EP3310509B1 - Reciprocating internal combustion engine, and method for producing a reciprocating internal combustion engine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a reciprocating internal combustion engine and a method for manufacturing a reciprocating internal combustion engine.

The production of castings is characterized by an increasing integration of functional elements of the cast component. This is especially true for engine blocks, in particular cylinder crankcases. Such crankcases have intricate internal spaces which, in the finishing process, require complicated cleaning to remove the sand and / or silt residue from the foundry process. In particular, cylinder crankcases today have a variety of integrated molded internal functions, such as water jackets, passages and channels for water or oil, which must be cleaned after casting. To make matters worse, that for engine components, the requirements for component cleanliness and the residual dirt requirements have risen sharply in recent times.

At present, centrifugal blast machines are used for cleaning, which essentially clean the outer contours of residues of the casting process. Inner contours are usually cleaned with pressure blast equipment, whereby the hand process and type-specific special machines dominate because of the complex interiors.

The disadvantage is currently that this cleaning is expensive and is complicated by the large number of integrated molded internal functions, such as Wassermänteln, passages and channels for water or oil.

Reciprocating internal combustion engines comprising a cylinder head, a crankcase and a composite, wherein the outer wall portions of the cylinder of the composite and the wall portions of the recess for receiving the composite of the crankcase form a coolant space, are for example from US 3,168,081 A and US 2006/037566 A1 known.

In addition to the increased demands on the component cleanliness and the residual dirt requirements, the performance requirements, such as higher ignition pressures or higher temperature loads, have also risen to the engine blocks. Due to the demanded increasing performance in internal combustion engines, the four classic Load zones of a cylinder crankcase, namely bearing block, head screw, cylinder tube and cylinder bar, reached the limits of the currently technically feasible.

It is therefore the object of the invention to facilitate the cleaning of the engine blocks after casting and to make it possible to meet current and future residual dirt requirements as well as a solution to the challenges of current and future high-performance engines, especially for the headzone and cylinder tube load zones, as well as local improvement potential the properties in the crankcase in the other load zones head and crankshaft bearing bolting provide.

The object is achieved by a reciprocating internal combustion engine comprising a cylinder head, a crankcase and a composite, wherein the crankcase comprises a recess for receiving the composite, wherein the composite comprises at least two cylinders and a plate-shaped cylinder head bearing surface connecting them, wherein the composite is formed in one piece, wherein the plate-shaped cylinder head support surface has a recess for each cylinder and wherein the composite is insertable into a crankcase of a reciprocating internal combustion engine or can be placed on a crankcase of a reciprocating internal combustion engine and wherein the bond between the cylinder head and the crankcase and in the recess for receiving the composite is arranged and wherein the outer wall portions of the cylinder of the composite and the wall portions of the recess for receiving the composite of the crankcase form a coolant space, achieved in that at least a coolant guide is arranged between the cylinders of the assembly, wherein the coolant guide of the composite is realized by drilling through the intermediate region of two adjacent cylinders and / or by a cooling channel core in the intermediate region of two cylinders, and the plate-shaped cylinder head bearing surface of the composite - except for the recesses for each Cylinder - is formed without passage.

It is part of the invention that between the cylinder head and the crankcase, a composite is arranged, wherein the composite is integrally formed and is inserted into a crankcase of a reciprocating internal combustion engine or placed with the plate-shaped cylinder head bearing surface on the crankcase and with the Cylinders is inserted into the recess of the crankcase for receiving the cylinders of the composite, and wherein the plate-shaped cylinder head support surface is for supporting the cylinder head and has a recess for each cylinder.

Here, for the composite of the reciprocating internal combustion engine is provided that a coolant guide is arranged between the cylinders, wherein the coolant guide by drilling through the intermediate region of two adjacent, possibly connected cylinder and / or by a cooling channel core in the intermediate region of two adjacent, possibly connected, cylinder is realized.

It is provided in the reciprocating internal combustion engine according to the invention that form the outer wall portions of the cylinder of the composite and the wall portions of the recess for receiving the composite of the crankcase a coolant space or water space.

Due to this configuration, it is advantageously achieved that no draft angles or, in the case of die-cast production, loose parts and / or slides with a larger (1 to> 2 °) forming cone are required for the formation of the coolant space or water space. Parallel or stepped cylinder walls can be readily manufactured. Likewise, due to the selected shape division guide / cooling / support ribs, etc. are provided on the cylinder tube and a demand-adapted wall of the cylinder is possible. The coolant space can therefore be designed freely.

Due to the coolant space formation through the separately manufactured components, composite and open crankcase, a very thin or narrow water jacket geometry can be produced. The geometry can be clearly filigree displayed or trained than is technically today, using cores and sliders, reachable.

