Intake manifold and intake system

Abstract

To provide an intake manifold and an intake system capable of simplifying a structure, reducing the number of parts, simplifying assembling work, and reducing cost.SOLUTION: A resin intake manifold applied to an engine includes a surge tank (St) defining an internal space (Is) for temporarily storing intake air, an intake port (120), and a flange portion (140) for attaching a throttle body around the intake port, a plurality of branch pipes (Bp) integrally formed with the surge tank and including a cylindrical fitting portion (120) in each tip end region, and a connecting portion (Jp) integrally formed with the plurality of branch pipes so as to connect the plurality of branch pipes to each other on an upstream side of the cylindrical fitting portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an intake manifold and intake system applied to an engine, and in particular to an intake manifold and intake system that are connected by a spigot joint (spigot joint) to a cylindrical portion that defines the intake port of an engine mounted on a vehicle that travels in rough road environments, such as an ROV (Recreational Off-highway Vehicle) or a UTV (Utility Task Vehicle). [Background technology]

[0002] A known conventional intake system for an engine mounted on a snowmobile includes an intake manifold having one cylindrical connecting portion on the upstream side and three cylindrical connecting portions on the downstream side of a surge tank, an intake pipe connected to the upstream cylindrical connecting portion, three rubber ducts connected to the three downstream cylindrical connecting portions, three throttle bodies connected to the downstream ends of the rubber ducts, three rubber coupling members that connect the throttle body to the cylindrical connecting portion that leads to the intake port of the engine body using spigot couplings (spigot couplings), and a vibration damping member that holds down the three rubber ducts and connects them to the engine body (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] When assembling this intake system, three rubber ducts must be connected to the intake manifold and fastened with bands, three throttle bodies must be connected to the three rubber ducts and fastened with bands, the three throttle bodies must be connected to the cylindrical connecting part of the engine via three rubber coupling members, and vibration damping members must be engaged with the three rubber ducts and fixed to the engine body. That is, conventional intake systems have a complex structure, a large number of parts, and require complicated assembly work, resulting in high costs. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-223355 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention was made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide an intake manifold and intake system that can simplify the structure, reduce the number of parts, simplify assembly work, and reduce costs while ensuring mechanical strength. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The intake manifold of the present invention is a resin intake manifold that is applied to an engine and includes a surge tank that defines an internal space for temporarily storing intake air, an intake port, and a flange portion that secures a throttle body around the intake port, a plurality of branch pipes that are molded integrally with the surge tank and include cylindrical fitting portions at their respective tip regions, and a connecting portion that is molded integrally with the plurality of branch pipes to connect the plurality of branch pipes together upstream of the cylindrical fitting portions.

[0007] In the intake manifold, the plurality of branch pipes may each include, upstream of the cylindrical fitting portion, a mounting portion for mounting a fuel injection valve, and at least two fixing portions for fixing a supply pipe for supplying fuel to the fuel injection valve.

[0008] In the intake manifold, the fixing portion may be formed in the region of the connecting portion.

[0009] In the above-described intake manifold, the connecting portion may be configured to include a tip-side connecting portion formed toward the downstream side of the branch pipe, and an intermediate connecting portion formed in an intermediate region toward the upstream side of the tip-side connecting portion.

[0010] In the intake manifold, the fixing portion may be formed in the region of the intermediate connecting portion.

[0011] In the intake manifold, each of the branch pipes may include a first reinforcing rib formed to protrude from the outer wall from a branch region branching from the surge tank to an intermediate region.

[0012] In the above intake manifold, a configuration may be adopted in which the surge tank is formed long in the direction of a predetermined axis, the multiple branch pipes extend in a direction twisted from the axis and are formed to include curved portions that curve in a plane perpendicular to the axis, and the first reinforcing rib is formed in a recessed area surrounded by the curved portions to form an outline that extends linearly from the outer wall of the surge tank to the outer wall of the branch pipe.

[0013] In the intake manifold, the plurality of branch pipes may include a second reinforcing rib that protrudes from the outer wall on the side opposite to the side where the recessed region is formed and downstream of the curved portion, and extends upstream from the vicinity of the cylindrical fitting portion.

[0014] In the above-described intake manifold, the surge tank may have a configuration including a lattice-shaped reinforcing rib integrally formed on the outer wall thereof.

[0015] The above intake manifold may have a configuration including a first molded member that defines the surge tank and first halves of the multiple branch pipes, a cylindrical fitting portion, an intake port, and a flange portion, and a second molded member that defines the surge tank and second halves of the multiple branch pipes and is joined to the first molded member.

[0016] The above intake manifold may include a first molded member that defines the surge tank and first halves of the multiple branch pipes, a cylindrical fitting portion, an intake port, and a flange portion, and a second molded member that defines the second halves of the surge tank and the multiple branch pipes and is joined to the first molded member, wherein the first molded member includes a first connecting portion that forms part of the connecting portion, an attachment portion, and a fixing portion, and the second molded member includes a second connecting portion that forms part of the connecting portion.

