Tangential internal combustion engine

Abstract

The invention is based on two cylinders (7, 7') which are longitudinally arc-shaped, in each of which the pistons (5, 5') are positioned at a minimum distance P from the cylinder head. min From the position P with the maximum distance from the cylinder head max and a shaft (11), the cylinders (7, 7') being arranged so that the movement of the piston (5) in the first cylinder (7) generated by the combustion of fuel in the combustion chamber (4) of the first cylinder (7) and the movement of the piston (5') in the second cylinder (7') generated by the combustion of fuel in the combustion chamber (4') of the second cylinder (7') are in the same direction, the internal combustion engine comprising, on each side of the pistons (5, 5') facing away from the combustion chambers (4, 4'), a connecting rod (6, 6') in the shape of a circular arc in its longitudinal direction, and an associated freewheel for each cylinder (7, 7'), the cylinders (7, 7') being arranged so that the axis of the shaft (11) forms the center point of a circle forming the basis of the circular arc shapes of the cylinders (7, 7') and the connecting rods (6, 6'), and in each case the connecting rods (6, 6') are connected to the pistons (5, 5') of the first and second cylinders (7, 7'). the freewheels are further arranged so that the side opposite to the pistons (5, 5') is connected to the outer part (8, 8') of one of the freewheels, and the inner parts (10, 10') of the freewheels are respectively connected to a shaft (11), the freewheels being arranged so that the movement generated in each case by the combustion of fuel in the combustion chambers (4, 4') of the cylinders (7, 7') and transmitted to the outer parts (8, 8') of the freewheels by the connecting rods (6, 6') of the pistons (5, 5') is transmitted to the shaft (11) so that the freewheels move freely in opposite directions, the outer parts (8, 8') of the freewheels being coupled to one another so as to perform movements in opposite directions, so that the movements of the pistons (5, 5') in the first and second cylinders (7, 7') move in opposite directions, a method for operating such an internal combustion engine, and the use of such an internal combustion engine for driving a motor vehicle, an aircraft or a ship.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a novel internal combustion engine. [Background technology]

[0002] In the development of internal combustion engines, one of the main objectives is to utilize the energy present in the fuel used as efficiently as possible, i.e. to save fuel by achieving the highest possible efficiency.

[0003] In the prior art, reciprocating piston engines are known in which the work generated by the expansion of gases in a cylinder produced by burning fuel is transmitted to a crankshaft by a piston rod which includes an articulated connection to each of the piston and the crankshaft (crank drive). In this way, the oscillatory motion of the piston is converted into a rotational motion, i.e. torque is generated.

[0004] One disadvantage of the power transmission in the above-mentioned conventional reciprocating piston engine is that there is a mechanical dead point due to the crank drive, and as this point is approached, the transmitted power drops off sinusoidally. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to further improve the efficiency of conventional internal combustion engines, thus enabling fuel-saving operation.

[0006] From US 4,127,036 an internal combustion engine is known, which comprises at least one annular cylinder and a fitted annular piston, the cylinder and piston being arranged to rotate about a central crankshaft, the circular rotation of the piston and cylinder in a first direction being transmitted to the shaft by a feed means which prevents their rotation in the opposite direction.

[0007] From US 5,025,756, an internal combustion engine is known which comprises a set of 360° annular cylinders each having two sets of double-headed pistons. The set of pistons is displaced back and forth in the cylinder by approximately 45° between two combustion openings spaced 180° apart. The back and forth movement of the set of pistons is converted into rotational movement by four ratchet and latch mechanisms connected to a circular gear set.

[0008] From US 1,352,127 an internal combustion engine is known which comprises a plurality of cylinders arranged in a circle, the axes of which are aligned in the circumferential direction and the pistons of which are connected to oscillating elements, whereby said cylinders act synchronously, the oscillating elements being connected to a rotor by a suitable ratchet mechanism.

[0009] The invention is based on the insight that the special shape of the cylinder allows the piston stroke motion occurring inside it to be converted directly into torque, thus ensuring that the transmitted force is always transmitted tangentially to the shaft, i.e. at a sinusoidal angle of 90°.

