Internal combustion engine with gas port fuel injector and intake manifold

Abstract

An internal combustion engine and an intake manifold having an intake port and a port fuel injector are disclosed herein. Each cylinder receives a flow of charge from a first intake port and a second intake port, and at least one fuel passage is configured to distribute gaseous fuel from one port fuel injector to a combustion chamber through each of the first intake port and the second intake port.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications:

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority and the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 386,253, filed on December 6, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to internal combustion engines, and more particularly, to an intake manifold configured to distribute gaseous fuel to the combustion chambers of an internal combustion engine. Background Art

[0004] The cylinder head of an internal combustion engine can include two intake valve openings leading to the combustion chamber, which are opened and closed by a first intake valve and a second intake valve, respectively. The valve openings are connected to a respective one of a first intake port and a second intake port, and the first intake port and the second intake port distribute the charge air flow from the intake manifold to the respective intake valve openings.

[0005] For gaseous - fuel - powered internal combustion engines, a first fuel injector can be installed to deliver fuel to the first intake port, and a second fuel injector can be installed to deliver fuel to the second intake port. The fuel is injected into each intake port upstream of the combustion chamber of each cylinder of the engine. Either two of the port injectors or only one port injector can be used to deliver the required amount of gaseous fuel into the connected intake port in response to certain engine operating conditions. For engine operating conditions where only one port injector is needed to deliver the required amount of gaseous fuel, it may result in insufficient or inefficient mixing of the gaseous fuel in the combustion chamber. Therefore, further improvements are desired in this technical field. Summary of the Invention

[0006] An internal combustion engine and an intake manifold are disclosed, which include a first intake port and a second intake port to provide a charge air flow to each cylinder of the engine. The intake manifold is configured to distribute gaseous fuel from a port fuel injector associated with either the first intake port or the second intake port to each of the first intake port and the second intake port.

[0007] In an embodiment, an internal combustion engine includes at least one cylinder having a combustion chamber. The internal combustion engine includes at least one port injector operable to inject gaseous fuel for delivery to the combustion chamber. The internal combustion engine includes an intake manifold configured to supply a charge air flow to the combustion chamber. The intake manifold includes a first intake port connected to a first port outlet and a second intake port connected to a second port outlet. The first intake port is configured to introduce the charge air flow into the combustion chamber through the first port outlet, and the second intake port is configured to introduce the charge air fuel into the combustion chamber through the second port outlet. The intake manifold includes at least one fuel passage connecting the at least one port injector to each of the first intake port and the second intake port upstream of the first port outlet and the second port outlet. The at least one fuel passage is configured to distribute the gaseous fuel injected from the at least one port injector to each of the first intake port and the second intake port for delivery to the combustion chamber through each of the first port outlet and the second port outlet.

[0008] In an embodiment, there is provided an intake manifold for distributing a charge air flow to an internal combustion engine. The intake manifold includes a first intake port for receiving a first portion of the charge air flow and a second intake port for receiving a second portion of the charge air flow. The first intake port is configured to provide the first portion of the charge air flow, and the second intake port is configured to supply the second portion of the charge air flow to a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine. The cylinder head includes at least one port injector inlet. At least one fuel passage connects the at least one port injector inlet to each of the first intake port and the second intake port.

[0009] The present invention content is provided to introduce some concepts further described in the illustrative embodiments below. The present invention content is not intended to identify the key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter. Additional embodiments, forms, purposes, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits will become apparent from the following description and the drawings. Description of the Drawings

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic view of an internal combustion engine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 2 is through Figure 1 a cylinder of the internal combustion engine, showing an intake manifold and a port fuel injector arrangement according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 3 is Figure 2The intake manifold and port fuel injector arrangement, showing fuel injection from only one of the port fuel injectors, which is delivered to each intake port in the intake ports.

[0013] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of a fuel passage arrangement between intake ports according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 5 is a schematic view of a fuel passage arrangement between intake ports according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0015] To facilitate an understanding of the principles of the present invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings and specific language will be used to describe the embodiments. However, it should be understood that no limitation of the scope of the present invention is thereby intended, and any changes and further modifications in the embodiments shown and any further applications of the principles of the present invention shown herein that would typically occur to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art of the present invention are contemplated herein.

