Oil separator

Abstract

An oil separator is provided. The oil separator includes a case having an inlet and an outlet. The case includes a bulge that bulges toward one side in an orthogonal direction. The bulge contains a first partition wall and a second partition wall. A first opening is provided between an end of the second partition wall in the orthogonal direction and an inner wall of the bulge facing the end. A second opening is provided between an end of the first partition wall in a left-right direction and an inner wall of the bulge facing the end. A first passage is located below the first partition wall. A second passage is located on a side of the first partition wall opposite the first passage. A connection passage connects the first passage and the second passage to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an oil separator. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-78236 discloses an oil separator disposed on the side surface of the cylinder block of an internal combustion engine. The oil separator disclosed in this document includes a shell and a separator plate. The shell forms a separation chamber for separating oil from blow-by gas, and the separator plate separates the separation chamber. The shell includes a second port and a first port in its lower portion. The first port and the second port are spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the shell. The first port and the second port are used for introducing gas into the shell and discharging gas from the shell. The shell also includes a gas outlet in its upper portion.

[0003] In the oil separators disclosed in the above literature, leaking gas is introduced into the housing through a first port and a second port. The leaking gas, introduced into the housing, flows in a tortuous manner within a separation chamber divided by a separator plate, and then exits the housing through a gas outlet. The leaking gas collides with the inner wall of the separation chamber, including the separator plate, causing the oil to separate from the leaking gas. The oil separated from the leaking gas is discharged outside the housing through either the first port or the second port.

[0004] To separate oil from leaking gas, it is preferable to extend the channel through which the leaking gas flows within the shell, allowing it to come into contact with the inner wall of the separation chamber, including the separator plates, over a large area. However, if a large number of separator plates are used, there are areas where the leaking gas hardly flows within the shell. This may reduce the oil separation performance of the oil separator. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This summary is provided to present a simplified description of the selected concepts, which will be further explained in the detailed description below. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to help determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0006] In one general aspect, the oil separator includes a housing. The housing includes: an inlet for the inflow of leaking gas; and an outlet disposed above the inlet and through which the leaking gas flows out. The oil separator is configured to separate oil from leaking gas within the housing and to discharge the separated oil from the inlet to the outside of the housing. A direction orthogonal to both the vertical and horizontal directions is defined as an orthogonal direction. The housing includes a bulge bulging toward one side in the orthogonal direction. The bulge includes a first partition wall and a second partition wall. The first partition wall extends in the orthogonal direction and vertically divides the interior of the bulge. The second partition wall extends downward from the first partition wall and divides the interior of the bulge into a left portion and a right portion. A first opening is provided between the end of the second partition wall in the orthogonal direction and the inner wall of the bulge facing that end. A second opening is provided between the end of the first partition wall in the horizontal direction and the inner wall of the bulge facing that end. The shell includes: a first channel located below a first partition wall; a second channel located downstream of the first channel and on the opposite side of the first partition wall in the direction of gas flow; and a connecting channel located on the opposite side of the second partition wall. The connecting channel connects the first channel and the second channel to each other.

[0007] Other features and aspects will become apparent from the following detailed description, drawings and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing an oil separator according to an embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the inner shell component of this embodiment.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a front view showing the inner shell component of this embodiment.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the housing component of this embodiment.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a portion of the outer shell component of the shell according to this embodiment.

[0013] Figure 6 It is along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of the shell taken from line 6-6.

[0014] Figure 7 It is along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of the shell taken from line 7-7.

[0015] Figure 8 It is along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of the shell taken from line 8-8.

[0016] Throughout all the accompanying drawings and detailed descriptions, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. The drawings may not be drawn to scale, and for clarity, illustration, and convenience, the relative dimensions, scale, and depiction of elements in the drawings may be enlarged. Detailed Implementation

[0017] This specification provides a comprehensive understanding of the described methods, apparatus, and / or systems. Variations and equivalents of the described methods, apparatus, and / or systems will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The sequence of operations is exemplary, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the order of operations can be altered except where they must be performed in a specific sequence. Descriptions of functions and constructions well-known to those skilled in the art may be omitted.

