KR20200089696A - Fluid distribution elements for piston engines and piston engines with such fluid distribution elements - Google Patents

Abstract

A fluid distribution element (1) for a piston engine, having at least two longitudinally parallel fluid channels (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) adjacent to each other. Each of the fluid channels is configured to provide fluid communication between the fluid channel and each cylinder head, for at least one cylinder in the inlet 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, and associated bank of each piston engine. And outlets 4a, 4a', 4b, 4c, 4d. The fluid channels are defined by separate longitudinal profile pieces 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d arranged side by side so that adjacent profile pieces are welded to form at least two closed cross-sectional profiles defining at least two fluid channels. It is attached by. A fixing device 6 is provided for fixing the fluid distribution element to each piston engine.

Description

Fluid distribution elements for piston engines and piston engines with such fluid distribution elements

Field of the present disclosure

The present disclosure relates to piston engines, and more particularly, to fluid distribution elements for piston engines. The present disclosure further relates to piston engines with such fluid distribution elements.

Background of the present disclosure

Piston engines often require a number of different types of fluids to be provided in the vicinity of each cylinder. In certain applications, such as ship engines and/or power plant engines, the physical size of the engines results in a complex arrangement of piping or tubing required to deliver these fluids to the cylinders along the cylinder bank. Effect.

This problem was previously solved by providing a fluid distribution element having multiple fluid ducts corresponding to each fluid to be provided. The fluid distribution element is provided in the engine assembly to extend along the side of the engine. The fluid distribution element is further provided with fluid outlets conveniently located near the associated cylinders, thereby simplifying the required piping associated with the relevant fluids.

These segments are typically made by casting metal to achieve a structure capable of withstanding the vibrations associated with piston engines, as well as ensuring a secure coupling between the outlet and subsequent piping in such severe vibration environments. Typically, these fluid distribution elements have multiple castings attached in turn, because single-piece casting was generally considered unfeasible due to the requirement of a number of different variations of these fluid distribution elements corresponding to different types of engines. It consists of segments-each with its own unique associated dimensions, which again, will require a separate mold for each variant.

For this reason, known fluid distribution elements were produced by casting separate segments and subsequently attaching them in the longitudinal direction of the engine (ie crankshaft direction) to form the entire fluid distribution element. Typically, the number of segments used corresponds to the number of cylinders in each cylinder bank of the associated engine. Moreover, the segments are provided with outlets in communication with the fluid ducts.

Even in this case, a separate variant is required for each engine type having a different distance between adjacent cylinders, and therefore a separate casting mold is required for each segment variant. In addition to resulting in relatively heavy segments (as opposed to simple piping) resulting from the monolithic structure achieved by casting, this approach allows the mating surfaces of the casting segments to achieve tight sealing between adjacent segments. It needs to be further processed. Sealing between mating surfaces of adjacent segments requires periodic checks to verify operation due to vibrations associated with piston engines.

Another known way of manufacturing fluid distribution elements was to extrude a single profile piece and incorporate the required fluid ducts in the extruded profile as closed profile sections. This approach allows the fluid distribution profile to be continuously produced and subsequently cut to the desired length, but it does not change the number and size of fluid ducts without changing the extrusion die and mandrel of the associated engine type. It is not allowed to be modified to respond to. These extrusion dies and mandrels are very expensive, and therefore it is generally not desirable to maintain a specific set of extrusion die-mandrel for each type and variant of fluid distribution. Also, replacing the die-mandrel set is very time consuming and hinders the flexibility of manufacturing fluid distribution elements for engines of each type and variant.

Brief description of the present disclosure

The object of the present disclosure is a simple construction, which allows for easy manufacturing, ie custom manufacturing, as configured for different types of piston engines with various dimensions, while ensuring fluid-tightness of the ducts even under high vibration conditions. To provide a fluid distribution element.

A further object of the present disclosure is to provide a piston engine with such a fluid distribution element.

The objects of the present disclosure are achieved by a piston engine and a fluid distribution element characterized by what is stated in the independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed in the dependent claims.

The present disclosure is based on the idea of providing separate longitudinal profile pieces arranged side-by-side to define the fluid channels of the fluid distribution element.

