End stage of a vehicle for controlling at least one consumer with inductive character
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
- Filing Date
- 2024-07-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-17
Smart Images
Figure EP2024071593_13022025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Description
[0002] title
[0003] Power amplifier of a vehicle for controlling at least one consumer with inductive character
[0004] State of the art
[0005] The present invention relates to an output stage for controlling injection valves for gaseous or liquid fuels, a method for operating an output stage and a vehicle.
[0006] Currently, there are a multitude of different solutions for injecting fuel gases or liquid fuels into combustion chambers. Due to the increasing demands in the field of injection and fuel injection technology and their control, the need for innovative and robust methodologies is continuously growing.
[0007] The constant weight reduction in the vehicle sector to reduce fuel consumption as well as increasing competition are creating cost pressure, so that cheaper and more efficient components for vehicles are becoming more in demand.
[0008] Disclosure of the invention
[0009] The inventive power amplifier of a vehicle for controlling at least one consumer with an inductive nature, having the features of claim 1, has the advantage over known amplifiers that the boost device for building up a voltage that is higher than that of the on-board electrical system, as well as the associated boost capacitor, are subjected to significantly less load within the power amplifier. This is because, in addition to the boost voltage and zero voltage, the on-board electrical system voltage can also be used by means of the power amplifier in the same time interval to operate the at least one consumer. A further advantage is that, with the aid of the power amplifier, new control concepts can be used to control the magnetic circuit in this consumer. Furthermore, the operating time of the injection device can be significantly increased, since the reduced load on the boost capacitor allows it to achieve a longer service life, thus resulting in cost advantages.
[0010] This is achieved according to the invention in that the output stage of a vehicle has a control device for controlling at least one consumer with an inductive nature. Furthermore, the output stage has an input arrangement that can be connected to a voltage source of the vehicle. Furthermore, the output stage has a boost device that is designed to increase a voltage of the voltage source of the vehicle to a predetermined boost voltage. Furthermore, the output stage has a high-side output contact and at least one low-side output contact, between which the at least one consumer can be connected. In addition, the output stage has a high-side switch that is connected to the input arrangement and the high-side output contact.Furthermore, the output stage has a boost switch which is connected to the high-side output contact and the boost device, wherein the control device is configured to switch the boost switch on in order to apply a boost voltage to the load, wherein the control device is configured to switch the high-side switch on when the boost switch is switched off in order to apply the voltage of the voltage source to the load and / or wherein the control device is configured to switch the boost switch off when the high-side switch is switched on in order to apply the voltage of the voltage source to the load.
[0011] In other words, the control device can use the boost voltage, the vehicle electrical system voltage, and the zero voltage to be able to form the magnetic field in the at least one consumer. The at least one consumer with an inductive nature can particularly preferably comprise a solenoid valve. The output stage comprises an input with preferably two input terminals, wherein the output stage can be connected to the vehicle electrical system of the vehicle at this input. Furthermore, the output stage can comprise a boost device. The input terminals of the boost device can preferably be connected to the input terminals of the output stage and thus to the vehicle electrical system. Furthermore, the boost device can be configured to generate a boost voltage that is higher than the vehicle electrical system voltage in order to be able to provide this within the output stage.Furthermore, the output stage can be suitable for applying the boost voltage to the solenoid valve by connecting the high-side output terminal to the output terminal of the boost device and the low-side output terminal to the negative pole of the vehicle electrical system. Further preferably, the output stage is suitable for applying its input voltage to the solenoid valve by connecting the high-side output terminal to the input terminal connected to the positive pole of the vehicle electrical system and the low-side output terminal to the input terminal connected to the negative pole of the vehicle electrical system. Further preferably, the output stage is suitable for short-circuiting the solenoid valve, at least while the current in the solenoid valve is greater than zero, and thus connecting zero voltage to the solenoid valve by connecting both the high-side output terminal and the low-side output terminal to the negative pole of the vehicle electrical system.Furthermore, the control device is configured to select the switching state of the output stage depending on switching thresholds and the current flowing in the solenoid valve, thus applying the boost voltage, the vehicle electrical system voltage, and / or zero voltage to the solenoid valve. The control device can switch between the boost voltage, the vehicle electrical system voltage, and zero voltage in such a way that the boost voltage is selected for a rapid buildup of the current in the solenoid valve and thus the magnetic force. However, once the current in the solenoid valve has reached the desired level, it is possible to switch between the boost voltage and the vehicle electrical system voltage, as well as between the vehicle electrical system voltage and zero voltage.The system preferentially switches between the boost voltage and the vehicle electrical system voltage when the theoretically required DC voltage to maintain the desired current level is greater than the vehicle electrical system voltage, and switches between the vehicle electrical system voltage and zero voltage when the theoretically required DC voltage to maintain the desired current level is less than the vehicle electrical system voltage. Thus, energy can only be drawn from the boost device to power the solenoid valve when an average voltage greater than the vehicle electrical system voltage is required at the solenoid valve. This significantly reduces the load on the boost device compared to a conventional control device, which only uses the boost voltage and zero voltage to set any average voltage between zero and the boost voltage.For example, the solenoid valve can be configured to at least partially displace an armature of an injection device with the aid of a magnetic field. For example, a high current is required to deflect the armature at the start of an injection process. The control device can thus apply the boost voltage to the solenoid valve in order to reach this high current as quickly as possible. Once this high current is reached, this high current level is typically maintained until the solenoid valve has safely opened and come to rest in its open position. To maintain the current level, the output stage can alternately apply the boost voltage, the vehicle electrical system voltage, and zero voltage to the solenoid valve. More preferably, the terms injection device and injection device can be used arbitrarily, since both essentially refer to the same element.In particular, the two terms can be used interchangeably depending on whether the engine is powered by a gaseous fuel or a liquid fuel. Since the distinction between fuels is irrelevant for the final stage, the term "injection device" will be used synonymously with "injection device" in the following. Therefore, reference to an injection device can also refer to an injection device, provided the engine in question is powered by liquid fuel.
[0012] The subclaims show preferred developments of the invention.
[0013] Preferably, the control device is configured to block the boost switch and the high-side switch in order to apply a voltage to the load that is lower than the voltage of the voltage source.
[0014] An advantage of this embodiment is that the current through the consumer or the solenoid valve can be reduced by means of the boost switch and the high-side switch, in order to thus, for example, be able to adjust the closing of the solenoid valve. The voltage can be less than or equal to zero. 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, wherein the intermediate switching threshold is greater than the first switching threshold and wherein the intermediate switching threshold is less than the second switching threshold, wherein the control device is configured to switch the boost switch on when the current through the at least one consumer is less than the first switching threshold.
[0015] An advantage of this embodiment is that with the aid of the first switching threshold, the second switching threshold and / or the intermediate switching threshold, ranges can be defined in which the output stage can supply the consumer with either the boost voltage, the vehicle electrical system voltage and / or the zero voltage.
