DK180650B1

DK180650B1 - A spherical rotary valve assembly for an internal combustion engine

Info

Publication number: DK180650B1
Application number: DKPA202070128A
Authority: DK
Inventors: wolter Thomas
Original assignee: wolter Thomas
Priority date: 2020-02-28
Filing date: 2020-02-28
Publication date: 2021-11-11
Also published as: DK202070128A1; WO2021170191A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a spherical rotary valve assembly for use in an internal combustion engine of the piston and cylinder type. The internal combustion engine of the piston and cylinder type comprises one or more spherical rotary valve assemblies; one or more crankshaft members releasably mounted to one or more pistons by means of one or more connecting rods; and one or more cylinders housing the one or more pistons and one or more ignition means (70), and being either an integral part of or fixed to one or more lower housing members (60) of the one or more spherical rotary valve assemblies; wherein the one or more crankshaft members is communicably coupled to one or more shafts (20) of one or more rotary valve members (10) of the one or more spherical rotary valve assemblies for synchronizing piston strokes with rotation of one or more spherical valves (12) of the one or more spherical rotary valve assemblies.

Description

DK 180650 B1 1

A SPHERICAL ROTARY VALVE ASSEMBLY FOR AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the field of internal combustion engines of the piston and cylinder type. In particular, the invention relates to spherical rotary valve engines with improved valve seal assemblies.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Traditionally, spherical rotary valve engines provide significant improvements over — traditional internal combustion engines of the piston and cylinder type. While traditional engines include a high number of components and complexity, such as a camshaft and poppet valves, rotary valve engines benefit from a less complex construction with a lower number of components. This results in lower manufacturing costs and may cause less maintenance of the engine components as — well as less downtime during operation of the engine.

Generally, the camshaft and poppet valves are replaced by a spherical rotary valve member where inlet gas, such as fuel loaded air, is allowed to enter a cylinder and exhaust air is allowed to be carried away from a cylinder. Energy conversion efficiency is increased remarkably with this type of engines with higher efficiency of fuel consumption and less heat generation compared to traditional engines.

Various prior patents relate to spherical rotary valve engines, such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,989,576; U.S. Pat. No. 4,944,261; U.S. Pat. No. 4,953,527; U.S. Pat. No.

4,976,232; U.S. Pat. No. 4,989,558; U.S. Pat. No. 4,989,576; U.S. Pat. No. 5,109,814; U.S. Pat. No. 5,361,739; U.S. Pat. No. 6,308,676 B1 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,718,933 B1 incorporated herein by reference.

US 6,321,699 B1 discloses a spherical rotary valve engine comprising a spherical rotary valve member for use in an internal combustion engine of the piston and cylinder type. Although the valve member is disclosed to have some advantages in

DK 180650 B1 2 US 6,321,699 B1, there is still a need in the art for rotary valve members with more efficiency. Notwithstanding the benefits of spherical rotary valve engines described in the prior art, certain drawbacks of heat generation and gas sealing still need to be solved. In particular, excess heat may be generated at the interface of the rotary valve and valve seal during rotation of the rotary valve. This may result in wear and tear of the engine components. Additionally, the gas sealing may be less tight during operation of the engine, such as during compression and combustion, which may result in drawbacks, — including loss in efficiency of the engine, imbalance in fuel intake and exhaust, and wear and tear to the engine components during operation. Hence, there is still a need for solutions that may circumvent the drawbacks of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, there is provided a spherical rotary valve assembly for use in an internal combustion engine of the piston and cylinder type, the assembly comprising: a rotary valve member (10) including a spherical valve (12) having a recessed area (13) defined by a peripheral width (16) and a peripheral length (17) penetrating radially a certain distance (14) from the circumference (11) of the spherical valve (12) and having an inner surface (15), and including a hollow cylindrical rotary shaft (20) being either an integral part of or fixed to the spherical valve (12), the shaft (20) being positioned by bearings (27, 28) on each side of the spherical valve arrangement and being operable to rotate around a longitudinal axis allowing the recessed area (13) of the spherical valve (12) to carry intake air to and/or carry exhaust air from a cylinder; a valve seal member (30) with a substantially cylindrical body and a central throughout valve seal aperture (31) having a diameter (35), including a valve seal head (32) having one or more annular grooves in the peripheral outer surface (33) for receiving one or more sealing rings, a lower valve seal head surface (38), and an

