JP2010121552A - Intake device for internal combustion engine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve a reduction in power consumption and suppression of deterioration of fuel economy by suppressing turbulence generation and an increase in a pressure loss when a butterfly valve is fully opened. <P>SOLUTION: In this intake device for an internal combustion engine, the butterfly valve having a valve plate 4 divided into two first and second valve plates 5, 6 with a screw fastening portion 7 fastened and fixed to a valve shaft 3 by a plurality of fastening screws 8 as a boundary is arranged in an intake manifold 1. The first valve plate 5 arranged upstream of the screw fastening portion 7 in an intake air flow direction when the butterfly valve is fully opened has a bent portion 33 bent to a valve opening side in a valve rotating direction with respect to the pathline of an air flow flowing through the air flow passage 2 of the intake manifold 1. Thereby, when the butterfly valve is fully opened, it is possible to press a stopper lever to a fully open stopper by the assist of an intake load applied to the first valve plate 5. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce retaining torque required to maintain the butterfly valve in a valve fully open position. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an intake device for an internal combustion engine provided with a butterfly valve that restricts the cross-sectional area of the intake passage of the internal combustion engine.

[Conventional technology]
Conventionally, as shown in FIG. 4 to FIG. 6, it is installed in an intake manifold 100 that forms an air flow path (intake passage of the internal combustion engine) communicating with the combustion chamber 12 of the internal combustion engine (engine) so as to be freely opened and closed. An intake device for an internal combustion engine provided with an intake flow control valve has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
The intake manifold 100 is provided with a partition wall 103 that hermetically partitions an intake passage of the engine into two first and second air flow paths 101 and 102. The first air flow path 101 is provided on the upper layer side in the intake passage formed inside the intake manifold 100. Further, the second air flow path 102 is provided on the lower layer side than the first air flow path 101 in the intake passage formed inside the intake manifold 100.

The intake flow control valve restricts the cross-sectional area of the second air flow path 102, for example, by fully closing the second air flow path 102, the intake flow toward the combustion chamber 12 of the engine is changed to the first air flow path 101. This is a tumble flow control valve that generates a swirling flow (tumble flow) in the vertical direction in the combustion chamber 12 of the engine. The intake flow control valve includes a semicircular valve 111 that opens and closes the second air flow path 102, a shaft 112 that supports the valve 111, and a screw fastening portion 113 of the valve 111. And fastening screws 114 to be fixed.
Further, as the valve body of the intake flow control valve, the center position of the shaft 112 (the rotation center position of the valve 111, the rotation axis of the valve 111) is offset from the center position of the valve 111, and the valve 112 rotates around the shaft 112. Cantilevered valves are used.

In addition, the intake flow control valve has an actuator with a built-in motor that drives the valve 111 via the shaft 112, a return spring that urges the shaft 112 to a fully open position (fully open position), and the like. It is connected. The motor is configured such that the opening / closing timing of the valve 111 is controlled by an engine control unit (ECU).
When the valve 111 of the intake flow control valve is fully closed, electric power is supplied to the motor so that the opening of the valve 111 is in the fully closed position (fully closed position) using the driving torque of the motor. To drive. When the valve 111 of the intake flow control valve is fully opened, the power supply to the motor is stopped and the spring force of the return spring is used to set the valve 111 to the fully open position (fully open position). Energize to become.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the housing 104 housed in the intake manifold 100 of the engine, the valve 121 for opening and closing the inside of the housing 104 (the air flow path 105), and the valve 121 via the shaft 122. An intake device for an internal combustion engine including a valve unit (intake flow control valve) having an actuator for driving the engine has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
A cantilever valve in which the center position of the shaft 122 is offset from the center position of the valve 121 is used as the valve body of the valve unit.
Further, the intake manifold 100 is assembled with a fully closed stopper 106 and a fully opened stopper 107. A stopper lever 123 is fixed to the end of the shaft 122 that supports the valve 121 on the actuator side in the rotation axis direction. Here, when the valve 121 is fully closed, the stopper lever 123 comes into contact with the fully closed stopper 106. The fully open stopper 107 contacts the stopper lever 123 when the valve 121 is fully opened.

When the valve 121 of the valve unit is fully closed, electric power is supplied to the motor and the drive torque of the motor is used to drive the valve 121 to the fully closed position (fully closed position). To do. Then, the stopper lever 123 fixed to the shaft 122 contacts the fully closed stopper 106. Thereafter, a holding current is supplied to the motor to hold the valve 121 in the fully closed position using the holding torque of the motor.
Further, when the valve 121 of the valve unit is fully opened, electric power is supplied to the motor and the opening of the valve 121 is driven to a fully opened position (fully opened position) using the driving torque of the motor. . Then, the stopper lever 123 contacts the fully open stopper 107. Thereafter, a holding current is supplied to the motor, and the valve 121 is held in the fully open position using the holding torque of the motor.
Here, the intake flow control valve described in Patent Document 2 is a rectangular opening 124 for generating a swirling flow in the combustion chamber of the engine when the valve 121 is fully closed by cutting out the upper end surface of the valve 121. Is formed.

Further, the valve body (valve) of the intake flow control valve is formed by an elastic member such as a plate spring or a rubber material formed in a plate shape, and an intermediate shaft is provided at a side intermediate position of the valve body of the intake flow control valve. An intake device for an internal combustion engine has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 3). Further, since the valve body of the intake flow control valve is pivotally supported at the side intermediate position shifted from the center position, the valve body of the intake flow control valve is operated when the valve body of the intake flow control valve is closed. One end of the intake abuts against the passage wall surface of the intake manifold and is elastically deformed into a circular arc cross section to close the lower side of the intake passage.
The intake flow control valve bends the valve body to close the intake flow on the lower side of the intake passage. On the other hand, since a small gap is formed on the upper end side, it is possible to reduce the amount of intake air and supply a fast intake flow to the downstream side to form a strong tumble flow in the combustion chamber of the engine.

