Control unit for an injector, method for operating an injector, vehicle and device

Abstract

The invention relates to a control unit (10) for an injector (50), having a regulating unit (12) which is designed to detect at least one first change curve (14) of a characteristic variable of an actuator (52) of the injector (50), wherein the regulating unit (12) is designed to determine a starting point (16) and an end point (18) of a falling section (20) of the characteristic variable in the first change curve (14), wherein the regulating unit (12) is designed to minimize a difference (22) between an actual position (24) and a target position (26) of a needle element (54) of the injector (50) by means of the starting point (16) and the end point (18).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control unit for an injector, a method for operating an injector, a vehicle, and a device. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, there are numerous different solutions for blowing or injecting fluid into the combustion chamber. Due to increasing efficiency and service life requirements, the demand for innovative and robust methods for controlling injectors continues to grow.

[0003] The ongoing weight reduction efforts aimed at reducing fuel consumption and the increasing cost pressures brought about by fierce competition in the automotive sector have created a stronger demand for more advantageous and efficient vehicle components. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Compared to known solutions, the control unit for the injector according to the invention, having the features of claim 1, has the advantages of reducing excess energy during the opening process of the needle element, and thus reducing or avoiding load or wear on the injector. This can be achieved in particular by individually adjusting parameters, especially characteristic parameters for controlling the actuator, for each blow-in or injection process, so as to adapt it to different boundary conditions. More preferably, a regulating loop can be implemented to maintain the elimination duration (Löschdauer), especially the rapid elimination duration, at a defined level, and thus continuously identify and compensate for changes in opening characteristics. Regarding the rapid elimination duration, for example, a current level required due to the application of a reverse voltage can be involved to reduce the rapid elimination duration to a low level (preferably zero). This, in particular, enables sustained optimized opening of the injector, thereby reducing, for example, wear, energy consumption, and noise generation, and improving the metering accuracy of the injector.

[0005] According to the invention, this is achieved by the control unit for the injector having an adjustment unit. The adjustment unit is configured to detect at least one first variation curve of a characteristic parameter of the injector's actuator, wherein the adjustment unit is configured to determine the start and end points of the descending segment of the characteristic parameter in the first variation curve, and wherein the adjustment unit is configured to minimize the difference between the actual position and the target position of the injector's needle element by means of the start and end points.

[0006] In other words, the start and end points of the elimination process, especially during rapid elimination or fast decay, can be determined so that the motion change curve of the needle element can be determined, allowing the needle to be positioned at its maximum value. For example, the first change curve could be a current or voltage change curve on the actuator of the injector during an injection or intake process. Here, the first change curve can have a first region configured to abslenken the needle. Furthermore, the first change curve can have a second region configured to keep the needle open for a predetermined time period. Due to the dynamic nature of the needle element's motion, the needle element should abslenken at a predetermined position, such as its actual position. However, due to acceleration or environmental factors, a difference may exist between the target position and the actual position of the needle element. By adjusting the characteristic parameters at the start and / or end points, or the falling segment, of the first change curve, the difference between the actual and target positions of the needle element can be minimized or essentially zeroed. In particular, the duration between the start and end points can be changed, for example, by adjusting the duration of booster, thereby altering the needle motion and thus the subsequent elimination duration. More preferably, in order to determine the elimination duration, current measurement, voltage measurement and / or feedback via a digital interface can be performed by the controller.

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

[0008] Preferably, the first variation curve of the characteristic parameter has a first level and a second level, wherein at least one first value of the characteristic parameter in the first level is greater than at least one second value of the characteristic parameter in the second level, and wherein the falling segment is located between the first level and the second level.

[0009] The advantage of this implementation is that the relevant motion process of the needle element in the first change curve is identified or defined by defining the descending segment between the first and second levels, so that the minimization can be performed. More preferably, the first level can be a current level or a voltage level to deflect or accelerate the needle, and the second level can be set to keep the needle element substantially constant on or similar.

