Abstract
An assembly, a crankcase, a reciprocating internal combustion engine, and a method for producing a reciprocating internal combustion engine facilitates engine block cleaning after casting, enables current and future residual-soiling standards to be met, and provides a solution to the challenges facing current and future high-performance engines, in particular the load zones head plate and cylinder tube, as well as potential for local improvement to properties in the crankcase in the additional load zones, namely the screw connection connecting the cylinder head and the crankshaft bearing. The assembly includes at least two cylinders and a platelike deck plate connecting them of integral design, wherein the platelike deck plate has a clearance for each cylinder and wherein the assembly can be inserted into or placed upon a crankcase of a reciprocating internal combustion engine, in that at least one coolant guideway is arranged between the cylinders.
Claims
1. Reciprocating internal combustion engine comprising a cylinder head (8), a crankcase (7a; 7b) according to claim 7 and an assembly (1), wherein the crankcase (7a; 7b) comprises a recess (10) for accommodating the assembly (1), wherein the assembly (1) comprises at least two cylinders (2a, 2b; 2a, 2b, 2c; 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d; 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f) and a platelike deck plate (5) connecting them, wherein the assembly (1) is of integral design, wherein the platelike deck plate (5) has a clearance (3a; 3b; 3c; 3d; 3e; 3f) for each cylinder (2a; 2b; 2c; 2d; 2e; 2f) and wherein the assembly (1) can be inserted into a crankcase (7a; 7b; 7c) of a reciprocating internal combustion engine or placed upon a crankcase (7a; 7b; 7c) of a reciprocating internal combustion engine, and wherein the assembly (1) is arranged between the cylinder head (8) and the crankcase (7a; 7b; 7c) and in the recess (10) for accommodating the assembly (1) and wherein the outer wall areas of the cylinders (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d; 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f) of the assembly (1) and the wall areas of the recess (10) in the crankcase (7a; 7b; 7c) for accommodating the assembly (1) form a coolant chamber (11), wherein at least one coolant guideway (6) is arranged between the cylinders (2a, 2b; 2b, 2c; 2c, 2d; 2e, 2f; 2a, 2b, 2c; 2c, 2d, 2e) of the assembly (1), wherein the coolant guideway (6) of the assembly (1) is realized by drilling through the area between two neighboring cylinders (2a, 2b; 2b, 2c; 2c, 2d; 2d, 2e; 2e, 2f) and/or by a cooling-channel core in the area between two cylinders (2a, 2b; 2b, 2c; 2c, 2d; 2d, 2e; 2e, 2f), and the platelike deck plate (5) of the assembly (1) is configured free of openings except for the clearance (3a; 3b; 3c; 3d) for each cylinder (2a; 2b; 2c; 2d).
2-3. (canceled)
4. Reciprocating internal combustion engine according to claim 1, wherein the assembly (1) is made of cast iron with lamellar graphite (GJL), cast iron with vermicular graphite (GJV), cast iron with spheroidal graphite (GJS) and/or steel and/or a combination of the aforementioned materials.
5. Reciprocating internal combustion engine according to claim 1, wherein the assembly (1) is made of non-ferrous materials, in particular aluminum alloys, such as aluminum-magnesium alloys (AlMgxx), aluminum-silicon alloys (AlSixx) with copper (Cu) and/or magnesium (Mg) and/or aluminum wrought alloys.
6-9. (canceled)
10. Reciprocating internal combustion engine according to claim 1, wherein the platelike deck plate (5) connecting the at least two cylinders (2a, 2b; 2a, 2b, 2c; 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d; 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f) is placed upon the crankcase (7a, 7b; 7c) or inserted into the recess (10) for accommodating the assembly (1).
11. (canceled)
12. Method of producing the reciprocating internal combustion engine according to claim 1, comprising the following steps: Separate production of the crankcase (7a; 7b; 7c), the assembly (1) and the cylinder head (8), Insertion of the assembly (1) into the crankcase (7a; 7b; 7c), Arrangement of the cylinder head (8) on the platelike deck plate (5) of the assembly (1), Joining of the crankcase (7a; 7b; 7c), the assembly (1) and the cylinder head (8).
