JPH11190233A - Electric throttle device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] An accelerator operation amount detecting device is attached to a throttle body at a position parallel to a valve shaft, and is provided detachably.
Reduce the number of parts and downsize the entire device. A throttle valve is rotatably provided on a throttle body via a valve shaft, and the throttle valve is driven by an electric motor via a reduction gear mechanism. The throttle body 1 is provided with a pedestal at a position opposite to the reduction gear mechanism 8 in the axial direction with the electric motor 7 interposed therebetween, and the accelerator operation amount detecting device 21 can be attached to the pedestal and removed. To be provided. Thereby, the throttle body 1 is formed as a common component to form an integrated type and a separate type of electric throttle device.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electric throttle device which is suitably used for variably controlling an intake air amount of, for example, an automobile engine in accordance with an operation amount of an accelerator pedal, and more particularly, to an electric motor. The present invention relates to an electric throttle device configured to open and close a throttle valve using an actuator such as the above.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, an electric throttle device used for an automobile engine or the like is provided with a throttle body provided with an intake passage therein, and a rotatable member provided on the throttle body via a valve shaft. A throttle valve for opening and closing the passage, an accelerator operation amount detecting means connected to an accelerator pedal provided on the vehicle via a wire or the like, for detecting an operation amount of the accelerator pedal and outputting a detection signal, and provided on the throttle body. And an electric motor for driving a throttle valve.

In a conventional electric throttle device of this type, a throttle body is connected to an intake system of an engine in an engine room of a vehicle, and an accelerator operation amount detecting device is connected to an accelerator pedal of the vehicle, for example, near the foot of a driver's seat. Is arranged as a separate electric throttle device in which the throttle body and the accelerator operation amount detecting device are separately disposed.

Here, the accelerator operation amount detecting device is connected to an accelerator pedal via a wire, and rotates in accordance with the operation amount of the accelerator pedal. And an operation amount sensor for detecting the operation amount. Further, the operation amount sensor and the electric motor are configured to be connected to an engine control control unit or the like provided in the vehicle.

When the driver depresses the accelerator pedal during driving of the vehicle, the accelerator operation amount detecting device detects the accelerator operation amount of the driver via a wire or the like and outputs a detection signal to the control unit. I do. Further, the control unit outputs a drive signal to the electric motor using a detection signal or the like from the accelerator operation amount detection device, and opens and closes the throttle valve by the electric motor. Thus, the intake air amount of the engine is controlled in accordance with the accelerator operation amount and the like, so that the driver can freely accelerate and decelerate the vehicle by operating the accelerator pedal.

On the other hand, as another prior art, as described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 60-240835, a turning device connected to an accelerator pedal is mounted on a throttle body using mounting screws or the like. By integrally disposing these components in an engine room and connecting the turning device and an accelerator pedal with a wire or the like, an integrated electric throttle device including a throttle body and a turning device is also known. Have been.

[0007]

In the prior art described above, the throttle body and the accelerator operation amount detecting device are separately provided to constitute a separate electric throttle device, and the other conventional technology is used. In this example, an integrated electric throttle device is configured by integrally providing a throttle body and a rotating device.

However, when a plurality of types of vehicles are manufactured, an integrated or separate electric throttle device may be used depending on the type of vehicle depending on the type of vehicle due to, for example, restrictions on the layout of the accelerator operation amount detection device. By forming the throttle body used for the electric throttle device as a common part, there is a demand to reduce the number of parts as a whole and to improve the efficiency of design, management and the like.

In this case, it is conceivable to adopt a configuration in which, for example, a rotating device is detachably mounted on a throttle body, which is a common component, by using a mounting screw or the like, as in other conventional techniques. Therefore, when the electric throttle device is constructed simply by attaching it to the outer wall of the throttle body, the size of the integrated electric throttle device is easily increased, and the layout and installation work in the engine room becomes difficult.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, and the present invention allows the use of a common throttle body for an integrated type and a separate type electric throttle device, thereby reducing the number of parts as a whole. It is another object of the present invention to provide an electric throttle device which can be formed compactly even when an integrated electric throttle device is formed.

[0011]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a first aspect of the present invention is to provide a throttle body having an intake passage formed therein, and a throttle body rotatably provided through a valve shaft. A throttle valve that opens and closes the intake passage, an accelerator operation amount detection unit that is mechanically connected to an accelerator pedal provided in the vehicle, detects an operation amount of the accelerator pedal, and outputs a detection signal; The throttle body is provided in parallel with the axis of
An electric motor for driving the throttle valve, a reduction gear mechanism located on one side of the valve shaft in the axial direction and provided between the electric motor and the valve shaft, and the reduction gear mechanism sandwiching the electric motor And a pedestal portion provided on the throttle body at a position opposite to the axial direction, the accelerator operation amount detecting means being attached, and being detachably supported.

With this configuration, for example, the control unit for controlling the engine provided in the vehicle outputs the drive signal to the electric motor or the like by using the detection signal from the accelerator operation amount detecting means, so that the electric motor is controlled. The throttle valve can be opened and closed via a motor and a reduction gear mechanism, and the opening of the throttle valve can be variably controlled according to the accelerator operation amount. Further, by attaching and detaching the accelerator operation amount detecting means to and from the pedestal portion of the throttle body, it is possible to configure an integrated type and a separate type electric throttle device by a common throttle body.

