Secondary air valve for a secondary air system of an internal combustion engine, an internal combustion engine, and an automobile

Abstract

To achieve advantageous secondary air injection. [Solution] The present invention relates to a secondary air valve (64) for a secondary air system (52) of an internal combustion engine (10), the secondary air valve (64) comprising a valve housing (66) through which secondary air can pass to be delivered into an exhaust gas flow path (22) of the internal combustion engine (10), the valve housing (66) having an inlet opening (72) through which the secondary air can be delivered into the valve housing (66) and a housing space (68), and an outlet opening (76) through which the secondary air can be discharged from the valve housing (66), and the secondary air valve (64) also comprises a valve element (78), the valve element (78) comprising: The valve element (78) is movable along a direction of movement (80) between a closed position (S) in which the outlet openings (76) are closed and an open position (O) in which at least one outlet opening (76) is open, and the inlet opening (72) is disposed along the direction of movement (80) between two sealing elements (90, 92) by which the valve element (78) is sealed, and the valve element (78) does not have any surfaces passing obliquely or perpendicularly to the direction of movement (80) over the entire extent (ER) of the valve element (78) passing along the direction of movement (80) between the sealing elements (90, 92), at least in the closed position (S).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a secondary air valve for a secondary air system of an internal combustion engine according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle with a secondary air system. The present invention also relates to a motor vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] From the following patent document 1, a valve for a secondary air supply system of an internal combustion engine is known, by means of which secondary air that can be supplied to this valve can be fed into the exhaust gas system of the internal combustion engine.Furthermore, from the following patent document 2, a secondary air valve is disclosed.Furthermore, from the following patent document 3, a mechanism for expelling compressed gas is known.Also from the following patent document 1, a valve for a secondary air supply system of an internal combustion engine is known. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] German Patent No. 103 57 886 B4 [Patent Document 2] US Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0 115 845 A1 [Patent Document 3] UK Patent Application Publication No. 2 520 038 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a secondary air valve for a secondary air system of an internal combustion engine, an internal combustion engine and a motor vehicle, with which a particularly advantageous secondary air injection can be achieved. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This problem is solved by a secondary air valve with the features of claim 1, by an internal combustion engine with the features of claim 6 and by a motor vehicle with the features of claim 9. Advantageous configurations, including preferred embodiments of the invention, are set forth in the further claims.

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a secondary air valve for a secondary air system of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, also referred to as an internal combustion engine or combustion engine, configured as a reciprocating engine, i.e., a reciprocating engine, also referred to simply as a vehicle. This means that the motor vehicle, preferably configured as a motor vehicle, particularly as a passenger car, has an internal combustion engine in its fully manufactured state and can be driven by the internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine has a secondary air system in its fully manufactured state. Furthermore, the internal combustion engine has an exhaust gas passage, also referred to as an exhaust gas system, through which exhaust gases of the internal combustion engine can pass in its fully manufactured state. Furthermore, the internal combustion engine has at least one combustion chamber, particularly multiple combustion chambers, in which a combustion process takes place in each combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine during the combustion mode of the internal combustion engine. During each combustion process, a fuel-air mixture is burned, resulting in exhaust gases of the internal combustion engine. The exhaust gases flow from each combustion chamber into the exhaust gas passage and can thereby flow through the exhaust gas passage. Furthermore, the internal combustion engine has an intake passage, also referred to as an intake system. The intake air passage is adapted for the flow of fresh air, which is supplied to the respective combustion chambers, so that a fuel-air mixture can be formed from the air and preferably liquid fuel. The secondary air system allows the secondary air to be fed, in particular directly, into the exhaust gas passage, bypassing the respective combustion chambers of the internal combustion engine, i.e., bypassing certain combustion chambers or all combustion chambers, so that on its way the secondary air passes through the exhaust gas passage by the secondary air system without passing through the respective combustion chambers of the internal combustion engine, in particular without passing through any combustion chamber, and thus bypassing the respective combustion chambers, in particular certain combustion chambers or all combustion chambers of the internal combustion engine.

[0007] For example, at least one exhaust gas aftertreatment component is arranged in the exhaust gas flow path for exhaust gas aftertreatment. The secondary air, in particular the oxygen contained in the secondary air, is used, for example, to effectively and efficiently heat and / or insulate the exhaust gas aftertreatment component. In this regard, the secondary air, in particular the oxygen contained in the secondary air, is used, for example, to oxidize and thus combust unburned fuel, i.e., unburned hydrocarbons, in the exhaust gas flow path, in particular in the exhaust gas aftertreatment component. In particular, the fuel may be a power fuel.

