Insert with sealing groove for an engine block and system, assembly, component and method thereof

Abstract

Inserts for engine blocks and systems, assemblies, components, and methods thereof can include an annular body having an inner surface and an outer surface opposite the inner surface. The inner surface can have one or more seal grooves adapted to receive and retain a corresponding seal ring. A maximum outer diameter of the annular body can be defined by the outer surface and can be greater than a height of the annular body in a longitudinal direction of the annular body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an insert having one or more sealing grooves for an engine block, and to systems, components, parts and methods associated therewith. Background Technology

[0002] Cylinder liners present the challenge of balancing liner construction and sealing performance in the lower coolant sealing area between the liner and the engine block. Providing one or more sealing grooves within the liner for sealing elements (e.g., O-rings) can compromise the liner construction. On the other hand, accommodating one or more sealing grooves within the liner may result in undesirable liner thickness and / or pose challenges to engine block repair and reusability in that area during initial and subsequent engine overhauls.

[0003] U.S. Patent No. 7,726,273 (“273 Patent”) describes a high-strength steel cylinder liner for a diesel engine. According to the 273 Patent, the diesel engine is fitted with a thin-walled wet liner made of steel, wherein the ratio of the composite liner thickness to the bore diameter is in the range of 1.5% to 4%. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one aspect, the invention describes an insert for an engine block. The insert may include an annular body having an inner surface and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface, wherein the inner surface may have a plurality of sealing grooves adapted to receive and retain corresponding sealing rings. The maximum outer diameter of the annular body may be defined by the outer surface and may be greater than the height of the annular body in its longitudinal direction. The maximum outer diameter may be constant longitudinally from a first end of the annular body to a second end of the annular body opposite to the first end.

[0005] In another aspect, the present invention describes a method. The method may include: providing an insert adapted to be held within an engine block, the insert being symmetrical and ring-shaped; and providing at least one sealing ring, each of the at least one sealing ring being configured to seal one or more fluids within the engine block. The insert may have an inner surface and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface, wherein the inner surface may have at least one sealing groove adapted to correspondingly receive and hold at least one sealing ring. Each of the at least one sealing ring may be disposed in at least one sealing groove such that a portion of the at least one sealing ring extends from the at least one sealing groove through the inner surface of the insert.

[0006] In another embodiment, an assembly for a machined cylinder of a cast iron engine block for an internal combustion engine is described. The assembly may include: a stainless steel insert adapted to be held within a cast iron engine block having a machined cylinder, the stainless steel insert being symmetrical and annular; and a plurality of sealing rings, the sealing rings being O-rings of the same size but with different material compositions based on the fluid within the cast iron engine block to be sealed. The stainless steel insert may have an inner surface and an outer surface opposite the inner surface, wherein the outer surface may be smooth and may form the maximum outer diameter of the stainless steel insert, and wherein the inner surface may have a plurality of sealing grooves adapted to receive and hold corresponding O-rings among these O-rings. Each of the O-rings may be disposed in a corresponding sealing groove such that a portion of the O-ring extends from the sealing groove across the inner surface of the stainless steel insert. Each of a first end of the stainless steel insert and a second end of the stainless steel insert opposite the first end may be chamfered from both the outer and inner surfaces.

[0007] Other features and aspects of the invention will become readily apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 It is a cross-sectional view of the body of an internal combustion engine according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

[0009] Figure 2 and Figure 3 It is for one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the cylinder assembly of the engine block.

[0010] Figure 4 It shows Figure 2 and Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the bottom of the component.

[0011] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a sealing interface according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter is shown.

[0012] Figure 6 This is a partial cross-sectional side view of a lining according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

[0013] Figure 7 This is a partial sectional side view of another lining according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

[0014] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 Enlarged view of the transition section of the lining.

[0015] Figure 9 yes Figure 6 An enlarged view of a portion of the bottom of the lining.

[0016] Figure 10 It is a perspective view of an insert according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

[0017] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 The end view of the insert.

[0018] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 The cross-sectional view of the insert along line 12-12.

[0019] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A magnified portion of the cross-sectional view. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The present invention relates to an insert having one or more sealing grooves for an engine block, and to systems, components, parts and methods associated therewith.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the engine block 100 of an internal combustion engine according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. The internal combustion engine can be any suitable internal combustion engine, including a diesel engine or a gasoline engine. For example, Figure 1 The engine block 100 is used for a diesel engine (V12), but embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are not limited thereto. That is, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can be implemented in or are applicable to compression ignition and spark ignition engines.

