US20060081361A1

US20060081361A1 - Oil cooler with integral filter

Info

Publication number: US20060081361A1
Application number: US10/939,929
Authority: US
Inventors: Lawrence Gabbey; Thomas Lefeber; Robert Barfknecht; Steven Meshenky; LeRoy Goines; Peter Kottal; Richard Mielke; Baio Yu
Original assignee: Modine Manufacturing Co
Current assignee: Modine Manufacturing Co
Priority date: 2004-09-13
Filing date: 2004-09-13
Publication date: 2006-04-20
Also published as: FR2880417A1; KR20060051220A; JP2006078169A; DE102005043302A1; BRPI0503649A

Abstract

An oil cooler with a integral filter includes first and second elongated tubular headers (10, 12) in spaced parallel relation together with tube slots in each of the headers with the tube slots facing at an alignment with one another. Elongated flattened tubes (14) have their ends in aligned ones of the tube slots and are sealed thereto. Fins (18) extend between the tubes (14) in thermal conducting relation therewith. A filter housing (28) is mounted on the oil cooler and an oil filter element (40) is located within the housing (28).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to heat exchangers, and more particularly, to heat exchangers including an integral filter for filtering one of the heat exchange fluids circulating in a system including the heat exchanger.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many forms of apparatus using oil for lubrication or hydraulic fluid for operating hydraulic motors or the like (hereinafter collectively referred to as oil) employ heat exchangers known as oil coolers for cooling the oil as it is circulated through the system for which it is used. A very common example is a so-called oil cooler used in vehicular applications. Through the use of oil coolers, the oil is maintained at a temperature below that at which substantial degradation of its desired qualities occur, thereby extending the life of the equipment in which the oil is used.
Of course, it is highly desirable that oil be maintained free of impurities that could foster accelerated wear of the equipment in which the oil is utilized and it has generally been customary to include a separate oil filter in the system for filtering out small particles and the like out of the oil as it circulates within the system.
One particular difficulty with systems of this sort resides in the fact that they are assembled in relatively uncontrolled conditions and because of the multiplicity of parts, this can lead to leakage at points where various components are connected to others.
Another difficulty resides in the fact that when separate components are assembled together, they typically will occupy more volume then would be the case if certain of the components were integrally constructed with one another. This is a particular concern in vehicular applications where the space in a vehicular engine compartment where in an oil cooler is typically located is at a premium.
Still another problem with prior art systems utilizing multiple components is that by reason of the need for more connections than would be necessary than if certain of the components were integral, there is a greater potential for improper assembly.
The present invention is directed to solving one or more of the above problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the principal object of the invention to provide a new and improved oil cooler with an integral filter.
It is an object of the invention to provide such an oil cooler with an integral filter that can be fabricated under the highly controlled conditions typical in heat exchanger fabrication to thereby minimize or eliminate leakage potential at the connections between the oil filter and the oil cooler, and to provide a compact assembly that is highly suited for use in vehicular applications as well as to provide an assembly that reduces the possibilities of improper installation by eliminating a number of connection points through an integral construction.
It is also an object of the invention to provide a variety of different configurations of an integral oil cooler/filter assembly to thereby provide a variety of alternatives from which may be selected an alternative most suitable for a specific application.
It is also an object of the invention to provide an integral oil cooler/filter assembly wherein only a minor part of the circulating stream of oil is passed through a filter with the remainder passing through the oil cooler so that even in the event of complete filter clogging, a substantial quantity oil will nevertheless be passed through the system to prevent catastrophic system failure.
In general, an exemplary embodiment of the invention achieves at least one of the foregoing objects in an oil cooler with an integral filter that includes first and second elongated, tubular headers in spaced parallel relation. Tube slots are disposed in each of the headers with the tube slots in the first header facing and in alignment with the tube slots in the second header. Elongated tubes have their ends in aligned ones of the tube slots in the first and second headers and are sealed thereto and extend between the headers to provide fluid communication there between. Fins extend at least between adjacent tubes and are in thermal conducting relation therewith. An oil inlet is provided to one of the headers. An oil outlet from one of the headers is also provided. The headers, the fins and the tubes define an oil cooler having an oil cooling flow path between the oil inlet and the oil outlet. A filter housing is mounted on the oil cooler and an oil filter element located within the filter housing. An inlet is provided to the filter housing and is in fluid communication with the oil inlet for the oil cooler. An outlet from the filter housing is provided for delivering filtered oil to be combined with oil flowing in or from the oil cooling flow path. A flow restriction is located downstream from the oil inlet to cause a substantial majority of oil introduced into the oil inlet to bypass the filter housing and flow substantially directly through the oil cooling flow path with only a small minority of oil introduced into the oil inlet flowing through the oil filter element.
In a highly preferred embodiment, the filter housing is mounted on one of the headers as, for example the first header. In one embodiment, the filter housing is mounted in end to end relation to the first header while in another embodiment, the filter housing is mounted in side by side, generally parallel relation to the first header. In yet another embodiment, the filter housing is mounted on both of the headers and extends parallel to the tubes.
In one aspect, the oil inlet is a port in the first header and a conduit connects the first header to the filter housing inlet.
The oil cooling flow pass may be single pass or multiple pass as desired.
In a single pass oil cooler, a separate conduit may connect the oil outlet or the oil cooling flow path to the filter housing outlet whereas in multiple pass configurations, the oil cooling flow path inlets and outlets may be connected directly to the filter housing inlet and outlet or connected thereto by conduits.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, an oil cooler with integral filter is provided and includes an oil inlet, an oil outlet, first and second elongated tubular headers in spaced parallel relation, tube slots in each of the headers with the tube slots in the first header facing and in alignment with the tube slots in the second header, elongated tubes having their ends and aligned ones of the tube slots in the first and second headers and sealed thereto, and extending between the headers to provide fluid communication therebetween, and fins extending at least between adjacent tubes and in thermal conducting relation therewith. The headers, the fins, and the tubes define an oil cooler having an oil cooling flow path between the oil inlet and the oil outlet. The oil cooler with integral filter further includes a filter housing mounted on the oil cooler and defining an oil filtering flow path between the oil inlet and the oil outlet, an oil filter element located within the housing in the oil filtering flow path, and at least one flow restriction located downstream from the oil inlet to cause a substantial majority of introduced into the oil inlet to bypass the filter housing and flow substantially directly through the oil cooling flow path with only a small minority of oil introduced into the oil inlet flowing through the oil filter element.
