GB2341206A

GB2341206A - Rotating cylinder i.c. engine

Info

Publication number: GB2341206A
Application number: GB9920717A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mark Rogers
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1998-09-05
Filing date: 1999-09-03
Publication date: 2000-03-08
Anticipated expiration: 2019-09-03
Also published as: GB2341206B; GB9819333D0; GB9920717D0

Abstract

The engine, eg for two-stroke operation, comprises an elliptical central casing 10 and two lateral casings 12, 14. Rotatably mounted in the central casing 10 is a rotor 20 fast with a mainshaft 22. The rotor 20 is formed with a number of equispaced cylinders 34 each of which extends secantly, ie at a tangent to a circle around the mainshaft 22. Each cylinder 34 houses a reciprocating piston 36 which carries a roller follower 64 engaging an elliptical cam track 40 formed on the inner surface of the central casing 10. Each piston 36 may perform one or two reciprocations per revolution of the rotor 20.

Description

2341206 I=rovements in or relating to intemal combustion engines The

present invention relates to internal combustion engines, particularly rotary engines.

According to the present invention there is provided an internal combustion engine comprising: a rotatably mounted rotor member, the rotor member including at least one cylinder means having a piston means movably mounted therein; and a guide means relative to which the rotor member rotates, there being follower means attached to the piston means and movably engageable with the guide means such that during rotation of the rotor means, movement of the follower means along the guide means causes the piston means to reciprocate within the cylinder means.

The rotor member is preferably mounted in a casing means. The guide means are preferably provided on an internal face of the casing means. The guide means preferably comprise a cam track. The cam track is preferably shaped such that the or each piston undergoes at least one reciprocation, and most preferably two reciprocations, during each revolution of the rotor member. The cam track is preferably of elliptical section.

The or each cylinder means and piston means preferably extend generally secantally with respect to the rotational axis of the rotor member. Preferably the angle of inclination of the or each cylinder means and piston means, in the radially inward direction, is in the direction of rotation of the rotor member.

The follower means preferably comprises a roller for rolling engagement with the cam track.

Preferably at least two cylinder means and piston means are provided. The cylinder means are preferably equally spaced around the rotor member. Preferably the or each cylinder means is provided with an inlet port through which air and fuel may enter the cylinder means and an outlet port through which exhaust gases may leave the cylinder means. The inlet port is preferably in selective communication with an air and fuel chamber, air and fuel being supplied to the cylinder means from the chamber when the inlet port is in an open condition. The outlet port is preferably in selective communication with an exhaust chamber into which the exhaust gases are passed. Preferably a fan means is provided in the exhaust chamber to assist removal of the exhaust gases from the cylinder means.

Valve means are preferably provided across the inlet port and across the outlet port. The valve means are preferably movable between an open condition and a closed condition. The valve means are preferably connected to the rotor such that rotation of the rotor effects movement of the valve means. The valve means are preferably rotary valves. The valve means are preferably controlled by further follower means cooperable with a guide track relative to which the rotor rotates. The valve means preferably comprise a valve member coupled to a rod member, the rod member having a roller member provided towards one end for engagement with a guide track provided within the casing means. The valve member preferably comprises a disc member having a part-circular cutout section, the valve member being in the open condition when the cut-out section overlies the respective port.

Preferably air/fuel delivery means are provided comprising an air blower means in communication with a carburettor, the air blower means operating when the pressure of the exhaust gases in the engine exhaust system is below a predetermined value. The air/fuel delivery means may further comprise a turbo air blower means in communication with the carburettor, for delivering pressurised air to the carburettor. The turbo blower means is preferably located in the exhaust system of the engine, and operates when the pressure of the exhaust gases exceeds the predetermined value.

The carburettor is preferably in communication with the main shaft of the rotor member. The main shaft of the rotor member preferably has axial and radial apertures provided therein, the apertures being in communication with the air/fuel chamber.

Alternatively, the air/fuel delivery means may comprise a fuel chamber in communication with a fuel tank, and a separate air blower means and/or turbo air blower means as aforesaid. The fuel chamber is preferably in I communication with a rotatable fuel chamber, and the rotatable fuel chamber is in communication with the inlet port.

