FLUID DELIVERY SYSTEM COMPRISING A SEPARATE FILTER MODULE

Abstract

A fluid delivery system for supplying fluid to at least one machine assembly, in particular an engine and/or transmission of a motor vehicle, including: a first pump and a second pump; a drive for driving the first pump and/or the second pump; a reservoir for storing the fluid; and a filter module for filtering the fluid, wherein the first pump delivers fluid from the reservoir to the machine assembly in a supply flow and the second pump is arranged downstream of the machine assembly and delivers at least some of the fluid into the reservoir in a sub-flow downstream of the machine assembly and the filter module is embodied in the sub-flow.

Claims

1.-14. (canceled)

15. A fluid delivery system for supplying fluid to at least one machine assembly, comprising: a. a first pump and a second pump; b. a drive for driving the first pump and/or the second pump; c. a reservoir for storing the fluid; and d. a filter module for filtering the fluid, e. wherein the first pump delivers fluid from the reservoir to the machine assembly in a supply flow and f. the second pump is arranged downstream of the machine assembly and delivers at least some of the fluid into the reservoir in a sub-flow downstream of the machine assembly and g. the filter module is embodied in the sub-flow.

16. The fluid delivery system according to claim 15, wherein the reservoir is embodied in a housing, and the machine assembly can be fluidically connected to the housing via at least one return line, and the sub-flow suctions fluid from the return line.

17. The fluid delivery system according to claim 15, wherein the fluid delivery system comprises a multi-circuit pump module, and wherein the first pump and the second pump are part of the pump module.

18. The fluid delivery system according to claim 15, wherein the supply flow is divided downstream of the reservoir into at least a first supply sub-flow for supplying the machine assembly and a second supply sub-flow, which is fluidically separated from the first supply sub-flow, for supplying the same machine assembly or another machine assembly, and wherein no filter module or an auxiliary filter module is embodied in the supply flow, upstream of where the supply flow is divided, wherein the auxiliary filter module, if provided, separates larger and/or fewer particles from the fluid than the filter module of the sub-flow.

19. The fluid delivery system according to claim 15, wherein the fluid of the first supply sub-flow and/or the second supply sub-flow, before it flows back into the reservoir and is filtered by the filter module of the sub-flow.

20. The fluid delivery system according to claim 15, wherein the filter module is an oil filter of a motor vehicle and separates at least 20% of the particles larger than 6 μm and at least 65% of the particles larger than 14 μm.

21. The fluid delivery system according to claim 15, wherein the reservoir is embodied in a housing, and the housing comprises at least one return opening which can be connected to the machine assembly, and the sub-flow aspirates the fluid on the side of the return opening which faces away from the machine assembly.

22. The fluid delivery system according to claim 21, wherein the return opening comprises a screen on its side which faces the machine assembly.

23. The fluid delivery system according to claim 21, wherein the supply flow is divided downstream of the reservoir into at least a first supply sub-flow for supplying the machine assembly and a second supply sub-flow, which is fluidically separated from the first supply sub-flow, for supplying the same machine assembly or another machine assembly, and the second supply sub-flow flows back into the housing via the return opening downstream of the machine assembly.

24. The fluid delivery system according to claim 15, wherein the reservoir is embodied in a housing, and the fluid is circulated by the sub-flow in the housing.

25. The fluid delivery system according to claim 15, wherein the downstream end of the sub-flow emerges into the reservoir.

26. The fluid delivery system according to claim 15, wherein the reservoir is embodied in a housing and comprises a main sump and a secondary sump, and wherein fluid situated within the housing and outside the reservoir is delivered into the reservoir by the sub-flow.

27. The fluid delivery system according to claim 15, wherein the volume flow of the supply flow is larger than and at least twice as large as the volume flow of the sub-flow.

28. The fluid delivery system according to claim 15, wherein the fluid delivery system comprises a heat exchanger, and the heat exchanger is arranged in the supply flow.

29. The fluid delivery system according to claim 15, wherein the at least one machine assembly is an engine and/or transmission of a motor vehicle.

30. The fluid delivery system according to claim 17, wherein the multi-circuit pump module is a dual-circuit pump module.

31. The fluid delivery system according to claim 15, wherein the reservoir is embodied in a housing, and the fluid is circulated by the sub-flow in the housing and delivered into the reservoir from a location away from the reservoir.

