OIL FILTRATION DEVICE FOR TRANSMISSION, EQUIPPED WITH A FILTER MEDIA SELECTION VALVE

Abstract

The filtration device (1), acting as a transmission filter, purifies oil drawn into a transmission device using a medium. The housing (2) carries a valve with a dividing body, including an internal partition, to connect the inlet (3) either to a first upstream zone (Z1) for filtration by a first internal medium (M1), or to a second upstream zone (Z1') for filtration by a second internal medium (M2) separate from the first medium. The valve is actively controlled to selectively move a shutter element (7) in an inlet interface (15) according to a parameter typically detected by a sensor. A partition element (2c) of the housing can complement a partition (6c) provided between the media (M1, M2) in a common support structure for an insert or filter assembly. The outlet (4) connects to a downstream zone common to these two media. (Shortcut: Figure 2A)

Description

Title of the invention: OIL FILTRATION DEVICE FOR TRANSMISSION, EQUIPPED WITH A FILTER MEDIA SELECTION VALVE technical field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of lubricant filters for motor vehicles, particularly oil filters intended for a transmission in a vehicle. The invention relates more specifically to an oil / lubricant filtration device including a filter media selection valve. Technological background

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

[0003] In confined environments, the design of the filtration device must be compatible with limited installation space. The filter housing associated with a suction oil filtration unit generally comprises an upper and a lower shell, with a filter medium held between the two shells. The filter's lifespan can be increased by using a pleated filter medium without increasing the length of the filtration chamber.

[0004] Since a minimum volumetric flow of oil must pass through the oil suction filter when the oil viscosity is high and / or when the oil temperature is low, in order to ensure sufficient lubrication of a transmission, the choice of pleated filter media is often made with a relatively low filtration performance. However, tight tolerances must be maintained, which places high demands on the manufacturing technology. Furthermore, a minimum oil volume flow rate must pass through the oil suction filter when the viscosity where the oil is high and / or the oil temperature is low to ensure sufficient lubrication of an engine or transmission, only relatively low filtration performance can be achieved using the filter.

[0005] It is known from US patent 7998347 B2 that a good compromise between pressure drop, filtration performance, and adaptation to the integration environment can be achieved by using a solution that combines two filtration media in the same filtration chamber, with the admitted oil flow distributed between two concentric inlets. This allows filtration in different zones by two separate filter media. A drawback of such a filter arrangement with a flow distribution structure and the use of multiple filtration layers is that when the media are very different, one of them may prove unsuitable, limiting the overall filtration efficiency. Summary

[0006] This disclosure improves the situation.

[0007] To this end, a lubricant filtration device is proposed, in particular a transmission filter, having a filter assembly or insert which is preferably elongated along an axial direction, the device comprising: - a box delimiting an internal volume, the box being provided with an inlet and an outlet; - a first filtration medium placed in the internal volume; - a second filtration medium placed in the internal volume; - in the internal volume, two upstream zones (upstream of the filtration) in communication with the inlet, including a first upstream zone allowing the lubricant to reach an inlet face of said first media from the inlet, and a second upstream zone allowing the lubricant to reach an inlet face of said second media from the inlet; - a separation separating the first filtration medium from the second filtration medium by hermetically sealing the first upstream zone from the second upstream zone; and - in the internal volume, at least one downstream zone in communication with the outlet and allowing the lubricant filtered by either of the first and second filtration media to circulate to the outlet; the second filtration medium having a structure and / or at least one filtration property different from the first filtration medium, with the particularity that the device includes a selection valve for selecting one of the first and second filtration media, the valve having a distributing body and being: - integrated into an input interface, which includes the input and the distribution body to allow communication, for example selectively, between the input and one or the other of two divergent outlets provided in the input interface; - equipped with a link to a control module and actively controlled via this link; and - equipped with a shutter element, carried by the housing and / or by said filter assembly or insert, the shutter element being movable to allow alternately to close and open an access passage, which is one of the two outlets, allowing selective access to one of the first upstream zone and the second upstream zone.

[0008] The control module can be an electronic control module or any module adapted to actively deliver an electrical or mechanical command. A sensor is typically connected to the module; the sensor can be carried by the device or by a reservoir that incorporates the device. Such a sensor measures, for example, a physicochemical parameter of the lubricant. The media selection can correspond to exclusive use of the media, without allowing filtration through the other media. In some alternatives, a partial bypass can be implemented for one of the media, possibly for the media selected using the valve, where appropriate with minimal lubricant flow to the unselected media due to the lack of a perfect seal to completely close the passage leading to the unselected media.

[0009] With this arrangement, a first media can be provided for normal operating conditions, and a second media for degraded conditions (in cold weather, for example), which will operate selectively through a bypass effect enabled by the valve. The two media do not operate in series (one after the other), and when the obturator element is designed to completely close off access to one of the two upstream zones in a particular operating mode, they also do not perform simultaneous parallel filtration.The filtration system then allows for a wide range of choices for the first filter medium, for example pleated, offering a large filtration surface area and / or high filtration performance.

[0010] The partitioning method for obtaining two filtration chambers can be achieved without the need for complex internal partitioning to guide the lubricant flow, by integrating the two media into a single insert or filtration assembly provided with a common peripheral frame or support structure. The media can be supported by a structure or frame that is separable from the housing. This reduces the complexity of the housing and allows for the reuse of a valve after a replacement operation of the insert or filter assembly, which is removable from the housing. The housing can be provided with two complementary housing components, each made from a single piece of plastic, while the frame or support for the filter insert can be made from a single piece.

[0011] Advantageously, the raw flow to be filtered by the first filtration medium can enter a first compartment (forming a first filtration chamber) in at least one direction, while the raw flow to be filtered, conveyed to the second filtration medium, is directed in at least one second direction diverging from the at least one first direction. If it is necessary to adapt to degraded conditions (if the oil temperature is low) while limiting permeability to solid particles, a different medium can be provided for the second filtration medium, for example, a medium having a higher (or vice versa) filtration fineness compared to the medium of the first filtration medium.

