WO2001053663A2

WO2001053663A2 - Removable oil cartridge device linked to an internal combustion engine regulating interface for manually filling or emptying and automatically regulating the engine lubricating oil

Info

Publication number: WO2001053663A2
Application number: PCT/FR2001/000157
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jacques Benarrouch
Original assignee: Jacques Benarrouch
Priority date: 2000-01-18
Filing date: 2001-01-18
Publication date: 2001-07-26
Also published as: AU2001235541A1; WO2001053663A3

Abstract

The invention concerns a removable and disposable oil cartridge device (CT) linked to an internal combustion engine regulating interface (RG) for manually filling or emptying and automatically regulating the engine lubricating oil, wherein the interface comprises a system of controlled valves receiving a conduit (TLM) connected to the suction of the engine oil pump, a conduit (TLC) connected to the low point of the engine crankcase and three separate channels connected to the level (EXT), via a tight seal of the removable oil cartridge once it has been mounted, to their respective compartment among the three separate variable and interactive closed oil volumes (A), (B), (C) of the cartridge, so that, when the cartridge sliding piston is manually pulled or pressed or when the engine and its oil pump (P) are started, and in accordance with the indications of a continuous sensor system concerning the oil level in the engine crankcase (CRT), of the running conditions of the engine and the interlocking of the cartridge, the controlled valve system provides a configuration of specific circuits ( variable circuits ) for each of the requirements for the proper running of the engine (lack of oil, stable running conditions, oil overflow) and the proper filling or emptying when the cartridge is manually changed.

Description

Removable oil cartridge device connected by a regulating interface to an internal combustion engine to manually supply or drain and automatically regulate the lubricating oil of the engine.

TECHNICAL SECTOR OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the technical sector of internal combustion engines.

The invention relates more particularly to the internal combustion engine sector of the automobile, heavy goods vehicles, and all other vehicles of this type, including aircraft, marine engines, or fixed or mobile installations comprising at least one such internal combustion engine. .

The invention relates more particularly to the technical sector of the lubrication of such engines with an engine oil.

The invention relates to a method and a device for

supplying engine oil to the lubrication system of such engines, ensuring in real time an optimal level of oil (“oil supply regulation”) in the systems provided by the engine manufacturer (in particular, in the crankcase oil placed under the engine and in which essential moving parts such as crankshaft and the like are immersed)

and allow (in an entirely preferred embodiment), in a completely simple manner, the complete draining of the engine oil then its replacement with a clean oil, including by personnel not specially qualified and not equipped as in particular the user of the vehicle. PRIOR ART

Patent FR 2 546 230 describes a device with an additional oil reservoir, controlled by a dipstick, for keeping the oil level constant in the crankcase of an internal combustion engine.

Patent FR 2 546 969 describes a device similar to “nurse”.

Patent WO 86 00373 describes a “removable” container for an oil filter.

Patent EP 0 807 748 describes a "pan-casing" comprising an integrated oil pump, the assembly being removable.

Patent EP 0 794 323 describes an electrical level regulation system associated with a device for "replenishing" the oil level. US Patent 5,640,936 Has a cartridge serving as a lubricating oil reserve for an engine used on a boat where the oil sump must always be empty of oil according to the dry sump principle. To prevent the risk of pollution due to oil spills during the oil change, the oil storage and supply cartridge is arranged separate near the engine and is connected to the engine by three quick-connect pipes . The first line brings oil to the cartridge pumped into the bottom of the casing by a first sump drain pump, the second line supplies the oil coming from the cartridge to a second pump which sends it to lubricate the mechanical parts of the engine, the third pipe balances the air pressure between the inside of the cartridge and the space surrounding the crankshaft in the crankcase.

US Patent 4,151,823 A also describes, for ecological reasons, a quick-change oil tank and filter system for a dry-sump car engine. The first stage of a double oil pump stage removes the oil from the bottom of the sump and sends it to a filter contained in the cartridge. After passing through the filter, the oil is stored in the cartridge storage space from where it is extracted by the second stage of the pump which sends it to the top of the engine to lubricate it. A line balances the air pressure between the top of the cartridge and the top of the engine.

In these two known systems, the cartridge comprises a single interior space with fixed volume filled with oil in the lower part and air in the upper part in equilibrium of air pressure with the space of the crankshaft. The first line is traversed by the oil only in the direction of supply of oil to the cartridge, the second line is only traversed in the direction of evacuation of oil out of the cartridge and the third line is traversed by air in both directions according to the need for air pressure balancing between the cartridge and the engine.

Patent application FR 2 581 700 A describes a device for increasing the quantity of oil circulating in an engine, consisting of a circuit and an auxiliary reserve connected as a branch to the main lubrication circuit of the engine. The oil is taken from the pump outlet on the main lubrication circuit and feeds the auxiliary circuit. In case of too low or too high oil level in the crankcase, a dipstick opens or closes a valve on the circuit which regulates the flow of oil circulating in the circuit so that the oil level in the crankcase is optimal. The emptying is done by opening the bottom of the housing. Patent application GB 2 258 907 A describes an additional oil tank connected to the oil sump by a pipe. A needle valve controlled by a float immersed in the level of the crankcase automatically adds oil to the crankcase by gravity.

In the patent application GB 2 060 831 A, an oil make-up tank supplies oil by gravity into the crankcase by opening a valve controlled by a lack of pressure in the flow of oil lubricating the engine members whereas in patent application FR 2 735 814 A, the make-up valve is electrically controlled by a float immersed in oil. None of these known documents suggests, in a device for supplying and regulating the lubricating oil of a combustion engine, the use of a cartridge comprising at least two volumes completely filled with oil permanently and variable under the action of a variation of the oil pressure inside these caused by the action of a regulator to bring, automatically, the level too high or too low of the oil in the crankcase optimal normal level when the engine is running or to bring all the engine oil back into the cartridge or on the contrary supply the engine with new oil when draining.

None of these devices suggests either the original problem posed, or its solution, general and particular, according to the invention.

TECHNICAL PROBLEM

The invention set out to pose and solve a new problem, which the prior art had not posed, namely a device (and the corresponding method) aimed at simultaneously allowing an optimal supply of the engine with lubricating oil. moving parts ("engine oil") and complete, rapid, "clean" emptying by unqualified personnel without tools.

The present invention therefore firstly responds to this new general technical problem, which, by its originality and its great complexity, already operates in itself a break with the state of the art, and provides a solution to this complex problem. simple and effective, in the form of an entirely new general concept of regulated engine oil supply, which also breaks with the state of the art.

A difficult problem also solved simultaneously by the present invention, and well known to those skilled in the art, is the so-called “taxi effect” which consists inter alia, when the engine ignition is defective, in the passage of fuel through oil, and therefore in the abnormal rise (which can reach 5 to 15%) of the level (oil + fuel) in the crankcase.

Another problem also resolved by the invention resides in the fact that it is obviously essential to ensure optimum security of supply of oil to the engine parts, under all conceivable operating conditions, even abnormal (possible overflow, defect oil, taxi effect, ...) which results in drastic, numerous and cumulative constraints, making the problem posed above very difficult.

To date, no lubrication system makes it possible to regulate, in real time and in complete operational safety, the oil level in the crankcase at its optimal level. Known engines are supplied with oil by a pump drawing from a casing. The inevitable losses of oil (burnt oil, slight leaks, etc.) are not compensated for, and the level in the crankcase drops. Today we must also monitor it periodically by means of a manual gauge. We can then react only manually by filling the level with an engine filling orifice, checking with the dipstick that we have not poured too much oil, which has drawbacks if necessary. As for the consequences of the "taxi effect" due to the excess volume caused in the casing (exhaust fumes, carbon dioxide and engine wear), we do not know how to control it. Furthermore, current systems do not include any possibility of emptying very simple, "clean", by non-specialized personnel and without the use of tools, consisting only of replacing the engine oil cartridge.

Analysis of the prior art shows that a person skilled in the art has improved this or that simple aspect of lubrication over time, but had never approached the present problem in its scope and ambition. To the problems already mentioned, it is necessary to add obvious constraints of positioning in the engine compartment, because of the necessary volume of the removable cartridge.

The invention objectively combines all these characteristics and solves all of these problems, moreover in an extremely simple manner, by making it possible to envisage a systematic and more economical recycling of used oil (because in particular, engine oil will not be mixed, in garage workshops, as is the case today, with other oils such as gearbox, brake, steering oils, etc.). Emptying by standard cartridge obviously has a decisive advantage in terms of respect and protection of the environment, if one takes into account the worrying number of wild empties carried out in the wild.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Introductory remark: throughout this application, including the claims, and unless specific mention is used to clarify the text, any element or function described or claimed, with regard to the "process", is also, mutatis mutandis, described or claimed for the corresponding “device”, and / or the elements of the device, such as cartridges and / or interfaces / regulators, and / or the corresponding applications, and vice versa.

Those skilled in the art will in fact understand that, if the “method” comprises a step or a process implementing a means “m”, for example a tubing, or a continuous level measurement sensor, etc., the Corresponding "device", allowing the implementation of the process described, will also include, and arranged in the manner, and in the function (or their technical equivalents) described in relation to the "process", said means "m".

We can also use the term "process or device" for the same purpose.

Thus, and by way of simple nonlimiting illustration, if the "process" described comprises the fact of "connecting" certain elements together, the person skilled in the art will understand that the invention also describes and covers "devices" comprising means to "connect" the same elements (and vice versa). Those skilled in the art will also understand that the sole purpose of these provisions is not to duplicate unnecessarily what is understandable to him on reading the description and the drawings. The terms or terms between "" refer to the definitions given.

The invention generally relates to a Method or Device for supplying engine oil to an internal combustion engine, and automatically regulating said supply, original in that:

- It uses or comprises at least one removable and consumable motor oil cartridge, itself comprising at least two separate variable mobile volumes closed, and at least one oil regulation interface disposed between said cartridge and the low point of the crankcase. of said engine and capable of producing “variable circuits” of oil between at least one of the volumes of said cartridge and / or said low point of the crankcase and / or the oil pump (P) of said engine (M),

means for continuously detecting the oil level in the sump (whether the vehicle is: stopped - engine stopped; when starting; stopped - engine running; in motion - engine running) and possibly starting or stopping the engine , controlling said interface,

possibly means for checking that the cartridge is properly engaged or disengaged in its support,

possibly via a distribution center receiving and processing the signals transmitted by said aforementioned detection and control means.

The method or the device according to the invention is still original in that

said interface / regulator further comprises means for continuously detecting the oil level in the crankcase of the engine and possibly means for detecting whether the oil pump is starting or stopping (P) fig.1 motor (M) fig.1;

these detection means are able to act directly on the means (X), (Y) fig. 22 of the interface / regulator (RG) and / or to send signals to a distribution center (not shown), capable of acting on said means (X), (Y).

This plant would be of known type, electronic, mechanical, hydraulic, possibly comprising a memory of parameters and situations, of known type or easily adaptable by a person skilled in the art, specialist in systems (in particular onboard) and in so-called “regulation” systems. fluid flows. This central unit could possibly use all or part of the signals emitted by on-board electronic systems.

According to the present invention, there is provided in particular a method and a device for supplying engine oil to an internal combustion engine and automatically regulating said supply, original in that it uses (the method) or comprises (the device) means for

connect the low point of the crankcase (CRT) fig. 1 of engine oil (M) to an element of the interface / regulator (RG) disposed between said low point of the crankcase and an engine oil cartridge (CT) fig .1 and fig. 22 comprising at least two separate variable closed volumes forming together a

"Suitable volume" of engine oil, said interface / regulator comprising

a) means (X), (Y) fig. 22 for sending oil to the crankcase and or the engine (M) (via its oil pump (P)) and / or drawing oil from the crankcase , by means of at least one oil circulation pipe (TLM) fιg.1 and preferably by at least two pipes (H1), (H2) fig.2, or (H4), (H5) fig.2 circulating oil, to send oil to the crankcase and / or the oil pump (P) of the engine (M), and / or to draw oil from the crankcase, and suitable for circulating d 'oil ("variable oil circuits") between the engine (M) (via its oil pump (P)), and / or the crankcase (CRT) and / or one or more volumes of the cartridge (CT) ,

-b) means (X), (Y) for sending oil to at least one of the closed volumes of a cartridge (CT) containing a "suitable volume" of oil, or withdrawing oil from at least one of the volumes of said cartridge (CT), by means of at least one tube (TLC) fig. 1 for circulation of oil and preferably by at least two tubes of oil circulation, (H1), (H2), or preferably three pipes (H1), (H2), (H3) fig.2, to send oil to at least one of the volumes of said cartridge and / or to draw oil from at least one of the volumes of said cartridge, and capable of producing an oil circulation (“variable circuits” of oil) between the engine (M) (via its oil pump (P )), and / or the CRT crankcase and / or one or more cartridge volumes (CT),

connect said interface / regulator element (RG), to at least one of the volumes of said cartridge by the tube (s) (TLC) (H1), (H2) (H1), (H2), (H3 ) (H4), (H5).

Those skilled in the art will understand that the interface can either be interposed between the cartridge and the casing, or be integrated in whole or in part with the cartridge and / or the frame or the crankcase. The invention naturally covers such variants which are immediately accessible to those skilled in the art.

According to a particular embodiment, the present invention relates to a method or device for supplying engine oil to an internal combustion engine, as functionally described above, original in that

said interface / regulator further includes detection means for detecting the oil level (A, B, C or D) fig. 22 located in the crankcase of the engine (A = too full, B = normal, C = insufficient , D = empty).

According to a preferred embodiment, the method or the device is original in that

- said means (X), (Y) fig. 22 of the interface / regulator are or include means controlled or controlled directly or indirectly (via relay members not described here as known) by said means for continuously detecting the level crankcase oil. According to a preferred embodiment, the method or the device is still original in that

said means (X), (Y) of the interface / regulator are constituted

on the one hand by connection means of the chamber (s) and / or duct (s) and / or tubing (s) type, arranged in said interface, and capable of producing "variable circuits" of engine oil, in said interface, between at least one connecting pipe of the interface with said cartridge and or at least one connecting pipe of the interface with the casing and / or the pump (P), and on the other hand

- means of the valve (s) or valve (s) type (or solenoid valve (s), and the like) controlled or piloted directly or indirectly by said means for detecting the oil level in the sump, and adapted to cooperate with said means connection type chamber (s) and / or conduit (s) and / or tubing (s), arranged in said interface.

According to another particular embodiment, the present invention relates to a method or device for supplying engine oil to an internal combustion engine, as functionally described above, specific in that

said cartridge (CT) is removable and consumable (therefore possibly disposable or recyclable).

According to another particular embodiment, the invention relates to a method or device for supplying engine oil to an internal combustion engine, as functionally described above, original in that

said interface / regulator comprises means for controlling and regulating the flow of oil from at least one of the volumes from the cartridge to the crankcase (CRT) and / or the engine (M) via its pump (P), and / or from the casing to at least one of the volumes of the cartridge, according to the indications of said detection means.

said means for continuously detecting the oil level in the sump are adapted to act themselves directly as organs for controlling or regulating the flow of oil, or indirectly on “relay” organs for controlling or regulating the flow oil.

said detection means are adapted to act themselves on organs controlling or regulating the oil flow comprising a device for reversing the oil flow

from the crankcase and / or engine oil supply position to the crankcase oil withdrawal position,

and vice versa from the oil withdrawal position from the sump to the oil supply position of the sump and / or of the engine.

