EP0595696A1 - Supply device with integrated manifold - Google Patents

Abstract

The feed device with built-in manifold assembly (1) comprises an air manifold/splitter unit (2) with a housing (3) and a base (4) made of plastic or which are metallic and fixed to each other. The base (4) exhibits manifold branches (5) emerging in the housing (3) and in a flange (6) for fixing to the engine. The housing (3) accommodates sensors and members for controlling operating parameters of the engine (11, 12, 20, 21) as well as a fuel line (16) and its regulator (governor) supplying injectors trapped between the base (4) and the housing (3). Components of the air-feed, fuel-feed, ignition and electric circuits (23, 24) are incorporated into the manifold assembly (1). <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a supply device with integrated manifold, for an injection fuel supply installation, of the multipoint type, for an internal combustion engine, that is to say for a supply installation comprising, for each engine cylinder, at least one electrically controlled injector delivering fuel under pressure into a corresponding branch of intake manifold to the engine, opening into the cylinder head of the engine opposite the intake opening (s) of the corresponding cylinder and / or the tail of the corresponding intake valve or valves, the injection of fuel into the branch of the pipe being carried out, on the one hand, downstream of a throttle body, in which at least one throttling member , called a throttle valve, pivotally mounted on an axis in a conduit passing through the throttle body, is controlled in position directly or indirectly, from the accelerator pedal, and on the other hand, directly th n upstream of the corresponding intake valve (s), in general near the connection of this branch of tubing to the cylinder head of the engine.

By European patent application EP 294 883, there is already known a supply device with integrated tubing for a multi-point injection installation, and of the type comprising a manifold-distributor block for air intake, comprising two molded parts, of plastic, fixed to each other, one of which is a tubing casing having an air supply orifice, on which a throttle body is disposed, and air outlet openings, formed in a connection flange to the other part, which is a base having at least as many branches of tubing as the engine has cylinders, and a connection flange to the housing, which is fixed to the housing flange with interposition of '' a seal, and in which each branch opens at one of its ends by an inlet opening, in correspondence with one respectively of the outlet openings of the housing, to open into the latter, the branches of tubing being integral by their other end with at least one flange for fixing the base, provided with means for fixing the integrated tubing to the cylinder head of the engine, the tubing casing being arranged so that it supports and / or at least partially encloses at least one sensor and / or at least one control member of a engine operating parameter, and, for each engine cylinder, each corresponding injector being disposed between the housing and the base of the block.

Such a supply device facilitates the mounting on the engine of many components of the multipoint injection installation, and not only components such as sensors and / or engine components of different engine operating parameters belonging to the supply circuit. in air, but also similar components of the associated fuel supply and electrical supply circuits for the injectors, as well as the electrical ignition circuit, while reducing the overall size of the installation, by simplifying the connections and the connections of these components, and by reducing the number and importance of the points and means of fixing these components to the engine.

In particular, the fuel injectors supply circuit is partially integrated into the tubing. This circuit comprises an elongated casing, in one piece with the base, and integral with the flange for fixing the tubing integrated on the cylinder head, this casing being traversed by a fuel supply channel, which opens in series in cups for housing the injectors formed in the casing and each opening through an orifice in a branch of corresponding tubing, this casing also being traversed by a return channel of the excess fuel, which extends substantially parallel to the supply channel without opening into the injector housing cups, the supply and return channels being connected to each other by a regulator of the fuel supply pressure of the injectors, arranged at the end of the crankcase, on the side opposite to the respective connections of the supply and return channels to the fuel tank.

The drawback of such a supply device with integrated tubing is that the structure of the integrated fuel supply circuit for the injectors, ensuring their supply in series and laterally, only allows the use of injectors of the so-called " with side feed injectors, and that this structure is not suitable for receiving and mounting injectors of the so-called "top feed injectors" type, any more than when mounting injectors of the so-called aerated or ventilated type, [receiving, simultaneously with the fuel supply, an additional air supply at atmospheric pressure, coming downstream from the air filter], having much better performance .

The problem underlying the invention is to remedy this drawback of supply devices of the type known by EP 294 883, and the object of the invention is to propose a supply device with integrated tubing for an installation of multipoint injection which allows the mounting of top feed injectors as well as, in a preferred embodiment, the assembly of ventilated or ventilated injectors.

Another object of the invention is to propose a supply device with integrated tubing for such an installation which can be presented to automobile manufacturers in the form of a set as complete as possible, precontrolled and, optionally, preset, capable of being mounted directly on the engine, and easy to connect to the parts of the air, fuel and electrical circuits which are not integrated into the manifold, so as to provide savings in assembly time and quality.