[0013] In the invention of claim 2, the accelerator operation amount detecting means is provided on a mount frame detachably mounted on the pedestal portion of the throttle body, and is provided with a mechanism for controlling an operation amount of the accelerator pedal provided on the mount frame. And an operation amount sensor that detects the movement amount.

Thus, by attaching and detaching the mounting frame of the accelerator operation amount detecting means to and from the pedestal portion of the throttle body, it is possible to form an integrated type and a separate type of electric throttle device. Can detect the operation amount of the accelerator pedal by the operation amount sensor.

Further, in the invention according to claim 3, the accelerator operation amount detecting means is arranged on the vehicle together with the throttle body while being attached to a pedestal portion of the throttle body.

This makes it possible to form an integrated throttle valve device, and for example, it is possible to dispose the throttle body and the accelerator operation amount detecting means in the engine room of the vehicle in an integrated state.

Further, in the invention according to claim 4, the accelerator operation amount detecting means is disposed at a position different from the throttle body with respect to the vehicle in a state where the accelerator operation amount detecting means is detached from a pedestal portion of the throttle body.

Thus, a separate throttle valve device can be constructed. For example, the throttle body is provided in the engine room of the vehicle, and the accelerator operation amount detecting means is provided separately from the throttle body near the accelerator pedal. Can be set up.

Further, according to the present invention, the throttle valve is provided between the throttle valve and the accelerator operation amount detecting means by using the operation force of the accelerator pedal when the driving force of the electric motor has expired. A back-up means forcibly opening the valve, the back-up means being provided on the other side in the axial direction of the valve shaft in a radial direction, and being provided with a throttle lever which rotates integrally with the throttle valve. The throttle lever is allowed to rotate by the valve shaft, and when the driving force of the electric motor expires, the operating force of the accelerator pedal is transmitted to the throttle lever, and the throttle valve is moved from the other axial side of the valve shaft. And a rotation transmitting means for forcibly rotating the rotation.

Thus, when the throttle valve is driven by the electric motor, the throttle lever of the backup means can be allowed to rotate together with the throttle valve. Further, when the driving force of the electric motor has expired, the operation force of the accelerator pedal can be transmitted to the throttle lever by the rotation transmitting means, and the throttle valve is forcibly operated by the backup means according to the operation amount of the accelerator pedal. Can be opened.

Further, in the invention according to claim 6, the accelerator operation amount detecting means is attached to the pedestal portion of the throttle body and is detachable, and a rotating shaft rotatably supported by the attaching frame. A wire drum provided on the rotating shaft and connected to the accelerator pedal via a wire to rotate the rotating shaft in accordance with an accelerator operation amount; and a rotation of the rotating shaft provided on the mounting frame. An operation amount sensor that detects a movement amount as an accelerator operation amount, and a rotation transmission unit that constitutes the backup unit is provided around the rotation axis so as to be relatively rotatable with respect to the wire drum; A protruding lever that protrudes radially so as to be engageable with the throttle lever, and is disposed between the protruding lever and the wire drum, and normally rotates the protruding lever integrally with the wire drum. Is, the lever out 該張 to the wire drum is constituted by a spring that allows for relative rotation when the overhung lever is rotated by the throttle lever in engagement with the throttle lever.

Thus, the rotating shaft of the accelerator operation amount detecting means and the wire drum can be rotated according to the operation amount of the accelerator pedal. At this time, the extension lever of the rotation transmitting means is operated by the urging force of the spring. It can rotate integrally with the wire drum. Then, when the throttle valve is driven by the electric motor in the valve closing direction by, for example, traction control of the vehicle, and the throttle lever is engaged with the overhang lever, the overhang lever is opposed to the wire drum against the spring. This allows the throttle valve to rotate in a direction opposite to the operation direction of the accelerator pedal. On the other hand, when the driving force of the electric motor expires, the rotation of the wire drum can be transmitted from the extension lever to the throttle lever via the spring of the rotation transmission means, and the throttle valve is rotated according to the accelerator operation amount. Can be done.

[0023]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an electric throttle device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 1 to 3 show a first embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a case where a separate electric throttle device is constructed will be described as an example.

Reference numeral 1 denotes a throttle body formed by using, for example, aluminum die casting or the like. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a throttle chamber 1A as an intake passage is formed in the throttle body 1. I have. The throttle body 1 has a throttle chamber 1A.
XX of the valve shaft 2 described later at a position radially away from the
The motor housing case 1B arranged in parallel with the above, a gear case 1C arranged on one end side of the valve shaft 2, a sensor case 1D arranged on the other end side of the valve shaft 2, and a pedestal portion 12 described later. It is formed integrally.

The throttle body 1 is disposed, for example, in an engine room of a vehicle, and a throttle chamber 1A is connected in the middle of an intake system (neither is shown) of the engine.

Reference numeral 2 denotes a valve shaft rotatably provided on the throttle body 1 via a bearing or the like. The valve shaft 2 extends through the inside of the throttle chamber 1A in the radial direction, and extends along an axis X shown in FIG. It is arranged along -X. One end of the valve shaft 2 projects into the gear case 1C, and the other end projects toward the sensor case 1D.

