U.S. patent application number 15/671120 was filed with the patent office on 2019-02-07 for connecting-rod with one or more recess in the stem to reduce mass, optimize the balancing between rotating and reciprocating masses, and optimize the connecting-rod bearings minimum oil film thickness.
The applicant listed for this patent is GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC. Invention is credited to Francesco GERMANO, Fabio NUMIDI, Vito RESCINA.
Application Number | 20190040903 15/671120 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 65020144 |
Filed Date | 2019-02-07 |
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20190040903 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
GERMANO; Francesco ; et
al. |
February 7, 2019 |
CONNECTING-ROD WITH ONE OR MORE RECESS IN THE STEM TO REDUCE MASS,
OPTIMIZE THE BALANCING BETWEEN ROTATING AND RECIPROCATING MASSES,
AND OPTIMIZE THE CONNECTING-ROD BEARINGS MINIMUM OIL FILM
THICKNESS
Abstract
A connecting rod for connecting between a crankshaft and a
piston, includes a small end with a cylindrical hole adapted to for
receiving a piston pin, a big end having a crank pin bore adapted
for receiving a crank pin of a crankshaft and a stem portion
extends between the small end and big end. The stem portion can
have an I-beam cross-section with a pair of legs and a web
extending between the pair of legs. The web includes oppositely
facing surfaces defining a thickness that is less than a thickness
of the pair of legs. The web includes at least one grooved/recessed
portion that is recessed relative to the oppositely facing surfaces
of the web.
Inventors: |
GERMANO; Francesco; (Torino,
IT) ; NUMIDI; Fabio; (Aglie, IT) ; RESCINA;
Vito; (Turin, IT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC |
Detroit |
MI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
65020144 |
Appl. No.: |
15/671120 |
Filed: |
August 7, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16C 7/023 20130101;
F16C 2240/60 20130101; F16C 9/04 20130101; F16C 2360/22 20130101;
F16C 11/02 20130101; F16C 9/045 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F16C 7/02 20060101
F16C007/02; F16C 9/04 20060101 F16C009/04; F16C 11/02 20060101
F16C011/02 |
Claims
1. A connecting rod for connecting between a crankshaft and a
piston, comprising: a connecting rod small end having a cylindrical
hole adapted to for receiving a piston pin; a connecting rod big
end adapted to for receiving a crank pin of a crankshaft; a stem
portion extending between the connecting rod small end and the
connecting rod big end and having an I-beam cross-section with a
pair of legs and a web extending between the pair of legs, the web
having oppositely facing surfaces defining a thickness in a
longitudinal direction of an axis of the crankshaft bearing boss
that is less than a thickness of the pair of legs in the
longitudinal direction of the axis of the crankshaft bearing boss,
the web having at least one recessed portion that is recessed
relative to at least one of the oppositely facing surfaces of the
web.
2. The connecting rod according to claim 1, wherein the at least
one recessed portion is circular in shape.
3. The connecting rod according to claim 2, wherein the at least
one recessed portion is disposed between the connecting rod small
end and the connecting rod big end.
4. The connecting rod according to claim 3, wherein the at least
one recessed portion includes at least one recessed portion
disposed on both of the oppositely facing surfaces of the web.
5. The connecting rod according to claim 1, wherein the at least
one recessed portion is generally rectangular in shape.
6. The connecting rod according to claim 5, wherein the at least
one recessed portion is disposed between the connecting rod small
end and the connecting rod big end.
7. The connecting rod according to claim 6, wherein the at least
one recessed portion includes at least one recessed portion
disposed on both oppositely facing surfaces of the web.
8. The connecting rod according to claim 1, wherein the at least
one recessed portion is generally triangular in shape.
9. The connecting rod according to claim 8, wherein the at least
one recessed portion is disposed proximate to one of the connecting
rod big end or the connecting rod small end.
10. The connecting rod according to claim 9, wherein the at least
one recessed portion includes at least one recessed portion
disposed on both oppositely facing surfaces of the web.
