Motor driving type throttle apparatus

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a motor driving type throttle apparatus.

[0002] Conventionally, a motor driving type throttle apparatus which drives a throttle valve of an internal-combustion engine by an electronic actuator (for example, direct current motor, stepping motor) has been put to practical use.

[0003] A motor driving type throttle apparatus is electronically controlled based on opening degree signal of accelerator pedal or traction control signal, and drives the throttle to make an optimum throttle position (throttle valve opening degree) in accordance with an engine state. For that purpose, a throttle position sensor for detecting the throttle position (opening degree of the throttle valve) is attached to the throttle body.

[0004] Further, the motor driving type throttle apparatus is integrally assembled with an electronic control module, there is disclosed Japanese Translation of Unexamined PCT Application No.508954/1997.

[0005] According to the application, a number of individual members provided to an electronic type engine control system are attached to a sleeve (throttle body) of a throttle apparatus.

[0006] It is described that there are provided for example at least one throttle mechanism operable by a throttle valve driving motor (electric actuator), an electronic controller and a regenerating valve and/or an air flow sensor. These members are contained in a common casing as a pre-assembled constitution unit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] It is an object of the invention to provide a compact motor driving type throttle apparatus capable of being assembled to an engine with high reliability in a simple style, in which manufacturing cost is inexpensive by simplifying various members generally used conventionally, for example, a cover, electric connection lines and connected portions and so on which are separately provided to a throttle valve, a motor as a drive source, a power transmission apparatus and the like.

[0008] Further, the invention provides a motor driving type throttle apparatus facilitating to arrange an electronic control module and capable of saving space of the formation.

[0009] The present invention proposes the following throttle apparatus in order to achieve the above-described object.

[0010] (1) There is proposed a motor driving type throttle apparatus constituted by integrating an electronic control module to said throttle apparatus, in which the apparatus is integrally formed with a cover for protecting a throttle actuator (for example, throttle valve driving motor) and a power transmission apparatus (for example, gear mechanism) and an electronic module housing.

[0011] For example, there is proposed a motor driving type throttle apparatus characterized by comprising a throttle body integrally formed with throttle valve housing and a throttle actuator housing;

[0012] wherein a power transmission apparatus for transmitting an output of the throttle actuator to the throttle valve is integrated to the throttle body;

[0013] wherein an electronic control module for controlling the throttle valve is contained in a module housing or mounted on a board; and

[0014] wherein the throttle actuator and the power transmission apparatus are arranged to be protected by a single cover. Said cover and said module housing or said board are integrally formed.

[0015] There may be constituted an apparatus in which the electronic control module serves as the cover.

[0016] (2) There is proposed a throttle apparatus in which a throttle position sensor is integrally assembled to the cover formed by an insulating material (the assembling may be carried out by integrating parts of the throttle position sensor directly to the cover, or carried out by a unit style by integrating an assembly, that is, an throttle sensor unit assembled at a preceding step), electric conductors are integrally insert-molded into the cover, and the throttle position sensor and an electronic control module are electrically connected via the conductor.

[0017] (3) Further, there is proposed a throttle apparatus in which when the throttle position sensor and the cover are separately formed (throttle position sensor is unitized before being integrated to the cover), the throttle position sensor unit is integrated to the cover by thermal fastening.

[0018] (4) Further, the throttle position sensor and the conductor may be connected by wire bonding or welding, and intermediary terminals may be provided between the throttle position sensor and the conductor.

[0019] (5) Further, there is proposed an apparatus in which a throttle actuator and a electronic control module are electrically connected via a conductor insert-molded integrally into the cover formed by the insulating material.

[0020] In this case, the throttle actuator and the conductor are connected by wire bonding or welding.

[0021] Intermediary terminals may be provided between the throttle actuator and the conductor.

[0022] (6) Further, an air flow meter may be integrated to the electronic control module. Thereby, there can be achieved no adjustment formation of output of the air flow meter by learning by a microcomputer.

[0023] For example, the apparatus is characterized in which a cover for protecting the throttle actuator with the power transmission apparatus and a module housing for containing an electronic control module for controlling the throttle valve are integrally formed;

[0024] wherein a board is bonded to the module housing, and the electronic control module is mounted to the board; and

[0025] wherein an air flow meter is integrated to the module housing, and the electronic control module is disposed on an upper side of the air flow meter.

[0026] (7) Further, there is proposed a constitution in which the electronic control module is arranged in an orthogonal direction to the air flow meter housing.

[0027] The present invention proposes the following other constitution.

[0028] (8) There is provided a motor driving type throttle apparatus characterized in which a cover for covering one end side of a throttle valve shaft is attached to a side wall of a throttle body having a throttle valve, and an electronic control module for controlling the throttle valve is attached to the cover.

