DE102011084891A1 - Constant volume combustion engine - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention is based on a constant-space internal combustion engine (1), in particular a reciprocating piston engine for generating mechanical energy by expanding a gas or a hot gas from the combustion of a gas or gas-fuel mixture, which has a stator unit (3), one in the stator unit (3) centrally rotatably mounted drive shaft (6), a rotor unit (4) which is firmly connected to the drive shaft (6), a control cam (9) which is arranged in the stator unit (3) and comprises at least one piston-cylinder unit (5) , which is arranged in the rotor unit (4), wherein a piston (11) of the at least one piston / cylinder unit (5) is supported on the control cam (9) via guide means and executes a stroke movement influenced thereby. According to the invention, the control cam (9) has a course which, in at least one defined angular section (20) of the rotational movement of the rotor unit (4), creates a constant position of the piston (11) in the piston / cylinder unit (5), the defined Angular section (20) is assigned to a combustion cycle.

Description

The invention relates to a constant-volume combustion engine, in particular a reciprocating engine according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

The invention also relates to a method for operating an internal combustion engine according to the preamble of claim 20 and a use of a reciprocating internal combustion engine according to the preambles of claims 24, 25 and 27.

State of the art

Reciprocating engines are known in a variety of different embodiments from the prior art.

This is how the document shows DE 32 16 007 C2 a cylinder-piston machine, wherein the cylinder / piston units are arranged radially to the axis of rotation of the drive shaft in the rotor and the pistons are supported on a control wall formed on a stator inner wall and perform a rotational movement of the rotor according to the course of the control cam.

A disadvantage of this embodiment of a reciprocating engine that must be generated to generate a high torque forces in the reciprocating piston, since the cylinder / piston units are arranged radially to the axis of rotation of the drive shaft in the rotor, and thus the torque-generating force component perpendicular to the stroke direction of the cylinder / Piston units, and thus stands on the Hubkraftrichtung.

In conjunction with the high forces to generate a torque considerable deflection and bearing forces occur, whereby the latter are often subject to high wear and extreme demands on the material are made. The efficiency of such machines is rather low.

The object of the invention is thus to develop a reciprocating engine such that the disadvantages of the prior art are avoided.

This object is achieved on the basis of the preamble of patent claim 1 by the characterizing features of patent claim 1.

The object is achieved with respect to an advantageous method for operating an internal combustion engine by claim 20 and with regard to a particularly advantageous use by the claims 24, 25 or 27.

Advantageous developments and expedient embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

Description of the invention

The invention is based on a constant-volume combustion engine, preferably a five-stroke constant-volume combustion engine, in particular a reciprocating engine for generating mechanical energy by expansion of a gas or a hot gas from the combustion of a gas and / or gas fuel mixture. In one embodiment, the motor comprises a stator unit, a drive shaft rotatably mounted centrally in the stator unit, a rotor unit fixedly connected to the drive shaft, a control cam which is arranged in the stator unit and at least one piston-cylinder unit which is located in the stator Rotor unit is arranged, wherein the piston of the at least one piston / cylinder unit is supported on the control cam via guide means and carries out thereby influenced stroke movement.

Alternatively to the above-described embodiment, a principle reversal is possible. It can be provided that the piston / cylinder unit is installed in a stator and the cam is rotatably connected to the drive shaft. In the context of the invention, it is initially not relevant whether the drive shaft is non-rotatably connected to the control cam or non-rotatably connected to the piston / cylinder unit. In both cases, using the basic idea of the present invention, the drive shaft can be driven particularly effectively.

The features preferably provided in the following description can be realized regardless of whether the control cam or the piston / cylinder unit is connected to the drive shaft. The following disclosure, including the disclosure relating to the description of the figures, can be implemented analogously in both embodiments.

To implement the invention, it is initially only provided that the constant-volume combustion engine has a stator unit, a rotor unit, a control cam and at least one piston / cylinder unit, wherein a piston of the at least one piston / cylinder unit is supported on the control cam via guide means and can thereby be influenced Performs lifting movement.

The essence of the invention is that the control cam has a course which in at least one defined angle or angular section of the rotational movement of the rotor unit is a constant position of the position of the piston in the Piston / cylinder unit generates, wherein the defined angle section is at least partially associated with a combustion cycle.

The piston / cylinder unit can be arranged in the rotor unit. Alternatively, the rotor unit may also be provided with the control cam. It is advantageous if the defined angle section is assigned to a combustion cycle. It is furthermore advantageous if the defined angle section is assigned to an entire or at least partial combustion cycle.

The constant position of the piston generates a high pressure in the combustion chamber of the piston / cylinder unit during the complete combustion of the fuel gas mixture. A significant advantage of the constant velocity internal combustion engine according to the invention is the high pressure generation in the combustion chamber, whereby high forces are generated to generate a torque. The volume of the combustion chamber, defined by the position of the piston in the piston / cylinder unit, is kept constant after completion of the compression stroke preferably during the entire combustion of the fuel by the piston rests in its stroke position. Only after completion of the combustion cycle, an expansion and thus a piston movement is possible, whereby torque-generating forces are transmitted.

The invention is independent of the number of piston / cylinder unit. If multiple piston / cylinder units are used, it is advantageous if they have a uniform angular distance from each other. It has proven to be particularly suitable to use three piston / cylinder units. These may preferably be at an angle of 60 ° to each other.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that, during a rotary movement of the rotor unit through 360 °, two complete working cycle processes are carried out with complete or partial equal space combustion. The course of the control cam on which the piston / cylinder units are supported during the rotational movement of the rotor unit is such that within a 180 ° rotational movement of the rotor unit a complete working cycle process is carried out, which preferably and as a rule comprises a total of five individual power strokes. Compared to a known from the prior art 4-stroke engine, the working cycle process of the invention even combustion engine additionally comprises the power stroke of a constant combustion. In the working cycle of the equal-volume combustion, the fuel mixture compressed in a preceding power stroke is ignited by means of an ignition source, while the piston maintains its position in the piston / cylinder unit unchanged due to the curve of the control curve. An advantageous design of the control curve allows several working cycle processes per piston / cylinder unit can be carried out sequentially in the course of a full-rotation rotation, whereby the performance of the engine is increased.