11. The connecting rod according to claim 1, wherein the at least
one recessed portion is oval/oblong in shape.
12. The connecting rod according to claim 11, wherein the at least
one recessed portion is disposed between the connecting rod small
end and the connecting rod big end.
13. The connecting rod according to claim 12, wherein the at least
one recessed portion includes at least one recessed portion
disposed on both oppositely facing surfaces of the web.
14. The connecting rod according to claim 1, wherein the at least
one recessed portion includes a plurality of recessed portions
longitudinally spaced from one another along the stem portion.
15. The connecting rod according to claim 1, wherein the at least
one recessed portion is disposed proximate to the connecting rod
small end.
16. The connecting rod according to claim 1, wherein the at least
one recessed portion is disposed proximate to the connecting rod
big end.
17. The connecting rod according to claim 1, wherein the at least
one recessed portion includes a plurality of recessed portions
longitudinally spaced at opposite ends of the stem portion.
18. The connecting rod according to claim 1, wherein the at least
one recessed portion includes at least one recessed portion
disposed on each of the oppositely facing surfaces of the web.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connecting rod for an
internal combustion engine and more particularly to a connecting
rod with different types of recess in the stem.
BACKGROUND
[0002] This section provides background information related to the
present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.
[0003] With reference to FIGS. 10A and 10B, a conventional
connecting rod 1010 according to the principles of the present
disclosure will now be described. The connecting rod 1010 is
provided for connecting between a crankshaft and a piston as is
well known in the art. The connecting rod 1010 includes a small end
1012 that can have a piston pin bushing 1014 which is adapted for
receiving a piston pin and a big end 1016 having a crank pin bore
1018 to carry bearings adapted for receiving a crank pin of a
crankshaft. A stem portion 1020 extends between the small end 1012
and the big end 1016. The connecting rod big end 1016 can include
an end cap 1022 formed separate or cracked separate from the
remaining portion of the connecting rod 1010 and connected thereto
by bolts 1024.
[0004] The piston pin bushing 1014 includes a cylindrical hole 1026
for receiving a piston pin along an axis 1028. The crank pin bore
1018 includes an aperture 1030 which consists of a cylindrical hole
for receiving bearings and a crank pin along an axis 1032. The stem
portion 1020 can have an I-beam shaped cross-section including a
pair of legs 1034 and a web 1036 extending therebetween. As shown
in FIG. 10B, the web 1036 has oppositely facing surfaces 1038, 1040
that define a thickness T in a direction parallel to the axis 1032.
In addition, FIG. 10C is a cross sectional view of the stem portion
1020 taken along line 10C-10C of FIG. 10A.
[0005] It is desirable to provide a connecting rod with reduced
mass and an optimized position of center of gravity.
SUMMARY
[0006] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure,
and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of
its features.
[0007] A connecting rod for connecting between a crankshaft and a
piston, includes a small end that can have a piston pin bushing
which is adapted for receiving a piston pin. A big end has a crank
pin bore to carry bearings and a crank pin of a crankshaft. A stem
portion extends between the small end and the big end. The stem
portion can have an I-beam cross-section with a pair of legs and a
web extending between the pair of legs. The web includes oppositely
facing surfaces defining a thickness that is less than a thickness
of the pair of legs. The web includes at least one grooved portion
that is recessed relative to facing surfaces of the web.
