Patent Description:
In particular, the present invention relates to the automotive field.

In fact, the evaporator assembly of the present invention is fluidly connectable to a refrigerant fluid circulation circuit and to a cooling circuit of an operating unit in which the cooling liquid comprised in a vehicle flows. The evaporator assembly of the present invention is suitable for performing heat exchange operations between the refrigerant fluid and the cooling liquid. The evaporator assembly of the present invention is suitable for managing the physical properties, in particular the temperature, of the refrigerant fluid to therefore allow the management of an effective heat exchange with the cooling liquid so as to obtain an effective temperature management of the operating unit.

In particular, the term "operating unit" refers to a component of the vehicle suitable for performing specific operations. For example, preferably, the operating unit is a battery pack, or a motor unit, preferably of the electrically powered type, or an electronic control unit. In particular, preferably, in operation, the operating unit can reach high temperatures, thus requiring a specific cooling action.

Preferably, the term "cooling circuit" of an operating unit refers to a group of components and conduits operatively connected to said operating unit. This group of components and conduits define a fluid path for a cooling liquid, typically water-based, typically comprising water and glycol, which manages the temperature of the operating unit by heat exchange.

Preferably, the term "refrigerant fluid circulation circuit" in the present description means a group of components and conduits that are operatively connected to each other, comprising for example a condenser unit, a dryer unit, a compressor unit. For example, the refrigerant fluid circulation circuit is suitable for managing the air temperature of the HVAC system, i.e., of the vehicle air conditioning system. This group of components and conduits defines a fluid path for a refrigerant fluid, which by heat exchange manages the temperature, for example, of the air in the HVAC system.

Preferably, "refrigerant fluid" means a fluid which has a chemical composition that allows it to undergo a phase change at temperature and pressure values compatible with the operation of the circulation circuit.

In the present discussion, refrigerant fluid means one of the operating fluids normally used in a refrigeration cycle such as, for example, R134a, R744, R290, R718, R717, R1234yfa.

In still other words, the evaporator assembly is suitable for performing heat exchange operations between the cooling liquid and the refrigerant fluid, resulting in a junction node of the two vehicle circuits.

Specifically, evaporator assemblies suitable for managing the temperature of the refrigerant fluid circulating in the circulation circuit are known in the state of the art. In particular, the management of the refrigerant fluid temperature is also performed by managing the physical state of the refrigerant fluid, appropriately exploiting the state changes thereof, in particular the state changes from liquid to gaseous.

In particular, the phase change of the refrigerant fluid and the related variations in temperature and pressure are exploited to remove heat from the cooling liquid coming from the operating unit.

In particular, the evaporator assemblies, also known on the market with the name "chiller," comprise a heat exchanger which performs heat exchange operations between the refrigerant fluid and the cooling liquid circulating towards the operating unit (for example, the battery pack) and in a position fluidly upstream of said heat exchanger comprise at least one lamination member, preferably an expansion valve, in which the refrigerant fluid undergoes a sudden pressure and temperature variation.

A typical problem of the solutions of evaporator assemblies known on the market is that of best managing, i.e., in an extremely effective and efficient manner, the modes according to which the state change of the refrigerant fluid occurs as well as the gaseous state thereof inside the heat exchanger.

In the solutions of the state of the art, the management of the physical state of the refrigerant fluid is typically entrusted to the specific expansion valves comprised in the evaporator assemblies or to the presence of specific bottlenecks, such as an orifice tube, in the fluid path. An example of said known solution is disclosed in document <CIT>.

The need is therefore strongly felt to provide an evaporator assembly in which the management and control of the physical state of the refrigerant fluid is performed in an effective, efficient and controlled manner.

Fulfilling this need also leads to responding to a further need particularly felt in the automotive field, i.e., to achieve effective management of the temperature of both the refrigeration system in which the refrigerant fluid flows and the cooling system of the operating unit in which the cooling liquid flows.

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an evaporator assembly which meets the above requirements.

