FILTER INSERT FOR OIL FILTRATION DEVICE, AND TRANSMISSION FILTER FOR PURIFYING A LUBRICANT VIA THE INSERT

Abstract

The filter insert (EF) for a transmission filter has a first end with an inlet frame (2). Two flanks (6b) of the insert extend towards a second opposite end (E2) and delimit an interior space (V) which is covered: - on one side (L1) which can form the bottom, by a first filtering medium (3) interposed between the flanks; - on another side (L2) which can form the top, by a second filtering medium (3') interposed between the flanks. The interior space (V) communicates with the inlet (4) of the insert and narrows towards the second end (E2) due to a converging arrangement of the respective media (3, 3'), the second end (E2) being narrower than the frame (2) in a transverse direction, the flanks being typically triangular in shape. The lubricating fluid can exit the insert from both sides, one of which can be opposite the outlet (5) of the filter. Abstract figure: Figure 6

Description

Title of the invention: FILTER INSERT FOR OIL FILTRATION DEVICE, AND TRANSMISSION FILTER FOR PURIFYING A LUBRICANT VIA THE INSERT Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of lubricant filters for motor vehicles, in particular oil filters intended for a transmission provided in a vehicle. The invention relates more particularly to a filter insert and a transmission filter provided with the filter insert. Technological background

[0002] For the protection of the lubrication circuit(s) of the transmission / gearbox gears and other mechanical components, a lubricant filter of the suction / suction filter type may be provided. Excess heat is removed by the lubricant flowing over the various components. This lubricant usually flows by gravity into a sump / pan. The presence of contaminants in such a lubricant is undesirable, to avoid failures such as valve sticking. This is why transmissions are often equipped with filters usually near or provided in the gearbox oil pan or transmission device. A transmission pump draws fluid from the pan and sends the fluid under pressure to a valve body, which distributes the fluid to various locations in the transmission at pressures appropriate for different functions.

[0003] In congested environments, the design of the filtration device must be compatible with a small installation space. The filter housing associated with a suction oil filtration unit generally comprises an upper shell and a lower shell, with a filter media being clamped between the two shells. The service life of the filter can be increased by providing a pleated filtration media, without increasing the length of the filtration chamber. A disadvantage of the pleated media is the use of relatively high ends of the filtration unit and higher mounting requirements, requiring more mounting / dismounting operations during a replacement operation (tolerances can also be narrower, with stricter requirements on the manufacturing technology).

[0004] Since a minimum oil volume flow must pass through the oil suction filter when the oil viscosity is high and / or when the oil temperature is low, in order to ensure sufficient lubrication of a transmission, the choice of pleated filter media is often made with a relatively high filtration performance. weak.

[0005] However, narrow tolerances must be maintained, which places high demands on the manufacturing technology. Since a minimum oil volume flow must additionally pass through the oil suction filter when the oil viscosity is high and / or when the oil temperature is low to ensure sufficient lubrication of an engine or transmission, only a relatively low filtration performance can be achieved using the filter.

[0006] It is known, from document US 7998347 B2, to obtain a good compromise between pressure drop, filtration performance and adaptation to the integration environment by proposing a solution which combines two filtration means or media in the same filtration chamber, with the use of a relatively complex inlet interface which distributes the admitted oil flow between two concentric inlets, which allows filtration in different zones by two separate filter media.

[0007] A disadvantage of such a filter arrangement with flow distribution structure and use of several filtration layers is the complexity of assembly: it is understood that it generally increases the cost of the product. More generally, there is still room for improvements in this area. Summary

[0008] The present disclosure improves the situation.

[0009] For this purpose, a filter insert is proposed for a lubricant filtration device, in particular for a transmission filter, the filter insert being elongated in an axial direction and comprising: - a frame for delimiting an inlet, the frame belonging to or being adjacent to a first, axial end of the filter insert; - two sides which each extend towards a second, axial end of the filter insert located opposite the first end; - a first filtration means interposed between said sides; - a second filtration means interposed between said sides; and - an interior space of the filter insert which extends between the first filtration means and the second filtration means and between the sides, the interior space communicating with the inlet; with the particularity that the (first and second) filtration means are arranged to converge (one with respect to the other) towards the second end which, in a transverse direction, is narrower than the frame, knowing that the two flanks which can form a pair of flanks typically parallel to each other each have an extension (or flange width) which, measured in the transverse direction, varies and narrows with distance from the first end of the insert, and wherein the first filtering means forms / includes a first outer face of the insert and allows lubricant flowing in the filter insert to be filtered out of the interior space through the first outer face which has a first orientation, while the second filtering means forms / includes a second outer face of the insert and allows lubricant flowing in the filter insert to be filtered out of the interior space through the second outer face which has a second orientation adapted to be opposite the first orientation.

[0010] With this arrangement of the insert, a filtration structure is obtained which is compatible with a wide range of filter media, not necessarily pleated, offering a large filtration surface and without the need for complex internal partitioning to guide the flow of lubricant. The filtration means may correspond to layers having a substantially constant width and greater than the maximum width of the flanks (base width of the flanks on the frame side, which may correspond to a height in the mounted state along a base of a transmission oil pan).

[0011] Advantageously, the flow filtered by the first filtration means can thus exit in at least a first direction, while the flow that can escape after filtration by the second filtration means is directed in at least a second direction diverging from the at least one first direction. If it is necessary to adapt to both degraded conditions (if the oil temperature is low) while limiting the permeability with respect to solid particles, a different medium can then be provided for the second filtration means, for example a medium having a higher filtration fineness (or vice versa) than the medium of the first filtration means.

[0012] The inlet may be configured to direct a flow entering the interior space in an initial direction towards the second end, such that this flow may pass both below the first filtration means and above the second filtration means. More generally, in the state installed in an oil sump, the filter insert makes it possible to obtain differently oriented flows, in particular by obtaining flows leaving the insert which are opposite, preferably vertically opposite: one of these flows can be directed directly above the filter insert, for example oriented towards an outlet of a filter housing (outlet typically formed in a high point of this housing or at least adapted so that the purified flow emerges upwards from the filtration chamber delimited by the housing), the other having to follow a base of the insert corresponding to the external face oriented towards a bottom of the oil sump and bypass the second end of the filter insert to then rise towards the outlet of the filter housing.