It is contemplated that the water jacket geometry will have a thickness of less than 5mm, preferably less than 3.5mm.

Due to the thin or narrow water jacket geometry is advantageously achieved that less coolant is required than in prior art. Accordingly, the required pump power is lower than in known pumps and the pump can be designed smaller than the previously used pumps. This saves weight, thus costs, and space.

It is further advantageous in the reciprocating internal combustion engine according to the invention provided that the at least two cylinders connecting plate-shaped cylinder head bearing surface is placed on the crankcase or inserted into the recess for receiving the composite. In this context, "mounted" means that the cylinder head bearing surface covers or overlaps the recess of the crankcase. "Used" in this context means that the cylinder head bearing surface can be positively inserted into the recess of the crankcase. In the latter embodiment, the recess of the crankcase may have at least one inwardly directed at least partially circumferential projection or seat, so that the outer region of the cylinder head bearing surface can rest on the projection or seat.

It is provided that the recess of the crankcase for receiving the composite in its geometry is designed such that the composite at least partially, at least the cylinder, can be arranged in the crankcase.

It can be advantageously provided that the recess for receiving the composite corresponds in its internal geometry of the outer geometry of the at least two cylinders. The cylinders can therefore be accurately inserted into the crankcase. Additionally or alternatively it can be provided that the recess for receiving the composite in its upper inner geometry corresponds to the outer geometry of the plate-shaped cylinder head bearing surface, wherein it can be provided that the plate-shaped cylinder head support surface is held by a circumferential projection in the recess.

By a separate production of the composite and the "open" crankcase, there are further advantages for the production of the crankcase. For example, a significantly simplified accessibility for component-internal supply measures is achieved, whereby the structure in the bearing block area can be positively influenced by the use of cooling elements with regard to the resulting mechanical properties. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the cleaning of the "open" crankcase is simplified, whereby the residual dirt requirements can be met much easier.

A further advantage is that the crankcase according to the invention can be produced in a cost-effective and easy-to-control alloys requirements. In the event that tread coatings are used, for example, the masking (cover) to avoid overspray and additional cleaning steps after spraying in the crankcase area can be omitted.

The one-piece design of the multi-cylinder composite advantageously ensures that the composite can be produced as a separate component. Various methods can be used for the production. Preferably, the component is cast. However, it is also provided within the scope of the invention that the production of the composite is achieved by a deep-drawing process or the forging of the composite using, for example, aluminum-copper wrought alloys.

It is provided for the plate-shaped cylinder head bearing surface of the multi-cylinder composite, that this is free formable in its geometry. For example, the thickness of the plate-shaped cylinder head bearing surface can be produced according to the resulting loads. Likewise, it is conceivable that the plate-shaped cylinder head bearing surface has greater thicknesses in loaded areas and minimum thicknesses in unloaded areas. It is likewise provided that the geometry of the plate-shaped cylinder head bearing surface can be freely designed, for example such that the plate-shaped cylinder head bearing surface is adapted to the geometry of the crankcase and the cylinder head.

Since the composite does not have to include an integrated coolant space, the outer cylinder walls can be freely designed according to the requirements. For example, a force flow and / or requirement-optimized support structure, such as rib reinforcements and the like or cooling ribs, can be realized on the outer cylinder walls. In this case, it is advantageously provided that the support structure (ribs) is arranged on the cylinder walls such that a flow optimization is achieved. The support structure (ribs) is already produced in the production of the cylinder.

It is inventively provided that at least one coolant guide or web cooling is arranged between the cylinders.

Since the composite with its cylinder geometries and the plate-shaped cylinder head bearing surface is not produced together with the cylinder crankcase, but separately manufactured and can be used in this or placed on this (the plate-shaped cylinder head bearing surface rests on the crankcase, wherein the cylinders protrude into the crankcase), can the coolant supply very universal, individual and without restrictions regarding position, eg also directly below and parallel to the cylinder head bearing surface, are produced.

Between the cylinders, there is at least one recess between at least two adjacent cylinders so that coolant can pass from one side of the composite through the recess onto the opposite side of the assembly. Accordingly, the cylinders are also cooled in the area between the cylinders. It can be provided that a coolant guide is arranged between all adjacent cylinders. Likewise it can be provided that the coolant guide only between some cylinders, e.g. in every second area between two adjacent cylinders.