DK 180650 B1 3 inwardly curved upper surface (34) operable to fit tightly with the spherical valve (12) during compression and/or combustion in a cylinder, and including a lower valve seal neck body (36) with a fixed substantially smaller outer diameter and a length (37);

a circular spring member (40) operable to fit the lower valve seal neck body (36) of the valve seal member (30); an upper housing member (50) having a longitudinal substantially semicircle groove (57) operable to receive an upper half part of the hollow cylindrical rotary shaft (20), a perpendicular substantially semicircle groove (58) for allowing intake air to enter and/or exhaust air to be evacuated from a cylinder, and a substantially hemispherical cavity (59) operable to receive an upper half part of the spherical valve (12);

a lower housing member (60) detachable from the upper housing member (50) having a longitudinal substantially semicircle groove (67) operable to receive a lower half part of the hollow cylindrical rotary shaft (20), a perpendicular substantially semicircle groove (68) for allowing intake air to enter and/or exhaust air to be evacuated from a cylinder, a substantially hemispherical cavity (69) operable to receive a lower half part of the spherical valve (12), and a throughout lower housing aperture (70) centrally located in the hemispherical cavity (69); wherein the throughout lower housing aperture (70) includes a lower annular protrusion body (72) with a substantially smaller diameter (73) being either an integral part of or fixed to the lower housing member (60), the upper surface (75) of the protrusion body (72) being operable to receive the circular spring member (40), and the inner surface (76) of the protrusion body (72) being operable to receive the lower valve seal neck body (36), and

DK 180650 B1 4 wherein the lower annular protrusion body (72) having one or more holes (73) penetrating from the lower surface (74) to the upper surface (75) of the protrusion body (72) and/or the outer surface of the lower valve seal neck body (36) having one or more longitudinal air passages when received by the inner surface (76) of the protrusion body (72), whereby force is invoked to the lower valve seal head surface (38) of the valve seal head (32) during compression and/or combustion in a cylinder. Additionally, in another aspect there is provided an internal combustion engine of the piston and cylinder type comprising: one or more spherical rotary valve assemblies; one or more crankshaft members releasably mounted to one or more pistons by means of one or more connecting rods; and one or more cylinders housing the one or more pistons and one or more ignition means (70), and being either an integral part of or fixed to one or more lower housing members (60) of the one or more spherical rotary valve assemblies; wherein the one or more crankshaft members is communicably coupled to one or more shafts (20) of one or more rotary valve members (10) of the one or more spherical rotary valve assemblies for synchronizing piston strokes with rotation of one or more spherical valves (12) of the one or more spherical rotary valve assemblies.

One of the advantages of the present invention is that force may be invoked to the lower valve seal head surface (38) of the valve seal head (32) during compression and/or combustion in a cylinder. As a result, the valve seal member (30) may be operable to fit tightly with the spherical valve (12) during compression and/or combustion in a cylinder. During operation, the increased air pressure in the cylinder during compression and/or combustion effectively presses the valve seal member (30) against the spherical valve (12). In this way, it is exclusively when pressure is present in the cylinder that the valve seal member (30) fits more tightly with the spherical valve (12). This occurs during the compression step in the cylinder but may — also occur during the combustion step in the cylinder or both during the compression

DK 180650 B1 step and the combustion step. During intake of air and exhaust of gas, the valve seal member (30) generally may fit less tightly with the spherical valve (12). In particular, the invention serves to lessen that excess heat generated at the interface 5 of the rotary valve and the valve seal during rotation of the rotary valve, such as if the valve seal member (30) were pressed tightly against the spherical valve (12) also during intake and exhaust of air. This would result in increased wear and tear of the engine components and effectively a lower lifetime of the engine.

— Additionally, the invention serves to avoid gas leaks during operation of the engine, such as during compression and combustion. Gas leaks may result in poor efficiency of the engine, imbalance in fuel intake and exhaust, and wear and tear to the engine components during operation.

Particularly, the invention may aim at avoiding gas leaks during operation of the engine, such as during compression and combustion, combined with lessening of excess heat generated at the interface of the rotary valve and the valve seal during rotation of the rotary valve. This combined technical effect was not expected by the inventor.