Reference numeral 3 denotes a throttle valve rotatably provided in a throttle chamber 1A of the throttle body 1 via a valve shaft 2. The throttle valve 3 is formed of a circular valve plate corresponding to the inner diameter of the throttle chamber 1A. And is integrated at the axially intermediate portion of the valve shaft 2. Then, the throttle valve 3 moves the valve shaft 2 between the fully closed position and the fully opened position.
With this rotation, the intake air amount of the engine is variably adjusted according to the opening (throttle opening).

Reference numeral 4 denotes an accelerator operation amount detecting device as accelerator operation amount detecting means.
As shown in FIG. 1, is disposed separately from the throttle body 1, for example, near the accelerator pedal 5 of the vehicle, and constitutes a separate electric throttle device together with the throttle body 1. The accelerator operation amount detection device 4 includes a wire drum 4C rotatably provided on a mounting frame 4A via a rotation shaft 4B, an operation amount sensor (not shown), and the like. It is connected to the accelerator pedal 5 via a wire 6 or the like.

When the driver depresses the accelerator pedal 5, the wire drum 4C is rotated by the wire 6 and rotated so as to have a rotation angle corresponding to the operation amount of the accelerator pedal 5 (accelerator operation amount). I do. The operation amount sensor detects the amount of rotation of the wire drum 4C as an accelerator operation amount, and outputs a detection signal to a control unit 11 described later.

Numeral 7 denotes, for example, a DC electric motor housed in a motor housing case 1B of the throttle body 1. The electric motor 7 has an axis XX of the valve shaft 2 as shown in FIG.
The output shaft 7A is arranged along the axis Y-Y and protrudes into the gear case 1C of the throttle body 1. Here, the axis Y- of the output shaft 7A
Y extends substantially parallel to the axis XX at a position spaced apart from the axis XX of the valve shaft 2 by a dimension L in the radial direction.

The electric motor 7 drives the output shaft 7A to rotate in response to a drive signal from the control unit 11, and opens the throttle valve 3 from one end of the valve shaft 2 via a reduction gear mechanism 8 described later. In the direction or valve closing direction.

Numeral 8 denotes a reduction gear mechanism provided between the output shaft 7A of the electric motor 7 and one end of the valve shaft 2. The reduction gear mechanism 8 includes a gear of the throttle body 1 as shown in FIG. For example, three gears 8A, 8 housed in case 1C
B, 8C, etc., and is covered by a cover 9.
The reduction gear mechanism 8 reduces the rotation of the electric motor 7 and transmits a large rotational driving force to the valve shaft 2. Further, the reduction gear mechanism 8 is provided with a holding spring (not shown) for holding the throttle valve 3 at a predetermined intermediate opening position between the fully closed position and the fully opened position.

Reference numeral 10 denotes a throttle sensor provided on the sensor case 1D side of the throttle body 1. The throttle sensor 10 comprises a potentiometer or the like, detects the rotation angle of the valve shaft 2 as a throttle opening, and controls the control unit 11 To output a detection signal to the CPU.

Reference numeral 11 denotes a control unit for controlling the engine provided in the vehicle.
As shown in FIG. 1, the input side is connected to the operation amount sensor of the accelerator operation amount detection device 4, the throttle sensor 10, and the like, and the output side is connected to the electric motor 7 and the like. Then, the control unit 11 outputs a drive signal to the electric motor 7 using a detection signal or the like from the operation amount sensor,
The throttle valve 3 is rotated by the electric motor 7 or the like according to the accelerator operation amount.

The control unit 11 has a function for controlling the traction of the vehicle. At the time of the traction control, for example, when it is detected that the wheels (drive wheels) of the vehicle idle due to slip or the like,
The throttle valve 3 is forcibly driven in the valve closing direction by the electric motor 7 or the like to temporarily reduce the tractive force (driving force) of the vehicle, thereby avoiding slipping at the time of starting or running the vehicle.

Reference numeral 12 denotes a pedestal portion for mounting the accelerator operation amount detecting device 4 when constituting an integrated electric throttle device to be described later.
As shown in the figure, the throttle body 1 is made of a substantially flat metal plate and is disposed on the opposite side of the reduction gear mechanism 8 with respect to the axis XX of the valve shaft 2 with the electric motor 7 interposed therebetween. It is provided near the other end of the valve shaft 2.

The pedestal portion 12 is provided with an axis XX of the valve shaft 2.
A substantially rectangular flat plate portion 12A extending with a certain length in the direction, and is formed integrally between the front and back sides of the flat plate portion 12A and the throttle body 1, and extends substantially in the length direction of the throttle chamber 1A. Triangular reinforcing ribs 12
B, 12B,..., For example, two bolt insertion holes 12C, 12C are formed in the flat plate portion 12A.

The separate electric throttle device according to the present embodiment has the above-described configuration, and the operation thereof will be described next.

First, when the driver depresses the accelerator pedal 5, the operating force is transmitted to the wire drum 4C of the accelerator operation amount detecting device 4 via the wire 6,
The wire drum 4C is rotated by an angle corresponding to the accelerator operation amount against the return spring. When the operation amount sensor detects the rotation angle of the wire drum 4C, it outputs a detection signal to the control unit 11, and the control unit 11 uses the detection signal from the operation amount sensor and the like to output a drive signal corresponding to the accelerator operation amount. Is output to the electric motor 7.