In what follows, a non-limiting embodiment of the invention is described, the oil level sensor of the sump is shown diagrammatically by a float, it being understood that the use of a float cannot be the preferred method of reference. level, but represents the best possibility of schematic illustration of an essential functionality of the invention, which is the continuous identification of the oil level in the sump, which allows the regulation of the oil flows, in particular in the various compartments of the cartridge. This float is configured integrated into the regulator (fig. 25) and independent of the regulator (fig. 1).

According to this schematic mode of implementation, the invention relates to a method or device for supplying engine oil to an internal combustion engine, as functionally described above, specific in that

said detection means comprise said float (FL) fig. 1 and 25, the vertical movement of which (depending on the oil level in the sump) directly or indirectly drives said means (X), (Y) directly or indirectly through mechanical connections or the like. interface / regulator which are made up

on the one hand by connection means of the chamber (s) and / or duct (s) and / or tubing (s) type, arranged in said interface, and capable of producing "variable circuits" of engine oil, in said interface, between at least one connecting pipe of the interface with said cartridge and / or at least one connecting pipe of the interface with the casing and / or the pump (P), and on the other hand

means of the valve (s) or flap (s) type (or solenoid valve (s), and the like) controlled or piloted directly or indirectly by said means for detecting the oil level in the sump, and adapted to cooperate with said means for connection of the chamber (s) and / or duct (s) and / or tubing (s) type, arranged in said interface.

said detection means are configured by a float (FL) whose vertical movement (depending on the oil level in the sump) directly or indirectly drives, by mechanical or similar connections, an oil flow reversal device from the crankcase and / or engine oil supply position to the crankcase oil withdrawal position

and vice versa from the oil withdrawal position from the crankcase to the oil supply position of the crankcase and / or the engine,

- Said device comprising at least a combination of valve (s) controlled by said float, and seat (s) not controlled (s) by said float (or vice versa) capable of cooperating together for

-or open or carry out an oil sampling circuit from at least one of the volumes of the cartridge to direct it towards the crankcase and / or the engine, and close the reverse circuit, when

* either the oil level in the crankcase is too low

* either you want to fill the engine with oil after an oil change;

either open or carry out a circuit for taking or withdrawing oil from the sump towards at least one of the volumes of the cartridge when,

* either the oil level in the crankcase is too high

* or you wish to drain the engine.

The invention also relates to a method or a device as described above, in which the means for detecting the oil level in the sump are constituted by a system of sensors or sensors positioned on a wall of the sump, or otherwise arranged in the crankcase, submerged or not in oil.

Examples of such sensors are well known, and non-limiting mention will be made of sensors reacting to the presence of oil, for example optical or dielectric sensors and the like, or else laser measurement sensors, placed above the level. oil, and therefore capable of measure this oil level directly and continuously, including when the vehicle is moving. The manufacturer MERCEDES currently has such a sensor system on certain vehicles.

It is unnecessary to specify, as is known to those skilled in the art, that the precision can be increased if several sensors or sensors are combined, if an average or an intercorrelation of the measurements is carried out, etc.

According to a preferred embodiment, the method or device as described above performs in normal operation (that is to say normal oil level in the crankcase) an oil sampling circuit from the cartridge to the engine, and oil return to the cartridge, as well as a circulation of the oil in at least two of the compartments of the cartridge, in order to obtain the effect of “mixing” recommended by the engine manufacturers and the designers engine oils.

In all cases, the cartridge according to the invention forms a closed volume (without air) and permanently filled with oil, said overall volume may however vary between a maximum volume and a minimum volume, depending on the operations and phases. of the method according to the invention, as described below. Each volume of the cartridge also itself forms a closed volume (without air) and permanently filled with oil, and each of the volumes can vary compared to the other volumes of the cartridge, by means of sliding means, or bellows (s) and the like, which will be discussed below.

The invention also relates to a cartridge capable of cooperating with a device according to the invention, original in that it comprises

at least two compartments or volumes (C2) fig. 22 (upper) and (C1) fig. 22 (lower), preferably three volumes A (upper), B (central) and C (lower) fig. 2, forming closed volumes, separate variable, containing an "adapted volume" of engine oil

- And means for connection to said pipes of said device. The invention relates in particular to a cartridge as described above, specific in that it comprises one or more sliding walls, and / or one or more wall (s) with bellows (s), and / or one or more walls (s) flexible (s) or partially flexible (s), adapted to form said volumes in such a way that a manual pulling operation causes the closed volume of the cartridge to increase in a sufficient proportion to aspirate and contain all of the used engine oil, and that a reverse manual compression operation results in the reduction of the closed volume in a sufficient proportion to drive from the cartridge, towards the sump, a quantity of oil sufficient for normal lubrication of the engine.

Definitions:

By "closed" is meant the fact that the volumes of the cartridge are in communication only with the engine oil pump and / or the engine crankcase, through the regulation interface, and that therefore if the outgoing oil flow is greater than the incoming flow, the overall volume of the cartridge will reduce (retraction of the cartridge), and vice versa (expansion of the cartridge). This term corollarily designates the fact that, if a retraction is manually imposed on the cartridge, the outgoing oil flow will be greater than the incoming flow - the incoming flow may be zero, which will be the case during the injection of new oil at draining, as we will see below - and conversely, if we manually impose an expansion of the cartridge, we will observe reverse flows (in particular a total aspiration in the cartridge, at draining, of the used oil). Finally, this term also corollarily designates the fact that, the cartridge being initially filled with oil, what has just been said implies that, during the various retraction / expansion phases, each of the volumes of oil in the cartridge will be in permanently full (without air), whatever the degree of retraction or expansion of the cartridge, and whatever the operating phase.

By “normal operating conditions” of the engine, it is meant here that the engine is correctly supplied with lubricating oil from the crankcase (CRT) by the pipe (105) fig. 22 and 25 and the oil pump (P), that the oil level in the sump is at a position defined by the manufacturer, and that the oil descends towards the crankcase, through the engine members which it lubricates, with “normal” losses, that is to say, on modern engines, extremely low or negligible.

By “adapted volume”, it is meant that the dimensions of the cartridge, in particular the volumes (C1) and (C2), or (A), (B) and (C), as will be seen below, as well as the sliding lengths of these volumes relative to each other, as described in relation to the embodiments, are adapted to the needs of the engine, and therefore in particular to the capacity of the crankcase of this engine and to the volume of oil required at all times lubrication of parts, both in filling mode, in normal operating mode and in total emptying mode, including volumes of pipes (H1), (H2), (H3) _I (H4), (H5), volume of the interface / regulator and other possible "dead" volumes, preferably with a safety margin. Such a "safety margin" will for example be formed by a volume of oil available in the cartridge greater than the strictly necessary volume, and conversely to a suction capacity of the cartridge, in manual emptying mode, greater than the theoretical capacity. of the crankcase and the engine, this in order to ensure on the one hand the aspiration of all the used oil for draining, and on the other hand to ensure in addition, if necessary, the aspiration of a surplus fluid for example in the event of an oil change for a car whose engine would have the predefined “taxi effect”.

Such an adaptation is within the reach of those skilled in the art from the present description, specific cases, characteristics of the engine and simple concepts of calculations of proportions of the volumes relative to each other.

By “suitable detection means for” is meant the fact that the person skilled in the art will experience no difficulty in designing mechanical, and / or hydraulic, and / or electronic means, and any means or combinations of similar means, capable of perform the function indicated, from this description, the characteristics of the engine, and its general knowledge. This definition will also be valid for any use, in this application, including the claims, the qualifier "suitable for" or "suitable for" and similar terms.

By “variable oil circuits in the interface / regulator” is meant oil circuits or flows which use said conduits or pipes arranged in said interface, according to variable paths and directions of flow which depend on the instantaneous configuration of the interface / regulator, configuration which results from the control or "piloting" of the means of the chamber (s) and / or conduit (s) and / or tubing (s) type by said means for detecting the oil level in the casing. Those skilled in the art will be able to determine different configurations, on the basis of the present description, and to vary them according to the type of engine, the envisaged application, therefore the number of pipes, the number of volumes (A, B, C, ....) of the cartridge, and similar considerations.

These definitions are valid throughout the text of this application.

First embodiment of the cartridge (CT) in its two-volume variant

According to a first embodiment, said cartridge comprises two compartments or volumes (C2) (upper) and (C1) (lower) FIG. 22.

This embodiment is shown in FIGS. 22 to 24 and 25 to 31.

FIG. 22 very schematically describes the general principle of the invention, in relation to a two-volume cartridge (without limitation). As indicated in the preamble, it can be seen that the principle of the invention resides in the positioning of an interface / regulator (RG) (comprising means (X), (Y) for regulating oil flows) between the point bottom of the crankcase (CRT) and at least one of the volumes (in the diagram shown, the two volumes (C1) and (C2)) of a removable oil cartridge (CT). We see that in the diagram shown, the means (X), (Y) are capable of acting on the oil flows in two pipes (H1) and (H2), each being connected to a volume (C1) or respectively ( C2) of the cartridge, and the two volumes communicating by a non-return valve (Z), and the volumes (C1) and (C2) being defined relative to one another by sliding assisted by the spring (RT).

FIGS. 23A and 23B represent a detailed embodiment of a cartridge according to the invention, with two volumes.

Figure 24 shows the detail of the fitting of the cartridge of Figures 23A or 23B on the pipes (H1) and (H2).

FIG. 25 represents an embodiment of an interface / regulator (RG) with float (FL) capable of controlling the oil flows, according to the invention, in the pipes (H1) and (H2).

Figures 26 to 31 (each figure n being composed of its general diagram "n A" and its equivalent circuit "n B") represent the implementation, in the method according to the invention, of an interface / regulator of the type of that shown in FIG. 25 and of a cartridge with two sliding volumes of the type of that shown in FIGS. 23A, 23B and 24, that is to say:

Figure 26 installation of the new cartridge

Figure 27 manual support to start filling the empty sump with new oil

Figure28 automatic level adjustment to "normal" level when starting the engine

Figure 29 "normal" engine operating mode

Figure 30 automatic correction of excess oil in the sump

Figure31 draining the used oil. In the appended figures which include them when necessary, the same references have the same meanings, unless otherwise indicated:

(M) motor (not shown)

(P) pump supplying the engine members (M) with lubricating oil, in a known manner, from the crankcase, the oil then falling back into the crankcase after having fulfilled its lubrication function in the engine, also completely known.

(CRT) crankcase

Level (A) too high oil level in the crankcase

Level (B) normal oil level in the crankcase.

Level (C) too low oil level in the crankcase

Level (D) so-called “residual” oil level in the crankcase during the draining operation.

(RG) interface / regulator with integrated float (two-volume cartridge)

(FL) float integrated into the regulator in the oil pan (two-volume cartridge)

(X, Y) valves (or any other system operating in open / closed mode) mounted on the oil circulation circuits or pipes (H1) and (H2) (preferably but not limited to the interface / regulator ( RG) in order to form the "variable circuits")

(Z) non-return valve or valve (or any other system operating in open / closed mode) separating the upper volume (C2) of the cartridge (CT) from the lower volume (C1) of said cartridge (CT). (H1) oil circulation circuit or tube connecting the valve (Y) to the lower volume (C1) of the cartridge (CT)

(H2) oil circulation circuit or tube connecting the valve (X) to the upper volume (C2) of the cartridge (CT)

(S) partition separating the upper volume (C2) from the lower volume (C1), in the cartridge (CT).

(E) interstice or space arranged between the parts (9) and (11) to connect the volumes (20) and (C2) with the interior (15) of the tubing (H2).

(RT) compression spring between the appropriate walls of the volumes (C1) and (C2) of the cartridge (in a particular and preferred embodiment)

(2a) lower part of the internal wall (6a) partially defining the upper body (4a) of the cartridge (CT), and serving to hold (by embedding in the particular case shown) the part (3a) serving as support or valve seat (Z)

(3a) valve support part or valve (Z), and mounted

on the one hand sliding, with a seal (26), towards the center of the cartridge (CT), on the part (13) delimiting the volume (22) in the lower body (25) of the cartridge (CT ), and

on the other hand fixed (by embedding in the particular case shown) on the part (6a) forming (with the part 7) the lower part of the upper body (4a) of the cartridge (CT),

and adapted to feel support or seat to the valve or non-return valve (Z). (4a) upper body of the cartridge (CT) (delimiting the upper volume (C2) of said cartridge)

(5a) part cooperating with the parts (6a) and (8) of the cartridge (CT) to delimit the external surface of the volume (C2)

(6a) part cooperating with the parts (5a) and (8) of the cartridge (CT) to delimit the external surface of the volume (C2)

(7) part coaxial or substantially coaxial with the part (6a), and cooperating with the part (6a) to slide around the part (10) forming the outer wall of the volume (C1)

(8) part cooperating with the parts (6a) and (5a) of the cartridge (CT) to delimit the external surface of the volume (C2)

(9) cylindrical or substantially cylindrical part, open at its lower part, and integral by its upper part with the upper wall (8) of the cartridge (CT), and capable of cooperating by sliding with the part (11), the part (11) sliding, in the nonlimiting example shown, inside the part (9).

(10) part forming, with the parts (60a) and (65), the outer wall of the volume (C1)

(11) part mounted fixed with respect to the fixed support (40) and capable of cooperating by sliding with the part (8), the part (11) sliding, in the nonlimiting example shown, inside the part ( 9).

(12) part whose horizontal part is integral with the part (11) and therefore integral with the fixed support (40), and whose vertical part (13) delimits, with the part (65) forming a wall of the volume (C1) , a volume (22).

(13) vertical, or substantially vertical, part of the part (12) (14) internal volume of the tubing (H1) of the oil circuit delimited by the walls (16) and (17).

(15) internal volume of the tubing (H2) of the oil circuit delimited by the walls (18) and (19).

(16), (17) walls of the tubing (H1)

(18), (19) walls of the tubing (H2)

(20) internal volume delimited by the fixed part (that is to say integral with the fixed support (40)) (11) and the sliding mounted part (9), communicating

on the one hand with the rest of the upper volume (C2) of the cartridge through the gap or space (e) arranged between the parts (9) and (11),

on the other hand with the interior (15) of the tubing (H2) (the upper volume (C2) therefore being in communication, via the space (e) and the central volume (20), with said tubing (H2) ).

(21) fixed volume delimited by the parts (12) (fixed) and (65) (horizontal part of the wall (65)) (fixed), and cooperating with the volume communicating with it (22), and with the orifice (O) arranged in the horizontal upper part of the part (65), so as to put the lower volume (C1) of the cartridge into communication with the interior (14) of the tubing (H1) of the oil circuit.

(22) volume, in communication with the volume (C1) and the tubing (H1), and delimited by the parts (65) (wall of (C1) towards the interior of the cartridge) and (12).

(23) piece forming a slide (sliding of (C1) relative to (C2))

(24) latching piece integral with the piece (65) (25) lower body of the cartridge (CT) (delimiting the upper volume (C1) of said cartridge)

(26), (27) sliding and sealing joints

(40) fixed support integral with the chassis of the vehicle or any other fixed structure of the vehicle, and serving as general support for the cartridge (CT) (in cooperation, if necessary, with means for fixing or guiding the cartridge, lateral, not shown for simplicity).

