Oil separator

Abstract

Oil separator with a housing (10), wherein the housing (10) has: an inlet port (11, 12) into which a blown-by gas flows; and an outlet connection (13) provided above the inlet connection (11, 12) through which the blown-by gas flows out, wherein the oil separator is configured to separate an oil from the blown-by gas within the housing (10), and to discharge the separated oil from the inlet port (11, 12) to the exterior of the housing (10), where a direction perpendicular to both a top-down direction and a left-right direction is defined as a perpendicular direction, the housing (10) has a bulging portion (39) which bulges in the perpendicular direction to one side, the bulging section (39) has: a first partition wall (21) extending in the rectangular direction and vertically dividing an interior of the bulging portion (39); and a second partition wall (68) extending downward from the first partition wall (21) and dividing the interior of the bulging portion (39) into left and right parts, wherein a first opening (22) is provided between an end portion in the perpendicular direction of the second partition wall (68) and an inner wall of the bulging portion (39) directed toward the end portion, a second opening (23) is provided between an end portion in the left-right direction of the first partition wall (21) and an inner wall of the bulging portion (39) directed toward the end portion, and the housing (10) has: a first passage (24) arranged under the first partition wall (21); a second passage (25) arranged on a downstream side of the first passage (24) in a flow direction of the blown-by gas and an opposite side of the first partition wall (21) from the first passage (24); and a connecting passage (26) arranged on an opposite side of the second partition wall (68) from the first passage (24), the connecting passage (26) connecting the first passage (24) and the second passage (25) to each other.

Description

BACKGROUND1. Area

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an oil separator. 2. Description of the state of the art

[0002] JP 2019-78236 A discloses an oil separator provided on a side surface of a cylinder block of an internal combustion engine. The oil separator disclosed in the publication includes a housing forming a separator chamber for separating oil from blown-by gas, and separator discs dividing the separator chamber. The housing has a first port and a second port in a lower portion. The first port and the second port are spaced apart from each other in a widthwise direction of the housing. The first port and the second port are used to introduce gas into and discharge gas from the housing. The housing also has a gas discharge port in an upper portion.

[0003] In the oil separator disclosed in the above-mentioned publication, blow-by gas is introduced into the housing through the first port and the second port. The blow-by gas introduced into the housing flows while meandering in the separator chamber divided by the separator discs and is then discharged from the gas discharge port to the exterior of the housing. The blow-by gas collides with the inner walls of the separator chamber having the separator discs, so that oil is separated from the blow-by gas. The oil separated from the blow-by gas is discharged from the first port or the second port to the exterior of the housing.

[0004] To separate the oil from the blown-by gas, it is preferable to lengthen the passage through which the blown-by gas flows within the housing, so that the blown-by gas contacts a wide area of ​​the inner wall of the separator chamber via separator discs. However, if a large number of separator discs are provided, there will be places where the blown-by gas hardly flows within the housing. This can reduce the oil separation efficiency of the oil separator.

[0005] Oil separators of this type are also known from the publications DE 10 2018 124 476 A1, DE 10 2015 218 201 B4, DE 101 25 312 B4, US 10 731 529 B2, US 2019 / 0 178 122 A1 and JP 2012 - 92 729 A. SUMMARY

[0006] This summary is provided to introduce, in a simplified form, a selection of concepts that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0007] In a general aspect, an oil separator includes a housing. The housing has an inlet port into which blow-by gas flows, and an outlet port provided above the inlet port and through which the blow-by gas flows out. The oil separator is configured to separate oil from the blow-by gas within the housing and discharge the separated oil from the inlet port to the exterior of the housing. A direction perpendicular to both an up-down direction and a left-right direction is defined as a perpendicular direction. The housing has a bulging portion that bulges to one side in the perpendicular direction. The bulging portion has a first partition wall and a second partition wall. The first partition wall extends in the perpendicular direction and vertically separates an interior of the bulging portion.The second partition wall extends downward from the first partition wall and divides the interior of the bulging portion into left and right parts. A first opening is provided between an end portion in the perpendicular direction of the second partition wall and an inner wall of the bulging portion facing the end portion. The second opening is provided between an end portion in the left-right direction of the first partition wall and an inner wall of the bulging portion facing the end portion.The housing has a first passage located below the first partition wall, a second passage located on a downstream side of the first passage in a flow direction of the blown-by gas and on an opposite side of the first partition wall from the first passage, and a connecting passage located on an opposite side of the second partition wall from the first passage. The connecting passage connects the first passage and the second passage to each other.

