DE19740204B4 - Throttle device for internal combustion engines - Google Patents

Abstract

Throttle device for an internal combustion engine, with
A rotatable throttle (24) mounted on a throttle shaft (18),
- a motor (12) for opening and closing the throttle valve (24), wherein the throttle shaft (18) by a torque of the motor (12) is driven, which is transmitted via a reduction gear mechanism (9, 10, 11) such that the Throttle valve shaft (18) from the engine (12) in the opening and closing direction of the throttle valve (24) can be rotated, and
An initial opening degree adjusting mechanism for setting an initial opening degree of the throttle valve (24), comprising:
A coupling member (42, 70) that rotates together with the throttle shaft (18) in an opening area of the throttle valve (24) that is larger than the initial opening degree,
A first stop (6) limiting the rotation of the coupling member (42, 70) in the closing direction beyond the position corresponding to the initial opening degree,
- An engagement device (3, 3 ', 38) which is non-rotatably mounted on the throttle shaft (18), and
- a ...

Description

The The present invention relates to a throttle device for internal combustion engines, the one opening degree control for one electrically operated throttle run the internal combustion engine, and in particular such a throttle device for internal combustion engines, which has a mechanism that the initial opening degree of the throttle greater than the complete closed position corresponding opening degree sets, if the ignition key switch is opened.

In usual Devices for controlling an electrically operated throttle valve, in which the throttle of an internal combustion engine by an electric actuator is driven and controlled, the initial opening degree has been proposed the throttle valve (hereinafter also referred to as "throttle opening degree"), then, when the ignition key switch open is, i. when to the engine of the throttle actuator no power is supplied to set to a value greater than the complete one Closed position corresponding opening degree, which is an opening degree for the normal idle operation at the end of the warm-up operation.

one the reasons why the initial opening degree is set, is that an air mass flow, the for the Combustion process during of warm-up operation of the internal combustion engine is required in a cold climate, ensured must become. Further, during of the idling operation, a control is executed in such a manner that the opening degree the throttle valve dependent from the progress of the warm-up operation starting from the initial opening degree gradually on those of the complete closed position, the opening for normal idling operation corresponds, is reduced.

Further Reasons, why the initial opening degree is determined to ensure a mechanical coupling the accelerator pedal with the throttle, which is an emergency operation faulty throttle control system enables the ensuring a predetermined air mass flow to prevent a possible Strangling the Motors as well as the prevention of sticking of the throttle on the inner wall of the throttle body approximately by adhering Material or by ice particles contained in the air.

For example It is known from JP 2-500677-A, a return spring, the first Forced means serving a throttle in the closing direction forces, as well as to use a resistance spring, the second Compulsory device or as for the determination of the initial opening degree The spring used serves the throttle valve against the force the return spring in the opening direction forces wherein the spring force of the resistance spring in the initial opening degree corresponding throttle position greater than the spring force of the return spring is set and while during of opening of the ignition key switch a free end of the resistance spring by a stop on the Initial opening degree the throttle valve corresponding position is stopped to the Throttle initial opening degree maintain.

Farther is known from JP 3-271528-A a structure in which a sleeve, the both as a support element and as one of the constitutive elements a relief lever is used, on a projection on one side a throttle body attached to one end of a throttle shaft is supported, so as to allow unrestrained movement in the direction of rotation of the throttle shaft enable, wherein the relief lever by a return spring, the first Forced means used, in the closing direction of the throttle is forced and wherein at the throttle shaft, a throttle lever is attached. The release lever then passes through the spring force the return spring engaged with the throttle lever; if to the engine no Electricity is supplied, the throttle is due to the intervention the relief lever with the throttle lever and due to the Spring force of the return spring moved to a predetermined position in which the opening degree the throttle larger than the one who completely closed position, and held there by a stop element; in this predetermined position, the throttle lever is in the opening direction forced the throttle, including a second forced device is used, which maintains the throttle opening degree.

Furthermore, a structure is known from JP 4-203219-A, in which at one end of a throttle shaft, a lever is fixed so that it intersects, serving as a first urging restoring spring on one end of the lever in the closing direction of the throttle exerts a constraining force and a second urging means applies an urging force in the opening direction to the other end of the lever in the fully closed position of the throttle, the urging force of the second urging means being set larger than the urging force of the first urging means when the throttle opening degree is smaller than a predetermined opening degree, ie less than the throttle opening degree, is thereby maintaining the throttle opening degree.

In this conventional Examples are controls of the throttle opening degree by drive controls the motors of the actuators based on control signals executed by the control systems to be delivered. When the throttle opening degree to a value be reduced below the throttle opening degree should, the throttle motor is driven to counter the throttle the biasing force of the second urging device in the closing direction to move.

at these types of initial opening degree adjusting mechanisms, as known from JP 3-271528-A, since the release lever, the throttle lever engaged with the relief lever, the first and second constraining means and the stopper means are arranged at one end of the throttle shaft, a compact Arrangement of these parts achieved. In this known structure is but the one element of the relief lever forming and as a supporting element Serving sleeve on the penkörpers formed on the side wall of the throttle body projection which is why the sleeve, if it is the rotation of the throttle shaft during the control of the throttle opening degree follows the outer circumference the projection slides, wherein between the sleeve and the projection a Friction force is generated, which must be reduced as much as possible, since this Frictional force for the return spring and for the motor drive acts as a load.

If in connection with the compact arrangement of the parts of the throttle opening degree adjustment mechanism a so-called emergency operation mechanism is provided, which in the case a malfunction of circuits and / or actuators of the throttle valve control unit of electrically controlled throttle system or an electric Throttle control system allows mechanical actuation by pressing the accelerator pedal mechanically coupled with the throttle is also a compact Arrangement of the parts of the emergency operation mechanism desirable.

There In this run-flat operation mechanism, the throttle shaft during a trouble-free and stationary Driving operation is driven and controlled by a motor passes the accelerator lever for the mechanical control with the throttle lever, with the Throttle shaft is directly connected, never in contact, if that Gas pedal depressed becomes. While a traction control such as a control for preventing a spinning of the drive wheels is however, the throttle lever is suddenly reset relative to the accelerator pedal lever, with the result that the Throttle lever engages the accelerator pedal lever, causing a rebound is generated, which exerts a restoring force on the accelerator pedal lever, which one of the ones to be solved Problems has been.

Further, a first throttle shaft torque T1 generated by the return spring serving as a first urging means for urging the throttle valve in the closing direction, and another throttle shaft torque T2 acting as the second constraining means for setting the initial opening degree is generally sized so that the following two inequalities are satisfied to maintain a predetermined range in the position of the initial throttle opening degree: T1> Mf * Ge + Vf T2> Mf * Ge + Vf where Mf is the friction torque with the engine stopped, Ge is the reduction ratio, and Vf is the torque that must be applied to the throttle shaft to open the throttle.

Out JP 2-500677-A and JP 4-203219-A is known that below a predetermined throttle opening degree in the range of Completely closed position of the throttle valve the relationship T1 <T2 applies. on the other hand is known from JP 3-271528-A to allow a relationship T1> T2, because the spring force of serving as a first constraint return spring from the stop device for the initial opening degree is received and the throttle shaft torque T2 in the Throttle start opening degree position without limitation by the throttle shaft torque T1 can be adjusted. In any case, the first and second constraints are on dimensioned based on the above two inequalities.

Since T1 is a shaft torque urging the throttle valve in the closing direction, which will be hereinafter referred to as a positive direction, and since T2 is a shaft torque forcing the throttle valve in the opening direction, which will be hereinafter referred to as a negative direction, as explained above has generated a shaft torque step difference T1 - (-T2) between the throttle shaft torques of the first and second constraining devices, which are located at Changing the reference point of the throttle opening degree suddenly. Since the control of the throttle opening degree is the more difficult the larger the shaft torque step difference, the shaft torque step difference is preferably made minimum to increase the accuracy of the throttle control.

The DE 39 08 596 C2 shows a linear arrangement of a throttle valve device in which an actuator connected to the throttle shaft is driven by a servomotor against the restoring force of a spring which is connected to an intermediate element. The intermediate element is connected via a further spring element with a housing portion, wherein the moving in the closing direction of the throttle shaft intermediate piece is stopped by a rest stop position. In this way, the forces acting on the actuator spring forces can be selected independently.

The DE 44 30 510 shows a throttle device for an internal combustion engine, which includes a failure device that a failure lever 50 and a throttle lever 28 comprises, which are each connected via a spring element to the housing. The reversible electric motor-driven throttle can be brought in case of failure of the engine by the failure mechanism in a position which is between the fully closed position and the maximum opening position of the throttle.

