Omnidirectional flow-through flow guiding member with inclined baffle

Abstract

The crankcase ventilation device includes a housing and a flow guiding member. The housing defines an inlet, an outlet, and an internal volume. The inlet is configured to receive blow-by gas from the engine. The flow guiding member is coupled to the housing and extends into the internal volume. The flow guiding member includes more than one side wall, and at least two of the more than one side wall define a window that fluidly connects the inlet to the internal volume. A filter medium may be coupled to the flow guiding member.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related patent applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit and priority of Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 202041035938, filed on August 20, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to a filtration system for an internal combustion engine system. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a crankcase ventilation system for separating oil from engine crankcase blow - by.

[0004] Background

[0005] Internal combustion engine systems require oil to lubricate moving parts. During engine operation, blow - by is generated by combustion gases leaking past the piston rings. Blow - by includes pressurized gases (e.g., aerosols, etc.) carrying oil droplets. Many existing engine systems include a crankcase ventilation system and a device for filtering oil droplets from the blow - by gases. However, due to the high blow - by gas flow rates experienced in some applications and the limited envelope of available space in the engine compartment for auxiliary components, the performance of the crankcase ventilation system may be limited. Summary of the Invention

[0007] One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a crankcase ventilation device. The crankcase ventilation device includes a housing and a flow directing member. The housing defines an inlet, an outlet, and an internal volume. The inlet is configured to receive blow - by from the engine. The flow directing member is coupled to the housing and extends into the internal volume. The flow directing member includes more than one sidewall, and at least two of the more than one sidewall define windows that fluidly connect the inlet to the internal volume. A filter medium may be coupled to the flow directing member.

[0008] In some embodiments, the flow directing member further includes a flow deflector that is disposed along an edge of a respective one of the windows and extends away from a first sidewall of the more than one sidewall.

[0009] In some embodiments, the flow deflector is oriented at an inclined angle relative to the first sidewall.

[0010] In some embodiments, the flow deflector is one of more than one flow deflectors, wherein a first flow deflector of the more than one flow deflectors is disposed on a first edge of a first window, and a second flow deflector of the more than one flow deflectors is disposed on a second edge of a second window adjacent to the first window, and the first edge is generally perpendicular to the second edge.

[0011] In some embodiments, the deflector baffle is one of a plurality of deflector baffles coupled to the first sidewall, and wherein a first angle between a first deflector baffle of the plurality of deflector baffles and the first sidewall is different from a second angle between a second deflector baffle of the plurality of deflector baffles and the first sidewall.

[0012] In some embodiments, the deflector baffle is one of a plurality of deflector baffles coupled to the first sidewall, and wherein the plurality of deflector baffles are arranged alternately between opposite sidewalls of the deflector member at different angles in a pattern.

[0013] In some embodiments, the deflector baffle is angled toward the inlet.

[0014] In some embodiments, the crankcase ventilation device further includes a plurality of housing baffles that extend upward from a lower wall of the housing downstream of the deflector member.

[0015] In some embodiments, the plurality of housing baffles are arranged in a generally straight row downstream of a front sidewall of the deflector member.

[0016] In some embodiments, a perimeter surface of the window in the first sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls is oriented at an inclined angle relative to the first sidewall.

[0017] In some embodiments, the plurality of sidewalls of the deflector member together form the shape of a straight prism.

[0018] In some embodiments, the housing further includes a plurality of nozzles arranged in a row that is generally aligned with the deflector member, and the plurality of nozzles are positioned to direct flow toward the deflector member.

[0019] Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a deflector member. The deflector member includes a body that includes a plurality of sidewalls. The plurality of sidewalls together define an internal cavity sized to receive a filter medium therein. The plurality of sidewalls include a first sidewall that defines an opening, and a second sidewall and a third sidewall coupled to the first sidewall. Each of the first sidewall and the second sidewall defines a window that is fluidly in communication with the opening through the internal cavity.

[0020] In some embodiments, the deflector member further includes a deflector baffle disposed at an edge of a respective one of the windows and extending away from the first sidewall.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first sidewall defines more than one window, and wherein the flow deflector is one of more than one flow deflectors, the more than one flow deflectors including a first flow deflector and a second flow deflector, the first flow deflector being disposed on a first edge of a first window among the windows, the second flow deflector being disposed on a second edge of a second window adjacent to the first window among the windows, the first edge being substantially perpendicular to the second edge.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first sidewall includes more than one window arranged in a row along the first sidewall.

