Cover for a throttle device

Abstract

The present application provides a cover of a throttle device whose orientation, position, etc. with respect to a cover connector are variable. A cover (50) of a throttle device (1) provided in an intake passage of an internal combustion engine system, wherein the cover (50) of the throttle device (1) has a cover connector (58) connected to a wire harness connector that is a connector of a wire harness of the internal combustion engine system, and the cover connector (58) is attached to the cover (50) by means of a direction variable mechanism (2) capable of changing the orientation of the cover connector (58) with respect to the cover (50). In addition, the cover connector (58) includes a base connector (56) attached to the direction variable mechanism (2), and a conversion connector (57) that is one selected from a plurality of conversion connectors (57) prepared in a manner attachable to and detachable from the base connector (56).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a cover for a throttle valve device installed in the intake passage of an internal combustion engine system. Background Technology

[0002] For example, a throttle device is installed in the intake passage of an internal combustion engine system in a vehicle, which has a throttle valve component that controls (adjusts) the opening of the intake passage. The throttle device has: a cylindrical air passage that forms part of the intake passage; and a throttle valve component that is rotatably disposed within the air passage, controlling (adjusting) the opening of the air passage based on the user's accelerator pedal input. Furthermore, the throttle device includes a throttle gear that rotates the throttle valve component, a motor that rotates the throttle gear, and a valve opening detection device that detects the opening of the throttle valve component. The air passage containing the throttle valve component is integrated with a housing, and the throttle gear, motor, etc., are housed within the housing through an opening. The opening of the housing is covered by a cover containing the valve opening detection device and a cover connector, sealing the opening. A wiring harness connector is connected to the cover connector of the throttle device cover, which is used to connect wiring harnesses for various devices, sensors, actuators, etc., of the internal combustion engine system.

[0003] In the case of internal combustion engine systems, such as those mounted in vehicles, the system is sometimes crammed into a narrow engine compartment, with various devices adjacent to the throttle body. Previously, because a cover connector was fixed relative to the throttle body, connecting the wiring harness connector could be difficult depending on the proximity of the devices surrounding it. It is desirable that the orientation and position of the cover connector relative to the throttle body be variable.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a sensor module that integrates a connector housing (equivalent to a cover connector) and a sensor detection unit (equivalent to a valve opening detection device). Furthermore, the sensor module is fixed to the cover of the throttle body.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-132541 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0009] In Patent Document 1, the connector housing (equivalent to a cover connector) is oriented in a fixed direction relative to the throttle body, and its position relative to the throttle body is fixed. Therefore, depending on the proximity of adjacent devices around the throttle body, it can sometimes be difficult to connect the wiring harness connector.

[0010] The technical problem disclosed in this specification for solving the above-mentioned problems is to provide a cover for a throttle device with a variable orientation relative to the throttle device.

[0011] Solution for solving the problem

[0012] To address the aforementioned issues, the throttle valve cover disclosed in this specification adopts the following technical solution.

[0013] The first technical solution is a cover for a throttle valve device disposed in the intake passage of an internal combustion engine system. The cover for the throttle valve device has a cover connector that is connected to a wiring harness connector, which is a connector of the wiring harness of the internal combustion engine system. The cover connector is mounted on the cover by means of a variable orientation mechanism that can change the orientation of the cover connector relative to the cover.

[0014] According to the first technical solution described above, the cover connector is installed on the cover of the throttle body by means of a variable direction mechanism, so the orientation of the installed cover connector is variable.

[0015] The second technical solution is a cover for a throttle device according to the first technical solution above, wherein the cover connector includes: a base connector mounted on the directional variable mechanism; and a conversion connector, which is one of a plurality of conversion connectors prepared in a manner that allows for mounting and dismounting relative to the base connector.

[0016] According to the second technical solution mentioned above, by preparing a conversion connector that fits into the wiring harness connector of the internal combustion engine system, the throttle device can be connected to various wiring harness connectors, which is therefore more convenient.

[0017] The third technical solution is based on the throttle valve device cover of the second technical solution above, wherein the conversion connector can be installed and removed relative to the base connector by fitting, a serrated toothed portion is formed on the fitting portion on one connector side of the base connector and the conversion connector, and a claw that engages with the toothed portion is formed on the fitting portion on the other connector side of the base connector and the conversion connector.