Generally, the means for obtaining increased force to the lower valve seal head surface (38) of the valve seal head (32) during compression and/or combustion in a cylinder according to the invention may be illustrated by two arrangements. In a first arrangement, the lower annular protrusion body (72) comprises one or more holes (73) penetrating from the lower surface (74) to the upper surface (75) of the protrusion body (72), whereby force is invoked to the lower valve seal head surface (38) of the valve seal head (32) during compression and/or combustion in a cylinder. In a second arrangement, the outer surface of the lower valve seal neck body (36) comprises one or more longitudinal air passages when received by the inner surface (76) of the protrusion body (72), whereby force is invoked to the lower valve seal head surface (38) of the valve seal head (32) during compression and/or combustion

DK 180650 B1 6 in a cylinder. Common to these two arrangements is that an air passage is present to the lower valve seal head surface (38) of the valve seal head (32) during compression and/or combustion in a cylinder.

In one embodiment of the invention, the one or more holes (73) penetrating from the lower surface (74) to the upper surface (75) of the protrusion body (72) is in air contact with the circular spring member (40).

In another embodiment of the invention, the circular spring member (40) is isolated — from the one or more holes (73) penetrating from the lower surface (74) to the upper surface (75) of the protrusion body (72). In certain other embodiments, the lower annular protrusion body (72) having three or more holes (73), such as four holes, penetrating from the lower surface (74) to the — upper surface (75) of the protrusion body (72). In one embodiment, the lower annular protrusion body (72) comprises four holes, penetrating from the lower surface (74) to the upper surface (75) of the protrusion body (72). In certain embodiments, the holes are equally located to the lower annular protrusion body (72). In certain embodiments, the holes are cylindrical penetrations through the lower annular protrusion body (72). In one embodiment, the valve seal head (32) may comprise one or more side holes in penetrating the one or more annular grooves in the peripheral outer surface (33) in order to enforce pressure of sealing rings when mounted during compression and/or combustion. This may ensure that the sealing rings are tightened during compression and/or combustion. The details of such arrangement are illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,718,933 B1 incorporated herein by reference. In certain other embodiments, the outer surface of the lower valve seal neck body (36) having one or more longitudinal air passages comprises one or more planar surfaces. Due to the construction of the peripherical surfaces, one or more planer

DK 180650 B1 7 surfaces on the substantially cylindrical body effectively allows gas/air to be pressed towards the lower valve seal head surface (38) of the valve seal head (32) during compression and/or combustion in a cylinder. In certain embodiments, the lower valve seal neck body (36) comprises two planar surfaces on each side. In certain embodiments, the lower valve seal neck body (36) comprises four planar surfaces equally located to the cylinder. Due to the overall cylindrical shape of the lower valve seal neck body (36), the planar surfaces would not compromise the function of the lower valve seal neck body (36).

— In an alternative embodiment, the outer surface of the lower valve seal neck body (36) having one or more longitudinal air passages comprises one or more grooves. Due to the construction of the peripherical surfaces, one or more grooves on the substantially cylindrical body effectively allows gas/air to be pressed towards the lower valve seal head surface (38) of the valve seal head (32) during compression — and/or combustion in a cylinder. In certain embodiments, the lower valve seal neck body (36) comprises two grooves on each side. In certain embodiments, the lower valve seal neck body (36) comprises four grooves equally located to the cylinder. Due to the overall cylindrical shape of the lower valve seal neck body (36), the grooves would not compromise the function of the lower valve seal neck body (36).

In one embodiment of the invention, the lower valve seal neck body (36) covers more than 50% of the inner surface (76) of the protrusion body (72) during compression and/or combustion in a cylinder, such as more than 75%.

In one embodiment of the invention, the inner surface (15) of the recessed area (13) of the spherical valve (12) comprises a substantially radial surface. In certain other embodiments, the inner surface (15) of the recessed area (13) of the spherical valve (12) comprises a substantially planar surface. In certain other embodiments, the inner surface (15) of the recessed area (13) of the spherical valve (12) comprises a substantially spherical surface. The skilled person would know that other shapes of

DK 180650 B1 8 the recessed area is available but that the main focus is to allow as much air to be carried as possible without compromising the function of the valve.