[0018] Exemplary implementations may take different forms and are not limited to the illustrated examples. However, the illustrated examples are sufficient and complete and convey the full scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0019] In this specification, "at least one of A and B" should be understood to mean "only A, only B, or both A and B".

[0020] Here will refer to Figures 1 to 8 This describes an oil separator according to one embodiment.

[0021] In this embodiment, the oil separator is attached to the side surface of the cylinder block, which constitutes the main body of the internal combustion engine. The oil separator is configured to separate oil from leaking gases.

[0022] Shell 10

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, the oil separator includes a housing 10 attached to the side surface of the cylinder block (not shown).

[0024] The housing 10 includes an inner housing member 30 and an outer housing member 50. The inner housing member 30 is attached to a side surface of the cylinder block. The outer housing member 50 is located on the side of the inner housing member 30 opposite to the cylinder block. The inner housing member 30 and the outer housing member 50 face each other in an orthogonal direction, which is orthogonal to both the vertical and horizontal directions. Both the inner housing member 30 and the outer housing member 50 are made of plastic. The inner housing member 30 and the outer housing member 50 are separated and joined together in the orthogonal direction. The inner housing member 30 and the outer housing member 50 are examples of a first housing member and a second housing member, respectively.

[0025] In the following text, the upper and lower sides in the vertical direction are simply referred to as the upper side and the lower side, respectively. In the orthogonal direction, the side of the housing 10 closer to the cylinder block is referred to as the inner side, and the side farther from the cylinder block is referred to as the outer side. For illustrative purposes, when the housing 10 is viewed from the outside, the right and left in the left-right direction are simply referred to as the right and the left, respectively. The left-right direction in this embodiment does not necessarily have to be consistent with the width direction of the vehicle on which the oil separator is installed. Furthermore, the upstream and downstream sides in the flow direction of leaking gas are simply referred to as the upstream side and the downstream side.

[0026] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, shell 10 includes an upstream space S1 located on the upstream side and a downstream space S2 located on the downstream side and above the upstream space S1.

[0027] A portion of the upstream space S1 lies to the left of the downstream space S2. A portion of the downstream space S2 lies to the right of the upstream space S1. In other words, the downstream space S2 is shifted to the right relative to the upstream space S1.

[0028] Inner shell components 30

[0029] The inner housing member 30 includes an inner facing wall 31 facing the side surface of the cylinder block and a circumferential wall 32 projecting outward from the periphery of the inner facing wall 31 over its entire circumference. Although not shown, the circumferential wall 32 includes a joint on its surface that faces the outer housing member 50 over its entire circumference. This joint engages with the outer housing member 50.

[0030] The inner wall 31 includes a first portion 31a forming the upstream space S1 and a second portion 31b forming the downstream space S2. The first portion 31a has a generally quadrilateral shape that is elongated in the left-right direction in the front view. The second portion 31b also has a generally quadrilateral shape in the front view. A portion of the first portion 31a protrudes to the left compared to the second portion 31b. A portion of the second portion 31b protrudes to the right compared to the first portion 31a. The inner wall 31 as a whole has a crank shape in the front view.

[0031] The circumferential wall 32 includes a first sidewall 33 and a second sidewall 34 that project outward from the first portion 31a and face each other in the left-right direction. The first sidewall 33 projects from the left end of the first portion 31a. The second sidewall 34 projects from the right end of the first portion 31a.

[0032] The circumferential wall 32 includes a third sidewall 35 and a fourth sidewall 36 that project outward from the second part 31b and face each other in the left-right direction. The third sidewall 35 projects from the left end of the second part 31b. The fourth sidewall 36 projects from the right end of the second part 31b.

[0033] The circumferential wall 32 has a first connecting wall 37 and a second connecting wall 38. The first connecting wall 37 extends in the left-right direction and connects the upper end of the first side wall 33 and the lower end of the third side wall 35 to each other. The second connecting wall 38 extends in the left-right direction and connects the upper end of the second side wall 34 and the lower end of the fourth side wall 36 to each other.

[0034] The first part 31a includes, in its lower portion, a first inlet 11 and a second inlet 12 spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction. Leaking gas flows into the first inlet 11 and the second inlet 12. The first inlet 11 is located to the left of the second inlet 12. The first inlet 11 and the second inlet 12 are connected to the upstream space S1. Both the first inlet 11 and the second inlet 12 have a circular cross-sectional shape.

