JP4019098B1 - engine - Google Patents

Abstract

A high-efficiency engine capable of reducing energy loss when converting linear motion of a piston into rotational motion of a drive shaft is provided.
Steam can be alternately introduced into two piston accommodating chambers 211 and 212 while continuously rotating a valve 301 in one direction to generate a rotational force of a drive shaft 151. Therefore, the loss of inertia energy of the valve can be made extremely small compared with the case where the rotation of the valve is stopped or the direction of rotation is switched, so that the engine efficiency can be increased.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an engine that efficiently converts linear motion of a piston into rotational motion of a drive shaft.

  Generally, a steam engine supplies high-pressure steam to a cylinder to linearly move a piston, converts the linear motion into a rotational motion by a crank mechanism, and rotates a drive shaft. Further, the direction of the linear motion of the piston is reversed by the inertial force of the flywheel provided in the crank mechanism, and the steam is discharged from the cylinder.

  However, the conventional steam engine as described above has a problem in that it cannot efficiently convert linear motion into rotational motion because energy loss occurs when the traveling direction of the piston is reversed in the crank mechanism. Further, when the steam discharged from the cylinder is released into the atmosphere, there is a problem that the rotation of the drive shaft becomes pulsating. Furthermore, there is a problem that the weight of the apparatus increases due to the flywheel, and a problem that the structure of the apparatus becomes complicated due to the crank mechanism.

  In order to solve the above problems, the applicant of the present application disclosed a double cylinder type engine in Patent Document 1 below. In this engine, the rear chambers of two cylinders are connected by a connecting pipe, and high-pressure fluid is alternately introduced into the front chambers of both cylinders. When the pistons of the two cylinders reciprocate, the two racks alternately reciprocate in conjunction with this, and the gears meshing with the two racks rotate in both directions. This bidirectional rotational motion is transmitted to the drive shaft as a unidirectional rotational motion.

According to said structure, the loss at the time of reversing the moving direction of a piston becomes very small compared with a crank mechanism. Further, since the steam is discharged from the other cylinder using the pressure of the steam introduced into one cylinder, the rotation of the drive shaft can be prevented from becoming pulsating. Furthermore, since a flywheel and a crank mechanism are not required, the apparatus can be reduced in weight and simplified.
JP-A-2005-331098

  By the way, the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1 is provided with a rotary switching valve on a high-pressure fluid path as means for alternately supplying high-pressure fluid to two cylinders. This switching valve has a rotatable cylindrical valve containing two pipes inserted on the path of the high-pressure fluid, and two operating rods extending in the radial direction of the valve. When the two racks are alternately reciprocated, the rods provided in the racks reciprocate in conjunction with the two racks, and alternately push the two operation rods of the switching valve. When one operating rod is pressed, the valve rotates in one direction, and when the other operating rod is pressed, the valve rotates in the opposite direction. In this way, when the rotational position of the valve is alternately switched, the connection state of the two pipes included in the valve is switched. That is, when the valve is in the first rotational position, high-pressure fluid is introduced into the first cylinder via the first pipe and fluid is discharged from the second cylinder via the second pipe. Is in the second rotational position, high-pressure fluid is introduced into the second cylinder through the second pipe and fluid is discharged from the first cylinder through the first pipe.

  In the rotary switching valve described above, the rotation direction of the valve is alternately switched in conjunction with two racks that reciprocate alternately. If the rotation direction is switched in this way, the rotational energy given to the valve is not stored as an inertial motion and is lost every time it is switched, which causes a reduction in engine efficiency.

  This invention is made | formed in view of this situation, The objective is to provide the highly efficient engine which can reduce the energy loss at the time of converting the linear motion of a piston into the rotational motion of a drive shaft.

