Exhaust gas recirculation system for an internal combustion engine having an integrated vacuum regulator and delta pressure sensor

Abstract

An exhaust gas recirculation system for an internal combustion engine including a valve body having an exhaust port adapted for fluid communication with a source of exhaust gas, an intake port adapted for fluid communication with the intake manifold of an internal combustion engine, and a valve member movably supported within the body between open and closed positions thereby controlling the flow of exhaust gas from the exhaust port to the intake port. A diaphragm housing is operatively mounted to the valve body and supported thereby. The diaphragm housing defines a vacuum cavity in fluid communication with a source of negative pressure and an atmosphere cavity in fluid communication with a source of second pressure. A diaphragm member is disposed between the vacuum and atmosphere cavities and is operatively connected to the valve member. The diaphragm member is movable in one direction in response to negative pressure induced in the vacuum cavity and in the opposite direction in response to a biasing force to move the valve member between its open and closed position. An integrated vacuum regulator is mounted to the system and supported thereby. The vacuum regulator is operable to control the movement of the valve member between its open and closed positions by controlling the negative pressure induced in the vacuum cavity. The system also includes an integrated pressure sensor which senses the difference between the pressure in the vacuum cavity and the pressure at the intake port.