Patent Description:
Conventionally, an internal combustion engine comprises a cylinder head and a cylinder head cover. Cylinder head cover accommodates crankcase ventilation system. Typically, an intermediate flange is arranged between the cylinder head and the cylinder head cover. The intermediate flange basically provides space and protection for some intermediate components of the internal combustion engine. For example, intermediate components comprise constituents of a fuel injection system and/or components of an ignition system.

A normal life-cycle of the intermediate components requires regular maintenance for prolonged life with stable and efficient operation. This regular maintenance requirement makes the design of cylinder cover in two pieces (i.e., cylinder cover with the intermediate flange) very beneficial for users. But, making the cylinder cover in two pieces also poses a technical threat of increased mechanical vibrations affecting both pieces.

The intermediate components accommodated inside the intermediate flange and cylinder cover are naturally prone to mechanical vibrations being propagated via the cylinder head. These mechanical vibrations even affect the regular maintenance as regular tuning of the fuel injection system and/or the ignition system is required more often than systems not affected/isolated from these mechanical vibrations.

<CIT> discloses an internal combustion engine having an intermediate flange. <CIT> discloses a collar screw with designed seals & sealing arrangements for reducing mechanical vibrations and connecting the cylinder cover and the intermediate flange to the cylinder head.

The present invention deals with the internal combustion engine having the above-mentioned shortcomings and provides an improved and alternative embodiment ensuring reduced vibration exposure of the intermediate flange and the components housed therein.

Embodiments of the present disclosure present technological improvements as solutions to one or more of the above-mentioned technical problems recognized by the inventor in conventional systems.

According to the invention, an internal combustion engine is provided, having the features of claim <NUM>. The internal combustion engine comprises a cylinder head, a cylinder head cover, and an intermediate flange arranged between the cylinder head and the cylinder head cover. A first opening extends from the cylinder head cover, through the intermediate flange, and into the cylinder head. The first opening includes first internal threads lying inside the cylinder head area. A second opening is provided at the end of the intermediate flange which is in contact with the cylinder head and surrounds the first opening and is positioned perpendicular to the first opening.

According to the invention, the internal combustion engine includes a first bolt including second internal threads and is integrated inside the second opening. A plurality of fasteners are provided for fastening the cylinder head cover and the intermediate flange to the cylinder head. The plurality of fasteners includes the screw comprising a head and a shaft including first external threads. In an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of fasteners includes the screw comprising only the shaft and includes a drive recess fully within the shaft of the screw. The drive recess is situated on an end opposite to the end having the first external threads. This drive recess acts as tightening means for the screw and replaces the need for having the head. It must be noted that the term screw is used to represent tightening means and other similar modifications are possible in a traditional screw with a head and a shaft.

According to the invention, the first internal threads of the first opening receive the first external threads of the shaft of the screw. The second internal threads of the first bolt receive the first external threads of the shaft of the screw. The head of the screw rests directly on top of the cylinder head cover when the screw is completely tightened.

According to the invention, the internal combustion engine also comprises a third opening provided at the end of the intermediate flange which is in contact with cylinder head cover. The third opening surrounds the first opening and is positioned perpendicular to the first opening.

According to the invention, the internal combustion engine further comprises a second bolt. The second bolt includes third internal threads and is integrated inside the third opening. Further, the shaft of the screw also includes second external threads.

According to the invention, the third internal threads of the second bolt receive the second external threads of the shaft. Further, the head of the screw rests directly on top of the cylinder head cover when the screw is completely tightened. Furthermore, the first external threads are provided at the end of the shaft which is farthest from the head and the second external threads are provided near the end of the shaft which is nearest from the head.

In yet another aspect, an internal combustion engine having a two-piece cylinder cover with reduced exposure to mechanical vibrations is provided.

Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosure would be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments.

It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the below mentioned detailed description and drawings.

For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, example constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings.

The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and manners by which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure has been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practicing the present disclosure are also possible. The person skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications of the embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, protocols, and the like, described herein and as such may vary. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is defined solely by the claims.

Unless stated otherwise, or implicit from context, the following terms and phrases include the meanings provided below. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, or apparent from context, the terms and phrases below do not exclude the meaning that the term or phrase has acquired in the art to which it pertains. The definitions are provided to aid in describing particular embodiments of the aspects described herein, and are not intended to limit the claimed invention, because the scope of the invention is limited only by the claims.

As used herein, the term "comprising" or "comprises" is used in reference to compositions, methods, and respective component(s) thereof, that are essential to the invention, yet open to the inclusion of unspecified elements, whether essential or not.

The singular terms "a", "an", and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the word "or" is intended to include "and" unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, references to the "method" includes one or more methods, and/or steps of the type described herein, and/or which will become apparent to those persons skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure and so forth.

Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of this disclosure, suitable methods and materials are described below. The term "comprises" means "includes". The abbreviation, "e.g.," is derived from the Latin exempli gratia and is used herein to indicate a non-limiting example. Thus, the abbreviation "e.g.," is synonymous with the term "for example".

According to the invention, an internal combustion engine is provided. The internal combustion engine comprises a cylinder head, a cylinder head cover, and an intermediate flange arranged between the cylinder head and the cylinder head cover. A first opening extends from the cylinder head cover, through the intermediate flange, and into the cylinder head. The first opening includes first internal threads lying inside the cylinder head area. A second opening is provided at the end of the intermediate flange which is in contact with the cylinder head and surrounds the first opening and is positioned perpendicular to the first opening.

According to the invention, the internal combustion engine includes a first bolt including second internal threads and is integrated inside the second opening. A plurality of fasteners are provided for fastening the cylinder head cover and the intermediate flange to the cylinder head. The plurality of fasteners includes the screw comprising a head and a shaft including first external threads. In an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of fasteners includes the screw comprising only the shaft and includes a drive recess fully within the shaft of the screw. The drive recess is situated on an end opposite to the end having the first external threads. This drive recess acts as tightening means for the screw and replaces the need for having the head. It must be noted that the term screw is used to represent tightening means and other similar modifications are possible in a traditional screw with a head and a shaft.

Embodiments of the present disclosure substantially eliminate, or at least partially address, problems in the prior art, and assist the internal combustion engine manufacturers, consumers, and suppliers.

Referring now to the drawings, particularly by their reference numbers, <FIG> illustrates an internal combustion engine <NUM> depicted only partially in a perspective view, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The internal combustion engine <NUM> includes a cylinder head <NUM>, a cylinder head cover <NUM>, and an intermediate flange <NUM>. In an embodiment, the cylinder head cover <NUM> includes an outlet <NUM> for a crankcase ventilation system (not shown) of the internal combustion engine <NUM>.

As may be seen, the intermediate flange <NUM> is positioned between the cylinder head <NUM> and the cylinder head cover <NUM>. In an embodiment, the intermediate flange <NUM> provides space for arranging constituents of a fuel injection system (not shown) and/or components of an ignition system (not shown) of the internal combustion engine <NUM>. The cylinder head <NUM>, the cylinder head cover <NUM>, and the intermediate flange <NUM> are mounted along a direction X-X'.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, a plurality of fasteners <NUM> are provided to fasten the cylinder head cover <NUM> and the intermediate flange <NUM> to the cylinder head <NUM> and are arranged parallel to the direction X-X'. As illustrated, the plurality of fasteners <NUM> are arranged along the circumferential contour of the cylinder head cover <NUM> and the intermediate flange <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts a front cross-sectional view of the internal combustion engine <NUM> depicted in <FIG>. As illustrated in the view, the plurality of fasteners <NUM> comprise a screw <NUM>. As may be further seen, the screw <NUM> fastens the cylinder head cover <NUM> and the intermediate flange <NUM> to the cylinder head <NUM>.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the screw <NUM> comprises a head <NUM> and a shaft <NUM>. As illustrated, the head <NUM> rests directly on the top of the cylinder head cover <NUM> when completely tightened. The shaft <NUM> includes first external threads <NUM> provided at the end of the shaft <NUM> which is farthest from the head <NUM>, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The first external threads <NUM> are provided for fastening the cylinder head cover <NUM> and the intermediate flange <NUM> to the cylinder head <NUM>.

According to an alternate embodiment, the screw <NUM> comprises only the shaft <NUM> and includes a drive recess (not shown) fully within the shaft <NUM> of the screw <NUM>. The drive recess (not shown) is situated on an end opposite to the end having the first external threads <NUM>. This drive recess (not shown) acts as tightening means for the screw <NUM> and replaces the need for having the head <NUM>. It must be noted that the term screw is used to represent tightening means and other similar modifications are possible in a traditional screw with a head and a shaft.

Further referring to <FIG>, a first opening <NUM> is provided in the cylinder head cover <NUM> and extends parallel to the X-X' direction into the intermediate flange <NUM> and finally extends into the cylinder head <NUM>. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first opening <NUM> is shaped in such a manner that it receives the shaft <NUM> of the screw <NUM>. A first portion <NUM>' of the first opening <NUM> lying inside the cylinder head <NUM> includes first internal threads <NUM> for receiving the first external threads <NUM> of the shaft <NUM>, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Again, referring to <FIG>, a second opening <NUM> is provided in the intermediate flange <NUM> and extends perpendicular to the X-X' direction. The second opening <NUM> is provided at the end of the intermediate flange <NUM> which is in contact with the cylinder head <NUM>, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the second opening <NUM> is positioned around a second portion <NUM>" of the first opening <NUM> lying inside the intermediate flange <NUM>.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a first bolt <NUM> is integrated inside the second opening <NUM> provided in the intermediate flange <NUM>. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the first bolt <NUM> is removably integrated inside the second opening <NUM>. The first bolt <NUM> is shaped in such a manner that it receives the first external threads <NUM> of the shaft <NUM> of the screw <NUM>, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first bolt <NUM> includes second internal threads <NUM> for receiving the first external threads <NUM> of the shaft <NUM>. The first bolt <NUM> may be made of an elastic material or a plastic material to absorb/reduce the mechanical vibrations, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The first bolt <NUM> may be made of a metallic material, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

<FIG> is merely an example which is not part of the claimed invention.

