Vacuum system and method of operating the vacuum system

Abstract

The present application provides a vacuum system and an operating method of the vacuum system. The vacuum system includes a vacuum aspirator coupled to a housing of an intake manifold, the vacuum aspirator including an air intake port, a vacuum port, and a manifold port. The vacuum system also includes a manifold vacuum channel and a vacuum reservoir channel passing through the housing of the intake manifold, the manifold vacuum channel is coupled to the manifold port, and the vacuum reservoir channel is coupled to the vacuum port.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Vehicles have utilized the vacuum generated in the intake system to assist in the operation of various engine systems, such as braking systems, cruise control systems, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems, and the like. For example, the vacuum can be used for brake boost to amplify the driver's brake pedal input, enabling the driver to reduce the amount of braking effort. However, fuel efficiency standards, turbochargers, and the like have led to the downsizing of some vehicle engines, resulting in a reduced ability to provide vacuum from the intake manifold to auxiliary vehicle systems. To address this drop in vacuum, aspirators have been used in engines to fill vacuum reservoirs, which provide a vacuum reserve from which auxiliary vehicle systems can draw.

[0002] Previous aspirator designs delivered airflow to or from the aspirator via an external hose. The inventors have recognized several disadvantages of this type of aspirator design and other existing aspirator designs. The external delivery of the aspirator hose increases the bulkiness of the vacuum system. Similarly, the engine may not be able to meet the packaging constraints of certain vehicles (such as vehicles with a shortage of space). In addition, during engine manufacturing and maintenance, the external hose may be susceptible to damage. In some cases, damage to the hose may cause leaks that reduce the ability of the aspirator to generate vacuum or render the aspirator inoperable. Due to the length and profile of the hose, the externally delivered hose may also experience significant flow losses, thereby reducing the efficiency of the system. Summary of the invention

[0003] The inventors have recognized the above shortcomings and have developed a vacuum system in the face of these challenges. In one example, the vacuum system includes a vacuum aspirator coupled to a housing of an intake manifold, the vacuum aspirator including an intake port, a vacuum port, and a manifold port. The vacuum system also includes a manifold vacuum passage and a vacuum reservoir passage traversing the housing of the intake manifold, the manifold vacuum passage coupled to the manifold port and the vacuum reservoir passage coupled to the vacuum port. Designing the vacuum reservoir passage and the manifold vacuum passage route through the intake manifold housing enables the system to achieve space-saving gains by reducing the profile of the vacuum system. Additionally, compared to previous engine systems, the internal routing design of the vacuum reservoir passage and the manifold vacuum passage helps to improve the durability of the vacuum system and reduce the possibility of component damage during manufacturing, repair, and maintenance. Compared to a system with an externally routed hose that provides fluid communication between the intake manifold and the aspirator, flow losses in the vacuum system can also be reduced by reducing the length of the manifold vacuum conduit.

[0004] The above and other advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed description when taken alone or in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0005] It should be understood that the description provides the above summary in order to introduce in a simplified form a selection of concepts that are further described in the detailed description. This is not meant to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is solely defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any disadvantages mentioned above or in any part of this disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 is a schematic depiction of a vehicle including an engine and a vacuum system;

[0007] Figure 2 is a depiction of an exemplary engine and vacuum system;

[0008] Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 Shows Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the engine and vacuum system shown in ;

[0009] Figure 6 Shows Figure 2 A detailed cross-sectional view of the vacuum aspirator shown in ; and

[0010] Figure 7 A method for operating a vacuum system is shown.

[0011] Figures 2 to 6 are drawn to scale. However, other relative dimensions may be used. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] A compact, durable and efficient vacuum system and method of operating the same are described herein. In one example, the vacuum system may include a manifold vacuum passage that connects a vacuum aspirator fluid to an intake manifold and a vacuum reservoir passage that connects the vacuum aspirator fluid to a vacuum reservoir. The vacuum aspirator is configured to fill the vacuum reservoir using the dynamics of the intake air that is passed through the aspirator. The vacuum aspirator may be mounted to a housing of the intake manifold, and both the manifold vacuum passage and the vacuum reservoir passage may be internally routed through the intake manifold housing. In addition, the vacuum aspirator may include a vacuum port and a manifold port, each port coupled to their respective passages. Providing an internal routing design of the manifold vacuum passage and the vacuum reservoir passage through the intake manifold housing enables the compactness of the system to be increased. Compared to a system using an external hose, additional benefits achieved by the internal routing design of the vacuum reservoir passage and the manifold vacuum passage include increased durability due to the protected nature of the internal routing design passage. Furthermore, flow losses through the vacuum system may be reduced when using an internal routing of the manifold vacuum passage due to the reduced length of the passage compared to systems using external manifold hoses. In additional examples, the vacuum reservoir may be positioned between the intake runners and the intake manifold to achieve further space saving benefits. Figure 1 A diagrammatic depiction of a vehicle including a vacuum system is shown. Figure 2 An exemplary engine and vacuum system are shown. Figures 3 to 5 Shows Figure 2 Different cross-sectional views of the engine and vacuum system shown in . Figure 6 Shows Figure 2 Detailed cross-sectional view of a vacuum aspirator in a vacuum system shown in . Figure 7 A method for operation of a vacuum system is shown.