[0023] Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a flow guiding member. The flow guiding member includes a main body and a flow deflector. The main body includes more than one sidewall. The more than one sidewalls together define an internal cavity sized to receive a filter medium therein. The more than one sidewalls include a first sidewall that defines a window. The flow deflector is disposed along an edge of the window and extends away from the first sidewall at an inclined angle with respect to the first sidewall.

[0024] In some embodiments, the first sidewall defines more than one window, the more than one windows extending in a row along the first sidewall.

[0025] In some embodiments, the flow deflector is one of more than one flow deflectors, the more than one flow deflectors including a first flow deflector and a second flow deflector, the first flow deflector being disposed on a first edge of a first window among the more than one windows, the second flow deflector being disposed on a second edge of a second window among the more than one windows, the first edge being substantially perpendicular to the second edge.

[0026] In some embodiments, the flow deflector is one of more than one flow deflectors coupled to the first sidewall, and wherein a first angle between the first flow deflector and the first sidewall among the more than one flow deflectors is different from a second angle between the second flow deflector and the first sidewall among the more than one flow deflectors. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] In conjunction with the drawings, the foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description and the appended claims. It should be understood that these drawings only depict several embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure and are therefore not considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail by using the drawings.

[0029] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a housing portion and a flow guiding member of a crankcase ventilation device according to an embodiment.

[0030] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a simulated velocity profile of a crankcase ventilation device through Figure 1 .

[0031] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a housing portion and a flow guiding member of a crankcase ventilation device according to another embodiment.

[0032] Figure 4 is Figure 3 a top view of a housing portion and a flow guiding member of

[0033] Figure 5 is Figure 3 a front perspective view of a flow guiding member portion of a crankcase ventilation device of

[0034] Figure 6 is Figure 5 another perspective view of a flow guiding member portion of

[0035] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a simulated velocity profile of a crankcase ventilation device through Figure 3 .

[0036] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a flow guiding member of a crankcase ventilation device according to an embodiment.

[0037] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a flow guiding member of a crankcase ventilation device according to another embodiment.

[0038] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a flow guiding member of a crankcase ventilation device according to another embodiment.

[0039] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a flow guiding member portion of a crankcase ventilation device according to an embodiment.

[0040] Figure 12 is a side sectional view of a flow guiding member of a crankcase ventilation device according to another embodiment.

[0041] Figure 13 is Figure 12 a top sectional view of a flow guiding member of

[0042] Figure 14 is a perspective view of a flow guiding member of a crankcase ventilation device according to another embodiment.

[0043] Figure 15 is Figure 14 another perspective view of a flow guiding member of

[0044] Figure 16 is Figure 14 a top view of a flow guiding member of

[0045] Figure 17 is a perspective view of a diverter member of a crankcase ventilation device according to yet another embodiment.

[0046] Figure 18 is Figure 17 another perspective view of the diverter member of

[0047] Figure 19 is Figure 17 a top view of the diverter member of

[0048] Throughout the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals generally identify like components, unless the context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject presented herein. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, generally described herein and illustrated in the drawings, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are expressly contemplated and form part of the present disclosure.

[0049] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] The embodiments described herein generally relate to crankcase ventilation systems and devices for internal combustion engine systems. The various concepts introduced above and discussed in more detail below can be implemented in any of a variety of ways, as the concepts described are not limited to any particular implementation. Examples of specific implementations and applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes.

[0051] I. OVERVIEW

[0052] A crankcase ventilation device (e.g., a scavenging device, an impactor, etc.) filters oil from the blow-by gas generated during the combustion process to remove oily aerosols from the blow-by gas and return the separated oil to the engine crankcase. As Figure 1-2 shown, a first example crankcase ventilation device 10 includes a housing 12 and a filter medium 14. As Figure 2 shown, the path of the blow-by gas is arranged to pass through the housing 12 (e.g., an inlet 11 leading to the housing 12), through an opening on the back surface of the diverter member 16 (toward the filter medium), and impinge on the filter medium 14 at a high velocity in order to capture and separate oil from the blow-by gas. The path of the blow-by gas is arranged to enter the housing 12 from the inlet 11 and pass through the diverter member 16. The filtered blow-by gas exits the diverter member 16 through an outlet 18 in the housing 12. In some cases, the high blow-by gas flow rate through the diverter member 16 combined with the space limitations of the overall size of the housing 12 results in a continuous fluid velocity that may be achieved from the inlet 11 to the outlet 18 exceeding a maximum threshold.