Such an object is achieved by means of the evaporator assembly claimed in claim <NUM>. The claims dependent thereon show preferred variants implying further advantageous aspects.

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:.

With reference to the accompanying figures, numeral <NUM> indicates an evaporator assembly <NUM> in accordance with the present invention.

The evaporator assembly <NUM> is specific for the automotive field, thus having features, for example geometric, which make it suitable for being housable in a vehicle and to be operably connectable, as well as fluidly connectable, to other specific vehicle components.

In fact, the evaporator assembly <NUM> of the present invention is fluidly connectable to a refrigerant fluid circulation circuit and to a cooling circuit of an operating unit, preferably a battery pack, in which the cooling liquid comprised in a vehicle flows.

In other words, said refrigerant fluid and said cooling liquid flow in the evaporator assembly <NUM> of the present invention and the evaporator assembly <NUM> is suitable for performing heat exchange operations between the refrigerant fluid and the cooling liquid.

The primary function of the evaporator assembly <NUM> is to perform adequate cooling of the cooling liquid of the operating unit.

Another important function entrusted to the evaporator assembly <NUM> is to manage the refrigerant fluid and in particular the physical properties thereof to perform, by controlling the heat exchange, the cooling of the cooling liquid and therefore allow the management of any cooling of the operating unit.

According to the present invention, the evaporator assembly <NUM> comprises a main axis X-X and comprises a longitudinal axis Y-Y and a transverse axis Z-Z orthogonal to the main axis X-X. Preferably, the main axis X-X is the vertical axis, with respect to which the evaporator assembly <NUM> or the components thereof described below extends in height or vertically. Preferably, the longitudinal axis Y-Y and the transverse axis Z-Z are such as to lie on the same imaginary plane.

It is emphasized that in the present discussion, the use of the terms "upper" and "lower" refers specifically to the accompanying drawings, with reference to the main axis X-X, but does not in any way limit the use of the evaporator assembly <NUM> or the positioning thereof inside a vehicle.

In accordance with the present invention, the evaporator assembly <NUM> comprises a heat exchanger <NUM>, in which the refrigerant fluid and the cooling liquid are suitable for flowing.

The heat exchanger <NUM> comprises, along said main axis X-X, a plurality of plates: preferably, an upper exchanger plate, a plurality of intermediate exchanger plates and a lower exchanger plate. In other words, said plates are mutually stacked along the main axis X-X.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the heat exchanger <NUM> comprises a plurality of exchanger plates superimposed along the main axis X-X to define a plurality of conduits through which the refrigerant fluid and the cooling liquid flow, respectively.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the heat exchanger <NUM> comprises a plurality of exchanger plates superimposed along the main axis X-X to define mutually alternating conduits through which the refrigerant fluid and the cooling liquid flow, respectively.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the upper exchanger plate and the lower exchanger plate are suitable for sandwiching the plurality of intermediate exchanger plates therebetween. In accordance with the present invention, the stacking of said plates defines a refrigerant fluid flowing zone and a cooling liquid flowing zone comprising a plurality of planar refrigerant fluid flowing regions, respectively, and a plurality of planar cooling liquid flowing regions, preferably alternating with one another along the main axis, and comprising vertical refrigerant inlet and outlet conduits and vertical liquid inlet and outlet conduits, respectively, fluidly connected to the respective planar flowing regions.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the refrigerant cooling fluid flowing zone comprises two vertical refrigerant conduits, for the inlet and outlet of the refrigerant fluid.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the cooling liquid flowing zone comprises two vertical liquid conduits, for the inlet and outlet of the cooling liquid.

In other words, the exchanger plates are specifically shaped so as to vertically align a plurality of specific through openings so as to identify the vertical conduits.

In still other words, the exchanger plates are specifically shaped to identify specific planar, i.e., longitudinal and/or transverse, passages therebetween.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the exchanger plates are shaped to define U-shaped circulation passages on the refrigerant fluid circuit and/or on the cooling liquid circuit.

