Intake manifold device

Abstract

An intake manifold device (10) comprises: an inlet passage (26) into which air (C) is introduced; an external gas introduction unit (20) that introduces an external gas (G) to the inlet passage (26); a surge tank (16) connected downstream of the inlet passage (26); and a turbulence generating string (22) that disturbs the flow of air (C) circulating in the inlet passage (26) to generate turbulent flow. The turbulence generating string (22) is disposed between the surge tank (16) an inlet opening (28) of the inlet passage (26) into which air (C) is introduced.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an intake manifold arrangement for distributing and supplying air to an internal combustion engine. [Background technology]

[0002] The intake manifold device disclosed in WO 2014 / 098010 includes an external gas inlet opening into the inner wall of the intake passage, and four fins arranged near the external gas inlet.

[0003] Each fin is composed of a straight portion extending toward the downstream side of the intake passage, a twisted spiral portion located downstream of the straight portion, and a connecting portion connecting the straight portion and the spiral portion, and the straight portion is connected to the inner wall of the intake passage.

[0004] When EGR gas is introduced into the intake passage through the external gas inlet, the four fins mix the EGR gas introduced from the external gas inlet with the air flowing through the intake passage, and the EGR gas and air are supplied to the internal combustion engine in a mixed state. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The intake manifold device of WO 2014 / 098010 has fins with complex shapes, including straight sections, spiral sections, and connecting sections, which makes manufacturing difficult and increases manufacturing costs.

[0006] There is a concern that placing four fins with complex shapes inside the intake passage will increase the flow resistance of air as it flows along the intake passage, resulting in increased pressure loss and affecting the amount of air supplied to the internal combustion engine.

[0007] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0008] An aspect of the present invention is an intake manifold device comprising: an air introduction section having an inlet opening through which air is introduced and an inlet passage disposed downstream of the inlet opening and communicating with the inlet opening; a surge tank connected downstream of the inlet passage; a plurality of branch pipes connected downstream of the surge tank for distributing the air and supplying it to an internal combustion engine; and an external gas introduction section having a gas inlet opening opening that opens into the inlet passage and for introducing external gas into the inlet passage; the intake manifold device further comprising a turbulence generating string that disturbs the flow of air flowing through the inlet passage to generate turbulence, the turbulence generating string being disposed between the inlet opening and the surge tank.

[0009] According to the present invention, in an intake manifold device, by arranging a turbulence generating chord between the inlet opening and the surge tank, it is possible to effectively generate turbulence within the surge tank while suppressing an increase in pressure loss of the air flowing through the inlet passage with a simple configuration, thereby enabling external gas and air to be effectively mixed within the surge tank. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an overall front view of an intake manifold device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an overall cross-sectional view showing a manifold body of the intake manifold device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged front view showing the air introduction section of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the air inlet portion of FIG. [Figure 6] Fig. 6A is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIA-VIA in Fig. 3. Fig. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIB-VIB in Fig. 3. [Figure 7] Fig. 7A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the molding of the first division of the manifold body, and Fig. 7B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state in which the mold is opened after molding of the first division is completed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The intake manifold device 10 according to this embodiment supplies air C (see FIG. 2) to an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinder chambers, for example, which is mounted on a vehicle or the like.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the intake manifold device 10 has a manifold body 12. The manifold body 12 is formed by molding a resin material. The manifold body 12 is composed of two divided bodies: a first divided body 12a and a second divided body 12b.

[0013] As shown in Fig. 2, the manifold body 12 has an air inlet 14, a surge tank 16, a plurality of branch pipes 18, an external gas inlet 20, and a turbulence generating chord 22. In the following, a case will be described in which the plurality of branch pipes 18 are configured from four parallel branch pipes, first to fourth branch pipes 18a, 18b, 18c, and 18d, and the parallel direction of the first to fourth branch pipes 18a, 18b, 18c, and 18d will be referred to as the width direction (arrow A direction). The division direction (arrow B direction) between the first divided body 12a and the second divided body 12b shown in Fig. 1 is a direction perpendicular to the width direction (arrow A direction).

[0014] The air introduction section 14 is provided in the first division 12a and is disposed at one widthwise end of the manifold body 12. As shown in Fig. 3, the air introduction section 14 has a flange portion 24, an inlet passage 26, and an inlet opening 28.