[0035] The second section 31b includes an outlet 13 in its upper part. Leaking gas flows out from the outlet 13. The outlet 13 is located closer to the fourth sidewall 36 than the third sidewall 35. The outlet 13 is located in the portion of the second section 31b that protrudes to the right compared to the first section 31a. The outlet 13 is connected to the downstream space S2. The outlet 13 has a circular cross-section.

[0036] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the inner shell member 30 includes a first bulge 39 and a second bulge 40 that bulge inward (to one side in the orthogonal direction). The first bulge 39 is located in the lower right portion of the downstream space S2. The second bulge 40 is located in the upper left portion of the downstream space S2. Compared to the second bulge 40, the first bulge 39 bulges inward more. The first bulge 39 is an example of a bulge.

[0037] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the internal space of the first bulge 39 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape that is elongated in the left-right and orthogonal directions. The first bulge 39 includes a first end wall 39a that closes the inner end.

[0038] The first bulge 39 of this embodiment includes a range in the orthogonal direction from the joint of the circumferential wall 32 to the first end wall 39a.

[0039] The interior space of the second bulge 40 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape that is elongated in the orthogonal direction. The second bulge 40 includes a second end wall 40a that closes the inner end. The second end wall 40a is located further outward than the first end wall 39a.

[0040] The inner shell component 30 includes a first inner separation wall 41, a second inner separation wall 42, a third inner separation wall 43, a fourth inner separation wall 44, and a fifth inner separation wall 45 for separating oil from leaking gas.

[0041] First inner separation wall 41

[0042] The first inner separation wall 41 protrudes outward from the first portion 31a of the inner wall 31. The first inner separation wall 41 is disposed above the second inlet 12. The first inner separation wall 41 extends in an inclined manner such that it descends toward the second side wall 34. Gap is provided between the opposite ends of the first inner separation wall 41 and the circumferential wall 32 for leaking gas to pass through.

[0043] Second inner separation wall 42

[0044] The second inner separating wall 42 protrudes outward from the second portion 31b of the inner wall 31. The second inner separating wall 42 is disposed above the first inner separating wall 41. The left end of the second inner separating wall 42 is connected to the third side wall 35. A gap is provided between the right end of the second inner separating wall 42 and the fourth side wall 36. The second inner separating wall 42 extends in an inclined manner such that it descends toward the fourth side wall 36. The second inner separating wall 42 covers the entire first inner separating wall 41 from above.

[0045] Third inner separation wall 43

[0046] The third inner separating wall 43 protrudes outward from the first end wall 39a of the first bulge 39 and extends in an orthogonal direction. The third inner separating wall 43 extends orthogonally to the middle portion of the first bulge 39. The third inner separating wall 43 divides the interior of the first bulge 39 into an upper and a lower portion. The third inner separating wall 43 is connected to the left inner wall of the first bulge 39. A gap is provided between the right end of the third inner separating wall 43 and the fourth side wall 36 for leaking gas to pass through. The third inner separating wall 43 extends in an inclined manner, descending towards the fourth side wall 36.

[0047] Fourth inner separation wall 44

[0048] The fourth inner separation wall 44 protrudes outward from the second portion 31b of the inner wall 31. The fourth inner separation wall 44 is positioned above the second inner separation wall 42 and the third inner separation wall 43. The right end of the fourth inner separation wall 44 is connected to the fourth side wall 36. A gap is provided between the left end of the fourth inner separation wall 44 and the third side wall 35 for leaking gas to pass through. The fourth inner separation wall 44 extends in an inclined manner, descending towards the third side wall 35. The fourth inner separation wall 44 forms the top wall of the first bulge 39.

[0049] Fifth inner separation wall 45

[0050] The fifth inner separation wall 45 protrudes outward from the second portion 31b of the inner wall 31. The protruding end of the fifth inner separation wall 45 is positioned further inward than the protruding end of the circumferential wall 32. The fifth inner separation wall 45 is positioned above the fourth inner separation wall 44. The fifth inner separation wall 45 is curved along the opening edge of the outlet 13. The upper end of the fifth inner separation wall 45 is connected to the upper part of the circumferential wall 32. A gap is provided between the lower end of the fifth inner separation wall 45 and the fourth inner separation wall 44 for leaking gas to pass through.