[0010] More preferably, the adjustment unit is configured to obtain the motion change curve of the needle element between the start point and the end point using the start point and the end point.

[0011] The advantage of this implementation is that the trajectory of the needle element during the blowing or spraying process can be deduced by obtaining the motion change curve of the needle element between the starting point and the ending point. The actual position of the needle element can be determined based on the motion change curve of the derived trajectory.

[0012] More preferably, the adjustment unit is configured to determine the actual position based on the motion change curve, wherein the actual position is the maximum offset of the needle element in the first change curve.

[0013] The advantage of this implementation is that excess energy or motion can be detected by using the actual position as the maximum offset, allowing the control unit to adjust the characteristic parameters on the actuator accordingly for different variation curves or different blow-in processes.

[0014] Preferably, the adjustment unit is configured to output a control signal based on the difference in the first variation curve, the control signal being configured to minimize the difference in the second variation curve of the characteristic parameter.

[0015] The advantage of this implementation is that the blowing or spraying process can be further or continuously optimized within multiple blowing or spraying processes using control signals. For example, the difference between the actual position and the target position can be determined in the first variation curve, and the movement of the needle element or the characteristic parameters on the actuator can be adjusted accordingly in the second variation curve to minimize the difference.

[0016] More preferably, the control signal is configured to change the start point and / or end point in the second change curve, thereby minimizing the difference.

[0017] The advantage of this implementation is that the adjustment of the starting point and / or ending point using characteristic parameters in the first and / or second variation curves can be used to further optimize the blowing process. For example, the starting point can be selected earlier or later in the second variation curve, and the same applies to the ending point.

[0018] More preferably, the adjustment unit is configured to detect and / or receive at least one environmental parameter of the injector, wherein the adjustment unit is configured to minimize the difference based on the environmental parameter.

[0019] The advantage of this implementation is that the difference can be minimized by using environmental parameters, such as ambient temperature or similar parameters, or the starting point and / or ending point can be adjusted accordingly to reduce the difference between the actual position and the target position.

[0020] Preferably, the adjustment unit is configured to store and / or receive a reference change curve of the characteristic parameters of the actuator, wherein the adjustment unit is configured to minimize the difference based on the reference change curve of the characteristic parameters.

[0021] The advantage of this implementation is that, for example, a reference change curve can be detected under standard conditions, in a static position, in a fully open position, or under similar conditions, so that the minimization of the difference can be further optimized.

[0022] More preferably, the adjustment unit is configured to send a test signal to the actuator, wherein the test signal is configured to generate a test change curve of the characteristic parameter, wherein the adjustment unit is configured to determine the test start point and / or test end point in the test descent segment of the characteristic parameter in the test change curve, wherein the test signal is configured to ensure that the actuator does not substantially produce a shift in the needle element, and wherein the adjustment unit is configured to minimize the difference based on the test start point and end point.

[0023] The advantage of this implementation is that, for example, when there is high back pressure on the needle element, the actuator can be manipulated in a test manner to generate test control. The start and end points of the test control can be determined from the change curve of this test control, thus allowing for further minimization of the difference. Here, the control can be performed such that the injector cannot open even under such high back pressure. Therefore, the actuator can be manipulated without any deviation.

[0024] Preferably, the characteristic parameters are the voltage applied to the actuator and / or the current applied to the actuator.

[0025] The advantage of this implementation is that appropriate characteristic parameters can be selected according to the application scenario. For example, the current and voltage on the actuator can be a voltage and / or current set to generate a magnetic field to move the needle element.

[0026] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for operating an injector, the method comprising the following steps: - The first variation curve of the characteristic parameters of the actuator of the injector. - Determine the start and end points of the descending segment of the characteristic parameter in the first variation curve. - Minimize the difference between the actual position and the target position of the injector's needle element by using the start and end points.

[0027] Another aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle having a control unit as described above and below and / or having a controller configured to perform the steps of the methods described above and below.

[0028] Another aspect of the invention relates to an apparatus having a control unit as described above and below and / or having a controller configured to perform the steps of the methods described above and below.

