TECHNICAL FIELD
[OOOI]
The present invention relates to crankshafts to be mounted in
reciprocating engines such as automotive engines, marine engines,
and multiple purpose engines used in, for example, power generators.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002]
A reciprocating engine requires a crankshaft for converting the
reciprocating motion of pistons in cylinders to rotational motion so as
to extract power. Crankshafts are generally categorized into two
classes: the type manufactured by die forging and the type
manufactured by casting. Especially for multiple cylinder engines
with two or more cylinders, the firstly mentioned die forged
crankshafts, which are excellent in strength and stiffness, are often
employed.
[0003]
FIG. I is a schematic side v1ew of an example of common
crankshafts for multiple cylinder engines. A crankshaft I shown in
FIG. I is designed to be mounted in a 4·cylinder engine and includes:
five journals JI to J5; four crank pins PI to P4; a front part Fr, a
flange Fl, and eight crank arms AI to A8 (hereinafter also referred to
simply as "arms") that connect the journals JI to J5 and the crank
pins PI to P4 to each other. The crankshaft I is configured such that
all of the eight crank arms AI to A8 are formed integrally with
2
counterweights W1 to W8 (hereinafter also referred to as "weights"),
respectively, and is referred to as a 4-cylinder 8-counterweight
crankshaft.
[0004]
Hereinafter, when the journals J1 to J5, the crank pins P1 to
P4, the crank arms A1 to A8, and the counterweights W1 to W8 are
each collectively referred to, the reference character "J" is used for the
journals, "P" for the crank pins, "A" for the crank arms, and "W" for
the counterweights. A crank pin P and a pair of crank arms A
(including the counterweights W) which connect with the crank pin P
are also collectively referred to as a "throw".
[0005]
The journals J, the front part Fr, and the flange Fl are
arranged coaxially with the center of rotation of the crankshaft 1.
The crank pins P are arranged at positions eccentric with respect to
the center of rotation of the crankshaft 1 by half the distance of the
piston stroke. The journals J are supported by the engine block by
means of sliding bearings and serve as the central rotational axis.
The big end of a connecting rod (hereinafter referred to as "conrod") is
coupled to the crank pin P by means of a sliding bearing, and a piston
is coupled to the small end of the conrod.
[0006]
In an engine, fuel explodes within cylinders. The combustion
pressure generated by the explosion causes reciprocating motion of
the pistons, which is converted into rotational motion of the
crankshaft 1. In this regard, the combustion pressure acts on the
crank pins P of the crankshaft 1 via the conrod and is transmitted to
the journals J via the respective crank arms A connecting to the crank
pins P. In this process, the crankshaft 1 rotates while repetitively
undergoing elastic deformation.
3
[0007]
The bearings that support the journals of the crankshaft are
supplied with lubricating oil. In response to the elastic deformation
of the crankshaft, the oil film pressure and the oil film thickness in
the bearings vary in correlation with the bearing load and the journal
center orbit. Furthermore, depending on the surface roughness of
the journals and the surface roughness of the bearing metal in the
bearings, not only the oil film pressure but also local metal-to-metal
contact occurs. Ensuring a sufficient oil film thickness is important
in order to prevent seizure of the bearings due to lack of lubrication
and to prevent local metal-to-metal contact, thus affecting the fuel
economy performance.
[0008]
In addition, the elastic deformation accompanied with the
rotation of the crankshaft and the movements of the center orbit of
the journals within the clearances of the bearings cause an offset of
the center of rotation, and therefore affect the engine vibration
(mount vibration). Furthermore, the vibration propagates through
the vehicle body and thus affects the noise in the vehicle and the ride
quality.
[0009]
In order to improve such engine performance properties, there
1s a need for a crankshaft having high stiffness with the ability to
resist deformation. In addition, there is a need for weight reduction
of the crankshaft.
[0010]
A crankshaft is subjected to loads due to pressure in cylinders
(combustion pressure in cylinders) and centrifugal force of rotation.
