Internal combustion engine in the form of a gear motor

Abstract

An internal combustion engine in the form of a gear motor 100 comprises four gears 1, 2, 3, 4, which, during a toothed rotational movement, form combustion chambers between the meshing teeth. The gears 1, 2, 3, 4 are designed and coordinated with one another in such a way that, during a toothed rotational movement, combustion chambers are formed between the meshing first teeth. The gear motor 100 according to the invention is characterized in particular by a first hollow cylinder 71, which is fixedly connected to the gear motor 100, wherein the first hollow cylinder 71 and the first gear 1 are designed and matched to one another in such a way that the first gear 1 can rotate concentrically around the first hollow cylinder 71 and first tooth openings 101, 102, 103 are designed in the first gear 1 between each two first teeth 11, 12, 13 in such a way that the combustion chamber 10 formed is at least partially formed by the first hollow cylinder 71, wherein the first hollow cylinder 71 has at least one first fuel supply opening 310, at least one first fuel ignition device opening 410 and at least one first fuel discharge opening 510, which are designed and matched to the first gear 1 in such a way that the fuel supply by means of the first Fuel supply device 31,Ignition by means of the first fuel ignition device 41 and discharge by means of the first fuel discharge device 51 respectively radially out of the first hollow cylinder 71 or radially into the first hollow cylinder 71 and through the first tooth opening 101, 102, 103 into the first combustion chamber 10.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an internal combustion engine in the form of a gear motor. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] An internal combustion engine, also called a combustion engine, is a device that converts chemical energy released by the combustion of a fuel into mechanical work. In the form of a gear motor, it is a special design based on the principle of intermeshing gears. Patent applications DD 41 891 A1, DD 59 196 A1, and US Pat. No. 1,418,741 A describe gear motors according to the state of the art. How the gear motor works:

[0003] Essentially, a gear motor consists of at least two gears housed in a closed housing. These gears perform the following main functions: Drive and power transmission: The combustion of a fuel-air mixture creates high pressure in a chamber. This pressure is used to rotate the gears. The rotating motion is transmitted directly to a shaft. Compression and expansion: In some variants of a gear engine, the gears are also used to compress the mixture before it is ignited. During expansion, the resulting gas further drives the gears. Features of a gear motor:

[0004] Compact design: Gear motors are often smaller and lighter than conventional piston engines, making them attractive for certain applications.

[0005] Smooth running: The constant rotation of the gears enables consistent power transmission, resulting in quiet operation. High efficiency: Due to the precise toothing, energy loss in gear motors is comparatively low. Advantages over conventional piston engines

[0006] Fewer moving parts, making the machine less maintenance-intensive. Potentially simpler manufacturing and lower production costs. Possibility of operating with alternative fuels. Applications

[0007] Gear motors are used in niche applications, such as industrial pump systems, specialized vehicle drives, or even experimental mechanical engineering projects. They are particularly useful where a robust and compact internal combustion engine is required. challenges

[0008] Despite their advantages, gear motors have limitations, such as: Increased wear due to constant contact between the gears. Sealing challenges, especially at high pressures and temperatures. Rather limited performance compared to conventional combustion engines. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND ITS EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Due to the aforementioned disadvantages, internal combustion engines in the form of a gear motor have not yet achieved widespread acceptance. The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an internal combustion engine in the form of a gear motor that represents a functional improvement over previous gear motors.

[0010] The internal combustion engine according to the invention as defined in claim 1 provides a solution to this problem. Advantageous embodiments are specified in more detail in the dependent claims, the following description, and the drawings.

[0011] The internal combustion engine according to the invention in the form of a gear motor has at least a first gear with a plurality of first teeth and a second gear with a plurality of second teeth. The gear motor has at least one fuel supply device, a fuel ignition device, and a fuel discharge device. The first gear and the second gear are designed and coordinated with one another in such a way that, during a toothed rotational movement of the first gear and the second gear, combustion chambers are formed between the engaged first teeth and the second teeth, the volume of which is reduced by the rotational movement and increased again with continued rotational movement.The fuel supply device, the fuel ignition device and the fuel discharge device are designed and matched to the gear motor in such a way that a fuel is supplied, compressed, ignited and discharged at least in one combustion chamber in order to drive the gear motor.

