Heat exchange device including a filtration means

Abstract

Title of the invention: Heat exchange device comprising a filtration means. The present invention relates to a heat exchange device (1) for a motor vehicle comprising at least one first pass (2) configured to be traversed by a first fluid, at least one second pass (3) configured to be traversed by a second fluid distinct from the first fluid, the first pass (2) and the second pass (3) being arranged so as to perform a heat exchange, characterized in that the heat exchange device comprises at least one filtration means (25) disposed in one of the passes. Abstract figure: Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: Heat exchange device comprising a filtration means

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of motor vehicles, and more particularly to heat exchange devices equipping these vehicles.

[0002] Motor vehicles generally include a powertrain. This powertrain requires engine oil to provide adequate lubrication to its components. For this to happen, the engine oil must be maintained within an ideal temperature range to ensure not only effective lubrication but also to prevent overheating that could damage the powertrain. Maintaining this ideal engine oil temperature can be achieved in several ways.

[0003] A first method involves the indirect dissipation of heat from the oil by the powertrain itself. The latter, being in contact with a coolant circulating in a powertrain cooling circuit, allows for indirect thermal regulation of the oil. Thus, excess heat from the engine oil is transferred to the powertrain, which is then cooled by the cooling circuit.

[0004] This method nevertheless has the disadvantage of not being sufficiently effective in cooling the engine oil under extreme driving conditions or under heavy loads.

[0005] Another method involves using a heat exchange device dedicated to controlling the engine oil temperature in order to achieve greater efficiency. These heat exchange devices come in several types.

[0006] Heat exchange devices can implement heat exchange with an airflow, using outside air to cool the engine oil. For this purpose, the heated engine oil circulates through a radiator located at the front of the vehicle, and is thus cooled by the outside air passing through this radiator.

[0007] Heat exchange devices can also implement heat exchange with a coolant. In this case, the heat exchange device uses the properties of a motor vehicle's cooling circuit. The engine oil is then cooled by a coolant contained in a cooling circuit that passes through the heat exchange device.

[0008] Although effective in maintaining an ideal engine oil temperature, the implementation of a heat exchange device presents certain challenges in the vehicle design, particularly with regard to the positioning of these devices in order to minimize bulk.

[0009] In addition to maintaining an ideal engine oil temperature, it is also crucial to ensure that the engine oil is clean and filtered. Indeed, filtering engine oil in powertrains is essential to remove impurities, abrasive particles, and soot deposits, thereby protecting the internal components of the powertrain.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need for a device which not only regulates the temperature of the engine oil, but also filters and cleans it, while being compact.

[0011] To address this problem, various solutions have been explored in the prior art. French patent FR2995650A1 describes, for example, a strainer equipped with a heating element and a filtering element, the strainer being located in a housing containing hydraulic fluid.

[0012] This solution reduces the bulk caused by adding a heat exchange device, however it has the disadvantage of including only heating elements and not elements for heating and cooling, making it more complicated to obtain an ideal engine oil temperature.

[0013] The objective of this invention is therefore to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art by presenting an alternative solution for temperature control and engine oil filtration. To this end, the present invention proposes a heat exchange device comprising a first and a second pass, allowing for efficient maintenance of the engine oil temperature while limiting the space required for the heat exchange device.

[0014] The present invention thus has as its main object a heat exchange device for motor vehicle comprising at least a first pass configured to be traversed by a first fluid, at least a second pass configured to be traversed by a second fluid distinct from the first fluid, the first pass and the second pass being arranged so as to operate a heat exchange, characterized in that the heat exchange device comprises at least one filtration means disposed in one of the passes.

[0015] The first fluid in the heat exchange device can be in liquid, gaseous, or even a combination of both forms. Its primary function is to transfer its heat to the second fluid or to absorb heat from the latter. This first fluid can, for example, be a fluid capable of exchanging heat in order to indirectly cool and / or heat the second fluid. The first fluid can be a heat transfer fluid, such as glycol water, for example.

[0016] The second fluid in the heat exchange device is generally a liquid and can be, among other things, engine oil. Any type of engine oil can therefore be used, for example, mineral, semi-synthetic or synthetic engine oils.