It has proved to be advantageous if the piston leaves unchanged its position in the piston / cylinder unit during the entire combustion cycle due to the curve of the control cam. However, it is alternatively also possible for the constant position of the piston in the piston / cylinder unit to take place over a shorter period of time or angular section or over a longer period or angle section. It is possible that the constant position of the piston already takes place before the combustion cycle, but preferably only a short angle section before, and ends before the completion of the combustion cycle. Furthermore, it can be provided in a variant that the constant position of the piston in the piston / cylinder unit takes place shortly after the beginning of the combustion cycle, but beyond the combustion cycle, preferably only over a short angle section is maintained beyond. These are possible variants of the invention, which may turn out to be suitable for specific applications. In principle, it is advantageous if the constant position is adapted at least approximately, preferably within the usual tolerances, precisely to the total combustion cycle.

In a preferred embodiment of this invention is provided that the at least one piston / cylinder unit is arranged such that its cylinder axis tangentially spaced from the axis of rotation of the drive shaft.

The piston / cylinder unit can be arranged in the rotor unit or in the stator unit. The tangential arrangement has been found to be very advantageous in two embodiments preferably provided to measure the power transmission for generating a torque.

Due to this arrangement of the piston / cylinder units, for example, in the rotor unit, an improved power transmission for generating a torque against an arrangement of a piston / cylinder unit can be generated, the cylinder axis passes through the center of the axis of rotation of the drive shaft (prior art). This is realized in that a higher proportion of the force component, which is provided by the cylinder stroke, is already perpendicular to the direction of the radius of the rotor unit, and thus to Generation of torque is available. This also applies analogously to a corresponding arrangement of the piston / cylinder unit in the stator unit.

It is provided in a further preferred embodiment of the invention that at the time of the piston expansion after combustion, the control cam along the cylinder axis of the piston / cylinder unit has a recession-like, in particular linear retracting course or a recess in the course.

After the power stroke of the Equilibrium combustion, in which the fuel mixture is burned in the working space of the piston / cylinder unit under constant position of the piston position, the piston expansion takes place in the subsequent power stroke. Piston expansion is understood to mean the emergence of the piston from the cylinder, driven by built-up pressure of the burned fuel. Due to the return-like course, an optimized effective direction of the piston expansion forces is achieved, and thus generates a large torque on the rotor unit.

About this it is provided in a further embodiment of the invention that the stator unit comprises at least one bearing plate, which is in communication with the control cam and inlet and outlet bores for supply and discharge of the fuel and / or inlet and outlet bores to Zu and Having derivative of a coolant. The supply and discharge of the fuel or the coolant to the piston / cylinder unit via arranged inlet and outlet holes in the rotor unit, which can be brought by the rotational movement of the rotor unit with the inlet and outlet holes in the bearing plate in an aligned coverage. In this case, a position-dependent automation of the switching times of the individual supply and discharge lines is achieved without the need for additional valves or other actuators. This embodiment can also be realized analogously when the piston / cylinder unit is arranged in the stator unit and the control cam in the rotor unit.

It is provided in a further, preferred embodiment of the invention that the rotor unit comprises a central rotor, which is axially on both sides with a rotor disk in connection, wherein the sealing of the rotor unit relative to the stator preferably by means of at least one labyrinth seal in the region of at least one rotor disk. The charge change of the fuel mixture takes place between the rotating components central rotor and rotor disk and the stator unit. In this case, it is necessary to seal the rotating components of the rotor unit and the stationary components of the stator unit against each other, without obstructing the possibility of passage of the fuel mixture through the charge exchange channel (s). The tightness in the fuel mixture transfer from the stator in the rotor unit is performed in the interior of the control cam with the rotor disk by means of a labyrinth seal.

The pressure of a medium within the labyrinth seal on the side of the rotor unit is greater than the pressure of the medium entering the labyrinth seal. Due to the resulting pressure difference, the sealing of the rotor unit relative to the stator unit.

The function of the labyrinth seal is that the applied fluid pressure difference is smaller than the pressure difference required for gas transport via the deflection of the labyrinth.

About this it is provided in a further preferred embodiment of the invention that the piston / cylinder unit comprises a Kolbenlauf- and a cylinder liner, an antechamber for receiving an ignition source and a combustion chamber roof, the Kolbenlauf- and the cylinder liner inlet and outlet holes for Has supply and discharge of the fuel and / or a coolant area for flow with coolant between the Kolbenlauf- and the cylinder liner, limited by a coolant sealing ring below the inlet and outlet holes and a coolant cover is provided on the antechamber.

The fuel or fuel gas mixture by means of two juxtaposed holes in the Kolbenlauf- and the cylinder liner the working space of the piston / Zylinderein-unit supplied or removed. Two or more holes are advantageous for achieving the required replacement speed. The alternative use of a larger-area bore can bring disadvantages for the running properties of the piston or the piston rings, since its guidance is partially interrupted on the cylinder wall.

The coolant area is bounded on the outer wall of the piston liner by the coolant sealing ring and the coolant cover and the inner wall of the cylinder liner. The coolant is supplied to the coolant area between the coolant sealing ring and the coolant cover, wherein the coolant passes through holes in the combustion chamber roof through this and is guided in the region of the pre-chamber to the coolant cover. From there, the coolant is discharged via arranged bores in the rotor unit via the stator unit.