[0012] The filtration media may each have a substantially rectangular shape, with the pleats formed in the media running in the same direction. Other shapes with two parallel edges joined to parallel walls of the insert or filtration assembly may be used. The partition element separating the two media can be perpendicular to the direction of the folds.

[0013] The two media can be independent, operating completely separately. For example, the two media are pleated media (for example, comprising at least 10 or at least 20 pleats), possibly having the same depth as measured between the level of the ground lines with the pleats (these ground lines being typically coplanar) and the level of the ridges (these ridges being typically coplanar). The pleats are perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0014] In embodiment examples, it can be provided for the device that: - the closing position of the access passage by the closing element is obtained as a first selection configuration of the valve. - the first valve selection configuration, which may correspond to an initial position, differs from a second valve configuration by the position of the obturator element in the inlet interface. - the first valve selection configuration is obtained / obtained again in response to an active command delivered via the link. - the active command is delivered based on a signal or piece of information provided by a temperature sensor and / or a pressure sensor. - the sensor can be part of the control module (electronic control module) or be connected to it. - the obturator element is movable, in response to another active command delivered via the link, from the obturating position of said access passage forming the first outlet to another position for obturating the second outlet of the two outlets, this other position being obtained as a second valve selection configuration. - this other command is issued when a signal or piece of information is provided to the electronic control module by a temperature sensor and / or a pressure sensor.

[0015] When a temperature sensor is present, the active control can be implemented so that the filtration performed by the device is carried out through the finer of the two media, as soon as a temperature measured by the sensor falls below a temperature threshold. The temperature sensor can be located in the inlet, in the inlet interface, or so as to measure a temperature representative of the lubricant temperature at the inlet or of a reservoir filled with the lubricant admitted through the inlet.

[0016] When a pressure sensor is present, the active control can be implemented so that the filtration performed by the device is carried out through the finer of the two media, as soon as a pressure measured by the sensor is above a pressure threshold. The pressure sensor can be located in the inlet, in the inlet interface, or so as to measure a pressure representative of the lubricant temperature at the inlet or in a reservoir filled with the lubricant admitted through the inlet. In some variations, a flow sensor (for example, located at the device's outlet) can be used to initiate a control signal. This can detect insufficient flow, possibly by comparison with a threshold (this comparison can be performed by the control module).

[0017] The separation may include a junction between the housing and the filter assembly or insert, so as to form a partition or part of a wall extending from one housing component to the other. In embodiments, independently or in addition to the foregoing, one or both of the following arrangements may be used: - a partition of said separation is elongated along the axial direction and belongs to the filter assembly or insert which is mounted in the interior volume. - the filter assembly or insert can be rigidly fixed to a housing cover which is movable to be detached from a complementary housing component of the cover. - the housing includes a housing component which has a peripheral side wall extending around the internal volume, further including a partition element (typically projecting inside the housing, for example projecting vertically in the mounted state of the device, preferably upwards) belonging to said separation. - the partition element is complementary to the partition to separate a first compartment of the housing receiving the lubricant admitted via the access passage forming the first outlet, from a second compartment of the housing receiving the lubricant admitted through the second outlet. - the two compartments are parallel, for example being of the same length and / or elongated along the axial direction. - the inlet is part of the housing component, while the opening is part of the cover. - the housing component is made from a single piece and / or the cover is made from a single piece.

[0018] In examples of valve embodiments, one or more of the following provisions may apply: - the shutter element is in the form of a sliding flap between two positions. - the obturator element is moved by means of a solenoid valve or a drive element coupled to a thermosensitive or pressure-sensitive part. - the valve / sliding element slides along a transverse displacement relative to a direction of lubricant flow through the inlet. - a guide for the shutter element can be formed in the inlet or in the inlet interface to achieve linear guidance. - the valve may include a fixed guide for the movement of the obturator element, the guide including one of a rod and a tubular guide conduit.

[0019] According to one particular feature, the housing comprises an upper shell including the outlet and forming a cover. The inlet may be provided on a lower shell, optionally adapted to delimit / delimit one or the other of the first and second upstream zones. The shutter element, for example, is mounted to slide within the lower shell, which preferably forms a base component of the housing.

[0020] Whether the housing is formed from a lower shell and an upper shell or by another assembly, the inlet and outlet can be arranged on either side of a junction plane between two parts of the housing. This junction plane can be the junction / connection plane between the upper shell and the lower shell.

[0021] According to a particular feature, in which the valve distribution body defines an inlet which is for example in the form of a conduit which includes an internal separation to form the two outlets with the same general orientation, the internal separation being coplanar with the separation. Alternatively, the valve's distributing body has two walls: - which delimit between them an antechamber, formed in the interior volume; - one of which includes the first outlet and the other includes the second outlet which has a divergent orientation from the orientation of the first outlet.

[0022] A transverse wall can form a common support for the two filtration media, extending (transversely in the housing) for example from one end which joins the wall of the distribution body with the first outlet to another end which joins the wall of the distribution body with the second outlet. The distribution body can be made from a single piece, possibly from a material with a housing component that includes all or part of the separation. The distribution body can be made in the form of an assembly of several parts.

[0023] According to one particular feature, the first and second filter media are separable from each other within the filter assembly or insert, which may optionally include two separable frames, by being juxtaposed side by side in the assembled state of the filter assembly or insert within the internal volume. This arrangement may optionally be provided while having a design of the assembly or insert allowing it to be separable from the housing by being extracted as a single unit. Alternatively, extraction / separation from a housing component may be selectively performed by removing only one of these media. In some variants, the first filter medium and the second filter medium are inseparable / made inseparable and belong to the filter assembly or insert, which has a unique support structure common to both media.