[0053] Embodiments of the present disclosure reduce the above performance issues by incorporating windows into the flow guiding member, which allow air flow through multiple surfaces of the flow guiding member. The windows are sized to control the flow rate through each surface of the flow guiding member. The crankcase ventilation device (e.g., the flow guiding member and the housing) further includes baffles that are inclined in different directions (e.g., two different directions) to distribute the flow throughout the housing, reduce the dead volume (e.g., areas of flow recirculation, etc.), and improve the overall liquid separation performance.

[0054] II. Exemplary Crankcase Ventilation Device

[0055] Figure 3-6 A crankcase ventilation device 100 (e.g., an air - liquid separation assembly, a ventilation device, etc.) according to an embodiment is shown. The crankcase ventilation device 100 includes a housing 102 that defines an internal volume 101; a flow guiding member, shown as a media holder 104, that is coupled to the housing 102 within the internal volume 101; and a filter media 107. As Figure 3 shown, the media holder 104 is coupled to the lower wall 109 of the base portion 118 (e.g., the lower portion, etc.) of the housing 102. In at least one embodiment, the media holder 104 may be detachably coupled to the housing 102 via a clip, a latch, or another suitable fastener. In other embodiments, the media holder 104 may be permanently attached to the housing 102. For example, the media holder 104 may be integrally formed with the base portion 118 of the housing 102 from a single piece of material (e.g., the media holder 104 cannot be removed from the base portion 118 without damaging the media holder 104 and / or the base portion 118). In other embodiments, the media holder 104 may be permanently attached to the housing 102 via a plastic welding operation such as sonic welding or vibration welding.

[0056] The crankcase ventilation device 100 is configured to separate liquid and air from a fluid such as an air - liquid mixture and may form part of, for example, a crankcase ventilation system that separates liquid oil from the blowby gas leaving the engine crankcase. Thus, the liquid and liquid particles referred to herein may be, for example, oil or oil particles. Specifically, the crankcase ventilation device 100 may be used as part of an internal combustion engine system (such as a diesel engine) to improve the efficiency of removing oil and particles from the blowby gas, thereby reducing particulate emissions from the engine system.

[0057] In some embodiments, the inlet of the housing 102 may be in fluid communication with the engine crankcase and is configured to receive blowby gas from the engine crankcase. The inlet may be in fluid communication with the internal volume 101 through the media holder 104. In Figure 3-4In an embodiment, the housing 102 (e.g., the base portion 118) includes more than one nozzle 120, which is disposed along the end wall of the base portion 118, and the more than one nozzle 120 fluidly connects the inlet to the internal volume 101. The nozzles 120 are arranged in a row, and the row is generally aligned with the rear wall of the media retainer 104. The nozzles 120 direct the flow towards the media retainer 104 to separate liquid oil from the blow-by gas entering the housing 102. The nozzle 120 may include an opening in the end wall, and the opening has a frustoconical tapered transition to increase the velocity of the flow when entering the housing 102. In other embodiments, the housing 102 may include only a single nozzle.

[0058] The media retainer 104 supports the filter media 107 within the housing 102 and is configured to direct engine crankcase blow-by gas through the filter media 107 and into the internal volume 101. The filter media 107 may include a fibrous media having more than one layer of fibers, and the more than one layer of fibers forms a porous collection surface, which is configured to capture and separate liquid particles from the entering blow-by gas. The oil removed from the blow-by gas via the crankcase ventilation device 100 (e.g., the media retainer 104, the filter media 107, etc.) may be collected along the bottom of the base portion 118 (e.g., via the lower wall, grooves, and / or recessed areas of the base portion 118) and discharged back into the engine crankcase.

[0059] As Figure 3-4 shown, the base portion 118 of the housing 102 includes a lower wall 109 (e.g., a base wall, etc.) and more than one end wall 124, and these end walls 124 extend upward from the outer perimeter of the lower wall 109 in a generally perpendicular orientation to the lower wall 109. The housing 102 may further include an upper wall (e.g., a lid, etc.), which is coupled to the lower wall 109 to generally enclose the internal volume 101. The housing 102 may be made of a variety of materials. For example, the housing 102 may be injection molded from a glass-filled nylon material or formed from another suitable heat- and chemical-resistant material. The lower wall 109 may define a discharge portion for the separated oil and one or more grooves (e.g., recesses, indentations, channels, etc.), and the grooves direct the oil from various parts of the crankcase ventilation device 100 to the discharge portion via gravity. The lower wall 109 and the end walls 124 together define at least a portion of the internal volume 101 of the housing 102. As Figure 3-4 shown, the media retainer 104 is disposed near the last end wall in the end walls 124 (e.g., at least partially defining the rear wall of the nozzle 120) and is generally oriented parallel to the end wall 124.

