EP3408508B1 - Device and method for venting a crank casing of an internal combustion engine - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device for venting a crankcase of an internal combustion engine according to the preamble of claim 1, a method for venting a crankcase of an internal combustion engine according to the preamble of claim 11 and a vehicle, with the device and / or for carrying out the method according to claim 12.

It is known to provide a crankcase ventilation on an internal combustion engine, by means of which gases, in particular blow-by gases, flowing into a crankcase of the internal combustion engine during operation of the internal combustion engine are again led out of the crankcase and introduced into an intake tract of the internal combustion engine. This counteracts, for example, corrosion of a crankcase of the internal combustion engine and contamination of the oil pan oil accumulated in an oil pan of the internal combustion engine by the gases flowing into the crankcase. The gases from the crankcase are usually conveyed by means of the negative pressure prevailing in the intake tract.

Furthermore, it is also known to design a crankcase ventilation system with a plurality of ventilation channels, gas inlet openings of the plurality of ventilation channels opening into the crank chamber of the internal combustion engine being arranged such that, regardless of the inclination or orientation of the internal combustion engine, at least one ventilation channel is always not with its gas inlet opening not immersed in the oil pan oil. Thereby it is ensured that the crankcase or the crankcase space is vented even in the event of extreme side slopes or when driving uphill and downhill of a vehicle having the internal combustion engine.

For example, from the DE 102 38 422 A1 a crankcase ventilation is known, in which a ventilation line for venting the crankcase is arranged on a clutch side of a crankcase facing a vehicle transmission and on an end side opposite the clutch side of the crankcase. This arrangement of the ventilation lines ensures that when driving uphill and downhill with a vehicle having the internal combustion engine, at least one ventilation line with its gas inlet opening is always above the oil level of the oil accumulated in an oil pan of the internal combustion engine. This ensures that the crankcase is reliably vented even when driving uphill and downhill.

However, it is problematic with such a ventilation if a ventilation line is immersed with its gas inlet opening in the oil pan oil and then a large amount of oil pan oil is conveyed via the ventilation line into the intake tract of the internal combustion engine. In the worst case, this can lead to serious engine damage.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a device and a method for venting a crankcase of an internal combustion engine for a vehicle, in particular for a commercial vehicle, by means of which the function of the crankcase ventilation is reliably ensured and at the same time oil is prevented from being introduced into the intake tract of the internal combustion engine ,

This object is solved by the features of the independent claims. Preferred developments are disclosed in the subclaims.

According to the invention, a device for venting a crankcase of an internal combustion engine for a vehicle is proposed, with the features of claim 1.

In this way, the function of the crankcase ventilation is reliably ensured, since both in the first and in the second inclination position of the internal combustion engine, a ventilation duct with its gas inlet opening is not always immersed in the oil pan oil and the fluid flow through the oil pan oil is not in the oil pan oil immersed ventilation channel by means of the control device is released. At the same time, the device according to the invention also prevents the introduction of larger quantities of oil into the intake tract of the internal combustion engine, since both in the first and in the second inclination position of the internal combustion engine, the fluid flow is blocked by the control device by means of the ventilation duct immersed in the oil pan oil.

The term "inclination" is to be understood here expressly in a broad sense. For example, the first or the second inclination position of the internal combustion engine can be formed by a basic position of the internal combustion engine in which the internal combustion engine is located when the vehicle having the internal combustion engine is on a straight or horizontal plane. Likewise, the first or the second inclination position can also be formed by a position of the internal combustion engine, in which the internal combustion engine is rotated or pivoted in comparison to the basic position mentioned. It is essential here that the internal combustion engine is tilted or oriented differently in the first tilt position than in the second tilt position.

Furthermore, the device according to the invention is not limited to a structure with two ventilation channels opening into the crank chamber. Of course, more than two channels opening into the crankcase can also be provided for venting the crankcase.

The gases flowing into the crankcase space are preferably directed from the crankcase space into the intake tract of the internal combustion engine by means of the ventilation channels. Alternatively, however, it would also be conceivable that the gases flowing into the crankcase space are also conducted directly into the open or into the surroundings of the device by means of the ventilation channels, so that an "open" ventilation is realized.

In a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the gas inlet openings of the plurality of ventilation channels are arranged in such a way that, regardless of the inclination or orientation of the internal combustion engine, at least one ventilation channel is not always immersed in the oil pan oil. In this way, the function of the crankcase ventilation is ensured particularly reliably.

Further preferred, viewed in the direction of fluid flow, at least one oil separator element is provided upstream of the intake tract, by means of which oil can be separated from the fluid flowing into the intake tract via the ventilation channels. Such an oil separator element prevents oil from entering the intake tract via the ventilation channels. It is preferably provided that the control device shuts off a fluid flow through the second ventilation duct to the at least one oil separator element in the first inclination position of the internal combustion engine and shuts off a fluid flow through the first ventilation duct towards the at least one oil separator element in the second inclination position , In this way, it is prevented that the oil separator element is supplied with such a large amount of oil that it is overloaded or that the oil cannot separate to a sufficient extent.