(50a) part integral with the fixed support (40) and the geometry of which enables the cartridge (CT) to be snapped onto the fixed support (40), by cooperation of said part (50a) with the snap-on part (24) , the collar (56a) for supporting the pipes (H1) and (H2) and the seal (55a).

(55a) joint

(56a) collar for supporting the pipes (H1) and (H2) and for the part (11), cooperating with the seal (55a) and the part (24) as well as with the seal (55a).

(60a) part interior end of the part (65) and forming, with the parts (10) and (65), the external wall of the volume (C1) and engaged in a fixed manner (integral) in a groove of the part (11 )

(65) part forming, with parts (65), (60a) and (10), the outer wall of the volume (C1)

(70) Oil filter mounted upstream of the orifices of the pipes (H1) and (H2) (and therefore preventing any impurity from passing into the engine)

(80) seal for sealing the cartridge, perforable when placed by perforation on the bevelled ends, (85) and (87), the pipes (H 1) and (H2)

(85), (87) bevelled ends of the pipes (H1) and (H2) (90) seat of the non-return valve (Z)

(95) light or passage of the non-return valve (Z)

(97) flexible piece extending the receptacle (98)

(98) receptacle for containing the cartridge (CT)

(99) latching flange with the flexible part (97)

(100) motor body

(102) crankcase gasket (between crankcase (CRT) and interface / regulator (RG))

(105) interface / regulator connection tube (RG) with the engine oil circulation pump to the engine (P).

(110) longitudinal axis of the interface / regulator (RG)

(120) upper float ring

(170) lower float ring

(175) welded housing nut

(180) interface / regulator seal

(190) socket

(195) interface / regulator shaft seal (RG)

(200) interface / regulator bushing (RG)

(210) base (integral with the base of the housing, therefore fixed) (300a) oil level in the interface / regulator (same level as in the sump, according to an entirely preferred arrangement)

(600a) interface / regulator valve (RG), integral with the float (FL)

(700) interface valve / regulator seat (RG)

NOTES:

1 the terms “interior” and “exterior” are defined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge: “interior” designates a part close to the axis, as opposed to “exterior” which designates a part of the same kind but more away from the axis.

2 those skilled in the art will recognize, without it being necessary, except in special cases, to specify it, parts designed in symmetry of revolution, in particular around the axis of the cartridge, in particular the parts (9), (11 ), (13), (65), (60a), (6a), (7), (12), (27), (26), (3a), (10), (5a), (4a), (25), (C1) and (C2), (H1) and (H2), (40), (50a), (55a), (e), etc.

FIG. 22 schematically illustrates the general principle of operation of the invention, of arrangement of the various members, as well as the functions (general process) of regulation and emptying / filling, according to the general concept of the invention.

According to this first embodiment, the cartridge (CT) according to the invention is a closed volume and permanently filled with oil, said volume can however vary depending on the operations of the device according to the invention.

Interface / Regulator: General mode and operation with the two-volume cartridge

The interface / regulator (RG) (represented schematically, in its general functionality, in FIG. 22 by a circle) is supplied with oil by a connection at the low point (F) of the casing (CRT). By the principle well known known as "communicating vessels", the level in the interface / regulator is the same as in the bottom of the housing, where certain essential engine components such as the crankshaft, and the like are immersed.

In normal operation, the oil level in the bottom of the sump (and therefore in the interface / regulator (RG)) is assumed to be “normal”, ie here the level (B).

A schematic regulator (RG) has been configured in FIGS. 25 to 31, the movable members of which, which form a non-limitative embodiment of the valves (X), (Y) of FIG. 22, are controlled by a float (FL ) "integrated" into the regulator, and directly controlling by its vertical movement said movable members of the regulator, which is inside the casing. In Figures 1 to 9 and 11 to 21, there is shown on the contrary a float "external" to the regulator, which is outside the housing.

It will again be recalled here that the float (FL) is only a practical schematic representation appearing all systems of sensors of the level of oil in continuous, but that this representation remains theoretical because of the continuous movement of the oil slick in the casing while the vehicle is moving, going up, down, turning, etc.

Those skilled in the art will understand (cf. FIGS. 25 and 26 to 31) that:

In "normal" engine operating mode (figure 29):

the interface / regulator (RG), controlled by its level sensor authorizes the oil pump (P) (in operation) to draw oil, towards the engine (M), from the cartridge (CT), via the interface / regulator (RG) and the tubing (H2) connecting the upper volume (C2) of the cartridge to the valve (X) of the interface / regulator (RG), which valve (X) is in the "open" position authorizing the withdrawal of the oil;

said withdrawal of the oil from the upper volume (C2) of the cartridge (CT) causes, the cartridge being a closed volume, an oil suction from the bottom of the crankcase (CRT), via the valve (Y) of the interface/ regulator which is placed in position adapted to this aspiration, towards the lower volume (C1) of the cartridge (CT), by the tube (H1);

the non-return valve (Z) being in the open position due to this suction which creates an oil flow from the lower volume (C1) to the upper volume (C2),

the person skilled in the art will also understand that the system operates in a closed circuit because the oil sent to the engine by the pump (P) goes back down to the sump by the engine members which it lubricates in passing.

It will be understood in particular that there is in this circuit a single motor element which is the oil pump.

If, by hypothesis, the engine oil level in the crankcase drops, during operation, to a level (C) too low,

the interface / regulator level detector (RG) according to the invention reverses the direction of the oil flow in the pipes (H1) and (H2);

the pump (P), which naturally still works, continues to draw oil from the cartridge (because it is of course essential that the engine continues to be supplied with oil) but the oil is withdrawn from the volume (C2) by the manifold (H1) and feeds the bottom of the casing via the valve (Y) of the interface / regulator then the motor via the manifold (105) and the pump (P);

this withdrawal creates a depression in the volume (C1) which closes the non-return valve (Z) of the cartridge (CT);

the oil thus removed, after having lubricated the engine parts, descends into the crankcase where it raises the level from (C) (insufficient) to (B) (normal) because, the valve (Z) being closed, no suction of oil to the cartridge via the tubing (H2) cannot occur (the volume of oil in (H2) and (C2) remains "static" and constant as soon as (Z) is closed); when the level has reached normal level (B), the sensor detects it and returns the interface / regulator (RG) to normal operating mode (Figure 29).

In theory, the invention would make it possible to do away with the manual dipstick, or even the manual filling plug.

We can however keep the manual filler cap in order to be able to top up the level, particularly during a heavy oil leak, if necessary.

Figure 30 covers a case that only occurs under exceptional conditions; this is to deal with the problem of the oil overflow in the bottom of the sump (i.e. oil level too high (A) fig.22).

In the event of an overflow, the skilled person will understand that:

the interface / regulator level detector (RG) detects the level that is too high;

if it is assumed, hypothetically, to start from a normal operating situation, with the corollary that the pump (P) is working, the level detector commands the interface / regulator to put the tubing (105) in direct communication supplying the pump and therefore the motor (it is always essential that the motor is correctly supplied with oil) with the oil contained in the bottom of the crankcase, which results in a drop in the oil level in the crankcase, and the casing level returns to its normal level (B);

the level detector detects this return to normal level, and acts on the interface / regulator to return it to "normal" operating mode

The invention, according to a particularly advantageous embodiment, is original in that it also allows the complete emptying of the engine by simply replacing the cartridge. The general process is shown in Figure 31 attached.

the motor must be stopped, and the pump (P) also;

the fact of starting to remove the cartridge by an upward pulling force (or other arrangement according to the position of the cartridge, which it is recalled that it is a closed volume, without air, therefore insensitive to positioning angle), by adapting the bodies (4a) and (25) of the cartridge mounted to slide relative to each other, that the upper part (4a) of said cartridge slides upwards relative to the lower part (25) of said cartridge, which creates an increase in the upper volume (C2), the volume (C1) being fixed;

this increase in volume (C2), in a closed volume, immediately creates the beginning of suction of the oil contained in the sump via the interface / regulator (RG).

the oil level therefore starts to drop and the level sensor quickly detects an too low oil level in the sump

(level C); the detector therefore acts normally on the interface / regulator to place the system in the "crankcase filling" position, ie opening of the two valves (X) and (Y);

since, however, the pump does not operate (engine stopped), there is of course no supply of oil to the crankcase via the interface / regulator (RG) via the pipe (H1);

the fact of continuing the traction force on the part (4a) of the cartridge, in order to continue removing the cartridge from its support (40), results in the continuation of the suction, which can be done by the two pipes (H1 ) and (H2), cf. arrows;

the volume of the cartridge, in its "expanded at maximum" state, is calculated so that the volume aspirated is at least equal to the total volume of the engine oil, including the residual oil contained in the interface / regulator; when the tractive effort and the sliding are completed, the emptying is therefore complete; no used oil therefore remains in the engine and oil supply / interface / tubing circuit.

the cartridge is then removed from its support (40), which disconnects the pipes (H1) and (H2), all the parts being adapted so that no volume of oil can escape from the cartridge at this moment. We did not represent this step.

A new cartridge full of new oil is then placed (FIG. 26), this cartridge being in its "expanded maximum" state so as to offer a maximum total volume (C1) + (C2).

This new cartridge is positioned without pressing on the fixing support (50a); as soon as one then begins to press on the cartridge, it is engaged in guiding in the latching systems (50a) and possibly in other latching, latching, etc. systems, not shown and which are within the reach of those skilled in the art, which simultaneously punctures the sealed closure for closing the initially sealed full cartridge; note that the cover can be made of a suitable known material. In the preferred but nonlimiting embodiment of the device, the upper part of the pipes (H1) and (H2) is cut in a bevel to facilitate the introduction of the cartridge.

If one continues (FIG. 27) the action of pressing on the top of the cartridge, the latter can no longer descend further since it rests in abutment at the bottom of its housing (50a); therefore, (C2) (movable) will begin to slide relative to (C1) (fixed). This action therefore drives the new oil contained in the cartridge, through the pipes (H1) and (H2), towards the crankcase through the interface / regulator (RG), and the crankcase fills up to the level (C ) when (C2) is at the end of its travel and fixed in this position; the engine is then started (FIG. 28) and therefore the oil pump (P) immediately sucks in new oil from the crankcase, which instantly lubricates the engine members; the level sensor, represented by a float on the boards, instantly detects the level, if any, too low (C) in the casing, and instantly also triggers the regulation system which brings the oil level in the sump to normal engine operating level (B).

Alternatively, it can also be provided that when the cartridge is pushed in as far as possible, the normal level (B) is directly reached; or even a level of slight overflow (A), which is immediately regulated towards the return to normal level (B).

Preferred structure of the non-limiting two-volume cartridge

A person skilled in the art will be able to envisage various particular design embodiments for the cartridge with variable closed volume, on the basis of the functionality which has just been described, of his general knowledge, and of the example by "sliding" which is described in detail in the present application, in particular in relation to FIGS. 23 A, 23B or 24 appended. One can consider for example a cartridge with a bellows wall, or a flexible or partially flexible wall, and similar solutions, the main thing being that a simple manual operation results in the increase of the closed volume of the cartridge in a sufficient proportion to suck and contain all of the engine oil, including residual oil, including the excess volume that may result from the "taxi effect".

Whatever the technical solution envisaged for the establishment, this is accompanied, according to the invention, by bringing the lower volume (C1) into immediate communication with the tubing (H1) and the upper volume (C2) with the tubing (H2). For a specific embodiment, refer to Figure 22 attached.

Cartridge structure (figure 23 A. 23B or 24)

According to a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, the interchangeable oil cartridge (CT) according to the invention, in its non-limiting variant with two volumes, is specific in that: it comprises an upper body (4a) delimiting an upper volume (C2), and a lower body (25) delimiting a lower volume (C1)

the volumes (C1) and (C2) can slide relative to each other in particular by the slide wall (23) and the hollow part (9) female internal to the volume (C2) and which slides around the part male hollow (11);

(C1) + (C2) therefore form a closed volume

(C1) and (C2) are connected to each other by a non-return valve (Z)

- The lower volume (C1) is placed in communication by an annular chamber or tubing (22) and by an annular orifice (0) with the interior (14) of the tubing (H1)

the upper volume (C2) is placed in communication, by the gap (e) arranged between the sliding parts (9) and (11), and by the interior (20) of the hollow part (11), with the inside (15) of the tubing (H2)

seals (27), (26) provide sliding seals.

According to a particular, preferred but non-limiting mode of the cartridge according to the invention, the cartridge (CT) comprises a compression spring (RT) which is mounted around the parts (9) and (11), and the ends of which are s '' support, upwards (in the case where the longitudinal axis of the cartridge is vertical) on the inner face of the part (8) upper of the cartridge, and downwards on the upper part of the part (12) .

This spring participates, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, in the sliding movements necessary for the operation of the automatic regulation system of the invention. This spring (RT) will therefore be chosen, according to criteria well known to engine manufacturers, so as to be strong enough to cooperate in the regulation, but not strong enough to oppose it.

Preferably, the cartridge (CT) comprises a filter (70) with engine oil meeting the standards in force, and mounted upstream of the inlet orifices of the pipes (H1) and (H2) after perforation of the cover (80 ) so as to prevent any impurity present in the oil from passing into the engine.

This filter is mounted in the volume (C2) according to the particular embodiment envisaged, and surrounds the sliding parts (9) and (11).

The non-return valve (Z), as shown, rests on a lower seat 90 and can therefore only open, to free the passage (95), in the direction of a flow from the lower volume (C1) to the volume higher (C2); in the presence of a reverse flow, the valve closes and prohibits this reverse flow.

According to yet another particular embodiment, the cartridge (CT) according to the invention comprises means for fitting or snap-fastening with its support (40) secured to the engine chassis.

Such means advantageously consist of a part (55a) whose external shape is adapted to cooperate with the flexible latching means (50a) mounted on the support (40).

One can also provide lateral means (97) shown summarily in FIG. 23B, such as for example a receptacle (98) integral with the support (40) and terminated by a flexible piece (97) capable of snapping onto the flange (99 ) of the envelope (7) of the cartridge.

It is also possible to provide, depending on the case, additional means for fixing the cartridge on the support (40), such as for example a locking system in the so-called "quarter-turn" position, or a screw ring, or the like. , which are directly accessible to those skilled in the art and have not been shown. It is also possible to provide means for gripping the cartridge, such as a quarter-turn extraction and / or locking handle, and the like, which are obvious.

The cartridge (CT) can have any shape adapted to the different engines and to the volumes available or suitable for conversion under the engine cowls, for example elongated or flattened cylindrical, of horizontal section (in the case where its axis is vertical) circular, oval, square, hexagonal, or even asymmetrical in order to best adapt to the free space under the hood.

The cartridge (CT), forming a volume adjustable by sliding but closed, is not sensitive to the orientation of its longitudinal axis, and can be mounted vertically or substantially vertically, or inclined, or horizontal, or even in an inverted position ( "upper" part (8) down) provided that the position is not opposed to the operations which have just been described.

interface / regulator; structure and operation of a first mode of | unrestricted realization

In FIG. 25, it can be seen that the continuous oil level sensor system is configured by a float (FL) integrated into the interface / regulator, the vertical movement of which cooperates with the "socket" (190) to ensure the regulation according to the invention.

