Cylinder head cover assembly

Abstract

A cylinder head cover assembly (110, fig.1) includes a cylinder head cover 112 defining an internal volume 114 that receives a fuel component 116 and a leaked fuel. The cylinder head cover further def

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 202441087988, filed November 14, 2024 and the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates generally to a cylinder head cover assembly for use with internal combustion engines. BACKGROUND

[0003] An engine system includes internal combustion engine that includes a cylinder block and a cylinder head that is attached to the cylinder block. A fuel injection system provides fuel to the internal combustion engine. One or more components of the fuel injection system may develop leaks. SUMMARY

[0004] In one embodiment, a cylinder head cover assembly includes a cylinder head cover defining an internal volume that receives a fuel component and a leaked fuel. The cylinder head cover further defines an aperture in fluid communication with the internal volume. The cylinder head cover assembly further includes a ventilation assembly that includes a compressed gas source and a turbine in fluid communication with the compressed gas source. The turbine receives gas from the compressed gas source and rotates by flow of the gas. The ventilation assembly further includes a shaft coupled to the turbine and a fan operatively coupled to the turbine via the shaft. The fan is in fluid communication with the internal volume. The fan blows the gas into the internal volume and removes at least a portion of the leaked fuel from the internal volume through the aperture. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims, in which:

[0006] FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of an engine system, according to an example embodiment;

[0007] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cylinder head cover assembly, according to an example embodiment;

[0008] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a cylinder head cover and a ventilation assembly, according to an example embodiment;

[0009] FIG. 5 is cross-sectional view of the cylinder head cover, according to an example embodiment; and

[0010] FIGS. 6 and 7 are perspective views of the cylinder head cover of FIG. 5.

[0011] It will be recognized that the Figures are schematic representations for purposes of illustration. The Figures are provided for the purpose of illustrating one or more implementations with the explicit understanding that the Figures will not be used to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Following below are more detailed descriptions of various concepts related to, and implementations of, a cylinder head cover assembly of an engine system. The various concepts introduced above and discussed in greater detail below can be implemented in any of a number of ways, as the described concepts are not limited to any particular manner of implementation. Examples of specific implementations and applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes.

[0013] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an engine system 100 according to an example embodiment. The engine system 100 includes an engine 102 (e.g., an internal combustion engine), such as a spark-ignition engine or a compression-ignition engine. Examples of the engine 102 include a hydrogen engine, a diesel engine, a gasoline engine, a propane engine, a dual-fuel engine, a natural gas engine, etc. The engine 102 is configured to combust at least one fuel (e.g., hydrogen, diesel, gasoline, propane, natural gas, etc., or any combination thereof) to produce energy that can be utilized by various outputs. For example, the engine 102 can produce energy that is utilized to drive a movement member (e.g., wheel, tread, propeller, impeller, turbine, rotor, etc.) or power a generator. The engine 102 can be implemented in a vehicle (e.g., truck, car, construction vehicle, freight vehicle, commercial vehicle, emergency vehicle, military vehicle, maritime vehicle, etc.).

[0014] The engine system 100 can include a radiator 104 (e.g., a heat exchange device, etc.). The radiator 104 is configured to cool (i.e., decrease a temperature of, etc.) the engine 102. The engine system 100 can include an intercooler 106 (e.g., a heat exchange device, etc.). The intercooler 106 is configured to cool the air before it is received by the engine 102. The engine system 100 can include a shroud 108. The shroud 108 is configured to direct the air through the radiator 104. The engine system 100 can include a radiator fan 109. The radiator fan 109 is configured to flow the air from the radiator 104 across the engine 102. In some embodiments, a diameter of the radiator fan 109 can be between about (+ / - 1%, + / - 5%, + / - 15%, etc.) 20 inches (in) (50.800 cm) and about 32 in (81.280 cm). In some further embodiments, the diameter of the radiator fan 109 is about 26 in (66.040 cm).

