Internal combustion engine with gas exchange chamber

Abstract

The engine may be configured with a piston reciprocating within a cylinder, with blow-by gases within the cylinder flowing from a combustion chamber within the cylinder to an area external to the cylinder. The piston may be connected to a rod configured to reciprocate in a linear path. The engine may have a gas exchange chamber configured to capture the blow-by gases in a space between the cylinder and an actuator coupled to an end of the rod.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 044,096, filed June 25, 2020.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of internal combustion engines, and more particularly to the field of internal combustion engines having a gas exchange chamber adjacent to a combustion chamber of a cylinder. [Background technology]

[0003] Internal combustion engines are known. Some engine configurations include, for example, single or multi-cylinder piston engines, opposed piston engines, and rotary engines. The most common types of piston engines are two-stroke and four-stroke engines. These types of engines have a relatively large number of parts and require a large number of auxiliary systems, such as, for example, lubrication systems, cooling systems, and intake and exhaust valve control systems, to function properly.

[0004] Some engines may be configured to have an oscillating mass (e.g., a piston) that reciprocates in a linear path. A free piston engine may be an example of an engine with a piston that reciprocates in a linear path. Such engines may be useful as power generation sources because they are not rigidly constrained by a crankshaft, simplifying the design in some respects. Free piston engines may also provide greater flexibility in ignition timing and the type of fuel used, and may also be usefully applied to power generation by coupling to an energy conversion device.

[0005] However, some engines may face problems with contamination of lubricants or other materials or components of the engine. For example, blow-by gases (e.g., gases that leak from the combustion chamber, pass through a barrier, and enter another chamber) may leak into a chamber that contains lubricant. Or, even if no lubricant is used, blow-by gases may enter a chamber and contaminate components therein (e.g., generator coils). Various improvements in engine systems and methods are desired. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Some embodiments may relate to an internal combustion engine, such as a linear reciprocating engine. The engine may be configured to have a piston that reciprocates within a cylinder through which blow-by gases pass from a combustion chamber within the cylinder to an area external to the cylinder. The engine may be configured to capture the blow-by gases in a space between the cylinder and a chamber that houses an actuator connected to the end of a rod.

[0007] The advantages and benefits of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which specific embodiments are shown by way of illustration and example. The examples described herein are merely a few examples of the aspects of the present disclosure. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the present invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates an engine with a gas exchange chamber according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 2A-D illustrate the operation of an engine including a gas exchange chamber according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a piston kit and gas exchange chamber consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the gas exchange chamber of FIG. 3 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 5 is a top perspective view of the gas exchange chamber of FIG. 3 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 6 is a bottom view of the gas exchange chamber of FIG. 3 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 7 is a top view of the gas exchange chamber of FIG. 3 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 8 is a side view of the gas exchange chamber of FIG. 3 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the gas exchange chamber of FIG. 3 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 11A-11G are cross-sectional views of an engine shown in various operating positions consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure. 12A to 12C are cross-sectional views of an engine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] Exemplary embodiments are described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The following description refers to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals in different drawings may represent the same or similar elements unless otherwise indicated. The embodiments shown in the following description of exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments applicable to the present invention. Instead, the embodiments shown in the following description are merely examples of systems, apparatuses, and methods applicable to aspects related to the present invention as described in the claims. Relative dimensions of elements in the figures may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0010] In an internal combustion engine, combustion in a combustion chamber causes expanding gases to reach high pressures, causing a piston to move and extract energy from the mechanical motion of the piston. The piston has a piston ring that circumscribes the piston and forms a seal against the wall of the cylinder. The cylinder head also has a gasket that is configured to seal other areas of the cylinder and form a sealed combustion chamber. Ideally, the expanding gases are completely contained within the combustion chamber until the engine reaches the exhaust stage. However, in reality, some of the expanding gases may escape past the seals during combustion. For example, there may be "blow-by gases" that flow past barriers such as the piston and gaskets and escape outside the combustion chamber. Such gases may contain combustion products (e.g., burned or unburned fuel) and may contaminate oil or other materials outside the combustion chamber. The chamber outside the combustion chamber may be in direct communication with the oil used to lubricate engine components (e.g., the crankcase that houses the crankshaft). Blow-by gases contribute to the need to periodically change engine oil.

[0011] The engine further includes a cylinder housing a piston configured to move up and down, the cylinder having a combustion chamber formed below the piston. profit In some cases, the piston rod extends through the combustion chamber to a location outside the cylinder (see FIG. 1). The piston rod is connected to an actuator configured to convert the motion of the piston and piston rod into some other form of output. For example, the actuator may be a direct current (V) to the end of the piston rod. line The actuator includes a mechanism configured to convert reciprocating motion into rotational motion (e.g., the rotation used to turn a wheel). The actuator is housed in a chamber that contains a lubricant and is therefore susceptible to contamination. Alternatively, for example, the actuator may be lubricant-free but still include components that are sensitive to contamination, such as a generator with a coil.

