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Malfunction diagnostic device and malfunction diagnostic method for fuel system
EP2116711A1
European Patent Office
- Other languages
German French - Inventor
Jun Tahara - Current Assignee
- Toyota Motor Corp
Worldwide applications
2009
EP
Application EP09159769A events
2008-05-08
2008-05-08
2009-05-08
2009-11-11
2013-01-09
Application granted
2013-01-09
Status
Not-in-force
2029-05-08
Anticipated expiration
Description
translated from
-
[0001] The invention relates to a malfunction diagnostic device and a malfunction diagnostic method for a fuel system, and more particularly to a malfunction diagnostic device and a malfunction diagnostic method that control a fuel system for diagnosing whether a pressure reducing valve, which reduces the pressure of fuel, malfunctions or operates normally. -
[0002] Diesel engines in which high-pressure fuel stored in a common rail is injected from an injector have been put to practical use. The pressure of fuel inside the common rail is controlled to obtain a target pressure that is set correspondingly to the operation state of the engine and vehicle. -
[0003] However, where the target pressure decreases, the pressure of fuel inside the common rail can increase with respect to the target pressure. Accordingly a pressure reducing valve is provided in the common rail in order to decrease rapidly the pressure of fuel in the common rail. Where the pressure reducing valve is controlled to open, the pressure in the common rail decreases rapidly. As a result, the difference between the pressure of fuel inside the common rail and the target pressure can be reduced. -
[0004] Meanwhile, where the pressure reducing valve malfunctions, if the pressure reducing valve is open, the pressure of fuel inside the common rail cannot be reduced. Therefore, in order to determine whether the pressure reducing valve has to be repaired, it is necessary to diagnose whether the pressure reducing valve malfunctions. -
[0005] Japanese Patent Application Publication No.2007-100624 JP-A-2007-100624 -
[0006] Furthermore, where a sensor that detects the pressure of fuel inside the common rail malfunctions, the behavior of pressure is detected erroneously and whether the pressure reducing valve malfunctions can be diagnosed erroneously. For this reason, the fuel injection control device described inJP-A-2007-100624 -
[0007] However, conditions that are unsuitable for malfunction diagnostic of the pressure reducing valve can be also realized even when the sensor that detects the pressure does not malfunction. In a case where the malfunction diagnostic of the pressure reducing valve is executed under conditions unsuitable for malfunction diagnostic of the pressure reducing valve, the engine or pressure reducing valve are adversely affected. -
[0008] Furthermore, in the above-described case, the pressure reducing valve can be erroneously diagnosed as malfunctioning.
For example, the pressure of fuel inside the common rail can also fluctuate when the injector and fuel pump malfunction. Therefore, it is difficult to specify which of malfunctions of the injector, fuel pump, or pressure reducing valve causes fluctuations of fuel pressure in the common rail occurring when the pressure reducing valve is operated. Therefore, whether the pressure reducing valve malfunctions can be diagnosed erroneously. -
[0009] The invention provides a malfunction diagnostic device and a malfunction diagnostic method for a fuel system that make it possible to determine with good accuracy whether the pressure reducing valve malfunctions. -
[0010] The first aspect of the invention relates to a malfunction diagnostic device for a fuel system provided with a fuel injection valve that injects a fuel, a storage unit that stores the fuel to be supplied to the fuel injection valve, a fuel pump that supplies the fuel to the storage unit, and a pressure reducing valve that reduces a pressure of the fuel inside the storage unit in an open state. The malfunction diagnostic device includes detection means for detecting the pressure of fuel inside the storage unit, and execution means for executing a malfunction diagnostic mode in which the fuel injection valve is controlled so as to restrict the injection of fuel and the pressure reducing valve is controlled from a closed state to an open state in a state in which the rotation speed of the fuel pump has decreased to a threshold value. -
[0011] With such a configuration, it is possible to detect the pressure of fuel in a state in which the fuel injection valve and fuel pump produce little effect on the pressure of fuel. Where the pressure of fuel in this state decreases, the pressure of fuel can be said to be decreased by normal opening of the pressure reducing valve. As a result, the operator can diagnose whether the pressure reducing valve malfunctions on the basis of fuel pressure behavior affected by the operation of the pressure reducing valve. Therefore, a malfunction diagnostic device for a fuel system can be provided that can determine with good accuracy whether the pressure reducing valve malfunctions. -
[0012] The malfunction diagnostic device according to the first aspect may further include determination means for determining whether a condition relating to at least one from among an increase in the pressure of fuel inside the storage unit, a decrease in the pressure of fuel to be detected inside the storage unit, and drive of the pressure reducing valve is fulfilled, and restriction means for restricting the control performed to drive the pressure reducing valve when the condition is determined to have been fulfilled. -
[0013] The second aspect of the invention relates to a malfunction diagnostic device for a fuel system provided with a fuel injection valve that injects a fuel, a storage unit that stores the fuel to be supplied to the fuel injection valve, a fuel pump that supplies the fuel to the storage unit, and a pressure reducing valve that reduces a pressure of the fuel inside the storage unit in an open state. This malfunction diagnostic device includes a detection means for detecting the pressure of fuel inside the storage unit; execution means for executing a malfunction diagnostic mode in which the pressure reducing valve is controlled to operate so that whether the pressure reducing valve malfunctions is diagnosed; determination means for determining whether a condition relating to at least one from among an increase in the pressure of fuel inside the storage unit, a decrease in the pressure of fuel inside the storage unit, drive of the pressure reducing valve is fulfilled; and restriction means for restricting the control performed to drive the pressure reducing valve when the condition is determined to have been fulfilled. -
[0014] With this configuration, the pressure of fuel inside the storage unit is detected to diagnose whether a malfunction is present in the pressure reducing valve, and the pressure reducing valve is driven in a malfunction diagnostic mode for diagnosing whether the pressure reducing valve malfunctions. In this case, the pressure reducing valve is controlled to close or open. As a result, the behavior of pressure when the pressure reducing valve is driven can be clarified. Therefore, the operator can diagnose whether the pressure reducing valve malfunctions or operates normally on the basis of the behavior of pressure when the pressure reducing valve is driven. -
[0015] The malfunction diagnostic device according to the first and second aspect may further include diagnostic means for diagnosing whether the pressure reducing valve malfunctions on the basis of the behavior of the detected pressure of fuel inside the storage unit during the execution of the malfunction diagnostic mode. -
[0016] With this configuration, in a case where the condition relating to an increase in the pressure of fuel inside the storage unit is fulfilled, the control performed to close the pressure reducing valve is restricted. As a result, the excess increase in the pressure of fuel inside the storage unit can be prevented. In a case where the condition relating to a decrease in the pressure of fuel inside the storage unit is fulfilled, the control performed to open the pressure reducing valve is restricted. As a result, the pressure reducing valve can be prevented from being erroneously diagnosed as malfunctioning when the pressure of fuel can decrease although the pressure reducing valve is not open. In a case
