US1942439A - Cylinder head - Google Patents

Description

Jan. 9, 1934. v MCPHERSON 1,942,439

CYLINDER HEAD Filed June 15, 1931 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 jwri/vraqvVa /y 1. WPera'a; i 0

Jan. 9, 1934. H. MCPHERSON CYLI NDER HEAD Filed June l5, 1931 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Jan. 9, 1934. H MCPHERSON 1,942,439

CYLINDER HEAD Filed June 15, 1931 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Jan. 9, 1934. H. L. MCIPHERSON CYLINDER HEAD Filed June 15. 1931 4 Sheets-$heet 4 Patented Jan. 9, 1934 STATES PAT 23 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in internal combustion engines for use in aircraft and more particularly to the construction of the cylinder heads of such engines together with enclosures for the valve actuating mechanism and associated accessories and parts, whereby more eflicient cooling is accomplished.

Among the objects of the present invention are:

To provide protection for the more or less delicate parts associated with the heads of the cylinders;

To provide a head structure having a finished and pleasing appearance;

To provide a head structure which will smooth up the flow of air thereover and therearound;

To provide means for cooling such a head structure; and

To improve the details of construction of the head and its associated parts.

These objects are accomplished:

By providing an elongated housing to completely enclose the cylinder head and such associated parts as project therebeyond;

By shaping and streamlining the exterior of this housing so that it will offer a minimum resistance to passage through the air; and

By so connecting the metal of the head and this outer housing as to accomplish ready transfer of the heat of combustion from the head to the enclosing housing.

The means by which the foregoing and other objects are accomplished and the'manner of their accomplishment will readily be understood from the following specification on reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a sectional side elevation of the-head and housing taken on the center line of the cylinder head;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the housing for the head with a portion of such housing removed disclosing portions of the associated head parts therewithin;

Fig. 3 is a corresponding side elevation of the housing;

Figs. 4, 5 and 6 are transverse sections taken respectively on the lines IVIV; VV and VI-VI of Fig. 1;

Fig. '7 is a front end elevation of an engine structure enclosed by a cowling with that portion of the structure in front of the line VII-VII of Fig. 1, cut away; showing housings for the heads of a four cylinder engine projecting beyond the cowl surface, this fi ure being on approximately one-half the scale of the preceding figures.

Referring now to the drawings in which the various parts are indicated by numerals, 10 is the barrel or cylinder of an engine and 11 the head therefor. These parts are shown secured together as by the threads 12, but may be integral to if it be so desired. 13 is the exhaust valve and 14 the intake valve. 15 is the intake passageway, which leads rearwardly from the intake valve and thence radially inward. Connection to the V intake manifold or carburetor not being germane to this invention is not shown. 16, 17 is an exhaust passageway leading forwardly from the exhaust valve 13 to an exhaust manifold or ring 18 which is of annular form. The exhaust discharge pipe leading from this manifold not being germane is not shown. 19 is a fragmentary portion of the cowl in front of this annular manifold, and 20 the cowl leading rearwardly therefrom. 21, 22 are the valve stems of the exhaust and intake valves respectively which stems project outward through the head 11. The valve 13 and its stem 21 is disposed directly in front of the valve 14 and its stem 22. 23 are the usual compression springs holding these valves against their seat.

24 is a boss integral with the valve head and extending therefrom substantially on the axial center line of the cylinder. Screwed into this boss is a threaded post 25 the upper end of which is provided with a fork 26. Between the arms of the fork are disposed a rocker arm 27 for actuating the intake valve 14, a rocker arm 28 for actuating the exhaust valve 13, and a master rocker arm 29 for actuating the two rocker arms 27 and 28. These arms are pivotally mounted in common on a pin 30, which may be surrounded by a bushing 31 disposed through the arms of the fork 26. One of the rocker arms as the arm 28 is an inverted U shape in cross section and embraces the other arm 27. The master rocker arm 29 is also an inverted U shape in cross section and embraces both the arms 27 and 28, the bottom of the U resting against the top of the arms 2'7 and 28 when both valves are closed. The master rocker arm 29 is oscillated by a double acting rod 32, the actuating mechanism for which rod notbeing germane is not shown.

The passageway 15 is preferably transversely enlarged and provided with a central wall 33 having a hole 34 therethrough somewhat larger than the rod 32 so that this rod may pass directly through the center of the passageway without reduction of area thereof. If desired, this central wall may be continued to form the guide boss through which the exhaust valve stem 22 passes.

The exhaust and intake passageways, valve stems and actuating parts are all aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the engine.

