Piston cooling nozzle and manufacturing method thereof

Abstract

A piston cooling jet is provided, which may include: a housing having an inner chamber for receiving fluid from an external source; and a conduit coupled to the housing and fluidly coupled to the inner chamber, the conduit having a bent shape for directing fluid from the inner chamber of the housing toward the underside of an engine piston head. The piston cooling jet may also include a flow straightening nozzle coupled to the conduit and positioned to straighten a fluid flow exiting from the conduit through the nozzle toward the underside of the engine piston head, the flow straightening nozzle having inner cross walls that cross along the direction of fluid flow in the conduit and outward from the flow straightening nozzle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The described subject matter relates to a piston cooling jet. Background Art

[0002] For internal combustion engines, piston cooling jets carry oil from the engine cylinder block to the piston head. The oil is directed toward the piston via the piston cooling jets. The piston cooling jets must spray or spray the oil into the piston head cavity through the full stroke of the piston. At the same time, the piston cooling jets must maintain sufficient clearance to the piston head. The position of the engine cylinder block relative to the piston head determines the required geometry for the piston cooling jets. In some cases, the cylinder block and piston design require the piston cooling jet geometry to be very complex.

[0003] Because of the complexity of the geometric structure, the typical manufacturing method for internal combustion engines is similarly complicated. Usually, the piston cooling nozzle assembly is provided with many individual components, and brazing or press fit must be adopted to connect the components and realize the desired complexity. However, the brazing process may increase the time and cost of the manufacturing process. In addition, the ideal geometric structure for providing the cooling jet fluid is still difficult to achieve, and the brazed components tend to be easily deformed due to the lower material strength. Due to the deformation, the injection orientation may change, thereby causing the oil jet to deviate. The oil jet deviates and finally causes the target hole in the piston to be missed, thereby reducing (if not excluding) the advantage of using cooling fluid. It may be ideal to have a system and method different from those currently available systems and methods. Summary of the invention

[0004] In one or more embodiments, a piston cooling jet is provided, which may include: a housing having an inner chamber for receiving fluid from an external source; and a conduit coupled to the housing and fluidly coupled to the inner chamber, the conduit having a bent shape for directing the fluid from the inner chamber of the housing toward the underside of the engine piston head. The piston cooling jet assembly may also include a flow straightening nozzle coupled to the conduit and positioned to straighten the fluid flow exiting from the conduit through the nozzle toward the underside of the engine piston head, the flow straightening nozzle having inner cross walls that cross along the direction of the fluid flowing in the conduit and outward from the flow straightening nozzle.

[0005] In one or more embodiments, a piston cooling jet is provided, which may include a single body housing and a conduit. The housing may have an inner chamber that receives fluid from an external source, and the conduit may be coupled to the housing and fluidly coupled to the inner chamber. The conduit may have a curved shape for directing fluid from the inner chamber of the housing toward the bottom of the engine piston head. The piston cooling jet may also include a nozzle coupled to the conduit and positioned to direct the fluid flow exiting from the conduit via the nozzle toward the bottom of the engine piston head.

[0006] In one or more embodiments, a piston cooling jet is provided, which may include a single body housing and a conduit. The housing may have an inner chamber that receives fluid from an external source, and the conduit may be coupled to the housing and fluidly coupled to the inner chamber. The conduit may have a curved shape for directing fluid from the inner chamber of the housing toward the bottom of the engine piston head. The piston cooling jet may also include a nozzle coupled to the conduit and positioned to direct the fluid flow exiting from the conduit via the nozzle toward the bottom of the engine piston head.

[0007] In one or more embodiments, a method may be provided for depositing a first layer of material for a piston cooling nozzle onto a build plate, the piston nozzle comprising a housing and an elongated conduit. The housing may have an inlet and an interior chamber into which a fluid is received via the inlet, and the conduit may have a channel fluidly coupled to the interior chamber of the housing and extending to a nozzle through which the fluid is directed outward from the piston cooling nozzle. The method may also include depositing successive layers of material onto the first layer to additively form the piston cooling nozzle. The first layer and the successive layers of material may be deposited to form a conduit extending from the housing toward the build plate at a downward angle and having a bend angled at an upward angle away from the build plate to direct the nozzle. The first layer and the successive layers of material may be deposited to form a vertical support between the conduit and the build plate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The inventive subject matter may be understood by reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0009] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the engine is shown;

[0010] Figure 2 a schematic process diagram illustrating a process for manufacturing piston cooling jets;

[0011] Figure 3 A perspective view of the piston cooling jets is shown;

