FR2554506A1 - Internal combustion engine with a piston with reciprocating movement - Google Patents

Abstract

The subject of the invention relates especially to the technical field of internal combustion piston engines. The camshaft or camshafts are rotationally controlled by a circular casing 4 coupled to the driven mechanism and at the opposite end mounted so as to rotate in a fixed support, the said casing being arranged externally to interact with a rotational driving means, and has, solidly attached, an internal ring 6 whose bore is doubly eccentric, in a symmetrical manner and diametrically opposite the axis of rotation of the casing, the length of the eccentricity L being equal to the travel C of the piston P in order to create the to-and-fro reciprocating movement of the pistons in combination with the control means M to which the said pistons are solidly attached, the said means being formed so as rotationally to slave the said ring under the effect of the reciprocating movement of the pistons during the induction, combustion and exhaust cycles of the gaseous mass. The invention is especially used for all engines requiring high torque at low rotational speed.

Description

 The invention relates to an internal combustion engine with reciprocating piston.

 The object of the invention relates in particular to the technical sector of internal combustion piston engines.

 Most internal combustion engines, due to their construction technology, have a low engine torque at low speed. In fact, in two-stroke, four-stroke or other engines, each piston which moves back and forth in the cylinder, is connected to a crankshaft by means of a connecting rod fixed to the crankpin of said crankshaft.

 In a known manner, the crankshaft transforms the reciprocating movement of the pistons into continuous movement and also serves to set the timing in motion, in perfect synchronization. The crankshaft rotates a camshaft which generally controls the opening and closing of the valves directly or via the rocker arms to obtain the intake, compression, combustion and exhaust cycle of the gaseous mass inside the engine cylinder.

 For example, in the case of a four-stroke engine, as schematically shown in the diagram in FIG. 1, two turns of the crankshafts are necessary to give only a half-turn in the third stroke. A four-stroke engine of this type therefore has two top dead centers and two bottom dead centers.

The renewal of the gas mass is therefore carried out every two turns of the crankshaft.

 According to the invention, it was desired to produce an engine of a new type, of simple construction and the operating principle of which is no longer subject to a crankshaft which is an expensive mechanical member and which moreover does not make it possible to obtain high engine torque at slow rotational speeds.

 The functional characteristics of the internal combustion engine according to the invention, with two or four times, makes it possible to create a high torque despite a low speed of rotation, which is particularly important for specific applications in particular for any machine requiring a high torque at low speed.

 For this purpose, the engine which essentially comprises a cylinder head with at least two cylinders in which a piston performs a reciprocating movement, at least one camshaft which controls the opening and closing of the valves for obtaining the combustion and exhaust gas intake cycle inside the engine cylinder, is characterized in that the camshaft (s) are controlled in rotation by a circular casing coupled to the driven mechanism and mounted opposite rotating in a fixed support, said casing being arranged externally to cooperate with a rotary drive means, and integrally has an internal ring whose bore is doubly eccentric, symmetrically, and diametrically opposite the axis of rotation of the casing, the eccentricity length being equal to the stroke of the piston to create the reciprocating movement back and forth of the pistons in combination with control means to which the said pistons, said means being shaped to enslave said crown in rotation under the effect of the reciprocating movement of the pistons during the intake, combustion and exhaust cycles of the gaseous mass.

 These characteristics and others will emerge from the following description.

 To fix the subject of the invention, without however limiting it in the appended drawings.

 Figure 1 is a purely schematic view showing the different operating phases of a conventional four-stroke engine, that is to say with crankshaft.

 Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the engine according to the invention.

 Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of Figure 2.

 Figures 4, 5, 6 and 7 are schematic views showing the principle of operation of the engine according to the invention.

 In order to make the object of the invention more concrete, it is now described in a nonlimiting manner with reference to the exemplary embodiments of the figures of the drawings.

 In a known manner, the engine according to the invention comprises a cylinder head block (1) in which are mounted the camshaft (s) (2) which control the opening and closing of the valves (3) to obtain the intake, combustion and exhaust of the gas mass inside the engine cylinder, causing the pistons (P) to move alternately.

 According to the invention, the cylinder head (1) is mounted axially in a fixed manner inside a circular casing (4) which drives the camshaft (s) (2). This casing (4) is shaped at (4a) to be coupled to the clutch disc or plate (5). In contrast, the housing (4) is rotatably mounted in a fixed support member (S). In addition, part or all of the periphery of this casing is arranged to be driven in rotation by the starter. To this end, different means can be provided such as friction roller, toothed ring, etc. The casing (4) is mounted to rotate freely relative to the fixed cylinder head (1) by different rolling members (R) suitably positioned.