[0015] The flange portion 24 is provided at an end of the air introduction portion 14. As shown in FIG. 4, a throttle body 30 capable of adjusting the flow rate of air C flowing through an inlet passage 26 is connected to the flange portion 24. The throttle body 30 has an intake passage 32 therein that is connected to the inlet passage 26. A disk-shaped valve 34 and a shaft 36 are rotatably disposed in the intake passage 32. The flow rate of air C flowing through the intake passage 32 is adjusted by rotating the valve 34 via the shaft 36.

[0016] The inlet passage 26 extends along the air introduction portion 14. The upstream portion of the inlet passage 26 has an inlet opening 28. The inlet opening 28 opens to the flange portion 24. When viewed from the direction in which the inlet passage 26 extends as shown in FIG. 3, the inlet passage 26 has an inner wall surface 26a with a circular cross section. The intake passage 32 of the throttle body 30 and the inlet passage 26 communicate with each other via the inlet opening 28 (see FIG. 4).

[0017] As shown in Figure 3, a rectifying vane 38 is disposed inside the inflow passage 26 to guide air C (see Figure 4) flowing through the inflow passage 26 downstream. The rectifying vane 38 extends along the extension direction of the inflow passage 26. As shown in Figure 4, when the valve 34 of the throttle body 30 is fully closed, the rectifying vane 38 is disposed in a position facing the end of the valve 34.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 5 , the inflow passage 26 has a recess 40 recessed radially outward from the inner wall surface 26a of the inflow passage 26. In the extension direction of the inflow passage 26, the recess 40 extends from approximately the center of the inflow passage 26 toward the surge tank 16, which is downstream. The recess 40 has a first opening 401 that opens on the inner wall surface 26a of the inflow passage 26 and a second opening 402 that opens on the inner wall surface 161 of the upstream portion 16a of the surge tank 16. The first opening 401 opens in a region of the inner wall surface 26a of the inflow passage 26 through which air flows after passing through the flow straightening vane 38 and the turbulence generating chord 22. The recess 40 is directly connected to and communicates with the upstream portion 16a of the surge tank 16. In other words, the second opening 402 of the recess 40 is connected to the surge tank 16 without passing through the inflow passage 26.

[0019] The recess 40 has a bottom 40a that is parallel to the extension direction of the inflow passage 26. The bottom 40a is disposed at the farthest position radially outward from the inner wall surface 26a of the inflow passage 26.

[0020] As shown in Fig. 3, the rectifying plate 38 has a guide tube portion 42 and a guide plate portion 44. When viewed from the extending direction of the rectifying plate 38 shown in Fig. 3, the guide tube portion 42 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The outer peripheral surface of the guide tube portion 42 is in contact with and connected to the inner wall surface 26a of the inflow passage 26. The guide tube portion 42 has an apex 42a that is farthest from the inner wall surface 26a of the inflow passage 26, and the apex 42a and the guide plate portion 44 are in contact with and connected to each other.

[0021] When viewed from the extending direction of the straightening plate 38, both end portions of the guide plate portion 44 are connected to the inner wall surface 26a of the inlet passage 26. The central portion of the guide plate portion 44 is connected to the top portion 42a of the guide tube portion 42. The guide plate portion 44 is formed linearly in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the guide tube portion 42. The axial length of the guide plate portion 44 and the axial length of the guide tube portion 42 are the same (see FIG. 4).

[0022] The inner wall surface 26a of the inflow passage 26 has a curved surface 46 to which the guide tube portion 42 is connected and which is surrounded by both ends of the guide plate portion 44. The curved surface 46 is part of the inner wall surface 26a of the inflow passage 26 and has an arc-shaped cross section.

[0023] 3, the inside of the guide tube portion 42 has a first flow straightening passage 48 through which part of the air C flows, and a pair of second flow straightening passages 50 surrounded by the guide plate portion 44, the guide tube portion 42, and the curved surface portion 46 of the inflow passage 26. In other words, the flow straightening plate 38 is disposed so as to divide the inside of the inflow passage 26.

