[0001] The present invention relates to a water cooled SOHC (Single OverHead Camshaft) engine
according to the preamble of independent claim 1. Such a water cooled Single OverHead
Camshaft engine can be taken from the prior art document
JP 4514637 B2.
[0002] JP 4514637 B2 discloses a water cooled-SOHC-V type-two cylinder engine. Two intake valves and two
exhaust valves are provided in each cylinder. The intake valve and the exhaust valve
corresponding to the same cylinder are opened and closed in accordance with the rotation
of the same camshaft. As shown in FIG. 3 of
JP 4514637 B2, a spark plug is inclined with respect to the center line of the cylinder. Each portion
of the engine is cooled by a cooling liquid flowing through water jackets which are
provided in a cylinder head and a cylinder body.
[0003] In a water cooled engine, each portion of the engine is cooled by a cooling liquid
flowing through a water jacket provided in the engine. In an SOHC engine, a spark
plug is obliquely disposed in some cases. Therefore, there is a case where restrictions
are imposed on the shape and the size of the water jacket. In particular, as the number
of intake valves and exhaust valves corresponding to the same cylinder is increased,
restrictions imposed on the shape and the size of the water jacket become severe.
It is thereby difficult to ensure high cooling performance in a water cooled SOHC
engine.
[0004] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a water cooled SOHC engine
which can enhance the cooling performance. The present object is achieved by a water
cooled SOHC engine according to Claim 1. Preferred embodiments are laid down in the
dependent claims.
[0005] A preferred embodiment provides a water cooled SOHC engine including a cylinder body
which includes a cylinder that has a center line extending in an up/down direction
(first direction), a piston which reciprocates within the cylinder in the up/down
direction, a cylinder head which on disposed in an upper (first) end portion of the
cylinder body and which defines, together with the cylinder and the piston, a combustion
chamber where an air-fuel mixture is burned, a spark plug which is attached to the
cylinder head and which burns the air-fuel mixture within the combustion chamber,
and a valve device which controls an intake gas to be supplied to the combustion chamber
and an exhaust gas to be discharged from the combustion chamber.
[0006] The cylinder head includes an intake port which includes a plurality of intake outlets
that are open at an inner surface of the combustion chamber, an exhaust port which
includes a plurality of exhaust inlets that are open at the inner surface of the combustion
chamber, a plug hole which includes a plug outlet that is open at the inner surface
of the combustion chamber, and a head water jacket which guides a cooling liquid.
The spark plug is inserted into the plug hole and is obliquely inclined with respect
to the center line of the cylinder. The valve device includes a camshaft which rotates
around a rotation axis extending in a left/right direction (second direction that
is perpendicular with the first direction), a plurality of intake valves which respectively
open and close the plurality of exhaust outlets according to a rotation of the camshaft,
and a plurality of exhaust valves which respectively open and close the plurality
of exhaust inlets according to the rotation of the camshaft.
[0007] The head water jacket includes a water supply inlet which is open at an outer surface
of the cylinder head and into which the cooling liquid flows, a drain outlet which
is open at the outer surface of the cylinder head and which discharges the cooling
liquid that has flowed into the water supply inlet, an annular outer circumferential
flow path which is disposed around the plurality of intake outlets and the plurality
of exhaust inlets when viewed in the up/down direction and which guides the cooling
liquid that has flowed into the water supply inlet toward the drain outlet, a center
flow path which is disposed inside the outer circumferential flow path when viewed
in the up/down direction and which overlaps the spark plug when viewed in the up/down
direction, an upstream connection flow path which extends from the outer circumferential
flow path to the center flow path and which guides the cooling liquid from the outer
circumferential flow path to the center flow path, and a downstream connection flow
path which extends from the center flow path to the outer circumferential flow path,
which is separate from the upstream connection flow path and which guides the cooling
liquid guided by the upstream connection flow path to the center flow path from the
center flow path to the outer circumferential flow path. The water cooler SOHC engine
of the preferred embodiment further comprises the features of the characterizing portion
of claim 1, inter alia the feature that the sectional area of the upstream connection
flow path is smaller than the sectional area of the downstream connection flow path.
[0008] With this arrangement, the cooling liquid which cools the engine enters the head
water jacket from the water supply inlet of the head water jacket, and flows through
the outer circumferential flow path of the head water jacket toward the drain outlet
of the head water jacket. The cooling liquid flows, via the upstream connection flow
path of the head water jacket, from the outer circumferential flow path to the center
flow path of the head water jacket, and flows, via the downstream connection flow
path of the head water jacket, from the center flow path to the outer circumferential
flow path. In the meantime, each portion of the cylinder head, in particular, the
exhaust port, the plug port, and portions in the vicinity thereof are cooled.
[0009] The center flow path of the head water jacket is disposed inside the outer circumferential
flow path when viewed in the up/down direction parallel to the axial direction of
the cylinder. The spark plug and the center flow path overlap each other when viewed
in the up/down direction. Therefore, the center flow path is disposed near the tip
end portion of the spark plug which makes a spark. Thereby, the tip end portion of
the spark plug is mainly cooled by the cooling liquid which flows through the center
flow path.
[0010] The sectional area of the upstream connection flow path is smaller than the sectional
area of the downstream connection flow path. Since the sectional area of the upstream
connection flow path is small, the cooling liquid flows swiftly through the upstream
connection flow path. Since the cooling liquid whose flow velocity is high flows from
the upstream connection flow path to the center flow path, the cooling liquid also
flows swiftly through the center flow path. When the cooling liquid flows swiftly,
heat is discharged efficiently. Therefore, it is possible to effectively lower the
temperature of a portion around a plug, that is, a portion around the plug hole in
the inner surface of the combustion chamber. In addition, it is possible to effectively
lower the temperature of a portion between exhaust valve seats, that is, a portion
between the exhaust inlets in the inner surface of the combustion chamber.
[0011] Furthermore, both the upstream connection flow path and the downstream connection
flow path are not narrow, and only the upstream connection flow path is narrow. When
the material of the cylinder head (the cylinder head before being subjected to machining
such as cutting) is casted, the sand core which has the same shape as the head water
jacket is used. When both the upstream connection flow path and the downstream connection
flow path are narrow, the strength of the sand core is lowered. Therefore, only the
upstream connection flow path is made narrow, and thus it is possible to enhance the
cooling performance of the engine while suppressing a decrease in the strength of
the sand core.
[0012] According to the invention, a maximum value of the width of the upstream connection
flow path when viewed in the up/down direction is smaller than a maximum value of
the width of the downstream connection flow path when viewed in the up/down direction.
With this arrangement, since the width of the upstream connection flow path is smaller
than the width of the downstream connection flow path, the sectional area of the upstream
connection flow path is easily made smaller than the sectional area of the downstream
connection flow path. Thereby, it is possible to increase the flow velocity of the
cooling liquid in the center flow path, and thus it is possible to enhance the cooling
performance of the engine.
[0013] According to the invention, a maximum value of the length of the upstream connection
flow path in the up/down direction is smaller than a maximum value of the length of
the downstream connection flow path in the up/down direction. With this arrangement,
since the upstream connection flow path is shorter than the downstream connection
flow path in the up/down direction, the sectional area of the upstream connection
flow path is easily made smaller than the sectional area of the downstream connection
flow path. Thereby, it is possible to increase the flow velocity of the cooling liquid
in the center flow path, and thus it is possible to enhance the cooling performance
of the engine.
[0014] In the present preferred embodiment, at least one of the following features may be
added to the above water cooled SOHC engine.
[0015] The outer circumferential surface of the outer circumferential flow path includes
an arc portion which has an arc-shaped configuration coaxial with the inner circumferential
surface of the cylinder when viewed in the up/down direction and an inward convex
portion which protrudes from the arc portion toward the center line of the cylinder
when viewed in the up/down direction and which overlaps the spark plug when viewed
in the up/down direction.
[0016] The center line of the head water jacket means a line which connects the barycenters
of cross sections of the head water jacket which is orthogonal to the direction in
which the cooling liquid flows. The "inward" means a direction which approaches the
center line of the cylinder. The "outward" means a direction which separates from
the center line of the cylinder.
[0017] With this arrangement, the inward convex portion which protrudes toward the center
line of the head water jacket is provided in the outer circumferential surface of
the outer circumferential flow path. The inward convex portion of the outer circumferential
flow path protrudes from the arc portion coaxial with the inner circumferential surface
of the cylinder toward the center line of the cylinder. In other words, as compared
with a case where the inward convex portion is not provided, the sectional area of
the outer circumferential flow path is reduced. Therefore, a swift flow of the cooling
liquid is formed in the inward convex portion of the outer circumferential flow path.
