VACUUM FOR A VACUUM CONSUMER DEVICE

Abstract

Procedure, comprehensive: Refilling a vacuum in a vacuum consumption device (140) by passing air through an annular Venturi passage (250) located between an upper (220) and lower half (230) of a vacuum generating device (210), which are identically shaped.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to devices for providing vacuum to one or more vacuum consumption devices.

[0002] Vehicle systems may include various vacuum-consuming devices that are actuated using vacuum. These may include, for example, a brake booster and a purge canister. Vacuum used by these devices may be provided by an associated vacuum pump. In other embodiments, one or more suction devices (alternatively referred to as ejectors, venturi pumps, jet pumps, and eductors) may be coupled within the engine system, which may harness the engine airflow and use it to create vacuum.

[0003] In yet another example, shown by Bergbauer et al. in US 8 261 716 B2, a control bore is located in the wall of the inlet so that, when the throttle valve is in the idle position, vacuum created at the periphery of the throttle is used for a vacuum consumption device. Therein, positioning the throttle valve in an idle position provides a restriction at the periphery of the throttle valve. Increasing the flow of intake air through the restriction results in a Venturi effect that creates a partial vacuum. The control bore is located to utilize the partial vacuum for a vacuum consumption device. Further prior art is known from documents DE 26 30 180 A1 and DE 10 2014 115 428 A1.

[0004] The inventors of the present invention have identified potential problems with the above approach. As one example, the vacuum generation potential of the throttle is limited. For example, a single control hole at a location in the inlet, as shown in US Pat. No. 8,261,716 B2, is utilized by the vacuum consumption device, even though vacuum can be generated around the entire periphery of the throttle. To utilize vacuum generated around the entire periphery of the throttle, more control holes in the intake passage may be required. However, creating these control holes may require significant modifications to the design of the intake passage, which may increase associated costs.

[0005] In approaches that utilize one or more aspirators to create vacuum, additional costs may arise due to the individual parts that comprise the aspirator, including nozzles, mixing and diffusion sections, and check valves. Furthermore, at idle or low-load conditions, it may be difficult to control the overall airflow rate into the intake manifold because the flow rate is a combination of the leakage flow from the throttle and the airflow from the aspirator. Typically, an aspirator shut-off valve (ASOV) can be included with the aspirator to control airflow, but this comes at an additional cost. Furthermore, installing aspirators in the intake can lead to space constraints and packaging issues.

[0006] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an improved method for refilling a vacuum in a vacuum consumption device and a corresponding improved system.

[0007] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0008] In one example, the problems described above can be addressed by a method for refilling a vacuum in a vacuum consumption device by flowing air through an annular venturi passage located between identically shaped upper and lower halves of a vacuum generation device. In this way, the vacuum generation device provides a vacuum without electronic valves and / or actuators.

[0009] As one example, air flows through one or more venturis of the vacuum generating device. Vacuum is supplied from a venturi through a passage located in the upper half to the vacuum consuming device. In one example, the vacuum generating device is located in an intake passage, and the upper half is configured to slide toward and away from the lower half. A position of the upper half is based on an engine operating condition. As one example, the upper half is spaced apart from the lower half at higher engine loads and pressed against the lower half at lower / idling engine loads. Thus, the vacuum generating device can adjust intake airflow to an engine while simultaneously providing vacuum to the vacuum consuming device.

[0010] It should be understood that the foregoing summary is provided to introduce, in a simplified manner, a selection of concepts that are further described in the detailed description. It is not intended to identify central or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is defined solely by the claims that follow the detailed description. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that resolve any disadvantages noted above or in any part of this disclosure. Fig. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an engine according to the present disclosure. Fig. 2 shows a first embodiment of a vacuum generating device. Fig. 3 shows a first position of the vacuum generating device. Fig. 4 shows a second position of the vacuum generating device. Fig. 5 shows a second embodiment of a vacuum generating device. Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment. Fig. 2-6 are shown approximately to scale. Fig. 7 shows a system including the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

[0011] The following description relates to systems and methods for refilling a vacuum in a vacuum consumption device. The vacuum consumption device may be used in an engine system by being coupled to a first vacuum generating device in an intake passage and / or a second vacuum generating device in a bypass passage, as described in Fig. 1. The first vacuum generating device comprises a lower and an upper half with substantially identical outer surfaces. The halves are hollow and configured to supply vacuum from an annular venturi passage to the vacuum consuming device, as shown in Fig. 2. A movable air flow, suction flow and vacuum flow through the first vacuum generating device in a first position are shown in Fig. 3. A movable air flow, suction flow and vacuum flow through the first vacuum generating device in a second position are shown in Fig. 4. The second vacuum generating device comprises a lower and an upper half, which are substantially identical to the halves of the first vacuum generating device. The second vacuum generating device also comprises an annular venturi passage, but the second vacuum generating device differs from the first in that it is completely fixed, while the first vacuum generating device comprises sliding components. The second vacuum generating device is shown in Fig. 5. A moving air flow, suction flow and vacuum flow through the second vacuum generating device are shown in Fig. 6. Finally, a system comprising both the first and the second vacuum generating device is shown in Fig. 7 shown.

[0012] Fig. 1-7 show example configurations with relative arrangement of the various components. If shown as directly touching or directly connected to one another, then such elements may be referred to as directly touching or directly connected, respectively, in at least one example. Similarly, elements shown contiguous or adjacent may be contiguous or adjacent, respectively, in at least one example. As one example, components that are in contact with one another where they share a surface may be referred to as being in surface-sharing contact. As another example, elements that are arranged apart from one another, with only a void between them and no other components, may be so referred to in at least one example.As yet another example, elements that are above / below each other, on opposite sides of each other, or left / right of each other may be referred to as such with respect to each other. Further, as shown in the figures, in at least one example, a topmost element or point of an element may be referred to as a "top" of the component, and a bottommost element or point of the element may be referred to as a "bottom" of the component. As used herein, the terms top / bottom, above / below may refer to a vertical axis of the figures and are used to describe the arrangement of the elements of the figures with respect to one another. Thus, elements shown above other elements, in one example, are arranged vertically above the other elements. As yet another example, shapes of the elements shown in the figures may be referred to as having these shapes (e.g.,B. as circular, straight, flat, curved, rounded, beveled, angled, or the like). Further, elements shown crossing each other may be referred to as crossing elements or crossing each other in at least one example. Furthermore, an element shown inside another element or outside another element may be referred to as such in one example.

[0013] It is understood that one or more components described as "substantially similar and / or identical" may differ from one another depending on manufacturing tolerances (e.g., within 1-5% variation). Additionally, upstream and downstream are used with reference to a direction of gas flow unless otherwise specified.

[0014] Referring to Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a spark-ignition internal combustion engine 10. The engine 10 may be controlled at least in part by a control system, including a controller 12, and by input from a vehicle operator 132 via an input device 130. In this example, the input device 130 includes an accelerator pedal and a pedal position sensor 134 for generating a pedal position proportional signal PP.

[0015] A combustion chamber 30 (also known as cylinder 30) of the engine 10 may include combustion chamber walls 32 with a piston 36 positioned therein. The piston 36 may be coupled to a crankshaft 40 such that reciprocating motion of the piston is translated into rotational motion of the crankshaft. The crankshaft 40 may be coupled to at least one drive wheel of a vehicle via an intermediate gear system (not shown). Further, a starter motor may be coupled to the crankshaft 40 via a flywheel (not shown) to facilitate a starting operation of the engine 10.