In accordance with the present invention, the evaporator assembly <NUM> further comprises a lamination member <NUM>, which is connectable to a conduit of the refrigerant fluid circulation circuit to receive the refrigerant fluid in the liquid state. In accordance with the present invention, hence, the lamination member <NUM> is suitable to generate a volumetric expansion of the refrigerant fluid, that is a decreasing of the pressure and of the temperature of the refrigerant fluid in inlet in the evaporator assembly <NUM>.

Typically, the lamination member <NUM> receives refrigerant fluid in the liquid state coming from a condenser placed upstream with respect to the refrigerant fluid circulation direction. Eventually, following the sudden decrease in pressure, the transformation of a fraction of the refrigerant fluid from the liquid to the gaseous state may occur.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the lamination member <NUM> is an expansion valve 3A.

In accordance with other preferred embodiments, the lamination member <NUM> is a capillary or an orifice with a controlled section.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the expansion valve 3A is a thermostatic valve of the mechanical type comprising a calibrated opening. Preferably said calibrated opening is controlled by a mechanical actuator. Typically, said mechanical actuator is activated as a function of the temperature of the refrigerant fluid exiting the evaporator.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the expansion valve 3A is an electronic expansion valve comprising a calibrated opening. Preferably said calibrated opening is controlled by a shutter operatively connected to an electric (electric motor) or electromagnetic (solenoid) control actuator.

In accordance with this embodiment, the expansion valve 3A is an electronic expansion valve of the pulse type, analog, hot motor or stepper motor.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the expansion valve 3A is of the hybrid type comprising a mechanical actuator coupled to an electronic control device.

Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the evaporator assembly <NUM> of the present invention comprises a base body <NUM>. The base body <NUM> is suitable for supporting the heat exchanger <NUM> and the lamination member <NUM>. Furthermore, the base body <NUM> is suitable for fluidly connecting such components as described in detail below.

According to a preferred embodiment, the heat exchanger <NUM> is fluidly connected to the cooling circuit in an independent manner, comprising a specific cooling liquid inlet <NUM> and a specific cooling liquid outlet <NUM>, preferably obtained in the upper exchanger plate.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the heat exchanger <NUM> is fluidly connected by the base body <NUM> to the refrigerant fluid circulation circuit, as widely described below.

In fact, the base body <NUM> has a substantially planar extension along the longitudinal axis Y-Y and the transverse axis Z-Z, comprising, along the main axis X-X, a first fluid region <NUM>' and a second fluid region <NUM>".

In accordance with the present invention, the base body <NUM> further comprises a body inlet mouth <NUM> which fluidly connects the lamination member <NUM> and the first fluid region <NUM>', and a body outlet mouth <NUM> which is fluidly connected to the second fluid region <NUM>'' and which is connectable to a conduit of the refrigerant fluid circulation circuit.

In addition, according to the present invention, the base body <NUM> comprises an exchanger inlet mouth <NUM> which fluidly connects the first fluid region <NUM>' and the heat exchanger <NUM> and an exchanger outlet mouth <NUM> which fluidly connects the heat exchanger <NUM> and the second fluid region <NUM>".

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the base body <NUM> comprises an intermediate plate 4b separating the first fluid region <NUM>' and the second fluid region <NUM>".

Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, the base body <NUM> is a multi-plate component comprising along the axis X-X, an upper plate 4a, an intermediate plate 4b and a lower plate 4c.

Preferably, the upper plate 4a and the lower plate 4c are operatively connected around the perimeter, defining an operative fluid region <NUM> comprising the first fluid region <NUM>' and the second fluid region <NUM>''.

According to a preferred embodiment, the intermediate plate 4b is thus sandwiched between the upper plate 4a and the lower plate 4c.

According to an alternative embodiment, the intermediate plate 4b is integrated in the upper plate 4a or in the lower plate 4c separating the first fluid region <NUM>' from the second fluid region <NUM>".

According to a preferred embodiment, the base body <NUM> is a multi-plate component comprising along the axis X-X, a plurality of plates shaped so that the first fluid region <NUM>' comprises a plurality of passages or chambers and the second fluid region <NUM>'' comprises a plurality of passages or chambers.

