Blow-by filter assembly

Abstract

A blow-by gas filter assembly (1) is fluidly connectable to a crankcase ventilation circuit of an internal combustion engine to receive blow-by gas and filter out suspended particles contained in the blow-by gas. The blow-by gas filter assembly (1) includes a hollow cylindrical filter element (2), and the filter element (2) can be radially penetrated by the blow-by gas. In addition, the blow-by gas filter assembly (1) includes a drive group (3) that supports and drives the filter element (2) to rotate, and the drive group includes: i) a hollow shaft (4) extending along the axis (X-X) in the filter element (2) and defining an internal pipe (400) that is fluidly connected to the central cavity (200) for the flow of blow-by gas; ii) a motor (5) including a stator (51) and a hollow rotor (52), the hollow rotor (52) being operably connected to the hollow shaft (4), suitable for receiving an electromagnetic drive action from the stator (51) and driving the rotation of the hollow shaft (4) and the filter element (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a blow-by gas filter assembly.

[0002] In particular, the blow-by gas filter assembly of the present invention may be fluidly connected to a crankcase ventilation circuit of an internal combustion engine system within a vehicle to receive and filter the blow-by gas (from the crankcase) to filter out suspended particles contained in the blow-by gas.

[0003] Specifically, "blow-by gas" refers to oil vapor discharged from the crankcase of an internal combustion engine during operation of the internal combustion engine. In particular, blow-by gas has a composition similar to that of exhaust gas and is produced by the combustion of an air / fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. These gases do not reach the exhaust gas discharge circuit, but leak to the lower part of the crankcase, pass along the cylinder and carry carbon particles and oil droplets. In this article, for simplicity, blow-by gas is considered to be composed of air and suspended particles; suspended particles include oil droplets and / or carbonaceous particles. Background Art

[0004] In the prior art, solutions of filter assemblies are known which are fluidly connectable to a crankcase and adapted to discharge blow-by gases from the crankcase.

[0005] Specifically, known blow-by gas filter assembly solutions separate unwanted suspended particles from the blow-by gas and include filter elements with this purpose.

[0006] In the prior art, various filter assembly embodiments are known: for example, a first type provides a filter element comprising a porous filter medium suitable for filtering blow-by gases as they pass through; a second type provides a filter element comprising a plurality of discs spaced apart from one another and rotationally guided, wherein suspended particles are separated from the air under the action of centrifugal force; a third type provides a combination of the first two types, wherein, in effect, a porous filter medium rotationally guided is provided.

[0007] In this context, and in particular with reference to the third preferred embodiment described above, the known solutions are particularly complex and in particular take up a lot of space, ie have particularly large dimensions.

[0008] These solutions are complex and costly to manufacture, especially as they take up a large amount of space in the vehicle. Summary of the invention

[0009] Therefore, in the above-mentioned prior art, there is an urgent need for a blow-by gas filter assembly to solve the above-mentioned problem. The blow-by gas filter assembly has a simple shape, especially a limited size.

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide a blow-by gas filter assembly of a new embodiment that meets the above requirements.

[0011] One aspect of the present invention provides a blow-by gas filter assembly that can be fluidly connected to the crankcase ventilation circuit of an internal combustion engine to receive blow-by gases and filter out suspended particles contained in the blow-by gases. The blow-by gas filter assembly has an axis and includes: a filter element extending along the axis and having a hollow cylindrical shape, the filter element including a central cavity through which the blow-by gases can radially pass; a drive group that supports and rotates the filter element. The drive group includes: i) a hollow shaft extending along the axis, at least partially within the filter element and operably connected to the filter element, defining an internal conduit, the internal conduit being fluidly connected to the central cavity for the circulation of blow-by gases; ii) a motor including a stator and a hollow rotor, wherein the hollow rotor is operably connected to the hollow shaft and is located on the hollow shaft, suitable for receiving electromagnetic drive action from the stator and driving the rotation of the hollow shaft and the filter element.

[0012] Another aspect of the present invention provides a crankcase of an internal combustion engine, which is operably and fluidically connected to the blow-by gas filter assembly according to the above aspect, wherein the crankcase includes a blow-by gas filter chamber, and the blow-by gas filter assembly is at least partially accommodated in the blow-by gas filter chamber. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Further features and advantages of the invention will in any case become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments given by way of non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 A perspective view showing a longitudinal section of a blow-by gas filter assembly of the present invention according to a preferred embodiment;

[0015] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A front view of a blowby filter assembly in FIG.