32. The fluid delivery system according to claim 15, wherein the downstream end of the sub-flow emerges into a main sump of the reservoir.

33. The fluid delivery system according to claim 26, wherein the fluid situated within the housing and outside the reservoir is delivered into the main sump of the reservoir by the sub-flow.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0102] The invention shall be described below on the basis of example embodiments. The features disclosed in the example embodiments advantageously develop the subject-matter of the claims and the embodiments described above. The figures show:

[0103] FIG. 1 an isometric view of a fluid delivery system;

[0104] FIG. 2 an isometric view of a first housing part;

[0105] FIG. 3 an isometric view of a second housing part;

[0106] FIG. 4 a hydraulic circuit diagram of a first example embodiment;

[0107] FIG. 5 a hydraulic circuit diagram of a second example embodiment;

[0108] FIG. 6 a hydraulic circuit diagram of a third example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0109] FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of a fluid delivery system for supplying fluid to at least one machine assembly A. The at least one machine assembly A, which is not shown, can be an engine and/or transmission of a motor vehicle. The machine assembly A can in particular be an electric machine of a motor vehicle, which comprises an electric motor for driving the motor vehicle and a transmission for lowering the rotational speed of the electric motor. The fluid delivery system can be a fluid delivery system for supplying fluid, in particular oil for lubricating and/or cooling, to an engine and/or transmission of a motor vehicle.

[0110] The fluid delivery system according to FIG. 1 comprises a pump module 20, 30, a drive 3, a filter module 5 and a heat exchanger 4. The drive 3, the filter module 5 and the heat exchanger 4 are arranged by way of example and can be arranged elsewhere in the fluid delivery system or completely omitted. As can be seen from the terminals in FIG. 1, the drive 3 is preferably formed by an electric motor. The drive 3, the pump module 20, 30 and the filter module 5 together form a pump filter module. The heat exchanger 4 and the housing 1 together form a cooling trough module. The pump filter module and the cooling trough module can each form a unit.

[0111] The fluid delivery system according to FIG. 1 comprises a housing 1 which comprises a reservoir 11, 12 for storing the fluid. The housing comprises a first housing part, in particular a housing cup as shown in FIG. 2, and a second housing part, in particular a housing cover as shown in FIG. 3. The second housing part comprises a first return opening 25A and a second return opening 25B. The first return opening 25A and the second return opening 25B are connected to the machine assembly A to be supplied. In particular, the first return opening 25A can be connected to one machine assembly A via a first return line 25a, and the second return opening 25B can be connected to another machine assembly A via a second return line 25b.

[0112] The fluid can flow back from the corresponding machine assembly A into the housing 1 via the first return opening 25A and the second return opening 25B. The fluid can flow back from the machine assembly A, in particular the transmission of an electric machine, into the reservoir 11, 12 via the first return opening 25A. The fluid can flow back from the machine assembly A, in particular a drive of an electric machine, into the housing 1 via the second return opening 25B. The first return opening 25A and/or the second return opening 25B can alternatively also be embodied in the first housing part.

[0113] The pump module 20, 30 comprises a first pump 20 (not shown in more detail) and a second pump 30 (not shown in more detail). The first pump 20 and the second pump 30 are arranged in a common pump housing 2. The first pump 20 and/or the second pump 30 is/are preferably a rotary pump, in particular an internal gear pump. An aspect of the invention is not however limited to the design of the pump and can for example also be embodied with vane pumps or the like. The first pump 20 and the second pump 30 can also be formed by different pumps.

[0114] In the present example embodiment of FIG. 1, the heat exchanger 4 is embodied in addition to the filter module 5. The heat exchanger 4 is embodied separately from the pump housing 2 and the housing 1. The heat exchanger 4 is embodied on the housing 1 and connected, in particular screwed, to the housing 1. The heat exchanger 4 comprises a first coolant conduit 41, via which the coolant can flow into the heat exchanger 4, and a second coolant conduit 42 via which the coolant can flow out of the heat exchanger 4. In alternative embodiments, the heat exchanger 4 can also be embodied as an air cooler.

[0115] The filter module 5 is connected to the pump housing 2, and/or the housing of the filter module 5 and the housing of the pump module 20, 30 form the pump housing 2, i.e. the pump housing 2 can be formed from multiple housing parts, wherein one housing part can be formed by the housing of the filter module 5. The filter module 5 comprises a filter (not shown in more detail) which filters the fluid as it flows through it.