[0012] Figure 4 A perspective view with hidden lines illustrating piston cooling jets;

[0013] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a nozzle of a piston cooling jet is shown;

[0014] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of piston cooling jets located on a build plate;

[0015] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the piston cooling jet is shown;

[0016] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the piston cooling jet is shown;

[0017] Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view of the piston cooling jet is shown;

[0018] Fig.10 A cross-sectional view of the piston cooling jet is shown;

[0019] Fig.11 A cross-sectional view of the piston cooling jet is shown;

[0020] Fig.12 A cross-sectional view of the piston cooling jet is shown;

[0021] Fig.13 A cross-sectional view illustrating a piston cooling jet; and

[0022] Fig.14 A cross-sectional view of the piston cooling jets is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Embodiments of the subject matter described herein relate to a piston cooling jet that can be formed by an additive manufacturing process. By utilizing the additive manufacturing process, a bend shape can be placed in a conduit to direct cooling fluid from an interior chamber of a housing to underneath a head of a piston. In use of the additive manufacturing process, a first layer of material can be deposited onto a build plate, and successive layers of material can then be deposited onto the first layer. By using the additive manufacturing process, manufacturing complexity and overhead are correspondingly reduced while the piston cooling jet is enhanced to resist deformation and wear.

[0024] Figure 1A schematic block diagram of an engine 100 is shown. The engine may be an internal combustion engine for driving a vehicle. The engine may be configured for use in a rail vehicle, an off-road vehicle, an automobile, an aircraft, a truck, a mining or industrial vehicle, and the like. The engine may include at least one piston 102 located in a piston chamber or cylinder 104. A plurality of pistons are provided, each located in a separate chamber. The piston may have a piston head 106 that receives fuel in an engine cylinder block 108. The fuel explodes in the engine cylinder block, thereby pushing the piston downward to provide work. A piston cooling jet 110 is provided, which may include a housing 112 having at least one channel or conduit 114 extending from the housing 112 into the piston cylinder under the piston head. The piston cooling jet may include a valve that receives a thermal management fluid under pressure from an external source 116. The thermal management fluid may be any fluid that reduces or changes the temperature in the piston cylinder when supplied during operation of the piston. In one example, the thermal management fluid may be a cooling fluid. The fluid may be a liquid, a gas, a liquid and gas mixture, a high pressure liquid, a high pressure gas, an oil base, etc. In one example, the valve is a check valve including a spring that biases a ball against a piston cooling nozzle housing to close the inlet. When the spring force is overcome, the ball moves to allow cooling fluid to flow to the passage through an inlet into the inner chamber of the piston cooling nozzle to be delivered against the underside of the piston head. In this way, the technical effect of cooling and / or lubrication of the piston can be achieved by using the piston cooling nozzle.

[0025] Figure 2 A method 200 for manufacturing a piston cooling jet is shown. The piston cooling jet may be Figure 1 The piston cooling jet is described in the foregoing and may be configured to direct a temperature controlled fluid to the underside of a piston within a piston cylinder during operation of the engine. The piston cooling jet may include a housing having a valve therein for receiving the temperature controlled fluid and a passage or conduit for delivering the fluid to the piston chamber beneath the piston head. The passage may include a bend or arcuate portion when formed to maintain adequate clearance from the piston, however, the precise shape may depend on the position of the engine cylinder block relative to the piston head to maintain adequate clearance to the piston head.

[0026] At 202, a first material layer for a piston cooling nozzle is deposited onto a build plate. In one embodiment, the first layer is deposited by an additive manufacturing technique that can be 3-D printed. The material can be a metal, including aluminum, steel, brass, copper, iron, stainless steel, titanium, alloys, and the like. Alternatively, the material can be a plastic, ceramic, and the like that provides tensile strength and wear resistance as required for piston cooling nozzles. In one example, the material is a combination of an adhesive and a powdered metal that can be sintered or heated in an oven or laser to form a shell, respectively. The build plate includes a flat surface for receiving the first layer. Alternatively, a static field can be formed instead of using a build plate to hold the shell being formed in place.

[0027] At 204, a continuous layer of material is deposited onto the first layer. The first layer and the continuous layer of material may also be deposited to form a vertical support between the conduit and the build plate. In particular, this form of piston cooling jets may be formed on the build plate.