[0017] The above intake manifold may include a first molded member that defines the surge tank and first halves of the multiple branch pipes, a cylindrical fitting portion, an intake port, and a flange portion, and a second molded member that defines the second halves of the surge tank and the multiple branch pipes and is joined to the first molded member, wherein the first molded member includes a first tip-side connecting portion that forms a part of the tip-side connecting portion, a first intermediate connecting portion that forms a part of the intermediate connecting portion, an attachment portion, and a fixing portion, and the second molded member includes a second tip-side connecting portion that forms a part of the tip-side connecting portion, and a second intermediate connecting portion that forms a part of the intermediate connecting portion.

[0018] The intake system of the present invention includes any of the intake manifolds having the above-described configuration, a fuel injection valve attached to the mounting portion, a supply pipe fixed to the fixing portion, and a throttle body fixed to the flange portion.

[0019] The above intake system may also employ a configuration including a rubber cylindrical joint member into which a cylindrical portion defining the intake port of the engine is fitted at one end and into which a cylindrical fitting portion of the intake manifold is fitted at the other end.

[0020] The intake system may have a configuration including a tightening band that tightens around the mating region of the tubular coupling member.

[0021] The intake system may include an intake duct connected to the throttle body, and an air cleaner connected to the upstream end of the intake duct.

[0022] The intake system may have a configuration including a support member that supports the intake duct or the air cleaner on the vehicle body on which the engine is mounted. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] The intake manifold and intake system configured as described above can achieve a simplified structure, a reduced number of parts, simplified assembly work, and reduced costs while ensuring mechanical strength. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an intake system of an engine including an intake manifold according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a partial view showing an intake manifold and a portion of an engine according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a cylindrical coupling member and a tightening band that connect a cylindrical fitting portion of an intake manifold to a cylindrical portion that defines an intake port of an engine according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is an external perspective view of an intake manifold according to an embodiment, viewed obliquely from above; [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the external appearance of the intake manifold according to the embodiment, as viewed obliquely from below. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a side view of the intake manifold according to the embodiment, as viewed from the intake port side. [Figure 7] 1 is an exploded perspective view of an intake manifold according to one embodiment, disassembled into a first molded member (base member) and a second molded member (cover member), viewed obliquely from above. [Figure 8] 1 is an exploded perspective view of an intake manifold according to one embodiment, disassembled into a first molded member (base member) and a second molded member (cover member), viewed obliquely from below. [Figure 9] 1 is a perspective view of a first molded member (base member) that constitutes an intake manifold according to one embodiment, viewed from the inside. [Figure 10]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second molded member (cover member) that constitutes an intake manifold according to one embodiment, as viewed from the inside. [Figure 11] 3 is a cross-sectional view of an intake manifold according to one embodiment, taken along a plane passing through the approximate center of a passage of one branch pipe. FIG. [Figure 12] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an intake manifold according to one embodiment, taken along a plane passing between two branch pipes. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a perspective cross-sectional view of an intake manifold according to one embodiment, showing three branch pipes viewed from the upstream side with a surge tank cut away. [Figure 14] 1 is a perspective cross-sectional view of an intake manifold according to one embodiment, taken along a plane intersecting an intermediate connecting portion integrally formed with a fixing portion between branch pipes. FIG. [Figure 15] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an intake manifold according to one embodiment, taken along a plane passing between two branch pipes. [Figure 16] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a first molded member (base member) that constitutes an intake manifold according to one embodiment, taken along a plane that intersects an intermediate connecting portion that is integrally formed with a fixing portion between branch pipes. [Figure 17] 17 is a cross-sectional view of a second molded member (cover member) that constitutes an intake manifold according to one embodiment, taken along the same plane as the cross-section shown in FIG. 16. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The intake manifold M according to the present invention is molded using a resin material and constitutes a part of the intake system of the engine. Here, as one embodiment, a case will be described in which the intake manifold M is applied to a three-cylinder engine E mounted on a vehicle such as an ROV or UTV.

[0026] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the intake system includes an intake manifold M, a fuel injection valve Fv attached to the intake manifold M, a supply pipe Fp, a throttle body Th, a sensor unit Su for detecting intake temperature or intake pressure, etc., an intake duct Id connected to the throttle body Th, an air cleaner Ac connected to the upstream end of the intake duct Id, a support member Sm for supporting the air cleaner Ac on the vehicle body Vb, a cylindrical coupling member Jm for connecting a cylindrical portion Ep that defines the intake port of the engine E to a cylindrical fitting portion 120 of the intake manifold M, and a tightening band Tb.

