Cylinder assembly and reciprocating piston internal combustion engine

Abstract

This invention proposes a cylinder assembly, comprising a cylinder, a valve mechanism, and a valve drive mechanism. The cylinder head is disposed on the cylinder body and has a vent. The valve mechanism includes a valve, an adjusting sleeve, a valve seat, and a first reset elastic element. The valve stem extends along a first direction and passes through the cylinder head, with its inner end located inside the cylinder head and the valve head connected to the inner end. The outer end of the stem extends out of the cylinder head, and the stem and cylinder head are circumferentially positioned relative to each other and can be displaced relative to each other along the first direction. The adjusting sleeve is located outside the cylinder head and coaxially arranged with the stem. The adjusting sleeve is driven by the adjusting drive mechanism and can rotate around a central axis. The valve seat is disposed in the cavity of the adjusting sleeve, with its outer end passing through the center of the valve seat and threadedly engaged. The valve seat and adjusting sleeve are circumferentially positioned relative to each other and can be displaced relative to each other along the first direction. The first reset elastic element is connected between the valve seat and the cylinder head. The valve drive mechanism drives the valve seat to move along the first direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of reciprocating piston internal combustion engine technology, and more particularly to a cylinder assembly and a reciprocating piston internal combustion engine. Background Technology

[0002] For reciprocating piston internal combustion engines used in automobiles, the cam profile of the traditional camshaft and the structure of the valve train are fixed. This results in a fixed and unchangeable variation in the valve lift curve relative to the crankshaft angle. However, automotive internal combustion engines operate over a wide range of conditions with drastic speed variations, ranging from tens of thousands of RPM to only a few hundred RPM. This fixed valve lift curve often only achieves optimal intake and exhaust performance at a specific engine speed, and this lift cannot provide a good response at both high and low speeds. This cam profile design is a balance choice for the engine under all operating conditions. As a result, the engine does not achieve optimal high-speed efficiency or optimal low-speed torque.

[0003] To achieve different valve lifts, some existing solutions employ variable valve lift designs. These designs can adjust the valve lift according to changes in engine speed, providing the required valve lift in both high-speed and low-speed ranges, thereby improving high-speed power and low-speed torque. However, existing variable valve lift solutions use hydraulic methods for lift adjustment, which places high demands on the hydraulic system. Changes in the temperature and quality of the hydraulic oil directly affect the accuracy of valve lift control, making precise valve lift control difficult. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A primary objective of this invention is to overcome at least one of the deficiencies of the prior art and to provide a cylinder device with a highly accurate valve lift adjustment function.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a cylinder assembly is provided for mounting in a reciprocating piston internal combustion engine. The cylinder assembly includes a cylinder, a valve mechanism, and a valve drive mechanism. The cylinder includes a cylinder body and a cylinder head. The cylinder head is disposed on the cylinder body and has a vent port communicating with the internal cavity of the cylinder body. The valve mechanism includes a valve, an adjusting sleeve, a valve seat, and a first return elastic element. The valve includes a rod and a head. The rod extends along a first direction and passes through the cylinder head. The two ends of the rod in the first direction are an inner end and an outer end, respectively. The inner end is located inside the cylinder head, and the head is connected to the inner end and located at the vent port. The outer end extends out of the cylinder head on the outer side facing away from the cylinder body. The cylinder head is configured to be circumferentially positioned relative to it and capable of relative displacement along the first direction. The adjusting sleeve is located outside the cylinder head and coaxially arranged with the rod portion. The adjusting sleeve is driven by an adjusting drive mechanism and can rotate around a central axis. The seat ring is disposed in the cavity of the adjusting sleeve, and its outer end passes through the center of the seat ring and is threaded. The seat ring is configured to be circumferentially positioned relative to the adjusting sleeve and capable of relative displacement along the first direction. The first reset elastic element is connected between the seat ring and the cylinder head. The valve drive mechanism is used to drive the seat ring to move relative to the cylinder head along the first direction, thereby driving the valve to move relative to the cylinder head along the first direction to realize the opening of the vent.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a limiting conduit is further included, disposed on the cylinder head, the limiting conduit extending along the first direction, and the rod portion passing through the limiting conduit; wherein, the outer periphery of the rod portion is provided with a first keyway extending along the first direction, the inner periphery of the limiting conduit is provided with a second keyway extending along the first direction, the first keyway and the second keyway are arranged opposite to each other, and the first keyway and the second keyway are jointly provided with a ball bearing.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least two first keyways are provided on the outer periphery of the rod, and at least two second keyways are provided on the inner periphery of the limiting guide tube. The number of first keyways and second keyways are equal and arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. At least two first keyways are evenly spaced on the outer periphery of the rod. And / or, for at least one set of oppositely arranged first keyways and second keyways, at least two balls are commonly provided, and the at least two balls are arranged along the first direction.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cylinder head is provided with a mounting hole extending in a first direction, and the limiting guide tube passes through the mounting hole; wherein, the outer periphery of the limiting guide tube is provided with a first limiting groove, the inner periphery of the mounting hole is provided with a second limiting groove, the first limiting groove and the second limiting groove are arranged opposite to each other, and the first limiting groove and the second limiting groove are jointly provided with a positioning pin block.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, one of the inner circumference of the adjusting sleeve and the outer circumference of the seat ring is provided with a third keyway extending along the first direction, and the other is provided with a spline, the spline being accommodated in the third keyway and being able to slide in the third keyway along the first direction.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least two third keyways are provided on one of the inner circumference of the adjusting sleeve and the outer circumference of the seat ring, and at least two splines are provided on the other. The number of third keyways is equal to that of the splines and they are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. At least two third keyways are evenly spaced on the inner circumference of the adjusting sleeve or the outer circumference of the seat ring.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the outer periphery of the adjusting sleeve is provided with worm gear teeth, and the adjusting drive mechanism includes an adjusting drive component and a worm, the adjusting drive component being tractively connected to the worm, and the worm engaging with the worm gear teeth.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein: the first reset elastic member has a first end connected to the cylinder head, the cylinder head having a mounting groove on one side surface facing the adjusting sleeve, the first end being received and connected to the mounting groove; and / or, the first reset elastic member has a second end connected to the seat ring, the second end being connected to the seat ring via a bearing, so that the first reset elastic member can rotate relative to the seat ring.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the valve drive mechanism includes a valve drive member, a drive shaft, a rocker arm, and a rotating shaft. The valve drive member is driveably connected to the drive shaft. A cam is provided on the drive shaft, and the cam is correspondingly arranged at one end of the rocker arm. The other end of the rocker arm is located on the side of the seat ring facing away from the cylinder head. The rotating shaft is located in the middle of the rocker arm, and a second reset elastic member is provided on the rotating shaft. The valve drive mechanism is configured such that: the valve drive member drives the drive shaft to rotate, thereby causing the cam to rotate; when the cam rotates to the point where its protrusion abuts against one end of the rocker arm, the other end of the rocker arm presses against the seat ring and drives the valve to move toward the cylinder head along the first direction; when the cam rotates to the point where its base circle corresponds to one end of the rocker arm, the rocker arm swings in the opposite direction under the action of the second reset elastic member, causing the other end to disengage from the seat ring.

