Abstract:
A reciprocating internal combustion engine has a head structure which includes a cylinder head and a separate inserted plate clamped between the cylinder head itself and the engine block. The combustion chamber of the or each cylinder is formed in the cylinder head in a position centered on the axis of the respective cylinder and the inserted plate has an aperture centered on the axis of the cylinder which puts the cylinder itself into communication with its combustion chamber. In correspondence with the or each cylinder, the inserted plate is formed with at least one first pair of opposing valve seats facing into the communication aperture, and corresponding inlet and/or exhaust ducts. These seats have associated mushroom valves with stems which extend through corresponding holes in the inserted plate and are slidable in the cylinder head. The cylinder head, in correspondence with the or each cylinder, is formed with at least one second pair of opposing valve seats facing into the combustion chamber, and corresponding inlet and/or exhaust ducts. These seats have associated mushroom valves with stems which are slidable in the cylinder head. The axes of the two pairs of valves are substantially coplanar. The crown of the or each piston has a projection of a form such as substantially to fill the respective communication aperture when the piston is at top dead-center.