EP1464797A2 - Blow by gas oil separating device - Google Patents

Abstract

A rotary-driven rotating oil separator element (OSE) fits in a casing (10) with an inlet (13) for crankcase venting gas, an outlet (14) for cleaned gas and an oil outlet (OO) (16). An inner surface of the casing's wall area round the OSE forms an oil sediment and collecting surface (15) and links to the OO. The OSE takes the form of an impeller (2) to work as a rotor and blower with blades (20). An independent claim is also included for an oil-separating device with multiple oil separators connected in parallel.

Description

The present invention relates to oil separators for the Cleaning crankcase ventilation gas containing oil mist an internal combustion engine, with a housing with an inlet for the crankcase ventilation gas, one Purified gas outlet and an oil outlet, wherein in the housing at least one rotatable, rotating Oil separating element is arranged, an inner Surface of a radially outer surrounding the oil separating element Wall area of the housing as oil precipitation and Oil collecting surface formed and connected to the oil outlet is.

An oil separator of the type mentioned is from WO 02/44530 A1 known. The known oil separator has an oil separating element a rotatably mounted centrifugal rotor attached to the radially outside a ring of turbine blades is. Via at least one stationary drive fluid nozzle can drive fluid, here compressed air, on the turbine blades be guided to rotate the centrifugal rotor to move. In normal operation of the oil separator the compressed air used for the drive comes from one turbocharger provided on the associated internal combustion engine. In operating conditions in which the turbocharger does not sufficient amount of compressed air or only compressed air provides insufficient pressure, can over a valve arrangement, alternatively, compressed air from a Air tank attached to an associated vehicle for a compressed air brake system is available. A friction-increasing shaft bushing from the Oil separator housing to an external rotor drive is avoided.

The disadvantage of this known oil separator, however, that it can only be used on engines of such vehicles is that both a turbocharger and a Compressed air system, which is practically only with heavy Trucks is the case. Another disadvantage is that through the turbine-like drive of the centrifugal rotor significant amounts of air are introduced into the oil separator that adversely affect the pressure conditions and lead to a deterioration in the separation effect can. The centrifugal rotor is preferably made here from a stack of conical plates between which through the crankcase ventilation gas radially from the inside flows outwards. They hit the oil mist forming oil droplets on the surface of each conical Plates down and from there on the oil precipitation and thrown off oil collecting surface. Herewith extensive separation of the oil mist can be achieved, however, disadvantageously according to this state of the art Technology centrifugal rotors practically none or only a very low delivery effect on the crankcase ventilation gas. This is a reliable function this oil separator is only guaranteed if between the inlet of the connected to the crankcase Sufficient oil separator and the outlet of the oil separator the desired flow of crankcase ventilation gas guaranteeing pressure drop exists. to Ensuring this required pressure drop does however this document on the state of the art no information.

Another oil separator for the purpose mentioned at the beginning is known from DE 100 44 615 A1. Also a centrifugal rotor is provided for this oil separator, that as a plate separator, also with one Stack of conical plates, is formed. This one oil separating element formed by the plate separator is mounted on a rotatably mounted axis that the housing is led out and with an outside of the Housing drive means is coupled.

In this oil separator known from the prior art the problem of the low promotional effect of a recognized as a plate separator oil separator and a compressor has been proposed to help the Disc separator is connected upstream or downstream. A compressor wheel of the compressor can preferably be attached attached to the axis or to the rotor of the plate separator his.

The disadvantage of this known prior art notice that the oil separator is disconnected due to the a compressor provided by the plate separator clearly receives greater overall height, which is disadvantageous in many cases is not in or because of limited space Question is coming. It is also considered a disadvantage that that carries the plate separator and the compressor wheel Shaft is led out of the housing, for which a gas-tight Sealing is required, leading to a noticeable leads to increased friction on the shaft. This will make the achievable speed of the oil separating element and the compressor wheel at a given drive power noticeably reduced, which reduces the separation effect.

Therefore, for the present invention Task to oil separator of the type mentioned create that avoid the disadvantages set out above and where in particular a compact design, a good promotional effect and a good separation performance can be achieved.

• daß das Ölabscheideelement ein Bauteil in Form eines mit Schaufeln bestückten, zugleich als Rotor und Verdichter wirkenden Laufrades ist, wobei durch das rotierende Laufrad das zuströmende Kurbelgehäuseentlüftungsgas in eine rotierende, mitgeführte Ölnebelpartikel mit einer Zentrifugalkraft beaufschlagenden Bewegung versetzbar ist und zugleich eine Förderwirkung auf das Kurbelgehäuseentlüftungsgas in einer Richtung vom Einlaß zum Auslaß des Ölabscheiders ausübbar ist.

A first solution to this problem is achieved according to the invention with an oil separator of the type mentioned at the outset, which is characterized in that

• that the oil separating element is a component in the form of an impeller equipped with blades, which also acts as a rotor and compressor, whereby the inflowing crankcase ventilation gas can be set into a rotating, entrained oil mist particle with a centrifugal force acting on the rotating impeller and at the same time a promotional effect on the crankcase ventilation gas a direction from the inlet to the outlet of the oil separator is practicable.

This oil separator according to the invention is advantageous in a single component designed as an impeller the functions of a rotor and a compressor are summarized, what a particularly compact design with low Size results. At the same time, this ensures that no external compressor or any other Conveyor for the maintenance of Flow of the crankcase ventilation gas and for the Compliance with a predetermined vacuum in the crankcase is required. The crankcase ventilation gas inlet and the outlet for the cleaned gas can in each case according to the circumstances in the specific application axially or tangentially or in an intermediate direction run. The outlet for the cleaned Gas is preferably associated with the intake tract Internal combustion engine connected. The oil outlet can be used gravity for the removal of the deposited Oil is provided in a geodetically deepest part of the housing his; alternatively, the oil outlet in the housing can also are higher because the oil separated by the rotating Impeller also to a higher position of the Oil outlets can be promoted. The oil outlet is through pressurized its peripheral arrangement, thereby the oil drain is promoted. Thus, the invention Oil separator in practically any installation position be used. An undesirable entry of oil into the gas outlet and in the bearing points of the impeller through appropriate design and shape of the housing be prevented.

An alternative solution to the task or one Training of the oil separator according to claim 1 is in Claim 2 specified. It is provided that the rotating Oil separator element or impeller without axle bushing outwards inside the apart from the Einund Outlets sealed housing and from one outside of the crankcase ventilation gas Drive arranged inside the housing without contact is rotatable. With such an oil separator friction losses are minimized because the Impeller arranged outside of the housing Drive can be set in rotation without contact, whereby a friction-increasing, gas-tight shaft bushing avoided becomes. The drive is advantageously in one not flowed through by the crankcase ventilation gas Area. This can e.g. an electric drive be used without the risk of ignition the possibly flammable crankcase ventilation gas consists. In addition, the oil separator is protected from damage an accumulation of oil droplets safely. That is also a reliable and long-term maintenance-free function of the oil separator guaranteed.

It is preferably further provided that the housing and the Impeller in the form of a radial or axial compressor or are formed in a mixture of the two. This ensures that the desired funding effect is achieved to a sufficiently large extent, while at the same time ensuring that the crankcase ventilation gas effective in for the deposition of the oil mist required to generate rotary motion Centrifugal forces are added.

To increase the efficiency of the oil separator, this in the form of a multi-stage and / or one multi-flow compressor.

To implement the contactless drive mentioned above of the impeller, this drive preferably comprises a magnetic coupling or an eddy current coupling as well an electrically or hydraulically or pneumatically driven Engine or one from the internal combustion engine derived mechanical drive. All parts of the engine are therefore outside of the crankcase ventilation gas flowed through the interior of the oil separator. The transfer the driving force on the impeller is non-contact via the magnetic coupling or the eddy current coupling through a wall of the oil separator housing through, this wall preferably an end or peripheral wall. In this way there is also any risk of explosion or fire from sparks avoided within an electric drive motor because the possibly flammable crankcase ventilation gases not in the field of electrical, for example Drive motor can get. If necessary, can a transmission gear between the engine and clutch, preferably with a fixed gear ratio, be provided to both the engine and the other the wheel with a cheap, different from each other To be able to operate speed. A good separation effect of the oil separator can in practice Speeds of the impeller in a range between about 5,000 and 15,000 rpm are expected.

