Patent Document

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to a piston cam engine and particularly to an opposed-piston cam engine that may find application in different fields of mechanical engineering, e.g. internal combustion engines, compressors and etc. Engines, constructed according to this invention, could be used in various land, water and air vehicles, as well as in stationary aggregates. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     One of the common problems of the cam mechanisms is the relatively more rapid wear in comparison to the mechanisms which links are connected by hinged joints. 
     The main reasons for the intensive wear of cam mechanisms are friction between the cam surface and the element, which is in contact with it; greater contact force transmitted by a very small area between the cam profile and the element in contact with the cam; as well as a break of contact between the cam and the element contacting with its profile and subsequent impact recovery of the contact between them. 
     Wearing of the cam mechanisms can be reduced to different extent, depending on the requirements to the cam engine and the intended function of the cam mechanism in the given engine. 
     It is known from EP19379388 a cam engine comprising a housing, at least one cylinder, at least one piston moving in the cylinder, a cylindrical tubular 3D cam with a cam groove on the inner cylindrical surface, which groove is made so that the line forming its cross-section is a straight or concave line whose lower end is located at the side towards the axis of the 3D cam, and at least two equal-mass follower positioned against each other, at least one of which is a working follower, where each follower comprises at least two arms standing at an angle to each other and having main rollers bearing at the free ends of the corresponding arm, and each follower also comprises additional rollers that can move along the axes of the corresponding main rollers, so that each main and additional roller contacts the cam groove. The problem of the intensive wear of the cam mechanism of this known engine is comparatively well settled. In this case each follower is provided not only with main rollers, but also with additional ones, which contact with the profile of the cam groove opposing the cam profile with which the additional rollers of the same follower are in contact. The additional rollers are elastically connected to their respective follower and press it to the cam profile of its adjacent main rollers. This design solution is able to provide constant contact between the followers and their respective cam profiles, if the elastic elements of the additional rollers are hard enough to counteract the effect of the inertia forces of the followers when inertia forces act to interrupt the connection of the followers and the cam. On the other hand, the additional rollers have considerably smaller diameters than the diameters of the main rollers and the cam groove is characterized with constant cross-section, due to which each additional roller will be constantly moving along the axis of its respective main roller when each of them follows the adjacent cam profile. Therefore, each elastic element that presses its corresponding additional roller will constantly shrink and stretch. The shrinking and stretching of the elastic elements will cause unsteady operation of the cam mechanism, which causes altering moments of acceleration and slowdown of the rotation of the main transforming 3D cam. The movement of the known cam mechanism is insofar uneven as the difference between the diameters of the main and additional rollers. 
     Additionally, in this known piston cam engine there is some loss resulting from the constant shrinking and stretching of the elastic elements, as well as loss resulting from the friction between the additional rollers and the cam profiles. The loss resulted from the friction of the additional rollers in the known engine is due to the fact that they cannot self-adjust while rolling along the corresponding cam profiles, since they only move reciprocally along the axis of the main rollers. As a result friction forces are generated, which cause mechanical loss and wear of the cam mechanism. 
     Moreover, in this known cam engine, the movement of the additional rollers along the axis of the main rollers is not limited, and thus the use of elastic elements with high hardness and preload is necessary to be applied in order to prevent interruption of contact between the cam and followers when there are inertia forces acting towards their disconnection. When the inertia forces are not aiming to break the contact between the cam and the followers, the additional rollers will be pressed by the elastic elements to their adjacent cam profile with unnecessarily large forces, leading to a faster wear of the cam profile. 
     This known patent EP19379938 also discloses laws of motion of the piston cam engine, due to which its operation is improved. These laws, however, do not completely guarantee the contact between the followers and the main transforming cam. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The problem solved by the present invention is to provide technical solutions that improve the functional reliability of the apparatuses having a cam mechanism and in particular piston cam engines. 
     These and other problems are solved by a cam engine comprising a housing, at least one cylinder, at least one piston moving in the cylinder, cylindrical tubular 3D cam with a cam groove on the inner cylindrical surface, which groove is made so that the line forming its surface cross-section is a straight or concave line whose lower end is located at the axis of the 3D cam, and at least two asynchronously moving equal-mass followers, positioned against each other, at least one of which pistons is a working piston. Each follower comprises at least two arms, standing at an angle to each other and having main rollers bearing at the free ends of the corresponding arm, and each follower also comprises additional rollers that can move along the axes of the corresponding main rollers, so that each main and additional roller contacts the cam groove. Besides the additional rollers have the possibility to rotate in relation to the axes of their corresponding main rollers, so that they are able to self-adjust to achieve rolling without sliding. Thus, the additional rollers can move in parallel and rotate around the axes of their corresponding main rollers at the same time, whereat a rolling without sliding takes place. The additional rollers include stoppers for limiting their movement along the axes of the main rollers, which additionally reduces the possibility of breaking the contact between the main rollers and their corresponding cam profiles without the preloading of the elastic elements used being too high. Thus, the movement of the additional rollers is kept within acceptable limits. The cam groove is characterized with periodically changing cross-section, depending on the number of the convex and concave sections of the profile of the 3D cam. This reduces the linear movement of the additional rollers compared to the corresponding main rollers. 