[0016] Combustion chamber 30 may receive intake air via an intake passage 42 from an intake manifold 44 and may expel exhaust gases via an exhaust passage 48. Intake manifold 44 and exhaust passage 48 may selectively communicate with combustion chamber 30 via a respective intake valve 52 and exhaust valve 54. In some embodiments, combustion chamber 30 may include two or more intake valves and / or two or more exhaust valves.

[0017] In this example, intake valve 52 and exhaust valve 54 may be controlled by cam actuation via respective cam actuation systems 51 and 53. Cam actuation systems 51 and 53 may each include one or more cams and may utilize one or more cam profile switching (CPS), variable cam timing (VCT), variable valve timing (VVT), and / or variable valve lift (VVL) systems operable by controller 12 to vary valve operation. The position of intake valve 52 and exhaust valve 54 may be determined by position sensors 55 and 57, respectively. In alternative embodiments, intake valve 52 and / or exhaust valve 54 may be controlled by electric valve actuation.For example, cylinder 30 may alternatively include an intake valve controlled via electric valve actuation and an exhaust valve controlled via cam actuation with CPS and / or VCT systems.

[0018] A fuel injector 66 is shown coupled directly to the combustion chamber 30 for injecting fuel directly therein proportional to the pulse width of a signal FPW received from the controller 12 via an electronic driver 96. Thus, the fuel injector 66 provides what is known as direct injection of fuel into the combustion chamber 30. The fuel injector may be mounted, for example, in the side of the combustion chamber or in the top of the combustion chamber. Fuel may be supplied to the fuel injector 66 via a fuel system (not shown) that includes a fuel tank, a fuel pump, and a fuel line.In some embodiments, the combustion chamber 30 may alternatively or additionally include a fuel injector disposed in the intake manifold 44 in a configuration that provides so-called port injection of fuel into the intake port upstream of the combustion chamber 30.

[0019] An ignition system 88 may provide an ignition spark to the combustion chamber 30 via a spark plug 92 in response to the ignition pre-signal SA from the controller 12 during selected operating modes. Although spark-ignition components are shown, the combustion chamber 30, or one or more other combustion chambers of the engine 10, may, in some embodiments, be operated in a compression ignition mode, with or without an ignition spark.

[0020] The engine 10 may further include a compression device, such as a turbocharger or a supercharger, comprising at least one compressor 162 disposed along the intake passage 42. In the case of a turbocharger, the compressor 162 may be driven at least partially by a turbine 164 (e.g., via a shaft) disposed along the exhaust passage 48. The compressor 162 draws air from the intake passage 42 to supply it to the boost chamber 46. Exhaust gases rotate the turbine 164, which is coupled to the compressor 162 via a shaft 161. In the case of a supercharger, the compressor 162 may be driven at least partially by the engine and / or an electric machine and may not include a turbine. Therefore, the amount of compression provided to one or more cylinders of the engine via a turbocharger or supercharger may be varied by the controller 12.

[0021] A wastegate 168 may be coupled to the turbine 164 in a turbocharger. Specifically, the wastegate 168 may be included in a bypass 166 coupled between an inlet and an outlet of the exhaust turbine 164. By adjusting a position of the wastegate 168, an amount of boost provided by the turbine may be controlled.

[0022] As shown, the intake manifold 44 is connected to the throttle 62, which has a throttle valve 64. In this particular example, the position of the throttle valve 64 can be varied by the controller 12 via a signal provided to an electric motor or an actuator (in Fig. 1 (not shown) contained in the throttle 62, a configuration commonly referred to as electronic throttle control (ETC). The throttle position can be varied by the electric motor via a shaft. As shown in Fig. 2-4, the throttle valve 64 may be at least partially hollow and may include an orifice 68 that fluidly couples the throttle to a vacuum consumption device 140. The throttle 62 may control airflow from an intake boost chamber 46 to the intake manifold 44 and the combustion chamber 30, among other engine cylinders. The position of the throttle valve 64 may be provided by the throttle position signal TP from a throttle position sensor 58 of the controller 12.

[0023] The engine 10 is coupled to the vacuum consumption device 140, which may include, as non-limiting examples, one of a brake booster, a fuel vapor canister, and a vacuum-actuated valve (such as the vacuum-actuated wastegate and / or the EGR valve). The vacuum consumption device 140 may receive vacuum from a variety of vacuum sources. One source may be a vacuum pump 77, which may be selectively operated via a control signal from the controller 12 to supply vacuum to the vacuum consumption device 140. A check valve 69 allows air to flow from the vacuum consumption device 140 to the vacuum pump 77 and limits the airflow from the vacuum pump 77 to the vacuum consumption device 140.As one example, check valve 69 allows air to flow from vacuum consumption device 140 to vacuum pump 77 in response to a pressure of vacuum pump 77 being less than a pressure of vacuum consumption device 140. In some examples, vacuum pump 77 may additionally or alternatively be located in a bypass passage external to intake passage 42. When air flows through the bypass passage, vacuum pump 77 may supply vacuum to vacuum consumption device 140, as described in more detail below.

[0024] Another source of vacuum may be the throttle valve 64 positioned within the boost pressure chamber 46. As shown in Fig. 1, an opening 68 within the throttle valve 64 may be connected to the vacuum consumption device 140 via a hollow shaft mounted on bearings (not shown) and coupled to a conduit 198. A position of the throttle valve 64 may, in some examples, be adjusted based on manifold pressure. The check valve 73 ensures that air flows from the vacuum consumption device 140 to the throttle valve 64 and thereafter into the intake manifold 44, rather than from the intake manifold 44 into the vacuum consumption device 140. In one example, the throttle 62 and the vacuum pump 77 are substantially identical devices.

[0025] An exhaust gas sensor 126 is shown connected to the exhaust passage 48 upstream of an emissions control device 70. The sensor 126 may be any suitable sensor for providing an indication of an exhaust air-fuel ratio, such as a linear oxygen sensor or UEGO (universal or wide-range exhaust gas oxygen), a dual-state oxygen sensor or EGO, a HEGO (heated EGO), a NOx, HC, or CO sensor. The emissions control device 70 is shown disposed along the exhaust passage 48 downstream of the exhaust gas sensor 126. The device 70 may be a three-way catalyst (TWC), a NOx trap, various other emissions control devices, or combinations thereof.

[0026] An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system may be used to direct a desired portion of the exhaust gas through a conduit 152 via an EGR valve 158 from the exhaust passage 48 into the intake manifold 44. Alternatively, a portion of the combustion gases may be retained in the combustion chambers as internal EGR by controlling the timing of the exhaust and intake valves.

[0027] The control 12 is in Fig. 1 as a conventional microcomputer including a microprocessor unit 102, input / output ports 104, read-only memory 106, random access memory 108, life support memory 110, and a conventional data bus. The controller 12 issues commands to various actuators, such as the throttle valve 64, the EGR valve 158, and the like. The controller 12 is shown receiving various signals from sensors coupled to the engine 10, in addition to the signals previously discussed, including: an engine coolant temperature (ECT) from a temperature sensor 112 coupled to a cooling sleeve 114; a position sensor 134 coupled to an accelerator pedal 130 for sensing the accelerator pedal position set by the vehicle operator 132; and a throttle position sensor 134 coupled to the throttle position sensor 132. a measurement of engine intake manifold pressure (MAP) from a pressure sensor 121 coupled to intake manifold 44;a measurement of boost pressure from a pressure sensor 122 coupled to the boost chamber 46; a measurement of vacuum in the vacuum consumption device 140 from a pressure sensor 125; a profile ignition pickup (PIP) signal from a Hall-effect sensor 118 (or other type) coupled to the crankshaft 40; a measurement of air mass entering the engine from a mass air flow sensor 120; and a measurement of throttle position from a sensor 58. Barometric pressure may also be sensed for processing by the controller 12 (sensor not shown). In a preferred aspect of the present description, the engine position sensor 118 generates a predetermined number of evenly spaced pulses every revolution of the crankshaft, from which the engine speed (RPM) can be determined.