In a preferred specific embodiment, the control device has a first shut-off valve for shutting off and unblocking the first venting channel and a second shut-off valve for shutting off and unblocking the second venting channel. By means of such shut-off valves, the blocking and releasing of the ventilation channels according to the invention can be implemented simply and reliably. In principle, however, more than two shut-off valves can of course also be provided for shutting off and releasing the ventilation channels.

Basically, the first and / or the second shut-off valve can, for example, viewed in the fluid flow direction, downstream of the at least one oil separator element be arranged. However, it is preferred if the first and / or the second shut-off valve, as seen in the fluid flow direction, is arranged upstream of the at least one oil separator element in order to counteract overloading of the at least one oil separator element when the respective ventilation channel with its gas Immerse the inlet opening in the oil pan oil.

The first and / or the second shut-off valve are preferably assigned to a cylinder head, in particular a cylinder head cover, of the internal combustion engine in order to implement a simple and maintenance-friendly design. Alternatively and / or additionally, the first and / or the second shut-off valve can also be assigned to the crankcase of the internal combustion engine, in order to ensure that the smallest possible amount of oil flows into the respective ventilation duct when it dips into the oil pan oil. This has the advantage, among other things, that the oil level in the oil pan is kept higher and that an intake opening of an oil pump of the internal combustion engine is counteracted “above oil level”.

The first shut-off valve is further preferably arranged in a defined near area in the region of the gas inlet opening of the first venting channel. This effectively counteracts the flow of oil pan oil into the first ventilation channel. As an alternative and / or in addition, the second shut-off valve can also be arranged in a defined near area in the area of the gas inlet opening of the second ventilation channel.

In a further preferred embodiment, the first shut-off valve and at least one oil separator element form a structural unit or assembly unit. This significantly simplifies the assembly of the first shut-off valve and the at least one oil separator element. Alternatively and / or additionally, it can also be provided that the second shut-off valve and at least one oil separator element form a structural unit. Further alternatively and / or additionally, it can also be provided that the first shut-off valve, the second shut-off valve and at least one oil separator element form a structural unit, to further simplify assembly and to realize a particularly compact structure. The first or the second shut-off valve can be arranged, for example, at an oil inlet area or at an oil outlet area of the assembly.

The control device preferably has an inclination detection device, by means of which the current inclination or orientation of the internal combustion engine can be detected, the first and / or the second shut-off valve automatically or by means of a control device of the control device depending on the detected current inclination of the internal combustion engine. can be automatically controlled or actuated to shut off or release the respective ventilation duct. In this way, a fluid flow through the ventilation channels can be reliably and simply blocked in terms of flow technology depending on the current inclination of the internal combustion engine.

The inclination detection device is preferably formed by at least one oil quantity sensor, by means of which the oil quantity flowing through the first and / or the second ventilation channel can be measured. Using such an oil quantity sensor, the current inclination of the internal combustion engine can be estimated with sufficient accuracy, since in the event that a ventilation duct is immersed in the oil pan oil, a significantly larger quantity of oil is conveyed through the respective ventilation duct than in the case that the respective one Vent channel not immersed in the oil pan oil. In addition, such an oil quantity sensor can also be used to determine whether an excessive amount of oil is flowing through the respective ventilation channel, regardless of whether the respective ventilation channel is immersed in the oil pan oil. Thus, the introduction of an excessive amount of oil into the intake tract is prevented particularly reliably by means of the oil quantity sensor. The amount of oil flowing through the ventilation channel can be determined, for example, via the density of the fluid flowing through the ventilation channel or via the oil portion of the fluid flowing through the ventilation channel.

Alternatively and / or in addition to the oil quantity sensor, the inclination detection device can also be formed by an oil level sensor, by means of which the level of the oil pan oil accumulated in the oil pan can be measured. The current inclination or orientation of the internal combustion engine can also be reliably estimated via the level of the oil pan oil accumulated in the oil pan. Further alternatively and / or additionally, the inclination detection device can also be formed by an inclination sensor, by means of which the inclination or the orientation of the internal combustion engine can be measured. Such an inclination sensor can be formed, for example, by an acceleration sensor.

As an alternative and / or in addition to the control of the first and / or the second check valve by means of the control device, the first and / or second check valve can also be formed by a float valve in order to form the first and the second check valve in a particularly responsive manner. It is preferably provided that a float body of the float valve is designed as a sealing element that can be pressed against a corresponding sealing seat to block the fluid flow through the respective ventilation channel and that releases a defined flow cross section to release the fluid flow through the respective ventilation channel. In this way, the float valve can be implemented simply and reliably.

