CN112824657B

CN112824657B - Blowby gas filter assembly with support module

Info

Publication number: CN112824657B
Application number: CN201911150104.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: 乔基奥·基隆迪
Original assignee: UFI Filters SpA
Current assignee: UFI Filters SpA
Priority date: 2019-11-21
Filing date: 2019-11-21
Publication date: 2024-03-08
Anticipated expiration: 2039-11-21
Also published as: CN112824657A

Abstract

A blow-by gas filter assembly is fluidly connectable to an engine system of a vehicle to receive blow-by gas and filter suspended particles contained in the blow-by gas therefrom. The blow-by gas filter assembly includes: a main body including a filtering chamber and an air outlet disposed on an axis; a filter element radially penetrable by the blow-by gas from outside to inside, including a central cavity; a drive assembly partially received and supported on the body and operatively connected to the filter element to drive rotation of the filter element; a support module supporting a filter element to a body, comprising: i) A bearing element comprising a first outer fifth wheel sealingly engaging the air outlet edge and a first inner fifth wheel defining an air outlet passage through which the filtered blow-by gas flows; ii) a hollow tubular member defining an outlet conduit for the filtered blow-by gas, comprising: a bearing end operatively connected to the first inner fifth wheel, and a support extending from the bearing end in the central cavity such that the filter element is mounted on the support.

Description

Blowby gas filter assembly with support module

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a blow-by gas filter assembly.

In particular, the blow-by gas filter assembly of the present invention may be fluidly connected to a crankcase ventilation circuit of an internal combustion engine system within a vehicle to receive blow-by gas (from the crankcase) and filter the blow-by gas to filter out suspended particles contained in the blow-by gas.

Specifically, "blow-by gas" refers to oil vapors that are vented from the crankcase of an internal combustion engine during operation of the internal combustion engine. In particular, the blow-by gas has a composition similar to that of the exhaust gas and is produced by combustion of an air/fuel mixture in a combustion chamber. These gases do not reach the exhaust gas discharge circuit, but leak to the lower part of the crankcase, pass along the cylinders and carry with them carbon particles and oil droplets. Blow-by gas is herein for simplicity considered to consist of air and suspended particles; the suspended particles comprise oil droplets and/or carbonaceous particles.

Background

In the prior art, known solutions of filter assemblies may be fluidly connected to the crankcase and adapted to drain the blow-by gas from the crankcase.

Specifically, known blow-by gas filter assembly arrangements separate unwanted suspended particles from the blow-by gas, including filter elements for this purpose.

In the prior art, various filter assembly embodiments are known: for example, a first type provides a filter element comprising a porous filter medium adapted to filter blow-by gas as it passes therethrough; the second type provides a filter element comprising a plurality of discs spaced apart from each other and rotationally guided, wherein suspended particles are separated from the air by centrifugal force; the third type provides a combination of the first two types, wherein in effect, a rotationally directed porous filter medium is provided.

In the above background, and with particular reference to the third preferred embodiment described above, the known solutions are particularly complex and difficult to assemble (and disassemble), in particular involving operations related to the filter element, which, over time, potentially must undergo specific maintenance and replacement operations.

Disclosure of Invention

Accordingly, in the above prior art, there is a need for a blow-by gas filter assembly that has a simple shape and, most importantly, requires simple assembly (and disassembly) with the associated filter element to solve the above problems.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved embodiment of a blow-by gas filter assembly that meets the above-described needs.

This object is achieved by a blow-by gas filter assembly comprising:

a blow-by gas filter assembly fluidly connectable to a crankcase ventilation circuit of an internal combustion engine to receive blow-by gas and filter suspended particles contained therein, wherein the blow-by gas filter assembly has an axis and comprises:

a body, comprising: a filter chamber extending along the axis, and an air outlet disposed on the axis;

a filter element extending along the axis and having a hollow cylindrical shape, comprising a central cavity, the filter element being received in the filter chamber and being radially penetrable by blow-by gas from outside to inside;

a drive set supported on the body and operatively connected to the filter element to drive rotation of the filter element about the axis;

a support module supporting the filter element to the body, comprising:

i) A bearing element comprising a first outer fifth wheel sealingly engaging an air outlet edge defining the air outlet, and a first inner fifth wheel defining an air outlet passage through which filtered blow-by gas flows;