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown, the body 100, which may be made of cast iron, may include a plurality of holes 200. The holes 200 may be essentially cylindrical; therefore, the holes 200 may be referred to herein as cylinders 200. Figure 1 A cross-section of half of the cylinder 200 of the engine block 100 is shown. Typically, during operation, a corresponding piston (not explicitly shown) reciprocates within the cylinder 200 to generate mechanical power due to fuel combustion. Discussed in more detail below, the cylinder 200 can be machined or drilled. Drilling can mean that some of the base material of the engine block 100 defining the cylinder 200 has been drilled or machined, causing a change in the geometry of the cylinder 200 relative to the previous operating geometry of the internal combustion engine. The previous operating geometry can refer to the initial construction of the internal combustion engine or a previous reconstruction of the internal combustion engine.

[0023] Components according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may include a liner 300 and an insert 400, and may be individually provided for some or all of the cylinders 200. Typically, the insert 400 may be disposed within the body 100, radially surrounding the bottom 330 of the liner 300, such as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown. According to one or more embodiments, the liner 300 may be steel and / or the insert 400 may be stainless steel. The assembly may also include one or more sealing rings 500, which may be disposed between the insert 400 and the liner 300, as shown. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown.

[0024] The liner 300 may be wholly or mostly housed within the cylinder 200. Alternatively, a portion of the liner 300 may protrude from the cylinder 200. For example, as... Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the top 310 of the liner 300 may extend from the top surface of the body 100 or the deck 110. According to one or more embodiments, the liner 300 may be a top-supported liner, meaning that the top 310, such as its flange 312, may rest or sit on the top surface 110 of the body 100.

[0025] In any case, the liner 300 may be removably disposed in the cylinder 200 so as to be radially supported by the sidewall portion of the body 100 defining the cylinder 200. According to one or more embodiments, the liner 300 may be inserted into and held in the cylinder 200 via a relatively tight fit between the liner 300 and the sidewall portion defining the cylinder 200. For example, the liner 300 may be pressed and / or locked in the cylinder 200 by a relatively tight fit between the liner 300 and the sidewall portion defining the cylinder 200. In this respect, the portion of the liner 300 having the largest outer diameter in the cylinder 200 may be limited, particularly by the inner diameter of one or more sidewall portions of the upper part of the body 100. Some or all of such sidewall portions may be referred to as guide portions (e.g., upper body guide portions) and may be used to position the liner 300 in the cylinder 200.

[0026] One or more coolant passages for circulating coolant may be provided between the upper portion of the body 100 and the middle portion 320 of the liner 300. An upper seal, which may be located directly below the flange 312, may provide an upper sealing interface between the upper portion of the body 100 and the middle portion 320 of the liner 300 to seal one or more coolant passages. According to one or more embodiments, the upper sealing interface may be provided by a relatively shallow recess in the liner 300 and may be referred to as a packing strip.

[0027] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5The insert 400 may be disposed in a recess 130 defined in the body 100. The recess 130 may be defined by a countersunk feature formed in the body 100 by machining or drilling of the body 100. In this respect, the insert 400 may be limited by the inner diameter of a side wall portion of the upper portion of the body 120 defining the cylinder 200. That is, according to one or more embodiments, the maximum outer diameter of the insert 400 may not be greater than the inner diameter of one or more side wall portions (e.g., guide portions) of the upper portion 120 of the body 100 forming the innermost surface of the cylinder 200. The machining process may leave residual parent material of the body 100 to define at least some recesses 130. For example, as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, flange 132 can be retained as a surface on which insert 400 can rest, and retains this surface when inserted into body 100.

[0028] The inner surface or inner surface 410 of the insert 400 may be adapted to seal against the outer surface 302 of the liner 300, particularly at the bottom 330 of the liner 300. Typically, one or more non-metallic seals (e.g., elastomeric seals) may be provided. For example, one or more sealing rings 500 may be provided in corresponding sealing grooves 450 formed in the inner surface 410 of the insert 400. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, for example, three sealing rings 500 may be provided, but embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are not limited thereto. One or more sealing rings 500 may be O-rings, D-rings (i.e., D-shaped cross-sectional geometry), having a square cross-sectional geometry, etc.