[0029] (9) Further, there is provided the throttle apparatus in which an inner face of the cover is attached with an electronic control module for controlling the throttle valve and a throttle position sensor for detecting a position (opening degree) of the throttle valve contiguous to each other. The terminals of the throttle position sensor are directed to a side of the electronic control module, and connected with terminals of the electronic control module.

[0030] (10) Further, there is proposed a throttle apparatus in which an inner face of said cover is formed with a throttle position sensor housing and an electronic control module housing and an intermediary connector for connecting to motor terminals of the electric actuator. An outer face of the cover is formed with a connector for external connection of the electronic control module.

[0031] (11) Further, in relation thereto, there is proposed a throttle apparatus in which the throttle position sensor and the electronic control module integrally attached to the inner face of said cover. The throttle position sensor and the electronic control module are contiguous to each other and connected. The connector for external connection of the electronic control module is mounted at said cover, ends on one side of a group of lead frames constituting terminals of the connector are arranged to align along one side of an inner side of the cover and connected to a group of terminals provided at a circuit board of the electronic control module;

[0032] wherein power source is supplied to the electric actuator via a connector for external connection and intermediary connectors. Said intermediary are provided at the electronic control module and the cover.

[0033] (12) Further, with regard to the intermediary connectors, there is proposed a constitution in which an intermediary terminal housing for containing the intermediary terminals formed with the cover by integral molding, and the intermediary terminals are arranged there.

[0034] (13) Terminals of the throttle position sensor and conductors for electric wiring are connected, the conductors and terminals of the electronic control module are connected by, for example, wire bonding or welding.

[0035] (14) Further, there is proposed the following constitution as a motor driving type throttle apparatus in consideration of heat radiating performance.

[0036] For example, a resin cover for covering one end side of the throttle valve shaft is attached to a side wall of the throttle body, and an electronic control module for controlling a throttle valve is attached to an inner face of said resin cover;

[0037] wherein the electronic control module has a circuit board for control and a plate formed by an excellent thermally conductive material (for example, made of aluminum) for holding the circuit board and a module cover formed by an excellent thermally conductive material for covering the circuit board on the plate. The plate and the module cover are brought into contact with each other via a thermally conductive member and the module cover is brought into contact with the throttle body formed by an excellent thermally conductive material via a thermally conductive member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038]FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional view showing parts assembling of a throttle apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0039]FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along a line A-A of FIG. 1;

[0040]FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along a line B-B of FIG. 1;

[0041]FIG. 4 is a plane view of FIG. 1;

[0042]FIG. 5 is a sectional view of FIG. 1;

[0043]FIG. 6 is a plane view showing a module cover;

[0044]FIG. 7 is a constitution diagram of an engine control system constituting an object of applying the invention;

[0045]FIG. 8 is a perspective view viewing a throttle apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention by removing a cover from a throttle body;

[0046]FIG. 9 is perspective view viewing the cover by changing a viewing angle;

[0047]FIG. 10 is a plane view viewing the cover from an inner side;

[0048]FIG. 11 is a front view of the throttle apparatus;

[0049]FIG. 12 is a top view of the throttle apparatus;

[0050]FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along a line A-A of FIG. 12;

[0051]FIG. 14 is a side view of the cover;

[0052]FIG. 15 is a perspective view viewing an inner side of the cover by removing a module cover;

[0053]FIG. 16 is a plane view viewing the inner side of the cover by removing the module cover;

[0054]FIG. 17 is a perspective view viewing the inner side of the cover by removing a throttle position sensor and an electronic control module;

[0055]FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the throttle position sensor;

[0056]FIG. 19 is a disassembled perspective view of the cover and parts attached thereto;

[0057]FIG. 20 is a disassembled perspective view of the throttle apparatus;

[0058]FIG. 21 is a partial sectional view of a throttle apparatus according to a third embodiment of the invention;

[0059]FIG. 22 is a disassembled perspective view of a cover of the throttle apparatus according to the third embodiment and parts attached thereto.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0060] An explanation will be given of an embodiment according to the invention in reference to the drawings as follows.

[0061] In these FIG. 1˜FIG. 5, a motor driving type throttle apparatus (throttle valve apparatus) is constituted by, as main elements, a throttle body (hereinafter, may simply be referred to as body) <b>1</b>, a throttle valve <b>2</b>, a motor <b>3</b> (throttle actuator) for driving the throttle valve <b>2</b>, a power transmission apparatus <b>4</b>, a throttle position sensor (throttle valve opening degree meter) <b>9</b> provided at a throttle valve shaft <b>8</b> for measuring a position of throttle valve <b>12</b> (opening degree of the throttle valve <b>2</b>), a cover <b>10</b> for protecting the throttle valve <b>2</b>•the motors <b>3</b>•the power transmission apparatus <b>4</b>, an electronic control module <b>11</b> and an air flow meter <b>12</b>.