Alternatively, the impeller can be driven without contact include an integrated brushless electric motor. Again, the housing of the oil separator can be perfect remain closed, so that even with this version there is no need for friction-increasing shaft seals can. Since the electric motor is a brushless motor, there is also no risk of ignition of the crankcase ventilation gas, if this is an ignitable Mixture should represent. So that's despite one electric drive the necessary security guaranteed.

In a further embodiment of the oil separator provided that the impeller at a constant speed is drivable. This ensures in particular that the drive can be kept very simple.

An alternative embodiment of the oil separator suggests in this regard, that the impeller with a variable, a current operating state of the Internal combustion engine adapted speed is drivable. For this version, it is a bit more complex Drive required, but can also be used at the same time Improve the efficiency of the oil separator and a targeted influencing of the pressure in the crankcase achieved become.

An alternative solution to the task or one Further development of the oil separator is specified in claim 9. To the pressure conditions in the crankcase and targeted to the flow conditions in the oil separator or to be able to exert further influence, it is provided that in or before the inlet for the crankcase ventilation gas and / or in or behind the outlet for the cleaned gas (each) an adjustable Throttle device or (each) an adjustable combined Throttle and valve member is provided. Furthermore these organs can be used, if necessary or multiple flow paths for the crankcase ventilation gas or to block the cleaned gas entirely. This Locked state is particularly when an associated one is at a standstill Internal combustion engine used to drive one by one Chimney effect gas discharge and a deposit of oil droplets or condensates in an associated Line system and on sensors provided therein to prevent engine control and monitoring.

Another alternative solution to the task at hand or further training of the oil separator is required 10 specified. It is provided that from the outlet for the cleaned gas branches off a return line which either to the crankcase ventilation gas inlet or in the crankcase of the associated internal combustion engine leads, whereby in the course of the return line adjustable throttle or valve member and / or a Check valve is arranged. With this configuration of the oil separator can, if necessary, the crankcase ventilation gas at least in subsets several times by the Oil separators are guided, making an improvement oil separation can be achieved. A cycle management including the crankcase is for example in a run-on operation of the oil separator after switching off the internal combustion engine makes sense. For a certain time after the internal combustion engine has been switched off crankcase gases still occur, which then in the oil separator cleaned and returned to the crankcase can become a harmful deposit of Oil droplets and condensates in the gas pipe system and on sensors of any kind provided therein to prevent.

With regard to the design of the impeller is in one first embodiment provided that the impeller as an open, high-speed impeller is executed. Such one Impeller is relatively easy to manufacture and exhibits a low weight, which means that at a given drive power high speeds can be reached quickly.

Alternatively, the impeller can be used as a closed impeller a cover plate. Using the cover plate is achieved in particular that the crankcase ventilation gas necessarily in its full volume flow is detected by the impeller, causing the crankcase ventilation gas granted rotation particularly intensely becomes what the separation of the oil mist by centrifugal force is beneficial.

The flow conditions inside the oil separator to influence favorably, the impeller upstream with precursors.

Another alternative solution to the task at hand or further training of the oil separator is required 14 specified. It is intended to increase the separation effect achieved with the rotating Oil separator provided oil separator one or more different or conventional oil separators are connected in series or in parallel.

Another alternative solution to the task at hand or further training of the oil separator is required 15 specified. Here is, also to increase the Separation effect of the oil separator, provided that in Housing in the course of the flow path of the crankcase ventilation gas a fixed and / or one with the rotating oil separator element or the impeller rotating Filter body, preferably made of a foam or a knitted fabric. In this configuration The oil separator becomes a conventional oil separator integrated in the oil separator in the form of the filter body, the separation effects being advantageous complete.

Another targeted and if necessary measure variable influencing of the flow conditions in the Oil separator is that the impeller is stationary or adjustable guide vanes upstream and / or fixed or adjustable guide vanes downstream could be.

Regarding the bearing of the oil separator impeller it is provided that the impeller is rotatable on a fixed Shaft or fixed on a rotatably mounted Shaft is arranged that the impeller is flying or tensioned is stored and that as a bearing for the rotatable Storage of the impeller or the shaft at least one Plain bearings or roller bearings or air cushion bearings or magnetic bearings is provided. The choice between the different Execution of the shaft is advisable after the respective circumstances of the individual case and in particular taken according to the given spatial conditions. Flying storage is more likely to be shorter Expedient wheels; tensioned storage is particularly important useful for impellers with a larger axial length. Plain or roller bearings are common and inexpensive Bearings that can be accessed on the market. Air cushion bearings or magnetic bearings are somewhat more complex, are characterized by a particularly low Friction, so that this is a particularly good drive efficiency can be achieved.

With impellers fitted with blades on one side it can come in operation that there is a pressure difference between the two sides of the impeller that trains an axial force on the impeller. This can cause increased friction in the bearings of the impeller or the associated shaft. To this increase in friction to exclude, it is provided that the impeller is equipped on both sides with blades or that at one side impeller equipped with blades in this at least one the side of the impeller equipped with blades with its other side connecting pressure compensation opening is appropriate. This can cause pressure differences do not arise between the two sides of the impeller, whereby axial caused by pressure differences Forces on the impeller are excluded.

Another alternative solution to the task at hand or further training of the oil separator is required 19 specified. It is provided that with the crankcase ventilation gas and contacting the oil Surfaces of the housing and the impeller with a deposit repellent coating are provided so the oil separator does not become increasingly thicker during operation becoming deposits on the inner surfaces of the Housing and on the surface of the rotating oil separator or form impeller. This coating can for example consist of plastic, such as PTFE or silicone.

To the housing of the oil separator as inexpensively as possible to be able to manufacture and the assembly of the oil separator to keep it as simple as possible is preferably provided that the housing consists of two housing parts with one in the Oil precipitation and oil collecting surface surrounding housing parting level is executed. In this way, the housing parts advantageous as injection molded parts made of plastic or be made of light metal and include of the impeller to be assembled into the housing. By the course of the housing parting level in the oil Oil collection area is also an inexpensive way by separating the housing parts access to the oil precipitation and oil collecting area and getting to the impeller, around these if necessary as part of maintenance of the oil separator to clean.

Another alternative solution to the task at hand or further training of the oil separator is required 21 specified. One is special in achieving this compact design with a reduced number of individual parts the oil separator provided that one part the housing as an integral part of the associated internal combustion engine, especially of their crankcase or Control housing or cylinder head cover, is formed. The installation space required is particularly small and so short flow paths are advantageously achieved.

In the operation of the oil separator, the problem can arise that the oil mist is on the way from the crankcase cools in the housing of the oil separator, which is known the fluidity of the oil is reduced. This can result in the oil precipitation and oil collecting surface due to oil deposited its viscosity not or only very slowly Moved towards the oil outlet. Another alternative Solution of the task or further training of Oil separator that corrects this problem is in the claim 22 specified. About the drainage movement of the deposited oil this version of the oil separator provides that it is equipped with a heating device, those for heating at least as oil precipitation and Oil collecting surface serving wall area of the housing and / or for heating a rotating oil separating element or impeller bearing part of the housing is used.

Another alternative solution to the task at hand or further training of the oil separator is required 23 specified. It is intended for the oil separator that a regulating or control device is assigned to this, with which the function of the oil separator at least through Varying the speed of the rotating oil separator or impeller the current operating status the internal combustion engine, preferably by access on one in an electronic engine control and control unit digitally stored engine map, adaptable is. With this regulation or control device can be achieved be that in different operating conditions Internal combustion engine depending on the oil separator so in its operation is affected on the one hand always a good efficiency with the oil mist separation is achieved from the crankcase ventilation gas and that on the other hand, the pressure in the crankcase of the associated one Internal combustion engine within a predetermined pressure range is held. Next has the rule or Control unit preferably a permanently connected diagnostic unit or an interface for the needs Connection of a diagnostic unit.

In a further embodiment it is proposed that in or sensors are provided on the oil separator with which parameters relevant to the operation of the oil separator, in particular the actual speed of the rotating oil separating element or impeller, gas pressure before and / or behind the rotating oil separator or impeller, gas volume flow through the oil separator, temperature of the inflowing Crankcase ventilation gas and / or the outflowing Clean gas and / or the oil separator itself or his Drive, detectable and to the regulating or control device are redistributable, and that in or on the oil separator Actuators are provided with which the operation of the oil separator influencing adjustable organs, in particular the drive of the rotating oil separating element or Impeller or the throttle bodies or the throttle and Valve elements or the guide vanes are adjustable. The regulating or control device can always via the sensors record the current operating status of the oil separator and if necessary via the actuators the oil separator in its Influence function and mode of operation so that always guarantees an optimal or almost optimal mode of operation is to the current operating state the associated internal combustion engine is adapted. In addition, the oil separator or the drive of the oil separator have a cooling device, the according to the detected temperatures can be switched on or off or is adjustable.

