Internal-combustion engines – Charge forming device – Exhaust gas used with the combustible mixture
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-04
2001-09-25
Dolinar, Andrew M. (Department: 3747)
Internal-combustion engines
Charge forming device
Exhaust gas used with the combustible mixture
C165S052000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06293265
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to a combustion system for engines. More particularly, the present invention relates to an exhaust gas recirculation system for combustion of recycled exhaust gas in a vehicular internal combustion engine. Most particularly, it relates to heat sinks for mounting exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valves on intake manifolds.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is well known to recycle exhaust gas from a combustion chamber of a vehicular internal combustion engine for re-combustion in the chamber. Such recycling of exhaust gas assists in reducing motor vehicle emissions of particular pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides, and may conserve fuel.
Typically, the exhaust gas is conveyed directly from an exhaust gas source to an intake manifold that is constructed of metal. However, such metal manifolds are disadvantageous because they are costly to fabricate and subject to deterioration (e.g., rust). Intake manifolds constructed of plastic or plastic composites may be less expensive than metallic intake manifolds, however such plastic manifolds are disadvantageous because they may be easily degraded (e.g., melted, charred, etc.) by the high temperature of EGR valves mounted on the intake manifold.
What is needed, therefore, is a heat sink for dissipating the heat of recycled exhaust gas without significantly damaging the intake manifold. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to have a heat sink coupled between the EGR valve and the intake manifold for dissipating enough exhaust gas heat. It would also be advantageous to have a heat sink capable of rapid installation in an engine system. It would further be advantageous to have a heat sink that is readily accessible for rapid service, repair or replacement. It would further be advantageous to have a heat sink that operates for the durable life of a vehicle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an integral heat sink for transferring heat from combustion exhaust gas produced by a vehicular internal combustion engine. The heat sink includes a body providing an integral base configured for support by a manifold. The heat sink also includes a hollow elongate member with a first portion contained in the body. The first portion has an exhaust gas intake. The member also includes a second portion extending from the body. The second portion is configured for insertion into the manifold and provides at least one discharge for the exhaust gas. The heat sink also includes a cavity disposed between the body and the member. The cavity is configured for conveying combustion air from the manifold around at least a portion of the member.
The present invention also relates to an integral heat sink for transferring heat from combustion exhaust gas produced by an internal combustion engine of a vehicle. The heat sink includes a body providing an integral base configured for support by a manifold. The heat sink also includes a hollow elongate member providing a first portion contained in the body. The first portion has an exhaust gas intake. The member also includes a second portion extending from the body. The second portion is configured for insertion into the manifold and provides at least one discharge for the exhaust gas. The heat sink also includes a first cavity disposed between the body and the member. The first cavity is configured for conveying combustion gas from the manifold around the member. The heat sink also includes a second cavity disposed between the body and the first cavity. The second cavity is configured for conveying ambient gas from the atmosphere around the first portion of the member.
The present invention also relates to an exhaust gas recirculation system for transferring heat from exhaust gas having a temperature to the atmosphere. The system includes an intake manifold coupled to the internal combustion engine of a vehicle for communicating exhaust gas to the intake manifold and thence to the combustion chamber of the engine. The system also includes a passage for conveying the exhaust gas from the combustion chamber to an EGR valve. The EGR valve outlet is coupled to the inlet of a heat sink. The heat sink has an integral base supported by the manifold and in fluid flow communication with the passage. The system also includes a hollow elongate member with a first portion contained in the heat sink, the first portion having an exhaust gas intake. The member also has a second portion that extends from the body, is disposed in the manifold and provides at least one discharge for the exhaust gas into the manifold. The system also includes a first cavity for conveying combustion air from the manifold around at least a portion of the member disposed between the heat sink and the member. The system also includes a second cavity for conveying ambient air from the atmosphere around at least a portion of the first portion of the member disposed between the body and the first cavity. The temperature of the exhaust gas is substantially reduced by conveying the exhaust gas from the combustion chamber, through the passage, through the intake of the member and through the discharge.
It is an object of this invention to provide a heat sink for dissipating enough heat to achieve operating temperatures at the heat sink/manifold interface. It is also an object of this invention to provide a heat sink capable of rapid installation in an engine system. It is also an object of this invention to provide a heat sink that is readily accessible for rapid service, repair or replacement. It is also an object of this invention to provide a heat sink that operates for the durable life of a vehicle.
Other principal objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following FIGURES, the detailed description and the appended claims.
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Castro Arnold
Dolinar Andrew M.
Siemens Canada Limited
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