In one aspect, the filter housing is mounted in generally parallel relation to the tubes. In a further aspect, the filter housing is mounted on both of the headers and/or a component in the oil cooler extending between the headers.
In one aspect, the filter housing includes a chamber for receiving the oil filter element and an oil return passage extending parallel to the chamber between the oil filtering flow path and the oil outlet.
According to one aspect, the filter housing includes an aluminum extrusion, and the oil return passage and the chamber for receiving the oil filter element are formed in the aluminum extrusion.
In one aspect, a tube extends between a downstream opening in the filter housing and a downstream opening in one of the headers, and another tube extends from the oil inlet to the filter housing to direct the small minority of oil thereto.
According to one aspect, the filter housing is mounted to the component of the oil cooler extending between the headers, and the component includes a side piece extending parallel to the tubes.
In one aspect, the filter housing is mounted directly to each of the headers. In a further aspect, an open end of one of the headers is connected directly to an opening in the filter housing, and an open end of the other of the headers is connected directly to another opening in the filter housing.
In one aspect, the at least one flow restriction includes an orifice located adjacent a downstream end of the filter housing.
In accordance with one aspect, the at least one flow restriction includes at least one orifice located adjacent an upstream end of the filter housing.
In one aspect, the at least one flow restriction includes at least one orifice located adjacent a downstream end of the filter housing and at least one orifice located adjacent an upstream end of the filter housing.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, an oil cooler with integral filter is provided and includes an oil inlet, an oil outlet, first and second elongated tubular headers in spaced parallel relation, tube slots in each of the headers with the tube slots in the first header facing and in alignment with the tube slots in the second header, elongated tubes having their ends in aligned ones of the tube slots in the first and second headers and sealed thereto, the tubes extending between the headers to provide fluid communication therebetween, and fins extending at least between adjacent tubes and in thermal conducting relation therewith. The headers, the fins and the tubes define an oil cooler having an oil cooling flow path between the oil inlet and the oil outlet. The oil cooler with integral filter further includes a filter housing mounted on the oil cooler, an oil filter element located within the filter housing, and at least one flow restriction element in the filter housing. The filter housing defines an oil filtering flow path between the oil inlet and at least one of the first and second headers, and an oil filter bypassing flow path between the oil inlet and the at least one of the first and second headers. The oil filter element is located in the oil filtering flow path. The at least one flow restriction element causes a substantial majority of oil introduced into the oil inlet to bypass the oil filter element by flowing through the oil filter bypassing flow path with only a small minority of oil introduced into the oil inlet flowing through the oil filter element via the oil filtering flow path.
In one aspect, the at least one flow restriction element includes an orifice plate, with the orifice plate including at least one oil controlling orifice in the oil filter bypassing flow path. In a further aspect, the orifice plate is located downstream of the oil filter element.
The invention contemplates various novel means of mounting the filter housing to a header of the oil cooler, various novel support structures for locating a filter within the filter housing, and an improved closure for the filter housing.
Other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following specification taken in connection with the accompanied drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a somewhat schematic, perspective view of a single pass oil cooler/filter assembly made according to the invention;
FIG. 2 is a similar view but of an alternative single pass construction;
FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIGS. 1 and 2 but of a multiple pass embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectional view illustrating a connection between the oil cooling flow path outlet and the filter housing outlet employed with the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, and employed, in somewhat modified form, with the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5;
FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIGS. 1-3 but of a further embodiment of a multiple pass oil cooler/filter assembly;
FIG. 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary, exploded view containing a somewhat schematic showing of the connection of the filter housing outlet to the oil cooling flow path outlet;
FIG. 7 is a view of still another multiple pass embodiment;
FIG. 8 is a view of still another modified multiple pass embodiment employing two filter housings;
FIG. 9 is a fragmentary view of one header with a filter housing assembled thereto by a preferred type of mounting means and additionally illustrating a preferred closure for the filter housing;
FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the components illustrated in FIG. 9 shown in exploded form;
FIG. 11 is a vertical section of one header and the filter housing of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9;
FIG. 12 is a fragmentary plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 9;
FIG. 13 is a fragmentary vertical section taken approximately along the line 13-13 in FIG. 12;
FIG. 14 is a front elevation of still another embodiment of an oil cooler/filter assembly made according to the invention with parts shown in section;
FIG. 15 is an enlarged, fragmentary prospective view with parts shown in section of a part of the structure of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14;
FIG. 16 is a fragmentary, vertical section of an alternative embodiment for the mounting and fluid connections between the filter and a header of the embodiment shown in FIG. 14;
FIG. 17 is a fragmentary, perspective view of one form of a filter element seating construction that may be utilized in practicing the invention;
FIG. 18 is a view similar to FIG. 17 but showing a modified embodiment of the filter seating structure;
FIG. 19 is a view similar to FIGS. 17 and 18 but showing still another modified embodiment of the filter seating structure;
FIG. 20 is a view similar to FIGS. 17-19, inclusive but of still another embodiment of the filter seating construction;
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of still another oil cooler with integral filter embodying the present invention;
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of another oil cooler with integral filter embodying the present invention;
FIG. 23 is a perspective view, with some components only shown partially, of yet another oil cooler with integral filter embodying the present invention;
FIG. 24 is a view taken from line 24-24 in FIG. 23;
FIG. 25 is a perspective view of yet another oil cooler with integral filter embodying the present invention;
FIG. 26 is a view taken from line 26-26 in FIG. 25;
FIG. 27 is a section view taken from line 27-27 in FIG. 26;
FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view of the oil cooler with integral filter of FIG. 25;
FIG. 29 is a somewhat schematic, elevation view of yet another oil cooler with integral filter embodying the present invention; and
FIG. 30 is an enlarged view taken from line A-A in FIG. 30 showing an orifice plate of the assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

