EP1400677B1 - Système d'injection - Google Patents

Système d'injection Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1400677B1
EP1400677B1 EP20030255969 EP03255969A EP1400677B1 EP 1400677 B1 EP1400677 B1 EP 1400677B1 EP 20030255969 EP20030255969 EP 20030255969 EP 03255969 A EP03255969 A EP 03255969A EP 1400677 B1 EP1400677 B1 EP 1400677B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
injector
switch means
injectors
charge
voltage
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP20030255969
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP1400677A3 (fr
EP1400677A2 (fr
Inventor
Nigel Baker
Steven Martin
Peter Griffin
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Delphi Technologies Inc
Original Assignee
Delphi Technologies Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US10/403,713 external-priority patent/US6760212B2/en
Application filed by Delphi Technologies Inc filed Critical Delphi Technologies Inc
Publication of EP1400677A2 publication Critical patent/EP1400677A2/fr
Publication of EP1400677A3 publication Critical patent/EP1400677A3/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1400677B1 publication Critical patent/EP1400677B1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02D41/00—Electrical control of supply of combustible mixture or its constituents
    • F02D41/20—Output circuits, e.g. for controlling currents in command coils
    • F02D41/2096—Output circuits, e.g. for controlling currents in command coils for controlling piezoelectric injectors
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02D41/00—Electrical control of supply of combustible mixture or its constituents
    • F02D41/20—Output circuits, e.g. for controlling currents in command coils
    • F02D2041/202—Output circuits, e.g. for controlling currents in command coils characterised by the control of the circuit
    • F02D2041/2051—Output circuits, e.g. for controlling currents in command coils characterised by the control of the circuit using voltage control
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02D41/00—Electrical control of supply of combustible mixture or its constituents
    • F02D41/20—Output circuits, e.g. for controlling currents in command coils
    • F02D2041/202—Output circuits, e.g. for controlling currents in command coils characterised by the control of the circuit
    • F02D2041/2058—Output circuits, e.g. for controlling currents in command coils characterised by the control of the circuit using information of the actual current value
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02D41/00—Electrical control of supply of combustible mixture or its constituents
    • F02D41/20—Output circuits, e.g. for controlling currents in command coils
    • F02D2041/2068—Output circuits, e.g. for controlling currents in command coils characterised by the circuit design or special circuit elements
    • F02D2041/2072—Bridge circuits, i.e. the load being placed in the diagonal of a bridge to be controlled in both directions
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02D41/00—Electrical control of supply of combustible mixture or its constituents
    • F02D41/20—Output circuits, e.g. for controlling currents in command coils
    • F02D2041/2068—Output circuits, e.g. for controlling currents in command coils characterised by the circuit design or special circuit elements
    • F02D2041/2082—Output circuits, e.g. for controlling currents in command coils characterised by the circuit design or special circuit elements the circuit being adapted to distribute current between different actuators or recuperate energy from actuators

