EP1533508B1 - Method for determining the stroke of a cylinder of an internal combustion engine - Google Patents

Method for determining the stroke of a cylinder of an internal combustion engine Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1533508B1
EP1533508B1 EP20030104270 EP03104270A EP1533508B1 EP 1533508 B1 EP1533508 B1 EP 1533508B1 EP 20030104270 EP20030104270 EP 20030104270 EP 03104270 A EP03104270 A EP 03104270A EP 1533508 B1 EP1533508 B1 EP 1533508B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
angle
signal
cylinder
ignition
crankshaft
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EP20030104270
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1533508A1 (en
Inventor
Frank Will
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Ford Global Technologies LLC
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Ford Global Technologies LLC
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Priority to DE50307032T priority Critical patent/DE50307032D1/en
Priority to EP20030104270 priority patent/EP1533508B1/en
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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
    • F02D41/009—Electrical control of supply of combustible mixture or its constituents using means for generating position or synchronisation signals
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02D37/00—Non-electrical conjoint control of two or more functions of engines, not otherwise provided for
    • F02D37/02—Non-electrical conjoint control of two or more functions of engines, not otherwise provided for one of the functions being ignition
    • 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
    • F02D41/02—Circuit arrangements for generating control signals
    • F02D41/04—Introducing corrections for particular operating conditions
    • F02D41/06—Introducing corrections for particular operating conditions for engine starting or warming up
    • F02D41/062—Introducing corrections for particular operating conditions for engine starting or warming up for starting
    • 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
    • F02D41/009—Electrical control of supply of combustible mixture or its constituents using means for generating position or synchronisation signals
    • F02D2041/0092—Synchronisation of the cylinders at engine start

