Cylinder head, engine system and method for manufacturing cylinder head

Abstract

The invention relates to a cylinder head, an engine system and a method for manufacturing the cylinder head. The cylinder cover comprises an upper surface, a lower surface and a cylinder cover body. The cylinder head body defines a first inlet bore extending from the lower surface toward the upper surface and at least partially receiving a first inlet valve, and a second inlet bore extending from the lower surface toward the upper surface and at least partially receiving a second inlet valve, a first outlet orifice extending from the lower surface toward the upper surface and at least partially receiving a first outlet valve; and a second outlet orifice extending from the lower surface toward the upper surface and at least partially receiving a second outlet valve. The lower surface defines a first groove in contact with the first outlet aperture, a second groove opposite the first groove and in contact with the first outlet aperture, and a third groove in contact with the second outlet aperture.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates generally to cylinder heads for internal combustion engines. Background Art

[0002] An internal combustion engine may include a cylinder block and a cylinder head attached to the cylinder block. Summary of the invention

[0003] In one embodiment, a cylinder head includes an upper surface, a lower surface opposite to the upper surface, and a cylinder head body extending between the upper surface and the lower surface. The cylinder head body defines a first inlet hole extending from the lower surface toward the upper surface and at least partially receiving a first inlet valve among a plurality of inlet valves, a second inlet hole extending from the lower surface toward the upper surface and at least partially receiving a second inlet valve among the plurality of inlet valves, a first outlet hole extending from the lower surface toward the upper surface and at least partially receiving a first outlet valve among a plurality of outlet valves, and a second outlet hole extending from the lower surface toward the upper surface and at least partially receiving a second outlet valve among the plurality of outlet valves. The lower surface defines a first groove connected to the first outlet hole, a second groove opposite to the first groove and connected to the first outlet hole, and a third groove connected to the second outlet hole.

[0004] In some embodiments, the lower surface further defines an outlet-inlet bridge extending (i) between the first outlet aperture and the first inlet aperture and (ii) between the first groove and the first inlet aperture.

[0005] In some embodiments, the lower surface further defines an outlet-outlet bridge extending (i) between the first outlet aperture and the second outlet aperture and (ii) between the second groove and the third groove.

[0006] In some embodiments, the cylinder head body also defines a fuel hole, which extends from the lower surface toward the upper surface and is configured to at least partially receive a fuel injector; and the lower surface also defines: a first outlet bridge portion, the first outlet bridge portion extending between the fuel hole and the first outlet hole, a second outlet bridge portion, the second outlet bridge portion extending between the fuel hole and the second outlet hole, a first inlet bridge portion, the first inlet bridge portion extending between the fuel hole and the first inlet hole, and a second inlet bridge portion, the second inlet bridge portion extending between the fuel hole and the second inlet hole.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first outlet hole defines a first outlet center axis; the first inlet hole defines a first inlet center axis; the first outlet-first inlet axis is substantially perpendicular to the first outlet center axis and the first inlet center axis along the lower surface; and the first groove extends substantially along the groove axis, the groove axis is substantially perpendicular to the first outlet center axis and defines a non-zero angle relative to the first outlet-first inlet axis on the lower surface.

[0008] In some embodiments, the non-zero angle is between 10 degrees and 80 degrees.

[0009] In some embodiments, the second groove extends in a direction substantially opposite to the first groove.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first outlet hole defines a first outlet center axis; the second inlet hole defines a second inlet center axis; the first outlet-second inlet axis is substantially perpendicular to the first outlet center axis and the second inlet center axis along the lower surface; and the first groove extends substantially along the groove axis, and the groove axis is substantially perpendicular to the first outlet center axis and the first outlet-second inlet axis.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first outlet hole defines a first outlet center axis; the second outlet hole defines a second outlet center axis; the first outlet-second outlet axis is substantially perpendicular to the first outlet center axis and the second outlet center axis along the lower surface; and the first groove extends substantially along the groove axis, the groove axis is substantially perpendicular to the first outlet center axis, and defines a non-zero angle relative to the first outlet-second outlet axis on the lower surface.

[0012] In some embodiments, the second outlet hole defines a second outlet center axis; the second inlet hole defines a second inlet center axis; the second outlet-second inlet axis is substantially perpendicular to the second outlet center axis and the second inlet center axis along the lower surface; and the third groove extends substantially along the groove axis, the groove axis is substantially perpendicular to the second outlet center axis, and defines a non-zero angle relative to the second outlet-second inlet axis on the lower surface.