In order to impart deformation resistance to the loads, an attempt is
made to improve the torsional rigidity and the flexural rigidity of the
4
crankshaft. In designing a crankshaft, the main specifications such
as the journal diameter, the crank pin diameter, and the piston stroke
are firstly determined. After determination of the mam
specifications, the remaining region to be designed is the shape of the
crank arm. Thus, the design of the crank arm shape for increasing
both the torsional rigidity and the flexural rigidity is an important
requirement. Strictly speaking, as described above, the crank arms
mean the oval portions connecting the journals and the pins to each
other and do not include the portions serving as counterweights.
[0011]
In the meantime, a crankshaft needs to have a mass
distribution that ensures static balance and dynamic balance so as to
be able to rotate kinematically smoothly as a rotating body.
Accordingly, an important requirement is to adjust the mass of the
counterweight region with respect to the mass of the crank arm region
determined by the requirements for the flexural rigidity and torsional
rigidity, in view of weight reduction while ensuring the static balance
and dynamic balance.
[0012]
For the static balance, the adjustment is made so that when
the mass moment (the "mass" multiplied by the "radius of the center
of mass") of the crank arm region and the counterweight region are
summed, the result is zero. For the dynamic balance, the
adjustment is made so that, when, for each region, the product of the
axial distance from the reference point to the center of mass
multiplied by the mass moment (the "mass" multiplied by the "radius
of the center of mass" multiplied by the "axial distance") is
determined using a point on the rotation axis of the crankshaft as the
reference and the products are summed, the result is zero.
[0013]
5
Furthermore, the balance ratio is adjusted for balancing
against the load of combustion pressure within one throw (a region of
the crankshaft corresponding to one cylinder). The balance ratio is
defined as a ratio of the mass moment of the counterweight region to
the mass moment of the crank arm region including the crank pin
(and also including part of the conrod, strictly speaking) in the
crankshaft, and this balance ratio is adjusted to fall within a certain
range.
[0014]
There 1s a trade-off between an increase in stiffness of the
crank arm of a crankshaft and a reduction in weight thereof, but
heretofore various techniques relating to the crank arm shape have
been proposed in an attempt to meet both needs. Such conventional
techniques include the following.
[0015]
Japanese Patent No. 4998233 (Patent Literature 1) discloses a
crank arm having intensively greatly depressed recess grooves in the
crank pin-side surface of the crank arm and the journal-side surface
thereof, on a straight line connecting the axis of the journal to the
axis of the crank pin (hereinafter also referred to as a "crank arm
centerline"). The crank arm disclosed in Patent Literature 1 is
intended to achieve a reduction in weight and an increase in stiffness.
The recess groove in the journal-side surface contributes to a
reduction in weight by virtue of the reduced mass, and moreover, the
thick region around the recess groove contributes to an increase in
torsional rigidity. However, in reality, an increase in flexural
rigidity cannot be substantially expected because of the intensively
greatly depressed recess grooves on the crank arm centerline.
[0016]
Japanese Translation of PCT International Application
6
Publication No. 2004-538429 (Patent Literature 2), Japanese
Translation of PCT International Application Publication No.
2004-538430 (Patent Literature 3), Japanese Patent Application
Publication No. 2012-7726 (Patent Literature 4), and Japanese
Patent Application Publication No. 2010-230027 (Patent Literature 5)
each disclose a crank arm having a greatly and deeply depressed
hollow portion in the journal-side surface of the crank arm, on the
crank arm centerline. The crank arms disclosed in Patent
Literatures 2 to 5 are also intended to achieve a reduction in weight
and an Increase in torsional rigidity. However, in reality, the
flexural rigidity is reduced because of the greatly and deeply
depressed hollow portion on the crank arm centerline.