     In one embodiment of the invention, the cam engine has a cam groove, which is made so that at the top and bottom dead centers the distance between the cam profiles of the groove of the 3D cam in the cross-section is the greatest, and the distance in the cross-section between the cam profiles of the groove of the 3D cam between the two dead centers is the smallest. This reduces to the maximum possible extent the movement of the additional rollers in comparison with the axes of their corresponding main rollers. When the cam groove is shrinking, the distance between the centers of the axes of each pair of main and additional rollers remains constant and therefore the relative movement between any additional roller and the corresponding main bearing journal is eliminated. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, the cam groove is realized in such a way that along the lines of rolling of the rollers narrower grooves are made so that their greatest depth is at the top and the bottom dead centers, and that between the two dead centers their depth is zero is minimum, so that the movement of the additional rollers along the axes of the main rollers to be maximum reduced. In one alternative embodiment, the cam groove is made in such a way that along the lines of rolling of the rollers there are narrower convex paths made so that the height of these paths is the greatest between the top and the bottom dead centers, and that at the top and bottom dead centers their height is minimum, so that the movement of the additional rollers along the axes of the main rollers to be maximum reduced. These alternative forms allow using a different approach to reduce maximally the moving of the additional rollers along the axes of the main rollers. 
     In another embodiment of the invention there are at least two main rollers mounted at the free end of each arm of the followers, which are independently bearing to the corresponding arm of the follower. This allows the main rollers which are mounted on a single axis to rotate at different revolutions, regardless of the fact that they interact with the same cam profile. 
     In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the 3D cam is composite and comprises two coaxial bushings, each having a corrugated cam profile on one side, and the cam bushings are spaced from one another with their corrugated edges positioned so that the convex parts of the cam profile of the one of the bushings stand against the concave parts of the cam profile of the other bushing. Besides it also comprises at least two leading columns for reciprocating linear motion of each piston, which columns are parallel and equidistant to the axis of the 3D cam. 
     In another preferred embodiment of the invention the corrugated cam profile is made so that its curve of the law of motion of the followers in function of the angle of rotation of the 3D cam is formed by consecutively alternating ascending and descending sections, whose connection results in equal number of convexities and concavities, the total number of which is equal to or multiple by the sum of the number of arms of the followers. Thus, the curve is continuous at least up to its second derivative in one complete rotation of the cam at 360°, including for both end points. Such cam profile guarantees that the velocities and accelerations of the followers at the end of each ascending and descending section are equal to their velocities and accelerations at the beginning of the next section, due to which a smooth transition of the followers when changing their direction of movement is achieved. Moreover, the curve is symmetrical for each two adjacent sections, descending and ascending, i.e. the straight line, that passes through the connection point of two adjacent sections, is perpendicular to the tangent to the curve at this point represents the axis of symmetry for these sections. Such cam profile provides that the opposed main rollers of one follower are in simultaneous contact with their corresponding cam profile. 
     In still another preferred embodiment of the invention, each ascending and descending section of the curve has one maximum and one minimum value of its second derivative, which do not coincide with the end points of the respective section. Thus, low velocities of the pistons are achieved around their dead center positions. In a more preferred embodiment, the values of the second derivative of the curve are equal to zero at the connection points of each two adjacent sections. In this way, the velocity of the pistons around their dead centers is reduced even further. Most preferably, identical straight sections are included in the area of the points of junction of the curve. By such a curve of the cam law, a maximum possible slowdown of the pistons around their dead centers is achieved. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, the cam engine also comprises an electrical rotor, rigidly connected to the 3D cam and a stator, rigidly connected to the housing of the engine, in order to realize a combination between a piston engine and an electrical engine. The electric engine functions as an electric motor or a generator, depending on the type of output energy—electrical energy or energy derived from the work of the piston engine. Such a combined engine is compact and has a low manufacturing cost, since it does not need independent housing and storage for the electrical engine. 
     In one another embodiment of the invention the cam engine comprises also an input and/or output shaft, an electric rotor, rigidly connected to the incoming and/or outgoing shaft and a stator, rigidly connected to the housing in order to realize a combination between a piston engine and an electrical engine. This embodiment allows generating from or imputing to the piston cam engine not only electrical, but also mechanical energy. 
     In one subsequent embodiment of the invention, the cam engine also comprises means to deliver and discharge of working fluid. 
     In still another embodiment of the invention at least the main and additional rollers are external bearing rings of composite bearings, including multiple bearing rings with different diameters, arranged concentrically to each other and the connection between them is either sliding or via rolling bodies. Thus the friction forces in the composite bearings are reduced. 
     The invention also relates to a compressor or a pump that comprises at least one cam engine described above. 
     The present invention also relates to a motor that includes at least one cam engine presented in the above described embodiments. In one embodiment, the motor also includes at least one kinematic chain having a 2D cam connected to the 3D cam; at least one intake or exhaust valve located in a cylinder head; a rocker that is connected by means of cylindrical joint to a stationary component of the engine, and the rocker has one arm by which it makes a contact with the 2D cam, and at least one other arm, each contacting with an intake or exhaust valve. 
     In another embodiment the motor also comprises a supercharging mechanism having at least one valve for opening the housing to let the atmospheric air in when the pistons are moving apart, located on the housing, and at least one 2D cam for managing the movement of the valve, which 2D cam is mounted to the 3D cam. 
     In still another embodiment the motor includes a supercharging mechanism, comprising at least one diaphragm pump, positioned on the housing of the motor for compressing the atmospheric air in the intake manifold of the motor, and at least one 2D cam to activate the motion of the diaphragm pump, which 2D cam is fixed to the 3D cam. 
     In another embodiment of the motor, it comprises one operating cylinder, functioning as a heat engine, and one opposed cylinder, functioning as a compressor or a pump. In one preferred embodiment of the motor, the opposed cylinder is a cylinder of a compressor and also having a pneumatic accumulator for feeding the operating cylinder with at least a part of the compressed air from the opposed cylinder and for keeping the air and/or for preparing the fuel-air mixture for the next working cycle of the operating cylinder. 
     Thus, the motors disclosed above function more effectively and reliably, while realizing a split working cycle, compared to engines that realize split cycle with a traditional crank mechanism. While realizing a split cycle of the functioning of the engine, one of its cylinders is used only for the suction and compression of the working fluid, and the combustion process, expansion and release of exhaust gases are taking place in the other cylinder. 