[0018] According to the third technical solution mentioned above, when the adapter connector and the base connector are fitted together, they can be easily fitted together and are not easy to come out.

[0019] The fourth technical solution is a cover for the throttle device based on any one of the first to third technical solutions mentioned above, wherein the variable direction mechanism is a ball joint.

[0020] According to the fourth technical solution mentioned above, a variable direction mechanism can be easily realized.

[0021] The fifth technical solution is a cover for a throttle device according to the fourth technical solution above, wherein a through hole is formed in the ball joint to communicate between the outer side and the inner side of the cover, a plurality of inner cover terminals connected to electronic components provided in the throttle device are provided on the inner side of the cover, and a plurality of connector terminals are provided in the cover connector to be connected to the plurality of inner cover terminals by means of a plurality of wiring, wherein the plurality of wiring passes through the through hole of the ball joint.

[0022] According to the fifth technical solution described above, all wiring from the base connector to the electronic components inside the throttle body converges through the through hole of the ball joint. Therefore, the wiring is not exposed to the outside of the throttle body, thus avoiding wire breakage and improving the appearance.

[0023] The effects of the invention

[0024] The throttle body cover disclosed in this specification adopts the above-described technical solution, so that the orientation and position of the cover connector relative to the throttle body are variable, which is more convenient. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a throttle valve device according to one embodiment.

[0026] Figure 2 From Figure 1 Observation of direction II in Figure 1 The throttle valve device shown is a side view (right view).

[0027] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The throttle valve device shown is in section III-III.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a perspective view illustrating an example of the appearance of the outer side of the cover, and a perspective view illustrating an example of a ball joint and a cover connector installed on the cover.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a perspective view illustrating an example of the appearance of the inner side of the cover, and a perspective view illustrating an example of a ball joint and a cover connector installed on the cover.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a perspective view illustrating an example of the appearance of the inner side of the cover, and a diagram illustrating an example of a ball joint and a cover connector installed on the cover.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a front view illustrating an example of the appearance of a ball joint.

[0032] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The ball joint shown is section view VIII-VIII.

[0033] Figure 9 This is a perspective view illustrating an example of the appearance of a ball joint.

[0034] Figure 10 This is a perspective view illustrating an example of the appearance of a conversion connector and a base connector.

[0035] Figure 11 This diagram illustrates an example other than the ball joint of a directional variable mechanism.

[0036] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0037] 1. Throttle valve assembly; 2. Variable direction mechanism; 3. Terminal inside the cover; 4. Connector terminal; 10. Housing; 11. Air passage; 12. Gear housing; 13. Motor housing; 14. Drive system housing; 15. Opening; 16. Limp-walk stop; 18. Central axis; 20. Throttle valve component; 21. Shaft; 21J. Rotation axis; 31. Throttle gear; 32. Magnetic circuit; 36. Motor; 36A, 36B. Motor terminals; 36S. Wiring; 40. Spring; 42. Arm; 50, 50W. Cover; 51. Magnetic detection unit; 51A. 51B, 51C, 51D: Magnetic detection terminal; 51S: Wiring; 55: Ball connector; 55A: Base part; 55B: Ball part; 55C: Cylindrical part; 55D: Through hole; 55E: Sealing member; 55F: Edge part; 55W: Rotary base; 56, 56W: Base connector; 56A: Base connector terminal; 56B: Toothed part; 57, 57W, 57X, 57Y: Adapter connector; 57A: Adapter connector terminal; 57B: Claw; 57C: Fitting hole; 58, 58W: Cover connector; 59: Rotary shaft member; 59J: Rotary shaft axis. Detailed Implementation

[0038] <A general overall structure of the throttle valve device 1 in this embodiment ( Figures 1-3 )>

[0039] The following description uses the accompanying drawings to illustrate the manner in which the disclosed technology is implemented. Figures 1-3 This refers to a throttle valve device 1, which adjusts the opening of the intake passage by being installed in the intake passage of an internal combustion engine system mounted in a vehicle, as one embodiment. Vehicles come in many different types, depending on the country, region, and purpose, and sometimes various devices are located adjacent to the throttle valve device 1 mounted in the vehicle.

