Internal-combustion engines – Intake manifold – Manifold tuning – balancing or pressure regulating means
Reexamination Certificate
2002-02-04
2004-05-11
Yuen, Henry C. (Department: 3747)
Internal-combustion engines
Intake manifold
Manifold tuning, balancing or pressure regulating means
C123S184310
Reexamination Certificate
active
06732695
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to an intake manifold for a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine.
Ohrnberger et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,901,677 (=DE 43 44 504) discloses an intake manifold system for a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine having a tubular intake distributor from which extend first intake tubes that lead to the individual cylinders. Second, shorter individual intake tubes also extend from the intake distributor and open into the associated individual intake tubes. The intake distributor and the first and second intake tubes form a one-piece component which has a longitudinal bore that intersects the second individual intake tubes for the cylinders. A drum controller with an opening for each second individual intake tube is inserted into this longitudinal bore. By rotating the drum controller, this opening can be brought into or out of alignment with the respective second individual intake tube.
The tightness of the drum controller, however, can be ensured only by using additional sealing elements, e.g., seal rings or seal cages. During assembly, however, these sealing elements can get tangled which makes assembly more difficult. Furthermore, the design and production of these sealing elements requires a high measure of care and tuning to achieve the required sealing force. In addition, chattering of the drum controller cannot be excluded.
Spannbauer, U.S. Pat. No. 6,092,499 (=DE 195 39 078) discloses an intake manifold for an internal combustion engine with an engine-side flange. This engine-side flange is connected with intake pipes that proceed from a plenum and with the cylinder head flange. The engine-side flange is provided with mounting bushings for mounting to the cylinder head flange. The plenum is partitioned by an adjustable partitioning element, which can separate or connect the intake pipe plenum and thereby influences the charging effect of the cylinders. The engine-side flange is used to mount the intake manifold to the cylinder head flange. This component is bulky, however, and increases the weight of the parts. In addition, it increases assembly complexity because several components are used. Due to this additional complexity and the greater number of individual components, the component costs of this intake manifold are higher.
German patent application no. DE 195 390 424 discloses an intake manifold for an internal combustion engine with an engine-side flange. This engine-side flange is connected with intake pipes that proceed from a plenum and with the cylinder head flange. The engine-side flange is provided with mounting bushings for mounting to the cylinder head flange. The plenum is partitioned by an adjustable partitioning element, which can separate or connect the intake pipe plenum and thereby influences the charging effect of the cylinders. The engine-side flange is used to mount the intake manifold to the cylinder head flange. This component is bulky, however, and increases the weight of the parts. In addition, it increases assembly complexity because several components are used. Due to this additional complexity and the greater number of individual components, the component costs of this intake manifold are higher.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is the object of the present to provide an improved intake manifold for a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine.
Another object of the invention is to provide an intake manifold for an internal combustion engine which reduces the clearance required in the engine compartment.
A further object of the invention is to provide an intake manifold for an internal combustion engine which can be manufactured and installed in a cost-effective manner.
It is also an object of the invention to provide an intake manifold for an internal combustion engine which can be assembled in a relatively simple manner.
These and other objects are achieved in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention by providing an intake manifold for a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine, the manifold comprising an intake distributor; a plurality of adjacent first individual intake tubes extending from the intake distributor and each extending to a respective cylinder of the engine; a plurality of second, shorter individual intake tubes extending from the intake distributor and each opening into a respective first individual intake tube; a control element for blocking or unblocking the second individual intake tubes, the control element comprising at least two flaps arranged on a common shaft surrounded by flap frames and disposed in a common control element frame; the control element being installed as a complete unit in a sealed manner in the intake manifold; and the shaft with the flaps surrounded by flap frames and the control element frame being manufactured by assembly injection molding.
In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the objects are achieved by providing an intake manifold for a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine comprising an intake distributor; a plurality of individual intake tubes each having a cross-section and extending from the intake distributor and ending in at least one cylinder head flange; and a control element for blocking or unblocking at least a part of the cross sections of the individual intake tubes, the control element comprising at least two flaps arranged on a common shaft surrounded by flap frames and disposed in a common control element frame; the control element being installed as a complete unit in a sealed manner in the intake manifold; and the shaft with the flaps surrounded by flap frames and the control element frame being manufactured by assembly injection molding.
The control element according to the invention comprises flaps that are arranged on a shaft and are installed in a common control element frame. Flaps in this connection should be understood as sealing elements in a wider sense, particularly rotary flaps and slide valves that are adjusted in translatory manner. This control element is constructed as a complete unit, which is installed in the intake manifold forming a seal. Since each flap has only a small circumferential surface that contacts the surrounding component, the effective seal length is very small. By arranging the flaps on a continuous shaft, the shaft can be supported directly in the control element frame without requiring any additional bearings and connecting points between the flaps. As a result, the control element is suitable even for small clearances.
Advantageously, the control element is inserted and fastened in a cavity in the intake manifold. This simplifies assembly and makes it possible to replace the control element if necessary.
Another embodiment provides for direct injection molding of the intake manifold onto the control element. This makes it possible to dispense with a mounting unit, sealing means and the assembly process.
In a further embodiment of the insertion of the control element in the intake manifold, the intake manifold is accomplished by disposing the control element between two molded halves so as to form a seal, e.g., by screwing or snapping it together with one of the halves. The two molded halves are then joined, e.g., screwed together, using a seal.
In one specific embodiment, the molded halves are welded together with the control element. In this case, the control element is disposed in a holder and the intake manifold halves are then welded together so as to form a seal. This fixes the control element within the intake manifold. In this type of an embodiment the control element is inserted into the holder in such a way that there is no leakage between the components. This embodiment moreover eliminates a sealing system between the intake manifold halves.
An alternative solution to the object of the invention is an intake manifold with an intake distributor, individual intake pipes proceeding therefrom, and a control element. The control element is disposed as a complete unit in a receptacle or holder on the intake manifold and adjoins the cylinder h
Jessberger Thomas
Koch Ingo
Mandel Eckehard
Neuschwander Helmut
Pietrowski Herbert
Benton Jes
Crowell & Moring LLP
Filterwerk Mann & Hummel GmbH
Yuen Henry C.
LandOfFree
Intake manifold for an internal combustion engine does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Intake manifold for an internal combustion engine, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Intake manifold for an internal combustion engine will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3208817