[0008] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the
description provided herein. The description and specific examples
in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and
are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
DRAWINGS
[0009] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes
only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations,
and are not intended to limit the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0010] FIGS. 1A and 1B are plan and cross-sectional views,
respectively, of a connecting rod according to the principles of
the present disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 1C is a cross-section of the stem portion taken along
line 1C-1C with grooves/recesses according to the principles of the
present disclosure;
[0012] FIGS. 2A and 2B are plan and cross-sectional views,
respectively, of a connecting rod according to a second embodiment
of the present disclosure;
[0013] FIGS. 3A and 3B are plan and cross-sectional views,
respectively, of a connecting rod according to a third embodiment
of the present disclosure;
[0014] FIGS. 4A and 4B are plan and cross-sectional views,
respectively, of a connecting rod according to a fourth embodiment
of the present disclosure;
[0015] FIGS. 5A and 5B are plan and cross-sectional views,
respectively, of a connecting rod according to a fifth embodiment
of the present disclosure;
[0016] FIGS. 6A and 6B are plan and cross-sectional views,
respectively, of a connecting rod according to a sixth embodiment
of the present disclosure;
[0017] FIGS. 7A and 7B are plan and cross-sectional views,
respectively, of a connecting rod according to a seventh embodiment
of the present disclosure;
[0018] FIGS. 8A and 8B are plan and cross-sectional views,
respectively, of a connecting rod according to an eighth embodiment
of the present disclosure;
[0019] FIGS. 9A and 9B are plan and cross-sectional views,
respectively, of a connecting rod according to a ninth embodiment
of the present disclosure;
[0020] FIGS. 10A and 10B are plan and cross-sectional views,
respectively, of a conventional connecting rod; and
[0021] FIG. 10C is a cross-section of the beam without
grooves-recesses.
[0022] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding
parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with
reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0024] Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure
will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are
skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as
examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a
thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It
will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details
need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in
many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit
the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments,
well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known
technologies are not described in detail.
[0025] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be
limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the"
may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises,"
"comprising," "including," and "having," are inclusive and
therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps,
operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the
presence or addition of one or more other features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The
method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to
be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the
particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically
identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood
that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
[0026] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on,"
"engaged to," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or
layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the
other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be
present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being
"directly on," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," or
"directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no
intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to
describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in
a like fashion (e.g., "between" versus "directly between,"
"adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the
term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of
the associated listed items.
[0027] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used
herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers
and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or
sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be
only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or
section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as
"first," "second," and other numerical terms when used herein do
not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the
context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section
discussed below could be termed a second element, component,
region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of
the example embodiments.
[0028] Spatially relative terms, such as "inner," "outer,"
"beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like, may be
used herein for ease of description to describe one element or
feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as
illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be
intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use
or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the
figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over,
elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or
features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or
features. Thus, the example term "below" can encompass both an
orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise
oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the
spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted
accordingly.
[0029] With reference to FIGS. 1A-1C, a connecting rod 10 according
to the principles of the present disclosure will now be described.
The connecting rod 10 is provided for connecting between a
crankshaft and a piston as is well known in the art. The connecting
rod 10 includes a first small end 12 having a piston pin bushing 14
which is adapted for receiving a piston pin and a big end 16 having
a crank pin bore 18 adapted for receiving a crank pin of a
crankshaft. A stem portion 20 extends between the small end 12 and
the big end 16. The connecting rod big end 16 can include an end
cap 22 formed separate (or cracked) from the remaining portion of
the connecting rod 10 and connected thereto by bolts 24.
[0030] The piston pin small end 12 can have a bushing 14; in both
cases, with or without the bushing, it includes a cylindrical hole
26 for receiving a piston pin along an axis 28. The crank pin bore
18 includes an aperture 30 which consists of a cylindrical hole for
receiving bearings and crank pin along an axis 32. The stem portion
20 can have an I-beam cross-section including a pair of legs 34 and
a web 36 extending therebetween. As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, the
web 36 has oppositely facing surfaces 38, 40 defining a thickness T
in a direction parallel to the axis 32. The surfaces 38, 40 of the
web 36 are each provided with one or more grooved/recessed portion
42 that is recessed relative to the surfaces 38, 40 to move the
connecting rod center of gravity and reduce weight and control the
rotating/reciprocating mass distribution. The grooved/recessed
portion 42, as shown FIGS. 1A-1C can be provided on both sides
(surfaces 38, 40) of the web 36 or alternatively can be provided on
just one side and provides a region of reduced thickness t as
compared to the thickness T of the web 36. The shape of the
grooved/recessed portion(s) 42 can be generally rectangular or
oval, as shown, and can be generally centrally located along the
stem portion 20 between the small end 12 and big end 16.
