System and method for controlling the cooling of an internal combustion engine

Abstract

Method for controlling the cooling of a piston of at least one cylinder (250) of an internal combustion engine, comprising the steps: - Providing a pressurized cooling medium at a crankcase side of the cylinder (250) via a first valve arrangement (240) comprising a cooling medium inlet and a cooling medium outlet and a spring-loaded piston arrangement (241, 242) for a flow connection between the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet at a predetermined coolant pressure at the inlet, and - Providing the cooling medium at a second valve arrangement (220) for providing cooling medium to the spring-loaded piston arrangement (241, 242) for controlling the predetermined cooling medium pressure, characterized by the step: - Providing, in the spring-loaded piston arrangement (241, 242), an additional spring-loaded piston (243) to provide a specific coolant flow rate from the inlet to the outlet at a coolant pressure at the inlet below the predetermined coolant pressure.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for controlling the cooling of an internal combustion engine. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for controlling the cooling of a piston of at least one cylinder of an internal combustion engine. The invention further relates to a computer program product comprising program code for a computer for carrying out a method according to the invention. It further relates to a system for controlling the cooling of a piston of at least one cylinder of an internal combustion engine and a motor vehicle equipped with the system. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Adequate and proper cooling of a piston in at least one cylinder of an internal combustion engine is essential for its correct operation. The internal combustion engine may, for example, be designed to generate torque to propel a vehicle, such as a heavy vehicle.

[0003] Nowadays, piston cooling is achieved by injecting a cooling medium onto the crankcase side of an engine cylinder that houses a piston. The cooling medium is supplied to the cylinder via a pump system and a valve assembly. The cooling medium can be a cooling oil. The crankcase side of the cylinder faces the combustion chamber. In this way, the piston of the internal combustion engine cylinder is cooled. The cooling medium is circulated in a closed loop via a cooling medium reservoir, the pump, the various cylinders of the internal combustion engine, and back to the reservoir.

[0004] The valve assembly is provided with a spring-loaded piston designed to open at a predetermined coolant pressure supplied by the pump assembly. This predetermined coolant pressure can be any suitable pressure, such as 2 bar. If the coolant pressure supplied by the pump assembly is below the predetermined coolant pressure, the valve assembly closes and piston cooling of the cylinder(s) is stopped. Similarly, if the coolant pressure supplied by the pump assembly exceeds the predetermined coolant pressure, the valve assembly opens and piston cooling of the cylinder(s) is provided.

[0005] Even if the solution presented can work satisfactorily in some engine operating conditions, it also has some disadvantages.

[0006] In certain operating conditions of the internal combustion engine, where the coolant pressure exceeds the predetermined coolant pressure, continuous cooling of the respective piston is provided. This is not always desirable, and cooling can occur even though a relatively high operating temperature of the internal combustion engine would be optimal for various reasons.

[0007] In some other operating conditions of the internal combustion engine, which involve, for example, relatively small loads, excessive cooling of a piston of at least one cylinder of the internal combustion engine may be provided, which may result in unnecessary fuel consumption being required to increase the temperature of the engine at a later time.

[0008] EP 1 929 130 A1 relates to a valve configuration which allows the provision of a cooling medium at relatively low engine speeds by providing one inlet and two outlets for the cooling medium.

[0009] JP 2009-97372A discloses that a pressure relief valve is arranged between an oil pump and an oil nozzle in a first oil pressure path that directs the oil supplied by the engine's oil pump to a piston nozzle. An oil pressure corresponding to that acting on the pressure-receiving surface acts on the back side of a pressure relief valve provided within the valve. When the same oil pressure acts on the pressure-receiving surface and the back side, the pressure relief valve interrupts the oil supply to the oil nozzle by the force of a spring. This stops the oil from being discharged from the nozzle.

