JP7000798B2 - Oil separator - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an oil separator, and more particularly to an oil separator provided on a side surface of an engine body such as a cylinder block or a crankcase.

As a conventional oil separator, one provided on the side surface of an engine body such as a cylinder block or a crankcase is generally known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). In Patent Document 1, for example, as shown in FIG. 9A, a case 103 forming a separation chamber 109 for separating blow-by gas and oil, and a separation chamber 109 provided in the case 103 are provided. Described is an oil separator 101 provided with a plurality of separator plates 110 for partitioning in a maze shape, a gas introduction port 111 and a gas discharge port 113 provided at the upper part of the case 103, and an oil discharge port 112 provided at the lower part of the case 103. Has been done. Further, in Patent Document 2, for example, as shown in FIG. 9B, a case 203 forming a separation chamber 209 for separating blow-by gas and oil, and a nozzle impactor type provided in the case 203 are provided. Described is an oil separator 201 comprising a separation structure 210, a single inlet / outlet 211 provided at the lower part of the case 203 for both gas introduction and oil discharge, and a gas discharge port 213 provided at the upper part of the case 203. ing. In FIG. 9, the flow of blow-by gas is indicated by a virtual line arrow, and the flow of oil is indicated by a broken line arrow.

Japanese Patent No. 4582003 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-70766

Here, in the oil separator provided on the side surface of the engine body as described above, in addition to the function of separating the oil mist (oil mist having a relatively large particle size) by the PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) system, the crankshaft and the balance It is also necessary to have a function to separate the liquid oil flowing into the PCV path by the shaft or the like winding up the oil. In particular, when the inflow of liquid oil increases and the separation function of the liquid oil is insufficient, the inflow of oil and the discharge of oil cannot be balanced, and a interruption due to oil submersion occurs.

In the oil separator 101 described in Patent Document 1, since the gas introduction port 111 and the gas discharge port 113 are provided in the upper part of the case 103, the inflow amount of the liquid oil does not become excessively large. However, when it is necessary to provide the gas introduction port 111 at the lower part of the case 103 due to the request of the engine side, it is not possible to cope with the increase in the inflow amount of the liquid oil. Further, in the oil separator 201 described in Patent Document 2, since a single inlet / outlet 211 that also serves as a gas inlet and an oil outlet is provided at the lower part of the case 203, the function of separating liquid oil is not available. Will be enough. Further, since the nozzle impactor type separation structure 210 is adopted, the structure is complicated and large.

The present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and prevents or suppresses the occurrence of interruption due to oil submersion in the case, and produces liquid mist together with oil mist having a relatively large particle size contained in blow-by gas. It is an object of the present invention to provide an oil separator having a simple and compact structure that can be effectively separated and discharged.

In order to solve the above problem, the invention according to claim 1 is an oil separator provided on a side surface of an engine body, which is a case of forming a separation chamber for separating blow-by gas and oil, and the separation. A plurality of separator plates for partitioning the chamber in a maze shape are provided, and a first entrance / exit and a second entrance / exit for both gas introduction and oil discharge are provided separately at the lower part of the case. A gas discharge port is provided in the upper part, and the plurality of separator plates are arranged above the space between the first entrance and the second entrance of the separation chamber and below the separation chamber. A first separator plate for partitioning an upstream space and an upper downstream space is provided, and the first separator plate has the upstream space and the downstream space above the first entrance / exit of the separation chamber. A first opening for connecting is formed, and a second opening for connecting the upstream space and the downstream space is formed above the second entrance / exit of the separation chamber. The oil flowing into the case from the first inlet / outlet can pass through the upstream space of the first separator plate and be discharged from the second inlet / outlet, and the first opening and the first separator plate. The gist is that it can be discharged from the second entrance / exit through the downstream space and the second opening.
The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that, in the invention according to claim 1, the opening area of the second opening is larger than the opening area of the first opening.
The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first separator plate is formed in an inclined shape inclined downward from the first entrance / exit toward the second entrance / exit. The gist is that.
The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of separator plates include a second separator plate that covers the first opening from above. And.
The invention according to claim 5 is the gist of the invention according to claim 4, wherein the second separator plate is provided so as to cover the first separator plate from above together with the first opening. ..
The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the case is joined to a case body attached to a side surface of the engine body and the case body. A cover body forming the separation chamber with the main body is provided, and the first separator plate is composed of a pair of dividing plates, and the case main body includes one of the pair of dividing plates. The gist is that the cover body is provided with the other dividing plate of the pair of dividing plates.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the sixth aspect, a gap is formed between the one dividing plate and the other dividing plate in the bonded state between the case body and the cover body. The gist is that there is.