The advantage of the present disclosure is that the profile pieces may be easily configured for different lengths and dimensions, and thus, for greater flexibility with respect to constructing the fluid distribution element for different types of engines with various respective dimensions. To contribute.

Brief description of drawings
Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in more detail by preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.
1 schematically shows a portion of a fluid dispensing element according to one embodiment of the present disclosure shown as an axial perspective view.
2 schematically shows a portion of a fluid distribution element according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, shown as a cutaway view.

Detailed description of the present disclosure

In one embodiment according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, a fluid distribution element 1 is provided for a piston engine, such as a reciprocating internal combustion engine. The fluid distribution element has at least two longitudinally parallel fluid channels 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d adjacent to each other.

Each of the fluid channels is in fluid communication between the fluid channel and each cylinder head, for inlets 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, and at least one cylinder in the associated bank of each piston engine. (outlet) (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) for providing (fluid communication). Preferably, but not necessarily, each of the fluid channels 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, for each cylinder in the associated bank of each piston engine, outlets 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d). That is, for example, the fluid channel 2a may have a number of outlets 4a corresponding to the number of cylinders in the associated bank of each piston engine. Moreover, each or any of the fluid channels 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, for each cylinder in the associated bank of each piston engine, multiple outlets 4a, 4a', 4b, 4c, 4d). That is, for example, the fluid channel 2a may have a number of outlets 4a, 4a' corresponding to twice the number of cylinders in the associated bank of each piston engine. The fluid channels are defined by distinct longitudinal profile pieces 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d arranged side by side, ie with respect to their longitudinal direction. More specifically, the profile pieces 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d are stacked and arranged on top of each other in use, and also adjacent profile pieces are glued by welding, thereby joining at least two fluid channels. At least two closed cross-sectional profiles, each defined, will be formed.

A fixture arrangement 6 for fixing the fluid distribution element to each piston engine is also provided. For example, the fixing device may be provided as a side plate attached to the outermost (preferably the lowest side in use) profile piece 5d, so that the portions of the side plate are both sides in use. In the direction, that is, outwardly relative to the profile piece 5d to the sides. Holes may further be provided in these parts so that the fluid distribution element 1 can be attached to each piston engine by means of attachment through the holes.

In one embodiment according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, adjacent profile pieces are attached by laser welding along longitudinal seams 7ab, 7bc, 7cd between the profiles.

In a further embodiment according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, at least one of the longitudinal profile pieces is a U-profile piece. In this arrangement, the open part of the U-profile is abutted against the closed part of the adjacent profile piece, or side plate 6.

For example, a number of U-profile pieces are adjacent to the closed portion of the adjacent U-profile piece, with the open portion of the U-profile piece adjoining, and the open portion of the outermost U-profile piece to the side plate (6). To be adjacent to each other.

For example, at least one of the longitudinal profile pieces may be a U-profile piece, and at least one of the longitudinal profile pieces is a rectangular profile piece, so that the open portion of the U-profile piece is adjacent to the rectangular profile piece. do. Preferably, in this case, the outermost profile piece (i.e., the top or bottom profile piece in use) is a rectangular profile piece, and thus, the outermost profile piece is more relative to the adjacent U-profile piece. Enables large flows. More preferably, in this case, the top profile piece in use is a rectangular profile piece. This enables the fluid channel for the starting air to be positioned closest to the cylinder head in use. This again minimizes the relatively expensive piping (due to the larger flow area) required between the fluid distribution element and the cylinder head.

Preferably, but not necessarily, when the opening portion of the U-profile piece is adjacent to the side plate, a fixing device 6 is provided as the side plate.

In yet a further embodiment according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the fluid distribution element 1 extends at least to a distance corresponding to the distance between the first cylinder and the last cylinder in the associated bank of each piston engine. Suitably, the distance between the first cylinder and the last cylinder may be regarded as the minimum distance between the cylinders. Alternatively, the distance between the first and last cylinder may be regarded as the distance between the central axes of the cylinders.

In yet a further embodiment according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, each of the longitudinal profile pieces 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d defining the fluid channel 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d is at least a respective piston. It extends at a distance corresponding to the distance between the first cylinder and the last cylinder in the associated bank of the engine. Suitably, the distance between the first and last cylinder may be regarded as the minimum distance between the cylinders. Alternatively, the distance between the first and last cylinder may be regarded as the distance between the central axes of the cylinders.