[0016] Figures 1 to 5 Shows various aspects of an internal combustion engine 10. The internal combustion engine 10 includes at least one cylinder 12, which includes a combustion chamber 14. The internal combustion engine 10 includes at least one port injector 70, 80, which is operable to inject gaseous fuel for delivery to the combustion chamber 14. The intake manifold 30 is configured to supply a charge flow 20 to the combustion chamber 14. The intake manifold 30 includes a first intake port 32 connected to a first port outlet 34. The first intake port 32 is configured to introduce the charge flow 20 into the combustion chamber 14 through the first port outlet 34. The intake manifold 30 includes a second intake port 36 connected to a second port outlet 38. The second intake port 36 is configured to introduce the charge flow 20 into the combustion chamber 14 through the second port outlet 38. The intake manifold 30 includes at least one fuel passage 100, 100', which connects at least one port injector 70, 80 to each of the first intake port 32 and the second intake port 36 upstream of the first port outlet 34 and the second port outlet 38. The at least one fuel passage 100, 100' is configured to distribute the gaseous fuel injected from at least one port injector 70, 80 to each of the first intake port 32 and the second intake port 36 for delivery to the combustion chamber 14 through each of the first port outlet 34 and the second port outlet 38.

[0017] Also disclosed is a charge air flow 20 for distributing to an intake manifold 30 of an internal combustion engine 10. The intake manifold 30 includes a first intake port 32 for receiving a first portion of the charge air flow 20. The first intake port 32 is configured to supply the first portion of the charge air flow 20 to a combustion chamber 14 of the internal combustion engine 10. The intake manifold 30 includes a second intake port 36 for receiving a second portion of the charge air flow 20. The second intake port 36 is configured to supply the second portion of the charge air flow to the combustion chamber 14. The intake manifold 30 includes at least one port injector inlet 112, 114. The intake manifold 30 includes at least one fuel passage 100, 100' that connects the at least one port injector inlet 112, 114 to each of the first intake port 32 and the second intake port 36.

[0018] See Figure 1 , the internal combustion engine 10 includes a plurality of cylinders 12. Each of the cylinders 12 includes a combustion chamber 14. The internal combustion engine 10 further includes an intake port 16 and an exhaust port 18 connected to each combustion chamber 14 of the cylinders 12. The intake port 16 supplies a charge air flow 20 to the combustion chamber 14, while the exhaust port 18 provides a path for an exhaust flow 22 to discharge from the combustion chamber 14.

[0019] The engine 10 further includes an intake manifold 30 extending along one or more of the cylinders 12. The intake manifold 30 and / or the intake ports 32, 36 may be connected to and / or form part of a cylinder head 26. The intake manifold 30 distributes the charge air flow 20 to the combustion chambers 14 through a plurality of intake ports, as further discussed below. An exhaust manifold 28 collects the burned exhaust output from each combustion chamber 14 of the cylinders 12 and supplies the exhaust flow 22 to the exhaust port 18.

[0020] The engine 10 can be any type of engine and in one specific embodiment is an internal combustion engine and includes a plurality of cylinders 12, each cylinder accommodating a piston 24. In an embodiment, the engine 10 is operated by a gaseous fuel such as natural gas, propane, hydrogen, etc. A gaseous fuel source 50 may be connected to a rail 52 that distributes the gaseous fuel to a pair of port injectors 70, 80 associated with a pair of intake ports 32, 36 of each of one or more of the cylinders 12.

[0021] As further discussed below, each of the two port injectors 70, 80 receives gaseous fuel from the fuel source 50 via the rail 52. The port injectors 70, 80 are operable to provide gaseous fuel for controlled injection into the intake ports 32, 36 in response to a fuel supply command from a controller (not shown), the fuel supply command being responsive to providing a desired engine output. It is contemplated that any type of port injector may be used for the port injectors 70, 80. Additionally, embodiments are contemplated in which only one of the port injectors 70 or 80 is provided, and only one of the port injectors 70, 80 is connected to each of the intake ports 32, 36 using fuel passages 100, 100'.

[0022] In the illustrated embodiment, the engine 10 includes six cylinders 12 connected to an intake manifold 30 and an exhaust manifold 28 via a cylinder head 26. However, any number of cylinders 12 capable of being used in the engine 10 is contemplated. The engine 10 may be an in-line type engine having a single bank of cylinders as shown in the illustrated embodiment, or other configurations including a V-shaped cylinder arrangement, a W-type engine, or any engine arrangement having one or more cylinders 12. It is contemplated that the engine 10 may be provided as part of a powertrain for a vehicle (not shown), or other applications may also be contemplated, such as for generator sets, equipment, and marine applications.