[0028] At 206, optionally, a conduit formed by a non-additive manufacturing process may be added. In particular, the layer may be deposited around and on the added conduit. Thus, while the entire piston cooling jet housing may be formed using an additive process, alternatively, one or more components of the piston cooling jet housing may be formed using a different manufacturing process and coupled to the housing during the additive manufacturing process. As a result, components of lower complexity and cost may be formed using the alternative manufacturing process, while more complex portions of the housing are formed using the additive process. As a result, costs may be minimized.

[0029] At 208, sintering of the material layer occurs to form the piston cooling nozzle. The sintering may occur using a laser, in a sintering oven, or the like. In one embodiment, within the sintering oven, the layer is heated to near melting temperature. At this temperature, a stronger bond is formed between the metal powder particles than brazed components.

[0030] In one example, a housing can be formed that includes an elongated conduit, an inlet, and an inner chamber. The elongated conduit can be a channel that is fluidly coupled to the inner chamber and extends to a nozzle through which the fluid is directed outward from the housing. Specifically, the fluid is received into the inner chamber via the inlet. The elongated conduit can include an arcuate portion, at least one bend, and the like. Nevertheless, the housing is formed as a single-piece continuous construction in a single manufacturing step without the need to press fit or braze the components together. To this end, a first layer and a continuous layer of material can be deposited to form a conduit that extends from the housing toward the build plate at a downward angle and has a bend that angles the nozzle away from the build plate at an upward angle.

[0031] Figure 3-4An exemplary piston cooling jet 300 is shown. In one example, the piston cooling jet is provided by Figure 2 The piston cooling nozzle includes a housing 302 that can be a single piece and continuous structure. Specifically, by using an additive manufacturing process, the housing can be formed in a single manufacturing process without the need to press fit or braze individual components together. The housing includes an inner chamber 304 that receives fluid from an external source (not shown) at an inlet 306. A valve assembly 308 can be provided to control the flow of fluid through the inlet. In one embodiment, the valve assembly includes a spherical portion 310 biased against the inlet by an elastic member 312. In one example, the elastic member can be a spring. The spherical portion prevents fluid from flowing through the inlet when it is biased against the inlet. The elastic member provides a biasing force that must be overcome by the fluid flowing from the external source to push the spherical portion away from the inlet, thereby allowing the fluid to flow through the inlet.

[0032] The fastener opening 314 is provided at the side of the inner chamber opposite to the entrance. The fastener opening receives a guide pin 316, which is movably connected in the fastener opening. In one example, the guide pin and the fastener opening include corresponding threads to allow the guide pin to be threadably connected to the fastener opening. By being movable in the fastener opening, the guide pin can move toward the entrance and away from the entrance to adjust the biasing force of the elastic member. When moving toward the entrance, the biasing force increases, and when moving away from the entrance, the biasing force decreases. In this way, the rate at which the fluid enters the inner chamber of the housing through the entrance can be controlled by adjusting the guide pin and is directly related to the length of the guide pin. In one example, the guide includes a head 318, a rod 322 and a threaded portion 320, and the elastic member surrounds the rod, engages the threaded portion, and is pushed by the threaded portion. The head also acts as a clamp for an individual or tool to engage to provide a desired rotation and setting.

[0033] The first conduit 324 is connected to the housing and is fluidly connected to the inner chamber. The first conduit generally has a bent shape for directing the fluid from the inner chamber of the housing toward the engine piston head and below the engine piston head. The first conduit can extend from the first end 326 to the second end 328, wherein, in one example, the diameter of the first end can be greater than the diameter at the second end. To this end, a tapered portion 330 with a first arched transition portion 332 can extend from the first end to a straight portion 334. By thickening the conduit at the connection portion with the inner chamber, the conduit has an improved rigidity at the connection portion, thereby allowing the exclusion of additional support components. In addition, the tapered portion can extend from the flange 331 of the housing at a 45° angle to improve strength, rather than having a bend that reduces strength and increases manufacturing complexity. Thus, manufacturing time and cost are saved.

[0034] The straight portion can then extend to a second arcuate transition portion 336, which can be bent at a greater rate than the first arcuate transition portion. An outlet nozzle 338 extends from the second arcuate transition portion, in which the fluid is driven out from the piston cooling nozzle onto the piston head. The shape of the first conduit can include a combination of functional features and decorative features. For example, the first arcuate transition portion and the second arcuate transition portion can be arranged to fit within the geometry of the engine and ensure that the thermal management fluid is driven out from the first conduit in a determined position and that the fluid velocity is ensured. Nevertheless, the geometry of the engine can allow for decorative features and bends, allowing for more aesthetically appealing piston cooling nozzles.