[0029] In the case of multiple sealing rings 500, the sealing rings 500 may have the same dimensions (e.g., cross-section, diameter, etc.) and therefore may have the same fill percentage of the sealing groove 450. Optionally, some or all of the sealing rings 500 may have the same compression ratio (e.g., compression ratio percentage). According to one or more embodiments, one or more sealing rings 500 may have dimensions (e.g., cross-sectional dimensions, such as diameter) greater than the depth of the corresponding sealing groove in one or more sealing grooves 450, such that at least when the insert 400 is provided with one or more sealing rings 500 and the liner 300 is not provided radially inward of the insert 400, a portion of the sealing ring 500 extends from the sealing groove 450 through the inner surface 410 of the insert 400. Optionally, one or more sealing rings 500 may be retained in the corresponding sealing groove 450 even when the liner 300 is not provided radially inward of the insert 400. As described above, according to one or more embodiments, some or all of the one or more sealing rings 500 may be O-rings, such as... Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown. According to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, sealing rings with other cross-sectional geometries (e.g., square) can also be implemented, particularly where a portion of the cross-sectional area can protrude from the sealing groove 450.

[0030] One or more sealing rings 500 may be adapted to a specific geometry of one or more sealing grooves 450 of the insert 400 and / or the outer surface 302 of the liner 300. One or more sealing rings 500 may also be adapted based on one or more materials that the one or more sealing rings 500 will expose. In this respect, typically, a seal 600 may be formed by one or more sealing rings 500 and a liner 300 to provide a barrier for engine coolant at the top of the insert 400 and a barrier for engine oil at the bottom of the insert 400. Therefore, one or more sealing rings 500 forming the seal 600 may be made of a material capable of accommodating specific exposed parts. In this case, adaptation may mean corrosion resistance or anti-corrosion, for example, against coolant (including water) or oil resistance or anti-corrosion. For example, in Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the case of the sealing ring 500, the top sealing ring 500 can be made of ethylene propylene rubber (EPDM) because it can come into contact with the engine coolant, the bottom sealing ring 500 can be made of fluorocarbon rubber (FKM) because it can be exposed to oil in the crankcase, and / or the intermediate sealing ring 500 can be formed of a material such as hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR), which can handle exposure to engine coolant and engine oil. Therefore, the intermediate sealing ring 500 can serve as a support for the top and bottom sealing rings 500.

[0031] Reference Figure 6-9 The lining 300 may have a hollow body 301 defined by a wall, the hollow body having an outer surface or outer surface 302, an inner surface or inner surface 304 opposite to the outer surface 302, a top end 306, and a bottom end 308 opposite to the top end 306. Both the top end 306 and the bottom end 308 may be open.

[0032] The body 301 of the liner 300 may be cylindrical, although the thickness of the body 301 may vary along its length. Optionally, according to one or more embodiments, only the surface profile of the outer surface 302 may be changed, wherein the inner diameter of the liner 300 defined by the inner surface 304 may be constant along the entire length of the body 301. As described above, the body 301 of the liner 300 is characterized by having a top 310, a middle portion 320, and a bottom 330.

[0033] According to one or more embodiments, the top 310 of a liner 300, which may include a top end 306, may define a flange 312. The flange 312 may define the maximum outer diameter of the outer surface 302 of the liner 300 and / or the maximum thickness of the liner 300.

[0034] In terms of relative thickness, the middle portion 320 is typically thicker than the bottom portion 330, particularly the so-called thin portion 332 of the bottom portion 330. In this respect, the middle portion 320 may have a so-called thick portion 322, which can form the thickest part of the middle portion 320 (although other portions of the middle portion 320 may have the same thickness). Optionally, the thick portion 322 may be characterized as a guide for placing the liner 300 in the cylinder 200.

