AIR FLOW REGULATION MODULE FOR AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

Abstract

The invention relates to a module 22 for regulating the airflow of an internal combustion engine, the module 22 comprising a throttle body 24 equipped with a butterfly valve 25, rotatably mounted in a duct passing through the throttle body 24, and an electric motor 26 configured to rotate the butterfly valve 25 in the duct. The module 22 is notable in that it further comprises: a first linear displacement sensor 27 for an accelerator cable 23 connected to a throttle grip 21 of the vehicle 20; a movable element 28' comprising a metallic target 37, the movable element 28' being configured to move linearly relative to the first sensor 27, said movable element 28' being adapted to securely receive one end of the accelerator cable 23; and a microcontroller 30 configured to control the electric motor 23 based on a displacement measurement of the accelerator cable 23 determined by the first sensor 27. Figure to be published with The abbreviation: Figure 4.

Description

Title of the invention: AIR FLOW REGULATION MODULE FOR AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The field of the invention is that of the control of a throttle valve within a throttle body of an internal combustion engine. The invention applies more particularly, but not exclusively, to two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicles equipped with an internal combustion engine, but also to low-power four-wheeled vehicles, for example, mini-buggies, golf carts, or go-karts. The invention also applies to motorized gardening vehicles such as lawnmowers or ride-on mowers, as well as to motorized gardening tools, such as leaf blowers or branch shredders. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Historically, as schematically illustrated in [Fig.1], the throttle control in a motorcycle is a mechanical throttle control in which the throttle grip 1 is connected to one end of a throttle cable 2. The second end of the throttle cable 2 is, in turn, connected to a module 3 regulating the supply airflow of an internal combustion engine.

[0003] This module 3 for regulating the supply air flow of an internal combustion engine includes a throttle body 4. In a manner known per se, a throttle body 4 includes a disc-shaped throttle element 5, called a butterfly, rotatably mounted in a conduit (not shown) passing through the throttle body 4. The butterfly 5 moves in this conduit to regulate the supply air flow of the internal combustion engine.

[0004] The connection between the second end of the throttle cable 2 and the throttle 5 is made via a quadrant 6 configured to be rotated by the throttle cable 2. Thus, by turning the throttle grip 1, the cable 2 rotates the throttle 5 via the quadrant 6 so that the position of the throttle 5 corresponds to that desired by the driver. The module 3 further includes a sensor 7 for measuring the angular position of the throttle 5.

[0005] This type of module 3 also includes a return spring 8 of the quadrant 6 in the rest position when the throttle handle 1 is released.

[0006] Module 3 also includes a microcontroller 9, such a microcontroller 9 is used for the management of actuators and sensors of the internal combustion engine.

[0007] While such a solution is economical, it does not, however, allow for a precise position of the butterfly 5. In addition, such a solution does not offer the possibility of providing advanced control functionalities for the butterfly 5 such as, for example, speed regulation.

[0008] A known solution, schematically illustrated in [Fig.2], makes it possible to offer such functionalities.

[0009] According to this solution, the position of the throttle handle 1 is directly determined via a sensor 10 disposed in the throttle handle 1. The position of the throttle handle 1 reflects the driver's desired acceleration.

[0010] This solution also includes a return spring 8 for the throttle handle 1 in the rest position when the throttle handle 1 is released.

[0011] The position information is then transmitted, via an electrical cable 11, from the sensor 10 to a connector 12 of the air intake control module 3 for an internal combustion engine. The position information is then transmitted from connector 12 to the microcontroller 9 of the control module 3, which microcontroller 9 controls, among other things, an electric motor 13 configured to position the throttle 5 at a specific angle reflecting the driver's desired acceleration. This microcontroller 9 can take into account various inputs to control the throttle 5, for example, a cruise speed pre-selected by the driver. Thus, if the driver selects a cruise speed and releases the throttle grip 1, the microcontroller 9 can control the electric motor 13 to maintain the position of the throttle 5 in order to obtain an airflow corresponding to the cruise speed.