The DE 41 41 104 C2 shows a device for adjusting a throttle valve, which comprises an actuator, an actuator, a coupling member and three spring elements. The actuator is biased in the closing direction of the throttle by a return spring and entrained in the opening direction of the throttle from the actuator, wherein the actuator is biased in the closing direction of the throttle by a second return spring and is biased in the opening direction to a defined emergency position by a third return spring. The actuator is connected via the coupling member with the second return spring, wherein the coupling member moves the actuator only in the closing direction to an emergency stop, so that the second return spring in the range between minimum position and emergency position is ineffective.

The DE 40 11 182 shows a throttle device for internal combustion engines with an adjustment mechanism, which includes an actuating part, an engagement device, a first spring which rotates the actuator in the closing direction of the throttle valve, wherein the actuating part can engage with the engaging means and a second spring, the opening force for the throttle generated, has. The opening degree of the throttle valve is controlled by an electric motor which acts via the driver and the radial pin against the spring force of the second spring to close the throttle valve. The throttle valve is opened by the opening force of the second spring.

The The object of the present patent application is to a possible compact throttle device with an initial opening degree for the throttle to create, in the friction losses and the required torque of the electric motor be reduced.

These The object is achieved by a throttle device for Internal combustion engines having the features specified in claim 1 has. The dependent ones claims are on expedient embodiments directed the invention.

This is according to the invention Coupling member rotatably mounted on a rotationally fixed on the throttle shaft arranged sleeve arranged. In this way, on the one hand, a compact design the entire throttle device are achieved, on the other hand the friction between the involved components, i. between the coupling member and the engaging means to a minimum limited. This structural design stands in particular Combined correlation with the further feature that in the opening area above the initial opening degree the throttle flap (i.e., in the main working area of the device) Engagement means and the coupling member together rotate, since then the coupling member with the engagement device engaged. The combination of these two features gives a virtually frictionless and therefore extremely low-wear mechanism.

By Increase the rationalization with respect to the attachment of the throttle opening degree adjustment mechanism can There are also several advantages, such as the reduction of the mechanisms inherent frictional forces and improving the properties of the forced facilities, For example, an improvement in the spring properties such as that of a return spring over conventional Devices, whereby the drive load for a throttle actuator is reduced, the throttle control operation is stabilized and assembly work of the parts can be improved and simplified.

Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, one of the spring members is about the throttle shaft and between the Ein arranged handle device and the coupling member. By arranging the initial opening degree adjusting mechanism and the reduction gear on the same end portion side of the throttle shaft, a particularly compact arrangement which is easily accessible during assembly work can be realized.

at the throttle device according to the invention let yourself a reduced friction in combination with a particularly compact Realize arrangement by a sleeve portion of the coupling member arranged on the sleeve rotatably connected to the throttle shaft becomes.

at the throttle device according to the invention becomes in a state where the ignition key switch is opened i.e. in which no power is supplied to the engine of the throttle is, on the throttle shaft via the coupling member and the engaging means attached to the throttle shaft is exerted a force exerted by the constraining force closing force, wherein the coupling member at the position corresponding to the throttle opening degree is stopped by the first stop. Furthermore, will by exercising the Throttle opening force the forced means on the throttle shaft, the throttle valve in the initial opening degree held corresponding position corresponding to an opening degree, the greater than the one who completely closed position.

If the opening degree the throttle valve in the range above the throttle opening degree is controlled by the motor, the coupling member is normally operated together with the throttle shaft under the condition that the coupling member is held by the throttle shaft, so that between the throttle shaft and the coupling member is generated substantially no friction. For this reason, a spring loading force of the constraining device can be limited be, with the result that one required throttle shaft torque T1 can be reduced can and thus the drive load of the engine can be reduced. Furthermore, the shaft torque step difference T1 - (-T2) between the two Drosselklap penwellen torques, the above generates the reference position of the throttle opening degree will also be reduced, so that the stability of the throttle drive control is improved.

According to one another preferred embodiment can the throttle device according to the invention for internal combustion engines be equipped with an engine that drives a throttle shaft to an opening and closing control to execute a throttle, an adjustment mechanism for the complete closed position of the throttle valve, and an initial opening degree adjusting mechanism, the one initial opening degree the throttle larger than the one who completely closed position is maintained when no motor to the engine Power is supplied, wherein the initial opening degree adjustment mechanism a throttle lever, a reset lever, a first urging device (Spring element), a second constraining device (spring element), a first sleeve and a second sleeve contains and the throttle lever and the first sleeve on one end of the throttle shaft pushed and it by the axial clamping force of a nut are fastened, wherein the second sleeve, which is integral with the Reset lever is formed in the first sleeve fitted is, so that one relative rotation between the sleeves is possible and by the first urging means in the closing direction of the throttle valve in the initial opening degree corresponding position is forced, the reset lever brought into engagement with the throttle lever by the urging force and is responsive to the throttle shaft through the second constraining means an opening force from practiced is the initial opening degree of the Throttle close the complete to hold closed position.

at The above construction will be in the state in which the ignition key switch open is, i. in which no power is supplied to the engine of the throttle will, over to the throttle the engagement of the reset lever and the throttle lever exerted by the first urging means a closing force, wherein the reset lever and its second sleeve by the stop in the throttle opening degree strike appropriate position; by exerting the throttle opening force the second constraining means on the throttle shaft is the Throttle in the initial opening degree held corresponding position corresponding to an opening degree, the greater than the one of the completely closed Position is.

When the opening degree of the throttle valve is controlled in the range above the throttle opening degree by the engine, the second sleeve is normally operated with the return lever together with the throttle shaft, wherein the second sleeve is held with the return lever of the throttle shaft, more specifically of the first sleeve, so that substantially no friction is generated between the first sleeve and the second sleeve. For this reason, a spring load force of the first urging means can be limited, with the result that a required throttle shaft torque T1 can be reduced, thereby lowering the drive load of the motor. Furthermore, the waves can Torque step difference T1 - (-T2) between the two throttle shaft torque, which is generated above the reference position of the throttle opening degree can be reduced, whereby the stability of the throttle drive control is improved. That is, the above functions and advantages are substantially the same.

Farther In the throttle device, parts that are the initial opening degree adjusting mechanism belong, arranged in such a way that the first sleeve, the second sleeve with the reset lever, the throttle lever and, if necessary, spacers one after the other pushed onto one end of the throttle shaft and by means of a Mother can be clamped, whereby the assembly work for these parts will be simplified.

A Another preferred embodiment of Throttle device for Internal combustion engines may be provided with a return spring, the throttle in the closing direction forces and reset the motor when the motor is not powered the throttle valve in a position corresponding to an initial opening degree causes the greater than the one of a complete closed position, and a spring for the determination the initial opening degree is used when the engine is not powered, the throttle in the field of complete closed position in the opening direction forces to the initial opening degree to maintain, and in an axial direction of the throttle shaft two-part spring holder is arranged, wherein the spring holder two spring receiving spaces, which is divided by one within and the other outside is located, and has several cutouts, which are the ends of the respective Springs accommodated in the respective un terteilten spaces allow, led out of the spring holder to be in contact with given elements, and either the return spring or the for the determination of the initial opening degree used spring in the outer space the spring retainer is received and the other in the interior the spring holder is received.

If in the above construction, the return spring and that for the determination the initial opening degree used spring formed by torsion springs such as coil springs are both a compact arrangement of the parts achieved as well a mutual disorder avoided the two springs.

If the return spring is arranged inside the spring holder and for the determination the initial opening degree used spring outside the spring holder is arranged, the spring characteristic of the return spring, by the on the ordinate applied spring load and by the degree of throttle opening plotted on the abscissa is defined as far as possible be flattened, as the spring constant of one in the spring holder arranged spring because of the small diameter of the coil spring can be reduced. As a result, the load on the actuator be reduced to drive the throttle.

A another throttle device for Internal combustion engines may be provided with one on a side wall of the throttle body arranged on the side of the reduction gear screw, the for the Setting the opening degree used in idle mode and as a stop in the adjustment mechanism for the Completely closed position is used, and one arranged on a side wall of the throttle body another screw for the setting of the initial opening degree is used and serves as a stop in the initial opening degree adjustment mechanism. In the above Construction in which the screw, with the opening degree for idling is set as a stop in the adjustment mechanism for the fully closed Position serves, and at the screw, with the initial opening degree is set, serves as a stop in the initial opening degree adjustment mechanism, the respective opening degrees can be set arbitrarily, which is still on the throttle shaft between torsional force generated by the stop and the reduction gear lower, since the stop in the adjustment mechanism for the fully closed Position is arranged on the side on which the reduction gear mechanism is provided so that the Distance between the position of the reduction gear, on the a torque for the throttle shaft abuts, and the stopper, the fully closed position defined, shortened is.

If on the throttle shaft in the reduction gear mechanism fixed gear element is formed by a gear segment can for adjusting the opening degree for idle operation used screw, which serves as a stop in the adjustment mechanism for the fully closed Position serves to be arranged so that they are on one side of the gear segment adjoins, so that the Toothed wheel segment as a stop engagement element on the side of the throttle can serve.