[0028] The controller 12 receives signals from the various sensors of the Fig. 1 and sets the various actuators of the Fig. 1 to adjust engine operation based on the received signals and instructions stored in a memory of the controller. For example, adjusting the throttle may include adjusting an actuator of the throttle to adjust a position of the throttle. As one example, the actuator may be signaled to move the throttle to a more open position in response to an actuation (e.g., the accelerator pedal 130 in a further depressed position).

[0029] As described above, Fig. 1 depicts only one cylinder of a multi-cylinder engine, and each cylinder may equally include its own set of intake / exhaust valves, fuel injectors, spark plugs, etc. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiments described herein, the engine may be coupled to a starter motor (not shown) to start the engine. The starter motor may be driven, for example, when the driver turns a key in the ignition switch on the steering column. The starter is released after the engine is started, for example, when the engine 10 reaches a predetermined speed after a predetermined time.

[0030] Returning to Fig. 2, an isometric view 200 of a vacuum generating device 210 is shown. Portions of the vacuum generating device 210 shown in dashed lines are obscured by portions of the vacuum generating device 210 shown in solid lines. In one example, the vacuum generating device 210 may be configured as the throttle 62 of the Fig. 1. Additionally or alternatively, the vacuum generating device 210 may be used as the vacuum pump 77 of the Fig. 1. Thus, the vacuum generating device 210 may be configured to be located in the intake passage 42 or in a secondary passage that fluidly couples the vacuum generating device 210 to an ambient atmosphere.

[0031] An axis system 290 is shown, which includes three axes: an X-axis parallel to the horizontal direction, a Y-axis parallel to the vertical direction, and a Z-axis perpendicular to the X and Y axes. A direction of gravity is indicated by an arrow 299, which is parallel to the Y-axis. A vertical axis 295 is shown, which runs through a geometric center of the vacuum generating device 210, parallel to the Y-axis.

[0032] The vacuum generating device 210 may be partially hollow and is configured to admit air therethrough to provide vacuum to a vacuum consuming device. The vacuum generating device 210 may, in some examples, direct the air to an intake manifold of an engine (e.g., similar to the throttle 62 of the Fig. 1). Alternatively, in other examples, the vacuum generating device 210 may allow the air to flow into an ambient atmosphere. Thus, a vehicle may include two of the vacuum generating devices 210, one located within an intake passage and the second located outside the intake passage (e.g., in a secondary passage), thereby serving as a secondary vacuum generating device.

[0033] The vacuum generating device 210 includes an upper half 220 and a lower half 230 aligned along the vertical axis 295. An upper body 222 and an upper outer surface 224 of the upper half 220 are substantially identical to a lower body 232 and a lower outer surface 234 of the lower half 230, respectively. In one example, the upper body 222 and the lower body 232 are cylindrical and partially hollow to allow air to flow therethrough. Furthermore, the upper outer surface 224 and the lower outer surface 234 are convex and protrude into a space between the halves, thereby forming an annular venturi passage 250 therebetween, as described below. The upper outer surface 224 and the lower outer surface 234 protrude toward each other. The upper outer surface 224 and the lower outer surface 234 are toroidal in one example.In other examples, the upper outer surface 224 and the lower outer surface 234 may be frustoconical or have other similar geometries.

[0034] In particular, the lower half 230 includes a lower outer surface 234 and a lower inner surface 236 that are angled in opposite directions to each other. The lower outer surface 234 and the lower inner surface 236 meet at a lower vertex 238. The upper half 220 also includes the upper outer surface 224 that is angled in opposite directions to an upper inner surface, with an upper vertex 228 located at an intersection of the two. A distance between the upper half 220 and the lower half 230 is smallest between the upper vertex 228 and the lower vertex 238. During some conditions, the upper vertex 228 and the lower vertex 238 may be forced against each other, sealing a venturi passage 250. The venturi passage 250 is annular and is located between the upper half 220 and the lower half 230.Thus, the upper outer surface 224 and the lower outer surface 234 correspond to a venturi inlet 252 of the venturi passage 250. The upper inner surface and the lower inner surface 236 correspond to a venturi outlet 254. Finally, the upper apex 228 and the lower apex 238 correspond to a venturi throat 256. Each of the venturi inlet 252, the venturi outlet 254, and the venturi throat 256 is annular, with the outlet 254 adjacent the vertical axis 295 and the inlet 252 spaced furthest from the vertical axis 295.

[0035] The vacuum generating device 210 lies within a tube 202. Two embodiments of the tube 202 are shown. A first embodiment 203 is shown in solid line and is concentric with the upper half 220 and the lower half 230 about the vertical axis 295. The first embodiment 203 traverses in a direction parallel to the vertical axis 295. A diameter of the first embodiment 203 is greater than the diameter of the upper half 220 and the lower half 230 up to an intersection point where the first embodiment 203 is physically coupled to the lower body 232 of the lower half 230. The upper half 220 may include one or more supports and / or one or more connectors slidably coupled to the first embodiment 203. Additionally or alternatively, a connecting member may couple the upper half 220 and the lower half 230.

[0036] A second embodiment 205 of tube 202 is shown with a dashed line and is perpendicular to vertical axis 295. The second embodiment 205 is annular and increases in diameter adjacent to vacuum generating device 210. The second embodiment 205 is coupled to upper half 220 and lower half 230. This coupling may be via lugs or other suitable connecting elements capable of allowing one or more of upper half 220 and lower half 230 to act (e.g., slide) parallel to vertical axis 295. The coupling between vacuum generating device 210 and tube 202 is described in more detail below.

[0037] The tube 202 is configured to admit air from the ambient atmosphere via a passage 204. In one example, the passage 204 is similar to the intake passage 44 of the Fig. 1. Thus, the air is intake air and is fed to the engine 10 of the Fig. 1. Alternatively, the passage 204 is a secondary passage leading from the intake passage 44 of the Fig. 1. Thus, ambient air can flow from the ambient atmosphere into the passage 204 without flowing to the engine 10 and / or the intake passage 44. Therefore, when the passage 204 is a secondary passage, air from the ambient atmosphere enters the passage 204, flows through the vacuum generating device 210, and exits the passage 204 to the ambient atmosphere. A portion of the passage 204 upstream of and adjacent to the vacuum generating device 210 lies in a tube 202. The remaining portion of the passage 204 downstream of the vacuum generating device 210 lies in an outlet conduit 208 that is physically coupled to the lower half 230.

[0038] In some examples, additionally or alternatively, a plurality of vacuum generating devices 210 may be used on a vehicle, wherein one in an intake passage (e.g., intake passage 42 of the Fig. 1) and a second is located in a bypass passage separate from the intake passage. Gas flows from the intake passage and the bypass passage may, in one example, combine in the intake manifold 44. In other examples, the bypass passage may exhaust gas into the ambient atmosphere without mixing it with gas from the intake passage.

[0039] As described above, the upper half 220 and the lower half 230 are partially hollow. In particular, the upper half 220 includes interior passages 240 having a first passage 242 and a second passage 244. The first passage 242 lies along the vertical axis 295 and is cylindrical in shape. The second passage 244 is radially spaced from the vertical axis 295 and is annular in shape with the first passage 242 extending therethrough. The first passage 242 and the second passage 244 are fluidly connected to each other at a three-part bifurcated passage 246 that includes two exterior passages leading to the second passage 244 and a central passage leading to the first passage 242. A conduit 280 fluidly couples the upper half 220 and the three-part bifurcated passage 246 to the vacuum consumption device (e.g., vacuum consumption device 140 of the Fig. 1). In particular, conduit 280 directs suction flow from the vacuum consumption device to the three-part bifurcated passage 246 while simultaneously flowing vacuum to the vacuum consumption device, as described below.

