JP2019214941A - Internal combustion engine - Google Patents

Abstract

To make an internal combustion engine more compact while sealing a combustion chamber in a reliable manner.SOLUTION: An internal combustion engine 1 includes a cylinder 10 that can rotate around a rotation axis L, an outer peripheral member 20 arranged fixed to the periphery of the cylinder, a combustion chamber defined in the cylinder, and a driving unit. The driving unit includes a piston that is housed in the cylinder so as to slide in a rotation axis direction, and defines the combustion chamber, a slot formed on a peripheral surface of the cylinder, a cam arranged fixed to the periphery of the slot, a follower extending from the piston to the cam through the slot, and a communication hole 90a formed on the peripheral surface of the cylinder so as to communicate with the combustion chamber. The internal combustion engine 1 further includes seal members 100 and 100 for generating a dynamic pressure effect when the cylinder rotates, between the cylinder and an outside member 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 21

Description

  The present invention relates to an internal combustion engine.

  2. Description of the Related Art An internal combustion engine that converts a reciprocating motion of a piston into a rotary motion by a crank mechanism and outputs the converted motion is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). It is also known that in such an internal combustion engine, when the stroke length is set larger than the cylinder bore diameter, the fuel consumption rate is reduced.

JP 2017-207053 A

  However, for example, when the stroke length is larger than the cylinder bore diameter, the crank radius increases, and the size of the internal combustion engine increases. Therefore, there is a limit in downsizing the internal combustion engine as long as the crank mechanism is used.

  Although it may be possible to make the internal combustion engine compact by adopting a new configuration that does not use a crank mechanism, it is not preferable that the adoption of this new configuration lowers the sealing performance of the combustion chamber.

  According to the present invention, there is provided an internal combustion engine, comprising: a cylinder rotatable around a rotation axis; a combustion chamber defined in the cylinder; and a drive unit, wherein the drive unit is arranged in the direction of the rotation axis. A piston slidably received in the cylinder and defining the combustion chamber, a slot formed in a peripheral surface of the cylinder opposite to the combustion chamber with respect to the piston, and fixed around the slot; A cam having a profile that vibrates in the rotation axis direction while forming an annular shape in a circumferential direction of the rotation axis; and a cam profile extending from the piston through the slot to the cam, and the piston and the cam. And a follower configured to move along the axis of rotation with respect to the cylinder along with the piston. In the circumferential direction of the rotation axis with respect to the cylinder while permitting relative movement in the direction of rotation, and when combustion is performed in the combustion chamber, the piston moves the follower. With the profile of the cam, whereby the cylinder is rotated about the rotation axis, the rotation of the cylinder is taken out as the engine output, and the internal combustion engine is further moved to communicate with the combustion chamber. A communicating hole formed in a peripheral surface, an outer peripheral member fixed around the cylinder, and the outer peripheral member communicating with the communicating hole when a rotation angle of the cylinder is within a predetermined intake angle range. When the rotation angle of the cylinder is within a predetermined exhaust angle range, the suction hole formed in the member is connected to the communication hole so as to communicate with the communication hole. An exhaust hole formed in an outer peripheral member, between the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder and the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral member, and disposed on both sides of the communication hole, the intake hole, and the exhaust hole in the rotation axis direction. And a seal member, wherein the seal member is configured to generate a dynamic pressure effect when the cylinder rotates with respect to the outer peripheral member.

  The internal combustion engine can be made more compact while reliably sealing the combustion chamber.

1 is a schematic overall perspective view of an internal combustion engine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic exploded view of an internal combustion engine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic sectional view taken along a rotation axis of an internal combustion engine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic partial sectional view along an axis of rotation of an internal combustion engine of an embodiment according to the present invention. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view along a plane of symmetry of an internal combustion engine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a piston according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic enlarged view of a cam and a follower according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the behavior of a piston according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic view of an internal combustion engine according to an embodiment of the present invention in an intake stroke, in which (A) is a cross-sectional view illustrating a positional relationship between a communication hole and an intake hole, and (B) illustrates a positional relationship between a cam and a follower. FIG. 4C is a side view showing a positional relationship between the slot and the follower. 1 is a schematic view of an internal combustion engine according to an embodiment of the present invention in a compression stroke, in which (A) is a cross-sectional view showing a positional relationship between a communication hole and an intake hole, and (B) shows a positional relationship between a cam and a follower. FIG. 4C is a side view showing a positional relationship between the slot and the follower. It is a schematic diagram of an internal-combustion engine of an example by the present invention when a rotation angle of a cylinder is in an ignition angle range, (A) is a sectional view showing a positional relationship between a communication hole and an intake hole, and (B). FIG. 4 is a side view showing a positional relationship between a cam and a follower, and FIG. 4C is a side view showing a positional relationship between a slot and a follower. FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the internal combustion engine of the embodiment according to the present invention when the rotation angle of the cylinder is within the ignition angle range, and is a side view showing the positional relationship between the notch of the piston, the communication hole, and the ignition plug. It is a schematic diagram of an internal-combustion engine of an example by the present invention in an expansion stroke, (A) is a sectional view showing a positional relationship between a communication hole and an intake hole, etc., and (B) shows a positional relationship between a cam and a follower. FIG. 4C is a side view showing a positional relationship between the slot and the follower. 1 is a schematic view of an internal combustion engine of an embodiment according to the present invention in an exhaust stroke, in which (A) is a cross-sectional view showing a positional relationship between a communication hole and an intake hole, and (B) shows a positional relationship between a cam and a follower. FIG. 4C is a side view showing a positional relationship between the slot and the follower. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the internal combustion engine of the embodiment according to the present invention in an expansion stroke. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an internal combustion engine according to an embodiment of the present invention in a compression stroke and an exhaust stroke. 1 is a schematic view showing an internal combustion engine according to an embodiment of the present invention during an intake stroke. FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view taken along a rotation axis of an internal combustion engine of another embodiment according to the present invention. FIG. 20 is a schematic view showing another embodiment of the follower, in which (A) is a partial cross-sectional view along a rotation axis, and (B) is a cross-sectional view along line BB in FIG. 19 (A). 20A and 20B are schematic views showing another embodiment of a cam and a follower, wherein FIG. 20A is a partial cross-sectional view along a rotation axis, and FIG. 20B is a cross-sectional view along line BB-BB in FIG. . FIG. 3 is a schematic partial enlarged cross-sectional view of the internal combustion engine around a seal member. FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing one embodiment of a concavo-convex pattern of a seal member. It is a schematic plan view explaining the function of a seal member. FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view showing another embodiment of the concavo-convex pattern of the seal member.