[0024] 2, the surge tank 16 is made up of first and second divided bodies 12a, 12b, and extends along the width direction (direction of arrow A) of the manifold main body 12. One end of the surge tank 16 in the width direction is the upstream portion 16a of the surge tank 16. The upstream portion 16a of the surge tank 16 is connected downstream of the inflow passage 26 and communicates with the inflow passage 26. Air C introduced from the inflow passage 26 is temporarily stored in the surge tank 16.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 5, the surge tank 16 has a space 52 in its upstream portion 16a. The space 52 is a space formed by separating a portion of the surge tank 16 with a partition wall 54. The partition wall 54 extends from the inner wall surface of the surge tank 16 toward the inflow passage 26. The space 52 faces the fourth branch pipe 18d. The space 52 is connected downstream of the inflow passage 26 and communicates with the inflow passage 26. The space 52 is connected downstream of the recess 40 and communicates with the recess 40.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 2, the first to fourth branch pipes 18a, 18b, 18c, and 18d are configured to straddle the first and second segments 12a and 12b and are arranged in parallel along the width direction (direction of arrow A) of the manifold main body 12. The fourth branch pipe 18d is disposed closest to the air inlet section 14. Upstream ends 56a of the first to fourth branch pipes 18a, 18b, 18c, and 18d are respectively connected to the surge tank 16 (see Fig. 1). Downstream ends 56b of the first to fourth branch pipes 18a, 18b, 18c, and 18d are respectively connected to cylinder chambers of an internal combustion engine (not shown). Branch passages 58 are formed inside the first to fourth branch pipes 18a, 18b, 18c, and 18d. The surge tank 16 and the cylinder chamber of the internal combustion engine are connected via the branch passage 58, and the air C distributed by the first to fourth branch pipes 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d is supplied to the internal combustion engine.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 5, the external gas introduction section 20 is disposed in the first divided body 12a and is capable of introducing external gas G from outside the intake manifold device 10. The external gas G is, for example, fuel gas evaporated in a fuel tank of a vehicle. The external gas introduction section 20 is disposed in the air introduction section 14. The external gas introduction section 20 is disposed between the turbulence generating chord 22 and the surge tank 16.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, the external gas introduction section 20 has a tubular introduction pipe 60 and a gas introduction port 62 that communicates with the inflow passage 26. The introduction pipe 60 is disposed outside the air introduction section 14 and protrudes radially outward from the air introduction section 14. A tube 64 is connected to the tip of the introduction pipe 60, through which fuel gas, which is the external gas G, is supplied. The tube 64 is connected to a fuel tank via a canister (not shown). The fuel gas that has been adsorbed in the canister is supplied to an introduction passage 66 of the introduction pipe 60 through the tube 64.

[0029] The gas inlet 62 is circular and opens at the end of the inlet passage 66 of the inlet pipe 60. As shown in FIG. 5 , the gas inlet 62 opens at the bottom 40a of the recess 40 of the inflow passage 26. The gas inlet 62 is disposed upstream of the recess 40. External gas G is supplied from the gas inlet 62 into the recess 40, and a portion of the external gas G flows directly toward the surge tank 16 (downstream) along the recess 40. The remainder of the external gas G flows radially inward through the recess 40 and is supplied into the inflow passage 26. In other words, the gas inlet (gas inlet 62) communicates with the space 52 of the surge tank 16 via the recess 40.

[0030] External gas G, such as fuel gas, is introduced into the inlet passage 26 and the surge tank 16 through the inlet pipe 60 and gas inlet 62 of the gas introduction section. The air C flowing through the inlet passage 26 is mixed with the external gas G, and the external gas G is supplied to the interior of the internal combustion engine together with the air C and is burned in the cylinder chamber.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 3, the turbulence generating strings 22 are arranged in the inlet passage 26 and disrupt the flow of air C flowing through the inlet passage 26 to generate turbulence (see FIGS. 6A and 6B). The turbulence generating strings 22 are arranged between the inlet opening 28 and the upstream portion 16a of the surge tank 16 (see FIG. 4). The turbulence generating strings 22 are arranged at the downstream end 38a of the flow straightening vane 38. The turbulence generating strings 22 are arranged between the inner wall surface 26a (curved surface portion 46) of the inlet passage 26 and the flow straightening vane 38. The turbulence generating strings 22 are arranged in the first and second flow straightening passages 48, 50. The turbulence generating strings 22 are formed integrally with the curved surface portion 46 and the flow straightening vane 38 and are supported by the curved surface portion 46 and the flow straightening vane 38.

[0032] The turbulence generating chord 22 extends in a direction orthogonal to the flow direction of the air C in the inflow passage 26. The turbulence generating chord 22 has a first chord portion 68 and a second chord portion 70 and is configured in a mesh shape.