[0023] Further referring Figures 2 to 3 to, each cylinder 12 includes a combustion chamber 14 and a piston 15 movably disposed within the combustion chamber 14. Each cylinder 12 may further include a spark plug 17, intake valves 60, 62, and one or more exhaust valves (not shown). Each cylinder 12 may include other components and features not disclosed herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the intake valve 60 extends into the first intake port 32, and the intake valve 62 extends into the second intake port 36.

[0024] In Figures 2 to 3 the illustrated embodiment, the intake manifold 30 includes at least one first intake port 32 that is paired with a corresponding second intake port 36. Each cylinder 12 of the engine 10 may include a pair of first intake ports 32 and second intake ports 36. The pair of first intake ports 32 and second intake ports 36 are fluidly connected to a respective one of the plurality of cylinders 12 to provide a charge flow 20 to the combustion chamber 14. Additionally, the first intake port 32 and the second intake port 36 of each cylinder 12 are connected to each other using at least one fuel passage 100 or at least one fuel passage 100' ( Figure 5 ).

[0025] The first intake port 32, the second intake port 36, and / or the fuel passages 100, 100' can be formed by casting, drilling, machining, assembly, or other shaping techniques used for the intake manifold 30 and / or the cylinder head 26. The intake manifold 30 can consist of a single integral body sized to extend along all of the cylinders 12 of the engine 10, be divided into two or more sections spanning one or more cylinders 12, or be assembled from multiple components. Additionally, the intake manifold 30 can include other features not shown in the illustrated embodiments, such as passages, drilled holes, and other ports for sensors, fasteners, etc.

[0026] Each of the first intake ports in the first intake port 32 includes a corresponding first port outlet 34, and each of the second intake ports in the second intake port 36 includes a corresponding second port outlet 38. When the intake valves 60, 62 are lifted from their respective valve seats 64, 66, the first port outlet 34 and the second port outlet 38 allow the charge flow 20 to enter the combustion chamber 14 of the corresponding cylinder 12. For example, each cylinder 12 includes two intake valves 60, 62 that are opened and closed by a valve opening mechanism (not shown) via a camshaft (not shown). The opening of the valves 60, 62 allows the charge flow 20 to enter the combustion chamber 14 of the corresponding cylinder 12 through the port outlets 34, 38.

[0027] The intake manifold 30 further includes a first port injector 70 and a second port injector 80 mounted thereon. Both the port injectors 70, 80 are connected to the first intake port 32 and the second intake port 36 by at least one fuel passage 100. In Figures 2 to 4 the illustrated embodiment, the at least one fuel passage 100 includes a first fuel passage 102 and a second fuel passage 104. The first fuel passage 100 and the second fuel passage 102 intersect each other to form an X shape, but other linear and / or non-linear shapes are also conceivable and not excluded. For example, an embodiment with a single-port fuel injector can have an inverted Y shape.

[0028] The first fuel passage 102 includes a first port injector inlet 112, and the second fuel passage 104 includes a second port injector inlet 114. The first port injector 70 is fluidly connected to the first fuel passage 102 at the first port injector inlet 112, and the second port injector 80 is fluidly connected to the second fuel passage 104 at the second port injector inlet 114. The first fuel passage 102 further includes a first gas fuel outlet 116 connected to the second intake port 36, and the second fuel passage 104 includes a second gas fuel outlet 118 connected to the first intake port 32.

[0029] Intersecting fuel passages 102, 104 allow gaseous fuel from two port injectors 70, 80 to be distributed to both the first intake port 32 and the second intake port 36, as Figure 2 shown. When only one of the port injectors 70, 80 is used to inject fuel, such as under low engine load conditions, the fuel injected by the active one of the port injectors 70, 80 is equally or substantially equally distributed to the first intake port 32 and the second intake port 36. For example, in Figure 4 FIG. 1, fuel is injected only from port injector 70 into the connection portion of the first fuel passage 102. The connection of the first fuel passage 102 with the second fuel passage 104 distributes some of the injected fuel from the first fuel passage 102 into the second fuel passage 104. Thus, the fuel injected from one port injector 70 is distributed to each of the first intake port and the second intake ports 32, 36. A similar result occurs if fuel is injected only from the second port injector 80 into the second fuel passage 104.

