CN112824658A

CN112824658A - Blow-by gas filter assembly with alignment module

Info

Publication number: CN112824658A
Application number: CN201911150118.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 乔基奥·基隆迪
Original assignee: SHANGHAI OUFEI FILTER CO Ltd
Current assignee: SHANGHAI OUFEI FILTER CO Ltd
Priority date: 2019-11-21
Filing date: 2019-11-21
Publication date: 2021-05-21

Abstract

A blow-by gas filter assembly fluidly connectable to an engine system of a vehicle to receive blow-by gas and filter out airborne particulates contained in the blow-by gas. The blow-by gas filter assembly includes: a main body including a filter chamber, the filter chamber including an air inlet, an air outlet, and an insertion port; a filter element having a hollow cylindrical shape including a central cavity; a drive pack operatively connected to the filter element to drive rotation of the filter element, including a drive shaft; the support module includes: i) a dynamic support element engaging the air outlet edge; ii) a hollow tubular element defining an air outlet duct for filtered blow-by gas, comprising: a head end; a support portion; a drive end depending from the central lumen and operatively connected to the drive shaft; the alignment module includes: i) a dynamic alignment element engaging an edge of the insertion opening; ii) an annular alignment and centering element received in the dynamic alignment element and engaged at the drive end to maintain alignment of the hollow tubular element and the filter element.

Description

Blow-by gas filter assembly with alignment module

Technical Field

The 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 an engine system of a vehicle to receive the blow-by gas and filter the blow-by gas to filter out suspended particles contained in the blow-by gas.

Specifically, "blow-by gas" refers to oil vapor that is discharged from the crankcase of the internal combustion engine during operation of the internal combustion engine. Specifically, the blow-by gas has a similar composition to the exhaust gas, and is generated by combustion of an air/fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. These gases do not reach the exhaust gas discharge circuit but leak to the lower part of the crankcase, pass along the cylinder and carry with them carbon particles and oil droplets. In this context, for simplicity, blow-by gas is 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 connected to the crankcase and adapted to drain blow-by gases from the crankcase.

In particular, known blow-by gas filter assembly solutions are adapted to separate unwanted suspended particles from the blow-by gas, including filter elements having 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 through; a second type provides a filter element comprising a plurality of discs spaced apart from one another 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 guided porous filter medium is provided.

In the context of the above, 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 the filter element and the drive group (and in particular their mutual positioning), which must be perfectly aligned in order to be carried out in a correct and durable manner.

Disclosure of Invention

Therefore, in the background described above, there is a need for a blow-by gas filter assembly that has a simple shape and provides a filter element that ensures easy assembly (and disassembly) in a predetermined axial position over time to solve the above-described problems.

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

This object is achieved by the blow-by gas filter assembly of claim 1. The dependent claims show preferred embodiments relating to further advantageous aspects.

Drawings

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

Wherein:

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

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the blow-by gas filter assembly of FIG. 1 in a separated part 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 separated form of parts according to a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a blow-by gas filter assembly in accordance with a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 4a shows a transverse cross-sectional view of the blow-by gas filter assembly along the section V-V in FIG. 4 according to a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 5 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a blow-by gas filter assembly according to a variation of one embodiment;

FIG. 5a shows a transverse cross-sectional view of the blow-by gas filter assembly along the section VI-VI in FIG. 5 according to a variation of one embodiment;

FIG. 6 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a blow-by gas filter assembly according to a variation of one embodiment;

FIG. 6a shows a transverse cross-sectional view of the blow-by gas filter assembly along the section VII-VII in FIG. 6 according to a variant of an embodiment.

Description of reference numerals:

1 a blow-by gas filter assembly; 2, a main body; 20 a filtering chamber; 21 an air inlet; 22 air outlet; 220 an air outlet edge; 25 insertion opening; 250 inserting an opening edge; 251 inserting an opening step; 3 a filter element; 30 a filter medium; 31. 32 a filter plate; 310. 320 through holes; 33 an intermediate structure; 35 an inner filter gasket; 35' a secondary inner filter gasket; 38 a radial recess; 300 a central lumen; 4, driving the group; 40 motor; 41 a drive shaft; 410 a second split; 415 a second radial recess; 45 electrical connectors; 5 supporting the module; 51 a dynamic support element; 510 an air outlet channel; 511 an outer fifth wheel; 5110 a washer element; 512 inner fifth wheel; 52 a hollow tubular member; 520 an air outlet pipe; 521 a head end; 5211 an inner annular portion; 5212 an outer annular portion; 522 a support part; 5220 a longitudinal slot; 523 drive end; 5230 a first split; 5235 a first radial recess; 525 an internal diffuser; 528 a radial projection; 6 aligning the module; 61 dynamically aligning the components; 611 outer fifth wheel; 612 inner fifth wheel; 62 annular aligning and centering elements; 621 an inner ring; 6210 a head element; 622 outer ring; 625 radial spokes; 65 annular transmission body; 650 an insert element; axis of rotation X-X

Detailed Description

With reference to the accompanying 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 flow.