[0012] The gear motor according to the invention is characterized in particular by a first hollow cylinder which is fixedly connected to the gear motor, wherein the first hollow cylinder and the first gear are designed and matched to one another in such a way that the first gear can rotate concentrically around the first hollow cylinder and first tooth openings are designed in the first gear between each two first teeth in such a way that the combustion chamber formed is at least partially formed by the first hollow cylinder, wherein the first hollow cylinder has at least one first fuel supply opening, at least one first fuel ignition device opening and at least one first fuel discharge opening, which are designed and matched to the first gear in such a way that the fuel supply by means of the first fuel supply device,Ignition by means of the first fuel ignition device and discharge by means of the first fuel discharge device takes place radially out of the first hollow cylinder or radially into the first hollow cylinder and through the first tooth opening into the first combustion chamber.

[0013] The gear motor according to the invention further comprises a second hollow cylinder which is fixedly connected to the gear motor, wherein the second hollow cylinder and the second gear are designed and coordinated with one another in such a way that the second gear can rotate concentrically around the second hollow cylinder.Second tooth openings are formed in the second gearwheel between each two second teeth in such a way that the combustion chamber formed is at least partially formed by the second hollow cylinder, wherein the second hollow cylinder has at least one second fuel supply opening, at least one second fuel ignition device opening and at least one second fuel discharge opening, which are formed and matched to the second gearwheel in such a way that the fuel is supplied by means of the second fuel supply device, ignited by means of the second fuel ignition device and discharged by means of the second fuel discharge device, respectively radially out of the second hollow cylinder or radially into the second hollow cylinder and through the second tooth opening into the second combustion chamber.

[0014] The gear motor according to the invention further comprises a third gear and a fourth gear, which have the same structure as gears one and two and are designed and coordinated with one another in such a way that all four gears mesh with one another and thus form the gear motor.

[0015] An internal combustion engine, also known as a combustion engine, is a machine that generates mechanical energy through the combustion of fuel. Combustion occurs within the engine and produces hot gas, which acts on pistons, turbines, or other moving parts to generate kinetic energy.

[0016] A gear motor is a special type of hydraulic motor that converts hydraulic energy into mechanical energy using a gear system. It typically consists of at least two intermeshing gears driven by a hydraulic fluid. The rotational movement of the gears is transmitted to a shaft to perform work. Gear motors are compact, robust, and frequently used in mechanical engineering and industrial applications. The gear motor according to the invention has four intermeshing gears. This allows for a high power density.

[0017] A fuel delivery system is a technical device in internal combustion engines that processes fuel from the tank and transports it to the engine. It typically includes components such as fuel lines, pumps, filters, and injection systems that ensure that the fuel is delivered in the correct amount and under optimal conditions for combustion.

[0018] A fuel ignition device is a component in internal combustion engines that ignites the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber. It can operate using electrical sparks, for example, via spark plugs or glow plugs. The goal is controlled combustion, which leads to energy generation.

[0019] A combustion chamber, also called a combustion chamber, is the area in an internal combustion engine where the combustion of the fuel-air mixture takes place. It is usually located between the piston and the cylinder head. In the case of a gear engine, the combustion chamber is formed by the meshing of the gear teeth. The shape and size of the combustion chamber are crucial for the engine's efficiency, performance, and emissions.

[0020] A gear is a mechanical component with toothed edges used to transmit rotary motion and power. It meshes with the teeth of another gear or toothed bar to synchronize or translate motion. Gears are essential in transmissions, machines, and drives and can have various sizes, shapes, and tooth profiles depending on their application. In the case of a gear motor, the gears are the counterparts to the pistons and cylinders in a reciprocating engine.

[0021] The teeth of a gear are the evenly spaced protrusions on the outer surface of the gear. They are shaped to precisely mesh with the teeth of another gear to transmit rotational movement and power. The shape of the teeth, e.g., the involute profile, is crucial for the efficiency and smoothness of power transmission. In a gear engine, the shape and arrangement of the teeth are also crucial for the size of the combustion chamber, the compression ratio, and the sealing of the combustion chamber.

[0022] In this case, tooth openings mean that the teeth are open at their base. The gear, therefore, does not consist of a single block with external teeth. Rather, the gear consists of a round disc on whose outer edge the teeth are offset from the disc. The offset between the disc and the tooth creates a gap between each tooth in the direction of the gear's rotational axis. These openings in the direction of the gear's rotational axis are the tooth openings.

[0023] In this case, a hollow cylinder is a cylindrical component characterized by an internal cavity. It consists of a cylindrical outer surface and a parallel inner surface that encloses the cavity. Hollow cylinders are used in numerous technical and industrial applications, such as pipes for liquid or gas lines, bearing sleeves, protective casings for shafts or cables, and structural components in buildings. The dimensions of the hollow cylinder—such as the outer diameter, inner diameter, and wall thickness—determine its mechanical properties, including stability, load-bearing capacity, and weight. In this case, the hollow cylinder is adapted to the surrounding gear and arranged concentrically to the gear. In other words, the hollow cylinder forms a kind of central block around which the gear can rotate.

