Internal combustion engine and cylinder head configured for cylinder pressure sensors

Abstract

Regarding methods for installing cylinder pressure sensors, this technology provides solutions that overcome the shortcomings of compatibility across various engine platforms and / or compatibility with different types of cylinder pressure sensors, including ease of manufacture, reliability, ability to accurately sense cylinder pressure conditions, and maintenance of the sensor and nearby engine components. [Solution] The cylinder head 30 includes a sensor support 60 having a housing portion configured to house a cylinder pressure sensor 62, and the sensor support has a structure that extends from the housing portion to the combustion side of the cylinder head and includes a passage portion 66 for fluidly connecting the cylinder pressure sensor to the combustion chamber.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] ,

[0003] , , ,

[0005]

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 691,639, filed on September 6, 2024, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 783,370, filed on April 4, 2025, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to an internal combustion engine, and more particularly, to an internal combustion engine and a cylinder head configured for an in - cylinder pressure sensor.

Background Art

[0003] An internal combustion engine may include a cylinder head attached to an engine block. The engine block defines a plurality of cylinders, each cylinder forming a combustion chamber and receiving fuel and an intake air flow (air or a mixture of air and fuel) through one or more intake valve openings in the cylinder head, or, for example, in a two - stroke engine, through ports in the cylinder liner. Fuel and the intake air flow are combusted in the combustion chamber to drive a piston disposed within the cylinder.

[0004] An in - cylinder pressure sensor may be used to measure pressure fluctuations within the combustion chamber during the combustion cycle. Using this data, many parameters for controlling engine operation can be calculated. Existing methods for installing an in - cylinder pressure sensor have many drawbacks and disadvantages with respect to ease of manufacture, reliability, the ability to accurately sense the in - cylinder pressure situation, ease of access when performing maintenance and servicing of the sensor and nearby engine components, compatibility across various engine platforms, and / or compatibility with different types of in - cylinder pressure sensors. Therefore, further improvements are desired in this technical field.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure relates to an internal combustion engine and a cylinder head configured to receive a cylinder pressure sensor, the cylinder pressure sensor sensing and measuring pressure fluctuations in the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine. The sensor support is configured to house the cylinder pressure sensor and to fluidly connect the cylinder pressure sensor to the combustion chamber.

[0006] In embodiments of the present disclosure, an internal combustion engine is configured for sensing cylinder pressure. The internal combustion engine includes at least one cylinder having a combustion chamber, the combustion chamber receiving an intake airflow and fuel to be burned within the combustion chamber. The internal combustion engine also includes a cylinder head mounted on at least one cylinder. The cylinder head includes an opening through which an intake airflow is supplied to the combustion chamber or exhaust airflow is received from the combustion chamber. The cylinder head also includes a valve relief cut extending around the opening and a sensor support housing a cylinder pressure sensor and providing fluid communication with the combustion chamber.

[0007] In one embodiment, the sensor support includes a housing portion for housing a cylinder pressure sensor and a passage portion extending from the valve relief cut to the housing portion to fluidly connect the cylinder pressure sensor housed in the housing portion to the combustion chamber. In another embodiment, the sensor support includes a housing portion for housing a cylinder pressure sensor and a passage portion extending from the cylinder to the housing portion to fluidly connect the cylinder pressure sensor housed in the housing portion to the combustion chamber.

[0008] In the embodiment, a cylinder head is provided for the cylinder of an internal combustion engine. The cylinder head includes a cylinder head body, which has a combustion side facing the cylinder. The cylinder head body further includes a sensor support. The sensor support includes a housing portion configured to house a cylinder pressure sensor, a first passage portion extending from the housing portion into the cylinder head body, and at least one second passage portion extending non-collinearly with the first passage portion to the combustion side of the cylinder head.

[0009] In the embodiment, a cylinder head is provided for the cylinder of an internal combustion engine. The cylinder head includes a cylinder head body, which has a combustion side facing the cylinder. The cylinder head body further includes a sensor support for a cylinder pressure sensor. The sensor support includes a housing portion configured to house the cylinder pressure sensor and a passage portion extending from the housing portion to the combustion side of the cylinder head. The passage portion is configured to attenuate and / or increase the resonant frequency of acoustic resonances caused by resonance in the passage portion and detected by the cylinder pressure sensor.

[0010] This summary of the invention is provided to introduce selected concepts, which are further illustrated below by exemplary embodiments. This summary is not intended to identify any primary 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. Further embodiments, forms, purposes, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits will become apparent from the following description and drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of an internal combustion engine including a cylinder head and a cylinder pressure sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cylinder head and cylinder of an internal combustion engine, showing a sensor support for housing a cylinder pressure sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is another schematic cross-sectional view of the internal combustion engine through the cylinder head, showing the sensor support and intake valve. [Figure 4] This is a schematic elevation view of a portion of the intake manifold that can be attached to the cylinder head of the internal combustion engine shown in Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5]This is a schematic elevation view of a portion of the intake manifold gasket that can be installed between the cylinder head of the internal combustion engine shown in Figure 1 and the intake manifold shown in Figure 4, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] This is a schematic elevation view of a portion of the intake manifold gasket in another embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a schematic cross-sectional view further showing the sensor support and valve relief cut. [Figure 8] Figure 1 is another schematic cross-sectional view through the cylinder head of the internal combustion engine, showing a sensor support in another embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 1 is another schematic cross-sectional view through the cylinder head of the internal combustion engine, showing a sensor support in another embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 1 is another schematic cross-sectional view through the cylinder head of the internal combustion engine, showing a sensor support in another embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] To facilitate understanding of the principles of the present invention, embodiments shown in the drawings will be referred to and described here using specific language. However, it will be understood that this is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, and any changes and further modifications to the shown embodiments, as well as any further applications of the principles of the invention shown, as commonly conceivable to those skilled in the art, are intended herein.

[0013] Referring to Figures 1 to 7, the internal combustion engine 10 is configured for sensing cylinder pressure. The internal combustion engine 10 includes at least one cylinder 12 having an intake airflow 20 for combustion and a combustion chamber 14 for receiving fuel. The internal combustion engine 10 also includes a cylinder head 30 attached to at least one cylinder 12.

