MOTOR VEHICLE WITH A SIMPLIFIED GEOMETRY OIL FILTER

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a motor vehicle, comprising an oil filter of simplified geometry.

[0002] An oil filter is typically placed in a lubrication circuit for the moving parts of an internal combustion engine, forming a closed oil circulation loop. This filter receives oil from an upstream branch of this lubrication circuit, which is usually equipped with an oil pump, and discharges the filtered oil to a downstream branch of said lubrication circuit, which is in fluid communication with the moving parts of the engine to be lubricated.

[0003] A conventional oil filter consists of a complete, self-contained unit containing a filter cartridge encased in a typically metallic body. The unit typically has a cylindrical body and a base that rests on an engine component, such as a lower crankcase containing an oil reservoir for engine lubrication.

[0004] The oil filter is supplied with oil by an oil pump driven by the engine from the lower crankcase, and the filter returns the filtered oil to the engine parts to be lubricated. For example, the complete oil filter assembly has a threaded connection for mounting onto a pipe in the engine's lower crankcase, through which the filtered oil exits. The oil enters this assembly through several ports in the bottom of the filter. The bottom of the oil filter has a gasket to ensure a seal against the engine's lower crankcase. The oil filter typically includes a bypass valve, which allows oil to flow through the filter without passing through the filter cartridge if it becomes clogged. It may also include a check valve to prevent oil from flowing back to the oil pump.

[0005] However, a lubrication system involving such an oil filter has several drawbacks: The oil filter is heavy due to the presence of metallic elements inside it; the oil filter is not easily reusable when the filter cartridge is clogged and blocked, because in this case the entire oil filter must be changed, which remains a long and costly operation; the upstream branch of the lubrication circuit, which is generally equipped with an oil pump, and the downstream branch of said lubrication circuit, which serves to carry the filtered oil to the moving parts of the engine to be lubricated, must be integrated into the casting of the oil pan, resulting in the production of complex and expensive shapes in said casting.

[0006] Publication FR2789729-B1 discloses an oil filter housing comprising a cylindrical body, a base, and a cover joined by a central rod. The base includes an inlet nozzle and an outlet nozzle. The base and cover are made of molded plastic parts and have central metal inserts with threaded central bores connected to the threaded rod at both ends. The body is made of a light zamac alloy. The lubrication system described in this document only partially resolves the various problems generated by existing lubrication systems.

[0007] Publication EP1276974-A1 discloses a lower crankcase module for internal combustion engines and a method for manufacturing this part by injection molding. This lower crankcase module, which is attached to the internal combustion engine crankcase, retains the lubricating oil supply. Components of the oil circulation system are integrated into this lower crankcase module. This module is made of a thermoplastic material based on polyamide reinforced with glass fibers and / or a mineral material.

[0008] A vehicle equipped with an engine, according to the invention, includes a lubrication circuit intended to lubricate moving parts of the engine, while overcoming the disadvantages encountered in existing lubrication circuits.

[0009] It should be noted that for the remainder of the description, the expressions "body" and "rigid body" are equivalent.

[0010] The invention relates to a vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine and a lubrication circuit intended to lubricate moving parts of the engine, said engine comprising a lower oil sump and said lubrication circuit being equipped with an oil filter mounted in said sump.