[0008] For example, the secondary air system may include a secondary air line through which secondary air can pass, which may be fluidly connected to the intake air passage, for example, at a connection point or may be connected to the intake air passage. For example, the secondary air line may allow at least a portion of the air flowing through the intake air passage to be branched off from the intake air passage at the connection point and sent into the secondary air line. The air branched off from the intake air passage and sent into the secondary air line may flow as secondary air through the secondary air line and sent to the exhaust gas passage, particularly bypassing the respective combustion chamber, and sent into the exhaust gas passage. This allows a portion of the air flowing through the intake air passage to be used as secondary air. In this case, for example, a secondary air valve or the like may be disposed in the secondary air line. For example, the secondary air valve may be used to set the amount of secondary air flowing through the secondary air line. In particular, the secondary air valve may be capable of selectively fluidly blocking or opening the secondary air line. When the secondary air valve opens the secondary air line, secondary air may flow through the secondary air line, thereby sending the secondary air into the exhaust gas passage. When the secondary air valve blocks the secondary air line, secondary air or air from the intake flow path cannot flow through the secondary air line.

[0009] The secondary air valve has a valve housing, simply referred to as the housing, through which secondary air can pass to be introduced into the exhaust gas flow path of the internal combustion engine. The valve housing has a cylindrical housing space, which is directly bounded by the inner circumferential surface of the valve housing. The valve housing preferably has at least one or exactly one inlet opening, through which secondary air can be introduced into the valve housing and the housing space. In particular, the inlet opening can be fluidly connected or connectable to the intake air flow path, in particular to a connection point. In this case, for example, the inlet opening can be directly connected to the housing space. Thus, for example, the housing space can be fluidly connected to the intake air flow path via the inlet opening. In particular, the valve element is at least partially arranged in the valve housing, and thus at least partially arranged in the housing space, at least in the closed position, in particular in both the closed and open positions.

[0010] Furthermore, the valve housing preferably also has exactly one or at least one outlet opening, via which the secondary air, and thus the air contained or capable of being contained in the housing space, also referred to as the storage chamber, can be discharged or pumped out of the valve housing and thus out of the housing space.The secondary air exiting the valve housing and thus out of the housing space via the outlet opening can be pumped into the exhaust gas duct.

[0011] Furthermore, the secondary air valve has a valve element that is movable, particularly translationally, along the direction of movement relative to the valve housing between a closed position and at least one open position. In the closed position, the valve element closes the outlet opening and thus fluidically blocks it, so that the secondary air, or the air that can or is contained in the housing space, cannot flow through the outlet opening and therefore cannot exit the valve housing, and therefore the secondary air valve as a whole, via the outlet opening. In the open position, the valve element opens the outlet opening, so that the secondary air, or the air that can or is contained in the housing space, can flow through the outlet opening in the open position of the valve element and therefore can exit the valve housing, or the secondary air valve as a whole, via the outlet opening. Thus, for example, the secondary air line is closed by the valve element, and therefore the secondary air valve, in the closed position. In the open position, for example, the secondary air line is open. In other words, for example, the valve element, and therefore the secondary air valve, opens the secondary air line in the open position. Thus, for example, air branched off from the intake air flow path at the connection point flows through the secondary air valve as secondary air in the open position of the valve element and consequently through the secondary air line, in particular so that secondary air coming from the intake air flow path can flow into the valve housing through the inlet opening and out of the valve housing through the outlet opening and therefore out of the secondary air valve as a whole.

[0012] For example, particularly during or during operation of the internal combustion engine, air flows through the intake channel and a pressure, also referred to as housing space pressure or housing pressure, exists (prevails) in the housing space, which pressure acts, in particular via the inlet opening, on the valve element, e.g., in the closed position, and the housing pressure is generated, for example, by the air contained in the housing space and / or by the air contained (flowing in) in the secondary air line, in particular in the first line region of the secondary air line, and acting, in particular via the inlet opening, on the valve element, e.g., in the closed position. The housing pressure prevailing in the housing space and / or in the first line region, and in particular on the valve element, e.g., in the closed position, corresponds to a pressure, also referred to as intake channel pressure, which prevails in the intake channel, e.g., due to the housing space being fluidly connected to the intake channel via the inlet opening, and which is generated, for example, by the air flowing through the intake channel or is the pressure of the air flowing through the intake channel. In particular, if a connection point is arranged downstream of a compressor arranged in the intake air passage, and the air flowing through the intake air passage is or is being compressed by the compressor, the intake air passage pressure, and therefore the housing pressure, can be very high, especially compared to ambient pressure. In particular, the air flowing through the intake air passage and contained in the housing space is air compressed by the compressor, also known as charge air. The intake air passage pressure is also known as charge pressure, and therefore the housing pressure is or corresponds to the charge pressure.

[0013] Thus, for example, a first line section of the secondary air line can be fluidly connected or is fluidly connected to the intake air passage at a connection point, for example, the first line section of the secondary air line can be fluidly connected or is fluidly connected to the inlet opening. Thus, for example, the intake air passage pressure can act as a housing pressure in the housing space via the first line section and / or the intake air passage pressure can act on the valve element via the first line section and the inlet opening. In other words, for example, in both the closed and open positions, at least a portion of the air flowing through the intake air passage flows as secondary air into the housing space via the first line section and the inlet opening, thus generating housing pressure in the housing space. In particular, the intake air passage pressure in the closed position of the valve element can act on the valve element via the first line section and the inlet opening. For example, a second line section of the secondary air line can be fluidly connected or is fluidly connected to the exhaust gas passage, particularly at the inlet point, for example, the second line section can be fluidly connected to the outlet opening. This allows the secondary air to flow through the outlet opening, for example in the open position, and thus flow into the second line region via the outlet opening, and as a result flow through the second line region, be transported by the second line region from the outlet opening to the delivery point, and be transported into the intake flow path at the delivery point.