A further embodiment of the throttle device for internal combustion engines may be provided with a first stop for determining the fully closed position of the throttle valve, a lever (A) at one end of the throttle valve shaft is mounted in such a manner that it can rotate relative to the throttle shaft, (corresponding to the coupling member of the throttle device or the sleeve with the reset lever of the throttle device), a return spring, which forces the lever (A) in the closing direction of the throttle, a lever (B), which is fixed to the end of the throttle shaft and with the lever (A) by the spring force of the return spring is engageable, (corresponding to the engagement element and the throttle lever of the throttle device) a second stop, the one determines the position corresponding to the initial opening degree of the throttle valve when no current is supplied to the engine, the initial opening degree being greater than the opening degree of the throttle fully closed position, the second stop preventing the lever (A) from corresponding to the initial opening degree Position in closing direction dr eht, a spring which is used for the determination of the initial opening degree and generates an opening force for the throttle shaft, with which the initial opening degree is maintained, an accelerator pedal shaft which is arranged at a position offset to the throttle shaft and can be mechanically locked with an accelerator pedal, and a lever (C) which serves as an accelerator pedal lever in an emergency mode and rotates integrally with the accelerator pedal shaft and engageable with the lever (A) when the accelerator pedal is moved beyond a predetermined rotational angle, thereby mechanically coupled to the accelerator pedal Operation is activated when the engine can not work due to a malfunction of the electric throttle control system.

With this construction, the throttle opening degree setting and the throttle electric control can be performed, moreover, in the case of a failed throttle motor, the following limp home operation can be performed:
When the throttle motor has failed and the accelerator pedal is depressed against the spring force of the return spring to rotate the accelerator pedal shaft to a predetermined rotational angular position, the lever C is engaged with the lever A attached to the throttle shaft. Thereby, the lever A is rotated in the opening direction of the throttle valve, the lever B fixed to the throttle shaft following the lever A due to the spring force in the opening direction generated by the spring used for determining the throttle opening degree to open the throttle valve.

Thereby an emergency operation is carried out. Further can Parts of for the throttle opening degree adjustment mechanism or for the Emergency operation mechanism used lever and springs together for this purpose be used so that a achieved compact and rational arrangement or use of parts can be.

If the throttle device operates normally and is electrically controlled confused and when a traction control is activated, the lever can A with the lever C engage, especially if the driver completely depresses the accelerator pedal when a slip occurs and in response to this, the throttle control system inhibits rotation of the engine Throttle in the closing direction causes. Even if, however, such an intervention between the lever A and the lever C takes place, the throttle shaft can in the closing direction are rotated, the lever A remains unchanged, so that an emergency operation mechanism never disturbs the operating characteristics of the traction control.

A another embodiment the throttle device for Internal combustion engines may be provided with a motor, as an actuator in one on one of the side walls a throttle body the throttle arranged reduction gear mechanism the engine, being at the opposite Side wall of the throttle body a housing section is formed, in which one end of the throttle shaft and a are housed with an accelerator pedal locked accelerator pedal shaft, and wherein a throttle position sensor, an accelerator pedal position sensor and the initial opening degree adjusting mechanism in the housing section are mounted and carrying the accelerator pedal and the accelerator pedal position sensor Element as cover of the housing section serves.

at the above construction can additionally to the initial opening degree adjusting mechanism of FIG Throttle position sensor and accelerator pedal position sensor, the for The electrical control of the throttle can be used in common in a housing section provided in the side wall of the throttle body to be ordered. There about it In addition, the cover of the housing section as a supporting element for both the accelerator pedal shaft as well for the accelerator pedal position sensor can be used a rational Use of parts can be achieved.

at the throttle device for Internal combustion engines can the reduction gear mechanism and the initial opening degree adjusting mechanism arranged on one side of a throttle body of the throttle be.

A mechanism having a mechanical sliding portion, for example a sliding portion of intermetallic elements such as the subset transmission mechanism, is likely to generate abrasive powder. In the above construction, the reduction gear mechanism and the throttle position sensor may be spaced apart from each other via the throttle body because this construction of the spaced arrangement prevents penetration of the abrasion powders into the throttle position sensor, thus avoiding deterioration of the operating characteristics of the throttle position sensor.

There continue both the reduction gear mechanism as well the throttle opening degree adjustment mechanism together in the housing near are arranged of the throttle motor, a common arrangement the parts and a size reduction of entire throttle device can be achieved. In addition, the throttle position sensor be such that he as far as possible in the center of the throttle body or on the same side as the reduction gear mechanism is arranged, with the result that influences due to a deflection or bending of the throttle shaft can be eliminated and fluctuations limited the output characteristic of the throttle position sensor can be.

In an embodiment of the throttle apparatus for internal combustion engines having a first urging means for forcing the throttle valve in the closing direction in a range beyond a throttle opening degree defined by the stopper used for setting the throttle opening degree, and a second urging means for forcing the throttle valve in the opening direction in order to maintain the throttle opening degree in the range of the fully closed position, assuming that a shaft torque in the closing direction of the throttle valve generated by the first urging means at the position of the stopper used for setting the initial opening degree is given by T1 and another Shaft torque in the opening direction of the throttle valve, which is generated by the second constraining means at the position of the stop, which is used for the determination of the initial opening degree, given by T2 satisfies the following inequalities: T1 ≥ Mf * Ge + Vf T2 ≤ Mf * Ge + Vf where Mf is the friction torque with the engine stopped, Ge is the reduction ratio, and Vf is the torque that must be applied to the throttle shaft to open the throttle.

In the above construction, by minimizing the throttle shaft torque characteristics T1 and T2, the step difference of the throttle shaft torques T1 - (-T2) in the vicinity of the position corresponding to the throttle opening degree can be reduced, whereby stabilization of the throttle valve drive control can be achieved. Further, when T2 <Mf · Ge + Vf, the value of T2 is slightly reduced in the position corresponding to the initial opening degree, as in FIG 16 shown. and will be explained later, so that an error is generated in the position corresponding to the initial opening degree. However, despite this error, when the air mass flow required for combustion in a cold-climate startup is ensured, the intended purpose of the initial opening degree can be satisfied.

Further Features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following description of suitable embodiments, which on the attached Drawings reference; show it:

1 a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the throttle device of the invention;

2 a view when viewed in the direction of arrow A in 1 ;

3 an exploded perspective view of the first embodiment of the throttle device of the invention;

4A . 4B Cross-sectional views of essential portions of the first embodiment of the throttle device of the invention;

5 a view for explaining the operating principle of the throttle device of the invention;

6A . 6B Views for explaining runflat operation characteristics including the first embodiment of the throttle apparatus of the invention;

7 a view for explaining a throttle valve torque characteristic based on the principle of operation of the invention;

8th a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the throttle device of the invention;

9 an exploded perspective view of an essential portion of the second embodiment of the throttle device of the invention;

10A . 10B Cross-sectional views of essential portions of the second embodiment of the throttle device of the invention;

11A . 11B Cross-sectional views of essential portions of a third embodiment of the throttle device of the invention;

12 an exploded perspective view of an essential portion of the third embodiment of the throttle device of the invention;

13 an exploded perspective view of an essential portion of a fourth embodiment of the throttle device of the invention;

14A . 14B Cross-sectional views of essential portions of the fourth embodiment of the throttle device of the invention;

15 a cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the throttle device of the invention; and

16 a view for explaining an exemplary throttle shaft torque curve, which is used in the fifth embodiment of the throttle device of the invention.

1 Fig. 4 is a vertical sectional view of a first embodiment of the throttle device of the invention; 2 is a view when viewed in the direction of arrow A in 1 . 3 is an exploded perspective view thereof and the 4A and 4B FIG. 15 are cross-sectional views of essential portions thereof. FIG.

In these drawings is in a throttle body 15 For example, made by die-casting aluminum, an intake air duct or bore 30 educated. Furthermore, runs in the throttle body 15 a throttle shaft 18 across the intake air line 30 and is by camp 28 and 29 supported, which allow a free rotation. At the throttle shaft 18 is a throttle 24 attached, the the intake air mass flow through the intake air line 30 controls. The reference number 26 denotes a pipe, the engine cooling water to the throttle body 15 conducts, causing the throttle body 15 is maintained at the temperature of the engine cooling water.

Either on the right side wall or on the left side wall of the throttle body 15 through which the throttle shaft 18 runs, are a bearing receiving section 15C who is the camp 29 and a seal 32 receives, as well as a housing section 15A comprising a drive gear set for an electric throttle control system, integral with the throttle body 15 formed, while on the opposite side another bearing receiving portion 15D who is the camp 28 and a seal 31 receives, as well as a housing section 15B of the run-flat operation mechanism and an initial opening degree adjusting mechanism for the throttle valve 24 receives are arranged.