[0011] According to the invention, the oil filter comprises a rigid, non-metallic body, a filter cartridge housed within the rigid body, and a non-metallic cover. The rigid body has a lower end area capped by the cover and an upper end area with a first nozzle inserted into an upstream segment of the lubrication circuit to supply oil to the filter. This upper area has a second nozzle inserted into a downstream segment of the lubrication circuit to deliver the filtered oil to the engine parts to be lubricated. In this configuration, the oil filter closes the lubrication circuit by connecting directly to both the upstream and downstream segments of the lubrication circuit. In this way, the oil flows through the upstream segment before entering the oil filter through the first nozzle.The oil then passes through the filter cartridge where it is cleaned before exiting the oil filter through the second outlet to be sent via the downstream segment to the moving parts of the engine for lubrication. The filter cartridge is located in the oil path within the oil filter, between the first and second outlets. There is fluid communication between the first and second outlets inside the oil filter, in which the filter cartridge participates. Advantageously, the body and cover are lighter than if they were made of metal. Preferably, the first and second outlets are parallel and extend vertically. The cover, once attached to the oil filter body, is located below the body and seals it.To change the filter cartridge, simply remove the cover from the housing, then grasp the old cartridge and remove it manually and effortlessly from the rigid housing. A new cartridge is then easily inserted into the rigid housing of the oil filter, in place of the old cartridge, and the cover is then closed. The cover can be screwed onto the housing or clipped onto it. The cover and the housing can be made of the same material. Preferably, the upstream segment of the lubrication circuit is equipped with an oil pump capable of circulating the oil to the oil filter.

[0012] According to one possible feature of the invention, the body extends vertically, with the cover representing the lowest part of the oil filter, and the first and second nozzles representing the highest part of said oil filter. To change a used cartridge, the oil filter cover must be accessed from underneath the vehicle, and then the cover must be manually removed. Advantageously, the cover is flush with a wall of the oil pan or protrudes slightly downward from said wall.

[0013] According to one possible feature of the invention, the first and second tips are formed from the same material as the rigid body. In this way, the body and the two tips constitute a single resulting part, which is manufactured in one operation.

[0014] According to one possible embodiment of the invention, a first sealing element is inserted between the first fitting and a wall defining the upstream segment of the lubrication circuit, and a second sealing element is inserted between the second fitting and a wall defining the downstream segment of the lubrication circuit. It is essential to ensure a good seal between the lubrication circuit and the oil filter, otherwise oil leaks between these two components will occur, potentially leading to excessive oil consumption or engine malfunction. The first and second sealing elements can, for example, be O-rings.

[0015] According to one possible feature of the invention, the lower end of the rigid oil filter body terminates in a flared flange that bears against an underside of the lower crankcase. This flared flange has at least one opening through which a fastening screw passes, securing the rigid oil filter body to the lower crankcase of the engine. Before the rigid oil filter body is attached to the oil pan, it is first moved vertically upwards to enter the pan until the flared flange abuts against an underside of the oil pan. The body is then secured to the pan by means of screws.

[0016] According to one possible feature of the invention, the oil filter body is made of plastic. This contributes to reducing the vehicle's weight compared to a metal body. Furthermore, it is easier to handle. Finally, it may advantageously exhibit elastic deformation capabilities, facilitating its insertion into the oil pan, as well as the insertion of the first and second nozzles into the upstream and downstream segments of the lubrication circuit, respectively.

[0017] According to one possible feature of the invention, the cover and the body of the oil filter each have a thread, so that the cover screws onto the body from inside it. For this configuration, the cover may, for example, have a cylindrical section, threaded on one outer face, and one end of which is closed by a solid circular wall allowing it to fit over the rigid body of the oil filter.

[0018] According to one possible feature of the invention, the cover is made of plastic. This plastic may be the same as, or different from, that of the oil filter body. This cover helps to lighten the vehicle. Being lightweight, the cover can be handled easily without requiring any particular force. If the oil filter cover is accessed from underneath the vehicle, it can be easily attached or removed.

[0019] According to one possible feature of the invention, the oil filter includes a bypass valve located between the first and second outlets. This bypass valve allows oil from the upstream segment of the lubrication circuit to pass through the oil filter and into the downstream segment of the lubrication circuit without passing through the filter cartridge. Indeed, the filter cartridge can become clogged with debris or other unwanted particles, in which case the oil would be blocked in the oil filter by this filter cartridge and could no longer circulate through it. The bypass valve ensures continuous oil circulation in the oil filter when the filter cartridge is clogged, thus preventing a critical situation in which oil circulation would be interrupted and could lead to the oil filter bursting.

[0020] The invention also relates to an oil filter for the construction of a vehicle according to the invention.