In one embodiment of the invention, the recessed area (13) of the spherical valve (12) faces the central throughout lower housing aperture (70) of the lower housing member (60) during intake of air in a cylinder; the recessed area (13) of the spherical valve (12) faces an inlet air channel defined by the substantially semicircle groove (58) of the upper housing member (50) and the substantially semicircle groove (68) of the lower housing member (60) during compression of air in a cylinder; the recessed area (13) of the spherical valve (12) faces the substantially hemispherical cavity (59) of the upper housing member (50) during combustion in a cylinder; and the recessed area (13) of the spherical valve (12) faces an outlet air channel defined by the substantially semicircle groove (58) of the upper housing member (50) and the substantially semicircle groove (68) of the lower housing member (60) during exhaust of air in a cylinder.

In one embodiment of the invention, the peripheral width (16) of the recessed area (13) of the spherical valve (12) is substantially covering the diameter (35) of the central throughout valve seal aperture (31) of the valve seal member (30) during intake of air in a cylinder.

In one embodiment of the invention, the peripheral length (17) of the recessed area (13) of the spherical valve (12) is substantially less than the spherical dimensions of the substantially hemispherical cavity (69) of the lower housing member (60) during intake of air in a cylinder.

In the present context, a person skilled in the art would understand that certain components are necessary to operate the assembly and the internal combustion engine of the piston and cylinder type according to the invention.

For instance, fuel injection means may be present in order to obtain a fuel air mixture when a fuel engine is provided while it may not be necessary when a gas engine is provided or if

DK 180650 B1 9 fuel air mixture is supplied from outside means. Such fuel injection means may be located in various places, such as before air enters the assembly or for instance in the combustion chamber in the cylinder where also ignition means are present, such as spark plugs. Additionally, electrical control of the fuel injection may be provided, — such as provided by a step-motor which is presently preferred.

Additionally, the assembly and engine would generally require operational means in order to work properly, which means are all known to one or ordinary skill in the art.

A crankshaft is part of the engine. However, a camshaft is generally not required and — poppet valves are also not required as the rotational valve is intended to replace these means.

The present invention may comprise one or more assemblies and as such one or more rotational valves and cylinders in the engine. The one or more rotational valves may belocated along one axis or one or more depending on the requirement of the engine. For instance, an engine may comprise two, four, six or eight rotational valves situated in a V-form as in a traditional combustion engine of the cylinder and piston type.

Inthe present context, “air” or similar expressions are intended to also cover an air mixture with gas or fuel. Hence, the expression is not limited to ambient air as such but may also be a gas mixture for direct combustion, a fuel air mixture for direct combustion or ambient air where fuel is later added in the combustion chamber or other places for combustion. In certain embodiments, the engine is fueled by gas, such as hydrogen gas, and in certain other embodiments the engine is fueled by gasoline, diesel, or other appropriate fuel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS The invention will be understood in greater detail with reference to the following — figures that serve to illustrate certain particular embodiments of the invention by way of example:

DK 180650 B1 10 Fig. I is a perspective view of the assembly according to the invention, illustrating the various members of the assembly in an unfolded position.

Fig. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the assembly during intake of air with a side- drawing illustrating details of a section of the assembly. Arrows indicate direction of gas/air, rotational direction of rotary valve or direction of movement of piston.

Fig. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the assembly during compression. Arrows indicate rotational direction of rotary valve or direction of movement of piston. Fig. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the assembly during combustion with a side- drawing illustrating details of a section of the assembly. Arrows indicate rotational direction of rotary valve or direction of movement of piston.

Fig. 2D is a cross-sectional view of the assembly during exhaustion of air. Arrows indicate direction of gas/air, rotational direction of rotary valve or direction of movement of piston.

Fig. 3A is a detailed view of a section of the lower housing member having four holes in the the lower annular protrusion body. Fig. 3B is a detailed view of a section of the lower housing member having four holes in the the lower annular protrusion body where the circular spring member has been received by the the lower annular protrusion body. Fig. 3C is a detailed view of a section of the lower housing member where the valve seal member is inserted in the throughout lower housing aperture of the lower housing member.

DK 180650 B1 11 Fig. 4A is a detailed side view of the valve seal member mounted with the circular spring member. Fig. 4B is a detailed view from below of the valve seal member mounted with the circular spring member. Fig. 4C is a detailed view from above of the valve seal member illustrating the inwardly curved upper surface operable to fit tightly with the spherical valve during compression and/or combustion in a cylinder.