[0014] The closed position is also referred to as the first position or the first position of the valve element. The open position is also referred to as the second position or the second position of the valve element. In particular, since the inlet opening is open in both positions, i.e., the closed position and the open position, the housing pressure in the housing space, and thus in the valve housing, can act on the valve element, for example, in both the closed and open positions. For example, at least in the closed position, the pressure in the housing space, and thus in the valve housing, can correspond to the intake channel pressure. In particular, this allows the intake channel pressure to act on the valve element, particularly directly, via the inlet opening in the closed position. In summary, at least in the closed position, the housing pressure acting in the housing space and / or the intake channel pressure acting on the valve element via the inlet opening and particularly the first line region can be very high, particularly higher than ambient pressure, so that the housing pressure or intake channel pressure can be significantly higher than 1 bar. The injection of secondary air into the exhaust gas channel is also referred to as secondary air injection.

[0015] To achieve particularly advantageous secondary air injection, the inlet opening is arranged, in particular completely, between two sealing elements when viewed along the direction of movement, sealing the valve element against the valve housing. The valve element, at least on its outer periphery, particularly on its outer and inner peripheries, and most preferably entirely, does not have any surfaces that run obliquely or perpendicularly to the direction of movement over the entire area of ​​the valve element that runs along the direction of movement between the sealing elements, at least in the closed position. Therefore, for example, intake passage pressure and / or housing pressure acting on the valve element on its outer periphery, at least in the closed position, does not generate a force acting on the valve element along the direction of movement or a force with a force component along or in the direction of movement. In other words, the invention prevents the intake passage pressure from generating a force acting on the valve element that runs parallel or obliquely to the direction of movement in the closed position, which could open the valve element and move it from the closed position to the open position. This ensures that the valve element is held in the closed position and thus protects it from undesired opening, i.e., from undesired movement from the closed position to the open position. In other words, the present invention prevents undesired movement of the valve element, particularly from the closed position to the open position, caused by housing pressure or intake air passage pressure acting on the valve housing, so that, for example, the valve element remains reliably in the closed position and does not undesirably open automatically. In particular, the present invention makes it possible to arrange the connection point downstream of the compressor so that charge air, i.e., at least a portion of the charge air, can be used as secondary air. The present invention prevents high housing pressure or intake air passage pressure from acting on the valve element, resulting in undesired opening and therefore undesired movement from the closed position to the open position. This allows for secondary air injection as needed, and in particular, since at least a portion of the charge air can be used as secondary air, it is possible to perform secondary air injection, for example, in a particularly advantageous operating range or even during cold starts of the internal combustion engine.

[0016] The sealing element seals the outer circumferential surface of the valve element facing the inner circumferential surface against the inner circumferential surface of the valve housing. This ensures that, for example, air from the intake passage or secondary air cannot flow excessively between the inner and outer circumferential surfaces, thereby reliably avoiding undesirable air flows and the resulting undesirable forces acting on the valve element and opening it. In particular, the inner circumferential surface is aligned with the outer circumferential surface, particularly along a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement.

[0017] The valve element is configured as a dish-shaped or disc-shaped valve and has a dish-shaped or disc-shaped valve portion and a valve stem connecting the valve portion, and the secondary air valve also has a third sealing element by which the valve portion is sealed against the valve housing in the closed position.

[0018] The present invention is based, inter alia, on the following recognition and consideration: Conventional secondary air systems have a very narrow near-idle range. This means that conventional secondary air systems can only be used in a narrow operating range of an internal combustion engine near idle to perform secondary air injection. However, to be able to perform secondary air injection at higher loads even during cold starts, a high pressure of the secondary air, also known as secondary air pressure, is required, since it is thereby, and particularly only thereby, that the secondary air can be injected into the exhaust gas flow path against the rising pressure of the exhaust gases, also known as exhaust gas pressure. Therefore, it is advantageous to connect the secondary air line, particularly the first line section, to the intake air flow path, particularly at a connection point, and thus to fluidly connect the secondary air line, particularly the first line section, to the intake air flow path at the connection point, where the connection point is preferably located downstream of the aforementioned compressor. This allows at least a portion of the charge air compressed by the compressor to be used as secondary air, thereby achieving particularly high secondary air pressures. In particular, the secondary air pressure may at least approximately correspond to the charge pressure. In particular, the secondary air pressure can be higher than 2 bar. However, it has been found that conventional secondary air valves are not gas-tight at such high secondary air pressures and therefore cannot keep the secondary air line closed. For example, at high secondary air pressures above 500 mbar, conventional secondary air valves open undesirably, especially uncontrolled, especially automatically, thereby undesirably opening the secondary air line. This can be avoided by the present invention, making it possible to connect the secondary air line to the intake air flow path and, in particular, to use at least a portion of the charge air as secondary air. Furthermore, it has been found that conventional secondary air valves can only maintain gas-tightness up to a pressure of approximately 500 mbar. In contrast, at higher pressures, conventional secondary air valves open undesirably and automatically, making them unsuitable for using charge air at pressures above 500 mbar, especially above 1 bar, and especially above 2 bar, as secondary air.However, this can be achieved with the present invention.