where the condition relating to driving the pressure reducing valve is fulfilled, the control performed to open the pressure reducing valve is restricted. As a result, the time or revolution speed at which the pressure reducing valve is controlled to open is restricted and the deterioration rate of the pressure reducing valve can be decreased. Furthermore, the control performed to open the pressure reducing valve is restricted when the pressure reducing valve is difficult to drive due to a factor other than malfunctioning, and the pressure reducing valve can be prevented from being erroneously diagnosed as malfunctioning. Therefore, it is possible to provide a malfunction diagnostic device or malfunction diagnostic method for a fuel system that can reduce the adverse effect produced by driving the pressure reducing valve in order to diagnose whether the pressure reducing valve malfunctions. -
[0017] In the malfunction diagnostic device according to the first and second aspect, the condition may be a condition relating to an increase in the pressure of fuel inside the storage unit; and the restriction means may restrict the control performed to close the pressure reducing valve in a case where the condition relating to an increase in the pressure of fuel inside the storage unit is determined by the determination means to have been fulfilled. -
[0018] With such a configuration, the excess increase in the pressure of fuel inside the storage unit can be prevented. -
[0019] In the malfunction diagnostic device according to the first and second aspect, the condition relating to an increase in the pressure of fuel inside the storage unit is determined to have been fulfilled in at least one case from among a case in which the engine is not in an idle state, a case in which a vehicle is traveling, a case in which a pressure of fuel inside the storage unit is larger than a preset pressure, and a case in which a pressure of the fuel supplied from the fuel pump to the storage unit is higher than a preset pressure. -
[0020] With such a configuration, the control performed to close the pressure reducing valve can be restricted if the engine is not in an idle state. As a result, the control performed to close the pressure reducing valve can be restricted in a state in which the output shaft rotation speed of the engine can rise in a state in which the pressure of fuel supplied from the fuel pump driven by the engine to the storage unit can rise. Therefore, the excess increase in the pressure of fuel inside the storage unit can be prevented. -
[0021] With such a configuration, the control performed to close the pressure reducing valve can be restricted if the vehicle travels. As a result, the control performed to close the pressure reducing valve can be restricted in a state in which the output shaft rotation speed of the engine can rise in a state in which the pressure of fuel supplied from the fuel pump driven by the engine to the storage unit can rise. Therefore, the excess increase in the pressure of fuel inside the storage unit can be prevented. -
[0022] With such a configuration, the control performed to close the pressure reducing valve can be restricted if the pressure of fuel inside the storage unit is higher than a preset pressure. As a result, the control performed to close the pressure reducing valve can be restricted in a state in which the output shaft rotation speed of the engine can rise in a state in which the pressure of fuel inside the storage unit can rise. Therefore, the excess increase in the pressure of fuel inside the storage unit can be prevented. -
[0023] With such a configuration, the control performed to close the pressure reducing valve can be restricted if the pressure of fuel supplied from the fuel pump to the storage unit is higher than a preset pressure. As a result, the control performed to close the pressure reducing valve can be restricted in a state in which the output shaft rotation speed of the engine can rise in a state in which the pressure of fuel inside the engine to the storage unit can rise. Therefore, the excess increase in the pressure of fuel inside the storage unit can be prevented. -
[0024] In the malfunction diagnostic device according to the first and second aspect, the condition may be a condition relating to a decrease in the pressure of fuel inside the storage unit or a condition relating to a drive of the pressure reducing valve; and the restriction means may restrict the control performed to open the pressure reducing valve in a case where the condition is determined to have been fulfilled. -
[0025] With such a configuration, the control performed to open the pressure reducing valve can be restricted in a case where the condition relating to a decrease in the pressure of fuel inside the storage unit is fulfilled. As a result, the pressure reducing valve can be prevented from being erroneously diagnosed as malfunctioning in a state in which the pressure of fuel can decrease although the pressure reducing valve is not opened. Furthermore, with such a configuration, the control performed to open the pressure reducing valve can be restricted in a case where the condition relating to driving the pressure reducing valve is fulfilled. As a result, the time or revolution speed at which the pressure reducing valve is controlled to open can be prevented from being too long or high. Furthermore, the control performed to open the pressure reducing valve is restricted when the pressure reducing valve is difficult to drive due to a factor other than malfunctioning, and the pressure reducing valve can be prevented from being erroneously diagnosed as malfunctioning. -
[0026] In the malfunction diagnostic device according to the first and second aspect, the condition relating to a decrease in the pressure of fuel inside the storage unit may be determined to have been fulfilled in a case where the pressure of fuel inside the storage unit is lower than a preset pressure. -
[0027] With such a configuration, the control performed to open the pressure reducing valve is restricted if the pressure of fuel inside the storage unit is lower than a preset pressure. As a result, the pressure reducing valve can be prevented from being erroneously diagnosed as malfunctioning in a state in which the pressure of fuel is low although the pressure reducing valve is not opened. -
[0028] In the malfunction diagnostic device according to the first and second aspect, the pressure reducing valve may be driven by electric power; and the condition relating to driving the pressure reducing valve is determined to have been fulfilled in a case where a voltage of electric power supplied to the pressure reducing valve is lower than a preset voltage. -
[0029] With such a configuration, the control performed to open the pressure reducing valve is restricted if the voltage supplied to the pressure reducing valve is lower than a preset voltage. As a result, the control performed to open the pressure reducing valve is restricted when the pressure reducing valve is difficult to drive even if the pressure reducing valve operates normally. Therefore, the pressure reducing valve can be prevented from being erroneously diagnosed as malfunctioning. -
[0030] The malfunction diagnostic device according to the first and second aspect may further include means for determining whether the engine has been started, wherein the condition relating to driving the pressure reducing valve may be determined to have been fulfilled in a case where the determination as to whether the engine has been started is being performed. -
[0031] With such a configuration, the control performed to open the pressure reducing valve is restricted if the determination as to whether the engine has been started is being performed. As a result, the control performed to open the pressure reducing valve is restricted immediately after the cranking that opens the pressure reducing valve in order to reduce the size of bubbles in the fuel or replenish the fuel supplied to the fuel injection valve. Therefore, the time or revolution speed at which the pressure reducing valve is controlled to open can be prevented from being too long or high. -
[0032] In the malfunction diagnostic device according to the first and second aspect, the condition relating to driving the pressure reducing valve may be determined to have been fulfilled in a case where the pressure reducing valve is controlled to open continuously for a period equal to or longer than a preset time. -
[0033] With such a configuration, the control performed to open the pressure reducing valve is restricted if the pressure reducing valve is controlled to open continuously for a period equal to or longer than a preset time. As a result, the time in which pressure reducing valve is controlled to open can be prevented from being too long. -
[0034] In the malfunction diagnostic device according to the second aspect, in the malfunction diagnostic mode, the fuel injection valve may be controlled so as to restrict the injection of fuel and the pressure reducing valve may be controlled from a closed state to an open state in a state in which the rotation speed of the fuel pump has decreased to a threshold value. -