Fig. SA is a detailed view of the spherical rotary valve with shafts and two detachable bearings.

Fig. SB is a detailed view of the spherical rotary valve with shafts and two detachable bearings where the hollow structure of the shafts are illustrated.

Fig. SC is a detailed view of the inner surface of the upper housing member illustrating the hemispherical cavity of the housing.

Fig. 6A is detailed view of the lower housing member illustrating the surface facing the cylinder where the valve seal has been inserted in the throughout lower housing aperture of the lower housing member.

Fig. 6B is detailed view of the lower housing member illustrating the surface facing — the cylinder without the valve seal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring now to Fig. 1, SA and SB of the drawings, there is provided a rotary valve member (10) including a spherical valve (12) having a recessed area (13) defined by a peripheral width (16) and a peripheral length (17) penetrating radially a certain distance (14) from the circumference (11) of the spherical valve (12) and having an

DK 180650 B1 12 inner surface (15), and including a hollow cylindrical rotary shaft (20) being either an integral part of or fixed to the spherical valve (12), the shaft (20) being positioned by detachable bearings (27, 28) on each side of the spherical valve (12) and being operable to rotate around a longitudinal axis allowing the recessed area (13) of the spherical valve (12) to carry intake air to and/or carry exhaust air from a cylinder.

As illustrated, the shafts (20) are hollow (24) in order to allow water cooling of the engine. In particular, heat is generated during friction of the spherical valve (12) with the valve seal member (30). Hence, water may flow all the way through the — rotational shaft member (10), preferably in a closed water system. The recessed area (13) protrudes in a radial distance (14) inwards of the rotational valve. Due to the hollow shaft, the radial distance (14) is defined by the hollow structure of the spherical valve (12). Generally, the recessed area (13) defines a volume that should be large enough to carry air into the engine and exhaust air out of the engine. On the — other hand, the boundaries, including the width (16) and length (17) of the area, should be small enough to allow proper operation of the engine in terms of sealing during compression and combustion. Preferably, the spherical valve (12) is integrated with the shafts (20), such as produced in one piece, However, the spherical valve (12) may also be mounted to the shafts, for instance by fastening means. As — such, the detachable bearings (27, 28) are not part of the assembly, although illustrated. Instead of detachable bearings, the invention may also encompass bearings as integrated in the lower housing member (60) and upper housing member (50). However, it is preferred that the bearings (27, 28) are separate and may preferably be ball bearings.

Referring now to Fig. 1, 3C, 4A, 4B, 5C and 6A of the drawings, there is provided a valve seal member (30) with a substantially cylindrical body and a central throughout valve seal aperture (31) having a diameter (35), including a valve seal head (32) having one or more annular grooves in the peripheral outer surface (33) for receiving one or more sealing rings, a lower valve seal head surface (38), and an inwardly curved upper surface (34) operable to fit tightly with the spherical valve (12) during

DK 180650 B1 13 compression and/or combustion in a cylinder, and including a lower valve seal neck body (36) with a fixed substantially smaller outer diameter and a length (37). The intention with the inwardly curved upper surface (34) is that the spherical valve (12) may easily fit and engage with the valve seal (30) such that air space is limited as much as possible.

The same sealing properties are provided by sealing rings (not illustrated) that are placed in the one or more annular grooves in the peripheral outer surface (33), preferably with two or more sealing rings of a material that can withstand heat, such as ceramic sealing rings.

These may be further tightened by means of holes in the one or more annular grooves in the peripheral outer surface (not illustrated). The central throughout valve seal aperture (31) serves to allow air to enter and exhaust air to be evacuated from the engine during operation and should have a diameter that is adjusted to the recessed area (13) of the rotary valve (12) in a way to allow enough passage without compromising the sealing properties.

The lower valve seal head surface (38) has an important function according to the invention and should have a surface that allows resistance to air during compression and/or combustion.

The surface (38) works to push the valve seal (30) up against the rotary valve (12) during compression and/or combustion and thereby seeks to provide a tight fitting in order to avoid leak of air/gas.

Preferably, the surface (38) is perpendicular to the surface of lower valve seal neck body (36) or only slightly deviating here from.

