JP2002317636A - Variable intake device for engine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To accurately perform intake control in correspondence with operation condition of an engine while avoiding enlargement of an intake manifold in a variable intake device for an engine wherein a selector valve means for switching between a communicated condition and a closed condition with respect to an intake collection chamber in a halfway of each main intake passage is provided on the intake manifold having a plurality of main intake passages. SOLUTION: Plural first and second sub intake passages 22A and 23A are formed in the intake manifold MA, wherein one ends thereof are opened to the intake collection chamber 16 and the other ends thereof are opened in a halfway of the respective main intake passage 18 with different passage lengths. At a crossing part of the first and the second sub intake passages 22A and 23A, the selector valve means 11a is provided which can selectively switch among a condition of closing both the first and the second sub intake passages 22A and 23A, a condition of opening the first sub intake passage 22A and closing the second sub intake passages 23A, and a condition of opening the second sub intake passage 23A and closing the first sub intake passage 22A.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an intake manifold having an intake chamber into which air is introduced, and a plurality of main intake passages having one end commonly connected to the intake chamber and the other end connected to an engine. The present invention relates to a variable intake device for an engine in which a manifold is provided with a switching valve means capable of switching communication / shutoff of the intake collecting chamber to the middle of each main intake passage.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, such a variable intake device for an engine has been already disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,932,369, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-500411, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication Nos. In these variable intake devices for engines, a plurality of auxiliary intake passages each having an opening at one end in the intake collecting chamber and opening at an intermediate portion of a plurality of main intake passages having the other end connected to the engine are provided. The intake manifold is formed in the intake manifold so as to correspond to the main intake passage one by one. When the engine is running at a low speed, each sub intake passage is shut off by the switching valve means, and when the engine is running at a high speed, each sub intake passage is switched by the switching valve means. Open to the public.

[0003]

According to the above-mentioned conventional variable intake system for an engine, the intake passage length is changed in two stages during low-speed operation and high-speed operation of the engine. It is desirable to change the intake passage length in more stages in order to perform more precise intake control in accordance with the conditions. Moreover, it is desirable to avoid a large intake manifold when more precise intake control is possible.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and a variable intake device for an engine capable of performing precise intake control according to the operating state of the engine while avoiding an increase in the size of the intake manifold. The purpose is to provide.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 1 is characterized in that an air intake collecting chamber into which air is introduced, one end of which is commonly connected to the air intake collecting chamber, and the other end of which is connected to the air collecting chamber. In the variable intake device for an engine, the intake manifold having a plurality of main intake passages connected to the engine is provided with a switching valve means capable of switching between communication and cutoff of the intake collecting chamber in the middle of each main intake passage. In the intake manifold, a plurality of first sub-intake passages, one end of which is open to the intake collective chamber and the other end is opened in the middle of each main intake passage, and one end of which is open to the intake collective chamber and A plurality of second sub-intake passages, each of which is opened in the middle of the main intake passage and has a passage length different from that of the first sub-intake passage, are formed so as to intersect with each other. Passage passage The first and second sub-intake passages are blocked, the first sub-intake passage is opened and the second sub-intake passage is closed, and the second sub-intake passage is opened and the first sub-intake The switching valve means for selectively switching a state of blocking the passage is provided.

[0006] According to such a configuration, the first and the second.
One of a state in which both the sub-intake passages are blocked, a state in which the first sub-intake passage is opened and the second sub-intake passage is closed, and a state in which the second sub-intake passage is opened and the first sub-intake passage is blocked By changing the operation state, the intake passage length can be changed in three stages according to the operation state of the engine, and the operation state of the engine can be changed in comparison with the conventional one in which the intake passage length is changed in two stages. , It is possible to perform more precise intake control according to. Further, a plurality of first and second sub-intake passages are arranged so as to intersect with each other, so that a space for arranging the first and second sub-intake passages is small, and the intake manifold is enlarged. Can be avoided. In addition, the switching valve means is provided at the intersection of the first and second auxiliary intake passages, and three-stage switching can be easily achieved by the switching valve means configured compactly.