[0062] The body <b>1</b> is constituted by integrally molding a containing portion of the throttle valve <b>2</b> (throttle housing or throttle chamber) and a containing portion (motor housing) <b>31</b> of the motor <b>3</b>. The motor <b>3</b> may externally be attached integrally. Therefore, here, the portion is represented as the ‘containing’ portion including such a mode.

[0063] The throttle valve <b>2</b> is provided at an inner portion (air passage) of the body <b>1</b>, the shaft <b>8</b> is supported by bearings <b>21</b> and <b>22</b> provided at the body <b>1</b>, and one end portion of the shaft <b>8</b> is projected to outside of the body.

[0064] Further, the projecting portion of the shaft <b>8</b> is guided by a spring A<b>23</b>, a lever <b>24</b>, a spring B<b>25</b>.

[0065] Further, the body <b>1</b> is provided with 4 pieces of attaching holes <b>26</b>. The structure is well known and further explanation is not needed.

[0066] The body <b>1</b> contains the motor <b>3</b> by the motor housing <b>31</b>.

[0067] An axial direction of the motor <b>3</b> coincides with a direction of the throttle valve shaft <b>8</b>, and a motor shaft <b>32</b> is provided with a gear <b>5</b>. Further, the motor <b>3</b> is provided with a motor terminal <b>33</b>.

[0068] The body <b>1</b> is provided with a gear shaft <b>34</b> in a direction the same as the direction of the shaft <b>8</b>, and a gear <b>6</b> is rotatably fixed thereto. Further, a gear <b>7</b> is disposed on a lower side of a gear. At an upper end of the lever <b>24</b>, the shaft <b>8</b> is provided with the gear <b>7</b>, the gear <b>5</b> and the gear <b>6</b> mesh together, the gear <b>6</b> and the gear <b>7</b> mesh together in the illustrated style, thereby these gears constitute the power transmission apparatus <b>4</b>. The throttle valve <b>2</b> can be operated to open and close in a decelerated state with the motor <b>3</b> (a drive source) by said transmission.

[0069] In this way, the power transmission apparatus <b>4</b> for transmitting an output of the throttle actuator to the throttle valve <b>2</b>, is integrally assembled to the body <b>1</b>.

[0070] The cover <b>10</b> for protecting the throttle valve <b>2</b>, the throttle actuator (motor <b>3</b>) and the power transmission apparatus (gear mechanism) <b>4</b>, is integrally molded by resin. In this case, a module housing <b>41</b> for containing the electronic control module <b>11</b> for controlling motor <b>3</b> is integrally molded along with the cover <b>10</b>.

[0071] The cover <b>10</b> is integrally molded with a throttle position sensor housing <b>42</b>, and a gear shaft housing. THE housing <b>42</b> contains the throttle position sensor <b>9</b> attached to the one end of the shaft <b>8</b>. A gear shaft housing contains one end of the gear shaft <b>34</b>. A throttle valve protecting cover portion <b>44</b> and the module housing <b>41</b> are molded with a difference in level as illustrated.

[0072] When the throttle position sensor <b>9</b> and the cover <b>10</b> are separately molded by resin. And thereafter, the throttle position sensor <b>9</b> is fixed to the cover <b>10</b> by thermal tightening.

[0073] As the air flow meter <b>12</b>, there are known various flow rate meters, although the flow meter is not specified, for example, a hot wire type air flow meter can be adopted.

[0074] The air flow meter <b>12</b> is fixedly attached to a plate <b>46</b> constituted by aluminum or the like via a flow meter housing <b>45</b>. A circuit board <b>47</b> of the electronic control module <b>11</b> is mounted on the plate <b>46</b>. The plate <b>46</b> is adhered to the module housing <b>41</b>. According to the embodiment, the module housing <b>41</b> and the plate <b>46</b> for mounting the board <b>47</b> are separately molded, and thereafter these are integrated. But as other molding method, the module housing <b>41</b> and the plate <b>46</b> can integrally be molded. In the former case (module housing <b>41</b> and the plate <b>46</b> are separately molded), the assembling is easy in view of steps of mounting and adhering the electronic control module <b>11</b> onto the board. In latter case (the module housing <b>41</b> and the plate <b>46</b> are integrally molded), a number of parts can be reduced. Any of these may be adopted in accordance with design.