Thus, the throttle valve 3 is driven by the electric motor 7 via the reduction gear mechanism 8 and the like, and is controlled to be opened and closed by the control unit 11 so as to have an opening corresponding to the accelerator operation amount.

Thus, in the present embodiment, since the pedestal portion 12 for mounting and detachably supporting the accelerator operation amount detecting device 4 is provided on the throttle body 1, the accelerator operation amount detecting device 4 is moved from the pedestal portion 12. In a detached state, it can be arranged, for example, in the vicinity of the accelerator pedal 5, and can constitute a separate electric throttle device.

In this case, the accelerator operation amount detecting device 4 is provided on the opposite side of the reduction gear mechanism 8 with respect to the axis XX of the valve shaft 2 with the electric motor 7 interposed therebetween. XX and the axis YY of the electric motor 7 are arranged in parallel, and the electric motor 7 and the accelerator operation amount detection device 4 are arranged on the throttle body 1 in a state where the dimension L formed therebetween is reduced. The external dimensions of the separate electric throttle device can be reduced with respect to the axis XX direction of the valve shaft 2, and the separate electric throttle device having the electric motor 7 and the pedestal portion 12 can be made compact. Can be formed.

When an integrated electric throttle device is constructed with respect to the separate electric throttle device according to the present embodiment, the accelerator operation amount detecting device 4 and the like are connected to the pedestal portion 12 of the throttle body 1. , The throttle body 1 can be shared with the integrated and separate electric throttle devices, the number of parts of the electric throttle device can be reduced as a whole, and the efficiency of the design and management thereof can be reduced. And cost reduction.

FIGS. 4 to 13 show a second embodiment of the present invention.
In this embodiment, a case where an integrated electric throttle device is configured will be described as an example.
Note that, in the present embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

Reference numeral 21 denotes an accelerator operation amount detecting device according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, the accelerator operation amount detecting device 21 is substantially the same as the accelerator operation amount detecting device 4 according to the first embodiment. Similarly, a mounting frame 2 described later
2. It comprises a rotating shaft 26, a wire drum 27, a return spring 28, an operation amount sensor 30, and the like. However, in the present embodiment, the accelerator operation amount detecting device 21 is attached to the pedestal portion 12 of the throttle body 1 and is detachably provided, and constitutes an electric throttle device integrated with the throttle body 1.

Reference numeral 22 denotes a mounting frame supported by the pedestal portion 12 of the throttle body 1.
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a flat plate removably attached to the flat plate portion 12 </ b> A of the pedestal portion 12 by screwing each mounting bolt 23 and the like through each bolt insertion hole 12 </ b> C of the pedestal portion 12. A mounting portion 22A is formed, and two support portions 22B and 22C protruding from the mounting portion 22A at intervals.

The wire drum 2 is attached to the mounting portion 22A.
An adjustment screw 24 for adjusting the minimum rotation position of the wire 7 and a wire guide 25 (see FIG. 6) for guiding the winding and unwinding of the wire 6 on the wire drum 27 are provided.
Further, a cylindrical bearing portion 22D protrudes from the support portion 22C located on the other side in the axial direction among the support portions 22B and 22C.

Reference numeral 26 denotes a support portion 22B of the mounting frame 22,
22C is a rotatable shaft rotatably provided via a bearing or the like, and the rotatable shaft 26 is formed of a stepped metal rod or the like, and the valve shaft 2
And extend almost in parallel.

Reference numeral 27 denotes a wire drum fitted around the outer periphery of the rotating shaft 26 in a detented state. The wire drum 27 is connected to the mounting frame 22 via the rotating shaft 26 as shown in FIGS. Is mounted to be rotatable. Further, the wire drum 27 has a stopper 2 for determining its minimum rotation position.
7A, a stopper 27B for determining the maximum rotation position, and a stopper 27C for the overhang lever 35 described later are integrally provided, and a distal end side of a wire 6 extending from the accelerator pedal 5 is wound.

Here, when the driver releases the operation of the accelerator pedal 5, the stopper 27A on the minimum side is attached to the mounting frame 2 by the urging force of the return spring 28 as shown in FIG.
The wire drum 27 is held in the minimum rotation position by abutting on the adjustment screw 24 on the second side. When the driver depresses the accelerator pedal 5, the wire drum 27 is opposed to the return spring 28 by the wire 6 in FIG.
The stopper 27B is rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow A1 in the middle, and rotates in accordance with the accelerator operation amount to the maximum opening position where the stopper 27B comes into contact with the support portion 22B of the mounting frame 22.

Thus, when the wire drum 27 is turned in the directions indicated by the arrows A1 and A2 in accordance with the operation amount of the accelerator pedal 5, the throttle valve 3 is moved to the control unit 11 in substantially the same manner as in the first embodiment. It is driven by the electric motor 7, the reduction gear mechanism 8 and the like against the holding spring, and rotates together with the valve shaft 2 in the direction of arrow B1 (valve opening direction) or the direction of arrow B2 (valve closing direction).

Reference numeral 28 denotes a return spring mounted on the outer peripheral side of the rotating shaft 26 via a spring holding member or the like.
As shown in FIG. 7, one end is attached to the rotating shaft 26 via a substantially L-shaped stop plate 29 in a hooked state, and the other end is hooked to the support portion 22 </ b> B of the attachment frame 22. The return spring 28 connects the wire drum 27 to the mounting frame 2.
2 is urged in the direction of arrow A2 in FIG.