[0013] In embodiments of the insert, at least one of the following features is provided: - the second end serves as a junction to an end edge of the first filtration means and to an end edge of the second filtration means, typically by forming a ridge or free edge of the filter insert. - the second end is capable of extending horizontally, for example by being horizontally elongated, so that this horizontal arrangement can be used in the installed state in a transmission housing which is substantially flattened in the vertical direction. - the second end, typically elongated, is capable of extending horizontally, parallel to the largest dimension of the frame for a configuration known as the vertical operational configuration of the frame (configuration which minimizes the vertical size in the case of installation to filter the oil of the transmission device / installation). - in a vertical operational configuration of the frame, for example with a vertical arrangement for two short sides of the frame (typically with the frame lying horizontally) and with simultaneously a horizontal arrangement of the second end, the second end is parallel to and intersected by a horizontal virtual plane which intersects the inlet of the filter insert. - each flange is made in the form of a solid wall, for example not perforated, being tightly connected to the frame. - the frame is formed as an outer part of the insert which is complementary to an insert part narrower than the frame in two perpendicular directions. - the insert has a direction of elongation following a central axis which crosses the frame. - the frame is shorter than the insertion part in the direction of elongation (parallel to the central axis). - each flange joins the frame at an external shoulder which results from a circumference of the frame greater than a maximum perimeter of the insertion part. - the first filtration means and / or the second filtration means consists of a filter medium, for example in the form of a sheet and / or an oil-permeable layer including cellulose or fibrous material. - the structure of the permeable layer can be multi-layered for one and / or the other of the filtration means. - the first filtration means forms a first outer face of the insert, which is substantially flat, for example without significant folds, and allows lubricant circulating in the filter insert to be filtered upon exiting the interior space, for example lower down than the second end of the filter insert (exhaust descending through this first external face which has a first orientation). - the second filtration means forms a first outer face of the insert, which is substantially flat, for example without significant folds, and allows lubricant circulating in the filter insert to be filtered when leaving the interior space, for example higher than the second end of the filter insert (exhaust descending via this first outer face which has a first orientation). - the first filtration means includes a first filtering medium, preferably with a thickness of less than 5 mm. - the second filtration means includes a second filtering medium, preferably with a thickness of less than 5 mm.

[0014] According to a particular feature, the first medium and the second medium extend in directions which intersect, substantially at the level of the second end of the filter insert. Typically, these extensions / directions make it possible to form, between these media, an acute angle greater than 5° and possibly less than or equal to a threshold not exceeding 45 or 50°, for example with an acute angle less than or equal to 35°. With this arrangement, the filter insert can have a flattened geometry, compatible with a flattened housing to delimit a filtration chamber along a bottom wall of an oil pan (which is the transmission oil pan).

[0015] In embodiments, the insert has: - a height not exceeding 40 or 50 mm, at least one other dimension exceeding 100 mm, possibly with a dimension which is greater than or equal to 120 mm; - an opening of substantially rectangular format to delimit the entrance of the filter insert; - an arrangement formed by the frame and the two sides which has a plane of symmetry passing through the frame (this arrangement may have a right-angle junction between the frame and each of the two sides); - a parallel configuration of the two sides, preferably with a distance between the two sides which remains identical, regardless of the distance from the frame.

[0016] The filter insert may have a lateral wall or structure for delimiting the interior space, which includes the two sides, crosspieces or openwork elements for connection between the two sides. The two filtration means (first means and second means), which may be overmolded or welded to this lateral wall or structure, are overlapped on the crosspieces or openwork elements, respectively on their extension side (for example an upper side and a lower side, in the installed / inserted into a transmission filter housing).

[0017] In embodiment options, one or other of the following characteristics is provided: - the interior space is not partitioned and / or the insert has no internal framework partitioning or extending across the interior volume delimited between the flanges. - the frame extends around a central axis and has two opposite sides, one of which forms a first side and the other forms a second side, preferably parallel to the first side. - the two opposite sides can be short sides, defining a smaller dimension of the filter insert. - the frame constitutes or forms part of the first end of the filter insert. - the central axis is an axis belonging to a plane of symmetry of the insert and / or the central axis is parallel to a direction of elongation of the filter insert, going from the first end towards the second end. - the sides are elongated in a direction of elongation substantially parallel to the central axis. - the sides include a first side which has a first side end adjacent to or joining the frame, on the first side. - a second flank (among the two flanks) may have a second flank end adjacent to or joining the frame, on the second side. - each of the two sides is generally triangular in order to define a triangular profile of the interior space. - at least one cross-member which extends from one side to the other holds a layer of filter media by covering this layer from the outside. - cross-members are distributed externally with at least one cross-member or group of cross-members covering the first filtration means, and at least one cross-member or group of cross-members covering the first filtration means.

[0018] The filter insert may be flattened to occupy a space along the height direction (vertical dimension) inside a transmission oil pan. Two opposite triangular faces may be formed by the two flanks. It may also be provided for a dimensioning of the insert and / or a choice of shape of the flanks which are such that: - the interior space of the filter insert has a width, measured between the sides, which is substantially constant. - the width measured between the sides is at least three times greater than a maximum spacing between the first filtration means and the second filtration means filtration, for example to allow a substantially horizontal arrangement of the filter insert and / or in which the central axis is substantially parallel to a bottom wall of a transmission oil pan. - a length of the flanks may be at least twice, preferably at least three times, greater than the height of the filter insert. - the maximum spacing between the two filtration means can correspond to a height of the interior space (area downstream of the filtration) of the filter insert. In some options, the ratio between the width of the interior space and its height exceeds 4:1.

