Regulation module for adjusting the air flow rate supplied to the internal combustion engine

Abstract

The present invention relates to a regulating module (22) for regulating the air supply rate of an internal combustion engine, the module comprising a throttle valve (24) equipped with a throttle disc (25) and an electric motor (26) the throttle disc being mounted to have the ability to rotate in a pipe passing through the throttle valve, the electric motor being configured to pivot the throttle disc in the pipe, the module being notably further comprising: a first sensor (27) for the linear displacement of a throttle cable (23) connected to a throttle lever (21) of a vehicle (20); a moving element (28') comprising a metal target (37) configured to move linearly through the first sensor (27), the moving element being capable of securely attaching one end of the throttle cable (23) to it; and a microcontroller (30) configured to control the electric motor (23) based on a displacement measurement of the throttle cable determined by the first sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The scope of this invention is the control of a throttle disc that forms part of the throttle valve of an internal combustion engine. More specifically (though not exclusively) the invention applies to two-wheeled or three-wheeled combustion engine vehicles, but also to low-power four-wheeled vehicles, such as small off-road vehicles, golf carts, or go-karts. The invention is also applicable to motorized gardening vehicles, such as lawnmowers or ride-on lawnmowers, and to motorized gardening tools, such as leaf blowers or garden shredders. Background Technology

[0002] Historically, such as Figure 1 As illustrated in the diagram, the throttle control on the motorcycle is always a mechanical throttle control, where the throttle lever 1 is connected to the first end of the throttle cable 2. The second end of the throttle cable 2 is itself connected to the regulating module 3, which regulates the airflow rate supplied to the internal combustion engine.

[0003] The regulating module 3, which regulates the airflow rate supplied to the internal combustion engine, includes a butterfly throttle valve 4. As is known per se, the butterfly throttle valve 4 includes a throttle element 5 in the form of a disc (referred to as a throttle disc), which is mounted to have the ability to rotate in a conduit (not shown) passing through the throttle valve 4. The throttle disc 5 moves in this conduit to regulate the airflow rate supplied to the internal combustion engine.

[0004] The connection between the second end of the throttle cable 2 and the throttle disc 5 is via a sector wheel 6, which is configured to rotate by the throttle cable 2. Therefore, when the throttle lever 1 is turned, the cable 2 pivots the throttle disc 5 via the sector wheel 6, causing the throttle disc 5 to assume a position corresponding to the position desired by the driver / rider. Module 3 also includes a sensor 7 capable of measuring the angular position of the throttle disc 5.

[0005] This type of module 3 also includes a sector wheel return spring 8, which returns the sector wheel 6 to the stationary position when the throttle handle 1 is released.

[0006] Module 3 also includes a microcontroller 9, which is used to manage the actuators and sensors of the internal combustion engine.

[0007] While this solution is economical, it cannot guarantee the precise position of the throttle disc 5. Furthermore, this solution does not offer the possibility of providing complex functions, such as speed regulation, within the control of the throttle disc 5.

[0008] Figure 2 A known solution to the schematic diagram in the middle enables the provision of such functionality.

[0009] Using this solution, the position of the throttle handle 1 is determined directly by the sensor 10 located in the throttle handle 1. The position of the throttle handle 1 reflects the driver's / rider's desired acceleration.

[0010] The solution also includes a throttle return spring 8, which returns the throttle throttle 1 to a stationary position when the throttle throttle 1 is released.

[0011] The position information is then transmitted via cable 11 from sensor 10 to connector 12 of regulating module 3, which adjusts the airflow rate supplied to the internal combustion engine. Next, the position information is transmitted from connector 12 to microcontroller 9 of regulating module 3, which specifically controls electric motor 13 configured to position throttle disc 5 at a defined angle reflecting the driver / rider's acceleration expectation. Microcontroller 9 can consider various information when controlling throttle disc 5, such as a preset speed pre-selected by the driver / rider. Therefore, if the driver / rider selects a preset speed and subsequently releases throttle throttle 1, microcontroller 9 can control electric motor 13 to maintain the position of throttle disc 5 to achieve an airflow rate corresponding to that preset speed.

[0012] In addition, the microcontroller 9 can also be used to manage the actuators and sensors of an internal combustion engine.

