Oil separator including fresh air chamber

Abstract

The invention relates to an oil separator (10) for an internal combustion engine (2) intended to be arranged on a cylinder block (3), the oil separator (10) comprising: a chamber (20); an inlet (21) formed in the chamber (20) intended to allow fresh air (F) to enter; and an outlet (22) formed in the chamber (20) intended to deliver fresh air (F) into the cylinder block (3), in particular into the lower part of the crankcase (4), in order to discharge blowby gases and / or oil vapor (BB) from such cylinder block (3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an oil separator for an internal combustion engine. The invention also relates to an internal combustion engine comprising such an oil separator. The invention finally relates to a vehicle comprising such an internal combustion engine and / or such an oil separator. Background Art

[0002] During combustion in an internal combustion engine, exhaust gases escape from the combustion chamber to the cylinder block. As a result, such gas leakage causes gases to be present in the cylinder block. These gases are often referred to as blow-by gases or blow-by gases.

[0003] Therefore, the internal combustion engine usually includes a device for circulating these blow-by gases to remove these blow-by gases from the cylinder block to the oil separator. Specifically, a ventilation pipe connecting the air intake pipe of the internal combustion engine to the cylinder block is usually provided to deliver fresh air to the cylinder block.

[0004] However, integrating such a ventilation duct into a very compact engine compartment, in the shape-optimized cylinder block region, is a complex task.

[0005] Description of the invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide an oil separator which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and in particular does not interfere with surrounding components of the internal combustion engine. In particular, the invention allows the non-return valve to be easily integrated into the ventilation pipe supplying fresh air. Summary of the invention

[0007] To achieve this object, the present invention relates to an oil separator for an internal combustion engine, in particular an oil separator intended to be arranged on a cylinder block of such an internal combustion engine, the oil separator comprising:

[0008] Chamber;

[0009] an inlet formed in the chamber and intended to admit fresh air, in particular fresh air tapped from downstream of the air filter and / or upstream of the turbocharger; and

[0010] an outlet formed in the chamber and intended to deliver fresh air into the cylinder block, in particular into the lower part of the crankcase,

[0011] To discharge blowby gases and / or oil vapor from such a cylinder block.

[0012] The fresh air chamber may adjoin the separation chamber of the oil separator.

[0013] The oil separator may comprise a check valve arranged at the inlet to allow flow to leave the chamber only via the outlet.

[0014] The separator may comprise an oil return duct which passes through the chamber in a sealed manner.

[0015] The chamber may be a passage extending between an inlet and an outlet.

[0016] The passage may pass through a separation chamber of the oil separator.

[0017] The invention also relates to an internal combustion engine comprising a cylinder block, in particular an internal combustion engine comprising an intake duct comprising an air filter and / or a turbocharger, the internal combustion engine comprising an oil separator as defined above and an air ventilation duct extending between an inlet of a chamber and a fresh air tap, in particular a tap formed downstream of the air filter and / or upstream of the turbocharger.

[0018] The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising an internal combustion engine as defined above and / or an oil separator as defined above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] These objects, features and advantages of the invention will be explained in detail in the following description of a specific embodiment given by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle including an internal combustion engine according to one embodiment.

[0021] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an internal combustion engine provided with an oil separator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an internal combustion engine provided with an oil separator according to a first variant of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an internal combustion engine provided with an oil separator according to a second variant of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 is a top view of a cylinder block to which an oil separator is attached according to an embodiment.

[0025] [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a cylinder block and an oil separator according to an embodiment, taken on a plane parallel to the axis of the cylinder and passing through the axis of a fresh air inlet to the oil separator.

[0026] [ Figure 7 ] Figure 7 is a side view of a cylinder block and an oil separator according to an embodiment.

[0027] [ Figure 8 ] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a cylinder block and an oil separator according to an embodiment, taken on a plane perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder and passing through an air chamber of the oil separator.

[0028] [ Fig. 9 ] Fig. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of a cylinder block and an oil separator according to a first variation of an embodiment of the present invention, taken on a plane parallel to the axis of the cylinder and passing through an air chamber of the oil separator.

[0029] [ Fig.10 ] Fig.10 is another partial cross-sectional view of a cylinder block and an oil separator according to an embodiment of the present invention, taken on a plane parallel to the axis of the cylinder and passing through the air chamber of the oil separator.