[0075] As illustrated, the module housing <b>41</b> is disposed above the flow meter <b>12</b>, the electronic control module <b>11</b> is arranged in a horizontal direction relative to a direction of a flow passage <b>53</b> of the throttle body <b>1</b>. In this way, the assembling parts is facilitated. Further, by lowering the module housing <b>41</b> relative to the throttle valve protecting cover portion <b>44</b> and bringing the module housing <b>41</b> near to the air flow meter <b>12</b> (throttle body <b>2</b>), it is effective for protecting the electronic control module <b>11</b> against external force such as that in dropping or the like. The cover <b>10</b> is provided with a seal member <b>48</b> constituted By rubber or the like to direct to the body <b>1</b> at the surrounding.

[0076] The flow meter housing <b>45</b> is provided with a thermometer <b>51</b>. The thermometer <b>51</b> and the flow meter <b>12</b> are arranged in the flow passage <b>53</b> via a fitting hole <b>52</b> provided at the body <b>1</b>.

[0077] Further, the body <b>1</b> is provided with an air introducing hole <b>54</b> conducted to a pressure meter <b>56</b> to communicate with an air introducing hole <b>55</b> provided at the flow meter housing <b>45</b>. Pressure of the flow passage <b>53</b> is measured by the pressure meter <b>56</b> which is provided at the electronic control module <b>11</b>.

[0078] In this way, the electronic control module <b>11</b> is integrated with the flow meter <b>12</b>, the thermometer <b>51</b> and the pressure meter <b>56</b>.

[0079] According to such a constitution, by integrating the flow meter to the electronic control module, no adjustment formation of flow meter output can be achieved by learning by a microcomputer, further, by omitting harness and connector, there can be achieved 1) low cost formation, 2) promotion of reliability, 3) space saving formation, 4) connector aggregation and 5) assembly simplification.

[0080] In molding a gear cover <b>60</b> of the cover <b>10</b>, motor wiring <b>61</b> and wiring <b>62</b> for the throttle position sensor <b>9</b>, as conductors, are integrally molded and integrated to inner portions of the cover.

[0081] The gear cover <b>60</b> is formed with an intermediate terminal housing <b>71</b>, and an intermediate terminal <b>72</b> is contained therein. Thereby, a motor terminal <b>33</b> is electrically connected to the motor wiring <b>61</b> via the intermediate terminal <b>72</b>. The throttle position sensor <b>9</b> and its wiring <b>62</b> (conductor) are bonded by wire bonding or welded by way of an intermediate terminal, or directly not by way of the intermediate terminal. Further, the same goes with between the wiring <b>62</b> and the electronic control module <b>11</b>. Connecting portions of these are designated by numerals <b>73</b> and <b>74</b>.

[0082] The throttle actuator (motor) <b>3</b> and the electronic control module <b>11</b> are electrically connected by the motor wiring <b>61</b> (conductor) which integrally embedded in the cover <b>10</b> molded by insulating material. The throttle actuator and the motor wiring <b>61</b> are electrically connected via the intermediate terminal <b>72</b>. A connecting portion between a connector <b>63</b> and the electronic control module <b>11</b> connected by wire bonding or welding, is designated by numeral <b>64</b>.

[0083] In this way, the board <b>47</b> is connected to the motor wiring <b>61</b> and the throttle position sensor wiring <b>62</b>. A microcomputer <b>65</b> is arranged on the board <b>47</b>. The module housing <b>4</b> is covered by a module cover <b>81</b> to thereby protect the electronic control module <b>11</b>.

[0084] Next, an explanation will be given of a second embodiment of the invention in reference to FIG. 7 through FIG. 20.

[0085]FIG. 7 is a constitution diagram of an engine control system to which the motor driving type throttle apparatus according to the embodiment is applied (the system is applied also to the first embodiment), first, an explanation will be given of the system constitution.

[0086] According to the engine control system of FIG. 7, a module of the engine control system is divided by a plural number in order to alleviate burden. For example, the module is divided into a power train control module (hereinafter, Powertrain Control Module is abbreviated and referred to as PCM) <b>100</b> constituting a central engine control unit and the electronic control module (here, may be referred to as TCM by abbreviating Throttle Control Module) <b>11</b> for controlling the throttle valve as has been described already. PCM <b>100</b> inputs various sensor signals of engine rotation number, water temperature, cruise control signal, brake signal, clutch position signal, vehicle speed sensor signal. And PCM <b>100</b> calculates a fuel system control signal, an ignition system control signal and a peripheral apparatus control signal.

[0087] Further, PCM <b>100</b> inputs a position signal of an accelerator pedal <b>102</b> from a accelerator pedal position sensor (hereinafter, in this case, Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor is abbreviated and is referred to as APPS) <b>101</b>.

