Sump and heat exchanger module

Abstract

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved oil sump and oil cooler module.SOLUTION: The sump and heat exchanger module may include a housing shell and a cover. The housing shell can at least partially define an interior space. The housing shell may include a sump section configured to house at least a portion of the sump and a heat exchanger section configured to house at least a portion of the heat exchanger. The cover can be disposed within the housing shell and can divide the interior space into a heat exchanger space and a sump space. The housing shell further comprises a recess which opens the heat exchanger space into the sump space. The cover can close a recess which is connected to the housing shell and which seals off the heat exchanger space and the sump space from one another.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 672,555, filed July 17, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to sumps (e.g., oil sumps), heat exchangers (e.g., oil coolers), and sump and heat exchanger modules, assemblies, and / or systems (e.g., oil sumps and oil cooler modules) that may be used, for example, in connection with automobiles.

[0003] Background technology A heat exchanger (e.g., an oil cooler) may be attached to a sump (e.g., an oil sump) or plastic components to form a module, assembly, and / or system, such as an oil sump and oil cooler module (OSOC module). Connecting and / or attaching a heat exchanger to a sump (e.g., a sump housing) typically requires numerous external fastening mechanisms and / or components, and thus, conventional OSOC modules can be time-consuming, complex, expensive, and / or inefficient to manufacture and / or assemble. Furthermore, because the heat exchanger is typically located outside the sump housing in conventional OSOC modules, the heat exchanger is exposed and / or exposed to adverse environmental conditions. This can lead, for example, to corrosion of one or more components (e.g., aluminum components) of the heat exchanger. Conventional and / or standard heat exchangers often utilized in conventional OSOC modules, which typically include a first subset of plates conducting oil and a second subset of plates conducting coolant, also experience significant cooling pressure drops during operation, which adversely affect performance and / or efficiency. These conventional and / or standard heat exchangers are also susceptible to clogging, for example, due to contamination of the coolant / water mixture.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for an improved oil sump and oil cooler module (OSOC module) that minimizes or eliminates one or more problems or drawbacks of existing OSOC modules.

[0005] Summary of the Invention The sump and heat exchanger module may include a housing shell and a cover. The housing shell may at least partially define an interior space. The housing shell may include a sump section configured to accommodate at least a portion of the sump and a heat exchanger section configured to accommodate at least a portion of the heat exchanger. The cover may be disposed within the housing shell and may divide the interior space into a heat exchanger space and a sump space. The housing shell further includes a recess that opens the heat exchanger space into the sump space. The cover may be connected to the housing shell and close the recess that seals the heat exchanger space and the sump space from each other.

[0006] The sump and heat exchanger module may include a housing shell, a cover, a sump, and a heat exchanger. The housing shell may include (i) a sump section at least partially defining a sump space, and (ii) a heat exchanger section at least partially defining a heat exchanger space. The cover may be disposed within the housing shell and may fluidly seal the heat exchanger space and the sump space. The sump may be at least partially disposed within the sump space of the housing shell. The heat exchanger may be at least partially disposed within the heat exchanger space of the housing shell.

[0007] Various other features and advantages will be made apparent from the following detailed description and the drawings.

[0008] The claims are not limited to specific examples, but an understanding of various aspects can be gained through the description of various examples. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and certain features may be exaggerated or hidden to better illustrate and explain the innovative aspects of the examples. Furthermore, the exemplary figures described herein are neither exhaustive nor limiting, and the embodiments are not limited to the precise forms and configurations shown in the drawings or disclosed in the following detailed description. The exemplary figures are described in detail by reference to the following drawings: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary sump and heat exchanger module. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary sump and heat exchanger module. [Figure 3] 2 is a top cross-sectional view of the module of FIG. 1, the cross-section being in an XY plane extending through the coolant port. [Figure 4] 2 is an exploded perspective cross-sectional view of the module of FIG. 1, the cross-section being in an XZ plane extending through the coolant inlet port and the second fluid inlet port. [Figure 5] 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the module of FIG. 1, the cross section being in a plane perpendicular to the XY plane and extending through the second fluid port. [Figure 6] 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the module of FIG. 1, the cross section being in a plane perpendicular to the XY plane and extending through the coolant ports. [Figure 7] 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an integral connection (eg, a welded and / or welded connection) between the housing shell and the cover of the module of FIG. 1. [Figure 8A] FIG. 10 is a partial bottom view of another exemplary sump and heat exchanger module, with the housing shell and cover coupled via a mechanical connection. [Figure 8B] 8B is a cross-sectional view of the module of FIG. 8A, the cross-section being in an XZ plane extending through the coolant inlet port and the second fluid inlet port. [Figure 8C] 8B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the module of FIG. 8A, the cross-section being in an XZ plane extending through the housing shell, cover, and mechanical fasteners.

[0010] MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the various described embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, circuits, and networks have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.

[0011] Disclosed is a sump and heat exchanger module 100 for a motor vehicle (e.g., automobile), at least some examples of which may also be considered and / or referred to as a sump with an integrated heat exchanger, an oil sump and oil cooler module (OSOC module), and / or an oil sump with an embedded oil cooler. As shown generally in the exploded cross-sectional view of FIG. 4, the module 100 includes a plastic housing 102, a cover 200, a sump 600 (e.g., an oil sump), a heat exchanger 700 (e.g., an oil cooler), and optionally at least one structure 300. The housing 102 includes at least one housing shell 104 constructed of a corrosion-resistant plastic. The housing shell 104 is connected and / or connectable to a structure 300 that optionally closes an open end of the housing shell 104. In some examples, such as when the structure 300 is configured as a second housing shell 300′, the structure 300, 300′ is part and / or portion of the module 100 and / or housing 102. In other examples, such as when the structure 300 is the body of another component, device, and / or apparatus, the structure 300 is not part and / or portion of the module 100, and the module 100 may be mounted on and supported by the structure 300 by connecting the housing shell 104 to the structure 300. The housing 102 and / or housing shell 104 at least partially enclose, enclose, and / or protect one or more parts and / or components of both the sump 600 and the heat exchanger 700. The cover 200 is disposed inside the housing 102 and / or housing shell 104 and partitions / divides the interior space 106 of the housing 102 and / or housing shell 104 into a sump space 108 and a heat exchanger space (HE space) 110. The sump 600 and / or one or more components thereof are at least partially disposed within the sump space 108. The heat exchanger 700 and / or one or more components thereof are at least partially disposed within the HE space 110.The first fluid may be disposed within and / or flow through sump space 108 and / or sump 600. The second fluid and coolant may be disposed within and / or flow through HE section 120, HE space 110, and / or heat exchanger 700 (e.g., HE core 702). The first fluid, second fluid, and coolant are fluidly separated from one another and can flow through module 100 simultaneously.

[0012] Various views of an exemplary module 100 in which a cover 200 is connected to a housing shell 104 via a welded and / or welded connection are shown in Figures 1-7. Another exemplary module 100 in which a cover 200 is releasably and / or detachably connected to a housing shell 104 via a mechanical connection 212, such as by mechanical fasteners 214 (e.g., screws), is shown in Figures 8A-8C.