Alternatively, a separate cooling of the rotor unit and the stator can be provided. In this case, no related Holes between the rotor unit and the stator be present. The rotor unit may preferably have its own or separate from the stator unit oil circuit for cooling. Of course, another coolant is possible here. The oil circuit may preferably have or be connected to a known oil cooler. The stator unit can preferably be cooled by its own water cooling circuit.

About this it is provided in a further preferred embodiment of the invention that the guide means is designed as a connecting rod, which has at least one link, which is guided in at least one slotted guide. The piston rod connected to the piston is connected to the connecting rod. The slotted guide avoids any tilting of the piston in the cylinder during the movement of the piston along the cylinder axis.

The backdrop can with friction reducing agents, such. As rollers or a bearing, in particular a rolling bearing may be formed.

It is provided in a further preferred embodiment of the invention that the control curve is divided into functional angle sections, each angle section is asymmetrical to the adjacent angle section and point-symmetrical to the center of rotation.

The functional angle sections correspond to the individual work cycles of a work cycle process. To generate the individual work cycles of the curve of the cam is designed differently for each power stroke. The control cam controls the position of the piston in the piston / cylinder unit. During a rotary movement of the rotor unit through 360 °, preferably two working cycle processes are carried out. The course of the angle sections in the first working cycle process is point-symmetrical to the center of rotation of the rotor unit on the course of the angular sections in the second working cycle of the control curve transferable.

About this it is provided in a further, preferred embodiment of the invention, that the rotor discs are connected to the central rotor of the rotor unit on a first side of the rotor unit for a coolant exchange and on a second side of the rotor unit for a charge exchange. Due to the supply and discharge of the coolant and the fuel mixture on different sides of the constant-volume combustion engine, this can be made in a compact design. Moreover, an improved and simplified wiring is possible.

About this it is provided in a further, preferred embodiment of the invention that in the rotor unit at least one switching valve for the charge exchange is integrated in particular in the suction operation of the engine, which is controlled by an actuator.

The constant volume internal combustion engine according to the invention can be used both in the suction and in the charging operation. When using the constant velocity internal combustion engine in the charging mode, the fuel mixture is formed in a separately arranged mixture forming unit and fed to the piston / cylinder unit under pressure. In the suction mode, the fuel mixture is sucked in by the engine itself. The required negative pressure is generated by the piston stroke, generated by the course of the control cam. Via a switching valve, which is preferably integrated in the rotor disk, the flow of the fuel mixture to the piston / cylinder unit is controlled by the rotational movement of the rotor unit.

About this it is provided in a further preferred embodiment of the invention that permanent magnets are integrated in the rotor disks, which generate electrical energy during operation of the motor with stator windings arranged in the housing. In the case of the permanent magnets, it can also generally be about the rotary part of an electric machine, for. As a generator act. In the case of the stator windings, it can be generally analog to stator parts of an electrical machine, for. As a generator act. Due to the integrated electrical energy generation in the inventive reciprocating internal combustion engine additional energy-generating means can be omitted in a vehicle. The invention can be used inter alia as a combined heat and power plant.

The embodiments described above with respect to a reciprocating internal combustion engine are particularly applicable to a five-stroke cycle internal combustion engine, but are not limited to this definition. However, the above description should be understood to mean that the characteristic of the internal combustion engine can be replaced by the five-stroke cycle internal combustion engine feature if a more detailed definition is required or the features are to be specified.

It is advantageous if the rotor unit is cooled with oil. The rotor unit can be cooled inside with oil. The oil can be connected to an oil circuit that has a known oil cooler. It is advantageous if the stator unit is cooled on the outside with water or air. A combination of cooling the rotor unit with oil and the stator unit with water has been found to be particularly suitable.

An advantageous method for operating an internal combustion engine is shown in claim 20. The internal combustion engine can be designed in particular as a reciprocating engine for generating mechanical energy by expansion of a gas or a hot gas from the combustion of a gas or gas-fuel mixture. The internal combustion engine can have a stator unit, a rotor unit, a control cam and at least one piston / cylinder unit. It can be provided that a piston of the at least one piston / cylinder unit is supported on the control cam via guide means and executes a thereby influenceable stroke movement. It is advantageous if the control cam has a profile which generates a constant position of the position of the piston in the piston / cylinder unit in at least one defined angle section, wherein the defined angle section is at least partially associated with a combustion cycle. It is advantageous if the defined angle section corresponds to or is associated with a combustion cycle.

Furthermore, in a method for operating an internal combustion engine, it is advantageous if, during a rotary movement of the rotor unit through 360 °, two or more complete working cycle processes take place in which a constant position of the position of the piston in the piston / cylinder unit is generated in the combustion cycle.

It is also advantageous in the method according to the invention if a working cycle process has five working strokes, which result from the fact that the piston / cylinder unit moves off five angular sections on the control cam, after which a working space of the piston / cylinder unit is filled in a first angle section, after which the gas or gas fuel mixture is compressed in a second angle section, after which the compressed gas or gas fuel mixture is ignited in a third angle section, wherein the position of the piston in the piston / cylinder unit is kept constant in the third angular section, after which in a fourth angle portion of the piston is moved out of the piston / cylinder unit and then in a fifth angle section of the burned fuel is ejected.

A particularly preferred method for operating an internal combustion engine, in particular a reciprocating internal combustion engine, in particular a five-stroke synchronous combustion engine, further results from the individually or in combination usable features, which are disclosed above and below with reference to the device according to the invention.

An advantageous use of a reciprocating internal combustion engine as a generator results from claim 24. It is provided that the rotary part of the generator, which may be, for example, permanent magnets, integrated in the rotor unit or this is provided. It is further provided that the stator of the generator, which may be, for example, to stator windings, integrated in a housing of the Gleichraumverbrennungsmotors or the stator of the Gleichraumverbrennungsmotors or they are provided with it.