CITATION LIST
PATENT LITERATURE
[0017]
Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent No. 4998233
Patent Literature 2: Japanese Translation of PCT
International Application Publication No. 2004-538429
Patent Literature 3: Japanese Translation of PCT
International Application Publication No. 2004-538430
Patent Literature 4: Japanese Patent Application Publication
No. 2012-7726
Patent Literature 5: Japanese Patent Application Publication
No. 2010-230027
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
TECHNICAL PROBLEM
[0018]
With the techniques disclosed in Patent Literatures 1 to 5, it is
7
possible to provide a crankshaft with a reduced weight and an
increased torsional rigidity. However, the conventional techniques
have their limits in increasing the flexural rigidity of a crankshaft,
and therefore technological innovation therefor is strongly desired.
[0019]
The present invention has been made in VIew of the above
circumstances. An object of the present invention is to provide a
crankshaft for reciprocating engines which has a reduced weight and
an increased torsional rigidity in combination with an increased
flexural rigidity.
SOLUTION TO PROBLEMS
[0020]
A crankshaft for a reciprocating engine according to an
embodiment of the present invention includes: journals that define a
central axis of rotation; crank pins that are eccentric with respect to
the journals; crank arms connecting the journals to the crank pins;
and counterweights integrated with the crank arms. The crankshaft
is to be mounted in a reciprocating engine.
Each of the crank arms has recesses in a surface adjacent to
the crank pin, the recesses disposed inward of peripheral regions in
both sides along an edge of the surface, the recesses disposed along
the peripheral regions.
[0021]
In the above-described crankshaft, the recesses may be
connected together at a center of rotation of the crankshaft. The
recesses may be connected together at a position shifted toward the
crank pin from the center of rotation of the crankshaft. The recesses
may be extended along an edge of the journal and connected together
at a position shifted toward the counterweight from the center of
8
rotation of the crankshaft.
[0022]
In the crankshaft, it is preferred that the recesses are
symmetric with respect to a line connecting an axis of the journal to
an axis of the crank pin.
ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION
[0023]
According to the present invention, the crank arm has recesses
m the surface adjacent to a crank pin. Thereby, the peripheral
regions of the crank arm in both sides are thickened, and the regions
inward thereof are thinned because of the recesses. Moreover, the
central region further inward thereof is thickened. This
configuration of the crank arm allows for a reduction in weight, an
increase in torsional rigidity and an increase in flexural rigidity of the
crankshaft.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0024]
[FIG. 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic side v1ew of an example of
common crankshafts for multiple cylinder engines.
[FIG. 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a method
for evaluating the flexural rigidity of a crank arm.
[FIG. 3] FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) are schematic diagrams
illustrating a method for evaluating the torsional rigidity of a crank
arm, wherein FIG. 3(a) is a side view of a throw, and FIG. 3(b) is a
front view thereof in the axial direction.
[FIG. 4] FIGS. 4(a) to 4(c) are diagrams showing typical
examples in which the crank arm is assumed to be a simple circular
plate from the standpoint of torsional rigidity in the sense of Strength
9
of Materials, wherein FIG. 4(a) shows a circular plate having a
rectangular cross section, FIG. 4(b) shows a circular plate having a
projected cross section, and FIG. 4(c) shows a circular plate having a
recessed cross section.
[FIG. 5] FIGS. 5(a) to 5(c) are diagrams showing typical
examples in which the crank arm is assumed to be a simple beam
from the standpoint of flexural rigidity in the sense of Strength of
Materials, wherein FIG. 5(a) shows a beam having a rectangular cross
section, FIG. 5(b) shows a beam having a projected cross section, and
FIG. 5(c) shows a beam having a recessed cross section.
[FIG. 6] FIG. 6 is a graph summarizing the magnitude
relationships between the beams having the respective cross· sectional
shapes in the area moment of inertia and in the polar moment of
inertia, which are directly related to flexural rigidity and torsional
rigidity.
[FIG. 7] FIGS. 7(a) to 7(e) are schematic v1ews showing an
example of a crank arm shape in a crankshaft according to a first
embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 7(a) is a front
view of the crank arm as seen from the crank pin in the axial direction,
FIG. 7(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A·A, FIG. 7(c)
is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B· B, FIG. 7(d) 1s a
cross-sectional view taken along the line C·C, and FIG. 7(e) 1s a
cross-sectional view taken along the line D·D.