Another alternative solution to the task at hand or further training of the oil separator is required 25 specified. The technical measure claimed herein to increase the efficiency of oil mist separation in the oil separator is that the oil separator is a physically and / or chemically on the flowing Conditioning device acting on the crankcase ventilation gas having.

It can be provided in a specific further embodiment be that by means of the conditioning device Crankcase ventilation gas that flows into the oil separator or that flows through the oil separator or that of Oil separator flows away, gases, e.g. Noble gases, feedable are. By feeding one or more gases into the Crankcase ventilation gas can reduce the separation effect of the Oil separator can be increased or some other influence be taken, for example, on the operation of a associated internal combustion engine acts by the crankcase ventilation gas after flowing through it through the oil separator together with the supplied gas in the intake tract of the associated internal combustion engine is initiated.

According to a further embodiment, it can be provided that by means of the conditioning device the crankcase ventilation gas, that flows through the oil separator, and / or at least a part of the oil separator into an ultrasonic vibration is relocatable. Through the ultrasonic vibration can separate out the oil droplets the crankcase ventilation gas can be positively influenced. In addition, the flowability of the deposited Oil increased so that the oil separator faster leaves through its oil outlet.

Another development provides that by means of the conditioning device the crankcase ventilation gas, that flows through the oil separator, electrostatically chargeable is. With such an electrostatic charge can separate oil droplets from the crankcase ventilation gas carried oil mist positively be like this in itself from pure electrostatic Separators is known, which is a significant one Have size. In the oil separator according to the invention the electrostatic charge becomes complementary used to generate the centrifugal force Separation effect to be reinforced.

Furthermore, the present invention proposes in the claim 29 an oil separating device, characterized in that that they have several oil separators connected in parallel according to any one of the preceding claims. Herewith there is the possibility, depending on the size of an associated Internal combustion engine one or more oil separators use or depending on the current performance of the internal combustion engine a more or less large number of to activate parallel oil separators, whereby the number of active oil separators depends on the amount of crankcase ventilation gas to be de-oiled directed.

In a further embodiment, this is particularly preferred provided that the several oil separators with each other are identical and modular in a desired number are interconnectable. This advantageously achieves that in the best case the oil separator only in an execution must be designed and built and that he then single or multiple on one Internal combustion engine is used, with the modular connectable oil separators connecting them together is very simple.

The materials used for the oil separator must of course against those occurring in practice resistant to thermal, mechanical and chemical influences his. These can preferably be high quality Perform plastics and light metals.

Figur 1

einen ersten Ölabscheider im Längsschnitt,

Figur 2

den Ölabscheider aus Figur 1 nun in einer Ausstattung mit Sensoren und Aktoren und mit einem Regel- oder Steuergerät,

Figur 3

den Ölabscheider aus Figur 1 mit entferntem, in Figur 1 linkem Gehäuseteil, in Stirnansicht,

Figur 4

einen zweiten, zweistufigen Ölabscheider im Längsschnitt,

Figur 5

einen dritten, zweiflutigen Ölabscheider, ebenfalls im Längsschnitt,

Figur 6

einen mit einer Kurbelgehäuseentlüftungsgas-Rückführleitung ausgestatteten Ölabscheider in Ansicht, teils im Längsschnitt,

Figur 7

ein Laufrad als Teil eines Ölabscheiders in zwei Ausführungen, wobei die linke Hälfte und die rechte Hälfte der Figur 7 je eine Ausführung zeigen,

Figur 8

einen weiteren Ölabscheider, der zusätzlich zu dem Laufrad einen Vorläufer aufweist, wieder im Längsschnitt, teils in Ansicht,

Figur 9

einen weiteren Ölabscheider im Längsschnitt, der mit Heizeinrichtungen ausgestattet ist,

Figur 10

einen Ausschnitt aus einem Ölabscheider, der mit verstellbaren Vorleitschaufeln im Bereich seines Gaseinlasses ausgestattet ist, im Längsschnitt, teils in Seitenansicht,

Figur 11

einen Ölabscheider, bei dem ein Teil des Ölabscheidergehäuses durch einen Bereich eines Kurbelgehäuses einer zugehörigen Brennkraftmaschine gebildet ist, in Seitenansicht, teils im Längsschnitt,

Figur 12

in ihrer linken Hälfte und in ihrer rechten Hälfte zwei weitere, jeweils mit einem konventionellen Ölabscheider in Reihe geschaltete Ölabscheider, wieder teils im Längsschnitt, teils in Seitenansicht,

Figur 13

einen weiteren, zweistufigen Ölabscheider mit zusätzlichen Verdichterschaufeln auf einem seiner zwei Laufräder, wieder im Längsschnitt, teils in Ansicht,

Figur 14

ein Laufrad des Ölabscheiders, das mittels Luftlagern auf einer feststehenden Welle gelagert ist, im Längsschnitt,

Figur 15a

einen Ausschnitt aus einem Laufrad und dem Gehäuse eines Ölabscheiders mit zwei Ausführungen eines berührungslosen elektrischen Antriebes des Laufrades, im Längsschnitt,

Figur 15b

das Laufrad mit seinem Antrieb aus Figur 15a im Querschnitt gemäß der Linie XVb - XVb in Figur 15a,

Figur 16a

ebenfalls einen Ausschnitt aus einem Laufrad und einem Gehäuse eines Ölabscheiders mit zwei weiteren Ausführungen eines berührungslosen elektrischen Antriebes, wieder im Längsschnitt,

Figur 16b

einen Querschnitt durch das Laufrad mit seinem Antrieb gemäß der Schnittlinie XVIb - XVIb in Figur 16a,

Figur 17

den Gaseinlaß eines Ölabscheiders mit einem verstellbaren Drosselkörper, teils im Längsschnitt, teils in Ansicht, mit zwei unterschiedlichen Stellungen des Drosselkörpers,

Figur 18

eine schematische Darstellung eines Ölabscheiders mit einer zugehörigen Brennkraftmaschine, mit zugehörigen Gasführungskanälen und mit einem zugehörigen Regel- oder Steuergerät,

Figur 19

eine aus zwei identischen Ölabscheidern zusammengestellte modulare Ölabscheideeinrichtung,

Figur 20

einen Ölabscheider mit einem geänderten elektrischen Antrieb, im Längsschnitt, teils in Ansicht und

Figur 21

einen Ölabscheider, wieder teils im Längsschnitt, teils in Ansicht, der mit einer Konditionierungseinrichtung ausgestattet ist.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to a drawing. The figures in the drawing show:

Figure 1

a first oil separator in longitudinal section,

Figure 2

the oil separator from FIG. 1 now equipped with sensors and actuators and with a regulating or control device,

Figure 3

1 with the housing part removed, left in FIG. 1, in end view,

Figure 4

a second, two-stage oil separator in longitudinal section,

Figure 5

a third, double-flow oil separator, also in longitudinal section,

Figure 6

an oil separator equipped with a crankcase ventilation gas return line in view, partly in longitudinal section,

Figure 7

an impeller as part of an oil separator in two versions, the left half and the right half of FIG. 7 each showing one version,

Figure 8

another oil separator, which in addition to the impeller has a precursor, again in longitudinal section, partly in view,

Figure 9

another oil separator in longitudinal section, which is equipped with heating devices,

Figure 10

a section of an oil separator, which is equipped with adjustable guide vanes in the area of its gas inlet, in longitudinal section, partly in side view,

Figure 11

an oil separator in which a part of the oil separator housing is formed by a region of a crankcase of an associated internal combustion engine, in side view, partly in longitudinal section,

Figure 12

in their left half and in their right half two more oil separators, each connected in series with a conventional oil separator, again partly in longitudinal section, partly in side view,

Figure 13

another two-stage oil separator with additional compressor blades on one of its two impellers, again in longitudinal section, partly in view,

Figure 14

an impeller of the oil separator, which is mounted on a fixed shaft by means of air bearings, in longitudinal section,

Figure 15a

a section of an impeller and the housing of an oil separator with two versions of a contactless electric drive of the impeller, in longitudinal section,

Figure 15b

the impeller with its drive from Figure 15a in cross section along the line XVb - XVb in Figure 15a,

Figure 16a

likewise a section from an impeller and a housing of an oil separator with two further versions of a contactless electric drive, again in longitudinal section,

Figure 16b

FIG. 16a shows a cross section through the impeller with its drive along the section line XVIb - XVIb in FIG.