[0024] In one option, the first filtration medium forms a first outer face of the insert and allows lubricant circulating in the filter insert to be filtered as it exits the inner volume through the first outer face which has a first orientation, while the second filtration medium forms a second outer face of the insert and allows lubricant circulating to be filtered as it exits the inner volume through the second outer face which has a second orientation suitable for being opposite to the first orientation. In another option, the first filtration medium and the second filtration medium are juxtaposed laterally, forming respective purified lubricant outlet faces that are parallel (with the same orientation).

[0025] The first filtration medium and the second filtration medium can be designed separately from different filtration materials, for example so that one of these filtration media has a higher filtration fineness than the other. Possibly, the structure of the two media is different, with, for example, one medium being less stretched or elongated than the other along the axial direction. In some embodiments, only one of the first and second filter media can extend in a substantially flat manner, without forming a plurality of folds.

[0026] The filtration device may include an annular sealing part disposed on a periphery of the filter assembly or insert, for example to come into contact with the housing, so that the annular sealing part surrounds both the first media and the second media. The filter assembly or insert has a rigid frame, preferably rectangular, forming a periphery. The separation may include a partition that divides the frame into two sub-frames. The frame includes a plastic material to form a support for welding and / or mechanical fixing for the connection of: one edge of the first filter media; and one edge of the second filter media.

[0027] In some embodiments, the selection valve is an actively actuated valve provided with an actuator for moving the obturator element, the actuator being selectable from: - a temperature-sensitive displacement actuator; - a pressure-sensitive displacement actuator; - an electrically controlled displacement actuator. The valve may have an electrical connector for receiving the active control signal and / or the valve may be electrically powered using an electrical connector.

[0028] The filtration device may have an inlet interface that protrudes from the lower shell, so as to form a downward projection in the opposite direction to the outlet provided on the cover formed by the upper shell. More broadly, a bottom wall of the housing may extend parallel to the bottom of an oil tank or reservoir, or may constitute a fixed bottom wall belonging to this oil tank. Optionally, the inlet faces of each of the filter media may be provided as the lower faces of the filter assembly or insert, oriented towards the bottom wall.When a conduit forming the outlet is supported by a cover of the housing, it is understood that the inlet faces can be oriented downwards and / or opposite to the outlet (the outlet typically formed in a high point of this housing or at least adapted so that the purified flow emerges upwards from the downstream area delimited by the housing).

[0029] In embodiments of the assembly or insert, at least one of the following features is provided: -1'insert has an elongation direction along a central axis which is parallel to two outer flanks of the insert, the outer flanks delimiting opposite external faces of the insert, between which the two media extend. - the insert has a generally rectangular format periphery, with a shorter side that is perpendicular to the longitudinal / axial direction (perpendicular to a central axis of the insert). - the first filtration medium and / or the second filtration medium consists of a filtering medium, for example in the form of a sheet and / or an oil-permeable layer including cellulose or fibrous material. - the structure of the permeable layer can be multilayered for one and / or the other of the filtration media. - the first filtration medium and the second filtration medium each have a top face, opposite the inlet, with for example the two top faces being parallel and optionally coplanar. - Each of the two media allows lubricant circulating in the housing to be filtered as it exits the internal volume, for example, higher than either axial end of the filter insert when the latter is mounted horizontally in the housing. - Filtration in each of the media is upward, following a direction away from the inlet, when the filter insert or assembly (including the two media) is mounted horizontally in the housing. - the first medium has a thickness preferably less than 5 mm. - the second medium has a thickness preferably less than 5 mm.

[0030] According to one option, the first media and the second media share two end flanges, forming axial ends of the insert or filter assembly. According to another option, the first and second media extend in intersecting directions, approximately at one end of the insert or filter assembly. In this latter case, an acute angle greater than 5° and possibly less than or equal to a threshold not exceeding 45° or 50°, for example, with an acute angle less than or equal to 35°, can be formed at the end where the media meet. With this arrangement, the filter insert can have a flattened geometry, compatible with a flattened housing to define a filtration chamber along the bottom wall of an oil tank (which is the transmission oil tank).

[0031] In embodiments, the insert or filtration assembly has: - a height not exceeding 40 or 50 mm, at least one other dimension exceeding 100 mm, possibly with a dimension that is greater than or equal to 120 mm; - an opening of substantially rectangular format to delimit the entrance of the housing; - an arrangement formed by a frame which presents a plane of symmetry passing through the frame, possibly with this plane of symmetry coinciding with a partition separating the first medium from the second medium.

[0032] In embodiment options, one or the other of the following features is provided: - the interior volume is partitioned along a longitudinal / axial direction. - at least one cross member serves as a support for a layer of one and / or the other of the two filtration media. - at least one cross element is in the form of a transverse flange on which an axial end of the first medium and an axial end of the second medium are glued / attached. - the flange is spaced laterally on one side or on two opposite sides, relative to the housing, so that lubricant can circulate laterally in the housing, between the filter assembly or insert and the media used for filtration, regardless of the position of the shutter element. - the maximum spacing between the two filter media is less than half the height of the internal volume (downstream area of ​​the filtration) of the filter insert, preferably less than or equal to 14 mm. - the first filtration medium and the second filtration medium are approximately the same length.

[0033] In some embodiments, the first and second filtration media are designed separately from different filtration materials, such that one of these filtration media has a higher filtration fineness than the other. The filtration fineness for at least one of the filtration media may be between 20 and 70 µm. Optionally, the thickness of the two filtration media is substantially the same, regardless of the filtration fineness chosen. At least one of the media may have a multilayer structure.

[0034] The filter insert or assembly can be welded or removably mounted by mechanical fastening. The filter insert / assembly may include an annular sealing portion, this sealing portion surrounding, for example, the two media by being formed on a frame of the insert (for example, by securing this portion / seal in a groove). Optionally, the seal or sealing portion may be formed or supported by the frame and / or fixed against an external shoulder of the frame.

[0035] To allow for the removable attachment of the insert / assembly in optional configurations, the frame may have fastening means forming raised features on an outer circumference of the frame and / or oriented towards the second end of the insert. If applicable, the frame may have a fastening element forming, around the periphery of the inlet, at least one retaining groove cooperating with a complementary fastening means provided at the inlet of a transmission filter housing.