We see that the interface / regulator is placed in a set composed for a part of the casing (CRT) and for another part of the engine body (100).

This assembly is open on the one hand to the engine oil pump by a pipe (105), and on the other hand to the cartridge (CT) of the invention by at least one, and here preferably two circulation pipes oil (H1) and (H2). This is the "interface" part. The “regulator” part, here integrated into the interface, is configured by said annular float (FL) floating at the level of the oil level (300a) (by assumption, the oil level (300a) in the interface / regulator is the same as the oil level in the bottom of the crankcase (CRT), by the simple principle of communicating vessels), which cooperates with the seat (700) integral with the fixed base (210) of the interface / regulator.

As already said, the float is not the ideal way to identify the oil level of a sump continuously (this means would be an electronic sensor), but it allows a good representation and understanding of the operation of the device.

Those skilled in the art will understand that: depending on whether the level (300a) goes up or down, the float (FL) goes up and down with it, which results in relative movements, on the one hand, of the fixed parts integral with the base of the interface / regulator, including the socket (190) and the seat (700) which it carries at its upper part, relative on the other hand to the parts integral with the float, therefore movable with it, like in particular the lower rings ( 170) and upper (120), and the valve part (600a), adapted in geometry to cooperate in sealing with the seat (700).

Second embodiment of the cartridge, called "three volumes"

According to a second embodiment, which is the preferred embodiment to date, said cartridge comprises three compartments or volumes (A) (upper), (B) (central or intermediate) and (C) (lower). A first embodiment (with "sliding" volumes) of such a cartridge and of its operation is shown in FIGS. 1 to 20, and a variant of such cartridge (with "internal bellows") is shown in FIG. 21.

Those skilled in the art will be able to envisage and adapt various combinations of such closed volumes, depending on the specific application envisaged, their general knowledge, this description, examples. Several alternative embodiments of the interface / regulator (RG) have also been described, fulfilling the same function: a first mode is shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 21; a second mode is shown in Figures 2 to 9; a third mode is shown in Figures 11 to 20; a fourth mode is finally represented in FIGS. 25 to 31. The preferred mode to date is that described in FIGS. 11 to 20.

A person skilled in the art will also be able to envisage and adapt various variants of such regulators, depending on the specific application envisaged, his general knowledge, this description and the given examples of regulator, and possibly a few simple routine tests. .

Those skilled in the art will understand that all of the embodiments of the cartridge and / or of the regulation interface, and of the operation of these organs in cooperation with the pump (P) of the motor (M) and its casing (CRT), correspond to the same general principle of the invention, which is that of an interface / regulator disposed between the low point of the engine oil pan and a cartridge which is essentially, preferably completely, removable, extractable and disposable.

Preferred embodiment known as "three-volume cartridge"]

According to the preferred mode, using a three-volume cartridge, the present invention relates to a method and device for supplying engine oil to an internal combustion engine, of the type described above, original in that:

in its most general mode, the method uses, and the device cooperates with, a removable and consumable cartridge (CT), itself specific in that it comprises three compartments or volumes (A) upper, (B) central and ( C) lower, contained in a body or external cover (1), the three compartments forming an overall closed volume as defined here, each of the compartments being always filled with oil, and each compartment being able to vary in volume compared to the other two , by suitable mechanical means formed by the walls of said volumes, and under the action of the oil flows described below and / or external actions on at least one of said volumes, and each volume having one or more orifices adapted to receive oil from the outside of the cartridge and / or possibly from another volume, and / or to send oil to the outside of the cartridge and / or possibly another volume,

and in that, in a more particular mode of this general mode,

said cartridge (CT) comprises three volumes or compartments (A), (B) and (C) (upper A, central B and lower C) mounted sliding relative to each other in a case or cover or body (1) of cartridge,

said element of the interface / regulator between the cartridge (CT) and the bottom of the crankcase (CRT) comprises means for controlling and regulating the flow of oil from the cartridge to the crankcase (CRT) of the engine, and / or the engine oil pump (P), and / or coming from the crankcase (CRT) to at least one of the volumes of the cartridge (CT),

according to the indications of means for detecting the oil level in the crankcase (CRT).

According to another particular embodiment, the invention relates to a method or device for supplying engine oil to an internal combustion engine, as functionally described above, specific in that

said detection means are adapted to act themselves as organs for controlling or regulating the oil flow, or on organs for controlling or regulating the oil flow, or else control such organs.

According to another particular embodiment, the invention relates to a method or device for supplying engine oil to an internal combustion engine, as functionally described above, original in that said interface comprises, or consists of, a device called a regulator (RG), the internal movable members of which are capable of directing the flows of oil coming from or in the direction of at least one oil connection pipe (TLM) between said interface / regulator and the crankcase, and at least one oil connection pipe (TLC) between said interface / regulator and said cartridge,

said detection means are configured by a float (FL) whose vertical movement (depending on the oil level in the sump) controls directly or indirectly, by mechanical, hydraulic, or electromechanical or similar connections, the interface members / regulator (RG).

According to another embodiment presented as rather theoretical, the means for detecting the oil level in the crankcase (CRT) are configured by a float (FL), the vertical movement of which activates electronic sensors or sensors (not shown) of which the signals are directed to the interface / regulator, directly or indirectly, by mechanical, hydraulic, or electromechanical or similar connections.

According to an operational embodiment, the means for detecting the oil level in the crankcase (CRT) consist directly of electronic level sensors or sensors, the signals of which are directed to the interface / regulator, directly or indirectly, by mechanical, hydraulic, or electromechanical or similar connections.

In this application, neither the distribution center, nor the electronic sensors or sensors, nor the means will be described. subject to mechanical, hydraulic, electromechanical or similar control of the interface members, because such elements are either well known, possibly in different applications, or directly accessible or adaptable by a person skilled in the art.

General description, operation and specificity of the present invention (preferred and non-limiting embodiment)

Description of the invention

Device for supplying and regulating the lubricating oil of an internal combustion engine by a removable and consumable oil cartridge connected to a regulating interface located between the cartridge and the crankcase. This system in normal operating mode bypasses the circulation of engine oil from the bottom of the lower sump to the mechanical pump (P) of the engine (M) through an external removable oil cartridge (CT) the fitting or removal of which allows the oil to be completely filled or drained. The cartridge is composed of 3 main elements:

• the lower tank delimiting the lower volume (C) (and comprising at its base the cover (6) for connection to the support fixed to the chassis of the vehicle),

• the movable piston delimiting the central volume (B) (which includes a non-return valve (5)),

• the upper cover delimiting the upper volume (A) (the cover being connected to the piston delimiting the central volume (B) by its stops, and allowing manual actions of laying or removal by a top handle).

These three elements fitted in a sealed manner (by suitable well-known and therefore not described seals, of the elastomer seal type and the like) therefore create three independent volumes or chambers (A), (B) and (C), completely filled with oil. permanently, each being connected to a separate pipe from the tubing (TLC) passing through the cover (6) during the installation of the cartridge. The non-return valve (5) of the piston, located opposite the communication orifice between the chamber (B) and the chamber (C), allows the oil to flow only in the direction (B) towards (C ).

The oil path crosses an interface / regulator (RG) directing the pipe relating to the oil pump (P) of the engine (M) and the pipe relating to the bottom of the casing (F) towards the ducts of the compartments (A) , (B) and (C) of the cartridge, connected according to different combinations of activation of the valves of the interface / regulator, controlled for example electrically, as will be described below. These valve activation combinations are controlled by the information provided by:

• the continuous oil level detection system, suitable electronic sensors for example. (A float (FL) theoretically represents this detection system for a good understanding of the operation).

"The sensor (2) for detecting the presence of the installed cartridge (cartridge detection on or off),

• information on the state of the engine (stopped or started) provided by electrical and electronic systems and sensors, position of the ignition key, oil flow for example in the pipe connecting the crankcase to the oil pump (P ) of the engine, etc., such systems, sensors, etc. being either known or already used for other applications, such as for example certain applications related to safety on numerous vehicles, or accessible to any person of trade, or adaptable.

Operation and specificity of the device

The function of automatic regulation of the crankcase oil level in each case of use of the system is linked to the processing of the various information provided by the detection systems mentioned above. The single table below (page 61) shows the status of the device's sensors, compartments (A), (B), (C), and the conduits to (P) and (F) for each of the seven key positions. of the whole system. When the engine is running, the suction of the pump through the pipe (P), by the operation of the interface / regulator valves, is only transmitted to one and only separate compartment:

^1st case: The detected oil level is "MINI": the suction of the pump (P) is transmitted to the compartment (A), the piston of the cartridge descends in the lower tank, the pressurization of the compartment ( C) sends the oil into the compartment (B) (put into suction) and into the crankcase duct (F): the restoration of the crankcase oil to Normal level is thus obtained.

2 ^èfne case: The detected oil level is "NORMAL": the compartment (A) is not connected to a conduit and prevents any vertical movement of the piston, the suction of the pump (P) is transmitted to the compartment (C ), the piston valve opens the connection orifice (B) - (C) and the suction is transmitted via the compartment (B) to the bottom of the housing (F): operation is stabilized.

3 ^rd case ^e: The level of oil is detected "MAXI" (accidental fuel addition was made in the oil- "taxi effect"): the suction of the pump (P) is transmitted to the compartment ( B), the piston valve closes the connection orifice (B) - (C), the suction in (B) causes the piston to rise in the lower tank and the aspirations thus caused in the compartments (A) and (C ) (both connected to line (F)) lower the oil level at the bottom of the sump to its "NORMAL" position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(three-volume preferred mode)

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, and with reference to the appended drawing in which:

Figure 1 shows schematically, in section, the general embodiment comprising an interface / regulator (RG) and a float (FL), appearing the continuous sensor of the crankcase oil level, and supplying signals to a distribution center which controls the cartridge, the distribution center not being shown in the drawings. The right part of Figure 1 represents the cartridge (CT) in position "before installation" and the left part represents the same cartridge in position "normal operation", volumes (A), (B) and (C) having slid according to modes which will be described below.

Figure 2, which consists of Figures 2 A (section of the device during the presentation of the cartridge), 2 B (analog circuit of this same device), shows in section a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the invention , in position "fitting the new cartridge on the fixed support - secured to the vehicle chassis", according to which three pipes (H1), (H2) and (H3) connect the interface / regulator (RG) to the cartridge, and two pipes (H4) and (H5) connect the interface to the crankcase (CRT), the interface / regulator members (represented together by (ORG)) organizing the distribution of oil between (H1), (H2 ), (H3), (H4), (H5), and the direction of circulation in said pipes, according to the level indications provided, in this nonlimiting embodiment, by the continuous oil level sensor shown by the float (FL).

Figure 3, which consists of Figures 3 A (section of the device) and 3 B (analog circuit of the same device), shows in section a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the invention, of the type of that of the previous figure, in position "manual support on the cartridge to place it in the operating position in the housing of the fixed support 4 and start filling the casing (CRT)".

FIG. 4, which consists of FIGS. 4 A (section of the device) and 4 B (analog circuit of this same device), represents in section a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the invention, of the type of that of the previous figure, in position "new cartridge in place, engine stopped or engine ready to start".

Figure 5, which consists of Figures 5 A (section of the device) and 5 B (analog circuit of the same device), shows in section a mode of particular and nonlimiting embodiment of the invention, of the type of that of the previous figure, in the position "engine started for the first time after the installation of the new cartridge (Figure 4) and correction of the crankcase oil level".

FIG. 6, which is made up of FIGS. 6 A (section of the device) and 6 B (analog circuit of this same device), represents in section a particular and nonlimiting embodiment of the invention, of the type of that of the previous figure, in position "engine in stable operation - normal crankcase oil level".

FIG. 7, which is made up of FIGS. 7 A (section of the device) and 7 B (analog circuit of this same device), represents in section a particular and nonlimiting embodiment of the invention, of the type of that of the previous figure, in position "Max crankcase oil level -" taxi effect correction "".

FIG. 8, which is made up of FIGS. 8 A (section of the device) and 8 B (analog circuit of this same device), represents in section a particular and nonlimiting embodiment of the invention, of the type of that of the previous figure, in position "engine stopped - oil change".

FIG. 9 represents the general diagram of the interface / regulator (RG) corresponding to the preferred embodiment.

FIG. 10 represents an envisaged embodiment of the cartridge.

Figures 11 to 20 show the same device as Figures 1 to 8, with however a distributor of different internal structure and an additional representation which corresponds to the situation "engine in operation - correction of abnormal oil consumption".

Figure 11, which consists of Figures 11A (section of the device) and 11B (analog circuit), schematically shows, in section, the mode of general realization comprising an interface / regulator (RG) and the float (FL) representing an adequate electronic sensor system in corresponding situation.

Figure 12, which consists of Figures 12A (section of the device) and 12B (analog circuit), schematically shows in section a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the invention, in position "engine stopped" "presentation of the cartridge new ”, with a device comprising an interface / regulator (RG) and the float (FL) in corresponding situation.

FIG. 13, which is made up of FIGS. 13A (section of the device) and 13B (analog circuit), diagrammatically shows in section a particular and nonlimiting embodiment of the invention, in the “engine stopped” position “engagement of the cartridge new ”, with a device comprising an interface / regulator (RG) and the float (FL), in a corresponding situation, where the tight seal (6) of the cartridge begins to be perforated by the end (EXT) of the tubes d 'oil (bevelled for this purpose).

Figure 14, which consists of Figures 14A (section of the device), 14B (analog circuit) and 14C (enlarged sectional view of the lower part "engaged" of the cartridge, and the sensor or engagement probe), represents schematically in section a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the invention, in the position "engine stopped" "new cartridge engaged" "start of manual support with start of oil delivery from the new cartridge to the crankcase", with a device comprising an interface / regulator (RG) and the float (FL), in corresponding situation.

FIG. 15, which is made up of FIGS. 15A (section of the device) and 15B (analog circuit), schematically represents in section a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the invention, in the position "engine stopped""new cartridge engaged""End of manual support -" minimum "oil level in the crankcase", with a device comprising an interface / regulator (RG) and the float (FL), in corresponding situation. FIG. 16, which consists of FIGS. 16A (section of the device) and 16B (analog circuit), diagrammatically shows in section a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the invention, in the operating mode position "first engine start after installation of the new cartridge ”“ cartridge engaged ”“ correction of the oil level from “mini” to “normal crankcase oil level”, with a device comprising an interface / regulator (RG) and the float (FL), in corresponding situation .

Figure 17, which consists of Figures 17A (section of the device), 17B (analog circuit) and 17C (enlargement of the non-return valve between (B) and (C)), schematically shows in section a particular embodiment and not limitation of the invention, in the operating mode position "engine in stable, normal operation" "cartridge engaged" "crankcase oil level" normal "", with a device comprising an interface / regulator (RG) and the float ( FL), in a corresponding situation.

Figure 18, which consists of Figures 18A (section of the device) and 18B (analog circuit), schematically shows in section a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the invention, in the operating mode position "engine in operation" "Cartridge activated" "taxi effect correction" ", with a device comprising an interface / regulator (RG) and the float (FL), in the corresponding position.