[0035] The second conduit 340 is also connected to the housing and is fluidly connected to the inner chamber. The second conduit generally has a bending shape to direct the fluid from the inner chamber of the housing toward the engine piston head and below the engine piston head. The second conduit can extend from the first end 342 to the second end 344, wherein, in one example, the diameter of the first end can be greater than the diameter at the second end. For this reason, a tapered portion 346 with a first arched transition portion 348 can extend from the first end to a straight portion 350. By thickening the conduit at the connection portion with the inner chamber, the conduit has an improved rigidity at the connection portion, thereby allowing the exclusion of additional support components. In addition, the tapered portion can extend from the flange 331 of the housing at a 45° angle to improve strength, rather than having a bend that reduces strength and increases manufacturing complexity. Thus, manufacturing time and cost are saved.

[0036] The straight portion can then extend to a second arcuate transition portion 352, which can be bent at a greater rate than the first arcuate transition portion. An outlet nozzle 354 extends from the second arcuate transition portion, in which the fluid is driven from the piston cooling nozzle to the piston head. The shape of the second conduit can include a combination of functional features and decorative features. For example, the first arcuate transition portion and the second arcuate transition portion can be arranged to fit within the geometry of the engine and ensure that the thermal management fluid is driven from the first conduit in a determined position and ensure fluid velocity. Nevertheless, the geometry of the engine can allow decorative features and bends, allowing for more aesthetically appealing piston cooling nozzles.

[0037] Figure 5 An exemplary nozzle 500 for a pipe of a piston cooling jet is shown. In one example, Figure 5 The nozzle is Figure 4The nozzle 502 of the first conduit and the second conduit can be positioned to straighten the fluid flow exiting the conduit through the outlet 502 of the nozzle toward the bottom of the engine piston head. The flow straightening nozzle can also have an inner cross wall 504 that intersects along the direction of the fluid flowing in the conduit and outward from the flow straightening nozzle. In one example, the cross walls can be oriented orthogonally relative to each other and can also be arranged upstream of the outlet. In another example, the cross wall can extend along the flow direction of the fluid over a length that is shorter than the distance of the end of the cross wall positioned along the flow direction of the fluid from the outlet of the nozzle.

[0038] The nozzle may also include an inner channel 506 fluidly coupled to the nozzle, the inner channel having a tapered section 508 tapering along the flow direction of the fluid. To this end, the cross wall may be located upstream of the tapered section of the channel in the nozzle along the flow direction of the fluid. Due to the flow straightening nozzle, flow stratification of the cooling nozzle piston is provided, thereby reducing divergence.

[0039] Figure 6 Another embodiment of piston cooling nozzle 600 is shown. In this embodiment, piston cooling nozzle is shown after the housing 602 has just been formed on the build plate 604 using the additive process. In one example, more than one piston cooling nozzle can be formed on a single build plate. In this illustration, the outside of the housing 602 is provided, thereby showing the inlet 606, the flange 608 and the first and second pipes 610 (not shown). In addition, a plurality of vertical supports 614 can be provided between the pipe and the build plate to facilitate the manufacturing process. The vertical supports can be constructed in an orientation that reduces distortion, minimizes the number of required vertical supports, reduces the need for internal supports, and facilitates the removal of piston cooling nozzles from the build plate. For this reason, the build direction of the additive process can also provide an enhanced nozzle geometry, thereby further reducing costs.

[0040] Figure 7-14 All illustrate alternative embodiments of piston cooling jets. In each embodiment, the housing can be formed using an additive process as described herein. In each embodiment, different valve arrangements can be provided within the housing. Nevertheless, by using an additive process in the formation of the housing, manufacturing time is saved, costs are reduced, and strength is improved.

[0041] Figure 7 An embodiment of a piston cooling jet 700 is shown that includes a housing 702 that receives a poppet valve 704. The poppet valve includes an inlet 706 that engages a seat 708 until pressure on the inlet causes a force on the poppet 710 that pushes the poppet 710 away from the seat to allow flow through an outlet 712. Figure 3-4The poppet valve can be threadably fastened in the housing and also has a head 714 for clamping and rotating. When the housing allows the poppet valve to be inserted, the poppet valve causes low leakage.

[0042] Figure 8 The piston cooling jet 800 is shown as an embodiment of the piston cooling jet 800. The piston cooling jet 800 includes a housing 802 that receives and Figure 3 and Figure 4 The valve assembly of the embodiment of the present invention is similar to the valve 804, which uses a ball 806, a resilient member 808 and a guide pin 810. In an embodiment, instead of threading the valve assembly into the housing, the valve assembly can be press-fitted. In this exemplary press-fit, a flange 812 of the housing includes a seat 814 for receiving the valve assembly.