Reference numeral 30 denotes an operation amount sensor comprising a potentiometer or the like provided on the support portion 22C of the mounting frame 22, and the operation amount sensor 30 uses the rotation angle of the wire drum 27 as an accelerator operation amount as shown in FIG. It detects from the other end side of the rotating shaft 26 and outputs a detection signal to the control unit 11.

Reference numeral 31 denotes a backup device provided between the throttle valve 3 and the accelerator operation amount detecting device 21 as backup means.
Is, as shown in FIG. 5, a throttle lever 32 described later,
When the driving force of the electric motor 7 expires, the throttle valve 3 is forcibly opened using the operation force of the accelerator pedal 5.

Reference numeral 32 denotes a throttle lever which is formed of a long metal plate or the like and constitutes a backup device 31. As shown in FIG. It is fixed to the other end side in a detent state, and the front end side protrudes radially from the valve shaft 2.
Further, an engagement pin 32 </ b> A for the extension lever 35 is provided on the distal end side of the throttle lever 32 so as to protrude in the axial direction.

Here, the throttle lever 32 is disposed at the position shown by the solid line in FIG. 9 when the throttle valve 3 is at the intermediate opening position, and the throttle lever 3 is located between the closed position and the fully opened position. When the throttle valve 3 is turned, it turns integrally with the throttle valve 3 between a position on the valve closing side shown by a virtual line in FIG. 9 and a position on the fully open side shown in FIG.

Numeral 34 denotes a throttle operating mechanism as a rotation transmitting means provided in the accelerator operation amount detecting device 21. As shown in FIG. 9, the throttle operating mechanism 34 includes a protruding lever 35, a spring 36 and the like which will be described later. It is configured.
When the driving force of the electric motor 7 becomes invalid due to a failure of a valve driving system including the electric motor 7, the reduction gear mechanism 8, the control unit 11, and the like, the throttle operation mechanism 34 operates the accelerator pedal 5 by the driver. The force is mechanically transmitted to the throttle lever 32 via the accelerator operation amount detecting device 21, and constitutes a backup device 31 together with the throttle lever 32.

Reference numeral 35 denotes an overhang lever formed of a long, substantially triangular metal plate or the like. As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the overhang lever 35 has a base end side via a sliding member or the like. It is slidably fitted on the outer peripheral side of the bearing portion 22D of the mounting frame 22, and is provided so as to be relatively rotatable with respect to the rotating shaft 26 (wire drum 27). The projecting lever 35 radially projects from the rotating shaft 26 in a radial direction with a predetermined projecting dimension so that the distal end side can be engaged with the throttle lever 32. A portion 35A and a substantially triangular protrusion 35B are provided.

The extension lever 35 is urged by a spring 36 provided between the extension lever 35 and the wire drum 27 toward the stopper 27C of the wire drum 27 in the direction of arrow C1 in FIG. Thereby, the overhang lever 35
Except when pushed by the throttle lever 32, the projection 35B is kept in contact with the stopper 27C of the wire drum 27, and when the driver depresses the accelerator pedal 5, the arrow A1 in FIG. It rotates integrally with the wire drum 27 in the direction.

In this case, the extension lever 35 is separated from the throttle lever 32 until the wire drum 27 rotates from the minimum rotation position to a rotation angle larger than a predetermined rotation angle (for example, 10 ° to 30 °). When the throttle valve 3 is driven by the electric motor 7 or the like in accordance with the accelerator operation amount, the throttle valve 3 does not engage with the throttle lever 32 that rotates with the throttle valve 32 as described later. I have.

On the other hand, when the driving force of the electric motor 7 has expired, the throttle lever 32 remains stationary at the intermediate opening position even if the driver steps on the accelerator pedal 5, so that the tension The output lever 35 is a wire drum 2
7 and engages with the engagement pin 32 </ b> A of the throttle lever 32.

A spring 36 is mounted on the outer peripheral side of the rotating shaft 26 via a spring holding member or the like.
Is disposed between the support portions 22B and 22C of the mounting frame 22, as shown in FIGS. One end of the spring 36 has a stopper 27 of the wire drum 27.
A, and the other end side is a locking portion 35 of the extension lever 35.
A is hooked.

Here, the spring force of the spring 36 acting on the extension lever 35 is greater than the biasing force of the throttle valve 3 biased to the intermediate opening position by the holding spring of the reduction gear mechanism 8, and The valve 3 is set in advance so as to be smaller than the driving force driven by the electric motor 7 or the like in the direction of arrow B2 in FIG.

Thus, when the throttle lever 32 is rotated by the electric motor 7 or the like and engaged with the extension lever 35, the extension lever 35 is pushed by the throttle lever 32 against the spring 36, and the wire drum is moved. 27
Relative to the direction of arrow C2 in FIG.

When the driving force of the electric motor 7 has expired, when the extension lever 35 rotates together with the wire drum 27 and engages with the throttle lever 32, the rotation of the wire drum 27 is caused by the spring force of the spring 36. The force is transmitted to the throttle lever 32 via the extension lever 35, and the throttle lever 32 is forcibly rotated in the valve opening direction by the extension lever 35 against the holding spring.

