Collection and storage unit, including a transmission oil pan and oil check valves

Abstract

The unit (1) stores oil, returned from a transmission zone, in a sump (2) and filters the pumped oil before it returns to the vehicle's transmission zone. An upper wall (2d) of the sump includes two access ports (21, 22) for filling the internal volume (V2) of the sump, and may also delimit all or part of a filter chamber. The filter media (MF) purifies the oil returning from the sump via connection ports in this wall. The unit incorporates two valves (4) closing the access ports (21, 22), with a first slide (4a) and a second slide (4b) mounted to lift and close the access ports from below. These valves are actuated by default by a return mechanism and / or have a flotation device structure (4f) to rise when a sufficient oil level is present in the internal volume. Oil seepage through these access points is prevented by this lifting mechanism. (See diagram: Figure 1)

Description

Title of the invention: COLLECTION AND STORAGE UNIT, INCLUDING A TRANSMISSION OIL SUMPTUARY AND OIL BACKFLOW VALVES technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of lubricant circuits for motor vehicles, particularly for the supply and filtration of purified oil intended for a transmission system such as a gearbox and / or an electric motor assembly. The invention relates more particularly to a collection and storage unit for oil, especially for oil intended for a transmission. Technological background

[0002] In such circuits, the oil is generally received and stored in a sump which, for the protection of the lubrication circuit(s) of the transmission gears and other mechanical components, is equipped with a lubricant filter. In the field of vehicle lubricant filtration, a pump is generally associated with the filtration device; the pump draws in the oil or lubricant to be filtered by creating a vacuum on the suction side.

[0003] In the oil collection area prior to filtration, the oil level may vary, which can cause suction problems. This occurs if the oil level is insufficient (locally), allowing air to be accidentally drawn in along with the oil / lubricant. For example, in a sloped area, or when the vehicle accelerates or ascends a hill in such a way that the oil distribution in the sump reservoir shifts to a side far from the suction inlet, the pump may draw in air instead of fluid. If this occurs for a short time, an unpleasant noise may be heard. If the situation persists, the transmission may fail or be damaged.

[0004] US patent 3038353 describes an example of a transmission housing design with a bottom wall inclined towards a low point where access is located to a pipe forming an intake inlet connected to an oil return column. The housing is filled through drain openings. If the inclination causes the oil to flow away from the low point, a valve closes the access to prevent air from being drawn in. However, this arrangement requires a certain amount of space in the crankcase and the use of a valve in a bottom area (which also adds a certain amount of space).

[0005] It has also been proposed to store the oil in the internal volume of a crankcase by simultaneously: - an oil return line that descends to a low point located at the rear of the crankcase; and - a suction module provided in the housing away from the bottom, with an integrated filtration stage. US document 2009 / 0107769 describes this type of structure for a lubrication oil circuit. If tilting or jolting causes oil to move near an edge of the housing, the lubricant / oil level may be insufficient.

[0006] Furthermore, with elongated and relatively flattened crankcase designs and / or in situations where the crankcase is sized to collect oil from various mechanical components, inclines can generate more problems. Therefore, there is a need for better control of the oil supply in unstable situations or with a vehicle traveling on a steep incline, with solutions that limit disturbances and imbalances in the oil supply to the crankcase. More generally, there is still room for improvement in this area. Summary

[0007] This disclosure improves the situation.

[0008] To this end, an oil collection and storage unit is proposed (preferably with a sieve and / or filter to purify the oil intended for a transmission), the unit comprising: - a transmission oil sump having a bottom wall and a top wall, between which is delimited an internal volume of the sump allowing for oil storage; - in the upper wall, a first selective access for the return of crude oil into the crankcase from the top and a second selective access for the return of crude oil into the crankcase from the top (these accesses opening into the internal volume); - an oil pumping channel stored in the internal volume, to allow communication with a lubrication circuit for the lubrication of one or more components external to the internal volume and which can be placed above the internal volume of the crankcase; - closing valves for each of the selective access points, these valves comprising, housed and guided along a guidance direction in the first access point and in the second access point respectively, a first slide and a second slide, with at least one of the following features: — the first slide includes a first sealing portion which lifts when actuated by a return means and / or has a flotation organ or assembly structure to lift itself in the presence of a sufficient internal oil volume To reach the first access point, the first slide, in this raised state, occupies a state of closure of the first access point. - the second slide includes a second sealing part which is lifted by being induced by a return means and / or by having a structure of organ or flotation assembly to lift in the presence of an oil level of sufficient internal volume to reach the second access, the second slide occupying, for this other lifted state, a sealing state of the second access.

[0009] Such a collection unit allows for the prevention of oil backflow through columns or fittings for filling the oil pan, with several access points distributed spatially and whose integration can vary according to requirements. Naturally, the access points for oil return into the pan can be distributed in this way, for example, around a central area (which may be a central area), so that the first and second access points are located on either side of the central area of ​​the pan through which the pumping path passes or begins. The slides can consist of parts that are separate from the part or assembly constituting the upper wall, thus allowing considerable flexibility in the design of the pan and its upper wall.When one or more access pairs are provided, the accesses of this pair are preferably distributed on either side of the central area, for example along a direction of elongation of the casing.

[0010] During lateral accelerations or inclinations of the vehicle equipped with the aforementioned unit, the oil stored in the crankcase moves to the side while remaining in the internal volume, without rising back up into the column or into the fitting normally allowing the oil to flow back down.

[0011] The housing is further adapted to integrate a filter in preferred embodiments, located elsewhere than in the internal volume or at the suction inlet. In particular, the unit may include a filter integral with the housing, the filter having a filtration chamber accessible via an inlet that communicates with the pumping path for the oil stored in the internal volume. The filter includes an oil filtration medium in the chamber and an outlet that can typically be an outlet communicating with the lubrication circuit of one or more components external to the housing, the filtration chamber provided in the filter being separated from the internal volume, typically by the pumping path and / or by a wall or filter housing.

[0012] The upper wall may optionally serve as a mounting support for a filter element occupying the filtration chamber. In some embodiments, at least one of the lower and upper walls of the housing includes a partition for separating the filtration chamber from the internal volume. For example, the partition wall of the filtration chamber or the filter housing may correspond to a subset of the housing formed by these two walls.

[0013] When a return element is provided for one of the valves, it may have: - fixedly mounted in the upper wall of the housing (which is fixed / immobile), a portion of seat which defines / limits the selective access in the form of a single opening; - the return element coupled to the closing means / shut-off part, in the slide, this element opposing the closure of the selective access by a return effect; and - a flotation device. For example, the flotation device carries an annular sealing element located below a fixed end of the return element (the latter bearing against the seat portion opposite a sealed annular contact between the joint and the seat portion). The annular sealing element can slide with the slide (inserted into the access port) without being inserted into the access port until it comes into contact from below with the seat portion.

[0014] This arrangement of an oil return / collection section, with one or two float / flotation valves, makes it possible to make the valve sensitive to an oil level, for example, by using in the slide a hollow part or section with a lower density than oil, which reacts to the presence of oil, thus allowing the slide forming the closing means to follow the movement of the flotation device.A column, or at least a fitting with a vertical dimension, guides the downward flow of oil so that it comes to rest against an upper contact face provided in each slide. In practice, in a non-inclined operation, the oil level remains below each access point, so that no upward thrust can be exerted under the slides: the movable mounting of these slides then allows the weight of the oil, which flows back down to the contact face, to cause the slide to descend. The restoring force is, for example, low (low stiffness in the case of a spring) to allow this weight of oil to overcome the restoring effect.

[0015] It is understood that the arrangement retains more oil in the internal volume, which limits the risk of air reaching the central area where the suction takes place, since even a partial absence of oil corresponds to a decrease in thrust: the use of a slide structure ensures good repeatability of operations (no risk of partial closure, no effect of alteration of the return to the closed position over time). Within an oil sump, such a valve assembly avoids the use of bulky parts or parts positioned very low in the sump, thus reducing the oil storage capacity. Each slide can include or consist of a part, for example an elongated piece (taller than it is wide when assembled), extending between an upper end through which oil flows only in the downward direction, and a lower end that is not perforated / non-through. Oil flow can only occur around the lower end.