[0012] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, an engine is provided that includes a gas exchange chamber between a combustion chamber and an actuator. The gas exchange chamber is configured to prevent contaminants from reaching the actuator or associated components or materials. For example, the gas exchange chamber is configured to prevent oil or other elements in a chamber outside the cylinder from becoming contaminated. The gas exchange chamber has an air chamber that is separated from one or more combustion chambers and a chamber that houses the actuator. The gas exchange chamber is sealed from the combustion chamber by a seal and from the chamber that houses the actuator by a seal. The seal may be a static seal. The gas exchange chamber is sealed from the oil chamber such that combustion products present in the blow-by gas are prevented or inhibited from reaching the oil in the oil chamber, thereby keeping the oil clean. Communication between the gas from the gas exchange chamber and the oil in the oil chamber is blocked.

[0013] The engine further includes a piston and a piston rod configured to reciprocate linearly. The piston rod is configured to move only in a linear direction (e.g., only up and down, not side to side). There is no lateral movement of the piston rod, unlike a connecting rod in a conventional engine. The piston rod is connected to an actuator housed in an actuator chamber (e.g., an oil chamber). A gasket is provided between the gas exchange chamber and the oil chamber to form a seal between the two chambers, thereby preventing blow-by gases from reaching the oil in the oil chamber while allowing the piston rod to slide up and down.

[0014] Furthermore, the gas exchange chamber may include passages allowing communication of gases into or out of the gas exchange chamber. The passages may be used to feed fresh air into the gas exchange chamber or to feed gases to the combustion chamber. The passages allow for exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). EGR is useful when combustion temperatures in the cylinder are low and is also useful for improving emissions.

[0015] The engine includes a mechanism for converting linear motion into rotary motion or for converting the motion of the piston rod into another form of power output. The mechanism includes a gear mechanism. The mechanism is configured so that the piston rod can move linearly in the same direction as the piston, there are no lateral forces acting on the cylinder wall, and the seal between the air chamber and the oil chamber is achieved by a fixed gasket. The linear motion of the piston and piston rod is converted into rotary motion that rotates a flywheel. The flywheel is used to harness the work of the engine. The flywheel can, for example, drive a wheel or drive an electric generator.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the engine is small and lightweight. The engine achieves high efficiency and reduces environmental impact (e.g., emissions). The engine can achieve a high power-to-weight ratio.

[0017] As used herein, unless otherwise indicated, the term "or" includes all possible combinations unless impracticable. For example, if a component includes A or B, the component may include A, may include B, or may include A and B, unless otherwise indicated, unless impracticable. As a second example, if a component includes A, B, or C, the component may include A, may include B, may include C, may include A and B, may include A and C, may include B and C, or may include A, B, and C, unless otherwise indicated, unless impracticable. A phrase such as "at least one of" does not necessarily modify the entire list that follows, nor each element of the list. "At least one of A, B, and C" should be understood to include only one of A, only one of B, only one of C, or any combination of A, B, and C. The phrase "one of A and B" or "any one of A and B" should be interpreted in the broadest sense to include one of A or one of B.

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates an engine 1 consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Engine 1 includes a cylinder 110 having a piston kit 56 slidably mounted therein. Piston kit 56 includes a piston 310 and a piston rod 320. A combustion chamber 150 is defined by the bottom of piston 310, the sidewall of cylinder 110, and cylinder head 14. Combustion chamber 150 includes a variable region within cylinder 100 including a "swept volume" defined by the bottom surface of piston 310. As piston 310 moves from one end of cylinder 110 to the other, the swept volume changes.

[0019] The engine 1 includes a gas exchange chamber 400. The gas exchange chamber 400 is adjacent to the cylinder 110. The gas exchange chamber 400 is external to the cylinder 110. The piston rod 320 extends through the combustion chamber 150. In some embodiments, an intake chamber is provided above the combustion chamber 150.

[0020] The engine 1 further includes a chamber 130 configured to accommodate an actuator 300. A piston rod 320 extends out of the cylinder 110 and into the chamber 130. The actuator 300 is directly connected to the piston kit 56. line The actuator 300 includes a mechanism configured to convert motion into another form of output. For example, the actuator 300 is coupled to one end of a piston rod 320 and utilizes the motion of the piston rod 320 reciprocating back and forth. The chamber 130 is configured to contain a lubricant. The lubricant is a liquid lubricant, such as engine oil. The actuator 300 is configured to be lubricated by oil.

[0021] The gas exchange chamber 400 is configured to prevent contaminants from reaching the chamber 130. The gas exchange chamber 400 is configured to prevent blow-by gases originating from the combustion chamber 150 from entering the chamber 130.

[0022] Next, reference is made to FIGS. 2A-2D, which illustrate the operation of the engine 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2A, a piston 310 moves in a linear direction. The piston 310 reciprocates in a front-to-rear direction (e.g., left-to-right direction as shown in FIG. 2A) along an axis A. At the stage shown in FIG. 2A, the combustion chamber 150 is filled with gas, such as an air-fuel mixture. From the position in FIG. 2A, the piston 310 moves (e.g., in the opposite direction to A, to the left in FIG. 2) in such a way as to compress the gas in the combustion chamber 150.