Likewise, it is an advantage of the invention that the cylinder tube shape and cylinder tube wall can be freely designed according to the requirements. The design of the cylinder tube shape is important to counteract the deformation by the screw. For example, the cylinder tube wall may be convex (arched outward), concave (inwardly curved), sinusoidal, step-shaped, or as a mixture of the foregoing be configured or provided with support structures, cooling fins or the like. The formable cylinder tube shape and cylinder tube wall have the advantage that the cylinder wall thickness can be increased in the range of high ignition pressures. Furthermore, through the selected shape (convex, concave, ...) a flow optimization can be achieved. For example, a higher flow rate is made possible by a customized design.

The fact that the composite is manufactured separately and only after the manufacture, for example by casting, used in the separately produced crankcase or mounted on it or mounted in this, the crankcase can be made as an "open" crankcase and the cylinder can before the insertion can be easily edited, which allows a great deal of freedom in the design of the cylinder outer wall.

This provides improved accessibility to crankcase internal feeds, such as nonferrous alloys or iron base materials, as well as significantly improved cleaning capabilities of the composite and "open" crankcase with the known cleaning techniques. The invention also allows the currently very much sought after, completely separate coolant management of the cylinder head and crankcase, since no openings for storage of the usual water jacket or Losteilschieber are required. So a closed head area is possible. The plate-shaped cylinder head bearing surface can also, depending on requirements, be opened locally to allow a connection between the coolant chamber and water space of the crankcase to the coolant chamber and water space of the head.

Since the composite is used in an "open" crankcase of a reciprocating internal combustion engine, it is advantageously provided that the plate-shaped cylinder head bearing surface is configured in its dimensions such that it is largely introduced positively into the open crankcase. By this configuration, a simpler sealing - crankcase and composite - is achieved.

An embodiment of the invention provides that the outer wall of the cylinder have at least one horizontally at least partially encircling bead. The bead is preferably formed as a sealing bead. The sealing bead is preferably arranged on the cylinder such that a seal between a coolant space or water space (formed by the outer walls of the cylinders and the upper inner walls of the crankcase) and the lower crankcase is achieved.

The composite thus offers the described advantages the possibility of improving internal combustion engines for current and future higher ignition pressures and higher temperature loads in the top plate and cylinder land, and cylinder tube.

In particular, the composite according to the invention can be used to solve the challenges with regard to thermal shock resistance, thermal stress on the cylinder web ("gusset"), tribology, plate stiffness and stiffness, cylinder distortion, coatability of the raceways (in the case of Al-Leg.).

It is further provided according to the invention that the plate-shaped cylinder head bearing surface of the composite to the recesses for each cylinder - is formed without passage.

By this configuration it is achieved that the rigidity and structure of the cylinder head bearing surface is not weakened by passages. This also allows a simplified sealing between the cylinder head and the cylinder crankcase, since no / hardly any spills, stoppers, etc. are arranged when using a head gasket on the cylinder head bearing surface. Advantageously, this configuration further ensures that the internal combustion engine can be exposed to higher pressures. Likewise, the tendency for cracking of the cylinder head bearing surface, which is favored by passages as an initial location, can be reduced to prevented.

For the composite is further advantageous provided that the composite of cast iron with lamellar graphite (GJL), cast iron with vermicular graphite (GJV), cast iron with nodular graphite (GJS) and / or steel and / or a combination of the aforementioned materials is made.

Due to the separately produced composite of one of these or a combination of these iron-based materials, the production of the internal combustion engine as a whole can be simplified, for example by casting. It is also achieved that a requirement-optimized control of the fine grain and the freedom from pores of the cylinder tube structure is made possible by the separate production without the crankcase being influenced. For example, a quenching layer can be realized close to the surface of the tread. Likewise or additionally, a continuously quenched cylinder wall can be realized. This separate treatment of the composite enables improved heat conduction and transfer into the cooling circuit as well as adjustability of the mechanical properties (tensile strength R _m , yield strength R _p0.2 and elongation at break A ). It is also advantageous that by the use of iron-based materials, a subsequent joining of the liners and a separate raceway coating can be omitted. In particular, by the use of the material ductile iron castings, both a higher strength and a higher elongation can be achieved.

For an alternative embodiment of the composite according to the invention it is provided that the composite of non-ferrous materials, especially aluminum alloys, such as aluminum-magnesium alloys (AlMgxx), aluminum-silicon alloys (AlSixx) with copper (Cu) and / or magnesium (Mg) and or aluminum wrought alloys, is produced.

By using non-ferrous materials to make the composite, it can be made without feeding. In particular, it is advantageous that a subsequent liner encapsulation and the subsequent joining of the liner omitted. It is particularly advantageous that only the composite of non-ferrous materials, in particular aluminum alloys, is produced, and not the complete cylinder crankcase (composite and "open" crankcase).