[0051] First protruding wall 46

[0052] The inner shell member 30 includes a first protruding wall 46 that projects toward the outer shell member 50. The first protruding wall 46 projects outward from the inner side toward a second portion 31b of the inner shell member 31 and extends in the vertical direction. The first protruding wall 46 connects a portion of the second inner separating wall 42, slightly to the left from the right end, to the left end of the fourth inner separating wall 44.

[0053] Fixing part 47

[0054] The inner housing member 30 includes a fixing portion 47 that protrudes outward from the inner housing member 30 and is fixed to the cylinder body. Each fixing portion 47 is provided with a socket 47a, which receives a bolt (not shown) for fixing the inner housing member 30 to the cylinder body.

[0055] 50 shell components

[0056] like Figure 4 As shown, the outer shell member 50 includes an outer wall 51 facing the inner shell member 30, and a circumferential wall 52 projecting outward from the outside toward the periphery of the wall 51 over the entire circumference. Although not shown, the circumferential wall 52 includes a joint on its circumferential surface facing the inner shell member 30. This joint engages with the inner shell member 30.

[0057] The outer wall 51 includes a first portion 51a forming the upstream space S1 and a second portion 51b forming the downstream space S2. The first portion 51a has a generally quadrilateral shape that is elongated in the left-right direction in the front view. The second portion 51b also has a generally quadrilateral shape in the front view. A portion of the first portion 51a protrudes to the left than the second portion 51b. A portion of the second portion 51b protrudes to the right than the first portion 51a. The outer wall 51 as a whole has a crank shape in the front view.

[0058] The circumferential wall 52 includes a first sidewall 53 and a second sidewall 54 that project inwardly from the first portion 51a and face each other in the left-right direction. The first sidewall 53 projects from the left end of the first portion 51a. The second sidewall 54 projects from the right end of the first portion 51a.

[0059] The circumferential wall 52 includes a third sidewall 55 and a fourth sidewall 56 that project inward from the second part 51b and face each other in the left-right direction. The third sidewall 55 projects from the left end of the second part 51b. The fourth sidewall 56 projects from the right end of the second part 51b.

[0060] The circumferential wall 52 has a first connecting wall 57 and a second connecting wall 58. The first connecting wall 57 extends in the left-right direction and connects the upper end of the first side wall 53 and the lower end of the third side wall 55 to each other. The second connecting wall 58 extends in the left-right direction and connects the upper end of the second side wall 54 and the lower end of the fourth side wall 56 to each other.

[0061] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the outer casing component 50 includes a first outer separation wall 61, a second outer separation wall 62, a third outer separation wall 63, a fourth outer separation wall 64, and a fifth outer separation wall 65 for separating oil from leaking gas.

[0062] First outer separation wall 61

[0063] The first outer separation wall 61 protrudes inward from the outside toward the first portion 51a of the wall 51. The protruding end face of the first outer separation wall 61 faces the protruding end face of the first inner separation wall 41 of the inner shell member 30. The first outer separation wall 61 extends in an inclined manner such that it descends toward the second side wall 54. Gap is provided between the opposite ends of the first outer separation wall 61 and the circumferential wall 52 for leaking gas to pass through.

[0064] Second outer separation wall 62

[0065] The second outer separation wall 62 protrudes inward from the outside toward the second portion 51b of the wall 51. The second outer separation wall 62 is positioned above the first outer separation wall 61. The protruding end face of the second outer separation wall 62 faces the protruding end face of the second inner separation wall 42 of the inner shell member 30. The left end of the second outer separation wall 62 is connected to the third side wall 55.

[0066] The second outer separating wall 62 extends in the following inclined manner: the second outer separating wall 62 descends toward the fourth side wall 56.

[0067] The second outer separation wall 62 covers the entire first outer separation wall 61 from above.

[0068] Third outer separation wall 63

[0069] The third outer separating wall 63 protrudes inward from the outside toward the second portion 51b of wall 51 and extends in an orthogonal direction. The third outer separating wall 63 protrudes further inward than the second outer separating wall 62 and the circumferential wall 52. The protruding end face of the third outer separating wall 63 faces the protruding end face of the third inner separating wall 43 of the inner shell member 30. The third outer separating wall 63 is connected to the right end of the second outer separating wall 62. The third outer separating wall 63 extends in an inclined manner, descending toward the fourth side wall 56.

