US 4,846,138 A · Low profile internal combustion engine

Abstract

An internal combustion engine of the valve-in-head type having a low profile cylinder head which requires minimal headroom in the engine compartment of an automotive vehicle. The cylinder head has a rectilinear configuration with the valve trains disposed on horizontal axes extending transversely of the cylinder head. Each valve train in the cylinder head is provided with precise axial support at both ends of the train. The engine has a relatively thin upstanding combustion chamber over each cylinder and one or more pairs of poppet valves per cylinder each having a sealing surface adjacent its outer edge for engagement with respective seats defined by axially aligned header tubes. Each valve has a relatively short neck extending through the combustion chamber during the intake and compression strokes and when the fuel-air mixture is fired. The valve spring of each valve train is situated between a fixed abutment attached to the side wall of the cylinder head and the end of the valve cage remote from the poppet valves.

Claims29

Dependent claims

In a valve-in-head reciprocating internal combustion engine having a block including at least one cylinder with a piston reciprocable therein, the combination comprising:

(a) a cylinder head secured to said block and serving as a closure for the compression end of the cylinder;
(b) means defining a relatively thin combustion chamber communicating directly with the compression end of said cylinder;
(c) a poppet valve mounted for reciprocation in a bearing sleeve transversely of said combustion chamber, said bearing sleeve being recessed in one face of said combustion chamber;
(d) said poppet valve having a head with a generally flat contour on its under face, and a neck adjacent the latter;
(e) means defining a port in a face of said combustion chamber opposite said one face with said bearing sleeve;
and
(f) means for engaging said poppet valve head with said port during the compression and power strokes of said piston with said poppet valve neck extending across said combustion chamber.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Low profile internal combustion engine

Life of this patent

Low profile internal combustion engine

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims29