OIL FILTRATION ARRANGEMENT WITH AIR CHECK VALVE AND USE OF AN AIR CHECK VALVE IN A TRANSMISSION OIL PAN

Abstract

The oil circulation arrangement includes a lower oil inlet portion, a filter unit (10) of a vehicle transmission filter, an outlet (5) being provided higher than the inlet portion intended to be immersed in the crankcase oil. The arrangement comprises one or more valves (1) integrated in the inlet portion to each selectively allow a raw oil flow (F) to pass when a float (2) provided in the valve is raised by releasing at least one shutter (21) movable depending on the position of the float. In the valve, access to the filter unit is therefore released when this float (2) is subjected to the Archimedes thrust (Arch). A return element (20) is coupled to the means for closing the access including the shutter, and makes it possible to prevent an entry of air through this access which, by the return effect without sufficient opposing thrust reaction (Arch), is kept closed. Abstract Figure: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: OIL FILTRATION ARRANGEMENT WITH AIR ANTI-SUCTION VALVE AND USE OF AN AIR ANTI-SUCTION VALVE IN A TRANSMISSION OIL SUMP Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of lubricant filters for motor vehicles, in particular oil filters intended for a transmission system such as a gearbox. The invention relates more particularly to an oil intake and filtration arrangement, in particular for an oil intended for a transmission, which has an anti-air suction function. Also proposed is a use of a valve in a gearbox oil sump. Technological background

[0002] For the protection of the lubrication circuit(s) of transmission gears and other mechanical components, a lubricant filter of the suction / suction filter type may be provided. In the field of vehicle lubricant filtration, a pump is generally connected to the outlet of the filtration device, the pump sucking the oil or lubricant to be filtered through a filtration chamber, typically using a vacuum.

[0003] In the pre-filtering sampling area, the oil level may sometimes be insufficient (locally), so that air may accidentally be drawn in with the oil / lubricant. For example, when the vehicle accelerates or climbs a hill in such a way that the oil distribution in the sump reservoir is shifted to a side far from the filter inlet, the pump may draw in air instead of liquid. If this happens for a short interval, an unpleasant noise may be heard. If the situation continues, the transmission may stop working or be damaged. For space reasons, it is difficult to envisage distributing / distributing the filter to a deep rear area due to the space required for the valve body or other transmission components.

[0004] Document US 2017 / 0268393 A1 discloses an example of a filter arrangement with a low intake in the oil sump, in order to limit the height requirement while having a sampling zone provided at a low point, typically directly above or close to the valve body. In the event of a tilt or jolt causing oil to move near an edge of the sump, the lubricant / oil level may be insufficient with air entering the filtration chamber and then exiting towards the suction pump.

[0005] There is a need to better control the supply of oil in unstable situations or with a vehicle traveling on a steep slope. More generally, there is still room for improvement in this area. Summary

[0006] The present disclosure improves the situation.

[0007] For this purpose, an oil filtration arrangement is proposed (making it possible to purify oil, for example by separating solid particles), in particular an oil intended for a transmission, this arrangement comprising: - an oil inlet portion, comprising at least one inlet inlet each forming a selective access for the admission of raw oil from the bottom / below the arrangement; - a filter unit provided with an oil filtration medium and having an exhaust outlet for a flow of filtered oil, which can allow the filtered oil to be circulated upwards or at least away from below; - at least one passageway, preferably provided with a fluid connection, for fluidly communicating the intake part with the filter unit; and - means of closing each selective access which belongs to the admission part; with the particularity that the intake part comprises a valve which includes: - a seat portion comprising selective access in the form of at least one opening in the seat portion; - a recall element coupled to the closing means and capable of allowing the selective access to be closed by a recall effect; and - a floating element carrying the closing means.

[0008] This arrangement of an intake part with a float element valve makes it possible to make the valve sensitive to an oil level, for example by using a hollow part or part or of lower density than the oil and thus reacting to the presence of oil, which allows the closing means to follow the movement of the float element, in order to open / release access in the presence of oil which causes the float element to rise, as soon as a force threshold overcoming the return effect by the return element is obtained. It is understood that the arrangement is thus anti-air suction, as soon as even a partial absence of oil corresponds to a drop in thrust: the closing means lower to close the access unless the float element undergoes an Archimedes thrust, typically the majority of its lower face. Within an oil pan, such an arrangement typically extends vertically between an upper end and a bottom. The arrangement may, where one or more air check valves are fitted to the intake portion, be ventless (typically devoid of venting means).

[0009] According to a particular feature, this floating element is: - urged by said return effect towards a low position (position for closing), in which the closing means engage with sealed contact against the seat portion to close said access; - provided with a face, called the lower face; and - designed to undergo, in the presence of raw oil under and around the float element, an upward thrust at least at the level of said lower face, whereby the closing means are pushed back against the return effect to allow opening of the selective access. With respect to a central axis of a valve body including the seat portion, the lower face of the float / float element may be annular around this axis and / or distributed at least over two opposite angular sectors or over a circumference, going around the valve body where the access is located. This lower face may be located lower than the access in a default, typically vertical position of the float element, without thrust of lubricating fluid from below.

[0010] In embodiments, the valve is provided in an intake inlet which may optionally be part of a group of several intake inlets available in the arrangement. Such intake inlets may be designed to be arranged or flush with the same plane or height level, these inlets being able to be arranged / oriented opposite an oil sump bottom. A distribution of the intake part can be made in order to define several areas for capturing the raw oil stored in an oil sump / tank of a transmission. The filter unit can constitute or be part of a filter, which is for example common to / connected with several pipes forming the at least one passageway.

[0011] In order to allow adaptation to tilting situations which locally modify / lower the oil level, the filter unit may be connected to different intake inlets, for example with different accesses each formed in a float element valve. It is understood that the filter unit (and then the suction pump) may thus be supplied with crude oil which may come from two, three, four, five or six different locations, distributed on different sides. In each of these capture / intake zones, a float element valve may be provided, with a return element which simultaneously biases the closing means and the float element towards a lowered position making it possible to prevent the circulation of air in the absence of crude oil exerting an upward thrust force (on the float element).This can help prevent the risk of air entering the transmission oil circuit, even when the vehicle equipped with the arrangement is traveling on a steep slope.

