Integrated coolant inlet system for engine oil cooler

Abstract

The invention relates to an integrated coolant inlet system for an engine oil cooler. An integrated coolant inlet for an engine oil cooler includes a first coolant inlet portion including an outlet. The first coolant inlet portion defines a first passage portion having a first diameter. The integrated coolant inlet also includes a second coolant inlet portion protruding from the first coolant inlet portion. The second coolant inlet portion includes an inlet in fluid communication with the outlet and defines a second channel portion having a second diameter. The integrated coolant inlet also includes a coolant pump interface coupled to the first coolant inlet portion. The coolant pump interface defines a coolant pump inlet. The coolant pump inlet communicates with the outlet in a fluid receiving manner. The second coolant inlet portion is positioned at a distance from the coolant pump interface.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 202441059314, filed on August 6, 2024. The contents of that application are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application generally relates to a system for coolant intake for an engine oil cooler in an engine system. Background Technology

[0004] In an engine system, oil undergoes a cooling process before being supplied to other engine system components. Coolant is supplied to the oil cooler. The oil cooler cools the oil to the required temperature. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one set of embodiments, an integrated coolant inlet for an engine oil cooler includes a first coolant inlet portion including an outlet. The first coolant inlet portion defines a first channel portion having a first diameter. The integrated coolant inlet also includes a second coolant inlet portion projecting from the first coolant inlet portion. The second coolant inlet portion includes an inlet in fluid communication with the outlet and defines a second channel portion having a second diameter. The integrated coolant inlet also includes a coolant pump interface coupled to the first coolant inlet portion. The coolant pump interface defines a coolant pump inlet. The coolant pump inlet communicates with the outlet in a manner that receives fluid. The second coolant inlet portion is positioned at a distance from the coolant pump interface.

[0006] In some embodiments, the distance is greater than the tool clearance of the lubricating oil filter head mounting bolts.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first diameter is not substantially equal to the second diameter.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first diameter is substantially equal to the second diameter.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first coolant inlet portion protrudes substantially vertically from the coolant pump interface.

[0010] In some embodiments, the second coolant inlet portion protrudes substantially vertically from the first coolant inlet portion.

[0011] In some embodiments, the second coolant inlet portion is positioned substantially parallel to the coolant pump interface.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first coolant inlet portion is connected to the central portion of the coolant pump interface.

[0013] In some embodiments, the central portion of the coolant pump interface is positioned such that the lower outer surface of the first coolant inlet portion is close to the upper edge of the lubricating oil filter head mounting bolt hole.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first coolant inlet portion, the second coolant inlet portion, and the coolant pump interface are integrally formed as a single component.

[0015] In another set of embodiments, an oil filter housing system includes: a housing body; and the aforementioned integrated coolant inlet.

[0016] In some embodiments, the housing body defines an oil filter flow passage configured to communicate with an oil filter in a manner that receives fluid.

[0017] In some embodiments, the housing body defines an oil cooler flow passage configured to provide fluid communication with the oil filter.

[0018] In some embodiments, the coolant pump interface is defined by the housing body.

[0019] In some embodiments, the second coolant inlet portion is substantially parallel to the coolant pump interface.

[0020] In some embodiments, the oil filter housing system further includes one or more ribs protruding from the outer surface of the second coolant inlet portion.

[0021] In some embodiments, the outer surface of the region between the second coolant inlet portion and the first coolant inlet portion defines a curved cylindrical shape.

[0022] In some embodiments, the oil filter housing system further includes one or more flanges protruding from the outer surface of the coolant pump interface.

[0023] In some embodiments, the outer surface of the coolant pump interface includes a substantially flat surface. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other features, aspects, and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent from the description, drawings, and claims, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the oil filter housing system;

[0026] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Front view of the oil filter housing system; and

[0027] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A detailed view of a part of the oil filter housing system.