[0033] The first chord portion 68 has a linear first chord element 72. The first chord element 72 is separated from the guide plate portion 44 and the curved surface portion 46 of the flow rectifying plate 38 and is located between the guide plate portion 44 and the curved surface portion 46. When viewed from the extending direction of the inflow passage 26, the cross-sectional shape of the first chord portion 68 is formed in a rectangular shape. The first chord element 72 is arranged parallel to the guide plate portion 44 of the flow rectifying plate 38. The first chord element 72 is arranged so as to pass through the center of the guide cylinder portion 42. The first rectifying passage 48 of the guide cylinder portion 42 is divided into two by the first chord element 72 in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the first chord element 72. The first chord element 72 is connected to the downstream end 56b portion of the guide cylinder portion 42. Note that the number of the first chord elements 72 is not limited to one and may be a plurality.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 6A, the length L1 of the first chord element 72 in the extending direction (air flow direction) of the inflow passage 26 is smaller than the width W1 of the first chord element 72 facing in the extending direction (L1 < W1). The length L1 of the first chord element 72 is shorter than the length of the flow rectifying plate 38 (see FIG. 5) in the extending direction of the inflow passage 26. The upstream end of the first chord element 72 has a curved corner portion 74a curved in an arc shape. The downstream end of the first chord element 72 has a right-angled corner portion 76a formed at a right angle.

[0035] The second chord portion 70 intersects each of the first chord portion 68 and the guide plate portion 44. The second chord portion 70 has a plurality of linear second chord elements 78. Hereinafter, the case where the second chord portion 70 has three second chord elements 78a to 78c will be described. The number of the second chord elements 78 is not limited to three and may be one or two or four or more. When viewed from the extending direction of the inflow passage 26, the turbulence generating chord 22 is in a lattice shape.

[0036] The three second chord elements 78a to 78c are parallel to each other and are arranged in parallel in the extending direction of the first chord portion 68. When viewed from the extending direction of the inflow passage 26, the cross-sectional shapes of the second chord elements 78a to 78c are each rectangular. The three second chord elements 78a to 78c are separated from each other. The second chord element 78a is disposed at the center of the three second chord elements 78a to 78c. The second chord element 78a is disposed so as to pass through the center of the guide cylinder portion 42. The central portion of the second chord element 78a is connected to the downstream end portion of the guide cylinder portion 42. The first rectifying passage 48 of the guide cylinder portion 42 is divided into two in the extending direction of the first chord element 72 by the second chord element 78a. The end portions of the second chord element 78a are connected to and supported by the central portion of the guide plate portion 44 and the central portion of the curved surface portion 46.

[0037] The second chord elements 78b and 78c are disposed on both sides of the second chord element 78a. The central portion of the second chord element 78b is connected to one end in the extending direction of the first chord element 72. The end portions of the second chord element 78b are connected to and supported by the guide plate portion 44 and the curved surface portion 46. The central portion of the second chord element 78c is connected to the other end in the extending direction of the first chord element 72. The end portions of the second chord element 78c are connected to and supported by the guide plate portion 44 and the curved surface portion 46. As shown in FIG. 6B, the length L2 of each of the second chord elements 78a to 78c in the extending direction of the inflow passage 26 (the flow direction of the air C) is smaller than the width W2 of the second chord elements 78a to 78c facing each other in the extending direction (L2 < W2). The length L2 of the second chord element 78 is shorter than the length of the rectifying plate 38 (see FIG. 5) in the extending direction of the inflow passage 26. The upstream ends of each of the second chord elements 78a to 78c have a curved corner portion 74b that is curved in an arc shape. The downstream ends of each of the second chord elements 78a to 78c have a right-angled corner portion 76b that is formed at a right angle.

[0038] Next, a case of forming the first divided body 12a of the manifold body 12 will be described while referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B.

[0039] First, we will explain the molding device 80 that molds the first divided body 12a. The molding device 80 has a main mold 82, a first mold 84, and a second mold 86. The main mold 82 is composed of an upper mold and a lower mold 82a (not shown). Inside the upper mold and lower mold 82a, there is a concave molding mold portion 88 that corresponds to the external shape of the first divided body 12a.