[0015] The engine system 100 further includes a cylinder head cover assembly 110. The cylinder head cover assembly 110 includes a cylinder head cover 112 and a ventilation assembly 120. As illustrated in FIGS. 3-7, the cylinder head cover assembly 110 includes the cylinder head cover 112. The cylinder head cover 112 defines an internal volume 114 configured to receive a fuel component 116 and a leaked fuel. The cylinder head cover 112 defines an aperture 118 in fluid communication with the internal volume 114.

[0016] The cylinder head cover assembly 110 further includes the ventilation assembly 120. The ventilation assembly 120 includes a compressed gas source 122, e.g., a compressed air source, and a turbine 124. The turbine 124 is in fluid communication with the compressed gas source 122. The turbine 124 is configured to receive air or other compressed gas from the compressed gas source 122 and rotate by flow of the gas. The ventilation assembly 120 further comprises a shaft 126 coupled to the turbine 124 and a fan 128 operatively coupled to the turbine 124 via the shaft 126. The fan 128 is in fluid communication with the internal volume 114. The fan 128 is configured to blow the air or other gas into the internal volume 114 and remove at least a portion of the leaked fuel from the internal volume 114 through the aperture 118.

[0017] The leaked fuel can form stagnation zones (i.e., volumes of space with relatively low fluid movement, etc.) within the internal volume 114. At a specified concentration range, the leaked fuel within the stagnation zones corresponds to a relatively low ignition energy (i.e., energy required to ignite the fuel). For example, if the fuel includes hydrogen, between the specified concentration range of hydrogen of 4% to 74% in air, its ignition energy is about 0.02 millijoules (mJ). The fan 128 is configured to remove the at least the portion of the leaked fuel from the internal volume 114 such that the concentration of the fuel within the stagnation zones is below the specified concentration range (e.g., the concentration of hydrogen in the stagnation zones is below the specified concentration range, etc.).

[0018] In some embodiments, a speed of the fan 128 has a positive relationship with dilution of the leaked fuel in the stagnation zones. Meaning, as the speed of the fan 128 increases, the more diluted the leaked fuel in the stagnation zones becomes (i.e., decrease in leaked fuel concentration in the stagnation zones).

[0019] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the cylinder head cover 112 can include a slit 130. The slit 130 is in fluid communication with the internal volume 114. The slit 130 can be downstream of the aperture 118. The slit 130 is configured to receive the air or other gas and / or the portion of the leaked fuel and provide the air or other gas and / or the portion of the leaked fuel to an ambient environment (e.g., atmosphere, etc.).

[0020] The engine system 100 includes a fuel tank 132. The fuel tank 132 is configured to receive the fuel from a fuel source (e.g., a fuel pump, a fuel generator, etc.), store the fuel therein, and provide the fuel to the engine 102.

[0021] The engine system 100 can include a pressure regulator 134. The pressure regulator 134 is located downstream of the fuel tank 132 and upstream of the engine 102. The pressure regulator 134 is configured to receive the fuel from the fuel tank 132, decrease a pressure of the fuel, and provide the fuel (i.e., depressurized fuel) to the engine 102.

[0022] The engine system 100 includes a fuel injection system 136. The fuel injection system 136 is configured to receive the fuel from the pressure regulator 134 and / or the fuel tank 132 and provide the fuel to one or more combustion chambers (e.g., cylinders, etc.) of the engine 102 via one or more fuel injectors. The fuel injection system 136 includes the fuel component 116. The fuel component 116 can include a fuel rail 138. The fuel rail 138 is configured to receive the fuel from the pressure regulator 134 and / or the fuel tank 132 and provide the fuel to one or more fuel lines. Alternatively or additionally, the fuel component 116 can include a plurality of fuel lines 140. Each of the plurality of fuel lines 140 is configured to receive the fuel from the fuel rail 138 and / or one of the fuel lines 140 and provide the fuel to another one of the fuel lines 140 or a respective fuel injector of the one or more fuel injectors.

[0023] In some embodiments, the fuel injection system 136 can include multiple of the fuel component 116 (e.g., two fuel components 116, five fuel components 116, seven fuel components 116, etc.). For example, the cylinder head cover assembly 110 can include a first fuel component of the fuel components 116 and a second fuel component of the fuel components 116.