[0027] The intake duct Id is made of rubber or resin, which is lightweight and easily absorbs vibrations, and is preferably formed to include a bellows portion that allows elastic deformation. The air cleaner Ac comprises, for example, a resin case having an inlet and an outlet, and a filter member arranged inside the case, with the outlet connected to the upstream end of the intake duct Id and the inlet connected to an outside air intake duct (not shown) as needed. The support member Sm supports the air cleaner Ac (its case) relative to the vehicle body Vb, and is a bracket provided on the vehicle body Vb, or a bracket portion (not shown) formed integrally with the air cleaner Ac and fastened to the vehicle body Vb with screws, etc. The support member Sm may also be configured to support a portion of the intake duct Id relative to the vehicle body Vb.

[0028] The tubular coupling member Jm functions as a spigot joint (spigot joint) and is a rubber coupling member with a circular cross section that is molded using a rubber material that is vibration-absorbing and elastically deformable. As shown in Figure 3, the tubular coupling member Jm has two annular protrusions Jm1 that are fitted into the annular groove 122 of the tubular fitting portion 120 and the annular groove Ep1 of the tubular portion Ep. The tightening band Tb is, for example, a stainless steel band having tightening screws, and is tightened around the two fitting regions of the tubular coupling member Jm with the tubular portion Ep of the engine E fitted into one end of the tubular coupling member Jm and the tubular fitting portion 120 fitted into the other end of the tubular coupling member Jm.

[0029] 4 to 12, the intake manifold M includes a base member 100 as a first molded member and a cover member 200 as a second molded member. The base member 100 and the cover member 200 are fixed together by vibration welding, and the intake manifold M as a whole includes a surge tank St, a plurality of (here, three) branch pipes Bp, and a connecting portion Jp that connects the plurality of branch pipes Bp together.

[0030] The surge tank St is formed in a cylindrical shape that is long in the direction of the axis S, and defines an internal space Is. One end is closed, and the other end defines a flange portion 140 to which an intake port 130 and a throttle body Th are attached.

[0031] The multiple branch pipes Bp are integrally molded with the surge tank St, extend in a direction twisted from the axis S, and are arranged in the direction of the axis S. As shown in FIG. 6, they are formed to include a cylindrical fitting portion 120 in the tip region and a curved portion Cs that curves from the base region to the middle region in a plane perpendicular to the axis S.

[0032] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the connecting portion Jp includes a tip connecting portion Jpt formed toward the downstream side of the branch pipe Bp, and an intermediate connecting portion Jpm formed in the intermediate region toward the upstream side of the tip connecting portion Jpt.

[0033] The base member 100 is injection molded using a resin material in a mold, and as shown in Figures 7 to 9, it has a wall portion 110 as the first half of the surge tank St and multiple branch pipes Bp, a cylindrical fitting portion 120, an air intake port 130, a flange portion 140, a first connecting portion 150 (a first tip side connecting portion 151 and a first intermediate connecting portion 152), an attachment portion 160, two fixing portions 170, a flange portion 180, and a joint portion 190.

[0034] The wall portion 110 includes a tank wall portion 111 that defines approximately half of the surge tank St, a branch wall portion 112 that defines approximately half of the multiple branch pipes Bp, a lattice-shaped reinforcing rib 113 formed on the outer wall 111a of the tank wall portion 111, and a first reinforcing rib 114 formed in the area of ​​the curved portion Cs.

[0035] The tank wall portion 111 is formed so as to define a recess that has an outer wall 111a and an inner wall 111b that are elongated in the direction of the axis S and have a substantially semi-cylindrical shape. The branch wall portion 112 has an outer wall 112a and an inner wall 112b to define approximately half of each of the three passages, and is formed so as to curve while extending in a twisted direction relative to the axis S. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 8, the branch wall portion 112 has a concave joint portion 112c immediately upstream of the cylindrical fitting portion 120 to which the convex joint portion 214 of the cover member 200 is joined. The lattice-shaped reinforcing ribs 113 are formed to protrude in a lattice pattern at a predetermined height from the outer wall 111a of the tank wall portion 111 in order to increase the overall bending strength of the surge tank St.

[0036] 4, 6, and 7, the first reinforcing rib 114 is formed in a thin plate shape protruding from the outer walls 111a, 112a of the wall portion 110 from the branch region branching from the surge tank St to the intermediate region. The first reinforcing rib 114 is formed in the recessed region Ca surrounded by the curved portion Cs so as to have an outline that extends linearly from the outer wall 111a of the surge tank St (i.e., the tank wall portion 111) to the outer wall 112a of the branch pipe Bp (i.e., the branch wall portion 112).

