DE102006022109B3 - Electronic vehicle motor control, for maximum efficiency, has a receiver for sensor signals and a memory and a memory for stored commands for the control to set the motor according to the conditions - Google Patents

Abstract

The electronic control system (1), for a vehicle motor (2), has a receiver (4) for signals from sensors (6) carried through cables (5) A memory (8) stores a number of received signals. A control unit (12) is linked to the memory and to an additional memory (14) containing at least one command. The control scans and takes a stored signal from memory for vehicle control and compares a command from the other memory according to the condition and transfers the command to the receiver if conditions are fulfilled for the receiver to take signals according to the command. An analog/digital converter (16) is between the receiver and the memory.

Description

The The present invention relates to a system and a method for Control of a motor vehicle, in particular for controlling the same Internal combustion engine, and a method for controlling a motor vehicle.

conventional Systems for controlling a motor vehicle or an internal combustion engine include elements for Signal input and signal output, electronic memory elements for storing the signals and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit communicates with different mounted on the internal combustion engine Sensors and actuators that are needed to different Functions of the internal combustion engine to monitor and control how e.g. the fuel supply. The goal is to create a powerful, fuel consumption budget and at the same time to ensure low-emission engine performance.

Such a conventional electronic control system is for example in the document DE 101 96 969 T1 disclosed. Therein it is described that a multiplicity of sensors indicate the operating behavior of the internal combustion engine and these sensors give signals via signal lines to a control unit. The control unit comprises a control device, such as a microprocessor, and electronic memory elements containing control logic. In operation, the control unit receives from the sensors signals which are passed on to the control unit. The controller then executes the control logic to enable real-time control of, for example, fuel injection based on cylinder pressure signals, generating command data that is transmitted to various actuators to vary the performance of the engine.

in this connection it is considered disadvantageous that with increasing size of the internal combustion engine, i.e. increasing number of cylinders, including the number of processed Grows signals, and thus the effort to capture and process the signals. This problem is exacerbated by the fact that the requirements for internal combustion engines in terms of consumption and pollutant emissions getting higher become. This can be done by additional Information, i. more sensors, about the operation of the internal combustion engine be met, but this also increases the number to be processed Signals and thus the effort to be processed for their processing on at.

Out Sparks D .: Multi-Sensor Modules with Data Bus Communication Capability, SAE Technical Paper Series, 1999-01-1277, In 1999, a system for controlling an internal combustion engine is described, wherein a signal detection element in the form of a multiplexer 1-n sensor signals receives. The multi-sensor module is intended to reduce the effort required for signal processing. A microcontroller is described with the multiplexer and over a bus system is connected to the engine control. The microcontroller coordinates the readout of the sensor data.

Out DE 42 05 050 C2 a system for controlling an internal combustion engine is known, which switches through a plurality of sensor signals via a multiplexer. In this case, a read-only memory and random access memory are used to store the sensor original.

Out DE 196 18 290 A1 is a system for supplying a control unit with command data known, wherein a multiplexer is used, in which the inputs are turned on in dependence on defined command data sets. Here, the data is stored in a register.

It is therefore an object of the present invention, an improved System and method for controlling a motor vehicle, in particular a Internal combustion engine, to provide.

These The object is achieved by the features of system claim 1 and method claim 13, respectively solved.

For this purpose, the invention proposes a system or method for controlling a motor vehicle, in particular an internal combustion engine, having the following features: a detection element as a signal detection element for detecting signals from sensors of the motor vehicle, wherein the signals are transmitted via signal lines; a storage element as a signal storage element for storing a plurality of signals supplied from the signal detection element; a control unit which is connected to the signal storage element and to a further storage element as an instruction storage element and is arranged to: read and transmit at least one signal from the signal storage element to a control device which is provided for controlling the motor vehicle, in particular the internal combustion engine; Transmitting at least one command as a commanded date to the command memory element, wherein the command data determines, in response to a condition, which signal of the signal lines is forwarded from the signal sensing element to the signal storage element; and transmitting the at least one commanded datum from the command memory element to the signal sensing element if the condition of the commanded datum is met, the signal sensing element terminating dependent on the commanded date, signals to predetermined signal lines passed to the latch element.

