EP3743613B1 - Device for detecting the condition of an injector - Google Patents

Device for detecting the condition of an injector Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3743613B1
EP3743613B1 EP19702543.0A EP19702543A EP3743613B1 EP 3743613 B1 EP3743613 B1 EP 3743613B1 EP 19702543 A EP19702543 A EP 19702543A EP 3743613 B1 EP3743613 B1 EP 3743613B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
injector
nozzle needle
voltage
input line
current
Prior art date
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Application number
EP19702543.0A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3743613A1 (en
Inventor
Norbert SCHÖFBÄNKER
Richard Pirkl
Lorand D'ouvenou
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Liebherr Components Deggendorf GmbH
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Liebherr Components Deggendorf GmbH
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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02D41/00—Electrical control of supply of combustible mixture or its constituents
    • F02D41/20—Output circuits, e.g. for controlling currents in command coils
    • 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
    • F02M51/005—Arrangement of electrical wires and connections, e.g. wire harness, sockets, plugs; Arrangement of electronic control circuits in or on fuel injection apparatus
    • 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
    • F02M65/00—Testing fuel-injection apparatus, e.g. testing injection timing ; Cleaning of fuel-injection apparatus
    • F02M65/005—Measuring or detecting injection-valve lift, e.g. to determine injection timing
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02D41/00—Electrical control of supply of combustible mixture or its constituents
    • F02D41/20—Output circuits, e.g. for controlling currents in command coils
    • F02D2041/202—Output circuits, e.g. for controlling currents in command coils characterised by the control of the circuit
    • F02D2041/2055—Output circuits, e.g. for controlling currents in command coils characterised by the control of the circuit with means for determining actual opening or closing time
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02D41/00—Electrical control of supply of combustible mixture or its constituents
    • F02D41/20—Output circuits, e.g. for controlling currents in command coils
    • F02D2041/202—Output circuits, e.g. for controlling currents in command coils characterised by the control of the circuit
    • F02D2041/2058—Output circuits, e.g. for controlling currents in command coils characterised by the control of the circuit using information of the actual current value
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02D41/00—Electrical control of supply of combustible mixture or its constituents
    • F02D41/20—Output circuits, e.g. for controlling currents in command coils
    • F02D2041/2068—Output circuits, e.g. for controlling currents in command coils characterised by the circuit design or special circuit elements
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02D2200/00—Input parameters for engine control
    • F02D2200/02—Input parameters for engine control the parameters being related to the engine
    • F02D2200/06—Fuel or fuel supply system parameters
    • F02D2200/063—Lift of the valve needle
    • 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
    • F02D41/24—Electrical control of supply of combustible mixture or its constituents characterised by the use of digital means
    • F02D41/2406—Electrical control of supply of combustible mixture or its constituents characterised by the use of digital means using essentially read only memories
    • F02D41/2425—Particular ways of programming the data
    • F02D41/2429—Methods of calibrating or learning
    • F02D41/2451—Methods of calibrating or learning characterised by what is learned or calibrated
    • F02D41/2464—Characteristics of actuators
    • F02D41/2467—Characteristics of actuators for 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
    • F02M2200/00—Details of fuel-injection apparatus, not otherwise provided for
    • F02M2200/24—Fuel-injection apparatus with sensors
    • F02M2200/242—Displacement 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
    • F02M2200/247—Pressure 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
    • F02M57/00—Fuel-injectors combined or associated with other devices
    • F02M57/005—Fuel-injectors combined or associated with other devices the devices being sensors