As a result, electrical energy can be generated in a particularly advantageous manner, which can be used, for example, in the vehicle for charging a battery or otherwise. It can be operated with the energy also particularly advantageous a combined heat and power plant. A vehicle may be, for example, a motor vehicle but also a commercial vehicle or another land, sea or aircraft.

An advantageous use of a constant-volume combustion engine also results from claim 25. It is provided that the constant-volume combustion engine drives a generator. The generator can in turn be used to operate a cogeneration plant or to charge the battery of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle.

Claim 27 further discloses a particularly advantageous use of a reciprocating internal combustion engine in conjunction with an electric motor for the combined and / or alternative driving of a motor vehicle, in particular the wheels to be driven of a motor vehicle. In particular, in so-called electric vehicles, a problem is that their range, due to the battery power, is often severely limited. It is therefore to expand the range often installed an additional gasoline or diesel engine in the vehicle. However, these then require a corresponding structural design and increase the weight of the vehicle. The constant velocity internal combustion engine according to the invention is structurally much easier to implement and also lighter than the engines known from the prior art, which are used to extend the range of electric vehicles. The inventive internal combustion engine is therefore particularly well suited for combination with an electric motor. It can be provided that the constant-volume combustion engine charges the battery of the electric motor. Alternatively, however, the constant volume internal combustion engine can also be used for direct drive of the vehicle. It is also possible to operate the constant-volume combustion engine and the electric motor simultaneously or alternatively to each other.

The constant velocity internal combustion engine according to the invention is particularly well suited for range extension and charge retention in electric vehicles. Furthermore, the constant volume internal combustion engine according to the invention is suitable for use in hybrid vehicles and for driving motorcycles and scooters. The constant volume internal combustion engine according to the invention is also suitable for use as a hydrogen combustion engine due to the efficiency and the elimination of valves. Furthermore, it has been found that the internal combustion engine can be used particularly well as combined heat and power plant due to the increased engine efficiency. The constant volume internal combustion engine according to the invention can also be used as a diesel engine.

The constant-volume combustion engine can be put into operation, for example, via a conventional flywheel and a starter. Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible to use the constant-volume combustion engine fed by compressed air from a compressed air tank in operation. The compressed air tank can be charged, for example during engine operation by a compressor. This variant has the advantage of a low-wear, robust starting system that does not burden the electrical system and electrical energy storage, which may be particularly important in the application as Range Extender and for maintaining the charge in the electric vehicle. The compressor can be driven by a switchable clutch either from the output shaft or the drive shaft or by an electric motor.

It is advantageous if the ignition of the gas or gas-fuel mixture takes place in the working space by a co-rotating spark plug system. The ignition system may preferably consist of a co-rotating spark plug system and its power supply.

The mixture preparation can optionally take place via an external mixing chamber, an injection valve and optionally a changeover valve. Here, other embodiments are conceivable. The mixture preparation, for example, of a fuel-air mixture can be effected, for example, via a central mixture-forming unit or separate for each inlet-bore.

The inner engine cooling system can in one embodiment of a rotor disk with coolant holes, shaft seals, co-rotating coolant flow and return separation and the structural design such that the coolant flows centrifugally assisted to the combustion chamber roof realized.

Further features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the figures of the embodiment and the drawings. Showing:

1 : A main view of the engine according to the invention in section with hidden rotor housing;

2 a control curve with a schematic representation of the work cycles within a work cycle process;

3 a perspective view of the piston / cylinder units in the leadership of the associated cams;

4 a perspective view of the rotor unit with arranged piston / cylinder units;

5 : A representation of the cylinder liners

6 : A representation of the piston liners

7 : A schematic representation of the rotor unit in the suction operation of the engine with integrated means for generating electrical energy.

The in 1 illustrated balanced combustion engine 1 includes a housing 2 , which for the arrangement of the functional units described in more detail in the following figures, such as stator unit (not shown), rotor unit 4 and the piston / cylinder units disposed in the rotor unit 5 is designed.

In the in 1 illustrated embodiment, the required for a working cycle engine elements for generating a torque are shown, wherein the stator and the rotor housing of the rotor unit 4 are hidden for improved representation.

The piston / cylinder unit 5 is in the rotor housing of the rotor unit 4 (not shown) arranged such that the cylinder axis 7 at a distance from the axis of rotation one into the housing 2 guided drive shaft 6 tangentially spaced runs. The drive shaft 6 is rotatably supported by two bearings and rotatably connected to the rotor unit. The present case hidden rotor housing know the necessary for the reception of the piston / cylinder units cavities and is with The above-described holes for the supply and discharge of fuel and coolant equipped.

In the case 2 are two spaced control cams 9 arranged, whose leadership course 10 the working cycle process of the reciprocating internal combustion engine 1 controls.

For the execution of a working cycle process is in the piston / cylinder unit 5 arranged pistons 11 (not visible) with a connecting rod 12 connected via a piston rod (not visible), wherein the connecting rod 12 in the leadership process 10 the control curve 9 supported. The piston movement is on the one hand by the control cam 9 limited when in the cylinder piston positive displacement pressure is present, on the other hand also forced to eject, for example, spent fuel or to perform the suction of the fuel in the suction mode.

For trouble-free movement of the piston 11 in the piston / cylinder unit 5 along the cylinder axis 7 includes the connecting rod 12 corresponding guide means which prevent in particular tilting.

The at the connecting rod 12 following the guide means subsequent backdrop 15 is supported during the rotation of the rotor unit 4 in the leadership process 10 the control curve 9 from. According to the distance of the leadership course 10 the control curve 9 to the axis of rotation of the drive shaft 6 is the in the piston / cylinder unit 5 arranged hoops 11 along the cylinder axis 7 moved back and forth.

On the lateral surface of the piston / cylinder unit 5 are in the field of work space two spaced inlet and outlet holes 16 . 16A arranged for the change of charge of the fuel mixture.