[0040] A check valve 248 in the first passage 242 can determine a flow direction of the suction flow and the vacuum flow through the upper half 220. In one example, the check valve 248 can be actuated to an open position in response to a vacuum exceeding a threshold vacuum, as described below. Alternatively, the check valve 248 can be actuated to a closed position in response to a vacuum of the venturi passage 250 being less than the threshold vacuum. When the check valve 248 is in the open position, more suction flow can flow from the vacuum consuming device to the first passage 242. Thus, when the check valve 248 is in the closed position, more suction flow can flow from the vacuum consuming device to the second passage 244.Gas in the first passage 242 exits the upper half 220 along the vertical axis 295, radially inward of the upper inner surface. The first passage 242 includes an outlet 243 facing the lower half 230. Gas in the second passage 244 exits the upper half 220 via the upper apex 228. Thus, vacuum enters the upper half 220 from the venturi passage 250 through the upper apex 228 via the second passage 244.

[0041] The lower half 230 includes an inner passage 239 located radially inward of the lower inner surface 237. The inner passage 239 is aligned with the first passage 242 along the vertical axis 295. Thus, an inlet 272 of the inner passage 239 is directly opposite the outlet 243 such that the inlet 272 and the outlet 243 face each other. In one example, a diameter of the inner passage 239 is larger than a diameter of the first passage 242. This allows the inner passage 239 to direct airflow from the passage 204 and the first passage 242 to the outlet conduit 208.

[0042] Thus, during a condition where check valve 248 is in a closed position, gas can flow through tube 202 and around venturi passage 250 before flowing into venturi inlet 252. The gas flows annularly through venturi inlet 252 before flowing radially inward past venturi restriction 256 and into venturi outlet 254, where the gas is directed to internal passage 239. As the gas flows past venturi restriction 256 (between upper apex 228 and lower apex 238), a vacuum is created and delivered through second passage 244 to the vacuum consumption device. When vacuum is refilled in the vacuum consumption device, air flows from the vacuum consumption device into the second passage 244 and into the venturi passage 250. Air flow during the closed check valve position is more precisely in Fig. 3 described.

[0043] Furthermore, during a condition where the check valve 248 is in an open position, gas does not enter the venturi passage 250 through the tube 202 because the upper apex 228 and the lower apex 238 are pressed against each other. Vacuum from the intake manifold draws air out of the vacuum consumption device through the first passage 242 and refills the vacuum consumption device. The air flows through the first passage 242, through the inner passage 239, and into the intake manifold 44. Air flow during the open check valve position is more precisely in Fig. 4 described.

[0044] Returning to Fig. 3 shows this cross-sectional view 300 along a section plane M-M', which in Fig. 2. Thus, components that have already been introduced are numbered similarly and will not be introduced again. The vacuum generating device 210 is shown fluidly coupled to the vacuum consuming device 140 and the intake manifold 44. Thus, the passage 204 is substantially identical to the intake passage 42 or the boost pressure chamber 46 of the Fig. 1. This allows the vacuum generating device 210 to be similar to the throttle 64 of the Fig. 1 can be used.

[0045] The check valve 248 is in the fully closed position, preventing air from flowing through the first passage 242. This may occur in response to a vacuum in the first passage 242 being less than a threshold vacuum, where the threshold vacuum is based on an amount of vacuum that can open the check valve 248. In one example, if an engine load is greater than a low engine load and / or an idle engine load, then an intake manifold vacuum may be less than the threshold vacuum. However, due to higher engine loads above the low and / or idle engine load, sufficient mass air flow may flow through the venturi passage 250. This creates a vacuum at the venturi restriction 256 and supplies it to the vacuum consumption device 140 through the second passage 244.

[0046] The vacuum generating device 210 is shown as including an upper connector 320 and a lower connector 330, each rigidly coupled to the upper half 220 and the lower half 230, respectively. The upper connector 320 and the lower connector 330 each include an upper locking member 322 and a lower locking member 332, respectively, to prevent the upper half 220 and the lower half 230 from sliding apart. As shown, the upper locking member 322 and the lower locking member 332 are hook-shaped and oriented opposite each other. In one example, the upper locking member 322 faces in a direction opposite to the force of gravity 299, while the lower locking member 332 faces in a direction parallel to the force of gravity 299.To prevent misalignment and / or separation of the upper half 220 and the lower half 230, tips 324 and 334 of the upper locking element 322 and the lower locking element 332 are not displaced. In this manner, tip 334 is more proximal to the upper half 220 than tip 324 throughout the entire range of motion of the upper half 220 and the lower half 230.

[0047] The connectors 320 and 330 can define a maximum distance between the upper half 220 and the lower half 230. This can be achieved by pressing the upper connector 320 and the lower connector 330 against each other when the maximum distance between the upper half 220 and the lower half 230 is reached. In one example, the tips 324 and 334 press against the lower locking element 332 and the upper locking element 322, respectively. Thus, the connectors 320 and 330 cannot contact each other at distances between the upper half 220 and the lower half 230 that are less than the maximum distance.

[0048] A spring 310 lies between the upper half 220 and the lower half 230. The spring 310 is physically coupled to the upper inner surfaces 226 and the lower inner surfaces 236 at an upper end 312 and a lower end 314, respectively. The spring 310 fully extends when the upper half 220 is spaced the maximum distance from the lower half 230. Thus, the spring 310 is fully contracted when the upper half 220 is pressed against the lower half 230, as shown in Fig. 4. In this way, the maximum distance can also be determined by the spring 310. Unwanted noise during the collision between the upper half 220 and the lower half 230 can be prevented by the spring 310. Thus, the spring 310 can contract slowly, thereby reducing the impact force between the upper half 220 and the lower half 230.

[0049] As described above, in both the first embodiment 203 and the second embodiment 205, the lower half 230 is physically coupled to the tube 202. The upper half 220 may be coupled to the tube 202 via bores 340 and 342 configured to allow the upper half 220 and the upper connector 320 to slide up and down in the direction parallel to the force of gravity 299, the vertical axis 295. In this manner, movement of the upper half 220 and the lower half 230 is substantially prevented, and only vertical movement of the upper half 220 occurs in one example. Thus, the lower half 230 is rigidly attached to the tube 202.

[0050] In the embodiment of the Fig. 3, the upper half 220 is spaced apart from the lower half 230. Specifically, the upper half 220 is spaced apart from the lower half 230 by the maximum distance, as indicated by the upper locking member 322 and the lower locking member 332 being urged against each other. In one example, the upper half 220 slides away from the lower half 230 when an intake manifold pressure increases above a lower threshold manifold pressure. When the upper half 220 is spaced apart from the lower half 230 by the maximum distance, the intake manifold pressure is equal to an upper threshold manifold pressure. Thus, the intake manifold pressure may push the upper half 220 away. The lower threshold manifold pressure may be based on a pressure of the manifold during idle and / or low engine loads. The upper threshold manifold pressure may be based on a pressure of the manifold during high engine loads.Thus, the upper half 220 may be gradually pushed away from the lower half 230 as the manifold pressure increases from the lower threshold manifold pressure to the upper threshold manifold pressure.