[Conventional technical problems]
However, in the intake flow control valves described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the cantilever valve in which the center position of the shaft 112 is offset with respect to the center position of the valve 111 or the shaft 122 of the shaft 122 with respect to the center position of the valve 121. A cantilever valve with an offset center is used. Further, in the intake flow control valve described in Patent Document 3, the valve body is formed by an elastic member such as a leaf spring or a rubber material formed in a plate shape, and is pivotally supported at a side intermediate position shifted from the center position. is doing.
Here, the valve body (valve) of the intake flow control valve described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 is an intake air in which a large intake negative pressure and a small atmospheric pressure repeatedly act as the piston of the engine moves up and down and the intake valve opens and closes. It is installed in the passage. In other words, an intake load accompanying the raising / lowering of the piston of the engine and the opening / closing of the intake valve acts on the valve installed in the intake passage of the engine.

For example, when the intake flow control valve is fully open, that is, when the valve is arranged in parallel with the intake flow trajectory line, if the intake load acts on the intake flow control valve, the valve An intake pulsation torque is generated that rotates about the shaft toward the valve closing side in the valve rotation direction (valve closing side in the valve operation direction). As a result, the valve of the intake flow control valve flutters in the intake passage of the engine, and the valve returns. When the valve returns, the passage sectional area of the intake passage of the engine is narrowed.
Here, if the cross-sectional area of the intake passage of the engine is reduced as the valve returns, the intake air amount (valve full flow rate) introduced into the combustion chamber of the engine when the valve is fully opened decreases, and the required intake air amount is reduced. Since it cannot be obtained, the problem that engine output falls arises. Further, there arises a problem that drivability deteriorates with a decrease in engine output.

Therefore, as a method of holding the valve body (valve) of the intake flow control valve in the fully open position for the purpose of eliminating the deterioration of drivability, in the case of the motor drive type, a holding current is constantly supplied to the motor to the motor. Since it is necessary to generate the holding torque, there arises a problem that problems such as an increase in the size of the actuator including the motor or an increase in power consumption to the motor occur. Furthermore, there arises a problem that fuel consumption deteriorates as power consumption to the motor increases.
In addition, in the case of the mechanical type (mechanical type), while the valve is fully opened, for example, a device that presses parts such as a stopper lever fixed to the shaft that supports the valve against the fully open stopper is required. There is a problem that the physique becomes larger and the mountability to the engine deteriorates.

Further, by utilizing the valve body structure of the intake flow control valve described in Patent Document 3, the fully open position where the valve is held in the fully open position is set to the trace of the intake flow flowing through the intake passage of the engine. A method of changing to a position rotated to the overturn side in the valve rotation direction with respect to the line, assisting with the intake load acting on the valve by the intake pulsation, and pressing it against the fully open stopper can be considered. In this case, when the valve is fully opened, the downstream valve end face disposed downstream of the rotation center in the intake flow direction is not parallel to the trace line of the intake flow. Therefore, the intake air flowing through the intake passage of the engine collides with the end face of the downstream valve, resulting in turbulence. When the intake flow is disturbed, the pressure loss of the intake flow that flows through the intake passage of the engine increases.
Here, if the pressure loss of the intake flow increases, the amount of intake air introduced into the combustion chamber of the engine when the valve is fully opened (valve fully open flow rate) decreases and the required intake air amount cannot be obtained. The problem is that the output is reduced. Further, there arises a problem that drivability deteriorates with a decrease in engine output.
JP 2006-322424 A JP 2008-128075 A JP 2007-192094 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide an intake device for an internal combustion engine that can simplify the structure and reduce the size of the entire apparatus, reduce power consumption, and suppress deterioration in fuel consumption. Another object of the present invention is to provide an intake device for an internal combustion engine that can improve the output of the internal combustion engine and suppress deterioration of drivability by suppressing the generation of turbulent flow and the increase in pressure loss when the butterfly valve is fully opened. is there.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the valve plate of the butterfly valve is divided into two first and second valve plates with the shaft as a boundary. The first valve plate of one of the two first and second valve plates is more than the second valve plate of the other of the two first and second valve plates when the butterfly valve is fully opened. Is also arranged upstream in the air flow direction. The first valve plate is bent toward the valve opening side in the valve rotation direction (that is, the valve opening side in the valve operating direction) with respect to the trace line of the air flow flowing through the air flow path of the duct.
As a result, when the butterfly valve is fully opened and the air flow passes through the air flow path of the duct along the trajectory line, it is bent toward the valve opening side in the valve rotation direction with respect to the air flow trajectory line. It hits the first valve plate. Then, torque is generated in the butterfly valve toward the valve opening side in the valve rotation direction centered on the shaft, so that valve return does not occur and the butterfly valve is maintained in the fully open state. That is, the butterfly valve is maintained in the fully open state by the assist of the intake load acting on the first valve plate.