[FIG. 8] FIGS. 8(a) to 8(e) are schematic v1ews showing an
example of a crank arm shape in a crankshaft according to a second
embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 8(a) is a front
view of the crank arm as seen from the crank pin in the axial direction,
FIG. 8(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line E·E, FIG. 8(c)
is a cross-sectional view taken along the line F· F, FIG. 8(d) 1s a
cross·sectional view taken along the line G·G, and FIG. 8(e) 1s a
10
cross-sectional view taken along the line H-H.
[FIG. 9] FIGS. 9(a) to 9(e) are schematic v1ews showing an
example of a crank arm shape in a crankshaft according to a third·
embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 9(a) is a front
view of the crank arm as seen from the crank pin in the axial direction,
FIG. 9(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I, FIG. 9(c) is
a cross-sectional view taken along the line J-J, FIG. 9(d) is a
cross-sectional view taken along the line K- K, and FIG. 9(e) is a
cross-sectional view taken along the line L-L.
[FIG. 10] FIGS. 10(a) to 10(e) are schematic views showing an
example of a crank arm shape in a crankshaft according to a fourth
embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 10(a) is a front
view of the crank arm as seen from the crank pin in the axial direction,
FIG. 10(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line M-M, FIG.
10(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line N-N, FIG. 10(d) is a
cross-sectional view taken along the line 0-0, and FIG. 10(e) 1s a
cross-sectional view taken along the line P-P.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0025]
Embodiments of the crankshaft for a reciprocating eng1ne
according to the present invention will now be described.
[0026]
1. Basic Techniques to Consider in Designing Crankshaft
1-1. Flexural Rigidity of Crank Arm
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for
evaluating the flexural rigidity of a crank arm. As shown in FIG. 2,
in each throw of the crankshaft, a load F of combustion pressure
generated by the explosion in the cylinder is applied to the crank pin
P via a conrod. Since the journals J at the both ends of each throw
11
are supported by bearings, the load F is transmitted to the journal
bearings from the crank pin P via the crank arms A. Thus, each of
the crank arms A becomes subjected to a load of three-point bending,
and a bending moment M acts on the crank arm A. Accordingly, in
each crank arm A, compressive stress occurs at the outside in the
thickness direction (the side adjacent to the journal J), and tensile
stress occurs at the inside in the thickness direction (the side adjacent
to the pin P).
[0027]
In the case where the diameters of the crank pin P and the
journal J have been determined as design specifications, the flexural
rigidity of the crank arm A depends on the crank arm shape of each
throw. The counterweight W seldom contributes to the flexural
rigidity. The displacement u of the axial center of the crank pin P in
the direction in which the load of combustion pressure is applied is
proportional to the load F of combustion pressure applied to the crank
pin P and is inversely proportional to the flexural rigidity as shown in
the following formula ( 1).
u proportional to F/(Flexural Rigidity) ... (1)
[0028]
1-2. Torsional Rigidity of Crank Arm
FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) are schematic diagrams illustrating a
method for evaluating the torsional rigidity of a crank arm. FIG.
3(a) is a side view of a throw, and FIG. 3(b) is a front view thereof in
the axial direction. The crankshaft rotates about the journal J,
which causes a torsional torque T as shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b).
Thus, it is necessary to enhance the torsional rigidity of the crank
arm A in order to ensure smooth rotation against the torsional
vibrations of the crankshaft without causing resonance.