[0024] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the first fuel component can be coupled to the second fuel component via a coupling interface 141 (e.g., the second fuel component can define the coupling interface 141 with the first fuel component). The leaked fuel can be released via the coupling interface 141.

[0025] In some embodiments, the first fuel component is the fuel rail 138 and the second fuel component is one of the fuel lines 140. In other embodiments, the first fuel component is a first fuel line of the fuel lines 140 and the second fuel component is a second fuel line of the fuel lines 140. In yet other embodiments, the first fuel component is one of the fuel lines 140 and the second fuel component is one of the fuel injectors.

[0026] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the cylinder head cover assembly 110 can include a plurality of apertures 142 that includes the aperture 118 (e.g., a first aperture, etc.). The plurality of apertures 142 can include a second aperture 144. The second aperture 144 is located downstream of the aperture 118. The second aperture 144 is configured to receive at least a second portion of the leaked fuel from the internal volume 114 and release the at least the second portion of the leaked fuel to the ambient environment.

[0027] The plurality of apertures 142 can further include a third aperture 146. The third aperture 146 is located downstream of the second aperture 144. The third aperture 146 is configured to receive at least a third portion of the leaked fuel from the internal volume 114 and release the at least the third portion of the leaked fuel to the ambient environment.

[0028] The plurality of apertures 142 can further include a fourth aperture 148. The fourth aperture 148 is located downstream of the third aperture 146. The fourth aperture 148 is configured to receive at least a fourth portion of the leaked fuel from the internal volume 114 and release the at least the fourth portion of the leaked fuel to the ambient environment. In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures 142 includes additional apertures (e.g., a fifth aperture, a seventh aperture, etc.).

[0029] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the cylinder head cover assembly 110 includes a first gas inlet 150. The first gas inlet 150 is in fluid providing communication with the cylinder head cover 112 and / or the turbine 124 (i.e., configured to provide the air or other gas to the cylinder head cover 112 and / or the turbine 124). In some embodiments, the first gas inlet 150 is in fluid receiving communication with the compressed gas source 122 (i.e., configured to receive the air or other gas from the compressed gas source 122). In other embodiments, the first gas inlet 150 is in fluid receiving communication with the radiator fan 109 (i.e., configured to receive the air from the radiator fan 109). In yet other embodiments, the first gas inlet 150 is in fluid receiving communication with the radiator fan 109 and the compressed gas source 122.

[0030] The cylinder head cover assembly 110 can include a second gas inlet 152. The second gas inlet 152 is located downstream of the first gas inlet 150. The second gas inlet 152 is in fluid receiving communication with the radiator fan 109 and / or the compressed gas source 122. The second gas inlet 152 is in fluid providing communication with the cylinder head cover 112.

[0031] The cylinder head cover assembly 110 can include a third gas inlet 154. The third gas inlet 154 is located downstream of the second gas inlet 152. The third gas inlet 154 is in fluid receiving communication with the radiator fan 109 and / or the compressed gas source 122. The third gas inlet 154 is in fluid providing communication with the cylinder head cover 112.

[0032] In some embodiments, a diameter of the fan 128 is between about 2 in (5.080 cm) and about 10 in (25.400 cm). In some further embodiments, the diameter of the fan 128 is about 6 in (15.240 cm).

[0033] As illustrated in FIGS. 4-6, the cylinder head cover 112 includes a top portion 156 proximate the ventilation assembly 120 and a bottom portion 158 distal from the ventilation assembly 120. The aperture 118 can be defined within the top portion 156. The slit 130 can be defined within the top portion 156.

[0034] While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of what can be claimed but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular implementations. Certain features described in this specification in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features can be described as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination can be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

[0035] As utilized herein, “substantially” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to any precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0036] The term “coupled” and the like, as used herein, mean the joining of two components directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining can be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining can be achieved with the two components or the two components and any additional intermediate components being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another, with the two components, or with the two components and any additional intermediate components being attached to one another.