The float valve preferably has at least one tensioning element, in particular a spring element, which prestresses the float body arranged in its closed position into its open position. Such a tensioning element reliably ensures that the float valve always opens and closes as desired. In particular, the tensioning element can be used to prevent the float valve from closing even at higher gas throughputs. The float valve is further preferably arranged in a U-leg of an essentially U-shaped ventilation duct section, the U-base of which has at least one oil outlet opening on the bottom wall side for draining off in the U-base and / or in the U-legs has accumulated oil. This enables a simple and reliable construction. In addition, the labyrinthine, U-shaped ventilation duct section acts as a coarse separator for the oil flowing through the ventilation duct.

As an alternative and / or in addition to the design as a float valve, the first and / or the second shut-off valve can also have a sealing body with a defined flow contour, which is pressed by the fluid flow against a corresponding sealing seat to block the fluid flow through the respective ventilation channel and to release the Fluid flow through the respective ventilation channel releases a defined flow cross-section. In this way, the first and the second check valve can also be designed to be particularly quick and reliable. The sealing body can, for example, be pressed against the corresponding sealing seat by the fluid flowing through the ventilation duct if the oil quantity flowing through the ventilation duct exceeds a defined oil quantity limit value. If the amount of oil flowing through the ventilation duct again falls below the defined oil amount limit value, the sealing element can then release a defined flow cross-section again. The release and shut-off of the ventilation channel is thus dependent on the momentum or the dynamic pressure that is exerted on the sealing body by means of the fluid flow. This pressure increases with increasing flow velocity and increasing density of the fluid flow. The oil quantity limit value is preferably formed by a defined gas-oil ratio. It is also preferably provided that the sealing element is spherical and / or plate-shaped and / or has a defined flow resistance value or c _w value.

Further preferably, at least one tensioning element, in particular a spring element, is provided, which prestresses the sealing body arranged in its closed position into its open position, in order to be able to always release and shut off the respective ventilation channel as desired by means of the sealing body. The sealing body is further preferred, provided in the fluid flow direction, immediately upstream of at least one active or drivable oil separator element, in particular a centrifuge or a plate separator.

Alternatively and / or in addition to the sealing body, the first and / or the second shut-off valve can also have a locking element which is rotatable relative to the respective ventilation channel and which releases the respective ventilation channel in a first rotational position and blocks the respective ventilation channel in a second rotary position , wherein the locking element is connected via at least one lever element to a counterweight element having a defined mass, such that the locking element always has the same orientation relative to the horizontal, regardless of the inclination of the internal combustion engine about an axis of inclination extending in the direction of the rotational axis. By means of a blocking valve designed in this way, the blocking and releasing of the respective venting channel according to the invention can be implemented reliably and quickly. It is preferably provided that the at least one shut-off valve is formed by a throttle valve and / or by a rotary valve.

To achieve the object already mentioned, a method for venting a crankcase of an internal combustion engine for a vehicle is also claimed, with the features of claim 11.

The advantages resulting from the implementation of the method according to the invention are identical to the advantages of the device according to the invention that have already been recognized and are not repeated here.

A vehicle with the device according to the invention and / or for carrying out the method according to the invention is also claimed. The advantages resulting from this are also with the advantages of the device according to the invention that have already been recognized and are likewise not repeated here. The vehicle is preferably formed by a vehicle which is subjected to increased longitudinal and / or lateral acceleration, since the device according to the invention and the method according to the invention are particularly effective here. Such a vehicle can be formed, for example, by an off-road vehicle or by a ship.

The advantageous embodiments and / or further developments of the invention explained above and / or reproduced in the subclaims can - except for example in the case of clear dependencies or incompatible alternatives - used individually or in any combination with each other.

The invention and its advantageous training and / or further developments as well as their advantages are explained in more detail below only with reference to drawings.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung, aus der der Aufbau einer ersten Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung hervorgeht;

Fig. 2 bis 11

Darstellungen gemäß Fig. 1, aus denen der Aufbau weiterer Ausführungsformen der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung hervorgehen;

Fig. 12

ein Schaltbild, aus dem der Aufbau einer ersten Ausführungsform einer. Steuereinrichtung der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung hervorgeht;

Fig. 13 und 14

eine schematische Darstellung, aus der der Aufbau einer zweiten Ausführungsform der Steuereinrichtung hervorgeht;

Fig. 15 und 16

eine schematische Darstellung, aus der der Aufbau einer dritten Ausführungsform der Steuereinrichtung hervorgeht; und

Fig. 17 und 18

schematische Darstellungen; aus denen der Aufbau einer vierten Ausführungsform der Steuereinrichtung hervorgeht.

Show it:

Fig. 1

is a schematic representation showing the structure of a first embodiment of the device according to the invention;

2 to 11

Representations according to Fig. 1 , from which the structure of further embodiments of the device according to the invention emerge;

Fig. 12

a circuit diagram from which the structure of a first embodiment of a. Control device of the device according to the invention emerges;

13 and 14

is a schematic representation showing the structure of a second embodiment of the control device;

15 and 16

is a schematic representation showing the structure of a third embodiment of the control device; and

17 and 18

schematic representations; from which the structure of a fourth embodiment of the control device emerges.