The in the case 2 arranged control cam 9 includes an outer first cam member 9A and an inner second cam element 9B , wherein the outer first cam element 9A spaced from the inner second cam element 9B in the stator unit 3 is attached. The inner first and the outer second cam element form the guide course 10 the control curve 9 at which the piston / cylinder unit 5 during the rotation of the rotor unit 4 supported on both sides.

The leadership process 10 Alternatively, by a single control cam element, for example, with an outer slotted guide of the connecting rod 12 be executed.

In 2 is a control curve 9 shown, which consists of an outer cam element 9A and an inboard cam 9B composed. The forming leadership course 10 in the control curve 9 is the individual desired work cycles within a working cycle process of the constant volume combustion engine 1 customized. The leadership process 10 the control curve 9 leads to a rotary movement of the rotor unit 4 by 360 ° a total of two work cycle processes, each work cycle process comprises a total of five individual work cycles.

Starting from a halving 23 which the control curve 9 Divided into two workgroup processes, each with five work cycles, the individual work cycles are described below. The illustrated control curve 9 represents a working cycle process with external charging of the piston / cylinder unit 5 , The design as a naturally aspirated engine only a slight, subsequent also described, but not shown adaptation of the control cam 9 would require.

The working cycles are in a corresponding angle section in the leadership course 10 the control curve 9 counterclockwise. The leadership process 10 the control curve 9 is starting from the bisector 23 in the first angle section 18 for filling the piston / cylinder unit 5 formed with a fuel mixture. The filling of the working space of the piston / cylinder unit 5 takes place in the present case by a separate charging device with a constant held piston position. The course of the control curve 9 corresponds in the section 18 essentially a constant radius. The loading can be done alternatively or additionally by suction, which by a uniform extraction of the piston from the cylinder, achieved by an increasing radius of the control cam 9 is achieved (not shown).

The first angle section 18 subsequent angle section 19 in the leadership process 10 the control curve 9 represents the compression of the fuel mixture in the working space of the piston / cylinder unit 5 , The radius of the control curve 9 decreases drastically so that the piston is pressed by the control cam in the cylinder, and performs the compression.

In the following, third angle section 20 or at the transition of the angle sections 19 - 20 This will be in the working space of the piston / cylinder unit 5 compressed, in particular highly compressed fuel mixture ignited by means of an ignition source, wherein in the piston / cylinder unit 5 arranged pistons 11 due to the leadership 10 in the control curve 9 during the work cycle 20 the congestion combustion maintains its position. Due to the combustion of the fuel mixture, while maintaining the volume of space of the combustion chamber of the working space, a very high pressure in the combustion chamber can be generated.

In the angle section 21 leads the leadership process 10 the control curve 9 along the cylinder axis 7 a recession-like offset, wherein the recession-like offset is an expansion of the combusted fuel with consequent movement of the piston 11 in the piston / cylinder unit 5 allowed. The piston is along the cylinder axis 7 at the Rücksprungartigem course of the control cam 9 allowed to get out of the piston / cylinder unit 5 to move out, wherein the tangent to the rotor axis spaced arrangement of the piston / cylinder unit 5 due to the leadership 10 in the section 21 in the control curve 9 forms an optimal power transmission for generating a torque. The return-like edge of the control cam 9 in the section 21 is approximately to preferably perpendicular to the cylinder axis 7 designed to optimally transfer the thrust component of the ejected piston in a torque of the rotor unit.

After the angle section 21 closes a fifth angle section 22 which, according to the section 18 is provided for the discharge of the burnt fuel. As described above, in the present case, the control curve for an external loading and unloading is shown, whereby here also a continuous reduction of the radius of the control curve 9 for self-propelled emission of the burnt fuel is conceivable. By the corresponding course at the transition of the area 21 - 22 becomes the piston 11 in the piston / cylinder unit 5 again slightly into the cylinder liner 13 pressed, whereby a slight overpressure is generated in the burned fuel mixture to simplify the discharge.

The one shown here 2 it can be seen that the corresponding angle cuts 18 to 22 within a workgroup process a different leadership process 10 having adjacent angle sections.

In addition, the 2 to see that the course of the angle sections 18 to 22 of the first work cycle process with the corresponding angle section of the second work cycle process is point-symmetrical to the center of rotation. As a result, each working cycle in the first work cycle process is carried out in the same angle section to the angle section of the second work cycle process that is point-symmetrical to the center of rotation. For three arranged piston / cylinder units 5 this results in a totpunktfreie orbital movement.

The embodiment is not limited to the illustrated angle sections and their specific course and arrangement. It is essential in the context of the present invention that a constant position of the position of the piston 11 in the piston / cylinder unit 5 is generated, wherein the constant position a defined angle section 20 includes, which is at least partially associated with a combustion cycle. As the angle sections are designed concretely before the combustion cycle and after the combustion cycle, is of secondary importance for the present invention. It is advantageous if the constant position of the piston 11 the total combustion cycle corresponds or at least approximately. In the exemplary embodiment, it is therefore advantageous if the position of the piston 11 in the piston / cylinder unit 5 in the angle section 20 is kept constant or exactly the angle section 20 equivalent.

In 3 is a perspective view of the piston / cylinder unit 5 according to 1 shown, wherein the piston / cylinder unit 5 a cylinder liner 13 includes in its interior a piston liner 25 for receiving the piston 11 is arranged. In contrast to 1 is the 3 to see that the connecting rod 12 in the side of the cylinder liner 13 arranged slide guides 24 is guided. The slide tours 24 is from the side of the connecting rod 12 arranged backdrop 15 penetrated and this in turn sticks out in the leadership 10 the control curve 9 one. During a rotary movement of the rotor unit 4 the scenery is supported 15 in the leadership process 10 the control curve 9 which causes a piston movement along the cylinder axis 7 the piston / cylinder unit 5 is performed. The scenery 15 can thereby have friction-reducing means such as rollers, bearings, in particular rolling bearings or the like, or even be rotatably mounted.

