EP0833049B1 - Electrically actuated valve with continuous discharge in operation for canister regeneration - Google Patents

Electrically actuated valve with continuous discharge in operation for canister regeneration Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0833049B1
EP0833049B1 EP19970402207 EP97402207A EP0833049B1 EP 0833049 B1 EP0833049 B1 EP 0833049B1 EP 19970402207 EP19970402207 EP 19970402207 EP 97402207 A EP97402207 A EP 97402207A EP 0833049 B1 EP0833049 B1 EP 0833049B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
valve
coil
canister
chamber
seat
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EP19970402207
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0833049A1 (en
Inventor
Henri Mazet
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Marelli France SAS
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Magneti Marelli France SAS
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M25/00—Engine-pertinent apparatus for adding non-fuel substances or small quantities of secondary fuel to combustion-air, main fuel or fuel-air mixture
    • F02M25/08—Engine-pertinent apparatus for adding non-fuel substances or small quantities of secondary fuel to combustion-air, main fuel or fuel-air mixture adding fuel vapours drawn from engine fuel reservoir
    • F02M25/0836—Arrangement of valves controlling the admission of fuel vapour to an engine, e.g. valve being disposed between fuel tank or absorption canister and intake manifold
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M25/00—Engine-pertinent apparatus for adding non-fuel substances or small quantities of secondary fuel to combustion-air, main fuel or fuel-air mixture
    • F02M25/08—Engine-pertinent apparatus for adding non-fuel substances or small quantities of secondary fuel to combustion-air, main fuel or fuel-air mixture adding fuel vapours drawn from engine fuel reservoir
    • F02M2025/0845—Electromagnetic valves