The inward convex portion of the outer circumferential flow path overlaps the spark
plug when viewed in the up/down direction, and is disposed near the spark plug. Therefore,
it is possible to efficiently cool the spark plug and a portion in the vicinity thereof.
[0018] The cylinder head further includes a gas vent which extends upward from the center
flow path, the water cooled SOHC engine further includes a filling plug which closes
the gas vent, and the distance from a center line of the gas vent to the center line
of the cylinder is smaller than the diameter of the gas vent.
[0019] The center line of the gas vent may be a straight line which is parallel to the center
line of the cylinder or may be a straight line which is inclined obliquely with respect
to the center line of the cylinder. In the latter case, the "distance from the center
line of the gas vent to the center line of the cylinder" means the shortest distance
from the center line of the gas vent to the center line of the cylinder in a range
from the upper end of the gas vent to the lower end of the gas vent.
[0020] With this arrangement, the gas vent which discharges the sand core that molds the
head water jacket when the material of the cylinder head is casted is provided in
the cylinder head, and is closed by the filling plug. The gas vent is disposed near
the center line of the cylinder, and the distance from the center line of the gas
vent to the center line of the cylinder is smaller than the diameter of the gas vent.
[0021] The gas vent extends upward from the center flow path which cools the spark plug
and a portion in the vicinity thereof. A tip end surface of the center flow path is
normally disposed near the spark plug. When the gas vent is far from the center line
of the cylinder, the width of the center flow path is increased, and thus the flow
velocity of the cooling liquid in the center flow path is lowered. By contrast, when
the gas vent is brought close to the center line of the cylinder, the center flow
path can be made narrow and it is possible to increase the flow velocity of the cooling
liquid in the center flow path. Thereby, it is possible to efficiently cool the spark
plug and a portion in the vicinity thereof.
[0022] The upstream connection flow path, the center flow path, and the downstream connection
flow path define, between the upstream connection flow path and the downstream connection
flow path, a mountain-shaped convex portion which extends toward the center flow path
when viewed in the up/down direction, and the length of the center flow path in the
left/right direction is smaller than the length of the center flow path in a front/rear
direction which is orthogonal both to the up/down direction and the left/right direction
(third direction which is orthogonal both to the first direction and the second direction).
[0023] With this arrangement, the mountain-shaped convex portion which extends toward the
center flow path when viewed in the up/down direction is disposed between the upstream
connection flow path and the downstream connection flow path. The tip end portion
of the mountain-shaped convex portion is defined by the upstream connection flow path,
the center flow path, and the downstream connection flow path. The tip end portion
of the mountain-shaped convex portion enters the center flow path, and the center
flow path is made narrow in the left/right direction. The length of the center flow
path in the left/right direction is smaller than the length of the center flow path
in the front/rear direction. As described above, since the center flow path is narrow
in the left/right direction, it is possible to increase the flow velocity of the cooling
liquid in the center flow path.
[0024] The length of the center flow path in the left/right direction is larger than the
width of the upstream connection flow path when viewed in the up/down direction.
[0025] With this arrangement, the length of the center flow path in the left/right direction
is not only smaller than the length of the center flow path in the front/rear direction,
but also larger than the width of the upstream connection flow path when viewed in
the up/down direction. When the center flow path is excessively narrow, the strength
of the sand core that molds the head water jacket is lowered. Therefore, it is possible
to enhance the cooling performance of the engine while suppressing a decrease in the
strength of the sand core.
[0026] The center flow path includes a downward convex portion which protrudes downward
(in first direction) from an upper (first) surface of the center flow path, and the
downward convex portion includes a pair of side surfaces which are respectively disposed
in an exhaust region and an intake region and a top surface which is disposed between
the lower ends of the pair of side surfaces.
[0027] With this arrangement, the downward convex portion which protrudes toward the center
line of the head water jacket is provided in the center flow path. The center flow
path protrudes downward from the upper surface of the center flow path. Therefore,
as compared with a case where the downward convex portion is not provided, the sectional
area of the center flow path is reduced. Thereby, it is possible to increase the flow
velocity of the cooling liquid in the center flow path, and thus it is possible to
enhance the cooling performance.
[0028] Furthermore, the pair of side surfaces of the downward convex portion are respectively
disposed in the exhaust region and the intake region. In this case, as compared with
a case where the pair of side surfaces are not provided, that is, a case where the
center flow path is simply reduced in thickness in the up/down direction, it is possible
to reduce a decrease in a contact area between the head water jacket and portions
in the vicinity of the exhaust port and the intake port and.
[0029] The above and other elements, features, steps, characteristics, and advantages of
the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description
of the preferred embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030]
FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a vertical section of an engine according to a
first preferred embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a vertical section of a cylinder head and a cylinder
body.
FIG. 3 is a diagram when the cylinder head is viewed from below in an upward direction.
FIG. 4 is a diagram when a head water jacket is viewed from above in a downward direction.
FIG. 5 is a diagram when the head water jacket is viewed from above in the downward
direction.
FIG. 6 is a diagram when the head water jacket is viewed obliquely from below.
FIG. 7 is an enlarged view showing portion of the head water jacket when viewed in
the direction of an arrow VII shown in FIG. 5.
FIG. 8 is a diagram when an upstream connection flow path, a center flow path, and
a downstream connection flow path of the head water jacket are viewed from above in
the downward direction.
FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing a vertical section taken along line IX-IX shown
in FIG. 8.
FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing a vertical section taken along line X-X shown
in FIG. 8.
FIG. 11 is a plan view when a head water jacket according to a second preferred embodiment
is viewed from above in the downward direction.
FIG. 12 is a diagram when the center flow path of the head water jacket is viewed
obliquely from above.
FIG. 13 is a sectional view showing a vertical section along a second imaginary plane.
FIG. 14 is a sectional view showing a vertical section taken along line XIV-XIV shown
in FIG. 11.
FIG. 15 is a sectional view showing a vertical section taken along line XV-XV shown
in FIG. 11.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0031] The definitions of directions in the following description are as follows.
[0032] An up/down direction Dud is a direction parallel to the center line C1 of a cylinder
9. The upward direction is parallel to the center line C1 of the cylinder 9 and extends
from a piston 2 toward a combustion chamber 15. The downward direction is parallel
to the center line C1 of the cylinder 9 and extends from the combustion chamber 15
toward the piston 2.
[0033] A left/right direction Dlr is parallel to a first imaginary plane P1 (see FIG. 4)
which is an imaginary plane including the center line C1 of the cylinder 9 and which
partitions a space into, when viewed in the up/down direction Dud, an intake region
where a plurality of intake outlets 14o are all disposed and an exhaust region where
a plurality of exhaust inlets 16i are all disposed, and is orthogonal to the up/down
direction Dud.
[0034] A front/rear direction Dfr is parallel to a second imaginary plane P2 (see FIG. 4)
which is an imaginary plane including the center line C1 of the cylinder 9 and which
is orthogonal to the first imaginary plane P1, and is orthogonal to the up/down direction
Dud. The front/rear direction Dfr is orthogonal both to the up/down direction Dud
and the left/right direction Dlr.
[0035] FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a vertical section of an engine 1 according to
a first preferred embodiment. FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a vertical section
of a cylinder head 6 and a cylinder body 8. FIG. 3 is a diagram when the cylinder
head 6 is viewed from below in an upward direction.
[0036] As shown in FIG. 1, the engine 1 is a water cooled-SOHC-single cylinder engine. The
engine 1 may be a multi-cylinder engine. The engine 1 may be mounted on a land or
snow vehicle such as a straddled vehicle, may be mounted on a vessel propulsion apparatus
such as an inboard motor, an outboard motor or an inboard/outboard motor or may be
mounted on an aircraft such as a helicopter. The engine 1 may be mounted on a machine
other than those described above.
[0037] The engine 1 includes a piston 2 which reciprocates within the cylinder 9 as a fuel-gas
mixture is burned, a crankshaft 4 which converts the reciprocating movement of the
piston 2 into rotation, and a connecting rod 3 which transmits the operation of the
piston 2 to the crankshaft 4. The engine 1 further includes the cylinder body 8 which
defines the cylinder 9, the cylinder head 6 which defines the combustion chamber 15
where the fuel-gas mixture is burned, a crankcase 10 which houses the crankshaft 4
together with the cylinder body 8, and a head cover 5 which is attached to the cylinder
head 6.
[0038] The cylinder head 6 is disposed over the cylinder body 8. The head cover 5 is disposed
over the cylinder head 6. The crankcase 10 is disposed below the cylinder body 8.