[0037] As shown in Figures 6, 11, and 12, the tubular fitting portion 120 is formed cylindrically in the tip region of the branch pipe Bp, and has a fitting outer peripheral surface 121 and an annular groove 122 formed by removing part of the fitting outer peripheral surface 121. The fitting outer peripheral surface 121 is an area that is fitted onto the tubular joint part Jm, and the annular groove 122 is an area into which the annular protrusion Jm1 of the tubular joint part Jm is fitted. That is, the cylindrical fitting portion 120 constitutes a spigot joint (spigot joint) by being fitted into one end of the cylindrical joint member Jm, the other end of which is fitted with the cylindrical portion Ep of the engine E.

[0038] The intake port 130 is formed as a circular opening at the other end in the direction of the axis S, and is a region through which intake air that has passed through the throttle body Th fixed to the flange portion 140 is introduced into the internal space Is of the surge tank St. The flange portion 140 is an area where the throttle body Th is joined and fixed, and as shown in Figures 4 and 6, it is formed at the other end in the direction of the axis S and around the intake port 130, and is provided with a joining surface 141, an annular groove 142 into which a sealing member (not shown) is fitted, and four screw holes 143 into which screws that fasten the throttle body Th are screwed in.

[0039] The first connecting portion 150 forms part of the connecting portion Jp that is integrally molded in the region outside the tubular fitting portion 120, extending in the direction of the axis S to connect multiple branch pipes Bp together, and includes a first tip-side connecting portion 151 and a first intermediate connecting portion 152 as the first connecting portion, as shown in Figures 7 to 9, 12, 15, and 16. The first tip-side connecting portion 151 constitutes part of the tip-side connecting portion Jpt, and is formed so that its cross section is flat and bent in an approximately L-shape near the downstream side of the branch pipe Bp and upstream of the tubular fitting portion 120, and extends in the direction of the axis S to connect the branch pipes Bp together. The first intermediate connecting portion 152 constitutes part of the intermediate connecting portion Jpm, and is formed upstream of the first tip connecting portion 151 so that its cross section is an approximately rectangular flat plate and extends in the direction of the axis S to connect the branch pipes Bp together.

[0040] The mounting portion 160 is a region where the fuel injection valve Fv is mounted, and as shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, is provided with a fitting recess 161 and a through hole 162 immediately upstream of the cylindrical fitting portion 120. The fitting recess 161 is formed so that the main body of the fuel injection valve Fv is fixed by fitting or screwing. The through-hole 162 is formed as an inclined hole inclined downstream so that the fuel injected from the fuel injection valve Fv is injected toward the downstream side of the passage in the branch pipe Bp.

[0041] The two fixing portions 170 are areas for fixing the supply pipe Fp, and as shown in Figures 13 to 15, are formed in the area of ​​the intermediate connecting portion Jpm, i.e., the area of ​​the first intermediate connecting portion 152, and in an area that overlaps with the two outer branch pipes Bp of the three branch pipes Bp lined up in the axial direction S, and are provided with screw holes 171 for screwing in screws that fasten the bracket (not shown) of the supply pipe Fp, and reinforcing ribs 172 that extend to the first intermediate connecting portion 152 and the outer wall 112a.

[0042] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the flange portion 180 is an area for mounting the sensor unit Su, and is formed on the tank wall portion 111 of the surge tank St. It has a joining surface 181 for joining the sensor unit Su, an insertion hole 182 for inserting the detection portion (not shown) of the sensor unit Su, and a screw hole 183 for screwing in a screw to fasten the sensor unit Su.

[0043] As shown in Figures 9 and 16, the joint 190 is an area that is fixed to the joint 260 of the cover member 200 by vibration welding, and has a convex rib 191 with a rectangular cross section and stepped surfaces 192 formed on both sides of the convex rib 191. That is, the joint portion 190 is fixed by vibration welding, with the joint surface 191a of the ridge 191 being joined to the joint surface 261a of the joint portion 260 of the cover member 200.

[0044] The cover member 200 is injection molded using a resin material in a mold, and as shown in Figures 7, 8, and 10, it has a wall portion 210 as the second half of the surge tank St and multiple branch pipes Bp, a second connecting portion 250 (a second tip side connecting portion 251 and a second intermediate connecting portion 252), and a joint portion 260.

[0045] The wall portion 210 includes a tank wall portion 211 that defines approximately half of the surge tank St, a branch wall portion 212 that defines approximately half of the multiple branch pipes Bp, a lattice-shaped reinforcing rib 213 formed on the outer wall 211a of the tank wall portion 211, a convex joint portion 214, and a second reinforcing rib 215.