[0060] The housing 102 is configured to improve oil separation and flow distribution downstream of the media retainer 104. As Figure 3-4As shown, the housing 102 includes more than one housing baffle 103 (e.g., extension, shield, etc.), which is coupled to the lower wall 109 and extends upward (e.g., vertically away) from the lower wall 109 into the internal volume 101 in a generally vertical orientation relative to the lower wall 109. The housing baffles 103 are disposed in a generally straight row downstream of the front sidewall 111 of the media holder 104, and the row extends in an orientation generally parallel to the front sidewall 111 (e.g., generally over the entire length of the front sidewall 111). As Figure 4 shown, a first spacing between adjacent housing baffles 103 in the housing baffles 103 is approximately equal to a second spacing between the housing baffle 103 and the front sidewall 111 of the media holder 104. In other embodiments, the first spacing and the second spacing may be different.

[0061] The housing baffle 103 may form a flow diffuser of the housing 102 and / or a sub-separator downstream of the media holder 104 to help separate any remaining oil from the flow exiting the media holder 104. As Figure 4 shown, the housing baffle 103 is angled relative to the front sidewall 111 to distribute the flow throughout the internal volume 101. The housing baffles 103 are fan-shaped apart from each other such that a first separation distance 126 between adjacent housing baffles 103 at a first end 128 of the housing baffle 103 near the front sidewall 111 is less than a second separation distance 130 between adjacent housing baffles 103 at a second end 132 of the housing baffle 103 opposite the first end 128. In other embodiments, the arrangement of the housing baffles 103 may be different. For example, the housing baffles 103 may be arranged to be generally parallel to each other within the housing 102 and / or generally parallel to the flow direction through the housing 102. The placement of the housing baffles 103 depends, among other factors, on the position of the media holder 104 within the housing 102 and the direction in which the flow is directed / distributed to better distribute the flow throughout the housing 102.

[0062] The housing baffle 103 may be integrally formed with the housing 102 (e.g., the base portion 118) from a single piece of material (e.g., plastic via an injection molding operation, etc.). In other embodiments, the housing baffle 103 may be formed separately from the housing 102. In other embodiments, the size (e.g., thickness, length, height, etc.), positioning, and arrangement of the housing baffle 103 may be different. Among other benefits, the housing baffle 103 provides an additional surface for oil collection and separation of oil from the incoming fluid. The housing baffle 103 also helps to distribute the flow more evenly throughout the housing 102, minimize the dead volume, and reduce the maximum continuous flow velocity that can be achieved through the housing 102 (e.g., from inlet to outlet), which improves oil separation and prevents liquid from being carried from the surface of the housing 102 into the separated air flowing through the housing.

[0063] The media retainer 104 is configured to support the filter media 107 within the housing 102 and improve the flow distribution throughout the housing 102 downstream of the filter media 107. As Figure 3 shown, the media retainer 104 includes a body 105 in the shape of a straight prism (e.g., a cube, rectangular protrusion, etc.). The body 105 includes more than one sidewall 108 that defines an internal cavity 113 (e.g., a recessed area, hollow interior, internal volume, etc.), and the internal cavity 113 is sized to receive the filter media 107 therein. The sidewalls 108 include a rear sidewall 116 (e.g., a first sidewall, etc.), a front sidewall 111 (e.g., a second sidewall, etc.) that is spaced apart from and generally parallel to the rear sidewall 116, a right sidewall 134 (e.g., a third sidewall, etc.) that extends between the front sidewall 111 and the rear sidewall 116 at a first end of the media retainer 104 (e.g., a first lateral end of the media retainer 104), a left sidewall 136 (e.g., a fourth sidewall, etc.) that extends between the front sidewall 111 and the rear sidewall 116 at a second end of the media retainer 104 (e.g., a second lateral end of the media retainer 104 that is opposite the first lateral end), and an upper sidewall 138 that connects to the upper ends of each of the front sidewall 111, the rear sidewall 116, the right sidewall 134, and the left sidewall 136 and covers the internal cavity formed between the front sidewall 111, the rear sidewall 116, the right sidewall 134, and the left sidewall 136. As Figure 4 shown, the lengths of the right sidewall 134 and the left sidewall 136 are less than the lengths of the front sidewall 111 and the rear sidewall 116, such that the media retainer 104 defines an elongated rectangular cube shape. In other embodiments, the dimensions of the media retainer 104 may be different.