[0012] This configuration is compatible with a relatively flat configuration of the casing, for example with at least one passageway which extends substantially horizontally. zonally towards a central area where the filter unit is located. In certain variants, two separate float elements can be associated with closing means of the same valve.

[0013] The float element, and for example each float element when several valves are provided in the arrangement, may be designed wider than it is high. The float may partially surround the valve body in which the return element and the closing means (which include a shutter member rigidly connected to the float) may be housed. More generally, the arrangement with at least one float valve integral with the closing means may be space-saving in height and compatible with a relatively flat configuration of the casing, with for example the at least one passageway which extends substantially horizontally towards a central zone where the filter unit is located.

[0014] According to designs of the intake portion, each valve comprises an assembly movable relative to the seat portion, and a float guide, adapted to allow upward guidance of the float element when the latter is subjected to Archimedes' thrust. In embodiments of a valve, one or more of the following features may be provided, for example: - the movable assembly includes a shutter member carried by the float element, preferably extending above the seat portion, so that the movable assembly constitutes all or part of the closing means. - the moving assembly includes the float element guided by the float guide. - the float element is made in one piece with the shutter member and is clipped or rigidly fixed to the shutter member. - the float element is movable, preferably linearly, relative to the valve body and remaining outside the valve body. - the float element is capable of being lowered following a lowering of the shutter member pushed back by the return element. - the shutter member and the float are separated from each other by a valve body, preferably by a bottom wall constituting the lower end of the valve body. - a mounting hole provided in the bottom wall serves as a passage for a rod or connecting member which rigidly connects the shutter member to a central openwork part of the float element. - the float element comprises an annular peripheral portion (possibly concentric with the valve body), preferably hollow, and the central perforated part which connects radially to the annular peripheral portion. - a valve body (valve body) is provided which includes a bottom wall comprising the seat portion, and a side wall connected to the bottom wall, for example extending from the bottom wall around a central axis of the valve to an upper end of the valve having an upper opening, a connector being provided for connecting the valve, at this upper end, to a crude oil delivery line connected to an inlet of the filter unit. - the valve is devoid of filter media. - the valve shutter member, which is housed between an upper end of the valve and the seat portion, is capable of moving towards the upper end of the valve following an upward movement of the float element. - the valve body constitutes the float guide and can accommodate the shutter in a hollow interior space delimited by the side wall of the valve body. - a connecting member carried by the float passes through the bottom wall in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the valve body in order to make the shutter integral with the float element. - the mounting orifice crossed by the connecting member is surrounded by at least two orifices constituting the access selectively released by the closing means, preferably with a closing member designed to simultaneously close the orifices of this access, by an annular sealing contact which surrounds the area of ​​the seat portion where these orifices constituting the access are provided.

[0015] In an embodiment of a valve whose closing means are movable with the float element, linear guidance of the float element can be achieved: - via a mounting hole for a rod or similar sliding member carrying the shutter member (the rod forming the connecting member), typically from below; - and possibly by one or more contact(s) external to the valve body, which are guide contacts made between the side wall of the body and a peripheral portion of the float element which extends around the valve body.

[0016] Embodiments provide one or more of the following features: - the valve comprises spacer means, for example in the form of longitudinal ribs, arranged to maintain a spacing between an external side wall of the float guide and an internal face of a peripheral portion of the float element which extends around a fixed part of the valve. - at least one crude oil passageway is provided, delimited radially between the external wall and the internal face, this passageway communicating fluidly with the access, at least in an open state with the closing means pushed back by the float element. - the return element is an elastic return element, for example having a compressed configuration in the open state. - the passageway opens into a lower end of a central recess of the float element. - the central recess of the float element makes it possible to house at least part of the valve body, for example at least the seat portion. - the float element has a crosspiece or elements of an openwork central part, directly above the bottom portion of the valve body where one or more through orifices are formed forming the selective access (access for passing the oil into an interior volume of the valve body where the movable closing means are housed). - the bottom wall of the valve body forms on one side (above) a seat for the closing means and, on the other side (below), a stop for a crosspiece or elements of an openwork central part of the float element.

[0017] Each valve may allow admission of oil from both a region underlying the float element and a region peripheral to the float. In embodiment options, the passageway allows circulation of crude oil to the central recess, for example to the bottom of the central recess, so that the float element allows crude oil to reach the access: - on the one hand, from the said underside, by one or more openings (designed to communicate the central recess with the lubricating fluid / oil which extends under the float element, each opening communicating with the central recess; - and on the other hand, by using the passageway running along the float guide, with the raw oil which can circulate downwards in this passageway then preferably centripetally, possibly at the level of the lower end of the central recess of the float element.

[0018] In embodiments, the arrangement has a plurality of intake inlets, with a suitable spatial distribution. For example, the intake portion may incorporate one or more of the following arrangements: - the intake part, comprises two intake inlets laterally spaced from each other. - the valve is fitted / provided in one of the two inlet inlets which is laterally spaced from the filter unit, so that the valve is not located directly above the filter unit. - the intake portion comprises a first intake inlet and a second intake inlet which are laterally spaced from each other and which are each spaced laterally from a central area of ​​the arrangement, in different directions (different spacing directions). - the filter unit extends centrally, in particular in the central area, and possibly at a distance from the bottom of the crankcase in this central area, being located higher than each intake inlet in a horizontal configuration of the arrangement. - the valve equips the first intake inlet, while another valve equips the second intake inlet. - the other valve can also be provided with a mobile float assembly which carries a member for closing off a valve access. - the other valve may be separate from, and preferably of identical structure to, the valve equipping the first intake inlet.