[0017] The filtration medium is usually positioned in the second pass. Any type of material can be used to form the filtration medium, provided that these materials are effective at filtering fine particles. These characteristics are crucial in order to retain the particles present in the second fluid while allowing its passage and preventing clogging of the filtration medium. The filtration medium can, for example, be made from composite materials, synthetic fibers, steel wool, or a combination of cellulose and glass fibers.

[0018] According to an optional feature of the invention, the first pass comprises at least one inlet and at least one outlet of the first fluid, the second pass comprising at least one inlet and at least one outlet of the second fluid, at least one inlet pipe being connected to the inlet or to one of the inlets of the second pass, said inlet pipe extending through the first pass.

[0019] The first fluid enters the first pass through the inlet and exits via the outlet. The second fluid enters the second pass through the inlet and exits through the outlet. Thus, the first fluid circulates in the first pass from the inlet to the outlet, while the second fluid circulates in the second pass from the inlet to the outlet. This circulation within the first and second passes allows for heat exchange between the first and second fluids. After this heat exchange, the fluids are therefore discharged from the heat exchange device at a reduced temperature.

[0020] The inlet pipe extending through the first pass is designed to carry the fluid to the inlet of the second pass. It should be understood that the expression "extending through the first pass" means that the inlet pipe extends from the inlet of the second pass so as to pass through a lower and an upper wall of the first pass, passing through the interior of the first pass. Thus, the first pass is traversed completely by the inlet pipe.

[0021] This inlet pipe arrangement essentially saves space compared to an inlet pipe arranged differently, resulting in a compact heat exchange device. The inlet pipe's placement also increases the heat exchange contact surface area between the first and second fluids. Indeed, the first fluid flowing through the first pass can exchange heat with the second fluid located in the inlet pipe.

[0022] According to an optional feature of the invention, the heat exchange device for motor vehicles includes at least one outlet pipe connected to the outlet or one of the outlets of the second pass, the outlet pipe extending parallel to the inlet pipe.

[0023] The parallel arrangement of the outlet tubing thus gives the heat exchange device a shape that minimizes bulk and the space occupied.

[0024] It is worth noting that the outlet pipe extends in a straight line. This characteristic also applies to the inlet pipe(s), which also extend in a straight line.

[0025] According to an optional feature of the invention, the heat exchange device for motor vehicles comprises two inlet tubes for the second fluid connected to two inlets of the second pass, at least one of the inlet tubes surrounding the outlet tube.

[0026] It should be understood that the expression "surrounding the outlet pipe" means that the inlet and outlet pipes are arranged coaxially, thus sharing a common axis. This axis passes through the center of both the inlet and outlet pipes. Consequently, the outlet pipe is located inside the inlet pipe. This configuration has the advantage of minimizing the space occupied by the device, thus allowing for a compact and space-saving heat exchange device.

[0027] According to an optional feature of the invention, the second pass comprises a top face including at least two longitudinal ends, at least one of the inlets and / or outlets being disposed at one of the ends.

[0028] Advantageously, at least one of the inlets is located at one longitudinal end of the device, while the outlet is located at the opposite longitudinal end. This arrangement allows the second fluid to flow from one longitudinal end to the other, thus providing sufficient time for efficient heat exchange between the second fluid and the first fluid.

[0029] According to an optional feature of the invention, the second pass comprises a lower face including at least one protrusion projecting into the second pass, the protrusion extending parallel to a flow direction of the second fluid between the inlet and outlet of the second pass.

[0030] The protrusion(s) projecting from the lower face may protrude without reaching the upper face of the first pass, or conversely, may protrude until they are in contact with the upper face. The protrusion(s) guide the flow of the second fluid in the second pass, following the flow direction of the second fluid. This flow direction extends further specifically from the inlet located on one of the longitudinal ends to the outlet located at the opposite longitudinal end.

[0031] According to an optional feature of the invention, the first pass comprises a lower wall and an upper wall, said lower and upper walls being delimited and connected to each other by at least two opposing partitions, the admission of the first pass being disposed on one of the partitions while the discharge of the first pass is disposed on the opposite partition.

[0032] This configuration allows for prolonged circulation of the first fluid in the first pass. This additional time spent in the first pass allows for more efficient heat exchange with the second fluid.

[0033] According to an optional feature of the invention, the upper wall of the second pass can be made as a single unit with the lower face of the first pass. It is understood here that the lower face of the first pass and the upper wall of the second pass are monolithic, and separating these components results in the destruction of one or both of them. This means that the lower face and the upper wall form a single wall that facilitates heat exchange. This monolithic nature offers an economic advantage by reducing material and manufacturing costs.