It should be noted, however, that the fluid distribution element 1 may alternatively be provided shorter than the distance corresponding to the distance between the first cylinder and the last cylinder in the associated bank of each piston engine. For example, the fluid distribution element 1 may extend at least a distance corresponding to 3/4-7/8 of the distance between the first cylinder and the last cylinder in the associated bank of each piston engine. Suitably, the distance between the first and last cylinder may be regarded as the minimum distance between the cylinders. Alternatively, the distance between the first and last cylinder may be regarded as the distance between the central axes of the cylinders.

However, each of the longitudinal profile pieces 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d defining the fluid channels 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, alternatively, the first cylinder and the last in the associated bank of each piston engine It may be provided shorter than the distance corresponding to the distance between the cylinders. For example, each of the longitudinal profile pieces 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d defining the fluid channels 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d is at least the first cylinder and the last in the associated bank of each piston engine. It may extend to a distance corresponding to 3/4-7/8 of the distance between the cylinders. Suitably, the distance between the first and last cylinder may be regarded as the minimum distance between the cylinders. Alternatively, the distance between the first and last cylinder may be regarded as the distance between the central axes of the cylinders.

In another embodiment according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the inlets 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d of the fluid channels 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d may be provided at either side of the longitudinal end of the fluid distribution element or It is provided in both. That is, the fluid channel may have inlets at one or both ends. The inlet need not be provided at the end surface, but may also be provided at the end of the fluid channel. That is, in this context, the longitudinal end of the fluid dispensing element 1 or the profile piece 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d is 1/ of the entire length of its end part, eg the fluid dispensing element 1 It includes the part extending in 8. Moreover, some fluid channels may have an inlet at one end, while other fluid channels may have an inlet at both ends. Further, the fluid channels may have inlets at each of the same or opposite longitudinal ends as adjacent fluid channels, ie, not all of the inlets need to be on the same side.

In another embodiment according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, at least one outlet 4a, 4a', 4b, 4c, 4d of the fluid channel is formed on the lateral side of the fluid distribution element 1. Preferably, all of the outlets 4a, 4a', 4b, 4c, 4d are provided on one or more sides of the fluid distribution element 1. For example, in use, the fluid channel 2a of the uppermost profile piece 5a has outlets 4a, 4a' on the upwardly facing side, while the fluid channels 2b, 2c, 2d Has outlets 4b, 4c 4d on the lateral side.

In another embodiment according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the fluid channels 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d include a starting air channel 2a and at least one fluid channel that is one of the following: do:

-A fuel return channel for liquid fuel;

-Fuel leakage channels for liquid fuels;

-Gas channels for gaseous fuels;

-Lube channels for lubricants;

-Control channels for control air;

-A water channel for introducing water into the combustion chambers;

-Control oil channel.

The control oil channel may be provided, for example, as a VIC oil channel for hydraulic medium used for variable intake valve timing, a VEC oil channel for hydraulic medium used for variable exhaust valve timing, or both. Naturally, multiple control oil channels may be provided for different purposes, for example as described above.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the starting air channel 2a has a larger cross-sectional flow area than any of the other fluid channels.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the starting air channel 2a is the outermost fluid channel. Suitably, the starting air channel 2a is defined by a profile piece 5a on the opposite side of the fluid distribution element 1 with respect to the fixing device 6. More preferably, the starting air channel 2a is the uppermost fluid channel in use. This enables the fluid channel for the starting air to be positioned closest to the cylinder head in use. This again minimizes the relatively expensive piping (due to the larger flow area) required between the fluid distribution element and the cylinder head.

In a further embodiment according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the one or more longitudinal profile pieces 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d defining the fluid channel 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d are made of steel. .

In another further embodiment according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the one or more longitudinal profile pieces 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d defining the fluid channel 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d are stainless steel. ).

It should be noted that the first aspect of the present disclosure includes combinations of the embodiments discussed above and variations thereof.

In one embodiment according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, a piston engine is provided. Most suitably, the engine is a reciprocating internal combustion engine.