[0035] With such a configuration, in the malfunction diagnostic mode, the fuel injection valve is controlled so as to restrict the injection of fuel and the pressure reducing valve is controlled from a closed state to an open state in a state in which the rotation speed of the fuel pump has decreased to a threshold value. As a result, the pressure of fuel can be detected in a state in which the fuel injection valve and fuel pump produce little effect on the pressure of fuel. Where the pressure of fuel in this state decreases, the pressure of fuel can be said to be decreased by normal opening of the pressure reducing valve. As a result, the operator can diagnose whether the pressure reducing valve malfunctions on the basis of fuel pressure behavior affected by the operation of the pressure reducing valve. Therefore, it is possible to determine with good accuracy whether the pressure reducing valve malfunctions. -
[0036] In the malfunction diagnostic device according to the first and second aspect, in the malfunction diagnostic mode, the fuel injection valve may be controlled so as to restrict the injection of fuel after the pressure reducing valve has been controlled to assume a closed state and before the pressure reducing valve is controlled to assume an open state. -
[0037] With such a configuration, the fuel injection valve is controlled so as to restrict the injection of fuel after the pressure reducing valve has been controlled to assume a closed state. Where the pressure of fuel does not decrease in this state, the pressure reducing valve can be said to be normally closed and the fuel injection valve and fuel pump can be said to be in a state in which the pressure of fuel can be maintained. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether a state is assumed in which the pressure of fuel can be maintained. -
[0038] In the malfunction diagnostic device according to the first and second aspect, the execution means may execute a malfunction diagnostic mode in which the fuel injection valve is controlled so as to restrict the injection of fuel and the pressure reducing valve is controlled so as to maintain a closed state in a state in which a rotation speed of the fuel pump has decreased to the threshold value. -
[0039] With such a configuration, the pressure reducing valve is controlled to maintain the closed state, rather than to open. As a result, a pressure corresponding to the pressure of fuel in a case where the pressure reducing valve has not been opened due to a malfunction can be detected. Therefore, the operator can accurately diagnose whether the pressure reducing valve malfunctions on the basis of results obtained in comparing the pressure of fuel in the storage unit in a case where the pressure reducing valve has been controlled to open and the pressure of fuel in the storage unit in a case where the pressure reducing valve has been controlled to maintain the closed state. -
[0040] The third aspect of the invention relates to a malfunction diagnostic method for a fuel system provided with a fuel injection valve that injects a fuel, a storage unit that stores the fuel to be supplied to the fuel injection valve, a fuel pump that supplies the fuel to the storage unit, and a pressure reducing valve that reduces a pressure of the fuel inside the storage unit in an open state. The malfunction diagnostic method includes executing a malfunction diagnostic mode in which the fuel injection valve is controlled so as to restrict the injection of fuel and the pressure reducing valve is controlled from a closed state to an open state in a state in which the rotation speed of the fuel pump has decreased to a threshold value, and detecting the pressure of fuel inside the storage unit. -
[0041] With such a configuration, a fuel system is provided with a fuel injection valve that injects a fuel, a storage unit that stores the fuel to be supplied to the fuel injection valve, a fuel pump that supplies the fuel to the storage unit, and a pressure reducing valve that reduces a pressure of the fuel inside the storage unit in an open state. When it is diagnosed whether the pressure reducing valve malfunctions, a malfunction diagnostic mode is executed in which the fuel injection valve is controlled so as to restrict the injection of fuel and the pressure reducing valve is controlled from a closed state to an open state in a state in which the rotation speed of the fuel pump has decreased to a threshold value, and the pressure of fuel inside the storage unit is detected. As a result, the pressure of fuel can be detected in a state in which the fuel injection valve and fuel pump produce little effect on the pressure of fuel. Where the pressure of fuel decreases in this state, the pressure of fuel can be said to be decreased by normal opening of the pressure reducing valve. Therefore, the operator or the like can diagnose whether the pressure reducing valve malfunctions on the basis of fuel pressure behavior affected by the operation of the pressure reducing valve. As a result, a malfunction diagnostic method for a fuel system can be provided that can determine with good accuracy whether the pressure reducing valve malfunctions. -
[0042] The fourth aspect of the invention relates to a malfunction diagnostic method for a fuel system provided with a fuel injection valve that injects a fuel, a storage unit that stores the fuel that will be supplied to the fuel injection valve, a fuel pump that supplies the fuel to the storage unit, and a pressure reducing valve that reduces a pressure of the fuel inside the storage unit in an open state. The malfunction diagnostic method includes detecting a pressure of fuel inside the storage unit and executing a malfunction diagnostic mode in which the pressure reducing valve is controlled to operate so that whether the pressure reducing valve malfunctions is diagnosed. -
[0043] The malfunction diagnostic method according to the third and fourth aspects may further include diagnosing whether the pressure reducing valve malfunctions on the basis of the behavior of fuel pressure inside the storage unit detected during the execution of the abnormality diagnostic mode. -
[0044] The malfunction diagnostic method according to the third and fourth aspects may further include determining whether a condition relating to at least one from among an increase in the pressure of fuel inside the storage unit, a decrease in the pressure of fuel inside the storage unit, and drive of the pressure reducing valve is fulfilled, and restricting the control performed to drive the pressure reducing valve when the condition is determined to have been fulfilled. -
[0045] In the malfunction diagnostic method according to the third and fourth aspect, the condition may be a condition relating to an increase in the pressure of fuel inside the storage unit, and restricting the control performed to drive the pressure reducing valve may include restricting the control performed to close the pressure reducing valve in a case where the condition relating to an increase in the pressure of fuel inside the storage unit is determined to have been fulfilled. -
[0046] In the malfunction diagnostic method according to the third and fourth aspect, the condition relating to an increase in the pressure of fuel inside the storage unit may be determined to have been fulfilled in at least one case from among a case in which the engine is not in an idle state, a case in which the pressure of fuel inside the storage unit is larger than a preset pressure, and a case in which a pressure of the fuel supplied from the fuel pump to the storage unit is higher than a preset pressure. -
[0047] In the malfunction diagnostic method according to the third and fourth aspect, the condition may be a condition relating to a decrease in the pressure of fuel inside the storage unit, and restricting the control performed to drive the pressure reducing valve may include restricting the control performed to open the pressure reducing valve in a case where the condition relating to a decrease in the pressure of fuel inside the storage unit is determined to have been fulfilled. -
[0048] In the malfunction diagnostic method according to the third and fourth aspect, the condition relating to a decrease in the pressure of fuel inside the storage unit may be determined to have been fulfilled in a case where the pressure of fuel inside the storage unit is lower than a preset pressure. -