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for detecting the state of an injector.
  • injectors which are also called injection valves, are typically used in internal combustion engines.
  • the injectors generally function according to a servo principle, in which an actuator is set in motion by applying a voltage and a nozzle needle of the injector is lifted out of a nozzle needle seat by a hydraulic or a transmission system based on the piezo principle, whereby a fuel under high pressure is injected into a combustion chamber.
  • the basic operating principle of an injector is known to the person skilled in the art and is only partially explained in the present invention.
  • an injector is relatively simple in design and has two connections for control. There are usually no other connections that provide signals with information about the actual function of the injector.
  • Injectors are known from the state of the art that have a control loop and an additional pressure or vibration sensor.
  • the disadvantage here is that the number of connections on the injector increases to at least three contacts (previously there were two contacts).
  • Such an injector is from the WO 2016/012242 A1 known.
  • FIG. 1 An example of a state-of-the-art injector is shown in Figure 1
  • the device according to the invention comprises an injector according to the appended claim 1.
  • the mechanical switch therefore results from the nozzle needle seat and the nozzle needle, which touch each other or not depending on the state of the injector.
  • the switch can be implemented by contact pairing of the needle tip and the needle seat.
  • the injector described above has a switch that can be switched depending on the injection state of the injector, one of whose connections is directly connected to the injector housing.
  • the other connection of the switch is connected to the input line for controlling a movement of the nozzle needle, so that no more than two lines (input line and output line) have to be arranged in a plug of the injector.
  • an injector designed in this way it is possible to precisely determine the start and end of the lifting of the movable nozzle needle from the associated nozzle needle seat, which also allows the injection time of fuel into a combustion chamber to be precisely determined.
  • the start of the injection process can be detected particularly precisely in the so-called ballistic operation of the injector, in which the control pulses for the injector are so short that the The subsequent opening of the injector only takes place when the corresponding control pulse has already decayed.
  • the start and end of the lifting of the movable nozzle needle can be recorded because the evaluation of a voltage level on the input line varies depending on the state of the switch. Another advantage is that, despite this evaluation option, a two-pin plug is sufficient for the functionality of the injector.
  • the current flowing through the switch is diverted via the injector housing, which is typically in contact with an engine block, because the engine block is connected to the system ground. It is clear to the expert that not only a variation in the voltage provides information about the switch state, but also a variation in a differential current from the input line and the output line allows a corresponding conclusion to be drawn.
  • a resistor is connected between the first connection of the switch and the input line and/or the second connection and the injector housing.
  • This typically high-resistance resistor causes a small amount of current to flow through the injector housing towards ground when the switch is closed.
  • This resistor also serves to ensure that a certain voltage drops across it when the switch is in a closed state. It is also possible to achieve such a resistor by skillfully coating the injector housing at least at the contact points that come into contact with the engine block, so that a resistor does not necessarily have to be inserted into the lines listed above. It is also possible for this connection to be "inherently" implemented by the nozzle steel. The injector screw connection in the cylinder head can thus result in a ground connection between the nozzle steel and the engine block up to the ground connection on the control unit or battery. The circuit can thus be closed.
  • the input line and the output line are connected to an electromagnet or a piezo element, wherein preferably the electromagnet or the piezo element causes the nozzle needle tip to be lifted out of the nozzle needle seat when it is subjected to current conducted via the input line and the output line.
  • the electromagnet or the piezo element causes the nozzle needle tip to be lifted out of the nozzle needle seat when it is subjected to current conducted via the input line and the output line.
  • a plug of the injector is two-pin and has the input line and the output line. Preferably, there are no further lines for status detection in the plug.
  • the injector housing is made of an electrically conductive material.
  • the mechanical switch of the injector changes its state depending on whether the nozzle needle tip contacts its associated nozzle needle seat or not. If there is no contact between the nozzle needle tip and the nozzle needle seat, fuel flows out of the injector. If the nozzle needle tip contacts its nozzle needle seat, all fuel outlet openings are closed so that no fuel flows out of the injector.
  • the switch state in the injector can be easily recorded. This allows conclusions to be drawn about the exact time at which the fuel outlet opening of the injector opens and closes.
  • the diagnostic voltage is applied via a voltage source or a current source. This is preferably done by interposing a resistor between the input line and a voltage, in particular a supply voltage. Typically, applying the supply voltage to the electromagnet or the piezo element causes the nozzle needle to move.
  • a resistor or a current source can be used to supply a diagnostic voltage or a diagnostic current to the input line of the injector, regardless of the control state of the injector. In this way, the diagnostic voltage or the diagnostic current can be used to detect the state of the mechanical switch in the injector, regardless of the control state of the injector. It is therefore not necessary to apply the supply voltage directly.
  • the diagnostic current or the current resulting from the application of the diagnostic voltage is very small compared to the current required to control a movement of the nozzle needle, namely less than or equal to one tenth, preferably less than or equal to one hundredth and preferably less than or equal to one thousandth of the current for control.
  • the claimed device further comprises a means for voltage detection in order to detect the diagnostic voltage at the input line of the injector.
  • the claimed device further comprises a means for determining the differential current in order to determine a differential current flowing between the input line and the output line.
  • the device is designed to detect a start and/or an end of a contact interruption between the nozzle needle and its nozzle needle seat based on the detected voltage curve and/or the detected differential current.
  • the start and end of an injection time which is defined by the nozzle needle tip being lifted out of its nozzle needle seat and being returned to the seat, can thus be determined very precisely.
  • the injector housing is connected to the ground potential. This is typically done via an engine block with which an injector interacts during its intended use.
  • the invention further comprises an internal combustion engine with an injector according to one of the variants discussed above and a device according to the variants discussed above.
  • the invention further includes a motor vehicle having the internal combustion engine defined above.
  • Fig.1 shows an injector in a schematic diagram, as is known from the prior art.
  • the injector 100 has a housing 102 in which a means 108 for moving a nozzle needle from its associated nozzle needle seat is present.
  • a mechanical switch 103 is arranged, which assumes a closed state when the nozzle needle comes into contact with the nozzle needle seat and an open state when this contact is interrupted.
  • an input line 104 and an output line 105 lead into the injector housing 102, which are connected to the means 108 for moving the nozzle needle.
  • the two contacts 106, 107 of the switch 103 are also led out of the injector housing 102. Overall, this results in an injector that has more than two lines protruding from the injector housing 102, so that a new connector must be provided for such an injector 102.
  • Previous conventional injectors 100 use a two-pin plug that is only required for the power supply of the actuator 108. At least one additional plug contact 106, 107 is required to detect the position of the switch (also known as needle lift switch), which requires a new mechanical design and makes the injector plug no longer compatible with previous systems.
  • the switch also known as needle lift switch
  • Fig.2 shows an embodiment of the injector 1 according to the invention, which has an injector housing 2, an input line 4 leading into the injector housing 2 and an output line 5 leading out of the injector housing 2.
  • an actuator 8 is provided for controlling a nozzle needle, which can be an electromagnet or a piezo element, for example.
  • a mechanical switch 3 in the injector 1, which works in conjunction with the movement of the nozzle needle of the injector 1. If the nozzle needle is lifted from its seat and the nozzle is released for injection, the integrated switch 3 opens its contact. In contrast, the contact is also closed when the needle is closed.
  • a first connection 6 of the switch 3 is connected to the input line 4 via a resistor R2.
  • the second connection 7 of the switch 3 is electrically connected to the injector housing 2, which is typically equivalent to ground potential 9 during operation.
  • the information as to whether the needle lift switch 3 is closed or open and thus whether the injection is taking place or not is indicated by an additional current consumption in the injector.
  • no contact of the switch is directly accessible.
  • the resistor R2 serves to limit the current through the contact to a minimum required level.
  • the injector When the injector is activated, a voltage is applied to the input line 4 and the input line 5, which causes the nozzle needle to be moved via the actuator 8, which can be designed as an electromagnet or as a piezo element. is indirectly set in motion. The needle lifts from its seat and thus opens the contact. As a result, fuel is injected into the combustion chamber.
  • the current flowing into the injector is compared with the current flowing out. If switch 3 is closed, slightly more current flows into injector 1 at one of the connections than out of the second connection. This is because part of the current flows directly to ground 9 via switch 3. This makes it quite easy to detect whether the switch is closed or not.
  • switch 3 is open. If both currents are different, this means that switch 3 is closed. However, this type of detection only works if a voltage is applied to injector 1, since a current flow is required for detection.
  • Fig.3 shows the temporal relationship between the application of an injector voltage (diagram D3), a needle movement (diagram D2), and the state of the switch (diagram D1).
  • a voltage is applied to it. This causes the nozzle needle to move indirectly driven by an electromagnet or a piezo. The needle lifts out of its seat and thus opens the contact. As a result, fuel is injected into the combustion chamber. If the voltage on the injector is removed again, the movements occur in the opposite direction. The needle returns to its seat, the fuel flow is interrupted and the contact closes again.
  • Fig.3 Due to the noticeable inertia of the system, it is a logical consequence that the switching times of switch 3 (see diagram D1) do not exactly coincide with the times of applying and removing the voltage of the injector (see diagram D3). Rather, they are significantly delayed. Situations can arise in which the injector is no longer supplied with current and the needle has still not returned to its seat. In such a case, an injection that has started still takes place. Only after a delay does the needle close and thus also switch 3. These cases are in Fig.3 highlighted with dotted areas. Since at these times the Fig.2 Since the injector 1 shown is no longer supplied with current, it is not immediately possible to detect any additional current that may be present through the needle lift switch 3.
  • a switch can be detected even more easily by connecting one pole of the switch to a common ground and the other pole to the supply voltage via a resistor.
  • a high voltage is produced at the pole connected to the resistor, which ideally corresponds to the supply voltage, and when the switch is closed, a low voltage is produced, which ideally is zero volts. It makes no difference whether the switching contact is led out of the injector via four contacts or three contacts.
  • Fig.4 shows an interaction of the device 10 according to the invention with the injector 1.
  • the opening and closing of the nozzle needle is detected via the voltage potential on the actuator 8 (solenoid valve coil or the like) after energization or during current energization.
  • an auxiliary voltage is applied to the injector. It is necessary to connect this voltage to the pin of the injector 1, to which the internal resistor R2 is also connected. is connected. In this case, this is input line 4. This is the only way to achieve the desired function.
  • This voltage can be provided either by an active current source I1 or simply by a resistor R1 (cf. Fig.5 ) are generated. It is important that the current I diag is very low compared to the actual current I inj for the injector drive in order not to impair the function of injector 1.
  • Fig.5 shows the injector has only two connections 4, 5, one of which (namely the input line 4) is connected to the needle lift switch 3 via a resistor R2.
  • the switch 3 is in turn connected with its second connection 7 to the grounded housing 2 of the injector 1.
  • a certain modified control unit is required to detect the switch function.
  • the function of the switch 3 can advantageously be detected using an additional voltage which is implemented by a resistor R1 in the control unit 10.
  • injector 1 While injector 1 is being controlled, detection of the switch state is not possible.
  • the drive current I inj is several orders of magnitude higher than the measuring current through switch 3, making detection impossible.
  • the voltage on input line 4 of injector 1 changes by less than a thousandth when switch 3 is actuated. Detecting this change in a simple manner and reliably distinguishing it from a fault is not possible without excessive effort.
  • injector 1 If, however, injector 1 is "switched off", i.e. the injection is stopped, the needle does not immediately fall back into its seat, but does so with some delay, as can be seen from Fig.3 (see diagram D2).
  • the needle lift switch 3 remains open at first and resistor R2 has no influence on the circuit in the control unit 10.
  • the full diagnostic voltage can be measured via resistor R1 in this time window.
  • the resistor R1 in the control unit 10 now forms a voltage divider together with the resistor R2 in the injector 1.
  • the voltage on the part of the input line 4 of the injector 1 that leads out of the injector housing 2 is divided in the ratio (R2/R1 +R2) and is therefore lower than the voltage applied to R1.
  • This voltage jump from a higher to a lower voltage can be detected in the control unit 10 by a microcontroller ⁇ C and obtained as information to signal the end of an injection.
  • the start of an injection cannot be detected via this auxiliary voltage, but this plays a minor role, since it can be detected with short injection times and is therefore transferable to longer injection times.
  • the point in time at which the injection valve closes is more important, since this point in time has a much greater temporal variance. In other words, this point in time is more variable.
  • the present invention enables this closing point to be measured in conjunction with the specially designed injector, which has only two connection poles.
  • the detection of the start and end of injection is possible with very short activation times, i.e. in so-called ballistic operation. In such a case, the movement of the needle is delayed to such an extent that the current flow in injector 1 has already died down and the detection of the switch state is possible without interference.
  • the particular advantage of this invention is a compatible injector 1. It still requires only two connection pins and can also be used in applications where the detection function is not used or required.
  • the integrated switch 3 and resistor R2 do not affect the function of the injector 1 due to the minimal currents of a few milliamperes.
  • the evaluation of the signal on the control unit side is very simple. To generate the diagnostic signal, only a single resistor R1 is required, which generates the required diagnostic voltage. Nor is an additional line required to apply this voltage to injector 1. No complex circuit is required in the control unit 10 to detect the voltage jump, since in the simplest case and with clever design, a digital input of a controller ⁇ C or a threshold switch that reacts to the two different voltage states is sufficient. Circuit modules whose key properties are influenced by temperature drift or tolerances and therefore have a low signal-to-noise ratio are not required. Pure voltage levels with a large voltage difference can be detected very easily and very reliably, even with high temperature fluctuations and component tolerances.
  • the invention allows the detection of the injection only after the current supply to the injector 1 has ended, which, as described above, is not too great a disadvantage, since the end of an injection is much more relevant and the start of injection learned for small injection quantities can be transferred to longer injections. If the opening time is nevertheless to be recorded while the injector is being current supplied, the method can be combined with the differential current method.
  • an additional resistor is simply added to the differential current method in the control unit so that an auxiliary voltage is applied to the injector even when the injector is not activated.