The engine includes a plurality of cylinders, each cylinder being provided with its own cylinder head.

Moreover, the piston engine has a fluid distribution element 1 according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, as discussed above in connection with any of the embodiments and variations thereof.

Each cylinder head of the engine is in fluid communication with at least one fluid channel 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d through respective outlets 4a, 4a', 4b, 4c, 4d corresponding to the cylinder head.

In the following, embodiments of the fluid distribution element 1 according to the first aspect of the present disclosure illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 are discussed in more detail. However, it should be noted that the accompanying drawings are provided for the purpose of indicating a non-limiting exemplary embodiment for the purpose of describing the present disclosure in more detail.

1 schematically shows a portion of a fluid distribution element 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure shown as an axial perspective view. However, it should be noted that although the end portion and the middle portion of the fluid distribution element 1 are shown, the opposite end portion is not shown.

The longitudinal rectangular profile pieces 5a, 5b, 5c 5d are placed side by side in use, ie on top of each other. In the fluid distribution element 1 of Fig. 1, the profile piece 5a is positioned at the top, and the profile piece 5b is positioned under the profile piece 5a, and then the profile piece 5c. The fixing device 6 is further positioned under the profile piece 5d.

The top profile piece 5a has a number of outlets 4a on its side, ie on its side facing upward. The outlets 4a are spaced along the longitudinal direction, and the positions of the outlets 4a are intended to correspond to the positions of the cylinders in the associated bank of each piston engine. Also, the number of outlets 4a is intended to correspond to the number of cylinders in the associated bank of each piston engine. In addition, the uppermost profile piece 5a has a number of outlets 4a' on its side, ie on its side facing upward. The outlets 4a' are spaced along the longitudinal direction, and the positions of the outlets 4a' are intended to correspond to the positions of the cylinders in the associated bank of each piston engine. Also, the number of outlets 4a' is intended to correspond to the number of cylinders in the associated bank of each piston engine.

Correspondingly, each of the remaining profile pieces 5b, 5c, 5d also has a plurality of outlets 4b, 4c, 4d on their sides, ie the side facing its side. The outlets of each profile piece 5b, 5c, 5d are each spaced along the longitudinal direction. Also, the positions of the outlets 4b, 4c, 4d are intended to correspond to the positions of the cylinders in the associated bank of each piston engine. The longitudinal positions of the outlets 4b, 4c, 4d are in the shape of a sharp edge. That is, the outlets 4b, 4c, 4d corresponding to a given cylinder are arranged such that the longitudinal positions of the immediately adjacent outlets 4b, 4c; 4c, 4d are different from each other.

Moreover, the number of outlets 4b, 4c, 4d is intended to correspond to the number of cylinders in the associated bank of each piston engine. That is, each profile piece 5b, 5c, 5d of the fluid distribution element of Fig. 1 has a number of outlets corresponding to the number of cylinders in the associated bank of each piston engine.

1 also shows the inlets 3b, 3c, 3d of the profile pieces 5cb, 5c, 5d, respectively positioned at the longitudinal ends of the fluid distribution element 1. The inlets 3b, 3d are arranged on the respective longitudinal end surfaces of the profile pieces 5b, 5c, while the outlet 3c is arranged on the side surface of the profile piece 5c. The inlet 3a of the profile piece 5a is not shown in FIG. 1 because it is located at the longitudinal end of the fluid distribution profile 1 not shown therein.

2 schematically shows a portion of a fluid dispensing element according to one embodiment of the present disclosure shown as a cutaway view. That is, FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional cutaway view of the fluid distribution element of FIG. 1 as viewed toward the longitudinal end of the fluid distribution element 1 not shown in FIG. 1.

In particular, the fluid channels 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d defined by respective rectangular profile pieces 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d can be seen from FIG. 2. In particular, the cross-sectional area of the profile piece 5a, ie the cross-sectional flow area of the fluid channel 2a, is larger than other profile pieces 5b, 5c, 5d. As can be seen, the cross-sectional flow area of the outlets 4a, also intended for the starting air, is larger than those of the other outlets 4a', 4b, 4c, 4d. Moreover, the inlet 3a of the fluid channel 2a can be seen at the longitudinal end surface of the profile piece 5a.