To this end, the subject of the invention is a supply device with integrated tubing, of the type presented above, known from EP 294 883, and which is characterized in that a fuel distribution manifold is integrated in the housing, which has, at each of the two ends of the rail, a tubular end piece for connecting the rail respectively to a fuel supply line from a tank and to a fuel return line to the tank, the housing having, between the two ends of the ramp, and for each injector, at least one orifice in communication with the interior of the ramp, for the supply of fuel to the corresponding injector.

The integration of the fuel distribution ramp in the housing makes it possible to supply the injectors in parallel and through their top, so that the assembly of injectors of the so-called "top feed injectors" type is favored.

In order to simultaneously facilitate the positioning of each injector of this type, and its connection to the fuel distribution circuit, the fuel supply for each injector is ensured in a sleeve, projecting from the housing, on the side facing towards at least one mounting flange on the cylinder head, and in which the corresponding injector is at least partially housed with a seal.

In addition, for the same reasons, it is advantageous that, for each injector, a base mounting flange has, on the side facing the housing, an injector receiving housing, opening into the corresponding branch of tubing and wherein the corresponding injector is at least partially housed with a seal.

If the injection installation is intended to be fitted with ventilated or ventilated injectors, the device supply according to the invention is advantageously such that an additional air supply ramp is integrated into the base, substantially at the junction of the branches of tubing and of a mounting flange for the base on the cylinder head, and has, on the one hand, at one of its ends, a tubular connection end piece for the supply of additional air taken from the air filter, downstream of the filter itself, and, on the other hand, for each injector, at least one orifice putting the interior of the additional air supply manifold in communication with the interior of an injector receiving housing, formed in the flange and / or the air supply manifold additional, on the side facing the housing, and opening into the corresponding branch of tubing, to at least partially house an injector of the ventilated type, supplied simultaneously with fuel and air.

In addition, and preferably also, the fuel pressure regulator supplied to the injectors is also trapped between the housing and the base of the block. This ensures protection not only of the injectors but also of the fuel pressure regulator due to their mounting between the base and the housing of the integrated tubing.

In order to ensure correct positioning of the pressure regulator between the housing and the base of the manifold-distributor of air intake, as well as good functional cooperation with these two parts, it is more advantageous than at least one base mounting flange on the cylinder head has, on the side facing the housing, a receiving bowl for the pressure regulator, cooperating with a housing sleeve for said regulator, projecting from the housing, on the side facing towards said fixing flange, and in communication with the fuel rail, so that, when the regulator is housed in the sleeve and in the bowl and the base is fixed on the housing, the regulator is in equilibrium between, by hand the pressure fuel in the rail, which it receives through a regulator part engaged with sealing in said sleeve, and, on the other hand, the air pressure in the block, which it receives through a regulator part engaged in said bowl, the interior of which is tightly connected, in the position of cooperation of the sleeve and of the bowl, with a channel formed in said sleeve and opening into the housing. The tubing of the supply device thus produced advantageously integrates most of the components of the air and fuel supply circuits of the injection installation.

However, it is also advantageous that at least certain components of high power electrical circuits, comprising the ignition coils, and of low power, comprising various sensors and actuators, are also integrated into the tubing of the supply device. For this purpose, the box advantageously has at least one electrical connector mounted leaktight in a corresponding housing of the box, and ensuring the connection to at least one component carried in and / or on the block, such as an ignition coil.

The tightness of the mounting of each connector on the housing is for example obtained by overmolding the latter around the connector, since the housing and the base of the manifold-distributor block of the tubing are advantageously two molded plastic parts, and fixed to each other without resuming machining.

Excellent integration of the components of the four air, fuel, electrical and ignition supply circuits is ensured if, on and / or in the housing, housings are provided receiving at least sensors for air circulation parameters intake, such as the temperature and air pressure sensors in the block, at least one power component such as an electrical ignition coil, at least one low power electrical connector, connected at least to the sensors and injectors, and at least one high power electrical connector, connected at least to the power component.

Advantageously finally, at least one bundle of electrical conductors, preferably integrated in the plastic casing, ensures the connection to the electrical ground of each component incorporated in and / or on the manifold-distributor block.

In order to reduce the overhang of the integrated tubing fixed to the cylinder head of the engine, to provide better mechanical strength and to increase the resonance frequency of the assembly mounted on the engine, it is advantageous that at least some components integrated into the tubing are mounted in and / or on a part of the block located on the side of the mounting flange (s) on the cylinder head, and the housing and the base of the block have a configuration such that the distance separating the center of gravity of the integrated tubing of the plane of attachment of the flange or flanges on the cylinder head is less than the distance separating the geometric center of said integrated tube of this plane of attachment of the flange or flanges on the cylinder head.