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an injector system for an internal combustion engine, the injector system including a plurality of injectors of the type having a piezoelectric actuator for controlling injector valve needle movement.
  • the invention also relates to a method of controlling an injector system incorporating a plurality of piezoelectric injectors.
  • Automotive vehicle engines are generally equipped with fuel injectors for injecting fuel (e.g. gasoline or diesel fuel) into the individual cylinders or intake manifold of the engine.
  • fuel injectors are coupled to a fuel rail containing high pressure fuel that is delivered by way of a fuel delivery system.
  • the injectors typically employ a valve needle that is actuated to open and close so as to control the amount of high pressure fuel metered from the fuel rail and injected into the corresponding engine cylinder or intake manifold.
  • Piezoelectric fuel injectors employ piezoelectric actuators including a stack of piezoelectric elements.
  • the metering of fuel is generally achieved by controlling the electrical voltage potential, or charge, applied to the piezoelectric elements so as to vary the degree to which the stack extends and contracts.
  • the extent of expansion and contraction of the piezoelectric elements varies the extent and direction of travel of the valve needle, towards and away from a valve needle seating, so as to control the duration for which injection occurs at a given fuel pressure. Control of the piezoelectric actuator therefore controls the fuel delivery quantity.
  • the piezoelectric actuator In order to inject fuel, so as to provide an "injection event", the piezoelectric actuator undergoes a discharge and a charge phase.
  • the injector In one type of piezoelectric injector (positive-charge displacement injectors), the injector is configured such that charging of the actuator stack causes the needle to lift away from the valve needle seating to start the injection event, with discharging of the actuator stack causing the needle to seat to end the injection event. Examples of positive-charge displacement fuel injectors are described in Hoffman et al ( US 6016040 ), Robert Bosch GmbH ( GB 2334164 ), and Hoffman et al ( US 6081062 ).
  • piezoelectric injector negative-charge displacement injectors
  • it is discharging of the actuator stack that causes the needle to lift, with charging of the stack causing the valve needle to seat.
  • the injector is said to be “opened” when injection occurs, and “closed” when injection does not occur.
  • piezoelectric fuel injectors require relatively high voltages (in the hundreds of volts) and high currents (tens of amps) in order to function properly.
  • Known drive circuitry for controlling piezoelectric fuel injectors is generally complicated and usually requires extensive energy.
  • an injector system for an internal combustion engine comprising: at least a first and a second injector, the injectors being of a negative-charge displacement type having capacitive-like properties, a drive circuit comprising a first select switch means for controlling selection of the first injector and a second select switch means for controlling selection of the second injector, a discharge switch means for controlling whether a discharging current is supplied to a selected one of the first or second injectors during a discharging mode so as to initiate an injection event, and a charge switch means for controlling whether a charging current is supplied to the selected injector during a charging mode so as to terminate the injection event, wherein the first and second injectors form a parallel circuit during the charging mode such that the voltage across the selected injector, not equalling the voltage across an unselected injector at the start of the charging mode, is caused through activation of the charge switch means and the parallel circuit to equalise with the voltage across the unselected injector.
  • the injector system prefferably includes at least first and second injectors, each of which has a piezoelectric actuator.
  • the invention is equally applicable, however, to systems in which the injectors have generally capacitive-like properties.
  • the advantage of arranging the injectors in parallel is that, at the end of the charging mode upon termination of the injection event by a selected injector, any voltage across the selected injector in excess of a predetermined voltage charge threshold tends to equalise with the voltage across the unselected injector(s). Thus, positive voltage ringing is damped due to excess energy being shared between the injectors. Accuracy of control of the injector and injector efficiency is therefore improved.
  • the injector system may, but need not, be manufactured to include voltage supply means for supplying charging and discharging voltages across the piezoelectric actuators.
  • the drive circuit is configured as a half H-bridge circuit having a middle circuit branch, with the first and second injectors being arranged electrically in parallel with one another in the middle circuit branch.
  • the charge switch means and discharge switch means include respective first and second switches, each of which permits unidirectional current flow when activated and prevents current flow when deactivated.
  • the first select switch means preferably includes a first select switch for enabling the discharge current to flow through the first injector during the discharging mode thereof and the second select switch means includes a second select switch for enabling the discharge current to flow through the second injector during the discharging mode thereof.
  • the drive circuit of the system is preferably configured so that the discharging mode is achieved by activation (opening and closing) of the second switch and activation (closing) of the select switch of the selected injector that is required to perform the injection event.
  • the charging mode is conveniently achieved by activation of the first switch.
  • the drive circuit may also include voltage sensing means for monitoring the voltage across the selected injector (and also the unselected injector, if desired) and control means for receiving a signal indicative of the sensed voltage and providing a terminate control signal to the charge switch means to terminate the charging mode of the selected injector once a threshold charge voltage (V CHARGE ) is sensed.
  • the control means may also be arranged to provide an initiate signal to the charge switch means to initiate the charging mode of the selected injector.
  • control means is arranged to control the first or second select switch means so that the selected injector is de-selected following the end of the discharging mode, prior to a subsequent charging mode.
  • control means is arranged to control the first or second select switch means so that the selected injector is re-selected at the start of the subsequent charging mode.
  • control means is arranged to control the first or second select switch means so that the selected injector is held selected at the end of the discharge mode and is held selected throughout (and preferably also following) the subsequent charging mode.
  • control means is arranged to control the first and second select switch means so that both the first and second injectors are selected (that is, in a selected state) at the end of the charging mode and for a period thereafter, thereby to enhance equalisation of the voltages across the injectors prior to a subsequent discharging mode, preferably equalising to a value just less than the threshold charge value.
  • the drive circuit may be configured to operate by providing a further additional control signal at engine start-up to equalise the voltages across each of the injectors to just less than the threshold charge voltage, and/or to provide the further additional control signal at engine shut-down.
  • the invention is applicable to a bank of at least two injectors, with each injector being arranged to inject fuel to an associated combustion space or engine cylinder.
  • the bank may include any number of injectors, and an engine may have more than one injector bank depending on the number of engine cylinders.