[0013] In the illustrative examples herein, the module 100 includes a single sump 600, a single heat exchanger 700, a single HE core 702, two fluid ports 112, 114, and two coolant ports 116, 118; however, it is contemplated that the module 100 may include several sumps 600 arranged in a single sump section 180 or separate sump sections 180, several heat exchangers 700 and / or HE cores 702 arranged in a single HE section 120 or separate HE sections 120, three or more fluid ports 112, 114 (e.g., a pair of fluid ports 112, 114 in each heat exchanger 700 and / or HE core 702), and / or three or more coolant ports 116, 118 (e.g., a pair of coolant ports 116, 118 in each heat exchanger 700 and / or HE core 702). Additionally and / or alternatively, one or more inventive concepts of module 100 (e.g., providing a component and / or housing with an encapsulated and sealed chamber for containing a heat exchanger) may be extrapolated to many other applications (e.g., applications and / or environments where a heat exchanger is located adjacent to a component and / or housing other than a sump).

[0014] The placement of one or more portions, components, and / or elements of heat exchanger 700 (e.g., HE core 702 and / or plates 704, which may be at least partially constructed of aluminum and / or are prone to corrosion) within housing 102, unlike conventional OSOC modules, protects those portions, components, and / or elements of heat exchanger 700 from the ambient environment (e.g., adverse environmental conditions). This protects heat exchanger 700 and / or portions thereof (e.g., HE core 702 and / or plates 704) from corrosion, extends the useful life of module 100 and / or heat exchanger 700, and reduces maintenance costs for module 100 and / or heat exchanger 700 compared to conventional OSOC modules.

[0015] Furthermore, because the housing 102 and / or housing shell 104 are constructed of corrosion-resistant plastic, there is no need to apply special alloys to the heat exchanger 700 and / or portions thereof to provide corrosion protection and / or resistance. Therefore, manufacturing and assembly of the module 100 is simplified and less costly than conventional OSOC modules. The corrosion-resistant plastic of the housing 102 and / or housing shell 104 also resists corrosion better than metal (e.g., aluminum), improving the durability of the module 100.

[0016] The module 100 also eliminates the need for fastening mechanisms and an aluminum base plate for the heat exchanger 700, which are common in conventional OSOC modules. The plastic housing 102 and / or housing shell 104 include coolant ports and / or connections (e.g., coolant connectors 162, 172) for the coolant system of the heat exchanger 700, thereby further eliminating the need for separate and / or aluminum ports and / or connections common in conventional OSOC modules. This, among other things, enables the disclosed module 100 to achieve significant reductions in (i) overall weight and (ii) weight of aluminum components compared to conventional OSOC modules.

[0017] The module 100 utilizes a submarine-style heat exchanger 700, which includes a heat exchanger core (HE core) 702 and / or plates 704 that conduct only oil (i.e., do not include a subset of plates that conduct coolant as in a conventional-style heat exchanger and / or oil cooler). Thus, there is no embedded coolant flow through the HE core 702. Rather, the coolant is channeled through the portion / region / space of the housing 102 in which the HE core 702 is located (i.e., the HE space 110), and the coolant flows around the exterior of the HE core 702 (e.g., its one or more plates 704). Because the module 100 utilizes the submarine-style heat exchanger 700, at least in part, as opposed to a conventional and / or standard-style heat exchanger like a conventional OSOC module, it offers reduced coolant pressure drop, improved coolant flow, and less susceptibility to clogging compared to conventional OSOC modules. The HE core 702 of the submarine-style heat exchanger 700 is modular and may be utilized with a variety of different ports, adapters, and / or connectors. Thus, aluminum tubing for coolant lines, which is utilized in many conventional OSOC modules, is not required in the disclosed module 100. In at least some examples of the disclosed module 100, the HE core 702 and / or plates 704 of the heat exchanger 700 are available in only one thickness size.

[0018] Utilizing the submarine-style heat exchanger 700 also reduces the weight of the heat exchanger 700 and / or the module 100. For example, a module 100 having an integral connection 202 between the housing shell 104 and the cover 200 and the submarine-style heat exchanger 700 as shown in FIGS. 1-7 would have a total weight of approximately 25% (e.g., approximately 1.297 kg) less than a module using a conventional heat exchanger with an internal flow of cooling fluid. The submarine-style heat exchanger 700 in this example would also have a total weight of approximately 59% (e.g., approximately 0.462 kg) less than a comparable conventional heat exchanger with an internal flow of cooling fluid. As another example, a module 100 having a releasable mechanical connection 212 between the housing shell 104 and the cover 200 and the submarine-style heat exchanger 700 as shown in FIGS. 8A-8C would have a total weight of approximately 8% (e.g., approximately 1.598 kg) less than a module using a conventional heat exchanger with an internal flow of cooling fluid. The submarine heat exchanger 700 and seal 216 in this example have a total weight that is approximately 51% (eg, approximately 0.553 kg) lighter than a comparable conventional heat exchanger with internal coolant flow-through.

[0019] As shown generally in Figures 3-7, the housing 102 and / or housing shell 104 include and / or define an interior space 106 that includes a sump space 108 and a heat exchanger space (HE space) 110. The housing 102 and / or housing shell 104 may form and / or be considered a component of the sump 600 and / or heat exchanger 700. The housing 102 and / or housing shell 104 at least partially houses, encloses, and / or protects one or more portions and / or components of both the sump 600 and the heat exchanger 700.

[0020] Housing shell 104 includes a first / heat exchanger section, region, and / or portion that may be referred to as HE section 120 and a second / sump section, region, and / or portion that may be referred to as sump section 180. Sump section 180 is configured to house at least a portion of sump 600, at least partially defines and / or limits sump space 108, and is connected and / or connectable to structure 300. HE section 120 is disposed on and projects from sump section 180 and is configured to house at least a portion of heat exchanger 700 and at least partially defines and / or limits HE space 110.

[0021] As shown generally in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4-6, the sump section 180 includes multiple walls, including a base wall 182 and one or more side walls 184. The side walls 184 are connected to and extend from the base wall 182. The side walls 184 project laterally (e.g., diagonally or vertically) from the base wall 182 and extend around the periphery of the base wall 182. The housing shell 104, the sump section 180, and / or the base wall 182 include a recess 186 that is disposed within and defined by the base wall 182. The recess 186 extends completely through the base wall 182 such that the HE space 110 opens into the sump space 108 via a recess 216.

[0022] The sump section 108 is connected and / or connectable (e.g., releasably or non-releasably) to a structure 300 (e.g., a separate second housing shell 300′ and / or part or body of another device, apparatus, and / or assembly) to form the housing 102, close the sump volume 108, and / or mount the module 100, etc. The free end of the side wall 184 and / or the end of the sump section 180 opposite the HE section 120 are connected and / or connectable to the structure 300, 300′. Optionally, the structure 300, 300′ closes and / or seals an open end of the housing shell 104, the sump section 180, and / or the sump volume 108 (e.g., disposed opposite the base wall 182). In some examples, the module 100 is attached to and supported by the structure 300, 300′ by connecting the sump section 180 to the structure 300, 300′.