[0012] In addition, this microcontroller 9 can be used for the management of actuators and sensors of the internal combustion engine.

[0013] Module 3 further includes a sensor 7 for measuring the angular position taken by the butterfly 5.

[0014] However, such a sensor 10 disposed in the throttle handle 1 is connected via an electrical cable 11 to a connector 12. This sensor 10 and this electrical cable 11 having several electrical wires greatly increase the risk of electrical failure.

[0015] Furthermore, the integration of this sensor 10 into the throttle handle 1 and the electrical connection made via the electrical cable 11 and the connector 12 requires the use of a specific throttle handle, namely an electric throttle handle with electrical wires dedicated to the sensor 10. Such a technical solution is therefore expensive. Summary of the invention

[0016] An objective of the invention is to provide a solution for controlling a butterfly valve in a throttle body of an internal combustion engine that is inexpensive while being relatively insensitive to electrical failures.

[0017] To this end, the invention relates to a module for regulating the supply airflow of an internal combustion engine, said module comprising a throttle body equipped with a butterfly valve, rotatably mounted in a duct passing through said throttle body, and an electric motor configured to rotate said butterfly valve in said duct, said module being characterized in that it further comprises: - a first linear displacement sensor of an acceleration cable connected to a throttle grip of said vehicle, - a moving element comprising a metallic target, the moving element being configured to move linearly in relation to the first sensor, said moving element being capable of securely receiving one end of the acceleration cable, - a microcontroller configured to control said electric motor based on a measurement of the displacement of the acceleration cable determined by said first sensor.

[0018] Thus, the sensor for measuring the driver's input is placed directly in the module and no longer in the handle. This allows the mechanical handle to be retained and the module to be combined with it as described, without requiring modification of the original handle type. This solution is therefore easy to integrate into a vehicle equipped with a cable handle.

[0019] In addition, the movable element can be placed in several locations within the module, making the module adaptable to the environment of the imposed two-wheeled vehicle.

[0020] Preferably, the module includes a fixed support relative to the throttle body and positioned opposite said first sensor, the moving element being configured to move linearly on said support.

[0021] The support provides mechanical protection for the moving element and guides the movement of the moving element.

[0022] Preferably, the support includes a slide extending outward from the support, the acceleration cable being configured to be inserted into said slide so that one end of the acceleration cable is fixed to the moving element.

[0023] The slide allows the movement of the acceleration cable to be guided.

[0024] Preferably, the module includes a control box in which The microcontroller and the first sensor are mounted, the moving element has a shape complementary to that of the support, said moving element being positioned between the support and the control box.

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

[0026] The cavity formed between the support and the control box forms a movement track for the moving element.

[0027] According to a first embodiment, the support has a flat, rectangular shape and extends parallel to the control box. The movable element, having a shape complementary to that of the support, therefore has the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0028] According to a second embodiment, the support comprises: - a first portion extending opposite the first sensor, - a second portion extending in the direction perpendicular to the first portion, and against the free end of the casing.

[0029] The support therefore has an "elbow" shape complementary to the end of the housing. The movable element extending between the support and the control housing also has an elbow shape.

[0030] Thus the support and the moving element occupy a limited space and volume in the module, because the support and the moving element conform to the shape of the control box.

[0031] Preferably, the module includes a return spring connected between the slide and the moving element. The return spring allows the moving element and the throttle handle to return to the rest position corresponding to no driver input.

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

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

[0034] Advantageously, at least one other parameter is an angular position measurement of the butterfly determined by the second sensor.

[0035] Advantageously, the microcontroller is configured to: - implement at least one of the following driving modes: • a speed regulation mode, • a sport mode, • a weather / rain mode, • an energy-saving mode, • a “comfort” driving mode, - depending on the selected driving mode: modify the request issued by the driver at the handle and request the application of this modified request to the throttle.

[0036] The invention also relates to a vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine, said vehicle being remarkable in that it further comprises: - a module for regulating the supply air flow to said internal combustion engine as presented, - an acceleration cable attached, at one end, to a throttle grip of the vehicle and, at the other end, to the air flow regulation module for the internal combustion engine.