[0013] In some embodiments, the second outlet hole defines a second outlet center axis; the first inlet hole defines a first inlet center axis; the second outlet-first inlet axis is substantially perpendicular to the second outlet center axis and the first inlet center axis along the lower surface; and the third groove extends substantially along the groove axis, and the groove axis is substantially perpendicular to the second outlet center axis and the second outlet-first inlet axis.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first outlet hole defines a first outlet center axis; the second outlet hole defines a second outlet center axis; the first outlet-second outlet axis is substantially perpendicular to the first outlet center axis and the second outlet center axis along the lower surface; and the third groove extends substantially along the groove axis, the groove axis is substantially perpendicular to the second outlet center axis, and defines a non-zero angle relative to the first outlet-second outlet axis on the lower surface.

[0015] In some embodiments, at least one of the first groove, the second groove, and the third groove has a depth between 0.5 millimeters (mm) and 2 mm.

[0016] In some embodiments, at least one of the first groove, the second groove, and the third groove includes a chamfered portion.

[0017] In some embodiments, each chamfer has a chamfer angle between 5 degrees and 85 degrees.

[0018] In another embodiment, an engine system includes a cylinder block and a cylinder head, the cylinder block including a cylinder, the cylinder head being coupled to the cylinder block and covering a top portion of the cylinder. The cylinder head includes an upper surface, a lower surface opposite to the upper surface, and a cylinder head body extending between the upper surface and the lower surface. The cylinder head body defines a first inlet hole extending from the lower surface toward the upper surface and at least partially receiving a first inlet valve of a plurality of inlet valves, a second inlet hole extending from the lower surface toward the upper surface and at least partially receiving a second inlet valve of a plurality of inlet valves, a first outlet hole extending from the lower surface toward the upper surface and at least partially receiving a first outlet valve of a plurality of outlet valves, and a second outlet hole extending from the lower surface toward the upper surface and at least partially receiving a second outlet valve of a plurality of outlet valves. The lower surface defines a first groove connected to the first outlet hole, a second groove opposite to the first groove and connected to the first outlet hole, and a third groove connected to the second outlet hole.

[0019] In some embodiments, at least one of the first groove, the second groove, and the third groove has a diameter between 20 mm and 40 mm.

[0020] In some embodiments, the cylinder head body further defines a cooling passage configured to facilitate directed flow of a fluid for cooling.

[0021] In some embodiments, a first length between the cooling channel and the lower surface is longer than a second length between the cooling channel and at least one of the first groove, the second groove, and the third groove.

[0022] In another embodiment, a method of manufacturing a cylinder head includes casting an unmachined cylinder head and machining the unmachined cylinder head. Machining the unmachined cylinder head includes: machining a first inlet hole in a cylinder head body of the unmachined cylinder head; machining a second inlet hole in the cylinder head body; machining a first outlet hole in the cylinder head body; machining a second outlet hole in the cylinder head body; machining a fuel hole in the cylinder head body; machining a first groove in a lower surface of the cylinder head, the first groove being connected to the first outlet hole; machining a second groove in the lower surface, the second groove being opposite to the first groove and connected to the first outlet hole; and machining a third groove in the lower surface, the third groove being connected to the second outlet hole. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The details of one or more implementations are described in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the specification, drawings, and claims. In the accompanying drawings:

[0024] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an engine system including a cylinder head according to an example embodiment;

[0025] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a cylinder head;

[0026] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 Another perspective view of the cylinder head;

[0027] Figure 4 yes Figure 1-Figure 3 Bottom view of the cylinder head;

[0028] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 View of detail A;

[0029] Figure 6 is along Figure 4 The line 6-6 in Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a cylinder head;

[0030] Figure 7 yes Figure 6A view of detail B; and

[0031] Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating an example method of manufacturing a cylinder head.

[0032] It should be appreciated that these drawings are schematic representations for illustrative purposes. The drawings are provided for the purpose of illustrating one or more implementations, with the express understanding that the drawings are not to be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Below is a more detailed description of various concepts related to methods, apparatus, and systems for cylinder heads for internal combustion engines and implementations of methods, apparatus, and systems for cylinder heads for internal combustion engines. The various concepts introduced above and discussed in more detail below can be implemented in any of a variety of ways, as the concepts described are not limited to any particular implementation. Examples of specific implementations and applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes.