  1 to 7 show an internal combustion engine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The internal combustion engine 1 has a cylindrical shape or a cylindrical shape having a longitudinal center axis as a whole (for example, see FIGS. 1, 3, and 4). This longitudinal center axis coincides with a rotation axis L described later. Further, the internal combustion engine 1 of the embodiment according to the present invention is formed substantially symmetrically with respect to a symmetry plane P perpendicular to the rotation axis L (for example, see FIGS. 3 and 4).

  The internal combustion engine 1 of the embodiment according to the present invention is a four-stroke engine. In another embodiment (not shown) according to the invention, the internal combustion engine 1 is a two-stroke engine. On the other hand, in the internal combustion engine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, spark ignition combustion is performed. In another embodiment (not shown) of the internal combustion engine according to the present invention, compression ignition combustion or homogeneous charge compression ignition combustion (HCCI or PCCI) is performed. As the fuel, a liquid fuel such as gasoline, light oil or alcohol, a gas fuel such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), compressed natural gas (CNG), or hydrogen is used.

  The internal combustion engine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a single cylinder 10 rotatable around the rotation axis L (for example, see FIGS. 2 to 4). The cylinder 10 has a hollow cylindrical shape as a whole. The longitudinal center axes of the cylindrical inner peripheral surface 11 and the cylindrical outer peripheral surface 12 of the cylinder 10 coincide with the rotation axis L, respectively. In the embodiment according to the present invention, the cylinder 10 is rotatable in the R direction (for example, see FIGS. 3 and 4).

  The internal combustion engine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention further includes an outer peripheral member 20 (see, for example, FIGS. 2 to 4). The outer peripheral member 20 has a hollow cylindrical shape as a whole. The longitudinal center axis of the cylindrical inner peripheral surface 21 of the outer peripheral member 20 coincides with the rotation axis L. The above-described cylinder 10 is housed in the outer peripheral member 20 so as to be rotatable around the rotation axis L. Therefore, the outer peripheral member 20 is located around the cylinder 10. On the other hand, the outer peripheral member 20 of the embodiment according to the present invention is fixed. That is, the outer peripheral member 20 is installed or mounted such that it cannot rotate around the rotation axis L and cannot move in the direction of the rotation axis L.

  The outer peripheral member 20 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of members. Specifically, the outer peripheral member 20 includes a central portion 22, two end portions 23, 23, and two housings 24, 24 (for example, see FIGS. 2 to 4). The central portion 22 has a hollow cylindrical shape whose both ends in the rotation axis L direction are open, and is disposed on the symmetry plane P. Each of the end portions 23, 23 has a hollow cylindrical shape in which the outer end in the direction of the rotation axis L is closed and the inner end in the direction of the rotation axis L is open, and is disposed with a gap 25 in the direction of the rotation axis L from the central portion 22 ( For example, see FIGS. The gap 25 has an annular shape in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis L. The housings 24, 24 each have a hollow cylindrical shape with both ends opened in the direction of the rotation axis L, and are fixed to the central portion 22 and the corresponding end portions 23, 23 by, for example, bolts 26, 26 (see, for example, FIGS. 4). As a result, the central portion 22 and the end portions 23, 23 are connected to each other by the housings 24, 24, and the gaps 25, 25 are isolated from the outside by the housings 24, 24. In this case, the inner peripheral surface 21 of the outer peripheral member 20 is constituted by the inner peripheral surface of the central portion 22 and the inner peripheral surfaces of the end portions 23, 23. In another embodiment (not shown), the outer peripheral member 20 is formed from an integral member.

  In the embodiment according to the present invention, the cylinder 10 is housed in the outer peripheral member 20 so that the outer peripheral surface 12 of the cylinder 10 slides against the inner peripheral surface of the central portion 22 (for example, see FIGS. 3 and 4). Further, the projections 13, 13 provided at both ends of the cylinder 10 in the rotation axis L direction are respectively rotated around the rotation axis L in through holes 27, 27 provided at both ends of the outer peripheral member 20 at the rotation axis L direction. Held possible (see, for example, FIGS. 2 to 4). In this manner, the cylinder 10 is held by the outer peripheral member 20 so as to be rotatable around the rotation axis L. In the embodiment according to the present invention, the outer peripheral surface 12 of the cylinder 10 and the inner peripheral surfaces of the end portions 23 are separated from each other. In the embodiment according to the present invention, an output shaft (not shown) is connected to one of the protrusions 13.

