Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
~1687~8
INTARE MODULE FOR AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE
Background of the Invention
The invention relates to an air induction module or
intake module, especially for internal combustion engines
with at least one air intake duct.
An intake module of this general type is known, for
example, from German Patent Application No. DE 4,032,250.
If it is desired to use induction modules of this kind
in passenger automobiles, for example, it is disadvantageous
that throughout the entire working cycle they have a rotary
valve in the flow cross section, which causes flow losses.
It is also disadvantageous that tolerance problems occur due
to the required overall length of the rotary valve.
It is possible to make the entire component from cast
metal. This, however, is for one thing expensive to
manufacture. For another thing it would increase the
weight.
It would be desirable to have an improved intake module
- of the foregoing kind which is inexpensive and easy to
manufacture, easy to install and reliable in operation.
Summary of the Invention
It is the aspect of the invention to provide an intake
module which comparatively alleviates the problems of the
prior art.
It is also an aspect of the invention to provide an
intake module which is inexpensive to manufacture, easy to
install, and reliable in operation.
` 216~798
Another aspect of the invention is to provide an intake
module which minimizes flow losses and tolerance problems
due to the presence of a rotary valve.
These and other aspects of the invention are achieved
by providing an intake module for an internal combustion
engine comprising at least one intake duct, wherein the
intake duct is provided with at least two induction tube
openings; at least one induction tube opening of the intake
duct having an invariable cross section leading to the
internal combustion engine, and at least one other induction
tube opening of the same intake duct being connected to the
internal combustion engine via a rotary valve.
In accordance with the present invention, the induction
section of the intake module has at least two induction tube
openings, and at least one induction tube opening of the
induction section leading through an invariable or
unchangeable cross section into the internal combustion
engine, and at least one other induction tube opening of the
same induction section being connected by a rotary valve to
the internal combustion engine.
Under operating conditions in which only part of the
induction tube cross section is needed, there is no
additional part to interfere with the flow resistance, and
this promotes reduced fuel consumption. Under operating
conditions in which an expanded cross section is necessary,
the cross-sectional arèa is optimally adjusted by means of
the rotary valve.
One advantageous embodiment provides for the rotary
valve to be disposed in the flange of the intake module.
This arrangement facilitates assembly as well as maintenance
of the rotary varlve units. Also, this embodiment makes it
possible to use various material combinations between the
cylinder head, the flange and the rotary valve.
In accordance with the invention it is also
advantageously possible for the rotary valve to be
symmetrical about its longitudinal axis. This symmetrical
216~7~8
configuration results in advantages both with respect to
manufacture and to the operation of the rotary valve.
Another advantageous embodiment provides for the rotary
valve to be mounted floatingly. With regard to the matter
of installation tolerances, and to the generation and
transmission of noise, this embodiment results in clear
advantages.
An advantageous embodiment is achieved if the rotary
valve and/or the air intake module is composed of a plastic
(i.e, synthetic resin) material. Decided weight and cost
advantages are obtained by manufacture from a plastic.
These and other features of preferred embodiments of
the invention, in addition to being set forth in the claims,
are also disclosed in the specification and/or the drawings,
and the individual features each may be implemented in
embodiments of the invention either individually or in the
form of subcombinations of two or more features and can be
applied to other fields of use and may constitute
advantageous, separately protectable constructions for which
protection is also claimed.
Brief Description of the Drawings
The invention will be described in further detail
hereinafter with reference to illustrative preferred
embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a top plan view of an intake module
according to the invention;
Figure 2 is a section taken along the line A - A of
Figure l;
30Figure 3 is a sectional view through the rotary valve
hous ing;
Figure 4 is a top view seen in the direction of arrow
X in Figure 2;
Figure 5 shows an embodiment in which a rotary valve is
mounted in a floating manner; and
, , 21687i~8
Figure 6 shows an embodiment in which a rotary valve is
mounted spherically.
Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments
The intake module, as shown in Figure 1, comprises
induction tube 1, flange 2 and vacuum box 3. The
integration of the rotary valve 4 is illustrated in section
both in Figure 2 and in Figure 3 in the position in which it
is installed in flange 2. The operation of rotary valve 4
may be actuated and controlled either electromagnetically,
hydraulically or by means of a vacuum control unit. In a
preferred embodiment, the operation of at least rotary
valves is controlled by means of coupled push rods and pull
rods.
The symmetry of the valve with respect to its
longitudinal axis is particularly visible in Figure 3. The
rotary valve 4 regulates only the flow cross section of one
of the two induction tube openings 5, so that the other
induction tube opening 6 can advance the combustion mixture
without anything that increases resistance to flow.
The separation of the corresponding induction tube
openings 5 and 6 in the flange area can be seen in Figure 3.
This separation of the openings as well as the required
opening and closing of the rotary valve assures optimum
combustion in any state of operation, as well as a resultant
reduction of the fuel consumption. Thus it is possible to
use lean mixtures in all operating states.
The use of plastic as the material of the air intake
manifold duct 1, flange 2 and rotary valve 4 reduces the
weight as well as the manufacturing costs.
As shown in Figure 5, the floating support of the
rotary valve 4 is accomplished by means of a lubricant-doped
plastic sleeve B on the rotary valve shaft 7 as well as the
associated O-ring 9, which is contained in a recess in the
housing.
~1~87~8
Figure 6 illustrates another embodiment in which the
rotary valve shaft 7 is rounded, and the material of the
shaft/bearing sleeve combination is chosen from lubricant-
doped plastics.
The foregoing description and examples have been set
forth merely to illustrate the invention and are not
intended to be limiting. Since modifications of the
disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit and substance
of the invention may occur to persons skilled in the art,
the invention should be construed to include everything
within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents
thereof.
