EP2603674B1 - Hollow body with integrated oil separator - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an at least partially hollow cylindrical trained and hereinafter referred to as a hollow body with integrated Ölabscheideeinrichtung, wherein in a cavity of the hollow body, a swirl generator is arranged, wherein the hollow body has at least one end feed opening for introducing oil laden gas into the cavity and wherein the hollow body has at least one discharge opening for discharging separated oil and for discharging oil-free gas. The oil separation device is provided in particular in internal combustion engines of the cylinder head cover. Accordingly, the invention also relates to a cylinder head cover comprising a hollow body with integrated oil separator.

In the context of the present invention, the term "swirl generator" is understood to mean, in particular, a body which itself has flow-through channels for oil-laden gas or which together with the hollow body in which it is arranged forms throughflow channels for oil-laden gas, the flow-through channels impose a twist on the gas flow. Due to the swirl, there is a deposition of oil on the walls of the flow channels.

In internal combustion engines and piston compressors leakage losses are observed in practice, which are due to an incomplete seal. These leakage losses are referred to as blowby gas and contain a significant amount of oil. Related to internal combustion engines, it is therefore common to pass the blow-by gas accumulating on the camshaft back into the intake tract of the internal combustion engine. On the one hand to minimize the loss of oil by blow-by gas and on the other hand an optimal combustion and to ensure minimum environmental impact, it is known to subject the blowby gas to oil separation and to return the separated oil back into the oil circuit purchase. There is a desire to design appropriate oil separation systems as simple as possible but still reliable and efficient.

A hollow body with integrated Ölabscheideeinrichtung with the features described above is known from DE 10 2004 011 177 A1 known. Within a cylindrical housing there is disposed a helical swirl generator which rotates the blowby gas passed through, which is also referred to as oil mist or oil-laden gas, due to the flow along the check passage formed by the swirl generator. As a result of this rotation, oil droplets are thrown outwards and can thus settle on the wall of the hollow body and subsequently be removed. In order to achieve the most complete possible separation of the oil, in addition to a change in the pitch and / or the diameter of the individual flights also the arrangement of several swirl generator is proposed in succession, in which case the direction of rotation can be changed in the various swirl generators. Although the separation of several swirl generators can improve the separation efficiency, undesirably large flow and pressure losses can then result.

A generic Ölabscheideeinrichtung with the features described above is also from the US 2003/0033791 A1 known. Behind the swirl generator, an annular space is provided for discharging the oil into which the oil deposited on the inner wall can be removed. To limit the flow, a collar is provided on an internal channel to restrict the annulus inwardly. Immediately on the inner wall of the flow cross-section for the oil and a portion of the gas flow remains free.

Furthermore, multi-stage separation devices are known, which are composed as separate units of several modules. Such separation devices require an undesirably large installation space, especially if they are to be integrated into a cylinder head cover. Such a separator is for example from the DE 101 27 820 A1 known.

Against this background, the present invention seeks to provide a generic hollow body with integrated oil separator, by the improved production of oil from blow-by gases is possible at the lowest possible manufacturing cost.

According to the invention this object is achieved by a hollow body with the features of claim 1. According to the invention, the swirl generator integrated into the hollow body, which forms a first oil separation stage here, is downstream of an oil separator seen in the direction of flow and acts as a second oil separation stage. The swirl generator and the Ölabscheidering are advantageously arranged coaxially in the cavity of the hollow body.

The swirl generator is advantageously designed as a body extending in the axial direction of the hollow body, which has or forms at least one screw flight circumferentially, so that at least one flow path for guiding the introduced oil-laden one is provided by the screw flight between the body of the swirl generator and the inner wall of the hollow body Gas and is formed for the inner wall side deposition of oil particles. In this case, the blowby gas to be liberated from the oil can flow into the hollow body through the end-side feed opening.

The hollow body may for example have the shape of a simple tube, in which case the feed opening may be formed by an open end of this tube. When the blow-by gas enters through the end-side feed opening, the swirl generator is flowed axially or at least substantially axially as the first oil separation stage, in which case the swirl generator causes a rotational movement of the gas to be liberated from the oil. In addition to the end-side feed opening but also other, in particular radial openings can be provided.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the body of the swirl generator at least partially on a second flight. As a result, at least partially two parallel flow paths are formed. The design of the hollow body with two screw threads is advantageously provided in the initial region of the swirl generator, and the feed openings are arranged such that the incoming oil-laden air (blowby gas) - substantially without fluidic resistors or with minimized fluidic resistances - in the interior of the hollow body is passed. Since the blow-by gas is sucked into the cavity of the hollow body essentially by a negative pressure generated in the interior of the hollow body, it is attempted to substantially maintain this underpressure by minimizing flow resistances. The required negative pressure can be generated for example by a coupled to the cavity of the camshaft pump. The second flight is advantageously designed so that it extends approximately over half of a complete screw winding of a total of 360 °. Without limitation, three or even more parallel flow paths, which are separated by flights, may be provided.

The or each worm gear may be formed such that the pitch of the respective worm gear varies. Preferably, the slopes of the two flights are the same size, wherein the slope is predetermined by the total extent of the first flight or is dependent on the requirements of the same. Advantageously, the pitch varies such that the distances between the screw walls of a screw flight and thus the cross section of the flow paths or flow channels formed by the screw walls are reduced. This will blowby the gas during its flow path further accelerated and maintained in the cavity of the hollow body existing vacuum substantially.

