WO2001079691A1 - Systeme de commande integree de transmission pour gros moteurs - Google Patents

Systeme de commande integree de transmission pour gros moteurs Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2001079691A1
WO2001079691A1 PCT/US2001/011287 US0111287W WO0179691A1 WO 2001079691 A1 WO2001079691 A1 WO 2001079691A1 US 0111287 W US0111287 W US 0111287W WO 0179691 A1 WO0179691 A1 WO 0179691A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
powertrain
circuit
air
manifold
intake manifold
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2001/011287
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Andrew Zachary Glovatsky
Mark David Miller
Original Assignee
Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. filed Critical Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
Priority to EP01926701A priority Critical patent/EP1183462A4/fr
Priority to US10/009,373 priority patent/US6675755B2/en
Publication of WO2001079691A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001079691A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M35/00—Combustion-air cleaners, air intakes, intake silencers, or induction systems specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines
    • F02M35/10—Air intakes; Induction systems
    • F02M35/10242—Devices or means connected to or integrated into air intakes; Air intakes combined with other engine or vehicle parts
    • F02M35/10288—Air intakes combined with another engine part, e.g. cylinder head cover or being cast in one piece with the exhaust manifold, cylinder head or engine block
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02D41/00—Electrical control of supply of combustible mixture or its constituents
    • F02D41/30—Controlling fuel injection
    • F02D41/3005—Details not otherwise provided for
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M35/00—Combustion-air cleaners, air intakes, intake silencers, or induction systems specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines
    • F02M35/10—Air intakes; Induction systems
    • F02M35/10091—Air intakes; Induction systems characterised by details of intake ducts: shapes; connections; arrangements
    • F02M35/10144—Connections of intake ducts to each other or to another device
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M35/00—Combustion-air cleaners, air intakes, intake silencers, or induction systems specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines
    • F02M35/10—Air intakes; Induction systems
    • F02M35/10209—Fluid connections to the air intake system; their arrangement of pipes, valves or the like
    • F02M35/10222—Exhaust gas recirculation [EGR]; Positive crankcase ventilation [PCV]; Additional air admission, lubricant or fuel vapour admission
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M35/00—Combustion-air cleaners, air intakes, intake silencers, or induction systems specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines
    • F02M35/10—Air intakes; Induction systems
    • F02M35/10242—Devices or means connected to or integrated into air intakes; Air intakes combined with other engine or vehicle parts
    • F02M35/10249—Electrical or electronic devices fixed to the intake system; Electric wiring
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M35/00—Combustion-air cleaners, air intakes, intake silencers, or induction systems specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines
    • F02M35/10—Air intakes; Induction systems
    • F02M35/10242—Devices or means connected to or integrated into air intakes; Air intakes combined with other engine or vehicle parts
    • F02M35/10301—Flexible, resilient, pivotally or movable parts; Membranes
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M35/00—Combustion-air cleaners, air intakes, intake silencers, or induction systems specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines
    • F02M35/10—Air intakes; Induction systems
    • F02M35/10314—Materials for intake systems
    • F02M35/10321—Plastics; Composites; Rubbers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M35/00—Combustion-air cleaners, air intakes, intake silencers, or induction systems specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines
    • F02M35/10—Air intakes; Induction systems
    • F02M35/1034—Manufacturing and assembling intake systems
    • F02M35/10347—Moulding, casting or the like
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M35/00—Combustion-air cleaners, air intakes, intake silencers, or induction systems specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines
    • F02M35/10—Air intakes; Induction systems
    • F02M35/104—Intake manifolds
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02D2400/00—Control systems adapted for specific engine types; Special features of engine control systems not otherwise provided for; Power supply, connectors or cabling for engine control systems
    • F02D2400/18—Packaging of the electronic circuit in a casing
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05C—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO MATERIALS, MATERIAL PROPERTIES OR MATERIAL CHARACTERISTICS FOR MACHINES, ENGINES OR PUMPS OTHER THAN NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES OR ENGINES
    • F05C2225/00—Synthetic polymers, e.g. plastics; Rubber
    • F05C2225/08—Thermoplastics
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
    • H05K1/00—Printed circuits
    • H05K1/02—Details
    • H05K1/11—Printed elements for providing electric connections to or between printed circuits
    • H05K1/118—Printed elements for providing electric connections to or between printed circuits specially for flexible printed circuits, e.g. using folded portions
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
    • H05K1/00—Printed circuits
    • H05K1/18—Printed circuits structurally associated with non-printed electric components
    • H05K1/189—Printed circuits structurally associated with non-printed electric components characterised by the use of a flexible or folded printed circuit
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
    • H05K3/00—Apparatus or processes for manufacturing printed circuits
    • H05K3/0058—Laminating printed circuit boards onto other substrates, e.g. metallic substrates