[0010] The invention therefore provides two cylinders 7, 7' having a longitudinally arcuate shape, in each of which one piston 5, 5' is positioned at a minimum distance P from the cylinder head. min From the position P at the maximum distance from the cylinder head max and a shaft 11, the cylinders 7, 7' being arranged such that a movement of the piston 5 in the first cylinder 7 caused by combustion of fuel in the combustion chamber 4 of the first cylinder 7 and a movement of the piston 5' in the second cylinder 7' caused by combustion of fuel in the combustion chamber 4' of the second cylinder 7' occur in the same direction; one piston rod 6, 6' each having a longitudinal arc shape and one freewheel associated with each cylinder 7, 7' are present on the side of the piston 5, 5' not facing the combustion chamber 4, 4', the cylinders 7, 7' being further arranged such that the axis of the shaft 11 is the center point of a circle that defines the arc shape of the cylinders 7, 7' and the piston rods 6, 6'; the side of each piston rod 6, 6' opposite the piston 5, 5' of the first and second cylinder 7, 7' is connected to the outer part 8, 8' of one of the freewheels, the inner part 10, 10' of which is connected to the shaft 11, said freewheels are arranged in such a way that the movement generated by the combustion of fuel in the combustion chambers 4, 4' of the cylinders 7, 7' and transmitted by the piston rods 6, 6' of the pistons 5, 5' to the outer parts 8, 8' of said freewheels is transmitted to the shaft 11, so that said freewheels are free to move in opposite directions, The outer parts 8, 8' of the freewheels are coupled to each other in such a way that they perform movement in opposite directions, thereby causing the movement of the pistons 5, 5' in the first and second cylinders 7, 7' to also operate in opposite directions. The present invention provides an internal combustion engine.

[0011] The internal combustion engine of the present invention may also be referred to as a "tangential internal combustion engine" or simply a "tangential engine" due to the particular embodiment and configuration of the cylinders and the particular conversion of force into torque generated during fuel combustion.

[0012] The tangential engine embodiment ensures that tangential forces always act and are transmitted at the maximum possible 90° sinusoidal angle throughout the entire operating process. Therefore, the engine offers the advantages of achieving the highest possible torque even at low engine speeds, i.e., achieving the most consistent torque possible across the engine speed range. This makes the engine of the present invention more efficient than reciprocating piston engines of conventional design, thereby enabling fuel savings. Furthermore, the engine does not require a crankshaft and therefore does not have the dead center caused by the crank drive in conventional engines.

[0013] The engine of the present invention "translates" the arcuate reciprocating motion of the piston displacing within the cylinder directly into constant rotational motion of the shaft, thus eliminating the need for force deflection through various components as in conventional internal combustion engines. The engine therefore provides power when required, without any delay.

[0014] Internal combustion engines according to the present invention can be any size, ranging from relatively small embodiments such as motorcycle engines, to very large embodiments such as automobile, boat and aircraft engines, marine engines, etc. The small engine configuration allows for multiple space-saving installation options.

[0015] The operating principle of the engine according to the invention is the same as that of a conventional internal combustion engine: the explosive combustion of fuel in the combustion chamber of the cylinder generates a force which is converted into torque on the shaft in the novel manner described above.

[0016] For this purpose, a combustible fuel-oxygen mixture, typically a fuel-air mixture, is introduced into the combustion chamber of the cylinder, where it is compressed and then compressed into the piston at a position having a minimum distance from the cylinder head (P min The gas thus generated expands explosively and ignites at the point P max This causes the piston to move in the direction towards the

[0017] The movement of the pistons in the first and second cylinders is in opposite directions in the engine according to the present invention, i.e., the piston in the first cylinder is at position P min,1 From P max,1 At the same time, the piston in the other cylinder moves to position P max,2 From P min,2 is displaced to

[0018] Next, P min,1 From P max,1 and P min ,2 to P max,2 The motion of the piston towards the center will be in the same direction at different times.

[0019] The freewheel may be implemented, for example, as an outer ring and an inner ring, each having an outer part and an inner part, which can be locked relative to each other (drive mode) or move freely (freewheel mode).

[0020] By means of the piston rod of the piston, a force is in each case transmitted to the outer part of the freewheel associated with the cylinder, which then converts this force into a torque on its inner part and thus into a torque on the shaft connected to the inner part of the freewheel; i.e. in said direction the freewheel is in drive mode (locking direction).

[0021] The piston is at position P max As soon as the force exceeds P, the direction of the piston's movement in the cylinder reverses, i.e., the piston moves min Therefore, the freewheel associated with the cylinder is in freewheel mode (freewheel direction).

[0022] position P max From P minMovement of the piston in the opposite direction is caused by the engagement of the outer part of the freewheel, resulting in movement of the outer part of the freewheel, and thus the piston rod and piston connected thereto, in the opposite direction. Thus, the "piston is returned."

[0023] Each piston rod is arranged in a cylinder and is guided so that the rod can be displaced freely within the cylinder.