[0008] Other features and aspects will become apparent from the following detailed description, drawings and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an oil separator according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an inner housing member of the embodiment. Fig. 3 is a front view showing the inner housing member of the embodiment. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing an outer casing member of the embodiment. Fig. 5 is a perspective cross-sectional view showing a portion of the outer casing member of the casing according to the embodiment. Fig. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the housing taken along line 6-6 of Fig. 3. Fig. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the housing taken along line 7-7 of Fig. 3. Fig. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the housing taken along line 8-8 of Fig. 3.

[0009] Throughout the drawings and the detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and the relative size, proportions, and depiction of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity, illustration, and convenience. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] This description provides a comprehensive understanding of the described methods, devices, and / or systems. Modifications and equivalents of the described methods, devices, and / or systems will be apparent to one skilled in the art. Sequences of operation are exemplary and may be changed as would be apparent to one skilled in the art, except for operations that necessarily occur in a particular order. Descriptions of functions and structures well known to one skilled in the art may be omitted.

[0011] Example embodiments may take various forms and are not limited to the described examples. However, the examples are thorough and complete, and will convey the full scope of the disclosure to one skilled in the art.

[0012] In this description, “at least one of A and B” should be interpreted as “only A, only B, or both A and B.”

[0013] An oil separator according to an embodiment will now be described with reference to the Fig. 1 to 8 described.

[0014] The oil separator of the present embodiment is mounted on a side surface of a cylinder block that constitutes an engine main body of an internal combustion engine. The oil separator is configured to separate oil from blown-by gas. Housing 10

[0015] As it is from the Fig. 1, the oil separator has a housing 10 which is attached to a side surface of a cylinder block (not shown).

[0016] The housing 10 has an inner housing member 30 and an outer housing member 50. The inner housing member 30 is attached to the side surface of the cylinder block. The outer housing member 50 is attached to an opposite side of the inner housing member 30 from the cylinder block. The inner housing member 30 and the outer housing member 50 are directed in a perpendicular direction to each other, which is perpendicular to both a top-down direction and a left-right direction. The inner housing member 30 and the outer housing member 50 are both made of a plastic. The inner housing member 30 and the outer housing member 50 are divided in the perpendicular direction and joined to each other. The inner housing member 30 and the outer housing member 50 are examples of the first housing member and the second housing member, respectively.

[0017] Hereinafter, the upper side and the lower side in the top-to-bottom direction are simply referred to as the upper side and the lower side, respectively. In the rectangular direction, a side closer to the cylinder block with respect to the casing 10 is referred to as an inner side, and a side far from the cylinder block is referred to as an outer side. For illustrative purposes, right and left in the left-to-right direction when the casing 10 is viewed from the outside are simply referred to as right and left, respectively. The left-right direction in the present embodiment does not necessarily coincide with the widthwise direction of the vehicle on which the oil separator is mounted. In addition, an upstream side and a downstream side in the flow direction of the blown-by gas are simply referred to as an upstream side and a downstream side.

[0018] As can be seen from the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the housing 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.

[0019] A portion of the upstream space S1 is located on the left side of the downstream space S2. A portion of the downstream space S2 is located on the right side of the upstream space S1. In other words, the downstream space S2 is shifted to the right with respect to the upstream space S1. Inner housing element 30

[0020] The inner housing member 30 has an inner facing wall 31 facing the side surface of the cylinder block, and a peripheral wall 32 protruding outward over the entire circumference from the peripheral edge of the inner facing wall 31. Although not shown, the peripheral wall 32 has a joining portion on one surface facing the outer housing member 50 over the entire circumference. The joining portion is joined to the outer housing member 50.

[0021] The inner facing wall 31 has 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 substantially square shape elongated in the left-right direction in a front view. The second portion 31b has a substantially square shape in a front view. A part of the first portion 31a protrudes further to the left than the second portion 31b. A part of the second portion 31b protrudes further to the right than the first portion 31a. The inner facing wall 31 as a whole has a crank shape in a front view.

[0022] The peripheral wall 32 has a first side wall 33 and a second side wall 34 that protrude outward from the first portion 31a and face each other in the left-right direction. The first side wall 33 protrudes from a left end of the first portion 31a. The second side wall 34 protrudes from a right end of the first portion 31a.