Moving on to <FIG>, a front cross-sectional view of the internal combustion engine <NUM> of <FIG> is depicted. As may be seen, <FIG> illustrates another embodiment of arrangements shown in <FIG>.

A third opening <NUM> is provided in the intermediate flange <NUM> and extends perpendicular to the X-X' direction, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The third opening <NUM> is provided at the end of the intermediate flange <NUM> which is in contact with the cylinder head cover <NUM>, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the third opening <NUM> is positioned around the second portion <NUM>" of the first opening <NUM> lying inside the intermediate flange <NUM>.

Again, referring to <FIG>, a second bolt <NUM> is integrated inside the third opening <NUM> provided in the intermediate flange <NUM>. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the second bolt <NUM> is removably integrated inside the third opening <NUM>. The shaft <NUM> of the screw <NUM> includes second external threads <NUM> provided near the end of the shaft <NUM> which is nearest from the head <NUM>, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The second bolt <NUM> is integrated inside the third opening <NUM> in such a manner that it receives the second external threads <NUM> of the shaft <NUM> of the screw <NUM>.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second bolt <NUM> includes third internal threads <NUM> for receiving the second external threads <NUM> of the shaft <NUM>. The second bolt <NUM> may be made of an elastic material or a plastic material to absorb/reduce the mechanical vibrations, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The second bolt <NUM> may be made of a metallic material, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the first bolt <NUM> and the second bolt <NUM> are integrated on both ends of the intermediate flange <NUM>. The first bolt <NUM> and the second bolt <NUM> receive the first external threads <NUM> and the second external threads <NUM> of the shaft <NUM>, respectively, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

The first internal threads <NUM> receive the first external threads <NUM> providing a metal-to-metal contact, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In various aspects of the present disclosure, the second internal threads <NUM> receive the first external threads <NUM> providing an elastic-to-metal contact. The third internal threads <NUM> receive the second external threads <NUM> providing another elastic-to-metal contact, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

<FIG> is merely an example. A person skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

Embodiments of the present disclosure can be used for various purposes, including, though not limited to, manufacturing and servicing of the internal combustion engines.

Claim 1:
An internal combustion engine (<NUM>) comprising:
- a cylinder head (<NUM>);
- a cylinder head cover (<NUM>);
- an intermediate flange (<NUM>) arranged between the cylinder head (<NUM>) and the cylinder head cover (<NUM>);
- a first opening (<NUM>) extending from the cylinder head cover (<NUM>), through the intermediate flange (<NUM>), and into the cylinder head (<NUM>), the first opening (<NUM>) includes first internal threads (<NUM>) lying inside the cylinder head (<NUM>);
- a second opening (<NUM>) provided at the end of the intermediate flange (<NUM>) which is in contact with the cylinder head (<NUM>), the second opening (<NUM>) surrounds the first opening (<NUM>);
- a third opening (<NUM>) provided at the end of the intermediate flange (<NUM>) which is in contact with the cylinder head cover (<NUM>), the third opening (<NUM>) surrounds the first opening (<NUM>);
- a first bolt (<NUM>), the first bolt (<NUM>) includes second internal threads (<NUM>) and is integrated inside the second opening (<NUM>);
- a second bolt (<NUM>), the second bolt (<NUM>) includes third internal threads (<NUM>) and is integrated inside the third opening (<NUM>);
- a plurality of fasteners (<NUM>) for fastening the cylinder head cover (<NUM>) and the intermediate flange (<NUM>) to the cylinder head (<NUM>), the plurality of fasteners (<NUM>) comprising:
- a screw (<NUM>), the screw (<NUM>) comprising:
a head (<NUM>), and
a shaft (<NUM>), the shaft (<NUM>) includes first external threads (<NUM>) and second external threads (<NUM>) ;
characterized in that:
- the first internal threads (<NUM>) of the first opening (<NUM>) receive the first external threads (<NUM>) of the shaft (<NUM>) of the screw (<NUM>);
- the second internal threads (<NUM>) of the first bolt (<NUM>) receive the first external threads (<NUM>) of the shaft (<NUM>) of the screw (<NUM>);
- the third internal threads (<NUM>) of the second bolt (<NUM>) receive the second external threads (<NUM>) of the shaft (<NUM>); and
- the head (<NUM>) of the screw (<NUM>) rests directly on top of the cylinder head cover (<NUM>) when the screw (<NUM>) is completely tightened.