[0019] To reliably prevent forces resulting from the housing pressure or the intake line pressure from acting on the valve element and opening it, thereby reliably maintaining the valve element in the closed position, in one embodiment of the present invention, the valve element is cylindrically shaped on its outer periphery, at least in the closed position, over the entire extent of the valve element that runs along the direction of movement between the sealing elements, and thus has the shape of a straight cylinder. This prevents the intake line pressure or the housing pressure from exerting axial forces, i.e., along the direction of movement or obliquely relative to the direction of movement, on the valve element, which could open it, at least in the closed position, due to the cylindrical configuration on the outer periphery over at least the entire extent of the valve element that runs along the direction of movement between the sealing elements. Therefore, the secondary air line, particularly the first line section, can be fluidly connected to the intake line at a connection point preferably located downstream of the compressor, and the valve element can be reliably held closed. For example, the secondary air valve includes a spring element, particularly a mechanical spring, which, for example, can maintain or hold the valve element in the closed position. Even if the air from the intake passage has a high pressure, such as charge pressure, and is therefore, for example, charge air, the invention makes it possible to very advantageously maintain the valve element in a closed position, in particular by means of a spring element.

[0020] Each sealing element is preferably made of rubber and therefore consists of an elastically deformable material, for example, each sealing element is in contact, in particular directly, with the inner circumferential surface of the valve housing on the one hand and in particular directly with the outer circumferential surface of the valve element on the other hand.

[0021] The valve element and the valve housing are also referred to as components of the secondary air valve. For example, each sealing element is arranged in a corresponding recess of one of the components, which may be formed, for example, as a groove, particularly as an annular groove. Each sealing element is arranged partially in its respective recess and protrudes from it, for example, in a direction, particularly oblique or perpendicular to the direction of movement, so that, for example, each sealing element is in direct contact with a surface of the respective other component. Preferably, one component is the valve housing and the other component is, for example, the valve element. This allows for particularly advantageous sealing, which reliably prevents an undesired flow of air from the intake air passage and undesired movement of the valve element relative to the valve housing.

[0022] In order to be able to seal the valve element in a particularly advantageous manner relative to the valve housing, in a further embodiment of the invention the sealing elements are formed separately from one another and are spaced apart from one another along the direction of movement.

[0023] A further embodiment is characterized in that the sealing element is held in the valve housing, whereby the valve element is movable in a particularly translational, in particular purely translational, manner between the closed and open positions along the direction of movement relative to the valve housing and relative to the sealing element, thereby reliably avoiding undesired air flows and undesired forces acting on the valve element that could undesirably open it, and thus allowing for an advantageous, if required, secondary air injection.

[0024] Finally, it has been shown to be particularly advantageous if the inlet opening has a flow direction along which the air can flow into the valve housing via the inlet opening or the air that has flowed in can pass through the inlet opening, the flow direction being oblique or preferably perpendicular to the direction of movement. This avoids undesirable excessive forces acting on the valve element that could move it relative to the valve housing along the direction of movement, thereby allowing a particularly advantageous, if required, secondary air injection.

[0025] A second aspect relates to an internal combustion engine for a motor vehicle, also referred to as an internal combustion engine or combustion engine, which has a secondary air system with at least one secondary air valve according to the first aspect of the invention. Advantages and advantageous features of the first aspect of the invention can be considered as advantages and advantageous features of the second aspect of the invention, and vice versa.

[0026] An embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the internal combustion engine has the aforementioned exhaust gas flow path and the aforementioned intake flow path through which fresh air can pass, by means of which fresh air (air) flowing through the intake flow path is delivered to each combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine. The secondary air system has the aforementioned secondary air line, which is or can be fluidly connected to the intake flow path at a connection point arranged upstream of the combustion chamber. Thus, by means of the secondary air line, at least a portion of the fresh air flowing through the intake flow path can be branched off at the connection point of the intake flow path, bypassing the respective combustion chamber, and delivered as secondary air to the exhaust gas flow path. The secondary air line further has a secondary air valve arranged therein. This allows particularly advantageous secondary air injection to be achieved.

[0027] A further embodiment of the second aspect of the invention is characterized in that the aforementioned compressor for compressing the fresh air flowing through the intake air flow path is arranged in the intake air flow path, with the connection point being arranged downstream of the compressor, which makes it possible to achieve particularly high pressures of the secondary air in a particularly simple manner and makes it possible, according to the invention, to ensure that the valve element remains in the closed position.

[0028] A third aspect of the invention also relates to a motor vehicle, also called a vehicle, having an internal combustion engine according to the second aspect and being capable of being driven by said internal combustion engine. Advantages and advantageous embodiments of the first and second aspects of the invention may be regarded as advantages and advantageous embodiments of the third aspect of the invention and vice versa.