[0013] Figure 1 A diagrammatic depiction of a vehicle 10 is shown including an engine 12 and a vacuum system 14. Figure 1 A diagrammatic depiction of various engine and vacuum system components is provided, but it should be understood that some components, such as vacuum system components, have similar Figure 1 Different spatial positions of the components shown and greater structural complexity. Figures 2 to 6 This article will discuss the structural details of the components in more detail.

[0014] The vehicle 10 includes an intake system 16 that provides intake air to the cylinders 18. The intake system 16 includes an intake duct 20 and a throttle valve 22. Figure 1The engine 12 is depicted as having four cylinders. However, in other examples, the engine 12 may have an alternate number of cylinders. For example, in other examples, the engine 12 may include a single cylinder, two cylinders, six cylinders, etc. The intake system 16 also includes a compressor 24 configured to provide boost to the cylinders 18 to increase the efficiency and / or power output of the engine.

[0015] The intake system 16 further includes an intake manifold 26 positioned downstream of the throttle 22. The intake manifold 26 supplies intake air to intake runners 28. In turn, each intake runner 28 is coupled to one of the intake valves 30 that are coupled to a corresponding one of the cylinders 18. Thus, the intake runners 28 are in fluid communication with the intake manifold 26.

[0016] During engine operation, each cylinder typically undergoes a four-stroke cycle, which includes an intake stroke, a compression stroke, an expansion stroke, and an exhaust stroke. Typically during the intake stroke, the exhaust valve is closed and the intake valve is opened. Air is introduced into the cylinder via the corresponding intake passage, and the cylinder piston moves to the bottom of the cylinder to increase the volume within the cylinder. The position of the piston near the bottom of the cylinder and at the end of its stroke (e.g., when the combustion chamber is at its maximum volume) is generally referred to as the bottom dead center (BDC) by those skilled in the art. During the compression stroke, the intake and exhaust valves are closed. The piston moves toward the cylinder head to compress the air within the combustion chamber. The point at which the piston is at the end of its stroke and closest to the cylinder head (e.g., when the combustion chamber is at its minimum volume) is generally referred to as the top dead center (TDC) by those skilled in the art. In the process referred to herein as injection, fuel is introduced into the combustion chamber by a direct injector and / or an intake port injector. In the process referred to herein as ignition, the injected fuel is ignited by a known ignition device (such as a spark plug or a compression device), resulting in combustion. During the expansion stroke, the expanding gases push the piston back to BDC. The crankshaft converts this piston movement into rotational torque of the rotating shaft. During the exhaust stroke, in a conventional design, the exhaust valve is opened to release the remaining burnt air-fuel mixture to the corresponding exhaust passage, and the piston returns to TDC.

[0017] The vacuum system 14 includes a vacuum aspirator 32 configured to generate vacuum from intake air passed through the vacuum aspirator. The vacuum aspirator 32 may be an ejector, an ejector, an eductor, a venturi pump, a jet pump, or other suitable passive device. The vacuum generated by the vacuum aspirator 32 may be directed and stored in a vacuum reservoir 34.

[0018] The vacuum aspirator 32 is shown coupled to the intake manifold 26. Additionally, the vacuum aspirator 32 includes ports for routing air to and from the aspirator. The ports include an air intake port 36, a vacuum port 38, and a manifold port 40. A check valve 42 may be positioned in the vacuum port 38. The check valve 42 may be configured to allow and inhibit airflow through the vacuum port based on vacuum pressure in the vacuum port and vacuum pressure in the vacuum reservoir 34. The vacuum system 14 further includes a vacuum reservoir passage 44 coupled to the vacuum port 38 and the vacuum reservoir 34 and a manifold vacuum passage 46 coupled to the manifold port 40 and the intake manifold 26. In the vacuum aspirator 32, air travels from the air intake port 36 to the manifold port 40 to create a vacuum in the vacuum port 38. It should be understood that the internal contour of the vacuum aspirator is capable of using internal airflow to create a vacuum. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that when the check valve 42 is open, the vacuum reservoir 34 may be in fluid communication with the vacuum reservoir passage 44 .