According to the oil separator of the present invention, a case for forming a separation chamber for separating blow-by gas and oil and a plurality of separator plates for partitioning the separation chamber in a maze shape are provided, and gas is introduced at the lower part of the case. The first inlet / outlet and the second inlet / outlet that also serve as oil discharge are provided apart from each other, a gas discharge port is provided at the upper part of the case, and a plurality of separator plates are provided at the first inlet / outlet of the separation chamber. A first separator plate is provided above the space between the door and the second doorway and is divided into an upstream space below the separation chamber and a downstream space above the separation chamber, and the first separator plate is the separation chamber. A first opening connecting the upstream space and the downstream space is formed above the first entrance, and a second opening connecting the upstream space and the downstream space above the second entrance of the separation chamber. Is provided to form. The oil flowing into the case from the first inlet / outlet can pass through the space on the upstream side of the first separator plate and be discharged from the second inlet / outlet, and can be discharged from the first opening, the space on the downstream side of the first separator plate, and the first. It can pass through the two openings and be discharged from the second doorway. As a result, the blow-by gas introduced from the first inlet / outlet and the second inlet / outlet meanders through the separation chamber by the plurality of separator plates, so that the oil mist is separated and discharged from the gas discharge port. On the other hand, when a large amount of liquid oil flows in from the first inlet / outlet, the liquid oil passes through the space on the upstream side of the first separator plate and is discharged from the second inlet / outlet, and the first opening and the first separator. It is discharged from the second entrance / exit through the space on the downstream side of the plate and the second opening (that is, the detour passage).
As described above, by providing the detour passage for the liquid oil, it is possible to secure a sufficient flow path length for the blow-by gas and the liquid oil while ensuring a large volume of the space on the upstream side of the first separator plate. Therefore, it is possible to prevent or suppress the occurrence of interruption due to oil submersion in the case, and effectively separate and discharge the liquid mist together with the oil mist having a relatively large particle size contained in the blow-by gas. Further, since a labyrinth-like separation structure using a plurality of separator plates is used, the structure can be made simpler and cheaper than the conventional one using a nozzle impactor type separation structure.
Further, when the opening area of the second opening is larger than the opening area of the first opening, the amount of blow-by gas passing through the second opening is larger than that of the first opening. The oil mist separation efficiency is further improved.
Further, when the first separator plate is formed in an inclined shape inclined downward from the first entrance / exit toward the second entrance / exit, the first separator plate causes the first separator plate to flow into the case from the first entrance / exit. Liquid oil is guided to the second doorway.
When the plurality of separator plates include a second separator plate that covers the first opening from above, blow-by gas and / or liquid oil that has passed through the first opening collides with the second separator plate. Is smoothly guided to the space on the downstream side of the first separator plate.
When the second separator plate is provided so as to cover the first separator plate from above together with the first opening, blow-by gas and / or liquid oil is placed in the space downstream of the first separator plate. It will be guided more smoothly.
Further, the case includes a case main body and a cover body, the first separator plate is composed of a pair of dividing plates, and the case main body is provided with one dividing plate. When the cover body is provided with the other dividing plate, the structure can be made simpler and smaller.
Further, when a gap is formed between the one dividing plate and the other dividing plate in the joined state between the case body and the cover body, the blow-by gas passes through the gap to cause oil mist. Is effectively separated.

The present invention will be further described in the following detailed description with reference to the plurality of references mentioned with reference to non-limiting examples of typical embodiments according to the invention, although similar reference numerals are in the drawings. Similar parts are shown through several figures.
It is a front view which a part of the oil separator which concerns on Example 1 was broken. FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. It is a perspective view of the 1st separator plate which concerns on Example 1. FIG. It is a schematic diagram of the engine to which the said oil separator is attached. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the operation of the said oil separator, (a) shows the flow state of blow-by gas at the time of normal operation of an engine, (b) blow-by gas and liquid oil in a situation where the engine load is relatively heavy. Indicates the distribution status. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the oil separator which concerns on another form, (a) shows the form which includes two first separator plates, (b) shows the form which includes three first separator plates. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the oil separator which concerns on further another form, (a) shows the form which includes the first separator plate in the shape of a curved plate which is convex upward, and (b) is convex downward. The form provided with the first separator plate in the shape of a curved plate is shown. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating further other forms of an oil separator, (a) shows the form in which a labyrinth-like gap is formed between the tips of a pair of split plates, and (b) is a pair. The form in which the tips of the divided plates are joined to each other is shown. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the conventional oil separator, (a) shows the oil separator described in Patent Document 1, and (b) shows the oil separator described in Patent Document 2.

