Throttle valve device of engine

Abstract

The invention provides a throttle device for an engine, which can restrain an intermediate part of a hose for pressure detection and the like through simple operation without increasing the number of components, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost. This throttle device for an engine is provided with: a main throttle body (2) and an auxiliary throttle body (3) that support a throttle valve (6) in throttle holes (2c, 3c) so as to be openable and closable by means of a throttle shaft (5); a right pressure detection hose (17r), one end of which is connected to a throttle hole (3c) of the sub-throttle body (3); and a hose holding part (20) which is integrally formed with the sub-throttle body (3) and fixes the middle part of the right pressure detection hose (17r).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the throttle valve device of an engine. Background Technology

[0002] The engine's throttle body has throttle orifices corresponding to each cylinder, extending through the throttle body. Within each throttle orifice, a throttle valve is supported by a throttle shaft in an openable and closable manner. Fuel injection valves are mounted on the throttle body, corresponding to each throttle orifice, and fuel is supplied to each fuel injection valve via fuel supply pipes. During engine operation, intake air flows through the throttle orifices according to the throttle opening, forming a mixture with the fuel injected from the fuel injection valves, which is then supplied to each cylinder, thereby causing the engine to operate.

[0003] Various hoses for different purposes are connected to each throttle body orifice. For example, in cases where information related to intake air pressure is needed for engine fuel injection control, a pressure extraction connector is used at each throttle body orifice to connect one end of a pressure sensing hose, and the hoses are clustered together. The other end of the hose is connected to a common intake air pressure sensor. The pressure of the intake air flowing through each throttle body orifice is transmitted to the intake air pressure sensor via the pressure sensing hose and is detected as the intake air pressure.

[0004] One end of the pressure testing hose is connected to the pressure extraction connector of each throttle orifice, and the other end is connected to the intake pressure sensor, both of which are constrained. However, the middle section of the hose also needs to be constrained. This is because if the middle section of the hose is not constrained and is loose, it will swing due to vehicle acceleration during acceleration and deceleration, turning, and engine vibration, and will be damaged due to frequent contact with surrounding components. As a countermeasure, for example, in the technology of Patent Document 1, multiple belt clamps are used to fix the middle section of the pressure testing hose to the fuel supply pipe.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-64068 Summary of the Invention

[0008] (a) Technical problems to be solved

[0009] However, in the technology of Patent Document 1, a belt clamp is used to fix the middle part of the pressure detection hose, which increases the number of components of the throttle body.

[0010] Furthermore, the use of a ring-shaped belt clamp for fixing requires inserting a pressure-sensing hose inside before clamping, making the fixing process complex. Therefore, this increase in the number of components is a major reason for the high manufacturing cost of the throttle body.

[0011] The present invention was made to solve such problems, and its purpose is to provide an engine throttle valve device that can be operated with simple operation of the middle part of the constraint pressure detection hose, etc., without increasing the number of parts, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

[0012] (II) Technical Solution

[0013] To achieve the above objectives, the throttle valve device of the engine of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a throttle valve body, which supports the throttle valve in a throttle valve orifice in an openable and closable manner via a throttle valve shaft; a hose, one end of which is connected to the throttle valve orifice; and a hose retaining portion, which is integrally formed with the throttle valve body and fixes the middle portion of the hose.

[0014] Alternatively, the hose retainer may have an annular groove with a cross-sectional shape that opens to the side, and the hose may deform and be inserted into the annular groove through the opening.

[0015] Alternatively, the annular groove can be opened in a direction that is approximately orthogonal to the principal components of vehicle acceleration and engine vibration.

[0016] Alternatively, the throttle body may have multiple throttle holes, one end of the hose is connected to each of the multiple throttle holes, and the other end is connected to each other via a connector, with the hose retainer fixing the connector.

[0017] Alternatively, the throttle body may be a molded product formed by a molding die, and the hose retainer may be formed in a shape that allows for demolding from the molding die, at a position on the throttle body that allows for demolding from the molding die.

[0018] Alternatively, the throttle body may include a first throttle body and a second throttle body, each having a throttle hole, and the first and second throttle bodies are joined together with their respective flanges overlapping each other, with a hose retainer formed on the flange of at least one of the first and second throttle bodies.

[0019] Alternatively, the hose could be a pressure sensing hose that connects the throttle body orifice to the intake pressure sensor, transmitting the intake pressure from the throttle body orifice to the intake pressure sensor.