Therefore, in the case of the mechanical type that mechanically drives the butterfly type valve using the mechanical type driving device, a device for pressing the butterfly type valve against the fully open stopper becomes unnecessary, so the structure is simplified and the entire intake device of the internal combustion engine The physique can be downsized. Thereby, since the mounting property of the apparatus to an internal combustion engine can be improved, a mounting space can be secured easily.
In the case of a motor drive type (electric type) that drives the butterfly valve using the drive torque of the motor, the holding torque required to keep the butterfly valve fully open can be reduced, so the power supplied to the motor (Holding current and the like) can be reduced. Thereby, since power consumption can be reduced, generation | occurrence | production of malfunctions, such as a fuel consumption deterioration, can be suppressed.
In addition, since the holding torque for maintaining the butterfly valve in the fully open state can be reduced, the load torque when the butterfly valve is operated to close from the fully open state can be reduced. Thereby, compared with the prior art, the operation responsiveness (valve closing responsiveness) for closing the butterfly valve from the fully opened state can be improved.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the first valve plate is disposed upstream of the shaft in the air flow direction when the butterfly valve is fully opened.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the first valve plate is bent toward the overturn side in the valve rotation direction from the fully open position of the butterfly valve (that is, from the valve fully open position to the valve open side in the valve operating direction). ing.
As a result, the intake load acting on the first valve plate when the butterfly valve is fully opened increases, and the valve plate of the butterfly valve can be reliably maintained in the fully open state.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the second valve plate is disposed downstream of the shaft in the air flow direction when the butterfly valve is fully opened.
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the second valve plate extends in a direction parallel to the trajectory line of the air flow flowing through the air flow path of the duct when the butterfly valve is fully opened.
As a result, the air flow flowing through the air flow path of the duct flows along the second valve plate, so that the air flow is less likely to be disturbed. As a result, an increase in pressure loss of the air flow flowing through the air flow path of the duct can be suppressed, so that the amount of intake air (valve full open flow rate) introduced into the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine when the butterfly valve is fully opened is reduced. The required amount of intake air is obtained. Accordingly, a decrease in the output of the internal combustion engine can be suppressed, and drivability can be improved.

According to the invention described in claim 6, the valve plate has the fastening portion fastened to the shaft between the two first and second valve plates.
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the first valve plate has a bent portion provided in the vicinity of the fastening portion, and a flat portion extending straight from the bent portion toward the valve end surface.
According to invention of Claim 8, the 2nd valve plate has a plane part extended straightly toward a valve end surface from a fastening part or the fastening part vicinity.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention is to simplify the structure and reduce the overall size of the apparatus, or reduce the power consumption and suppress the deterioration of fuel consumption, when the butterfly valve is fully opened. The first valve plate disposed on the upstream side in the air flow direction is provided with a bent portion that bends toward the valve opening side in the valve rotation direction with respect to the trajectory line of the air flow flowing through the air flow path of the duct. Realized. The purpose of the engine is to improve the output of the internal combustion engine and suppress the deterioration of drivability by suppressing the generation of turbulence and the increase in pressure loss when the butterfly valve is fully opened. This is realized by extending the second valve plate arranged on the downstream side in the air flow direction in a direction parallel to the trajectory line of the air flow flowing through the air flow path of the duct.

[Configuration of Example 1]
1 and 2 show a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a fully closed state of the intake flow control valve, and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a fully opened state of the intake flow control valve. is there.

The intake device for an internal combustion engine according to the present embodiment opens and closes an intake passage for supplying intake air (intake air) to the combustion chamber 12 (see FIG. 4) for each cylinder of the internal combustion engine (engine) having a plurality of cylinders. An intake passage opening / closing device (throttle device) and an intake vortex generating device capable of generating a swirling flow for promoting combustion of the air-fuel mixture in each cylinder of the engine are provided.
The intake vortex generator is incorporated in the intake system of the engine together with the throttle device.

Here, the engine generates engine output by heat energy obtained by burning the mixture of clean intake air filtered by an air cleaner (air cleaner of an internal combustion engine) and fuel in the combustion chamber 12 of each cylinder. It is a gasoline engine.
The engine has a plurality of cylinders (first to fourth cylinders), a cylinder block in which the first to fourth cylinders are arranged in series in the cylinder arrangement direction, a plurality of intake ports (intake ports) 11 and a plurality of cylinders. And a cylinder head having an exhaust port (exhaust port) 13 (see FIG. 4).

  The plurality of intake ports 11 that are independently connected to the combustion chambers 12 for each cylinder of the engine are opened and closed by poppet-type intake valves (intake valves) 14 (see FIG. 4). A plurality of exhaust ports 13 independently connected to the combustion chamber 12 for each cylinder of the engine are opened and closed by a poppet type exhaust valve (exhaust valve) 15 (see FIG. 4). Further, a spark plug 16 is attached to the cylinder head of the engine so that the tip end portion is exposed in the combustion chamber 12 for each cylinder. The cylinder head is provided with an injector (electromagnetic fuel injection valve) 17 for injecting fuel into each intake port 11 at an optimal timing (see FIG. 4).

Further, an intake pipe (intake duct) for introducing intake air into the combustion chamber 12 for each cylinder of the engine and exhaust gas flowing out from the combustion chamber 12 for each cylinder of the engine are supplied to the cylinder head of the engine. An exhaust pipe (exhaust duct) for discharging outside through an exhaust purification device is connected.
Inside the intake duct, air for introducing clean outside air filtered by an air cleaner into the combustion chamber 12 of each cylinder of the engine via the throttle body, surge tank, and intake manifold 1 of the electronic throttle device. A flow path 2 is formed. The intake duct has an air cleaner case, an air cleaner hose (or intake pipe), a throttle body, an intake manifold 1 and the like.

Further, four combustion chambers 12 are formed in the cylinder arrangement direction in the cylinder block of the engine. Further, in a cylinder bore formed inside each cylinder of the cylinder block, a piston 18 connected to the crankshaft is supported through a connecting rod so as to be slidable in the sliding direction (see FIG. 4). ).
The cylinder head of the engine has a coupling end surface (fastening surface) for fastening and fixing the intake manifold 1 using fastening bolts or the like.

  The intake vortex generator is installed in the engine room of a vehicle such as an automobile like the engine, and is connected to the intake manifold 1 downstream of the throttle body incorporating the throttle valve in the intake flow direction, and the intake manifold 1 An intake flow control valve that controls the intake air flowing through the inside (air flow path 2), a fully open stopper (see FIG. 8) that restricts the fully open position of the valve body (butterfly type valve) of the intake flow control valve, The fully closed stopper (see Fig. 8) that regulates the fully closed position of the butterfly valve of the flow control valve, and the valve opening of the intake flow control valve (the rotation angle of the butterfly valve) is related to other systems such as a throttle device. And an engine control unit (engine control device: hereinafter referred to as ECU).