13. Method of producing the reciprocating internal combustion engine according to claim 1, comprising the following steps: Separate production of the crankcase (7a; 7b; 7c), the assembly (1) and the cylinder head (8), Arrangement of the cylinder head (8) on the platelike deck plate (5) of the assembly (1), Insertion of the assembly (1) into the crankcase (7a; 7b; 7c), Joining of the crankcase (7a; 7b; 7c), the assembly (1) and the cylinder head (8).
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0055] The invention is explained below in more detail by reference to drawings, to which, however, it is not limited. The drawing in
[0056] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the assembly according to the invention, consisting of four cylinders and a platelike deck plate connecting them.
[0057] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view, turned over compared to FIG. 1, of the assembly, consisting of four cylinders and a platelike deck plate connecting them.
[0058] FIG. 3a shows a vertical side view of the assembly, consisting of four cylinders and a platelike deck plate connecting them, wherein the coolant guideway has been realized by drilling through the area between two longitudinally interconnected neighboring cylinders.
[0059] FIG. 3b shows a vertical side view of the assembly, consisting of four cylinders and a platelike deck plate connecting them, wherein the coolant guideway has been realized by a cooling-channel core in the area between two longitudinally interconnected neighboring cylinders.
[0060] FIG. 3c shows a vertical side view of the assembly, consisting of four cylinders and a platelike deck plate connecting them, wherein the coolant guideway has been realized by stand-alone cylinders.
[0061] FIG. 3d shows a vertical side view of the assembly, consisting of four cylinders and a platelike deck plate connecting them, wherein a coolant groove has been arranged on said platelike deck plate.
[0062] FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of a reciprocating internal combustion engine according to the invention, comprising a cylinder head and a crankcase; an assembly consisting of four cylinders and a platelike deck plate connecting these four cylinders is arranged between the cylinder head and the crankcase.
[0063] FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of an assembly according to the invention (VR-Inline variant) and a matching, open crankcase (VR-Inline crankcase); the assembly comprises six cylinders and a platelike deck plate connecting these cylinders, which are longitudinally offset relative to one another.
[0064] FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of a reciprocating internal combustion engine according to the invention and comprising a cylinder head and a crankcase; an assembly consisting of four cylinders and a platelike deck plate connecting these four cylinders has been arranged between the cylinder head and the crankcase. In the assembled state, the deck plate is supported on the crankcase.
[0065] FIG. 7 shows an exploded view of a reciprocating internal combustion engine according to the invention and comprising a cylinder head and a crankcase; an assembly consisting of four cylinders and a platelike deck plate connecting these four cylinders has been arranged between the cylinder head and the crankcase. In the assembled state, the deck plate is seated, in substantially form-locking manner, in the crankcase recess.
[0066] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the assembly, consisting of four cylinders and a platelike deck plate connecting them, wherein the assembly has four differently oriented cooling grooves on the cylinders.
[0067] FIGS. 9a-9f show various sectional views of an assembly arranged in an open crankcase.
[0068] FIGS. 10a-10f show various sectional views of an assembly arranged in an open crankcase.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0069] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an assembly (1), consisting of four cylinders (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) and a platelike deck plate (5) connecting these cylinders; the assembly (1) consisting of at least two cylinders (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) and the platelike deck plate (5) connecting these cylinders is configured as one piece. As shown, the platelike deck plate (5) has a clearance (3a; 3b; 3c; 3d) for each cylinder (2a; 2b; 2c; 2d). Provision is made for the assembly (1) to be insertable in, or placeable on, an (open) crankcase (7a; 7b) of a reciprocating internal combustion engine. The drawing also shows that, except for the recess (3a; 3b; 3c; 3d) for each cylinder (2a; 2b; 2c; 2d), the platelike deck plate (5) is configured free of openings.
