EP2209983B1 - Multifunctional module for attaching to an internal combustion engine and for conducting fluids in the form of exhaust gas and coolant, arrangement with the module, and internal combustion engine - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention proceeds from a multifunctional module (10) for attaching to an internal combustion engine and for conducting fluids in the form of exhaust gas (5) and coolant (16), having the following: a first line section (1A, 1B) which is designed for a part of the exhaust-gas recirculation system, at least with a feed line (1C) to an exhaust-gas cooler; a second line section (2A, 2B) which is designed for a part of a cooling system, at least with a feed line (2C) to a thermostatic element (TE). According to the concept of the invention, the module (10) also has a first chamber (3) for the arrangement of an exhaust-gas regulating device (EGR valve) for regulating an exhaust-gas flow (5) which returns to the engine (M).

Description

The invention relates to a multifunctional module for attachment to an internal combustion engine and for guiding fluids, in particular in the form of exhaust gas and coolant, comprising: a first designed for a part of an exhaust gas recirculation system line section, at least with a supply to an exhaust gas cooler; a second conduit section designed for a part of a cooling system, at least with a supply to a thermostatic element. The invention further relates to an arrangement with the module and an internal combustion engine.

Increasingly space-saving and low connection costs modular solutions are realized in the context of exhaust gas recirculation or charge air supply. So far partially independent positioning of individual components of an exhaust gas recirculation system z. As an exhaust gas cooler or a cooling system, for example, a thermostatic element on the engine or close to the engine usually require an increased assembly costs in motor end production. In part, the independent positions are comparatively far away, so that this can bring disadvantages in terms of operating or manufacturing costs.

A multi-functional module of the aforementioned type for guiding an exhaust gas and a coolant is made EP 1 643 097 A1 known and integrated already partially functions of exhaust gas cooling and regulation of exhaust gas cooling. Other such modules are from the EP 1 793 115 A1 . 0210 2004 048 867 A1 . EP1 703 115 A1 or WO 01/20156 A1 known.

Such a module is still in need of improvement. In particular, it is desirable to improve the integrable functions of the exhaust gas recirculation system.

At this point, the invention is based, whose task is to provide a device that allows a space-saving and provided with comparatively reduced connection effort handling the exhaust gas recirculation and coolant management, especially in Motomähe.

Regarding the device, the object is achieved by the invention with a multi-functional module of the type mentioned above, the invention further has a first, space for the arrangement of an exhaust gas control device for controlling an attributable to the engine exhaust gas flow.

The invention is based on the consideration that the mass flow of the recirculated exhaust gases to the inlet of an internal combustion engine from an exhaust gas control device, such as an exhaust gas recirculation valve is to regulate while the exhaust gas flow to be cooled is passed through an exhaust gas cooler. These are, as in the prior art, to date two separate components to be mounted.

The invention has recognized that it is possible with the module according to the concept of the invention, also integrate an exhaust gas control device for controlling an attributable to the internal combustion engine exhaust gas flow, for example, an exhaust gas recirculation valve, with comparatively reduced connection effort and space-saving close to the engine in a modular comparatively highly integrated exhaust gas recirculation system , which is also coupled by means of the multifunctional module with a cooling system. In addition, an exhaust gas control device is integrated, which preferably the total exhaust gas flow in total for returning to the internal combustion engine regulates. In particular, this is a control device which determines only the attributable portion of the exhaust gas flow.

In this way, a comparatively highly integrated component, in which the exhaust gas and coolant flow can be controlled in the desired manner. In addition, the effort is reduced in the engine end assembly, since only one component, namely the multifunctional module with appropriately mounted further components, must be attached to the engine.

Accordingly, the invention also leads to an arrangement with the module according to the concept of the invention and with an exhaust gas cooler and / or with the exhaust gas control device for controlling an attributable to the internal combustion engine exhaust gas flow, in particular an exhaust gas recirculation valve, and / or a thermostatic element.

The exhaust gas cooler can basically be formed in any advantageous construction, for example in a U-flow design. The housing is preferably designed such that a vacuum tank can also be attached thereto in a modular manner. In particular, the exhaust gas cooler is designed as a U-flow cooler. This is to be understood that the exhaust gas to be cooled on a first side flows into the exhaust gas cooler, flows through this in a substantially first direction, then substantially 180 °, ie in particular U-shaped deflection and then the exhaust gas cooler substantially in one flows through to the first direction opposite direction. In particular, the cooled exhaust gas of the same side exits the exhaust gas cooler, where it has flowed into the exhaust gas cooler. In particular, the exhaust gas cooler has pipes through which the exhaust gas flows. Particularly advantageously, the tubes have a substantially rectangular cross-section.