[0014] Disclosed herein are sensor supports 60, 160, 160' configured to house a cylinder pressure sensor 62 and to fluidly connect the cylinder pressure sensor 62 to the combustion chamber 14. The sensor supports 60, 160, 160' include housing portions 64, 164 for housing the cylinder pressure sensor 62 and passage portions 66, 166, 166' that fluidly connect the combustion chamber 14 to the housing portions 64, 164. The cylinder pressure sensor 62 measures the pressure in the passage portions 66, 166, 166', which provides an indicator of the pressure in the combustion chamber 14.

[0015] The pressure inside the combustion chamber 14 is different from the pressure inside the passage sections 66, 166, and 166'. This is because resonance in the passage sections 66, 166, and 166' of the sensor support 60, 160, and 160' causes acoustic resonance or vibration. The passage sections 66, 166, and 166' are configured to attenuate the acoustic resonance detected by the cylinder pressure sensor 62 and increase the resonant frequency. Therefore, the measurement of the pressure inside the passage sections 66, 166, and 166' by the cylinder pressure sensor 62 provides an indicator of the cylinder pressure inside the combustion chamber 14.

[0016] The passage sections 66, 166, and 166' differentiate the acoustic frequencies of the passage sections 66, 166, and 166' from the signals detected by the cylinder pressure sensor 62. The passage sections 66, 166, and 166' are configured such that the amplitude of pressure vibrations in the passage sections 66, 166, and 166' is sufficiently low and the natural frequencies of pressure vibrations in the passage sections 66, 166, and 166' are sufficiently high, so as not to interfere with the ability to measure frequencies that indicate combustion performance such as knock combustion and non-knock combustion.

[0017] In an embodiment, the cylinder head 30 includes an opening 42 through which an intake air flow 20 is supplied to the combustion chamber 14 or an exhaust air flow is received from the combustion chamber 14. The cylinder head 30 also includes a valve relief cut 54 extending around the opening 42 and a sensor port 60 that houses a cylinder internal pressure sensor 62 and is in fluid communication with the combustion chamber 14. The sensor port 60 includes a housing portion 64 for housing the cylinder internal pressure sensor 62 and a passage portion 66 extending from the valve relief cut 54 to the housing portion 64 to fluidly connect the cylinder internal pressure sensor 62 housed in the housing portion 64 and the combustion chamber 14.

[0018] In an embodiment, a cylinder head 30 is provided for a cylinder 12 of an internal combustion engine 10. The cylinder head 30 includes a cylinder head body 31 which has a combustion side 44 facing the cylinder 12. The cylinder head body 31 further includes a sensor port 60 for housing a cylinder internal pressure sensor 62. The sensor port 60 includes a housing portion 64 configured to house the cylinder internal pressure sensor 62, a first passage portion 68 extending from the housing portion 64 into the cylinder head 30, and at least one second passage portion 70 extending from the first passage portion 68 to the combustion side 44 of the cylinder head 30 and being non - collinear with the first passage portion 68.

[0019] In an embodiment, a cylinder head 30 is provided for a cylinder 12 of an internal combustion engine 10. The cylinder head 30 includes a cylinder head body 31 which has a combustion side 44 facing the cylinder 12. The cylinder head body 31 further includes sensor ports 160, 160' for a cylinder internal pressure sensor 62. The sensor ports 160, 160' include a housing portion 164 configured to house the cylinder internal pressure sensor 62 and passage portions 166, 166' extending from the housing portion 164 to the combustion side 44 of the cylinder head 30. The passage portions 166, 166' are configured to attenuate an acoustic frequency generated by resonance in the passage portions 166, 166' and / or increase a resonance frequency.

[0020] Figures 1 to 7 show various embodiments of the internal combustion engine 10. The internal combustion engine 10 includes a plurality of cylinders 12, each having a combustion chamber 14. Each combustion chamber 14 defines a longitudinal axis A1 along which a piston (not shown) reciprocates between a bottom dead center position and a top dead center position. A cylinder head 30 extends along one or more of the cylinders 12 and is connected to an intake manifold 16. In one embodiment, the cylinder head 30 is configured to introduce an intake airflow 20 into the combustion chamber 14 and to receive an exhaust airflow from the combustion chamber 14. In another embodiment, intake ports and / or exhaust ports are provided along the cylinder 12 via liners.

[0021] In the embodiments shown, each cylinder head 30 includes at least one intake port 32, which is aligned with a corresponding one of the combustion chambers 14. When the intake valve 38 is displaced to the open position from the valve seat 40, each intake port 32 forms an opening 42 configured to allow an airflow 20 into the connected combustion chamber 14. Each cylinder head 30 also includes at least one exhaust port 36 connected to the combustion chamber 14, which is configured to allow the discharge of combustion products from the combustion chamber 14. The cylinder head 30 is connected to an exhaust manifold 18, which receives exhaust gases from the combustion chamber 14 and provides an exhaust flow 22. The cylinder head 30 may also include a fuel injector port 34, a fuel injector (not shown) housed in the fuel injector port 34, and an igniter port (not shown) for housing an igniter.

[0022] Engine 10 can be any type of engine. In a particular embodiment, it is a combustion engine that burns any suitable fuel and includes several cylinders 12, each of which houses a piston. In a particular embodiment, engine 10 burns a liquid fuel such as diesel, a gaseous fuel such as natural gas, or any other suitable type of fuel. Engine 10 may be a dual-fuel engine capable of using multiple types of fuel at once, or it may be a single-fuel engine. In the illustrated embodiment, engine 10 includes eight cylinders 12 connected to a cylinder head 30. However, it is contemplated that any number of cylinders 12 can be used in engine 10. Engine 10 may be an inline engine with a double cylinder bank, a single cylinder bank as shown in the exemplary embodiment, or other configurations including a V-shaped cylinder structure, a W-shaped engine, or any engine structure having one or more cylinders 12. It is contemplated that engine 10 can be provided as part of a power train for operating equipment (not shown), but other applications are also contemplated and not excluded, such as for example, a generator set, a vehicle, and marine applications.