[0034] Figure 1 An engine system 10 (e.g., an internal combustion engine, etc.) is depicted. The engine system 10 can be, for example, a diesel internal combustion engine system, a gasoline internal combustion engine system, a hybrid internal combustion engine system, a propane internal combustion engine system, a dual-fuel internal combustion engine system, a natural gas internal combustion engine system, etc. The engine system 10 is configured to burn fuel (e.g., diesel fuel, gasoline, propane, natural gas, etc.) to generate energy that can be utilized through various outputs. For example, the engine system 10 can generate energy that is used to drive a moving member (e.g., a wheel, a tread, a propeller, an impeller, a turbine, a rotor, etc.) or to power a generator. The engine system 10 can be implemented in a vehicle (e.g., a truck, a car, an engineering vehicle, a freight vehicle, a commercial vehicle, an emergency vehicle, a military vehicle, a maritime vehicle, etc.). In some embodiments, the engine system 10 has an in-line or straight cylinder configuration. In other embodiments, the engine system 10 has a "V" cylinder configuration or other configurations.

[0035] The engine system 10 includes a cylinder block 20. The cylinder block 20 includes one or more cylinders, such as one cylinder. In some embodiments, the cylinder block 20 includes four to eight cylinders. In other embodiments, the cylinder block 20 includes up to 20 cylinders, and other numbers of cylinders are also possible.

[0036] The engine system 10 further includes a cylinder head 100 (eg, a fire deck, etc.) The cylinder head 100 is coupled to the cylinder block 20 and covers a top portion of a cylinder of the cylinder block 20 .

[0037] like Figure 2-Figure 4 As shown, Figure 2-Figure 4 A cylinder head 100 is depicted that includes an upper surface 102, a lower surface 104 opposite the upper surface 102, and a cylinder head body 106 extending between the upper surface 102 and the lower surface 104. The cylinder head body 106 defines a first inlet aperture 200 extending from the lower surface 104 toward the upper surface 102 and configured to at least partially receive a first inlet valve of a plurality of inlet valves, a second inlet aperture 202 extending from the lower surface 104 toward the upper surface 102 and configured to at least partially receive a second inlet valve of the plurality of inlet valves, a first outlet aperture 204 extending from the lower surface 104 toward the upper surface 102 and configured to at least partially receive a first outlet valve of a plurality of outlet valves, and a second outlet aperture 206 extending from the lower surface 104 toward the upper surface 102 and configured to at least partially receive a second outlet valve of the plurality of outlet valves. The lower surface 104 defines a first groove 210 connected to the first outlet hole 204 , a second groove 212 opposite to the first groove 210 and connected to the first outlet hole 204 , and a third groove 214 connected to the second outlet hole 206 .

[0038] The first inlet hole 200 (e.g., hole, etc.) structurally and fluidly couples an air source (e.g., air intake, air box, etc.) of the engine system 10, which provides air from an ambient environment (e.g., an environment surrounding the engine system 10, etc.) and a corresponding cylinder of the cylinder block 20. The first inlet valve is configured to be at least partially received by the first inlet hole 200, and the first inlet valve is configured to control a first amount of air from the air source through the first inlet hole 200 into the corresponding cylinder. In some embodiments, the cylinder head body 106 (e.g., frame, base, etc.) defines a plurality of first inlet holes 200. For example, the cylinder head body 106 may define a plurality of first inlet holes 200 to correspond to a plurality of cylinders defined by the cylinder block 20.

[0039] Similar to the first inlet hole 200, the second inlet hole 202 is structurally fluidly coupled to the air source and the corresponding cylinder. The second inlet valve is configured to be at least partially received by the second inlet hole 202, and the second inlet valve is configured to control the second air volume entering the corresponding cylinder through the second inlet hole 202. In some embodiments, the cylinder head body 106 defines a plurality of second inlet holes 202. For example, the cylinder head body 106 may define a plurality of second inlet holes 202 to correspond to a plurality of cylinders defined by the cylinder block 20.

[0040] The first outlet port 204 is structurally fluidly coupled to an exhaust conduit (e.g., an exhaust passage, an exhaust outlet, etc.) of the engine system 10 and a corresponding cylinder, the exhaust conduit releasing exhaust gas into the surrounding environment. A first outlet valve is configured to be at least partially received by the first outlet port 204, the first outlet valve being configured to control the amount of first exhaust gas from the corresponding cylinder passing through the first outlet port 204 into the exhaust conduit. In some embodiments, the cylinder head body 106 defines a plurality of first outlet ports 204. For example, the cylinder head body 106 may define a plurality of first outlet ports 204 to correspond to a plurality of cylinders defined by the cylinder block 20.

[0041] Similar to the first outlet hole 204, the second outlet hole 206 is structurally fluidly coupled to the exhaust conduit and the corresponding cylinder. The second outlet valve is configured to be at least partially received by the second outlet hole 206, and the second outlet valve is configured to control the second exhaust gas volume from the corresponding cylinder into the exhaust conduit through the second outlet hole 206. In some embodiments, the cylinder head body 106 defines a plurality of second outlet holes 206. For example, the cylinder head body 106 may define a plurality of second outlet holes 206 to correspond to a plurality of cylinders defined by the cylinder block 20.