[0031] With reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, an alternative connecting
rod 210 according to the principles of the present disclosure will
now be described. The connecting rod 210 is provided for connecting
between a crankshaft and a piston as is well known in the art. The
connecting rod 210 includes a first small end 12 having a piston
pin bushing 14 which is adapted for receiving a piston pin and a
big end 16 having a crank pin bore 18 adapted for receiving a crank
pin of a crankshaft. A stem portion 220 extends between the small
end 12 and the big end 16. The connecting rod big end 16 can
include an end cap 22 formed separate (or cracked) from the
remaining portion of the connecting rod 210 and connected thereto
by bolts 24.
[0032] The piston pin small end 12 can have a bushing 14; in both
cases, with or without the bushing, it includes a cylindrical hole
26 for receiving a piston pin along an axis 28. The crank pin bore
18 includes an aperture 30 which consists of a cylindrical hole for
receiving bearings and a crank pin along an axis 32. The stem
portion 220 can have an I-beam cross-section including a pair of
legs 34 and a web 236 extending therebetween. As shown in FIG. 2B,
the web 236 has oppositely facing surfaces 238, 240 defining a
thickness T in a direction parallel to the axis 32. The surfaces
238, 240 of the web 236 are each provided with a recessed portion
242 that is recessed relative to the surfaces 238, 240 to move the
connecting rod center of gravity and reduce weight and control the
rotating/reciprocating mass distribution. The grooved/recessed
portion 242, as shown FIGS. 2A and 2B can be provided on both sides
(surfaces 238, 240) of the web 236 or alternatively can be provided
on just one side and provides a region of reduced thickness t as
compared to the thickness T of the web 236. The shape of the
grooved/recessed portion(s) 242 can be generally triangular or
tennis racket groove shape, as shown, and can be generally located
proximal to the big end 16.
[0033] With reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, an alternative connecting
rod 310 according to the principles of the present disclosure will
now be described. The connecting rod 310 is provided for connecting
between a crankshaft and a piston as is well known in the art. The
connecting rod 310 includes a small end 12 having a piston pin
bushing 14 which is adapted for receiving a piston pin and a big
end 16 having a crank pin bore 18 adapted for receiving a crank pin
of a crankshaft. A stem portion 320 extends between the small end
12 and the big end 16. The connecting rod big end 16 can include an
end cap 22 formed separate (or cracked) from the remaining portion
of the connecting rod 310 and connected thereto by bolts 24.
[0034] The piston pin small end 12 can have a bushing 14; in both
cases, with or without the bushing, it includes a cylindrical hole
26 for receiving a piston pin along an axis 28. The crank pin bore
18 includes an aperture 30 which consists of a cylindrical hole for
receiving bearings and a crank pin along an axis 32. The stem
portion 320 can have an I-beam cross-section including a pair of
legs 34 and a web 336 extending therebetween. As shown in FIG. 3B,
the web 336 has oppositely facing surfaces 338, 340 defining a
thickness T in a direction parallel to the axis 32. The surfaces
338, 340 of the web 336 are each provided with a recessed portion
342 that is recessed relative to the surfaces 338, 340 to move the
connecting rod center of gravity and reduce weight and control the
rotating/reciprocating mass distribution. The grooved/recessed
portion 342, as shown FIGS. 3A and 3B can be provided on both sides
(surfaces 338, 340) of the web 336 or alternatively can be provided
on just one side and provides a region of reduced thickness t as
compared to the thickness T of the web 336. The shape of the
grooved/recessed portion(s) 342 can be generally oblong as shown,
and can be generally located between big end 16 and small end
12.