[0046] The tank wall portion 211 is formed so as to define a recessed portion that has an outer wall 211a and an inner wall 211b that are substantially cylindrical and long in the direction of the axis S. The branch wall portion 212 has an outer wall 212a and an inner wall 212b so as to define approximately half of each of the three passages, and is formed so as to be curved while extending in a twisted direction relative to the axis S. The lattice-shaped reinforcing ribs 213 are formed to protrude in a lattice pattern at a predetermined height from the outer wall 211a of the tank wall portion 211 in order to increase the overall bending strength of the surge tank St. The convex joint portion 214 is joined to the concave joint portion 112c of the base member 100 to define a passage having a substantially circular or elliptical cross section as a passage for the branch pipe Bp.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the second reinforcing rib 215 is formed so as to protrude in a plate shape from the outer wall 212a on the upstream side of the convex joint 214 and extend toward the upstream side. That is, when the cover member 200 is joined to the base member 100, the second reinforcing rib 215 is formed so as to protrude from the outer wall 212a on the opposite side of the recessed area Ca surrounded by the curved portion Cp and downstream of the curved portion Cp, and to extend from the vicinity of the tubular fitting portion 120 toward the upstream side.

[0048] The second connecting portion 250 forms part of the connecting portion Jp that is integrally molded in the region outside the tubular fitting portion 120 and extends in the direction of the axis S to connect multiple branch pipes Bp together, and includes a second tip-side connecting portion 251 and a second intermediate connecting portion 252 as the second connecting portion, as shown in Figures 7, 8, 10, 12, and 15. The second tip-side connecting portion 251 constitutes part of the tip-side connecting portion Jpt, and is formed so that it faces the first tip-side connecting portion 151 near the downstream side of the branch pipe Bp and upstream of the tubular fitting portion 120, has a cross section that is bent in an approximately L-shape and is flat, and extends in the direction of the axis S, connecting the branch pipes Bp together. The second intermediate connecting portion 252 constitutes part of the intermediate connecting portion Jpm, and is formed upstream of the second tip side connecting portion 251 so as to face the first intermediate connecting portion 152, with its cross section being an approximately rectangular flat plate and extending in the direction of the axis S, to connect the branch pipes Bp together.

[0049] As shown in Figures 10 and 17, the joint 260 is a region that is fixed to the joint 190 of the base member 100 by vibration welding, and has a convex rib 261 with a rectangular cross section and concave ribs 262 formed on both sides of the convex rib 261. That is, the joint portion 260 is fixed by vibration welding, with the joint surface 261a of the ridge 261 being joined to the joint surface 191a of the joint portion 190 of the base member 100.

[0050] Next, the assembly work of the intake system including the intake manifold M having the above-described configuration will be described. An intake manifold M, three fuel injection valves Fv, a supply pipe Fp, a throttle body Th, three cylindrical joint members Jm, six fastening bands Tb, an intake duct Id, a plurality of screws (not shown), etc. are prepared in advance.

[0051] First, the air cleaner Ac is fixed to the vehicle body Vb via a support member Sm provided on the vehicle body Vb. In the intake manifold M, the fuel injection valve Fv is attached to a mounting portion 160, the supply pipe Fp is connected to the fuel injection valve Fv and fixed to a fixing portion 170, and the throttle body Th is fixed to a flange portion 140.

[0052] Next, the intake manifold M to which various parts have been assembled is connected to a cylindrical portion Ep that defines the intake port of the engine E. Specifically, the cylindrical portion Ep is fitted into one end of the cylindrical coupling member Jm, and the cylindrical fitting portion 120 of the intake manifold M is fitted into the other end of the cylindrical coupling member Jm. Then, the fitting region of the cylindrical coupling member Jm is tightened by a tightening band Tb.

[0053] Next, the intake duct Id is disposed between the throttle body Th and the air cleaner Ac, and its downstream end is connected to the throttle body Th and its upstream end is connected to the air cleaner Ac. The fitting area of ​​the intake duct Id may be fastened with a fastening band as needed. The assembly procedure is not limited to the above, and other procedures may also be used.

[0054] In this manner, in a configuration in which the intake manifold M is connected to the cylindrical portion Ep of the engine E using a spigot joint (spigot joint), the intake manifold M integrally comprises the surge tank St and multiple branch pipes Bp, which simplifies the assembly work.

[0055] The intake manifold M having the above-described configuration includes a surge tank St that defines an internal space Is for temporarily storing intake air, an intake port 130, and a flange portion 140 that fixes the throttle body Th around the intake port 130, a plurality of branch pipes Bp that are integrally molded with the surge tank St and include cylindrical fitting portions 120 at their respective tip regions, and a connecting portion Jp that is integrally molded with the plurality of branch pipes Bp to connect the plurality of branch pipes Bp together upstream of the cylindrical fitting portions 120. According to this, multiple branch pipes Bp, each having an independent cylindrical fitting portion 120, and the surge tank St are integrally molded, and a connecting portion Jp that connects the multiple branch pipes Bp together is included, so that the relative positional relationship (e.g., mutual distance) between the multiple branch pipes Bp can be maintained with high precision while ensuring mechanical strength, thereby achieving a simplified structure, a reduced number of parts, and low costs, etc.