[0042] The cylinder head body 106 also defines a fuel hole 208 (e.g., an injector hole, etc.) extending from the lower surface 104 toward the upper surface 102. The fuel hole 208 is configured to at least partially receive a fuel injector configured to inject fuel from a fuel source into a corresponding cylinder. In some embodiments, the cylinder head body 106 defines a plurality of fuel holes 208. For example, the cylinder head body 106 may define a plurality of fuel holes 208 to correspond to a plurality of cylinders defined by the cylinder block 20.

[0043] A first groove 210 (e.g., a scallop, a cavity, etc.), a second groove 212, and a third groove 214 extend from a lower surface 104 (e.g., a combustion face, etc.) toward the upper surface 102. In some embodiments, the lower surface 104 defines a plurality of first grooves 210, a plurality of second grooves 212, and a plurality of third grooves 214. For example, the lower surface 104 may define a plurality of first grooves 210, a plurality of second grooves 212, and a plurality of third grooves 214 to correspond to a plurality of cylinders defined by the cylinder block 20. In some embodiments (not shown), the lower surface 104 may define additional grooves (e.g., a fourth groove, a seventh groove, etc.) or fewer grooves (e.g., only the first groove 210, or only the first groove 210 and the second groove 212, etc.).

[0044] like Figure 4As shown, in an embodiment where the cylinder block 20 defines a plurality of cylinders, each cylinder is associated with a set of holes (e.g., a first inlet hole 200, a second inlet hole 202, a first outlet hole 204, a second outlet hole 206, and a fuel hole 208) and a set of grooves (e.g., a first groove 210, a second groove 212, and a third groove 214).

[0045] Figure 5 The relationship between holes (eg, first inlet hole 200, second inlet hole 202, first outlet hole 204, second outlet hole 206, and fuel hole 208) and grooves (eg, first groove 210, second groove 212, and third groove 214) is depicted.

[0046] like Figure 5 As shown, the lower surface 104 defines an outlet-inlet bridge 300 (i) between the first outlet hole 204 and the first inlet hole 200 and (ii) between the first groove 210 and the first inlet hole 200. The outlet-inlet bridge 300 can increase the structural strength of the cylinder head body 106 and / or the lower surface 104, especially in the area between the first outlet hole 204 and the first inlet hole 200 and between the first groove 210 and the first inlet hole 200. The lower surface 104 also defines an outlet-outlet bridge 302 (i) between the first outlet hole 204 and the second outlet hole 206 and (ii) between the second groove 212 and the third groove 214. The outlet-outlet bridge 302 can increase the structural strength of the cylinder head body 106 and / or the lower surface 104, especially in the area between the first outlet hole 204 and the second outlet hole 206 and between the second groove 212 and the third groove 214.

[0047] The lower surface 104 defines a first outlet bridge 310 extending between the fuel hole 208 and the first outlet hole 204, a second outlet bridge 312 extending between the fuel hole 208 and the second outlet hole 206, a first inlet bridge 314 extending between the fuel hole 208 and the first inlet hole 200, and a second inlet bridge 316 extending between the fuel hole 208 and the second inlet hole 202. The first outlet bridge 310, the second outlet bridge 312, the first inlet bridge 314, and the second inlet bridge 316 may increase the structural strength of the cylinder head body 106 and / or the lower surface 104, particularly in the areas between the fuel hole 208 and the first outlet hole 204, between the fuel hole 208 and the second outlet hole 206, between the fuel hole 208 and the first inlet hole 200, and between the fuel hole 208 and the second inlet hole 202, respectively.

[0048] like Figure 5 As shown, the first outlet hole 204 defines a first outlet central axis 320, and the first inlet hole 200 defines a first inlet central axis 322. The first outlet-first inlet axis 324 is defined along the lower surface 104 (e.g., parallel to the lower surface 104) substantially perpendicular to the first outlet central axis 320 and the first inlet central axis 322. The first groove 210 extends substantially along a groove axis (e.g., a first groove axis 326). The first groove axis 326 extends outward from the first outlet central axis 320 along the lower surface 104.

[0049] In some embodiments, the first groove axis 326 is substantially perpendicular to the first outlet central axis 320 and defines a non-zero angle, such as a first non-zero angle A1, relative to the first outlet-first inlet axis 324 on the lower surface 104. For example, in some implementations, the first non-zero angle A1 is between 10 degrees and 80 degrees, and more specifically approximately equal to 45 degrees. In some embodiments, the second groove 212 extends in a direction substantially opposite to the first groove 210.