[0019] Both vacuum reservoir passage 44 and manifold vacuum passage 46 are routed internally through housing 48 of intake manifold 26, thereby enabling increased compactness of vacuum system 14. Figures 2 to 6 Specifics regarding the routing of the passages and details regarding the attachment between the vacuum aspirator 32 and the intake manifold 26 will be discussed in greater detail herein.

[0020] The vacuum system 14 also includes an air inlet conduit 50 coupled to the air intake port 36 and the intake conduit 20 to provide air flow to the vacuum aspirator 32. In one example, the air inlet conduit 50 may be routed externally relative to the housing 48 of the intake manifold 26.

[0021] Vacuum reservoir 34 can provide vacuum to engine system 52 via vacuum conduit 54. Engine system 52 can be a brake system having a brake booster 56. However, in other examples, engine system 52 can be a cruise control system or an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system. In still further examples, vacuum reservoir 34 can provide vacuum to multiple engine systems. In such examples, additional valves in the vacuum system can regulate the vacuum provided to the multiple engine systems.

[0022] A valve 58 coupled to vacuum conduit 54 may regulate fluid communication between vacuum reservoir 34 and engine system 52. For example, engine system 52 may be able to utilize vacuum in vacuum reservoir 34 when valve 58 is open, and may be prevented from utilizing vacuum in vacuum reservoir when valve 58 is closed.

[0023] An exhaust system 60 is also included in vehicle 10. Exhaust system 60 may include exhaust valves 62 coupled to cylinders 18, exhaust runners 64, exhaust manifold 66, and turbine 68. Additional components that may be included in the exhaust system may include an emission control device (not shown), a muffler (not shown), and the like.

[0024] Compressor 24 and turbine 68 may be connected via a drive shaft (not shown) in turbocharger 70. However, in other examples, compressor 24 may be a supercharger driven by the rotational output of the engine. Further, in other examples, the turbocharger may be omitted from the engine.

[0025] The vehicle 10 may also include wheels 72 that may propel the vehicle along a drive surface 74. In the depicted example, the drive surface 74 is perpendicular to a vertical axis. However, in other examples, the drive surface 74 may have an alternative orientation.

[0026] Figure 1 Also shown is a controller 100 in the vehicle 10. Specifically, the controller 100 is Figure 1 1 and 12. The controller 100 is shown as a conventional microcomputer including: a microprocessor unit 102, an input / output port 104, a read-only memory 106, a random access memory 108, a non-fail memory 110, and a conventional data bus. The controller 100 is configured to receive various signals from sensors coupled to the engine 12 and other vehicle systems. The sensors may include an engine coolant temperature sensor (not shown), an exhaust gas sensor (not shown), an intake air flow sensor (not shown), etc. Additionally, the controller 100 is also configured to receive a throttle position (TP) from a throttle position sensor 115 coupled to a pedal 113 actuated by an operator 112.

[0027] Additionally, the controller 100 may be configured to trigger one or more actuators and / or send commands to components. For example, the controller 100 may trigger adjustments to the throttle 22, the valve 58, and / or the turbocharger 70. Thus, the controller 100 receives signals from various sensors and uses various actuators to adjust engine operation based on the received signals and instructions stored in the memory of the controller. Therefore, it should be understood that the controller 100 can send and receive signals from the engine system 52.

[0028] Figure 2 A diagram of an exemplary engine 12 and vacuum system 14 is shown. The engine 12 includes an intake manifold 26 having an attachment interface 200 with an opening 202. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the attachment interface 200 may be coupled to an upstream component such as the throttle valve 22 . Figure 2As shown, vacuum aspirator 32 is attached (eg, directly attached) to housing 48 of intake manifold 26. Attachment devices 204 (eg, bolts) may enable attachment between vacuum aspirator 32 and housing 48. However, additional or alternative attachment mechanisms are contemplated.

[0029] In the depicted example, the vacuum aspirator 32 is attached to the intake manifold 26 at a downstream location of the attachment interface 200. Additionally, the vacuum aspirator 32 is coupled to an upper surface 206 of the housing 48. When the vacuum aspirator 32 and the intake manifold 26 are arranged in this manner, an internal design route of passage flow air to and from the vacuum aspirator can be achieved through the intake manifold housing without interfering with other nearby components. Therefore, the compactness of the system can be increased without negatively affecting the operation of surrounding components compared to a system using an externally routed hose. However, other attachment locations for the vacuum aspirator 32 are contemplated. For example, the vacuum aspirator 32 can be coupled to a side or underside of the housing 48.