In order to achieve the above-described object, an engine according to the present invention includes a first piston housing chamber that is divided into a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber by a first piston that is housed, and a second piston that is housed. A second piston accommodating chamber divided into three pressure chambers and a fourth pressure chamber; a communication portion communicating the second pressure chamber and the fourth pressure chamber; and reciprocating in conjunction with the first piston. A first rack, a second rack that reciprocates in conjunction with the second piston, a first pinion that meshes with the first rack, a second pinion that meshes with the second rack, the first pinion and the first A shaft having two pinions in common, a drive shaft that converts bidirectional rotation of each pinion into one direction of rotation and transmits it to the load, and at least four fluid passages that penetrate the curved surface on the outer periphery. A cylindrical bar that can rotate around the shaft. A valve, a valve housing chamber that houses the valve, a plurality of ring members that are circumferentially attached to the valve so as to protrude convexly with respect to the curved surface of the outer periphery of the valve, A power transmission mechanism for rotating the valve in one direction, wherein the valve housing chamber has a first port for introducing fluid into the first fluid path, and for discharging the fluid from the second fluid path. A second port; a third port for introducing fluid into the third fluid path; a fourth port for discharging fluid from the fourth fluid path; and for introducing fluid into the first pressure chamber. A fifth port, a sixth port for discharging fluid from the first pressure chamber, a seventh port for introducing fluid into the third pressure chamber, and discharging the fluid from the third pressure chamber An eighth port for the plurality of ring members, The region on the first flow path side where the first port and the fifth port are located is isolated from the region on the second flow path side where the second port and the sixth port are located. As described above, the first ring member that is circumferentially attached to the valve, the second flow path side region where the second port and the sixth port are located, the third port, and the seventh port A second ring member that is circumferentially attached to the valve so as to isolate a region on the third flow path side where the port is located, and the third port where the third port and the seventh port are located. A third ring member that is circumferentially attached to the valve so as to isolate a region on the flow channel side and a region on the fourth flow channel side where the fourth port and the eighth port are located The first flow when the valve is in the first rotational position. A path is inserted between the first port and the fifth port, and the fourth fluid path is inserted between the eighth port and the fourth port, via the first fluid path of the valve When the fluid is introduced into the first pressure chamber, the fluid is discharged from the third pressure chamber via the fourth fluid path of the valve, and when the valve is in the second rotational position, the third fluid A passage is inserted between the third port and the seventh port, and the second fluid passage is inserted between the sixth port and the second port, via the third fluid passage of the valve. Fluid is introduced into the third pressure chamber, and fluid is discharged from the first pressure chamber via the second fluid path of the valve.

In the engine of the present invention, preferably, each of the four fluid paths passes through the valve in a direction perpendicular to the cylinder axis, and the first fluid path and the second fluid path are perpendicular to each other. The third fluid path and the fourth fluid path extend perpendicular to each other.

  According to the present invention, since the fluid is alternately introduced into the two piston housing chambers by rotating the valve having the fluid path in one direction, the loss of inertia energy of the valve can be reduced and the efficiency can be increased. .

Hereinafter, an engine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an engine according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, the inside is illustrated with a part of the outer periphery cut away in order to facilitate understanding of the main part.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the engine shown in FIG.
3 is a cross-sectional view of the engine shown in FIG. 1 and shows a cross section along an axial direction of a valve 302 to be described later. However, in FIG. 3, the illustration of the manifold portion 400 is omitted for simplification of illustration.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a main part of the engine shown in FIG.
In addition, the same code | symbol in each figure shows the same component.

  The engine shown in FIG. 1 includes a gear unit 100, a cylinder unit 200, a valve unit 300, a manifold unit 400, and a power transmission mechanism 500. In the example of FIG. 1, the gear part 100 is arrange | positioned at the lowest, and the cylinder part 200, the valve | bulb part 300, and the manifold part 400 are piled up in order on it.

[Gear part 100]
The gear unit 100 converts a reciprocating motion of four pistons (221 to 224) described later into a rotational motion in one direction of the drive shaft 151.
For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the gear unit 100 includes a frame plate 102, a bottom plate 101, and side plates 103 and 104 as components of a casing forming an outer frame, and a gear mechanism that converts reciprocating motion into rotation. The components include racks 111 to 114, pinions 121 to 126, a drive shaft 151, bearing portions 161 and 162, and guide roller portions 141 to 147.

  The frame plate 102 is bent in a U shape as shown in FIG. 2, and is fixed on the bottom plate 101 with the opening side of the U shape facing downward. The side plates 103 and 104 are perpendicular to the frame plate 102 and the bottom plate 101, and reinforce them from both sides. As shown in the figure, the frame 102, the bottom plate 101, and the side plates 103 and 104 form a rectangular parallelepiped housing of the gear unit 100.

  The U-shaped frame plate 102 forms the three surfaces of the housing described above, and holes for inserting the drive shaft 151 are formed in two opposing side surfaces, respectively. The bearing portions 161 and 162 are fitted into these two holes, and both ends of the drive shaft 151 are rotatably held.

  The drive shaft 151 supports the pinions 121, 122, 123, and 124 in common, and converts the bi-directional rotation of each pinion into a unidirectional rotation. The rotation of the drive shaft 151 is transmitted to a load (not shown) (for example, a generator motor). The drive shaft 151 constitutes a one-way clutch bearing that transmits only rotation in one direction of each pinion, for example. That is, the drive shaft 151 engages and rotates when the pinion rotates in a certain direction (for example, counterclockwise in FIG. 1), but does not engage when the pinion rotates in the reverse direction. In the latter case, the pinion idles without transmitting rotational force to the drive shaft 151.

The racks 111, 112, 113, 114 mesh with the pinions 121, 122, 123, 124, respectively.
In the example of FIGS. 1 and 2, the racks 111, 112, 113, and 114 are vertically long rectangular parallelepipeds, and teeth are engraved on one side surface portion that extends vertically, and meshes with the pinions 121, 122, 123, and 124. . As the racks 111, 112, 113, and 114 reciprocate in the longitudinal direction, the pinions 121, 122, 123, and 124 that mesh with the racks 111, 112, 113, and 114 rotate, respectively.
The racks 111, 112, 113, and 114 are arranged in parallel with the axial direction of the drive shaft 151 in this order. The longitudinal direction of each rack is in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the drive shaft 151.