[0050] The second inlet aperture 202 defines a second inlet central axis 328. A first outlet-second inlet axis 330 is defined along the lower surface 104 substantially perpendicular to the first outlet central axis 320 and the second inlet central axis 328. In some embodiments, the first groove axis 326 (along which the first groove 210 substantially extends) is substantially perpendicular to the first outlet central axis 320 and the first outlet-second inlet axis 330.

[0051] The second outlet aperture 206 defines a second outlet central axis 332. A first outlet-second outlet axis 334 is defined along the lower surface 104 as being substantially perpendicular to the first outlet central axis 320 and the second outlet central axis 332. In some embodiments, the first groove axis 326 (along which the first groove 210 substantially extends) is substantially perpendicular to the first outlet central axis 320 and defines a non-zero angle, such as a second non-zero angle A2, on the lower surface 104 relative to the first outlet-second outlet axis 334. For example, in some implementations, the second non-zero angle A2 is between 10 degrees and 80 degrees, and more specifically approximately equal to 45 degrees.

[0052] In some embodiments, the first groove axis 326 (the first groove 210 substantially extends along the first groove axis 326) is substantially perpendicular to the first outlet central axis 320 and substantially extends along the lower surface 104 from the first outlet central axis 320. Figure 5In some embodiments, the positive X-direction corresponds to a direction extending substantially from the second outlet central axis 332 toward the first inlet central axis 322 .

[0053] The second groove 212 extends substantially along a groove axis, such as a second groove axis 336 . The second groove axis 336 extends outwardly from the first outlet central axis 320 along the lower surface 104 .

[0054] In some embodiments, the second groove axis 336 is substantially perpendicular to the first outlet central axis 320 and defines a non-zero angle, such as a third non-zero angle A3, relative to the first outlet-first inlet axis 324 on the lower surface 104. For example, in some implementations, the third non-zero angle A3 is between 10 degrees and 80 degrees, and more specifically approximately equal to 45 degrees. In some embodiments, the first groove 210 extends in a direction substantially opposite to the second groove 212.

[0055] In some embodiments, the second groove axis 336 , along which the second groove 212 substantially extends, is substantially perpendicular to the first outlet central axis 320 and the first outlet-second inlet axis 330 .

[0056] In some embodiments, the second groove axis 336 (the second groove 212 substantially extends along the second groove axis 336) is substantially perpendicular to the first outlet central axis 320 and defines a non-zero angle, such as a fourth non-zero angle A4, relative to the first outlet-second outlet axis 334 on the lower surface 104. For example, in some implementations, the fourth non-zero angle A4 is between 10 degrees and 80 degrees, and more specifically approximately equal to 45 degrees.

[0057] In some embodiments, the second groove axis 336 (the second groove 212 substantially extends along the second groove axis 336) is substantially perpendicular to the first outlet central axis 320 and substantially extends along the lower surface 104 from the first outlet central axis 320. Figure 5 In some embodiments, the negative X-direction corresponds to a direction extending substantially from the first inlet central axis 322 toward the second outlet central axis 332 .

[0058] like Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the second outlet-second inlet axis 338 is defined along the lower surface 104 substantially perpendicular to the second outlet central axis 332 and the second inlet central axis 328. The third groove 214 extends substantially along a groove axis, such as a third groove axis 340. The third groove axis 340 extends outwardly from the second outlet central axis 332 along the lower surface 104.

[0059] In some embodiments, the third groove axis 340 is substantially perpendicular to the second outlet central axis 332 and defines a non-zero angle, such as a fifth non-zero angle A5, relative to the second outlet-second inlet axis 338 on the lower surface 104. For example, in some implementations, the fifth non-zero angle A5 is between 10 degrees and 80 degrees, and more specifically approximately equal to 45 degrees.

[0060] The second outlet-first inlet axis 342 is defined along the lower surface 104 as being substantially perpendicular to the second outlet central axis 332 and the first inlet central axis 322. In some embodiments, the third groove axis 340 (along which the third groove 214 substantially extends) is substantially perpendicular to the second outlet central axis 332 and the second outlet-first inlet axis 342.

[0061] In some embodiments, the third groove axis 340 (along which the third groove 214 extends substantially) is substantially perpendicular to the second outlet central axis 332 and defines a non-zero angle, such as a sixth non-zero angle A6, relative to the first outlet-second outlet axis 334 on the lower surface 104. For example, in some implementations, the sixth non-zero angle A6 is between 10 degrees and 80 degrees, and more specifically approximately equal to 45 degrees.

