OIL FILTRATION ARRANGEMENT WITH ANTI-AIR SUCTION VALVE AND USE OF AN ANTI-AIR VALVE IN A TRANSMISSION OIL CASING

Abstract

The oil circulation arrangement includes a lower oil inlet portion, a filter unit (10) of a vehicle transmission filter, and an outlet (5) located higher than the inlet portion for immersion in the oil in the crankcase. The arrangement includes one or more valves (1) integrated into the inlet portion, each selectively allowing a flow of crude oil (F) when a float (2) provided in the valve is raised, releasing at least one shutter (21) movable according to the float's position. Access to the filter unit in the valve is thus opened when this float (2) is subjected to the buoyant force (Arch). A return element (20) is coupled to the access closure means, including the shutter, and prevents air from entering through this access, which, by the return effect without sufficient opposing buoyant force (Arch), remains closed. Figure from the summary: Figure 1

Description

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

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

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

[0003] In the pre-filtration intake area, the oil level may sometimes be insufficient (locally), so that air may accidentally be drawn in along with the oil / lubricant. For example, when the vehicle accelerates or climbs an incline in such a way that the oil distribution in the sump reservoir shifts to a side far from the filter inlet, the pump may draw in air instead of liquid. If this occurs for a short time, an unpleasant noise may be heard. If the situation persists, the transmission may fail to operate or be damaged. Due to space constraints, it is difficult to consider distributing / distributing the filter to a deep rear area because of the space required for the valve body or other transmission components.

[0004] US patent 2017 / 0268393 A1 describes an example of a filter arrangement with a low inlet in the oil pan, designed to minimize vertical space requirements while providing a sampling area at a low point, typically directly above or near the valve body. In the event of tilting or sudden movements causing oil displacement near an edge of the pan, the lubricant / oil level may be insufficient, with air entering the filter chamber and then exiting towards the suction pump.

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

[0006] This disclosure improves the situation.

[0007] To this end, an oil filtration arrangement is proposed (allowing oil to be purified, for example by separating solid particles), in particular oil intended for a transmission, this arrangement comprising: - an oil inlet section, comprising at least one inlet port, each forming a selective access for the inlet of crude oil from the bottom / below of the arrangement; - a filtering unit equipped with an oil filtration medium and having an exhaust outlet for a flow of filtered oil, which can allow the filtered oil to circulate upwards or at least away from below; - at least one passageway, preferably equipped with a fluid connection, to allow fluid communication between the inlet section and the filter unit; and - means for closing each selective access that belongs to the inlet section; with the particularity that the intake part includes a valve which includes: - a portion of the seat comprising selective access in the form of at least one opening in the portion of the seat; - a return element coupled to the closing means and capable of allowing the selective access to be closed by a return effect; and - a floating element carrying the closing means.

[0008] This arrangement of an inlet portion with a float-element valve makes the valve sensitive to the oil level, for example by using a hollow part or section with a lower density than oil. This allows the valve to react to the presence of oil, enabling the closing means to follow the movement of the float element, thus opening / releasing access when oil is present and the float element rises, as soon as a force threshold exceeding the return effect of the return element is reached. It is understood that the arrangement is therefore anti-air intake, since even a partial absence of oil corresponds to a decrease in thrust: the closing means lower to block access unless the float element experiences an Archimedes' force, typically exerted by most of its lower surface. Within an oil map, such an arrangement typically extends vertically between an upper and a lower end. The arrangement may, when one or more air-freeze valves are fitted to the intake section, be ventless (typically lacking a means of degassing).

[0009] According to one particular feature, this floating element is: - prompted by said return effect towards a lower position (position for closure), in which the closing means engage with watertight contact against the portion of the seat to close said access; - provided with a face, called the lower face; and - designed to withstand, in the presence of crude oil under and around the float element, an upward thrust at least at the level of said lower face, by which means the closing means are pushed back against the restoring effect to allow opening of the selective access. Relative 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 over at least two opposing angular sectors or over a circumference, encircling the valve body where the access port is located. This lower face may be situated lower than the access port in a default position, typically vertical for the float element, without any push of lubricating fluid from below.

[0010] In embodiments, the valve is provided in an inlet which may optionally be part of a group of several inlet inlets available in the arrangement. Such inlet inlets may be designed to be arranged or flush with the same plane or height level, these inlets being able to be arranged / oriented with respect to an oil sump bottom. The intake section can be configured to define multiple collection zones for the crude oil stored in a transmission oil pan / reservoir. The filter unit can be part of, or constitute a larger filter, which may, for example, be shared by or connected to several lines forming at least one flow path.