[0024] The piston rod or rods may be statically, i.e. rigidly, connected to each associated piston, in contrast to conventional internal combustion engines where an articulated connection is required.

[0025] Furthermore, the piston rod or rods may be stationarily, i.e. rigidly connected to each associated outer part, preferably the outer ring, of the associated freewheel.

[0026] The movement of the pistons in the two cylinders typically begins at a position P where the piston in the first cylinder is at a minimum distance from the cylinder head. min,1 When the piston is in the second cylinder, it is at a position P where it is at the maximum distance from the cylinder head. max,2 It has come to exist in

[0027] Typically, the freewheel or wheels are designed to include a complete inner ring and a complete outer ring.

[0028] As a rule, the cylinder or cylinders, and therefore also the piston or pistons, have a circular cross section.

[0029] The two cylinders are typically identical and in particular typically have the same arc-shaped piston path (stroke).

[0030] The pistons, piston rods and / or freewheels associated with the first or second cylinder are then also preferably identical to each other.

[0031] The longitudinal extent of a cylinder or piston path, due to its arcuate shape, can be expressed in degrees, where 360° corresponds to a full circle, as is known.

[0032] In an internal combustion engine according to the invention, the longitudinal extent of the arc shape of one or both cylinders is preferably 60° or more, preferably 90° or more, more preferably 120° or more, and even more preferably 160° or more, relative to the circle defining the arc shape.

[0033] The longitudinal extent of the arcuate shape of one or more preferably both cylinders typically does not exceed 180° relative to the circle that defines the arcuate shape.

[0034] The longitudinal extent of the arcuate shape of one or more preferably both cylinders is preferably selected so that said extent corresponds to the largest possible range, for example between 170° and 178°, relative to the circle defining said arcuate shape.

[0035] Furthermore, in an internal combustion engine according to the present invention, the arc-shaped piston path of the piston in one or more preferably both cylinders is preferably at an angle of 60° or more, preferably 90° or more, more preferably 120° or more, and even more preferably 160° or more to a circle defining the arc-shaped piston path.

[0036] The arcuate piston path of the pistons in one or more preferably both cylinders typically does not exceed 180° with respect to the circle defining the arcuate shape.

[0037] The arcuate piston path of the pistons in one or more preferably both cylinders is preferably selected so that said path corresponds to the largest possible range, for example between 170° and 178°, relative to the circle defining the arcuate shape.

[0038] Thus, the maximum possible range of piston path, for example 356° for a full circle or complete rotation of the shaft, can be achieved.

[0039] More preferably, the coupling of the movements in opposite directions of the outer parts of the freewheel is effected by a gear connection, which may be implemented, for example, by gear teeth present on each of the facing disc-shaped flanks of the outer ring of the freewheel, in the manner of a crown gear and a spur gear present therebetween.

[0040] Such a gear connection is simple to implement and provides high operational reliability.

[0041] Preferably, one or both cylinders are arranged directly above the outer side of the respective associated freewheel, which allows the piston rod to be simply connected to the associated outer side of the freewheel.

[0042] In one embodiment of the internal combustion engine according to the invention, the cylinders are offset tangentially to a circle defined by the axis of the shaft as the center point. For example, if there are exactly two cylinders in the engine, they may be offset by 180°. If the cylinders have a longitudinal extent of 180°, then the second cylinder "starts" where the first cylinder "ends" in terms of a full circle around the shaft.

[0043] Typically, there is at least one intake valve and one exhaust valve for each cylinder in an internal combustion engine according to the present invention.

[0044] Typically, there is one spark plug per cylinder.

[0045] An internal combustion engine according to the invention may have exactly two cylinders, but may also have more than two cylinders. Preferably, an internal combustion engine according to the invention has a number of cylinders that is a multiple of two, for example 2, 4, 6, etc.

[0046] The internal combustion engine according to the invention may be implemented, for example, as a two-stroke engine or as a four-stroke engine.

[0047] In the case of an embodiment as a two-stroke engine, scavenging, i.e. the expulsion of the combustion gases in the cylinder and the supply of fresh gas, can be carried out in a known manner, for example by cross-flow scavenging, by uniflow scavenging, for example by means of a poppet valve, or by loop scavenging.

[0048] Next, in the case of an embodiment as a four-stroke engine, in one of the embodiments described herein, there will typically be at least four cylinders, preferably two pairs of one first cylinder and one second cylinder with associated components.