One Advantage of the present invention is that by the instruction data can be set that only the signals should be detected, actually for one effective control of the internal combustion engine are needed. So it has to be not like the conventional one Control constantly all available standing signals are detected and processed. Thereby are the Control unit and the control unit relieves, and the effort to capture and process the signals, is significantly reduced, but still effective control is possible.

It it is preferred that the signal detection element at least one Multiplexer has, as it is known from the prior art. So can advantageously from several signal inputs of the Multiplexers using the command data from the command memory element Signal input to be selected at a given time, this signal input then to the signal output and thus to the Signal latch element is turned on. When using several Multiplexers can according to several signals are switched through, if several Signals are required at the same time from the controller.

The transferred Signals can thereby pulse width modulated, amplitude modulated or frequency modulated be.

It It is conceivable that the signals, if they are in analogue form, by means of an analog-to-digital converter operating between the signal detection element and latch is switched to a digital format, such as a bit pattern, to be converted.

It is further preferred that the signals in the signal storage element are stored, describe an operating state of the internal combustion engine, i.e. that always current signals are stored in the latch element be replaced, previously stored signals. This has the Advantage that always the current operating state of the internal combustion engine is detected.

The Signal storage element and the command storage element have expediently each have a plurality of memory cells for storing signals or command data are provided. In this case, the number of memory cells in the latch element or in the command memory element in each case the Number of cylinders of the internal combustion engine correspond, i. each Cylinder is exactly one memory cell in the command memory element or assigned exactly one memory cell in the signal storage element.

One command data stored in a memory cell of the command memory element controls the signal detection element expediently so that a signal is detected by a sensor that determines the pressure within a specified range Cylinder of the internal combustion engine to a certain position of the Crankshaft of the internal combustion engine measures.

following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to figures. Hereby shows:

1 a schematic representation of a system according to the invention for controlling a motor vehicle;

2a a schematic detail view of a command memory cell according to the invention;

2 B a schematic detail view of a signal storage cell according to the invention;

3a a block diagram describing a method for controlling a motor vehicle according to a first embodiment of the invention; and

3b a block diagram describing a method for controlling a motor vehicle according to a second embodiment of the invention.

In 1 is schematically a system 1 for controlling a motor vehicle, in particular an internal combustion engine 2 represented. At the internal combustion engine 2 are sensors 6 attached, each individual cylinders of the internal combustion engine 2 assigned. In the example shown, the internal combustion engine 2 eight cylinders. The sensors 6 are designed to measure a pressure in their associated cylinder and to generate a corresponding signal.

These signals are via signal lines 5 to a signal detection element 4 transmitted and from the signal detection element 4 detected (reference numeral 100 respectively. 200 in 3a . 3b ). In the example shown, the signal detection element 4 a multiplexer, the eight inputs, according to the number of signal lines 5 , and having an output. As will be described below, at a particular time, the multiplexer passes exactly one of the signals to an analog-to-digital converter 16 where the signal is converted to a digital format, such as a bit pattern (reference numeral 205 in 3b ).

From analog to digital converter 16 the signal is forwarded to a latch element 8th , in which the signal in a signal storage cell 18 is stored (reference numeral 110 respectively. 210 in 3a . 3b ). The latch element 8th has eight such latch cells 18 on, according to the number of inputs on the signal detection element 4 , In principle, it is also conceivable that the signal is analog in the latch 8th is stored so that the analog / digital converter 16 in this case is omitted. It is also conceivable that the signal storage element 8th any number of latch cells 18 having.