[0021] According to the invention, the oil filter comprises a rigid plastic body, a filter cartridge housed within the rigid body, a bypass valve, and a plastic cover screwed onto the body. The rigid body includes a first inlet forming an oil inlet to the oil filter and a second inlet forming an oil outlet. Such a filter is thus ready for immediate use, as it can be mounted directly into the oil pan of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle according to the invention. It is directly integrated into the engine's lubrication circuit, connecting to the upstream and downstream segments of this lubrication circuit.

[0022] A motor vehicle according to the invention has the advantage of a lightweight oil filter, thus contributing to a reduction in the vehicle's weight. Furthermore, the oil filter is designed in a simplified manner, notably allowing for easy replacement of the filter cartridge should it become clogged. This cartridge replacement is performed effortlessly using standard, readily available tools. It should be noted that this replacement is carried out without any modification whatsoever to the oil filter's structure. Finally, a vehicle according to the invention has the advantage of an oil filter that connects easily to the lubrication system by simply inserting the first nozzle into the upstream segment of the lubrication system and the second nozzle into the downstream segment.

[0023] A detailed description of a preferred embodiment of a vehicle according to the invention is given below, with reference to the following figures: [ Fig. 1 ] is a perspective view of the underside of a vehicle according to the invention, showing a lower engine casing and an oil filter according to the invention, [ Fig. 2 ] is a perspective view from another angle of the underside of the vehicle of the figure 1 , with the oil filter cover screwed onto it, [ Fig. 3 ] is a perspective view of the underside of the vehicle of the figure 2 , with the oil filter cover unscrewed and at a distance from said oil filter, , Fig. 4 ] is a perspective view of a particular area on the underside of the vehicle of the figure 3 showing a filter cartridge located away from the oil filter, [ Fig. 5 ] is the same view as that of the figure 1 , some parts around the filter having been artificially removed to view the oil filter under the vehicle, , Fig. 6 ] is a cross-sectional view of a lower engine casing and an oil filter of a vehicle according to the invention, [ Fig. 7 ] is a front view of an area of ​​a vehicle according to the invention, showing the body of an oil filter attached to the lower engine casing, [ Fig. 8 ] is a perspective view of an oil filter body according to the invention, [ Fig. 9 ] is a perspective view of an area of ​​the body of an oil filter according to the invention, and of an area of ​​the lower crankcase of the engine intended to receive said oil filter.

[0024] By referring to figures 1, 2 , 5 And 6A vehicle 1 according to the invention comprises an internal combustion engine having a lower oil sump 2, and a lubrication circuit 3 of said engine including an oil filter 4. The oil sump 2 is placed under the engine and has a lower wall 5 extending in a substantially horizontal plane, and of which a lower face 6 is situated opposite a ground on which the vehicle 1 would rest.

[0025] The oil filter 4 comprises a rigid body 7 made of plastic, as illustrated in figures 2 , 3, 4, 5 , 6, 7, 8 And 9 , a plastic lid 8 as illustrated in figures 1,2 , 3, 5 And 6 , a filter cartridge 9 as illustrated in figures 3, 4 And 6 and a bypass valve 10 as illustrated in figures 4 And 6 .

[0026] By referring to figures 2 , 3 , 4 , 6, 7 et 8 , the rigid body 7 of the oil filter 4 includes a lower end zone 11 of substantially cylindrical shape, said zone 11 including an internal thread 12 and an enlarged terminal flange 13.

[0027] By referring to figures 2 , 3 , 4 , 7 et 8 , this enlarged collar 13 is comparable to an external bead having a substantially annular shape, and includes four orifices 14, evenly distributed along said collar 13. Each orifice 14 has a cylindrical metal insert 15 lining an internal channel delimited by said orifice 14, allowing to reinforce the mechanical hold of the body 7 of the oil filter 4, at the level of these orifices 14. These orifices 14 are each intended to be passed through by a screw to allow to secure the body 7 of the oil filter 4, to the lower wall 5 of the lower oil sump 2.