Basically, according to this preferred embodiment, the base body <NUM> comprises a plurality of intermediate plates positioned between the upper plate 4a and the lower plate 4c, suitable for dividing the first fluid region <NUM>' and the second fluid region <NUM>'' into a plurality of passages or circulation chambers.

According to a preferred embodiment, the mouths comprised in the base body <NUM> are positioned so that the refrigerant fluid is suitable for flowing in the first fluid region <NUM>' in a first flow direction and in the second fluid region <NUM>'' in a second flow direction.

Preferably, the first flow direction and the second flow direction are mutually opposite so that the refrigerant fluid flows in counter-flow.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the first fluid region <NUM>' is positioned with respect to the main axis X-X close to the heat exchanger <NUM> and the second fluid region <NUM>'' is positioned distal from the heat exchanger <NUM>.

In other words, the first fluid region <NUM>' is positioned above, while the second fluid region <NUM>'' is positioned below.

Preferably, the arrangement and positioning of the first fluid region <NUM>' and of the second fluid region <NUM>'', are such that the refrigerant fluid flowing from the body inlet mouth <NUM> to the exchanger inlet mouth <NUM> is subjected to a heat exchange with the refrigerant fluid exiting from the exchanger and circulating in the second fluid region <NUM>'' (at a lower temperature - as illustrated below). Said heat exchange may determine the formation of a further liquid fraction, through condensation, in the portion of refrigerant fluid circulating in the first fluid region <NUM>'.

Preferably, the arrangement and positioning of the first fluid region <NUM>' and of the second fluid region <NUM>'', are such that the refrigerant fluid flowing from the exchanger outlet mouth <NUM> to the body outlet mouth <NUM> is subjected to an increase in temperature by heat exchange. Said heat exchange involves the fact that the refrigerant fluid flows through the body outlet mouth <NUM> in the form of overheated steam.

As shown by way of example in the figures, in particular in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, a plurality of embodiments is provided, as a function of the positioning of the mouths.

Preferably, the lamination member <NUM> is positioned extending parallel to the heat exchanger <NUM>. In accordance with what is shown in <FIG>, there are embodiments in which the lamination member <NUM> is positioned on an opposite side with respect to the side on which the heat exchanger <NUM> is positioned.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the body inlet mouth <NUM> and the body outlet mouth <NUM> are positioned close to each other, while the exchanger inlet mouth <NUM> and the exchanger outlet mouth <NUM> are positioned close to each other, longitudinally and/or transversely spaced from the body inlet mouth <NUM> and a body outlet mouth <NUM>.

According to a preferred embodiment, the exchanger inlet mouth <NUM> comprises a second lamination member <NUM> suitable for leading to a further volumetric expansion of the refrigerant fluid.

According to a preferred embodiment, said second lamination member <NUM> comprises a calibrated exchanger opening <NUM>' suitable for leading to a further volumetric expansion of the refrigerant fluid.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the second lamination member <NUM> is installed inside the heat exchanger <NUM>.

In accordance with this embodiment, the heat exchanger <NUM> comprises an inlet conduit <NUM> fluidly connected to the exchanger inlet mouth <NUM>, in which said inlet conduit comprises at least one calibrated conduit opening <NUM> suitable for leading to a further volumetric expansion of the refrigerant fluid.

Preferably, said inlet conduit <NUM> extends for an axial section, parallel to the axis X-X, inside the heat exchanger <NUM>. Preferably, said calibrated conduit opening <NUM> is positioned at the axial top of the inlet conduit.

Preferably, said inlet conduit <NUM> extends for an axial length along substantially the entire height of the heat exchanger <NUM>. Preferably, the inlet conduit <NUM> comprises a plurality of axially spaced calibrated conduit openings <NUM>. Preferably, said calibrated conduit openings <NUM> are equidistant.

Preferably, the inlet conduit <NUM> comprises a plurality of calibrated conduit openings <NUM>, axially spaced, having a variable diameter along the conduit axis.