[0043] Fig. 9 The piston cooling jet 900 is shown as an embodiment of the piston cooling jet 900. The piston cooling jet 900 includes a housing 902 that receives a piston cooling jet 902. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The valve assembly of the embodiment of the present invention is similar to the valve 904, which uses a ball 906, a resilient member 908 and a guide pin 910. In an embodiment, instead of threading the valve assembly into the housing, the valve assembly can also be press-fitted. In this exemplary press-fit, the flange 912 of the housing includes an annular opening 914 for receiving the valve assembly.

[0044] Fig.10 The piston cooling nozzle 1000 is shown in an embodiment. The piston cooling nozzle 1000 includes a housing 1002 that receives a piston cooling nozzle 1002. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The valve assembly of the embodiment of the present invention is similar to the valve 1004, which uses a ball 1006, an elastic member 1008 and a guide pin 1010. In an embodiment, instead of threading the valve assembly into the housing, the valve assembly can also be press-fitted. In this exemplary press-fit, similar to Fig. 9 In the embodiment of the present invention, the flange 1012 of the housing includes an annular opening 1014 for receiving the valve assembly. Fig.10 In the embodiment of the present invention, the spring locator 1016 is disposed in the annular opening to lock the elastic component.

[0045] Fig.11 The piston cooling nozzle 1100 is shown in an embodiment. The piston cooling nozzle 1100 includes a housing 1102 that receives and Figure 3 and Figure 4The valve assembly of the valve 1104 is similar to that of the valve 1104, which uses a ball 1106, a resilient member 1108, and a guide pin 1110. In an embodiment, instead of threading the valve assembly into the housing or instead of press fitting, a machined pin 1112 with a cotter pin 1114 can be used to secure the guide pin.

[0046] Fig.12 The piston cooling nozzle 1200 is shown in an embodiment. The piston cooling nozzle 1200 includes a housing 1202 that receives and Figure 3 and Figure 4 1204, which uses a ball 1206, a resilient member 1208, and a guide pin 1210. In an embodiment, instead of threading the valve assembly into the housing, using a press fit or cotter pin, the valve assembly, the flange 1212 of the housing may include a circlip retainer 1214.

[0047] Fig.13 The piston cooling nozzle 1300 is shown in an embodiment. The piston cooling nozzle 1300 includes a housing 1302 that receives a piston cooling nozzle 1302. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The valve assembly of the valve 1304 is similar to that of the valve 1304, which uses a ball 1306, a resilient member 1308, and a guide pin 1310. In an embodiment, a press-fit seat 1312 can be provided for the ball, and a machined pin 1314 with a cotter pin 1316 can secure the guide pin therein.

[0048] Fig.14 The piston cooling jet 1400 is shown as an embodiment of the piston cooling jet 1400. The piston cooling jet 1400 includes a housing 1402 that receives and Figure 3 and Figure 4 The valve assembly of the valve 1404 is similar to that of the valve 1404, which uses a ball 1406 and an elastic member 1408. In this embodiment, the elastic member can be a cantilever beam extending from the inner surface of the housing and extending toward the inlet 1410. The cantilever beam can have a ball located on the outer end 1412 and move downward when a threshold pressure is reached to allow fluid to enter the inlet of the housing. In this way, the cantilever beam and the ball are positioned to control the rate at which the fluid enters the interior chamber of the housing.

[0049] exist Fig.14 In the example of , the cantilever beam and the bulb are a single piece that can be formed during an additive manufacturing process. Since the cantilever beam is manufactured during an additive process, the side of the housing opposite the entrance can be closed, thereby eliminating the need for a guide pin and corresponding seal into the interior chamber 1414.

[0050] In one or more embodiments, a piston cooling jet is provided, which may include: a housing having an inner chamber for receiving fluid from an external source; and a conduit coupled to the housing and fluidly coupled to the inner chamber, the conduit having a bent shape for directing the fluid from the inner chamber of the housing toward the underside of the engine piston head. The piston cooling jet may also include a flow straightening nozzle coupled to the conduit and positioned to straighten the fluid flow exiting from the conduit through the nozzle toward the underside of the engine piston head, the flow straightening nozzle having inner cross walls that cross along the direction of the fluid flowing in the conduit and outward from the flow straightening nozzle.