Teeth that mesh with the pinion 125 are engraved on the side surfaces of the racks 111 and 112 adjacent to each other. The pinion 125 is sandwiched between the racks 111 and 112 and reciprocates both racks in opposite directions.
Teeth that mesh with the pinion 126 are engraved on the side surfaces of the racks 113 and 114 that are adjacent to each other. The pinion 126 is sandwiched between the racks 113 and 114 and reciprocates both racks in opposite directions.

The guide rollers 141 to 147 guide the reciprocating track of each rack.
The racks 111, 112, 113, and 114 are sandwiched between the pinions 121, 122, 123, and 124 and the guide rollers 141, 142, 143, and 144, respectively. The guide rollers 141, 142, 143, and 144 are in contact with the surfaces of the racks 111, 112, 113, and 114 that are opposite to the tooth surfaces, and restrict the movement of the rack in the direction away from the drive shaft 151, and Roll the side of the rack according to the reciprocating motion of the rack. In the example of FIG. 2, the guide rollers 141, 142, 143, and 144 are arranged side by side on the side plate 104.
In the example of FIG. 3, the guide roller 147 is sandwiched between the side surfaces adjacent to each other of the racks 112 and 113, and regulates the movement of both racks in the horizontal direction (the axial direction of the drive shaft 151) in the figure. Roll the sides of both racks according to the reciprocation of both racks.
The guide roller 145 is in contact with a surface opposite to the tooth surface of the rack 111 that meshes with the pinion 125, restricts the movement of the rack 111 in the direction away from the pinion 125 axis, and reciprocates the rack 111. In response, the side surface of the rack 111 is rolled.
The guide roller 146 is in contact with the surface opposite to the tooth surface of the rack 114 that meshes with the pinion 126, restricts the movement of the rack 114 in the direction away from the axis of the pinion 126, and reciprocates the rack 114. In response, the side surface of the rack 114 is rolled.

  Four holes 131, 132, 133, and 134 for inserting piston rods 231 to 234, which will be described later, are formed on the upper surface of the housing of the gear unit 100 (the surface of the central portion of the U-shaped frame plate 102). The In the example of FIG. 2, the holes 131, 132, 133, and 134 are formed in parallel with the axial direction of the drive shaft 151.

[Cylinder part 200]
The cylinder part 200 reciprocates the pistons (221 to 224) according to the force of the high-pressure steam supplied from the valve part 301.
For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cylinder part 200 includes a cylinder body 201 in which cylinder chambers (piston accommodating chambers) 211 to 214 are formed, pistons 221 to 224, piston rods 231 to 234, and rod guides. Parts 241 to 244.

  The cylinder main body 201 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and its bottom surface is joined to the upper surface of the housing of the gear unit 100, and its upper surface is joined to the bottom surface of a valve housing chamber 303 described later. Around the bottom surface of the cylinder main body 201, an edge portion through which a bolt for fixing the main body to the housing of the gear portion 100 is passed is provided. Further, an edge portion through which a bolt for fixing the valve housing chamber 303 to the main body is also provided around (a part of) the upper surface of the cylinder main body 201.

  In the example of FIG. 1, the cylinder chambers 211 to 214 are formed as a cylindrical space that penetrates the upper surface and the bottom surface of the cylinder body 201. Pistons 221, 222, 223, and 224 are accommodated in the cylinder chambers 211, 212, 213, and 214, respectively.

The cylinder chamber 211 (first piston accommodation chamber) and the cylinder chamber 212 (second piston accommodation chamber) form a pair and are formed adjacent to each other in the cylinder body 201. The cylinder chamber 211 is divided by a piston 221 into a pressure chamber 211A (first pressure chamber) on the upper surface side and a pressure chamber 211B (second pressure chamber) on the bottom surface side. The cylinder chamber 212 is divided into a pressure chamber 212A (third pressure chamber) on the upper surface side and a pressure chamber 212B (fourth pressure chamber) on the bottom surface side by the piston 222.
Between the pressure chambers 211B and 212B (second pressure chamber and fourth pressure chamber), there is provided a hole 41 (communication portion) for communicating the two. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the hole 41 is formed by partially notching a partition wall between the pressure chambers 211 </ b> B and 212 </ b> B.