     The field of utilization of the cam engine of the invention expands in case the latter is realized as any kind of combination of internal combustion engine, pump, compressor, electric motor and generator. These combinations are preferable, when different types of energy are in demand. In this case, the 3D cam represents a means for receiving or transmitting mechanic and/or electrical energy. 
     In the cases, when using engines with a small working volume is necessary, it is beneficial the cam engine to have one operating cylinder. In this case, one of the two operating cylinders and his relevant piston, head and means for delivery and discharge of the working fluid are removed. In place of the piston, a balancing component is mounted in such a way that the weight of the follower with the piston equals the weight of the follower with the balancing component. 
     In other cases, when using engines with a large working volume is necessary, the integration of several piston cam engines, connected by means of their tooth gears transmitting the rotary motion of their composite cams to at least one outgoing shaft of the engine, is appropriate. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1   a  shows two-piston cam engine with additional rotational degree of freedom for its additional rollers; 
         FIG. 1   b  shows positioning nut—limiting component for the elastic elements; 
         FIG. 1   c  shows bearing assembly of a pair main and additional roller with a stop element that limits the movement of the additional bearing roller in relation to its main bearing journal; 
         FIG. 2   a ,  FIG. 2   b  and  FIG. 2   c  show location of one pair main and additional rollers in case of a cam groove with a constant cross-section; 
         FIG. 3   a  and  FIG. 3   b  show example of a modified law and acceleration of a cam with a variable cross-section; 
         FIG. 4   a ,  FIG. 4   b  and  FIG. 4   c  show location of one pair main and additional roller in case of a cam groove with a variable cross-section; 
         FIG. 5  shows mutual disposition of the laws of the cam profiles of the opposed cam bushings in case of grooves with variable cross-section; 
         FIG. 6   a ,  FIG. 6   b  and  FIG. 6   c  show cam bushings with narrower grooves for the additional rollers; 
         FIG. 7  shows main bearing roller with concave profile and convex path; 
         FIG. 8  shows example in which two main rollers are mounted on one main bearing journal; 
         FIG. 9  shows composite bearing; 
         FIG. 10  shows rocker of piston cam engine that can simultaneously set two valves in motion; 
         FIG. 11   a ,  FIG. 11   b  and  FIG. 11   c  show mechanisms for decompression; 
         FIG. 12  shows two-piston cam internal combustion engine charged with fresh working substance, passing through its housing; 
         FIG. 13  shows two-piston cam internal combustion engine charged by means of diaphragm pump; 
         FIG. 14  shows two-piston cam internal combustion engine combined with electric engine; 
         FIG. 15  shows two-piston cam internal combustion engine with split cycle. 
         FIG. 16  shows properties of the law of the followers of the cam engine without modification of the law according to  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b;    
         FIGS. 17   a  and  17   b  show laws of the followers and their second derivatives that are not interrupted and whose extreme values are not located with the ends of any ascending are descending section of the law without modification of the law according to  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b;    
         FIGS. 18   a  and  18   b  show a law of the followers and their second derivatives with rectilinear horizontal sections in each location of the curve of the law corresponding to a dead center of the pistons, without modification of the law according to  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b.    
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     According to the invention, different two- or one-piston cam engines can be realized, which execute different working cycles depending on the specific application of the engine that can function as a compressor, pump, internal combustion engine or a combination of the above-mentioned. 
       FIG. 1   a  and  FIG. 1   b  show one embodiment of two-piston cam engine according to the invention. The engine comprises a tubular 3D cam  20 , which is an assembly of cam bushings  16   a  and  16   b  and a tubular element  19  that orientates cam bushings  16   a  and  16   b  in such a way that their cam profiles  15   a  and  15   b  form a cam groove on the internal surface of the 3D cam  20 . The engine comprises two identical followers  1   a  and  1   b  as well, each one of them having two arms  37 . To the free ends of the arms  37 , which in this case are shaped as bearing forks, main bearing journals  2  and main rollers  3  are mounted. The main bearing journals  2  are of tubular geometry and in their cylindrical cavities additional bearing journals  4  and additional rollers  5  are located. The additional bearing journals  4  are mounted on cylindrical plungers  6 , which have cylindrical tails  7 . A group of belleville springs  8 , limiting rings  9 , two axial bearings  10 , spacers, respectively  11  and  12 , are mounted on each plunger tail  7 , and by a screw  13  these elements  8  to  12  are pressed on both sides of two positioning nuts  14 , shown on  FIG. 1   b . The positioning nuts  14  mutually secure themselves against self-unscrewing. On their two sides the axial bearings  10  are mounted that allow the free rotation of the additional bearing roller  5  and the self-aligning of the same in relation to its respective cam profile  15   b  possible. Thus the additional bearing roller  5  has two relative degrees of freedom in relation to bearing journal  2 , namely one translational along the axes  17  and one rotational  18 . Through the translational degree of freedom  17 , the additional roller  5  is in continuous contact with the respective cam profile  15   b , and through the rotational degree of freedom  18  the additional roller  5  is self-oriented towards the profile  15   b  in such a way, that the relative motion of the additional roller  5  towards the adjacent cam profiles  15   b  is the only rolling without sliding. The main rollers  3  of the followers  1   a  and  1   b  contact the cam profiles  15   a  and  15   b  of the cam bushings  16   a  and  16   b  respectively. The 3D cam  20  is mounted in cylinder blocks  21  and  22  through one axial and one radial bearings  23  and  24  at each side. Each follower is connected to one piston  25 , which is situated in the respective cylinder  26 . The axes of cylinders  26  coincide with the axis of the composed cam  20 . The axial guidance of the followers is accomplished by guiding columns  27 , mounted on bearings in cylinder blocks  21  and  22 . The reciprocal motion of followers  1   a  and  1   b  is transformed into rotation of the 3D cam  20 , which transfers the rotational motion to a gear  28 , which is rigidly connected to the 3D cam  20 . The gear  28  is coupled with a gear  29 , which sets into motion an output shaft  30 . The shaft  30  is positioned on bearings in the cylinder block  21  and the housing  31 . 
       FIG. 1   c  presents a second constructive option of the bearing assembly of a pair main and additional roller. This assembly, unlike the one presented in  FIG. 1   a , is equipped with the additional stop element  43 , which functions as the limiting rings  9  in  FIG. 1   a . The stop element  43  does not allow the movement of the pack of elements  8 - 12  to exceed the limit, preset by its position. In this specific case, the stop element is the adjustable screw  43 , screwed in plate  44 , which in turn is mounted on the internal end of the main bearing journal  2 . Through screw  43 , secured against self-unscrewing by counter nut  45 , the maximum admissible clearance is preset between the face of screw  43  and the head of screw  13 . The clearance is preset, when follower  1   a  or  1   b  is at the top and bottom dead centers, and the size equals the maximum relative movement of the additional rollers in relation to their respective main bearing journals. The design alternative presented in this figure makes it possible to accomplish a more precise adjustment of limiting clearance. 
