US3726259A

US3726259A - Rotary internal combustion engine

Info

Publication number: US3726259A
Application number: US00106354A
Authority: US
Inventors: P Graves
Original assignee: CHESTERFIELD YARN MILLS Inc
Current assignee: CHESTERFIELD YARN MILLS Inc
Priority date: 1971-01-14
Filing date: 1971-01-14
Publication date: 1973-04-10
Anticipated expiration: 1990-04-10

Abstract

A rotary internal combustion engine including a substantially cylindrical casing closed by removable end plates and divided into a compressor portion and a power portion by a central partition with the partition and end plates journalling a shaft in eccentric relation to the center of the casing with the shaft supporting a pair of rotors thereon in concentric relation to the shaft and in eccentric relation to the two compartments formed by the partition. Each rotor includes a plurality of radial vanes guidingly and slidably received in slots in the rotor with the radial movement of the vanes being restrained by an annular ring journalled on bearing surfaces concentric with the casing to restrain the vanes from engaging the interior of the casing due to centrifugal forces exerted thereon during rotation of the rotor. The partition includes passageways admitting a combustible mixture into the compressor compartment, transfer of the compressed combustible mixture into the power compartment, a passageway receiving an igniting device for igniting the combustible mixture between adjacent vanes to apply torque to the rotor and shaft, and a passageway enabling exhaust of combustion products after expansion thereof.

Description

United States Patent [1 1 Graves ROTARY INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE [76] Inventor: Paul D. Graves, c/o Chesterfield Yarn Mills Inc., P.O. Box 127, Pageland, SC. 29728 [22] Filed: Jan. 14,1971

[21] Appl.No.: 106,354

[52] U.S.C1. ..l23/8.23, l23/8.41,418/146, 418/257, 418/261 [51] lnt.Cl ..F02b 53/08 [58] FieldofSearch ..123/8.23,8.41; 418/257, 146, 261

[5 6] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,114,674 4/1938 Buckbee ..l23/8.4l 1,178,617 4/1916 Bateman ..418/257 2,075,561 3/1937 Wellensiek.. ..123/8.4l 2,345,561 4/1944 Allen,Jr...... 418/146X 141,000 7/1873 Gillespie ..418/257 3,098,451 7/1963 Scognamillo ..418/257 Primary ExaminerWilliam E. Wayner AttorneyClarence A. OBrien and Harvey B. Jacobson MIXTURE [451 Apr. 10, 1973 [57] ABSTRACT A rotary internal combustion engine including a substantially cylindrical casing closed by removable end plates and divided into a compressor portion and a power portion by a central partition with the partition and end plates journalling a shaft in eccentric relation to the center of the casing with the shaft supporting a pair of rotors thereon in concentric relation to the shaft and in eccentric relation to the two compartments formed by the partition. Each rotor includes a plurality of radial vanes guidingly and slidably received in slots in the rotor with the radial movement of the vanes being restrained by an annular ring journalled on bearing surfaces concentric with the casing to restrain the vanes from engaging the interior of the casing due to centrifugal forces exerted thereon during rotation of the rotor. The partition includes passageways admitting a combustible mixture into the compressor compartment, transfer of the compressed combustible mixture into the power compartment, a passageway receiving an igniting device for igniting the combustible mixture between adjacent vanes to apply torque to the rotor and shaft, and a passageway enabling exhaust of combustion products after expansion thereof.

7 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures EXHAUST PATENTED 3,726,259

sum 2 OF 4 Paul 0. Games INVENTOR.

PATEMLCAPRWIEYE 3126,2529

SHEET 3 OF 4 Paul D. Graves IN VENTOR.

PATENTEU [W73 3, 72 6,259

sum 4 BF 4 Fig.6 Fig.7

MIXTURE Fig.8

Paul 0. Graves 1X1 'liNTOK ROTARY INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE BACKGROUND THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention generally relates to an internal combustion engine of the rotary type and more particularly an engine having a compressor assembly and a power assembly provided in separate compartments with a single shaft extending therethrough.