[0040] The first mold 84 is a core accommodated in the molding mold portion 88 of the main mold 82. The first mold 84 is a mold for molding the external gas inlet portion 20 and the surge tank 16. The first mold 84 has an inlet portion molding portion 90 that molds the external gas inlet portion 20, and a tank molding portion 92 that molds the surge tank 16. The inlet portion molding portion 90 is pin-shaped and protrudes from the tank molding portion 92. The inlet portion molding portion 90 is capable of molding the inner circumferential surface of the inlet pipe 60 of the external gas inlet portion 20. The tank molding portion 92 is capable of molding the inner wall surface of the surge tank 16. The tank molding portion 92 has a first molding surface 94 that extends in the direction in which the inlet portion molding portion 90 extends. The first molding surface 94 is approximately flat.

[0041] The second die 86 is a core that is housed in the molding die portion 88 of the main die 82. The second die 86 is a die for molding the inflow passage 26 of the air introduction portion 14, the straightening vane 38, and the turbulence generating chord 22. The second die 86 has a passage molding portion 96 that molds the inner wall surface 26a of the inflow passage 26, a plate molding portion 98 that molds the straightening vane 38, and a chord molding portion 100 that molds the turbulence generating chord 22.

[0042] The end of the passage forming portion 96 has a second molding surface 102 that is perpendicular to the extension direction of the passage forming portion 96. The second molding surface 102 is substantially flat. When the first divided body 12a is being molded, the second molding surface 102 of the passage forming portion 96 and the first molding surface 94 of the first mold 84 face each other and come into contact with each other.

[0043] The plate forming portion 98 is recessed from the second molding surface 102 along the passage forming portion 96. The chord forming portion 100 is disposed on the second molding surface 102 and is recessed from the second molding surface 102 in the extension direction of the passage forming portion 96. During molding of the first divided body 12a shown in FIG. 7A, the second molding surface 102 of the passage forming portion 96 and the first molding surface 94 of the first mold 84 abut against each other, so that the chord forming portion 100 is surrounded by the first molding surface 94.

[0044] When molding the first divided body 12a using the molding device 80, the first and second dies 84, 86 are housed in the molding die portion 88 of the main die 82, and the first and second dies 84, 86 are fixed in predetermined positions, as shown in Figure 7A. The upper die and lower die 82a of the main die 82 are closed together. A space (hereinafter referred to as a cavity 104) corresponding to the first divided body 12a is formed between the molding die portion 88 of the main die 82 and the first and second dies 84, 86.

[0045] Next, molten resin material R is supplied into the molding die section 88 from a sprue (not shown) of the main die 82. After the resin material R fills the cavity 104, it is cooled and solidified, thereby forming the first divided body 12a, which is a molded product. The turbulent flow-generating chord 22 filled with resin material R is molded in the chord forming section 100 between the first molding surface 94 and the second die 86.

[0046] Finally, the main mold 82 is opened, and the first divided body 12a is removed from the main mold 82 together with the first and second dies 84, 86. Thereafter, the first and second dies 84, 86 are separated from the first divided body 12a. The first die 84 is separated from the first divided body 12a along the extension direction of the external gas inlet 20. The second die 86 is separated from the first divided body 12a along the extension direction of the inlet passage 26. At this time, the movement directions of the first die 84 and the second die 86 are approximately perpendicular to each other.

[0047] As a result, the first divided body 12a made of resin material is obtained by the molding device 80. At this time, a turbulence-generating chord 22 having a first chord portion 68 and a second chord portion 70 is molded between the first molding surface 94 of the first mold 84 and the second molding surface 102 of the second mold 86.

[0048] Next, the operation of the intake manifold device 10 will be described.

[0049] 4, when the valve 34 of the throttle body 30 is in a fully closed state, the shaft 36 rotates in response to an operation by the vehicle driver, thereby rotating the valve 34 and opening the passage. As a result, air C taken in from outside the vehicle flows from the intake passage 32 of the throttle body 30 through the inlet opening 28 of the intake manifold device 10 and along the inlet passage 26 toward the surge tank 16. At this time, in the inlet passage 26, a portion of the air C flows along the straightening plate 38 through the first and second straightening passages 48, 50, thereby suitably straightening the flow of the air C.

[0050] Air C flows from the inflow passage 26 into the surge tank 16 and is temporarily stored in the surge tank 16, after which the air C is distributed to the first to fourth branch pipes 18a, 18b, 18c, and 18d in the surge tank 16. The air C that flows along the first to fourth branch pipes 18a, 18b, 18c, and 18d to the downstream end 56b is sequentially supplied into each cylinder of the internal combustion engine.