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

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eire Vorrichtung zum Erfassen eines Zustands eines Injektors. Injektoren, die auch Einspritzventile genannt werden, finden typischerweise in Verbrennungsmotoren Anwendung. Die Injektoren funktionieren in der Regel nach einem Servoprinzip, bei dem durch Anlegen einer Spannung ein Aktuator in Bewegung gesetzt wird und durch ein hydraulisches oder ein auf dem Piezo-Prinzip basierendes Übersetzungssystem eine Düsennadel des Injektors aus einem Düsennadelsitz gehoben wird, wodurch eine Einspritzung eines unter hohen Druck stehenden Kraftstoffs in einen Brennraum erfolgt. Das grundsätzliche Wirkprinzip eines Injektors ist dem Fachmann bekannt und wird in der vorliegenden Erfindung nur zu Teilen erläutert.The present invention relates to a device for detecting the state of an injector. Injectors, which are also called injection valves, are typically used in internal combustion engines. The injectors generally function according to a servo principle, in which an actuator is set in motion by applying a voltage and a nozzle needle of the injector is lifted out of a nozzle needle seat by a hydraulic or a transmission system based on the piezo principle, whereby a fuel under high pressure is injected into a combustion chamber. The basic operating principle of an injector is known to the person skilled in the art and is only partially explained in the present invention.

Ein Injektor ist im Prinzip relativ einfach aufgebaut und besitzt zwei Anschlüsse zur Steuerung. Dabei gibt es in aller Regel keine weiteren Anschlüsse, die Signale mit Informationen über die tatsächliche Funktion des Injektors liefern.In principle, an injector is relatively simple in design and has two connections for control. There are usually no other connections that provide signals with information about the actual function of the injector.

In der Vergangenheit war es so gewesen, dass auch ein verzögertes Reagieren des Injektors auf elektrische Signale ausreichend war, um die Genauigkeit bezüglich der geforderten Rohemissionen am Motor präzise darstellen zu können. Jedoch ist im Zuge von strenger werdenden Emissionsvorschriften ein noch genaueres Betrachten des Einspritzverhaltens des Injektors erforderlich, das gegebenenfalls auch über die Gesamtlebensdauer eines Injektors oder eines Motors korrigierbar sein sollte. Trotz präziser Fertigung verhalten sich Injektoren nicht gleich und unterliegen unterschiedlichen Schwankungen über ihre Lebensdauer hinweg. Ursächlich hierfür sind beispielsweise Verkokungseffekte, ein Verschleiß des Düsensitzes an der Einspritzdüse, applikationsabhängige Rücklaufgegendruckschwankungen, schwankende Temperaturen sowie weitere nicht aufgeführte Parameter.In the past, a delayed reaction of the injector to electrical signals was sufficient to accurately represent the required raw emissions from the engine. However, as emissions regulations become more stringent, an even more A closer look at the injection behavior of the injector is required, which should also be correctable over the entire service life of an injector or engine if necessary. Despite precise manufacturing, injectors do not behave the same and are subject to different fluctuations over their service life. The reasons for this include coking effects, wear of the nozzle seat on the injection nozzle, application-dependent return back pressure fluctuations, fluctuating temperatures and other parameters not listed.

Sämtliche dieser Einflussgrößen lassen sich nicht herausmessen und bei der Fertigung eines Injektors als Tabelle im Steuergerät hinterlegen. Demnach besteht seit einiger Zeit der Wunsch, eine Rückmeldung von einem Injektor zu erhalten, um Rückschlüsse auf sein Schaltverhalten zu generieren. Mithilfe solcher Signale lassen sich Systeme realisieren, die über eine geschlossene Regelschleife verfügen und so Abweichungen vom Idealfall ausregeln können. Damit wird erreicht, dass über die Lebensdauer eines Verbrennungsmotors die Emissionen und auch die Leistungsparameter trotz Änderung an der Einspritzdüse, aber auch natürlicher Einflüsse, die zur Schwankung der Präzision führen, konstant in einem spezifizierten Bereich gehalten werden können. Insbesondere hinsichtlich der immer herausfordernder werdenden Emissionsvorschriften ist dies von besonderem Vorteil.All of these influencing factors cannot be measured and stored as a table in the control unit when an injector is manufactured. For some time now, there has been a desire to receive feedback from an injector in order to draw conclusions about its switching behavior. Such signals can be used to create systems that have a closed control loop and can thus compensate for deviations from the ideal case. This ensures that emissions and performance parameters can be kept constant within a specified range over the service life of a combustion engine, despite changes to the injection nozzle and natural influences that lead to fluctuations in precision. This is particularly advantageous in view of the increasingly challenging emissions regulations.

Aus dem Stand der Technik sind Injektoren bekannt, die eine Regelschleife haben und über einen zusätzlichen Druck- oder Schwingungssensor verfügen. Nachteilhaft hierin ist, dass sich deswegen die Anzahl der Anschlüsse am Injektor auf mindestens drei Kontakte (vormals waren es zwei Kontakte) erhöht.Injectors are known from the state of the art that have a control loop and an additional pressure or vibration sensor. The disadvantage here is that the number of connections on the injector increases to at least three contacts (previously there were two contacts).

Ein solcher Injektor ist aus dem WO 2016/012242 A1 bekannt.Such an injector is from the WO 2016/012242 A1 known.

Ein Beispiel für einen Injektor aus dem Stand der Technik ist in Figur 1 dargestellt. Die erfindungsgemässe Vorrichtung umfasst einen Injektor gemäss beigefügten Anspruch 1.An example of a state-of-the-art injector is shown in Figure 1 The device according to the invention comprises an injector according to the appended claim 1.

Der mechanische Schalter resultiert demnach aus dem Düsennadelsitz und der Düsennadel, die je nach Zustand des Injektors- einander berühren oder nicht. Der Schalter kann dabei durch Kontaktpaarung von Nadelspitze und Nadelsitz realisiert werden.The mechanical switch therefore results from the nozzle needle seat and the nozzle needle, which touch each other or not depending on the state of the injector. The switch can be implemented by contact pairing of the needle tip and the needle seat.

Der vorstehend beschriebene Injektor weist einen in Abhängigkeit von dem Einspritzzustand des Injektors schaltbaren Schalter auf, der mit einem seiner Anschlüsse direkt mit dem Injektorgehäuse in Verbindung steht. Darüber hinaus ist der andere Anschluss des Schalters an die Eingangsleitung zum Ansteuern einer Bewegung der Düsennadel verbunden, sodass nicht mehr als zwei Leitungen (Eingangsleitung und Ausgangsleitung) in einem Stecker des Injektors angeordnet sein müssen. Dadurch ist es möglich, eine Abwärtskompatibilität der erfindungsgemäßen Injektoren vorzusehen, bei dem die dem erfindungsgemäßen Injektor innewohnenden Vorteile nicht zwangsläufig genutzt werden müssen.The injector described above has a switch that can be switched depending on the injection state of the injector, one of whose connections is directly connected to the injector housing. In addition, the other connection of the switch is connected to the input line for controlling a movement of the nozzle needle, so that no more than two lines (input line and output line) have to be arranged in a plug of the injector. This makes it possible to provide downward compatibility of the injectors according to the invention, in which the advantages inherent in the injector according to the invention do not necessarily have to be used.