The cylinder chamber 213 (first piston accommodation chamber) and the cylinder chamber 214 (second piston accommodation chamber) are also paired in the same manner as described above, and are formed adjacent to each other in the cylinder body 201. The cylinder chamber 213 is divided into a pressure chamber 213A (first pressure chamber) on the upper surface side and a pressure chamber 213B (second pressure chamber) on the bottom surface side by the piston 223. The cylinder chamber 214 is divided into a pressure chamber 214A (third pressure chamber) on the upper surface side and a pressure chamber 214B (fourth pressure chamber) on the bottom surface side by the piston 224.
Between the pressure chambers 213B and 214B (second pressure chamber and fourth pressure chamber), there is provided a hole 42 (communication portion) that communicates both. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the hole 42 is formed by partially notching a partition wall between the pressure chambers 213B and 214B.

  Holes 131, 132, 133, and 134 of the casing of the gear unit 100 are disposed on the bottom surfaces of the cylinder chambers 211, 212, 213, and 214, respectively. The rod guide portions 241, 242, 243, and 244 are fitted into the holes 131, 132, 133, and 134, respectively, and form a terminal wall on the bottom surface side of the cylinder chambers 211, 212, 213, and 214.

  The piston rods 231, 232, 233, and 234 are connected to the bottom surfaces of the pistons 221, 222, 223, and 224, respectively, and reciprocate up and down in conjunction with each piston. The rod guide portions 241, 242, 243, and 244 guide the vertical reciprocation of the piston rods 231, 232, 233, and 234. The piston rods 231, 232, 233, and 234 pass through the rod guide portions 241, 242, 243, and 244 and penetrate into the housing of the gear portion 100. One end portions of the piston rods 231, 232, 233, and 234 penetrating into the housing are connected to one end portions in the longitudinal direction of the racks 111, 112, 113, and 114, respectively. When the piston rods 231, 232, 233, 234 reciprocate up and down, the racks 111, 112, 113, 114 also reciprocate up and down in conjunction with this.

[Valve unit 300]
The valve unit 300 alternately repeats introduction and discharge of high-pressure steam with respect to the cylinder chambers (211 and 212, 213 and 214) forming a pair. That is, the valve unit 300 alternately performs an operation of introducing high-pressure steam into the cylinder chamber 211 and discharging the steam from the cylinder chamber 212 and an operation of introducing high-pressure steam into the cylinder chamber 212 and exhausting the steam from the cylinder chamber 211. Repeat. Further, the operation of introducing high-pressure steam into the cylinder chamber 213 and discharging the steam from the cylinder chamber 214 and the operation of introducing high-pressure steam into the cylinder chamber 214 and discharging the steam from the cylinder chamber 213 are alternately repeated.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the valve unit 300 includes a columnar valve 301, a drum 303 having a valve storage chamber 302 for storing the valve 301, and bearing portions 331 and 332 that rotatably hold the shaft of the valve 301. And have.

The drum 303 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and its bottom surface is joined to the top surface of the cylinder body 201, and its top surface is joined to the bottom surface of the duct portion 401 described later. The bottom surface of the drum 303 forms a terminal wall on the upper surface side of the cylinder chambers 211 to 214 formed in the cylinder body 201.
Around the bottom surface (a part) of the drum 303 is provided an edge portion through which a bolt for fixing the drum to the cylinder body 201 is passed.

  The valve storage chamber 302 is formed as a cylindrical space that passes through two opposing side surfaces of the drum 303. In the example of FIGS. 1 and 2, the axial direction of the valve storage chamber 302 is substantially parallel to the drive shaft 151.

  The valve 301 is rotatable about its cylindrical axis, and rotates according to driving of a power transmission mechanism 500 described later.

  The valve 301 includes eight fluid paths 31 to 38 that pass through the outer peripheral curved surface.

The fluid paths 31 to 34 form a flow path for alternately introducing and discharging steam in the cylinder chambers 211 and 212 forming a pair.
That is, the fluid path 31 (first fluid path) is a path for introducing steam into the pressure chamber 211A (first pressure chamber), and the fluid path 32 (second fluid path) is from the pressure chamber 211A (first pressure chamber). A path for discharging steam, the fluid path 33 (third fluid path) is a path for introducing steam into the pressure chamber 212A (third pressure chamber), and a fluid path 34 (fourth fluid path) is the pressure chamber 212A (fourth fluid path). A path for discharging steam from the third pressure chamber) is formed.
When the valve 301 is in the first rotational position, high-pressure steam is introduced from the manifold section 400 into the pressure chamber 211A (first pressure chamber) via the fluid passage 31 (first fluid passage), and the pressure chamber 212A. Steam is discharged from the (third pressure chamber) to the manifold section 400 via the fluid path 34 (fourth fluid path). When the valve 301 is in the second rotational position, high-pressure steam is introduced from the manifold section 400 to the pressure chamber 212A (third pressure chamber) via the fluid passage 33 (third fluid passage), and the pressure chamber 211A. The steam is discharged from the (first pressure chamber) to the manifold section 400 through the fluid path 32 (second fluid path).

