Vehicle last stage for controlling at least one load having inductive properties

Abstract

The invention relates to a final stage (10) of a vehicle (100) for controlling at least one load (12) having inductive properties, comprising: a control device (14); an input arrangement (16) which can be connected to a voltage source (102) of the vehicle (100); a boost device (18) provided for boosting a voltage (52) of a voltage source (102) of the vehicle (100) to a predetermined boost voltage (46); a high side output contact (11) and at least one low side output contact (13) between which the at least one load (12) can be connected; a high-side switch (24) connected to the input assembly (16) and the high-side output contact (11); a boost switch (42), which is connected to the high-side output contact (11) and to the boost device (18), the control device (14) being designed to switch the boost switch (42) on in order to apply a boost voltage to the load, the control device (14) being designed to switch the boost switch (42) on in order to apply a boost voltage to the load if the boost switch (42) is switched off, and the boost switch (42) being switched off in order to apply the boost voltage to the load if the boost switch (42) is switched off. The control device (14) is designed to switch the high-side switch (24) on in order to apply a voltage (52) of the voltage source (102) to the load if the high-side switch (24) is switched on, and / or the control device (14) is designed to switch the boost switch (42) off in order to apply a voltage (52) of the voltage source (102) to the load if the high-side switch (24) is switched on.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a final stage for controlling a blow-in valve or injection valve for gaseous or liquid fuel, a method for operating the final stage, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, there are various solutions for blowing combustion gases into or injecting liquid fuel into the combustion chamber. As the requirements for blow-in and injection technologies and their control continue to increase, the need for innovative and robust methods is also growing.

[0003] In the automotive industry, continuous efforts to reduce weight and increasingly fierce competition have created cost pressures, leading to a stronger demand for inexpensive and efficient vehicle components. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The vehicle final stage of the present invention, having the features of claim 1, for controlling at least one load with inductive characteristics, has the following advantages over known solutions: Within the final stage, the load on the boosting device for establishing a voltage increase relative to the on-board grid voltage, and the associated boosting capacitor, is significantly reduced because, with this final stage, the on-board grid voltage can be utilized in addition to the boosted voltage and zero voltage within the same time interval to operate the at least one load. Another advantage is that a new regulation scheme can be employed to control the magnetic circuit in the load using this final stage. Furthermore, the operating duration of the blow-in device can be significantly increased because the reduced load on the boosting capacitor allows for a longer service life, thereby resulting in a cost advantage.

[0005] According to the present invention, this objective is achieved by providing a vehicle final stage for controlling at least one load with inductive characteristics, which includes a control device. The final stage also includes an input component that can be connected to a voltage source of the vehicle. Furthermore, the final stage includes a boosting device configured to increase the voltage of the vehicle voltage source to a predetermined boosting voltage. Additionally, the final stage has a high-side output contact and at least one low-side output contact, between which the at least one load can be connected. Furthermore, the final stage includes a high-side switch connected to the input component and the high-side output contact. Furthermore, the final stage has a boost switch connected to the high-side output contact and the boosting device. The control device is configured to switch the boost switch to ON to apply a boost voltage to the load. The control device is also configured to switch the high-side switch to ON when the boost switch is OFF to apply a voltage source voltage to the load. And / or the control device is configured to switch the boost switch to OFF when the high-side switch is OFF to apply a voltage source voltage to the load.

[0006] In other words, the control device can utilize boost voltage, vehicle electrical grid voltage, and zero voltage to establish a magnetic field in the at least one load. The at least one load having inductive characteristics particularly preferably includes a solenoid valve. Here, the final stage includes an input terminal, preferably having two input terminals, wherein the final stage can be connected to the vehicle's electrical grid at its input terminal. Furthermore, the final stage may include a boosting device. Here, the input terminal of the boosting device is preferably connected to the input terminal of the final stage, thereby connecting to the vehicle electrical grid. Furthermore, the boosting device can be configured to generate a boost voltage higher than the vehicle electrical grid voltage so that this boost voltage can be provided within the final stage. Furthermore, the final stage can be adapted to apply the boost voltage to the solenoid valve by connecting the high-side output terminal to the output terminal of the boosting device and the low-side output terminal to the negative terminal of the vehicle electrical grid voltage. More preferably, the final stage is adapted to apply the input voltage of the final stage to the solenoid valve by connecting the high-side output terminal to the input terminal connected to the positive terminal of the vehicle electrical grid voltage and the low-side output terminal to the input terminal connected to the negative terminal of the vehicle electrical grid voltage. More preferably, the final stage is suitable for: at least during periods when the current in the solenoid valve is greater than zero, by shorting the solenoid valve and thus applying zero voltage to the solenoid valve by connecting both the high-side output terminal and the low-side output terminal to the negative terminal of the vehicle electrical network. Furthermore, the control device is configured to select the switching state of the final stage based on a switching threshold and the current currently flowing in the solenoid valve, thereby applying a boost voltage, vehicle electrical network voltage, and / or zero voltage to the solenoid valve. Here, the control device can switch between boost voltage, vehicle electrical network voltage, and zero voltage such that a boost voltage is selected to quickly establish current in the solenoid valve and thus quickly establish magnetic force, but when the current in the solenoid valve has reached the desired level, it can switch between boost voltage and vehicle electrical network voltage, or between vehicle electrical network voltage and zero voltage. Here, if the theoretically required DC voltage to maintain the desired current level is higher than the vehicle electrical network voltage, it is preferable to switch between boost voltage and vehicle electrical network voltage; if the theoretically required DC voltage to maintain the desired current level is lower than the vehicle electrical network voltage, it switches between vehicle electrical network voltage and zero voltage. Therefore, energy can be extracted from the booster to feed the solenoid valve only when the average voltage required on the solenoid valve is greater than the vehicle's mains voltage. Thus, the load on the booster can be significantly reduced compared to conventional control devices that use only the boost voltage and zero voltage to set an arbitrary average voltage between zero and the boost voltage. For example, the solenoid valve can be configured to at least partially displace the armature of the blow-in device using a magnetic field. For example, a high current is required to deflect the armature at the start of the blow-in process. Therefore, the control device can apply the boost voltage to the solenoid valve to reach this high current as quickly as possible. Once this high current is reached, it is typically maintained at this level until the solenoid valve has reliably opened and settled in its open position.To maintain this current level, the final stage can alternately apply boost voltage, on-board electrical voltage, and zero voltage to the solenoid valve. More preferably, the terms "injection device" and "blow-in device" can be used arbitrarily, as they essentially involve the same components. The conversion between these two terms is particularly relevant here depending on whether the engine operates on gaseous or liquid fuel. Since the fuel difference is irrelevant to the final stage, the term "blow-in device" is also used synonymously with "injection device" below. When referring to "blow-in device," if the engine in question operates on liquid fuel, then this can also refer to "injection device."

[0007] The dependent claims illustrate preferred extensions of the invention.

[0008] Preferably, the control device is configured to turn off the boost switch and the high-side switch to apply a voltage less than the voltage source voltage to the load.

[0009] The advantage of this embodiment is that the current flowing through the load or solenoid valve can be reduced by using a booster switch and a high-side switch, thereby enabling, for example, the regulation of the solenoid valve's closure. Here, the voltage can be less than or equal to zero.