[0016] Figure 3 A perspective view of the blow-by gas filter assembly of the previous figures is shown in separated form with its components.

[0017] Description of reference numerals:

[0018] 1 blowby filter assembly; 2 filter element; 20 filter medium; 21, 22 filter plate; 210, 220 through hole; 23 intermediate structure; 25 internal filter gasket; 28 radial recess; 200 central cavity; 3 drive group; 4 hollow shaft; 41 bottom end; 410 radial hole; 415 support cavity; 418 bottom shoulder; 42 top end; 428 top shoulder; 45 internal diffuser; 46 support bearing; 5 motor; 51 stator; 510 stator inner wall; 52 hollow rotor; 520 rotor central cavity; 10 assembly body; 100 closing cover; 110 fluid connection; 120 ventilation valve; 121 elastic yield membrane element; 130 support plate; 135 intermediate support bearing; 150 cup; 151 flow opening; 152 bottom wall; 156 support ring; 159 assembly housing; XX rotation axis DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] In the drawings, reference numeral 1 designates a blow-by gas filter assembly which is suitable for performing a filtering / separating action on (liquid and / or solid) particles suspended in a gas stream.

[0020] The blow-by gas filter assembly 1 can be fluidly connected to a crankcase ventilation circuit of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle to receive the blow-by gas and filter suspended particles contained in the blow-by gas from the blow-by gas, thereby returning a clean (i.e., filtered) gas flow to other vehicle systems, such as returning to an engine air intake circuit that is connected to the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the blow-by gas filter assembly 1 includes an assembly body 10, which contains and supports the components described below. The assembly body 10 can be fluidly connected to the crankcase ventilation circuit of the vehicle's internal combustion engine to receive the blow-by gas to be filtered; the assembly body 10 can be fluidly connected to the air intake circuit to recirculate the airflow from which solid and liquid particles have been filtered out to the combustion chamber.

[0022] Preferably, the blow-by gas filter assembly 1 may be directly mounted to a crankcase of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the blow-by gas filter assembly 1 is positioned as a separate device, for example, at a preferred location in the engine compartment, even away from the crankcase.

[0024] However, according to a preferred embodiment, the crankcase itself includes a blow-by gas filter chamber, and the blow-by gas filter assembly 1 is at least partially accommodated in the blow-by gas filter chamber; in other words, in such an embodiment, a portion of the assembly body 10 is made integrally with the crankcase itself.

[0025] Hereinafter and in the accompanying drawings, the assembly body 10 will be fully described according to a preferred embodiment.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the blow-by gas filter assembly 1 includes an axis XX, and the components described below extend or are positioned relative to the axis XX.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a blow-by gas filter assembly 1 includes a filter element 2, which is particularly suitable for performing a filtering / separating operation on particles suspended in the blow-by gas.

[0028] The filter element 2 extends along the axis XX and has a hollow cylindrical shape; in fact, the filter element 2 comprises a central cavity 200 .

[0029] The filter element 2 can be penetrated radially by the blow-by gas.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the filter element 2 can be penetrated by the blow-by gas from outside to inside along the radial direction.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment variant, the filter element 2 can be penetrated by the blow-by gas in the radial direction from the inside to the outside.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, the filter element 2 comprises a filter medium 20. The filter medium 20 can be penetrated radially and comprises a nonwoven fabric pleated in the form of a star or in the form of porous cylindrical spacers.

[0033] Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, the filter element 2 comprises two filter plates 21 , 22 which are hermetically attached to the ends of the filter medium 20 .

[0034] In addition, according to a preferred embodiment, the filter element 2 includes an intermediate structure 23, which is accommodated in the filter medium 20 and / or surrounds the filter medium 20. Preferably, the intermediate structure 23 is combined with the two filter plates 21, 22 so that the filter plates 21, 22 are integrally connected in rotation. Preferably, the intermediate structure 23 has a plurality of through holes, which are suitable for allowing the filtered fluid to pass through.

[0035] As shown in the figures, a central cavity 200 extends through the filter plates 21 , 22 which is surrounded by the filter media 20 .

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment, the central cavity 200 extends through corresponding through holes 210, 220 provided on the filter plates 21, 22. Preferably, the through holes 210, 220, like the central cavity 200, are concentric with the XX axis.