[0023] The peripheral wall 32 has a third side wall 35 and a fourth side wall 36 that protrude outward from the second portion 31b and face each other in the left-right direction. The third side wall 35 protrudes from a left end of the second portion 31b. The fourth side wall 36 protrudes from a right end of the second portion 31b.

[0024] The peripheral wall 32 has a first coupling wall 37 and a second coupling wall 38. The first coupling wall 37 extends in the left-to-right direction and couples an upper end of the first side wall 33 and a lower end of the third side wall 35. The second coupling wall 38 extends in the left-to-right direction and couples an upper end of the second side wall 34 and a lower end of the fourth side wall 36.

[0025] The first section 31a has a first inlet port 11 and a second inlet port 12 in a lower portion, which are spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction. Blown-by gas flows into the first inlet port 11 and the second inlet port 12. The first inlet port 11 is located to the left of the second inlet port 12. The first inlet port 11 and the second inlet port 12 are connected to the upstream space S1. The first inlet port 11 and the second inlet port 12 each have a circular cross-sectional shape.

[0026] The second section 31b has an exhaust port 13 in an upper portion. Blown-by gas flows out of the exhaust port 13. The exhaust port 13 is located at a position closer to the fourth side wall 36 than to the third side wall 35. The exhaust port 13 is provided at a portion of the second section 31b that protrudes farther to the right than the first section 31a. The exhaust port 13 is connected to the downstream space S2. The exhaust port 13 has a circular cross section.

[0027] As can be seen from the Fig. 1 and Fig. As can be seen from Fig. 2, the inner casing member has a first bulging portion (bulged portion) 39 and a second bulging portion (bulged portion) 40 that bulge inward, which is one side in the rectangular direction. The first bulging portion 39 is provided in a right portion of a lower portion of the downstream space S2. The second bulging portion 40 is provided in a left portion of an upper portion of the downstream space S2. The first bulging portion 39 bulges inward further than the second bulging portion 40. The first bulging portion 39 is an example of the bulging portion.

[0028] As can be seen from the Fig. 2 and Fig. As can be seen from Figure 3, the interior space of the first bulging portion 31 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape elongated in the left-right and right-angle directions. The first bulging portion 39 has a first end wall 39a, the end portion of which closes on the inner side.

[0029] The first bulging portion 39 of the present embodiment has a range from the joining portion of the peripheral wall 32 to the first end wall 39a in the rectangular direction.

[0030] The interior space of the second forming portion 40 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape elongated in the perpendicular direction. The second bulging portion 40 has a second end wall 40a closing one end portion on the inner side. The second end wall 40a is located outside the first end wall 39a.

[0031] The inner housing member 30 accommodates a first inner partition wall 41, a second inner partition wall 42, a third inner partition wall 43, a fourth inner partition wall 44, and a fifth inner partition wall 45 which separate oil from the blown-by gas. First inner partition wall 41

[0032] The first inner partition wall 41 protrudes outward from the first portion 31a of the inner facing wall 31. The first inner partition wall 41 is provided above the second inlet port 12. The first inner partition wall 41 extends in an inclined manner such that the first inner partition wall 41 is lowered toward the second side wall 34. Gaps through which the blown-by gas passes are provided between the opposite ends of the first inner partition wall 41 and the peripheral wall 32. Second inner partition wall 42

[0033] The second inner partition wall 42 protrudes outward from the second portion 31b of the inner facing wall 31. The second inner partition wall 42 is provided above the first inner partition wall 41. A left end of the second inner partition wall 42 is coupled to the third side wall 35. A gap is provided between a right end of the second inner partition wall 42 and the fourth side wall 36. The second inner partition wall 42 extends in an inclined manner such that the second inner partition wall 42 is lowered toward the fourth side wall 36. The second inner partition wall 42 covers the entirety of the first inner partition wall 41 from above. Third inner partition wall 43

[0034] The third inner partition wall 43 protrudes outward from the first end wall 39a of the first bulging portion 39 and extends in the orthogonal direction. The third inner partition wall 43 extends to an intermediate portion of the first bulging portion 39 in the perpendicular direction. The third inner partition wall 43 divides the interior of the first bulging portion 39 into upper and lower parts. The third inner partition wall 43 is coupled to the left inner wall of the first bulging portion 39. A gap through which blown-by gas passes is provided between a right end of the third inner partition wall 43 and the fourth side wall 36. The third inner partition wall 43 extends in an inclined manner such that the third inner partition wall 43 is depressed toward the fourth side wall 36. Fourth inner partition wall 44

