EP1745209B1 - Method for controlling a fuel-injection valve - Google Patents

Method for controlling a fuel-injection valve Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1745209B1
EP1745209B1 EP05735183A EP05735183A EP1745209B1 EP 1745209 B1 EP1745209 B1 EP 1745209B1 EP 05735183 A EP05735183 A EP 05735183A EP 05735183 A EP05735183 A EP 05735183A EP 1745209 B1 EP1745209 B1 EP 1745209B1
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EP
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Prior art keywords
valve member
valve
output signal
sensor
control device
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EP05735183A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1745209A1 (en
Inventor
Harald Thies
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Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
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Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M61/00—Fuel-injectors not provided for in groups F02M39/00 - F02M57/00 or F02M67/00
    • F02M61/04—Fuel-injectors not provided for in groups F02M39/00 - F02M57/00 or F02M67/00 having valves, e.g. having a plurality of valves in series
    • F02M61/08—Fuel-injectors not provided for in groups F02M39/00 - F02M57/00 or F02M67/00 having valves, e.g. having a plurality of valves in series the valves opening in direction of fuel flow
    • 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
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M51/00—Fuel-injection apparatus characterised by being operated electrically
    • F02M51/06—Injectors peculiar thereto with means directly operating the valve needle
    • F02M51/0603—Injectors peculiar thereto with means directly operating the valve needle using piezoelectric or magnetostrictive operating means
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M57/00—Fuel-injectors combined or associated with other devices
    • F02M57/005—Fuel-injectors combined or associated with other devices the devices being sensors
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M2200/00—Details of fuel-injection apparatus, not otherwise provided for
    • F02M2200/24—Fuel-injection apparatus with sensors
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M2200/00—Details of fuel-injection apparatus, not otherwise provided for
    • F02M2200/24—Fuel-injection apparatus with sensors
    • F02M2200/244—Force sensors