[0051] In some examples, the upper half 220 may additionally or alternatively be actuated by a motor 380 based on motor operating parameters. For example, a controller (e.g., the controller 12 of the Fig. 1) Signal the engine 380 to actuate the upper half 220 further away from the lower half 230 when an engine intake air demand is not met. This allows the vacuum generating device 210 to be actuated based on an engine air demand, whether used as a throttle or as a secondary vacuum device.

[0052] Ambient air 350 flows through tube 202 toward vacuum generating device 210. The ambient air can be drawn into tube 202 from an ambient atmosphere via a grille and / or a fan. A suction stream 352 flows from vacuum consuming device 140 to vacuum generating device 210. The suction stream is drawn from a vacuum reservoir of vacuum consuming device 140 when its vacuum is refilled. A vacuum 354 is created in venturi passage 250, in which vacuum 354 flows through second passage 244 to vacuum consuming device 140.

[0053] Ambient air 350 flows annularly around the vacuum generating device 210 before flowing radially inward via the venturi inlet 252 into the venturi passage 250. As described above, the venturi passage 250 is annular, spanning an entire distance of the space between the upper half 220 and the lower half 230. Ambient air 350 flows through the venturi restriction 256 before entering the venturi outlet 254. As the ambient air 350 flows through the venturi restriction 256, vacuum is created adjacent the upper apex 228 and the lower apex 238. Thus, the vacuum 354 flows into the second passage 244 and is supplied to the vacuum consumption device 140 via the conduit 280. In turn, the intake stream 352 from the vacuum consumption device 140 flows through the second passage 244 and is fed to the venturi passage 250 via an annular opening 358 of the upper apex 228.In one example, intake flow 352 and vacuum 354 do not flow through first passage 342 when check valve 348 is in the closed position. Ambient air 350 and intake flow 352 may combine in venturi outlet 254 before flowing through internal passage 239 to intake manifold 44. An outlet tube 360 ​​expels the mixture of ambient air 350 and intake air 352 from internal passage 239 to intake manifold 44. Outlet tube 360 ​​is concentric with outlet conduit 208 about vertical axis 295. Additionally, outlet tube 360 ​​has a smaller diameter than outlet conduit 208. In some examples, outlet tube 360 ​​may be omitted.

[0054] In one example, the embodiment of the Fig. 3 can occur during high engine load when a vehicle is traveling on a road. The intake manifold vacuum is low compared to lower engine loads, and as a result, the check valve remains in the closed position. Additionally, a force of the spring is greater than the manifold vacuum, so the upper half is forced away from the lower half. The connectors set a maximum distance between the upper half and the lower half. The venturi opens between the upper and lower halves, allowing ambient air to flow through it. Vacuum flows from the venturi into a second passage located entirely within the upper half. The intake flow exits a vacuum reservoir of a vacuum consumption device when vacuum is replenished in the reservoir. In this way, the intake flow is mixed with ambient air in the venturi when the halves are spaced apart.

[0055] Returning to Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view 400 that is substantially identical to cross-sectional view 300, except that the upper half 220 is pressed against the lower half 230. Specifically, the upper apex 228 is pressed against the lower apex 238, thereby sealing the second passage 244 and the venturi passage 250. Intake manifold pressure may be less than the lower threshold pressure. Thus, an intake manifold vacuum is large enough to move the check valve 248 to the open position. Additionally, when the manifold vacuum exceeds the force of the spring 310, the spring 310 is moved to a fully compressed position. Thus, ambient air 450 cannot flow through the venturi restriction 256 because the upper apex 228 and the lower apex 238 are pressed against each other.A vacuum 454 flows from the intake manifold 44 through the open check valve 248 in the first passage 242 to the vacuum consumption device 140. Intake air 452 flows through the first passage 242 along the vertical axis 295, through the check valve 248, through the venturi passage 250, through the internal passage 239, through the exhaust tube 360, and into the exhaust conduit 208 toward the intake manifold 44. Thus, during engine operating conditions where the intake manifold pressure is low (e.g., low engine loads and / or idle), only intake flow flows through the vacuum generation device 210 to the intake manifold 44.

[0056] In one example, the check valve is closed when a vehicle is stopped and idling. Vacuum from the manifold overcomes the force of the spring and moves the upper half closer to the lower half. The spring slowly contracts to reduce an impact force between the upper and lower halves, thereby dampening noise generated thereby. The second passage is sealed by the venturi passage and the intake manifold. Additionally, the venturi passage is sealed by an ambient air passage. Vacuum flows from the manifold through the venturi passage, through the first passage, and to the vacuum consumption device. The intake flow flows in direct opposition to the vacuum and is the only source of intake air provided to the intake manifold in one example.In another example, the vacuum generating device is located in a bypass passage so that the intake manifold can receive ambient air from the vacuum generating device and a throttle.

[0057] Thus, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 Two extreme positions of the vacuum generating device, including a first position in which the upper half is farthest from the lower half, and a second position in which the upper half is pressed against the lower half. In the first position, the check valve is closed and ambient air flowing through the venturi passage promotes the flow of the intake flow from the vacuum consuming device via the second passage in the upper half to the venturi passage. The moving air and the intake flow combine and flow through the inner passage of the lower half before flowing to the intake manifold. In the second position, the check valve is open and the intake manifold vacuum promotes the intake flow through the first passage, through the inner passage, and into the intake manifold.

[0058] In some embodiments, the vacuum generating device may additionally or alternatively include a third position between the first and second positions. Thus, the intake flow can flow through both the first and second passages when the vacuum generating device is in the third position. In this way, the check valve is at least partially open and the upper half is at least slightly spaced from the lower half, allowing a moving flow to enter the venturi passage.

[0059] Thus, a system comprising a vacuum generating device includes an upper half having surfaces identical to a lower half, and wherein the halves are aligned along a vertical axis, an annular venturi passage between the upper and lower halves, wherein the venturi passage is fluidly coupled to a passage configured to receive ambient air, and a vacuum consuming device is fluidly coupled to the annular venturi passage via internal passages of the upper half. The upper half includes an upper vertex and the lower half includes a lower vertex. A distance between the upper and lower halves is smallest between the upper and lower vertices.The upper half can slide parallel to the vertical axis and the lower half is fixed, and wherein a first position includes spacing the upper half away from the lower half and a second position includes pressing the upper apex of the upper half against the lower apex of the lower half. The second position further includes preventing ambient airflow to the annular venturi passage by sealing the annular venturi passage from the passage. The interior passages of the upper half include a first passage and a second passage, wherein the first passage is cylindrical and lies along the vertical axis, and wherein the second passage is annular and is concentric with the first passage about the vertical axis.The first passage fluidly couples the vacuum consumption device to the annular venturi passage in the second position, and the second passage fluidly couples the vacuum consumption device to the annular venturi passage in the first position. The lower half includes an inner passage that fluidly couples the annular venturi passage to an intake manifold, and wherein the vacuum flows from the intake manifold to the vacuum consumption device via the first passage. The vacuum generation device is a throttle, and the passage is an intake passage.

[0060] Returning to Fig. 5 shows an isometric view 500 of a vacuum generating device 510. The vacuum generating device 510 can be used in a substantially similar manner to the vacuum generating device 210 used in the embodiment of the Fig. 2. In one example, the vacuum generating device 510 differs from the vacuum generating device 210 in that it is fixed and does not include any sliding components. Thus, the vacuum generating device 510 may only be used as a secondary vacuum generating device (e.g., vacuum pump 77 in the embodiment of Fig. 1), while the vacuum generating device 210 can be used as a throttle (e.g. throttle 64 in the embodiment of Fig. 1) or as a secondary vacuum generating device (e.g. vacuum pump 77 in the embodiment of Fig. 1) can be used.