In Fig. 1 A first embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention is shown. The device 1 has an example here as a series engine trained internal combustion engine 3, which comprises an oil pan 5, a crankcase 7, a cylinder head 9 and a cylinder head cover 11. In addition, the device 1 has a plurality of, for example three, ventilation ducts or ventilation lines 13, 15, 17, by means of which gases flowing into a crank chamber 19 of the crankcase 7, in particular blow-by gases, into an intake tract 21 indicated by broken lines Internal combustion engine 3 can be directed. As an alternative to the introduction into the intake tract 21, the gases flowing into the crank chamber 19 can also be conducted directly into the open or into the surroundings of the internal combustion engine 3 if the gases are cleaned or cleaned with a suitable cleaning device before being introduced into the open.

The ventilation ducts 13, 15 are formed here, for example, by pipelines, each of which is connected to the crankcase 7 with one end region and with its other end region to a union region 27 to form the ventilation duct 17, which is likewise designed here as a pipeline. Gas inlet openings 29 of the ventilation channels 13, 15 are here, seen in the transverse direction y of the internal combustion engine, arranged opposite one another laterally on the outside of the crankcase 7. This arrangement ensures that at any regular inclination of the internal combustion engine 3 by a direction x (( Fig. 7 ) formed longitudinal axis always at least one gas inlet opening 29 not immersed in the oil pan 5 in the oil pan oil.

In addition, the gas inlet openings 29 of the ventilation channels 13, 15 are also arranged here in such a way that, in defined first inclination positions of the internal combustion engine, the ventilation channel 13 with its gas inlet opening 29 does not dip into the oil pan oil accumulated in the oil pan 5 and the ventilation channel 15 also its gas inlet opening 29 is immersed in the oil pan oil accumulated in the oil pan 5. In defined second inclination positions of the internal combustion engine 3, however, the ventilation duct 13 with its gas inlet opening is immersed 29 into the oil pan oil, while the ventilation channel 15 does not then dip its gas inlet opening 29 into the oil pan oil.

How out Fig. 1 further emerges, a shutoff valve 31 is assigned to the ventilation channel 13 and a shutoff valve 33 is assigned to the ventilation channel 15. A fluid flow through the respective ventilation duct 13, 15 can be blocked and released by means of the blocking valves 31, 33. In addition, an oil separator element 35 is assigned here to the ventilation duct 17, by means of which oil or engine oil can be separated from the fluid flowing through the ventilation duct 17. The separated oil is then fed back into the oil pan 5. Furthermore, the check valves 31, 33 and the oil separator element 35 form a structural unit 36 here.

The blocking valves 31, 33 are actuated here as a function of the inclination of the internal combustion engine 3. Specifically, the ventilation duct is here in the already mentioned first inclination positions of the internal combustion engine 3, for example from an inclination of 20 ° in an internal direction in a first direction about the longitudinal axis 13 released by means of the check valve 31 and the ventilation duct 15 shut off by means of the check valve 33. In addition, in the second inclination positions of the internal combustion engine 3, also mentioned, for example from an inclination of 20 ° of the internal combustion engine in a second direction opposite to the first direction about the longitudinal axis, the ventilation duct 15 is released by means of the check valve 33 and the ventilation duct 13 is blocked by means of the lock valve 31 , In this way, it is reliably ensured that the oil pan oil is not conducted or conveyed into the intake tract 21 of the internal combustion engine 3 via a ventilation channel 13, 15 immersed in the oil pan oil. Exemplary configurations of the check valves 31, 33 will be explained in more detail later. Further embodiments of the device according to the invention are now explained in more detail below. However, the basic mode of operation of these devices is identical to the mode of operation of the first embodiment already explained.

In Fig. 2 a second embodiment of the device 1 is shown. Compared to that in Fig. 1 First embodiment shown, the internal combustion engine 3 is formed here by a V-engine. Thus, the internal combustion engine 3 here has two cylinder heads 9 and two cylinder head covers 11. Furthermore, the ventilation channels 13, 15 are each formed here by a channel section 37 running outside the internal combustion engine 3 and by a channel section 39 indicated by dashed lines and running through the internal combustion engine 3. The channel sections 37 can be formed, for example, by pipelines which are connected to the cylinder head covers 11 of the internal combustion engine 3. The channel sections 39 are formed by recesses which, for example, run through the cylinder head covers 11 and the cylinder heads 9 up to the crank chamber 19.

Furthermore, each ventilation duct 13, 15, as seen in the fluid flow direction, is assigned an oil separator element 35 arranged downstream of the respective shut-off valve 31, 33, by means of which oil can be separated from the fluid flowing through the respective ventilation duct 13, 15. The check valve 31 and the oil separator element 35 of the ventilation duct 13 also form a structural unit 41 here. The shutoff valve 33 and the oil separator element 35 of the ventilation duct 15 also form a structural unit 43 here. Furthermore, each ventilation channel 13, 15 also opens into the in Fig. 2 Intake tract 21, not shown, of internal combustion engine 3.