In still other words, the inlet conduit <NUM> is housed in the vertical refrigerant inlet conduit.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the heat exchanger <NUM> comprises one or more horizontal partitions <NUM> orthogonal to the main axis X-X suitable for identifying a winding path for the refrigerant fluid.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, said horizontal partitions <NUM> and/or horizontal partitions <NUM> close the vertical conduits, preferably the vertical refrigerant conduits, to force the working fluid to follow a winding path inside the exchanger.

According to a preferred embodiment, the fluid mouths of the base body <NUM> are positioned on the same side, so that the heat exchanger <NUM> and the lamination member <NUM> extend parallel to each other and parallel to the main axis X-X.

According to a preferred embodiment, the fluid mouths of the base body <NUM> are positioned on the same side, so that the heat exchanger <NUM> and the lamination member <NUM>, in particular, the expansion valve 3A, extend parallel to each other and parallel to the main axis X-X.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the lamination member <NUM> comprises a member body <NUM> engaged with the base body <NUM>.

Preferably, the member body <NUM> is fixed to the base body <NUM> by a removable connection or by a non-removable connection.

Preferably, the member body <NUM> is fluidly connected to the circulation circuit of a cooling fluid. In particular, the member body <NUM> is fluidly connected to the body inlet mouth <NUM>.

In further detail, according to a preferred embodiment, the member body <NUM> comprises a member inlet mouth <NUM> and a member outlet mouth <NUM> through which the cooling fluid flows in and out of the member body <NUM>. The member outlet mouth <NUM> engages the base body <NUM> and is fluidly connected to the body inlet mouth <NUM>.

According to a preferred embodiment, the member body <NUM> is also fluidly connected to the body outlet mouth <NUM>. In fact, the member body <NUM> also comprises an auxiliary outlet mouth <NUM> from which the exiting refrigerant fluid flows.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the plate-like elements of the heat exchanger <NUM> and/or the plate-like elements of the base body <NUM> are mutually integrally combinable by means of a brazing operation, preferably in autoclave.

With specific reference to the evaporator assembly of the present invention, it is emphasized that the graph of <FIG> shows an example of a Mollier diagram, i.e., the diagram of the liquid-steam mixture of the refrigerant fluid flowing in the evaporator assembly in accordance with the present invention. The graph shown is provided purely by way of example and does not consider the chemical nature of the refrigerant fluid and the specific operating conditions of the circuit on which the assembly is installed.

In particular, such a diagram shows the enthalpy in kJ/kg on the abscissa axis and the pressure value in Pascal on the ordinate axis, while the curve illustrates the zone of the biphasic mixtures.

In still other words, the graph of <FIG> depicts the ideal refrigeration cycle of the refrigerant fluid flowing in the evaporator assembly <NUM>.

The point <NUM>' on the graph depicts the entry of the refrigerant fluid into the lamination member <NUM>.

Point <NUM>' on the graph depicts the body inlet mouth <NUM>.

Point <NUM>' on the graph depicts the exchanger inlet mouth <NUM>.

Point <NUM>' on the graph depicts the fluid passage point in a region corresponding to the exchanger inlet mouth <NUM>, in particular corresponding to the calibrated exchanger opening <NUM>' and/or to the calibrated conduit opening <NUM>.

Point <NUM>' on the graph depicts the exchanger outlet mouth <NUM>.

Point <NUM>' on the graph depicts the body outlet mouth <NUM>.

Therefore, in accordance with the above, in the section <NUM>'-<NUM>' the pressure variation of the refrigerant fluid obtained by the lamination member <NUM> is depicted. In conjunction with the pressure variation, in particular the pressure decrease, the refrigerant fluid undergoes a phase transition from the liquid to the gaseous state at least for a certain fraction.