     A preferred way to achieve a periodically changing cross-section of the 3D cam groove is to modify the cam profiles law, which can be achieved by summation of the law, in which the cam groove has a constant cross-section, with the half of a law which is the imaginary axial movement of the cam bushing one to another as a function of the angle of rotation of the 3D cam. The modification is made so that the relative movement between any additional roller and its corresponding bearing journal is eliminated. When summing up these laws, the cam groove transforms to a groove with a variable cross-section. An acceptable approximation of the modifying function is any continuous function of the angle of rotation of the 3D cam that reduces the relative movement between each additional roller and its corresponding main bearing journal, and that also does not cause interruption of the resulting law after its summation with the primary law in the case of which the cam groove has a constant cross-section. 
       FIG. 2   a ,  FIG. 2   b  and  FIG. 2   c  clarify the reasons for the appearance of the relative movement of the additional rollers  5  in relation to their respective main bearing journals  2  when the 3D cam  20  is rotating and it has constant cross-section of the cam groove.  FIG. 2   a  illustrates the mutual disposition of one pair main and additional rollers, respectively  3  and  5 , in cross-sections of the cam groove corresponding to the top and bottom dead centers (TDC/BDC) of pistons  25 .  FIG. 2   b  shows the cross-sections of the cam groove, corresponding to one intermediate angle of rotation of the 3D cam  20  between the top and bottom dead centers of the pistons  25 .  FIG. 2   c  shows ¼ of the unfolded cam profiles  15   a  and  15   b , on which a pair of main and additional roller are located in TDC and BDC (positions I), as well as their positioning when the followers are not located in TDC or BDC. Thus, in TDC and BDC of pistons  25  the contact cross-sections of the rollers  3  and  5  with the respective cam profiles  15   a  and  15   b  are located on the same cross-section of the cam groove and the distance between their midpoints  41  and  78  is minimum and equal to L ( FIG. 2   a  and  FIG. 2   c , position I). When the pistons  25  are not in TDC or BDC, the contact cross-sections of rollers  3  and  5  together with the respective cam profiles  15   a  and  15   b  are not located on the same cross-section of the 3D cam  20  ( FIG. 2   b  and  FIG. 2   c , positions II and III). It is obvious, that if the distance between midpoints  41  and  78  of the axes of the rollers  3  and  5  remains equal to L, the roller  5  would not be in contact with cam profile  16   b . Hence, in order to provide simultaneous contact of the rollers  3  and  5  with the adjacent cam profiles  15   a  and  15   b , and to keep unchangeable the distance between midpoints  41  and  78  of the axes of the rollers  3  and  5  (equal to L), when the pistons  25  are situated between TDC and BDC, the cam bushings  16   a  and  16   b  have to be put close to each other, and when the pistons  25  get near to their dead centers, cam bushings  16   a  and  16   b  have to be pulled back. The maximum displacement of the bushings  62  is marked with ΔH on  FIG. 2   b.    
       FIG. 3   a  and  FIG. 3   b  show a way to remove or significantly decrease the relative moving of additional rollers  5  in relation to their respective main bearing journal  2 . This way is associated only with modification of the law of motion of the followers  1   a  and  1   b , by which the cam profiles  15   a  and  15   b  are manufactured respectively of the cam bushings  16   a  and  16   b . According to the invention, it is desirable that the modification of the law of the followers  1   a  and  1   b  to be realized by summing the unmodified law  33 , where the cam groove is with a constant cross-section, with an approximation of a modifying law  34 , the maximum of which is equal to the half of the maximum displacement □H in  FIG. 2   b . Using of the approximation of the modifying law  34  instead of an actual modifying law is acceptable when the approximating law  34  can be presented analytically using one or more formulas and its application instead of the actual modifying law decreases the relative displacement of the roller  5  in relation to its respective main bearing journal  2 , compared to the case in which the 3D cam  20  has a constant cross-section. The residual displacement after the application of the approximating law  34  causes shrinking and expansion of the group of the belleville springs  8 , but with considerably smaller energy consumption in comparison with the case, when the law of the followers is not modified. The shrink of springs  8  is limited by the thickness of limiting rings  9  or the position of screw  43 . It can be seen in the figures, that the resulting law is continuous to its second derivative and its shape and nature are slightly changed after its modification. 
       FIG. 4   a ,  FIG. 4   b  and  FIG. 4   c  are analogous to  FIG. 2   a ,  FIG. 2   b  and  FIG. 2   c  and show the changes that occur in the mutual disposition between each pair of the rollers  3  and  5  after the modification of the law  33  of the cam profiles  15   a  and  15   b , mentioned above. It is obvious from the figures that the rollers  3  and  5  are in a permanent contact with their respective cam profiles  15   a  and  15   b  without changes in the distance between the midpoints  41  and  78  of their axes. The law of cam profile  15   a  is shown in  FIG. 4   c  with a dash line  35   a  and the law of profile  15   b —with an axial line  35   b . In the same  FIG. 4   c , the profile of unmodified cam bushings is shown with dotted line, which illustrates the difference between unmodified cam groove with constant cross-section and modified cam groove with altering cross-section. This figure makes it clear that the cross-section of a modified cam groove decreases, excluding the places, which correspond to the dead centers of the followers  1   a  and  1   b . The maximum decrease characterizes those places of the cam groove that are in the middle of the sections between the dead centers of the followers  1   a  and  1   b.    
       FIG. 5  shows the laws of motion of the followers  1   a  and  1   b  for a complete rotation)(360° of 3D cam  20 . The law  35   a  of the follower  1   a  is drown by a continuous line and the law  35   b  of the follower  1   b —by a dash line. The law  35   a  is identical to law  35   b , but for the purposes of illustration, the law  35   b  is twice rotated in an inversed manner in relation to the horizontal and the vertical axes and is laid on law  35   a  in such a way, that the dead positions of the followers coincide. When the laws of cam bushings  16   a  and  16   b  are not modified and the cam groove is with a constant cross-section, the law  35   a  coincides with the law  35   b.    
     The modified laws  35   a  and  35   b , presented in  FIG. 5  are composed based on a sine function: 
                   S   ⁡     (   φ   )       33     =       H   2     -       H   2     ·     sin   ⁡     (       π   2     +     2   ⁢   φ       )             ,         
that functions as the law  33 , in which the cam groove has a constant cross-section and a cycloid function:
 