The crankcase 10 may be integral with the cylinder body 8 or may be a separate member
from the cylinder body 8 which is fixed to the cylinder body 8 with a bolt. The cylinder
head 6 is fixed to the cylinder body 8 with a bolt. A gap between the cylinder body
8 and the cylinder head 6 is sealed by a gasket 7.
[0039] The cylinder head 6 includes an intake port 14 which supplies a gas to the combustion
chamber 15 and an exhaust port 16 which discharges a gas such as exhaust gas from
the combustion chamber 15. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the intake port 14 includes
one intake inlet 14i which is open at an outer surface 6a of the cylinder head 6 and
two intake outlets 14o which are open at the inner surface of the combustion chamber
15. The exhaust port 16 includes two exhaust inlets 16i which are open at the inner
surface of the combustion chamber 15 and one exhaust outlet 16o which is open at the
outer surface 6a of the cylinder head 6. The valve device of the engine 1 includes
two intake valves 18 which respectively open and close the two intake outlets 14o
and two exhaust valves 19 which respectively open and close the two exhaust inlets
16i.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 2, the engine 1 includes a spark plug 24 which ignites the fuel-gas
mixture within the combustion chamber 15. The spark plug 24 is inserted into a plug
hole 25 provided in the cylinder head 6. The plug hole 25 includes one plug inlet
25i which is open at the outer surface 6a of the cylinder head 6 and one plug outlet
25o which is open at the inner surface of the combustion chamber 15. The spark plug
24 is inclined obliquely with respect to the center line C1 of the cylinder 9. A center
electrode 24c and a side electrode 24b are provided at a tip end portion 24a of the
spark plug 24.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 1, the engine 1 includes an intake pipe 11 which defines an intake
passage that guides the gas to be supplied to the combustion chamber 15 via the intake
port 14 and an exhaust pipe 17 which defines an exhaust passage that guides the gas
discharged from the combustion chamber 15 via the exhaust port 16. The engine 1 further
includes a throttle valve 12 which changes the flow rate of the gas to be supplied
to the combustion chamber 15 and a fuel supply device 13 which supplies the fuel to
the combustion chamber 15. The fuel supply device 13 may be either a carburetor or
a fuel injector. Also, the fuel supply device 13 may supply the fuel via the intake
passage to the combustion chamber 15 or may directly supply the fuel to the combustion
chamber 15.
[0042] The valve device of the engine 1 includes a valve drive device 20 which moves the
intake valves 18 and the exhaust valves 19. The valve drive device 20 includes a camshaft
21 which rotates around a rotation axis A2 parallel to a rotation axis A1 of the crankshaft
4, a drive gear which rotates in the same direction at the same speed as the crankshaft
4, a driven gear which rotates in the same direction at the same speed as the camshaft
21, and an endless chain which transmits the rotation of the drive gear to the driven
gear. The rotation axis A1 of the crankshaft 4 and the rotation axis A2 of the camshaft
21 extend in the left/right direction Dlr.
[0043] The valve drive device 20 further includes an intake spring 23i which generates a
force that moves the intake valves 18 toward a closed position, an exhaust spring
23e which generates a force that moves the exhaust valves 19 toward a closed position,
an intake rocker arm 22i which pushes the intake valves 18 toward an open position,
and an exhaust rocker arm 22e which pushes the exhaust valves 19 toward an open position.
The valve drive device 20 may include a variable valve mechanism which changes the
timing of the opening and closing of the intake valves 18 and the exhaust valves 19
and the lifted amounts thereof.
[0044] The camshaft 21, the intake rocker arm 22i, the exhaust rocker arm 22e, the intake
spring 23i, and the exhaust spring 23e are disposed between the cylinder head 6 and
the head cover 5. The camshaft 21 extends in a direction parallel to the rotation
axis A1 of the crankshaft 4. The camshaft 21 is disposed between the intake valves
18 and the exhaust valves 19. The camshaft 21 is disposed below the intake rocker
arm 22i and the exhaust rocker arm 22e.
[0045] Motive power generated by the burning of the fuel-gas mixture is transmitted from
the crankshaft 4 to the camshaft 21 via the drive gear, the chain, and the driven
gear. The camshaft 21 includes an intake cam 21i which moves the intake valves 18
toward the open position by transmitting, to the intake rocker arm 22i, the force
transmitted to the camshaft 21. The camshaft 21 further includes an exhaust cam 21e
which moves the exhaust valves 19 toward the open position by transmitting, to the
exhaust rocker arm 22e, the force transmitted to the camshaft 21.
[0046] When the camshaft 21 rotates, the intake cam 21i is brought into contact with the
intake rocker arm 22i, and thus the intake rocker arm 22i swings around a swing axis
A3. Thereby, the intake valves 18 are pushed by the intake rocker arm 22i toward the
open position, and thus the intake port 14 is opened. Thereafter, the intake cam 21i
is separated from the intake rocker arm 22i, and thus the intake valves 18 return
to the closed position by the force of the intake spring 23i. Thereby, the intake
port 14 is closed.
[0047] Likewise, when the camshaft 21 rotates, the exhaust cam 21e is brought into contact
with the exhaust rocker arm 22e, and thus the exhaust rocker arm 22e swings around
a swing axis A4. Thereby, the exhaust valves 19 are pushed by the exhaust rocker arm
22e toward the open position, and thus the exhaust port 16 is opened. Thereafter,
the exhaust cam 21e is separated from the exhaust rocker arm 22e, and thus the exhaust
valves 19 return to the closed position by the force of the exhaust spring 23e. Thereby,
the exhaust port 16 is closed.
[0048] Next, the cooling system of the engine 1 will be described.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 1, the engine 1 includes water jackets 29 and 30 which guide a cooling
liquid that cools each portion of the engine 1 and a water pump 28 which feeds the
cooling liquid to the water jackets 29 and 30. The water jackets 29 and 30 include
a body water jacket 29 which is provided in the cylinder body 8 and a head water jacket
30 which is provided in the cylinder head 6.
[0050] The water pump 28 is driven by the motive force generated by the burning of the fuel-gas
mixture. The water pump 28 includes an impeller which is rotated by the motive force
generated by the burning of the fuel-gas mixture and a pump case which houses the
impeller. The impeller is, for example, coaxial with the camshaft 21. The impeller
rotates in the same direction at the same speed as the camshaft 21. The water pump
28 may be another type of pump such as a gear pump.
[0051] The body water jacket 29 is disposed around an inner circumferential surface 9a of
the cylinder 9. The body water jacket 29 has a cylindrical configuration that is continuous
over the entire circumference of the cylinder 9. The head water jacket 30 is disposed
over the body water jacket 29. The head water jacket 30 includes a plurality of relay
ports 44 which are open at the lower surface of the cylinder head 6 (see FIG. 3).
The plurality of relay ports 44 are connected to the body water jacket 29 via a plurality
of through holes 7a which penetrate the gasket 7.
[0052] The cooling liquid fed by the water pump 28 enters the head water jacket 30 through
a water supply inlet 31 (see Fig. 4) of the head water jacket 30 and flows through
the head water jacket 30. Thereafter, the cooling liquid is discharged from the head
water jacket 30 through a drain outlet 42 (see FIG. 4) of the head water jacket 30.
Some of the cooling liquid supplied to the head water jacket 30 is supplied to the
body water jacket 29 via the plurality of relay ports 44, and returns to the head
water jacket 30 via the plurality of relay ports 44.
[0053] In a case where the engine 1 is mounted on a motorcycle which is an example of a
straddled vehicle, the cooling liquid discharged from the cylinder head 6 is supplied
to a thermostat. In a case where the warm-up operation of the engine 1 is completed,
the cooling liquid supplied to the thermostat is fed to a radiator and is cooled in
the radiator. Thereafter, the cooled cooling liquid is supplied again to the water
pump 28. In a case where the engine 1 is mounted on a vessel propulsion apparatus
such as an outboard motor, water outside the vessel propulsion apparatus is taken
into the vessel propulsion apparatus by the suction force of the water pump 28 and
is fed to the head water jacket 30. Thereafter, the cooling liquid is discharged to
the outside of the vessel propulsion apparatus.
[0054] The head water jacket 30 will be described in detail below.
[0055] FIGS. 4 and 5 are diagrams when the head water jacket 30 is viewed from above in
a downward direction. FIG. 6 is a diagram when the head water jacket 30 is viewed
obliquely from below. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view showing portion of the head water
jacket 30 when viewed in a direction of an arrow VII shown in FIG. 5. In FIG. 4, the
intake port 14, the exhaust port 16, and the spark plug 24 are represented by thick
alternate long and two short dashed lines. In FIG. 5, the direction in which the cooling
liquid flows is represented by thick arrows.