Non-ferrous materials, especially those based on aluminum, make it possible to produce a coatable running surface by using cooling elements in the cylinder tube (steel molds, GJL, Ms, etc.) without affecting the crankcase.

It is also conceivable for the composite that a cooling groove is arranged on the cylinder head side facing the cylinder head bearing surface, which serves to reduce the temperatures in the web area. It is further provided that the cooling groove is supplied by the cylinder head with coolant.

Furthermore, a reciprocating internal combustion engine comprising a cylinder head, a crankcase and an integrally formed from a cylinder and a cylinder head bearing surface composite, wherein the plate-shaped cylinder head bearing surface has a recess for the one cylinder and wherein the crankcase a recess for receiving the one piece of a cylinder and a cylinder head bearing surface formed composite shown, in which a portion of the cylinder outer wall of the composite and the recess of the crankcase for receiving the composite form a coolant space or water space.

The composite described here consists of exactly one cylinder and one cylinder head bearing surface. The cylinder head bearing surface may be configured according to the multi-cylinder composite. It is also contemplated that the single-cylinder composite may be made of the same materials as the multi-cylinder composite.

The object is also achieved by a method for producing the reciprocating internal combustion engine.

• Separates Herstellen des Kurbelgehäuses, des Verbunds und des Zylinderkopfes,
• Einsetzen des Verbunds in das Kurbelgehäuse,
• Anordnen des Zylinderkopfes auf der plattenförmigen Zylinderkopfauflagefläche des Verbunds,
• Verbinden des Kurbelgehäuses, des Verbunds und des Zylinderkopfes.

The method comprises the following steps:

• Separate production of the crankcase, the composite and the cylinder head,
• Inserting the composite in the crankcase,
• Arranging the cylinder head on the plate-shaped cylinder head bearing surface of the composite,
• Connecting the crankcase, the composite and the cylinder head.

• Einsetzen des Verbunds in das Kurbelgehäuse,
• Anordnen des Zylinderkopfes auf der plattenförmigen Zylinderkopfauflagefläche des Verbunds,

vertauscht werden können. Dementsprechend kann zuerst der Zylinderkopf auf der plattenförmigen Zylinderkopfauflagefläche des Verbunds angeordnet werden, wobei er auch auf dieser befestigt werden kann, wonach der Verbund mit dem Zylinderkopf in das Kurbelgehäuse eingesetzt wird.It is part of the invention that the steps

• Inserting the composite in the crankcase,
• Arranging the cylinder head on the plate-shaped cylinder head bearing surface of the composite,

can be reversed. Accordingly, at first, the cylinder head may be disposed on the plate-shaped cylinder head support surface of the composite, and may be mounted thereon, after which the composite with the cylinder head is inserted into the crankcase.

It is according to the invention belonging to the method that the connection of the crankcase, the composite and the cylinder head by common methods such as screws, gluing, clamping, sealing or the like is achieved. Due to the one-piece design of the composite, it is advantageously achieved that the cylinders are hardly or not distorted when joining, since the force flow during connection (for example, by tightening cylinder head bolts) is decoupled from the cylinder ears. Due to the configuration, a slimmer cylinder wall can be further realized, which leads to a weight and thus cost reduction.

Fig. 1

den Verbund aus vier Zylindern und einer diese verbindenden plattenförmigen Zylinderkopfauflagefläche in perspektivischer Ansicht,

Fig. 2

den Verbund aus vier Zylindern und einer diese verbindenden plattenförmigen Zylinderkopfauflagefläche in, im Vergleich zu Fig. 1 umgedrehter, perspektivischer Ansicht,

Fig. 3a

den Verbund aus vier Zylindern und einer diese verbindenden plattenförmigen Zylinderkopfauflagefläche, wobei die Kühlmittelführung durch Durchbohrung des Zwischenbereich zweier benachbarter in Längsrichtung verbundener Zylinder realisiert ist, in vertikaler Schnittansicht,

Fig. 3b

den Verbund aus vier Zylindern und einer diese verbindenden plattenförmigen Zylinderkopfauflagefläche, wobei die Kühlmittelführung durch einen Kühlkanal-Kern im Zwischenbereich zweier benachbarter in Längsrichtung verbundener Zylinder realisiert ist, in vertikaler Schnittansicht,

Fig. 3c

den Verbund aus vier Zylindern und einer diese verbindenden plattenförmigen Zylinderkopfauflagefläche, wobei die Kühlmittelführung durch freistehende Zylinder realisiert ist, in vertikaler Schnittansicht,

Fig. 3d

den Verbund aus vier Zylindern und einer diese verbindenden plattenförmigen Zylinderkopfauflagefläche, wobei eine Kühlnut auf der Zylinderkopfauflagefläche angeordnet ist, in vertikaler Schnittansicht,