[0029]
12
In the case where the diameters of the crank pin P and the
journal J have been determined as design specifications, the torsional
rigidity of the crank arm A depends on the crank arm shape of each
throw. The counterweight W seldom contributes to the torsional
rigidity. The torsion angle y of the journal J is proportional to the
torsional torque T and inversely proportional to the torsional rigidity
as shown in the following formula (2).
y proportional to T/(Torsional Rigidity)
[0030]
2. Crankshaft According to Present Invention
2·1. Approach for Increasing Stiffness of Crank Arm
... (2)
As stated above, the counterweight seldom contributes to the
flexural rigidity and torsional rigidity. Accordingly, the present
embodiment provides a crank arm shape that can achieve a reduction
in weight and an increase in flexural rigidity in combination with an
increase in torsional rigidity.
[0031]
2·1·1. Shape for Increasing Torsional Rigidity
Here, an exemplary shape for increasing the torsional rigidity
1s studied based on the theory of Strength of Materials. For the
crank arm A shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b), an effective way to
increase its torsional rigidity while maintaining a reduced weight is
to increase its polar area moment of inertia.
[0032]
FIGS. 4(a) to 4(c) are diagrams showing typical examples in
which the crank arm is assumed to be a simple circular plate from the
standpoint of torsional rigidity in the sense of Strength of Materials,
wherein FIG. 4(a) shows a circular plate having a rectangular cross
section, FIG. 4(b) shows a circular plate having a projected cross
section, and FIG. 4(c) shows a circular plate having a recessed cross
13
section. The rectangular cross section type circular plate shown in
FIG. 4(a), the projected cross section type circular plate shown in FIG.
4(b), and the recessed cross section type circular plate shown in FIG.
4(c) are assumed to be of equal weight for the sake of maintenance of
a reduced weight. In other words, these circular plates are of equal
volume in spite of the varied cross sections in rectangular, projected,
and recessed shapes.
[0033]
Specifically, the rectangular cross section type circular plate
shown in FIG. 4(a) has a rectangular cross-sectional shape, and has a
thickness of Ho and a diameter of Bo. The projected cross section
type circular plate shown in FIG. 4(b) has a projected cross-sectional
shape in which the central portion projects with respect to the outer
peripheral portion, and the diameter of the outermost circumference
of the circular plate is Bo. The projection in the central portion has a
thickness of H2 and a diameter of B2, and the outer peripheral portion
has a thickness of H1. The recessed cross section type circular plate
shown in FIG. 4(c) has a recessed cross-sectional shape in which the
central portion is recessed with respect to the outer peripheral portion,
and the diameter of the outermost circumference of the circular plate
is Bo. The central portion has a thickness of H1 with the recession
having a depth of H3 and having a diameter of B3.
[0034]
The magnitude relationship between the torsional rigidities of
the respective circular plates is investigated under the condition that
they are of equal weight. In general, according to the theory of
Strength of Materials, there is a relationship between the torsional
rigidity, the polar area moment of inertia, and the torsion angle as
shown in the following formulae (3) to (5). The relationship shown in
the formulae indicates that increasing the polar area moment of
14
inertia is effective at increasing the torsional rigidity.
[0035]
Torsional rigidity: G x J/L ... (3)
Polar area moment of inertia: J = (rr/32) x d4 ... (4)
Torsion angle: y = T x L/(G x J) ... (5)
where L represents the axial length, G represents the modulus
of rigidity, d represents the radius of the round bar, and T represents
the torsional torque.
[0036]
The condition that the three types of circular plates shown in
FIGS. 4(a) to 4(c) are of equal weight means the condition that they
are of equal volume. Accordingly, the relationship indicated by the
following formula (6) is established among the dimensional
parameters of the three types of circular plates.
(rr/4) x Bo x Bo x Ho = (rr/4) x (Bo x Bo x H1 + B2 x B2 x H2) =
(rr/4) x {Bo x Bo x (Hl + H3) - B3 x B3 x H3)} ... (6)
[0037]
The polar area moments of inertia of the three types of circular
plates are expressed by the following formulae (7) to (9), respectively,
taking into account the thicknesses.