[0056] The head water jacket 30 includes a space through which the cooling liquid passes
and an inner surface which defines this space. The space of the head water jacket
30 is a space within the cylinder head 6. The inner surface of the head water jacket
30 is the inner surface of the cylinder head 6, and is not seen from the outside of
the engine 1. Therefore, in FIGS. 4 to 7, with the omission of portion of cylinder
head 6, the appearance of the head water jacket 30 is shown. This is the same as in
FIG. 8 and the like which will be described later.
[0057] The first imaginary plane P1 in the following description is an imaginary plane which
partitions the space into, when viewed in the up/down direction Dud, the intake region
where a plurality of intake outlets 14o are all disposed and the exhaust region where
a plurality of exhaust inlets 16i are all disposed and which includes the center line
C1 of the cylinder 9. The second imaginary plane P2 is an imaginary plane which is
orthogonal to the first imaginary plane P1 and which includes the center line C1 of
the cylinder 9. The second imaginary plane P2 partitions the space into an upstream
region and a downstream region.
[0058] The first imaginary plane P1 and the second imaginary plane P2 partition the space
into four regions. In the following description, a region which belongs both to the
upstream region and the exhaust region is referred to as an "upstream exhaust region
Rue," and a region which belongs both to the downstream region and the exhaust region
is referred to as a "downstream exhaust region Rde." A region which belongs both to
the upstream region and the intake region is referred to as an "upstream intake region
Rui," and a region which belongs both to the downstream region and the intake region
is referred to as a "downstream intake region Rdi."
[0059] As shown in FIG. 4, the head water jacket 30 includes the water supply inlet 31 through
which the cooling liquid enters, the drain outlet 42 through which the cooling liquid
is discharged, and a flow path 32 which extends from the water supply inlet 31 to
the drain outlet 42. As shown in FIG. 6, the head water jacket 30 further includes
the plurality of relay ports 44 through which the cooling liquid flowing between the
body water jacket 29 (see FIG. 1) and the head water jacket 30 passes and a plurality
of relay flow paths 43 which extend from the flow path 32 to the plurality of relay
ports 44.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 4, the flow path 32 includes an annular outer circumferential flow
path 34 which is disposed around the two intake outlets 14o and the two exhaust inlets
16i, a center flow path 39 which is disposed inside the outer circumferential flow
path 34, an upstream connection flow path 38 which extends from the outer circumferential
flow path 34 to the center flow path 39, and a downstream connection flow path 40
which extends from the center flow path 39 to the outer circumferential flow path
34. The flow path 32 further includes an upstream flow path 33 which extends from
the water supply inlet 31 to the outer circumferential flow path 34 and a downstream
flow path 41 which extends from the outer circumferential flow path 34 to the drain
outlet 42.
[0061] As shown in FIG. 4, the water supply inlet 31 and the drain outlet 42 are disposed
around the outer circumferential flow path 34. The water supply inlet 31 and the drain
outlet 42 are open at the outer surface 6a of the cylinder head 6. The upstream flow
path 33 extends from the water supply inlet 31 toward the center line C1 of the cylinder
9. The downstream flow path 41 extends from the drain outlet 42 toward the center
line C1 of the cylinder 9. The water supply inlet 31 and the upstream flow path 33
are disposed in the upstream exhaust region Rue. The drain outlet 42 and the downstream
flow path 41 are disposed in the downstream intake region Rdi.
[0062] As shown in FIG. 4, the downstream flow path 41 defines a through hole 41a which
surrounds a bolt B1 that fixes the cylinder head 6 to the cylinder body 8. In other
words, the bolt B1 penetrates the downstream flow path 41 in the up/down direction
Dud. Therefore, as compared with a case where the bolt B1 does not penetrate the downstream
flow path 41, the sectional area of the downstream flow path 41 is reduced. In a case
where the bolt B1 does not penetrate the downstream flow path 41, such a through hole
41a is not needed. A bolt hole 45 into which the bolt B1 is inserted is open at the
lower surface of the cylinder head 6 (see FIG. 3).
[0063] As shown in FIG. 4, the center flow path 39 is surrounded by the inner circumferential
surface 9a of the cylinder 9. The center flow path 39 overlaps the center line C1
of the cylinder 9. Likewise, the tip end portion 24a of the spark plug 24 overlaps
the center line C1 of the cylinder 9. The center flow path 39 is disposed over the
tip end portion 24a of the spark plug 24, and overlaps the tip end portion 24a of
the spark plug 24. The tip end portion 24a of the spark plug 24 is disposed between
the intake port 14 and the exhaust port 16.
[0064] As shown in FIG. 4, the center flow path 39 is disposed over the two intake outlets
14o and the two exhaust inlets 16i, and overlaps the two intake outlets 14o and the
two exhaust inlets 16i. At least portion of the upstream connection flow path 38 is
disposed in the upstream exhaust region Rue, and at least portion of the downstream
connection flow path 40 is disposed in the upstream intake region Rui. As shown in
FIG. 4, the upstream connection flow path 38 is disposed over the exhaust inlets 16i
disposed in the upstream exhaust region Rue, and overlaps the exhaust inlets 16i.
As shown in FIG. 4, the downstream connection flow path 40 is disposed over the intake
outlets 14o disposed in the upstream intake region Rui, and overlaps the intake outlets
14o.
[0065] As shown in FIG. 4, the outer circumferential flow path 34 is disposed over the body
water jacket 29, and overlaps the body water jacket 29. The plurality of relay flow
paths 43 extends from the outer circumferential flow path 34 toward the body water
jacket 29. At least portion of the outer circumferential flow path 34 is disposed
around the inner circumferential surface 9a of the cylinder 9. The entire outer circumferential
flow path 34 may be disposed around the inner circumferential surface 9a of the cylinder
9 or only portion of the outer circumferential flow path 34 may be disposed around
the inner circumferential surface 9a of the cylinder 9.
[0066] The outer circumferential flow path 34 includes an exhaust side flow path 35 which
is disposed in the exhaust region, an intake side flow path 37 which is disposed in
the intake region, and an intermediate flow path 36 which makes the exhaust side flow
path 35 and the intake side flow path 37 connect to each other. The intermediate flow
path 36 is disposed in the downstream region. As shown in FIG. 4, the intermediate
flow path 36 is disposed below the spark plug 24, and overlaps the spark plug 24.
As shown in FIG. 4, the exhaust side flow path 35 is disposed below the exhaust port
16, and overlaps the exhaust port 16. As shown in FIG. 4, the intake side flow path
37 is disposed below the intake port 14, and overlaps the intake port 14.
[0067] As shown in FIG. 5, an outer circumferential surface 35a of the exhaust side flow
path 35 includes an arc portion 51 which is coaxial with the center line C1 of the
cylinder 9. An outer circumferential surface 36a of the intermediate flow path 36
includes an inward convex portion 52 which protrudes from the arc portion 51 of the
exhaust side flow path 35 toward the center line C1 of the cylinder 9. The inward
convex portion 52 protrudes toward the center line of the head water jacket 30. As
shown in FIG. 4, the inward convex portion 52 is disposed below the spark plug 24,
and overlaps the spark plug 24. Since the inward convex portion 52 is provided, as
compared with a case where the outer circumferential surface 36a of the intermediate
flow path 36 is formed in the shape of an arc which is coaxial with the center line
C1 of the cylinder 9, the sectional area of the intermediate flow path 36 is reduced.
[0068] As shown in FIG. 6, the exhaust side flow path 35 includes an upper convex portion
53 which protrudes upward from the lower surface of the exhaust side flow path 35.
The upper convex portion 53 protrudes upward from the lower surface of the exhaust
side flow path 35, and also protrudes from the outer circumferential surface 35a of
the exhaust side flow path 35 toward the center line C1 of the cylinder 9. The upper
convex portion 53 is disposed below the upper surface of the exhaust side flow path
35. As shown in FIG. 5, when the head water jacket 30 is viewed from above, the upper
convex portion 53 is hidden by the upper surface of the exhaust side flow path 35.
[0069] As shown in FIG. 7, the upper convex portion 53 is disposed between the plurality
of relay flow paths 43 in the circumferential direction (the left/right direction
of FIG. 7) of the cylinder 9. The upper convex portion 53 guides the cooling liquid
within the exhaust side flow path 35 toward the center line C1 of the cylinder 9 while
guiding the cooling liquid upward. The flow of the cooling liquid flowing downstream
toward the relay flow paths 43 is rectified to a direction which separates from the
plurality of relay flow paths 43. Thereby, it is possible to reduce resistance applied
to the cooling liquid, and thus it is possible to reduce a decrease in the flow velocity
of the cooling liquid.