[0016] Preferably, the control device is configured to switch the boost switch and the high-side switch to the off-state when the current through the at least one consumer is greater than the second switching threshold.
[0017] An advantage of this embodiment is that while the boost switch and the high-side switch are switched off, preferably zero voltage is applied to the consumer and thus a magnetic field, for example of a solenoid valve, can be reduced.
[0018] Preferably, the control device is configured to switch the boost switch to the off state when the current through the at least one consumer is greater than the intermediate switching threshold.
[0019] An advantage of this embodiment is that the power amplifier can then preferably apply either zero voltage or the vehicle electrical system voltage to the consumer, so that in this case no current flows through the boost capacitor and consequently it is not loaded.
[0020] Further preferably, the control device is configured to switch the boost switch and / or the high-side switch into conduction when the current through the at least one load is less than the intermediate switching threshold. An advantage of this embodiment is that, when the boost switch is switched off, the current through the load now drops more slowly than when a voltage of zero is preferably applied to the load, or the current even continues to rise. This preferably reduces the relative proportion of those time intervals in which the boost switch is switched into conduction, and the load on the boost capacitor decreases.
[0021] Further preferably, the control device is configured to switch the boost switch off and to switch the high-side switch on when the current through the at least one consumer is less than the second switching threshold and greater than the intermediate switching threshold and the boost switch is switched on, and / or wherein the control device is configured to maintain a first existing switching state of the high-side switch and the boost switch when the current through the at least one consumer is less than the second switching threshold and greater than the intermediate switching threshold and the boost switch is switched off, and / or wherein the control device is configured to switch the high-side switch on,if the current through the at least one consumer is less than the intermediate switching threshold and greater than the first switching threshold and both the boost switch and the high-side switch are switched off, and / or wherein the control device is configured to maintain a second existing switching state of the high-side switch and the boost switch when the current through the at least one consumer is less than the intermediate switching threshold and greater than the first switching threshold and the high-side switch is switched on.
[0022] An advantage of this embodiment is that an injection or blow-in process can be specifically adjusted by means of the control device and the different switching thresholds. Further preferably, the intermediate switching threshold comprises a lower intermediate switching threshold and an upper intermediate switching threshold, wherein the lower intermediate switching threshold is greater than the first switching threshold and less than the second switching threshold, wherein the upper intermediate switching threshold is greater than the lower intermediate switching threshold and less than the second switching threshold, wherein the control device is configured to switch the boost switch on when the current through the at least one consumer is less than the first switching threshold and / or wherein the control device is configured to switch the boost switch and the high-side switch off.if the current through the at least one consumer is greater than the second switching threshold and / or wherein the control device is configured to switch the boost switch off if the current through the at least one consumer is greater than the upper intermediate switching threshold and / or wherein the control device is configured to switch the boost switch and / or the high-side switch on if the current through the at least one consumer is less than the lower intermediate switching threshold.
[0023] An advantage of this embodiment is that with the help of the upper intermediate switching threshold and the lower intermediate switching threshold, the switching points of the output stage can be specified more precisely and thus the current through the consumer and / or the magnetic field in the consumer can be adjusted more precisely.
[0024] Preferably, the control device is configured to switch the boost switch off and to switch the high-side switch on when the current through the at least one consumer is less than the second switching threshold and greater than the upper intermediate switching threshold and the boost switch is switched on and / or wherein the control device is configured to maintain a third existing switching state of the high-side switch and the boost switch when the current through the at least one consumer is less than the second switching threshold and greater than the upper intermediate switching threshold and the boost switch is switched off and / or wherein the control device is configured to switch the high-side switch on,if the current through the at least one consumer is less than the lower intermediate switching threshold and greater than the first switching threshold and both the boost switch and the high-side switch are switched off, and / or wherein the control device is configured to maintain a fourth existing switching state of the high-side switch and the boost switch when the current through the at least one consumer is less than the lower intermediate switching threshold and greater than the first switching threshold and the boost switch is switched on, or the high-side switch is switched on, and / or wherein the control device is configured to maintain a fifth existing switching state of the high-side switch and the boost switch when the current through the at least one consumer is less than the upper intermediate switching threshold and greater than the lower intermediate switching threshold.
[0025] Further preferably, the at least one consumer has at least one solenoid valve.
[0026] An advantage of this embodiment is that the output stage allows for more precise metering of the fluid to be injected and / or blown in. The solenoid valve can be, in particular, a gas injector or an injection device.
[0027] Further preferably, the input arrangement comprises a first input contact and a second input contact, wherein the first input contact has a higher electrical potential than the second input contact.
[0028] An advantage of this embodiment is that the power amplifier can be easily connected to existing power supply systems. The first input contact and the second input contact can be, in particular, a terminal, a plug contact, an electrically conductive material connection, or the like.
[0029] Preferably, the boost device has an output contact, wherein the boost device is configured to apply the boost voltage between the output contact and the second input contact.
[0030] An advantage of this embodiment is that a simple connection between the input arrangement and the boost device can be formed by means of the output contact.
[0031] Further preferably, the output stage has a freewheeling diode which is connected between the second input contact and the high-side output contact.
[0032] An advantage of this embodiment is that the freewheeling diode can significantly simplify the control of the solenoid valve by automatically applying zero voltage to the load when both the boost switch and the high-side switch are switched off and the current through the load is greater than zero.
[0033] Further preferably, the output stage comprises at least one low-side switch which is connected between the low-side output contact and the second input contact and / or wherein the output stage comprises at least one feedback diode which is connected between the low-side output contact and the output terminal of the boost device.
[0034] A further aspect of the invention relates to an introduction arrangement for introducing a fluid into a combustion chamber, comprising an output stage, as described above and below.
[0035] A further aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle which has an output stage as described above and below and / or has a control device which is configured to carry out steps of the method as described above and below.
[0036] Another aspect relates to a method for operating an output stage. The method comprises the following steps:
[0037] - Receiving a control signal,
[0038] - Switching the output stage in dependence on the control signal into at least a first switch position or into a second switch position, wherein in the first switch position a load is connected to a boost device in order to apply a boost voltage to the load, wherein in the second switch position a high-side switch is switched on with the load and / or is switched on while the boost switch is blocked in order to apply a predetermined voltage to the load.
[0039] An advantage of this embodiment is that the vehicle's electrical system voltage, in which an output stage may be installed, can be applied to the consumer in order to further reduce the load on the boost device or the boost switch during operation.
[0040] Further preferably, the method comprises the step of switching the output stage into a third switch position as a function of the control signal, wherein in the third switch position the boost switch and the high-side switch are blocked.
[0041] An advantage of this design is that the voltage is zero at the consumer and thus the current can be safely reduced.