The section <NUM>'-<NUM>' depicts the refrigerant fluid flow between the body inlet mouth <NUM> and the exchanger inlet mouth <NUM>, in the first fluid region <NUM>'. In such a section, the proximity between the first fluid region <NUM>' and the second fluid region <NUM>'', leads to a variation in the temperature of the refrigerant fluid flowing in the second fluid region <NUM>'' while maintaining the pressure value substantially unchanged (considering an ideal cycle without pressure drops and load losses). In other words, in the section <NUM>'-<NUM>' there is an increase in the quantity of liquid phase of the refrigerant fluid circulating in the first fluid region <NUM>'.

The section <NUM>'-<NUM>' depicts the refrigerant fluid flow through the exchanger inlet mouth <NUM>, and when provided, through the second lamination member (the calibrated opening <NUM>' and/or the calibrated conduit opening <NUM>). In such a passage, the refrigerant fluid undergoes a further volumetric variation, and a further lowering of the pressure, as well as a further variation of the temperature, in particular a temperature lowering.

The section <NUM>'-<NUM>' depicts the refrigerant fluid flow in the heat exchanger <NUM>, in particular, from the exchanger inlet mouth <NUM>, and when provided, through the calibrated opening <NUM>' and/or the calibrated conduit opening <NUM>, to the exchanger outlet mouth <NUM>. In this section, the refrigerant liquid undergoes a state change passing from the mixed liquid-steam phase to the steam phase. This state change is determined by the heat exchange of the refrigerant fluid with the cooling liquid; in fact, the latter benefits from this exchange by cooling itself, transferring heat to the refrigerant fluid which undergoes a transition towards the gaseous state.

The section <NUM>'-<NUM>' depicts the refrigerant fluid flow between the exchanger outlet mouth <NUM> and the body outlet mouth <NUM>, in the second fluid region <NUM>''. In such a section, the proximity between the first fluid region <NUM>' and the second fluid region <NUM>'', leads to a variation in the temperature of the refrigerant fluid while maintaining the pressure value substantially unchanged (considering an ideal cycle without pressure drops and load losses). In other words, following the heat exchange of the refrigerant fluid circulating in the second fluid region <NUM>'', at a lower temperature than the temperature of the refrigerant fluid circulating in the first fluid region <NUM>', the gaseous refrigerant fluid increases the temperature thereof.

Advantageously, by virtue of this further increase in temperature, the refrigerant fluid exits the evaporator assembly <NUM> in the form of overheated steam. Advantageously, the possibility that any portions of liquid phase are present in the refrigerant fluid stream exiting the evaporator assembly is minimized, preserving the compressor located downstream of the evaporator assembly, which is very sensitive to the presence of a liquid phase dispersed in the refrigerant fluid.

Innovatively, the evaporator assembly of the present invention amply fulfills the object of the present invention, overcoming problems which are typical of the prior art.

Advantageously, in fact, the evaporator assembly comprises a base body with fluid flow regions positioned respectively upstream and downstream of the exchanger, coupled in mutual heat exchange to allow a more precise and efficient regulation of the state of the refrigerant fluid.

Advantageously, the management of the heat exchange inside the base body allows the overheating heat to be supplied at the outlet of the evaporator assembly to ensure the complete passage of the refrigerant fluid to the gaseous state.

Advantageously, the enthalpy jump associated with the refrigeration cycle completed by the evaporator assembly, performed by the heat exchanger of the present invention is greater than the one present in the solutions of the state of the art.

Advantageously, the greater enthalpy difference offered by the evaporator assembly is obtained by means of a series of successive volumetric expansions imposed on the refrigerant fluid and by the heat exchange performed between the refrigerant fluid entering the exchanger and the refrigerant fluid exiting the exchanger.

Advantageously, the greater enthalpy difference offered by the evaporator assembly is obtained by a series of successive volumetric expansions imposed on the refrigerant fluid and by the heat exchange performed between the refrigerant fluid entering the exchanger and the refrigerant fluid exiting the exchanger, in which the heat exchange is performed in a circuit section interposed between two points in which the entering circulating refrigerant fluid undergoes a volumetric expansion, in which both of said points are integrated on the evaporator assembly.

