HEAT EXCHANGER MODULE

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to heat exchangers (e.g., oil coolers) and/or heat exchanger modules, assemblies, and/or systems that may, for example, be used in connection with motor vehicles, such as vehicles with internal combustion engines and/or battery electric motors.

BACKGROUND

A conventional heat exchanger (“HE”) and/or a heat exchanger module (“HE module”) typically includes a stack of metal (e.g., aluminum) plates that are brazed to one another. The stack of plates is arranged on and fixed to a thick metal (e.g., aluminum) base plate via brazing. The base plate generally supports the stack of plates and includes one or more flanges with mounting holes for securing the HE module at a desired location (e.g., within a vehicle). The HE module also includes thick metal (e.g., aluminum) cover plate that is arranged on top of the stack of plates opposite the base plate and connected thereto via brazing. Several metal (e.g., aluminum) connectors via which one or more fluids (e.g., oil and/or coolant) are flowable into and out of the stack of plates are disposed on and brazed to the cover plate. Assembly of conventional HE modules often involves connecting the plates to one another in the stacked arrangement, connecting the base plate and the cover plate to the stack of plates, and connecting the connectors to the cover plate via brazing. As such, conventional HE modules can be time consuming, complex, costly, and/or inefficient to produce and/or assemble. Additionally, if a conventional HE module will or may be exposed to the external environment, one or more components thereof (e.g., components composed of aluminum) are coated with special alloys to provide corrosion protection and/or resistance. These special alloys, however, can be expensive and their application adds additional steps to the process of manufacturing the conventional HE module.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved heat exchanger module (HE module) that minimizes or eliminates one or more challenges or shortcomings of existing heat exchanger modules (HE modules).

SUMMARY

A heat exchanger module for a motor vehicle (e.g., with an internal combustion engine and/or one or more battery electric motors) may include a heat exchanger core and a housing. The heat exchanger core may include a plurality of plates disposed in a stacked arrangement to define a plate stack. The housing may include an internal space, a plurality of coolant ports via which a coolant is flowable into and out of the housing, and a plurality of fluid ports via which a fluid is flowable into and out of the housing. The heat exchanger core may be arranged in the internal space and enclosed by the housing. The housing may be composed of a corrosion-resistant plastic.

A heat exchanger module for a motor vehicle (e.g., with an internal combustion engine and/or one or more battery electric motors) may include a heat exchanger core and a housing. The heat exchanger core may include a plurality of plates disposed in a stacked arrangement to define a plate stack. The housing may be composed of a corrosion-resistant plastic. The housing may include a first housing shell, a second housing shell, an internal space, a plurality of coolant connectors, a plurality of coolant ports via which a coolant is flowable into and out of the housing, and a plurality of fluid ports via which a fluid is flowable into and out of the housing. The second housing shell may be connected to the first housing shell. The internal space may be defined by and between the first housing shell and the second housing shell. The plurality of coolant connectors may be configured to engage at least one component that at least one of supplies the coolant to and receives the coolant from the heat exchanger module. The heat exchanger core may be arranged in the internal space and may be enclosed by the housing. The heat exchanger core may be in fluid communication with the plurality of coolant ports and the plurality of fluid ports. The first housing shell and the plurality of coolant connectors may be structured as a monolithic body.

A heat exchanger module for a motor vehicle (e.g., with an internal combustion engine and/or one or more battery electric motors) may include a heat exchanger core and a housing. The heat exchanger core may include a plurality of plates disposed in a stacked arrangement to define a plate stack. The housing may be composed of a corrosion-resistant plastic. The housing may include a first housing shell, a second housing shell, an internal space, a plurality of coolant connectors, a plurality of coolant ports via which a coolant is flowable into and out of the housing, and a plurality of fluid ports via which a fluid is flowable into and out of the housing. The second housing shell may be connected to the first housing shell. The internal space may be defined by and between the first housing shell and the second housing shell. The plurality of coolant connectors may be configured to engage at least one component that at least one of supplies the coolant to and receives the coolant from the heat exchanger module. The heat exchanger core may be arranged in the internal space and may be enclosed by the housing. The plurality of coolant ports may be in direct fluid communication with the internal space such that the coolant flows through the internal space and externally around the heat exchanger core. The first housing shell and the plurality of coolant connectors may be structured as a monolithic body.

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the claims are not limited to a specific illustration, an appreciation of various aspects may be gained through a discussion of various examples. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and certain features may be exaggerated or hidden to better illustrate and explain an innovative aspect of an example. Further, the exemplary illustrations described herein are not exhaustive or otherwise limiting, and embodiments are not restricted to the precise form and configuration shown in the drawings or disclosed in the following detailed description. Exemplary illustrations are described in detail by referring to the drawings as follows:

FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of an exemplary heat exchanger module;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the first housing shell of the HE module of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the second housing shell of the HE module of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the HE module of FIG. 1 with a cross-section lying in a vertical plane passing through the coolant ports;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the HE module of FIG. 1 with a cross-section lying in a vertical plane passing through the fluid ports;

FIGS. 7 and 8 are perspective views of another exemplary heat exchanger module;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the first housing shell of the HE module of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the second housing shell of the HE module of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the HE module of FIG. 7 with a cross-section lying in a vertical plane passing through the coolant ports; and

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the HE module of FIG. 7 with a cross-section lying in a vertical plane passing through the fluid ports.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

Disclosed is a heat exchanger module (“HE module”) 100, 600 for a motor vehicle (e.g., an automobile) with an internal combustion engine and/or a battery electric motor. The HE module 100, 600 may be used to reject heat from a fluid (e.g., engine and/or transmission oil) to cool the fluid and/or to transfer heat to the fluid to warm/heat the fluid. During operation, a fluid (e.g., oil, such as engine oil and/or transmission oil) and a coolant simultaneously flow through the HE module 100, 600 fluidically separated from one another. The fluid received by the HE module 100, 600 can range from −40°C to 160° C., while the coolant received by the HE module 100, 600 can range from −40°C to 130° C. The coolant absorbs heat from the fluid as they flow through the HE module 100, 600 thereby cooling the fluid. Additionally and/or alternatively, the coolant absorbs heat (e.g., from an external environment and/or from one or more other components, assemblies, and/or structures) and the heated coolant transfers heat to the fluid as they flow through the HE module 100, 600 thereby warming and/or heating the fluid. The coolant and the fluid flow through the HE module 100, 600 in different and/or generally opposing directions (e.g., the coolant flows from the first side 110A, 610A to the second side 110B, 610B of the housing 110, 610 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 11, while the fluid flows from the second side 110B, 610B to the first side 110A, 610A of the housing 110, 610 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 12), which enhances and/or increases the cooling/heating efficiency of the HE module 100, 600.