The intake manifold 1 of the present embodiment is made of a synthetic resin material, and includes a surge tank that reduces pressure pulsation of intake air and a plurality of intake branch pipes that are connected to a plurality of outlets of the surge tank. This is a tank-integrated intake manifold.
The intake manifold 1 has a plurality of intake branch pipes in which air flow paths 2 are formed. A coupling surface (cylinder head mating surface) 19 that is coupled to the cylinder head of the engine is formed at the downstream end of these intake branch pipes in the intake flow direction.
Each air flow path 2 formed in the plurality of intake branch pipes is independently connected to the combustion chamber 12 for each cylinder of the engine via each intake port 11 of the cylinder head. The intake manifold 1 is mounted with an actuator for opening and closing each butterfly valve of the plurality of intake flow control valves via the valve shaft 3.

  The intake flow control valve of this embodiment is a tumble flow control valve that generates a vertical swirl flow (intake vortex flow, tumble flow) for promoting combustion of the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber 12 for each cylinder of the engine. TCV). The intake flow control valve includes a butterfly valve that opens and closes an air flow path (intake passage of the internal combustion engine) 2 of the intake manifold 1 and an actuator that drives the butterfly valve. The actuator includes an electric motor that generates a driving force (driving torque) when supplied with electric power, a power transmission mechanism (for example, a gear reduction mechanism) that transmits the driving torque of the electric motor to the valve shaft 3, and the like. Yes. Here, the electric motor that drives the butterfly valve via the valve shaft 3 is electrically connected to a battery mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile via a motor drive circuit that is electronically controlled by the ECU. .

  The butterfly type valve includes a valve shaft 3 that is rotatably supported by the intake manifold 1, a valve plate 4 that rotates relative to the intake manifold 1 together with the valve shaft 3, and the like. It rotates around the axis of rotation). Here, in the intake vortex generator according to the present embodiment, a plurality of sets of intake flow control valves are arranged in parallel at regular intervals in the axial direction (rotational axis direction) of the valve shaft 3 inside the intake manifold 1. This is a multiple-integrated intake passage opening / closing device (valve opening / closing device).

Here, the butterfly valve is fully closed using the drive torque of the actuator, particularly the electric motor, at the time of engine start or idle operation. That is, at the time of engine start or idle operation, the valve opening of the intake flow control valve is controlled (driven in the fully closed direction) so as to be in the fully closed opening state (valve fully closed position).
The valve fully closed position is a valve opening degree (valve rotation angle, valve position) at which the valve plate 4 of the butterfly valve fully closes the air flow path 2 of the intake manifold 1. The valve fully closed position is a limit position on one side in the valve rotation direction in the operable range of the valve plate 4 of the butterfly valve, that is, a fully closed side restricting position restricted by a fully closing stopper.

The butterfly valve is fully opened using the driving torque of the electric motor during normal operation of the engine. That is, during normal operation of the engine, the valve opening of the intake flow control valve is controlled (driven in the fully open direction) so as to be in the fully open position (valve fully open position). It should be noted that all butterfly valves may be biased in the valve opening operation direction by a biasing force (spring load) such as a spring built in the actuator so that all the butterfly valves are in the fully opened position.
The valve fully open position is a valve opening degree (valve rotation angle, valve position) at which the valve plate 4 of the butterfly valve fully opens the air flow path 2 of the intake manifold 1. The valve fully open position is a limit position on the other side in the valve rotation direction in the operable range of the valve plate 4 of the butterfly valve, that is, a fully open side restricting position restricted by a fully open stopper.
Here, each of the butterfly valves of the plurality of intake flow control valves closes slightly from the valve fully open position (or from the valve fully open position) by the biasing force of a spring or the like when the supply of electric power to the electric motor is stopped when the engine is stopped. To the intermediate opening state (intermediate position).

The valve shaft 3 of the present embodiment is a single drive shaft that supports and fixes a plurality of valve plates 4 so as to connect all the valve plates 4 so as to be interlocked. Further, the valve shaft 3 changes the valve opening degree of all intake flow control valves (TCV), and also has a circular metal shaft (rotation) that extends straight in a vertical direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the intake manifold 1 (rotation). Axis). The rotation center position (rotation axis) of the valve shaft 3 is the rotation center position of each valve plate 4 and substantially coincides with the center position of each valve plate 4. The valve shaft 3 is offset from the central axis of the air flow path 2 of the intake manifold 1 on the right side of the drawing (for example, the lower side in the direction of gravity).
The valve shaft 3 is provided with a plurality of valve holding portions 21 that respectively support the plurality of valve plates 4 at positions corresponding to the plurality of air flow paths 2. Each valve holding portion 21 has a flat valve fastening surface 22 corresponding to each valve plate 4. In addition, the both sides of the rotating shaft direction of each valve fastening surface 22 are sliding sections having a circular cross section.

Further, each valve fastening surface 22 has a plurality of screw holes 23 into which screw shafts of fastening screws (fastening members such as screws) 8 for fastening and fastening (fastening) the valve plate 4 to the valve shaft 3 are screwed ( For example, two). These screw holes 23 are formed so as to penetrate the valve holding portion 21 of the valve shaft 3 in the diameter direction.
The valve shaft 3 has a plurality of sliding portions (not shown) inserted into bearing holes (not shown) of the intake manifold 1 between both end portions in the rotation axis direction and two adjacent valve holding portions 21. (Not shown) and is rotatably supported by the intake manifold 1. Here, a bearing member such as a ball bearing or a cylindrical bearing that rotatably supports each sliding portion of the valve shaft 3 may be installed in the bearing hole of the intake manifold 1.

