BR-102024018254-A2 - Connecting rod for internal combustion engine, internal combustion engine and vehicle.

Abstract

The present invention discloses a connecting rod for an internal combustion engine comprising a lubrication system comprising at least one first lubrication nozzle and at least one second lubrication nozzle. The first lubrication nozzle is located near a first end of the connecting rod and the second lubrication nozzle is located near a second end of the connecting rod. The first end of the connecting rod is configured to connect to a piston and the second end of the connecting rod is configured to connect to a crankshaft. The first lubrication nozzle is configured to supply lubricating oil to the piston and the second lubrication nozzle is configured to receive lubricating oil from the crankshaft. The present invention also discloses an internal combustion engine comprising the connecting rod for an internal combustion engine, as defined by the present invention. Finally, the present invention discloses a vehicle comprising the connecting rod for an internal combustion engine, and/or the internal combustion engine as defined by the present invention.

Inventors

• PEDRO LIMONGI
• Fernando Soares
• HENRIQUE FERNÃO DIAS DE SOUSA AMARAL
• GUSTAVO HENRIQUE LOPES

Assignees

• STELLANTIS AUTOMOVEIS BRASIL LTDA

Dates

Publication Date

20260317

Application Date

20240904

Claims (10)

1. 1. Connecting rod for internal combustion engine (100) characterized by comprising: a lubrication system (2) comprising at least one first lubrication nozzle (21) and at least one second lubrication nozzle (22); the first lubrication nozzle (21) near a first end of the connecting rod (11) and the second lubrication nozzle (22) near a second end of the connecting rod (12); the first end of the connecting rod (11) configured to connect to a piston (4) and the second end of the connecting rod (12) configured to connect to a crankshaft (5); wherein the first lubrication nozzle (21) is configured to supply lubricating oil (3) to the piston (4) and the second lubrication nozzle (22) is configured to pick up lubricating oil (3) from the crankshaft (5).
2. 2. Connecting rod for internal combustion engine (100), according to claim 1, characterized in that the lubrication system (2) comprises two first lubrication nozzles (21) having their ends separated by an angle (o) between 34 and 36 degrees.
3. 3. Connecting rod for internal combustion engine (100), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lubrication system (2) has a diameter between 2.5 mm and 3 mm.
4. 4. Connecting rod for internal combustion engine (100), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ends of the first lubrication nozzles (21) of the lubrication system (2) have a diameter of 1 mm.
5. 5. Connecting rod for internal combustion engine (100), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ends of the first lubrication nozzles (21) comprise inserts made of copper.
6. 6. Connecting rod for internal combustion engine (100), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lubrication system (2) starts from the second lubrication nozzle (22) near the second end of the connecting rod (12) and bifurcates into two first lubrication nozzles (21) near the first end of the connecting rod (11).
7. 7. Connecting rod for internal combustion engine (100), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distance between the second lubrication nozzle (22) and the bifurcation into the first two lubrication nozzles (21) is between 74.5 and 75.0 mm.
8. 8. Connecting rod for internal combustion engine (100), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the length of the first two lubrication nozzles (21) is between 31.0 and 31.5 mm.
9. 9. Internal combustion engine characterized by comprising the connecting rod for an internal combustion engine (100), as defined in claim 1.
10. 10. Vehicle characterized by comprising the connecting rod for an internal combustion engine (100), as defined in claim 1, and/or the internal combustion engine as defined in claim 9.

Description

Field of Invention [0001] The present invention falls within the field of internal components of an internal combustion engine. More specifically, the present invention relates to the lubrication of connecting rods and pistons in internal combustion engines. Background of the Invention [0002] Lubrication is a fundamental aspect for the efficient and long-lasting operation of the moving parts of an internal combustion engine in vehicles. These engines are composed of various parts that operate in constant contact with each other, such as pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, and camshafts. During operation, these moving parts are subject to intense friction, which can cause accelerated wear, increased temperature, and eventual failure of the parts. The primary function of lubrication is to reduce this friction by creating an oil film between the moving metal surfaces, minimizing direct contact and, consequently, wear. [0003] In addition to reducing friction, lubrication also plays a crucial role in dissipating heat generated during combustion and the movement of parts. The oil circulates through the engine, absorbing heat from hot surfaces and helping to keep them at safe operating temperatures. This is essential to prevent thermal deformation of parts and degradation of the oil, which can lose its lubricating properties if exposed to excessive temperatures. [0004] Another important function of lubrication is corrosion prevention. Internal combustion engines operate in environments that can expose internal parts to moisture and other contaminants, such as combustion residues and metallic particles, especially when fueled with anhydrous ethanol. The lubricating oil, by coating the internal surfaces, forms a protective barrier that prevents oxidation and corrosion of the metal parts, extending the engine's lifespan. [0005] Lubrication also helps remove impurities. As the oil circulates through the engine, it captures small particles of dirt and debris that could otherwise cause abrasion or blockage of oil channels and galleries. These particles are then filtered by the oil filtration system, ensuring that the engine continues to run cleanly and efficiently. [0006] Connecting rods and pistons, in particular, are subjected to extreme conditions, with rapid movements and intense forces, which makes lubrication a crucial necessity to prevent damage and ensure engine durability. [0007] This is because the connecting rods connect the pistons to the crankshaft and are responsible for transforming the linear motion of the pistons into rotary motion. During the combustion cycle, the connecting rods experience a combination of compression and tension forces, in addition to being subjected to alternating loads at high frequency. These forces generate significant friction at the ends of the connecting rod, where it connects to the piston (at the connecting rod head) and to the crankshaft (at the connecting rod crank). [0008] Lubrication of these joints is critical to reducing friction and wear, preventing the formation of "hot spots" that can lead to connecting rod or crankshaft failure. The lubricating oil forms a protective film on the contact surfaces, ensuring that the movement between the connecting rod and other parts is smooth and efficient. In addition, the oil helps dissipate the heat generated by friction, keeping temperatures within safe limits, which is essential to prevent deformation or catastrophic failure of the connecting rod. [0009] Pistons are subjected to extreme conditions inside the engine cylinder. During combustion, they withstand explosive forces that push them downwards with great intensity. This movement, combined with the high temperatures generated by burning fuel, creates a harsh environment where friction between the piston and the cylinder walls can be extremely damaging. [0010] Piston lubrication is generally achieved through lubricating rings, which are small metal rings located on the top of the piston. These rings are responsible for maintaining a thin layer of oil between the piston and the cylinder wall, minimizing friction and wear. In addition, this lubrication helps to seal the combustion chamber, preventing combustion gases from escaping into the crankcase and preventing oil from entering the chamber, where it could be burned, causing smoke and loss of efficiency. [0011] Another important aspect of piston lubrication is heat removal. The oil circulating around the pistons absorbs a significant amount of heat generated during combustion, transporting it to the engine's cooling system. This helps maintain the pistons at a safe operating temperature, preventing thermal deformations that could compromise engine operation. However, this solution only works on one surface of the piston. [0012] Another solution from the state of the art is to create a small flow of oil that reaches the piston at certain times during its movement. However, this form of lubrication, besides being inconsist