While the invention herein will frequently be described in terms of an integral oil cooler/filter assembly for vehicular use, it is to be expressly understood that the invention is not so limited. The same can be utilized in any application where a lubricating oil or hydraulic fluid or the like requires cooling during system operation and where it is additionally desirable to filter the fluid. Consequently, no restriction to a particular environment of use or particular composition or nature of heat exchange fluid being cooled and filtered is intended except insofar as expressly stated in the appended claims.
All components of oil cooler/filter assemblies made according to the invention will typically be formed of metal, with the exception of the filter element and elastomeric seals where required. In general, aluminum is a preferred metal because of its high thermal conductivity, relatively economical cost, light weight and brazeability. The latter factor ensures a sturdy assembly and excellent sealing of the interfaces of various joints between components through which a heat exchange fluid is passed. Moreover, because conventional brazing processes used are closely controlled and inspection of the finished project product easily performed, the chances of manufacturing and shipping a defective product are virtually nil.
Referring now to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a single pass oil cooler/filter assembly is illustrated and is seen to include first and second, generally cylindrical, tubular headers 10, 12 respectively. The headers 10 and 12 have aligned tube slots (not shown in FIG. 1) for receipt of elongated, flattened tubes 14. The ends of the flattened tubes are received in the tube slots in both of the headers 10 and 12 and brazed thereto to provide mechanical assembly as well as sealing. For additional strength, side plates 16 may be located on both sides of the core and fins, typically serpentine fins 18, extend between adjacent ones of the tubes 14 and adjacent side plates 16 near the sides of the core. However, plate fins could be used if desired.
The first header 10 at one end 20 thereof, receives a tubular inlet fitting 22. The opposite end of the first header 10 is sealed by means, such as a plug, known in the art and not shown in FIG. 1.
The second header 12 includes an outlet fitting 24 at one end 26 thereof. The opposite end is sealed by a plug as is well known.
An elongated tubular filter housing 28 is arranged in side by side relation with the first header 10 and is generally parallel thereto. The filter housing 28 is cylindrical and in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, is mounted to the first header 10 by a pair of spaced saddle blocks 30 and 32. The saddle block 30 includes an interior conduit or port 34 which has one end in fluid communication with the interior of the first header by an aperture 36 in the wall of the first header 10 and an aperture 38 in a wall in the filter housing 10.
Within a generally cylindrical cavity 39 of the filter housing 28 is an elongated filter element 40 of a generally cylindrical configuration and having an open center 42. A removable cap 44, to be described in greater detail hereinafter, provides access to the interior of the filter housing 28 for insertion and removal of the filter element 40 to allow the same to be changed or removed for cleaning, etc.
In general, the filter element 40 will loosely fit within the housing 28 when the cap 44 is not present. However, when the cap is in place, the filter element will be tightly held in a predetermined position within the housing 28. Thus, oil to be cooled and filtered may enter the assemblage via the inlet fixture 22 to enter the first header 10 and flow through the tubes 14 to the second header 12 to be passed to the outlet fitting 24. In addition, the oil may pass through the conduit 34 to the interior of the filter housing 28 on the radially outer side of the filter element 40. It may then pass through the filter element to the hollow center 42 and emerge from the bottom of the filter element 40 as indicated by an arrow 46.
A suitable seat and spacer (not shown in FIG. 1 but described in greater detail hereinafter) may be located in the lower end of the filter housing 28 so that oil entering the filter housing 28 via the port 38 cannot pass past the lower end of the filter 42, but must be forced to pass through the filter 40 to the hollow center 42 thereof.
A return tube 48 extends from the outlet fitting 24 to the filter housing 28 to empty thereinto at a location below the end of the filter 40 and the spacer (not shown) to be combined with the stream represented by the arrow 46. A saddle block 50 at the lower end of the filter housing 28 includes an internal passage 52 in fluid communication with the lower end of the housing 28 receives the combined stream which is then provided to an outlet tube 54.
A flow resistance is provided in that part of the circuit extending from the first header through the filter housing 28 to the point whereat the outlet stream from the conduit 48 and the filter stream represented by the arrow 46 recombine. The resistance is such that approximately 10% of the oil entering the inlet fitting 22 passes through the filter element 40 while about 90% of the oil so entering passes through the oil cooler defined by the headers 10, 12, tubes 14 and fins 18. The flow resistance may take on many forms. For example, by appropriately selecting the cross sectional area of the passage 34, the desired flow resistance can be achieved. Alternatively, a separate orifice could be used. In some cases, the resistance to flow imposed by the filter element 40 itself will be sufficient to achieve the desired apportioning. As still another alternative, one of the tubes 14 may serve as a flow restriction. Thus, a reference to a flow resistance is not intended to connote any particular structure as there are many options for achieving the desired resistance, including the three mentioned above.
FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of a single pass oil cooler/filter made according to the invention. In the interest of brevity, like components will be given like reference numerals and will not be redescribed.
In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the saddle block 50 is omitted and the tube 48 is caused to extend through aligned apertures 56 (only one of which is shown) in opposite parts of the wall of the filter housing 28 to extend from the side thereof opposite the outlet fitting 24 and form an extension 58 which serves the same function as the outlet tube 54. An aperture 60 may be cut in the part of conduit 48 at a location that will be within the filter housing 28 to provide a means of ingress as indicated by an arrow 62 for filtered oil passing through the filter housing 28 and the filter element 40 therein (not shown in FIG. 2). Thus the cooled oil and the filtered oil streams recombined at the aperture 60.
Turning now to FIG. 3 a multiple pass oil cooler/filter assembly is illustrated. Specifically, the oil cooler is a two pass unit and to this end, a baffle 64 is located midway along the length of the first header 10 so that oil entering the inlet 22 passes into an upper section 66 of the first header 10 and then through the tubes 14 to the second header 12. The oil then passes downwardly therein and returns through the tubes 14 on the lower side of the baffle 64 to a lower section 68 of the first header 10.
In this embodiment, the lower end of the filter housing 28 is mounted to the first header 10 by means of a saddle block 70 which may be constructed substantially identically to the saddle block 30, that is, the same includes an internal passage 34 in fluid communication with both the interior of the lower section 68 of the first header 10 and the lower part of the filter housing 28.
Turning now to FIG. 4, the details of the lower end of the filter housing 28 and first header 10 are shown in greater detail. The filter housing 28 is closed by a cap 72 and at a location just above the opposed apertures 38 and 56 in the housing 28 is a slug-like seat 74. The seat 74 includes a central protuberance 76 having an opening 78 disposed in the hollow center 42 of the filter element 40 which serves to center the lower end of the filter element 40 within the housing and prevent short circuiting of unfiltered oil in an annular space 80 radially outward of the filter element 40 within the filter housing 28. Thus, a mixing chamber 81 is formed between the cap 72 and the seat 74. Cooled oil returned to the first header 10 by the second pass enters the space 80 via the apertures 36, 38 and the conduit or passage 34 to mix with filtered oil entering the chamber 80 through the opening 78 in the seat 74. The recombined oil is then returned to the system via the port 56 and the filter housing 28 and the outlet conduit 54.
As with all embodiments already described and those to be described, it is preferable that a substantial majority of the oil pass through the oil cooler unfiltered with approximately 10% or less of the oil being filtered before being recombined with cooled oil. Thus, as with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2, the embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 4 include a flow resistance between the filter housing inlet and the filter housing outlet to achieve the desired flow balance.