[0023] At the stage shown in FIG. 2B, the piston 310 reaches a combustion position. The combustion position is at a point along axis A that corresponds to the start of a combustion event in the cylinder 110. Upon combustion, the piston 310 reverses direction. The combustion position is the point at which the gases in the combustion chamber reach a predetermined compression ratio. For example, the combustion position is the point at which the compression ratio in the combustion chamber reaches 10:1, or 20:1, etc. Combustion is initiated at the combustion position by actuating an igniter, such as a spark plug or glow plug. In some embodiments, the combustion position is fixed. In some embodiments, the combustion position is variable and is determined based on the condition of the engine 1. For example, the engine 1 may be configured to operate using auto-ignition and the combustion position may be the point at which the compression ratio in the combustion chamber is suitable for spontaneous ignition of the type of fuel used.

[0024] The combustion position is different from the maximum travel position of the piston 310. The piston 310 may be allowed to move until it hits the cylinder head 14. For example, when the piston rod 320 is not mechanically connected to other components (e.g., the piston is "free"), the piston 310 may move along the axis A until it hits a physical barrier. To prevent the piston 310 from colliding with the cylinder head 14 during operation, the engine 1 may be configured such that a clearance volume is provided between the piston 310 and the cylinder head 14.

[0025] In some embodiments, the piston 310 is configured to reciprocate between a first limit position and a second limit position. The limit positions are set by the actuator 300. The limit positions are similar to the terms "top dead center" and "bottom dead center". At top dead center and bottom dead center, a conventional piston is constrained by a crankshaft to move between a maximum upward travel position (e.g., 0 degree position of the crankshaft) and a maximum downward travel position (e.g., 180 degree position of the crankshaft). In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the actuator 300 physically limits the range of movement of the piston 310. In some embodiments, the actuator 300 includes a crankshaft. However, in some embodiments, the actuator 300 is coupled to the piston rod 320 but does not physically limit the range of movement of the piston 310. For example, the actuator 300 converts linear motion from the piston rod 320 into rotational motion, and the energy of the rotational motion may be utilized by a generator that does not physically limit the actuator 300. The piston 310 may nevertheless be prevented from colliding with the cylinder head 14 by the pressure of the compressed gas remaining in the combustion chamber 150 .

[0026] In the operation of the engine 1, combustion occurs after the air-fuel mixture is compressed in the combustion chamber 150. The combustion transforms the mixture compressed in the combustion chamber 150 into expanding gases having high pressure, which move the piston 310. FIG. 2C shows the stage where the combustion takes place and the piston 310 moves along the axis A. As shown in FIG. 2C, some of the expanding gases leak out of the combustion chamber 150 to other areas of the engine 1. For example, blow-by gases 2 leak out of the combustion chamber 150. The blow-by gases 2 flow through a barrier (e.g., a seal) intended to contain such gases. The gas exchange chamber 400 is configured to capture the blow-by gases 2. The blow-by gases 2 are contained in the gas exchange chamber 400 and prevented from entering the chamber 130. The gas exchange chamber 400 is configured to allow the blow-by gases 2 to expand in the volume of the gas exchange chamber 400 and to reduce the pressure of the blow-by gases 2. The pressure of the blow-by gases 2 drops and the blow-by gases 2 are contained within the gas exchange chamber 400 due to the seal between the gas exchange chamber 400 and the chamber 130 .

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2D, the blow-by gases 2 may be redirected to other areas of the engine 1. The gas exchange chamber 400 is configured to perform an EGR function. The gas exchange chamber 400 may redirect the blow-by gases 2 back to the combustion chamber 150 together with other gases contained in the gas exchange chamber 400, such as fresh air. The blow-by gases 2 may be sent back into the combustion chamber 150 to be more completely combusted therein (e.g., combustion of unburned fuel). The blow-by gases 2 may also contain combustion by-products that are not combustible. Such non-combustible materials (e.g., not fresh air or fuel) may occupy a volume in the combustion chamber 150, partially inhibiting combustion in the cylinder 110. 。 This reduces the combustion temperature in the combustion chamber 150 and regulates engine performance. The gas exchange chamber 400 is configured to reduce harmful emissions of the engine 1.

[0028] The blow-by gases 2 are generated due to the combustion occurring in the combustion chamber 150 and contain very hot gases (e.g., 400 degrees Celsius). Hot gases leaking into other areas of the engine 1, such as the chamber 130, can adversely affect engine performance. For example, the oil contained in the chamber 130 heats up and carbonizes. The carbonized oil can form particulate matter (PM) and come into contact with components and materials in the chamber 130, including the liquid oil. The presence of PM in the chamber 130 increases friction in the chamber 130, further increasing the temperature of the components and materials in the chamber 130. Thus, the ingress of the blow-by gases 2 into the chamber 130 can cause excessive heating. Also, problems can occur with the proper functioning of the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system. More work needs to be extracted from the engine to drive the components connected to the engine 1.

[0029] The gas exchange chamber 400 is configured to prevent blow-by gases 2 from entering the chamber 130 and contaminating components or materials within the chamber 130. The gas exchange chamber 400 allows the engine 1 to have its oil changed less frequently.