[0064] The media retainer 104 includes an opening (shown as opening 514 in Figure 13 ) in the rear sidewall 116 of the body 105 through which the flow is directed to impinge on the filter media. The media retainer 104 further includes more than one window 106 (e.g., an opening, a hole, etc.) disposed on the remaining sidewalls 108 (e.g., faces, etc.) of the body 105 (e.g., the front sidewall 111, the upper sidewall 138, etc.). The windows 106 fluidly couple the internal cavity 113 of the media retainer 104 to the internal volume 101 of the housing 102. In Figure 3In the embodiment, a plurality of windows 106 are provided on each side wall 108, which allows the flow to travel through the media holder 104 in all directions and enter the internal volume 101 (i.e., through each side wall 108 including the front side wall 111, the right side wall 134, the left side wall 136, and the upper side wall 138). The windows 106 are sized to control the flow rate through each side wall 108, for example, by controlling the relative open area and / or the open area ratio on each side wall 108. As used herein, the term "open area ratio" refers to the fraction of the total area of a given side wall 108 that is open to the flow (e.g., the fraction of the total area occupied by the windows 106).

[0065] Among other benefits, controlling the relative open area (e.g., the combined area of the windows 106) between different side walls 108 of the media holder 104 allows for changing the relative flow rates through each side wall 108. For example, including more similarly sized windows 106 on the upper side wall 138 compared to the front side wall 111 will result in a higher flow rate through the upper side wall 138 than through the front side wall 111. In this way, the fractional flow rates through each side wall 108 can be controlled to improve the flow distribution through the housing 102.

[0066] As Figure 3-6 shown, the media holder 104 also includes more than one flow deflector 110 (e.g., tabs, baffles, etc.), each flow deflector extending away from the edge of a corresponding one of the windows 106 and away from the corresponding side wall 108 and into the internal volume 101. The more than one flow deflectors 110 together form a flow diffuser for the media holder 104. In Figure 3-6 the embodiment, the flow deflectors 110 are provided only on the upper side wall 138 of the body 105. In other embodiments, the flow deflectors 110 may also be provided on other side walls 108 of the body 105 (e.g., the front side wall 111, the right side wall 134, the left side wall 136, and / or the rear side wall 116).

[0067] As Figure 5-6 shown, the flow deflectors 110 are angled in one of two directions within the housing 102. In other words, at least a first one of the flow deflectors 110 is angled in a first direction, and at least a second one of the flow deflectors 110 is angled in a second direction different from the first direction. In Figure 5-6In an embodiment, the first baffle is disposed on the trailing edge 140 (e.g., the first edge) of the first window in the window 106 and is angled to direct flow toward the front sidewall 111 (e.g., the longitudinal end of the housing 102 opposite the media holder 104). The second baffle is disposed on the lateral edge 142 (e.g., a side edge perpendicular to the trailing edge, the second edge, etc.) of the second window in the window 106 and is angled to direct flow toward the left sidewall 136 (e.g., toward the lateral end of the housing 102) in a direction generally perpendicular to the flow exiting the first baffle. In another embodiment, the baffle 110 may additionally or alternatively be oriented to direct flow toward the right sidewall 134 or the rear sidewall 116 or both walls simultaneously.

[0068] In Figure 5-6 an embodiment, the four baffles 110 closest to the right sidewall of the baffle 110 are disposed along the trailing edge of the respective window in the window 106 and are directly coupled to the trailing edge to direct flow toward the front sidewall 111. As Figure 6 shown, the four baffles 110 are oriented at different angles to improve flow distribution throughout the crankcase ventilation device 100. For example, the first baffle of the baffle 110 closest to the right sidewall 134 is oriented at a first angle of approximately 55 degrees relative to the upper sidewall 138. The second baffle adjacent to the first baffle is oriented at an angle of approximately 35 degrees relative to the upper sidewall 138. The third baffle adjacent to the second baffle is oriented at a first angle of approximately 55 degrees relative to the upper sidewall 138. The fourth baffle adjacent to the third baffle is oriented at an angle of approximately 75 degrees relative to the upper sidewall 138. The fifth baffle closest to the left sidewall 136 is disposed along the side edge of its respective window 106 to direct flow toward the left sidewall. In other embodiments, the angles formed between the baffles 110 may be different.