ii) a hollow tubular member extending along said axis defining an outlet conduit for filtered blow-by gas, comprising: a bearing end operatively connected to the first inner fifth wheel and a support extending from the bearing end in the central cavity such that the filter element is mounted to the support and fluidly connected to the air outlet;

an alignment module engaged with the body at the drive end to maintain the hollow tubular element and to maintain the filter element aligned with the axis; the support module and the filter element are insertable into the body along the axis through the insertion opening opposite the air outlet in an axial direction, wherein the drive group is fittable to the body to sealingly close the insertion opening; the alignment module includes: annular alignment and centering elements and dynamic alignment elements; the annular alignment and centering element is engaged with the drive end; the dynamic alignment element includes: a first outer fifth wheel sealingly engaging an insertion port edge defining the insertion port; a first inner fifth wheel engaged with the annular alignment and centering element.

Drawings

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will in any case become apparent from the description given below of a preferred embodiment, obtained by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a blow-by gas filter assembly of the present invention according to a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the blow-by gas filter assembly of FIG. 1 in a part-separated form;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a filter element, a support module, and an alignment module included in the blow-by gas filter assembly of FIG. 2 in a part-separated form;

fig. 4 and 4a show a perspective view and a longitudinal cross-section, respectively, of a support module according to a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 5 illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the blow-by gas filter assembly of the previous figures;

FIG. 6 illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a blow-by gas filter assembly of the present invention according to a variation of one embodiment.

Reference numerals illustrate:

1. a blow-by gas filter assembly; 2. a main body; 20. a filtering chamber; 21. an air inlet; 22. an air outlet; 220. an air outlet edge; 25. an insertion port; 250. an insertion port edge; 251. an insertion port step; 3. a filter element; 30. a filter medium; 31. a 32 filter plate; 310. 320 through holes; 33. an intermediate structure; 35. an internal filter gasket; 35' auxiliary internal filter gasket; 38. a radial recess; 300. a central cavity; 4. a drive group; a 40 motor; 41. a drive shaft; 45. an electrical connector; 5. a support module; 51. a bearing element; 510. an air outlet channel; 511. a first outer fifth wheel; 5110. a gasket member; 512. a first inner fifth wheel; 52. a hollow tubular member; 520. an air outlet pipe; 521. a bearing end; 5211. an inner annular portion; 5212. an outer annular portion; 522. a support part; 5220. a longitudinal slot; 523. a driving end; 525. an internal diffuser; 528. a radial projection; 6. an alignment module; 61. a dynamic alignment element; 611. a second outer fifth wheel; 612. a second inner fifth wheel; 62. annular alignment and centering elements; 621. an inner ring; 622. an outer ring; 625. radial spokes; X-X rotation axis

Detailed Description

Referring to the drawings, reference numeral 1 designates a blow-by gas filter assembly adapted to perform a filtering/separating action on (liquid and/or solid) particles suspended in a gas stream.

The blow-by gas filter assembly 1 may be fluidly connected to a crankcase ventilation circuit of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle to receive blow-by gas and filter suspended particles contained in the blow-by gas from the blow-by gas to return a clean (i.e., filtered) gas stream to other vehicle systems, such as to an engine air intake circuit in communication with a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine.

Preferably, the blow-by gas filter assembly 1 is directly mountable to the crankcase of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle. In particular, the invention is not limited to this feature; the blow-by gas filter assembly 1 may also be configured as a stand-alone device comprising respective inlet and outlet ports for communication with the crankcase for receiving blow-by gas to be filtered, and with an air inlet circuit for recirculating the filtered gas flow of solid and liquid particles back to the combustion chamber, respectively.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the blow-by gas filter assembly 1 includes an X-X axis, with the components described below extending or being positioned relative to the X-X axis.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the blow-by gas filter assembly 1 includes a main body 2. Preferably, the other components of the system are located in the body 2 or on the body 2, as described broadly below and illustrated in the accompanying figures below.

In particular, the main body 2 includes a filter chamber 20, and the filtering/separating operation of the blow-by gas occurs in the filter chamber 20. Thus, filter chamber 20 is fluidly connected to a crankcase ventilation circuit of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle to receive dirty blow-by gas (i.e., including suspended particles (solid and/or liquid)) and to discharge clean blow-by gas (i.e., cleaned of suspended particles) to an engine air intake system.

According to a preferred embodiment, the body 2 comprises respective blow-by gas inlets and blow-by gas outlets.