Simultaneously, to give the integrated tubing a better compactness, it is advantageous that, on the side opposite to at least one fixing flange on the cylinder head, the housing has air outlet pipes, in number equal to the number of branches of tubing connected to said fixing flange, and each opening by one end in a central chamber of the housing called plenum, and by the other end in the housing flange fixed to that of the base, at an outlet opening in correspondence with a branch of tubing, so that each branch of tubing, which is bent at least in an upstream part connected to the flange of the base fixed to the housing, extends a corresponding air duct of the housing, also bent, the curved air ducts and the curved parts of the branches of tubing having their concavity turned towards said fixing flange on the cylinder head, so as to partially envelop the plenum and the various components trapped between the housing and the base and / or housed in / or on the housing.

In order to further reduce assembly times, the air filter is preferably also integrated into the air intake manifold-distributor block. Likewise, the electronic control unit, or engine supply computer, is advantageously integrated into the manifold-distributor block of air intake, in order to ensure its cooling by the circulation of air in the integrated tubing. . In the latter case, it is advantageous that the air filter and the engine supply computer are integrated into the manifold-distributor block and associated with the latter in a pre-wired sub-assembly, which makes it possible to carry out tests. and checks, as well as compensation settings for the sub-assembly before it is mounted on the engine, and therefore provides a gain in quality and ease of assembly for the manufacturer.

• la figure 1 représente schématiquement et en perspective un système d'alimentation intégré comprenant un premier exemple de dispositif d'alimentation à tubulure intégrée,
• la figure 2 représente en perspective et de manière éclatée un second exemple de tubulure intégrée pour dispositif d'alimentation d'une installation d'injection de moteur à combustion interne,
• les figures 3 et 4 sont des vues en perspective et schématique de chacune des deux pièces principales de la tubulure intégrée de la figure 2,
• la figure 5 est une vue en perspective de la tubulure intégrée de la figure 2 après assemblage de ses deux pièces constitutives principales et de composants essentiels du circuit d'alimentation en combustible du moteur,
• la figure 6 est une vue en élévation latérale de la tubulure intégrée de la figure 5,
• la figure 7 est une vue schématique et partielle, en coupe, du montage du régulateur de pression entre le boîtier et l'embase d'une tubulure intégrée selon les figures 2 à 6, et
• les figures 8 et 9 sont des vues analogues aux figures 3 et 6 d'une variante de la tubulure intégrée des figures 2 à 7 qui est adaptée au montage d'injecteurs ventilés.

The invention will be better understood and other advantages and characteristics of the invention will emerge from the description given below, without implied limitation, of an exemplary embodiment described with reference to the appended drawings in which:

• FIG. 1 shows schematically and in perspective an integrated supply system comprising a first example of a supply device with integrated tubing,
• FIG. 2 is a perspective and exploded view of a second example of integrated tubing for the supply device of an injection system of an internal combustion engine,
• FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective and schematic views of each of the two main parts of the integrated tubing of FIG. 2,
• Figure 5 is a perspective view of the integrated tubing of Figure 2 after assembly of its two main constituent parts and essential components of the engine fuel supply circuit,
• FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the integrated tubing of FIG. 5,
• FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic and partial view, in section, of the mounting of the pressure regulator between the housing and the base of an integrated tube according to FIGS. 2 to 6, and
• Figures 8 and 9 are views similar to Figures 3 and 6 of a variant of the integrated tubing of Figures 2 to 7 which is suitable for mounting ventilated injectors.

The integrated supply device of FIG. 1, for a fuel supply installation by multipoint injection of an internal combustion engine with four cylinders in line, comprises an integrated pipe 1 comprising a block 2 intake manifold-distributor of air. This block 2 is essentially constituted by the assembly of two molded plastic or metal parts and used without resumption of machining, one of which is an elongated housing 3, and the other a base 4, which has as many branches tubing 5 that the engine has cylinders, that is to say four in this example. By its end on the side opposite to the housing 3, each of the branches 5 is integral with a flange 6 for fixing the pipe 1 to the cylinder head (not shown) of the engine. Each branch 5 opens into the face of the flange 6 on the side opposite to the housing 3, and the flange 6 has holes 7 for its fixing by screwing on the cylinder head, so that each branch 5 opens into the cylinder head opposite the tail. of the injection valve (s) of the corresponding cylinder, when the pipe 1 is mounted on the cylinder head by its flange 6.