  The internal combustion engine 1 of the embodiment according to the present invention further includes a single combustion chamber 30 defined in the cylinder 10 (see, for example, FIGS. 3 and 4). The combustion chamber 30 is defined in the cylinder 10. This combustion chamber 30 is located on the symmetry plane P.

  The internal combustion engine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention further includes two driving units 40, 40 arranged along the rotation axis L (for example, see FIGS. 1 to 4).

  The drives 40, 40 in embodiments according to the invention each comprise a single piston 50 (see, for example, FIGS. 2 to 4). The piston 50 is housed in the cylinder 10 so as to be slidable in the direction of the rotation axis L. In this case, the piston 50 of one drive unit 40 and the piston 50 of the other drive unit 40 face each other in the cylinder 10, and the above-described combustion chamber 30 is provided in the cylinder 10 between the pistons 50. Is defined. The longitudinal center axis of the piston 50 coincides with the rotation axis L.

  In an embodiment according to the present invention, a recess 52 is formed in the top surface 51 of the piston 50 (see, for example, FIG. 6). The recess 52 extends in the diameter direction of the piston 50 and reaches the peripheral surface of the piston 50. As a result, two cutouts 52a and 52b are formed on the peripheral surface of the piston 50 adjacent to the top surface 51 of the piston 50 and separated by 180 degrees in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis L. In the embodiment according to the present invention, the concave portion 52 of one piston 50 and the concave portion 52 of the other piston 50 are aligned with each other in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis L. Therefore, the notches 52a and 52b of one piston 50 and the notches 52a and 52b of the other piston 50 are also aligned with each other in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis L.

  Further, each of the driving units 40, 40 of the embodiment according to the present invention further includes a plurality of slots 60 formed on the peripheral surface of the cylinder 10 while being equally spaced in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis L (for example, FIG. 2). To 4). In the embodiment according to the present invention, the slot 60 includes two slots 60a and 60b which are separated from each other by 180 degrees in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis L. Each of the slots 60a and 60b is formed on the peripheral surface of the cylinder 10 on the side opposite to the combustion chamber 30 with respect to the piston 50 (for example, see FIGS. 2 to 4). That is, the combustion chamber 30 is located on the inner side in the rotation axis L direction with respect to the piston 50, and the slots 60a and 60b are located on the outer side with respect to the piston 50 in the rotation axis L direction. The slots 60a and 60b are aligned with each other in the direction of the rotation axis L.

  Each of the slots 60a and 60b of the embodiment according to the present invention has a rectangular shape elongated in the direction of the rotation axis L, and has two engagement surfaces 61u and 61d which are separated from each other in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis L and spread in the direction of the rotation axis L. (For example, see FIGS. 4 and 7). In this case, in the rotation direction R about the rotation axis L, the engagement surface 61u is located on the upstream side, and the engagement surface 61d is located on the downstream side.

  The drives 40, 40 in embodiments according to the present invention each further comprise a single cam 70 (see, for example, FIGS. 3 and 4). The cam 70 is fixed around the slot 32. The cam 70 has a profile that vibrates in the direction of the rotation axis L while forming an annular shape in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis L. Furthermore, in an embodiment according to the invention, the profiles of the cams 70, 70 are respectively formed such that the pistons 50, 50 of the two drives 40, 40 are synchronized with each other.

  In an embodiment according to the present invention, cam 70 comprises a grooved cam. Specifically, the cam 70 includes an outer end surface 22o of the central portion 22 in the rotation axis L direction, an inner end surface 23i of the end portion 23 in the rotation axis L direction, and a gap 25 between the outer peripheral members 20 defined by these end surfaces 22o and 23i. (For example, see FIGS. 3, 4, and 7). These end surfaces 22o and 23i function as cam surfaces of the cam 70. In this case, it can be seen that the cam 70 is held by the outer peripheral member 20. In addition, it can be seen that the cam 70 of the one driving unit 40 and the cam 70 of the other driving unit 40 are held by the common outer peripheral member 20.

  Each of the driving units 40, 40 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of followers 80 provided integrally with the piston 50 while being equally spaced in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis L (for example, see FIGS. 2 to 4). . In the follower 80 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the follower 80 includes two followers 80a and 80b that are separated from each other by 180 degrees in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis L. The followers 80a and 80b are aligned with each other in the direction of the rotation axis L. Followers 80a, 80b extend from piston 50 through slots 60a, 60b to cam 70, respectively, and are configured to move according to the profile of cam 70 (see, for example, FIGS. 3, 4).

  More specifically, each of the followers 80a and 80b of the embodiment according to the present invention includes a slider 81, an arm 82, and a roller 83 (see, for example, FIGS. 3, 4, and 6). The slider 81 is fitted into a through hole 53 formed in the peripheral wall of the piston 50. The slider 81 has two engagement surfaces 81u and 81d extending in the direction of the rotation axis L. On the other hand, the arm 82 extends radially outward through the slider 81. In the embodiment according to the present invention, the arm 82 of one follower 80a and the arm 82 of the other follower 80b are formed integrally. A roller 83 is attached to the tip of the arm 82 so as to be rotatable around the longitudinal center axis L1 of the arm 82. The followers 80a and 80b are fixed to the piston 50 by the fixing sleeve 84.

  In the assembled state (for example, see FIGS. 3, 4, and 7), the roller 83 is engaged with the cam 70. That is, the peripheral surface of the roller 83 comes into contact with the cam surfaces 22o and 23i of the cam 70. As a result, the followers 80a and 80b can move together with the piston 50 according to the profile of the cam 70.