[0037] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the cylinder head cover assembly shown in the various example implementations is illustrative only and not restrictive in character. All changes and modifications that come within the spirit and / or scope of the described implementations are desired to be protected. It should be understood that some features may not be necessary, and implementations lacking the various features can be contemplated as within the scope of the application, the scope being defined by the claims that follow. When the language “a portion” is used, the item can include a portion and / or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.

[0038] Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. can be either 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). Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present, unless otherwise indicated.

[0039] Additionally, the use of ranges of values (e.g., W1 to W2, etc.) herein are inclusive of their maximum values and minimum values (e.g., W1 to W2 includes W1 and includes W2, etc.), unless otherwise indicated. Furthermore, a range of values (e.g., W1 to W2, etc.) does not necessarily require the inclusion of intermediate values within the range of values (e.g., W1 to W2 can include only W1 and W2, etc.), unless otherwise indicated.

Claims

1. A cylinder head cover assembly comprising:a cylinder head cover defining:an internal volume configured to receive a fuel component and a leaked fuel, and an aperture in fluid communication with the internal volume; anda ventilation assembly comprising:a compressed gas source,a turbine in fluid communication with the compressed gas source, the turbine configured to receive gas from the compressed gas source and rotate by flow of the gas,a shaft coupled to the turbine, anda fan operatively coupled to the turbine via the shaft, the fan in fluid communication with the internal volume, the fan configured to blow the gas into the internal volume and remove at least a portion of the leaked fuel from the internal volume through the aperture.

2. The cylinder head cover assembly of claim 1, the cylinder head cover further defines a second aperture located downstream of the aperture, the second aperture configured to receive at least a second portion of the leaked fuel from the internal volume and release the at least the second portion of the leaked fuel to an ambient environment.

3. The cylinder head cover assembly of claim 2, the cylinder head cover further defines a third aperture located downstream of the second aperture, the third aperture configured to receive at least a third portion of the leaked fuel from the internal volume and release the at least the third portion of the leaked fuel to an ambient environment.

4. The cylinder head cover assembly of claim 3, the cylinder head cover further defines a fourth aperture located downstream of the third aperture, the fourth aperture configured toreceive at least a fourth portion of the leaked fuel from the internal volume and release the at least the fourth portion of the leaked fuel to an ambient environment.

5. The cylinder head cover assembly of claim 1, wherein:the fuel component is a first fuel component;the internal volume is further configured to receive a second fuel component coupled to the first fuel component, the second fuel component defining a coupling interface with the first fuel component; andthe leaked fuel is released via the coupling interface.

6. The cylinder head cover assembly of claim 1, wherein a diameter of the fan is about 15.240 cm.

7. The cylinder head cover assembly of claim 1, wherein:the cylinder head cover comprises a top portion proximate the ventilation assembly and a bottom portion distal from the ventilation assembly; andthe aperture is defined within the top portion.

8. The cylinder head cover assembly of claim 1, further comprising a first gas inlet in fluid providing communication with at least one of the cylinder head cover and the turbine.

9. The cylinder head cover assembly of claim 8, wherein the first gas inlet is in fluid receiving communication with at least one of a radiator fan and the compressed gas source.

10. The cylinder head cover assembly of claim 9, further comprising a second gas inlet in fluid providing communication with the cylinder head cover and in fluid receiving communication with at least one of the radiator fan and the compressed gas source.

11. The cylinder head cover assembly of claim 1, wherein the compressed gas source is a compressed air source.

12. An engine system, comprising:an engine; andthe cylinder head cover assembly of any of claims 1-11 operatively coupled to the engine.

13. The engine system of claim 12, further comprising a radiator including a radiator fan, the radiator fan configured to provide the gas to the internal volume of the cylinder head cover via a first gas inlet.

14. The engine system of claim 13, further comprising a shroud configured to direct the gas through the radiator.

15. The engine system of claim 12, further comprising a fuel injection system configured to provide fuel to the engine, the fuel injection system including the fuel component.

16. The engine system of claim 15, wherein the fuel component includes a fuel rail.

17. The engine system of claim 15, wherein the fuel component includes a plurality of fuellines.T +44(0)30 0300 2000A

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