[0037] The invention and its various applications will be better understood by reading the following description and examining the accompanying figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0038] The figures are presented for illustrative purposes only and are in no way limiting of the invention.

[0039] [Fig.l] illustrates, schematically, a functional diagram of a first example of the realization of a module for regulating the supply air flow of an internal combustion engine according to the prior art.

[0040] [Fig.2] illustrates, schematically, a functional diagram of a second example of the realization of a module for regulating the supply air flow of an internal combustion engine according to the prior art.

[0041] [Fig.3] illustrates, schematically, a functional diagram of a vehicle equipped with a module for regulating the supply air flow of an internal combustion engine including a linear sensor.

[0042] [Fig.4] illustrates the top view of an air flow control module supplying a combustion engine according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0043] [Fig. 5] illustrates the front view of a supply air flow control module of a combustion engine according to [Fig.4].

[0044] [Fig.6] illustrates the top view of an air flow control module supplying a combustion engine according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0045] [Fig.7] illustrates the view of a section along a transverse plane of a module of Regulation of the intake air flow of an internal combustion engine according to [Fig. 6]. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Unless otherwise specified, the same element appearing on different figures has a unique reference.

[0047] Fig. 3 illustrates schematically a non-limiting example of a vehicle 20, for example of a two-wheeled type, equipped with an internal combustion engine according to the invention.

[0048] The vehicle 20 includes a throttle handle 21 and a module 22 for regulating the supply air flow to the internal combustion engine.

[0049] The vehicle 20 further comprises an acceleration cable 23 attached, at one end, to the throttle handle 21 and, at the other end, to the module 22 regulating the supply air flow of the internal combustion engine.

[0050] The module 22 for regulating the supply air flow of the internal combustion engine includes a throttle body 24 equipped with a butterfly valve 25. The butterfly valve 25 is rotatably mounted in a conduit (25') passing through the throttle body 24. The butterfly valve 25 moves in this conduit to regulate the supply air flow of the internal combustion engine.

[0051] The module 22 for regulating the supply air flow of the internal combustion engine further includes an electric motor 26 configured to rotate the butterfly valve 25 in the duct 25' and position it at a determined angle.

[0052] The module 22 for regulating the supply air flow of the internal combustion engine advantageously includes a first sensor 27 for the displacement of the accelerator cable 23.

[0053] According to an embodiment of the invention illustrated in [Fig. 3], the module 22 for regulating the supply airflow of the internal combustion engine comprises a movable element 28' to which one end of the throttle cable 23 is attached. According to this embodiment, the first sensor 27 is a linear displacement sensor of the throttle cable 23, for example, of the magnetic type. This first sensor 27 is configured to measure a linear displacement of the movable element 28'.

[0054] A return spring 29 is also associated with this movable element 28'. This return spring 29 allows this movable element 28' to return to its rest position when the throttle handle 21 is released by the driver.

[0055] In addition, the module 22 for regulating the supply air flow of the internal combustion engine includes a microcontroller 30 configured among other things to control the electric motor 26 according to a measurement of the displacement of the accelerator cable 23 determined by the first sensor 27.

[0056] According to the implementation illustrated in [Fig. 3], the first sensor 27 measures a linear displacement of the moving element 28' and deduces a displacement of the acceleration cable 23. This measurement of the displacement of the acceleration cable 23 is then transmitted to the microcontroller 30, which will control the electric motor 26 so as to pivot the butterfly 25 in the duct of the butterfly housing 24 and thus regulate the supply air flow to the internal combustion engine.

[0057] According to a non-limiting implementation of the invention, the module 22 for regulating the supply air flow of the internal combustion engine includes a second sensor 31 for measuring an angular position of the throttle 25. This second sensor 31 is, for example, a TPS sensor (for "Throttle Position Sensor").