[0020] Alternatively, the hose could be an evaporator hose that connects the throttle orifice to the charcoal canister, guiding the vapors adsorbed in the charcoal canister into the throttle orifice.

[0021] Alternatively, the pressure detection hose can be routed through the lower side of the throttle body towards the intake pressure sensor, and the hose can be secured to prevent loosening, with a horizontal bottom area formed at the very bottom.

[0022] Alternatively, the throttle body may have a concave relief section facing downwards, through which a pressure detection hose is routed to the intake pressure sensor.

[0023] (III) Beneficial Effects

[0024] The throttle valve device of the engine according to the present invention allows for simple operation of the middle part of the constraint pressure detection hose, etc., without increasing the number of parts, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the throttle valve device of the embodiment.

[0026] Figure 2 This is the front view showing the throttle valve assembly.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a top view showing the throttle valve assembly.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a bottom view showing the throttle valve assembly.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a left-side view of the throttle body.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a top view showing the fixed part of the intake pressure sensor.

[0031] Figure 7 It is the hose after pressure testing is separated from... Figure 4 The corresponding bottom view.

[0032] Figure 8 yes Figure 4 Sectional view along line VIII-VIII.

[0033] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the right pressure testing hose fixed to the hose retainer.

[0034] Figure 10 This refers to another example 1 where a hose retainer is added to the side of the main throttle body. Figure 9 The corresponding 3D image.

[0035] Figure 11 This is another example 2 where the evaporator hose is fixed to the hose retainer. Figure 3 The corresponding top view.

[0036] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of another example 3, where a cross-shaped pipe fitting is fixed to the hose retainer.

[0037] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0038] 1-Throttle body assembly; 2-Main throttle body (first throttle body); 2a, 3a-Flanges; 2c, 3c-Throttle hole; 2d-Allowing part; 3-Second throttle body (second throttle body); 5-Throttle shaft; 6-Throttle valve; 9-Evaporator hose (hose); 12-Intake pressure sensor; 17-Pressure detection hose (hose); 18-Cross connector (connector assembly); 20, 31, 41-Hose retaining part; 20a, 31a-Annular groove; E-Lowest horizontal area. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The following describes one embodiment of the throttle valve device of the engine according to this embodiment, but before that, the characteristic parts of the present invention and the purpose for which these characteristic parts are used in this embodiment will be described.

[0040] As described above, in the technology of Patent Document 1, since multiple belt clamps are used to fix the middle part of the pressure detection hose to the fuel supply pipe, there are problems of increased component number and complicated fixing operation.

[0041] In view of such undesirable conditions, the present invention is characterized by forming a hose retaining part integrally with the throttle body instead of a belt clamp to fix the pressure detection hose, thereby reducing the number of parts and simplifying the fixing operation.

[0042] On the other hand, the throttle body device of this embodiment uses an intake pressure sensor to detect the intake pressure in each throttle orifice, as detailed later. For example, in a conventional throttle body device such as the technology in Patent Document 1, a pressure extraction connector is provided at the upper part of each throttle orifice, and one end of a pressure detection hose is connected to each. Near the pressure extraction connector, a fuel supply pipe for supplying fuel to the fuel injection valve is provided. Therefore, the middle part of the pressure detection hose is laid along this fuel supply pipe and appropriately fixed using a belt clamp, connecting the other end of the hose to the intake pressure sensor. As a result, each pressure detection hose extends upward from the pressure extraction connector toward the fuel supply pipe. The intake air flowing through the throttle orifice contains dust and moisture. Additionally, sometimes air containing carbon black or the like is blown back from the cylinder into the throttle orifice, but the possibility of foreign matter such as dust and carbon black or moisture intruding into the upwardly extending pressure detection hose is low.

[0043] In contrast, the throttle device of this embodiment, based on requirements from the vehicle side, such as preventing interference with peripheral components mounted on the vehicle body, provides a pressure extraction connector at the bottom of each throttle orifice, and a pressure sensing hose connected to each pressure extraction connector is routed through the lower side of the throttle body to the intake pressure sensor. As a result of this routing, the possibility of foreign matter or moisture generated within the throttle orifice entering the pressure sensing hose is relatively high. Furthermore, since the pressure sensing hose separates downwards from the delivery pipe (equivalent to the fuel supply pipe in Patent Document 1), it is impossible to use the delivery pipe to fix or constrain the middle portion of the pressure sensing hose.

