| 摘要 |
An external combustion engine including a rotary motor providing the means for compressing air and expanding combusted gases, and an externally located combustion member in which fuel is burned. The combustion member comprises a sleeve and a free piston reciprocating therein, thereby forming combustion chambers between its two ends and the end closures of the sleeve, as it reaches the end of its stroke. The back and forth motion of the piston is independent of the rotation of the motor as these two components are not mechanically connected, having only ducting connections therebetween. The combustion member air admission, combusted gas exhaust, the fuel injection and the ignition are all timely controlled and activated as a result of the free piston motion and location in the sleeve. The fuel/air ratio is continuously monitored so as to prevent high combustion temperatures. During its reciprocating motion the piston is guided so that its axial displacement causes a concomitant oscillating rotational movement such that the resulting piston motion may be used to operate the combustion member without the use of either inlet or outlet valves. The piston is also supported during this motion by pressurized air cushions formed in association with a longitudinally oriented central hollow shaft extending between the sleeve end closures. Solid contacts between the piston and the sleeve and/or shaft are thus prevented while the engine operates, eliminating causes of wear and extraneous heat production, and thus the need of lubrication.
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