The limp-home mode mechanism is arranged to enable run-flat operation of the mechanically-coupled accelerator pedal vehicle when the electric throttle apparatus such as an actuator and a control system thereof malfunctions. The initial opening degree adjusting mechanism is arranged to have an initial opening degree of the throttle valve 24 when an ignition key switch is opened, ie when to the engine 12 no electricity is delivered. The initial opening degree of the throttle valve 24 For example, it is set to 5 ° (± 0.2 °) and is also greater than the opening degree of the throttle valve, which corresponds to the fully-closed position at which an air mass flow for the idling operation is ensured. The constructions of the limp home mechanism and the initial opening degree adjusting mechanism will be explained later. However, the necessity of setting the initial opening degree has already been explained, so that the explanation thereof will be omitted.

The gear set receiving housing portion 15A is through a cover 21 covered, which is releasably secured by screws, wherein in the interior 20 of the housing section 15A gears 11 . 9A . 9B and 10 are housed for a throttle valve drive system. On the other hand, the opposite housing section takes 15B Accelerator lever 1 and 1' , an accelerator pedal shaft 34 and an accelerator pedal position sensor 13 on and is through a cover 22 covered, which is releasably secured by screws.

The accelerator pedal lever cover 22 has a lead 90 that the accelerator pedal shaft 34 carries over the stock 93 and 94 through the accelerator pedal cover 22 runs, with the first accelerator pedal lever 1 with an accelerator pedal connecting portion 33 at one end of the accelerator pedal shaft 34 is arranged rotationally fixed.

Along the outer circumference of the projection 90 is a spring holder element 91 appropriate. The other end of the accelerator pedal shaft 34 runs into the cover 22 and is on the second car dalhebel 1' , which serves as a cam lever, arranged rotationally fixed. The rotationally fixed arrangement of these levers 1 and 1' is done by clamping these levers between clamp nuts 35 respectively. 92 at the two ends of the accelerator pedal shaft 34 are arranged, on the one hand and step sections, which are connected to the accelerator pedal shaft 34 are formed, on the other hand.

Along the outer circumference of the spring support member 91 is an accelerator pedal return spring 8th , which is formed by a helical torsion spring, mounted. One end of the return spring 8th is with the side of the first accelerator pedal lever 1 connected while her other end to the side of the cover 22 is connected, so that the return spring 8th the accelerator pedal shaft 34 and the accelerator levers 1 and 1' in the closing direction forces. When the accelerator pedal is depressed, the accelerator pedal levers become 1 and 1' over a wire 44 against the spring force of the return spring 8th turned in the opening direction.

However, if the throttle shaft 18 through the engine 12 is rotated, transmit the cam-shaped accelerator pedal lever 1 and 1' to the throttle shaft 18 never a driving force. The reference number 95 denotes a sealing element.

At a part of the side walls of the throttle body 15 , in the drawings in the lower part, is a substantially parallel to the throttle shaft 18 Motor housing section 15E provided, which serves as the actuating element for the electric throttle actuator motor 12 receives. For the engine 12 For example, a DC motor or a stepper motor is used.

The inner peripheral surface of the motor housing portion 15E has a conical shape to the insertion of the engine 12 to facilitate, wherein at the rearmost end of the motor housing section 15E an elastic element 27 is arranged and at the mouth portion of the motor housing portion 15E a motor mounting plate 96 is arranged, causing the engine 12 between the elastic element 27 and the mounting plate 96 is held when a screw 97 is attracted.

A pinion gear motor gear 11 at the output shaft 12A of the motor 12 is provided is with an intermediate gear 9A engaged. The intermediate gear 9A is designed to have more teeth than the motor gear 11 has to reduce the speed and increase the torque, this increased torque via another intermediate gear 9B and a throttle gear 10 to the throttle shaft 18 is transmitted.

The intermediate gears 9A and 9B are on a gear support shaft 25 rotatably mounted, which parallel to the throttle shaft 18 is arranged so that a rotational movement is possible, wherein one end of the gear support shaft 25 in one in a side wall of the throttle body 15 trained hole 98 is attached by interference fit and its other end via a nylon washer 100 through the cover 21 is held with pressure th to drop the intermediate gears 9A and 9B from the gear support shaft 25 to avoid.

The throttle gear 10 is at one end of the throttle shaft 18 by tightening a nut 23 attached. For the throttle gear 10 For example, a fan-shaped gear, as in 3 is shown used, wherein, when the throttle gear 10 in the closing direction of the throttle 24 is rotated, one side of the throttle gear 10 on a screw 7 for setting the fully closed position of the throttle valve, ie on a screw for adjusting the opening degree for the idling operation or on a stopper on the side wall of the throttle body 15 is provided, abuts, so that a further rotation of the throttle shaft 18 is prevented in the closing direction and the fully closed position of the throttle 24 is fixed. The fully closed position of the throttle is set to a minimum opening degree which ensures mass air flow for idle operation after the warm-up operation.

Since the throttle apparatus of the described embodiment of the invention includes an electric throttle control system, generates a driving force of the engine 12 a torque for the throttle shaft via the reduction gear mechanism 18 , provided the drive motor 12 in the throttle control system operates normally.

To the engine 12 A drive current is supplied from a throttle control module, not shown. The throttle control module generates a drive current command signal in the following manner. Using an accelerator pedal position signal from an accelerator pedal position sensor 13 , the degree of depression of the accelerator pedal 53 as in 5 is sometimes detected and also sometimes referred to as an accelerator pedal sensor, a throttle opening degree signal from a throttle position sensor 14 hereinafter also sometimes referred to as a throttle sensor, an engine speed signal and a slip signal, the command signal is generated in response to the current operation request such as a normal engine operation control or a traction control.

So that the mechanical driving force from the accelerator pedal 53 not to the throttle shaft 18 When the throttle control system operates normally, the throttle shaft is transmitted 18 and the accelerator pedal shaft 34 mechanically decoupled and offset from each other, wherein between the throttle shaft 18 and the accelerator pedal shaft 34 the accelerator pedal lever 1' as well as the lever 2 , which form elements of the emergency operation mechanism, are arranged.

Next, the limp home mode and the initial opening degree adjusting mechanism will be explained. These two mechanisms of the contemplated embodiment are on one side of the throttle body 15 disposed opposite to the side on which the reduction gear mechanism is provided in the throttle valve drive system.

The initial opening degree adjusting mechanism is a sleeve 42 with the lever 2 that is, with a lever A or reset lever at one end of the throttle shaft 18 is attached to a rotational movement relative to the throttle valve shaft 18 and in the following as a lever (A) 2 is designated, from a return spring 4 , ie a first constraining device, which is the sleeve 42 with the lever (A) 2 in the closing direction of the throttle 24 forces out of a lever 3 that is, a lever B or a throttle lever that moves with the lever (A) 2 via a spring force passing through the at one end of the throttle shaft 18 fixed return spring 4 is generated, can engage and in the following as a lever (B) 3 is called, from a screw 6 for setting the initial opening degree, ie another stop 6 , which is a rotation of the sleeve 42 with the lever (A) 2 prevented in the closing opening direction corresponding to the initial opening degree when to the engine 12 no power is supplied, ie when the ignition key switch is open, as well as from a spring 5 , which is used for the determination of the initial opening degree, ie a second constraining device, which for the throttle shaft 18 generates a throttle opening force for holding the initial opening degree.

Well, with respect to the 3 . 4A and 4B a specific installation structure of these elements explained.

As in 3 is shown has at least one end of the throttle shaft 18 a flat shape with two parallel surfaces, with this flattened end of the throttle shaft 18 a spacer 50 on a wave step section 18 ' is pushed, then is a washer 51 postponed, whereupon a part 38 deferred, which is the spring used to determine the initial degree of opening 5 carries, then follows a nylon washer 43 the sleeve 42 with the lever (A) 2 that over a sleeve 45 with play on the throttle shaft 18 is applied, then the lever (B) 3 on the throttle shaft 18 deferred, finally, is a mother 47 over a washer 46 Tightened to the throttle shaft.

As in 4 (A) is shown beats an end of the first sleeve 45 due to the clamping by the mother 47 at the part 38 while holding the other end to the lever (B) 3 abuts, causing the first sleeve 45 along the circumference of the throttle shaft 18 is attached. The clamping force by the nut 47 only affects the lever (B) 3 , the first sleeve 45 and the part 38 and not on the second sleeve 42 with the lever (A) 2 along the circumference of the first sleeve 45 is mounted, whereby a rotational movement of the second sleeve 42 with respect to the throttle shaft 18 and the first sleeve 45 is allowed.

The lever (A) 2 contains arm sections 2A . 2 B . 2C and 2D and is through a center mounting hole 2E on the outer peripheral surface of the second sleeve 42 pushed on and on the metal sleeve 42 fixed by caulking.