[0019] The valve may be designed in at least three parts, with only one of these parts forming the float element and including a stem mounted in a mounting hole provided in the seat portion. The joining of the float element and a shutter member forming all or part of the closing means may result from welding, for example carried out on the stem, or from a definitive rigid connection, for example by snap-fastening two parts, one of which includes the stem. Furthermore, when several valves, possibly identical, are provided, the number of valves may vary according to requirements. It is permissible to use at least three or four valves which are arranged near corners of the casing, knowing that the bottom of the casing may have a rectangular or trapezoidal shape, as a non-limiting example

[0020] The valve may have a valve body with a side wall delimiting a chamber which communicates: - from below, with the housing, via one or more axial passage openings; and - from above, with a raw oil supply line connected to the filter unit. The return element may consist of a single piece housed in this chamber. The return element may consist of a spring, for example a helical spring, or include a spring part.

[0021] The valve body may separate the chamber, housing the return element and the shutter member, from a crude oil circulation zone through which crude oil may circulate between: - a peripheral zone surrounding the valve body, located axially higher and at a distance from the seat portion, - and at least one lower opening of the float element which is arranged lower than the seat portion, for example extending at least partly under the seat portion.

[0022] The shutter member includes or constitutes a sealing element such as an annular lip seal or a suitable annular seal (for example made of elastomeric material). The sealing element is circular with an internal diameter greater than a perimeter delimiting the selective access formed by the valve, in the seat portion. The shutter member and the float element are part of the same mobile assembly which moves both on the inside and on the outside of a side wall of the body of valve, simultaneously in the same direction which is parallel to a central axis of the valve body. The central axis may be an axis of symmetry of the valve body, and possibly an axis of symmetry of the float. The valve may correspond to an assembly having a symmetry of revolution, with the possible exception of reliefs forming spacers / distancers between the valve body and the float element. The central axis may be part of a plane of symmetry of the valve.

[0023] The float element has a lower face capable of undergoing an upward thrust in the presence of crude oil, with a density of the float element which is for example less than 800 kg / m3. The float element may be based on a plastic material, possibly provided with a hollow part making it possible to lower the density of the float element. An annular cavity, partitioned or not, delimited between an external wall and an internal wall of the float element may have a radial extension or thickness greater than or equal to 4 mm and / or at least three times greater than a thickness of the side wall of the valve body.

[0024] In certain options, the valve body may result from the assembly of two shells or two complementary parts, this assembly being carried out so as to form a side wall of the valve body which selectively surrounds the closing means and the return element, this side wall being assembled above a central passage zone (for the crude oil) which is formed in the float element.

[0025] The filter unit is connected by a fluid connection to several pipes forming the passageway. The fluid connection allows selective disconnection of the filter unit, possibly provided with a housing which carries a removable connection element. More broadly, during a replacement operation, the filter unit is configured to be selectively disconnected from the rest of the arrangement, either to change the filter unit in its entirety, or to change at least one filter element carried by / included in the filter unit.

[0026] The characteristics set out in the following paragraphs may, optionally, be implemented, independently of one another or in combination: - the underside of the float element is part of the underside of the arrangement. - the filtration unit and / or the outlet form(s) the upper end of the arrangement. - several valves coupling a float element and a return element acting on a shutter member carried by the float element are provided, typically at the same level below the level of the filtration unit. - the filtration unit is arranged to extend entirely above a plane intersecting an upper end of each return element provided in respective valves (float element valves) of the intake portion. - the valve has an anchoring end, preferably in a bottom wall substantially flat, provided with access and a mounting hole for the mobile assembly or part of this assembly. - the mounting hole allows the float element to be retained while ensuring linear guidance of the moving assembly including this float element. - the mounting hole can linearly guide a central extension of the float element connected to the closing means. - the closing means are adapted to sit on one side of the anchoring wall or bottom wall, preferably from above. - the closing means include a sealing element, possibly annular in shape, completing a disc or rigid sealing part. - the sealing element is supported by an annular contact around an area of ​​the anchoring end which is an area including said access and the mounting hole.

[0027] The intake portion may be a portion partially or fully housed in an oil pan. According to a feature, the arrangement comprises a housing component adapted to form all or part of a transmission oil pan cover. The filter unit may optionally be housed or mounted in a receiving portion provided in the cover / housing component. In embodiments, the at least one passageway comprises two conduits rigidly fixed to the casing component, removably or permanently. The two conduits may each carry an inlet of the inlet portion. The valve integrated in the inlet portion is for example selectively carried by one of the two conduits, so as to be made integral with the casing component. When the filter unit is mounted on the cover / component, for example on the outside of the casing component, the at least one passageway may connect from below the casing / cover component by carrying the inlet portion which defines the bottom of the arrangement.

[0028] According to a particular feature, the filter unit comprises: - a reusable housing, possibly a part of which is an integral part of an oil pan component; - a filter cartridge or insert that can be removably mounted in the reusable housing.

[0029] The arrangement may include a casing component or a cover, which is for example hollow or concave on the side of a connection (by a lower face of this cover / component) with the pipes forming the passageway. When the cover is elongated in a horizontal elongation direction, two valves of the intake part may be distributed to two opposite positions in the horizontal elongation direction. The layout is compatible with a high-speed assembly process, with possibly the possibility of supplying pre-assembled valves with the float element already secured to the closing means. In this case, adaptation to the casing or installation environment may be limited to adjusting components other than the valves. For example, the adaptation may concern the length and height of the at least one passageway, and / or the type of connection / dimensioning / efficiency to be provided for the filter unit.

[0030] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a use of a valve in a transmission oil sump, in particular a vehicle gearbox oil sump, in order to prevent air from entering through an inlet for the raw oil to be filtered in a filter unit upstream of a pump, the valve having closure means movable relative to a body of the valve, a return element (for example with an elastic return effect) being coupled to the closure means to allow the access to be closed, in which the valve, in fluid communication with an inlet of the filter unit, serves to allow a flow of raw oil to pass through the access when a float element, provided in the valve and coupled to the closure means, is raised to push the closure means against a return force exerted by the return element, knowing that the float element is provided with a face, called the lower face,contact with the crude oil capable of being located lower than the access at least in a default configuration, , thanks to which the intake access to the filter unit can be: - selectively released when the float element is subjected to the Archimedes thrust exerted by the crude oil; - and on the contrary sealed in a watertight manner, in the default configuration, due to the return effect which applies in the absence of opposing reaction or without sufficient opposing thrust reaction.