Disposed over the valve stems and rocker arms is a housing which is in two parts, a lower portion 35 and a cap 36. The lower portion 35 is integral with the head 11 extending upward and inwardly thereabove. In plan it; e housing is an elongated stream line structure with the forward end slightly in front of the cylinder and the rear end well therebehind. Disposed transversely across within the housing are a number of ribs one of which 37 is disposed immediately in the rear of the rod 32. This rib extends vertically downward to the bottom of the housing and thence runs forwardly with and forming the bottom of the housing until it meets the wall of the head 11. Another of these ribs 38 extends in opposite directions from the boss 24 being integral with this boss, with the head and with the housing. Disposed between the ribs 37 and 28, and in front of the rib 38, are additional transverse ribs 39 which are integral with the head and extend from such head to the side walls of the housing. These ribs serve the double purpose of strengthening the head and transferring heat therefrom to the walls of the housing. A hub or boss 40 extends forwardly from the forward end of the housing 35 to provide for the passageway 16. Lying along the top of this boss and coextensive in length therewith is a lug 41 which is tapped out to receive a screw 42. The wall surrounding the passageway 17 extends upwardly and rearwardly from the annular exihaust manifold 18, being welded thereto, and

surrounding an aperture corresponding to the passageway, and is provided with a lug 43 through which a bolt 42 passes to secure the two parts of the passageway together. 44 is a gasket lying between these two parts of the passageway.

The housing cap 36 is shaped to complete the stream lining of the lower portion 35 of the housing. This cap is preferably secured by screws 46 which pass through lugs 4!? at each side of the cylinder head 11 and are screwed into lugs 48 integral with and projecting inward from the cap. By loosening these screws the cap may be removed to permit inspection, oiling and adjustment of the various working parts lying within the housing. 49 indicates a spark plug lying within the cowl.

In this structure the forward cowl or nose 19 terminates adjacent to but slightly in front of the annular exhaust manifold. The outer wall 50 of this manifold forms a rearward continuation of the nose and from the back of this manifold the cowl 20 extends rearwardly being cut away beneath the housing 35 where the head 11 protrudes.

' are protected against shock or weather and it is possible to make an extremely smooth structure for diverting the air past the engine. At the same time it will be seen that the heat absorbed by the cylinder head from the hot gases in the combustion chamber is directly radiated where the cylinder head and housing blend into each other and elsewhere is conducted through integral metal fins or ribs from the head to the housing, from the exterior surface of which housing it is radiated. It will further be seen that the air flow over this housing is smooth and steady without pockets or partial vacuum so that swiftly flowing air is in direct contact with the entire outer surface of the housing whereby a minimum of radiating surface is required to cool the engine. The cooling is further augmented by the heat taken up by the air and gasoline mixture flowing through the intake passageway which is integral with the combustion chamber and housing. The heat absorbed by the vaporization of the gasoline in this passageway is considerable.

The structures herein shown and described constitute preferred embodiments of the invention, but it is to be understood that other forms might be adopted and changes made, all coming within the scope of the claims which follow:

Having described my invention, what I claim 1. A cowled aircraft engine having a plural ity of radial cylinders, said cowl being apertured at each cylinder and the heads of the engine cylinders extending through said apertures; each cylinder head having parts projecting therefrom; and an elongated housing disposed approximately parallel with the longitudinal axis of said engine, said housing enclosing such of said parts as lie beyond said cowl, the inner side of said housing abutting said cowl and closing the opening therein, and ribs extending from said head to said housing, said housing being integral with said head and said ribs integral with both said head and housing, whereby heat transference between said head and housing is accomplished.

2. In an aircraft, an engine having a plurality of radial cylinders, a cowl concentric with the longitudinal axis of said engine encircling said engine, said cowl being apertured at each cylinder. and the heads of the cylinders extending through said apertures; each cylinder head carrying projecting parts including valve stems valve passageways and actuating means coacting with said valve stems; an elongated housing disposed with its length substantially parallel to said axis enclosing such of said parts and head as project beyond said cowl, the inner side of said housing abutting said cowl, and closing the aperture therein, said housing being integral with said head for heat transfer therefrom.

3. In an aircraft, an engine having a plurality of radial cylinders, an annular exhaust ring disposed forwardly of said cylinders and concentric with the longitudinal axis of the engine, a cowl concentric with said axis forming a rearward continuation of the outer surface of said ring and enclosing said engine, said cowl being apertured at each cylinder, and the heads of the cylinders extending through said apertures; each cylinder head carrying projecting parts, an elongated housing, disposed with its length parallel tosaid axis, enclosing such of said parts and head, as he beyond said cowl, the inner side of said housing abutting said cowl and closing the opening therein, and ribs extending from head to said housing, said housing, head and ribs being integral for transfer of heat from said head to said housing, and said housing being stream lined whereby air may flow smoothly past said housing for removal of heat therefrom.

4. In an aircraft, an engine having a plurality of radial cylinders, an annular exhaust ring disposed forwardly of said cylinders, and concentric with the longitudinal axis of said engine, a cowl concentric with said axis, forming a rearward continuation of the outer surface of said ring and enclosing said engine, said cowl being apertured at each cylinder and the heads of the cylinders extending through said apertures; each cylinder head carrying projecting parts including exhaust and intake passageways; an elongated housing, disposed with its length approximately parallel to said axis, enclosing such of said parts and head as lie beyond said cowl, the inner side of said housing abutting said cowl and closing the opening therein, said housing and head being integral for heat transference, said intake passageway leading rearwardly from said head within said housing and inward through said cowl opening, said exhaust passageway leading forwardly through the front of said housing and inward to a junction with said exhaust ring, said exhaust passageway and housing being streamlined to present a minimum of air resistance.