[0023] The sump section 180 also optionally includes a first fluid inlet port and / or a first fluid outlet port through which the module 100, the sump section 180, the sump space 108, and / or the sump 600 receive and / or output the first fluid. The first fluid inlet port may be connectable (e.g., physically and / or fluidly) to one or more other components that supply and / or transport the first fluid to the module 100 and / or the sump 600. The first fluid outlet port may be connectable (e.g., physically and / or fluidly) to one or more other components that receive the first fluid from the module 100 and / or the sump 600. Alternatively, in some examples, the structure 300, 300′ connected to the sump section 180 includes the first fluid inlet port and / or the first fluid outlet port.

[0024] As shown schematically in FIGS. 1 and 3-7, the HE section 120 includes multiple walls, including a base wall 122 and one or more side walls 124. The base wall 122 is disposed opposite the recess 186 of the sump section 180. The side wall 124 extends between and connects the base wall 122 of the HE section 120 and the base wall 182 of the sump section 180. The side wall 124 projects laterally (e.g., diagonally or vertically) from the base wall 122 of the HE section 120 and / or the base wall 182 of the sump section 180. The side wall 124 also extends around the outer periphery of the base wall 122 of the HE section 120 and around the outer periphery of the recess 186 of the sump section 180.

[0025] 1 and 5, the housing 102, the housing shell 104, the HE section 120, and / or the base wall 122 include a plurality of fluid openings (e.g., fluid inlet opening 130, fluid outlet opening 140) through which a second fluid can flow into and / or out of the HE section 120 and the HE core 702. The fluid openings 130, 140 are disposed within and defined by the base wall 122 of the HE section 120 of the housing shell 104. The fluid outlet opening 140 is disposed on a first side 120A of the HE section 120, and the fluid inlet opening 130 is disposed on an opposite second side 120B of the HE section 120.

[0026] 5 , the housing 102, housing shell 104, HE section 120, and / or base wall 122 are annular in shape and include an internal inlet collar 132 and an internal outlet collar 142 that protrude from the base wall 122 of the HE section 120 into the HE space 110. The internal inlet collar 132 extends around the fluid inlet opening 130. The internal inlet collar 132 sealingly contacts, abuts, and / or is connected to the HE core 702 (e.g., its top plate 704A′), such that the internal inlet collar 132 extends around the fluid inlet passage 736 and / or the first fluid opening 732 of the top plate 704A′. In this manner, the internal inlet collar 132 provides a seal between the HE section 120 of the housing shell 104 and the HE core 702, effectively restricting and / or preventing mixing of the second fluid and the coolant (e.g., by preventing and / or restricting the second fluid from leaking into the HE space 110 and / or the coolant from leaking into the fluid inlet passage 736).

[0027] Similarly, the internal outlet collar 142 extends around the fluid outlet opening 140. The internal outlet collar 142 sealingly contacts, abuts, and / or is connected to the HE core 702 (e.g., its top plate 704A′) such that the internal outlet collar 142 extends around the fluid outlet passage 738 and / or the second fluid opening 734 of the top plate 704A′. In this manner, the internal outlet collar 142 provides a seal between the HE section 120 of the housing shell 104 and the HE core 702, effectively restricting and / or preventing mixing of the second fluid and the coolant (e.g., by preventing and / or restricting leakage of the second fluid into the HE space 110 and / or leakage of the coolant into the fluid outlet passage 738).

[0028] As shown schematically in FIGS. 1 and 5 , the housing shell 104, the HE section 120, and / or the base wall 122 are annular in shape and further include an external inlet collar 134 and an external outlet collar 144 that protrude from the base wall 122 of the HE section 120 in a direction away from the HE space 110. The external inlet collar 134 extends around the fluid inlet opening 130. A radially inwardly protruding lip 134A is disposed at a free end of the external inlet collar 134 that faces the base wall 122. The lip 134A forms and / or defines an opening 136 having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the fluid inlet opening 130 and / or the inner diameter of the external inlet collar 134. The lip 134A is in sealing contact with and / or is in sealing contact with a fluid inlet seal 138, which can restrict and / or prevent fluid from leaking into / from the HE space 110 and / or the fluid inlet passage 736.

[0029] Similarly, the outer outlet collar 144 extends around the fluid outlet opening 140. A radially inwardly protruding lip 144A is disposed at a free end of the outer outlet collar 144 disposed opposite the base wall 122. The lip 144A forms and / or defines an opening 146 having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the fluid outlet opening 140 and / or the inner diameter of the outer outlet collar 144. The lip 144A may be in sealing contact with and / or be in sealing contact with a fluid outlet seal 148 to restrict and / or prevent fluid from leaking into / from the HE space 110 and / or the fluid outflow passage 738.

[0030] As shown schematically in FIGS. 1 and 4-6 , the module 100 and / or housing shell 104 include a fluid inlet adapter 152 through which the module 100, heat exchanger 700, and / or HE core 702 are connectable to one or more other components that supply and / or transport a second fluid (e.g., oil) to the module 100, heat exchanger 700, and / or HE core 702. The fluid inlet adapter 152 is configured to engage and / or connect to a fluid supply component. The fluid inlet adapter 152 is partially disposed within the housing shell 104, the internal inlet collar 132, and / or the external inlet collar 134. The fluid inlet adapter 152 protrudes from the HE section 120 of the housing shell 104 through the opening 136 and is therefore also partially disposed outside the housing shell 104. Fluid inlet seal 138 is disposed between and in sealing contact with the inner circumferential surface of external inlet collar 134 and the outer circumferential surface of fluid inlet adapter 152, thereby restricting and / or preventing fluid from leaking through opening 136 into HE section 120 and / or housing 102. Fluid inlet adapter 152, fluid inlet opening 130, internal inlet collar 132, and / or external inlet collar 134 collectively define second fluid inlet port 112 of module 100, through which a second fluid can enter module 100, HE section 120, and / or heat exchanger 700.

[0031] The module 100 and / or housing shell 104 include a fluid outlet adapter 154 through which the module 100, the heat exchanger 700, and / or the HE core 702 are connectable to one or more other components that contain a second fluid (e.g., oil) from the module 100, the heat exchanger 700, and / or the HE core 702. The fluid outlet adapter 154 is configured to engage and / or connect to the fluid-containing component. The fluid outlet adapter 154 is partially disposed in the housing shell 104, the internal outlet collar 142, and / or the external outlet collar 144. The fluid outlet adapter 154 protrudes from the housing shell 104 through the opening 146 and is therefore also partially disposed outside the housing shell 104. Fluid outlet seal 148 is disposed between and in sealing contact with the inner circumferential surface of external outlet collar 144 and the outer circumferential surface of fluid outlet adapter 154, thereby restricting and / or preventing fluid from leaking into or out of HE section 120 and / or housing 102 through opening 146. Fluid outlet adapter 154, fluid outlet opening 140, internal outlet collar 142, and / or external outlet collar 144 collectively define second fluid outlet port 114 of module 100, through which a second fluid can exit module 100, HE section 120, and / or heat exchanger 700.