[0030] The air inlet port 36 of the vacuum aspirator 32 is also Figure 2 As discussed previously, Figure 1 The air inlet duct 50 shown in FIG. 1 may be coupled to Figure 1 The intake port 36 and intake conduit 20 are shown in FIG. Additionally, a section of the cylinder head 208 of the engine 12 is also shown in FIG. Figure 2 It should be understood that Figure 1 As shown in , cylinder head 208 may be coupled to a cylinder block (not shown) to form cylinder 18 .

[0031] exist Figure 2 , coordinate axes (X, Y, and Z) are provided for reference. In one example, the Z axis may be parallel to the gravity axis. However, in other examples, the engine 12 may have other orientations. Additionally, the X axis may be a lateral or horizontal axis, and the Y axis may be a longitudinal axis. Also, the view plane 210 indicates Figure 3 The cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 2 is a perspective view, and the view plane 212 indicates Figure 4 and Figure 5 The viewing angle of the cross-sectional view shown in .

[0032] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the engine 12 and vacuum system 14 is shown. Again, coordinate axes (Z and Y) are provided for reference. Figure 3 3 and the housing 48 of the intake manifold 26. At least a portion of the housing 48 may define the boundaries of an interior section 300 of the intake manifold 26 through which the intake air travels. Arrows 302 indicate the general direction of downstream flow of the intake air through the interior section 300 of the intake manifold 26.

[0033] The intake runner 28 receiving the air flow from the intake manifold 26 is also Figure 3 . In the depicted example, the intake runners 28 extend in a vertical direction and then arc back to their respective cylinder valves. However, in other examples, the intake runners 28 may have other profiles. For example, the intake runners may extend laterally from the intake manifold. Additionally, each intake runner 28 may provide intake air to a different intake valve. Figure 2 The engine 12 shown in FIG may include two intake valves per cylinder. However, in other cases, other intake valve configurations may be used.

[0034] The vacuum reservoir 34 is also Figure 3 . As previously discussed, the vacuum reservoir 34 is filled by the vacuum aspirator 32 during certain engine operating conditions. The vacuum reservoir 34 is shown positioned between the intake manifold 26 and the intake runner 28. Specifically, the vacuum reservoir 34 is located above (e.g., vertically above) the intake manifold 26 and adjacent to the section 304 of the intake runner 28. Therefore, the vacuum reservoir 34 can be positioned between the vertical sections of the arcuate intake runner 28 (e.g., laterally between the vertical sections). In addition, the vacuum reservoir 34 is shown extending longitudinally from a first peripheral runner 307 (e.g., the runner of the first cylinder when the cylinders are numbered sequentially in the longitudinal direction) to a second peripheral runner 309 (e.g., the runner of the fourth cylinder when the cylinders are numbered sequentially in the longitudinal direction), each of the first peripheral runner and the second peripheral runner being included in the plurality of intake runners 28. Thus, in one example, a portion of the boundary of the vacuum reservoir 34 may be defined by the first intake runner wall 308 (e.g., a front wall) and the second intake runner wall 310 (e.g., a rear wall). Positioning the vacuum reservoir 34 at this internal engine location enables increased compactness of the vacuum system 14 compared to an externally positioned reservoir. Thus, when the vacuum reservoir is positioned between the intake runners 28 in the manner discussed above, the engine may realize space saving gains. However, other locations for the vacuum reservoir are contemplated, such as longitudinally between consecutive intake runners, below the plenum of the intake manifold, attached (e.g., welded) to a section of the intake manifold, etc.

[0035] Additionally, in the example shown, vacuum reservoir 34 and intake manifold 26 share a common boundary wall 306. In this way, the compactness of vacuum system 14 may be further increased. Specifically, boundary wall 306 is depicted as extending in a lateral and longitudinal direction. However, in other examples, each of intake manifold 26 and vacuum reservoir 34 may have separate boundary walls (which may have different profiles).