For discharging the separated oil and / or the blowby gas cleaned by the oil, one or more discharge openings can be provided in the hollow body on the shell side, whereby the flow control element arranged in the cavity of the hollow body, cleaned of the oil, passes through the hollow body in the axial direction flowing gas is deflected in the direction of the radial discharge opening (s) to the outside. The separated oil, which flows in the direction of flow along the inner wall of the hollow body, is discharged out of the hollow body through one or more shell-side oil discharge openings arranged in front of the shell-side discharge openings for the gas in the flow direction. Furthermore, discharge openings may also be formed at an axial end opposite to the feed opening.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, a bypass channel is integrated in the swirl generator. The bypass channel can be formed by an axial, open on both sides through hole through the swirl generator. The bypass bore is pressure-dependent releasable via an integrated bypass valve. If, according to a preferred embodiment, at least one shell-side feed opening is provided in addition to the intended end-side feed opening according to the invention, a functional division can also be made with respect to these different feed openings. Thus, for example, it is possible for the at least shell-side opening to open into a flow path of the swirl generator, while the end-side feed opening is assigned to the bypass valve. In the context of such an embodiment, there is the advantage that already by the shell-side feed opening for the swirl generator due to the radial Inflow a certain twist can be generated, which is reinforced by the helical structure of the flow rule. By contrast, a bypass valve can be acted upon directly axially, for example against the force of a spring, via the end-side feed opening, although the blow-by gas flowing through the bypass bore is preferably deflected at the end of the swirl generator in such a way that it passes over the downstream one Oil separation ring is guided.

Another aspect of the present invention is concerned with an improvement of the separation efficiency, in particular a variable adaptation to low and high volume flows to be made possible. For this purpose, the swirl generator in a multi-stage embodiment on an input side, which is flowed by the supply port, have a shut-off device, which can release and close at least one of the flow paths formed between the screw flights. The obturator can be operated under pressure control in a particularly simple manner, wherein there is a first pressure between the swirl generator and the Ölabscheidering, wherein there is a second pressure on the input side of the swirl generator and wherein the at least one flow path depends on the pressure difference between the second pressure and the first Pressure released or closed.

Thus, an integrated oil separator or a first stage of Ölabscheideeinrichtung is disclosed in the form of a swirl generator, which is switchable depending on the differential pressure between the input side and output side of the swirl generator, that is, depending on the volume flow. Instead of a fixed geometry, which represents a compromise for different volume flows and occurring pressure differences, the described preferred embodiment allows for a wide range of the volume flow the blow-by gas a good separation efficiency with a simultaneously limited increase in pressure loss.

In the function of the swirl generator is to be considered that to generate the necessary for effective oil separation centrifugal force a certain flow velocity and corresponding to a certain differential pressure should be present. In order to maintain the desired pressure at a low volume flow of blowby gas, according to the preferred embodiment described, a small flow cross-section is to be provided in that only the access to one of the several flow paths is open. The deposition by one of the flow paths can be optimized for a pressure difference and a corresponding flow velocity, which already occur at a small volume flow.

In order to avoid excessive pressure losses with the increase in the volume flow, the flow cross-section is increased by the pressure-dependent operated obturator by another flow path between the flights or more flow paths are released. Thus, at least access to one of the flow paths below a predetermined pressure difference is expediently closed and will be released when the predetermined pressure difference in front of the shut-off element is exceeded.

Preferred is an embodiment in which the swirl generator has at least three screw flights and correspondingly three flow paths, wherein a second and a third flow path are released sequentially with increasing pressure difference from the obturator.

As further explained below, the obturator can be designed as a slide, bolt or the like, wherein the obturator by the acting Pressure difference, for example, against the force of a spring delivered. In particular, it may be provided that in the sequential release of further flow paths, the corresponding accesses are only partially opened in each case and finally completely opened in the case of a further stroke. It is usually provided that with a large pressure difference in an end position of the obturator all flow paths are opened in order to provide a maximum flow cross section for the oil separation.

Since even at low flow rates, a separation of oil from the blow-by gas is to take place, the access to a first flow path according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is always not completely closed. In the context of the invention are embodiments in which the access to the first flow path at a low pressure difference in a first end position of the obturator is completely open or obscured by the obturator part and thus partially closed, to further reduce the flow cross-section or to cause an increase in the differential pressure at particularly small volume flows.

In order to dissipate very large volume flows of blowby gas, which may occur, for example, at high loads of the internal combustion engine or a defect of the internal combustion engine, regardless of the flow paths formed between the screw flights also provided a further flow path in the form of the bypass channel described above be parallel to the flow paths delimited by the flights and provided on the input side with a previously described bypass valve.

So that the obturator is adjusted depending on the pressure difference between the input side and output side of the swirl generator, must be on one side the obturator the first pressure and act on the other side of the obturator of the second pressure. In particular, the bypass channel of the swirl generator can be provided for this purpose, which connects one side of the obturator with the space between swirl generator and oil separation ring.