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for determining the position of a cylinder serving as a reference cylinder of an internal combustion engine, which has at least one cylinder, for the purpose of setting the ignition timing and the injection timing of this reference cylinder.
  • the knowledge of the position of the individual cylinders i. the knowledge of the position of the individual pistons of an internal combustion engine is required so that the injection of the fuel and the initiation of the ignition of the fuel-air mixture in the individual cylinders targeted d. H. can be done at defined crankshaft angles, so as to ensure optimum combustion with the lowest possible fuel consumption and the lowest possible emissions. Furthermore, a targeted injection and ignition is necessary to prevent the compression of mixture shares - the so-called knocking - and a possible round d. H. ensure uniform running of the internal combustion engine, which is characterized by a minimum of torsional vibrations of the crankshaft and thus by a minimum of speed fluctuations. The task of controlling the injection and ignition usually takes over a motor control.
  • crankshaft angle at which the ignition is initiated referred to as the ignition angle
  • crankshaft angle at which the injection begins referred to as the injection angle
  • crank angle sensor the position of the individual cylinders of an internal combustion engine by means of camshaft sensor and crankshaft sensor, which is also referred to as a crank angle sensor, determined.
  • the fixed, arranged on the internal combustion engine crankshaft sensor detects signals from a ring or ring gear, which rotates with the crankshaft and can be provided for example on the flywheel.
  • the signal generated by the crankshaft sensor is required by the engine controller to calculate the speed and angular position of the crankshaft. This data requires engine control to calculate ignition timing, fuel injection, and fuel quantity under all engine operating conditions, with knowledge of engine speed being the most important information generated by the crankshaft sensor.
  • the speed can basically be determined by means of camshaft sensor.
  • the speed should be determined as accurately as possible to ensure proper and optimal operation of the engine, which is why the crankshaft sensor is still used for this purpose in the prior art, since the crankshaft rotates at twice the speed of the camshaft and thus a signal with a much higher resolution.
  • a higher resolution can also be generated by means of crankshaft sensor because the arranged on the crankshaft flywheel can accommodate a variety of teeth or other signal generators due to its relatively large diameter.
  • the camshaft sensor is needed to determine whether the cylinder or piston is in the combustion cycle - compressing and expanding - or in the charge cycle - pushing out and priming.
  • the crankshaft sensor determines only the position of the piston in a crank angle window of 360 °. Based on the information of the crankshaft sensor, for example, the statement can be made whether the piston is at top dead center (TDC) or bottom dead center (UT). Since in a four-stroke internal combustion engine, a working cycle, consisting of compression, expansion, ejection and suction, but 720 ° crankshaft angle (KWW) includes, it is necessary to know whether a piston located at top dead center (TDC) in the so-called combustion -OT (VOT) or at top dead center during the charge cycle (LOT). This information provides the Camshaft sensor, so that in the interaction of camshaft sensor and crankshaft sensor, the piston position is uniquely determined.
  • the position of only a single cylinder of the internal combustion engine is usually determined by means of said sensors, whereby the position of the remaining cylinders is fixed.
  • the engine controller can calculate the ignition timing and injection timing of that one cylinder.
  • the ignition times and the injection times of the remaining cylinders then arise.
  • injection angle and ignition angle which are based on the position of the crankshaft
  • ignition timing and injection timing are understood to mean that the engine controller, knowing the position of the piston and the speed, calculates the instant at which it is injected, for example in milliseconds.
  • the method which uses the two sensors, namely the camshaft sensor and the crankshaft sensor to determine the cylinder position requires, in principle, that the internal combustion engine is in operation and the camshaft and the crankshaft rotate sufficiently fast, so that the sensors send a signal to the Motor control can deliver. So that the necessary information about the cylinder position is present at the start of the internal combustion engine, the last position of the cylinder is stored in the engine control when the engine is switched off, so that a basis for the calculation of the ignition timing and the injection timing is available when restarting without sensor signal.
  • the high cost of the apparatus for performing the method is considered disadvantageous.
  • the need to provide two sensors, which are largely responsible for the fact that the device is very expensive, provides an opportunity for the development engineers to look for alternative solution concepts for determining the position of the cylinder of an internal combustion engine.
  • crankshaft angle of the ignition d. H. the ignition angle and / or the crankshaft angle of the injection d. H. the injection angle is or are varied at least once by a predefinable angle ⁇ , so that the internal combustion engine is operated at least in two different operating points, which differ by the ignition angle and / or the injection angle, wherein at least one of the engine control in the at least two Operating point detected signal is used to determine the position of the reference cylinder in the at least two operating points, so as to set the ignition timing and the injection timing of this reference cylinder.
  • the internal combustion engine is operated selectively in at least two operating points, none of which must necessarily coincide with the envisaged - proper - operating point.
  • the signals detected by the engine control in these at least two operating points are then used to determine the cylinder position in these at least two operating points, starting from the signals on the operating conditions of the internal combustion engine is closed, which can be done in different ways and in the context of the description of the preferred Embodiments will be explained in more detail. Basically, already the signal of an operating parameter is sufficient.
  • the engine control calculates the ignition timing and the injection timing to properly drive the engine. H. as planned to operate or control.
  • the determination of the cylinder position takes place in case of need and once.
  • the engine control based on this snapshot of the cylinder position can further control or operate the engine. Prerequisite for this is still the provision of the current speed of the crankshaft or the camshaft, which is preferably ensured by means of a crankshaft sensor.
  • the inventive method can also be used to determine the desired and intended operating point when restarting the internal combustion engine, for example, if the information about the last position of the cylinder is not present when switching off, although it was stored, or in principle not generated such information ie is stored.
  • This is also expressed at the same time that not only the camshaft sensor is dispensable when using the method according to the invention, but basically can be dispensed with the storage of the cylinder position when switching off the engine, but preferably does not waive the storage of these data to the Internal combustion engine is not unnecessarily often operate in randomly resulting operating points, which can be detrimental to the life and the susceptibility of the internal combustion engine and especially adversely affect the emissions and fuel consumption of concern here.
  • Embodiments of the method in which the method is carried out when the internal combustion engine is idling are advantageous.
  • the inventive method is, as already stated, carried out in case of need d. H. usually when restarting, when the internal combustion engine operates in principle idle. It would be disadvantageous to be forced to first put the engine under load d. H. engage a gear and switch to determine the cylinder position can, as the internal combustion engine is then unnecessarily long operated in unintended and improper operating points.
  • Embodiments of the method in which the signal of a lambda probe which is arranged in the exhaust gas flow of the reference cylinder is used as the signal are advantageous.
  • This embodiment makes use of the fact that during operation of the internal combustion engine under improper operating conditions d. H. At random selected injection and ignition angles, the combustion either can not or only partially run off, so the exhaust gas of an engine operated in such a manner is of appropriate quality. In case of incomplete combustion, the exhaust gas has an above-average proportion of oxygen and unburned hydrocarbons because the injected fuel has not been completely converted chemically and therefore not all of the intake combustion air has been used for the oxidation.
  • Embodiments of the method in which the signal of a lambda probe provided in front of the catalytic converter is used are advantageous. Because the passage of the exhaust gas flow through the catalyst and thereby proceeding reaction of the exhaust gas components lead to changes in concentration and concentrations that are less well suited to draw conclusions about the position of the cylinder.
  • the embodiments of the method which use the signal of a lambda probe as a signal, are also advantageous because they use an already existing component or resort to a motor control already known and available signal, which is why not specifically and exclusively a signal for use in Framework of the present method must be generated.
  • Embodiments of the method in which the signal of a knock sensor is used as the signal are advantageous.
  • Knocking is understood in engine construction to mean the self-ignition of mixture fractions in the combustion chamber before the flame emanating from the spark plug detects it in the course of normal combustion. Self-igniting mixture residues cause strong pressure increases and gas pressure oscillations in the cylinder, the so-called knocking. Therefore, petrol must have a low level of ignitability, which corresponds to a high anti-knocking properties, so that mixture residues do not ignite spontaneously.
  • the knock resistance - that is, the security against the occurrence of auto-ignition - serves the octane number OZ.
  • sensors must first be provided on the internal combustion engine with which self-ignitions can be registered. This is realized by the arrangement of acceleration sensors, so-called knock sensors, on the internal combustion engine. These knock sensors detect auto-ignition or the accelerations of the motor surface caused by them and supply the corresponding signals to the engine control, which via a suitable variation of the operating parameters of the internal combustion engine, for example, the ignition angle and / or the injection angle, which can counteract auto-ignition.
  • the variant of the method according to the invention which uses the signal of the knock sensor to determine the cylinder position, is advantageous because it makes use of an already existing sensor or an already available signal, so that no additional sensor must be provided.
  • there is extensive experience and knowledge in dealing with a knock sensor in particular it is known which countermeasures are to be taken to counteract the auto-ignition d. H. It is well known how to adjust the firing angle and / or the injection angle to control the engine to a proper operating point.
  • Embodiments of the method in which the signal of a crankshaft sensor is used as the signal are advantageous.
  • the crankshaft sensor delivers, as already stated above, a speed signal to the engine control.
  • the speed or the speed fluctuation due to the at least one variation of the operating parameters of the internal combustion engine can be used to determine the position of the reference cylinder.
  • the inventive method makes use of the fact that the internal combustion engine under different operating parameters, namely different injection and / or ignition angles, as a result of more or less efficient, because incomplete combustion does not emit constant power, but changes the tapped by the crankshaft power .
  • the power loss due to deteriorating combustion leads, for example, when performing the method in idle, to a speed drop, which is detected by means of the crankshaft sensor, converted into a signal and passed to the engine control.
  • the different speeds or the speed difference is used by the engine control to close the positions of the reference cylinder and to make corresponding adjustments of the injection and / or ignition angle.
  • Embodiments of the method in which the signal of an air mass sensor is used as the signal are also advantageous.
  • this variant is based on the fact that in the adjustment of the injection and / or ignition angle, the combustion more or less incomplete. more or less effectively, and due to which the power output of the internal combustion engine varies. If the power output is to be kept constant in the operating and under load internal combustion engine, although the efficiency of the combustion due to operating parameter variation varies, this can only be accomplished by the throttle valve is opened more or less wide and thus more or less mixture mass flows into the combustion chamber. The variation of the combustion efficiency can consequently be detected by means of the air mass sensor via the intake air mass determined with this sensor.
  • the engine control can therefore draw conclusions based on the intake air mass, in which pair of values, consisting of injection angle and ignition angle, the fuel is better or worse burned. And then the position of the cylinder can be determined.
  • Embodiments of the method in which the ignition angle and the injection angle are varied at least once by a predefinable angle ⁇ are advantageous, wherein the ignition angle and the injection angle are preferably varied by an equal angle ⁇ .
  • This embodiment has the advantage that nonsense operating parameters ie pairs of values consisting of injection angle and ignition angle, are avoided, as they may result, for example, if the injection angle is maintained and the firing angle is varied in such a way that the ignition takes place before the injection which inevitably results in no combustion taking place.
  • ⁇ 30 ° crankshaft angle (KWW) is selected As a reference, the amount of crankshaft angle (KWW) was chosen because in the context of the method according to the invention, the ignition angle and the injection angle can be moved both late (+) and early (-).
  • should be selected ⁇ 30 ° crankshaft angle (KWW), so that the signal used to determine the cylinder position undergoes a measurable change, which can not always be guaranteed with small changes in angle.
  • Advantageous embodiments of the method are those in which the position of the reference cylinder in the at least two operating points is determined by comparing the at least one signal detected by the engine control with the engine control accessible reference values for this at least one signal.
  • These reference values can be determined with the desired resolution, for example 1 ° KWW, in test runs on an engine test bench, so that for all conceivable d. H. possible value pairs, consisting of injection angle and ignition angle, for the respective relevant signal reference values are present, so that due to the signal value on the injection angle and the ignition angle can be deduced.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Combined Controls Of Internal Combustion Engines (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zur Ermittlung der Stellung eines als Referenzzylinder dienenden Zylinders einer Brennkraftmaschine, welche über mindestens einen Zylinder verfügt, zu dem Zweck, den Zündzeitpunkt und den Einspritzzeitpunkt dieses Referenzzylinders festzulegen.The invention relates to a method for determining the position of a cylinder serving as a reference cylinder of an internal combustion engine, which has at least one cylinder, for the purpose of setting the ignition timing and the injection timing of this reference cylinder.