[0036] Figure 4Shown is a cross-sectional view of the engine 12 and vacuum system 14. Again the coordinate axes (X, Y and Z) are provided for reference. Figure 4 A portion of the housing 48 of the intake manifold 26 is depicted, with the housing 48 cut away to show the outline of the interior section 300. The vacuum aspirator 32 is located at Figure 4 36, vacuum port 38, and manifold port 40. Intake air is supplied to the vacuum reservoir via the intake port 36 and then exhausted to the intake manifold 26 through the manifold port 40 and the manifold vacuum passage 46. Thus, the manifold vacuum passage 46 provides fluid communication between the manifold port 40 and the intake manifold 26, and in particular, the interior section 300 of the intake manifold 26. The flow of air from the air intake port 36 to the manifold port 40 through the vacuum aspirator 32 creates a vacuum in the vacuum port 38, enabling the vacuum reservoir 34 to be filled via the flow of air through the vacuum reservoir passage 44 and the vacuum port 38 during certain operating conditions. Figure 5 The cross section of the engine 12 is shown and in particular Figure 4 A more detailed view of the vacuum system 14 is shown in FIG. Figure 5 , the coordinate axes (X, Y, and Z) are again provided for reference. The vacuum aspirator 32 is depicted as having an air intake port 36, a vacuum port 38, and a manifold port 40. A vacuum reservoir passage 44 is shown attached to the vacuum port 38 and extending through a housing 48 of the intake manifold 26. Likewise, a manifold vacuum passage 46 is shown attached to the manifold port 40 and extending through a housing 48 of the intake manifold 26. As shown, the manifold vacuum passage 46 leads to the intake manifold 26 and the vacuum reservoir passage 44 leads to the vacuum reservoir 34. Arrow 502 depicts the general direction of flow of air through the manifold vacuum passage 46 when combustion occurs in the engine 12. Arrow 504 depicts the general direction of flow of air through the vacuum reservoir passage 44 when the check valve 42 is open. Additionally, arrow 506 depicts the general direction of air flow through the valve section 508 downstream of the air intake port 36 when combustion occurs in the engine 12. However, it should be appreciated that the airflow patterns within the vacuum aspirator 32 may have greater complexity.

[0037] Furthermore, in the example shown, both the vacuum reservoir passage 44 and the manifold vacuum passage 46 extend vertically through the housing 48 of the intake manifold 26 and are parallel to each other. Additionally, in the depicted example, the center axis 507 of the manifold vacuum passage 46 and the center axis 509 of the vacuum reservoir passage 44 are substantially straight. Routing the vacuum reservoir passage 44 and the manifold vacuum passage 46 in this manner enables the passages to avoid interfering with other engine components while achieving space-saving gains and reducing flow losses. However, in other examples, other profiles of the vacuum reservoir passage 44 and the manifold vacuum passage 46 that also achieve space-saving benefits may be used. For example, the vacuum reservoir passage 44 and the manifold vacuum passage 46 may extend vertically through the housing in a non-parallel direction relative to each other, or may extend vertically through the housing in a first section and then extend transversely or longitudinally through the housing in another section. In another example, the vacuum reservoir passage 44 and the manifold vacuum passage 46 may have curved sections.

[0038] The vacuum aspirator 32 also includes a gasket 500 configured to provide a secure seal between the housing 48 and the vacuum aspirator 32. Specifically, the gasket 500 may extend around the interface between the vacuum port 38 and the vacuum reservoir passage 44 and the interface between the manifold port 40 and the manifold vacuum passage 46.

[0039] The vacuum aspirator 32 further includes a check valve 42. The check valve 42 is configured to open and close and to allow and inhibit air flow between the vacuum reservoir 34 and the vacuum port 38. Specifically, the check valve 42 may be configured to open when the vacuum pressure generated in the vacuum port 38 of the vacuum aspirator 32 is greater than the vacuum pressure in the vacuum reservoir 34. Likewise, the check valve 42 may also be configured to close when the vacuum pressure generated in the vacuum port 38 of the vacuum aspirator 32 is less than the vacuum pressure in the vacuum reservoir 34. In this way, depletion of the vacuum reservoir may be avoided when the vacuum aspirator does not generate enough vacuum to further fill the reservoir.

[0040] Figure 6 Shows Figure 2 A detailed view of a cross section of a vacuum aspirator 32 in the vacuum system 14 depicted in FIG. 10A again provides the coordinate axes (Z and X) for reference. Figure 6 36, vacuum port 38 and manifold port 40 of vacuum aspirator 32 are shown. Vacuum aspirator 32 includes tube 600, which narrows and then expands in cross-sectional area to create a vacuum in vacuum port 38 as air flows through the aspirator from intake port 36 to manifold port 40.

[0041] exist Figure 66 shows an angle 602 formed between a central axis 604 of the manifold port 40 and a central axis 605 of the air intake port 36. The angle 602 may be non-perpendicular and is specifically 90 degrees in the depicted example. Arranging the ports at this angle enables efficient routing of air from the vacuum aspirator 32 to the intake manifold 26 (at Figures 2 to 5 However, other angles are contemplated.