Polar area moment of inertia of a rectangular cross section
type circular plate:
J
eams having the respective cross-sectional shapes in the
area moment of inertia and in the polar moment of inertia, which are
directly related to flexural rigidity and torsional rigidity. In FIG. 6,
the polar moments of inertia and the area moments of inertia
resulting from the cross sectional shapes shown in FIGS. 4(a) to 4(c)
and FIGS. 5(a) to 5(c), i.e., the rectangular cross section, the projected
cross section, and the recessed cross section, are presented as relative
values assuming that the values of the rectangular cross section are
the reference "1".
[0067]
The results shown in FIG. 6 indicate that thickening the crank
arm is an efficient way to increase both the flexural rigidity and the
torsional rigidity. FIG. 6 shows that the projected cross-sectional
shape results in an increase in flexural rigidity while the recessed
cross-sectional shape results in an increase in torsional rigidity.
Therefore, a combination of a projected shape and a recessed shape
will result in both an increase in flexural rigidity and an increase in
torsional rigidity.
[0068]
2-2. Overview of Crankshaft According to Present Invention
As mentioned above, an efficient way to increase both the
flexural rigidity and the torsional rigidity is to design the crank arm
to have a cross-sectional shape that is a combination of a projected
shape and a recessed shape. Specifically, the peripheral regions in
both sides along the edge of the crank arm are configured to be thick,
the regions inward of the peripheral regions are configured to be thin,
and the central region further inward thereof (a region through which
the crank arm centerline passes and which is adjacent to the journal)
is configured to be thick. By configuring the peripheral regions,
22
which are farther from the torsion center of the crank arm, to be thick
and configuring the regions inward thereof to be thin, it is possible to
ensure a high torsional rigidity while achieving a reduction in weight.
The large thickness of the peripheral regions of the crank arm
contributes to ensuring of the flexural rigidity. In addition, the large
thickness of the central region of the crank arm contributes to
ensuring of the flexural rigidity.
[0069]
In light of these things, in a crankshaft of the present
embodiment, a crank arm has recesses in the surface adjacent to the
crank pin, and the recesses are disposed in regions inward of
periphery regions in both sides along the edge of the surface, and are
disposed along the peripheral regions. Accordingly, the peripheral
regions of the crank arm outward of the recesses are thickened, and
the regions inward of the peripheral regions are thinned because of
the recesses. Further, the region inward of the recesses is thickened.
Thereby, the crankshaft of the present embodiment has a reduced
weight, an increased torsional rigidity and an increased flexural
rigidity.
[0070]
2-3. Specific Examples
[First Embodiment]
FIGS. 7(a) to 7(e) are schematic views showing an example of a
crank arm shape in a crankshaft according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 7(a) is a front view of the crank arm as seen from the crank pin
in the axial direction, FIG. 7(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along
the line A-A, FIG. 7(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line
B-B, FIG. 7(d) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line C-C, and
FIG. 7(e) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line D-D. The A-A
cross section in FIG. 7(b) is a cross section along a crank arm
23
centerline Ac. The B-B cross section in FIG. 7(c) is a cross section
perpendicular to a crank arm centerline Ac and including the center
of rotation of the crankshaft (the axis Jc of the journal). The C-C
cross section in FIG. 7(d) is a cross section parallel to the B-B cross
section and taken at a position shifted toward the crank pin from the
center of rotation of the crankshaft. The D-D cross section in FIG.
7(e) is a cross section parallel to the B-B cross section taken at a
position shifted toward the counterweight from the center of rotation
of the crankshaft.
[0071]
In the crank arm A of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 7(a)
to 7(e), recesses 10 are made in the surface adjacent to the crank pin P
and are symmetric with respect to the crank arm centerline Ac.
Specifically, the crank arm A has peripheral regions 11 in both sides
along the edge of the surface adjacent to the crank pin P. Inward of
the peripheral regions 11, the recesses 10 are made along the
respective peripheral regions 11. Thereby, the peripheral regions 11
in both sides of the crank arm A are thickened, and the regions
inward of the peripheral regions 11 are thinned because of the
recesses 10. Further, the central region inward of the recesses 10 is
thickened. This configuration of the crank arm allows for a
reduction in weight, an increase in torsional rigidity and an increase
in flexural rigidity of the crankshaft.