 In a particularly important way, the casing (4) integrally has an internal ring (6) whose bore (6a) is doubly eccentrically symmetrical to the axis of rotation of the casing (4). The offset length (L) is equal to the stroke (C) of the pistons (P) (Figure 2) so that said pistons which are subject to means (M) cooperating with the bore of the crown, are susceptible to cause the rotation of the crown (6) under the effect of the back and forth movement of the pistons (P).

 A four-cylinder engine has been illustrated in the figures of the drawings, but it is obvious that the operating principle which is described below, applies to 2, 4, 6 or 8-cylinder engines.

 In the case of a four-cylinder engine, the jacketed cylinders (7) of the pistons are mounted crosswise on each side of the cylinder head, being offset by 90 ". In a known manner, each of the cylinders (7) is mounted in a water chamber or the like (8) which communicates with the cooling circuit of the entire engine.

 Due to the doubly eccentric profile of the bore (6a) of the crown (6), two opposite pistons (P), in combination with the control members (M) to which they are subject, are, in a symmetrical manner, in the compression position on the smallest diameter (d) of the bore (6a) of the crown and in the relaxed position on the largest diameter (D) of said bore (6a). I1 follows that on a four-stroke cycle, the pistons on a quarter turn are alternately in position of comrpession and trigger.

 The members or control means (M) coupled in particular to the axes (Pa) of the pistons (P), scnt shaped to create in combination with the internal profile (6a) of the crown and under the pushing effect (F) of said pistons , a force (F1) which tends to cause the crown (6) integral with the casing (4) to rotate. The point of application of the force (F1) on the internal profile (6a) of the crown is slightly angularly offset by a value (<) relative to the axis XX 'of the piston (P) to create a rotational torque .

 For example, the axes of the pistons (Pa) are integral with free articulation of a yoke (9) in which is mounted rotating a roller (10) or any other sliding connection system which is constantly supported on the internal profile (6a ) of the crown (6) by means for example of a spring, of a lateral crown ... The yoke (9) is connected by a link system (12) to a support console (11) fixedly mounted on a part of the cylinder head (1).

 It is obvious that all equivalent systems fall within the scope of the invention on the sole condition that they are capable of causing the rotation of the crown under the effect of the reciprocating movement of the pistons in their respective cylinders in combination with the eccentric profile of the bore of the crown.

 As in most conventional 4-stroke engines, there is a minimum of two valves (3) per cylinder (7), one for the intake (A), the other for the exhaust (E). These valves (3) are recalled by springs which hold them against their sigèe (3a). The combustion chamber (7a) of the cylinder (7) opens onto the spark plugs (13) (figure 2) or the injector in the case of diesel.

 I1 should now explain the operation of the engine according to the invention, with reference to Figures 4 to 7 of the drawings which show a 4-stroke cycle.

 After having driven the casing (4) in rotation by actuating a starter for example, and concomitantly the crown (6), the evolution in pressure and temperature of the gaseous mass inside the engine cylinder appears.

 At first, or intake, the piston descends, the intake valve (3a) is open and the combined mixture is drawn into the cylinder. The piston causes the rotation of the crown and the casing.

 In the second stage, or compression, the piston rises, the intake valve is closed as well as that of the exhaust, the mixture is compressed in the combustion chamber. At the end of compression, the gas is ignited by the ignition spark.

 During the third stage, or explosion, the gases are brought to a high temperature by combustion and the pressure rises in the cylinder. During the downward stroke the piston receives the force corresponding to the expansion of the gases.

 In the fourth step, the exhaust valve is open, in its upward stroke, the piston expels the burnt gases outside the cylinder.

 According to the invention, it can be seen that this four-stroke cycle is therefore carried out on one revolution instead of two with maximum compression and exhaust. At each quarter turn there is an engine time. On a 2-stroke engine there are 2 engine times per revolution.

 Each time the piston (P) descends, when it is in the position of comrpession on the smallest diameter (d) of the bore (6a) of the crown (6), the pushing force (F1) sets in motion the crown assembly (-6) casing (4) due to the angular deflection and this on each quarter turn so that, with inertia, there is a continuous rotational movement the assembly acts as a flywheel d 'inertia.

 The force torque being transmitted over a series of quarter turns, this results in continuous power and very high torque at a low angular speed of rotation of the rotary assembly (4 - 6). The torque is very high due to the direct transmission of the explosion forces on a large diameter crown.

 It is obvious that the engine according to the invention can have, in a known manner, a certain number of essential accessories such as the carburetor (which can be replaced by the injection pump), the intake manifold, the collec exhaust torch, igniter. The engine can be cooled by air or by a liquid.