Figure 17

the gas inlet of an oil separator with an adjustable throttle body, partly in longitudinal section, partly in view, with two different positions of the throttle body,

Figure 18

1 shows a schematic illustration of an oil separator with an associated internal combustion engine, with associated gas guide channels and with an associated regulating or control device,

Figure 19

a modular oil separator composed of two identical oil separators,

Figure 20

an oil separator with a modified electric drive, in longitudinal section, partly in view and

Figure 21

an oil separator, again partly in longitudinal section, partly in view, which is equipped with a conditioning device.

The first embodiment shown in Figure 1 Oil separator 1 comprises a housing 10 which consists of two Housing parts 11, 12 is formed. The housing parts 11, 12 lie along a parting plane 10 'with an intermediate layer of a sealing element to each other and are in suitably connected together, for example by means of screws.

An impeller 2 is rotatable on the inside of the housing 10 a shaft 17 fixed to the housing, for which a Slide bearing 24 is used between the shaft fixed to the housing 17 and a hub 21 forming part of the impeller 2 is arranged.

The impeller 2 has a base plate 22, which with in Circumferentially spaced blades 20 is occupied.

By means of a contactless electric drive 3 the impeller 2 inside the housing 10 is rotating movable.

On the left in FIG. 1, the housing 10 has an inlet 13 for crankcase ventilation gas to be freed from oil mist on that in the direction of the drawn in the inlet 13 Arrow flows in.

At the top right in Figure 1 is an outlet 14 for cleaned Crankcase ventilation gas represented by the Gas flows out in the direction of the arrow.

In this embodiment, the oil separator is in the inlet 13 1 an adjustable throttle member 13 'in the form of a pivotable Throttle valve arranged with which the free Passage cross section of inlet 13 for the crankcase ventilation gas is changeable.

The inflow crankcase ventilation gas is through the impeller 2 when it rotates by means of the rotary drive 3 set in rotation, causing the crankcase ventilation gas entrained oil droplets a centrifugal force is exercised. The impeller 2 is involved his blades 20 both as a centrifugal rotor and as Compressor, the latter to produce a promotional effect on the gas in the direction from the inlet 13 to the outlet 14 serves.

The oil droplets impacted by the centrifugal force reach radially outwards and strike one formed on the inside of the housing 10 and quilt 15 from. They flow from there precipitated oil droplets under the force of gravity and under the effect of a pressure drop down and leave through a deepest area of the housing 10 provided oil outlet 16, the oil separator 1, usually towards an associated oil pan, here Internal combustion engine, not shown.

So that by the centrifugal force radially outwards moving oil droplets do not get into the clean gas outlet 14, this opens radially inward behind the Base plate 22 and raised in the interior of the housing 10th

As previously mentioned, a non-contact electrical serves Drive 3 for generating the rotary movement of the Impeller 20 about its axis of rotation 29. In the present example is the contactless electric drive 3 through an electric motor 30 formed in a separate housing area 18 outside the interior of the oil separator 1 lies. A motor shaft 31 is connected to the motor 30 Arrangement of permanent magnets 35 rotatably connected. This arrangement of permanent magnets 35 rotates when switched on Electric motor 30 immediately outside of the right housing part 12 of the housing 10. Opposite this arrangement of permanent magnets 35 lies inside of the housing 10 on the back of the base plate 22 an arrangement of second permanent magnets 25, the non-rotatably connected to the impeller 2, for example glued, are. Because the impeller 2 together with its magnets 25 rotatably mounted on the shaft 17 fixed to the housing the magnetic coupling thus formed takes the impeller 2 with the electric motor 30 switched on and thus ensures the desired rotational movement of the impeller 2 without it a passage of a rotatable shaft through a Wall of the housing 10 is required. The for the operation of the electric motor 30 required electrical energy is shown here only in sections electrical cable 34 supplied. Instead of permanent magnets 25, 35 can also use hysteresis material magnets become.

Figure 2 shows the oil separator from Figure 1, which is now around several components are added and in which the electrical Drive 3 is modified.

The housing 10 with its two housing parts 11, 12 and corresponds to the parting plane 10 'running between these the embodiment according to FIG. 1. Also the impeller 2 is identical to the embodiment according to FIG. 1.

In contrast to FIG. 1, no throttle element is provided in the axially extending inlet 13 in FIG. For this purpose, the inlet 13 is equipped with two sensors 71 with which the temperature and the pressure of the crankcase ventilation gas in the inlet 13 of the oil separator 1 can be detected.
Alternatively, the inlet 13 can also be arranged tangentially, as indicated by dashed lines at the top right of the inlet 13 drawn continuously.

The cleaned crankcase ventilation gas outlet 14 here, as in Figure 1, tangentially upwards from the housing 10 from. What is new in FIG. 2 is that there is now an outlet 14 adjustable throttle body 14 ', also in the form of a pivotable throttle valve is arranged. In the direction of flow of the cleaned crankcase ventilation gas behind the throttle member 14 'is a flow sensor 72 arranged in the shape of a flowing Has gas rotatable measuring element.

Alternatively, the left can also be used as a flow measuring sensor Sensor 72 'shown separately at the top in FIG. 2 is used be formed here by a heated wire is, which corresponds to the present Gas flow cools more or less, causing it electrical resistance varies.

At the top right in FIG. 2 is another one at outlet 14 Sensor arrangement 71 "provided with which the temperature and the pressure of the cleaned crankcase ventilation gas are detectable in the outlet 14.

Another sensor arrangement is at the bottom right in FIG. 2 arranged on the right housing part 12 and stands with the Inside the housing 10 in connection to the prevailing therein Temperature and pressure of the crankcase ventilation gas capture.

Both sensors 71, 71 ', 71' ', 72 and 72' as well the adjustable throttle body 14 'are over dashed illustrated electrical lines with a control or Control unit 7 in connection. By means of this rule or Control unit 7, the drive 3 of the oil separator 1 so be regulated that the best possible separation performance and a desired pressure in the crankcase associated internal combustion engine, which with the inlet 13th connected, is achieved. In addition, the adjustable Throttle element 14 ′ from the regulating or control device 7 be adjusted in a suitable manner.

The drive 3 is in the oil separator 1 according to FIG. 2 not with an electric motor, but with one Coil assembly 33, which itself is fixed is, but generate a rotating electromagnetic field can. This rotating electromagnetic field works through a wall of the right housing part 12 to the permanent magnets 25 attached to the impeller 2, whereby the rotary drive of the impeller 2 can be effected. The drive 3 is also with the regulating or control device 7 in connection. For the supply of electrical energy here too, drive 3 is only used in sections Electrical cable 34 shown.

In operation of the oil separator 1 with the rotating impeller 2 becomes the crankcase ventilation gas flowing through the inlet 13 set in a strong rotation, the the oil droplets contained in the gas by centrifugal force conveyed to the oil precipitation and oil collecting surface 15, from where the deposited oil through the oil outlet 16 can flow out.

Figure 3 of the drawing shows a look inside the Oil separator 1 according to Figure 2 from left to right removed left housing part 11. The eye is now striking the right housing part 12 in FIG. 2 and the parting plane 10 'with the impeller 2. located in the center of the Impeller 2 is perpendicular to the plane of the drawing Axis of rotation 29. In the background is the base plate 22 with those arranged on its front, preferably one-piece blades 20 which are used for compressors typical curvature in its course from the radial inside radially outward.

On the left in FIG. 3 is the inside of the housing part 12 Transition into the outlet 14 recognizable, the tangential after leads above.

In the background behind impeller 2 is the dashed line Lines shown arrangement from here overall four permanent magnets 25 around at regular intervals the axis of rotation 29 are positioned around.

Distributed around the outer circumference of the housing part 12 Here are three optional mounting brackets in dashed lines shown to assemble the oil separator 1 for example on an internal combustion engine serve.