[0042] Check valve 42 is also depicted. Figure 6 In the example shown, the vacuum aspirator 32 also includes a plug 606. However, in other examples, other vacuum aspirator configurations in which the housing of the aspirator extends across the area blocked by the plug 606 may be used.

[0043] Figure 7 A method 700 for operating a vacuum system is shown. The method 700 may be as described above with respect to Figures 1 to 6 The discussed vacuum systems and corresponding components may be implemented or in other examples may be implemented by other suitable vacuum systems.

[0044] At 702, the method includes flowing intake air from an air intake port to a manifold port via a vacuum aspirator. The intake air may be routed to the air intake port via an air inlet conduit extending between an intake conduit upstream of a throttle and the air intake port. Additionally, air may be routed from the manifold port to a manifold vacuum passage coupled to the manifold port and then to the intake manifold. The manifold vacuum passage may pass through a housing of the intake manifold, thereby enabling the profile of the vacuum system to be reduced. It should be understood that step 702 may occur when the engine is performing combustion and a vacuum is being generated in the intake manifold. Similarly, in one example, during combustion operation, intake air may flow continuously from the air intake port to the manifold port.

[0045] At 704, the method includes determining whether a first operating condition is occurring. The first operating condition may include a condition where the vacuum pressure in the vacuum reservoir filled by the vacuum aspirator is less than the vacuum pressure in the intake manifold. In this way, when the vacuum in the intake manifold is less than the vacuum in the reservoir, vacuum consumption in the vacuum reservoir may be avoided. However, it should be understood that the first operating condition may include additional or optional operating conditions. For example, the first operating condition may include a condition where the boost pressure generated by the compressor upstream of the intake manifold is less than a predetermined threshold and / or a condition when the engine speed is less than a threshold.

[0046] If it is determined that the first operating condition is occurring (yes at 704), the method proceeds to 706. At 706, the method includes increasing vacuum pressure in the vacuum reservoir by drawing air from the vacuum reservoir to the vacuum aspirator. As described herein, an increase in vacuum pressure indicates an increase toward a theoretical absolute vacuum. Air may travel from the vacuum reservoir through a vacuum reservoir passage coupled to a vacuum port. Additionally, the vacuum reservoir passage may extend through a housing of the intake manifold, thereby further providing space saving benefits.

[0047] If it is determined that the first operating condition does not occur (NO at 704), the method proceeds to 708. At 708, the method includes inhibiting air flow between the vacuum reservoir and the vacuum port. In one example, a check valve located in the vacuum port can be used to inhibit air flow between the reservoir and the vacuum port.

[0048] At 710, the method includes determining whether a second operating condition is occurring. The second operating condition may be a condition when the engine system requests or requires vacuum communication. Specifically, in one example, the second operating condition may include a condition when the driver actuates a brake pedal in the braking system with a brake booster.

[0049] If it is determined that the second operating condition is not occurring (no at 710), the method returns to 710. On the other hand, if it is determined that the second operating condition is occurring (yes at 710), the method proceeds to 712. At 712, the method includes providing vacuum from the vacuum reservoir to the engine system. In one example, the engine system may be a braking system. However, in other examples, the engine system may be a cruise control system, an EGR system, etc. Further, in one example, when it is determined that the second operating condition is occurring, the filling of the vacuum reservoir by the vacuum aspirator may be stopped. However, in other examples, the vacuum reservoir may be refilled when the engine system is drawing vacuum from the vacuum reservoir. Method 700 enables a compact vacuum system to efficiently fill the vacuum reservoir during a selected time period. Therefore, by storing the vacuum and then providing the vacuum to the selected engine system, the vacuum generated in the intake system can be effectively managed. In this way, the vacuum demand of the engine system can be met even if the intake system cannot generate the desired vacuum pressure.

[0050] The subject matter of the present disclosure is further described in the following paragraphs. According to one aspect, a vacuum aspirator system is provided. The vacuum aspirator system includes a vacuum aspirator coupled to a housing of an intake manifold, the vacuum aspirator including an air intake port, a vacuum port, and a manifold port, and a manifold vacuum passage and a vacuum reservoir passage passing through the housing of the intake manifold, the manifold vacuum passage coupled to the manifold port and the vacuum reservoir passage coupled to the vacuum port.

[0051] According to another aspect, a vacuum aspirator system is provided. The vacuum aspirator system includes a vacuum aspirator coupled to a housing of an intake manifold, the vacuum aspirator including an air intake port, a vacuum port and a manifold port, a manifold vacuum passage extending through the housing of the intake manifold between the manifold port and an interior chamber of the intake manifold, and a vacuum reservoir passage extending between the vacuum port and a vacuum reservoir, the vacuum reservoir being in fluid communication with the vacuum reservoir passage.