The matters shown here are for illustrative purposes and embodiments of the present invention, and are the most effective and effortless explanations for understanding the principles and conceptual features of the present invention. It is stated for the purpose of providing what seems to be. In this regard, it is not intended to show structural details of the invention beyond a certain degree necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, and some embodiments of the invention are provided by description in conjunction with the drawings. It is intended to clarify to those skilled in the art how it is actually realized.

The oil separator according to the present embodiment is an oil separator (1) provided on the side surface of the engine body (2), and forms a separation chamber (9) for separating blow-by gas and oil (3). A plurality of separator plates (21 to 25) that partition the separation chamber in a maze shape are provided, and at the lower part of the case (3), a first inlet / outlet (11) and a second entrance / exit (11) for both gas introduction and oil discharge are provided. The doorways (12) are separated from each other, the gas discharge port (13) is provided at the upper part of the case (3), and the plurality of separator plates are the first doorways (9) of the separation chamber (9). A first space located above the space between the 11) and the second entrance (12) and divided into an upstream space (15) below the separation chamber (9) and a downstream space (16) above the separation chamber (9). A separator plate (21, 21', 21 ") is provided (see, for example, FIGS. 1 to 5). Further, the first separator plate (21, 21', 21") is the first of the separation chamber (9). A first opening (31) connecting the upstream space (15) and the downstream space (16) is formed above the doorway (11), and above the second doorway (12) of the separation chamber (9). Is provided so as to form a second opening (32) connecting the upstream space (15) and the downstream space (16) (see, for example, FIGS. 1, 6 and 7). Then, the oil flowing into the case (3) from the first inlet / outlet (11) passes through the upstream space (15) of the first separator plate (21, 21', 21 ") and passes through the second inlet / outlet (12). It can be discharged from the first opening (31), passes through the downstream space (16) and the second opening (32) of the first separator plate ( 21, 21', 21 " ), and passes through the second entrance (21). It can be discharged from 12) (see, for example, FIG. 5 (b)).

The material, shape, size, etc. of the case (3) are not particularly limited. Further, the material, shape, number, arrangement form, etc. of the plurality of separator plates (21 to 25) are not particularly limited. Further, the shape, size, arrangement form, etc. of the first entrance / exit (11), the second entrance / exit (12), and the gas discharge port (13) are not particularly limited.

As the oil separator according to the present embodiment, for example, the opening area (S2) of the second opening (32) is larger than the opening area (S1) of the first opening (31) (for example). , Fig. 1 etc.). The ratio (S2 / S1) of the opening area (S2) of the second opening to the opening area (S1) of the first opening is, for example, 1.0 to 3.0 (preferably 1.1 to 2). 8.8, especially 1.2-2.5).

As the oil separator according to the present embodiment, for example, the first separator plate (21, 21', 21 ") has an inclined shape inclined downward from the first entrance / exit (11) toward the second entrance / exit (12). (See, for example, FIG. 1, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, etc.) formed in.

As the oil separator according to the present embodiment, for example, the plurality of separator plates include a second separator plate (22) that covers the first opening (31) from above (for example, FIGS. 1, 6, and FIGS. 7 etc.). The second separator plate (22) can be provided, for example, so as to cover the first separator plate (21, 21', 21 ") together with the first opening (31) from above.

As the oil separator according to the present embodiment, for example, the case (3) is a separation chamber between the case body (5) attached to the side surface of the engine body (2) and the case body joined to the case body. A cover body (6) forming (9) is provided, and a first separator plate (
21, 21', 21 ") is composed of a pair of dividing plates (21a, 21b), and the case body (5) is provided with one dividing plate (21a) of the pair of dividing plates. The cover body (6) includes a form in which the other dividing plate (21b) of the pair of dividing plates is provided (see, for example, FIGS. 2 and 8).

In the case of the above-mentioned form, for example, in the state where the case body (5) and the cover body (6) are joined, there is a gap (35) between one dividing plate (21a) and the other dividing plate (21b). It can be formed (see, for example, FIGS. 2 and 8 (a), etc.). Examples of the gap (35) include 0 to 2 mm (preferably 0.2 to 1.8 mm).