Figure 4 shows a two-stage oil separator 1, the characterized in that it has two impellers 2 ', 2. The two impellers 2 ', 2 are one behind the other and rotatable about a common axis of rotation 29 in the here three housing parts housing 10 housed. The inlet 13 is located on the right side of the housing 10 for crankcase ventilation gas to be de-oiled. Radially outside of the blades 20 of the first impeller 2 ' a first oil precipitation and oil collection surface 15, from which goes down a first oil outlet 16.

From a first area of the housing 10, in which the Impeller 2 'is arranged, leads a transfer opening 113 in a second part of the housing 10, in which the second Impeller 2 is arranged. This impeller 2 also has Blades 20. Located radially outside of these blades 20 there is also an area of oil precipitation and oil collection 15, which also goes down into an oil outlet 16 empties.

At the top left in Figure 4 is the outlet 14 for the de-oiled Crankcase ventilation gas recognizable.

The two wheels 2 ', 2 are driven together here again via a contactless drive, why the left in Figure 4 impeller 2 with an arrangement is equipped with permanent magnets 25, such as already explained earlier. The wheels 2 ', 2 are together non-rotatably connected.

Bearings 24, 24 'serve to support the impellers 2', 2, by means of which the impellers 2 ', 2 on the housing-fixed Shaft 17 are mounted.

To ensure a favorable flow in the area of the inlet 13, the impeller 2 'located there is also a hub 21 'formed towards the inlet 13 in its Diameter is becoming smaller and smaller. In addition, the hub 21 'formed as a precursor 26, the blades of the precursor 26 a favorable transition of the inflowing Cause gas to the blades 20 of the impeller 2 '. Have on their left side in Figure 4 both impellers 2 ', 2 each have a supporting base plate 22.

Figure 5 shows an oil separator 1, which is characterized is that this is a double-flow oil separator 1 acts. This oil separator 1 is mirror-symmetrical to a perpendicular to the plane of the drawing Middle level trained and has left and right an inlet 13 for crankcase ventilation gas to be oiled. The housing 10 of the oil separator 1 has two housing halves, each in each half an impeller 2 is arranged, the impellers 2 are arranged mirror-symmetrically. Open upwards the interiors of the two parts of the housing 10 into one common outlet 14 for the de-oiled crankcase ventilation gas.

The two wheels 2 are here again on one common shaft 17 fixed to the housing with the help of bearings 24 rotatably mounted. The impellers 2 are driven again contactless by means of an electrical Drive 3. In a partition between the two Parts of the. Housing 10 coils 33 are arranged, the via an electrical line 34 with a suitable one Voltage are supplied. In the two wheels 2 are in contrast to the coils 33 again permanent magnets 25 arranged the impeller side part of the drive 3 form.

Radially outside of the vanes 20 of each impeller 2 here also an oil precipitation and oil collection area 15 on the inside of the associated part of the housing 10 is formed. Each of these ends at the bottom Surfaces 15 in an oil outlet 16.

Figure 6 shows an oil separator 1, in which between the Outlet 14 and inlet 13 for the crankcase ventilation gas a return line 19 is present. In the course this return line 19 is an adjustable Throttle body 19 'in the form of a pivotable throttle valve arranged. With this throttle member 19 ' the passage cross section of the return line 19 as required adjust or close completely. Via this return line 19 can be at least part of the oil separator 1 coming crankcase ventilation gas from Outlet 14 are led back to inlet 13, so that a Part of the gas passes through the oil separator 1 several times.

The oil separator 1 per se is only in an external view in FIG. 6 shown so that only the housing 10 with the Drive 3 attached to the right is visible. That in Inside the housing 10 arranged impeller 2 is in dashed lines Lines indicated.

Figure 7 shows in the left and in the right half each a version of the impeller 2.

To the left of the center line, which here is also the Axis of rotation 29 of the impeller 2, the impeller 2 is as open impeller, the blades 20 radial end freely outside. The radially inner part of the impeller 2 forms the hub 21, in the lower part of which in FIG Arrangement of permanent magnets 25 is provided. Radial The coils 33 lie on the outside of the permanent magnets 25 as part of the drive, a coil 33 being visible here is.

In the right half of Figure 7, the impeller 2 is as closed impeller. Here are the blades 20 at its end remote from the hub 21 connected to one another via a circumferential cover disk 122.

At the bottom in FIG. 7, the right impeller 2 has a base plate 22, in which the permanent magnets 25 are attached are. Below this permanent magnet 25 is one of the Coils 33 as part of the contactless electric drive the impeller 2.

The emerging flows of the crankcase ventilation gas with these two wheels are each indicated by flow arrows.

Figure 8 shows an oil separator 1, which is characteristic is that in addition to the impeller 2 on the inflow side Forerunner 26 and downstream guide vanes 28 ' having.

At the far left in FIG. 8 is the inlet 13 for the oil to be de-oiled Crankcase ventilation gas visible. In the direction of flow the crankcase ventilation gas follows thereafter the precursor 26, which is already for a flow swirl of the crankcase ventilation gas in the sense of the drawn helical flow arrow provides.

The blades 20 then continue in the flow direction of the impeller 2, which again here on a housing-fixed Shaft 17 rotatable with the help of plain bearings 24, 24 ' is stored.

Radially outside of the blades 20 is the inner surface the housing 10, the oil precipitation and oil collection surface 15, which is connected to the bottom of the oil outlet 16 is. Because the lower limit of the interior of the oil separator 1, which is formed by the housing 10, a continuous Inclines in the direction of flow also comes Oil that is already in the area of the precursor 26 on the has deposited inner surface of the housing 10, through the action of gravity and the rousing effect the gas flow to the outlet 16.

Further in the flow direction follows after the blades 20 the arrangement of guide vanes 28 ', which for a favorable flow transition of the gas into the outlet 14, which is up here on the housing 10, worry.

On the far right in Figure 8 is the non-contact electrical Drive 3 can be seen, which is in its own housing part 18 is housed. For electrical energy supply again serves an electrical line 34. Im Inside the housing part 18 is a non-rotatable with a Motor shaft 31 of the motor 30 connected disc 32, in the an arrangement of permanent magnets 35 housed is. Opposite these permanent magnets 35 separated by a wall forming part of the housing 10, the permanent magnets 25 of the impeller 2.

Figure 9 shows an embodiment of the oil separator 1, for which is characteristic of having heaters 6, 6 ' having.

On the far right in FIG. 9 is the inlet 13 for the oil to be de-oiled Crankcase ventilation gas visible. The housing 10 of the oil separator 1 again consists of two housing parts 11, 12, along a parting plane 10 'with each other are connected. The impeller 2 inside the housing 10 is here again on a shaft fixed to the housing 17 rotatably supported by means of slide bearings 24, 24 '. In front of the blades 20 of the impeller 2 there is also a Precursor 26 provided with a portion of the hub 21st the impeller 2 is connected. This part of the hub 21 is in turn firmly connected to the remaining impeller 2, for example welded.

Radial outside of the blades 20 is again here the oil precipitation and oil collection surface 15 are present, the at the bottom into the oil outlet 16.

A first heating device 6 is on the outside on the bottom Part of the housing 10 in the field of oil precipitation and Oil collecting surface 15 is provided. With this, the surface 15 of the interior of the housing to which the oil is attached precipitates, which makes the oil more flowable and flows faster to outlet 16.

A second heating device 6 'is inside the housing Shaft 17 is provided and is used in the area the bearings 24, 24 'for lubrication of existing lubricants to heat and thereby the bearing friction in the bearings 24, 24 'to reduce. This will make the default Drive power reaches a higher speed of the impeller 2.

On the far left in FIG. 9 is a small part of the housing part 18 for receiving the non-contact electrical Drive recognizable. In the left Base plate 22 of the impeller 2 are two of the permanent magnets 25 recognizable for the rotary drive of the impeller 2.

FIG. 10 shows a section of an oil separator 1, in which an arrangement of adjustable in the inlet 13 Vorleitschaufeln 28 is provided. The arrangement includes In the example shown, a total of four guide vanes 28, the at a distance of 90 ° through the inlet 13 to the Axis of rotation 29 are arranged around and radially outwards point.