[0069] As Figure 7 shown, the structure of the media holder 104 and the angled baffles (e.g., the housing baffle and the baffle) improves flow distribution throughout the crankcase ventilation device 100 (e.g., the internal volume 101 of the entire housing 102), minimizing the dead volume and / or the flow recirculation area within the housing, which reduces the flow velocity and improves the oil separation efficiency.

[0070] Reference embodiments Figure 3-6 The design and arrangement of the components described should not be considered restrictive. Many alternatives and combinations are possible without departing from the inventive concept disclosed herein. For example, Figure 8-11 illustrates examples of different structures that may be used for the flow guiding member (e.g., the media holder). Figure 9 illustrates adding windows 206 to each sidewall 208 (in addition to asFigure 8 The front sidewall shown has additional windows (beyond those shown). Specifically, Figure 9 the media retainer 204 includes two separate rows of windows 206 on the front sidewall 211, a single row of windows 206 along the upper sidewall 238, and individual windows on the right sidewall 234 and the opposing left sidewall 236. In other embodiments, the arrangement and number of windows 206 along each sidewall 208 can vary and can be determined at least in part based on the size of each sidewall 208.

[0071] Figure 10 Shown is the addition of flow deflectors 310 to the windows 306 along the upper sidewall 338 of a flow guiding member (e.g., media retainer 304). In Figure 10 this embodiment, the flow deflectors 310 are all oriented in the same direction. Specifically, the flow deflectors 310 are each directly coupled to the rear edge of the corresponding window in the windows 306 and point towards the front sidewall 311 of the media retainer 304. The flow deflectors 310 are all arranged at a generally the same angle (e.g., approximately 55 degrees relative to the upper sidewall 338) relative to the upper sidewall 338. Additionally, the spacing between adjacent rows of windows 306 along the front sidewall 311 of the media retainer 304 is greater than Figure 9 the spacing between adjacent rows of windows 206 along the front sidewall 211 of the media retainer 204.

[0072] As Figure 11 shown, the flow deflectors 410 of a flow guiding member (e.g., media retainer 404) are alternately arranged in a pattern at different angles between the right sidewall 434 and the left sidewall 436 along the upper sidewall 430 of the flow guiding member such that the angle of every other flow deflector 410 relative to the upper sidewall 430 is reduced relative to the angle of an adjacent flow deflector 410 relative to the upper sidewall 430. Additionally, the angled portion 440 of an intermediate set of flow deflectors 410 (e.g., every other flow deflector 410) is vertically spaced from the upper sidewall 430 by an extension 442 that extends away from the rear edge of the upper sidewall 430 in a generally perpendicular orientation relative to the upper sidewall 430. In other embodiments, the length of the extension 442 relative to the angled portion 440 can vary. Among other benefits, variations in the angle, geometry, and / or spacing of the flow deflectors can improve liquid separation performance by more fully distributing flow throughout the interior volume of the housing.

[0073] Figure 12-13An embodiment of a flow guiding member shown as a media holder 504 is illustrated, where a window 506 along a front sidewall 511 is angled to direct flow at a first angle 520 relative to the front sidewall 511 of the housing (e.g., toward the upper or lower wall of the housing) and at a second angle 522 relative to the right sidewall 134 and / or left sidewall 136 of the media holder 504 (e.g., toward the left or right wall of the housing). Specifically, at least a perimeter surface 507 of the window 506 may be oriented at an inclined angle (e.g., any multiple of a right angle or a non-right angle) relative to the front sidewall 511. As Figure 12 and Figure 13 shown, the angles formed by each window 506 vary along the front sidewall 511 between the windows 506 (e.g., between adjacent rows of windows 506 and between individual windows 506 within each row) to improve flow distribution within the housing. For example, as Figure 12 shown, the lower windows may have a steeper first angle 520 than the upper windows to account for the lower vertical position of the lower windows and to facilitate flow distribution throughout the housing. As Figure 13 shown, the second angle 522 varies between adjacent windows within each row to fan out the flow into the housing. It should be understood that the perimeter walls of each window may be angled in any direction to promote flow distribution, and windows along other sidewalls may also be angled to improve overall flow distribution and liquid separation performance.