With the latch element 8th is a control unit 10 connected simultaneously with a control unit 12 and a command storage element 14 connected is. The control unit 10 reads the signal from the latch element 8th from (reference numeral 120 respectively. 220 in 3a . 3b ), and forwards it at the request of the controller 12 continue to the control unit 12 (so-called receive mode) (reference numeral 130 respectively. 230 in 3a . 3b ). In the control unit 12 is based on the information of the received signal and on the basis of in the control unit 12 stored information generated by the control unit 10 continue to the command memory element 14 is passed (so-called send mode) (reference numeral 140 respectively. 240 in 3a . 3b ). The control unit 12 is via a control line 24 with one on the internal combustion engine 2 attached actuator 26 connected, the control line 24 or the actuator 26 can also comprise a plurality of control lines or actuators. The actuator receives according to the in the control unit 12 incoming signals on the operating condition of the internal combustion engine 2 Instructions for their control.

In the command storage element 14 becomes the commanded date in a command memory cell 20 stored. In the example shown, the command memory element 14 eight command memory cells 20 on, according to the number of latch cells 18 in the signal storage element 8th but also any number of command memory cells 20 conceivable.

The command or instruction data is a control instruction for the signal detection element 4 , which is determined by the commanded date, which input of the signal detection element 4 to the analog / digital converter 16 or to the signal storage element 8th should be switched through.

Forwarding in a Command Memory Cell 20 filed filing date is triggered due to a specific condition (reference numeral 150 respectively. 250 in 3a . 3b ), in the example shown by a time signal generated by the control unit 12 via a control line 22 to the command memory element 14 is transmitted. That is, when the time signal on the command memory element 14 is present, the commanded date to the signal detection element 4 transmitted (reference numeral 160 respectively. 260 in 3a . 3b ) and the instruction contained in the instruction data becomes the signal detection element 4 executed. The time signal may be a real-time signal or, for example, also a crankshaft signal, ie a corresponding signal is emitted for a specific position of the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine.

In 2a is shown schematically in detail how the signal storage cell 18 is constructed. Two lines are shown, with the top line containing different instructions in digital form and the bottom line containing the meaning of these instructions for a better understanding.

In this example, this includes in the signal storage cell 18 the following instructions are included: "Cyl. 1", "90 °", "180 °", "270 °" and "360 °". This means that from the first cylinder in each case a cylinder pressure signal at a crankshaft position of 90 °, 180 °, 270 ° and 360 ° from the signal detection element 4 and then to the latch element 8th is to be switched through (reference numeral 170 respectively. 270 in 3a . 3b ).

In 2 B is schematically illustrated in detail how the cylinder pressure signals detected due to the instruction data in a command memory cell 20 are stored. Again, two lines are shown, with the top line containing cylinder information in digital form and the bottom line containing the meaning of that information for better understanding.

For the first Cylinder is the first detected cylinder pressure value, i. at 90 ° crankshaft position, therefore 1 volt, at 180 ° 5 Volt and so on. Since the cylinder pressure values in the order are filed as they have been recorded, there is a clear Mapping between the instruction memory cells and the signal storage cells.

It should be emphasized that the number of instruction instructions in an instruction memory cell 18 or the amount of information in a command memory cell 20 can be freely selected.

In the event that in a memory cell 18 If signals were already stored, these are overwritten by newly arriving signals, so that current signals are always stored in the signal storage element.

Depending on certain criteria, such as operating point of the internal combustion engine 2 , Mode, importance of the control unit 12 Information to be fetched, sensor defect, signal line defect, etc., is provided by the control unit 12 via the control unit 10 a signal from the latch element 8th retrieved (Receive mode) or it is from the control unit 12 an instruction date via the control unit 10 to the command memory element 14 sent (send mode). If the internal combustion engine is in an uncritical operating state, that is, the combustion process fulfills corresponding requirements, for example with regard to pollutant emission, which is provided by the control unit 12 due to the signals from the latch element 8th is checked, then will be switched from Receive mode to Send mode immediately. Is the current from the controller 12 Signal information to be picked up for internal combustion engine operation, for example for a clean combustion process, of crucial importance, the switch from the receive mode to the send mode is reset despite pending update of the command data and only after reading by the control unit 12 Switched from Receive mode to Send mode.