[0044] Furthermore, assuming the pressure sensing hose becomes loose without any restraint in the middle section, it may be damaged due to frequent contact with surrounding components. Additionally, at the bottom of the loosened hose, foreign objects or moisture may accumulate, accelerating blockage and impairing the intake pressure sensor's detection function. Moreover, for various reasons, foreign objects or moisture may sometimes enter the intake pressure sensor through the hose, potentially causing sensor malfunction and other problems.

[0045] In view of the above-mentioned particular adverse conditions, the present invention is applied in the throttle device of this embodiment to prevent malfunctions caused by foreign objects or moisture intruding into the pressure detection hose while reliably ensuring the layout path of the pressure detection hose on the lower side of the throttle body. The details are described below.

[0046] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the throttle valve device of this embodiment. Figure 2 is the main view, Figure 3 It is a top view. Figure 4 This is a bottom view. Figure 5 This is the left-side view.

[0047] The throttle valve device 1 of this embodiment is applied to a three-cylinder engine mounted on a two-wheeled motorcycle. In each figure, the driver riding in the vehicle is shown in the front-back, left-right, and up-down directions. When the throttle valve device 1 is mounted on the engine of the vehicle, the throttle valve device 1 maintains the posture shown in each figure. In the following description, the throttle valve device 1 is shown in the front-back, left-right, and up-down directions, assuming it is in the vehicle-mounted state.

[0048] The throttle body of the throttle device 1 is formed by combining a main throttle body 2 and a secondary throttle body 3. Each throttle body 2 and 3 is manufactured as a molded product formed by aluminum die casting. The main throttle body 2 corresponds to the "first throttle body" of the present invention, and the secondary throttle body 3 corresponds to the "second throttle body" of the present invention. In addition, the material and manufacturing method of the throttle bodies 2 and 3 are not limited to these; for example, they can also be manufactured by injection molding using a synthetic resin material with good heat resistance.

[0049] An annular flange 2a is integrally formed around the right end of the main throttle body 2, and a motor housing 2b is integrally formed adjacent to the left side of the flange 2a. An annular flange 3a is integrally formed around the left end of the auxiliary throttle body 3, and a gear housing 3b is integrally formed adjacent to the right side of the flange 3a. The main throttle body 2 and the auxiliary throttle body 3 are arranged with their flanges 2a and 3a overlapping each other, and the flanges 2a and 3a are fastened together by screws 4.

[0050] Two throttle holes 2c are provided through the main throttle body 2, and one throttle hole 3c is provided through the auxiliary throttle body 3. The throttle holes 2c and 3c are arranged side-by-side with a gap in the left-right direction, and as shown... Figure 5 As shown, in the vehicle-mounted state of the throttle valve device 1, it maintains a posture in which the lower end faces forward and diagonally downward relative to its upper end. Although not shown, the lower ends of each throttle valve hole 2c and 3c are connected to each cylinder of the engine, and the upper ends are connected to the air filter.

[0051] A throttle shaft 5 is rotatably supported on the main throttle body 2 and the auxiliary throttle body 3, with each throttle hole 2c, 3c and gear housing 3b passing through it from left to right. The throttle valve 6 is supported in each throttle hole 2c, 3c for opening and closing via the throttle shaft 5. Although not shown in the figure, a gear system is housed in the gear housing 3b, and a motor is housed in the motor housing 2b. The rotation of the motor is transmitted to the throttle shaft 5 via the gear system, causing each throttle valve 6 to open and close.

[0052] On the front sides of the main throttle body 2 and the auxiliary throttle body 3, fuel injection valves 7 are installed corresponding to the respective throttle holes 2c and 3c. A common delivery pipe 8 is connected to the upper part of each fuel injection valve 7. A pipe connector 8a is provided at the left end of the delivery pipe 8. When the throttle device 1 is in the vehicle-mounted state, the pipe connector 8a is connected to the vehicle's fuel tank via a fuel hose (not shown), and fuel is supplied to each fuel injection valve 7 through the fuel hose and the delivery pipe 8.