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method of controlling a fuel injection valve comprising a piezo actuator as a valve member which releases or closes a connection to a downstream room, an electric actuator for actuating the valve member and a biasing member biasing the valve member in a biasing direction, and a sensor element which is arranged on an axis with the valve member and which provides an output signal via the forces acting on the valve member to a control device.
  • the invention is based on the object to provide a method of the type mentioned, which makes it possible to control the fuel injection valve reliably throughout the combustion process.
  • the piezoelectric actuator and the sensor element preferably form a unit.
  • a biasing element for the piezoelectric actuator is provided, which the valve member in a biasing direction preferably biased closing.
  • the sensor element is on an axis with the valve member. The output signal then provides information about the forces acting on the valve member.
  • An essential feature of the invention is the course of the electrical energy with which the actuating element is acted upon.
  • a sensor element is preferably used which, like the piezoelectric actuator, is constructed in an electrostrictive manner and is preferably arranged with it on a common axis with the valve member.
  • the effect described above can also be obtained if the sensor element is designed as a magnetostrictive element. As a result, a particularly compact construction is achieved.
  • a magnetostrictive element may also be used.
  • magnetostrictive elements the geometric dimensions of a body change under the influence of a magnetic field. The stretching of the body takes place in dependence of magnetic field strength. The expansion of the body is the greater the greater the magnetic field strength. The reversal of this effect is referred to as a magnetoelastic or magnetomechanical effect. In this case, a change in the magnetic induction is caused under the influence of a mechanical stress.
  • the actuating elements of a plurality of respectively valve elements provided with sensor elements are acted upon independently by an electrical inverse to the output signal of the respective sensor element by the control device in an initial operating phase.
  • a plurality of fuel injection valves in a plurality of cylinders are controlled independently of one another and in a manner identical to one another.
  • a further improvement of the method according to the invention results when the control device in an operating phase subsequent to the operating phase, the actuating elements of a plurality of valve members independently applied to the output signal of each sensor element inverse electrical excitation and the amplitudes of the excitation according to the output of a cylinder-selective lambda Sensors are selected.
  • the single figure shows a schematic sectional view of a particularly suitable for the inventive method fuel injection valve with piezoelectric actuator and integrated sensor element
  • the valve 1 comprises a piezoelectric actuator 2 and a separate piezoelectric sensor 3.
  • the actuator 2 and the sensor 3 are arranged immediately adjacent to each other and positioned between the housing 1 'of the valve 1 and a plate-like element 4.
  • the element 4 is fixedly connected to a valve member 5, which releases a valve seat 6 or closes to connect to a combustion chamber 7.
  • the actuator 2 presses on a spring 8, which holds the valve member in the idle state in the valve seat 6.
  • the spring 8 sets both the piezoelectric actuator 2 and the valve member 5 back.
  • pressurized fuel is fed into a front region of the valve member 5 (shown in dotted lines).
  • valve 1 The operation of the valve 1 shown in the figure is such that the piezoelectric actuator 2 increases in its control its length in the direction of the spring 8, so that the valve member 5 fixedly connected to the piezoelectric actuator 2 lifts off from its valve seat 6 and a fuel injection in the combustion chamber 7 can take place.
  • the forces occurring, for example, caused by pressure changes in the combustion chamber 7, for example by knocking, are transmitted via the valve member 5 to the piezoelectric sensor 3.
  • the forces released during the excitation of the piezoactuator 2 and the thermal forces occurring at the piezoactuator are transmitted to the piezoelectric sensor 3.
  • the resultant of all forces occurring there is forwarded as a signal to a control device (not shown).
  • the same line can be used, which is provided for controlling the piezoelectric actuator 2.
  • the activation of the piezoactuator 2 takes place in an initial operating phase in such a way that the control device applies an electrical excitation to the piezoactuator 2, which has at least approximately a profile inverse to the output signal of the sensor 3.
  • the ratio of the two electrical signals is equal to a cylinder-individual gain factor, which is specified via a characteristic map. This ensures that the piezoelectric actuator 2 remains in an at least approximately invariable position during the entire opening time, apart from the opening and closing process.
  • the piezoelectric actuators provided for a plurality of cylinders of a plurality of respective valve members provided with corresponding sensor elements are acted upon independently of each other by an electrical inverse to the output signal of the respective sensor element, in accordance with the method described above for a piezoactuator.
  • actuating elements of a plurality of valve members are acted upon independently by an electrical inverse to the output signal of the respective sensor element by the control device in an operating phase subsequent to the operating initial phase.
  • the amplitudes of the excitation are selected according to the output signal of a cylinder-selective lambda sensor.
  • a measurement of the fuel throughputs m * assigned to the respective cylinders can take place during operation.
  • the amount of fuel injected into the respective cylinders must be determined by means of an active lambda probe.
  • only one fuel injection valve is opened in each case and this mode of operation is performed in a roulatory manner for the cylinders associated with the lambda probe.
  • a cross comparison of the individual fuel injection valves is performed with each other. This check is carried out in a "lean overrun phase" of the internal combustion engine. This avoids unacceptable engine operation. With the help of this test method can then be dispensed with a Einzellambdegelung.
  • the discontinuity in the signal curve results from a discontinuity in the stiffness curve of the piezoelectric actuator 2. It is caused by a Brennraum- or fuel pressure changes in the valve member 5 at the beginning of the injection process and can be recognized by the noise of the sensor signal. The same happens at the end of the injection process when the valve member 5 returns to the valve seat 6.
  • a diagnosis of the injection valve can be carried out via the evaluation of the sensor signal.
  • the combustion chamber pressure leads to a force beating of the valve member and thus to a sensor signal noise when the valve member is actually stationary.
  • the cause of the leak can be a spring break within the injector.
  • the spring preloads can be compared with each other by comparing the sensor signal curves of different fuel injection valves.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Fuel-Injection Apparatus (AREA)