Other ratios could be used if desired. However, for many usages, a 90/10 ratio is desirable. For example, should the filter element 40 become plugged or the like, and oil flow through the filter housing 28 come to a stop, or be substantially reduced, 100% of the oil will still remain available to the system and thereby prevent catastrophic failure of equipment, particularly where the oil is used for lubrication.
FIG. 5 illustrates still another embodiment of a multi-pass, specifically a two-pass, oil cooler/filter assembly. In this embodiment, the saddle block 52 and the outlet tube 54 are omitted while the saddle block 70 with its internal conduit retained. The lower end of the first header 10 is provided with an outlet fitting 82 much like the inlet fitting 22. Thus, filtered oil passing through the filter housing 28 will be recombined with cooled oil in the lower section 68 of the first header 10 and returned through the system through the outlet fitting 82.
FIG. 6 is an exploded view illustrating certain of the detail of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 at the outlet side thereof as well as the nature of the saddle block 70 and the seat 74.
FIG. 7 illustrates still another embodiment of the invention that employs a combination saddle block, and seat 84 in lieu of the two saddle blocks 52 and 70 employed in the embodiment of FIG. 3. In this embodiment, the saddle block 84 includes a circular recess 86 which receives the lower end of the filter housing 28. The bottom of the recess 86 acts as the seat 74 (FIG. 4) and a passage 88 extends through the bottom of the recess 86 to a port 90 which is in fluid communication with the lower end 68 of the first header 10 as well with the outlet tube 54. Thus, the bottom of the recess 86 acts as a seat to prevent short circuiting of unfiltered oil to the outlet while filtered oil may pass through the passage 88 to the port 90 to mix with cooled oil and exit the assembly via the outlet tube 54.
The use of the saddle block 84 has some advantages over the assembly illustrated in FIG. 4 in that only one part is required to provide the functions of the saddle block 50, the saddle block 70, the cap 72 and the seat 74. Thus, assembly of components is greatly simplified.
FIG. 8 illustrates a further embodiment similar to that shown in FIG. 7. However, in this embodiment, a saddle block 92 is utilized in lieu of the saddle block 84. The saddle block 92 is enlarged somewhat over that of saddle block 84 and includes two of the recesses 86 in side by side relation so that two filter housings 28 may be installed therein in approximate parallel. Thus, two filter elements may be employed and filtering capacity increased. Of course, the saddle block 30 used in the embodiment of FIG. 7 must also be replaced, as with a saddle block 94, that establishes fluid communication with both of the filter housings 28 and the upper section 66 of the first header 10.
While the use of saddle blocks such as those heretofore described present a number of advantages and product assembly, in some instances, they may be relatively expensive in that machining is required to form ports, conduits and recesses therein where required. It may also be necessary to braze clad the saddle block or braze clad other components to be joined to these saddle blocks that would otherwise not require braze cladding, thereby increasing the cost. Further, in some assembly operations, it may be necessary to tack weld the saddle block into the desired position to hold it in place during a brazing operation.
FIGS. 9-11 show a mounting means that eliminates many of these disadvantages. Specifically, a relatively thin strip 100 of metal, typically aluminum, is provided by stamping with alternating, oppositely facing concave sections as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. Concave sections 102, 104, face the first header 10 while concave sections 106, 108, face the filter housing 28. The radius of curvature of the sections 102, 104 matches that of the exterior of the first header 10 while the radius of curvature of the sections 106, 108 match that of the filter housing 28.
The uppermost concave section 102 includes a port 110 surrounded by a peripheral flange or collar 112. As best seen in FIG. 11, the flange 112 is sized to snugly fit into an aperture 114 surrounded by a flange 115 in the side of the first header 10 opposite the tubes 14. The filter housing 28 includes an inlet port 116 which in turn is surrounded by a peripheral flange or collar 118 sized to be snugly received within the port 110. Thus, a means of fluid communication from the first header 10 adjacent the inlet 22 to the interior of the filter housing 28 is achieved. The flanges 112, 115 and 118 are formed by stamping, punching or staking.
A separate orifice piece 119 may be located against the flange 118 to provide the desired flow resistance since the size of the ports 110, 116 and the aperture 114 will be a function of the outer diameter of their respective flanges 112, 115, 118.
For assembly, it is only necessary to apply the strip like mounting bracket 100 to the first header 10 such that the flange 112 enters the aperture 114 and then apply the filter housing 28 to the strip-like mounting bracket 100 such that the flange 116 enters the port 110. Clips that may be integral with the strip like mounting bracket 100 but are not shown in the drawings, may be used to snap the same in place on both the first header 10 and the filter housing 28 for assembly purposes during brazing.
In the usual case, the exterior of the first header 10 will carry braze cladding used to form sealed joints with the ends of the tubes 14. Desirably, however, to minimize cost, the filter housing 28 will not be braze clad. To promote assembly, the strip like mounting bracket 100 is braze clad only on one side, namely, the side facing the filter housing 28. Thus, braze clad on the first header will form a bond with the sections 102, 104 and the braze clad on the side of the mounting element 100 remote from the first header 10 will bond to the filter housing 28 to hold the same in place. By forming the aperture 110 and collar 112 in the particular direction illustrated in the drawings, the braze clad material will be on the interior of the flange 112 so as to readily bond with and seal against the exterior surface of the flange 118 surrounding the port 116. Similarly, the braze clad on the header 10 will be on the interior of the flange 115 therein to provide a good seal and joint with the flange 112 on the bracket 100. And, of course, the cost of braze cladding components is reduced because only one side of the bracket 100 is required to be braze clad and no braze cladding at whatsoever is required on the filter housing 28.
FIGS. 10, 12, and 13 also illustrate a novel structure for providing the removable cap shown schematically elsewhere in at 44. Specifically, the upper end 120 of the filter housing is slightly flared outwardly and, as best seen in FIG. 13, includes an inwardly directed, peripheral lip 122 of a diameter just slightly less than the inner diameter of the filter housing 28 at the flared end 120. A plug like cap 124 snugly fits into the upper end of the housing 28 which in turn is provided with two spaced, peripheral, radially inward opening groves 126 which receive o-ring seals 128 to provide a good seal at that location. A removable C-shaped spring lock ring 130 is located beneath the lip 112 and above the plug 124 to firmly hold the same in place.
Preferably, the plug 124, opposite of the lock ring 130, includes a spring 134 that bears against an end piece 136 on the filter element 40 to urge the filter element 40 downwardly firmly against the seat described previously. The end piece 136 also includes a protuberance 138 that extends into the open center 42 of the filter element 40 to properly locate the filter element 40 within the housing 28 and prevent short circuiting of fluid flow.
A further embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 14. In this embodiment, the filter housing is again relatively cylindrical but includes a necked down, lower end 140 which is joined to the upper end of an oil control fitting 142 which in turn is mounted on the upper end of the first header 10. The fitting 142 includes a port 144 to which the inlet-fitting 22 may be connected. In this embodiment, incoming oil is divided into two streams as before. One stream, which constitutes the substantial majority of the oil is passed in the direction of arrow 146 to the interior of the first header 10 and will flow through the tubes 14 to the header 12 and then to the outlet conduit 48. The other stream passes in the direction of an arrow 148 to the annular space between the exterior of the filter element 40 and the interior wall of the filter housing 28 to ultimately pass through the filter element 40 and descend through the open center 42 through an orifice construction 150 and back to the first header 10. As best seen in FIG. 15, the flow represented by the arrow 146 to the interior of the header 10 and the flow represented by the arrow 148 that has passed through the filter housing 28 are separated by a partition 152. The partition 152 includes a first piece 154 which is elongated and depends from the bottom of a seat 156 for the filter element 40 to extend into the first header 10 to a location between the first upper most and the second upper most tubes 14. The upper tube 14 is given the additional designation 158 for clarity.
