Valves and valve actuation – Electrically actuated valve – Rotary electric actuator
Reexamination Certificate
1999-01-29
2001-06-12
Shaver, Kevin (Department: 3754)
Valves and valve actuation
Electrically actuated valve
Rotary electric actuator
C251S305000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06244565
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to electronic valve control systems and more particularly to an electronic throttle control system for an internal combustion engine.
BACKGROUND
Valve assemblies for engines and related systems typically utilize rotatable valve members in fluid flow passageways to assist in regulating fluid flow through them. For example, throttle valve members are positioned in the air induction passageways into internal combustion engines. The valve assemblies are controlled either mechanically or electronically and utilize a mechanism which directly operates the valve member.
Known electronic throttle control assemblies utilize a plurality of components which typically are difficult and time consuming to assemble together. Also, the throttle or valve plate is positioned on a throttle body shaft which often experiences undesirable axial or radial movement which can adversely affect the operation of the valve assembly.
For electronic throttle control systems, it also is desirable to have a fail-safe mechanism or system which allows the throttle valve to open or remain open in the event that the electronic control or electronic system of the vehicle fails.
It would be desirable to have an electronic valve control system which addressed the above concerns and provides an improved assembly and system, which also reduces costs and improves reliability.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an electronic throttle control assembly having a housing with a motor, a gear train and throttle valve. A throttle plate is positioned on a throttle shaft and the plate and shaft are positioned in the engine or air induction passageways, such that the throttle plate regulates airflow into the engine.
The operation of the throttle valve is accomplished by a gear train assembly driven by a DC motor. The motor is regulated by the electronic control unit of the vehicle which in turn is responsive to the input of the vehicle operator or drives. A throttle position sensor is included in a housing cover and feeds back the position of the throttle plate to the electronic control unit.
The throttle body shaft is held in the throttle valve section of the control assembly housing by bearing members. Axial and radial movement (“play”) of the throttle body shaft is prevented by an axial clip member which is secured on one end of the shaft.
In the operation of the throttle valve, a gear connected to the motor operates an intermediate gear, which in turn operates a sector gear which is connected to the throttle body shaft. The sector gear is biased by a spring member in both the open and closed positions of the throttle valve.
As a fail-safe mechanism, a default lever is operably attached to the spring member and operated by a boss attached to the intermediate gear. The bias of the spring member in combination with the default lever operates to open the throttle valve in the event of failure of the electronic system.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention, particularly when viewed in accordance with the accompanying drawings and appended claims.
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Bos Edward Albert
McDonnell Alex
Semeyn Mark Warner
Ford Global Technologies Inc.
Keasel Eric
Mollon Mark L.
Shaver Kevin
LandOfFree
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