The HE module 100, 600 includes a housing 110, 610 and a heat exchanger core (“HE core”) 200, 700. The housing 110, 610 receives, encloses, and protects one or more portions and/or components of the HE core 200, 700 (e.g., an entirety of the HE core 200, 700). The housing 110, 610 includes a first housing shell 130, 630, a second housing shell 160, 660, and an internal space 112, 612 in which the HE core 200, 700 is arranged. The first housing shell 130, 630 and the second housing shell 160, 660 are connected to one another to form and/or define the housing 110, 610 and/or the internal space 112, 612. The housing 110, 610 further includes a plurality of coolant ports 122, 124, 622, 624 and a plurality of fluid ports 126, 128, 626, 628 via which coolant and fluid (e.g., oil) are flowable into and out of the HE module 100, 600 and/or the housing 110, 610. The first housing shell 130, 630 includes a plurality of coolant openings 140, 150, 640, 650 and a plurality of coolant connectors 142, 152, 642, 652, which collectively define the coolant ports 122, 124, 622, 624. The HE module 100, 600 is connectable via the coolant connectors 142, 152, 642, 652 to one or more other components that supply coolant to and/or receive coolant from the HE module 100, 600. The first housing shell 130, 630 and the coolant connectors 142, 152, 642, 652 and integrally formed with and/or connected to one another. In other words, the first housing shell 130, 630 and the coolant connectors 142, 152, 642, 652 are structured as a monolithic body and/or component. The second housing shell 160, 660 includes a plurality of fluid openings 170, 180, 670, 680 and a plurality of fluid connectors 174, 184, 674, 684, which collectively define the fluid ports 126, 128, 626, 628. The HE module 100, 600 is connectable via the fluid connectors 174, 184, 674, 684 to one or more other components that supply fluid (e.g., oil) to and/or receive fluid (e.g., oil) from the HE module 100, 600. The housing 110, 610 and/or one or more components, elements, and/or features thereof (e.g., the first housing shell 130, 630, the second housing shell 160, 660, the coolant connectors 142, 152, 642, 652) are composed of a corrosion-resistant plastic. The corrosion-resistant plastic is and/or includes one or more glass reinforced resins, polyamide 66 (also commonly known as PA 66 or PA66), and/or polyamide 6 (also commonly known as PA 6 or PA6). Glass reinforced resins can be heat stabilized for exposure to the coolant flows and have hydrolysis resistance suitable for the motor vehicle environment. Polyamide 66 is a preferable material for the corrosion-resistant plastic due to its robustness. Polyamide 6 is generally less durable than polyamide 66, but also has a lower cost and thus provides cost advantages.

Depicted in FIGS. 1-6 is a first exemplary heat exchanger module 100 in which (i) the housing shells 130, 160 are releasably connected to one another via mechanical fasteners (e.g., snap-fit fasteners 190), (ii) the HE core 200 is a first type and/or style of HE core, and (iii) coolant is conveyed into the HE core 200 and flows internally through the HE core 200. Depicted in FIGS. 7-12 is a second exemplary heat exchanger module 600 in which (i) the housing shells 630, 660 are sealingly connected to one another via a weld 690, (ii) the HE core 700 is a second type and/or style of HE core, and (iii) coolant is conveyed directly into the internal space 612 of the housing 610 and flows externally around the HE core 700. While the HE modules 100, 600 include a single HE core 200, 700, two coolant ports 122, 124, 622, 624, and two fluid ports 126, 128, 626, 628 in the illustrative examples herein, the HE modules 100, 600 may conceivably include several HE cores 200, 700 arranged in a single housing 110, 610, more than two coolant ports 122, 124, 622, 624 (e.g., two coolant ports 122, 124, 622, 624 for each HE core 200, 700), and/or more than two fluid ports 126, 128, 626, 628.

Generally, conventional HE modules are all or mostly composed of metal and/or metal components. Many components of conventional HE modules, such as the heat exchanger portion, are metal (e.g., aluminum) due to the higher thermal conductivity properties required for operation. Brazing metal connectors and a metal base plate to the metal heat exchanger portion is typically involved in the assembly process of conventional HE modules. Deviating from traditional thoughts that an HE module should be all or mostly composed of metal and/or metal components, it has been found that the disclosed HE module 100, 600 with a complete housing 110, 610 and/or all vehicle connection points (e.g., coolant connectors 142, 152, 642, 652, mounting flanges 134, 664, etc.) composed of a corrosion-resistant plastic addresses manufacturing limitations and corrosion issues of conventional HE module designs. The plastic housing 110, 610 provides more flexibility with respect to its shape and enables features, such as the coolant connectors 142, 152, 642, 652 and vehicle mounting flanges 134, 664, to be integrated and/or integrally formed with the housing 110, 610. The corrosion-resistant plastic of the housing 110, 610 also resists corrosion better than metal (e.g., aluminum) and improves the durability of the HE module 100, 600.

The arrangement of the HE core 200, 700 within the plastic housing 110, 610 protects the HE core 200, 700 from the surrounding environment (e.g., adverse environmental conditions) unlike conventional HE modules. This protects the HE core 200, 700 from corrosion, extends the service life of the HE module 100, 600, and reduces the maintenance costs of the HE module 100, 600 relative to conventional HE modules. Moreover, as the housing 110, 610 is composed of a plastic resistant to corrosion, it is not necessary to apply a special alloy to the HE module 100, 600, the housing 110, 610, and/or the HE core 200, 700 to provide corrosion protection and/or resistance. Production and assembly of the HE module 100, 600 is thus simplified and less costly compared to conventional HE modules.

The plastic housing 110, 610 and the integrally formed coolant connectors 142, 152, 642, 652 of the HE module 100, 600 also eliminate the need for the thick aluminum base plate, the thick aluminum cover plate, and the metal connectors of conventional HE modules. In other words, the HE module 100, 600 (e.g., the HE core 200, 700 and/or the housing 110, 610) does not include and/or is free of a thick aluminum base plate (e.g., thicker than the plates 202, 702), a thick aluminum cover plate (e.g., thicker than the plates 202, 702), and metal connectors. This, among other things, allows the disclosed HE module 100, 600 to achieve a significant reduction in (i) overall weight and (ii) total weight of aluminum components compared to conventional HE modules. For example, the total weight of aluminum components in the HE module 100 (e.g., approx. 107 g) is around 60% less than the total weight of aluminum components in many conventional HE modules, while the total weight of aluminum components in the HE module 600 (e.g., approx. 80 g) is around 70% less than the total weight of aluminum components in many conventional HE modules. It also significantly simplifies assembly of the HE module 100, 600 and the amount of brazing time (i.e., time spent brazing) during assembly compared to conventional HE modules.