Fig. 4

eine erfindungsgemäße Hubkolben-Verbrennungskraftmaschine umfassend einen Zylinderkopf und ein Kurbelgehäuse, wobei zwischen dem Zylinderkopf und dem Kurbelgehäuse ein Verbund aus vier Zylindern und einer diese vier Zylinder verbindenden plattenförmigen Zylinderkopfauflagefläche angeordnet ist, in Explosionsdarstellung,

Fig. 5

einen Verbund (VR-Inline Variante) und ein entsprechendes offenes Kurbelgehäuse (VR-Inline Kurbelgehäuse), wobei der Verbund sechs Zylinder und eine diese Zylinder verbindenden plattenförmige Zylinderkopfauflagefläche umfasst, wobei die Zylinder in Längsrichtung versetzt zueinander angeordnet sind, in Explosionsdarstellung,

Fig. 6

eine erfindungsgemäße Hubkolben-Verbrennungskraftmaschine umfassend einen Zylinderkopf und ein Kurbelgehäuse, wobei zwischen dem Zylinderkopf und dem Kurbelgehäuse ein Verbund aus vier Zylindern und einer diese vier Zylinder verbindenden plattenförmigen Zylinderkopfauflagefläche angeordnet ist, wobei die Zylinderkopfauflagefläche im zusammengebauten Zustand auf dem Kurbelgehäuse aufliegt, in Explosionsdarstellung,

Fig. 7

eine erfindungsgemäße Hubkolben-Verbrennungskraftmaschine umfassend einen Zylinderkopf und ein Kurbelgehäuse, wobei zwischen dem Zylinderkopf und dem Kurbelgehäuse ein Verbund aus vier Zylindern und einer diese vier Zylinder verbindenden plattenförmigen Zylinderkopfauflagefläche angeordnet ist, wobei die Zylinderkopfauflagefläche im zusammengebauten Zustand in der Aussparung des Kurbelgehäuses in etwa formschlüssig eingebracht ist, in Explosionsdarstellung,

Fig. 8

den Verbund aus vier Zylindern und einer diese verbindenden plattenförmigen Zylinderkopfauflagefläche, wobei vier verschieden angeordnete Kühlnuten an den Zylindern angeordnet sind, in perspektivischer Ansicht,

Fig. 9a-9f

verschiedene Schnittdarstellungen eines in einem offenen Kurbelgehäuse angeordneten Verbundes,

Fig. 10a-10f

verschiedene Schnittdarstellungen eines in einem offenen Kurbelgehäuse angeordneten Verbundes.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to drawings, which are not limited thereto. Show it

Fig. 1

the composite of four cylinders and a plate-like cylinder head support surface connecting them in a perspective view,

Fig. 2

the composite of four cylinders and a connecting them plate-shaped cylinder head surface in, in comparison to Fig. 1 inverted, perspective view,

Fig. 3a

the composite of four cylinders and a plate-shaped cylinder head support surface connecting them, wherein the coolant guide is realized by drilling through the intermediate region of two adjacent longitudinally connected cylinders, in a vertical sectional view,

Fig. 3b

the composite of four cylinders and a plate-shaped cylinder head bearing surface connecting them, wherein the coolant guide is realized by a cooling channel core in the intermediate region of two adjacent longitudinally connected cylinders, in a vertical sectional view,

Fig. 3c

the composite of four cylinders and a plate-like cylinder head bearing surface connecting them, wherein the coolant guide is realized by free-standing cylinders, in a vertical sectional view,

Fig. 3d

the composite of four cylinders and a plate-like cylinder head bearing surface connecting them, wherein a cooling groove is arranged on the cylinder head bearing surface, in a vertical sectional view,

Fig. 4

a reciprocating internal combustion engine according to the invention comprising a cylinder head and a crankcase, wherein between the cylinder head and the crankcase, a composite of four cylinders and a four-cylinder connecting plate-shaped cylinder head support surface is arranged, in exploded view,

Fig. 5

a composite (VR inline variant) and a corresponding open crankcase (VR inline crankcase), wherein the composite six cylinders and a cylinder connecting these plate-shaped cylinder head bearing surface, wherein the cylinders are arranged offset from one another in the longitudinal direction, in exploded view,

Fig. 6

a reciprocating internal combustion engine according to the invention comprising a cylinder head and a crankcase, wherein between the cylinder head and the crankcase, a composite of four cylinders and a four-cylinder connecting plate-shaped cylinder head support surface is arranged, wherein the cylinder head support surface in the assembled state rests on the crankcase, in exploded view,

Fig. 7

a reciprocating internal combustion engine according to the invention comprising a cylinder head and a crankcase, wherein between the cylinder head and the crankcase, a composite of four cylinders and a four cylinder connecting plate-shaped cylinder head support surface is arranged, wherein the cylinder head support surface in the assembled state in the recess of the crankcase introduced in approximately positive is, in exploded view,

Fig. 8

the composite of four cylinders and a plate-shaped cylinder head support surface connecting them, wherein four differently arranged cooling grooves are arranged on the cylinders, in perspective view,

Fig. 9a-9f

various sectional views of a arranged in an open crankcase composite,

Fig. 10a-10f

various sectional views of a arranged in an open crankcase composite.