For the further embodiment of the swirl generator and the obturator arise within the scope of the invention, various possibilities. Thus, the obturator can be arranged in an opening to the input side receiving space of the swirl generator, wherein the flow paths are each connected by an opening with the receiving space. By a longitudinal displacement of the obturator in the receiving space, the openings are released successively to the individual flow paths, wherein, as described above, preferably the first flow path in each position of the obturator is preferably at least not completely closed.

To be able to release the individual openings, fundamentally different measures are possible. Thus, the opening into the receiving space openings may for example be arranged along a circumferential line of the receiving space, in which case the obturator has at its input side facing the end of different depth, the individual openings associated recesses. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, however, it is provided that the openings for the different flow paths are arranged offset from each other in the longitudinal direction, wherein the obturator is designed as a simple inner bolt. Such an embodiment is characterized by a particularly simple construction, wherein the integration of the obturator in the swirl generator allows minimization of the installation space. With an embodiment of the obturator as longitudinally displaceable inner bolt can also more readily be opened and closed as three flow paths, wherein the inner bolt also allows easy integration of a bypass valve.

The movement of the inner bolt is usually limited by stops, whereby the inner bolt is simultaneously secured against falling out. Stops can be formed for example by steps within the receiving space, rings, screws or the like. When the inner pin is mounted in the production of the hollow body from the input side of the swirl generator, it is advisable to limit the range of movement of the bolt in the direction of the output side by a step and in the direction of the input side by a separate element in the form of a ring or a screw ,

In the described embodiment of the obturator as an inner bolt an exact fit must be maintained, which on the one hand allows a permanent mobility of the inner bolt and on the other hand ensures adequate sealing of the bolt relative to the receiving space.

While according to the described embodiment, the hollow body only has to have the end-side feed opening, on the one hand to act on the obturator with the second pressure and on the other hand to direct the blowby gas to the swirl generator, the hollow body according to an alternative embodiment, in addition to the end-side feed opening radial openings have, which are each assigned directly to one of the flow paths formed between the screw flights, in which case the obturator is designed as a sliding sleeve to control the direct entry of the blow-by gas in the individual flow paths pressure-dependent. In order to then act on the input side second pressure designed as a slide sleeve obturator, the end-side feed opening is provided.

In the described embodiment of the obturator as a sliding sleeve this is preferably arranged rotationally fixed on the swirl generator and provided with openings which are associated with the radial openings of the hollow body to release depending on the pressure difference, the individual flow paths sequentially. In particular, the radial openings of the hollow body may have the form of bores and be arranged along a circumferential line of the hollow body, wherein at least a portion of the openings of the sliding sleeve has the shape of elongated holes which extend in the longitudinal direction of the hollow body. In the arrangement of the radial openings along a circumferential line, there is the advantage that all flow paths of the swirl generator can have the same usable length for oil separation.

Even with an embodiment of the obturator as a sliding sleeve can be done in a particularly simple manner, a force support by a spring, wherein the sliding sleeve allows integration of a bypass valve.

The invention also provides a cylinder head cover with the previously described hollow body. The hollow body can be arranged on the inside of the hood and, in particular in the mounted state, run parallel to a camshaft covered by the cylinder head cover. Both individually or in combination provided measures allow a total reduction of space.

The blow-by gas to be cleaned flows into the hollow body through the end-side feed opening and / or further feed openings. In order to avoid that oil from the rotating camshaft is thrown directly into these openings, elements such as baffles or panels can be used, which obscure a direct line of sight between the end-side feed opening and / or other openings.

The cylinder head cover has a hood body, which covers at least one camshaft of an engine block. The hollow body according to the invention can be made as a separate part and attached to the hood body. Furthermore, there is the possibility that the hollow body is manufactured in one piece as a section of the hood body. It is also conceivable that the hollow body according to the invention is formed on the one hand by the hood body and on the other hand by a separate part. This separate part and a corresponding portion of the hood body can be brought together, for example, in the manner of half-shells.

Fig. 1

einen erfindungsgemäßen Hohlkörper mit integrierter Öl-abscheideeinrichtung in einer möglichen Ausführungs-form im Längsschnitt gesehen,

Fig. 2

einen Querschnitt durch den Hohlkörper gemäß Fig. 1 entlang der Schnittlinie A-A,

Fig. 3

einen in den Hohlkörper zu integrierenden Drallerzeuger in einer möglichen Ausführungsform in schematischer Darstellung,

Fig. 4a bis 4g

einen Ölabscheidering in unterschiedlichen möglichen Ausführungsformen,

Fig. 5

einen Querschnitt durch den Hohlkörper mit integrierter Ölabscheideeinrichtung mit Bypass-Kanal,

Fig. 6, 7

eine ausschnittsweise Darstellung des Hohlkörpers mit integriertem Drallkörper mit axial verschiebbarem Schneckengang(abschnitt),

Fig. 8

eine alternative Ausgestaltung des erfindungsgemäßen Hohlkörpers,

Fig. 9

der Drallerzeuger gemäß der Fig. 8 in einer perspektivischen Ansicht,

Fig. 10a und 10b

eine Teilansicht des in Fig. 8 dargestellten Hohlkörpers mit abweichenden Funktionsstellungen eines Absperrorgans,

Fig. 11

eine alternative Ausgestaltung eines Absperrorgans in einer perspektivischen Ansicht,