1 This invention described m the following description is an improvement to an internal combustion enulne in the form of a Rotan, Engine. In the desiun of this enuine a modified internall combustion en-ine has a rotor revolvin. in a casine. the said rotor is provided with one or more cylinders which accommodate a piston, the said cylinders bein- arranged secantaly with respect to the rotational access of rotor and pistons co'operable with a cam track within said casing. Each piston undergoes at least one reciprocation per one revolution of the rotor.

The engine is desiuned to be four cylinders althouL,.h there may be more or less. The casinu is of three part construction comprising of a centre casing for receiving the rotor and has a cam track machined around its internal periphery, with two pans that are releasable, bolted to either side of said casing. the rotor is made fast to main shaft which is Jourrialed adjacent each end in side parts.

Sealinu of the rotor is achieved b\, means of closeiv machined ú,,,roo,es and ribs on the rotor and said side parts, the centre casing is in two halves to facilitate removal for assembly. or adjustment or repair of said rotor.

In another application of this design an interrial combustion engine comprises a rotor mounted for rotation within a casing. of which rotor has one or more cylinders "hich accommodates a piston that is co-operable "Ith a cam track provided within the periphen. of said centre casing.

Each piston undergoes at least one reciprocation per revolution of said rotor and each cylinder having an inlet and outlet port with valve means to associate with the opening and closing of said ports.

The valves are attached to the rotor and are operable by means of Cams and cam tracks located and machined in the t".e side cases attached to centre casinu, the enuine design may incorporate any or all of the features previously described.

There is a val-e for the inlet and a valve for the outlet ports the valves being of a rotary type the timing movement of which is effected bv cam and follower means. each valve has or may have a rod coupled on to it which carries a roller which enLa,-,es with a cam track provided in the periphery of each side easing, when the engnne is fuelled by petrol the rotor will also carry a set of spark plugs although diesel or steam can be used.

The fuel arrangements are such that air is forced under compression via a suitable carburettor and via actual and radial drillinus in the main shaft to a compression chamber bolted to the front of rotor, communicatioibetween this chamber and inlet ports by P-ovemed means of inlet valves, the side casing adjacent to outlet ports has a fan for ensuring, complete scavenging, of exhaust gases and is attached to main shaft.

Further details will be apparent from the following descriptions and example of drawings. Page 3,4,5. of description sheets.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which..

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic longitudinal sectional view through an internal combustion engine according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a central casing of the engine of figure 1, accomodating the engine rotor; Figure 3 is a diagrammatic side view of a front casing and part of the central casing of the engine of figure 1; Figure 4 is a further diagrammatic cross-sectional view of the central casing of the engine of figure 1; Figure 5 is a further diagrammatic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the engine of figure 1 showing the rotor and central casing., Figure 6 is a diagrammatic front.view of the rotor of figure 1; Figure 7 is a diagrammatic front and side view of an accessories casing of the engine of figure 1; Figure 8 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional side view of the rotor of figure 1; Figure 9 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of the rotor of figure 1; Figure 10 is a further diagrammatic cross-sectional view of the rotor of figure 1; Figure 11 is a diagrammatic view of the piston assembly of the engine of figure 1; Figure 12 is a diagrammatic view of a valve assembly of the engine of figure 1; Figure 13 is a diagrammatic view of the front casing of the engine of figure 1; Figure 14 is a diagrammatic side elevation, rear elevation and top elevation of an air valve of the engine of figure 1; Figure 15 is a diagrammatic representation of the first part of the air/fuel supply of the engine of figure 1; and Figure 16 is a diagrammatic representation of the second part of an alternative air/fuel supply for the engine of figure 1.

Referring to figure 1, the engine configuration comprises a three-part casing consisting of a central casing 10 and side casings 12,14 secured together by retaining studs 16. The casing 10 is of generally elliptical design and may be divided into two part about one of its axes. The interior of the central casing 10 is provided with integrally cast internal webs 18 having circular inner peripheries for journalling a generally cylindrical rotor 20 which is fast with a mainshaft 22 passing through the casings and mounted in cone roller bearings 24,26, the mainshaft 22, the rotor 20, and the circular inner peripheries of the webs 18 being cowdal.

The webs 18 in fact engage in machined circumferential grooves 28 in the rotor periphery to provide a sealing action. Further sealing between the rotor and the engine casing is provided by lateral circular ribs 30 on each face of the rotor which engage in complimentary grooves 32 in the side casings 12,14.