[0010] KR 10 2012 0 006 592 A discloses an oil jet valve with a two-stage check valve comprising a check valve and a nozzle. The check valve includes a first and a second piston. The first piston is elastically mounted in a valve body. The first piston switches an oil channel to supply oil to the nozzle within a suitable pressure range for the oil pressure. The second piston is elastically mounted in the first piston. The second piston switches an oil channel to discharge the oil supplied above a suitable pressure range for the oil pressure. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] There is a need for an improved cooling system that can eliminate or reduce the disadvantages.

[0012] It is an object of the present invention to propose a new and advantageous method for controlling the cooling of a piston of at least one cylinder of an internal combustion engine.

[0013] A further object of the invention is to propose a new and advantageous system and a new and advantageous computer program for controlling the cooling of a piston of at least one cylinder of an internal combustion engine.

[0014] A further object of the present invention is to propose a new and advantageous method which provides reliable, adequate and desirable cooling of a piston of at least one cylinder of an internal combustion engine in various operating states of the internal combustion engine.

[0015] A further object of the invention is to propose a new and advantageous system and a new and advantageous computer program that provide sufficient cooling of a piston of at least one cylinder of an internal combustion engine even at relatively low cooling medium pressures.

[0016] Another task is to propose a method, a system and a computer program that achieve fuel-efficient cooling of a piston of at least one cylinder of an internal combustion engine.

[0017] Another task is to propose an alternative method, an alternative system, and an alternative computer program for controlling the cooling of a piston of at least one cylinder of an internal combustion engine.

[0018] Some of these problems are solved by a method according to claim 1. Other problems are solved by a system in accordance with what is described herein. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims. Essentially the same advantages of the method steps apply to corresponding means of the inventive system.

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, a method for controlling the cooling of a piston of at least one cylinder of an internal combustion engine is provided.

[0020] The method comprises the step of providing a pressurized cooling medium to a crankcase side of the cylinder via a first valve arrangement comprising a cooling medium inlet and a cooling medium outlet and a spring-loaded piston arrangement for flow connection between the cooling medium inlet and the cooling medium outlet at a predetermined cooling medium pressure at the inlet.

[0021] The process includes the step of supplying the cooling medium to a second valve arrangement to supply cooling medium to the spring-loaded piston arrangement to control the predetermined cooling medium pressure.

[0022] By controlling the second valve assembly, e.g., electrically or electronically, the predetermined cooling medium pressure can be controlled efficiently and reliably. This allows pressure equalization to be achieved at the second valve assembly. The second valve assembly can be controlled by an electronic control unit.

[0023] This allows the cooling of the piston of at least one cylinder to be interrupted, even if the cooling medium pressure at the inlet of the first valve arrangement is above a pressure corresponding to the acting force of the spring acting on the piston arrangement.

[0024] This advantageously provides a versatile, robust and reliable cooling method.

[0025] Advantageously, the proposed method is applicable to various internal combustion engines, e.g. diesel engines or gasoline engines.

[0026] The method may include the step of controlling the second valve arrangement to control the spring-loaded piston arrangement in order to provide a specific cooling medium pressure in addition to the spring load of the spring-loaded piston arrangement.

[0027] This allows for appropriate cooling based on the current operating state of the internal combustion engine. It also allows for appropriate cooling based on a future predicted operating state of the internal combustion engine. This enables the use of electronic maps and / or predictive information for appropriate control of the second valve assembly. According to one embodiment, certain parameters, such as the prevailing coolant temperature, can be used for appropriate control of the second valve assembly. The second valve assembly can be controlled by an ECU, such as an electronic engine control unit. The electronic maps and predictive information can be stored in the ECU's memory.

[0028] The procedure may include the step of controlling the second valve arrangement to provide an activated state in which cooling medium is supplied to the spring-loaded piston arrangement and a deactivated state in which cooling medium is drained from the spring-loaded piston arrangement.

[0029] This ensures reliable control of the second valve assembly. By switching only between the activated and deactivated states, short response times are achieved with regard to continuous adjustments of the predetermined coolant pressure. This provides precise cooling control. Furthermore, the proposed method is cost-effective, as only relatively inexpensive components need to be installed in existing cooling systems / vehicle cooling systems for proper cooling control.