In particular, the body 2 comprises an air inlet 21 fluidly connected to a crankcase ventilation circuit of the vehicle to receive blow-by gas to be filtered. Preferably, the air inlet 21 is disposed substantially parallel to an X-X axis spaced from the air inlet 21. Preferably, the air inlet 21 is provided on a side wall of the main body 2.

The body 2 includes an air outlet 22. The air outlet 22 is arranged to lie on an X-X axis, preferably the air outlet 22 is perpendicular to the X-X axis. Preferably, the air outlet 22 is coaxial with the X-X axis.

The air outlet 22 is laterally annularly bounded by an air outlet edge 220.

According to a preferred embodiment, at the air outlet 22, the body 2 provides an air outlet connection which is connected to an engine air intake circuit which communicates with the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine of the vehicle.

Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, the main body 2 comprises an insertion opening 25, through which the components described hereinafter can be inserted into the main body 2, preferably into the filter chamber 20. The insertion port 25 is provided at a position opposed to the air outlet 22. Preferably, the insertion opening 25 is arranged along the X-X axis, and the extension (direction) of the insertion opening 25 is parallel to the air outlet 22. Preferably, the insertion opening 25 is defined laterally annularly by an insertion opening edge 250. Preferably, the inlet edge 250 and the outlet edge 220 are concentric with the X-X axis, respectively. Preferably, the insertion opening 25 defines a larger opening than the air outlet 22 to allow and facilitate the insertion operation of the respective components.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the blow-by gas filter assembly 1 comprises a filter element 3, which is accommodated in a filter chamber 20 and is operated in the filter chamber 20, the filter element 3 being particularly adapted to perform a filtering/separating operation of particles suspended in the blow-by gas.

The filter element 3 extends along the X-X axis and has a hollow cylindrical shape, in effect the filter element 3 comprising a central cavity 300.

The filter element 3 can be penetrated from outside to inside by blow-by gas. Preferably, the filter element 3 is penetrated from the outside to the inside in the radial direction by blow-by gas. The air inlet 21 faces radially towards the filter element 3. Preferably, the air inlet 21 faces radially to the outer surface of the filter element 3 and the air outlet 22 faces axially to the central cavity 300.

According to a preferred embodiment, the filter element 3 comprises a filter medium 30. The filter media 30 may be radially traversed, the filter media 30 comprising a pleated nonwoven fabric in the form of a star or in the form of a porous cylindrical septum.

Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, the filter element 3 comprises two filter plates 31, 32 at the ends of the filter medium 30.

Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, the filter element 3 comprises an intermediate structure 33, the intermediate structure 33 being housed within the filter medium 30 and being combined with the two filter plates 31, 32 such that the filter plates 31, 32 are integrally rotatably connected (integrally connected in rotation). Preferably, the intermediate structure 33 has a plurality of through holes adapted to allow the passage of the fluid to be filtered.

As shown in the drawings, the central cavity 300 extends through the filter plates 31, 32 surrounded by the filter medium 30.

According to a preferred embodiment, the central cavity 300 extends through respective through holes 310, 320 provided in the filter plates 31, 32. Preferably, the through holes 310, 320 are concentric with the X-X axis as the central cavity 300.

Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the blow-by gas filter assembly 1 includes a drive train 4 supported on the body 2, the drive train 4 being operatively connected to the filter element 3 to drive rotation of the filter element 3 about the X-X axis.

Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, the blow-by gas filter assembly comprises a drive group 4, the drive group 4 being partially housed in the body 2 and supported on the body 2, the drive group 4 being operatively connected to the filter element 3 for driving the filter element 3 in rotation about the X-X axis.

According to a preferred embodiment, the drive group 4 is mountable on the main body 2, closing to seal the insertion opening 25. Preferably, as shown in the figures, the drive group 4 is in sealing engagement with the insertion opening 25 in the radial direction, in particular with a side wall defined by an insertion opening step 251.

According to a preferred embodiment, the drive group 4 is of the electrical type.

According to a preferred embodiment, the drive group 4 is a brushless type motor.

According to a preferred embodiment, the drive train has an electrical connector 45 for electrically connecting the blow-by gas filter assembly 1 to the ECU of the vehicle to drive the operation of the blow-by gas filter assembly 1.

In particular, the drive group 4 includes a motor 40 and a drive shaft 41 rotationally driven by the motor 40. Preferably, the drive shaft 4 is operatively connected to the filter element 3 to drive rotation of the filter element 3 about the axis X-X.