[0019] The filtration means may be part of a flexible filter unit designed separately from a frame of the insert, where appropriate with a pre-assembly or a prior connection to secure these two filtration means, when the second filter means is produced differently from the first filter means. Where appropriate, a junction line or zone between the outer face of the first filtration means and the outer face of the second filtration means is covered (from the outside) by a tip or rigid cross-member element which may constitute a free edge at the second end of the insert. This tip or rigid element may extend from a tip or part of a tip of the first sidewall to a tip or part of a tip of the second sidewall.

[0020] In embodiments, the first filtration means and the second filtration means have substantially the same length. A V-shaped (or possibly C-shaped) connection or junction may allow the first filtration means to be connected to the second filtration means. These filtration means may (optionally) be made in a common layer of filtration media. It is understood that a generally V-shaped profile is obtained for the set of two filtration means. In one embodiment, the V-shaped profile can be obtained in a hinged structure capable of being assembled with the sides (with the possibility of adjusting the angle by the hinge, according to the desired height dimension) or in a structure including the two sides without the frame. An assembly of the frame with such a structure capable of forming a V can be carried out as a final step (possibly by welding), with the advantage of possibly being able to vary the format of the frame according to the type of housing on which the filter insert will be fixed, while using the same common structure which can be manufactured in greater numbers.

[0021] In embodiments, the first filtration means and the second filtration means are separately constructed from different filtration materials, such that one of these filtration means has a higher filtration fineness than the other. A filtration fineness for at least one of the filtration means may be comprised between 20 and 70 pm. Eventually the thickness of the two filtration means is substantially the same, regardless of the filtration fineness chosen.

[0022] The filtration means may each form a filter cloth or media of substantially rectangular format. Other shapes with two parallel edges joined to the two sides may be used. Typically, at least one of the first filtration means and the second filtration means may extend in a substantially flat manner, without forming a plurality of folds. The absence of folds at the outer faces of the filter insert may make the assembly operation easier.

[0023] In embodiments, the frame is provided in a base portion of the insert, so as to allow the admission of an upward flow of lubricant into the interior space via the inlet provided in the frame. In addition to or independently of the foregoing, the first filter means has a first length, while the second filter means includes a portion spaced from and opposite the inlet and the base, defining a second length greater than the first length.

[0024] The filter insert may be welded or removably mounted by mechanical fastening. The filter insert may comprise an annular sealing portion disposed on the first end, this sealing portion surrounding for example a fluid passage (at least one passage) delimited by a side wall of the frame. Optionally, the seal or sealing portion may be formed or carried by the frame and / or fixed against an external shoulder of the frame, extending in a position adjacent to a wide end (base) of each of the two flanks.

[0025] To allow removable fixing of the insert in options, the frame may carry fixing means forming reliefs formed on an outer circumference of the frame and / or oriented towards the second end of the insert. Where appropriate, the frame may carry a fixing element forming, at the periphery around the inlet, at least one retaining groove cooperating with a complementary fixing means provided at the inlet of a transmission filter housing.

[0026] The frame and / or the two flanges may be formed from a plastic material, for example a rigid thermoplastic material. The frame may include a plastic material to form a welding and / or mechanical fixing support for the connection: - from one edge of the first filtration means; and - from one edge of the second filtration means.

[0027] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a transmission filter for purifying an oil drawn into a transmission device, the filter comprising: - the filter insert according to the invention; - a housing delimiting a filtration chamber, the housing comprising one end support for supporting the first end of the filter insert while allowing the inlet to be positioned at a first height level, the housing comprising an outlet whose opening is offset higher than the inlet; and - a weld on the frame or a single annular sealing element carried by the frame of the filter insert, to create a joint with annular sealed contact between the filter insert and an access interface to the filtration chamber, provided at the support end.

[0028] With this arrangement, the filter can be obtained by simply integrating the filter insert, either by welding the filter insert in an external area (relative to the internal volume of the insert), or by fitting or clipping. The support end, where the frame delimiting the inlet of the insert is fixed, then forms an oil intake inlet (filter inlet). The filter outlet, which can extend vertically upwards, can be connected to a suction oil pump capable of generating a vacuum between the oil intake inlet and the outlet which allows the oil to escape.

[0029] Depending on the particularities of the filter, it is possible to provide: - in the housing, a foolproof element (formed in / attached to this housing) capable of cooperating with the second end of the insert and / or one of the outer faces of the insert, for example allowing guidance before fixing or locking the frame against the support end. - in the housing (as an alternative to the keying element or in addition), a receiving zone with complementary shape with an insertion part of the filter insert. - a bottom wall of the housing constituting a fixed wall belonging to an oil tank, such that the first external face formed by the first filtration means is a lower face of the filter insert facing the bottom wall. - an upper face of the filter insert facing a cover of the filter, this upper face corresponding to the first external face formed by the second filtration means (such an upper face may also be facing a conduit carried by the cover, this conduit forming the outlet of the filter).

[0030] It is understood that the filter insert and transmission filter components may be available as a filter kit for mounting on the oil pan. Brief description of the drawings

[0031] Other characteristics, details and advantages will appear on reading the detailed description below, and on analyzing the attached drawings, in which: [Fig.l] shows a filter insert according to one embodiment, in a perspective view which makes the inlet area clearly visible. [Fig.2A] is a longitudinal sectional view of a transmission filter for purify oil, with an example of integration of a filter insert identical or similar to that of [Fig.l]. [Fig.2B] illustrates, in a cross-sectional view, the transmission filter of [Fig.2A]. [Fig.3A] is a longitudinal sectional view of the filter insert, showing on the inside one half of the insert at which one of the filtration means is provided. [Fig.3B] is a perspective view illustrating a substantially triangular face corresponding to a flank of the insert and two adjacent main external faces, perpendicular to the flank and used to bring out the purified lubricant. [Fig.4] is a schematic diagram of a vehicle transmission in which a filter including the filter insert may be integrated. Figures 5 and 6 are perspective views each illustrating an example of a filter mounted on an oil sump, capable of integrating the filter insert mounted by a support face located opposite the filter outlet. [Fig.7] is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating an alternative mounting option with the possibility of inserting the filter insert on the same side as the outlet, through an access which becomes blocked. [Fig.8] is a median longitudinal sectional view of a filter insert in an alternative embodiment compatible with an upward oil intake to reach the internal volume / space of the filter insert. Description of embodiment(s)

[0032] Below is a detailed description of several embodiments of the invention with examples and reference to the drawings. In the various figures, identical references indicate identical or similar elements.