[0032] As shown schematically in FIGS. 3, 4, and 6, the housing 102, the housing shell 104, and / or the HE section 120 include a plurality of coolant openings (e.g., coolant inlet opening 160, coolant outlet opening 170) through which coolant can enter and / or exit the HE section 120 and / or the HE space 110. The coolant openings 160, 170 are disposed in and defined by one or more of the side walls 124 of the HE section 120 of the housing shell 104. In the illustrative example shown herein, the coolant inlet opening 160 is disposed in and defined by a first side wall 1241, and the coolant outlet opening 170 is disposed in and defined by a different second side wall 1242. The coolant inlet opening 160 is located on a first side 120A of the HE section 120 and the coolant outlet opening 170 is located on a second side 120B of the HE section 120.

[0033] As shown schematically in FIGS. 1 , 3 , 4 , and 6 , the housing 102, the housing shell 104, and / or the HE section 120 further include a coolant inlet connector 162, through which the module 100 can be connected to one or more other components that supply and / or transport coolant to the module 100. The coolant inlet connector 162 is configured to engage and / or connect to a coolant supply component. The coolant inlet connector 162 is a tubular member and / or annular body disposed on the first side 120A of the HE section 120. The coolant inlet connector 162 protrudes from the HE section 120 and / or the first sidewall 1241 in a direction away from the HE space 110 and extends around the periphery of the coolant inlet opening 160. The coolant inlet connector 162 includes and / or defines an intake duct 164 that communicates coolant from the coolant supply component connected to the coolant inlet connector 162 to the HE space 110. A coolant inlet connector 162 (e.g., an intake duct 164) is in fluid communication with the HE space 110 of the housing 102 (e.g., the coolant distribution area 110A) via a coolant inlet opening 160. The coolant inlet connector 162 and the coolant inlet opening 160 collectively define a coolant inlet port 116 of the module 100, through which coolant can enter the module 100 and / or the HE section 120.

[0034] The housing 102, the housing shell 104, and / or the HE section 120 further include a coolant outlet connector 172, through which the module 100 can be connected to one or more other components containing coolant. The coolant outlet connector 172 is configured to engage and / or connect to the coolant-containing component. The coolant outlet connector 172 is a tubular member and / or annular body disposed on the second side 120B of the HE section 120. The coolant outlet connector 172 protrudes from the HE section 120 and / or the second sidewall 1242 in a direction away from the HE space 110 and extends around the periphery of the coolant outlet opening 170. The coolant outlet connector 172 includes and / or defines an output duct 174 that communicates coolant from the HE space 110 to the coolant-containing component connected to the coolant outlet connector 172. The coolant outlet connector 172 (e.g., output duct 174) is in fluid communication with the HE space 110 of the housing 102 (e.g., coolant collection area 110A) via the coolant outlet opening 170. The coolant outlet connector 172 and the coolant outlet opening 170 collectively define the coolant outlet port 118 of the module 100, through which coolant can exit the module 100 and / or the HE section 120.

[0035] As shown generally in FIGS. 2 and 4-8C , the cover 200 is structured as and / or includes a generally planar body, optionally extending substantially parallel to one or both of the base walls 122, 182. The cover 200 is disposed inside the housing shell 104 and partitions and / or divides the interior space 106 of the housing shell 104 into the sump space 108 and the HE space 110. The cover 200 separates and seals the HE space 110, the heat exchanger 700, and the coolant from the sump space 108, the sump 600, and the first fluid. The sump section 180 of the housing shell 104, the cover 200, and the structure 300 (e.g., the second housing shell 300′ of the housing 102) collectively define and / or limit the sump space 108. The HE section 120 of the housing shell 104 and the cover 200 collectively define and / or limit the HE space 110. In other words, the cover 200 and the housing shell 104 at least partially define and / or limit the sump space 108 and the HE space 110, respectively.

[0036] The cover 200 is disposed on the housing shell 104 (e.g., on the base wall 182 of the sump section 180) to close and / or cover the recess 186 of the sump section 180 and / or the end of the HE space 110. The cover 200 is sealingly connected, secured, and / or bonded to the housing shell 104 (e.g., the base wall 182 of the sump section 180), thereby fluidly sealing the sump space 108 and the HE space 110 from each other. The cover 200 is spaced apart from the HE core 702 such that a compensation gap is defined and / or formed between the cover 200 and the nearest plate (e.g., the bottom plate 704B′) of the HE core 702, thereby enabling the module 100 to compensate for manufacturing tolerances and to compensate for thermal expansion of the HE core 702 and / or its plates 704 during operation.

[0037] The cover 200 is non-releasably and / or non-detachably connected to the housing shell 104 via an integral connection 202 (e.g., a weld and / or a welded connection) in the exemplary module 100 of Figures 1-7. In the exemplary module 100 shown in Figures 8A-8C, the cover 200 is releasably connected to the housing shell 104 (e.g., the base wall 182 of the sump section 180) via one or more mechanical connections 212, such as mechanical fasteners 214 (e.g., screws) that engage both the cover 200 and the housing shell 104, and a seal 216 (e.g., a ring seal) is disposed between and in sealing contact with the cover 200 and the housing shell 104 (e.g., the base wall 182 of the sump section 180) to facilitate sealing the sump space 108 and the HE space 110. Connecting the cover 200 to the housing shell 104 using the mechanical connection 212 allows the cover 200 to be removed from the housing shell 104 to access the heat exchanger space 110 and the heat exchanger 700 (e.g., for maintenance and / or replacement purposes), thus providing advantages with respect to repairability and overall service life of the module 100. The integral connection 202 of the cover 200 to the housing shell 104 is lighter and requires fewer components and / or elements than the mechanical connection 212, thus providing advantages with respect to the weight (e.g., see paragraph

[0031] ) and material costs of the module 100.