The fluid paths 35 to 38 form a flow path for alternately introducing and discharging steam in the cylinder chambers 213 and 214 forming a pair.
That is, the fluid path 35 (first fluid path) is a path for introducing steam into the pressure chamber 213A (first pressure chamber), and the fluid path 36 (second fluid path) is from the pressure chamber 213A (first pressure chamber). A path for discharging steam, the fluid path 37 (third fluid path) is a path for introducing steam into the pressure chamber 214A (third pressure chamber), and a fluid path 38 (fourth fluid path) is the pressure chamber 214A (fourth fluid path). A path for discharging steam from the third pressure chamber) is formed.
When the valve 301 is in the first rotational position, high-pressure steam is introduced from the manifold section 400 into the pressure chamber 213A (first pressure chamber) via the fluid passage 35 (first fluid passage), and the pressure chamber 214A. Steam is discharged from the (third pressure chamber) to the manifold section 400 via the fluid path 38 (fourth fluid path). When the valve 301 is in the second rotational position, high-pressure steam is introduced from the manifold section 400 into the pressure chamber 214A (third pressure chamber) via the fluid passage 35 (third fluid passage), and the pressure chamber 213A. The steam is discharged from the (first pressure chamber) to the manifold section 400 through the fluid path 36 (second fluid path).

  In the example of FIGS. 3 and 4, the fluid passages 31 to 38 penetrate in the directions perpendicular to the cylinder axis of the valve 301, respectively, and the fluid passages connected to the same pressure chamber (31 and 32, 33). And 34, 35 and 36, 37 and 38) extend in directions perpendicular to each other.

  3 and 4, the fluid path 32 (second fluid path) and the fluid path 33 (third fluid path) extend in directions parallel to each other, and the fluid path 36 (second fluid path) and The fluid passage 37 (third fluid passage) also extends in a direction parallel to each other.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the valve storage chamber 302 includes eight ports 11 to 18 opened to the fluid paths 31 to 38 formed in the duct portion 401, and cylinder chambers 211 to 214. It has 8 ports 21 to 28 opened to the end wall. In the illustrated example, the ports 11 to 18 are arranged in parallel to the axial direction of the valve 301 on the upper surface of the drum 303, and the ports 21 to 28 are arranged in parallel to the axial direction of the valve 301 on the bottom surface of the drum 303. .

The ports 11 to 14 and 21 to 24 are provided in a flow path for introducing steam into the cylinder chambers 211 and 212 forming a pair or a flow path for discharging steam from these.
That is, the ports 11 to 14 introduce and discharge steam between a manifold unit 400 (described later) and the fluid paths 31 to 34. The port 11 (first port) introduces steam into the fluid path 31 (first fluid path), the port 12 (second port) discharges steam from the fluid path 32 (second fluid path), and the port 13 (first fluid path). 3 port) introduces steam into the fluid path 33 (third fluid path), and the port 14 (fourth port) discharges steam from the fluid path 34 (fourth fluid path).
The ports 21 to 24 introduce and discharge steam between the fluid passages 31 to 34 and the pressure chamber 211A (first pressure chamber) and the pressure chamber 212A (third pressure chamber). Port 21 (fifth port) introduces steam into pressure chamber 211A (first pressure chamber), port 22 (sixth port) discharges steam from pressure chamber 211A (first pressure chamber), and port 23 (first pressure chamber). 7 port) introduces steam into the pressure chamber 212A (third pressure chamber), and the port 24 (eighth port) discharges steam from the pressure chamber 212A (third pressure chamber).

When the valve 301 is in the first rotational position, the fluid path 31 (first fluid path) is inserted between the port 11 (first port) and the port 21 (fifth port), and the fluid path 34 (fourth port). The fluid path) is inserted between the port 24 (eighth port) and the port 14 (fourth port).
When the valve 301 is in the second rotational position, the fluid passage 33 (third fluid passage) is inserted between the port 13 (third port) and the port 23 (seventh port), and the fluid passage 32 (second fluid passage). The fluid path) is inserted between the port 22 (sixth port) and the port 12 (second port).

The ports 15 to 18 and 25 to 28 are provided in a flow path for introducing steam to the cylinder chambers 213 and 214 forming a pair or a flow path for discharging steam from these.
That is, the ports 15 to 18 introduce and discharge steam between a manifold unit 400 (described later) and the fluid passages 35 to 38. Port 15 (first port) introduces steam into fluid path 35 (first fluid path), port 16 (second port) discharges steam from fluid path 36 (second fluid path), and port 17 (first fluid path). 3 port) introduces steam into the fluid passage 37 (third fluid passage), and the port 18 (fourth port) discharges steam from the fluid passage 38 (fourth fluid passage).
The ports 25 to 28 introduce and discharge steam between the fluid passages 35 to 38 and the pressure chamber 213A (first pressure chamber) and the pressure chamber 214A (third pressure chamber). The port 25 (fifth port) introduces steam into the pressure chamber 213A (first pressure chamber), the port 26 (sixth port) discharges steam from the pressure chamber 213A (first pressure chamber), and the port 27 (first port). 7 port) introduces steam into pressure chamber 214A (third pressure chamber), and port 28 (eighth port) discharges steam from pressure chamber 214A (third pressure chamber).