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, the HE module 100 includes a housing 110 with an internal space 112, a first housing shell 130, and a second housing shell 160. The housing 110 (e.g., the first housing shell 130 and second housing shell 160) defines and/or delimits the internal space 112.

As generally illustrated in FIG. 3, the first housing shell 130 includes a plurality of walls, including a top wall 130A and one or more sidewalls 130B. The sidewalls 130B are connected to and extend from the top wall 130A. The sidewalls 130B project transversely (e.g., obliquely or perpendicularly) from the top wall 130A and extend around an outer perimeter of the top wall 130A. The top wall 130A includes a plurality of support ribs 132 the project into the internal space 112. The support ribs 132 may contact and/or abut the HE core 200 and/or the uppermost plate 202A′ thereof to support the HE core 200 and/or to restrict and/or limit deformation (e.g., thermal expansion) of the HE core 200 during operation. The housing 110 further includes a plurality of mounting flanges 134 via which the HE module 100 and/or the housing 110 is attachable and/or mountable to a structure (e.g., within a vehicle). The mounting flanges 134 are connected to and protrude transversely (e.g., obliquely and/or perpendicularly) from one or more sidewalls 130B. The mounting flanges 134 each include and/or define a mounting opening for receiving and/or engaging a respective fastener. The mounting flanges 134 are disposed at or about the ends of the sidewalls 130B opposite the top wall 130A, though this is not required.

The first housing shell 130 and/or the top wall 130A includes a plurality of coolant openings (e.g., a coolant inlet opening 140, a coolant outlet opening 150) via which coolant is flowable into and/or out of the housing 110 and the HE core 200. The coolant openings 140, 150 are disposed in and defined by the top wall 130A of the first housing shell 130. The coolant inlet opening 140 is disposed on a first side 110A of the housing 110 and the coolant outlet opening 150 is disposed on an opposite second side 110B of the housing 110.

As generally illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3, and 5, the first housing shell 130 further includes a coolant inlet connector 142 via which the HE module 100 is connectable to one or more other components that supply and/or convey coolant to the HE module 100. The coolant inlet connector 142 is configured to engage and/or connect to the coolant supplying component. The coolant inlet connector 142 is a tube member and/or annular body disposed on the first side 110A of the housing 110, projecting from the top wall 130A in a direction away from the internal space 112, and extending around the perimeter of the coolant inlet opening 140. The coolant inlet connector 142 and the coolant inlet opening 140 collectively define the coolant inlet port 122 of the HE module 100. The coolant inlet connector 142 includes and/or defines an intake duct 144 that communicates coolant from the coolant supplying component connected to the coolant inlet connector 142 to the HE core 200. The coolant inlet connector 142 (e.g., the intake duct 144) is in fluid communication with the HE core 200 (e.g., the coolant inflow passage 216) by way of the coolant inlet opening 140.

An annular inlet collar 146 projects from the top wall 130A into the internal space 112 (e.g., in an opposite direction of the coolant inlet connector 142) and extends around the perimeter of the coolant inlet opening 140. An annular inlet groove is disposed in and defined by the inlet collar 146 and/or the top wall 130A. A coolant inlet seal 148 (e.g., a ring seal) is disposed and/or retained in the inlet groove. The coolant inlet seal 148 sealingly contacts and/or abuts the HE core 200 (e.g., the uppermost plate 202A′ thereof) such that the coolant inlet seal 148 extends around the coolant inflow passage 216 and/or the first coolant opening 212 of the uppermost plate 202A′. In this way, the coolant inlet seal 148 provides a seal between the coolant inlet port 122 of the housing 110 and the HE core 200 and effectively limits and/or prevents coolant from leaking into the internal space 112 of the housing 110.

The first housing shell 130 includes a coolant outlet connector 152 via which the HE module 100 is connectable to one or more other components that receive coolant from the HE module 100. The coolant outlet connector 152 is configured to engage and/or connect to the coolant receiving component. The coolant outlet connector 152 is a tube member and/or annular body disposed on the second side 110B of the housing 110, projecting from the top wall 130A in a direction away from the internal space 112, and extending around the perimeter of the coolant outlet opening 150. The coolant outlet connector 152 and the coolant outlet opening 150 collectively define the coolant outlet port 124 of the HE module 100. The coolant outlet connector 152 includes and/or defines an output duct 154 that communicates coolant from the HE core 200 to the coolant receiving component connected to the coolant outlet connector 152. The coolant outlet connector 152 (e.g., the output duct 154) is in fluid communication with the HE core 200 (e.g., the coolant outflow passage 218) by way of the coolant outlet opening 150.

An annular outlet collar 156 projects from the top wall 130A into the internal space 112 (e.g., in an opposite direction of the coolant outlet connector 152) and extends around the perimeter of the coolant outlet opening 150. An annular outlet groove is disposed in and defined by the outlet collar 146 and/or the top wall 130A. A coolant outlet seal 158 (e.g., a ring seal) is disposed and/or retained in the outlet groove. The coolant outlet seal 158 sealingly contacts and/or abuts the HE core 200 (e.g., the uppermost plate 202A′) such that the coolant outlet seal 158 extends around the coolant outflow passage 218 and/or the second coolant opening 214 of the uppermost plate 202A′. In this way, the coolant outlet seal 158 provides a seal between the coolant outlet port 124 of the housing 110 and the HE core 200 and effectively limits and/or prevents coolant from leaking into the internal space 112 of the housing 110.

The first housing shell 130 and the portions thereof (e.g., the coolant connectors 142, 152, collars 146, 156, support ribs 132, mounting flanges 134, and female fasteners 192) are composed of plastic, such as the corrosion-resistant plastic (e.g., a glass reinforced resin, Polyamide 66, Polyamide 6) for example, and are integrally formed as a monolithic body (e.g., via injection molding). In other words, the coolant connectors 142, 152, collars 146, 156, support ribs 132, mounting flanges 134, and female fasteners 192 are integral portions of the first housing shell 130.

As generally illustrated in FIG. 4, the second housing shell 160 is structured as and/or includes a generally planar body 160A. Optionally, a region and/or portion of the second housing shell 160 and/or the planar body 160A is structured as a lattice and/or mesh, which reduces material consumption, material costs, and weight of the HE module 100. The second housing shell 160 includes a plurality of fluid openings (e.g., a fluid inlet opening 170, a fluid outlet opening 180) via which fluid (e.g., oil) is flowable into and/or out of the housing 110 and the HE core 200. The fluid openings 170, 180 are disposed in and defined by the planar body 160A. The fluid inlet opening 170 is disposed on the second side 110B of the housing 110 and the fluid outlet opening 180 is disposed on the first side 110A of the housing 110.