[0015] As can be seen from the above technical solution, the advantages and positive effects of the cylinder device proposed in this invention are as follows:

[0016] The valve mechanism of the cylinder device proposed in this invention includes a valve, an adjusting sleeve, a valve seat, and a first reset elastic element. The valve stem extends along a first direction and passes through the cylinder head. The inner end of the stem is located inside the cylinder head, and the valve head is connected to the inner end. The outer end of the stem extends out of the cylinder head. The stem and the cylinder head are circumferentially positioned relative to each other and can be displaced relative to each other along the first direction. The adjusting sleeve is located on the outer side of the cylinder head and is coaxially arranged with the stem. The adjusting sleeve is driven by an adjusting drive mechanism and can rotate around a central axis. The valve seat is disposed in the cavity of the adjusting sleeve, and its outer end passes through the center of the valve seat and is threaded. The valve seat and the adjusting sleeve are circumferentially positioned relative to each other and can be displaced relative to each other along the first direction. The first reset elastic element is connected between the valve seat and the cylinder head. The valve drive mechanism is used to drive the valve seat to move along the first direction. Through the above design, utilizing the positioning and action coordination relationship between the valve stem and cylinder head, and between the valve seat and adjusting sleeve, this invention can drive the adjusting sleeve to rotate using the adjusting drive mechanism, thereby causing the valve seat to rotate synchronously. Since the valve seat and the outer end of the valve stem are threadedly engaged, and the valve stem and cylinder head are positioned relative to each other in the circumferential direction, the torque of the valve seat will cause the valve seat to be displaced relative to the valve in the first direction through the threaded engagement with the valve, thereby achieving the adjustment of the initial position of the valve seat, that is, realizing the function of variable valve lift. Compared with the existing scheme of hydraulic lift adjustment, this invention uses the above-mentioned mechanical adjustment scheme, which reduces the design requirements of the hydraulic drive part and can improve the control stability and accuracy of the valve lift adjustment function.

[0017] Another major objective of the present invention is to overcome at least one of the defects of the prior art described above and to provide a reciprocating piston internal combustion engine employing the cylinder assembly described above.

[0018] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, a reciprocating piston internal combustion engine is provided, wherein the cylinder assembly proposed in the present invention and described in the above embodiments is included.

[0020] As can be seen from the above technical solution, the advantages and positive effects of the reciprocating piston internal combustion engine proposed in this invention are as follows:

[0021] The reciprocating piston internal combustion engine proposed in this invention, by adopting the cylinder device proposed in this invention, can realize the function of variable valve lift and improve the control stability and accuracy of valve lift adjustment function. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Various objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are merely illustrative of the invention and are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings, the same reference numerals always denote the same or similar parts. Wherein:

[0023] Figures 1 to 3 These are cross-sectional views of a cylinder assembly in several different states, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a plan view of the adjusting sleeve and adjusting drive mechanism of the cylinder assembly;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a plan view of the cylinder seat ring;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the valve stem and the limiting guide at the first keyway.

[0027] The annotations in the attached figures are explained as follows:

[0028] 110. Cylinder head; 224. Adjustment drive component;

[0029] 111. Vent; 230. Seat ring;

[0030] 112. Mounting hole; 231. Spline;

[0031] 1121. Locating pin; 232. Threaded hole;

[0032] 113. Assembly slot; 240. First reset elastic element;

[0033] 210. Valve; 241. Bearing;

[0034] 211. Valve stem; 300. Valve actuation mechanism;

[0035] 2111. Outer end; 310. Drive shaft;

[0036] 21111. External thread; 311. Cam;

[0037] 2112. First keyway; 320. Rocker arm;

[0038] 212. Head; 330. Shaft;

[0039] 220. Adjusting sleeve; 340. Second reset elastic element;

[0040] 221. Worm gear; 400. Limiting guide tube;

[0041] 222. Third keyway; 410. Second keyway;

[0042] 223. Worm gear teeth; 420. Ball bearings;

[0043] X. First direction. Detailed Implementation

[0044] Typical embodiments embodying the features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following description. It should be understood that the present invention can have various variations in different embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention, and the description and drawings therein are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to limit the present invention.