[0028] By referring to figures 6, 8 And 9, the body 7 of the oil filter 4 also includes an upper end area 16 having a first nozzle 17 and a second nozzle 18, said two nozzles 17, 18 being separate and parallel to each other.

[0029] By referring to the figure 9 The two nozzles 17, 18 are cylindrical, the first nozzle 17 being intended to be inserted into an upstream segment 19 of the lubrication circuit 3, and the second nozzle 18 being intended to be inserted into a downstream segment 20 of said lubrication circuit 3. The upstream segment 19 includes an oil pump and supplies oil to the oil filter 4, and the downstream segment 20 serves to convey the oil that has been filtered by the oil filter 4 to moving parts of the engine to be lubricated. In order to ensure a good seal between the two ends 17, 18 of the body 7 of the oil filter 4, and the walls of the oil sump 2 delimiting the two upstream and downstream segments 19, 20 of the lubrication circuit 3, an O-ring 21 is inserted into an annular groove of each of the two ends 17, 18 in order to be compressed against the said walls.

[0030] By referring to the figure 6 Before being fixed to the lower wall 5 of the oil pan 2, the body 7 of the oil filter 4 is inserted from below the vehicle into a designated location in the oil pan 2. This insertion is initially made through the upper end area 16 of the body 7. This insertion is followed by a vertical movement during which the first nozzle 17 and the second nozzle 18 respectively enter the upstream segment 19 and the downstream segment 20 of the lubrication circuit 3. This movement is stopped by the enlarged flange 13 coming against the lower face 6 of the lower wall 5 of the oil pan 2. Screws passing through the holes 14 in the enlarged flange 13 secure the rigid body 7 of the oil filter 4 to the oil pan 2. The figures 2 , 3 , 4 And 7show the body 7 of the oil filter 4, once it has been fixed to the lower wall 5 of the oil sump 4. It should be noted that a seal 40 extending over the entire length of the enlarged flange 13 of the body 7 of the oil filter 4, is compressed between said enlarged flange 13 and the lower face 6 of the lower wall 5 of the oil sump 2, to ensure a good seal between the body 7 of the oil filter 4 and the lower wall 5 of the oil sump 2 when said body 7 is fixed to said lower wall 5.

[0031] By referring to figures 2 , 3 And 6The cover 8 comprises a cylindrical section 22 defining an internal channel, and having a threaded outer surface. This cylindrical section 22 has a first end which is open, and a second end which is closed by a solid and slightly convex circular wall 23, said two ends being considered along the axis of revolution of the cylindrical section 22.

[0032] By referring to figures 3 And 6 The filter cartridge 9 is cylindrical in shape and fits into a cylindrical recess in the body 7 of the oil filter 4. When the body 7 of the oil filter 4 has been fixed to the engine oil pan 2 and the filter cartridge 9 has been placed in the recess of this body 7, it emerges downwards from said body 7 as illustrated in the figure 3 In other words, this filter cartridge 9 emerges from the lower end area 11 of the body 7 of the oil filter 4. The cover 8 is then screwed into this lower end area 11, capping the filter cartridge 9. Once the cover 8 has been screwed onto the body 7 of the oil filter 4, the solid and slightly domed circular wall 23 of the cover 8 represents the lowest part of the oil filter 4 and caps the filter cartridge 9.

[0033] By referring to the figure 6 , the filter cartridge 9 is placed in the body 7 of the oil filter 4, being located behind the first nozzle 17 and the second nozzle 18, to allow the oil entering through said first nozzle 17 to pass through the filter cartridge 9 before exiting said oil filter 4 through the second nozzle 18.