An actuator 5 is used to adjust the guide vanes 28 in the form of an electric actuator, the above in Figure 10 is partially shown. Over a wave 50 becomes an adjustment movement caused by the actuator 5 on the individual guide vanes 28 synchronously transfer. So that there are no secondary flow paths for gases in the Inlet 13 in or out of inlet 13 in the area the shaft 50 can arise, this is a gas-tight Housing 51 sealed.

Depending on the position of the guide vanes 28, these can be used the inflowing crankcase ventilation gas with a Flow swirl are applied to the further flow guidance in the area of the blades 20 of the impeller 2 favorably influenced. Of the impeller 2 is only in Figure 10 a small part located near the inlet 13 is visible. Located in the center of the impeller 2 and its blades 20 the housing-fixed shaft 17 on which the impeller 2 around its Axis of rotation 29 with the help of the bearing 24 'and visible here another, not visible bearing rotatably is.

Figure 11 shows an embodiment of the oil separator 1, the partly in the valve cover 40 'of an associated internal combustion engine 4 is spatially integrated. In the valve cover 40 'are the inlet 13, the oil outlet 16 and the part of the housing receiving the impeller 2 is formed.

The impeller 2 has a hub at its center 21, which merges to the left into a base plate 22. With the hub 21 and the base plate 22 are the blades 20 made in one piece. Also in here again the base plate 22, the permanent magnets 25 as the impeller side Part of the non-contact drive 3 attached.

Radially outside of the blades 20 lies within the Valve cover 40 'the oil precipitation and oil collection surface 15, from which the oil outlet 16 leads away at the bottom right in FIG. 11.

The recess in the valve cover 40 'in which the impeller 2 is arranged towards the outside, i.e. in Figure 11 to the left, through a plate-shaped part of the housing 10 tightly closed. On the outside, in figure 11 So on the left side of this plate-shaped housing part is the drive 3, the electrical Line 34 can be supplied with electrical energy. Below goes the gas outlet 14 for the cleaned crankcase ventilation gas from. The gas outlet 14 overflows part of its length through the outside of the valve cover 40 'lying part of the housing 10 of the oil separator 1. The free end of the gas outlet 14 is here as Hose connector designed to which a hose to continue the de-oiled crankcase ventilation gas can be connected.

Figure 12 shows in its left and right halves two versions of the oil separator 1, each with a conventional oil separator 8 or 8 'connected in series are.

At the top in FIG. 12, the impeller 2 with its blades 20 lies within the housing 10, the axis of rotation 29 of the impeller 2 running vertically here. Radially outside of the blades 20 of the impeller 2, the inner surface of the housing 10 is also designed as an oil precipitation and oil collecting surface 15 and is connected to an oil outlet 16 visible at the top left in FIG. The outlet 14 for the cleaned crankcase ventilation gas is located at the top right on the top of the housing 10. The parts of the oil separator 1 described so far are identical for the two designs shown in FIG.
The oil separator 1 shown in the left half of FIG. 12 is preceded by a knitted body 81 as a conventional oil separator 8, which is arranged in the interior of a pot-shaped lower housing part. The inlet 13 for the crankcase ventilation gas to be oiled opens laterally from the left into this lower housing part. On its way into the area of the impeller 2, the crankcase ventilation gas with its full volume flow must first flow through the knitted body 81, a first separation of oil droplets already taking place. The oil separated in the knitted fabric 81 flows downward under the action of gravity and flows out there via an oil drain 80, for example into the oil pan of an associated internal combustion engine.

After flowing through the knitted body 81, the now partially de-oiled crankcase ventilation gas in the area of the impeller 2. This ensures on the one hand by centrifugal force for further separation of Oil mist from the crankcase ventilation gas and the other through its promotional effect for the abolition of the differential pressure caused by the knitted body 81. Finally, the deoiled gas leaves the oil separator 1 through the gas outlet 14.

The upstream is in the right half of FIG conventional oil separator 8 'formed by a cyclone. By a top right in the area of this cyclone lying tangential inlet 13 reaches the oil to be de-oiled Crankcase ventilation gas inside the oil separator 8 'and gets into a rotating vortex flow added. This already becomes part of the oil droplets thrown outwards by centrifugal force and separated. From the inner surface of the cyclone Oil separator 8 'flows the precipitated Oil gravitating down to the very bottom provided oil drain 80 '. The crankcase ventilation gas passes through a central overflow opening Oil separator 8 'upwards in the area of the impeller 2, here too, on the one hand, for further oil separation and secondly, through its promotional effect for an abolition the differential pressure caused by the cyclone provides.

Figure 13 shows two versions of a two-stage oil separator 1, with one version in the upper and is shown in the lower half of FIG.

In the upper half of FIG. 13 this is in the direction of flow seen first impeller 2 'with a rotating Filter body 27 provided by the crankcase ventilation gas Is flowable in the radial direction, such as is indicated by the flow arrows.

This now comes from the area of the first impeller 2 ' partially de-oiled crankcase ventilation gas through the Transfer opening 113 in the area of the second impeller 2, which runs without a rotating filter body is.

The two impellers 2 ', 2 are in a common housing 10 arranged, this one except for the transfer opening 113 closed partition between the two Impellers 2 ', 2 has.

Radially outside of each impeller 2 ', 2 there is one each Oil precipitation and oil collection surface 15, the down out into an oil outlet 16 each.

In the example shown in the lower half of FIG. 13 of the oil separator 1 is in the direction of flow seen first impeller 2 'with a precursor 26 with short Equipped with blades. Further in the direction of flow This is followed by a filter body rotating with the impeller 2 ' 27, which here essentially in the axial direction of is flowable through the crankcase ventilation gas. For this the base plate 22 'of the impeller 2' is gas permeable, e.g. with holes. It is also in figure 13 left side of the base plate 22 'with compressor blades 20 'occupied to generate the desired promotional effect and at the same time to act upon the crankcase ventilation gas emerging from the base plate 22 ' serve with a centrifugal force.

The second impeller 2 is in the execution of the oil separator 1 according to the lower half of Figure 13 with the Impeller 2 according to the upper half of Figure 13 identical.

The gas outlet 14 for the cleaned crankcase ventilation gas is located at the top left in the area of the housing 10 and here has an axial outflow direction for the cleaned Gas. Alternatively, the outlet 14 can also be tangential start from the upper left area of the housing 10, as indicated by dashed lines above in Figure 13 is.

Figure 14 shows a closed impeller 2, which is characteristic is that it has an air bearing.

The impeller 2 has a hub part 21 which is concentric is arranged to the axis of rotation 29. With a curved one The course runs radially from the hub part 21 to the base disk 22 outward. The blades 20 follow this course, so that the axially flowing crankcase ventilation gases be deflected in a radial direction.

Concentric to the axis of rotation 29 here is a housing-fixed Shaft 17 provided which is hollow in its interior and there forms an air duct 117. From this air duct 117 several cross bores 117 'go off to the outer circumference the shaft 17 lead. On the outer circumference of shaft 17 are sleeve-shaped bearings in the area of the transverse bores 117 ' 24, 24 'provided. By introducing compressed air through the air duct 117 and the transverse bores 117 'in the Gap area between the shaft 17 and the bearings 24, 24 ' an air cushion is formed there, which is particularly suitable for a low bearing friction ensures. So that is given at Driving force a particularly high speed of the Impeller 2 reached.

Figures 15a and 15b show in longitudinal section and in Cross section two versions of the impeller 2 with one non-contact integrated in the area of the hub 21 Drive 3 with magnetic bearings for the impeller 2. Here is One version each in the upper and in the lower half 15a and 15b shown.

The impeller 2 has a hub part in both versions 21, which faces the inlet on the left, the is not shown, tapered continuously. To the right the hub area 21 merges into the base disk 22. in the Transition area from the hub part 21 to the base disk 22 the blades 20 of the impeller 2 are arranged. The Impeller 2 is connected here to a rotatable shaft 17 ', the outside of the impeller in not shown here Way is rotatably mounted.

In the case in the upper half of FIG. 15a and the figure 15b shown forms the housing 10 of the oil separator an annular gap-shaped space that the shaft 17 ' surrounds. The coils are in this annular gap-shaped space 33 of the contactless electric drive 3 housed and via electrical lines 34 with electrical Energy available.

In the embodiment according to the lower half of Figure 15a and FIG. 15b, the housing 10 forms a shaft 17 ' open receiving area for the coils 33, whereby here the coils 33 only with a small air gap of the shaft 17 are spaced.