Figure 19, which consists of Figures 19A (section of the device) and 19B (analog circuit), schematically shows in section a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the invention, in the operating mode position "engine in operation" "Cartridge engaged" "correction of too much oil consumption" (and therefore "crankcase oil level below the" normal "level), with a device comprising an interface / regulator (RG) and the float (FL), in the corresponding position.

Figure 20, which consists of Figures 20A (section of the device), 20B (analog circuit) and 20C (enlargement of the lower part of the cartridge, the release of the body or external cover having been detected by the sensor or probe (2), although the pipes (EXT) are still connected to the volumes (A), (B) and (C), schematically represents in section a particular and nonlimiting embodiment of the invention, in the “engine stopped” position “start of manual extraction of the cartridge” “cartridge disengaged - at the sensor or feeler (2) - but still connected to the distributor” “start of the emptying operation ”, with a device comprising an interface / regulator (RG) and the float (FL), in corresponding situation.

FIG. 21 describes a variant of cartridge usable according to the present invention, with three compartments (A), (B) and (C) but comprising - to obtain the same functions - a "bellows (s)" system replacing completely or partly the "sliding" system.

It is understood that the cartridge according to FIG. 21 is specific in that the three volumes (A), (B) and (C) form an overall variable volume closed, as defined here, by a concept of bellows effect (s ) arranged on at least one wall of at least one of said volumes.

Three-volume operating mode

The preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, comprises an interface / regulator (RG) which is connected by three pipes (H1), (H2) and (H3) to the cartridge (CT), and by two pipes (H4) and (H5) to the crankcase (CRT).

According to a still preferred mode,

the tubing (H1) is connected to the upper volume (A) of the cartridge (CT);

the tubing (H2) is connected to the central volume (B) or "piston" of the cartridge (CT); the tubing (H3) is connected to the lower volume (C) of the cartridge (CT).

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, one of the two “casing” pipes, here (H4), is directly connected to the oil supply pipe of the oil pump (P) of the engine, while the other, here (H5), is connected to the low point (F) of the housing.

Preferred structure of the three-volume cartridge

According to an embodiment which corresponds to a general concept which is the basis of the present invention, said cartridge is original in that it comprises three compartments or volumes (A) upper, (B) central and (C) lower, contained in a body or external cover (1), the three compartments forming an overall closed volume as defined here, each of the compartments being always filled with oil, and each compartment being able to vary in volume compared to the other two, by means adapted mechanical formed by the walls of said volumes, and under the action of the oil flows below and / or external actions on at least one of said volumes, and each volume having one or more orifices adapted to receive oil from outside the cartridge and / or possibly from another volume, and / or for sending oil to the outside of the cartridge and / or possibly another volume.

According to a preferred but nonlimiting embodiment which corresponds to this general concept, said cartridge is original in that it comprises three compartments or volumes (A) upper, (B) central and (C) lower, contained in an external body. , the volume (A) being delimited by a first internal wall to said body and forming a “piston” relative to the volume (C) delimited by a second internal wall, mounted (in said external body) sliding relative to the first internal wall, the sliding creating the “piston” effect of (A) relative to (C) and vice versa in the direction of sliding, and the central volume (B) being delimited by a first lower fixed wall mounted on said first wall delimiting the volume ( A) and by a second upper fixed wall integral with said second internal wall delimiting the volume (C), and by a side wall formed by a portion of said first internal wall delimiting the volume (A), the “piston effect” therefore also acting on the volume (B ) during the aforementioned sliding, with expansion or expansion of (B) in the direction of said sliding, and in that it comprises at least one oil inlet and outlet orifice from or respectively to at least one of the three volumes (A), (B) and (C), the three volumes (A), (B) and (C) therefore forming an overall closed volume, that is to say always completely filled with oil but capable of being expanded or be reduced by suction or discharge of oil to or respectively from at least one of the three volumes (A), (B) and (C), without the entry of air or other fluid.

According to a preferred embodiment, cf. FIG. 11, said cartridge is specific in that it comprises 3 volumes (A) upper, (B) central and (C) lower,

- The volume (C) being delimited by the bottom and the side wall of a casing (50), fixed, internal to the body or cover (1) of the cartridge, and by the lower part (51) of a mobile element (52), slidably mounted in said envelope (50),

the volume (B) being delimited by a lower wall (53) mounted inside said envelope (50), and integral with said movable element (52), and by a fixed upper wall (54) integral with the fixed bottom (55 ) of said envelope (50),

and the volume (A) being delimited by, at its lower part, said fixed wall (54), laterally by the side walls of the movable element (52) and, at its upper part, by the upper part (56) of said mobile element (52),

the volumes (A), (B) and (C) being sealed relative to one another by any means such as seals (57) allowing the sliding,

- the wall (53) comprising a check valve or non-return valve (5) mounted so as to allow an oil flow from the central volume (B) to the volume lower (C) (by opening under the action of said reverse flow) and prohibiting the reverse flow (by closing under the action of such a reverse flow)

the assembly forming a closed volume (A + B + C), that is to say a volume in which the volumes (A), (B) and (C) are always, each, completely filled with oil and can separately expand or decrease in relation to each other, according to a so-called "piston" effect imposed by said movable element (52), and / or under the effect of entry (s) or admission (s) or aspiration (s) of oil to one or more of said volumes (A), (B) and / or (C), or conversely of outlet (s) or discharge (s) of oil from one or more of said volumes ( A), (B) and / or (C), or direct external action achieving a reduction or expansion of the upper volume (A), without air inlets or outlets.

According to another preferred embodiment, the volumes (B) and (C) are crossed by two concentric pipes (H'1) (central) and (H'2) (concentric outside H'1), (H'2 ) opening in the volume (B) in the vicinity of the upper part (54) thereof, and (H'1) opening in the upper volume (A) by forming the fixed lower wall (54) thereof , and the volume (C) has at its lower part an opening (58), preferably concentric on the outside with (H'2), adapted to cooperate with an external pipe (H3).

According to another preferred embodiment, the lower openings of the two pipes (H'1) and (H'2), and the opening of the volume (C), form at the lower part of said cartridge a cylindrical-conical volume ( 60), cf. Figure 12, adapted to fit oil and gas tightly at the ends of three pipes, (H3) opening into the volume (C) through the opening (58), (H2) extending (H '2) and (H1) extending (H'1), the three pipes (H1), (H2) and (H3) being connected to the interface / regulator (RG).

According to a new preferred embodiment, said volume (60) is closed at its base by a tight seal (6) which can open to allow the tubes (H1), (H2) and (H3) to pass, and close sealingly to the withdrawal of said tubes (H1), (H2) and (H3). One possibility will be a self-sealing aviation or similar rubber or neoprene cover (6).

Variant of three-volume "bellows" cartridge

A variant of cartridge usable according to the present invention, with three compartments (A), (B) and (C), but comprising - to obtain the same functions - a "bellows (s)" system replacing all or part of the "sliding" system is shown in Figure 21.

It is understood that the cartridge according to FIG. 21 is specific in that the three volumes (A), (B) and (C) form an overall variable volume closed (without air), as defined here, by a concept of effect bellows (s) arranged on at least one wall of at least one of said volumes.

These two exemplary embodiments of cartridges illustrate well the possibility, for the skilled person, of designing, without departing from the present invention, other cartridges of the same functionality, but of different structure, with sliding or bellows modes. different, or other systems of mobility of volumes with respect to each other, provided that they remain closed volumes, and / or a different number of volumes, and other accessible variants. This also applies to interfaces / regulators.

Examples of interfaces / regulators will be described below.

[Preferred embodiment of interface / regulator for three pipes!

A preferred embodiment comprises an interface / regulator (RG) which consists of a distributor suitable for interconnecting the three pipes (H1), (H2) and (H3) with the two pipes (H4) and (H5), and for authorizing the circulation of oil or prevent it, in each of these pipes and, in the case of authorized circulation, in which direction, according to the indications of oil level and indications of engine operation. According to a non-limiting variant of embodiment, cf. Figure 9, said interface / regulator (RG) comprises

a first tubing system comprising three incoming tubings (H 1), (H2), (H3),

- each connected respectively to the middle input of an internal distribution chamber (CD1), (CD2), (CD3),

each of these chambers having an upper wall (s) having an orifice (o) and a lower wall (i) comprising a corresponding orifice (o), these two walls defining between them a median volume (v) where your tubing Hi ends,

the two orifices of each CDi chamber being alternately (depending on the distribution required), one open and the other closed by the movement of a flap or valve (c) movable along a rod (t),

and includes

a second outgoing tubing system (H4), (H5),

each being connected to the outlet of the median volume (v) of a distribution chamber (CD4) and respectively (CD5), said chambers having a structure identical to those of chambers (CD1), (CD2) or (CD3),

and

each chamber CDi opens out through the orifice (o) of its upper wall if in a tube (XS), and through the orifice (o) of its lower wall ii into a tube (Yl),

the pipes (X1), (Y2) and (X3) being connected in a common pipe (Zt) which terminates in the pipe (Y5), the pipes (Y1) and (X2) being connected in a pipe (Q) which ends in the pipe (X4),

the tubing (Y3) being connected by a tubing (K) which terminates simultaneously in the tubing (Y4) and (X5),

the volume (v4) being connected to (H4) (to the engine oil pump

P) and

the volume (v5) being connected to the low point (F) of the casing,

each element (forming the internal organs (ORG) of the distributor) being listed here by an index "i" for example CDi, Xi, etc ... or by the precision of the number of the corresponding distribution chamber, when necessary for the understanding of the text, for example (X3) for the tubing (X) of the chamber (CD3), (c4) for the valve of the chamber (CD4), etc., in a completely obvious manner for the man of job.

In FIG. 9, of course, these references have only been indicated in their generic form (X), (v), etc., for the sake of clarity of the drawing.

In FIGS. 11 to 20, a more compact interface / regulator model has been shown, ensuring the same functions as above, but characterized in that the CDi chambers are adjacent by common elements, the Xi forming a single volume. with Y i + 1 for rooms (CD1) to (CD3) on the one hand, and (CD4) and (CD5) on the other.

The detailed operation of this type of compact regulator will not be described here, nor will its precise structure, the skilled person easily understanding it by analogy with what has just been said above, and by comparing FIG. 9 with Figures 11 to 20.

Mode of operation of the preferred device with three-part cartridge | volumes. Figure 2 (2A and 2B): engine stopped - presentation of the cartridge

The cartridge, filled with new oil, is positioned with its puncture-proof seal (6) above the ends (EXT assembly) of the three tubes (H1), (H2), (H3), which are at this location concentric in the preferred embodiment. The valves are positioned, by the signal "zero oil level in the crankcase", the signal "engine stopped", and the sensor signal (2) "cartridge not engaged", so that the pipes (H4) and (H5) are closed.

Figure 3 (3A and 3B): engine stopped - cartridge engagement

start of cartridge perforation

The cartridge, filled with new oil, is positioned with its watertight seal (6) perforated above the ends (EXT assembly) of the three tubes (H1), (H2), (H3), which are at this location concentric in the preferred embodiment. The valves are positioned, by the signal "zero oil level in the crankcase", the signal "engine stopped", and the sensor signal (2) "cartridge not engaged", so that the pipes (H4) and (H5) are closed.

- engagement of the cartridge and continued manual pressing on the top cover of the cartridge

Manual support on the top of the cartridge causes (EXT) to complete the perforation of the cover (6), then the continuation of the pressure force compresses the cartridge, the valves being positioned, by the signal "level zero oil in the crankcase ", the signal" engine stopped ", and the sensor signal (2)" cartridge engaged ", so that the oil compressed in (A) is discharged to (B) via (Q ), while the oil expelled from (C) by the piston effect of the sliding movable element (52) is sent directly to the casing by (K), (X5) and (H5). A predetermined and corresponding volume of oil is thus sent to the sump, according to the manufacturer's standards to which the volumes (A), (B) and (C) are naturally adapted, to the "minimum" volume of oil in the sump. The float, or any other sensor, therefore sends a “mini crankcase oil” signal to a distribution center (not shown).

Figure 4: engine not yet started or ready to start the engine

(in what follows we will assume that the signal "cartridge activated" is implicit)

The “engine stopped” signal and the “mini oil” signal place the valves in position such that (H5) (pump (P)) communicates directly with the bottom of the crankcase via (CD4), (K), (CD5) and (H5).

Figure 5: engine start

The signal "engine started" + "mini crankcase oil" places the valves in position such that the pump (P) (which naturally starts to draw oil as soon as the engine is running) is connected directly to one of the volumes oil from the cartridge, the upper volume (A) in the preferred mode.

It is naturally essential that the pump (P) does not draw oil from the sump, which is assumed to be at the manufacturer's minimum level.

It will preferably be provided that the above position of the valves is acquired for example as soon as the electrical contact is put on, that is to say a fraction of a second before the actual start of the engine, so that the pump does not suck up no crankcase oil.

There will also be provided, at the distribution center for example, safeties connected for example to position sensors of each of the latter valves, these safeties stopping the motor if the correct configuration is not established. The suction of the oil from the volume (A) means that, the cartridge forming a closed or closed volume as defined above, the volume (A) contracts; it will therefore expel oil from (C) which contracts by the piston effect of the element (52) on the volume (C). The configuration of the valves is then such that the pump directly sucks the oil from (A) and that (C) sends part of the oil to the crankcase (where the level will therefore go above the minimum level, up to reach the "normal crankcase oil" level, via (H3), (CD3), (X3), (P), (CD5) and finally (H5), and partly towards (B) (which expands, and therefore sucks in oil, due to the lowering of its lower wall (53) via (H3), (CD3), (X3), (Zt), (Y2), (CD2) and finally (H2).

Figure 6: Motor in normal operation - normal level

Raising the level to the "normal crankcase oil" level generates an ad hoc signal and the control unit positions the valves so that the oil pump (P) draws the oil directly into a volume of the cartridge , volume (C) in the preferred mode, via (H4), (CD4), (K), (Y3), (CD3) and (H3); and that the volume (A) is blocked in dead end; and that the following movements are authorized: simultaneously, the aspiration of (P) in (C) makes that the volume (C) is constrained (for lack of being able to contract since (A), blocked, could not accompany - by effect "Piston" - such a contraction of (C) to be placed in very slight depression, which immediately causes the opening of the valve (5) and a flow of oil from (B) to (C); (B) being , just like (C), blocked by the blocking of (A) in dead end, this aspiration can only propagate and causes an aspiration of oil from the crankcase towards (B) via (H5), (CD5), (Y5) , (P), (Zt), (CD3) and (H2) then to (C) via the valve (5).

A simplified cycle is therefore obtained between (P), (C), (B) and the crankcase, with very good mixing of the oil, which is an imperative.

Naturally, during each period of stable operation, the oil of (A) is not stirred, but the skilled person will naturally understood that, at each engine stop - engine restart, the oil circulates including in the volume (A), which means that, over several operating / stopping cycles, all of the engine oil is mixed.

The volume in the crankcase therefore remains constant, since naturally the oil sent to the engine by the pump (P) returns to the crankcase through well known engine lubrication operations and members. In this operating mode, the volume (A) is "dead end", that is to say isolated. No gravity or other flow can therefore occur.