The base 4 also includes a connection flange to a flange, of conjugate shape, of the housing 3, and each branch 5 is secured by its other end to the flange of the base, in which each branch 5 opens by an inlet opening opposite a corresponding air outlet opening, formed in the flange of the housing 3 These two flanges, not visible in FIG. 1, are fixed by screwing one against the other, at the base of the housing 3, with the interposition of a seal between them so that the branches 5 thus open out. in the housing 3. The latter has, laterally, an air supply orifice, also not shown in FIG. 1, to which is tightly connected a throttle body 8, optionally with incorporated flow meter, which is supported by the housing 3 so that the outlet of the throttle body opens into the housing 3. An actuator 9, for example a stepping electric motor for regulating the flow of idle air or, optionally a direct current electric motor or other e for the throttle motorization, as well as a sensor 10 for the angular position of the throttle valve, such as a potentiometer, are integral with the throttle body 8, and one and / or the other are supported directly by the latter or alternatively by the housing 3. The upper face of the housing 3 has, on the side of the throttle body 8, a housing for receiving a sensor 11 of the pressure of the intake air in the housing 3, and, on the opposite side, a housing for receiving an air temperature sensor 12 in this housing 3.

To complete the air supply circuit of the engine, the inlet opening of the throttle body 8 is connected by a conduit 13 to the outlet of an air filter 14 on which the electronic control unit 15 is installed. of the installation. This unit 15, which essentially comprises a computer for supplying the engine with air, fuel and electricity, is thus cooled.

As a variant, the unit 15 and the air filter 14 are made integral with the integrated tubing 1, and carried, for example, by the housing 3, with which or which, they are integrated in a pre-wired sub-assembly allowing, before mounting on the engine, to carry out tests, checks and compensation adjustments, and facilitating mounting on the engine by allowing gains in quality and cost.

The integrated tubing 1 also includes a ramp 16 for distributing fuel to the injectors of the "top feed injectors" type. This ramp 16 is integrated into the housing 3 and extends along the latter, on the side facing the flange 6. The ends of the ramp 16 are fitted with tubular end pieces 17 and 18, which are connected one by one. supply line from the fuel tank, through a pump and filter, and the other to a line for returning excess fuel to the tank. This excess is determined by a fuel pressure regulator 19, which is supported by the housing 3 and in communication, on the one hand, with the interior of the ramp 16, and on the other hand, with the interior of the housing 3, so as to be in balance between the fuel pressure in the rail 16 and the pressure of the intake air in the block 2. Between the ends of this rail 16, and for each injector, the housing 3 has a supply port of the corresponding injector through its top, which is in communication with the interior of the ramp 16.

The injectors, not shown in FIG. 1, are each trapped between the housing 3 and the base 4, so as to each be supplied by its top and by the corresponding orifice for communication with the supply ramp 16, and so as to open, each by its opposite end and through a suitable orifice, in the corresponding branch 5.

The electrical ignition circuit of the engine comprises one or more high-voltage coils 20 and 21, which are mounted in housings provided at the upper part of the housing 3, and which are connected to the spark plugs of the engine by a bundle of conductive cables 22.

The electrical supply of the coils 20 and 21, and of the pressure and temperature sensors 11 and 12, as well as possibly of the stepping motor 9 and the potentiometer 10, the transmission to some of these components of electrical control signals coming from from the electronic control unit 15, and the return of electrical signals from the sensors 11 and 12 as well as from the potentiometer 10 to the electronic control unit 15 are provided using two electrical connectors 23 and 24, of which the one is a low power connector and the other is a high power connector. These connectors 23 and 24 are integrated into the housing 3, on the side of the latter opposite the flange 6. Each of the connectors 23 and 24 is mounted leaktight in its corresponding housing on the housing 3, for example by overmolding the latter, in material plastic around the corresponding connector.

Thus, all the components integrated and / or carried in and / or on the housing 3 of the manifold-distributor block 2 can be easily connected to the electrical circuits of the engine and of the vehicle by the connectors 23 and 24, the high power connector 24 being connected. to the power components such as the coils 20 and 21, while the low power connector 23 is connected to the sensors such as 11 and 12 and to the injectors. For each of the components incorporated in or on the integrated tubing 1, and which require a return of the electrical ground, this connection to ground is achieved by means of a bundle of electrically conductive wires which is integrated in the plastic casing 3.