[0062] In some embodiments, the third groove axis 340 (the third groove 214 substantially extends along the third groove axis 340) is substantially perpendicular to the second outlet central axis 332 and substantially extends along the lower surface 104 from the second outlet central axis 332. Figure 5 In some implementations, the positive Y direction corresponds to a direction extending substantially from the second inlet central axis 328 toward the first outlet central axis 320 .

[0063] Figure 6 and Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a cylinder head 100 is depicted. Figure 7As shown, the third groove 214 has a depth d. For example, in some implementations, the depth d is between 0.5 millimeters (mm) and 2 mm, and more specifically is approximately equal to 1.3 mm. The third groove 214 has a diameter D. For example, in some implementations, the diameter D is between 20 mm and 40 mm, and more specifically is approximately equal to 31.8 mm. In some embodiments, the third groove 214 includes a chamfered portion 344. The chamfered portion 344 has a chamfer angle A7. For example, in some embodiments, the chamfer angle A7 is between 5 degrees and 85 degrees, and more specifically is approximately equal to 12.4 degrees. In other embodiments (not shown), the third groove 214 does not include the chamfered portion 344. In yet another embodiment (not shown), the third groove 214 includes a fillet portion instead of the chamfered portion 344. It should be understood that the depth d, diameter D, chamfer 344 and chamfer angle A7 described above with respect to the third groove 214 may also be similarly applied to the first groove 210 and / or the second groove 212, be included in the first groove 210 and / or the second groove 212, or be defined by the first groove 210 and / or the second groove 212.

[0064] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the cylinder head body 106 defines a cooling passage 350 (e.g., a fluid jacket, a coolant jacket, a water jacket, etc.). The cooling passage 350 is configured to facilitate routing of a fluid (e.g., a coolant, water, etc.) within the cylinder head body 106 to transfer heat from the cylinder head 100 (particularly near the holes and grooves disclosed above) to the fluid.

[0065] like Figure 7 As shown, in the area near the second outlet hole 206, a portion of the cooling channel 350 may define a first length L1 relative to the flat portion of the lower surface 104 and a second length L2 relative to the third groove 214. The second length L2 is shorter than the first length L1, so that the third groove 214 is closer to the cooling channel 350 than the flat portion of the lower surface 104 in this area, thereby improving the cooling of the lower surface 104 at the third groove 214. It should be understood that the first length L1 and the second length L2 described above with respect to the third groove 214 may also be similarly applied to the first groove 210 and / or the second groove 212, be included in the first groove 210 and / or the second groove 212, or be defined by the first groove 210 and / or the second groove 212.

[0066] Figure 8A flow chart is depicted showing a method 400 for manufacturing the cylinder head 100. The method 400 of manufacturing the cylinder head 100 includes casting a green cylinder head at 402, and machining the green cylinder head at 404. Machining the unmachined cylinder head includes: at 406, machining a first inlet hole 200 in a cylinder head body of the unmachined cylinder head; at 408, machining a second inlet hole 202 in the cylinder head body; at 410, machining a first outlet hole 204 in the cylinder head body; at 412, machining a second outlet hole 206 in the cylinder head body; at 414, machining a fuel hole 208 in the cylinder head body; at 416, machining a first groove 210 in a lower surface of the cylinder head, the first groove 210 being connected to the first outlet hole 204; at 418, machining a second groove 212 in the lower surface, the second groove 212 being opposite to the first groove 210 and being connected to the first outlet hole 204; and, at 420, machining a third groove 214 in the lower surface, the third groove 214 being connected to the second outlet hole 206.

[0067] In some implementations, casting the raw cylinder head at 402 includes placing one or more cores in a mold, wherein molten material (e.g., metal (e.g., aluminum, iron, etc.), etc.) is poured into the mold around the cores. The mold and / or cores can be used to incorporate features into the raw cylinder head. In some embodiments, the features include cooling passages 350. In other embodiments, the features include passages (e.g., conduits, channels, etc.) fluidly coupled to the holes disclosed herein (e.g., first inlet hole 200, second inlet hole 202, first outlet hole 204, second outlet hole 206, and fuel hole 208).

[0068] At 404, the unmachined cylinder head is machined to produce the cylinder head 100. In some implementations, machining can include a variety of processes, including, for example, drilling, tapping, surfacing, honing, polishing, grinding, reaming, and cutting. It should be understood that the processes of the method 400 disclosed herein can be completed in any order relative to each other.