The arm section 2A of the lever (A) 2 is designed to operate with the lever (B) 3 can engage, with a projection or a rolling pin 2 B' which is a part of the arm section 2 B forms, with the accelerator pedal lever or cam lever 1' can engage, a projection 2C ' which is a part of the arm section 2C forms, at one end 5A the feather 5 attached, which is used for the determination of the initial opening degree, and an arm portion 2D with the screw or the stop 6 for adjusting the initial opening degree, which is on the side wall of the throttle body 15 is provided, can engage. The other end 5B the spring used to determine the initial degree of opening 5 is with the part 38 connected.

In the first embodiment, both the return spring 4 as well as the spring used to determine the initial degree of opening 5 formed by a spiral spring.

An end 4B the return spring 4 is on the second sleeve 42 fastened while the other end 4A at the pin 37 attached to a sidewall of the throttle body 15 is provided, is fixed, wherein the arm portion 2A of the lever (A) 2 by the spring force of the return spring 4 with the lever (B) 3 engaged. This action forces the return spring 4 the throttle shaft 18 and therefore the throttle 24 in closing direction tung.

Now, with respect to 5 , which shows a diagram for explaining the operating principle of the invention, and with reference to FIGS 6A . 6B and 7 describes the operation of the throttle device of the invention.

When the ignition key switch is opened so that to the engine 12 no electricity is supplied, the lever (A) forces 2 due to the return spring 4 generated spring force the throttle shaft 18 over the lever (B) 3 in the closing direction, with the throttle 24 is returned to the initial opening degree corresponding position. In the position corresponding to the initial opening degree, the arm portion beats 2D of the lever (A) 2 at the stop 6 which causes further rotation of the lever (A) 2 is prevented in the closing direction.

Because of the attack 6 will be that of the return spring 4 generated spring force from the initial opening degree θ2 of the throttle valve 24 to the fully closed position ineffective, being close to the fully closed position of the throttle 24 ie, between the fully closed position and the position of the throttle valve corresponding to the initial opening degree θ2 24 the already explained spring 5 for the determination of the initial opening degree in such a way that acts on the throttle shaft 18 an opening force is applied so that the initial opening degree of the throttle valve 24 is maintained.

A forced force P1 in the closing direction due to the return spring 4 and a constraining force P2 in the opening direction due to the spring 5 , which is used for the determination of the initial opening degree, are each determined in such a way that a relationship P1 ≥ P2 is satisfied, that is, a shaft torque T1 in the closing direction, which is generated by the constraining force P1, and a shaft torque T2 in the opening direction, which is generated by the constraining force P2, are set so that the relation T1 ≥ T2 is satisfied.

If such an initial opening degree is maintained, even if the throttle valve 24 during a previous warm-up operation in a cold climate, an air mass flow required for starting the engine is ensured.

When the throttle 24 is controlled to the fully closed position, ie, when idling operation is performed after the warm-up operation, the throttle shaft becomes 18 against the spring force of the spring 5 , which is used for the determination of the initial opening degree, turned in the closing direction, wherein the driving force of the motor 12 based on an idle control command value. Here the lever (B) arrives 3 between the initial opening degree and the fully closed position of the lever (A) 2 disengaged, as in 5 through the broken line 3 ' is shown, and leads together with the throttle shaft 18 a valve closing operation.

When the opening degree or the opening and closing of the throttle 24 is controlled in a range above the initial opening degree θ2 under normal operating conditions, the driving force of the engine becomes 12 to the throttle shaft 18 via the reduction gear mechanism 9A . 9B . 10 and 11 transmit, with the degree of opening of the throttle 24 depending on the balance between the driving force and the spring force of the return spring 4 is controlled. Here comes the lever (A) 2 with the lever (B) 3 engaged, wherein the second sleeve 42 with the lever (A) 2 on the throttle shaft 18 from the first sleeve 45 is worn and together with the throttle shaft 18 is turned.

When traction control is performed on the vehicle, for example, when the driver uses the accelerator pedal 53 in response to the occurrence of a slip completely depresses and a large rotational movement of the accelerator pedal lever 1' causes, via a command from the throttle control module of the engine 12 the throttle 24 in the closing direction controls to prevent slippage, the lever (A) 2 on his way back with the accelerator lever 1' in engagement, so that its rotation in the closing direction is prevented. Even in this condition, the engagement of the lever (B) becomes 3 from the lever (A) 2 solved. The lever (B) 3 will be against the spring force of the spring 5 , which is used for the determination of the initial opening degree, together with the throttle shaft 18 rotated in the closing direction, so that a closing control of the throttle 24 , ie a traction control, can be carried out without difficulty.

When the above condition occurs in which the lever (A) 2 with the accelerator lever 1' engages when performing a traction control, a rebound phenomenon is generated, ie, that the spring force of the return spring 4 over the lever (A) 2 as a shock on the accelerator pedal lever 1' is exercised.

This rebound phenomenon occurs when the accelerator pedal 53 is depressed and the accelerator pedal shaft 34 turns more than θ1, as in 6A where θ1 is an angle at which the accelerator pedal lever 1' during runflat operation due to rotation of the accelerator pedal shaft 34 by depressing the accelerator pedal 53 into an intervention stood with the lever (A) 2 on the side of the throttle shaft 18 is brought. However, when the inclination of a cam characteristic defined by the ordinate-applied throttle opening degree and the abscissa-plotted accelerator pedal depression degree, ie, the rotational angle of the accelerator pedal shaft is reduced as much as possible, the accelerator pedal lever decreases 1' the spring force of the return spring at a position at which the spring load is low when a traction control is performed, in which the rebound phenomenon occurs with a particularly high probability; thereby the rebound amount can be reduced. However, since a throttle valve opening degree θ3 required for executing a mechanically coupled operation of the throttle valve during a limp home operation is required, a center portion of the cam characteristic defined by the throttle opening degree and the accelerator pedal depression degree is provided as a non-linear characteristic represented by the broken one line 6A is shown and runs below a straight line by the cam shape of the accelerator pedal lever 1' is being used.

In the presently considered embodiment, the respective angles θ1, θ2 and θ3 are as in FIG 6B shown, ie, θ1 = 30 °, initial opening degree θ2 = 5 °, and the throttle opening degree for runflat operation θ3 = 7 °.

The second sleeve 42 leads on the first sleeve 45 in a range between the initial opening degree θ2 and the fully closed position of the throttle valve 24 a relative rotation, further, it may, as has been explained above, even during the traction control, a relative rotation on the first sleeve 45 To run.

The emergency operation mechanism works as follows:
When about the throttle control system and the engine 12 fail, the throttle will 24 by the spring force of the return spring 4 returned to the initial opening degree corresponding position. If under this condition the accelerator pedal 53 is depressed, due to the rotation of the accelerator pedal shaft 34 relative to the throttle shaft 18 a cam lever 1'A of the accelerator pedal lever 1 with the lever (A) 2 engaged so that the lever (A) 2 in the opening direction of the throttle valve 24 is rotated as indicated by a dashed line in 5 is shown. The throttle shaft 18 and the lever (B) 3 follow the rotation in the opening direction of the lever (A) 2 due to the spring force of the spring 5 , which is used to determine the initial opening degree, and open the throttle 24 , so that a mechanically coupled operation of the throttle 24 through the accelerator pedal 53 , ie an emergency mode, is enabled.

In order to ensure an emergency operation here, the shaft torque T1, which is determined by the constraining force P1, by the return spring 4 is generated at least in a range between the initial opening degree θ2 and the fully closed position of the throttle valve, and the shaft torque T2 determined by the urging force P2 by the spring used for the determination of the initial opening degree 5 is generated at least in a range between the fully closed position of the throttle valve and the Notlaufbetrieb range, the following inequalities are satisfied: T1> Mf * Ge + Vf T2> Mf * Ge + Vf where Mf is the friction torque with the engine stopped, Ge is the reduction ratio, and Vf is the torque that must be applied to the throttle shaft to open the throttle.

• a) Die zweite Hülse 42 mit dem Hebel (A) 2, der für den Antrieb der Drosselklappenwelle 18 verwendet wird, wird von der Drosselklappenwelle 18 getragen und in einem beträchtlichen Öffnungsgradbereich zwischen dem Anfangsöffnungsgrad und der vollständig geschlossenen Stellung der Drosselklappe einteilig mit der ersten Hülse 45 gedreht, sofern nicht während einer Traktionssteuerung, in der der Motor 12 die Drosselklappe 24 schließt, das Fahrpedal 53 vollständig niedergedrückt wird. Daher tritt zwischen der zweiten Hülse 42 und der ersten Hülse 45 kaum eine Reibung auf.

With the presently contemplated embodiment of the invention, the following advantages can be obtained:

• a) The second sleeve 42 with the lever (A) 2 , which is responsible for driving the throttle shaft 18 is used by the throttle shaft 18 supported and in a considerable opening degree range between the initial opening degree and the fully closed position of the throttle valve in one piece with the first sleeve 45 rotated, unless during a traction control in which the engine 12 the throttle 24 closes, the accelerator pedal 53 is completely depressed. Therefore, occurs between the second sleeve 42 and the first sleeve 45 hardly a friction on.