During compression and or combustion, the central throughout valve seal aperture (31) is closed due to the rotation of the valve (10). Hence, air can only leave the combustion chamber if certain means for doing so is provided, such as the means illustrated in the present invention.

One of such means is when the outer surface of the lower valve seal neck body (36) comprise one or more longitudinal air passages when received by the inner surface (76) of the protrusion body (72). This serves as means for invoking force to the lower valve seal head surface (38) of the valve seal

— head (32) during compression and/or combustion in a cylinder since air may have a passage to the surface (38).

DK 180650 B1 14 Referring now to Fig. 1, 3B, 4A, and 4B of the drawings, there is provided a circular spring member (40) operable to fit the lower valve seal neck body (36) of the valve seal member (30).

The spring member is preferably a needle spring member but may be any spring member suitable for the purpose. The function of the spring member is to keep the valve seal (30) close to the spherical valve (12). However, as is evident from the present invention, the friction of the valve seal (30) with the spherical valve (12) — during rotation should preferably be kept at a lower level, ensuring lower heat generation and wear and tear to the assembly when it is not strictly necessary. However, during compression and/or combustion, the extra force on the surface (38) ensures that the valve seal (30) is tightly fit to the spherical valve (12). The spring member may preferably be of a material that can withstand the temperature during combustion.

Referring now to Fig. 1, 3A, 3B, 3C, 6A and 6B of the drawings, there is provided a lower housing member (60) detachable from the upper housing member (50) having a longitudinal substantially semicircle groove (67) operable to receive a lower half — part of the hollow cylindrical rotary shaft (20), a perpendicular substantially semicircle groove (68) for allowing intake air to enter and/or exhaust air to be evacuated from a cylinder, a substantially hemispherical cavity (69) operable to receive a lower half part of the spherical valve (12), and a throughout lower housing aperture (70) centrally located in the hemispherical cavity (69).

As illustrated in the drawings, the lower housing member (60) is detachable from the upper housing (50). This detachment may be performed with screws or similar fastening means. Importantly, the drawings of the lower housing member (60) as a separate member from the cylinder is only for illustration purposes. In one embodiment of the invention, the lower housing member (60) is an integrated part of the cylinder housing and engine block. In other embodiments, the lower housing

DK 180650 B1 15 member (60) is detachable from the cylinder housing. In that case, a head gasket (81) is inserted in order to provide a sealed connection between the lower housing member (60) and the cylinder housing. The perpendicular substantially semicircle groove (68) for allowing intake air to enter and/or exhaust air to be evacuated from a — cylinder may in some embodiments be perpendicular and at the same time not located in a straight passage. For instance, the semicircle groove (68) for exhaust air may be elevated in the assembly compared to inlet air deviating from a straight passage.

According to the invention, the throughout lower housing aperture (70) includes a lower annular protrusion body (72) with a substantially smaller diameter (73) being either an integral part of or fixed to the lower housing member (60), the upper surface (75) of the protrusion body (72) being operable to receive the circular spring member (40), and the inner surface (76) of the protrusion body (72) being operable to — receive the lower valve seal neck body (36).

The lower annular protrusion body (72) serves several function. First of all, the body (72) holds the circular spring member (40) but it also fixes the valve seal (30) in a position where only vertical movement is possible. Here, it is preferred with a relatively elongated inner surface (76) of the protrusion body (72). As mentioned, during compression and or combustion, the central throughout valve seal aperture (31) is closed due to the rotation of the valve (10). Hence, air can only leave the combustion chamber if certain means for doing so is provided, such as the means illustrated in the present invention. One of such means is when the lower annular protrusion body (72) having one or more holes (73) penetrating from the lower surface (74) to the upper surface (75) of the protrusion body (72), whereby force is invoked to the lower valve seal head surface (38) of the valve seal head (32) during compression and/or combustion in a cylinder. This embodiment is presently preferred and serves to allow air to leave the combustion chamber but only until it reaches the lower valve seal head surface (38) of the valve seal head (32) whereby the valve seal (30) is forced to fit tightly with the valve (12). As illustrated in Fig. 6A

DK 180650 B1 16 and 6B, the side of the lower housing member (60) that faces the cylinder may contain ignition means and spark plug openings (70). Referring now to Fig. I and 5C of the drawings, there is provided an upper housing member (50) having a longitudinal substantially semicircle groove (57) operable to receive an upper half part of the hollow cylindrical rotary shaft (20), a perpendicular substantially semicircle groove (58) for allowing intake air to enter and/or exhaust air to be evacuated from a cylinder, and a substantially hemispherical cavity (59) operable to receive an upper half part of the spherical valve (12).