[0035] The thick portion 322 may be located at least at the midpoint between the top end 306 and the bottom end 308 along the longitudinal length of the lining 300. (Relative to...) Figure 7 Implementation examples Figure 6 In the embodiments, with Figure 7 Compared to the thick portion 322 in the embodiment, Figure 6 In one embodiment, the thick portion 322 is longer. Therefore, the thick portion 322 can be positioned midway between the top end 306 and the bottom end 308 of the lining 300, and according to one or more embodiments, the thick portion 322 can extend continuously to a thickness transition portion 329. As... Figure 6 As shown, the thick portion 322 can also extend in the direction opposite to the transition portion 329. The thick portion 322 can have a uniform thickness along its length, such as... Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown. Incidentally, Figure 6 and Figure 7 The transition portion 329 and the thin portion 332 of the lining 300 can be the same for both embodiments. That is, the height of the transition portion 329 can be the same as the geometry of the transition portion 329 and the thin portion 332.

[0036] In any case, a transition 329 in thickness from the thick portion 322 to the thin portion 332 can occur at the bottom 330 of the liner 300. As described above, according to one or more embodiments, the transition 329 can be achieved by changing the height of the outer surface 302 of the liner 300. (See also...) Figure 8 The angle θ of the transition portion 329 can be an acute angle. In other words, according to one or more embodiments, the transition portion 329 may not be a square (i.e., 90 degrees).

[0037] The thin portion 332 of the liner 330 can extend from the transition portion 329 to the bottom end 308 of the liner 300. According to one or more embodiments, the thickness of any portion of the thin portion 322 is no greater than that of any portion of the thick portion 322. Similarly, except at the interface with the thick portion 322, the thickness of any portion of the transition portion 329 is no greater than the thickness of the thick portion 322. Additionally, according to one or more embodiments, any portion of the thin portion 322 may not be thicker than any portion of the intermediate portion 320. Given that the top 310 is at least as thick as the thick portion 322, the thickness comparison above naturally applies to the top 310 relative to the bottom 330 of the liner 300.

[0038] Optionally, the thickness of the thin portion 332 can gradually decrease towards the bottom end 308. As described above, a taper can be applied to the outer surface 302 of the lining 300. For example, as... Figure 9 As shown, the thin portion 332 can be thinnest at the bottom end 308 of the liner 300. Therefore, the liner 300 can have its thinnest portion at the bottom end 308 of the liner 300.

[0039] The outer surface 302 of the liner 300 may be wholly or partially devoid of any sealing groove suitable for receiving a sealing ring (e.g., a D-ring or O-ring). According to one or more embodiments, the outer surface 302 may be completely devoid of any such sealing groove at the bottom 330 of the liner 300. However, the outer surface 302 at the bottom 330 of the liner 300 may be adapted to sealably engage with an insert assembly according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, such as an insert assembly comprising an insert 400 and one or more sealing rings 500 discussed herein.

[0040] Now go to Figure 10-13 The insert 400, which can be referred to as a sleeve, may have a cylindrical or annular body with a hollow interior and an open first end 402 and a second end 406. Therefore, in an end view, as... Figure 11 As shown, the insert 400 can be circular.

[0041] The insert 400 may have an inner surface or inner surface 410 and an outer surface or outer surface 414 opposite to the inner surface 410. The outer surface 414 may be smooth and may define the maximum outer diameter of the insert 400. Optionally, the first end 402 and the second end 406 may be chamfered on the outer surface 414 and / or the inner surface 410. Figure 12 As shown, the insert 400 may be chamfered on both the inner surface 410 and the outer surface 414. Furthermore, this chamfering at the outer surface 414 and / or the inner surface 410 may be located at one or both of the first end 402 and the second end 406. For example, Figure 12The first end 402 and the second end 406 are shown being chamfered. Alternatively, the inner surface 410 and / or the outer surface 414 may have a radius (bent) geometry or a square geometry at the first end 402 and / or the second end 406 of the insert 400.

[0042] The insert 400 may have one or more sealing grooves 450 formed or disposed in the inner surface 410. For example, the insert 400 has three sealing grooves 450. The sealing grooves 450 may extend around the entire circumference of the inner surface 410 of the insert 400 and may be adapted to receive and retain corresponding sealing rings, such as... Figure 4 The sealing ring shown is 500.

[0043] In the case of multiple sealing grooves 450, the sealing grooves 450 may be evenly spaced from each other in the longitudinal or height direction of the insert 400. Optionally, the sealing grooves 450 may also be evenly spaced from each other and evenly spaced from the first and second ends 402, 406, such as... Figure 13 As shown. Alternatively, the sealing groove 450 may be asymmetrical relative to the first end 402 and the second end 406 of the insert 400 and / or asymmetrical relative to each other in the case of multiple sealing grooves 450. Furthermore, according to one or more embodiments, the geometry of the sealing grooves 450 may be identical. Therefore, the dimensions of the sealing grooves 450 may be identical. Alternatively, the geometry (e.g., dimensions) of one or more sealing grooves 450 may differ from one or more other sealing grooves 450. According to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the insert 400 may be symmetrical in all respects.