[0049] In the malfunction diagnostic method according to the third and fourth aspect, the condition may be a condition relating to driving the pressure reducing valve, and restricting the control performed to drive the pressure reducing valve may include restricting the control performed to open the pressure reducing valve in a case where the condition relating to a driving the pressure reducing valve is determined to have been fulfilled. -
[0050] In the malfunction diagnostic method according to the third and fourth aspect, the pressure reducing valve may be driven by electric power, and the condition relating to driving the pressure reducing valve may be determined to have been fulfilled in a case where a voltage of electric power supplied to the pressure reducing valve is lower than a preset voltage. -
[0051] The malfunction diagnostic method according to the third and fourth aspect may further include determining whether the engine has been started, and the condition relating to driving the pressure reducing valve may be determined to have been fulfilled in a case where the determination as to whether the engine has been started is being performed. -
[0052] In the malfunction diagnostic method according to the third and fourth aspect, the condition relating to driving the pressure reducing valve may be determined to have been fulfilled in a case where the pressure reducing valve is controlled to open continuously for a period equal to or longer than a preset time. -
[0053] In the malfunction diagnostic method according to the third and fourth aspect, in the malfunction diagnostic mode, the fuel injection valve may be controlled so as to restrict the injection of fuel and the pressure reducing valve may be controlled from a closed state to an open state in a state in which the rotation speed of the fuel pump has decreased to a threshold value. -
[0054] In the malfunction diagnostic method according to the third and fourth aspect, in the malfunction diagnostic mode, the fuel injection valve may be controlled so as to restrict the injection of fuel after the pressure reducing valve has been controlled to assume a closed state and before the pressure reducing valve is controlled to assume an open state. -
[0055] With such a configuration, the fuel injection valve is controlled so as to restrict the injection of fuel after the pressure reducing valve has been controlled to assume a closed state. Where the pressure of fuel does not decrease in this state, the pressure reducing valve can be said to be normally closed and the fuel injection valve and fuel pump can be said to be in a state in which the pressure of fuel can be maintained. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether a state is assumed in which the pressure of fuel can be maintained. -
[0056] In the malfunction diagnostic method according to the third and fourth aspect, in the malfunction diagnostic mode, the fuel injection valve may be controlled so as to restrict the injection of fuel and the pressure reducing valve may be controlled so as to maintain a closed state thereof in a state in which a rotation speed of the fuel pump has decreased to the threshold value. -
[0057] With such a configuration, the pressure reducing valve is controlled to maintain the closed state, rather than to be opened. As a result, a pressure corresponding to the pressure of fuel in a case where the pressure reducing valve has not been opened due to a malfunction can be detected. Therefore, the operator can accurately diagnose whether the pressure reducing valve malfunctions on the basis of results obtained in comparing the pressure of fuel in the storage unit in a case where the pressure reducing valve has been controlled to open and the pressure of fuel in the storage unit in a case where the pressure reducing valve has been controlled to maintain the closed state. -
[0058] The foregoing and further objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of example embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals are used to represent like elements and wherein: -
FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the engine according to the first embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) according to the first embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the control structure of program executed by the ECU according to the first embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 4 is a timing chart illustrating the transition of pressure of fuel and the like in the embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 5 is a schematic structural diagram of the engine according to the second embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of the ECU according to the second embodiment of the invention; and -
FIG. 7 illustrates conditions for restricting the drive of the pressure reducing valve according to the second embodiment of the invention. -
[0059] An embodiment of the invention will be described below with reference to the appended drawings. In the explanation below, like elements are denoted by like numerals. Names and functions of such elements are identical. Therefore, detailed explanation thereof is omitted. -
[0060] Anengine 100 of a vehicle having installed thereon a malfunction diagnostic device of the first embodiment of the invention will be described below with reference toFIG. 1 . Theengine 100 is a diesel engine. An internal combustion engine other than the diesel engine may be also used. Theengine 100 is provided with a plurality of cylinders. -
[0061] The air taken into theengine 100 is filtered with anair cleaner 102 and compressed by acompressor 104 of a turbocharger. The compressed air is cooled by heat exchange with external air in anintercooler 106 and introduced in a combustion chamber via anintake tube 108 and anintake manifold 110. The amount of new air in the air introduced in the combustion chamber is controlled by athrottle valve 112. The opening degree of thethrottle valve 112 is controlled by anECU 200. A configuration in which thethrottle valve 112 is not provided may be also used. -
[0062] A fuel pressurized by asupply pump 114 and stored in acommon rail 116 is injected by aninjector 118 into the combustion chamber. Drive power is generated by theengine 100 as a result of combustion of the air and fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. -
[0063] Thesupply pump 114 is connected to an output shaft (crankshaft) of theengine 100 and driven by the rotation of the output shaft. The fuel is supplied from thesupply pump 114 to thecommon rail 116. Furthermore, the flow rate of the fuel supplied from thesupply pump 114 to thecommon rail 116 is controlled correspondingly to the opening degree of a suction control valve provided in thesupply pump 114. Therefore, the supply of fuel from thesupply pump 114 to thecommon rail 116 can be also stopped in a state in which the output shaft of theengine 100 rotates. A supply pump driven by an electric motor may be also used. -
[0064] Theinjector 118 is provided for each cylinder. A target injection period of the fuel is determined according to a map having, for example, an accelerator depression amount, a rotation speed of the output shaft of theengine 100, and vehicle speed as parameters. A conventional typical procedure may be used as a method for setting the target injection period, and redundant explanation thereof is herein omitted. -
[0065] The amount of fuel injected from theinjector 118 is determined according to a map having, for example, an accelerator depression amount, a rotation speed of the output shaft of theengine 100, and vehicle speed as parameters. In an idle mode, the injected amount of fuel is set by Idle Speed Control (ISC) such that the rotation speed of the output shaft of theengine 100 becomes a predetermined target rotation speed. A conventional typical procedure may be used as a method for setting the injected amount of fuel, and redundant explanation thereof is herein omitted. -
[0066] The gas mixture after combustion, that is, exhaust gas, is guided to anexhaust manifold 120, passed through aturbine 122 of the turbocharger, purified with acatalyst 124, and released to the atmosphere. -
[0067] Part of the exhaust gas is recirculated via an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR)pipe 126 connected to theexhaust manifold 120. The exhaust gas flowing in theEGR pipe 126 is passed through anoxidation catalyst 128 and cooled by heat exchange with cooling water performed in an EGR cooler 130. The cooled exhaust gas is recirculated via theEGR valve 132 to the intake side downstream of thethrottle valve 112. -