[0051] Optionally, the cross walls can be oriented orthogonally relative to each other. In another aspect, the nozzle can extend from the conduit to the outlet, and the cross walls can be disposed in the nozzle upstream of the outlet. In one embodiment, the cross walls can extend along the flow direction of the fluid over a length that is shorter than the distance at which the ends of the cross walls are positioned from the outlet of the nozzle along the flow direction of the fluid.

[0052] Optionally, the nozzle may include an inner channel fluidically coupled to the nozzle, the inner channel having a tapered section that tapers along the flow direction of the fluid. On the other hand, the cross wall may be located upstream of the tapered section of the channel in the nozzle along the flow direction of the fluid. In one example, the housing and the conduit may be a single continuous body.

[0053] On the other hand, the housing can include an inlet and opposite fastener openings on opposite sides of the inner chamber. The housing can be configured to hold the spherical portion and the elastic member in the inner chamber and receive the guide pin into the inner chamber via the fastener opening. The elastic member and the spherical portion can also be configured to control the rate at which the fluid enters the inner chamber of the housing via the inlet of the housing. In one example, the guide pin can have a length that controls the rate at which the fluid enters the inner chamber of the housing.

[0054] Optionally, the housing may include an inlet through which the fluid is received into the housing. The housing may also include a cantilever beam extending from the inner surface of the housing toward the inlet. The cantilever beam may have a bulbous portion located on the outer end of the cantilever beam, and the cantilever beam and bulbous portion may be positioned to control the rate at which the fluid enters the inner chamber of the housing. On the other hand, the housing, the cantilever beam, and the bulbous portion may be a single body. In another example, the conduit may be elongated and extend from the outer surface of the housing at a non-orthogonal angle. On the other hand, the conduit may include only a single bend at an angle greater than forty-five degrees.

[0055] Optionally, the piston cooling jets may also include a planar flange coupled to the housing and configured to couple to a cylinder block of the engine. In one aspect, the housing and flange may be a single body. In another aspect, the housing and flange may be separate bodies that are threaded together, press-fit together, held together by a cotter pin, or held together by a circlip.

[0056] In one or more embodiments, a piston cooling jet is provided, which may include a single body housing and a conduit. The housing may have an inner chamber that receives fluid from an external source, and the conduit may be coupled to the housing and fluidly coupled to the inner chamber. The conduit may have a bend shape for directing fluid from the inner chamber of the housing toward the underside of the engine piston head. The piston cooling jet may also include a nozzle that is coupled to the conduit and positioned to direct the fluid flow exiting from the conduit via the nozzle toward the underside of the engine piston head.

[0057] Optionally, the conduit can be elongated and extend from the outer surface of the housing at a non-orthogonal angle. In one example, the conduit can include only a single bend at an angle greater than forty-five degrees. In one aspect, the housing and the conduit can be a single continuous body. In another aspect, the nozzle can be a flow straightening nozzle having inner cross walls that intersect along the direction of the fluid flowing in the conduit and outward from the flow straightening nozzle. In an example, the cross walls can be oriented orthogonally relative to each other. Alternatively, the nozzle can extend from the conduit to the outlet, and the cross wall is disposed in the nozzle upstream of the outlet. In yet another example, the cross wall can extend along the flow direction of the fluid over a length that is shorter than the end of the cross wall is positioned at a distance from the outlet of the nozzle along the flow direction of the fluid. On the other hand, the channel can include a tapered section, and the cross wall is located upstream of the tapered section of the channel in the nozzle along the flow direction of the fluid.

[0058] Optionally, the nozzle may include an inner channel fluidically coupled to the nozzle, the inner channel having a tapered section that tapers along the flow direction of the fluid. In one aspect, the housing includes an inlet on opposite sides of the inner chamber and opposite fastener openings, the housing being configured to retain the spherical portion and the elastic member in the inner chamber and to receive the guide pin into the inner chamber via the fastener opening. The elastic member and the spherical portion may be configured to control the rate at which the fluid enters the inner chamber of the housing via the inlet of the housing. On the other hand, the guide pin has a length that controls the rate at which the fluid enters the inner chamber of the housing.

[0059] Optionally, the piston cooling nozzle may also include a planar flange that may be coupled to the housing and may also be configured to be coupled to the cylinder block of the engine. On the other hand, the housing, the conduit, and the flange may be a single body. On the other hand, the housing and the flange may be separate bodies that are threaded together, press-fit together, held together by a cotter pin, or held together by a circlip. In yet another example, the housing may include an inlet through which a fluid may be received into the housing, the housing also including a cantilever beam extending from the inner surface of the housing toward the inlet. The cantilever beam may have a spherical portion located on the outer end of the cantilever beam, and the spherical portion may be positioned to control the rate at which the fluid enters the inner chamber of the housing. In one aspect, the housing, the cantilever beam, and the spherical portion may be a single body.