[0016] Each valve has closing means designed and mounted to engage with the corresponding access port from below, with a sealing annular (typically axial) contact against a portion of the seat that can define a characteristic diameter of the passage cross-section of this access port. This allows for a hermetic closure / sealing of the access port. A single piece, which forms the upper wall, can incorporate all the oil return ports into the internal volume of the housing. Each valve can be mounted in a connection port or fitting, generally tubular in extension around an axis, for example vertical, which allows a peripheral annular seal to be mounted (from above / on the outside of the upper wall of the housing). This seal is, for example, received in a groove with an axial opening at the top that surrounds the slide.

[0017] The flotation device can be either hollow with a cavity oriented towards the lower wall (which is the bottom wall of the crankcase), or designed to be less dense than the oil, for example by having a density strictly less than 0.9 g / cm³ (e.g., less than 0.9 g / cm³). More generally, when the sealing portion has a flotation device (float) structure, it can, in the presence of crude oil below and around the flotation device, experience an upward thrust at least at one lower face, thereby raising the closing means—typically with an upper end of the slide that can protrude beyond (above) the upper wall.

[0018] In embodiments, one and / or more of the valves have a movable part or assembly constituting the slide, allowing movement by sliding only in a direction (guidance direction) perpendicular to the upper wall. In options, at least one of the following arrangements is provided: - depending on the guidance direction, at least one of the first and second sealing parts is: movable, to move away from and towards the bottom wall, between an opening configuration and the sealing state to seal the access (access in which this slide is guided); and is provided with two stop portions distributed, depending on the guidance direction, on either side of an annular border forming a seating area fixedly attached to the upper wall. - the two stop portions allow the sliding stroke of the slider to be limited (in both directions); - an elastically deformable or compressible sealing element forms one of the two portions of the stop intended to come into contact under the seat area (contact with this seat area from below), this sealing element extending on the side of the internal volume. - at least one of the first and second flotation organs or assemblies, which preferably extends under the upper wall, is designed to constitute or carry the sealing part of the corresponding slide by being arranged movable along the guidance direction to allow this sealing part to be moved away from the bottom wall. - at least one, and preferably both, of the first and second flotation organs or assemblies extend below the upper wall and may optionally each include at least one porous area or recess. - the recess can be closed and sealed and / or can define a volume (in the form of a lower cavity) selectively accessible (axially) from below, therefore from the side of the bottom wall. - The bottom of the recess can form / present a surface for an upward buoyant force (Archimedes' principle) from the oil in the internal volume. This buoyant force can overcome gravity and / or a downward suction force, typically applied to the slide when there is no oil in the recess. More broadly, it is understood that an upward Archimedes' force can be exerted when the flotation device is submerged (along with the buoyant force of the oil).

[0019] In exemplary embodiments, two sliding gates are provided, movable within their respective access points. The two gates can be provided using the same part / structure for each. This part, combined with another sealing part or including a sealing element, allows the closure portion to be formed while also including an upper end, for example, located away from and / or spaced away from the upper wall. This upper end of the gate component can be separated from the closure portion by one or more lateral openings (openings provided in a perforated section of the part). Such a part may include or carry a sealing element, which is, for example, carried by a lower end of the part. The part also includes an upper end, possibly annular or forming a collar / flange, which is separated from the sealing portion by one or more lateral openings.

[0020] Optionally, the slides are identical and / or both of the first and second flotation components or assemblies: - include the sealing portion of the corresponding slide, allowing it to be moved away from the back wall until it is sealed to close the access in which the slide is guided; and - respectively include an annular sealing element surrounding a hollow area of ​​the slide, the sealing element preferably being carried or formed at a lower end of the slide. - each slide can consist of a moving assembly or a moving part (typically openwork in its part which extends above the sealing part) guided in the access along a slide movement axis, which is preferably substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall.

[0021] In embodiments of the unit, the housing can support functional components and / or define compartments, underlying the upper wall, to house functional components. One or two functional components are chosen from among a heat exchanger device, the filter (whose inlet is fluidly connected to the internal volume), an access interface for a suction pump, a pressurized oil channel forming a discharge outlet of such a pump and / or a filter screen (distinct from the filter) which can be placed upstream of the suction pump.The filter screen extends to a low and central point of the casing, for example by being positioned closer and therefore at a fixed (vertical at rest) distance from the lower bottom wall, at least 3 or 4 cm smaller, than any of the accesses which are also provided at a fixed / predetermined distance from the bottom wall (and comparatively greater than the determined distance).

[0022] When a pump is connected to the internal volume by a communication route (not passing through the oil return accesses), the unit with its casing may include: - the oil suction pump, which is in particular a pump allowing to put into vacuum the internal volume delimited under the upper wall (and delimited / located under the valves), the internal volume being in fluidic communication with an inlet or suction route of the pump. Typically, the pump is part of the pumping path and has a discharge outlet connected to the lubrication circuit of one or more components, thereby pressurizing the oil (in a separate area from the internal volume, which may be under negative pressure). Optionally, the discharge outlet can connect to the filter inlet, making the filter part of a separate, pressurized oil flow circuit / zone downstream of the pump and distinct from the internal volume. A pump base can be mounted directly to the top wall, with, for example, two fluid connection ports formed by through holes in the top wall. These through holes allow additional male fittings / connectors, provided in the pump base, to be inserted and sealed into the through holes.

[0023] In examples of housing embodiments, the first access and the second access are remote from the central zone and preferably distributed on either side of the central zone following a direction of elongation of the casing, the latter having, along the direction of elongation: - a length which is at least 70% greater than the width of this casing; - a location of the filter, which is preferably offset laterally and adjacent to one of the access points, which is located opposite the pump. In addition to or independently of the above, the unit may include a heat exchanger device which is interposed, along an elongation direction of the casing, between: the filter, located at one end of the casing; and the pump which allows an oil flow to circulate from the internal volume to an inlet of the heat exchanger device.

[0024] The unit can allow the integration of a heat exchanger device, for example with a parallelepiped structure, at the same height level as the filter, for example under the upper wall. More generally, the filter inlet can communicate with an outlet of such a heat exchanger device. It is understood that the heat exchanger device can be interposed, in the circuit with oil pressurization, between the pump and the filter.

[0025] In embodiments of the heat exchanger device, it includes a heat exchanger block, preferably metallic, having a side wall extending between an end or upper face (possibly flat) for attachment to the upper wall of the housing and a lower end (possibly flat) which is laterally spaced from the housing, the side wall having a (lateral) periphery located outside the internal volume. A portion of the side wall of the housing is, for example, U-shaped to delimit, outside the housing, a cavity in which the heat exchanger device is housed. Whatever the particular geometry chosen for the side wall of the housing, a fixed (and possibly embedded) position of the heat exchanger device with a rigid connection to the upper wall can be provided without this heat exchanger device protruding laterally outwards from a side face of the housing that extends from one end of the housing to the other. The exchange device is, for example, a water-oil exchanger.

[0026] The housing may have plastic and / or metal parts. The housing may have one or more of the following features: - the casing is notched on one side so as to surround (for example on three sides) at least one component chosen from a cooling means and a heat exchanger device. - The back wall is formed by a plate (which has a flat or substantially flat shape), possibly elongated (with an elongation that may correspond to a transverse direction, also called left-right, in a vehicle equipped with the unit). - The first access point is further from the back wall than the second access point. - the second access is placed in a depression or hollow in a lid constituting all or part of the upper wall. - the depression in the lid extends to an edge of a top face of the upper wall, preferably with a suction pump covering the lid in this depression.