[0034] According to an alternative feature of the invention, the upper wall of the second pass and the lower face of the first pass are made independently and intended to be assembled together. In this alternative, the upper wall and the lower face are thus mounted together and are in contact so as to allow heat exchange between the first fluid of the first pass and the second fluid of the second pass. This allows for some flexibility in the choice of materials for the lower face and the upper wall. These two elements can therefore benefit from the advantages inherent in each material used.

[0035] According to an optional feature of the invention, the first pass includes at least one traffic chicane.

[0036] The flow baffle(s) are ribs positioned in planes intersecting a flow direction, the flow direction being a direction extending from the inlet to the outlet of the first pass. The flow baffle(s) may, for example, be positioned in planes perpendicular to this flow direction and are in contact with a lower and an upper wall of the first pass. Furthermore, the flow baffle(s) extend from a partition of the first pass without reaching the opposite partition, thus allowing the first fluid to flow. When there are several baffles, they are installed alternately on each partition, forming thus an "S" shaped conduit. This arrangement prolongs the path of the first fluid within the first pass, which improves the efficiency of the heat exchange with the second fluid.

[0037] According to an optional feature of the invention, at least one of the inlet tubes houses a filtration device complementary to the filtration means.

[0038] This filtration device enhances the filtration efficiency of the second fluid. The material used may be similar to that of the existing filtration means. The filtration device may be a tubular filter designed to fit the shape of one or more inlet tubes.

[0039] It should be understood that the presence of an additional filtration device implies that at least one filtration means is always present, and that it is possible to add an additional filtration device. This additional filtration device can be installed in one of the inlets, or a filtration device can be placed in each of the inlets.

[0040] According to another aspect of the invention, a powertrain comprises a heat exchange device as described in this document and a housing, said heat exchange device being secured to the housing by at least one fastening means.

[0041] In this configuration, we have a powertrain equipped with a heat exchanger that provides both filtration and temperature regulation of the second fluid. The advantage of this heat exchanger is that it does not increase the size of the powertrain, thus allowing for a compact powertrain.

[0042] According to an optional feature of the invention, the fastening means is positioned on the inlet pipe(s) and / or on the outlet pipe(s) of the heat exchanger. In this arrangement, the upper face of the first pass of the heat exchanger is positioned facing the powertrain housing, thus minimizing the overall size of the heat exchanger.

[0043] According to an optional feature of the invention, the housing comprises at least one opening, the inlet and / or outlet pipe(s) of the heat exchange device being connected to the opening(s) in order to perform a second fluid exchange between the housing and the second pass. Advantageously, at least one opening is dedicated to distributing the second fluid from the housing to the inlet pipe of the heat exchange device, and at least one other opening is designed for recovering the second fluid from the outlet pipe.

[0044] According to an optional feature of the invention, the exchange of the second fluid between the opening(s) of the crankcase and the inlet pipe(s) is done by gravity.

[0045] This approach reduces energy consumption by simply exploiting the force of gravity. This implies that the heat exchange device must be positioned under the housing, so that gravity can act on the second fluid and cause it to flow into the inlet pipe.

[0046] According to an optional feature of the invention, the exchange of the second fluid between the opening(s) of the crankcase and the outlet pipe(s) is done by vacuum.

[0047] Since the heat exchanger is installed below the crankcase, a means is required to pump the second fluid from this device upwards. This upward movement is achieved by vacuum, using a pump designed to bring the second fluid to the crankcase.

[0048] According to another aspect of the invention, a heat treatment system for an electric powertrain of a motor vehicle comprises a heat exchange device for a motor vehicle as described in this document and a heat transfer fluid circuit configured to deliver a cold or hot liquid, the heat treatment system comprising a switching means to deliver either the cold liquid or the hot liquid to the heat exchange device.

[0049] The heat treatment system therefore comprises a heat transfer fluid circuit designed to supply either a cold or a hot liquid, which is poured into the first pass and thus corresponds to the first fluid according to the invention. This liquid can, in particular, be cold or hot glycol water. Consequently, the device can either heat or cool the second fluid in the second pass using this first fluid. This configuration thus makes it possible to reach an optimal temperature for the second fluid. A switching mechanism is integrated into the heat treatment system to deliver either the cold or hot liquid to the heat exchange device, thereby facilitating the regulation of the temperature of the second fluid.