[0072]
[Second Embodiment]
FIGS. S(a) to 8(e) are schematic views showing an example of
a crank arm shape in a crankshaft according to a second embodiment.
FIG. S(a) is a front view of the crank arm as seen from the crank pin
in the axial direction, FIG. 8(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along
the line E-E, FIG. 8(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line
24
F- F, FIG. 8(d) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line G-G, and
FIG. 8(e) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line H-H. TheE-E
cross section, F-F cross section, G-G cross section and H-H cross
section are cross sections of the crank arm shown by FIG. 8(a) taken
at positions corresponding to the positions of the A -A cross section,
B-B cross section, C-C cross section and D-D cross section of the crank
arm shown by FIG. 7(a), respectively.
[0073]
The crank arm A of the second embodiment shown in FIGS.
8(a) to 8(e) is based on the configuration of the crank arm A of the first
embodiment shown in FIGS. 7(a) to 7(e), and is a variation thereof
with a partially modified configuration. In the second embodiment,
as shown in FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b), the recesses 10 formed in the surface
of the crank arm A adjacent to the crank pin P are extended to the
crank arm centerline Ac. Accordingly, the recesses 10 are connected
together at the center of rotation of the crankshaft, that is, the axis Jc
of the journal J.
[0074]
In the crank arm A of the second embodiment, the peripheral
regions 11 in both sides are thickened, and the regions inward of the
peripheral regions 11 are thinned because of the recesses 10.
Further, the central region inward of the recesses 10 is thickened. In
the second embodiment, also, the recesses 10 disposed in both sides
are connected together, and the area of the recesses 10 is large as
compared with the first embodiment. Thus, the crank arm A of the
second embodiment allows for a reduction in weight, an increase in
torsional rigidity and an increase in flexural rigidity of the crankshaft
as is the case with the first embodiment. The shape of the crank arm
A of the second embodiment is effective especially for weight
reduction of the whole crankshaft.
25
[0075]
[Third Embodiment]
FIGS. 9(a) to 9(e) are schematic views showing an example of a
crank arm shape in a crankshaft according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 9(a) is a front view of the crank arm as seen from the crank pin
in the axial direction, FIG. 9(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along
the line I-I, FIG. 9(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line J-J,
FIG. 9(d) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line K-K, and FIG.
9(e) is a cross- sectional view taken along the line L-L. The I-I cross
section, J -J cross section, K-K cross section and L-L cross section are
cross sections of the crank arm shown by FIG. 9(a) taken at positions
corresponding to the positions of the A-A cross section, B-B cross
section, C-C cross section and D-D cross section of the crank arm
shown by FIG. 7(a), respectively.
[0076]
The crank arm A of the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 9(a)
to 9(e) is based on the configuration of the crank arm A of the first
embodiment shown in FIGS. 7(a) to 7(e), and is a variation thereof
with a partially modified configuration. In the third embodiment, as
shown in FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b), the recesses 10 formed in the surface of
the crank arm A adjacent to the crank pin Pare connected together at
a position shifted toward the crank pin P from the center of rotation of
the crankshaft.
[0077]
In the crank arm A of the third embodiment, the peripheral
regions 11 in both sides are thickened, and the regions inward of the
peripheral regions 11 are thinned because of the recesses 10.
Further, the central region inward of the recesses 10 is thickened. In
the third embodiment, also, the area of the recesses 10 is large as
compared with the first embodiment. Thus, the crank arm A of the
26
third embodiment has the same effects with the second embodiment.