Figure 7: "Taxi effect" - maximum oil level reached

This effect is noted, hence its name, for operating conditions corresponding to the taxi system. This is the passage of fuel through the engine oil a few times, through a fault in the ignition or the carburetion, most often for diesel engines.

No effective correction is known for this common drawback.

According to the invention, if the central unit receives a “maximum crankcase oil” signal, it positions the valves therein so that the pump will draw oil from one of the volumes of the cartridge, the central volume (B) in the preferred mode, via (H4), (CD4), (Q), (X2), (CD2) and (H2), and in such a way that the following movements are authorized: the suction of oil from (B ) retracts (B), which expands (C) and therefore (A) by piston effect, which volume (C) sucks oil from the crankcase via (H5), (CD5), (P), (CD3), and (H3), as well as (A).

This eliminates the excess oil from the crankcase, while maintaining absolute lubrication security, which is naturally essential.

A sufficient volume of cartridge will be provided to absorb, on emptying, such a surplus of fluid, for example of the order of 0.5 I for an average vehicle. The oil level will therefore drop back to "normal sump level" and the unit will return to "normal level mode" operation in Figure 6.

The system is therefore automatically and almost instantaneously regulated.

Note that this also applies in the case of an excess of oil in the sump - completely theoretical because the pre-dimensioning of the cartridge prohibits any accidental excess of oil.

Figure 5, Figure 19: correction of a minimum level or excessive oil consumption

There can be - and even fatally happens in any engine - a slight consumption of oil, which can be aggravated in the event of a leak. In previous systems, these losses are not compensated for and the crankcase oil level drops. An alarm is possibly provided when the “minimum” level is reached, but for a fairly long period, the engine has operated with a crankcase oil level which was below, and sometimes very clearly below the “normal” level c '' ie the level provided by the manufacturer to ensure optimal lubrication.

On the contrary, according to the invention, in the event of a crankcase oil level “lower than the normal level”, this fault is detected by the level detection means, in particular the float, and a signal is sent to the control unit, which places the valves ci in position such that (P) draws oil directly from the volume (A); (A) therefore contracts, which causes the piston to contract (C) which expels oil towards the sump, which raises the level to the "normal level" position; simultaneously, the contraction of (C) expands the volume (B) by the piston effect, and part of the oil expelled from (C) returns to (B), which compensates for the expansion of (B).

Figure 8, Figure 20: Engine stop without draining In the event of an engine shutdown, the distribution center records the signals "cartridge started""normal oil level - by assumption, because otherwise one of the planned corrections has taken place", "engine stopped". It then positions the valves in order to place the volumes (A), (B) and (C) in deadlock, therefore without the possibility of oil transfer or flow in any direction whatsoever, and to connect the pump ( P) directly with the low point (F) of the casing via (H4), (CD4), (CD5) and (H5).

However, especially in the event of prolonged shutdown, the oil contained in the engine lubrication components will descend by gravity into the crankcase. The control unit will therefore record a "crankcase oil level higher than the normal level". As however (P) and (F) are directly connected, (P) will take oil when the engine is restarted directly in the crankcase, and the level will drop back to "normal"; recording this “normal” level, the control unit will replace the valves in normal operating position, that is to say (P) connected to the volume (C), (A) in deadlock, no contraction possible from ( C) (under the suction effect of (P)) because (A) is at an impasse and could therefore not accompany compression of (C), therefore opening of the valve (5) and suction of oil from (B ) towards (C) (which is the only possible compensation for (C), due to the blocking of (A)), and therefore finally aspiration of (B) from the casing.

Figure 8: Engine stop for oil change

The control unit records the signal "normal level" and "engine stopped".

If, in this situation, the cartridge is started to be pulled up by its top cover, the sensor (2) signals "cartridge disengaged" (in fact, the cartridge is still in the "connected" position with the interface / regulator ( RG) but the sensor (2) has recorded the relative movement of the body or cover (1)). (see also figure 20).

The control unit is then programmed to position the valves so that the following movements are authorized: pulling the hood up reaches a point where the part (300) comes into contact with the stop (400) of the volume (A), the pulling movement then begins to expand (A), which also expands (C) by piston effect, and compresses (B) by the same piston effect; and the cartridge sucks oil from the crankcase via the volume (C) (H5), (CD5), (P), (CD3), (H3), (C); also via volume (A) (H2), (CD2), (X2), (Y1), (CD1), (H1), (A), while the oil from (B) (which is compressed) passes in (C) via the valve (5).

Thus, the oil from the crankcase, the interface / regulator and the pipes will completely pass into the cartridge, it being understood that the volumes

(A), (B) and (C) as well as the various dimensions and positioning of the moving parts, stops etc. of the cartridge, will be adapted to be able to supply the engine sufficiently when the cartridge is installed and when the engine is started, then in normal operation, to absorb a surplus such as that due to the taxi effect, to compensate for reasonable consumption oil, and suck up all of the engine oil

- interface / regulator - pipes at the time of emptying, including any excess taxi effect. This is within the reach of any skilled person, as well as the adaptation of several types, dimensions, volumes, type of oil, etc. cartridges to, for each type, a determined series of motors, with the appropriate mechanical safety devices mentioned above.

If one continues the extraction of the cartridge, one arrives at the point where the entirety of the used oil (except a tiny fraction being in the volume (V), in the end (EXT) of the pipes) found in the cartridge, and where the part (500) comes into contact with the second stop (600), the continued traction therefore causing the extraction of the cartridge from its housing in the support (4) and simultaneously closing of the self-sealing cover (6).

For the transport of the cartridge, one can provide a plastic cap which will be clipped on the lower base of the cartridge; any possible seepage of oil through the cover or from the underside of the cover thus being without any consequence. We can naturally foresee the recycling of the cartridge within the framework of an industrial circuit, with controlled evacuation of the oil, (a returnable cartridge - or any other system - ensuring for example a return of the used oil in said circuit, instead of a landfill or other discharge which poses the pollution problems that we know to date), filling with clean oil, and fitting a new seal (6).

"CARTER DRY" embodiment

In one possible application, the device and the method of the invention can be adapted to a "dry sump" configuration, according to which the lubrication function could be dissociated from the engine block. In this case, the requirement of continuous level control of the engine oil (for the information of the interface / regulator, which actuates the cartridge), must be ensured by an appropriate electronic measurement means, for example , oil flow rates at the pump, engine oil pressure, or even temperature.

The general concept of the invention has been described above, as well as precise embodiments and operations.

Those skilled in the art will naturally be able to envisage variants and modifications to the description which has just been given.

In particular, different types of continuous oil level sensors in the crankcase, regulators or distributors can be developed, as well as different arrangements or positions of cartridges.

It will be recalled here that the present text describes two different cartridges with two volumes and three volumes with different regulation systems. Arrangements of this type will, except in special cases, be directly accessible to those skilled in the art and therefore covered by the present invention. By way of nonlimiting example of such an arrangement, mention will be made of the integration of the “piston” (or “jack”) effect function in the fixed support (4) of the cartridge, that is to say integrated. to the vehicle; in particular, provision may be made for the integration of the volumes (A) and (B) and of their piston effect in the support and therefore in the vehicle. The cartridge would then be reduced to a container with a single variable leaktight volume, for example by sliding with a piston effect, or by a bellows effect (s) as shown in FIG. 21. Naturally, the connections with the regulator should be adapted.

10

15 SINGLE TABLE

Claims

1 Device for supplying engine oil to an internal combustion engine, and automatically regulating said supply, characterized in that:

it comprises a removable and consumable motor oil cartridge, comprising at least two variable closed volumes and permanently filled with oil, an interface / regulator (RG) of the oil flows disposed between said cartridge and the low point (F) of the crankcase of said engine and capable of producing “variable circuits” of oil between at least one of the volumes of said cartridge and / or said low point of the crankcase and / or the oil pump (P) of said engine (M),

and means for continuously detecting the oil level in the crankcase, and possibly for starting or stopping the engine, and optionally for switching on or off the cartridge, controlling said interface,

- possibly via a distribution center receiving and processing the signals transmitted by said means.

2 Device for supplying engine oil to an internal combustion engine, and automatically regulating said supply, according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises means for

- connect the low point (F) of the engine oil sump (CRT) (M) to an interface / regulator (RG) arranged between said low point of the sump and an engine oil cartridge (CT) comprising at least two variable enclosed volumes forming a "suitable volume" of engine oil, said interface / regulator element comprising a) means (X), (Y) for sending oil to the crankcase and / or the engine (M) (via its oil pump (P)) and / or drawing oil from the crankcase, by the means of at least one oil circulation tube (TLM) and preferably by at least two oil circulation tubes (H1), (H2), or (H4), (H5), for sending oil to the crankcase and / or the oil pump (P) of the engine (M), and / or for drawing oil from the crankcase, and capable of producing oil circulation (“variable circuits” of oil) between the engine (M) (via its oil pump (P)), and / or the crankcase (CRT) and / or one or more volumes of the cartridge (CT),

b) means (X), (Y) for sending oil to at least one of the closed volumes of a cartridge (CT) which must contain an “adapted volume” of oil, or for drawing oil d '' at least one of the volumes of said cartridge (CT), by means of at least one oil circulation pipe (TLC) and preferably by at least two oil circulation pipes, (H1), (H2) , or preferably three pipes (H1), (H2), (H3) for sending oil to at least one of the volumes of said cartridge and / or for drawing oil from at least one of the volumes of said cartridge, and capable of producing an oil circulation (“variable circuits” of oil) between the engine (M) (via its oil pump (P)), and / or the crankcase (CRT) and / or a or several volumes of the cartridge (CT),

connect said element of the interface / regulator (RG), to at least one of the volumes of said cartridge by said tube (s) (TLC) ((M), (H2)) ((M), (H2) , (H3)) ((H4), (H5)).

3 Device according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that

- said element of the interface / regulator (RG) further comprises a system of sensors for detecting the oil level ((A), (B), (C) or (D)) being in the crankcase of the engine and means for detecting the starting and stopping of the engine, and therefore the starting or stopping of the oil pump (P) of the engine (M);

- this sensor system is able to act directly on the resources

(X), (Y) of the interface / regulator (RG) and / or to send signals to a distribution center capable of acting on said means (X), (Y), that is to say adapted to act themselves as control members or regulating the flow of oil, or on control members or regulating the flow of oil, or to control such bodies.

4 Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 characterized in that

said means (X), (Y) of the interface / regulator element (RG) are or include means controlled or controlled directly or indirectly (via relay members) by said means for detecting the oil level of the casing and / or said central.

5 Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that

said means (X), (Y) of the interface / regulator element (RG) are constituted

- on the one hand by connection means of the chamber (s) and / or conduit (s) and / or tubing (s) type, arranged in said interface / regulator (RG), and capable of producing variable circuits of engine oil in said interface, between at least one connecting pipe of the interface with said cartridge and / or at least one connecting pipe of the interface / regulator (RG) with the casing and or the pump (P), and on the other hand

means of the valve (s) or flap (s) type (or solenoid valve (s), and the like) controlled or piloted directly or indirectly by said means for detecting the oil level in the sump, and adapted to cooperate with said means for connection of the chamber (s) and / or conduit (s) and / or tubing (s) type, arranged in said interface / regulator (RG).

6 Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said cartridge (CT) is removable and consumable, therefore disposable or recyclable.

7 Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that

- said interface / regulator element (RG) comprises means for controlling and regulating the flow of oil from at least one of the volumes from the cartridge to the crankcase (CRT) or the engine (M) via its pump (P ), or from the casing to at least one of the volumes of the cartridge,

according to the indications of said detection means and / or of the central unit.

and in that

said detection means are adapted to act themselves directly as organs for controlling or regulating the oil flow, or indirectly on “relay” organs for controlling or regulating the oil flow.

8 Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that

from the crankcase and / or engine oil supply position to the crankcase oil withdrawal position

and vice versa from the oil withdrawal position from the crankcase to the oil supply position of the crankcase and / or the engine (or its pump (P)). 9 Device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that

said detection means comprise a system of sensors for the oil level of the sump continuously, (configured in the figures by a float (FL)), which drives, directly or indirectly, by mechanical or similar connections, said means (X ), (Y) of the interface / regulator element (RG) which are made up

on the one hand by connection means of the chamber (s) and / or duct (s) and / or tubing (s) type, arranged in said interface, and capable of producing “variable circuits” of engine oil in said interface / regulator, between at least one connecting tube of the interface with said cartridge and / or at least one connecting tube of the interface / regulator with the casing and or the pump (P), and on the other hand

means of the valve (s) or valve (s) type (or solenoid valve (s), and the like) controlled or piloted directly or indirectly by said means for detecting the oil level in the sump, and adapted to cooperate with said means for connection of the chamber (s) and / or duct (s) and / or tubing (s) type, arranged in said interface / regulator (RG) in order to produce “variable circuits” of engine oil in said interface / regulator, between at least one connection tube for the interface / regulator with said cartridge and / or at least one connection tube for the interface / regulator with the casing and or the pump (P).

10 Device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 characterized in that the means for continuously detecting the oil level in the sump consist of at least one, preferably a system of sensors or sensors different from each other, positioned on a wall of the crankcase, or otherwise arranged in the crankcase, submerged or not in the oil, such as sensors reacting to the presence of the oil, for example optical or dielectric sensors and the like, or measurement sensors laser, or any other known means or combinations of known means capable of directly measuring said oil level, knowing that the oil sheet in the crankcase is moving when the vehicle is moving. 11 Device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and 10 characterized in that

said means for detecting the oil level in the sump cause directly or indirectly by mechanical or similar connections (or other sensors), possibly acting via the interface / regulator (RG), an inversion of the oil flow:

from the crankcase and / or engine oil supply position to the crankcase oil withdrawal position and vice versa from the crankcase oil withdrawal position to the crankcase and / or engine oil supply position,

said device comprising at least one combination of valve (s) controlled by the level sensors and / or distribution center, and of seat (s) not controlled (s) by the sensors and / or distribution center (or vice versa) capable to cooperate together to

* either the oil level in the crankcase is too low

* either you want to fill the engine with new oil with a new cartridge after an oil change;

* either the oil level in the crankcase is too high

* or you wish to drain the engine by changing the cartridge. 12 Device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 characterized in that said device comprises, or cooperates with, a cartridge (CT) removable and consumable, itself characterized in that it comprises three compartments or volumes (A) upper , (B) central and (C) lower, contained in a body or external cover (1), the three compartments forming a variable overall closed volume as defined here, each of the compartments being always filled with oil, and each compartment being able to vary in volume with respect to the other two, by suitable mechanical means formed by the walls of said volumes, and under the action of the oil flows described above and / or of external actions on at least one of said volumes, and each volume having one or more orifices adapted to receive oil from the outside of the cartridge and / or possibly from another volume, and / or to send oil to the outside of the cartridge and / or eventually u n other volume,

13 Device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it comprises an interface / regulator (RG) which is connected by three pipes (H1), (H2) and (H3) to the cartridge (CT) with three sliding volumes (A), (B), (C), and by two pipes (H4) and (H5) to the crankcase (CRT) and / or to the engine oil pump (P).