[0035] The fourth inner partition wall 44 protrudes outward from the second portion 31b of the inner facing wall 31. The fourth inner partition wall 44 is provided above the second inner partition wall 42 and the third inner partition wall 43. A right end of the fourth inner partition wall 44 is coupled to the fourth side wall 36. A gap through which blown-by gas passes is provided between a left end of the fourth inner partition wall 44 and the third side wall 35. The fourth inner partition wall 44 extends in an inclined manner such that the fourth inner partition wall 44 is lowered toward the third side wall 35. The fourth inner partition wall 44 forms an uppermost wall of the first formed portion 39. Fifth inner partition wall 45

[0036] The fifth inner partition wall 45 protrudes outward from the second portion 31b of the inner directed wall 31. A protruding end of the fifth inner partition wall 45 is disposed inside a protruding end of the peripheral wall 32. The fifth inner partition wall 45 is provided above the fourth inner partition wall 44. The fifth inner partition wall 45 is curved along an opening edge of the exhaust port 13. An upper end of the fifth inner partition wall 45 is coupled to an upper portion of the peripheral wall 32. A gap through which blown-by gas passes is provided between a lower end of the fifth inner partition wall 45 and the fourth inner partition wall 44. First protruding wall 46

[0037] The inner housing member 30 receives a first protruding wall 46 that protrudes toward the outer housing member 50. The first protruding wall 46 protrudes outwardly from the second portion 31b of the inner facing wall 31 and extends in the top-down direction. The first protruding wall 46 couples a portion of the second inner partition wall 42 that is slightly to the left from the right end to the left end of the fourth inner partition wall 54. Fastening sections 47

[0038] The inner housing member 30 has fastening portions 47 that protrude outwardly from the inner housing member 30 and are fixed to the cylinder block. Each fastening portion 47 is provided with an insertion hole 47a that receives a bolt (not shown) for fixing the inner housing member 30 to the cylinder block. Outer housing element 50

[0039] How it turns out Fig. As can be seen from Figure 4, the outer housing member 50 has an outer facing wall 51 facing the inner facing wall 31 of the inner housing member 30, and a peripheral wall 52 projecting outwardly over the entire circumference from the peripheral edge of the outer facing wall 51. Although not shown, the peripheral wall 52 has a joining portion on a surface facing the inner housing member 30 over the entire circumference. The joining portion is joined to the inner housing member 30.

[0040] The outer facing wall 51 has 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 substantially square shape elongated in the left-right direction in the front view. The second portion 51b has a substantially square shape in the front view. A part of the first portion 51a protrudes further to the left than the second portion 51b. A part of the second portion 51b protrudes further to the right than the first portion 51a. The outer facing wall 51 as a whole has a crank shape in a front view.

[0041] The peripheral wall 52 has a first side wall 53 and a second side wall 54 that protrude inward from the first portion 51a and face each other in the left-right direction. The first side wall 53 protrudes from a left end of the first portion 51a. The second side wall 54 protrudes from a right end of the first portion 51a.

[0042] The peripheral wall 52 has a third side wall 55 and a fourth side wall 56 that protrude inward from the second portion 51b and face each other in the left-right direction. The third side wall 55 protrudes from the left end of the second portion 51b. The fourth side wall 56 protrudes from the right end of the second portion 51b.

[0043] The peripheral wall 52 has a first coupling wall 57 and a second coupling wall 58. The first coupling wall 57 extends in the left-right direction and couples an upper end of the first side wall 53 and a lower end of the third side wall 55. The second coupling wall 58 extends in the left-right direction and couples an upper end of the second side wall 54 and a lower end of the fourth wall 56.

[0044] As can be seen from the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the outer housing member 50 accommodates a first outer partition 61, a second outer partition 62, a third outer partition 63, a fourth outer partition 64, and a fifth outer partition 65 which separate oil from blown-by gas. First outer partition wall 61

[0045] The first outer partition wall 61 protrudes inward from the first portion 51a of the outer facing wall 51. A protruding end surface of the first outer partition wall 61 faces a protruding end surface of the first inner partition wall 41 of the inner housing member 30. The first outer partition wall 61 extends in an inclined manner such that the first outer partition wall 61 is depressed toward the second side wall 54. Gaps through which blown-by gas passes are provided between the opposite ends of the first outer partition wall 61 and the peripheral wall 52. Second outer partition wall 62