[0042] More preferably, the method comprises the steps:
[0043] - detecting a first switching threshold, a second switching threshold and / or an intermediate switching threshold, wherein the second switching threshold is greater than the first switching threshold, wherein the intermediate switching threshold is greater than the first switching threshold and less than the second switching threshold,
[0044] - Switching the first switch position when the current through the consumer is less than the first switching threshold, and / or
[0045] - Switching the third switch position when the current through the consumer is greater than the second switching threshold
[0046] - switching either the first switch position or the second switch position if the current through the at least one consumer is less than the intermediate switching threshold and greater than the first switching threshold,
[0047] - Switching either the second switch position or the third switch position if the current through the at least one consumer is greater than the intermediate switching threshold and less than the second switching threshold.
[0048] An advantage of this embodiment is that defined switching points are present in order to further simplify the operation of the power amplifier and to further reduce the load on the boost device.
[0049] More preferably, the intermediate switching threshold comprises a lower intermediate switching threshold and an upper intermediate switching threshold, wherein the lower intermediate switching threshold is greater than the first switching threshold and smaller than the second switching threshold, wherein the upper intermediate switching threshold is greater than the lower intermediate switching threshold and smaller than the second switching threshold, further comprising the steps:
[0050] - Switching to block the boost switch if the current through the at least one consumer is greater than the upper intermediate switching threshold and / or switching to conduct the boost switch and / or the high-side switch if the current through the at least one consumer is less than the lower intermediate switching threshold.
[0051] Short description of the drawings
[0052] Embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It shows:
[0053] Figure 1 shows an output stage with a control device and a
[0054] Consumers connected to the power amplifier with inductive character according to one embodiment.
[0055] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating a well-known
[0056] Current control concept.
[0057] Figures 3a to 3d show the electrical and magnetic characteristics of the power amplifier and the connected load in a diagram.
[0058] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a control device.
[0059] Figures 5 and 6 show the current flow through the consumer when applying a further development of the first embodiment according to Figure 4.
[0060] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating a second embodiment of a control device.
[0061] Figures 8 and 9 show the current flow through the consumer when applying a further development of the second embodiment according to Figure 7.
[0062] Figure 10 shows a vehicle according to an embodiment.
[0063] Embodiments of the invention Preferably, all identical components, elements and physical quantities in all figures are provided with the same reference numerals.
[0064] Figure 1 shows a power electronics output stage 10, which will be referred to simply as output stage 10 below, according to one embodiment. The output stage 10 has a high-side output terminal 11 and a low-side output terminal 13, between which an inductive load 12 is connected. Preferably, the load 12 is the coil of a solenoid valve. The voltage applied to the load is designated u, and the current flowing through the load is designated i. The output stage 10 further comprises a control device 14, which specifies the switching states of the semiconductor switches contained in the output stage and manages communication with higher-level control systems. Further preferably, the output stage 10 comprises an input 16 with the + input terminal 15 and the - input terminal 17.In this case, the input 16 can in particular be connected to a voltage source 102 of the vehicle 100, preferably to its on-board electrical system voltage, which provides a battery voltage 52, which is referred to below as Ubatt. The electrical potential of the input terminal -17 is preferably defined below as potential 0 or GND. The potential of the input terminal +15 has the value Ubatt. More preferably, the output stage 10 comprises a boost device 18. The boost 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 output stage, and the common ground terminal 51b is connected to the input terminal -17 of the output stage.The DC-DC converter 50 is preferably designed as a boost converter and is designed to generate a boost voltage 46 between its output terminal 51c and the common ground terminal, which is referred to below as Uboost and is higher than the battery voltage 52. The output terminal 51c thus has the electrical potential Uboost > Ubatt. Further preferably, a boost capacitor 48 is connected between the output terminal 51c and the common ground terminal 51b. This boost capacitor buffers the boost voltage 46 in the event that a higher current must flow from the output terminal 51c to the load 12 than the maximum output of the DC-DC converter 50. Further preferably, the output stage 10 comprises a boost switch 42, which is arranged between the output terminal 51c and the high-side output terminal 11 of the output stage 10.The boost switch 42 can either conductively connect the high-side output terminal 11 to the output terminal 51c, thereby applying the potential Uboost > Ubatt to the high-side output terminal 11, or it can block the electrical connection between the high-side output terminal 11 and the output terminal 51c. Further preferably, the output stage 10 comprises a high-side switch 24, which is arranged between the + input terminal 15 and the high-side output terminal 11. A high-side diode 58 is preferably connected in series with the high-side switch 24. When the boost switch 42 is conductive, this high-side diode 58 absorbs the negative reverse voltage present across the series circuit comprising the high-side switch 24 and the high-side diode 58. If the high-side switch 24 itself is suitable for blocking a negative voltage, the high-side diode 58 can be omitted and replaced by a permanently conductive connection.The high-side switch 24 can either conductively connect the high-side output terminal 11 to the +15 input terminal and thus apply the potential Ubatt to the high-side output terminal 11 when the boost switch 42 is blocked, or it can block the electrical connection between the high-side output terminal 11 and the +15 input terminal. Furthermore, a freewheeling diode 56 is preferably arranged between the high-side output terminal 11 and the -17 input terminal or a point conductively connected to the -17 input terminal. This ensures that the potential at the high-side output terminal 11 cannot fall below zero, even when the boost switch 42 and the high-side switch 24 are blocked.If both the boost switch 42 and the high-side switch are blocked, a current i flowing in the load 12 at this time can continue to flow via the freewheeling diode 56, but the potential at the high-side output terminal 11 remains zero as long as the current i is greater than zero. Further preferably, the output stage 10 comprises a low-side switch 34. This can be arranged between the low-side output terminal 13 and the input terminal 17 or at a point conductively connected to the input terminal 17. The low-side switch 34 can either conductively connect the low-side output terminal 13 to the input terminal 17 and thus apply the potential 0 to the low-side output terminal 13, or it can block the electrical connection between the low-side output terminal 13 and the input terminal 17. Furthermore, a feedback diode 44 is preferably arranged between the low-side output terminal 13 and the output terminal 51c.On the one hand, this ensures that the potential at the low-side output terminal 13 cannot exceed Uboost, even when the low-side switch 34 is blocked. If the low-side switch is blocked, a current i flowing in the load 12 at this time can continue to flow via the feedback diode 44, and the potential at the low-side output terminal 13 is equal to Uboost as long as the current i is greater than zero.
[0065] Figure 2 illustrates a switching specification for regulating the current during a so-called boost phase. This typically first phase of energizing the load 12, preferably the coil of a solenoid valve, serves to build up the magnetic flux in the load and preferably to build up a magnetic force in a solenoid valve. During this boost phase, the high-side switch 24 of the output stage 10 is permanently blocked and the low-side switch 34 of the output stage 10 is permanently conductive, so that the highest possible voltage Uboost 46 is always used to build up the magnetic force. Figure 2 shows a current-time diagram with a current axis 72 and a time axis 62. Figure 2 shows a first switching threshold 22 and a second switching threshold 26, which is higher than the first switching threshold. These switching thresholds 22, 26 delimit three value ranges 64, 67, 70 of the current i from one another.The first range 64 includes all current values that are less than the first switching threshold 22. The second range 70 includes all current values that are greater than the second switching threshold 26. The intermediate range 67 includes all current values that lie between the first switching threshold 22 and the second switching threshold 26. If the current i is in the first range 64, the boost switch 42 is switched on and the voltage u at the load 12 assumes its highest possible value u = U boost. If the current i is in the second range 70, the boost switch 42 is blocked and the voltage u at the load 12 assumes the value u = 0. If the current is in the intermediate range 67, the currently existing switching state of the boost switch 42 is maintained. If the current value i is above the second switching threshold 26 and falls into the intermediate range 67, the boost switch 42 remains blocked.If, however, the current value last coming from below is above the first switching threshold in the intermediate range 67, the boost switch 42 remains conductive.