[0056] Further, the branch pipes Bp each include, upstream of the cylindrical fitting portion 120, a mounting portion 160 for mounting the fuel injection valve Fv, and at least two fixing portions 170 for fixing a supply pipe Fp for supplying fuel to the fuel injection valve Fv. This allows the fuel injection valves Fv to be attached to the mounting parts 160 and the supply pipes Fp to be attached to the fixing parts 170 in the region of the branch pipes Bp reinforced by the connecting parts Jp. Therefore, a firm assembly of the fuel injection valves Fv and the supply pipes Fp can be achieved. In particular, the fixing portion 170 for fixing the supply pipe Fp is formed in the region of the connecting portion Jp, so that the supply pipe Fp can be assembled more firmly.

[0057] The connecting portion Jp includes a tip-side connecting portion Jpt formed near the downstream side of the branch pipe Bp, and a middle connecting portion Jpm formed in a middle region nearer the upstream side than the tip-side connecting portion Jpt. This allows for weight reduction while increasing the mechanical strength in the required areas. In particular, the fixing portion 170 for fixing the supply pipe Fp is formed in the area of ​​the intermediate connecting portion Jpm, thereby achieving weight reduction while increasing the overall mechanical strength, allowing the supply pipe Fp to be assembled more firmly.

[0058] Each of the branch pipes Bp includes a first reinforcing rib 114 formed to protrude from the outer walls 111a, 112a from a branch region branching from the surge tank St to an intermediate region. This makes it possible to increase the mechanical strength of the root region of the branch pipe Bp, prevent the branch pipe Bp from warping relative to the surge tank St, and also improve vibration resistance.

[0059] The surge tank St is formed long in the direction of a predetermined axis S, and multiple branch pipes Bp are formed to extend in a direction twisted with the axis S and include curved portions Cp that are curved in a plane perpendicular to the axis S, and the first reinforcing rib 114 is formed in a recessed area Ca surrounded by the curved portions Cp so as to form an outline that extends linearly from the outer wall 111a of the surge tank St to the outer wall 112a of the branch pipe Bp. As a result, the first reinforcing rib 114 is formed to have a linear contour in the recessed area Ca surrounded by the curved portion Cp, which further increases the mechanical strength, reliably prevents warping and deformation of the branch pipe Bp, and further improves vibration resistance.

[0060] In addition, the multiple branch pipes Bp include a second reinforcing rib 215 that protrudes from the outer wall 112a on the side opposite to the side where the recessed area Ca is formed and downstream of the curved portion Cp, and extends from near the tubular fitting portion 120 toward the upstream side. This makes it possible to prevent warping and deformation of the branch pipe Bp in the range from the tip region to the middle region of the branch pipe Bp, and also to improve vibration resistance.

[0061] Furthermore, since the surge tank St includes the lattice-shaped reinforcing ribs 113, 213 integrally formed on the outer wall thereof, that is, the outer walls 111a, 211a of the tank wall portions 111, 211, the mechanical strength of the surge tank St can be increased.

[0062] Furthermore, the intake manifold M having the above-described configuration includes a first molded member (base member 100) that defines the first half (wall portion 110) of the surge tank St and the multiple branch pipes Bp, the cylindrical fitting portion 120, the intake port 130, and the flange portion 140, and a second molded member (cover member 200) that defines the second half (wall portion 210) of the surge tank St and the multiple branch pipes Bp and is joined to the first molded member (base member 100). According to this, since it has a two-piece structure, the number of parts can be reduced and the intake manifold M can be easily molded using a resin material.

[0063] In particular, the first molded member (base member 100) includes a first tip-side connecting portion 151 that forms part of the tip-side connecting portion Jpt, a first intermediate connecting portion 152 that forms part of the intermediate connecting portion Jpm, an attachment portion 160, and a fixing portion 170, and the second molded member (cover member 200) includes a second tip-side connecting portion 251 that forms part of the tip-side connecting portion Jpt and a second intermediate connecting portion 252 that forms part of the intermediate connecting portion Jpm. According to this, after molding of the first molded member (base member 100), the first tip-side connecting portion 151 and the first intermediate connecting portion 152 can prevent warping of the branch wall portions 112 that define the plurality of branch pipes Bp and relative positional deviation of the plurality of branch wall portions 112. Furthermore, after molding of the second molded member (cover member 200), the second tip-side connecting portion 251 and the second intermediate connecting portion 252 can prevent warping of the branch wall portions 212 that define the plurality of branch pipes Bp and relative positional deviation of the plurality of branch wall portions 212. As a result, when the first molded member (base member 100) and the second molded member (cover member 200) are joined and fixed by vibration welding, a highly accurate intake manifold M having the desired dimensions and positional relationship can be obtained.