[0029] Further advantages, features and details of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawings. The features and combinations of features mentioned in the above description and in the following description of the figures and / or shown only in the figures can be used not only in the respective combinations presented, but also in other combinations or alone without departing from the scope of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle; [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a secondary air valve in an open position of a secondary air system of an internal combustion engine; [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of a longitudinal cross section of a secondary air valve with the valve element in a closed position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] In the drawings, identical or functionally identical elements are designated by the same reference numbers.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an internal combustion engine 10 of a motor vehicle, also simply referred to as a vehicle, which can be driven by the internal combustion engine 10. The internal combustion engine 10 has a cylinder housing 12, also referred to as an engine block, configured, for example, as a cylinder crankcase, which includes two cylinder banks 14 and 16, each with at least four or exactly four cylinders 18. Each cylinder 18 defines or delimits a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine 10, so that in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the internal combustion engine 10 has exactly eight combustion chambers. The internal combustion engine 10 has an intake channel 20 through which air, also referred to as fresh air, can flow. The intake channel 20 guides the fresh air flowing through the intake channel 20 to the combustion chambers and into the combustion chambers. The internal combustion engine 10 also has an exhaust gas channel 22 through which exhaust gases of the internal combustion engine 10, and thus exhaust gases leaving the combustion chambers, can pass. Each cylinder bank 14, 16 is provided with an exhaust-gas turbocharger 24 having a turbine 26 arranged in the exhaust gas passage 22 and a compressor 28 arranged in the intake passage 20. Each turbine 26 can be driven by exhaust gases flowing through the exhaust gas passage 22. Each compressor 28 of each exhaust-gas turbocharger 24 can be driven by its own turbine 26 via a respective shaft 30 of the respective exhaust-gas turbocharger 24. When each compressor 28 is driven, fresh air flowing through the intake passage 20 is compressed by the respective compressor 28. The fresh air compressed by the respective compressor 28 is also called charge air. A respective charge air cooler 32 is arranged in the intake passage 20 downstream of the respective compressor 28, which cools the charge air heated by compression. Each compressor 28 is provided with a respective bypass air system 34 including a respective bypass air line 36 and a respective bypass air valve 38 disposed on each bypass air line 36 .Additionally, a respective throttle valve 40 is disposed in the intake passage 20 of each cylinder bank 14, 16, which is disposed downstream of the respective charge air cooler 32.

[0033] Each turbine 26 is assigned a respective bypass device 42 including a respective bypass line 44 and a respective bypass valve 46 arranged in each bypass line 44. Via each bypass line 44, at least a portion of the exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust gas flow path 22 can bypass each turbine 26. For example, the flow rate of the exhaust gas flowing through each bypass line 44 and bypassing each turbine 26 can be adjusted using each bypass valve 46. Each bypass valve 46 is also called a wastegate or wastegate valve.

[0034] Downstream of each turbine 26, a respective exhaust gas aftertreatment device 48 is arranged in the exhaust gas flow path 22. Each exhaust gas aftertreatment device 48 includes an exhaust gas aftertreatment element 50a-c for aftertreatment of the exhaust gas. For example, the exhaust gas aftertreatment element 50a is a catalytic converter, in particular a three-way catalytic converter, or comprises a catalytic converter. For example, the respective exhaust gas aftertreatment element 50b is a particulate filter, or comprises a particulate filter. For example, the internal combustion engine 10 is configured as a gasoline engine, and therefore the particulate filter is configured, for example, as a gasoline particulate filter (OPF). For example, each exhaust gas aftertreatment element 50c is a respective further catalytic converter, in particular a three-way catalytic converter, or comprises a further catalytic converter. Each exhaust gas aftertreatment element 50a-c is also referred to as an exhaust gas aftertreatment component.

[0035] The internal combustion engine 10 further includes a secondary air system 52. The secondary air system 52 includes a secondary air line 54. The secondary air line 54 includes a first line region 56 that is fluidly connected to the intake air flow path 20 at a connection point V. It can be seen that the connection point V is located upstream of the combustion chamber and downstream of the compressor 28. For each cylinder bank 14, 16, the secondary air line 54 includes a second line region 58. The first line region 56 is a line region common to the line regions 58. Secondary air can flow through the secondary air line 54, with the secondary air initially flowing through the line region 56 being divided into the line regions 58 and thus into respective partial flows that flow through the line regions 58. The secondary air lines 54 feed the secondary air flowing therethrough into the exhaust gas flow path 22 at respective feed points arranged downstream of the combustion chambers, in particular bypassing certain or all combustion chambers, at which feed points the secondary air lines 54 are fluidly connected to the exhaust gas flow path 22. In particular, each second line section 58 is fluidly connected to the exhaust gas flow path 22 at its respective feed point. It can be seen from Figure 1 that, for example, per combustion chamber, in particular at least one or exactly one feed point is provided, at which feed point the secondary air line 54, in particular each second line section 58, is fluidly connected to the exhaust gas flow path 22.