[0052] According to another aspect, a method for operating a vacuum aspirator system is provided. The method includes increasing vacuum pressure in a vacuum reservoir by drawing air from the vacuum reservoir to the vacuum aspirator via a vacuum conduit extending through a housing of an intake manifold during a first operating condition, the vacuum conduit being coupled to a vacuum port in the vacuum reservoir, and providing vacuum from the vacuum reservoir to an engine system during a second operating condition.

[0053] In any aspect or combination of the aspects described herein, the vacuum aspirator system may further include a check valve positioned in the vacuum port.

[0054] In any aspect or combination of the aspects described herein, the check valve may open when a vacuum pressure in the vacuum port is greater than a vacuum pressure in a vacuum reservoir, the vacuum reservoir being in fluid communication with the vacuum reservoir passage.

[0055] In any aspect or combination of the aspects described herein, the air intake port may be coupled to the air inlet conduit upstream of the throttle valve via an external conduit.

[0056] In any aspect or combination of the aspects described herein, the vacuum aspirator system may further include a vacuum reservoir in fluid communication with the vacuum reservoir passage.

[0057] In any aspect or combination of the aspects described herein, the vacuum reservoir may be positioned between the intake runner and the intake manifold, and the intake runner may be in fluid communication with the intake manifold.

[0058] In any aspect or combination of the aspects described herein, the vacuum reservoir may be positioned vertically above the intake manifold and adjacent a section of the intake runner.

[0059] In any aspect or combination of the aspects described herein, the vacuum reservoir passage and the manifold vacuum passage may extend vertically through a housing of the intake manifold.

[0060] In any aspect or combination of the aspects described herein, the intake manifold and the vacuum reservoir may share a common boundary wall.

[0061] In any aspect or combination of the aspects described herein, the vacuum aspirator system may further include a compressor upstream of the intake manifold.

[0062] In any aspect or combination of the aspects described herein, the vacuum reservoir may be positioned between the intake runner and the intake manifold, the intake runner being in fluid communication with the intake manifold.

[0063] In any aspect or combination of the aspects described herein, the vacuum reservoir may be positioned proximate the intake runner and vertically above the intake manifold.

[0064] In any aspect or combination of the aspects described herein, the vacuum reservoir may be positioned laterally between different sections of the intake runner.

[0065] In any aspect or combination of the aspects described herein, the vacuum reservoir passage and the manifold vacuum passage may extend vertically through a housing of the intake manifold.

[0066] In any aspect or combination of the aspects described herein, the method may further include inhibiting gas flow between the vacuum reservoir and the vacuum port when the first operating condition is not occurring.

[0067] In any aspect or combination of the aspects described herein, the first operating condition may include a condition when vacuum pressure in the vacuum reservoir is less than vacuum pressure in the intake manifold.

[0068] In any aspect or combination of the aspects described herein, the engine system is a braking system.

[0069] In any aspect or combination of the aspects described herein, the method may further include flowing intake air through the vacuum aspirator from an air intake port in the vacuum aspirator to a manifold port in the vacuum aspirator, the manifold port coupled to a manifold vacuum passage extending through a housing of the intake manifold.

[0070] Figures 1 to 6An example configuration with relative positioning of various components is shown. If shown to be in direct contact with each other, or directly coupled, the element may be referred to as directly contacting or directly coupled, respectively, at least in one example. Similarly, elements shown to be connected or adjacent to each other may be connected or adjacent to each other, respectively, in at least one example. As an example, components located in coplanar contact with each other may be referred to as coplanar contact. As another example, elements that are placed apart from each other and have only space and no other components therebetween may be referred to as such in at least one example. As yet another example, elements shown above / below each other, on the sides opposite to each other, or on the left / right sides of each other may be referred to as such relative to each other. In addition, as shown in the accompanying drawings, the topmost element or the vertex of the element may be referred to as the "top" of the component in at least one example, and the lowest point of the bottommost element or the element may be referred to as the "bottom" of the component in at least one example. As used herein, top / bottom, up / down, above / below, may be relative to the vertical axis of the accompanying drawings and used to describe the positioning of the elements of the accompanying drawings relative to each other. Similarly, in one example, the element shown above other elements is vertically positioned above other elements. As yet another example, shapes of elements depicted in the drawings may be referred to as having those shapes (e.g., such as circular, straight, flat, curved, annular, chamfered, angled, etc.). Further, in at least one example, elements shown as intersecting each other may be referred to as intersecting elements or intersecting each other. Still further, in one example, an element shown within another element or outside of another element may be referred to as such.