The integrated electric throttle device according to the present embodiment has the above-described configuration, and its operation will be described below.

First, when the driver releases the operation of the accelerator pedal 5 during operation of the engine, as shown in FIG. 9, the wire drum 27 is held at the minimum rotation position. A position distant from the throttle lever 32 is maintained corresponding to the minimum rotation position of the drum 27.

When the driver steps on the accelerator pedal 5, the operating force is transmitted to the wire drum 27 via the wire 6, and the wire drum 27 corresponds to the accelerator operation amount against the return spring 28. Rotated by an angle. As a result, the operation amount sensor 30 detects the rotation angle of the wire drum 27 and outputs a detection signal to the control unit 11, and the throttle valve 3 is opened and closed by the control unit 11, the electric motor 7, and the like according to the accelerator operation amount. It is driven to close.

At this time, the extension lever 35 rotates in the directions indicated by arrows A1 and A2 in FIG. 10 in accordance with the accelerator operation amount while being integrated with the wire drum 27, and the throttle lever 32 is driven by the electric motor. 7, the lever is rotated in the directions indicated by arrows B1 and B2 without engaging the extension lever 35.

Here, for example, when the wheels (drive wheels) slip during starting or running of the vehicle, the traction control of the control unit 11 may drive the throttle valve 3 in the valve closing direction. In this case, even when the driver is depressing the accelerator pedal 5, the throttle valve 3 is forcibly driven in the valve closing direction by the electric motor 7 or the like.

As a result, the throttle lever 32 is also
It is rotated in the direction of arrow B2 in the middle, and engages with the overhang lever 35 located at a position corresponding to the accelerator operation amount. Even when the spring 3 is held, the spring 3
6 relative to the wire drum 27 in the direction of arrow C2. Thus, the throttle lever 32 can rotate in the direction of arrow B2 without transmitting the rotational force to the wire drum 27.

On the other hand, if the driving force of the electric motor 7 becomes invalid due to a failure of the valve drive system or the like, the biasing force of the holding spring provided on the side of the reduction gear mechanism 8 as shown in FIG. As a result, the vehicle is stopped at the intermediate opening position. Also in this case, when the driver depresses the accelerator pedal 5 greatly, the extension lever 35 of the backup device 31
At the same time, by rotating in the direction of arrow A1, it engages with the throttle lever 32, through which the throttle valve 3 can be forcibly rotated in the direction of arrow B1.

As a result, when the driver depresses the accelerator pedal 5 to the maximum position, the throttle valve 3 is mechanically opened to a predetermined backup opening position by the throttle operating mechanism 34 as shown in FIG.
A throttle opening degree of, for example, about 10 to 30 degrees, which is predetermined by the shape, relative arrangement, and the like of the throttle lever 32, the extension lever 35, and the like, is maintained.

When the driver releases the operation of the accelerator pedal 5, the throttle valve 3 is moved to the speed reduction gear mechanism 8.
Is returned to the intermediate opening position by the holding spring. Therefore, the driver opens and closes the throttle valve 3 between the intermediate opening position and the backup opening position in accordance with the operation amount of the accelerator pedal 5 even when the driving force of the electric motor 7 has expired. And acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle can be arbitrarily performed.

Thus, also in the present embodiment configured as described above, it is possible to obtain substantially the same operation and effect as in the first embodiment. And especially in this embodiment,
Since the accelerator operation amount detecting device 21 is configured to be mounted on the pedestal portion 12 of the throttle body 1 by using the mounting bolts 23 and the like, the throttle body 1 common to the separate electric throttle device according to the first embodiment is used. By using this, an integrated electric throttle device can be easily configured, and the number of parts as a whole can be reliably reduced.

In this case, the accelerator operation amount detecting device 21 is disposed on the opposite side of the reduction gear mechanism 8 with respect to the axis XX of the valve shaft 2 with the electric motor 7 interposed therebetween. And the axis Y-Y of the electric motor 7 are arranged in parallel, and the electric motor 7 and the accelerator operation amount detecting device 21 are connected to the throttle body 1 in a state where the dimension L formed therebetween is reduced. , The external dimensions of the integrated electric throttle device can be reduced in the direction of the axis XX of the valve shaft 2, and the integrated electric throttle device having the electric motor 7 and the accelerator operation amount detecting device 21. The throttle device can be made compact.

Further, the pedestal portion 12 of the throttle body 1
Is disposed in the vicinity of the other end of the valve shaft 2. Therefore, in the integrated electric throttle device, a backup device 31 is provided between the accelerator operation amount detecting device 21 attached to the base 12 and the throttle valve 3. The driving performance of the vehicle can be greatly improved even when the vehicle is running with the driving force of the electric motor 7 invalid.

That is, a throttle lever 32 is provided on the other end side of the valve shaft 2, and a throttle operating mechanism 34 is provided with an overhang lever 35 provided so as to be able to engage with the throttle lever 32, 27, the spring 36 and the like disposed between the valve 27 and the valve drive system.
When the driver greatly depresses the accelerator pedal, the extension lever 35 that rotates together with the wire drum 27 is operated.
Can be reliably engaged with the throttle lever 32, and the throttle valve 3 can be forcibly rotated in the valve opening direction via the throttle lever 32.