[0068] The amount of recirculating exhaust gas (EGR amount) is regulated by the opening degree of theEGR valve 132. The EGR valve opening degree is controlled by an EGR valvelinear solenoid 134. During normal operation, the EGR valve opening degree is controlled so as to close theEGR valve 132, that is, so as to decrease the EGR amount as the torque of theengine 100 rises. More specifically, the EGR valve opening degree detected using an EGRvalve lift sensor 136 is inputted to theECU 200 and the EGR valve opening degree is feedback controlled so that the intake oxygen concentration that changes due to EGR assumes a target value corresponding to the state (engine revolution speed, supercharge pressure, temperature of various parts, load, intake air amount) of theengine 100. The operation system of theEGR valve 132 may use not only the EGR valvelinear solenoid 134, but also a negative pressure or a motor. -
[0069] Apressure reducing valve 138 is provided in thecommon rail 116. Where thepressure reducing valve 138 is open, the fuel located in thecommon rail 116 is discharged and the pressure of fuel inside thecommon rail 116 decreases. The fuel discharged from thepressure reducing valve 138 is returned to the fuel tank. -
[0070] Signals from an output shaft rotation speed sensor (crank position sensor) 202, an acceleratordepression amount sensor 204, avehicle speed sensor 206, and apressure sensor 208 are inputted in theECU 200. -
[0071] The output shaftrotation speed sensor 202 detects the output shaft rotation speed of theengine 100. The acceleratordepression amount sensor 204 detects the opening degree of the accelerator pedal. Thevehicle speed sensor 206 detects the speed of the vehicle where theengine 100 is installed. For example, the vehicle speed is detected from the output shaft rotation speed of a transmission connected to theengine 100. -
[0072] Thepressure sensor 208 detects the pressure of fuel in thecommon rail 116. The pressure detected by thepressure sensor 208 is stored in a Random Access memory (RAM) 210 of theECU 200. -
[0073] -
[0074] -
[0075] TheECU 200 is provided with aclosing control unit 300, astop control unit 302, and an opening-closingcontrol unit 304. -
[0076] Theclosing control unit 300 performs control so as to close thepressure reducing valve 138 when an operator diagnoses whether thepressure reducing valve 138 operates normally or malfunctions, for example, in an automobile repair shop. The closingcontrol valve 300 forcibly performs control to close thepressure reducing valve 138 when a command signal is received from a diagnostic device (diagnostic tool) designed to allow the operator to perform malfunction diagnostic of thepressure reducing valve 138 in a state in which the diagnostic device is connected to theECU 200. -
[0077] Thestop control unit 302 controls theinjector 118 so as to stop the injection of fuel after thepressure reducing valve 138 has been controlled to close and also controls thesupply pump 114 so as to stop the supply of fuel from thesupply pump 114 to thecommon rail 116. -
[0078] Where the output shaft rotation speed of theengine 100 decreases to a threshold value, that is the output shaft rotation speed of theengine 100 becomes equal to or less than the threshold value after the injection of fuel has been stopped, the opening-closingcontrol unit 304 performs forced control to open thepressure reducing valve 138. For example, a value at which the effect of thesupply pump 114 on the pressure of fuel inside thecommon rail 116 is practically eliminated can be set as the threshold value. -
[0079] Furthermore, where the output shaft rotation speed of theengine 100 decreases to the threshold value, the opening-closingcontrol unit 304 conducts forced control to maintain the close state of thepressure reducing valve 138, instead of performing control to open thepressure reducing valve 138. -
[0080] Thus in the embodiment, theECU 200 executes a first diagnostic mode in which thepressure reducing valve 138 is opened and a second diagnostic mode in which the closed state of thepressure reducing valve 138 is maintained when diagnosing whether thepressure reducing valve 138 malfunctions or operates normally. For example, after either of the first diagnostic mode and second diagnostic mode has been executed, the other diagnostic mode is executed. -
[0081] In the embodiment, in a case where the output shaft rotation speed of theengine 100 has decreased to the threshold value, it is determined that the rotation speed of thesupply pump 114 has decreased to a threshold value. Thus, whether the rotation speed of thesupply pump 114 has decreased to the threshold value is indirectly determined based on whether the output shaft rotation speed of theengine 100 has decreased to the threshold value. The rotation speed of thesupply pump 114 may be also detected directly. -
[0082] The pressure of fuel detected by thepressure sensor 208 in each diagnostic mode is inputted, for example via theECU 200, in the diagnostic device. The operator determines whether thepressure reducing valve 138 malfunctions or operates normally based on the behavior (change) of pressure of fuel displayed, for example, on the display of the diagnostic devices. Whether thepressure reducing valve 138 malfunctions or normal may be also diagnosed by theECU 200. -
[0083] A control structure of a program executed by theECU 200 in the embodiment will be explained with reference toFIG. 3 . The program explained hereinbelow is executed when the operator diagnoses whether thepressure reducing valve 138 malfunctions or normal. The program executed by theECU 200 may be stored on a recording medium such as a Compact Disk (CD) or Digital Versatile Disk (DVD) and commercially circulated. The program may be stored in the diagnostic device, rather than in theECU 200, and the diagnostic device may execute the program. -
[0084] In step (step is hereinbelow abbreviated as S) 100, theECU 200 performs the control to close thepressure reducing valve 138. In S102, theECU 200 controls theinjector 118 so as to stop the fuel injection and controls thesupply pump 114 so as to stop the supply of fuel from thesupply pump 114 to thecommon rail 116. -
[0085] In S104, theECU 200 determines whether the output shaft rotation speed of theengine 100 has decreased to the threshold value, that is, whether the revolution speed of thesupply pump 114 has decreased to the threshold value. Where the output shaft rotation speed of theengine 100 has decreased to the threshold value (YES in step S104), the processing advances to S106. Otherwise (NO in S104), the processing returns to S104. -
[0086] In S106, theECU 200 determines whether to perform the control so as to open thepressure reducing valve 138, or so as to maintain the closed state of thepressure reducing valve 138. In a case where the control will be performed so as to open the pressure reducing valve 138 (OPEN in S106), the processing advances to S108. Where the control will be performed so as to maintain the closed state of the pressure reducing valve 138 (CLOSE in S106), the processing moves to S110. -
[0087] In S108, theECU 200 performs the control so as to open thepressure reducing valve 138. In S110, theECU 200 performs the control so as to maintain the closed state of thepressure reducing valve 138. -
[0088] The operation of the malfunction diagnostic device of the embodiment will be explained below based on the above-described structure and flowchart. -
[0089] Where the malfunction diagnostic of thepressure reducing valve 138 is performed, thepressure reducing valve 138 is controlled to close at a time T1 shown inFIG 4 (S100). Then, at a time T2, theinjector 118 is controlled so as to stop the injection of fuel, and thesupply pump 114 is controlled so as to stop the supply of fuel from thesupply pump 114 to the common rail 116 (S102). -
[0090] In a case where the pressure of fuel drops abruptly after thepressure reducing valve 138 has been closed and the fuel injection and fuel supply have been stopped, as shown by a dot-dash line inFIG. 4 , the fuel can be said to leak from at least one of theinjector 118,supply pump 114, andpressure reducing valve 138. -
[0091] A case where the pressure is maintained as shown by a solid line inFIG. 4 , or
where the pressure decreases gradually can be said to correspond to a state in which thepressure reducing valve 138 operates normally and theinjector 118 andsupply pump 114 can maintain the pressure of fuel. -
[0092] Where the output shaft rotation speed of theengine 100 decreases to the threshold value at a time T3 shown inFIG. 4 (YES in S104), it is determined whether to perform the control so as to open thepressure reducing valve 138 or so as to maintain the closed state of the pressure reducing valve 138 (S106). In a case where the control is performed so as to maintain the closed state of the pressure reducing valve 138 (S110, CLOSE in S106), if thepressure reducing valve 138 is normal, the pressure of fuel decreases gradually, as shown by a two-dot - dash line shown inFIG. 4 . -