[0088] PCM <b>100</b> calculates target instruction throttle position signal (target opening degree signal of the throttle valve) based on the vehicle speed signal and the like. PCM <b>100</b> transmits said accelerator position signal and said target instruction signal to TCM <b>11</b> by serial communication or parallel communication.

[0089] TCM <b>11</b> inputs the target opening degree instruction signal and an really opening degree signal of the throttle position sensor (Throttle Position Sensor may be abbreviated and referred to as TPS) <b>9</b>, and controls the motor <b>3</b> by duty control such that the throttle valve <b>2</b> is provided with the set opening degree.

[0090] Other than these, TCM <b>11</b> inputs-the APPS signal, the vehicle speed signal, the break signal, the cruise signal and so on via PCM <b>100</b>. And TCM<b>11</b> self-diagnoses whether the throttle control system is abnormal in view of relationships between these signals and the TPS signal.

[0091] PCM <b>100</b> is also inputs the TPS signal (throttle valve opening degree signal) from TCM <b>11</b>, and self-diagnoses whether normal control operation is carried out based thereon.

[0092] Further, the fail-safe is achieved by transmitting information of the above self-diagnosing, mentioned above, to counterpart sides (monitoring PCM and TCM by each other).

[0093] Conventional TCM <b>11</b> is provided integrally with APPS <b>101</b>, for example, on the side of the accelerator pedal system in consideration of temperature environment, influence of space or the like. According to the embodiment, by carrying out improvements with regard to heat resistance, heat radiating performance and small-sized formation, TCM is made attachable to the throttle body, particularly, TCM (electronic control module) <b>11</b> is made attachable to a cover (for example, gear cover) attached to the throttle body.

[0094] Here, with respect to the TPS signal (throttle valve opening degree signal), a spare can be arranged in consideration of accidental failure. Therefore, the TPS is constituted by sensors of a so-to-speak double system which prepares two sensors of the same type in one package. Also with regard to APPS, it is constituted by a double or triple system.

[0095] Next, an explanation will be given of a throttle apparatus according to the embodiment. Further, in the drawings, parts the same as those in the embodiment described above, indicate the same or common elements.

[0096]FIG. 8 is a perspective view viewed by removing the cover <b>10</b> from the throttle body <b>1</b> of the embodiment.

[0097] The cover <b>10</b> is attached to cover a containing portion <b>110</b> of a throttle valve mechanism formed at a side wall of the body <b>1</b>, in order to protect throttle valve related parts such as the throttle valve shaft <b>8</b>, the reduction gear mechanism <b>4</b>, the motor <b>3</b> and so on.

[0098] That is, the motor (throttle actuator) <b>3</b> and the gear mechanism (power transmission apparatus) <b>4</b> are arranged to be protected by the single cover <b>10</b>, And with regard to the motor <b>3</b>, as shown in FIG. 13, an opening of the motor housing <b>31</b> (opening for attaching motor) is formed into the throttle valve mechanism containing portion <b>110</b>, and an end bracket <b>3</b><i>a </i>of the motor <b>3</b> is fixed to the opening by screws <b>111</b> (FIG. 8).

[0099] The motor terminal <b>33</b> provided at the end bracket <b>3</b><i>a </i>is arranged to direct to the side of the cover <b>10</b> at a vicinity of a side of a trim <b>112</b> in the throttle valve mechanism containing portion <b>110</b>.

[0100] The motor <b>3</b> is driven in accordance with the accelerator signal related to an amount of depressing the accelerator pedal and traction signal. The power of the motor <b>3</b> is transmitted to the throttle valve shaft <b>8</b> via the gears <b>5</b>, <b>6</b> and <b>7</b>.

[0101] The gear <b>7</b> is fixed to the throttle valve shaft <b>8</b>, and is a fan-shaped gear, and is engaged with the lever <b>24</b> which is fitted freely to throttle valve shaft <b>8</b> to attract each other via a spring B<b>25</b>.

[0102] A spring A<b>23</b> is a return spring of the throttle valve, one end thereof is locked by a spring locking portion <b>113</b> provided at the body <b>1</b>, and other end is locked by the lever <b>24</b>.

[0103] These springs A<b>23</b> and B<b>25</b> and the lever <b>24</b> are used to constitute a so-to-speak a default opening degree setting mechanism which has already been known publicly.