Advantageously, the base body comprises fluid flow regions coupled in mutual heat exchange, allowing this component to be exploited to obtain a refrigerant fluid exiting the assembly in the form of overheated steam, thus maximizing the exploitation of the inner channels of the exchanger for heat exchange with the cooling liquid.

Advantageously, the evaporator assembly is capable of managing higher thermal powers by virtue of the greater enthalpy difference compared to the known evaporators affected by the same refrigerant fluid flow rate.

Advantageously, the base body allows to maximize the heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid entering and the refrigerant fluid exiting by means of respective fluid regions extending for the entire width of the base body, making full use of the available spaces and increasing the exchange surface.

Advantageously, the base body is a multifunctional component which performs the function of supporting the lamination member and overheating the cooling fluid, simplifying the structure of the heat exchanger.

Advantageously, the base body is a multifunctional component which performs the function of supporting the lamination member, facilitating the assembly operations of the evaporator assembly which thus results in a compact device.

Advantageously, the base body is a multifunctional component which integrates inside itself the circulation conduits suitable for putting the lamination member and the exchanger in fluid communication, adequately managing the available spaces to maximize the exchange surfaces and therefore the efficiency of the evaporator device.

Advantageously, the base body is a multifunctional component which integrates therein the circulation conduits designed to put the lamination member and the exchanger in fluid communication, adequately managing the available space, for example allowing the positioning of the lamination member in an eccentric position with respect to the exchanger.

Advantageously, the base body performs the function of supporting the lamination member, simplifying any maintenance - replacement operation of the lamination member itself or of the evaporator assembly.

Advantageously, the evaporator assembly allows to exploit the overall dimensions available on the vehicle, as it can be installed on both electric vehicles and hybrid-powered vehicles.

Advantageously, the evaporator assembly allows the performance of an efficient management of the temperature of the battery pack.

Advantageously, the evaporator assembly improves the efficiency of both the circulation circuit of a refrigerant fluid and of the cooling liquid circuit.

Claim 1:
An evaporator assembly (<NUM>) fluidically connectable to a refrigerant fluid circulation circuit and to a cooling circuit of an operating unit, preferably a battery pack, in which a cooling liquid included in a vehicle flows, wherein the evaporator assembly (<NUM>) is suitable for performing heat exchange operations between the refrigerant fluid and the cooling liquid, wherein the evaporator assembly (<NUM>) is suitable for managing the physical properties, in particular the temperature, of the refrigerant fluid, wherein the evaporator assembly (<NUM>) comprises a main axis (X-X), and a longitudinal axis (Y-Y) and a transverse axis (Z-Z) orthogonal to the main axis (X-X), and comprises:
i) a heat exchanger (<NUM>), in which the refrigerant fluid and the cooling liquid are suitable for flowing;
ii) a lamination member (<NUM>) connectable to a conduit of the refrigerant fluid circulation circuit to receive the refrigerant fluid in the liquid state;
wherein the evaporator assembly (<NUM>) is characterized by the fact that it also comprises:
iii) a base body (<NUM>), having a substantially planar extension along the longitudinal axis (Y-Y) and the transverse axis (Z-Z) comprising, along the main axis (X-X), a first fluid region (<NUM>') and a second fluid region (<NUM>"), wherein the heat exchanger (<NUM>) and the lamination member (<NUM>) are fluidly connected to the base body (<NUM>), wherein the base body (<NUM>) comprises:
- a body inlet mouth (<NUM>) fluidly connecting the lamination member (<NUM>) and the first fluid region (<NUM>');
- an exchanger inlet mouth (<NUM>) fluidly connecting the first fluid region (<NUM>') and the heat exchanger (<NUM>);
- an exchanger outlet mouth (<NUM>) fluidly connecting the heat exchanger (<NUM>) and the second fluid region (<NUM>");
- a body outlet mouth (<NUM>) fluidly connected to the second fluid region (<NUM>") and connectable to a conduit of the refrigerant fluid circulation circuit.