[0013] Module 3 also includes a sensor 7 capable of measuring the angular position of the throttle disc 5.

[0014] However, this sensor 10, located in the throttle handle 1, is connected to the connector 12 via a cable 11. The sensor 10 and the cable 11, which includes multiple wires, significantly increase the risk of electrical failure.

[0015] Furthermore, integrating the sensor 10 into the throttle handle 1 and establishing the electrical connection via the cable 11 and connector 12 requires a dedicated throttle handle, i.e., an electric throttle handle that includes wires specifically for the sensor 10. Therefore, such a technical solution is expensive. Summary of the Invention

[0016] One object of the present invention is to provide a solution for controlling the throttle disc of an internal combustion engine, including a butterfly throttle valve, which is inexpensive and at the same time quite insensitive to electrical faults.

[0017] Therefore, the present invention relates to a module for regulating the air flow rate supplied to an internal combustion engine, the module comprising a throttle valve equipped with a throttle disc and an electric motor, the throttle disc being mounted to have the ability to rotate in a pipe passing through the throttle valve, the electric motor being configured to pivot the throttle disc in the pipe, the module being characterized in that it further comprises: - A first sensor for the linear displacement of the throttle cable connected to the throttle lever of the vehicle. - A movable element including a metal target, configured to move linearly past a first sensor, the movable element enabling one end of the throttle cable to be securely attached to it. - A microcontroller configured to control the electric motor based on a measurement of the displacement of the throttle cable, which is determined by the first sensor.

[0018] Therefore, the sensors used to measure input from the driver / rider are now located directly in the module, rather than in the throttle. This allows for the retention of a mechanical throttle and the integration of the module with it, as described, without requiring modification of the throttle type from the outset. Consequently, this solution is easily integrated into vehicles that include throttles with cable control.

[0019] In addition, the movable element can be located at various positions within the module, thereby enabling the module to adjust to the applied two-wheeled vehicle environment.

[0020] As a further preferred embodiment, the module includes a support fixed relative to the throttle valve and positioned facing the first sensor, the movable element being configured to move linearly on the support.

[0021] This support provides mechanical protection for the moving element and guides its movement.

[0022] Preferably, the support includes a guide rail protruding from the support, and the throttle cable is configured to be inserted into the guide rail such that one end of the throttle cable is attached to the moving element.

[0023] The guide rail guides the movement of the throttle cable.

[0024] As another preferred embodiment, the module includes a control unit in which a microcontroller and a first sensor are mounted, the moving element having a shape complementary to that of the support member, the moving element being located between the support member and the control unit.

[0025] The control unit mechanically protects the first sensor and the microcontroller.

[0026] The cavity formed between the support and the control unit forms a track along which the moving element can move.

[0027] According to the first embodiment, the support member has a flat and rectangular shape and extends parallel to the control unit. Therefore, the moving element, having a shape complementary to that of the support member, has a cuboid shape.

[0028] According to the second embodiment, the support member includes: - The first part extends toward the first sensor. - The second part extends in a direction perpendicular to the first part and abuts the free end of the unit.

[0029] Therefore, the support member has an "elbow" shape that complements the end of the unit. The moving element extending between the support member and the control unit also has an elbow shape.

[0030] Therefore, the support and moving element occupy a small amount of space and volume within the module because they support the shape of the control unit.

[0031] As a further preferred embodiment, the module includes a return spring connected between the guide rail and the moving element. This return spring allows the moving element and the throttle handle to return to a stationary position corresponding to zero input from the driver / rider.

[0032] Preferably, the module further includes a second sensor for the angular position of the throttle disc.

[0033] As a further preferred embodiment, the microcontroller is configured to control the electric motor based on a measurement of the displacement of the throttle cable and at least one other parameter determined by a first sensor.

[0034] Advantageously, the at least one other parameter is a measurement of the angular position of the throttle disc, which is determined by a second sensor.

[0035] Advantageously, the microcontroller is configured to: - Implement at least one of the following vehicle control modes: o Speed ​​adjustment mode, o Sports mode, o Severe weather / rainfall pattern, o Energy-saving mode, o "Comfort" driving / riding mode - And depending on the selected vehicle control mode: modify the input applied by the driver / rider at the throttle, and require that the modified input be applied to the throttle plate.