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 out 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 may be directly fitted 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 including respective intake and outlet ports for communicating with the crankcase for receiving blow-by gas to be filtered, and with the air intake circuit for recirculating the gas stream filtered of solid and liquid particles back to the combustion chamber, respectively.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the blow-by gas filter assembly 1 includes an X-X axis with respect to which the following components extend or are positioned.

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 extensively hereinafter and illustrated from the accompanying exemplary drawings.

Specifically, 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. Accordingly, the filter chamber 20 is fluidly connected to a crankcase ventilation circuit of an internal combustion engine of the 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 a respective blow-by gas inlet and a blow-by gas outlet.

In particular, the main body 2 comprises an air intake 21 fluidly connected to the crankcase ventilation circuit of the vehicle to receive the 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 main body 2 includes an air outlet 22. The air outlet 22 is arranged to lie on the X-X axis, preferably with the air outlet 22 perpendicular to the X-X axis. Preferably, the air outlet 22 is coaxial with the X-X axis.

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

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

Further, according to a preferred embodiment, the main body 2 comprises an insertion opening 25, through which insertion opening 25 components described hereinafter can be inserted into the main body 2, preferably into the filter chamber 20. The insertion opening 25 is provided at a position opposite to the air outlet 22. Preferably, the insertion opening 25 is disposed along the X-X axis, with the extension (orientation) of the insertion opening 25 parallel to the air outlet 22. Preferably, the insertion opening 25 is bounded 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 various components.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the blowby gas filter assembly 1 includes a filter element 3 housed in a filter chamber 20 and operating in the filter chamber 20, the filter element 3 being particularly adapted to perform a filtering/separating operation of particles suspended in the blowby gas.

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

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

According to a preferred embodiment, the filter element 3 comprises a filter medium 30. The filter medium 30 can be passed through radially, the filter medium 30 comprising a pleated nonwoven fabric in the form of a star or in the form of a porous cylindrical spacer.

Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, the filter element 3 comprises two

filter plates

31, 32 at both ends of the filter medium 30.

Further, 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 connected in rotation. Preferably, the intermediate structure 33 has a plurality of through holes suitable for allowing the passage of the fluid to be filtered.

As shown in the figures, central chamber 300 extends through

filter panels

31, 32 surrounded by filter media 30.

According to a preferred embodiment, the central chamber 300 extends through respective through

holes

310, 320 provided on the

filter plates

31, 32. Preferably, the through

holes

310, 320 are concentric with the X-X axis, as is the central lumen 300.

Further, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the blow-by gas filter assembly 1 comprises a drive group 4 supported on the body 2, the drive group 4 being operatively connected to the filter element 3 to drive the filter element 3 in rotation 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 to drive the filter element 3 in rotation about the X-X axis.

According to a preferred embodiment, the drive group 4 can be mounted on the body 2, closed to seal the insertion opening 25. Preferably, as shown in the figures, the drive group 4 sealingly engages the insertion opening 25 in the radial direction, in particular the side wall defined by the insertion opening step 251.

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

According to a preferred embodiment, the driving group 4 is an electric motor of the brushless type.

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 comprises an electric motor 40 and a drive shaft 41 rotationally driven by the electric motor 40. Preferably, the drive shaft 4 is operatively connected to the filter element 3 to drive the filter element 3 in rotation 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 body 2. In particular, the filter element 3 is adapted to be mounted on the support module 5. In particular, the support module 5 is suitable to be operatively connected to the drive group 4 to receive the rotary action thereof and to transmit it 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 dynamic support element 51 and a hollow tubular element 52. In other words, the dynamic support element 51 is adapted to support the component and facilitate the rotation thereof, as broadly described hereinafter and illustrated from the figures appended below.

According to a preferred embodiment, the dynamic support element 51 is a roller bearing.

According to a preferred embodiment, the dynamic support element 51 is a seal.