[0031] Thus it is possible to selectively allow a flow consisting of oil, without air which is in the casing above the local oil level, to pass into the area of ​​the intake inlet considered. The float element is designed to descend by default and this, as soon as locally the level is significantly below the normal level, in particular below a relatively low threshold for which the oil is still sufficiently present locally to maintain the air above the access (i.e. this level threshold is a level which isolates the valve from the air). Such a level threshold will already be insufficient to push back the return element: in this case, there will therefore be no risk of air entering the filter unit, the oil intake being stopped to take into account the fact that this threshold / oil level is abnormally low, compared to the level expected in a filled casing which is neither inclined nor shaken. Brief description of the drawings

[0032] Other characteristics, details and advantages will appear on reading the detailed description below, and on analyzing the attached drawings, in which: [Fig.l] shows, in section, a filtration arrangement which has two crude oil inlet inlets each equipped with a float element valve, in a tilted position which modifies the oil distribution in the crankcase. [Fig.2] is a view similar to that of [Fig.l], when the filtration arrangement is substantially horizontal, being integrated into the oil sump of a transmission system. Figure 3A is an exploded view of an oil pan having an arrangement as shown in Figures 1 and 2. [Fig.3B] illustrates from below an oil intake and filtration arrangement secured to a transmission housing component forming a support for the arrangement in embodiment options. [Fig.4A] shows in a longitudinal sectional view an example of a valve making it possible to avoid sucking in air P, the valve being in an open state. [Fig.4B] is a cross-sectional view showing the relative arrangement of the valve body where a return element is housed, urging the valve closing means, relative to the float element, here in an arrangement with passages for the crude oil interposed between the valve body and the peripheral part of the float element. [Fig.5] is a schematic diagram of a vehicle transmission in which an intake and filtration arrangement provided with float element valve(s) may be incorporated. [Fig.6] is a schematic top view of an oil intake and filtration arrangement, in accordance with the invention, here in the particular case of a distribution of valves on all sides of an oil sump. [Fig.7] is a perspective view schematically illustrating an example of mounting a filter insert in a filter unit of the arrangement which takes raw oil from the crankcase via valves in the inlet portion of the arrangement. [Fig.8] illustrates a view with a partial view, with a section, illustrating an example of the structure of a mobile assembly assembled or designed to bring together in a single block the float element and the closing means. [Fig.9] is a perspective view showing from above a valve body including the (closable) access to the valve, for example in the form of openings or slots, and a mounting hole for a movable assembly such as that of [Fig.8]. Description of embodiment(s)

[0033] Below is a detailed description of several embodiments of the invention with examples and reference to the drawings. In the various figures, references identical indicate identical or similar elements. The structure and / or the number of certain components, appearing in at least one of the figures, can, of course, be used in a case corresponding to another figure.

[0034] With reference to Figures 1, 2, 3A-3B and 7, there is shown a filtration arrangement A, A' for purifying a flow F of crude oil which is an oil present in a casing 30, along a bottom wall Wb of the casing 30 which can extend substantially horizontally. The arrangement A, A' here forms part of a transmission filter and includes a filter unit 10. The filtration zone or chamber separates an upstream zone from a downstream zone, by housing an oil filtration medium MF, knowing that an oil circulation element is provided in the oil circuit, preferably on the side where purified oil circulates (purification carried out using the filter unit 10). An outlet 5 of the filter unit 10 is connected to a transmission system typically mounted in a motor vehicle.

[0035] As illustrated in particular in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the intake and filtration arrangement A makes it possible to purify an oil from the crankcase, typically stored in a lower tank or component 30a of the crankcase 30, using an intake portion 6 which is provided with one or more valves 1 each located in a crude oil intake inlet. In this non-limiting example of Figures 3A and 3B, two intake inlets are shown, spaced apart from each other and making it possible to capture the oil in a position close to a bottom wall Wb of the casing 30. Each valve 1 has a float element 2 which is part of a movable assembly of the valve 1. As described later, means for closing an access 03 provided in the body 3, hereinafter called the valve body, can be secured to the float element 2, so that the closing means 21, J belong to the movable assembly and can follow the movement of the float element 2. Example of a float element

[0036] As illustrated (see in particular figures 4A-4B and 8), each float element 2 can be made in a single piece. In alternatives, this float element 2 can result from an assembly of parts. The float element 2 can have an open central part, here with one or more openings 02, a rod 2a or similar member for connection with a shutter member 21 housed in the valve body 3, and a portion sensitive to the oil level N, N' which can include a cavity C2 or having a porous structure and / or lighter than the oil (therefore less dense typically). The valve 1 includes a return element 20 which has, for example, a movable end or part allowing the closing means to be pressed / stressed so as to obtain an (oil-tight) closure of the access 03. The float element 2 is functionally coupled to the return element 20 so that a rise of the float element 2 overcomes the return force exerted on the closing means 21, J via the reminder element 20.

[0037] The float element 2 may be rigid to stiffen a connection, for example a central connection, to the closure means and facilitate guidance enabled by spacers or ribs R3 of the valve body 3. In variants, at least a portion of the float element 2 may be flexible and / or include a foam or cellular material. The float element 2 may be impermeable to oil.

[0038] Generally, the float element 2 may have a lower face F2 on which the lubricating fluid such as oil can exert an action, by the Archimedes' thrust phenomenon. As soon as this float element 2 is sufficiently immersed in the oil, an upward force Arch (Archimedes' thrust) will be exerted to raise this float element 2. This upward force Arch pushing the float element 2 from below is then sufficient, exceeding a threshold which corresponds to the restoring force exerted in the opposite direction. In the case illustrated in [Fig.4A], the restoring element 2 may include a spring whose movable part (here its lower end) is moved downwards by default to maintain a closed state of the valve 1, with the access 03 closed from above by the closing means 21, J.