14 Device according to claim 13 characterized in that

the tubing (H1) is connected to the upper volume (A) of the cartridge (CT);

the tubing (H2) is connected to the central volume (B) or "piston" of the cartridge (CT);

the tubing (H3) is connected to the lower volume (C) of the cartridge (CT).

and one of the two “casing” pipes, here (H4), is directly connected to the oil supply pipe of the oil pump (P) of the engine, while the other, here (H5), is connected to the bottom point of the housing (F). 15 cartridge capable of cooperating with a device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that it comprises

at least two volumes (C2) (upper) and (C1) (lower) fig. 22, and preferably three volumes (A) (upper), (B) (central) and (C)

(lower) fig. 1, these volumes being closed, variable with respect to each other, the variable overall volume of the cartridge constituting a suitable volume of engine oil.

and means for connection to said pipes of said device.

16 Cartridge according to claim 15 characterized in that it comprises one or more sliding walls, and / or one or more wall (s) with bellows (s), and / or one or more flexible wall (s) or partially flexible ( s), adapted to form said volumes in such a way that a manual traction operation causes the closed volume of the cartridge to increase in a sufficient proportion to suck up and contain all of the used engine oil, including residual oil, and qu 'A reverse manual compression operation results in the reduction or compression of the enclosed volume in a sufficient proportion to drive from the cartridge, towards the crankcase, an amount of oil sufficient or substantially sufficient for normal lubrication of the engine.

17 Cartridge according to any one of claims 15 and 16, characterized in that it comprises two volumes, and in that:

it comprises an upper body (4a) delimiting an upper volume (C2), and a lower body (25) delimiting a lower volume (C1),

the volume (C1) + (C2) therefore forms a closed volume the volumes (C1) and (C2) are placed in communication with one another by a non-return valve (Z)

the lower volume (C1) is placed in communication by an annular chamber or tubing (22) and by an annular orifice (0) with the interior (14) of the tubing (H1).

seals (27), (26) provide sliding seals.

18 Cartridge according to claim 17 characterized in that it comprises a compression spring (RT) which is mounted around the parts (9) and (11), and whose ends are supported, upwards (in the case where the longitudinal axis of the cartridge is vertical) on the inner face of the upper part (8) of the cartridge, and downwards on the upper part of the part (12), and which participates in the sliding movements, this spring (RT) being chosen so as to be strong enough to cooperate in the regulation, but not strong enough to oppose it.

19 Cartridge according to claim 17 or 18 characterized in that it comprises means for fitting or snap-fastening with its support (40) secured to the engine chassis, consisting of a part (55a) whose external shape is adapted to cooperate with the flexible latching means (50a) mounted on the support (40), and possibly lateral means (97) such as for example a receptacle (98) integral with the support (40) and terminated by a flexible piece (97) capable of snap into place with the rim (99) of the envelope (7) of the cartridge, as well as additional means of fixing the cartridge on the support (40), such as for example a locking system in the so-called "quarter of lathe ”, or a screw ring, or the like.

20 Cartridge according to any one of claims 15 or 16, characterized in that it comprises three compartments or volumes

(A) (upper), (B) (central or intermediate) and (C) (lower), content in a body or external cover (1), the three compartments forming an overall closed volume, each of the compartments being always filled with oil, and each compartment being able to vary in volume compared to the other two, by mechanical means adapted on the walls of said compartments, and under the action of oil flows and or of external actions (in particular manual) on at least one of said volumes, and each volume having one or more orifices adapted to receive oil from outside the cartridge and / or possibly another volume, and / or to send oil to the outside of the cartridge and / or possibly to another volume.

and in that, in particular,

said cartridge (CT) comprises three volumes or compartments (A), (B) and (C) (upper A, central B and lower C) slidably mounted relative to one another in a cover or body (1) of cartridge,

said interface / regulator element (RG) between the cartridge (CT) and the bottom of the engine crankcase (CRT) comprises means for controlling and regulating the flow of oil from the cartridge to the crankcase (CRT) of the engine, and / or the oil pump (P) of the engine, and / or coming from the crankcase (CRT) to at least one of the volumes of the cartridge (CT),

- according to the indications of means for continuous detection of the oil level in the crankcase (CRT).

21 Cartridge according to claim 20 characterized in that the volume (A) is delimited by a first internal wall to said body and forming "piston" relative to the volume (C) delimited by a second internal wall, mounted (in said external body) sliding relative to the first internal wall, the sliding creating the “piston” effect of (A) relative to (C) and vice versa according to the direction of sliding, and the central volume (B) being delimited by a first lower fixed wall mounted on said first wall delimiting the volume (A) and by a second upper fixed wall integral with said second internal wall delimiting the volume (C), and by a side wall formed by a portion of said first internal wall delimiting the volume (A ), the "piston effect" therefore also acting on the volume (B) during the aforementioned sliding, with reduction or expansion of (B) in the direction of said sliding, and in that it comprises at least one oil inlet and outlet port from or respectively to at least one of the three volumes (A), (B) and (C), the three volumes (A), (B) and (C) therefore forming a closed overall volume, that is to say always fully filled with oil but capable of expanding or reducing depending on whether there is oil suction or oil delivery to or respectively from at least one of the three volumes (A), (B) and (C ), without air or other fluid entry;

and characterized in that it comprises 3 volumes (A) upper, (B) central and (C) lower,

the volume (C) being delimited by the bottom and the side wall of a fixed casing (50), internal to the body or cover (1) of the cartridge, and by the lower part (51) of a movable element ( 52), slidably mounted in said envelope (50),

- And the volume (A) being delimited by, at its lower part, said fixed wall (54), laterally by the side walls of the movable element (52) and, at its upper part, by the upper part (56) said movable element (52),

the wall (53) comprising a check valve or non-return valve (5) mounted so as to allow a flow of oil from the central volume (B) to the lower volume (C) (opening under the action of said flow) and to prohibit the reverse flow (by closing under the action of such a reverse flow) the assembly forming a closed volume (A + B + C), that is to say a volume in which the volumes (A), (B) and (C) are always, each, completely filled with oil and can separately expand or decrease in relation to each other, according to a so-called "piston" effect imposed by said movable element (52), and / or under the effect of entry (s) or admission (s) or aspiration (s) of oil to one or more of said volumes (A), (B) and / or (C), or conversely of outlet (s) or discharge (s) of oil from one or more of said volumes ( A), (B) and / or (C), or direct external action achieving a reduction or expansion of the upper volume (A), without air inlets or outlets.

22 Cartridge according to claim 20 or 21 characterized in that the volumes (B) and (C) are crossed by two concentric tubes (H'1) (central) and (H'2) (concentrically outside at (H'1) ), (H'2) opening in the volume (B) in the vicinity of the upper part (54) thereof, and (H'1) opening in the upper volume (A) by forming the fixed lower wall (54), and the volume (C) has at its lower part an opening (58), preferably concentric on the outside with (H'2), adapted to cooperate with an external pipe (H3).

23 Cartridge according to claim 22 characterized in that the lower openings of the two pipes (H'1) and (H'2), and the opening of the volume (C), form a cylindrical volume at the lower part of said cartridge conical (60), cf. Figure 12, adapted to fit oil and gas tightly at the ends of three pipes, (H3) opening into the volume (C) through the opening (58), (H2) extending (H '2) and (H1) extending (H'1), the three pipes (H1), (H2) and (H3) being connected to the interface / regulator (RG).

24 Cartridge according to claim 23 characterized in that said volume (60) is closed at its base by a tight seal (6) which can open to allow the tubes (H1), (H2) and (H3) to pass, and close in a sealed manner when withdrawing said tubes (H1), (H2) and (H3), the cover (6) may be made of rubber or self-sealing neoprene.

25 Cartridge according to any one of claims 20 to 24, with three compartments (A), (B) and (C), characterized in that it comprises - to obtain the same functions - a "bellows (s)" system replacing all or part of the "sliding" system, the three volumes (A), (B) and (C) forming a closed variable overall volume (without air), by a bellows effect (s) arranged on at least one wall of at least one of said volumes.

26 Cartridge according to any one of claims 20 to 25, characterized in that the “piston” effect function is integrated in the fixed support (4) of the cartridge, and in particular that the volumes ( A) and (B) and their piston effect in the support.

27 Cartridge according to any one of claims 20 to 26 characterized in that, particularly in its 2-volume version (C1) and (C2), it comprises an oil filter (70) mounted upstream of the inlet ports of the pipes (H1) and (H2) after perforation of the cover (80) so as to prevent any impurity, possibly present in the oil, from passing into the engine, and possibly means for gripping the cartridge, such as a handle quarter turn extraction and / or blocking, and the like.

28 Interface / regulator (RG) adapted to cooperate with a two-volume cartridge device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the system for continuously detecting the oil level in the crankcase is configured by an integrated float (FL) whose movement cooperates with the "socket" (190) to ensure regulation, the interface / regulator (RG) being placed in an assembly composed, for part, of the casing (CRT) and for a other part, of the engine body (100), or in a body separate from any part of the crankcase and of the engine, and connected to the crankcase (CRT) by at least one oil tube, preferably two, said assembly being open from on the one hand towards the engine oil pump by a pipe (105), and on the other hand towards the cartridge (CT) of the invention by at least one, and preferably two oil circulation pipes (H1) and (H2), and in that the annular float (FL), floating at the level of the oil level ( 300a) (the oil level (300a) is the same in the interface / regulator (RG) and in the bottom of the casing (CRT)), cooperates with the seat (700) integral with the fixed base (210) of the interface / regulator (RG), which causes relative movements, on the one hand of the fixed parts integral with the base of the interface / regulator, including the sleeve (190) and the seat (700) which it carries in its part upper, relative on the other hand to the parts integral with the float, therefore movable with it, such as in particular the lower (170) and upper (120) rings, and the valve part (600a), adapted in geometry to cooperate in sealing with the seat (700).

29 Interface / regulator (RG) adapted to cooperate with a three-volume cartridge device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that it consists of a distribution system suitable for interconnecting the three pipes (H1) , (H2) and (H3) with the two pipes (H4) and (H5), and to authorize the circulation of the oil, or to prevent it, in each of these pipes, and, in the case of authorized circulation , in what direction, depending on the oil level indications and the engine operating indications, and in what it comprises

a first tubing system comprising three incoming tubings (H1), (H2), (H3),

each connected respectively to the median inlet of an internal distribution chamber (CD1), (CD2), (CD3),

each of these chambers having an upper wall (s) having an orifice (o) and a lower wall (i) comprising a corresponding orifice (o), these two walls defining between them a median volume (v) where the tubing Hi ends ,

and includes

a second outgoing tubing system (H4), (H5), each being connected to the outlet of the median volume (v) of a distribution chamber (CD4) and respectively (CD5), said chambers having a structure identical to those of chambers (CD1), (CD2) or (CD3),

and

the pipes (X1), (Y2) and (X3) being connected in a common pipe (Zt) which terminates in the pipe (Y5),

the pipes (Y1) and (X2) being connected in a pipe (Q) which ends in the pipe (X4),

the volume (v4) being connected to (H4) (to the engine oil pump P) and

the volume (v5) being connected to the bottom point of the casing (F),

each element (forming the internal organs (ORG) of the distributor) being listed here by an index "i" for example CDi, Xi, etc ... or by the precision of the number of the corresponding distribution chamber, when necessary for the understanding of the text, for example (X3) for the tube X of the chamber (CD3), (c4) for the valve of the chamber (CD4), etc.

30 Interface / regulator according to claim 29 characterized in that the CDi chambers are adjacent by common elements, the Xi forming a single volume with the Y i + 1 for the chambers (CD1) to (CD3) on the one hand, and (CD4) and (CD5) on the other hand. 31 Method for supplying engine oil to an internal combustion engine, and automatically regulating said supply, characterized in that

the low point (F) of the engine oil sump (CRT) (M) is connected to an interface / regulator element (RG), disposed between said low point of the sump and an engine oil cartridge ( CT), comprising at least two enclosed variable volumes forming / containing an “adapted volume” of engine oil, and in that said interface element / regulator comprises

a) means (X), (Y) for sending oil to the crankcase and / or the engine (M) (via its oil pump (P)) and / or drawing oil from the crankcase, by the means of at least one oil circulation tube (TLM) and preferably by at least two oil circulation tubes (H1), (H2) (H4), (H5), one for sending oil to the crankcase and the other to draw oil from the crankcase, and capable of producing, in cooperation with said interface, an oil circulation (“variable circuits” of oil) between the engine (M) ( via its oil pump (P)), and / or the crankcase (CRT) and / or one or more volumes of the cartridge (CT),

-b) means (X), (Y) for sending oil to at least one of the closed variable volumes of a cartridge (CT) containing an "adapted volume" of oil, and / or withdrawing oil from at least one of the volumes of said cartridge (CT), by means of at least one oil circulation pipe (TLC) and preferably by at least two oil circulation pipes, (H1), ( H2), preferably three pipes (H1), (H2), (H3), for sending oil to at least one of the volumes of said cartridge and / or for drawing oil from at least one of the volumes of said cartridge, and capable of producing, in cooperation with said interface / regulator (RG), an oil circulation (“variable circuits” of oil) between the engine (M) (via its oil pump P), and / or the crankcase (CRT) and / or one or more volumes of the cartridge (CT),

- Said interface / regulator element (RG) is connected to at least one of the volumes of said cartridge by the tube (s) (TLC) (H1), (H2) (H1), (H2), ( H3). 32 Method according to claim 31 for supplying engine oil to an internal combustion engine, and regulating said supply, characterized in that

said interface / regulator element (RG) further comprises detection means for continuously detecting the oil level (level A, B, C or D) in the crankcase of the engine, or receiving the information from means for detecting the crankcase oil level positioned in the crankcase or at the crankcase and / or a distribution center receiving said information.

33 Method according to claim 31 or 32 characterized in that

said means (X), (Y) of the interface / regulator are or include means controlled or controlled directly or indirectly (via relay members) by said means for continuously detecting the oil level.

34 Method according to any one of claims 31 to 33 characterized in that

said means (X), (Y) of the interface element / regulator are constituted

- means of the valve (s) or flap (s) (or solenoid (s)) type controlled or piloted directly or indirectly by said means for detecting the oil level in the sump, and adapted to cooperate with said means for connecting the type of room (s) and / or duct (s) and / or tubing (s), arranged in said interface, in order to produce said “variable circuits” of engine oil

35 Method according to any one of claims 31 to 34, characterized in that

- said cartridge (CT) is removable and consumable, therefore disposable or recyclable.

36 Method according to any one of claims 31 to 35, characterized in that

said interface / regulator element comprises means for controlling and regulating the flow of oil from at least one of the volumes from the cartridge to the crankcase (CRT) and or the engine (M) via its pump (P), or from the casing to at least one of the volumes of the cartridge,

according to the indications of said means for continuously detecting the level of the oil in the crankcase.

37 Method according to any one of claims 31 to 36, characterized in that

38 Method according to any one of claims 31 to 37 characterized in that

said detection means are adapted to act themselves on organs controlling or regulating the oil flow comprising a device for reversing the oil flow, from the position supplying the crankcase and / or the engine with oil to the oil withdrawal position from the sump, and vice versa from the withdrawal position crankcase oil to the crankcase and / or engine oil supply position.