  • the injector system includes first and second injector banks, so that the drive circuit of the system controls operation of the first and second injector banks, the first injector bank including a first injector and a second injector and the second injector bank including a third injector and a fourth injector, the drive circuit including first select switch means associated with the first injector bank for controlling independent selection of the first or second injector to permit a discharging current to be supplied to the selected injector during a discharging mode so as to initiate an injection event, second select switch means associated with the second injector bank for controlling independent selection of the third or fourth injector to permit a discharging current to be supplied to the selected injector during a discharging mode so as to initiate an injection event, charge/discharge switch means for controlling whether the discharging current is supplied to the selected injector of either the first or the second injector bank or whether a charging current is supplied to said selected injector during a charging mode so as to terminate the injection event, and wherein the injectors of each bank
  • the charge/discharge switch means includes first and second charge/discharge switches for each bank, one being activated to initiating charging and one being activated to initiate discharging of a selected injector of the associated bank.
  • a drive circuit for controlling the first and second injectors of the injector system set out in the accompanying claim set, wherein the drive circuit further includes at least first and second parallel current paths, each of which is provided with connection means connectable across a respective one of the first and second injectors of the system, in use, so that said injectors form a parallel circuit during the charging mode.
  • another aspect of the invention is to provide an electrical drive circuit, which is not manufactured to include the injectors of the system with which it is used but which includes only electrical circuit components including the connection means for connection with the injectors, in use.
  • the drive circuit of this aspect of the invention may include any of the preferred or optional features of the drive circuit aspect of the injector system described previously and set out in the accompanying claims.
  • a control method for an injector system for use in an internal combustion engine comprising controlling independent selection of the first or the second injector using a respective first or second select switch means to permit a discharging current to be supplied to the selected injector so as to initiate an injection event, controlling whether the discharging current is supplied to the selected injector using a discharge switch means or whether a charging current is supplied to the selected injector so as to terminate the injection event using a charge switch means, operatively connecting the first and second injectors to the respective first and second select switch means, and with the charge switch means so that the injectors form a parallel circuit during the charging mode, and activating the charge switch means so as to terminate the injection event and so that the voltage across the selected injector, not equalling the voltage across the unselected injector at the start of the charging mode is caused through activation of the charge switch means and the
  • the method may include providing a first control signal to the first or second select switch means to de-select the selected injector at the end of the discharging mode.
  • the method may then include providing a further control signal to the first or second select switch means to re-select the selected injector for the subsequent charging mode.
  • the method may alternatively include maintaining the selected injector in a selected state at the end of the discharging mode.
  • the method may include providing an additional control signal to the first and second select switch means to ensure both the first and second injectors are selected at the end of the charging mode of either one, and for a period thereafter, thereby to enhance equalisation of the voltages across the first and second injectors, prior to a subsequent injection event. This may be achieved by deselecting the first injector following the discharge mode and then reselecting the first injector at or just prior to the charging mode and, at substantially the same time, selecting the second injector at or just prior to the charging mode.
  • the method includes providing a further additional control signal to the first and second select switch means to ensure both the first and second injectors are selected upon engine start-up and/or upon engine shut-down.
  • a piezoelectric actuator for a fuel injector of the negative-charge displacement type including a stack 10 of piezoelectric elements 12 (only two of which are numbered).
  • the stack 10 is energisable and de-energisable to effect a change in length of the stack 10, and thereby to control movement of an injector valve needle towards and away from a valve needle seating so as to control injection.
  • a contracted state length x1
  • a positive, charging voltage is applied across the stack 10 to energise the stack.
  • an extended state length x2
  • a negative, discharging voltage is applied across the stack to de-energise the stack 10.
  • FIG. 2 shows a drive pulse 14, or voltage waveform, which is applied to the stack 10 to change between the contracted (x1) and extended (x2) states.
  • the voltage waveform 14 varies between a charging voltage (V CHARGE ) and a discharging voltage (V DISCHARGE ) ⁇
  • V CHARGE charging voltage
  • V DISCHARGE discharging voltage
  • the injectors are arranged in 'banks' of two or more injectors, as illustrated by dashed lines and referenced at 21.
  • Figure 3 therefore shows one injector bank 21 having three injectors 22a, 22b, 22c.
  • This bank of injectors may be one of two identical injector banks (only one of which is shown in Figure 3 ) in a six cylinder engine, with each injector 22a, 22b, 22c of one bank delivering fuel to a different one of three engine cylinders and each injector of the other bank delivering fuel to a different one of three other engine cylinders.
  • the arrangement and operation of the second injector bank is substantially identical to the first, and so only the first bank having injectors 22a, 22b, 22c will be described in detail. It will be appreciated by the skilled reader that further injector banks (each having two or more injectors) may be included in the system, depending on engine configuration and requirements.
  • the injectors 22a, 22b, 22c are of the negative-charge displacement type, as described previously.
  • each individual injector is selected for injection under the control of a drive control circuit, referred to generally as 24, including select switch means operatively connected to the injectors 22a, 22b, 22c to permit independent control of each switch S1, S2, S3 thereof and charge/discharge switch means, Q1, Q2, which is operatively connected to the injectors 22a, 22b, 22c of a given bank so as to control injection by any one of them, depending on which is selected.
  • a control arrangement for controlling operation of the circuit 24 includes a microprocessor and memory of an Engine Control Module (ECM).
  • ECM Engine Control Module
  • the microprocessor and memory are configured to provide control signals for the select switches S1, S2, S3 and the charge/discharge switches Q1, Q2 so as to initiate a discharge operation (the discharge mode) in which the selected injector is opened.
  • the microprocessor and the memory are also configured to provide control signals for the charge/discharge switch means Q1, Q2 so as to initiate a charging operation (the charging mode) in which the selected injector is closed, and may be configured to further provide control signals for the select switch means S1, S2, S3 during or following the charging mode, if necessary.
  • the ways in which the microprocessor controls operation of the switch means S1, S2, S3, Q1, Q2 to control injection will be described in further detail below.