[0036] The frame and / or the two flanges may be formed from a plastic material, for example a rigid thermoplastic material. The frame may include a material plastic to form a support for welding and / or mechanical fixing for connection: - from one edge of the first filtration medium; and - from one edge of the second filtration medium.

[0037] According to one aspect of this disclosure, it is proposed that the filtration device as described above be used as a transmission filter to purify oil drawn into a transmission device, wherein the housing has an internal partition, at least part of which belongs to the valve distribution body, allowing the inlet to communicate either with the first upstream zone or with the second upstream zone, so that the lubricant is filtered by only one of the media, and wherein the obturator element is moved by an active control taking into account at least one sensor included in or connected to the electronic control module, to selectively reach one or the other of two extreme positions by being interposed between the inlet and one end of the filter assembly or insert which brings together the respective ends of the first filtration media and the second filtration media.

[0038] The filtration device may be provided with a single housing delimiting two filtration chambers, the housing including ribs to space each of the fold lines of the two media from a flat portion of a shell constituting a component of the housing (belonging to the housing). The inlet is located on the housing at a first level of height, the housing including an outlet whose outlet is located higher (offset higher) than the inlet.

[0039] Depending on the filter's characteristics, it is possible to predict: - in the housing, a keying element (formed in / integral with this housing) capable of cooperating with a filter insert and / or one of the outer faces of the insert, allowing for example guidance before fixing or locking the frame of the insert against a support end which is part of the housing. - in the housing (as an alternative to or in addition to the keying element), a receiving area with a complementary shape to an insertion part of the filter insert. - a bottom wall of the housing constituting a fixed wall belonging to an oil tank, so that the first external face formed by the first filter media is a lower face of the filter insert opposite the bottom wall.

[0040] It is understood that the filter insert and the transmission filter components may be available as a filter kit to be mounted on the oil pan. In some options, several media can be provided in the same filtration chamber, in series or in parallel, to participate in the filtration, when the shutter element releases access to the compartment forming this filtration chamber. Brief description of the drawings

[0041] 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 a filter according to an embodiment, in a view with a longitudinal section which can correspond to a vertical section in an assembled state of the filter with the outlet evacuating the filtered liquid from the top. [Fig.2A] is a perspective view of part of a transmission filter for purifying oil with a cross-section that allows visualization of two filter media juxtaposed laterally inside the filter housing. [Fig.2B] illustrates, by a view from below, a detail of the transmission filter inlet of [Fig.2A], equipped with a valve shut-off element, [Fig.3] shows an example of mounting, in a filter housing with a top outlet provided on a cover, a filter insert provided with a partition separating two different media provided in the insert. [Fig.4] is a schematic diagram of a vehicle transmission in which a filter can be integrated as shown in any of the previous figures. [Fig.5] is a perspective view illustrating an example of a filter mounted on an oil pan, which can incorporate the filter insert. Figure 6 is a schematic representation of an example of a filter / filtration device incorporating a filter insert and a valve for selecting one of the two media in this insert. Figure 7 is a schematic illustrating an example of an actively controlled valve incorporating a temperature-sensitive material. Description of method(s) of realization

[0042] 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.

[0043] With reference to Figures 1, 2A, and 6, embodiments of a lubricant (oil) filtration device 1 are illustrated, which here constitutes a transmission filter. This device comprises a housing 2 containing, within an internal volume V, a first filtration medium M1 and a second filtration medium M2, which can constitute the filtration means of a unit that is inserted into the internal volume V. The device 1 has, on the housing 2, an inlet 3 for a lubricant such as oil drawn into a transmission device. The housing 2 carries or includes a valve 20 for directing the flow F of the lubricant, brought into the internal volume V via The inlet 3 leads to two separate filtration chambers housed in the casing 2. An outlet 4 is also provided on the casing 2 to discharge a flow F' of purified lubricant. To allow for diverting, the valve 20 has a diverter body with an internal partition. A shut-off element 7, visible for example in Figures 2A-2B and 6, is movable and functionally coupled to the diverter body to close one of two access points or passages provided in the diverter body.

[0044] The distribution body can be part of an input interface 15, which includes input 3 and provides two separate outputs 03', 03" or DC1, DC2. Thus, the distribution body of this input interface 15 allows communication between input 3 and: - either with a first upstream zone ZI of a first filtration chamber, for filtration by the first filtration medium Ml which is an internal medium of the unit forming filter insert 10; - either with a second upstream zone ZI' of a second filtration chamber for filtration by the second filtration medium M2 which is another internal medium of the unit forming filter insert 10. Figure 6 shows two diverging outlets DC1 and DC2 communicating with the same internal space, forming an antechamber, within housing 2. In Figures 2A-2B, outlets 03' and 03" are arranged parallel and / or side by side, for example, in an inlet interface 15 that projects outward onto a housing component 2b, which may include the bottom portion of the housing. In all cases, a shutter element 7 of the valve 20 can occupy a position to block access to outlet 03', 03", DC1, or DC2. In the embodiment of [Fig.2A], this obturation is a partial obturation of the opening 03 which prevents filtration by the media Ml, knowing that the unobturated part of the access opening 03, provided in the inlet 3, then extends to an outlet 03” so that the lubricant crosses / passes through to the second upstream zone Zl', via this outlet 03”.Conversely, outlet 03' leading to the first upstream zone Zl is not accessible.

