Piston and internal combustion engine cylinder configured for piston cooling

Abstract

A piston and / or cylinder of an internal combustion engine includes a piston cooling feature integrated into the piston and an interface of the piston with the cylinder bore wall. Thus, piston cooling nozzles can be eliminated. The piston includes a body having: a head including a cooling channel for a cooling fluid; a skirt extending from the head toward a second end; and a channel along the skirt for receiving a cooling fluid from the internal combustion engine. A passage connects the channel to the cooling channel to allow the cooling fluid to flow from the channel to the cooling channel.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 373,105, filed on August 22, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates generally to internal combustion engines and, more particularly, to a piston and a cylinder configured to provide cooling of the piston during operation of the internal combustion engine. Background Art

[0004] Internal combustion engines have been developed that include piston cooling nozzles. The piston cooling nozzle supplies a spray of cooling fluid, such as engine oil, to the piston in the combustion chamber of the engine to provide cooling of the piston during combustion. However, piston cooling nozzles increase the cost of the engine, increase fuel consumption, and may cause piston failure if not aligned to direct the cooling fluid to the correct location. Therefore, further improvements are needed in this technical area. Summary of the invention

[0005] A piston and cylinder for an internal combustion engine are disclosed, which have features that provide piston cooling while allowing the piston cooling jets to be eliminated. One embodiment is a piston for a cylinder of an internal combustion engine. The piston includes a body extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end of the body and an opposite second end of the body. The body includes a head adjacent to the first end, and the head includes a cooling channel for a cooling fluid. The body also includes a skirt extending from the head toward the second end, a channel along the skirt for receiving a cooling fluid from the internal combustion engine, and a passage connecting the channel to the cooling channel so that the cooling fluid flows from the channel to the cooling channel.

[0006] Another embodiment is a cylinder of an internal combustion engine. The cylinder includes a cylinder block portion and a piston. The cylinder block portion includes a cylinder bore defining a combustion chamber and a flow path for a cooling fluid. The flow path includes an opening in the cylinder bore. The piston is accommodated in the cylinder bore. The piston includes a first end oriented toward the combustion chamber, a second end opposite the first end, and a head adjacent to the first end. The head includes a cooling channel for distributing the cooling fluid to cool the piston. The piston also includes a skirt extending from the head toward the second end of the piston. The piston also includes a passage extending from the outer surface of the skirt to the cooling channel. The skirt provides a fluid connection between the opening of the flow path and the passage of the piston to supply the cooling fluid to the cooling channel.

[0007] The present invention summary is provided to introduce some concepts further described below in illustrative embodiments. The present invention summary is neither intended to determine the key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an auxiliary to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Additional embodiments, forms, purposes, features, advantages, aspects and benefits will become apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 is a schematic front view of a piston for an internal combustion engine housing a piston assembly according to the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Schematic longitudinal section of the middle piston with piston rings added.

[0010] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Schematic cross-sectional view of the piston in FIG.

[0011] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Schematic longitudinal sectional view of another embodiment of a piston.

[0012] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Schematic longitudinal section through a cylinder of an internal combustion engine accommodating a piston, wherein the piston is at bottom dead center.

[0013] Figure 6 is with Figure 5 Another similar schematic longitudinal section, but showing the piston at top dead center.

[0014] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 Schematic longitudinal section through a cylinder of another embodiment of an internal combustion engine accommodating a piston, wherein the piston is at bottom dead center.

[0015] Figure 8 is with Figure 7 Another similar schematic longitudinal section, but showing the piston moving away from bottom dead center. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] In order to clearly, concisely and accurately describe the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the manner and process of making and using the present invention, and to enable the practice, manufacture and use of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to certain exemplary embodiments, including those shown in the figures, and specific language will be used to describe the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that no limitation to the scope of the present invention is thereby incurred, and the present invention includes and protects such changes, modifications and further applications of the exemplary embodiments as would occur to a person skilled in the art.

[0017] refer to Figures 1 to 8 , embodiments of the present disclosure include a piston 50, 50' for a cylinder 20 of an internal combustion engine 10. The piston 50, 50' includes a body 52 extending along a longitudinal axis 54 between a first end 56 of the body 52 and an opposite second end 58 of the body 52. ​​The body 52 includes a head 60 adjacent to the first end 56. The head 60 includes a cooling channel 62 for distributing a cooling fluid. The body 52 includes a skirt 70 extending from the head 60 toward the second end 58. The body 52 includes a channel 72 along the skirt 70 for receiving a cooling fluid from the internal combustion engine 10. The body 52 also includes a passage 74 that connects the channel 72 to the cooling channel 62 to allow the cooling fluid to flow from the channel 72 to the cooling channel 62.