[0053] like Figure 3 As shown, on the lower part of the front side of the main throttle body 2 and the auxiliary throttle body 3, an evaporator inlet pipe connector (not shown) is integrally formed corresponding to each throttle hole 2c, 3c. One end of each evaporator hose 9 is connected to the evaporator inlet pipe connector, and the evaporator hoses 9 are interconnected. A pipe connector 9a is provided on one side of the evaporator hose 9, which connects to the charcoal canister of the evaporative gas treatment system (not shown) when the throttle device 1 is in the vehicle-mounted state. As is well known, when the engine is stopped, the evaporative gases generated in the fuel tank are adsorbed into the charcoal canister. In addition, utilizing the negative pressure generated in the intake manifold when the engine starts running, the evaporative gases from the charcoal canister are diverted through the evaporator hoses 9 and guided to each throttle hole 2c, 3c for combustion and treatment in the engine cylinders.

[0054] At the right end of the secondary throttle body 3, a throttle sensor 10 is installed. Although not shown in the diagram, the throttle sensor 10 is connected to the right end of the throttle shaft 5 and detects the rotation angle of the throttle shaft 5. In other words, it detects the opening degree of the throttle valve 6, which is taken as the throttle opening degree. At the left end of the main throttle body 2, an intake air temperature sensor 11 is installed. Although not shown in the diagram, the intake air temperature sensor 11 protrudes into the left throttle hole 2c and detects the temperature of the intake air flowing inside it, which is taken as the intake air temperature.

[0055] Figure 6 This is a top view showing the fixed part of the intake pressure sensor.

[0056] An intake pressure sensor 12 is installed between the left and right throttle holes 2c on the main throttle body 2 using screws 13. As described below, the intake pressure sensor 12 is connected to each throttle hole 2c and 3c via a pressure detection hose 17. The pressure of the intake air flowing in each throttle hole 2c and 3c is transmitted to the intake pressure sensor 12 and is used as the intake pressure for detection.

[0057] In the vehicle-mounted state of the throttle body device 1, couplers for wiring harnesses extending from the engine control controller on the vehicle body side are connected to connectors 10a-12a of each sensor 10-12, to the motor connector 14 protruding from the side of the gear housing 3b, and to connector 7a of each fuel injection valve 7. Thus, detection information from each sensor 10-12 is input to the controller, and drive signals from the controller are input to each fuel injection valve 7, controlling the fuel injection quantity and timing to each cylinder of the engine. Additionally, drive signals from the controller are also input to the motor, thereby adjusting the opening of the throttle valve 6 and consequently adjusting the intake air volume supplied to the engine cylinders.

[0058] Figure 7 The pressure testing hose is separated from throttle body 2 and 3. Figure 4 The corresponding bottom view, Figure 8 yes Figure 4 Sectional view along line VIII-VIII.

[0059] like Figure 4 , 7 As shown in Figure 8, pressure extraction connectors 16l, 16c, and 16r are integrally formed on the lower rear side of the main throttle body 2 and the auxiliary throttle body 3, corresponding to the respective throttle holes 2c and 3c. Each pressure extraction connector 16l, 16c, and 16r points downwards and rearwards. In the following description, they are sometimes referred to as the left pressure extraction connector 6l, the central pressure extraction connector 16c, and the right pressure extraction connector 16r for distinction. In the left-right direction, the left pressure extraction connector 16l is close to the central pressure extraction connector 16c, while the right pressure extraction connector 16r is separated to the right relative to the central pressure extraction connector 16c.

[0060] The pressure detection hose 17 consists of a left pressure detection hose 17l, a central pressure detection hose 17c, a right pressure detection hose 17r, and a sensor-side pressure detection hose 17s. These hoses are interconnected via a cross-shaped connector 18, as described below; therefore, the cross-shaped connector 18 is also a component of the pressure detection hose 17. In particular, the right pressure detection hose 17r corresponds to the "hose" of this invention, and the cross-shaped connector 18 corresponds to the "connector component" of this invention.

[0061] The left pressure extraction connector 16l is connected to one end of the left pressure testing hose 17l, the central pressure extraction connector 16c is connected to one end of the central pressure testing hose 17c, and the right pressure extraction connector 16r is connected to one end of the right pressure testing hose 17r. Each pressure testing hose 17l, 17c, and 17r extends downwards and backwards along the direction of each pressure extraction connector 16l, 16c, and 16r. The other ends of each pressure testing hose 17l, 17c, and 17r are connected to the three connection ports of the cross-shaped connector 18, thus converging with each other.