[0069] Although this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of the content that may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to a particular implementation. Certain features described in this specification in the context of separate implementations may also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. On the contrary, the various features described in the context of a single implementation may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple implementations. In addition, although features may be described as working in certain combinations, and even initially claimed as such, in some cases, one or more features from the claimed combination may be cut out from the combination, and the claimed combination may involve a variant of a sub-combination or a sub-combination.

[0070] As used herein, the terms "substantially," "generally," and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning consistent with the generally recognized and acceptable usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of the present disclosure relates. Those skilled in the art who review the present disclosure should understand that these terms are intended to allow for the description of certain features described and claimed without limiting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Therefore, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations to the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0071] As used herein, the term "coupled" and similar terms mean the joining of two components directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be fixed (e.g., permanent) or movable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved by the two components, or the two components and any additional intermediate components, being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another, or by the two components, or the two components and any additional intermediate components, being attached to one another.

[0072] As used herein, the term "fluidly coupled" and similar terms mean that two components or objects have a path formed between the two components or objects in which a fluid, such as air, exhaust gas, liquid reductant, gaseous reductant, aqueous reductant, gaseous ammonia, etc., can flow with or without intervening components or objects. Examples of fluid couplings or structures for achieving fluid communication may include pipes, channels, or any other suitable components for achieving fluid flow from one component or object to another component or object.

[0073] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the systems shown in the various example implementations are merely illustrative and not restrictive in nature. All changes and modifications within the spirit and / or scope of the described implementations are intended to be protected. It should be understood that some features may not be required, and implementations lacking various features may be contemplated as being within the scope of the present application, which scope is defined by the appended claims. When the language "a portion" is used, an item may include a portion and / or the entire item, unless expressly stated to the contrary.

[0074] In addition, the term "or" is used in its inclusive sense (rather than in its exclusive sense), so when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term "or" means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Unless otherwise specifically stated, conjunction language such as the phrase "at least one of X, Y, and Z" is additionally understood with the context in which it is typically used to express an item, term, or the like, which may be X, Y, Z, X and Y, X and Z, Y and Z, or X, Y and Z (i.e., any combination of X, Y, and Z). Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, such conjunction language is generally not intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z, respectively.

Claims

1. A cylinder head, comprising: upper surface; a lower surface, the lower surface being opposite to the upper surface; as well as A cylinder head body extending between the upper surface and the lower surface, the cylinder head body defining: a first inlet aperture extending from the lower surface toward the upper surface and configured to at least partially receive a first inlet valve of a plurality of inlet valves, a second inlet aperture extending from the lower surface toward the upper surface and configured to at least partially receive a second inlet valve of the plurality of inlet valves, a first outlet aperture extending from the lower surface toward the upper surface and configured to at least partially receive a first outlet valve of a plurality of outlet valves, and a second outlet aperture extending from the lower surface toward the upper surface and configured to at least partially receive a second outlet valve of the plurality of outlet valves; Wherein, the lower surface defines: a first groove, the first groove being connected to the first outlet hole, a second groove, the second groove being opposite to the first groove and connected to the first outlet hole, and A third groove is connected to the second outlet hole.

2. The cylinder head according to claim 1, wherein: The lower surface also defines an outlet-inlet bridge extending (i) between the first outlet aperture and the first inlet aperture and (ii) between the first groove and the first inlet aperture.

3. The cylinder head according to claim 1, wherein: The lower surface also defines an outlet-outlet bridge extending (i) between the first outlet aperture and the second outlet aperture and (ii) between the second groove and the third groove.

4. The cylinder head according to claim 1, wherein: The cylinder head body further defines a fuel bore extending from the lower surface toward the upper surface and configured to at least partially receive a fuel injector; and The lower surface further defines: a first outlet bridge portion extending between the fuel hole and the first outlet hole, a second outlet bridge portion extending between the fuel hole and the second outlet hole, a first inlet bridge extending between the fuel hole and the first inlet hole, and A second inlet bridge extends between the fuel hole and the second inlet hole.

5. The cylinder head according to claim 1, wherein: The first outlet opening defines a first outlet central axis; The first inlet aperture defines a first inlet central axis; A first outlet-first inlet axis is substantially perpendicular to the first outlet central axis and the first inlet central axis along the lower surface; and The first groove extends substantially along a groove axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first outlet central axis and defines a non-zero angle on the lower surface relative to the first outlet-first inlet axis.

6. The cylinder head according to claim 5, wherein: The non-zero angle is between 10 degrees and 80 degrees.

7. The cylinder head according to claim 5, wherein: The second groove extends in a direction substantially opposite to the first groove.