[0038] The housing shell 104 and / or the cover 200 are each constructed from a plastic, such as, for example, one or more polyamides. The housing shell 104 is constructed from a first plastic material, and the cover 200 is constructed from a second plastic material. In some examples, such as the exemplary module 100 shown in FIGS. 1-7 , where the cover 200 is laser welded to the housing shell 104 (i.e., connected via a laser weld and / or connected via a laser-welded connection), the first plastic material and the second plastic material are different from each other. The first plastic material of the housing shell 104 is, for example, a plastic material having laser-absorbing properties (i.e., a laser-absorbing plastic), a first polyamide, and / or a laser-absorbing polyamide. The laser-absorbing properties of the first plastic material enable a laser to heat and / or melt at least a portion or region of the housing shell 104, such as during a laser welding process. The second plastic material of the cover 200 may be, for example, a laser-transparent plastic material (i.e., a laser-transparent plastic), a second polyamide different from the first polyamide, and / or a laser-transparent polyamide. The laser-transparent properties of the second plastic material allow a laser, such as a laser utilized during a laser welding process, to pass through the cover 200 and reach the housing shell 104. In this manner, the laser-absorbing properties of the first plastic material and the laser-transparent properties of the second plastic material facilitate and / or enable the cover 200 and the housing shell 104 to be laser-welded to each other (i.e., connected via a laser weld and / or laser-welded connection). In other examples, the first plastic material and the second plastic material may be the same, and the housing shell 104 and the cover 200 may be constructed from the same plastic material, such as the exemplary module 100 shown in FIGS. 8A-8C in which the cover 200 is connected to the housing shell 104 via a mechanical connection 212, and / or other exemplary modules in which the cover 200 is not laser-welded to the housing shell 104.

[0039] Optionally, housing shell 104 and portions thereof (e.g., sump section 180, HE section 120, and / or portions thereof) are integrally formed (e.g., by injection molding) as a monolithic body. In other words, sections 120, 180, including base walls 122, 182, side walls 124, 184, and other elements and / or features thereof (e.g., elements 132, 134, 134A, 142, 144, 144A, 162, 172), are an integral part of housing shell 104. Cover 200 is also, optionally, formed as a monolithic body.

[0040] The heat exchanger 700 can be used to reject heat from a second fluid (e.g., oil, such as engine oil and / or transmission oil) to cool the second fluid and / or to transfer heat to the second fluid to warm / heat the second fluid. During operation, the second fluid and the coolant flow simultaneously through the module 100, the HE section 120, and / or the HE space 110, which are fluidly separated from one another. The second fluid contained by the module 100 and / or the heat exchanger 700 (e.g., the HE core 702) may range from −40°C to 160°C, while the coolant contained by the module 100 and / or the HE space 110 may range from −40°C to 130°C. The coolant absorbs heat from the second fluid as the second fluid flows through the module 100 and / or the HE section 120, thereby cooling the second fluid. Additionally and / or alternatively, the coolant absorbs heat (e.g., from the external environment and / or from one or more other components, assemblies, and / or structures), and the heated coolant transfers heat to the second fluid as it flows through module 100 and / or HE section 120, thereby warming and / or heating the second fluid. The coolant and second fluid flow in different and / or substantially opposite directions through module 100 and / or HE section 120 (e.g., the second fluid flows from second side 120B to first side 120A of HE section 120 as shown in FIG. 5 , and the coolant flows from first side 120A to second side 120B of HE section 120 as shown in FIG. 6 ), thereby enhancing and / or increasing the cooling / heating efficiency of heat exchanger 700.

[0041] As shown schematically in FIGS. 3-6 , the HE core 702 is disposed within the HE space 110 and is completely surrounded and / or enclosed by the HE section 120 and cover 200 of the housing shell 104. The HE core 702 is in fluid communication with the fluid ports 112, 114, such that a second fluid flows internally through the HE core 702. The HE core 702 is not in fluid communication with the coolant ports 116, 118, such that coolant does not flow internally through the HE core 702. Rather, the coolant ports 116, 118 are in direct fluid communication with the HE space 110, such that the coolant flowing through the HE space 110 flows externally around the HE core 702. The second fluid flowing internally through the HE core 702 is fluidly isolated (e.g., via the HE core 702 and / or the plate 704) from the coolant flowing through the HE space 110.

[0042] The HE core 702 includes a plurality of plates 704 arranged in a stacked configuration to form and / or define a plate stack 708, arranged in plate pairs 706. Each plate pair 706 includes a first plate 704A and a second plate 704B connected to each other to define and / or limit a fluid channel 730 therebetween. The plates 704 are constructed from aluminum (i.e., aluminum sheets), although other metals or materials are contemplated. Adjacent plate pairs 706 are hermetically connected to each other around their openings 732, 734 (e.g., by brazing their annular opening collars together). Portions (e.g., primary planar portions) of adjacent plate pairs 706 are spaced apart from each other such that a coolant channel 110B is defined between each adjacent plate pair 706 (e.g., between the first plate 704A of the first plate pair 706 and the second plate 704B of the adjacent second plate pair 706). The coolant channel 110B is also defined between the HE section 120 (e.g., base wall 122) of the housing shell 104 and the plate 704 located closest thereto, also referred to as the top plate 704A'. Another coolant channel 110B, which functions to define a compensation gap, is defined between the cover 200 and the plate 704 located closest thereto, also referred to as the bottom plate 704B'. The coolant channel 110B extends between and fluidly connects the coolant distribution area 110A of the HE space 110 and the coolant collection area 110C of the HE space 110.

[0043] 3 and 6 , the coolant distribution area 110A is a region and / or portion of the HE space 110 disposed on the first side 102A of the housing 102. Coolant enters the coolant distribution area 110A through the coolant inlet port 116 and is distributed to the coolant channels 110B. At least a portion of the coolant distribution area 110A is disposed between the first sidewall 1241 of the HE section 120 and the first side of the HE core 702 and / or plate stack 708, and extends along the first side of the HE core 702 and / or plate stack 708 from the base wall 122 to the cover 200 in the stacking direction of the plate stack 708.

[0044] The coolant collection area 110C is a region and / or portion of the HE space 110 disposed on the second side 102B of the HE section 120. Coolant flows from the coolant channels 110B into the coolant collection area 110C, where it collects and flows to the coolant outlet port 118. The coolant collection area 110C is disposed at or around the coolant outlet opening 170 (e.g., the coolant outlet opening 170 opens into the coolant collection area 110C). At least a portion of the coolant collection area 110C is disposed between the second sidewall 1242 of the HE section 120 and the opposite second side of the HE core 702 and / or plate stack 708, and extends in the stacking direction from the base wall 122 to the cover 200 along at least a portion of the second side of the HE core 702 and / or plate stack 708.

[0045] 5 , the HE core 702 further includes a plurality of first fluid openings 732 and a plurality of second fluid openings 734, which are disposed in and defined by the plate 704. The first fluid openings 732 are disposed on the second side 102B of the HE section 120 and collectively define and / or form a fluid inflow passage 736 that fluidly connects each of the fluid channels 730 to each other and to the fluid inlet port 112. The second fluid openings 734 are disposed on the first side 102A of the HE section 120 and collectively define and / or form a fluid outflow passage 738 that fluidly connects each of the fluid channels 730 to each other and to the fluid outlet port 114.

[0046] Each of the plates 704, except for the bottom plate 704B', includes a first fluid opening 732 and a second fluid opening 734. The bottom plate 704B' does not have fluid openings 732, 734 and closes the axial ends of the fluid inlet passage 736 and the fluid outlet passage 738.