[0064] The intake system having the above configuration also includes an intake manifold M, a fuel injection valve Fv attached to the mounting portion 160, a supply pipe Fp fixed to the fixing portion 170, and a throttle body Th fixed to the flange portion 140. According to this, the intake manifold M, which is a single product formed by integrally molding the surge tank St and multiple branch pipes Bp, can be handled as a single modular product by pre-assembling the fuel injection valve Fv, supply pipe Fp, and throttle body Th, and the assembly work of the intake system as a whole can be simplified.

[0065] In addition, by including a rubber cylindrical joint member Jm that fits into one end of the cylindrical portion Ep that defines the intake port of the engine E and into the other end of the cylindrical fitting portion 120 of the intake manifold M, vibrations transmitted from the engine E to the intake manifold M can be absorbed or blocked, thereby suppressing or preventing vibration of the intake manifold M. In particular, by including the fastening band Tb that fastens the fitting region of the tubular coupling part Jm, it is possible to reliably prevent the fitting region from falling off.

[0066] Furthermore, the above intake system includes an intake duct Id connected to the throttle body Th and an air cleaner Ac connected to the upstream end of the intake duct Id, and also includes a support member Sm that supports the intake duct Id or the air cleaner Ac relative to the vehicle body Vb on which the engine E is mounted, thereby making it possible to hold the intake manifold M while suppressing or preventing its vibration.

[0067] In the above embodiment, a configuration was shown in which the connecting portion integrally molded with the multiple branch pipes Bp to connect the multiple branch pipes Bp together upstream of the tubular fitting portion 120 includes a tip-side connecting portion Jpt formed toward the downstream side of the branch pipe Bp and an intermediate connecting portion Jpm formed in an intermediate region upstream of the tip-side connecting portion Jpt, but this is not limited to this, and a configuration in which a single connecting portion is integrally molded to connect the multiple branch pipes Bp together may also be adopted.

[0068] In the above embodiment, a configuration is shown in which the first molded member (base member 100) includes two connecting portions (first tip-side connecting portion 151 and first intermediate connecting portion 152) as the first connecting portion 150, and the second molded member (cover member 200) includes two connecting portions (second tip-side connecting portion 251 and second intermediate connecting portion 252) as the second connecting portion 250, but this is not limited to this, and a configuration in which the first molded member includes a single first connecting portion and the second molded member includes a single second connecting portion may also be adopted.

[0069] In the above embodiment, two fixing parts 170 are shown as fixing parts for fixing the supply pipe Fp, but this is not limited to this, and three fixing parts may be used, or four or more fixing parts may be used as the number of branch pipes Bp increases.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the intake port and the flange portion formed around the intake port are shown as intake port 130 and flange portion 140 provided on the other end side of the surge tank St in the direction of the axis S, but this is not limited to this, and a configuration in which an intake port that opens in a direction intersecting the axis S at approximately the center of the surge tank St and a flange portion is provided around it may also be adopted.

[0071] In the above embodiment, an intake manifold M having a two-part structure of a first molded member (base member 100) and a second molded member (cover member 200) is shown, but this is not limited to this, and configurations having other divided forms may also be adopted.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the intake manifold M is shown as having three branch pipes Bp to be applied to a three-cylinder engine, but this is not limited to this and the intake manifold may be formed as having two or four or more branch pipes to be applied to an engine with two or four or more cylinders.

[0073] As described above, the intake manifold and intake system of the present invention can achieve simplified structure, reduced number of parts, simplified assembly work, and reduced costs while maintaining mechanical strength, and therefore can be applied to engines mounted on vehicles that travel in rough road environments such as ROVs and UTVs, and are also useful as intake manifolds and intake systems for engines mounted on other vehicles. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] E-Engine Ep: The cylindrical section that defines the intake port Ep1 annular groove Fv fuel injection valve Fp supply pipe Th throttle body Su sensor unit Id intake duct Ac air cleaner Vb body Sm support member Jm Tubular joint member Jm1 annular ridge Tb tightening band M intake manifold S axis St surge tank Is internal space Bp branch pipe Cs curved section Ca recessed region Jp connection part Jpt Tip side connection part Jpm intermediate connection 100 base member (first molding member) 110 Wall (1st half) 111 Tank wall 111a Exterior wall 111b Interior wall 112 Branch wall 112a Exterior wall 112b Interior wall 113 Lattice reinforcement rib 114 First reinforcing rib 120 Cylindrical fitting part 121 Fitting outer surface 122 Annular groove 130 Air intake 140 flange 141 Joint surface 142 Annular groove 143 screw holes 150 1st connection part (connection part) 151 1st tip side connection part (tip side connection part) 152 First Intermediate Joint (Intermediate Joint) 160 Mounting part 161 fitting recess 162 Through hole 170 Fixed part 171 screw holes 172 Reinforcing rib 180 flange 181 Joint surface 182 Insertion hole 183 screw holes 190 Joint 191 Convex strip 191a Joint surface 192 Step-down surface 200 Cover member (second molding member) 210 Wall (second half) 211 Tank wall 211a Exterior wall 211b Interior wall 212 Branch wall 212a Exterior wall 212b Interior wall 213 Lattice-shaped reinforcing rib 215 Second reinforcing rib 250 2nd connection part (connection part) 251 2nd tip side connection part (tip side connection part) 252 Second Intermediate Joint (Intermediate Joint) 260 Joint 261 Convex strip 261a Joint surface 262 Concave line