[0070] FIG. 8 is a diagram when the upstream connection flow path 38, the center flow path
39, and the downstream connection flow path 40 of the head water jacket 30 are viewed
from above in the downward direction. FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing a vertical
section taken along line IX-IX shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing
a vertical section taken along line X-X shown in FIG. 8.
[0071] As shown in FIG. 8, the upstream connection flow path 38 and the downstream connection
flow path 40 are separated from each other in the front/rear direction Dfr. The upstream
connection flow path 38, the center flow path 39, and the downstream connection flow
path 40 define a mountain-shaped convex portion 54 extending toward the center flow
path 39 between the upstream connection flow path 38 and the downstream connection
flow path 40. A width W1 of a tip end portion 54a of the mountain-shaped convex portion
54 in the front/rear direction Dfr is smaller than a width Wu of the upstream connection
flow path 38 in the front/rear direction Dfr. A length Llr of the center flow path
39 in the left/right direction Dlr is smaller than a length Lfr of the center flow
path 39 in the front/rear direction Dfr but larger than the width Wu of the upstream
connection flow path 38 in the front/rear direction Dfr.
[0072] FIG. 9 shows a vertical section of the cylinder head 6 and the head water jacket
30. The material of the cylinder head 6, that is, the cylinder head 6 before being
subjected to machining such as cutting is manufactured by, for example, casting. In
this case, a sand core which has the same shape as the head water jacket 30 is disposed
inside a casting mold, and thereafter a molten metal is poured into the casting mold.
When the metal is solidified, and the material of the cylinder head 6 is molded, the
collapsed sand core, that is, sand grains are removed from the material of the cylinder
head 6. Thereby, a cavity which has the same shape as the head water jacket 30 is
defined in the material of the cylinder head 6.
[0073] As shown in FIG. 9, the cylinder head 6 includes a gas vent 55 which discharges the
sand grains within the head water jacket 30. The gas vent 55 extends upward from the
center flow path 39. The gas vent 55 is open at the outer surface 6a of the cylinder
head 6 and at the inner surface of the head water jacket 30. The gas vent 55 is closed
by a cylindrical filling plug 56 which is attached to the cylinder head 6. The filling
plug 56 is fixed to the cylinder head 6 with a male screw provided in the outer circumferential
surface of the filling plug 56 and a female screw provided in the inner circumferential
surface of the gas vent 55.
[0074] FIG. 9 shows an example where a circular bottom surface 56a of the filling plug 56
is disposed so as to be flush with the lower end of the gas vent 55. The bottom surface
56a of the filling plug 56 may be disposed at a different height from the lower end
of the gas vent 55. In a case where the bottom surface 56a of the filling plug 56
protrudes downward from the lower end of the gas vent 55, the sectional area of the
head water jacket 30 is reduced below the filling plug 56. Thereby, it is possible
to increase the flow velocity of the cooling liquid or to divert portion of the cooling
liquid flowing toward the filling plug 56 around the filling plug 56.
[0075] As shown in FIG. 8, the gas vent 55 overlaps the spark plug 24. A center line C2
of the gas vent 55 is parallel to the center line C1 of the cylinder 9. The shortest
distance D2 from the center line C1 of the cylinder 9 to the center line C2 of the
gas vent 55 is shorter than a diameter Φ2 of the gas vent 55. FIG. 8 shows an example
where the center line C1 of the cylinder 9 does not overlap the gas vent 55 and is
disposed around the gas vent 55. The center line C1 of the cylinder 9 may overlap
the gas vent 55. That is, the distance D2 from the center line C1 of the cylinder
9 to the center line C2 of the gas vent 55 may be smaller than the radius of the gas
vent 55.
[0076] FIG. 10 shows a vertical section of the upstream connection flow path 38 and the
downstream connection flow path 40 along a cut plane parallel to the second imaginary
plane P2. The width Wu of the upstream connection flow path 38 in the front/rear direction
Dfr is increased continuously or stepwise from the lower end portion of the upstream
connection flow path 38 to the upper end portion of the upstream connection flow path
38. Likewise, a width Wd of the downstream connection flow path 40 in the front/rear
direction Dfr is increased continuously or stepwise from the lower end portion of
the downstream connection flow path 40 to the upper end portion of the downstream
connection flow path 40.
[0077] The maximum value of the width Wu of the upstream connection flow path 38 in the
front/rear direction Dfr is smaller than the maximum value of the width Wd of the
downstream connection flow path 40 in the front/rear direction Dfr. The maximum value
of a length Lu (height) of the upstream connection flow path 38 in the up/down direction
Dud is smaller than a length Ld of the downstream connection flow path 40 in the up/down
direction Dud. The sectional area of the upstream connection flow path 38 is smaller
than the sectional area of the downstream connection flow path 40. The cooling liquid
flows from the upstream connection flow path 38 to the center flow path 39, and flows
from the center flow path 39 to the downstream connection flow path 40. Since the
sectional area of the upstream connection flow path 38 is small, a swift flow of the
cooling liquid is formed in the upstream connection flow path 38. Therefore, the cooling
liquid whose flow velocity is high flows from the upstream connection flow path 38
to the center flow path 39.
[0078] As described above, in the first preferred embodiment, the cooling liquid flowing
through the head water jacket 30 cools the portions of the cylinder head 6, in particular,
the exhaust port 16, the plug hole 25, and portions in the vicinity thereof. The center
flow path 39 of the head water jacket 30 overlaps the spark plug 24 when viewed in
the up/down direction Dud. Therefore, the center flow path 39 is disposed near the
tip end portion 24a of the spark plug 24. Thereby, the tip end portion 24a of the
spark plug 24 is mainly cooled by the cooling liquid flowing through the center flow
path 39.
[0079] The sectional area of the upstream connection flow path 38 is smaller than the sectional
area of the downstream connection flow path 40. Since the sectional area of the upstream
connection flow path 38 is small, the cooling liquid flows swiftly through the upstream
connection flow path 38. Since the cooling liquid whose flow velocity is high flows
from the upstream connection flow path 38 to the center flow path 39, the cooling
liquid also flows swiftly through the center flow path 39. When the cooling liquid
flows swiftly, heat is discharged efficiently. Therefore, it is possible to effectively
lower the temperature of a portion around a plug, that is, a portion around the plug
hole 25 in the inner surface of the combustion chamber 15. In addition, it is possible
to effectively lower the temperature of a portion between exhaust valve seats, that
is, a portion between the exhaust inlets 16i in the inner surface of the combustion
chamber 15.
[0080] Furthermore, both the upstream connection flow path 38 and the downstream connection
flow path 40 are not narrow, and only the upstream connection flow path 38 is narrow.
When the material of the cylinder head 6 is casted, the sand core which has the same
shape as the head water jacket 30 is used. When both the upstream connection flow
path 38 and the downstream connection flow path 40 are narrow, the strength of the
sand core is lowered. Therefore, only the upstream connection flow path 38 is made
narrow, and thus it is possible to enhance the cooling performance of the engine 1
while suppressing a decrease in the strength of the sand core.
[0081] In the first preferred embodiment, the inward convex portion 52 which protrudes toward
the center line of the head water jacket 30 is provided in the outer circumferential
surface of the outer circumferential flow path 34. The inward convex portion 52 of
the outer circumferential flow path 34 protrudes from the arc portion 51 coaxial with
the inner circumferential surface 9a of the cylinder 9 toward the center line C1 of
the cylinder 9. In other words, as compared with a case where the inward convex portion
52 is not provided, the sectional area of the outer circumferential flow path 34 is
reduced. Therefore, a swift flow of the cooling liquid is formed in the inward convex
portion 52 of the outer circumferential flow path 34. The inward convex portion 52
of the outer circumferential flow path 34 overlaps the spark plug 24 when viewed in
the up/down direction Dud, and is disposed near the spark plug 24. Therefore, it is
possible to efficiently cool the spark plug 24 and a portion in the vicinity thereof.
[0082] In the first preferred embodiment, the gas vent 55 which discharges the sand core
that molds the head water jacket 30 when the material of the cylinder head 6 is casted
is provided in the cylinder head 6, and is closed by the filling plug 56. The gas
vent 55 is disposed near the center line C1 of the cylinder 9, and the distance D2
from the center line C2 of the gas vent 55 to the center line C1 of the cylinder 9
is smaller than the diameter Φ2 of the gas vent 55.