[0023] Sensor port 60 includes a housing portion 64 and a passage portion 66 that fluidly connects the combustion chamber 14 to a cylinder internal pressure sensor 62 housed in the housing portion 64 of the sensor port 60. The passage portion 66 opens on the combustion side 44 of the cylinder head body 31, such as at a valve relief cut 54. In an embodiment, the valve relief cut 54 is a chamfer or inclined surface on the combustion side 44 of the cylinder head 30 associated with the valve seat 40, but embodiments without a valve seat 40 and / or a valve seat insert 56 are also contemplated. In an embodiment, the valve relief cut has a shape that widens outwardly towards the combustion chamber 14, as further shown in FIG. 7.

[0024] The passage portion 66 may include a plurality of passage portions, such as a first passage portion 68 and at least one second passage portion 70 in the shown embodiment. The housing portion 64 and the first passage portion 68 extend into the cylinder head body 31 from the side wall 50 of the cylinder head body 31 along the second longitudinal axis A2. In the embodiment, the housing portion 64 extends collinearly with the first passage portion 68 of the sensor support 60. At least one second passage portion 70 extends non-collinearly with the first passage portion 68 and extends along a third longitudinal axis A3 that forms an angle B with the second longitudinal axis A2.

[0025] In one embodiment, the second passage portion 70 is oriented obliquely to the first passage portion 68. In another embodiment, there are two or more second passage portions 70 that are perpendicular to and / or non-collinear with respect to the first passage portion 68. In one embodiment, each passage portion 68, 70 has a linear shape. However, configurations in which one or both of the passage portions 68, 70 do not have a linear shape are not excluded.

[0026] In the embodiment, the first passage portion 68 has a first cross-sectional area and / or dimension d1 perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis A2. The second passage portion 70 has a second cross-sectional area and / or dimension d2 perpendicular to the third longitudinal axis A3. In the embodiment, the second cross-sectional area and / or dimension d2 is smaller than the first cross-sectional area and / or dimension d1. In the embodiment where the cross-sections of the first passage portion 68 and the second passage portion 70 are circular, dimensions d1 and d2 are the respective diameters of the first passage portion 68 and the second passage portion 70. In other embodiments, the first passage portion 68 and / or the second passage portion 70 are intended to have a non-circular cross-section.

[0027] In another embodiment, the second cross-sectional area and / or dimension d2 is the same as the first cross-sectional area and / or dimension d1. In yet another embodiment, the second cross-sectional area and / or dimension d2 is greater than the first cross-sectional area and / or dimension d1.

[0028] In the embodiment, the housing portion 64 has a first length L1 along the second longitudinal axis A2 from the side wall 50 to the first passage portion 68. The first length L1 may vary depending on the configuration or length of the cylinder pressure sensor 62 installed in the housing portion 64. Furthermore, the housing portion 64 may be formed of multiple sections or regions of different sizes and / or configurations to accommodate the size and shape of the cylinder pressure sensor 62 installed. Thus, the passage portion 66 disclosed herein can be used with any configuration of cylinder pressure sensor 62 by shortening or lengthening the passage portion 66 based on the form factor of the cylinder pressure sensor installed.

[0029] The first passage portion 68 has a second length L2 extending from the housing portion 64 into the cylinder head body 31 along the second longitudinal axis A2. The second passage portion 70 has a third length L3 extending from the first passage portion 68 to the opening on the combustion side 44 of the cylinder head body 31 along the third longitudinal axis A3. In the embodiment, the first passage portion 68 extends to the spherical end wall 72, and the second passage portion 70 intersects with the spherical end wall 72. In the embodiment, the spherical end wall 72 is formed to curve concavely into the cylinder head body and define a portion of the spherical surface.

[0030] The spherical end wall 72 prevents further stress concentration in the cylinder head body 31, which could occur due to the formation of intersecting passage portions 68 and 70 during the compound angle machining process. In this embodiment, the length L2 of the first passage portion 68 is longer than the length L3 of the second passage portion 70 to facilitate manufacturing and allow the use of a wide drill bit that is less likely to deviate over long distances during drilling.

[0031] In other embodiments, non-spherical configurations are intended for the end wall 72 to reduce stress concentration. For example, a standard drill bit with a large radius between the conical end and the cylindrical face may be used to form the end wall 72. In another embodiment, a flat-bottom drill with a large radius between the bottom and the cylindrical face may be used to form the end wall 72. Other stress reduction configurations are also intended and not excluded.

[0032] In one embodiment, the second passage portion 70 opens at the valve relief cut 54. In a particular embodiment, the second passage portion 70 opens at the valve relief cut 54 downstream of the valve seat insert 56, providing an introduction for positioning the valve seat insert 56 in the valve seat 40. The intake valve 38 (or exhaust valve) contacts the valve seat insert 56 when in the closed position, but does not obstruct the opening of the second passage portion 70 on the valve relief cut 54. The small cross-sectional area and / or dimension d2 of the second passage portion 70 allows for the second passage portion 70 to be drilled and positioned through the valve relief cut 54 on the combustion side 44 of the cylinder head body 31.

[0033] The second passage portion 70, which opens at the valve relief cut 54, allows the opening for sensing the cylinder pressure to be located in the closest "clear space" within the cylinder 12, minimizing the overall length of the passage portion 66 and maximizing the acoustic resonance frequency of the passage portion. In contrast, other potential sensing locations within the cylinder 12, being further away from the sensor's housing, may result in lower acoustic resonance frequencies, which could interfere with and obscure the pressure signal that the cylinder pressure sensor 62 is supposed to measure. Furthermore, the opening of the valve relief cut 54 positions the sensing passage portion 66 of the cylinder pressure sensor 62 as close as possible to the optimal pressure sensing location, which is close to the centerline of the intake valve 38 (or exhaust valve) and away from the liner or edge of the cylinder 12.