Die Kenntnis der Stellung der einzelnen Zylinder d.h. die Kenntnis der Stellung der einzelnen Kolben einer Brennkraftmaschine ist erforderlich, damit die Einspritzung des Kraftstoffes und die Einleitung der Zündung des Kraftstoff-Luft-Gemisches in den einzelnen Zylindern gezielt d. h. bei definierten Kurbelwellenwinkeln erfolgen kann, um so eine optimale Verbrennung mit einem möglichst geringen Kraftstoffverbrauch und möglichst geringen Emissionen zu gewährleisten. Des weiteren ist eine gezielte Einspritzung und Zündung notwendig, um die Selbstzündung von Gemischanteilen - das sogenannte Klopfen - zu verhindern und einen möglichst runden d. h. gleichförmigen Lauf der Brennkraftmaschine sicherzustellen, der sich durch ein Minimum an Drehschwingungen der Kurbelwelle und damit durch ein Minimum an Drehzahlschwankungen auszeichnet. Die Aufgabe, die Einspritzung und Zündung zu steuern, übernimmt in der Regel eine Motorsteuerung.The knowledge of the position of the individual cylinders i. the knowledge of the position of the individual pistons of an internal combustion engine is required so that the injection of the fuel and the initiation of the ignition of the fuel-air mixture in the individual cylinders targeted d. H. can be done at defined crankshaft angles, so as to ensure optimum combustion with the lowest possible fuel consumption and the lowest possible emissions. Furthermore, a targeted injection and ignition is necessary to prevent the compression of mixture shares - the so-called knocking - and a possible round d. H. ensure uniform running of the internal combustion engine, which is characterized by a minimum of torsional vibrations of the crankshaft and thus by a minimum of speed fluctuations. The task of controlling the injection and ignition usually takes over a motor control.

Dabei wird im Rahmen der vorliegenden Erfindung der Kurbelwellenwinkel, bei dem die Zündung eingleitet wird, als Zündwinkel und der Kurbelwellenwinkel, bei dem die Einspritzung beginnt, als Einspritzwinkel bezeichnet.In this case, in the context of the present invention, the crankshaft angle at which the ignition is initiated, referred to as the ignition angle and the crankshaft angle at which the injection begins, referred to as the injection angle.

Nach dem Stand der Technik wird die Stellung der einzelnen Zylinder einer Brennkraftmaschine mittels Nockenwellensensor und Kurbelwellensensor, der auch als Kurbelwinkelgeber bezeichnet wird, bestimmt.According to the prior art, the position of the individual cylinders of an internal combustion engine by means of camshaft sensor and crankshaft sensor, which is also referred to as a crank angle sensor, determined.

Der ortsfeste, an der Brennkraftmaschine angeordnete Kurbelwellensensor greift dabei Signale von einem Ring oder Zahnkranz ab, der mit der Kurbelwelle umläuft und beispielsweise am Schwungrad vorgesehen werden kann. Das vom Kurbelwellensensor erzeugte Signal wird von der Motorsteuerung zur Berechnung der Drehzahl und der Winkelstellung der Kurbelwelle benötigt. Diese Daten benötigt die Motorsteuerung für die Berechnung der Zündeinstellung, der Kraftstoffeinspritzung und der Kraftstoffmenge unter sämtlichen Betriebsbedingungen der Brennkraftmaschine, wobei die Kenntnis der Drehzahl die wichtigste Information ist, die mit Hilfe des Kurbelwellensensors generiert wird.The fixed, arranged on the internal combustion engine crankshaft sensor detects signals from a ring or ring gear, which rotates with the crankshaft and can be provided for example on the flywheel. The signal generated by the crankshaft sensor is required by the engine controller to calculate the speed and angular position of the crankshaft. This data requires engine control to calculate ignition timing, fuel injection, and fuel quantity under all engine operating conditions, with knowledge of engine speed being the most important information generated by the crankshaft sensor.

Zwar kann die Drehzahl grundsätzlich auch mittels Nockenwellensensor ermittelt werden. Die Drehzahl soll aber so exakt wie möglich ermittelt werden, um einen einwandfreien und optimalen Betrieb der Brennkraftmaschine zu gewährleisten, weshalb nach dem Stand der Technik hierzu immer noch der Kurbelwellensensor verwendet wird, da die Kurbelwelle mit der doppelten Drehzahl der Nockenwelle umläuft und damit ein Signal mit einer wesentlich höheren Auflösung liefert. Eine höhere Auflösung kann mittels Kurbelwellensensor auch deshalb generiert werden, weil das auf der Kurbelwelle angeordnete Schwungrad aufgrund seines relativ großen Durchmessers eine Vielzahl von Zähnen oder sonstigen Signalgebern aufnehmen kann.Although the speed can basically be determined by means of camshaft sensor. However, the speed should be determined as accurately as possible to ensure proper and optimal operation of the engine, which is why the crankshaft sensor is still used for this purpose in the prior art, since the crankshaft rotates at twice the speed of the camshaft and thus a signal with a much higher resolution. A higher resolution can also be generated by means of crankshaft sensor because the arranged on the crankshaft flywheel can accommodate a variety of teeth or other signal generators due to its relatively large diameter.

Der Nockenwellensensor wird benötigt, um eine Aussage darüber treffen zu können, ob sich der Zylinder bzw. der Kolben im Verbrennungszyklus - Komprimieren und Expandieren - oder im Ladungswechselzyklus - Au sschieben und Ansaugen - befindet. Der Kurbelwellensensor bestimmt dabei lediglich die Stellung des Kolbens in einem Kurbelwinkelfenster von 360°. Anhand der Informationen des Kurbelwellensensors kann beispielsweise die Aussage getroffen werden, ob der Kolben im oberen Totpunkt (OT) oder im unteren Totpunkt (UT) steht. Da bei einer Vier-Takt-Brennkraftmaschine ein Arbeitsspiel, bestehend aus Komprimieren, Expandieren, Ausschieben und Ansaugen, aber 720° Kurbelwellenwinkel (KWW) umfaßt, ist es erforderlich zu wissen, ob sich ein im oberen Totpunkt (OT) befindlicher Kolben im sogenannten Verbrennungs-OT (VOT) oder im oberen Totpunkt während des Ladungswechsels (LOT) befindet. Diese Information liefert der Nockenwellensensor, so daß im Zusammenspiel von Nockenwellensensor und Kurbelwellensensor die Kolbenposition eindeutig bestimmbar ist.The camshaft sensor is needed to determine whether the cylinder or piston is in the combustion cycle - compressing and expanding - or in the charge cycle - pushing out and priming. The crankshaft sensor determines only the position of the piston in a crank angle window of 360 °. Based on the information of the crankshaft sensor, for example, the statement can be made whether the piston is at top dead center (TDC) or bottom dead center (UT). Since in a four-stroke internal combustion engine, a working cycle, consisting of compression, expansion, ejection and suction, but 720 ° crankshaft angle (KWW) includes, it is necessary to know whether a piston located at top dead center (TDC) in the so-called combustion -OT (VOT) or at top dead center during the charge cycle (LOT). This information provides the Camshaft sensor, so that in the interaction of camshaft sensor and crankshaft sensor, the piston position is uniquely determined.

In der Praxis wird üblicherweise die Stellung nur eines einzelnen Zylinders der Brennkraftmaschinen mittels der genannten Sensoren bestimmt, womit die Stellung der übrigen Zylinder festliegt. Mit der Kenntnis der Stellung eines einzelnen Zylinders kann die Motorsteuerung den Zündzeitpunkt und den Einspritzzeitpunkt dieses einen Zylinders berechnen. Mit den in der Motorsteuerung abgelegten Informationen hinsichtlich der Zündfolge der Brennkraftmaschine ergeben sich dann die Zündzeitpunkte und die Einspritzzeitpunkte der übrigen Zylinder.In practice, the position of only a single cylinder of the internal combustion engine is usually determined by means of said sensors, whereby the position of the remaining cylinders is fixed. With knowledge of the position of a single cylinder, the engine controller can calculate the ignition timing and injection timing of that one cylinder. With the information stored in the engine control information regarding the firing order of the internal combustion engine, the ignition times and the injection times of the remaining cylinders then arise.