Fig. 12

eine alternative Ausgestaltung des Hohlkörpers mit dem in Fig. 11 dargestellten Absperrorgan in einer Schnittdarstellung,

Fig. 13

eine Teilansicht des in Fig. 12 dargestellten Hohlkörpers in einem Halbschnitt,

Fig. 14a bis 14c

eine Teilansicht des in Fig. 12 dargestellten Hohlkörpers in einer gegenüber der Fig. 13 um 120° gedrehten Ansicht in einem Halbschnitt und mit verschiedenen Funktionsstellungen des in Fig. 11 dargestellten Absperrorgans,

Fig. 15a bis 15c

eine Zylinderkopfhaube mit einem Hohlkörper zur Abscheidung von Blowby-Gas in einer perspektivischen Ansicht, in einem Längsschnitt gemäß der Linie A-A der Fig. 15a bzw. in einem Querschnitt B-B der Fig. 15b und

Fig. 16

eine alternative Ausgestaltung der Zylinderkopfhaube in einem Längsschnitt.

The invention will be explained in the following with reference to a drawing showing only one exemplary embodiment. Show it:

Fig. 1

a hollow body according to the invention with integrated oil separation device seen in a possible embodiment in longitudinal section,

Fig. 2

a cross section through the hollow body according to Fig. 1 along the section line AA,

Fig. 3

a swirl generator to be integrated in the hollow body in a possible embodiment in a schematic representation,

Fig. 4a to 4g

an oil separation ring in various possible embodiments,

Fig. 5

a cross section through the hollow body with integrated oil separator with bypass channel,

Fig. 6, 7

a partial view of the hollow body with integrated swirl body with axially displaceable flight (section),

Fig. 8

an alternative embodiment of the hollow body according to the invention,

Fig. 9

the swirl generator according to the Fig. 8 in a perspective view,

10a and 10b

a partial view of the in Fig. 8 shown hollow body with different functional positions of a shut-off,

Fig. 11

an alternative embodiment of a shut-off in a perspective view,

Fig. 12

an alternative embodiment of the hollow body with the in Fig. 11 shown shut-off in a sectional view,

Fig. 13

a partial view of the in Fig. 12 shown hollow body in a half section,

Fig. 14a to 14c

a partial view of the in Fig. 12 shown hollow body in a relation to the Fig. 13 120 ° rotated view in half section and with different functional positions of the in Fig. 11 illustrated obturator,

Fig. 15a to 15c

a cylinder head cover with a hollow body for the separation of blow-by gas in a perspective view, in a longitudinal section along the line AA of Fig. 15a or in a cross section BB of Fig. 15b and

Fig . 16

an alternative embodiment of the cylinder head cover in a longitudinal section.

In Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of an inventive hollow body 2 with integrated Ölabscheideeinrichtung. The oil separation device is formed by the hollow body 2 with a cavity 3, a swirl generator 4 arranged in the cavity 3, an oil separation ring 5 and an oil discharge channel 6 and a gas discharge channel 7. The hollow body 2 has an end-side feed opening 9. Due to the centrifugal forces acting in the swirl generator 4, heavier oil particles of the blowby gas are forced against the inner wall 2a of the cavity 3 and deposited there as an oil film. The blowby gas to be cleaned by the oil flows through the end feed opening 9.

The swirl generator 4, which is arranged downstream of the feed opening 9 and acts as a first separation stage, is of essentially helical design, wherein it has at least one helix thread S1, S2 circumferentially. It is by the screw thread S1, S2 between the body of the Swirl generator 4 and the inner wall 2a of the hollow body 2, a flow path SW1, SW2 for guiding the introduced oil-laden gas (oil mist, blow-by gas) is formed. The swirl generator 4 forms with the lateral surface 2a of the cavity 3 a helical flow path, wherein the pitch of the pecking gear or the screw flights S1, S2 can vary over the length - decreases in particular in the flow direction. By means of the slope, it is possible to directly influence the flow cross-section of the flow path SW1, SW2 of the swirl generator 4 and thus influence the flow velocity in the flow path SW1, SW2. For example, a reduction in the flow cross-section A causes an increase in the flow velocity in the corresponding flow path section.

As in particular in Fig. 3 illustrated, the swirl generator 4 may at least partially have a further screw S2. The second helical gear S2 extends in the illustrated embodiment, approximately over half of a complete (extending over 360 °) screw winding. He is in the same direction (same sense of direction) formed to the course of the first screw S1 and with respect to its axial starting point in the direction of the flow (forward) offset - in particular offset by about the length of half a helical gear - arranged. As a result, in particular at the beginning of the worm gear at least in regions, two parallel flow paths SW1, SW2 are formed with the lowest possible flow resistance.

The blowby gas entering the cavity 3 via the feed opening 9 is forced by the swirl generator 4 to cause a swirl, as a result of which larger centrifugal forces act on the oil floating in the blowby gas. The oil particles (drops and / or solid particles), which can not follow the flow, are thus deposited on the lateral surface 2a of the cavity 3 as an oil film. The by the Swirl generator 4 caused centrifugal force is so great that even oil particles of low mass are deposited. The oil film is driven further downstream by the flow.