[0030] The method further includes the step of providing, in the spring-loaded piston assembly, an additional spring-loaded piston to provide a specific coolant flow from the inlet to the outlet at a coolant pressure at the inlet below the predetermined coolant pressure. This ensures sufficient cooling even at coolant pressures that would cause the main piston of the first valve configuration to shut off the main coolant flow.

[0031] According to one aspect of the invention, a system for controlling the cooling of a piston of at least one cylinder of an internal combustion engine is provided.

[0032] The system comprises a means of supplying a pressurized cooling medium to a crankcase side of the cylinder via a first valve arrangement comprising a cooling medium inlet and a cooling medium outlet and a spring-loaded piston arrangement for a flow connection between the cooling medium inlet and the cooling medium outlet at a predetermined cooling medium pressure at the inlet.

[0033] The system includes a means that is arranged to supply the cooling medium to a second valve arrangement for supplying cooling medium to the spring-loaded piston arrangement for controlling the predetermined cooling medium pressure.

[0034] The system may include a means arranged to control the second valve arrangement for controlling the spring-loaded piston arrangement in order to provide a specific cooling medium pressure in addition to the spring load of the spring-loaded piston arrangement.

[0035] The system may include a means arranged to control the second valve arrangement to provide an activated state in which cooling medium is supplied to the spring-loaded piston arrangement and a deactivated state in which cooling medium is drained from the spring-loaded piston arrangement.

[0036] The second valve arrangement can be a so-called 3 / 2-way valve, which is designed with a magnetic actuator.

[0037] The system further comprises an additional spring-loaded piston to provide a specific coolant flow rate from the inlet to the outlet at a coolant pressure at the inlet below the predetermined coolant pressure, wherein the additional spring-loaded piston is provided in the spring-loaded piston arrangement.

[0038] According to one aspect of the invention, a vehicle is provided which includes a system as presented herein. The vehicle can be any type of truck, bus, or passenger car.

[0039] According to one aspect of the invention, a computer program is provided for controlling the cooling of a piston of at least one cylinder of an internal combustion engine, wherein the computer program comprises program code to cause an electronic control unit or a computer connected to the electronic control unit to perform any of the method steps described herein when executed on the electronic control unit or the computer.

[0040] According to one aspect of the invention, a computer program is provided for controlling the cooling of a piston of at least one cylinder of an internal combustion engine, wherein the computer program comprises program code stored on a computer-readable medium to cause an electronic control unit or a computer connected to the electronic control unit to perform any of the steps described herein.

[0041] According to one aspect of the invention, a computer program is provided for controlling the cooling of a piston of at least one cylinder of an internal combustion engine, wherein the computer program comprises program code stored on a computer-readable medium to cause an electronic control unit or a computer connected to the electronic control unit to perform any of the steps described herein when executed on the electronic control unit or the computer.

[0042] According to one aspect of the invention, a computer program product is provided which contains program code stored on a computer-readable medium to perform any of the method steps described herein when the computer program is executed on an electronic control unit or a computer connected to the electronic control unit.

[0043] According to one aspect of the invention, a computer program product is provided which contains a program code stored non-volatilely on a computer-readable medium to perform any of the method steps described herein when the computer program is executed on an electronic control unit or a computer connected to the electronic control unit.

[0044] Further tasks, advantages, and novel features of the present invention will become apparent to a person skilled in the art from the following details and also through practical application of the invention. Although the invention is described below, it should be noted that it is not limited to the specific details described. A person skilled in the art with access to the teachings herein will recognize further applications, modifications, and integrations into other fields that fall within the scope of protection of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] For a more complete understanding of the present invention and its objectives and advantages, the detailed description set out below should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote similar objects in the various diagrams, and in which: Fig. 1 schematically represents a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2a schematically represents a cooling system according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2b schematically represents a cooling system according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2c schematically represents a cooling system according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2d schematically represents a cooling system according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 3a is a schematic flowchart according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 3b is a more detailed flowchart of a process according to an embodiment of the invention; and Fig. Figure 4 schematically represents a computer according to an embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a side view of a vehicle 100. The exemplary vehicle 100 comprises a tractor unit 110 and a trailer 112. The vehicle 100 can be a heavy vehicle, e.g., a truck or a bus. Alternatively, it can be a passenger car.