[0116] In the example embodiment of FIG. 1, not only the filter module 5 but also the drive 3 is connected to the pump housing 2, and/or the housing of the drive 3 and the housing of the pump module 20, 30 together with the housing of the filter module 5 form the pump housing 2. The drive 3 is arranged on the side of the pump module 20, 30 which faces away from the filter module 5, i.e. the pump module 20, 30 is embodied between the filter module 5 and the drive 3.

[0117] FIGS. 2 and 3 show the housing 1 of FIG. 1, in particular the first housing part and the second housing part, in an isometric view. The reservoir 11, 12 can be formed, in particular enclosed, by the first housing part and the second housing part. The first housing part is embodied in the form of a housing cup. The first housing part is in particular shaped like an oil sump, in particular a flat oil sump. The second housing part is embodied in the form of a housing cover which can be connected to the first housing part.

[0118] The first housing part and the second housing part can be connected to each other in a material fit. The first housing part and the second housing part can in particular be glued or welded to each other at their mutually facing end faces. Alternatively, or additionally, the first housing part and the second housing part can be screwed to each other or otherwise connected to each other in a force fit and/or positive fit.

[0119] The reservoir 11, 12 is embodied between the first housing part and the second housing part. The reservoir 11, 12 is in particular enclosed by the first housing part and the second housing part. A baffle plate 13 which is formed in the first housing part sub-divides the reservoir 11, 12 into a main sump 11 and a secondary sump 12. The main sump 11 and the secondary sump 12 are fluidically connected to each other via the baffle plate 13. The fluid can in particular flow from the main sump 11 into the secondary sump 12 and vice versa, bypassing the baffle plate 13. A drain 72 is embodied in the secondary sump 12, in particular at the base of the secondary sump 12, wherein the fluid can be drained from the reservoir 11, 12, for example for a fluid change, via the drain 72. The drain 72 can for example be closed by a drain screw 70.

[0120] The housing 1, in particular the second housing part of FIG. 3, comprises a first suction port 21′ and a second suction port 31′. The housing 1, in particular the second housing part, also comprises a first pressure port 22′ and a second pressure port 32′. The first suction port 21′ is preferably connected to the reservoir 11, 12, in particular the main sump 11, via a first suction conduit 21. The second suction port 31′ is preferably connected to the housing 1 away from the reservoir 11, 12 via a second suction conduit 31. The second suction port 31′ is in particular fluidically connected to the second return opening 25B via the second suction conduit 31. The upstream end of the second suction conduit 31 emerges on the side of the second return opening 25B which faces away from the machine assembly A.

[0121] The first pressure port 22′ can be connected to the machine assembly A via a first pressure conduit 22. The first pressure conduit 22 can comprise different portions, wherein the individual portions can be embodied in or on the housing 1. The first pressure conduit 22 can in particular be divided downstream of the first pressure port 22′ into a first supply conduit 23a and a second supply conduit 23b. The first supply conduit 23a and the second supply conduit 23b can be regarded as portions of the first pressure conduit 22.

[0122] In the present example embodiment of FIG. 3, a first portion 22a of the first pressure conduit 22 which is embodied in the housing 1 leads from the first pressure port 22′ to the heat exchanger 4. After flowing through the heat exchanger 4, the fluid can flow through the housing 1 towards the at least one machine assembly A via the first supply conduit 23a and the second supply conduit 23b. The second pressure port 32′ can be fluidically connected to the reservoir 11, 12, in particular the main sump 11, via a second pressure conduit 32.

[0123] The upstream end of the second suction conduit 31 emerges adjacently to the second return opening 25B, as can be seen in particular from FIG. 3. The upstream end of the second suction conduit 31 in particular emerges into the housing 1 below the second return opening 25B.

[0124] The first suction port 21′ is connected to the reservoir 11, 12, in particular the main sump 11, via a first suction conduit 21. As shown for example in FIG. 2, the first suction conduit 21 is formed not or largely not by the first housing part and/or the second housing part. The first suction conduit 21 is formed partially by a tube portion. The tube portion of the first suction conduit 21 is formed separately from the first housing part and the second housing part. The tube portion of the first suction conduit 21 is arranged between the first housing part and the second housing part. The upstream end of the tube portion of the first suction conduit 21 emerges into the main sump 11, and its downstream end emerges into the first housing part. Alternatively, the upstream end of the tube portion of the first suction conduit 21 can emerge into the main sump 11, and its downstream end can emerge into the second housing part. The upstream end of the first suction conduit 21 and in particular the tube portion of the first suction conduit 21 forms an aspiration point via which the fluid can be aspirated from the main sump 11.