Darüber hinaus ist es mit einem so ausgebildeten Injektor möglich, den Beginn und das Ende eines Aushebens der bewegbaren Düsennadel aus dem zugehörigen Düsennadelsitz exakt zu bestimmen, womit auch die Einspritzzeit von Kraftstoff in einen Brennraum genau bestimmbar ist. Ganz besonders exakt gelingt das Erfassen des Beginns des Einspritzvorgangs im sogenannten ballistischen Betrieb des Injektors, bei dem die Ansteuerimpulse für den Injektor so kurz sind, das die daraufhin erfolgende Öffnung des Injektors erst stattfindet, wenn der zugehörige Ansteuerimpuls bereits abgeklungen ist.Furthermore, with an injector designed in this way, it is possible to precisely determine the start and end of the lifting of the movable nozzle needle from the associated nozzle needle seat, which also allows the injection time of fuel into a combustion chamber to be precisely determined. The start of the injection process can be detected particularly precisely in the so-called ballistic operation of the injector, in which the control pulses for the injector are so short that the The subsequent opening of the injector only takes place when the corresponding control pulse has already decayed.

Die Erfassung von Beginn und Ende des Aushebens der bewegbaren Düsennadel ist möglich, da die Auswertung eines Spannungsniveaus an der Eingangsleitung je nach Zustand des Schalters variiert. Weiter von Vorteil ist dabei, dass trotz dieser Auswertemöglichkeit ein zweipoliger Stecker für die Funktionalität des Injektors ausreichend ist. Der über den Schalter fließende Strom wird dabei über das Injektorgehäuse, das typischerweise in Kontakt mit einem Motorblock steht, abgeleitet, da der Motorblock mit der Systemmasse verbunden ist. Dabei ist dem Fachmann klar, dass nicht nur eine Variation der Spannung Rückschluss auf den Schalterzustand gibt, sondern auch eine Variation eines Differenzstroms von der Eingangsleitung und der Ausgangsleitung das Ziehen eines entsprechenden Rückschlusses zulässt.The start and end of the lifting of the movable nozzle needle can be recorded because the evaluation of a voltage level on the input line varies depending on the state of the switch. Another advantage is that, despite this evaluation option, a two-pin plug is sufficient for the functionality of the injector. The current flowing through the switch is diverted via the injector housing, which is typically in contact with an engine block, because the engine block is connected to the system ground. It is clear to the expert that not only a variation in the voltage provides information about the switch state, but also a variation in a differential current from the input line and the output line allows a corresponding conclusion to be drawn.

Nach einer optionalen Modifikation der vorliegenden Erfindung ist zwischen dem ersten Anschluss des Schalters und der Eingangsleitung und/oder dem zweiten Anschluss und dem Injektorgehäuse ein Widerstand geschaltet. Dieser typischerweise hochohmige Widerstand führt in einem geschlossenen Schalterzustand dazu, dass eine geringe Menge an Strom über das Injektorgehäuse in Richtung Masse fließt. Zudem dient dieser Widerstand dazu, dass eine gewisse Spannung an ihm abfällt, wenn der Schalter in einem geschlossenen Zustand ist. Zudem ist es möglich einen solchen Widerstand auch durch ein geschicktes Beschichten des Injektorgehäuses zumindest an den Kontaktstellen, die mit dem Motorblock in Berührung kommen, zu erreichen, sodass nicht zwangsläufig ein Widerstand in den vorstehend aufgeführten Leitungen einzufügen ist. Weiter ist auch möglich, dass diese Verbindung "inhärent" durch den Düsenstahl realisiert ist. So kann sich durch die Injektorverschraubung im Zylinderkopf eine Masseverbindung zwischen Düsenstahl und Motorblock bis hin zur Masseverbindung am Steuergerät bzw. Batterie ergeben. Somit kann der Schaltkreis geschlossen werden.According to an optional modification of the present invention, a resistor is connected between the first connection of the switch and the input line and/or the second connection and the injector housing. This typically high-resistance resistor causes a small amount of current to flow through the injector housing towards ground when the switch is closed. This resistor also serves to ensure that a certain voltage drops across it when the switch is in a closed state. It is also possible to achieve such a resistor by skillfully coating the injector housing at least at the contact points that come into contact with the engine block, so that a resistor does not necessarily have to be inserted into the lines listed above. It is also possible for this connection to be "inherently" implemented by the nozzle steel. The injector screw connection in the cylinder head can thus result in a ground connection between the nozzle steel and the engine block up to the ground connection on the control unit or battery. The circuit can thus be closed.

Zudem kann vorgesehen sein, dass die Eingangsleitung und die Ausgangsleitung mit einem Elektromagneten oder einem Piezoelement verbunden sind, wobei vorzugsweise der Elektromagnet oder das Piezoelement bei einer Beaufschlagung mit über die Eingangsleitung und die Ausgangsleitung geführtem Strom ein Ausheben der Düsennadelspitze aus dem Düsennadelsitz bewirkt. Durch ein solches Ausheben strömt bei einem in Betrieb befindlichen Injektor Kraftstoff unter hohem Druck in einen Brennraum ein.In addition, it can be provided that the input line and the output line are connected to an electromagnet or a piezo element, wherein preferably the electromagnet or the piezo element causes the nozzle needle tip to be lifted out of the nozzle needle seat when it is subjected to current conducted via the input line and the output line. As a result of such lifting, fuel flows into a combustion chamber under high pressure when an injector is in operation.

Nach einer vorteilhaften Modifikation der vorliegenden Erfindung ist ein Stecker des Injektors zweipolig und verfügt über die Eingangsleitung und die Ausgangsleitung. Vorzugsweise befinden sich dabei keine weiteren Leitungen für eine Zustandserfassung in dem Stecker.According to an advantageous modification of the present invention, a plug of the injector is two-pin and has the input line and the output line. Preferably, there are no further lines for status detection in the plug.

Dadurch wird sichergestellt, dass der beanspruchte Injektor zu alten Steckerkontakten kompatibel ist und auch mit einem besonders einfachen Steckeraufbau zusammenwirken kann. Ein Einsatz ist auch dann möglich, wenn die dem erfindungsgemäßen Stecker innewohnende Detektionsfunktion nicht genutzt oder nicht benötigt wird. Der integrierte Schalter und der optionale Widerstand beeinträchtigen die Funktion des Injektors aufgrund der nur sehr geringen Ströme von wenigen Milliampere nicht. Demzufolge wird kein spezieller Stecker mit drei oder gar vier Anschlusspins benötigt und bei der Fertigung können die bisher verwendeten Werkzeuge zum Einsatz kommen.This ensures that the injector in question is compatible with old plug contacts and can also work with a particularly simple plug structure. It can also be used if the detection function inherent in the plug according to the invention is not used or is not required. The integrated switch and the optional resistor do not affect the function of the injector due to the very low currents of just a few milliamperes. As a result, no special plug with three or even four connection pins is required and the tools previously used can be used in production.

Weiter kann vorgesehen sein, dass das Injektorgehäuse aus einem elektrisch leitenden Material ist.Furthermore, it can be provided that the injector housing is made of an electrically conductive material.

Wie bereits vorstehend erläutert, ändert der mechanische Schalter des Injektors seinen Zustand, je nachdem ob die Düsennadelspitze ihren zugehörigen Düsennadelsitz kontaktiert oder nicht. Besteht kein Kontakt zwischen der Düsennadelspitze und dem Düsennadelsitz strömt Kraftstoff aus dem Injektor aus. Bei einer Kontaktierung der Düsennadelspitze mit ihrem Düsennadelsitz sind sämtliche Austrittsöffnungen für Kraftstoff verschlossen, sodass es nicht zu einem Ausströmen von Kraftstoff aus dem Injektor kommt. Durch das Erfassen eines Spannungsverlaufs an der Eingangsleitung beziehungsweise dem Feststellen eines Differenzstroms zwischen der Eingangsleitung und der Ausgangsleitung kann auf einfache Art und Weise der Schalterzustand in dem Injektor erfasst werden. Dies lässt Rückschlüsse auf den genauen Zeitpunkt eines Öffnens und eines Schließens der Kraftstoffaustrittsöffnung des Injektors zu.As already explained above, the mechanical switch of the injector changes its state depending on whether the nozzle needle tip contacts its associated nozzle needle seat or not. If there is no contact between the nozzle needle tip and the nozzle needle seat, fuel flows out of the injector. If the nozzle needle tip contacts its nozzle needle seat, all fuel outlet openings are closed so that no fuel flows out of the injector. By recording a voltage curve on the input line or by determining a differential current between the input line and the output line, the switch state in the injector can be easily recorded. This allows conclusions to be drawn about the exact time at which the fuel outlet opening of the injector opens and closes.