[0039] The float element 2 may constitute, in the movable assembly of the valve 1, a part which is external to the valve body 3. A seat portion PS, including the access 03, may be integrated into the valve body 3 serving as a mounting support for the movable assembly. At least the open central part, which may carry the stem 2a intended to pass through the seat portion PS, may extend under the valve body 3, directly above the seat portion PS, so that the crude oil can reach the access 03 only by passing through a wall of the float element 2 or at least the openings 02. Typically these openings 02 are formed at a lower end E1 of the valve 1 constituted by the bottom, with the lower face F2, of the float element 2. The flotation part may consist of a peripheral portion 2c which extends around the valve body 3. The peripheral portion 2c may optionally be annular, delimiting a hollow or cavity C2 which may or may not be partitioned. The structure of the peripheral portion 2c makes it possible to obtain a lower face F2 at a lower end of the element 2 which separates the interior of the cavity C2 from the exterior.

[0040] As clearly visible in [Fig.4A] or [Fig.8], the cavity C2 has a radial extension from an annular inner wall 2b which surrounds and delimits the central hollow of the float element 2, to an outer wall which can form an external circumference of the float element 2. The cavity C2 is closed to prevent the passage of oil, which makes it possible to obtain a low density of the peripheral portion 2c, lower than that of the oil in its range of use (for example at a temperature of this oil greater than or equal to 5°C).The float element 2 may be designed to float. and thus be moved upwards by oil having a density of the order of 900 kg / m3, for example between 840 and 960 kg / m3. The return element 20 is chosen with an ability to compress or move back easily, with the movement back of the closing means 21, J relative to the seat portion PS.

[0041] The integration of the arrangement A, A' in the oil casing 30 may provide that each float element 2 is slightly spaced from a bottom wall Wb of the casing 30, which may be a horizontal wall of a component 30a forming an oil tank. The mobility of the float element 2 may be limited to one direction, due to guidance permitted for example by a side wall 3b of the valve body 3 and / or guidance at the level of the stem 2a (or similar connecting member with the closing means 21, J). The valve body 3 may be provided with ribs R3 that guide the float element 2 and allow clearance for the crude oil to pass / flow higher than the level of the lower face F2, on an inner side of the flotation part / peripheral portion 2c. Thus, in this embodiment option, the peripheral portion 2c may be enveloped in oil radially on the inside and outside. This is compatible with a concentric arrangement of the float element 2 and the valve body 3, which may share a common central axis X.

[0042] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, a distance d between the longitudinal axes of the valves 1 may be greater than half of a dimension (width and / or length) of the casing 30. More generally, when several valves are provided, the intake part 6 may be distributed with spacings, possibly regular, between the float elements 2 and the valve bodies 3. [Fig. 6] illustrates a non-limiting example of arrangement of an intake part 6 having at least four intake inlets, for example six inlets each having a valve 1 close to an edge of the casing 30. Each of the valves 1 provides an anti-air suction function, for example with at least one of the valves 1 which includes a structure such as visible in Figures 4A-4B, with a float element 2 at the lower end E1 of the valve in question.

[0043] Respective conduits 17 make it possible to connect each valve outlet 1 to an inlet 4 (at least one inlet) of the filter unit 10. The conduits 17 may be arranged as spokes or similar conduits of essentially radial extension to reach a same central zone corresponding to the inlet 4. The inlet part 6 may extend in three dimensions, the height of the inlet part 6 being able to be less than the other two dimensions d and d', with for example this height not exceeding twice the height of any valve body 3 used in the arrangement A, A'. Groups of valves 1 may be aligned to form rows of valves parallel to the edges of the casing 30. Example of arrangement and structure of closing means

[0044] With reference to Figures 1, 2 and 4A-4B, the valve body 3 may have a bottom wall 3a and a tubular side wall 3b which extends longitudinally upwards from the bottom wall 3a around a central axis X of the valve body 3. The seat portion PS may be part of or formed on the bottom wall 3a. An interior volume V3 of the valve 3 may be delimited by the side wall 3b, making it possible to house the closure means 21, J. As clearly visible in [Fig.4B], a shutter member 21 may be provided in the valve 1, which forms an inverted T-shaped section, in combination with the stem 2a. The stem 2a is thus formed as a member projecting downwards from a radial portion covering the access (radial portion provided in the shutter member 21). This rod 2a makes it possible to connect, fixedly (therefore rigidly), the float element 2 to the closing means 21, J.

[0045] In this example, the bottom wall 3a is interposed between the shutter member 21 and the float 2. As can be seen in particular in [Fig.9], the valve body 3 has a mounting orifice 01 which may be distinct from the opening(s) forming the access 03, by being formed centrally in the bottom wall 3a. The seat portion PS may correspond to an annular region of the bottom wall 3a. It is through the mounting orifice 01 that the rod 2a which connects the shutter member 21 to the central part (here an open central part) of the float element 2 can pass.

[0046] The arrangement of the closing means 21, J may be a completely internal arrangement in the valve 1, i.e. above the bottom wall 3a and in the interior volume V3, without visibility from the outside of the valve 1 which also has an upper end E2 which covers the interior volume V3 from above. This arrangement may be made to obtain a closed state as soon as the float element 2 is no longer sufficiently carried by lubricating liquid / oil, with the access 03 closed in a situation where air is typically not even present in the interior volume V3, due to a lack of circulation permitted by the valve 1 in question.

[0047] The closing means may include an annular sealing element J, included in or carried by a rigid covering portion. The shutter member 21 may include the annular sealing zone forming such an element J, for example when it is produced in the form of a mushroom valve (umbrella valve valve) with a movable rod whose position varies depending on the presence or absence of oil under the lower face F2. Whatever the structure precisely chosen to form the closing means 21, J, by a one-piece design or by an assembly of parts one of which constitutes an annular seal, it is understood that these closing means may be carried by the float element 2. When a one-piece design with shape memory or elastic design is provided, a sub-part forming the return element may be integrated to facilitate rapid and automatic lowering of the closing means, in the absence of Archimedes force / thrust Arch. In certain embodiments, the valve incorporates an elastic hinge forming the return element, which may possibly make it possible to produce the shutter member 21 and the return element in the same part.