In Fig. 3 A third embodiment of the device 1 is shown. Compared to that in Fig. 2 Second embodiment shown, the ventilation channels 13, 15 are combined here at a union region 45 to form a ventilation channel or to a ventilation line 47, which again divides or branches into three ventilation channels or ventilation lines 51 at a branching region 49. An oil separator element 35 is also assigned to each ventilation channel 51, by means of which oil can be separated from the fluid flowing through the respective ventilation channel 51. Furthermore, it also flows here each vent channel 51 in the in Fig. 3 Intake tract 21, not shown, of internal combustion engine 3.

In Fig. 4 a fourth embodiment of the device 1 is shown. Compared to that in Fig. 1 The first embodiment shown here is additionally provided with a ventilation duct 53 which opens into the crank chamber 19 of the crankcase 7 with a gas inlet opening 55 and is combined at the union region 27 with the ventilation ducts 13, 15 to form the ventilation duct 17. The ventilation duct 53 is formed here by a duct section 58 running outside the internal combustion engine 3 and a duct section 59, indicated by dashed lines and running through the internal combustion engine 3. In this case, the channel section 59 is assigned a check valve 60, by means of which a fluid flow through the vent line 53 can be shut off and released. The check valve 60 is also part of the assembly 36 here.

In Fig. 5 A fifth embodiment of the device 1 is shown. Compared to that in Fig. 1 The first embodiment shown does not form the oil separator element 35 and the check valves 31, 33 here. The check valve 33 is also assigned to the crankcase 7 of the internal combustion engine 3. The check valve 31 is assigned to the cylinder head cover 11 of the internal combustion engine 3 here. The ventilation duct 13 has a duct section 63 running outside the internal combustion engine 3 and a duct section 65 indicated by dashed lines and running through the internal combustion engine 3. The channel section 63 is formed here by a pipeline which opens out on the cylinder head cover 11. The channel section 65 runs here through the cylinder head cover 11 and through the cylinder head 9 to the crank chamber 19. Furthermore, both ventilation channels 13, 15 also open here in the oil separator element 35 and unite in the oil separator element 35 to form the ventilation channel 17.

In Fig. 6 a sixth embodiment of the device 1 is shown. Compared to that in Fig. 2 The second embodiment shown form the check valve 31 and the oil separator element 35 of the ventilation duct does not have a structural unit here. In addition, the shut-off valve 33 and the oil separator element 35 of the ventilation duct 15 do not form a structural unit here either. Furthermore, the check valves 31, 33 of the respective cylinder head cover 11 are assigned here.

In Fig. 7 a seventh embodiment of the device 1 is shown. The internal combustion engine 3 is designed here as a four-cylinder in-line engine. The device 1 here has a plurality of, for example four, ventilation channels 67, each of which has a channel section 69 arranged outside the internal combustion engine 3 and a channel section 71 running through the internal combustion engine 3. The channel section 69 is formed here by a pipeline which opens out on the cylinder head cover 11. The channel section 71 here runs through the cylinder head cover 11 and through the cylinder head 9 to the crank chamber 19.

In addition, gas inlet openings 73 of the ventilation channels 67 are arranged here distributed uniformly over the crank chamber 19 in the longitudinal direction x of the internal combustion engine. It is thereby achieved that at any inclination of the internal combustion engine 3 by a direction y ( Fig. 1 ) formed transverse axis does not immerse at least one of the gas inlet openings 73 in the oil pan oil accumulated in the oil pan 5. Furthermore, each vent channel 67 is also assigned a check valve 75, by means of which a fluid flow through the respective vent channel 67 can be blocked and released.

The four ventilation channels 67 are also combined here at a union area 77 to form three ventilation channels or ventilation lines 79. Each ventilation channel 79 is also assigned an oil separator element 81 for separating oil flowing from the respective ventilation channel 79 flowing fluid. Furthermore, the determination channels 79 open here in the in Fig. 7 Intake tract 21, not shown, of internal combustion engine 3.

In Fig. 8 an eighth embodiment of the device 1 is shown. Compared to that in Fig. 6 The sixth embodiment shown shows that the shut-off valves 31, 33 are not assigned to the cylinder head covers 11 of the internal combustion engine 3, but, viewed in the direction of fluid flow, are arranged downstream of the oil separator element 35 of the respective ventilation duct 13, 15. In addition, the ventilation ducts 13, 15 unite here at a union region 82 arranged downstream of the check valves 31, 33 to form a ventilation duct 83 which opens into the intake tract 21 of the internal combustion engine 3.

In Fig. 9 a ninth embodiment of the device 1 is shown. Compared to that in Fig. 7 The seventh embodiment shown here is not provided with four check valves 75 which are assigned to the cylinder head cover 11 of the internal combustion engine. Instead of this, each vent channel 79 is assigned a check valve 85.

In Fig. 10 a tenth embodiment of the device 1 is shown. Compared to that in Fig. 9 shown ninth embodiment of the device 1, the shut-off valve 85 and the oil separator element 81 of the respective ventilation channel 79 each form a structural unit 87 here. In addition, the check valves 85 are arranged upstream of the respective oil separator element 81, as seen in the direction of fluid flow.