[0035] With reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, an alternative connecting
rod 410 according to the principles of the present disclosure will
now be described. The connecting rod 410 is provided for connecting
between a crankshaft and a piston as is well known in the art. The
connecting rod 410 includes a small end 12 having a piston pin
bushing 14 which is adapted for receiving a piston pin and a big
end 16 having a crank pin bore 18 adapted for receiving a crank pin
of a crankshaft. A stem portion 420 extends between the small end
12 and the big end 16. The connecting rod big end 16 can include an
end cap 22 formed separate (or cracked) from the remaining portion
of the connecting rod 410 and connected thereto by bolts 24.
[0036] The piston pin small end 12 can have a bushing 14; in both
cases, with or without the bushing, it includes a cylindrical hole
26 for receiving piston pin along an axis 28. The crank pin bore 18
includes an aperture 30 which consists of a cylindrical hole for
receiving bearings and a crank pin along an axis 32. The stem
portion 420 can have an I-beam cross-section including a pair of
legs 34 and a web 436 extending therebetween. As shown in FIG. 4B,
the web 436 has oppositely facing surfaces 438, 440 defining a
thickness T in a direction parallel to the axis 32. The surfaces
438, 440 of the web 436 are each provided with multiple recessed
portions 442A, 442B that are recessed relative to the surfaces 438,
440 to move the connecting rod center of gravity and reduce weight
and control the rotating/reciprocating mass distribution. The
multiple grooved/recessed portions 442A,442B, as shown FIGS. 4A and
4B can be provided on both sides (surfaces 438, 440) of the web 436
or alternatively can be provided on just one side and provides
multiple regions of reduced thickness tA, tB as compared to the
thickness T of the web 436. The size and shape of the recessed
portions 442A, 442B can be different such as rectangular and oval,
as shown and can be generally located between big end 16 and small
end 12.
[0037] With reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, an alternative connecting
rod 510 according to the principles of the present disclosure will
now be described. The connecting rod 510 is provided for connecting
between a crankshaft and a piston as is well known in the art. The
connecting rod 510 includes a small end 12 having a piston pin
bushing 14 which is adapted for receiving a piston pin and a big
end 16 having a crank pin bore 18 adapted for receiving a crank pin
of a crankshaft. A stem portion 520 extends between the small end
12 and the big end 16. The connecting rod big end 16 can include an
end cap 22 formed separate (or cracked) from the remaining portion
of the connecting rod 510 and connected thereto by bolts 24.
[0038] The piston pin small end 12 can have a bushing 14; in both
cases, with or without the bushing, it includes a cylindrical hole
26 for receiving a piston pin along an axis 28. The crank pin bore
18 includes an aperture 30 which consists of a cylindrical hole for
receiving bearings and crank pin along an axis 32. The stem portion
520 can have an I-beam cross-section including a pair of legs 34
and a web 536 extending therebetween. As shown in FIG. 5B, the web
536 has oppositely facing surfaces 538, 540 defining a thickness T
in a direction parallel to the axis 32. The surfaces 538, 540 of
the web 536 are each provided with recessed portions 542 that are
recessed relative to the surfaces 538, 540 to move the connecting
rod center of gravity and reduce weight and control the
rotating/reciprocating mass distribution. The recessed portion 542,
as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B can be provided on both sides (surfaces
538, 540) of the web 536 or alternatively can be provided on just
one side and provide a region of reduced thickness t as compared to
the thickness T of the web 536. The shape of the recessed
portion(s) 542 can be generally circular, as shown and can be
generally located between the big end 16 and the small end 12.
[0039] With reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, an alternative connecting
rod 610 according to the principles of the present disclosure will
now be described. The connecting rod 610 is provided for connecting
between a crankshaft and a piston as is well known in the art. The
connecting rod 610 includes a small end 12 having a piston pin
bushing 14 which is adapted for receiving a piston pin and a big
end 16 having a crank pin bore 18 adapted for receiving a crank pin
of a crankshaft. A stem portion 620 extends between the small end
12 and the big end 16. The connecting rod big end 16 can include an
end cap 22 formed separate (or cracked) from the remaining portion
of the connecting rod 610 and connected thereto by bolts 24.