[0049] The movement of the outer part of one of the freewheels of the first pair of cylinders can then be coupled to the outer part of one of the freewheels of the second pair of cylinders, this coupling being in the opposite direction, and the pistons in the cylinders of the first pair of cylinders associated with the freewheels and the pistons in the cylinders of the second pair of cylinders associated with the freewheels being kinematically coupled to each other and performing movements in the opposite direction.

[0050] Similarly, the movement of the outer part of the piston or freewheel is preferably coupled when there are more cylinders in the engine, for example six, eight, etc.

[0051] The gears and bearings of the engine of the present invention are typically lubricated in a conventional manner.

[0052] Unless already expressly stated, whenever applicable, all embodiments described as "typical," "usual," or "preferred" and referring to one cylinder and / or its associated components also apply as "typical," "usual," or "preferred" to all other cylinders of an internal combustion engine. The same applies to pairs of cylinders described above.

[0053] The present invention further relates to a method of operating an internal combustion engine in one of the embodiments described herein, and to the use of an internal combustion engine in one of the embodiments described herein for powering a motor vehicle, aircraft, or watercraft. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0054] example An embodiment of an internal combustion engine according to the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0055] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view of one embodiment of an internal combustion engine according to the present invention;

[0056] [Figure 2] 1 shows a view of one side of an assembly with a shaft, a freewheel and a cylinder of an embodiment of an internal combustion engine according to the invention;

[0057] [Figure 3] 3 shows an opposite view of the shaft, freewheel and cylinder assembly of an embodiment of an internal combustion engine according to the invention to FIG. 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0058] The embodiment of the internal combustion engine according to the present invention shown in the figures comprises two identical arc-shaped cylinders 7, 7' with circular cross-sections, each of which contains one piston 5, 5' and one arc-shaped piston rod 6, 6' connected to the piston 5, 5' on the side opposite the combustion chamber 4, 4'. Within each of the cylinders 7, 7', a position Pmin (i.e., the position of the piston at the minimum distance from the cylinder head) and P max The pistons 5, 5' which move back and forth between (i.e. the position of the piston at its maximum distance from the cylinder head) are sealed from the combustion chambers 4, 4' in a typical manner, for example by piston rings.

[0059] Each of the cylinders 7, 7' is disposed on the outer ring 8, 8' of one of the annular freewheels associated with the respective cylinder, and the end of the piston rod 6, 6' opposite the piston is then fixedly connected to the outer ring 8, 8' of the associated freewheel by a connecting bar 9, 9'.

[0060] The inner ring 10 , 10 ′ of the freewheel is fixedly connected to a shaft 11 supported in a mount 15 .

[0061] The cylinders 7, 7' are arranged so that the pistons 5, 5' moving back and forth therein perform arcuate movements in opposite directions.

[0062] Furthermore, the freewheel, in each case, min From P max , i.e., the freewheel is in a driving mode in which the outer ring is displaced in the direction 13, and the piston is locked in the direction P max From P min 1. The outer ring is arranged to move freely in the opposite direction 12 to the movement of the outer ring, which is displaced freely.

[0063] It therefore follows that the two locking directions are in the same direction, i.e. the shaft 11 is subjected to torques transmitted in the same direction from the combustion processes in both cylinders.

[0064] The two freewheel outer rings 8, 8' each have gear teeth on their disk-shaped sides facing each other, which are joined by a spur gear 14 so that the freewheel outer rings 8, 8' are displaced in opposite directions, thereby providing a constant P of each piston transmitted by the piston rod. max From P min The motion to is provided in freewheel mode.

[0065] During operation of the engine, a fuel-air mixture is fed into the combustion chambers 4, 4' of the cylinders 7, 7' through the intake valves 1, 1'; the combustion gases expelled in each case from the cylinders 7, 7' are discharged from the cylinders through the exhaust valves 2, 2'.

[0066] Ignition of the fuel-air mixture is effected by a spark plug 3, 3' present in the combustion chamber of each cylinder.

[0067] For example, as shown in FIG. 3, in the first cylinder 7 of the engine, the piston P min Ignition occurs at a position near 100° C. This displaces the piston 5 along an arc-shaped path in the first cylinder 7 due to the force resulting from the explosive combustion process, which is transmitted to the outer ring 8 of the freewheel associated with the first cylinder. As the freewheel is in drive mode, this force is transmitted to the shaft 11 as torque in the direction 13.