[0010] More preferably, the control device is configured to detect and / or store a first switching threshold, a second switching threshold, and an intermediate switching threshold, wherein the second switching threshold is greater than the first switching threshold, the intermediate switching threshold is greater than the first switching threshold, and the intermediate switching threshold is less than the second switching threshold, wherein the control device is configured to: switch the booster switch to conduct if the current flowing through the at least one load is less than the first switching threshold.

[0011] The advantage of this embodiment is that certain regions can be defined by means of a first switching threshold, a second switching threshold, and / or an intermediate switching threshold, in which the final stage can apply boost voltage, vehicle grid voltage, and / or zero voltage to the load.

[0012] Preferably, the control device is configured to: switch the boost switch and the high-side switch to off if the current flowing through the at least one load is greater than the second switching threshold.

[0013] The advantage of this embodiment is that when the booster switch and the high-side switch are switched off, preferably, zero voltage is applied to the load, thereby weakening the magnetic field of, for example, a solenoid valve.

[0014] Preferably, the control device is configured to: switch the booster switch to off if the current flowing through at least one load is greater than the intermediate switch threshold.

[0015] The advantage of this embodiment is that the final stage can, preferably, apply zero voltage or the vehicle grid voltage to the load, so that no current flows through the boost capacitor in this case, and therefore the boost capacitor is not under load.

[0016] More preferably, the control device is configured to: switch the boost switch and / or the high-side switch to conduct if the current flowing through the at least one load is less than the intermediate switch threshold.

[0017] The advantage of this embodiment is that the current flowing through the load when the boost switch is off now decreases more slowly than when zero voltage is preferably applied to the load, or the current may even continue to rise. This preferably reduces the relative proportion of the time interval during which the boost switch is on, and also reduces the load on the boost capacitor.

[0018] More preferably, the control device is configured to: switch the booster switch to off and switch the high-side switch to on if the current flowing through the at least one load is less than the second switch threshold and greater than the intermediate switch threshold and the booster switch is on; and / or the control device is configured to: maintain the current first switching state of the high-side switch and the booster switch if the current flowing through the at least one load is less than the second switch threshold and greater than the intermediate switch threshold and the booster switch is off; and / or the control device is configured to: switch the high-side switch to on if the current flowing through the at least one load is less than the intermediate switch threshold and greater than the first switch threshold and both the booster switch and the high-side switch are off; and / or the control device is configured to: maintain the current second switching state of the high-side switch and the booster switch if the current flowing through the at least one load is less than the intermediate switch threshold and greater than the first switch threshold and the high-side switch is on.

[0019] The advantage of this embodiment is that the injection or blowing process can be specifically adjusted by means of a control device and different switching thresholds. More preferably, the intermediate switching thresholds include a lower intermediate switching threshold and an upper intermediate switching threshold, wherein the lower intermediate switching threshold is greater than a first switching threshold and less than a second switching threshold, and the upper intermediate switching threshold is greater than the lower intermediate switching threshold and less than the second switching threshold. The control device is configured to: switch the booster switch to conduct if the current flowing through the at least one load is less than the first switching threshold; and / or the control device is configured to: switch the booster switch and the high-side switch to deactivate if the current flowing through the at least one load is greater than the second switching threshold; and / or the control device is configured to: switch the booster switch to deactivate if the current flowing through the at least one load is greater than the upper intermediate switching threshold; and / or the control device is configured to: switch the booster switch and / or the high-side switch to conduct if the current flowing through the at least one load is less than the lower intermediate switching threshold.

[0020] The advantage of this embodiment is that the switching point of the final stage can be more accurately pre-set by using the upper intermediate switching threshold and the lower intermediate switching threshold, thereby enabling more precise setting of the current flowing through the load and / or the magnetic field in the load.

[0021] Preferably, the control device is configured to: if the current flowing through the at least one load is less than the second switching threshold and greater than the upper intermediate switching threshold and the booster switch is on, switch the booster switch to off and switch the high-side switch to on; and / or the control device is configured to: if the current flowing through the at least one load is less than the second switching threshold and greater than the upper intermediate switching threshold and the booster switch is off, maintain the currently existing third switching state of the high-side switch and the booster switch; and / or the control device is configured to: if the current flowing through the at least one load is less than the lower intermediate switching threshold and... If the current flowing through the at least one load is greater than the first switching threshold and both the booster switch and the high-side switch are off, then the high-side switch is switched on; and / or the control device is configured to: maintain the current fourth switching state of the high-side switch and the booster switch if the current flowing through the at least one load is less than the lower intermediate switch threshold and greater than the first switching threshold and the booster switch is on or the high-side switch is on; and / or the control device is configured to: maintain the current fifth switching state of the high-side switch and the booster switch if the current flowing through the at least one load is less than the upper intermediate switch threshold and greater than the lower intermediate switch threshold.

[0022] More preferably, the at least one load has at least one solenoid valve.

[0023] The advantage of this embodiment is that the final stage allows for more precise metering of the fluid to be injected and / or the fluid to be blown in. The solenoid valve can, in particular, be a gas injector or injection device.

[0024] More preferably, the input component has a first input contact and a second input contact, wherein the first input contact has a higher potential than the second input contact.

[0025] The advantage of this embodiment is that the final stage can be easily connected to an existing power supply system. Here, the first and second input contacts can be, in particular, terminals, plug contacts, conductive material locking connections, or the like.

[0026] Preferably, the boosting device has an output contact, wherein the boosting device is configured to apply a boosting voltage between the output contact and the second input contact.

[0027] The advantage of this embodiment is that a simple connection can be constructed between the input and the booster device using the output contacts.

[0028] More preferably, the final stage has a freewheeling diode connected between the second input contact and the high-side output contact.

[0029] The advantage of this embodiment is that the control of the solenoid valve can be significantly simplified by means of a freewheeling diode, in such a way that zero voltage is automatically applied to the load when both the boost switch and the high-side switch are off and the current flowing through the load is greater than zero.

[0030] More preferably, the final stage has at least one low-side switch connected between the low-side output contact and the second input contact; and / or the final stage has at least one feedback diode connected between the low-side output contact and the output terminal of the booster device.

[0031] Another aspect of the invention relates to an inlet assembly for introducing fluid into a combustion chamber, having a final stage as described above and below.

[0032] Another aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle having a final stage as described above and / or having a control device configured to perform the steps of the methods described above and below.

[0033] On the other hand, a method for running the final stage is involved. This method includes the following steps: • Receive control signals, • The final stage is switched to at least a first switch position or a second switch position according to the control signal, wherein in the first switch position, the load is connected to the booster device to apply a boost voltage to the load, and in the second switch position, the high-side switch and the load are switched to conduction and / or have been switched to conduction, while the booster switch is off to apply a predetermined voltage to the load.

[0034] The advantage of this embodiment is that the on-board grid voltage of the vehicle (which may be equipped with a final stage) can be applied to the load, thereby further reducing the load on the booster or booster switch during operation.

[0035] More preferably, the method includes the following steps: • The final stage is switched to the third switch position according to the control signal, in which the boost switch and the high-side switch are turned off.

[0036] The advantage of this embodiment is that zero voltage is applied to the load, thereby reliably reducing the current.