[0030] Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which illustrates a piston kit and gas exchange chamber consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The piston kit 56 is configured to move along an axis A. The piston kit 56 includes a reciprocating piston 311 and a piston rod 325. The piston rod 325 is configured to move through an opening in the gas exchange chamber 400. Although FIG. 3 illustrates the piston kit 56 with a piston 311 having a slightly larger diameter than the piston rod 325, it will be understood that many variations are possible. The piston 311 may be configured to have a larger diameter than the opening in the gas exchange chamber 400 through which the piston rod 325 passes.

[0031] The piston 311 is slidably mounted within the cylinder 110 (not shown in FIG. 3). The piston rod 325 includes a passageway that extends at least partially within the piston rod. The piston rod 325 includes a hollow tube. There may be an interconnecting flow passage connecting a passageway on a first side of the piston 311 with a passageway on a second side of the piston 311. As shown in FIG. 3, the piston rod 325 includes a first opening 323A and a second opening 323B. Intake air provided through the open end 326 or the second opening 323B of the piston rod 325 is channeled through the piston rod 325 and distributed to the combustion chamber of the cylinder 110 through the first opening 323A. In some embodiments, the piston rod 325 may have walls at one or both ends and gas communication may occur only through the first and second openings 323A, 323B.

[0032] Next, reference is made to FIGS. 4 to 10, which show a gas exchange chamber corresponding to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4, the gas exchange chamber 400 has a lower opening 440, a gas inlet 420, and a gas outlet 430. A seal 445 is provided in the lower opening 440. The seal 445 is configured to seal the gas exchange chamber 400 against an adjacent chamber. For example, the gas exchange chamber 400 may be adjacent to a chamber 130 (not shown in FIG. 4), and the seal 445 may be configured to seal the gas exchange chamber 400 from the chamber 130. The seal 445 is configured to fill a gap between a piston rod and an inner diameter of the lower opening 440. The seal 445 may be an oil seal. The seal 445 is configured to scrape off oil carried by the piston rod sliding along the seal 445 and to accommodate the oil in the chamber 130. The gas exchange chamber 400 has a thickness t, and the thickness direction is parallel to the axis A.

[0033] 5, the gas exchange chamber 400 has an upper opening 410. The upper opening 310 is included in a seal system configured to seal the gas exchange chamber 400 from other chambers (e.g., the combustion chamber 150). In some embodiments, an upper portion of the gas exchange chamber 400 is integrated into the engine head (e.g., the cylinder head 14). The gas exchange chamber 400 may be included in the engine head 14.

[0034] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the gas exchange chamber 400 has a gas inlet 420 and a gas outlet 430. Fresh air or other gas is supplied to the gas exchange chamber via the gas inlet 420 and discharged via the gas outlet 430. The gas inlet 420 communicates with an intake system. The gas outlet 430 may communicate with an air cleaner or may be configured to recirculate gas from the gas exchange chamber 400 directly to the cylinder 110 (not shown in Figures 5 and 6).

[0035] As shown in FIG. 6, the top opening 410 has a diameter D1. As shown in FIG. 7, the inner diameter of the seal 445 is D2. D1 and D2 may be the same or different. In some embodiments, D1 is larger than D2 to accommodate a rod-opening seal system. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, a ring member 415 is provided in the top opening 415. The ring member 415 has an inner diameter D1a. D1a may be the same or substantially the same as D2.

[0036] 8 shows a side view of the gas exchange chamber 400. The gas inlet 420 and the gas outlet 430 are aligned with one another. An opening is formed straight through the gas exchange chamber 400. The seal 445 has a thickness such that at least a portion of the seal 445 is visible through the gas inlet 420 when the gas exchange chamber 400 is viewed from the side.

[0037] 9 is a cross-sectional view taken in a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction (see FIG. 4). As shown in FIG. 9, the gas exchange chamber 400 has an internal space 405. but , and is defined by a diameter D3. The interior space 405 has a volume configured to allow the blow-by gases 2 to expand, thereby reducing the pressure of the blow-by gases 2 as they enter the gas exchange chamber 400 from the combustion chamber 150 (not shown in FIG. 9).

[0038] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view taken in a plane perpendicular to the cross-section of Figure 9. As shown in Figure 10, the seal 445 is U-shaped. The ring member 415 is configured to block the opening of the piston rod, thereby blocking gas communication between the interior of the piston rod and the interior space 405 of the gas exchange chamber 440.

[0039] Reference is now made to FIGS. 11A-11G, which illustrate an engine 1B according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The engine 1B is similar to the engine 1, but includes an intake and exhaust system, as described below, among other features. An upper engine head 120 has an opening 121 and is configured to allow intake air to flow into the cylinder 110. A one-way valve (e.g., a reed valve) is provided at the opening 121 (not shown). Air is allowed to freely flow into the cylinder 110, but is prevented from flowing out through the opening 121. An intake chamber 40 is provided. The intake chamber 40 is defined by the space between the upper wall of the upper engine head 120 and the upper surface of the piston 31. The opening 121 is configured to allow air to be drawn in as the piston 310 moves downward and the volume of the intake chamber 40 increases.