[0045] In the following description of different exemplary embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form part of the invention, and in which different exemplary structures, systems, and steps that can implement various aspects of the invention are shown by way of example. It should be understood that other specific embodiments of the components, structures, exemplary devices, systems, and steps may be used, and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, although the terms “above,” “between,” “within,” etc., may be used in this specification to describe different exemplary features and elements of the invention, these terms are used herein only for convenience, such as the orientation according to the examples shown in the drawings. Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a specific three-dimensional orientation of the structure to fall within the scope of the invention.

[0046] See Figure 1This illustration shows a representative cross-sectional view of a portion of the cylinder device proposed in this invention. Specifically, it shows the cross-sectional structure of the cylinder device with the valve 210 in the open state (i.e., the valve head 210 is not blocking the vent 111 of the cylinder head 110), while the cylinder block and other structures are omitted. In this exemplary embodiment, the cylinder device proposed in this invention is described using a reciprocating piston internal combustion engine for automobiles as an example. It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications, additions, substitutions, deletions, or other changes may be made to the following specific embodiments to apply the relevant designs of this invention to other types of reciprocating piston internal combustion engines, and these changes remain within the scope of the principles of the cylinder device proposed in this invention.

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the cylinder device proposed in this invention is used in a reciprocating piston internal combustion engine. The cylinder device includes a cylinder, a valve mechanism, and a valve drive mechanism 300. (See also...) Figures 2 to 6 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The images show representative cross-sectional views of parts of the cylinder assembly in other configurations, where... Figure 2 Specifically, a cross-sectional view of the cylinder assembly is shown when valve 210 is opened for another stroke. Figure 3 Specifically, the cylinder assembly is shown in Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of valve 210 when it is closed during the stroke. Figure 4 The diagram shows a representative plan view of the adjusting sleeve 220 and the adjusting drive mechanism. Figure 5 A schematic plan view of seat ring 230 is shown in the figure; Figure 6 The figure shows a representative cross-sectional view of the valve stem 211 and the limiting guide 400 at the first keyway 2112. The structure, connection method, and functional relationship of the main components of the cylinder device proposed in this invention will be described in detail below with reference to the above figures.

[0048] like Figures 1 to 6As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the cylinder includes a cylinder body and a cylinder head 110. The cylinder head 110 is disposed on the cylinder body and has a vent 111 communicating with the internal cavity of the cylinder body. The valve mechanism includes a valve 210, an adjusting sleeve 220, a seat ring 230, and a first return elastic member 240. The valve 210 includes a rod portion 211 and a head 212. The rod portion 211 extends along a first direction X and passes through the cylinder head 110. The two ends of the rod portion 211 in the first direction X are an inner end portion and an outer end portion 2111, respectively. The inner end portion is located inside the cylinder head 110, and the head 212 is connected to the inner end portion and located at the vent 111. The outer end portion 2111 extends out of the cylinder head 110 on the outer side facing away from the cylinder body. The valve stem 211 of the valve 210 is positioned relative to the cylinder head 110 in the circumferential direction, and the stem 211 and the cylinder head 110 can be displaced relative to each other in the first direction X. The adjusting sleeve 220 is located outside the cylinder head 110 and is coaxially arranged with the stem 211. The cavity of the adjusting sleeve 220 extends through its two ends in the first direction X. The adjusting sleeve 220 is driven by an adjusting drive mechanism and can rotate around its central axis. The seat ring 230 is disposed in the cavity of the adjusting sleeve 220, and the outer end 2111 of the stem 211 passes through the center of the seat ring 230 and is threadedly engaged. For example, the outer periphery of the outer end 2111 is provided with an external thread 21111, and the center position of the seat ring 230 is provided with a threaded hole 232. The outer end 2111 is threadedly engaged with the threaded hole 232 via the external thread 21111. The valve seat 230 and the adjusting sleeve 220 are positioned relative to each other in the circumferential direction, and the valve seat 230 and the adjusting sleeve 220 can be displaced relative to each other along the first direction X. The first reset elastic member 240 is connected between the valve seat 230 and the cylinder head 110. The first reset elastic member 240 is used to drive the valve seat 230 to reset and move the valve 210 when the valve drive mechanism 300 loses its driving force, thereby closing the vent 111. The valve drive mechanism 300 is used to drive the valve seat 230 to move relative to the cylinder head 110 along the first direction X, thereby moving the valve 210 relative to the cylinder head 110 along the first direction X to open the vent 111.Through the above design, utilizing the positioning and action coordination relationship between the rod 211 and the cylinder head 110, and between the valve seat 230 and the adjusting sleeve 220, the present invention can drive the adjusting sleeve 220 to rotate using the adjusting drive mechanism, thereby causing the valve seat 230 to rotate synchronously. Since the valve seat 230 is threadedly engaged with the outer end 2111 of the rod 211 and the rod 211 of the valve 210 is relatively positioned with the cylinder head 110 in the circumferential direction, the torque of the valve seat 230 will cause the valve seat 230 to be displaced relative to the valve 210 in the first direction X through the threaded engagement with the valve 210, thereby realizing the adjustment of the initial position of the valve seat 230, that is, realizing the function of variable valve lift. Compared with the existing scheme of hydraulic lift adjustment, the present invention uses the above-mentioned mechanical adjustment scheme, which reduces the design requirements of the hydraulic drive part and can improve the control stability and accuracy of the valve lift adjustment function.