[0030] In an embodiment, the first fuel passage 102 is cylindrical in shape between the first port injector inlet 112 and the first gaseous fuel outlet 116. The second fuel passage 104 is also cylindrical in shape between the second port injector inlet 114 and the second gaseous fuel outlet 118. Other embodiments contemplate other shapes for one or both of the first fuel passage 102 and the second fuel passage 104. For example, the fuel passage shape can be uniform, non-uniform, tapered, conical, etc.

[0031] In an embodiment, the first fuel passage 102 and the second fuel passage 104 are formed by drilling through the material of the intake manifold that is used to cast the first intake port 32 and the second intake port 36. Other techniques can also be used to form the first fuel passage 102 and the second fuel passage 104, including machining, casting, printing, or otherwise forming the first fuel passage 102 and the second fuel passage 104.

[0032] In Figure 5In it, another embodiment of the fuel passage 100' is shown. The fuel passage 100' includes a distribution chamber 106 that extends between and fluidly connects a first port injector inlet 112, a second port injector inlet 114, a first gaseous fuel outlet 116, and a second gaseous fuel outlet 118. In the embodiment, the distribution chamber 106 includes a first end 120 between the port injector inlets 112, 114 and a second end 122 between the gaseous fuel outlets 116, 118. The distribution chamber 106 also includes a first side 124 that extends between the first port injector inlet 112 and the second gaseous fuel outlet 118, and a second side 126 that extends between the second port injector inlet 114 and the first gaseous fuel outlet 116.

[0033] In the shown embodiment, the distribution chamber 106 expands from the port injector inlets 112, 114 toward the gaseous fuel outlets 116, 118. Other embodiments contemplate other shapes and configurations of the distribution chamber 106 as long as the gaseous fuel from at least one of the port injectors 70, 80 is distributed to each of the intake ports 32, 36.

[0034] During operation, the fuel injected from the first port injector 70 or the second port injector 80 is received in the distribution chamber 106 and is distributed equally or substantially equally to the first gaseous fuel outlet 116 and the second gaseous fuel outlet 118. Thus, the fuel injected by the single port injectors 70, 80 is distributed to both the first intake port 32 and the second intake port 36 via the distribution chamber 106.

[0035] In the embodiment, the fuel passage 100' is formed by casting it within the material of the intake manifold for casting the first intake port 32 and the second intake port 36. Other techniques can also be used to form the fuel passage 100', including machining, printing, or otherwise forming the first fuel passage 100' and its distribution chamber 106.

[0036] It is conceivable that the distribution chamber 106 does not include any charge flow 20 but only distributes gaseous fuel to the intake ports 32, 36. In the embodiment, the first fuel passage 102 and the second fuel passage 104 do not include a charge flow 20 and only distribute gaseous fuel to the intake ports 32, 36. The positions of the port injectors 70, 80 and at least one of the fuel passages 100, 100' allow gaseous fuel to be provided to each intake port 32, 36 without mixing with the charge flow 20.

[0037] Numerous aspects of the present disclosure are contemplated. For example, one aspect relates to an internal combustion engine that includes at least one cylinder that includes a combustion chamber; at least one port injector that is operable to inject gaseous fuel for delivery to the combustion chamber; and an intake manifold that is configured to provide a charge flow to the combustion chamber. The intake manifold includes a first intake port connected to a first port outlet and a second intake port connected to a second port outlet. The first intake port is configured to introduce the charge flow into the combustion chamber through the first port outlet, and the second intake port is configured to introduce the charge flow fuel into the combustion chamber through the second port outlet. At least one fuel passage connects the at least one port injector to each of the first intake port and the second intake port upstream of the first port outlet and the second port outlet. The at least one fuel passage is configured to distribute the gaseous fuel injected from the at least one port injector to each of the first intake port and the second intake port for delivery to the combustion chamber through each of the first port outlet and the second port outlet.

[0038] In an embodiment, the at least one port injector includes a first port injector and a second port injector, and the at least one fuel passage connects each of the first port injector and the second port injector to each of the first intake port and the second intake port.

[0039] In an embodiment, the at least one fuel passage includes a first port injector inlet connected to the first port injector, a second port injector inlet connected to the second port injector, a first gaseous fuel outlet connected to the first intake port, and a second gaseous fuel outlet connected to the second intake port.

[0040] In an embodiment, the at least one fuel passage includes a distribution chamber within the intake manifold head that fluidly connects the first port injector inlet and the second port injector inlet to the first gaseous fuel outlet and the second gaseous fuel outlet.