[0007] The invention according to claim 2 provides the above-described claim 1.
In addition to the configuration of the invention described above, the switching valve means is constituted by two switching valves that can be opened and closed independently of each other, and according to this configuration, the first and second auxiliary intakes are provided. The switching order of the state in which both the passages are shut off, the state in which the first auxiliary intake passage is opened and the second auxiliary intake passage is shut off, and the state in which the second auxiliary intake passage is opened and the first auxiliary intake passage is shut off are described below. The selection can be made according to the operating state of the engine by changing the combination of the operating states of the first and second switching valves.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the second aspect of the present invention, the switching valve means includes a drum type first switching valve rotatably supported by the intake manifold, According to this configuration, the first switching valve is configured to include a butterfly-type second switching valve that is rotatable around an axis coaxial with the first switching valve and is disposed in the first switching valve. The switching valve means is configured to be compact while the frictional loss is kept relatively small, and it is possible to easily cope with a plurality of opening / closing combination patterns of the first and second auxiliary intake passages.
That is, if the switching valve is a drum type, the friction loss is relatively large. Therefore, if both the first and second switching valves are of the drum type, it is inevitable that the friction loss increases, but only the first switching valve is of the drum type. By doing so, it is possible to suppress the friction loss to a relatively small value, and by making the second switching valve a butterfly type, it is possible to arrange the second switching valve in the first switching valve, thereby making the switching valve means compact. The first and second switching valves can be easily operated relative to each other to easily cope with a plurality of open / close combination patterns.

[0009]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on embodiments of the present invention shown in the accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 1 to 5 show a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a variable intake device when an engine is operated at a low speed, and FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 3, FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the variable intake device at the time of engine middle speed operation, FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the variable intake device at the time of engine high speed operation.

Referring first to FIGS. 1 and 2, this variable intake device corresponds to, for example, a four-cylinder engine E, and is provided with a switching valve means 11A in an intake manifold MA.

The intake manifold MA is composed of first, second and third outer shell members 12, 1 made of synthetic resin which are welded to each other.
3A, 14 and a plurality of, for example, four intake pipe portions 15a, 1
Are integrally formed with the inner shell member 13A and welded to the second outer shell member 13A, and the surge tank 17 forming the intake collecting chamber 16 includes the first and second outer shell members 1.
, And four independent branch pipes 19, 19, respectively forming four main intake passages 18, 18,.
And an engine mounting flange 20 formed integrally with the second outer shell member 13A and connected to the other end of each of the branch pipes 19, 19,. The insertion member 15 is welded to the second outer shell member 13A so as to be housed in the surge tank 17.

An air inlet 21 is provided at one end of the surge tank 17 along the direction in which the branch pipes 19 are arranged in parallel, and an air cleaner is connected to the air inlet 21 via a throttle body (not shown). Then, an amount of air corresponding to the throttle opening of the throttle body is introduced into the intake collecting chamber 16.

Each of the branch pipes 19, one end of which is connected to the lower part of the surge tank 17, is formed so as to be curved in a substantially C-shape and is arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction.
An engine mounting flange 20 commonly connected to the other ends of the nine tanks 19 is disposed above the surge tank 17.

Each of the intake pipe portions 15a, 1 of the insertion member 15
5a... Respectively constitute a part of a plurality of, for example, four first sub-intake passages 22A, 22A. Are formed in the intake manifold MA. The first sub intake passages 22A, 22A,.

In the intake manifold MA, a plurality of, for example, four second sub-intake passages 23A having a circular cross section and intersecting with the first sub-intake passages 22A, 22A. Are formed so as to open the other ends into the main intake passages 18, 18,..., And the main intake passages 18, 18,.
Are arranged closer to the engine mounting flange 20 than the opening ends of the first sub intake passages 22A, 22A,... To the main intake passages 18, 18,.

The path length from the inside of the intake manifold 16 to the engine E via the first sub-intake passages 22A, 22A and the main intake passages 18, 18... And the main intake passages 18, 1
8 and is set longer than the path length leading to the engine E.

The switching valve means 11A includes a drum-type first switching valve 24A rotatably supported by the intake manifold MA at the intersection of the first and second auxiliary intake passages 22A, 22A..., 23A. The first switching valve 24A is configured to include a butterfly-type second switching valve 25A that is rotatable around an axis coaxial with the first switching valve 24A and that is disposed in the first switching valve 24A.

The intake manifold MA is provided with a support hole 26 having a circular cross section that crosses the intersection of the first sub intake passages 22A, 22A... And the second sub intake passages 23A. , The first sub intake passages 22A, 22
A and a plurality of, for example, four passage holes 27 each having a circular cross section that opens one of the second auxiliary intake passages 23A.
A cylindrical drum 28A having A, 27A... Is fitted into the support hole 26 so as to be rotatable around the axis, and the outer periphery of the drum 28A has respective passage holes 27A, 2A.
A plurality of, for example, five ring-shaped seal members 29, 29, which are in sliding contact with the inner surface of the support hole 26 on both sides of 7A are mounted.