Referring now to Fig. 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D of the drawings, these figures illustrate an assembly during operation. In Fig. 2A air is carried from the recessed area (13) of the valve (12), through the valve seal (30) into a cylinder. The valve (12) rotates clockwise and as can be seen in the figure, the shape of recessed area prevents that air flows from the inlet channel through the rotary valve (12) and to the outlet channel. In Fig. 2B the valve (12) is closed and the piston starts building compression pressure in the cylinder. Since the valve (12) is closed, air is only allowed to flow into the holes of the lower annular protrusion body (72) whereby force 1s invoked on the lower valve seal head surface (38). This pushes the valve seal (30) towards the valve (12) and thereby serves to tighten the valve seal (30) to the valve (12). During combustion as illustrated in Fig. 2C, the piston is forced back to a lower position with a resulting power generation which is allocated from the piston to the crankshaft (not illustrated). The valve (12) is still closed and air is still pressed through the holes of the lower annular protrusion body (72) whereby force is invoked onthe lower valve seal head surface (38). During exhaustion as shown in Fig. 2D, the piston is low and the compression pressure is decreasing, hence force is not invoked on the lower valve seal head surface (38). Accordingly, in the exhaustion stage, the valve seal (30) does not fit as tightly with the valve (12) as during the compression and/or combustion stage of the rotation cycle. Also, during air intake, — the valve seal (30) does not fit as tightly with the valve (12). Resultingly, the

DK 180650 B1 17 invention allows the valve seal (30) to be used in an optimal way with several advantages as the result.

The detailed figures of Fig. 2A and 2C, illustrate the details with respect to the holes in the lower annular protrusion body (72). Here it can be seen that the holes (73) penetrate from the lower surface (74) to the upper surface (75) of the protrusion body (72) and are in direct air connection to the cylinder chamber.

A head gasket (81) is inserted between the lower housing member (60) and the cylinder chamber.

The one or more annular grooves in the peripheral outer surface (33) is mounted with sealing — rings during operation (not illustrated), blocking the cavity (91).

Claims

DK 180650 B1 1 KRAV

A spherical rotary valve assembly for use in a piston and cylinder type internal combustion engine, the assembly comprising: a rotary valve member (10) including a spherical valve (12) having a countersunk region (13) defined by a peripheral width (16) and a peripheral length (17) radially penetrating at a certain distance (14) from the circumference (11) of the spherical valve (12) and having an inner surface (15) and including a hollow cylindrical rotating shaft (20) , which is either an integral part of or attached to the spherical valve (12), the shaft (20) being positioned with bearings (27, 28) on each side of the spherical valve structure and operable to rotate about a longitudinal axis allows the recessed area (13) of the spherical valve (12) to supply intake air to and / or to discharge exhaust air from a cylinder; a valve sealing member (30) having a substantially cylindrical body and a central through-going valve sealing opening (31) having a diameter (35), including an inwardly curved upper surface (34) operable to engage closely with the spherical valve (12); ) during compression and / or combustion in a cylinder; a circular spring member (40) operable to fit the lower valve sealing surface of the valve sealing member (30); an upper housing member (50) having a longitudinal substantially semicircular groove - (57) operable to receive an upper half of the hollow cylindrical axis of rotation (20), a perpendicular groove (58) to allow intake air to penetrate into a cylinder and a substantially hemispherical cavity (59) which can receive an upper half of the spherical valve (12); a lower housing member (60) removable from the upper housing member (50) having a longitudinal substantially semicircular groove (67) operable to receive a