Accordingly, the concept of the invention also applies to an internal combustion engine, for example a diesel engine or a gasoline engine, with an arrangement according to the concept of the invention.

Advantageous developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims and specify in detail advantageous ways to realize the above-described concept within the scope of the task, as well as with regard to further advantages.

The module has a second space for arranging an exhaust gas control device for controlling an exhaust gas flow to be supplied to the exhaust gas cooler, that is to say the portion of the exhaust gas flow to be cooled. The second space may have, for example, a bypass channel. The exhaust gas control device is preferably formed in the form of a bypass valve or a bypass valve. Alternatively or additionally, an exhaust gas control device of this type can also be integrated in the heat exchanger. In the following, a further development of the multifunctional module provides a connection means for attaching a heat exchanger. This development of the invention has recognized that an exhaust gas control device for controlling an exhaust gas flow to be supplied to the exhaust gas cooler and an exhaust gas control device for controlling an exhaust gas flow to be attributed to the engine altogether were designed as two separate components to be mounted - according to the concept of the invention have proven to be particularly advantageous in the context of this development to integrate both exhaust gas control devices in the multifunctional module.

Preferably, the module is formed as an integral structural unit. This has the advantage that the multifunctional module as a whole can be produced in one production step without further assembly steps. Preferably, the module may be made of a material such as aluminum or steel, for example as a casting, preferably - especially in the case of aluminum - as a die-cast part or - especially in the case of steel - as investment casting. As far as the temperature conditions allow, the multifunctional module can also consist of plastic or a fiber composite material or at least partially comprise such a material.

According to the invention, the module has at least one connection means for attaching at least one component to the module, selected from the group consisting of: a Engine, an exhaust gas cooler, an exhaust gas recirculation valve, a thermostatic element, in particular a thermostat and / or temperature sensor. This has the advantage that one or more of said components can be mounted directly on the module, without the need for separate additional connection means must be provided. According to a particularly preferred development, a corresponding and appropriate number of connection means is provided on the module for all of the components mentioned. This represents an unprecedented, integrative modular solution for a multifunctional module.

In a particularly preferred manner, a connection means is formed as a screw point, for example as a bore for receiving a screw or the like. During assembly, such a connection can be particularly easily close.

In particular, a connection means is formed integrally, preferably directly, with the unit, for example in one of the abovementioned casting methods or the like. Manufacturing steps. For example, a connecting means has proven to be particularly suitable, which is formed with one eye on a flange or a fluid guide connection.

According to the constructive design of the module according to the invention, a further development of the invention provides that parts of the first and second line sections run parallel to one another on the module. This type of design has proved to be particularly advantageous with regard to the cooling of the module as such and also the cooling of the first line section designed for a part of an exhaust gas recirculation system. In other words, the first and second line sections closely juxtaposed in the multifunctional module can be arranged such that both the module and the part of the exhaust gas recirculation system are already cooled by the line sections designed to supply a coolant. This has proved to be particularly advantageous in the case of parts of the first and second line sections which are guided in parallel with the fluid inlet side and / or in parts of the first and second sections which are guided in parallel on the fluid outlet side.

According to the invention, fluid-inlet-side and fluid-outlet-side parts of the first and second line sections are arranged running transversely to one another in the module. This allows a particularly space-saving design of the multifunctional module.

Within the scope of a particularly preferred development of the invention, an exhaust branch line for returning exhaust gas to the internal combustion engine starts from the first space. Preferably, the first space is arranged on the exhaust gas outlet side and / or the exhaust branch line is arranged on the exhaust gas outlet side. This type of arrangement has proven to be particularly useful in the context of the overall arrangement of an exhaust gas recirculation system. In particular, the first chamber is assigned a valve seat for the exhaust gas control device for the regulation of an exhaust gas flow attributable to the engine as a whole.

In the context of this and the aforementioned development, an interpretation of the first space has proven to be particularly advantageous - the first space is therefore able to accommodate a arranged in the valve seat exhaust control device and on the other hand to provide an exhaust branch line, so that the exhaust branch line is closed by the same when the exhaust control device is closed and the exhaust branch line is opened when the exhaust control device is open, for example by the exhaust control device is withdrawn from the first space and thereby releases the exhaust branch line. This type of constructive design of the first room has proven to be particularly easy to handle and space-saving.