[0033] With reference to Figures 1, 2A and 2B, there is illustrated a filter insert EF capable of being housed under a cover C of a housing of a transmission filter 1, provided for the filtration of oil or similar lubricating fluid. The filter insert 1 may be provided with a rigid delimitation, called a frame 2, to surround and delimit an opening 4 through which a flow of raw lubricant F can enter the interior space V of the filter insert EF. The filtration chamber CH receiving the filter insert EF can communicate with an outlet 5 for the purified oil, which is for example arranged on / carried by a cover C of a delimitation housing 8 (in a sealed manner, therefore without uncontrolled leakage of liquid) of the filtration chamber CH. The interior space V of the filter insert EF can correspond to a zone upstream of the filtration, which is a zone in fluid communication with the inlet 4.

[0034] With reference to [Fig.2B] and 6, according to certain exemplary embodiments, the insert EF may include an insertion portion, covered by the housing 8 and complementary to the frame 2 designed to sit on an edge of an orifice O for access to the chamber CH, this edge being formed in a side wall 8c of the housing 8. The insertion portion, capable of being housed in the filtration chamber CH by passing through the access orifice O, includes two filtration means 3, 3' in order to separate the interior space V from a zone Z2 downstream of the filtration. More generally, the frame 2 may be adjacent to or form part of a first end E1 of the filter insert EF, which may be internal, external or partially external relative to the housing 8. The two filtration means 3, 3' may correspond to a filter structure shaped in a V and housed entirely in the filtration chamber CG, independently of the position of the frame 2. When an insertion portion is intended to be selectively inserted into the housing 8, it may extend from a frame-housing attachment zone, becoming thinner as it moves away from the frame 2 to a second end E2 forming, for example, a free edge of the filter insert EF.

[0035] The zone Z2 may correspond to a zone of the filtration chamber CH which communicates with the outlet 5. This zone Z2 may extend on two opposite sides of the filter insert EF, so that a lower flow stream of oil filtered by the first filtration means 3 of the insert EF (here extending between a lower section of the frame 2 and the end E2) may flow from below, along a base B of the housing 8 before rising beyond the end E2 to bypass the insert EF, while an upper flow stream of oil may circulate (substantially horizontally) above the filter insert EF to the outlet 5 which may be formed by a vertical conduit 15 or a similar ascending section. The outlet 5 allows the purified oil (combined flow of the flow streams and lower flow streams) to be raised to a pump 40.

[0036] The transmission filter 1 may be mounted on an oil sump 30 or be arranged on a receiving region included in a bottom wall Wb of such an oil sump 30, as in the case of [Fig. 6] or [Fig. 7] for example. With reference to [Fig. 4], a transmission system is schematically illustrated. The dot-and-dash lines indicate a mechanical power transfer, while the solid lines represent a flow of lubricating fluid. The dotted lines indicate electrical signals. The input shaft of the transmission 10 is connected to the crankshaft of the vehicle. The power of the engine is transmitted to the torque converter 12 which drives the turbine shaft 14. The clutches of the gearbox 16 (an example of a transmission device within the meaning of the present disclosure) are engaged to establish a power flow between the turbine shaft 14 and the output shaft 18.

[0037] Different power flow circuits having different speed ratios can be established by engaging different clutches. Optionally, a gearbox A transfer case can be installed between the output shaft and a driveshaft to divert some of the power to a differential. A portion of the engine power is diverted to drive the transmission pump 40. The transmission pump 40 may draw oil or similar lubricating fluid from the crankcase 30, through the filter 1, and deliver the cleaned fluid, at increased pressure, to the valve body 26. The pressure at which this fluid enters the valve body is generally referred to as the fluid pressure or line pressure. A controller 28 controls an array of control valves within the valve body 26 to deliver fluid to the components of the torque converter 12 and the transmission 16 at desired pressures lower than the line pressure and at desired flow rates. The fluid flows from the control valves and the transmission 16 to the crankcase 30. Examples of filter insert structure

[0038] With reference to Figures 1 and 3A-3B, the filter insert EF may have two flanks 6a, 6b, rigidly / fixedly connected to the frame 2 and which extend towards the second end E2. These flanks 6a, 6b may be parallel or at least delimit on two opposite sides the interior space V without significant variation in the width L6 (spacing) measured between the two flanks 6a, 6b. The spacing d4 of the two small sides 21, 22 of the frame 2 may be reduced, for example less than a smaller layer width of the filtration means 3, 3'. This spacing may be equal to a larger flank width, obtained at the respective ends 61, 62 of the flanks which are adjacent to the frame 2 at the sides 21 and 22.

[0039] The two flanks 6a, 6b and crosspieces 60 secured to these flanks 6a, 6b make it possible to form a side wall SW of the filtering body of the insert EF. The frame 2 can extend in an annular manner, with a curvature and / or by including straight edges for delimiting the inlet 4, for example by having a generally rectangular shape to delimit the inlet 4 of the filtering insert EF.

[0040] The frame 2 may optionally form an external shoulder, possibly a circumferential external shoulder, from which the flanks 6a, 6b extend. More broadly, the flanks 6a, and 6b may be connected perpendicularly to the frame 2 to form a single-block structure. The crosspieces 60 or similar elements (openwork or distributed along the length of the insert EF), complementary to the flanks 6a, 6b in the side wall SW, may serve as support for the filter media(s) constituting respectively the first filtration means 3 and the second filtration means 3'. As clearly visible in Figures 1, 2A and 3B in particular, the flanks 6a, 6b each have a flank width which, measured in a transverse direction Z, varies and narrows with distance from the first end E1 (and here from the frame 2). Two opposite triangular faces may be formed by the two flanks 6a, 6b. These triangular faces may be elongated in the same longitudinal direction X.