In the case of the above-described form, for example, the gap (35) formed in the first separator plate (21, 21', 21 ") and the gap (35) formed in the second separator plate (22) are cases. The positions may be displaced in the joining direction between the main body (5) and the cover body (6) (see, for example, FIG. 2). Further, for example, the above-mentioned one dividing plate (21a) and the other dividing plate (for example). Since the tips of 21b) face each other in the vertical direction, a gap (35) can be formed between the two (see, for example, FIG. 8A), whereby the oil mist is further generated. Effectively separated.

The reference numerals in parentheses of each configuration described in the above-described embodiment indicate the correspondence with the specific configurations described in the examples described later.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, as the "oil separator" according to the present invention, an oil separator 1 attached to the side surface of the engine body 2 such as a cylinder block or a crankcase by screwing or the like is exemplified (see FIG. 4). Further, in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, the flow of blow-by gas is indicated by a virtual line arrow, and the flow of oil is indicated by a broken line arrow.

(1) Configuration of Oil Separator As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the oil separator 1 according to the present embodiment has a case 3 forming a separation chamber 9 for separating blow-by gas and oil, and a case 3 inside the case 3. First to fifth separator plates 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, which are provided in the above and partition the separation chamber 9 in a maze shape, are provided. The maze-like (that is, labyrinth-like) separation structure of the first to fifth separator plates 21 to 25 causes the blow-by gas introduced into the case 3 to meander and flow, thereby separating the oil mist.

The case 3 has a separation chamber 9 between a synthetic resin case body 5 attached to the side surface of the engine body 2 and the case body 5 bonded to the case body 5 by vibration welding, laser welding, an adhesive or the like. It includes a cover body 6 made of synthetic resin to be formed. The case body 5 includes a front wall 5a in contact with the side surface of the engine body 2, left and right side walls 5b and 5c extending laterally from the outer peripheral side of the front wall 5a, an upper wall 5d, and a bottom wall 5e. As a whole, it is formed in a box shape (specifically, a square box shape) with one open. On the outer surfaces of the left and right side walls 5b and 5c, mounting pieces 7 for mounting the case body 5 on the side surface of the engine body 2 are provided. Further, the cover body 6 includes a rear wall 6a facing the front wall 5a of the case body 5, and left and right side walls 6b, 6c, an upper wall 6d, and a bottom wall 6e extending laterally from the outer peripheral side of the rear wall 6a. It is provided and is formed in a box shape (specifically, a square box shape) with one side open as a whole.

In this embodiment, the case 3 in which the convex portion 8 is projected on the bottom plates 5e and 6e is adopted in response to a request from the engine side, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a flat shape in which the convex portion 8 is not formed. The case may be provided with the bottom plates 5e and 6e of the above.

At the lower part of the case 3, a first inlet / outlet 11 and a second inlet / outlet 12 for both blow-by gas introduction and oil discharge are provided so as to be separated from each other. Each of the first entrance / exit 11 and the second entrance / exit 12 is a communication hole for communicating the inside of the separation chamber 9 and the passage 2a (see FIG. 4) in the engine main body 2. Further, a gas discharge port 13 for blow-by gas is provided in the upper part of the case 3. The gas discharge port 13 is a communication hole for communicating the inside of the separation chamber 9 and the passage 2a in the engine main body 2. Further, the first entrance / exit 11, the second entrance / exit 12, and the gas discharge port 13 are formed on the front wall 5a of the case main body 5. Further, each of the first entrance / exit 11 and the second entrance / exit 12 is arranged on the lower corner side of the front wall 5a, and the gas discharge port 13 is the second of the upper corner sides of the front wall 5a. It is arranged on the upper corner side of the doorway 12.

The first separator plate 21 is a space between the first entrance / exit 11 and the second entrance / exit 12 of the separation chamber 9 (specifically, the first entrance / exit 11 and the second entrance / exit 12 of the bottom plates 5e and 6e of the case 3). It is located above (the part between). The first separator plate 21 divides the separation chamber 9 into an upstream space 15 and a downstream space 16 for the flow of blow-by gas. Further, the first separator plate 21 forms a first opening 31 that connects the upstream space 15 and the downstream space 16 above the first entrance 11 of the separation chamber 9, and also forms a second entrance / exit of the separation chamber 9. It is arranged above 12 so as to form a second opening 32 connecting the upstream space 15 and the downstream space 16. The opening area S2 (for example, 2300 mm ² ) of the second opening 32 is set to be larger than the opening area S1 (for example, 1000 mm ² ) of the first opening 31.