According to a preferred embodiment, the blow-by gas filter assembly 1 comprises a support module 5, the support module 5 supporting the filter element 3 to the main body 2. In particular, the filter element 3 is suitable for being mounted on a support module 5. In particular, the support module 5 is adapted to be operatively connected to the drive group 4 to receive its rotation and to transmit the rotation to the filter element 3.

According to a preferred embodiment, the support module 5 is adapted to be fluidly connected to the air outlet 22.

Indeed, according to an embodiment of the invention, the support module 5 comprises a bearing element 51 and a hollow tubular element 52.

The bearing element 51 is positioned in the air outlet 22 such that blow-by gas from the filter element 3 passes through the bearing element 51.

The bearing element 51 includes a first outer fifth wheel (outer fifth wheel) 511, the first outer fifth wheel 511 sealingly engaging an air outlet edge 220 defining an air outlet 22. In addition, the bearing element 51 comprises a first inner fifth wheel (inner fifth wheel) 512, the first inner fifth wheel 512 defining an air outlet channel 510 through which air outlet channel 510 the filtered blow-by gas circulating through the filter element 3 flows.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first outer fifth wheel 511 houses a gasket member 5110, the gasket member 5110 sealingly engaging the air outlet rim 220 in an annular manner.

According to a preferred embodiment, the bearing element 51 is a rotary ball bearing.

The hollow tubular element 52 extends along the X-X axis and is thus housed in the central cavity 300.

The hollow tubular member 52 defines a filtered (i.e., clean) blow-by gas outlet conduit 520 within the hollow tubular member, the outlet conduit 520 being fluidly connected to the air outlet 22. The hollow tubular member 52 comprises: a bearing end 521, the bearing end 521 being operatively connected to the first inner fifth wheel 512; a support 522 extends from the bearing end 521 into the central cavity 300. In this way, the filter element 3 is assembled to the support 522.

Preferably, the filter element 3 and the support 522 are mutually engaged to transmit the rotation action to each other by means of a shaped coupling (shaped coupling), in other words, the hollow tubular element 52 and the intermediate structure 33 are mutually operatively connected by means of a shaped coupling, so that the hollow tubular element 52 is adapted to transmit the rotation action to the intermediate structure 33. Preferably, the support 522 comprises a radial protrusion 528 and the filter element 3 comprises a corresponding radial recess 38, or the support 522 comprises a radial recess and the filter element 3 comprises a corresponding radial protrusion. According to a preferred embodiment, the number and arrangement of radial projections and radial recesses 38 is such as to ensure and balance the rotational action.

According to a preferred embodiment, the bearing element 51 and the hollow tubular element 52 are tightly engaged with each other.

Preferably, the hollow tubular member 52 is formed from a thermoplastic material.

Preferably, the hollow tubular member 52 is made of a nylon-based material (PA, PA 6, PA 6.6 or mixtures thereof).

Preferably, the hollow tubular element 52 is made of a glass fiber reinforced nylon-based material (pa+gf, PA 6.6+gf 35, PA 6+pa 6.6+gf 35).

Preferably, the hollow tubular member 52 is made of a material comprising a polyamide-based compound (e.g., PPA).

Preferably, the first inner fifth wheel 512 is made of metal. Preferably, the first inner fifth wheel 512 is made of high strength steel (e.g., nitrated chrome steel).

Preferably, the first inner fifth wheel 512 is made of a highly wear resistant metal alloy, such as alloy 100Cr6.

Preferably, the bearing element 51 and the hollow tubular element 52 are joined by moulding, i.e. they are subjected to a moulding operation in which they are joined in an integral manner. Preferably, the bearing element 51 and the hollow tubular element 52 are joined by means of injection moulding.

In particular, the bearing end 521 is over-molded to the first inner fifth wheel 512.

Preferably, the bearing end 521 includes an inner annular portion 5211, the inner annular portion 5211 preferably being adjacent to the support 522, the inner annular portion 5211 sealingly and annularly engaging the first inner fifth wheel 512.

Preferably, the bearing end 521 includes an outer annular portion 5212, the outer annular portion 5212 preferably being distal from the support 522, the outer annular portion 5212 firmly engaging the first inner fifth wheel 512. Preferably, the outer annular portion 5212 includes a plurality of slots angularly spaced about the X-X axis. The grooves have a U-shape and a clean side facing the filter assembly. These grooves simulate the profile of the inserts provided inside the mould to ensure the correct positioning of the bearing elements 51 inside the working mould.