[0049] Specifically, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in the two attached figures, comparing the structures, it can be seen that when valve 210 is adjusted to two different lift levels, the ventilation gap between the valve head 212 and the vent 111 is different in the open state. This allows for adjustment of the ventilation volume, thereby meeting the ventilation requirements of the internal combustion engine in both high-speed and low-speed ranges by adjusting the corresponding valve 210, thus improving the engine's high-speed power and low-speed torque. Specifically, for Figure 1 and Figure 2 The two different valve lifts shown change the relative positions of the seat ring 230 and the valve 210 (i.e., the outer end 2111 of the rod 211) in the first direction X when they are simultaneously in the open or closed state, while the relative positions of the adjusting sleeve 220 and the seat ring 230 in the first direction X remain unchanged. Accordingly, when the valve drive mechanism 300 drives the seat ring 230 to move relative to the adjusting sleeve 220 along the first direction X, the ventilation gap between the head 212 and the vent 111 is different.

[0050] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the cylinder device proposed in this invention further includes a limiting conduit 400. The limiting conduit 400 is disposed on the cylinder head 110 and extends along a first direction X. A portion of the stem 211 of the valve 210 passes through the limiting conduit 400. Based on this, a first keyway 2112 extending along the first direction X can be provided on the outer periphery of the stem 211, and a second keyway 410 extending along the first direction X can be provided on the inner periphery of the limiting conduit 400. The first keyway 2112 and the second keyway 410 are arranged opposite to each other, and a ball bearing 420 is provided together with the first keyway 2112 and the second keyway 410. Specifically, the first keyway 2112 can be provided only on the outer periphery of a section of the rod 211. The length of the first keyway 2112 in the first direction X can be only suitable for accommodating a number of balls 420. Taking the example shown in the attached figure, where a set of first keyways 2112 and second keyways 410 are provided together with two balls 420, the length of the first keyway 2112 in the first direction X can be equal to or slightly greater than twice the diameter of the balls 420. Furthermore, during the relative sliding of the rod 211 and the limiting guide tube 400 along the first direction X, the first keyway 2112 does not protrude beyond the two ends of the limiting guide tube 400, thereby preventing the balls 420 from falling out. Moreover, the second keyway 410 can penetrate the limiting guide tube 400 along the first direction X. In other words, the length of the second keyway 410 in the first direction X can be equal to the length of the limiting guide tube 400. In some embodiments, the length of the second keyway 410 can also be less than the length of the limiting guide tube 400. Through the above design, the present invention can utilize the limiting effect of the ball bearing 420 and the first keyway 2112 and the second keyway 410 to achieve circumferential positioning of the valve 210 and the limiting guide 400, that is, to prevent the valve 210 and the limiting guide 400 from rotating relative to each other. Simultaneously, the present invention can utilize the rolling motion of the ball bearing 420 to achieve sliding within the second keyway 410, thereby achieving relative displacement of the valve 210 and the limiting guide 400 along the first direction X.

[0051] like Figure 6As shown, based on the design of the first keyway 2112, the second keyway 410, and the ball bearing 420 described above, in one embodiment of the present invention, the outer periphery of the valve stem 211 may be provided with at least two first keyways 2112, such as, but not limited to, the two shown in the figures. Correspondingly, the inner periphery of the limiting guide 400 may be provided with at least two second keyways 410, such as, but not limited to, the two shown in the figures. In other words, the number of first keyways 2112 and second keyways 410 is at least two and equal. Based on this, the first keyways 2112 and second keyways 410 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence, with at least two first keyways 2112 evenly spaced on the outer periphery of the stem 211, that is, at least two second keyways 410 evenly spaced on the inner periphery of the limiting guide 400. Through the above design, the present invention enables the ball bearing 420 to provide a more uniform limiting and rolling guiding effect on the limiting guide 400 and the valve 210, resulting in a more stable relative displacement between the valve 210 and the limiting guide 400 along the first direction X. In some embodiments, the stem portion 211 of the valve 210 may only have one first keyway 2112, and the inner circumference of the limiting guide 400 may only have one second keyway 410, and is not limited to this embodiment.

[0052] like Figure 1 As shown, based on the design of the first keyway 2112, the second keyway 410, and the ball bearings 420 described above, in one embodiment of the present invention, for at least one set of oppositely arranged first keyways 2112 and second keyways 410, at least two ball bearings 420 may be commonly provided, for example, but not limited to the two shown in the figures, and the at least two ball bearings 420 may be arranged along the first direction X. Through the above design, the present invention enables a smoother relative displacement between the valve 210 and the limiting guide 400 along the first direction X.