[0047] As shown schematically in FIGS. 7, 8B, and 8C, the HE core 702 includes a plurality of first turbulators 742 disposed within the fluid channel 730. The first turbulators 742 are configured as inserts disposed between the first plate 704A and the second plate 704B of each plate pair 706. For completeness, portions of each of the first turbulators 742 are shown as representative boxes in FIGS. 7 and 8B rather than the more detailed turbo structures shown elsewhere. The first turbulators 742 are not shown in FIGS. 4-6 to provide an unobstructed view of the fluid channel 730. As shown schematically in FIGS. 3-7, the HE core 702 also includes a plurality of second turbulators 744 that protrude into the coolant channel 110B. The second turbulators 744 are configured as a plurality of protrusions (e.g., dome-shaped protrusions) that protrude from the plate 704 into the coolant channel 110B. The first and second turbulators 742, 744 enhance and / or improve the cooling efficiency of the heat exchanger 700 and / or HE core 702 by creating turbulence in the second fluid and / or coolant flowing through the channels 110B, 730 (e.g., to establish a more uniform heat distribution throughout the second fluid and / or coolant). The turbulators 742, 744 also inhibit and / or limit deformation (e.g., thermal expansion) of the plate 704 during operation to prevent blockage and / or collapse of one or more of the channels 110B, 730.

[0048] During operation, the second fluid (e.g., oil) and the coolant simultaneously flow through the module 100 and / or the HE section 120 of the housing shell 104. Optionally, the first fluid flows through the module 100, the sump section 180, the sump space 108, and / or the sump 600, while the second fluid and the coolant simultaneously flow through the module 100 and / or the HE section 120.

[0049] As shown schematically in FIG. 5 , a second fluid (e.g., oil) enters the module 100, the housing 102, and / or the HE section 120 through the fluid inlet port 112 (e.g., the fluid inlet adapter 152 and the fluid inlet opening 130) and then enters the fluid inlet passage 736 of the HE core 702. The fluid in the fluid inlet passage 736 is distributed among the fluid channels 730 and flows through the fluid channels 730, including around the first turbulators 742, to the fluid outlet passage 738. The fluid from the fluid channels 730 collects in the fluid outlet passage 738 of the HE core 702 and then exits the HE core 702 and is discharged from the HE section 120, the housing 102, and / or the module 100 via the fluid outlet port 114 (e.g., via the fluid outlet opening 140 and the fluid outlet adapter 154).

[0050] As shown schematically in FIG. 6 , coolant enters the module 100, the housing 102, and / or the HE section 120 through the coolant inlet port 116 (e.g., through the intake duct 164 and the coolant inlet opening 160) and then enters the coolant distribution area 110A of the HE space 110. The coolant in the coolant distribution area 110A is distributed among the coolant channels 110B and flows through the coolant channels 110B, including around the second turbulators 744, to the coolant collection area 110C of the HE space 110. The coolant from the coolant channels 110B collects in the coolant collection area 110C and then exits the HE space 110 and is exhausted and / or output from the HE section 120, the housing 102, and / or the module 100 via the coolant outlet port 118 (e.g., by flowing through the coolant outlet opening 170 and the output duct 174).

[0051] Various examples / embodiments are described herein for various devices, systems, and / or methods. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the examples / embodiments described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the examples / embodiments may be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well-known operations, components, and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the examples / embodiments described herein. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the examples / embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and thus, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and do not necessarily limit the scope of the embodiments.

[0052] Throughout this specification, references to "examples," "in examples," "with examples," "various embodiments," "with embodiments," "in embodiments," or "an embodiment" or the like mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an example / embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of phrases such as "examples," "in examples," "with examples," "in various embodiments," "with embodiments," "in embodiments," or "an embodiment" in places throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more examples / embodiments. Thus, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment / embodiment may be combined, in whole or in part, with features, structures, functions, and / or characteristics of one or more other embodiments / embodiments, without limitation, unless such combination is illogical or non-functional. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from its scope.

[0053] It is to be understood that a reference to a single element is not necessarily so limited and may include one or more of such elements. Directional references (e.g., plus, minus, up, down, up, down, left, right, left, right, up, down, up, down, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are used for identification purposes only to aid the reader's understanding of this disclosure and are not intended to be limiting as to the particular location, orientation, or use of the example / embodiment.

[0054] "One or more" includes functions performed by one element, functions performed by two or more elements, e.g., in a distributed manner, several functions performed by one element, several functions performed by several elements, or any combination of the above.

[0055] Terms such as "first," "second," and the like are sometimes used herein to describe various elements, but it should be understood that these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element can be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element can be referred to as a first element, without departing from the scope of various described embodiments. Although a first element and a second element are both elements, they are not the same element.

[0056] The terminology used in the description of the various embodiments set forth herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the description of the various described embodiments and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The phrase "at least one of," when followed by consecutive elements separated by the word "and" (e.g., "at least one of A and B"), should be interpreted the same as "and / or," and will also be understood as referring to and encompassing any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items as used herein. It will be further understood that the terms "include," "including," "comprise," and / or "comprising," as used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0057] References to joining (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, etc.) should be interpreted broadly and can include intermediate members between connections of elements, relative movement between elements, direct connection, indirect connection, fixed connection, movable connection, operative connection, indirect contact, and / or direct contact. Thus, references to joining do not necessarily mean that two elements are directly connected / coupled and in fixed relationship to each other. Connections of electrical components, if present, can include mechanical, electrical, wired, and / or wireless connections, among others. The use of "eg" and "such as" herein should be interpreted broadly and is used to provide non-limiting examples of embodiments of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to such examples.

[0058] Although processes, systems, and methods may be described herein with reference to one or more steps in a particular order, it should be understood that such methods may be practiced with steps in a different order, with certain steps performed simultaneously, with additional steps, and / or with omitting certain described steps.

[0059] As used herein, the term "if" is interpreted, optionally depending on the context, to mean "when" or "upon" or "in response to determining" or "in response to detecting." Similarly, the phrase "if it is determined" or "a stated condition or event is detected" is interpreted, optionally depending on the context, to mean "upon determining" or "in response to determining" or "upon detecting [the stated condition or event]" or "in response to detecting [the stated condition or event]."

[0060] All matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the disclosure.

[0061] It should be understood that the controllers, systems, and / or processors described herein may include conventional processing devices known in the art that are capable of executing pre-programmed instructions stored in associated memory, all performing in accordance with the functions described herein. To the extent that methods described herein are embodied in software, the resulting software may also be stored in associated memory and constitute means for executing such methods. Such systems or processors may further be of a type having ROM, RAM, RAM and ROM, and / or a combination of non-volatile and volatile memory, such that they can store any software and may further enable the storage and processing of dynamically generated data and / or signals.

[0062] It should be further understood that an article of manufacture according to the present disclosure may include a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a computer program encoded thereon to implement the logic and other functions described herein. The computer program may include code for performing one or more of the methods disclosed herein. Such embodiments may be configured to execute via one or more processors, such as multiple processors integrated into a single system or distributed and connected to each other via a communications network, which may be wired and / or wireless. When executed by a processor, the code for implementing one or more of the features described in connection with one or more embodiments may cause multiple transistors to change from a first state to a second state. The particular change pattern (e.g., which transistors change state and which transistors do not change state) may be dictated, at least in part, by the logic and / or code.