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to vehicle powertrains having integrated powertrain control systems mounted on the powertrain.
  • engines such as internal combustion engines, have an air intake manifold for drawing in air from outside the engine and directing the air into each engine cylinder.
  • the outside air flows in through an air intake duct and into a central air chamber, from which it is then directed into individual runners or channels and into each individual engine cylinder where combustion takes place.
  • combustion is facilitated by activating a spark from a spark plug within the cylinder of a gasoline engine or by activation of a glow plug within the cylinder of a diesel engine.
  • Such activation is generally accomplished by supplying either post or continuous electrical signals or power feeds to the spark plug or glow plug.
  • These signals or power feeds in turn typically come from either a central distributor, or from individual ignition coils at each cylinder.
  • EFI electronic fuel injector
  • the present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art approaches by providing an system for controlling the operation of a vehicle powertrain.
  • the system has a powertrain circuit for receiving powertrain a plurality of operating signals, processing the operating signals, and outputting a plurality of powertrain control signals for controlling the vehicle powertrain, and an air-intake manifold fixable to an engine of the vehicle powertrain and adapted to receive the powertrain control circuit.
  • the powertrain circuit is a flatwire flexible circuit.
  • the flatwire flexible circuit includes a flatwire lead for electrically coupling the powertrain circuit to an external device or circuit.
  • a housing for securing the powertrain circuit thereto and providing environmental protection thereof is provided.
  • the housing is substantially disposed within an interior of the manifold and in an air stream flowing through the manifold for convectively cooling the powertrain circuit.
  • the powertrain circuit is adhesively bonded to the housing with a thermally conductive adhesive.
  • the air-intake manifold includes a shelf for supporting the housing within an interior of the manifold.
  • the air-intake manifold includes at least two rails for supporting the housing within an interior of the manifold.
  • the housing includes an electrical connector affixed to the housing for electrically coupling the powertrain circuit to a circuit or device external of the housing.
  • the powertrain circuit includes a processor for processing powertrain control logic for controlling powertrain operation.
  • the air-intake manifold includes a heat sink fixed to the air-intake manifold for increasing thermal cooling of the powertrain circuit.
  • An air-intake manifold fixable to an engine of a vehicle powertrain for directing intake air into the engine is provided.
  • the manifold includes a powertrain circuit for receiving a plurality of powertrain operating signals, processing the operating signals, and outputting a plurality of powertrain control signals for controlling the vehicle powertrain.
  • Figures 1-2 are top and perspective views, respectively, of an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 3 is a top view of an arm portion and terminations according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figures 4a-c are top views of three possible configurations of an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGS 5-7 are top views of another embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 8 is a sectional side view of yet another embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figures 9a-c are perspective views of an intake manifold having an integrated powertrain control circuitry attached thereto, in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figures 10a-b are a side and perspective views of an intake manifold having an integrated powertrain control module housed therein, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
  • Figure 11a is a cross-sectional view through the powertrain integrated module circuitry of the intake manifold, in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 11b is a magnified view of the cross-sectional view of Figure
  • Figure 12a-b are end views the module opening/cavity of the intake manifold, in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 13a-c are various cross-sectional views through the module opening/cavity of the intake manifold as indicated in Figures 12a-b and 13a, in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIGS. 1-2 show an embodiment 100 of the present invention, namely a flex circuit for routing electrical signals in an internal combustion engine (not shown) having a plurality of cylinders and an intake manifold 50.
  • This embodiment includes: (1) a flex circuit substrate 102 having a body portion 104 and at least n arm portions 106 extending outward from the body portion, wherein the body portion generally conforms in shape with a top surface 52 of the intake manifold 50, and wherein each arm portion is arranged in general proximity with a respective cylinder; (2) a plurality of conductive circuit traces 108 arranged proximate (i.e., on or beneath/within) at least one surface of the body portion 104 and of each arm portion; and (3) at least one input/output connector 110 for connection to at least one of an external signal source, an external power source, an external signal destination, and an external power destination (collectively designated by reference numeral 70), wherein each input/output connector 110 is attached to the substrate 102 and is electrically connected to at least one of the circuit traces 108.
  • each circuit trace carried by each arm portion 106 terminates in a termination 108t capable of electrical connection with at least one electrical engine element 90, such as an ignition coil, an electronic fuel injector, a spark plug, and/or a glow plug.
  • the substrate 102 is preferably a substantially flexible substrate, such as a film, sheet, or lamination of polyetherimide, polyester, or other materials used to make flex circuits.
  • the substrate 102 may comprise one or more metal foils or sheets with one or more layers of insulative, conductive, and/or dielectric material selectively applied thereto (e.g., by lamination, etching, or other additive or subtractive processes).
  • the body portion 104 may alternatively include at least one rigid substrate portion 118 (e.g., an FR-4 daughter board) operably connected to the remaining flexible body portion and/or arm portions.