Thus, even when the driving force of the electric motor 7 has expired, the driver can operate the accelerator pedal 5 in substantially the same manner as in a normal state, and can stably hold the intake air amount of the engine. The throttle opening can be adjusted by the throttle operating mechanism 34 so that the opening of No. 3 corresponds to the accelerator operation amount, and the acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle can be arbitrarily performed.

Therefore, the backup device 31 for the electric motor 7 can be easily formed in the integrated electric throttle device simply by disposing the components such as the throttle lever 32, the extension lever 35, and the spring 36. The structure can be simplified, and safety and reliability can be reliably improved.

The extension lever 35 is connected to the wire drum 27.
The throttle valve 3 is closed by the electric motor 7 or the like when the accelerator pedal 5 is depressed, for example, during traction control. Even when driven in the valve direction, the throttle lever 32 can be preferentially rotated by the relative rotation of the extension lever 35.

As a result, the turning operation of the throttle valve 3 is hindered by the overhang lever 35, and the driving force of the electric motor 7 in the valve closing direction is accelerated via the overhang lever 35, the wire drum 27, the wire 6 and the like. The transmission to the pedal 5 can be prevented, the throttle valve 3 can be stably driven by the electric motor 7 and the like, and the accelerator pedal 5 tries to return against the driver's operation force by the driving force of the electric motor 7. Operation (kickback) can be reliably prevented.

Further, since the spring force of the spring 36 is set to be larger than the urging force of the holding spring of the reduction gear mechanism 8 and smaller than the driving force of the electric motor 7, the throttle lever with the extended lever 35 turned 32, the rotation can be transmitted to the throttle lever 32 against the holding spring by the spring force of the spring 36. On the other hand, the throttle lever 32 is rotated to
5, the rotation can be stably transmitted to the extension lever 35 against the spring 36 by the driving force of the electric motor 7.

Further, until the driver depresses the accelerator pedal 5 in a state where the driving force of the electric motor 7 has expired, the extension lever 35 is kept at a position away from the throttle lever 32. From the electric motor 7
When the driving force is normal, it is possible to reliably prevent the throttle lever 32 from engaging with the overhang lever 35 when the electric motor 7 rotates, except during traction control. 7 can be reduced, and its durability can be increased.

Further, the accelerator operation amount detecting device 21 is
It comprises a mounting frame 22, a rotating shaft 26, a wire drum 27, an operation amount sensor 30, and the like, and a stopper 27A on the minimum side of the wire drum 27 is also used as a hook for a spring 36, and is used for an extension lever 35. Stopper 27C
Is provided on the wire drum 27, the rotational displacement of the rotational shaft 26 can be reliably detected as an accelerator operation amount by the operation amount sensor 30, and the number of parts of the throttle operation mechanism 34 is reduced to efficiently perform the assembling work. be able to.

In the first embodiment, a separate electric throttle device is constructed by using the accelerator operation amount detecting device 4 and the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the second embodiment is not limited thereto. A separate electric throttle device may be configured by using the accelerator operation amount detecting device 21 instead of the accelerator operation amount detecting device 4 in a state where the overhang lever 35, the spring 36, and the like are removed in advance. As a result, the mounting frame 22, the rotating shaft 26, the wire drum 27, and the like can be shared with the integrated electric throttle device, so that the number of parts as a whole can be further reduced.

In the second embodiment, the throttle valve 3 is held at the intermediate opening position by the holding spring of the reduction gear mechanism 8 while the driver releases the operation of the accelerator pedal 5. However, the present invention is not limited to this,
For example, an urging means such as a spring may be provided on the reduction gear mechanism 8 side, and when the accelerator operation is released, the throttle valve 3 may be returned to the closed position by the urging means.

[0089]

As described in detail above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the throttle body has an electric motor arranged in parallel with the axis of the valve shaft, and a reduction gear mechanism with the electric motor interposed therebetween. The accelerator operation amount detecting means is mounted on the opposite side of the throttle body, and a pedestal portion is provided to detachably support the accelerator operation amount detecting means. In addition, an integrated electric throttle device and a separate electric throttle device can be configured with the throttle body as a common component, so that the number of components as a whole can be reduced, and the design and management of the throttle device can be made more efficient and cost can be reduced. In addition, since the electric motor and the pedestal can be arranged in parallel to the valve shaft, they can be arranged compactly with respect to the throttle body, and not only when a separate electric throttle device is constructed,
Even when an integrated electric throttle device is configured, the entire device can be reliably reduced in size.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the accelerator operation amount detecting means is constituted by the mounting frame and the operation amount sensor, the operation amount of the accelerator pedal can be reliably detected by the operation amount sensor. The drive control of the throttle valve can be smoothly performed using the detection signal or the like.