• b) Konstitutive Elemente des Anfangsöffnungsgrad-Einstellmechanismus wie etwa der Abstandhalter 50, die Unter legscheibe 51, das Teil 38 mit der für die Bestimmung des Anfangsöffnungsgrades verwendeten Feder 5, die erste Hülse 45, die Rückstellfeder 4, die zweite Hülse 42 mit dem Hebel (A) 2 und der Hebel (B) 3 können durch einfaches aufeinanderfolgendes Aufschieben auf die Drosselklappenwelle 18 und durch Festklemmen mittels einer Mutter montiert werden, so daß die Installationsarbeit hierfür vereinfacht ist.
• c) Der Anfangsöffnungsgrad-Einstellmechanismus, der Notlaufbetrieb-Mechanismus, der Drosselklappensensor 14 und die Abdeckung 22 für den Gehäuseabschnitt 15B sind gemeinsam angeordnet, darüber hinaus wird ein Teil dieser Mechanismen gemeinsam genutzt, die Anzahl und die Struktur der Teile sind rationalisiert und es kann eine Verringerung der Größe der Drosselvorrichtung erzielt werden. Weiterhin werden für die Rückstellfeder 4 und für die für die Bestimmung des Anfangsöffnungsgrades verwendete Feder 5 Spiralfedern verwendet, wodurch die Drosselvorrichtung eine noch kompaktere Form erhält.

Therefore, the required spring force P1 of the return spring 4 lower, with the result that both the required shaft torque T1 for the throttle shaft 18 as well as the drive load for the engine 12 can be reduced. Further, the shaft stage torque T1 - (-T2) between the throttle shaft torques, which is above the reference position of the throttle opening degree, is reduced, so that the stability of the throttle valve drive control can be improved.

• b) constitutive elements of the initial opening degree adjusting mechanism such as the spacers 50 , the leg washer 51 , the part 38 with the spring used to determine the initial opening degree 5 , the first sleeve 45 , the return spring 4 , the second sleeve 42 with the lever (A) 2 and the lever (B) 3 can by simply pushing on the successive throttle shaft 18 and be mounted by clamping by means of a nut, so that the installation work is simplified for this purpose.
• c) The initial opening degree adjusting mechanism, the limp-home mode mechanism, the throttle position sensor 14 and the cover 22 for the housing section 15B In addition, a part of these mechanisms are shared, the number and structure of the parts are rationalized, and a reduction in size of the throttle device can be achieved. Furthermore, for the return spring 4 and for the spring used to determine the initial degree of opening 5 Spiral springs used, whereby the throttle device receives an even more compact form.

• d) Sowohl mit dem Anschlag 7 für den Einstellmechanismus der vollständig geschlossenen Stellung, d.h. mit der für die Einstellung des Öffnungsgrades für den Leerlaufbetrieb verwendeten Schraube, als auch mit dem Anschlag 6 für den Anfangsöffnungsgrad-Einstellmechanismus, d.h. mit der zum Einstellen des Anfangsöffnungsgrades verwendete Schraube, können die erforderlichen Öffnungsgrade beliebig einge stellt werden, weiterhin sind beide Anschläge an gegenüberliegenden Seitenwänden des Drosselklappenkörpers vorgesehen, so daß die beiden Anschläge einfach identifiziert werden können da die jeweiligen Seitenwände durch den Untersetzungsgetriebemechanismus bzw. durch den Anfangsöffnungsgrad-Einstellmechanismus definiert sind, so daß eine fehlerhafte Identifizierung der beiden Anschläge vermieden wird und eine daraus sich ergebende fehlerhafte Einstellung verhindert werden kann.

When such coil springs are used, low spring rate springs can be used, reducing the drive load on the engine 12 means.

• d) Both with the stop 7 for the fully closed position adjusting mechanism, that is, the screw used for adjusting the opening degree for idle operation, as well as the stopper 6 For the initial opening degree adjustment mechanism, ie, with the screw used for adjusting the initial opening degree, the required opening degrees can be arbitrarily set, further both stops are provided on opposite side walls of the throttle body, so that the two stops can be easily identified as the respective side walls the reduction gear mechanism and the initial opening degree adjusting mechanism, respectively, so that erroneous identification of the two stoppers is avoided and a consequent misalignment can be prevented.

• e) Selbst wenn der Notlaufbetrieb-Mechanismus und der Anfangsöffnungsgrad-Einstellmechanismus in gegenseitiger Vermischung angeordnet sind, erfolgt der Betrieb der Drosselklappenwelle 18 während einer Traktionssteuerung gleichmäßig, ohne durch den Notlaufbetrieb-Mechanismus gestört zu werden.

The stop 7 for the fully-closed position adjusting mechanism, that is, the screw used for adjusting the opening degree of the idling operation is arranged so as to be on one side of the segment-shaped gear 10 in the reduction gear mechanism abuts, wherein a part of the gear as Anschlankingriffelement on the side of the throttle shaft 18 can serve.

• e) Even if the limp-home mode mechanism and the initial opening degree adjusting mechanism are arranged in mutual mixing, the operation of the throttle shaft takes place 18 during traction control smoothly without being disturbed by the limp home mode mechanism.

By for the motion characteristic of the accelerator pedal lever 1' in the emergency operation mechanism, a non-linear characteristic is provided, which in 6A is shown by the broken line, a possible occurrence of a rebound during a traction control can be effectively suppressed.

Well, with respect to the 8th to 10 a second embodiment of the throttle device of the invention explained, wherein 8th a vertical sectional view of the second embodiment is 9 is an exploded perspective view of a main portion thereof and the 10A and 10B Are sectional views of main portions thereof.

The Construction of the second embodiment the throttle device is substantially the same as that the first embodiment, with the exception that one Part of the parts used herein is modified, with the following only the modified parts explained become. Further, elements in the drawings are the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment own, equal to or equivalent to elements in the first embodiment, which also for The later explained following embodiments applies.

In the presently considered embodiment, a helical torsion spring is used as the return spring or as the spring used for the determination of the initial opening degree 63 or a helical torsion spring 64 used.

Unlike the lever (B) 3 is the lever (B ') 3 ' at one end of the throttle shaft 18 firmly attached, taking between these fixed levers 3 and 3 ' the sleeve 45 arranged and on the throttle shaft 18 by tightening the mother 47 is attached; on the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve 45 is the sleeve 42 with the lever (A) 2 fastened in such a way that a rotation relative to the sleeve 45 is possible.

Along the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve 42 over the throttle shaft 18 are spring holders 61 and 62 , each of which has a flange, arranged at an axial distance in such a way that a free movement in the direction of rotation is possible.

The spring mounts 61 and 62 contain inner cylinder sections 61A respectively. 62A around the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve 42 are arranged, and outer cylinder sections 61B respectively. 62B that divide the spring setting room into two spaces, ie the interior and the exterior space, as in 10A is shown, wherein in this second embodiment, the return spring 63 is arranged in the inner Einstellraum and the spring 64 for the Be mood of the initial opening degree is used, is arranged in the outer Einstellraum.

In the spring holders 61 and 62 are cutouts or feather-end lead-outs 67 respectively. 68 as in 9 shown formed, which are used to the end portions 63A respectively. 64B the return spring 63 , which is arranged in the inner Einstellraum to lead to the outside. The end section 63A the return spring 63 is through the neckline 68 through at the sidewall of the throttle body 15 provided pen 37 fastened while the other end section 63B through the neckline 67 on the armhole 2D of the lever (A) 2 is attached.

An end 64A the spring used to determine the initial degree of opening 64 in the outer space of the spring mounts 61 and 62 is located on the lever (B ') 3 ' , in turn, on the throttle shaft 18 attached, fastened while the other end 64B of which at the arm section 2D of the lever (A) 2 is attached.

In the second embodiment, the arm portion 2A of the lever (A) 2 with the at the throttle shaft 18 fixed lever (B) 3 over the return spring 63 engaged, causing the throttle shaft 18 in the closing direction of the throttle 24 is forced. When the lever (A) 2 on the screw 6 for setting the initial opening degree, as in the first embodiment, further rotation of the lever (A) is performed. 2 prevented in the closing direction.

The spring used to determine the initial degree of opening 64 forces the throttle shaft 18 over the lever (B ') 3 ' in the opening direction to keep the initial opening degree near the fully closed position.

The subdivided spring mounts 61 and 62 take the spring force of the springs 63 and 64 in the axial direction and are against the lever 3 respectively. 3 ' pressed.