[0040] The piston pin small end 12 can have a bushing 14; in both
cases, with or without the bushing, it includes a cylindrical hole
26 for receiving a piston pin along an axis 28. The crank pin bore
18 includes an aperture 30 which consists of a cylindrical hole for
receiving bearings and a crank pin along an axis 32. The stem
portion 620 can have an I-beam cross-section including a pair of
legs 34 and a web 636 extending therebetween. As shown in FIG. 6B,
the web 636 has oppositely facing surfaces 638, 640 defining a
thickness T in a direction parallel to the axis 32. The surfaces
638, 640 of the web 636 are each provided with multiple recessed
portions 642A, 642B, that are recessed relative to the surfaces
638, 640 to move the connecting rod center of gravity and reduce
weight and control the rotating/reciprocating mass distribution.
The recessed portions 642A,642B, as shown FIGS. 6A and 6B can be
provided on both sides (surfaces 638, 640) of the web 636 or
alternatively can be provided on just one side and provide a region
of reduced thicknesses tA, tB as compared to the thickness T of the
web 636. The sizes of the recessed portion(s) 642A,642B can be
different such as different sized circular recesses 642A, 642B, as
shown and can be generally located between the big end 16 and the
small end 12.
[0041] With reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B, an alternative connecting
rod 710 according to the principles of the present disclosure will
now be described. The connecting rod 710 is provided for connecting
between a crankshaft and a piston as is well known in the art. The
connecting rod 710 includes a small end 12 having a piston pin
bushing 14 which is adapted for receiving a piston pin and a big
end 16 having a crank pin bore 18 adapted for receiving a crank pin
of a crankshaft. A stem portion 720 extends between the small end
12 and the big end 16. The connecting rod big end 16 can include an
end cap 22 formed separate (or cracked) from the remaining portion
of the connecting rod 710 and connected thereto by bolts 24.
[0042] The piston pin small end 12 can have a bushing 14; in both
cases, with or without the bushing, it includes a cylindrical hole
26 for receiving a piston pin along an axis 28. The crank pin bore
18 includes an aperture 30 which consists of a cylindrical hole for
receiving bearings and a crank pin along an axis 32. The stem
portion 720 can have an I-beam cross-section including a pair of
legs 34 and a web 736 extending therebetween. As shown in FIG. 7B,
the web 736 has oppositely facing surfaces 738, 740 defining a
thickness T in a direction parallel to the axis 32. The surfaces
738, 740 of the web 736 are each provided with multiple recessed
portions 742A, 742B, that are recessed relative to the surfaces
738, 740 to move the connecting rod center of gravity and reduce
weight and control the rotating/reciprocating mass distribution.
The recessed portions 742A,742B, as shown FIGS. 7A and 7B can be
provided on both sides (surfaces 738, 740) of the web 736 or
alternatively can be provided on just one side and provide a region
of reduced thicknesses tA, tB as compared to the thickness T of the
web 736. The sizes of the recessed portion(s) 742A,742B can be
different such as different sized circular and/or rectangular
recesses 742A, 742B, as shown and can be generally located between
the big end 16 and the small end 12.
[0043] With reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B, an alternative connecting
rod 810 according to the principles of the present disclosure will
now be described. The connecting rod 810 is provided for connecting
between a crankshaft and a piston as is well known in the art. The
connecting rod 810 includes a small end 12 having a piston pin
bushing 14 which is adapted for receiving a piston pin and a big
end 16 having a crank pin bore 18 adapted for receiving a crank pin
of a crankshaft. A stem portion 820 extends between the small end
12 and the big end 16. The connecting rod big end 16 can include an
end cap 22 formed separate (or cracked) from the remaining portion
of the connecting rod 810 and connected thereto by bolts 24.