[0068] The piston 5 is in the first cylinder 7. max When the piston 5' in the second cylinder 7' reaches P min , and ignition occurs near this position in the second cylinder 7'. This displaces the piston 5 along an arc-shaped path in the second cylinder 7' due to the force resulting from the explosive combustion process, which is transmitted to the outer ring 8' of the freewheel associated with the second cylinder 7'. As the freewheel is in drive mode, this force is also transmitted to the shaft 11 as torque in the direction 13.

[0069] By connecting the two outer rings 8, 8' of the freewheel, the pistons 5 and 5' in the first cylinder 7 and the second cylinder 7' are max From P min , respectively, and the freewheel goes into its freewheel mode for the above movement in direction 12.

[0070] The cylinders 7, 7' are mounted on the engine support device 15 by means of a mounting device 17. On the outer side of the freewheel associated with the second cylinder on the side facing the mount there are gear teeth 19 with which a gear of a starter motor 18 engages.

[0071] The support device 15 of the engine can be fixed to the foundation by means of fastening screws 16. Furthermore, bearings 20 for the shaft are present in the support device 15.

[0072] [Explanation of symbols] 1, 1' intake valve 2, 2' Exhaust valve 3, 3' Spark plug 4, 4' combustion chamber 5,5' piston 6, 6' piston rod 7, 7' cylinder Freewheel outer ring with 8, 8' gear teeth 9, 9' Connecting bar between piston rod and outer ring of freewheel 10, 10' Inner ring of freewheel 11 Shaft 12 Freewheel freewheel direction 13 Freewheel locking direction 14 Connecting Gear 15 Support device 16 Fastening screws 17 Cylinder mount 18 Starter motor 19 Gear teeth for starter motor 20 Bearings

Claims

1. A first cylinder and a second cylinder each having an arc shape in the longitudinal direction, and one piston in each of the first cylinder and the second cylinder is located at a position P at a minimum distance from a cylinder head. ｍｉｎ From the position P at the maximum distance from the cylinder head ｍａｘ and a shaft, the first cylinder and the second cylinder being arranged such that a movement of the piston in the first cylinder caused by combustion of fuel in the combustion chamber of the first cylinder and a movement of the piston in the second cylinder caused by combustion of fuel in the combustion chamber of the second cylinder occur in the same direction; a piston rod having a longitudinally arcuate shape and a freewheel associated with each cylinder are present on a side of the piston facing away from the combustion chamber, and the first and second cylinders are further arranged such that the axis of the shaft is a center point of a circle defining the arcuate shapes of the first and second cylinders and the piston rods; a side of each piston rod opposite to the piston of the first cylinder and the second cylinder is connected to an outer side of one of the freewheels, and an inner side of the freewheel is connected to the shaft; the freewheels are arranged such that a motion generated by combustion of fuel in the combustion chambers of the first cylinder and the second cylinder and transmitted to the outer portions of the freewheels by the piston rods of the pistons is transmitted to the shaft, causing the freewheels to move freely in opposite directions; 1. An internal combustion engine, wherein the outer parts of the freewheels are coupled to each other so as to perform movement in opposite directions, thereby causing movement of the pistons in the first and second cylinders to also operate in opposite directions.

2. The movement of the pistons in the first and second cylinders is such that the piston in the first cylinder is at a minimum distance from the cylinder head. ｍｉｎ，１ When the piston is in the second cylinder, it is at a position P where it is at a maximum distance from the cylinder head. ｍａｘ，２ 2. The internal combustion engine of claim 1, wherein the internal combustion engine is configured to:

3. 3. An internal combustion engine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the longitudinal extent of the arc shape of one or both cylinders is in an angle of 60° or more, preferably 90° or more, more preferably 120° or more, and even more preferably 160° or more, relative to a circle defining the arc shape.

4. 3. An internal combustion engine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the arc-shaped piston path of the piston in one or both cylinders subtends an angle of 60° or more, preferably 90° or more, more preferably 120° or more, and even more preferably 160° or more, relative to a circle defining the arc-shaped piston path.

5. 3. An internal combustion engine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the coupling of the outer part of the freewheel is by means of a gear connection.

6. 3. An internal combustion engine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one or both cylinders are located directly above the outer side of the respective associated freewheel.

7. 3. An internal combustion engine according to claim 1, wherein the first cylinder and the second cylinder are offset relative to a circle defined by the axis of the shaft as the centre point.

8. 3. An internal combustion engine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein there is at least one intake valve and one exhaust valve for each cylinder.

9. A method of operating an internal combustion engine according to claim 1 or 2.

10. 3. Use of an internal combustion engine according to claim 1 or 2 for powering a motor vehicle, an aircraft or a watercraft.

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