The second housing shell 160 includes an inlet collar 172 and an outlet collar 182 that project from the planar body 160A in a direction away from the internal space 112. The inlet collar 172 extends around the perimeter of the fluid inlet opening 170. The outlet collar 182 extends around the perimeter of the fluid outlet opening 180. The collars 172, 182 are each disposed radially spaced apart from the perimeter of the respective fluid opening 170, 170 such that each collar 172, 182 and the planar body 160A define and/or form a step.

As generally illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 6, the second housing shell 160 includes a fluid inlet connector 174 via which the HE module 100 is connectable to one or more other components that supply and/or convey fluid (e.g., oil) to the HE module 100. The fluid inlet connector 174 is configured to engage and/or connect to the fluid supplying component. The fluid inlet connector 174 is disposed on the second side 110B of the housing 110 and extends around the perimeter of the fluid inlet opening 170. The fluid inlet connector 174 and the fluid inlet opening 170 collectively define the fluid inlet port 126 of the HE module 100. In the illustrative example herein, the fluid inlet connector 174 is a fluid inlet seal 174A (e.g., a ring seal) that sealingly contacts and/or abuts the HE core 200 (e.g., the lowermost plate 202A″) and the fluid supplying component. Optionally, the fluid inlet seal 174A receives at least a portion of the HE core 200 (e.g., the lowermost plate 202A″) and/or the fluid supplying component. The fluid inlet seal 174A is disposed radially inside of the inlet collar 172 and rests on the step. The fluid inlet seal 174A sealingly contacts and/or abuts the inlet collar 172 and the planar body 160A. An annular portion of the fluid inlet seal 174A projects into the fluid inlet opening 170 and sealingly contacts and/or abuts an annular extension of the HE core 200 and/or the lowermost plate 202A″ thereof. As such, the fluid inlet seal 174A provides a seal between the fluid inlet port 126 of the housing 110, the HE core 200, and the fluid supplying component and effectively limits and/or prevents the fluid from leaking into the internal space 112 of the housing 110 and/or the external environment.

The second housing shell 160 includes a fluid outlet connector 184 via which the HE module 100 is connectable to one or more other components that receive fluid (e.g., oil) from the HE module 100. The fluid outlet connector 184 is configured to engage and/or connect to the fluid receiving component. The fluid outlet connector 184 is disposed on the first side 110A of the housing 110 and extends around the perimeter of the fluid outlet opening 180. The fluid outlet connector 184 and the fluid outlet opening 180 collectively define the fluid outlet port 128 of the HE module 100. In the illustrative example herein, the fluid outlet connector 184 is a fluid outlet seal 184A (e.g., a ring seal) that sealingly contacts and/or abuts the HE core 200 (e.g., the lowermost plate 202A″) and the fluid receiving component. Optionally, the fluid outlet seal 184A receives at least a portion of the HE core 200 (e.g., the lowermost plate 202A″) and/or the fluid receiving component. The fluid outlet seal 184A is disposed radially inside of the outlet collar 182 and rests on the step. The fluid outlet seal 184A sealingly contacts and/or abuts the outlet collar 182 and the planar body 160A. An annular portion of the fluid outlet seal 184A projects into the fluid outlet opening 180 and sealingly contacts and/or abuts an annular extension of the HE core 200 and/or the lowermost plate 202A″ thereof. As such, the fluid outlet seal 184A provides a seal between the fluid outlet port 128 of the housing 110, the HE core 200, and the fluid receiving component and effectively limits and/or prevents the fluid from leaking into the internal space 112 of the housing 110 and/or the external environment.

The second housing shell 160 and the portions thereof (e.g., the planar body 160A, collars, and male fasteners 194) are composed of plastic, such as the corrosion-resistant plastic (e.g., a glass reinforced resin, Polyamide 66, Polyamide 6) for example, and are integrally formed as a monolithic body (e.g., via injection molding). In other words, the collars and male fasteners 194 are integral portions of the second housing shell 160 and/or the planar body 160A.

As generally illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 and 6, the housing 110 includes a plurality of snap-fit fasteners 190 that releasably connect the housing shells 130, 160 to one another. Alternatively, the housing shells 130, 160 may be connected to one another (e.g., non-releasably) via a weld and/or adhesive. The snap-fit fasteners 190 each include a female fastener 192 and a male fastener 194. The female fastener 192 includes and/or defines a recess 192A that at least partially receives at least a portion of the male fastener 194. The male fastener 194 includes two support protrusions 194A and a latch 194B arranged between the two support protrusions 194A. The latch 194B is insertable into and/or removable from the recess 192A of the female fastener 192. The latch 194B extends completely through recess 192A of the female fastener 192 and engages (e.g., contacts a surface of) the female fastener 192 to connect the housing shells 130, 160 together. When the latch 194B is disposed in the recess 192A and engaged with the female fastener 192, the female fastener 192 may be disposed on and supported by the support protrusions 194A of the male fastener 194 (e.g., via the latch 194B). Optionally, the female fastener 192 is biased against the support protrusions 194A by the latch 194B to restrict and/or prevent relative movement between the housing shells 130, 160, which may limit and/or prevent rattling and/or undesirable noise generation. The snap-fit fasteners 190 are disposed about and/or around the outer perimeter of the housing 110 with the female fasteners 192 arranged on the first housing shell 130 and the male fasteners 194 arranged on the second housing shell 160. Alternatively, the female fasteners 192 arranged on the second housing shell 160 and the male fasteners 194 arranged on the first housing shell 130, or one or more female fasteners 192 and one or more male fasteners 194 are arranged on the first housing shell 130 with the complimentary male and female fasteners 194, 192 arranged on the second housing shell 160. The female fasteners 192 are each disposed on and project transversely (e.g., obliquely and/or perpendicularly) from a respective sidewall 130B of the first housing shell 130. The female fasteners 192 are arranged at or about the ends of the sidewalls 130B opposite the top wall 130A, though this is not required. The male fasteners 194 are each disposed on and project from the planar body 160A of the second housing shell 160. The support protrusions 194A extend substantially parallel to the planar body 160A, while the latch 194B extends transversely (e.g., obliquely and/or perpendicularly) relative to the planar body 160A.

As generally illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the HE core 200 is arranged in the internal space 112 and completely surrounded and/or enclosed by the housing 110. The HE core 200 is in fluid communication with the coolant ports 122, 124 and the fluid ports 126, 128, and both the coolant and the fluid flow internally through the HE core 200.