[0040] The piston 310 is slidably provided in the cylinder 110. The piston 310 is configured to move in a linear direction (for example, the up and down direction in FIG. 11A) relative to the engine 1B. The linear direction coincides with the axis of the cylinder 110. The piston rod 321 is connected to the piston 310. The piston 310 has an opening at its center, and the piston rod 321 extends through the opening. The piston rod 321 is configured to reciprocate in a linear direction together with the piston 310. The piston rod 321 has an opening 322 at a first end of the piston rod 321. A second end of the piston rod 321 is connected to the support member 330. A wall 324 is provided between the first end and the second end of the piston rod 321. The wall 324 is configured to block the flow of air passing through the piston rod 321. The piston rod 321 is configured to allow air to flow at least partially through its interior. For example, the piston rod 321 has a passage formed from the opening 322 to the opening 323. The opening 323 includes a number of holes that extend through the wall of the piston rod 321. Intake air that enters the head 120 through the opening 121 travels through the openings 322 and 323, through the piston rod 321, and into the first chamber 10 of the cylinder 110.

[0041] In engine 1B, the intake air is pressurized. The intake chamber 40 acts as a compressor. The piston 310 moves upwards as shown in FIG. 11A and compresses the air contained in the intake chamber 40. A valve in the opening 121 prevents the air from escaping from the chamber 40 and allows the air to be compressed. The compressed air is brought to the combustion chamber of the cylinder 110 via the piston rod 321.

[0042] The cylinder 110 has an exhaust port 118 formed in a wall of the cylinder 110. The exhaust port 118 includes a plurality of openings. When the piston 310 is exposed to the exhaust port of the first chamber 10, gas in the first chamber 10 is allowed to leak into the cylinder 110. When the piston 310 is above the exhaust port 118 illustrated in FIG. 11A, the piston 310 is exposed to the exhaust port 118. It will be understood that the expression "the piston 310 is above the exhaust port 118" takes into account the piston ring of the piston 310. For example, the exhaust port 118 begins to be exposed when the piston ring, located at approximately the midpoint of the piston 310, passes the edge of the exhaust port 118.

[0043] FIG. 11A shows the start of the intake phase. Air enters the upper engine head 120 through the opening 121. A portion of the air is at least simultaneously held in the intake chamber 40. The air moves through the piston rod 321 and is supplied to the first chamber 10 of the cylinder 110. When the piston 310 blocks the exhaust port 118 (e.g., when the piston 310 is above the exhaust port 118), the intake passage communicates with the exhaust port 118 and the engine 1B enters the scavenging phase. Air is supplied to the first chamber 10, pushes out what is previously contained therein, and flows out through the exhaust port 118. The first chamber 10 functions as a combustion chamber.

[0044] 11A, the piston 310 includes an upper wall 316. The upper wall 316 is configured to extend into the accommodation space 124 of the upper engine head 120. A groove 317 is provided in the upper wall 316. In some embodiments, a piston ring (not shown) is provided in the groove 317 and configured to seal the intake chamber 40 from the first chamber 10. The piston ring in the groove 317 cooperates with the piston ring in the groove 315 to seal the chambers above and below the piston 310. The two seals provide an intermediate space for gases.

[0045] The lower engine head 190 is provided to be connected to the cylinder 110. The lower engine head 190 defines a bottom of the cylinder 110 and defines a bottom of the first chamber 10. The lower engine head 190 includes a space for the second chamber 20. A bearing 21 is provided in the second chamber 20. The bearing 21 is configured to allow the piston rod 321 to slide linearly along the bearing 21. Bear The ring 21 is a linear bearing. The bearing 21 is configured to restrict lateral (left-right direction in FIG. 11A ) movement of the piston rod 321. The bearing 21 is an example of a rod holder. The bearing 21 has a bushing. Seals are provided to seal the second chamber 20 from the first chamber 10 and the third chamber 30.

[0046] The base of the engine 1B includes a block 201B. The block 201B has a third chamber 30. The third chamber 30 houses an actuator, such as a mechanism that converts the output of the rod into another form of output, for example a mechanism that converts linear reciprocating motion into rotary motion. A support member 330 is configured to move with the piston rod 321 and rotates a gear of the mechanism. The rotary motion is transmitted via other members and output to, for example, a flywheel.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 11B, the piston 310 continues to move downward. FIG. 11B illustrates the point where the opening 323 of the piston rod 321 moves out of the cylinder 110 and the passage of the piston rod 321 is no longer in communication with the first chamber 10. As the opening 323 passes through the seal that seals the first chamber 10 from the second chamber 20, communication between the passage of the piston rod 321 and the first chamber 10 is blocked. As the opening 323 moves out of the first chamber 10, the exhaust port 118 is at least partially exposed by the piston 310. In some embodiments, the piston rod 321 and the cylinder 110 are configured such that the exhaust port 118 is closed by the piston 310 before the opening 323 of the piston rod 321 moves out of the cylinder 110. In some embodiments, the piston rod 321 and the cylinder 110 are configured such that the exhaust port 118 and the opening 323 of the piston rod 321 are closed together. The piston rod 321 and cylinder 110 are sized and configured such that gas communication is controlled in this manner. The position of the piston rings and seals etc. influences the gas exchange behavior.