[0125] The part of the first suction conduit 21 which is not formed by the tube portion is formed by a channel in the first housing part, into which the tube portion emerges. The upstream end of the channel in the first housing part is connected to the tube portion, and its downstream end emerges on the end face of the first housing part. A part of the first suction conduit 21 is also formed by a channel in the second housing part, the upstream end of which emerges on the end face of the second housing part and the downstream end of which forms the first suction port 21′.

[0126] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first suction conduit 21 can be formed largely by a tube portion which is formed separately from the first housing part and the second housing part. Individual portions of the first suction conduit 21 can also be formed by channels in the first housing part and/or second housing part.

[0127] The first pressure conduit 22, in particular the individual portions 22a, 22b, 23a, 23b of the first pressure conduit 22, can be embodied by the first housing part and/or the second housing part. The first housing part and/or the second housing part can for example embody parts, in particular portions, of the first pressure conduit 22. The first housing part and/or the second housing part can then for example each comprise channel portions which are open towards the end face of the respective housing part and which form the first pressure conduit 22 or portions 22a, 22b, 23a, 23b of the first pressure conduit 22 when the two housing parts are joined, wherein two channel portions can respectively overlap each other or one channel portion can be closed by the other housing part. The first pressure conduit 22 can also for example be formed by channels in or through the first housing part and/or the second housing part.

[0128] In the example embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, the first portion 22a of the pressure conduit 22 is formed by a channel in the second housing part. The downstream end of the channel forms the first pressure port 22′ and emerges on the end face of the second housing part. The first supply conduit and/or third portion 23a of the pressure conduit 22 is formed by a channel portion in the first housing part, which is open at the end face of the first housing part, and by a channel portion in the second housing part, which is open at the end face of the second housing part, wherein the two channel portions overlap each other when the two housing parts are joined. The second supply conduit and/or fourth portion 23b of the pressure conduit 22 is formed by a channel portion in the second housing part, which is open at the end face of the second housing part and is closed by the first housing part when the two housing parts are joined. The second portion 22a of the pressure conduit 22 is not shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and extends within the pump housing 2 from the first pump 20, in particular the outlet of the first pump 20, to the first outlet of the pump module 20, 30 via the filter module 5.

[0129] The second suction conduit 31 can be formed by the first housing part and/or the second housing part. The first housing part and/or the second housing part can for example embody parts, in particular portions, of the second suction conduit 31. The first housing part and/or the second housing part can then for example each comprise channel portions which are open towards the end face of the respective housing part and which form the second suction conduit 31 or portions of the second suction conduit 31 when the two housing parts are joined, wherein two channel portions can respectively overlap each other or one channel portion can be closed by the other housing part. The second suction conduit 31 can also for example be formed by channels in or through the first housing part and/or the second housing part.

[0130] In the example embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, the second suction conduit 31 is formed by a channel portion in the first housing part, which is open towards the end face of the first housing part, and by another channel portion in the second housing part, which is open towards the end face of the second housing part. The two channel portions overlap each other when the housing 1 is joined and in this way form the second suction conduit 31. The second suction conduit 31 also extends partially as a channel through the second housing part, wherein the downstream end of the channel forms the second suction port 31′.

[0131] The second pressure conduit 32 can be formed by the first housing part and/or the second housing part. The first housing part and/or the second housing part can for example embody parts, in particular portions, of the second pressure conduit 32. The first housing part and/or the second housing part can then for example each comprise channel portions which are open towards the end face of the respective housing part and which form the second pressure conduit 32 or portions of the second pressure conduit 32 when the two housing parts are joined, wherein two channel portions can respectively overlap each other or one channel portion can be closed by the other housing part. The second pressure conduit 32 can also for example be formed by channels in or through the first housing part and/or the second housing part.

[0132] In the example embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, the second pressure conduit 32 is formed by a channel portion in the second housing part, which is open towards the end face of the second housing part, and a channel portion in the first housing part, which is open towards the end face of the first housing part. The two channel portions overlap each other when the housing parts are joined. The second pressure conduit 32 is also formed by a channel through the first housing part, the upstream end of which emerges in the end face of the first housing part and the downstream end of which emerges in the reservoir 11, 12, in particular the main sump 11, wherein the point at which the downstream end emerges overlaps with the channel portion in the second housing part. The second pressure conduit 32 also extends partially as a channel through the second housing part, wherein the upstream end of the channel forms the second pressure port 32′.