[0027] In examples of embodiments of the valves equipping the unit's housing, one or more of the following features are provided: - in the unit, a first return element is provided for the return of the first slide to a raised / up position away from the bottom wall. - in the unit, a second return element is provided for the return of the second slide to a raised / up position away from the bottom wall (the bottom wall being substantially flat, typically). - these return elements are each mounted in such a way as to be able to present a variable height, for example by being mounted from above on the top of the upper wall (for example on an edge of a hole forming the access) with one end or termination (high) resting on a collar or edge of the slide in question. - these return elements are each mounted to move by default the shutter part into an access closure configuration, respectively for the closure of the first access and for the closure of the second access (this configuration being a configuration raised, possibly obtained by default, when the vehicle equipped with the unit is stopped). - the first access is obturated, in a first position of the first slider which is distal to the back wall (this first position corresponding to a raised configuration of the obturator part made mobile with the first slider). - the sealing part provided in the first slide can seal the first access on the side of the internal volume by bearing on an annular seat area carried by the upper wall, the support being able to be made at the periphery of a rigid part constituting the slide. - the second access is obturated in a first position of the second slider which is distal to the back wall (this first position corresponding to a raised configuration of the obturator part made mobile with the second slider). - the sealing part provided in the second slide can seal the second access on the side of the internal volume by bearing on an annular seat area carried by the upper wall, the support being able to be made at the periphery of a rigid part constituting the slide.

[0028] It is understood that for each of these slides, the opening configuration is obtained under the effect of gravity by keeping the bottom of these slides oriented towards the bottom wall (these slides with their sealing part being opposite the bottom wall forming the bottom of the casing). This opening configuration corresponds to / is obtained for a second slide position which is proximal and therefore closer to the bottom wall. Each sealing part can carry or integrate an annular sealing element, for example with a circular cross-section (possibly carried in a peripheral groove of the flotation device).

[0029] According to one particular feature, the return means comprise a first spring and a second spring, respectively coupled to the first slide and the second slide, being provided on the same side with respect to the upper wall. Preferably, the first slide is actuated by the first spring to achieve its closed position. The first spring is compressible and has, for example, a stiffness suitable for compressing when a mass of oil presses on the top of the sealing portion of the first slide. Typically, the second slide is actuated by the second spring to achieve its closed position. The second spring can also be compressible, for example, by having a stiffness suitable for compressing when a mass of oil presses on the top of the sealing portion of the second slide.

[0030] With these arrangements, each access port is only passable under conditions of gravity-driven oil flow, with this oil accumulating on the upper face of the slide until the spring return effect is overcome. The access ports allow crude oil to be admitted into the crankcase from above with an automatic oil backflow prevention effect, which is assisted by a return force in the event of crankcase tilt. It is permissible to assist the valve in its closing with a very low-stiffness spring. Conversely, in a horizontal position, the weight of the oil descending and the vacuum conditions (the vacuum in the crankcase, due to the oil being drawn in by the pump via the pumping path, adds to the weight of the oil) will allow the valve to lower and therefore open.

[0031] It is understood that the slides with a sealing element form passive valves which, under operating conditions with both a pressure deficit in the internal volume and an oil weight acting from above, will be open / lowered, and this will continue until there is a sufficient oil level to push them upwards, which may require the oil to rise into a lower recess of these valves. The sealing element may surround a hollow but non-through area of ​​the slide for oil circulation (nor from the inside to the outside). of the casing nor the reverse), preferably being carried or formed at the lower end of the slide.

[0032] A pumping path is provided in the housing, allowing the oil stored in the internal volume to reach the filter after passing through a filter screen. The pumping path, which extends from the central area to the pump, may include communication channels with the pump located entirely beneath the upper wall, for example, running along this upper wall to an inlet port situated in or beneath a pump base. A heat exchange stage may also be provided downstream of the pump. The pumping path consists of a channel extending from a central area to a peripheral point on the crankcase where the oil can flow back into the suction pump. The central area may, for example, be equipped with a strainer, with the screen forming all or part of the strainer. More broadly, the screen may have a three-dimensional structure, for example, by being convex downwards and having a mounting frame extending along a plane, such as a horizontal plane parallel to the bottom wall.

[0033] The unit, with the transmission oil pan, can be arranged in a lower part of a chassis of an electric drive mechanism, this chassis being attached to a vehicle. It is understood that the pan receives and stores the oil dripping from the moving parts of the oil-lubricated operating / drive mechanism. The upper wall of the crankcase has at least one outlet for the return of pressurized oil to such areas.

[0034] The filter may be part of a filtration stage that is offset laterally from the central area and separate from an integration or connection area for the suction pump. In some embodiments, the filter is of the cartridge type, possibly replaceable. If so, the filter includes a reusable housing, possibly part of which is an integral part of an oil pan component such as the upper wall. A filter cartridge or insert may be removably mounted in the reusable housing, preferably with a tubular filter medium allowing centripetal filtration through the filter medium.In some unit designs, a filter element is provided, adapted to be mounted between the lower and upper walls. This filter element is, for example, housed within the filtration chamber, incorporating a flange with a central orifice and the filter media in an annular shape, one end of which connects to the flange. The filter element (part of the filter) can thus delimit, via an internal face of the filter media (tubular media), a hollow internal space in fluidic communication with the outlet through the central orifice of the flange. The filter element hermetically separates an upstream zone connected to the filter inlet (a...). peripheral region of the chamber being part of the upstream zone) of a downstream zone which includes the hollow interior space.

[0035] In options, it may be provided that: - the upper wall of the crankcase has at least one, and preferably at least two, oil circulation fittings which are separate from the access points; - the upper wall of the casing delimits all or part of a filtration chamber of the filter, as well as the outlet of the filter. - the media is suitable for purifying all the oil that comes out of the crankcase via oil lift fittings which are provided in this upper wall, it being understood that all the fittings are in communication with the outlet of the filter. - the outlet, possibly oriented towards an external peripheral side wall of the housing, can be integrated into the upper wall. - the outlet surrounds a protruding nozzle formed as an annular projection on the flange, so as to connect in a watertight manner to the filtration element by a radial annular contact made on said nozzle provided in the flange. - the filter element, which has a central axis that can coincide with an axis of the nozzle, is a cartridge with a base flange opposite the flange forming the outlet. - the base flange is spaced axially along the central axis of the filter element from a first partition delimiting the filtration chamber, which allows the filter element to be disconnected from the outlet by being moved axially towards the first partition delimiting. - the first partition wall is formed partly by a partitioning element belonging to the upper wall and partly by another partitioning element belonging to the lower wall. - a female part of the outlet that surrounds the nozzle can be formed only in the upper wall.

[0036] According to one particular feature, each flotation element is a sub-part of the slide, forming its lower end, and which may have a hollow formed over at least 30% of the total length of the slide (length measured perpendicular to the upper wall / general plane of extension of the upper wall). According to some designs, each slide within a valve is designed to open only when there is sufficient oil to exert pressure on the top of the slide and / or when there is a vacuum in the internal volume. If the valve tilts and oil rises within the internal volume to the access point, the slide will move upward to close because: - it is no longer subjected to a pressure differential; and - if a flotation device (typically hollow) is provided, then the slide is subjected to an Archimedes' thrust. It is understood that an Archimedes' thrust corresponds to a stress on the slide in the opposite direction to the gravitational thrust, co-acting with the possible restoring effect, this Archimedes' thrust being permitted in the local absence of the effect of the depressurization of the internal volume.

[0037] In certain embodiments of the closing means including the slides: - the return element extends between a fixed lower termination integral with the seat portion and a movable termination which bears axially from below against a collar or flange of the slide. - the float / flotation device is able to be lowered by following a lowering of the slide. - the valve is devoid of filter media. - the access forms a mounting orifice through which the slide is perforated to allow oil to pass between a radial sealing part of the slide and several lateral openings which pass under the seat portion (in the lowered / open state of the slide). - at least one of the slides is made of a plastic material, possibly provided with a hollow part to lower the density of the float element. - at least one of the slides includes a part whose section narrows to present a lower insertion end, passing through the access during assembly. - a sealing element is attached to the lower end after the lower end of the insertion has passed through the access to protrude under the upper wall of the housing.