[0050] Other features, details and advantages of the invention will become clearer upon reading the following description on the one hand, and the illustrative and non-limiting examples of embodiments given with reference to the accompanying drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0051] Other features, details and advantages of the invention will become clearer upon reading the following description on the one hand, and the illustrative and non-limiting examples of embodiments given with reference to the accompanying drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0052] [Fig.1] illustrates, in perspective, a heat exchange device according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0053] [Fig.2] is a diagonal section of the heat exchange device according to the mode of realization of the [Fig.l] according to a section plane AA shown on the [Fig.l].

[0054] [Fig.3] is a cross-section of the heat exchange device according to the embodiment figures 1 and 2, the said device being in contact with a casing also visible in the figure.

[0055] [Fig.4] is a second pass of the heat exchange device in which One upper face of the second pass was removed so that the inside of the second pass could be observed.

[0056] [Fig.5] is a first pass of the heat exchange device in which an upper wall of the first pass was removed so that the inside of the first pass could be observed.

[0057] The features and variants of the invention can be combined in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be conceived comprising only a selection of the features described below, isolated from the other described features, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage and / or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0058] In the figures, the elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0059] In the detailed description that follows, the terms "longitudinal" and "transverse" define the orientation of the various components of the rearview mirror base for motor vehicles. The term "longitudinal" corresponds to the length of the heat exchange device, while the term "transverse" refers to the width of the heat exchange device.

[0060] Figure 1 illustrates in perspective a heat exchange device 1 for a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention. This representation provides an overview of the heat exchange device 1.

[0061] The heat exchange device 1 comprises a first pass 2 and a second pass 3, the first pass 2 being intended to be traversed by a first fluid and the second pass 3 being intended to be traversed by a second fluid.

[0062] The first pass 2 has an upper wall 4 and comprises four partitions 5. The partitions 5 are arranged at longitudinal and transverse ends of the upper wall 4. Each partition 5 is arranged opposite another partition 5 so as to form a parallelogram; thus, the two partitions 5 positioned at the transverse ends of the upper wall 4 are arranged opposite each other, and the two Partitions 5 positioned at the longitudinal ends are also arranged opposite each other. One of the partitions 5 positioned at the longitudinal ends has an inlet 6, while the other partition 5 arranged at the opposite longitudinal end has an outlet 7.

[0063] The inlet 6 and outlet 7 are both tubular in shape and therefore hollow to allow the circulation of the first fluid. The first fluid may be in a liquid, gaseous, or mixed state. This first fluid may be, for example, a refrigerant or any other type of fluid suitable for heat transfer.

[0064] The first pass 2 is delimited by four corners, each corner connecting two adjacent partitions 5. Three of these corners have a rounded shape, while the remaining corner forms a fillet 9.

[0065] The second pass 3 is barely visible in this figure and will be better described in [Fig. 2]. However, inlet tubes 10 and an outlet tube 11 can be observed. In this embodiment, the heat exchange device 1 comprises two inlet tubes 10; of course, it is entirely possible in other embodiments to have a heat exchange device 1 comprising more or fewer than two inlet tubes 10.

[0066] The inlet pipes 10 and the outlet pipe 11 are connected to the second pass 3 by one of their ends, although this is not visible in this figure.

[0067] One of the two inlet tubes 10 extends through the first pass 2, while the other inlet tube 10 is disposed in a space formed by the fillet 9 and extends parallel to the inlet tube 10 passing through the first pass 2. It is interesting to note that the two inlet tubes 10 extend in a straight line.

[0068] The ends of the inlet pipes 10 opposite those connected to the second pass 3 include fastening means 12. In this embodiment, these fastening means 12 are clamping flanges; however, other types of fastening means 12 may be used. Each of the two inlet pipes 10 thus includes a fastening means 12. The fastening means 12 on the inlet pipe 10 passing through the first pass 2 includes four holes 13 for receiving fastening elements, for example, screws. The fastening means 12 on the pipe 10 located in the space formed by the fillet 9 includes three holes 13 also for receiving fastening elements.