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zum Steuern eines Kraftstoffeinspritzventils, umfassend einen Piezoaktor als Ventilglied, das eine Verbindung zu einem nachgeordneten Raum freigibt oder verschließt, ein elektrisches Betätigungselement zur Betätigung des Ventilglieds und ein Vorspannelement, welches das Ventilglied in eine Vorspannrichtung vorspannt, ferner ein Sensorelement, das auf einer Achse mit dem Ventilglied angeordnet ist und das ein Ausgangssignal über die auf das Ventilglied wirkenden Kräfte an eine Regeleinrichtung liefert.The present invention relates to a method of controlling a fuel injection valve comprising a piezo actuator as a valve member which releases or closes a connection to a downstream room, an electric actuator for actuating the valve member and a biasing member biasing the valve member in a biasing direction, and a sensor element which is arranged on an axis with the valve member and which provides an output signal via the forces acting on the valve member to a control device.

Ein derartiges Verfahren ist aus der DE 101 27 932 A bekannt. Das Sensorelement soll zur Bestimmung von Klopfen des Motors dienen. Die mechanischen Impulse werden dabei mittels des Sensorelements in elektrische Signale umgesetzt, welche von der Regeleinrichtung ausgewertet werden. Allerdings soll es dabei nur möglich sein, den Druck durch das Sensorelement nur in der inaktiven Phase des Ventils (vollständig geöffnetes Ventil oder vollständig geschlossenes Ventil) aufzunehmen.Such a method is known from DE 101 27 932 A known. The sensor element is intended to serve to determine the knocking of the engine. The mechanical impulses are converted by means of the sensor element into electrical signals, which are evaluated by the control device. However, it should only be possible to record the pressure through the sensor element only in the inactive phase of the valve (fully opened valve or fully closed valve).

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zu Grunde, ein Verfahren der eingangs genannten Art zu schaffen, das es ermöglicht, das Kraftstoffeinspritzventil zuverlässig während des gesamten Verbrennungsvorgangs zu steuern.The invention is based on the object to provide a method of the type mentioned, which makes it possible to control the fuel injection valve reliably throughout the combustion process.

Die Erfindung löst diese Aufgabe mit den im Patentanspruch 1 angegebenen Mitteln.The invention solves this problem with the means specified in claim 1.

Voraussetzung der Erfindung ist die besondere Konstruktion des Kraftstoffeinspritzventils. Der Piezoaktor und das Sensorelement bilden vorzugsweise eine Einheit. Zusätzlich ist ein Vorspannelement für den Piezoaktor vorgesehen, welches das Ventilglied in eine Vorspannrichtung vorzugsweise schließend vorspannt. Das Sensorelement ist auf einer Achse mit dem Ventilglied. Das Ausgangssignal liefert dann eine Aussage über die auf das Ventilglied wirkenden Kräfte.Prerequisite of the invention is the special construction of the fuel injection valve. The piezoelectric actuator and the sensor element preferably form a unit. In addition, a biasing element for the piezoelectric actuator is provided, which the valve member in a biasing direction preferably biased closing. The sensor element is on an axis with the valve member. The output signal then provides information about the forces acting on the valve member.

Diese Kräfte setzen sich zusammen aus der durch das Vorspannelement ausgeübten Kraft, die durch die elektrische Erregung auf das Piezoelement wirkende Kraft, die durch den Brenndruck in der Brennkammer auf das Ventil wirkende Kraft sowie evtl. thermische Einflüsse. Dabei ist die durch den Brenndruck in der Brennkammer auf das Ventil wirkende Kraft bei entsprechender Dimensionierung deutlich geringer als die durch das Vorspannelement ausgeübte und die durch die elektrische Erregung auf das Piezoelement wirkende Kraft.These forces are composed of the force exerted by the pretensioning element, the force acting on the piezoelectric element due to the electrical excitation, the force acting on the valve as a result of the combustion pressure in the combustion chamber, and possibly thermal influences. In this case, the force acting on the valve by the combustion pressure in the combustion chamber with appropriate dimensioning is significantly lower than that exerted by the biasing member and acting by the electrical excitation on the piezoelectric element force.