As can be seen from the illustration of FIG. 2, the profile pieces 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d were arranged aligned on their sides with outlets 4b, 4c, 4d.

Moreover, reference numerals 7ab, 7bc and 7cd denote longitudinal seams between adjacent profile pieces 5a, 5b, 5c, 5c, and thus the adjacent profile pieces are attached to each other by welding. Although only longitudinal seams on one side are mentioned, adjacent profile pieces may naturally stick together along the longitudinal seams on both sides.

The profile pieces 5a, 5b, 5c 5d in FIG. 2 have the same heights (i.e., the dimensions by which the profile pieces adhere to each other), but the profile piece 5a has a larger cross section in the fluid channel 2a. It has a larger width than other profile pieces to provide a flow area.

Claims (15)

A fluid distribution element (1) for a piston engine, having at least two longitudinally parallel fluid channels (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) adjacent to each other, each of the fluid channels comprising:
-Inlets 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, and
-For at least one cylinder in the associated bank of each piston engine, outlets 4a, 4a', 4b, 4c, 4d for providing fluid communication between the fluid channel and each cylinder head
Including,
The fluid channels are defined by distinct longitudinal profile pieces (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) arranged side by side, adjacent profile pieces to form at least two closed cross-sectional profiles each defining at least two said fluid channels. Are glued by welding, and
A fluid distribution element (1) characterized in that a fixing device (6) is provided for fixing the fluid distribution element to each piston engine. According to claim 1,
A fluid distribution element characterized in that adjacent profiles are attached by laser welding along the longitudinal seams (7ab, 7bc, 7cd) between the profiles. The method of claim 1 or 2,
At least one of the longitudinal profile pieces is a U-profile piece, wherein the open part of the U-profile piece is adjacent to the closed portion of the adjacent profile piece, or to the side plate (6). The method of claim 3,
The at least one longitudinal profile piece is a rectangular profile piece, and the open portion of the U-profile piece is adjacent to the rectangular profile piece. The method of claim 3,
The fastening device (6) is provided as a side plate, and the fluid distribution element characterized in that the open portion of the U profile piece is adjacent to the side plate. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The fluid distribution element 1 extends at least to a distance corresponding to 3/4-7/8 of the distance between the first cylinder and the last cylinder in the associated bank of each piston engine. . The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
Each of the longitudinal profile pieces 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d defining the fluid channels 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d is at least between the first cylinder and the last cylinder in the associated bank of each piston engine. The fluid distribution element (1), characterized in that extending at a distance corresponding to 3/4-7/8 of the distance of the. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The fluid distribution element (1), characterized in that the inlets (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) of the fluid channels are provided at either or both of the longitudinal ends of the fluid distribution element. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The fluid distribution element (1), characterized in that at least one outlet (4a, 4a', 4b, 4c, 4d) of the fluid channel is formed on the side of the fluid distribution element (1). The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The fluid channels 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d are the starting air channels 2a, and
-A fuel return channel for liquid fuel;
-A fuel leak channel for liquid fuel;
-Gas channels for gaseous fuels;
-Lubricating oil channels for lubricants;
-Control channels for control air;
-A water channel for introducing water into the combustion chambers;
-Control oil channel
A fluid distribution element (1), characterized in that it comprises at least one fluid channel. The method of claim 10,
The starting air channel (2a) is a fluid distribution element (1) characterized in that it has a larger cross-sectional flow area than that of any of the other fluid channels. The method of claim 10 or 11,
The starting air channel (2a) is a fluid distribution element (1), characterized in that the outermost fluid channel. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
The fluid distribution element characterized in that the one or more longitudinal profile pieces (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) defining the fluid channel (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) are made of steel. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
The fluid distribution element characterized in that the one or more longitudinal profile pieces (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) defining the fluid channels (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) are made of stainless steel. A piston engine comprising a plurality of cylinders, each cylinder having its own cylinder head,
The piston engine has a fluid distribution element (1) according to claim 1,
Each cylinder head of the engine is in fluid communication with at least one fluid channel 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d through respective outlets 4a, 4a', 4b, 4c, 4d corresponding to the cylinder head. Features a piston engine.

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