[0060] In one or more embodiments, a method may be provided for depositing a first layer of material for a piston cooling nozzle onto a build plate, the piston nozzle comprising a housing and an elongated conduit. The housing may have an inlet and an interior chamber into which a fluid is received via the inlet, and the conduit may have a channel fluidly coupled to the interior chamber of the housing and extending to a nozzle through which the fluid is directed outward from the piston cooling nozzle. The method may also include depositing successive layers of material onto the first layer to additively form the piston cooling nozzle. The first layer and the successive layers of material may be deposited to form a conduit that extends from the housing toward the build plate at a downward angle and has a bend that angles the nozzle away from the build plate at an upward angle. The first layer and the successive layers of material may be deposited to form a vertical support between the conduit and the build plate.

[0061] Unless the context clearly stipulates otherwise, the singular forms "one", "an" and "the" include plural references. "Optional" or "optionally" means that the event or situation described subsequently may or may not occur, and means that this description may include an instance in which the event occurs and an instance in which the event does not occur. Approximate language as used throughout the specification and claims in this article can be applied to any quantitative representation that can be permitted to change without causing a change in the basic function that may be associated with it to be modified. Therefore, the value modified with (one or more) terms (such as, "approximately", "substantially" and "approximately") may not be limited to the specified exact value. In at least some instances, approximate language may correspond to the accuracy of the instrument used to measure the value. Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations can be combined and / or interchanged, unless the context or language indicates otherwise, such a range can be identified and includes all sub-ranges contained therein.

[0062] This written description uses examples to disclose embodiments, including the best mode, and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the embodiments, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The claims define the patentable scope of the disclosure, and may include other examples that occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A piston cooling nozzle, comprising: a housing having an interior chamber for receiving a fluid from an external source; a conduit coupled to the housing and fluidly coupled to the inner chamber, the conduit comprising: a straight portion; and a tapered portion extending from the interior chamber, the tapered portion including an arcuate transition to the straight portion; and A nozzle is coupled to the conduit and positioned to straighten the flow of the fluid exiting the conduit through the nozzle toward underneath the engine piston head, the nozzle having a plurality of intersecting walls that intersect along the direction of flow of the fluid in the conduit and outwardly from the nozzle.

2. The piston cooling nozzle according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of intersecting walls are oriented orthogonally relative to each other.

3. The piston cooling jet according to claim 1, wherein: The nozzle extends from the conduit to an outlet, and the plurality of intersecting walls are disposed in the nozzle upstream of the outlet.

4. The piston cooling jet according to claim 3, wherein: The plurality of cross walls extend along the flow direction of the fluid over a length shorter than a distance at which ends of the cross walls are located from the outlet of the nozzle along the flow direction of the fluid.

5. The piston cooling jet according to claim 1, wherein: The nozzle includes an inner passage fluidly coupled to the nozzle, the inner passage having a tapered section tapering along a flow direction of the fluid.

6. The piston cooling jet according to claim 5, wherein: The plurality of intersecting walls are located upstream of the tapered section of the channel in the nozzle along the flow direction of the fluid.

7. The piston cooling jet according to claim 1, wherein: The inner chamber and the duct are a single continuous body that is a one-piece structure.

8. The piston cooling jet according to claim 1, wherein: The housing includes inlets on opposite sides of the inner chamber and opposite fastener openings, the housing being configured to retain a ball and an elastic member in the inner chamber and to receive a guide pin into the inner chamber via the fastener opening, the elastic member and the ball being configured to control the rate at which the fluid enters the inner chamber of the housing via the inlet of the housing.

9. The piston cooling jet according to claim 8, wherein: The guide pin has a length that controls the rate at which the fluid enters the interior chamber of the housing.

10. The piston cooling jet according to claim 1, wherein: The housing includes an inlet through which the fluid is received into the housing, the housing also including a cantilever beam extending from an inner surface of the housing toward the inlet, the cantilever beam having a spherical portion located on an outer end of the cantilever beam, the cantilever beam and the spherical portion being positioned to control the rate at which the fluid enters the interior chamber of the housing.

11. The piston cooling jet according to claim 10, wherein: The housing, the cantilever beam and the spherical portion are a single body.

12. The piston cooling jet according to claim 1, wherein: The conduit is elongated and extends from an outer surface of the housing at a non-orthogonal angle.

13. The piston cooling jet according to claim 1, wherein: The conduit includes only a single bend at an angle greater than forty-five degrees.