[0083] The gas vent 55 extends upward from the center flow path 39 which cools the spark
plug 24 and a portion in the vicinity thereof. A tip end surface 39a (see FIG. 4)
of the center flow path 39 is normally disposed near the spark plug 24. When the gas
vent 55 is far from the center line C1 of the cylinder 9, the width of the center
flow path 39 is increased, and thus the flow velocity of the cooling liquid in the
center flow path 39 is lowered. By contrast, when the gas vent 55 is brought close
to the center line C1 of the cylinder 9, the center flow path 39 can be made narrow
and it is possible to increase the flow velocity of the cooling liquid in the center
flow path 39. Thereby, it is possible to efficiently cool the spark plug 24 and a
portion in the vicinity thereof.
[0084] In the first preferred embodiment, the mountain-shaped convex portion 54 which extends
toward the center flow path 39 when viewed in the up/down direction Dud is disposed
between the upstream connection flow path 38 and the downstream connection flow path
40. The tip end portion 54a of the mountain-shaped convex portion 54 is defined by
the upstream connection flow path 38, the center flow path 39, and the downstream
connection flow path 40. The tip end portion 54a of the mountain-shaped convex portion
54 enters the center flow path 39, and the center flow path 39 is made narrow in the
left/right direction Dlr. The length Llr of the center flow path 39 in the left/right
direction Dlr is smaller than the length Lfr of the center flow path 39 in the front/rear
direction Dfr. As described above, since the center flow path 39 is narrow in the
left/right direction Dlr, it is possible to increase the flow velocity of the cooling
liquid in the center flow path 39.
[0085] In the first preferred embodiment, the length Llr of the center flow path 39 in the
left/right direction Dlr is not only smaller than the length Lfr of the center flow
path 39 in the front/rear direction Dfr, but also larger than the width Wu of the
upstream connection flow path 38 when viewed in the up/down direction Dud. When the
center flow path 39 is excessively narrow, the strength of the sand core that molds
the head water jacket 30 is lowered. Therefore, it is possible to enhance the cooling
performance of the engine 1 while suppressing a decrease in the strength of the sand
core.
Second preferred embodiment
[0086] In FIGS. 11 to 15 below, arrangements equivalent to those shown in FIGS. 1 to 10
are identified with the same reference signs as in FIG. 1 and the like, and the description
thereof will be omitted.
[0087] FIG. 11 is a plan view when a head water jacket 30 according to a second preferred
embodiment is viewed from above in the downward direction. FIG. 12 is a diagram when
the center flow path 39 of the head water jacket 30 is viewed obliquely from above.
FIG. 13 is a sectional view showing a vertical section along the second imaginary
plane P2.
[0088] As shown in FIG. 12, the center flow path 39 includes a downward convex portion 61
which protrudes downward from the upper surface of the center flow path 39. As shown
in FIG. 13, the downward convex portion 61 has a vertical section which is formed
in the shape of the letter U that is open upward. The downward convex portion 61 includes
a pair of side surfaces 61b which are respectively disposed in the exhaust region
and the intake region and a top surface 61a which is disposed between the lower ends
of the pair of side surfaces 61b. As shown in FIG. 12, the center flow path 39 includes
the tip end surface 39a which is located close to the spark plug 24. The tip end surface
39a extends downward from the tip end edge (the edge located on the side of the spark
plug 24) of the top surface 61a.
[0089] As shown in FIG. 11, the upstream connection flow path 38 and the downstream connection
flow path 40 extend from the outer circumferential flow path 34 toward the center
line C1 of the cylinder 9. A center line Cu of the upstream connection flow path 38
passes through the center line C1 of the cylinder 9. Likewise, a center line Cd of
the downstream connection flow path 40 passes through the center line C1 of the cylinder
9. The center line Cu of the upstream connection flow path 38 and the center line
Cd of the downstream connection flow path 40 are inclined in directions opposite to
each other with respect to the first imaginary plane P1. The absolute value of an
inclination angle θu at which the center line Cu of the upstream connection flow path
38 is inclined with respect to the first imaginary plane P1 is larger than the absolute
value of an inclination angle θd at which the center line Cd of the downstream connection
flow path 40 is inclined with respect to the first imaginary plane P1.
[0090] FIG. 14 is a sectional view showing a vertical section taken along line XIV-XIV shown
in FIG. 11. FIG. 15 is a sectional view showing a vertical section taken along line
XV-XV shown in FIG. 11. A distance from the center line C1 of the cylinder 9 to the
cross section shown in FIG. 14 is equal to a distance from the center line C1 of the
cylinder 9 to the cross section shown in FIG. 15. A scale on the cross section shown
in FIG. 14 is equal to a scale on the cross section shown in FIG. 15. Therefore, the
sectional area of the upstream connection flow path 38 is smaller than the sectional
area of the downstream connection flow path 40. Thereby, it is possible to increase
the flow velocity of the cooling liquid in the upstream connection flow path 38, and
thus it is possible to feed the cooling liquid whose flow velocity is high from the
upstream connection flow path 38 to the center flow path 39.
[0091] In addition to the actions and effects in the first preferred embodiment, the second
preferred embodiment can exhibit actions and effects below. Specifically, in the second
preferred embodiment, the downward convex portion 61 which protrudes toward the center
line of the head water jacket 30 is provided in the center flow path 39. The center
flow path 39 protrudes downward from the upper surface of the center flow path 39.
Therefore, as compared with a case where the downward convex portion 61 is not provided,
the sectional area of the center flow path 39 is reduced. Thereby, it is possible
to increase the flow velocity of the cooling liquid in the center flow path 39, and
thus it is possible to enhance the cooling performance.
[0092] Furthermore, the pair of side surfaces 61b of the downward convex portion 61 are
respectively disposed in the exhaust region and the intake region. In this case, as
compared with a case where the pair of side surfaces 61b are not provided, that is,
a case where the center flow path 39 is simply reduced in thickness in the up/down
direction Dud, it is possible to reduce a decrease in a contact area between the head
water jacket 30 and portions in the vicinity of the exhaust port 16 and the intake
port 14.
Other Preferred Embodiments
[0093] Although preferred embodiments have been described above, various modifications of
the embodiments are possible.
[0094] For example, the number of intake valves 18 and exhaust valves 19 corresponding to
the same cylinder 9 may be equal to or more than four. For example, three intake valves
18 and two exhaust valves 19 may be provided in the same cylinder 9.
[0095] Either of the intake rocker arm 22i and the exhaust rocker arm 22e may be omitted.
In this case, it suffices to push the intake valves 18 or the exhaust valves 19 by
the intake cam 21i or the exhaust cam 21e.
[0096] The water supply inlet 31 and the upstream flow path 33 may be omitted. Alternatively,
the drain outlet 42 and the downstream flow path 41 may be omitted. In these cases,
it suffices to make the plurality of relay ports 44 function as the water supply inlet
31 or the drain outlet 42. For example, the cooling liquid fed by the water pump 28
may be supplied, via the plurality of relay ports 44 serving as the water supply inlet
31, to the head water jacket 30.
[0097] The width Wu of the upstream connection flow path 38 may be constant from the upper
end portion of the upstream connection flow path 38 to the lower end portion of the
upstream connection flow path 38. The same is true for the downstream connection flow
path 40.
[0098] An arrangement may be adopted in which the inward convex portion 52 is not provided
in the intermediate flow path 36 of the outer circumferential flow path 34 and in
which the outer circumferential surface 36a of the intermediate flow path 36 is formed
in the shape of an arc coaxial with the center line C1 of the cylinder 9.
[0099] The distance D2 from the center line C2 of the gas vent 55 to the center line C1
of the cylinder 9 may be equal to the diameter Φ2 of the gas vent 55 or may be larger
than the diameter Φ2 of the gas vent 55.
[0100] The length Llr of the center flow path 39 in the left/right direction Dlr may be
equal to the length Lfr of the center flow path 39 in the front/rear direction Dfr
or may be larger than the length Lfr of the center flow path 39 in the front/rear
direction Dfr.
[0101] The width W1 of the tip end portion 54a of the mountain-shaped convex portion 54
in the front/rear direction Dfr may be equal to the width Wd of the downstream connection
flow path 40 or may be larger than the width Wd of the downstream connection flow
path 40.
[0102] Two or more arrangements among all the arrangements described above may be combined
within the scope of the appended claims.