[0037] More preferably, the method includes the following steps: • Detect a first switch threshold, a second switch threshold, and / or an intermediate switch threshold, wherein the second switch threshold is greater than the first switch threshold, and the intermediate switch threshold is greater than the first switch threshold but less than the second switch threshold. • If the current flowing through the load is less than the first switching threshold, then switch to the first switching position, and / or If the current flowing through the load exceeds the second switching threshold, then switch to the third switching position. If the current flowing through at least one load is less than the intermediate switch threshold but greater than the first switch threshold, then either switch to the first switch position or switch to the second switch position. • If the current flowing through at least one load is greater than the intermediate switch threshold and less than the second switch threshold, then either switch to the second switch position or switch to the third switch position.

[0038] The advantage of this embodiment is that there is a defined switching point, which further simplifies the operation of the final stage or further reduces the load on the booster unit.

[0039] More preferably, the intermediate switch threshold includes a lower intermediate switch threshold and an upper intermediate switch threshold, wherein the lower intermediate switch threshold is greater than the first switch threshold and less than the second switch threshold, and the upper intermediate switch threshold is greater than the lower intermediate switch threshold and less than the second switch threshold. The method further includes the following steps: • If the current flowing through at least one load is greater than the upper intermediate switch threshold, the booster switch is switched to off; and / or if the current flowing through at least one load is less than the lower intermediate switch threshold, the booster switch and / or the high-side switch is switched to on. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show: Figure 1 The final stage, according to one embodiment, includes a control device and a load with inductive characteristics connected to the final stage.

[0041] Figure 2 This is a graph used to illustrate the concept of known current regulation.

[0042] Figures 3a to 3d This is a graph showing the changing trends of the electrical and magnetic characteristic parameters of the final stage and the load connected to it.

[0043] Figure 4 This is a graph used to illustrate the first embodiment of the control device.

[0044] Figure 5 and Figure 6 In application Figure 4 The extended scheme of the first embodiment shown illustrates the trend of the change in current flowing through the load.

[0045] Figure 7 This is a graph used to illustrate the second embodiment of the control device.

[0046] Figure 8 and Figure 9 In application Figure 7 The second embodiment shown illustrates the trend of current change flowing through the load in the extended scheme.

[0047] Figure 10 A vehicle according to one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0048] Preferably, in all the accompanying drawings, all identical components, elements, and physical parameters are referred to using the same reference numerals.

[0049] Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a power electronic final stage 10 according to one embodiment, hereinafter simply referred to as final stage 10. Final stage 10 has a high-side output terminal 11 and a low-side output terminal 13, between which a load 12 with inductive characteristics is connected. Preferably, the load 12 is a coil of a solenoid valve. The voltage applied to the load is denoted by u, and the current flowing through the load is denoted by i. Final stage 10 also includes a control device 14 that pre-sets the switching states of the semiconductor switches included in the final stage and enables communication with a higher-level regulation and control system. More preferably, final stage 10 includes an input terminal 16 having a + input terminal 15 and a - input terminal 17. Here, input terminal 16 can be connected, in particular, to a voltage source 102 of vehicle 100, preferably to the vehicle's onboard electrical network, which provides a battery voltage 52, hereinafter referred to as U. batt To indicate. In the following text, the potential of input terminal 17 is preferably defined as 0 potential or GND. The potential of input terminal 15 has a value U. batt More preferably, the final stage 10 includes a boosting device 18. The boosting device 18 preferably has a DC-DC converter 50, which in turn has an input terminal 51a, a common ground terminal 51b, and an output terminal 51c. The input terminal 51a is connected to the + input terminal 15 of the final stage, and the common ground terminal 51b is connected to the - input terminal 17 of the final stage. The DC-DC converter 50 is preferably designed as a boost converter and is used to generate a boost voltage 46 between its output terminal 51c and the common ground terminal, which is referred to hereinafter as U. boost This indicates that the boost voltage is higher than the battery voltage 52. Therefore, the output terminal 51c has a potential U. boost >U battFurther preferably, a boosting capacitor 48 is connected between the output terminal 51c and the common ground terminal 51b. This boosting capacitor buffers the boosting voltage 46 when the current flowing from the output terminal 51c to the load 12 must exceed the maximum current that the DC-DC converter 50 can provide. Further preferably, the final stage 10 includes a boosting switch 42 disposed between the output terminal 51c and the high-side output terminal 11 of the final stage 10. The boosting switch 42 can either connect the high-side output terminal 11 to the output terminal 51c, thereby increasing the potential U. boost >U batt The voltage is applied to the high-side output terminal 11, or the electrical connection between the high-side output terminal 11 and the output terminal 51c is turned off. More preferably, the final stage 10 includes a high-side switch 24 arranged between the + input terminal 15 and the high-side output terminal 11. Preferably, a high-side diode 58 is connected in series with the high-side switch 24. When the boost switch 42 is turned on, the high-side diode 58 withstands the reverse cutoff voltage applied to the series circuit consisting of the high-side switch 24 and the high-side diode 58. If the high-side switch 24 itself is suitable for cutoff relative to the reverse voltage, the high-side diode 58 can be omitted and replaced with a continuously conducting connection. The high-side switch 24 can either connect the high-side output terminal 11 to the + input terminal 15, thereby setting the potential U when the boost switch 42 is turned off. batt The electrical connection between the high-side output terminal 11 and the + input terminal 15 is either applied to or disconnected. Preferably, a freewheeling diode 56 is arranged between the high-side output terminal 11 and the - input terminal 17 or the point where the high-side output terminal 11 is connected to the - input terminal 17. This freewheeling diode ensures that the potential on the high-side output terminal 11 does not fall below zero even when both the boost switch 42 and the high-side switch 24 are off. If both the boost switch 42 and the high-side switch 24 are off, the current i flowing through the load 12 at that time can continue to flow via the freewheeling diode 56, but as long as the current i is greater than zero, the potential on the high-side output terminal 11 is equal to zero. More preferably, the final stage 10 includes a low-side switch 34. This low-side switch can be arranged between the low-side output terminal 13 and the - input terminal 17 or the point where the low-side output terminal 13 is connected to the - input terminal 17. The low-side switch 34 can either connect the low-side output terminal 13 or the -input terminal 17 to conduct, thereby applying a potential of 0 to the low-side output terminal 13, or disconnect the electrical connection between the low-side output terminal 13 and the -input terminal 17. Furthermore, preferably, a feedback diode 44 is connected between the low-side output terminal 13 and the output terminal 51c. This feedback diode ensures that even when the low-side switch 34 is off, the potential on the low-side output terminal 13 will not exceed U. boostIf the low-side switch 34 is off, the current i flowing through the load 12 at that time can continue to flow through the feedback diode 44, and as long as the current i is greater than zero, the potential at the low-side output terminal 13 is equal to U. boost .