2. Description of the Prior Art Rotary internal combustion engines are known in which a rotor is disposed within a casing with'the rotor having a plurality of vanes mounted thereon for sealing engagement with the interior ofthecasing. The rotor and easing have beenprovided with aneccentric association to provide for an expandingand contracting chamber in which a combustible mixture may be admitted, ignited. and expanded to produce rotational torque on an output shaft.

While such devices areknown' and have been employed, there has-been a continuingproblem'of effectively sealing the vanes with respect to the casing .while at. the same time maintaining frictional drag or resistance at a low level andretaining wearat anacceptable level. Another problem which has been existent is the inefficient breathing and 'scavagening. of the engine especially duringv high rotational speed which reduces the time in which.a'combustiblem-ixture can be ad-- mitted into the engine and. thecombustionproducts exhausted therefrom.

SUMMARY OFYTHE INVENTION An object of thepresent invention is to provide arotary internal combustionengine havinga casing and eccentric rotor assembly inwhich" the rotor is provided with a plurality of radially movablevanes together with means for restraining the vanes with respect to the casing to maintain the. vanes in proper orientation therewith and restrain the-.vanesfrom radial outward movement in response to centrifugal forces imparted thereto during rotation of the rotor thereby maintaining the friction. and wear ofthe-vanes at a minimum level.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a rotary internal combustion engine in accordance withthe preceding. objectwhich is provided with a compressor assemblyfor receiving and. compressing a combustible mixture and a transfer passageway being opened by the rotor vanes passing;the passageway for communicating the compressor chamber-with the power portionof the engine to provide a compressed combustible mixture v to the engine for efficient provide a rotary internalcombustion engine which is simple in construction, easy tooperate andmaintain,

dependable and long lasting, and relatively trouble free and efficient in operation.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspectiveview of the rotary internal combustion engine of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal, sectional view of the engine illustrating the compressor portion and power portion thereof and the association of the shaft, rotors and casing.

FIG. 3 is a transverse, sectional view taken substantially upon a plane passing along section line 3-3 of FIG. 2 illustrating the rotor, vane and vane restraining mechanism.

FIG; 4 is a transverse, sectional view taken substantially upon a plane passing along section line 44 of FIG. 2 illustrating further structural details of the rotor and vanes including the seals associated therewith.

FIG. 5 is a transverse, sectional view taken substantiallyupon-a plane passing along section line 5-5 of FIG. 2 illustrating the specific structure of the partition and the passageways formed therein.

FIG. 6 is a fragmental sectional view taken axially of one of the rotors illustrating the structure of the vanes and their association with the casing and vane restraining mechanism.

FIG. 7 is a fragmental elevational view illustrating the rotor and vane structure.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view illustrating the intake of the combustible mixture, the compression thereof, the transfer to the firing chamber and exhaust of the combustion products.

FIG. 9 is an exploded group perspective view of the components of one of the vanes, a portion of the rotor and the seals provided therefor.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of a portion of the rotor and two adjacent vanes illustrating the structure thereof and the relationship of the seals thereto.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now more specifically to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings,the rotary internal combustion engine of the present invention is generally designated by reference numeral 12 and in overall configuration and appearance, the engine is generally cylindrical in configuration and provided with eccentric shaft 14,

end plates

16 and 18 of circular configuration and a centrally disposed divider plate or partition 20 spaced from the

end plates

16 and 18 and generally centrally located with respect thereto. Interposed between the end plate 16 and the partition 20 is a cylindrical housing 22 and interposed between the end plate 18 and the partition 20'is a cylindrical housing 24 with the housing 22, end plate 16 and partition 20 defining a compression portion of the engine while the end plate 18, partition 20 and cylindrical housing 24 define the ignition or power portion of the invention. The compression portion or compressor is generally designated by numeral 26 in FIG. 2 while the ignition portion or power producing power is generally designated by the numeral 28 in FIG. 2. The

end plates

16 and 18, the partition 20 and the

cylindrical housings

22 and 24 are rigidly secured together by a plurality of longitudinally extending through bolts 30 which extend through holes or passageways in the

end plates

16 and 18 and the partition 20 thus clamping these components rigidly together but enabling disassembly thereof when desired.