[0030] [ Fig.11 ] Fig.11 is another cross-sectional view of a cylinder block and an oil separator according to an embodiment of the present invention, taken on a plane parallel to the axis of the cylinder and passing through the air chamber of the oil separator. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Figure 1 A vehicle 1 (e.g., a motor vehicle) is schematically illustrated. The vehicle 1 comprises an internal combustion engine 2. The internal combustion engine 2 is, for example, the only means of traction and / or propulsion of the vehicle 1. Alternatively, electric means (e.g., means comprising an electric motor, and electric energy accumulation means) also contribute to the traction and / or propulsion of the vehicle 1, which vehicle is then referred to as a hybrid vehicle.

[0032] The internal combustion engine 2 includes a cylinder block 3. The cylinder block 3 includes at least one cylinder. For example, as particularly Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the cylinder block 3 includes three cylinders 3C. The internal combustion engine 2 further includes an oil separator 10. Preferably, the oil separator 10 is arranged on the cylinder block 3. "Arranged" means that the oil separator is fixed to the cylinder block 3 or the oil separator is incorporated into the cylinder block. According to one embodiment, the oil separator may be a part of the cylinder block.

[0033] As especially Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the internal combustion engine 2 comprises an air intake pipe 5. The air intake pipe 5 comprises an air filter 7 and / or a turbocharger 8. The engine 2 further comprises an air ventilation pipe 6.

[0034] As especially Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the cylinder block 3 includes a crankcase 4. Preferably, an oil layer H is maintained at the bottom (according to the vertical direction) of the crankcase 4.

[0035] The housing of the oil separator 10 comprises a chamber 20 independent of the separation. The chamber 20 is intended to receive fresh air F. Preferably, this fresh air F is tapped downstream of the air filter 7 and / or upstream of the turbocharger 8. The fresh air F reaches the chamber 20 via the pipe 6. For this purpose, an inlet 21 is formed in the chamber 20. The fresh air F thus reaches the chamber 20 via the inlet 21. An outlet 22 is formed in the chamber 20 to lead to the cylinder block 3, as shown in FIG. Fig.11 3. The outlet 22 is intended to remove air from the air chamber 20 and deliver this fresh air F into the cylinder block 3. The fresh air F is preferably delivered to the crankcase 4 to discharge the blow-by gases and / or oil vapors present in the cylinder block 3. Preferably, the pipe 6 extends between the inlet 21 of the chamber 20 and the fresh air tap 9. Advantageously, the tap 9 is thus formed downstream of the air filter 7. Therefore, the fresh air F tapped out is filtered air and is therefore free of dirt and / or dust. The duct 11 allows the separated oil RH to return by providing a connection through the cylinder block between the internal volume of the separator 10 and the volume of the oil sump.

[0036] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As shown, the housing of the oil separator 10 comprises a non-return valve 30. Advantageously, the non-return valve 30 is incorporated into the housing of the oil separator 10 to control the closing of the inlet 21. Therefore, due to the presence of this non-return valve, only flow leaving the chamber 20 via the outlet 22 is possible.

[0037] according to Figure 3 and Fig. 9 In the first variant shown, the separator 10 comprises a duct 11 passing through the chamber 20 for returning the separated oil RH. Preferably, the duct 11 passes through the chamber 20 in a sealed manner. For example, the outlet 22 is formed below the duct 11, such as Figure 3 As displayed.

[0038] according to Figure 4In the second variant shown, the fresh air chamber 20 is a passage. In other words, the internal volume of the chamber is equal to or substantially equal to the internal volume of the passage 25. Thus, the passage 25 extends, for example in a straight line, between the inlet 21 and the outlet 22. Preferably, the passage 25 is arranged, for example horizontally or substantially horizontally, in the lower part of the separator. Further preferably, the passage 25 is arranged below the junction 12, between the duct 11 for returning the separated oil RH and the separator 10. Thus, the passage 25 can be in the separation chamber 13 of the separator.

[0039] In summary, the purpose of the ventilation duct 6 is to convey (preferably filtered) fresh air F into the cylinder block, in particular into the lower part of the crankcase 4. The blow-by gases and oil vapors generated by the combustion of the air-fuel mixture are thus discharged and pass through the oil separator 10 via the inlet duct. Thus, the separator or separation unit arranged on the outside of the engine, more particularly on the outside of the cylinder block 3, receives blow-by gases from the cylinder block, in particular from the crankcase.

[0040] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the engine 2 preferably comprises a first duct 14, which connects, for example, the internal volume of the separator from the top 15 of the separator to, for example, the air manifold 40. Preferably, the engine 2 further comprises a second duct 16, which connects, for example, the internal volume of the separator from the side 17 of the separator to, for example, the intake pipe 5, for example upstream of the turbocharger 8. In this way, the blow-by gases BB trapped in the oil separator due to ventilation of the cylinder block with fresh air F can escape via the first duct 14 and / or via the second duct 16. The blow-by gases BB are thus made to reach the intake pipe 5, which are thereby injected, for example, at the cylinder head 18 as intake air from the turbocharger 8 and / or directly from the air filter 7. Therefore, one advantage of placing the fresh air adjacent to the separation is that heat is allowed to be transferred between the blow-by and the fresh air, which promotes the separation of oil vapor. In particular, the gas from which the oil is removed benefits from cooling.