[0070] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view, turned over compared to FIG. 1, of the assembly (1), consisting of four cylinders and a platelike deck plate (5) connecting them. Because the assembly (1) is produced separately, it is possible, though use of cooling elements, to produce a coatable sliding surface (4a; 4b; 4c; 4d) in the cylinder tube, (molds made of steel, GJL, Ms, . . . ), without influencing the crankcase. The separate production process also makes it possible to control the grain fineness and degree of porelessness of the cylinder tube's microstructure without influencing the crankcase. For example, it is possible to realize a chill layer near to the the sliding surface. It is also, or additionally, possible to realize a chill throughout the cylinder wall.
[0071] FIGS. 3a to 3c show vertical side views of the assembly (1), consisting of four cylinders (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) and a platelike deck plate connecting them. FIG. 3a shows that the coolant guideway (6) may be realized by drilling through the area between two longitudinally interconnected neighboring cylinders. FIG. 3b shows that the coolant guideway (6) may be realized by a coolant-channel core in the area between two longitudinally interconnected neighboring cylinders (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d). FIG. 3c shows that that the coolant guideway (6) may be realized by stand-alone cylinders (2a; 2b; 2c; 2d).
[0072] FIG. 3d shows a vertical side view of the assembly (1), consisting of four cylinders (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) and a platelike deck plate connecting them. FIG. 3d shows that a cooling groove (6a) is arranged in the platelike deck plate. The geometry, shape and position of the cooling groove (6a) are not limited to the slot-like configuration shown, but may be arranged on the deck plate according to need.
[0073] FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of a reciprocating internal combustion engine according to the invention, comprising a cylinder head (8) and a crankcase (7a) according to the invention; an assembly (1) consisting of four cylinders and a platelike deck plate connecting these four cylinders is arranged between the cylinder head (8) and the crankcase (7a).
[0074] As shown in FIG. 4, no separate cylinder-head gasket is required, thereby enabling direct, planar power transmission which is not limited to the cylinder-head gasket contour. This is to advantage, particularly in the high-load area (compression zone).
[0075] FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of an assembly (1; VR6-Inline variant) and a matching, open crankcase (7c; VR6-Inline crankcase). The assembly (1) comprises six cylinders (2, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f) and a deck plate (5) connecting these cylinders. The assembly (1) is configured such that it is inserted into the crankcase (7c) (the platelike deck plate may rest, in substantially form-locking manner, on a seat in the crankcase; the cylinders are guided in the crankcase). The cylinders are longitudinally offset relative to one another, each being offset (relative to the longitudinal axis) by approx. 15%. The cylinders (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f) may be arranged such as to be guided freely in the crankcase (7c). The internal surface of the recess in the crankcase (for accommodating the assembly) may be essentially smooth or, as shown here, be profiled. Cooling grooves (6a) are shown on the platelike deck plate (5). The cooling grooves (6a) run radially for at least part of the way around the recesses for the cylinders, the shape, size, number, depth and position of the grooves being freely configurable.
[0076] FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of a reciprocating internal combustion engine according to the invention. The reciprocating internal combustion engine comprises a cylinder head (8) and a crankcase (7a); an assembly (1) consisting of four cylinders and a platelike deck plate connecting these four cylinders is arranged between the cylinder head (8) and the crankcase (7a). In the reciprocating internal combustion engine according to the invention, the assembly (1) is placed upon the crankcase (7a) (the platelike deck plate rests on top of the crankcase: the cylinders are guided in the crankcase). Three cooling grooves (6a) are shown on the platelike deck plate. The cooling grooves (6a) are arranged between the clearances for the cylinders.
[0077] FIG. 7 shows an exploded view of a reciprocating internal combustion engine according to the invention. The reciprocating internal combustion engine comprises a cylinder head (8) and a crankcase (7a); an assembly (1) consisting of four cylinders and a platelike deck plate connecting these four cylinders is arranged between the cylinder head (8) and the crankcase (7a). In the reciprocating internal combustion engine according to the invention, the assembly (1) is inserted into the crankcase (7a) in form-locking manner (the platelike deck plate rests on a shoulder in the crankcase such that, in the assembled state, the deck plate and the top of the crankcase are planar; the cylinders are guided in the crankcase).