  • the entire body portion 104 may comprise a rigid substrate, to which flexible substrate arm portions 106 are operably attached.
  • the substrate 102 may include a plurality of electronic components 114 operably attached to the circuit traces 108 thereon.
  • These components 114 are preferably surface mount components, such as integrated circuit (IC) chips, leadless chip components (LCCs) such as resistors and capacitors, power devices, interconnect devices, microprocessors and the like. It is possible to take components from otherwise separate electronic control modules-including but not limited to engine control modules, mass air flow sensor modules, anti-lock brake control modules, speed control modules, throttle control modules, fuse box modules, exhaust gas return (EGR) valve control modules, engine temperature sensor control modules and integrate the components onto the flex substrate 102 of the present embodiment.
  • EGR exhaust gas return
  • the present invention provides a system and method for controlling the operation of a powertrain wherein the powertrain control electronics (PCE) are packaged integral with the powertrain or, more specifically, within the air intake manifold of the engine.
  • PCE powertrain control electronics
  • the substrate 102 may further include a hole 116 in the body portion
  • Each arm portion 106 may include a rigid substrate member 120 on an end thereof, wherein the termination of each circuit trace 108 on each arm portion 106 is disposed on the rigid substrate member 120, as illustrated in FIG. 5.
  • each circuit trace termination 108t on each arm portion 106 may comprise a male plug connector 122m, a female socket connector 122f, or a generally flat contact pad 122cp. These plug connectors 122m/122f may optionally be attached to or made integral with the rigid substrate member 120 on the end of each arm portion 106.
  • the conductive circuit traces 108 may be similar to those found on conventional rigid PCBs and flex circuits, such as the metallizations or paths of copper or conductive ink applied to one or both planar sides of such substrates.
  • the traces 108 may also comprise wires or other electrical conductors applied to a surface of the substrate 102, or which are embedded, molded, or otherwise placed beneath a surface of the substrate (i.e., within the substrate).
  • the input/output (i/O) connector 110 is used to connect one or more substrate circuit trace(s) 108 (typically multiple traces) to one or more external electrical elements 70. From the perspective of current flow within the engine's electrical system, these external elements 70 may each be an "upstream” source or a "downstream” destination (or both) with respect to the i/O connector 110.
  • the electrical flow to or from each of these external elements to which the i/O connector is connected may be generally designated as "signal" strength (e.g., milliamps, millivolts) or "power” strength (e.g., 1+amps, 1+volts).
  • an external "power source” might be a 12-volt battery
  • a “power destination” might be a solenoid requiring several amps/volts to actuate
  • a “signal source” might be a 150-millivolt output from a microprocessor
  • a “signal destination” might be a 150-millivolt input to the same microprocessor.
  • the present embodiment may also include a cover 112 capable of covering substantially all of the body portion 104 and at least part of each arm portion 106, as shown in FIG. 2.
  • This cover 112 may be made out of plastic, metal, fiberglass, and the like (or combinations thereof), may be removably attachable to the intake manifold 50, and serves as a protective covering for the underlying substrate, traces, etc.
  • the cover 112 may include a generally sealable hole therein through which the top portion of the manifold or an end portion of the air intake duct may extend.
  • the present embodiment 100 may be used to replace the wires, cables, harnesses, support frame(s), powertrain control circuits and other related elements used in conventional powertrain control systems for routing and distributing electrical signals to control the engine's ignition coils, EFIs, spark plugs, glow plugs, and/or other electrical engine elements 90, as well as, the vehicle's transmission, thus reducing cost, space, weight, and complexity for the overall engine system.
  • the electronic components from one or more engine control modules as described above, further reductions can be realized.
  • the savings and reductions made possible by the present invention relate not only to the initial manufacturing and assembly of the powertrain system, but also to the maintenance and service life of the powertrain system as well.
  • the flex circuit 100 might contain electronic components (including microprocessors and other integral circuits) and interconnections such that the flex circuit 100 may (1) take in signal and power from various external sources via the i/O connector 110, (2) process and/or re-route the signal/power within the flex circuit itself, and then (3) send out signal/power feeds through both the i/O connector 110 and the arm portion circuit traces to various external signal/power destinations (e.g., solenoid inputs, electric motor contacts, spark plugs, ignition coils, glow plugs, EFIs, etc.) to control the operation of the powertrain.
  • various external signal/power destinations e.g., solenoid inputs, electric motor contacts, spark plugs, ignition coils, glow plugs, EFIs, etc.
  • the substrate 102 may have exactly four arm portions 106 (i.e., one for each cylinder) wherein the circuit traces (not shown) on or within each arm portion 106 have terminations capable of electrical connection with an ignition coil, an EFI, a spark plug, and/or a glow plug associated with the respective cylinder of each arm portion 106.
  • each arm portion 106 may generally conform in shape with a top runner surface 54 associated with the respective cylinder; the arm portions may then be laid atop (and optionally attached to) their respective runners and covered with a cover 112 corresponding in overall shape with the body and arm portions 104/106 as laid out atop the manifold 52 and runners 54.
  • the substrate 102 may have exactly four arm portions 106 with each arm dividing further into first and second branches 1067106".
  • circuit traces (not shown) on or within each first branch 106' have terminations (e.g., male plug connectors or female socket connectors) capable of electrical connection with an ignition coil