The HE core 200 includes a plurality of plates 202 arranged in plate pairs 204 and disposed in a stacked arrangement to form and/or define a plate stack 206. Each plate pair 204 includes a first plate 202A and a second plate 202B that are connected to one another to define and/or delimit a fluid channel 230 therebetween. The plates 202 are composed of aluminum (i.e., are aluminum plates), but may conceivably be composed of other metals or materials. The HE core 200 and/or the plate stack 206 may include one or more plates 202, 202A, 202B that are not part of a plate pair 204 (e.g., the lowermost plate 202A″, which is a first plate 202A that does not have a corresponding second plate 202B nor define a fluid channel 230). Adjacent plate pairs 204 are sealingly connected to one another around their outer perimeter (e.g., via brazing their perimeter flanges together) and around their openings 212, 214, 232, 234 (e.g., via brazing their annular opening collars together). Portions of the adjacent plate pairs 204 (e.g., the primary planar portion) are disposed spaced apart from one another such that a coolant channel 210 is defined between each pair of adjacent plate pairs 204 (e.g., by and between the first plate 202A of a first plate pair 204 and the second plate 202B of an adjacent second plate pair 204).

The HE core 200 further includes a plurality of first coolant openings 212, a plurality of second coolant openings 214, a plurality of first fluid openings 232, and a plurality of second fluid openings 234, that are disposed in and defined by the plates 202. The first coolant openings 212 are arranged on the first side 110A of the housing 110 and collectively define and/or form a coolant inflow passage 216 that fluidically connects each of the coolant channels 210 to one another and to the coolant inlet port 122. The second coolant openings 214 are arranged on the second side 110B of the housing 110 and collectively define and/or form a coolant outflow passage 218 that fluidically connects each of the coolant channels 210 to one another and to the coolant outlet port 124. The first fluid openings 232 are arranged on the second side 110B of the housing 110 and collectively define and/or form a fluid inflow passage 236 that fluidically connects each of the fluid channels 230 to one another and to the fluid inlet port 126. The second fluid openings 234 are arranged on the first side 110A of the housing 110 and collectively define and/or form a fluid outflow passage 238 that fluidically connects each of the fluid channels 230 to one another and to the fluid outlet port 128.

The plate 202A′ disposed closest to the top wall 130A of the first housing shell 130, which may also be referred to as the uppermost plate 202A′, includes coolant openings 212, 214, but does not include fluid openings 232, 234. The uppermost plate 202A′ therefore closes an axial end of the fluid inflow passage 236 and the fluid outflow passage 238 as illustrated in FIG. 6. The plate 202 disposed closest to the second housing shell 160, which may also be referred to as the lowermost plate 202A″, includes fluid openings 232, 234, but does not include coolant openings 212, 214. The lowermost plate 202A″ therefore closes an axial end of the fluid inflow passage 236 and the fluid outflow passage 238 as illustrated in FIG. 5. The lowermost plate 202A″ also includes a plurality of annular extensions that protrude into the fluid openings 170, 180 of the second housing shell 160 and engage the fluid seals 174A, 184A. With the exception of the uppermost plate 202A′ and the lowermost plate 202A″, each of the plates 202 includes both coolant openings 212, 214 and both fluid openings 232, 234.

The HE core 200 includes a plurality of first turbulators 242 disposed in the fluid channels 230. The first turbulators 242 are structured as inserts that are each arranged between the first plate 202A and the second plate 202B of a respective plate pair 204. The HE core 200 also includes a plurality of second turbulators 244 that are disposed in the coolant channels 210. The second turbulators 244 are structured as a plurality of nubs (e.g., dome-shaped protrusions) that project from the plates 202 into the coolant channels 210. The turbulators 242, 244 enhance and/or improve cooling efficiency of the HE module 100 via causing turbulence in the fluid and/or the coolant flowing through the HE core 200 (e.g., to establish a more uniform heat distribution throughout the fluid and/or coolant). The turbulators 242, 244 also restrict and/or limit deformation (e.g., thermal expansion) of the plates 202 during operation to prevent one or more of the fluid channels 230 and/or coolant channels 210 from becoming blocked and/or collapsed.

During operation, fluid (e.g., oil) and coolant simultaneously flow through the HE module 100, the housing 110, and the HE core 200. As generally illustrated in FIG. 5, coolant flows into the HE module 100 and/or the housing 110 through the coolant inlet port 122 (e.g., the intake duct 144 and the coolant inlet opening 140), where it then flows into the coolant inflow passage 216 of the HE core 200. The coolant within the coolant inflow passage 216 is distributed amongst the coolant channels 210 and flows through the coolant channels 210, including around the second turbulators 244, to the coolant outflow passage 218. The coolant from the coolant channels 210 collects in the coolant outflow passage 218 of the HE core 200, where it then flows out of the HE core 200 and is expelled from the housing 110 and/or the HE module 100 via the coolant outlet port 124 (e.g., via flowing through the coolant outlet opening 150 and the output duct 154).

As generally illustrated in FIG. 6, fluid (e.g., oil) flows into the HE module 100 and/or the housing 110 through the fluid inlet port 126 (e.g., the fluid inlet seal 174A and the fluid inlet opening 170), where it then flows into the fluid inflow passage 236 of the HE core 200. The fluid within the fluid inflow passage 236 is distributed amongst the fluid channels 230 and flows through the fluid channels 230, including around the first turbulators 242, to the fluid outflow passage 238. The fluid from the fluid channels 230 collects in the fluid outflow passage 238 of the HE core 200, where it then flows out of the HE core 200 and is expelled from the housing 110 and/or the HE module 100 via the fluid outlet port 128 (e.g., via the fluid outlet opening 180 and the fluid outlet seal 184A).

Referring to FIGS. 7-12, a second exemplary HE module 600 is illustrated. The HE module 600 includes a housing 610 with an internal space 612, a first housing shell 630, and a second housing shell 660. The housing 610 (e.g., the first housing shell 630 and second housing shell 660) defines and/or delimits the internal space 612. The housing shells 630, 660 are configured differently than in the HE module 100 and are sealingly connected to one another via a weld 690 rather than snap-fit fasteners 190. Additionally, the coolant inlet port 622 is in fluid communication with the coolant distribution region 616 of the internal space 612 and the coolant outlet port 624 is in fluid communication with the coolant collection region 618 of the internal space 612 and, as such, coolant is conveyed directly into and discharged directly from the internal space 612 of the housing 610 of the HE module 600 rather than into the HE core 700 like in the HE module 100. The HE core 700 of the HE module 600 is a different type and/or style than that of the HE module 100. Coolant flows through the internal space 612 and externally around the HE core 700 of the HE module 600, while coolant flows internally through the HE core 200 in the HE module 100. Due at least in part to the style of the HE core 700 and the configuration of the internal space 612 of the housing 610 (e.g., the coolant distribution region 616, coolant collection region 618, flow guiding ribs 632, etc.), the HE module 600 experiences a reduced coolant pressure drop, has improved coolant flow, and is less susceptible to clogging compared to the HE module 100 depicted in FIGS. 1-6 and/or to conventional HE modules.