[0058] In this case, the microcontroller 30 is configured to drive the electric motor 26 according to a measurement of the displacement of the accelerator cable 23 determined by the first sensor 27 and according to at least one other parameter, this other parameter being able to be formed by a measurement of the angular position of the throttle 25 determined by the second sensor 31.

[0059] In other words, thanks to the second sensor 31, the microcontroller 30 is able to determine whether the angular position taken by the throttle 25 corresponds to that desired by the driver, the position desired by the driver being determined via the first sensor 27. A bad positioning of the throttle 25 can, for example, be caused by friction of the rotation arm of the throttle 25.

[0060] If the angular position of the butterfly 25 measured by the second sensor 31 does not correspond to that desired by the driver, the microcontroller 30 is able to control the electric motor 26 to move the butterfly 25 and bring it to the desired angular position.

[0061] According to another non-limiting example, the other parameter taken into account by the microcontroller 30 to control the electric motor 26 can be formed by a predetermined fixed speed value.

[0062] For example, the driver of the vehicle 20 can pre-select a fixed speed value via a button on the handlebars. This speed value is transmitted to the microcontroller 30. The microcontroller 30 then controls the electric motor 26 to move the throttle 25 to the desired angular position corresponding to this fixed speed value. According to such an implementation, even if the driver releases the throttle grip 21, the speed of the vehicle 20 will correspond to the pre-selected speed.

[0063] More specifically, a first possible embodiment of the regulation module 22 is described with reference to Figures 4 to 5.

[0064] More specifically, [Fig.4] represents module 22 in an orthonormal coordinate system X, Y, Z. [Fig.5] represents a cross-section of module 22 shown in [Fig.4], the cross-section being made along a YZ plane along the XT i axis shown in [Fig.4].

[0065] According to this embodiment, the rotating arm 25B of the butterfly 25 and the rotating arm 26B of the electric motor 26 are parallel. But it could be otherwise.

[0066] The module 22 includes a control box 50 comprising an electrical circuit extending along a plane parallel to the direction of the duct 25' and along a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation X25 of the butterfly 25. On the electronic circuit (PCB) are mounted the first sensor 27, the second sensor 31 and the microcontroller 30. More specifically, in this case, the first sensor 27 is a coil (constituting an inductive sensor) printed on the electronic circuit.

[0067] The control unit 50 is fixed relative to the throttle body 24. The microcontroller 30 is, for example, positioned opposite the electric motor 26 configured to rotate the throttle 25 in the duct 25'. The second sensor 31 is configured to be positioned opposite one end of the rotation arm of the throttle 25.

[0068] On the other hand, the module 22 also includes a support 60 having a flat and rectangular shape, extending parallel to the control box 50 (and the electrical circuit), and opposite the first sensor 27. In order to save space, the orientation of the support 60 is preferably made so that the two long edges of the support 60 extend parallel to the direction in which the conduit 25' extends.

[0069] The support 60 also includes a slide 61 (in other words, a sleeve) extending outward from the support 60 in the plane of the support 60 and in the direction of the long edges of the support 60. In other words, the slide 61 extends parallel to the direction of the conduit 25'. The support 60 also includes edges 62 projecting along its long edges.

[0070] The moving element 28' has the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, the shape of which is complementary to that of the support 60, and is placed between the support 60 and the control box 50, resting against the support 60 and opposite the first sensor 27, i.e., the coil. The moving element 28' is configured to move in linear translation on the support 60. Since the linear translation of the moving element 28' is guided by the edges 62, this linear translation occurs in the direction of the axis of the slide 61 and therefore in a direction parallel to the direction of the conduit 25'.

[0071] One end of the acceleration cable 23 is inserted into the slide 61 and is connected to the moving element 28' by a hook 70. The return spring 29 allows the slide 61 to be connected to the moving element 28'.

[0072] The moving element 28' comprises a metallic element called the metallic target 37. Thus, when the user pulls on the handle, the acceleration cable 23 drives linear translation of the moving element 28' on the support 60, the metallic target 37 therefore also moves in front of the first sensor 27 which will detect and quantify the linear translation of the moving element 28'.