[0062] In detail, a cross-shaped connector 18 is provided between the left pressure extraction hose 16l and the central pressure extraction hose 16c, which are close to each other. Therefore, the total length of the left pressure detection hose 17l and the central pressure detection hose 17c connecting them is relatively short. These pressure detection hoses 17l and 17c are bent at approximately right angles in the direction of mutual approach and are connected to the cross-shaped connector 18 from the left and right.

[0063] In contrast, the right pressure extraction fitting 16r separates significantly to the right from the cross fitting 18. Therefore, the total length of the right pressure testing hose 17r, which connects them, is set to be relatively long, such as... Figure 1 , 4 As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the hose meanders significantly below and behind the motor housing 2b and gear housing 3b of the throttle body 2 and 3, connecting to the cross-shaped connector 18. To explain this installation path in more detail, the right pressure detection hose 17r extends downwards and backwards from the right pressure extraction connector 16r, bends to the left at approximately a right angle, extends in a straight line to the left below and behind the motor housing 2b and gear housing 3b, then bends forward at approximately a right angle, connecting to the cross-shaped connector 18 from the rear.

[0064] like Figure 1 As shown in section E, the straight area and the left and right curved areas of the right pressure detection hose 17r are prevented from loosening and kept horizontal by the hose retaining part 20 (described later) when the throttle body 1 is in the vehicle-mounted state. Furthermore, this area is located at the bottom of the entire region of the pressure detection hoses 17l, 17c, and 17r, including the portion containing the cross-shaped connector 18. In the following description, this region will be referred to as the horizontal bottom region E.

[0065] On the other hand, such as Figure 4 , 8As shown, at the remaining connection port of the cross-shaped connector 18, one end of the sensor-side pressure detection hose 17s is connected, and the other end of the sensor-side pressure detection hose 17s passes under the main throttle body 2 and extends towards the intake pressure sensor 12. Specifically, a concave, semi-circular clearance portion 2d is formed between the left and right throttle valve holes 2c of the main throttle body 2. The sensor-side pressure detection hose 17s passes under this clearance portion 2d, bends upward, and its other end connects to the connector 12b of the intake pressure sensor 12.

[0066] Assuming that no clearance portion 2d is formed on the main throttle body 2, the sensor-side pressure detection hose 17s needs to be significantly deflected downwards to prevent interference with the main throttle body 2. By forming the clearance portion 2d, the sensor-side pressure detection hose 17s can be reasonably routed to the intake pressure sensor 12 with the shortest possible distance.

[0067] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the right pressure testing hose 17r fixed to the hose retainer.

[0068] At the lower rear of the flange portion 3a of the secondary throttle body 3, in other words, at the lowest horizontal region E where the right pressure detection hose 17r is laid, a hose retainer portion 20 is integrally formed. The hose retainer portion 20 protrudes from the flange portion 3a toward the lower rear and is formed with an annular groove 20a extending in the left-right direction. The annular groove 20a has a cross-sectional shape that opens to the side, specifically toward the lower rear.

[0069] The inner diameter Din of the annular groove 20a is approximately equal to the outer diameter Dout of the lowest horizontal region E, and the opening width W of the annular groove 20a is narrower than the outer diameter Dout. Through the opening of such an annular groove 20a, as... Figure 9 As shown by the double-dotted line, the lowest horizontal region E is embedded and fixed within the annular groove 20a from the rear and below. The lowest horizontal region E deforms when passing through the opening of the annular groove 20a, but if embedded within the annular groove 20a, it restores its original cross-sectional shape due to its own elasticity, thereby preventing it from detaching from the annular groove 20a.

[0070] As a result, although the right pressure sensing hose 17r is relatively long overall, its approximate middle portion along its length is constrained by the hose holding portion 20. Therefore, slack in the right pressure sensing hose 17r can be suppressed, and the desired lower horizontal region E can be formed, that is, a lower horizontal region E formed at the lowest position and in an accurately horizontal state.

[0071] The hose retainer 20 is formed simultaneously with the sub-throttle body 3 during aluminum die casting. When forming the sub-throttle body 3, the forming mold demolds in the left-right direction. However, since the flange 3a is formed in a manner that does not obstruct demolding, demolding can be performed without problems even if the hose retainer 20 is located on the flange 3a. Furthermore, the shape of the hose retainer 20, including the annular groove 20a, is also designed to allow for demolding in the left-right direction. As a result, without significant modifications to the forming mold, such as changing the demolding structure, the hose retainer 20 can be formed on the sub-throttle body 3 simply by adding a portion corresponding to the hose retainer 20 to the forming mold. This helps prevent the formation mold from becoming more complex, thereby helping to reduce the cost of the throttle device 1.