[0044] The piston pin small end 12 can have a bushing 14; in both
cases, with or without the bushing, it includes a cylindrical hole
26 for receiving a piston pin along an axis 28. The crank pin bore
18 includes an aperture 30 which consists of a cylindrical hole for
receiving bearings and a crank pin along an axis 32. The stem
portion 820 can have an I-beam cross-section including a pair of
legs 34 and a web 836 extending therebetween. As shown in FIG. 8B,
the web 836 has oppositely facing surfaces 838, 840 defining a
thickness T in a direction parallel to the axis 32. The surfaces
838, 840 of the web 836 are each provided with multiple recessed
portions 842A, 842B, that are recessed relative to the surfaces
838, 840 to move the connecting rod center of gravity and reduce
weight and control the rotating/reciprocating mass distribution.
The recessed portions 842A,842B, as shown FIGS. 8A and 8B can be
provided on both sides (surfaces 838, 840) of the web 836 or
alternatively can be provided on just one side and provide a region
of reduced thicknesses tA, tB as compared to the thickness T of the
web 836. The sizes and shape of the grooved/recessed portion(s)
842A,842B can be different such as different sized circular and/or
triangular (tennis racket shape) recesses 842A, 842B, as shown and
can be generally located between the big end 16 and the small end
12.
[0045] With reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B, an alternative connecting
rod 910 according to the principles of the present disclosure will
now be described. The connecting rod 910 is provided for connecting
between a crankshaft and a piston as is well known in the art. The
connecting rod 910 includes a small end 12 having a piston pin
bushing 14 which is adapted for receiving a piston pin and a big
end 16 having a crank pin bore 18 adapted for receiving a crank pin
of a crankshaft. A stem portion 920 extends between the small end
12 and the big end 16. The connecting rod big end 16 can include an
end cap 22 formed separate (or cracked) from the remaining portion
of the connecting rod 910 and connected thereto by bolts 24.
[0046] The piston pin small end 12 can have a bushing 14; in both
cases, with or without the bushing, it includes a cylindrical hole
26 for receiving a piston pin along an axis 28. The crank pin bore
18 includes an aperture 30 which consists of a cylindrical hole for
receiving bearings and a crank pin along an axis 32. The stem
portion 920 can have an I-beam cross-section including a pair of
legs 34 and a web 936 extending therebetween. As shown in FIG. 9B,
the web 936 has oppositely facing surfaces 938, 940 defining a
thickness T in a direction parallel to the axis 32. The surfaces
938, 940 of the web 936 are each provided with multiple recessed
portions 942A, 942B, 942C that are recessed relative to the
surfaces 938, 940 to move the connecting rod center of gravity and
reduce weight and control the rotating/reciprocating mass
distribution. The recessed portions 942A, 942B, 942C, as shown
FIGS. 9A and 9B can be provided on both sides (surfaces 938, 940)
of the web 936 or alternatively can be provided on just one side
and provide regions of reduced thicknesses tA, tB, tC as compared
to the thickness T of the web 936. The sizes and shape of the
grooved/recessed portion(s) 942A,942B, 942C can be different such
as different sized circular, rectangular and/or triangular (tennis
racket shape) recesses 942A, 942B, 942C as shown and can be
generally located between the big end 16 and the small end 12.
[0047] The numerous above-described exemplary embodiments disclose
numerous locations, shapes and sizes of the disclosed recessed
portions. It should be understood that the various features can be
combined in various ways beyond the numerous disclosed embodiments
herein. The use of the additional grooves/recesses, as disclosed,
allow for the movement of a center of gravity of the connecting rod
as well as the control of and a reduction of the
rotating/reciprocating masses in a manner that goes beyond the
conventional I beam shaped stem, and/or for general section shape
stem.
[0048] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been
provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not
intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual
elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not
limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are
interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if
not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in
many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure
from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be
included within the scope of the disclosure.
* * * * *