[0047] It should be noted that the inventive system can be applied to various vehicles, such as a mining machine, a tractor, a dump truck, a wheel loader, a walking platform comprising an industrial robot, a forestry machine, an earthmoving machine, a road construction vehicle, a road planner, a rescue vehicle or a rail vehicle.

[0048] It should be noted that the invention is suitable for applications in various systems comprising a diesel engine or a gasoline engine. It should also be noted that the invention is suitable for an application with any internal combustion engine having at least one cylinder and is therefore not limited to internal combustion engines of motor vehicles. The inventive method and the inventive system in one aspect of the invention are well suited to other platforms comprising an internal combustion engine system other than that of motor vehicles, such as a watercraft. The watercraft can be of any type, such as motorboats, steamers, ferries, or ships.

[0049] The inventive method and the inventive system according to one aspect of the invention are also well suited for, for example, systems comprising industrial motors and / or motor-driven robots.

[0050] The inventive method and inventive system according to one aspect of the invention are also well suited for various types of power plants, e.g. an electricity plant comprising a motor-driven generator.

[0051] Furthermore, the inventive method and the inventive system are well suited for various internal combustion engine systems, e.g. on a locomotive or other platform.

[0052] The term "connection" here refers to a communication link, which may be a physical connection, such as an optoelectronic communication line, or a non-physical connection, such as a wireless connection, e.g. a radio link or a microwave link.

[0053] With reference to Fig. Figure 2a shows a cooling system 299. The cooling system can be provided in the vehicle 100.

[0054] A first control unit 200 is arranged for communication with a second valve arrangement 220 via a connection L220. The first control unit is arranged to control the second valve arrangement 220 by means of command signals S220, which include information about the state the second valve arrangement should be in, namely an open, activated state or a closed, deactivated state. Alternatively, the second valve arrangement 220 can be electrically controlled by the first control unit 200 via any wiring configuration.

[0055] The second valve arrangement 220 can be any suitable valve arrangement that optionally allows the supply of a cooling medium to a first valve configuration 240 via a first passage P240. The second valve arrangement 220 can include an electronically or electrically controlled 3 / 2-way valve. It should be noted that the second valve arrangement 220 can include any suitable actuator.

[0056] A pump configuration 230 is arranged to draw cooling medium from a cooling medium reservoir via a second passage P260b. The pump configuration 230 is arranged to supply the cooling medium to the first valve arrangement 240 via a third passage P230b. The pump configuration 230 is arranged to supply the cooling medium to the second valve arrangement 220 via a fourth passage P230a.

[0057] The first valve configuration 240, in the open state, is arranged to supply the cooling medium to the at least one cylinder 250 of an internal combustion engine via a fifth passage P250. The supply of the cooling medium to the cylinder 250 is referred to herein as piston cooling. This cools a piston of the cylinder 250 by the supplied cooling medium at a crankcase side of the cylinder 250. The supplied cooling medium is returned to the cooling medium reservoir 260 by any suitable means, such as a passage configuration comprising one or more tubes.

[0058] The cooling medium supplied to the second valve arrangement 220 (and possibly the first valve arrangement 240) is returned to the cooling medium reservoir 260 via a sixth passage P260a.

[0059] A second control unit 210 is arranged for communication with the first control unit 200 via a connection L210. It can be detachably connected to the first control unit 200. It can be a control unit located outside the vehicle 100. It can be configured to perform the inventive steps according to the invention. It can be used to transfer software, in particular software for applying the inventive method, to the first control unit 200. Alternatively, it can be arranged on board the vehicle for communication with the first control unit 200 via an internal network. It can be configured to perform functions corresponding to those of the first control unit 200, such as controlling the supply of the cooling medium to the second valve arrangement 220 for supplying cooling medium to the spring-loaded arrangement of the first valve arrangement 240.