[0011] To allow adaptation to inclination situations that locally modify / lower the oil level, the filter unit can be connected to different inlet ports, for example, with different access points, each formed in a float-element valve. It is understood that the filter unit (and subsequently the suction pump) can thus be supplied with crude oil from two, three, four, five, or six different locations, distributed on different sides. A float-element valve can be provided in each of these intake / collection zones, with a return element that simultaneously actuates the closing means and the float element to a lowered position, thus preventing air circulation 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 this arrangement is traveling on a steep incline.

[0012] This configuration is compatible with a relatively flat housing configuration, with, for example, at least one passage that extends substantially horizontally towards a central zone where the filter unit is located. In some 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, can be designed to be wider than it is tall. The float can partially surround the valve body, in which the return element and the closing means (which include a shutter rigidly connected to the float) can be housed. More generally, the arrangement with at least one float valve integral with the closing means can be compact in height and compatible with a relatively flat housing configuration, for example with at least one passage extending substantially horizontally towards a central area where the filter unit is located.

[0014] According to designs of the inlet part, each valve includes a movable assembly relative to the seat part, and a float guide, adapted to allow upward guidance of the float element when the latter is subjected to an Archimedes' thrust. In the design of a valve, one or more of the following features may be included: - the moving assembly includes a shuttering element carried by the floating element, preferably extending above the seat portion, so that the moving 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 obturator body clipped or rigidly fixed to the obturator body. - the float element is mobile, preferably linearly, relative to the valve body and remaining outside the valve body. - the float element is able to be lowered by following a lowering of the obturator organ pushed back by the return element. - The obturator and the float are separated from each other by a valve body, preferably by a bottom wall forming the lower end of the valve body. - A mounting hole provided in the bottom wall serves as a passage for a rod or connecting element which rigidly connects the obturator to a central perforated 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 is provided which includes a bottom wall comprising the seat portion, and a side wall connected to the bottom wall, by example by extending from the bottom wall around a central axis of the valve to an upper end of the valve having a top opening, a fitting being provided to connect 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 obturator, which is housed between an upper end of the valve and the seat portion, is able to move towards the upper end of the valve by following an upward movement of the float element. - the valve body acts as the float guide and can accommodate the obturator in a hollow internal space delimited by the side wall of the valve body. - a connecting element carried by the float passes through the bottom wall along the direction of a longitudinal axis of the valve body in order to make the obturator fixed to the float element. - the mounting orifice through which the connecting member passes is surrounded by at least two orifices constituting the access selectively released by the closing means, preferably with a shuttering member designed to simultaneously seal the orifices of this access, by an annular sealing contact which surrounds the area of ​​the portion of the seat 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 orifice for a sliding rod or similar member carrying the obturator member (the rod forming the connecting member), typically from below; - and possibly by one or more external contacts to the valve body, which are guiding 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 for one or more of the following features: - the valve includes spreading 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 inner face of a peripheral portion of the float element which extends around a fixed part of the valve. - at least one crude oil passage is provided, radially delimited between the outer wall and the inner face, this passage 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 the central recess of the floating element. - the central recess of the float element allows at least part of the valve body to be housed, for example at least the seat portion. - the float element has a cross or elements of a central openwork part, vertically above the bottom portion of the valve body where one or more through orifices are formed forming the selective access (access to pass the oil into an internal 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 cross or elements of a central perforated part of the float element.

[0017] Each valve can allow oil to enter from both a region beneath the float element and a region peripheral to the float. In some embodiments, the passageway allows crude oil to flow 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 point. - on the one hand, from the said underside, through one or more openings (provided 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 along the float guide, with the crude oil which can flow downwards in this passageway and then preferably centripetally, possibly at the lower end of the central recess of the float element.

[0018] In some embodiments, the arrangement has several inlet entrances, with a suitable spatial distribution. For example, the inlet section may incorporate one or more of the following arrangements: - the intake section includes two intake inlets spaced laterally apart from each other. - the valve is provided in one of the two inlet ports which is moved laterally away from the filter unit, so that the valve is not located directly above the filter unit. - the intake part includes a first intake inlet and a second intake inlet which are laterally spaced apart from each other and which are each laterally separated from a central area of ​​the arrangement, in different directions (different separation directions). - the filter unit extends centrally, particularly 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 equipped with a floating mobile assembly which carries a valve access shut-off device. - the other valve can be separate from, and preferably of identical structure to, the valve equipping the first inlet.