[0066] Typically, the boost voltage and the current to be set are selected, taking into account the ohmic resistance of the load, such that a conductive boost switch 42, and thus a voltage u = Uboost, leads to an increase in current i, while a blocked boost switch 42, and thus a voltage u = 0, leads to a falling current i. This means that if the current was originally in the first range 64, the boost switch 42 will conduct and the current i will rise until the current i reaches the second switching threshold 26. At this moment, the boost switch 42 will be blocked, the voltage u will jump to u = 0, and the current i will fall until it reaches the first switching threshold 22. At this moment, the boost switch 42 will be switched on again, the voltage u will jump to u = llboost, and the current i will rise again until it reaches the second switching threshold 26 again, at which point the boost switch 42 will be blocked again.This sequence is repeated as long as the boost current phase is to last, so that the current i is first fed into the intermediate region 67 and then held in this region between the first switching threshold 22 and the second switching threshold 26. In this way, the average voltage at the load is automatically adjusted to the value required to maintain a direct current that is approximately the average value between the first switching threshold 22 and the second switching threshold 26. Theoretically, the only exceptions to this are if the voltage required for this is greater than Uboost or less than 0. In the first of these two cases, the current would fall below the first switching threshold 22 even at u = Uboost. In the second case, the current would theoretically rise above the second switching threshold 26 despite u = 0.The first case is determined by the choice of Uboost and the design of the load 12, the second case is primarily theoretical in nature and can occur, if at all, only for extremely short time intervals.
[0067] This method enables reliable current regulation. The DC-DC converter 50 is preferably designed for high continuous power.
[0068] Figures 3a to 3d show typical curves of the key electrical and magnetic variables in the respective initial phases of several injection processes, particularly in their boost phase 63. These variables were determined using a solenoid valve for gas injection as the consumer 12. Figures 3a to 3d have a common time axis 62 as the abscissa, which is marked in Figure 3d. In each of Figures 3a to 3d, the variable curves 74, 982, 83, 88, and 116 are shown during several consecutive injection processes. The control cycles always begin uniformly at the zero point of the time axis 62.
[0069] In the diagram in Figure 3a, the electric current is plotted on the ordinate, thus representing a current axis 72. The diagram shows the curves 74 of the current i flowing in the consumer 12 over time during several injection processes. 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 marked.
[0070] In the diagram in Figure 3b, the electrical voltage is plotted on the ordinate, thus resulting in a voltage axis 78. The diagram shows curves 82 of the voltage applied to the load 12, corresponding to the curves 74, plotted against time for several blow-in processes. Figures 3a and 3b show the interaction of current and voltage according to the control concept shown in Fig. 2. At the beginning of each control cycle, the current is preferably zero and is therefore in the first range 64. The boost switch 42 is consequently switched on and the voltage has the value u = Uboost 46. This causes the current i to rise. If the current reaches the second switching threshold 26, the boost switch is blocked, the voltage jumps to the value u = 0 and the current i subsequently falls.If the current then reaches the first switching threshold 22, the boost switch 42 is switched on again, the voltage u jumps to the value u = Uboost 46, and the current rises again. Subsequently, the current i flows between the first switching threshold 22 and the second switching threshold 26, and the voltage jumps between the values u = Uboost and u = 0. Furthermore, the diagram shows the curves 83 of the voltages averaged in the time intervals between a switch-on of the boost switch 42 and the subsequent switch-on of the boost switch 42.
[0071] In the diagram in Figure 3c, the magnetic flux linkage is plotted on its ordinate, thus representing a flux linkage axis 84. In the diagram, curves 88 of the magnetic flux linked to the coil of the solenoid valve acting as consumer 12, belonging to the curves 74, are shown over time for several injection processes.
[0072] In the diagram in Figure 3d, the energy is plotted on its ordinate, thus representing an energy axis 112. The diagram shows the curves of the energy supplied from the boost device 18 to the consumer 12 over time for several injection processes, corresponding to the curves 74. Figure 3 shows that more than half of this energy is supplied to the consumer at a time when the current i has already reached its desired value in the intermediate region 67.
[0073] Figure 4 illustrates a first switching rule for regulating current i, preferably during a boost phase. During the entire time under consideration, low-side switch 34 is permanently conductive, and thus low-side output terminal 13 is permanently conductively connected to input terminal 17. Like the diagram in Figure 2, the diagram has a current axis 72 as the ordinate and a time axis 62 as the abscissa. The first switching threshold 22, the second switching threshold 26, and the intermediate switching threshold 20 are shown, with the intermediate switching threshold 20 being above the first switching threshold 22 and the second switching threshold being above the intermediate switching threshold 20. These switching thresholds 20, 22, 26 delimit four value ranges 64, 66, 68, 70 of current i from one another. The first range 64 includes all current values that are smaller than the first switching threshold 22. The second range 70 includes all current values that are greater than the second switching threshold 26.The first intermediate range 66 comprises all current values that lie between the first switching threshold 22 and the intermediate threshold 20. The second intermediate range 68 comprises all current values that lie between the intermediate switching threshold 20 and the second switching threshold 26. If the current i lies in the first range 64, the boost switch 42 is switched on and the voltage u at the load 12 assumes its highest possible value u = Uboost. The switching state of the high-side switch 24 is preferably arbitrary, since its switching state has no influence on the voltage u at the load as long as the boost switch 42 is switched on. The high-side switch 24 can also switch arbitrarily between the conductive and the blocked state.
[0074] If the current i lies in the second range 70, both the boost switch 42 and the high-side switch 24 are blocked and the voltage u at the load 12 assumes the value u = 0. In the first intermediate range 66, the following switching rule preferably applies: If the current is in the first intermediate range 66 and the boost switch 42 is switched on and thus the voltage u = Uboost 46 is applied to the load 12, this switching state is maintained, whereby the switching state of the high-side switch 24 is then still arbitrary and may also be changed. If the current is in the first intermediate range 66 and the boost switch 42 is blocked and the high-side switch 24 is switched on and thus the voltage u = Ubatt 52 is applied to the load 12, this switching state is also maintained.If the current is in the first intermediate range 66 and both the boost switch 42 and the high-side switch 24 are blocked and the voltage u = 0 is therefore applied to the consumer 12, the high-side switch is switched on and the voltage at the consumer 12 is increased to u = Ubatt 52.