Disposed within the compressor 26 interiorly of the casing 22 is a cylindrical rotor 32 having a passageway disposed centrally therein at 34 which receives the shaft 14 with the passageway 34 having a groove 36 therein for registry with a corresponding groove 38 in the shaft 14 for receiving a longitudinal key 40 by which the rotor and shaft are rigidly interconnected but detachably interconnected (see FIGS. 2-4).

The power or ignition portion of the engine generally designated by the numeral 28 is provided with a similar rotor 42 mounted rigidly on the shaft 14 in the same manner (see FIG. 2).

Each of the

end plates

16 and 18 as well as the partition 20 is provided with an eccentrically oriented passage 44 therein receiving the shaft 14 with each passageway 44 having a suitable bearing such as a bushing 46 received therein which forms a rotatable bearing support for the shaft 14. For lubrication purposes, the shaft 14 is provided with a central passageway 48 extending therethrough with the passageway 48 communicating with a plurality of radial passageways 50 which communicate with the exterior of the shaft in the center of the bushings 46 respectively for supplying lubricating oil thereto with it being pointed out that the passageway 48 and the shaft 14 may be communicated with a suitable oil pump or the like for supplying pressurized lubricating oil. Inasmuch as the shaft 14 is rotatably supported in the bearings or bushings 46 which are disposed in the passageways 44 which are eccentric in relation to the center of the

plates

16 and 18 and the partition 20, the shaft 14 is thus eccentric to the plates as well as the casing or

housings

22 and 24. Since the

rotors

32 and 42 are concentric with the shaft 14, that is, the shaft extends through the center of the rotors 32 and 43, the

rotors

32 and 42 are eccentrically located in relation to the cylindrical chamber defined by the

cylindrical casings

22 and 24 as illustrated in FIGS. 2-4.

For purposes of strength and rigidity, the

end plates

16 and 18 are each provided with a thickened boss 52 adjacent the center thereof and the passageway 44 extends eccentrically therethrough, The boss 52 extends both to the inside surface and the outside surface of the end plates and the partition 20 is provided with a similar boss 54 thereon with the external surfaces of the

bosses

52 and 54 respectively defining a bearing surface for an annular ring 56 which has an annular flange 58 on the external surface thereof with the annular flange having a plurality of arcuate slots 60 therein. The annular ring 56 and flange 58 are disposed in annular recesses 62 disposed in each side wall of each of the

rotors

32 and 42, respectively, and since the bearing surfaces on the

bosses

52 and 54 are concentric with respect to the

casings

22 and 24, the

rotors

32 and 42 will move in an eccentric path with respect to the annular ring and the flange 58 thereon.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, each of the

rotors

32 and 42 is provided with a plurality of radial slots 64 formed therein which receive radial vane assemblies generally designated by the numeral 66 which form a seal between the

rotors

32 and 42, respectively, and the internal surfaces defined by the

casings

22 and 24 and the end plates and partition plate, respectively. Inasmuch as the structure of the vane assemblies 66 and their relationship to the rotor and casing are the same in both the compressor and power portion of the engine, one vane assembly will be described in detail and it will be understood that all of the vane assemblies are related to the rotor and other structures in the same manner.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, each vane assembly 66 includes a pair of

identical overlapping plates

68 and 70 each of which has a thickened lower edge portion 72 extending less than one-half of the longitudinal length thereof and being coextensive with one end edge thereof. Communicating with the lower edge of each of the thickened portions 72 is a notch 74 which straddles and receives the slotted flange 58 therein. The thickened portion 72 is provided with a passageway 76 extending longitudinally therethrough with the passageway 76 in the

plates

68 and 70 receiving a pin or rod 78 therethrough with the rod 78 also extending through one of the slots 60 in the flange 58 thus anchoring the vane assembly to the flange 58 for relative pivoting movement and relative sliding movement with the slot 60 receiving the pins 78 controlling radial outward movement of the vane assembly 66. A coil compression spring 80 is mounted on the rod or pin 78 between the confronting surfaces of the thickened portion 72 of the

plates

68 and 70 thus biasing them longitudinally apart when they are disposed within the slot 64 and the rotor 32.