In addition, the inventive concept allows the further design of the module such that the valve seat can be cooled. According to the invention, the valve seat is cooled by a part of the second line section guided directly adjacent to the valve seat on the fluid outlet side. This allows for a return of the coolant, for. B. to an oil cooler or the like coolant radiator, past the valve seat by the second line section and the other the cooling of the valve seat, so that over the exhaust gas control device, such as an exhaust gas recirculation valve, even at relatively high ambient temperatures can be maintained at a suitably limited temperature level.

Preferably, downstream of a coolant inlet to the second line section, a first branch line for feeding to the exhaust gas cooler and a second branch line for the first space. According to this development, the module provides in a particularly advantageous manner for a division of the coolant flow, wherein the exhaust gas cooler can be cooled with a first part of the coolant and the valve seat can be cooled with a second part of the coolant. A return of the first part of the coolant can on the output side of the exhaust gas cooler or a return of the second part of the coolant can be carried downstream of the cooling path for the valve seat.

Overall, the multifunctional module formed as an integral full module allows the inclusion of various components both from the exhaust gas recirculation system and the cooling system, so that an integrative component is created, which as a whole combines different tasks in one component. As part of a particularly preferred combination of the developments explained above, the multifunctional module provides - as already partially explained - a first space and a second space for arrangement or attachment of an exhaust gas control device before and a first line section with at least one supply to an exhaust gas cooler and a second conduit section with at least one feed to a thermostatic element. Moreover, according to this most preferred embodiment, the module provides connection means for an engine, an exhaust gas cooler, an exhaust gas return valve, a thermostatic element comprising a thermostat and a temperature sensor.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described below with reference to the drawing. This is not necessarily to scale the embodiments, but the drawing, where for explanation useful, in a schematized and / or slightly distorted form. With regard to additions to the teachings directly recognizable from the drawing reference is made to the relevant prior art. It should be noted that various modifications and changes may be made in the form and detail of an embodiment without departing from the general idea of the invention. The disclosed in the description, in the drawing and in the claims features of the invention may be essential both individually and in any combination for the development of the invention. In addition, all combinations of at least two of the features disclosed in the description, the drawings and / or the claims fall within the scope of the invention. The general idea of the invention is not limited to the exact form or detail of the preferred embodiment shown and described below or limited to an article which would be limited in comparison to the subject matter claimed in the claims. For the given design ranges, values within the stated limits should also be disclosed as limit values and be arbitrarily usable and claimable.

Fig. 1:

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer in Einbaulage einer Verbrennungskraftmaschine abgewandten Seite eines multifunktionalen Moduls einer besonders bevorzugten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 2:

eine perspektivische Ansicht der in Einbaulage einer Verbrennungskraftmaschine zugewandten Seite des multifunktionalen Moduls der Fig. 1 und

Fig. 3

eine perspektivische Ansicht des multifunktionalen Moduls, und

Fig. 4

eine perspektivische Ansicht des multifunktionalen Moduls.

The drawing shows in:

Fig. 1:

a perspective view of a side facing away from the installation position of an internal combustion engine side of a multifunctional module of a particularly preferred embodiment;

Fig. 2:

a perspective view of the installation position of an internal combustion engine side facing the multifunctional module of Fig. 1 and

Fig. 3

a perspective view of the multifunctional module, and

Fig. 4

a perspective view of the multifunctional module.

In Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 a multifunctional module 10 is shown, which has a first, designed for a part of an exhaust gas recirculation system line section 1A and 1B, in which also a supply 1C to a schematically illustrated exhaust gas cooler (AGK) is provided. Furthermore, the multifunctional module 10 has a second, for a part of a cooling system designed line section 2A and 2B, wherein also a supply 2C to a schematically illustrated thermostatic element (TE) is provided. In addition, the multifunctional module 10 also integrates a first space 3 for arranging an exhaust gas control device for controlling an exhaust gas stream 5 not shown in more detail and another second space 4 not shown here partially in the area of the feed 1C for the arrangement of another exhaust gas Control device for controlling an exhaust gas flow to be supplied to the exhaust gas cooler. The exhaust gas control device for controlling an exhaust gas flow attributable to the internal combustion engine is presently in the form of an exhaust gas recirculation valve (EGR valve). Furthermore, in Fig. 2 an arrangement position of an internal combustion engine in the form of a diesel engine (M) shown schematically.