[0104] The default opening degree setting mechanism is for maintaining an initial opening degree of the throttle valve to be larger than a fully close control position of the throttle valve, when an engine key is made OFF (in other words, when the electric actuator <b>3</b> does not drive). From the default opening degree position to a fully open control position, the throttle valve opening degree is determined by balance between motor power and the spring A (return spring) <b>25</b>. When the throttle valve opening degree is controlled to be smaller than default opening degree, the movement of the lever <b>24</b> is restricted by a default opening degree stopper (not illustrated), and only the gear <b>7</b> and the throttle valve shaft <b>8</b> are turned round to the fully closed direction against the force of the spring B<b>25</b>. Notation <b>114</b> designates a fully closed stopper, and the fully close position is determined by bringing one side of the fan-shaped gear <b>7</b> into contact with said stopper <b>114</b>.

[0105] An explanation will be given here of the cover <b>10</b>.

[0106] A significant characteristic of the cover <b>10</b> according to the embodiment resides in that the electronic control module <b>11</b> or so-to-speak TCM <b>11</b> for controlling the throttle valve is attached to the cover <b>10</b>. Therefore, there is not provided the module housing <b>41</b> as in the first embodiment.

[0107]FIG. 9 is a perspective view viewing the cover of FIG. 8 from the inner side, and FIG. 10 is a plane view viewing the cover of FIG. 8 from the inner side. In these drawings, the electronic control module <b>11</b> is not seen by being covered by a module cover <b>130</b>, however, when the module cover <b>130</b> is removed, as shown in FIG. 15, at the inner face of the cover <b>10</b>, the electronic control module <b>11</b> is seen attached in a containing portion <b>10</b>B thereof. Further, at the inner face of the cover <b>10</b>, the throttle position sensor <b>9</b> is attached contiguous to the electronic control module <b>11</b>.

[0108] Terminals <b>91</b> through <b>96</b> of the throttle position sensor <b>9</b> are directed to one side of the electronic control module <b>11</b>, and connected to terminals <b>121</b> through <b>126</b> of the electronic control module. The throttle position sensor of the embodiment is constituted by sensors of a double system as has been described above. Numerals <b>91</b> through <b>93</b> designate a ground terminal, an input terminal and an output terminal of one system. And numerals <b>94</b> through <b>96</b> designate a ground terminal, an input terminal and an output terminal of other system.

[0109]FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the structure of the inner face of the cover <b>10</b> before attaching the throttle position sensor and the electronic control module. Explaining of the structure of the inner face of the cover <b>10</b>, at the inner face of the cover <b>10</b>, there are formed a containing portion of the throttle position sensor <b>9</b> (throttle position sensor housing) <b>10</b>A, the containing portion of the electronic control module <b>11</b> (module housing) <b>10</b>B and an intermediary connector portion <b>10</b>C for connecting with the motor terminal <b>33</b> of the motor (electric actuator) <b>3</b>. On the other hand, at an outer face of the cover <b>10</b>, there is formed an external connecting connector portion <b>10</b>D of the electronic control module <b>11</b>.

[0110] All of the containing portions <b>10</b>A, <b>10</b>B and the intermediary connector portion <b>10</b>C, are arranged contiguously each other in order to be contained compactly at the inner side of the cover <b>10</b>. The throttle position sensor containing portion <b>10</b>A is arranged on one side and the intermediary connector portion <b>10</b>C is arranged on other side by interposing the module containing portion <b>10</b>B.

[0111] The intermediary connector portion <b>10</b>C is constituted by molding a connector housing <b>10</b>C′ at an inner face of a side wall of one side of the cover <b>10</b> integrally with the cover and insert-molding a terminal <b>15</b> (refer to FIG. 13) for motor connection in the connector housing <b>10</b>C′ by, One end of the terminal <b>15</b> is disposed at a terminal insertion hole <b>10</b>C″ and is connected to the motor terminal <b>33</b> via an intermediary metal piece <b>16</b> (FIG. 13, FIG. 19) inserted into the hole <b>10</b>C″, when the cover <b>10</b> is attached to the throttle body <b>1</b>.

[0112] As shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, other ends <b>15</b>A of the terminals <b>15</b> project from left and right side faces of the connector housing <b>10</b>C′ to the inner portion of the cover <b>10</b> and the ends <b>15</b>A and power source output terminals <b>17</b> are connected by wire bondings <b>18</b>. The connection may be carried out by extending the terminals to overlap each other and directly bonding the terminals.

[0113] Further, at the cover <b>10</b> (resin mold), a group of lead frames <b>131</b> through <b>150</b> for being connected with terminals <b>141</b> through <b>160</b> of the circuit board of the electronic control module <b>11</b> is insert-molded (embedded) with an aligned arrangement.