The swirl generator 4 imposes a twist on the blow-by gas, as a result of which, as the radial distance from the axis of the hollow body 2 increases, the proportion and mass of the oil particles floating in the oil mist increase. An oil separation ring 5 arranged downstream of the swirl generator 4, which forms a second oil separation stage, is located directly in the gas stream enriched with oil particles in the shell-side cavity region. The oil separation ring 5 is partially supported with its circumference on the lateral surface 2a of the cavity 3. Advantageously distributed over the circumference of the oil separation ring 5, arranged in the axial direction recesses 5a, whereby the oil separation ring 5 does not abut over its entire circumference on the lateral surface 2a of the cavity 3 and the separated oil or on the lateral surface 2a flowing oil film in Direction Ölabführkanal 6 can flow.

In an embodiment according to the Fig. 4a to 4g the oil separation ring 5 is shown in different preferred embodiments. The Ölabscheidering 5 is in each embodiment for the flow in the region of the lateral surface a significant flow obstacle in the form of a baffle. The floating in the blowby gas oil particles can not follow the rapid change of direction on the oil separation ring 5, bounce against the end face of the Ölabscheiderings 5 and so separated from the oil mist. Like the swirl generator 4, the oil-separating ring 5 is fixed in the desired position in the cavity 3 of the hollow body 2 by means of material, positive or non-positive methods known from the prior art.

According to Fig. 4a the oil separator ring 5 is designed in a simple embodiment as a solid annular impact element (annular baffle plate).

In the Fig. 4b is the oil separation ring according to Fig. 4a provided with a plurality of holes or rows of holes. In this embodiment, a system of interconnected cavities can be formed by an arrangement of a plurality of identical annular disks, which are rotationally offset and held together via connector elements 5b in a composite, so that a labyrinth of cavities penetrating the oil separation ring 5 is formed. The end face of the oil separation ring 5 further represents a baffle element, whereas the labyrinth is a combination of baffle and deflection elements. By means of these baffle and deflecting elements lighter oil particles are separated from the oil mist, so that the oil mist downstream of the oil separation ring 5 can now be considered as purified gas. Materials for the aforementioned embodiments of the Ölabscheiderings 5 may be, for example, porous plastics or sintered materials. Preferably, the oil separation ring 5 also comprises a plastic or metal braid ( Fig. 4c ), which forms a plurality of cavities and labyrinths, wherein the oil separation ring 5 then preferably comprises a hollow cylindrical support ring T ( Fig. 4d ), which supports the braid and also serves to fix the braid in the cavity 3.

In no case is the oil separation ring 5 with its entire circumference on the lateral surface 2a. Rather, the oil separator ring 5 has corresponding circumferential recesses 5 a, so that the separated oil can flow as an oil film along the lateral surface 2 a of the cavity 3, through the recesses in the circumferential surface of the oil separation ring 5.

In another, in the 4e and 4f illustrated embodiment of the Ölabscheiderings 5 is the sintered material, the plastic or metal mesh and / or the perforated metal sheet rings a closed ring 50 (end ring) with circumferential radially outwardly facing web portions 50a (support webs for radial support in the cavity 3) arranged downstream in the flow direction. The support ring T, which carries / holds the sintered material, mesh and / or the perforated metal rings, prevents the entrainment of the already deposited in the oil separation ring oil towards the center of the hollow body. The closed ring 50 represents a further impact element for the flow and offers the gas stream flowing through the oil separation ring 5 in its labyrinthine separation regions only the possibility of moving radially outwards in the direction of the inner wall 2 a of the hollow body 2.

In any case, the Ölabscheidering 5 is flowed through or flowed through by the oil mist, so that the oil particles are deposited on this and the already located on the lateral surface of the cavity 3 (due to the first oil separation stage "swirl generator") located oil film. If the hollow body 2 is not designed according to a preferred embodiment as a rotating or rotatably mounted body, a discharge of the separated oil by an inclined mounting position of the shaft body (target: expiration by weight and slope) or other suitable measures, such as a special leadership the purified gas stream (target: "entrainment" of the separated oil) can be achieved.

Since the additional oil separator connected downstream of the swirl generator 4 is designed as a ring, a minimum flow cross section (inner cross section of the ring) for the gas stream is always provided. Thus, the oil separator is effectively and reliably protected against loss of function by freezing or clogging.

Downstream of the oil separation ring 5, for example at the end of the hollow body 2, the Ölabführkanal 6 and the Gasabführkanal 7 ( Fig. 1 ). The Ölabführkanal 6 and the Gasabführkanal 7 close z. B. frontally to the hollow body 2 at. Since the purified gas flows exclusively in the vicinity of the axis of the hollow body 2, the gas discharge channel 7 or its discharge opening is located near the axis of the hollow body 2 so that the gas discharge channel 7 receives and discharges only the cleaned gas. A cross-sectionally T-shaped dip tube 12 protrudes with its central leg in the open end hollow body 2 and centrally, a gas discharge channel 7 and the edge of the wall of the hollow body 2 a ÖlAbführkanal 6. Inside the hollow body 2 the wall is aligned the central, in the hollow body 2 projecting dip tube 12 while maintaining a defined axial distance with the inner diameter of the Ölabscheiderings 5 (or its annular inner wall), so that through between the beginning of the Ölabführkanals 6 and the Ölabscheidering 5 a flow-calmed area 11, in the the separated oil or the oil film can run off virtually unaffected by passing purified gas is formed. The drainage of the separated oil or of the oil film is supported in a development of the oil separator by an inner chamfer at the end of the hollow body 2. The angle of the chamfer is to be chosen so that, taking into account the installation position of the engine, an independent outflow of the oil can take place after the deposition even when the engine is stopped.