The partition element 154 terminates at its lower end, as mentioned earlier, at a location between two tubes 14 and at that location, a transverse piece 160 extends into the tube much like a semi-baffle to seal against the interior of the header 10 as well as end of the partition element 154. Thus, the two flows are isolated and in this embodiment, the minor percentage of the oil that is represented the arrow 148 and directed through the filter housing 28 is returned through the first header 10 to flow through the uppermost tube 158 to the second header 12 to mix with the cooled oil flowing through the remainder of the tubes 14. Thus, in this embodiment, the minor fraction of the oil that is filtered is also cooled by being passed through the oil cooler part of the structure and the small free flow area to the tube 158 in relation to that of the remaining tubes 14 serves as a flow restriction for the filtered oil.
FIG. 16 shows an alternate embodiment that achieves the same thing. In this embodiment, the two-piece partition 152 of the FIG. 15 embodiment is replaced by a single, integral partition 170 that includes a mounting end 172 secured by any suitable means to the orifice construction 150 at its upper end, an elongated partition section 174 that extends downwardly into the first header 10 past at least the tube 158 to terminate in a transverse section 176. The sides of the partition 170 are sealed to the fitting 142 and to the interior wall of the first header 10 as well as to an end 180, if desired, of the tube 158. The flat side of the tube 158 facing the filter housing 28 may include a cutout portion 182 or some other source of relief so as to allow oil passing in the direction of the arrow 148 to enter the tube 158 after flowing through the filter housing 28, all the while isolated from the stream represented by the arrow 146. So again, filtered oil is also cooled in this embodiment of the invention.
It should be noted that it is not necessary in an embodiment wherein the filter housing 28 and first header 10 are end to end relationship to flow filtered oil back through tubes section tube 158 through the oil cooler. As schematically illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18, the filter housing 28 may have an upper outlet connected to align with the open center 42 of the filter element 40 to receive the filtered oil and return it to the outlet conduit 48 for mixing with the cooled, unfiltered oil. A fixture 142 is again used to provide for mounting the filter housing 28 to an upper end of the first header 10 which has a suitable oil inlet shown only schematically in FIGS. 17 and 18. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17, the fixture 142 includes an integral dome 188 having a central protuberance 190 receivable in the open center 42 of the filter element 40 alignment purposes. The protuberance 190 is surrounded by a seat 192 against which filter element 40 is biased to prevent short circuiting. Legs 194 depend from the seat 192 and are separated by openings 196 to the interior of the fitting 142 so as to allow oil to be filtered to enter the annular space between the exterior of the filter element 40 and the interior wall of the filter housing 28.
An alternative embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 18. In this case, a spider element 198 having the central protuberance 190 and spaced downwardly extending and radially outwardly directed legs 200 is employed. A seat 202 is interposed between the protuberance 190 and the legs 200, again to prevent short circuiting.
FIG. 19 shows still another embodiment of the invention. In this case, the dome 188 is not formed integrally with the fixture 142 but as a separate part abutted to a shoulder 204 on the fixture 142. Again, a central protuberance 190 is employed which is surrounded by a peripheral seat 192 which in turn has downwardly depending, spaced legs 194 to define openings 196 through which oil to be filtered may enter the filter housing 28, and specifically the annular space between the interior of the filter housing 28 and the exterior of the filter element 40.
FIG. 20 illustrates still a further embodiment. In this embodiment, a relatively flat disc 206 that is spider-like is lodged on the inner side of the necked down section 140 of the filter housing 28. The disc has a central protuberance 190 surrounded by a peripheral seat 192 from which a plurality of space, generally horizontal legs 194 extend. The legs 194 terminate in resilient upturned feet 208 which lock against the interior wall of the housing 28.
Of course, it should be recognized that the seating and locating constructions illustrated in FIGS. 18-20 are not limited to use in a construction wherein the filter housing 28 and first header 10 are in end to end relation, but could be used the earlier described embodiments wherein the filter housing 28 and the first header 10 are in side by side, generally parallel relation.
It is to be noted that while the embodiments specifically illustrated herein all employ a removable cap on the upper end of the filter housing 28, it is possible to locate the removable cap on the lower most 25, part of the filter housing if desired. Furthermore, while the filter housing has always been illustrated herein as being parallel or aligned with one of the headers, other orientations could be provided. For example, it is possible to orient the filter housing 28 such that it is parallel and secured to the side pieces 16 and the tubes 14 if desired as shown, for example, in FIG. 21. In the embodiment of FIG. 21, oil tubes or conduits 220 are used to direct the oil from an oil inlet fitting 22 to the manifold 10 and the filter housing 28, with a T-connection 222 allowing for the split of the oil flow between the inlet header 10 and the filter housing 28. Similarly, suitable oil conduits or tubes 224 are provided to direct the oil flow from the outlet header 12 and the filter housing 28, with a T-connection 226 allowing the two flows to combine and be directed to an oil outlet fitting 54.
FIG. 22 shows another embodiment similar to FIG. 21 wherein the filter housing 28 extends parallel to and is secured the side pieces 16 and tubes 14, but differs in that the body of the filter housing 28 is a one piece construction, preferably a one piece extrusion, having an internal passage 230 that extends the length of the housing parallel to the cavity 39 for the filter 40. The passage 230 serves as an oil return passage or conduit that replaces the conduits 224 of FIG. 21 with the exception of a conduit 232 that transfers oil flow from the outlet header 12 to the filter housing 28.
Two additional embodiments wherein the filter housing 28 is mounted parallel to the tubes 14 and the side piece(s) 16 are shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 and FIGS. 25-28, respectively. These embodiments are similar to that of FIG. 22 in that they utilize a one-piece body for the filter housing 28 that is preferably a one-piece extrusion and which includes oil return passage 230. However, these embodiments differ from that of FIG. 22 in that they are mounted directly to the respective ends of the headers 10 and 12 in fluid communication therewith, thereby eliminating the flow conduits 220 and 232 of FIG. 22 as well as any mount bracket for connection with a side piece 16. Specifically, with reference to FIGS. 23 and 24 and FIGS. 25 and 26, the filter housing 28 includes an opening 236 connected to and in fluid communication with an end of the inlet header 10, and an opening 238 connected to and in fluid communication with a end of the outlet header 12. Preferably, each of the openings 236 and 238 is sized to receive an open end of the respective header 10 and 12 and to be bonded therewith, such as by brazing. In addition to eliminating the fluid conduits 220 and 232 of FIG. 22 this construction allows for the elimination of one of the side pieces 16. Specifically, a flat surface 240, best seen in FIG. 23 extends between the openings 236 and 238, with the lowermost fin 18 sandwiched between the surface 240 and the lowermost tube 14. While this construction is preferred, there still may be an advantage in some embodiments to include a side piece 16 that is located between the surface 240 and the fin 18, spaced slightly from the surface 240.
The embodiment of FIGS. 23 and 24 differs from the embodiment of FIGS. 25 and 26 in that the center line 242 for the filter element 40 and its cavity 39 in FIGS. 23 and 24 is offset from the central axes 244 and 246 of the headers 10 and 12 such that the filter housing 28 does not extend beyond a plane (shown schematically by dashed line 248 in FIG. 24) that is a backmost or frontmost plane of the oil cooler. This allows for mounting of other components or structure adjacent the plane 248, whereas in the embodiment of FIGS. 25 and 26 the central axis 242 is aligned with the axes 244 and 246 of the headers 10 and 12, which results in the filter housing 28 extending past the plane 248.