[0070] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the protruding end of the third outer separation wall 63 is located inside the inner shell member 30, and more specifically, inside the first bulge 39. A gap is provided between the right end of the third outer separation wall 63 and the fourth side wall 36 of the inner shell member 30 for leaking gas to pass through. A gap is also provided between the right end of the third outer separation wall 63 and the fourth side wall 56 of the outer shell member 50 for leaking gas to pass through.

[0071] The third outer separation wall 63 forms part of the first separation wall 21, which will be discussed below. The third outer separation wall 63 is continuous with the second separation wall 68, which will also be discussed below.

[0072] Fourth outer separation wall 64

[0073] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the fourth outer separation wall 64 protrudes inward from the outside toward the second portion 51b of wall 51. The fourth outer separation wall 64 is positioned above the second outer separation wall 62 and the third outer separation wall 63. The protruding end face of the fourth outer separation wall 64 faces the protruding end face of the fourth inner separation wall 44 of the inner shell member 30. The right end of the fourth outer separation wall 64 is connected to the fourth side wall 56. A gap is provided between the left end of the fourth outer separation wall 64 and the third side wall 55 for leaking gas to pass through. The fourth outer separation wall 64 extends in an inclined manner, descending toward the third side wall 55.

[0074] Fifth outer separation wall 65

[0075] The fifth outer separating wall 65 protrudes inward from the outside toward the second part 51b of the wall 51 and extends in the vertical direction. The protruding end face of the fifth outer separating wall 65 faces the second end wall 40a of the second bulge 40.

[0076] Compared to the circumferential wall 52, the fifth outer separation wall 65 protrudes further inward. The protruding end of the fifth outer separation wall 65 is located inside the second bulge 40. Gap gaps are provided between the upper and lower ends of the fifth outer separation wall 65 and the inner wall of the second bulge 40 to allow leaking gas to pass through.

[0077] like Figure 8As shown, the fifth outer separating wall 65 divides the interior of the second bulge 40 into a left portion and a right portion. The fifth outer separating wall 65 is positioned at a location that overlaps with the fifth inner separating wall 45 in the left-right direction.

[0078] Second protruding wall 66

[0079] like Figure 4 As shown, the outer shell member 50 includes a second protruding wall 66 projecting toward the inner shell member 30. The second protruding wall 66 projects inward from the outside toward the second portion 51b of the wall 51 and extends in the vertical direction. The second protruding wall 66 connects the second outer separating wall 62 to the fourth outer separating wall 64. The protruding end of the second protruding wall 66 is positioned further outward than the protruding end of the circumferential wall 52.

[0080] like Figure 7 As shown, the protruding end face of the second protruding wall 66 faces the protruding end face of the first protruding wall 46 of the inner shell member 30 in the orthogonal direction.

[0081] Shrinkage section 20

[0082] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, a gap is provided between the protruding end faces of the first protruding wall 46 and the second protruding wall 66 to allow leaking gas to pass through. The shell 10 includes a contraction section 20, formed by the gap between the protruding end faces of the first and second protruding walls 46 and 66. The cross-sectional area of ​​the leaking gas is locally reduced in the contraction section 20. The contraction section 20 has a slit shape extending in the vertical direction. The contraction section 20 is located downstream of the second channel 25, which will be discussed below.

[0083] Collision Wall 67

[0084] like Figure 4 and Figure 7 As shown, the outer casing member 50 includes a collision wall 67 on the downstream side of the contraction section 20. Leaking gas that has passed through the contraction section 20 collides with the collision wall 67. The collision wall 67 protrudes inward from the outside toward the second portion 51b of the wall 51 and extends in the vertical direction. The collision wall 67 connects the second outer separation wall 62 to the left end of the fourth outer separation wall 64.

[0085] like Figure 7 As shown, the collision wall 67 is arranged side-by-side with the second protruding wall 66 in the left-right direction. For example, the collision wall 67 is configured to be parallel to the second protruding wall 66. Compared to the circumferential wall 52, the collision wall 67 protrudes further inward. The protruding end of the collision wall 67 is located within the inner shell member 30. The collision wall 67 is positioned at a location that overlaps with the first protruding wall 46 of the inner shell member 30 in the left-right direction.