A connecting arm 30 is connected to one end of the drum 28A outside the intake manifold MA, and by operating an actuator (not shown) connected to the connecting arm 29, the drum 28A is The state shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in which the first sub intake passages 22A, 22A are shut off and the second sub intake passages 23A are passed through the passage holes 27A, 27A, and the first sub intake passages 22A, 22A.
.. Are passed through the passage holes 27A, 27A,.
It turns between the third and the state shown in FIG.

The second switching valve 25A is connected to the first switching valve 24.
A is provided on a valve shaft 31 which is coaxially penetrated through the drum 28A and is rotatably supported by the drum 28A. Disc-shaped valve bodies 32A, which are respectively disposed in the passage holes 27A of the drum 28A, 27A,. Are connected to one end of a valve shaft 31 protruding from one end of the drum 28A, and a connecting arm 33 for connecting an actuator (not shown) different from the first switching valve 24A side. Provided.

The second switching valve 25A is connected to the first switching valve 2
4A shut off the first sub intake passages 22A, 22A,... And the passage holes 27A, 27A.
When the passage holes 27A, 27A... Are closed as shown in FIGS.
Can be switched between a state in which the passage holes 27A, 27A,... Are opened, and the first switching valve 24A is
When the sub-intake passages 23A are shut off and the first sub-intake passages 22A are passed through the passage holes 27A, 27A, the passage holes 27A, 27A are closed. As shown, the passage holes 27A, 27A
.. Can be switched.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described. In the low-speed operation state of the engine E, FIGS.
, The first switching valve 24A of the switching valve means 11A shuts off the first sub intake passages 22A, 22A and turns the passage holes 27A, 27A ... to a position corresponding to the second sub intake passages 23A. And the second switching valves 25A, 25A ...
Rotate to a position where the passage holes 27A, 27A. Thus, the first and second sub intake passages 22A, 22A
, 23A are shut off, and the air introduced into the intake air collection chamber 16 flows into the main intake passages 18, 18, respectively.
... will be supplied to the engine E via only
The intake passage length from the intake collecting chamber 16 to the engine E is relatively long.

In the middle-speed operation state of the engine E, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first switching valve 2 of the switching valve means 11A
4A shuts off the second auxiliary intake passages 23A and sets the passage holes 27A, 27A... In the first auxiliary intake passages 22A, 22A.
And the second switching valve 25A, 2
5A rotate to the positions where the passage holes 27A are opened. As a result, the first sub intake passages 22A, 22A,.
Are opened and the second sub intake passages 23A are shut off, and most of the air introduced into the intake collecting chamber 16 flows through the first sub intake passages 22A, 22A and the main intake passages 18, 18,. After that, the engine E is supplied to the engine E, so that the length of the intake passage from the intake collecting chamber 16 to the engine E is shorter than when the engine is running at a low speed.

Further, in the high-speed operation state of the engine E, as shown in FIG. 5, the first switching valve 24A of the switching valve means 11A
Cuts off the first auxiliary intake passages 22A,.
7A, 27A... Are rotated to positions corresponding to the second auxiliary intake passages 23A.
A ... is rotated to the open position. Thereby, the second sub intake passages 23A are opened and the first sub intake passages 2A are opened.
2A are shut off, and most of the air introduced into the intake manifold 16 is supplied to the engine E through the second auxiliary intake passages 22A and the main intake passages 18, so that the intake manifold is The length of the intake passage from 16 to the engine E is further reduced as compared with the case of the engine in the medium speed operation state.

As described above, the switching valve means 11A is in a state in which both the first and second sub intake passages 22A, 23A are shut off, the first sub intake passages 22A are opened, and the second
The state in which the sub-intake passages 23A are shut off, the second sub-intake passages 23A are opened, and the first
Conventionally, the intake passage length can be changed in three stages according to the operation state of the engine E by selectively switching the state in which A ... is shut off. It is possible to perform more precise intake control in accordance with the operating state of the engine E as compared with the one of the above.

The first auxiliary intake passages 22A open at one end into the intake air collecting chamber 16 and the other ends open in the middle of the main intake passages 18, respectively. An end is opened in the middle of each of the main intake passages 18 so that the second sub-intake passages 23A having different passage lengths from the first sub-intake passages 22A cross each other. So that
The space for arranging the first and second sub intake passages 22A, 23A is small, and the intake manifold M
A can be prevented from increasing in size.

Further, the switching valve means 11A is provided at the intersection of the first and second auxiliary intake passages 22A, 23A, and can easily achieve three-stage switching by the compact switching valve means 11A. can do.