Then, in the oil separator 1, as shown in FIG. 5B, a part of the liquid oil flowing into the case 3 from the first inlet / outlet 11 passes through the upstream space 15 of the first separator plate 21. The oil can be discharged from the second entrance / exit 12, and a part thereof can be discharged from the second entrance / exit 12 through the first opening 31, the downstream space 16 of the first separator plate 21, and the second opening 32. It has become. Further, the first separator plate 21 is formed in a flat plate inclined shape that is inclined downward from the first entrance / exit 11 toward the second entrance / exit 12. The first separator plate 21 is connected to the front wall 5a and the rear wall 6a of the case 3.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the second separator plate 22 is arranged on the downstream side of the first separator plate 21 (that is, above the first separator plate 21) and divides the inside of the separation chamber 9 into upper and lower parts. There is. The second separator plate 22 is provided so as to cover a part of the first separator plate 21 from above together with the first opening 31. Further, the second separator plate 22 is formed in a flat plate shape inclined downward from the first entrance / exit 11 toward the second entrance / exit 12. Further, the second separator plate 22 is connected to the front wall 5a and the rear wall 6a of the case 3 and one side wall 5b, 6b.

The third separator plate 23 is arranged on the downstream side of the second separator plate 22 (that is, above the second separator plate 22) and partitions the inside of the separation chamber 9 up and down. The third separator plate 23 is provided so as to cover each part of the first and second separator plates 21 and 22 together with the second opening 32 from above. Further, the third separator plate 23 is formed in a flat plate shape inclined downward from the second entrance / exit 12 toward the first entrance / exit 11. Further, the third separator plate 23 is connected to the front wall 5a and the rear wall 6a of the case 3 and one of the side walls 5c and 6c.

Each of the fourth separator plate 24 and the fifth separator plate 25 is arranged above the third separator plate 23 and partitions the inside of the separation chamber 9 to the left and right. The fourth and fifth separator plates 24 and 25 are formed in a flat plate shape extending in the vertical direction P. Further, the 4th and 5th separator plates 24 and 25 face each other. Further, the upper portion of the fourth separator plate 24 is separated from the upper walls 5d and 6d of the case 3, and the lower portion thereof is separated from the third separator plate 23. Further, the upper portion of the fifth separator plate 25 is connected to the upper walls 5d and 6d of the case 3, and the lower portion thereof is separated from the third separator plate 23.

Here, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, each separator plate 21 to 23 is composed of a pair of dividing plates 21a, 21b, 22a, 22b, 23a, 23b. The case body 5 is provided with one of the pair of divided plates 21a, 22a, 23a, and the cover body 6 is provided with the other divided plates 21b, 22b, 23b. Then, in the joined state between the case body 5 and the cover body 6, one of the divided plates 21a to 21a and the other divided plates 21b to 23b are juxtaposed via a gap 35. The gap 35 is arranged at an intermediate portion in the joining direction between the case body 5 and the cover body 6 of the separator plates 21 to 23, and is formed along the longitudinal direction of the separator plates 21 to 23. Further, the gap 35 formed in the first separator plate 21 and the gap 35 formed in the second separator plate 22 are displaced from each other in the joining direction between the case main body 5 and the cover body 6. Further, the gap 35 formed in the second separator plate 22 and the gap 35 formed in the third separator plate 23 are displaced from each other in the joining direction between the case main body 5 and the cover body 6.

(2) Action of oil separator Next, the action of the oil separator 1 having the above configuration will be described. In this embodiment, the liquid oil wound up by the crankshaft, the balance shaft, etc. is assumed to flow into the case 3 mainly from the first inlet / outlet 11.