  • circuit traces on or within each second branch 106" have terminations capable of electrical connection with an EFI.
  • the substrate 102 has 2n arm portions 106, wherein circuit traces proximate each arm portion 106 have terminations electrically connectable with one of an ignition coil, an EFI, a spark plug, and a glow plug.
  • Many other configurations are also possible within the scope of the present invention.
  • the flex circuit substrate 102 may be draped and optionally attached onto the top surface 52 of the manifold 50, and a cover 112 as described above may then be placed over the flex circuit 102 and attached to the manifold 50.
  • a cover 112 as described above may then be placed over the flex circuit 102 and attached to the manifold 50.
  • Another embodiment of the present invention relates to an intake manifold cover 200 for routing electrical signals for controlling a powertrain, wherein the powertrain has an internal combustion engine 30 having n cylinders and an intake manifold 50, as shown in FIGS. 5-7.
  • This embodiment includes: (1) a generally rigid housing 230 generally conforming in shape with and being removably attachable to a top surface 52 of the intake manifold 50 (as shown in figure 2); (2) at least n carrier members 240 attached to the housing 230 and extending outward therefrom, wherein each carrier member is arranged in general proximity with a respective cylinder; (3) a plurality of conductive circuit traces 208 arranged on or beneath a surface 232 of the housing 230 and on or within each carrier member 240; and (4) at least one input/output connector 210 for connection to at least one of an external signal source, an external power source, an external signal destination, and an external power destination (designated collectively by reference numeral 70), wherein each input/output connector 210 is attached to the housing 230 and is electrically connected to at least one of the circuit traces 208.
  • each circuit trace 208 carried by each carrier member 240 terminates in a termination 208t capable of electrical connection with at least one electrical engine element 90, such as an ignition coil, an EFI, a spark plug, and/or a glow plug.
  • an electrical engine element 90 such as an ignition coil, an EFI, a spark plug, and/or a glow plug.
  • Embodiment 200 combines many of the features of flex substrate 102 and cover 112 of embodiment 100, but is not a mere combination of these two elements.
  • the first embodiment 100 includes a flex circuit substrate 102
  • the present embodiment 200 does not necessarily include a flex substrate.
  • the traces 208 (and electronic components 214 such as integrated circuits and microprocessors operably connected thereto) of the present embodiment 200 may be directly connected to a surface 232 (preferably an underside surface) of the housing 230, thereby eliminating the need for a flex substrate.
  • a flex substrate (and/or even a rigid substrate or substrate portion) may be included if desired; for example, the traces 208 and electronic components 214 may be attached to a flex circuit substrate, with this substrate then being attached to the underside or other surface 232 of the housing 230, or a flex circuit substrate may first be attached to the underside or other surface 232 and then the traces/components 208/214 attached thereto.
  • the generally rigid housing 230 may be (and preferably is) somewhat flexible. It is described as being “generally” rigid in that it should be able to generally maintain its shape when being handled (e.g., during manufacture and installation), but should have some inherent flexibility, as is the case with most thermoformed plastic parts, for example.
  • each carrier member 240 may be an electrically insulative flexible substrate which carries the one or more circuit traces 208 thereon or therein.
  • the flex substrate material in this case may be a flexible elastomer, such as silicone, or may be made of polyester, polyetherimide, or other suitable materials.
  • These carrier members 240 may be attached to a lateral edge and/or to an underside or other surface of the housing 230 by adhesives, mechanical fasteners, in-molding, etc., and serve to carry signal/power between at least the i/O connector 210 and an electrical engine element 90 such as an ignition coil, EFI, spark plug, and/or glow plug.
  • each carrier member 240 may serve to carry signals/power from the i/O 210 and/or optional electronics 214 to an ignition coil and/or an EFI associated with the carrier member's respective cylinder.
  • the housing 230 may comprise a body portion 230b and at least n arm portions 230a extending outward from the body portion, wherein the body portion generally conforms in shape with top surface 52 of manifold 50, and wherein each arm portion 230a is arranged in general proximity with a respective cylinder, as shown on the left-hand side of the cover shown in FIG. 6.
  • the housing 230 may comprise a body portion 230b as just described and at least one shroud portion 230s extending outward from the body portion on one or both lateral edges of the body portion, as shown on the right-hand side of the cover shown in FIG. 6.
  • the arm portions/shroud portions 230a/230s are preferably made integral with the body portion 230s, thus constituting a single piece which can be easily molded.
  • each carrier member 240 is preferably attached to a corresponding arm portion 230a or shroud portion 230s, but may alternatively be attached to the body portion 230b.
  • each carrier member 240 and/or (if provided) each arm portion 230a may be constructed so as to generally conform to each respective cylinder thereof.
  • the features of both may be combined to comprise a configuration wherein each carrier member 240 is an outwardly extending integral arm portion of the housing 230.
  • each arm or shroud portion 230a/230s would both extend outward from the body portion 230b and serve as a carrier for the circuit traces 208 associated with the arm portion and respective cylinder, as illustrated in FIG. 7.
  • an intake manifold cover 302 is illustrated in FIG.