8. The cylinder head according to claim 1, wherein: The first outlet opening defines a first outlet central axis; The second inlet aperture defines a second inlet central axis; A first outlet-second inlet axis is substantially perpendicular to the first outlet central axis and the second inlet central axis along the lower surface; and The first groove extends substantially along a groove axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first outlet central axis and the first outlet-second inlet axis.

9. The cylinder head according to claim 1, wherein: The first outlet opening defines a first outlet central axis; The second outlet aperture defines a second outlet central axis; A first outlet-second outlet axis is substantially perpendicular to the first outlet central axis and the second outlet central axis along the lower surface; and The first groove extends substantially along a groove axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first outlet central axis and defines a non-zero angle on the lower surface relative to the first outlet-second outlet axis.

10. The cylinder head according to claim 1, wherein: The second outlet aperture defines a second outlet central axis; The second inlet aperture defines a second inlet central axis; A second outlet-second inlet axis is substantially perpendicular to the second outlet central axis and the second inlet central axis along the lower surface; and The third groove extends substantially along a groove axis that is substantially perpendicular to the second outlet central axis and defines a non-zero angle on the lower surface relative to the second outlet-second inlet axis.

11. The cylinder head according to claim 1, wherein: The second outlet aperture defines a second outlet central axis; The first inlet aperture defines a first inlet central axis; A second outlet-first inlet axis is substantially perpendicular to the second outlet central axis and the first inlet central axis along the lower surface; and The third groove extends substantially along a groove axis that is substantially perpendicular to the second outlet central axis and the second outlet-first inlet axis.

12. The cylinder head according to claim 1, wherein: The first outlet opening defines a first outlet central axis; The second outlet aperture defines a second outlet central axis; A first outlet-second outlet axis is substantially perpendicular to the first outlet central axis and the second outlet central axis along the lower surface; and The third groove extends substantially along a groove axis that is substantially perpendicular to the second outlet central axis and defines a non-zero angle on the lower surface relative to the first outlet-second outlet axis.

13. The cylinder head according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the first groove, the second groove, and the third groove has a depth between 0.5 millimeters (mm) and 2 mm.

14. The cylinder head according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the first groove, the second groove, and the third groove includes a chamfered portion.

15. The cylinder head according to claim 14, wherein: Each chamfered portion has a chamfer angle between 5 degrees and 85 degrees.

16. An engine system comprising: A cylinder block, the cylinder block comprising a cylinder; as well as A cylinder head, the cylinder head being coupled to the cylinder block, the cylinder head being configured to cover a top portion of the cylinder, the cylinder head comprising: Upper surface, a lower surface, the lower surface being opposite to the upper surface, and A cylinder head body extending between the upper surface and the lower surface, the cylinder head body defining: a first inlet aperture extending from the lower surface toward the upper surface and configured to at least partially receive a first inlet valve of a plurality of inlet valves, a second inlet aperture extending from the lower surface toward the upper surface and configured to at least partially receive a second inlet valve of the plurality of inlet valves, a first outlet aperture extending from the lower surface toward the upper surface and configured to at least partially receive a first outlet valve of a plurality of outlet valves, and a second outlet aperture extending from the lower surface toward the upper surface and configured to at least partially receive a second outlet valve of the plurality of outlet valves; Wherein, the lower surface defines: a first groove, the first groove being connected to the first outlet hole, a second groove, the second groove being opposite to the first groove and connected to the first outlet hole, and A third groove is connected to the second outlet hole.

17. The engine system of claim 16, wherein: At least one of the first groove, the second groove, and the third groove has a diameter between 20 mm and 40 mm.

18. The engine system of claim 16, wherein: The cylinder head body also defines a cooling passage configured to facilitate directed flow of a fluid for cooling.

19. The engine system of claim 18, wherein: A first length between the cooling channel and the lower surface is longer than a second length between the cooling channel and at least one of the first groove, the second groove, and the third groove.

20. A method of manufacturing a cylinder head, comprising: Casting of unmachined cylinder heads; as well as Processing the unprocessed cylinder head, comprising: machining a first inlet hole in a cylinder head body of the unmachined cylinder head, machining a second inlet hole in the cylinder head body, machining a first outlet hole in the cylinder head body, machining a second outlet hole in the cylinder head body, machining a fuel hole in the cylinder head body, A first groove is machined in the lower surface of the cylinder head, wherein the first groove is connected to the first outlet hole, machining a second groove in the lower surface, the second groove being opposite to the first groove and connected to the first outlet hole, and A third groove is machined in the lower surface, and the third groove is connected to the second outlet hole.

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