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an electrically controlled valve. and with continuous opening in operation, for a circuit of regeneration of a canister associated with a combustion engine internal, supplied with air or air powered by at least an intake duct, in which the flow is controlled by a throttling member, for example of the rotary type commonly known as a butterfly.
  • the invention relates to a valve with a continuous canister purge flow and modulated by an electrical signal, for the regeneration of a canister associated with an internal combustion engine including the fuel system can either have a carburetor, the throttle of which rotary, or throttle valve, controls the mixing flow air-fuel, or be of the so-called "injection" type and have a butterfly body, including the throttling member rotary controls the intake air flow to the engine.
  • the canister is a receptacle collecting fuel vapors from various organs containing or traveled by fuel, in the circuit followed by the fuel in the vehicle and its engine, and in particular the fuel tank, as well as the engine, and injection tubing and injector (s), or, if applicable if applicable, from the carburetor.
  • the canister in which these fuel vapors are collected to avoid their release into the ambient air, is fitted with a vent in communication with the atmosphere, so that the fuel tank is vented to the through the canister.
  • a circuit regeneration system comprising a valve mounted on a pipeline connecting the canister to the intake duct, downstream of the throttle organ.
  • the arrival of this fuel air in the engine changes the richness of the air-fuel mixture prepared by the carburetor or the or the injectors, depending on the case, which receive (s) orders from control developed from signals from different engine operating parameter sensors, and in particular a probe measuring the oxygen level in engine exhaust.
  • solenoid valves comprising a calibrator with constant flow section and a check valve flow control, linked in motion to a nucleus of a solenoid, whose coil is supplied with electric current at rectangular slots with opening duty cycle variable, i.e. the opening time, for a constant period, corresponds to a variable fraction of this period, corresponding to the length of the current used.
  • the variation of the flow is thus obtained by modulating the cross section of the calibration, subjected to the vacuum of the motor, this modulation being ensured by the valve the solenoid valve.
  • the electrically operated valve for a canister regeneration circuit of the type presented above comprising a pipe connecting the canister to the intake duct, downstream of the organ and on which is mounted the valve which includes a calibrator with constant passage section, a flow control valve in the pipeline and that is linked in motion to a nucleus of a solenoid whose coil is powered by an electric current to control the force on the valve, is such that the valve is integral in motion of a flexible membrane, which delimits, in a case, two bedrooms, the first of which is kept at a pressure close to or equal to atmospheric pressure, and whose second chamber is modulated vacuum, encloses the valve and communicates through an orifice input, with the canister via the calibrator, and through an outlet with the intake duct, the membrane thus subjected to a depression close to or equal to that which acts on the calibrator being also subject to the opposing efforts of elastic means, which tend to close the valve on the outlet, and the solenoid, the coil of which develops
  • the membrane In operation, the membrane is in equilibrium under the combined actions of elastic means, which tend to recall the valve in the closed position, of the effort magnetic due to the solenoid, and therefore of the current which crosses its coil, and finally depression, which determines the flow, this depression being the differential pressure between atmospheric pressure or a pressure close to the latter and reigning in the first chamber, and the control pressure in the second chamber.
  • This valve thus allows modulate the regeneration flow continuously by through a variable depression determined at using an average control current.
  • this valve has the disadvantage that full opening, very significant efforts are exerted on the membrane, due to the strong depression at which this membrane is then submitted (and which can reach 60kPa when the engine is running at idle).
  • the solenoid of this valve must therefore be able to develop significant magnetic forces, at the cost of significant current consumption.
  • the valve according to the invention of a type known from FR 2 699 603, and which includes a calibrator with constant passage section and a housing defining a room connected by an entrance with the canister and through an outlet with the intake duct, and in which a valve for controlling the purge flow of the canister is mounted movable relative to a lockable seat by the valve, which is linked in movement to a nucleus of a solenoid whose coil is powered by a current electric medium variable to control the effort on the valve and its spacing from the seat in the open position of the valve, is characterized in that the outlet from the chamber is connected to the intake duct via the calibrator so the pressure downstream of the calibrator is the pressure in the duct downstream of the throttle member, while the entrance to the bedroom is directly connected to the canister by the pipeline, so that the upstream of the seat is at atmospheric pressure or at a pressure close to the latter, and the purge flow through the calibrator is continuously modulated by modulation of the pressure difference at the valve resulting from the modulation of
  • a valve does not have a membrane and that the section of its valve may be small, we understand than a small solenoid, low power and low consumption may be enough to control the valve of the valve, the structure of which can thus be simpler and more economical.
  • the valve may further comprise means elastic return biasing the valve to its position closing against the seat, the power supply of the solenoid coil developing a magnetic force urging the valve against the elastic means in seat open position.
  • valve does not does not have elastic return means, and, in this case, when the engine stops, the solenoid coil is powered by an electric current such that the valve is subjected to a magnetic force applying it against its seat in the valve closed position.
  • Such a valve is advantageously supplied with variable mean current obtained by supplying the coil of the solenoid by rectangular electrical current slots with variable duty cycle.
  • the current variable means can be controlled by a control device sensitive to at least one signal from at least one sensor for an engine operating parameter, such as a richness sensor of the air-fuel mixture, and / or a pressure sensor in the downstream intake duct of the throttling organ.
  • the canister 1 contains a material 2 absorbent or adsorbent, for example activated carbon, which takes care of fuel vapors coming in particular of the fuel tank R, and which are brought to the canister 1 through the recovery line 3.
  • Canister 1 which can thus contain for example 100 g of fuel, is provided with a vent 4 connecting it to the atmosphere, and is also connected to the intake duct 5 of a carburetor body or a throttle body of an internal combustion engine M.
  • a throttle member or butterfly 6 is rotatably mounted in the conduit 5, and the angular position of the butterfly 6 in the duct 5 is controlled to regulate the intake flow air, in the case of a throttle body, or carburetted air, in the case of a carburetor.
  • a circuit 7 of canister regeneration 1 includes a regeneration line 8, which opens at its entrance, in canister 1, and, at its exit, in the duct 5, as well as an electrically controlled valve 9, connected between the upstream 8a and downstream 8b branches of the pipeline 8.
  • the valve 9 is a check valve whose position is controlled by a solenoid receiving current electrical control of a control device schematically represented in 10, and which is a control unit engine control electronics, including a computer comprising at least one microprocessor or microcontroller, and in particular ensuring the control and command of the ignition and injection, in the case of an injection engine, from information received from multiple sensors engine operating parameters.
  • the valve 9 comprises a body or case 11, of generally cylindrical shape, delimiting an internal chamber 12, which has an orifice inlet 13, connected to the upstream part 8a of the pipeline 8 of regeneration of canister 1, as well as an orifice of outlet 14, connected to the downstream part 8b of the pipeline 8 by a tubular endpiece 15 containing a calibrator 16 or restriction, with constant passage section.
  • the suburbs of the inlet 13 constitutes a seat 17 for a valve 18.
  • This valve 18 is in one piece, by a rod 19, with the substantially cylindrical core 20, of a solenoid comprising an excitation coil 21 fixed in the chamber 12 of the body 11, and in which are axially engaged the core 20 and the rod 19.
  • valve 9 is normally closed when the motor M.
  • This closure is ensured, in this example, by a helical return spring 22, bearing on the valve 18 and on a support of the coil 21, and surrounding the part of the rod 19 located between the coil 21 and the valve 18, to push the valve 18 towards its seat 17, so closing the inlet 13 when the coil 21 is not not powered.
  • the coil 21 is traversed by a average control electric current, which results from supply of rectangular current slots to variable duty cycle.
  • the 18-core valve assembly 20 is then subjected to an electromagnetic force Fm, which spreads the valve 18 of its seat 17 and of the inlet orifice 13, at against the spring 22 exerting a restoring force Fr.
  • La chamber 12 is then in communication with the pipeline upstream 8a and canister 1 via inlet 13 and via outlet 14 with the intake duct 5, through the calibrator 16.
  • the pressure in chamber 12 is a pressure of control or command Pc which is then intermediate between the pressure of the Pcan canister, upstream of the inlet 13, itself near atmospheric pressure Pa, and the pressure downstream of calibrator 16, which is the manifold pressure engine intake M, i.e. the prevailing pressure in the intake duct 5, downstream of the butterfly 6.
  • the regeneration rate Q passing through the calibrator 16 is a function of Sc, ⁇ , Pc and Pcol according to a formula F1 (Sc, ⁇ , Pc, Pcol) which is tabulated in the unit of command 10, and where Sc is the constant passage section of the calibrator 16, ⁇ the density of the air-fuel mixture from canister 1, and Pcol and Pc are respectively the manifold pressure, in the duct 5 downstream of the throttle valve 6, and the control pressure in chamber 12, the manifold pressure being known by the installation, because transmitted to the control unit 10 by a pressure 23, detecting the pressure in the intake duct 5 downstream of the butterfly 6.
  • the pressure drop ⁇ p at the level of the valve 18 is equal to the force applied to the valve 18, divided by the section s of the valve 18.
  • the force which urges the valve 18 is the difference between the magnetic force Fm, exerted on the core 20 by the current supply to the coil 21 of the solenoid, and the restoring force Fr exerted by the spring 22 on the valve 18.
  • the flow rate Q is a function of the mean current I passing through the solenoid coil 21, the relation of formula (4) being a known characteristic solenoid 20-21.
  • the relationship between the flow of purge Q and the average current I flowing in the coil 21 can be calculated or tabulated in memory in the unit of control 10.
  • the average current I applied to the coil 21 is obtained by a variable duty cycle command, at a sufficiently high frequency, around 100 Hz for example. It is thus possible to control a continuous purge flow rate Q, by action on the power supply duty cycle of the valve solenoid 9.
  • the operating principle is therefore based on the pressure drop regulation or pressure difference at the level of the valve 18, and not of a variable section, for modulate the purge flow as required, and taking particular account of the Pcol pressure at the manifold engine intake M.
  • the purge flow Q of canister 1, delivered by the valve 9, is continuous and modulated by the modulation of the force electromagnetic Fm, itself a function of the average current of control I of the coil 21.
  • the valve 9 is thus at flow continuous and modulated by the electric control current. So that this valve 9 is relatively insensitive to vibrations of the motor M, a threshold spring 22 is chosen low effort, but sufficient for this purpose.
  • valve 9 can be without a spring 22, in which case the coil 21 remains supplied, after stopping the engine, for a sufficient time and in a proper direction to hold the valve 18 by magnetic force against seat 17 in entry 13 closed position of the body 11.
  • valve 18 can cooperate with a seat 17 formed around the orifice of outlet 14 of chamber 12, in which case the pressure of command Pc considered is the pressure prevailing in the tubular section 15 between the calibrator 16 and the outlet 14.
  • valve 18 is not not directly integral in movement with the core 20, as this is ensured by making a single piece of the valve 18 with the core 20 by the rod 19, and the valve 18 can be linked in motion to the core 20 by means of reduction in the amplitude of movement of the valve 18 relative to the amplitude of displacement of the core 20.
  • a valve which modulates the regeneration flow so continuous, by modulating the pressure drop at the level of the valve, this modulation being determined by the modulation the spacing between the valve 18 and the seat 17, this spacing being itself modulated by the modulation of the average electric current applied to the coil 21.
  • the solenoid can be small, low power and low electrical consumption, therefore inexpensive, in a valve simple and economical structure.
  • This electric current is supplied for example by a control unit for a carburetor or a control unit an engine control system, integrated into the command 10, and this current can be developed from information from, in particular, a wealth finder 24, of the lambda probe type detecting the oxygen content in engine exhaust gases passing through the manifold exhaust 25, as well as the pressure sensor 23, as explained above.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Magnetically Actuated Valves (AREA)
  • Supplying Secondary Fuel Or The Like To Fuel, Air Or Fuel-Air Mixtures (AREA)

Description

L'invention concerne une vanne à commande électrique et à ouverture continue en fonctionnement, pour un circuit de régénération d'un canister associé à un moteur à combustion interne, alimenté en air ou en air carburé par au moins un conduit d'admission, dans lequel le débit est commandé par un organe d'étranglement, par exemple du type rotatif communément appelé papillon.The invention relates to an electrically controlled valve. and with continuous opening in operation, for a circuit of regeneration of a canister associated with a combustion engine internal, supplied with air or air powered by at least an intake duct, in which the flow is controlled by a throttling member, for example of the rotary type commonly known as a butterfly.