[0028] It should be recognized that the accompanying drawings are schematic representations for illustrative purposes. The drawings are provided to illustrate one or more embodiments and are intended not to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Detailed Implementation

[0029] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, an integrated coolant inlet system 110 (e.g., an integrated coolant inlet) for an engine oil cooler includes a first coolant inlet portion 200, which includes an outlet 204. The first coolant inlet portion 200 defines a first channel portion having a first diameter. The integrated coolant inlet system 110 also includes a second coolant inlet portion 202 projecting from the first coolant inlet portion 200. The second coolant inlet portion 202 includes an inlet 206 in fluid communication with the outlet 204 and defines a second channel portion having a second diameter. The integrated coolant inlet system 110 also includes a coolant pump interface 112 coupled to the first coolant inlet portion 200. The coolant pump interface 112 defines a coolant pump inlet 116. The coolant pump inlet 116 communicates with the outlet 204 in a manner that receives fluid. The second coolant inlet portion 202 is positioned at a distance from the coolant pump interface 112.

[0030] Go to Figure 1 The oil filter housing system 100 for an engine system includes a housing body 102 that defines a system for fluid flow. The housing body 102 also includes interfaces configured to receive various accessories (e.g., coolant pumps, oil filters, oil coolers, turbochargers, etc.). These accessories facilitate fluid flow.

[0031] The housing body 102 includes an oil filter port 104. The oil filter port 104 is integrated with the housing body 102 and configured to receive an oil filter when the oil filter housing system 100 is installed within the engine system. The oil filter port 104 is angled such that when the oil filter housing system 100 is installed in the engine system, the oil filter protrudes from the oil filter port 104 in a direction away from the vehicle chassis bracket (not shown). The angle can be any angle, including a zero angle parallel to the ground. The oil filter port 104 can be configured to position the attached oil filter at a distance away from the vehicle chassis bracket to reduce interference between the oil filter and the vehicle chassis bracket or to allow for a larger amount of space between the oil filter and the vehicle chassis bracket. Reduced interference or a larger amount of space between the oil filter and the vehicle chassis bracket can provide benefits such as better access to the oil filter or vehicle chassis bracket, easier interchangeability of various oil filter accessories, and allowing the oil filter or vehicle chassis bracket to have different sizes, shapes, or configurations.

[0032] The housing body 102 defines an oil filter flow passage 106, which communicates with an oil filter in a manner that receives fluid. When the oil filter housing system 100 is installed within an engine system, the oil filter flow passage 106 may communicate with a turbocharger (not shown) in a manner that supplies fluid. The oil filter flow passage 106 receives fluid (e.g., oil) filtered by the oil filter and supplies the filtered oil to the turbocharger.

[0033] The housing body 102 also defines an oil cooler flow passage 108. An oil filter communicates with the oil cooler flow passage 108 in a manner that receives fluid. The oil cooler flow passage 108 receives fluid from an engine oil cooler (not shown) and supplies fluid to the oil filter. The fluid can be cooled by the engine oil cooler or the like. The oil cooler flow passage 108 generally spans from one side of the housing body 102 to the other side. In other embodiments, the oil cooler flow passage 108 may be configured or shaped in a different manner.

[0034] The oil filter housing system 100 includes an integrated coolant inlet system 110, which includes a coolant pump interface 112 and a coolant inlet 114. The coolant pump interface 112 is defined by the housing body 102 and is configured as an interface or attachment mechanism for receiving and securing a coolant pump (not shown) when the oil filter housing system 100 is mounted within an engine system. The coolant pump interface 112 is configured to receive and secure the coolant pump to the housing body 102. The coolant pump interface 112 supplies fluid (e.g., coolant, water, etc.) to the coolant pump. In other embodiments, the housing body 102 may not define the coolant pump interface 112. The coolant pump may be attached to or secured to the housing body 102 in another manner.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, the coolant pump interface 112 is integrated with the coolant inlet 114 (e.g., coupled to, secured to, integrally formed with, etc.). In some embodiments, the coolant pump interface 112 may include an interface or attachment mechanism for receiving and securing the coolant inlet 114 when the oil filter housing system 100 is installed within the engine system. The housing body 102 may define a coolant inlet interface (not shown). The coolant inlet interface may be configured to receive the coolant inlet 114 and secure the coolant inlet 114 to the housing body 102. In such embodiments, the coolant inlet 114 may be removably coupled to the coolant inlet interface of the coolant pump interface 112.

[0036] The coolant pump interface 112 further defines a coolant pump inlet 116 for facilitating the flow of fluid (e.g., coolant, water, etc.) from the coolant inlet 114 to the coolant pump. The coolant pump inlet 116 communicates with the coolant inlet 114 at the junction of the coolant inlet 114 and the coolant pump interface 112 in a manner that receives fluid. The coolant pump inlet 116 may be configured as an opening, a passage, etc.