During normal operation of the engine, as shown in FIG. 5A, the blow-by gas generated in the engine (indicated by a virtual line arrow in the figure) is the first inlet / outlet 11 and the first inlet / outlet due to the action of the negative pressure of the intake system. 2 It is introduced into the case 3 from the doorway 12. The blow-by gas introduced from the first inlet / outlet 11 passes through the upstream space 15 and the second opening 32 of the first separator plate 21, flows toward the gas discharge port 13, and passes through the first opening 31. Then, it flows toward the gas discharge port 13. Further, the blow-by gas introduced from the second inlet / outlet 12 passes through the second opening 32 and flows toward the gas discharge port 13. Then, the blow-by gas meanders and flows in the separation chamber 9 by the separator plates 21 to 25, and the blow-by gas meanders and flows through the gaps 35 of the first to third separator plates 21 to 23, so that the blow-by gas is contained. The oil mist contained in is captured and separated. The blow-by gas from which the oil mist is separated is discharged from the gas discharge port 13 to the engine body 2 side. On the other hand, the separated oil is guided through the upper and lower surfaces of the first to third separator plates 21 to 23 to the first inlet / outlet 11 and / or the second inlet / outlet 12, and is discharged to the engine body 2 side.

On the other hand, in a situation where the engine load is relatively large, as shown in FIG. 5 (b), the liquid oil (indicated by the broken line arrow in the figure) wound up by the crankshaft, the balance shaft, etc. is introduced from the first inlet / outlet 11 to the case 3. A large amount may flow into the inside. At this time, the liquid oil flowing into the case 3 from the first inlet / outlet 11 passes through the space 15 on the upstream side of the first separator plate 21 and is discharged from the second inlet / outlet 12 to the engine body 2 side and at the same time, the first opening. The oil is discharged from the second entrance / exit 12 to the engine body 2 side through the portion 31, the downstream space 16 of the first separator plate 21, and the second opening 32 (that is, the detour passage). Further, the liquid oil once flowing from the first inlet / outlet 11 may be discharged from the first inlet / outlet 11 to the engine body 2 side. By setting the detour passages 31, 16 and 32 for liquid oil in this way, it is possible to secure time for oil discharge, so that oil ejection is suppressed and the main route of blow-by gas and liquid oil is separated. , Oil removal is suppressed.

Even when a large amount of liquid oil flows into the case 3, the blow-by gas introduced from the first and second entrances 11 and 12 is substantially the same as during normal operation of the engine. The oil mist meanders in the separation chamber 9 and is discharged from the gas discharge port 13 to the engine body 2 side in a state where the oil mist is separated.

(3) Effect of Example According to the oil separator 1 of this embodiment, a case 3 for forming a separation chamber 9 for separating blow-by gas and oil and a plurality of separator plates 21 for partitioning the separation chamber 9 in a maze shape are provided. A first inlet / outlet 11 and a second inlet / outlet 12 for both gas introduction and oil discharge are provided at a distance from each other in the lower part of the case 3, and gas discharge is provided in the upper part of the case 3. An outlet 13 is provided, and the plurality of separator plates are arranged above the space between the first entrance 11 and the second entrance 12 of the separation chamber 9 and are arranged with the upstream space 15 below the separation chamber 9. A first separator plate 21 that partitions the space 16 on the downstream side is provided, and the first separator plate 21 connects the upstream space 15 and the downstream space 16 above the first entrance / exit 11 of the separation chamber 9. One opening 31 is formed, and a second opening 32 connecting the upstream space 15 and the downstream space 16 is formed above the second entrance 12 of the separation chamber 9. The oil flowing into the case 3 from the first inlet / outlet 11 can pass through the space 15 on the upstream side of the first separator plate 21 and be discharged from the second inlet / outlet 12, and the first opening 31 and the first separator plate. It can be discharged from the second entrance / exit 12 through the downstream space 16 and the second opening 32 of the 21. As a result, the blow-by gas introduced from the first inlet / outlet 11 and the second inlet / outlet 12 meanders in the separation chamber 9 by the plurality of separator plates 21 to 25, so that the oil mist is separated and the gas discharge port 13 is separated. Is discharged from. On the other hand, when a large amount of liquid oil flows in from the first inlet / outlet 11, the liquid oil passes through the space 15 on the upstream side of the first separator plate 21 and is discharged from the second inlet / outlet 12, and is discharged from the first opening. 31, the oil is discharged from the second entrance / exit 12 through the downstream space 16 of the first separator plate 21 and the second opening 32 (that is, the detour passage).

As described above, by providing the detour passages 31, 16 and 32 for the liquid oil, the volume of the space 15 on the upstream side of the first separator plate 21 is largely secured, and the blow-by gas and the liquid oil have a sufficient flow path length. Can be secured. Therefore, it is possible to prevent or suppress the occurrence of interruption due to oil submersion in the case 3 and effectively separate and discharge the liquid mist together with the oil mist having a relatively large particle size contained in the blow-by gas. Further, since a labyrinth-like separation structure consisting of a plurality of separator plates 21 to 25 is used, it is simpler and cheaper than the conventional nozzle impactor type separation structure 210 (see FIG. 9B). Structure can be made.