Wesentliches Merkmal der Erfindung ist der Verlauf der elektrischen Energie, mit der das Betätigungselement beaufschlagt wird. Durch den zumindest annähernd zum Ausgangssignal des Sensorelements inversen Verlauf soll erreicht werden, dass der Piezoaktor während der gesamten Öffnungszeit, von dem Öffnungs- und Schließvorgang abgesehen, in einer zumindest annähernd unveränderlichen Stellung bleibt.An essential feature of the invention is the course of the electrical energy with which the actuating element is acted upon. By at least approximately the output signal of the sensor element inverse course is to be achieved that the piezoelectric actuator remains in an at least approximately invariable position during the entire opening time, apart from the opening and closing process.

Im Rahmen der Erfindung wird vorzugsweise ein Sensorelement verwendet, das wie der Piezoaktor elektrostriktiv aufgebaut und vorzugsweise mit diesem auf einer gemeinsamen Achse mit dem Ventilglied angeordnet ist. Der oben beschriebene Effekt kann auch erhalten werden, wenn das Sensorelement als magnetostriktives Element ausgebildet ist. Dadurch wird ein besonders kompakter Aufbau erreicht.In the context of the invention, a sensor element is preferably used which, like the piezoelectric actuator, is constructed in an electrostrictive manner and is preferably arranged with it on a common axis with the valve member. The effect described above can also be obtained if the sensor element is designed as a magnetostrictive element. As a result, a particularly compact construction is achieved.

Anstelle eines elektrostriktiven Elements kann auch ein magnetostriktives Element verwendet werden. Bei magnetostriktiven Elementen ändern sich die geometrischen Abmessungen eines Körpers unter Einfluss eines Magnetfeldes. Die Dehnung des Körpers erfolgt dabei in Abhängigkeit der magnetischen Feldstärke. Dabei ist die Dehnung des Körpers um so größer je größer die magnetische Feldstärke ist. Die Umkehrung dieses Effekts wird als magnetoelastischer oder magnetomechanischer Effekt bezeichnet. Dabei wird eine Änderung der magnetischen Induktion unter dem Einfluss einer mechanischen Spannung hervorgerufen. Dies kann bei der vorliegenden Erfindung zur Verwendung des magnetostriktiven Elements sowohl als Aktor als auch als Sensor verwendet werden, wobei die Kräfte über das Ventilglied auf das magnetostriktive Element übertragen werden und da, entsprechend dem piezoelektrischen Element, aufgrund der auftretenden Änderung der magnetischen Induktion bestimmt werden. Somit kann auch mit einem magnetostriktiven Element als Aktor und als Sensor gearbeitet werden.Instead of an electrostrictive element, a magnetostrictive element may also be used. In magnetostrictive elements, the geometric dimensions of a body change under the influence of a magnetic field. The stretching of the body takes place in dependence of magnetic field strength. The expansion of the body is the greater the greater the magnetic field strength. The reversal of this effect is referred to as a magnetoelastic or magnetomechanical effect. In this case, a change in the magnetic induction is caused under the influence of a mechanical stress. This can be used in the present invention for the use of the magnetostrictive element both as an actuator and as a sensor, wherein the forces are transmitted via the valve member to the magnetostrictive element and da, corresponding to the piezoelectric element, determined by the change occurring in the magnetic induction , Thus, it is also possible to work with a magnetostrictive element as an actuator and as a sensor.

Bei einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung werden durch die Regeleinrichtung in einer Betriebs-Anfangsphase die Betätigungselemente mehrerer jeweils mit Sensorelementen versehene Ventilglieder unabhängig voneinander mit einer zum Ausgangssignal des jeweiligen Sensorelements inversen elektrischen Erregung beaufschlagt. Dadurch werden mehrere Kraftstoffeinspritzventile in mehreren Zylindern unabhängig voneinander und in einer untereinander gleichen Art und Weise gesteuert.In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the actuating elements of a plurality of respectively valve elements provided with sensor elements are acted upon independently by an electrical inverse to the output signal of the respective sensor element by the control device in an initial operating phase. As a result, a plurality of fuel injection valves in a plurality of cylinders are controlled independently of one another and in a manner identical to one another.