The outer annular portion 5212 overhangs the contour of the first inner fifth wheel 512 to increase the contact surface and improve the interconnection between the hollow tubular element 52 (particularly the bearing end 521) and the first inner fifth wheel 512.

Preferably, the bearing end 521 may comprise a spiral/labyrinth portion adapted to complicate a possible transfer of leakage gas from the dirty side of the filter element 3 to the outlet conduit. The spiral/labyrinth portion is disposed on the contact area of the inner annular portion 5211 or in an intermediate area between the inner annular portion 5211 and the outer annular portion 5212.

According to a preferred embodiment, the hollow tubular element 52 comprises an inner diffuser (diffuser) 525, the inner diffuser 525 being received in the outlet channel 520, the inner diffuser 525 guiding the filtered blow-by gas flow towards the outlet channel 510 and closing the outlet channel 520 at opposite ends of the outlet channel 510.

According to a preferred embodiment, the inner diffuser 525 has a generally conical shape in the direction of the outlet channel 510.

Preferably, the inner diffuser 525 has a generally conical or pyramidal shape with a proximal apex at the outlet channel 510.

Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, the support 522 includes a plurality of longitudinal grooves 5220, through which longitudinal grooves 5220 the filtered blow-by gas flows. Preferably, the longitudinal grooves 5220 are equally angularly distributed with respect to each other. Preferably, the longitudinal slots 520 extend to an axial portion that is substantially equal to the filter media 30.

Preferably, the filter element 3 sealingly engages the support 522, the support 522 including an inner filter gasket 35, the inner filter gasket 35 engaging a sidewall of the support 522. Preferably, the inner filter gasket 35 is located opposite the outlet channel 510, axially outside the longitudinal groove 5220.

Preferably, the filter element 3 sealingly engages the support 522, the support 522 including an auxiliary internal filter gasket 35', the auxiliary internal filter gasket 35' also engaging the side wall of the support 522.

Preferably, the auxiliary internal filter gasket 35' is located close to the contact area 5211, the contact area 5211 being located between the hollow tubular element 52 and the first internal fifth wheel 512, before the longitudinal slot 5220.

Further, according to a preferred embodiment, the hollow tubular element 52 comprises a driving end 523 opposite the bearing end 521, wherein the driving group 4 is operatively connected to the driving end 523 for driving rotation of the hollow tubular element 52 and thus of the filter element 3 mounted on the hollow tubular element 52.

According to a preferred embodiment, the drive end 523 engages the drive shaft 41. Preferably, the driving end 523 and the driving shaft 41 have portions inserted into each other. Preferably, the drive end 523 and the drive shaft 41 are coupled to each other by a geometric coupling (geometric coupling). Preferably, the driving end 523 and the driving shaft 41 are directly engaged with each other.

According to a preferred embodiment, the support module 5 and the filter element 3 are insertable axially along the X-X axis into the body 2 through the above-mentioned insertion opening 25, the support module 5 sealingly engaging the air outlet 22, in particular the air outlet edge 220. According to a preferred embodiment, the drive group 4 can be fitted to the body 2 to hermetically close the insertion opening 25.

According to a preferred embodiment, the support module 5 and the filter element 3 can be inserted into the body 2 in the axial direction along the X-X axis through the above-mentioned insertion opening 25, and the drive group 4 can be fitted to the body 2 to hermetically close the insertion opening 25.

According to a preferred embodiment, the blow-by gas filter assembly 1 further comprises an alignment module 6, the alignment module 6 engaging the body 2 and the drive end 523 to maintain the hollow tubular member 52 and the filter element 3 in alignment with the X-X axis.

In particular, the alignment module 6 is interposed between the filter element 3 and the drive group 4 (i.e. in an intermediate position).

Preferably, the alignment module 6 comprises: an annular alignment and centering element 62 operatively connected to the drive end 523; and, a dynamic alignment element 61.

According to a preferred embodiment, the dynamic alignment element 61 is a sliding washer.

According to a preferred embodiment, the dynamic alignment element 61 is a rotating ball bearing.

According to a preferred embodiment, the dynamic alignment element 61 comprises: a second outer fifth wheel (outer fifth wheel) 611 sealingly engaging the insert port edge 250, the insert port edge 250 defining an insert port 25; a second inner fifth wheel (inner fifth wheel) 612 engages the annular alignment and centering element 62.