  • a generally rigid housing 330 generally conforming in shape with and being removably attachable to top surface 52 of intake manifold 50, the housing 330 extending generally over each cylinder; (2) a plurality of conductive circuit traces 308 arranged on or within an underside or other surface of the housing and extending in general proximity with each cylinder; (3) at least one input/output connector for connection to at least one of an external signal source, an external power source, an external signal destination, and an external power destination, wherein each input/output connector is attached to housing 330 and is electrically connected to at least one of the circuit traces 308; and (4) at least n electrical connectors 350 in-molded in housing 330, wherein each connector 350 is connected with at least one of the circuit traces 308 and is disposed within housing 330 so as to be directly connectable with an electrical engine element, such as an electronic fuel injector 94, when housing 330 is attached to intake manifold 50.
  • the housing portion(s) which extend over each cylinder may comprise integral arm or shrou
  • intake manifold cover 302 may further comprise at least one fuel rail 360 integral with the housing 330, wherein each fuel rail is directly and sealably connectable with at least one electronic fuel injector 94 so as to provide sealable fluid communication between the fuel rail and each EFI connectable thereto.
  • the cover 330 is made of molded plastic and includes either one fuel rail 360 for slant-type or in-line engines or two fuel rails 360 for V-type engines.
  • the fuel rail(s) 360 may be conventional metal fuel rails that are insert molded into the housing 330, or (as shown in FIG. 8) may be metallized or non-metallized channels formed within the housing 330 by lost-core or other molding processes.
  • Manifold cover 302 of the present embodiment may include n electrical connectors 350 disposed within the housing 330.
  • Each connector 350 is directly connectable with a mating electrical connector portion 94c of an associated electronic fuel injector 94 when the housing 330 is placed atop and attached to the intake manifold 50, for example.
  • At least a subset of the circuit traces 308 may be in-molded within the housing 330 and may comprise a metal stamping, a flex circuit, or a network of wires within the housing. Preferably this subset of traces are each operably connected with the at least n electrical connectors 350.
  • the cover 300 may be fitted over and attached to the manifold 50 with the aforementioned electrical connectors 350 fitting directly over their respective electrical engine elements 90.
  • a cover may have connectors 350 in-molded therein which may simultaneously mate directly with the mating electrical connector portions of n ignition coils and n fuel injectors when the cover is lowered onto and attached to the manifold 50, without requiring additional steps or interconnecting components (e.g., wire harnesses or cables) for connecting the coils and EFIs with their power/signal sources.
  • Adding the fuel rails 360 as described above further reduces complexity and installation effort.
  • a flat wire substrate 400 having a plurality of discrete and integrated circuit components (not shown) mounted thereon for controlling the operation of a powertrain is shown mounted to a portion of an air intake manifold 402.
  • air intake manifold 402 includes an air filter housing 404, a throttle body 406, and coils on plugs 408.
  • outside air is drawn into intake tube 410 and is filtered by an air filter (not shown) contained within air filter housing 404 and directed into intake manifold 402 via air ducts and passages (not shown) and through throttle body 406 for supplying the engine with the appropriate air fuel mixture.
  • Substrate 400 operatively includes control circuitry for controlling the operation of a vehicle's powertrain.
  • Control circuitry may include discrete electrical components, integrated circuits, microprocessors and logic devices. Further, control logic may be implemented in substrate 400 using the aforementioned discrete components and/or software programming code.
  • Flatwire substrate 400 is bonded to a top surface 403 of manifold 402 using an adhesive or similar attachment means including screws and/or rivets.
  • a plurality of flat wire leads 401 extend from substrate 400 to electrically couple and carry electrical signals to and from electrical devices and/or sensors, such as injectors, coils and mass air-flow sensors.
  • Manifold 402' is illustrated. Integrated manifold 402' has a lower manifold portion 462 and upper manifold portion 464 which are joined along a weld-line 440. Manifold 402' has a flatwire flexible substrate 400' contained within a recess 420. Recess 420 improves the overall packageability of manifold 402' within a vehicle's engine compartment. As in previous embodiments, substrate 400' includes a plurality of flatwire leads 401' for operatively interfacing substrate 400' with the electrical devices and sensors for carrying out powertrain control.
  • a heatsink 422 is disposed within recess 420 for contacting a bottom surface of substrate 400' for thermally dissipating and cooling substrate 400'.
  • Heatsink 422 is preferably made from a highly thermally conductive metal for improved heat dissipation of substrate 400'.
  • PCM 430 includes a flatwire flexible substrate 484 (shown in Figure 11 b) having electronics for processing engine operating signals and outputting powertrain control signals to control the operation of the powertrain.
  • PCM 430 communicates with various sensors and engine sub-systems using flexible takeouts or leads 432 having connectors 434.
  • the flexible takeouts or leads 432 may be integral to the flexible substrate 484 or the takeouts may be soldered to the substrate.
  • PCM 430 is housed within the interior of intake manifold 402, preferably, in the path of flowing intake air. This configuration provides maximum cooling and environmental protection for PCM 430.
  • FIG 10b a perspective view of air intake manifold
  • FIG. 402" is illustrated having an alternate housing cavity 436, in accordance with the present invention.
  • PCM 430 may be housed in various locations within intake manifold 402".
  • housing cavity 436 is provided along weld-line 440 for ease of manufacturing.
  • Figure 11a is a cross-sectional view an through intake manifold 402"
  • cavity 436 is defined by internal support rails 460 which may be integral with lower manifold portion 462 and upper manifold portion 464.
  • interior support rail 460 may be separate plastic or metal pieces which are affixed to the interior portions of intake manifold 402" for supporting PCM 430.
  • support rails 460 are configured to hold and support PCM 430 while allowing air to flow over and through the rails and around PCM 430 to maximize convective cooling of the electronics housed within module 430.