[0075] In the second intermediate range 68, the following switching rule preferably applies: If the current is in the second intermediate range 68 and both the boost switch 42 and the high-side switch 24 are blocked, thus applying voltage u = 0 to the load 12, this switching state is maintained. If the current is in the second intermediate range 68 and the boost switch 42 is blocked and the high-side switch 24 is switched on, thus applying voltage u = Ubatt 52 to the load 12, this switching state is also maintained.If the current is in the second intermediate range and the boost switch 42 is switched on and the voltage u = Uboost 46 is therefore applied to the consumer 12, the boost switch 42 is blocked and the high-side switch 24 is switched to the conductive state if it was previously blocked or it remains switched on if it was previously switched on and the voltage at the consumer 12 is reduced to u = Ubatt.
[0076] Figures 5 and 6 show, in simplified form, the temporal progression of the current i through the load 12, as they occur when the switching rule is applied. In both diagrams, the electrical current i is plotted on the ordinate; this is therefore a current axis 72 in each case. Furthermore, Figures 5 and 6 show the first switching threshold 22, the second switching threshold 26, and the intermediate switching threshold 20. Likewise marked are the regions defined by the switching thresholds 20, 22, and 26: the first region 64, the second region 70, the first intermediate region 66, and the second intermediate region 68. Figure 5 shows a progression of the current i in the load 12, as it occurs when the DC voltage II, which would be required to keep the current i constant in one of the two intermediate regions 66, 68, is greater than the battery voltage Ubatt 52. At the beginning of the control process, the current i lies in the first region 64.Consequently, boost switch 42 is turned on, and voltage u = Uboost 46 is applied to load 12. High-side switch 24 can be turned on or off. Due to the design of the overall system comprising output stage 10 and load 12, this switching state leads to a rising current 118. If this switching state were to remain constant, the current i in load 12 would permanently exceed the second switching threshold 26 after a short time.
[0077] The current i, coming from the first region 64, initially exceeds the first switching threshold 22 and thus enters the first intermediate region 66. According to the switching rule, the boost switch 42 then remains conductive, and the rising current curve 118 continues. Subsequently, the current i, coming from the first intermediate region 66, next reaches the intermediate switching threshold 20 and thus the second intermediate region 68. At this moment, according to the switching rule of the second intermediate region 68, the boost switch 42 is blocked, and the high-side switch 24 is either switched conductive or left conductive. As a result, the voltage applied to the load 12 assumes the value u = Ubatt 52. As mentioned at the beginning, to set a constant current—in this case, the current value of the intermediate switching threshold 20 in the present example—a DC voltage U that is greater than the battery voltage Ubatt 52 is preferred.Consequently, switching to u = Ubatt 52 causes the current i to decrease again, and a section 120 with a decreasing gradient follows in the current curve. Subsequently, the current i, coming from the first intermediate region 66, reaches the first switching threshold 22 and thus the first region 64. According to the switching rule, the boost switch 42 is then switched on again, and the voltage u = Uboost 46 is again applied to the load. Thus, a section 118 with a rising gradient follows in the current curve. Subsequently, sections 118 with rising gradient, which begin at the first switching threshold 22 and end at the intermediate switching threshold 20 and during which the voltage u = Uboost 46 is applied to the consumer 12, alternate with sections 120 with falling gradient, which begin at the intermediate switching threshold 20 and end at the first switching threshold 22 and during which the voltage u = Ubatt 52 is applied to the consumer 12.Thus, as shown in Figure 5, the current i oscillates between the first switching threshold 22 and the intermediate switching threshold 20. The voltage II, which is established on average over time, lies between Ubatt 52 and Uboost 46. Since the falling gradient of the current i in the sections 120 is flatter than in other solutions, in which the voltage u = 0 is always applied to the load 12 to adjust the falling sections, the proportion of the rising current sections 118, during which energy is supplied to the load from the boost device 18, decreases in relation to the total time. Consequently, less energy is drawn from the boost device 18 overall than in the known solution, and it can be designed for a lower nominal power.In contrast to the known solution, energy is now also supplied to the consumer 12 in the sections with 120 with a falling gradient of the current, but then not from the boost device 18, but from the voltage source 102 of the vehicle 100.
[0078] Figure 6 shows a curve of the current i in the load 12, as it occurs when the DC voltage U, which would be required to keep the current i constant in one of the two intermediate ranges 66, 68, is lower than the battery voltage Ubatt 52. At the beginning of the control process, the current i is in the first range 64. Consequently, the boost switch 42 is switched on and the voltage u = Uboost 46 is applied to the load 12. The high-side switch 24 can be switched on or off. As a result, as in Figure 5, a first rising section 118 of the current i results, which lasts until the current i coming from the first intermediate range 66 reaches the intermediate switching threshold 20 and thus the second intermediate range 68. At this moment, according to the switching rule of the second intermediate region 68, the boost switch 42 is blocked and the high-side switch 24 is either switched on or left in the conductive state.As a result, the voltage applied to the consumer 12 assumes the value u = Ubatt 52. As mentioned at the beginning, in order to set a constant current, i.e. in this case the current value of the intermediate switching threshold in the present example, a DC voltage U is necessary which is lower than the battery voltage Ubatt 52. Consequently, switching to u = Ubatt 52 causes the current i to continue to rise, but now more slowly than during the first rising section 118 due to the reduced voltage u. As a result, a further section 122 with an increasing gradient arises in the current curve, which is, however, lower than in the first rising section 118. As a result, the current i coming from the second intermediate region 68 reaches the second switching threshold 26 and thus the second region 70. According to the switching rule, the high-side switch 24 is then also blocked and the voltage u = 0 is applied to the consumer, which leads to a drop in the current.This results in a section 124 with a falling gradient in the current curve. If the current, coming from the second intermediate region 68, reaches the intermediate switching threshold 20 and thus the first intermediate region 66, the high-side switch 24 is switched on again and the voltage u = Ubatt 52 is applied to the load 12. In the present example, this leads again to an increase in the current and thus once again to a section 122 with a rising current gradient. As a result, sections 122 with a rising gradient, which begin at the intermediate switching threshold 20 and end at the second switching threshold 26 and during which the voltage u = Ubatt 52 is applied to the load 12, alternate with sections 124 with a falling gradient, which begin at the second switching threshold 26 and end at the intermediate switching threshold 20 and during which the voltage u = 0 is applied to the load 12.Thus, as shown in Figure 6, the current i oscillates between the intermediate switching threshold 20 and the second switching threshold 26. The voltage U, which is established on average over time, lies between Ubatt 52 and 0. Since the boost switch 42 remains permanently blocked after the end of the first section 118 of the current curve with increasing gradient, i.e. after the second intermediate range 68 is reached for the first time, energy is only drawn from the boost device 18 during the first increasing section 118 of the current curve and thus overall considerably less than with other solutions. The DC / DC converter 50 of the boost device 18 can be designed for a smaller nominal power. In contrast to the known solution, after the end of the first section 118 with increasing current curve and thus after the intermediate switching threshold 20 is reached for the first time, energy is now supplied to the load 12 only from the voltage source 102 of the vehicle 100.