When the valve 301 is in the first rotational position, the fluid path 35 (first fluid path) is inserted between the port 15 (first port) and the port 25 (fifth port), and the fluid path 38 (fourth port). The fluid path) is inserted between the port 28 (eighth port) and the port 18 (fourth port).
When the valve 301 is in the second rotational position, the fluid passage 37 (third fluid passage) is inserted between the port 17 (third port) and the port 27 (seventh port), and the fluid passage 36 (second fluid passage). The fluid path) is inserted between the port 26 (sixth port) and the port 16 (second port).

  The bearing portions 331 and 332 block the opening of the valve housing chamber 302 formed in the drum 303 from both sides, and rotatably hold a small-diameter shaft 311 that protrudes in the axial direction of the valve 301.

[Manifold section 400]
The manifold unit 400 distributes high-pressure steam supplied through the common pipe 402 to the ports 11, 13, 15, and 17 of the valve unit 300. Further, the steam discharged from the ports 12, 14, 16, and 18 of the valve unit 300 is collected in a common pipe 403.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the manifold unit 400 includes a pipe 402 that supplies high-pressure steam, a pipe 403 that discharges steam, and a duct part 401.

The duct portion 401 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, for example, and the bottom surface thereof is joined to the upper surface of the cylinder body 201. The duct portion 401 has two side surfaces extending in parallel with the axial direction of the valve 301, and a pipe 402 is joined to one of them and a pipe 403 is joined to the other.
The duct portion 401 includes four ducts that connect the ports 11, 13, 15, and 17 of the valve storage chamber 302 to the pipe 402, and four ducts that connect the ports 12, 14, 16, and 18 to the pipe 403. Enclose the duct. In the example of the figure, each duct extends vertically from the joint with each port toward the top surface of the duct portion 401, bends in an L shape near the center of the duct portion 401, and extends horizontally toward the pipe 402 or 403 on the side surface. ing.

[Power transmission mechanism 500]
The power transmission mechanism 500 rotates the valve 301 in one direction in conjunction with the drive shaft 151 of the gear unit 100.
For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the power transmission mechanism 500 is wound between a pulley 502 that rotates in conjunction with the drive shaft 151, a pulley 503 that rotates in conjunction with the shaft 301 of the valve 301, and both pulleys. A timing belt 501.

Here, the operation of the engine according to this embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described.
In the above-described engine, two independent engine mechanisms related to two pairs of cylinder chambers (211 and 212, 213 and 214) are combined, and in each system, the rotational force of the drive shaft 151 is obtained by the same operation. Is occurring. Therefore, only the engine mechanism related to the cylinder chambers 211 and 212 will be described below, and the description of the engine mechanism related to the cylinder chambers 213 and 214 will be omitted.

First, it is assumed that the valve 301 is in the first rotational position (the state shown in FIGS. 3 and 4).
In this case, in the valve unit 300, the port 11 and the port 21 are electrically connected via the fluid path 31, and the port 14 and the port 24 are electrically connected via the fluid path 34. As a result, high-pressure steam is introduced from the manifold section 400 into the pressure chamber 211A via the fluid path 31, and the piston 221 advances in the direction in which the pressure chamber 211A is expanded (that is, the lower side in the figure). When the piston 221 moves downward, a fluid (air, oil, etc.) filled in the pressure chamber 211B flows into the pressure chamber 212B through the hole 41 and pushes the piston 222 upward. At this time, the rack 111 moves downward in conjunction with the piston 221, whereby the pinion 125 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 3, and an upward force acts on the rack 112, and the piston 222 is pushed upward. When the piston 222 moves upward by receiving these forces, the steam in the pressure chamber 212 </ b> A is discharged to the manifold portion 400 through the fluid path 34.

  When the rack 111 moves downward and the rack 112 moves upward, the pinion 121 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 1, and the pinion 122 rotates clockwise. Here, the drive shaft 151 engages with the pinion 121 that rotates counterclockwise, but does not engage with the pinion 121 that rotates clockwise. Therefore, a force that travels downward of the rack 111 is transmitted to the drive shaft 151 via the pinion 121, and the drive shaft 151 is rotated counterclockwise. The pinion 122 that rotates clockwise rotates idly without transmitting power to the drive shaft 151. When the drive shaft 151 rotates counterclockwise, the rotational force is transmitted to the valve 301 via the power transmission mechanism 500, and the valve 301 also rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 1 (FIG. 4).