[0053] like Figure 1 As shown, based on the design of the limiting guide 400, in one embodiment of the present invention, the cylinder head 110 may be provided with a mounting hole 112 extending along the first direction X, and the limiting guide 400 passes through the mounting hole 112. Furthermore, a first limiting groove may be provided on the outer periphery of the limiting guide 400, and a second limiting groove may be provided on the inner periphery of the mounting hole 112. The first limiting groove and the second limiting groove are arranged opposite to each other, and a positioning pin 1121 is provided together with the first limiting groove and the second limiting groove. Through the above design, the present invention can use the positioning pin 1121 to position the limiting guide 400 and the cylinder head 110, making them relatively fixed, that is, ensuring that the limiting guide 400 and the cylinder cannot rotate relative to each other in the circumferential direction, nor can they move relative to each other in the first direction X. In some embodiments, the limiting guide 400 and the cylinder head 110 may also achieve the above positioning function in other ways, or the limiting guide 400 may be directly fixedly connected to the cylinder head 110, and these embodiments are not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0054] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the inner circumference of the adjusting sleeve 220 may be provided with a third keyway 222 extending along the first direction X, and the outer circumference of the seat ring 230 may be provided with a spline 231, which is accommodated in the third keyway 222. That is, the spline 231 and the third keyway 222 cooperate to enable the adjusting sleeve 220 and the seat ring 230 to be displaced relative to each other along the first direction X, while restricting the adjusting sleeve 220 and the seat ring 230 from rotating relative to each other in the circumferential direction. Specifically, the third keyway 222 may penetrate the adjusting sleeve 220 along the first direction X. In other words, the length of the third keyway 222 in the first direction X may be equal to the length of the adjusting sleeve 220. In some embodiments, the length of the third keyway 222 may also be less than the length of the adjusting sleeve 220. Furthermore, to accommodate the sliding of spline 231 along the first direction X in the third keyway 222, the length of spline 231 along the first direction X is less than the length of the third keyway 222. Since the thickness of the seat ring 230 along the first direction X is less than the length of the adjusting sleeve 220, the length of spline 231 along the first direction X can be equal to the thickness of the seat ring 230. This simplifies the structural complexity of the seat ring 230 and facilitates the processing of spline 231. In some embodiments, the length of spline 231 along the first direction X can also be greater than or less than the thickness of the seat ring 230. Through the above design, the present invention can utilize the limiting effect of the third keyway 222 and spline 231 to achieve the circumferential positioning of the adjusting sleeve 220 and the seat ring 230, that is, to prevent the adjusting sleeve 220 and the seat ring 230 from rotating relative to each other. At the same time, the present invention can utilize the sliding of spline 231 in the third keyway 222 to achieve the relative displacement of the adjusting sleeve 220 and the seat ring 230 along the first direction X.

[0055] It should be noted that, in Figure 4 and Figure 5 The illustrated embodiment is illustrated by taking an adjusting sleeve 220 with a third keyway 222 and a seat ring 230 with a spline 231 as an example. In some embodiments, the third keyway 222 may also be located on the outer periphery of the seat ring 230, and the spline 231 may also be located on the inner periphery of the adjusting sleeve 220. In other words, in various possible embodiments that conform to the design concept of the present invention, one of the inner periphery of the adjusting sleeve 220 and the outer periphery of the seat ring 230 may be provided with the third keyway 222, and the other may be provided with the spline 231, and the embodiment is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

[0056] like Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, based on the design of the third keyway 222 and spline 231 described above, in one embodiment of the present invention, the inner circumference of the adjusting sleeve 220 (or the outer circumference of the seat ring 230) can be provided with at least two third keyways 222, for example, but not limited to the four shown in the figures. Correspondingly, the outer circumference of the seat ring 230 (or the inner circumference of the adjusting sleeve 220) can be provided with at least two splines 231, for example, but not limited to the four shown in the figures. In other words, the number of third keyways 222 and splines 231 is at least two and equal. On this basis, the third keyways 222 and splines 231 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence, with at least two third keyways 222 evenly spaced on the inner circumference of the adjusting sleeve 220 (or the outer circumference of the seat ring 230), that is, at least two splines 231 evenly spaced on the outer circumference of the seat ring 230 (or the inner circumference of the adjusting sleeve 220). Through the above design, the present invention enables the spline 231 and the third keyway 222 to provide a more uniform limiting and sliding guiding effect on the adjusting sleeve 220 and the seat ring 230, resulting in a more stable relative displacement between the adjusting sleeve 220 and the seat ring 230 along the first direction X. In some embodiments, the spline 231 and the third keyway 222 may be only one set, and are not limited to this embodiment.

[0057] like Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the outer periphery of the adjusting sleeve 220 may be provided with worm gear teeth 223. Correspondingly, the adjusting drive mechanism may include an adjusting drive member 224 and a worm 221. The adjusting drive member 224 is tractively connected to the worm 221. The adjusting drive member 224 may be, for example, a drive motor. The worm 221 and the worm gear teeth 223 cooperate. Accordingly, the present invention uses the adjusting drive member 224 to drive the worm 221 to rotate, and uses the meshing relationship between the worm 221 and the worm gear teeth 223 to drive the torque to change direction and transmit it to the adjusting sleeve 220, so that the adjusting sleeve 220 rotates circumferentially, that is, around a central axis extending along the first direction X. Through the above design, the present invention can further realize the mechanical drive design of valve 210 lift adjustment. Through the cooperation design of worm 221 and worm gear teeth 223, the present invention can further improve the control stability and accuracy of valve 210 lift adjustment function by precisely controlling the rotation of worm 221.

[0058] like Figure 1As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the first reset elastic member 240 has a first end connected to the cylinder head 110. A mounting groove 113 can be provided on the side surface of the cylinder head 110 facing the adjusting sleeve 220, and the first end can be accommodated and connected in the mounting groove 113. Through the above design, the present invention can improve the connection effect between the first reset elastic member 240 and the cylinder head 110, and can use the mounting groove 113 to limit the first end of the first reset elastic member 240 axially, further improving structural stability.