[0040] The throttle valve device 1 has a generally cylindrical air passage 11 that forms part of the intake passage of the internal combustion engine system. For example... Figures 1-3As shown, the throttle valve assembly 1 includes a housing 10, a cover 50, a spring 40, a throttle valve component 20, a shaft 21, a throttle gear 31, a magnetic circuit section 32, an intermediate gear 34, a drive gear 35, and a motor 36. Additionally, as... Figure 3 As shown, the housing 10 is an integrally molded part comprising a drive system housing 14 having a gear housing 12 and a motor housing 13, and an air passage 11. In addition, the opening 15 of the drive system housing 14 is covered and sealed by a cover 50.

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown, a generally circular throttle valve component 20 is disposed within the air passage 11 of the housing 10 to adjust the flow rate of the intake air passing through the air passage 11 (adjusting the opening of the air passage). Figure 3 ).like Figure 3 As shown, the throttle valve component 20 is mounted on a rotatable shaft 21 supported by bearings, and can rotate between a fully closed position and a fully open position within the air passage 11. The shaft 21 is disposed in the housing 10 such that it traverses the air passage 11.

[0042] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the throttle valve assembly 1 includes a motor 36, a drive gear 35, an intermediate gear 34, and a throttle valve gear 31, which serve as drive devices for rotating the throttle valve member 20. The housing 10 includes a motor housing 13 that houses the motor 36, and a gear housing 12 that houses the throttle valve gear 31, the intermediate gear 34, the drive gear 35, etc. Figures 1-3 As shown, after housing the motor 36 and the gears, a cover 50 is assembled and sealed at the opening 15 of the housing 10. The throttle gear 31 is connected to the shaft 21 and together with the shaft 21, rotates the throttle valve component 20.

[0043] like Figure 2 As shown, the arm 42 of the spring 40 of the throttle body 1 abuts against the limp-drive stop 16 provided in the housing 10 when the motor 36 is not energized. In this case, the opening of the throttle valve member 20 is maintained at an opening that allows the vehicle to limp (the opening that allows the vehicle to travel at a slow speed). Furthermore, although the illustrations and descriptions are omitted, the housing 10 is provided with a fully closed stop that abuts against the throttle gear 31 when the throttle valve member 20 is in the fully closed position, and a fully open stop that abuts against the throttle gear 31 when the throttle valve member 20 is in the fully open position.

[0044] like Figure 3As shown, in the throttle body 1, a magnetic detection unit 51 (Hall sensor, magnetic sensor, etc.) is disposed on the cover 50 at a position close to the magnetic circuit section 32, which is engaged with the throttle gear 31 and rotates integrally with the throttle gear 31. The magnetic detection unit 51 detects the rotation angle relative to the magnetic circuit section 32 in a non-contact manner.

[0045] A cover connector 58 is mounted on the cover 50 via a ball joint 55 (equivalent to the direction-changing mechanism 2). The cover connector 58 can change its orientation, position, etc. relative to the cover 50 via the ball joint 55. The ball joint 55 has a base portion 55A, a ball portion 55B, a cylindrical portion 55C, etc.

[0046] <The appearance of the cover 50 ( Figures 4-6 )>

[0047] like Figures 4-6 As shown, the base portion 55A of the ball joint 55 has a generally spherical space for accommodating the ball portion 55B and is fixed to the cover 50. The ball portion 55B has a generally spherical shape and is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the base portion 55A (see reference). Figure 8 , Figure 9 One end of the ball portion 55B is fitted with the cylindrical portion 55C. The other end of the cylindrical portion 55C is fitted with the base connector 56 (see reference). Figure 10 Furthermore, a conversion connector 57 is fitted into the base connector 56, and the base connector 56 and the conversion connector 57 constitute the cover connector 58.