[0038] The arrangement may include a housing component or a cover, which is, for example, hollow or concave on the side of a connection (via an underside of this cover / component) with the pipes forming the flow path. When the cover is extended along a horizontal elongation direction, two valves of the inlet portion may be distributed at two opposite positions along the horizontal elongation direction. The unit features a housing arrangement that is compatible with integration into a low-height volume, the unit being obtainable by an assembly process without complex steps. Brief description of the drawings

[0039] Other features, details and advantages will become apparent upon reading the detailed description below, and upon analysis of the accompanying drawings, on which: Fig. 1 shows, by a cross-sectional view, a unit with a crankcase which includes two oil inlet ports, each equipped with a float valve, in an inclined position which modifies the oil distribution in the crankcase with one of the valves closing by lifting the float. [Figure 2A is a detailed cross-sectional view of a valve similar to those shown in Figure 1, in the open position with the additional presence of a return element. Fig. 2B illustrates, by means of an exploded perspective view, an example of the assembly of a valve from Fig. 2A, this assembly being applicable to a variant without a return element. [Fig.3] is a perspective view of an example of an oil collection, intake and filtration unit, identical or similar to that of [Fig.1], with a pump and filter arranged on opposite ends of the housing of this unit. [Fig.4A] shows, using a horizontal section, a view of the arrangement of different components of the unit of [Fig.3]; with the passing (open) configuration of the slides. [Fig.4B] is a top view of the unit in [Fig.3], with arrows reflecting the oil circulation and (dotted lines) the fluid circulation (including a coolant) at a heat exchange zone. [Fig.5] shows a detail, by a horizontal cross-sectional view in the unit of [Fig.3], allowing to illustrate on the periphery of the internal volume a part of the pressurized oil circulation circuit, downstream of the pump. [Fig.6] shows oil return paths on the pressurized side, downstream of the pump, in the case of a unit of the type shown in [Fig.3], in a non-limiting application for lubricating schematically illustrated external components consisting of a speed reducer and an electric motor. Fig. 7 is a schematic top view of an arrangement of the oil sump of a unit according to the invention, here in the particular case of an access distribution with several (four) valves distributed in different peripheral areas or angular sectors of the oil sump, around a central area equipped with the suction inlet. Description of method(s) of implementation

[0040] The following is a detailed description of several embodiments of the invention, with examples and references to the drawings. In the various figures, identical reference numerals indicate identical or similar elements. The structure and / or number of certain components appearing in at least one of the figures can, of course, be used in a case corresponding to another figure. The terms "below," lower, upper, rising, "ascending," descending, or The terms "falling" and "falling" are systematically interpreted here within the usual framework of an oil pan with a bottom forming the base and filling from the top. This pan has specific connections (distinct from the oil drain access points) for the oil return, that is, taking the bottom wall of the pan as the reference point for the lower section. The "top" and "bottom" characteristics of an oil pan incorporating an upward pumping path are, in any case, perfectly clear to anyone skilled in the art.

[0041] With reference to Figures 1, 3, and 6, an oil storage, collection, and filtration unit 1 is shown, provided with a housing 2 (forming a transmission oil housing) and a filter 3. The unit 1 forms an internal oil storage volume V2, which is delimited between a bottom wall 2a (lower wall) and an upper wall 2b of the housing 2, and includes oil inlet ports 21, 22 (oil considered as crude oil) used for lubricating components Sr, M external to the housing 2. As can be seen in Figures 1 and 6, the unit 1 forms an interface (having a pump P) between the oil return and storage circuit portion, which selectively uses the ports 21, 22 provided on the upper wall 2b for oil return, and the pressurized oil circuit portion C3, which allows for the return of oil. the oil towards the external components Sr, M ([Fig.6]) which can be arranged above the upper wall 2. The upper wall 2b can be formed in one piece, typically from a single piece of rigid plastic material, for example. The lower bottom wall 2a can also be formed from a single piece of rigid plastic material. As shown in Figures 1, 3, 4A, and 6, a junction I can be obtained, as a continuous, sealed connection, between a peripheral edge of the piece forming the bottom wall 2a and the peripheral edge of a cover or piece constituting the upper wall 2b. It is understood that these two housing components are hollow and can each include, internally within the cavity(es) of these components, a set of partitions or projections / ribs. In [Fig.[l], we can see that internal vertical parts (along the vertical Z direction) create inter-wall connections (between walls 2a and 2b) with a distribution at different locations within the casing 2, being spaced apart from each other along the direction of its elongation. Optionally, some internal partitions are provided within the casing 2, following approximately the direction of its elongation, so as to delimit conduits or channels CPI, CP2, 32', which will be described in more detail later.

[0042] Figures 3, 4A and 4B show that unit 1 incorporates a filtration stage with filter 3, used in the circuit section C3 downstream of an oil suction pump P. To reach this circuit or circuit section C3, the oil Hu stored in the internal volume V2 must first pass through a pre-filter or screen 60 mounted in an inlet Suction inlet 6. Typically located centrally within the housing 2, this inlet 6 (away from the pump P and the circuit C3) can be surrounded by an annular zone, allowing the oil Hu to reach this inlet 6 from all or many directions. The housing 2 can be elongated by extending between a first end E1 and a second end E2. The inlet 6 can be positioned in a central zone midway between these two opposite ends. The elongation of the housing 2 is planned along a horizontal direction (direction D2), with the bottom wall 2a being substantially flat / horizontal.

[0043] In a preferred configuration, the filter 3 is arranged parallel to the bottom wall 2a. More generally, the filter 3 may be provided with a filter medium MF which is arranged in a filtration chamber delimited at the top (opposite the bottom wall 2a) by the upper wall 2b of the housing, which may be substantially parallel to the bottom wall 2a. An inlet 31 and an outlet 32 ​​of the filter 3 may also be provided in the housing 2, with the inlet 31 and / or the outlet 32, for example, integrated into the upper wall 2b. The housing 2 may integrate various functional components that equip the circuit section C3, preferably with a distribution of two relatively bulky components, namely the filter 3 and the suction pump P, at the two ends E1, E2 of the housing 2.A filter element EF of filter 3, fitted with filter media MF, can extend fully inside the housing 2, while being separated from the internal volume V2 for oil storage Hu, by means of a suitable partition. Example of a circuit for conveying pressurized oil to the filter

[0044] The oil sump 2 may include pressurized oil flow functions Hp, by having lines or channels CPI, CP2 connected to the suction pump P, which may optionally be mounted directly on the sump 2, and also having at least one purified oil flow line 32' extending from the outlet of the filter 3. The sump 2 has, for example, one or more fittings 2d, for example two as in Figures 4B and 6, which allow a flow F' of purified oil to be discharged from the filter 3. The upper wall 2b carrying the accesses 21, 22 may also include / carry the fittings 2d.

[0045] With reference to Figures 4A and 4B, the suction inlet 6 forms the inlet of a pumping path, which includes at least one channel extending from the central area ZC to a peripheral point of the housing 2 where the oil can rise into the suction pump P. The aspirated oil Ha has been pre-filtered, by using a pre-filter such as a sieve 60 for example. The suction inlet 6 is located inside the crankcase 2 and is equipped with a suction orifice (possibly a sleeve) to draw the oil stored in the oil pan. A screen 60 (for example, a strainer screen) can be interposed between a section tubular T delimiting the suction orifice, formed by a projection of the upper wall, and a support (typically vertical) integrally formed with the bottom / lower wall 2a. The sieve 60 may have an annular flange sandwiched between the bottom and top walls, the filtering / through section of the sieve 60 optionally being a domed section connected to the annular flange. The domed section may be inserted into, or conversely domed opposite, the tubular section T formed integrally with the top wall 2b.

[0046] The central zone ZC is, for example, provided with a strainer, the sieve 60 forming all or part of the strainer. More broadly, the sieve 60 may have a three-dimensional structure, for example by being convex downwards while having a fixing frame that extends along a plane, for example a horizontal plane parallel to the bottom wall 2a.