[0060] The Fig. 2b schematically represents a cooling system 299 of the in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2a shows the vehicle 100 in more detail according to one aspect of the invention.

[0061] The first valve assembly 240 comprises an inlet associated with the third passage P230b. The first valve assembly 240 comprises an outlet associated with the fifth passage P250. The first valve assembly 240 includes a spring 242 that biases a piston 241. The spring 242 provides a predetermined, suitable spring force. The second valve assembly 220 is arranged to supply pressurized cooling medium to a closed chamber of the first valve assembly 240. The pressurized cooling medium supplied to the first valve assembly 240 thus acts on the piston 241 in the same direction as the spring 242. This means that if no pressurized medium is supplied to the first valve assembly 240, only the spring force of the spring 242 acts on the piston 241. This is shown schematically in Fig. Figure 2b shows that in this case, the pressure of the cooling medium at the inlet is lower than the pressure exerted by the spring 242. As a result, the first valve assembly 240 is in a closed position, and no cooling medium is supplied at the outlet to the cylinder 250 via the fifth passage P250.

[0062] A similar state of the first valve arrangement 240 can alternatively be achieved by pressurizing the piston 241 with a cooling medium provided by the second valve arrangement 220 in a case where the cooling medium pressure in the third passage P230b is higher than a pressure corresponding to the spring force of the spring 242. This will allow the cooling of the piston of the cylinder 250 to be switched off even if the pressure of the cooling medium in the third passage P230b is greater than the spring force of the spring 242.

[0063] The Fig. 2c schematically represents a cooling system 299 of the in Fig. 1 of the vehicle shown 100 according to one aspect of the invention.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the piston 241 comprises a spring-loaded piston assembly 243. The piston 241 thus comprises an inlet (not shown) and an outlet (not shown). The spring-loaded piston assembly 243 is arranged to allow a certain flow between the inlet and the outlet, i.e., between the third passage P230b and the fifth passage P250, even when the piston 241 is in a blocking position of a main flow of cooling medium between the third passage P230b and the fifth passage P250, and when the pressure of the cooling medium in the third passage P230b exceeds the pressure associated with the spring force of the spring-loaded piston assembly 243.By providing this additional valve configuration (housed in the piston 241), a specific flow of the cooling medium from the inlet to the outlet and onward to the fifth passage P250 can be provided even when the piston 241 is in a state of blocking a main flow to the fifth passage P250. That is, when the pressure of the cooling medium is greater than the pressure exerted by the additional spring provided in the piston 241. This can advantageously provide a specific flow of cooling medium for cooling the piston of cylinder 250 in a state where the piston 241 is blocking a main flow to the fifth passage P250.In the event of a mechanical failure of piston 241, the additional spring-loaded piston of piston 241 can provide a specific flow of cooling medium through the first valve assembly 240 to ensure sufficient cooling of the at least one cylinder 250. This specific flow of cooling medium is normally less than the main flow rate in a state where the first valve assembly is in a closed position (relative to piston 241).

[0065] The Fig. Figure 2c schematically represents a state in which the piston 241 causes the main flow of the cooling medium to be interrupted, but in which a certain flow of cooling medium is provided at the fifth passage P250 by means of the spring-loaded piston 243 arranged inside the piston 241. The second valve arrangement 220 may or may not have supplied pressurized cooling medium to the first valve arrangement 240 (depending on the prevailing pressure of the cooling medium at the inlet of the first valve arrangement 240).

[0066] The Fig. Figure 2d schematically represents a cooling system 299 of the in Fig. 1 of the vehicle shown 100 according to one aspect of the invention.