[0048] [Fig.l] corresponds to an oil level N' in an inclined configuration and illustrates, on the left, a situation where the oil is lacking under the float element 2 of a valve 1. This is for example a situation of rolling of the vehicle equipped with the arrangement A, A' on a slope, therefore in a case where the casing 30 is not in a horizontal arrangement. This inclination expels the oil on the right side opposite the valve 1 considered which closes (here the left valve). In this case, the return element 20 can be deployed with its movable end which lowers while continuing to urge the closing means downwards. A so-called deployed confirmation is obtained, which corresponds for example to a more elongated conformation when it is a helical spring whose length and force are adapted to push by default the closing means 21, J into a low position of support on the seat portion PS.In this case, the spring forming the return element 20 has a length hl (corresponding to a height along the Z direction) which is longer than its length h2 in the compressed state (corresponding to the height h2 visible on the right in [Fig.l], this side being the one where the oil accumulates). The heights hl, h2 can be measured along the Z direction which is the vertical in the case of an arrangement at rest as in [Fig.2].

[0049] It should be noted that the return element 20 provides a rapid and automatic reaction, more immediate and more reliable than a return to the low position solely linked to simple gravity, knowing that in addition air could be present with oil under the float element 2 in certain cases. More generally, an adjustment of the return element 20 and of the float element 2 can be applied to ensure that the access 03 is closed, which has the effect of cutting off the circulation towards the pipe 17 associated with the valve 1, as soon as a drop in the oil level occurs in the environment of the float element 2 of this valve 1.

[0050] Whatever the design of the closure means 21, J, it is understood that a closure part (forming the closure member 21) will be lowered with the float element 2, this each time that the oil is lacking under the lower face F2 of the float element F2. A reaction to a local lack of oil, even partial (in the case of an inclined situation), can be quickly obtained for the anti-air suction effect. The use of several valves 1 then makes it possible to ensure continuity of supply, via the sides provided with oil, while avoiding the admission of air by the selective closing of the valves located in the side or sides lacking oil.

[0051] In a stable situation of the casing 30, such as for example that of [Fig.2], the arrangement A, A' has a horizontal distribution of the accesses 03 and the presence of oil (at level N which exceeds any of the valves 1) allows the Archimedes thrust (Arch force) to be exerted on all the moving assemblies, so that each float element 2 is raised, with the rod 2a or similar member which pushes the closing means 21, J higher, so as to free each access 03. No sensor or power source is necessary with this type of arrangement A, A'.

[0052] In these examples, the opening(s) 02 are provided directly above the access 03 which is itself underlying the closing means 21, J. Of course, other arrangements, without vertical superposition of the openings, can also be adopted in one or more of the valves 1, for example provided that the upward circulation of the raw oil flow F can take place from a low zone, which can be located substantially at the level of the lower face F2 to reach the internal volume V3 then the filtering unit 10 (typically via a pipe 17 unless possibly the valve in question is underlying or integrated into the filtering unit 10). Example of oil path to reach the filter unit

[0053] Each valve 1 may result from an assembly, making it possible to form a pre-assembled valve which is compatible with a wide configuration for the intake part 6, allowing a wide variety of integration for the valve 1. The float element 2 may be part of the valve 1 by internally delimiting a central hollow where the valve body 3 is arranged. This central hollow also allows oil to circulate towards the access 03, as illustrated by arrows in [Fig.l] (for the right valve) and [Fig.4A], so that a part of the flow F of crude oil arrives from above the float element 2. With reference to [Fig.8], the use of spacers T or a crosspiece for the open central part of the float element 2 may be a design option chosen in order to allow the crude oil having circulated via the central hollow, in a passageway 33 running along the wall 3b, to then reach the openings 02 to then join by a centripetal trajectory the interior volume V3 via the access 03.

[0054] In this example, as visible in [Fig.9], the flow F reaching the openings 02 can rise parallel to the central axis X passing through the valve body 3, this axis X being also able to be a longitudinal axis of the stem 2a. The access 03 can correspond to openings which are relatively narrow through slots with a C-shaped geometry as observed in the top view. Each through opening can extend over an angular sector greater than 90°, for example greater than 110 or 120°. Thus, the passage section is optimized while having a sealing contact zone on the bottom portion 3a which can have a reduced diameter, for example not exceeding 60% of the external diameter of the float element 2.

[0055] In the open state, it is permitted to circulate the flow brought by the openings 02 parallel to the stem 2 to reach the internal volume V3 with a widening of section, the oil being able to circulate both along the stem 2a of the movable assembly and along the side wall 6b. A linear trajectory can be adopted for the movable assembly, by making the valve body 3 play the role of a float guide to guide the float element 2 over at least half of its height, and preferably over most of its height. With respect to the float element 2, the valve body 3 forms a fixed part of the valve 1. As visible in [Fig.4B] for example, the side wall 3b is designed with external ribs R3. More generally, this side wall 3b makes the valve body 3 (housed in the central hollow) suitable for allowing linear guidance, with an upward trajectory to allow the valve to open, of the float element 2 when the latter is subjected to an Archimedes thrust.It is well understood that any geometry adapted with spacer means arranged to maintain a spacing between the external side wall of the float guide (typically the wall 3b or possibly an additional interposed part) and an internal face of the peripheral portion 2c.

[0056] In the presence of at least three or four ribs R3, the oil passageway 33 can be distributed in vertically elongated sub-zones along the fixed part of the valve 1. Each sub-zone is delimited radially between the float guide (at the external wall of the fixed part of the valve) and the inner face of the float element 2, and can open axially into one of the openings 02 which can be adjacent to the inner face of the float element. These openings 02 communicate with the access 03 and can be wider / of total / cumulative section wider than the section of the through-orifices provided in the bottom wall 3a for the passage of oil into the interior volume V3. [Fig.8] shows for example the non-limiting case of four openings 02 each communicating directly with a sub-zone constituting the descending passageway 33.

[0057] With respect to the central hollow or recess of the float element 2, it is understood that the crosspieces, spacers T or other similar openwork structure can form or delimit a lower end of the central recess, through which the crude oil can circulate. More broadly, any passageway 33 with a downward component can be provided to pass through the float element 2 towards an area surrounded by the lower face F2, provided with opening(s) 02, so that the float element 2 allows crude oil to reach the access 03: - on the one hand, from below the arrangement A, A', through the opening(s) 02 communicating with the central recess / hollow; - and on the other hand, along the float guide (passageway 33, descending).