[0036] The secondary air system 52 includes a secondary air pump 60, also referred to simply as a pump, which can, for example, convey secondary air from the secondary air line 54. For example, the secondary air pump 60 can be, or act as, an auxiliary compressor and can be used to compress the secondary air. For example, the secondary air pump 60 can be an electric pump, and thus an electrically drivable pump, and therefore, for example, the secondary air pump 60 can be configured as an electric auxiliary compressor.

[0037] The connection point V is arranged upstream of certain or all combustion chambers of the internal combustion engine 10 and downstream of the compressor 28, so that at least a portion of the charge air flowing through the intake passage 20 can be branched off from the intake passage 20 by means of the secondary air line 54 and sent as secondary air to the exhaust gas passage 22, bypassing all combustion chambers of the internal combustion engine. Since the secondary air pump 60 is arranged downstream of the connection point V, for example, air that has already been compressed by the compressor 28 and used as secondary air is compressed again or further, and the secondary air flowing through the secondary air line 54 is therefore compressed air.

[0038] A pressure sensor 62 of the secondary air system 52 is arranged in the secondary air line 54. By means of the pressure sensor 62, the pressure of the secondary air can be detected, in particular downstream of the secondary air pump 60 and upstream of the point of delivery.

[0039] A respective secondary air valve 64 of the secondary air system 52 is arranged in each second line region 58. A respective secondary air valve 64 (SLV) is therefore arranged in the secondary air line 54. Thus, a respective secondary air valve 64 is provided for each cylinder bank 14, 16. It can be seen that each secondary air valve 64 is arranged upstream of a respective inlet point and downstream of the secondary air pump 60, in particular downstream of the pressure sensor 62.

[0040] Each secondary air valve 64 is shown in schematic longitudinal cross-section in Figures 2 and 3, respectively. As can be seen from Figures 2 and 3, the secondary air valve 64 has a valve housing 66, which in particular bounds, and in particular directly bounds, a housing space 68, also called a receiving chamber or valve chamber. The housing space 68 is directly bounded by an inner peripheral surface 70 of the valve housing 66. The housing space 68 is cylindrical. The valve housing 66, in particular the housing space 68, is permeable to the secondary air flowing through the secondary air line 54, in particular the respective second line region 58. Therefore, the secondary air flows through the secondary air line 54, and thus through the valve housing 66, in particular through the housing space 68, on its way from the connection point V to the respective inlet point and thus to the exhaust gas flow path 22.

[0041] The valve housing 66 in particular has exactly one inlet opening 72, through which the secondary air can flow, i.e., be pumped, into the valve housing 66 and thus into the housing space 68. This is indicated by the arrow 74 in Fig. 2. Furthermore, the valve housing 66 in particular has exactly one outlet opening 76, through which the secondary air that flows into the valve housing 66 and thus into the accommodation space (housing space 68) via the inlet opening 72 can be exhausted or pumped out, i.e., flow out, entirely from the valve housing 66, in particular from the secondary air valve 64.

[0042] Furthermore, the secondary air valve 64 has a valve element 78 that is translationally movable along a direction of movement relative to the valve housing 66, indicated by a double arrow 80 in FIG. 2, between a closed position S ( FIG. 3 ), in which the valve element 78 closes the outlet openings 76, and an open position O ( FIG. 2 ), in which the valve element 78 opens at least one outlet opening 76. It can be seen that in the closed position S, the valve element 78 closes and thus fluidly blocks the outlet openings 76, also referred to as outflow openings. In the opening O, the valve element 78 opens the outlet openings 76. Furthermore, it can be seen from FIGS. 2 and 3 that in both the closed position S and the open position O (collectively also referred to as positions), the inlet opening 72 is open and thus allows air, particularly coming from the intake air flow path 20, to pass through. In other words, in both positions, the housing space 68 is fluidly connected to the intake passage 20 via the inlet opening 72, which is open in both positions and therefore open, so that in the closed position S, air coming from the intake passage 20 and compressed by the respective compressor 28 or the like can flow through the inlet opening 72 and thereby flow via the inlet opening 72 into the housing space 68 or act on the valve element 78. Thus, for example, in the closed position S of the valve element 78, at least a part of the housing space 68, and therefore at least a part of the valve housing 66, contains air coming from the intake passage 20 and, in particular, charge air, i.e., a part of the charge air or a part of the air compressed by the compressor 28, when the internal combustion engine 10 is running. In other words, in the closed position S of the valve element 78, air coming from the intake passage 20 acts, and this air is charge air, in particular, when the internal combustion engine 10 is running, i.e., a part of the charge air or a part of the air compressed by the compressor 28. Therefore, the air contained in at least a portion of the housing space 68 in the closed position S of the valve element 78, also called housing air, or the air coming from the intake passage 20 acting on the valve element 78 through the inlet opening 72 in the closed position S of the valve element 78, has a high pressure.This is because, for example, the housing air, or the air acting on the valve element 78 through the inlet opening 72 in the closed position S of the valve element 78, is charge air or part of the charge air.