Dabei ist im Rahmen der vorliegenden Erfindung zu unterscheiden zwischen den bereits oben definierten Begriffen, nämlich Einspritzwinkel und Zündwinkel, die sich an der Stellung der Kurbelwelle orientieren, und den Begriffen Zündzeitpunkt und Einspritzzeitpunkt. Ein Einspritzwinkel könnte beispielsweise 15°KWW vor OT sein, wohingegen der Einspritzzeitpunkt dahingehend zu verstehen ist, daß die Motorsteuerung in Kenntnis der Stellung des Kolbens und der Drehzahl den Zeitpunkt berechnet, zu dem eingespritzt wird, beispielsweise in Millisekunden.It is within the scope of the present invention to distinguish between the terms already defined above, namely injection angle and ignition angle, which are based on the position of the crankshaft, and the terms ignition timing and injection timing. For example, an injection angle could be 15 ° KWW before TDC, whereas injection timing is understood to mean that the engine controller, knowing the position of the piston and the speed, calculates the instant at which it is injected, for example in milliseconds.

Das Verfahren, welches sich der beiden Sensoren, nämlich des Nockenwellensensors und des Kurbelwellensensors zur Ermittlung der Zylinderstellung bedient, setzt prinzipbedingt voraus, daß die Brennkraftmaschine in Betrieb ist und sich die Nockenwelle und die Kurbelwelle ausreichend schnell drehen, so daß die Sensoren ein Signal an die Motorsteuerung liefern können. Damit beim Start der Brennkraftmaschine ebenfalls die notwendige Information über die Zylinderstellung vorliegt, wird beim Ausschalten der Brennkraftmaschine die letzte Stellung der Zylinder in der Motorsteuerung gespeichert, so daß beim Neustart auch ohne Sensorsignal eine Grundlage für die Berechnung des Zündzeitpunktes und des Einspritzzeitpunktes verfügbar ist.The method, which uses the two sensors, namely the camshaft sensor and the crankshaft sensor to determine the cylinder position requires, in principle, that the internal combustion engine is in operation and the camshaft and the crankshaft rotate sufficiently fast, so that the sensors send a signal to the Motor control can deliver. So that the necessary information about the cylinder position is present at the start of the internal combustion engine, the last position of the cylinder is stored in the engine control when the engine is switched off, so that a basis for the calculation of the ignition timing and the injection timing is available when restarting without sensor signal.

Sollte beim Neustart diese gespeicherte Information über die letzte Stellung der Zylinder nicht mehr vorliegen, weil sie beispielsweise beim Ausbau der Batterie und der damit fehlenden Stromversorgung der Motorsteuerung verloren gegangen ist, wird nach dem Stand der Technik beim Starten zu einem beliebigen Zeitpunkt eingespritzt und gezündet, wobei die Brennkraftmaschine sich mit Hilfe der Motorsteuerung innerhalb von ein paar Arbeitsspielen auf den gewünschten Betriebspunkt einstellt.If this stored information on the last position of the cylinder is no longer available when restarting, because it has been lost, for example, when removing the battery and thus lacking power to the engine control, is injected according to the prior art when starting at any time and ignited, the engine adjusts itself with the help of the engine control within a few working cycles to the desired operating point.

An dem oben ausführlich beschriebenen, herkömmlichen Verfahren nach dem Stand der Technik werden insbesondere die hohen Kosten der Vorrichtung zur Durchführung des Verfahrens als nachteilig angesehen. Insbesondere die Notwendigkeit zwei Sensoren vorsehen zu müssen, welche maßgeblich dafür verantwortlich sind, daß die Vorrichtung sehr kostenintensiv ist, bietet einen Anlaß für die Entwicklungsingenieure, nach alternativen Lösungskonzepten zur Ermittlung der Stellung der Zylinder einer Brennkraftmaschine zu suchen.In particular, in the prior art technique described above in detail, the high cost of the apparatus for performing the method is considered disadvantageous. In particular, the need to provide two sensors, which are largely responsible for the fact that the device is very expensive, provides an opportunity for the development engineers to look for alternative solution concepts for determining the position of the cylinder of an internal combustion engine.

Aus dem Druckschrift US 5,970,784 ist ein Verfahren zur Erkennung der Phase eines Zylinders eines Verbrennungsmotors bekannt, bei dem eine Änderung der Zündenergie im Vergleich zu einer normalen Betriebsweise provoziert wird. Die dadurch verursachten Änderungen des Drehmoments werden ausgewertet und zur Synchronization der Brennkraftmaschine verwendet.From the document US 5,970,784 a method for detecting the phase of a cylinder of an internal combustion engine is known in which a change of the ignition energy is provoked compared to a normal mode of operation. The resulting changes in torque are evaluated and used for synchronization of the internal combustion engine.

Vor diesem Hintergrund ist es die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, ein Verfahren zur Ermittlung der Stellung eines als Referenzzylinder dienenden Zylinders einer Brennkraftmaschine, bereitzustellen, mit welchem die nach dem Stand der Technik bekannten Nachteile überwunden werden und das insbesondere die Ausstattung der Brennkraftmaschine mit einem Nockenwellensensor entbehrlich macht.Against this background, it is the object of the present invention to provide a method for determining the position of a serving as a reference cylinder of an internal combustion engine, with which the known disadvantages of the prior art are overcome and in particular the equipment of the internal combustion engine with a camshaft sensor unnecessary power.

Gelöst wird diese Aufgabe durch ein Verfahren der gattungsbildenden Art, das dadurch gekennzeichnet ist, daß der Kurbelwellenwinkel der Zündung d. h. der Zündwinkel und/oder der Kurbelwellenwinkel der Einspritzung d. h. der Einspritzwinkel mindestens einmal jeweils um einen vorgebbaren Winkel α variiert wird bzw. werden, so daß die Brennkraftmaschine mindestens in zwei unterschiedlichen Betriebspunkten betrieben wird, die sich durch den Zündwinkel und/oder den Einspritzwinkel unterscheiden, wobei mindestens ein von der Motorsteuerung in den mindestens zwei Betriebspunkten erfaßtes Signal dazu verwendet wird, die Stellung des Referenzzylinders in den mindestens zwei Betriebspunkten zu ermitteln, um auf diese Weise den Zündzeitpunkt und den Einspritzzeitpunkt dieses Referenzzylinders festzulegen.This object is achieved by a method of the generic type, which is characterized in that the crankshaft angle of the ignition d. H. the ignition angle and / or the crankshaft angle of the injection d. H. the injection angle is or are varied at least once by a predefinable angle α, so that the internal combustion engine is operated at least in two different operating points, which differ by the ignition angle and / or the injection angle, wherein at least one of the engine control in the at least two Operating point detected signal is used to determine the position of the reference cylinder in the at least two operating points, so as to set the ignition timing and the injection timing of this reference cylinder.