[0036] The present invention also relates to a vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine, the notable feature of which is that it further includes: - As outlined, the regulating module regulates the airflow rate supplied to the internal combustion engine. - Throttle cable, which is fixed at the first end to the vehicle's throttle lever and at the second end to a regulating module that regulates the airflow rate supplied to the internal combustion engine.

[0037] A better understanding of the invention and its various applications will be gained by reading the following description and studying the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0038] The accompanying drawings are presented in a completely non-limiting manner according to the invention.

[0039] Figure 1 A functional diagram of a first embodiment of a regulating module for regulating the air flow rate supplied to an internal combustion engine, according to the prior art, is schematically illustrated.

[0040] Figure 2 A functional diagram of a second embodiment of a regulating module for regulating the airflow rate supplied to an internal combustion engine, according to the prior art, is schematically illustrated.

[0041] Figure 3 The illustration schematically depicts a functional diagram of a first embodiment of a vehicle equipped with a regulating module that regulates the airflow rate supplied to an internal combustion engine, the regulating module including a linear sensor.

[0042] Figure 4 The illustration shows a top view of a regulating module for regulating the air flow rate supplied to a combustion engine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 5 The diagram illustrates the following: Figure 4 A front view of the module that regulates the airflow rate supplied to the combustion engine.

[0044] Figure 6 The illustration shows a top view of a regulating module for regulating the air flow rate supplied to a combustion engine according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 7 The diagram illustrates the following: Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the module that regulates the airflow rate supplied to the internal combustion engine in a transverse plane. Detailed Implementation

[0046] Unless otherwise stated, a given element appearing in different figures is identified by a single reference numeral.

[0047] Figure 3 A non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a vehicle 20, such as a two-wheeled vehicle, equipped with an internal combustion engine according to the invention is illustrated schematically.

[0048] The vehicle 20 includes a throttle tachometer 21 and a regulating module 22 that regulates the airflow rate supplied to the internal combustion engine.

[0049] The vehicle 20 also includes a throttle cable 23, which is fixed at a first end to the throttle lever 21 and at a second end to an adjustment module 22 that adjusts the airflow rate supplied to the internal combustion engine.

[0050] The regulating module 22, which regulates the airflow rate supplied to the internal combustion engine, includes a butterfly throttle valve 24 equipped with a throttle disc 25. The throttle disc 25 is mounted to have the ability to rotate in a conduit (25') passing through the throttle valve 24. The throttle disc 25 moves in this conduit to regulate the airflow rate supplied to the internal combustion engine.

[0051] The regulating module 22, which regulates the airflow rate supplied to the internal combustion engine, also includes an electric motor 26 configured to pivot the throttle disc 25 in the duct 25' and position it at a defined angle.

[0052] The regulating module 22, which regulates the air flow rate supplied to the internal combustion engine, advantageously includes a first sensor 27 for the displacement of the throttle cable 23.

[0053] according to Figure 3 In one embodiment of the invention shown, the regulating module 22 for adjusting the airflow rate supplied to the internal combustion engine includes a movable element 28' to which one end of the throttle cable 23 is attached. According to this embodiment, a first sensor 27 is a sensor for the linear displacement of the throttle cable 23, such as a magnetic sensor. The first sensor 27 is configured to measure the linear displacement of the movable element 28'.

[0054] The return spring 29 is also associated with the moving element 28'. When the throttle tug 21 is released by the driver / rider, the return spring 29 allows the moving element 28' to return to its rest position.

[0055] In addition, the regulating module 22 for regulating the air flow rate supplied to the internal combustion engine includes a microcontroller 30, which is specifically configured to control the electric motor 26 based on the displacement measurement result of the throttle cable 23, which is determined by the first sensor 27.

[0056] according to Figure 3 In one embodiment shown, the first sensor 27 measures the linear displacement of the moving element 28' and thereby infers the displacement of the throttle cable 23. This displacement measurement of the throttle cable 23 is then transmitted to a microcontroller 30, which controls the electric motor 26 to pivot the throttle disc 25 in the duct of the throttle valve 24, and thus regulate the airflow rate supplied to the internal combustion engine.