-.The rotor 20 is formed with a number of equispaced cylinders 34 which extend -Obliquely (i.e. secantally) with respect to the mainshaft axis, the inclination, as considered in the radially inward direction, being in the designed direction of rotation of the rotor. Typically, the angle of inclination of each cylinder 34 with respect to a radius is about 20 degreesalthough it is to be understood that this angle may be less or greater. Each cylinder 34 receives a reciprocable piston 36 fitted with piston rings at its inner end for sealing engagement with the cylinder wall. The outer end of each piston 36 is provided with a freely rotatable roller 38 which engages a tyrack 40 formed by the inner peripheral surface of the central casing 10 located between the webs I S. The track 40 is of elliptical contour, so that as the rotor 20 rotates about the mainshaft axis, each piston 36 is displaced inwardly between the major and minor axes of the eclipse. During each revolution of the rotor 20, each piston will undergo two complete reciprocation's. In the present instanced the engine is intended to operate as a two-stroke engine and consequently during each rotary cycle each piston will perform two power strokes giving a total of eight power starokes in all per C - 17 revolution. To limit inward movement thereof, each piston is provided with a retainer ring 42 which is co-operable with the outer end of the respective cylinder. This, or a similar means, is necessary in order to prevent the pistons ftom impacting the inner ends of the cylinders, especially at low revolutions when the centrifugal forces of hisah minifold depression acting on the pistons are relatively small. In addition, a coil spring 43 which maintains constant pressure between cylinder and roller periphery track.

Each cylinder has an inlet port 44 and an exhaust port 46 (figure 2) opening at opposite faces of the rotor, i.e., the inlet ports 44 all-opeaat the left hand face and the outlet ports 46 all open at the right hand face as seen in figure-l- Each port 44, 46 has a rotary valve 48,50 associated with it, in the form of a disc with an accurate cut-out 52 which when in registry with the associated part allows fuel/air mixture to enter or exhaust (Yases to leave according to whether the port an or outlet. Connected to Z.7 each valve 48,50 there is a linkage comprising a roller-carrying rod 54 and a connecting arm 56, the rod 54 being mounted on the rotor for rectilinear movement by brackets 58,60 and being biased outwardly by a coil spring 62 so that rollers 64 bear against a cam surface 66, provided on the internal periphery of the respective side casing 12 for inlet valve operation. Exhaust valve simular operation with roller 64 bearing against cam 66 provided on the internal respective side casing 14. These carn surfaces 66, are designed in such a way that the inlet and outlet ports are opened and closed in timed relation with the reciprocating movement of the pistons in order to achieve correct operation of the enizine.

Y. The fuel/air supplo is via a carburettor (not shown), which may be conventional, and an axial drilling 70 in the mainshaft which terminates in radial drillings 72 opening into a chamber 74 defined by the one face of the rotor and a cover 76 secured to that face by bolts 73. The inlet ports 44 also open into this chamber 74 when the associated valves are in the "open" position.

The outlet ports 46 all communicate with -a chamber 80 which, in turn, communicates with the main interior of casing 14. The latter casing 14 accomodates an exhaust fan 82 4 - 1 1 1, 1 ' 1 rotatably fast with the mainshaft for scavenging the cylinders on the exhaust strokes of the 0 l> 1 pistons and discharging the exhaust gases via outlets 84.

A sparking plug (not shown) is associated with each cylinder, the rotor being provided with onfices 86 (figure 6) into which the plugs can be fitted so that the electrodes thereof are within the working space of each cylinder. The electncal supply to the plugs is via electrically conductive strips 88 mounted on the interior of the side casing 12 and wiped by suitable brush arrangements (not shown) connected to the sparking plugs. The stnips 88 can be selectively rotated collectively about the shaft axis to advance or retard ignition. The central casing is formed with an intemal channel 90 for conducting coolant circulated by the coolant system associated with the engine.