[0047] From an outlet of the pump P, the housing 2 allows the delimited / defined portion of the circuit C3 for the evacuation of oil towards the components to be lubricated. At least as far as the filter 3, the portion of the circuit C3 thus formed in the housing 2 can allow oil to circulate in a direction (by discharge / with pressure) substantially opposite to the direction of circulation (by suction) of the first channel CPI which extends between the inlet 6 and an inlet of the suction pump P. More generally, suitable circulation channels allow the functional components of the C3 circuit to be connected. A pair of internal partitions separates the first CPI channel from the internal volume V2 and can also be separated from a 32' conduit (also delimited by the partition PW, which is provided parallel to the outer side wall of the housing 2) through which the already purified oil circulates. The screen 60, acting as a pre-filter, is interposed between this first CPI channel and support elements formed / carried by the bottom wall 2a. The first CPI channel extends from an access port allowing inlet from the central zone ZC. This access / inlet port is, for example, delimited by a vertical projection of the partition formed from the upper wall 2, shaped like a tubular section T (approximately vertical, for example) which opens into the internal volume V2 from below / opposite the bottom wall 2a.The tubular section T is split or opened laterally, on one side, to open into the first channel CPI which runs along the overlap portion forming the upper wall 2b. This side is for example oriented towards the end El where the pump P is connected, as clearly visible in figures 4A and 4B.

[0048] Pump P draws in the pre-filtered oil via this first channel CPI, which connects to a fluidic connection port 9p, forming an inlet of pump P. Pump P then pressurizes the internal volume V2 under vacuum. As illustrated in a non-limiting way on [Fig.4A], the pump P discharges the oil through a second channel CP2, internal to the casing 2, which extends from the discharge outlet 90 of the pump P to a heat exchange zone 5 ([Fig.5]) provided upstream of the filter 3 in this part of the circuit C3.

[0049] Optionally, the first channel CPI and the second channel CP2 can together form the two branches of a V-shape that join under the pump P. One of the access points 21, 22 can be provided between the first channel CPI and the second channel CP2, both of which run along the overlapping / horizontal portion of the component constituting the upper wall 2b. Regardless of the choice of the piping structure specifically used to circulate the pre-filtered oil with the use of a pump P, the unit 1 can include a cooling means and / or a heat exchanger device 50 using a fluid or liquid Lr for heat exchange.

[0050] Downstream of the heat device 50, filtration is carried out using filter 3, possibly by allowing centripetal filtration which optimizes the available surface area of ​​the MF media if it is tubularly shaped around a hollow internal space communicating with the outlet 32. In the housing 2, the outlet 32 ​​of filter 3 can be eccentric, for example located at end E2. The housing 2 can also have a circulation channel 32', for example arranged peripherally to bypass the crude (unfiltered) oil storage area of ​​the internal volume V2. Such a channel 32' can then distribute the flow F' of purified oil into the fittings 2d.In some options, the 32' channel can be a branch or sub-part of one or more peripheral VP channels forming terminal sections through which the purified oil can reach the 2d fittings, and can then exit the crankcase 2, in an upward manner, via these 2d fittings which open outside the crankcase 2. Example of unit application

[0051] Unit 1 may have an interface connecting to a transmission system (at least for collecting oil and returning purified oil), this system having components involved in mechanical power transfer, for example, the vehicle's electric motor M and a speed converter or reducer SR. The motor's power may be transmitted to the torque converter, which drives the turbine shaft. The clutches of a gearbox or speed reducer SR (an example of a transmission device within the meaning of this disclosure) are engaged to establish a power flow between the turbine shaft and the output shaft. Unit 1 may incorporate one or more cooling functions to complement the lubrication effect. This may, where appropriate, help to limit a risk excessive heating at the level of the casing 2, or even contribute to the cooling of the battery associated with the electric motor M.

[0052] Figure 3 shows an example in which the unit 1 incorporates a heat exchanger device 50 in a generally parallelepiped-shaped volume defined by the housing 2. More broadly, the unit 1 may have the housing 2 and a heat exchanger device 50 having an exchange zone, for example made in a heat exchanger block, preferably metallic (preferably aluminum-based), and which thus forms a sub-part of the circuit C3 which connects downstream of the pump P, connecting on one side to the second channel CP2, and on the other side to a supply line to the inlet 31 of the filter 3. The fluid Lr for the heat exchange may be a coolant which joins the heat exchanger block or similar heat exchanger zone from above, for example using fluid connections passing through openings in the upper wall 2b or by bypassing the upper wall 2b. To minimize the additional bulk associated with device 50, while placing this component close to the central zone ZC (therefore neither the end El nor the end E2), the heat exchanger device 50 can be interposed between the filter 3 and the pump P, following the elongation direction D2 ([Fig.7]) of the housing 2, preferably with the exchanger block of this device 50 which is mounted under the upper wall 2b and without protruding lower than the bottom wall 2a.

[0053] The housing 2 may be notched on one side so as to surround (at least partially) such a component or cooling means. The heat exchanger device 50 may be separated from the central zone ZC by a section of the side wall of the housing 2 which locally reduces the width of the internal volume V2. A portion of a cover 52 may be provided in this heat exchanger device 50, so as to sandwich a margin portion of the upper wall 2b between the cover portion 52 and an oil-circulating metal block forming part of the heat exchanger device 50. Regardless of the integration chosen for the device 50, the unit 1 may allow for the regulation or better adaptation of the temperature of the pre-filtered oil delivered to the inlet 31 of the filter 3.

[0054] Such 2d fittings form inlets for the oil riser columns or sections required by each of the external components M, Sr surmounting the housing 2, as illustrated in [Fig. 6]. The use of two or more 2d fittings allows different areas or components to be supplied, with the added possibility of reducing the overall size by positioning one of the fittings lower than another, as shown in [Fig. 6] with a 2d fitting provided on the upper wall 2b in an area corresponding to a downward recess or depression 200.

[0055] For this type of application, with or without exchanger device 50 carried by the casing 1, it is understood that the oil is of the type having a density that is common for lubrication, for example with a density of the order of 900 kg / m3, for example between 840 and 960 kg / m3.

[0056] Regarding the components to be lubricated, these may include at least one electric motor M and a reduction gear SR. More broadly, it is understood that, through such external components, different power flow circuits with different speed ratios can be established by engaging different clutches. Optionally, a transfer case may be installed between the output shaft and a transmission shaft to divert some of the power to a differential. In these applications, some of the engine's power can be diverted to drive the pump P, which draws oil or similar lubricating fluid from the crankcase 2, through the filter 3 and then the fittings 2d. The pressure at which this purified fluid / oil (flow F') enters a valve body or comparable part for lubricating external components is generally called fluid pressure or line pressure. Through a controller that operates a network of control valves, oil can be delivered to the lubricated / to-be-lubricated components (which may include a torque converter and a gearbox) at desired pressures lower than the line pressure and at desired flow rates.

[0057] After performing the flow lubrication function from the appropriate control valves, the used RH oil flow can flow and fall by gravity, as seen in [Fig.6] from the lubricated external components.

[0058] In applications for electric or hybrid (thermal and electric) vehicles, unit 1 can equip part of a system combining different modules, for example by completing the 3-in-1 "eAxle" (electric axle) system which combines an electric motor, an inverter, and a gearbox, typically in a common housing. Figure 6 shows, more broadly, a case with external motor and transmission components M and Sr (motor M and gearbox Sr). The filter 3 of the assembly unit can be part of an oil supply management system for the transmission, electric motor, and / or battery cooling. The RH oil inlet ports can be installed on the upper wall 2b of the oil pan 2 within such a system. The flattened design of unit 1 allows, for example, installation on the lower side of a component housing or the electric motor of the system. More broadly, unit 1 is compact enough to be integrated (for example, in a pre-assembled state). under the components of a motorized transmission system, for example in a lower region of an integrated system which has different modules.