[0037] Furthermore, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the blow-by gas filter assembly 1 includes a drive group 3, which supports the filter element 2 and drives the filter element 2 to rotate (around the XX axis).

[0038] The drive group 3 has the dual purpose of supporting the filter element 2 while maintaining the filter element 2 in a position aligned with the axis XX and rotating the filter element 2 at a preferred angular velocity (about the axis XX).

[0039] The multiple purposes of the drive group 3 are to support the filter element 2, to keep the filter element 2 in a position aligned with the XX axis and to rotate the filter element 2 at a preferred angular velocity, and, in addition, to fluidly connect the blow-by ventilation circuit to the filter element 2, in particular to the central cavity 200 of the filter element 2.

[0040] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the drive group 3 includes a hollow shaft 4 and a motor 5. The hollow shaft 4 extends along the XX axis and is at least partially within the filter element 2. The hollow shaft 4 is operably connected to the filter element 2. The motor 5 drives the rotation of the hollow shaft 4 and the filter element 2.

[0041] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the driving group 3 includes a hollow shaft 4 and a motor 5 . The hollow shaft 4 extending along the XX axis is operably connected to the filter element 2 . The motor 5 drives the rotation of the hollow shaft 4 and the filter element 2 .

[0042] The motor 5 comprises a stator 51 and a hollow rotor 52, the hollow rotor 52 receiving the electromagnetic driving action from the stator 51 and driving the rotation of the hollow shaft 4 and the filter element 2. In fact, the hollow rotor 52 is operatively connected to the hollow shaft 4 and is located on the hollow shaft 4.

[0043] The motor 5 includes a stator 51 and a hollow rotor 52, the hollow rotor 52 is operably connected to the drive shaft 4, and is adapted to receive the electromagnetic driving action from the stator 51 and drive the rotation of the hollow shaft 4 and the filter element 2. In particular, the hollow shaft 4 includes an internal conduit 400, which is fluidically connected to the central cavity 200; in other words, the hollow shaft 4 defines an internal conduit 400, and the blow-by gas flows through the internal conduit 400.

[0044] In particular, the hollow shaft 4 comprises an internal duct 400 which communicates with the blow-by gas ventilation circuit through respective openings provided at opposite ends of the hollow shaft 4 .

[0045] In the configuration in which the filter element 2 is passed from the outside to the inside, the blow-by gas flowing into the inner pipe 400 is filtered, that is, clean.

[0046] In the configuration in which the filter element 2 is passed from the inside to the outside, the blow-by gas flowing into the inner pipe 400 is to be filtered, that is, dirty.

[0047] Preferably, the hollow shaft 4 extends axially between a bottom end 41 and a top end 42. In particular, the filter element 2 is disposed near the bottom end 41, and the motor 5 is disposed near the top end 42.

[0048] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the hollow shaft 4 has specific shoulders (a bottom shoulder 418 and a top shoulder 428) at two opposite ends, and the filter element 2 and the hollow rotor 52 are respectively mounted on the shoulders. Preferably, the filter element 3 can be axially inserted on the hollow shaft 4. Preferably, the filter element 2 has an annular shape and can be axially inserted around the hollow shaft 4 so that the hollow shaft 4 is accommodated in the central cavity 200 of the filter element 2.

[0049] Preferably, the hollow rotor 52 can be axially inserted on the hollow shaft 4. Preferably, the hollow rotor 52 is located on the top shoulder 428.

[0050] Preferably, the hollow rotor 52 has an annular shape and can be axially and circumferentially inserted onto the hollow shaft 4 so that the hollow shaft 4 is accommodated in the rotor central cavity 520 of the hollow rotor 52 .

[0051] Preferably, the hollow rotor 52 and the hollow shaft 4 are made integrally. Preferably, the hollow shaft 4 and the hollow rotor 52 are a single component.

[0052] According to a preferred embodiment, the hollow shaft 4 is integrated with the filter element 2. In other words, the hollow shaft 4 and the filter element 2 are a single component.

[0053] According to a preferred embodiment, the hollow shaft 4 is integrated into the filter element 2 and defines an internal duct 400 which puts the central cavity 200 of the filter element 2 in communication with the blow-by ventilation circuit even without intermediate components.