  • the drive circuit 24 employs a half H-bridge configuration and forms part of the ECM.
  • the drive circuit 24 receives control signals from the ECM microprocessor and memory.
  • a middle circuit branch of the half H-bridge serves as a bi-directional current path 26 and is provided with connection means in the form of positive and negative electrical connector terminals, at points x and y respectively, in each of three parallel current paths.
  • Each injector is connected between the connection means (x, y) in a respective one of the parallel current paths, so that the injectors are arranged electrically in parallel.
  • the middle circuit branch also includes an inductor 28, coupled in series with the parallel connection of the injectors 22a, 22b, 22c.
  • Each injector has the electrical characteristics similar to those of a capacitor, with its piezoelectric actuator stack being chargeable to hold a voltage which is the potential difference between the charge (+) and discharge (-) terminals of the injector 22a, 22b, 22c. Charging and discharging of each injector 22a, 22b, 22c is achieved by controlling the current flow through the bi-directional current path 26 by means of the microprocessor.
  • the drive circuit 24 further includes a voltage input 30 for receiving a voltage V S from a voltage source, such as vehicle battery voltage.
  • the voltage V S is increased to a higher step-up voltage, V C1 , via a step up transformer 32 (DC/DC converter).
  • the step-up voltage, V C1 is typically of the order of 200-300V and is applied to a first energy storage capacitor C1 via a first diode D1.
  • the step-up transformer also applies voltage V C2 to a second energy storage capacitor C2 via a second diode D2.
  • the step-up transformer has a return line coupled to the second diode D2.
  • V C2 is of the order of 100V.
  • other suitable electrical components may be used to provide a similar function to the step up transformer 32, if preferred.
  • the charge/discharge switch means of the drive circuit 24 includes first and second charge/discharge switches Q1 and Q2 respectively for controlling the charging and discharging operations of the injector.
  • Each switch Q1, Q2 may take the form of an n-channel insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) having a gate controlling current flow from the collector to the emitter.
  • IGBT insulated gate bipolar transistor
  • Each of the charge/discharge switches Q1, Q2 allows for unidirectional current flow from the collector to the emitter when turned on, and prevents current flow when turned off.
  • Each switch Q1, Q2 has a respective recirculation diode D3, D4 connected across it to allow a recirculation current to return to the energy storage capacitors C1, C2 during an 'energy recovery' or 'recirculation' mode of operation of the circuit 24, as described in further detail below.
  • Each of the injectors 22a, 22b, 22c is connected in series with an associated select switch, S1, S2, S3 respectively, of the select switch means.
  • Each of the first, second and third select switches S1, S2, S3 typically takes the form of an IGBT having a gate coupled to a gate drive which is powered at a bias supply input.
  • select switch S1 associated with the first injector 22a for example, is activated (or turned on) in conjunction with the charge/discharge switch Q2 being closed, current flow is permitted in a discharge direction through the selected injector.
  • a diode D5 is connected in parallel with the select switch S1 to allow current flow in the charge direction during a charging mode of operation.
  • diodes D6 and D7 are connected in parallel with respective ones of the selects switches S2 and S3 for the second and third injectors.
  • a further diode D8 is provided between the bi-directional current path 26 on the injector side of the inductor 28 and the positive terminal of the first energy storage capacitor C1.
  • Another diode D9 is provided between the negative terminal of the second energy storage capacitor C2 and the bi-directional current path 26 on the injector side of the inductor 28.
  • the further diode D8 provides a 'voltage clamping effect' for a selected injector at the end of its charging mode, as it prevents the injector from being driven to voltages higher than V C1 .
  • the other diode D9 provides a recirculation path for current flow during a discharge mode of operation, as will be described in further detail later.
  • a current flow sensing and control means 38 may be connected within the bi-directional current path 26 to sense the current, compare the sensed current with predetermined first and second current thresholds, I 1 and I 2 respectively, and generate output signals accordingly.
  • I 1 represents a peak current threshold
  • I 2 represents a recirculation current threshold.
  • Both of the current threshold values, I 1 and I 2 are stored in the microprocessor and memory, along with a charge voltage threshold (V CHARGE ) and a discharge voltage threshold (V DISCHARGE ). If required, and preferably so, the current thresholds, I 1 and I 2 , and the voltage thresholds, V CHARGE , V DISCHARGE , may be adjustable.
  • a voltage sensing means (not shown) is also provided to sense the voltage, V SENSE , across the injector that is selected for injection.
  • the control means of the circuit 24 includes control logic 34 for receiving the output of the current sensing and control means 38, the sensed voltage, V SENSE , from the positive terminal (+) of the injectors 22a, 22b, 22c, and the various output signals provided from the microprocessor and memory.
  • the control logic 34 may include software executed by the microprocessor and memory for processing the various inputs so as to generate control signals for each of the charge/discharge switches, Q1, Q2 and each of the injector select switches S1, S2 and S3.
  • the drive circuit 24 operates in a discharge phase or mode to open a selected one of the fuel injectors 22a, 22b, 22c, whereby the piezoelectric stack of the selected injector is contracted to cause the injector valve needle to lift from its seating.
  • the drive circuit 24 also operates in a charge mode to close the fuel injectors 22a, 22b, 22c, whereby the piezoelectric stack of the selected injector is extended to cause the injector valve needle re-seat.
  • the second switch Q2 is activated (closed). Additionally, one of the injector select switches S1, S2, S3 is activated to select a desired one of the injectors 22a, 22b, 22c for injection. For example, if it is required to inject with the first injector 22a, the select switch S1 is closed. The other two injector select switches S2, S3 of the bank remain de-activated at this time as the second and third injectors 22b, 22c with which they are associated are not required to inject.
  • the current sensing and control means 38 monitors the current flow through the bi-directional path 26 as it builds up and, as soon as the peak current threshold I 1 is reached, an output signal is generated to initiate de-activation (opening) of the second switch Q2. At this point, the current that is built up in the inductor 28 recirculates through the diode D3 associated with the first (open) switch Q1. As a consequence, the direction of current flow through the inductor 28 and the selected one of the injectors 22a does not change. This is a "recirculation phase" of the discharging mode of operation of the drive circuit 24.
  • the current sensing and control means 38 monitors the recirculation current, so that when the recirculation current has fallen below the recirculation current threshold I 2 , the comparator generates a signal to reactivate the second charge/discharge switch Q2 to continue the discharge operation.
  • V DISCHARGE discharge voltage level
  • the select switch S1 of the injector 22a is deactivated to open. Therefore, at the end of the discharge mode all three select switches S1, S2, S3 are deactivated (open).
  • the first charge/discharge switch Q1 In order to charge (close) the injector 22a, the first charge/discharge switch Q1 is activated to close allowing a charge current, I CHARGE , to flow through the current path 26. This is referred to as charging mode of operation of the drive circuit. It is an essential step of the charging mode of operation that the first charge/discharge switch Q1 is activated to close.