[0057] According to a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the regulating module 22 for regulating the air flow rate supplied to the internal combustion engine includes a second sensor 31 for measuring the angular position of the throttle disc 25. This second sensor 31 is, for example, a TPS sensor (“throttle position sensor”).

[0058] In this configuration, the microcontroller 30 is configured to control the motor 26 based on displacement measurements of the throttle cable 23 (determined by the first sensor 27) and at least one other parameter, which may be formed by measurements of the angular position of the throttle disc 25 (determined by the second sensor 31).

[0059] In other words, thanks to the second sensor 31, the microcontroller 30 can determine whether the angular position taken by the throttle disc 25 corresponds to the angular position desired by the driver / rider, which is determined by the first sensor 27. For example, incorrect positioning of the throttle disc 25 may be caused by friction from the rotating arm of the throttle disc 25.

[0060] If the angular position of the throttle disc 25 measured by the second sensor 31 does not correspond to the angular position desired by the driver / rider, the microcontroller 30 can control the electric motor 26 to move the throttle disc 25 and bring it to the desired angular position.

[0061] According to another non-limiting example, other parameters that the microcontroller 30 considers for controlling the motor 26 may be formed by predetermined fixed speed values.

[0062] For example, the driver / rider of vehicle 20 can preselect a fixed speed value via a button on their handlebars. This speed value is transmitted to microcontroller 30. Microcontroller 30 then controls motor 26 to move throttle disc 25 and bring it to the desired angular position corresponding to the fixed speed value. According to this operation, even if the driver / rider releases the throttle lever 21, the speed of vehicle 20 will correspond to the preselected speed.

[0063] More specifically, refer to Figures 4 to 5 The first possible form of an embodiment of the adjustment module 22 is described.

[0064] More specifically, Figure 4 Module 22 is depicted in orthogonal reference frames X, Y, and Z. Figure 5 Depicting Figure 4 The cross-section of module 22 depicted in the figure is located along the Figure 4 The axis X depicted in the middle T1 In the intercepted YZ plane.

[0065] According to this embodiment, the rotating arm 25B that rotates the throttle disc 25 is parallel to the rotating arm 26B of the electric motor 26. However, this is not always the case.

[0066] Module 22 includes a control unit 50, which includes a rotation axis X in a plane parallel to the direction of pipe 25' and perpendicular to the throttle disc 25. 25The circuit extends in a plane. A first sensor 27, a second sensor 31, and a microcontroller 30 are mounted on this electronic circuit (PCB). More specifically, in this case, the first sensor 27 is a coil (forming an inductive sensor) printed on the electronic circuit.

[0067] The control unit 50 is fixed relative to the throttle body 24. The microcontroller 30 is positioned, for example, facing the electric motor 26, which is configured to pivot the throttle disc 25 in the conduit 25'. The second sensor 31 is configured to be positioned facing one end of the rotating arm that rotates the throttle disc 25.

[0068] In addition, module 22 includes a support member 60 with a flat and rectangular shape, which extends parallel to the control unit 50 (and the circuitry) and faces the first sensor 27. To save space, the support member 60 is preferably oriented such that the two long edges of the support member 60 extend parallel to the direction in which the conduit 25' extends.

[0069] The support 60 also includes a guide rail 61 (or in other words, a sheath) that is in the plane of the support 60 and projects from the support 60 along the direction of its long edge. In other words, the guide rail 61 extends parallel to the direction of the pipe 25'. The support 60 also includes a sidewall 62 that projects along its longitudinal edge.

[0070] The movable element 28' has a cuboid shape that complements the shape of the support 60, and it is located between the support 60 and the control unit 50, thus resting against the support 60 and facing the first sensor 27, or in other words, facing the coil. The movable element 28' is configured to move linearly on the support 60. Since the linear translation of the movable element 28' is guided by the sidewall 62, this linear translation is along the axial direction of the guide rail 61, and therefore in a direction parallel to the direction of the conduit 25'.

[0071] One end of the throttle cable 23 is inserted into the guide rail 61 and connected to the moving element 28' via a hook 70. The return spring 29 provides the connection between the guide rail 61 and the moving element 28'.