In the embodiment of Figures 2 to 7, we find that the integrated tubing 31 comprises a manifold-air distributor 32, consisting of the assembly of two molded parts of plastic or metal, used without recovery machining, including a housing 33 and a base 34. The base 34 comprises four branches of tubing 35, which are integral, by their downstream end, with the flange 36 for fixing to the cylinder head of the engine, this flange 36 being subdivided into two plates 36a and 36b, each of which carries, projecting from the same side as the branches 35, sockets 37 whose bore passes through the corresponding plate 36a or 36b for the passage of the fixing screws on the cylinder head (not shown). Each branch 35 comprises two parts, including a downstream part 35a, cylindrical of circular section, by which the branch 35 is integral with the corresponding flange part 36a or 36b, and an upstream part 35b, which is curved and concavity turned towards the corresponding flange part 36a or 36b. By the upstream end of its curved part 35b, each branch 35 is integral with a flange 38 of the base, pierced with holes 39 for the passage of screws, for fixing the base 34 to the housing 33. Thus, each branch 35 opens through an inlet opening 40 in the flange 38 for connection to the housing 33 and through an outlet opening 41 in the flange portion 36a or 36b for attachment to the cylinder head. At the junction of each downstream part 35a of branch to the corresponding flange part 36a or 36b, the latter has a through hole 42, which opens both into the face of the flange part 36a or 36b located on the opposite side to the corresponding branch 35, and in the outlet opening 41 of this branch 35. In the face of the flange part 36a or 36b facing the corresponding branch 35, this bore 42 is surrounded by an annular support seat 43 for an injector, and this seat 43 is itself partially surrounded, towards the corresponding branch 35, by a cup 44 delimiting with the bore 42 and the seat 43 a housing for the nose of an injector of the type supplied with fuel by its apex at the end opposite the nose. The flange part 36a also has, on its face facing the flange 38 for connection to the housing 33, a bowl 45 for housing part of a fuel pressure regulator, the structure of the bowl 45 as well as its cooperation with the regulator and with the housing 33 being described below with reference to Figure 7.

The housing 33 comprises an elongated part of substantially prismatic 46 or cylindrical shape, which delimits an internal chamber called plenum, open to the outside by an air inlet orifice formed in the end face of the part 46 which is not visible in the figures. As in the example in FIG. 1, a throttle body, to which is attached a sensor for the angular position of the throttle as well as an actuator for adjusting the idle air flow or for controlling the throttle, can be connected sealingly on the inlet port of the housing 33.

This box 33 comprises, on the side opposite the flange 36 when it is fixed to the base 34, air outlet pipes 47 (FIG. 4), in number equal to the branches 35, and each of which opens at its end. upstream in the plenum 46 and by its downstream end in a flange 48 of the housing 33, which has a shape combined with that of the flange 38 of the base 34, and is also pierced with holes 49 for the passage of the fixing screws of the two flanges 38 and 48 one against the other with the interposition of a seal, for fixing the housing 33 to the base 34, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The air ducts 47 are also curved and have their concavity turned towards the flange 36, and each opens into the flange 48 by an air outlet opening, directly opposite the air inlet opening 40 of the corresponding branch 35 and of the same shape , so that this branch 35 and this pipe 47 are in the extension of one of the other and partially envelop the plenum 46 and the various components trapped between the housing 33 and the base 34 and housed in and / or on the housing 33, as described below, in a configuration whose size is reduced while promoting good air supply to the engine.

On the side of the flange 36, the housing 33 has over its entire length an integrated fuel distribution ramp 50, supplied from the tank by a nozzle. inlet 51 at one end, and connected to a return to the tank by an outlet nozzle 52 at the other end. substantially between the end pieces 51 and 52, the housing 33 also has, for housing the injectors, four cylindrical, parallel, 53 sleeves 53, regularly spaced, projecting laterally towards the flange 36, and the bottom of each of which is in communication with the interior of the ramp 50 by at least one fuel supply orifice of the corresponding injector.

Each of the four injectors 54 is of the so-called "top feed injector" type, with a nose surrounded by an O-ring seal which fits tightly in the corresponding housing (42-43-44) of the flange 36a or 36b of attachment to the cylinder head, while its rear or top part, also surrounded by an O-ring, fits tightly in the corresponding sleeve 53 to be supplied with fuel by the ramp 50, in parallel with the other injectors 54, the part injector central 54 having a connector 54a for the electrical supply of an actuating winding of the injector 54, this connector 54a projecting between the sleeve 53 and the corresponding cup 44, when, for each cylinder, l 'corresponding injector 54 is trapped between the housing 33 and the base 34 fixed one on the other.