[0048] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, a magnetic detection unit 51 (equivalent to an electronic component) is provided in the cover 50, and magnetic detection terminals 51A~51D (equivalent to terminals 3 inside the cover) connected to the magnetic detection unit 51 are provided near the magnetic detection unit 51. Additionally, a connection for feeding the motor 36 (see reference 3) is provided in the cover 50. Figure 2 , Figure 3 The motor terminals 36A and 36B (equivalent to the inner terminal 3) supply power to the electronic components. Each of these terminals is connected to one end of a wiring 51S or wiring 36S, and the other end of each wiring 51S or wiring 36S is connected to a base connector terminal 56A (see reference 3) located on the base connector 56. Figure 10 The wiring 51S and wiring 36S are respectively housed within the cover 50 in a manner that prevents them from being exposed on the outside or inside of the cover 50. For example, the cover 50 is composed of an outer cover and an inner cover, and wiring 51S and wiring 36S are housed between the outer cover and the inner cover.

[0049] Construction of ball joint 55 (directional variable mechanism 2) Figures 7-9 )>

[0050] like Figures 7-9 As shown, the ball joint 55 includes a base portion 55A, a ball portion 55B, and a cylindrical portion 55C. The base portion 55A, ball portion 55B, and cylindrical portion 55C are formed, for example, of a material with high rigidity, such as metal. Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the ball portion 55B is supported so that it can rotate relative to the base portion 55A. Furthermore, an annular sealing member 55E is provided to seal the gap between the ball portion 55B and the base portion 55A (see reference). Figure 8 ).

[0051] A cylindrical portion 55C is mounted on the ball portion 55B. For example, the cylindrical portion 55C is screwed into a threaded hole formed in the ball portion 55B for fixation. Furthermore, as... Figure 8 As shown, through holes 55D are formed on the outer and inner sides of the connecting cover 50 in the cylindrical portion 55C and the spherical portion 55B. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The wiring 51S and wiring 36S shown pass through the through hole 55D.

[0052] like Figure 8 As shown, the edge 55F on one end of the through hole 55D, and the edge 55F on the side opposite to the base connector 56, is designed as a smooth arc without sharp edges to avoid damaging the wiring 51S and wiring 36S.

[0053] Examples of base connector 56 and adapter connector 57 ( Figure 10 )>

[0054] The base connector 56 is mounted on the cylindrical portion 55C of the ball connector 55. The base connector 56 is provided with a base connector terminal 56A (equivalent to connector terminal 4) for connection to wiring 51S and wiring 36S. Additionally, the base connector 56 has a serrated toothed portion 56B (serration) that engages with a claw 57B provided in the mating hole 57C of the adapter connector 57.

[0055] The adapter connector 57 has a mating hole 57C for engaging with the base connector 56, and an adapter connector terminal 57A (equivalent to connector terminal 4) for connecting to the base connector terminal 56A. Furthermore, a claw 57B is provided in the mating hole 57C (equivalent to the mating portion) of the adapter connector 57 to engage with the toothed portion 56B of the mating portion of the base connector 56. By engaging the claw 57B with the toothed portion 56B, the base connector 56, mated in the mating hole 57C, is less likely to disengage. Alternatively, a serrated toothed portion may be provided in the mating portion of the adapter connector 57, and a claw may be provided in the mating portion of the base connector 56. A serrated toothed portion is formed on the connector side of one of the base connector 56 and the adapter connector 57, and a claw that engages with the toothed portion is formed on the other connector side of the base connector 56 and the adapter connector 57.

[0056] For adapter connector 57, various adapter connectors are prepared that correspond to the shape of the wiring harness connector of the connected internal combustion engine system. Figure 10 The example shown illustrates the preparation of adapter connectors 57X and 57Y. Regardless of which adapter connector 57X or 57Y is used, the mating hole 57C and claw 57B have the same shape, allowing them to mate with the base connector 56. Furthermore, for adapter connectors 57X and 57Y, the connector shape on the terminal 57A side varies depending on the shape of the wiring harness connector of the connected internal combustion engine system.