[0024] To allow fuel to flow from the hollow cylinder through the toothed openings, from the radial inside to the outside, into the combustion chambers formed by the gear, the hollow cylinder has openings at appropriate locations. The shape of the openings can vary. Depending on the function, fuel supply openings, fuel ignition openings, and fuel discharge openings are formed in the hollow cylinder. Without these openings, no interaction between the combustion chambers and the interior of the hollow cylinder would be possible.

[0025] Briefly summarized and reduced to the essentials, the basic idea of ​​the invention can be described as follows. In previous gear engines, the supply, ignition and discharge of fuel usually takes place from a direction perpendicular to the gears. Since the gears are usually formed from a single block that rotates about its axis, it seemed easier to access the combustion chambers formed by the gears from the side. However, the gear according to the invention is constructed in such a way that the fuel supply, ignition and discharge take place from the center of the gear, so to speak from the inside, radially outwards into the combustion chambers of the teeth. However, this is only structurally possible through the inventive introduction of a stationary hollow cylinder in the center of the gear, around which the gear rotates.In other words, the teeth mounted on the circular disk rotate around the stationary center block. Furthermore, it is crucial that the gear is designed in such a way that radially inward openings are formed between the teeth, through which the fuel can be supplied, discharged, and ignited. The advantage of this design is that fuel supply, ignition, and discharge are significantly easier to manage, and access from the radial inside is structurally simpler than from the side. The ignition sequence is ignited at each tooth tip of the gears at maximum compression.

[0026] In the following, preferred embodiments of the gear motor according to the invention are explained in more detail and their respective advantages are described

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment of the gear motor according to the invention, the thickness of the tooth openings essentially corresponds to the thickness of the teeth. This is advantageous when the teeth are individually attached to the gear, since attaching the teeth to a round disk automatically results in tooth openings of this thickness. "Thickness of the teeth" refers to the spatial extent of the teeth in the axial direction. "Width of the teeth" refers to the spatial extent of the teeth in the radial direction.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment of the gear motor according to the invention, the thickness of the hollow cylinders essentially corresponds to the thickness of the gears. This is particularly advantageous for sealing the gear motor from the outside. If the gear and hollow cylinder have the same thickness, a seal in the radial direction can be created in a simple design using planar covers on both sides of the gear. In other words, to put it simply, the gear rotates between two plates around the hollow cylinder, which is attached to a plate. The plate also has openings to the outside so that fuel can be supplied at these points and exhaust gases can be discharged through the plate.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment of the gear motor according to the invention, the teeth are each individually attached to the gear. This can be more advantageous from a manufacturing perspective than milling the gear from a single piece. Furthermore, it makes it possible to use different materials for the teeth than for the rest of the gear.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment of the gear motor according to the invention, the teeth and the gear are made of a single piece. A gear milled from a single block offers the advantage of high material strength.

[0031] In all cases, the teeth according to the invention have a larger diameter than the diameter of the round disc to which the teeth are attached. This would, however, create a leaky gap between the teeth and the housing. Therefore, the gears according to the invention have circumferential bands that provide appropriate sealing at these points by filling these gaps.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment of the gear engine according to the invention, the fuel supply device includes a carburetor. According to a preferred embodiment of the gear engine according to the invention, the fuel ignition device includes at least one spark plug. Carburetors and spark plugs are proven and reliable means for supplying the fuel and igniting it precisely.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment of the gear motor according to the invention, it includes a cooling device, preferably a water cooling system. This is advantageous for preventing the motor from overheating.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment of the gear motor according to the invention, it includes a lubrication device, preferably an oil line for lubrication. This is advantageous for reducing wear on the motor. Lubrication takes place via the oil line through the hollow cylinder.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment of the gear motor according to the invention, several gear motors are combined into a larger gear motor. This allows the creation of precisely tailored motors of the size and power required. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] A specific embodiment of the invention is explained below with reference to drawings. However, neither the drawings nor the descriptions thereof should be understood to limit the invention to this embodiment. Fig. 1 shows schematically a section through a gear motor 100 according to the invention according to the embodiment with four gears 1, 2, 3, 4 Fig. 2 shows schematically and in perspective but only partially sketched a gear 1 according to the embodiment Fig. 3 shows a plan view of the gear 1 according to the invention Fig. 4 shows a central section of the gear 1 according to the invention Fig. 5 shows schematically and in perspective but only partially sketched a gear 1 according to the embodiment, in a position of fuel discharge Fig. Figure 6 shows schematically a section through the axes of the gears 1 and 2, in a position of fuel ignition Fig. Figure 7 shows schematically a section through the axes of the gears 1 and 2, in a position of fuel discharge

[0037] The drawings are only schematic and not to scale. Like reference symbols indicate like or similar features. DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

[0038] Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the internal combustion engine according to the invention in the form of a gear motor 100 with four gears 1, 2, 3, 4. All gears 1, 2, 3, 4 are constructed analogously; therefore, for the sake of clarity, only the components of gears one 1 and two 2 are described. However, the same expressly applies to gears three 3 and four 4, which are only briefly described.