[0041] In an embodiment, the distribution chamber includes a first end extending between the first port injector inlet and the second port injector inlet, a second end extending between the first gaseous fuel outlet and the second gaseous fuel outlet, a first side extending from the first port injector inlet to the first gaseous fuel outlet, and a second side extending from the second port injector inlet to the second gaseous fuel outlet.

[0042] In an embodiment, the at least one fuel passage includes a first fuel passage extending from the first port injector inlet to the second gaseous fuel outlet and a second fuel passage extending from the second port injector inlet to the first gaseous fuel outlet. The second fuel passage intersects the first fuel passage between the first port injector inlet and the second gaseous fuel outlet.

[0043] In an embodiment, the first fuel passage and the second fuel passage form an X shape between the first port injector inlet and the second port injector inlet and the first gas fuel outlet and the second gas fuel outlet.

[0044] In an embodiment, at least one fuel passage is configured to distribute the gas fuel injected simultaneously from the first port injector and the second port injector to each of the first intake port and the second intake port.

[0045] In an embodiment, at least one fuel passage does not include a charge flow. In an embodiment, at least one fuel passage is cast into the intake manifold. In an embodiment, at least one fuel passage includes a first fuel passage and a second fuel passage drilled through the intake manifold in an intersecting relationship.

[0046] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an intake manifold for distributing a charge flow to an internal combustion engine. The intake manifold includes a first intake port for receiving a first portion of the charge flow and a second intake port for receiving a second portion of the charge flow. The first intake port is configured to supply the first portion of the charge flow to a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine, and the second intake port is configured to supply the second portion of the charge flow to the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine. The intake manifold further includes at least one port injector inlet, and at least one fuel passage connecting the at least one port injector inlet to each of the first intake port and the second intake port.

[0047] In an embodiment, the at least one port injector inlet includes a first port injector inlet and a second port injector inlet, and the at least one fuel passage connects the first port injector inlet to the first intake port and the second intake port and connects the second port injector inlet to the first intake port and the second intake port.

[0048] In an embodiment, at least one fuel passage of the cylinder head includes a first fuel passage extending from the first port injector inlet to the second intake port, and a second fuel passage extending from the second port injector inlet to the first intake port.

[0049] In an embodiment, the first fuel passage intersects the second fuel passage between the second port injector inlet and the first intake port.

[0050] In an embodiment, the first fuel passage is cylindrical in shape from the first port injector inlet to the second intake port, and the second fuel passage is cylindrical in shape from the second port injector inlet to the first intake port.

[0051] In an embodiment, the intake manifold includes a fuel rail extending between the first port injector inlet and the second port injector inlet.

[0052] In an embodiment, at least one fuel passage includes a distribution chamber that fluidly connects at least one port injector inlet to a first intake port and a second intake port.

[0053] In an embodiment, the distribution chamber includes a first outlet connected to the first intake port and a second outlet connected to the second intake port. In a further embodiment, the distribution chamber extends from at least one port injector inlet to the first and second outlets.

[0054] Although the invention has been shown and described in the drawings and foregoing description, these are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in nature. It should be understood that only certain exemplary embodiments have been shown and described. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Reading the claims is intended such that when using words such as "a," "an," "at least one," or "at least a portion," the claim is not intended to be limited to only one item unless there is an express contrary statement in the claim. When using the language "at least a portion" and / or "a portion," the item may include a portion and / or the whole item unless an express contrary statement is made.

Claims

1. An internal combustion engine, the internal combustion engine comprising: At least one cylinder, the at least one cylinder including a combustion chamber; At least one port injector, the at least one port injector being operable to inject gaseous fuel for delivery to the combustion chamber; An intake manifold, the intake manifold being configured to supply a charge flow to the combustion chamber, the intake manifold including: A first intake port, the first intake port being connected to a first port outlet, wherein the first intake port is configured to introduce the charge flow into the combustion chamber through the first port outlet; A second intake port, the second intake port being connected to a second port outlet, wherein the second intake port is configured to introduce the charge flow fuel into the combustion chamber through the second port outlet; and At least one fuel passage, the at least one fuel passage connecting the at least one port injector to each of the first intake port and the second intake port upstream of the first port outlet and the second port outlet, wherein the at least one fuel passage is configured to distribute the gaseous fuel injected from the at least one port injector to each of the first intake port and the second intake port for delivery to the combustion chamber through each of the first port outlet and the second port outlet.