Further, in this embodiment, the opening area S2 of the second opening 32 is larger than the opening area S1 of the first opening 31. As a result, the amount of blow-by gas passing through the second opening 32 is larger than that of the first opening 31, and the oil mist separation efficiency is further improved.

Further, in the present embodiment, the first separator plate 21 is formed in an inclined shape inclined downward from the first entrance / exit 11 toward the second entrance / exit 12. As a result, the liquid oil flowing into the case 3 from the first inlet / outlet 11 is guided to the second inlet / outlet 12 by the first separator plate 21.

Further, in this embodiment, the plurality of separator plates include a second separator plate 22 that covers the first opening 31 from above. As a result, the blow-by gas and / or liquid oil that has passed through the first opening 31 collides with the second separator plate 22 and is smoothly guided to the space 16 on the downstream side of the first separator plate 21. In particular, in this embodiment, the second separator plate 22 is provided so as to cover the first separator plate 21 together with the first opening 31 from above. As a result, blow-by gas and / or liquid oil is more smoothly guided to the space 16 on the downstream side of the first separator plate 21.

Further, in the present embodiment, the case 3 includes a case main body 5 and a cover body 6, and the first separator plate 21 is composed of a pair of split plates 21a and 21b. One dividing plate 21a is provided, and the cover body 6 is provided with the other dividing plate 21b. This makes it possible to make the structure simpler and smaller.

Further, in this embodiment, a gap 35 is formed between the one dividing plate 21a and the other dividing plate 21b in the joined state between the case body 5 and the cover body 6. As a result, the blow-by gas passes through the gap 35, so that the oil mist is effectively separated. In particular, in this embodiment, the gap 35 formed in the first separator plate 21 and the gap 35 formed in the second separator plate 22 are displaced from each other in the joining direction between the case body 5 and the cover body 6. .. This allows the oil mist to be separated more effectively.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned examples, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention according to the purpose and use. That is, in the above embodiment, the oil separator 1 provided with the single first separator plate 21 is exemplified, but the oil separator 1 is not limited to this, and for example, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, a plurality of first oil separators are used. The oil separator 1 provided with the separator plate 21 may be used.

Further, in the above embodiment, the flat plate-shaped first separator plate 21 is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, as shown in FIG. 7A, a curved plate-shaped first separator plate that is convex upward is used. It may be a plate 21'. In this case, for example, the first separator plate 21'can be formed in a curved plate inclined shape that is inclined downward from the first entrance 11 to the second entrance 12.

Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 7B, a curved plate-shaped first separator 21 "plate that is convex downward may be used. In this case, for example, the first separator plate 21" may have a first entrance / exit. A curved plate-shaped portion 38 inclined downward from 11 toward the second entrance 12 can be provided. Further, for example, a drop hole 40 for dropping the liquid oil accumulated on the first separator 21 "can be formed in the intermediate portion of the first separator plate 21".

Further, in the above embodiment, the embodiment in which the tip portions of the pair of split plates 21a to 23a and 21b to 23b face each other in the joining direction of the case 3 to form a gap 35 between them has been exemplified. For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, the tip portions of the pair of dividing plates 21a to 23a and 21b to 23b face each other in the vertical direction P, so that a labyrinthine gap 35 is provided between the two. May be formed. This allows the oil mist to be separated more effectively.

Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 8B, the tips of the pair of split plates 21a to 23a and 21b to 23b are joined by vibration welding, laser welding, an adhesive or the like to form a gap between them. You may not do it.

Further, in the above embodiment, the embodiment in which the two entrances 11 and 12 are provided in the lower part of the case 3 is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, three or more entrances and exits may be provided in the lower part of the case 3. good.

Further, in the above embodiment, the embodiment in which the oil separator 1 is arranged with respect to the engine body 2 so that the first inlet / outlet 11 functions as an oil inlet / outlet for liquid oil is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the first. In addition to the 1 inlet / outlet 11, the oil separator 1 may be arranged with respect to the engine main body 2 so that the second inlet / outlet 12 functions as an oil inlet / outlet for liquid oil.