1. Ein wassergekühlter Motor (1) mit einzelner obenliegender Nocken-Welle, der umfasst:
einen Zylinder-Körper (8), der einen Zylinder (9) beinhaltet, der eine Mittel-Linie
(C1) hat, die sich in eine erste Richtung erstreckt;
einen Kolben (2), der konfiguriert und angeordnet ist, um in dem Zylinder (9) in der
ersten Richtung hin und her zu gehen;
einen Zylinder-Kopf (6), der an einem ersten End-Abschnitt von dem Zylinder-Körper
(8) positioniert ist und der, zusammen mit dem Zylinder (9) und dem Kolben (2), eine
Verbrennungs-Kammer (15) definiert, die konfiguriert ist, um eine Luft-Kraftstoff-Mischung
zu verbrennen;
eine Zündkerze (24), die an dem Zylinder-Kopf (6) angebracht ist und die konfiguriert
ist, um die Luft-Kraftstoff-Mischung in der Verbrennungs-Kammer (15) zu entzünden,
um die Luft-Kraftstoff-Mischung zu verbrennen; und
eine Ventil-Vorrichtung, die konfiguriert ist, um Einlass-Gas, das zu der Verbrennungs-Kammer
(15) zuzuführen ist, und Auslass-Gas, das von der Verbrennungs-Kammer (15) abzugeben
ist, zu steuern, wobei der Zylinder-Kopf (6) beinhaltet: einen Einlass-Anschluss (14),
der eine Mehrzahl von Einlass-Auslässen (14o) beinhaltet, die zu einer Innen-Fläche
von der Verbrennungs-Kammer (15) offen sind;
einen Auslass-Anschluss (16), der eine Mehrzahl von Auslass-Einlässen (16I) beinhaltet,
die an der Innen-Fläche von der Verbrennungs-Kammer (15) offen sind;
ein Kerzen-Loch (25), das einen Kerzen-Auslass (25O) beinhaltet, der zu der Innen-Fläche
von der Verbrennungs-Kammer (15) offen ist; und einen Kopf-Wasser-Mantel (30), der
eine Kühl-Flüssigkeit führt,
die Zündkerze (24) ist in das Kerzen-Loch (25) eingesetzt, und schräg mit Bezug auf
die Mittel-Linie (C1) von dem Zylinder (9) geneigt,
die Ventil-Vorrichtung beinhaltet:
eine Nocken-Welle (21), die konfiguriert ist, um um eine Dreh-Achse (A2) zu drehen,
die sich in eine zweite Richtung, die senkrecht mit der ersten Richtung ist, erstreckt;
eine Mehrzahl von Einlass-Ventilen (18), die konfiguriert sind, um jeweils die Mehrzahl
von Einlass-Auslässen (14o), gemäß zu einer Drehung von der Nocken-Welle (21), zu
öffnen und zu schließen; und
eine Mehrzahl von Auslass-Ventilen (19), die konfiguriert sind, um die Mehrzahl von
Auslass-Einlässen (16I), gemäß von der Drehung von der Nocken-Welle (21), zu öffnen
und zu schließen,
der Kopf-Wasser-Mantel (30) beinhaltet:
einen Wasser-Zufuhr-Einlass (31), der an einer Außen-Fläche (6A) von dem Zylinder-Kopf
(6) offen ist, und der für die Kühl-Flüssigkeit konfiguriert ist hineinströmt;
einen Ablass-Auslass (42), der an der Außen-Fläche (6A) von dem Zylinder-Kopf (6)
offen ist, und konfiguriert ist, um die Kühl-Flüssigkeit, die in den Wasser-Zufuhr-Einlass
(31) eingeströmt ist, abzugeben;
einen ringförmigen Außen-Umfangs-Strömungs-Pfad (34), der um die Mehrzahl von Einlass-Auslässen
(14o) und die Mehrzahl von Auslass-Einlässen (16I) positioniert ist, wenn in der ersten
Richtung betrachtet, und der konfiguriert ist, um die Kühl-Flüssigkeit, die in den
Wasser-Zufuhr-Einlass (31) eingeströmt ist, zu dem Ablass-Auslass (42) zu führen;
einen Mitten-Strömungs-Pfad (39), der innerhalb des Außen-Umfangs-Strömungs-Pfads
(34) positioniert ist, wenn in der ersten Richtung betrachtet, und der die Zündkerze
(24) überlappt, wenn in der ersten Richtung betrachtet;
einen Stromauf-Verbindungs-Strömungs-Pfad (38), der sich von dem Außen-Umfangs-Strömungs-Pfad
(34) zu dem Mitten-Strömungs-Pfad (39) erstreckt, und der konfiguriert ist, um die
Kühl-Flüssigkeit von dem Außen-Umfangs-Strömungs-Pfad (34) zu dem Mitten-Strömungs-Pfad
(39) zu führen; und
einen Stromab-Verbindungs-Strömungs-Pfad (40), der sich von dem Mitten-Strömungs-Pfad
(39) zu dem Außen-Umfangs-Strömungs-Pfad (34) erstreckt, der von dem Stromauf-Verbindungs-Strömungs-Pfad
(38) getrennt ist, und der konfiguriert ist, um die Kühl-Flüssigkeit, geführt durch
den Stromauf-Verbindungs-Strömungs-Pfad (38), zu dem Mitten-Strömungs-Pfad (39), von
dem Mitten-Strömungs-Pfad (39) zu dem Außen-Umfangs-Strömungs-Pfad (34) zu führen,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Stromauf-Verbindungs-Strömungs-Pfad (38) einen Querschnitts-Bereich hat, der
kleiner ist als ein Querschnitts-Bereich von dem Stromab-Verbindungs-Strömungs-Pfad
(40), wobei
ein Maximal-Wert einer Breite (Wu) von dem Stromauf-Verbindungs-Strömungs-Pfad (38),
wenn betrachtet in der ersten Richtung, kleiner ist als ein Maximal-Wert von einer
Breite (Wd) von dem Stromab-Verbindungs-Strömungs-Pfad (40), wenn betrachtet in der
ersten Richtung, und ein Maximal-Wert von einer Länge (Lu) von dem Stromauf-Verbindungs-Strömungs-Pfad
(38) in der ersten Richtung kleiner als ein Maximal-Wert von einer Länge (Ld) von
dem Stromab-Verbindungs-Strömungs-Pfad (40) in der ersten Richtung ist.
2. Ein wassergekühlter Motor (1) mit einzelner obenliegender Nocken-Welle gemäß Anspruch
1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass eine äußere Umfangs-Fläche von dem Außen-Umfangs-Strömungs-Pfad (34) beinhaltet:
einen Bogen-Abschnitt (51), der eine Bogen-Form-Konfiguration hat, die koaxial mit
einer Innen-Umfangs-Fläche von dem Zylinder (9) ist, wenn in der ersten Richtung betrachtet;
und einen inwärtigen Konvex-Abschnitt (52), der von dem Bogen-Abschnitt (51) zu der
Mittel-Linie (C1) von dem Zylinder (9) vorspringt, wenn in der ersten Richtung betrachtet,
und der die Zündkerze (24) überlappt, wenn in der ersten Richtung betrachtet.
3. Ein wassergekühlter Motor (1) mit einzelner obenliegender Nocken-Welle gemäß Anspruch
1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Zylinder-Kopf (6) weiterhin eine Gas-Ventilation (55) beinhaltet, die sich nach
oben von dem Mitten-Strömungs-Pfad (39) erstreckt,
der wassergekühlte Motor (1) mit einzelner obenliegender Nocken-Welle beinhaltet weiter
einen Füll-Stopfen (56), der die Gas-Ventilation (55) verschließt, und
ein Abstand (D2) von der Mittel-Linie (C1) von der Gas-Ventilation (55) zu der Mittel-Linie
(C1) von dem Zylinder (9) ist kleiner als ein Durchmesser (Φ2) von der Gas-Ventilation
(55).
4. Ein wassergekühlter Motor (1) mit einzelner obenliegender Nocken-Welle gemäß zu irgendeinem
der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Stromauf-Verbindungs-Strömungs-Pfad (38), der Mitten-Strömungs-Pfad (39), und
der Stromab-Verbindungs-Strömungs-Pfad (40), zwischen dem Stromauf-Verbindungs-Strömungs-Pfad
(38) und dem Stromab-Verbindungs-Strömungs-Pfad (40), einen berg-förmigen konvexen
Abschnitt (54) definieren, der sich zu dem Mitten-Strömungs-Pfad (39) erstreckt, wenn
in der ersten Richtung betrachtet, und eine Länge (Llr) von dem Mitten-Strömungs-Pfad
(39) in der zweiten Richtung ist kleiner als eine Länge (Lfr) von dem Mitten-Strömungs-Pfad
(39) in einer dritten Richtung, die orthogonal zu beiden von der ersten und der zweiten
Richtung ist.
5. Ein wassergekühlter Motor (1) mit einzelner obenliegender Nocken-Welle gemäß Anspruch
4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Länge (Llr) von dem Mitten-Strömungs-Pfad (39) in der zweiten Richtung größer
als die Breite (Bu) von dem Stromauf-Verbindungs-Strömungs-Pfad (38) ist, wenn in
der ersten Richtung betrachtet.