In Fig. 1 is a composite (1) of four cylinders (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) and a plate-shaped cylinder head bearing surface (5) connecting these cylinders, wherein the composite (1) consists of at least two cylinders (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) and the this connecting plate-shaped cylinder head bearing surface (5) is integrally formed, shown in perspective view. As shown, the plate-shaped cylinder head bearing surface (5) for each cylinder (2a; 2b; 2c; 2d) has a recess (3a; 3b; 3c; 3d). It is envisaged that the composite (1) in a ("open") crankcase (7a, 7b) of a reciprocating internal combustion engine can be used or placed on this. Furthermore, it is shown that the plate-shaped cylinder head bearing surface (5) - with the exception of the recesses (3a; 3b; 3c; 3d) - has a passage-free design for each cylinder (2a; 2b; 2c; 2d).

Fig. 2 shows the composite (1) of four cylinders and a connecting them plate-shaped cylinder head support surface (5) in, in comparison to Fig. 1 inverted, perspective view. Since the composite (1) is manufactured separately, it is made possible by the use of cooling elements in the cylinder tube (steel molds, GJL, Ms, ...) a coatable tread (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) can be produced, without affecting the crankcase. It is also achieved that a requirement-optimized control of the fine grain and the freedom from pores of the cylinder tube structure is made possible by the separate production without the crankcase being influenced. For example, a quenching layer can be realized close to the surface of the tread. Likewise or additionally, a continuously quenched cylinder wall can be realized.

In the Fig. 3a to 3c 2, the composite (1) of four cylinders (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) and a plate-shaped cylinder head bearing surface connecting them is shown in vertical sectional views. In Fig. 3a it is shown that the coolant guide (6) can be realized by drilling through the intermediate region of two adjacent longitudinally connected cylinders (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d). In Fig. 3b It is shown that the coolant guide (6) can be realized by a cooling channel core in the intermediate region of two adjacent longitudinally connected cylinders (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d). In Fig. 3c it is shown that the coolant guide (6) can be realized by freestanding cylinders (2a; 2b; 2c; 2d).

In the Fig. 3d 2, the composite (1) of four cylinders (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) and a plate-shaped cylinder head bearing surface connecting them is shown in vertical sectional views. In Fig, 3d It is shown that a cooling groove (6a) is disposed in the plate-shaped cylinder head support surface. The geometry, shape and position of the cooling groove (6a) are not limited to the illustrated gap-like embodiment, but may be arranged on the cylinder head bearing surface according to need.

Fig. 4 shows a reciprocating internal combustion engine according to the invention, comprising a cylinder head (8) and a crankcase (7a) according to the invention, wherein between the cylinder head (8) and the crankcase (7a) a composite (1) of four cylinders and a four-cylinder connecting plate-shaped cylinder head bearing surface is arranged, in exploded view.

As in Fig. 4 shown, no separate cylinder head gasket is required, whereby the power transmission can take place directly and flat and is not limited to a cylinder head gasket contour. This is particularly advantageous in the highly loaded area (compression area).

In Fig. 5 is a composite (1, VR6 inline variant) and a corresponding open crankcase (7c, VR6 inline crankcase) in an exploded view. The composite (1) comprises six cylinders (2, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f) and a plate-shaped cylinder head bearing surface (5) connecting these cylinders. The composite (1) is configured to be inserted into the crankcase (7c) (the plate-shaped cylinder head support surface can be approximately positively fitted on a seat in the crankcase, the cylinders are guided in the crankcase). The cylinders are offset from each other in the longitudinal direction and each have a setting (to the longitudinal axis) of about 15%. The cylinders (2, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f) can be freely guided in the crankcase (7c). The inner contour of the recess of the crankcase (for receiving the composite) may be substantially smooth or, as shown here, have a contour. On the plate-shaped cylinder head support surface (5) cooling grooves (6a) are shown. The cooling grooves (6a) are at least partially arranged radially circumferentially around the recesses for the cylinder, wherein the shape, the size, the number, the depth and the position are freely designable.