A stopper lever (selectively latched by a fully open stopper or a fully closed stopper) is provided on one side (actuator side) in the rotational axis direction from the sliding portion provided at one end portion in the rotational axis direction of the valve shaft 3. 8) is attached.
The full-open stopper is a full-open stopper screw that regulates the full-open position of each valve plate 4 of a plurality of butterfly-type valves. The collar is insert-molded on the outer wall of the intake manifold 1 and fastened with a fastener such as a nut. (Fastened and fixed) (see FIG. 8).
The fully closed stopper is a fully closed stopper screw that regulates the fully closed position of each valve plate 4 of a plurality of butterfly type valves, and uses a fastener such as a nut on a collar insert-molded on the outer wall portion of the intake manifold 1. Are fastened and fixed (fastened and fixed) (see FIG. 8).

  Then, on one end side in the rotation direction of the stopper lever fixed to the valve shaft 3 (the valve opening side in the valve operating direction), the valve opening degrees of the plurality of intake flow control valves are in the fully open position (valve fully open position). When it becomes, the fully open stopper part contact | abutted (locking) to the fully open stopper is provided. In addition, when the valve opening of multiple intake flow control valves is in the fully closed position (valve fully closed position) on the other end side in the rotation direction of the stopper lever (the valve closing side in the valve operating direction) In addition, a fully closed stopper portion that is brought into contact (locked) with the fully closed stopper is provided.

  The valve plate 4 is integrally formed in a predetermined shape from a metal material or a synthetic resin material. The valve plate 4 moves from a fully open position where the flow rate of intake air flowing through the air flow path 2 of the intake manifold 1 is maximized to a fully closed position where the flow rate of intake air flowing through the air flow path 2 is minimum. The rotation angle (valve opening) is changed over the entire valve operating range. In particular, the rotation angle (valve opening degree) of the valve plate 4 having a function as a valve body is changed in the entire valve operating range from the valve fully open position to the valve fully closed position, so that the air flow path 2 The cross-sectional area of the passage can be changed.

The valve plate 4 is divided into two first and second valve plates 5 and 6 having a function as a valve body (valve element) of a butterfly type valve. In addition, the valve plate 4 has a flat screw fastening portion 7 that is fastened and fixed to the valve shaft 3 by a plurality of fastening screws 8 between the two first and second valve plates 5 and 6. That is, the valve plate 4 is divided into two first and second valve plates 5 and 6 with the screw fastening portion 7 as a boundary.
The screw fastening portion 7 of the valve plate 4 is sandwiched between the valve fastening surface 22 formed on the valve holding portion 21 of the valve shaft 3 and the seat surface of the screw head of the fastening screw 8 to hold the valve shaft 3 on the valve shaft 3. Fastened and fixed to the portion 21.
Here, when the butterfly valve is fully closed, the valve plate 4 has intake air trace lines (the air flow path 2 of the air flow path 2) on both sides of the valve plate 4 through the air flow path 2 of the intake manifold 1. It is arranged so as to be slightly inclined by a predetermined rotation angle (set angle) on the valve opening side in the valve rotation direction with respect to the perpendicular (A) perpendicular to the central axis direction (see FIG. 1).

One first valve plate 5 of the two first and second valve plates 5, 6 is the other one of the two first and second valve plates 5, 6 when the butterfly valve is fully opened. It is arranged upstream of the two-valve plate 6 in the intake air flow direction. The first valve plate 5 is arranged upstream of the screw fastening portion 7 in the intake flow direction when the butterfly valve is fully opened (see FIG. 2). A valve end surface (valve lower end surface) that forms a throttle portion 31 between the first valve plate 5 and the flow path wall surface (bottom wall surface) of the intake manifold 1 when the butterfly valve is fully closed. ) 32 is formed integrally. The throttle portion 31 forms an air flow path through which intake air with a small intake air amount flows when the butterfly valve is fully closed.
Note that when the butterfly valve is fully closed, the throttle portion 31 may be closed such that the distal end in the extending direction of the first valve plate 5 abuts against the channel wall surface (bottom wall surface) of the intake manifold 1. That is, when the butterfly valve is fully closed, the throttle portion 31 does not have to be formed between the flow path wall surface (bottom wall surface) of the intake manifold 1 and the distal end of the first valve plate 5 in the extending direction.

The first valve plate 5 is a bent portion that bends to the valve opening side in the valve rotation direction with respect to the trace line of the intake air flow (in the direction of the central axis of the air flow path 2) flowing through the air flow path 2 of the intake manifold 1. 33 and a flat portion 34 that extends straight from the bent portion 33 toward the valve end surface 32.
The bent portion 33 of the first valve plate 5 has a predetermined bending angle (for example, about 2 ° to 8 ° or more on the overturn side in the valve rotation direction from the fully open position of the butterfly valve at a position near the screw fastening portion 7. 6 degrees). The flat portion 34 of the first valve plate 5 is a rectangular or rectangular flat plate that extends straight from the bent portion 33 to the valve end surface 32 on one side.
The angle (θ1) formed between the flat portion 34 of the first valve plate 5 and the coupling surface 19 of the intake manifold 1 is, for example, 96 °.

The other second valve plate 6 of the two first and second valve plates 5 and 6 is one of the two first and second valve plates 5 and 6 when the butterfly valve is fully opened. It is arranged downstream of the one valve plate 5 in the intake air flow direction. The second valve plate 6 is disposed downstream of the screw fastening portion 7 in the intake flow direction when the butterfly valve is fully opened (see FIG. 2). A valve end surface (valve upper end surface) that forms a throttle 41 between the second valve plate 6 and the flow path wall surface (top wall surface) of the intake manifold 1 when the butterfly valve is fully closed. ) 42 is integrally formed.
The throttle portion 41 forms an air flow path through which intake air having a larger intake air amount than the throttle portion 31 flows when the butterfly valve is fully closed. The restricting portion 41 restricts the passage cross-sectional area of each air flow path 2 of the intake manifold 1 to a predetermined value or less, thereby allowing gas flow (swirl flow, tumble flow) in the combustion chamber 12 for each cylinder of the engine. Flow). Note that the swirling flow (tumble flow) generated in the combustion chamber 12 for each cylinder of the engine can be strengthened as the passage opening area of the throttle portion 41 is reduced.