  • the select switch means S1, S2, S3 may be operated during and following the charging mode, as described in further detail below.
  • the select switch S1 of the first injector 22a which has previously been injecting, is activated to close again and a bi-directional current flows through the injector 22a during and following the charging mode.
  • the second and third switches S2, S3 remain open.
  • the majority of the charge current I CHARGE during the charging mode will flow through the previously discharged injector (i.e. the selected injector 22a in the example described), as this injector is at a much lower voltage level (V DISCHARGE ) at the start of the charging phase than the unselected injectors 22b, 22c (which are maintained, substantially, at voltage level V CHARGE ).
  • the remaining injectors 22b, 22c that were not previously discharged will receive current if the corresponding voltages across them have dropped below the charge voltage threshold V CHARGE ⁇
  • V CHARGE charge voltage threshold
  • the unselected injectors 22b, 22c may discharge to a level around 199V, from 200V.
  • the current flow sensing and control means 38 monitors the current build-up and, as soon as the peak current threshold I 1 is reached, the control logic 34 generates a control signal to open the first switch Q1. At this point, the current that has built up in the inductor 28 recirculates through the diode D4 associated with the second (open) switch Q2. This is a recirculation phase of the charging mode of operation of the drive circuit 24. The direction of current flow through the inductor 28 and the injectors 22a, 22b, 22c does not change during the recirculation phase.
  • this recirculation phase current flows from the negative side of the 100 volt power supply across the capacitor C2, through the diode D4, through the inductor 28 and the injectors 22a, 22b, 22c, through the diodes D5, D6, D7, and the current sensing and control means 38 and into the positive side of energy storage capacitor C2.
  • energy from the inductor 28 and the piezoelectric injectors 22a, 22b, 22c is transferred to the energy storage capacitor C2.
  • the current sense circuitry monitors the recirculation current and, when the recirculation current has fallen below the recirculation current threshold I 2 , the comparator reactivates (closes) the first switch Q1 to continue the charge process.
  • the voltage across the selected injector 22a is monitored and the cycle of current build-up and recirculation continues until the appropriate charge voltage level (threshold V CHARGE ) has been achieved.
  • the energy storage capacitor C1 provides energy and the energy storage capacitor C2 receives energy for storage.
  • the half H-bridge drive circuit 24 is deactivated until a subsequent discharge phase is initiated.
  • the second switch Q2 when it is required to inject with a selected injector (e.g. the first injector 22a) of the first bank, the second switch Q2 is closed and the select switch S1 of the injector 22a is closed.
  • the second switch Q2 is automatically opened and closed until the voltage across the selected injector 22a is reduced to the appropriate voltage discharge level (i.e. V DISCHARGE , as shown in Figure 2 ) to initiate injection.
  • the select switch S1 is deactivated (opened).
  • closing of the injector 22a is achieved by closing the first switch Q1, causing a charging current to flow through all three injectors 22a, 22b, 22c of the bank.
  • the first switch Q1 is continually opened and closed, until the appropriate charge voltage level is achieved (i.e. V CHARGE , as shown in Figure 2 ).
  • the select switch S1 of the previously discharged injector 22a is activated (closed again) at the start of the charging mode.
  • the select switch for the appropriate injector, S2 or S3 is activated and the charge/discharge switches Q1, Q2 are operated in a similar manner to that described previously. Again, a similar benefit is achieved at the end of injection by the second or third injector 22b, 22c due to the injectors of the bank being arranged in parallel.
  • the microprocessor may be programmed to hold the select switch S1 open during the charging mode, whilst the second and third select switches S2, S3 are also held open. In other words, all three switches S1, S2 and S3 are open for the charging mode. In such circumstances charging current flows through the injectors 22a, 22b, 22c by virtue of their respective diodes D5, D6, D7, as required. No damping of positive voltage ringing is achieved, however, as current is unable to flow to the negative side of the previously selected injector 22a with the switch S1 open. It is therefore preferable to use the first charging mode described previously, in which the select switch S1 of the previously selected in injector 22a is closed during the charging process.
  • the microprocessor may be programmed so as to maintain the injector select switch S1 (of the previously selected injector 22a) closed for a period after which the charge voltage threshold, V CHARGE , has been reached and also to activate the second and third select switches S2, S3 to close during this period. If the select switch has already been closed at the start of the charging phase then only the second and third switches S2, S3 need be activated to achieve this status, otherwise all three select switches S1, S2, S3 will need to be activated simultaneously.
  • the microprocessor may use pre-calibrated data to determine the appropriate time period for which the injector select switches S1, S2, S3 should be closed after the voltage charge threshold is detected.
  • the injectors 22a, 22b, 22c are in close proximity to their respective select switches S1, S2, S3. It will be appreciated, however, that in practice it may be desirable for the injectors 22a, 22b, 22c to be mounted remotely from the drive circuit 24, with injector connections at x and y to the drive circuit 24 through appropriate connecting leads.
  • each injector 22a, 22b, 22c and its corresponding select switch S1, S2, S3 may be interchanged.
  • the embodiment of Figure 3 provides the advantage that shorting of the voltage-high side of the circuit is prevented in the event that the injector connecting leads short to ground.
  • additional charging pulses may be provided at the end of the charging phase by pulsed switching of the first switch Q1 to counteract any tendency of the voltage across the previously selected injector 22a to drift negative at the end of the charging phase.
  • the current threshold values I 1 , I 2 are adjustable by means of the controller then the tendency of the voltage across the selected injector to drift positive can be counteracted by reducing the threshold values I 1 , I 2 as the voltage across the selected injector 22a approaches the discharge voltage level, V DISCHARGE .
  • the select switch S1 of the injector 22a that is injecting is opened at the end of the discharge mode, approximately simultaneously with the discharge switch Q2 being deactivated (opened).
  • the provision of the diode D9 is important as it provides a recirculation path for residual energy in the inductor 28 at the end of the discharge mode to recirculate to the first energy storage capacitor VC1 via the diode D3 associated with the charge/discharge switch Q1.
  • the select switch S1 for the selected injector is not deactivated (opened) at the end of the discharge mode (i.e. it is maintained closed) then the requirement for the diode D9 is removed.
  • the invention is equally applicable to other injector arrangements comprising at least two injectors.
  • a two cylinder engine for example, only a single bank of two injectors may be used. If two or more banks of injectors are employed, it will be appreciated that each is provided with its own select (S1, S2....Sn) switch means, and may be provided with its own charge/discharge (Q1, Q2) switch means, both of which are operable under the control of a common ECM microprocessor.
  • S1, S2....Sn select
  • Q1, Q2 charge/discharge