[0093] In a case where the control is performed so as to open the pressure reducing valve 138 (S108, OPEN in S106), if the pressure of fuel decreases rapidly, as shown by a solid line inFIG. 4 , the pressure of fuel can be said to be decreased by normal opening of thepressure reducing valve 138. -
[0094] Where the pressure of fuel decreases gradually, as in the case of performing the control so as to maintain the closed state of thepressure reducing valve 138, thepressure reducing valve 138 can be said to remain closed. In this case, thepressure reducing valve 138 can be said to malfunction. -
[0095] Therefore, where the pressure of fuel in the case of performing the control so as to open thepressure reducing valve 138 is substantially equal to the pressure of fuel in the case of performing the control so as to maintain the closed state of thepressure reducing valve 138, thepressure reducing valve 138 can be determined to malfunction. -
[0096] By contrast, where the pressure of fuel in the case of performing the control so as to open thepressure reducing valve 138 decreases with respect to the pressure of fuel in the case of performing the control so as to maintain the closed state of thepressure reducing valve 138, the pressure of fuel can be said to be decreased by normal opening of thepressure reducing valve 138. Therefore, thepressure reducing valve 138 can be determined to operate normally. -
[0097] As described hereinabove, with the malfunction diagnostic device of the embodiment, where the malfunction diagnostic of the pressure reducing valve is performed, the injector is controlled so as to stop fuel injection. If the output shaft rotation speed of the engine then decreases to the threshold value, the pressure reducing valve is controlled to open. As a result, the pressure of fuel in a state with a small effect of the injector and supply pump can be detected. Where the pressure of fuel decreases in this state, the pressure of fuel can be said to be decreased by normal opening of the pressure reducing valve. Therefore, the operator can diagnose whether the pressure reducing valve malfunctions on the basis of the behavior of fuel pressure affected by the operation of the pressure reducing valve. As a result, it is possible to determine with good accuracy whether the pressure reducing valve malfunctions. -
[0098] Anengine 100 of a vehicle carrying a malfunction diagnostic device of the second embodiment of the invention will be explained below with reference toFIG. 5 . The malfunction diagnostic device of the embodiment can reduce the adverse effect produced by driving the pressure reducing valve in order to diagnose whether the pressure reducing valve malfunctions. -
[0099] In the embodiment apressure reducing valve 138 is an electromagnetic valve driven by power supplied from anauxiliary battery 140. -
[0100] Thepressure reducing valve 138 is controlled to opened not only in a case
where the pressure of fuel inside acommon rail 116 is higher than a target pressure, but also, for example, during cranking performed to start theengine 100. Thepressure reducing valve 138 is controlled to open during cranking in order to supply the fuel decompressed by thepressure reducing valve 138 into a displacement expansion chamber in aninjector 118 and decrease the size of bubbles contained in the fuel, or in order to replenish the fuel supplied into theinjector 118. A conventional method may be used for controlling thepressure reducing valve 138 during cranking, and the detailed explanation thereof is herein omitted. -
[0101] In addition to signals from an output shaft rotation speed sensor (crank position sensor) 202, an acceleratordepression amount sensor 204, avehicle speed sensor 206, and apressure sensor 208, a signal from avoltage sensor 212 is also inputted in anECU 200. -
[0102] Thevoltage sensor 212 detects a voltage of theauxiliary battery 140, and is, a voltage supplied from theauxiliary battery 140 to thepressure reducing valve 138. -
[0103] -
[0104] -
[0105] TheECU 200 is provided with acontrol unit 310, adetermination unit 306, and arestriction unit 308. Thecontrol unit 310 includes aclosing control unit 300, astop control unit 302, and an opening-closingcontrol unit 304 in the first embodiment and performs control so as to drive thepressure reducing valve 138,injector 118, andsupply pump 114 in a preset diagnostic mode when the operator diagnoses whether thepressure reducing valve 138 malfunctions or operates normally, for example, in an automobile repair shop. -
[0106] For example, where a command signal is received from a diagnostic device (diagnostic tool) in a state in which the diagnostic device designed to allow the operator to perform malfunction diagnostic of thepressure reducing valve 138 is connected to theECU 200, the control is performed so as to drive thepressure reducing valve 138,injector 118, andsupply pump 114 in a preset diagnostic mode. -
[0107] In the embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, as shown inFIG. 4 , first, thepressure reducing valve 138 is forcibly controlled to close at a time T1. After thepressure reducing valve 138 has been controlled to close, theinjector 118 is controlled so as to stop the injection of fuel and thesupply pump 114 is controlled so as to stop the supply of fuel from thesupply pump 114 to thecommon rail 116 at a time T2. -
[0108] Where the output shaft rotation speed of theengine 100 decreases to a threshold value, that is, the output shaft rotation speed of theengine 100 becomes equal to or less than a threshold value at a time T3 after the injection of fuel has been stopped, thepressure reducing valve 138 is forcibly controlled to opened. For example, a value at which the effect of thesupply pump 114 on the pressure of fuel inside thecommon rail 116 is practically eliminated can be set as the threshold value. Thepressure reducing valve 138 is controlled to open continuously for a preset time ΔT. -
[0109] In the embodiment, the rotation speed of thesupply pump 114 is determined to have decreased to a threshold value in a case where the output shaft rotation speed of theengine 100 decreases to a threshold value. Thus, whether the rotation speed of thesupply pump 114 has decreased to the threshold value is indirectly determined based on whether the output shaft rotation speed of theengine 100 has decreased to the threshold value. The rotation speed of thesupply pump 114 may be also detected indirectly. -
[0110] The operator determines whether thepressure reducing valve 138 malfunctions of operates normally based on the behavior (changes) of fuel pressure that is displayed, for example, on a display of the diagnostic device. Whether thepressure reducing valve 138 malfunctions or operates normally may be also diagnosed by theECU 200. -
[0111] For example, where the pressure is maintained after thepressure reducing valve 138 has been closed and the injection of fuel and fuel supply have been stopped, that is, within a period of T1 to T3 inFIG. 4 , as shown by a solid line inFIG. 4 , and the pressure decreases after thepressure reducing valve 138 has been controlled to open at the time T3, the pressure of fuel can be said to be decreased by normal opening of thepressure reducing valve 138. Therefore, thepressure reducing valve 138 can be diagnosed to operate normally. -
[0112] In a case where the pressure of fuel drops abruptly, after thepressure reducing valve 138 has been closed and the injection of fuel and fuel supply have been stopped, that is, within a period to T1 to T3 inFIG. 4 , as shown by a dot-dash line inFIG. 4 , the fuel can be diagnosed to leak from at least one of theinjector 118,supply pump 114, andpressure reducing valve 138. -
[0113] Where the decrease ratio of the fuel pressure is low, regardless of the control performed to open thepressure reducing valve 138 at the time T3, as shown by a two-dot - dash line inFIG. 4 , thepressure reducing valve 138 can be diagnosed to malfunction. A method for diagnosing thepressure reducing valve 138 is not limited to the above-described methods. -
[0114] Thedetermination unit 306 determines whether the condition that is established to restrict the driving of thepressure reducing valve 138 is fulfilled. More specifically, the determination unit determines whether a condition relating to at least one from among an increase in the pressure of fuel inside thecommon rail 116, a decrease in the pressure of fuel inside thecommon rail 116, and driving thepressure reducing valve 138 is fulfilled. -