[0072] The moving element 28' includes a metal element called a metal target 37. Thus, when the user pulls the throttle, the throttle cable 23 causes the moving element 28' to move linearly on the support 60, and thus, the metal target 37 also moves past the first sensor 27, which will detect and quantify the linear translation of the moving element 28'.

[0073] Specifically, coil 27 is an inductive sensor capable of measuring the displacement of the metal target 37 without errors caused by electromagnetic interference from the system. This inductive sensor may also be referred to as a pedal value sensor (PVS).

[0074] The information read by the first sensor 27 is then collected by the microcontroller 30, which commands the motor 26, thereby actuating the rotation of its arm 26B. A mechanical link 41 connects the arm 26B of the motor 26 to the rotating arm 25B that rotates the throttle disc 25. Therefore, the mechanical link 41 allows the throttle disc 25 to rotate around its axis of rotation X in the intake port. 25 move.

[0075] Therefore, the support 60 enables the sheath 61 of the throttle cable 23 to be secured, and provides guidance for the displacement of the moving element 28' by means of the sidewall, the return spring 29 and the hook 70.

[0076] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The second embodiment is described.

[0077] More specifically, Figure 6 Module 22 is depicted in orthogonal reference frames X, Y, and Z. Figure 7 Depicting Figure 5 The cross-section of module 22 depicted in the figure is located along the Figure 6 The axis X depicted in the middle T2 In the intercepted XZ plane.

[0078] According to the second embodiment: - The control unit 50 has a generally cuboid shape. - The first sensor 27 is located at one end of the control unit 50. - The support member 60 has an "elbow" shape complementary to this end of the control unit 50; the support member 60 includes: - The first part 60A extends toward the first sensor 27 (in the same manner as in the first embodiment). - The second part 60B extends in a direction perpendicular to the first part 60A and abuts against the free end of the control unit 50, which here corresponds to the same end of the control unit 50 as the end where the first sensor 27 is mounted. - The movable element 28' extends between the support 60 and the control unit 50, and has a shape complementary to the shape of the support 60. Therefore, the movable element 28' also has an elbow shape and includes: - A first portion 28'A, configured to be located between a first portion 60A of the support 60 and the control unit 50, the first portion including a metal element 37. - The second part 28'B, which is configured to be located between the second part 60B of the support 60 and the control unit 50, includes a hook 70 to which the throttle cable 23 is attached.

[0079] The guide rail 61 is positioned to protrude from the second part 60B of the support 60 along the axis perpendicular to the pipe 25'.

[0080] According to this second embodiment, the linear translation of the moving element 28' relative to the support 60 and the first sensor 27 is along the axis perpendicular to the extension of the pipe 25'.

[0081] However, the components constituting the control unit 50, the support 60, and the moving element 28' (whether the component has a flat shape or a bent shape) can be located anywhere around the throttle valve 24, provided that the outlet of the cable 23 allows it to be so, and the displacement of the target 37 is a movement past the first sensor 27.

[0082] The various aspects described above in this invention have many advantages. Among them, the following can be mentioned: - Maintain the mechanical throttle and throttle cable, while simultaneously integrating the throttle cable displacement reading directly into the module, rather than into the throttle; - The fact that there is no direct mechanical linkage between the throttle 21 and the throttle disc 25 allows module 22 to include additional functions, such as the following specific vehicle control modes: • Speed ​​adjustment mode, in which the microcontroller 30 is configured to maintain the vehicle speed at a substantially constant speed, regardless of the commands input by the driver / rider using the throttle 21. • Sport mode, in which the microcontroller 30 precisely follows the acceleration input at the throttle 21, so the throttle disc 25 accurately reflects the driver / rider's intentions, and the vehicle's speed is proportional to the ratio of throttle 21 twist. This allows for highly responsive vehicle behavior consistent with the driver / rider's intentions. • Severe Weather / Rain Mode: Microcontroller 30 limits acceleration referred to as "sharp." While achieving the torque desired by the driver / rider, the acceleration input by the driver / rider can be reduced by microcontroller 30, thus avoiding potential over-acceleration that could lead to vehicle instability. • Energy-saving mode, in which the microcontroller 30 limits the degree to which the throttle disc 25 opens for fuel consumption purposes. Therefore, even if the driver / rider turns the throttle 21 to its maximum extent, the degree to which the throttle disc 25 opens may be limited to, for example, 50%. • In “Comfort” mode, the microcontroller 30 adjusts the input applied by the driver / rider via the throttle 21 and applies that input to the throttle disc 25, keeping the vehicle speed change caused by the acceleration input by the driver / rider constant, and thus making the driving / riding experience more enjoyable for the driver / rider. For example, when the throttle 21 is turned quickly, the microcontroller 30 is configured to adjust the duration of the required acceleration applied to the throttle disc 25. In another scenario, if the driver / rider applies an unwanted small twist (and therefore it should not trigger a sudden speed increase), the microcontroller 30 is configured to smooth / filter these stepped twists of the throttle 21. Thus, the input applied by the driver / rider is respected, while uneven engine operation is avoided. - The ability of the module 22 to adjust the positioning of the control unit 50, support 60, and moving element 28' around the throttle plate 25 according to the configuration of the vehicle to which it is integrated. - Eliminates the risk of electrical malfunctions associated with using sensors that are directly mounted on the throttle.