[0034] Referring to Figure 4, some embodiments of the manifolds, such as the intake manifold 16 or the exhaust manifold 18, are shown. The manifolds 16, 18 engage with the side walls 50 of the cylinder head 30. The manifolds 16, 18 include end walls 80 that extend along the cylinder head 30. The end walls 80 include a plurality of slots 82. Each slot 82 extends within the end wall 80 around a aligned sensor support 60 of the sensor supports 60. The slots 82 provide access to the cylinder pressure sensors 62 in the corresponding sensor supports 60 and provide a path for the sensor cable 63 to pass through.

[0035] In this embodiment, each slot 82 is U-shaped and open along one side. The slot 82 allows direct access to the corresponding cylinder pressure sensor 62 during maintenance, minimizing the removal of external engine components to access the cylinder pressure sensor 62. Furthermore, the manifolds 16, 18 can be removed without interfering with or removing the cylinder pressure sensor 62 or its sensor cable 63, providing advantageous possibilities during cleaning, maintenance, and diagnosis.

[0036] Referring to Figure 5, a partial embodiment of the manifold gasket 90 is shown, which is engageable between the intake manifold 16 or exhaust manifold 18 and the side wall 50 of the cylinder head body 31. The manifold gasket 90 includes a lower section 94 having a plurality of second slots 92, which are aligned with slots 82 of the manifolds 16, 18 and also with the sensor support 60. Thus, the manifold gasket 90 is also configured to accommodate the sensor support 60 of the cylinder head 30.

[0037] In this embodiment, each slot 92 is U-shaped and open along one side. The slots 92 allow direct access to the corresponding cylinder pressure sensor 62 during maintenance, minimizing the removal of external engine components to access the cylinder pressure sensor 62. Furthermore, the manifold gasket 90 can be removed without interfering with or removing the cylinder pressure sensor 62 or its sensor cable 63, providing advantages during cleaning, maintenance, and diagnosis.

[0038] Conventional manifolds do not include slot 82, and this area is occupied by manifold material; therefore, the manifold gasket 90 is backward compatible with cylinder heads and manifolds that do not consist of Senn support 60 and slot 82. As a result, the same gasket 90 can be used regardless of whether the cylinder head is equipped with Senn support 60 or not. Thus, the number of parts is reduced, and the possibility of installing the wrong manifold gasket on the cylinder head during assembly and / or maintenance is reduced.

[0039] Referring to Figure 6, a manifold gasket 90' of another embodiment similar to manifold gasket 90 is shown. However, manifold gasket 90' includes a crossbar 96' aligned with the end wall 94' of manifold gasket 90'. The crossbar 96' extends across each of the slots 92', thereby increasing the rigidity of manifold gasket 90' compared to manifold gasket 90 which has side-open slots 92.

[0040] Referring to Figures 8 to 10, further embodiments of the sensor support 60 for housing the cylinder pressure sensor 62 are shown. The sensor supports 160, 160' in the embodiments of Figures 8 to 10 include one or more configurations that attenuate and / or increase the resonant frequency of acoustic resonances caused by resonance in the passage portion and detected by the cylinder pressure sensor 62. This differentiates the acoustic frequency of the sensor supports 160, 160' from the signal measured by the cylinder pressure sensor 62, thereby enhancing the ability of the cylinder pressure sensor 62 to measure the cylinder pressure. For example, increasing the acoustic frequency of the sensor supports 160, 160' improves the differentiation between the acoustic frequency of the sensor support and the signal measured by the cylinder pressure sensor 62, reducing or eliminating interference with the frequency range of the cylinder pressure signal that the cylinder pressure sensor 62 is attempting to measure. Figures 8 to 10 show geometric forms that enhance acoustic frequencies with different configurations, but it should be understood that two or more of these geometric forms can be combined within sensor supports 160, 160' configured according to this disclosure.

[0041] Referring to Figure 8, an embodiment of a sensor support for increasing acoustic frequency is shown and designated as sensor support 160. The sensor support 160 includes a housing portion 164 and a passage portion 166 that fluidly connects the combustion chamber 14 to a cylinder pressure sensor 62 housed in the housing portion 164 of the sensor support 160. The passage portion 166 opens on the combustion side 44 of the cylinder head body 31 in any manner and / or location similar to that described above for sensor support 60.

[0042] The passage portion 166 may include multiple passage portions, such as a first passage portion 168 and at least one second passage portion 170. In an embodiment, the first passage portion 168 includes at least one transition passage portion 174 that extends to the second passage portion 170. In the shown embodiment, at least one transition passage portion 174 includes the first transition passage portion 176 and the second transition passage portion 178. The housing portion 164, the first passage portion 168, and the first and second transition passage portions 176 and 178 extend from the side wall 50 of the cylinder head body 31 into the cylinder head body 31 along the second longitudinal axis A2.

[0043] In one embodiment, the housing portion 164 extends collinearly with the first passage portion 168, the first transition passage portion 176, and the second transition passage portion 178 of the Sen support 160. At least one second passage portion 170 extends non-collinearly with at least one transition passage portion 174 along a third longitudinal axis A3 that forms an angle B with the second longitudinal axis A2. In another embodiment, the second passage portion 170 is collinear with the transition passage portion 174.

[0044] In some embodiments, each of the first transition passage portion 176 and the second transition passage portion 178 is oriented obliquely to at least one second passage portion 170. In other embodiments, the second passage portion 170 is perpendicular to the first passage portion 168 and / or at least one transition passage portion 174. In other embodiments, it is intended that there be two or more non-collinear second passage portions 170, for example, offset passage portions whose centerlines do not intersect each other and / or are parallel to each other. In some embodiments, each passage portion 168, 170, 176, 178 has a linear shape. However, it is not excluded that one or more of the passage portions 168, 170, 176, 178 have a non-linear configuration, for example, that one or more of the passage portions 168, 170, 176, 178 have a curved configuration along all or part of their length.