[0067] According to this depicted state of the first valve assembly 240, the piston 241 is fully retracted by the pressure of the cooling medium at the inlet of the first valve assembly 240. This provides a main flow of the cooling medium from the pressurized inlet to the fifth passage P250.

[0068] This empties the closed chamber, which holds the supplied cooling medium, of coolant at the piston 241, thus eliminating any additional force acting on the piston 241. Only the spring force of the spring 242 acts on the piston 241, while the pressure of the cooling medium at the inlet holds the piston 241 in an open position of the first valve arrangement 240.

[0069] The Fig. Figure 3a schematically shows a flowchart of a method for controlling a piston of at least one cylinder 250 of an internal combustion engine. The method comprises a first process step s301. The process step comprises the steps: - Providing a pressurized cooling medium to a crankcase side of the cylinder 250 via a first valve arrangement 240, which includes a cooling medium inlet and a cooling medium outlet and a spring-loaded piston arrangement 241 for a flow connection between the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet at a predetermined coolant pressure at the inlet, and - Supplying the cooling medium to a second valve arrangement 220 to supply cooling medium to the spring-loaded piston arrangement 241 to control the predetermined cooling medium pressure.

[0070] After process step s301, the process ends / returns.

[0071] The Fig. Figure 3b schematically represents a flowchart of a method for controlling a piston of at least one cylinder 250 of an internal combustion engine. The method comprises a first process step s310.

[0072] The process step s310 comprises the step of pumping cooling medium from a cooling medium reservoir 260 to the first valve arrangement 240 and the second valve arrangement 220. This provides pressurized cooling medium for piston cooling of the at least one cylinder 250 of the internal combustion engine.

[0073] After step s310, a subsequent step s320 is performed.

[0074] Process step s320 comprises the step of determining cooling control data. The cooling control data can relate to electronic map data, predictive information, operating states of the internal combustion engine, operating states of any other system of the vehicle 100, and / or prevailing states of any relevant component / device / system of the vehicle 100, such as a prevailing temperature of the cooling medium, e.g., in the cooling medium reservoir 260. The cooling control data can be determined by any suitable means, such as sensors or electronic control units. The cooling control data can include any information relevant for determining an appropriate cooling requirement for the pistons of the various cylinders of the internal combustion engine. The cooling control data can be used as a basis for controlling the cooling of the internal combustion engine according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0075] After process step s320, a subsequent process step s330 is carried out.

[0076] Process step s330 comprises the step of controlling a piston of at least one cylinder 250 of the internal combustion engine. This allows suitable cooling to be determined based on the specified cooling control data. The second valve arrangement 220 is thereby controlled by the first control unit 200 to control a prevailing overall force acting on the piston 241 of the first valve arrangement 240.

[0077] By supplying cooling medium from the second valve assembly 220 to the chamber of the first valve assembly 240, the overall force can be increased. This means that a predetermined cooling medium pressure required to open the first valve assembly 240 is controlled, i.e., increased. This controls the second valve assembly 220 to control the spring-loaded piston assembly 241, 242, in order to provide a specific cooling medium pressure in addition to the spring load of the spring-loaded piston assembly 241, 242. This controls the second valve assembly 220 to provide an activated state in which cooling medium is supplied to the spring-loaded piston assembly 241, 242.

[0078] By draining cooling medium from the chamber of the first valve assembly 240 via the second valve assembly 220, the overall force can be reduced. This means that a predetermined cooling medium pressure required to open the first valve assembly 240 is controlled, i.e., reduced. This, in turn, controls the second valve assembly 220 to control the spring-loaded piston assembly 241, 242 in order to reduce a prevailing cooling medium pressure in addition to the spring load of the spring-loaded piston assembly 241. This controls the second valve assembly 220 to provide a deactivated state, with cooling medium being drained from the spring-loaded piston assembly 241, 242.

[0079] Step s330 can include the step of providing a specific coolant flow rate from the inlet to the outlet of the first valve assembly 240 in a state of the first valve assembly 240 in which the piston 241 is in a position that prevents a main flow from the inlet to the outlet of the first valve assembly 240. This is accomplished by means of the additional spring-loaded piston 243 to provide a specific coolant flow rate from the inlet to the outlet at a coolant pressure at the inlet below the predetermined coolant pressure.