[0074] Figure 14-16 Another embodiment of a flow guiding member shown as a media holder 604 is illustrated, where at least one flow guiding baffle is a countercurrent baffle that is oriented to direct flow backward toward the inlet of the housing (e.g., toward the end where the inlet nozzle of the housing is located, the rear wall / back wall of the housing, etc.). As shown, the media holder 604 includes more than one flow guiding baffle 610 that engages and projects upward from an upper sidewall 630 of the media holder, adjacent to each window 606 along the upper sidewall 630, similar to the embodiments described with reference to Figure 10 and Figure 11 However, different from the media holder of Figure 10-11 , Figure 14-16The flow guide baffle 610 of the media holder 604 is configured to direct the flow towards the front end, the rear end, and at least one side (e.g., the side wall of the housing extending between the front end and the rear end) of the housing simultaneously. Specifically, the first flow guide baffle 644 is disposed along the front edge 646 of the first window and is angled towards the inlet end of the housing (e.g., towards the nozzle, towards the rear end of the housing, etc.). The second flow guide baffle 645 is disposed on the rear edge 648 of the second window (e.g., the second window adjacent to the first window) and is angled towards the outlet end of the housing (e.g., towards the outlet, towards the front end of the housing, etc.). The third flow guide baffle 650 is disposed on the side edge 652 of the third window (e.g., the third window disposed at the end of the upper side wall 630 opposite to the first window) and is angled towards the side wall of the housing extending between the inlet end and the outlet end of the housing. In various embodiments, the arrangement of the flow guide baffles may be different.

[0075] Figure 17-19 Another embodiment of a flow guiding member shown as a media holder 704 is shown, where at least one of the flow guide baffles is not perpendicular or parallel to the other flow guiding members. Specifically, the first flow guide baffle 744 is configured to direct the flow at an inclined angle with respect to the edge of the corresponding window in the window 706. In Figure 17-19 this embodiment, the first flow guide baffle 744 is disposed along the front edge 746 and the adjacent side edge 748 of the corresponding window in the window 706 and is arranged to direct the flow at an angle of approximately 45 degrees with respect to the front edge 746 and the side edge 748 (e.g., at least partially towards the inlet end of the housing and the side of the housing between the inlet end and the outlet end of the housing). As Figure 19 shown, the first flow guide baffle 744 is at least partially enclosed structure that covers approximately half (e.g., a triangular portion) of the corresponding window in the window 706. The upper wall of the first flow guide baffle 744 is angled upward from the front corner of the window 706. In other embodiments, the shape, size, and orientation of the flow guide baffles may be different.

[0076] III. Construction of Example Embodiments

[0077] It should be noted that as used herein, the term "example" for describing embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representatives, and / or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to mean that such embodiments must be special or excellent examples).

[0078] As used herein, the terms "substantially" and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning consistent with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. Those of skill in the art reviewing this disclosure should understand that these terms are intended to allow the description of certain features being described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted to indicate that non-substantive or immaterial modifications or variations to the subject matter being described and claimed (e.g., within plus or minus five percent of a given angle or other value) are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims.

[0079] As used herein, the terms "coupled", "connected", etc. refer to two members being directly or indirectly joined to each other. Such joining may be fixed (e.g., permanent) or movable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be accomplished by integrally forming the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members as a single unitary body with each other or by attaching the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members to each other.

[0080] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. Although only a few embodiments are described in detail in this disclosure, those of skill in the art reviewing this disclosure will readily recognize that many modifications (e.g., changes in the size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportions of the various elements, the values of parameters, the mounting arrangements, the use of materials, the color, the orientation, etc.) are possible without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Other substitutions, modifications, variations and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0081] Although this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any claimed embodiment, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular implementations of particular embodiments. Certain features that are described in the context of separate implementations in this specification may also be implemented in combination within a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation may also be implemented separately or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple implementations. Additionally, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, in some cases, one or more features from a claimed combination may be deleted from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or a variant of a sub-combination.

Claims

1. A crankcase ventilation device, comprising: a housing that defines an inlet, an outlet, and an internal volume, the inlet being configured to receive blow-by gas from an engine; and a deflector member coupled to the housing and extending into the internal volume, the deflector member including more than one sidewall, a first sidewall of the more than one sidewalls defining a first window and a second window, the deflector member being configured to direct flow exiting through the first window at a first angle relative to the first sidewall, the first angle being different from a second angle of flow exiting through the second window.

2. The crankcase ventilation device according to claim 1, wherein, the deflector member further includes a deflector baffle disposed along an edge of the first window and extending away from the first sidewall of the more than one sidewalls.

3. The crankcase ventilation device according to claim 2, wherein, the deflector baffle is oriented at an inclined angle relative to the first sidewall.