[0069] Similar to one of the inlet pipes 10, the outlet pipe 11 is arranged in the space formed by the fillet 9. More precisely, the inlet pipe 10, arranged in the space formed by the fillet 9, surrounds the outlet pipe 11. This inlet pipe 10 and the outlet pipe 11 are coaxial. The outlet pipe 11 thus extends parallel to the two inlet tubes 10 and extends in a straight line.

[0070] Figure 2 is a diagonal cross-section of the heat exchange device 1 according to the embodiment of Figure 1 along a cross-sectional plane AA shown in Figure 1. This figure allows for a better understanding of how the first pass 2 and the second pass 3 are arranged relative to each other.

[0071] The first pass 2 comprises, in addition to the upper wall 4, a lower wall 14. The upper wall 4 and the lower wall 14 are delimited and connected to each other by partitions 5 extending from the lower wall 14 to the upper wall 4, thus forming an internal space of the first pass 2. The first pass 2 also comprises circulation baffles 15 extending from the lower wall 14 to the upper wall 4 within the internal space of the first pass 2.

[0072] The second pass 3 comprises an upper face 16 and a lower face 17. These two faces are connected to each other by panels 18 connecting two longitudinal ends and two transverse ends of the lower face 15 and upper face 16.

[0073] In this embodiment, the panels 18 are formed by assembling parts of panel 18. The first part of panel 18 is connected to the ends of the upper face 16, while the second part of panel 18 is connected to the ends of the lower face 17, so that the panels 18 are assembled by association of the first part of panel 18 with the second part of panel 18, which has the effect of forming the second pass 3. However, other embodiments are possible in which the panels 18, and therefore the second pass 3, are made in one piece.

[0074] As mentioned previously in the description of [Fig.1], the second pass 3 is connected to inlet tubes 10 and to an outlet tube 11, one of the inlet tubes 10 extending through the first pass 2. More precisely, this inlet tube 10 extends from the second pass 3 so as to pass through the lower wall 14 and the upper wall 4 of the first pass 2 by passing through the inside of the first pass 2.

[0075] The inlet tubes 10 are connected at one end to the second pass 3 by inlets 19, while the outlet tube 11 is connected to the second pass 3 by an outlet 20. In this embodiment, the second pass 3 has two inlets 19 and one outlet 20 in order to correspond to the number of inlet tubes 10 and outlet tubes 11.

[0076] The inlets 19 and the output 20 are positioned on the upper face 16 of the second pass 3. More precisely, one of the inlets 19 is located at one of the ends longitudinal of the upper face 16, while the other inlet 19 and the outlet 20 are located on the other longitudinal end of the upper face 16.

[0077] The inputs 19 and the output 20, being connected to the input pipes 10 and the output pipe 11, thus share certain characteristics. Similar to the output pipe 11, the output 20 is therefore surrounded by one of the inputs 19. It is also coaxial with this input 19 around an axis passing through their center.

[0078] The second pass 3 also includes protrusions 21 projecting from the lower face 17 in the second pass 3. These protrusions 21 project from the lower face 17 towards the upper face 16 without coming into contact with it. However, in other embodiments, it is possible for the protrusions 21 to be in contact with the upper face 16.

[0079] A filtration means 25 is disposed in the second pass 3 and will be described in more detail in the description of [Fig.3]

[0080] Fig. 3 is a cross-section of the heat exchange device 1 according to the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 and of part of a housing 22 of a powertrain 23.

[0081] This figure facilitates understanding of the interaction between the casing 22 of a powertrain 23 and the heat exchange device 1. Although the casing 22 is not shown in its entirety, it can be identified as belonging to a powertrain 23 of a motor vehicle.

[0082] The housing 22 has openings 24 to which the inlet tubes 10 and the outlet tube 11 of the heat exchange device 1 are connected. A first opening 24 is connected to the inlet tube 10 passing through the first pass 2, a second opening 24 is connected to the other inlet tube 10, and a third opening 24 is connected to the outlet tube 11.

[0083] As specified in the description of [Fig.1], the inlet pipes 10 and the outlet pipe 11 are equipped, on one of their ends, with fastening means 12. The main function of these fastening means 12 is to allow the assembly of the heat exchange device 1 to the housing 22 of the powertrain 23, making the latter an integral part of the powertrain 23.

[0084] The heat exchanger 1 allows the exchange of the second fluid with the crankcase 22. The second fluid is generally engine oil, although other types of fluids can be used as the second fluid. The engine oil can, in particular, be mineral, semi-synthetic, or synthetic.