[0046] The second outer partition wall 62 protrudes inward from the second portion 51b of the outer facing wall 51. The second outer partition wall 62 is provided above the first outer partition wall 61. A protruding end surface of the second outer partition wall 62 faces a protruding end surface of the second inner partition wall 42 of the inner case member 30. A left end of the second outer partition wall 62 is coupled to the third side wall 55. The second outer partition wall 62 extends in an inclined manner such that the second outer partition wall 62 is depressed toward the fourth side wall 56. The second outer partition wall 62 covers the entirety of the first outer partition wall 61 from above. Third outer partition wall 63

[0047] The third outer partition wall 63 protrudes inward from the second portion 51b of the outer directed wall 51 and extends in the perpendicular direction. The third outer partition wall 63 protrudes inward further than the second outer partition wall 62 and the peripheral wall 52. A protruding end surface of the third outer partition wall 63 faces a protruding end surface of the third inner partition wall 43 of the inner housing member 30. The third outer partition wall 63 is connected to a right end of the second outer partition wall 62. The third outer partition wall 63 extends in an inclined manner such that the third outer partition wall 63 is depressed toward the fourth side wall 56.

[0048] As can be seen from the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the protruding end of the third outer partition wall 63 is disposed within the inner housing member 30, more specifically, within the first bulging portion 39. A gap through which blown-by gas passes is provided between a right end of the third outer partition wall 63 and the fourth side wall 36 of the inner housing member 30. A gap through which blown-by gas passes is provided between a right end of the third outer partition wall 63 and the fourth side wall 56 of the outer housing member 50.

[0049] The third outer partition wall 63 forms part of a first partition wall 21, which will be discussed below. The third outer partition wall 63 is continued by a second partition wall 68, as will be discussed below. Fourth outer partition wall 64

[0050] As can be seen from the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the fourth outer partition wall 64 protrudes inward from the second portion 51b of the outer directed wall 51. The fourth outer partition wall 64 is provided above the second outer partition wall 62 and the third outer partition wall 63. A protruding end surface of the fourth outer partition wall 64 faces a protruding end surface of the fourth inner partition wall 44 of the inner housing member 30. A right end of the fourth outer partition wall 64 is coupled to the fourth side wall 56. A gap through which blown-by gas passes is provided between a left end of the fourth outer partition wall 64 and the third side wall 55. The fourth outer partition wall 64 extends in an inclined manner such that the fourth outer partition wall 64 is depressed toward the third side wall 55. Fifth outer partition wall 65

[0051] The fifth outer partition wall 65 protrudes inward from the second portion 51b of the outer facing wall 51 and extends in the top-down direction. A protruding end surface of the fifth outer partition wall 65 faces the second end wall 40a of the second bulging portion 40.

[0052] The fifth outer partition wall 65 protrudes inward further than the peripheral wall 52. A protruding end of the fifth outer partition wall 65 is disposed within the second bulge portion 40. Gaps through which blown-by gas passes are provided between the upper and lower ends of the fifth outer partition wall 65 and the inner wall of the second bulge portion 40.

[0053] As from the Fig. As can be seen from Fig. 8, the fifth outer partition wall 65 divides the interior of the second bulge portion 40 into left and right parts. The fifth outer partition wall 65 is provided at a position where it overlaps with the fifth inner partition wall 45 in the left-right direction. Second protruding wall 66

[0054] As from the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4, the outer housing member 50 receives a second projecting wall 66 that projects toward the inner housing member 30. The second projecting wall 66 projects inwardly from the second portion 51b of the outer facing wall 51 and extends in the top-down direction. The second projecting wall 66 couples the second outer partition wall 62 to the fourth outer partition wall 64. The projecting end of the second projecting wall 66 is located outside the projecting end of the peripheral wall 52.

[0055] As from the Fig. 7, a projecting end surface of the second projecting wall 66 is directed toward a projecting end surface of the first projecting wall 46 of the inner housing member 30 in the perpendicular direction. Restriction 20

[0056] As can be seen from the Fig. 6 and Fig. As can be seen from Fig. 7, a gap through which a blown-by gas passes is provided between the projecting end face of the first projecting wall 46 and the projecting end face of the second projecting wall 66. The housing 10 has a restriction 20 formed by the gap between the projecting end face of the first projecting wall 46 and the projecting end face of the second projecting wall 66. The cross-sectional flow area of ​​the blown-by gas is partially reduced in the restriction 20. The restriction 20 has a slit shape extending in the top-down direction. The restriction 20 is provided on the downstream side of a second passage 25, which will be discussed below. Baffle 67

[0057] As can be seen from the Fig. 4 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 7, the outer housing member 50 has a baffle 67 directed toward the restriction 20 on the downstream side. The blown-by gas that has passed through the restriction 20 collides with the baffle 67. The baffle 67 protrudes inward from the second portion 51b of the outer directed wall 51 and extends in the top-down direction. The baffle 67 couples the second outer partition 62 to a left end of the fourth outer partition 64.

