presence of the intermediate plate , in particular of the planar connection portion, makes it possible to separate the upper chamber from the lower chamber in the fluid connection region simply and ef fectively promoting the obtainment of a regulation device characteri zed by a planar configuration also in the working fluid supply region .

[00144] Advantageously, the presence of the intermediate plate , in particular of the planar connection portion, makes it possible to manage the development of the inlet and outlet supply ducts in the plane rather than in height , promoting the obtainment of a compact thermal regulation device , with limited overall dimensions in height .

[00145] Advantageously, the presence of the intermediate plate , in particular of the planar connection portion, makes it possible to adequately control the passage section of the supply ducts present in the fluid connection region, both in the upper chamber and in the lower chamber, thus reducing the pressure drops imposed on the circuit , in particular in the region of the fluid inlet to the working region .

[00146] Advantageously, the thermal regulation device uses the auxiliary plate-shaped elements , namely the lower element and the upper element , to increase the structural strength of the thermal regulation device .

[00147] Advantageously, the coupling between plates , and in particular the coupling of the intermediate plate in the lower plate , is extremely simpli fied and errorproof .

[00148] Advantageously, the thermal regulation device uses the peripheral edges of the upper plate and lower plate to define the operating chamber, and in particular the working region and the fluid connection region, minimi zing the closing surfaces and increasing the reliability of the component and of the system in which it is installed .

[00149] Advantageously, the thermal regulation device has high dimensional tolerances , in particular relative to flatness .

[00150] Advantageously, the thermal regulator makes it possible to reduce the thickness of filler materials ( gap filler, thermal pad) usually placed between the battery pack and the thermal regulator to ensure uni form contact between the two components . Advantageously, the thermal regulation device makes it possible to simpli fy the assembly operations of the system and reduce the costs associated with the production of the vehicles on which they are installed .

[00151] Advantageously, the fluid passages have controlled dimensions , in particular, the fluid passages have uni form widths .

[00152] Advantageously, the thermal regulation device comprises an appropriately si zed fluid connection region which makes it possible to minimi ze the impact of pressure drops caused by the circulation ducts inside the device to the cooling fluid supply circuit .

[00153] Advantageously, the thermal regulation device comprises a fluid connection region which allows the flexible management of the design of the thermal regulation device according to the layout of the vehicle cooling circuit and available space requirements .

[00154] Advantageously, the thermal regulation device comprises a fluid connection region which allows a speci fic orientation to be maintained between the planar flow portion, the slot , the circulation portion and the cells of the battery pack maximi zing heat exchange with the working fluid on the supply circuit in which the device is installed .

[00155] Advantageously, the fluid connection region makes it possible to adequately manage the fluid connection of the inlet and outlet mouths with the planar sliding portion making it possible to adapt the dualchamber device solution to power supply systems with di f ferent layouts and/or to systems in which, for example , the location of the inlet and outlet mouths is not obtainable near the planar sliding portion .

[00156] Advantageously, the thermal regulation device comprises a fluid connection region in fluid connection with a plurality of working regions through a plurality of planar sliding portions thus making it possible to adapt the double chamber solution also to complex power supply systems and/or comprising a plurality of battery units as , for example , in case of power supply systems intended for vehicles with large si ze or power ( trucks - buses - operating machines ) .

[00157] Advantageously, the thermal regulation device has an ef fective heat exchange with the battery pack . Advantageously, each portion of the battery pack coupled to it receives and is subj ect to the same ef fective heat trans fer . Advantageously, the thermal controller has a more uni form temperature distribution at the interface surface with the battery pack .

[00158] Advantageously, said structure makes it possible to increase the uni formity of the temperature at the plate positioned at the interface between the thermal regulation device and the battery pack, guaranteeing the respect of optimal temperature conditions for the operation of the batteries , as well as for their duration and stability .

[00159] Advantageously, the thermal regulation device has an operating cavity divided into several chambers separated in the vertical direction, thus obtaining a reciprocal heat exchange also between the fluid portions flowing inside the thermal regulation device itsel f .

[00160] Advantageously, the thermal regulating device allows to keep the temperature at the interface with the battery pack within a limited range ( of about 3 - 5 ° C ) which, in turn, is lower than the temperature di f ference measured between the working fluid at the inlet and the working fluid at the outlet of the device itself.

[00161] Advantageously, in the working region, the available exchange surface is increased and an increase in the heat transfer coefficient (HTC - W/m2K) of the thermal regulation device is detected. A higher value of this coefficient makes it possible to effectively transfer the thermal power from the battery to the working fluid (or vice versa) both under nominal load conditions and under overload conditions in which the power to be transferred considerably increases.

[00162] Advantageously, for example in the presence of working conditions that require cooling of the batteries, the increase in the heat transfer coefficient makes it possible to ensure compliance with a given exchange temperature at the interface between the batteries and the thermal regulation device even for higher values of the temperature of the working fluid entering the thermal regulation device. This effect has consequent advantages on the circuit used for cooling the working fluid. Indeed, this effect makes it possible to either simplify or remove components installed on the working fluid circulation circuit (e.g., evaporators, compressors, condensers) and used to regulate (preferably lower) the temperature of the working fluid entering the thermal regulation device. [00163] It is apparent that to meet contingent needs a person skilled in the art may make changes to the thermal regulation device and to the electric and/or hybrid powered system described above , all of which are contained within the scope of protection as def ined in the following claims . Reference number list :

[00164]

1 thermal regulation device

11 inlet mouth

12 outlet mouth

2 upper plate

20 upper peripheral edge

28 upper step

280 upper opening

3 intermediate plate

30 intermediate peripheral edge

31 circulation portion

310 fluid channels

312 upper protruding element

314 lower protruding element

35 planar connection portion 350 auxiliary opening

36 planar sliding portion

4 lower plate 40 lower peripheral edge

48 lower step

480 lower opening

5 operating chamber

52 upper chamber

520 upper flow duct

54 lower chamber

540 lower flow duct

500 working region

550 fluid connection region

72 upper element

720 upper channel

725 connection opening

728 upper peripheral seam

7280 upper opening

74 lower element

740 lower channel

748 lower peripheral seam

7480 lower opening

800 battery pack

900 electric and/or hybrid powered system

X-X longitudinal axis

Y-Y transverse axis

V-V vertical axis .