The second valve plate 6 has a flat portion 44 that extends straight from the screw fastening portion 7 toward the valve end surface 42 on the other side.
The flat surface portion 44 of the second valve plate 6 extends in a direction parallel to the trajectory line of the intake air flowing through the air flow path 2 of the intake manifold 1 when the butterfly valve is fully opened. It is a rectangular or rectangular flat plate that extends straight in a straight line until reaching the valve end surface 42 on the other side.
The angle (θ2) formed between the flat portion 44 of the second valve plate 6 and the coupling surface 19 of the intake manifold 1 is, for example, 90 °.

[Operation of Example 1]
Next, the operation of the intake device for the internal combustion engine of the present embodiment, particularly the intake flow control valve, will be briefly described with reference to FIGS.

  When the ignition switch is turned on (IG / ON), the ECU controls the energization of the electric motor of the electronic throttle device, as well as the ignition device (ignition coil, spark plug 16 and the like) and the fuel injection device (electric fuel pump, injector 17). Etc.). As a result, the engine is operated. At this time, when the specific cylinder of the engine shifts from the exhaust stroke to the intake stroke in which the intake valve 14 opens and the piston 18 descends, the negative pressure (from the atmospheric pressure) in the combustion chamber 12 of the cylinder as the piston 18 descends. (The lower pressure) increases, and the air-fuel mixture is sucked into the combustion chamber 12 from the intake port 11 that is open.

  Further, the ECU controls the power supplied to the electric motors of the plurality of intake flow control valves when the engine is cold and the intake air amount may be small, that is, when the engine is started or idling (for example, electric motors are controlled). Energize). At this time, since the valve shaft 3 is driven in the valve closing operation direction using the driving torque of the electric motor, the valve plate 4 of the butterfly valve is closed. That is, the valve openings of the plurality of intake flow control valves are controlled to be in a closed state (a state of the fully closed opening) at the valve fully closed position.

The ECU then opens the valve plate 4 of the butterfly valve after the predetermined time has elapsed since the valve opening of the butterfly valve is fully closed (valve fully closed position: see FIG. 1). The voltage is changed to a motor applied voltage or a fully closed holding current that can be held in a stopped state at a valve fully closed position that fully closes the flow path 2.
Thus, after the valve plate 4 of the butterfly valve reaches the valve fully closed position, the electric motor is held in a stopped state at the valve fully closed position by holding energization. In other words, the butterfly valve is held so as to be stably stopped at the valve fully closed position using the driving torque of the electric motor.

  As described above, when the valve plate 4 of the butterfly valve is held in the valve fully closed position, most of the intake air flow that flows into the intake manifold 1 (air flow path 2) from the throttle body is in the intake manifold 1. In the upper layer portion of the intake port 11 provided in the cylinder head from the inside of the intake manifold 1 (air flow path 2) through the throttle part (opening part) 41 between the flow path wall surface and the valve end face 42 of the valve plate 4 And flows along the top wall of the upper layer portion of the intake port 11. Then, the intake flow that flows along the top wall of the upper layer portion of the intake port 11 is supplied into the combustion chamber 12 from the intake valve port (port opening) of the intake port 11. At this time, since a swirling flow (tumble flow) is generated in the combustion chamber 12 for each cylinder of the engine, the combustion efficiency in the combustion chamber 12 at the time of engine start or idling operation is improved, and fuel consumption and emission (for example, HC reduction effect) and the like are improved.

  On the other hand, the ECU controls the power supplied to the electric motors of a plurality of intake flow control valves (for example, energizes the electric motors) when the engine is warm and a large amount of intake air is required, that is, during normal operation of the engine. . At this time, since the valve shaft 3 is driven in the valve opening operation direction using the driving torque of the electric motor, the valve plate 4 is opened. That is, the valve openings of the plurality of intake flow control valves are controlled so as to be in a state where the valves are opened at the fully opened position (a state of the fully opened opening).

Then, the ECU shuts off the power supply to the electric motor after a predetermined time has elapsed after the butterfly valve has a fully open position (valve fully open position: see FIG. 2). To do.
As a result, after the valve plate 4 of the butterfly valve reaches the valve fully open position, it is held in a stopped state at the valve fully open position by the biasing force of the spring. In other words, the butterfly valve is held so as to be stably stopped at the fully open position of the valve by using the urging force (spring force) of the spring.
When the butterfly valve flutters due to the influence of the intake load, the valve plate 4 of the butterfly valve is changed to a motor applied voltage or a fully opened holding current that can be held in a stopped state at the valve fully opened position where the air flow path 2 is fully opened. To do. In this case, the butterfly valve is held so as to be stably stopped at the fully open position of the valve using the driving torque of the electric motor.

  As described above, the intake air flow that flows into the intake manifold 1 (air flow path 2) from the throttle body passes straight through the intake manifold 1 (air flow path 2) along the trajectory line. It is introduced into the intake port 11. The intake air flow that has passed through the intake port 11 is supplied from the intake valve port (port opening) of the intake port 11 into the combustion chamber 12. At this time, a vertical swirling flow (tumble flow) does not occur in the combustion chamber 12 for each cylinder of the engine.