14. The piston cooling jet of claim 1 further comprising a planar flange coupled to the housing and configured to couple to a cylinder block of an engine.

15. The piston cooling jet according to claim 14, wherein: The housing and the flange are a single body.

16. The piston cooling jet according to claim 14, wherein: The housing and flange are separate bodies that are one or more of threaded together, press-fit together, held together by cotter pins, or held together by a circlip.

17. A piston cooling nozzle, comprising: a single body housing and a conduit, the housing and conduit being a continuous, one-piece structure, the housing having an interior chamber for receiving fluid from an external source, the conduit being coupled to the housing and fluidly coupled to the interior chamber, the conduit having a kink for directing the fluid from the interior chamber of the housing toward an underside of an engine piston head; as well as A nozzle is coupled to the conduit and positioned to direct a flow of the fluid exiting the conduit via the nozzle toward the underside of the engine piston head.

18. The piston cooling jet according to claim 17, wherein: The conduit is elongated and extends from an outer surface of the housing at a non-orthogonal angle.

19. The piston cooling jet according to claim 17, wherein: The conduit includes only a single bend at an angle greater than forty-five degrees.

20. The piston cooling jet according to claim 17, wherein: The housing and the duct are a single continuous body.

21. The piston cooling jet according to claim 17, wherein: The nozzle is a flow straightening nozzle having inner intersecting walls that intersect along the direction of flow of the fluid in the conduit and outwardly from the flow straightening nozzle.

22. The piston cooling jet according to claim 21, wherein: The intersecting walls are oriented orthogonally relative to each other.

23. The piston cooling jet according to claim 21, wherein: The nozzle extends from the duct to an outlet, and the cross wall is provided in the nozzle upstream of the outlet.

24. The piston cooling jet according to claim 21, wherein: The cross wall extends along the flow direction of the fluid over a length shorter than a distance at which an end of the cross wall is located from an outlet of the nozzle along the flow direction of the fluid.

25. The piston cooling jet of claim 21, wherein: The conduit includes a tapered section, and the cross wall is located upstream of the tapered section of the conduit in the nozzle along the flow direction of the fluid.

26. The piston cooling jet of claim 17, wherein: The nozzle includes an inner passage fluidly coupled to the nozzle, the inner passage having a tapered section tapering along a flow direction of the fluid.

27. The piston cooling jet according to claim 17, wherein: The housing includes inlets on opposite sides of the inner chamber and opposite fastener openings, the housing being configured to retain a ball and an elastic member in the inner chamber and to receive a guide pin into the inner chamber via the fastener opening, the elastic member and the ball being configured to control the rate at which the fluid enters the inner chamber of the housing via the inlet of the housing.

28. The piston cooling jet according to claim 27, wherein: The guide pin has a length that controls the rate at which the fluid enters the interior chamber of the housing.

29. The piston cooling jet of claim 17, further comprising a planar flange coupled to the housing and configured to couple to a cylinder block of an engine.

30. The piston cooling jet according to claim 29, wherein: The housing, the duct and the flange are a single body.

31. The piston cooling jet of claim 29, wherein: The housing and flange are separate bodies that are one or more of threaded together, press-fit together, held together by cotter pins, or held together by a circlip.

32. The piston cooling jet of claim 17, wherein: The housing includes an inlet through which the fluid is received into the housing, the housing also including a cantilever beam extending from an inner surface of the housing toward the inlet, the cantilever beam having a spherical portion located on an outer end of the cantilever beam, the cantilever beam and the spherical portion being positioned to control the rate at which the fluid enters the interior chamber of the housing.

33. The piston cooling jet according to claim 32, wherein: The housing, the cantilever beam and the spherical portion are a single body.

34. A method of manufacturing a piston cooling jet, the method comprising: causing a first layer of material for a piston cooling jet to be deposited onto a build plate, the piston cooling jet comprising a housing having an inlet and an interior chamber into which a fluid is received via the inlet, and an elongated conduit having a passage fluidly coupled to the interior chamber of the housing and extending to a nozzle through which the fluid is directed outwardly from the piston cooling jet; as well as depositing the continuous layer of material onto the first layer of material to additively form the housing and elongated conduit of the piston cooling jet as a single continuous body, wherein the first material layer and the continuous material layer are deposited to form the conduit extending from the housing toward the build plate at a downward angle and having a bend that angles the nozzle away from the build plate at an upward angle, wherein the first material layer and the continuous material layer are deposited to form a vertical support between the conduit and the build plate.

Images