  In an assembled state (for example, see FIGS. 3, 4, and 7), the sliders 81 are accommodated in the slots 60a and 60b. As a result, the engaging surface 81u of the slider 81 engages with the engaging surface 61u of the slots 60a and 60b, and the engaging surface 81d of the slider 81 engages with the engaging surface 61d of the slots 60a and 60b. For this reason, the relative movement of the slider 81 relative to the cylinder 10 in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis L is restricted by the slots 60a and 60b. This means that when the followers 80a and 80b rotate around the rotation axis L, the cylinder 10 rotates around the rotation axis L together with the followers 80a and 80b, and when the cylinder 10 rotates around the rotation axis L, the followers 80a and 80b move together with the cylinder 10. It means that it is rotated around the rotation axis L. On the other hand, the slider 81 is allowed to move relative to the cylinder 10 in the direction of the rotation axis L. That is, the slot 60 of the embodiment according to the present invention moves relative to the cylinder 10 in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis L while allowing the follower 80 to move relative to the cylinder 10 in the direction of the rotation axis L together with the piston 50. Is configured to limit the

  The internal combustion engine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention further includes a plurality of communication holes 90 formed on the peripheral surface of the cylinder 10 so as to communicate with the combustion chamber 30 while being equally spaced in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis L. . In the embodiment according to the present invention, the communication hole 90 includes two communication holes 90a and 90b separated from each other by 180 degrees in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis L (see, for example, FIGS. 3 and 5). These communication holes 90a and 90b are aligned with each other in the direction of the rotation axis L, and are arranged, for example, on the plane of symmetry P (for example, see FIGS. 3 and 4).

  The internal combustion engine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention further includes a single intake hole 90i formed in the central portion 22 of the outer peripheral member 20 (see, for example, FIG. 5). The intake holes 90i are aligned with the communication holes 90a and 90b in the direction of the rotation axis L. In addition, the intake hole 90i of the embodiment according to the present invention communicates with the communication holes 90a and 90b when the rotation angle θ of the cylinder 10 about the rotation axis L is within a predetermined intake angle range. Then, the outer peripheral member 20 is formed. In the embodiment according to the present invention, as described above, the outer peripheral surface 12 of the cylinder 10 is in sliding contact with the inner peripheral surface 21 of the central portion 22 of the outer peripheral member 20. Therefore, when the communication holes 90a, 90b face the inner peripheral surface 21 of the outer peripheral member 20, the communication holes 90a, 90b are closed by the inner peripheral surface 21, and the combustion chamber 30 is sealed. On the other hand, when the cylinder 10 rotates around the rotation axis L and the communication holes 90a, 90b face the intake holes 90i, the communication holes 90a, 90b communicate with the intake holes 90i, and therefore, the combustion chamber 30 connects the communication holes 90a, 90a, 90b. It communicates with the intake hole 90i via 90b. An intake pipe 91i is connected to the intake hole 90i. (See, for example, FIGS. 1 and 5) Inside the intake pipe 91i, for example, a fuel injection valve (not shown) for injecting fuel into the intake pipe 91i, and for controlling the amount of intake air flowing through the intake pipe 91i. A throttle valve (not shown) and the like are arranged.

  The internal combustion engine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention further includes a single exhaust hole 90e formed in the central portion 22 of the outer peripheral member 20 (for example, see FIG. 5). The exhaust holes 90e are aligned with the communication holes 90a and 90b in the direction of the rotation axis L, and are also aligned with the intake holes 90i. Further, the exhaust hole 90e of the embodiment according to the present invention is provided with the outer peripheral member 20 such that the exhaust hole 90e communicates with the communication holes 90a and 90b when the rotation angle θ of the cylinder 10 is within a predetermined exhaust angle range. Formed or positioned. When the cylinder 10 rotates around the rotation axis L and the communication holes 90a, 90b face the exhaust holes 90e, the communication holes 90a, 90b communicate with the exhaust holes 90e, and therefore, the combustion chamber 30 is connected via the communication holes 90a, 90b. It communicates with the exhaust hole 90e. An exhaust pipe 91e is connected to the exhaust hole 90e (for example, see FIGS. 1 and 5). In the exhaust pipe 91e, for example, a catalyst (not shown) for purifying exhaust gas is disposed.

  The internal combustion engine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention further includes a single spark plug receiving hole 90s formed in the outer peripheral member 20 (for example, see FIG. 5). The ignition plug housing hole 90s is aligned with the communication holes 90a and 90b in the direction of the rotation axis L, and thus also aligned with the intake hole 90i and the exhaust hole 90e. The ignition plug 91s is hermetically accommodated in the ignition plug accommodation hole 90s. The ignition plug housing hole 90s of the embodiment according to the present invention is provided with the outer peripheral member 20 so that the ignition plug 91s faces the communication holes 90a and 90b when the rotation angle θ of the cylinder 10 is within a predetermined ignition angle range. Formed or positioned.

  FIG. 8 shows the behavior of the piston 50 of the embodiment according to the present invention. 8, the horizontal axis represents the rotation angle θ of the cylinder 10 with respect to a certain top dead center TDCe, and the vertical axis represents the displacement of the top surface 51 of the piston 50 with respect to the symmetry plane P in the rotation axis L direction. , Respectively. As described above, the piston 50 moves with the follower 80 according to the profile of the cam 70. Therefore, the behavior of the piston 50 shown in FIG. As can be seen from FIG. 8, as the cylinder 10 rotates around the rotation axis L, the piston 50 reciprocates in the direction of the rotation axis L.