[0037] Now go to Figure 2 and Figure 3The coolant inlet 114 includes a first coolant inlet portion 200 and a second coolant inlet portion 202. The first coolant inlet portion 200 protrudes from the coolant pump port 112 and communicates with the coolant pump inlet 116 of the coolant pump port 112 in a manner that provides fluid. The first coolant inlet portion 200 may protrude from the coolant pump port 112 in a substantially vertical manner (e.g., forming an elbow, etc.). The first coolant inlet portion 200 defines a first channel portion (not shown) therein. The first channel portion of the first coolant inlet portion 200 is configured as a substantially cylindrical channel (e.g., pipe, conduit, etc.) for fluid (e.g., coolant, water, etc.) flow and has a first diameter. The first coolant inlet portion 200 includes an outlet 204 at the downstream end of the first channel portion. Fluid flows downward along the first channel portion, exits the coolant inlet 114 at the outlet 204, and enters the coolant pump port 112 at the coolant pump inlet 116.

[0038] A second coolant inlet portion 202 protrudes from a first coolant inlet portion 200. The second coolant inlet portion 202 may protrude from the first coolant inlet portion 200 at an angle substantially perpendicular to it (e.g., forming an elbow, etc.). In some embodiments, the second coolant inlet portion 202 may protrude at a different angle relative to the first coolant inlet portion 200 or may be constructed differently. The second coolant inlet portion 202 defines, within itself (not shown), a second channel portion in fluid communication with a first channel portion of the first coolant inlet portion 200. The second channel portion of the second coolant inlet portion 202 is configured as a substantially cylindrical channel (e.g., pipe, conduit, etc.) for fluid (e.g., coolant, water, etc.) flow and has a second diameter. In some embodiments, the first diameter is not equal to the second diameter. In some embodiments, the second diameter of the second channel portion of the second coolant inlet portion 202 is larger than the first diameter of the first channel portion of the first coolant inlet portion 200 (e.g., the first diameter is smaller than the second diameter, etc.), or otherwise substantially different from the first diameter of the first channel portion of the first coolant inlet portion 200. In other embodiments, the second diameter may be smaller than the first diameter, or the second diameter and the first diameter may be substantially equal.

[0039] The second coolant inlet portion 202 includes an inlet 206 at the upstream end of the second channel portion. Fluid (e.g., coolant, water, etc.) enters the coolant inlet 114 at inlet 206 and flows downward along the second channel portion. The fluid flows from the second channel portion of the second coolant inlet portion 202 to the first channel portion of the first coolant inlet portion 200. The fluid exits the coolant inlet 114 at outlet 204 and enters the coolant pump interface 112 at the coolant pump inlet 116.

[0040] In some embodiments, the first coolant inlet portion 200, the second coolant inlet portion 202, and the coolant pump interface 112 are integrally formed into a single integral component (e.g., an integrated coolant inlet). For example, the integrated coolant inlet can be cast (e.g., from a mold, etc.) into a single component (e.g., a part, component, etc.) including the first coolant inlet portion 200, the second coolant inlet portion 202, and the coolant pump interface 112. In some embodiments, additional or fewer components may be included to form the single integral component of the integrated coolant inlet. The integrated nature of the integrated coolant inlet system 110 and the positioning of the coolant inlet 114 relative to the coolant pump interface 112 provide additional space (e.g., offset distance, gap, etc. between the coolant inlet 114 and the coolant pump interface 112) for better access to other components of the oil filter housing system 100.

[0041] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the coolant inlet 114 can be specifically positioned relative to the coolant pump interface 112. The coolant pump interface 112 may have a central portion from which the coolant inlet 114 protrudes. As previously described, the first coolant inlet portion 200 may protrude from the central portion of the coolant pump interface 112 at an angle substantially perpendicular to the coolant pump interface 112. The second coolant inlet portion 202 may protrude from the first coolant inlet portion 200 at an angle substantially perpendicular to the first coolant inlet portion 200. In such an embodiment, the second coolant inlet portion 202 may be substantially parallel to the coolant pump interface 112. In other embodiments, the coolant inlet 114 may be positioned at an angle or differently relative to the coolant pump interface 112. For example, the second coolant inlet portion 202 of the coolant inlet 114 may be positioned relative to the coolant pump interface 112 at an acute, right, or obtuse angle. In some embodiments, components of the oil filter housing system 100 may be positioned at any angle relative to other components of the oil filter housing system 100 or the engine system.