[0029] Preferably, the vehicle and / or the device may have a combustion engine, which is at least connected to a control unit. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1 A control unit according to one embodiment is shown. Figures 2a-2f A graph illustrating the functional mode of a control unit according to one embodiment is shown. Figure 3 A logic block diagram illustrating the functional mode of a control unit according to one embodiment is shown. Figures 4a-4d A graph illustrating the functional mode of a control unit according to one embodiment is shown. Figures 5a-5c A graph illustrating the functional mode of a control unit according to one embodiment is shown. Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating the steps of a method according to one embodiment is shown, and Figure 7 A vehicle according to one embodiment is shown.

[0031] Preferably, in all the drawings, the same units, elements and / or steps are given the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Figure 1 A control unit 10 according to one embodiment is shown. Here, the control unit 10 for the injector 50 can be connected to the actuator 52 of the injector 50 in a signal transmission and / or energy transmission manner. More preferably, the actuator 52 can be configured to deflect the needle element 54 of the injector 50. More preferably, the control unit 10 for the injector 50 has an adjustment unit 12. Preferably, the adjustment unit 12 can be configured to detect at least one first variation curve 14 of a characteristic parameter of the actuator 52 of the injector 50, wherein the adjustment unit 12 is configured to determine a start point 16 and an end point 18 in a descending segment 20 of the first variation curve 14 of the characteristic parameter, wherein the adjustment unit 12 is configured to minimize the difference 22 between the actual position 24 and the target position 26 of the needle element 54 of the injector 50 by means of the start point 16 and the end point 18.

[0033] Figure 2aA graph 300 is shown illustrating the functional mode of the control unit 10 according to one embodiment. The graph 300 has a first axis 301 and a second axis 302, the first axis describing the offset of the needle element 54 and the second axis plotting time. A motion change curve 32 can be obtained during the offset 304 of the needle element 54, which is located between a starting point 16 and an ending point 18 in time. More preferably, the difference 22 between the actual position 24 and the target position 26 can be obtained, wherein the target position 26 is... Figure 2a It is drawn as a line. For example... Figure 2a As shown, the maximum offset of the needle element 54, i.e., the actual position 24, is essentially equal to the target position 26, and therefore the (difference) is zero.

[0034] Figure 2b A graph 400 illustrates the variation curves of characteristic parameters of actuator 52. Here, current and / or voltage can be plotted on the first axis 402. Preferably, time is plotted on the second axis 404. Preferably, the first variation curve 14 has a first level 28 and a second level 30, the first level being set for inducing movement of the needle element 54, and the second level being set for braking the needle element 54. Between the two levels 28 and 30, a descending segment 20 of the characteristic parameter occurs in the first variation curve 14, which can be defined by a start point 16 and an end point 18.

[0035] Figure 2c A graph 300 is shown illustrating the functional mode of the control unit 10 according to one embodiment. Preferably, the graph 300 has a first axis 301 and a second axis 302, the first axis plotting the offset 304 of the needle element 54, and the second axis plotting time. Figure 2c As shown, preferably, the actual position 24 that can be obtained by means of the motion change curve 32 is greater than the target position 26, so that a difference 22 is generated.

[0036] Figure 2d The graph 400 is shown, which illustrates... Figure 2c The curves in Figure 300 show the current change curves and / or voltage change curves. Figure 2d The characteristic parameter is shown as the descending segment 20 in curve 14, between the starting point 16 and the ending point 18. (Example) Figure 2d As shown, the descent rate is high during this descent phase.

[0037] Figure 2eA graph 300 illustrating the offset 304 of the needle element 54 is shown, having a first axis 301 plotted as distance and a second axis 302 plotted as time 302. More preferably, the actual position 24 and target position 26 of the needle element 54 can be determined using the motion change curve 32, thereby minimizing the difference 22. Figure 2e As shown, the difference 22 is essentially zero.