The housing 33 also has a lateral projection, directly opposite the bowl 45, a cylindrical sleeve 55, in communication with the ramp 50, for housing part of a regulator 56 of the fuel pressure supplied to the injectors, and one of which other part is housed in the bowl 45, when the housing 33 and the base 34 are fixed to each other, so that the regulator 56, trapped between housing 33 and base 34, is then in balance between the pressure of fuel in the rail 50 and the air intake pressure in the plenum 46. This is obtained in the manner shown in FIG. 7. In the position of cooperation between the bowl 45 and the sleeve 55, when the housing 33 and the base 34 are fixed one on the other, the edge 57 of the bowl 45 is fitted tightly thanks to the O-ring 58 around the sleeve 55, which has, coming from molding, a channel 59 opening into the plenum 46. Studs 60, only one of which is shown in FIG. 7, projecting into the bottom of the bowl 45, maintain a part 56a of the regulator 56 engaged with a radial and axial clearance in the bowl 45, and the bottom of this regulator part 56a is drilled at 61, so that the air pressure in the plenum 46 is admitted by the channel 59 and the interior of the bowl 45, in the regulator 56, on one side d 'An internal membrane (not shown) also stressed by a spring. The part 56b of the regulator 56, on the other side of a flange 56c of the regulator in abutment against the sleeve 55, is fitted with sealing by the O-ring 62 in a recess of the sleeve 55, and is extended by a nose 56d also mounted tight by an O-ring 63 in an internal channel 64 of the sleeve 55 and opening into the passage 50a in communication with the return to the reservoir, and the nose 56d of the regulator opens in this channel 64 so that the other face of the internal membrane of the regulator 56 receives the fuel pressure in the rail 50.

As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the housing 33 also has, on the side facing the flange 36, and near the sleeve 55, a platform 65 supported above a housing 66. A pressure sensor 67 is mounted on the platform 65 (see FIGS. 5 and 6), and its probe passes tightly through the platform 65 to be sensitive to the pressure of the intake air in the plenum 46. The housing 66 of the housing 33 also receives sensors or engine operating parameter control members, and in particular a sensor for the temperature of the intake air in the plenum 46. In addition to the sensors for parameters of the intake air circulation, the housing 66 can also enclose ignition coils which that the other sensors or control members housed or carried by the housing 33 can be connected, as in the example in FIG. 1, to a low power connector and a high power connector (not shown) mounted in leaktight manner in housings presented, for example, by the face of the housing 33 not visible in the figures. As in the integrated tubing of FIG. 1, a bundle of electrically conductive wires can also be integrated in the plastic housing 33, to ensure the connection to the electrical ground of all the components integrated in the tubing.

Compared to the example of FIG. 1, the integrated tubing 31 of FIGS. 2 to 7 has a reduced bulk, because of its shape substantially closed on itself resulting from the partial enveloping of the housing 33 and of the components that it carries by the curved parts of the branches of tubing 35 and air ducts 47. The overhang of the integrated tubing 31 fixed to the cylinder head of the engine is reduced, the more so as the distance between the flange 36 of attachment to the cylinder head and the center of gravity of the integrated tubing 31 is less than the distance between this flange 36 and the geometric center of the tubing 31, due to the mounting of most of the components integrated into the tubing 31 on the part of the housing 33 located on the side of the flange 36, and also due to the presence of the injectors 54 and the pressure regulator 55 trapped between the housing 33 and the flange 36 of the base 34. This results in better mechanical strength of this integrated tubing fixed to the cylinder head of the engine with a reduced overhang.

Figures 8 and 9 show a variant of the tubing of Figures 2 to 7, which is arranged to receive ventilated injectors. For this reason, the elements of the tubing of Figures 8 and 9 which are similar to those of the embodiment of Figures 2 to 7 are identified by the same reference numerals as in Figures 2 to 7 but assigned a prime symbol, and are not described again, except when they show significant differences.

The integrated tubing 31 'of Figures 8 and 9 differs essentially from that of Figures 2 to 7 by the structure of its base 34' (see Figure 8) which is integrated with a ramp 68 for supplying additional air. This ramp 68 extends along the flange parts 36'a and 36'b for fixing to the cylinder head, on the side of the branches of the pipe 35'a-35'b rigidly connected to one another by a central web 69, integral with the flange 38 'of the base 35'. The air ramp 68 is in one piece with the flange parts 36'a and 36'b and with the branches 35 ', perpendicular to the latter, in the angle formed at the junction between these elements. The air ramp 68 has protruding and thickened parts 37 ′, pierced with holes for passage of the screws for fixing the manifold 31 ′ to the cylinder head, and corresponding to the sockets 37 of the example in FIGS. 2 to 7. A end, the air ramp 68 has, projecting from the side of the branches 35 ′, a tubular end piece 70 for connection to an additional air intake pipe taken at atmospheric pressure in the air filter cover (not shown) ), downstream of the filter itself. The other end of the air ramp 68 is closed at the level of a projecting part 37 'supporting by an arm 71 the bowl 45' for housing the fuel pressure regulator, this bowl 45 'being also supported by the part flange 36'a and by an end wall 72, the base of which is connected to the central web 69.