The details for the filter housing 28 and components associated therewith will be described in connection with FIGS. 27 and 28 for both of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 and FIGS. 25 and 26. The components include an inlet tube cap 250 a flow restriction/filter seat cap 252, a filter element 40, a filter seat/seal ring carrier 254, a compression spring 256 (preferably a helical compression spring), a spring seat/seal cap 258, and a retaining ring 260.
The cap 250 includes an opening 262 for receiving an end of the inlet tube 22 and being bonded thereto, such as by brazing. The cap 252 includes a filter seat surface 264 that abuts an end surface of the filter 40, and a nipple 266 that extends into the central opening 42 of the filter 40 to locate the filter 40 relative to the cap 252 and the filter housing 28. The caps 252 also includes an opening 267 that receives a portion of the cap 252 so that the two components can be bonded together, such as by brazing. The cap 252 further includes a radially extending flange 268 that seats against an end surface of the filter housing 28 to be bonded thereto, such as by brazing, and a plurality of flow restrictions in the form of orifice openings 270 located in an annular sidewall that extends between surface 264 and the flange 268.
The filter seat/seal ring carrier 254 includes a surface 272 that engages another end of the filter 40, and a nipple 274 that is received in the central opening 42 of the filter 40 to locate the filter 40 relative to the filter seat/seal ring carrier 254 and the filter housing 28. The filter seat/seal ring carrier 254 further includes an annular groove 276 that receives an O-ring seal 278 which engages a cylindrical sidewall 280 of the cavity 39 to restrict or prevent linkage of oil between the cylindrical surface 280 and the filter seat/seal ring carrier 254. The filter seat/seal ring carrier 254 further includes a spring seat 282 that is received within the internal diameter of the spring 256 to locate the spring 256 relative to the filter seat/seal ring carrier 254. It should be appreciated that the spring seat 282 could be provided in the form of an annular wall that receives an outside diameter of the spring 256 to locate the spring 256 relative to the filter seat/seal ring carrier 254. A flow restriction, in the form of a cylindrical orifice 283 extends through the nipple 274 and the spring seat 282 of the filter seat/seal ring carrier 254 to further regulate the flow passing through the filter 40 in order to achieve the desired split in the oil flow, with preferably 10% or less of the oil being filtered before recombining with the cooled oil.
The cap 258 includes an annular spring seat 284 that receives the outside diameter of the spring 256 to locate the spring 256 relative to the cap 258 and the filter housing 28. It should be understood that the spring seat 284 could be an annular nipple, similar to the seat 282 so as to be received in the inside diameter of the spring 256 to locate the same. The cap 258 also includes an annular groove 286 that receives an O-ring seal 288 which seals against the cylindrical surface 280 to prevent leakage of the oil from the filter housing 28.
The snap ring 260 is received in a snap ring groove 290 formed in the surface 280 of the filter housing 28 to retain the filter 40, the filter seat/seal ring carrier 254, spring 256 and cap 258 in the filter housing 28 with the spring 256 in a loaded, compressed state so as to force the filter seat/seal ring carrier 254 against the filter 40 and to force the filter 40 against the cap 252.
With reference to FIG. 27, the filter housing 28 includes a cross hole 292 that connects the passage 230 to the cavity 39. In the illustrated embodiment, the cross hole 292 is machined, such by drilling, from the exterior of the filter housing 28 to extend through the passage 230 into the cavity 39, and will require a seal plug 294 that can be an interference fit and/or bonded, such as by brazing, with the inside diameter of the hole 292. A similar plug 296 is provided in the end of the passage 230 to close the same.
The outlet tube 254 is connected via the cap 252 at the opposite end of the filter housing 28 from the plug 296. The tube is received in an opening 296 formed in the flange 268 of the cap 252. In this regard, an annular support flange 298 that receives the tube 254 can be provided as an integral unitary part of the cap 252, as show in FIG. 27, or as a separate piece that is bonded, such as brazing, to the cap 252 such as shown in FIG. 28.
The flow regime of the oil will be explained in connection with FIG. 27. The oil is directed from the inlet fitting 22 into an annular cavity 300 formed between the caps 250 and 252 and then is directed via the flow restrictions 270 from the chamber 300 into the filter cavity 39 and the interior of the header 10. In this regard, an orifice 270A that is larger and less flow restrictive than the remainder of the orifices 270 may be aligned with the interior of the header 10 if required to achieve the desired proportional split between the oil flow directed through the tubes 14 and the oil flow directed through the filter 40. As shown by the shaded arrows A in FIG. 27 which represent an oil cooling flow path, part of the oil flow, and as discussed for all previous embodiments preferably the larger part of the oil flow, is directed to the interior of the header 12 via the tubes 14 from the interior of the header 10, with the remainder of the oil flow (preferable 10% or less of the total oil flow) passing through the filter 40 and then through the orifice opening 283 in the filter seat/seal ring carrier 254, as shown by the shaded arrows B in FIG. 27 which represent an oil filtering flow path. The two flows combine in a chamber 302 to defined between the filter seat/seal ring carrier 254 and the cap 258 and then is directed therefrom into the passage 230 via the cross hole 292. The combined oil flow then is directed to the outlet fitting 54 via the passage 230.
FIGS. 29 and 30 show yet another embodiment of the invention. This embodiment differs from the previously described embodiments in that the oil inlet fitting 22 delivers all of the oil flow to the filter housing 28, rather than having part of the oil flow delivered to the filter housing 28 and the remaining majority of the oil flow delivered to the oil cooler as in the previously described embodiments. The filter housing 28 defines an oil filter bypassing flow path, shown schematically by arrows 304, which in the illustrated embodiment is defined by an annular gap between the outside diameter of the filter element 40 and the inside diameter of the housing 28. An oil filtering flow path is also provided, shown schematically by lines 306, wherein a small percentage of the oil passes through the filter as in previous embodiments. The desired percentage split between the two flow paths is preferably provided, at least in part, by at least one flow restriction element, which in the illustrated embodiment is an orifice plate 308 located downstream, at an exit end of the filter. The plate 308 includes an opening 310 for the oil that flows through the filter 40 and a plurality of flow control orifice openings 312 for the oil that bypasses the filter 40, with the number and sizes of the orifices 312 controlling, at least in part, the percentage split between the two oil flows. Preferably, the opening 310 corresponds in size to the open center 42 of the filter element 40. The two oil flows then merge within the filter housing 28 downstream from the plate 308 and are directed to one of the manifolds 10, 12 by a suitable conduit or connection, shown schematically at 314. It should be appreciated that any of the mounting configurations for the filter housing 28 to the remainder of the oil cooler shown in the previous embodiments can be easily adapted to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 29 and 30. Further, it should be understood that the heat exchanger of FIGS. 29 and 30 can be a single pass or a multipass.
While the tubes 14 are illustrated herein in the form of flattened tubes and the fins 18 are shown in the form of serpentine fins, it should be understood that in some applications, it may be desirable for the tubes 14 to be provided in other suitable forms, such as for example, round tubes, and/or for the fins 18 to be provided in other suitable forms, such as for example plate fins that would extend transverse to the longitudinal extent of the tubes 14 with the tubes inserted therethrough.
From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that an integral oil cooler/filter assembly made according to the invention achieves the objects set for it. The same is compact and of relatively small volume making it suitable for a variety of usages, including vehicular usages, where space is at a premium. Furthermore, the integral construction, preferably made by brazing, provides a means of eliminating potential leaking points and other product defects by reason of the ability to make the same under closely controlled conditions. And because so many components of an oil cooling system are incorporated in an integral construction, the potential for improper installation in the system are reduced.
Various specific aspects described above minimize cost of assembly in a variety of ways so that an economical, dependable, low volume oil cooler with an integral filter results.