Inside the shaft 17 'are distributed over its circumference in contrast to the coils 33 permanent magnets 25 used in connection with the coils 33 the non-contact form electric drive 3.

Figures 16a and 16b show the same representation like Figures 15a and 15b two other versions the impeller 2 with contactless electric drive Third

The impeller 2 is again included in all versions an upstream rounded and otherwise hollow cylindrical Hub part 21 executed to the right in the base plate 22 merges. The blades 20 are with the hollow cylindrical part of the hub 21 and the base plate 22 formed in one piece.

A bearing-fixed, fixed shaft 17.

In the shown in the upper half of Figure 16a and 16b Version sits on the outside of the housing Shaft 17 an arrangement of electromagnets 33, which electrical lines 34 can be supplied with electrical energy are. This arrangement follows radially outwards the magnet 33 is a sleeve-shaped arrangement of the permanent magnets 25, with a small movement gap here is kept free. The sleeve-shaped arrangement of the permanent magnets 25 is twisted on its outer circumference connected to the inner circumference of the hub 21 of the impeller 2. The sleeve-shaped arrangement of the permanent magnets 25 with the coil arrangement 33 a plain bearing and at the same time the contactless electric drive 3.

The arrangement is in the lower half of FIGS. 16a and 16b of the electromagnetic coils on the inside the hollow shaft 17 attached to the housing. Radially outside from the hollow shaft 17 there is another one sleeve-shaped arrangement of permanent magnets 25, the again with the inner circumference of the hollow hub part 21 of the impeller 2 is non-rotatably connected. there lies between the sleeve-shaped arrangement of the permanent magnets 25 and the outer circumference of the shaft 17 a movement gap before, whereby here a plain bearing for the rotatable Storage of the impeller 2 is formed.

FIG. 17 shows a section of an oil separator, the cutout the inlet 13 and a small part of the impeller 2 shows. It is essential here that within the inlet 13 an adjustable in its axial direction Throttle body 131 is arranged. Here is the throttle body 131 in the upper and lower half of the Figure 17 shown in two different positions.

The throttle body has in the lower half of FIG 131 assumed its opening position in which it followed on the left, i.e. towards the inlet 13, of the impeller 2 is moved away. This is the outer circumference of the throttle body 131 from an end edge 130 'of a concentric one Partition 130 removed. Radially inside of this concentric intermediate wall 130 runs the path of the crankcase ventilation gas in the area of the impeller 2. Outside this concentric partition 31 a ring channel 132 as a bypass channel that the area of the impeller 2 bypasses.

In the position shown in Figure 17 in the lower half of the throttle body 131 flows most of the Crankcase ventilation gas to impeller 2, where the oil separation done in the manner described above.

In the position shown in the upper half of Figure 17 of the throttle body 131 lies with its outer circumference at the free end edge 130 'of the concentric Partition 130 on, so that the flow path for the crankcase ventilation gas in the area of the impeller 2 is blocked. The total amount of crankcase ventilation gas now flows through the bypass duct 132nd

On the left in FIG. 17 there is another in dashed lines alternative form of the adjustable throttle body as Throttle body 131 'indicated.

To guide the adjustable throttle body 131, 131 ' the shaft 17 from the impeller 2 to the left, that is, in the direction to the inlet 13, extended, the throttle body 131, 131 'is hollow at its center and so on the shaft 17 is axially displaceable.

The throttle body 131, 131 'forms in this embodiment thus a combined throttle and valve member 13 ''. The The throttle body 131, 131 'can be in the closed position, for example as a shut-off function to avoid unwanted Chimney effect when the internal combustion engine is at a standstill be used.

Figure 18 shows an example of the interaction of a Oil separator 1 with an internal combustion engine 4 and associated other parts.

The internal combustion engine 4 has a crankcase 40, from which a crankcase ventilation line 43 goes off. This line 43 leads to the inlet via a throttle element 13 ' 13 of the oil separator 1.

In the oil separator 1, which is shown only schematically here is the impeller 2.On the left of the oil separator 1 is the outlet 14 for the de-oiled crankcase ventilation gas arranged. Via another throttle element 14 ' the outlet 14 is connected to a further gas line 44. This gas line 44 opens into an intake line 41, through which the internal combustion engine 4 for the Air required for combustion is supplied. Through an exhaust pipe 42 the combustion exhaust gases leave the internal combustion engine 4th

The oil outlet is located at the lower part of the oil separator 1 16, via an oil return line 45 to the crankcase 40 of the internal combustion engine 4 is connected. By this oil return line 45 becomes the separated oil returned the oil sump in the crankcase 40.

18 shows a return line 19, the leads from the outlet 14 to the inlet 13 of the oil separator 1. in the Course of this return line 19 is a check valve 19 'provided that a gas flow only in the direction from outlet 14 to inlet 13 and thus cleaning of the crankcase ventilation gas in a "small" Circulation allowed.

As indicated in dashed lines, alternatively the return line 19 instead of to the inlet 13 to The crankcase 40 of the internal combustion engine 4 can be guided. Even with this alternative route of the return line 19 is in the course of the check valve 19 ' Determination of the desired flow direction provided as is also indicated in dashed lines. In this version is a cleaning of the crankcase ventilation gas in a "larger" cycle that the Includes crankcase 40, possible. This mode of operation is e.g. after the internal combustion engine has been switched off 4 in a time-limited wake of the oil separator 1 meaningful.

Finally, FIG. 18 also shows a regulating or control device 7, the electrical wiring with sensors and actuators is connected. Sensors can, for example Elements for detecting the speed of the impeller 2 or to record gas temperatures before or in or behind the oil separator 1 or for the detection of Gas pressures in front of or in or behind the oil separator 1 his. Actuators are actuators for the adjustable ones Throttle bodies 13 ', 14' and a variable drive of the impeller 2 of the oil separator 1, which by means of the control or control unit 7 in accordance with the measured values recorded in their desired state or condition Position can be influenced. The aim of these measures is, on the one hand, the greatest possible oil separation to reach from the crankcase ventilation gas and at the same time the pressure in the crankcase 40 of the internal combustion engine 4 to be kept within specified limits.

To indicate the correct condition or to display of errors, the regulating or control device 7 can permanently connected, perceptible by a driver or only as part of an inspection and maintenance Diagnostic display to be connected and readable by the maintenance personnel 70 assigned.

As indicated at the bottom left in FIG. 18, one can also Arrangement with two oil separators 1 can be used, if correspondingly large amounts of crankcase ventilation gas are to be de-oiled. The use of two smaller oil separators 1 cheaper than the application of a single, correspondingly larger oil separator.

Figure 19 shows a schematic representation of an oil separator with two mutually identical oil separators 1, which are connected in parallel to each other.

Each oil separator 1 again has an impeller 2 and one inlet 13 each for crankcase ventilation gas to be oiled, an outlet 14 for the de-oiled crankcase ventilation gas and an oil outlet 16 for the deposited Oil.

The inlet 13 is each with a pipe section 43 'connected. On the other hand, every oil separator is each with a pipe section 41 'connected in turn via a line section 44 with the outlet 14 of the oil separator 1 is connected. The outlet 16 each oil separator 1 is each with a pipe section 45 'connected. The pipe sections 41 ', 43 'and 45' of the oil separator 1 connected in parallel run each in flight with each other and are at their Ends equipped with connecting flanges 141, 143, 145. About these connecting flanges 141, 143, 145 can any number of oil separators 1 to each other the oil separator with the desired number of oil separators 1 connected in parallel.

On the far right are short sections of further ones Lines 41, 43, 45 can be seen, the line 43 from the crankcase of an associated internal combustion engine comes, line 41 to the intake tract of the internal combustion engine leads and the line 45 in the crankcase Internal combustion engine leads.

The connecting flanges 141 on the far left 143, 145, to which no further oil separator 1 can be connected are to be closed with flange plates.

The oil separators 1 according to FIG. 19 can also each a return line 19 between the outlet 14 and the Inlet 13 of the oil separator 1 may be provided.

Figure 20 shows an embodiment of the oil separator 1 with an integrated brushless electric motor 30 as a drive 3 for the impeller 2. Since the motor 30 brushless In principle, none can be used here Electric motor 30 arise, so that the motor 30 in this Version in contact with crankcase ventilation gas can come without the risk of inflammation of the Crankcase ventilation gas as it passes through there is the oil separator 1.