In the 4 shown embodiment of a reciprocating internal combustion engine 1 sees an intake and discharge of the coolant or of the fuel mixture on different sides of the constant-volume combustion engine 1 in front. In 4 is a perspective view of the rotor unit 4 shown, wherein the rotor unit 4 a center rotor 28 includes, which axially on both sides, each with a rotor disc 26 . 27 for charge change 26 and coolant change 27 communicates.

The center rotor 28 is non-rotatable with the rotor disk 26 connected for the change of charge. The rotor disk 26 for the charge change points parallel to the axis of rotation 6a extending bores through which the fuel transport to and from the individual piston / cylinder units 5 he follows. The in the outer edge region of the rotor disk 26 arranged for the change of charge holes 16 are provided for the charge exchange of the fuel mixture.

In the outer edge area of the rotor disk 26 a plurality of spaced apart grooves and springs are arranged, which in correspondingly arranged grooves and springs of a stator for the control cam 9 (not shown) a labyrinth seal 29 form. The stator for the cam 9 holds the cam 9 while stationary in the housing of the engine. The labyrinth seal 29 creates a largely contactless and thus wear-free seal between the rotating center rotor 28 on the rotor disc arranged thereon 26 and the stationary stator of the cam 9 ,

Due to the one-sided connection between the rotor disc 26 with the center rotor 28 and the other side connection of the rotor disk 27 with the center rotor 28 is the rotor unit 4 Total rotation with the on the rotor discs 26 . 27 arranged, the drive shaft 6 connected to forming parts.

The rotor disk 27 for the coolant change also includes corresponding holes and channel guides to flow through a coolant circuit in a cooling area between the piston liner and the cylinder liner with coolant. The coolant is conveyed by external pressurization, for example by a coolant pump. In a particular embodiment of the engine also near the axis coolant guides in the rotor disk 26 provided to counteract the heating by the exhaust gases during the charge exchange and the resulting thermal expansion effects.

The scenery tour 24 for linear guidance of the connecting rod 12 is in the side of the center rotor 28 arranged recess 30 arranged.

In principle, the arrangement of charge exchange and coolant change in a rotor disk or preferably integrally formed center rotor is conceivable, although the individual channel guide would be doing unevenly more complex.

In 5 is a perspective view of the cylinder liners 13 the piston / cylinder units 5 shown. In the cylindrical interior of the cylinder liner 13 becomes a piston liner 25 for the piston 11 introduced, which for improved clarity in the following 6 will be described in more detail.

The cylinder liners 13 are firmly in the middle rotor 28 the rotor unit 4 arranged and have in the edge region of their open ends in each case two arranged in a juxtaposed recesses 43 on. In these recesses 43 will be the one with the piston 11 connected con rods 12 with its laterally arranged guide surfaces for the lifting movement of the piston 11 in the direction of the center of rotation of the rotor unit 4 plunge.

The lateral surface of the cylinder liner 13 has two side-by-side holes 16 . 16A which are used as the inlet / outlet hole for the fuel mixture during the charge cycle. The position of the holes 16 . 16A is the corresponding holes in the rotor unit 4 adjusted, so that when covering the inlet and outlet holes in the stator unit 3 and the rotor unit 4 a charge change in the piston / cylinder unit 5 can be carried out. For the change of charge thus no valves are required.

Furthermore, in the lateral surface of the cylinder liner 13 two more holes each 33 for the coolant inlet and 33A arranged for the coolant return, as an inlet or outlet hole for the supply of coolant to the piston / cylinder unit 5 be used. The coolant flows around the piston liner 25 in a room, which is in 6 is described in more detail.

In the interior of the cylinder liner 13 is an additional coolant cover 36 arranged, which together with the on the piston liner 25 arranged combustion chamber roof 14 (please refer 6 ) forms an additional space for the coolant.

The cylinder liners 13 have a connection 42 for an ignition source. The ignition of the working gas mixture can take place in the embodiment via a co-rotating spark plug. The electrode can be in an antechamber 37 protrude and ignites the working gas mixture according to the Zündwinkelvorgabe from an engine control unit, not shown. The transmission of the ignition energy between the transmission element and the spark plug can take place, for example, via a known slip ring or induction. As an alternative to conventional spark plug ignition, microwave or laser ignition may also be used. The spread of the hot gas mixture may optionally have a Zündstrahlausbildung in an optionally provided cone of the prechamber 37 centric on the piston surface of the piston 11 respectively. It can be beneficial if the antechamber 37 designed without squish. Such a design in conjunction with a high Zündstrahlenergiedichte cause optimal combustion and gas pressure dynamics. The embodiment and also the invention however, are not limited to the design of the ignition. This is merely an advantageous design option.

In 6 is a perspective view of piston liners 25 shown. The outer diameter of the piston liners 25 is smaller than the inner diameter of the cylinder liners 13 to the piston liner 25 in the cylinder liner 13 take.

The piston liners 25 each include a combustion chamber roof 14 , which together with the coolant cover 36 another room for that between the roof of the cylinder liner 13 and the piston liner 25 forms receding coolant.

The piston liners 25 each have a coolant seal on their outer surface 35 on which together with the combustion chamber roof 14 form a first space for the incoming coolant. From this room, the coolant flows over in the combustion chamber roof 14 arranged holes 44 in the above the combustion chamber roof 14 and the coolant cover 36 formed second room. Due to the preferably not completely circumferential distribution of the holes 44 a preferred circulation flow of the coolant is generated.

At the open end of the piston liner 25 are in the lateral surface in each case two juxtaposed recesses 43 formed, which overlap with the recesses in the cylinder liner 13 to be brought.