[0044] The depth of the sealing groove 450 can be driven by the amount of compression of the corresponding sealing ring 500 disposed therein. Alternatively, the depth of the sealing groove 450 can be based on the retention of the sealing ring 500 in the sealing groove, for example, before and / or during the insertion of the liner 300.

[0045] As described above, the insert 400 may be adapted to be held in the recess 130 of the body 100 to receive the liner 300, such that the insert 400 only radially surrounds the thin portion 332 of the liner 300. The sealing ring 500 may be disposed in a corresponding sealing groove 450 and may contact the outer surface 302 of the liner 300 to form a seal 600.

[0046] Industrial applicability

[0047] As described above, the present invention relates to an insert having one or more sealing grooves for an engine block, and to the systems, components, parts and methods associated therewith.

[0048] Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can balance adequacy of the liner structure and sealing effectiveness in the lower coolant sealing area between the liner and the engine block. In this respect, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can provide a sealing system between the liner in the cylinder and the engine block of the internal combustion engine within a limited geometric space to prevent or minimize the mixing of engine coolant and engine oil within the engine block.

[0049] The liner, such as liner 300, may have a variable wall thickness along its length, with a relatively thicker section transitioning to a relatively thinner section at the bottom of liner 300. The relatively thicker section of liner 300 may be structurally sufficient to address combustion, combustion pressure, cavitation, piston-side loads, etc., thereby protecting the surrounding body, while the relatively thinner section at the bottom of liner 300 may provide a proper seal between liner 300 and the body (and because the bottom section of liner 300 may be subjected to relatively less stress due to combustion, combustion pressure, cavitation, piston-side loads, etc.).

[0050] At least in the thinner portion, the liner 300 may not have any sealing groove suitable for receiving the corresponding sealing ring. Instead, a sleeve or insert (e.g., insert 400) may have one or more sealing rings (e.g., sealing ring 500) provided in corresponding sealing grooves formed in the inner surface of the insert 400. The relatively thin portion of the liner 300 can provide space for the insert 400 and sealing ring 500 with sufficient construction (e.g., cross-sectional dimensions) to provide a proper seal with the liner 300. That is, the outer diameter of the insert 400 may be limited by the maximum enlarged bore diameter that can be machined in the body. Therefore, making the bottom of the liner 300 relatively thin can provide space in the radially outward direction to accommodate the insert 400 and sealing ring 500 with proper configuration without conflicting with the limitation on the outer diameter of the insert 400. In this respect, according to one or more embodiments, the one or more sealing rings 500 may be O-rings rather than, for example, D-rings, thus providing the opportunity to provide sealing rings with a larger relative cross-sectional area.

[0051] For example, compared to the case where the sealing ring is placed in the body 100 itself, the use of the insert 400 (together with the sealing ring 500) enables cost-effective readjustment of the body 100 during maintenance (e.g., the first or subsequent maintenance), because the insert 400 can be replaced if needed, rather than having to machine the sealing groove in place.

[0052] As described above, the engine block 100 may include multiple cylinders, such as cylinder 200, which may be machined or drilled. Drilling may mean that some of the base material of the engine block 100 defining cylinder 200 has been drilled or machined, such that the geometry of cylinder 200 changes relative to the previous operating geometry of the internal combustion engine. The previous operating geometry may refer to the initial construction of the internal combustion engine or a previous reconstruction of the internal combustion engine.

[0053] Components according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may include a liner 300, an insert 400, and one or more sealing rings 500, which may be individually provided for some or all of the cylinders 200. Typically, the insert 400 may be disposed radially around the bottom 330 of the liner 300 within the housing 100 together with one or more sealing rings 500, as shown below. Figure 2-5 As shown. According to one or more embodiments, the liner 300 may be steel and / or the insert 400 may be stainless steel. When the liner 300 is made of steel, stainless steel as the material for the insert 400 can provide suitable wear characteristics for the liner 300.