[0079] Figure 7 illustrates a second preferred switching specification for regulating current i, preferably during a boost phase. During the entire period under consideration, the low-side switch 34 is permanently conductive, and thus the low-side output terminal 13 is permanently conductively connected to the input terminal 17. This is illustrated using a diagram whose ordinate represents the electrical current, thus representing a current axis 72, and whose abscissa represents time, thus representing a time axis 62. Figure 7 shows the first switching threshold 22, the lower intermediate switching threshold 30, the upper intermediate switching threshold 28, and the second switching threshold 26. The lower intermediate switching threshold 30 is higher than the first switching threshold 22, the upper intermediate switching threshold 28 is higher than the lower intermediate switching threshold 30, and the second switching threshold 26 is higher than the upper intermediate switching threshold 28.These switching thresholds and intermediate switching thresholds result in the areas also shown in Figure 7: first area 64 below the first switching threshold 22, second area 70 above the second switching threshold 26, lower intermediate area 66a between the first switching threshold 22 and the lower intermediate switching threshold 30, upper intermediate area 68a between the upper intermediate switching threshold 28 and the second switching threshold 26 and middle intermediate area 67a between the lower intermediate switching threshold 30 and the upper intermediate switching threshold 28.
[0080] In the first area 64, the same switching rule applies as in the area 64 according to the first embodiment, which is shown and explained in Figures 4 to 6.
[0081] In the second area 70, the same switching rule also applies as in the area 70 according to the first embodiment.
[0082] In the lower intermediate region 66a, the same switching rule applies as in the first intermediate region 66 according to the first embodiment.
[0083] In the upper intermediate region 68a, the same switching rule applies as in the second intermediate region 68 according to the first embodiment.
[0084] In the middle intermediate range 67a, the switching rule applies that the respective existing switching state is maintained when the current i is in this middle intermediate range 67a. The only exception to this rule for the middle intermediate range is that, as long as the boost switch 42 is switched on, the high-side switch 24 can be switched on or off as desired, and the high-side switch 24 can also switch between these two states.
[0085] Figures 8 and 9 show, in simplified form, the temporal progression of the current i through the load 12, as they occur when applying the second embodiment of the preferred switching specification. In both diagrams, the electrical current i is plotted on the ordinate; this is therefore a current axis 72 in each case. Furthermore, Figures 8 and 9 show the first switching threshold 22, the second switching threshold 26, the upper intermediate switching threshold 28, and the lower intermediate switching threshold 30. Likewise marked are the regions defined by the switching thresholds 28, 30, 22, 26: first region 64, second region 70, lower intermediate region 66a, upper intermediate region 68a, and middle intermediate region 67a.
[0086] Figure 8 shows a curve of the current i in the load 12 as it occurs when the DC voltage II, which would be required to keep the current i constant in one of the intermediate ranges 66a, 67a, 68a, is greater than the battery voltage Ubatt 52. At the beginning of the control process, the current i is in the first range 64. Consequently, the boost switch 42 is switched on and the voltage u = Uboos 46 is applied to the load 12. The switching state of the high-side switch 24 is arbitrary. Due to the design of the overall system comprising the output stage 10 and the load 12, this switching state leads to an increasing current curve 128. If this switching state were to be maintained permanently, the current i in the load 12 would permanently exceed the second switching threshold 26 after a short time.
[0087] The current i, coming from the first region 64, initially exceeds the first switching threshold 22 and thus enters the lower intermediate region 66a. According to the switching rule, the boost switch 42 then remains conductive, and the rising current curve 128 continues. Subsequently, the current i, coming from the lower intermediate region 66a, next reaches the lower intermediate switching threshold 30 and thus the middle intermediate region 67a. According to the switching rule, the boost switch 42 then remains conductive, and the rising current curve 128 continues. Subsequently, the current i, coming from the middle intermediate region 67a, next reaches the upper intermediate switching threshold 28 and thus the upper intermediate region 68a. At this moment, according to the switching rule of the upper intermediate region 68a, the boost switch 42 is blocked, and the high-side switch 24 is either switched on or left in the conductive state.As a result, the voltage applied to the consumer 12 assumes the value u = Ubatt 52. As mentioned at the beginning, to set a constant current, i.e. in this case the current value of the upper intermediate switching threshold 28 in the present example, a DC voltage U is necessary that is greater than the battery voltage Ubatt 52. Consequently, switching to u = Ubatt 52 causes the current i to decrease again and a section 126 with a falling gradient to follow in the current curve. As a result, the current i, initially coming from the middle intermediate region 67a, reaches the lower intermediate switching threshold 30 and thus the lower intermediate region 66a. According to the switching specification for this region, the existing switching state of boost switch 42 blocked, high-side switch 24 conductive, is maintained and the section 126 with a falling gradient of the current i continues.Subsequently, the current i then reaches the first switching threshold 22 from the lower intermediate region 66a and thus the first region 64. According to the switching rule, the boost switch 42 is then switched on again and the voltage u = Uboost 46 is again applied to the load. This means that the current curve now has another section 128 with an increasing gradient, which again extends up to the upper intermediate switching threshold 28 and thus until the upper intermediate region 68a is reached. Subsequently, sections 128 with an increasing gradient, which begin at the first switching threshold 22 and end at the upper intermediate switching threshold 28 and during which the voltage u = Uboost 46 is applied to the load 12, alternate with sections 126 with a decreasing gradient, which begin at the upper intermediate switching threshold 28 and end at the first switching threshold 22 and during which the voltage u = Ubatt 52 is applied to the load 12.Thus, as shown in Figure 8, the current i oscillates between the first switching threshold 22 and the upper intermediate switching threshold 28. The voltage U, which is established on average over time, lies between Ubatt 52 and Uboost 46. Since the falling gradient of the current i in the sections 126 is flatter than in the known solution, in which the voltage u = 0 is always applied to the load 12 to adjust the falling sections, the proportion of the rising current sections 128, during which energy is supplied to the load from the boost device 18, decreases in relation to the total time. Consequently, less energy is drawn from the boost device 18 overall than in the known solution, and it can be designed for a lower nominal power.In contrast to the known solution, energy is now also supplied to the consumer 12 in the sections with 126 with a falling gradient of the current, but not from the boost device 18, but from the voltage source 102 of the vehicle 100. Figure 9 shows a curve of the current i in the consumer 12, as it occurs when the DC voltage II, which would be required to keep the current i constant in one of the intermediate ranges 66a, 67a, 68a, is smaller than the battery voltage Ubatt 52. At the beginning of the control process, the current i is in the first range 64. Consequently, the boost switch 42 is switched on and the voltage u = Uboost 46 is applied to the consumer 12. The switching state of the high-side switch 24 is arbitrary.As a result, as shown in Figure 8, a first rising section 128 of the current i results, which lasts until the current i, coming from the middle intermediate range 67a, reaches the upper intermediate switching threshold 28 and thus the upper intermediate range 68a. At