[0115] The condition relating to an increase in the pressure of fuel inside thecommon rail 116 includes a condition that theengine 100 is not in an idle state (more specifically, a state stabilized in idle), a condition that the vehicle travels, a condition that the pressure of fuel inside thecommon rail 116, that is, a pressure detected by thepressure sensor 208 is higher than a preset upper limit value, and a condition that a pressure of fuel supplied from thesupply pump 114 to thecommon rail 116 is higher than a preset pressure. -
[0116] For example, in a case where the depression amount of the accelerator pedal is larger than zero, that is, where the accelerator pedal has been depressed, theengine 100 is determined not to be in an idle state. In a case, where the vehicle speed is larger than zero, it is determined that the vehicle travels. Where an opening degree of a suction control valve provided in thesupply pump 114 is larger than a preset value, the pressure of fuel supplied from thesupply mump 114 to thecommon rail 116 is determined to be higher than the preset value. A method for determining the conditions is not limited to the above-described methods. -
[0117] The condition relating to a decrease in the pressure of fuel inside thecommon rail 116 includes a condition that the pressure of fuel inside thecommon rail 116 is lower than a preset pressure. -
[0118] The condition relating to driving thepressure reducing valve 138 includes a condition that the voltage of theauxiliary battery 140 is lower than a preset voltage, a condition that the determination as to whether theengine 100 has been started is being performed, and a condition that thepressure reducing valve 138 has been controlled to open continuously for a time equal to or longer than a preset time ΔT. -
[0119] For example, whether theengine 100 has been started is determined based on whether the output shaft rotation speed of theengine 100 increases to a preset rotation speed after the ignition switch has been turned ON. Therefore, the condition that the determination as to whether the engine has been started is being performed is fulfilled when the output shaft rotation speed of theengine 100 is less than a preset rotation speed after the ignition switch has been turned ON. -
[0120] Where at least one condition from among the condition relating to an increase in the pressure of fuel inside thecommon rail 116, the condition relating to a decrease in the pressure of fuel inside thecommon rail 116, and the condition relating to driving thepressure reducing valve 138 is fulfilled, therestriction unit 308 restricts the control performed to drive thepressure reducing valve 138 according to the combinations in the table shown inFIG. 4 . Thus, the control performed to open or close thepressure reducing valve 138 is prohibited or canceled. -
[0121] As shown inFIG 7 , where at least one condition from among the condition that theengine 100 is not in an idle state, the condition that the pressure of fuel inside thecommon rail 116, that is, a pressure detected by thepressure sensor 208 is higher than a preset upper limit value, and the condition that a pressure of fuel supplied from thesupply pump 114 to thecommon rail 116 is higher than a preset pressure is fulfilled, the control performed to open or close thepressure reducing valve 138 is prohibited or canceled. -
[0122] Furthermore, as shown inFIG. 7 , the control performed to open or close thepressure reducing valve 138 is also prohibited or canceled in a case where thepressure sensor 208 malfunctions. -
[0123] Where at least one condition from among the condition that the pressure of fuel inside thecommon rail 116 is lower than a preset pressure, the condition that the voltage of theauxiliary batter 140 is lower than a preset voltage, the condition that the determination as to whether theengine 100 has been started is being performed, and the condition that thepressure reducing valve 138 has been controlled to open continuously for a time equal to or longer than a preset time ΔT is fulfilled, the control performed to open thepressure reducing valve 138 is prohibited or canceled. -
[0124] Therefore, where at least one condition from among the condition that theengine 100 is not in an idle state, the condition that the vehicle travels, the condition that the pressure of fuel inside thecommon rail 116 is higher than a preset upper limit value, the condition that a pressure of fuel supplied from thesupply pump 114 to thecommon rail 116 is higher than a preset pressure, and the condition that thepressure sensor 208 malfunctions is fulfilled at the time T1 shown inFIG. 4 , the control performed to close thepressure reducing valve 138 is prohibited. -
[0125] Where the condition that the pressure of fuel inside thecommon rail 116 is higher than a preset upper limit value within a period of T1 to T3 shown inFIG. 4 , the control performed to close thepressure reducing valve 138 is canceled. -
[0126] Where at least one condition from among the condition that theengine 100 is not in an idle state, the condition that the vehicle travels, the condition that the pressure of fuel inside thecommon rail 116 is higher than a preset upper limit value, the condition that a pressure of fuel supplied from thesupply pump 114 to thecommon rail 116 is higher than a preset pressure, and the condition that thepressure sensor 208 malfunctions is fulfilled at the time T3 shown inFIG. 4 , the control performed to open thepressure reducing valve 138 is prohibited. -
[0127] Where at least one condition from among the condition that the pressure of fuel inside thecommon rail 116 is lower than a preset value, the condition that the voltage of theauxiliary battery 140 is lower than a preset voltage, and the condition that the determination as to whether theengine 100 has been started is being performed is fulfilled at the time T3 shown inFIG. 4 , the control performed to open thepressure reducing valve 138 is prohibited. -
[0128] Where the time in which thepressure reducing valve 138 has been controlled to open is equal to or longer than a preset time ΔT at the time T4 shown inFIG. 4 , the control performed to open thepressure reducing valve 138 is canceled. Thus, the control performed to open thepressure reducing valve 138 is inhibited after the time T4. -
[0129] As described hereinabove, when malfunction diagnostic of the pressure reducing valve is performed, where at least one condition from among the condition relating to an increase in the pressure of fuel in the common rail, the condition relating to a decrease in the pressure of fuel in the common rail, and the condition relating to driving the pressure reducing valve is fulfilled, the control performed to drive the pressure reducing valve is restricted. For example, in a case where the condition relating to an increase in the pressure of fuel inside the common rail is fulfilled, the control performed to close the pressure reducing valve is restricted. As a result, the excess increase in the pressure of fuel inside the common rail is prevented. In a case where the condition relating to a decrease in the pressure of fuel inside the common rail is fulfilled, the control performed to open the pressure reducing valve is restricted. As a result, the pressure reducing valve can be prevented from being erroneously diagnosed as malfunctioning when the pressure of fuel can decrease although the pressure reducing valve is not open. In a case where the condition relating to driving the pressure reducing valve is fulfilled, the control performed to open the pressure reducing valve is restricted. As a result, the time or revolution speed at which the pressure reducing valve is controlled to opened is restricted and the deterioration rate of the pressure reducing valve can be decreased. Furthermore, the control performed to open the pressure reducing valve is restricted when the pressure reducing valve is difficult to drive due to a factor other than malfunctioning, and the pressure reducing valve can be prevented from being erroneously diagnosed as malfunctioning. Therefore, the adverse effect produced by driving the pressure reducing valve in order to diagnose whether the pressure reducing valve malfunctions can be decreased. -
[0130] While some embodiments of the invention have been illustrated above, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to details of the illustrated embodiments, but may be embodied with various changes, modifications or improvements, which may occur to those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
An ECU (200) executes a program including a step (S102) of controlling an injector so as to stop the injection of fuel and a step (S108) of controlling a pressure reducing valve (138) to open when an output shaft rotation speed of an engine (100) decreases to a threshold value (YES in S104). Whether the pressure reducing valve (138) malfunctions or operates normally is diagnosed based on the behavior of fuel pressure in a common rail (116).