[0133] The pump module 20, 30 is preferably connected to the housing 1 via the first suction port 21′, the second suction port 31′, the first pressure port 22′ and the second pressure port 32′. The pump module 20, 30 can in particular suction fluid from the reservoir 11, 12, in particular the main sump 11, via the first suction conduit 21 and the first suction port 21′ and discharge the fluid towards the machine assembly A. The first pump 20 can be connected to the reservoir 11, 12 via the first suction conduit 21. The second pump 30 can be connected to the housing 1 via the second suction conduit 31.

[0134] For this purpose, the pump module 20, 30 comprises a first inlet (not shown in more detail) and a second inlet (not shown in more detail). The first inlet can be fluidically connected to the first suction port 21′. The second inlet can be fluidically connected to the second suction port 31′. The first inlet and the first suction port 21′ can be connected directly to each other, such that the first inlet emerges into the first suction port 21′ and the first suction port 21′ emerges into the first inlet. Alternatively, the first inlet and the first suction port 21′ can be connected to each other via a part of the first suction conduit 21. The second inlet and the second suction port 31′ can be connected directly to each other, such that the second inlet emerges into the second suction port 31′ and the second suction port 31′ emerges into the second inlet. Alternatively, the second inlet and the second suction port 31′ can be connected to each other via a part of the second suction conduit 31.

[0135] The pump module 20, 30 preferably comprises a first outlet (not shown in more detail) and a second outlet (not shown in more detail). The first outlet can be fluidically connected to the first pressure port 22′. The second outlet can be fluidically connected to the second pressure port 32′. The first outlet and the first pressure port 22′ can be connected directly to each other, such that the first outlet emerges into the first pressure port 22′ and the first pressure port 22′ emerges into the first outlet. Alternatively, the first outlet and the first pressure port 22′ can be connected to each other via a part of the first pressure conduit 22. The second outlet and the second pressure port 32′ can be connected directly to each other, such that the second outlet emerges into the second pressure port 32′ and the second pressure port 32′ emerges into the second outlet. Alternatively, the second outlet and the second pressure port 32′ can be connected to each other via a part of the second pressure conduit 32.

[0136] The pump module 20, 30 preferably comprises a first working flux which extends from the first inlet up to the second outlet. The pump module 20, 30 also preferably comprises a second working flux which extends from the second inlet up to the second outlet. The first working flux is preferably formed by the first pump 20 (not shown in more detail). The second working flux is preferably formed by the second pump 30 (not shown in more detail). The first working flux and the second working flux are fluidically delineated from each other.

[0137] FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 show hydraulic circuit diagrams of various embodiments. FIG. 4 shows a first example embodiment of a fluid delivery system. The fluid delivery system can be embodied in accordance with the fluid delivery system of FIGS. 1 to 3, such that the statements made with respect to FIGS. 1 to 3 likewise apply, providing they are not contradictory.

[0138] The fluid delivery system comprises: a housing 1 which comprises a reservoir 11, 12 for storing the fluid; a first pump 20 and a second pump 30; a drive 3 for the first pump 20 and the second pump 30; and a machine assembly A. The machine assembly A can be formed by an electric machine comprising an engine and a transmission. The first pump 20 and the second pump 30 preferably form a pump module 20, 30 together with the drive 3. The first pump 20 and the second pump 30 are seated on a common drive shaft and driven by the drive 3. The drive 3 can be formed by an electric motor.

[0139] The second pump 30 is embodied downstream of the first pump 20, i.e. the second pump 30 suctions fluid on its low-pressure side from the high-pressure side of the first pump 20. The second pump 30 is in particular also embodied downstream of the machine assembly A, i.e. the second pump 30 suctions fluid, which flows from the machine assembly A towards the housing 1, on its low-pressure side.

[0140] The pump module 20, 30 comprises a first working flux, which is formed by the first pump 20, and a second working flux which is formed by the second pump 30. The first working flux and the second working flux are fluidically separated from each other, such that the pump module 20, 30 is embodied as a multi-circuit pump module, in particular a dual-circuit pump module. The first working flux comprises a first low-pressure side and a first high-pressure side. The second working flux comprises a second low-pressure side and a second high-pressure side. The fluid circulation of the first working flux forms the supply flow of the fluid delivery system. The fluid circulation of the second working flux forms the sub-flow of the fluid delivery system.