In Fig. 11 an eleventh embodiment of the device 1 is shown. Compared to that in Fig. 1 shown first embodiment of the device 1, the check valves 31, 33 and the oil separator element 35 do not form a structural unit here. In addition, the check valves 31, 33 are assigned here to the crankcase 7 of the internal combustion engine 3.

In Fig. 12 A first embodiment of the mentioned shut-off valves 31, 33, 75, 85 is shown, with the shut-off valve 31 being shown by way of example.

How out Fig. 12 an air quantity sensor 89 is assigned to the ventilation duct 13, by means of which the oil quantity flowing through the ventilation duct 13 can be measured. The oil quantity sensor 89 is here arranged upstream of the check valve 31, as seen in the direction of fluid flow. In addition, the oil quantity sensor 89 is connected in terms of signals to a control unit 91, by means of which the shut-off valve 31 or an actuating device 92 for actuating the shut-off valve 31 is activated as a function of the amount of oil detected by means of the oil amount sensor 89 to shut off or release the ventilation channel 13. The check valve 31 is thus operated externally.

If the oil quantity measured by means of the oil quantity sensor 89 here exceeds a defined oil quantity limit value, the shut-off valve 31 is controlled by means of the control unit 91 in such a way that the shut-off valve 31 shuts off the ventilation channel 13. If the oil quantity measured with the oil quantity sensor 89 falls below the defined oil quantity limit value, the shut-off valve 31 is controlled by means of the control device 91 in such a way that the shut-off valve 31 opens the ventilation channel 13.

In Fig. 13 and 14 a second embodiment of the check valve 31 is shown. The check valve 31 is formed here by a float valve which is arranged in a labyrinthine, U-shaped section 93 of the ventilation channel 13. The U-shaped section 93, viewed in the direction of fluid flow, has a first U-leg 95, a U-base 97 and a second U-leg 99. The check valve 31 is arranged here, for example, in the second U-leg 99 of the U-shaped section 93.

The shut-off valve 31 here has a float body 101 designed as a sealing element, which is pressed against a corresponding sealing seat 103 to block the fluid flow through the ventilation channel 13 and releases a defined flow cross section by releasing the fluid flow through the ventilation channel 13. In Fig. 13 is the float 101 shown here in its closed position, in which it blocks the fluid flow through the ventilation channel 13. In Fig. 14 the float body is shown in its open position, in which the float body 101 releases the fluid flow through the ventilation channel 13.

In addition, the float 101 here also has, for example, a flow-optimized region 104, the cross section of which, for example, increases in the direction of fluid flow. The flow-optimized region 104 is designed here in such a way that the float 101 is pressed against the sealing seat 103 by the fluid flow to block the fluid flow through the ventilation channel 13 and releases a defined flow cross section to release the fluid flow through the ventilation channel 13.

How out Fig. 13 and 14 further emerges, the shut-off valve 31 here also has a spring element 105 which prestresses the float body 101 arranged in its closed position into its open position. In addition, the U-base 97 of the U-shaped section 93 also has, for example, an oil drain opening 107 on the bottom wall side for draining off oil that has accumulated in the U-base 97 and in the U-legs 95, 99. The oil drain opening 107 is arranged here, for example, in alignment with the second U-leg 99.

In the 15 and 16 A third embodiment of the shut-off valve 31 is shown, the entire structural unit 27 of FIG Fig. 1 shown first embodiment of the device 1 is shown. The check valves 31, 33 are of identical construction here as an example. The blocking valve 31 here has a sealing body 109 with a defined flow contour, which is pressed by the fluid flow against a corresponding sealing seat 111 to block the fluid flow through the ventilation channel 13 and releases a defined flow cross section to release the fluid flow through the ventilation channel 13.

In Fig. 15 the shut-off valve 31 is shown here in its open position, in which the shut-off valve 31 releases the fluid flow through the ventilation channel 13. In Fig. 16 the shut-off valve 31 is shown in its closed position, in which the shut-off valve 31 shuts off the fluid flow through the ventilation channel 13. Furthermore, the sealing body 109 is spherical here, for example. In addition, a spring element 112 is also provided here, which prestresses the sealing body 109 arranged in its closed position in its open position. In addition, the oil separator element 35 is formed here, for example, by an active oil separator.

In the 17 and 18 A fourth embodiment of the check valve 31 is shown. The blocking valve 31 here has a blocking element 115 which is rotatable relative to the ventilation duct 13 about the longitudinal axis A _L formed by the longitudinal direction of the internal combustion engine x and is formed here, for example, by a throttle valve. The locking element 115 is connected here via a lever element 117 to a counterweight element 119 having a defined dimension, in such a way that the locking element 115 always has the same orientation relative to the horizontal, regardless of the inclination of the internal combustion engine 3 about the longitudinal axis.