  As described above, the internal combustion engine 1 of the embodiment according to the present invention is a four-stroke engine. In a four-stroke engine, an intake stroke, a compression stroke, an expansion stroke, and an exhaust stroke constituting one combustion cycle are sequentially and repeatedly performed. In the embodiment according to the present invention, the intake stroke corresponds to from top dead center TDCe to bottom dead center BDCc. The compression stroke corresponds to from the bottom dead center BDCc to the top dead center TDCc. The expansion stroke corresponds to from top dead center TDCc to bottom dead center BDCE. The exhaust stroke corresponds to the operation from the bottom dead center BDCE to the top dead center TDCe. Therefore, in the embodiment according to the present invention, the top dead center TDCe is the exhaust top dead center, the bottom dead center BDCc is the compression bottom dead center, the top dead center TDCc is the compression top dead center, and the bottom dead center BDCE is This means that it is the bottom dead center of exhaust.

  Further, in the embodiment according to the present invention, when the cylinder 10 rotates 180 degrees around the rotation axis L, one combustion cycle is performed. In other words, the profile of the cam 70 is formed such that two combustion cycles are performed each time the cylinder 10 makes one rotation about the rotation axis L. Therefore, the profile of the cam 70 when the rotation angle θ of the cylinder 10 is 0 to 180 degrees is equal to the profile of the cam 70 when the rotation angle θ of the cylinder 10 is 180 to 360 degrees. In other words, the position of the piston 50 or the followers 80a, 80b in the rotation axis L direction at a certain rotation angle θ (0 ≦ θ ≦ 180 degrees), and the position of the piston 50 or the followers 80a, 80b in the rotation axis L direction at a rotation angle θ + 180 degrees. , Are equal to each other. In other words, in an embodiment according to the present invention, the profile of the cam 70 is formed 180 degrees symmetric about the rotation axis L. However, the profile of the cam 70 of the embodiment according to the present invention is not 90 degree symmetric about the rotation axis L.

  Further, in the embodiment according to the present invention, the above-described intake angle range IN is set from the exhaust top dead center TDCo to the compression bottom dead center BDCc, that is, the intake stroke (see, for example, FIG. 8). In another embodiment (not shown), the intake angle range IN starts from the rotation angle θ of the cylinder 10 which is different from the exhaust top dead center TDCe. Further, in another embodiment (not shown), the intake angle range IN ends at the rotation angle θ of the cylinder 10 different from the compression bottom dead center BDCc. Further, in the embodiment according to the present invention, the exhaust angle range EX is set from the exhaust bottom dead center BDCe to the exhaust top dead center TDCe, that is, the exhaust stroke (for example, see FIG. 8). In another embodiment (not shown), the exhaust angle range EX starts from the rotation angle θ of the cylinder 10 different from the exhaust bottom dead center BDCE. Further, in another embodiment (not shown), the exhaust angle range EX ends at the rotation angle θ of the cylinder 10 different from the exhaust top dead center TDCo.

  Further, in the embodiment according to the present invention, the ignition angle range SP is set around the compression top dead center TDCc (for example, see FIG. 8). In another embodiment (not shown), the ignition angle range SP is set to a rotation angle θ of the cylinder 10 different from that around the compression top dead center TDCc.

  9 (A), 9 (B) and 9 (C) schematically show the internal combustion engine 1 of the embodiment according to the present invention in the intake stroke. In the intake stroke, the pistons 50, 50 move away from each other. As a result, the volume of the combustion chamber 30 increases. At this time, the communication hole 90a communicates with the intake hole 90i. As a result, intake gas (for example, air-fuel mixture) flows into the combustion chamber 30 from the intake pipe 91i.

  10 (A), 10 (B) and 10 (C) schematically show the internal combustion engine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention in the compression stroke. In the compression stroke, the pistons 50, 50 move closer to each other. At this time, the communication holes 90a and 90b are closed, so that the intake gas in the combustion chamber 30 is compressed.

  FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C show the internal combustion engine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention when the rotation angle θ of the cylinder 10 is within the ignition angle range SP or around the compression top dead center TDCc. Is shown schematically. Around the compression top dead center TDCc where the ignition angle range SP is set, the combustion chamber 30 is mainly defined in the recesses 52, 52 of the pistons 50, 50 facing each other. On the other hand, in the embodiment according to the present invention, when the rotation angle θ of the cylinder 10 is within the ignition angle range SP, the pistons 50, 52b are arranged such that the notches 52a, 52b of the piston 50 face the communication holes 90a, 90b, respectively. 50 are respectively formed. As a result, when the rotation angle θ of the cylinder 10 reaches the ignition angle range SP, the ignition plug 91s faces the combustion chamber 30 via the communication hole 90a and the notch 52a or the communication hole 90b and the notch 52b (FIG. 11, 12). At this time, an ignition action is performed by the ignition plug 91s. As a result, the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber 30 is ignited and burned.

  FIGS. 13A, 13B and 13C schematically show the internal combustion engine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention in the expansion stroke. In the expansion stroke, the communication holes 90a and 90b are closed. Therefore, the pistons 50 and 50 move away from each other by combustion.

  14 (A), 14 (B) and 14 (C) schematically show the internal combustion engine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention in the exhaust stroke. In the exhaust stroke, the pistons 50, 50 move closer to each other. At this time, the communication hole 90b communicates with the exhaust hole 90e. As a result, exhaust gas flows from the combustion chamber 30 into the exhaust pipe 91e.