Preferably, the annular alignment and centering element 62 has an annular shape, comprising an inner ring 621 and an outer ring 622, the inner ring 621 being intended to mount and/or engage the hollow tubular element 52, the outer ring 622 being intended to engage the second inner fifth wheel 612. Preferably, the inner ring 621 and the outer ring 622 are mutually coupled to each other by radial spokes 625.

According to a preferred embodiment, the annular alignment and centering element 62 is a rigid material.

According to a preferred embodiment, the annular alignment and centering element 62 is an elastically yielding material.

According to a preferred embodiment, the annular alignment and centering element 62 is made of an elastic material.

According to a preferred embodiment, the annular alignment and centering element 62 is made of a fluoroelastomer material (e.g., FKM).

According to a preferred embodiment, the annular alignment and centering element 62 is made of fluorosilicone rubber or hydrogenated nitrile rubber.

According to a preferred embodiment, the annular alignment and centering element 62 ensures the mutual engagement between the support module 5 and the drive group 4 even in the event of a potential mutual misalignment (of the respective axes of the support module 5 and the drive group 4) with respect to the X-X axis.

According to a preferred embodiment, the drive shaft 41 is indirectly engaged with the hollow tubular element 52: the drive shaft 41 engages with an annular alignment and centering element 62, the annular alignment and centering element 62 also engaging with the hollow tubular element 52 to guide its rotation.

Innovative, the blow-by gas filter assembly of the embodiments of the present invention broadly accomplishes the objects of the invention by presenting itself in a simple form, and more importantly, with the filter element requiring only simple assembly and disassembly operations.

Advantageously, the support module and/or the alignment module bear and release the forces of the engine block, preventing their release onto the filter element.

Advantageously, the support module is a multifunctional component that efficiently transfers torque generated by the drive-group to the filter element and fluidly connects the filter element to the filtered gas outlet duct, thereby preventing blow-by gas from leaking from the dirty side of the filter element to the outlet duct.

Advantageously, the support module may reduce friction generated by rotation of the filter element, thereby reducing the electrical energy consumed by the blow-by gas filter assembly during operation.

Advantageously, the filter element is designable and producible without the need to provide a specific interface with the drive-group.

Advantageously, the filter element is easy to mount to and dismount from the support module.

Advantageously, the filter element filters, in particular agglomerates, solid particles and suspended oil particles subsequently subjected to centrifugal rotation due to the combined action of the filter element, such that the blow-by gas filter assembly is very effective for blow-by gas.

Advantageously, most importantly, the hollow tubular element directs the filtered blow-by gas to the air outlet.

Advantageously, the hollow tubular element is made in a hollow shape and of a thermoplastic material, thereby reducing the weight of the blow-by gas filter assembly and thus the consumption associated with the operation of the blow-by gas filter assembly.

Advantageously, the support module, the filter element and the alignment module can be inserted into the body in a single axial direction by a simple insertion operation.

Advantageously, the support module, the filter element and the alignment module can be inserted into the main body through the same insertion opening, which is closed by the drive group. Advantageously, the need for any specially configured closure cap to allow extraction and/or insertion of components in the filter chamber is eliminated, thereby simplifying the construction of the blow-by gas filter assembly.

Advantageously, with a minimum of seals, the potential problem of blow-by leakage is eliminated.

Advantageously, a minimum number of sealing elements is required for the filter element, for example a single gasket, and possibly also two gaskets, is sufficient.

Advantageously, the blow-by gas filter assembly may be placed at a predetermined location in the vehicle without necessarily having to be in close proximity to the internal combustion engine.

It will be apparent that a person skilled in the art can modify the blow-by gas filter assembly described above to meet the possible requirements, all of which are included within the scope of protection defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A blow-by gas filter assembly (1) fluidly connectable to a crankcase ventilation circuit of an internal combustion engine for receiving blow-by gas and filtering suspended particles contained in the blow-by gas therefrom, wherein the blow-by gas filter assembly (1) has an axis (X-X) and comprises:

a main body (2) comprising: -a filtering chamber (20) extending along said axis (X-X), and-an air outlet (22) provided on said axis (X-X);

-a filter element (3) extending along said axis (X-X) and having a hollow cylindrical shape, comprising a central cavity (300), said filter element (3) being housed in said filter chamber (20) and being radially penetrable from outside to inside by blow-by gas;

-a drive group (4) supported on said body (2) and operatively connected to said filter element (3) to drive rotation of said filter element (3) about said axis (X-X);