[0019] The valve can be designed in at least three parts, with one of these parts forming the float element and including a stem mounted in a mounting hole provided in the seat portion. The connection of the float element and a shut-off member forming all or part of the closing means can result from a weld, for example made on the stem, or from a permanent rigid connection, for example by snapping two parts together, one of which includes the stem. Furthermore, when several valves are planned, possibly identical ones, the number of valves can vary according to needs. It is permissible to use at least three or four valves positioned near corners of the housing, bearing in mind that the bottom of the housing 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 communicating chamber: - from below, with the housing, via one or more axial passage openings; and - from above, with a crude oil supply line connected to the filter unit. The return element may be a single piece housed within this chamber. The return element may consist of a spring, for example a helical spring, or include a spring component.

[0021] The valve body can separate the chamber, housing the return element and the obturator, from a crude oil circulation zone through which crude oil can flow 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 by extending at least partly below the seat portion.

[0022] The obturator 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 defining the selective access area formed by the valve, in the seat portion. The obturator and the float form part of the same moving assembly that moves both inside and outside a side wall of the body of the valve, simultaneously in the same direction 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 exhibiting rotational symmetry, with the possible exception of raised features forming spacers / gaps between the valve body and the float element. The central axis may lie on a plane of symmetry of the valve.

[0023] The float element has a lower face adapted to withstand an upward thrust in the presence of crude oil, with a float element density that is, for example, less than 800 kg / m³. The float element may be made of a plastic material, optionally provided with a hollow portion to lower the float element's density. An annular cavity, partitioned or not, delimited between an outer wall and an inner 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 the 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 crude oil) which is formed in the float element.

[0025] The filter unit is connected by a fluid connection to several pipes forming the flow path. The fluid connection allows for selective disconnection of the filter unit, which may be equipped with a housing that carries a removable connection element. More generally, during a replacement operation, the filter unit is configured to be selectively disconnected from the rest of the arrangement, either to replace the entire filter unit or to replace at least one filter element carried by / included in the filter unit.

[0026] The features described in the following paragraphs may optionally be implemented independently of each other or in combination: - the lower face of the floating element forms part of the underside of the arrangement. - The filtration unit and / or outlet form(s) the upper end of the arrangement. - Several valves coupling a float element and a return element acting on a shut-off device carried by the float element are provided, typically at the same lower level than the filtration unit. - the filtration unit is arranged to extend entirely over a plane cutting an upper end of each return element provided in respective valves (float element valves) of the inlet part. - the valve includes an anchoring end, preferably in a substantially flat bottom wall, provided with access and a mounting hole for the moving assembly or part of this assembly. - the mounting hole allows the float element to be retained by ensuring linear guidance of the moving assembly including this float element. - the mounting orifice 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 anchor wall or bottom wall, preferably from above. - the closing means include a sealing element, possibly annular in shape, complementing 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 partially or entirely housed within an oil pan. According to one particular feature, the arrangement includes a pan component capable of forming 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 some embodiments, at least one flow path comprises two conduits rigidly attached to the housing component, either removably or permanently. Each of the two conduits may carry an inlet for the inlet section. The valve integrated into the inlet section is, for example, selectively supported by one of the two conduits, so as to be fixed to the housing component. When the filter unit is mounted on the cover / component, for example, on the outside of the housing component, at least one flow path may connect from below the housing / cover component, carrying the inlet section that defines the underside of the arrangement.

[0028] According to one particular feature, the filter unit comprises: - a reusable housing, possibly 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 housing component or a cover, which is, for example, hollow or concave on the side of a connection (via an underside of this cover / component) with the pipes forming the flow path. When the cover is extended along a horizontal elongation direction, two valves of the inlet portion may be distributed at two opposite positions along the horizontal elongation direction. The design is compatible with a high-speed assembly process, potentially allowing for the supply of pre-assembled valves with the float element already attached to the closing mechanism. In this case, adaptation to the housing or installation environment may be limited to adjusting components other than the valves. For example, adaptation may involve the length and height of at least one passage, and / or the type of connection / dimensions / efficiency required for the filter unit.

[0030] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a valve is proposed for use in a transmission oil sump, in particular a vehicle gearbox oil sump, to prevent air from entering through an inlet of crude oil to be filtered in a filter unit upstream of a pump. The valve has closing means movable relative to a valve body. A return element (for example, with an elastic return effect) is coupled to the closing means to allow closure of the inlet. The valve, in fluidic communication with an inlet of the filter unit, allows a flow of crude oil through the inlet when a float element, provided in the valve and coupled to the closing means, is raised to repel the closing means against a return force exerted by the return element. The float element is provided with a face, referred to as the lower face.contact with the crude oil suitable for placement lower than the access point, at least in a default configuration, thanks to which the inlet 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 tightly, in the default configuration, due to the restoring effect which applies in the absence of an opposing reaction or without an opposing reaction of sufficient thrust.