[0114] The ends of the lead frames on one side are exposed at positions contiguous to one side of the electronic control module containing portion <b>10</b>B at the inner face of the cover <b>10</b>. And as shown in FIG. 12, ends thereof on other side constitute connecter pins <b>131</b>′ through <b>150</b>′ in the outside connecting connector portion (connector case) <b>10</b>D. The connector pins <b>131</b>′ through <b>150</b>′, are arranged in two rows by being divided into odd number numerals <b>131</b>′, <b>133</b>′ . . . <b>149</b>′ and even number numerals <b>132</b>′, <b>134</b>′ . . . <b>150</b>′ of notations for providing compact formation of the connector case. The lead frames <b>131</b> through <b>150</b> formed by such frame shape.

[0115] The group of terminals <b>131</b> through <b>150</b> is connected to a cable connector on the side of PCM <b>100</b>. For example, the group is constituted by terminals for inputting battery power source, ground thereof, output signals from PCM (communication input, cruise signal, vehicle speed signal, accelerator pedal signal, etc.) and terminals for outputting the throttle position (valve opening degree) signal and the communication signal from TCM <b>11</b> to PCM <b>100</b>.

[0116] As described above, by attaching the electronic control module <b>11</b> to the inner face of the cover <b>10</b>, further, providing the connector portion <b>10</b>D for external connection to the cover <b>10</b>, insert-forming lead frames <b>131</b> through <b>150</b> constituting terminals thereof, further, bringing to align ends of the group of lead frames on one side along one side on the inner side of the cover, the lead frames <b>131</b> through <b>150</b> can be connected to the group of terminals <b>141</b> through <b>160</b> provided at the circuit board of the electronic control module <b>11</b> without being dotted with them in the cover.

[0117] Further, with regard to power source supply to the motor <b>3</b>, power is supplied via the external connecting connector portion <b>10</b>D, and the intermediary connector <b>10</b>C provided at the cover <b>10</b> and the electronic control module <b>11</b>. Therefore, it is not necessary to be dotted with the lead frame for power source in the cover <b>10</b>, and rationalization of electric wirings (shortening and simplifying of connecting operation) can be achieved.

[0118] The throttle position sensor <b>9</b> is packaged unit style, previously completed as an assembly before integrating into the cover <b>10</b>, and attached to the containing portion <b>10</b>A as the unit, and accordingly attachment thereof is convenient.

[0119] As the throttle position sensor <b>9</b>, an engaging hole <b>9</b>B for inserting one end <b>8</b>′ of the throttle valve shaft is formed at a central position of the packaged unit.

[0120] Further, in order to improve positioning accuracy of the throttle position sensor <b>9</b> relative to the throttle valve shaft <b>8</b>, the throttle position sensor (packaged unit) is provided with at least two pieces of positioning attaching holes <b>9</b>C, meanwhile, positioning pins <b>10</b>E fitted to the attaching holes <b>9</b><i>c </i>are arranged at the throttle position sensor containing portion <b>10</b>A.

[0121] The positioning pins <b>10</b>E are constituted by resin members integrally molded with the cover <b>10</b>, and thermally welded to the attaching holes <b>9</b><i>c </i>after having been fitted thereto. Therefore, the throttle position sensor <b>9</b> is attached by so-to-speak thermal fastening.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 13, at the throttle position sensor <b>9</b>, two resistors (dual resistors) <b>92</b> which constitute two potentiometers are formed on inner face of a side wall <b>9</b>A of the package combined with the package elements <b>90</b> and <b>91</b>. A movable conductor (rotor) <b>93</b> in contact with the resistors <b>92</b> is integrated in the package. An elastic piece <b>94</b> for receiving the one end <b>8</b>′ of the throttle valve shaft is arranged at the rotor center, and a ring-like spring <b>95</b> is fitted to the outer periphery of the elastic piece <b>94</b>.

[0123] When the cover <b>10</b> is attached to the throttle body <b>1</b> by screws or rivets <b>161</b>, the one end <b>8</b>′ of the throttle valve shaft is inserted into the engaging hole <b>9</b>B while pushing away the elastic piece <b>94</b>. The rotor <b>93</b> is engaged with the one end of the throttle valve shaft without shaky by the fastening force of the ring-like spring <b>95</b>.

[0124] As shown in FIG. 17, at the inner face of the cover <b>10</b>, there is formed a blocking wall <b>10</b>F for partitioning between a space of the module containing portion <b>10</b>B and a space of the throttle position sensor containing portion <b>10</b>A. At the blocking wall <b>10</b>F, there is formed a notch <b>10</b>G for fitting with one end of the terminal side (terminal base) <b>9</b>D of the throttle position sensor <b>9</b> (refer to FIG. 16). When the throttle position sensor <b>9</b> is set to the containing portion <b>10</b>A, the terminal base <b>9</b>D is fitted to the notch <b>10</b>G in an airtight state. After attaching the electronic control module <b>11</b>, the module containing portion <b>10</b>B is charged with a gel for preventing the module from humidity. The gel is prevented from being flowed out owing to the airtight fitting of the blocking wall <b>10</b>F and the terminal base <b>9</b>D.