  • PCM 430 is shown having a connector 470 for electrically coupling the electronics housed within PCM 430 to flexible circuit takeouts 472 which are routed along the exterior of intake manifold 402".
  • Connector 470 includes a water-tight seal or gasket 474 for providing an environmental seal between connector 470 and an exterior surface 476 of intake manifold 402".
  • connector 470 mounted to PCM module 430 may be attached to and sealingly matted with intake manifold 402" using conventional screws 480 or other known attachment schemes.
  • connector 470 includes a plurality of connector pins or electrical traces or features 482 for interconnecting flexible substrate 484 contained within PCM 430 with external circuits and systems.
  • interconnect feature 486 may be provided to electrically couple substrate 484 to selected circuits or takeouts 472 which are exterior to PCM 430 and or routed along an exterior of manifold 402".
  • substrate 484 is preferably bonded to PCM module 430 using a thermal adhesive 490.
  • Flatwire takeouts 472 may for example, run to connectors on the bottom of manifold 402" and interconnect with an in molded lead frame (not shown) in lower manifold portion 462.
  • Figure 12a is an end view of integrated intake manifold 402" illustrating an opening 492 of cavity 436.
  • the support shelves for constraining PCM 430 are an upper shelf 494 and a lower shelf 496.
  • the support shelves 494 and 496 may be integrally molded with the manifold housing, or can be separate pieces (made from plastic, metal, etc.) that are attached to the housing or in-molded therein.
  • Figure 12b is an end view of integrated intake manifold 402" illustrating an opening 492 of cavity 436.
  • the support rails 500 for constraining PCM 430 include a pair of upper rails 502 and a pair of lower rails 504.
  • the support rails 500 may be integrally molded with the manifold housing, or can be separate pieces (made from plastic, metal, etc.) that are attached to the housing or in-molded therein.
  • FIG 13a a cross-sectional view of manifold 402 as indicated in Figure 12b as view bb is illustrated.
  • support shelves or rails are attached to an inner manifold wall 510 during manifold assembly. Air flows through and over shelves/rails and PCM 430, as indicated by arrows c, to provide sufficient cooling of the PCM.
  • Figure 13b shows only an upper shelf 494, however, lower shelf 496 of the same configuration would be disposed directly below the upper shelf.
  • Upper shelf 494 includes a plurality of apertures 602 for allowing air to flow therethrough.
  • Edge A of upper shelf may optionally extend to and become integral with edge B of manifold 402".
  • edges C may optionally extend to and become integral with edges D of manifold 402".
  • upper rails 502 are provided for supporting PCM 430 and are integrally attached or in-molded in manifold 402".
  • a set of lower rails 504 would also be provided below upper rails 502 for further supporting module 430.
  • Upper and lower rail configurations provide large air passages 610 for allowing air to flow therethrough.
  • V-type engines are shown in the drawings, the present invention also relates to slant-type engines, in-line engines, rotary engines, etc. It should also be understood that the present invention relates to both gasoline and diesel internal combustion engines, as well as to hybrid electric/internal combustion engines.
  • the present invention applies to engines using spark plugs, glow plugs, or compression- ignition-only; to those having carburetors, EFIs, or other related systems; and to those having central distributors, coil-on-piug, and other related spark activation systems.
  • arm portions, shroud portions, and carrier members have been described above as being connected to or integral with a cover, housing, or body portion, it is within the scope of the present invention that the arm portions, shroud portions, and carrier members may be removably connectable with their associated cover, housing, or body portion, such as by using mating male/female electrical connectors.
  • the housing or cover may include louvers, vanes, and the like for directing some amount of air from the air intake duct across the circuit traces and optional electronic components, so as to assist in cooling these elements during operation.
  • arm portions and carrier members have variously been described as being connected to ignition coils, EFIs, spark plugs, and glow plugs, it is contemplated that other electrical engine elements may be used instead of or in addition to these four highlighted elements, such as engine sensors, climate sensors, solenoids, switches, etc., whether sending or receiving signals to or from the present invention. Additionally, it should be understood that the use of the word "signal" as variously used herein may encompass both relatively low voltage/low amperage triggering signals and relatively high voltage/high amperage power feeds, whether sent/received in intermittent pulses or in continuous non-pulsed form.
  • the present invention further includes a flex circuit similar to the above described embodiments, but which has no arm portions, or less than n arm portions, and which may not necessarily include any element which is generally proximate to or related with any engine cylinder. It is the following claims, including all equivalents, which define the scope of the present invention.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Combined Controls Of Internal Combustion Engines (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système (100) de commande de la transmission d'un véhicule. Le système comprend un circuit de transmission (102) destiné à recevoir une pluralité de signaux d'exploitation de la transmission, à traiter les signaux d'exploitation afin de commander la transmission du véhicule, ainsi qu'un collecteur d'admission (50) d'air pouvant être fixé sur un moteur d'une transmission de véhicule et adapté pour recevoir le circuit de commande de transmission. La présente invention concerne également une transmission de véhicule autonome pouvant être essayée avant installation dans un véhicule automobile.
PCT/US2001/011287 2000-04-06 2001-04-06 Systeme de commande integree de transmission pour gros moteurs WO2001079691A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP01926701A EP1183462A4 (fr) 2000-04-06 2001-04-06 Systeme de commande integree de transmission pour gros moteurs
US10/009,373 US6675755B2 (en) 2000-04-06 2001-04-06 Integrated powertrain control system for large engines