[0031] Thus, it is permissible to selectively allow a flow of oil, free of air, to pass through the area of ​​the inlet in question, provided the oil is present in the crankcase above the local oil level. The float element is designed to descend by default as soon as the local level is significantly below the normal level, particularly below a relatively low threshold where sufficient oil is still present locally to keep the air above the inlet (i.e., this level threshold isolates the valve from the air). Such a level threshold will already be insufficient to retract the return element: in this case, there will therefore be no risk of air entering the filter unit, as the oil intake is stopped to account for the fact that this threshold / oil level is abnormally low, compared to the expected level in a full crankcase that is neither tilted nor shaken. Brief description of the drawings

[0032] Other features, details and advantages will become apparent from reading the detailed description below, and from analyzing the accompanying drawings, on which: [Fig.1] shows, by a cross-sectional view, a filtration arrangement which has two crude oil inlet ports each equipped with a float element valve, in an inclined position which modifies the distribution of oil in the crankcase. [Fig.2] is a view similar to that of [Fig.1], where 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 with an arrangement as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. Figure 3B illustrates from below an oil intake and filtration arrangement attached to a transmission housing component forming a support for the arrangement in embodiment options. Figure [Fig. 4A] shows, by a longitudinal sectional view, an example of a valve that prevents the intake of air P, with the valve in an open state. [Fig.4B] is a cross-sectional view showing the relative arrangement of the valve body, which houses a return element that activates the valve closing means, in relation to the float element, here in an arrangement with passages for 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 equipped with float element valve(s) can be integrated. [Fig.6] is a schematic top view of an oil intake and filtration arrangement according to the invention, here in the particular case of a valve distribution 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 draws crude oil from the crankcase via valves in the intake part of the arrangement. Fig. 8 illustrates a partial view, with a section, illustrating an example of the structure of a mobile assembly designed to bring together in a single block the floating 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 port for a moving assembly such as that of [Fig.8]. Description of method(s) of implementation

[0033] The following is a detailed description of several embodiments of the invention, with examples and references to the drawings. In the various figures, identical reference numerals indicate identical or similar elements. The structure and / or 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, a filtration arrangement A, A' is shown for purifying a stream F of crude oil, which is oil present in a crankcase 30, along a bottom wall Wb of the crankcase 30 that can extend substantially horizontally. The arrangement A, A' is here part of a transmission filter and includes a filter unit 10. The filtration zone or chamber separates an upstream zone from a downstream zone, housing an oil filtration medium MF, given that an oil circulation element is provided in the oil circuit, preferably on the side where purified oil flows (purification performed 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 figures 3A and 3B, the intake and filtration arrangement A makes it possible to purify an oil from the crankcase, typically stored in a tank or lower component 30a of the crankcase 30, using an intake part 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 far apart, allowing oil to be drawn in close to a bottom wall Wb of the crankcase 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 referred to as the valve body, can be fixed 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 floated element

[0036] As illustrated (see in particular Figures 4A-4B and 8), each float element 2 can be made in one piece. Alternatively, this float element 2 can be made from an assembly of parts. The float element 2 can have an open central portion, here with one or more openings 02, a stem 2a or similar connecting element with a shutter element 21 housed in the valve body 3, and a portion sensitive to the oil level N, N' which may include a cavity C2 or have a porous structure and / or be lighter than oil (therefore typically less dense). The valve 1 includes a return element 20 which has, for example, a movable end or portion that allows the closing means to be pressed / pressed 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 return element 20.

[0037] The float element 2 may be rigid to stiffen a connection, for example a central connection, to the closing means and facilitate guidance 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 foam or cellular material. The float element 2 may be oil-impermeable.

[0038] Generally, the float element 2 may have a lower face F2 on which the lubricating fluid, such as oil, can exert an action through the Archimedes' principle. Once this float element 2 is sufficiently immersed in the oil, an upward force Arch (Archimedes' principle) will act to raise this float element 2. This upward force Arch pushing the float element 2 downwards is then sufficient, exceeding a threshold that corresponds to the restoring force acting 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 displaced 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 moving assembly of the valve 1, a part that is external to the valve body 3. A portion of the seat PS, including the access port 03, may be integrated into the valve body 3, serving as a mounting support for the moving assembly. At least the open central portion, which may carry the stem 2a intended to pass through the portion of the seat PS, may extend below the valve body 3, directly above the portion of the seat PS, so that the crude oil can reach the access port 03 only by passing through a wall of the float element 2 or at least through the openings 02. Typically, these openings 02 are formed at a lower end E1 of the valve 1, formed by the bottom, together with the lower face F2, of the float element 2. The flotation section may consist of a peripheral portion 2c extending around the valve body 3. This peripheral portion 2c may optionally be annular, defining a cavity or recess C2, which may or may not be partitioned. The structure of the peripheral portion 2c provides a lower face F2 at one end of the lower part of the element 2, separating 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 within its operating range (for example, at an oil temperature of 5°C or higher). The float element 2 can be designed to float and thus be moved upwards by oil with a density of approximately 900 kg / m³, for example, between 840 and 960 kg / m³. The return element 20 is chosen to compress or retract easily with the retraction of the closing means 21, J relative to the seat portion PS.