[0141] The first working flux is connected to the reservoir 11, 12, in particular the main sump 11, via the first suction conduit 21 on the first low-pressure side. On the first high-pressure side, the first working flux is fluidically connected to the machine assembly A via the second pressure conduit 22. In this way, the first pump 20 suctions fluid from the reservoir 11, 12, in particular the main sump 11, and discharges it towards the machine assembly A. The fluid can flow back from the machine assembly A into the housing 1, in particular the reservoir 11, 12, via a first return line 25a and a second return line 25b.

[0142] In the present example embodiment, the supply flow can be divided within the machine assembly A into a first supply sub-flow and a second supply sub-flow, wherein the first supply sub-flow flows back into the housing 1, in particular the reservoir 11, 12, via the first return line 25a and the second supply sub-flow flows back into the housing 1, in particular the reservoir 11, 12, via the second return line 25b. The first supply sub-flow and the second supply sub-flow can supply fluid either to different locations in the same machine assembly A or to different machine assemblies A. Alternatively, the supply flow can also supply fluid to only one location in the machine assembly A and is not divided until it flows back towards the housing 1.

[0143] In alternative example embodiments such as for example the example embodiments of FIGS. 5 and 6, the pressure conduit 22 can be divided upstream of the machine assembly A into a first supply conduit 23a and a second supply conduit 23b. The first supply conduit 23a and the second supply conduit 23b can lead to the same machine assembly A or to different machine assemblies A.

[0144] The second working flux is connected, in particular fluidically, to the second return line 25b via the second suction conduit 31 on the second low-pressure side. The upstream end of the second suction conduit 31 emerges into the second return line 25b before the fluid can flow into the reservoir 11, 12 via an equalising conduit. The fluid which flows into the housing 1 via the second return line 25b and the second return opening 25B can, in an emergency, drain into the reservoir 11, 12, in particular the secondary sump 12, via the equalising conduit if the second pump 30 were for example to fail or the suction rate of the second pump fail 30 were to become too low to aspirate all of the fluid flowing back via the second return line 25b.

[0145] The second suction conduit 31 can for example emerge into the housing 1 below the second return opening 25B, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, wherein the second return opening 25B can emerge into the housing 1 away from the reservoir 11, 12, such that fluid which flows into the housing 1 via the second return opening 25B does not flow directly into the reservoir 11, 12. The upstream end of the second suction conduit 31 can emerge in the region of the return opening 25B. The second working flux is fluidically connected to the reservoir 11, 12, in particular the main sump 11, via the second pressure conduit 32 on the second high-pressure side.

[0146] Irrespective of the embodiment of the second suction conduit 31, the upstream end of the second suction conduit 31 emerges into the second return line 25b before the fluid flows into the reservoir 11, 12, i.e. the second pump 30 suctions the fluid flowing back from the machine assembly A and feeds it to the reservoir 11, 12, in particular the main sump 11, via the second pressure conduit 32.

[0147] In order to illustrate the principle of actively supplying fluid to the reservoir 11, 12, in particular the main sump 11, using the second pump 30, a filter module 5 and/or heat exchanger 4 have been omitted from the representation in FIG. 4. This is merely intended to aid comprehension. A filter module 5 can then for example be embodied upstream or downstream of the pump module 20, 30 in the supply flow. A filter module 5 can also for example be embodied in the sub-flow. A heat exchanger 4 can also be embodied upstream or downstream of the pump module 20, 30, in addition to or as an alternative to the filter module 5.

[0148] FIG. 5 shows for example a fluid delivery system comprising a heat exchanger 4 embodied in the supply flow and a filter module 5 embodied in the supply flow. In terms of the principle of actively supplying fluid to the reservoir 11, 12, in particular the main sump 11, the fluid delivery system of FIG. 5 does not differ from the example embodiment of FIG. 4. The statements made with respect to FIG. 4 apply correspondingly. The fluid delivery system can be embodied in accordance with the fluid delivery system of FIGS. 1 to 3, such that the statements made with respect to FIGS. 1 to 3 likewise apply, providing they are not contradictory.