this moment, according to the switching rule of the upper intermediate range 68a, the boost switch 42 is blocked, and the high-side switch 24 is either switched on or left in the conducting state. As a result, the voltage applied to the load 12 assumes the value u = Ubatt 52. As mentioned at the beginning, to set a constant current, i.e., in this case, the current value of the upper intermediate switching threshold 28 in the present example, a DC voltage U is required that is lower than the battery voltage Ubatt 52. Consequently, switching to u = Ubatt 52 causes the current i to continue to rise, but now more slowly than during the first rising section 128 due to the reduced voltage u.As a result, a further section 130 with a rising gradient arises in the current curve, which is, however, lower than in the first rising section 128. As a result, the current i, coming from the upper intermediate region 68a, reaches the second switching threshold 26 and thus the second region 70. According to the switching rule, the high-side switch 24 is then also blocked and the voltage u = 0 is applied to the load, which leads to a drop in the current. Thus, a section 132 with a falling gradient now follows in the current curve. During this section, the current, coming from the upper intermediate region 68a, first reaches the upper intermediate switching threshold 28 and thus the middle intermediate region 67a. According to the switching rule, the existing switching state is maintained and section 132 with a falling gradient of the current curve continues.If the current now reaches the lower intermediate switching threshold 30 from the middle intermediate region 67a and thus the lower intermediate region 66a, the high-side switch 24 is switched on again and the voltage u = Ubatt 52 is applied to the load 12. In the present example, this leads to a renewed increase in the current and thus again to a section 134 with an increasing current gradient. During this section 134, the current initially reaches the upper intermediate switching threshold 28 from the middle intermediate region 67a and thus the upper intermediate region 68a. According to the switching rule, the existing switching state is maintained and section 134 with an increasing current gradient continues. Subsequently, the current then reaches the second switching threshold 26 from the upper intermediate region 68a and thus the second region 70.Subsequently, sections 132 with a falling gradient, which begin at the second switching threshold 26 and end at the lower intermediate switching threshold 30 and during which the voltage u = 0 is applied to the load 12, alternate with sections 134 with a rising gradient, which begin at the lower intermediate switching threshold 30 and end at the second switching threshold 26 and during which the voltage u = Ubatt 52 is applied to the load 12. Thus, the current i oscillates, as shown in Figure 9, between the lower intermediate switching threshold 30 and the second switching threshold 26. The voltage II, which is established on average over time, lies between Ubatt 52 and 0.Since the boost switch 42 remains permanently blocked after the end of the first section 128 of the current curve with increasing gradient, i.e., after the upper intermediate range 68a is reached for the first time, energy is drawn from the boost device 18 only during the first increasing section 128 of the current curve, and thus significantly less overall than with the known solution. The DC / DC converter 50 of the boost device 18 can be designed for a smaller nominal power. In contrast to the known solution, after the end of the first section 128 with increasing current curve, and thus after the upper intermediate switching threshold 28 is reached for the first time, energy is now supplied to the load 12 only from the voltage source 102 of the vehicle 100.
[0088] Figure 10 shows a vehicle 100 having a voltage source 102 and an output stage 10 connected to this voltage source and to which a consumer 12 is connected, as described above.
[0089] The output stage can be upgraded using one of the preferred switching specifications for controlling additional consumers 12a, 12b, etc., by having additional low-side output terminals 13a, 13b, etc. and by connecting a further feedback diode 44a, 44b between each of these additional low-side output terminals 13a, 13b, etc. and the output terminal 51c of the DC-DC converter 50, and by connecting a further low-side switch 34a, 34b between each of these additional low-side output terminals 13a, 13b and the input terminal - 17 or a point conductively connected to this input terminal - 17. During the control of one of the consumers 12, 12a, 12b etc., the corresponding low-side switch 34, 34a, 34b etc. is switched on while all other of these low-side switches 34, 34a, 34b are blocked.
[0090] Furthermore, a vehicle 100 may have a plurality of such power amplifiers 10. In the case of a plurality of power amplifiers 10 in a vehicle 100, each of these power amplifiers 10 may have its own boost device 18, or two or more power amplifiers 10 may share a common boost device 18.
[0091] Figure 11 shows a flowchart illustrating steps according to the method 300 for operating an output stage 10. The method 300 comprises the steps:
[0092] - Receiving S1 a control signal,
[0093] - Switching S2 of the output stage as a function of the control signal into at least a first switch position or into a second switch position, wherein in the first switch position a consumer 12 is connected to a boost device 18 in order to apply a boost voltage to the consumer 12, wherein in the second switch position a high-side switch 24 is switched on to the consumer 12 and / or is switched on while the boost switch 42 is blocked in order to apply a predetermined voltage to the consumer 12.
[0094] Figure 12 shows a flowchart illustrating steps of method 200 according to one embodiment. Figure 12 includes the same steps S1 and S2 of method 200 as already described with reference to Figure 11. Furthermore, method 300 includes the following step:
[0095] - Switching S3 of the power amplifier into a third switch position depending on the control signal.
[0096] Furthermore, the method comprises the following steps:
[0097] - Detecting S4 a first switching threshold 22, switching the first switch position S5 and switching the second switch position S6. Further preferably, the method 300 comprises the steps:
[0098] - Switching to block S7 of the boost switch 42 and / or switching to conduct S8 of the boost switch 42 and / or the high-side switch 24.
Claims
Claims 1. Output stage (10) of a vehicle (100) for controlling at least one consumer (12) with an inductive character, 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) which is designed to increase a voltage (52) of the 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 consumer (12) can be connected, a high-side switch (24) which is connected to the input arrangement (16) and the high-side output contact (11), a boost switch (42) which is connected to the high-side output contact (11) and the boost device (18), wherein the control device (14) is designed to control the boost switch (42) conductive in order to apply a boost voltage to the load, wherein the control device (14) is configured to switch the high-side switch (24) conductive when the boost switch (42) is switched off in order to apply the voltage (52) of the voltage source (102) to the load, and / or wherein the control device (14) is configured to switch the boost switch (42) off when the high-side switch (24) is switched on in order to apply the voltage (52) of the voltage source (102) to the load.
2. Output stage (10) according to claim 1, wherein the control device (14) is configured to control the boost switch (42) and the high-side switch (24) to block a voltage at to apply the consumer (12) which is smaller than the voltage (52) of the voltage source (102).
3. Output stage (10) according to one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the control device (14) is configured to detect and / or store a first switching threshold (22), a second switching threshold (26), and an intermediate switching threshold (20), wherein the second switching threshold (26) is greater than the first switching threshold (22), wherein the intermediate switching threshold (20) is greater than the first switching threshold (22) and wherein the intermediate switching threshold (20) is less than the second switching threshold (26), wherein the control device (14) is configured to switch the boost switch (42) into the conductive state when the current through the at least one consumer (12) is less than the first switching threshold (22).