Plus précisément, l'invention se rapporte à une vanne dont le débit de purge du canister est continu et modulé par un signal électrique, pour la régénération d'un canister associé à un moteur à combustion interne dont l'installation d'alimentation en carburant peut soit comporter un carburateur, dont l'organe d'étranglement rotatif, ou papillon des gaz, commande le débit de mélange air-carburant, soit être du type dit "à injection" et comporter un corps de papillon, dont l'organe d'étranglement rotatif commande le débit d'air d'admission au moteur.More specifically, the invention relates to a valve with a continuous canister purge flow and modulated by an electrical signal, for the regeneration of a canister associated with an internal combustion engine including the fuel system can either have a carburetor, the throttle of which rotary, or throttle valve, controls the mixing flow air-fuel, or be of the so-called "injection" type and have a butterfly body, including the throttling member rotary controls the intake air flow to the engine.

Le canister est un réceptacle recueillant des vapeurs de carburant provenant de divers organes contenant ou parcourus par du carburant, dans le circuit suivi par le carburant dans le véhicule et son moteur, et en particulier du réservoir de carburant, ainsi que du moteur, et des tubulures d'injection et du ou des injecteurs, ou, le cas échéant, du carburateur.The canister is a receptacle collecting fuel vapors from various organs containing or traveled by fuel, in the circuit followed by the fuel in the vehicle and its engine, and in particular the fuel tank, as well as the engine, and injection tubing and injector (s), or, if applicable if applicable, from the carburetor.

Le canister, dans lequel ces vapeurs de carburant sont collectées pour éviter leur rejet dans l'air ambiant, est muni d'un évent en communication avec l'atmosphère, de sorte que le réservoir de carburant est mis à l'air libre au travers du canister. Pour éviter les rejets de carburant à l'air libre par l'évent du canister, lorsque ce dernier est saturé, le canister est régénéré cycliquement par un circuit de régénération comprenant une vanne montée sur une canalisation raccordant le canister au conduit d'admission, en aval de l'organe d'étranglement. Lorsque la vanne est ouverte, la dépression en aval de l'organe d'étranglement dans le conduit d'admission provoque, dans la canalisation et dans le canister une aspiration d'air ambiant par l'évent du canister. Cet air ambiant aspiré purge le canister du carburant qu'il contient et se mélange à ce carburant pour être aspiré avec lui dans le conduit d'admission. L'arrivée de cet air carburé dans le moteur modifie la richesse du mélange air-carburant préparé par le carburateur ou le ou les injecteurs, selon les cas, qui reçoive(nt) des ordres de commande élaborés à partir de signaux provenant de différents capteurs de paramètres de fonctionnement du moteur, et en particulier d'une sonde mesurant le taux d'oxygène dans les gaz d'échappement du moteur.The canister, in which these fuel vapors are collected to avoid their release into the ambient air, is fitted with a vent in communication with the atmosphere, so that the fuel tank is vented to the through the canister. To avoid fuel spills at open air through the canister vent, when the canister is saturated, the canister is regenerated cyclically by a circuit regeneration system comprising a valve mounted on a pipeline connecting the canister to the intake duct, downstream of the throttle organ. When the valve is open, depression downstream of the throttle in the intake duct causes, in the pipeline and in the canister a suction of ambient air by the vent of the canister. This aspirated ambient air purges the canister from fuel it contains and mixes with this fuel to be sucked with him into the intake duct. The arrival of this fuel air in the engine changes the richness of the air-fuel mixture prepared by the carburetor or the or the injectors, depending on the case, which receive (s) orders from control developed from signals from different engine operating parameter sensors, and in particular a probe measuring the oxygen level in engine exhaust.

Pour éviter cette perturbation de richesse, il est connu d'utiliser comme vanne de régénération une vanne à commande électrique assurant une modulation du débit de purge du canister, ce débit étant difficile à connaítre car la charge de carburant recueilli dans les canisters n'est pas connue avec précision et dépend de nombreux paramètres, tels que la température ambiante, la température et les conditions de remplissage du réservoir de carburant, certains de ces paramètres pouvant être influencés par le fonctionnement ou le non-fonctionnement du moteur.To avoid this wealth disruption, it is known to use as a regeneration valve a electric control ensuring a modulation of the flow of purging the canister, this flow being difficult to know because the fuel charge collected in the canisters is not not precisely known and depends on many parameters, such as room temperature, temperature and fuel tank filling conditions, some of these parameters can be influenced by the engine running or not running.

Les vannes à commande électrique usuellement utilisées à cet effet sont des électro-vannes comprenant un calibreur à section de passage constante et un clapet de commande du débit, lié en mouvement à un noyau d'un solénoïde, dont la bobine est alimentée en courant électrique à créneaux rectangulaires à rapport cyclique d'ouverture variable, c'est-à-dire que le temps d'ouverture, pour une période constante, correspond à une fraction variable de cette période, correspondant à la longueur du créneau de courant utilisé.Electrically operated valves used for this purpose are solenoid valves comprising a calibrator with constant flow section and a check valve flow control, linked in motion to a nucleus of a solenoid, whose coil is supplied with electric current at rectangular slots with opening duty cycle variable, i.e. the opening time, for a constant period, corresponds to a variable fraction of this period, corresponding to the length of the current used.

La variation du débit est ainsi obtenue en modulant la section efficace du calibrage, soumis à la dépression du moteur, cette modulation étant assurée par le clapet de l'électro-vanne.The variation of the flow is thus obtained by modulating the cross section of the calibration, subjected to the vacuum of the motor, this modulation being ensured by the valve the solenoid valve.

Compte-tenu des fréquences, comprises entre 5 et 20Hz, auxquelles ces électro-vannes sont excitées, il en résulte une alimentation déséquilibrée des différents cylindres du moteur en vapeurs de carburant provenant de la purge du canister, en raison de la fréquence d'ouverture de l'électro-vanne de purge, qui est totalement asynchrone par rapport au moteur.Given the frequencies, between 5 and 20Hz, to which these solenoid valves are energized, there results in an unbalanced diet of different engine cylinders in fuel vapors from the purge of the canister, due to the frequency of opening of the purge solenoid valve, which is completely asynchronous by compared to the engine.

Pour remédier à cet inconvénient, il a déjà été proposé dans FR 2 699 603 une vanne à commande électrique permettant d'étaler le débit de régénération de sorte que tous les cylindres du moteur reçoivent sensiblement la même fraction du carburant de purge du canister, cette vanne assurant un débit continu mais modulé et asservi à un signal de consigne électrique, de façon à obtenir une vanne à débit proportionnel à cette consigne. Cette modulation du débit de purge du canister est assurée en faisant passer ce débit au travers d'un calibreur à section de passage constante, mais soumis à une dépression modulée, contrairement aux électro-vannes antérieurement utilisées, dans lesquelles on module la section efficace du calibrage soumis à la dépression moteur.To remedy this drawback, it has already been proposed in FR 2 699 603 an electrically operated valve allowing the regeneration flow to be spread out so that all engine cylinders receive roughly the same fraction of the canister purge fuel, this valve ensuring a continuous but modulated flow and slaved to a signal electric set point, so as to obtain a flow valve proportional to this instruction. This modulation of the flow of purging of the canister is ensured by passing this flow to the through a calibrator with constant passage section, but subject to modulated vacuum, unlike solenoid valves previously used, in which we modulate the cross section of the calibration subjected to vacuum engine.