[0059] The integration of a cooling component, by means of the heat exchanger device 50, can complete the system – where necessary without the need for other cooling elements. Use of unit 1 (with its filter 3) 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 / reduced space requirements. Method of closing access to the internal volume

[0060] Unit 1 has, in the upper wall 2b, one or more selective access ports 21, 22 for the return of oil corresponding to the gravity flow of oil RH from the component(s) that have been lubricated using the oil (flow F') admitted via the fittings 2d. With reference to [Fig. 1], these access ports 21, 22 can be distributed on either side of a central zone ZC of the housing 2 or at least in different angular sectors. These access ports 21, 22 are therefore not located directly above the central zone ZC through which the pumping channel 9 passes or begins. The inlet 6 typically constitutes the end of this pumping channel 9, while one or more peripheral channels VP can form termination sections of the pumping channel 9.

[0061] If the crankcase 2 tilts due to the inclined position of the vehicle carrying unit 1, as shown in [Fig. 1], access 21 or 22 on the side where it tilts may allow oil to flow upwards, in the opposite direction to the downward flow, as long as the access in question remains accessible from below. Unit 1, as provided here, prevents this upward flow in this case of tilting via access 22, by equipping the latter with a valve or flapper 4 whose sealing portion CV rises in line with the rising oil level on that side, so as to engage with a fixed portion called the seat portion S, which may correspond to an edge of a lower outlet of access 21, 22. This arrangement may also be provided for the other access(s). Access 21 of [Fig.1], like access 22, is provided with a sliding valve 4, which allows a rapid return, caused by a push of the oil and / or by a return effect of a return means RI, R2. More specifically, unit 1 includes shut-off valves 4 for each of the oil return / readmission ports 21, 22, which thus act as oil check valves: access is therefore selective (directional to allow downward movement but not upward movement). For each of the shut-off valves 4, a slide 4a, 4b can be provided which carries or includes the sealing portion CV.

[0062] The valves 4 can be mounted so as to have an upper part that is enlarged relative to the rest of the valve, with the exception of a sealing element J, implemented, for example, as an annular elastomeric seal or a flexible sealing lip. Unit 1 can include two slides: a first slide 4a mounted in the first access port 21 and a second slide 4b mounted in the first access port 22. With reference to Figures 1 to 3, an example of mounting a valve 4 with this slide 4a or 4b is shown. These first and second slides 4a, 4b are each housed and guided, along a guiding direction, in the corresponding access port 21, respectively 22. The guiding effect is achieved by an insertion portion of the slide 4a, 4b, which is inserted through the upper wall 2b along a downward direction opposite to the Z direction of [Fig. 1]. The sealing element J is carried by each of the slides 4a, 4b by connecting to a groove G4 after the insertion.More broadly, the guidance in access 21 or 22 takes place in a narrowing zone of the valve section, which corresponds to an intermediate section of the slide 4a, 4b which is elongated.

[0063] The sealing portion CV, movable with the slide, can close / seal the access as soon as the stop portion Jb provided on an annular top of the sealing element engages against the seat portion S. A fixed flange 7, annular in shape and delimiting the single opening 02 forming the access, can optionally form the seat portion S while also forming a top surface blocking the descent of the slide 4a, 4b by forming an axial contact zone for the stop(s) B4. It is understood that the two stop portions B4 and Jb limit the sliding stroke of the slide 4a, 4b. The portion of the slide that makes guiding contact with the inside of the annular flange 7 may include several bars 4p, parallel to the X-axis and delimiting the lateral openings 04. These bars 4p support the sealing portion CV, which may also include the flotation device 4f. Advantageously, to make the flotation device 4f compact, it may have an annular thinning of thickness, formed between the groove G4 and the recess 4H.

[0064] As can be seen in the example of Figures 2A and 2B, the upper part of each slide 4a, 4b may have an annular cross-section at least on one free edge or above it and have lateral openings 04 allowing the HR oil to fall back around the sealing portion CV. With respect to a slide displacement axis X ([Fig. 2A]), which defines a direction of elongation of the slide 4a, 4b, the sealing portion CV is perpendicular. This allows each valve 4 to present: - a through configuration, i.e., an opening with the side opening(s) 04 positioned lower (at least partially) than the seat portion S; and - a non-through configuration with a comparatively raised position of the slide 4a, 4b, in which the side opening(s) 04 are entirely arranged above the portion of seat Sn on which the annular sealing element J butts and engages in a watertight manner.

[0065] This sealing element J is elastically deformable (typically being compressible) and forms a bead capable of engaging, through annular contact, against the portion of the seat S provided as a fixed surface integral with the upper wall 2b. The section of the slide 4a, 4b which is guided extends between this groove G4 and a stop zone B4 resulting from one or more external shoulders that form the transition with the upper part (thus enlarged). The upward movement of the slide with the stop position of the sealing element J can be assisted / initiated by one or both of the following effects: - the Archimedes' thrust of the rising oil to push a flotation organ or assembly 4f which is structurally part of the slide 4a, 4b by extending into the internal volume V2 in the passing configuration; - the push or restoring effect of a restoring element RI, R2, which can be a spring, mounted on the upper part of the slide, and which exerts a restoring force directed opposite to the internal volume V2, following the upward direction Z in the absence of inclination (horizontal position of the housing 2 of the unit 1).

[0066] More generally, whatever the structure chosen to implement the valve 4, it is understood that each slide 4a, 4b can rise rapidly in the presence of a sufficient oil level in the internal volume V2 to reach the corresponding access, and this is all the more easily since the unit 1 provides a suction inlet 6, which causes a vacuum in the internal volume V2 into which the accesses 21, 22 open. The operation with oil readmission is not altered by the presence of the valves 4, insofar as each part of the sealing CV is subjected to a significant weight of oil as long as the RH fall flow is supplied at a normal / usual flow rate. The surface Fc ([Fig. 2A]) on the top of the sealing portion can be convex upwards to facilitate radial outward flow, with the convexity centered with respect to a central axis of the slide (which may coincide with the X-axis). Each slide 4a, 4b can be made in one piece, for example from rigid plastic.

[0067] To ensure that the descent of the slide 4a, 4b is reactive, the valve 4 can be made without a spring or return element to induce closure, in configurations where the flotation effect is sufficient to reliably achieve the return and the non-passing configuration. Figures 1 and 3 show an example of an embodiment without a spring or return element. The access 22 visible in [Fig. 1], on the left, is nevertheless blocked by the flotation effect of the flotation element that constitutes the lower or inserted part of the slide 4b. This arrangement prevents the risk of the suction system losing its prime on the inlet side 6 due to a lack of oil when it can rise above the upper wall through one of the access points 21, 22: in [Fig. 1], it can be seen that the level of the oil Hu in the central zone remains above the sieve 60 or equivalent inlet zone of inlet 6.

[0068] Alternatively, the flotation effect can assist the restoring effect exerted by the restoring element RI, R2. A tilted position that prevents the correct settling of the oil HR will limit the impact of the vacuum (this vacuum existing in the unfilled part of the internal volume V2, not on the side of a slide 4a or 4b beginning to be lifted / pushed by the mass of oil). In a design with a spring, the return effect alone can allow the spring to rise when the suction is no longer sufficient to keep the spring compressed (having the spring height h2, as seen for example in the [Fig.2A]): this will push back the rim or collar 4d provided at the upper end of the slide 4a, 4b. Typically, the collar 4d is positioned beyond the lateral openings 04 and forms an annular rim radially projecting outwards.

[0069] In all cases, it is understood that the sealing method corresponds to an adaptation to the circumstances and conditions affecting the internal volume V2: typically, during operation, it lasts only for the time during which the collection and circulation of oil are carried out under the inclined condition of the casing 2 of unit 1. The filter 3, whose filtration chamber is separate from the internal volume V2, is not subject to fluctuations in the oil level in the internal volume V2 used for storing the oil Hu. Indeed, this filter 3 is located on the pressure side of the pump P (downstream). Furthermore, the presence of another access on the opposite side, relative to the central zone ZC, ensures that at least one access remains in a passable configuration, which helps to prevent a drop in the oil level in the central zone: this level can thus remain above the position of the screen to avoid the aspiration of air and / or an undesirable effect of priming.