[0043] The secondary air valve 64 includes an actuator 82, here configured as a solenoid, which can be supplied with electrical energy and thus can be electrically driven. In other words, the actuator 82 can be supplied with electrical energy, i.e., current, which is also referred to as energizing the actuator 82. The secondary air valve 64 also includes a spring element 84, here configured as a mechanical spring and thus as a solid body. For example, the spring element 84 is a coil spring. By energizing the actuator 82, i.e., by supplying electrical energy to the actuator 82, the valve element 78, which is initially in the closed position S, can be moved by the actuator 82 from the closed position S to the open position O, thereby opening. As a result, a load is applied to the spring element 84, which provides a spring force that moves the valve element 78 from the open position O to the closed position S, thereby closing it. For example, when the actuator 82 is de-energized, the valve element 78 moves from the open position O to the closed position S due to the spring force of the spring element 84. For example, because spring element 84 is loaded in closed position S, it also provides a spring force that holds valve element 78 in closed position S. Thus, when actuator 82 is de-energized, secondary air valve 64 is closed. Upon energization of actuator 82, valve element 78 is opened by actuator 82 against the spring force of valve element 84.

[0044] The valve element 78 is formed as a dish- or disk-shaped valve and includes a dish- or disk-shaped valve portion 86. Furthermore, the valve element 78 includes a valve stem 88 to which the valve portion 86 is connected. In this case, the valve portion 86 and the valve stem 88, also called a rod or piston rod, may be formed separately from each other and connected to each other, or the valve portion 86 and the valve stem 88 may be integrally formed with each other and thus formed from a single piece. The valve stem 88 and the valve portion 86, and thus the valve element 78, can move together translationally along the direction of movement relative to the valve housing 66 from a closed position S to an open position O and from the open position O to the closed position S. For example, the open position O and the closed position S are respective end positions to which the valve element 78 can move but not beyond. In particular, the actuator 82 drives the valve stem 88 and, via it, the valve portion 86, thereby moving the valve portion 86 relative to the valve housing 66, particularly opening it. Additionally, the spring force of the spring element 84 drives the valve stem 88 and, through it, the valve portion 86, thereby closing it.

[0045] Since the inlet opening 72 is open in the closed position S and therefore the housing space 68 is fluidly connected to the intake flow path 20 via the inlet opening 72 in the closed position S, the valve element 78 can be or is directly subjected to housing air flowing from the inlet opening 72 into the valve housing 66 and thus into the housing space 68, particularly via the valve stem 88 in the closed position S, and / or housing air contained in the valve housing 66, and / or air coming from the intake flow path 20 acts on the valve stem 88 via the inlet opening 72 in the closed position S and thus acts on the valve element 78.

[0046] To avoid undesired opening of the secondary air valve 64 and thereby achieve a particularly advantageous secondary air injection, the secondary air valve 64 has an inlet opening 72 arranged between two sealing elements 90 and 92, which seal an outer peripheral surface 94 of the valve element 78 opposite the inner peripheral surface 70 against the inner peripheral surface 70 of the valve housing 66, as viewed along the direction of movement. This prevents, for example, excessive air acting on the valve element 78, and in particular on surface 94, via the inlet opening 72, from flowing past the sealing elements 90 and 92 between surfaces 70 and 94. Furthermore, the valve element 78 is provided with no surfaces on its outer peripheral side, i.e., on its outer peripheral surface 94, that run obliquely or perpendicularly to the direction of movement, at least in the closed position S, over the entire extent ER of the valve element 78 that passes between the sealing elements 90 and 92 along the direction of movement. In other words, the outer peripheral surface 94 of the valve element 78 does not have a surface extending in a plane that runs obliquely or perpendicularly to the direction of movement (double arrow 80) over the entire extent E of the surface 94 that passes between the sealing elements 90 and 92 along the direction of movement, at least in the closed position S. This prevents air coming from the intake air passage 20 that acts directly on the valve element 78 through the inlet opening 72 in the closed position S, in particular on the surface 94, from exerting a force on the valve element 78 that has a force component that runs along the direction of movement, thereby preventing the valve element 78 from opening. The valve element 78 can therefore be reliably held in the closed position S, in particular by the spring element 84.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the outer peripheral side of the valve element 78, and therefore the surface 94, is cylindrically shaped along the entire extent ER of the valve element 78 or surface 94 that passes between the sealing elements 90 and 92 along the direction of movement, at least in the closed position S, and is therefore configured to have the shape of a straight cylinder.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing elements 90 and 92, which are made of, for example, rubber, are formed separately from one another and are in particular completely separated from one another along the direction of movement. For example, the sealing elements 90 and 92 are held in the valve housing 66, so that the valve element 78 can move along the direction of movement relative to the valve housing 66 and relative to the sealing elements 90 and 92 between a closed position S and an open position O.

[0049] The inlet opening 72 has a passage direction, indicated by arrow 74, along which housing air or secondary air can or does pass through the inlet opening 72, the passage direction being perpendicular to the direction of motion.