[Effect of Example 1]
As described above, in the intake flow control valve of the present embodiment, the two first and second valve plates are bounded by the flat screw fastening portion 7 fastened and fixed to the valve shaft 3 by the plurality of fastening screws 8. A butterfly valve having a valve plate 4 divided into 5 and 6 is provided.
The first valve plate 5 disposed upstream of the screw fastening portion 7 in the intake flow direction when the butterfly valve is fully opened is from a flat portion 34 that extends straight from the vicinity of the screw fastening portion 7 toward the valve end surface 32. Also, on the screw fastening portion 7 side, the valve opening side in the valve rotation direction (that is, the valve operating direction) It has a bent portion 33 bent on the valve opening side). The bent portion 33 is bent by a predetermined bending angle (for example, about 2 ° to 8 ° or 6 °) toward the overturn side in the valve rotation direction from the fully open position of the butterfly valve.

  Thus, when the intake flow flows in the air flow path 2 of the intake manifold 1 along the trajectory line when the butterfly valve is fully opened, the valve opens in the valve rotation direction with respect to the trajectory line of the intake flow. It contacts the flat portion 34 of the first valve plate 5 bent sideways. As a result, torque is generated in the butterfly valve toward the valve opening side in the valve rotation direction centered on the valve shaft 3, so that valve return does not occur, and the valve plate 4 of the butterfly valve is maintained in the fully open position. Is done. That is, with the assistance of the intake load acting on the first valve plate 5, the stopper lever held and fixed to the valve shaft 3 can be pressed against the fully open stopper held and fixed to the intake manifold 1, and the valve plate of the butterfly valve 4 is held so as to be stably stopped at the fully open position of the valve by utilizing the urging force (spring force) of the spring.

Therefore, in the case of the present embodiment, that is, in the case of the motor drive type (electric type) that drives the butterfly type valve by using the drive torque of the electric motor, the valve plate 4 of the butterfly type valve is in the fully open position (valve full open state). The holding torque necessary to maintain the position is not required. Alternatively, since the holding torque can be reduced, the power supplied to the electric motor (holding current or the like) can be reduced. Thereby, since power consumption can be reduced, generation | occurrence | production of malfunctions, such as a fuel consumption deterioration, can be suppressed.
In addition, since the holding torque for maintaining the valve plate 4 of the butterfly valve at the fully open position can be reduced, the load torque when the valve plate 4 of the butterfly valve is closed from the fully open position to the fully closed position side can be reduced. Can be reduced. Thereby, compared with the prior art, it is possible to improve the operation response (valve closing response) for closing the valve plate 4 of the butterfly valve from the valve fully open position to the valve fully closed position side.

  In addition, when a mechanical type that mechanically drives a butterfly valve using a mechanical drive device instead of a motor driven type is adopted, a device that presses the butterfly valve against the fully open stopper is not required. Simplification and downsizing of the entire intake device (intake vortex generator) of the internal combustion engine can be achieved. As a result, the mountability of the intake vortex generator in the intake system of the engine can be improved, so that a space for mounting the intake vortex generator in the engine room of a vehicle such as an automobile can be easily secured.

The second valve plate 6 disposed downstream of the screw fastening portion 7 in the intake flow direction when the butterfly valve is fully opened has a flat portion 44 that extends straight from the screw fastening portion 7 toward the valve end surface 42. Yes. The flat portion 44 extends in a direction parallel to a trajectory line (in the axial direction of the air flow path 2) of the intake flow when the valve plate 4 of the butterfly valve is fully opened.
Thereby, when the butterfly valve is fully opened, the intake air flowing through the air flow path 2 of the intake manifold 1 flows along both the front and back sides of the flat portion 44 of the second valve plate 6. Disturbances are less likely to occur in the intake air flow that flows through the air flow path 2. As a result, an increase in the pressure loss of the intake air flow can be suppressed, so that the intake air amount (valve fully open flow rate) introduced into the combustion chamber 12 for each cylinder of the engine when the butterfly valve is fully opened is the required intake air. It becomes air quantity. Therefore, a decrease in engine output can be suppressed, and drivability can be improved.

  FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of the present invention and shows a fully closed state of the intake flow control valve.

The valve shaft 3 of the present embodiment has a valve holding portion 21 that supports the valve plate 4 of the butterfly valve. The valve holding portion 21 has a slit-like flat portion 24 on the opposite side to the first embodiment.
In the case of this butterfly valve, the bending direction of the bent portion 33 of the first valve plate 5 is opposite to the valve shaft 3 side in the first embodiment, whereas the bent portion 33 of the first valve plate 5 is bent. The bending direction is the valve shaft 3 side.
Thus, even when the assembly state of the valve plate 4 with respect to the valve shaft 3 is changed, the same operation and effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[Modification]
In this embodiment, the internal combustion engine intake device of the present invention can generate a vertical swirling flow (tumble flow) for promoting combustion of the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber 12 for each cylinder of the engine. The internal combustion engine intake device of the present invention is configured to generate a lateral swirl flow (swirl flow) for promoting combustion of the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber 12 for each cylinder of the engine. You may comprise so that it may become possible. Further, the intake device for an internal combustion engine of the present invention may be configured so as to be able to generate a squish vortex for promoting combustion of the engine.

In this embodiment, the intake device for an internal combustion engine of the present invention is applied to an intake vortex generator. However, the intake device for the internal combustion engine of the present invention may be an electronic throttle device (throttle device for an internal combustion engine) or an internal combustion engine. The present invention may be applied to a variable intake device that changes the intake passage length or the intake passage cross-sectional area.
In this embodiment, the actuator that drives the butterfly valve via the valve shaft 3 is configured by an electric motor and a power transmission mechanism (for example, a gear reduction mechanism). However, the actuator that drives the butterfly valve may be electromagnetic or You may comprise by the negative pressure action type actuator provided with the electric negative pressure control valve.

  In addition, this embodiment is provided as an intake control valve having a valve installed in an intake passage formed inside a casing such as an intake duct or an intake manifold 1 and controlling intake air (intake) sucked into the combustion chamber 12 of the engine. Instead of the intake flow control valve (tumble flow control valve) in the example, the flow rate of intake air (intake) that has a throttle valve installed in the intake passage formed inside the throttle body and is sucked into the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine An intake flow rate control valve that controls the flow rate of intake air (intake air) that bypasses the throttle valve and has an idle speed control valve that is installed in an intake passage formed inside the housing. It may be used.