[0050] Figure 2 The switching rules for regulating the current during the so-called boost phase are shown. This boost phase is typically the first stage of energizing the load 12 (preferably the coil of a solenoid valve) to establish magnetic flux in the load and, more preferably, to establish magnetic force in the solenoid valve. During this boost phase, the high-side switch 24 of the final stage 10 is permanently off and the low-side switch 34 of the final stage 10 is permanently on, thereby always operating at the highest possible voltage U. boost 46 is used to establish magnetic force. Figure 2 The current-time curve is shown with current axis 72 and time axis 62. Figure 2 The diagram illustrates a first switching threshold 22 and a second switching threshold 26, both higher than the first switching threshold. These switching thresholds 22 and 26 demarcate three numerical regions 64, 67, and 70 of the current i. The first region 64 includes all current values ​​less than the first switching threshold 22. The second region 70 includes all current values ​​greater than the second switching threshold 26. The intermediate region 67 includes all current values ​​between the first switching threshold 22 and the second switching threshold 26. If the current i is within the first region 64, the boost switch 42 is switched on, and the voltage u on the load 12 takes its highest possible value, u = U. boost If the current i is in the second region 70, the booster switch 42 is turned off and the voltage u on the load 12 is u = 0. If the current is in the intermediate region 67, the current switching state of the booster switch 42 remains unchanged. If the current value i is higher than the second switching threshold 26 and drops into the intermediate region 67, the booster switch 42 remains off. Conversely, if the current value finally crosses the first switching threshold from below into the intermediate region 67, the booster switch 42 remains on.

[0051] Typically, given the ohmic resistance of the load, the boost voltage and the current to be set are selected such that the boost switch 42 is turned on, and thus the voltage u = U boost This causes the current i to rise, while the off booster switch 42 and the resulting voltage u = 0 cause the current i to fall. This means that if the current is initially in the first region 64, the booster switch 42 turns on and the current i rises until the current i reaches the second switching threshold 26. At this instant, the booster switch 42 turns off, the voltage u jumps to u = 0 and the current i falls until it reaches the first switching threshold 22. At this instant, the booster switch 42 turns on again and the voltage u jumps to u = U. boostThe current i rises again until it reaches the second switching threshold 26 again and the boosting switch 42 turns off again. This process repeats as long as the boosting current phase is intended to continue, so that the current i first enters the intermediate region 67 and then remains within this region between the first switching threshold 22 and the second switching threshold 26. In this way, the average voltage across the load is automatically adjusted to the value required to maintain a DC current with an average value approximately between the first switching threshold 22 and the second switching threshold 26. Theoretically, this only applies if the voltage required for this is greater than U. boost There are exceptions when the value is less than 0. In the first of these two cases, even if u = U... boost The current will also drop below the first switching threshold 22. In the second case, theoretically, even though u = 0, the current will rise above the second switching threshold 26. The first case is achieved by selecting U... boost The first case occurs due to a design load of 12, while the second case is mainly theoretical and, even if it exists, it can only occur within a very short time interval.

[0052] This method enables reliable current regulation. Preferably, the DC-DC converter 50 is designed for high continuous power.

[0053] Figures 3a to 3d The typical trends of the main electrical and magnetic parameters are shown in the initial stages of the various blowing processes, particularly in the pressurization stage 63. These parameters were obtained using a solenoid valve used for gas blowing as load 12. Figures 3a to 3d Having a common time axis of 62 as the horizontal axis, in Figure 3d The timeline is marked in the middle. Figures 3a to 3d Each figure shows the parameter changes during multiple successive blow-in processes: 74, 982, 83, 88, and 116. Each control operation uniformly begins at the zero point of time axis 62.

[0054] exist Figure 3a In the graph, the current is marked on the vertical axis, so the vertical axis is the current axis 72. The graph shows the trend of the current i flowing through the load 12 over time during multiple blow-in processes 74. In addition, the first switching threshold 22 and the second switching threshold 26, as well as the first region 64, the second region 70, and the intermediate region 67 are also marked.

[0055] exist Figure 3b In the graph, voltage is marked on the vertical axis, so the vertical axis is the voltage axis 78. The graph shows the voltage applied to the load 12 over time during multiple blow-in processes, corresponding to the trend 74. Figure 3a and Figure 3b Showing according to Figure 2 The current and voltage of the regulation concept are interconnected. At the start of each operation, the current is preferably zero and therefore in the first region 64. Therefore, the booster switch 42 is switched on and the voltage has a value u = U. boost 46. ​​This causes the current i to rise. If the current reaches the second switching threshold 26, the boost switch turns off, the voltage jumps to the value u = 0, and then the current i decreases. If the current then reaches the first switching threshold 22, the boost switch 42 switches on again, and the voltage u jumps to the value u = U. boost 46 and the current rises again. Subsequently, the current i varies between the first switching threshold 22 and the second switching threshold 26, and the voltage is at the value u = U boost The voltage transitions between u = 0 and u = 0. Furthermore, the graph also shows the average voltage variation trends over various time intervals between a booster switch 42 conduction process and the immediately following booster switch 42 conduction process.

[0056] exist Figure 3c In the graph, the magnetic flux is marked on the vertical axis, so the vertical axis is the magnetic flux axis 84. The graph shows the trend 88 of the magnetic flux linked by the coil of the solenoid valve used as load 12 over time during multiple blow-in processes, corresponding to the trend 74.

[0057] exist Figure 3d In the graph, energy is marked on the vertical axis, so the vertical axis is the energy axis 112. This graph shows the change in energy delivered from the booster 18 to the load 12 over time during multiple blow-in processes, corresponding to the change trend 74. As can be seen in Figure 3, more than half of this energy is delivered to the load when the current i has reached its desired value in the intermediate region 67.

[0058] Figure 4 A first switching rule is shown, preferably used to regulate the current i during the boost phase. Here, the low-side switch 34 is continuously on throughout the observation period, and therefore the low-side output terminal 13 is continuously connected to the input terminal 17. Figure 2 curve Figure 1Similarly, this graph has a current axis 72 as the vertical axis and a time axis 62 as the horizontal axis. The graph plots a first switching threshold 22, a second switching threshold 26, and an intermediate switching threshold 20, where the intermediate switching threshold 20 is higher than the first switching threshold 22, and the second switching threshold is higher than the intermediate switching threshold 20. These switching thresholds 20, 22, and 26 demarcate four numerical regions 64, 66, 68, and 70 of the current i. The first region 64 includes all current values ​​less than the first switching threshold 22. The second region 70 includes all current values ​​greater than the second switching threshold 26. The first intermediate region 66 includes all current values ​​between the first switching threshold 22 and the intermediate switching threshold 20. The second intermediate region 68 includes all current values ​​between the intermediate switching threshold 20 and the second switching threshold 26. If the current i is in the first region 64, the boost switch 42 is switched on, and the voltage u on the load 12 takes its highest possible value, u = U. boost At this point, the switching state of 24 is preferably arbitrary, because as long as the booster switch 42 is on, the switching state of the high-side switch has no effect on the voltage u on the load. Furthermore, arbitrary switching between the on and off states of the high-side switch 24 is also permitted.