Claims

1. An oil cooler with integral filter, comprising:

first and second elongated tubular headers in spaced parallel relation;

tube slots in each of said headers with the tube slots in the first header facing and in alignment with the tube slots in the second header;

elongated tubes having their ends in aligned ones of the tube slots in the first and second headers and sealed thereto, and extending between the headers to provide fluid communication therebetween;

fins extending at least between adjacent tubes and in thermal conducting relation therewith;

an oil inlet to one of said headers;

an oil outlet from one of said headers;

said headers, said fins and said tubes defining an oil cooler having an oil cooling flow path between said oil inlet and said oil outlet;

a filter housing mounted on one of said headers;

an oil filter element located with said housing;

an inlet to said housing in fluid communication with said oil inlet;

an outlet from said housing for delivering filtered oil to be combined with oil flowing in or from said oil cooling flow path; and

a flow restriction located downstream from said oil inlet to cause a substantial majority of oil introduced into said oil inlet to bypass said filter housing and flow substantially directly through said oil cooling flow path with only a small minority of oil introduced into said oil inlet flowing through said oil filter element.

2. The oil cooler with integral filter of claim 1 wherein said tubes are flattened tubes.

3. The oil cooler with integral filter of claim 1 wherein said filter housing is elongated and tubular and is mounted on one of said headers in generally parallel side by side relation therewith.

4. The oil cooler with integral filter of claim 3 wherein said oil inlet is a port in said first header; and a conduit connecting said first header to said filter housing inlet.

5. The oil cooler with integral filter of claim 3 wherein said oil inlet is a port connected to said first header, said filter housing is mounted on said first header by a pair of spaced mounting blocks, one near or at each end of said filter housing, one of said mounting blocks having a fluid passage connecting said first header to said housing inlet.

6. The oil cooler with integral filter of claim 5 wherein said oil cooling flow path terminates in said oil outlet in turn located in said first header spaced from said oil inlet and the other of said mounting blocks includes an outlet conduit connected to both said oil outlet and said housing outlet; and an outlet port in fluid communication with said outlet conduit.

7. The oil cooler with integral filter of claim 6 wherein said outlet port is in said housing.

8. The oil cooler with integral filter of claim 6 wherein said outlet port is in said first header adjacent said conduit.

9. The oil cooler with integral filter of claim 6 wherein said outlet port is in said other mounting block.

10. The oil cooler with integral filter of claim 6 wherein said oil cooling flow path is a multiple pass flow path and includes a partition in said first header between oil inlet and said oil outlet.

11. The oil cooler with integral filter of claim 5 wherein said oil outlet is in said second header; an oil conduit extending from said oil outlet to said filter housing and in fluid communication with said housing outlet and an oil outlet port in said filter housing in fluid communication with said conduit and said housing outlet.

12. The oil cooler with integral filter of claim 11 wherein said oil conduit is generally parallel to said tubes.

13. The oil cooler with integral filter of claim 1 wherein said filter housing has an open end through which said filter element may be introduced into or removed, and a removable cap for closing and sealing said open end, said open end includes a radially inwardly opening, peripheral groove in an inner surface thereof and a removable spring retaining ring in said groove and abutting said cap oppositely of said filter element for removably retaining said cap in said open end.

14. The oil cooler with integral filter of claim 13 wherein said cap has a side wall provided with at least one radially outwardly opening groove, and a sealing ring disposed in said groove for sealing engagement with said filter housing.

15. An oil cooler with integral filter, comprising:

first and second elongated tubular headers in spaced parallel relation;

an oil inlet to one of said headers;

an oil outlet from one of said headers;

a filter housing mounted on said oil cooler;

an oil filter element located with said housing;

an inlet to said housing in fluid communication with said oil inlet;

an outlet from said housing for delivering filtered oil to be combined with oil flowing in or from said oil cooling flow path;

a flow restriction located downstream from said oil inlet to cause a substantial majority of oil introduced into said oil inlet to bypass said filter housing and flow substantially directly through said oil cooling flow path with only a small minority of oil introduced into said oil inlet flowing through said oil filter element; and

wherein said restriction includes one of said elongated tubes.

16. The oil cooler with integral filter of claim 15 wherein a said oil inlet is connected to said first header and said housing inlet is in fluid communication with said first header, and further including a transfer passage extending between said one tube and said filter housing at a location downstream of said filter element.

17. The oil cooler with integral filter of claim 16 wherein said transfer passage is defined by a flow director in said first header extending to said location and isolating oil flow in said first header from oil flow from said location to said one tube.

18. The oil cooler with integral filter of claim 17 wherein said restriction additionally includes an orifice at or near said location.

19. The oil cooler with integral filter of claim 16 wherein said restriction additionally includes an orifice at or near said location.

20. An oil cooler with integral filter, comprising:

first and second elongated tubular headers in spaced parallel relation;

an oil inlet to one of said headers;

an oil outlet from one of said headers;

a filter housing mounted on said oil cooler;

an oil filter element located with said housing;

an inlet to said housing in fluid communication with said oil inlet;

wherein said filter housing is mounted end to end to said first header.

21. The oil cooler with integral filter of claim 20 wherein said restriction includes one of said elongated tubes.

22. The oil cooler with integral filter of claim 21 wherein a said oil inlet is connected to said first header and said housing inlet is in fluid communication with said first header, and further including a transfer passage extending between said one tube and said filter housing at a location downstream of said filter element.

23. The oil cooler with integral filter of claim 22 wherein said transfer passage is defined by a flow director in said first header extending to said location and isolating oil flow in said first header from oil flow from said location to said one tube.

24. The oil cooler with integral filter of claim 23 wherein said restriction additionally includes an orifice at or near said location.

25. The oil cooler with integral filter of claim 20 wherein said transfer passage is defined by a partition extending from said filter housing into said first header generally medially thereof to a second location past said one tube and terminating in a transverse section sealed to the interior of said header at said second location and between said one tube and others of said tubes.

26. The oil cooler with integral filter of claim 25 wherein said transverse section is a baffle disposed in a wall of said header at said location and engaging and sealed to said partition.

27. The oil cooler with integral filter of claim 25 wherein said partition and said transverse section are integrally formed.

28. The oil cooler with integral filter of claim 25 wherein said partition and an adjacent end of said one tube are spaced from one another.

29. The oil cooler with integral filter of claim 25 wherein said partition abuts an adjacent end of said one tube, and a side of said one tube facing said filter housing, at said adjacent end, includes a port formation to allow ingress of oil from said filter housing to enter said one tube.

30. An oil cooler with integral filter, comprising:

first and second elongated tubular headers in spaced parallel relation;

an oil inlet to one of said headers;

an oil outlet from one of said headers;

a filter housing mounted on said oil cooler;

an oil filter element located with said housing;

an inlet to said housing in fluid communication with said oil inlet;

wherein said filter housing is mounted on said first header in end to end relation by a fitting connected to an upper end of said first header and to said filter housing.