[0039] Gear one 1 and gear two 2 each have a plurality of teeth 11, 12, 13, 21, 22, 23. The first gear 1 and the second gear 2 are designed and coordinated with one another in such a way that, during a toothed rotational movement of the first gear 1 and the second gear 2, combustion chambers 10, 20 are formed between the engaged first teeth 11, 12, 13 and the second teeth 21, 22, 23, the volume of which is reduced by the rotational movement and enlarged again as the rotational movement continues. Fuel supply devices 31, 32, fuel ignition devices 41, 42, and fuel discharge devices 51, 52 are configured and coordinated with the gear motor 100 such that fuel is supplied, ignited, and discharged into the combustion chambers 10, 20 to drive the gear motor 100. The gear motor 100 further includes circumferential belts 600 that provide a seal between the gears and the housing.

[0040] Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 show the exact structure of the gears 1, 2, 3, 4 according to the invention according to the exemplary embodiment. Each gear 1, 2, 3, 4 has a hollow cylinder analogous to the hollow cylinder 71, which is fixedly connected to the gear motor 100. The hollow cylinders and the gears 2, 3, and 4 are not shown again here, since their structure is analogous to gear 1. As in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the first hollow cylinder 71 and the first gear 1 are designed and matched to one another in such a way that the first gear 1 can rotate concentrically around the first hollow cylinder 71 and first tooth openings 101, 102, 103 are designed in the first gear 1 between each two first teeth 11, 12, 13 in such a way that the combustion chamber 10 formed is at least partially formed by the first hollow cylinder 71.The first hollow cylinder 71 has a first fuel supply opening 310, a first fuel ignition device opening 410, and a first fuel discharge opening 510, which are designed and coordinated with the first gear 1 such that the fuel supply by means of the first fuel supply device 31, ignition by means of the first fuel ignition device 41, and discharge by means of the first fuel discharge device 51 are each effected radially out of the first hollow cylinder 71 or radially into the first hollow cylinder 71 and through the first tooth openings 101, 102, 103 into the first combustion chamber 10. The same applies to the fuel supply, ignition, and discharge for gears 2, 3, and 4. All four gears 1, 2, 3, and 4 mesh with one another, thus forming the gear motor 100.

[0041] The thickness of the tooth openings 101, 102, 103 in this exemplary embodiment essentially corresponds to the thickness of the teeth 11, 12, 13. This is because the teeth 11, 12, 13 are each arranged individually offset on the gear 1. The gear 1 in this example nevertheless consists of a single piece. Only the hollow cylinder 71 is a second component around which the gear 1 can rotate. The fuel supply device 31 in the present exemplary embodiment is a carburetor, and the fuel ignition device 41 is a spark plug.

[0042] Fig. 5 shows schematically and in perspective but only partially sketched a gear 1 according to the embodiment analogous to Fig. 3. In this case, Fig. 5 shows a position of the gear 1 in which the first tooth opening 102 is located in the position of the first hollow cylinder 71 in which the burned fuel is discharged from the combustion chamber via the first fuel discharge opening 510. In Fig. 5 also shows the circumferential bands 600. These circumferential bands 600 ensure a seal between the gears and the housing.

[0043] Fig. Figure 6 schematically shows a section through the axes of gears 1 and 2 in a fuel ignition position. In this illustration, the section runs centrally through the first combustion chamber 10 in a position in which the first gear 1 and the second gear 2 are ignited by the fuel ignition device 41.