[0048] When the exhaust port 118 is blocked by the piston 310, a compression phase occurs in the first chamber 10. The intake air previously fed into the first chamber 10 is trapped within the first chamber 10 and is compressed as the piston 310 moves and the volume of the first chamber 10 decreases.

[0049] The second chamber 20 is separated from both the first chamber 10 and the third chamber 30. The third chamber 30 contains a lubricant for lubricating the mechanism that converts the linear motion of the piston rod 321. The first chamber 10 and the third chamber 30 are separated from each other by a gas exchange chamber 400.

[0050] 11C shows the position where the piston 310 continues its downward movement. The piston 310 completely covers the exhaust port 118. In the position shown in FIG. 11C, the compression phase continues. The opening 323 of the piston rod 321 is in the area of ​​the second chamber. In some embodiments, the second chamber 20 is separated from the opening 323 of the piston rod 321 by a bearing 21 that closes the opening 323. In some embodiments, the second chamber 20 may be omitted and the gas exchange chamber 400 may be directly adjacent to the first chamber 10 and the third chamber 30. While the gas continues to be compressed, fuel injection occurs in the first chamber 10.

[0051] FIG. 11D shows the position where the piston 310 has reached the combustion position (e.g., the bottom limit position similar to the bottom dead center of the piston in a conventional engine). The volume of the first chamber 10 is at a minimum. At this point, combustion occurs in the first chamber 10. The expansion phase then begins in the first chamber 10. The expansion phase includes part of the combustion phase. During the expansion phase, some of the gases flow past the piston 310 or through the seals between the first chamber 10 and other areas of the engine 1B. However, the gas exchange chamber 400 acts as an air gap or trap chamber and prevents or inhibits the blow-by gases from reaching the third chamber 30.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 11E, during the expansion phase, the piston 310 turns and moves upward. At the point shown in Fig. 11E, the piston 310 begins to expose the exhaust port 118. For example, the bottom surface of the piston 310 reaches the bottom of the exhaust port 118. The exhaust port 118 is exposed to the interior of the first chamber 10 and the exhaust phase begins in the first chamber 10. Additionally, the opening 323 in the piston rod 321 begins to be exposed.

[0053] At the point shown in FIG. 11F, the opening 323 of the piston rod 321 is entering the cylinder 110. Intake air is supplied to the cylinder 110 through the piston rod 321. Intake air from the intake chamber 40 passes through the piston rod 321 and is supplied to the first chamber 10 through the opening 323. The intake air is pressurized in the intake chamber 40. During the expansion phase, the first chamber 10 fills with expansion gas. The introduction of fresh air helps the expansion gas to flow out of the cylinder 110 through the exhaust port 118. Scavenging occurs as air is supplied to the cylinder 110 while the exhaust is flowing out.

[0054] 11G shows the point at which the piston 310 has reached its maximum upper travel position, at which point scavenging is completed in the first chamber 10. In some embodiments, the piston rod 321 and cylinder 110 are configured to allow a portion of the fresh air to be delivered to the first chamber 10 and to flow out of the cylinder 110 before the next compression stage begins.

[0055] Reference is now made to FIGS. 12A-12C, which illustrate an engine 1C according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The engine 1C is similar to the engine 1B, except for, among other differences, a modified arrangement of the engine head and the gas exchange chamber. As shown in FIG. 12A, the engine 1C includes a gas exchange chamber 400. A ring member 415 is provided in the gas exchange chamber 400. The ring member 415 is configured to block the opening 323 and prevent gas communication between the interior of the piston rod 321 and the interior space 405 of the gas exchange chamber 400.

[0056] Additionally, engine 1C has a valve member 123 adjacent opening 121. Upper engine head 120 is configured with a flat top. Gas exchange between intake chamber 40 and the area outside cylinder 110 is restricted by a one-way valve. Valve member 123 selectively allows gas to be exchanged. For example, air can enter intake chamber 450 when pressure outside intake chamber 40 (e.g., air pressure acting against opening 121, atmospheric pressure) is greater than pressure within intake chamber 30. 。 Even when the internal pressure of the intake chamber 40 is greater than the pressure outside the intake chamber 40, the air inside the intake chamber 40 can be prevented from escaping. The valve member 123 is configured to control the internal volume of the intake chamber 40. For example, the valve member 123 is provided to reduce the volume of the intake chamber 40, so that the pressure of the compressed gas in the intake chamber 40 can be made higher.

[0057] 12B, the piston 310 reaches the lower limit of its piston travel, which may be the combustion position. In this position, the opening 323 of the piston rod 321 is in the area of ​​the gas exchange chamber 400. However, the ring member 415 covers the opening 323 and prevents air or other gases from communicating between the gas exchange chamber 400 and the interior of the piston rod 321. The ring member 415 has a thickness based on the lower limit of the piston travel of the piston 310, which thickness is determined to ensure that it covers the opening 323. The ring member 415 forms an integral part of the gas exchange chamber 400.