  When the valve 301 rotates from the first rotation position to the second rotation position (one quarter rotation), the port 12 and the port 22 are electrically connected via the fluid path 32 in the valve unit 300, and the port 13 and the port 23 are connected. Is conducted through the fluid path 33. As a result, fluid is introduced from the manifold section 400 into the pressure chamber 212A via the fluid path 33, and the piston 222 moves downward. When the piston 222 moves downward, the fluid filling the pressure chamber 212B flows into the pressure chamber 211B through the hole 41 and pushes the piston 221 upward. Further, at this time, the rack 112 moves downward in conjunction with the piston 222, whereby the pinion 125 rotates in the clockwise direction in FIG. 3, and a force to move upward is applied to the rack 111, and the piston 221 is pushed upward. When the piston 221 moves upward by receiving these forces, the vapor in the pressure chamber 211A is discharged to the manifold section 400 through the fluid path 32.

  When the rack 112 moves downward and the rack 111 moves upward, the pinion 121 rotates in the clockwise direction in FIG. 1, and the pinion 122 rotates in the counterclockwise direction. In this case, the force traveling downward of the rack 112 is transmitted to the drive shaft 151 via the pinion 122, and the drive shaft 151 is rotated counterclockwise. The pinion 121 that rotates clockwise rotates idly without transmitting power to the drive shaft 151. When the drive shaft 151 rotates counterclockwise, the rotational force is transmitted to the valve 301 via the power transmission mechanism 500, and the valve 301 also rotates counterclockwise in FIG.

  When the valve 301 further rotates from the second rotation position to the first rotation position (one quarter rotation), the same operation as described above is repeated, the drive shaft 151 rotates counterclockwise, and the valve 301 also rotates. Rotates counterclockwise.

As described above, according to the engine according to this embodiment, the columnar valve 301 having the fluid passages 31 to 34 penetrating the outer peripheral curved surface rotates in one direction in conjunction with the drive shaft 151. When the valve 301 is in the first rotational position, high-pressure steam is introduced into the pressure chamber 211A via the fluid path 31, and steam is discharged from the pressure chamber 212A via the fluid path 34. 2, high-pressure steam is introduced into the pressure chamber 212 </ b> A via the fluid path 33 and steam is discharged from the pressure chamber 211 </ b> A via the fluid path 32. When the introduction and discharge of steam in the pressure chambers 211A and 212A are alternately performed by the operation of the valve 301, the pistons 221 and 222 reciprocate, and this reciprocation is performed by the racks 111 and 112 and the pinions 121 and 122. It changes to a bi-directional rotational movement, and further changes to a one-way rotation by the drive shaft 151.
That is, while continuously rotating the valve 301 in one direction, steam can be alternately introduced into the two piston housing chambers 211 and 212 to generate the rotational force of the drive shaft 151. Therefore, the loss of inertia energy of the valve can be made extremely small compared with the case where the rotation of the valve is stopped or the direction of rotation is switched, so that the engine efficiency can be increased.

Moreover, according to the engine which concerns on this embodiment, the valve | bulb 301 is accommodated in the valve | bulb accommodating chamber 302 provided with the ports 11-14 and 21-24 which introduce | transduce and discharge | emit a fluid. When the valve 301 is in the first rotational position, the fluid path 31 is inserted between the port 11 and the port 21, and the fluid path 34 is inserted between the port 24 and the port 14. When the valve is in the second rotational position, the fluid path 33 is inserted between the port 13 and the port 23, and the fluid path 22 is inserted between the port 22 and the port 12.
That is, steam is introduced and discharged through the ports 11 to 14 and 21 to 24 in a state where the valve 301 is housed in the valve housing chamber 302. Therefore, less steam is leaked to the outside without being introduced into the pressure chambers 211A and 212A, and the engine efficiency can be increased.

Furthermore, according to the engine according to the present embodiment, the fluid passages 31 to 34 respectively penetrate the valve 301 in a direction perpendicular to the cylinder axis. The fluid paths 31 and 32 extend perpendicular to each other, and the fluid paths 33 and 34 also extend perpendicular to each other.
Thus, since each fluid path extends in a direction perpendicular to the cylinder axis of the valve 301, when the valve 301 is rotated halfway, the direction of each fluid path coincides with the direction before rotation. That is, when the valve 301 is rotated halfway from the first rotation position, the state is equivalent to the first rotation position, and when the valve 301 is rotated halfway from the second rotation position, the second rotation is performed. It is equivalent to the position. On the other hand, since the fluid paths 31 and 32 are vertical and the fluid paths 33 and 34 are vertical, when the valve 301 is rotated by a quarter from the first rotation position, the second rotation position is obtained. Therefore, when the valve 301 is continuously rotated in one direction, the first rotation position and the second rotation position are alternately repeated every quarter rotation of the valve 301.
In other words, by forming the fluid passages 31 to 34 of the valve 301 as described above, when the drive shaft 151 is rotated at a constant speed, steam is introduced into the two cylinder chambers 211 and 212 at regular time intervals. It can be discharged. Therefore, the rotational force of the drive shaft 151 can be generated uniformly.