Selon FR 2 699 603, la vanne à commande électrique pour un circuit de régénération de canister du type présenté ci-dessus, comprenant une canalisation raccordant le canister au conduit d'admission, en aval de l'organe d'étranglement, et sur laquelle est montée la vanne qui comprend un calibreur à section de passage constante, un clapet de commande du débit dans la canalisation et qui est lié en mouvement à un noyeu d'un solénoïde dont la bobine est alimentée par un courant électrique pour commander l'effort sur le clapet, est telle que le clapet est solidaire en mouvement d'une membrane souple, qui délimite, dans un boítier, deux chambres dont une première est maintenue à une pression voisine de ou égale à la pression atmosphérique, et dont la seconde chambre est à dépression modulée, renferme le clapet et mise en communication, par un orifice d'entrée, avec le canister par l'intermédiaire du calibreur, et par un orifice de sortie avec le conduit d'admission, la membrane ainsi soumise à une dépresssion voisine de ou égale à celle qui agit sur le calibreur étant également soumise aux efforts antagonistes de moyens élastiques, qui tendent à fermer le clapet sur l'orifice de sortie, et du solénoïde, dont la bobine développe une force ayant pour effet d'écarter le clapet de l'orifice de sortie pour ouvrir ce dernier, lorsqu'elle est parcourue par un courant moyen variable constituant un signal de consigne électrique fixant l'effort sur le clapet.According to FR 2 699 603, the electrically operated valve for a canister regeneration circuit of the type presented above, comprising a pipe connecting the canister to the intake duct, downstream of the organ and on which is mounted the valve which includes a calibrator with constant passage section, a flow control valve in the pipeline and that is linked in motion to a nucleus of a solenoid whose coil is powered by an electric current to control the force on the valve, is such that the valve is integral in motion of a flexible membrane, which delimits, in a case, two bedrooms, the first of which is kept at a pressure close to or equal to atmospheric pressure, and whose second chamber is modulated vacuum, encloses the valve and communicates through an orifice input, with the canister via the calibrator, and through an outlet with the intake duct, the membrane thus subjected to a depression close to or equal to that which acts on the calibrator being also subject to the opposing efforts of elastic means, which tend to close the valve on the outlet, and the solenoid, the coil of which develops a force which has the effect of spreading the outlet port valve to open the latter, when it is traversed by a variable mean current constituting an electrical reference signal fixing the force on the valve.

En fonctionnement, la membrane est en équilibre sous les actions combinées des moyens élastiques, qui tendent à rappeler le clapet en position de fermeture, de l'effort magnétique dû au solénoïde, et donc du courant qui traverse sa bobine, et enfin de la dépression, qui détermine le débit, cette dépression étant la pression différentielle entre la pression atmosphérique ou une pression proche de cette dernière et régnant dans la première chambre, et la pression de commande dans la seconde chambre. Une relation est ainsi établie entre cette dépression, et donc le débit, d'une part, et, d'autre part, le courant électrique moyen dans la bobine du solénoïde. Cette vanne permet ainsi de moduler le débit de régénération de façon continue par l'intermédiaire d'une dépression variable déterminée à l'aide d'un courant moyen de commande.In operation, the membrane is in equilibrium under the combined actions of elastic means, which tend to recall the valve in the closed position, of the effort magnetic due to the solenoid, and therefore of the current which crosses its coil, and finally depression, which determines the flow, this depression being the differential pressure between atmospheric pressure or a pressure close to the latter and reigning in the first chamber, and the control pressure in the second chamber. A relationship is thus established between this depression, and therefore the flow, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, the average electric current in the solenoid coil. This valve thus allows modulate the regeneration flow continuously by through a variable depression determined at using an average control current.

Toutefois, cette vanne a pour inconvénient qu'à pleine ouverture, des efforts très importants s'exercent sur la membrane, en raison de la forte dépression à laquelle cette membrane est alors soumise (et qui peut atteindre 60kPa lorsque le moteur fonctionne au ralenti). Le solénoïde de cette vanne doit donc être capable de développer des efforts magnétiques importants, au prix d'une importante consommation en courant. However, this valve has the disadvantage that full opening, very significant efforts are exerted on the membrane, due to the strong depression at which this membrane is then submitted (and which can reach 60kPa when the engine is running at idle). The solenoid of this valve must therefore be able to develop significant magnetic forces, at the cost of significant current consumption.

Par la présente invention, on se propose de remédier à cet inconvénient à l'aide d'une vanne à ouverture continue en fonctionnement, permettant d'éviter une alimentation déséquilibrée des cylindres du moteur en carburant purgé du canister par un débit de régénération modulé en fonction d'un signal électrique de commande, et qui soit d'une structure plus simple et plus économique, au montage comme à l'usage, que la vanne connue par FR 2 699 603, et en particulier qui se contente d'un solénoïde de faibles dimensions, puissance et consommation électrique.By the present invention, it is proposed to remedy to this drawback using a continuous opening valve in operation, avoiding a power supply unbalanced engine cylinders in fuel purged from canister with a modulated regeneration flow depending on an electrical control signal, and which is of a simpler and more economical structure, mounting as in use, that the valve known by FR 2 699 603, and in particular who is content with a solenoid of weak dimensions, power and power consumption.

A cet effet, la vanne selon l'invention, d'un type connu par FR 2 699 603, et qui comprend un calibreur à section de passage constante et un boítier délimitant une chambre mise en communication par une entrée avec le canister et par une sortie avec le conduit d'admission, et dans laquelle un clapet de commande du débit de purge du canister est monté mobile par rapport à un siège obturable par le clapet, qui est lié en mouvement à un noyau d'un solénoïde dont la bobine est alimentée par un courant électrique moyen variable pour commander l'effort sur le clapet et son écartement du siège en position d'ouverture de la vanne, se caractérise en ce que la sortie de la chambre est reliée au conduit d'admission par l'intermédiaire du calibreur de sorte que la pression en aval du calibreur est la pression dans le conduit en aval de l'organe d'étranglement, tandis que l'entrée de la chambre est directement reliée au canister par la canalisation, de sorte que l'amont du siège est à la pression atmosphérique ou à une pression voisine de cette dernière, et le débit de purge traversant le calibreur est modulé de façon continue par modulation de la différence de pression au niveau du clapet résultant de la modulation de l'effort appliqué au clapet par la modulation du courant moyen variable dans la bobine.To this end, the valve according to the invention, of a type known from FR 2 699 603, and which includes a calibrator with constant passage section and a housing defining a room connected by an entrance with the canister and through an outlet with the intake duct, and in which a valve for controlling the purge flow of the canister is mounted movable relative to a lockable seat by the valve, which is linked in movement to a nucleus of a solenoid whose coil is powered by a current electric medium variable to control the effort on the valve and its spacing from the seat in the open position of the valve, is characterized in that the outlet from the chamber is connected to the intake duct via the calibrator so the pressure downstream of the calibrator is the pressure in the duct downstream of the throttle member, while the entrance to the bedroom is directly connected to the canister by the pipeline, so that the upstream of the seat is at atmospheric pressure or at a pressure close to the latter, and the purge flow through the calibrator is continuously modulated by modulation of the pressure difference at the valve resulting from the modulation of the force applied to the valve by the modulation of the variable mean current in the coil.

Comme une telle vanne ne comporte pas de membrane et que la section de son clapet peut être faible, on comprend qu'un solénoïde de faibles dimensions, faible puissance et à faible consommation puisse suffire à commander le clapet de la vanne, dont la structure peut ainsi être plus simple et plus économique.As such a valve does not have a membrane and that the section of its valve may be small, we understand than a small solenoid, low power and low consumption may be enough to control the valve of the valve, the structure of which can thus be simpler and more economical.