[0018] Another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a cylinder 20 for an internal combustion engine 10. The cylinder 20 includes a cylinder block portion 12 and a piston 50, 50'. The cylinder block portion 12 includes a cylinder bore 22 defining a combustion chamber 24 and a flow path 14 for a cooling fluid. The flow path 14 includes an opening 18 in the cylinder bore 22. The piston 50, 50' is received in the cylinder bore 22. The piston 50, 50' includes a first end 56 oriented toward the combustion chamber 24, and a second end 58 opposite the first end 56. The piston 50, 50' includes a head 60 adjacent to the first end 56. The head 60 includes a cooling channel 62 for distributing a cooling fluid to cool the piston 50, 50'. The piston 50, 50' includes a skirt 70 extending from the head 60 toward the second end 58 of the piston 50, 50'. The skirt 70 includes an outer surface 76. The piston 50, 50' includes a passage 74 extending from an outer surface 76 of the skirt 70 to the cooling channel 62. The skirt 70 provides a fluid connection between the opening 18 of the flow path 14 and the passage 74 of the piston 50, 50' to supply cooling fluid to the cooling channel 62.

[0019] refer to Figures 1 to 3 , an embodiment of a piston 50 is shown. The piston 50 includes a body 52 extending along a longitudinal axis 54 between a first end 56 and an opposite second end 58. The body 50 includes a head 60 adjacent the first end 56, and a skirt 70 extending from the head 60 to the second end 58. A connecting rod 28 may be provided extending from the second end 58 to connect the piston 50 to a crankshaft (not shown). The head 60 includes a plurality of piston rings 92, 94, 96 extending therearound. Although three piston rings are shown, it is contemplated that more or fewer piston rings may be used.

[0020] The head 60 includes cooling channels 62 for distributing a cooling fluid, such as oil, about the head 60 . Figure 3The cooling channels 62 shown in FIG. 6 are circular, but any shape or configuration of the cooling channels 62 is contemplated. The cooling channels 62 include an inlet 64 for receiving cooling fluid, and an outlet 66 opposite the inlet 64 to allow the cooling fluid to exit the cooling channels 62 and return for recirculation in the lubrication system of the engine.

[0021] The skirt 70 extends from the head 60 to the second end 58. The skirt 70 includes an outer surface 76 extending around the skirt 70. The skirt 70 includes a channel 72 in the outer surface 76. The channel 72 is connected to the cooling channel 62 through a passage 74. The channel 72 receives cooling fluid from the engine and provides it to the cooling channel 62 via the passage 74. In one embodiment, the passage 74 is oriented obliquely to the longitudinal axis 54 to connect the cooling channel 62 with the channel 72.

[0022] The passage 72 extends longitudinally along the longitudinal axis 54 from the second end 58 toward the head 60. The passage 72 is located on the outer surface 76 of the skirt 70, aligned with the outlet 18 of the flow path 14 of the engine, as discussed further below. In one embodiment, the passage 72 is a groove or depression in the outer surface 76 that provides an area for collecting cooling fluid as the piston 50 moves between the bottom dead center position and the top dead center position in the combustion chamber. In one embodiment, the passage 72 extends only along the skirt 70. In one embodiment, the passage 72 extends along the skirt 70 and along a portion of the head 60.

[0023] In one embodiment, the channel 72 extends from a first channel end 78 on or near the head 60 to an opposing second channel end 80 adjacent the second end 58. In one embodiment, the passage 74 intersects the channel 72 at the first channel end 78. In one embodiment, the channel 72 includes a terminus at the second channel end 80 and does not extend through the second end 58.

[0024] In an embodiment of the piston 50, Figure 4 5 ', the piston 50' is configured to include a skirt extension 90 that projects outwardly from the second end 58 and is aligned with the passage 72. The skirt extension 90 can provide additional length to the piston 60' to extend the passage 72 along the additional length, and / or maintain coverage of the outlet 18 of the flow path 14 to reduce oil spraying into the cylinder bore. The skirt extension 90 can be a protrusion, finger, or projection that does not extend completely around the skirt 70, but is wide enough transverse to the longitudinal axis 54 to cover the outlet 18 of the flow path 14.

[0025] refer to Figures 5 and 6, an internal combustion engine 10 having a cylinder 20 is shown. The cylinder 20 includes a cylinder block portion 12 of the internal combustion engine 10, and a cylinder bore 22 formed in the cylinder block portion 12. A piston 50 is located in the cylinder bore 22 to form a combustion chamber 24 between a head 60 of the piston 50 and a cylinder head 26 of the internal combustion engine 10.

[0026] The internal combustion engine 10 includes a flow path 14 for a cooling fluid, such as oil. The flow path 14 may be part of a lubrication system (not shown) of the internal combustion engine 12. An outlet 16 of the flow path 14 extends transversely to the flow path 14 to an opening 18 in the cylinder bore 22. The opening 18 may be located at the cylinder bore wall 28 as shown, or at the inner surface of a bushing (not shown) placed along the cylinder bore wall 28. The passage 72 of the piston 50 is aligned with the opening 18 of the outlet 16.