                   S   ⁡     (   φ   )       34     =     Δ   ⁢           ⁢     H   ·     [       φ   β     -       1     2   ⁢   π       ·     sin   ⁡     (       2   ·   π     ⁢     φ   β       )           ]           ,         
used in this case as approximate modifying law  34 , where □ is the rotation angle of cam  20 ; S(□) is motion law of executive units; H is the stroke of the piston; and □ is the rotation angle of the 3D cam  20  when the law  34 , shown in  FIG. 3   a ,  FIG. 3   b  and  FIG. 5 , reaches its maximum.
 
     In the described example, the pistons  25  execute four strokes per a revolution of the 3D cam  20 . The table below presents the specific forms of the functions for each section of the law of the follower  1   a . 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Number, type and range 
                   
                   
               
               
                 of the section 
                 Law 33 
                 Modifying law 34 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 1. Ascending 0 ≦ φ ≦ 45° 
                 
                   
                     
                       
                         
                           S 
                           33 
                         
                         = 
                         
                           
                             H 
                             2 
                           
                           - 
                           
                             
                               H 
                               2 
                             
                             · 
                             
                               sin 
                               ⁡ 
                               
                                 ( 
                                 
                                   
                                     π 
                                     2 
                                   
                                   + 
                                   
                                     2 
                                     ⁢ 
                                     φ 
                                   
                                 
                                 ) 
                               
                             
                           
                         
                       
                     
                   
                 
                 
                   
                     
                       
                         
                           S 
                           34 
                         
                         = 
                         
                           
                             ΔH 
                             2 
                           
                           · 
                           
                             [ 
                             
                               
                                 φ 
                                 β 
                               
                               - 
                               
                                 
                                   1 
                                   
                                     2 
                                     ⁢ 
                                     π 
                                   
                                 
                                 · 
                                 
                                   sin 
                                   ⁡ 
                                   
                                     ( 
                                     
                                       
                                         2 
                                         · 
                                         π 
                                       
                                       ⁢ 
                                       
                                         φ 
                                         β 
                                       
                                     
                                     ) 
                                   
                                 
                               