[0041] The integration of the arrangement A, A' in the oil reservoir 30 may provide that each float element 2 is closely spaced from a bottom wall Wb of the reservoir 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 provided, for example, by a side wall 3b of the valve body 3 and / or guidance at the stem 2a (or similar connecting element with the closing means 21, J). The valve body 3 can be provided with ribs R3 that guide the float element 2 and allow clearance for crude oil to pass / flow above the level of the lower face F2, on an inner side of the flotation / peripheral portion 2c. Thus, in this embodiment, the peripheral portion 2c can be radially enveloped in oil on both its inner and outer surfaces. This is compatible with a concentric arrangement of the float element 2 and the valve body 3, which can share the same 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 a dimension (width and / or length) of the housing 30. More generally, when several valves are provided, the inlet portion 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 an arrangement of an inlet portion 6 having at least four inlet ports, for example six ports each having a valve 1 near an edge of the housing 30. Each of the valves 1 provides an anti-air intake function, for example with at least one of the valves 1 including a structure such as can be seen in Figures 4A-4B, with a float element 2 at the lower end El of the valve in question.

[0043] Respective conduits 17 connect each valve outlet 1 to an inlet 4 (at least one inlet) of the filter unit 10. The conduits 17 can be arranged as spokes or similar essentially radial extension conduits to converge at the same central zone corresponding to the inlet 4. The inlet portion 6 can extend in three dimensions, the height of the inlet portion 6 being able to be less than the other two dimensions d and d', with by For example, this height does not exceed twice the height of any valve body 3 used in arrangement A, A'. Groups of valves 1 can be aligned to form rows of valves parallel to the edges of the housing 30. Example of arrangement and structure of the 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 extending 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 internal volume V3 of the valve 3 may be delimited by the side wall 3b, allowing the closing means 21, J to be housed. As clearly visible in [Fig. 4B], a shut-off element 21, which forms an inverted T-shaped section in combination with the stem 2a, may be provided in the valve 1. The stem 2a is thus formed as a downward-projecting element from a radial portion covering the access port (radial portion provided in the shut-off element 21). This rod 2a allows the float element 2 to be fixedly (therefore rigidly) connected to the closing means 21, J.

[0045] In this example, the bottom wall 3a is interposed between the obturator 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 port 03, 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 stem 2a, which connects the obturator 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 can be completely internal within the valve 1, i.e., above the bottom wall 3a and within the internal volume V3, without visibility from outside the valve 1, which also has an upper end E2 that covers the internal volume V3 from above. This arrangement can be implemented to achieve a closed state as soon as the float element 2 is no longer sufficiently supported by the lubricating fluid / oil, with the access 03 blocked in a situation where air is typically not even present in the internal volume V3, due to the lack of circulation permitted by the valve 1.

[0047] The closing means may include an annular sealing element J, included in or supported by a rigid cover portion. The obturator 21 may include the annular sealing area forming such an element J, for example when it is made in the form of a mushroom-shaped valve (umbrella valve) with a movable stem whose position varies depending on the presence or absence of oil under the lower face F2. Whatever the precise structure chosen to form the closing means 21, J, whether 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 shape memory or elastic design is planned, a sub-part forming the return element can be integrated to facilitate a rapid and automatic lowering of the closing means, in the absence of Archimedes force / thrust. In some designs, the valve incorporates an elastic hinge forming the return element, which may possibly allow the obturator 21 and the return element to be made in the same part.

[0048] Figure 1 corresponds to an oil level N' in an inclined configuration and illustrates, on the left, a situation where there is a lack of oil below the float element 2 of a valve 1. This is, for example, a situation where the vehicle equipped with the arrangement A, A' is traveling on a slope, therefore in a case where the housing 30 is not in a horizontal position. This inclination forces the oil to the right side opposite the valve 1 in question, which then closes (here, the left-hand valve). In this case, the return element 20 can extend, with its movable end lowering while continuing to exert downward pressure on the closing means. 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 back by default the closing means 21, J into a low position of support on the portion of seat 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. 1], this side being the one where the oil accumulates). The heights hl, h2 can be measured along the Z direction, which is vertical in the case of a rest arrangement as in [Fig. 2].