Mit dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren kann auf den Nockenwellensensor verzichtet werden. Durch mindestens eine Variation des Zündwinkels und/oder desWith the method according to the invention can be dispensed with the camshaft sensor. By at least one variation of the ignition angle and / or the

Einspritzwinkels wird die Brennkraftmaschine gezielt in mindestens zwei Betriebspunkten betrieben, von denen keiner notwendigerweise mit dem anvisierten - ordnungsgemäßen - Betriebspunkt übereinstimmen muß. Die von der Motorsteuerung in diesen mindestens zwei Betriebspunkten erfaßten Signale werden dann zur Bestimmung der Zylinderstellung in diesen mindestens zwei Betriebspunkten genutzt, indem ausgehend von den Signalen auf die Betriebsbedingungen der Brennkraftmaschine geschlossen wird, was auf unterschiedliche Weise erfolgen kann und im Rahmen der Beschreibung der bevorzugten Ausführungsformen noch näher erläutert wird. Dabei reicht grundsätzlich bereits das Signal eines Betriebsparameters aus. Die Motorsteuerung berechnet den Zündzeitpunkt und den Einspritzzeitpunkt, um die Brennkraftmaschine ordnungsgemäß d. h. wie vorgesehen zu betreiben bzw. zu steuern.Injection angle, the internal combustion engine is operated selectively in at least two operating points, none of which must necessarily coincide with the envisaged - proper - operating point. The signals detected by the engine control in these at least two operating points are then used to determine the cylinder position in these at least two operating points, starting from the signals on the operating conditions of the internal combustion engine is closed, which can be done in different ways and in the context of the description of the preferred Embodiments will be explained in more detail. Basically, already the signal of an operating parameter is sufficient. The engine control calculates the ignition timing and the injection timing to properly drive the engine. H. as planned to operate or control.

Die Ermittlung der Zylinderstellung erfolgt im Bedarfsfall und einmalig. Im weiteren Betrieb kann die Motorsteuerung aufbauend auf dieser Momentaufnahme der Zylinderstellung die Brennkraftmaschine weiter steuern bzw. betreiben. Vorraussetzung dafür ist nach wie vor die Bereitstellung der aktuellen Drehzahl der Kurbelwelle bzw. der Nockenwelle, was vorzugsweise mittels eines Kurbelwellensensors sichergestellt wird.The determination of the cylinder position takes place in case of need and once. In further operation, the engine control based on this snapshot of the cylinder position can further control or operate the engine. Prerequisite for this is still the provision of the current speed of the crankshaft or the camshaft, which is preferably ensured by means of a crankshaft sensor.

Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren kann auch dazu verwendet werden, den gewünschten und vorgesehenen Betriebspunkt beim Neustart der Brennkraftmaschine zu ermitteln, wenn beispielsweise die Information über die letzte Stellung der Zylinder beim Ausschalten nicht vorliegt, obwohl sie gespeichert wurde, oder aber eine derartige Information grundsätzlich nicht generiert d. h. gespeichert wird. Damit wird auch gleichzeitig zum Ausdruck gebracht, daß bei Verwendung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens nicht nur der Nockenwellensensor entbehrlich wird, sondern grundsätzlich auf die Speicherung der Zylinderstellung beim Ausschalten der Brennkraftmaschine verzichtet werden kann, wobei aber vorzugsweise auf die Speicherung dieser Daten nicht verzichtet wird, um die Brennkraftmaschine nicht unnötig häufig in sich wahllos ergebenden Betriebspunkten zu betreiben, was der Lebensdauer und der Störanfälligkeit der Brennkraftmaschine abträglich sein kann und insbesondere die hier im Vordergrund stehenden Emissionen und den Kraftstoffverbrauch nachteilig beeinflußt.The inventive method can also be used to determine the desired and intended operating point when restarting the internal combustion engine, for example, if the information about the last position of the cylinder is not present when switching off, although it was stored, or in principle not generated such information ie is stored. This is also expressed at the same time that not only the camshaft sensor is dispensable when using the method according to the invention, but basically can be dispensed with the storage of the cylinder position when switching off the engine, but preferably does not waive the storage of these data to the Internal combustion engine is not unnecessarily often operate in randomly resulting operating points, which can be detrimental to the life and the susceptibility of the internal combustion engine and especially adversely affect the emissions and fuel consumption of concern here.

Weitere Vorteile des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens werden im Zusammenhang mit der Beschreibung der bevorzugten Ausführungsformen des Verfahrens, wie sie sich aus den Unteransprüchen ergeben, erläutert.Further advantages of the method according to the invention will be explained in connection with the description of the preferred embodiments of the method, as they result from the subclaims.

Vorteilhaft sind Ausführungsformen des Verfahrens, bei denen das Verfahren im Leerlauf der Brennkraftmaschine durchgeführt wird. Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren wird, wie bereits dargelegt, im Bedarfsfall durchgeführt d. h. in der Regel beim Neustart, wenn die Brennkraftmaschine prinzipbedingt im Leerlauf arbeitet. Es wäre von Nachteil, gezwungen zu sein, die Brennkraftmaschine zunächst unter Last setzen zu müssen d. h. einen Gang einzulegen und zu schalten, um die Zylinderstellung ermitteln zu können, da die Brennkraftmaschine dann unnötig lange in nicht gewollten und nicht ordnungsgemäßen Betriebspunkten betrieben wird.Embodiments of the method in which the method is carried out when the internal combustion engine is idling are advantageous. The inventive method is, as already stated, carried out in case of need d. H. usually when restarting, when the internal combustion engine operates in principle idle. It would be disadvantageous to be forced to first put the engine under load d. H. engage a gear and switch to determine the cylinder position can, as the internal combustion engine is then unnecessarily long operated in unintended and improper operating points.

Vorteilhaft sind Ausführungsformen des Verfahrens, bei denen als Signal das Signal einer Lambdasonde, welche im Abgasstrom des Referenzzylinders angeordnet ist, verwendet wird. Diese Ausführungsform macht sich den Umstand zunutze, daß bei einem Betrieb der Brennkraftmaschine unter nicht ordnungsgemäßen Betriebsbedingungen d. h. bei wahllos gewählten Einspritz- und Zündwinkeln die Verbrennung entweder gar nicht oder nur unvollständig ablaufen kann, weshalb das Abgas einer in derartiger Weise betriebenen Brennkraftmaschine von entsprechender Qualität ist. Bei einer unvollständigen Verbrennung weist das Abgas einen überdurchschnittlich hohen Anteil an Sauerstoff und unverbrannten Kohlenwasserstoffen auf, weil der eingespritzte Kraftstoff chemisch nicht vollständig umgesetzt wurde und daher auch nicht die gesamte angesaugte Verbrennungsluft zur Oxidation eingesetzt wurde.Embodiments of the method in which the signal of a lambda probe which is arranged in the exhaust gas flow of the reference cylinder is used as the signal are advantageous. This embodiment makes use of the fact that during operation of the internal combustion engine under improper operating conditions d. H. At random selected injection and ignition angles, the combustion either can not or only partially run off, so the exhaust gas of an engine operated in such a manner is of appropriate quality. In case of incomplete combustion, the exhaust gas has an above-average proportion of oxygen and unburned hydrocarbons because the injected fuel has not been completely converted chemically and therefore not all of the intake combustion air has been used for the oxidation.