[0059] If the current i is in the second region 70, both the boost switch 42 and the high-side switch 24 are turned off and the voltage u on the load 12 is u = 0. The following switching rules are preferably applied in the first intermediate region 66: If the current is in the first intermediate region 66 and the boost switch 42 is switched on, and therefore the voltage u = U boost If 46 is applied to load 12, the switching state is maintained, wherein the switching state of the high-side switch 24 is still arbitrary and switching is also allowed. If the current is in the first intermediate region 66 and the boost switch 42 is off while the high-side switch 24 switches on and therefore the voltage u = U batt If 52 is applied to load 12, the same switching state is maintained. If the current is in the first intermediate region 66 and both boost switch 42 and high-side switch 24 are off, and therefore voltage u = 0 is applied to load 12, then the high-side switch switches on and the voltage on load 12 increases to u = U. batt 52.

[0060] In the second intermediate region 68, the following switching rule is preferably applied: if the current is in the second intermediate region 68 and both the booster switch 42 and the high-side switch 24 are off, and therefore voltage u = 0 is applied to the load 12, then the switching state is maintained. If the current is in the second intermediate region 68 and the booster switch 42 switches off while the high-side switch 24 switches on, and therefore voltage u = U battIf 52 is applied to load 12, the same switching state is maintained. If the current is in the second intermediate region and booster switch 42 switches on and therefore the voltage u = U boost If 46 is applied to load 12, then boost switch 42 will be turned off and high-side switch 24 will be switched on (if it was previously off) or kept on (if it was previously switched on) and the voltage on load 12 will be reduced to u = U. batt .

[0061] Figure 5 and Figure 6 The time-varying trend of the current i flowing through load 12 is shown in simplified form, as it appears when the switching rule is applied. Current i is labeled on the vertical axis in both graphs, therefore these two vertical axes are the current axis 72. Furthermore, in Figure 5 and Figure 6 The first switch threshold 22, the second switch threshold 26, and the intermediate switch threshold 20 are marked. The regions defined by the switch thresholds 20, 22, and 26 are also marked: the first region 64, the second region 70, the first intermediate region 66, and the second intermediate region 68.

[0062] Figure 5 This illustrates a trend in the variation of current i in load 12, such as the DC voltage U required to keep current i constant in one of the two intermediate regions 66, 68, greater than the battery voltage U. batt As it is at time 52. At the start of the control process, the current i is in the first region 64. Therefore, the boost switch 42 is switched on and the voltage u = U. boost A voltage 46 is applied to load 12. At this time, the high-side switch 24 can be either on or off. Based on the design of the entire system consisting of the final stage 10 and load 12, this switching state results in a rising current trend 118. If this switching state remains unchanged, the current i in load 12 will exceed the second switching threshold 26 after a short period. Current i first exceeds the first switching threshold 22 from the first region 64, thus entering the first intermediate region 66. According to the switching rules, booster switch 42 remains on, and the rising current trend 118 continues. Subsequently, current i moves from the first intermediate region 66 to the intermediate switching threshold 20 and then to the second intermediate region 68. At this instant, according to the switching rules of the second intermediate region 68, booster switch 42 is turned off, and the high-side switch 24 is either switched on or remains on. Therefore, the voltage applied to load 12 is u = U. batt 52. As mentioned earlier, in order to set a constant current, in the current case, the current value of the intermediate switching threshold 20, it is preferable in this example that the DC voltage U is greater than the battery voltage U. batt52. Therefore, switch to u = U batt 52 causes the current i to drop again, and a segment 120 with a decreasing gradient appears in the current change trend. Subsequently, the current i reaches the first switching threshold 22 from the first intermediate region 66 and then reaches the first region 64. According to the switching rules, the boost switch 42 switches to conduct again and the voltage u = U boost 46 is applied to the load again. Thus, the current change trend now again includes segment 118 with an upward gradient. Subsequently, segment 118 with an upward gradient alternates with segment 120 with a downward gradient, the segment with the upward gradient starting at the first switching threshold 22, ending at the intermediate switching threshold 20, and during this period, the voltage u = U. boost 46 is applied to load 12, and the segment with a decreasing gradient begins at the intermediate switching threshold 20 and ends at the first switching threshold 22, during which time the voltage u = U batt 52 is applied to load 12. Therefore, as Figure 5 As shown, the current i fluctuates between the first switching threshold 22 and the intermediate switching threshold 20. The time-averaged voltage U is between U batt 52 and U boost Between 46. Because the decreasing gradient of current i in section 120 is gentler than in other solutions where voltage u = 0 is always applied to load 12 to set the decreasing section, the proportion of the total time in current section 118 with an increasing gradient (during which energy is supplied to the load by the booster 18) decreases. As a result, less energy is extracted from the booster 18 in total compared to known solutions, and thus it can be designed with a smaller rated power. In contrast to known solutions, energy is now supplied to load 12 even in section 120 with a decreasing current gradient, but this time the energy comes not from the booster 18, but from the voltage source 102 of vehicle 100.

[0063] Figure 6 This illustrates a trend in the current i in load 12, such as the DC voltage U required to keep the current i constant in one of the two intermediate regions 66 and 68 being less than the battery voltage U. batt As occurred at time 52. At the start of the operation, the current i is in the first region 64. Therefore, the booster switch 42 is switched on and the voltage u = U. boost 46 is applied to load 12. At this time, the high-side switch 24 can be switched to either on or off. Subsequently, as... Figure 5As shown, the first rising segment 118 of the current i occurs, and this segment continues until the current i reaches the intermediate switching threshold 20 from the first intermediate region 66 and thus reaches the second intermediate region 68. At this instant, according to the switching rules of the second intermediate region 68, the boost switch 42 is turned off and the high-side switch 24 is either switched on or remains on. Therefore, the voltage applied to the load 12 is u = U. batt 52. As mentioned earlier, in order to set a constant current, which is the current value of the intermediate switching threshold in the current case, in this example, the DC voltage U needs to be less than the battery voltage U0. batt 52. Therefore, switch to u = U batt 52 causes the current i to continue rising, but due to the decrease in voltage U, it now rises more slowly than during the first rising segment 118. Subsequently, another segment 122 with an increasing gradient appears in the current change trend, but this gradient is smaller than that in the first rising segment 118. Next, the current i reaches the second switching threshold 26 from the second intermediate region 68 and thus reaches the second region 70. According to the switching rules, the high-side switch 24 is also turned off at this time and voltage u = 0 is applied to the load, which causes the current to decrease. Therefore, a segment 124 with a decreasing gradient now appears in the current change trend. If the current now reaches the intermediate switching threshold 20 from the second intermediate region 68 and thus reaches the first intermediate region 66, the high-side switch 24 is switched on again and voltage u = U batt 52 is applied to load 12. In this example, this again causes the current to rise and thus again results in a current segment 122 with an increasing gradient. Subsequently, the current segment 122 with an increasing gradient alternates with the current segment 124 with a decreasing gradient, the current segment with the increasing gradient starting at the intermediate switching threshold 20 and ending at the second switching threshold 26, during which time the voltage u = U. batt A voltage 52 is applied to load 12, and the segment with a decreasing gradient begins at the second switching threshold 26, ends at the intermediate switching threshold 20, and during this period, voltage u = 0 is applied to load 12. Therefore, as... Figure 6 As shown, the current i fluctuates between the intermediate switching threshold 20 and the second switching threshold 26. The time-averaged voltage U is between U battBetween 52 and 0. Since the booster switch 42 remains permanently off after the first rising segment 118 of the current trend ends, i.e., after the first reaching of the second intermediate region 68, energy is extracted from the booster unit 18 only during the first rising segment 118 of the current trend, and thus significantly less energy is extracted overall than in other solutions. The DC / DC converter 50 of the booster unit 18 can be designed with a smaller power rating. In contrast to known solutions, now, after the first rising segment 118 of the current trend ends, i.e., after the first reaching of the intermediate switching threshold 20, energy is now supplied to the load 12 only from the voltage source 102 of the vehicle 100.