4. The crankcase ventilation device according to claim 2, wherein, the deflector baffle is one of more than one deflector baffles, a first deflector baffle of the more than one deflector baffles being disposed on a first edge of the first window, and a second deflector baffle of the more than one deflector baffles being disposed on a second edge of the second window adjacent to the first window, the first edge being substantially perpendicular to the second edge.

5. The crankcase ventilation device according to claim 2, wherein, the deflector baffle is one of more than one deflector baffles coupled to the first sidewall, and an angle between the first deflector baffle of the more than one deflector baffles and the first sidewall is different from an angle between a second deflector baffle of the more than one deflector baffles and the first sidewall.

6. The crankcase ventilation device according to claim 2, wherein, the deflector baffle is one of more than one deflector baffles coupled to the first sidewall, and the more than one deflector baffles are alternately arranged in a pattern at different angles between opposite sidewalls of the deflector member.

7. The crankcase ventilation device according to claim 2, wherein, the deflector baffle is angled toward the inlet.

8. The crankcase ventilation device according to any one of claims 1-7, further comprising more than one housing baffle that extends upward from a lower wall of the housing downstream of the deflector member.

9. The crankcase ventilation device according to claim 8, wherein, the more than one housing baffles are arranged in a substantially straight row downstream of a front sidewall of the deflector member.

10. The crankcase ventilation device according to any one of claims 1-7 and 9, further comprising a filter medium coupled to the deflector member.

11. The crankcase ventilation device according to any one of claims 1-7 and 9, wherein, a peripheral surface of the first window is oriented at an inclined angle relative to the first sidewall.

12. The crankcase ventilation device according to any one of claims 1-7 and 9, Wherein, the more than one sidewall of the flow guiding member together form the shape of a straight prism.

13. The crankcase ventilation device according to any one of claims 1-7 and 9, wherein, the housing further includes more than one nozzle, the more than one nozzle is arranged in a row, the row is substantially aligned with the flow guiding member, and the more than one nozzle is positioned to direct the flow towards the flow guiding member.

14. A flow guiding member, comprising: a main body including more than one sidewall, the more than one sidewall jointly defining an internal cavity sized to receive a filter medium therein, the more than one sidewall including: a first sidewall defining an opening; and a second sidewall coupled to the first sidewall, the second sidewall defining a first window and a second window, the first window and the second window being in fluid communication with the opening through the internal cavity, the main body being configured to direct the flow exiting through the first window at a first angle different from a second angle of the flow exiting through the second window.

15. The flow guiding member according to claim 14, further comprising a flow guiding baffle disposed at an edge of the first window and extending away from the second sidewall.

16. The flow guiding member according to claim 15, wherein, the flow guiding baffle is one of more than one flow guiding baffles, the more than one flow guiding baffles including a first flow guiding baffle and a second flow guiding baffle, the first flow guiding baffle is disposed at a first edge of the first window, the second flow guiding baffle is disposed at a second edge of the second window, and the first edge is substantially perpendicular to the second edge.

17. The flow guiding member according to any one of claims 14-16, wherein, the first window is one of a first plurality of windows arranged in a first row along the second sidewall, and the second window is one of a second plurality of windows arranged in a second row along the second sidewall.

18. A flow guiding member, comprising: a main body including more than one sidewall, the more than one sidewall together defining an internal cavity sized to receive a filter medium therein, the more than one sidewall including a first sidewall defining a first window and a second window; and a flow guiding baffle disposed along an edge of the first window and extending away from the first sidewall at an inclined angle relative to the first sidewall, the flow guiding baffle directing the flow exiting through the first window at a first angle relative to the first sidewall different from a second angle of the flow exiting through the second window.

19. The flow guiding member according to claim 18, wherein, the more than one sidewall includes a second sidewall defining more than one window extending along the second sidewall.

20. The flow guiding member according to claim 19, wherein, The flow guiding baffle is one of more than one flow guiding baffles, the more than one flow guiding baffles including a first flow guiding baffle and a second flow guiding baffle. The first flow guiding baffle is disposed on a first edge of a first window among the more than one windows of the second side wall, and the second flow guiding baffle is disposed on a second edge of a second window among the more than one windows of the second side wall. The first edge is substantially perpendicular to the second edge.

21. The flow guiding member according to claim 18 or 19, wherein, the flow guiding baffle is one of more than one flow guiding baffles connected to the first side wall, and wherein an angle between the first flow guiding baffle among the more than one flow guiding baffles and the first side wall is different from an angle between the second flow guiding baffle among the more than one flow guiding baffles and the first side wall.

Images