The end of each of

plates

68 and 70 opposite from the thickened portion is provided with a plurality of spaced slots or notches 82 which are interdigitatingly received on spaced projecting ribs 84 on the facing surface of the opposite plate. Thus, in FIG. 9, the slots 82 on the plate 88 are slidingly engaged with the ribs 84 on the confronting surface of the plate 80 and correspondingly, the slots 82 on the plate 70 are engaged with corresponding ribs on the surface of the plate 68 (not shown in FIG. 9). The combined thickness of the

plates

68 and 70 is substantially the same as the thickness of the thickened portion 72 along the lower edge of the plates and substantially fills the width of the slots 64. The outermost edge of each

plate

68 and 70 is provided with a longitudinal recess 86 which defines a longitudinal groove when assembled for the reception of a substantially T-shaped member 88 which has the outer surface thereof engaged with the interior of the

casing

22 or 24 for providing a seal with respect thereto.

Between each of the vane assemblies, the rotor is provided with an arcuate groove 90 and spaced inwardly from the periphery of the rotor, each radial slot is provided with a groove 92 communicating therewith (see FIGS. 9 and 10). The

grooves

90 and 92 interconnect and receive a pair of L-shaped members 94 therein with the straight elongated portion of the L- shaped member 94 being received in the groove 92 and the arcuate portion 96 of the L-shaped member 94 being received in the arcuate groove 90. Disposed between the inner surface of each groove 92 and the L- shaped member 94 is a bowed leaf spring 98 and disposed between the inner surface of the groove 90 and the arcuate portion 96 of the L-shaped member 94 is a shorter bowed spring 100 which serves to expand the L-shaped member so that the outer surface of the straight elongated portion thereof will engage the wall of the vane assembly while the outer surface of the arcuate portion 96 of the L-shaped assembly 94 will sealingly engage the inner surface of the end plate or partition thus forming a peripheral seal for the rotor and vane assemblies.

To prevent radial leak-through between the juncture between the free edge of an arcuate portion 96 of the L-shaped member and the free end of the straight portion thereof, L-shaped members 102 are provided which are constructed of relatively thin material such as spring metal or the like and which include a straight portion which overlies the straight portion of one of the Lshaped members 94 and an arcuate end portion 104 which overlies the outer surface of the arcuate portion on the other L-shaped member 94 thus bridging the juncture between the two L-shaped members and at the same time providing a filler between the upper surface of the L-shaped members 94 and the corresponding upper surfaces of the

grooves

92 and 90.

Thus, with the construction of the vane assemblies as described, each vane assembly is radially movable in relation to the slot 64 with the

plates

68 and 70 being sealed along their outer longitudinal edge by the T- shaped member 88 and being sealed on their opposite side surfaces by the L-shaped members 94 with the portion of the rotor between adjacent vane assemblies being sealed by the arcuate portions 96 of the L-shaped members 94. The slots 60 in the annular flange 58 control the relationship of the vanes to the casing and maintains them concentric therewith inasmuch as the ring 56 is retained in concentric relation thereto by engagement with the bosses or

shoulders

52 and 54. The spring 88 on the rod 78 and received in sockets formed in the passageways which are designated by the numeral 77 serve to retain the

plates

68 and 70 in expanded position so that they will engage the interior surfaces of the end plate and partition, respectively.