[0073] Indeed, the coil 27 is an inductive sensor capable of measuring the displacement of the metallic target 37 without errors due to electromagnetic disturbances in the system. The inductive sensor can also be called a pedal value sensor (PVS).

[0074] The information read by the first sensor 27 is then retrieved by the microcontroller 30 which will control the electric motor 26, which will drive the rotation of the arm 26B of the electric motor 26. A mechanical linkage 41 connects the arm 26B of the electric motor 26 to the rotation arm 25B of the throttle 25. This mechanical linkage 41 therefore allows the throttle 25 to move around its axis of rotation X25 in the air intake.

[0075] The support 60 thus makes it possible to fix the sheath 61 of the acceleration cable 23 and to guide the movement of the mobile element 28' thanks to the edges, the return spring 29 and the hook 70.

[0076] A second embodiment is described with reference to Figures 6 and 7.

[0077] More specifically, [Fig.6] represents the module 22 in an orthonormal coordinate system X, Y, Z. [Fig.7] represents a cross-section of module 22 shown in [Fig.5], the cross-section being made along an XZ plane along the XT2 axis shown in [Fig.6].

[0078] According to this second embodiment:

[0079] - the control box 50 has substantially a parallelepiped shape rectangle,

[0080] - the first sensor 27 is placed at one end of the control box 50,

[0081] - the support 60 has an "elbow" shape complementary to the end of the Control box 50, support 60 includes: • a first portion 60A which extends opposite the first sensor 27 (in the same way as in the first embodiment), • a second portion 60B extending in the direction perpendicular to the first portion 60A, and against the free end of the control box 50, said free end corresponding here to the end of the control box 50 on the side where the first sensor 27 is mounted.

[0082] - The movable element 28' extends between the support 60 and the control box 50, and has a shape complementary to that of support 60. The movable element 28' therefore also has an elbow shape and comprises: • a first 28'A section configured to be positioned between the first portion 60A of the support 60 and the control box 50, the first portion comprising the metal element 37, • a second portion 28'B configured to be positioned between the second portion 60B of the support 60 and the control box 50, the second portion including the hook 70 to which the acceleration cable 23 is attached.

[0083] The slide 61 is placed projecting from the second portion 60B of the support 60, in a direction perpendicular to that of the axis along which the conduit 25' extends.

[0084] According to said second embodiment, the linear translation of the moving element 28' relative to the support 60 and the first sensor 27 is in a direction perpendicular to that of the axis along which the conduit 25' extends.

[0085] However, the assembly constituting the control box 50, the support 60 and the movable element 28' (whether this assembly has a flat or angled shape) can be positioned anywhere around the throttle body 24, as long as the cable exit 23 allows it, and provided that the movement of the target 37 is opposite the first sensor 27.

[0086] The various aspects of the invention mentioned above offer numerous advantages. Among these are: • retain a mechanical handle, an acceleration cable while integrating a reading of the acceleration cable displacement directly into the module and not in the handle; • The fact that there is no direct mechanical link between handle 21 and butterfly 25 allows module 22 to include additional functionalities, such as the following special driving modes: • a speed regulation mode, in which the microcontroller 30 is configured to maintain the vehicle's speed at a substantially constant speed regardless of the command made by the driver on the handle 21, • A sport mode in which the microcontroller 30 precisely responds to the acceleration required by the throttle grip 21; the throttle 25 therefore accurately reflects the driver's intent, the vehicle's speed being proportional to the rotation speed of the throttle grip 21. This allows for very dynamic vehicle behavior that conforms to the driver's input. • A weather / rain mode: the microcontroller 30 limits so-called "strong" accelerations. The torque requested by the driver is reached, but the acceleration requested by the driver can be reduced by the microcontroller 30, thus preventing potential over-accelerations that could lead to vehicle instability. an energy-saving mode, in which the microcontroller 30 controls the limitation of the throttle opening 25 for fuel consumption purposes. Thus, even if the driver turns the handle 21 to its maximum, the opening of the throttle 25 can be limited to 50%, for example. A "comfort" mode is implemented, in which the microcontroller 30 performs an adaptation between the driver's input via the throttle 21 and the application of that input to the throttle valve 25. This ensures that the vehicle's speed variation due to driver-requested acceleration remains constant, resulting in a more pleasant driving experience. For example, in the case of a rapid rotation of the throttle 21, the microcontroller 30 is configured to adjust the duration over which the required acceleration is applied to the throttle valve 25. In another scenario, if the driver makes unintended micro-rotations (which should not trigger a speed jump), the microcontroller 30 is configured to smooth out / filter these throttle 21 rotation jumps. This way, the driver's input is respected while avoiding engine jolts. adapt the placement of the control box 50, the support 60 and the moving element 28' around the butterfly valve 25 according to the configuration of the vehicle in which said module 22 is to be integrated, eliminate the risk of electrical failure associated with using a sensor mounted directly on the handle.