Further, the switching valve means 11A comprises first and second switching valves 24A, 25A which can be opened and closed independently of each other.
, The first and second sub intake passages 22A
, 23A are shut off, the first sub intake passage 2
The switching order of the state in which the second auxiliary intake passages 23A are opened and the second auxiliary intake passages 23A are opened, and the state in which the first auxiliary intake passages 22A are opened and the first auxiliary intake passages 22A are closed, are first and second. The selection can be made according to the operating state of the engine E by changing the combination of the operating states of the two switching valves 243A and 25A.

That is, when the operating state of the engine E changes sequentially from the low-speed operating state to the medium-speed operating state to the high-speed operating state, as described above, the state shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. The state of operation of the first and second switching valves 24A and 25A may be changed from the state shown in FIG. 3 to the state shown in FIG. 5, and the operating state is rapidly changed between the low-speed operation state and the high-speed operation state. Sometimes the second
This can be dealt with only by opening and closing the switching valve 25A.

While the first switching valve 24A is configured as a drum type, the second switching valve 25A is connected to the first switching valve 24A.
And is arranged in the first switching valve 24A so as to be rotatable about an axis coaxial with the switching valve means 11A.
Of the first and second sub intake passages 22
.., 23A... Can be easily handled.

That is, since the friction loss is relatively large when the switching valve is a drum type, it is inevitable that the friction loss increases when both the first and second switching valves are of the drum type. However, only the first switching valve 24A is used. By using a drum type, it is possible to keep friction loss relatively small, and by using a butterfly type as the second switching valve 25A, it is possible to arrange the second switching valve 25A in the first switching valve 24A. As a result, it is possible to make the switching valve means 11A compact, and it is also possible to easily operate the first and second switching valves relative to each other to easily cope with a plurality of open / close combination patterns.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 6 which is a longitudinal sectional view of the variable intake device at the time of engine middle speed operation and FIG. 7 which is a sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. However, in FIGS. 6 and 7, parts corresponding to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The intake manifold MB is composed of first, second and third outer shell members 12, 1 made of synthetic resin which are welded to each other.
3B, 14 and the intake pipe portions 15a ', 15a',... Being integrally welded to the second outer shell member 13B.
A surge tank 17 forming an intake collecting chamber 16 is composed of first and second outer shell members 12 and 13B, and has four main intake passages 18 each having one end connected to the intake collecting chamber 16. Are formed of first, second and third outer shell members 12, 13B, 14, respectively, and the second outer shell member 1
Engine mounting flange 20 formed integrally with 3B
Are commonly connected to the other ends of the branch pipes 19, 19,..., And the insertion member 15 'is welded to the second outer shell member 13B so as to be housed in the surge tank 17.

Each intake pipe portion 15 of the insertion member 15 '
a ', 15a'... respectively constitute a part of a plurality of, for example, four first sub-intake passages 22B, 22B. The other end is connected to the main intake passage 18, 18,.
Are opened in the middle of the first sub intake passages 22B, 22B ...
Are formed in the intake manifold MB.

In the intake manifold MB, the first sub-intake passages 22B, 22B,.
A plurality of, for example, four second auxiliary intake passages 23B intersecting with
Are formed such that one end is opened to the intake collecting chamber 16 and the other end is opened to the main intake passages 18, 18,..., And the switching valve means 11B is provided with the first and second sub intake passages 22B, 22B. , 23B are provided in the intake manifold MB.

The switching valve means 11B is a drum-type first switching valve 2 rotatably supported by the intake manifold MB.
4B and a butterfly-type second switching valve 25B that can rotate around an axis coaxial with the first switching valve 24B and is disposed in the first switching valve 24B.

The first switching valve 24B is provided with an intake manifold M
A cover member 35 is fixed to one end of a cylindrical drum main body 34 fitted into the support hole 26 of B so as to be rotatable around the axis. The main drum 34 has a bottomed cylindrical shape. An insertion hole 36 is provided coaxially, and the first sub intake passages 22B, 22B and the second sub intake passages 23B.
(In this embodiment, 4 pairs)
Are provided, and each of the openings 37, 38.
38 are the first and second auxiliary intake passages 22B, 22B;
23B... Are formed in the shape of a quadrangle at right angles. The lid member 35 is fixed to the drum main body 34 so as to close the opening end of the insertion hole 36.

The second switching valve 25B is provided with a pair of opening portions 3 on a valve shaft 31 which penetrates coaxially through the drum 28B of the first switching valve 24B and is rotatably supported by the drum 28B.
, 38 </ b> B, 32 </ b> B, 32 </ b> B, 32 </ b> B, 32 </ b> B, 32 </ b> B,
B are fixedly provided with partition plates 39, 39 arranged between each other, and the outer periphery of each partition plate 39, 39 is annularly resiliently slidably in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole 36. Are mounted.