[0061] In this way, a system (e.g., a vehicle) can use the vacuum generating device 210, which is similar to the throttle 62 in the intake passage 42 of the Fig. 1, and vacuum generating device 510, which functions as a secondary vacuum generating device in a secondary passage entirely outside the intake passage. In one example, vacuum generating device 210 and vacuum generating device 510 are coupled to different vacuum consumption devices (e.g., an EGR valve or a brake booster). In another example, vacuum generating device 210 and vacuum generating device 510 are coupled to the same vacuum consumption device.

[0062] As shown, the vacuum generating device 510 is located in a secondary passage 504. The secondary passage 504 is located completely outside the passage 204 of the Fig. 2. In some examples, both the bypass passage 504 and the passage 204 push air to the intake manifold 44 of the Fig. 1. In other examples, the bypass passage 504 expels air into the ambient atmosphere through a grille located on a rear surface of a vehicle.

[0063] An axis system 590 is shown, which includes three axes: an X-axis parallel to the horizontal direction, a Y-axis parallel to the vertical direction, and a Z-axis perpendicular to the X and Y axes. A direction of gravity is indicated by an arrow 599, which is parallel to the Y-axis. A vertical axis 595 is shown, which runs through a geometric center of the vacuum generating device 510, parallel to the Y-axis.

[0064] The vacuum generating device 510 may be a partially hollow device configured to admit gas therethrough to provide vacuum to a vacuum consumption device 586. The vacuum generating device 510 may, in one example, direct the gas to an intake manifold of an engine (e.g., similar to the throttle 62 of the Fig. 1). Alternatively, the vacuum generating device 510 may discharge the gas into an ambient atmosphere. Thus, the vacuum generating device 510 may be located in a secondary passage 504 having an inlet and an outlet fluidically coupled to the ambient atmosphere, and wherein the secondary passage 504 is fluidically sealed from an engine and / or other components of a vehicle, with the exception of the vacuum consumption device 586.

[0065] The vacuum generating device 510 includes an upper half 520 and a lower half 530 aligned along the vertical axis 595. An upper body 522 and an upper outer surface 524 of the upper half 520 are substantially identical to a lower body 532 and a lower outer surface 534 of the lower half 530, respectively. In one example, the upper body 522 and the lower body 532 are cylindrical and partially hollow to allow air to flow therethrough. Furthermore, the upper outer surface 524 and the lower outer surface 534 are convex and form an annular venturi passage 550 located therebetween, as described below. In one example, the outer surfaces of the upper half 530 and the lower half 530 (e.g., upper body 522 and lower body 532, and upper outer surface 524 and lower outer surface 534) are substantially identical to the outer surfaces of the upper half 220 and the lower half 230 (e.g.,upper body 222 and lower body 232, and upper outer surface 224 and lower outer surface 234). Thus, the venturi passage 550 is substantially identical to the venturi passage 250. In this way, only the interior portions of the upper half 520 and the lower half 530 differ from the upper half 220 and the lower half 230.

[0066] In particular, the lower half 530 includes a lower outer surface 534 and a lower inner surface 536 that are angled in opposite directions to each other. The lower outer surface 534 and the lower inner surface 536 meet at a lower vertex 538. Thus, the lower outer surface 534 corresponds to a venturi inlet 525 of the venturi passage 550. The lower inner surface 536 corresponds to a venturi outlet 554. The lower vertex 558 corresponds to a venturi throat 556.

[0067] Since the outer surfaces of the upper half 520 and the lower half 530 are substantially identical, the upper half 520 also includes the upper outer surface 524, which is oppositely angled to an upper inner surface, with an upper vertex 528 located at an intersection point between the two. A distance between the upper half 520 and the lower half 530 is smallest between the upper vertex 528 and the lower vertex 538.

[0068] The vacuum generating device 510 is located in a tube 502. Two embodiments of the tube 502 are shown. A first embodiment 503 is shown in solid line and is concentric with the upper half 520 and the lower half 530 about the vertical axis 595. The first embodiment 503 is physically coupled to the lower half 530 below the lower outer surface 534. Downstream of and / or vertically below the lower half 530, an outlet conduit 508 fluidly couples the vacuum generating device 510 to an intake manifold (e.g., intake manifold 44 of the Fig. 1) having a diameter substantially equal to a largest diameter of the lower half 530. The upper half 520 is spaced apart from the first embodiment 503 and lies entirely within it.

[0069] A second embodiment 505 of the tube 502 is shown in dashed lines and is perpendicular to the vertical axis 595. The second embodiment 505 surrounds the upper half 520 and the lower half 530. Similar to the first embodiment 503, the second embodiment 505 is physically coupled to the lower half 530 below the lower outer surface 534. The upper half 520 lies entirely within the second embodiment 505, while the lower half 530 lies only partially within the second embodiment 505. The venturi passage 550 lies entirely within the second embodiment 505. The upper half 520 is spaced from the second embodiment 505 such that the upper body 522 does not contact any interior surfaces of the second embodiment 505.

[0070] The upper half 520 is fixed within the tube 502 and does not move. In one example, a plurality of supports 506 and / or spacers 506 may physically couple the upper half 520 to the lower half 530. In this manner, the upper half 520 cantilevers into the tube 502. In this other manner, the upper half 520 is spaced from the lower half 530, with no portions of the upper half 520 touching portions of the lower half 530, and with spacers 506 coupled to the upper half 520 and the lower half 530 at opposite ends. Additionally, the upper half 520 may also be coupled to the tube 502 via one or more bores 582 that couple the conduit 580 to the tube 502. A conduit 580 couples the upper half 520 to the vacuum consumption device 586, as described below.

[0071] The tube 502 is configured to allow ambient air, whether in the first embodiment 503 or the second embodiment 505, to flow via the bypass passage 504 to the venturi passage 550 and the upper interior passage 542 of the upper half 520. The ambient air may flow through a grille at the front of a vehicle such that the bypass passage 504 is fluidly coupled to the ambient atmosphere. In one example, the bypass passage 504 may exhaust ambient air to the ambient atmosphere without flowing ambient air to the engine. Alternatively, the bypass passage 504 may allow ambient air and / or intake flow to an intake manifold of an engine.

[0072] The ambient air in the secondary passage 504 can flow to the exhaust conduit 508 by flowing through the venturi passage 550 and / or the upper internal passage 542. Both passages expel gas to a lower internal passage 544 of the lower half 530, which expels the gas to the exhaust conduit 508. The venturi passage 550 includes a venturi inlet 552 between the upper outer surface 524 and the lower outer surface 534, a venturi outlet 554 between the upper inner surface 536 and the lower inner surface 536, and a venturi throat 556 between the upper apex 528 and the lower apex 538. Thus, a vacuum can be created in the venturi throat 556 as the static pressure decreases while flowing through the venturi throat 556.

[0073] A combination of upper inner passage 542 and lower inner passage 544 resembles a venturi passage along vertical axis 595. Thus, upper inner passage 542 may be referred to as a second venturi inlet 542, lower inner passage 544 may be referred to as a second venturi outlet 544, and a space between upper inner passage 542 and lower inner passage 544 may be referred to as a second venturi restriction 546. Here, venturi passage 550 may be referred to as first venturi passage 550, and the venturi passage created by upper inner passage 542 and lower inner passage 544 may be referred to as a second venturi passage 540. The second venturi restriction 546 of the second venturi passage 540 is located within and / or adjacent to the venturi outlet 554.In this way, a vacuum created by the second venturi 540 can augment a vacuum created by the first venturi 550, thereby allowing the first venturi 550 of the vacuum consumption device 586 to provide a greater amount of vacuum than the venturi 250 of the . Fig. 2.