Eine weitere Verbesserung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens ergibt sich dann, wenn die Regeleinrichtung in einer an die Betriebs-Anfangsphase anschließenden Betriebsphase die Betätigungselemente mehrerer Ventilglieder unabhängig voneinander mit einer zum Ausgangssignal des jeweiligen Sensorelements inversen elektrischen Erregung beaufschlagt und die Amplituden der Erregung entsprechend dem Ausgangssignal eines zylinderselektiven Lambda-Sensors gewählt werden. Dadurch ergibt sich eine Regelung der Kraftstoffeinspritzventile in Anhängigkeit vom Ausgangssignal der Lambda-Sonde(n) mit der Möglichkeit, die Kraftstoffeinspritzventile im Sinne einer Optimierung des Abgasverhaltens noch besser zu steuern.A further improvement of the method according to the invention results when the control device in an operating phase subsequent to the operating phase, the actuating elements of a plurality of valve members independently applied to the output signal of each sensor element inverse electrical excitation and the amplitudes of the excitation according to the output of a cylinder-selective lambda Sensors are selected. This results in a regulation of the fuel injection valves in dependence on the output signal of the lambda probe (s) with the possibility of controlling the fuel injection valves in terms of optimizing the exhaust gas behavior even better.

Ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung ist in der Zeichnung dargestellt und in der nachfolgenden Beschreibung näher erläutert.An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawing and explained in more detail in the following description.

Die einzige Figur zeigt eine schematische Schnittansicht eines für das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren besonders geeigneten Kraftstoffeinspritzventils mit Piezoaktor und integriertem SensorelementThe single figure shows a schematic sectional view of a particularly suitable for the inventive method fuel injection valve with piezoelectric actuator and integrated sensor element

Wie in der Figur gezeigt, umfasst das Ventil 1 einen piezoelektrischen Aktor 2 sowie einen separaten piezoelektrischen Sensor 3. Der Aktor 2 und der Sensor 3 sind dabei unmittelbar benachbart zueinander angeordnet und zwischen dem Gehäuse 1' des Ventils 1 und einem plattenartigen Element 4 positioniert. Das Element 4 ist fest mit einem Ventilglied 5 verbunden, welches einen Ventilsitz 6 freigibt bzw. verschließt, um eine Verbindung zu einem Brennraum 7 herzustellen. Dabei drückt der Aktor 2 auf eine Feder 8, die das Ventilglied im Ruhezustand im Ventilsitz 6 hält. Die Feder 8 stellt dabei sowohl den piezoelektrischen Aktor 2 als auch das Ventilglied 5 zurück.As shown in the figure, the valve 1 comprises a piezoelectric actuator 2 and a separate piezoelectric sensor 3. The actuator 2 and the sensor 3 are arranged immediately adjacent to each other and positioned between the housing 1 'of the valve 1 and a plate-like element 4. The element 4 is fixedly connected to a valve member 5, which releases a valve seat 6 or closes to connect to a combustion chamber 7. In this case, the actuator 2 presses on a spring 8, which holds the valve member in the idle state in the valve seat 6. The spring 8 sets both the piezoelectric actuator 2 and the valve member 5 back.

Über eine Kraftstoffzuleitung 11 wird unter Druck stehender Kraftstoff in einen vorderen Bereich des Ventilgliedes 5 zugeführt (punktiert dargestellt).Via a fuel feed line 11, pressurized fuel is fed into a front region of the valve member 5 (shown in dotted lines).

Die Funktionsweise des in der Figur gezeigten Ventils 1 ist dabei derart, dass der piezoelektrische Aktor 2 bei seiner Ansteuerung seine Länge in Richtung der Feder 8 vergrößert, so dass das mit dem Piezoaktor 2 fest verbundene Ventilglied 5 von seinem Ventilsitz 6 abhebt und eine Kraftstoffeinspritzung in den Brennraum 7 erfolgen kann.The operation of the valve 1 shown in the figure is such that the piezoelectric actuator 2 increases in its control its length in the direction of the spring 8, so that the valve member 5 fixedly connected to the piezoelectric actuator 2 lifts off from its valve seat 6 and a fuel injection in the combustion chamber 7 can take place.