For attachment of said components, the multifunctional module 10 has correspondingly integrally formed with the module and in a manufacturing step connecting means in the form of threaded bores for receiving a screw. A thermostatic element (TE), an exhaust gas cooler (AGK) and an EGR valve can easily be screwed to the multifunctional module 10 as part of the assembly. In this state, the entire assembly, ie the multifunctional module 10 with the EGR valve, the AGK and the TE can be screwed to a motor M. Specifically, in the multifunctional module 10, exhaust cooler connection means 11 in the form of eyes formed on a flange are provided with said screw holes. In addition, thermostatic connection means 12 are provided in the form of the said screw holes having eyes in the region of the feed pipe 2C designed as a pipe socket. Further connection means 13 for connecting the EGR valve are likewise provided on the multifunctional module 10. The module can be connected via further attachment points - by means of the motor connection means 14, which in turn are formed as screw eyes integral with the module 10 - are attached to the motor M.

In addition, the connection means 11, 12, 13, 14 explained above are particularly suitably attached to the module 10. The motor connection means 14 are arranged in the common periphery of the inlet side parallel guided parts 1A, 2A of the first and second line sections, d. H. essentially in a plane parallel to the elongated extension 31 of the module 10. The cooling system associated thermostatic connection means 12 are arranged opposite the motor connection means 14, d. H. essentially again in a plane parallel to the elongated extension 31.

In addition, the exhaust gas cooler connection means 11 assigned to the exhaust gas recirculation system are arranged at one end of the elongated extension 31, while the connection means 13 for connecting the exhaust gas recirculation valve for regulating the exhaust gas mass flow 5 to be fed back to the engine are arranged at the other end of the elongated extension 31.

The guidance of the exhaust gas fluid 15 on the one hand and the coolant fluid 16 on the other hand via the above-mentioned line sections 1A, 1B and 2A, 2B. The exhaust fluid 15 is supplied from the engine M coming abgaseintrittsseitig the part 1A of the first line section and depending on the setting of the exhaust control device 4, for example, a bypass valve or a bypass valve - the AGK wholly or partially fed and then or - with closed control 4 directly - the other part 1 B supplied to the first line section. In the exit-side region of the part 1 B of the second line section, an EGR valve is provided in the first space 3, which closes the branch line 17 for receiving the recirculated exhaust gas 5 in the closed state. Upon activation of the EGR valve, this becomes out of the first space 3 with its valve body withdrawn and releases the opening to the branch line 17, so that the recirculated exhaust gases 5 can be returned through the branch line 17 to the motor M. Correspondingly, the chamber 3 is assigned a valve seat 19 adapted to the valve body of the EGR valve.

The coolant 16 is supplied at the coolant inlet side to the part 2A of the second line section and divided between the inlet side and the feed 2C to the thermostatic element (TE). Through a first opening 21 and a second opening, not shown, a first part 23 of the coolant 16 to the exhaust gas cooler (AGK) is supplied and a second part 25 of the coolant 16 is supplied via the coolant line 27 to the further part 2B of the second line section. The part 24 of the coolant 16 fed to the supply 2C serves as a measurement basis for a temperature sensor attached to the position 29 for controlling a thermostat mounted in the supply line 2C or on the supply line 2C. The thermostat is depending on the temperature of the coolant 24 in a position to supply the coolant to another cooling circuit. For example, the thermostat may be formed in the form of a wax body, which opens at elevated temperature and provides access to another coolant circuit.

The coolant 23 supplied to the AGK is discharged on the output side of the AGK. In this embodiment, the coolant 25 supplied to the part 2B of the second line section is used in a particularly advantageous manner to cool the part 1B of the first line section as well as the module 10 as such. In particular, the valve seat 19 is cooled by the fact that the coolant 16 in the manner shown in the part 28 immediately adjacent to the exhaust gas 15 in the part 1B, ie in the present case semicircular to or around the valve seat 19 is guided around and then below the valve seat 19 - as in Fig. 1 shown - is discharged. This results in a particularly desirable additional and intensive cooling of the valve seat 19th and the area of the branch line 17. In particular, thereby the temperature of an EGR valve is limited by the coolant 16 upwards sufficiently.

Overall, the multifunctional module 10 for realizing the fluid guide described above is provided with an elongated extension, wherein on the one hand, fluid inlet-side parts 1A, 2A of the first and second line section transverse to fluid outlet side parts 1 B, 2B of the first and second line section. In addition, both the inlet-side parts 1A, 2A of the first and second line sections and the other parts 1 B, 2B of the first and second line sections are guided in parallel. This already leads to a particularly preferred cooling of the multifunctional module 10 or of the exhaust gas 15 in the multifunctional module 10.

The multifunctional module 10 is manufactured as a die-cast aluminum part integrally in a single manufacturing step and, moreover, can be variably realized as required, for example with respect to the brace 33. For example, the module 10 can be varied with regard to the space requirement in the engine compartment and the further cooling requirement and / or provided with further struts or cooling ribs, not shown here.