[0064] Figure 7 A second preferred switching rule is shown, preferably used to regulate current i during the boost phase. Here, the low-side switch 34 is continuously on throughout the observation period, and therefore the low-side output terminal 13 is continuously connected to the input terminal 17. This illustration is provided by means of a graph, which plots current on its vertical axis (current axis 72) and time on its horizontal axis (time axis 62). Figure 7 The diagram illustrates the first switch threshold 22, the lower intermediate switch threshold 30, the upper intermediate switch threshold 28, and the second switch threshold 26. Here, the lower intermediate switch threshold 30 is higher than the first switch threshold 22, the upper intermediate switch threshold 28 is higher than the lower intermediate switch threshold 30, and the second switch threshold 26 is higher than the upper intermediate switch threshold 28. These switch thresholds and intermediate switch thresholds are used to derive the same... Figure 7 The regions drawn in the figure are: the first region 64 below the first switch threshold 22, the second region 70 above the second switch threshold 26, the lower middle region 66a between the first switch threshold 22 and the lower middle switch threshold 30, the upper middle region 68a between the upper middle switch threshold 28 and the second switch threshold 26, and the middle middle region 67a between the lower middle switch threshold 30 and the upper middle switch threshold 28.

[0065] Applicable in the first region 64 and in accordance with Figures 4 to 6 The same switching rules are used in region 64 of the first embodiment shown and explained.

[0066] The same switching rules as in region 70 according to the first embodiment continue to apply in the second region 70. The same switching rules as in the first intermediate region 66 of the first embodiment apply in the lower intermediate region 66a. The same switching rules as in the second intermediate region 68 according to the first embodiment apply in the upper intermediate region 68a. In the intermediate region 67a, the following switching rule applies: when current i is located in this intermediate region 67a, the respective switching states remain unchanged. The only exception to the rules in this intermediate region is that if the boost switch 42 switches to on, the high-side switch 24 can be arbitrarily switched to on or off, and transitions between these two states of the high-side switch 24 are also permitted.

[0067] Figure 8 and Figure 9 The time-varying trend of the current i flowing through load 12 is shown in simplified form, as it appears in the second embodiment where the preferred switching rule is applied. Current i is labeled on the vertical axis in both graphs; therefore, both vertical axes are current axes 72. Furthermore, in Figure 8 and Figure 9 The first switch threshold 22, the second switch threshold 26, the upper middle switch threshold 28, and the lower middle switch threshold 30 are drawn. Similarly, the regions defined by the switch thresholds 28, 30, 22, and 26 are marked: the first region 64, the second region 70, the lower middle region 66a, the upper middle region 68a, and the middle middle region 67a.

[0068] Figure 8 This illustrates a trend in the current i in load 12, such as the DC voltage U required to keep the current i constant in one of the intermediate regions 66a, 67a, and 68a, which is greater than the battery voltage U. batt As occurred at time 52. At the start of the control process, the current i is in the first region 64. Therefore, the boost switch 42 switches on and the voltage u = U. boost 46 is applied to load 12. At this time, the switching state of the high-side switch 24 is arbitrary. Based on the design of the entire system consisting of the final stage 10 and the load 12, this switching state causes an upward current change trend 128. If this switching state is maintained, the current i in the load 12 will continue to exceed the second switching threshold 26 after a short period of time.

[0069] The current i first enters the lower intermediate region 66a from the first region 64, exceeding the first switching threshold 22. According to the switching rules, the booster switch 42 remains on, and the rising current trend 128 continues. Subsequently, the current i moves from the lower intermediate region 66a to the lower intermediate switching threshold 30 and then to the middle intermediate region 67a. According to the switching rules, the booster switch 42 remains on, and the rising current trend 128 continues further. Next, the current i moves from the middle intermediate region 67a to the upper intermediate switching threshold 28 and then to the upper intermediate region 68a. At this instant, according to the switching rules of the upper intermediate region 68a, the booster switch 42 is turned off, and the high-side switch 24 is either switched on or remains on. Thus, the voltage applied to the load 12 is u = U batt 52. As mentioned at the beginning, in order to set a constant current, in the current case the current value of the upper intermediate switch threshold 28, in this example the DC voltage U needs to be greater than the battery voltage U. batt 52. Therefore, switch to u = U batt 52 causes the current i to drop and then a segment 126 with a decreasing gradient appears in the current change trend. Subsequently, the current first reaches the lower intermediate switching threshold 30 from the middle region 67a, and then reaches the lower intermediate region 66a. According to the switching rules of this region, the existing switching state is maintained, that is, the booster switch 42 is off, the high-side switch 24 is on, and the segment 126 with the decreasing gradient of the current i continues. Then, the current i reaches the first switching threshold 22 from the lower intermediate region 66a and then reaches the first region 64. According to the switching rules, the booster switch 42 switches to on again and the voltage u = U is turned on again. boost 46 is applied to the load. Therefore, in the current change trend, a segment 128 with an upward gradient now appears again, extending again to the upper intermediate switching threshold 28 and thus reaching the upper intermediate region 68a. Subsequently, the segment 128 with an upward gradient alternates with the segment 126 with a downward gradient, the segment with the upward gradient starting at the first switching threshold 22, ending at the upper intermediate switching threshold 28, and during this period, the voltage u = U. boost 46 is applied to load 12, and the segment with a decreasing gradient begins at the upper intermediate switching threshold 28, ends at the first switching threshold 22, and during this period the voltage u = U batt 52 is applied to load 12. Therefore, as Figure 8 As shown, the current i fluctuates between the first switching threshold 22 and the upper intermediate switching threshold 28. The time-averaged voltage U is between U batt 52 and U boostBetween 46 and 46. Because the gradient of current i in segment 126 is gentler than in the known solution (in which voltage u = 0 is always applied to load 12 to set the drop segment), the proportion of the rising current segment 128 (during which energy is supplied to the load by the booster 18) decreases. As a result, less energy is extracted from the booster 18 overall compared to the known solution, allowing it to be designed with a smaller power rating. Conversely, in the known solution, energy is now supplied to load 12 even in segment 126 with the current drop gradient, but this time the energy comes not from the booster 18, but from the voltage source 102 of vehicle 100.