[0038] Figure 2f A graph 400 is shown illustrating the functional mode of a control unit 10 according to one embodiment. Graph 400 has a first axis 402 and a second axis 404, the first axis representing current and / or voltage, and the second axis representing time. As shown in graph 400, the motion change curve 32 is obtained by measuring the descending segment 20 between the starting point 16 and the ending point 18, so that the actual position and the target position can be determined. Figure 2d and Figure 2f Compared to what can be seen, the descent segment 20 is different, in that, Figure 2e It has a difference that is essentially zero, where, Figure 2c It has a difference. For example, Figure 2c The change curve in the data can be the change curve from the first detection. Figure 2f The variation curve in the curve can be an adjusted variation curve to minimize the difference.

[0039] Figure 3 A logic block diagram 500 is shown to illustrate the functional mode of a control unit 10 according to one embodiment. The logic block diagram 500 has a first step 502, which may describe the boundary conditions or exemplary characteristics of the injector. In step 504, a target value for eliminating duration or the distance between the start point 16 and the end point 18 may be calculated based on the boundary conditions in step 502. In step 506, in particular, the target value and actual value of eliminating duration or the position of the needle element 54 may be used to determine the adjustment of the parameters of the injector 50 in step 510. Preferably, the difference 22 may be minimized in step 510. More preferably, the parameters from step 510 may be input into the injector in step 512 so that the actual position can be adjusted accordingly.

[0040] Figure 4a A graph 400 is shown illustrating the functional mode of a control unit 10 according to one embodiment. The graph 400 has a first axis 402 plotted for current or voltage, and a second axis 404 plotted for time. Preferably, a descending segment 20 between a starting point 16 and an ending point 18 can be defined. Here, the descending segment 20 may occur particularly between a first level 28 and a second level 30.

[0041] Figure 4b Showing with Figure 4a Similar to the curve 400 shown, where the first variation curve 14 and Figure 4a The first change curve 14 is different. For example, the first level 28 can also be in (compared to) Figure 4a In half of the positions or similar positions, while the second level 30 is essentially zero.

[0042] Figure 4c Showing with Figure 4a In a preferred manipulation of the curve 400, the descending segment 20 between the first level 28 and the second level 30 is selected such that the value of the first level 28 is higher than the value of the second level 30, wherein the second level 30 is not zero.

[0043] Figure 4d The graph 400 shows another variation curve, particularly the first variation curve 14, in which the second level 30 is preferably constant during the hold-open phase of the needle element 54.

[0044] Figure 5a A graph 300 is shown illustrating the functional mode of the control unit 10 according to one embodiment. The offset of the needle element 54 is shown on the first axis 301, and time points are shown on the second axis 302. Preferably, the curve 304 showing the change in the offset of the needle element 54 particularly has the maximum position in the actual position 24, which substantially corresponds to the target position 26. The curve 32 showing the change in the motion of the needle element 54 can be obtained particularly during the descent segment 20.

[0045] Figure 5b A graph 400 is shown illustrating the functional mode of the control unit 10 according to one embodiment. The current that can be applied to the actuator 52 is plotted in particular on the first axis 402, and time is plotted on the second axis 404. Figure 5b As shown, a descending segment 20 is preferably present between the first level 28 and the second level 30. Here, the descending segment 20 is particularly defined by a starting point 16 and an ending point 18, which are located on the first change curve 14.

[0046] Figure 5c A graph 600 is shown illustrating the functional mode of the control unit 10 according to one embodiment. Preferably, Figure 5c The region 16, zoomed in up to the end at 30, is shown as belonging to Figure 5bThe voltage change curve. Preferably, the current drop between 16 and 18 is achieved by applying a negative voltage, and corresponds exactly to the duration of the plateau at the negative level. Time point 18 is the end of this plateau. Preferably, the voltage change curve 606 after the endpoint 18 may contain additional information about the stroke change curve, which may be used to adjust the elimination duration or the start point 16 or the endpoint 18.