[0041] The first filtration means 3 includes a first filtering medium with a thickness preferably less than 5 mm (exceeding 0.3 mm, typically) and the second filtration means 3' a second filtering medium whose thickness may optionally be less than 5 mm (exceeding 0.3 mm, typically). A plane of extension of each of these media may be inclined relative to the direction of elongation of the insert EF, with an inclination in a different direction, forming respective outer faces LF and UF of the insert EF which approach each other as they approach the second end E2, which corresponds to a generally triangular profile of the assembly constituted by the first filtering medium and the second filtering medium.The planes of these media intersect, for example substantially at the level of the second end E2, forming an acute angle greater than 5° and which may be less than or equal to 35°, preferably less than 30°.

[0042] The first medium and the second medium, with a single-layer or multi-layer structure, may be chosen to be different (where appropriate with a single different sub-layer), in order to enable a higher filtration fineness to be obtained for one of the two filtration means 3, 3'. In certain variants, one of the faces LF or UF may be broken down into two or more sections or outlet zones of the insert EF, where appropriate with a differentiation in the filtration medium, selectively for one of these sections or zones. The media used in the filtration means 3 and 3' may be free of folds, at least in the regions constituting the outer faces LF, UF which are the regions through which the oil emerges from the filter insert EF.

[0043] In exemplary embodiments, a means is provided on the insertion portion to differentiate a low side from a high side of the filter insert EF. This element or means may consist of a foolproofing device 9', for example in the form of a downwardly projecting openwork portion, not hindering the circulation of oil purified by the filtration means 3 forming the lower external face LF (as in the case of [Fig.7] for example). In options, angular indexing is allowed. It can be achieved or supplemented by using a particular receiving shape: - in the seat interface (of the housing 8) on which the seal is made, for example near the frame 2 or on the frame 2; - and / or in a mechanical imprint or interface where the frame 2 is fixed.

[0044] At least when the frame 2 surrounds a central axis A parallel to the direction of elongation, the filter insert EF may include an annular seal J separate from the insert frame, made of a similar elastomer or plastic part, or a suitable annular sealing part (for example a projecting sealing lip, included in the frame 2 or overmolded thereon) arranged on the first end El surrounding a fluid passage delimited by the side wall 20 of the frame 2. Such a seal J can be axially interposed between the frame and the two external faces LF, UF of the filtration means 3, 3'.

[0045] In certain cases, the frame 2 may carry at least one fixing element 2f for retention on a housing 8 for delimiting the filtration chamber CH. The case of insertion of the filter insert EF by the end El provided with the frame 2 can also be obtained, as illustrated for example in [Fig.7], the cover C not necessarily being removable, or at least not as easily removable as an end plug 50 closing off an access provided at an end 102 of the housing which is adjacent to the outlet 5 (or end 102 at which the outlet 5 is provided). Such a plug 50 may include a grippable rear part 52 and a sealed contact part 51, possibly insertable, fixed by interlocking or by similar adapted fixing, for example allowing radial sealing contact using a seal or similar sealing means.

[0046] The fixing element(s) 2f are for example distributed or configured to form, at the periphery around the inlet 4, at least one retaining groove zone G2 cooperating with a complementary fixing means C2 provided at the inlet of a housing 8 of the transmission filter 1, here at the first end 101 of the housing which is distal from the outlet 5. Radial and / or axial sealing can be achieved in the fixing region corresponding to the groove zone G2.

[0047] Optionally, one or two planes of symmetry can each allow the filter insert EF, or at least the insert frame, to be divided into two identical halves. [Fig.3A] shows the case of a plane P which separates one half with the first filter means 3 from another half (visible in this [Fig.3A]) carrying the second filter means 3'. With reference to [Fig.3B], an isosceles face may be formed for each of the flanks 6a, 6b. In this case the two angles A1 and A2 formed along the junction with the frame 2 may be identical, and for example each greater than or equal to 70 or 75°. More generally, it may be provided that the difference between the angles A1 and A2 remains less than 10°. Regardless of the value precisely chosen for the angles A1 and A2, the angle A3 on such a triangular face, which is the angle formed at the junction of the filtration means 3, 3', may be an acute angle which does not exceed 30 or 35°.

[0048] A side wall 20 of the frame 2 can allow the filter insert EF to be gripped when it is placed in the filtration chamber CH, with this side wall 20 which can remain at least partly outside the filtration chamber CH, that is to say outside the housing 8 of the filter 1. For example, the frame 2 can have an external circumference larger than the circumference of the side wall SW, and possibly a different geometry, for example by integrating convex edges and / or a rounded shape (for example with rounded corners).

[0049] As visible in [Fig.l] for example, the frame 2 can extend around a central axis A. The flow F of dirty oil can flow in a manner close to a laminar flow, following the direction of this axis, to reach the interior space (upstream zone of the filtration in the chamber CH) following a direction parallel to this axis. In this case, the central axis A can typically be parallel to the direction of elongation of the filter insert EF. In certain variants, an angle less than or equal to 90° can be formed between the central axis A and this direction of elongation.

[0050] [Fig. 8] illustrates a non-limiting example of a filter insert EF with a generally triangular shape in side view, with the filtration means 3, 3' which have a different extension depending on the direction of elongation, knowing that the frame 2 can be oriented downwards in an operational configuration (for the admission of oil stored in the casing 30 with a low position which minimizes the risk of air entry). The inlet 4 can then be oriented downwards and the flow F can rise and then flow towards the second end E2. As in the embodiments previously described, the insert 3 has two external filtered oil outlet faces, with a lower external face LF adjacent to the frame 2 which can be shorter than the upper external face UF, extending longitudinally between the frame 2 and the second end E2.A plugging part, integral with the frame 2 or integrated into a part including the frame 2, can form the first end E1 (as clearly visible on the right in the non-limiting example of [Fig.8]).