The dynamic support member 51 is positioned in the air outlet 22 so that the blowby gas from the filter element 3 passes through the bearing member 51.

According to a preferred embodiment, the dynamic support element 51 includes an outer fifth wheel (511), the outer fifth wheel 511 sealingly engaging the air outlet edge 220 defining the air outlet 22. In addition, the dynamic support member 51 includes an inner fifth wheel (inner five wheel)512, the inner fifth wheel 512 defining an air outlet passage 510, and the filtered blowby gas circulating through the filter member 3 flows through the air outlet passage 510.

According to a preferred embodiment, the outer fifth wheel 511 houses a gasket element 5110, the gasket element 5110 sealingly engaging the gas outlet edge 220 annularly.

The hollow tubular member 52 extends along the X-X axis and is therefore received in the central cavity 300.

The hollow tubular member 52 defines a filtered (i.e., clean) blowby gas outlet duct 520 therein, the outlet duct 520 being fluidly connected to the gas outlet 22. The hollow tubular member 52 includes: a head end 521, the head end 521 operably connected to the dynamic support element 51; a support portion 522 extending from the head end 521 into the central cavity 300. Thus, the filter element 3 is assembled to the support portion 522.

The hollow tubular member 52 defines a filtered (i.e., clean) blowby gas outlet duct 520 therein, the outlet duct 520 being fluidly connected to the gas outlet 22. The hollow tubular member 52 includes: a head end 521, the head end 521 operably connected to the inner fifth wheel 512; a support portion 522 extending from the head end 521 into the central cavity 300. Thus, the filter element 3 is assembled to the support portion 522.

Preferably, the filtering element 3 and the support 522 are mutually engaged to transmit the rotation action to each other by means of a 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 portion 522 comprises a radial projection 528 and the filter element 3 comprises a corresponding radial recess 38, or the support portion 522 comprises a radial recess and the filter element 3 comprises a corresponding radial projection. According to a preferred embodiment, the number and arrangement of the radial projections and radial recesses 38 is such as to ensure and balance the rotating action.

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

Preferably, the hollow tubular member 52 is made of a thermoplastic material.

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

Preferably, the hollow tubular element 52 is made of a nylon-based material reinforced with glass fibers (PA + GF, PA 6.6+ GF35, PA 6+ PA 6.6+ GF 35).

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

Preferably, the seal is made of polytetrafluoroethylene.

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

Preferably, the inner fifth wheel 512 is made of a high wear resistant metal alloy, such as alloy 100Cr 6.

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

In particular, the head end 521 is overmolded onto the inner surface of the dynamic support element 51.

In particular, the head end 521 is overmolded to the inner fifth wheel 512.

Preferably, the head end 521 includes an inner annular portion 5211, the inner annular portion 5211 preferably being proximate the support portion 522, the inner annular portion 5211 sealingly and annularly engaging the inner surface of the dynamic support element 51.

Preferably, the head end 521 includes an inner annular portion 5211, the inner annular portion 5211 preferably being proximate the support portion 522, the inner annular portion 5211 sealingly and annularly engaging the inner fifth wheel 512.

Preferably, the head end 521 includes an outer annular portion 5212, the outer annular portion 5212 preferably being distal from the support portion 522, the outer annular portion 5212 securely engaging the inner surface of the dynamic support element 51. Preferably, the outer annular portion 5212 comprises a plurality of slots that are angularly spaced about the X-X axis. The flutes have a U-shape and a clean side facing the filter assembly. These grooves mimic the profile of inserts provided inside the mould to ensure the correct positioning of the dynamic support element 51 inside the working mould.

The outer annular portion 5212 overhangs the profile of the dynamic support element 51 to increase the contact surface and improve the mutual coupling between the hollow tubular element 52 (in particular the head end 521) and the dynamic support element 51.

Preferably, the head end 521 includes an outer annular portion 5212, the outer annular portion 5212 preferably being distal from the support portion 522, the outer annular portion 5212 securely engaging the inner fifth wheel 512. Preferably, the outer annular portion 5212 comprises a plurality of slots that are angularly spaced about the X-X axis. The flutes 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 dynamic support elements 51 inside the working mould.

The outer annular portion 5212 overhangs the profile of the inner fifth wheel 512 to increase the contact surface and improve the mutual coupling between the hollow tubular element 52 (in particular the head end 521) and the inner fifth wheel 512.