[0047] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating the steps of a method 100 according to one embodiment is shown. The method 100 for operating an injector 50 includes the following steps: - First variation curve 14 of the characteristic parameters of the actuator 52 of the S1 injector 50 are detected. - Determine the starting point 16 and ending point 18 of the descending segment 20 of the first variation curve 14 for the S2 characteristic parameter. - By using the starting point 16 and the ending point 18, the difference 22 between the actual position 24 and the target position 26 of the needle element 54 of the injector 50 is minimized (S2).

[0048] Figure 7 A vehicle 200 according to one embodiment is shown. The vehicle 200 has a control unit 10 as described above and below and / or a controller 202 configured to perform the steps of the method 100 as described above and below.

Claims

1. A control unit (10) for an injector (50), the control unit having an adjustment unit (12) configured to detect at least one first variation curve (14) of a characteristic parameter of an actuator (52) of the injector (50), wherein, The adjustment unit (12) is configured to determine the starting point (16) and the ending point (18) of the characteristic parameter in the descending segment (20) of the first variation curve (14), wherein the adjustment unit (12) is configured to minimize the difference (22) between the actual position (24) and the target position (26) of the needle element (54) of the injector (50) by means of the starting point (16) and the ending point (18).

2. The control unit (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The first variation curve (14) of the feature parameter has a first level (28) and a second level (30), wherein at least one first value of the feature parameter in the first level (28) is greater than at least one second value of the feature parameter in the second level (30), wherein the falling segment (20) is located between the first level (28) and the second level (30).

3. The control unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The adjustment unit (12) is configured to obtain the motion change curve (32) of the needle element (54) between the starting point (16) and the ending point (18) using the starting point (16) and the ending point (18).

4. The control unit (10) according to claim 3, wherein, The adjustment unit (12) is configured to determine the actual position (24) based on the motion change curve (32), wherein the actual position (24) is the maximum offset (34) of the needle element (54) in the first change curve (14).

5. The control unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The adjustment unit (12) is configured to output a control signal based on the difference (22) in the first variation curve (14), and the control signal is configured to minimize the difference in the second variation curve (36) of the characteristic parameter.

6. The control unit (10) according to claim 5, wherein, The control signal is set to change the starting point (16) and / or the ending point (18) in the second change curve (36) so that the difference (22) is minimized.

7. The control unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The adjustment unit (12) is configured to detect and / or receive at least one environmental parameter of the injector (50), wherein the adjustment unit (12) is configured to minimize the difference (22) based on the environmental parameter.

8. The control unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The adjustment unit (12) is configured to store and / or receive a reference change curve of the characteristic parameters of the actuator (52), wherein the adjustment unit (12) is configured to minimize the difference (22) based on the reference change curve of the characteristic parameters.

9. The control unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The adjustment unit (12) is configured to send a test signal to the actuator (52), wherein the test signal is configured to generate a test change curve of the characteristic parameter, wherein the adjustment unit (12) is configured to determine the test start point and / or test end point in the test descent segment of the characteristic parameter in the test change curve, wherein the test signal is configured to make the actuator (52) substantially not produce an offset of the needle element (54), wherein the adjustment unit (12) is configured to minimize the difference (22) according to the test start point and end point.

10. The control unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The characteristic parameters are the voltage applied to the actuator (52) and / or the current applied to the actuator (52).

11. A method (100) for operating an injector (50), the method comprising the steps of: - Detect (S1) the first change curve (14) of the characteristic parameters of the actuator (52) of the injector (50). - Determine the starting point (16) and ending point (18) of the descending segment (20) of the characteristic parameter described in (S2) in the first change curve (14). - By means of the starting point (16) and the ending point (18), the difference (22) between the actual position (24) and the target position (26) of the needle element (54) of the injector (50) is minimized (S2).

12. A vehicle (200) having a control unit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and / or having a controller (202) configured to perform the steps of the method (100) according to claim 11.

13. An apparatus having a control unit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and / or having a controller (202) configured to perform the steps of the method (100) according to claim 11.

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