[0050] Furthermore, the secondary air valve 64 has a third sealing element 96, which may be formed, for example, separately from the valve housing 66 and separately from the valve element 78. Alternatively or additionally, the sealing element 96 is formed separately from the sealing element 90 and / or from the sealing element 92, and is particularly completely separated from the sealing element 90 and / or from the sealing element 92. The sealing element 96 may be made of rubber. In the closed position S, the sealing element 96 is in direct contact with the valve housing 66 and the valve element 78, particularly with the valve part 86, so that in the closed position S, the valve element 78, particularly the valve part 86, is sealed against the valve housing 66 by the sealing element 96. This makes it possible to avoid excessive leakage.

[0051] Furthermore, it is preferred that the sealing element 90 and / or the sealing element 92 is formed separately from the valve element 78 and from the valve housing 66. On the one hand, the respective sealing element 90, 92 is in particular direct contact with the valve housing 66, in particular with the surface 70, and on the other hand, it is preferred that the respective sealing element 90, 92 is in particular direct contact with the valve element 78, in particular with the valve stem 88, in particular with the surface 94. This makes it possible to ensure a particularly advantageous sealing performance.

[0052] Furthermore, the secondary air valve 64 also has a check valve 98, which is arranged between the valve element 78, in particular the valve portion 86, and the inlet opening 72, particularly along the direction of movement.

[0053] This non-return valve 98 may be located further downstream in the direction of flow to the exhaust duct. This valve does not necessarily have to be mounted within the secondary air valve, but may be housed in a downstream component.

Claims

1. A secondary air valve (64) for a secondary air system (52) of an internal combustion engine (10), comprising: - a valve housing (66) through which secondary air can pass, which is to be fed into the exhaust gas flow path (22) of the internal combustion engine (10), and a valve element (78), said valve housing (66) a cylindrical housing space (68) directly bounded by an inner peripheral surface (70) of the valve housing (66), an inlet opening (72) through which the secondary air can be introduced into the valve housing (66) and the housing space (68), and an outlet opening (76) through which the secondary air can be discharged from the valve housing (66) to be introduced into an exhaust gas flow path (22), the valve element (78) is movable along a direction of movement (80) relative to the valve housing (66) between a closed position (S) in which the outlet opening (76) is closed and at least one open position (O) in which the outlet opening (76) is open, In the secondary air valve (64), the inlet opening (72) is arranged along the direction of movement (80) between two sealing elements (90, 92) by which an outer peripheral surface (94) of the valve element (78) facing an inner peripheral surface (70) is sealed against the inner peripheral surface (70) of the valve housing (66); - the valve element (78) is formed as a dish-shaped or disc-shaped valve and has a dish-shaped or disc-shaped valve portion (86) and a valve stem (88) connecting the valve portion (86); the secondary air valve (64) has a third sealing element (96) by which the valve part (86) is sealed against the valve housing (66) in the closed position (S); - the valve element (78), at least on its outer periphery, does not have any surfaces running obliquely or perpendicularly to the direction of movement (80) over the entire extent (ER) of the valve element (78) running along the direction of movement (80) between the sealing elements (90, 92), at least in the closed position (S). A secondary air valve (64).

2. The valve element (78) is cylindrically shaped on its outer periphery, at least in the closed position (S), over the entire extent (ER) of the valve element (78) that runs along the direction of movement (80) between the sealing elements (90, 92).

2. The secondary air valve (64) of claim 1, wherein the secondary air valve (64) is a valve for supplying secondary air to a valve body.

3. The sealing elements (90, 92) are formed separately from each other and spaced apart from each other along the direction of movement (80).

3. A secondary air valve (64) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that:

4. The sealing elements (90, 92) are retained in the valve housing (66) such that the valve element (78) is movable along the direction of movement (80) relative to the valve housing (66) and relative to the sealing elements (90, 92) between the closed position (S) and the open position (O). A secondary air valve (64) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that

5. the inlet opening (72) has a passage direction (74), along which air flows into the valve housing (66) through the inlet opening (72), or air that has flowed into the valve housing (66) can pass through the inlet opening (72); The passing direction (74) passes obliquely or perpendicularly to the movement direction (80). A secondary air valve (64) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that

6. An internal combustion engine (10) for a motor vehicle, comprising a secondary air system (52) having at least one secondary air valve (64) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The internal combustion engine (10) the exhaust gas flow path (22), and an intake air flow path (20) through which air can pass; and The intake passage (20) can be used to deliver air flowing through the intake passage (20) to at least one combustion chamber (18) of the internal combustion engine (10); The secondary air system (52) comprises: a secondary air line (54) and the secondary air valve (64) disposed in the secondary air line (54); The secondary air line (54) is fluidly connected or connectable to the intake air flow path (20) at a connection point (V) located upstream of the combustion chamber (18), so that the secondary air line (54) allows at least a portion of the air flowing through the intake air flow path (20) to branch off from the intake air flow path (20) at the connection point (V) and be fed as secondary air into the exhaust gas flow path (22) bypassing the combustion chamber (18).

7. An internal combustion engine (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that

8. a compressor (28) disposed within the intake air flow path (20) for compressing air flowing through the intake air flow path (20); The connection point (V) is located downstream of the compressor (28).

8. An internal combustion engine (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that

9. A motor vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine (10) according to any one of claims 6 to 8.

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