[0059] like Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the first reset elastic member 240 has a second end connected to the seat ring 230. This second end can be connected to the seat ring 230 via a bearing 241 (e.g., but not limited to an end face bearing) so that the first reset elastic member 240 can rotate relative to the seat ring 230. Through the above design, since the present invention adjusts the valve 210 lift by rotating the adjusting sleeve 220 and causing the seat ring 230 to rotate synchronously, by rotatably connecting the first reset elastic member 240 to the seat ring 230, the present invention can avoid the first reset elastic member 240 from twisting during the valve 210 lift adjustment process, ensuring the stability of the elastic reset function and extending the service life of the first reset elastic member 240.

[0060] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the first reset elastic member 240 may be a helical spring, and the helical spring is arranged around a portion of the stem 211 (partial limiting guide 400) of the valve 210. In some embodiments, the first reset elastic member 240 may also employ other elastic structures, such as, but not limited to, sheet springs, leaf springs, etc., and is not limited to this embodiment.

[0061] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the valve drive mechanism 300 may include a valve 210 drive member, a drive shaft 310, a rocker arm 320, and a rotating shaft 330. Specifically, the valve 210 drive member is drively connected to the drive shaft 310, and a cam 311 is provided on the drive shaft 310. The cam 311 is correspondingly arranged at one end of the rocker arm 320, and the other end of the rocker arm 320 is located on the side of the seat ring 230 facing away from the cylinder head 110. The rotating shaft 330 is located in the middle of the rocker arm 320, and a second reset elastic member 340 is provided on the rotating shaft 330. Accordingly, the valve drive mechanism 300 can drive the transmission shaft 310 to rotate through the valve 210 drive member, thereby causing the cam 311 to rotate. When the cam 311 rotates to the point where its own protrusion abuts against one end of the rocker arm 320, the other end of the rocker arm 320 presses against the seat ring 230 and drives the valve 210 to move toward the cylinder head 110 along the first direction X. When the cam 311 rotates to the point where its own base circle corresponds to one end of the rocker arm 320, the rocker arm 320 swings in the opposite direction under the action of the second reset elastic member 340, causing the other end to disengage from the contact with the seat ring 230.

[0062] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the second reset elastic member 340 may be a coil spring, and the coiling axis of the coil spring is arranged to substantially coincide with the axis of the rotating shaft 330. In some embodiments, the second reset elastic member 340 may also adopt other elastic structures, such as, but not limited to, sheet springs, leaf springs, etc., and is not limited to this embodiment.

[0063] As described above, the general procedure for adjusting the lift of valve 210 using the cylinder device proposed in this invention is as follows:

[0064] When the engine is running, the control motor drives the worm gear 221 to rotate, which in turn drives the adjusting sleeve 220 to rotate. The third keyway 222 engages with the spline 231, causing the valve seat 230 to rotate. As the valve seat 230 rotates, its threaded hole 232 engages with the external thread 2111 of the outer end 2111 of the valve stem 210, causing the valve 210 to rotate relative to the valve seat 230 along the first direction X. The displacement of the valve 210 allows for length adjustment of the portion of the valve seat 230 facing the cylinder head 110. Consequently, when the other end of the rocker arm 320 acts on the side of the valve seat 230 facing away from the cylinder head 110, the valve 210 and valve seat 230 lengthen or shorten relative to the rocker arm 320. This causes the cam 311 to advance or lag the opening of the valve 210, ultimately increasing or decreasing the valve lift, thus adjusting the valve lift. Furthermore, by controlling the angle of the forward or reverse movement of the motor, the magnitude of the increase or decrease in valve lift can be controlled more precisely.

[0065] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, when the cam 311 rotates with the drive shaft 310 and is in the lift position, it will drive one end of the rocker arm 320 to swing up and down. The other end of the rocker arm 320 acts on the seat ring 230, and the seat ring 230 moves up and down in the cavity of the adjusting sleeve 220 along the first direction X. When the seat ring 230 moves up and down, it will overcome the preload of the first reset elastic element 240. Through the threaded engagement between the internal thread of the threaded hole 232 of the seat ring 230 and the external thread 21111 on the outer end 2111 of the valve stem 210, the valve 210 will move up and down, causing the head 212 of the valve 210 to leave or close the vent 111, thus realizing the opening or closing of the valve 210.

[0066] like Figure 2 As shown, when the cam 311 rotates with the drive shaft 310 and is positioned at the base circle of the cam 311, the valve 210 is in the closed state. The second reset elastic element 340 acts on the pivot 330 of the rocker arm 320, causing the other end of the rocker arm 320 to abut against the seat ring 230. At this time, a gap may appear at the end of the rocker arm 320 near the cam 311. The size of this gap is related to the valve lift of the cam 210. For example, the larger the valve lift of the cam 210, the smaller the gap.