[0041] In other words, the non-return valve of the cylinder block ventilation circuit is integrated into the oil separator, thereby creating an air chamber inside the oil separator. The air chamber communicates with the cylinder block, in particular at the crankcase, via a fluid-tight tap, for example using a gasket, at the interface between the outlet of the air chamber and the cylinder block.

[0042] It should be noted that the pipe 6 is able to perform a second function, namely to keep the interior of the cylinder block always under reduced pressure by means of the non-return valve. In particular, as previously mentioned, the non-return valve prevents the blow-by gases from flowing back through the pipe 6 to the air intake pipe, especially in the case of increased pressure. It should be remembered that the fresh air F is collected downstream of the air filter 7 and upstream of the compressor 8 to reach the oil separator 10. As previously mentioned, in the embodiment and in the first and second variants, the volume of the separator is in communication with the cylinder block 3.

[0043] Therefore, the check valve is placed on the path of the tube 6, near the cylinder block 3, but not fixed to the cylinder block 3. This simplifies the cylinder block because it does not require special fixings for the check valve, such as screws and / or threaded holes and / or holes for accommodating the check valve. Therefore, in view of the elimination of such fixings, the cost of the blowby gas ventilation and separation function is reduced. In addition, the path of the tube 6 is simplified because the number of components that make up the path, especially those with small curvatures, especially those with small curvatures and compact radii, is reduced. It should be noted that only the oil separator is modified to simplify the ventilation pipe. Finally, the tube 6 is more accessible for intervention because the assembly and disassembly of the tube is easier, both at the factory where the engine is assembled and in after-sales service.

[0044] in particular Figure 3 and Fig. 9 In the first variant shown in FIG, the duct 11 passes through the air chamber 20 and thus the circuit for the blow-by gases BB discharged due to ventilation with fresh air F passes through this air chamber. This allows the oil to be cooled during its passage through the chamber 20 filled with fresh air. This is because the temperature of the fresh air F is theoretically lower than the temperature of the oil.

[0045] It should be noted that the solution according to the invention thus achieves the desired purpose of simplifying the pipe for exhausting blow-by gases in the cylinder block and easily incorporating a non-return valve, and provides the following advantages:

[0046] - Low cost, preferably only the separator is modified;

[0047] -Can be applied to any internal combustion engine that uses an oil separator.

Claims

1. An oil separator (10) for an internal combustion engine (2), the oil separator (10) being intended to be arranged on a cylinder block (3) of such an internal combustion engine (2), characterized in that The oil separator (10) comprises: Independent of the separated chamber (20); an inlet (21) formed in the chamber (20) and intended to allow the entry of fresh air (F); and an outlet (22) formed in the chamber (20) intended to deliver fresh air (F) to the cylinder block (3), To discharge blow-by gas and / or oil vapor (BB) from such a cylinder block (3).

2. The oil separator (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The chamber (20) for fresh air adjoins the separation chamber of the oil separator (10).

3. The oil separator (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The oil separator (10) comprises a check valve (30) arranged at the inlet (21) to allow flow to leave the chamber (20) only via the outlet (22).

4. The oil separator (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The oil separator (10) comprises an oil return conduit which passes through the chamber (20) in a sealed manner.

5. The oil separator (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that: Fresh air (F) is tapped off downstream of the air filter (7) and / or upstream of the turbocharger (8).

6. The oil separator (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outlet is intended to deliver fresh air into the lower part of the crankcase (4).

7. An internal combustion engine (2) comprising a cylinder block (3), characterized in that The internal combustion engine comprises an oil separator (10) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 6 and an air ventilation line (6) extending between an inlet (21) of the chamber (20) and a fresh air tap (9).

8. The internal combustion engine according to claim 7, characterized in that The internal combustion engine comprises an air intake duct (5) which comprises an air filter (7) and / or a turbocharger (8).

9. The internal combustion engine according to claim 8, characterized in that A fresh air tap (9) is formed downstream of the air filter (7) and / or upstream of the turbocharger (8).

10. A vehicle (1), characterized in that The vehicle comprises an internal combustion engine (2) as claimed in claim 9 and / or an oil separator (10) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 6.

11. The vehicle according to claim 10, characterized in that The vehicle is a motor vehicle.

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