Fig. 6 shows an inventive reciprocating internal combustion engine in exploded view. The reciprocating internal combustion engine comprises a cylinder head (8) and a crankcase (7a), wherein between the cylinder head (8) and the crankcase (7a) a composite (1) of four cylinders and a plate-shaped cylinder head support surface connecting these four cylinders is arranged. In the reciprocating internal combustion engine according to the invention, the composite (1) is mounted on the crankcase (7a) (the plate-shaped cylinder head bearing surface rests on the crankcase, the cylinders are guided in the crankcase). On the plate-shaped cylinder head support surface three cooling grooves (6a) are shown. The cooling grooves (6a) are arranged between the recesses for the cylinder.

Fig. 7 shows an inventive reciprocating internal combustion engine in exploded view. The reciprocating internal combustion engine comprises a cylinder head (8) and a crankcase (7a), wherein between the cylinder head (8) and the crankcase (7a) a composite (1) of four cylinders and a plate-shaped cylinder head support surface connecting these four cylinders is arranged. In the reciprocating internal combustion engine according to the invention, the composite (1) is positively inserted into the crankcase (the plate-shaped cylinder head bearing surface rests on a shoulder in the crankcase, so that the cylinder head bearing surface and the top of the crankcase in the assembled state are flat; are guided in the crankcase).

In Fig. 8 is a composite (1) of four cylinders and a cylinder-connecting these cylinder plate-shaped surface, wherein the composite (1) is integrally formed, shown in a perspective view. The outer walls of the cylinder have a horizontally encircling bead (14). The bead (14) is preferably designed as a sealing bead and serves in the operating state (zusammenmonierter state of the reciprocating internal combustion engine) as a seal between the coolant space or water space (formed by the outer walls of the cylinder and the upper inner walls of the crankcase) and the lower crankcase. The shape, the position and the size of the bead (14) can be freely designed. Also is in Fig. 8 are shown on the outer cylinder walls (four shown) support structures (6b), here rib reinforcements, which may also be cooling fins, are realized. As a result, inter alia, a flow optimization is achieved. The support structures (ribs) can be arranged on the outer walls of the cylinders in any desired manner (as shown, for example, longitudinally, transversely or obliquely).

In the Fig. 9a to 9f the composite (1) is arranged as an attached composite in a crankcase (7a) and shown in different views and sectional planes. In Fig. 9a the patch on the crankcase composite is shown in plan view, the sectional planes for the Fig. 9b to Fig. 9f are drawn. Fig. 9b shows the section plane AA, Fig. 9c shows the section plane BB, Fig. 9d shows the section plane CC, Fig. 9e shows the section plane DD and Fig. 9f shows the section plane EE. In Fig. 9b the sectional plane AA is shown, wherein the composite (1) mounted and via fastening means (13), here Zugankerschrauben, with the crankcase (7a) is connected. The tie bolts are threaded through the plate-shaped cylinder head support surface of the composite (1) into the crankcase. As shown, the coolant space or water space (11) is formed by the outer walls of the cylinders and the upper inner walls of the crankcase. In the Fig. 10b to 10f is further shown that the outer wall of the cylinder shown here has a horizontal circumferential bead (14). The bead is designed as a sealing bead (s. Fig. 10e ). The sealing bead is arranged on the cylinder in such a way that a seal is achieved between the coolant space or water space (11) and the lower crankcase. The composite (1) is provided in the present example for better illustration with three different coolant guides (6), although each of the variants can be implemented individually in a composite, wherein Fig. 9b a slot coolant guide, in Fig. 9c , two horizontally drilled coolant guides and in Fig. 9d a coolant guide are shown by freestanding cylinders. In Fig. 9f these coolant guides are shown as section EE from left to right.

The coolant guides (6) are connected to the coolant space or water space (11), so that the coolant can be circulated around the cylinders.

In the 10a to 10f the composite (1) is arranged as an inserted composite in a crankcase (7a) and shown in different views and sectional planes. In Fig. 10a the composite used on the crankcase is shown in plan view, wherein the sectional planes for the FIGS. 10b to 10f are drawn. Fig. 10b shows the section plane AA, Fig. 10c shows the section plane BB, Fig. 10d shows the section plane CC, Fig. 10e shows the section plane DD and Fig. 10f shows the section plane EE. In the 10a to 10e It is shown that the fastening means (13), here Zugankerschrauben, engage in the crankcase (7a), but not in the composite (1) are performed. As shown, the coolant space or water space (11) is formed by the outer walls of the cylinders and the upper inner walls of the crankcase. In the Fig. 10b to 10f is further shown that the outer wall of the cylinder shown here has a horizontal circumferential bead (14). The bead is designed as a sealing bead (s. Fig. 10e ). The sealing bead is arranged on the cylinder in such a way that a seal is achieved between the coolant space or water space (11) and the lower crankcase. The composite (1) is provided in the present example for better illustration with three different coolant guides (6), although each of the variants can be implemented individually in a composite, wherein Fig. 10b a slot coolant guide, in Fig. 10c , two horizontally drilled coolant guides and in Fig. 10d a coolant guide are shown by freestanding cylinders. In Fig. 10f these coolant guides are shown as section EE from left to right. The coolant guides (6) are connected to the coolant space or water space (11), so that the coolant can be circulated around the cylinders.