[0086] Internal structure of the first drum section 39

[0087] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the first bulge 39 includes a first partition wall 21 and a second partition wall 68. The first partition wall 21 vertically divides the interior of the first bulge 39, and the second partition wall 68 divides the interior of the first bulge 39 into a left part and a right part.

[0088] The first partition wall 21 is formed by the third inner partition wall 43 and the third outer partition wall 63 described above.

[0089] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the second partition wall 68 protrudes inward from the outside toward the second portion 51b of the wall 51. The second partition wall 68 extends downward from the first partition wall 21. Specifically, the second partition wall 68 extends downward to the right from the portion of the third outer partition wall 63 that is slightly to the left from the right end. The lower end of the second partition wall 68 is connected to the second connecting wall 58.

[0090] like Figure 6 As shown, the amount by which the second partition wall 68 protrudes from the second portion 51b is equal to the amount by which the third outer partition wall 63 protrudes from the second portion 51b. Therefore, the protruding end of the second partition wall 68 is located within the first bulge 39.

[0091] A gap is provided between the lower end of the portion of the second partition wall 68 located inside the first bulge 39 and the second connecting wall 38 of the inner shell member 30.

[0092] A first opening 22 is provided between the protruding end of the second partition wall 68 and the first end wall 39a, the first end wall 39a being the inner wall of the first bulge 39 facing the protruding end in the orthogonal direction.

[0093] like Figure 5 As shown, a second opening 23 is provided between the right end of the first partition wall 21 and the fourth side wall 36. The fourth side wall 36 is the inner wall of the first bulge 39 facing the right end in the left-right direction. The second opening 23 is formed by the gap between the fourth side wall 36 of the inner shell member 30 and the third inner partition wall 43, and the gap between the third outer partition wall 63 and the fourth side wall 36.

[0094] The housing 10 includes a first channel 24, a second channel 25, and a connecting channel 26 formed within the first bulge 39. The second channel 25 is located above and downstream of the first channel 24. The connecting channel 26 connects the first channel 24 and the second channel 25 to each other.

[0095] The first channel 24 is located below the first partition wall 21 and to the left of the second partition wall 68. The first channel 24 is defined by the inner walls of the first partition wall 21, the second partition wall 68, and the first bulge 39. The first channel 24 extends in an orthogonal direction within the first bulge 39.

[0096] The second channel 25 is located on the side of the first partition wall 21 opposite to the first channel 24, i.e., above the first partition wall 21. The second channel 25 is defined by the inner wall of the first bulge 39 and the first partition wall 21. The second channel 25 extends in an orthogonal direction within the first bulge 39. The right end of the second channel 25 opens toward the fourth side wall 36.

[0097] The connecting channel 26 is connected to the first channel 24 via the first opening 22. The connecting channel 26 is connected to the second channel 25 via an opening at the right end of the second channel 25. The connecting channel 26 includes a second opening 23. The connecting channel 26 is a space within the interior space of the first bulge 39 to the right of the first partition wall 21.

[0098] The operation of this embodiment will be explained here.

[0099] like Figure 5 As indicated by the arrows, the leaking gas flowing into the shell 10 through inlets 11 and 12 collides with the lower surfaces of the first connecting walls 37 and 57, the lower surface of the first inner separation wall 41, and the lower surface of the first outer separation wall 61.

[0100] Subsequently, the leaked gas moves above the first inner separation wall 41 and the first outer separation wall 61, and the leaked gas collides with the lower surface of the second inner separation wall 42 and the lower surface of the second outer separation wall 62.

[0101] After that, as Figure 6 As indicated by the arrow, the leaked gas flows into the first bulge 39. The leaked gas that has already flowed into the first channel 24 of the first bulge 39 flows towards one side in the orthogonal direction, i.e., towards the inner side below the first partition wall 21. Thereafter, the leaked gas flows into the connecting channel 26 through the first opening 22. The leaked gas that has already flowed into the connecting channel 26 passes through the second opening 23 to move within the connecting channel 26 above the first partition wall 21. Thereafter, the leaked gas flows into the second channel 25 through the opening at the right end of the second channel 25. The leaked gas that has already flowed into the second channel 25 flows above the first partition wall 21 towards the side opposite to the orthogonal direction, i.e., towards the outer side.