[0078]
[Fourth Embodiment]
FIGS. 10(a) to 10(e) are schematic views showing an example
of a crank arm shape in a crankshaft according to a fourth
embodiment. FIG. 10(a) is a front view of the crank arm as seen
from the crank pin in the axial direction, FIG. 10(b) 1s a
cross-sectional v1ew taken along the line M-M, FIG. 10(c) 1s a
cross-sectional v1ew taken along the line N-N, FIG. 10(d) 1s a
cross-sectional view taken along the line 0-0, and FIG. 10(e) is a
cross-sectional view taken along the line P-P. TheM-M cross section,
N-N cross section, 0-0 cross section and P-P cross section are cross
sections of the crank arm shown by FIG. 10(a) taken at positions
corresponding to the positions of the A-A cross section, B-B cross
section, C-C cross section and D-D cross section of the crank arm
shown by FIG. 7(a), respectively.
[0079]
The crank arm A of the fourth embodiment shown in FIGS.
10(a) to 10(e) is based on the configuration of the crank arm A of the
first embodiment shown in FIGS. 7(a) to 7(e), and is a variation
thereof with a partially modified configuration. In the fourth
embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b), the recesses 10
formed in the surface of the crank arm A adjacent to the crank pin P
are connected together at a position shifted toward the counterweight
W from the center of rotation of the crankshaft. Especially in the
case shown by FIGS. 10(a) to 10(e), the recesses 10 are extended along
the edge of the journal J and are connected together.
[0080]
In the crank arm A of the fourth embodiment, the peripheral
regions 11 in both sides are thickened, and the regions inward of the
27
peripheral regwns 11 are thinned because of the recesses 10.
Further, the central region inward of the recesses 10 is thickened. In
the fourth embodiment, also, the area of the recesses 10 is large as
compared with the first embodiment. Thus, the crank arm A of the
third embodiment has the same effects with the second and third
embodiments.
[0081]
The present invention is applicable to crankshafts to be
mounted in a variety of reciprocating engines. Specifically, the
engine may have any number of cylinders, for example, two cylinders,
three cylinders, four cylinders, six cylinders, eight cylinders or ten
cylinders, and even more cylinders. The cylinder arrangement may
be of any type, for example, in-line type, V-type, opposed type or the
like. The fuel for the engine may be of any kind, for example,
gasoline, diesel, biofuel or the like. Also, the engines include a
hybrid engine consisting of an internal-combustion engine and an
electric motor.
INDUS TRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0082]
The present invention is capable of being effectively utilized in
crankshafts to be mounted in a variety of reciprocating engines.
DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS
[0094]
1: crankshaft
J, Jl to J5: journal
Jc: axis of journal
P, PI to P4: crank pin
Pc: axis of crank pin.
28
Fr: front part
Fl: flange
A, A1 to AS: crank arm
Ac: crank arm centerline
W, W1 to ws: counterweight
2: damper pulley
3: flywheel
10: recess
11: peripheral region
We claim:
1. A crankshaft for a reciprocating engme, the crankshaft
compns1ng:
journals that define a central axis of rotation;
crank pins that are eccentric with respect to the journals;
crank arms connecting the journals to the crank pins; and
counterweights integrated with the crank arms,
wherein the crankshaft is to be mounted in a reciprocating
engine; and
wherein each of the crank arms has recesses in a surface
adjacent to the crank pin, the recesses disposed inward of peripheral
regions in both sides along an edge of the surface, the recesses
disposed along the peripheral regions, thereby making a central
region inward of the recesses thick.
2. The crankshaft for a reciprocating engine according to claim 1,
wherein the recesses are connected together at a center of
rotation of the crankshaft.
3. The crankshaft for a reciprocating engine according to claim 1,
wherein the recesses are connected together at a position
shifted toward the crank pin from a center of rotation of the
crankshaft.
4. The crankshaft for a reciprocating engine according to claim 1,
wherein the recesses are extended along an edge of the journal
and are connected together at a position shifted toward the
counterweight from a center of rotation of the crankshaft.
30
5. The crankshaft for a reciprocating engine according to any one
of claims 1 to 4,
wherein the recesses are symmetric with respect to a line
connecting an axis of the journal to an axis of the crank pin.