[0058] With reference to [Fig.4A], the valve 1 can be wider than it is high considering its extension between the lower end El and the upper end E2 where is formed an outlet at a connection R, which may be an outlet (optionally axial) of the pipe 17 connected to the top of the valve 1. A weld may allow the connection of a top of the body 3 to an end, distal to the filter unit 10, of the pipe 17. The connection RC may be adjacent to a bent zone of the pipe 17, in order to limit the height requirement of this subassembly of the intake part 6.

[0059] In the open position of a valve 1, the transverse / radial part from which the stem 2a projects upwards may be attached to or very close to the bottom wall 3a of the valve body 3, under the effect of the force Arch exerted by the oil. In this case, when a seal or sealing element is provided, it may become detached from the seat portion PS bordering the through-orifice(s) of the access 03. The flow enters the interior volume V3, for example by centrifugally bypassing the closing means 21, J.

[0060] A sealing lip with a thinning, arranged as a downwardly inclined and thinned radial portion, can achieve the annular sealing contact when the return element 20 constrains and maintains, typically by axial support, the closing means 21, J in the lowered closing position. At an upper or distal end of the seat portion PS, the return element 20 (such as a spring), can be held fixed. As in the non-limiting case of FIGS. 4A-4B, the return element 20 can be an elastic return element, one end 20b of which bears against an upper radial portion delimiting from above the interior volume V3.

[0061] The filter unit 10, forming all or part of the transmission filter, can be mounted externally or internally on the oil sump 30. If necessary, it can be arranged on a receiving region included in a bottom wall Wb of such an oil sump 30, as in the case of [Fig.7] for example. Different intake inlets allow the crude oil to flow upwards to this filter unit 10, the flow being selectively blocked by a valve 1 as soon as a thrust threshold is no longer reached by the force Arch applied under the float element 2. Similar or identical valves 1 equip the intake part, in the respective intake inlets which have an extension in the Z direction.

[0062] An elongated conduit 15 may form / extend an outlet of the filter unit in certain options, for an upward flow of purified oil downstream of the filtration. With reference to [Fig.7], a specific cover C of a filter housing may be provided, optionally secured to a base B or to a bottom of the transmission oil sump 30. Each of the conduits 17 may be rigidly held by an attachment to a sump component or a housing component of the filter. Each conduit 17 may then carry an intake inlet of the intake portion 6 (in thus carrying a valve 1 which itself forms the float guide to guide the float element). Whatever the geometry adopted for the pipe(s) 17, a passageway / network is formed for circulation between each interior volume V3 of a valve and the inlet 4, 4' of a filter unit 10. In some embodiments, the passageway is connected from below to a casing component 30b which is separate from the bottom wall Wb.

[0063] The use of a reusable housing 8 or a reusable housing part may be provided. As in [Fig.7] or in similar options, a cartridge or a filtration insert EF may then be removably mounted in the reusable housing 8, for example through an opening O accessible to the operator, preferably having an extension / elongation direction of the filtration insert EF which is horizontal in the operational position. A filter medium MF of this filtration insert EF may be elongated horizontally, parallel to the bottom wall Wb (which means perpendicular to the direction Z).

[0064] The arrangement A' for inlet and filtration of oil for transmission casing 30 may have a filter unit 10 which is fixedly held spaced from the bottom wall Wb, by spacer means Sp, distributed laterally or forming narrow supports, which are secured to the lower tank or component of the casing 30, so that oil can be stored under the filter unit 10 and under the pipes 17, which allows immersion of the inlet part, at least as regards each float element 2 associated with a fixed valve body 3. This arrangement may be compatible with a distribution of the inlet inlets, with for example a horizontal spatial distribution of the valves 1, obtaining an arrangement A' which is not very space-consuming in height. In general, the filter unit 10 (which may include the housing 8) may form the upper end of the arrangement A, A'.

[0065] Referring to [Fig. 5], 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 100 is connected to the crankshaft of the vehicle. The engine power is transmitted to the torque converter 112 which drives the turbine shaft 114. The clutches of the gearbox 116 (an example of a transmission device within the meaning of the present disclosure) are engaged to establish a power flow between the turbine shaft 114 and the output shaft 118.

[0066] Different power flow circuits having different speed ratios can be established by engaging different clutches. Optionally, a transfer case can be installed between the output shaft and a drive shaft for divert part 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 or filter unit 10, and deliver the purified 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 send fluid to the components of the torque converter 112 and the transmission 116 at desired pressures lower than the line pressure and at desired flow rates. The fluid flows from the control valves and the transmission 116 to the crankcase 30.

[0067] In applications for vehicles with electric or hybrid (thermal and electric) motors, the arrangement can 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 10 of the arrangement can also be part of an oil supply management system for the transmission, for the electric motor and / or for cooling the battery. The arrangement can be installed near the bottom of the oil sump, within such a system. The flattened format of the arrangement allows for example an installation on a lower side of a component casing or the electric motor of the system.More broadly, the arrangement A, A' is sufficiently compact to be integrated (already mounted or not in a case) 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 arrangement as a filter in a 3-in-1 system as mentioned above or other similar multi-component system, which forms a compactly wrapped assembly above the oil pan, is permitted with an optimization / reduction of the space requirement.

[0068] 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 within the framework of the protection sought.

[0069] For example, the case of a filter unit 10 receiving the cumulative flow from several intake inlets each equipped with a valve 1 has been illustrated in a limiting manner, but a different inlet may be provided among the different inlets (if necessary capable of coming into a comparatively lower point of the oil sump 30), without a valve. Also, although an even number of valves 1 has been shown in the different cases illustrated, the arrangement A, A' can just as easily include any number, possibly odd, of valves 1 intended to be immersed in the oil of the crankcase 30.