[0049] It should be noted that the return element 20 provides a rapid and automatic reaction, more immediate and reliable than a return to the lower position due solely to gravity, given that air may also be present with oil under the float element 2 in certain cases. More generally, an adjustment of the return element 20 and the float element 2 can be applied to ensure that the access port 03 is closed, thereby cutting off circulation to the line 17 associated with the valve 1, as soon as a drop in the oil level occurs in the vicinity of the float element 2 of this valve 1.

[0050] Regardless of the design of the closing means 21, J, it is understood that a portion of the sealing element (forming the sealing member 21) will be lowered with the float element 2 whenever the oil level drops below the lower face F2 of the float element F2. A reaction to a localized oil shortage, even partial (in the case of an inclined position), can be rapidly achieved to prevent air from being drawn in. The use of several valves 1 then ensures a continuous supply, by the oil-filled sides, while preventing air intake by selectively closing the valves located in the side(s) lacking oil.

[0051] In a stable situation of the housing 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 the level N which exceeds any of the valves 1) allows the Archimedes' thrust (force Arch) to be exerted on all the moving assemblies, so that each float element 2 is raised, with the rod 2a or similar element pushing the closing means 21, J higher, so as to free each access 03. No sensor or power source is required with this type of arrangement A, A'.

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

[0053] Each valve 1 can result from an assembly, making it possible to form a pre-assembled valve that is compatible with a wide configuration for the inlet part 6, allowing a wide variety of integration for the valve 1. The float element 2 can be part of the valve 1 by internally defining a central hollow in which the valve body 3 is disposed. This central hollow also allows oil to flow towards the access 03, as illustrated by arrows on [Fig.1] (for the valve on the right) and [Fig.4A], so that part of the crude oil flow F arrives from the top of the float element 2. With reference to [Fig.8], the use of T spacers or a cross brace for the open central part of the float element 2 may be a design option chosen to allow the crude oil that has flowed through the central hollow, in a passageway 33 along the wall 3b, to then reach the openings 02 and then join the internal volume V3 via the access 03 by a centripetal trajectory.

[0054] In this example, as seen in [Fig. 9], the flow F reaching the openings 02 can flow parallel to the central axis X passing through the valve body 3, this axis X being able to also be a longitudinal axis of the stem 2a. The access 03 can correspond to openings that 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 area 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, the flow brought through the openings 02 is permitted to circulate parallel to the stem 2 to reach the internal volume V3 with an enlarged cross-section. The oil can flow both along the stem 2a of the moving assembly and along the side wall 6b. A linear trajectory can be adopted for the moving assembly, with the valve body 3 acting as a float guide to guide the float element 2 over at least half of its height, and preferably over most of its height. Relative to the float element 2, the valve body 3 forms a fixed part of the valve 1. As can be seen 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 recess) suitable for linear guidance, with an upward trajectory to allow valve opening, of the float element 2 when the latter is subjected to an Archimedes' thrust. It is well understood that any adapted geometry with spacer means arranged to maintain a gap between the outer side wall of the float guide (typically the wall 3b or possibly an interposed additional part) and an inner face of the peripheral portion 2c.

[0056] In the presence of at least three or four ribs R3, the oil passage 33 can be distributed into vertically elongated sub-zones along the fixed part of the valve 1. Each sub-zone is radially delimited between the float guide (at the level of the outer 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 may be adjacent to the inner face of the float element. These openings 02 communicate with the access 03 and can be wider / have a larger total / cumulative cross-section than the cross-section of the through-holes provided in the bottom wall 3a for the passage of oil into the internal 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 passage 33.

[0057] With respect to the central hollow or recess of the float element 2, it is understood that the crossbeams, T-splitters, or other similar openwork structure can form or delimit a lower end of the central recess, through which crude oil can flow. More generally, any downward-sloping passage 33 can be provided to pass through the float element 2 towards an area enclosed by the lower face F2, which is 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 (passage channel 33, descending).

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

[0059] In the open position of a valve 1, the transverse / radial portion 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 gasket or sealing element is provided, it may detach from the portion of the seat PS bordering the orifice(s) passing through the access 03. The flow enters the internal volume V3, for example by centrifugally bypassing the closing means 21, J.

[0060] A sealing lip with a thinning, arranged as a downward-inclined and thinned radial portion, can achieve annular sealing contact when the return element 20 constrains and maintains, typically by axial support, the closure means 21, J in the lowered obturation 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 Figures 4A-4B, the return element 20 can be an elastic return element, one end 20b of which bears against an upper radial portion of the upper boundary of the internal volume V3.