[0072] Next, the effects of the throttle valve device 1 configured as described above will be explained.

[0073] First, the effects related to the installation path of the pressure testing hose 17 are described.

[0074] In the throttle valve device 1 of this embodiment, as follows: Figure 1 , 4 As shown in Figures 8 and 9, pressure detection hoses 17l, 17c, and 17r are connected to the lower ends of the pressure extraction fittings 16l, 16c, and 16r formed in the lower parts of each throttle orifice 2c and 3c. Additionally, the sensor-side pressure detection hose 17s, connected to these hoses 17l, 17c, and 17r via a cross-shaped fitting 18, is routed to the intake pressure sensor 12 via the lower side of the main throttle body 2. That is, the entire area of ​​the pressure detection hose 17 is located at a position significantly separated from the delivery pipe 8 downwards. Therefore, it is impossible to fix and constrain the middle part of the pressure detection hose 17 using the delivery pipe 8, and the longer right pressure detection hose 17r is particularly prone to loosening.

[0075] However, the right pressure detection hose 17r is fixed to the hose retaining part 20, which is integrally formed with the auxiliary throttle body 3, thereby preventing loosening. Therefore, the right pressure detection hose 17r will not wobble even when subjected to vehicle acceleration and deceleration, turning, and engine vibration, thus preventing damage due to frequent contact with surrounding parts caused by wobble.

[0076] Furthermore, the pressure extraction connectors 16l, 16c, and 16r at each throttle body hole 2c and 3c point downwards and rearwards, and the pressure testing hoses 17l, 17c, and 17r also extend downwards and rearwards in the same direction. Therefore, foreign matter and moisture generated within each throttle body hole 2c and 3c can sometimes intrude into the pressure testing hoses 17l, 17c, and 17r. When the pressure testing hoses 17l, 17c, and 17r become loose, foreign matter and moisture can accumulate and remain locally at the bottom of the loosened area, becoming a major cause of malfunctions.

[0077] In this embodiment, a horizontally lower region E is formed at the lowest part of the right pressure sensing hose 17r, so foreign matter and moisture will accumulate and remain in the horizontally lower region E. Unlike a loosely spaced lower region, the horizontally lower region E has a sufficient length occupying more than half of the length of the right pressure sensing hose 17r, and is constrained by the hose holding part 20 to maintain an accurate horizontal state. It is rare for foreign matter and moisture to accumulate and remain entirely in such a horizontally lower region E. In addition, it takes a considerable amount of time to reach such a state, so there is a possibility of maintenance to remove foreign matter and moisture before that. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the right pressure sensing hose 17r from becoming blocked due to the accumulation and retention of foreign matter and moisture, and to maintain the normal detection function of the intake pressure sensor 12.

[0078] In addition, such as Figure 8 As shown, the intake pressure sensor 12 is positioned sufficiently high relative to the lowest horizontal region E of the right pressure sensing hose 17r. Therefore, there is virtually no possibility of foreign objects or moisture accumulating or remaining in the lowest horizontal region E entering the intake pressure sensor 12, preventing malfunctions of the intake pressure sensor 12 caused by the intrusion of foreign objects or moisture. This contributes to improving the reliability of the throttle body 1.

[0079] The installation path of the pressure detection hose 17 in the lowest horizontal region E is achieved by the hose retainer 20. The effects related to the hose retainer 20 are described below.

[0080] As explained above, the hose retaining part 20 replaces the multiple belt clamps of Patent Document 1, constraining the middle portion of the pressure detection hose 17r. More specifically, it constrains the middle portion of the right pressure detection hose 17r, thus suppressing relaxation. Furthermore, the hose retaining part 20 is not a separate component like the belt clamps, but is integrally formed with the sub-throttle body 3, thereby reducing the number of components in the throttle device 1 to a number corresponding to the number of belt clamps. Additionally, the hose retaining part 20 is formed simultaneously with the aluminum die-casting of the sub-throttle body 3, thus eliminating the need for additional manufacturing processes.