At each branch 35 ′, the air ramp 68 has, projecting from its upper face, a cup 44 ′ for housing the nose of a ventilated injector 54 ′, the cup 44 ′ simultaneously projecting laterally on the flange part 36'a or 36'b, on the side facing the housing 33 ', and open towards the sleeve 53' projecting from the housing 33 'and in communication with the ramp 50' of fuel distribution, which is integrated into the housing 33 'and supplied with fuel by the nozzle 51'. The cup 44 ′ has an internal annular seat 43 ′ for supporting the nose of the injector 54 ′, and is extended by a through hole 42 ′, formed partly in the air ramp 68 and partly in the part of flange 36'a or 36'b, to open into the downstream end of the branch of tubing 35 '. The cup 44 'delimits with the seat 43' and the bore 42 'corresponding a housing in communication by a lateral orifice with the inside of the air ramp 68, so that the nose of the aerated injector 54' corresponds, which is disposed in this housing 44'-42 ', is thus supplied with additional air, while the rear or top part of the injector 54', which is housed in the corresponding sleeve 53 ', is supplied with fuel in this sleeve from the fuel rail 50 'of the housing 33'. The air ramp 68 thus makes it possible to supply each of the aerated injectors 54 'with additional air at the level of its nose, while the supply of fuel to each injector 54' is ensured as in the previous example.

In FIG. 9, we find the air outlet pipes 47 'of the housing 33', connecting the plenum 46 'to the branches of the pipe 35', as well as, on the other side of the plenum 46 ', the platform 65' carrying the pressure sensor 67 'with its electrical connector 67'a, as well as the lateral housing 66' of the housing 33 ', under the platform 65', and the sleeve 55 'projecting from the housing 33' opposite the bowl 45 'to house the fuel pressure regulator, and the electrical connector 54'a of each injector 54' is connected by a conductor 73 of an electrical harness to an electrical connector 74 integrated in the housing 33 'for the electrical supply of the actuator windings 54 '. Finally, in FIG. 9, appears above the housing 33 ′ the cam 75, actuated by cable, for the rotary drive of the butterfly in the body mounted on the air inlet in the plenum 46 ′, at the end of the housing 33 ′ not visible in FIG. 9.

Also in this variant, the air filter and the engine supply computer can be integrated into the integrated tubing 31 ′ and associated with it in a pre-wired sub-assembly, tested, checked and adjusted before mounting on engine.

Claims (14)