[0045] In the embodiment, at least one transitional passage portion 174 of the first passage portion 168 has a first cross-sectional area and / or dimension d1 perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis A2. In the embodiment, the second transitional passage portion 178 includes the cross-sectional area and / or dimension d1, and the first transitional passage portion 176 has a larger cross-sectional area and / or dimension than the second transitional passage portion 178. In the embodiment, the first passage portion 168 has a larger cross-sectional area and / or dimension than the first transitional passage portion 176, is adjacent to the housing portion 164, and extends therefrom. The second passage portion 170 has a second cross-sectional area and / or dimension d2 perpendicular to the third longitudinal axis A3.

[0046] In one embodiment, the first passage portion 168 has a cross-sectional dimension that is greater than or equal to the cross-sectional dimension of the first transition portion 176 and / or the second transition portion 178. In another embodiment, the first passage portion 168 has a cross-sectional dimension that is less than or equal to the cross-sectional dimension of the first transition portion 176 and / or the second transition portion 178.

[0047] In one embodiment, the first cross-sectional area and / or dimension d1 is smaller than the second cross-sectional area and / or dimension d2 in order to differentiate the acoustic frequency of the passage portion 166 from the range of signals detected by the cylinder pressure sensor 62. In another embodiment, the ratio of d2 to d1 is greater than 1. In yet another embodiment, the ratio of d2 to d1 is maximized to increase the acoustic resonant frequency of the passage portion 166 outside the range of signals detected by the cylinder pressure sensor 62. In yet another embodiment, the ratio of d2 to d1 is intended to be equal to or less than 1.

[0048] In embodiments where the cross-sections of passage portions 168, 170, 176, and 178 are circular, dimensions d1 and d2 are the respective diameters of the second transition passage portion 178 and the second passage portion 170. In other embodiments, it is intended that one or more of the passage portions 168, 170, 176, and 178 have a non-circular cross-section.

[0049] Referring to Figure 9, a further embodiment of the sensor support 160 is shown. In this embodiment, the housing portion 164 has a first length L1 along the second longitudinal axis A2 from the side wall 50 to the first passage portion 168. The housing portion 164 may be formed of multiple sections or regions of different sizes and / or configurations along the first length L1 to accommodate the size and shape of the cylinder pressure sensor 62 to be installed. The first length L1 may vary depending on the configuration or length of the cylinder pressure sensor 62 to be installed in the housing portion 164. In this embodiment, the inclination angle TA between the second longitudinal axis A2 and the combustion side (combustion deck) 44 of the cylinder head body 31 is selected so that the cylinder pressure sensor 62 can be inserted into the cylinder head body 31 to a depth that minimizes the second length L2 of the second transition passage portion 178.

[0050] The second length L2 of the second transition passage portion 178 of the passage portion 166 extends along the second longitudinal axis A2 from the second passage portion 170 toward the housing portion 164. The second passage portion 170 has a third length L3 that extends along the third longitudinal axis A3 from the second transition passage portion 178 toward the opening of the combustion side 44 of the cylinder head body 31.

[0051] In this embodiment, the second passage portion 170 extends to the spherical end wall 172, and the second transition passage portion 178 intersects with the spherical end wall 172. In this embodiment, the spherical end wall 172 is formed to curve concavely within the cylinder head body and define a portion of the sphere. As previously described for the end wall 72, other configurations of the end wall 172 are also conceivable. The spherical end wall 172 allows the second transition passage portion 178 to intersect with the second passage portion 170 without causing breakout at sharp edges, thereby reducing stress concentration. The spherical end wall 172 provides stress relief, ease of machining, and improved acoustic performance of the passage portion 166.

[0052] In one embodiment, to differentiate the acoustic frequency of passage portion 166 from the range of the signal measured by the cylinder pressure sensor 62, the length L2 of passage portion 166, for example along the second transition passage portion 178, is shorter than the length L3 of the second passage portion 170. In this embodiment, the L2 to L3 ratio is less than 1. In this embodiment, the L2 to L3 ratio is minimized to increase the acoustic frequency of passage portion 166 outside the range of the signal detected by the cylinder pressure sensor 62. In other embodiments, the L2 to L3 ratio is intended to be equal to or greater than 1.

[0053] Referring to Figure 10, a sensor support 160' of another embodiment similar to the sensor support 160 is shown. However, the sensor support 160' has tapered cross-sectional dimensions along at least one transition passage portion 174' and / or along a second passage portion 170'. To improve differentiation from the signal measured by the cylinder pressure sensor 62, the tapered passage portion increases the acoustic frequency of the passage portion 166. The tapered passage portion also attenuates the amplitude of pressure vibrations, but the natural frequency of the pressure vibrations is high enough not to interfere with the ability to measure the frequency indicating combustion performance. For example, there is a frequency-dependent gain, and the gain is greater than 1 near resonance. The tapered passage portion is configured to reduce the gain and make the gain as small as possible.

[0054] In the embodiment shown, a single transition passage portion 176' is provided between the first passage portion 168 and the second passage portion 170'. The transition passage portion 176' has a cross-sectional area or dimension d1 that tapers at a taper angle C1 from the first passage portion 168 to the second passage portion 170'. The second passage portion 170' has a second cross-sectional area or dimension d2 that tapers at a taper angle C2 from its opening on the combustion side 44 to the transition passage portion 176'. In other embodiments, it is intended that the transition passage portion 176' tapers away from the second passage portion 170' and / or that the second passage portion 170' tapers away from the transition passage portion 176'.

[0055] In the embodiments shown, the cross-sectional area and / or dimensions d1 and d2 taper along the entire length of each passage portion. In other embodiments, the tapered dimensions are intended to extend along a length shorter than the entire length of each passage portion. In yet another embodiment, multiple passage portions are intended to extend from a single housing portion to fluidly connect the combustion chamber 14 to the cylinder pressure sensor 62.

[0056] The Sen supports 60, 160, 160' disclosed herein may be manufactured by any suitable technique. For example, the cylinder head 30 may be manufactured by three-dimensional printing to have the Sen supports 60, 160, 160'. In other embodiments, the Sen supports 60, 160, 160' are intended to be configured within the cylinder head 30 so as to be cast in place together with the cylinder head 30 and / or formed using a suitable tool.