Die auftretenden Kräfte, beispielsweise hervorgerufen durch Druckänderungen im Brennraum 7 beispielsweise durch Klopfen, werden über das Ventilglied 5 auf den piezoelektrischen Sensor 3 übertragen.The forces occurring, for example, caused by pressure changes in the combustion chamber 7, for example by knocking, are transmitted via the valve member 5 to the piezoelectric sensor 3.

Ebenso werden die bei der Erregung des Piezoaktors 2 ausgelösten Kräfte sowie die am Piezoaktor auftretenden thermischen Kräfte auf den piezoelektrischen Sensor 3 übertragen. Die Resultierende aller dort auftretenden Kräfte wird als Signal an eine Regeleinrichtung (nicht dargestellt) weitergeleitet. Dabei kann die gleiche Leitung verwendet werden, weiche zur Ansteuerung des Piezoaktors 2 vorgesehen ist.Likewise, the forces released during the excitation of the piezoactuator 2 and the thermal forces occurring at the piezoactuator are transmitted to the piezoelectric sensor 3. The resultant of all forces occurring there is forwarded as a signal to a control device (not shown). In this case, the same line can be used, which is provided for controlling the piezoelectric actuator 2.

Erfindungsgemäß erfolgt die Ansteuerung des Piezoaktors 2 in einer Betriebs-Anfangsphase derart, dass die Regeleinrichtung den Piezoaktor 2 mit einer elektrischen Erregung beaufschlagt, die zumindest annähernd einen zum Ausgangssignal des Sensors 3 inversen Verlauf besitzt. Das Verhältnis der beiden elektrischen Signale ist gleich einem zylinderindividuellem Verstärkungsfaktor, der über ein Kennfeld vorgegeben wird. Dadurch wird erreicht, dass der Piezoaktor 2 während der gesamten Öffnungszeit, von dem Öffnungs- und Schließvorgang abgesehen, in einer zumindest annähernd unveränderlichen Stellung bleibt.According to the invention, the activation of the piezoactuator 2 takes place in an initial operating phase in such a way that the control device applies an electrical excitation to the piezoactuator 2, which has at least approximately a profile inverse to the output signal of the sensor 3. The ratio of the two electrical signals is equal to a cylinder-individual gain factor, which is specified via a characteristic map. This ensures that the piezoelectric actuator 2 remains in an at least approximately invariable position during the entire opening time, apart from the opening and closing process.

In dieser Betriebs-Anfangsphase werden die für mehrere Zylinder vorgesehenen Piezoaktoren mehrerer jeweils mit entsprechenden Sensorelementen versehene Ventilglieder entsprechend dem oben für einen Piezoaktor beschriebenen Verfahren unabhängig voneinander mit einer zum Ausgangssignal des jeweiligen Sensorelements inversen elektrischen Erregung beaufschlagt.In this initial operating phase, the piezoelectric actuators provided for a plurality of cylinders of a plurality of respective valve members provided with corresponding sensor elements are acted upon independently of each other by an electrical inverse to the output signal of the respective sensor element, in accordance with the method described above for a piezoactuator.

Dadurch ergibt sich eine Hubgleichstellung der Einspritzventile mehrerer Zylinder und damit eine Vergleichmäßigung der Kraftstoffzufuhr zu den Zylindern. Unter Hubgleichstellung ist dabei alternativ ein messtechnisch gleicher Hub der Ventile oder ein auf gleichen Kraftstoffdurchsatz abzielender "gleicher", d. h. nicht notwendigerweise physikalisch gleicher Hub der Einspritzventile zu verstehen.This results in a stroke equalization of the injection valves of several cylinders and thus an equalization of the fuel supply to the cylinders. Under stroke equalization is a metrological same stroke of the valves or a target on the same fuel flow "same", ie not necessarily physically the same stroke of the injectors to understand.