Avantageusement, pour garantir la fermeture de la vanne lorsque le moteur est arrêté, et éviter tout phénomène d'auto-allumage, la vanne peut comprendre de plus des moyens élastiques de rappel sollicitant le clapet vers sa position de fermeture contre le siège, l'alimentation électrique de la bobine du solénoïde développant une force magnétique sollicitant le clapet contre les moyens élastiques en position d'ouverture du siège.Advantageously, to guarantee the closure of the valve when the engine is stopped, and avoid any phenomenon self-ignition, the valve may further comprise means elastic return biasing the valve to its position closing against the seat, the power supply of the solenoid coil developing a magnetic force urging the valve against the elastic means in seat open position.

Mais il est également possible que la vanne ne comporte pas de moyens élastiques de rappel, et, dans ce cas, à l'arrêt du moteur, la bobine du solénoïde est alimentée par un courant électrique tel que le clapet est soumis à une force magnétique l'appliquant contre son siège en position de fermeture de la vanne.But it is also possible that the valve does not does not have elastic return means, and, in this case, when the engine stops, the solenoid coil is powered by an electric current such that the valve is subjected to a magnetic force applying it against its seat in the valve closed position.

Une telle vanne est avantageusement alimentée en courant moyen variable obtenu en alimentant la bobine du solénoïde par des créneaux de courant électrique rectangulaires à rapport cyclique variable. En outre, le courant moyen variable peut être piloté par un organe de commande sensible à au moins un signal provenant d'au moins un capteur d'un paramètre de fonctionnement du moteur, tel qu'un capteur de richesse du mélange air-combustible, et/ou un capteur de pression dans le conduit d'admission en aval de l'organe d'étranglement.Such a valve is advantageously supplied with variable mean current obtained by supplying the coil of the solenoid by rectangular electrical current slots with variable duty cycle. In addition, the current variable means can be controlled by a control device sensitive to at least one signal from at least one sensor for an engine operating parameter, such as a richness sensor of the air-fuel mixture, and / or a pressure sensor in the downstream intake duct of the throttling organ.

D'autres avantages et caractéristiques de l'invention ressortiront de la description donnée ci-dessous, à titre non limitatif, d'un exemple de réalisation décrit en référence aux dessins annexés sur lesquels :

  • la figure 1 représente schématiquement un circuit de régénération de canister, équipé d'une vanne selon l'invention, et monté entre un canister et un conduit d'admission d'un carburateur ou corps de papillon de moteur à combustion interne, et
  • la figure 2 est une vue schématique en coupe longitudinale d'un exemple de vanne.
Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will emerge from the description given below, without implied limitation, of an exemplary embodiment described with reference to the appended drawings in which:
  • FIG. 1 schematically represents a canister regeneration circuit, equipped with a valve according to the invention, and mounted between a canister and an intake duct of a carburetor or throttle body of an internal combustion engine, and
  • Figure 2 is a schematic view in longitudinal section of an exemplary valve.

Sur la figure 1, le canister 1 renferme un matériau 2 absorbant ou adsorbant, par exemple du charbon actif, qui se charge des vapeurs de carburant provenant en particulier du réservoir de carburant R, et qui sont amenées au canister 1 par la conduite de récupération 3. Le canister 1, qui peut ainsi contenir par exemple 100 g de carburant, est muni d'un évent 4 le reliant à l'atmosphère, et est également raccordé au conduit d'admission 5 d'un corps de carburateur ou d'un corps de papillon d'un moteur à combustion interne M. Un organe d'étranglement ou papillon 6 est monté rotatif dans le conduit 5, et la position angulaire du papillon 6 dans le conduit 5 est commandée pour réguler le débit d'admission d'air, dans le cas d'un corps de papillon, ou d'air carburé, dans le cas d'un carburateur.In Figure 1, the canister 1 contains a material 2 absorbent or adsorbent, for example activated carbon, which takes care of fuel vapors coming in particular of the fuel tank R, and which are brought to the canister 1 through the recovery line 3. Canister 1, which can thus contain for example 100 g of fuel, is provided with a vent 4 connecting it to the atmosphere, and is also connected to the intake duct 5 of a carburetor body or a throttle body of an internal combustion engine M. A throttle member or butterfly 6 is rotatably mounted in the conduit 5, and the angular position of the butterfly 6 in the duct 5 is controlled to regulate the intake flow air, in the case of a throttle body, or carburetted air, in the case of a carburetor.

Le raccordement du canister 1 au conduit d'admission 5, en aval du papillon 6, est assuré par un circuit 7 de régénération du canister 1. Ce circuit 7 comprend une canalisation de régénération 8, qui débouche, à son entrée, dans le canister 1, et, à sa sortie, dans le conduit d'admission 5, ainsi qu'une vanne 9 à commande électrique, raccordée entre les branches amont 8a et aval 8b de la canalisation 8.Connection of canister 1 to the intake duct 5, downstream of the butterfly 6, is provided by a circuit 7 of canister regeneration 1. This circuit 7 includes a regeneration line 8, which opens at its entrance, in canister 1, and, at its exit, in the duct 5, as well as an electrically controlled valve 9, connected between the upstream 8a and downstream 8b branches of the pipeline 8.

La vanne 9, dont un exemple de réalisation est représenté sur la figure 2, est une vanne à clapet dont la position est commandée par un solénoïde recevant un courant électrique de commande d'un dispositif de commande schématiquement représenté en 10, et qui est une unité de commande électronique de contrôle moteur, comprenant un calculateur comportant au moins un microprocesseur ou microcontrôleur, et assurant notamment le contrôle et la commande de l'allumage et de l'injection, dans le cas d'un moteur à injection, à partir d'informations reçues de plusieurs capteurs de paramètres de fonctionnement du moteur.The valve 9, an example of which is shown in Figure 2, is a check valve whose position is controlled by a solenoid receiving current electrical control of a control device schematically represented in 10, and which is a control unit engine control electronics, including a computer comprising at least one microprocessor or microcontroller, and in particular ensuring the control and command of the ignition and injection, in the case of an injection engine, from information received from multiple sensors engine operating parameters.

Lorsque la vanne 9 est ouverte, la dépression régnant dans le conduit d'admission 5 en aval du papillon 6 provoque, au travers de la canalisation 8 et du canister 1, une aspiration d'air ambiant par l'évent 4, et cet air aspiré entraíne, en traversant le matériau 2, le carburant préalablement retenu dans ce dernier, pour l'introduire dans le conduit d'admission 5.When the valve 9 is open, the vacuum prevailing in the intake duct 5 downstream of the butterfly valve 6 causes, through the pipe 8 and the canister 1, a suction of ambient air through the vent 4, and this air sucked in drives through the material 2, the fuel previously retained in the latter, to introduce it into the intake duct 5.