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Fuel-Injection Apparatus (AREA)
  • Electrical Control Of Air Or Fuel Supplied To Internal-Combustion Engine (AREA)

Claims (22)

  1. Système injecteur pour un moteur à combustion interne, le système injecteur comprenant :
    au moins un premier et un second injecteur (22a, 22b), les injecteurs étant du type à déplacement de charge négatif ayant des propriétés semblables à des capacités,
    un circuit pilote (24) comprenant un premier moyen formant commutateur sélecteur (S1) pour contrôler la sélection du premier injecteur (22a) et un second moyen formant commutateur sélecteur (S2) pour contrôler la sélection du second injecteur (22b),
    un moyen formant commutateur de décharge (Q2) pour contrôler si un courant de décharge est fourni à un injecteur choisi parmi le premier ou le second injecteur (22a, 22b) pendant un mode de décharge de manière à initialiser un événement d'injection, et un moyen formant commutateur de charge (Q1) pour contrôler si un courant de charge est fourni à l'injecteur choisi pendant un mode de charge de manière à terminer l'événement d'injection,
    dans lequel le premier et le second injecteur (22a, 22b) forment un circuit parallèle pendant le mode de charge de telle sorte que le voltage aux bornes de l'injecteur choisi, qui n'est pas égal au voltage aux bornes d'un injecteur non choisi au départ du mode de charge, est amené par activation du moyen formant commutateur de charge (Q1) et du circuit parallèle à devenir égal au voltage aux bornes de l'injecteur non sélectionné.
  2. Système injecteur selon la revendication 1, dans lequel chaque injecteur inclut un actionneur piézo-électrique (10).
  3. Système injecteur selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans lequel le circuit pilote (24) est configuré sous la forme d'un demi-circuit à pont H ayant une branche de circuit médiane (26), le premier et le second injecteur (22a, 22b) étant agencés électriquement en parallèle l'un par rapport à l'autre dans la branche de circuit médiane.
  4. Système injecteur selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3,
    dans lequel le moyen formant commutateur de charge et le moyen formant commutateur de décharge incluent un premier et un second commutateur respectif (Q1, Q2), dont chacun permet l'écoulement de courant unidirectionnel lorsqu'il est activé et empêche l'écoulement de courant lorsqu'il est désactivé.
  5. Système injecteur selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4,
    dans lequel le premier moyen formant commutateur sélecteur inclut un premier commutateur sélecteur (S1) pour permettre la décharge du premier injecteur (22a) pendant le mode de décharge, et le second moyen formant commutateur sélecteur inclut un second commutateur sélecteur (S2) pour permettre la décharge du second injecteur (22b) pendant le mode de décharge.
  6. Système injecteur selon la revendication 5, dans lequel le mode de décharge est obtenu par activation du second commutateur (Q2) et activation du commutateur sélecteur de l'injecteur choisi pour exécuter l'événement d'injection.
  7. Système injecteur selon la revendication 5 ou 6, dans lequel le mode de charge est obtenu par activation du premier commutateur (Q1).
  8. Système injecteur selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 7, incluant des moyens de détection de voltage pour surveiller le voltage aux bornes de l'injecteur choisi et des moyens de commande (34) pour recevoir un signal indicatif du voltage détecté et fournir un signal de commande de terminaison au moyen formant commutateur de charge (Q1) pour terminer le mode de charge une fois que le voltage seuil (Vcharge) est détecté.
  9. Système injecteur selon la revendication 8, dans lequel le moyen de commande (34) est un microprocesseur qui fait partie d'un module de commande moteur.
  10. Système injecteur selon la revendication 8 ou 9, dans lequel le moyen de commande (34) est agencé pour commander le premier ou le second moyen formant commutateur sélecteur (S1, S2) de telle manière que l'injecteur sélectionné est désélectionné à la suite de la fin du mode de décharge, avant un mode de charge ultérieur.
  11. Système injecteur selon la revendication 10, dans lequel le moyen de commande (34) est agencé pour commander le premier ou le second moyen formant commutateur sélecteur (S1, S2) de sorte que l'injecteur sélectionné est re-sélectionné pour le mode de charge.
  12. Système injecteur selon la revendication 8 ou 9, dans lequel le moyen de commande (34) est agencé pour commander le premier ou le second moyen formant commutateur sélecteur (S1, S2) de telle façon que l'injecteur sélectionné est maintenu sélectionné à la fin du mode de décharge.