[0081] Furthermore, regarding the fixing operation of the right pressure detection hose 17r, in the case of the ring-shaped band clamp in Patent Document 1, the pressure detection hose needs to be inserted inside before clamping. In contrast, regarding the hose holding part 20 of this embodiment, as... Figure 9 As shown by the double-dotted line, it can be secured by simply inserting the right pressure sensing hose 17r into the annular groove 20a from the side.

[0082] The combination of the above advantages related to the number of components and fixed operation enables the throttle valve device 1 of this embodiment to reduce manufacturing costs compared with the throttle valve device of Patent Document 1.

[0083] Furthermore, the hose retainer 20 can be formed at any position on the throttle bodies 2 and 3. In this embodiment, a horizontally lower region E is formed in the right pressure detection hose 17r, which is routed from the rear lower part of the motor housing 2b and the gear housing 3b. For the horizontally lower region E, it is required that it be located at the bottom of the entire region of the pressure detection hose 17r, including the part of the cross joint 18, and preferably as long as possible so that more foreign matter and moisture can be accumulated and retained. In order to achieve the horizontally lower region E that meets these requirements, the hose retainer 20 needs to be provided at an appropriate position to constrain the right pressure detection hose 17r. With this in mind, in the example of this embodiment, the hose retainer 20 is provided at the rear lower part of the flange portion 3a of the secondary throttle body 3, thereby achieving a routing path with the desired horizontally lower region E and achieving the effect described above.

[0084] Depending on the type of throttle body 1, the routing path of the pressure sensing hose 17 from the vehicle side will differ, and the position of the hose retaining portion 20 that should be provided on the throttle body 2 and 3 to form the lowest horizontal region E will also differ. According to the present invention, since the hose retaining portion 20 can be formed at any position on the throttle body 2 and 3, the desired lowest horizontal region E corresponding to that type can be formed regardless of the type of throttle body 1, thereby achieving the above-mentioned effect.

[0085] Furthermore, the hose retaining portion 20 that can be formed on the throttle body 2, 3 is not limited to a single one. For example, if the right pressure sensing hose 17r is thick or stiff, it is sometimes difficult to form the desired lowest horizontal region E by fixing it based solely on a single hose retaining portion 20. Therefore, for example, it is also possible to... Figure 10 As another example 1, a hose retaining part 20 is also formed on the side of the main throttle body 2, and the right pressure detection hose 17r is constrained at two points. In this way, the number of hose retaining parts 20 on the throttle bodies 2 and 3 can be arbitrarily set, thus making it easier to form the desired lowest horizontal region E.

[0086] On the other hand, the shape of the hose retaining part 20 is designed so that even when the vehicle accelerates and the engine vibrates during acceleration, deceleration, and cornering, the pressure sensing hose is unlikely to detach from the annular groove 20a. In the throttle device 1 of this embodiment, prior actual testing has confirmed that: Figure 5 In the direction indicated by the middle arrow, the principal component A generates vehicle acceleration and engine vibration. Therefore, by opening the annular groove 20a in a direction orthogonal to the principal component A, a fault is prevented where the lowest horizontal region E embedded within the annular groove 20a disengages through the opening. This helps improve the reliability of the throttle body 1.

[0087] The present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, in the above embodiment, it is specifically embodied as a throttle valve device 1 for a three-cylinder engine of a two-wheeled motorcycle, but the types of vehicles and engines to which it is applicable are not limited to this and can be arbitrarily changed.

[0088] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, considering that a layout path must be adopted based on requirements from the vehicle side, which allows foreign objects and moisture to easily penetrate the pressure detection hose 17, a horizontally lowest region E is formed in the pressure detection hose 17 to prevent this malfunction. A hose retainer 20 is provided at a position on the sub-throttle body 3 suitable for forming this horizontally lowest region E. However, the layout path required by the vehicle side is not limited to this. For example, there are cases where a layout path, such as the pressure detection hose layout described in Patent Document 1, is required, where foreign objects and moisture are difficult to penetrate, but the hose is easily swayed by vehicle acceleration and engine vibration. In this case, it is not necessary to form a horizontally lowest region E, but for some reason, it may be impossible to use a fuel supply pipe to restrain the pressure detection hose. According to the present invention, since the hose retainer 20 can be formed at any position on the throttle bodies 2 and 3, the hose retainer 20 can be provided at an appropriate position to replace the function of the fuel supply pipe, thereby restraining the pressure detection hose and preventing malfunctions caused by swaying.