[0042] The coolant inlet 114 and coolant pump interface 112 may also be specifically positioned relative to the bolt hole 208 for the lubricating oil filter head mounting bolt to provide sufficient clearance for access to the lubricating oil filter head mounting bolt. For example, access to the lubricating oil filter head mounting bolt may be necessary to place, tighten, loosen, remove, or replace it with tools. The central portion of the coolant pump interface 112 may be positioned such that the lower outer surface of the first coolant inlet portion 200 is close to the upper edge of the bolt hole 208 or the upper edge of the lubricating oil filter head mounting bolt. In such an embodiment, the bolt hole 208 and the lubricating oil filter head mounting bolt are positioned below the first coolant inlet portion 200. The bolt hole 208 and the lubricating oil filter head mounting bolt may be visible and accessible below and between the coolant inlet 114 and the coolant pump interface 112.

[0043] Now go to Figure 3 The offset distance is shown as 300. In Figure 3 In one embodiment, the second coolant inlet portion 202 is positioned substantially parallel to the coolant pump interface 112, such that the second coolant inlet portion 202 and the coolant pump interface 112 define an offset distance 300 between them. In other embodiments, other angles and positioning of the second coolant inlet portion 202 relative to the coolant pump interface 112 may still result in the second coolant inlet portion 202 and the coolant pump interface 112 defining an offset distance 300 between them. The offset distance 300 may be defined as the minimum distance between the outer surface (e.g., edge, point, etc.) of the second coolant inlet portion 202 and the outer surface (e.g., edge, point, etc.) of the coolant pump interface 112.

[0044] For example, in some embodiments, the outer surface of the second coolant inlet portion 202 may be a substantially straight cylindrical outer surface (e.g., a pipe, conduit, etc.) from which an offset distance 300 is measured. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the second coolant inlet portion 202 may have one or more ribs 302 projecting from the outer surface. In such embodiments, the offset distance 300 may be measured from the outer surface of one of the ribs 302 (e.g., an edge, a point, etc.). In some embodiments, the offset distance 300 may be measured from a point intercepted along the outer surface of the region between the second coolant inlet portion 202 and the first coolant inlet portion 200. The outer surface of the region between the second coolant inlet portion 202 and the first coolant inlet portion 200 may define a curved cylindrical shape (e.g., a bent pipe, a curved conduit, an elbow, etc.).

[0045] As another example, in some embodiments, the outer surface of the coolant pump interface 112 may be a substantially flat or straight surface. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the coolant pump interface 112 may include one or more flanges 304 (e.g., ribs, etc.) protruding from the outer surface. In such embodiments, the offset distance 300 may be measured from the outer surface of one or more of the flanges 304 (e.g., edges, points, etc.).

[0046] The offset distance 300 can be, for example, a distance greater than the clearance of the lubricating oil filter head mounting bolt tool, such that the lubricating oil filter head mounting bolt tool can be positioned within the offset distance 300 between the second coolant inlet portion 202 and the coolant pump interface 112 to approach the bolt hole 208 or the lubricating oil filter head mounting bolt. The offset distance 300 allows the lubricating oil filter head mounting bolt tool to rotate between the second coolant inlet portion 202 and the coolant pump interface 112. In some embodiments, the offset distance 300 can be another distance (e.g., defined in another way, greater than the distance of another tool, etc.).

[0047] While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular implementations. Certain features described in the context of individual implementations may also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single implementation may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple implementations. Furthermore, while features may be described as functioning in certain combinations and even initially claimed in this manner, one or more features from a claimed combination may, in some cases, be removed from that combination, and the claimed combination may involve sub-combinations or variations thereof.

[0048] As used herein, the term "generally" and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning consistent with common and accepted use by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. Those skilled in the art who consult this disclosure will understand that these terms are intended to allow for the description of certain features described and claimed, without limiting the scope of those features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Therefore, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that non-substantial or irrelevant modifications or alterations to the described and claimed subject matter are considered to be within the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

[0049] As used herein, the term "connection" and similar terms mean that two components are directly or indirectly linked together. Such a connection can be fixed (e.g., permanent) or movable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such a connection can be achieved by integrating two components, or two components and any additional intermediate components, into a single unit, or by attaching two components, or two components and any additional intermediate components, to each other.