Otherwise, the oil separator 1 corresponds to FIG. 20 the oil separator already shown and described in FIG. 1 1.

Figure 21 finally shows in a similar to Figure 6 Representation of an embodiment of the oil separator 1, the over the features already shown and explained in Figure 6 with a conditioning device 9 Is provided.

The conditioning device 9 can be different Executions and thus have different functions.

At the bottom left in FIG. 21 is the first embodiment of the conditioning device 9 shows a feed connection 90, through which a gas or gases, for example a Noble gas, in the flow of the crankcase ventilation gas, through inlet 13 to impeller 2 of oil separator 1 flows, is admitted. This allows the crankcase ventilation gas special, for oil separation or for the further use of the de-oiled crankcase ventilation gas more favorable properties are awarded.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 21, the feed line connection opens 90 in the return line 19, which here between outlet 14 and inlet 13 for the crankcase ventilation gas is provided.

A second embodiment of the conditioning device 9 comprises means for generating an electrostatic charge of the crankcase ventilation gas. This includes the conditioning device a voltage source 91, that about non-numbered lines with an electrode 91 'is connected. The electrode 91 'surrounds one here Part of the inlet 13 and part of the housing 10, namely the left housing part 11 of the oil separator 1. Due to the electrostatic charge of the oil mist in the Oil droplet forming crankcase ventilation gas can their separation in the oil separator 1 are improved. There the electrode 91 'is outside the housing 10 here there is no risk of ignition for the crankcase ventilation gas.

Claims (30)

Oil separator (1) for cleaning oil mist-containing crankcase ventilation gas of an internal combustion engine (4), having a housing (10) with an inlet (13) for the crankcase ventilation gas, an outlet (14) for the cleaned gas and an oil outlet (16), wherein at least one rotationally drivable, rotating oil separating element is arranged in the housing (10) and an inner surface of a wall area of the housing (10) radially outside the oil separating element is designed as an oil precipitation and oil collecting surface (15) and is connected to the oil outlet (16),
characterized, that the oil separating element is a component in the form of an impeller (2) equipped with blades (20) and also acting as a rotor and compressor, the rotating impeller (2) displacing the inflowing crankcase ventilation gas into a rotating entrained oil mist particle with a centrifugal force is and at the same time a promotional effect on the crankcase ventilation gas in a direction from the inlet (13) to the gas outlet (14) of the oil separator (1) can be exerted. Oil separator according to the preamble of claim 1 or according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotating oil separating element or impeller (2) without an axle bushing to the outside inside the housing (10) which is sealed apart from the inlets and outlets (13, 14, 16). mounted and can be rotated without contact by a drive (3) arranged outside the interior of the housing (10) through which the crankcase ventilation gas flows. Oil separator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the housing (10) and the impeller (2) are designed in the form of a radial or axial compressor or in a mixed form of the two. Oil separator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is designed in the form of a multi-stage and / or a multi-flow compressor. Oil separator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contactless drive (3) of the impeller (2) is a magnetic coupling (25, 35) or an eddy current coupling as well as an electrically or hydraulically or pneumatically drivable motor (30) or one of the internal combustion engine ( 4) derived mechanical drive includes. Oil separator according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the contactless drive (3) of the impeller (2) comprises an integrated brushless electric motor (30). Oil separator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the impeller (2) can be driven at a constant speed. Oil separator according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the impeller (2) can be driven at a variable speed which is adapted to a respective operating state of the internal combustion engine (4). Oil separator according to the preamble of claim 1 or according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in or in front of the inlet (13) for the crankcase ventilation gas and / or in or behind the outlet (14) for the cleaned gas (each) an adjustable throttle member (13 ', 14') or (each) an adjustable combined throttle and valve member (13 '') is provided. Oil separator according to the preamble of claim 1 or according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a return line (19) branches off from the outlet (14) for the cleaned gas, which leads either to the inlet (13) for the crankcase ventilation gas or into the crankcase (40 ) of the associated internal combustion engine (4), an adjustable throttle or valve member and / or a check valve (19 ') being arranged in the course of the return line (19). Oil separator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the impeller (2) is designed as an open, high-speed impeller. Oil separator according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the impeller is designed as a closed impeller (2) with a cover plate (122). Oil separator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the impeller (2) is designed on the inflow side with precursors (26). Oil separator according to the preamble of claim 1 or according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more different, conventional oil separators (8, 8 ') are connected upstream or downstream or in parallel therewith. Oil separator according to the preamble of claim 1 or according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the housing (10) in the course of the flow path of the crankcase ventilation gas there is a stationary and / or a filter body (15 ') rotating with the rotating oil separating element or impeller (2). 27), preferably made of a foam or a knitted fabric Oil separator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that fixed or adjustable guide vanes (28) are connected upstream of the impeller (2) and / or fixed or adjustable guide vanes (28 ') are connected downstream. Oil separator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the impeller (2) is rotatably arranged on a fixed shaft (17) or fixedly on a rotatably mounted shaft (17 '), that the impeller (2) is overhung or tensioned and that at least one plain bearing or roller bearing or air cushion bearing or magnetic bearing is provided as the bearing (24, 24 ') for the rotatable mounting of the impeller (2) or the shaft (17'). Oil separator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the impeller (2) is equipped on both sides with blades (20, 20 ') or that in the case of an impeller (2) equipped on one side with blades (20), at least one of the impellers with blades (20 ) equipped side of the impeller (2) with its other side connecting pressure compensation opening (23) is attached. Oil separator according to the preamble of claim 1 or according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surfaces of the housing (10) and of the rotating oil separating element or impeller (2) which come into contact with the crankcase ventilation gas and the oil are provided with a coating which repels deposits , Oil separator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (10) is designed with two housing parts (11, 12) with a housing parting plane (10 ') running around the oil precipitation and oil collecting surface (15). Oil separator according to the preamble of claim 1 or according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (10) is in several parts and that at least a part (12) of the housing (10) as an integral part of the associated internal combustion engine (4), in particular of whose crankcase (40) or control housing or cylinder head cover (40 ') is formed. Oil separator according to the preamble of claim 1 or according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the oil separator (1) is equipped with a heating device (6) which is used to heat at least the wall area of the housing (15) serving as an oil precipitation and oil collecting surface (15). 10) and / or for heating a part of the housing (10) supporting the rotating oil separating element or impeller (2). Oil separator according to the preamble of claim 1 or according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that this is assigned a regulating or control device (7) with which the function of the oil separator (1) at least by varying the speed of the rotating oil separating element or impeller ( 2) can be adapted to the current operating state of the internal combustion engine (4), preferably by accessing an engine map stored digitally in an electronic engine control and regulating unit. Oil separator according to Claim 23, characterized in that sensors (71, 71 ', 72, 72') are provided in or on the oil separator (1) with which parameters relevant for the operation of the oil separator (1), in particular the actual speed of the rotating oil separator element or impeller (2), gas pressure upstream and / or downstream of the rotating oil separator element or impeller (2), gas volume flow through the oil separator (1), temperature of the inflowing crankcase ventilation gas and / or the outgoing clean gas and / or the oil separator (1) itself or its drive (3), can be detected and passed on to the regulating or control device (7), and that in or on the oil separator (1) actuators (5) are provided with which the operation of the oil separator (1) influencing adjustable organs , in particular the drive (3) or the throttle elements (13 ', 14') or the throttle and valve elements (13 '') or the guide vanes (28), are adjustable. Oil separator according to the preamble of claim 1 or according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a conditioning device (9) which acts physically and / or chemically on the crankcase ventilation gas flowing through. Oil separator according to claim 25, characterized in that by means of the conditioning device (9) gases, eg noble gases, can be supplied to the crankcase ventilation gas which flows into the oil separator (1) or which flows through the oil separator (1) or which flows away from the oil separator (1) , Oil separator according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that by means of the conditioning device (9) the crankcase ventilation gas which flows through the oil separator (1) and / or at least part of the oil separator (1) can be set into an ultrasonic oscillation. Oil separator according to claim 25, 26 or 27, characterized in that. By means of the conditioning device (9) the crankcase ventilation gas which flows through the oil separator (1) can be electrostatically charged. Oil separating device, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of oil separators (1) connected in parallel according to one of the preceding claims. Oil separator according to Claim 29, characterized in that the plurality of oil separators (1) are identical to one another and can be connected to one another in a desired number in a modular manner.

Images