[0051] Regardless of the location provided for the frame 2 forming the inlet 4, one and / or the other of the filtration means 3, 3' may be made from a fabric T or a filtering medium which is flexible. This fabric T or media may be folded into a V to extend over two top and bottom longitudinal sides which delimit the interior space V, forming at least part of these two sides. More generally, a connection may be made between the first filtration means 3 and the second filtration means 3' on the side of the second end E2, when all or part of the permeable media / material is different on one side (typically a top or bottom side) of the filter insert EF. The connection may coincide with a pointed end of the assembly of filtering media(s) thus made. The second end E2 may include a rigid cross-member 7 which joins tip portions of the flanks 6a, 6b, covering from the outside the fold line (tip end side) or similar connection made between the two filtration means 3, 3'.

[0052] It is understood that the assembly of the filter insert EF is facilitated when the filtration means 3, 3' are formed from a single block, joined together where appropriate in an assembly of media. A hot bond can be made to secure these filtration means 3, 3' to the frame of which the two sides 6a, 6b are part. In certain options, a face of the frame 2 opposite an external face F2 of the frame can serve as a bonding support at one end of one and / or the other of the filtration means 3, 3', which corresponds to a bonding edge (margin zone on the side of the frame 2) opposite the second end E2 of the insert. In variants, it is also possible to provide for separately fixing the first filtration means 3 and the second filtration means 3'. Optionally, the framework may result from a fixing between two flat components which are linked at the level of the second end E2, after having previously fixed each of the filtration means 3, 3'.

[0053] Referring again to [Fig.l], it can be seen that the width of the filtration means 3, 3' is the same and can be constant, substantially equal to the width L6 of the space V delimited by the sides 6a, 6b. The dimensioning of the insert 3 is compatible with integration into a relatively flat filtration chamber. The insert 3 is for example such that the width L6 is at least three times greater than a maximum spacing H between the first filtration means 3 and the second filtration means 3'. In a simplified design, the first filtration means 3 and the second filtration means 3' have substantially the same length, with a connection which may be V-shaped (or C-shaped), making it possible to connect the first filtration means 3 to the second filtration means. A common layer of filtration media may be distributed in these two filtration means 3, 3'.

[0054] In certain options, facilitating guidance of the filter insert EF and possibly preventing the end E2 from engaging with the housing 8, at least one polarizing element 9 may be provided, carried by the insert frame, in an axially intermediate position between the ends E1 and E2. This type of polarizing element 9 may complete or form part of one of the outer faces LF, UF and cooperates with a guiding zone of the housing 8, which may be provided on the base B or on the lower part of the housing. Guidance is permitted to prevent the end E2 from scraping on a housing bottom and / or to start guiding the insertion of the filter insert EF before fixing or locking. The frame 2 may participate in the locking which finalizes the positioning of the insert, for example by placing the frame 2 against a first end or support end 101 formed by the receiving housing 8. Of course, a receiving area with a form-fitting relationship with the insertion part of the EF filter insert can be provided to cooperate with the insert frame at any suitable axial position on the EF insert.

[0055] In certain embodiments, such as in the non-limiting option of producing the frame shown in [Fig.l], the side face F2 formed by the frame 2 may optionally be beveled on at least two of the sides, optionally on four sides when a rectangular geometry is provided, so that a radial extension of the frame 2 may be larger in a shoulder area adjacent to the insertion portion, and comparatively smaller opposite.

[0056] The filter insert EF may have a configuration with a lower face LF adapted to filter oil flow at a flow rate substantially equal to that of the flow passing through the upper face UF. In certain embodiments, finer filtration is carried out by one of the faces, which is preferably the upper face UF.

[0057] The material of the insert frame may consist of a single plastic to facilitate subsequent recycling. The frame 2 includes or consists, for example, of a plastic material for forming a welding and / or mechanical fixing support for connecting the edge of the first filtering means 3 which extends from one to the other of the flank ends 61, 62, as well as for connecting the edge of the second filtering means 3' which extends from one to the other of the flank ends 61, 62. Options for integration into a filtration chamber

[0058] With reference to [Fig.2A], the filter insert EF is mounted in a filtration chamber CH which can optionally be delimited by a housing assembled after having previously positioned / fixed the filter insert EF on a receiving housing formed on the oil sump 30. In this case, it is for example the fixing of the removable cover C which constitutes the last assembly step to form the transmission filter 1. As visible in [Fig.2A] in particular, the sides L1 and L2 of the filter insert EF, complementary to the flanks 6a, 6b, can each be non-parallel to the bottom wall Wb of the sump 30, only the so-called lower side L1 being sloping upwards from the second end E1 in order to allow the second end E2 to be placed at a height level higher than a lower edge of the frame which delimits the inlet 4.These sides L1, L2, with a large format (typically rectangular) are defined by the deformable filtration means 3 and 3' (typically flexible due to the composition of the filtration media, not constituting simple rigid grids) and the associated cross-member elements 60 which support / maintain them in planar conformation. The insert EF may be positioned spaced apart and at a distance from any of the side wall portions Wc of the casing 30, the housing 8 being offset towards a central area relative to these portions. In variants, a side wall portion Wc may include a side of the housing 8.

[0059] Of course, the filter 1 can also have a housing 8 separate / independent from the bottom wall Wb, preferably with the base B of the housing 8 extending parallel to this bottom wall Wb. [Fig.6] illustrates this type of design, with for example a mechanical fixing of the housing 8 attached to the casing 30. Fixing means MF may be provided on a front face of the housing 8, optionally with removable fixing elements or clips (which may include a locking screw), in order to hold the frame 2 in an access closure being formed, on the front face, to access the filtration chamber CH.