[0074] The second venturi inlet 542 includes an upper inlet 541 configured to receive ambient air from the bypass passage 504. Air in the second venturi inlet 542 is expelled via an upper outlet 543 to the second venturi restriction 546. A diameter of the outlet 543 is smaller than a diameter of the inlet 541. The outlet 543 faces the lower half 530. In particular, the upper outlet 543 is directly above a lower inlet 547 of the second venturi outlet 544. Air in the second venturi outlet 544 is expelled via a lower outlet 549 to the outlet conduit 508. As shown, the lower outlet 549 extends into the outlet conduit 508. However, it will be understood that the lower outlet 549 may not extend into the outlet conduit 508 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.Due to the Venturi shape of the Venturi passage 540, a diameter of the second Venturi inlet 542 decreases from the upper inlet 541 to the upper outlet 543. In contrast, a diameter of the second Venturi outlet 544 decreases from the lower inlet 547 to the lower outlet 549.

[0075] Thus, the first venturi passage 550 is an annular venturi passage having an annular venturi inlet 552, an annular venturi outlet 554, and an annular venturi constriction 556. The first venturi passage 550 is concentric with the second venturi passage 540 about the vertical axis 595. The second venturi passage 540 is parallel to the vertical axis 595 and extends across the venturi outlet 554. In particular, the second venturi constriction 546 lies directly along the annular venturi outlet 554. Vacuum from the second venturi passage 540 draws air through the annular venturi passage 550, which in turn results in a greater amount of vacuum being created in the annular venturi constriction 556 compared to only one venturi passage being used in the vacuum generating device 510 is located.The vacuum created by the first venturi 550 and the second venturi 540 flows to the vacuum consumption device 586 of the upper half 520, as described below.

[0076] An annular internal passage 570 is fluidly coupled to the vacuum consumption device 586 via conduit 580. As shown, the annular internal passage 570 lies entirely within the upper half 520. The upper internal passage 542 and the annular internal passage 570 are concentric about the vertical axis 595. The upper internal passage 542 and the annular internal passage 570 lie entirely within the upper half 520, with the annular internal passage 570 circularly surrounding the upper internal passage 542. Air in the upper internal passage 542 does not mix with air in the annular internal passage 570 of the upper half 520. The annular internal passage outlet 572 lies at the upper apex 528. Thus, the upper apex 528 is fully open to the first venturi passage 550.Vacuum can flow through the annular inner passage 570 to the vacuum consumption device 586 when the intake flow from the vacuum consumption device 586 flows through the annular inner passage 570 and into the venturi throat 556.

[0077] Returning to Fig. 6 shows a cross section 600 along a section plane NN' from Fig. 5, including moving air, suction flow, and vacuum flow through the vacuum generating device 510. As described above, the vacuum generating device 510 is fixed and does not move. Thus, the vacuum generating device 510 only generates vacuum when ram air flows through the bypass passage 504.

[0078] Ambient air 650 flows through tube 502 toward vacuum generating device 510. First venturi 550 and second venturi 540 receive ambient air flow in different directions. Ambient air flowing parallel to vertical axis 595 can easily enter second venturi 540 via top inlet 541 of second venturi inlet 542. Ambient air flows through second venturi 540 by passing through second venturi inlet 542, second venturi restriction 546, and second venturi outlet 544. Second venturi restriction 546 creates a vacuum 654 that promotes ambient air flow radially inward into first venturi 550. The ambient air 650 flows through the first venturi inlet 552, the venturi restriction 556 and the venturi outlet 554.Thus, the ambient air 650 from the first venturi passage 550 and the second venturi passage 540 combines in the second venturi restriction 646. The vacuum 654 flows from the first venturi restriction 556 into the annular internal passage 570, through the conduit 580, and to the vacuum consumption device 586. In response, intake flow 652 flows from the vacuum consumption device 586 through the annular internal passage 570 and into the first venturi restriction 556. The intake flow 652 mixes with the ambient air 650 in the second venturi restriction 646 adjacent the upper inner surface 526 and the lower inner surface 536 before flowing into the second venturi outlet 644. The mixture of ambient air 650 and intake stream 652 is expelled to the outlet conduit 508 where it can be directed into the ambient atmosphere.

[0079] In one example, the bypass passage 504 is additionally or alternatively fluidly connected to an intake manifold (e.g., intake manifold 44 of the Fig. 1). Thus, the intake flow from the vacuum consumption device 586 can be coupled to the intake flow from the vacuum consumption device 140 of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 mix in the intake manifold 44.

[0080] As shown, the vacuum generating device 510 is static. Ram air flows through the vacuum generating device 510 when a vehicle is moving, resulting in vacuum flow to the vacuum consuming device 586. In some examples, a fan may be provided upstream of the vacuum generating device 510 to provide airflow during stationary vehicle operating conditions. Upstream and downstream refer to a direction of airflow. Thus, the fan may enable the vacuum generating device 510 to generate vacuum during both stationary and moving vehicle conditions.

[0081] Thus, a system comprising a bypass passage fluidly separated from intake and exhaust passages of an engine may further include a vacuum generating device located within the bypass passage. The vacuum generating device creates a vacuum when air flows through the bypass passage via the first and second venturi passages; wherein the first venturi passage is annularly disposed between the identically shaped upper and lower halves of the vacuum generating device, with the second venturi passage extending transversely through the upper and lower halves along a vertical axis. The vacuum generating device further includes an annular inner passage circumferentially surrounding the second venturi passage within the upper half, and wherein the annular inner passage is configured such that vacuum flows from the first venturi passage to a vacuum consumption device.The vacuum generating device is fixed, and the upper and lower halves are coupled via one or more spacers. The second venturi passage comprises a second venturi constriction fluidly coupled to a first venturi outlet of the first venturi passage, and wherein vacuum is supplied from the second venturi constriction to the first venturi constriction. The first venturi passage is annular, with a first venturi outlet proximal to the vertical axis and a first venturi inlet farthest from the vertical axis. The second venturi passage comprises a second venturi inlet within the upper half, a second venturi outlet within the lower half, and a second venturi constriction between the upper and lower halves. The upper half lies entirely within a tube of the secondary passage, and the lower half lies partially within the tube.The vacuum consumption device is one of a brake booster, an EGR valve and a fuel vapor canister.

[0082] Returning to Fig. 7 shows a system 700 comprising an engine 10, the vacuum generating device 210, and the vacuum generating device 510. Thus, components previously introduced are numbered similarly and will not be introduced again. In one example, the system 700 is a vehicle. Alternatively, the system 700 may be another device configured to draw air and utilize vacuum consuming devices. Components described as being located at a front end are seen on a left side of the figure, and components described as being located at a rear end are seen on a right side of the figure.

[0083] A first grid 702 is configured to admit moving air to the vacuum generating device 210 located in the intake passage 42. Thus, the vacuum generating device 210 in the embodiment of the Fig. 7 as the throttle 64 of the Fig. 1. In this way, the vacuum generating device 210 is designed to adjust an intake air flow to the engine and simultaneously refill a vacuum of the vacuum consuming device 140.

[0084] A second grille 704 is configured to admit ram air to the vacuum generation device 510 located in the bypass passage 504. As shown, the bypass passage 504 is fluidly separated from the intake passage 42. Thus, air in the bypass passage 504 does not mix with air in the intake passage 42. A first optional passage 712 is shown connecting the bypass passage 504 to the intake manifold 44. A second optional passage 714 is shown downstream of the first optional passage 712, fluidly coupling the bypass passage 504 to the exhaust passage 48. In some examples, a valve may be located in the second optional passage 714, wherein the valve is configured to open during regeneration of the aftertreatment device 70. In this way, air flows from the bypass passage 504 to the aftertreatment device 70 when the valve is in an open position.