[0071] Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that, while the invention has been described by way of example with reference to several embodiments, the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments and that alternative embodiments may be constructed without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0072] Note that the example control routines included herein can be used with various engine and / or vehicle system configurations. The specific routines depicted herein may represent one or more of any number of processing strategies, such as event-driven, interrupt-driven, multi-tasking, multi-threading, and the like. Similarly, the various actions, operations, and / or functions shown may be performed in the order shown, in parallel, or omitted in some cases. Likewise, the order of processing is not necessary to achieve the features and advantages of the example embodiments described herein, but is provided for ease of illustration and description. One or more of the actions or functions shown may be repeatedly executed depending on the specific strategy being used. In addition, the actions described may graphically represent the code of a computer-readable storage medium to be programmed into the engine control system.

[0073] It should be understood that the configurations and routines disclosed herein are exemplary in nature, and that these specific embodiments are not to be construed as limiting, as many variations are possible. For example, the above-described techniques may be applied to V-6, I-4, I-6, V-12, opposed 4-cylinder, and other engine types. Further, one or more of the various system configurations may be used in conjunction with one or more of the described methods. The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various systems and configurations and other features, functions, and / or properties disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A vacuum system comprising: a vacuum aspirator directly coupled to a housing of an intake manifold, the vacuum aspirator including an air intake port, a vacuum port, a manifold port, and a vacuum aspirator housing, wherein the vacuum aspirator housing includes a surface surrounding the manifold port and in coplanar contact with a portion of the housing of the intake manifold adjacent a manifold vacuum passage through a wall of the housing of the intake manifold; and a vacuum reservoir passage through the wall of the housing of the intake manifold; wherein the wall defines a boundary of an interior portion of the intake manifold; wherein the manifold vacuum passage is coupled to the manifold port and the vacuum reservoir passage is coupled to the vacuum port; and The manifold vacuum passage includes an inlet located in the wall of the housing of the intake manifold and opens directly to the manifold port. 2 . The vacuum system of claim 1 , further comprising a check valve positioned in the vacuum port. 3 . The vacuum system of claim 2 , wherein the check valve opens when a vacuum pressure in the vacuum port is greater than a vacuum pressure in a vacuum reservoir, the vacuum reservoir being in fluid communication with the vacuum reservoir passage. 4 . The vacuum system of claim 1 , wherein the air intake port is coupled to an intake conduit upstream of a throttle valve via an external air inlet conduit. 5 . The vacuum system of claim 1 , further comprising a vacuum reservoir in fluid communication with the vacuum reservoir passage. 6 . The vacuum system of claim 5 , wherein the vacuum reservoir is positioned between an intake runner and the intake manifold, the intake runner being in fluid communication with the intake manifold. 7 . The vacuum system of claim 5 , wherein the vacuum reservoir is positioned vertically above the intake manifold and adjacent a section of an intake runner. 8 . The vacuum system of claim 1 , wherein said vacuum reservoir passage and said manifold vacuum passage extend vertically through a housing of said intake manifold. 9 . The vacuum system of claim 1 , wherein said intake manifold and said vacuum reservoir share a common boundary wall. 10 . The vacuum system of claim 1 , further comprising a compressor upstream of the intake manifold.

11. A method for operating a vacuum system, comprising: During a first operating condition, vacuum pressure in the vacuum reservoir is increased by drawing air from the vacuum reservoir to a vacuum aspirator via a vacuum conduit extending through a housing of an intake manifold, the vacuum conduit being coupled to a vacuum port in the vacuum reservoir, wherein the vacuum aspirator includes a vacuum aspirator housing, wherein the vacuum aspirator housing includes a surface surrounding a manifold port of the vacuum aspirator and in coplanar contact with a portion of the housing of the intake manifold adjacent a manifold vacuum passage through a wall of the housing of the intake manifold; and providing vacuum from the vacuum reservoir to an engine system during a second operating condition; The vacuum conduit includes an inlet located in the wall of the housing of the intake manifold and leads directly to the vacuum port. 12 . The method of claim 11 , further comprising inhibiting gas flow between the vacuum reservoir and the vacuum port when the first operating condition does not occur. 13 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the first operating condition includes a condition when vacuum pressure in the vacuum reservoir is less than vacuum pressure in the intake manifold.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the engine system is a braking system.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising flowing intake air through the vacuum aspirator from an air intake port in the vacuum aspirator to a manifold port in the vacuum aspirator, the manifold port coupled to a manifold vacuum passage extending through a housing of the intake manifold.

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