[0034] By referring to figures 4 And 6In the event that the filter cartridge 9 becomes clogged with debris, the oil filter 4 includes a bypass valve 10, located in the body 7 of the oil filter 4, between the first nozzle 17 and the second nozzle 18. Since the filter cartridge 9 is clogged, the oil from the first nozzle 17 accumulates in the oil filter 4, upstream of said filter cartridge 9. Under the pressure generated by this accumulation of oil upstream of the filter cartridge 9, the bypass valve 10 eventually lifts, creating a passage to the second nozzle 18, as indicated by the three arrows 24, 25, 26 of the diagram. figure 6The oil can then be routed to the second outlet 18 without being filtered, before lubricating the moving parts of the engine via the downstream segment 20 of the lubrication circuit 3. In this way, thanks to the presence of this bypass valve 10, the oil filter 4 will not burst under the effect of the pressure generated by the accumulation of oil in said filter 4, upstream of the filter cartridge 9.

[0035] In a vehicle 1 according to the invention, replacing the filter cartridge 9 is very simple, following these steps: a step of accessing the oil filter 4 from underneath the vehicle 1, a step of manually unscrewing the cover 8, a step of removing said cover 8, a step of removing the used filter cartridge 9 by means of a downward translation out of the body 7 of the oil filter 4, a step of inserting a new filter cartridge 9 into the body 7 of the oil filter 4, by means of an upward translation of said cartridge 9 into said body 7, a step of screwing the cover 8 onto the body 7 of the oil filter 4.

Claims

1. A vehicle (1) comprising an internal combustion engine and a lubrication circuit (3) designed to lubricate the moving parts of the engine, said engine comprising a lower oil sump (2) and said lubrication circuit (3) having an oil filter (4) mounted on said oil sump (2), the oil filter (4) comprising a non-metallic rigid body (7), a filter cartridge (9) housed in the rigid body (7) and a non-metallic cover (8), and the rigid body (7) having a lower end zone (11) which is capped by the cover (8), and an upper end zone (16), the vehicle (1) characterized in that the upper end zone (16) has a first nozzle (17) which is inserted into an upstream segment (19) of the lubrication circuit (3) for supplying the filter (4) with oil, said upper zone (16) having a second nozzle (18) which is inserted into a downstream segment (20) of the lubrication circuit (3) designed to convey the filtered oil to the engine parts to be lubricated.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the body (7) extends vertically, and in that the cover (8) represents the lowest part of the oil filter (4), the first nozzle (17) and the second nozzle (18) representing the highest part of said oil filter (4).

3. The vehicle according to any of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the first end piece (17) and the second end piece (18) are integral with the rigid body (7).

4. The vehicle according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a first sealing element (21) is inserted between the first nozzle (17) and a wall delimiting the upstream segment (19) of the lubrication circuit (3), and in that a second sealing element (21) is inserted between the second nozzle (18) and a wall delimiting the downstream segment (20) of the lubrication circuit (3).

5. The vehicle according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the lower end zone (11) of the rigid body (7) of the oil filter (4) terminates in an enlarged collar (13) bearing against a lower face (6) of the lower oil sump (2), and in that said enlarged collar (13) has at least one hole (14) through which a fixing screw passes to secure the rigid body (7) of the oil filter (4) to the engine's lower oil sump (2).

6. The vehicle according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the body (7) of the oil filter (4) is made of plastic material.

7. The vehicle according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the cover (8) and the body (7) of the oil filter (4) are each threaded, so that the cover (8) screws into said body (7).

8. The vehicle according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the body (7) of the oil filter (4) is made of plastic material.

9. The vehicle according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the oil filter (4) has a bypass valve (10), placed between the first nozzle (17) and the second nozzle (18), and that said bypass valve (10) allows the oil from the upstream segment (19) of the lubrication circuit (3) to pass through the oil filter (4) to reach the downstream segment (20) of said lubrication circuit (3) without passing through the filter cartridge (9).

10. An oil filter (4) for producing a vehicle according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises a rigid plastic body (7), a filter cartridge (9) housed in the body (7), a bypass valve (10) and a plastic cover (8) which is screwed onto said body (7), and in that the body (7) comprises a first nozzle (17) forming an oil inlet to said oil filter (4) and a second nozzle (18) forming an oil outlet from said filter (4).