Schließlich werden durch die Regeleinrichtung in einer an die Betriebs-Anfangsphase anschließenden Betriebsphase die Betätigungselemente mehrerer Ventilglieder unabhängig voneinander mit einer zum Ausgangssignal des jeweiligen Sensorelements inversen elektrischen Erregung beaufschlagt. Die Amplituden der Erregung werden entsprechend dem Ausgangssignal eines zylinderselektiven Lambda-Sensors gewählt.Finally, the actuating elements of a plurality of valve members are acted upon independently by an electrical inverse to the output signal of the respective sensor element by the control device in an operating phase subsequent to the operating initial phase. The amplitudes of the excitation are selected according to the output signal of a cylinder-selective lambda sensor.

Dadurch ergibt sich eine Lambdagleichstellung, d. h. eine sich über sämtliche Zylinder ergebende Vergleichmäßigung des Kraftstoff-Luftgemischs.This results in a Lambdagleichstellung, d. H. an over all cylinders resulting homogenization of the fuel-air mixture.

Alternativ zu den beiden oben genannten Betriebsmodi kann eine Vermessung der den jeweiligen Zylindern zugemessenen Kraftstoffdurchsätze m* im Betrieb erfolgen. In diesem Fall muss mittels einer aktiven Lambdasonde die in die jeweiligen Zylinder eingespritzte Kraftstoffmenge bestimmt werden. Hierfür wird nur jeweils ein Kraftstoffeinspritzventil geöffnet und diese Betriebsweise roulierend für die der Lambdasonde zugeordneten Zylinder durchgeführt. Ferner wird ein Quervergleich der einzelnen Kraftstoffeinspritzventile untereinander durchgeführt. Diese Überprüfung erfolgt in einer "mageren Schubphase" der Brennkraftmaschine. Dadurch lässt sich ein inakzeptabler Motorlauf vermeiden. Mit Hilfe dieser Prüfmethode kann dann auf eine Einzellambdaregelung verzichtet werden. Nach einer roulierenden Vermessung der Durchsätze und einem Quervergleich von mehreren Kraftstoffeinspritzventilen kann eine Gleichstellung der Kraftstoffdurchsätze m* erfolgen. Ein ansonsten üblicher bzw. erforderlicher Abgleich über die Lauf(un)ruhe / Dreh(un)gleichförmigkeit kann dann entfallen.As an alternative to the two operating modes mentioned above, a measurement of the fuel throughputs m * assigned to the respective cylinders can take place during operation. In this case, the amount of fuel injected into the respective cylinders must be determined by means of an active lambda probe. For this purpose, only one fuel injection valve is opened in each case and this mode of operation is performed in a roulatory manner for the cylinders associated with the lambda probe. Furthermore, a cross comparison of the individual fuel injection valves is performed with each other. This check is carried out in a "lean overrun phase" of the internal combustion engine. This avoids unacceptable engine operation. With the help of this test method can then be dispensed with a Einzellambdegelung. After a roulatory measurement of the throughputs and a cross-comparison of several fuel injection valves, an equalization of the fuel flow rates m * can take place. An otherwise usual or required adjustment over the running (un) rest / rotation (un) uniformity can then be omitted.

Ein weiterer besonderer Vorteil der Erfindung ergibt sich aus nachfolgender Überlegung:Another particular advantage of the invention results from the following consideration:

Aus dem vom Sensor 3 gelieferten Signal lässt sich eine Aussage über die Steifigkeit des Piezoaktors 2 gewinnen. In der Regel tritt zu Beginn des Einspritzvorganges ein unstetiger Verlauf des Signals auf. Dadurch ist die Bestimmung der Nullpunktenergie möglich, d. h. die Energie, welche dem Piezoaktor 2 aufgeprägt werden kann, damit das Ventilglied 5 gerade noch nicht aus dem Ventilsitz 6 abhebt. Diese Information ist sehr wichtig für schnelle Regel-Reaktionen bzw. für die Bestimmung der Energiebilanzen.From the signal supplied by the sensor 3, a statement about the rigidity of the piezoelectric actuator 2 can be obtained. As a rule, a discontinuous course of the signal occurs at the beginning of the injection process. This makes it possible to determine the zero-point energy, ie. H. the energy which can be impressed on the piezoelectric actuator 2, so that the valve member 5 just does not lift off from the valve seat 6. This information is very important for fast control reactions or for the determination of energy balances.