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US19507700P 2000-04-06 2000-04-06
US60/195,077 2000-04-06

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2001079691A1 true WO2001079691A1 (fr) 2001-10-25

Family

ID=22719966

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2001/011287 WO2001079691A1 (fr) 2000-04-06 2001-04-06 Systeme de commande integree de transmission pour gros moteurs

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1183462A4 (fr)
WO (1) WO2001079691A1 (fr)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1211410A2 (fr) * 2000-12-04 2002-06-05 Autonetworks Technologies, Ltd. Module d'injecteur et module de dispositif à bobine d'allumage
WO2003070539A1 (fr) * 2002-02-21 2003-08-28 Autoliv Development Ab Volant de vehicule a systeme electronique en film integre
US6675755B2 (en) 2000-04-06 2004-01-13 Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. Integrated powertrain control system for large engines
EP1394401A2 (fr) * 2002-09-02 2004-03-03 Denso Corporation Module d'admission d'air pour moteurs à combustion interne
WO2008040626A1 (fr) * 2006-10-05 2008-04-10 Continental Automotive Gmbh Système comportant un élément de base et au moins un premier support de tracé conducteur souple et un deuxième support de tracé conducteur souple
EP1956874B1 (fr) * 2007-02-08 2017-11-01 Grupo Antolin-Ingenieria, S.A. Système de câblage avec des composants électroniques intégrés

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5203292A (en) * 1991-07-02 1993-04-20 Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Wiring arrangement for electric parts of an outboard motor
US5353758A (en) * 1991-06-21 1994-10-11 Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Wiring arrangement for outboard motor
US5477819A (en) * 1994-01-25 1995-12-26 Filterwerk Mann & Hummel Gmbh Integrated air intake system
US6186106B1 (en) * 1997-12-29 2001-02-13 Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. Apparatus for routing electrical signals in an engine