[0054] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The insert 400 can be disposed in a recess 130 defined in the body 100. Since the recess 130 can be defined by a countersunk hole feature formed in the body 100 by a machining or drilling structure, the insert 400 can be limited by the inner diameter of the side wall portion of the upper part of the body 100 defining the cylinder 200. That is, according to one or more embodiments, the maximum outer diameter of the insert 400 can not be greater than the inner diameter of one or more side wall portions (e.g., guide portions) of the upper part of the body 100 forming the innermost surface of the cylinder 200. Thus, during installation, the insert 400 can move through the internal volume defining the upper part of the cylinder 200 to be placed in the recess 130.

[0055] The outer surface 414 of the insert 400 may be chamfered at the first end 402 and / or at the second end 406 of the insert 400. This chamfered outer surface 414 can facilitate easy installation of the insert 400 into the recess 130. When the first end 402 or the second end 406 of the insert 400 is the guide end for the insert 400 to enter the cylinder 200, this chamfered outer surface 414 also facilitates installation of the insert 400 through the upper part of the cylinder 200. In this respect, the insert 400 may be completely or at least symmetrical with respect to the outer surface 414 at the first end 402 and the second end 406 of the insert 400. Therefore, according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the orientation of the insert 400 for installation (i.e., whether the first end 402 or the second end 406 of the insert 400 forms the front end for the insert 400 to enter the cylinder 200) may not be a consideration for installation. In any case, the guiding end of the insert 400, whether it is the second end 406 or the first end 402, is as follows: Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, all of these can be provided in the recess 130 to rest and hold on the flange 132 (which can be the remaining parent material of the body 100). Although, for example Figure 4 and Figure 5 An insert 400 is shown that is provided in the housing 200 according to an interference fit, but embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are not limited thereto. Therefore, the insert 400 may be provided in the housing 200 through other interfaces, such as threaded connections, its own holes, riveting, welding, and pin connections.

[0056] One or more sealing rings 500 may be disposed in corresponding one or more sealing grooves 450 formed in the inner surface 410 of the insert 400. For example... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, for example, three sealing rings 500 may be provided, but embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are not limited thereto. When the liner 300 is not disposed radially inside the insert 400, one or more sealing rings 500 may be retained in corresponding sealing grooves 450. Thus, one or more sealing rings 500 may be disposed in corresponding one or more sealing grooves 450 for engagement with the insert 400. Alternatively, once the insert 400 is positioned in the recess 130, the insert 400 may be provided in the cylinder 200 and one or more sealing rings 500 may be provided in corresponding one or more sealing grooves 450. At this point, the sealing rings 500 may be removed from the insert 400 when the insert is in the recess 130 (and the liner 300 is not present) and / or when the insert 400 itself is removed from the cylinder 200.

[0057] Providing the sealing ring 500 in the insert 400 instead of in the liner 300 allows for the use of a relatively thick (e.g., larger cross-sectional diameter) sealing ring 500, especially an O-ring, since the sealing ring 500 is already in place when the liner 300 is inserted into the cylinder 200. According to one or more embodiments, the one or more sealing rings 500 may have a dimension (e.g., cross-sectional dimension, such as diameter) greater than the depth of the corresponding sealing groove in the one or more sealing grooves 450, such that at least when the insert 400 is provided with one or more sealing rings 500 and the liner 300 is not provided radially inward of the insert 400, a portion of the sealing ring 500 extends from the sealing groove 450, across the inner surface 410 of the insert 400.

[0058] The liner 300 may be disposed in the cylinder 200 after the insert 400 and the sealing ring 500. As described above, the liner 300 may be removably disposed (e.g., inserted, pressed, etc.) in the cylinder 200 and fit relatively tightly with the sidewall portion defining the cylinder 200. According to one or more embodiments, the liner 300 may be locked in the cylinder 200. In this respect, the portion of the liner 300 having the largest outer diameter in the cylinder 200 may be limited, particularly by the inner diameter of one or more sidewall portions of the upper part of the body 100. Some or all of such sidewall portions may be referred to as guide portions (e.g., upper body guide portions) and may be used to position the liner 300 in the cylinder 200.