[0080] After process step s330, the process ends / returns.

[0081] The Fig. Figure 4 is a diagram of one version of a device 500. The reference to the Fig. The control units 200 and 210 described in Section 2 can, in one version, comprise the device 500. The device 500 comprises a non-volatile memory 520, a data processing unit 510, and a read / write memory 550. The non-volatile memory 520 has a first memory element 530 in which a computer program, e.g., an operating system, is stored to control the function of the device 500. The device 500 further comprises a bus controller, a serial communication interface, an I / O means, an A / D converter, a time and data input and transmission unit, an event counter, and an interrupt controller (not shown). The non-volatile memory 520 further comprises a second memory element 540.

[0082] The computer program P includes routines for controlling the cooling of a piston of at least one cylinder 250 of an internal combustion engine.

[0083] The computer program P can include routines for controlling the supply of a pressurized cooling medium to a crankcase side of the cylinder 250 via a first valve arrangement 240, which includes a cooling medium inlet and a cooling medium outlet and a spring-loaded piston arrangement 241, 242 for flow connection between the cooling medium inlet and the cooling medium outlet at a predetermined cooling medium pressure at the inlet. Alternatively, this supply of the pressurized cooling medium can be carried out mechanically.

[0084] The computer program P can include routines for controlling the supply of the cooling medium to a second valve arrangement 220, for supplying a cooling medium to the spring-loaded piston arrangement 241, 242, and for controlling the predetermined cooling medium pressure.

[0085] The computer program P can include routines for controlling the second valve arrangement 220 for controlling the spring-loaded piston arrangement 241, 242 in order to provide a certain cooling medium pressure in addition to the spring load of the spring-loaded piston arrangement 241, 242.

[0086] The computer program P can include routines for controlling the second valve arrangement 220 to provide an activated state in which cooling medium is supplied to the spring-loaded piston arrangement 241, 242, and a deactivated state in which cooling medium is drained from the spring-loaded piston arrangement 241, 241.

[0087] The computer program P can include routines for controlling the provision of a specific coolant flow rate from the inlet to the outlet when the coolant pressure at the inlet is below the predetermined coolant pressure. This provides an additional spring-loaded piston 243 for supplying a specific coolant flow rate in the spring-loaded piston assembly 241, 242.

[0088] The program P can be stored in an executable form or in a compressed form in a memory 560 and / or in a read / write memory 550.

[0089] Where it is stated that the data processing unit 510 performs a certain function, this means that it executes a certain part of the program that is stored in the memory 560 or a certain part of the program stored in the read / write memory 550.

[0090] The data processing device 510 can communicate with a data interface 599 via a data bus 515. The non-volatile memory 520 is provided for communication with the data processing unit 510 via a data bus 512. The separate memory 560 is provided for communication with the data processing unit via a data bus 511. The read / write memory 550 is arranged to communicate with the data processing unit 510 via a data bus 514. Connections L210 and L220 can, for example, be connected to the data interface 599 (see Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b, Fig. 3c and Fig. 2d).

[0091] When data is received at data interface 599, it is temporarily stored in the second storage element 540. Once the received input data has been temporarily stored, the data processing unit is prepared to execute code as described above.

[0092] Parts of the procedure described herein can be carried out by the device 500 by means of the data processing unit 510, which executes the program stored in the memory 560 or the read / write memory 550. When the device 500 executes the program, the procedures described herein are carried out.

[0093] The preceding description of preferred embodiments of the present invention is provided for illustrative and descriptive purposes. It is neither intended to be exhaustive nor to limit the invention to the described variants. Numerous modifications and variations are obviously available to those skilled in the art. The embodiments have been selected and described to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, and thereby enable those skilled in the art to understand the invention in different embodiments and with the various modifications appropriate for the intended use.

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