[0058] The ring member 415 is arranged so as not to interfere with the capture of blow-by gas. composition It has been 。 For example, the ring member 415 has a thickness less than that of the gas exchange chamber 400. A gap exists between the ring member 415 and the seal 445. As shown in FIG. LikeIn addition, the engine 1C is configured such that the blow-by gas 2 that may flow out of the first chamber 10 of the cylinder 110 reaches the gas exchange chamber 400, and the blow-by gas 2 that reaches the gas exchange chamber 400 may be contained therein or may be sent to other areas of the engine 1C in a controlled manner, such as via a gas outlet 430.

[0059] The gas exchange chamber 400 has a groove configured to mate with the lower engine head 190. The gas exchange chamber 400 is coupled to the lower engine head 190 in an interlocking manner. Furthermore, the bearing 21 is configured to support the piston rod 321 while supporting the engine head 190. The bearing 21 has a bushing. A seal (e.g., an O-ring) is provided between the bearing 21 and the gas exchange chamber 400.

[0060] In order to efficiently describe the foregoing portions of the present disclosure, various combinations of elements are described together. It should be understood that the broadest aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to the particular combinations described above. Rather, embodiments of the present invention may include one or more of the features listed below, any of the other features listed below alone or in any combination, or any combination of the features described above, consistent with the present disclosure and as illustrated by way of example in the figures.

[0061] For example, an internal combustion engine may be provided that is configured to have a piston that reciprocates within a cylinder. The engine may be configured such that blow-by gases pass from a combustion chamber within the cylinder to an area external to the cylinder. Also, the following elements may be provided: A piston is connected to a rod configured to reciprocate in a linear direction. The engine includes a gas exchange chamber configured to capture blow-by gases in a space between a cylinder and a chamber housing an actuator connected to an end of a rod. Blow-by gas passes between the rod and the rod holder. The gas exchange chamber is configured to prevent blow-by gases from reaching the chamber containing the fluid. The fluid is a liquid lubricant. The rod holder includes a bearing, and the bearing supports the rod. Bear The ring is configured to be allowed to slide linearly relative to the ring. The bearing includes a bushing. The actuator includes a generator. The actuator includes a mechanism configured to convert the linear reciprocating motion of the rod into rotational motion. The gas exchange chamber is contained in the cylinder head. The engine includes a linear reciprocating engine.

[0062] Furthermore, for example, an internal combustion engine may be provided. A piston is connected to the rod and configured to reciprocate within the cylinder. The engine is configured to receive in the gas exchange chamber blow-by gases that have escaped from the combustion chamber of the cylinder and passed between the rod and the member surrounding the rod. The member surrounding the rod includes a bushing, the bushing being configured to allow the rod to move linearly along the axis and to prevent the rod from moving in a direction perpendicular to the axis. The gas exchange chamber is configured to prevent blow-by gases from contaminating another chamber. The further chamber includes a lubricant chamber. The separate chamber houses a mechanism configured to convert the linear reciprocating motion of the rod into another form. The engine is configured to recirculate blow-by gases into the combustion chamber to reduce emissions. The gas exchange chamber has an air inlet and an air outlet. The gas exchange chamber includes a clean air chamber between the combustion chamber and the end of the rod. The gas exchange chamber has a seal configured to seal the gas exchange chamber from another chamber. The piston is connected to a rod extending from a first side of the piston, the piston being configured to reciprocate within a cylinder having a combustion chamber formed between the first side of the piston and a head opposite the first side of the piston. The gas exchange chamber is configured to receive blow-by gases passing from the combustion chamber through the space between the rod and the member surrounding the rod. The member surrounding the rod includes a head. The engine includes a linear reciprocating engine, where the rod is configured to reciprocate linearly along the axis of the cylinder. The cylinder contains a combustion chamber. A piston is slidably mounted within the cylinder and configured to reciprocate linearly along the axis of the cylinder. A piston rod is connected to the piston and configured to reciprocate linearly along an axis and has an end that extends outside the cylinder. A gas exchange chamber is configured to route gases coming from the cylinder to other parts of the engine. A gas exchange chamber is disposed between the cylinder and a chamber housing an actuator, the actuator being configured to extract work from the movement of the piston. A seal is configured to seal the gas exchange chamber from a chamber housing the actuator. The gas exchange chamber is configured to deliver the gas coming from the cylinder to the air filter. The end of the piston rod extending outside the cylinder is configured to reciprocate between a first maximum travel position and a second maximum travel position, the first maximum travel position and the second maximum travel position being on an axis. The first and second maximum travel positions are outside the cylinder. The air supply is configured to supply fuel-free air to the gas exchange chamber.