The combustible mixture for the engine is supplied by a suitable carburetor or other combustible charge forming device and is communicated with the compressor portion 26 of the engine through the partition and a suitable adapter fitting 106 attached to a radial passageway 108 in the partition 20. The passageway 108 is provided with an enlargement 110 at the inner end thereof which is communicated laterally with the interior of the partition 20 which is exposed to the interior of the casing 22. The surface of the partition 20 which faces the interior of the casing 22 is provided with an elongated arcuate groove or recess 112 which tapers from its point of communication with the enlargement in a circumferential manner thus providbetween the adjacent vanes, the edges of the vanes pass the terminal edge of the slot or groove 112 and then, the rotor moves toward the casing to provide a reduction in the volumn of the space trapped between adjacent vanes thus compressing the combustible mixture until the reduced volumn communicates with a passageway 114 extending through the partition 20. The side of the passageway 114 communicating with the compressor 26 is provided with a tapered groove 116 so that the space between adjacent vanes will be communicated with the passageway 114 over a predetermined arc of movement. Thus, the combustible mixture enters through the passageway 108 and is compressed and is discharged from the compressor through the passageway 114.

The transverse passageway 114 communicates the compressor 26 with the ignition or power portion 28 and communicates with the space between adjacent vanes as the rotor is moving away from the casing to expand the volume therein so that the combustible mixture will be disposed between adjacent vanes and as it moves circumferentially, it passes a recess 118 having a radial passageway 120 associated therewith for receiving a spark plug or other igniting device for igniting the combustible charge between adjacent vanes. So that as the charge is ignited, it will expand thus causing rotation of the rotor so that it moves away from the casing thus providing rotational torque to the shaft 14. After ignition and expansion, the ignited and burned gases are discharged through a recess 122 in the partition 20 and a radial passageway 124 having an adapter 126 or the like communicated with an exhaust pipe, muffler or the suitable mechanism for discharging the combustion products. Thus, the combustible mixture is discharged from the compressor portion 26 through the partition 20 into the ignition and power portion 28, conveyed peripherally and ignited at the recess 118 and expanded until they reach passageway or recess 122 where they are exhausted and the space between adjacent vanes then proceeds to pick-up another charge at passageway 114.

The carburetor or other combustible charge forming device has not been illustrated nor has the exhaust manifold or the like other than in a schematic manner since the specific structure thereof forms no particular part of this invention. Also, the igniting device may be in the form of a spark plug or any other suitable device for igniting a combustible mixture. Also, the particular details of the lubrication pump and related structure is not illustrated since the lubrication pump may be associated with a radial passageway 51 formed in the partition 20 and if desired or necessary under operating conditions, a circulating system may be provided where the oil may be pumped into the center hearing which may be provided with an internal groove, and then outwardly to the end bearings and returned to a suitable reservoir and filter assembly. All of the accessories form no particular part of the invention with it also being pointed out that the particular connection between the end plates and partition with respect to the cylindrical casings may be varied to provide an adequate seal for the pressures encountered either by metal-to-metal contact or by inserting some type of seal if necessary. Also, the shaft 14 may be provided with pulleys, gears and the like to enable the output power to be usefully employed and connected with whatever equipment desired. Also, a suitable starting motor or manually actuated starting device may be connected to the shaft 14 for initiating rotation of the shaft 14 to start the engine. The specific details of the power connection or the starter connection form no particular part of the invention.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A rotary internal combustion engine comprising a generally cylindrical casing divided into compression and combustion compartments by a partition disposed intermediate the ends thereof, a shaft extending through the casing and being journalled in the ends thereof and in the partition, said shaft being disposed eccentrically of the center of the casing, a pair of rotors fixed to said shaft and disposed in the two compartments in the casing, each of said rotors including radially disposed and movable vanes for continuous engagement with the interior of the casing during rotation of the rotors, said rotors being concentrically mounted on said shaft and eccentrically oriented in relation to the casing for providing expansible and contractible chambers between adjacent vanes during rotation of the rotors, and means connected to each of the vanes for restraining the vanes radially inwardly to prevent the vanes from being forced radially outwardly against the interior of the casing during rotation of the rotors, said casing including means admitting a compressible and combustible mixture into the compression compartment for compression by rotation of the rotor therein, means communicating the two compartments of the casing for transferring the combustible mixture from the compression compartment to the combustion compartment for ignition and expansion during rotation of the rotor for imparting torque to the shaft, and means communicating with the atmosphere for discharging combustion products from the casing, said means admitting the combustible mixture to the interior of the casing including a passageway extending radially of the partition and communicating to one surface thereof in a circumferentially elongated groove for admitting a combustible mixture into the space between adjacent vanes during a predetermined angular movement of the rotor, said means communicating the compression compartment with the combustion compartment including a passageway extending through the partition and communicating with both sides thereof, said partition also including means mounted thereon and communicating with the combustion compartment for igniting the combustible mixture, said means exhausting combustion products including a passageway in the partition communicating with the combustion compartment and extending radially outwardly of the partition, said means restraining the vanes including an annular ring journalled on circular bosses concentric with the center at each end of each compartment for engaging the inner ends of the vanes to restrain them from radial outward movement, each vane being slidably received in a radial slot in the rotor and each vane including a pair of overlapping plates, spring means operatively associated with said plates for biasing them longitudinally outwardly of the rotor, and spring bias seal means engaging the opposite surfaces of the vanes adjacent the radial outer edges thereof for forming a seal for the expansible and contractible chambers, said rotor including a peripheral end seal in alignment with the vane seal for engaging the ends of the casing and the partition respectively for forming a seal for the radial inner portion of the expansible and contractible chambers.