Die Unstetigkeit im Signalverlauf ergibt sich aus einer Unstetigkeit im Steifigkeitsverlauf des Piezoaktors 2. Sie entsteht durch einen Brennraum- bzw. Kraftstoffdruckänderungen im Ventilglied 5 bei Beginn des Einspritzvorganges und ist am Rauschen des Sensorsignals erkennbar. Dasselbe geschieht am Ende des Einspritzvorgangs, wenn das Ventilglied 5 in den Ventilsitz 6 zurückkehrt.The discontinuity in the signal curve results from a discontinuity in the stiffness curve of the piezoelectric actuator 2. It is caused by a Brennraum- or fuel pressure changes in the valve member 5 at the beginning of the injection process and can be recognized by the noise of the sensor signal. The same happens at the end of the injection process when the valve member 5 returns to the valve seat 6.

Entsprechend kann über die Auswertung des Sensorsignals auch eine Diagnose des Einspritzventils durchgeführt werden. Bei einem undichten Einspritzventil führt der Brennraumdruck zu einer Kraft-Beautschlagung des Ventilglieds und damit zu einem Sensor-Signalrauschen bei eigentlich ruhendem Ventilglied 5. Ursache für die Undichtigkeit kann ein Federbruch innerhalb des Injektors sein.Accordingly, a diagnosis of the injection valve can be carried out via the evaluation of the sensor signal. In the case of a leaking injection valve, the combustion chamber pressure leads to a force beating of the valve member and thus to a sensor signal noise when the valve member is actually stationary. The cause of the leak can be a spring break within the injector.

Zusätzlich können durch einen Vergleich der Sensorsignalverläufe unterschiedlicher Kraftstoffeinspritzventile auch die Federvorspannungen untereinander verglichen werden.In addition, the spring preloads can be compared with each other by comparing the sensor signal curves of different fuel injection valves.

Claims (3)

  1. A method for controlling a fuel injection valve, comprising a piezo actuator as the valve member, which opens or closes a connection to a downstream space, an electric actuating element for actuating the valve member and a prestressing element, which prestresses the valve member into a prestressing direction, and also a sensor element, which is arranged on the same axis as the valve member and supplies an output signal to a control device via the forces acting on the valve member, characterised in that the control device acts upon the actuating element with an electrical excitation, which varies at least approximately inversely to the output signal of the sensor element.
  2. A method according to claim 1, characterised in that the control device in an initial operating phase acts upon the actuating elements of a plurality of valve members each provided with sensor elements, independently of one another, with an electrical excitation inverse to the output signal of the respective sensor element.
  3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the control device, in an operating phase following the initial operating phase, acts upon the actuating elements of a plurality of valve members, independently of one another, with an electric excitation that is inverse to the output signal of the respective sensor element and the amplitudes of the excitation are selected according to the output signal of a cylinder-selective lambda sensor.
EP05735183A 2004-05-06 2005-04-26 Method for controlling a fuel-injection valve Active EP1745209B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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DE102004022371A DE102004022371A1 (en) 2004-05-06 2004-05-06 Method for controlling a fuel injection valve
PCT/EP2005/004436 WO2005108771A1 (en) 2004-05-06 2005-04-26 Method for controlling a fuel-injection valve

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DE102004022371A1 (en) 2005-12-01
JP2007536462A (en) 2007-12-13
ES2290909T3 (en) 2008-02-16
US7372188B2 (en) 2008-05-13
EP1745209A1 (en) 2007-01-24
DE502005001438D1 (en) 2007-10-18
US20070046146A1 (en) 2007-03-01
WO2005108771A1 (en) 2005-11-17
JP4789929B2 (en) 2011-10-12

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