[0063] Furthermore, for example, a linear reciprocating internal combustion engine may be provided. The piston is configured to reciprocate linearly along the axis of the cylinder. The piston rod is connected to the piston. piston The rod is aligned straight along the axis. line The actuator is configured to automatically shuttle between the actuator and the sensor. The first chamber contains the combustion chamber of the cylinder. The second chamber comprises a gas exchange chamber. A third chamber is configured to receive an end of the piston rod that extends outside the cylinder. A seal between the second chamber and the third chamber is configured to prevent gas in the second chamber from flowing into the third chamber. There is a partition between the second and third chambers. A seal is provided at the partition opening. The piston rod is prevented from moving perpendicular to the axis.

Claims

1. 1. An internal combustion engine configured with a piston reciprocating within a cylinder through which blow-by gases pass from a combustion chamber within the cylinder to an area external to the cylinder, comprising: a gas exchange chamber configured to capture the blow-by gases in a space between the cylinder and a chamber housing an actuator connected to an end of a rod; The blow-by gas is configured to pass between the rod and the rod holder, The rod holder includes a bearing, and the bearing is configured to allow the rod to slide along a linear direction relative to the bearing. Internal combustion engine.

2. the gas exchange chamber is configured to prevent the blow-by gas from reaching a chamber containing a fluid; 2. The internal combustion engine of claim 1.

3. The fluid is a liquid lubricant.

3. The internal combustion engine according to claim 2.

4. The fluid is oil vapor.

3. The internal combustion engine according to claim 2.

5. The bearing includes a bushing.

2. The internal combustion engine of claim 1.

6. the actuator includes a generator; 6. An internal combustion engine according to claim 1.

7. the actuator includes a mechanism configured to convert the linear reciprocating motion of the rod into rotational motion; 6. An internal combustion engine according to claim 1.

8. The gas exchange chamber is included in a cylinder head.

8. An internal combustion engine according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A piston connected to a rod and configured to reciprocate within a cylinder An internal combustion engine comprising: The blow-by gas leaking from the combustion chamber of the cylinder and passing through a space between the rod and a member surrounding the rod is contained in a gas exchange chamber, The member surrounding the rod includes a bushing, the bushing being configured to permit linear movement of the rod along an axis and to prevent movement of the rod in a direction perpendicular to the axis. Internal combustion engine.

10. the gas exchange chamber is configured to prevent the blow-by gas from contaminating another chamber; 10. The internal combustion engine according to claim 9.

11. the other chamber includes a lubricant chamber; 11. The internal combustion engine of claim 10.

12. the other chamber houses a mechanism configured to convert the linear reciprocating motion of the rod into another form; 12. An internal combustion engine according to claim 11.

13. configured to recirculate the blow-by gases into the combustion chamber to reduce emissions. An internal combustion engine according to any one of claims 9 to 12.

14. The gas exchange chamber includes an air inlet and an air outlet. An internal combustion engine according to any one of claims 9 to 13.

15. The gas exchange chamber includes a clean air chamber between the combustion chamber and the end of the rod. An internal combustion engine according to any one of claims 10 to 12.

16. the gas exchange chamber including a seal that seals the gas exchange chamber from the other chamber; An internal combustion engine according to any one of claims 10 to 12.

17. a piston connected to the rod and configured to reciprocate within a cylinder having a combustion chamber; a gas exchange chamber; the rod extends from a first side of the piston through the combustion chamber and the gas exchange chamber; the combustion chamber is defined by the first side of the piston and a head; the gas exchange chamber is defined by the head and adjacent to the combustion chamber via the head, and is configured to contain blow-by gas passing from the combustion chamber through a space between the rod and a member surrounding the rod; The member surrounding the rod includes a bearing, and the bearing is configured to allow the rod to slide along a linear direction relative to the bearing. Internal combustion engine.

18. The member surrounding the rod includes the head.

18. An internal combustion engine according to claim 17.

19. The engine includes a linear reciprocating engine, and the rod is configured to reciprocate linearly along an axis of the cylinder.

19. An internal combustion engine according to claim 17 or 18.

20. the gas exchange chamber is disposed between the cylinder and a chamber housing an actuator configured to extract work from the movement of the piston; 20. An internal combustion engine according to any one of claims 17 to 19.

21. and a seal configured to seal the gas exchange chamber from the chamber housing the actuator.

21. The internal combustion engine of claim 20.

22. a partition between the gas exchange chamber and the chamber housing the actuator; The seal is disposed within the opening of the partition; The rod is prevented from moving in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the piston.

22. The internal combustion engine of claim 21.

23. the gas exchange chamber is configured to deliver gas from the cylinder to an air filter; 23. An internal combustion engine according to any one of claims 17 to 22.

24. an end of the rod extending outside the cylinder is configured to reciprocate between a first maximum travel position and a second maximum travel position, the first maximum travel position and the second maximum travel position being on an axis of the piston; 24. An internal combustion engine according to any one of claims 17 to 23.

25. the first maximum travel position and the second maximum travel position are outside the cylinder; 25. The internal combustion engine of claim 24.

26. an air supply configured to supply fuel-free air to the gas exchange chamber; 26. An internal combustion engine according to any one of claims 17 to 25.

27. Further comprising a ring member disposed within the gas exchange chamber.

27. An internal combustion engine according to any one of claims 17 to 26.

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