[0051] Next, a case will be described in which the external gas G is supplied through the external gas introduction part 20. A case in which the external gas G is fuel gas volatilized from the fuel in the fuel tank will be described.

[0052] When the internal combustion engine is operating, external gas G is supplied from a fuel tank (not shown) through a tube 64 to the inlet pipe 60 of the external gas inlet part 20. As shown in FIG. 5 , the external gas G is discharged into the recess 40 through the gas inlet 62. The external gas G flows downstream along the recess 40 and flows directly from the second opening 402 of the recess 40 to the space 52 of the surge tank 16. A portion of the external gas G flows from the gas inlet 62 into the inlet passage 26 through the first opening 401 of the recess 40. The supply state of the external gas G is switched by a switching mechanism, for example, depending on the operating state of the internal combustion engine.

[0053] When a portion of the air C flows through the first and second rectification passages 48, 50 of the inflow passage 26, the air C comes into contact with the first chord portion 68 (first chord element 72) and the second chord portion 70 (second chord element 78) of the turbulence-generating chord 22. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6A, the air C comes into contact with the upstream end (curved corner 74a) of the first chord element 72, and as shown in FIG. 6B, the air C comes into contact with the upstream ends (curved corners 74b) of the second chord elements 78a-78c. After the air C flows downstream from the upstream ends along the first and second chord elements 72 and 78, vortex currents of the air C are generated, sweeping inward at the downstream end (right-angle corner 76a) of the first chord element 72 and the downstream end (right-angle corner 76b) of the second chord element 78.

[0054] Vortex flows are generated downstream of the first chord element 72 and the second chord element 78, respectively, which generates turbulent flow of air C from the multiple vortex flows downstream of the turbulence-generating chord 22. The area where the turbulent flow of air C is generated is downstream of the turbulence-generating chord 22, in the range from the inlet passage 26 to the space 52 of the surge tank 16. By locating the turbulence-generating chord 22 downstream of the inlet opening 28, the turbulence-generating chord 22 is located near the space 52 of the surge tank 16, and the turbulence generated by the turbulence-generating chord 22 reaches the space 52 without being significantly attenuated. As the flow of air C becomes turbulent downstream of the turbulence-generating chord 22, the external gas G introduced from the gas inlet 62 and the air C are stirred and mixed in the inlet passage 26 and the space 52.

[0055] The air C mixed with the external gas G is distributed from the surge tank 16 to the first to fourth branch pipes 18a, 18b, 18c, and 18d and supplied to each cylinder chamber of the internal combustion engine. The external gas G is combusted together with the air C in the cylinder chamber of the internal combustion engine.

[0056] As described above, in the embodiment of the present invention, in the intake manifold device 10, by arranging the turbulence generating chord 22 between the inlet opening 28 and the surge tank 16, it is possible to effectively generate a turbulent flow of the air C near the surge tank 16 while suppressing an increase in pressure loss of the air C flowing through the inlet passage 26 with a simple configuration. This allows the external gas G and the air C to be effectively mixed inside the surge tank 16.

[0057] A straightening plate 38 is provided inside the inlet passage 26 to guide the air C flowing through the inlet passage 26 downstream, and the turbulence generating chord 22 is supported by the inner wall surface 26a of the inlet passage 26 and the straightening plate 38, thereby ensuring sufficient strength of the turbulence generating chord 22.

[0058] When molding the manifold body 12 from the resin material R, the first mold 84 is closed along the inlet passage 26 and the straightening plate 38, and the second mold 86 is closed in a direction perpendicular to the inlet passage 26 and the straightening plate 38, so that the turbulence generating chords 22 can be easily molded between the first molding surface 94 of the first mold 84 and the second molding surface 102 of the second mold 86. The turbulence generating chords 22 can be positioned closer to the gas inlet ports 62 of the gas introduction section.

[0059] By providing a recess 40 that is recessed relative to the inner wall surface 26a of the inlet passage 26 and into which the gas inlet 62 opens, a portion of the external gas G introduced from the gas inlet 62 can be retained in the recess 40, and the external gas G in the recess 40 can be efficiently mixed with the air C by the turbulence generated by the turbulence generating string 22.