  In the next combustion cycle, the intake hole 90i communicates with the communication hole 90b in the intake stroke, the ignition plug 91s faces the combustion chamber 30 through the communication hole 90b around the compression top dead center TDCc, and the exhaust hole 90e in the exhaust stroke. Communicates with the communication hole 90a.

  Here, if the number of combustion cycles performed each time the cylinder 10 makes one rotation around the rotation axis L is referred to as the number of combustion cycles, the number of combustion cycles in the embodiment according to the present invention is set to 2 (for example, FIG. 8). reference). In another embodiment (not shown), the number of combustion cycles is set to one or more. Further, in the embodiment according to the present invention, a single intake hole 90i, a single exhaust hole 90e, and a single ignition plug accommodating hole 90s are provided, and the communication holes of the number of combustion cycles are formed in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis L. Are provided at equal intervals. In another embodiment (not shown), an intake hole having the number of combustion cycles, an exhaust hole having the number of combustion cycles, and a spark plug receiving hole 90s having the number of combustion cycles are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis L. In addition, a single communication hole is provided.

  Next, the internal combustion engine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be further described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 17 show, for example, the right driving unit 40 in FIGS. 3 and 4. Further, outward in the direction of the rotation axis L indicates a direction from the top dead center to the bottom dead center, and inward in the direction of the rotation axis L indicates a direction from the bottom dead center to the top dead center.

  In the expansion stroke, as shown in FIG. 15, a force F11 directed outward in the direction of the rotation axis L acts on the piston 50 and the followers 80a and 80b integrated therewith, due to the combustion generated in the combustion chamber 30. As a result, through the engagement between the rollers 83, 83 of the followers 80a, 80b and the cam surface 23i of the cam 70, a drag F12 in the direction perpendicular to the cam surface 23i acts on the followers 80a, 80b. As a result, through the engagement between the engagement surfaces 81d, 81d of the sliders 81, 81 of the followers 80a, 80b and the engagement surfaces 61d, 61d of the slots 60a, 60b of the cylinder 10, the circumferential direction of the rotation axis L is Force F13 acts on the cylinder 10. Therefore, the cylinder 10 is rotated in the circumferential direction R of the rotation axis L. That is, when the combustion is performed in the combustion chamber 30, the piston 50 is moved according to the profile of the cam 70 together with the followers 80a and 80b, whereby the cylinder 10 is rotated around the rotation axis L. In this way, the movement of the piston 50 in the direction of the rotation axis L is converted into a rotation about the rotation axis L. This rotational movement is taken out as an engine output by an output shaft (not shown) connected to the protrusion 13 of the cylinder 10 (for example, see FIGS. 2 to 4).

  On the other hand, in the compression stroke and the exhaust stroke, as shown in FIG. 16, the rotation of the rotation axis L of the cylinder 10 in the circumferential direction R causes the engagement surfaces 61u, 61u of the slots 60a, 60b of the cylinder 10 and the follower 80a, The force F21 in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis L acts on the followers 80a and 80b via the engagement between the sliders 80 and the engagement surfaces 81u of the sliders 81. As a result, through the engagement between the rollers 83, 83 of the followers 80a, 80b and the cam surface 23i of the cam 70, a drag F22 in a direction perpendicular to the cam surface 23i acts on the followers 80a, 80b. As a result, an inward force F23 in the direction of the rotation axis L acts on the followers 80a, 80b and the piston 50. Therefore, the piston 50 is moved inward in the direction of the rotation axis L.

  In the intake stroke, as shown in FIG. 17, the rotation of the rotation axis L of the cylinder 10 in the circumferential direction R causes the engagement surfaces 61u, 61u of the slots 60a, 60b of the cylinder 10 and the sliders 81, of the followers 80a, 80b. The force F31 in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis L acts on the followers 80a, 80b via the engagement between the engagement surface 81u and the engagement surface 81u. As a result, through the engagement between the rollers 83, 83 of the followers 80a, 80b and the cam surface 22o of the cam 70, a drag F32 in a direction perpendicular to the cam surface 22o acts on the followers 80a, 80b. As a result, an outward force F33 in the direction of the rotation axis L acts on the followers 80a and 80b and the piston 50. Therefore, the piston 50 is moved outward in the direction of the rotation axis L.

  Thus, in the embodiment according to the present invention, the reciprocating motion of the piston 50 is converted into the rotary motion without using the link mechanism. Therefore, the internal combustion engine 1 can be made more compact. Further, unlike a conventional internal combustion engine using a link mechanism, no thrust force is generated in the piston. Further, since the cylinder 10 itself is rotated, the number of parts is reduced.

  Further, in the embodiment according to the present invention, as described above, the two driving units 40, 40, and thus the two pistons 50, 50 are provided, and the cams 70, 70 are synchronized so that the phases of the pistons 50, 50 are synchronized with each other. Is formed. As a result, the pistons 50, 50 move away from each other in the intake stroke and the expansion stroke, and move closer to each other in the compression stroke and the exhaust stroke. Therefore, the vibration due to the reciprocating motion of the pistons 50, 50 is canceled.