The piston liner 25 makes in assembly with the cylinder liner 13 a cylinder unit, wherein a seal-free supply and removal of the fuel mixture in the working space 40 the piston / cylinder unit with simultaneous supply and removal of coolant via seal-free holes in the cylinder liner 13 for cooling the piston / cylinder unit 5 during operation of the engine 1 he follows.

In 7 is a schematic representation of a rotor unit 4 shown in a housing 2 is arranged.

The rotor unit 4 includes a center rotor 28 , which axially on both sides with a rotor disk 27 for the coolant change and a rotor disk 26 equipped for the change of charge. In the 7 illustrated embodiment of a reciprocating internal combustion engine 1 is for the operating mode of the reciprocating internal combustion engine 1 provided as a suction motor, wherein in the rotor disk for the charge exchange, a Einventilsystem is integrated, which is driven via an external actuator, such as a planetary gear or a rotary valve. According to the rotational movement of the rotor unit 4 opens or closes the Einventilsystem the supply of the fuel mixture to the piston / cylinder unit 5 and / or releases a burnt fuel outlet passage.

In the in 7 shown representation are in the edge region of the peripheral surface of the rotor disk 27 for the coolant change on the circumference evenly distributed permanent magnets 39 arranged, which together with arranged in juxtaposition stator windings 38 enable the generation of electrical energy.

Instead of the permanent magnets 39 in the rotor disk 27 may alternatively or additionally also in the rotor disk 26 or the center rotor 28 permanent magnets 37 or generally the rotary part of an electrical machine to be integrated. In this case, the stator windings 28 generally by a in the housing 2 arranged stator part of the electric machine can be replaced to generate electrical energy.

The invention is described in the embodiment with reference to an embodiment in which the piston / cylinder unit 5 in the rotor unit 4 and the control curve 9 in the stator unit 3 is arranged. However, the invention explicitly includes a reversal of this principle. It is envisaged that the piston / cylinder unit 5 in the stator unit 3 is arranged. The piston / cylinder unit 5 does not rotate. In this case, it is provided that the control cam 9 in the rotor unit 4 is arranged. By a movement of the piston 11 in the piston / cylinder unit 5 Thus, a rotational movement or a rotation of the control cam 9 that in the rotor unit 4 is fixed causes. This then becomes the drive shaft 6 driven. The principle of the invention with all features, as they are shown in the embodiment, also works in an embodiment in which the piston / cylinder unit 5 , as described in this paragraph, in the stator unit 3 is arranged or fixed. The embodiment is therefore analogous to the disclosure of this embodiment suitable and should be understood.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Constant volume combustion engine

2

casing

3

stator

4

rotor unit

5

Piston / cylinder unit

6

drive shaft

6A

axis of rotation

7

cylinder axis

8th

camp

9

cam

9A

outer cam element

9B

inner cam element

10

leadership course

11

piston

12

Con rod

13

cylinder liner

14

Combustion chamber roof

15

scenery

16

Inlet hole charge change

16A

Outlet bore charge change

17

direction of rotation

18

1st angle section filling

19

2nd angle section compression

20

3. Angle section Ignition + Equilibrium combustion

21

4th angle section piston expansion

22

5. Angle section charge change

23

bisector

24

link guide

25

Piston liner

26

Rotor disc charge change

27

Rotor disc coolant change

28

Central rotor

29

labyrinth seal

30

recess

31

One-valve system (switching valve)

32

recession-like course (recess) cam

33

Inlet hole coolant

33A

Outlet bore coolant

35

Coolant seal

36

Coolant cover

37

antechamber

38

stator

39

Permanenmagnet

40

working space

42

Connection ignition source

43

Recess (cylinder liner / piston liner)

44

Bore (combustion chamber roof)

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 3216007 C2 [0004]

Claims (27)