Dans l'exemple de la figure 2, la vanne 9 comprend un corps ou boítier 11, de forme générale cylindrique, délimitant une chambre interne 12, qui présente un orifice d'entrée 13, raccordé à la partie amont 8a de la canalisation 8 de régénération du canister 1, ainsi qu'un orifice de sortie 14, raccordé à la partie aval 8b de la canalisation 8 par un embout tubulaire 15 renfermant un calibreur 16 ou restriction, à section de passage constante. La périphérie de l'orifice d'entrée 13 constitue un siège 17 pour un clapet 18. Ce clapet 18 est d'une seule pièce, par une tige 19, avec le noyau 20, sensiblement cylindrique, d'un solénoïde comprenant une bobine d'excitation 21 fixée dans la chambre 12 du corps 11, et dans laquelle sont axialement engagés le noyau 20 et la tige 19.In the example of FIG. 2, the valve 9 comprises a body or case 11, of generally cylindrical shape, delimiting an internal chamber 12, which has an orifice inlet 13, connected to the upstream part 8a of the pipeline 8 of regeneration of canister 1, as well as an orifice of outlet 14, connected to the downstream part 8b of the pipeline 8 by a tubular endpiece 15 containing a calibrator 16 or restriction, with constant passage section. The suburbs of the inlet 13 constitutes a seat 17 for a valve 18. This valve 18 is in one piece, by a rod 19, with the substantially cylindrical core 20, of a solenoid comprising an excitation coil 21 fixed in the chamber 12 of the body 11, and in which are axially engaged the core 20 and the rod 19.

Pour éviter tout phénomène d'auto-allumage par l'arrivée intempestive de carburant provenant du canister 1 dans le moteur M encore chaud, après l'arrêt de son fonctionnement, la vanne 9 est normalement fermée à l'arrêt du moteur M. Cette fermeture est assurée, dans cet exemple, par un ressort de rappel hélicoïdal 22, prenant appui sur le clapet 18 et sur un support de la bobine 21, et entourant la partie de la tige 19 située entre la bobine 21 et le clapet 18, pour repousser le clapet 18 vers son siège 17, de façon à fermer l'orifice d'entrée 13 lorsque la bobine 21 n'est pas alimentée. L'ensemble monobloc clapet 18-tige 19- noyau 20, la bobine 21, l'orifice d'entrée 13 et le siège 17 ainsi éventuellement que l'orifice de sortie 14 sont, pour assurer un meilleur comportement mécanique de l'ensemble clapet18-noyau 20, de préférence coaxiaux à l'axe longitudinal du boítier 11 et de sa chambre. To avoid any phenomenon of self-ignition by untimely arrival of fuel from canister 1 in the engine M which is still hot, after its operation has stopped, valve 9 is normally closed when the motor M. This closure is ensured, in this example, by a helical return spring 22, bearing on the valve 18 and on a support of the coil 21, and surrounding the part of the rod 19 located between the coil 21 and the valve 18, to push the valve 18 towards its seat 17, so closing the inlet 13 when the coil 21 is not not powered. Monobloc valve assembly 18-rod 19- core 20, the coil 21, the inlet 13 and the seat 17 as well possibly that the outlet 14 are, to ensure better mechanical behavior of the valve-18-core assembly 20, preferably coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the box 11 and its room.

En fonctionnement, la bobine 21 est parcourue par un courant électrique moyen de commande, qui résulte de l'alimentation en créneaux rectangulaires de courant à rapport cyclique variable. L'ensemble clapet 18-noyau 20 est alors soumis à une force électromagnétique Fm, qui écarte le clapet 18 de son siège 17 et de l'orifice d'entrée 13, à l'encontre du ressort 22 exerçant une force de rappel Fr. La chambre 12 est alors en communication avec la canalisation amont 8a et le canister 1 par l'entrée 13 et par la sortie 14 avec le conduit d'admission 5, au travers du calibreur 16. La pression dans la chambre 12 est une pression de contrôle ou de commande Pc qui est alors intermédiaire entre la pression du canister Pcan, en amont de l'entrée 13, elle-même voisine de la pression atmosphérique Pa, et la pression en aval du calibreur 16, qui est la pression au collecteur d'admission du moteur M, c'est-à-dire la pression régnant dans le conduit d'admission 5, en aval du papillon 6.In operation, the coil 21 is traversed by a average control electric current, which results from supply of rectangular current slots to variable duty cycle. The 18-core valve assembly 20 is then subjected to an electromagnetic force Fm, which spreads the valve 18 of its seat 17 and of the inlet orifice 13, at against the spring 22 exerting a restoring force Fr. La chamber 12 is then in communication with the pipeline upstream 8a and canister 1 via inlet 13 and via outlet 14 with the intake duct 5, through the calibrator 16. The pressure in chamber 12 is a pressure of control or command Pc which is then intermediate between the pressure of the Pcan canister, upstream of the inlet 13, itself near atmospheric pressure Pa, and the pressure downstream of calibrator 16, which is the manifold pressure engine intake M, i.e. the prevailing pressure in the intake duct 5, downstream of the butterfly 6.

Le débit de régénération Q passant par le calibreur 16 est fonction de Sc, ρ, Pc et Pcol selon une formule F1 (Sc, ρ, Pc, Pcol) qui est tabulée dans l'unité de commande 10, et où Sc est la section de passage constante du calibreur 16, ρ la masse volumique du mélange air-carburant provenant du canister 1, et Pcol et Pc sont respectivement la pression collecteur, dans le conduit 5 en aval du papillon 6, et la pression de commande dans la chambre 12, la pression collecteur étant connue par l'installation, car transmise à l'unité de commande 10 par un capteur de pression 23, détectant la pression dans le conduit d'admission 5 en aval du papillon 6.The regeneration rate Q passing through the calibrator 16 is a function of Sc, ρ, Pc and Pcol according to a formula F1 (Sc, ρ, Pc, Pcol) which is tabulated in the unit of command 10, and where Sc is the constant passage section of the calibrator 16, ρ the density of the air-fuel mixture from canister 1, and Pcol and Pc are respectively the manifold pressure, in the duct 5 downstream of the throttle valve 6, and the control pressure in chamber 12, the manifold pressure being known by the installation, because transmitted to the control unit 10 by a pressure 23, detecting the pressure in the intake duct 5 downstream of the butterfly 6.

La pression de commande Pc est égale à la pression régnant dans la partie amont 8a de la canalisation 8, c'est-à-dire la pression Pcan du canister 1 ou la pression Pr du réservoir R, diminuée de la différence de pression ou perte de charge au niveau du clapet 18, ce qui peut s'écrire par la formule (2) : (2)   Pc = Pcan - Δp, où Δp exprime la perte de charge due au clapet 18.The control pressure Pc is equal to the pressure prevailing in the upstream part 8a of the pipe 8, that is to say the pressure Pcan of the canister 1 or the pressure Pr of the tank R, minus the pressure difference or loss load at valve 18, which can be written by formula (2): (2) Pc = Pcan - Δp, where Δp expresses the pressure drop due to the valve 18.

Or on sait que la pression Pcan au canister 1 est égale à ou peu différente de la pression atmosphérique Pa. On peut donc remplacer Pcan par Pa dans la formule (2).We know that the pressure Pcan at canister 1 is equal to or little different from atmospheric pressure Pa. We can therefore replace Pcan by Pa in formula (2).