[0050] It is important to note that the structures and arrangements of the various systems illustrated in the example embodiments are illustrative in nature and not restrictive. All changes and modifications within the spirit and / or scope of the described embodiments are protected. It should be understood that some features may not be necessary, and embodiments lacking various features may be considered within the scope of this disclosure, defined by the appended claims. When the language “part” is used, it may include a part and / or the entire item, unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0051] Furthermore, in the context of a list of components, the term "or" is used in its inclusive sense (rather than its exclusive meaning), such that when used to relate a list of components, the term "or" means one, some, or all of the components in the list. Unless otherwise expressly stated, conjunctions such as "at least one of X, Y, and Z" are generally understood in the context to convey that items, terms, etc., can be X, Y, Z, X and Y, X and Z, Y and Z, or X, Y, and Z (i.e., any combination of X, Y, and Z). Therefore, unless otherwise stated, such conjunction language is generally not intended and implies that some embodiments require at least one X, at least one Y, and at least one Z to each be present.

Claims

1. An integrated coolant inlet for an engine oil cooler, comprising: A first coolant inlet portion, the first coolant inlet portion including an outlet, the first coolant inlet portion defining a first channel portion having a first diameter; A second coolant inlet portion protrudes from the first coolant inlet portion, the second coolant inlet portion includes an inlet in fluid communication with the outlet, and the second coolant inlet portion defines a second channel portion having a second diameter; and A coolant pump interface is connected to the first coolant inlet portion, defining a coolant pump inlet, which communicates with the outlet in a manner that receives fluid, wherein: The second coolant inlet is located at a distance from the coolant pump interface.

2. The integrated coolant inlet according to claim 1, wherein, The distance is greater than the tool clearance of the lubricating oil filter head mounting bolts.

3. The integrated coolant inlet according to claim 1, wherein, The first diameter is not substantially equal to the second diameter.

4. The integrated coolant inlet according to claim 1, wherein, The first diameter is substantially equal to the second diameter.

5. The integrated coolant inlet according to claim 1, wherein, The first coolant inlet portion protrudes substantially vertically from the coolant pump interface.

6. The integrated coolant inlet according to claim 1, wherein, The second coolant inlet portion protrudes substantially vertically from the first coolant inlet portion.

7. The integrated coolant inlet according to claim 1, wherein, The second coolant inlet portion is positioned substantially parallel to the coolant pump interface.

8. The integrated coolant inlet according to claim 1, wherein, The first coolant inlet portion is connected to the center portion of the coolant pump interface.

9. The integrated coolant inlet according to claim 8, wherein, The central portion of the coolant pump interface is positioned such that the lower outer surface of the first coolant inlet portion is close to the upper edge of the lubricating oil filter head mounting bolt hole.

10. The integrated coolant inlet according to claim 1, wherein, The first coolant inlet portion, the second coolant inlet portion, and the coolant pump interface are integrally formed as a single component.

11. An oil filter housing system, comprising: Shell body; and The integrated coolant inlet according to any one of claims 1-10.

12. The oil filter housing system according to claim 11, wherein, The housing body defines an oil filter flow passage configured to communicate with the oil filter in a manner that receives fluid.

13. The oil filter housing system according to claim 12, wherein, The housing body defines an oil cooler flow passage configured to provide fluid communication with the oil filter.

14. The oil filter housing system according to claim 11, wherein, The coolant pump interface is defined by the housing body.

15. The oil filter housing system according to claim 11, wherein, The second coolant inlet portion is substantially parallel to the coolant pump interface.

16. The oil filter housing system of claim 11, further comprising one or more ribs projecting from the outer surface of the second coolant inlet portion.

17. The oil filter housing system according to claim 11, wherein, The outer surface of the region between the second coolant inlet portion and the first coolant inlet portion defines a curved cylindrical shape.

18. The oil filter housing system of claim 11, further comprising one or more flanges projecting from the outer surface of the coolant pump interface.

19. The oil filter housing system according to claim 11, wherein, The outer surface of the coolant pump interface includes a substantially flat surface.

Images