                             
                             ] 
                           
                         
                       
                     
                   
                 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 2. Ascending 45° ≦ φ ≦ 90° 
                   
                 
                   
                     
                       
                         
                           S 
                           34 
                         
                         = 
                         
                           
                             ΔH 
                             2 
                           
                           - 
                           
                             
                               ΔH 
                               2 
                             
                             · 
                             
                               [ 
                               
                                 
                                   
                                     φ 
                                     - 
                                     β 
                                   
                                   β 
                                 
                                 - 
                                 
                                   
                                     1 
                                     
                                       2 
                                       ⁢ 
                                       π 
                                     
                                   
                                   · 
                                   
                                     sin 
                                     ⁡ 
                                     
                                       ( 
                                       
                                         
                                           2 
                                           · 
                                           π 
                                         
                                         ⁢ 
                                         
                                           φ 
                                           β 
                                         
                                       
                                       ) 
                                     
                                   
                                 
                               
                               ] 
                             
                           
                         
                       
                     
                   
                 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 3. Descending 90° ≦ φ ≦ 135° 
                   
                 
                   
                     
                       
                         
                           S 
                           34 
                         
                         = 
                         
                           
                             ΔH 
                             2 
                           
                           · 
                           
                             [ 
                             
                               
                                 φ 
                                 β 
                               
                               - 
                               
                                 
                                   1 
                                   
                                     2 
                                     ⁢ 
                                     π 
                                   
                                 
                                 · 
                                 
                                   sin 
                                   ⁡ 
                                   
                                     ( 
                                     
                                       
                                         2 
                                         · 
                                         π 
                                       
                                       ⁢ 
                                       
                                         φ 
                                         β 
                                       
                                     
                                     ) 
                                   
                                 
                               
                             
                             ] 
                           
                         
                       
                     
                   
                 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 4. Descending 135° ≦ φ ≦ 180° 
                   
                 
                   
                     
                       
                         
                           S 
                           34 
                         
                         = 
                         
                           
                             ΔH 
                             2 
                           
                           - 
                           
                             
                               ΔH 
                               2 
                             
                             · 
                             
                               [ 
                               
                                 
                                   
                                     φ 
                                     - 
                                     
                                       3 
                                       · 
                                       β 
                                     
                                   
                                   β 
                                 
                                 - 
                                 
                                   
                                     1 
                                     
                                       2 
                                       ⁢ 
                                       π 
                                     
                                   
                                   · 
                                   
                                     sin 
                                     ⁡ 
                                     
                                       ( 
                                       
                                         
                                           2 
                                           · 
                                           π 
                                         
                                         ⁢ 
                                         
                                           φ 
                                           β 
                                         
                                       
                                       ) 
                                     
                                   
                                 
                               
                               ] 
                             
                           
                         
                       
                     
                   
                 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 5. Ascending 180° ≦ φ ≦ 225° 
                   
                 
                   
                     
                       
                         
                           S 
                           34 
                         
                         = 
                         
                           
                             ΔH 
                             2 
                           
                           · 
                           
                             [ 
                             
                               
                                 
                                   φ 
                                   - 
                                   
                                     4 
                                     · 
                                     β 
                                   
                                 
                                 β 
                               
                               - 
                               
                                 
                                   1 
                                   
                                     2 
                                     ⁢ 
                                     π 
                                   
                                 
                                 · 
                                 
                                   sin 
                                   ⁡ 
                                   
                                     ( 
                                     
                                       
                                         2 
                                         · 
                                         π 
                                       
                                       ⁢ 
                                       
                                         φ 
                                         β 
                                       
                                     
                                     ) 
                                   
                                 
                               
                             
                             ] 
                           
                         
                       
                     
                   
                 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 6. Ascending 225° ≦ φ ≦ 270° 
                   
                 
                   
                     
                       
                         
                           S 
                           34 
                         
                         = 
                         
                           
                             ΔH 
                             2 
                           
                           - 
                           
                             
                               ΔH 
                               2 
                             
                             · 
                             
                               [ 
                               
                                 
                                   
                                     φ 
                                     - 
                                     
                                       5 
                                       · 
                                       β 
                                     
                                   
                                   β 
                                 
                                 - 
                                 
                                   
                                     1 
                                     
                                       2 
                                       ⁢ 
                                       π 
                                     
                                   
                                   · 
                                   
                                     sin 
                                     ⁡ 
                                     
                                       ( 
                                       
                                         
                                           2 
                                           · 
                                           π 
                                         
                                         ⁢ 
                                         
                                           φ 
                                           β 
                                         
                                       
                                       ) 
                                     
                                   
                                 
                               
                               ] 
                             
                           
                         
                       
                     
                   
                 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 7. Descending 270° ≦ φ ≦ 315° 
                   
                 
                   
                     
                       
                         
                           S 
                           34 
                         
                         = 
                         
                           
                             ΔH 
                             2 
                           
                           · 
                           
                             [ 
                             
                               
                                 
                                   φ 
                                   - 
                                   
                                     6 
                                     · 
                                     β 
                                   
                                 
                                 β 
                               
                               - 
                               
                                 
                                   1 
                                   
                                     2 
                                     ⁢ 
                                     π 
                                   
                                 
                                 · 
                                 
                                   sin 
                                   ⁡ 
                                   
                                     ( 
                                     
                                       
                                         2 
                                         · 
                                         π 
                                       