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

According to a preferred embodiment, hollow tubular member 52 includes an internal diffuser (diffuser)525, internal diffuser 525 being received in outlet duct 520, internal diffuser 525 directing the filtered blow-by gas flow toward outlet channel 510 and closing outlet duct 520 at opposite ends of outlet channel 510.

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

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

Further, according to a preferred embodiment, the support portion 522 includes a plurality of longitudinal grooves 5220 through which filtered blowby gas flows 5220. Preferably, the longitudinal grooves 5220 are angularly distributed relative to each other. Preferably, the longitudinal grooves 520 extend for an axial portion substantially equal to the filter media 30.

Preferably, the filter element 3 is sealingly engaged with the support 522, the filter element 3 comprising an inner filter gasket 35, the inner filter gasket 35 being engaged with a side wall of the support 522. Preferably, inner filter gasket 35 is located opposite gas outlet passage 510, axially outward of longitudinal groove 5220.

Preferably, the filter element 3 sealingly engages the support 522, the filter element 3 comprising a supplementary inner filter gasket 35 ', the supplementary inner 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 dynamic support element 51, before the longitudinal groove 5220.

Preferably, the auxiliary inner filtering washer 35' is located close to the contact area 5211, the contact area 5211 being located between the hollow tubular element 52 and the inner fifth wheel 512, before the longitudinal groove 5220.

Further, according to a preferred embodiment, the hollow tubular element 52 comprises a driving end 523 opposite to the head end 521, wherein the driving group 4 is operatively connected to the driving end 523 to drive the rotation of the hollow tubular element 52 and therefore 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 driving end 523 and the driving shaft 41 are coupled to each other by a geometrical coupling. Preferably, the drive end 523 and the drive shaft 41 are directly engaged with each other.

According to a preferred embodiment, the support module 5 and the filter element 3 are insertable into the body 2 axially along the X-X axis 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 main body 2 to close the insertion opening 25 hermetically. According to a preferred embodiment, the support module 5 and the filter element 3 can be inserted in the axial direction along the X-X axis into the main body 2 through the insertion opening 25 described above, and the drive group 4 can be fitted to the main body 2 so as to sealingly 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 being engaged to the body 2 and the drive end 523 to maintain the hollow tubular element 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. In other words, the dynamic alignment element 61 is adapted to support the component and facilitate rotation thereof, as broadly described hereinafter and illustrated from the figures appended below.

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 bearing 61 comprises: an outer fifth wheel (outer fifth wheel)611 sealingly engaging the insertion opening edge 250, the insertion opening edge 250 defining the insertion opening 25; an inner fifth wheel (inner fifth wheel)612 is engaged with the annular aligning and centering element 62.

According to a preferred embodiment, the annular aligning and centering element 62 comprises an outer ring 622 for engaging the dynamic aligning element 61 and an inner ring 621, the inner ring 621 being engaged to the driving end 523.

According to a preferred embodiment, the outer ring 622 and the inner ring 621 are mutually coupled by radial spokes 625. In other words, the annular aligning and centering element 62 comprises a plurality of radially extending portions adapted to integrally connect those portions that are radially spaced from each other.

According to a preferred embodiment, the external ring 622 is adapted to engage the inner surface of the dynamic alignment element 61 through 360 °.

According to a preferred embodiment, the outer ring 622 is adapted to engage the inner fifth wheel 612 360 °.

Instead, various solutions are provided with respect to the inner ring, such as by way of example shown by the three embodiments of fig. 4, 5 and 6.

According to a preferred embodiment, the inner ring 621 comprises a plurality of angularly arranged head elements 6210. Each head element 6210 is radially housed in a first split 5230 located on the driving end 523 to facilitate the rotational coupling of the annular aligning and centering element 62 and the hollow tubular element 52.

Preferably, the head element 6210 is also adapted to absorb any vibratory action present between the two components.

According to a preferred embodiment, the number of head elements 6210 is four.

According to a preferred embodiment, each head element 6210 is supported to the outer ring 622 by two radial spokes 625.

Preferably, the head element 6210 is also radially housed in a second split (split)410 present on the drive shaft 41, so as to rotationally connect the annular aligning and centring element 62 and the drive shaft 41, transmitting the rotational action to the hollow tubular element 52.

According to one embodiment variant, the internal ring 621 has an annular shape engaging the driving end 523. According to such a preferred embodiment, the drive shaft 41 and the drive end 523 are operatively interconnected to transmit a rotational action to each other.