Nach einer optionalen Fortbildung der vorliegenden Erfindung erfolgt ein Anlegen der Diagnosespannung über eine Spannungsquelle oder eine Stromquelle. Vorzugsweise erfolgt dies über das Zwischenschalten eines Widerstands zwischen der Eingangsleitung und einer Spannung, insbesondere einer Versorgungsspannung. Typischerweise wird mit einem Beaufschlagen des Elektromagneten oder des Piezoelements mit der Versorgungsspannung eine Bewegung der Düsennadel hervorgerufen. Über einen Widerstand oder eine Stromquelle kann jedoch dazu unabhängig vom Ansteuerzustand des Injektors eine Diagnosespannung oder ein Diagnosestrom der Eingangsleitung des Injektors zugeführt werden. So kann unabhängig vom Ansteuerzustand des Injektors die Diagnosespannung beziehungsweise der Diagnosestrom dazu verwendet werden, den Zustand des mechanischen Schalters in den Injektor zu erfassen. Man ist also nicht auf das direkte Anlegen der Versorgungsspannung angewiesen.According to an optional development of the present invention, the diagnostic voltage is applied via a voltage source or a current source. This is preferably done by interposing a resistor between the input line and a voltage, in particular a supply voltage. Typically, applying the supply voltage to the electromagnet or the piezo element causes the nozzle needle to move. However, a resistor or a current source can be used to supply a diagnostic voltage or a diagnostic current to the input line of the injector, regardless of the control state of the injector. In this way, the diagnostic voltage or the diagnostic current can be used to detect the state of the mechanical switch in the injector, regardless of the control state of the injector. It is therefore not necessary to apply the supply voltage directly.

Nach der Erfindung kann weiter vorgesehen sein, dass der Diagnosestrom oder der aus dem Anlegen der Diagnosespannung resultierende Strom sehr klein gegenüber dem Strom ist, der erforderlich ist, um eine Bewegung der Düsennadel anzusteuern, nämlich kleiner oder gleich einem Zehntel, vorzugsweise kleiner oder gleich einem Hundertstel und bevorzugter Weise kleiner oder gleich einem Tausendstel des Stroms zum Ansteuern.According to the invention, it can further be provided that the diagnostic current or the current resulting from the application of the diagnostic voltage is very small compared to the current required to control a movement of the nozzle needle, namely less than or equal to one tenth, preferably less than or equal to one hundredth and preferably less than or equal to one thousandth of the current for control.

Dabei ist es von Vorteil, wenn die beanspruchte Vorrichtung ferner ein Mittel zur Spannungserfassung aufweist, um die Diagnosespannung an der Eingangsleitung des Injektors zu erfassen.It is advantageous if the claimed device further comprises a means for voltage detection in order to detect the diagnostic voltage at the input line of the injector.

Ferner kann es dabei von Vorteil sein, wenn die beanspruchte Vorrichtung ferner ein Mittel zur Differenzstrombestimmung umfasst, um einen zwischen der Eingangsleitung und der Ausgangsleitung fließenden Differenzstrom zu bestimmen.Furthermore, it may be advantageous if the claimed device further comprises a means for determining the differential current in order to determine a differential current flowing between the input line and the output line.

Nach einer weiteren Fortbildung der Erfindung ist die Vorrichtung dazu ausgelegt, anhand des erfassten Spannungsverlaufs und/oder der erfassten Differenzstroms einen Beginn und/oder ein Ende einer Kontaktunterbrechung der Düsennadel zu ihrem Düsennadelsitz zu detektieren. Somit sind der Beginn und das Ende eines Einspritzzeitpunkts, der durch das Ausheben der Düsennadelspitze aus ihren Düsennadelsitz und das Zurückführen in den Sitz definiert sind, sehr genau bestimmbar.According to a further development of the invention, the device is designed to detect a start and/or an end of a contact interruption between the nozzle needle and its nozzle needle seat based on the detected voltage curve and/or the detected differential current. The start and end of an injection time, which is defined by the nozzle needle tip being lifted out of its nozzle needle seat and being returned to the seat, can thus be determined very precisely.

Weiter kann vorgesehen sein, dass das Injektorgehäuse mit dem Massepotential verbunden ist. Dies geschieht typischerweise über einen Motorblock, mit dem ein Injektor während seines bestimmungsgemäßen Gebrauchs zusammenwirkt.Furthermore, it can be provided that the injector housing is connected to the ground potential. This is typically done via an engine block with which an injector interacts during its intended use.

Die Erfindung umfasst ferner eine Brennkraftmaschine mit einem Injektor nach einer der vorstehend diskutierten Varianten und einer Vorrichtung entsprechend den vorstehend diskutierten Varianten.The invention further comprises an internal combustion engine with an injector according to one of the variants discussed above and a device according to the variants discussed above.

Ferner umfasst von der Erfindung ist ein Kraftfahrzeug, das die vorstehend definierte Brennkraftmaschine aufweist.The invention further includes a motor vehicle having the internal combustion engine defined above.

Weitere Vorteile, Einzelheiten und Merkmale der vorliegenden Erfindung werden anhand der nachfolgenden Figurenbeschreibung ersichtlich. Dabei zeigen:

Fig. 1:
einen Injektor mit Schalter aus dem Stand der Technik,
Fig. 2:
einen erfindungsgemäßen Injektor,
Fig. 3:
ein Diagramm zur zeitlichen Darstellung von Injektorspannung, Nadelbewegung und Nadelhubschalter,
Fig. 4:
eine erste Ausführungsform einer Vorrichtung zum Erfassen eines Zustands des Injektors,
Fig. 5:
eine zweite Ausführungsform der Vorrichtung zum Erfassen eines Zustands des Injektors, und
Fig. 6:
eine dritte Ausführungsform zum Erfassen eines Zustands des Injektors.
Further advantages, details and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the figures.
Fig.1:
an injector with a state-of-the-art switch,
Fig. 2:
an injector according to the invention,
Fig. 3:
a diagram showing the temporal representation of injector voltage, needle movement and needle lift switch,
Fig.4:
a first embodiment of a device for detecting a state of the injector,
Fig.5:
a second embodiment of the device for detecting a state of the injector, and
Fig.6:
a third embodiment for detecting a state of the injector.

Fig. 1 zeigt dabei einen Injektor in einer Prinzipskizze, wie er aus dem Stand der Technik bekannt ist. Der Injektor 100 weist dabei ein Gehäuse 102 auf, in dem ein Mittel 108 zum Bewegen einer Düsennadel aus ihrem zugehörigen Düsennadelsitz vorhanden ist. Darüber hinaus ist ein mechanischer Schalter 103 angeordnet, der bei einem Kontakt der Düsennadel mit dem Düsennadelsitz einen geschlossenen und bei einer Unterbrechung dieses Kontakts einen offenen Zustand einnimmt. Zum Ansteuern führen in das Injektorgehäuse 102 eine Eingangsleitung 104 sowie eine Ausgangsleitung 105, die mit dem Mittel 108 zum Bewegen der Düsennadel verbunden sind. Ferner dazu werden auch die beiden Kontakte 106, 107 des Schalters 103 aus dem Injektorgehäuse 102 herausgeführt. Insgesamt ergibt sich somit ein Injektor, der über mehr als zwei aus dem Injektorgehäuse 102 herausstehende Leitungen verfügt, sodass ein neuer Stecker für einen solchen Injektor 102 vorzusehen ist. Fig.1 shows an injector in a schematic diagram, as is known from the prior art. The injector 100 has a housing 102 in which a means 108 for moving a nozzle needle from its associated nozzle needle seat is present. In addition, a mechanical switch 103 is arranged, which assumes a closed state when the nozzle needle comes into contact with the nozzle needle seat and an open state when this contact is interrupted. For control, an input line 104 and an output line 105 lead into the injector housing 102, which are connected to the means 108 for moving the nozzle needle. In addition, the two contacts 106, 107 of the switch 103 are also led out of the injector housing 102. Overall, this results in an injector that has more than two lines protruding from the injector housing 102, so that a new connector must be provided for such an injector 102.

Bisherige, herkömmliche Injektoren 100 verwenden einen zweipoligen Stecker, der lediglich für die Stromversorgung des Aktuators 108 notwendig ist. Für die Erfassung der Position des Schalters (auch: Nadelhubschalter) ist mindestens ein weiterer Steckerkontakt 106, 107 notwendig, der ein neues mechanisches Design erfordert und den Injektorstecker nicht mehr kompatibel zu bisherigen Systemen belässt.Previous conventional injectors 100 use a two-pin plug that is only required for the power supply of the actuator 108. At least one additional plug contact 106, 107 is required to detect the position of the switch (also known as needle lift switch), which requires a new mechanical design and makes the injector plug no longer compatible with previous systems.