[0085] The second fluid flows from the openings 24 connected to the inlet tubes 10, enters the second pass 3 via the inlet tubes 10 and the inlets 19, circulates in the second pass 3, then exits the second pass 3 through the outlet 20 and the outlet pipe 11 in order to join the opening 24 connected to the outlet pipe 11. The fluid enters the inlet pipes 10 by gravity, while it is drawn out of the outlet pipes 11 by vacuum.

[0086] The heat exchange device 1 includes a filtration means 25 disposed in one of the two passes. More specifically, the filtration means 25 is disposed in the second pass 3. This filtration means 25 serves to purify the second fluid circulating in this second pass 3 and originating from the casing 22.

[0087] The filtration means 25 can be made of any type of material. However, these materials must have good filtration properties, that is, they must be capable of capturing fine particles while effectively resisting clogging. This is essential to prevent filter obstruction while ensuring the passage of the second fluid through the filtration means 25.

[0088] The filtration means 25 may, for example, be composed of composite materials, synthetic fibers, or a mixture of cellulose and glass fibers arranged in several layers and forming a dense network. This network then makes it possible to capture particles of different sizes while allowing the second fluid to flow through it.

[0089] The presence of the filtration means 25 is essential. Indeed, the heat exchanger 1 equipped with the filtration means 25 serves not only to maintain the ideal temperature of the second fluid, but also to clean it, thus preventing contamination of the powertrain 23 and clogging of its components. The heat exchanger 1 therefore plays a dual role, regulating the temperature and removing impurities from the second fluid.

[0090] The heat exchange device 1 may also include one or more additional filtration devices designed to improve the filtration efficiency of the second fluid. However, these filtration devices are not shown in the figures since they are not present in this embodiment.

[0091] The invention can therefore be limited solely to the use of the single filtration means 25, as is the case in this embodiment. The filtration means 25 can also be associated with a filtration device in one of the inlet tubes 10. It is also possible to associate the filtration means 25 with several filtration devices, each of these filtration devices being disposed in one of the inlet tubes 10.

[0092] Similar to the filtration means 25, the filtration device(s) can be made of any type of material provided they have good filtration and anti-clogging properties. When these filtration devices are arranged in the inlet tubes 10, they can be in the form of a tubular filter to fit the inlet tubes 10.

[0093] Fig. 4 is the second pass 3 of the heat exchange device 1 in which the upper face 16 of the second pass 3 has been removed so as to be able to observe the inside of the second pass 3. The filtration means 25 is not shown here.

[0094] Figure 4 shows the lower face 17 of the second pass 3, as well as the protrusions 21 projecting from this lower face 17. These protrusions 21 extend parallel to a flow direction of the second fluid. The flow direction, marked by reference numeral E in the figures, extends from one of the inlets 19 to the outlet 20, more precisely from one of the inlets 19 located at one longitudinal end to the outlet 20 at the opposite longitudinal end. Since Figure 4 does not illustrate either the inlets 19 or the outlet 20, because the upper face 16 is not shown, it can be simplified by saying that the flow direction extends from one longitudinal end to the other of the second pass 3. This flow direction indicates the path taken by the second fluid through the second pass.

[0095] In this embodiment, the protrusions 21 extend discontinuously along the flow direction. However, it is also conceivable that in other embodiments, the protrusions 21 extend continuously.

[0096] The second pass 3 is delimited by four corners, three of which are rounded. The unrounded corner forms a protrusion 27. Although not visible in [Fig. 4] since it does not show the upper face 16, one of the inlets 19 with its associated inlet pipe 10, as well as the outlet 20 and its associated outlet pipe 11, are located at the level of the protrusion 27 on this upper face 16. This protrusion 27 thus allows the positioning of the inlet 19, the outlet 20, the inlet pipe 10 and the outlet pipe 11 in the space created by the fillet 9.

[0097] Fig. 5 schematically illustrates the first pass 2 in which the upper wall 4 has been removed in order to visualize the inside of the first pass 2.

[0098] In this first pass 2, we find the lower wall 14 comprising the traffic baffles 15 in contact with the lower wall 14 and the upper wall 4.