Claims (6)

1. Reciprocating internal combustion engine comprising a cylinder head (8), a crankcase (7a; 7b) and an assembly (1),
   wherein the crankcase (7a; 7b) comprises a recess (10) for accommodating the assembly (1),
   wherein the assembly (1) comprises at least two cylinders (2a, 2b; 2a, 2b, 2c; 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d; 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f) and a platelike deck plate (5) connecting them, wherein the assembly (1) is of integral design, wherein the platelike deck plate (5) has a clearance (3a; 3b; 3c; 3d; 3e; 3f) for each cylinder (2a; 2b; 2c; 2d; 2e; 2f) and wherein the assembly (1) can be inserted into a crankcase (7a; 7b; 7c) of a reciprocating internal combustion engine or placed upon a crankcase (7a; 7b; 7c) of a reciprocating internal combustion engine and wherein the assembly (1) is arranged between the cylinder head (8) and the crankcase (7a; 7b; 7c) and in the recess (10) for accommodating the assembly (1) and wherein the outer wall areas of the cylinders (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d; 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f) of the assembly (1) and the wall areas of the recess (10) in the crankcase (7a; 7b; 7c) for accommodating the assembly (1) form a coolant chamber (11), characterized in that at least one coolant guideway (6) is arranged between the cylinders (2a, 2b; 2b, 2c; 2c, 2d; 2e, 2f; 2a, 2b, 2c; 2c, 2d, 2e) of the assembly (1), wherein the coolant guideway (6) of the assembly (1) is realized by drilling through the area between two neighboring cylinders (2a, 2b; 2b, 2c; 2c, 2d; 2d, 2e; 2e, 2f) and/or by a cooling-channel core in the area between two cylinders (2a, 2b; 2b, 2c; 2c, 2d; 2d, 2e; 2e, 2f), and the platelike deck plate (5) of the assembly (1) is configured free of openings except for the clearance (3a; 3b; 3c; 3d) for each cylinder (2a; 2b; 2c; 2d).
2. Reciprocating internal combustion engine according to claim 1, characterized in that the assembly (1) is made of cast iron with lamellar graphite (GJL), cast iron with vermicular graphite (GJV), cast iron with spheroidal graphite (GJS) and/or steel and/or a combination of the aforementioned materials.
3. Reciprocating internal combustion engine according to claim 1, characterized in that the assembly (1) is made of non-ferrous materials, in particular aluminum alloys, such as aluminum-magnesium alloys (AlMgxx), aluminum-silicon alloys (AlSixx) with copper (Cu) and/or magnesium (Mg) and/or aluminum wrought alloys.
4. Reciprocating internal combustion engine according to claim 1, characterized in that the platelike deck plate (5) connecting the at least two cylinders (2a, 2b; 2a, 2b, 2c; 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d; 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f) is placed upon the crankcase (7a, 7b; 7c) or inserted into the recess (10) for accommodating the assembly (1).
5. Method of producing the reciprocating internal combustion engine according to any one of the claims 1 to 4, comprising the following steps:

   - Separate production of the crankcase (7a; 7b; 7c), the assembly (1) and the cylinder head (8),

   - Insertion of the assembly (1) into the crankcase (7a; 7b; 7c),

   - Arrangement of the cylinder head (8) on the platelike deck plate (5) of the assembly (1),

   - Joining of the crankcase (7a; 7b; 7c), the assembly (1) and the cylinder head (8).
6. Method of producing the reciprocating internal combustion engine according to any one of the claims 1 to 5, comprising the following steps:

   - Separate production of the crankcase (7a; 7b; 7c), the assembly (1) and the cylinder head (8),

   - Arrangement of the cylinder head (8) on the platelike deck plate (5) of the assembly (1),

   - Insertion of the assembly (1) into the crankcase (7a; 7b; 7c),

   - Joining of the crankcase (7a; 7b; 7c), the assembly (1) and the cylinder head (8).

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