In addition, the clarify in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 schematically illustrated units of an exhaust gas cooler, (AGK) of an engine (M), an EGR valve and a thermostatic element (TE) that these components can be provided in a variety and interpreted as needed manner and to the multifunctional module 10 as part of a Pre-assembly can be attached. Advantageously, in the final assembly, only the module 10 is attached to said units on the motor (M).

The invention is based on a multifunctional module 10 for attachment to an internal combustion engine and for guiding fluids, in particular in the form of exhaust gas 5 and coolant 16, comprising: a first line section 1A, 1B designed for a part of an exhaust gas recirculation system, with at least one feed 1C, 2C to an exhaust gas cooler AGK; a second, designed for a part of a cooling system line section 2A, 2B at least with a supply 1C, 2C to a thermostatic element TE. According to the concept of the invention, the module 10 also has a first space 3 for arranging an exhaust gas control device (EGR valve) for controlling an exhaust gas flow 5 to be returned to the engine (M).

Claims (9)

1. A multifunctional module for attachment to an internal combustion engine and for directing fluids in the form of exhaust gas (5) and coolant (16), comprising:

   - a first line section (1A, 1B) designed for a part of an exhaust-gas recirculation system, at least having one feed line (1C) to an exhaust-gas cooler:

   - a second line section (2A, 2B) designed for a part of a cooling system, at least having one feed line (2C) to a thermostatic element (TE);

   - a first chamber (3) for the placement of an exhaust-gas regulating device (EGR valve) for regulating an exhaust-gas flow (5) to be returned to the interval combustion engine (M);

   - a further, second chamber (4) for the placement of a further exhaust-gas regulating device for regulating an exhaust-gas flow to be fed to the exhaust-gas cooler (EGC), wherein connecting means (12, 13) are provided for attacking the components to the module (10), comprising: an engine (M), an exhaust-gas cooler (EGC), an exhaust-gas recirculation valve and a thermostatic element (TE), such at a thermostat,

   characterized in that parts of the first and the second line section (1A, 1B, 2A, 2B) extent parallel next to one another, such as parallel parts of the first of the first and the second line section (1A, 1B, 2A, 2B) on the fluid outlet side and/or parallel parts of the first and the second line section (1A, 2B, 2A, 2B) of the fluid outlet side and parts of the first and the second line section on the fluid inlet side (1A, 2A) transverse to fluidoutlet side parts (1B, 2B) of the first and the second line section, and a valve seat (19) for the exhaust-gas regulating device (4) for regulating an exhaust-gas flow (5) to be returned to the engine (M) is assigned to the first chamber (3), and the valve seat (19) is cooled, for example by a part of the second line section (1A, 1B, 2A,2B) extending directly adjacent to the valve seat (19) on the fluid outlet side.
2. The module according to claim 1, characterized in that the module (10) is designed as an integral structural unit, preferably the module (10) is made of a maternal selected from the group comprising: aluminum, stahl, more particularly as a cast part, preferably as a diecast part or a precision-case part.
3. The module according to one of the claims 1 to 2, characterized in that a connecting means (12, 13) comprises a bolting point, such as a bolting point in the form of a bore hole for receiving a bolt.
4. The module according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a connecting means (12, 13) is formed integral with the unit, such as having an eye at a flange and/or a line section (1A, 1B, 2A, 2B).
5. The module according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that an exhaust-gas branch line (17) for returning exhaust gas to the internal combustion engine extends away from the first chamber (3), on the exhaust-gas outlet side, for example.
6. The module according to one of the claims 1 to 5, the module according to claim 1, characterized in that a second branch line (17) extends to the exhaust-gas cooler and a second branch line (17) extends to the first chamber (3) downstream of a coolant inlet to the second line section (1A, 1B, 2A, 2B), such as upstream of the feed line (1C, 2C) to the thermostatic element (TE).
7. An arrangement comprising a module according to one of the preceding claims, having an exhaust-gas cooler and/or an exhaust-gas regulating devise (4) for regulating an exhaust-gas flow (5) to be returned to the internal combustion engine, more particularly an exhaust-gas recirculation valve, and/or a thermostatic element (TE).
8. The arrangement according to claim 7, characterized in that the exhaust-gas cooler, preferably having a U-flow construction, comprises a housing, more particularly a housing having a vacuum tank mounted thereon.
9. An internal combustion engine, more particularly a diesel engine (DM) or a gasoline engine, comprising an arrangement according to claim 7 or 8.

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