  In addition, this invention is not limited only to said embodiment, Various variations are included.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of ring members (51 to 54) for separating fluid paths may be attached to the valve 301.
The ring member 51 is attached between the fluid passages 31 and 32 and isolates the ports 11 and 21 for introducing the steam and the ports 12 and 22 for discharging the steam in the valve housing chamber 302.
The ring member 52 is attached between the fluid passages 32 and 33 and isolates the ports 12 and 22 for discharging steam and the ports 13 and 23 for introducing steam in the valve housing chamber 302.

The ring member 53 is attached between the fluid passages 33 and 34 and isolates the ports 13 and 23 for introducing the steam and the ports 14 and 24 for discharging the steam in the valve housing chamber 302.
The ring member 54 is attached between the fluid passages 34 and 35, and isolates the ports 14 and 24 for discharging steam and the ports 15 and 25 for introducing steam in the valve housing chamber 302.
Although not shown, a ring member similar to the above is also placed between each of the fluid paths 35, 36, 37, and 38.
In this way, by separating the steam introduction path and the discharge path inside the valve storage chamber 302 by the ring member, the pressure drop of the steam is suppressed, and the energy efficiency can be increased.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example is described in which steam is used as the fluid to be introduced into the cylinder. However, the present invention can be realized by using any fluid such as oil or air.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which two engine mechanisms (four cylinders) are combined is shown, but three or more engine mechanisms may be combined, or only one system may be used.

It is a perspective view of the engine concerning this embodiment. It is an exploded view of the engine shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the engine shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the principal part of the engine shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the ring member with which a cylindrical valve | bulb is attached.

Explanation of symbols

211-214 ... Cylinder chamber, 211A-214A, 211B-212B ... Pressure chamber, 221-224 ... Piston, 111-114 ... Rack, 121-124 ... Pinion, 151 ... Drive shaft, 301 ... Valve, 302 ... Valve housing chamber Reference numerals 11 to 18, 21 to 28, ports, 31 to 38, fluid paths, 500, power transmission mechanism

Claims (2)

A first piston housing chamber divided into a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber by a first piston to be housed;
A second piston accommodation chamber divided into a third pressure chamber and a fourth pressure chamber by a second piston to be accommodated;
A communication portion for communicating the second pressure chamber and the fourth pressure chamber;
A first rack that reciprocates in conjunction with the first piston;
A second rack that reciprocates in conjunction with the second piston;
A first pinion meshing with the first rack;
A second pinion meshing with the second rack;
A drive shaft that pivotally supports the first pinion and the second pinion, converts bi-directional rotation of each pinion into rotation in one direction, and transmits the rotation to a load;
A cylindrical valve having at least four fluid passages penetrating the outer peripheral curved surface and rotatable about a cylindrical axis;
A valve housing chamber for housing the valve;
A plurality of ring members that are circumferentially attached to the valve in a state of protruding in a convex shape with respect to the curved surface of the outer periphery of the valve;
A power transmission mechanism that rotates the valve in one direction in conjunction with the drive shaft;
The valve storage chamber is
A first port for introducing fluid into the first fluid path;
A second port for discharging fluid from the second fluid path;
A third port for introducing fluid into the third fluid path;
A fourth port for discharging fluid from the fourth fluid path;
A fifth port for introducing fluid into the first pressure chamber;
A sixth port for discharging fluid from the first pressure chamber;
A seventh port for introducing a fluid into the third pressure chamber;
An eighth port for discharging fluid from the third pressure chamber,
The plurality of ring members are:
The region on the first flow path side where the first port and the fifth port are located is isolated from the region on the second flow path side where the second port and the sixth port are located. A first ring member circumferentially attached to the valve,
The region on the second flow path side where the second port and the sixth port are located is isolated from the region on the third flow path side where the third port and the seventh port are located. A second ring member circumferentially attached to the valve,
The region on the third flow path side where the third port and the seventh port are located is isolated from the region on the fourth flow path side where the fourth port and the eighth port are located. And a third ring member circumferentially attached to the valve,
When the valve is in the first rotational position;
The first fluid path is inserted between the first port and the fifth port;
The fourth fluid path is inserted between the eighth port and the fourth port;
Fluid is introduced into the first pressure chamber through the first fluid passage of the valve, and fluid is discharged from the third pressure chamber through the fourth fluid passage of the valve,
When the valve is in the second rotational position;
The third fluid path is inserted between the third port and the seventh port;
The second fluid path is inserted between the sixth port and the second port;
Fluid is introduced into the third pressure chamber through the third fluid path of the valve, and fluid is discharged from the first pressure chamber through the second fluid path of the valve.
engine. Each of the four fluid paths passes through the valve in a direction perpendicular to the cylinder axis,
The first fluid path and the second fluid path extend perpendicular to each other;
The third fluid path and the fourth fluid path extend perpendicular to each other;
The engine according to claim 1.