[0044] Fig.Figure 7 schematically shows a section through the axes of gears 1 and 2 in a fuel discharge position. In this illustration, the section also runs centrally through the first combustion chamber 10. In this position, gears 1 and 2 are positioned such that the fuel can be discharged through the fuel discharge openings 510, 520 above the hollow cylinders 71, 72. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 1, 2, 3, 4 first, second, third, fourth gear 10 first combustion chamber 11, 12, 13 first teeth 31 first fuel supply device 41 first fuel ignition device 51 first fuel discharge device 71 first hollow cylinder 101, 102, 103 first tooth openings 310 first fuel supply opening 410 first fuel igniter opening 510 first fuel discharge opening 20 second combustion chamber 21, 22, 23 second teeth 32 second fuel supply device 42 second fuel ignition device 52 second fuel discharge device 72 second hollow cylinder 201, 202, 203 second tooth openings 320 second fuel supply opening 420 second fuel igniter opening 520 second fuel discharge opening 600 rotating belts

Claims

[1] Internal combustion engine in the form of a gear motor 100, comprising at least: a first gear 1 with a plurality of first teeth 11, 12, 13; a second gear 2 with a plurality of second teeth 21, 22, 23; at least one fuel supply device 31, 32; at least one fuel ignition device 41, 42; at least one fuel discharge device 51, 52, the first gear 1 and the second gear 2 are designed and coordinated with one another in such a way that, during a toothed rotary movement of the first gear 1 and the second gear 2, combustion chambers 10, 20 are formed between the engaged first teeth 11, 12, 13 and the second teeth 21, 22, 23, the volume of which is reduced by the rotary movement and increased again with continued rotary movement;the fuel supply device 31, 32, the fuel ignition device 41, 42 and the fuel discharge device 51, 52 are designed and matched to the gear motor 100 such that a fuel is supplied, compressed, ignited and discharged at least in one combustion chamber 10, 20 in order to drive the gear motor 100, wherein the gear motor 100 further comprises a third 3 and a fourth gear 4 which are designed and matched to one another such that all four gears 1, 2, 3, 4 mesh with one another and thus form the gear motor 100; characterized bythat the gear motor 100 further comprises; a first hollow cylinder 71 which is fixedly connected to the gear motor 100, wherein the first hollow cylinder 71 and the first gear 1 are designed and matched to one another in such a way that the first gear 1 can rotate concentrically around the first hollow cylinder 71 and first tooth openings 101, 102, 103 are designed in the first gear 1 between each two first teeth 11, 12, 13 in such a way that the combustion chamber 10 formed is at least partially formed by the first hollow cylinder 71, wherein the first hollow cylinder 71 has at least one first fuel supply opening 310, at least one first fuel ignition device opening 410 and at least one first fuel discharge opening 510, which are designed and matched to the first gear 1 in such a way that the fuel supply by means of the first fuel supply device 31,Ignition by means of the first fuel ignition device 41 and discharge by means of the first fuel discharge device 51 takes place radially out of the first hollow cylinder 71 or radially into the first hollow cylinder 71 and through the first tooth opening 101, 102, 103 into the first combustion chamber 10, wherein the gear motor 100 further comprises; a second hollow cylinder 72 which is fixedly connected to the gear motor 100, wherein the second hollow cylinder 72 and the second gear 2 are designed and matched to one another in such a way that the second gear 2 can rotate concentrically around the second hollow cylinder 72 and second tooth openings 201, 202, 203 are designed in the second gear 2 between each two second teeth 21, 22, 23 in such a way that the combustion chamber 20 formed is at least partially formed by the second hollow cylinder 72, wherein the second hollow cylinder 72 has at least one second fuel supply opening 320,at least one second fuel ignition device opening 420 and at least one second fuel discharge opening 520, which are designed and matched to the second gear 2 such that the fuel supply by means of the second fuel supply device 32, ignition by means of the second fuel ignition device 42, and discharge by means of the second fuel discharge device 52 each take place radially out of the second hollow cylinder 72 or radially into the second hollow cylinder 72 and through the second tooth opening 201, 202, 203 into the second combustion chamber 20, wherein the third gear 3 and the fourth gear 4 have the same structure as the gears one 1 and two 2. [2] Internal combustion engine in the form of a gear motor 100 according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness of the tooth openings corresponds to the thickness of the teeth. [3] Internal combustion engine in the form of a gear motor 100 according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness of the hollow cylinders corresponds to the thickness of the gears. [4] Internal combustion engine in the form of a gear motor 100 according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the teeth are each individually attached to the gear. [5] Internal combustion engine in the form of a gear motor 100 according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the teeth and the gear consist of one piece. [6] Internal combustion engine in the form of a gear engine 100 according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fuel supply device includes a carburetor. [7] Internal combustion engine in the form of a gear motor 100 according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fuel ignition device includes at least one spark plug. [8] Internal combustion engine in the form of a gear motor 100 according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the gear motor has a cooling device, preferably a water cooling device. [9] Internal combustion engine in the form of a gear motor 100 according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the gear motor has a lubricating device, preferably an oil line for lubrication. [10] Internal combustion engine in the form of a gear motor according to one of the preceding claims, wherein several gear motors 100 according to one of the preceding claims are combined to form a larger gear motor.

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