[0070] Figure 9 This illustrates a trend in the current i in load 12, such that the DC voltage U required to keep the current i constant in one of the intermediate regions 66a, 67a, and 68a is less than the battery voltage U. batt As occurred at time 52. At the start of the triggering process, the current i is in the first region 64. Therefore, the boost switch 42 switches on and the voltage u = U. boost 46 is applied to load 12. At this time, the switching state of the high-side switch 24 is arbitrary. Subsequently, as... Figure 8 As shown, the first rising segment 128 of the current i occurs, and this segment continues until the current i reaches the upper intermediate switching threshold 28 from the middle intermediate region 67a and thus reaches the upper intermediate region 68a. At this instant, according to the switching rules of the upper intermediate region 68a, the boost switch 42 is turned off and the high-side switch 24 is either switched on or remains on. Therefore, the voltage applied to the load 12 is u = U. batt 52. As mentioned at the beginning, in order to set a constant current, in the current case the current value of the upper intermediate switch threshold 28, in this example the DC voltage U needs to be less than the battery voltage U. batt 52. Therefore, switch to u = U batt52 causes the current i to continue rising, but due to the decrease in voltage u, it now rises more slowly than during the first rising segment 128. Subsequently, another segment 130 with an upward gradient appears in the current change trend, but its gradient is smaller than that in the first rising segment 128. Then, the current i reaches the second switching threshold 26 from the upper intermediate region 68a and thus reaches the second region 70. According to the switching rules, the high-side switch 24 is also turned off and voltage u = 0 is applied to the load, which causes the current to decrease. Therefore, a segment 132 with a downward gradient now appears in the current change trend. During this segment, the current first reaches the upper intermediate switching threshold 28 from the upper intermediate region 68a and thus reaches the middle intermediate region 67a. According to the switching rules, the existing switching state is maintained, and the segment 132 with a downward gradient in the current change trend continues. If the current now reaches the lower intermediate switching threshold 30 from the middle intermediate region 67a and thus reaches the lower intermediate region 66a, the high-side switch 24 is switched on again and voltage u = U batt 52 is applied to load 12. In this example, this again causes the current to rise, thus again resulting in segment 134 with an increasing current gradient. During this segment 134, the current first reaches the upper intermediate switching threshold 28 from the middle intermediate region 67a, and then reaches the upper intermediate region 68a. According to the switching rules, the existing switching state is maintained, and segment 134 with an increasing current gradient continues. Then, the current reaches the second switching threshold 26 from the upper intermediate region 68a and then reaches the second region 70. Subsequently, segment 132 with a decreasing gradient alternates with segment 134 with an increasing gradient. The segment with a decreasing gradient starts at the second switching threshold 26, ends at the lower intermediate switching threshold 30, and during this period, voltage u = 0 is applied to load 12. The segment with an increasing gradient starts at the lower intermediate switching threshold 30, ends at the second switching threshold 26, and during this period, voltage u = U. batt 52 is applied to load 12. Therefore, as Figure 9 As shown, the current i fluctuates between the lower intermediate switching threshold 30 and the second switching threshold 26. The time-averaged voltage U is between U batt Between 52 and 0. Since the booster switch 42 remains permanently off after the first rising segment 128 of the current change trend, i.e., after the first reaching of the upper intermediate region 68a, energy is only extracted from the booster unit 18 during the first rising segment 128 of the current change trend, resulting in a significantly reduced overall energy extraction compared to known solutions. The DC / DC converter 50 of the booster unit 18 can be designed with a smaller power rating. Now, contrary to known solutions, after the end of the first rising segment 128 of the current change trend, and thus after the first reaching of the upper intermediate switch threshold 28, energy is only supplied to the load 12 from the voltage source 102 of the vehicle 100.

[0071] Figure 10 A vehicle 100 is shown, which has a voltage source 102 and a final stage 10 connected to the voltage source and to which a load 12 is connected, as described above.

[0072] This final stage can be enhanced to control additional loads 12a, 12b, etc., using one of the preferred switching rules. This is achieved by having additional low-side output terminals 13a, 13b, etc., and connecting additional feedback diodes 44a, 44b between each additional low-side output terminal 13a, 13b and the output terminal 51c of the DC-DC converter 50. Furthermore, additional low-side switches 34a, 34b are connected between each additional low-side output terminal 13a, 13b and the -input terminal 17 or the point where the connection to the -input terminal 17 is made. During the control of one of the loads 12, 12a, 12b, etc., the corresponding low-side switches 34, 34a, 34b are switched on, while all other low-side switches 34, 34a, 34b are turned off.

[0073] Furthermore, the vehicle 100 may have multiple such final stages 10. In the case of multiple final stages 10 in the vehicle 100, each of these final stages 10 may have its own supercharger 18, or two or more final stages 10 may share a common supercharger 18.

[0074] Figure 11 shows a flowchart illustrating the steps of method 300 for running final stage 10. Here, method 300 includes the following steps: • Receive S1 control signal, • The final stage is switched to at least one first switch position or a second switch position according to the control signal, wherein in the first switch position, the load 12 is connected to the booster device 18 so as to apply a boost voltage to the load 12, wherein in the second switch position, the high-side switch 24 and the load 12 are switched to be on and / or have been switched to be on, while the booster switch 42 is turned off so as to apply a predetermined voltage to the load 12.

[0075] Figure 12 shows a flowchart illustrating the steps of a method 200 according to one embodiment. Here, the method 200 of Figure 12 has the same steps S1 and S2 as described above with respect to Figure 11. Furthermore, the method 300 includes the following steps: • Switch the final stage S3 to the third switch position according to the control signal.

[0076] In addition, the method includes the following steps: • Detect the first switch threshold 22 in S4, switch to the first switch position S5 and switch to the second switch position S6.

[0077] More preferably, the method 300 includes the following steps: • Switch to turn off S7 boost switch 42, and / or switch to turn on S8 boost switch 42 and / or high-side switch 24.

Claims

1. A final stage (10) of a vehicle (100) for controlling at least one load (12) having inductive characteristics, comprising: • Control device (14) • Input component (16), which can be connected to the voltage source (102) of the vehicle (100), • A booster device (18) is configured to increase the voltage (52) of the voltage source (102) of the vehicle (100) to a predetermined booster voltage (46). • A high-side output contact (11) and at least one low-side output contact (13), wherein the at least one load (12) can be connected between the high-side output contact and the low-side output contact. • High-side switch (24), which is connected to the input component (16) and the high-side output contact (11), • Booster switch (42), which is connected to the high-side output contact (11) and the booster device (18), • The control device (14) is configured to switch the boost switch (42) to conduct so as to apply a boost voltage to the load. • The control device (14) is configured to switch the high-side switch (24) to the on if the boost switch (42) is switched off, so as to apply the voltage (52) of the voltage source (102) to the load. • And / or, the control device (14) is configured to: if the high-side switch (24) is switched on, switch the boost switch (42) off in order to apply the voltage (52) of the voltage source (102) to the load.

2. The final stage (10) according to claim 1. ·in, The control device (14) is configured to turn off the boost switch (42) and the high-side switch (24) so ​​that a voltage less than the voltage (52) of the voltage source (102) is applied to the load (12).

3. The final stage (10) according to claim 1 or 2. ·in, The control device (14) is configured to detect and / or store a first switch threshold (22), a second switch threshold (26), and an intermediate switch threshold (20). • In this case, the second switch threshold (26) is greater than the first switch threshold (22), the intermediate switch threshold (20) is greater than the first switch threshold (22), and the intermediate switch threshold (20) is less than the second switch threshold (26). •The control device (14) is configured to switch the booster switch (42) to conduct if the current flowing through the at least one load (12) is less than the first switching threshold (22).