  Referring again to FIG. 8, in the embodiment according to the present invention, the stroke length STc from the compression bottom dead center BDCc to the compression top dead center TDCc is larger than the stroke length STe from the compression top dead center TDCc to the exhaust bottom dead center BDDCe. The profiles of the cams 70, 70 are formed so as to be shorter. As a result, in the internal combustion engine 1, a Miller cycle in which the expansion ratio is larger than the compression ratio is realized. Therefore, the operation efficiency of the internal combustion engine 1 is further improved. In another embodiment (not shown), the stroke length STc from the compression bottom dead center BDCc to the compression top dead center TDCc is equal to the stroke length STe from the compression top dead center TDCc to the exhaust bottom dead center BDCE. Then, a profile of the cams 70, 70 is formed. In this case, in the internal combustion engine 1, an Otto cycle in which the expansion ratio and the compression ratio are equal to each other is realized.

  The internal combustion engine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes an electronic control unit (not shown). The electronic control unit comprises a digital computer and includes a processor, a memory, an input port, and an output port connected to each other. For example, a rotation angle sensor (not shown) for detecting the rotation angle of the cylinder 10 and a load sensor for detecting the load of the internal combustion engine 1 are connected to the input port, and the output port is connected to, for example, a spark plug 91s, fuel injection A valve and a throttle valve are connected. Various controls are executed by executing the program stored in the memory of the electronic control unit by the processor of the electronic control unit.

  FIG. 18 shows an internal combustion engine 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The internal combustion engine 1 of another embodiment differs from the internal combustion engine 1 of the above-described embodiment in that a single drive unit 40 is provided. In this case, the combustion chamber 30 is defined between the top surface of the piston 50 and the end surface 14 of the cylinder 10 in the rotation axis L direction. The other configuration of the internal combustion engine 1x is the same as the configuration of the internal combustion engine 1, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  FIGS. 19A and 19B show another embodiment of the follower 80a. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the arm 82 of the follower 80a includes two branch portions 82a, 82a, and the branch portions 82a, 82a rotatably hold the rollers 83a, 83a, respectively. . One roller 83a is engaged with one cam surface 22o of the cam 70, and the other roller 83a is engaged with the other cam surface 23i.

  FIGS. 20A and 20B show another embodiment of the cam 70 and the follower 80a. Also in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B, the arm 82 of the follower 80a includes two branch portions 82a, 82a, and the branch portions 82a, 82a rotatably hold the rollers 83a, 83a, respectively. . On the other hand, the cam 70 has a shape of a protrusion protruding from the inner peripheral surface 21 of the outer peripheral member 20. Both side surfaces of the projection constitute a cam surface. One roller 83a is engaged with one cam surface of the cam 70, and the other roller 83a is engaged with the other cam surface.

  In the various embodiments according to the present invention described above, fuel is injected into the intake pipe 91i from a fuel injection valve attached to the intake pipe 91i. In another embodiment (not shown) according to the present invention, fuel is directly injected into the combustion chamber 30 from a fuel injection valve attached to the outer peripheral member 20. In this case, the fuel injection valve is housed in a fuel injection valve housing hole formed in the outer peripheral member 20, and faces the communication holes 90a and 90b when the rotation angle of the cylinder 10 is within a predetermined injection angle range. So that it is arranged on the inner peripheral surface 21 of the outer peripheral member 20.

  Also, in the various embodiments according to the invention described thus far, the profile of the cam 70 is formed symmetrically with respect to the rotation axis L in the circumferential direction but not with 90 degrees but with 180 degrees. In another embodiment (not shown) according to the invention, the profile of the cam 70 is formed with a predetermined set angle symmetry in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis L. In one example, one example of the set angle is 90 degrees. In yet another embodiment (not shown), the profile of the cam 70 is formed asymmetrically in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis L.

  On the other hand, in the various embodiments according to the present invention described above, the driving unit 40 includes two slots 60a and 60b. In another embodiment (not shown) according to the invention, the drive 40 comprises one or more slots 60.

  In the various embodiments according to the present invention described above, the driving unit 40 includes two followers 80a and 80b. In another embodiment (not shown) according to the invention, the drive 40 comprises a single or three or more followers 80. Here, the number of followers 80 is equal to or less than the number of slots 60.

  However, if the profile of the cam 70 is 180 degrees symmetric about the rotation axis L instead of 90 degrees, the number of followers 80 is one or two. If the profile of the cam 70 is 90 degrees symmetric about the rotation axis L, the number of followers 80 is one, two, or four. Therefore, when expressed comprehensively, the profile of the cam 70 is formed at a predetermined set angle symmetry in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis L, and the followers 80 are equally spaced from each other in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis L. A plurality of followers are provided, and the number of followers is determined according to the set angle. When the number of followers 80 increases, the load acting on each of the followers 80 is reduced and suppressed.

  In another embodiment (not shown) according to the present invention, the slider 81 of the follower 80 is omitted. In this case, for example, the arm 82 is engaged with the engagement surfaces 61u and 61d of the slot 60a. In yet another embodiment (not shown) according to the present invention, the rollers 83 of the follower 80 are omitted. In this case, for example, the arm 82 engages with the cam surface of the cam 70.

  Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, the internal combustion engine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes seal members 100, 100. The seal members 100 and 100 each extend between the outer peripheral surface 12 of the cylinder 10 and the inner peripheral surface 21 of the outer peripheral member 20 in an annular direction in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis L. Further, the seal members 100, 100 are arranged on both sides of the communication holes 90a, 90b, the intake hole 90i, and the exhaust hole 90e in the direction of the rotation axis L. The same applies to another embodiment shown in FIG.