Par ailleurs, on sait que la perte de charge Δp au niveau du clapet 18 est égale à l'effort appliqué au clapet 18, divisé par la section s du clapet 18. Comme l'effort qui sollicite le clapet 18 est la différence entre la force magnétique Fm, exercée sur le noyau 20 par l'alimentation en courant de la bobine 21 du solénoïde, et la force de rappel Fr exercée par le ressort 22 sur le clapet 18, on obtient que la perte de charge Δp est donnée par la formule (3) ci-dessous : (3)   Δp = Fm - Frs où s est la section, qui peut être faible, du clapet 18.Furthermore, it is known that the pressure drop Δp at the level of the valve 18 is equal to the force applied to the valve 18, divided by the section s of the valve 18. As the force which urges the valve 18 is the difference between the magnetic force Fm, exerted on the core 20 by the current supply to the coil 21 of the solenoid, and the restoring force Fr exerted by the spring 22 on the valve 18, we obtain that the pressure drop Δp is given by the formula (3) below: (3) Δp = Fm - Fr s where s is the section, which may be small, of the valve 18.

En outre, la force magnétique Fm est directement fonction du courant moyen qui traverse la bobine 21 du solénoïde. Cette force magnétique s'exprime donc par une fonction de ce courant I selon la formule (4) : (4)   Fm = f(I) In addition, the magnetic force Fm is a direct function of the average current flowing through the coil 21 of the solenoid. This magnetic force is therefore expressed by a function of this current I according to formula (4): (4) Fm = f (I)

En remplaçant Fm par f(I) dans la formule (3), puis en remplaçant Δp dans la formule (2) en fonction de la formule (3), et enfin en remplaçant Pc dans la formule (F1) en fonction de sa valeur donnée par la formule (2), on obtient que le débit de purge est exprimé par la formule (5): (5)   Q = F1 (Sc,ρ,Pcol,Pa, f (I) - Frs ) où Sc et s sont des constantes, ρ est assimilé à une constante, Fr est connu par construction du ressort 22, Pcol est connu grâce à la mesure procurée par le capteur de pression 23, et la pression atmosphérique Pa est également connue, et peut être mesurée comme étant la pression dans le conduit d'admission 5, à l'arrêt du moteur M, et donc mesurée à l'aide du capteur de pression 23 avant le démarrage du moteur. By replacing Fm by f (I) in formula (3), then by replacing Δp in formula (2) according to formula (3), and finally by replacing Pc in formula (F1) according to its value given by formula (2), we obtain that the purge flow is expressed by formula (5): (5) Q = F1 (Sc, ρ, Pcol, Pa, f (I) - Fr s ) where Sc and s are constants, ρ is assimilated to a constant, Fr is known by construction of the spring 22, Pcol is known thanks to the measurement provided by the pressure sensor 23, and the atmospheric pressure Pa is also known, and can be measured as being the pressure in the intake duct 5, when the engine M stops, and therefore measured using the pressure sensor 23 before the engine starts.

On constate que le débit Q est une fonction du courant moyen I parcourant la bobine 21 du solénoïde, la relation de la formule (4) étant une caractéristique connue du solénoïde 20-21.We note that the flow rate Q is a function of the mean current I passing through the solenoid coil 21, the relation of formula (4) being a known characteristic solenoid 20-21.

Il en résulte que la relation entre le débit de purge Q et le courant moyen I circulant dans la bobine 21 peut être calculée ou tabulée en mémoire dans l'unité de contrôle 10.As a result, the relationship between the flow of purge Q and the average current I flowing in the coil 21 can be calculated or tabulated in memory in the unit of control 10.

Le courant moyen I appliqué à la bobine 21 est obtenu par une commande à rapport cyclique variable, à une fréquence suffisamment haute, d'environ 100 Hz par exemple. On peut ainsi commander un débit de purge Q continu, par action sur le rapport cyclique d'alimentation électrique du solénoïde de la vanne 9.The average current I applied to the coil 21 is obtained by a variable duty cycle command, at a sufficiently high frequency, around 100 Hz for example. It is thus possible to control a continuous purge flow rate Q, by action on the power supply duty cycle of the valve solenoid 9.

Le principe de fonctionnement est donc basé sur la régulation de la perte de charge ou différence de pression au niveau du clapet 18, et non d'une section variable, pour moduler le débit de purge en fonction des besoins, et en tenant notamment compte de la pression Pcol au collecteur d'admission du moteur M.The operating principle is therefore based on the pressure drop regulation or pressure difference at the level of the valve 18, and not of a variable section, for modulate the purge flow as required, and taking particular account of the Pcol pressure at the manifold engine intake M.

Le débit Q de purge du canister 1, délivré par la vanne 9, est continu et modulé par la modulation de l'effort électromagnétique Fm, lui-même fonction du courant moyen de commande I de la bobine 21. La vanne 9 est ainsi à débit continu et modulé par le courant électrique de commande. Pour que cette vanne 9 soit relativement insensible aux vibrations du moteur M, on choisit un ressort 22 à seuil d'effort faible, mais suffisant à cet effet.The purge flow Q of canister 1, delivered by the valve 9, is continuous and modulated by the modulation of the force electromagnetic Fm, itself a function of the average current of control I of the coil 21. The valve 9 is thus at flow continuous and modulated by the electric control current. So that this valve 9 is relatively insensitive to vibrations of the motor M, a threshold spring 22 is chosen low effort, but sufficient for this purpose.

En variante, la vanne 9 peut être sans ressort 22, auquel cas la bobine 21 reste alimentée, après l'arrêt du moteur, pendant un temps suffisant et dans un sens propre à assurer le maintien par la force magnétique du clapet 18 contre le siège 17 en position de fermeture de l'entrée 13 du corps 11. En variante également, le clapet 18 peut coopérer avec un siège 17 ménagé autour de l'orifice de sortie 14 de la chambre 12, auquel cas la pression de commande Pc considérée est la pression régnant dans le tronçon tubulaire 15 entre le calibreur 16 et la sortie 14.As a variant, the valve 9 can be without a spring 22, in which case the coil 21 remains supplied, after stopping the engine, for a sufficient time and in a proper direction to hold the valve 18 by magnetic force against seat 17 in entry 13 closed position of the body 11. Alternatively also, the valve 18 can cooperate with a seat 17 formed around the orifice of outlet 14 of chamber 12, in which case the pressure of command Pc considered is the pressure prevailing in the tubular section 15 between the calibrator 16 and the outlet 14.

Il est également possible que le clapet 18 ne soit pas directement solidaire en mouvement du noyau 20, comme cela est assuré par la réalisation d'une seule pièce du clapet 18 avec le noyau 20 par la tige 19, et le clapet 18 peut être lié en mouvement au noyau 20 par des moyens de démultiplication de l'amplitude de déplacement du clapet 18 par rapport à l'amplitude de déplacement du noyau 20.It is also possible that the valve 18 is not not directly integral in movement with the core 20, as this is ensured by making a single piece of the valve 18 with the core 20 by the rod 19, and the valve 18 can be linked in motion to the core 20 by means of reduction in the amplitude of movement of the valve 18 relative to the amplitude of displacement of the core 20.