2. A rotary internal combustion engine comprising a generally cylindrical casing divided into compression and combustion compartments by a partition disposed intermediate the ends thereof, a shaft extending through the casing and being journalled in the ends thereof and in the partition, said shaft being disposed eccentrically of the center of the casing, a pair of rotors fixed to said shaft and disposed in the two compartments in the casing, each of said rotors including radially disposed and movable vanes for continuous engagement with the interior of the casing during rotation of the motors, said rotors being concentrically mounted on said shaft and eccentrically oriented in relation to the casing for providing expansible and contractible chambers between adjacent vanes during rotation of the rotors, and means connected to each of the vanes for restraining the vanes radially inwardly to prevent the vanes from being forced radially outwardly against the interior of the casing during rotation of the rotors, said casing including means admitting a compressible and combustible mixture into the compression compartment for compression by rotation of the rotor therein, means communicating the two compartments of the casing for transferring the combustible mixture from the compression compartment to the combustion compartment for ignition and expansion during rotation of the rotor for imparting torque to the shaft, and means communicating with the atmosphere for discharging combustion products from the casing, said means admitting the combustible mixture to the interior of the casing including a passageway extending radially of the partition and communicating to one surface thereof in a circumferentially elongated groove for admitting a combustible mixture into the space between adjacent vanes during a predetermined angular movement of the rotor, said means communicating the compression compartment with the combustion compartment including a passageway extending through the partition and communicating with both sides thereof, said partition also including means mounted thereon and communicating with the combustion compartment for igniting the combustible mixture, said means exhausting combustion products including a passageway in the partition communicating with the combustion compartment and extending radially outwardly of the partition, said means restraining the vanes including an annular ring journalled on circular bosses concentric with the center at each end of each compartment for engaging the inner ends of the vanes to restrain them from radial outward movement, said casing including end plates separate therefrom, said partition being in the form of a plate separating the casing into the two compartments, and fastening means extending through the end plates and partition for retaining the components in assembled condition, said end plates and partition having cylindrical bosses defining bearing surfaces for the annular rings which restrain the vanes thereby maintaining the vanes under control at all times.

3. The structure as defined in claim 2 wherein each of said vanes is provided with a longitudinal slot alongthe outer edge thereof, and a T-shaped sealing member extending longitudinally throughout the length of the vane and received in the slot and including an outer edge in sealing engagement with the inner surface of the casing.