 It is emphasized that in cases where the motor is used as a fixed motor in industry or agriculture, a direct coupling, without clutch disc, is produced between the rotating part of the motor and the driven mechanism.

 The engine can other realized in all dimensions and materials and can be of variable power.

 The advantages are apparent from the description, in particular it is emphasized - The simplicity of construction which reduces the cost and results in energy savings.

- The use of many existing parts on current engines which reduces investment and facilitates adaptation of implementation.

- The complementarity of the engine. with existing systems.

- The cost of use and the maintenance very reduced from where an increased longevity.

- Very low consumption.

- High engine torque with very low speed.

- Very good efficiency of the thermal energy to mechanical energy ratio.

- Simple sealing.

- Possibility of operation in any position, both vertical and horizontal.

- Small footprint in thickness, which allows easy accommodation.

- The possibility of operation in two stages, four stages or more, with petrol or gas oil, at pressurized or compressed atmospheric pressure.

- The many applications where it is necessary to have a high torque with a low speed of rotation, this is the case in particular in agriculture, for pumping equipment, public works machines, etc ...

 The invention is in no way limited to that of its modes of application any more than to those of the embodiments of its various parts which have been more particularly indicated; on the contrary, it embraces all its variants.

 For example, in the case of a crown of very large diameter, a series of pistons can be arranged arranged to cooperate as indicated with one or more angular sectors to create and maintain a slow speed of rotation.

Claims (10)

-1- Internal combustion engine comprising a cylinder head with at least two cylinders in which a piston (P) moves back and forth, at least one camshaft (2) which controls the opening and closing of the valves ( 3) to obtain the intake, combustion and exhaust cycle of the gaseous mass inside the engine cylinder, characterized in that the camshaft (s) are controlled in rotation by a circular casing (4) coupled to the driven mechanism and on the other hand mounted rotatably in a fixed support, said casing being arranged externally to cooperate with a rotational drive means, and integrally has an internal crown (6), the bore of which is doubly eccentric, in a symmetrical manner and diametrically opposite to the axis of rotation of the casing, the eccentricity length (L) being - equal to the stroke (C) of the piston (P) to create the reciprocating movement of the pistons back and forth in combination with means of command (M) to which are subject to said pistons, said means being shaped to enslave said crown in rotation under the effect of the reciprocating movement of the pistons during the intake, combustion and exhaust cycles of the gaseous mass. -2- Engine according to claim 1, characterized in that the cylinder head (2) is mounted axially, with a fixed angular position, inside the housing, in particular in the bore of the crown (6). -3- Engine according to claim 2, characterized in that the cylinder head has at least two cylinders (7) mounted in a diametrically opposite manner on the sides of said cylinder head. -4- Motor according to any one of claims 1 and 3, characterized in that two opposite pistons (P), in combination with the control members to which they are subject, are, in a symmetrical manner, in the compression position on the smallest diameter (d) of the bore (6a) of the crown and, in the relaxed position on the largest diameter (D) of said bore. -5- Engine according to any one of claims 1 and 4, characterized in that in the case of a four-stroke cycle, the cylinders are mounted crosswise on each side of the cylinder head, being regularly angularly offset by 90, the piston ( P), on a quarter turn, being alternately in the compression and expansion position. -6- Motor according to claim 1, characterized in that the organs or control means (M), coupled in particular to the axes (Pa) of the pistons (P) are shaped to create in combination with the doubly eccentric profile of the bore of the crown (6) and under the pushing effect (F) of said pistons, a force (F1) which tends to drive in rotation the crown (6) integral with the casing (1). -7- Motor according to claim 6, characterized in that the point of application of the force (F1) on the internal profile of the crown is slightly angularly offset relative to the axis XX of the piston (P) to create the rotational cut. -8- Motor according to any one of claims 1, 6 and 7, characterized in that the axes (Pa) of the pistons are integral with free articulation, of a clevis (9) in which is mounted rotating a roller (10) which is supported on the internal profile 6a) of the crown (6), said clevis being connected by a link system (12) to a support console (11) fixed on a part of the cylinder head (1). -9- Motor according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that each time the piston (P) descends, when it is in the compression position on the smallest diameter (d) of the bore ( 6a) of the crown (6), the pushing force (F1) sets in motion said crown and its casing and this on each quarter turn for a four-stroke engine so that, with inertia, there is a continuous movement of rotation, the force torque being transmitted over a series of quarter turns, this results in continuous power and high torque at a low angular speed of rotation. -10- Motor according to claim 1, characterized in that in a variant, in the case of a crown of very large diameter, there is a series of pistons arranged to cooperate with a single or several angular sectors which have the internal periphery of said crown.