Claims

1. A resin intake manifold applied to an engine, a surge tank that defines an internal space for temporarily storing intake air, an intake port, and a flange portion for fixing a throttle body around the intake port; a plurality of branch pipes integrally formed with the surge tank and each including a cylindrical fitting portion at a tip region thereof; a connecting portion integrally formed with the plurality of branch pipes to connect the plurality of branch pipes to each other upstream of the cylindrical fitting portion; Including, intake manifold.

2. Each of the plurality of branch pipes includes, upstream of the cylindrical fitting portion, a mounting portion for mounting a fuel injection valve, and at least two fixing portions for fixing a supply pipe for supplying fuel to the fuel injection valve.

2. The intake manifold of claim 1.

3. The fixing portion is formed in the region of the connecting portion.

3. The intake manifold according to claim 2.

4. The connecting portion includes a tip-side connecting portion formed near the downstream side of the branch pipe, and an intermediate connecting portion formed in an intermediate region nearer the upstream side than the tip-side connecting portion.

3. The intake manifold according to claim 2.

5. The fixing portion is formed in the region of the intermediate connecting portion.

5. The intake manifold according to claim 4.

6. Each of the plurality of branch pipes includes a first reinforcing rib formed protruding from an outer wall from a branch region branching from the surge tank to an intermediate region.

2. The intake manifold of claim 1.

7. The surge tank is formed elongated in a direction of a predetermined axis, the plurality of branch pipes are formed to include curved portions that extend in a direction twisted relative to the axis and are curved in a plane perpendicular to the axis, The first reinforcing rib is formed to have an outline that extends linearly from the outer wall of the surge tank to the outer wall of the branch pipe in a recessed region surrounded by the curved portion.

7. The intake manifold of claim 6.

8. Each of the branch pipes includes a second reinforcing rib that protrudes from an outer wall on a side opposite to the side where the recessed region is formed and downstream of the curved portion, and that extends from a vicinity of the cylindrical fitting portion toward the upstream side.

8. The intake manifold of claim 7.

9. The surge tank includes a lattice-shaped reinforcing rib integrally formed on its outer wall.

2. The intake manifold of claim 1.

10. a first molded member that defines the surge tank, first halves of the branch pipes, the cylindrical fitting portion, the intake port, and the flange portion; a second molding member that defines second halves of the surge tank and the plurality of branch pipes and is joined to the first molding member, 2. The intake manifold of claim 1.

11. a first molded member that defines the surge tank, first halves of the branch pipes, the cylindrical fitting portion, the intake port, and the flange portion; a second molding member that defines second halves of the surge tank and the plurality of branch pipes and is joined to the first molding member; the first molded member includes a first connecting portion that forms a part of the connecting portion, the attachment portion, and the fixing portion, The second molding member includes a second connecting portion that forms a part of the connecting portion.

3. The intake manifold according to claim 2.

12. a first molded member that defines the surge tank, first halves of the branch pipes, the cylindrical fitting portion, the intake port, and the flange portion; a second molding member that defines second halves of the surge tank and the plurality of branch pipes and is joined to the first molding member; the first molded member includes a first tip-side connecting portion that forms a part of the tip-side connecting portion, a first intermediate connecting portion that forms a part of the intermediate connecting portion, the attachment portion, and the fixing portion, The second molded member includes a second tip-side connecting portion that forms a part of the tip-side connecting portion, and a second intermediate connecting portion that forms a part of the intermediate connecting portion.

5. The intake manifold according to claim 4.

13. an intake manifold according to any one of claims 2 to 12; a fuel injection valve attached to the attachment portion; a supply pipe fixed to the fixing portion; a throttle body fixed to the flange portion; The intake system includes:

14. a rubber cylindrical joint member into which a cylindrical portion defining an intake port of the engine is fitted at one end and into which a cylindrical fitting portion of the intake manifold is fitted at the other end, 14. The air intake system of claim 13.

15. a clamping band that clamps around the mating region of the tubular coupling member; 15. The air intake system of claim 14.

16. an intake duct connected to the throttle body; an air cleaner connected to the upstream end of the intake duct, 16. The air intake system of claim 15.

17. a support member that supports the intake duct or the air cleaner on a vehicle body on which an engine is mounted, 17. The air intake system of claim 16.

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