31. The oil cooler with integral filter of claim 30 further including a dome-like element extending from said fitting into said filter housing at the lower end thereof, said dome-like element having an upper, centering protuberance adapted to enter and center the lower end of a central passage in said oil filter element, and a seat surrounding said protuberance, and an apertured skirt surrounding and depending from said seat.

32. The oil cooler with integral filter of claim 31 wherein said dome-like element is a separate element mounted on said fitting.

33. The oil cooler with integral filter of claim 31 wherein said dome-like element is integrally formed on an upper end of said fitting.

34. The oil cooler with integral filter of claim 30 further including a spider-like disc located in a lower end of said filter housing, said disc having a central, upwardly extending protuberance for receipt in a lower end of a central passage in said oil filter element, a seat surrounding said protuberance and legs extending outwardly from said seat toward an interior wall of said filter housing.

35. The oil cooler with integral filter of claim 34 wherein said legs extend radially outward.

36. The oil cooler with integral filter of claim 35 wherein said legs also extend downwardly.

37. An oil cooler with integral filter, comprising:

first and second elongated tubular headers in spaced parallel relation;

an oil inlet to one of said headers;

an oil outlet from one of said headers;

a filter housing mounted on said oil cooler;

an oil filter element located with said housing;

an inlet to said housing in fluid communication with said oil inlet;

a flow restriction located downstream from said oil inlet to cause a substantial majority of oil introduced into said oil inlet to bypass said filter housing and flow substantially directly through said oil cooling flow path with only a small minority of oil introduced into said oil inlet flowing through said oil filter element;

wherein said first header and said filter housing are generally cylindrical and are in side-by-side, generally parallel relation, and a strip-like mounting bracket mounting said filter housing to said first headers said mounting bracket having alternating concave sections along its length, some facing and receiving said filter housing and others facing and receiving said first header, and bonding material bonding said concave section to the one of said filter housing and said first header that they face and receive.

38. The oil cooler with integral filter of claim 37 wherein said first header, said mounting bracket and said filter housing are metal, and said bonding material is a braze metal cladding on said first header and on a side of said mounting bracket facing said filter housing.

39. The oil cooler with integral filter of claim 37 wherein one of said concave sections facing said first header includes a first port surrounded by a first flange, said first flange being snugly received in an aligned aperture in said first header and sealed thereto and a second port in said filter housing aligned with said first port and surrounded by second flange snugly received in and sealed to said first port.

40. The oil cooler with integral filter of claim 37 wherein one of said concave sections facing said first header includes a first port surrounded by a first flange, said first flange being snugly received in an aligned aperture in said first header and sealed thereto and a second port in said filter housing aligned with said first port and surrounded by second flange snugly received in and sealed to said first port, said sealing provided by said braze metal cladding on said first header and said side of said mounting bracket.

41. An oil cooler with integral filter, comprising:

an oil inlet;

an oil outlet;

first and second elongated tubular headers in spaced parallel relation;

said headers, said fins, and said tubes defining an oil cooler having an oil cooling flow path between said oil inlet and said oil outlet;

a filter housing mounted on said oil cooler in generally parallel relation to said tubes, said filter housing mounted on both of said headers and/or a component of the oil cooler extending between said headers, said filter housing defining an oil filtering flow path between said oil inlet and said oil outlet;

an oil filter element located within said housing in said oil filtering flow path; and

at least one flow restriction located downstream from said oil inlet to cause a substantial majority of oil introduced into said oil inlet to bypass said filter housing and flow substantially directly through said oil cooling flow path with only a small minority of oil introduced into said oil inlet flowing through said oil filter element.

42. The oil cooler with integral filter of claim 41 wherein said filter housing includes a chamber for receiving said oil filter element and an oil return passage extending parallel to said chamber between said oil filtering flow path and said oil outlet.

43. The oil cooler with integral filter of claim 42 further comprising a tube extending between a downstream opening in said filter housing and a downstream opening in one of said headers, and another tube extending from said oil inlet to said filter housing to direct said small minority of oil thereto.

44. The oil cooler with integral filter of claim 43 wherein said filter housing is mounted to said component, and said component comprises a side piece extending parallel to said tubes.

45. The oil cooler with integral filter of claim 42 wherein said filter housing is mounted directly to each of said headers.

46. The oil cooler with integral filter of claim 45 wherein an open end of one of said headers is connected directly to an opening in said filter housing, and an open end of the other of said headers is connected directly to another opening in said filter housing.

47. The oil cooler with integral filter of claim 42 wherein said filter housing comprises an aluminum extrusion, and said chamber and oil return passage are formed in said aluminum extrusion.

48. The oil cooler with integral filter of claim 41 wherein said at least one flow restriction comprises an orifice located adjacent a downstream end of said filter housing.

49. The oil cooler with integral filter of claim 41 wherein said filter housing is mounted to said component, and said component comprises a side piece extending parallel to said tubes.

50. The oil cooler with integral filter of claim 41 wherein said filter housing is mounted directly to each of said headers.

51. An oil cooler with integral filter, comprising:

an oil inlet;

an oil outlet;

first and second elongated tubular headers in spaced parallel relation;

a filter housing mounted on said oil cooler in generally parallel relation to said tubes, said filter housing mounted on both of said headers, said filter housing defining an oil filtering flow path between said oil inlet and said oil outlet;

52. The oil cooler with integral filter of claim 51 wherein said filter housing includes a chamber for receiving said oil filter element and an oil return passage extending parallel to said chamber between said oil filtering flow path and said oil outlet.

53. The oil cooler with integral filter of claim 52 wherein said filter housing comprises an aluminum extrusion, and said chamber and oil return passage are formed in said aluminum extrusion.

54. The oil cooler with integral filter of claim 51 wherein an open end of one of said headers is connected directly to an opening in said filter housing, and an open end of the other of said headers is connected directly to another opening in said filter housing.

55. The oil cooler with integral filter of claim 51 wherein said at least one flow restriction comprises an orifice located adjacent a downstream end of said filter housing.

56. An oil cooler with integral filter, comprising:

an oil inlet;

an oil outlet;

first and second elongated tubular headers in spaced parallel relation;

a filter housing mounted on the oil cooler, said filter housing defining an oil filtering flow path between said oil inlet and at least one of said first and second headers, and an oil filter bypassing flow path between said oil inlet and said at least one of said first and second headers;

an oil filter element located within said filter housing in said oil filtering flow path; and

at least one flow restriction element in said filter housing to cause a substantial majority of oil introduced into said oil inlet to bypass said oil filter element by flowing through said oil filter bypassing flow path with only a small minority of oil introduced into said oil inlet flowing through said oil filter element via the oil filtering flow path.

57. The oil cooler with integral filter of claim 56 wherein said at least one flow restriction element comprises an orifice plate, said orifice plate including at least one orifice located in said oil filter bypassing flow path.

58. The oil cooler with integral filter of claim 57 wherein said orifice plate is located downstream from said oil filter element.