[0085] Thus, the method comprises refilling a vacuum in a vacuum consuming device by flowing air through an annular venturi passage located between identically shaped upper and lower halves of the vacuum generating device. The annular venturi passage includes an annular venturi restriction between the upper and lower apex of the upper and lower halves, respectively, and wherein the vacuum consuming device is fluidly coupled to the annular venturi restriction through an annular passage of the upper half. The upper and lower halves are cylindrical and aligned along a vertical axis, and wherein the upper and lower halves include projections extending toward each other. The projections form the annular venturi passage. The upper and lower halves are partially hollow and include passages therein for the flow of air, vacuum, and suction flow.

[0086] In this way, vacuum is provided to a vacuum consumption device via a vacuum generation device. Ambient air flows through the vacuum generation device, which includes one or more venturi passages for generating vacuum. Thus, no electronic valves and / or motors may be coupled to the vacuum generation device, thereby reducing a packaging space of the vacuum generation device. Additionally, a portion of the vacuum generation device may be spontaneously movable based on vehicle operating conditions, allowing the vacuum generation device to be used as a throttle in an intake passage. Alternatively, the vacuum generation device may be fixed and located in a secondary passage fluidly separated from other passages of a vehicle.The technical effect of providing one or more vacuum generating devices is to replenish vacuum to the vacuum consuming device over a variety of vehicle operating conditions.

[0087] In an alternative embodiment, a system includes a throttle configured to provide vacuum to a first vacuum consumption device when air flows through an intake passage, a vacuum generation device configured to provide vacuum to a second vacuum consumption device when air flows through a bypass passage, and the throttle and the vacuum generation device include upper and lower halves aligned along a common axis with annular venturi passages therebetween, and wherein the upper half of the throttle is slidable and the halves of the vacuum generation device are fixed.

[0088] It should be noted that the example control and estimation routines contained herein may be used with various engine and / or vehicle system configurations. The control methods and routines disclosed herein may be stored as executable instructions in non-transitory memory and may be executed by the control system, including the controller in combination with various sensors, actuators, and other engine components. The particular routines described herein may represent one or more of any number of processing strategies, such as event-driven, interrupt-driven, multitasking, multithreading, and the like. As such, various illustrated acts, operations, and / or functions may be performed in the illustrated order, in parallel, or in some cases omitted.Likewise, the processing order is not required to achieve the features and advantages of the embodiments described herein, but is provided for ease of illustration and description. One or more of the illustrated acts, operations, and / or functions may be performed repeatedly, depending on the particular strategy employed. Further, the described acts, operations, and / or functions graphically represent code to be programmed into a non-transitory memory of the computer-readable storage medium in the engine control system, in which the described acts are carried out by executing the instructions in a system including the various engine hardware components in combination with the electronic controller.

[0089] It should be appreciated that the configurations and routines disclosed herein are exemplary in nature and that these particular embodiments are not intended to be limiting, as many variations are possible. For example, the above technology may be applied to a V6, an I4, an I6, a V12, a horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine, and other engine types. The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various systems and configurations and other features, functions, and / or characteristics disclosed herein.

[0090] The following claims particularly point out certain combinations and subcombinations that are considered novel and non-obvious. These claims may refer to "a" element or "a first" element, or the equivalent thereof. These claims should be understood to include the inclusion of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. Other combinations or subcombinations of the disclosed features, functions, elements, and / or properties may be claimed by amending the present claims or by setting forth new claims in this or a related application. Such claims, whether broader, narrower, equal, or different in scope with respect to the original claims, are also considered to be included within the subject matter of the present disclosure.

Claims

[1] Method comprising: Refilling a vacuum in a vacuum consumption device (140) by flowing air through an annular venturi passage (250) located between an upper (220) and lower half (230) of a vacuum generating device (210) which are identically shaped. [2] The method of claim 1, wherein the annular venturi passage (250) comprises an annular venturi constriction (256) between an upper (228) and a lower apex (238) of the upper and lower halves (230), respectively, and wherein the vacuum consumption device (140) is fluidly coupled to the annular venturi constriction (256) through an annular passage (542) of the upper half (220). [3] The method of claim 1, wherein the upper (220) and lower halves (230) are cylindrical and aligned along a vertical axis (595), and wherein the upper (220) and lower halves (230) include projections extending toward each other. [4] The method of claim 3, wherein flowing air through the annular venturi passage (250) includes flowing air radially inward in a direction perpendicular to the vertical axis (595) lying along a geometric center of the vacuum generating device (210). [5] The method of claim 1, wherein the upper (220) and lower halves (230) are partially hollow and include passages therein for the flow of air, vacuum, and suction flow. [6] System comprising: a vacuum generating device (210) comprising an upper half (220) with outer surfaces identical to a lower half (230), and wherein the halves are aligned along a vertical axis (595); an annular venturi passage (250) between the upper (220) and lower halves (230), the venturi passage (250) being fluidly coupled to a passage configured to receive ambient air; and a vacuum consumption device (140) fluidly coupled to the annular venturi passage (250) via internal passages of the upper half (220). [7] The system of claim 6, wherein the upper half (220) comprises an upper vertex (228) and the lower half (230) comprises a lower vertex (238), and wherein a distance between the upper (220) and the lower half (230) is smallest between the upper (228) and the lower vertex (238). [8] The system of claim 6, wherein the upper half (220) can slide parallel to the vertical axis (595) and the lower half (230) is fixed, and wherein a first position includes spacing the upper half (220) away from the lower half (230) and a second position includes pressing the upper vertex (228) of the upper half (220) against the lower vertex (238) of the lower half (230). [9] The system of claim 8, wherein the second position further includes sealing the annular venturi passage (250) from the passage and preventing ambient air flow to the annular venturi passage (250). [10] The system of claim 8, wherein the interior passages of the upper half (220) include a first passage (242) and a second passage (244), the first passage (242) being cylindrical and lying along the vertical axis (595), and the second passage (244) being annular and concentric with the first passage about the vertical axis (595). [11] The system of claim 10, wherein the first passage (242) in the second position fluidly couples the vacuum consumption device (140) to the annular venturi passage (250) and the second passage (244) in the first position couples the vacuum consumption device (140) to the annular venturi passage (250). [12] The system of claim 11, wherein the lower half (230) includes an internal passage fluidly coupling the annular venturi passage (250) to an intake manifold, and wherein vacuum flows from the intake manifold to the vacuum consumption device (140) via the first passage (242). [13] The system of claim 8, wherein the vacuum generating device (210) is a throttle and the passage is an intake passage. [14] The system of claim 6, further comprising a bypass passage (504) fluidly separated from intake and exhaust passages of the vacuum generating device (210) located in the bypass passage (504), the vacuum generating device (210) generating vacuum when air flows through the bypass passage (504) via the annular venturi passage (250) and a second venturi passage (250);wherein the annular venturi passage (250) is annularly disposed between an identically shaped upper (220) and a lower half (230) of the vacuum generating device (210), the second venturi passage (250) extending transversely through the upper (220) and lower halves (230) along a vertical axis (595), and the inner passages circumferentially surround the second venturi passage (250) within the upper (220) half, and the inner passages are configured such that vacuum flows from the annular venturi passage to the vacuum consuming device (140); [15] The system of claim 14, wherein the vacuum generating device (210) is fixed and the upper (220) and lower halves (230) are coupled via one or more spacers.

Images