[0057] Other examples of directional variable mechanism 2 ( Figure 11 )>

[0058] The above description illustrates an example of using ball joint 55 as the direction-variable mechanism 2, but as... Figure 11 As shown in the cover 50W, it can also be configured as a variable-direction mechanism 2 that supports the rotating base 55W using the rotating shaft member 59 and is capable of rotating around the rotating axis 59J. A base connector 56W is mounted on the rotating base 55W, and an adapter connector 57W is fitted into the base connector 56W, capable of fitting various adapter connectors (adapter connectors 57X, 57Y, etc.). Furthermore, the base connector 56W and the adapter connector 57W constitute the cover connector 58W. Additionally, the wiring connecting the connector terminals to the terminals inside the cover passes, for example, through the interior of the rotating shaft member 59. Furthermore, the base connector 56W and the adapter connector 57W are formed with toothed portions and claws as described above.

[0059] <Effects, etc.>

[0060] Based on the above, Figures 1-10The throttle body assembly 1 cover 50 is described above. The cover connector 58 is mounted on the cover 50 via a ball joint 55, therefore the orientation and position of the cover connector 58 relative to the throttle body assembly 1 are variable. Furthermore, according to... Figure 11 The cover 50W is described above. The cover connector 58W is mounted on the cover 50W by means of a rotating base 55W. Therefore, the orientation and position of the cover connector 58W relative to the throttle body 1 are variable. Therefore, when the throttle body 1 is mounted in a vehicle or the like, the wiring harness connector can be connected in a way that avoids interference with devices adjacent to the throttle body 1.

[0061] Furthermore, a converter connector 57 selected from various types can be installed and removed from the base connector 56 (or the base connector 56W connected to the rotary base 55W) that is connected to the ball joint 55. Therefore, the throttle body 1 can be connected to various wiring harness connectors. In addition, by providing a serrated toothed portion 56B and a claw 57B that engages with the toothed portion in the mating part where the converter connector 57 is fitted with the base connectors 56 and 56W, it is easy to fit and not easy to dislodge.

[0062] In addition, by passing multiple wires that connect the connector terminal 4 and the inner cover terminal 3 through the through hole formed in the ball joint 55 (or within the rotating shaft member 59), wire breakage can be avoided and the appearance can be improved.

[0063] <Other>

[0064] The covers 50 and 50W of the throttle device 1 disclosed in this specification are not limited to the structure, construction, appearance, and shape described in this embodiment, and various changes, additions, and deletions can be made without altering the spirit of the technology disclosed in this specification. For example, the cover connector 58 may not be composed of the base connector 56 and the adapter connector 57. In addition, the shapes of the ball joint 55, the base connector 56, the adapter connector 57, and the rotating base 55W are not limited to the shapes described in this embodiment.

[0065] Furthermore, the directional variable mechanism 2 is not limited to the ball joint 55. Figure 11 The rotary base 55W and rotary shaft member 59 are shown. Alternatively, the toothed portion 56B, the claw 57B, and the through hole 55D of the ball joint 55 may be omitted.

Claims

1. A cover for a throttle valve device, the throttle valve device being disposed in the intake passage of an internal combustion engine system, wherein, The throttle body cover has a cover connector that connects to a wiring harness connector, which is a connector for the wiring harness of the internal combustion engine system. The cover connector is mounted on the cover by means of a variable orientation mechanism that can change the orientation of the cover connector relative to the cover.

2. The cover for the throttle valve device according to claim 1, wherein, The cover connector includes: Base connector, which is mounted on the directional variable mechanism; and The adapter connector is one selected from a plurality of adapter connectors prepared in a manner that allows it to be attached and detached relative to the base connector.

3. The cover for the throttle valve device according to claim 2, wherein, The adapter connector can be installed and removed relative to the base connector by fitting together. A serrated tooth-shaped portion is formed on the mating portion of one of the base connectors and the adapter connector. A claw is formed on the mating portion of the base connector and the adapter connector on the other connector side to engage with the toothed portion.

4. The cover for the throttle valve device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The variable direction mechanism is a ball joint.

5. The cover for the throttle valve device according to claim 4, wherein, A through hole is formed in the ball joint to connect the outer side and the inner side of the cover. The inner side of the cover is provided with a plurality of internal terminals that are connected to the electronic components provided in the throttle valve device. The cover connector is provided with multiple connector terminals that are connected to each of the multiple inner terminals of the cover via multiple wiring. The plurality of said wirings pass through the through hole of the ball joint.

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