[0045] In the particular example of Figures 2A and 2B, the inlet interface 15 may include a frame having two opposing sides 15a, 15b, each of which forms a stop for the shutter element 7, here slidably mounted on a two-bar guide 7a, 7b. These bars 7a, 7b may form spacers between the two sides 15a and 15b, with the shutter element, for example, mounted as a slide on these two bars 7a, 7b. A variable number of bars or similar guide parts may be used in variations. In [Fig. 2A], which shows the inner side of the inlet interface 15, it can be seen that a surface S7 can progressively widen the inlet section left free by the shutter element 7, so that the outlet 03' is widened / has a larger cross-section than the cross-section on the side of an external edge. B3 of the frame delimiting the entrance 3. The same arrangement is applicable for the neighboring outlet 03”, also provided on the enlarged inner side of the entrance interface 15 (inner side opposite the outer edge B3). The surface S7 can be a substantially flat surface forming an angle, between 100 and 150° with respect to the plane of the bottom portion of the housing 2. The surfaces S7, S7', facing each other, form contact surfaces with the shutter element 7 while allowing sliding in the direction of the arrow F7 and in the opposite direction.

[0046] In the embodiment of Figures 2A and 2B, the housing 2 may include a partition element 2c which is part of a separation that partitions the internal volume V. The separation may correspond to an assembly of separating elements 2c, 6c, with, for example, a separating portion 15c of the partition element 2c which extends into the inlet interface 15 to engage / come into contact with a portion of an annular contact edge (for example for a watertight contact) of the shutter element 7. The separation may further include a partition 6c which is part of the unit which brings together the two filtration media M1 and M2, as described below.

[0047] With reference to Figures 1 and 3, the unit can be a filter insert 10 which is elongated along an axial direction, along the longitudinal axis A which passes through two opposite axial ends of the housing 2, passing through a lateral wall 21 of the housing 2. The lateral wall 21 of the housing 2 surrounds the internal volume V, extending along a direction Z ([Fig. 1]) which can correspond to a vertical direction, given that the transmission filter forming the device 1 comprises a lower bottom portion and an upper wall opposite the bottom portion. The lateral wall 21 has an annular cross-section / geometry extending from the bottom portion to the upper wall along the Z direction.

[0048] As clearly visible in Figures 2A, 3 and 6, the first media M1 is separated from the first media M2 by the partition that divides the internal volume V between the first and second filtration chambers. These two chambers can be in the form of elongated compartments parallel to the axial direction of elongation of the filter insert 10. The media M1 and M2, which are, for example, pleated, each have a respective inlet face Fl and F2 oriented towards the corresponding upstream zone Z1 and Z1'.

[0049] The filter insert 10 may have a frame forming all or part of an SS structure or support framework for the two media M1, M2. In addition to a peripheral contour around the two media M1, M2, such a support structure SS includes the partition 6c, as clearly visible in figures 2a, 3 and 6. The partition 6c can be formed as a spar parallel to the axial direction of the filter insert 10. It forms part of the (axially elongated) separation between the two filtration chambers and belongs to the filter insert 10 which is mounted in the internal volume V.

[0050] More generally, the support frame or structure SS may include a first axial end El of the filter insert 10 and another axial end E2. These ends El and E2 are opposite each other along the axial direction of the longitudinal axis A. This filter insert 10 may be internal to the housing 8. The two filter media M1 and M2 may correspond to a relatively flattened filter structure to have a minimal dimension in the direction Z perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the insert 10, this direction Z being vertical. The end El may be close to / proximal to the inlet 3 and bearing, for example, in a sealed bearing, against an upper edge or shoulder provided in the component 2b of the housing 2 that includes the inlet 3. The end E2 is distal to this inlet 3 along the axial direction.Each of the upstream zones ZI and Zl' can be extended between these two ends El, E2, knowing that the separating element forming the partition 6c can extend from one to the other of these two ends El, E2. .

[0051] In [Fig.3], the filter insert 10 has two elongated outer walls 6a and 6b, parallel, which form two long sides of the frame or support structure SS. The partition 6c can form an intermediate element parallel to these two outer walls 6a, 6b, being contiguous at both: - by a lower edge of partition 6c, with a housing component 2a capable of forming a lower shell of housing 2, - by a lower edge of partition 6c, with another housing component 2b such as a cover, which can form an upper shell of housing 2. It is understood that the upper edge of the partition 6c can extend on the side of the media faces M1, M2 through which the lubricant joins the downstream area Z2 of the filtration, which is an area (of the internal volume V) in communication with the outlet 4.

[0052] The filter insert 10 can be rigidly attached to a component forming a housing cover that is movable (relative to the rest of the housing), so that it can be detached or moved to allow the filter insert 10 to be removed and installed during a replacement operation. Moving the cover also moves the filter insert 10 due to this attachment. Referring to [Fig. 2A], on the lower component of the housing 2a, which complements the lid component 2b, a partition element 2c is provided, for example in the form of an internally projecting rib, which joins the partition 6c from below (in contact with the lower edge of this partition 6c). This partition element 2c then belongs to said separation by participating in the watertight separation function: - from the first compartment / first filtration chamber of housing 2, receiving the lubricant admitted via the access passage forming the first outlet 03' or DC1, - and from the second compartment / second filtration chamber of housing 2, receiving the lubricant admitted through the second outlet 03” or DC2; and in which the two compartments are parallel, being of the same length and / or elongated along the axial direction. Valve selection function

[0053] The valve 20 is actively controlled to selectively move the obturator element 7, or similar moving part, within the inlet interface 15 according to an active control signal. The movement of the moving part of the valve 20 is initiated, for example, when a change in an operating condition (reflected by at least one parameter) is detected, typically by a sensor. More broadly, the valve 20 is designed and arranged to allow selection, within the housing 2, of the compartment or filtration chamber used to filter the lubricant flow F received through the inlet 3. The obturator element 7 is, for example, mounted in the housing 2 in a position that can occupy a first and a second position. The first position can allow complete closure of the second outlet 03” or DC2. Conversely, the second position can allow complete closure of the first outlet 03' or DC1.The actuation of the movement of the obturator element 7 can be electrically controlled, directly using a solenoid valve.

[0054] By this selection, the lubricant flow F' discharged from outlet 4, as illustrated in [Fig. 1], may pass only through the second filter medium M2 when the shutter element 7 occupies the second position visible in [Fig. 2A]. The lubricant may flow along the separation (2c, 6c) without passing through it. Outlet 4 may communicate either with a downstream area Z2 common to both media M1, M2, for example in a space located above these media M1, M2 when outlet 4 is arranged higher than inlet 3 (typically vertically opposite inlet 3) and higher than the junction 11 between the two components 2a, 2b of the housing 2.