Fig. 2 zeigt eine Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Injektors 1, der über ein Injektorgehäuse 2 eine in das Injektorgehäuse 2 führende Eingangsleitung 4 und aus dem Injektorgehäuse 2 heraus führende Ausgangsleitung 5 verfügt. Ferner dazu ist ein Aktuator 8 zum Ansteuern einer Düsennadel vorgesehen, der beispielsweise ein Elektromagnet oder ein Piezoelement sein kann. Weiter befindet sich auch ein mechanischer Schalter 3 in dem Injektor 1, der im Zusammenspiel mit der Bewegung der Düsennadel des Injektors 1 arbeitet. Wird die Düsennadel aus ihrem Sitz gehoben und die Düse zur Einspritzung freigegeben, öffnet der integrierte Schalter 3 seinen Kontakt. Im Gegensatz hierzu wird der Kontakt beim Schließen der Nadel ebenfalls geschlossen. Ein erster Anschluss 6 des Schalters 3 ist dabei über einen Widerstand R2 mit der Eingangsleitung 4 verbunden. Der zweite Anschluss 7 des Schalters 3 ist mit dem Injektorgehäuse 2 elektrisch verbunden, das typischerweise im Betrieb mit Massepotential 9 gleichzusetzen ist. Fig.2 shows an embodiment of the injector 1 according to the invention, which has an injector housing 2, an input line 4 leading into the injector housing 2 and an output line 5 leading out of the injector housing 2. In addition, an actuator 8 is provided for controlling a nozzle needle, which can be an electromagnet or a piezo element, for example. There is also a mechanical switch 3 in the injector 1, which works in conjunction with the movement of the nozzle needle of the injector 1. If the nozzle needle is lifted from its seat and the nozzle is released for injection, the integrated switch 3 opens its contact. In contrast, the contact is also closed when the needle is closed. A first connection 6 of the switch 3 is connected to the input line 4 via a resistor R2. The second connection 7 of the switch 3 is electrically connected to the injector housing 2, which is typically equivalent to ground potential 9 during operation.

Die Information, ob der Nadelhubschalter 3 geschlossen oder offen ist und somit, ob die Einspritzung erfolgt oder nicht, wird durch einen zusätzlichen Stromverbrauch im Injektor angezeigt. Im Gegensatz zu der Ausführung des Stands der Technik ist in der vorliegenden Anwendung kein Kontakt des Schalters direkt zugänglich. Weiter dient der Widerstand R2 dazu, den Strom durch den Kontakt auf ein minimal erforderliches Maß zu begrenzen.The information as to whether the needle lift switch 3 is closed or open and thus whether the injection is taking place or not is indicated by an additional current consumption in the injector. In contrast to the prior art design, in the present application no contact of the switch is directly accessible. Furthermore, the resistor R2 serves to limit the current through the contact to a minimum required level.

Bei der Aktivierung des Injektors wird eine Spannung an die Eingangsleitung 4 und die Eingangsleitung 5 gelegt, welche dazu führt, dass über den Aktuator 8, der als Elektromagnet oder als Piezoelement ausgeführt sein kann, die Düsennadel indirekt in Bewegung versetzt wird. Die Nadel hebt sich aus ihrem Sitz und öffnet somit den Kontakt. Infolgedessen wird Kraftstoff in den Brennraum eingespritzt.When the injector is activated, a voltage is applied to the input line 4 and the input line 5, which causes the nozzle needle to be moved via the actuator 8, which can be designed as an electromagnet or as a piezo element. is indirectly set in motion. The needle lifts from its seat and thus opens the contact. As a result, fuel is injected into the combustion chamber.

Bei der Verwendung eines solchen Injektors kann zur Detektion die Differenzstrommethode (= Fehlstromerkennung) herangezogen werden. Dabei wird der in den Injektor hineinfließende Strom mit dem herausfließendem Strom verglichen. Ist der Schalter 3 geschlossen, fließt an einem der Anschlüsse etwas mehr Strom in den Injektor 1 hinein als über den zweiten Anschluss hinaus. Das liegt daran, dass ein Teil des Stroms über den Schalter 3 direkt nach Masse 9 fließt. So lässt sich recht gut detektieren, ob der Schalter geschlossen ist oder nicht.When using such an injector, the differential current method (= fault current detection) can be used for detection. The current flowing into the injector is compared with the current flowing out. If switch 3 is closed, slightly more current flows into injector 1 at one of the connections than out of the second connection. This is because part of the current flows directly to ground 9 via switch 3. This makes it quite easy to detect whether the switch is closed or not.

Ist hingegen der in den Injektor hineinfließende Strom identisch mit dem aus dem Injektor hinausfließendem Strom, so ist der Schalter 3 offen. Sind beide Ströme unterschiedlich, lässt sich daraus ein geschlossener Schalter 3 folgern. Diese Art der Detektion funktioniert allerdings nur dann, wenn am Injektor 1 eine Spannung anliegt, da zur Detektion ein Stromfluss erforderlich ist.If, however, the current flowing into the injector is identical to the current flowing out of the injector, switch 3 is open. If both currents are different, this means that switch 3 is closed. However, this type of detection only works if a voltage is applied to injector 1, since a current flow is required for detection.

Fig. 3 zeigt den zeitlichen Zusammenhang zwischen einem Anliegen einer Injektorspannung (Diagramm D3), eine Nadelbewegung (Diagramm D2), und dem Zustand des Schalters (Diagramm D1). Bei Aktivierung des Injektors wird eine Spannung an diesen gelegt. Dies führt dazu, dass die Düsennadel sich indirekt angetrieben durch einen Elektromagneten oder einen Piezo in Bewegung setzt. Die Nadel hebt sich aus ihrem Sitz und öffnet somit den Kontakt. In Folge wird Kraftstoff in den Brennraum eingespritzt. Wird die Spannung an dem Injektor wieder entfernt, erfolgen die Bewegungen in umgekehrter Richtung. Die Nadel kehrt in ihren Sitz zurück, der Kraftstofffluss wird unterbrochen und der Kontakt schließt wieder. Durch die in Fig. 3 erkennbare Trägheit des Systems ist es eine logische Folge, dass die Schaltzeitpunkte des Schalters 3 (vgl. Diagramm D1) sich nicht exakt mit den Zeitpunkten des Anlegens und des Wegnehmens der Spannung des Injektors (vgl. Diagramm D3) zusammenfallen. Vielmehr sind diese signifikant verzögert. Es kann es zu Situationen kommen, in denen der Injektor gar nicht mehr bestromt wird und die Nadel immer noch nicht in ihren Sitz zurückgekehrt ist. Eine begonnene Einspritzung findet in so einem Fall immer noch statt. Erst nach einer Verzögerung schließt die Nadel und somit auch der Schalter 3. Diese Fälle sind in Fig. 3 mit gepunkteten Bereichen hervorgehoben. Da zu diesen Zeitpunkten der in Fig. 2 dargestellte Injektor 1 nicht mehr bestromt wird, ist es nicht ohne weiteres möglich, einen eventuell vorhandenen Zusatzstrom durch den Nadelhubschalter 3 zu erfassen. Fig.3 shows the temporal relationship between the application of an injector voltage (diagram D3), a needle movement (diagram D2), and the state of the switch (diagram D1). When the injector is activated, a voltage is applied to it. This causes the nozzle needle to move indirectly driven by an electromagnet or a piezo. The needle lifts out of its seat and thus opens the contact. As a result, fuel is injected into the combustion chamber. If the voltage on the injector is removed again, the movements occur in the opposite direction. The needle returns to its seat, the fuel flow is interrupted and the contact closes again. Fig.3 Due to the noticeable inertia of the system, it is a logical consequence that the switching times of switch 3 (see diagram D1) do not exactly coincide with the times of applying and removing the voltage of the injector (see diagram D3). Rather, they are significantly delayed. Situations can arise in which the injector is no longer supplied with current and the needle has still not returned to its seat. In such a case, an injection that has started still takes place. Only after a delay does the needle close and thus also switch 3. These cases are in Fig.3 highlighted with dotted areas. Since at these times the Fig.2 Since the injector 1 shown is no longer supplied with current, it is not immediately possible to detect any additional current that may be present through the needle lift switch 3.