Further, in the above embodiment, the embodiment in which the opening area S2 of the second opening 32 is set to a value larger than the opening area S1 of the first opening 31 is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the opening area S2 is set. It may be set to substantially the same value as the opening area S1, or the opening area S2 may be set to a value smaller than the opening area S1.

Further, in the above embodiment, the first separator plate 21 that inclines downward from the first entrance / exit 11 toward the second entrance / exit 12 is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a first separator plate that extends substantially horizontally. Alternatively, it may be a first separator plate that inclines upward from the first doorway 11 toward the second doorway 12.

Further, in the above embodiment, the second separator plate 22 that covers the first separator plate 21 from above together with the first opening 31 is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the first opening 31 is covered from above and A second separator plate that does not cover the first separator plate 21 from above may be used.

Further, in the above embodiment, the case main body 5 attached to the engine main body 2 is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the case main body integrally formed on the engine main body 2 side may be used.

Further, in the above embodiment, the separator plates 21 to 23 composed of a pair of division plates 21a to 23a and 21b to 23b have been exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the separator plates 21 to 23 are composed of a single plate without using the division plates. It may be a separator plate.

Further, in the above embodiment, the synthetic resin case 3 and the separator plates 21 to 25 are exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a metal case or a metal separator plate may be used. ..

The above examples are for illustration purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. Although the present invention has been described by way of examples of typical embodiments, the wording used in the description and illustration of the invention is understood to be descriptive and exemplary rather than limited wording. As detailed herein, modifications may be made within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention in its form. Although specific structures, materials and examples have been referred to herein in detail of the invention, it is not intended to limit the invention to the disclosures herein, but rather the invention is claimed in the accompanying claims. It shall cover all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses within the scope.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments detailed above, and various modifications or modifications can be made within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

The present invention is widely used as a technique for separating and collecting oil contained in blow-by gas.

1; oil separator, 2; engine body, 3; case, 5; case body, 6; cover body, 9; separation chamber, 11; first inlet / outlet, 12; second inlet / outlet, 13; gas outlet, 15; upstream Side space, 16; downstream side space, 21,21', 21 "; first separator plate, 21a, 21b; split body, 22; second separator plate, 31; first opening, 32; second opening, 35; gap, S1; opening area of the first opening, S2; opening area of the second opening.

Claims (7)

An oil separator provided on the side of the engine body.
A case for forming a separation chamber for separating blow-by gas and oil, and a plurality of separator plates for partitioning the separation chamber in a maze shape are provided.
At the lower part of the case, a first inlet / outlet and a second inlet / outlet for both gas introduction and oil discharge are provided apart from each other.
A gas outlet is provided at the top of the case.
The plurality of separator plates are arranged above the space between the first entrance and the second entrance of the separation chamber, and are arranged in an upstream space below the separation chamber and a downstream space above the separation chamber. Equipped with a first separator plate to partition
The first separator plate forms a first opening connecting the upstream space and the downstream space above the first entrance / exit of the separation chamber, and is above the second entrance / exit of the separation chamber. Is provided so as to form a second opening connecting the upstream space and the downstream space.
The case includes a front wall in contact with a side surface of the engine body, a rear wall facing the front wall, and left and right side walls connecting a side edge of the front wall and a side edge of the rear wall.
The first separator plate is connected to the front wall and the rear wall, and is separated from the left and right side walls.
When the liquid oil flows into the case from the first inlet / outlet, the liquid oil passes through the upstream space of the first separator plate, is discharged from the second inlet / outlet, and is discharged from the first opening. An oil separator characterized in that the oil separator passes through the downstream space of the first separator plate and the second opening and is discharged from the second inlet / outlet. The oil separator according to claim 1, wherein the opening area of the second opening is larger than the opening area of the first opening. The oil separator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first separator plate is formed in an inclined shape inclined downward from the first entrance / exit toward the second entrance / exit. The oil separator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of separator plates include a second separator plate that covers the first opening from above. The oil separator according to claim 4, wherein the second separator plate is provided so as to cover the first separator plate from above together with the first opening. The case includes a case body attached to the side surface of the engine body, and a cover body joined to the case body to form the separation chamber between the case body.
The first separator plate is composed of a pair of split plates.
The case body is provided with one of the pair of dividing plates.
The oil separator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cover body is provided with the other dividing plate of the pair of dividing plates. The oil separator according to claim 6, wherein a gap is formed between the one dividing plate and the other dividing plate in the joined state between the case body and the cover body.

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