Further, according to the third aspect of the present invention, the accelerator operation amount detecting means is arranged on the vehicle together with the throttle body while being attached to the pedestal portion of the throttle body. The integrated electric throttle device to be provided can be easily configured.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the accelerator operation amount detecting means is arranged on the vehicle together with the throttle body in a state where it is detached from the base of the throttle body. Since the accelerator operation amount detecting means can be provided, a separate electric throttle device can be easily configured.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when an integrated electric throttle device is constructed, the throttle lever, the overhang lever, and the throttle lever are located between the throttle valve and the accelerator operation amount detecting means. Since the backup means consisting of a spring is provided, even when the driving force of the electric motor has expired, the driver only needs to operate the accelerator pedal almost in the same manner as in normal operation, and the throttle opening can be adjusted according to the accelerator operation amount. It can be adjusted arbitrarily to improve the drivability of the vehicle in the backup state,
Reliability can be reliably increased.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the rotation transmitting means is constituted by the extension lever and the spring,
For example, when the throttle lever is rotated by the electric motor during traction control, the rotation can be allowed by the relative rotation of the extension lever with respect to the wire drum, and the throttle valve can be driven stably by the electric motor or the like. Thus, kickback of the accelerator pedal and the like can be reliably prevented.
Also, when the driving force of the electric motor has expired, the throttle valve can be reliably opened via the overhang lever and the throttle lever by operating the accelerator pedal,
The opening can be smoothly adjusted according to the accelerator operation amount.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an overall configuration of a separate electric throttle device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway plan view showing a throttle body and the like in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a right side view of FIG. 2 showing a throttle body and the like.

FIG. 4 is an overall configuration diagram showing an overall configuration of an integrated electric throttle device according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a part of the throttle body and the like in FIG. 4 cut away;

FIG. 6 is a right side view of FIG. 5 showing the electric throttle device.

FIG. 7 shows an accelerator operation amount detecting device, indicated by an arrow VI in FIG.
It is the external view seen from the I-VII direction.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged sectional view of a main part showing the accelerator operation amount detection device together with a throttle body.

FIG. 9 shows a state in which the wire drum is at the minimum rotation position and the throttle valve is at the intermediate opening position.
It is sectional drawing seen from the direction.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the throttle valve is driven to a fully open position by an electric motor.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the throttle lever is rotated by the electric motor and engaged with the extension lever during traction control.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the extension lever is engaged with the throttle lever in a state where the driving force of the electric motor has expired.

13 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the throttle valve is rotated from the state shown in FIG. 12 to a backup opening position.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Throttle body 1A Throttle chamber 2 Valve shaft 3 Throttle valve 4,21 Accelerator operation amount detecting device 4A, 22 Mounting frame 4B, 26 Rotating shaft 4C, 27 Wire drum 5 Accelerator pedal 6 Wire 7 Electric motor 7A Output shaft 8 Reduction gear Mechanism 12 Pedestal 30 Operation amount sensor 31 Backup device 32 Throttle lever 34 Throttle operation mechanism 35 Extension lever 36 Spring

Claims (6)

[Claims] A throttle body having an intake passage formed therein; a throttle valve rotatably provided on the throttle body via a valve shaft to open and close the intake passage; and an accelerator pedal provided in a vehicle. An accelerator operation amount detection unit that is mechanically connected, detects an operation amount of the accelerator pedal, and outputs a detection signal, and is provided in the throttle body in parallel with an axis of the valve shaft; An electric motor to be driven; a reduction gear mechanism located on one side of the valve shaft in the axial direction and provided between the electric motor and the valve shaft; A motor-operated throttle device which is provided on the throttle body at an opposite side, and which comprises a pedestal portion to which the accelerator operation amount detecting means is attached and detachably supported. 2. The accelerator operation amount detection means is mounted on a pedestal portion of the throttle body and is detachable, and an operation amount sensor provided on the attachment frame and detecting an operation amount of the accelerator pedal as a rotation amount. The electric throttle device according to claim 1, comprising: 3. The electric throttle device according to claim 1, wherein the accelerator operation amount detecting means is disposed on a vehicle together with the throttle body while being attached to a pedestal portion of the throttle body. 4. The electric type according to claim 1, wherein said accelerator operation amount detecting means is arranged at a position different from said throttle body with respect to a vehicle in a state where said accelerator operation amount detecting means is detached from a base portion of said throttle body. Throttle device. 5. A throttle valve is forcibly opened between the throttle valve and an accelerator operation amount detecting means using the operation force of the accelerator pedal when the driving force of the electric motor expires. A backup means is provided, and the backup means is provided so as to protrude in the radial direction on the other axial side of the valve shaft, and is provided with a throttle lever which rotates integrally with the throttle valve. When the driving force of the electric motor expires, the operation force of the accelerator pedal is transmitted to the throttle lever, and the throttle valve is forcibly rotated from the other axial side of the valve shaft. 4. The electric throttle device according to claim 1, wherein said electric throttle device comprises a transmission means. 6. The accelerator operation amount detecting means includes a mounting frame detachably mounted on a pedestal portion of the throttle body, a rotation shaft rotatably supported by the mounting frame, and a rotation shaft. A wire drum connected to the accelerator pedal via a wire and rotating the rotating shaft in accordance with an accelerator operation amount; and a rotation amount of the rotating shaft provided on the mounting frame is detected as an accelerator operation amount. And a rotation transmitting means, which constitutes the backup means, is provided around the rotation axis so as to be relatively rotatable with respect to the wire drum, and is capable of engaging with the throttle lever. A protruding lever that protrudes in the radial direction, and is disposed between the protruding lever and the wire drum, and always rotates the protruding lever integrally with the wire drum, and the protruding lever is 6. The electric throttle according to claim 5, further comprising: a spring that allows the extension lever to rotate relative to the wire drum when rotated by the throttle lever in a state in which the throttle lever is engaged. apparatus.