Bisherige Ansätze verwenden im Injektor den Schalter so, dass die Schalterkontakte an separaten Anschlüssen herausgeführt werden. Diese erfordern dann einen vier- oder auch dreipoligen Stecker. Die Detektion des Schaltvorgangs gestaltet sich dann recht einfach, indem der Schalter über eine Widerstandsmessung erfasst wird. Ein niedriger Widerstand steht für einen geschlossenen Schalter, wohingegen ein hoher Widerstand einen offenen Schalter darstellt.Previous approaches use the switch in the injector in such a way that the switch contacts are led out to separate connections. These then require a four- or three-pin plug. The detection of the switching process is then quite simple, as the switch is recorded via a resistance measurement. A low resistance represents a closed switch, whereas a high resistance represents an open switch.

Schaltungstechnisch lässt sich ein Schalter noch einfacher detektieren, indem ein Pol des Schalters mit einer gemeinsamen Masse und der andere Pol über einen Widerstand mit der Versorgungsspannung verbunden werden. Bei geöffnetem Schalter ergibt sich so an dem Pol, der an den Widerstand angeschlossen ist eine hohe Spannung, die im Idealfall der Versorgungsspannung entspricht und bei geschlossenem Schalter eine niedrige Spannung, die im Idealfall bei null Volt liegt. Dabei macht es keinen Unterschied, ob der Schaltkontakt über vier Kontakte oder drei Kontakte aus dem Injektor herausgeführt wird. Fig. 4 zeigt dabei ein Zusammenspiel der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung 10 mit dem Injektor 1.In terms of circuitry, a switch can be detected even more easily by connecting one pole of the switch to a common ground and the other pole to the supply voltage via a resistor. When the switch is open, a high voltage is produced at the pole connected to the resistor, which ideally corresponds to the supply voltage, and when the switch is closed, a low voltage is produced, which ideally is zero volts. It makes no difference whether the switching contact is led out of the injector via four contacts or three contacts. Fig.4 shows an interaction of the device 10 according to the invention with the injector 1.

Das Öffnen und Schließen der Düsennadel wird über das Spannungspotential an dem Aktuator 8 (Magnetventilspule oder dergleichen) nach erfolgter Bestromung beziehungsweise während einer aktuellen Bestromung detektiert. Um die Potentialänderung auch nach der Injektorbestromung zu detektieren, wird eine Hilfsspannung an den Injektor gelegt. Es ist erforderlich, diese Spannung an den Pin des Injektors 1 anzuschließen, an dem auch der interne Widerstand R2 angeschlossen ist. Vorliegend ist dies die Eingangsleitung 4. Nur so lässt sich die gewünschte Funktion erzielen.The opening and closing of the nozzle needle is detected via the voltage potential on the actuator 8 (solenoid valve coil or the like) after energization or during current energization. In order to detect the potential change even after the injector has been energized, an auxiliary voltage is applied to the injector. It is necessary to connect this voltage to the pin of the injector 1, to which the internal resistor R2 is also connected. is connected. In this case, this is input line 4. This is the only way to achieve the desired function.

Diese Spannung kann entweder aus einer aktiven Stromquelle I1 oder einfach durch einen Widerstand R1 (vgl. Fig. 5) erzeugt werden. Entscheiden ist, dass der Strom Idiag gegenüber dem eigentlichen Storm Iinj für den Injektorantrieb sehr gering ist, um die Funktion des Injektors 1 nicht zu beinträchtigen.This voltage can be provided either by an active current source I1 or simply by a resistor R1 (cf. Fig.5 ) are generated. It is important that the current I diag is very low compared to the actual current I inj for the injector drive in order not to impair the function of injector 1.

Wie Fig. 5 zeigt besitzt der Injektor nur zwei Anschlüsse 4, 5, von denen einer (nämlich die Eingangsleitung 4) über einen Widerstand R2 an den Nadelhubschalter 3 angeschlossen ist. Der Schalter 3 ist wiederum mit seinem zweiten Anschluss 7 an das masseführende Gehäuse 2 des Injektors 1 angeschlossen.How Fig.5 shows the injector has only two connections 4, 5, one of which (namely the input line 4) is connected to the needle lift switch 3 via a resistor R2. The switch 3 is in turn connected with its second connection 7 to the grounded housing 2 of the injector 1.

Zur Detektion der Schalterfunktion ist ein bestimmt modifiziertes Steuergerät erforderlich. Wie bereits zuvor beschrieben, lässt sich die Funktion des Schalters 3 vorteilhafterweise mithilfe einer Zusatzspannung detektieren die durch einen Widerstand R1 in dem Steuergerät 10 realisiert ist.A certain modified control unit is required to detect the switch function. As already described above, the function of the switch 3 can advantageously be detected using an additional voltage which is implemented by a resistor R1 in the control unit 10.

Während der Injektor 1 angesteuert wird, ist eine Detektion des Schalterzustands nicht möglich. Der Antriebsstrom Iinj ist um einige Größenordnungen höher als der Messstrom durch den Schalter 3, wodurch eine Detektion unmöglich wird. Die Spannung an der Eingangsleitung 4 des Injektors 1 ändert sich um weniger als ein Tausendstel bei Betätigung des Schalters 3. Diese Änderung auf einfache Weise zu detektieren und von einer Störung sicher zu unterscheiden ist nicht ohne übermäßigen Aufwand möglich.While injector 1 is being controlled, detection of the switch state is not possible. The drive current I inj is several orders of magnitude higher than the measuring current through switch 3, making detection impossible. The voltage on input line 4 of injector 1 changes by less than a thousandth when switch 3 is actuated. Detecting this change in a simple manner and reliably distinguishing it from a fault is not possible without excessive effort.

Wird dagegen der Injektor 1 "ausgeschaltet", das heißt, die Einspritzung beendet, fällt die Nadel nicht sofort in ihren Sitz zurück, sondern macht dies erst mit etwas Verzögerung, wie aus Fig. 3 zu entnehmen ist (vgl. Diagramm D2). Der Nadelhubschalter 3 bleibt zuerst geöffnet und Widerstand R2 übt so keinerlei Einfluss auf die Schaltung in dem Steuergerät 10 aus. An der Eingangsleitung 4 des Injektors 1 lässt sich in diesem Zeitfenster über Widerstand R1 die volle Diagnosespannung messen.If, however, injector 1 is "switched off", i.e. the injection is stopped, the needle does not immediately fall back into its seat, but does so with some delay, as can be seen from Fig.3 (see diagram D2). The needle lift switch 3 remains open at first and resistor R2 has no influence on the circuit in the control unit 10. On the input line 4 of injector 1, the full diagnostic voltage can be measured via resistor R1 in this time window.

Nach Ablauf der Verzögerung fällt die Nadel in ihren Sitz zurück und schließt den Schalter. Der Widerstand R1 in dem Steuergerät 10 bildet nun zusammen mit dem Widerstand R2 im Injektor 1 einen Spannungsteiler. Die Spannung an den aus dem Injektorgehäuse 2 herausgeführten Teil der Eingangsleitung 4 des Injektors 1 wird im Verhältnis (R2/R1 +R2) geteilt und ist folglich niedriger als die angelegte Spannung an R1.After the delay has elapsed, the needle falls back into its seat and closes the switch. The resistor R1 in the control unit 10 now forms a voltage divider together with the resistor R2 in the injector 1. The voltage on the part of the input line 4 of the injector 1 that leads out of the injector housing 2 is divided in the ratio (R2/R1 +R2) and is therefore lower than the voltage applied to R1.

Dieser Spannungssprung von einer höheren zu einer niedrigeren Spannung kann im Steuergerät 10 von einem Mikrocontroller µC detektiert und als Information zur Signalisierung des Endes einer Einspritzung gewonnen werden.This voltage jump from a higher to a lower voltage can be detected in the control unit 10 by a microcontroller µC and obtained as information to signal the end of an injection.