[0059] When the liner 300 is disposed in the cylinder 200, the insert 400 and the sealing ring 500 may radially surround the outer wall or outer wall or surface 302 at a portion of the bottom 330 of the liner 300, such as Figure 4 As shown. According to one or more embodiments, the insert 400 may be disposed entirely in the body 301 of the liner 300 below the transition portion 329 from the thick portion 322 of the liner 300 to the thin portion 332 of the liner 300. Alternatively, the insert 400 may be disposed only around the thin portion 332, for example, around the portion spaced from the bottom end 308 of the liner 300.

[0060] The inner surface 410 of the insert 400 may be chamfered at the first end 402 and / or the second end 406 of the insert 400 (the insert 400 may be symmetrical in this respect), wherein when the tail ends of the first end 402 and the second end 406 of the insert 400 have chamfered inner surfaces 410, the chamfering can facilitate the placement of the liner 300 through the internal volume of the insert 400. Additionally, when the liner 300 is placed in the cylinder 200, the outer surface 302 of the liner 300 may contact the sealing ring 500, causing the sealing ring 500 to compress. Because the sealing ring 500 can be held in the corresponding sealing groove 450, and the liner 300 can have a thin portion 332 that gradually tapers from the outer surface 302 to the thinnest part of the body 301 of the liner 300, each sealing ring 500 can engage with the outer surface 302 of the liner 300 such that the sealing ring 500 does not roll or is unlikely to roll when the liner 300 moves downward in the cylinder 200 over the insertion length.

[0061] In any case, a seal can be formed by each of one or more sealing rings 500 and the outer surface 302 of the liner 300. Such a seal is collectively referred to herein as seal 600. As described above, seal 600 may be located below transition portion 329 relative to thin portion 332 of liner 300.

[0062] The transition portion 329 in thickness from the thick portion 322 to the thin portion 332 can occur at the bottom 330 of the liner 300. As described above, according to one or more embodiments, the transition portion 329 can be achieved by changing the height of the outer surface 302 of the liner 300. (Refer to...) Figure 8 The angle θ of the transition portion 329 can be an acute angle. In other words, according to one or more embodiments, the transition portion 329 may not be a square (i.e., 90 degrees). Providing a non-right angle for the transition portion 329 can provide a configuration whereby dead zones or volumes of engine coolant are not created or are minimized between the transition portion 329 and the body 100. This configuration can prevent or minimize cavitation of stagnant engine coolant, as this condition is prevented or minimized.

[0063] In terms of relative thickness, the middle portion 320 is typically thicker than the bottom portion 330, particularly the so-called thin portion 332 of the bottom portion 330. In this respect, the middle portion 320 may have a so-called thick portion 322, which can form the thickest part of the middle portion 320 (although other portions of the middle portion 320 may have the same thickness). Optionally, the thick portion 322 may be characterized as a guide for placing the liner 300 in the cylinder 200.

[0064] The thick portion 322 may be located at least at the midpoint between the top end 306 and the bottom end 308 along the longitudinal length of the lining 300. (Relative to...) Figure 7 Implementation examples Figure 6 In the embodiments, with Figure 7 Compared to the thick portion 322 in the embodiment, Figure 6 In one embodiment, the thick portion 322 is longer. Therefore, the thick portion 322 can be positioned midway between the top end 306 and the bottom end 308 of the lining 300, and according to one or more embodiments, the thick portion 322 can extend continuously to a thickness transition portion 329. As... Figure 6 As shown, the thick portion 322 can also extend in the direction opposite to the transition portion 329. The thick portion 322 can have a uniform thickness along its length, such as... Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown. As mentioned above, Figure 6 and Figure 7 The transition portion 329 and the thin portion 332 of the lining 300 can be the same for both embodiments. That is, the height of the transition portion 329 can be the same as the geometry of the transition portion 329 and the thin portion 332.

[0065] The thin portion 332 of the liner 330 can extend from the transition portion 329 to the bottom end 308 of the liner 300. According to one or more embodiments, the thickness of any portion of the thin portion 322 is no greater than that of any portion of the thick portion 322. Similarly, except at the interface with the thick portion 322, the thickness of any portion of the transition portion 329 is no greater than the thickness of the thick portion 322. Additionally, according to one or more embodiments, any portion of the thin portion 322 may not be thicker than any portion of the intermediate portion 320. Given that the top 310 is at least as thick as the thick portion 322, the thickness comparison above naturally applies to the top 310 relative to the bottom 330 of the liner 300.