                                       ⁢ 
                                       
                                         φ 
                                         β 
                                       
                                     
                                     ) 
                                   
                                 
                               
                             
                             ] 
                           
                         
                       
                     
                   
                 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 8. Descending 315° ≦ φ ≦ 360° 
                   
                 
                   
                     
                       
                         
                           S 
                           34 
                         
                         = 
                         
                           
                             ΔH 
                             2 
                           
                           - 
                           
                             
                               ΔH 
                               2 
                             
                             · 
                             
                               [ 
                               
                                 
                                   
                                     φ 
                                     - 
                                     
                                       7 
                                       · 
                                       β 
                                     
                                   
                                   β 
                                 
                                 - 
                                 
                                   
                                     1 
                                     
                                       2 
                                       ⁢ 
                                       π 
                                     
                                   
                                   · 
                                   
                                     sin 
                                     ⁡ 
                                     
                                       ( 
                                       
                                         
                                           2 
                                           · 
                                           π 
                                         
                                         ⁢ 
                                         
                                           φ 
                                           β 
                                         
                                       
                                       ) 
                                     
                                   
                                 
                               
                               ] 
                             
                           
                         
                       
                     
                   
                 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       FIG. 6   a ,  FIG. 6   b  and  FIG. 6   c  show one another way to keep the distance between the midpoints  41  and  78  of the axes of one pair of the main and additional rollers, respectively  3  and  5  practically constant, without moving the cam bushings  16   a  and/or  16   b  and when the 3D cam  20  is rotating. To achieve this objective, additional cam narrower grooves  32  for the additional rollers  5  are carved on cam profiles  15   a  and  15   b . The depth of the additional grooves h is maximal at the places corresponding to TDC or BDC of pistons  25  and is equal to zero between any neighboring dead centers. In this case the cam bushings  16   a  and  16   b  are situated closer one to another (ΔH) compared to the case in which the cam paths are convex (see  FIG. 7 , convex path  90 ). The law, by which cam profiles  15   a  and  15   b  are realized, coincides with the unmodified law  33 . In case of convex path  90  (see  FIG. 7 ), the maximum height is between any neighboring dead centers. 
       FIG. 7  shows one main roller  3  having a concave profile, which is suitable when additional convex paths  90  are made for additional roller  5 . These paths  90  are standing out in relation to cam profiles  15   a  and  15   b.    
       FIG. 8  shows an example, where each main bearing roller  3  is replaced by two main rollers  3   a  and  3   b  that are mounted on one main bearing journal  2 . Between the main bearing rollers  3   a  and  3   b , mounted on one main bearing journal  2 , the axial roller  36  is situated, which prevents the direct contact between rollers  3   a  and  3   b . The basic intention of this solution is to enable the rollers  3   a  and  3   b , mounted on one bearing journal, to rotate with different angular rates without friction between them. The advantage is the decreased friction between the main rollers  3   a  and  3   b  and the cam profile that contacts the rollers. When only one main bearing roller  3  is mounted on the bearing journal  2 , the friction between the roller  3  and the corresponding cam profile is higher, because the peripheral points of roller  3  do not have the possibility to harmonize their velocities in relation to the different velocities of their adjacent contact points of the corresponding cam profile  15   a  or  15   b.    
       FIG. 9  illustrates the realization of one composite bearing  76 , which can be used as means of connecting the main and additional rollers  3  and  5  with the corresponding bearing journals. It will be appropriate also to use composite bearings at the places of contact between rockers  48  and valve-timing cams  52  ( FIG. 12  and  FIG. 13 ). It is obvious from the figure that the composite bearing  76  comprises three bearing rings  63  with different diameters, which are concentrically located to each other. Between them rolling bodies  64  are placed, which decrease the forces of friction while the composite bearing is rolling. It is obvious that the net angular velocity of the composite bearing is a sum of the relative angular velocities of each roller level compared to the preceding. Using composite bearings at the places of the piston cam engine mentioned above makes it possible to increase the angular velocity of all its rotational elements without this to cause accelerated wear of the bearings in question. 
       FIG. 10  shows one rocker  48  of a piston cam internal combustion engine according to the invention, the purpose of which is to actuate simultaneously two valves  49 . It can be seen from the figure that the rocker comprises one arm  50  with roller  51 , which contacts one 2D cam  52   a  or  52   b , shown in  FIG. 12 ,  FIG. 13  and  FIG. 15 ; two arms  53  with adjusting screws  54  and counter nuts  55 , used to realize the contact between the rocker  48  and the respective valves  49   a  or  49   b , which can be seen in  FIG. 12 ,  FIG. 13  and  FIG. 15 ; and the cylindrical joint  56 , by means of which the rocker  48  is connected to a static element of the engine. 