[0089] Furthermore, not limited to the routing path described in Patent Document 1, for example, in order to improve the detection accuracy of the intake pressure sensor 12, it is sometimes required to shorten the routing path of the pressure detection hose 17 along its entire length, or to reduce the routing path of the hose 17 with fewer bends. According to the present invention, these requirements can be easily met.

[0090] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a right pressure detection hose 17r for transmitting intake pressure from the throttle orifices 2c and 3c to the intake pressure sensor 12 is fixed using a hose retaining portion 20 formed on the secondary throttle body 3. However, the hose fixed to the hose retaining portion 20 is not limited to this; for example, the evaporator hose 9 can also be fixed. Specifically, as... Figure 11 As shown in another example 2, a hose retaining portion 31 with an annular groove 31a is added to the flange portion 3a of the sub-throttle body 3 to fix the middle portion of the evaporator hose 9. Since the swaying of the evaporator hose 9 caused by vehicle acceleration or engine vibration is more reliably suppressed, damage to the evaporator hose 9 caused by contact with surrounding components can be further reliably prevented. In this other example 2, the evaporator hose 9 corresponds to the "hose" of the present invention.

[0091] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the right pressure sensing hose 17r is fixed to the hose retaining portion 20. However, this method can be substituted, or based on this method, the cross-shaped connector 18, which constitutes part of the pressure sensing hose 17, can be fixed. For example, it can also be as follows: Figure 12 As another example 3, a plate-shaped hose retaining part 41 is integrally formed on the main throttle body 2, and a fixing rod 18a extends upward from the cross-shaped pipe joint 18. The upper end of the fixing rod 18a is fastened to the hose retaining part 41 by screws 42. Figure 4 It is known that the cross-shaped tube joint 18, where the pressure testing hoses 17l, 17c, 17r, and 17s converge, is located near the center of gravity of the entire area of ​​the pressure testing hose 17. Therefore, if the cross-shaped tube joint 18 is fixed and constrained, the swaying of the pressure testing hose 17 caused by vehicle acceleration and engine vibration can be suppressed more effectively.

Claims

1. A throttle valve device for an engine, characterized in that, have: Throttle body, which supports the throttle valve in the throttle hole in an openable and closable manner via throttle shaft; A flexible hose, one end of which is connected to the throttle body orifice; and A hose retainer, which is integrally formed with the throttle body, secures the middle portion of the hose.

2. The throttle valve device of the engine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The hose retaining portion is formed with an annular groove, which has a cross-sectional shape that opens to the side. The hose deforms and then passes through the opening of the annular groove, embedding itself into the annular groove.

3. The throttle valve device of the engine as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The annular groove opens in a direction that is approximately orthogonal to the principal components of vehicle acceleration and engine vibration.

4. The throttle valve device of the engine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The throttle body has a plurality of throttle holes. One end of each hose is connected to one of the plurality of throttle valve holes, and the other end is connected to each other via a connector component. The hose retainer secures the connector component.

5. The throttle valve device of the engine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The throttle body is a molded product formed by a molding die. The hose retaining portion is formed in a shape that allows for demolding of the forming mold, and is located on the throttle body that allows for demolding of the forming mold.

6. The throttle valve device of the engine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The throttle body includes a first throttle body and a second throttle body, and the first throttle body and the second throttle body each have the throttle valve orifice. The first throttle body and the second throttle body are joined together with their respective flanges overlapping each other. The hose retainer is formed on the flange of at least one of the first throttle body and the second throttle body.

7. The throttle valve device of the engine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The hose is a pressure sensing hose that connects the throttle body orifice to the intake pressure sensor, transmitting the intake pressure from the throttle body orifice to the intake pressure sensor.

8. The throttle valve device of the engine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The hose is an evaporator hose that connects the throttle valve orifice to the charcoal canister, guiding the evaporated gas adsorbed in the charcoal canister into the throttle valve orifice.

9. The throttle valve device of the engine as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The pressure detection hose is laid from the lower side of the throttle body to the intake pressure sensor. The hose is fixed by a retaining part to prevent loosening, and a horizontal lowermost area is formed at the bottom to keep it level.

10. The throttle valve device of the engine as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The throttle body has a downwardly concave relief section. The pressure detection hose is routed to the intake pressure sensor via the lower side of the clearance section.

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