  Further, as an intake control valve constituted by a duct and a valve, an intake passage opening / closing valve, an intake passage switching valve, and an intake pressure control valve may be used instead of the intake flow control valve or the intake flow control valve. In addition, the intake control valve may be an intake flow control valve such as a tumble flow control valve (Examples 1 and 2) or a swirl flow control valve, an intake variable valve that changes the passage length or passage cross-sectional area of the intake passage of the internal combustion engine, or the like. It may be applied. A diesel engine may be used as the internal combustion engine. Further, as the internal combustion engine, not only a multi-cylinder engine but also a single-cylinder engine may be used.

In this embodiment, an intake flow control valve in which a butterfly type valve is directly arranged inside the intake manifold 1 is adopted. However, a cylindrical housing is arranged in the intake manifold 1 and the butterfly type valve is arranged inside the housing. An intake flow control valve in which can be freely opened and closed may be employed. Further, a butterfly valve may be arranged directly inside a duct (other intake duct, engine head cover, or cylinder head).
In this embodiment, a bearing is adopted as a bearing member installed in the bearing hole of the intake manifold 1, but other bearings such as a ball bearing are used as a bearing member installed in the bearing hole of the duct of the intake manifold 1 or the like. A bearing member may be employed.

In the present embodiment, a flat plate having a bent portion 33 in the middle of the first valve plate 5 is used. However, even if a curved plate having a bent portion in the middle of the first valve plate 5 is used, the entire first valve plate 5 is formed in a predetermined manner. It may be a curved plate having a radius of curvature.
In this embodiment, the screw fastening portion 7 of the valve plate 4 of the butterfly valve is placed on the valve fastening surface 22 formed on the valve holding portion 21 of the valve shaft 3, and the valve shaft 3 and the valve plate 4 are fastened by the fastening screw 8. The valve insertion hole that penetrates in the radial direction (diameter direction) is formed in the shaft (rotary shaft) having a circular cross section that is rotatably supported by the duct, and the valve insertion hole is formed in the valve insertion hole. In a state where the valve plate is inserted, the valve plate may be fastened and fixed to the shaft by a fastening member such as a fastening screw or a screw. Further, the valve plate and the shaft may be integrally formed of a metal material or a resin material.

(Example 1) which is sectional drawing which showed the fully-closed state of the intake flow control valve. (Example 1) which is sectional drawing which showed the open state of the intake flow control valve. (Example 2) which is sectional drawing which showed the fully-closed state of the intake flow control valve. It is explanatory drawing which showed the intake device of the internal combustion engine (prior art). It is sectional drawing which showed the fully-closed state of the intake flow control valve (prior art). It is sectional drawing which showed the open state of the intake flow control valve (conventional technique). (A) is sectional drawing which showed the fully closed state of the intake flow control valve, (b) is sectional drawing which showed the fully open state of the intake flow control valve (conventional technique). It is sectional drawing which showed the fully-closed and fully-opened stopper installed in the intake manifold (prior art).

Explanation of symbols

1 Intake manifold (duct)
2 Air flow path of intake manifold (intake passage of internal combustion engine)
3 Valve shaft (rotary shaft) of butterfly type valve
4 Valve plate of butterfly valve 5 First valve plate 6 Second valve plate 7 Screw fastening portion 8 Fastening screw 12 Combustion chamber of engine (internal combustion engine) 32 Valve end surface of first valve plate 33 Bent portion of first valve plate 34 Flat portion of the first valve plate 44 Flat portion of the second valve plate

Claims (8)

(A) a duct forming an air flow path communicating with the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine;
(B) In an intake device for an internal combustion engine having a valve plate that opens and closes an air flow path of the duct, and a butterfly valve that rotates around the shaft, the shaft supporting the valve plate.
The valve plate is divided into two first and second valve plates with the shaft as a boundary,
One first valve plate of the two first and second valve plates is:
When the butterfly valve is fully opened, it is arranged upstream of the other second valve plate of the two first and second valve plates in the air flow direction and flows through the air flow path of the duct. An intake device for an internal combustion engine, wherein the intake device is bent toward a valve opening side in a valve rotation direction with respect to a trajectory line of an air flow. The intake device for an internal combustion engine according to claim 1,
The intake device for an internal combustion engine, wherein the first valve plate is disposed upstream of the shaft in the air flow direction when the butterfly valve is fully opened. The intake device for an internal combustion engine according to claim 2,
The intake device for an internal combustion engine, wherein the first valve plate is bent toward an overturn side in a valve rotation direction from a fully open position of the butterfly valve.   The intake device for an internal combustion engine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second valve plate is located downstream of the shaft in the air flow direction when the butterfly valve is fully opened. An intake device for an internal combustion engine, wherein The intake device for an internal combustion engine according to claim 4,
The intake device for an internal combustion engine, wherein the second valve plate extends in a direction parallel to a trajectory line of an air flow flowing through an air flow path of the duct when the butterfly valve is fully opened.   6. The intake device for an internal combustion engine according to claim 1, wherein the valve plate is a fastening portion fastened to the shaft between the two first and second valve plates. An intake device for an internal combustion engine, comprising: The intake device for an internal combustion engine according to claim 6,
The intake device for an internal combustion engine, wherein the first valve plate has a bent portion provided in the vicinity of the fastening portion, and a flat portion extending straight from the bent portion toward the valve end surface. The intake device for an internal combustion engine according to claim 6 or 7,
The intake device for an internal combustion engine, wherein the second valve plate has a flat portion extending straight from the fastening portion or the vicinity of the fastening portion toward a valve end surface.

Images