[0067] When it is necessary to increase the valve lift by 210, such as Figure 3 As shown, the adjusting drive mechanism drives the adjusting sleeve 220 to rotate, and the valve seat 230 rotates under the action of the adjusting sleeve 220. Since the valve seat 230 is provided with a threaded hole 232, and since the limiting guide 400 and cylinder head 110 cannot rotate, and the valve 210 and limiting guide 400 cannot rotate relative to each other, the valve 210 cannot rotate. When the valve seat 230 rotates, the internal thread interacts with the external thread 21111 of the valve 210, causing the valve seat 230 to move upward relative to the valve 210. The upward movement of the valve seat 230 occurs along the third keyway 222 on the inner circumference of the adjusting sleeve 220. Due to the upward movement of the valve seat 230, the rocker arm 320 rises at the end near the valve seat 230 and falls at the end near the cam 311. Therefore, the cam 311 opens the valve 210 earlier, i.e., the valve 210's opening lift increases.

[0068] When it is necessary to reduce the lift of valve 210, the adjusting sleeve 220 can be driven to rotate in the opposite direction. For details, please refer to the above detailed description, which will not be repeated here.

[0069] It should be noted that the cylinder devices shown in the accompanying drawings and described in this specification are merely a few examples among many cylinder devices capable of employing the principles of the present invention. It should be clearly understood that the principles of the present invention are by no means limited to any detail or component of the cylinder devices shown in the accompanying drawings or described in this specification.

[0070] In summary, the valve mechanism of the cylinder device proposed in this invention includes a valve 210, an adjusting sleeve 220, a seat ring 230, and a first return elastic element 240; the valve 210 rod 211 extends along the first direction X and passes through the cylinder head 110, the inner end of the rod 211 is located inside the cylinder head 110, the valve 210 head 212 is connected to the inner end, and the outer end 2111 of the rod 211 extends out of the cylinder head 110; the rod 211 and the cylinder head 110 are positioned relative to each other in the circumferential direction and can be displaced relative to each other along the first direction X; the adjusting sleeve 220... Located on the outside of the cylinder head 110 and coaxially arranged with the rod portion 211, the adjusting sleeve 220 is driven by the adjusting drive mechanism and can rotate around the central axis; the seat ring 230 is disposed in the cavity of the adjusting sleeve 220, and the outer end portion 2111 passes through the center of the seat ring 230 and is threadedly engaged; the seat ring 230 and the adjusting sleeve 220 are positioned relative to each other in the circumferential direction and can be displaced relative to each other in the first direction X; the first reset elastic element 240 is connected between the seat ring 230 and the cylinder head 110; the valve drive mechanism 300 is used to drive the seat ring 230 to move in the first direction X. Through the above design, utilizing the positioning and action coordination relationship between the rod 211 and the cylinder head 110, and between the valve seat 230 and the adjusting sleeve 220, the present invention can drive the adjusting sleeve 220 to rotate using the adjusting drive mechanism, thereby causing the valve seat 230 to rotate synchronously. Since the valve seat 230 is threadedly engaged with the outer end 2111 of the rod 211 and the rod 211 of the valve 210 is relatively positioned with the cylinder head 110 in the circumferential direction, the torque of the valve seat 230 will cause the valve seat 230 to be displaced relative to the valve 210 in the first direction X through the threaded engagement with the valve 210, thereby realizing the adjustment of the initial position of the valve seat 230, that is, realizing the function of variable valve lift. Compared with the existing scheme of hydraulic lift adjustment, the present invention uses the above-mentioned mechanical adjustment scheme, which reduces the design requirements of the hydraulic drive part and can improve the control stability and accuracy of the valve lift adjustment function.

[0071] Furthermore, based on the above design of the present invention, the present invention also has at least the following advantages:

[0072] This invention addresses the need for real-time variable control of valve lift 210 during internal combustion engine operation.

[0073] The present invention only requires redesigning the rocker arm 320 and valve 210, without modifying the cylinder block and cylinder head 110, thereby avoiding the increased cost and impact on structural strength caused by the above modifications.

[0074] This invention reduces the driving force requirements of the drive system.

[0075] When the present invention uses an electric motor as the adjusting drive component 224 of the adjusting drive mechanism, and the worm gear 221 drives the adjusting sleeve 220 to rotate, it can further improve the accuracy of controlling the increase or decrease of valve lift 210, and is suitable for realizing a product design scheme with lower cost and higher reliability.

[0076] This invention has a wide range of applications and is suitable for internal combustion engines using various fuels such as gasoline, diesel, natural gas, and liquefied petroleum gas.

[0077] Based on the detailed description of several exemplary embodiments of the cylinder device proposed in this invention above, an exemplary embodiment of the reciprocating piston internal combustion engine proposed in this invention will be described below.

[0078] In one embodiment of the present invention, the reciprocating piston internal combustion engine proposed in the present invention includes the cylinder assembly proposed in the present invention and described in detail in the above embodiments. The reciprocating piston internal combustion engine may, for example, be a four-stroke reciprocating piston internal combustion engine.

[0079] It should be noted that the reciprocating piston internal combustion engines shown in the accompanying drawings and described in this specification are merely a few examples among many reciprocating piston internal combustion engines from which the principles of the present invention can be employed. It should be clearly understood that the principles of the present invention are by no means limited to any detail or component of the reciprocating piston internal combustion engines shown in the accompanying drawings or described in this specification.

[0080] In summary, the reciprocating piston internal combustion engine proposed in this invention, by employing the cylinder device proposed in this invention, can achieve the function of variable valve lift and improve the control stability and accuracy of the valve lift adjustment function.