[0063] This specification can be best understood with reference to the following numbered paragraphs:

[0064] Numbered paragraph 1: A sump and heat exchanger module comprising: a housing shell at least partially defining an interior space, the housing shell including a sump section configured to accommodate at least a portion of a sump and a heat exchanger section configured to accommodate at least a portion of a heat exchanger; and a cover disposed within the housing shell and dividing the interior space into a heat exchanger space and a sump space, wherein the housing shell further includes a recess that opens the heat exchanger space into the sump space, and the cover is connected to the housing shell and closes the recess to seal the heat exchanger space and the sump space from each other.

[0065] Numbered paragraph 2: The module of numbered paragraph 1, further comprising: a sump disposed at least partially within the sump space of the housing shell; and a heat exchanger disposed at least partially within the heat exchanger space of the housing shell.

[0066] Numbered Paragraph 2.1: The module of numbered paragraph 1, further comprising a sump disposed at least partially within the sump space of the housing shell.

[0067] Numbered paragraph 2.2: The module of numbered paragraph 1, further comprising a heat exchanger disposed at least partially within the heat exchanger space of the housing shell.

[0068] Numbered paragraph 3: The module of any one of numbered paragraphs 1 to 2.2, wherein the heat exchanger section of the housing shell and the cover define a heat exchanger space, and the sump section of the housing shell and the cover at least partially define a sump space.

[0069] Numbered paragraph 3.1: The module of any one of numbered paragraphs 1 to 3, wherein the heat exchanger section of the housing shell and the cover define a heat exchanger space.

[0070] Numbered paragraph 3.2: The module of any one of numbered paragraphs 1 to 3.1, wherein the sump section of the housing shell and the cover at least partially define a sump space.

[0071] Numbered Paragraph 4: The module of any one of numbered paragraphs 1 to 3.2, further comprising a second housing shell connected to the sump section of the housing shell, wherein the sump section of the housing shell, the cover, and the second housing shell define a sump space.

[0072] Numbered paragraph 5: The module of any one of numbered paragraphs 1 to 4, wherein the heat exchanger section is disposed on and projects from the sump section.

[0073] Numbered paragraph 6: The module of any one of numbered paragraphs 1 to 5, wherein the sump section includes a base wall and a plurality of side walls, the plurality of side walls projecting laterally from the base wall and extending around an outer periphery of the base wall, and the recess is disposed within and defined by the base wall of the sump section.

[0074] Numbered paragraph 6.1: The module of any one of numbered paragraphs 1 to 6, wherein the sump section includes a base wall and a plurality of side walls, the plurality of side walls projecting laterally from the base wall and extending around the periphery of the base wall.

[0075] Numbered paragraph 6.2: The module of any one of numbered paragraphs 1 to 6.1, wherein the recess is disposed within and defined by a base wall of the sump section.

[0076] Numbered paragraph 7: The module of any one of numbered paragraphs 6, 6.1, and 6.2, wherein the heat exchanger section is disposed on and protrudes from a base wall of the sump section.

[0077] Numbered paragraph 8: A module described in any one of paragraphs 6, 6.1, and 6.2, wherein the heat exchanger section includes a base wall positioned opposite the recess and a plurality of side walls extending between and connecting the base wall of the heat exchanger section and the base wall of the sump section.

[0078] Numbered paragraph 9: The module described in numbered paragraph 8, wherein the plurality of side walls of the heat exchanger section project laterally from the base wall of the heat exchanger section, extend around an outer periphery of the base wall of the heat exchanger section, and extend around an outer periphery of the recess.

[0079] Numbered paragraph 10: A module described in any one of numbered paragraphs 1 to 9, wherein the heat exchanger section of the housing shell includes a plurality of coolant ports that allow coolant to flow in and out of the heat exchanger section, and a plurality of fluid ports that allow fluid to flow in and out of the heat exchanger section.

[0080] Numbered paragraph 10.1: The module of any one of numbered paragraphs 1 to 10, wherein the heat exchanger section of the housing shell includes a plurality of coolant ports that allow coolant to flow in and out of the heat exchanger section.

[0081] Numbered paragraph 10.2: The module of any one of numbered paragraphs 1 to 10.1, wherein the heat exchanger section of the housing shell includes a plurality of fluid ports that allow fluid to flow into and out of the heat exchanger section.

[0082] Numbered Paragraph 11: The module of any one of numbered paragraphs 1 to 10.2, wherein the heat exchanger section of the housing shell further includes a plurality of coolant connectors configured to engage at least one component that at least one of supplies coolant to the module and receives coolant from the module.

[0083] Numbered paragraph 12: The module of any one of numbered paragraphs 1 to 11, wherein the plurality of coolant connectors are an integral part of the heat exchanger section of the housing shell.

[0084] Numbered Paragraph 13: The module of any one of numbered paragraphs 10, 10.1, and 10.2, further comprising a heat exchanger at least partially disposed within the heat exchanger space of the housing shell, the heat exchanger including a heat exchanger core having a plurality of plates arranged in a stacked configuration to define a plate stack, the plurality of coolant ports in direct fluid communication with the heat exchanger space such that coolant flows externally through the heat exchanger space and around the heat exchanger core, and the plurality of fluid ports in fluid communication with the heat exchanger such that fluid flows internally through the heat exchanger core and is fluidly separated from the coolant flowing through the heat exchanger space.

[0085] Numbered Paragraph 13.1: The module of any one of numbered paragraphs 10, 10.1, and 10.2, further comprising a heat exchanger disposed at least partially within the heat exchanger space of the housing shell, the heat exchanger including a heat exchanger core having a plurality of plates arranged in a stacked configuration to define a plate stack.

[0086] Numbered paragraph 13.2: The module described in numbered paragraph 13.1, wherein the plurality of coolant ports are in direct fluid communication with the heat exchanger space such that coolant flows through the heat exchanger space, around the heat exchanger core and outward.

[0087] Numbered paragraph 13.3: The module of numbered paragraph 13.1 or 13.2, wherein the plurality of fluid ports are in fluid communication with the heat exchanger such that fluid flows internally through the heat exchanger core and is fluidly separated from the coolant.

[0088] Numbered paragraph 14: The module of any one of numbered paragraphs 1 to 13.3, wherein the heat exchanger section and the sump section are integral parts of the housing shell, and the housing shell is a monolithic body constructed of corrosion-resistant plastic.

[0089] Numbered paragraph 14.1: The module of any one of numbered paragraphs 1 to 14, wherein the heat exchanger section and the sump section are integral parts of the housing shell.

[0090] Numbered paragraph 14.2: The module described in any one of numbered paragraphs 1 to 14.1, wherein the housing shell is a monolithic body constructed of corrosion-resistant plastic.

[0091] Numbered paragraph 15: A module according to any one of numbered paragraphs 1 to 14.2, wherein the cover is welded to the housing shell.