[0054] According to a preferred embodiment, the hollow shaft 4 is made integrally with the intermediate structure 23 of the filter element 2 , and the hollow shaft 4 is configured such that the intermediate structure 23 extends axially along the XX axis, preferably, toward the direction where the motor 5 is located.

[0055] According to a preferred embodiment, the hollow shaft 4 is made integrally with one of the filter plates 21, 22 of the filter element 2, and the hollow shaft 4 is configured to extend axially along the XX axis of one of the filter plates, preferably, toward the direction where the motor 5 is located.

[0056] According to a preferred embodiment, the inner conduit 400 is closed at the bottom end 41 and is open at the top end 42. In other words, the inner conduit is a blind conduit.

[0057] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the portion of the hollow shaft 4 where the filter element 2 is located comprises at least one radial hole 410, and the radial hole 410 is suitable for fluid communication between the central cavity 200 and the internal pipe 400. According to a preferred embodiment, the hollow shaft 4 comprises a plurality of radial holes 410, which are arranged circumferentially, preferably, arranged at equal angles to each other.

[0058] According to a preferred embodiment, the hollow shaft 4 includes an internal diffuser 45 received in the internal pipe 400 to close one end of the internal pipe 400 .

[0059] Preferably, the internal diffuser 45 housed in the internal duct 400 guides the blow-by gas to improve the flow of the blow-by gas.

[0060] In the embodiment where the filter element 2 is passed from the outside to the inside, the internal diffuser 45 guides the filtered blow-by gas toward the outlet.

[0061] In embodiments where the filter element 2 is passed from the inside out, the internal diffuser 45 directs the blow-by gases to be filtered toward the filter medium 20 .

[0062] Preferably, the internal diffuser 45 has a generally conical shape in the outlet direction.

[0063] Preferably, the internal diffuser 45 has a generally conical or pyramidal shape having a proximal apex at the top end 42 and a proximal base at the bottom end 41 .

[0064] According to a preferred embodiment, the filter element 2 and the hollow shaft 4 engage with each other to transmit the rotational action to each other via a shaped coupling.

[0065] According to a preferred embodiment, the hollow shaft 4 and the intermediate structure 23 are operably connected to each other internally by a molded coupling, so that the hollow shaft 4 is suitable for transmitting the rotational action to the intermediate structure 23. Preferably, the hollow shaft 4 includes radial protrusions and the filter element 2 includes corresponding radial recesses, or the hollow shaft 4 includes radial recesses and the filter element 2 includes corresponding radial protrusions. According to a preferred embodiment, the number and arrangement of the radial protrusions and radial recesses 38 are to ensure and balance the rotational action.

[0066] According to a preferred embodiment, the filter element 2 is operably tightly connected to the hollow shaft 4 via one or preferably two filter gaskets (sealing rings) 25. Preferably, the filter gasket 25 is on the corresponding filter plates 21, 22 or on the intermediate structure 23.

[0067] Preferably, the hollow shaft 4 is made of aluminum alloy.

[0068] Preferably, the hollow shaft 4 is made of thermoplastic material.

[0069] Preferably, the hollow shaft 4 is made of nylon-based material (PA, PA6, PA6.6 or a mixture thereof).

[0070] Preferably, the hollow shaft 4 is made of glass fiber reinforced nylon-based material (PA+GF, PA 6.6+GF35, PA 6+PA6.6+GF 35).

[0071] Preferably, the hollow shaft 4 is made of a material including a polyamide-based compound (eg, PPA).

[0072] Preferably, the hollow shaft 4 is made of the same material as the intermediate structure 23 of the filter element 2 and / or the filter plates 21 , 22 .

[0073] As mentioned, according to a preferred embodiment, the hollow rotor 52 is integrally and firmly connected to the hollow shaft 4. Preferably, the hollow rotor 52 has a generally annular shape, comprising a plurality of rotor poles facing the stator inner wall 510 at equal angular intervals.

[0074] Preferably, the hollow rotor 52 has a substantially annular shape, and is connected to the outer surface of the hollow shaft 4 in one piece.

[0075] Preferably, the hollow rotor 52 has a generally annular shape and surrounds the internal duct 400 defined by the hollow shaft 4 .

[0076] Preferably, the hollow rotor 52 and the hollow shaft 4 are arranged coaxially.

[0077] Preferably, the hollow rotor 52 and the hollow shaft 4 are arranged coaxially with the XX axis and thus coaxially with the filter element 2 .