[0027] At the bottom dead center position of the piston 50, as Figure 5 As shown, opening 18 is aligned with first channel end 78 of channel 72. Cooling fluid from flow path 14 may be delivered under pressure through opening 18 via outlet 16. Cooling fluid collected in channel 72 is provided to cooling slot 62 via passage 74.

[0028] As the piston 50 moves toward Figure 6 As long as the passage 72 remains in fluid contact with the opening 18, the cooling fluid will continue to collect in the passage 72 for delivery to the cooling channel 62. Depending on the piston height, stroke length and the position of the opening 18, the opening 18 may be temporarily uncovered, such as Figure 6 When the opening 18 is uncovered, the cooling fluid may be discharged from the opening 18 directly into the cylinder bore 22 to be recirculated back to the lubrication system without first passing through the cooling channel 62 .

[0029] exist Figures 5 and 6 In the embodiment of the invention, the outlet 16 extends orthogonally to the cylinder bore wall 28, providing the shortest travel path from the flow path 14 to the opening 18. Non-orthogonal orientations are also contemplated for the outlet 16, such as Figures 7 and 8 For example, the outlet 16' may be oriented obliquely to the cylinder bore wall 28 and extend from the flow path 14 in a direction toward the cylinder head 26. In this orientation, when the piston 50 is in the bottom dead center position, the outlet 16' may be in line with the passage 74, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 shown.

[0030] As the piston 50 moves toward top dead center, the cooling fluid may be continuously supplied as long as the opening 18 is along the passage 72 between the first passage end 78 and the second passage end 80. Figure 8If it is desired to reduce cooling fluid that may be discharged directly into the cylinder bore 22, a skirt extension may be added to the piston 50, as described above with respect to the piston 50'.

[0031] Various aspects of the disclosure are contemplated. According to one aspect, a piston for a cylinder of an internal combustion engine includes a body extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end of the body and an opposite second end of the body. The body includes: a head adjacent the first end, wherein the head includes a cooling channel for a cooling fluid; a skirt extending from the head toward the second end; a channel along the skirt for receiving a cooling fluid from the internal combustion engine; and a passage connecting the channel to the cooling channel to enable the cooling fluid to flow from the channel to the cooling channel.

[0032] In one embodiment, the skirt includes an outer surface extending around the skirt, and the passage is located in the outer surface. In a refinement of this embodiment, the passage extends along the longitudinal axis. In another refinement, the passage extends from a first passage end oriented toward the head to a second passage end oriented toward the second end of the body. In another refinement, the passage is connected to the passage at the first passage end of the passage. In another refinement, the passage is closed by the skirt at the second passage end of the passage.

[0033] In one embodiment, the piston includes a plurality of piston rings extending around the head. In one embodiment, the passageway is oriented obliquely to the longitudinal axis from the passage to the cooling channel. In one embodiment, the piston includes a skirt extension extending from the skirt at the second end of the body of the piston, the skirt extension being aligned with the passage.

[0034] In one embodiment, the cooling channel includes an inlet for allowing the cooling fluid to flow from the passage into the cooling channel, and an outlet for allowing the cooling fluid to flow out of the cooling channel. In a refinement of this embodiment, the cooling channel extends around the head from the inlet and the outlet.

[0035] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a cylinder for an internal combustion engine is provided. The cylinder includes a cylinder block portion and a piston. The cylinder block portion includes a cylinder bore defining a combustion chamber and a flow path for a cooling fluid, the flow path including an opening in the cylinder bore. The piston is accommodated in the cylinder bore. The piston includes a first end oriented toward the combustion chamber, a second end opposite to the first end, and a head adjacent to the first end. The head includes a cooling channel for distributing the cooling fluid to cool the piston. The piston also includes: a skirt extending from the head toward the second end of the piston, wherein the skirt includes an outer surface; and a passage extending from the outer surface of the skirt to the cooling channel. The skirt provides a fluid connection between the opening of the flow path and the passage of the piston to supply the cooling fluid to the cooling channel.

[0036] In one embodiment, the skirt of the piston includes a channel in the outer surface of the skirt, the channel fluidly connecting the opening of the flow path to the passage of the piston. In a refinement of this embodiment, when the piston is in a bottom dead center position in the cylinder bore, the opening is aligned with a first channel end of the passage adjacent to the head of the piston. In a further refinement, when the piston is in a top dead center position in the cylinder bore, the second end of the piston is located above the opening. In a further refinement, when the piston is in a top dead center position in the cylinder bore, the opening is aligned with a second channel end of the passage adjacent to the second end of the piston. In a further refinement, when the piston is in the bottom dead center position in the cylinder bore, the outlet of the flow path and the passage of the piston are collinear.