[0078] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an assembly (1) according to the invention, consisting of four cylinders and a deck plate connecting these cylinders, wherein the assembly (1) is integrally formed. The exterior walls of the cylinder have a horizontal, circumferential bead (14). The bead (14) is preferably configured as a sealing bead and, in the operational state (assembled state of the reciprocating internal combustion engine), serves as a seal between the coolant/water chamber (formed by the outer walls of the cylinders and the upper, inner walls of the crankcase) and the lower crankcase. The shape, position and size of the bead (14) are freely configurable. FIG. 8 also shows that support structures (6b) (four are shown), in this case reinforcement ribs, which may also be cooling ribs, are provided on the outer cylinder walls. The ribs have the effect, inter alia, of optimizing the flow. The support structures (ribs) may be arranged arbitrarily (as shown, e.g., longitudinally, transversely or obliquely) on the outer walls of the cylinders.
[0079] In FIGS. 9a to 9f, the assembly (1) is shown, in various sectional views and sectional planes, arranged as an assembly placed upon a crankcase (7a). FIG. 9a shows a top view of the assembly placed upon the crankcase and indicates the sectional planes for the FIGS. 9b to 9f. FIG. 9b shows the sectional plane A-A, FIG. 9c the sectional plane B-B, FIG. 9d the sectional plane C-C, FIG. 9e the sectional plane D-D and FIG. 9f the sectional plane E-E. In FIG. 9b, which shows the sectional plane A-A, the assembly (1) has been placed upon and connected to the crankcase (7a) by means of fastening means (13), here cylinder-head tension bolts. The tension bolts are screwed through the platelike deck plate of the assembly (1) into the crankcase. As shown, the coolant/water chamber (11) is formed by the outer walls of the cylinders and the upper, inner walls of the crankcase. FIGS. 9b to 9f also show that the outer wall of the cylinder depicted here has a horizontal, circumferential bead (14). The bead is configured as a sealing bead (cf. FIG. 10e). The sealing bead is arranged on the cylinder in such a way as to form a seal between the coolant/water chamber (11) and the lower crankcase. In this example, for purposes of better illustration, the assembly (1) has been provided with three different coolant guideways (6), although each of the variants can be implemented individually and in combination. FIG. 9b shows a slot-like coolant guideway, FIG. 9c shows two horizontally drilled coolant guideways and FIG. 9d shows a coolant guideway realized by way of stand-alone cylinders. In FIG. 9f, these coolant guideways are shown as section E-E from left to right. The coolant guideways (6) are connected to the coolant/water chamber (11), thereby allowing coolant to be guided, i.e. circulated around the cylinders.
[0080] In FIGS. 10a to 10f, the assembly (1) is shown, in various sectional views and sectional planes, arranged as an assembly inserted in a crankcase (7a). FIG. 10a shows a top view of the assembly inserted upon the crankcase and indicates the sectional planes for the FIGS. 10b to 10f. FIG. 10b shows the sectional plane A-A, FIG. 10c the sectional plane B-B, FIG. 10d the sectional plane C-C, FIG. 10e the sectional plane D-D and FIG. 10f the sectional plane E-E. FIGS. 10a to 10e show that the fastening means (13), here cylinder-head tension bolts, engage the crankcase (7a) but not the assembly (1). As shown, the coolant/water chamber (11) is formed by the outer walls of the cylinders and the upper, inner walls of the crankcase. FIGS. 10b to 10f also show that the outer wall of the cylinder depicted here has a horizontal, circumferential bead (14). The bead is configured as a sealing bead (see FIG. 10e). The sealing bead is arranged on the cylinder in such a way as to form a seal between the coolant/water chamber (11) and the lower crankcase. In this example, for purposes of better illustration, the assembly (1) has been provided with three different coolant guideways (6), although each of the variants can be implemented individually and in combination. FIG. 10b shows a slot-like coolant guideway, FIG. 10c shows two horizontally drilled coolant guideways and FIG. 10d shows a coolant guideway realized by way of stand-alone cylinders. In FIG. 10f, these coolant guideways are shown as section E-E from left to right. The coolant guideways (6) are connected to the coolant/water chamber (11), thereby allowing coolant to be guided, i.e. circulated around the cylinders.