4. The final stage (10) according to claim 3. • The control device (14) is configured to switch the boost switch (42) and the high-side switch (24) to off if the current flowing through the at least one load (12) is greater than the second switching threshold (26).

5. The final stage (10) according to claim 3 or 4. • The control device (14) is configured to: switch the booster switch (42) to off if the current flowing through the at least one load (12) is greater than the intermediate switch threshold (20).

6. The final stage (10) according to any one of claims 3 to 5. • The control device (14) is configured to switch the boost switch (42) and / or the high-side switch (24) to conduct if the current flowing through the at least one load (12) is less than the intermediate switch threshold (20).

7. The final stage (10) according to any one of claims 3 to 6. • The control device (14) is configured to: switch the booster switch (42) to off and switch the high-side switch (24) to on if the current flowing through the at least one load (12) is less than the second switching threshold (26) and greater than the intermediate switching threshold (20) and the booster switch (42) is switched on, and / or ·in, The control device (14) is configured to: maintain the current first switching state of the high-side switch (24) and the booster switch (42) if the current flowing through the at least one load (12) is less than the second switching threshold (26) and greater than the intermediate switching threshold (20) and the booster switch (42) is switched off, and / or • The control device (14) is configured to: switch the high-side switch (24) to conduct if the current flowing through the at least one load (12) is less than the intermediate switch threshold (20) and greater than the first switch threshold (22) and both the boost switch (42) and the high-side switch (24) are switched off, and / or •The control device (14) is configured to: if the current flowing through the at least one load (12) is less than the intermediate switch threshold (20) and greater than the first switch threshold (22) and the high-side switch (24) is switched on, then maintain the current second switch state of the high-side switch (24) and the booster switch (42).

8. The final stage (10) according to any one of claims 3 to 7. ·in, The intermediate switch threshold (20) includes a lower intermediate switch threshold (30) and an upper intermediate switch threshold (28), wherein the lower intermediate switch threshold (30) is greater than the first switch threshold (22) and less than the second switch threshold (26), and the upper intermediate switch threshold (28) is greater than the lower intermediate switch threshold (30) and less than the second switch threshold (26). • Wherein, the control device (14) is configured to: switch the booster switch (42) to conduct if the current flowing through the at least one load (12) is less than a first switching threshold (22), and / or • Wherein, the control device (14) is configured to: switch the booster switch (42) and the high-side switch (24) to off if the current flowing through the at least one load (12) is greater than the second switching threshold (26), and / or, • The control device (14) is configured to: switch the booster switch (42) to off if the current flowing through the at least one load (12) is greater than the upper intermediate switch threshold (28), and / or • The control device (14) is configured to switch the boost switch (42) and / or the high-side switch (24) to conduct if the current flowing through the at least one load (12) is less than the lower intermediate switch threshold (30).

9. The final stage (10) according to claim 8. • The control device (14) is configured to: switch the booster switch (42) to off and switch the high-side switch (24) to on if the current flowing through the at least one load (12) is less than the second switching threshold (26) and greater than the upper intermediate switching threshold (28) and the booster switch (42) is switched on, and / or ·in, The control device (14) is configured to: maintain the current third switching state of the high-side switch (24) and the booster switch (42) if the current flowing through the at least one load (12) is less than the second switching threshold (26) and greater than the upper intermediate switching threshold (28) and the booster switch (42) is switched off, and / or • The control device (14) is configured to: switch the high-side switch (24) to conduct if the current flowing through the at least one load (12) is less than the lower intermediate switch threshold (30) and greater than the first switch threshold (22) and both the boost switch (42) and the high-side switch (24) are switched off, and / or • The control device (14) is configured to: maintain the current fourth switching state of the high-side switch (24) and the booster switch (42) if the current flowing through the at least one load (12) is less than the lower intermediate switch threshold (30) and greater than the first switch threshold (22) and the booster switch (42) is switched on or the high-side switch (24) is switched on, and / or •The control device (14) is configured to maintain the current fifth switch state of the high-side switch (24) and the booster switch (42) if the current flowing through the at least one load (12) is less than the upper intermediate switch threshold (28) and greater than the lower intermediate switch threshold (30).

10. The final stage (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one load (12) has at least one solenoid valve.

11. The final stage (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. ·in, The input component (16) has a first input contact (15) and a second input contact (17); • The first input contact (15) has a higher potential than the second input contact (17).

12. The final stage (10) according to claim 11. ·in, The boosting device (18) has an output contact (51c), wherein the boosting device (18) is configured to apply the boosting voltage between the output contact (51c) and the second input contact (17).

13. The final stage (10) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, The final stage has a freewheeling diode (56) connected between the second input contact and the high-side output contact (11).

14. The final stage (10) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein, The final stage has at least one low-side switch (34) connected between the low-side output contact (13) and the second input contact (17); and / or The final stage (10) has at least one feedback diode (44) connected between the low-side output contact (13) and the output contact (51c).

15. An inlet assembly (200) for introducing fluid into a combustion chamber, having a final stage (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

16. A vehicle (100) having a final stage (10) according to any one of the preceding claims and / or having a control device (102) configured to perform the steps of the method (300) according to any one of the following claims.

17. A method (300) for running the final stage (10), comprising the following steps: • Receive (S1) control signal, • The final stage (10) is switched (S2) to at least a first switching position or a second switching position according to the control signal, wherein in the first switching position, the load (12) is connected to the booster device (18) so as to apply a boost voltage to the load (12). • In the second switching position, the high-side switch (24) and the load (12) are switched on and / or switched on, while the boost switch (42) is off so as to apply a predetermined voltage to the load (12).

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of: • The final stage (10) is switched (S3) to the third switch position according to the control signal, wherein the boost switch (42) and the high-side switch (24) are turned off in the third switch position.

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, further comprising the step of: • Detect (S4) the first switch threshold (22), the second switch threshold (26) and the intermediate switch threshold (20). • Among them, the second switch threshold (26) is greater than the first switch threshold (22), and the intermediate switch threshold (20) is greater than the first switch threshold (22) and less than the second switch threshold (26). • If the current flowing through the load (12) is less than the first switching threshold (22), then switch to the first switching position (S5), and / or • If the current flowing through the load (12) is greater than the second switching threshold (26), then switch to the third switching position (S6). If the current flowing through the at least one load (12) is less than the intermediate switch threshold (20) and greater than the first switch threshold (22), then either the switch is switched to the first switch position or the switch is switched to the second switch position. • If the current flowing through the at least one load (12) is greater than the intermediate switch threshold (20) and less than the second switch threshold (26), then either switch to the second switch position or switch to the third switch position.

20. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, • Among them, the intermediate switch threshold (20) includes the lower intermediate switch threshold (30) and the upper intermediate switch threshold (28), wherein, The intermediate switch threshold (20) is greater than the first switch threshold (22) and less than the second switch threshold (26), and the upper intermediate switch threshold (28) is greater than the lower intermediate switch threshold (30) and less than the second switch threshold (26). The method further includes the following steps: • If the current flowing through the at least one load (12) is greater than the upper intermediate switch threshold (28), then the booster switch (42) is switched off (S7); and / or • If the current flowing through the at least one load (12) is less than the lower intermediate switch threshold (30), then switch on (S8) the boost switch (42) and / or the high-side switch (24).

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