Claims

Demands

1. Module (22) for regulating the supply air flow of an internal combustion engine, said module (22) comprising a throttle body (24) equipped with a butterfly valve (25), rotatably mounted in a duct through said throttle body (24) and an electric motor (26) configured to rotate said butterfly valve (25) in said duct, said module (22) being characterized in that it further comprises: - a first linear displacement sensor (27) of an accelerator cable (23) connected to a throttle grip (21) of said vehicle (20), - a movable element (28') comprising a metallic target (37), the movable element (28') being configured to move linearly with respect to the first sensor (27), said movable element (28') being able to securely receive one end of the accelerator cable (23),- a microcontroller (30) configured to control said electric motor (26) according to a measurement of the displacement of the accelerator cable (23) determined by said first sensor (27).

2. Module (22) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a support (60) fixed relative to the throttle body (24) and positioned opposite said first sensor (27), the movable element (28') being configured to move linearly on said support (60).

3. Module (22) according to the preceding claim, wherein the support (60) includes a slide (61) extending projecting from the support (60), the acceleration cable (23) being configured to be inserted into said slide (61) so that one end of the acceleration cable (23) is fixed to the movable element (28').

4. Module (22) according to the preceding claim, comprising a control box (50) in which the microcontroller (30) and the first sensor (27) are mounted, the movable element (28') having a shape complementary to that of the support (60), said movable element (28') being positioned between the support (60) and the control box (50).

5. Module according to the preceding claim, wherein the support (60) has a flat, rectangular shape and extends parallel to the control box (50).

6. Module (22) according to claim 4, wherein the support (60) comprises: - a first portion (60A) extending opposite the first sensor (27), - a second portion (60B) extending in the direction perpendicular to the first portion (60A), and against the free end of the control box (50).

7. Module (22) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that it comprises a return spring (29) connected between the slide (61) and the moving element (28').

8. Module (22) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a second sensor (31) for the angular position of the throttle (25).

9. Module (22) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the microcontroller (30) is configured to drive the electric motor (26) as a function of a displacement measurement of the accelerator cable (23) determined by the first sensor (27) and as a function of at least one other parameter.

10. Module (22) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that at least one other parameter is an angular position measurement of the throttle (25) determined by the second sensor (31).

11. Module (22) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the microcontroller (30) is configured to: - implement at least one driving mode from among the following driving modes: • a speed regulation mode, • a sport mode, • a weather / rain mode, • an energy saving mode, • a "comfort" driving mode, - depending on the selected driving mode: modify the request issued by the driver to the handle (21) and request the application of this modified request to the throttle (25).

12. Vehicle (20) equipped with an internal combustion engine, said vehicle (20) being characterized in that it further comprises: - a module (22) for regulating the supply air flow of said internal combustion engine according to any one of the preceding claims, - an acceleration cable (23) attached, at one end, to a throttle grip (21) of the vehicle (20) and, at the other end, to the module (22) for regulating the supply air flow of the internal combustion engine.

Images