[0061] The filter unit 10, forming all or part of the transmission filter, can be mounted externally or internally on the oil pan 30. If necessary, it can be positioned on a receiving region included in a bottom wall Wb of such an oil pan 30, as in the case of [Fig. 7], for example. Various inlet ports 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 acting under the float element 2. Similar or identical valves 1 are fitted to the inlet section, in the respective inlet ports which have an extension along the Z direction.

[0062] An elongated conduit 15 can 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 for a filter housing can be provided, optionally attached to a base B or to the bottom of the transmission oil pan 30. Each of the lines 17 can be rigidly held by a fastener to a pan component or a filter housing component. Each line 17 can then carry an inlet for the inlet section 6 (thus carrying a valve 1 which itself forms the float guide for guiding the float element). Regardless of the geometry adopted for the pipe(s) 17, a passageway / network is formed for circulation between each internal volume V3 of a valve and the inlet 4, 4' of a filter unit 10. In some embodiments, the passageway connects from below to a casing component 30b which is separate from the bottom wall Wb.

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

[0064] The oil inlet and filtration arrangement A' for the transmission housing 30 may have a filter unit 10 that is held fixedly spaced from the bottom wall Wb by means of spacers Sp, distributed laterally or forming narrow supports, which are attached to the lower tray or component of the housing 30, so that oil can be stored under the filter unit 10 and under the lines 17, thus allowing immersion of the inlet portion, at least with respect to each float element 2 associated with a fixed valve body 3. This arrangement can be compatible with a distribution of the inlet inlets, for example with a horizontal spatial distribution of the valves 1, resulting in a height-saving arrangement A'. Generally, the filtration unit 10 (which may include the housing 8) can form the upper end of the arrangement A, A'.

[0065] With reference to [Fig. 5], a transmission system is schematically illustrated. Dashed lines indicate mechanical power transfer, while solid lines represent a flow of lubricating fluid. Dashed lines indicate electrical signals. The transmission input shaft 100 is connected to the vehicle's crankshaft. Engine power is transmitted to the torque converter 112, which drives the turbine shaft 114. The clutches of the gearbox 116 (example of a transmission device within the meaning of this) disclosure) are engaged to establish a power flow between the turbine shaft 114 and the output shaft 118.

[0066] Different power flow circuits with 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 to divert some of the power to a differential. Part of the engine's power is diverted to drive the transmission pump 40. The transmission pump 40 can draw oil or similar lubricating fluid from the crankcase 30, through the filter or filter unit 10, and delivers the purified fluid, at increased pressure, to the valve body 26. The pressure at which this fluid enters the valve body is usually called the fluid pressure or line pressure. A controller 28 operates a network of control valves inside the valve body 26 to send the 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 back to the crankcase 30.

[0067] In applications for electric or hybrid (internal combustion and electric) vehicles, the arrangement can be part of a system combining different modules, for example, by complementing the 3-in-1 "eAxle" (electric axle) system, which combines an electric motor, an inverter, and a gearbox, typically in a common housing. The filter 10 of the arrangement can also be part of an oil supply management system for the transmission, the electric motor, and / or battery cooling. The arrangement can be installed near the bottom of the oil pan within such a system. The flattened format of the arrangement allows, for example, installation on the underside of a component housing or the electric motor of the system.More broadly, the A, A' arrangement is compact enough to be integrated (already mounted or not in a case) into a compartment of such a system, for example into a lower compartment or lower region of an integrated system which has different modules. A cooling component can also be added to the system. Using the arrangement to form a filter equipping a 3-in-1 system as mentioned above or other similar multi-component system, which forms a compact wrap-around assembly above the oil tank, is permitted with an optimization / reduction of the footprint.

[0068] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, only by way of example, but encompasses all the variants that a person skilled in the art may consider within the framework of the protection sought.

[0069] For example, the case of a filter unit 10 receiving the cumulative flow from several inlet ports, each equipped with a valve 1, has been illustrated in a limiting manner. However, a different inlet may be provided among the various inlets (if necessary, one located at a comparatively lower point in the oil sump 30), without a valve. Also, although an even number of valves 1 has been shown in the various illustrated cases, the arrangement A, A' may equally well include any number, possibly odd, of valve(s) 1 intended to be immersed in the oil of the sump 30.