Dans toutes ces réalisations, on obtient une vanne qui permet de moduler le débit de régénération de façon continue, par la modulation de la perte de charge au niveau du clapet, cette modulation étant déterminée par la modulation de l'écartement entre le clapet 18 et le siège 17, cet écartement étant lui-même modulé par la modulation du courant électrique moyen appliqué à la bobine 21. En outre, comme la section du clapet 18 peut être faible, le solénoïde peut être de faibles dimensions, faible puissance et faible consommation électrique, donc peu coûteuse, dans une vanne de structure simple et économique.In all these embodiments, a valve is obtained which modulates the regeneration flow so continuous, by modulating the pressure drop at the level of the valve, this modulation being determined by the modulation the spacing between the valve 18 and the seat 17, this spacing being itself modulated by the modulation of the average electric current applied to the coil 21. In addition, as the valve section 18 may be small, the solenoid can be small, low power and low electrical consumption, therefore inexpensive, in a valve simple and economical structure.

Ce courant électrique est fourni par exemple par un calculateur de pilotage d'un carburateur ou un calculateur d'un système de contrôle moteur, intégré à l'unité de commande 10, et ce courant peut être élaboré à partir d'informations provenant, notamment, d'une sonde de richesse 24, du type sonde lambda détectant la teneur en oxygène dans les gaz d'échappement du moteur traversant le collecteur d'échappement 25, ainsi que du capteur de pression 23, comme expliqué ci-dessus.This electric current is supplied for example by a control unit for a carburetor or a control unit an engine control system, integrated into the command 10, and this current can be developed from information from, in particular, a wealth finder 24, of the lambda probe type detecting the oxygen content in engine exhaust gases passing through the manifold exhaust 25, as well as the pressure sensor 23, as explained above.

Claims (10)

  1. An electrically actuated valve with continuous discharge in operation, for the regeneration of a canister (1) connected to an internal combustion engine (M) supplied with air or carburetted air by at least one admission passage (5) in which the flow rate is controlled by a movable throttle component (6), the canister (1) in which the fuel vapours are collected being, on the one hand, equipped with a vent (4) communicating with the atmosphere and, on the other hand, connected to the admission passage (5) downstream of the throttle component (6) by a passageway (8) on which is mounted the said valve (9), which comprises a tube gauge (16) with a passage of constant cross section and a casing (11) defining a chamber (12) put in communication with the canister (1) by an intake (13) and with the admission passage (5) by an outlet (14), and in which a clack valve (18) for the control of the flow rate for the purging of the canister (1) is movably mounted with respect to a seat (17), sealably by the clack valve (18), which is linked in movement to a core (20) of a solenoid of which the coil (21) is supplied by a variable average electric current (I) to control the force on the clack valve (18) and its separation from the seat (17) in an open position of the valve (9),
    characterised in that the outlet (14) of the chamber (12) is linked to the admission passage (5) by the tube gauge (16) such that the pressure downstream of the tube gauge (16) is the pressure in the admission passage (5) downstream of the throttle component (6), whereas the intake (13) of the chamber (12) is directly linked to the canister (1) by the passageway (8), such that upstream of the seat (17) is at atmospheric pressure or at a pressure close to the latter, and that the flow rate of purging through the tube gauge (16) is modulated in a continuous fashion by the modulation in the pressure difference at the level of the clack valve (18) resulting from the modulation of the force applied to the clack valve (18) by the modulation of variable average current (I) in the coil (21).
  2. A valve according to Claim 1, characterised in that it comprises in addition elastic restoring means (22) biasing the clack valve (18) towards its closed position against the seat (17), and in that the electrical supply of the coil (21) of the solenoid produces a magnetic force (Fm) biasing the clack valve (18) against the elastic means (22) in an open position of the seat (17).
  3. A valve according to Claim 1, characterised in that when the engine (M) is stopped, the coil (21) of the solenoid is supplied with an electric current such that the clack valve (18) is subjected to a magnetic force pressing it against its seat (17) in a closed position of the valve (9).
  4. A valve according to any of the claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the variable average current (I) is obtained by supplying the coil (21) of the solenoid with rectangular pulses of current with a variable duty ratio.
  5. A valve according to any of the claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the variable average current (I) is controlled by a command device (10) sensitive to at least one signal coming from at least one sensor of an operation parameter of the engine (M), such as a ratio sensor (24) of the air-fuel mixture, and/or a pressure sensor (23) in the admission passage (5) down stream of the throttle component (6).
  6. A valve according to any of the claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the seat (17) is provided around the intake (13) of the chamber (12).
  7. A valve according to any of the claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the clack valve (18) is directly rigidly locked in movement with the core (20) which is housed with the coil (21) of the solenoid in the chamber (12) of the valve (9).
  8. A valve according to Claim 7, characterised in that the chamber (12) is defined within a casing (11) substantially cylindrical in shape, and the clack valve (18), the seat (17), the intake (13) of the chamber (12), the core (20) and the coil (21) and possibly the outlet (14) of the chamber (12) are substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the casing (11).
  9. A valve according to any of the claims 7 and 8, characterised in that the clack valve (18) is integral with the core (20) with a stem (19) at least in part axially engaged with the core (20) in the coil (21) of the solenoid.
  10. A valve according to Claim 9, when dependent on Claim 2, characterised in that the elastic restoring means comprise at least one helical spring (22) housed in the chamber (12) between the clack valve (18) and a support for the coil (21) in the chamber (12) of the valve (9).
EP19970402207 1996-09-26 1997-09-23 Electrically actuated valve with continuous discharge in operation for canister regeneration Expired - Lifetime EP0833049B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9611744 1996-09-26
FR9611744A FR2753747B1 (en) 1996-09-26 1996-09-26 ELECTRICALLY CONTROLLED VALVE WITH CONTINUOUS OPENING IN OPERATION, FOR REGENERATION OF A FUEL VAPOR COLLECTOR

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0833049A1 EP0833049A1 (en) 1998-04-01
EP0833049B1 true EP0833049B1 (en) 2000-04-12

Family

ID=9496090

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19970402207 Expired - Lifetime EP0833049B1 (en) 1996-09-26 1997-09-23 Electrically actuated valve with continuous discharge in operation for canister regeneration

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0833049B1 (en)
DE (1) DE69701663T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2146070T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2753747B1 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2778784B1 (en) * 1998-05-13 2000-06-30 Renault METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A SOLENOID VALVE, PARTICULARLY A CANISTER BLEEDING CIRCUIT OF A MOTOR
DE102009035444B4 (en) * 2009-07-31 2011-12-15 Knorr-Bremse Systeme für Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH Solenoid valve and method for operating a solenoid valve

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS5374620A (en) * 1976-12-15 1978-07-03 Toyota Motor Corp Inhibition device for discharge of fuel vaporized gas
JPS5382915A (en) * 1976-12-28 1978-07-21 Toyota Motor Corp Controlle for supply of fuel evaporated gas for internal combustion engine
JPH0586923A (en) * 1991-07-26 1993-04-06 Nippon Soken Inc Internal combustion engine having evaporated fuel purging device
FR2699603B1 (en) * 1992-12-21 1995-03-10 Solex Electrically operated canister regeneration circuit valve.
US5509395A (en) * 1995-03-31 1996-04-23 Siemens Electric Limited Canister purge flow regulator

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0833049A1 (en) 1998-04-01
ES2146070T3 (en) 2000-07-16
FR2753747B1 (en) 1998-11-27
FR2753747A1 (en) 1998-03-27
DE69701663D1 (en) 2000-05-18
DE69701663T2 (en) 2000-11-23

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