Combined-cycle engine ( 1 ), in particular reciprocating motor for generating mechanical energy by expansion of a gas or a hot gas from the combustion of a gas or gas-fuel mixture, with a stator unit ( 3 ), a rotor unit ( 4 ), a control cam ( 9 ) and at least one piston / cylinder unit ( 5 ), whereby a piston ( 11 ) of the at least one piston / cylinder unit ( 5 ) on the control cam ( 9 ) is supported by guide means and carries out a thereby influenceable lifting movement, characterized in that the control cam ( 9 ) has a course which in at least one defined angle section ( 20 ) a constant position of the position of the piston ( 11 ) in the piston / cylinder unit ( 5 ), wherein the defined angle section ( 20 ) is at least partially associated with a combustion cycle. Combined-cycle engine ( 1 ) according to claim 1, having the following features: - one in the stator unit ( 3 ) Centrally rotatably mounted drive shaft ( 6 ); The rotor unit ( 4 ) is connected to the drive shaft ( 6 ) firmly connected; - the control cam ( 9 ) is in the stator unit ( 3 ) arranged; and - the at least one piston / cylinder unit ( 5 ) is in the rotor unit ( 4 ) arranged. Combined-cycle engine ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the piston / cylinder unit ( 5 ) in the stator unit ( 3 ) is installed or arranged and the control cam ( 9 ) rotatably with the rotor unit ( 4 ) connected is. Combined-cycle engine ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the defined angle section ( 20 ) is associated with a combustion cycle. Combined-cycle engine ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the defined angle section ( 20 ) is associated with exactly one complete combustion cycle. Combined-cycle engine ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that during a rotational movement of the rotor unit ( 4 ) by 360 ° two complete working cycle processes with complete or partial equal space combustion. Combined-cycle engine ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one piston / cylinder unit ( 5 ) - preferably in the rotor unit ( 4 ) - is arranged that its cylinder axis ( 7 ) tangent to the axis of rotation ( 4 ) of the drive shaft ( 6 ) runs. Combined-cycle engine ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at the time of piston expansion ( 4 ) after combustion, the control cam ( 9 ) along the cylinder axis ( 7 ) of the piston / cylinder unit ( 5 ) a return-like, in particular linear retracting course ( 32 ) or a depression. Combined-cycle engine ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stator unit ( 3 ) comprises at least one bearing plate, which with the control cam ( 9 ) and inlet and outlet bores ( 16 . 16A ) for the supply and discharge of the fuel and / or inlet and outlet bores ( 33 ) for the supply and discharge of a coolant. Combined-cycle engine ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotor unit ( 4 ) a central rotor ( 28 ), which axially on both sides, each with a rotor disc ( 26 . 27 ), wherein the seal of the rotor unit ( 4 ) relative to the stator unit ( 3 ) by means of at least one labyrinth seal ( 29 ) in the region of at least one rotor disk ( 26 . 27 ) he follows. Combined-cycle engine ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the piston / cylinder unit ( 5 ) a piston barrel and a cylinder liner ( 34 . 13 ), an antechamber for receiving an ignition source and a combustion chamber roof ( 14 ), wherein the piston barrel and the cylinder liner ( 5 ) Inlet and outlet bores ( 16 . 16A ) for the supply and discharge of the fuel and / or a coolant area for the flow of coolant between the piston barrel and the cylinder liner ( 34 . 13 ), bounded by a coolant sealing ring ( 35 ) below the inlet and outlet bores ( 16 . 16A ) and a coolant cover ( 36 ) on an antechamber ( 37 ) is provided. Combined-cycle engine ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide means as a connecting rod ( 12 ) is formed, which at least one backdrop ( 15 ), which in at least one slotted guide ( 24 ) is guided. Combined-cycle engine ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fuel mixture by means of a charging device in the working space ( 40 ) is pressed or by a suction of the piston-cylinder unit itself in the working space ( 40 ). Combined-cycle engine ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that the control cam ( 9 ) into functional angle sections ( 18 to 22 ), each angular section ( 18 to 22 ) asymmetric to the adjacent angle section and point-symmetrical to the rotation center ( 41 ). Combined-cycle engine ( 1 ) according to claim 10, characterized in that the with the central rotor ( 28 ) of the rotor unit ( 4 ) associated rotor disks ( 26 . 27 ) on a first side of the rotor unit ( 4 ) for a coolant exchange and on a second side of the rotor unit ( 4 ) are designed for a charge exchange. Combined-cycle engine ( 1 ) according to claim 15, characterized in that in the rotor unit ( 4 ) at least one switching valve ( 31 ) for the change of charge especially in the suction operation of the engine ( 1 ), which is controlled by an actuator. Combined-cycle engine ( 1 ) according to claims 10 or 15 or 16, characterized in that in the rotor disks ( 26 . 27 ) or the central rotor ( 28 ) the rotatory part ( 39 ) is integrated, which in the operation of the engine ( 1 ) in the housing ( 2 ) arranged stator parts ( 38 ) of the electrical machine generates electrical energy. Combined-cycle engine ( 1 ) according to claim 17, characterized in that the rotary part of the electric machine permanent magnets ( 39 ) and the stator parts of the electric machine are stator windings ( 38 ) are. Combined-cycle engine ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized by a configuration as a five-stroke constant-velocity engine ( 1 ). Method for operating an internal combustion engine, in particular a reciprocating piston engine, for generating mechanical energy by expanding a gas or a hot gas from the combustion of a gas or gas-fuel mixture, wherein the internal combustion engine is a stator unit ( 3 ), a rotor unit ( 4 ), a control cam ( 9 ) and at least one piston / cylinder unit ( 5 ), after which a piston ( 11 ) of the at least one piston / cylinder unit ( 5 ) on the control cam ( 9 ) is supported via guide means and carries out a stroke movement influenced thereby, characterized in that the control cam has a course, which in at least one defined angle section ( 20 ) a constant position of the position of the piston ( 11 ) in the piston / cylinder unit ( 5 ), wherein the defined angle section ( 20 ) is at least partially associated with a combustion cycle. A method according to claim 20, characterized in that the defined angle section ( 20 ) corresponds or is associated with a combustion cycle. A method according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that during a rotational movement of the rotor unit ( 4 ) by 360 ° two or more complete working cycle processes are carried out, in which in each case in the combustion stroke a constant position of the position of the piston ( 11 ) in the piston / cylinder unit ( 5 ) is produced. Method according to one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that a working cycle process has five working cycles, which result from the fact that the piston / cylinder unit ( 5 ) five angle sections on the control cam ( 9 ), after which in a first angle section ( 18 ) a working space of the piston-cylinder unit ( 5 ) is filled, after which in a second angle section ( 19 ) the gas or gas-fuel mixture is compressed, after which in a third angle section ( 20 ) the compressed gas or gas-fuel mixture is ignited, wherein in the third angle section ( 20 ) the position of the piston in the piston / cylinder unit ( 5 ) is held constant, after which in a fourth angle section ( 21 ) the piston from the piston / cylinder unit ( 5 ) is moved out and then in a fifth angle section ( 22 ) the burned fuel is expelled. Use of a reciprocating internal combustion engine according to claim 1 as a generator, wherein the rotary part ( 39 ) of the generator in the rotor unit ( 4 ) is integrated or provided with it, and the stator parts ( 38 ) of the generator in a housing ( 2 ) or the stator unit ( 3 ) of the reciprocating internal combustion engine ( 1 ) are integrated or provided with it. Use of a reciprocating internal combustion engine according to claim 1 for driving a generator. Use of a constant volume combustion engine according to one of claims 24 and 25 for operating a combined heat and power plant or for charging the battery of a vehicle, in particular of a motor vehicle. Use of a reciprocating internal combustion engine according to claim 1 and an electric motor for the combined and / or alternatively driving of the driven wheels of a motor vehicle.

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