[0125] According to the embodiment, the notch <b>10</b>G of the blocking wall <b>10</b>F is formed with a trapezoidal-shaped fitting groove <b>10</b>G′ extend toward the opening.

[0126] AT the throttle position sensor, as shown in FIG. 18, the terminal base <b>9</b>D is formed with a trapezoidal plate <b>9</b>E having a shape similar to the fitting groove <b>10</b>G′.

[0127] The fitting groove <b>10</b>G′ is fitted with the trapezoidal plate <b>9</b>E by coating an adhesive agent, thereby constitute the above-described airtight fitting structure. By constituting the trapezoidal fitting structure in this way, the airtight structure is guaranteed without scraping off the adhesive agent, when the trapezoidal plate <b>9</b>E is fitted to the fitting groove <b>10</b>G′. Further, the hemming of the cover <b>10</b> is formed with a groove <b>165</b> fitted with a seal <b>164</b>. Numeral <b>167</b> designates a cover attaching hole which is matched with a hole <b>168</b> on the side of the throttle body. The cover is fastened by a rivet or a screw as shown in numeral <b>169</b> via hole <b>167</b> and <b>168</b>.

[0128]FIG. 20 is a perspective view completely disassembling the embodiment article.

[0129] According to the embodiment, there are achieved the following advantages. The throttle position sensor unit and the electronic control module can simply be attached to the cover of the throttle valve mechanism.

[0130] By only attaching the cover to the throttle body, the motor terminal and the intermediary terminal on the cover side are spontaneously connected. Further, the electronic control module and the throttle position sensor can be aggregated and attached to the throttle valve mechanism cover (space saving formation). The cover can be provided with harnesses and connectors of the electronic control module, the motor power source, the throttle position sensor and so on in simplified formation and shortened formation. Particularly with regard to the harness, the harness can be insert-molded integrally with the resin cover, further, by achieving rationalization of an amount of the harness, a reduction in fabrication cost can be achieved.

[0131] A total of the throttle apparatus is made compact, which facilitates mounting and integration to an engine. Further, with regard to the module cover <b>130</b>, although the module cover is molded by a synthetic resin, the module cover may be made of a metal in place thereof. An embodiment thereof is shown by FIGS. 21 and 22.

[0132] According to the embodiment, in order to promote heat radiating performance of the electronic module <b>11</b> in the cover <b>10</b>, the module cover <b>130</b> is made of aluminum and the following heat sink structure is adopted.

[0133] As shown in FIG. 21 and FIG. 22, the electronic control module <b>11</b> has a plate <b>46</b> for holding the circuit board <b>11</b>′ and the module cover <b>130</b> other than the circuit board (module main body) <b>11</b>′ for control. The plate <b>46</b> is molded by excellent thermally conductive material. The module cover <b>130</b> is molded by an excellent thermally conductive material and covers the circuit board <b>11</b>′ above the plate <b>46</b>. The plate <b>46</b> and the module cover <b>130</b> are brought into contact with each other via a thermally conductive member <b>162</b>. The module cover <b>130</b> is brought into contact with the throttle body <b>1</b> molded by an excellent thermally conductive material via the thermally conductive member <b>34</b>.

[0134] According to the embodiment, the thermally conductive member <b>34</b> utilizes the gear shaft and is constructed by a structure in which the gear shaft <b>34</b> is brought into contact with the module cover <b>130</b> and the throttle body <b>1</b>. Further, the thermally conductive member <b>162</b> is constituted by the wall portion provided on the plate <b>46</b>. Further, the throttle body <b>1</b>, the plate <b>46</b>, the thermally conductive member <b>162</b>, the module cover <b>130</b> and the thermally conductive member <b>34</b> are made of aluminum. The thermally conductive member <b>162</b> is formed with the above-described notch <b>163</b> for receiving the terminal base of the throttle position sensor <b>9</b>.

[0135] According to the embodiment, other than achieving an effect similar to that of the second embodiment, in the motor driving type throttle apparatus by giving a consideration to the heat radiating performance of the electronic control module mounted to the cover of the throttle body, the reliability of the apparatus can be promoted.

INDUSTRIAL FIELD OF UTILIZATION

[0136] As described above, according to the invention, in the motor driving type throttle apparatus, by compact formation of shape including the body and the cover, simplified formation of assembling operation, simplified formation of wiring operation substantially capable of omitting external wiring, a reduction in harness amount can be achieved and by promotion of the heat radiating performance, low cost formation of a total of the apparatus, promotion of reliability and mountability and space saving formation can be achieved.