[0078] Preferably, the hollow rotor 52 and the hollow shaft 4 are combined by molding, ie, they are subjected to a molding operation that combines them in an integral manner. Preferably, the hollow rotor 52 and the hollow shaft 4 are combined by injection molding.

[0079] Preferably, the hollow rotor 52 is embedded in the hollow shaft 4 .

[0080] Preferably, the hollow rotor 52 and the hollow shaft 4 are coupled by interference.

[0081] According to a preferred embodiment, the hollow shaft 4 further comprises a support bearing 46 .

[0082] Preferably, the support bearing 46 is located at the end opposite to the motor 5. Preferably, the support bearing 46 is accommodated in a support cavity 415 formed at the bottom end 41 of the hollow shaft 4.

[0083] Preferably, the support bearing 46 and the hollow shaft 4 are combined by molding, ie, they are subjected to a molding operation that combines them in an integral manner. Preferably, the support bearing 46 and the hollow shaft 4 are combined by injection molding.

[0084] As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the blow-by gas filter assembly 1 includes an assembly body 10 .

[0085] According to a preferred embodiment, the assembly body 10 comprises a closure cover 100 adapted to define a filter chamber in which the blow-by gas filtering operation is performed.

[0086] Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, the assembly body 10 includes a cup-shaped body 150 which can be closed by the closure cap 100 to define an assembly housing 159 in which the filter element 2 and the drive group 3 are accommodated.

[0087] According to a preferred embodiment, the closure cover 100 is directly mounted to the crankcase to define a filter chamber enclosed in the crankcase.

[0088] According to a preferred embodiment, a fluid connection 110 is provided in the closure cap 100 , through which the blow-by gas circulating through the internal conduit 400 flows.

[0089] According to a preferred embodiment, the stator 51 is located on the closing cover 100 .

[0090] Preferably, the closure cover 100 comprises an annular housing 105 in which the stator 51 is accommodated.

[0091] According to a preferred embodiment, the filtered blow-by gas flows into the inner pipe 400 and flows out of the blow-by gas filter assembly 1 through the fluid connection 110 .

[0092] According to a preferred embodiment, the closure cap 100 comprises a ventilation valve 120, which is fluidically operated with the fluid connection 110 and is suitable for regulating the flow of blow-by gases into the blow-by gas filter assembly 1. Preferably, the ventilation valve 120 is suitable for preventing overpressure in the ventilation circuit of the crankcase of the engine.

[0093] Preferably, the ventilation valve 120 comprises an elastically yielding membrane element 121 which yields when subjected to a force greater than a certain threshold.

[0094] According to a preferred embodiment, the blow-by gas to be filtered flows through the fluid connection 110 to reach the inner duct 400 and to the filter element 2 .

[0095] According to a preferred embodiment, the assembly body 10 further includes a support plate 130 , which is axially located between the filter element 2 and the motor 5 , and the support plate 130 is operably connected to the hollow shaft 4 to support the hollow shaft 4 to rotate freely.

[0096] Preferably, the support plate 130 comprises an intermediate support bearing 36 adapted to engage the hollow shaft 4 with an inner fifth wheel of the intermediate support bearing 36 and thereby engage an outer wall of the intermediate support bearing 36 .

[0097] As described, the assembly body 10 includes a cup-shaped body 150 adapted to define an assembly housing 159 .

[0098] Preferably, according to the present embodiment, the cup-shaped body 150 includes a flow opening 151 through which the filtered blow-by gas or the blow-by gas to be filtered arriving from the crankcase flows. Preferably, the flow opening 151 is provided in a region close to the filter element 2.

[0099] Preferably, the flow opening 151 is disposed on a bottom wall 152 axially opposite to the closure cap 100 .

[0100] The walls of the cup-shaped body 150, in addition to defining the assembly housing 159, are also suitable for supporting and maintaining the alignment of the various components contained therein along the XX axis.

[0101] According to the preferred embodiment, the hollow shaft 4 engages with the bottom wall 152. Preferably, the support bearing 46 engages to a suitable support ring 156 protruding from the bottom wall 152.

[0102] According to the preferred embodiment, the support plate 130 engages the side walls of the cup-shaped body 150 .

[0103] Preferably, the support plate 130 sealingly engages the side wall 153 .