[0066] The following provides non-limiting examples of thickness features of one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

[0067] The thickness of the body 301 of the liner 300 above the transition portion 329 can have an average wall thickness to hole ratio between 3.5% and 4.5%. A ratio below 3.5% may raise concerns about structural strength, while a ratio greater than 4.5% may be impractical without sacrificing engine displacement.

[0068] The thickness of the body 301 of the liner 300 below the transition section 329 can have a thickness-to-hole ratio between 1.5% and 2.5%. Less than 1.5% may raise concerns about structural strength (even in this lower stress region of the liner 300), while more than 2.5% may not provide sufficient space for the use of a suitable sealing ring 500 (e.g., an O-ring).

[0069] The ratio of the thickness of the body 301 of the lining 300 above the transition section 329 to the thickness of the body 301 below the transition section 329 can be between 1.5 and 3.

[0070] The thickness of the thin section 332 can account for 20-40% of the total length of the lining. Less than 20% may not provide sufficient length to accommodate the sealing ring 500, while more than 40% may not provide sufficient strength to generate higher stress in the cylinder 200.

[0071] The ratio between the thickness of the thin portion 332 and the diameter of the sealing ring 500 (e.g., an O-ring) can be less than one. This allows the relatively large O-ring 500 to abut against the relatively thin liner 300.

[0072] While various aspects of the invention have been specifically shown and described with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various additional embodiments can be contemplated by modifications to the disclosed machines, systems, and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. These embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims and any equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. An assembly of a machined cylinder (200) for a cast iron engine block (100) of an internal combustion engine, comprising: A stainless steel insert (400) is adapted to be held in the cast iron engine block having the machined cylinder, the stainless steel insert being annular and symmetrical; as well as Multiple sealing rings (500), these sealing rings are O-rings, these O-rings have the same size but have different material compositions based on the fluid in the cast iron engine body to be sealed. The stainless steel insert (400) has an inner surface (410) and an outer surface (414) opposite to the inner surface. The outer surface (414) is smooth and forms a constant maximum outer diameter of the stainless steel insert from a first end of the insert to a second end opposite to the first end. The inner surface (410) has a plurality of sealing grooves (450) adapted to receive and retain corresponding O-rings among the O-rings. Each of the O-rings (500) is disposed in a corresponding sealing groove (450) such that a portion of the O-ring extends from the sealing groove through the inner surface (410) of the stainless steel insert (400), and Each of the first end (402) of the stainless steel insert (400) associated with the first end of the stainless steel insert (400) and the second end (406) of the stainless steel insert (400) associated with the second end of the stainless steel insert (400) is chamfered from the outer surface (414) and the inner surface (410).

2. The component of claim 1, wherein the constant maximum outer diameter of the stainless steel insert (400) is not greater than the inner diameter of the machined cylinder (200) defined by one or more guides of the cast iron engine block.

3. The component of claim 1, wherein The plurality of O-rings (500) includes a first O-ring (500) as an upper O-ring, a second O-ring (500) as an intermediate O-ring, and a third O-ring (500) as a lower O-ring. The first O-ring (500) is adapted to contact the engine coolant, the third O-ring (500) is adapted to contact the engine oil, and the second O-ring (500) is adapted to contact both the engine coolant and the engine oil.

4. The component of claim 3, wherein the first O-ring (500) is made of ethylene propylene rubber (EPDM), the third O-ring (500) is made of fluorocarbon rubber (FKM), and the second O-ring (500) is made of hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR).

5. The component of claim 1, wherein the plurality of O-rings (500) are unevenly spaced from the first end (402) and the second end (406) of the stainless steel insert (400).

6. The component of claim 1, wherein the plurality of O-rings (500) are uniformly spaced from each other from the first end (402) and the second end (406) of the stainless steel insert (400).

7. The component of claim 1, wherein the first end (402) of the stainless steel insert (400) is adapted to rest on a female flange (132) in a machined cylinder (200) of the cast iron engine block (100).

8. The component of claim 1, wherein, The O-ring (500) is adapted to form a seal (600) between the stainless steel insert (400) and the outer surface (302) of the body (301) of the steel liner (300) disposed in the machined cylinder (200).

9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the stainless steel insert (400) and the O-ring (500) are adapted to be disposed radially around and in contact with the outer surface (302) of a thin portion (332) of a cylindrical liner (300) disposed in the machined cylinder (200).

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