2. The internal combustion engine according to claim 1, wherein the at least one port injector includes a first port injector and a second port injector, and the at least one fuel passage connects each of the first port injector and the second port injector to each of the first intake port and the second intake port.

3. The internal combustion engine according to claim 2, wherein the at least one fuel passage includes: A first port injector inlet, the first port injector inlet being connected to the first port injector; A second port injector inlet, the second port injector inlet being connected to the second port injector; A first gaseous fuel outlet, the first gaseous fuel outlet being connected to the first intake port; and A second gaseous fuel outlet, the second gaseous fuel outlet being connected to the second intake port.

4. The internal combustion engine according to claim 3, wherein the at least one fuel passage includes a distribution chamber within the intake manifold head, the distribution chamber fluidly connecting the first port injector inlet and the second port injector inlet to the first gaseous fuel outlet and the second gaseous fuel outlet.

5. The internal combustion engine according to claim 4, wherein the distribution chamber includes: A first end, the first end extending between the first port injector inlet and the second port injector inlet; A second end, the second end extending between the first gaseous fuel outlet and the second gaseous fuel outlet; A first side, the first side extending from the first port injector inlet to the first gaseous fuel outlet; and And A second side, the second side extending from the second port injector inlet to the second gaseous fuel outlet.

6. The internal combustion engine according to claim 3, wherein the at least one fuel passage comprises: a first fuel passage extending from the first port injector inlet to the second gaseous fuel outlet; and a second fuel passage extending from the second port injector inlet to the first gaseous fuel outlet, wherein the second fuel passage intersects the first fuel passage between the first port injector inlet and the second gaseous fuel outlet.

7. The internal combustion engine according to claim 6, wherein the first fuel passage and the second fuel passage form an X shape between the first port injector inlet and the second port injector inlet and between the first gaseous fuel outlet and the second gaseous fuel outlet.

8. The internal combustion engine according to claim 2, wherein the at least one fuel passage is configured to distribute gaseous fuel simultaneously injected from the first port injector and the second port injector to each of the first intake port and the second intake port.

9. The internal combustion engine according to claim 1, wherein the at least one fuel passage does not include a charge air flow.

10. The internal combustion engine according to claim 1, wherein the at least one fuel passage is cast into the intake manifold.

11. The internal combustion engine according to claim 1, wherein the at least one fuel passage includes a first fuel passage and a second fuel passage drilled through the intake manifold in an intersecting relationship.

12. An intake manifold for distributing a charge air flow to an internal combustion engine, the intake manifold comprising: a first intake port for receiving a first portion of the charge air flow, the first intake port being configured to supply the first portion of the charge air flow to a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine; a second intake port for receiving a second portion of the charge air flow, the second intake port being configured to supply the second portion of the charge air flow to the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine; at least one port injector inlet; and at least one fuel passage connecting the at least one port injector inlet to each of the first intake port and the second intake port.

13. The intake manifold according to claim 12, wherein the at least one port injector inlet includes a first port injector inlet and a second port injector inlet, and the at least one fuel passage connects the first port injector inlet to the first intake port and the second intake port and connects the second port injector inlet to the first intake port and the second intake port.

14. The intake manifold according to claim 13, wherein the at least one fuel passage of the cylinder head includes a first fuel passage extending from the first port injector inlet to the second intake port and a second fuel passage extending from the second port injector inlet to the first intake port.

15. The intake manifold according to claim 14, wherein the first fuel passage intersects the second fuel passage between the second port injector inlet and the first intake port.

16. The intake manifold according to claim 14, wherein: the first fuel passage is cylindrical in shape from the first port injector inlet to the second intake port; and the second fuel passage is cylindrical in shape from the second port injector inlet to the first intake port.

17. The intake manifold according to claim 13, further comprising a fuel rail extending between the first port injector inlet and the second port injector inlet.

18. The intake manifold according to claim 12, wherein the at least one fuel passage includes a distribution chamber that fluidly connects the at least one port injector inlet to the first intake port and the second intake port.

19. The intake manifold according to claim 18, wherein the distribution chamber includes a first outlet connected to the first intake port and a second outlet connected to the second intake port.

20. The intake manifold according to claim 19, wherein the distribution chamber extends from the at least one port injector inlet to the first outlet and the second outlet.

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