Die erhöhte Konzentration an Sauerstoff und an unverbrannten Kohlenwasserstoffen d. h. das Vorliegen einer nur unvollständigen Verbrennung kann mittels der ohnehin vorhandenen Lambdasonde erfaßt werdenThe increased concentration of oxygen and unburned hydrocarbons ie the presence of only incomplete combustion can be detected by means of the already existing lambda probe

Vorteilhaft sind dabei Ausführungsformen des Verfahrens, bei denen das Signal einer vor dem Katalysator vorgesehenen Lambdasonde verwendet wird. Denn der Durchtritt des Abgasstromes durch den Katalysator und die dabei ablaufenden Reaktion der Abgasbestandteile führen zu Konzentrationsänderungen und Konzentrationen, die weniger gut geeignet sind, Rückschlüsse auf die Stellung der Zylinder ziehen.Embodiments of the method in which the signal of a lambda probe provided in front of the catalytic converter is used are advantageous. Because the passage of the exhaust gas flow through the catalyst and thereby proceeding reaction of the exhaust gas components lead to changes in concentration and concentrations that are less well suited to draw conclusions about the position of the cylinder.

Die Ausführungsformen des Verfahrens, die als Signal das Signal einer Lambdasonde verwenden, sind auch deshalb vorteilhaft, weil sie ein bereits vorhandenes Bauteil nutzen bzw. auf ein der Motorsteuerung bereits bekanntes und verfügbares Signal zurückgreifen, weshalb nicht gezielt und ausschließlich ein Signal für die Verwendung im Rahmen des vorliegenden Verfahrens generiert werden muß.The embodiments of the method, which use the signal of a lambda probe as a signal, are also advantageous because they use an already existing component or resort to a motor control already known and available signal, which is why not specifically and exclusively a signal for use in Framework of the present method must be generated.

Vorteilhaft sind Ausführungsformen des Verfahrens, bei denen als Signal das Signal eines Klopfsensors verwendet wird. Unter Klopfen wird im Motorenbau die Selbstzündung von im Brennraum befindlichen Gemischanteilen verstanden, bevor die von der Zündkerze ausgehende Flamme sie im Rahmen einer normalen Verbrennung erfaßt. Selbstzündende Gemischreste verursachen im Zylinder starke Druckanstiege und Gasdruckschwingungen, das sogenannte Klopfen. Ottokraftstoffe müssen daher eine geringe Zündwilligkeit besitzen, was einer hohen Klopffestigkeit entspricht, damit Gemischreste nicht von selbst zünden. Als Maß für die Klopffestigkeit - das heißt die Sicherheit gegen das Auftreten von Selbstzündungen - dient dabei die Oktanzahl OZ.Embodiments of the method in which the signal of a knock sensor is used as the signal are advantageous. Knocking is understood in engine construction to mean the self-ignition of mixture fractions in the combustion chamber before the flame emanating from the spark plug detects it in the course of normal combustion. Self-igniting mixture residues cause strong pressure increases and gas pressure oscillations in the cylinder, the so-called knocking. Therefore, petrol must have a low level of ignitability, which corresponds to a high anti-knocking properties, so that mixture residues do not ignite spontaneously. As a measure of the knock resistance - that is, the security against the occurrence of auto-ignition - serves the octane number OZ.

Es ist grundsätzlich das Ziel beim Betrieb der Brennkraftmaschine, das Klopfen zu verhindern. Hierzu müssen zunächst Sensoren an der Brennkraftmaschine vorgesehen werden, mit denen sich Selbstzündungen registrieren lassen. Realisiert wird dies durch die Anordnung von Beschleunigungssensoren, sogenannten Klopfsensoren, auf der Brennkraftmaschine. Diese Klopfsensoren erfassen Selbstzündungen bzw. die durch sie verursachten Beschleunigungen der Motoroberfläche und liefern die entsprechenden Signale an die Motorsteuerung, die über eine geeignete Variation der Betriebsparameter der Brennkraftmaschine, beispielsweise des Zündwinkels und/oder des Einspritzwinkels, der Selbstzündung entgegenwirken kann.It is basically the goal in the operation of the internal combustion engine to prevent knocking. For this purpose, sensors must first be provided on the internal combustion engine with which self-ignitions can be registered. This is realized by the arrangement of acceleration sensors, so-called knock sensors, on the internal combustion engine. These knock sensors detect auto-ignition or the accelerations of the motor surface caused by them and supply the corresponding signals to the engine control, which via a suitable variation of the operating parameters of the internal combustion engine, for example, the ignition angle and / or the injection angle, which can counteract auto-ignition.

Die Variante des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens, welche das Signal des Klopfsensors zur Ermittlung der Zylinderstellung verwendet, ist deshalb vorteilhaft, weil sie sich einen bereits vorhandenen Sensor bzw. ein bereits verfügbares Signal zunutze macht, so daß kein zusätzlicher Sensor vorgesehen werden muß. Darüber hinaus liegen umfangreiche Erfahrungen und Kenntnisse im Umgang mit einem Klopfsensor vor, insbesondere ist bekannt, welche Gegenmaßnahmen zu ergreifen sind, um der Selbstzündung entgegen zu wirken d. h. es ist ausreichend bekannt, in welcher Weise der Zündwinkel und/oder der Einspritzwinkel zu verstellen ist, um die Brennkraftmaschine in einen ordnungsgemäßen Betriebspunkt zu steuern.The variant of the method according to the invention, which uses the signal of the knock sensor to determine the cylinder position, is advantageous because it makes use of an already existing sensor or an already available signal, so that no additional sensor must be provided. In addition, there is extensive experience and knowledge in dealing with a knock sensor, in particular it is known which countermeasures are to be taken to counteract the auto-ignition d. H. It is well known how to adjust the firing angle and / or the injection angle to control the engine to a proper operating point.

Vorteilhaft sind Ausführungsformen des Verfahrens, bei denen als Signal das Signal eines Kurbelwellensensors verwendet wird. Der Kurbelwellensensor liefert, wie bereits oben ausgeführt, ein Drehzahlsignal an die Motorsteuerung. Die Drehzahl bzw. die Drehzahlschwankung aufgrund der mindestens einen Variation der Betriebsparameter der Brennkraftmaschine kann zur Ermittlung der Stellung des Referenzzylinders herangezogen werden.Embodiments of the method in which the signal of a crankshaft sensor is used as the signal are advantageous. The crankshaft sensor delivers, as already stated above, a speed signal to the engine control. The speed or the speed fluctuation due to the at least one variation of the operating parameters of the internal combustion engine can be used to determine the position of the reference cylinder.