Supply device with integrated pipe (1, 31), for installation of fuel supply by injection of the multipoint type of internal combustion engine, comprising a block (2, 32) manifold-distributor of air intake, comprising two molded parts fixed to each other, one of which is a tubing casing (3, 33) having an air supply orifice, on which a throttle body (8) is disposed, and air outlet openings, formed in a flange (48) connecting to the other part, which is a base (4, 34) having at least as many branches of tubing (5, 35) as the engine comprises cylinders , and a flange (38) connecting to the housing (3, 33), which is fixed to the flange (48) of the. housing (3, 33) with the interposition of a seal, and in which each branch (5, 35) opens at one of its ends by an inlet opening (40), corresponding to the 'respectively of the outlet openings of the housing (3, 33), to open into the latter, the branches of tubing (5, 35) being integral by their other end with at least one flange (6, 36) for fixing the base (4, 34), provided with means (7, 37) for fixing the integrated tubing (1, 31) to the cylinder head of the engine, the tubing casing (3, 33) being arranged so that it at least partially supports and / or contains at least one sensor (10, 11, 12, 67) and / or at least one control member (8, 9, 19, 20, 21, 54, 56) of a parameter of operation of the engine, and, for each cylinder of the engine, each corresponding injector (54) being disposed between the housing (33) and the base (34) of the block (32), characterized in that a ramp (16, 50 ) fuel distribution tible is integrated in the housing (3, 33), which has, at each of the two ends of the ramp (16, 50), a tubular end piece (7, 18; 51, 52) for connecting the ramp (16, 50) respectively to a fuel supply line from a tank and to a fuel return line to the tank, the housing (3, 33) having, between the two ends of the ramp (16, 50), and for each injector (54), at least one orifice in communication with the interior of the ramp (16, 50) for supplying fuel to the corresponding injector (54). Supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that each fuel supply to an injector (54) is ensured in a sleeve (53), projecting from the housing (33), on the side facing towards at least one flange (36) for fixing to the cylinder head, and in which the corresponding injector (54) is at least partially housed with a seal. Supply device according to either of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that, for each injector (54), a flange (36) for fixing the base (34) on the cylinder head present, on the side facing the housing (33), a housing (42-44) for receiving the injector, opening into the branch of corresponding tubing (35) and in which the corresponding injector (54) is at least partially housed with a seal . Supply device according to either of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that a ramp (68) for supplying additional air is integrated into the base (34 '), substantially at the junction of the branches of the pipe ( 35 ') and a flange (36'a-36'b) for fixing the base (34') to the cylinder head, and has, on the one hand, at one of its ends, a tubular end piece (70) connection for the supply of additional air taken from an air filter, downstream of the filter itself, and, on the other hand, for each injector (54 '), at least one orifice placing the interior of the ramp (68) for additional air supply in communication with the interior of a housing (42'-44 ') for receiving the injector (54'), formed in the flange (36'a-36'b ) and / or the ramp (68) for supplying additional air, on the side facing the housing (33 '), and opening into the corresponding branch of tubing (35 '), to at least partially house an injector (54') of the ventilated type, supplied simultaneously with fuel and air. Feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a regulator (56) of the pressure of the fuel supplied to the injectors (54) is trapped between the housing (33) and the base (34 ) of the block (32). Feeding device according to claim 5, characterized in that at least one flange (36) for fixing the base (34) on the cylinder head has, on the side facing the housing (33), a bowl (45) receiving the pressure regulator (56), cooperating with a sleeve (55) for housing said regulator (56), projecting from the housing (33), on the side facing said fixing flange (36), and in communication with the fuel rail (50), so that, when the regulator (56) is housed in the sleeve (55) and in the bowl (45) and the base (34) is fixed on the housing (33), the regulator (56) is in equilibrium between, on the one hand, the fuel pressure in the rail (50), which it receives by a part of regulator (56b-56d) engaged with sealing (62, 63) in said sleeve (55), and, on the other hand, the air pressure in the block (32), which it receives through a regulator part (56a) engaged in said bowl (45), the interior of which is tightly connected (58), in the position of cooperation of the sleeve (55) and of the bowl (45), with a channel (59) formed in said sleeve (55) and opening into the housing (33). Supply device according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the housing (3) has at least one electrical connector (23, 24), mounted leaktight in a corresponding housing of the housing (3), and ensuring the connection to at least one component (9, 10, 11, 12, 20, 21) carried in and / or on the block (2), such as an ignition coil (20, 21). Feeding device according to any one claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, on and / or in the housing (3, 33) are provided housings receiving at least sensors (11, 12, 67) of parameters of intake air circulation, such as temperature (12) and pressure (11, 67) sensors of the air in the block (2, 32), at least one power component such as an ignition coil (20, 21), at the at least one low power electrical connector (23), connected at least to said sensors (11, 12, 67) and to the injectors (54) and at least one high power electrical connector (24), connected at least to said power component ( 20, 21). Supply device according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises at least one bundle of electrical conductors, preferably integrated in the housing (3, 33), ensuring the connection to the electrical ground of each component (11, 12 , 20, - 21; 67, 54) incorporated in and / or on said block (2, 32). Feeding device according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that at least some of the components (54, 56, 50, 67) integrated into the tube (31) are mounted in and / or on part of the block (32) located on the side of the flange (s) for fixing to the cylinder head, and the housing (33) and the base (34) of the block (32) have a configuration such that the distance separating the center of gravity of the integrated tube (31) of the plane of attachment of the flange (s) (36) on the cylinder head is less than the distance separating the geometric center of said integrated tube (31) from this plane of fixing of the flange (s) ( 36) on the cylinder head. Supply device according to claim 10, characterized in that, on the side opposite at least one flange (36) for fixing on the cylinder head, the housing (33) has air outlet pipes (47), in number equal to the number of branches of tubing (35) connected to said fixing flange (36), and each opening at one end into a central chamber of the housing called plenum (46), and by the other end in the flange (48) of the housing, fixed to that (38) of the base (34), at an outlet opening corresponding to a branch of tubing ( 35), so that each branch of tubing (35), which is bent at least in an upstream part (35b) connected to the flange (38) of the base (34) fixed to the housing (33), extends a pipe air (47) corresponding to the housing (33), also curved, the curved air lines (47) and the curved parts (35b) of the branches of tubing (35) having their concavity turned towards said flange (36) of attachment to the cylinder head, so as to partially envelop the plenum (46) and the various components (54, 56, 67) trapped between the housing (33) and the base (34) and / or housed in / or on the housing (33). Supply device according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that an air filter (14) is integrated in the block (2) manifold-distributor of air intake. Supply device according to any one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that a computer (15) supplying the engine is integrated in the block (2) manifold-distributor of air intake. Feeding device according to claim 13 as attached to claim 12, characterized in that the air filter (14) and the engine supply computer (15) are integrated in the block (2) manifold-distributor and associated to the latter in a pre-wired sub-assembly.

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