With this configuration, during the quarter cycle in which the roller of each piston travels from one radial outer extremity of the elliptical track 40 towards an adjacent inner extremity, the associated inlet port 44 ikill open, as a result of cam-effected operation of the respective valve via its roller-carrying rod, to admit fuel/air nxture which then undergoes compression until the piston reaches the ffill extent of its inward displacement whereupon the fuel is ignited and the power stroke commences. During the next quarter cycle, therefore the piston is displaced outwardly with accompanying generation of power and the cylinder is therefore exhausted in preparation for a further induction stroke during the following quarter cycle. As mentioned previously, each piston therefore undergoes two power strokes"per rotary cycle giving eight power strokes in all. Thus, for the same power production, the cylinder capacities may be made smaller than a normal four cylinder crankshaft operating engine or alternatively the power production may be increased by up to twofold by having cylinders of equal capacity to the conventional engine.

The fuel and air supply is in two parts, first air is compressed and blown through carburettor 102, by means of an electric blower 104, thus mixing with the fuel supply from fuel tank pump 103, then delivered to cylinders via an air valve 100, and actual 70 a-nd radial drillings 72, on the main shaft 22, to the compression chamber 76, which is bolted to the inlet face of rotor 20. and then to cylinder 36. by means of inlet valve 48, arrangements.

The second part of the fuel delivery is air supplied as outlined in the previous description and the design incorporates a turbo blower 105, situated in the exhaust system whereby when pressure of the exhaust eases are such that will drive said turbo 105. It will start to deliver air at the pressure reqw'red, and will then close the primary air supply By means of a cut of switch at this point the turbo will supply all the necessary. air and fuel. This applies to the normal petrol engine where spark plugs are in use.

The other design of air and fuel delivery. is as follows air is provided as described previoush.. but a chamber 16. is bolted to side casing 12. on its inner face and this will receive fel from 103 and is directed throuLh drillin,-,,s and casinu 1 - o hamber 16. and then throuLh drillings in main shaft 2222. to a revolvint, chamber 108. that has a roller bearinu, attached between it and chamber 16 the fuel is then passed through re\ ol-,,-inL, chamber WS. to the injectors direct. and then on into the cylinder in the normal arranú-,ernent b% the Inlet valves The lubrication system is by means of'ets spacled equafly around the Circum ference of j centre casing 10. and oil is sprayed into cylinder 34, arid all parts as necessary. The excess oil ok ing, to centrifugal forces as the rotor revolves is pushed to inner face of centre casins., 10, and will drain into a sump. not show n.. hich incorporates a pump for oil return The piston 36. nings and the centrifugal force of said rotor - 20 kill ensure that no oil wIll reach firing par-r of said cylinder 34, thereby giving, a much cleaner exhaust emission kithout any oil contamination.

The casting 89 is bolted to front casing 12 by a number of retaining bolts or studs 16. It is of a star shaped casting to enable various accessories to be sscured thereon i.e. steering pump. alternator. air- conditioning compressor and distributor. carburetor. these are not shown on the drawine 7 and 13.

The air and fuel valve 100 is situated the casing 89 by an aperture 98 to facilitate focing or removal of said valve 100 and it is sealed by a plate 99.

The casing also carries a secondary drive shaft 92 which is for the purpose of driving the above accessories and is driven from gear 96 on mainshaft 22 via gear 95 and turns pulley 93 to pulley 93 on which is secured a cooling fan 94 which is secured by retaining studs 16 into roller bearing 97 at the front end of casing 89. The secondary drive shaft 92 is located by a bearing 97 in casing 12 and located by a bearing 97 at the front of casing 39. The main drive puBey 93 is mounted on the front end of secondary shaft 92 includes tirning marks for the correct timing of rotor 20.

There is thus provided an engine which is designed primarily for use on transport vehicles, but could also be used on static machinery. In the application and description of this engine it should be noted that alloy materials are used throughout for ease of machining and casting and manufacture and weight. Steel should be used for the main shaft for strength and tension as identified on the attached drawings and description.

it will be appreciated that this embodiment of the present invention provides an internal combustion engine of two stroke design enabling the rotor to produce eight power strokes in one revolution of main shaft per one revolution of rotor, thus equalising the equivalent four cylinder four stroke combustion engine with 50% less cylinder capacity. This engine will give a much cleaner exhaust emission by reason less oil for lubrication is required and the lubrication method used ensures excess oil is returned to the sump by centrifugal force. No oil is burnt in the cylinders.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1. An internal combustion engine comprising: a rotatably mounted rotor member, the rotor member including at least one cylinder means having a piston means movably mounted therein; and a guide means relative to which the rotor member rotates, there being follower means attached to the piston means and movably engageable with the guide means such that during rotation of the rotor means, movement of the follower means along the guide means causes the piston means to reciprocate within the cylinder means.