[0058] As from the Fig. As can be seen in Fig. 7, the baffle wall 67 is provided side by side with the second protruding wall 66 in the left-right direction. The baffle wall 67 is arranged, for example, in parallel with the second protruding wall 66. The baffle wall 67 protrudes inward further than the peripheral wall 52. A protruding end of the baffle wall 67 is arranged inside the inner housing member 30. The baffle wall 67 is provided at a position where it overlaps with the first protruding wall 46 of the inner housing member 30 in the left-right direction. Internal configuration of the first bulging section 39

[0059] As can be seen from the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the first bulging portion 39 accommodates a first partition wall 21 that vertically divides the interior of the first bulging portion 39, and a second partition wall 68 that divides the interior of the first bulging portion 39 into left and right parts.

[0060] The first partition wall 21 is formed by the third inner partition wall 43 and third outer partition wall 63 described above.

[0061] As can be seen from the Fig. 4 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, the second partition wall 68 protrudes inward from the second portion 51b of the outer facing wall 51. The second partition wall 68 extends downward from the first partition wall 21. Specifically, the second partition wall 68 extends obliquely rightward and downward from a portion of the third outer partition wall 63 slightly to the left of the right end. A lower end of the second partition wall 68 is coupled to the second coupling wall 58.

[0062] As from the Fig. 6, the amount of protrusion of the second partition wall 68 from the second portion 51 is equal to the amount of protrusion of the third outer partition wall 63 from the second portion 51b. Therefore, the protruding end of the second partition wall 68 is located within the first bulging portion 39.

[0063] A gap is provided between a lower end of a portion of the second partition wall 68 disposed within the first bulging portion 39 and the second coupling wall 38 of the inner housing member 30.

[0064] A first opening 22 is provided between a projecting end of the second partition wall 68 and the first partition wall 39a, which is a first inner wall of the first bulging portion 39 directed toward the projecting end in the perpendicular direction.

[0065] As from the Fig. As can be seen in Fig. 5, a second opening 23 is provided between a right end of the first partition wall 21 and the fourth side wall 36, which is an inner wall of the first bulge portion 39 facing the right end in the left-right direction. The second opening 23 is formed by the gap between the third inner partition wall 43 and the fourth side wall 36 of the inner housing member 30 and the gap between the third outer partition wall 63 and the fourth wall 36.

[0066] The housing 10 has a first passage 24, a second passage 25, and a connecting passage 26 formed within the first bulge portion 39. The second passage 25 is located above and downstream of the first passage 24. The connecting passage 26 connects the first passage 24 and the second passage 25 to each other.

[0067] The first passage 24 is located below the first partition wall 21 and to the left of the second partition wall 68. The first passage 24 is defined by the first partition wall 21, the second partition wall 68, and the inner wall of the first bulge portion 39. The first passage 24 extends in the perpendicular direction within the first bulge portion 39.

[0068] The second passage 25 is located on a side opposite the first partition wall 21 from the first passage 24, namely, above the first partition wall 21. The second passage 25 is defined by the first partition wall 21 and the inner wall of the first formed portion 39. The second passage 25 extends in the perpendicular direction within the first bulge portion 39. The right end of the second passage 25 opens toward the fourth side wall 36.

[0069] The connecting passage 26 is connected to the first passage 24 via the first opening 22. The connecting passage 26 is connected to the second passage 25 via the opening at the right end of the second passage 25. The connecting passage 26 has the second opening 23. The connecting passage 26 is a space on the right side of the first partition wall 21 in the inner space of the first bulging portion 39.

[0070] The operation of the present embodiment will now be described.

[0071] As indicated by arrows in the Fig. 5, the blown-by gas flowing into the housing 10 through the inlet ports 11, 12 collides with the lower surfaces of the first coupling walls 37, 57, the first inner partition wall 41 and the first outer partition wall 61.

[0072] Thereafter, the blown-by gas moves above the first inner partition wall 41 and the first outer partition wall 61 and collides with the lower surfaces of the second inner partition wall 42 and the second outer partition wall 62.