Dabei macht sich das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren die Tatsache zunutze, daß die Brennkraftmaschine unter verschiedenen Betriebsparametern, nämlich verschiedenen Einspritz- und/oder Zündwinkeln, infolge der mehr oder weniger effizienten, weil unvollständigen Verbrennung keine konstante Leistung abgibt, sondern sich die von der Kurbelwelle abgreifbare Leistung ändert. Der Leistungsabfall infolge einer sich verschlechternden Verbrennung führt, beispielsweise bei Durchführung des Verfahrens im Leerlauf, zu einem Drehzahlabfall, der mittels des Kurbelwellensensors erfaßt, in ein Signal umgewandelt und an die Motorsteuerung weitergegeben wird. Die unterschiedlichen Drehzahlen bzw. die Drehzahldifferenz dient der Motorsteuerung dazu, auf die Stellungen des Referenzzylinders zu schließen und entsprechende Verstellungen des Einspritz- und/oder Zündwinkels vorzunehmen.In this case, the inventive method makes use of the fact that the internal combustion engine under different operating parameters, namely different injection and / or ignition angles, as a result of more or less efficient, because incomplete combustion does not emit constant power, but changes the tapped by the crankshaft power , The power loss due to deteriorating combustion leads, for example, when performing the method in idle, to a speed drop, which is detected by means of the crankshaft sensor, converted into a signal and passed to the engine control. The different speeds or the speed difference is used by the engine control to close the positions of the reference cylinder and to make corresponding adjustments of the injection and / or ignition angle.

Vorteilhaft sind auch Ausführungsformen des Verfahrens, bei denen als Signal das Signal eines Luftmassensensors verwendet wird. Wie bei der zuvor behandelten Ausführungsform, welche das Signal des Kurbelwellensensors verwendet, beruht auch diese Variante darauf, daß bei der Verstellung des Einspritz- und/oder Zündwinkels die Verbrennung mehr oder weniger unvollständig d.h. mehr oder weniger effektiv abläuft, und aufgrund dessen die Leistungsabgabe der Brennkraftmaschine variiert. Soll bei der in Betrieb befindlichen und unter Last arbeitenden Brennkraftmaschine die Leistungsabgabe konstant gehalten werden, obwohl die Effizienz der Verbrennung infolge Betriebsparameter-Variation schwankt, kann dies nur dadurch bewerkstelligt werden, daß die Drosselklappe mehr oder weniger weit geöffnet wird und damit mehr oder weniger Gemischmasse in den Brennraum einströmt. Die Variation der Effizienz der Verbrennung kann folglich mittels Luftmassensensor über die mit diesem Sensor ermittelte angesaugte Luftmasse detektiert werden. Vorteilhaft an dieser Ausführungsform ist zum einen die Verwendung eines bereits vorhandenen Sensors und anderseits das schnelle Ansprechverhalten des Luftmassensensors.Embodiments of the method in which the signal of an air mass sensor is used as the signal are also advantageous. As in the previously discussed embodiment, which uses the signal of the crankshaft sensor, this variant is based on the fact that in the adjustment of the injection and / or ignition angle, the combustion more or less incomplete. more or less effectively, and due to which the power output of the internal combustion engine varies. If the power output is to be kept constant in the operating and under load internal combustion engine, although the efficiency of the combustion due to operating parameter variation varies, this can only be accomplished by the throttle valve is opened more or less wide and thus more or less mixture mass flows into the combustion chamber. The variation of the combustion efficiency can consequently be detected by means of the air mass sensor via the intake air mass determined with this sensor. An advantage of this embodiment, on the one hand, the use of an existing sensor and on the other hand, the fast response of the air mass sensor.

Die Motorsteuerung kann daher aufgrund der angesaugten Luftmasse Rückschlüsse ziehen, bei welchem Wertepaar, bestehend aus Einspritzwinkel und Zündwinkel, der Kraftstoff besser oder schlechter verbrannt wird. Und weiter kann dann die Stellung der Zylinder ermittelt werden.The engine control can therefore draw conclusions based on the intake air mass, in which pair of values, consisting of injection angle and ignition angle, the fuel is better or worse burned. And then the position of the cylinder can be determined.

Vorteilhaft sind Ausführungsformen des Verfahrens, bei denen der Zündwinkel und der Einspritzwinkel mindestens einmal jeweils um einen vorgebbaren Winkel α variiert werden, wobei der Zündwinkel und der Einspritzwinkel vorzugsweise um einen gleichgroßen Winkel α variiert werden. Diese Ausführungsform hat den Vorteil, daß unsinnige Betriebsparameter d. h. Wertepaare, bestehend aus Einspritzwinkel und Zündwinkel, vermieden werden, wie sie sich ergeben können, wenn beispielsweise der Einspritzwinkel beibehalten wird und der Zündwinkel in der Weise variiert wird, daß die Zündung bereits vor der Einspritzung erfolgt, was zwangsläufig zur Folge hat, daß keine Verbrennung stattfindet.Embodiments of the method in which the ignition angle and the injection angle are varied at least once by a predefinable angle α are advantageous, wherein the ignition angle and the injection angle are preferably varied by an equal angle α. This embodiment has the advantage that nonsense operating parameters ie pairs of values consisting of injection angle and ignition angle, are avoided, as they may result, for example, if the injection angle is maintained and the firing angle is varied in such a way that the ignition takes place before the injection which inevitably results in no combustion taking place.

Vorteilhaft sind Ausführungsformen des Verfahrens, bei denen der Betrag des vorgebbaren Winkels |α| ≥ 30° Kurbelwellenwinkel (KWW) gewählt wird. Als Bezugsgröße wurde der Betrag des Kurbelwellenwinkels (KWW) gewählt, weil im Rahmen des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens der Zündwinkel und der Einspritzwinkel sowohl nach spät (+) als auch nach früh (-) verschoben werden können. Der Winkel | α | sollte ≥ 30° Kurbelwellenwinkel (KWW) gewählt werden, damit das zur Bestimmung der Zylinderstellung verwendete Signal eine meßbare Änderung erfährt, was bei zu kleinen Winkeländerungen nicht immer gewährleistet werden kann.Embodiments of the method in which the amount of the predeterminable angle | α | ≥ 30 ° crankshaft angle (KWW) is selected. As a reference, the amount of crankshaft angle (KWW) was chosen because in the context of the method according to the invention, the ignition angle and the injection angle can be moved both late (+) and early (-). The angle | α | should be selected ≥ 30 ° crankshaft angle (KWW), so that the signal used to determine the cylinder position undergoes a measurable change, which can not always be guaranteed with small changes in angle.

Vorteilhaft sind deshalb auch Ausführungsformen des Verfahrens, bei denen der Betrag des vorgebbaren Winkels |α| ≥ 60°, vorzugsweise ≥ 120° bzw. ≥ 180° Kurbelwellenwinkel (KWW) gewählt wird, insbesondere Verfahren, bei denen |α| =360° Kurbelwellenwinkel (KWW) gewählt wird. Vorteilhaft ist eine möglichst große Winkeländerung, weil diese mit entsprechend großen und daher aussagekräftigen Signaländerungen verbunden ist.Therefore, embodiments of the method in which the amount of the predeterminable angle | α | ≥ 60 °, preferably ≥ 120 ° or ≥ 180 ° crankshaft angle (KWW) is selected, in particular methods in which | α | = 360 ° crankshaft angle (KWW) is selected. It is advantageous to change the angle as much as possible, because this is associated with correspondingly large and therefore meaningful signal changes.