6. Ein wassergekühlter Motor (1) mit einzelner obenliegender Nocken-Welle gemäß zu irgendeinem
der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Mitten-Strömungs-Pfad (39) einen Konvex-Abschnitt (61), der in der ersten Richtung
von einer ersten Fläche von dem Mitten-Strömungs-Pfad (39) vorsteht, und der Konvex-Abschnitt
(61) beinhaltet ein Paar von Seiten-Flächen (61B), die jeweils in einem Auslass-Bereich
und einem Einlass-Bereich positioniert sind; und eine Oben-Fläche (61A), die zwischen
unteren Enden von dem Paar von Seiten-Flächen (61B) positioniert ist.
1. Moteur (1) à arbre à cames en tête simple refroidi à l'eau, comprenant :
un corps de cylindre (8) qui comporte un cylindre (9) possédant un axe (C1) qui s'étend
dans une première direction ;
un piston (2) configuré et conçu pour effectuer un mouvement de va-et-vient à l'intérieur
du cylindre (9) dans la première direction ;
une culasse (6) qui est disposée sur une première partie d'extrémité du corps de cylindre
(8) et qui définit, avec le cylindre (9) et le piston (2), une chambre de combustion
(15) configurée pour brûler un mélange air-carburant ;
une bougie d'allumage (24) qui est fixée sur la culasse (6) et qui est configurée
pour allumer le mélange air-carburant à l'intérieur de la chambre de combustion (15)
pour brûler le mélange air-carburant ; et
un dispositif formant soupape configuré pour commander un gaz d'admission devant être
amené à la chambre de combustion (15) et un gaz d'échappement devant être déchargé
de la chambre de combustion (15), dans lequel la culasse (6) comprend : un conduit
d'admission (14) qui comporte une pluralité d'orifices de sortie côté admission (14o)
qui s'ouvrent au niveau d'une surface interne de la chambre de combustion (15) ; un
conduit d'échappement (16) qui comporte une pluralité d'orifices d'entrée côté échappement
(16i) qui s'ouvrent au niveau de la surface interne de la chambre de combustion (15)
; un trou de bougie (25) qui comporte un orifice de sortie de bougie (25o) qui s'ouvre
au niveau de la surface interne de la chambre de combustion (15) ; et une chemise
d'eau de culasse (30) qui guide un liquide de refroidissement,
la bougie d'allumage (24) est insérée dans le trou de bougie (25) et est inclinée
obliquement par rapport à l'axe (C1) du cylindre (9),
le dispositif formant soupape comprend :
un arbre à cames (21) configuré pour tourner autour d'un axe de rotation (A2) s'étendant
dans une deuxième direction qui est perpendiculaire à la première direction ;
une pluralité de soupapes d'admission (18) configurées pour ouvrir et fermer, respectivement,
la pluralité d'orifices de sortie côté admission (14o) en fonction d'une rotation
de l'arbre à cames (21) ; et
une pluralité de soupapes d'échappement (19) configurées pour ouvrir et fermer, respectivement,
la pluralité d'orifices d'entrée côté échappement (16i) en fonction de la rotation
de l'arbre à cames (21),
la chemise d'eau de culasse (30) comprend :
une entrée d'alimentation d'eau (31) qui s'ouvre niveau d'une surface extérieure (6a)
de la culasse (6) et est configurée pour l'introduction de l'écoulement de liquide
de refroidissement ;
une sortie d'évacuation (42) qui s'ouvre niveau de la surface extérieure (6a) de la
culasse (6) et est configurée pour décharger le liquide de refroidissement qui a été
introduit dans l'entrée d'alimentation d'eau (31) ;
un chemin d'écoulement circonférentiel extérieur annulaire (34) qui entoure la pluralité
d'orifices de sortie côté admission (14o) et la pluralité d'orifices d'entrée côté
échappement (16i), en regardant dans la première direction, et qui est configuré pour
guider l'écoulement de liquide de refroidissement introduit dans l'entrée d'alimentation
d'eau (31) vers la sortie d'évacuation (42) ;
un chemin d'écoulement central (39) qui est disposé sur l'intérieur du chemin d'écoulement
circonférentiel extérieur (34), en regardant dans la première direction, et qui chevauche
la bougie d'allumage (24), en regardant dans la première direction ;
un chemin d'écoulement de connexion d'amont (38) qui s'étend du chemin d'écoulement
circonférentiel extérieur (34) vers le chemin d'écoulement central (39) et qui est
configuré pour guider le liquide de refroidissement du chemin d'écoulement circonférentiel
extérieur (34) vers le chemin d'écoulement central (39) ; et
un chemin d'écoulement de connexion d'aval (40) qui s'étend du chemin d'écoulement
central (39) vers le chemin d'écoulement circonférentiel extérieur (34), qui est séparé
du chemin d'écoulement de connexion d'amont (38) et qui est configuré pour guider
le liquide de refroidissement, guidé par le chemin d'écoulement de connexion d'amont
(38) vers le chemin d'écoulement central (39), du chemin d'écoulement central (39)
vers le chemin d'écoulement circonférentiel extérieur (34),
caractérisé en ce que le chemin d'écoulement de connexion d'amont (38) a une aire de section inférieure
à une aire de section du chemin d'écoulement de connexion d'aval (40), dans lequel
une valeur maximale d'une largeur (Wu) du chemin d'écoulement de connexion d'amont
(38), en regardant dans la première direction, est inférieure à une valeur maximale
d'une largeur (Wd) du chemin d'écoulement de connexion d'aval (40), en regardant dans
la première direction, et une valeur maximale d'une longueur (Lu) du chemin d'écoulement
de connexion d'amont (38) dans la première direction est inférieure à une valeur maximale
d'une longueur (Ld) du chemin d'écoulement de connexion d'aval (40) dans la première
direction.
2. Moteur (1) à arbre à cames en tête simple refroidi à l'eau selon la revendication
1, caractérisé en ce qu'une surface circonférentielle externe du chemin d'écoulement circonférentiel extérieur
(34) comprend : une portion en arc (51) qui présente une configuration arquée coaxiale
avec une surface circonférentielle interne du cylindre (9), en regardant la première
direction ; et une partie convexe interne (52) qui avance depuis la portion en arc
(51) vers l'axe (C1) du cylindre (9), en regardant dans la première direction, et
qui chevauche la bougie d'allumage (24), en regardant dans la première direction.
3. Moteur (1) à arbre à cames en tête simple refroidi à l'eau selon la revendication
1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que la culasse (6) comprend en outre un évent de gaz (55) qui s'étend vers le haut depuis
le chemin d'écoulement central (39),
le moteur (1) à arbre à cames en tête simple refroidi à l'eau comprend en outre un
bouchon de remplissage (56) qui ferme l'évent de gaz (55), et
une distance (D2) d'un axe (C1) de l'évent de gaz (55) à l'axe (C1) du cylindre (9)
est inférieure à un diamètre (Φ2) de l'évent de gaz (55).
4. Moteur (1) à arbre à cames en tête simple refroidi à l'eau selon l'une quelconque
des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce que le chemin d'écoulement de connexion d'amont (38), le chemin d'écoulement central
(39) et le chemin d'écoulement de connexion d'aval (40) définissent, entre le chemin
d'écoulement de connexion d'amont (38) et le chemin d'écoulement de connexion d'aval
(40), une partie convexe en forme de montagne (54) qui s'étend vers le chemin d'écoulement
central (39), en regardant dans la première direction, et
une longueur (Llr) du chemin d'écoulement central (39) dans la deuxième direction
est inférieure à une longueur (Lfr) du chemin d'écoulement central (39) dans une troisième
direction qui est orthogonale à la fois à la première direction et à la deuxième direction.
5. Moteur (1) à arbre à cames en tête simple refroidi à l'eau selon la revendication
4, caractérisé en ce que la longueur (Llr) du chemin d'écoulement central (39) dans la deuxième direction
est supérieure à la largeur (Wu) du chemin d'écoulement de connexion d'amont (38),
en regardant dans la première direction.
6. Moteur (1) à arbre à cames en tête simple refroidi à l'eau selon l'une quelconque
des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisé en ce que le chemin d'écoulement central (39) comporte une portion convexe (61) qui avance
dans la première direction depuis une première surface du chemin d'écoulement central
(39), et la portion convexe (61) comprend : une paire de surfaces latérales (61b)
qui sont disposées respectivement dans une zone échappement et une zone d'admission
; et une surface supérieure (61a) qui est disposée entre des extrémités inférieures
de la paire de surfaces latérales (61b).