[0099] The flow baffles 15 are ribs positioned in planes intersecting a flow direction denoted C in [Fig. 5], the flow direction corresponding to a direction extending from the inlet 6 to the outlet 7 of the first pass 2. In this embodiment, the flow baffles 15 are positioned perpendicular to the flow direction C, although other inclinations relative to the flow direction C are possible. The flow baffles 15 thus extend from a partition 5 perpendicular to the flow direction C without meeting the opposite partition 5, thereby allowing the first fluid to flow from the inlet 6 to the outlet 7.

[0100] The circulation baffles 15 are arranged alternately: each circulation baffle 15 starts at the partition 5 opposite to the previous one, thus forming an S-shaped conduit. This arrangement allows the first fluid to spend more time in the first pass 2, promoting a greater heat exchange with the second fluid in the second pass 3.

[0101] Furthermore, [Fig. 5] also illustrates the arrangement of the inlet pipe 10 passing through the fillet 9 and the outlet pipe 11. As mentioned previously, the inlet pipe 10 surrounds the outlet pipe 11. The inlet pipe 10 is further provided with two arms 26 connecting and holding the outlet pipe 11, thus ensuring its stability within the heat exchange device 1.

[0102] The heat exchange device as presented in this document can also be part of a powertrain heat treatment system. In this case, the system includes a heat transfer fluid circuit configured to supply either a hot or a cold fluid. This fluid corresponds to the first fluid of the first pass and its function is to heat or cool the second fluid. To deliver the hot or cold fluid, the heat treatment system also includes a switching means that allows the hot or cold fluid to be selected according to the temperature requirements of the second fluid.

[0103] The present invention thus proposes a heat exchange device comprising a first pass and a second pass, one of the passes including a filtration means. This device is designed to be part of a powertrain and to serve in a heat treatment system for that powertrain. Such a heat exchange device then allows for temperature regulation as well as filtration of the second fluid.

[0104] The present invention is not limited to the means and configurations described and illustrated herein and extends also to any equivalent means and configuration as well as to any technically operative combination of such means.

Claims

Demands

1. Heat exchange device (1) for a motor vehicle comprising at least one first pass (2) configured to be traversed by a first fluid, at least one second pass (3) configured to be traversed by a second fluid distinct from the first fluid, the first pass (2) and the second pass (3) being arranged to perform a heat exchange, characterized in that the heat exchange device comprises at least one filtration means (25) disposed in one of the passes, the first pass (2) comprising at least one inlet (6) and at least one outlet (7) of the first fluid, the second pass (3) comprising at least one inlet (19) and at least one outlet (20) of the second fluid, at least one inlet pipe (10) being connected to the inlet (19) or to one of the inlets (19) of the second pass (3), said inlet pipe (10) extending through the first pass (2),the heat exchange device (1) comprising at least one outlet pipe (11) connected to the outlet (20) or to one of the outlets (20) of the second pass (3), the outlet pipe (11) extending parallel to the inlet pipe (10), the heat exchange device (1) comprising two inlet pipes (10) of the second fluid connected to two inlets (19) of the second pass (3), at least one of the inlet pipes (10) surrounding the outlet pipe (11).

2. Heat exchange device (1) for motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the second pass (3) comprises an upper face (16) comprising at least two longitudinal ends, at least one of the inlets (19) and / or outlets (20) being disposed at one of the ends.

3. Heat exchange device (1) for motor vehicle according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the first pass (2) comprises a lower wall (14) and an upper wall (4), said lower wall (14) and upper wall (4) being delimited and connected to each other by at least two opposing partitions (5), the inlet (6) of the first pass (2) being disposed on one of the partitions (5) while the outlet (7) of the first pass (2) is disposed on the opposite partition (5).

4. Heat exchange device (1) for motor vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the inlet tubes (10) houses a filtration device complementary to the filtration means (25).

5. Powertrain (23) comprising a heat exchange device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and a housing (22), said heat exchange device being secured to the housing (22) by at least one fastening means (12).

6. Powertrain (23) according to claim 5, wherein the fastening means (12) is positioned on the inlet pipe(s) (10) and / or on the outlet pipe(s) (11) of the heat exchange device (1).

7. Heat treatment system for an electric motor vehicle powertrain, comprising a heat exchange device (1) for a motor vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and a heat transfer fluid circuit configured to deliver a cold or hot liquid, the heat treatment system comprising a switching means to deliver either the cold liquid or the hot liquid to the heat exchange device (1).

Images