  FIG. 21 is a schematic partial enlarged sectional view around the seal member 100 of the embodiment according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 21, in the embodiment according to the present invention, a concave groove 101 extending annularly in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis L is formed on the outer peripheral surface 12 of the cylinder 10. And is fixed to the cylinder 10. In this case, the outer peripheral surface 102 of the seal member 100 provides a sliding surface against the inner peripheral surface 21 of the outer peripheral member 20. In FIG. 21, SC indicates a region on the side of the communication passages 90a and 90b with respect to the seal member 100, that is, a region on the combustion chamber 30 side, and SO indicates a region on the outside air side with respect to the seal member 100.

  In an embodiment according to the present invention, a concavo-convex pattern or texture is formed on the outer peripheral surface 102 of the seal member 100 that provides a sliding surface. In the example shown in FIG. 21, the concavo-convex pattern includes a plurality of V-shaped recesses 103 that are separated from each other along the longitudinal direction or the traveling direction of the seal member 100, and each of the recesses 103 , That is, the rotation direction R of the cylinder 10 is directed downstream. Such a concavo-convex pattern is also called a herringbone. In another embodiment (not shown), the concavo-convex pattern has a V-shaped protrusion.

  Such a concavo-convex pattern generates a dynamic pressure effect when the cylinder 100 rotates around the rotation axis L. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 21, when the cylinder 10 is rotated in the rotation direction R, a dynamic pressure is generated between the outer peripheral surface 102 of the seal member 100 and the inner peripheral surface 21 of the outer peripheral member 20. As a result, pressure acts from the seal member 100 toward the periphery of the seal member 100, as indicated by arrows in FIG. Therefore, communication between the combustion chamber side area SC and the outside air side area SO is reliably restricted by the seal member 100. That is, the combustion chamber 30 is reliably sealed.

  For example, in the intake stroke, the pressure in the outside air side region SO is higher than the pressure in the combustion chamber side region SC, and therefore, gas may flow into the combustion chamber 30 from the gap between the cylinder 10 and the outer peripheral member 20. On the other hand, for example, in the expansion stroke, the pressure in the combustion chamber side region SC is higher than the pressure in the outside air side region SO, and therefore, the gas in the combustion chamber 30 may flow out of the gap between the cylinder 10 and the outer peripheral member 20. . In this regard, in the embodiment according to the present invention, as described above, since the seal member 100 is provided between the cylinder 10 and the outer peripheral member 20, the combustion chamber 30 can be reliably sealed.

  FIG. 24 shows various alternative embodiments of the concavo-convex pattern. In the example shown in FIG. 24A, the concave / convex pattern includes a plurality of linear concave portions 103 that are separated from each other along the longitudinal direction of the seal member 100, and the concave portions 113 are inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the seal member 100. Respectively. Such a pattern is also called a spiral. In the example shown in FIG. 24B, the uneven pattern includes two herringbones 104, 104 arranged in the width direction of the seal member 100. In the example shown in FIG. 24C, the concavo-convex pattern includes two spirals 105, 105 arranged in the width direction of the seal member 100, and a concave portion extending between the spirals 105, 105 in the longitudinal direction of the seal member 100. 106, 106. The concave grooves 106 generate almost no dynamic pressure effect. As described above, the concavo-convex pattern of the seal member 100 can be obtained by combining various patterns that produce a dynamic pressure effect with various patterns that do not produce a dynamic pressure effect.

  In another embodiment (not shown) according to the present invention, the seal member 100 is fixed to the outer peripheral member 20, and the inner peripheral surface of the seal member 100 provides a sliding surface for the outer peripheral surface 12 of the cylinder 10. In yet another embodiment (not shown), some or all of the recesses described above are replaced with protrusions. In yet another embodiment (not shown), seal member 100 is configured to generate a labyrinth effect as well as a dynamic pressure effect.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Internal combustion engine 10 Cylinder 20 Peripheral member 30 Combustion chamber 40 Drive unit 50 Piston 60 Slot 70 Cam 80 Follower 90a, 90b Communication hole 90i Intake hole 90e Exhaust hole 100 Seal member L Rotation axis

Claims (1)

An internal combustion engine,
A cylinder rotatable about a rotation axis,
A combustion chamber defined in the cylinder;
A drive unit;
With
The drive unit is
A piston that is slidably accommodated in the cylinder in the direction of the rotation axis and that defines the combustion chamber;
A slot formed in a peripheral surface of the cylinder opposite to the combustion chamber with respect to the piston;
A cam fixed around the slot, the cam having a profile that vibrates in the rotation axis direction while forming an annular shape in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis;
A follower extending from the piston through the slot to the cam and configured to move with the piston according to the profile of the cam;
With
The slot is configured to limit relative movement in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis with respect to the cylinder while allowing the follower to move relative to the cylinder in the rotation axis direction with the piston. Yes,
When combustion takes place in the combustion chamber, the piston moves with the follower according to the profile of the cam, thereby rotating the cylinder about the rotation axis,
The rotation of the cylinder is taken out as an engine output,
The internal combustion engine further comprises:
A communication hole formed in the peripheral surface of the cylinder so as to communicate with the combustion chamber;
An outer peripheral member fixed around the cylinder;
An intake hole formed in the outer peripheral member so as to communicate with the communication hole when the rotation angle of the cylinder is within a predetermined intake angle range;
An exhaust hole formed in the outer peripheral member so as to communicate with the communication hole when the rotation angle of the cylinder is within a predetermined exhaust angle range;
A seal member disposed between the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder and the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral member and on both sides of the communication hole, the intake hole and the exhaust hole in the rotational axis direction,
With
The seal member is configured to generate a dynamic pressure effect when the cylinder rotates with respect to the outer peripheral member,
Internal combustion engine.

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