Claims (15)
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Claims (15)
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- A malfunction diagnostic device for a fuel system provided with a fuel injection valve (118) that injects a fuel, a storage unit (116) that stores the fuel to be supplied to the fuel injection valve, a fuel pump (114) that supplies the fuel to the storage unit, and a pressure reducing valve (138) that reduces a pressure of the fuel inside the storage unit in an open state, characterized by comprising:detection means (208) for detecting the pressure of fuel inside the storage unit; andexecution means (200) for executing a malfunction diagnostic mode in which the fuel injection valve is controlled so as to restrict the injection of fuel and the pressure reducing valve is controlled from a closed state to an open state in a state in which the rotation speed of the fuel pump has decreased to a threshold value.
- The malfunction diagnostic device according to claim 1, further comprising:determination means for determining whether a condition relating to at least one from among an increase in the pressure of fuel inside the storage unit, a decrease in the pressure of fuel to be detected inside the storage unit, and drive of the pressure reducing valve is fulfilled; andrestriction means for restricting the control performed to drive the pressure reducing valve when the condition is determined to have been fulfilled.
- A malfunction diagnostic device for a fuel system provided with a fuel injection valve (118) that injects a fuel, a storage unit (116) that stores the fuel to be supplied to the fuel injection valve, a fuel pump (114) that supplies the fuel to the storage unit, and a pressure reducing valve (138) that reduces a pressure of the fuel inside the storage unit in an open state, characterized by comprising:detection means (208) for detecting the pressure of fuel inside the storage unit;execution means (200) for executing a malfunction diagnostic mode in which the pressure reducing valve is controlled to operate so that whether the pressure reducing valve malfunctions is diagnosed;determination means (200) for determining whether a condition relating to at least one from among an increase in the pressure of fuel inside the storage unit, a decrease in the pressure of fuel inside the storage unit, and drive of the pressure reducing valve is fulfilled; andrestriction means (200) for restricting the control performed to drive the pressure reducing valve when the condition is determined to have been fulfilled
- The malfunction diagnostic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising diagnostic means for diagnosing whether the pressure reducing valve malfunctions based on behavior of the detected pressure of fuel inside the storage unit during the execution of the malfunction diagnostic mode.
- The malfunction diagnostic device according to claim 4, wherein
the condition is a condition relating to an increase in the pressure of fuel inside the storage unit; and
the restriction means restricts the control performed to close the pressure reducing valve in a case where the condition relating to an increase in the pressure of fuel inside the storage unit is determined by the determination means to have been fulfilled. - The malfunction diagnostic device according to claim 5, wherein the condition relating to an increase in the pressure of fuel inside the storage unit is determined to have been fulfilled in at least one case from among a case in which the engine is not in an idle state, a case in which a vehicle is traveling, a case in which a pressure of fuel inside the storage unit is larger than a preset pressure, and a case in which a pressure of the fuel supplied from the fuel pump to the storage unit is higher than a preset pressure.
- The malfunction diagnostic device according to claim 4, wherein
the condition is a condition relating to a decrease in the pressure of fuel inside the storage unit or a condition relating to a drive of the pressure reducing valve; and
the restriction means restricts the control performed to open the pressure reducing valve in a case where the condition is determined to have been fulfilled. - The malfunction diagnostic device according to claim 7, wherein the condition relating to a decrease in the pressure of fuel inside the storage unit is determined to have been fulfilled in a case where the pressure of fuel inside the storage unit is lower than a preset pressure.
- The malfunction diagnostic device according to claim 7, wherein
the pressure reducing valve is driven by electric power; and
the condition relating to driving the pressure reducing valve is determined to have been fulfilled in a case where a voltage of electric power supplied to the pressure reducing valve is lower than a preset voltage. - The malfunction diagnostic device according to claim 7, further comprising means (200) for determining whether the engine has been started, wherein
the condition relating to driving the pressure reducing valve is determined to have been fulfilled in a case where the determination as to whether the engine has been started is being performed. - The malfunction diagnostic device according to claim 7, wherein the condition relating to driving the pressure reducing valve is determined to have been fulfilled in a case where the pressure reducing valve is controlled to open continuously for a period equal to or longer than a preset time.
- The malfunction diagnostic device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein in the malfunction diagnostic mode, the fuel injection valve is controlled so as to restrict the injection of fuel after the pressure reducing valve has been controlled to assume a closed state and before the pressure reducing valve is controlled to assume an open state.
- The malfunction diagnostic device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein in the malfunction diagnostic mode, the fuel injection valve is controlled so as to restrict the injection of fuel and the pressure reducing valve is controlled so as to maintain a closed state in a state in which a rotation speed of the fuel pump has decreased to the threshold value.
- A malfunction diagnostic method for a fuel system provided with a fuel injection valve (118) that injects a fuel, a storage unit (116) that stores the fuel to be supplied to the fuel injection valve, a fuel pump (114) that supplies the fuel to the storage unit, and a pressure reducing valve (138) that reduces a pressure of the fuel inside the storage unit in an open state, characterized by comprising:executing a malfunction diagnostic mode in which the fuel injection valve is controlled so as to restrict the injection of fuel and the pressure reducing valve is controlled to be set from a closed state to an open state in a state in which a rotation speed of the fuel pump has decreased to a threshold value; anddetecting the pressure of fuel inside the storage unit.
- A malfunction diagnostic method for a fuel system provided with a fuel injection valve (118) that injects a fuel, a storage unit (116) that stores the fuel to be supplied to the fuel injection valve, a fuel pump (114) that supplies the fuel to the storage unit, and a pressure reducing valve (138) that reduces a pressure of the fuel inside the storage unit in an open state, characterized by comprising:detecting a pressure of fuel inside the storage unit;executing a malfunction diagnostic mode in which the pressure reducing valve is controlled to operate so that whether the pressure reducing valve malfunctions is diagnosed;determining whether a condition relating to at least one from among an increase in the pressure of fuel inside the storage unit, a decrease in the pressure of fuel inside the storage unit, and drive of the pressure reducing valve is fulfilled; andrestricting the control performed to drive the pressure reducing valve when the condition is fulfilled.