[0104] In the embodiment where the cup 150 is not provided but all components are inside the filter chamber, all features described above for the cup 150 are present in the filter chamber.

[0105] Innovatively, the blow-by gas filter assembly of the embodiments of the present invention broadly achieves the objects of the present invention by presenting itself in a simple form, particularly in a reduced size.

[0106] Advantageously, the electric motor is very compact and is arranged directly on the hollow shaft.

[0107] Advantageously, the motor is very compact and can be secured directly to the inner surface of the closure cover of the blow-by gas filter assembly.

[0108] Advantageously, the blow-by gas filter assembly has a blow-by gas channel in the space occupied by the filter element and the drive group, in particular by the electric motor.

[0109] Advantageously, since the blow-by gas circulation duct is at least partially disposed in the space occupied by the motor, the size of the blow-by gas filtering assembly (particularly in the direction along the XX axis) is reduced.

[0110] Advantageously, the blow-by gas filter assembly can optimize the use of available space, can increase the filter area of ​​the filter element, thereby extending the service life of the filter, and reduce the pressure drop applied to the blow-by gas ventilation circuit.

[0111] Advantageously, the hollow shaft effectively transmits the torque generated by the drive group to the filter element, fluidly defining a conduit for the flow of blow-by gases.

[0112] Advantageously, the electric machine is located to be cooled by blow-by gases circulating in a circulation duct arranged along the axis of the electric machine.

[0113] Advantageously, the electric machine is located so as to be cooled by the filtered blow-by gases and thus has a temperature lower than the temperature of the blow-by gases to be filtered.

[0114] Advantageously, the blow-by gas filter assembly is easy to assemble / disassemble. Advantageously, the filter element is easy to assemble / disassemble.

[0115] Advantageously, the blow-by filter assembly is very effective at acting on blow-by gases due to the combined action of the filter elements, particularly agglomerating suspended particles which are then subjected to the centrifugal action of spinning.

[0116] Advantageously, the hollow shaft guides the flow of the blow-by gas. Preferably, the hollow shaft facilitates the flow of the filtered blow-by gas toward the gas outlet. Preferably, the hollow shaft facilitates the flow of the blow-by gas to be filtered toward the filter element.

[0117] Advantageously, the hollow shaft is formed into a hollow shape and made of a thermoplastic material or a low-density metal alloy (eg, an aluminum alloy) to reduce the weight of the blowby filter assembly and thereby reduce the consumption associated with the operation of the blowby filter assembly.

[0118] Advantageously, the hollow shaft may be integrated into the filter element, thereby reducing the number of components of the blowby gas filter assembly.

[0119] Advantageously, a minimum number of seals are utilized, eliminating potential issues with blow-by gas leakage.

[0120] Advantageously, the filter element requires a minimum number of sealing elements, for example a single gasket, possibly two gaskets, may be sufficient.

[0121] Advantageously, the blow-by gas filter assembly may be placed at a desired location in the vehicle, not necessarily near the internal combustion engine.

[0122] Advantageously, the blow-by gas filter assembly may be positioned in a vehicle as an integral part of a crankcase of an internal combustion engine.

[0123] Obviously, those skilled in the art may modify the above-mentioned blowby gas filter assembly to meet possible requirements, all of which are included in the scope of protection defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A blow-by gas filter assembly (1) fluidly connectable to a crankcase ventilation circuit of an internal combustion engine to receive blow-by gas and filter out suspended particles contained in the blow-by gas, wherein: The blow-by gas filter assembly (1) has an axis (XX) and comprises: a filter element (2) extending along said axis (XX) and having a hollow cylindrical shape, said filter element (2) comprising a central cavity (200) through which blow-by gases can radially pass; A driving group (3), which supports and rotates the filter element (2), comprises: i) a hollow shaft (4) extending along the axis (XX), at least partially within the filter element (2) and operably connected to the filter element (2), defining an internal conduit (400) fluidly connected to the central cavity (200) for the circulation of blow-by gases; ii) a motor (5), comprising a stator (51) and a hollow rotor (52), wherein the hollow rotor (52) is operably connected to the hollow shaft (4) and is located on the hollow shaft (4), and is suitable for receiving electromagnetic driving action from the stator (51) and driving the rotation of the hollow shaft (4) and the filter element (2).