[0149] As shown in FIG. 5, a heat exchanger 4 and a filter module 5 are arranged in the supply flow, in particular the first pressure conduit 22. The fluid flows from the pump module 20, 30 to the heat exchanger 4 via the first pressure conduit 22, in particular a first portion 22a of the pressure conduit 22. Alternatively, the heat exchanger 4 could also be arranged in the first suction conduit 21.

[0150] In the case of the fluid delivery system according to FIG. 1, the fluid flows back from the pump module 20, 30 into the housing 1 via the first pressure port 22′, whence it is channeled into the heat exchanger 4 via the first portion of the pressure conduit 22a. In the heat exchanger 4, the fluid for supplying the machine assembly A discharges thermal energy to the fluid of the heat exchanger 4, in particular coolant, and is thus cooled. The fluid of the heat exchanger 4 flows through the heat exchanger 4, wherein the two fluids do not intermix with each other. The fluid of the heat exchanger 4 flows into the heat exchanger 4 via a first coolant conduit 41 and leaves the heat exchanger 4 via a second coolant conduit 42.

[0151] After the fluid for supplying the machine assembly A has flowed through the heat exchanger 4, it flows on towards the machine assembly A and the filter module 5 via a second portion 22b of the first pressure conduit 22. A sensor 6, in particular a temperature sensor 6 for measuring the temperature of the fluid, can be embodied in the second portion 22b of the first pressure conduit 22.

[0152] After the heat exchanger 4, the fluid flows through the filter module 5. The filter module 5 comprises a filter. The filter module 5 comprises a bypass valve which exhibits a first valve position and a second valve position. In the first valve position, the bypass valve does not allow any fluid to flow through the bypass valve. In the second valve position, the bypass valve allows flow to fluid through the bypass valve, in particular bypassing the filter.

[0153] After flowing through the filter module 5, the supply flow of FIG. 5 is divided into a first supply sub-flow and a second supply sub-flow, wherein the first supply sub-flow is fed to the machine assembly or assemblies A via the first supply conduit 23a and the second supply sub-flow is fed to the machine assembly or assemblies A via the second supply conduit 23b. In this way, fluid can for example be supplied to two locations in the machine assembly A and/or to two machine assemblies A.

[0154] The order in which the fluid flows through the heat exchanger 4 and the filter module 5 can be reversed. In the example embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3, the fluid then for example flows firstly through the heat exchanger 4 and then through the filter module 5. In FIG. 1, the fluid flows through the filter module 5 and is then fed via the housing 1 to the heat exchanger 4 via the first portion 22a of the pressure conduit 22. After flowing through the heat exchanger 4 of FIG. 1, the fluid returns to the housing 1, where it is divided into two flows via the first supply conduit 23a and the second supply conduit 23b.

[0155] It is also possible for the heat exchanger 4 and the filter module 5 to both be arranged in the sub-flow of the fluid delivery system instead of the supply flow.

[0156] The example embodiment of FIG. 6 differs from the example embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 5 in that the filter module 5 is arranged in the sub-flow, while the heat exchanger 4 is arranged in the supply flow. The statements made with respect to FIGS. 1 to 5 apply accordingly, providing they are not contradictory.

[0157] The filter module 5 of FIG. 6 is arranged downstream of the second pump 30. In this way, the filter module 5 filters the fluid of the sub-flow. Since the fluid of the supply flow and the fluid of the sub-flow are intermixed with each other in the reservoir 11, 12, the fluid of the fluid delivery system as a whole is filtered over time.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0158] 1 housing [0159] 2 pump housing [0160] 3 drive [0161] 4 heat exchanger [0162] 5 filter module [0163] 6 temperature sensor [0164] 11 main sump [0165] 12 secondary sump [0166] 13 baffle plate [0167] 20 first pump [0168] 21 first suction conduit [0169] 21′ first suction port [0170] 22 first pressure conduit [0171] 22a first portion of the first pressure conduit [0172] 22b second portion of the first pressure conduit [0173] 22′ first pressure port [0174] 23a first supply conduit/third portion of the first pressure conduit [0175] 23b second supply conduit/fourth portion of the first pressure conduit [0176] 25a first return line [0177] 25b second return line [0178] 25A first return opening [0179] 25B second return opening [0180] 30 second pump [0181] 31 second suction conduit [0182] 31′ second suction port [0183] 32 second pressure conduit [0184] 32′ second pressure port [0185] 41 first coolant conduit [0186] 42 second coolant conduit [0187] 70 drain screw [0188] 72 drain