In Fig. 17 the locking element 115 is shown here in a first rotational position, in which the locking element 115 releases the ventilation channel 13. In Fig. 18 the locking element 115 is shown in a second rotational position, in which the locking element 115 shuts off the ventilation channel 13.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

contraption

3

Internal combustion engine

5

oil pan

7

crankcase

9

cylinder head

11

Cylinder head cover

13

vent channel

15

vent channel

17

vent channel

19

Crank room

20

intake system

23

end

25

end

27

collection area

29

Gas inlet opening

31

check valve

33

check valve

35

Oil separator element

36

unit

37

channel section

39

channel section

41

unit

43

unit

45

collection area

47

vent channel

49

junction area

51

vent channel

53

vent channel

55

Gas inlet area

58

channel section

59

channel section

60

check valve

63

channel section

65

channel section

67

vent channel

69

channel section

71

channel section

73

Gas inlet opening

75

check valve

77

connecting area

79

ventilation duct

81

Oil separator element

82

collection area

83

vent channel

87

unit

89

Oil quantity sensor

91

control unit

92

actuator

93

U-shaped section

95

U-leg

97

U-base

99

U-leg

101

float

103

sealing seat

104

flow-optimized area

105

spring element

107

Oil drain element

109

sealing body

111

sealing seat

113

spring element

115

blocking element

117

lever member

119

Counterweight element

Claims (12)