Claims

1. A module (22) for regulating the air flow rate supplied to an internal combustion engine, the module (22) comprising a throttle valve (24) equipped with a throttle disc (25) and an electric motor (26), the throttle disc (25) being mounted to have the ability to rotate in a pipe passing through the throttle valve (24), the electric motor (26) being configured to pivot the throttle disc (25) in the pipe, the module (22) being characterized in that it further comprises: - A first sensor (27) for the linear displacement of the throttle cable (23) connected to the throttle handle (21) of the vehicle (20). - A movable element (28') including a metal target (37), the movable element (28') being configured to move linearly past the first sensor (27), the movable element (28') being able to securely attach one end of the throttle cable (23) to it. - A microcontroller (30) configured to control the electric motor (26) based on a measurement of the displacement of the throttle cable (23), the measurement being determined by the first sensor (27). - A support member (60) fixed relative to the throttle valve (24) and positioned facing the first sensor (27), the movable element (28') being configured to move linearly on the support member (60), the support member (60) including a guide rail (61) protruding from the support member (60), the throttle cable (23) being configured to be inserted into the guide rail (61) such that one end of the throttle cable (23) is attached to the movable element (28'). - A control unit (50) in which the microcontroller (30) and the first sensor (27) are mounted, the moving element (28') having a shape complementary to the shape of the support (60), the moving element (28') being located between the support (60) and the control unit (50).

2. The module according to the preceding claim, wherein, The support member (60) has a flat and rectangular shape and extends parallel to the control unit (50).

3. The module (22) according to claim 1, wherein, The support member (60) includes: - A first portion (60A) extends toward the first sensor (27). - The second part (60B) extends in a direction perpendicular to the first part (60A) and abuts against the free end of the control unit (50).

4. The module (22) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The module (22) includes a return spring (29) connected between the guide rail (61) and the moving element (28').

5. The module (22) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The module (22) also includes a second sensor (31) for the angular position of the throttle disc (25).

6. The module (22) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, The microcontroller (30) is configured to control the motor (26) based on a measurement of the displacement of the throttle cable (23) and at least one other parameter, the measurement being determined by the first sensor (27).

7. The module (22) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, The at least one other parameter is a measurement of the angular position of the throttle disc (25), which is determined by the second sensor (31).

8. The module (22) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The microcontroller (30) is configured to: - Implement at least one of the following vehicle control modes: o Speed ​​adjustment mode, o Sports mode, o Severe weather / rainfall pattern, o Energy-saving mode, o "Comfort" driving / riding mode - And depending on the selected vehicle control mode: modify the input applied by the driver / rider at the throttle (21) and require that the modified input be applied to the throttle disc (25).

9. A vehicle (20) equipped with an internal combustion engine, characterized in that it further comprises: - The regulating module (22) according to any one of the preceding claims regulates the airflow rate supplied to the internal combustion engine. - Throttle cable (23), which is fixed at a first end to the throttle lever (21) of the vehicle (20) and at a second end to the regulating module (22) that regulates the air flow rate supplied to the internal combustion engine.

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