4. A substantially cylindrical casing defined by a peripheral wall and end plates, a partition connected with the peripheral wall and dividing the casing into a compression compartment and a combustion compartment, a shaft journalled eccentrically in said casing, a pair of rotors fixed to said shaft with the rotors being disposed in the two compartments, each of the rotors including radially disposed and movable vanes for cooperation with the interior of each of the compartments to sealingly engage the interior surface of the compartments during rotation of the rotors, said rotors being concentric on the shaft and eccentric in relation to the compartment in which it is disposed for providing expansible and contractible chambers between adjacent vanes during rotation of the rotors, said partition including means admitting a combustible and compressible mixture into the compression compartment for compression by rotation of the rotor therein, said partition including means communicating the two compartments radially inwardly of the periphery of the partition for transferring the compressed combustible mixture from the compression compartment to the combustion compartment, said partition including mounting .means for igniting the compressed combustible mixture, said partition including means communicating with the combustion compartment for exhausting combustion products, and means interconnecting-the casing and partition with the respective end edges of the vanes for restraining the vanes from radial movement in response to rotation of the rotors to prevent the vanes from moving radially outwardly due to centrifugal force, each vane including a pair of overlapping plates, resilient means engaged with said plates for biasing them longitudinally outwardly of the rotor, seal means between the rotor and opposite surfaces of the vanes, and peripheral end seal means on the rotor between the vanes and in alignment with the vane seal thereby forming a seal for the expansible and contractible chambers defined by the casing, the vane and the ends of the rotor.

5. The structure as defined in claim 4 wherein said means interconnecting the casing and partition with the respective end edges of the vanes including cylindrical bosses on the interior surface of each end plate and on both surfaces of the partition, an annular ring journalled on each of the bosses with the bosses and ring being concentric with the center of the casing, each of the overlapping plates of each vane being connected with an annular ring, each annular ring including a peripheral slot receiving a pivot pin carried by each of the plates forming each vane to enable variation in the angular and circumferential relationship between the rings and vanes but restraining the vanes against outward radial movement.

6. The structure as defined in claim 5 wherein the overlapping plates include slidably interengaging notches and ribs to retain the overlapping plates in aligned registry with each other while permitting relative longitudinal movement of the plates.

7. The structure as defined in claim 6 wherein the seal means between the rotor and opposite surfaces of the vanes and the peripheral end seal means on the rotor are defined by a one-piece substantially L-shaped member received in grooves formed in the end surfaces of the rotor and the facing surfaces of a longitudinal slot in the rotor which receives the vanes and bowed leaf springs interposed between the L-shaped member and the rotor for biasing the L-shaped member against the vanes and longitudinally outwardly against the end walls of the compartment.

Claims

3. The structure as defined in claim 2 wherein each of said vanes is provided with a longitudinal slot along the outer edge thereof, and a T-shaped sealing member extending longitudinally throughout the length of the vane and received in the slot and including an outer edge in sealing engagement with the inner surface of the casing.

4. A substantially cylindrical casing defined by a peripheral wall and end plates, a partition connected with the peripheral wall and dividing the casing into a compression compartment and a combustion compartment, a shaft journalled eccentrically in said casing, a pair of rotors fixed to said shaft with the rotors being disposed in the two compartments, each of the rotors including radially disposed and movable vanes for cooperation with the interior of each of the compartments to sealingly engage the interior surface of the compartments during rotation of the rotors, said rotors being concentric on the shaft and eccentric in relation to the compartment in which it is disposed for providing expansible and contractible chambers between adjacent vanes during rotation of the rotors, said partition including means admitting a combustible and compressible mixture into the compression compartment for compression by rotation of the rotor therein, said partition including means communicating the two compartments radially inwardly of the periphery of the partition for transferring the compressed combustible mixture from the compression compartment to the combustion compartment, said partition including mounting means for igniting the compressed combustible mixture, said partition including means communicating with the combustion compartment for exhausting combustion products, and means interconnecting the casing and partition with the respective end edges of the vanes for restraining the vanes from radial movement in response to rotation of the rotors to prevent the vanes from moving radially outwardly due to centrifugal force, each vane including a pair of overlapping plates, resilient means engaged with said plates for biasing them longitudinally outwardly of the rotor, seal means between the rotor and opposite surfaces of the vanes, and peripheral end seal means on the rotor between the vanes and in alignment with the vane seal thereby forming a seal for the expansible and contractible chambers defined by the casing, the vane and the ends of the rotor.