[0060] The surge tank 16 is provided with a space 52 that forms part of the surge tank 16 and is directly connected to the gas inlet 62 via the recess 40, so that a portion of the external gas G introduced from the gas inlet 62 is introduced into the space 52 through the recess 40 and allowed to stagnate therein, and the external gas G in the space 52 can be efficiently mixed with the air C by the turbulence generated by the turbulence generating chord 22.

[0061] External gas inlet 20 ofBy placing the turbulence generating chord 22 between the surge tank 16 and the external gas G introduced from the gas inlet, the turbulence generated downstream of the turbulence generating chord 22 allows the external gas G to be suitably mixed with the air C.

[0062] The above embodiment can be summarized as follows.

[0063] The above embodiment is an intake manifold device (10) including an air introduction section (14) having an inlet opening (28) through which air (C) is introduced and an inlet passage (26) arranged downstream of the inlet opening and communicating with the inlet opening, a surge tank (16) connected downstream of the inlet passage, a plurality of branch pipes (18) connected downstream of the surge tank for distributing the air and supplying it to the internal combustion engine, and an external gas introduction section (20) having a gas inlet (62) opening into the inlet passage and for introducing external gas (G) into the inlet passage, the intake manifold device (10) further including a turbulence generating string (22) for disturbing the flow of air flowing through the inlet passage to generate turbulence, the turbulence generating string being arranged between the inlet opening and the surge tank.

[0064] A straightening vane (38) is provided inside the inlet passage, extending along the extension direction of the inlet passage and guiding the air flowing through the inlet passage downstream, and the turbulence generating chord is supported by the inner wall surface (26a) of the inlet passage and the straightening vane.

[0065] The manifold includes a manifold body (12) formed of a resin material and having the air introduction section having the inlet passage, the straightening vane, and the turbulence generation chord, the inner wall surface of the inlet passage, the straightening vane, and the turbulence generation chord being integrally formed, and the turbulence generation chord is provided at the downstream end (38a) of the straightening vane.

[0066] The gas inlet has a recess (40) that is recessed relative to the inner wall surface of the inflow passage, has the gas inlet opening, and is directly connected to the upstream portion (16a) of the surge tank.

[0067] The surge tank has a space (52) that forms a part of the surge tank, communicates directly with the recess, and in which a part of the external gas remains.

[0068] The external gas inlet is disposed between the turbulence chord and the surge tank.

[0069] The present invention is not limited to the above disclosure, and various configurations can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 10... Intake manifold device 12... Manifold body 14...Air inlet section 16...Surge tank 18... Branch pipe 20... External gas inlet 22...Turbulence generating string

Claims

1. an air introduction section (14) having an inlet opening (28) through which air (C) is introduced and an inflow passage (26) disposed downstream of the inlet opening and communicating with the inlet opening; a surge tank (16) connected downstream of the inlet passage; a plurality of branch pipes (18) connected downstream of the surge tank for distributing the air and supplying it to the internal combustion engine; an external gas inlet (20) having a gas inlet (62) opening into the inlet passage and for introducing an external gas (G) into the inlet passage; In an intake manifold device (10) comprising: a turbulence generating chord (22) for generating turbulence by disturbing the flow of air flowing through the inlet passage, the turbulence chord is disposed between the inlet opening and the surge tank; a straightening plate (38) extending along the extension direction of the inflow passage and guiding the air flowing through the inflow passage downstream is provided inside the inflow passage, The turbulence generating chord is supported by an inner wall surface (26a) of the inlet passage and the straightening vane.

2. 2. The intake manifold device according to claim 1, a manifold body (12) formed of a resin material, the manifold body having the air introduction portion having the inflow passage, the flow straightening vane, and the turbulence generating chord; an intake manifold device, wherein the inner wall surface of the inflow passage, the straightening plate, and the turbulence generating chord are integrally formed, and the turbulence generating chord is provided at a downstream end (38a) of the straightening plate;

3. 3. The intake manifold device according to claim 1, The intake manifold device has a recess (40) recessed relative to the inner wall surface of the inflow passage, the gas inlet opening therein, and directly connected to the upstream portion (16a) of the surge tank.

4. 4. The intake manifold device according to claim 3, The surge tank has a space (52) that forms a part of the surge tank and directly communicates with the recess, in which a part of the external gas remains.

5. 3. The intake manifold device according to claim 1, The external gas inlet is disposed between the turbulence generating chord and the surge tank.

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