[0055] The valve 20 can be provided with a connection to a control module 20c and actively controlled via this connection. With the separate arrangement of the two media M1, M2 to allow independent filtration between these two media, the valve 20 can use a sensor connected to an electrical control to select which medium M1 or M2 the oil will be filtered into, by selecting the corresponding upstream zone Z1 or Z1'. In some embodiments, the sensor can include a temperature probe and / or a pressure probe (pressure-sensitive probe / pressure measuring probe).

[0056] When the filter insert 10 has a frame enclosing the two media M1, M2 (typically pleated as in [Fig. 3]), two compartments of the volume interior V are defined and valve 20 can optionally be mounted in or against the partition (2c, 6c) which separates these two compartments. The obturator element 7 can slide in response to an actuation force. In some options, a return element can be included in the valve 20 to return the obturator element to a default position. As in Figures 2A and 2B, the obturator element 7 can be a flapper that slides between two positions by means of a solenoid valve.

[0057] A movable part of the valve 20, connected to the obturator element 7, may include an expandable material, for example a wax, which allows the obturator element to move in response to an increase in the temperature of the wax / expandable material. A temperature control sensor may be provided. In an embodiment with a thermosensitive material, a temperature probe can be connected to the shutter element 7 by being positioned at the inlet 3 for the lubricant or before the inlet 3 (for example in the accumulation space / lubricant reservoir).

[0058] In addition or alternatively, the valve 20 can be actively controlled in response to a detection or command from a pressure control sensor. For example, this sensor can detect a pressure drop that may occur, for instance, during a cold start. Such a detection triggers a change in the position of the obturator element 7 to allow filtration by the second medium M2 when the latter is better suited to the detected condition / operating context, for example, representative of a cold start. The second medium M2 can thus differ from the first medium M1 in that it has a less fine filtration and / or allows for improved cold flow performance.

[0059] In addition or as an alternative, the valve 20 can be controlled by an electrical control sensor, possibly adapted to relay a command that is centralized in the vehicle or that originates from a remote / external control unit (external to the transmission filter). Regardless of the actuation method, a control link is thus provided to allow control of the movement of the obturator element 7, which is not a passive / reactive movement.

[0060] With reference to [Fig. 2B], arrow F7 illustrates an example of the movement of the shutter element 7 that can be initiated in response to the active command. Here, the shutter element 7 is carried by the housing 2, without contact with the filter insert 10. In alternative embodiments, the shutter element 7 may be carried by the filter assembly or insert 10. Figure 2B illustrates two outlets 03, 03”, each allowing selective access to one of the two upstream zones: the first (Z1) and the second (Z1'). These two outlets 03, 03” are formed here at the inner end of a conduit or frame of the inlet interface 15, knowing that the opening 03 delimited by the outer edge B3 of this frame can be half closed when the shutter element 7 has a depth substantially equal to the extension of this inlet duct 3. Option with the valve pre-assembled with a housing component

[0061] The receptacle constituting the housing 2 has a lower wall that forms part of a wide-opening housing component 2a, thus forming a lower shell. The shutter element 7 can be carried by this lower component 2a, as in the case of Figures 1 to 2B. The upper wall of the housing 2 (here formed by a cover C or similar part including the component 2b with a sealing wall of the internal volume V) can be in the form of an upper shell carrying the outlet 4 and provided with several internal ribs N or spacer elements ensuring a spacing function between each upper face of the media M1, M2 and the upper wall of the housing 2, which allows the filtered lubricant to flow into the downstream zone Z2 to the outlet 4. More broadly, the valve 20 with its obturator element 7 can be pre-assembled onto one of the housing components 2a or 2b, before components 2a and 2b are joined together. The peripheral attachment can be achieved by interlocking with one or more clips. The filter insert 10 can cover the valve 20 pre-assembled with component 2a, which includes the inlet 3, by being positioned below component 2b, thus being sandwiched between these two components 2a and 2b in their assembled state, as in the case of [Fig. 1].

[0062] With reference to [Fig. 5], locking means, for example elastically deformable clips 30c, may be provided to prevent access to and / or removal of the filter insert 10. A portion of the frame or its side wall, in the support structure SS, may be arranged to integrate into a linking interface of the cover / component 2b, optionally using the clips 30c to simultaneously retain the cover C and hold the filter insert 10 in its operational position inserted in the inner volume V. Alternatively or in addition, at least one lock integral with the housing 2 or the casing 30 may be movable / actuable to lock the operational position of the filter insert 10. In certain options, the height (along the Z direction) of the housing 2 can vary, selectively on the side of one end El of the filter insert 10. If so, this height is locally increased by a lower projection forming the inlet 3 and / or by a larger vertical dimension for an axial side 102 of the component 2b, compared to the opposite axial side along the direction of the longitudinal axis A.

[0063] The valve 20 can be located within the inlet interface 15, without extending into a downstream zone Z2, Z2a, or Z2b. Each downstream zone Z2 can correspond to a zone of the internal volume V which communicates with the outlet 4. In the case of [Fig.3], a downstream zone Z2 is illustrated which laterally bypasses the filter insert 10, from the end E2 which has respective openings 8a and 8b: - the axial opening 8a which allows the lubricant filtered by the first medium Ml to exit axially opposite the inlet 3 and the end El; and - - the axial opening 8b which allows the lubricant filtered by the second media M2 to exit axially opposite the inlet 3 and the end El. A flow channel C4 for the filtered lubricant can be delimited between an external wall of the housing 2 and an internal wall, here an elongated flank 22 of the component 2b, fixed and attached to a long side of the filter insert 10. This flow channel C4 is part of a downstream zone Z2 which allows the circulation of the filtered lubricant, regardless of the position of the sealing element 7. The outlet 4 allows the purified oil to be returned to a pump 40 ([Fig.4]).