As generally illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 11, the first housing shell 630 is structured as and/or includes a generally planar body 630A. The first housing shell 630 includes a plurality of coolant openings (e.g., a coolant inlet opening 640, a coolant outlet opening 650) via which coolant is flowable into and/or out of the housing 610 and the HE core 700. The coolant openings 640, 650 are disposed in and defined by the planar body 630A. The coolant inlet opening 640 is disposed on the first side 610A of the housing 610 and the coolant outlet opening 650 is disposed on the opposite second side 610B of the housing 610.

The planar body 630A includes a plurality of flow guiding ribs 632 the project into the internal space 612. The flow guiding ribs 632 direct, guide, and/or restrict the flow of coolant within the internal space 612 of the housing 610 to enhance and/or improve distribution of the coolant to the coolant channels 614. For example, one or more flow guiding ribs 632 may extend partially around the coolant inlet opening 640 and guide the inflowing coolant toward the coolant distribution region 616 of the internal space 612. One or more other flow guiding ribs 632 may extend partially around the coolant outlet opening 650 and guide coolant within the uppermost coolant channel to a periphery of the coolant outlet opening 650 to facilitate the flow of coolant from the coolant collection region 618 of the internal space 612 to the coolant outlet opening 650. The flow guiding ribs 632 may also contact and/or abut the HE core 700 and/or the uppermost plate 702A′ thereof to support the HE core 700 and/or to restrict and/or limit deformation (e.g., thermal expansion) of the HE core 700 during operation.

As generally illustrated in FIGS. 7, 9, and 11, the first housing shell 630 further includes a coolant inlet connector 642 via which the HE module 600 is connectable to one or more other components that supply and/or convey coolant to the HE module 600. The coolant inlet connector 642 is configured to engage and/or connect to the coolant supplying component. The coolant inlet connector 642 is a tube member and/or annular body disposed on the first side 610A of the housing 610, projecting from the planar body 630A in a direction away from the internal space 612, and extending around the perimeter of the coolant inlet opening 640. The coolant inlet connector 642 and the coolant inlet opening 640 collectively define the coolant inlet port 622 of the HE module 600. The coolant inlet connector 642 includes and/or defines an intake duct 644 that communicates coolant from the coolant supplying component connected to the coolant inlet connector 642 to the internal space 612 of the housing 610. The coolant inlet connector 642 (e.g., the intake duct 644) is in fluid communication with the internal space 612 of the housing 610 (e.g., the coolant distribution region 616) by way of the coolant inlet opening 640.

The first housing shell 630 includes a coolant outlet connector 652 via which the HE module 600 is connectable to one or more other components that receive coolant from the HE module 600. The coolant outlet connector 652 is configured to engage and/or connect to the coolant receiving component. The coolant outlet connector 652 is a tube member and/or annular body disposed on the second side 610B of the housing 610, projecting from the planar body 630A in a direction away from the internal space 612, and extending around the perimeter of the coolant outlet opening 650. The coolant outlet connector 652 and the coolant outlet opening 650 collectively define the coolant outlet port 624 of the HE module 600. The coolant outlet connector 652 includes and/or defines an output duct 654 that communicates coolant from the internal space 612 of the housing 610 (e.g., the coolant collection region 618) to the coolant receiving component connected to the coolant outlet connector 652. The coolant outlet connector 652 (e.g., the output duct 654) is in fluid communication with the internal space 612 of the housing 610 (e.g., the coolant collection region 618) by way of the coolant outlet opening 650.

The first housing shell 630 and the portions thereof (e.g., the planar body 630A, coolant connectors 642, 652, and flow guiding ribs 632) are composed of plastic, such as the corrosion-resistant plastic (e.g., a glass reinforced resin, Polyamide 66, Polyamide 6) for example, and are integrally formed as a monolithic body (e.g., via injection molding). In other words, the coolant connectors 642, 652 and flow guiding ribs 632 are integral portions of the first housing shell 630 and/or the planar body 630A.

As generally illustrated in FIG. 10, the second housing shell 660 includes a plurality of walls, including a bottom wall 660A and one or more sidewalls 660B. The sidewalls 660B are connected to and extend from the bottom wall 660A. The sidewalls 660B project transversely (e.g., obliquely or perpendicularly) from the bottom wall 660A and extend around an outer perimeter of the bottom wall 660A. The bottom wall 660A includes a plurality of support ribs 662 the project into the internal space 612. The support ribs 662 may contact and/or abut the HE core 700 and/or the lowermost plate 702B′ thereof to support the HE core 700 and/or to restrict and/or limit deformation (e.g., thermal expansion) of the HE core 700 during operation. The housing 610 further includes a plurality of mounting flanges 664 via which the HE module 600 and/or the housing 610 is attachable and/or mountable to a structure (e.g., within a vehicle). The mounting flanges 664 are connected to and protrude transversely (e.g., obliquely and/or perpendicularly) from one or more sidewalls 660B. The mounting flanges 664 each include and/or define a mounting opening for receiving and/or engaging a respective fastener. The mounting flanges 664 are disposed at or about the ends of the sidewalls 660B opposite the first housing shell 630, though this is not required.

The second housing shell 660 includes a plurality of fluid openings (e.g., a fluid inlet opening 670, a fluid outlet opening 680) via which fluid (e.g., oil) is flowable into and/or out of the housing 610 and the HE core 700. The fluid openings 670, 680 are disposed in and defined by the bottom wall 660A. The fluid inlet opening 670 is disposed on the second side 610B of the housing 610 and the fluid outlet opening 680 is disposed on the first side 610A of the housing 610.

As generally illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 12, the second housing shell 660 includes an inlet collar 672 and an outlet collar 682 that project from the bottom wall 660A into the internal space 612. The inlet collar 672 extends around the perimeter of the fluid inlet opening 670. The outlet collar 682 extends around the perimeter of the fluid outlet opening 680. The collars 672, 682 are each disposed radially spaced apart from the perimeter of the respective fluid opening 670, 680 such that each collar 672, 682 and the bottom wall 660A define and/or form a step.