[0060] The so-called front face of the housing 8 may be part of a support end 101 making it possible to mount and maintain the first end E1 of the filter insert EF with a coincidence of the inlet 4 of this insert with the horizontal access defined on the front face. The housing furthermore has an outlet which may be oriented at 90° relative to the access aligned with the inlet 4, so that the flow F' of purified oil can leave the filtration chamber CH via an internal outlet of the outlet duct 15 which is opposite the upper external face UF of the insert, corresponding to the side L2 forming a top of the filter insert EF in the state mounted in the casing 30. The internal face Fc of the cover C or of the upper wall of the housing remains spaced from the side L2. This FC face may have an upward slope as it approaches outlet 5, in order to increase the gap between the side or top L2 and outlet 5, which facilitates the upward escape of filtered oil.To also promote upward guidance of the purified oil flow in the downstream zone Z2 for the filtered oil bypassing the filter insert from below, moving away from the first end El, a step can be provided on the base B or bottom wall Wb which creates a raising of the bottom face in line with the second end. This causes upward guidance of this filtered oil emerging through the lower external face LF, this guidance resulting from the deviation of the transition wall PT (which forms a deflector, possibly with vertical extension) formed by this step.

[0061] In an assembly phase, the filter insert EF may optionally be permanently fixed to a component of the housing 8 and / or welded to the housing 8. When clipping is used to secure the filter insert EF to a component of the housing 8, a sealing interface may be interposed between two surfaces which clamp against each other, one of these surfaces belonging for example to the frame 2 or being adjacent to the frame.

[0062] The housing 8 may be generally flat, with for example a height H8 of the side wall 8c of the housing which is less than 60 or 80 mm, and a largest dimension of the housing, typically horizontal, exceeding twice this height H8. The housing 8 is arranged to position the inlet 4 at a first height level relative to a bottom or bottom wall Wb of the casing 30, while the outlet 5 is located higher than the inlet 4. A conduit 5 carried by the cover C or upper component of the housing 8 may make it possible to guide the flow F' outside the casing 30, to reach the pump 40 (suction oil pump).

[0063] With reference to [Fig.6], a mounting phase of the filter insert EF is illustrated. with a single seal J carried by the frame 2 in order to obtain an annular sealed contact against an access interface to the filtration chamber CH, provided at the support end 101. This allows the insert EF to separate the interior space V which forms the upstream zone from the downstream zone Z2 distributed on either side of the filter insert EF (higher and lower), all the oil entering the filter 1 passing through a filter medium (via one or other of the filtration means 3 and 3'). The support end, where the inlet 4 is fixed via the orifice O, forms an oil intake inlet which is sufficiently low and close to the bottom wall Wb, for example without extending more than 60 mm above the bottom wall Wb.

[0064] It is possible to obtain an arrangement in which the insert EF extends parallel to a bottom wall Wb of the transmission oil sump / tank, typically with a guiding effect at the time of insertion via guiding means 9, 9', O. In the case illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, it is understood that the central axis A is substantially parallel to the bottom wall Wb. The orientation of the triangular faces formed on the flanks 6a, 6b can make it possible to have the end E2 or a refined part of the insert directly above the outlet 5, regardless of the insertion side or the mounting method (with or without the use of a removable cover).

[0065] The width of the filtration chamber CH, as measured perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the filter insert EF, is possibly equal to an external width dimension of the insert EF. This can limit / prevent lateral auxiliary flow phenomena and / or this is compatible with the presence of reliefs or guides provided in the lateral portions of the housing 8 to guide and engage the flanks 6a, 6b. In embodiment options, a female imprint (triangular for example) can be provided to cooperate with one or other of the flanks 6a, 6b (also triangular), with the possibility of a guiding effect from the bottom then from the top of the flanks, during insertion.

[0066] A complementarity of shape may optionally be provided between a fixing region formed on one of the ends 101, 102 of the housing 8 of the filter 1, for example in the form of a female connector or suitable imprint, with typically the frame 2 blocked and possibly embedded (at least partially) in the housing 8.

[0067] With reference to [Fig. 5], locking means, for example elastically deformable clips 30c, may be provided to oppose removal of the filter insert EF, at least in options where the frame 2 is not covered / fully covered by a cover C or similar housing component. A raised portion of the frame 2 or the side wall 20 of the frame 2 may be arranged to fit into a connecting interface of the cover, possibly using clips 30c to simultaneously retain the cover C and maintain the filter insert EF in its operating position. tional inserted into the filtration chamber CH. Alternatively or in addition, at least one lock secured to the housing 8 or the casing 30 can be movable / actuable to block the operational position of the filter insert EF.

[0068] In applications for vehicles with electric or hybrid (thermal and electric) motors, the filter 1 may equip part of a system combining different modules, for example by completing the 3-in-1 "eAxle" system (electric axle) which combines an electric motor, an inverter and a reducer, typically in a common casing. The filter 1 may also be part of an oil supply management system for the transmission, for the electric motor and / or for cooling the battery. The filter insert EF may typically be mounted in a filter arranged near the bottom of the oil sump, within such a system. The triangular shape of the insert EF is compatible with a housing format which follows or matches the curved cylinder shape of a casing, for example a curved or inclined shape provided on a lower side of a component casing or the electric motor of the system.More broadly, the EF filter insert is compact enough to be integrated (already mounted or not in a filter housing) into a compartment of a system of this type, for example in a lower compartment or low region of an integrated system which has different modules. A cooling part can also be added to the system. Use of the EF insert to form a filter equipping a 3-in-1 system as mentioned above or other similar multi-component system, which forms a compact wrapped assembly above the oil pan, is permitted with an optimization / reduction of the space requirement.

[0069] One of the advantages of the arrangement of the filter 1 is to offer a large filtration surface, optionally with flexibility in the choice of the filtration fineness at least for one of the filtration means 3, 3'. It is possible to protect the pump 40 to receive the flow F' of purified oil by minimizing the pressure losses, while maintaining a flattened filter 1 design and adaptation to cold / adverse operating conditions.

