IC-engine in V-formation - has lower ends of cylinders on curved surface to reduce weak points of crankcase

摘要

The engine has two rows (4, 5) of cylinders which are inclined to each other to give a V formation. Along the length of the engine successive cylinders alternate between the two rows. The cylinders open into the crankshaft space (2) in the crankcase on a surface (7) which is convex upwards and whose highest point is on the vertical centreline (6) of the engine. It may be a curved surface or formed of two inclined planes which intersect at the highest point. The construction gives a full length cylinder to guide the piston while eliminating narrow metal sections between cylinders at their lower ends.