-a support module (5) supporting the filter element (3) to the body (2), comprising:

i) -a bearing element (51) comprising a first outer fifth wheel (511) and a first inner fifth wheel (512), the first outer fifth wheel (511) sealingly engaging an air outlet edge (220) defining the air outlet (22), the first inner fifth wheel (512) defining an air outlet channel (510) through which air filtered blow-by gas flows (510);

ii) a hollow tubular element (52) extending along said axis (X-X) defining an outlet duct (520) of filtered blow-by gas, comprising: a bearing end (521) and a support (522), the bearing end (521) being operatively connected to the first inner fifth wheel (512), the support (522) extending from the bearing end (521) in the central cavity (300) to mount the filter element (3) to the support (522) and fluidly connect with the air outlet (22); the hollow tubular element (52) further comprising a driving end (523) opposite the bearing end (521), the driving set (4) being operatively connected to the driving end (523) to drive rotation of the hollow tubular element (52) and thus of the filter element (3) mounted thereon;

-an alignment module (6) engaged with the body (2) at the driving end (523) to maintain the hollow tubular element (52) and to maintain the filter element (3) aligned with the axis (X-X); the support module (5) and the filter element (3) are insertable into the body (2) along the axis (X-X) through an insertion opening (25) opposite the air outlet (22), wherein the drive group (4) is fittable to the body (2) to sealingly close the insertion opening (25); the alignment module (6) comprises: -an annular alignment and centering element (62) and a dynamic alignment element (61); -said annular alignment and centering element (62) is engaged with said driving end (523); the dynamic alignment element (61) comprises: a second outer fifth wheel (611) sealingly engaging an insert port edge (250) defining the insert port (25); a second inner fifth wheel (612) engages the annular alignment and centering element (62).

2. The blowby gas filtration assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the hollow tubular member (52) comprises an inner diffuser (525), the inner diffuser (525) being received in the outlet duct (520), directing the filtered blowby gas flow to the outlet channel (510), and closing the outlet duct (520) at opposite ends of the outlet channel (510).

3. The blowby gas filter assembly (1) according to claim 2, wherein the inner diffuser (525) has a generally conical shape in the direction of the outlet channel (510).

4. The blowby gas filter assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the support portion (522) comprises a plurality of longitudinal grooves (5220), the plurality of longitudinal grooves (5220) being equiangularly spaced apart from each other, the filtered blowby gas flowing through the plurality of longitudinal grooves (5220).

5. Blow-by gas filter assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the bearing element (51) and the hollow tubular element (52) are sealingly joined to each other.

6. The blow-by gas filter assembly (1) according to claim 5, wherein the hollow tubular element (52) is made of a thermoplastic material, the bearing end (521) being over-molded to the first inner fifth wheel (512) of the bearing element (51).

7. The blowby gas filter assembly (1) according to claim 5, wherein the bearing end (521) comprises an inner annular portion (5211), the inner annular portion (5211) being adjacent to the support (522), the inner annular portion (5211) sealingly and annularly engaging the first inner fifth wheel (512) of the bearing element (51).

8. The blow-by gas filter assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the filter element (3) comprises a filter medium (30) and two filter plates (31, 32) at the ends of the filter medium (30).

9. A blow-by gas filter assembly (1) according to claim 8, wherein the filter element (3) comprises an intermediate structure (33), which intermediate structure (33) is accommodated within the filter medium (30) and is combined with the two filter plates (31, 32) such that the filter plates (31, 32) are integrally rotatably connected.

10. Blow-by gas filter assembly (1) according to claim 9, wherein the hollow tubular element (52) and the intermediate structure (33) are operatively connected to each other by means of a form coupling, such that the hollow tubular element (52) is adapted to transmit a rotational action to the intermediate structure (33).

11. The blow-by gas filter assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the drive group (4) comprises a motor (40) and a drive shaft (41), the drive shaft (41) being operatively connected to the hollow tubular element (52) to drive the hollow tubular element (52) in rotation.

12. A blow-by gas filter assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the main body (2) comprises an air inlet (21), the air inlet (21) being fluidly connectable with a crankcase ventilation circuit of an internal combustion engine to receive blow-by gas to be filtered, and the air inlet (21) being fluidly connected with the filter chamber (20), wherein the air inlet (21) is arranged parallel to the axis (X-X) spaced apart therefrom.