1. Apparatus for ventilating a crankcase of an internal combustion engine for a vehicle, having an internal combustion engine (3) and having multiple ventilation channels (13, 15, 53, 67) by means of which gases flowing into a crankcase chamber (19) of a crankcase (7) of the internal combustion engine (3) can be conducted out of the crankcase chamber (19) again,
   wherein gas inlet openings (29, 55, 73), which open into the crankcase chamber (19) and thus into the crank chamber of the internal combustion engine (3), of the multiple ventilation channels (13, 15, 53, 67) are arranged such that, in a first defined inclination position of the internal combustion engine (3), a first ventilation channel (13, 67) does not dip with its gas inlet opening (29) into oil sump oil that has collected in an oil sump (5) of the internal combustion engine (3) and a second ventilation channel (15, 53, 67) dips with its gas inlet opening (29, 55, 73) into the oil sump oil,
   wherein, in a second defined inclination position, which differs from the first inclination position, of the internal combustion engine (3), the first ventilation channel (13, 67) dips with its gas inlet opening (29) into the oil sump oil and the second ventilation channel (13, 15, 53, 67) does not dip with its gas inlet opening (29, 55, 73) into the oil sump oil,
   characterized
   in that a control device is provided by means of which a fluid flow through the ventilation channels (13, 15, 53, 67, 84) can be shut off and enabled in terms of flow in a manner dependent on the inclination of the internal combustion engine (3),
   wherein, in the first inclination position of the internal combustion engine (3), the control device (31, 33, 75, 85, 91, 92) opens up the first ventilation channel (13, 67) and shuts off the second ventilation channel (13, 15, 53, 67), and wherein, in the second inclination position of the internal combustion engine (3), the control device (31, 33, 75, 85, 91, 92) opens up the second ventilation channel (15, 53, 67) and shuts off the first ventilation channel (13, 67),
   in that the control device has a first shut-off valve (31, 75) for shutting off and opening up the first ventilation channel (13, 67), in that the control device has a second shut-off valve (33, 75, 85) for shutting off and opening up the second ventilation channel (15, 53, 67), and
   in that the first and/or the second shut-off valve (31, 33, 75) are assigned to a cylinder head (9) of the internal combustion engine (3).
2. Apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized in that, as viewed in a fluid flow direction, there is provided upstream of the intake tract (21) at least one oil separator element (35, 81) by means of which oil can be separated off from the fluid flowing via the ventilation channels (13, 15, 53, 67) into the intake tract (21), wherein provision is preferably made whereby, in the first inclination position of the internal combustion engine, the control device (31, 33, 75, 85, 91, 92) shuts off a fluid flow through the second ventilation channel (15, 53, 67) to the oil separator element (35, 81), and in the second inclination position of the internal combustion engine (3), said control device shuts off a fluid flow through the first ventilation channel (13, 67) to the oil separator element (35, 81).
3. Apparatus according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, as viewed in a fluid flow direction, the first shut-off valve (31, 75) is arranged upstream of the at least one oil separator element (35, 81), and/or in that, as viewed in a fluid flow direction, the second shut-off valve (33, 75, 85) is arranged upstream of the at least one oil separator element (35, 81).
4. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first shut-off valve (31, 85) and at least one oil separator element (35, 81) form a structural unit (41, 87), and/or in that the second shut-off valve (33, 85) and at least one oil separator element (35, 81) form a structural unit (43, 87), and/or in that the first shut-off valve (31), the second shut-off valve (33) and at least one oil separator element (35) form a structural unit (36).
5. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device has an inclination detection device (89) by means of which the present inclination of the internal combustion engine (3) can be detected, wherein the first and/or the second shut-off valve (31, 33, 75, 85) can be automatically activated by means of a control unit (21) of the control device in a manner dependent on the detected present inclination of the internal combustion engine (3) in order to shut off or open up the respective ventilation channel (13, 15, 53, 67).
6. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and/or the second shut-off valve (31, 33, 75, 85) is formed by a float valve, wherein provision is preferably made for a float body (101) of the float valve to be formed as a sealing element which can be pressed against a corresponding sealing seat (103) in order to shut off the fluid flow through the respective ventilation channel (13, 15, 53, 67) and which opens up a defined flow cross section in order to enable the fluid flow through the respective ventilation channel (13, 15, 53, 67).
7. Apparatus according to Claim 6, characterized in that the float valve has at least one loading element (105), in particular a spring element, which preloads the float body (101) arranged in its closed position into its open position, and/or in that the float valve is arranged in a U limb (99) of a substantially U-shaped ventilation channel section (93), the U base (97) of which has at least one base-wall-side oil outflow opening (107) for the discharge of oil that has collected in the U base (97) and/or in the U limbs (95, 99).
8. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and/or the second shut-off valve (31, 33, 75, 85) has a sealing body (109) with a defined flow contour which can be pressed against a corresponding sealing seat (111), in order to shut off the fluid flow through the respective ventilation channel (13, 15, 53, 67), by the fluid flow and which opens up a defined flow cross section in order to enable the fluid flow through the respective ventilation channel (13, 15, 53, 67), wherein provision is preferably made for the at least one sealing body (109) to be of spherical and/or plate-shaped form and/or to have a defined flow resistance value.
9. Apparatus according to Claim 8, characterized in that at least one loading element (113), in particular a spring element, is provided, which preloads the sealing body (109) arranged in its closed position into its open position, and/or in that, as viewed in a fluid flow direction, the sealing body (109) is arranged directly upstream of at least one active oil separator element (35).
10. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and/or the second shut-off valve (31, 33, 75, 85) has a shut-off element (115) which is fixed so as to be rotatable relative to the respective ventilation channel (13, 15, 53, 67) about an axis of rotation (A_L) and which, in a first rotational position, opens up the respective ventilation channel (13, 15, 53, 67) and, in a second rotational position, shuts off the respective ventilation channel (13, 15, 53, 67), wherein the shut-off element (115) is connected by means of at least one lever element (117) to a counterweight element (119) which has a defined mass, in such a way that the shut-off element (115) always has the same orientation relative to the horizontal regardless of the inclination of the internal combustion engine (3) about an inclination axis running in a direction of the axis of rotation, wherein provision is preferably made for the at least one shut-off element to be formed by a throttle flap and/or by a rotary slide.
11. Method for ventilating a crankcase of an internal combustion engine for a vehicle, having an internal combustion engine (3) and having multiple ventilation channels (13, 15, 53, 67) by means of which gases flowing into a crankcase chamber (19) of a crankcase (7) of the internal combustion engine (3) are conducted out of the crankcase chamber (19) again,
    wherein gas inlet openings (29, 55), which open into the crankcase chamber (19) and thus into the crank chamber of the internal combustion engine (3), of the multiple ventilation channels (13, 15, 53, 67, 84) are arranged such that, in a first defined inclination position of the internal combustion engine (3), a first ventilation channel (13, 67) does not dip with its gas inlet opening (29) into oil sump oil that has collected in an oil sump (5) of the internal combustion engine (3) and a second ventilation channel (13, 15, 53, 67) dips with its gas inlet opening (29, 55, 73) into the oil sump oil,
    wherein, in a second defined inclination position, which differs from the first inclination position, of the internal combustion engine (3), the first ventilation channel (13, 67) dips with its gas inlet opening (29) into the oil sump oil and the second ventilation channel (13, 15, 53, 67) does not dip with its gas inlet opening (29, 55, 73) into the oil sump oil,
    characterized
    in that a control device (31, 33, 75, 85, 91, 92) is provided by means of which a fluid flow through the ventilation channels (13, 15, 53, 67) is shut off and enabled in terms of flow in a manner dependent on the inclination of the internal combustion engine (3),
    wherein, in the first inclination position of the internal combustion engine (3), the control device (31, 33, 75, 85, 91, 92) opens up the first ventilation channel (13, 67) and shuts off the second ventilation channel (15, 53, 67), and wherein, in the second inclination position of the internal combustion engine (3), the control device (31, 33, 75, 85, 91, 92) opens up the second ventilation channel (15, 53, 67) and shuts off the first ventilation channel (13, 67),
    in that the control device has a first shut-off valve (31, 75) for shutting off and opening up the first ventilation channel (13, 67), in that the control device has a second shut-off valve (33, 75, 85) for shutting off and opening up the second ventilation channel (15, 53, 67), and
    in that the first and/or the second shut-off valve (31, 33, 75) are assigned to a cylinder head (9) of the internal combustion engine (3).
12. Vehicle, in particular utility vehicle, having an apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 10 and/or for carrying out a method according to Claim 11.

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