According to a in Fig. 5 illustrated development of Ölabscheideeinrichtung runs axially in the swirl generator 4, a bypass channel 21 which can be released by means of a bypass valve 22 to release the blow-by gas an additional flow area and thus to ensure a corresponding pressure regulation within the hollow body 2. The bypass channel 21 opens (seen in the flow direction) in the end region of the swirl generator 4 in the cavity 3, preferably at an angle between 0 ° and 110 ° (in particular about 90 °) to the longitudinal axis of the swirl generator 4. The outlet angle at which the bypass channel 21 in the cavity 3 of the hollow body 2 opens, is preferably dimensioned such that the blow-by gas emerging from the bypass channel 21 applied to the downstream oil separation ring 5 seen in the flow direction (on, um- or flows through), so that as possible efficient oil separation takes place. In a preferred embodiment, the bypass channel 21 is designed in its outlet region such that the central axis of its outlet opening (or its outlet channel section) extends at an angle of approximately 90 ° to the longitudinal axis of the swirl generator 4. The swirl generator 4 is designed such that it divides the cavity 3 of the hollow body 2 in two pressure-technically separate and connectable via the bypass valve 22 pressure ranges. If excessive pressure is generated by means of a pump P connected via the gas discharge channel 7, via which the negative pressure in the cavity 3 of the shaft body 2 is generated, or if the pressure of the blowby gas in the outer region of the hollow body is too great, the bypass valve 22 opens and releases the bypass channel 21 for the blow-by gas. In this way, the pressure drop over the swirl generator 4 volume flow dependent kept almost constant and the swirl generator 4 are operated at a predetermined efficiency.

According to one in the 6 and 7 illustrated development of the invention, at least one screw S1, S2 at least partially formed axially displaceable on or on the main body of the swirl generator 4 is formed. In particular, at least one worm gear S1, S2 (or a wall of a worm gear) is at least partially displaceable on or on the main body of the swirl generator 4, so that the cross section of the helical flow path is actively changeable / adjustable. Such active adjustment can be done for example by the gas flow of the blow-by gas itself. For this purpose, the wall (or the corresponding worm gear (section)) is displaceably mounted longitudinally along or on the base body of the swirl generator 4. By way of a predetermined force (eg by a (return) spring), the displaceable flight (section) is held in a predetermined position until a flow force greater than the spring force is generated by the blowby gas flowing through and the flight ( section) flow pressure dependent axially in the flow direction is moved forward. Alternatively or additionally, the axial adjustment can also be done manually or automatically depending on predetermined control parameters. The displaceably mounted worm gear (section) is shown filled with a dot pattern, wherein in Fig. 7 one of Fig. 6 different operating position of the displaceable flight (section) is shown, in which this is shifted seen by a distance x in the flow direction.

The Fig. 8 shows an alternative embodiment of the hollow body 2, wherein the swirl generator has three screw flights S1, S2, S3 and corresponding three flow paths SW1, SW2, SW3.

The flow paths SW1, SW2, SW3 of the swirl generator 4 are provided as described above to separate oil from the blowby gas, wherein due to a decreasing width of the flow paths SW1, SW2, SW3 and thus a decreasing pitch of the flights S1, S2, S3 Flow rate within the flow paths SW1, SW2, SW3 is increased starting from an input side 24 of the swirl generator 4, whereby the oil contained in the blowby gas is thrown by the generated centrifugal forces to the outside and deposited on the inner wall 2a of the hollow body 2. In order to ensure efficient oil separation, it must be there a certain flow rate of the blowby gas may be present. The flow velocity is determined essentially by the pressure difference Δp between a second pressure p ₂ acting on the inlet side 24 of the swirl generator 4 and a first pressure p ₁ acting in the interspace between swirl generator 4 and oil-separating ring 5.

In order to avoid that the pressure difference Δp and thus the flow velocity becomes too low for small volume flows of blowby gas, the flow cross section provided for oil separation is changed in a pressure-dependent manner.

According to the in Fig. 8 illustrated variant, a shut-off device 26 is provided in the form of an inner bolt, which is arranged in an opening to the input side 24 of the swirl body 4 receiving space 27 of the swirl body 4. The input side 24 is facing the end-side feed opening 9.

The functioning of in Fig. 8 illustrated variant of the hollow body 2 is a comparative consideration of Fig. 8 . 10a and 10b to see which show the obturator 26 in different functional positions, wherein the pressure difference .DELTA.p starting from the Fig. 8 about the Fig. 10a to Fig. 10b increases. According to the Fig. 8 and 9 the three flow paths SW1, SW2, SW3 are connected to the receiving space 27 via an opening 32a, 32b, 32c. The obturator 26 is pressed by a spring 33 in the direction of a first end position, wherein additionally acting on the input side 24 second pressure p ₂ and the first pressure p _{1 act} on a central channel 34 of the swirl generator 4 on opposite sides of the obturator 26.