Claims

Claims

1. Arrangement (A; A') for admission and filtration for purifying oil, in particular an oil intended for a transmission, in which the arrangement, which extends vertically between an upper end and a bottom, comprises: - an intake part (6), comprising at least one intake inlet each forming a selective access (03) for the intake of crude oil from below; - a filter unit (10) provided with an oil filtration medium (MF) and having an outlet (5) for discharging a flow of filtered oil (F') to move it away from below; - at least one passageway, preferably provided with a fluid connection, for fluidly communicating the intake part (6) with the filter unit (10); and - closing means (21, J) of each selective access (03) belonging to the admission part (6); characterized in that the inlet part (6) comprises a valve (1) which includes: - a seat portion (PS) comprising said selective access (03) in the form of at least one opening in the seat portion; - a return element (20) coupled to the closing means (21, J) and capable of allowing the closing of said selective access (03) by a return effect; and - a float element (2) carrying the closing means (21, J); and in that the float element (2) is: - urged by said return effect towards a low position, in which the closing means (21, J) engage with sealed contact against the seat portion (PS) to close said access (03); - provided with a face (F2), called the lower face; and - is designed to undergo, in the presence of crude oil under and around the float element (2), an upward thrust at least at the level of said lower face (F2), whereby the closing means (21, J) are pushed back against the return effect to allow opening of the selective access (03).

2. Arrangement according to claim 1, in which the valve (1) comprises an assembly movable relative to the seat part (PS), and a float guide, adapted to allow upward guidance of the element float (2) when the latter is subjected to an Archimedes thrust, the mobile assembly including: - a shutter member (21) carried by the float element (2), preferably extending above the seat portion (PS), so that the mobile assembly constitutes all or part of the closing means (2, 21, J); AND - said float element (2) guided by the float guide, the float element (2) being able to be lowered following a lowering of the shutter member (21) pushed back by the return element (20).

3. Arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the shutter member (21) and the float (2) are separated from each other by a valve body (3) which includes: - a bottom wall (3a) which includes the seat portion (PS); and - a side wall (3b) connected to the bottom wall (3a); the valve body (3) constituting the float guide and making it possible to house the shutter (21) in an interior volume (V3) delimited by the side wall (3b), and in which a connecting member (2a) carried by the float (2) passes through the bottom wall (3) in the direction of a longitudinal axis (X) of the valve body (3) in order to make the shutter (21) integral with the float element (2).

4. Arrangement according to claim 2 or 3, in which the valve (1) comprises spacer means (R3) arranged to maintain a spacing between an external lateral wall of the float guide and an internal face of a peripheral portion (2c) of the float element (2) which extends around a fixed part of the valve, and in which an oil passageway (33), delimited radially between said external wall and the internal face, communicates fluidically with the access (03).

5. Arrangement according to claim 4, in which the passageway (33) opens into a lower end of a central recess of the float element, so that the float element (2) allows crude oil to reach the access (03): - on the one hand, from said bottom, through one or more openings (02) communicating with the central recess; - and on the other hand, by using said passageway (33) along the float guide, with the crude oil which can circulate downwards in this passageway (33) then preferably in a downward manner centripetal at the lower end of the central recess of the float element (2).

6. An arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the inlet portion comprises two laterally spaced inlet inlets, the valve (1) being provided in one of the two inlet inlets which is laterally spaced from the filter unit (10), so that the valve (1) is not located directly above the filter unit (10).

7. An arrangement according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the inlet portion comprises a first inlet and a second inlet which are laterally spaced from each other and which are each spaced laterally from a central area of the arrangement (A; A') where the filter unit (10) extends, in different directions, and wherein the valve (1) equips the first inlet, while another valve equips the second inlet, said other valve being: - also provided with a movable float element assembly (2) which carries a member for closing a valve access; and - separate from, and preferably of identical structure to, the valve (1) equipping the first inlet.

8. An arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the lower face (F2) of the float element (2) forms part of the underside of the arrangement (A; A'), while the filtration unit (10) and / or the outlet (5) form(s) the upper end of the arrangement (A; A''»

9. J. Arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the valve (1) has an anchoring end, preferably in a substantially planar bottom wall (3a), provided with the access (03) and a mounting orifice (01) allowing the retention of the float element (2) by linearly guiding a central extension of the float element (2) connected to the closing means (21, J).

10. Arrangement according to claim 9, wherein the closure means (21, J) are adapted to sit on one side of the bottom wall (3a), preferably from above, and include a sealing element (J) bearing by annular contact around an area of the anchoring end which is an area including said access (03) and the mounting hole (01).

11. Arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a casing component (30b) capable of forming all or part of a transmission oil pan cover (30), in which the at least one passageway comprises two conduits (17) rigidly fixed to the casing component (30b), the two conduits (17) each carrying an intake inlet of the intake part (6), the valve (1) integrated in the intake part (6) being selectively carried by one of the two conduits, so as to be made integral with the casing component (30b).

12. An arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a housing component (30b) adapted to form all or part of a transmission oil pan cover (30), wherein the filter unit (10) is mounted on the exterior of said housing component (30b), while the at least one passageway connects from below the housing component (30b) carrying the inlet portion (6) which defines the underside of the arrangement (A).

13. Arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filter unit (10) comprises: - a reusable housing (8); and - a filter cartridge or insert (EF) removably mounted in the reusable housing (8).

14. Use of a valve (1) in a transmission oil sump, in particular a vehicle gearbox oil sump, in order to prevent air from entering through an inlet (03) for the intake of the raw oil to be filtered in a filter unit (10) upstream of a pump (40), the valve (1) having closing means (21, J) movable relative to a valve body (3), a return element (20) being coupled to the closing means (21, J) to allow the access to be closed, in which the valve (1), in fluid communication with an inlet (4;4') of the filter unit (10), serves to allow a flow of crude oil (F) to pass through said access (03) when a float element (2), provided in the valve (1) and coupled to the closing means (21, J), is raised to push the closing means (21, J) against a restoring force exerted by the restoring element (20), knowing that the float element (2) is provided with a face (F2), called lower face, of contact with the crude oil capable of being located lower than the access (03) at least in a default configuration, whereby the admission access (03) towards the filter unit (10) can; be : - selectively released when said float element (2) is subjected to the Archimedes thrust (Arch) exerted by the crude oil; - and on the contrary sealed in a watertight manner, in the default configuration, due to the return effect which applies in the absence of opposing reaction or without sufficient opposing thrust reaction (Arch).

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