39 Method according to any one of claims 31 to 38, characterized in that

- said detection means comprise a system of sensors

(configured by a float (FL) integrated in the interface / regulator) which drives directly or indirectly by mechanical or similar connections said means (X), (Y) of the element of the interface / regulator (RG) which are made up

on the one hand by connection means of the chamber (s) and / or duct (s) and / or tubing (s) type, arranged in said interface, and capable of producing “variable circuits” of engine oil, in said interface, between at least one connecting pipe of the interface with said cartridge and / or at least one connecting pipe of the interface with the casing or the pump (P), and on the other hand

means of the valve (s) or flap (s) type (or solenoid valve (s), and the like) controlled or controlled directly or indirectly by said means for detecting the oil level in the sump, and adapted to cooperate with said means for connection of the chamber (s) and / or duct (s) and / or tubing (s) type, arranged in said interface, in order to produce “variable circuits” of engine oil, in said interface.

40 Method according to any one of claims 31 to 39, characterized in that

said detection means comprise a sensor system (configured by a float (FL) integrated into the interface / regulator) which drives directly or indirectly by mechanical or similar connections a device for reversing the oil flow

from the crankcase and / or engine oil supply position to the crankcase oil withdrawal position and vice versa from the oil withdrawal position from the crankcase to the oil supply position of the crankcase and / or the engine,

said device comprising at least a combination of valve (s) controlled by the sensor system, and seat (s) not controlled (s) by said sensor system (or vice versa) capable of cooperating together to

-or open or carry out an oil sampling circuit from at least one of the volumes of the cartridge to direct the oil towards the crankcase and / or the engine, and close the reverse circuit, when

* either the oil level in the crankcase is too low

* either the oil level in the crankcase is too high

* or you wish to drain the engine by changing the cartridge.

41 Method according to any one of claims 31 to 40 characterized in that the cartridge is of the two-volume type (C1) and (C2), in that the interface is positioned on the path of two pipes (H1) and (H2), in that the interface / regulator (RG) is supplied with oil by a connection at the bottom point of the crankcase (CRT), in that the level in the interface / regulator is the same as in the bottom of the casing, and in that:

- the interface / regulator (RG), controlled by its continuous level sensor authorizes the oil pump (P) to draw oil, towards the engine (M), from the cartridge (CT), via the interface / regulator (RG) and tubing (H2) connecting the upper volume (C2) of the cartridge to the valve (X) of the interface / regulator, which valve (X) is in the "open" position allowing the oil to be drawn off;

said withdrawal of the oil from the upper volume (C2) of the cartridge (CT) causes, the cartridge being a closed volume, an oil suction from the bottom of the crankcase (CRT), via the valve (Y) of the interface / regulator which is placed in position adapted to this aspiration, towards the lower volume (C1) of the cartridge (CT), by the tube (H1);

the non-return valve (Z) is in the open position due to this suction which creates an oil flow from the lower volume (C1) to the upper volume (C2),

and the system operates in a closed circuit because the oil sent to the engine by the pump (P) goes back down to the crankcase by the engine members which it lubricates in passing,

and in that,

if the engine oil level in the crankcase drops, during operation, to a level (C) too low,

the interface / regulator level detector (RG) reverses the direction of oil flow in the pipes (H1) and (H2);

- the pump (P) continues to draw oil from the cartridge but the oil is withdrawn from the volume (C2) by the tube (H1) and feeds the bottom of the casing via the valve (Y) of the interface / regulator then the engine via the manifold (105) and the pump (P);

the oil thus removed, after having lubricated the engine components, descends into the crankcase where it brings up the level of (C) (which was insufficient) to (B) (normal) because, with the valve (Z) closed, no oil suction to the cartridge via the tubing (H2) can occur (the volume of oil in (H2) and (C2 ) remaining "static" and constant as soon as (Z) is closed);

and in that

when the level has reached normal level (B), the sensor detects it and returns the interface / regulator to normal operating mode;

and in that

in the event of an oil overflow in the bottom of the crankcase, i.e. too high oil level in (A)

the interface / regulator level detector detects the level that is too high;

the level detector acts within the interface / regulator to put in direct communication the tube (105) supplying the pump and therefore the motor with the oil contained in the low point of the crankcase, which results in a drop in the oil level in the crankcase, the crankcase level thus returning to its normal level (B);

and in that

the engine can be completely drained by simply replacing the cartridge,

- the motor must be stopped, and therefore the pump (P) also; the fact of starting to remove the cartridge by an upward pulling force (or other arrangement depending on the position of the cartridge) made, by the adaptation of the bodies (4a) and (25) of the cartridge mounted slidingly one with respect to the other, that the upper part (4a) of said cartridge slides upwards with respect to the lower part (25) of said cartridge, which creates an increase in the upper volume (C2), the volume ( C1) being fixed;

this increase in volume (C2), in a closed volume, immediately creates an aspiration of the oil contained in the interface / regulator (RG) (and therefore in the casing with which the interface / regulator communicates);

the oil level therefore begins to drop and the level detector quickly detects an too low oil level in the interface / regulator (level C); the detector therefore acts on the interface / regulator to place the system in the "crankcase filling" position, ie opening of the two valves (X) and (Y);

however, as the pump does not operate (engine stopped), there is no supply of oil to the interface / regulator through the tubing (H1);

- the fact of continuing the traction force on the part (4a) of the cartridge, in order to continue removing the cartridge from its support (40), leads to the continuation of the suction, which can be done by the two pipes ( H1) and (H2);

the volume of the cartridge, in its "expanded at maximum" state, being calculated so that the volume aspirated is at least equal to the total volume of the engine oil, including the residual oil contained in the interface / regulator, this which means that, when the tractive effort and sliding are complete, the emptying is complete and

the cartridge is then removed from its support (40), which disconnects the pipes (H1) and (H2), all the parts being adapted for no volume of oil can escape from the cartridge at this time,

and in that

placing a new cartridge full of new oil, the cartridge being in its "expanded maximum" state so as to offer a total volume (C1) + (C2) maximum;

the cartridge is positioned, without pressing, on the fixing support (50a); one then begins to press on the cartridge, and one thus engages this one in the systems of engagement, latching, (50a), which simultaneously perforates the waterproof seal perforable by the upper part cut in bevel of the pipes (H1) and (H2); we continue the action of pressing on the top of the cartridge and, the cartridge can no longer descend further since it rests fully in its housing (50a), the volume (C2) begins to slide relative to the volume (C1); this action drives the new oil contained in the cartridge, through the pipes (H1) and (H2), towards the crankcase (CRT) through the interface / regulator (RG); the casing fills up to level (C); then the engine is started and therefore the oil pump (P), which immediately sucks in new oil from the crankcase and immediately lubricates the engine components; the level detector, detects the level, if any, too low (C) in the crankcase, and triggers the regulation system which, if the crankcase oil level is not the "normal" operating level, is automatically placed in the position adapted to bring the level in the crankcase to the "normal operating" level (B) of the engine.

42 Method according to any one of claims 31 to 41 characterized in that the cartridge is of the type with three sliding volumes (A), (B), (C), in that the interface is positioned on the path of three pipes (H1), (H2) and (H3) to the cartridge, and two pipes (H4), (H5) to the bottom of the crankcase (CRT) and the engine oil pump (P), in that the following operations are carried out depending on whether the engine signals stop, start or start: Engine stopped - presentation of the cartridge

the cartridge (CT), filled with new oil, is positioned with its perforable leaktight seal (6) above the ends (EXT assembly) of the three pipes (H1), (H2), (H3), preferably concentric; the valves are positioned, by the level detection signal "zero oil level in the crankcase", the signal "engine stopped", and the signal from the engagement sensor (2) "cartridge not engaged", such so that the pipes (H4) and (H5) are closed:

Engine stopped - cartridge perforation started

the cartridge, filled with new oil, is positioned with its tight seal (6) perforated by the ends (EXT assembly) of the three pipes (H1), (H2), (H3), preferably concentric; the valves are positioned, by the signal "zero oil level in the crankcase", the signal "engine stopped", and the sensor signal (2) "cartridge not engaged", so that the pipes (H4) and (H5) are closed.

Cartridge engagement and continued manual pressing on the top cover of the cartridge

manual support on the top of the cartridge causes (EXT) to complete the perforation of the cover (6), then the continuation of the pressure force compresses the cartridge, the valves being positioned, by the signal "level zero oil in the crankcase ", the signal" engine stopped ", and the sensor signal (2)" cartridge engaged ", so that the oil compressed in (A) is discharged to (B) via (Q ), while the oil expelled from (C) by the piston effect of the sliding movable element (52) is sent directly to the casing by (K), (X5) and (H5);

a predetermined and corresponding volume of oil is thus sent to the sump, according to the manufacturer's standards to which the volumes (A), (B) and (C) are adapted, to the "minimum" volume of oil in the sump; the float, or any other type of sensor or sensor, therefore sends a “mini crankcase oil” signal to a distribution center. Engine not yet started; or ready to start the engine

(the “cartridge engaged” signal is implicit)

Engine start

the signal "engine started" + "mini crankcase oil" places the valves in position such that the pump (P) (which starts to draw oil as soon as the engine is running) is directly connected to one of the volumes d oil from the cartridge, the upper volume (A) in the preferred mode.

the suction by the pump (P) of the oil in the volume (A) causes the volume (A) to contract, the cartridge forming a closed or closed volume; it will therefore expel oil from the volume (C) which contracts by the piston effect of the element (52) on the volume (C), the configuration of the valves then being such that the pump (P) directly draws the oil from (A) and that (C) partially sends oil to the crankcase (where the level will therefore go above the minimum level, until reaching the level "normal crankcase oil", and this via (H3 ), (CD3), (X3), (P), (CD5) and finally (H5), and partly towards (B) (which expands, and therefore sucks in oil, due to the lowering of its lower wall (53) via (H3), (CD3), (X3), (Zt), (Y2), (CD2) and finally (H2).

Engine in normal operation - normal level

the rise in the level to the level "normal crankcase oil" generates the emission of a signal "normal level" by the level detector, and the control unit positions accordingly the valves so that the oil pump (P) sucks the oil directly in a volume of the cartridge, the lower volume (C) in the preferred mode, via (H4), (CD4), (K), (Y3), (CD3) and (H3); that the volume (A) is blocked in dead end; and the following movements are authorized: simultaneously, the aspiration of (P) in (C) causes the volume (C) to be constrained (for lack of being able to contract since (A), blocked, could not accompany - by the "piston effect""- such a contraction of (C) being placed in a very slight depression, which immediately causes the valve (5) to open and a flow of oil from (B) to (C); (B) being, all as (C), blocked by the blocking of (A) in dead end, this aspiration can only propagate and causes an aspiration of oil from the sump to (B) via (H5), (CD5), (Y5), ( P), (Zt), (CD3) and (H2) then to (C) via the valve (5); we therefore obtain a simplified cycle between the pump (P), the cartridge volumes (C) and (B) , and the crankcase (CRT), with very good “mixing” of the engine oil, the oil in volume (A) being stirred at each engine stop - engine restart, which means that, over several operation / stop cycles, all engine oil is "bra ssée ";

the volume of oil in the crankcase therefore remains constant, since the oil sent to the engine by the pump (P) returns to the crankcase by the engine lubrication operations and members, the volume (A) being "dead end", c that is to say isolated and no flow by gravity or the like can therefore occur.

"Taxi" effect or maximum oil level reached (possible operation)

if the control unit receives a "maximum crankcase oil" signal (ie higher than normal), it positions the valves ci so that the pump (P) sucks oil from one of the volume of the cartridge, the central volume (B) in the preferred mode, via (H4), (CD4), (Q), (X2), (CD2) and (H2), and so that the following movements are authorized: l '' aspiration of oil from (B) retracts (B), which expands (C) and therefore (A) by piston effect, which volume (C) sucks oil from the crankcase via (H5), (CD5) , (P), (CD3), and (H3), as well as (A);

the excess oil from the crankcase is thus absorbed,

- the oil level goes down to "normal sump level" and the control unit returns to the "normal level mode" operation described above, the system is therefore automatically and almost instantaneously regulated.

Correction of a minimum level or too much oil consumption (optional operation)

- in the event of a crankcase oil level "lower than the normal level", the level detection means, in particular a float, acts on the interface or sends a signal to the control unit, which places the valves here in position such that ( P) draw oil directly from the volume (A); (A) therefore contracts, which causes the piston to contract (C) which expels oil towards the sump, which raises the level to the "normal level" position; simultaneously, the contraction of (C) expands the volume (B) by the piston effect, and part of the oil expelled from (C) returns to (B), which compensates for the expansion of (B).

Engine stop without draining

in the event of an engine shutdown, the distribution center records the signals “cartridge started” “normal oil level”, and “engine stopped”; it then positions the valves ci in order to place the volumes (A), (B) and (C) in deadlock, therefore without possibility of oil transfer or flow in any direction whatsoever, and to connect the pump ( P) directly with the low point (F) of the casing via (H4), (CD4), (CD5) and (H5).

if, in the event of prolonged shutdown, the control unit registers a "crankcase oil level higher than the normal level", for example due to a flow by gravity towards the crankcase, and given that (P) and (F) are directly connected, (P) will take oil when the engine is restarted directly in the crankcase, and the level will drop to "normal"; recording this “normal” level, the control unit will replace the valves in the “normal” engine operating position, that is to say pump (P) connected to the volume (C), (A) in deadlock, no contraction possible from (C) (under the suction effect of (P)) because (A) is at an impasse and could therefore not accompany compression of (C), therefore opening of the valve (5) and oil suction from (B) to (C) (which is the only compensation possible for (C), due to the blocking of (A)), and therefore ultimately aspiration of (B) from the housing.

Engine stop for oil change (optional)

the control unit records the signal "normal level" and "engine stopped".

in this situation, we start to pull (extract) the cartridge upwards by its upper cover, the sensor (2) signals "cartridge disengaged" (in fact the cartridge is always in position

"Connected" with the interface / regulator (RG) but the sensor (2) has recorded the relative movement of the body or cover (1));

the control unit then positions the valves so that the following movements are authorized:

the pulling of the cover upwards reaches a point where the part (300) comes into contact with the stop (400) of the volume (A), the pulling movement then begins to expand (A), which also expands (C) by piston effect, and compresses (B) by the same piston effect; and the cartridge sucks the oil from the sump via the volume (C) ((H5), (CD5), (P), (CD3), (H3), (C)); also via volume (A) ((H2), (CD2), (X2), (Y1), (CD1), (H1), (A)), while the oil of (B) (which is compressed ) passes into (C) via the valve (5);

the oil from the crankcase, the interface / regulator and the pipes passes entirely into the cartridge, it being understood that the volumes (A), (B) and (C), as well as the various dimensions and positioning of the moving parts, stops etc. of the cartridge, will be adapted to be able to supply the engine sufficiently when the cartridge is installed and when the engine is started, then in normal operation, to absorb a surplus such as that due to the taxi effect, to compensate for reasonable consumption oil, and suck up all of the engine oil - interface / regulator - pipes when draining, including any excess taxi effect; extraction of the cartridge is continued, and the point is reached where all the used oil is in the cartridge, and where the part (500) comes into contact with the second stop (600), the pursuit of the traction therefore causing the extraction of the cartridge from its housing in the support (4) and simultaneously the closure of the self-sealing cover (6).