The second housing shell 660 includes a fluid inlet connector 674 via which the HE module 600 is connectable to one or more other components that supply and/or convey fluid (e.g., oil) to the HE module 600. The fluid inlet connector 674 is configured to engage and/or connect to the fluid supplying component. The fluid inlet connector 674 is disposed on the second side 610B of the housing 610 and extends around the perimeter of the fluid inlet opening 670. The fluid inlet connector 674 and the fluid inlet opening 670 collectively define the fluid inlet port 626 of the HE module 600. In the illustrative example herein, the fluid inlet connector 674 is a fluid inlet seal 674A (e.g., a ring seal) that sealingly contacts and/or abuts the HE core 700 (e.g., the lowermost plate 702B′) and the fluid supplying component. Optionally, the fluid inlet seal 674A receives at least a portion of the HE core 700 (e.g., the lowermost plate 702B′) and/or the fluid supplying component. The fluid inlet seal 674A is disposed radially inside of the inlet collar 672, disposed radially outside of an annular extension of the HE core 700 and/or the lowermost plate 702B′ thereof, and rests on the step. The fluid inlet seal 674A sealingly contacts and/or abuts the inlet collar 672, the bottom wall 660A, and the annular extension of the HE core 700. An annular portion of the fluid inlet seal 674A projects into and/or through the fluid inlet opening 670. As such, the fluid inlet seal 674A provides a seal between the fluid inlet port 626 of the housing 610, the HE core 700, and the fluid supplying component and effectively limits and/or prevents the fluid from leaking into the internal space 612 of the housing 610 and/or the external environment.

The second housing shell 660 includes a fluid outlet connector 684 via which the HE module 600 is connectable to one or more other components that receive fluid (e.g., oil) from the HE module 600. The fluid outlet connector 684 is configured to engage and/or connect to the fluid receiving component. The fluid outlet connector 684 is disposed on the first side 610A of the housing 610 and extends around the perimeter of the fluid outlet opening 680. The fluid outlet connector 684 and the fluid outlet opening 680 collectively define the fluid outlet port 628 of the HE module 600. In the illustrative example herein, the fluid outlet connector 684 is a fluid outlet seal 684A (e.g., a ring seal) that sealingly contacts and/or abuts the HE core 700 (e.g., the lowermost plate 702B′) and the fluid receiving component. Optionally, the fluid outlet seal 684A receives at least a portion of the HE core 700 (e.g., the lowermost plate 702B′) and/or the fluid receiving component. The fluid outlet seal 684A is disposed radially inside of the outlet collar 682, disposed radially outside of an annular extension of the HE core 700 and/or the lowermost plate 702B′ thereof, and rests on the step. The fluid inlet seal 674A sealingly contacts and/or abuts the outlet collar 782, the bottom wall 660A, and the annular extension of the HE core 700. An annular portion of the fluid outlet seal 684A projects into and/or through the fluid outlet opening 680. As such, the fluid outlet seal 684A provides a seal between the fluid outlet port 628 of the housing 610, the HE core 700, and the coolant receiving component and effectively limits and/or prevents the fluid from leaking into the internal space 612 of the housing 610 and/or the external environment.

The second housing shell 660 and the portions thereof (e.g., the bottom wall 660A, sidewalls 660B, support ribs 662, mounting flanges 664, and collars 672, 682) are composed of plastic, such as the corrosion-resistant plastic (e.g., a glass reinforced resin, Polyamide 66, Polyamide 6) for example, and are integrally formed as a monolithic body (e.g., via injection molding). In other words, the support ribs 662, mounting flanges 664, and collars 672, 682 are integral portions of the second housing shell 660.

While the housing shells 630, 660 are connected by the weld 690 in the illustrative example herein, the housing shells 630, 660 may alternatively be connected to one another via a plurality of mechanical connectors, such as snap-fit fasteners similar to the snap-fit fasteners 190 of the HE module 100.

As generally illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, the HE core 700 is arranged in the internal space 612 and completely surrounded and/or enclosed by the housing 610. The HE core 700 is in fluid communication with the fluid ports 626, 628 and fluid flows internally through the HE core 700. In contrast to the HE core 200, the HE core 700 is not in fluid communication with the coolant ports 622, 624 and coolant does not flow internally through the HE core 700. Rather, the coolant ports 622, 624 are in direct fluid communication with the internal space 612 and coolant flowing through the internal space 612 flows externally around the HE 700.

The HE core 700 includes a plurality of plates 702 arranged in plate pairs 704 and disposed in a stacked arrangement to form and/or define a plate stack 706. Each plate pair 704 includes a first plate 702A and a second plate 702B that are connected to one another to define and/or delimit a fluid channel 730 therebetween. The plates 702 are composed of aluminum (i.e., are aluminum plates), but may conceivably be composed of other metals or materials. Adjacent plate pairs 704 are sealingly connected to one another around their openings 732, 734 (e.g., via brazing their annular opening collars together). Portions of the adjacent plate pairs 704 (e.g., the primary planar portion) are disposed spaced apart from one another such that a coolant channel 614 is defined between each pair of adjacent plate pairs 704 (e.g., by and between the first plate 702A of a first plate pair 704 and the second plate 702B of an adjacent second plate pair 704). A coolant channel 614 is also defined by and between the first housing shell 630 (e.g., the planar body 630A) and the plate 702 disposed closest to the planar body 630A of the first housing shell 630, which may also be referred to as the uppermost plate 702A′. Another coolant channel 614 is defined by and between the bottom wall 660A of the second housing shell 660 and the plate 702 disposed closest to the bottom wall 660A, which may also be referred to as the lowermost plate 702B′. The coolant channels 614 extend between and fluidically connect a coolant distribution region 616 and a coolant collection region 618 of the internal space 612.

The coolant distribution region 616 is a region and/or portion of the internal space 612 disposed on the first side 610A of the housing 610. Coolant flows into the coolant distribution region 616 via the coolant inlet port 622 and is distributed to the coolant channels 614. At least a portion of the coolant distribution region 616 is disposed at or about the coolant inlet opening 640 (e.g., the coolant inlet opening 640 opens into the coolant distribution region 616). Another portion of the coolant distribution region 616 is disposed between a first sidewall 660B of the second housing shell 660 and a first side of the HE core 700 and/or plate stack 706 and extends along the first side of the HE core 700 and/or plate stack 706 in a stacking direction of the plate stack 706 from the first housing shell 630 (e.g., the planar body 630A) to the bottom wall 660A of the second housing shell 660.

The coolant collection region 618 is a region and/or portion of the internal space 612 disposed on the second side 610B of the housing 610. Coolant flows into the coolant collection region 618 from the coolant channels 614, where it collects and flows to the coolant outlet port 624. At least a portion of the coolant collection region 618 is disposed at or about the coolant outlet opening 650 (e.g., the coolant outlet opening 650 opens into the coolant collection region 618). Another portion of the coolant collection region 618 is disposed between an opposite, second sidewall 660B of the second housing shell 660 and an opposite, second side of the HE core 700 and/or plate stack 706 and extends along the second side of the HE core 700 and/or plate stack 706 in the stacking direction from the first housing shell 630 (e.g., the planar body 630A) to the bottom wall 660A of the second housing shell 660.