Bei langen Einspritzdauern kann der Beginn einer Einspritzung über diese Hilfsspannung nicht detektiert werden, dies spielt jedoch eine untergeordnete Rolle, da dieser bei kurzen Einspritzdauern erfasst werden kann und somit auch auf längere Einspritzdauern übertragbar ist. Entscheidender ist der Zeitpunkt des Schließens des Einspritzventils, da dieser Zeitpunkt eine sehr viel größere zeitliche Varianz aufweist. In anderen Worten streut dieser Zeitpunkt mehr. Diesen Schließzeitpunkt jeweils zu messen ermöglicht die vorliegende Erfindung im Zusammenspiel mit dem speziell ausgebildeten Injektor, der lediglich zwei Anschlusspole besitzt. Wie in Fig. 3 anhand der zweiten Einspritzung dargestellt, ist bei sehr kurzen Ansteuerzeiten, das heißt im sogenannten ballistischen Betrieb, die Detektion des Einspritzbeginns und -endes möglich. Die Bewegung der Nadel findet in so einem Fall soweit verzögert statt, dass der Stromfluss im Injektor 1 bereits abgeklungen ist und die Detektion des Schalterzustands ungestört möglich ist.With long injection times, the start of an injection cannot be detected via this auxiliary voltage, but this plays a minor role, since it can be detected with short injection times and is therefore transferable to longer injection times. The point in time at which the injection valve closes is more important, since this point in time has a much greater temporal variance. In other words, this point in time is more variable. The present invention enables this closing point to be measured in conjunction with the specially designed injector, which has only two connection poles. As in Fig.3 As shown using the second injection, the detection of the start and end of injection is possible with very short activation times, i.e. in so-called ballistic operation. In such a case, the movement of the needle is delayed to such an extent that the current flow in injector 1 has already died down and the detection of the switch state is possible without interference.

Der besondere Vorteil dieser Erfindung ist ein kompatibel bleibender Injektor 1. Er benötigt weiterhin nur zwei Anschlusspins und kann auch in Applikationen eingesetzt werden, bei denen die Detektionsfunktion nicht benutzt oder benötigt wird. Der integrierte Schalter 3 und Widerstand R2 beinträchtigen die Funktion des Injektors 1 aufgrund der minimalen Ströme von wenigen Milliampere nicht.The particular advantage of this invention is a compatible injector 1. It still requires only two connection pins and can also be used in applications where the detection function is not used or required. The integrated switch 3 and resistor R2 do not affect the function of the injector 1 due to the minimal currents of a few milliamperes.

Folglich wird kein spezieller Stecker mit drei oder vier Anschlusspins benötigt und bei der Fertigung können bisher verwendete Werkzeuge zum Einsatz kommen.As a result, no special connector with three or four connection pins is required and the tools currently in use can be used in production.

Auf der anderen Seite ist die Auswertung des Signals auf der Steuergeräteseite sehr einfach. Zur Erzeugung des Diagnosesignals wird nur ein einziger Widerstand R1 benötigt, der die erforderliche Diagnosespannung erzeugt. Ebenfalls ist keine zusätzliche Leitung erforderlich, um diese Spannung an den Injektor 1 zu legen. Zur Detektion des Spannungsprungs ist im Steuergerät 10 keine komplexe Schaltung notwendig, da im einfachsten Fall und bei geschickter Auslegung ein Digitaleingang eines Controller µC oder ein Schwellwertschalter ausreicht, der auf die zwei unterschiedlichen Spannungszustände reagiert. Schaltungsmodule, die in den entscheidenden Eigenschaften durch Temperaturdrift oder Toleranzen beeinflusst werden und somit einen niedrigen Störsignalabstand besitzen, sind nicht erforderlich. Reine Spannungspegel mit großer Spannungsdifferenz lassen sich sehr einfach und sehr sicher auch bei hohen Temperaturschwankungen und Bauteiltoleranzen detektieren.On the other hand, the evaluation of the signal on the control unit side is very simple. To generate the diagnostic signal, only a single resistor R1 is required, which generates the required diagnostic voltage. Nor is an additional line required to apply this voltage to injector 1. No complex circuit is required in the control unit 10 to detect the voltage jump, since in the simplest case and with clever design, a digital input of a controller µC or a threshold switch that reacts to the two different voltage states is sufficient. Circuit modules whose key properties are influenced by temperature drift or tolerances and therefore have a low signal-to-noise ratio are not required. Pure voltage levels with a large voltage difference can be detected very easily and very reliably, even with high temperature fluctuations and component tolerances.

Die Erfindung erlaubt die Detektion der Einspritzung erst nachdem die Bestromung des Injektors 1 beendet wurde, was, wie vorstehend beschrieben, keinen zu großen Nachteil darstellt, da das Ende einer Einspritzung wesentlich relevanter ist und der bei kleinen Einspritzmengen gelernte Spritzbeginn auf längere Einspritzungen übertragbar ist. Soll trotzdem auch während der Bestromung des Injektors der Öffnungszeitpunkt miterfasst werden, so lässt sich das Verfahren mit der Differenzstrommethode kombinieren.The invention allows the detection of the injection only after the current supply to the injector 1 has ended, which, as described above, is not too great a disadvantage, since the end of an injection is much more relevant and the start of injection learned for small injection quantities can be transferred to longer injections. If the opening time is nevertheless to be recorded while the injector is being current supplied, the method can be combined with the differential current method.

Wie in Fig. 6 dargestellt, wird einfach zur Differenzstrommethode ein weiterer Widerstand im Steuergerät so ergänzt, dass auch im nicht angesteuerten Zustand des Injektors eine Hilfsspannung am Injektor anliegt.As in Fig.6 As shown, an additional resistor is simply added to the differential current method in the control unit so that an auxiliary voltage is applied to the injector even when the injector is not activated.

Claims (13)

  1. A device (10) for detecting the state of an injector (1) for injecting fuel, the injector (1) comprising:
    an injector housing (2),
    a movable nozzle needle which is arranged in the injector housing (2) and has a nozzle needle tip, and
    a nozzle needle seat for receiving the nozzle needle tip, wherein
    a contact pairing of nozzle needle and nozzle needle seat constitutes a mechanical switch (3) which on contact of the nozzle needle tip with the nozzle needle seat assumes a closed state and on interruption of the contact assumes an open state,
    the injector (1) is provided with an input line (4) and an output line (5) for actuating a movement of the nozzle needle, and
    the switch (3) includes a first terminal (6) and a second terminal (7),
    characterized in that
    the first terminal (6) of the switch (3) is connected to the input line (4),
    the second terminal (7) of the switch (3) is connected to the injector housing (2), and
    the device (10) is designed
    to apply a diagnostic voltage and/or a diagnostic current (Idiag) to the input line (4) leading into the injector housing (2), which is applied independently of an actuation current/actuation voltage for the injector, and
    to detect a voltage profile at the input line (4) and/or detect a differential current between the input line (4) and the output line (5).
  2. The device (10) according to claim 1, wherein between the first terminal (6) of the switch (3) and the input line (4) and/or between the second terminal (7) and the injector housing (2) a resistor (R2) is connected.
  3. The device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the input line (4) and the output line (5) are connected to an electromagnet (8) or a piezo element (8), wherein preferably the electromagnet (8) or the piezo element (8) causes the nozzle needle tip to be lifted from the nozzle needle seat upon application of a current guided over the input line (4) and the output line (5).
  4. The device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a plug of the injector (1) has two poles and is provided with the input line (4) and the output line (5), and preferably in addition includes no further lines for a state detection.
  5. The device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the injector housing (2) is made of an electrically conducting material.
  6. The device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein an application of the diagnostic voltage is effected via a voltage source or a current source, preferably via the connection of a resistor (R1) between the input line (4) and a voltage, in particular a supply voltage.
  7. The device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the diagnostic current (Idiag) or the current (Idiag) resulting from the application of the diagnostic voltage is very small as compared to the current (Iinj) which is required to actuate a movement of the nozzle needle, namely less than or equal to one tenth, preferably less than or equal to one hundredth, and preferably less than or equal to one thousandth of the current (Iinj) for actuation.
  8. The device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, furthermore comprising a means (µC) for voltage detection in order to detect the diagnostic voltage at the input line (4) of the injector (1).
  9. The device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, furthermore comprising a means for differential current determination in order to detect a differential current flowing between the input line (4) and the output line (5).
  10. The device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the device (10) is designed to detect a beginning and/or an end of the nozzle needle being lifted from its nozzle needle seat with reference to the detected voltage profile or the detected differential current.
  11. The device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the injector housing (2) is connected to the ground potential (9).
  12. An internal combustion engine with a device (10) according to any of the preceding claims.
  13. A motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine according to claim 12.
EP19702543.0A 2018-01-22 2019-01-22 Device for detecting the condition of an injector Active EP3743613B1 (en)

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DE202018100337.2U DE202018100337U1 (en) 2018-01-22 2018-01-22 Injector and device for detecting the state of such an injector
PCT/EP2019/051464 WO2019141865A1 (en) 2018-01-22 2019-01-22 Injector, and device for detecting the condition of such an injector

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US20210156326A1 (en) 2021-05-27

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