Claims

1. Demands Intake and filtration arrangement (A; A') for purifying oil, in particular oil intended for a transmission, in which the arrangement, which extends vertically between an upper end and a lower end, 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 exhaust outlet (5) for a flow of filtered oil (F') to move it away from below; - at least one passage, preferably equipped with a fluid connection, to allow fluid communication between the inlet section (6) and the filter unit (10); and - means of closing (21, J) each selective access (03) belonging to the admission part (6); characterized in that the inlet portion (6) comprises a valve (1) which includes: - a valve body (3); - a portion of the seat (PS), integrated into the valve body (3) and comprising said selective access (03) in the form of at least one opening in the portion of the seat; - a return element (20) coupled to the closing means (21, J) and capable of allowing the closure of said selective access (03) by a return effect; and - a floating element (2) carrying the closing means (21, J), these closing means including a shuttering member (21) rigidly connected to the floating element (2); and in that the floating element (2) is: - prompted by said return effect towards a lower position, in which the closing means (21, J) engage with a watertight contact against the seat portion (PS) to close said access (03); - provided with a face (F2), called the lower face; and - designed to withstand, 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), thereby enabling the closure means (21, J) are pushed back against the return effect to allow selective opening of access (03); knowing that the obturating member (21) and the float element (2) are separated from each other by the valve body (3) and / or the valve body (3) houses the return element (20) and the closing means (21, J).

2. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the valve (1) comprises a movable assembly relative to the seat portion (PS), and a float guide, adapted to allow upward guidance of the float element (2) when the latter is subjected to an Archimedes' thrust, the movable assembly including: - said obturator member (21) carried by the float element (2), preferably extending over the seat portion (PS), so that the movable 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 by following a lowering of the obturator member (21) pushed back by the return element (20).

3. An arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the valve body (3) 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 allowing the obturator (21) to be housed in an internal volume (V3) delimited by the side wall (3b), and wherein a connecting member (2a) carried by the float element (2) passes through the bottom wall (3) along the direction of a longitudinal axis (X) of the valve body (3) in order to make the obturator (21) integral with the float element (2).

4. An arrangement according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the valve (1) comprises spreading means (R3) arranged to maintain a spacing between an outer side wall of the float guide and an inner face of a peripheral portion (2c) of the float element (2) which extends around a fixed part of the valve, and wherein an oil passage (33), radially delimited between said outer wall and the inner face, communicates fluidly with the access (03).

5. An arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the passageway (33) opens into a lower end of the 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 underside, 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 flow downwards in this passageway (33) and then preferably centripetally 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, comprising a transmission oil sump (30), wherein the inlet portion provided in said sump comprises two inlet inlets laterally spaced apart from each other, the valve (1) being provided in one of the two inlet inlets which is laterally moved away from the filter unit (10), so that the valve (1) is not located directly above the filter unit (10), and wherein, in the transmission oil sump (30), the filter unit (10) extends in a central area and optionally at a distance from the bottom wall (Wb) of the sump in this central area, being located higher than each inlet in a horizontal configuration of the arrangement.

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 apart from each other and which are each laterally separated from a central area of ​​the arrangement (A; A') where the filter unit (10) extends, in different directions, and wherein the valve (1) is fitted to the first inlet, while another valve is fitted to the second inlet, said other valve being: - also provided with a movable assembly with a float element (2) which carries a valve access closure member; and - separated from, and preferably of identical structure to, the valve (1) fitting the first inlet.

8. An arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lower face (F2) of the float element (2) makes part of the bottom of the arrangement (A; A'), while the filter unit (10) and / or the outlet (5) form(s) the top end of the arrangement (A; A').

9. An arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve (1) has an anchoring end, preferably in a substantially flat bottom wall (3a), provided with 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, T\

10. J). 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 an annular contact around an area of ​​the anchor end which is an area including said access (03) and the mounting hole (01).

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

12. An arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a crankcase component (30b) capable of forming all or part of a transmission oil crankcase cover (30), in which the filter unit (10) is mounted on the outside of said crankcase component (30b), while at least one passageway connects through the underside of the crankcase component (30b) by carrying the inlet portion (6) which defines the underside of the arrangement (A).

13. An 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) that can be 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, to prevent air from entering through an inlet (03) of crude 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 closure of the inlet, wherein the valve (1), in fluidic communication with an inlet (4;4') of the filter unit (10), serves to allow a flow of crude oil (F) through said inlet (03) when a float element (2), provided in the valve (1) extending outside the valve body (3) and coupled to the closing means (21, J), is raised to push back 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 the lower face, in contact with the crude oil, capable of being located lower than the inlet (03) at least in a default configuration, the restoring element (20) and the closing means (21, J) being housed in the valve body (3), by which means the inlet (03) to the filter unit (10) can be: - selectively released when said float element (2) is subject to the Archimedes' buoyant force (Arch) exerted by the crude oil;- and on the contrary sealed tightly, in the default configuration, due to the restoring effect which applies in the absence of an opposing reaction or without sufficient opposing thrust reaction (Arch).

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