Vorteilhaft sind Ausführungsformen des Verfahrens, bei denen die Stellung des Referenzzylinders in den mindestens zwei Betriebspunkten durch einen Vergleich des mindestens einen von der Motorsteuerung erfaßten Signals mit der Motorsteuerung zugänglichen Referenzwerten für dieses mindestens eine Signal ermittelt wird. Diese Referenzwerte können mit der gewünschten Auflösung, beispielsweise 1 ° KWW, in Testläufen auf einem Motorenprüfstand ermittelt werden, so daß für alle denkbaren d. h. möglichen Wertepaare, bestehend aus Einspritzwinkel und Zündwinkel, für das jeweils maßgebliche Signal Referenzwerte vorliegen, so daß aufgrund des Signalwertes auf den Einspritzwinkel und den Zündwinkel rückgeschlossen werden kann.Advantageous embodiments of the method are those in which the position of the reference cylinder in the at least two operating points is determined by comparing the at least one signal detected by the engine control with the engine control accessible reference values for this at least one signal. These reference values can be determined with the desired resolution, for example 1 ° KWW, in test runs on an engine test bench, so that for all conceivable d. H. possible value pairs, consisting of injection angle and ignition angle, for the respective relevant signal reference values are present, so that due to the signal value on the injection angle and the ignition angle can be deduced.

Vorteilhaft sind dabei Ausführungsformen des Verfahrens, bei denen die der Motorsteuerung zugänglichen Referenzwerte in der Motorsteuerung, vorzugsweise in Form von Kennfeldern, abgelegt sind.In this case, embodiments of the method in which the reference values accessible to the engine control are stored in the engine control system, preferably in the form of characteristic diagrams, are advantageous.

Vorteilhaft sind auch Ausführungsformen des Verfahrens, bei denen die Differenz des mindestens einen von der Motorsteuerung in den mindestens zwei Betriebspunkten erfaßten Signals ermittelt wird, wobei die Stellung des Referenzzylinders in den mindestens zwei Betriebspunkten durch einen Vergleich dieser Differenz mit der Motorsteuerung zugänglichen Referenzwerten ermittelt wird. Im Gegensatz zu dem zuvor erläuterten Verfahren bedient man sich hier nicht der absoluten Signalwerte, sondern des Differenzbetrages zweier Signale.Also advantageous are embodiments of the method, in which the difference between the at least one of the engine control in the at least two Operating point detected signal is determined, wherein the position of the reference cylinder in the at least two operating points is determined by a comparison of this difference with the engine control accessible reference values. In contrast to the method explained above, one does not use the absolute signal values here, but the differential amount of two signals.

Vorteilhaft sind auch bei dieser Ausführungsformen des Verfahrens, Verfahren, bei denen die der Motorsteuerung zugänglichen Referenzwerte in der Motorsteuerung, vorzugsweise in Form von Kennfeldern, abgelegt sind.Also advantageous in these embodiments of the method, methods in which the engine control accessible reference values in the engine control, preferably in the form of maps, are stored.

Vorteilhaft sind auch Ausführungsformen des Verfahrens, bei denen die Auswertung der von der Motorsteuerung erfaßten Signale mit Hilfe sogenannter neuronaler Netze erfolgt.Also advantageous are embodiments of the method in which the evaluation of the signals detected by the engine control takes place with the aid of so-called neural networks.

Claims (18)

  1. Method for determining the position of a cylinder, which serves as a reference cylinder, of an internal combustion engine which has at least one cylinder for the purpose of defining the ignition time and the injection time of this reference cylinder,
    characterized in that
    the crankshaft angle of ignition, that is to say the ignition angle, and the crankshaft angle of injection, that is to say the injection angle, are each varied by a prescribable angle α at least once, so that the internal combustion engine is operated at least at two different operating points which are distinguished by the ignition angle and the injection angle, with at least one signal which is detected by the engine controller at the at least two operating points being used to determine the position of the reference cylinder at the at least two operating points in order, in this way, to define the ignition time and the injection time of this reference cylinder.
  2. Method according to Claim 1,
    characterized in that
    the method is carried out when the internal combustion engine is idling.
  3. Method according to either of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the signal used is the signal from a lambda probe which is arranged in the exhaust-gas stream of the reference cylinder.
  4. Method according to Claim 3,
    characterized in that
    the signal from a lambda probe which is provided upstream of the catalytic converter is used.
  5. Method according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the signal used is the signal from a knock sensor.
  6. Method according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the signal used is the signal from a crankshaft sensor.
  7. Method according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the signal used is the signal from an air mass flow rate sensor.
  8. Method according to Claim 7,
    characterized in that
    the ignition angle and the injection angle are varied by a prescribable angle α of equal size.
  9. Method according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the magnitude of the prescribable angle |α| is selected to be ≥ 30° of the crankshaft angle (KWW).
  10. Method according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the magnitude of the prescribable angle |α| is selected to be ≥ 60° of the crankshaft angle (KWW).
  11. Method according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the magnitude of the prescribable angle |α| is selected to be ≥ 120° of the crankshaft angle (KWW).
  12. Method according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the magnitude of the prescribable angle |α| is selected to be ≥ 180° of the crankshaft angle (KWW).
  13. Method according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the magnitude of the prescribable angle |α| is selected to be = 360° of the crankshaft angle (KWW).
  14. Method according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the position of the reference cylinder at the at least two operating points is determined by comparing the at least one signal which is detected by the engine controller with reference values for this at least one signal which are accessible to the engine controller.
  15. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 13,
    characterized in that
    the difference of the at least one signal which is detected by the engine controller at the at least two operating points is determined, with the position of the reference cylinder at the at least two operating points being determined by comparing this difference with reference values which are accessible to the engine controller.
  16. Method according to Claim 14 or 15,
    characterized in that
    the reference values which are accessible to the engine controller are stored in the engine controller.
  17. Method according to one of Claims 14 to 16,
    characterized in that
    the reference values which are accessible to the engine controller are stored in the form of characteristic maps.
  18. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 13,
    characterized in that
    the signals which are detected by the engine controller are evaluated with the aid of so-called neural networks.
EP20030104270 2003-11-19 2003-11-19 Method for determining the stroke of a cylinder of an internal combustion engine Expired - Fee Related EP1533508B1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE50307032T DE50307032D1 (en) 2003-11-19 2003-11-19 Method for determining the position of a cylinder of an internal combustion engine
EP20030104270 EP1533508B1 (en) 2003-11-19 2003-11-19 Method for determining the stroke of a cylinder of an internal combustion engine

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP20030104270 EP1533508B1 (en) 2003-11-19 2003-11-19 Method for determining the stroke of a cylinder of an internal combustion engine

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EP1533508A1 EP1533508A1 (en) 2005-05-25
EP1533508B1 true EP1533508B1 (en) 2007-04-11

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Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5402675A (en) * 1990-01-26 1995-04-04 Robert Bosch Gmbh Method for recognizing the power stroke of a four-stroke engine
DE4418577A1 (en) * 1994-05-27 1995-11-30 Bosch Gmbh Robert Device for regulating an internal combustion engine
FR2734322B1 (en) * 1995-05-15 1997-07-25 Magneti Marelli France METHOD FOR RECOGNIZING THE PHASE OF THE CYLINDERS OF A FOUR-TIME CYCLE INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE
FR2749885B1 (en) * 1996-06-14 1998-07-31 Renault METHOD FOR PRODUCING A SYNCHRONIZATION SIGNAL FOR CONTROLLING AN ELECTRONIC INJECTION SYSTEM OF AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE
DE19810214B4 (en) * 1998-03-10 2009-09-17 Robert Bosch Gmbh Method for synchronizing a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine

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DE50307032D1 (en) 2007-05-24

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