[0092] Numbered paragraph 16: The module of any one of numbered paragraphs 1 to 15, wherein the cover is releasably connected to the housing shell via at least one mechanical connection.

[0093] Numbered paragraph 17: The module described in numbered paragraph 16, further comprising at least one mechanical fastener that engages the cover and the housing shell to form at least one mechanical connection, and a ring seal disposed between and in sealing contact with the cover and the housing shell.

[0094] Numbered paragraph 17.1: The module of numbered paragraph 16, further comprising at least one mechanical fastener that engages the cover and the housing shell to form at least one mechanical connection.

[0095] Numbered paragraph 17.2: The module of any one of numbered paragraphs 1 to 17.1, further comprising a ring seal disposed between and in sealing contact with the cover and the housing shell.

[0096] Numbered Paragraph 18: A sump and heat exchanger module comprising: a housing shell including (i) a sump section at least partially defining a sump space; and (ii) a heat exchanger section at least partially defining a heat exchanger space; a cover disposed within the housing shell and connected to the housing shell so as to fluid-tightly seal the heat exchanger space and the sump space with one another; a sump at least partially disposed within the sump space of the housing shell; and a heat exchanger at least partially disposed within the heat exchanger space of the housing shell.

[0097] Numbered paragraph 19: The module of any one of numbered paragraphs 2, 13, 13.1, 13.2, 13.3, and 18, wherein the heat exchanger is a submarine-type heat exchanger.

[0098] Numbered paragraph 20: The module of numbered paragraph 18, wherein the heat exchanger section is disposed on and projects from the sump section, and an end of the sump section opposite the heat exchanger section is configured to connect to a structure for at least one of closing the sump space and mounting the module, and the cover closes a recess in the housing shell that opens the heat exchanger space into the sump space, and the heat exchanger section and the sump section are integral parts of the housing shell.

[0099] Numbered paragraph 20.1: The module of any one of numbered paragraphs 1 to 20, wherein the heat exchanger section is disposed on and projects from the sump section.

[0100] Numbered paragraph 20.2: The module described in any one of numbered paragraphs 1 to 20.1, wherein an end of the sump section opposite the heat exchanger section is configured to connect to a structure for at least one of closing the sump space and mounting the module.

[0101] Numbered paragraph 20.3: The module of any one of numbered paragraphs 18 to 20.2, wherein the cover closes a recess in the housing shell that opens the heat exchanger space into the sump space.

[0102] Numbered Paragraph 20.4: The module of any one of numbered paragraphs 1 to 20.3, wherein the heat exchanger section and the sump section are integral parts of the housing shell.

Claims

1. 1. A sump and heat exchanger module comprising: a housing shell at least partially defining an interior space, the housing shell including a sump section configured to accommodate at least a portion of the sump, and a heat exchanger section configured to accommodate at least a portion of the heat exchanger; a cover disposed within the housing shell and dividing the interior space into a heat exchanger space and a sump space; the housing shell further includes a recess that opens the heat exchanger space into the sump space; The cover is connected to the housing shell and closes the recess sealing the heat exchanger space and the sump space from each other.

2. a sump at least partially disposed within the sump space of the housing shell; and a heat exchanger at least partially disposed within the heat exchanger space of the housing shell. The module of claim 1 .

3. the heat exchanger section of the housing shell and the cover define the heat exchanger space; the sump section of the housing shell and the cover at least partially define the sump space; The module of claim 1 .

4. The module of claim 3 , further comprising a second housing shell connected to the sump section of the housing shell, the sump section of the housing shell, the cover, and the second housing shell defining the sump space.

5. The module of claim 1 , wherein the heat exchanger section is disposed on and protrudes from the sump section.

6. the sump section includes a base wall and a plurality of side walls projecting laterally from the base wall and extending around an outer periphery of the base wall; The recess is disposed within and defined by the base wall of the sump section. The module of claim 1 .

7. The module of claim 6 , wherein the heat exchanger section is disposed on and protrudes from the base wall of the sump section.

8. The heat exchanger section comprises: a base wall disposed opposite the recess; 7. The module of claim 6, further comprising: a plurality of side walls extending between the base wall of the heat exchanger section and the base wall of the sump section and connecting the base wall of the heat exchanger section and the base wall of the sump section.

9. 9. The module of claim 8, wherein the side walls of the heat exchanger section project laterally from the base wall of the heat exchanger section, extend around an outer periphery of the base wall of the heat exchanger section, and extend around an outer periphery of the recess.

10. The heat exchanger section of the housing shell comprises: a plurality of coolant ports for allowing coolant to flow into and out of the heat exchanger section; a plurality of fluid ports that allow fluid to enter and exit the heat exchanger section.

11. 11. The module of claim 10, wherein the heat exchanger section of the housing shell further includes a plurality of coolant connectors configured to engage with at least one component that at least one of supplies the coolant to the module and receives the coolant from the module.

12. The module of claim 11 , wherein the plurality of coolant connectors are an integral part of the heat exchanger section of the housing shell.

13. a heat exchanger at least partially disposed within the heat exchanger space of the housing shell; the heat exchanger includes a heat exchanger core having a plurality of plates arranged in a stacked configuration to define a plate stack; the plurality of coolant ports are in direct fluid communication with the heat exchanger space such that the coolant flows through the heat exchanger space, around the heat exchanger core, and outward; 11. The module of claim 10, wherein the plurality of fluid ports are in fluid communication with the heat exchanger such that the fluid flows internally through the heat exchanger core and is fluidly separated from the coolant flowing through the heat exchanger space.

14. the heat exchanger section and the sump section are integral parts of the housing shell; The housing shell is a monolithic body made of corrosion-resistant plastic. The module of claim 1 .

15. The module of claim 1 , wherein the cover is welded to the housing shell.

16. The module of claim 1 , wherein the cover is releasably connected to the housing shell via at least one mechanical connection.

17. at least one mechanical fastener engaging the cover and the housing shell to form the at least one mechanical connection; a ring seal disposed between the cover and the housing shell, the ring seal providing sealing contact between the cover and the housing shell.

17. The module of claim 16.

18. 1. A sump and heat exchanger module comprising: a housing shell including: (i) a sump section at least partially defining a sump space; and (ii) a heat exchanger section at least partially defining a heat exchanger space; a cover disposed within the housing shell and connected to the housing shell to fluid-tightly seal the heat exchanger space and the sump space; a sump at least partially disposed within the sump space of the housing shell; and a heat exchanger at least partially disposed within the heat exchanger volume of the housing shell.

19. 20. The module of claim 18, wherein the heat exchanger is a submarine-type heat exchanger.

20. the heat exchanger section is disposed on and protrudes from the sump section; an end of the sump section opposite the heat exchanger section configured to connect to a structure for at least one of enclosing the sump space and mounting the module; the cover closes a recess in the housing shell that opens the heat exchanger space into the sump space; the heat exchanger section and the sump section are integral parts of the housing shell; 20. The module of claim 18.

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