5. In an air cooled combustion engine, a cylinder head, valves in said head, actuating means for said valves, passageways leading from said valves, heat conducting means for said head integral therewith, and an elongated hollow divided housing enclosing the exposed part of said head, valves, actuating means, passageways and conducting means, one part of said divided housing being integral with said head and with said conducting means.

6. An air cooled aircraft engine having a cylinder with a head, metallic heat transference means for said head integral therewith, an elongated hollow housing covering said head and heat transference means, and a cowl for said engine, a portion of said head extending outside the surface lines of said cowl and into said housing.

'7. An air cooled aircraft engine cylinder having a head, projecting parts carried thereby including valve stems and actuating means for said valve stems, and passageways leading from the valves; an elongated hollow housing enclosing said head and parts and cooling fins on said head connecting said head with said housing.

8. An air cooled aircraft engine provided with a cylinder and a head therefor, and mounted within a cowl having an opening therein beyond which said head projects; a housing extending over said head and substantially over said opening, and heat-transference means between said head and said housing.

9. An air cooled aircraft engine provided with a cylinder and a head therefor, and mounted within a cowl having an opening therein beyond which said head projects; said head being provided with inlet and exhaust passages extending in a direction substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of said cowl, a housing elon gated to extend over both of said passages and close said opening, and cooling means between said head and said housing.

10. An air cooled aircraft engine provided with a cylinder and a head therefor, and mounted within a streamlined cowl having an opening therein beyond which said head projects; a housing extending over said head and closing said opening, and streamlined in conformity with the streamlining of said cowl, and cooling means between said head and said housing.

11. An air cooled aircraft engine provided with a cylinder and a head therefor, and mounted within a cowl having an opening therein beyond which said head projects; said head carrying valves and operating means therefor, a housing extending over said valves and operating means passage communicating with the interior of said cylinder, a valve in said passagaand operating .means for said valve, a housing extending over said passage and said parts and closing said cowl opening, and cooling means between said head and said housing.

13. An aircooled aircraft engine provided with a cylinder and 'a head therefor, and mounted within a cowl having an opening therein beyond which said head projects; a housing extending over said head, closing said opening, and being secured to said cowl, and heat-transference means between said head and said housing.

14. An air cooled aircraft engine provided with a cylinder and a head therefor, and mounted within a cowl having an opening therein beyond which said head projects; a housing extending over said head, and closing and sealing said opening, and heat-transference means between said head and said housing.

15. An air cooled aircraft engine having a cylinder and a head therefor, a streamlined housing for said head, an inlet passage, an exhaust passage a wall of which forms part of said housing, said exhaust passage being at the diverging air impingement side of said housing, whereby it receives maximum cooling effect from the streamline air, and heat-transference means between said head and said housing.

16. An air cooled aircraft engine having a cylinder and a head therefor, a stream lined housing for said head, an inlet passage, an exhaust passage a wall of which forms part of said housing, said exhaust passage being at the diverging air-impingement side of said housing, and said inlet passage being at the opposite side thereof, whereby said exhaust passage is subjected to greater cooling effect from the stream line air than is said inlet passage, and heat transference means between said head and said housing.

17. An air cooled aircraft engine having a cylinder and a head therefor, a housing for said head having an inlet passage and an exhaust passage respectively located at different sides of said head, said housing being elongated to cover and form a wall of said exhaust passage, and being streamlined first to diverge and then to converge from said exhaust passage toward said inlet passage, and heat-transference means between said head and said housing.

18. In an air-cooled, internal-combustion engine, a cylinder head, an inlet valve and an outlet valve therein, each having a protruding stem, actuating parts for said valves carried by and exterior to said head, and a streamlined hollow housing of convex external configuration, enclosing and protecting both of said valves and said actuating parts, a portion of said housing remote from said head being removably secured to permit access to the interior thereof.

19. An air-cooled, internal-combustion-engine cylinder head, having an inlet valve, an exhaust valve, and valve-actuating mechanism, all carried thereby, and an elongated housing covering and protecting said parts, and stream-lined to converge from its major portion toward said inlet valve.

20. In an air-cooled, internal-combustion engine, a cylinder head having an inlet port and 1 an exhaust port, and valves therefor, and an elongated housing enclosing said head and said valves, and extended to form a Wall of a passage-way leading from said exhaust port.

'21, In an air-cooled, internal-combustion engine, a cylinder head having an inlet port and an exhaust port, and valves therefor, and an elongated housing enclosing said head and said ports, and stream-lined to converge from its major portion toward said exhaust valve.

22. In an air-cooled, internal-combustion engine, a cylinder head having an inlet port and an exhaust port, and valves therefor, and an elongated housing enclosing said. head and said means for said head integral therewith, and an elongated housing enclosing said valves, said actuating means and said cooling means, and constituting a Wall of said exhaust passageway.

HARRY L. MCPHERSON.

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