• f) Da die Federhalterung aus zwei Federhalterungsteilen 61 und 62 gebildet ist, welche axial beabstandet angeordnet sind, wobei jedes der Federhalterungsteile eine innere zylindrische Trennwand 61A bzw. 62A und eine äußere zylindrische Trennwand 61B bzw. 62B aufweist, wird eine Innen/Außen-Doppelanordnungsstruktur geschaffen, die eine gegenseitige Störung der Rückstellfeder 63 und der für die Bestimmung des Anfangsöffnungsgrades verwendeten Feder 64 verhindert, so daß die Federn einfach in der Federhalterung installiert werden können und eine kompakte Anordnung dieser Teile erzielt wird.
• g) Da die Rückstellfeder 63 in der Federhalterung angeordnet ist und die für die Bestimmung des Anfangsöffnungsgrades verwendete Feder 64 außerhalb hiervon angeordnet ist, kann der Schraubendurchmesser und daher die Federkonstante der Rückstellfeder 63, die innerhalb angeordnet ist, kleiner als jene der Feder 64 gewählt werden, so daß die Federkennlinie der Rückstellfeder 63, die durch die Federlast auf der Ordinate und durch den Drosselklappenöffnungsgrad auf der Abszisse definiert ist, möglichst weit abgeflacht werden kann, mit dem Ergebnis, daß die Last des Betätigungselements zum Antreiben der Drosselklappe 24 reduziert wird.

With the second embodiment, in addition to the advantages obtained in the first embodiment, the following further advantages can be obtained:

• f) Because the spring retainer consists of two spring retainer parts 61 and 62 is formed, which are arranged axially spaced, wherein each of the spring support parts an inner cylindrical partition wall 61A respectively. 62A and an outer cylindrical partition 61B respectively. 62B is provided, an inner / outer double-arrangement structure is provided, which is a mutual interference of the return spring 63 and the spring used to determine the initial degree of opening 64 prevented, so that the springs can be easily installed in the spring holder and a compact arrangement of these parts is achieved.
• g) Since the return spring 63 is arranged in the spring holder and the spring used for the determination of the initial opening degree 64 is arranged outside thereof, the screw diameter and therefore the spring constant of the return spring 63 , which is located inside, smaller than that of the spring 64 be selected so that the spring characteristic of the return spring 63 , which is defined by the spring load on the ordinate and the throttle opening degree on the abscissa, can be flattened as much as possible, with the result that the load of the actuator for driving the throttle valve 24 is reduced.

Alternatively, however, the return spring 63 be arranged in the outer space of the spring holder, while the spring used for the determination of the initial opening degree 64 can be arranged in the interior.

Well, with respect to the 11A . 11B and 12 a third embodiment of the invention explained.

The 11A and 11B FIG. 15 show cross-sectional views of main portions of the third embodiment of the invention during FIG 12 an exploded perspective view thereof shows. Although in the 11A . 11B and 12 not shown, is the arrangement structure of the intake air pipe 30 in the throttle body 15 , the throttle 24 , the reduction gear mechanism 9A . 9B . 10 and 11 and the accelerator pedal shaft 34 attached to the accelerator pedal cover 22 is supported, as well as the lever 1 and 1' substantially the same as in the first and second embodiments.

In the third embodiment, either the return spring 63 or the spring used to determine the initial degree of opening 5 a helical torsion spring while the other is a helical torsion spring. More specifically, a helical torsion spring for the return spring 63 used while for the spring used for the determination of the initial opening degree 5 a helical torsion spring is used.

Instead of the sleeve 42 in the foregoing embodiments, a sleeve 70 with lever (A) 2 used.

The sleeve 70 is in addition to the lever (A) 2 from an inner cylindrical section 70A , of the on the sleeve 45 is slid so that it can perform relative to this rotational movement, and from an outer cylindrical portion 70B formed outside of the inner cylindrical section 70A is provided as in the 11A and 11B is shown.

The inner cylindrical section 70A is shorter than the outer cylindrical portion 70B , in which by the sleeve 70 by cutting out the inner cylindrical section 70A formed interior, the spring used for the determination of the initial opening degree 5 on the throttle shaft 18 about the part 38 is attached, with one end 5A the feather 5 at one on the sleeve 70 provided cutout 70C is attached and the other end 5B at the part 38 is attached.

In the outer cylindrical section 70B the sleeve 70 are spring holders 71 and 72 arranged axially spaced.

The return spring 63 is through the spring mounts 71 and 72 supports, with one end 63A the return spring 63 at the pin 37 of the throttle body 15 via one on the spring holder 72 provided cutout 72A is attached and the other end 63B of which at the arm section 2D of the lever (A) 2 is attached.

• h) Selbst wenn als Rückstellfeder bzw. als für die Bestimmung des Anfangsöffnungsgrades verwendete Feder verschiedene Federarten wie etwa eine schraubenförmige Torsionsfeder und eine spiralförmige Torsionsfeder verwendet werden, können diese beiden Federarten gemeinsam an einer einzigen Hülse angeordnet werden, so daß eine kompakte Drosselvorrichtung verwirklicht wird.

In addition to the advantages obtained with the first embodiment, the following advantages can be obtained with the currently considered embodiment:

• h) Even if various types of springs such as a helical torsion spring and a helical torsion spring are used as the return spring and the spring used for determining the initial opening degree, respectively, these two types of springs can be co-located on a single sleeve, so that a compact throttle device is realized.

Well, with respect to the 13 . 14A and 14B a fourth embodiment of the invention explained, wherein 13 shows an exploded perspective view of the fourth embodiment and the 14A and 14B Show cross-sectional views of essential sections thereof.

For attaining a compact arrangement of the throttle device of the fourth embodiment of the invention, the initial opening degree adjusting mechanism is disposed on the side of the throttle drive system reduction gear mechanism. In the drawings, only the throttle gear is 10 shown in the reduction gear mechanism while the gears 9A . 9B and 11 have been omitted to simplify the drawing.

As in 13 are shown beginning at one end of the throttle shaft 18 on the side of the reduction gear mechanism successively the throttle valve gear 10 , the lever (B) 3 , the return spring 4 , the sleeve 42 with the lever (A) 2 , a washer 51 ' and the sleeve 45 deferred and through the mother 23 clamped. As return spring 4 a helical spring is used while a spring used for the determination of the initial opening degree is a tension spring 85 is used, as explained below.

In the same manner as in the previous embodiments, the sleeve is 45 on the throttle shaft 18 about the mutual effect between the clamping by the mother 23 and the throttle shaft stage 18 ' attached, with the sleeve 42 on the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve 45 is slid in such a way that it is a rotational movement relative to the sleeve 45 and to the throttle shaft 18 can perform.

An end 4A the return spring 4 is at the throttle body 15 provided pen 37 attached, as in 14A while the other end thereof is shown on the sleeve 42 is fixed, whereby the return spring 4 the sleeve 42 and the lever (A) 2 in the closing direction of the throttle 24 forces.

On the other hand, the arm portion 3A the lever (B) 3 arranged so that it with the arm portion 2A of the lever (A) 2 can engage, the arm portion 3B of this at one end 85B the spring used to determine the initial degree of opening 85 is attached and the other end 85A the feather 85 on the arm 2C of the lever (A) 2 is attached.

In the fourth embodiment, when the ignition key switch is opened, the initial opening degree adjusting mechanism operates to control the spring force of the return spring 4 about the engagement of the lever (A) 2 with the lever (B) 3 to the throttle shaft 18 transfers so that the arm section 2D of the lever (A) 2 at the position corresponding to the initial opening degree, wherein the spring force of the spring used for the determination of the initial opening degree 85 at this time, the initial opening degree of the throttle valve 24 maintains.

When serving as a throttle actuator operating motor 12 from this position against the tensile force of Fe used for the determination of the initial opening degree 85 is driven in the closing direction, is the fully closed position of the throttle 24 by the position of the adjusting screw 7 given.

The throttle sensor 14 is also on a side wall surface of the throttle body 15 arranged on the side of the reduction gear mechanism.

• i) Der Untersetzungsgetriebemechanismus für das Drosselklappenantriebssystem und der Anfangsöffnungsgrad-Einstellmechanismus können gemeinsam angeordnet sein. Ferner sind der Untersetzungsgetriebemechanismus und die Rückstellfeder sowie die für die Bestimmung des Anfangsöffnungsgrades verwendete Feder längs der Drosselklappenwelle 18 nahe beieinander angeordnet, so daß sich gegenseitig störende, in entgegengesetzten Richtungen wirkende Drehmomente reduziert werden können.

In the fourth embodiment, substantially the same advantages as in the foregoing embodiments are obtained, further, the following advantages are obtained:

• i) The throttle drive system reduction gear mechanism and the initial opening degree adjusting mechanism may be arranged in common. Further, the reduction gear mechanism and the return spring and the spring used for the determination of the initial opening degree are along the throttle shaft 18 arranged close to each other, so that mutually disturbing, acting in opposite directions torques can be reduced.

15 shows a cross-sectional view for explaining a fifth embodiment of the invention. The presently considered embodiment relates to a throttle device type without emergency operation mechanism, ie, a fully electrically operated throttle device in which the accelerator pedal, the accelerator lever and the accelerator pedal sensor are provided separately outside the throttle body, because the accelerator pedal mechanism is used for the generation of signals related to the accelerator pedal position. The accelerator pedal mechanism is therefore not used directly to open and close the throttle.