       FIG. 11   a  shows an example of a decompression mechanism according to the invention. This mechanism includes an electromagnet  65 , which armature  66  is profile-wisely connected to rocker  48  of one suction or discharge valve  49   a / 49   b  of the valve-timing mechanism of the engine. In this case, the armature  66  of the electromagnet  65  ends with roller  67  that contacts with the arm  53  of the rocker  48 , and a coil  68  of the electromagnet  65  is rigidly connected to the static body element  38 . When the piston engine is in a starting mode, the armature  66  of the electromagnet  65  presses the arm  53  that on its turn actuates its adjacent valve  49   a / 49   b , and compresses its spring  69  as well. In this way no compression is realized in the cylinder by the decompression mechanism. When the number of revolutions (RPM) of the engine becomes high enough to overcome the resistance of compression in its cylinders, the electromagnet  65  is deactivated. This mechanism can be realized by simplified variations of the basic option, described bellow. 
       FIG. 11   b  illustrates one of these options. It includes the electromagnet  65 , a additional decompression valve  71 , different from the valve-timing mechanisms  49   a / 49   b , and a retracting spring  72 . In this case the armature  66  directly affects the decompression valve  71 , which opens or closes opening  77  and shrinks and releases its adjacent retracting spring  72 . The function of this example of the decompression mechanism is identical to that of the basic variant of the mechanism. This example is applicable when the combustion chamber  70  is large enough to provide enough space for the decompression valve  71 . 
     In  FIG. 11   c  a subsequent example of the decompression mechanism is presented, which comprises the electromagnet  65 , the function of which is to keep the rocker  48  in a position, when the respective suction or discharge valve or valves  49   a / 49   b  are opened and prevent the compression in their adjacent operating cylinder. In this case, the free end of the armature  66  is linked to a conical element  73  that is in contact with the axis  56  of the rocker  48  and the conical element  73  retains the rocker  48  in such a position, that keeps the corresponding valve or valves  49   a  and/or  49   b  opened up to the desirable moment. The axis  56  of rocker  48  has a conical section  74  at its opening, and thus the rocker  48  transfers a moment of rotation from arm  50 , contacting its respective valve-timing cam, to arms  53 , contacting their adjacent valves. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a variant of a piston cam engine, which in this case is realized as two-piston internal combustion engine. In this variant the spaces of the engine housing and the intake manifold  38  are connected. As a result of this connection the charging of cylinders  26  is improved, because the pressure in the engine housing is higher than the atmospheric pressure. The enhanced housing pressure is due to the synchronous bringing near of pistons  25  when valve  39  is closed. In the opposite movement of the pistons  25  a fresh working substance is sucked up from the environment, and enters the engine housing space through the valve  39  and filters  40 . Valve  39  is activated by two 2D cams  45 , which are rigidly connected to the 3D cam  20 . 
       FIG. 13  shows next example, by which it is improved the fresh working fluid charging of a two-piston internal combustion engine according to the invention. For this purpose, a diaphragm pump  46  is added to the construction of the engine, whose plunger  47  and the diaphragm  58  are put into action by two 2D cams  45 , and the flow of fresh working fluid is directed straight from the pump to the intake manifold  38 . The flow of fresh working fluid is guided by a system of one-way check valves  59 . To prevent the excessive increase in the pressure of the housing space, it is appropriate to add an overflow valve to the system providing the fresh working fluid. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates the integration between a two-piston internal combustion engine and an electric engine according to the invention. The integration of the electric engine is realized by a rigid connection of the rotor  60  to the 3D cam  20 , so that the 3D cam  20  and the rotor  60  rotate as a single body. A stator  61  of the electric engine is fixed to the housing  31  of the engine. The shown integration decreases the number of parts in comparison to the case, in which the engine and the electric engine are connected as two independent engines. Another advantage of such integration is the increase of efficiency due to the elimination of friction forces between the parts that fall off from the cam engine and electrical generator/motor as a result of their integration. Next advantage of the embedding of the electric engine in the built of the two-piston cam engine is its usage as a start motor, when the engine is working in a starting mode. In this way an additional start motor will not be necessary. The shown integration does not include input/output shaft and the respective gear set that connects it to the 3D cam  20 . These components may be assembled in the body of the composite two-piston cam engine, when it is necessary to obtain not only electrical, but mechanical energy as well. The input/output shaft  30  and its gear set  28  and  29  are presented in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 12  and  FIG. 13 . A similar alternative of incorporation is when the rotor of the electric engine is directly connected to the input and/or output shaft of the cam engine. 
       FIG. 15  shows a two-piston internal combustion engine according to the invention, whose working cycle of which is split. The suction and compression phases of the engine working cycle are realized in cylinder  26   a , and the combustion process, expansion and discharge of the exhaust gases are realized in the other cylinder  26   b . It is obvious from the figure that the two cylinders  26   a  and  26   b  are connected between themselves by means of conduit  79 , through which the compressed working fluid is transferred from the compressing cylinder  26   a  to the operating cylinder  26   b . So the compressed working fluid passes through the exhaust orifice  80  of the compressing cylinder  26   a  and enters the operating cylinder  26   b  through the input orifice  81  of combustion chamber  82  of cylinder  26   b .  FIG. 15  shows variant with a split working cycle of the two-piston engine according to the invention, where the transmission of the compressed working fluid from cylinder  26   a  to cylinder  26   b  is indirectly realized. In this case, the compressed working fluid is initially collected in the intermediate pneumatic accumulator  83  and later used by the operating cylinder  26   b . The accumulation and the usage of the compressed working fluid are controlled by the two valves  84  and  85 , situated respectively at the entrance and the exit of the accumulator  83 .  FIG. 15  also shows a decompression mechanism, described in  FIG. 11   a , and an electromagnetic valve  86 , the function of which is to discharge cylinders  26   a  and/or  26   b  in the cases when they are not used temporarily. In this case, the compressing cylinder  26   b  is serviced by the pair of one-way check valves  87 . 
       FIG. 16 ,  FIG. 17   a/b  and  FIG. 18   a/b  show different law of the followers. 
     Although the description above contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Thus, the scope of this invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Technology Category: 2