[0057] Many embodiments of this disclosure are envisioned. For example, one embodiment relates to an internal combustion engine configured for cylinder pressure sensing. The internal combustion engine includes at least one cylinder having a combustion chamber, the combustion chamber receiving an intake airflow and fuel to be burned within the combustion chamber. The internal combustion engine also includes a cylinder head mounted on at least one cylinder. The cylinder head includes an opening through which an intake airflow is supplied to the combustion chamber or an exhaust airflow is received from the combustion chamber. The cylinder head also includes a valve relief cut extending around the opening and a sensor support housing a cylinder pressure sensor and providing fluid communication with the combustion chamber. The sensor support includes a housing portion for housing the cylinder pressure sensor and a passage portion extending from the valve relief cut to the housing portion to provide fluid communication between the cylinder pressure sensor housed in the housing portion and the combustion chamber.

[0058] In this embodiment, the valve seat includes a valve seat insert mounted on the cylinder head, and the valve relief cut extends from the valve seat insert toward the combustion chamber. The passage portion opens into the combustion chamber at the valve relief cut.

[0059] In further embodiments, the valve relief cut has a shape that extends outward toward the combustion chamber.

[0060] In this embodiment, a manifold is attached to the cylinder head. The manifold is configured to supply an intake airflow to the cylinder head or to receive an exhaust airflow from the cylinder.

[0061] In a further embodiment, the manifold includes an end wall extending along the cylinder head and a slot extending within the end wall around the sensor support. The slot provides access to the cylinder pressure sensor within the sensor support.

[0062] In a further embodiment, a manifold gasket is provided between the cylinder head and the manifold. The manifold gasket includes a second slot aligned with a slot in the manifold.

[0063] In a further embodiment, the manifold gasket includes a transverse member aligned with the end wall of the manifold, the transverse member extending across a second slot.

[0064] In this embodiment, the passage portion of the sensor support includes a first passage portion extending from the housing portion toward the combustion chamber. The passage portion also includes a second passage portion oriented obliquely to the first passage portion. The second passage portion extends from the first passage portion toward the valve relief cut.

[0065] In further embodiments, the first passage portion has a first cross-sectional area. The second passage portion has a second cross-sectional area smaller than the first cross-sectional area.

[0066] In this embodiment, the housing portion is aligned axially with the first passage portion.

[0067] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a cylinder head is provided for a cylinder of an internal combustion engine. The cylinder head includes a cylinder head body, which has a combustion side facing the cylinder. The cylinder head body further includes a sensor support. The sensor support includes a housing portion configured to house a cylinder pressure sensor, a first passage portion extending from the housing portion into the cylinder head body, and at least one second passage portion extending non-collinearly with the first passage portion to the combustion side of the cylinder head.

[0068] In this embodiment, the first passage portion is aligned with the housing portion.

[0069] In this embodiment, the first passage portion has a linear shape, and at least one second passage portion has a linear shape.

[0070] In this embodiment, the first passage portion is longer than at least one second passage portion.

[0071] In this embodiment, the first passage portion has a first cross-sectional dimension. At least one second passage portion has a second cross-sectional dimension that is smaller than the first cross-sectional dimension.

[0072] In this embodiment, the first passage portion extends from the housing portion to the spherical end wall. At least one second passage portion intersects with the spherical end wall.

[0073] In the embodiment, at least one opening on the combustion side of the cylinder head includes a valve relief cut. At least one second passage portion opens at the valve relief cut.

[0074] In this embodiment, the cylinder head body includes a side wall to which the manifold is attached. The housing portion of the sensor support is open at the side wall of the cylinder head body.

[0075] In this embodiment, the first passage portion and at least one second passage portion each have a circular cross-section. The diameter of the first passage portion is greater than the diameter of at least one second passage portion.

[0076] In the embodiment, at least one opening is part of an intake port formed by the cylinder head.

[0077] In another aspect of this disclosure, a cylinder head for a cylinder of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The cylinder head includes a cylinder head body, the cylinder head body having a combustion side facing the cylinder and a sensor support for a cylinder pressure sensor. The sensor support includes a housing portion configured to house the cylinder pressure sensor and a passage portion extending from the housing portion to the combustion side of the cylinder head. The passage portion is configured to attenuate acoustic resonance resulting from resonance in the passage portion.

[0078] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a cylinder head is provided for the cylinder of an internal combustion engine. The cylinder head includes a cylinder head body, which has a combustion side facing the cylinder. The cylinder head body further includes a sensor support for a cylinder pressure sensor. The sensor support includes a housing portion configured to house the cylinder pressure sensor and a passage portion extending from the housing portion to the combustion side of the cylinder head. The passage portion is configured to increase the resonant frequency.

[0079] In this embodiment, the passage is a single passage extending from the housing to the combustion chamber.

[0080] In this embodiment, the passage portion includes a first passage portion extending from the housing portion into the cylinder head and a second passage portion extending from the combustion side of the cylinder head into the cylinder head. The first passage portion includes at least one transition passage portion connecting the first passage portion to the second passage portion. The first passage portion, the second passage portion, and the at least one transition passage portion are configured to differentiate the acoustic frequency of the passage portion from the signal detected by the cylinder pressure sensor.

[0081] In this embodiment, the first passage portion has a first cross-sectional dimension, the second passage portion has a second cross-sectional dimension, and the ratio of the second cross-sectional dimension to the first cross-sectional dimension is not equal to 1.

[0082] In further embodiments, the ratio of the second cross-sectional dimension to the first cross-sectional dimension is intended to be equal to, greater than, or less than 1.

[0083] In this embodiment, the first passage portion extends along a first axis and has a first length along the first axis, and the second passage portion extends along a second axis and has a second length along the second axis, and the ratio of the first length to the second length is not equal to 1.

[0084] In further embodiments, the first length and the second length may be set in a ratio equal to, greater than, or less than 1.

[0085] In the embodiment, at least one transition passage portion has a first cross-sectional dimension that extends along a first axis and tapers along the first axis. The second passage portion has a second cross-sectional dimension that extends along a second axis and tapers along the second axis.