The second switching valve 25B is connected to the first switching valve 24B.
B, the passage hole 2 corresponding to one of the first sub intake passages 22B, 22B... And the second sub intake passage 23B.
7B, 27B... Are formed.

According to the second embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

FIG. 8 shows a third embodiment of the present invention, and portions corresponding to the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals.

(See FIG. 6) at the intersection of the first sub-intake passages 22B, 22B... (See FIG. 6), the intake manifold MB is provided with switching valve means 11C. A first switching valve 24C of a drum type rotatably supported by the manifold MB;
4C to be able to rotate around an axis coaxial with
And a butterfly-type second switching valve 25C disposed in the switching valve 24C.

The first switching valve 24C is connected to the first auxiliary intake passage 22
B, 22B... And the second sub-intake passages 23B... Are formed in a cylindrical shape having a plurality of, for example, four passage holes 27C, 27C. An annular seal member is fitted to the support hole 26 so as to be rotatable around the axis, and is provided on the outer periphery of the drum 28C in sliding contact with the inner surface of the support hole 26 on both sides of each of the passage holes 27C. 2
9, 29 ... are attached.

The second switching valve 25C is provided on the valve shaft 31 which is coaxially penetrated through the drum 28C of the first switching valve 24C and is rotatably supported by the drum 28C, and each of the passage holes 27C, 27C of the drum 28C. Are fastened to each other, and the quadrangular valve bodies 32B, 32B,.

According to the third embodiment, the same effects as those of the first and second embodiments can be obtained.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various design changes can be made without departing from the present invention described in the appended claims. It is possible.

[0048]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the invention, the intake valve length can be changed in three stages according to the operating state of the engine by the compact switching valve means. As compared with the conventional configuration in which the length of the intake passage is changed, more precise intake control according to the operating state of the engine can be performed. Further, the space for arranging the first and second sub intake passages can be reduced, and the enlargement of the intake manifold can be avoided.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the switching order of the open / close combination of the first and second auxiliary intake passages can be selected according to the operating state of the engine.

Further, according to the third aspect of the present invention, the switching valve means is made compact while frictional loss is kept relatively small, so that it can easily cope with a plurality of opening / closing combination patterns of the first and second auxiliary intake passages. be able to.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a variable intake device at the time of low-speed operation of an engine.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the variable intake device at the time of engine middle speed operation.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the variable intake device at the time of high-speed operation of the engine.

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of a variable intake device at the time of engine middle speed operation in a second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of the variable intake device at the time of engine middle speed operation in the third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 11A, 11B, 11C Switching valve means 16 Intake collecting chamber 18 Main intake passage 22A, 22B First sub intake passage 23A, 23B Second sub intake passage 24A, 24B , 24C: First switching valve 25A, 25B, 25C: Second switching valve E: Engine MA, MB: Intake manifold

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An intake air collecting chamber (16) into which air is introduced.
And an intake manifold (MA, MB) having a plurality of main intake passages (18) having one end commonly connected to the intake collecting chamber (16) and the other end connected to the engine (E).
In addition, switching valve means (11) capable of switching between communication and blocking of the intake air collecting chamber (16) in the middle of each main intake passage (18).
A, 11B, 11C), wherein the intake manifold (MA, MB)
A plurality of first sub-intake passages (22A, 22B) each having one end opened to the intake collection chamber (16) and the other end opened in the middle of each main intake passage (18); 16), a plurality of second sub-intake passages having one end opened in the middle and the other end opened in the middle of each main intake passage (18) and having a different passage length from the first sub-intake passages (22A, 22B). (23A, 23B) are formed so as to cross each other, and the first and second sub intake passages (22
A, 22B; 23A, 23B) at the intersection of the first and second sub intake passages (22A, 22B; 23A, 23B), the first sub intake passages (22A, 22B).
B) and open the second auxiliary intake passages (23A, 23A).
B) and the second sub intake passage (23)
A, 23B) and the first auxiliary intake passage (22
A, 22B) is provided with the switching valve means (11A to 11C) capable of selectively switching the state of shutting off. 2. The switching valve means (11A to 11C)
Two switching valves (24A, 24A,
24. The variable intake device for an engine according to claim 1, wherein the variable intake device comprises: 24B, 24C; 25A, 25B, 25C). 3. The switching valve means (11A to 11C)
Drum type first switching valves (24A to 24C) rotatably supported by the intake manifolds (MA, MB), and can rotate around an axis coaxial with the first switching valves (24A to 24C). 3. The variable intake system for an engine according to claim 2, further comprising a butterfly-type second switching valve (25A to 25C) disposed in the first switching valve (24A to 24C).