[0070] With reference to [Fig. 2B], one option for integrating a return element RI, R2 is to provide a groove G7 or fixed retaining zone in a flange 7 or a part designed to define the passage size, typically the internal diameter, of the corresponding access. Thus, the return element RI, R2 can extend between a first termination T1, which is movable with the slide 4a, 4b, and a second termination, which remains fixed and in contact with the flange 7. In the case of a helical spring, the groove G7 can be open only on its top, allowing for centering of the spring. An inner skirt J7 of this flange 7 can form an internal boundary of the groove G7, which is annular in this case. The flange 7 can form both the seat portion on its underside and the groove G7, which is accessible on the opposite side, from its top. With or without return element(s) provided for closing access ports 21 and 22, the slides 4a and 4b of unit 1 can have a linear stroke, each between an extreme position PI, PI' (high) which corresponds to the non-passing configuration, and between an extreme position P2, P2' (low) which corresponds to the passing configuration for oil flow RH. If a spring or elastic return element is provided with two ends or terminations T1, T2 between which its height is defined, then this height can vary, reaching a maximum height hl ([Fig. 2A]) by practically achieving access closure with the high position PI, PI' of the slide 4a, 4b.

[0071] In the case of a significant inclination, it is understood that a restoring effect can be particularly useful / advantageous to compensate for a possible insufficiency of the Archimedes' thrust of the oil Hu (the thrust force which is then offset with respect to the direction of the X axis of guided sliding / displacement). The presence of a central recess 4H in the bottom of the slide 4a, 4b, surrounded by the sealing element and having a depth of several millimeters, with this depth typically exceeding 30% of the total length of the slide 4a, 4b considered, can facilitate the ascent despite the high angle of inclination: the bottom of this recess 4H can be concave so that an offset thrust still pushes a lateral portion of the sealing part. This non-flat structure, hollowed out from below, can be preferred to form the flotation element 4f directly in the guided plastic part forming the slide 4a. 4b.

[0072] Each valve 4 can be mounted in a connection port or fitting, generally a tubular extension around an axis, which allows a peripheral annular seal Jp ([Fig. 2A]) to be supported (from the top / outside of the upper wall 2b of the housing). This annular seal Jp is, for example, received in a groove Gp with an axial upper opening that surrounds the slide 4a, 4b. Example of a filter element

[0073] In order to optimize the service life of the transmission components and the associated pressurized oil circuit C3, carried by unit 1, the surface area of ​​the MF filter media of the filter 3 can be large / optimized, for example by using an annular or tubular configuration of the MF filter media, provided with one or more filtration layers. The filtration chamber can be delimited by two parts or halves of a housing 23, which can be two complementary shells Hvl, Hv2 of the housing 2. The first shell Hvl can be part of the component constituting the bottom wall 2a, and the second shell Hv2 can be part of the component constituting the top wall 2b. The housing 23, at least by its shell Hv2, can be visible on top of the housing 2 with these two walls 2a, 2b assembled, as shown for example on [Fig.4B]. This housing 23 is configured with an outlet 32 ​​through which a mounting shaft of the filter element EF passes.

[0074] With reference to Figures 4A, 4B, and 5, for example, it can be seen more broadly that the attachment of the filter 3 to the housing 2 can result from the fact that the filtration chamber is delimited by the upper wall 2 and a complementary component, which may be the lower / bottom wall 2a. In the housing, the filter element EF separates the downstream zone Z2, which includes the central hollow interior space (the space delimited by the inner face of the filter media MF), from the upstream zone ZI, where an inlet 31 of the filter, formed laterally on the housing, opens. The filter element EF can extend longitudinally around an axis corresponding to the mounting axis, between a first axial end 30a and a second axial end 30b. The upstream zone ZI can include a peripheral region of the chamber, completely surrounding the filter media MF.

[0075] In the non-limiting example of [Fig. 5], it can be seen that a first flange 33, here provided without an axial opening, constitutes the first end 30a. The filter media MF extends annularly around the mounting axis, enveloping a central perforated tubular frame 3s adapted to support the filter media MF internally (on the inner face of this filter media MF). A second flange 34, axially opposed to the first flange 33, completes the latter to fix and / or retain the axial ends of the filter media MF. These two flanges 33, 4, and the frame 3s can thus form the rigid structural part of the filter element EF. The latter can constitute a selectively replaceable cartridge in some embodiments (by reusing the housing 23).

[0076] The second flange 34 includes a tubular end 35, projecting from the radial portion of the flange 34, with a central opening in this flange allowing the hollow interior space (of the downstream zone Z2) to communicate with the outlet 32 ​​to evacuate the purified oil flow F' out of the filtration chamber. Output 32 is in communication with the lubrication circuit of component(s) M, SR via the fitting(s) 2d made accessible by channel 32', which can preferably bypass the internal volume V2. The MF media can thus be adapted to purify all the oil exiting the crankcase 2 via the oil return fittings 2d. The filter element EF, which is part of the circuit C3 with the oil pressurization Hp, located downstream of the pump P, can be completely covered by the upper wall 2b and possibly without protruding higher than the slides 4a, 4b, or at least the highest of the slides 4a provided for the oil return. When one of the access ports 21 is comparatively further from the bottom wall 2 than the other access port 22, this access port 21 can be close to the housing 23. This can allow the crankcase 2 to be flattened further at the end El opposite the point of integration of the filter 3, here towards / at the end E2.

[0077] More generally, it is understood that the filter 3 can be part of a filtration stage which, in the housing 2 (internally therein), is laterally offset from the central area ZC, to define a filtration chamber in a region distinct from an integration or connection area of ​​the suction pump P.

[0078] Although the illustrated examples show a filter 3 of the cartridge type, possibly replaceable, other options are permitted. If so, the filter 3 includes a reusable housing to delimit the entire filtration chamber (at least part of the housing is an integral part of a casing component such as the upper wall 2b). A filter cartridge or insert, with MF media of annular or non-annular structure, can be removably mounted in the reusable housing.

[0079] In certain designs of unit 1, a filter element EF is provided that can be mounted and removed as a single unit when the upper wall 2b does not overlap the bottom wall 2a. In the case of [Fig. 5], the first flange 33 (base flange) is spaced axially along the central axis (mounting axis) of the filter element EF from a first partition wall delimiting the filtration chamber. This allows the filter element EF to be connected and disconnected by creating a watertight contact in a section of pipe forming the outlet 32: the filter element EF of [Fig. 5] can be removed (after removal of the upper wall 2b and / or the bottom wall in this example) by being moved axially towards the first partition wall.The annular sealing contact Cr (radial contact) made between a peripheral bead or similar sealing part (radially projecting outwards) of the tubular end 35 and the receiving conduit of the outlet 32, prevents any oil from entering the upstream area ZI into the outlet 32.

[0080] With reference to [Fig. 7], a distance d between the longitudinal axes of the valves 4 (and therefore of the valves carrying these valves 4), typically measured along the elongation direction D2 of the housing 2, can be greater than half a dimension (width and / or length) of the housing 2. More generally, when several access points are distributed around the central zone ZC, a minimum distance d greater than ten or twenty centimeters can be provided. In an option with four access points, a distribution in four directions, with, for example, two pairs of access points separated by the same distance d (or a similar distance) exceeding fifteen centimeters, can be provided. In these examples, the opening(s) 02 are provided on the upper wall 2b and are partially or completely closed by the closing portion CV of the slides 4a, 4b, each of which has its own openings 04 located higher than the closing portion. In some variations, a flexible one-way flap carried by the slide in the closing portion CV can be added, for example to to allow a more central flow: this flexible valve rises with the slide 4a, 4b and can open / release a central passage only when a weight of oil is exerted from the top of this valve (which can function as a sub-valve).

[0081] Of course, other arrangements, without flotation device 4f or without return element RI, R2, can also be adopted to constitute one or more of the valves 4, for example provided that the downward circulation of the oil flow RH can take place through the upper wall 2b, before joining the internal volume V2.

[0082] 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.