  13. Système injecteur selon la revendication 11 ou 12, dans lequel le moyen de commande (34) est agencé pour commander le premier et le second moyen formant commutateur sélecteur (S1, S2) de telle façon que le premier et le second injecteur (22a, 22b) sont sélectionnés tous les deux pendant une période à la fin du mode de charge, pour améliorer ainsi l'égalisation des voltages aux bornes des injecteurs (22a, 22b) avant un mode de décharge ultérieur.
  14. Système injecteur selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 13,
    dans lequel l'un au moins du premier et du second moyen formant commutateur sélecteur (S1, S2) et des moyens formant commutateur de charge et de décharge (Q1, Q2) comprend un transistor dipolaire à grille isolée à canal n.
  15. Circuit pilote (24) destiné à être utilisé dans le système injecteur selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 14, le circuit pilote incluant le premier moyen formant commutateur sélecteur (S1), le second moyen formant commutateur sélecteur (S2), le moyen formant commutateur de décharge (Q1), le moyen formant commutateur de charge (Q2), et au moins un premier et un second trajet de courant en parallèle, dont chacun est pourvu de moyens de connexion (x, y) susceptibles d'être connectés aux bornes d'un injecteur respectif parmi le premier et le second injecteur du système, en utilisation, de sorte que lesdits injecteurs forment un circuit parallèle pendant le mode de charge.
  16. Procédé pour commander un système injecteur ayant au moins un premier et un second injecteur (22a, 22b), les injecteurs étant du type à déplacement de charge négatif ayant des propriétés semblables à des capacités, le procédé comprenant les étapes consistant à :
    commander une sélection indépendante du premier ou du second injecteur (22a, 22b) en utilisant un premier ou un second moyen formant commutateur sélecteur (S1, S2) respectif pour permettre d'alimenter un courant de décharge vers l'injecteur sélectionné pendant un mode de décharge de manière à initialiser un événement d'injection,
    commander si le courant de charge ou de décharge est fourni à l'injecteur sélectionné en utilisant un moyen formant commutateur de décharge (Q2), ou si un courant de charge est fourni à l'injecteur sélectionné pendant un mode de charge de manière à terminer l'événement d'injection, en utilisant un moyen formant commutateur de charge (Q1),
    connecter fonctionnellement le premier et le second injecteur (22a, 22b) au premier et au second moyen formant commutateur sélecteur respectif, et avec le moyen formant commutateur de charge (Q1) de sorte que les injecteurs forment un circuit parallèle pendant le mode de charge, et
    activer le moyen formant commutateur de charge (Q1) de manière à terminer l'événement d'injection et de sorte que le voltage aux bornes de l'injecteur sélectionné, qui n'est pas égal au voltage aux bornes d'un injecteur non sélectionné au départ du mode de charge, est amené par activation du moyen formant commutateur de charge (Q1) et du circuit parallèle à s'égaliser avec le voltage aux bornes de l'injecteur non sélectionné.
  17. Procédé selon la revendication 16, dans lequel chaque injecteur inclut un actionneur piézo-électrique (10).
  18. Procédé selon la revendication 16 ou 17, incluant de fournir un premier signal de commande au premier ou au second moyen formant commutateur sélecteur (S1, S2) pour désélectionner l'injecteur sélectionné (22a) à la fin du mode de décharge.
  19. Procédé selon la revendication 18, incluant de fournir un premier signal de commande au premier ou au second moyen formant commutateur sélecteur (S1, S2) pour sélectionner l'injecteur sélectionné (22a) pour le mode de charge.
  20. Procédé selon la revendication 16 ou 17, incluant de maintenir l'injecteur sélectionné (22a) dans un état sélectionné à la fin du mode de décharge.
  21. Procédé selon la revendication 19 ou 20, incluant de fournir un signal de commande additionnel au premier et au second moyen formant commutateur sélecteur (S1, S2) pour s'assurer que le premier et le second injecteur (22a, 22b) soient tous les deux sélectionnés pendant une période à la fin du mode de charge de l'un ou de l'autre, pour améliorer ainsi l'égalisation des voltages aux bornes du premier et du second injecteur (22a, 22b), avant un événement d'injection ultérieur.
  22. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 16 à 21, incluant de fournir un autre signal de commande additionnel au premier et au second moyen formant commutateur sélecteur (S1, S2, S3) pour s'assurer que le premier et le second injecteur (22a, 22b) soient tous les deux sélectionnés lors du démarrage du moteur et/ou lors de l'arrêt du moteur.
EP20030255969 2002-09-23 2003-09-23 Système d'injection Expired - Lifetime EP1400677B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US25223702A 2002-09-23 2002-09-23
US252237 2002-09-23
US403713 2003-03-31
US10/403,713 US6760212B2 (en) 2002-09-23 2003-03-31 Piezoelectric injector drive circuit