It should be emphasized that instead of a multiplexer, multiple multiplexers can also be used if several signals are sent to the signal storage element at the same time 8th to be transmitted, for example, the signals of two or more cylinders are to be processed simultaneously.

1

system

2

Internal combustion engine

4

Signal detection element

5

signal line

6

sensor

8th

Signal storage element

10

control unit

12

control unit

14

Instruction storage element

16

Analog / digital converter

18

Signal memory cell

20

Instruction memory cell

22

control line

24

control line

26

actuator

Claims (16)

System ( 1 ) for controlling a motor vehicle, in particular its internal combustion engine ( 2 ), comprising: a detection element ( 4 ) for detecting signals from sensors of the motor vehicle, wherein the signals are transmitted via signal lines; a memory element ( 8th ) for storing a plurality of signals supplied from the detection element; a control unit ( 10 ) associated with the memory element ( 8th ) and with a further memory element ( 14 ) is connected to store at least one command and is arranged with means for: - reading out and transmitting at least one signal from the memory element ( 8th ) to a control unit ( 12 ), which is provided for controlling the motor vehicle; Transmission of a command to the further memory element ( 14 ), wherein the command determines, depending on a condition, which signal of the signal lines from the detection element ( 4 ) to the memory element ( 8th ) is forwarded; Transferring the at least one command from the memory element ( 14 ) to the detection element ( 4 ) if the condition of the command is met; the detection element ( 4 ) depending on the command of specified signal lines to the memory element ( 8th ). System ( 1 ) according to claim 1, wherein the detection element ( 4 ) has at least one multiplexer. System ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the signals are pulse width modulated. System ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the signals are amplitude modulated. System ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the signals are frequency modulated. System ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising an analogue-to-digital converter ( 16 ), which is located between the detection element ( 4 ) and the memory element ( 8th ) and is adapted to, from the detection element ( 4 ) to receive outgoing signals, to convert them into a digital format and then to the memory element ( 8th ) to send. System ( 1 ) according to claim 6, wherein the digital format comprises a bit pattern. System ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein in the memory element ( 8th ) Signals are stored which indicate an operating state of the internal combustion engine ( 2 ). System ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the memory element ( 8th ) a plurality of latch cells ( 18 ) having. System ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the further memory element ( 14 ) a plurality of instruction memory cells ( 20 ) having. System ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the at least one signal a pressure within a fixed cylinder of the internal combustion machine ( 2 ) to certain positions of the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine. System ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a command the detection element ( 4 ) controls such that the detection element ( 4 ) Signals relating to the pressure within a fixed cylinder of the internal combustion engine ( 2 ) is detected to a specific position of the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine. Method for controlling a motor vehicle, in particular its internal combustion engine ( 2 ), comprising the following steps: - detecting signals of operating states of the motor vehicle by means of a detection element ( 4 ), wherein the signals from at the internal combustion engine ( 2 ) arranged sensors ( 6 ) are generated and transmitted to the detection element; Storing a plurality of signals in a memory element ( 8th ), the signals from the detection element ( 4 ) are supplied; Reading out and transmitting at least one signal from the memory element ( 8th ) to a control unit ( 12 ), which is provided for controlling the motor vehicle; Transmitting at least one command to another memory element ( 14 ), wherein the command determines, depending on a condition, which signal of the signal lines from the detection element ( 4 ) to the memory element ( 8th ) should be forwarded; Transmitting the at least one command from the further memory element ( 14 ) to the detection element ( 4 ) if the condition of the command is met; and - forwarding the signal of the fixed signal line from the detection element ( 4 ) to the memory element ( 8th ). Method according to claim 13, wherein the detection element ( 4 ) has at least one multiplexer. Method according to Claim 13 or 14, with the following further steps: receiving the signals by means of an analog / digital converter ( 16 ), which is located between the detection element ( 4 ) and the memory element ( 8th ) is switched; Conversion of the signals into a digital format by the analog / digital converter ( 16 ); and - sending the signals thus converted to the memory element ( 8th ). The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of converting the signals to a digital bit pattern.