Due to a low volume flow of blowby gas is in accordance with the Fig. 8 the pressure difference Ap is so small that the force exerted by the spring 33 is sufficient to hold the obturator 26 in the first end position. While the opening 32a leading into the first flow path SW1 is always open, in the first end position of the obturator 26, the openings 32b, 32c leading into the second and third flow paths SW2, SW3 are closed by the obturator 26.

With increasing volume flow of blowby gas and the second pressure p ₂ at the input side 24 and therefore the pressure difference Dp so that the shut-off device 26 is displaced against the force of the spring 33 increases. With increasing pressure difference Δp are then according to the 10a and 10b sequentially first the opening 32b leading into the second flow path SW2 and subsequently the opening 32c leading into the third flow path SW3 are released. Accordingly, the flow area available for the oil separation is increased, whereby an excessive increase of the pressure difference can be avoided and the swirl generator 4 is operated in an optimum range for oil separation.

The Fig. 8 . 10a and 10b show exemplarily three functional positions in which an opening 32a, two openings 32a, 32b or all three openings 32a, 32b, 32c are completely released. In the intermediate positions not shown, the opening 32b leading into the second flow path SW2 or the opening 32c leading into the third flow path SW3 is partially opened, so that the cross section effectively available for the oil separation is uniform over the entire path of the obturator 26 changed continuously.

In order to reduce excess pressure at load peaks or a malfunction, a bypass valve 21 can easily be integrated in the obturator 26, which opens from the input side 24 in the channel 34, which then forms a bypass channel.

The Fig. 11 to 13 and Fig. 14a to 14c refer to an alternative embodiment of the hollow body 2 according to the invention, in which as the obturator 26 'a sliding sleeve is provided. While according to the embodiment described above, an inner bolt is used as obturator 26 in the swirl generator 4, according to the alternative embodiment, a sliding sleeve 26 is provided as obturator 26 'with a sleeve portion between the inner wall 2a of the hollow body 2 and the individual flights S1, S2, S3 of the swirl generator 4 is arranged. The hollow body 2 has in addition to the end-side feed opening 9 along a circumferential line by 120 ° offset radial openings 35a, 35b, 35c, which are each associated with one of the flow paths SW1, SW2, SW3 of the swirl generator 4. According to the in the Fig. 8 . 9 . 10a and 10b described embodiment, the opening into the second and third flow paths SW2, SW3 radial openings 35b, 35c are open or closed depending on the acting pressure difference .DELTA.p, while the opening into the first flow path SW1 radial opening 35a is always open or at least not completely closed.

In order to be able to open and close differently the radial openings 35a, 35b, 35c arranged uniformly along a circumferential line or to keep them open in each functional position, the shut-off device 26 'designed as a sliding sleeve has the valve 26' according to FIG Fig. 11 differently shaped apertures 36a, 36b, 36c. The first flow path SW1 and the corresponding radial opening 35a associated opening 36a is as Slot designed such that the connection of the first flow path SW1 is always open to the environment of the hollow body 2. The second flow path SW2 and the corresponding radial opening 35b associated opening 36b is designed as a shorter slot, so that starting from a small pressure difference Ap the second flow path SW2 is initially closed. Finally, the flow path SW3 and the corresponding radial opening 35c associated opening 36c is circular, so that only in the second end position of the obturator 26 ', the third flow path SW3 is completely released.

The functional positions described are also in the Fig. 13 . 14a, 14b and 14c shown. In the half section of the Fig. 13 the openings 36a, 36c associated with the first flow path SW1 and the third flow path SW3 are visible. The Fig. 14a shows in a rotated by 120 ° about the longitudinal axis half-section, the radial openings 35b, 35c, which open into the second and third flow paths SW2, SW3. In the illustrated first end position only the access to the first flow path SW1 is released.

As with the in the Fig. 8 . Fig. 9 . Fig. 10a and Fig. 10b illustrated embodiment, the obturator 26 'is first held by a spring 33 in this position, wherein by a central channel 34 within the swirl generator 4, the first pressure p ₁ on one side of the obturator 26' and by the end-side feed opening 9 on the input side 24th prevailing second pressure p ₂ on the other side of the obturator 26 'act. Accordingly, when the pressure difference Δp increases, the shut-off element 26 'is displaced against the restoring force of the spring 33 so that first the connection between the second flow path SW2 and the associated radial opening 35b is released through the corresponding opening 36b of the obturator 26' becomes ( Fig. 14b ). When the pressure difference Δp increases further, the shut-off element 26 'finally reaches a second end position, in which all flow paths SW1, SW2, SW3 are released ( Fig. 14c ).

In order to keep the shut-off device 26 'designed as a slide sleeve longitudinally moveable on the swirl body 4, the obturator 26' can have longitudinal slots 37 between the openings 36a, 36b, 36c, which cooperate with corresponding projections 38 of the swirl body 4.