[0070] The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, only by way of example, but it encompasses all the variants that a person skilled in the art may envisage in the context of the protection sought. For example, the case of a filter insert EF whose end E2 does not come into contact with the side wall 8c and does not protrude from the housing 8 has been illustrated in a non-limiting manner. In certain variants, keying may be permitted by allowing reliefs or a portion of the end E2 to protrude from the housing, with a sealed contact or, at least, a portion of the side wall 8c may cooperate with the end E1, possibly at least at or near the sides 6a, 6b. 21

Claims

Claims

1. Filter insert (EF) for a lubricant filtration device (1), in particular for a transmission filter, the filter insert (EF) being elongated in an axial direction and comprising: - a frame (2) for delimiting an inlet (4), the frame (2) belonging to or being adjacent to a first axial end (El) of the filter insert (EF); - a pair of flanks (6a, 6b) which extend towards a second axial end (E2) of the filter insert (EF) located opposite the first end (El); - a first filtration means (3) interposed between said sides (6a, 6b); - a second filtration means (3') interposed between said sides (6a, 6b); and - an interior space (V) of the filter insert (EF) which extends between the first filtration means (3) and the second filtration means (3') and between the sides (6a, 6b), the interior space (V) communicating with the inlet (4); characterized in that the first filtration means (3) and the second filtration means (3') converge towards the second end (E2) which, in a transverse direction (Z), is narrower than the frame (2), knowing that said flanks (6a, 6b) each have a flange width which, measured in said transverse direction (Z), varies and narrows with distance from the first end (El), in which the first filtration means (3) forms a first outer face (LF) of the insert (EF) and allows lubricant circulating in the filter insert (EF) to be filtered by leaving the interior space (V) via the first outer face (LF) which has a first orientation,while the second filtration means (3') forms a second outer face (UF) of the insert and allows lubricant circulating in the filter insert (EF) to be filtered by leaving the interior space (V) via the second outer face (LF) which has a second orientation capable of being opposite the first orientation.,

2. Filter insert according to claim 1, wherein the first filtration means (3) includes a first filter medium with a thickness preferably less than 5 mm and the second filtration means (3') includes a second filter medium with a thickness preferably in- less than 5 mm, and in which the first medium and the second medium extend in directions which intersect, substantially at the level of the second end (E2), forming an acute angle greater than 5° and less than or equal to 35°.

3. Filter insert according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the frame (2) extends around a central axis (A) and has two opposite sides (21, 22), one of which forms a first side (21) and the other forms a second side (22), preferably parallel to the first side (21), the frame (2) constituting or forming part of the first end (El) of the filter insert (EF).

4. A filter insert according to claim 3, wherein said flanks (6a, 6b) are elongated in a direction of elongation substantially parallel to the central axis (A), including: - a first flank (6a) which has a first flank end (61) adjacent to or joining the frame (2), on the first side (21); and - a second flank (6b) which has a second flank end (62) adjacent to or joining the frame (2), on the second side (22); each of said flanks (6a, 6b) being generally triangular in order to define a triangular profile of the interior space (V).

5. A filter insert according to any preceding claim, wherein the inner space (V) of the filter insert (EF) has a width (L6), measured between the flanks (6a, 6b), which is substantially constant, said width (L6) being at least three times greater than a maximum spacing (H) between the first filter means (3) and the second filter means (3'), in particular to allow an arrangement of the filter insert (EF) in which the central axis (A) is substantially parallel to a bottom wall (Wb) of a transmission oil pan.

6. Filter insert according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first filtration means (3) and the second filtration means (3') have substantially the same length, a V-shaped connection making it possible to connect the first filtration means (3) to the second filtration means (3'), which are preferably made in a common layer of filtration media.

7. A filter insert according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first filter means (3) and the second filter means (3') are separately made from different filter materials, so that one of these filter means has a fineness of filtration superior to the other.

8. A filter insert according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the first filter means (3) and the second filter means (3') extends substantially planarly, without forming a plurality of folds.

9. A filter insert according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the frame (2) is provided in a base portion of the insert (EF), so as to allow admission of an upward flow of lubricant into the interior space (V) via the inlet (4), and wherein the first filtering means (3) has a first length, while the second filtering means (3') includes a portion facing the inlet (4) and the base, defining a second length greater than the first length.

10. Filter insert according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an annular sealing portion (J) arranged on the first end (El) surrounding a fluid passage delimited by a side wall (20) of the frame (2).

11. Filter insert according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the frame (2) carries a fixing element (2f) forming, at the periphery around the inlet, at least one retaining groove (G2) cooperating with a complementary fixing means (C2) provided at the inlet of a housing (8) of the transmission filter (1).

12. A filter insert according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame (2) includes a plastic material to form a welding and / or mechanical fixing support for the connection of: - an edge of the first filtration means (3); and - an edge of the second filtration means (3').

13. Transmission filter (1) for purifying an oil sucked into a transmission device, the filter (1) comprising: - the filter insert (EF) according to any one of the preceding claims; - a housing (8) delimiting a filtration chamber (CH), the housing (8) comprising a support end (101) for supporting the first end (El) of the filter insert (EF) while allowing the inlet (4) to be positioned at a first height level, the housing (8) comprising an outlet (5) whose opening is offset higher than the inlet (4); and - a single annular sealing element carried by the frame (2) of the filter insert (EF), to make an annular sealed contact against an access interface to the filtration chamber (CH), provided at the support end (101).

14. Transmission filter according to claim 13, in which the housing (8) comprises: - a foolproof element (9; 9') capable of cooperating with the second end (E2) and / or one of the outer faces (UF, LF) of the filter insert (EF), allowing guidance before fixing or locking of the frame (2) against the support end (101); - and / or a receiving zone with complementary shape with an insertion part of the filter insert (EF).

15. Transmission filter according to claim 13 or 14, wherein a bottom wall (Wb) of the housing (8) is a fixed wall belonging to an oil pan (30), so that the first outer face (LF) formed by the first filtration means (3) is a lower face of the filter insert facing the bottom wall (Wb), while the first outer face (UF) formed by the second filtration means (3) is an upper face of the filter insert facing a cover (C) and a conduit forming the outlet (5) carried by the cover (C).

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