[0073] Then, as indicated by the arrows in the Fig. 6, the blown-by gas flows into the first bulging portion 39. The blown-by gas that has flowed into the first passage 24 of the first bulging portion 39 flows to one side in the perpendicular direction, namely, to the inner side under the first partition wall 21. Thereafter, the blown-by gas flows into the communication passage 26 through the first opening 22. The blown-by gas that has flowed into the communication passage 26 passes through the second opening 23 so as to move above the first partition wall 21 within the communication passage 26. Thereafter, the blown-by gas flows into the second passage 25 through the opening at the right end of the second passage 25. The blown-by gas that has flowed into the second passage 25 flows above the first partition wall 21 to the opposite side to the one side in the perpendicular direction, namely, to the outside.

[0074] As indicated by the arrows in the Fig. 7, the blown-by gas that has passed through the second passage 25 passes through the restriction 20. Since the cross-sectional flow area of ​​the blown-by gas is partially reduced in the restriction 20, the flow velocity of the blown-by gas passing through the restriction 20 increases. The blown-by gas with the increased flow velocity collides with the baffle 67. Due to this collision, oil contained in the blown-by gas accumulates on the baffle 67, so that the oil is separated from the blown-by gas.

[0075] As indicated by the arrows in the Fig.8, the blown-by gas then flows into the second bulging portion 40. Since the fifth outer partition wall 65 is disposed within the second bulging portion 40, the blown-by gas flows inward along the fifth outer partition wall 65. After moving to the right side of the fifth outer partition wall 65, the blown-by gas flows outward along the fifth outer partition wall 65. In this way, the blown-by gas flows while meandering within the second bulging portion 40.

[0076] Thereafter, the blown-by gas flows around the fifth inner partition wall 45 and reaches the exhaust port 13. Then, the blown-by gas is discharged from the exhaust port 13 to the outside of the housing 10.

[0077] As described above, the blown-by gas collides with the inner walls of the housing 10, which have the inner partition walls 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 and the outer partition walls 61, 62, 63, 64, 65. Thus, the oil contained in the blown-by gas is separated from the blown-by gas. The oil separated from the blown-by gas drops under its own weight and is stored in the lower portion of the housing 10. Accordingly, the oil is discharged to the exterior of the housing 10 through the inlet ports 11, 12.

[0078] The present embodiment has the following advantages.

[0079] (1) The housing 10 has the first bulging portion 39 that bulges inward in the rectangular direction. The first bulging portion 39 accommodates the first partition wall 21 and the second partition wall 68 extending downward from the first partition wall 21. The first opening 22 is provided between the end portion in the rectangular direction of the second partition wall 68 and the inner wall of the first bulging portion 39 facing the end portion. The second opening 23 is provided between the end portion in the left-right direction of the first partition wall 21 and the inner wall of the first bulging portion 39 facing the end portion.The housing 10 has the first passage 24 arranged under the first partition wall 21, the second passage 25 arranged on the opposite side of the first partition wall 21 from the first passage 24 and the connecting passage 26 connecting the first passage 24 and the second passage 25.

[0080] With this configuration, the blown-by gas flowing into the casing 10 from the inlet ports 11, 12 passes through the first passage 24, the communication passage 26 and the second passage 25 provided in the first bulging portion 39 in this order, and is then discharged to the outside of the casing 10 from the outlet port 13.

[0081] The blown-by gas that has flowed into the first passage 24 flows inward under the first partition wall 21. Then, the blown-by gas flows from the first passage 24 through the first opening 22 into the connecting passage 26. The blown-by gas that has flowed into the connecting passage 26 passes through the second opening 23 to move above the first partition wall 21 within the connecting passage 26, and then flows into the second passage 25. The blown-by gas that flows into the second passage 25 flows outward above the first partition wall 21.

[0082] In this way, the blown-by gas flows while meandering within the first bulge portion 39. Therefore, the blown-by gas easily flows over the entire first bulge portion 39. This increases the area where the blown-by gas comes into contact with the inner walls of the first bulge portion, including the first partition wall 21 and the second partition wall 68. The oil separation performance of the oil separator is thus maintained.

[0083] (2) The restriction 20 and the baffle 67 facing the restriction 20 and the downstream side of the restriction 20 are provided on the downstream side of the second passage 25.

[0084] This configuration causes the blown-by gas, whose flow velocity has been increased by passing through the restriction 20, to collide with the baffle wall 67. Due to this collision, oil contained in the blown-by gas collects on the baffle wall 67, separating the oil from the blown-by gas. The oil separation performance of the oil separator is thus improved.