4. Output stage (10) according to claim 3, wherein the control device (14) is configured to switch the boost switch (42) and the high-side switch (24) off when the current through the at least one consumer (12) is greater than the second switching threshold (26).
5. Output stage (10) according to one of claims 3 to 4, wherein the control device (14) is configured to switch the boost switch (42) off when the current through the at least one consumer (12) is greater than the intermediate switching threshold (20).
6. Output stage (10) according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the control device (14) is configured to switch the boost switch (42) and / or the high-side switch (24) into the conductive state when the current through the at least one consumer (12) is less than the intermediate switching threshold (20).
7. Output stage (10) according to one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the control device (14) is configured to switch the boost switch (42) off and to switch the high-side switch (24) on when the current through the at least one consumer (12) is less than the second switching threshold (26) and greater is switched on as the intermediate switching threshold (20) and the boost switch (42), and / or wherein the control device (14) is configured to maintain a first existing switching state of the high-side switch (24) and the boost switch (42) when the current through the at least one consumer (12) is less than the second switching threshold (26) and greater than the intermediate switching threshold (20) and the boost switch (42) is switched off, and / or wherein the control device (14) is configured to switch the high-side switch (24) on when the current through the at least one consumer (12) is less than the intermediate switching threshold (20) and greater than the first switching threshold (22) and both the boost switch (42) and the high-side switch (24) are switched off, and / or wherein the control device (14) is configured toto maintain a second existing switching state of the high-side switch (24) and the boost switch (42) when the current through the at least one consumer (12) is less than the intermediate switching threshold (20) and greater than the first switching threshold (22) and the high-side switch (24) is switched on.
8. Output stage (10) according to one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the intermediate switching threshold (20) comprises a lower intermediate switching threshold (30) and an upper intermediate switching threshold (28), wherein the lower intermediate switching threshold (30) is greater than the first switching threshold (22) and less than the second switching threshold (26), wherein the upper intermediate switching threshold (28) is greater than the lower intermediate switching threshold (30) and less than the second switching threshold (26), wherein the control device (14) is configured to switch the boost switch (42) into the conducting state when the current through the at least one consumer (12) is less than the first switching threshold (22) and / or wherein the control device (14) is configured to switch the boost switch (42) and the high-side switch (24) into the blocking state when the current through the at least one consumer (12) is greater than the second switching threshold (26) and / or - wherein the control device (14) is designed to control the boost switch (42) to switch off when the current through the at least one consumer (12) is greater than the upper intermediate switching threshold (28) and / or, wherein the control device (14) is configured to switch the boost switch (42) and / or the high-side switch (24) to conduct when the current through the at least one consumer (12) is less than the lower intermediate switching threshold (30).
9. The power amplifier (10) according to claim 8, wherein the control device (14) is configured to switch the boost switch (42) off and to switch the high-side switch (24) on when the current 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 boost switch (42) is on, and / or wherein the control device (14) is configured to maintain a third existing switching state of the high-side switch (24) and the boost switch (42) when the current 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 boost switch (42) is off, and / or wherein the control device (14) is configured to switch the high-side switch (24) on,if the current through the at least one consumer (12) is less than the lower intermediate switching threshold (30) and greater than the first switching threshold (22) and both the boost switch (42) and the high-side switch (24) are switched off and / or wherein the control device (14) is configured to maintain a fourth existing switching state of the high-side switch (24) and the boost switch (42) when the current through the at least one consumer (12) is less than the lower intermediate switching threshold (30) and greater than the first switching threshold (22) and the boost switch (42) is switched on or the high-side switch (24) is switched on and / or wherein the control device (14) is configured to maintain a fifth existing switching state of the high-side switch (24) and the boost switch (42) when the current through the at least, a consumer (12) is smaller than the upper intermediate switching threshold (28) and larger than the lower intermediate switching threshold (30).
10. Output stage (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one consumer (12) has at least one solenoid valve.
11. Output stage (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the input arrangement (16) has a first input contact (15) and a second input contact (17), and wherein the first input contact (15) has a higher electrical potential than the second input contact (17).
12. Output stage (10) according to claim 11, wherein the boost device (18) has an output contact (51c), wherein the boost device (18) is configured to apply the boost voltage between the output contact (51c) and the second input contact (17).
13. Output stage (10) according to one of claims 11 to 12, which has a freewheeling diode (56) which is connected between the second input contact and the high-side output contact (11).
14. Output stage (10) according to one of claims 11 to 13, which has at least one low-side switch (34) which is connected between the low-side output contact (13) and the second input contact (17) and / or wherein the output stage (10) has at least one feedback diode (44) which is connected between the low-side output contact (13) and the output contact (51c).
15. Introducing arrangement (200) for introducing a fluid into a combustion chamber, comprising an output stage (10) according to one of the preceding claims.
16. Vehicle (100) comprising an output stage (10) according to one of the preceding claims and / or a control device (102) which is configured to carry out steps of the method (300) according to one of the subsequent claims.
17. Method (300) for operating an output stage (10), comprising the steps: Receiving (S1) a control signal, Switching (S2) the output stage (10) in dependence on the control signal into at least a first switch position or into a second switch position, wherein in the first switch position a load (12) is connected to a boost device (18) in order to apply a boost voltage to the load (12), wherein in the second switch position a high-side switch (24) is switched on to the load (12) and / or is switched on while the boost switch (42) is blocked in order to apply a predetermined voltage to the load (12).
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising the steps: Switching (S3) the output stage (10) into a third switch position as a function of the control signal, wherein in the third switch position the boost switch (42) and the high-side switch (24) are blocked.
19. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 18, further comprising the steps: Detecting (S4) a first switching threshold (22), a second switching threshold (26), and an intermediate switching threshold (20), wherein the second switching threshold (26) is greater than the first switching threshold (22), wherein the intermediate switching threshold (20) is greater than the first switching threshold (22) and is smaller than the second switching threshold (26), switching the first switch position (S5) when the current through the consumer (12) is less than the first switching threshold (22), and / or switching the third switch position (S6) when the current through the consumer (12) is greater than the second switching threshold (26), switching either the first switch position or the second switch position when the current through the at least one consumer (12) is less than the intermediate switching threshold (20) and greater than the first switching threshold (22), Switching either the second switch position or the third switch position when the current through at least one consumer (12) is greater than the intermediate switching threshold (20) and smaller than the second switching threshold (26).
20. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the intermediate switching threshold (20) comprises a lower intermediate switching threshold (30) and an upper intermediate switching threshold (28), wherein the intermediate switching threshold (20) is greater than the first switching threshold (22) and less than the second switching threshold (26), wherein the upper intermediate switching threshold (28) is greater than the lower intermediate switching threshold (30) and less than the second switching threshold (26), further comprising the steps: Switching to block (S7) the boost switch (42) when the current through the at least one consumer (12) is greater than the upper intermediate switching threshold (28) and / or Switching to conduct (S8) the boost switch (42) and / or the high-side switch (24) when the current through the at least one consumer (12) is less than the lower intermediate switching threshold (30).