Preferably, the driving shaft 41 and the driving end 523 are directly connected to each other. In other words, the driving shaft 41 and the driving end 523 are connected to each other by a geometrical shaped coupling.

According to one embodiment, the drive shaft 41 and the drive end 523 are indirectly connected to each other. In other words, the drive shaft 41 and the drive end 523 are connected to each other by an additional member.

In particular, according to a preferred embodiment, the alignment module 6 comprises an annular transmission body 65, the annular transmission body 65 being interposed between the drive shaft 41 and the drive end 523 to mutually rotatably connect them.

Preferably, the annular transmission body 65 comprises an insert element 650, the insert element 650 being housed in a first radial recess 5235 formed on the drive end 523 and in a second radial recess 415 formed on the drive shaft 41.

According to a preferred embodiment, the annular aligning and centering elements 62 are a rigid material.

According to a preferred embodiment, the annular aligning and centering elements 62 are of elastically yielding material.

According to a preferred embodiment, the annular aligning and centering elements 62 are made of an elastic material.

According to a preferred embodiment, the annular aligning and centering elements 62 are made of a fluoro-elastic material (e.g., FKM).

According to a preferred embodiment, the annular aligning and centering elements 62 are made of fluorosilicone rubber or hydrogenated nitrile rubber.

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

According to a preferred embodiment, the annular aligning and centering elements 62 ensure mutual engagement between the support module 5 and the drive group 4 even in the case of a potential mutual misalignment of the support module 5 and the drive group 4 with respect to the X-X axis.

Innovatively, the blow-by gas filter assembly of the embodiment of the present invention secures the axial position of the filter element by presenting itself in a simple form, and more importantly, its filter element requires only a simple assembly (and disassembly) operation, thereby broadly achieving the objects of the present invention.

Advantageously, the blow-by gas filter assembly allows the filter element to interact with a specific, specially designed component in a way that it is in a specific axial position.

Advantageously, the alignment module is adapted to restore any misalignment with respect to the axis of the filter element.

Advantageously, the alignment module is adapted to restore any misalignment existing between the air outlet and the insertion opening.

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

Advantageously, the alignment module is adapted to release and withstand the action of any vibratory action to prevent them from reaching the filter element.

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 assemble to and disassemble from the support module.

Advantageously, the hollow tubular element guides, but above all, facilitates the air flow towards the air outlet.

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 provided closing cap to allow extraction and/or insertion of components in the filter chamber is eliminated, thereby simplifying the structure of the blow-by gas filter assembly.

Advantageously, the support module, the filter element and the alignment module may be inserted into the body as a pre-assembled module to facilitate assembly of the blow-by gas filter assembly.

Advantageously, the axes of the air outlet and of the insertion opening remain mutually aligned, so as to recover any misalignment due to the manufacturing process of the main body or to the configuration of the casing, in particular in the case of two openings made on two different parts (connected to each other to define the filtering chamber).

Advantageously, with a minimum of seals, potential problems of blow-by gas leakage are eliminated.

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

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

It is clear that a person skilled in the art may modify the blow-by gas filter assembly described above to meet contingent 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 to receive blow-by gas and filter out suspended particles contained in the blow-by gas, wherein the blow-by gas filter assembly (1) has an axis (X-X) and comprises:

a main body (2) comprising a filter chamber (20) extending along said axis (X-X), said filter chamber (20) comprising an air inlet (21) for blow-by gas to be filtered, an air outlet (22) for filtered blow-by gas, and an insertion opening (25), wherein said outlet (22) for filtered blow-by gas and said insertion opening (25) are defined by an annular outlet edge (220) and an annular insertion opening edge (250), respectively, concentric with 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 filtering chamber (20), said filter element (3) being radially traversable from outside to inside by a blow-by gas;

a drive group (4) supported on said body (2), operatively connected to said filter element (3) to drive said filter element (3) in rotation about said axis (X-X), said drive group (4) comprising a drive shaft (41);

support module (5) comprising:

(i) a dynamic support element (51) engaging the air outlet edge (220);

(ii) a hollow tubular element (52) extending along said axis (X-X) and defining an air outlet duct (520) for filtered blow-by gas, comprising: a head end (521) operatively connected to the dynamic support element (51); a support (522) to which the filter element (3) housed in the central cavity (300) is mounted; a drive end (523) depending from the central cavity (300) operatively connected to the drive shaft (41);

an alignment module (6) comprising:

i) a dynamic alignment element (61) engaging the insertion port edge (250);

ii) an annular aligning and centering element (62) housed in said dynamic aligning element (61), engaged at said driving end (523) to keep said hollow tubular element (52) and said filtering element (3) aligned with said axis (X-X).