[0081] The foregoing has described and / or illustrated exemplary embodiments of the cylinder assembly and reciprocating piston internal combustion engine proposed in this invention. However, the embodiments of this invention are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein; rather, components and / or steps of each embodiment may be used independently and separately from other components and / or steps described herein. Each component and / or step of one embodiment may also be used in combination with other components and / or steps of other embodiments. In describing the elements / components / etc. described and / or illustrated herein, the terms “a,” “an,” and “the above” are used to indicate the presence of one or more elements / components / etc. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are used to indicate an open-ended inclusion and mean that additional elements / components / etc. may exist in addition to those listed. Furthermore, the terms “first” and “second” in the claims and specification are used only as illustrative marks and are not intended to limit the numerical scope of the subject matter.

[0082] Although the cylinder assembly and reciprocating piston internal combustion engine proposed in this invention have been described according to different specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that modifications can be made to the implementation of this invention within the spirit and scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A cylinder device, characterized in that, For installation in a reciprocating piston internal combustion engine, the cylinder assembly includes: A cylinder includes a cylinder body and a cylinder head; the cylinder head is disposed on the cylinder body and has a vent port communicating with the internal cavity of the cylinder body; Valve mechanism, including: A valve includes a stem and a head. The stem extends along a first direction and passes through the cylinder head. The two ends of the stem in the first direction are an inner end and an outer end, respectively. The inner end is located inside the cylinder head, and the head is connected to the inner end and located at the vent. The outer end extends out of the cylinder head on the outside facing away from the cylinder block. The stem is configured to be circumferentially positioned relative to the cylinder head and to be displaced relative to it along the first direction. An adjusting sleeve is located on the outside of the cylinder head and is arranged coaxially with the rod. The adjusting sleeve is driven by an adjusting drive mechanism and can rotate around the central axis. A seat ring is disposed within the cavity of the adjusting sleeve, with its outer end passing through the center of the seat ring and threadedly engaged. The seat ring is configured to be circumferentially positioned relative to the adjusting sleeve and capable of relative displacement along the first direction. A first reset elastic element is connected between the seat ring and the cylinder head; and A valve drive mechanism is used to drive the valve seat to move relative to the cylinder head in the first direction, thereby causing the valve to move relative to the cylinder head in the first direction to open the vent.

2. The cylinder device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a limiting guide tube disposed on the cylinder head, the limiting guide tube extending along the first direction, and the rod portion passing through the limiting guide tube; wherein, the outer periphery of the rod portion is provided with a first keyway extending along the first direction, the inner periphery of the limiting guide tube is provided with a second keyway extending along the first direction, the first keyway and the second keyway are arranged opposite to each other, and the first keyway and the second keyway are jointly provided with a ball.

3. The cylinder device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The outer periphery of the rod portion is provided with at least two first keyways, and the inner periphery of the limiting guide tube is provided with at least two second keyways. The number of first keyways and second keyways are equal and arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. At least two first keyways are evenly spaced on the outer periphery of the rod portion; and / or For at least one set of oppositely arranged first keyways and second keyways, at least two balls are commonly provided, and the at least two balls are arranged along the first direction.

4. The cylinder device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cylinder head is provided with a mounting hole extending in a first direction, and the limiting guide tube passes through the mounting hole; wherein, the outer periphery of the limiting guide tube is provided with a first limiting groove, the inner periphery of the mounting hole is provided with a second limiting groove, the first limiting groove and the second limiting groove are arranged opposite to each other, and the first limiting groove and the second limiting groove are provided with a positioning pin block together.

5. The cylinder device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner circumference of the adjusting sleeve and the outer circumference of the seat ring are provided with a third keyway extending along the first direction, and the other is provided with a spline, which is accommodated in the third keyway and can slide in the third keyway along the first direction.

6. The cylinder device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The inner circumference of the adjusting sleeve and the outer circumference of the seat ring are provided with at least two third keyways, and the other is provided with at least two splines. The number of third keyways and splines are equal and arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. At least two third keyways are evenly spaced on the inner circumference of the adjusting sleeve or the outer circumference of the seat ring.

7. The cylinder device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer periphery of the adjusting sleeve is provided with worm gear teeth, and the adjusting drive mechanism includes an adjusting drive component and a worm. The adjusting drive component is tractively connected to the worm, and the worm engages with the worm gear teeth.

8. The cylinder device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first reset elastic element has a first end connected to the cylinder head, and the cylinder head has a mounting groove on one side surface facing the adjusting sleeve, the first end being received and connected to the mounting groove; and / or The first reset elastic member has a second end connected to the seat ring, the second end being connected to the seat ring via a bearing, so that the first reset elastic member can rotate relative to the seat ring.

9. The cylinder device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve drive mechanism includes a valve drive component, a drive shaft, a rocker arm, and a rotating shaft. The valve drive component is drively connected to the drive shaft, and a cam is provided on the drive shaft. The cam is correspondingly arranged at one end of the rocker arm, and the other end of the rocker arm is located on the side of the valve seat facing away from the cylinder head. The rotating shaft is located in the middle of the rocker arm, and a second reset elastic element is provided on the rotating shaft. The valve drive mechanism is configured such that: the valve drive component drives the drive shaft to rotate, which in turn drives the cam to rotate. When the cam rotates to the point where its protrusion abuts against one end of the rocker arm, the other end of the rocker arm presses against the valve seat and drives the valve to move toward the cylinder head along the first direction. When the cam rotates to the point where its base circle corresponds to one end of the rocker arm, the rocker arm swings in the opposite direction under the action of the second reset elastic element, causing the other end to disengage from the valve seat.

10. A reciprocating piston internal combustion engine, characterized in that, Includes the cylinder device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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