Internal-combustion engines – Charge forming device – Exhaust gas used with the combustible mixture
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-20
2001-02-13
Wolfe, Willis R. (Department: 3747)
Internal-combustion engines
Charge forming device
Exhaust gas used with the combustible mixture
C123S568180
Reexamination Certificate
active
06186127
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to a internal combustion engines of motor vehicles, and in particular to a coolant manifold adapter for integrated mounting of an electric exhaust gas recirculation valve (EEGR valve) and throttle body assembly on an engine.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Controlled engine exhaust gas recirculation is a commonly used technique for reducing oxides of nitrogen in products of combustion that are exhausted from an internal combustion engine to atmosphere. A typical EGR system comprises an EGR valve that is controlled in accordance with engine operating conditions to regulate the amount of engine exhaust gas that is recirculated to the induction fuel-air flow entering the engine for combustion so as to limit the combustion temperature and hence reduce the formation of oxides of nitrogen.
Because they are typically engine-mounted, EGR valves are subject to a harsh operating environment that includes wide temperature extremes and vibrations. Exhaust emission requirements impose more stringent demands for improved control of such valves. Use of an electric actuator is one means for obtaining improved control, but in order to be commercially successful, such an actuator must be able to operate properly in such extreme environments for an extended period of usage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is believed that engine coolant can provide some degree of cooling of an EEGR valve, and one aspect of the present invention relates to flowing engine coolant through a passageway proximate an EEGR valve, and especially in a manner that integrates what were heretofore separate individual parts in a new and advantageous way.
One general aspect of the invention relates to an internal combustion engine comprising: a cooling system through which liquid coolant is circulated; a mounting surface circumscribing a combustion air inlet through which combustion air enters the engine; an exhaust system through which exhaust gas resulting from combustion within the engine exits the engine; a one-piece adapter part mounted on the engine at the mounting surface and comprising a combustion air outlet in registration with the engine combustion air inlet; the adapter part further comprising a combustion air inlet, a coolant inlet, and a coolant outlet; an electric-operated exhaust gas recirculation valve for controlling the recirculation of engine exhaust gas through the engine and comprising a valve member that is positionable with respect to a valve seat that circumscribes an exhaust gas passageway in the adapter part; the adapter part further comprising an exhaust gas inlet that is communicated to the exhaust gas system for supplying exhaust gas to an inlet of the exhaust gas passageway; a throttle body assembly for controlling flow of combustion air into the engine and comprising a throttle body which is mounted on the adapter part and has an air outlet in registration with the combustion air inlet of the adapter part and a combustion air inlet through which combustion air enters the throttle body; the adapter part further comprising a first passageway that places its combustion air inlet, its combustion air outlet, and an outlet of its exhaust gas passageway in common, and a second passageway that places its coolant inlet and its coolant outlet in common; and wherein the engine cooling system is communicated to the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet of the adapter part to flow coolant through the second passageway.
Another general aspect of the invention relates to an exhaust gas recirculation valve for an internal combustion engine, comprising: a one-piece adapter part comprising a combustion air passageway through which combustion air can enter the engine and a coolant passageway through which engine coolant can flow; the adapter part further comprising an exhaust gas passageway through which engine exhaust gas can be introduced into the combustion air passageway; an electric-operated exhaust gas recirculation valve for controlling the recirculation of engine exhaust gas through the engine and comprising a valve member that is positionable with respect to a valve seat that circumscribes the exhaust gas passageway in the adapter part.
Further aspects of the invention will be presented in the following drawings, detailed description, and claims.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3457906 (1969-07-01), Daigh
patent: 5666930 (1997-09-01), Elder
patent: 5746190 (1998-05-01), Honda
patent: 5901690 (1999-05-01), Hussey et al.
patent: 5901940 (1999-05-01), Hussey et al.
patent: 5970960 (1999-10-01), Azuma
patent: 5988148 (1999-11-01), Astner et al.
patent: 6039034 (2000-03-01), Field et al.
Siemens Canada Limited
Wolfe Willis R.
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