2. Blowby gas filter assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the support module (5), the filter element (3) and the alignment module (6) are axially insertable into the main body (2) through the insertion opening (25).

3. Blowby gas filter assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said hollow tubular element (52), in particular said air outlet duct (520), is fluidly connected with said air outlet (22).

4. Blowby gas filter assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said drive pack (4) sealingly closes said insertion opening (25), preferably wherein said drive pack (4) radially engages a side wall of an insertion opening step (251).

5. Blowby gas filter assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said dynamic alignment element (61) is a roller bearing comprising: an externally aligned fifth wheel (611) engaging the insertion port edge (250); an inner alignment fifth wheel (612) engaging the annular alignment and centering elements (62).

6. The blow-by gas filter assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the annular alignment and centering element (62) comprises an outer ring (622) and an inner ring (621), the outer ring (611) engaging the dynamic alignment element (61), the inner ring (621) engaging at the drive end (523), wherein the outer ring (622) and the inner ring (621) are mutually joined by radial spokes (625).

7. Blowby gas filter assembly (1) according to claim 6, wherein said inner ring (621) comprises a plurality of equally angularly spaced head elements (6210), said head elements (6210) being adapted to be radially received in a first split (5230) located on said drive end (523) so as to rotationally connect said annular aligning and centering element (62) and said hollow tubular element (52).

8. Blowby gas filter assembly (1) according to claim 7, wherein said head element (6210) is also radially housed in a second split (410) on said drive shaft (41) so as to rotationally connect said annular aligning and centering element (62) and said drive shaft (41) and to transmit the rotational action to said hollow tubular element (52).

9. The blow-by gas filter assembly (1) according to claim 6, wherein the inner ring (621) has an annular shape engaging the drive end (523), the drive shaft (41) and the drive end (523) being operatively interconnected to transmit a rotational action to each other.

10. Blowby gas filter assembly (1) according to claim 9, wherein the alignment module (6) comprises an annular transmission body (65), the annular transmission body (65) being interposed between the drive shaft (41) and the drive end (523) for rotationally connecting them to each other, wherein the annular transmission body (65) comprises an insert element (650), the insert element (650) being received in a first radial recess (5235) formed on the drive end (523) and in a second radial recess (415) formed on the drive shaft (41).

11. Blow-by gas filter assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive group (4) comprises an electric motor (40), the electric motor (40) driving the rotation of the drive shaft (41).

12. Blow-by gas filter assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filter element (3) comprises a filter medium (30) and two filter plates (31, 32) at both ends of the filter medium (30).

13. Blowby gas filter assembly (1) according to claim 10, wherein the filter element (3) comprises an intermediate structure (33), said intermediate structure (33) being accommodated within the filter medium (30) and being joined with the two filter plates (31, 32) such that the filter plates (31, 32) are integrally rotationally connected.

14. The blowby gas filter assembly (1) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said hollow tubular element (52) comprises an internal diffuser (525), said internal diffuser (525) being received in said gas outlet duct (520), said internal diffuser (525) directing the filtered blowby gas flow to a gas outlet channel (510), and closing said gas outlet duct (520) at opposite ends of said gas outlet channel (510).

15. The blow-by gas filter assembly (1) according to claim 13, wherein the inner diffuser (525) has a generally conical shape in the direction of the gas outlet channel (510).

16. Blowby gas filter assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said support part (522) comprises a plurality of longitudinal grooves (5220), said longitudinal grooves (5220) being preferably equiangularly spaced from each other, filtered blowby gas flowing through said longitudinal grooves (5220).

17. Blowby gas filter assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said dynamic support element (51) is a roller bearing comprising: an outer fifth wheel (511) sealingly engaging the air outlet edge (220); an inner fifth wheel (512) engaged to the hollow tubular element (52).

18. Blowby gas filter assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said dynamic support element (51) and said hollow tubular element (52) are sealingly joined to each other.

19. Blowby gas filter assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said air inlet (21) is fluidly connectable with a crankcase ventilation circuit of an internal combustion engine for receiving blowby gas to be filtered, and wherein said air inlet (21) is fluidly connected with said filter chamber (20), said air inlet (21) being arranged substantially parallel to said axis (X-X) spaced apart therefrom.