[0085] (3) The housing 10 includes the inner housing member 30, which is the first housing member, and the outer housing member 50, which is the second housing member. The inner housing member 30 and the outer housing member 50 are joined together. The inner housing member 30 has the first protruding wall 46. The outer housing member 50 has the second protruding wall 66, which is directed in the perpendicular direction to the first protruding wall 46. The restriction 20 is formed by the gap between the first protruding wall 46 and the second protruding wall 66.

[0086] With this configuration, the restriction 20 is formed in the housing 10 by joining the inner housing member 30 and the outer housing member 50 together. The restriction 20 is thus formed by a simple structure.

[0087] In addition, for example, in a case where the restriction 20 is formed on the inner wall of one of the inner housing member 30 and the outer housing member 50, the mold for molding the inner housing member 30 or the outer housing member 50 may become complicated.

[0088] In this regard, according to the above-described configuration, since the restriction 20 is configured by the gap between the first projecting wall 46 of the inner housing member 30 and the second projecting wall 66 of the outer housing member 50, the above-described disadvantage is avoided.

[0089] The above-described embodiment may be modified as follows. The above-described embodiment and the following modifications may be combined as long as the combined modifications remain technically consistent with each other.

[0090] The restriction 20 may be formed by a gap between the first protruding wall 46 and the second protruding wall 66 in the left-right direction. In this case, the first protruding wall 46 and the second protruding wall 66 may be provided at different positions from each other in the left-right direction and may face each other in the left-right direction.

[0091] The restriction 20 may be a through hole, a slot, 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 the perpendicular direction or the left-right direction.

[0092] The shape of the restriction 20 is not limited to a slot shape, but can be, for example, a circular shape or a polygonal shape in cross section.

[0093] The baffle 67 may be provided in the inner housing member 30.

[0094] The restriction 20 may be omitted from the housing 10.

[0095] The housing 10 may have one inlet port or may have three or more inlet ports.

[0096] The housing 10 may be formed by joining a plurality of divided bodies divided into three or more.

Claims

[1] Oil separator with a housing (10), wherein the housing (10) has: an inlet port (11, 12) into which a blown-by gas flows; and an outlet connection (13) provided above the inlet connection (11, 12) through which the blown-by gas flows out, wherein the oil separator is configured to separate an oil from the blown-by gas within the housing (10), and to discharge the separated oil from the inlet port (11, 12) to the exterior of the housing (10), where a direction perpendicular to both a top-down direction and a left-right direction is defined as a perpendicular direction, the housing (10) has a bulging portion (39) which bulges in the perpendicular direction to one side, the bulging section (39) has: a first partition wall (21) extending in the rectangular direction and vertically dividing an interior of the bulging portion (39); and a second partition wall (68) extending downward from the first partition wall (21) and dividing the interior of the bulging portion (39) into left and right parts, wherein a first opening (22) is provided between an end portion in the perpendicular direction of the second partition wall (68) and an inner wall of the bulging portion (39) directed toward the end portion, a second opening (23) is provided between an end portion in the left-right direction of the first partition wall (21) and an inner wall of the bulging portion (39) directed toward the end portion, and the housing (10) has: a first passage (24) arranged under the first partition wall (21); a second passage (25) arranged on a downstream side of the first passage (24) in a flow direction of the blown-by gas and an opposite side of the first partition wall (21) from the first passage (24); and a connecting passage (26) arranged on an opposite side of the second partition wall (68) from the first passage (24), the connecting passage (26) connecting the first passage (24) and the second passage (25) to each other. [2] An oil separator according to claim 1, further comprising, on a downstream side in the flow direction of the second passage (25): a restriction (20) in which a cross-sectional flow area of ​​the blown-by gas is partially reduced; and a baffle wall (67) directed toward the restriction (20) on a downstream side in the flow direction of the restriction (20), wherein the blown-by gas having passed through the restriction (20) collides with the baffle wall (67). [3] Oil separator according to claim 2, wherein the housing (10) has a first housing element (30) and a second housing element (50) which are divided in the right-angle direction and joined together, wherein the first housing element (30) has a first projecting wall (46) projecting towards the second housing element (50), the second housing element (50) has a second projecting wall (66) which projects towards the first housing element (30) and is directed towards the first projecting wall (46) in the perpendicular direction, and the restriction (20) is formed by a gap between the first projecting wall (46) and the second projecting wall (66).

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