2. The blow-by gas filter assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hollow shaft (4) extends axially between a bottom end (41) and a top end (42), wherein the inner conduit (400) is closed at the bottom end (41) and open at the top end (42).

3. The blow-by gas filter assembly (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that: The filter element (2) is located near the bottom end (41), and the hollow rotor (52) is located near the top end (42).

4. The blow-by gas filter assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The portion of the hollow shaft (4) where the filter element (2) is located comprises at least one radial hole (410), wherein the radial hole (410) is suitable for fluidly connecting the central cavity (200) and the internal duct (400).

5. The blow-by gas filter assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hollow shaft (4) includes an internal diffuser (45) received in the internal pipe (400) to close one end of the internal pipe (400) and guide the flow of blow-by gas, the internal diffuser (45) extending in a generally conical shape.

6. The blow-by gas filter assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The filter element (2) comprises a filter medium (20) and two filter plates (21, 22), wherein the two filter plates (21, 22) are sealingly fixed to the ends of the filter medium (20).

7. The blow-by gas filter assembly (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that: The filter element (2) comprises an intermediate structure (23), the filter medium (20) is accommodated in the intermediate structure (23) and / or the intermediate structure (23) surrounds the filter medium (20), and the intermediate structure (23) is combined with the two filter plates (21, 22) so that the two filter plates (21, 22) are integrally rotatably connected.

8. The blow-by gas filter assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The filter element (2) is operably tightly connected to the hollow shaft (4) via at least one filter gasket (25).

9. The blow-by gas filter assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hollow rotor (52) is integrally and completely connected to the hollow shaft (4), ie the hollow rotor (52) and the hollow shaft (4) are a single component.

10. The blow-by gas filter assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hollow rotor (52) has a generally annular shape and includes a plurality of rotor poles spaced at equal angles facing the stator inner wall (510).

11. The blow-by gas filter assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hollow shaft (4) comprises a support bearing (46).

12. The blow-by gas filter assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hollow shaft (4) is integrally and completely connected to the filter element (2), ie the hollow shaft (4) and the filter element (2) are a single component.

13. The blow-by gas filter assembly (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that: The filter medium (20) can be radially penetrated by the blow-by gas from outside to inside, so that the filtered blow-by gas flows in the inner pipe (400).

14. The blow-by gas filter assembly (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that: The filter medium (20) can be radially penetrated by the blow-by gas from the inside to the outside, so that the blow-by gas to be filtered flows in the inner pipe (400).

15. The blow-by gas filter assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The invention also comprises a component body (10), wherein the component body (10) comprises a closing cover (100), wherein a fluid connector (110) is arranged in the closing cover (100), and the blow-by gas circulating through the internal pipe (400) flows through the fluid connector (110).

16. The blow-by gas filter assembly (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that: The stator (51) is located on the closing cover (100).

17. The blow-by gas filter assembly (1) according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that: The closure cover (100) comprises a ventilation valve (120), the ventilation valve (120) is fluidly matched with the fluid connector (110), and the ventilation valve (120) comprises an elastic yielding membrane element (121) suitable for regulating the flow rate of blow-by gas flowing into the blow-by gas filter assembly (1).

18. The blow-by gas filter assembly (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that: The component body (10) further comprises a support plate (130), wherein the support plate (130) is axially located between the filter element (2) and the motor (5), and the support plate (130) is operably connected to the hollow shaft (4) to support the hollow shaft (4) to rotate freely.

19. The blow-by gas filter assembly (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that: The component body (10) includes a cup-shaped body (150), which can be closed by a closing cover (100) to be identified as a component housing (159), and the filter element (2) and the drive group (3) are accommodated in the component housing (159), wherein the cup-shaped body (150) includes a flow port (151), and the filtered blow-by gas or the blow-by gas to be filtered flows through the flow port (151).

20. The blow-by gas filter assembly (1) according to claim 19, characterized in that: The hollow shaft (4) is engaged at the bottom wall (152) of the cup-shaped body (150) and is supported so as to rotate freely.

21. The blow-by gas filter assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the central cavity (200) is penetrated by the blow-by gas from outside to inside.

22. A crankcase of an internal combustion engine, operatively and fluidically connected to a blow-by gas filter assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein: The crankcase comprises a blow-by gas filter chamber, and the blow-by gas filter assembly (1) is at least partially accommodated in the blow-by gas filter chamber.

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