[0064] The transmission filter 1 can be mounted on an oil pan 30 or disposed on a receiving region included in a bottom wall of such an oil pan 30, as in the case of [Fig. 5], for example. With reference to [Fig. 4], 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 12, which drives the turbine shaft 14. The clutches of the gearbox 16 (an example of a transmission device within the meaning of this disclosure) are engaged to establish a power flow between the turbine shaft 14 and the output shaft 18.

[0065] 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 1, 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 12 and the gearbox 16 at desired pressures lower than the line pressure and at desired flow rates. The fluid flows from the control valves and the gearbox 16 back to the crankcase 30. Examples of filter insert structure

[0066] With reference to Figures 1 and 3, the filter insert 10 may have two sides 6a, 6b, rigidly / fixedly attached to the housing 2 and extending from the first end E1 to the second end E2. These sides 6a, 6b may be parallel or at least delimit on two opposite sides a sub-part of the internal space V without significant variation in the width (separating) measured between the two sides 6a, 6b, for example less than a smaller layer width of the filtration means 3, 3'.

[0067] A hot bond can be made to secure the filtration media M1, M2 to the frame / structure SS of which the two sides 6a, 6b are part. In alternative versions, the first filtration means 3 and the second filtration means 3' can also be fixed separately.

[0068] With further reference to Figures 2A and 3, it can be seen that the width of the media M1, M2 is the same and can be constant. The material of the SS frame / structure of the filter insert 10 can consist of a single plastic to facilitate subsequent recycling. The frame includes or consists, for example, of a plastic material that forms a support for welding and / or mechanical fastening for connecting the edge of the first filter media M1, which extends from one end El and E2 to the other, as well as for connecting the edge of the second filter media M2, which extends from one end El and E2 to the other.

[0069] The partition 6c can define a plane of symmetry for the filter insert 10. In the example illustrated in [Fig. 6], a filter insert can be provided that delimits a central zone to separate the two downstream zones Z2a and Z2b, which are divided by the partition 6c. This partition divides the central zone, optionally defining a plane of symmetry for the filter insert 10. In this case, the valve 20 can optionally be supported by a flange including the axial end El, which supports the two respective ends of the media M1 and M2. This flange then cooperates with the inlet 3 to form the inlet interface. A partition element 15c of this inlet interface can separate the two upstream zones Z1 and Z1'. Valve 20 can be a temperature and / or pressure sensitive valve, with a control module 20c to allow it to receive an active command.Such a command can, for example, convert a detection of a change in a temperature and / or pressure condition into a movement of the shutter element 7 (arrow F7) to pass: . - from filtration by medium M1 to filtration by medium M2, - or vice versa.

[0070] Two antechambers or supply zones Cl, C2 can be separated from each other by the partition element 15c or a partition assembly of the valve 20. Although only one obturator element 7 has been shown to minimize the number of parts, by For example, by using a guide rod linked to the sealing portion of element 7, other implementations are possible. Alternatively, a moving part with two separate sealing elements can be used to open and then seal accesses DC1 or DC2, respectively. Or, two separate sealing elements can be used to achieve sealing so that the lubricant is filtered through only one medium, M1 or M2, possibly by coordinating the two elements so that: - one is in the position of closing access / outlet DC1 when the other is in the position of releasing access / outlet DC2, - and vice versa. It is also permissible to use a 7, 7' double-flap valve.

[0071] With reference now to [Fig. 7], in the case of a temperature-sensitive valve 20, an electrically controlled thermostat may optionally be provided with the use of a wax or temperature-sensitive material TM whose volume varies according to the temperature. The electrically controlled thermostat then makes it possible to control the temperature of the wax or other similar material capable of varying its volume according to the temperature (expanding material). More generally, valves 7, 7' can be used whose position is adjustable by means of a spring 20s or similar elastic return element and a temperature- or pressure-sensitive part. In a valve distribution body 20, provided in the inlet interface, the supply zones Cl, C2, forming the respective inlets of the first upstream zone ZI and the second upstream zone ZI', can be provided to be closable: - one by a first part of the valve 20 closure, formed by the closing element 7', to close the outlet DC1 and cut off access to the upstream zone ZI (corresponding outlet closed) in the absence of circulation in the supply zone Cl; - the other by a second part of the valve 20 closure, formed by the closing element 7, to close the outlet DC2 and thus cut off access to the upstream area ZI' in the absence of circulation in the supply area C2.

[0072] In examples, as reflected in [Fig. 7] without limitation, the thermostat may be part of the actively controlled valve 20. A positioning actuation part VP may be functionally coupled to the moving part with each shutter element 7, 7' to allow the desired closure according to the active control. In some options, a heating element, such as a heating coil surrounding a wax capsule, may be activated to move a shutter element 7 or 7', and a connecting plug 20 may be used to transmit the control command to change the wax temperature. More broadly, valve 20 can be designed without a motorized element (for example, without a stepper motor). Valve 20 can be integrated in a compact manner. The control module 20c, which is electronic in this case, can include / be connected to a sensor immersed in the lubricant near or within inlet 3.

[0073] Each obturator element 7 can be provided to move linearly, for example to slide, following a transverse displacement relative to a direction of flow of the lubricant through the inlet 3, as in the case shown in [Fig.2A] or 6. The moving part of the valve 20 can be fully integrated into the internal volume V of the housing 2.

[0074] In applications for electric or hybrid (internal combustion and electric) vehicles, the filter or filtration device 1 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 reduction gear, typically in a common housing. The device 1 can also be part of an oil supply management system for the transmission, the electric motor, and / or battery cooling. The filter insert 10 can typically be mounted in a filter arranged near the bottom of the oil pan within such a system. The flattened shape of the insert 10 makes it compact enough to be integrated (already mounted or not in a filter housing 2) into a compartment of such a system, for example, into a lower compartment or lower region of an integrated system that has different modules. A cooling component can also be added to the system. The use of filter 1 equipping a 3-in-1 system as mentioned above or other similar multi-component system, which forms a compact enclosed assembly above the oil tank, is permitted with optimized filtration efficiency in adverse situations, in a manner compatible with an optimization / reduction of the footprint.