[0086] In the embodiment, at least one transition passage portion includes a first transition passage portion extending from a first passage portion toward a second passage portion. The at least one transition passage portion also includes a second transition passage portion extending from the first transition passage portion toward the second passage portion.

[0087] In this embodiment, the second transition passage portion has the first cross-sectional dimensions, and the second passage portion has the second cross-sectional dimensions, and the ratio of the second cross-sectional dimensions to the first cross-sectional dimensions is not equal to 1.

[0088] In this embodiment, the first transition passage portion has a third cross-sectional dimension that is larger than the first cross-sectional dimension.

[0089] In this embodiment, the first transition passage portion has a third cross-sectional dimension that is less than or equal to the first cross-sectional dimension.

[0090] In this embodiment, the first passage portion has a fourth cross-sectional dimension that is larger than the third cross-sectional dimension.

[0091] In this embodiment, the first passage portion has a fourth cross-sectional dimension which is less than or equal to the third cross-sectional dimension.

[0092] In this embodiment, the housing portion, the first passage portion, and at least one transition passage portion are collinear with respect to each other.

[0093] In this embodiment, the second passage portion is oriented obliquely with respect to at least one transition passage portion.

[0094] In this embodiment, the second passage portion is collinear with at least one transition passage portion.

[0095] In this embodiment, the second passage portion is perpendicular to at least one transition passage portion.

[0096] In this embodiment, the second passage portion is not collinear with at least one transition passage portion.

[0097] In the embodiment, the second passage portion is offset from at least one transition passage portion, so that the centerlines of the second passage portion and the centerlines of at least one transition passage portion do not intersect each other and / or are parallel to each other.

[0098] In the embodiment, the second passage portion and / or at least one transition passage portion does not have a straight shape but has a curved configuration along at least a portion of its length.

[0099] In the embodiment, the passage portion includes at least one transition passage portion between the housing portion and a second passage portion extending from the combustion side of the cylinder head. The at least one transition passage portion has a first cross-sectional dimension smaller than the second cross-sectional dimension of the second passage portion, or the at least one transition passage portion has a first length shorter than the second length of the second passage portion.

[0100] In this embodiment, the first cross-sectional dimension is smaller than the second cross-sectional dimension, and the first length is shorter than the second length.

[0101] In the embodiment, the passage portion includes at least one transition passage portion between the housing portion and a second passage portion extending from the combustion side of the cylinder head. The at least one transition passage portion has a tapering first cross-sectional dimension, or the second passage portion has a tapering second cross-sectional dimension.

[0102] In this embodiment, at least one of the transition passage portion and the second passage portion tapers.

[0103] While the present invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description, it should be understood that these are illustrative and not limiting, and that only specific exemplary embodiments have been shown and described. Those skilled in the art will understand that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without substantially departing from the present invention. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the claims below. When reading the claims, where the English words “a,” “an,” “at least one,” or “at least one portion” are used, it should be assumed that, unless otherwise stated in the claims, the claims are not intended to limit the claims to only one item. Where the terms “at least a portion” and / or “a portion” are used, the item may include parts and / or the whole of the item, unless otherwise stated.

Claims

1. An internal combustion engine configured for sensing cylinder pressure, wherein the internal combustion engine is A combustion chamber having an air intake for combustion and a fuel receiving chamber, A cylinder head attached to at least one of the cylinders, The cylinder head comprises an opening, through which it supplies the intake airflow to the combustion chamber or receives the exhaust airflow from the combustion chamber, and the cylinder head is A valve relief cut extending around the aforementioned opening, A sensor support that houses the cylinder pressure sensor and establishes fluid communication with the combustion chamber, The Sen support includes, A housing portion for housing the cylinder internal pressure sensor, A passage portion extending from the valve relief cut to the housing portion is provided to fluidly connect the cylinder pressure sensor housed in the housing portion to the combustion chamber, The internal combustion engine, including the aforementioned internal combustion engine.

2. The opening includes a valve seat insert attached to the cylinder head. The valve relief cut extends from the valve seat insert toward the combustion chamber, and the passage portion opens into the combustion chamber in the valve relief cut. The internal combustion engine according to claim 1.

3. The internal combustion engine according to claim 2, wherein the valve relief cut has a shape that extends outward from the valve seat insert toward the combustion chamber.

4. The internal combustion engine according to claim 1, further comprising a manifold attached to the cylinder head, wherein the manifold is configured to supply the intake airflow to the cylinder head or to receive the exhaust airflow from the cylinder head.

5. The aforementioned manifold is, An end wall extending along the cylinder head, A slot extending within the end wall around the aforementioned support, The slot provides access to the cylinder internal pressure sensor within the sensor support, The internal combustion engine according to claim 4.

6. The internal combustion engine according to claim 5, further comprising a manifold gasket between the cylinder head and the manifold, wherein the manifold gasket includes a second slot aligned with the slot of the manifold.

7. The internal combustion engine according to claim 6, wherein the manifold gasket includes a cross member aligned with the end wall of the manifold, the cross member extending across the second slot.

8. The passage portion of the aforementioned sensor support is A first passage portion extending from the housing portion toward the combustion chamber, A second passage portion oriented diagonally with respect to the first passage portion, the second passage portion extending from the first passage portion to the valve relief cut, An internal combustion engine according to claim 1, including the following:

9. The first passage portion has a first cross-sectional area, The second passage portion has a second cross-sectional area smaller than the first cross-sectional area. The internal combustion engine according to claim 8.

10. The internal combustion engine according to claim 8, wherein the housing portion is aligned axially with the first passage portion.

11. A cylinder head for a cylinder of an internal combustion engine, wherein the cylinder head is The cylinder head body comprises a combustion side facing the cylinder, and the cylinder head body further includes a sensor support for a cylinder pressure sensor, the sensor support is A housing portion configured to accommodate the cylinder internal pressure sensor, A first passage portion extending from the housing portion into the cylinder head, At least one second passage portion extending non-collinearly with the first passage portion to the combustion side of the cylinder head, The cylinder head, including the cylinder head.

12. The cylinder head according to claim 11, wherein the first passage portion is on the same line as the housing portion.