[0037] In one embodiment, the cylinder includes an outlet extending transverse to the flow path and connecting the flow path to the opening in the cylinder bore. In a refinement of this embodiment, the outlet is oriented orthogonal to a cylinder bore wall of the cylinder bore. In another refinement, the outlet is oriented obliquely to the cylinder bore of the cylinder bore and extends from the flow path in a direction toward the combustion chamber.

[0038] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the accompanying drawings and in the foregoing description, these should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive in nature, and it should be understood that only certain exemplary embodiments have been shown and described. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications can be made in the exemplary embodiments without actually departing from the present invention. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0039] It should be understood that while the use of words such as preferred, preferably, preferred or more preferred utilized in the above description indicates that the features so described may be more desirable, they may not be required, and embodiments lacking the features are conceivable within the scope of the present invention, which is defined by the appended claims. When reading the claims, it is intended that when words such as "one", "an", "at least one" or "at least one portion" are used, it is not intended to limit the claim to only one item unless there is an explicit statement to the contrary in the claim. When the language "at least a portion" and / or "a portion" is used, the article may include a portion and / or the entire article unless there is an explicit statement to the contrary.

Claims

1. A piston for a cylinder of an internal combustion engine, the piston comprising: A body extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end of the body and an opposite second end of the body, the body comprising: a head adjacent the first end, the head including cooling channels for a cooling fluid; a skirt extending from the head toward the second end; a passage along the skirt for receiving cooling fluid from the internal combustion engine; and A passage connects the passage to the cooling channel to enable the cooling fluid to flow from the passage to the cooling channel. 2 . The piston of claim 1 , wherein the skirt includes an outer surface extending around the skirt, and the passage is located in the outer surface.

3. The piston of claim 2, wherein the passage extends along the longitudinal axis.

4. The piston of claim 2, wherein the passage extends from a first passage end oriented toward the head to a second passage end oriented toward the second end of the body.

5. The piston of claim 4, wherein the passageway connects to the channel at the first channel end of the channel.

6. The piston of claim 4, wherein the passageway is closed by the skirt at the second passage end of the passage.

7. The piston of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of piston rings extending around the head.

8. The piston of claim 1, wherein the cooling channel comprises: an inlet for allowing the cooling fluid to flow from the passageway into the cooling channel; as well as An outlet for the cooling fluid to flow from the cooling channel.

9. The piston of claim 8, wherein the cooling channel extends from the inlet and the outlet around the head.

10. The piston of claim 1, wherein the passageway from the channel to the cooling channel is oriented obliquely to the longitudinal axis.

11. The piston of claim 1 further comprising a skirt extension extending from the skirt at the second end of the body of the piston, the skirt extension being aligned with the passage.

12. A cylinder for an internal combustion engine, the cylinder comprising: The cylinder part comprises: a cylinder bore defining a combustion chamber; and a flow path for a cooling fluid, the flow path including an opening in the cylinder bore; and a piston received in the cylinder bore, the piston comprising: a first end oriented toward the combustion chamber; a second end opposite to the first end; a head adjacent the first end, the head including cooling channels for distributing the cooling fluid to cool the piston; a skirt extending from the head toward the second end of the piston, the skirt including an outer surface; and a passage extending from an outer surface of the skirt to the cooling channel, wherein the skirt provides a fluid connection between the opening of the flow path and the passageway of the piston to supply the cooling fluid to the cooling channel.

13. The cylinder of claim 12, wherein the skirt of the piston includes a channel in the outer surface of the skirt, the channel fluidly connecting the opening of the flow path to the passageway of the piston.

14. The cylinder of claim 13, wherein the opening is aligned with a first passage end of the passage adjacent the head of the piston when the piston is in a bottom dead center position in the cylinder bore.

15. The cylinder of claim 14, wherein the second end of the piston is located above the opening when the piston is in a top dead center position in the cylinder bore.

16. The cylinder of claim 14, wherein the opening is aligned with a second passage end of the passage adjacent the second end of the piston when the piston is in a top dead center position in the cylinder bore.

17. The cylinder of claim 14, wherein when the piston is located at the bottom dead center position in the cylinder bore, the outlet of the flow path and the passageway of the piston are collinear.

18. The cylinder of claim 12 further comprising an outlet extending transverse to the flow path and connecting the flow path to the opening in the cylinder bore.

19. The cylinder of claim 18, wherein the outlet is oriented normal to a cylinder bore wall of the cylinder bore.

20. The cylinder of claim 18, wherein the outlet is oriented obliquely to the cylinder bore of the cylinder bore and extends from the flow path in a direction toward the combustion chamber.

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