Fig. 15a shows a cylinder head cover with a hood body 39, which is intended to cover at least one camshaft 40 on an engine block. Fig. 15b shows a longitudinal section along the line AA of Fig. 15a , Wherein also covered by the hood body 39 camshaft 40 is indicated. Furthermore, it can be seen that, parallel to the camshaft and in a lateral offset, the above-described hollow body 2 for separating oil from the blowby gas is arranged directly below the hood body 39, whereby the required overall installation space is minimized. Blowby gas formed in regions of the valves of the engine passes through the end feed opening 9 into the hollow body and is then cleaned of oil by the swirler 4 and the oil separation ring 5, the separated oil and the purified blow-by gas being discharged separately as described above become. A comparative consideration of Fig. 15b and 15c It can be seen that according to the illustrated embodiment, the hood body 39 on the one hand and the hollow body 2 on the other hand are made as separate parts, wherein the hollow body 2 can be maintained, for example by screws on the hood body 39.

Alternatively, however, the hollow body 2 may also be formed completely or partially from a section of the hood body 39. The Fig. 16 shows a corresponding Embodiment in which the hollow body 2 is made as an integral part of a one-piece hood body 39. In order to avoid that the camshaft 40 thrown oil directly into the feed opening 9, in the free line of sight between the camshaft 40 and the feed opening 9 also additional elements in the form of baffles or panels are arranged, which for reasons of clarity in the Figures are not shown.

In the Fig. 16 is further shown that even in a configuration without a shut-off device 26, 26 ', the arrangement of a shell-side, radial opening 35 may be appropriate. Thus, in the normal operation, the blow-by gas passes through the shell-side, radial opening 35 in an associated flow path SW, while the end-side feed opening 9 is associated with the bypass valve 22, which closes the subsequent bypass channel 21 pressure-dependent.

Claims (14)

1. A hollow body (2) with an at least sectional hollow-cylindrical configuration having an integrated oil separation device,
   wherein a swirl generator (4) is arranged in a cavity (3) in the hollow body (2),
   wherein the hollow body (2) has at least one feed opening (9) at the end via which gas charged with oil can be fed to the cavity (3) and
   wherein the hollow body (2) has at least one removal opening for carrying away separated oil and for carrying away gas from which the oil has been removed,
   characterized in that within the cavity (3) and viewed in the flow direction, downstream of the swirl generator (4) which forms a first oil separator stage, an oil separator ring (5) is arranged as the second oil separator stage, wherein the oil separator ring (5) creates a flow obstacle in the form of a baffle plate to the flow in the region of an inner wall (2a) of the cavity (3).
2. The hollow body (2) according to claim 1,
   characterized in that the oil separator ring (5) bears against the inner wall (2a) of the hollow body (2) with its outer curved surface and has at least one axially running recess (5a) in its outer curved surface.
3. The hollow body (2) according to claim 1 or 2,
   characterized in that the swirl generator (4) has an integrated bypass channel (21).
4. The hollow body (2) according to one of claims 1 to 3,
   characterized in that the swirl generator (4) is configured as a body extending in the axial direction of the hollow body (2) which has at least one screw flight (S1, S2, S3) circumferentially, in such a manner that a flow path (SW1, SW2, SW3) for conveying the oil-charged gas that has been introduced is created by the screw flight (S1, S2, S3) between the body of the swirl generator (4) and the inner wall (2a) of the hollow body (2).
5. The hollow body (2) according to claim 4,
   characterized in that the body of the swirl generator (4) has a second screw flight (S2, S3), at least sectionally, in such a manner that two flow paths (SW1, SW2, SW3) running parallel are formed at least sectionally.
6. The hollow body (2) according to claim 5,
   characterized in that a first pressure (p₁) exists between the swirl generator (4) and the oil separator ring (5) and that a second pressure (p₂) exists on an input side (24) of the swirl generator (4), wherein a shut-off device (26) on the input side (24) opens or closes at least one of the flow paths (SW1, SW2, SW3) formed between the screw flights (S1, S2, S3), irrespective of the pressure difference (Δp) between the second pressure (p₂) and the first pressure (p₁).
7. The hollow body (2) according to claim 6,
   characterized in that access to at least one of the flow paths (SW1, SW2, SW3) is closed below a predefined pressure difference (Δp₀) and opened by the shut-off device (26, 26') when the predefined pressure difference (Δp₀) is exceeded.
8. The hollow body (2) according to claim 6 or 7,
   characterized in that the swirl generator (4) has at least three screw flights (S1, S2, S3).
9. The hollow body (2) according to one of claims 6 to 8,
   characterized in that the shut-off device (26, 26') is guided in a longitudinally movable manner along the axis of the hollow body (2) and acted on by a spring (33).
10. The hollow body (2) according to one of claims 6 to 9,
    characterized in that the shut-off device (26) is arranged in a receiving space (27) of the swirl generator (4) which is open to the input side (24), wherein the flow paths (SW1, SW2, SW3) are each connected to the receiving space (27) by an opening (32a, 32b, 32c).
11. A cylinder head cover with a hollow body (2) according to one of claims 1 to 10.
12. The cylinder head cover according to claim 11,
    characterized in that the hollow body (2) is arranged on an inside of the cover.
13. The cylinder head cover according to claim 11 or 12,
    characterized in that at least one element is provided before the feed opening (9) which prevents oil from being flung directly by a camshaft (40) covered by the cylinder head cover in the mounted state.
14. The cylinder head cover according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the hollow body (2) lies parallel or substantially parallel to a camshaft (40) covered by the cylinder head cover in the mounted state.

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