2. An engine according to claim 1 in which the rotor member is mounted in a casing means.

3. An engine according to claim 1 or 2 in which the guide means comprise a cam track.

4. An engine according to claim 3 in which the cam track is shaped such that the or each piston undergoes at least one reciprocation during each revolution of the rotor member.

5. An engine according to claim 4 in which the or each piston undergoes two reciprocations during each revolution of the rotor member.

6. An engine according to any of claims 3 to 5 in which the cam track is of elliptical section.

7. An engine according to any of claims 2 to 6 in which the guide means are provided on an internal face of the casing means.

8. An engine according to any preceding claim in which the or each cylinder means and piston means extend generaUy secantally with respect to the rotational wds of the rotor member.

9. An engine according to claim 8 in which the angle of inclination of the or each cylinder means and piston means, in the radially inward direction, is in the direction of rotation of the rotor member.

10. An engine according to any of claims 3 to 9 in which the follower means comprises a roller for rolling engagement with the cam track-

11. An engine according to any preceding claim in which the or each cylinder means is provided with an inlet port through which air and fuel may enter the cylinder means and an outlet port through which exhaust gases may leave the cylinder means.

12. An engine according to claim 11 in which the inlet port is in selective communication with an air and fuel chamber, air and fuel being supplied to the cylinder means from the chamber when the inlet port is in an open condition.

13. An engine according to claim 11 or 12 in which the outlet port is in selective communication with an exhaust chamber into which the exhaust gases are passed.

14. An engine according to claim 13 in which a fan means is provided in the exhaust chamber to assist removal of the exhaust gases from the cylinder means.

15. An engine according to any of claims 11 to 14 in which valve means are provided across the inlet port and across the outlet port.

16. An engine according to claim 15 in which the valve means are movable between an open condition and a closed condition.

17. An engine according to claim 15 or 16 in which the valve means are connected to the rotor such that rotation of the rotor effects movement of the valve means.

18. An engine according to any of claims 15 to 17 in which the valve means are rotary valves.

19. An engine according to any of claims 15 to 18 in which the valve means are controlled by further follower means cooperable with a guide track relative to which the rotor rotates.

20. An engine according to any of claims 15 to 19 in which the valve means comprise a valve member coupled to a rod member, the rod member having a roller member provided towards one end for engagement with a guide track provided within the casing means.

21. An engine according to claim 20 in which the valve member comprises a disc member having a part-circular cut-out section the valve member being in the open condition when the cut-out section overhes the respective port.

22. An engine according to any preceding claim in which at least two cylinder means and piston means are provided.

23. An engine according to claim 22 in which the cylinder means are equally spaced around the rotor member.

24. An engine according to any preceding claim in which air/fuel delivery means are provided comprising an air blower means in communication with a carburettor, the air blower means operating when the pressure of the exhaust gases in the engine exhaust system is below a predetermined value.

25. An engine according to claim 24 in which the air/fuel delivery further comprises a turbo air blower means in communication with the carburettor, for delivering pressurised air to the carburettor.

26. An engine according to claim 25 in which the turbo blower means is located in the exhaust system of the engine, and operates when the pressure of the exhaust gases exceeds the predetermined value.

27. An engine according to any of claims 24 to 26 in which the carburettor is in communication with the main shaft of the rotor member.

28. An engine according to claim 27 in which the main shaft of the rotor member has axial and radial apertures provided therein, the apertures being in communication with the air/fuel chamber.

-01

29. An engine according to any of claims 1 to 23 in which the air/fuel 11 delivery means comprises a fuel chamber in communication with a fuel tank, and a separate air blower means and/or turbo air blower means.

30. An engine according to claim 29 in which the air blower means operates when the pressure of the exhaust gases in the engine exhaust system is below a predetermined value.

31. An engine according to claim 29 or 30 in which the turbo blower means is located in the exhaust system of the engine, and operates when the pressure of the exhaust gases exceeds the predetermined value.

32. An engine according to any of claims 29 to 31 in which the fuel chamber is in communication with a rotatable fuel chamber, and the rotatable fuel chamber is in communication with the inlet port.

33. An internal combustion engine substantially as described above with reference to the accompanying drawings.

34. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.