[0075] One of the advantages of the arrangement of device 1 is that it offers a filtration medium adapted to the conditions through a selection that can be carried out quickly, typically in real time, optionally with flexibility in the choice of filtration fineness for at least one of the filtration media M1, M2. It is possible to protect the pump 40 which receives the flow F' of purified oil by minimizing pressure losses, while maintaining a flattened design of filter / device 1 and adaptation to cold / unfavorable operating conditions.

[0076] 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.

Claims

1. Demands Lubricant filtration device (1), in particular a transmission filter, having a filter assembly or insert (10) which is preferably elongated along an axial direction, the device (1) comprising: - a case (2) delimiting an internal volume (V), the case (2) being provided with an inlet (3) and an outlet (4); - a first filtration medium (Ml) placed in the internal volume (V); - a second filtration medium (M2) disposed in the internal volume (V); - in the internal volume (V), two upstream zones (Zl, Zl') in communication with the inlet (3), including a first upstream zone (Zl) allowing the lubricant to reach an inlet face (Fl) of said first media (Ml) from the inlet (3), and a second upstream zone (Zl') allowing the lubricant to reach an inlet face (F2) of said second media (M2) from the inlet (3); - a separation (2c, 6c, 15c) separating the first filtration medium (M1) from the second filtration medium (M2) by hermetically sealing the first upstream zone (Z1) from the second upstream zone (Z1'); and - in the internal volume (V), at least one downstream zone (Z2; Z2a, Z2b) in communication with the outlet (4) and allowing the filtered lubricant (F') by one or the other of the first and second filtration media (M1, M2) to flow to the outlet (4); the second filtration medium (M2) having a structure and / or at least one filtration property different from the first filtration medium (M1), characterized in that the device (1) comprises a valve (20) for selecting one of the first filtration medium (M1) and the second filtration medium (M2), the valve (20) having a distributing body and being: - integrated into an input interface (15), which includes the input (3) and the distribution body to selectively communicate the input (3) with one or the other of two divergent outlets (03', 03"; DC1, DC2) provided in the input interface (15); - provided with a link to a control module (20c) and actively controlled via this link; and - provided with a shutter element (7), carried by the housing (2) and / or by said filter assembly or insert (10), the shutter element (7) being movable to allow alternately to close and open an access passage, which is a first of the two outlets (03', DC1) allowing selective access to one of the first upstream zone (Z1) and the second upstream zone (Z1').

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the closing position of said access passage by the closing element (7) is obtained as a first selection configuration of the valve (20), in response to an active command delivered via the link, the active command being delivered as a function of a signal or piece of information provided by a temperature sensor and / or a pressure sensor.

3. Device according to claim 2, wherein the obturating element (7) is movable, in response to another active command delivered via the link, from the obturating position of said access passage forming the first outlet to another position for obturating the second outlet (03”; DC2) of the two outlets, this other position being obtained as a second selection configuration of the valve (20).

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a partition (6c) of said separation (2c, 6c, 15c) is elongated along the axial direction and belongs to the filter assembly or insert (10) which is mounted in the inner volume (V), preferably by being rigidly fixed to a cover of the housing which is movable to be detached from a housing component (2a) complementary to the cover.

5. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (2) comprises a housing component (2a) having: - a peripheral side wall (21) extending around the internal volume (V); and - a partition element (2c), belonging to said partition (2c, 6c, 15c), which is complementary to said partition (6c) for separating a first compartment of the housing receiving the lubricant admitted via the access passage forming the first outlet, from a second compartment of the housing receiving the lubricant admitted through the second outlet; and in which the two compartments are parallel, being of the same length and / or elongated along the axial direction.

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the obturating element (7) is in the form of a sliding valve between two positions and moved by means of a solenoid valve or a drive element coupled to a thermosensitive (TM) or pressure-sensitive part, and wherein the valve slides along a transverse displacement relative to a direction of lubricant flow through the inlet (3).

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (2) comprises an upper shell including the outlet (4) and forming a cover (2b), the inlet (3) being provided on a lower shell which delimits one and the other of the first and second upstream zones (Zl, Zl'), and wherein the shutter element (7) is mounted to slide in the lower shell, which preferably forms a bottom component (2a) of the housing (2).

8. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the valve distributing body (20) defines an inlet (3) which is in the form of a conduit which includes an internal separation to form the two outlets (03', 03") with the same general orientation, the internal separation being coplanar with the separation (2c, 6c, 15c).

9. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the valve distribution body (20) has two walls: - which delimit between them an antechamber, formed in the internal volume (V); - one of which includes the first outlet (DC1) and the other includes the second outlet (DC2) which has an orientation divergent from the orientation of the first outlet (DC1).

10. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first filter medium (M1) and the second filter medium (M2) are separable from each other within the filter assembly or insert (10), which preferably includes two separable frames, by being juxtaposed side by side in a mounted state of the assembly or filter insert (10) in the internal volume.

11. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the selection valve (20) is an actively controlled valve provided with an actuator for the displacement of the obturator element (7), the actuator being selected from: - a temperature-sensitive displacement actuator; - a pressure-sensitive displacement actuator; - an electrically controlled displacement actuator.

12. Use of the filtration device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, as a transmission filter for purifying oil drawn towards a transmission device, wherein the housing (2) has an internal partition, at least a part of which belongs to the distributor body of the valve (20), allowing the inlet (3) to communicate either with the first upstream zone (Zl) or with the second upstream zone (ZU), so that the lubricant is filtered only by one of the media (Ml, M2), and wherein the obturator element (7) is moved by an active control taking into account at least one sensor, to selectively reach one or the other of two extreme positions by being interposed between the inlet (3) and an end of the filter assembly or insert (10) which brings together the respective ends of the first filtration media (Ml) and the second filtration media (M2).

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