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP3121848B2 (ja) * 1991-01-28 2001-01-09 三信工業株式会社 電子部品ユニットの船外機用エンジンへの取付構造
JPH0783132A (ja) * 1993-09-17 1995-03-28 Hitachi Ltd 内燃機関の吸気装置
DE4430324C1 (de) * 1994-08-26 1996-10-10 Vdo Schindling Saugrohr
JPH10274111A (ja) * 1997-03-28 1998-10-13 Denso Corp 吸気装置およびその組付け方法

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5353758A (en) * 1991-06-21 1994-10-11 Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Wiring arrangement for outboard motor
US5203292A (en) * 1991-07-02 1993-04-20 Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Wiring arrangement for electric parts of an outboard motor
US5477819A (en) * 1994-01-25 1995-12-26 Filterwerk Mann & Hummel Gmbh Integrated air intake system
US6186106B1 (en) * 1997-12-29 2001-02-13 Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. Apparatus for routing electrical signals in an engine

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See also references of EP1183462A4 *

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6675755B2 (en) 2000-04-06 2004-01-13 Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. Integrated powertrain control system for large engines
EP1211410A2 (fr) * 2000-12-04 2002-06-05 Autonetworks Technologies, Ltd. Module d'injecteur et module de dispositif à bobine d'allumage
EP1211410A3 (fr) * 2000-12-04 2005-02-23 Autonetworks Technologies, Ltd. Module d'injecteur et module de dispositif à bobine d'allumage
WO2003070539A1 (fr) * 2002-02-21 2003-08-28 Autoliv Development Ab Volant de vehicule a systeme electronique en film integre
EP1394401A2 (fr) * 2002-09-02 2004-03-03 Denso Corporation Module d'admission d'air pour moteurs à combustion interne
EP1394401A3 (fr) * 2002-09-02 2004-12-22 Denso Corporation Module d'admission d'air pour moteurs à combustion interne
EP1722094A2 (fr) * 2002-09-02 2006-11-15 Denso Corporation Module d'admission d'air pour moteurs à combustion interne
EP1722094A3 (fr) * 2002-09-02 2010-11-03 Denso Corporation Module d'admission d'air pour moteurs à combustion interne
EP2253829A1 (fr) * 2002-09-02 2010-11-24 Denso Corporation Module d'admission d'air pour moteurs à combustion interne
WO2008040626A1 (fr) * 2006-10-05 2008-04-10 Continental Automotive Gmbh Système comportant un élément de base et au moins un premier support de tracé conducteur souple et un deuxième support de tracé conducteur souple
EP1956874B1 (fr) * 2007-02-08 2017-11-01 Grupo Antolin-Ingenieria, S.A. Système de câblage avec des composants électroniques intégrés

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1183462A1 (fr) 2002-03-06
EP1183462A4 (fr) 2002-09-11

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6279527B1 (en) Apparatus for routing electrical signals in an engine
US6675755B2 (en) Integrated powertrain control system for large engines
US6925980B2 (en) Integrated powertrain control system for large engines
US6404628B1 (en) Integrated power electronics cooling housing
US6313991B1 (en) Power electronics system with fully-integrated cooling
US6577025B2 (en) Electrical wiring system for the drive unit in vehicles
EP0897350B2 (fr) Dispositif et procede pour assembler les composants structurels et electroniques d'un tableau de bord de vehicule
US6547572B1 (en) Integrated and flexible power distribution assembly
US20040027767A1 (en) Electrical control unit
US9212642B2 (en) Fuel rail-cooled engine control system
EP0978645A2 (fr) Ensemble de module de commande électronique utilisant l'air passant par le corps de papillon comme réfrigérant
WO1999034112A2 (fr) Appareil pour acheminer des signaux electriques dans un moteur
JPH07293269A (ja) 自動車の電気回路装置
US6892699B2 (en) Throttle body and air intake equipment for internal combustion engine
US6408811B1 (en) Vehicle engine components providing integral interconnect circuitry system
WO2001079691A1 (fr) Systeme de commande integree de transmission pour gros moteurs
US20030062008A1 (en) Camshaft adjustment device for an internal combustion engine
GB2352092A (en) Cooling motor vehicle control modules.
US6259184B1 (en) Load shifting device
US20010045206A1 (en) Air/fuel module with integrated components and electronics
US20030140897A1 (en) Integrated fuel delivery and electronic powertrain control module and method of manufacture
US6807060B2 (en) Underhood electronic integration
US7070229B2 (en) Underhood electronic interior integration
US7372176B2 (en) Bulkhead flatwire integration units
JP2002057473A (ja) 車両用電子制御ユニットの取付構造

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): JP US

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE TR

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 10009373

Country of ref document: US

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2001926701

Country of ref document: EP

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
WWP Wipo information: published in national office

Ref document number: 2001926701

Country of ref document: EP

WWW Wipo information: withdrawn in national office

Ref document number: 2001926701

Country of ref document: EP

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: JP