[0102] like Figure 7As indicated by the arrow, the leaking gas that has passed through the second channel 25 passes through the contraction section 20. Because the cross-sectional area of ​​the leaking gas is locally reduced in the contraction section 20, the flow velocity of the leaking gas increases as it passes through the contraction section 20. The leaking gas with the increased flow velocity collides with the collision wall 67. Due to this collision, the oil contained in the leaking gas is collected on the collision wall 67, thus separating the oil from the leaking gas.

[0103] After that, as Figure 8 As indicated by the arrow, the leaking gas flows into the second bulge 40. Since the fifth outer separation wall 65 is located within the second bulge 40, the leaking gas flows inward along the fifth outer separation wall 65. After moving to the right side of the fifth outer separation wall 65, the leaking gas flows outward along the fifth outer separation wall 65. In this way, the leaking gas flows in a tortuous manner within the second bulge 40.

[0104] Subsequently, the leaked gas flows around the fifth inner separation wall 45 and reaches the outlet 13. Then, the leaked gas is discharged from the outlet 13 to the outside of the shell 10.

[0105] As described above, the leaking gas collides with the inner wall of the casing 10, which includes inner separation walls 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 and outer separation walls 61, 62, 63, 64, 65. As a result, the oil contained in the leaking gas separates from the leaking gas. The oil separated from the leaking gas drips off under its own weight and is stored in the lower part of the casing 10. Therefore, the oil is discharged outside the casing 10 through inlets 11 and 12.

[0106] This implementation method has the following advantages.

[0107] (1) The shell 10 includes a first bulge 39 that bulges inward in an orthogonal direction. The first bulge 39 includes a first partition wall 21 and a second partition wall 68 extending downward from the first partition wall 21. A first opening 22 is provided between the end of the second partition wall 68 in the orthogonal direction and the inner wall of the first bulge 39 facing that end. A second opening 23 is provided between the end of the first partition wall 21 in the left-right direction and the inner wall of the first bulge 39 facing that end. The shell 10 includes a first channel 24, a second channel 25, and a connecting channel 26. The first channel 24 is located below the first partition wall 21, the second channel 25 is located on the side of the first partition wall 21 opposite to the first channel 24, and the connecting channel 26 connects the first channel 24 and the second channel 25 to each other.

[0108] Using this structure, the leaking gas flowing into the shell 10 from the inlets 11 and 12 passes through the first channel 24, the connecting channel 26 and the second channel 25 arranged sequentially in the first bulge 39, and then is discharged out of the shell 10 from the outlet 13.

[0109] The leaked gas that has already flowed into the first channel 24 flows inward below the first partition wall 21. Thereafter, the leaked gas flows from the first channel 24 through the first opening 22 into the connecting channel 26. The leaked gas that has already flowed into the connecting channel 26 moves through the second opening 23 above the first partition wall 21 inside the connecting channel 26, and then flows into the second channel 25. The leaked gas flowing into the second channel 25 flows outward above the first partition wall 21.

[0110] In this way, the leaking gas flows in a tortuous manner within the first bulge 39. Therefore, the leaking gas flows easily across the entire first bulge 39. This increases the range of contact between the leaking gas and the inner wall of the first bulge 39, including the first partition wall 21 and the second partition wall 68. This maintains the oil separation performance of the oil separator.

[0111] (2) The contraction section 20 and the collision wall 67 on the downstream side of the contraction section 20 are provided on the downstream side of the second channel 25.

[0112] This design allows the leaking gas (whose flow rate increases after passing through the contraction section 20) to collide with the impact wall 67. Due to this collision, the oil contained in the leaking gas is collected on the impact wall 67, thus separating the oil from the leaking gas. This improves the oil separation performance of the oil separator.

[0113] (3) Shell 10 includes an inner shell member 30 as a first shell member and an outer shell member 50 as a second shell member. The inner shell member 30 and the outer shell member 50 are joined to each other. The inner shell member 30 includes a first protruding wall 46. The outer shell member 50 includes a second protruding wall 66 facing the first protruding wall 46 in an orthogonal direction. The contraction portion 20 is formed by the gap between the first protruding wall 46 and the second protruding wall 66.