180650 B1 2 lower half of the hollow cylindrical axis of rotation (20), a perpendicular groove (68) to allow intake air to enter a cylinder, a substantially hemispherical cavity (69) operable to receive a lower half of the spherical valve (12) and a through-going lower housing opening (70) centrally located with hemispherical cavities (69); wherein the through-going lower housing opening (70) includes a lower annular projection body (72) having a substantially smaller diameter (73) which is either an integral part of or attached to the lower housing member (60), the upper surface - (75) the projection body (72) can be operated to receive the circular spring member (40) characterized by the valve sealing member (30) including a valve sealing head (32) having one or more annular grooves in the peripheral outer surface (33) for receiving one or more sealing rings, a lower valve seal head surface (38) and a lower valve seal neck body (36) having a fixed, substantially smaller outer diameter and a length (37);

the circular spring member (40) can be operated to fit the lower valve seal neck body (36) on the valve seal member (30); the upper housing member (50) has a perpendicularly substantially semicircular groove (58) to allow intake air to enter and / or exhaust air to be discharged from a cylinder; the lower housing member (60) has a perpendicular substantially semicircular groove (68) to allow intake air to enter and / or exhaust air to be discharged from a cylinder;

DK 180650 B1 3 the inner surface (76) of the projection body (72) can be operated to receive the lower valve sealing neck body (36); and the lower annular projection body (72) having one or more holes (73) penetrating from the lower surface (74) to the upper surface (75) of the projection body (72) and / or the outer surface of the lower surface. valve sealing neck body (36) having one or more longitudinal air passages when received by the inner surface (76) of the projection body (72), thereby applying force to the lower valve sealing main surface (38) of the valve sealing head (32) under compression and / or combustion in a cylinder.

The spherical rotary valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the one or more holes (73) penetrating from the lower surface (74) to the upper surface (75) of the projection body (72) are in air contact with the circular - spring element (40).

The ball-shaped rotary valve structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lower annular projection body (72) has three or more holes (73), such as four holes penetrating from the lower surface (74) to the upper surface (75) of the protrusion body (72).

The spherical rotary valve structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer surface of the lower valve sealing neck body, (36) with one or more longitudinal air channels, comprises one or more planar surfaces.

The spherical rotary valve structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer surface of the lower valve sealing neck body, (36) having one or more longitudinal air passages, comprises one or more grooves.

DK 180650 B1 4

The spherical rotary valve structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lower valve sealing neck body (36) covers more than 50% of the inner surface (76) of the projection body (72) during compression and / or combustion in a cylinder, such as more than 75%.

The spherical rotary valve assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the inner surface (15) of the recessed region (13) of the spherical valve (12) comprises a substantially radial surface.

The spherical rotary valve assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the recessed area (13) of the spherical valve (12) faces the centrally located through-going lower housing opening (70) of the lower housing member (60). while ingesting air in a cylinder; the recessed area (13) of the spherical valve (12) faces an air intake duct defined by the substantially semicircular groove (58) of the upper housing member (50) and the substantially semicircular groove (68) of the lower housing member; (60) while compressing air in a cylinder; the recessed area (13) of the spherical valve (12) faces the substantially hemispherical cavity (59) of the upper housing member (50) during combustion in a cylinder; and the recessed area (13) of the spherical valve (12) faces an air discharge duct defined by the substantially semicircular groove (58) of the upper housing member (50) and the substantially semicircular groove (68) of the lower housing element (60) while extracting air into a cylinder.

The spherical rotary valve structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the peripheral width (16) of the countersunk area (13) of the spherical valve (12) 1 substantially covers the diameter (35) of the central - through-going valve sealing opening (31) of the valve sealing element (30) during air intake in a cylinder.

DK 180650 B1

The spherical rotary valve structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the peripheral length (17) of the countersunk region (13) of the spherical valve (12) is substantially smaller than the spherical dimensions 5 of the substantially hemispherical cavities (69) of the lower housing member (60) below air intakes in a cylinder.

A piston and cylinder type internal combustion engine, comprising: one or more spherical rotary valve assemblies; one or more crankshaft elements releasably mounted on one or more pistons by means of one or more connecting rods; and one or more cylinders housing the one or more pistons and one or more igniters (70) and which are either an integral part of or attached to one or more lower housing elements (60) of the one or more spherical rotary valve assemblies; wherein the one or more crankshaft elements are transferably coupled to one or more shafts (20) of one or more rotating valve elements (10) of the one or more spherical rotary valve assemblies for synchronizing piston strokes with rotation of one or more spherical valves (12); ) of the one or more spherical rotary valve assemblies characterized in that the one or more spherical rotary valve assemblies are configured according to any one of claims 1-10.