In the fifth embodiment, the initial opening degree adjusting mechanism is also on the side of the reduction gear mechanism for at one end of the throttle shaft 18 located throttle valve drive system arranged. The return spring 4 and the spring used to determine the initial degree of opening 5 are arranged in substantially the same manner as in the first embodiment. At one end of the throttle shaft 18 are successively the throttle gear 11 , the lever (B) 3 and the part 38 with the spring used to determine the initial opening degree 5 rotatably disposed while the return spring 4 and the sleeve 42 with the lever (A) 2 over the sleeve 45 are attached and the assembly by the mother 47 is clamped so that a rotational movement of the sleeve 42 on the sleeve 45 is possible.

An end 4A the return spring 4 is at the pin 37 on the throttle body 15 fastened while her other end to the sleeve 42 is attached.

The arm section 2A of the lever (A) 2 is arranged to be beyond the spring used to determine the initial opening degree 5 and the return spring with the arm 3A the lever (B) 3 can get into engagement.

An end 5A the spring used to determine the initial degree of opening 5 is on the arm section 2A of the Heels (A) 2 fastened while her other end is at the part 38 is attached. In the fifth embodiment, the illustration of the screw 6 for setting the initial opening degree and the representation of the screw 7 omitted for the setting of the fully closed position, however, these screws are in the one-piece with the throttle body 15 trained housing section 15A arranged. The operation principle of setting the initial opening degree in the fifth embodiment is substantially the same as in the preceding embodiments, and an explanation thereof will be omitted.

• j) Die Drosselklappenwellen-Drehmomentkennlinien T1 und T2, d.h. die P1- und P2-Kennlinien an der Position des zum Einstellen des Anfangsöffnungsgrades verwendeten Anschlags sind gemäß den folgenden Ungleichungen festgelegt: T1 ≥ Mf·Ge + Vf T2 ≤ Mf·Ge + Vf

wobei Mf das Reibungsdrehmoment ist, wenn der Motor stillsteht, Ge das Untersetzungsverhältnis ist und Vf das an die Drosselklappenwelle anzulegende Drehmoment ist, um die Drosselklappe zu öffnen.In the fifth embodiment, all the advantages of the foregoing embodiments are also obtained except for the advantages related to the limp home mode function, and further the following advantage is obtained:

• j) The throttle shaft torque characteristics T1 and T2, ie, the P1 and P2 characteristics at the position of the stopper used for setting the initial opening degree are set according to the following inequalities: T1 ≥ Mf * Ge + Vf T2 ≤ Mf * Ge + Vf

wherein Mf is the friction torque when the engine is stopped, Ge is the reduction ratio and Vf is the torque to be applied to the throttle shaft to open the throttle.

• k) Ferner sind der Untersetzungsgetriebemechanismus und der Anfangsöffnungsgrad-Einstellmechanismus auf einer Seite des Drosselklappenkörpers 15 angeordnet, während der Drosselklappenstellungssensor an der anderen Seite angeordnet ist.

When the throttle torque characteristics T1 and T2 are set in accordance with the above inequalities, the throttle shaft torque characteristics are minimized and the throttle shaft torque stage T1 - (-T2) is reduced in the vicinity of the throttle position corresponding to the initial opening degree, whereby the throttle drive control can be stabilized. If T2 <Mf · Ge + Vf, T2 is slightly reduced at the position corresponding to the initial opening degree, as in FIG 16 is shown, so that an error is generated at the position corresponding to the throttle opening degree. However, in spite of this error, when the air mass flow required for combustion is ensured during cranking in a cold climate, the intended Purpose of initial opening degree fulfilled.

• k) Further, the reduction gear mechanism and the initial opening degree adjusting mechanism are on one side of the throttle body 15 disposed while the throttle position sensor is arranged on the other side.

One Mechanism with a mechanical sliding section, for example a sliding portion of intermetallic elements such as Reduction gear mechanism, likely produces abrasion powder. In the above construction, the reduction gear mechanism and the throttle position sensor through the throttle body from each other spaced so that a Penetration of abrasive powder into the throttle position sensor is prevented and a performance deterioration of the throttle position sensor avoided becomes.

There Further, the reduction gear mechanism and the throttle opening degree adjustment mechanism together in the housing in nearby The motor can be arranged in a compact arrangement of the parts as well as a reduction in the size of the entire Throttle device can be achieved. In addition, the throttle position sensor as far as possible in the middle of the throttle body be arranged, with the result that influences due to a deflection or bending of the throttle shaft can be avoided and fluctuations the output characteristic of the throttle position sensor are limited can.

According to the invention are the parts associated with the throttle opening degree adjustment mechanism and, where appropriate, those relating to other mechanisms, including one Emergency operation mechanism belonging Parts collected and rationally arranged, furthermore, the mounting properties improved these mechanisms. Furthermore, a reduction the peculiar to the mechanisms Frictions and compared to conventional devices a Improvement of the characteristic of the forced facilities, for example the spring characteristics of a return spring, achieved, so that the Drive load for the throttle actuator is reduced and stabilizes the throttle control operation becomes.

Claims (8)

Throttle device for an internal combustion engine, having - a rotatable throttle valve ( 24 ) on a throttle shaft ( 18 ), - an engine ( 12 ) for opening and closing the throttle valve ( 24 ), wherein the throttle shaft ( 18 ) by a torque of the engine ( 12 ) driven by a reduction gear mechanism ( 9 . 10 . 11 ) is transmitted such that the throttle shaft ( 18 ) from the engine ( 12 ) in the opening and closing direction of the throttle valve ( 24 ), and an initial opening degree adjusting mechanism for setting an initial opening degree of the throttle valve (FIG. 24 ), comprising: - a coupling member ( 42 . 70 ), which in an opening area of the throttle valve ( 24 ), which is greater than the initial opening degree, together with the throttle shaft ( 18 ) turns, - a first stop ( 6 ), the rotation of the coupling member ( 42 . 70 ) is limited in the closing direction beyond the position corresponding to the initial opening degree, - an engagement device ( 3 . 3 ' . 38 ), which are rotationally fixed on the throttle shaft ( 18 ), and - a compulsory device ( 4 . 5 . 63 . 64 . 84 . 85 ), - when the throttle ( 24 ) is in an open position greater than the initial opening degree, the coupling member ( 42 . 70 ) in the closing direction of the throttle valve ( 24 ), whereby the coupling member ( 42 . 70 ) with the engagement device ( 3 . 3 ' . 38 ) is engaged so that the engaging means ( 3 . 3 ' . 38 ) is forced by the coupling member in the closing direction, and - which generates an opening force to the throttle valve ( 24 ) in the position of the initial opening degree, when the throttle ( 24 ) from the engine ( 12 ) is rotated over a position corresponding to the initial opening degree in the closing direction, - wherein the compulsory device ( 4 . 63 . 64 . 84 . 85 ) a first spring element ( 4 ; 63 ) with a first end section ( 4B . 63B ) connected to the coupling member ( 42 . 70 ) and a second end portion ( 4A . 63A ) connected to a throttle body ( 15 ) is connected to the throttle device comprises, and a second spring element ( 64 ; 85 ) with a first end section ( 64B ; 85A ) connected to the coupling member ( 42 . 70 ) and a second end portion ( 64A ; 85B ) connected to the engagement device ( 3 . 3 ' . 38 ), characterized in that - the coupling member ( 42 . 70 ) rotatably on a rotationally fixed on the throttle shaft ( 18 ) mounted sleeve ( 45 ) is stored. Throttle device according to claim 1, characterized in that one of the spring elements ( 4 ; 63 ; 64 ; 85 ) around the throttle shaft and between the engagement means (FIG. 3 . 3 ' . 38 ) and the coupling member ( 42 . 70 ) is arranged. Throttle device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the initial opening degree adjusting mechanism and a throttle shaft ( 18 ) fixed gear on the same End section side of the throttle shaft ( 18 ) are arranged. Throttle device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the engagement device ( 3 . 3 ' . 38 ) arranged on a radial edge portion, in the axial direction of the throttle shaft ( 18 ) extending lever section ( 3A ) located at a section ( 2 ) of the coupling member ( 42 . 70 ) attacks when the coupling member ( 42 . 70 ) and the intervention device ( 3 . 3 ' . 38 ) are engaged. Throttle device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and the second spring element coil springs ( 63 . 64 ) which are arranged coaxially. Throttle device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a spring element ( 4 . 63 ; 5 . 64 . 85 ) between one on the throttle shaft ( 18 ) attached gear ( 10 ) and the coupling member ( 42 . 70 ) is arranged. Throttle device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the throttle device also has a second stop ( 7 ) for the adjustment of the throttle position ( 24 ) having. Throttle device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a on the throttle shaft ( 18 ) fixed gear segment ( 10 ).