[0083] For example, the case of a filter 3 receiving the pressurized oil flow through a simple pipe (without a valve) passing through the pump P and drawing the stored oil from a single point in the central zone ZC has been illustrated in a limiting manner. However, a different inlet or several different inlets may be provided to allow the circulation of the aspirated oil Ha, with or without a check valve. Also, although an even number of access points with valves 4 has been shown in the various illustrated cases, the unit 1 may just as easily include any number, possibly odd, of access points for the return of oil to the internal volume V2.

Claims

1. Demands Oil collection and storage unit (1), comprising: - a transmission oil sump (2) having a bottom wall (2a) and a top wall (2b), between which is delimited an internal volume (V2) of the sump allowing oil (Hu) storage; - in the top wall (2b), a first selective access (21) for the return of crude oil into the sump from above and a second selective access (22) for the admission of crude oil into the sump from above; - a pumping channel (9) for oil stored in the internal volume (V2), to allow communication with a lubrication circuit of one or more components (M, SR) external to and placed above the internal volume (V2) of the housing (2); characterized in that the unit (1) comprises shut-off valves (4) for each of said selective accesses (21, 22), the shut-off valves (4) comprising: - housed and guided along a guidance direction in the first access (21) and in the second access (22) respectively, a first slide (4a) and a second slide (4b); and in that: - the first access (21) and the second access (22) are distributed on either side of an area of ​​the casing through which the pumping path (9) passes or begins, - the first slide (4a) includes a first sealing part (CV) which is lifted by being induced by a return means (RI) and / or by having a flotation organ or assembly structure (4f) to lift in the presence of an oil level of the internal volume (V2) sufficient to reach the first access (21), the first slide (4a) occupying, for this lifted state, a sealing state of the first access (21), - the second slide (4b) includes a second sealing part (CV) which is lifted by being stressed by a return means (R2) and / or by having a flotation organ or assembly structure (4f) to lift in the presence of an oil level of the internal volume (V2) sufficient to reach the second access (22), the second slide (4b) occupying, for this other lifted state, a sealing state of the second access (22).

2. Unit according to claim 1, comprising a filter (3) integral with the housing (2), the filter (3) having a filter medium (MF) and a filtration chamber, housing the filter medium MF and accessible by an inlet (31) which communicates with the oil pumping path (9), so that the unit (1) allows filtration by the filter medium (MF), preferably downstream of a pre-filter which may include a screen equipping the pumping path, and in which the filtration chamber provided in the filter (3) is separated from the internal volume (V2) by the pumping path (9) and / or by a wall or a filter housing (23).

3. Unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, depending on the guidance direction, at least one of the first and second sealing parts (CV) is: - movable, to move away from and towards the bottom wall (2a), between an opening configuration and the sealing state to seal the access (21, 22) in which this slide (4a, 4b) is guided; and - provided with two stop portions (B4, Jb) distributed on either side of an annular border forming a seating area (S) fixedly attached to the top wall (2b), the two stop portions (B4, Jb) limiting the sliding stroke of the slide (4a, 4b); and in which an elastically deformable or compressible sealing element (J) forms one of the two stop portions (Jb) intended to come into contact with the seat area (S) from below, on the side of the internal volume (V2).

4. Unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the first and second flotation elements or assemblies (4f), which preferably extends below the upper wall (2b), is designed to constitute or carry the sealing portion (CV) of the corresponding slide by being movable along the guidance direction to allow this sealing portion (CV) to be moved away from the bottom wall (2a), and wherein at least one, and preferably both, of the first and second flotation elements or assemblies (4f): - extend below the upper wall (2b); and - each include at least one recess (4H) which is closed and sealed and / or which defines a volume selectively accessible from below.

5. Unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein both of the first and second flotation members or assemblies (4f): - include the sealing portion (CV) of the corresponding slide by allowing the latter to be moved away from the bottom wall (2a) until the sealing is obtained to close the access in which this slide is guided; and - respectively include an annular sealing element (J) surrounding a hollow area of ​​the slide, the sealing element (J) preferably being carried or formed at a lower end of the slide; wherein each slide (4a, 4b) consists of a movable assembly or a movable part guided in the access along a slide displacement axis (X), which is preferably substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall (2a).

6. Unit according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an oil suction pump (P), in particular enabling the internal volume (V2) delimited under the upper wall (2b) and under the valves (4) to be depressurized, the internal volume (V2) being in fluidic communication with a suction inlet of the pump (P), in which the pump (P) forms part of the pumping path (9) and has a discharge outlet (90) in fluidic communication with the lubrication circuit of one or more components (M, SR) by means of which the oil is pressurized downstream of the pump (P).

7. Unit according to claim 6 when it depends on claim 2, comprising a heat exchanger device (50) which is interposed, along a direction (D2) of elongation of the casing (2), between: - the filter (3), disposed at one end (E2) of the casing (2); - and said pump (P) which makes it possible to circulate a flow of oil from the internal volume (V2) to an inlet of the heat exchanger device (50); and in which the inlet (31) of the filter (3) communicates with an outlet of the heat exchanger device (50).

8. Unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising: - a first return element (RI) for returning the first slide (4a) to a raised position away from the bottom wall (2a); and - a second return element (R2) for returning the second slide (4b) to a raised position away from the bottom wall (2a); these return elements (RI, R2) each being mounted to move by default the shutter part (CV) into an access closure configuration, respectively for closing the first access (21) and for closing the second access (22).

9. Unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first access (21) is closed in a first position of the first slide (PI) which is distal to the bottom wall (2a), the closing portion (CV) provided in the first slide (4a) closing this first access (21) on the side of the internal volume (V2) by bearing against an annular seat area (S) carried by the upper wall (2b), and wherein the second access (22) is closed in a first position of the second slide (PU) which is distal to the bottom wall (2a), the closing portion (CV) provided in the second slide (4b) closing this second access (22) on the side of the internal volume (V2) by bearing against another annular seat area (S) carried by the upper wall (2b), and wherein the opening configuration is obtained, under the effect of gravity for each of the slides (4a,4b) which are opposite the bottom wall (2a) forming the bottom of the housing (2), for a second slide position (P2, P2') which is proximal and therefore closer to the bottom wall (2a).

10. Unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the return means comprise a first spring and a second spring, wherein the first slide (4a) is induced by the first spring to obtain the opening configuration of the first slide, the first spring being compressible and having a stiffness adapted to compress when a mass of oil presses on the top of the sealing part of the first slide, and in which the second slide (4b) is stressed by the second spring to obtain the opening configuration of the second slide, the second spring being compressible and having a stiffness adapted to compress when a mass of oil presses on the top of the sealing part of the second slide, by which means the accesses (21, 22) allow the admission of crude oil into the crankcase from the top with an automatic and assisted anti-lifting effect of oil by a return force in case of tilting of the crankcase.

11. Unit according to claim 2 or any one of claims 3 to 10 when it depends on claim 2, wherein the filter (3) comprises a filter element (EF) adapted to be mounted between the lower wall (2a) and the upper wall (2b), the filter element (EF) being housed in the filtration chamber by including a flange (34) having a central orifice (03) and said filter media (MF) in an annular form with a media end connected to the flange (34), such that the filter element (EF) delimits, by an internal face of the filter media (MF), a hollow internal space in fluidic communication with an outlet (32) of the filter (3) via the central orifice (03).

12. Unit according to claim 2 or any one of claims 3 to 11 when it depends on claim 2, wherein the upper wall (2b) has at least one, and preferably at least two oil circulation fittings (2d) separate from the accesses (21, 22) and delimits: - all or part of a filtration chamber of the filter (3), the filter medium (FM) preferably being adapted to purify all of the oil exiting the crankcase (2) via oil return fittings (2d) which are provided in this wall; and - the outlet (32).

13. Unit according to claim 11 and claim 12, wherein the outlet (32) of the filter (3) is integrated into the upper wall (2b) and surrounds a projecting nozzle (35) formed as an annular projection on the flange (34), so as to connect to in a way that is sealed to the filter element (EF) by means of a radial annular contact (Cr) on said nozzle provided in the flange (34).

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