The HE core 700 further includes a plurality of first fluid openings 732 and a plurality of second fluid openings 734 that are disposed in and defined by the plates 702. The first fluid openings 732 are arranged on the second side 610B of the housing 610 and collectively define and/or form a fluid inflow passage 736 that fluidically connects each of the fluid channels 730 to one another and to the fluid inlet port 626. The second fluid openings 734 are arranged on the first side 610A of the housing 610 and collectively define and/or form a fluid outflow passage 738 that fluidically connects each of the fluid channels 730 to one another and to the fluid outlet port 628.

As generally illustrated in FIG. 12, with the exception of the uppermost plate 702A′, each of the plates 702 include a first fluid opening 732 and a second fluid opening 734. The uppermost plate 702A′ does not include any fluid openings 732, 734, and closes an axial end of the fluid inflow passage 736 and the fluid outflow passage 738. The lowermost plate 702B′ also includes a plurality of annular extensions that protrude into the fluid openings 670, 680 of the second housing shell 660 and engage the fluid seals 674A, 684A.

The HE core 700 includes a plurality of first turbulators 742 disposed in the fluid channels 730. The first turbulators 742 are structured as inserts that are each arranged between the first plate 702A and the second plate 702B of a respective plate pair 704. The HE core 700 also includes a plurality of second turbulators 744 that project into the coolant channels 614. The second turbulators 744 are structured as a plurality of nubs (e.g., dome-shaped protrusions) that project from the plates 702 into the coolant channels 614. The turbulators 742, 744 enhance and/or improve cooling efficiency of the HE module 600 via causing turbulence in the fluid and/or the coolant flowing through the channels 614, 730 (e.g., to establish a more uniform heat distribution throughout the fluid and/or coolant). The turbulators 742, 744 also restrict and/or limit deformation (e.g., thermal expansion) of the plates 702 during operation to prevent one or more of the fluid channels 730 and/or coolant channels 614 from becoming blocked and/or collapsed.

During operation, fluid (e.g., oil) and coolant simultaneously flow through the HE module 600 and/or the housing 610. As generally illustrated in FIG. 11, coolant flows into the HE module 600 and/or the housing 610 through the coolant inlet port 622 (e.g., the intake duct 644 and the coolant inlet opening 640), where it then flows into the coolant distribution region 616 of the internal space 612 of the housing 610. The coolant within the coolant distribution region 616 is distributed amongst the coolant channels 614 and flows through the coolant channels 614, including around the second turbulators 744, to the coolant collection region 618 of the internal space 612. The coolant from the coolant channels 614 collects in the coolant collection region 618, where it then flows out of the internal space 612 and is expelled from the housing 610 and/or the HE module 600 via the coolant outlet port 624 (e.g., via flowing through the coolant outlet opening 650 and the output duct 654).

As generally illustrated in FIG. 12, fluid (e.g., oil) flows into the HE module 600 and/or the housing 610 through the fluid inlet port 626 (e.g., the fluid inlet seal 674A and the fluid inlet opening 670), where it then flows into the fluid inflow passage 736 of the HE core 700. The fluid within the fluid inflow passage 736 is distributed amongst the fluid channels 730 and flows through the fluid channels 730, including around the first turbulators 742, to the fluid outflow passage 738. The fluid from the fluid channels 730 collects in the fluid outflow passage 738 of the HE core 700, where it then flows out of the HE core 700 and is expelled from the housing 610 and/or the HE module 600 via the fluid outlet port 628 (e.g., via the fluid outlet opening 680 and the fluid outlet seal 684A).

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

Reference throughout the specification to “examples, “in examples,” “with examples,” “various embodiments,” “with embodiments,” “in embodiments,” or “an embodiment,” or the like, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example/embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “examples, “in examples,” “with examples,” “in various embodiments,” “with embodiments,” “in embodiments,” or “an embodiment,” or the like, in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more examples/embodiments. Thus, the particular features, structures, or characteristics illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment/example may be combined, in whole or in part, with the features, structures, functions, and/or characteristics of one or more other embodiments/examples without limitation given that such combination is not illogical or non-functional. Moreover, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope thereof.

It should be understood that references to a single element are not necessarily so limited and may include one or more of such elements. Any directional references (e.g., plus, minus, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the present disclosure, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of examples/embodiments.

“One or more” includes a function being performed by one element, a function being performed by more than one element, e.g., in a distributed fashion, several functions being performed by one element, several functions being performed by several elements, or any combination of the above.

It will also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. are, in some instances, used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of the various described embodiments. The first element and the second element are both elements, but they are not the same element.

The terminology used in the description of the various described embodiments herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the description of the various described embodiments and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term “and/or” as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements, relative movement between elements, direct connections, indirect connections, fixed connections, movable connections, operative connections, indirect contact, and/or direct contact. As such, joinder references do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected/coupled and in fixed relation to each other. Connections of electrical components, if any, may include mechanical connections, electrical connections, wired connections, and/or wireless connections, among others. Uses of “e.g.” and “such as” in the specification are to be construed broadly and are used to provide non-limiting examples of embodiments of the disclosure, and the disclosure is not limited to such examples.

While processes, systems, and methods may be described herein in connection with one or more steps in a particular sequence, it should be understood that such methods may be practiced with the steps in a different order, with certain steps performed simultaneously, with additional steps, and/or with certain described steps omitted.

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

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

It should be understood that a controller, a system, and/or a processor as described herein may include a conventional processing apparatus known in the art, which may be capable of executing preprogrammed instructions stored in an associated memory, all performing in accordance with the functionality described herein. To the extent that the methods described herein are embodied in software, the resulting software can be stored in an associated memory and can also constitute means for performing such methods. Such a system or processor may further be of the type having ROM, RAM, RAM and ROM, and/or a combination of non-volatile and volatile memory so that any software may be stored and yet allow storage and processing of dynamically produced data and/or signals.

It should be further understood that an article of manufacture in accordance with this disclosure may include a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a computer program encoded thereon for implementing logic and other functionality described herein. The computer program may include code to perform one or more of the methods disclosed herein. Such embodiments may be configured to execute via one or more processors, such as multiple processors that are integrated into a single system or are distributed over and connected together through a communications network, and the communications network may be wired and/or wireless. Code for implementing one or more of the features described in connection with one or more embodiments may, when executed by a processor, cause a plurality of transistors to change from a first state to a second state. A specific pattern of change (e.g., which transistors change state and which transistors do not), may be dictated, at least partially, by the logic and/or code.