[0114] Using this construction, a contraction portion 20 is formed in the shell 10 by joining the inner shell member 30 and the outer shell member 50 together. Thus, the contraction portion 20 is formed with a simple structure.

[0115] Furthermore, for example, if the contraction portion 20 is formed on the inner wall of one of the inner shell member 30 and the outer shell member 50, the mold used to mold the inner shell member 30 or the outer shell member 50 may be complex.

[0116] In this respect, according to the above-described structure, since the contraction portion 20 is constructed with a gap between the first protruding wall 46 of the inner shell member 30 and the second protruding wall 66 of the outer shell member 50, the aforementioned disadvantages are avoided.

[0117] The above embodiments can be modified as follows. The above embodiments and the following modifications can be combined, as long as the combined modifications remain technically consistent with each other.

[0118] The contraction portion 20 can be formed by a gap in the left-right direction between the first protruding wall 46 and the second protruding wall 66. In this case, the first protruding wall 46 and the second protruding wall 66 can be positioned differently from each other in the left-right direction and facing each other in the left-right direction.

[0119] The contraction portion 20 can be a through hole, slit, or the like provided in the first protruding wall 46 or the second protruding wall 66. In this case, the first protruding wall 46 and the second protruding wall 66 are preferably in contact with each other in an orthogonal direction or a left-right direction.

[0120] The shape of the contraction portion 20 is not limited to a slit shape, and may, for example, be circular or polygonal in cross-section.

[0121] The collision wall 67 can be installed in the inner shell component 30.

[0122] The contraction section 20 can be omitted from the shell 10.

[0123] Shell 10 may have one inlet, or it may have three or more inlets.

[0124] Shell 10 can be formed by joining together multiple separate parts that are divided into three or more parts.

[0125] Various changes in form and detail may be made to the examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents. The examples are for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes. The description of features in each example should be considered applicable to similar features or aspects in other examples. Suitable results may be achieved if the order of execution is different, and / or if components in the illustrated system, architecture, device, or circuit are combined differently and / or replaced or supplemented by other components or their equivalents. The scope of this disclosure is not limited by the detailed description but by the claims and their equivalents. All variations within the scope of the claims and their equivalents are included in this disclosure.

Claims

1. An oil separator, comprising a housing, wherein, The shell includes: Inlet, the inlet for the inflow of leaking gas; and An outlet is provided above the inlet, through which the leaking gas flows out. The oil separator is configured as follows: The oil is separated from the leaking gas inside the casing, and The separated oil is discharged from the inlet to the outside of the shell. A direction that is orthogonal to both the up / down and left / right directions is defined as an orthogonal direction. The shell includes a bulge that protrudes toward one side facing the orthogonal direction. The bulge portion includes: A first partition wall extends in the orthogonal direction and vertically divides the interior of the bulge; and A second partition wall extends downward from the first partition wall and divides the interior of the bulge into a left portion and a right portion. A first opening is provided between the end of the second partition wall in the orthogonal direction and the inner wall of the bulge facing that end. A second opening is provided between the end of the first partition wall in the left-right direction and the inner wall of the bulge facing that end, and The shell includes: The first channel is located below the first partition wall; A second channel, located downstream of the first channel and on the opposite side of the first partition wall from the first channel in the direction of gas flow; and A connecting channel, located on the opposite side of the second partition wall to the first channel, connects the first channel and the second channel to each other. The oil separator further includes, on the downstream side of the flow direction of the second channel: A contraction section, in which the cross-sectional flow area of ​​the leaking gas is locally reduced; and A collision wall is positioned downstream of the contraction section in the flow direction, whereby the leaking gas that has passed through the contraction section collides with the collision wall.

2. The oil separator according to claim 1, wherein, The shell includes a first shell member and a second shell member, which are separated in the orthogonal direction and joined to each other. The first shell member includes a first protruding wall that projects toward the second shell member. The second shell member includes a second protruding wall that protrudes toward the first shell member and faces the first protruding wall in the orthogonal direction. The contraction portion is formed by the gap between the first protruding wall and the second protruding wall.

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