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1400677A2 EP1400677A2 (fr) 2004-03-24
EP1400677A3 EP1400677A3 (fr) 2006-03-22
EP1400677B1 true EP1400677B1 (fr) 2009-11-18

Family

ID=31949805

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP20030255966 Expired - Lifetime EP1400676B1 (fr) 2002-09-23 2003-09-23 Circuit de commande pour injecteur de carburant
EP20030255969 Expired - Lifetime EP1400677B1 (fr) 2002-09-23 2003-09-23 Système d'injection

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP20030255966 Expired - Lifetime EP1400676B1 (fr) 2002-09-23 2003-09-23 Circuit de commande pour injecteur de carburant

Country Status (1)

Country Link
EP (2) EP1400676B1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1574696A3 (fr) 2004-03-10 2006-01-04 Delphi Technologies, Inc. Unité d'alimentation pour un circuit de commande d'un injecteur de carburant
EP1843027B1 (fr) 2006-04-03 2018-12-19 Delphi International Operations Luxembourg S.à r.l. Circuit de commande pour un arrangement d'injecteurs et méthode diagnostique
DE102006018957A1 (de) * 2006-04-24 2007-10-25 Robert Bosch Gmbh Verfahren zum Betrieb einer Einspritzanlage
GB0610233D0 (en) * 2006-05-23 2006-07-05 Delphi Tech Inc A method of operating a fuel injector
GB0610226D0 (en) 2006-05-23 2006-07-05 Delphi Tech Inc Drive circuit for an injector arrangement and a diagnostic method
EP1927742A1 (fr) * 2006-11-23 2008-06-04 Delphi Technologies, Inc. Procédé de fonctionnement d'un dispositif piézoélectrique
EP1956221B1 (fr) * 2007-02-02 2009-12-02 Delphi Technologies, Inc. Procédé de fonctionnement d'un actionneur piézoélectrique
DE102007014331A1 (de) * 2007-03-26 2008-10-02 Robert Bosch Gmbh Ansteuerschaltung und Ansteuerverfahren für ein piezoelektrisches Element
EP2006518B1 (fr) 2007-06-22 2011-11-02 Delphi Technologies Holding S.à.r.l. Détection de fautes dans un agencement d'injecteur
DE102009025478A1 (de) * 2009-06-18 2011-01-05 Austriamicrosystems Ag Schaltungsanordnung und Verfahren zum Schalten einer Kapazität
US9611797B2 (en) 2012-10-30 2017-04-04 National Instruments Corporation Direct injection flexible multiplexing scheme
US9048775B2 (en) 2012-10-30 2015-06-02 National Instruments Corporation H-bridge for combined solenoid and piezo injection control

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19632837A1 (de) * 1996-08-14 1998-02-19 Siemens Ag Vorrichtung und Verfahren zum Ansteuern wenigstens eines kapazitiven Stellgliedes
DE19652809C1 (de) * 1996-12-18 1998-06-10 Siemens Ag Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Ansteuern wenigstens eines kapazitiven Stellgliedes
DE19854789A1 (de) * 1998-02-10 1999-08-12 Bosch Gmbh Robert Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Laden und Entladen eines piezoelektrischen Elements
DE19944734B4 (de) * 1999-09-17 2007-02-15 Siemens Ag Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Laden wenigstens eines kapazitiven Stellgliedes
DE10120143A1 (de) * 2001-04-25 2002-10-31 Conti Temic Microelectronic Verfahren zur Steuerung mindestens eines kapazitiven Stellglieds und Schaltungsanordnung zur Durchführung des Verfahrens
JP2003111448A (ja) * 2001-09-28 2003-04-11 Denso Corp ピエゾアクチュエータ駆動回路

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1400676A3 (fr) 2006-03-22
EP1400677A3 (fr) 2006-03-22
EP1400676B1 (fr) 2009-12-16
EP1400676A2 (fr) 2004-03-24
EP1400677A2 (fr) 2004-03-24

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7525234B2 (en) Drive circuit for an injector arrangement
US7057870B2 (en) Inductive load driver circuit and system
JP4839359B2 (ja) 噴射制御システム
US7856964B2 (en) Method of controlling a piezoelectric actuator
EP2149695A2 (fr) Système d'injection
EP1400677B1 (fr) Système d'injection
US7422005B2 (en) System and method for operating a piezoelectric fuel injector
JP2007506038A5 (fr)
EP1574696A2 (fr) Unité d'alimentation pour un circuit de commande d'un injecteur de carburant
EP2045459B1 (fr) Procédé de contrôle d'appareil à injection de carburant
US6900973B2 (en) Electromagnetic load drive apparatus
US7576473B2 (en) Method of operating a piezoelectric actuator
EP1860307B1 (fr) Méthode de contrôle d'un actionneur piézoélectrique
JP2012087806A (ja) 燃料噴射装置制御に関する改良
WO2005014992A1 (fr) Procede permettant d'actionner un dispositif de commande inductif d'organes de commande electriques
JP6221750B2 (ja) 燃料噴射弁駆動装置
JP4432624B2 (ja) アクチュエータ駆動回路
JP2016125425A (ja) 燃料噴射制御装置

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL LT LV MK

PUAL Search report despatched

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL LT LV MK

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20060918

AKX Designation fees paid

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PT RO SE SI SK TR

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20061127

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PT RO SE SI SK TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 60330101

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20091231

Kind code of ref document: P

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: VDEP

Effective date: 20091118

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100228

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20091118

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20091118

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100318

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20091118

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20091118

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20091118

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20091118

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20091118

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20091118

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100218

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20091118

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20091118

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20091118

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20091118

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20100819

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100219

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: TP

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20100930

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20100923

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20100923

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20100930

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20100930

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20100923

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100519

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20100923

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20091118

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: TP

Owner name: DELPHI INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS LUXEMBOURG S.A, LU

Effective date: 20140516

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R082

Ref document number: 60330101

Country of ref document: DE

Representative=s name: MANITZ, FINSTERWALD & PARTNER GBR, DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R081

Ref document number: 60330101

Country of ref document: DE

Owner name: DELPHI INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS LUXEMBOURG S.A, LU

Free format text: FORMER OWNER: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES HOLDING S.A.R.L., BASCHARAGE, LU

Effective date: 20140702

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R082

Ref document number: 60330101

Country of ref document: DE

Representative=s name: MANITZ, FINSTERWALD & PARTNER GBR, DE

Effective date: 20140702

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20140917

Year of fee payment: 12

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20140923

Year of fee payment: 12

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20140929

Year of fee payment: 12

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 60330101

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20150923

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20160531

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20160401

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20150930