13. The cylinder head according to claim 11, wherein the first passage portion has a straight shape, and the at least one second passage portion has a straight shape.

14. The cylinder head according to claim 11, wherein the first passage portion is longer than the at least one second passage portion.

15. The first passage portion has a first cross-sectional dimension, The at least one second passage portion has a second cross-sectional dimension smaller than the first cross-sectional dimension. The cylinder head according to claim 11.

16. The first passage portion extends from the housing portion to the spherical end wall, The at least one second passage portion intersects with the spherical end wall, The cylinder head according to claim 11.

17. The combustion side of the cylinder head includes a valve relief cut around the opening on the combustion side of the cylinder head. The at least one second passage portion is opened by the valve relief cut. The cylinder head according to claim 11.

18. The cylinder head body includes a side wall, and a manifold is attached to the side wall. The housing portion of the aforementioned sensor support is in an open state at the side wall of the cylinder head body. The cylinder head according to claim 11.

19. The first passage portion and the at least one second passage portion each have a circular cross-section, The diameter of the first passage portion is greater than the diameter of the at least one second passage portion. The cylinder head according to claim 11.

20. The cylinder head according to claim 17, wherein the at least one opening is part of an intake port formed by the cylinder head.

21. A cylinder head for a cylinder of an internal combustion engine, wherein the cylinder head is The cylinder head body comprises a combustion side facing the cylinder, and the cylinder head body further includes a sensor support for a cylinder pressure sensor, the sensor support is A housing portion configured to accommodate the cylinder internal pressure sensor, A passage portion extending from the housing portion to the combustion side of the cylinder head, wherein the passage portion is configured to attenuate acoustic resonance arising from resonance in the passage portion, The cylinder head, including the cylinder head.

22. The cylinder head according to claim 21, wherein the passage portion is a single passage extending from the housing portion to the combustion chamber.

23. The aforementioned passage portion is A first passage portion extending from the housing portion into the cylinder head, A second passage portion extending from the combustion side of the cylinder head into the cylinder head, Includes, The first passage portion includes at least one transition passage portion connecting the first passage portion to the second passage portion, and the first passage portion, the second passage portion, and the at least one transition passage portion are configured to attenuate acoustic resonance caused by resonance in the passage portion and detected by the cylinder internal pressure sensor. The cylinder head according to claim 21.

24. The first passage portion has a first cross-sectional dimension, The second passage portion has a second cross-sectional dimension, The ratio of the second cross-sectional dimension to the first cross-sectional dimension is greater than 1. The cylinder head according to claim 23.

25. The first passage portion extends along the first axis and has a first length along the first axis. The second passage portion extends along the second axis and has a second length along the second axis. The ratio of the first length to the second length is less than 1. The cylinder head according to claim 23.

26. The at least one transition passage portion extends along a first axis, and the at least one transition passage portion has a first cross-sectional dimension that tapers along the first axis. The second passage portion extends along the second axis and has a second cross-sectional dimension that tapers along the second axis. The cylinder head according to claim 23.

27. The aforementioned at least one transition passage portion is A first transition passage portion extending from the first passage portion toward the second passage portion, A second transition passage portion extending from the first transition passage portion to the second passage portion, A cylinder head according to claim 23, including the above.

28. The second transition passage portion has the first cross-sectional dimensions, The second passage portion has a second cross-sectional dimension, The ratio of the second cross-sectional dimension to the first cross-sectional dimension is not equal to 1. The cylinder head according to claim 27.

29. The cylinder head according to claim 28, wherein the first transition passage portion has a third cross-sectional dimension that is larger than the first cross-sectional dimension.

30. The cylinder head according to claim 28, wherein the first transition passage portion has a third cross-sectional dimension which is less than or equal to the first cross-sectional dimension.

31. The cylinder head according to claim 30, wherein the first passage portion has a fourth cross-sectional dimension that is larger than the third cross-sectional dimension.

32. The cylinder head according to claim 30, wherein the first passage portion has a fourth cross-sectional dimension which is less than or equal to the third cross-sectional dimension.

33. The cylinder head according to claim 23, wherein the housing portion, the first passage portion, and the at least one transition passage portion are on the same line as each other.

34. The cylinder head according to claim 23, wherein the second passage portion is oriented obliquely with respect to the at least one transition passage portion.

35. The cylinder head according to claim 23, wherein the second passage portion is collinear with the at least one transition passage portion.

36. The cylinder head according to claim 23, wherein the second passage portion is perpendicular to the at least one transition passage portion.

37. The cylinder head according to claim 23, wherein the second passage portion is offset from the at least one transition passage portion.

38. The passage portion includes at least one transition passage portion between the housing portion and the second passage portion extending from the combustion side of the cylinder head. The at least one transition passage portion has a first cross-sectional dimension smaller than the second cross-sectional dimension of the second passage portion, or The at least one transition passage portion has a first length that is shorter than the second length of the second passage portion. The cylinder head according to claim 21.

39. The cylinder head according to claim 38, wherein the first cross-sectional dimension is smaller than the second cross-sectional dimension, and the first length is shorter than the second length.

40. The passage portion includes at least one transition passage portion between the housing portion and the second passage portion extending from the combustion side of the cylinder head. The at least one transition passage portion has a tapering first cross-sectional dimension, or The second passage portion has a second cross-sectional dimension that tapers towards the end. The cylinder head according to claim 21.

41. The cylinder head according to claim 40, wherein at least one of the at least one transition passage portion and the second passage portion tapers to a point.

42. A cylinder head for a cylinder of an internal combustion engine, wherein the cylinder head is The cylinder head body comprises a combustion side facing the cylinder, and the cylinder head body further includes a sensor support for a cylinder pressure sensor, the sensor support is A housing portion configured to accommodate the cylinder internal pressure sensor, A passage portion extending from the housing portion to the combustion side of the cylinder head, wherein the passage portion is configured to increase the resonant frequency, The cylinder head, including the cylinder head.

43. A cylinder head according to claim 42, comprising any one of claims 22 to 41 or a combination thereof.

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