Method for preventing a malfunction of a throttle valve actuator, throttle valve actuator, computer program and computer-readable medium

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for preventing a malfunction of a throttle valve actuator (3), wherein a shaking movement is carried out by means of a throttle valve (5a, 5b, 5c) of the throttle valve actuator (3). The invention further relates to a throttle valve actuator (3), a computer program product (4b) and a computer-readable medium (4a).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Method for preventing a malfunction of a throttle valve actuator, throttle valve actuator, computer program and computer-readable medium

[0003] Technical area

[0004] The invention relates to a method for preventing a malfunction of a throttle valve actuator, a throttle valve actuator, a computer program and a computer-readable medium.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] Valves, especially throttle valves in fuel cell systems, can freeze at low ambient temperatures if fluid has previously accumulated on the throttle valve. This leads to a malfunction of the throttle valve actuator, as the throttle valve can no longer be moved from the frozen position.

[0007] The document EP 3 252 362 A1 discloses a heatable throttle valve, whereby freezing of the throttle valve can be prevented or a frozen throttle valve can be released.

[0008] The main disadvantage is that a dedicated heating device must be provided. Furthermore, electrical energy must be used to operate the heating device.

[0009] Description of the invention, task, solution, advantages

[0010] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an alternative solution, in particular a method, which is characterized in particular by the fact that no complex devices are required to prevent the throttle valve from freezing. A further object is to provide a throttle valve actuator designed to carry out such a method.

[0011] A further object is to provide a computer program comprising instructions that cause the throttle actuator to carry out the method.

[0012] A further task is to provide a computer-readable medium on which the computer program is stored.

[0013] The first object of the method is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1.

[0014] An embodiment of the invention relates to a method for preventing a malfunction of a throttle valve actuator, preferably in a fuel cell system, wherein the throttle valve actuator comprises a throttle valve which is movable into an open position and a closed position, the method comprising the step of performing a shaking movement by means of the throttle valve.

[0015] The vibration of the throttle valve removes, or rather shakes off, any fluid that has accumulated on the throttle valve. This reliably prevents the throttle valve from freezing without the need for a complex heating device.

[0016] It is particularly advantageous if the throttle valve is arranged in a flow channel. It is also advantageous if the flow cross-section of the flow channel can be changed by moving the throttle valve into different positions. In other words, the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel depends on the position of the throttle valve in the flow channel. The flow channel is preferably part of the throttle valve actuator. It is particularly preferred if the flow channel is formed integrally with a housing of the throttle valve actuator.

[0017] Furthermore, it is preferred if the malfunction of the throttle valve actuator, which is to be prevented by the method according to the invention, is freezing of the throttle valve, in particular at a throttle valve seat. Such freezing of the throttle valve can occur, in particular, at low ambient temperatures if a liquid, preferably water, has previously accumulated in the area of ​​the throttle valve, particularly preferably due to condensation.

[0018] The open position is preferably a position of the throttle valve in which the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel is maximum depending on the position of the throttle valve in the flow channel.

[0019] The closed position is preferably a position of the throttle valve in which the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel is minimal depending on the position of the throttle valve in the flow channel, or in which the flow channel is completely closed by the throttle valve and / or in which the throttle valve is in a position that the throttle valve assumes due to a restoring force of a return spring of the throttle valve actuator. In other words, the closed position can be a rest position of the throttle valve. The rest position is preferably a position that the throttle valve assumes when the electric drive of the throttle valve actuator is not energized, i.e. is deactivated.

[0020] Preferably, the throttle valve is connected to a throttle valve shaft in a torque-transmitting manner. The throttle valve shaft is preferably driven by an electric drive, in particular an electric motor, preferably by an electric motor or an electric drive of the throttle valve actuator. Preferably, a transmission is interposed between the electric motor and the throttle valve shaft, which transmission transmits the rotational movement of the electric motor to the throttle valve shaft and thus to the throttle valve.

[0021] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the method is carried out when or after the fuel cell system is deactivated. This reliably prevents the throttle valve from freezing, preferably in its rest position, since, upon deactivation of the fuel cell system, liquid, particularly in the form of water, accumulates due to condensation, particularly in the area of ​​the throttle valve.

[0022] A further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the method is initiated at a time interval from the deactivation of the fuel cell system. This ensures that condensation and thus the accumulation of liquid in the area of ​​the throttle valve is largely completed before the method according to the invention is carried out. This ensures that a large portion of the liquid that could lead to the throttle valve freezing is removed by the method according to the invention.

[0023] As a result, a temperature sensor or a temperature sensor signal or the evaluation of a temperature sensor signal can be dispensed with, particularly if the temporal spacing is independent of the ambient temperature, which contributes to the simplicity of the implementation of the method.

[0024] A further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the method is initialized as a function of the ambient temperature of the throttle valve actuator or the fuel cell system, or of a vehicle comprising such a throttle valve actuator or such a fuel cell system. In other words, the method can be omitted if the ambient temperature is so high that freezing of the throttle valve is unlikely or impossible.

[0025] Preferably, the procedure is only performed when the ambient temperature is below 4°C or has been below 4°C within the last 24 or 72 hours. Other limit temperatures are also conceivable, as long as it can be assumed that there is a possibility of the throttle valve freezing.

[0026] In general, it is possible that the throttle valve may freeze in its rest position, preferably at its throttle valve seat.

[0027] It is also preferable if the ambient temperature is determined using a temperature sensor. This temperature sensor can preferably be a temperature sensor from another system in the vehicle, i.e., not the fuel cell system. This eliminates the need for a dedicated temperature sensor.

[0028] Such a temperature sensor preferably provides a temperature sensor signal that can be evaluated by a control unit. Depending on this evaluation, it is preferred for the control unit to initialize the method according to the invention. Regardless of the temperature sensor, it is generally preferred for a control unit to be able to start, initiate, and / or terminate the method according to the invention.

[0029] Preferably, the time interval for deactivating the fuel cell system depends on the ambient temperature of the throttle valve actuator or the fuel cell system or a vehicle comprising such a throttle valve actuator or such a fuel cell system.

[0030] A further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the shaking movement comprises at least one movement of the throttle valve in the direction of the open position and / or at least one movement of the throttle valve in the direction of the closed position. The shaking movement is preferably a back and forth movement of the throttle valve, preferably between the open position and the closed position. The shaking movement preferably comprises an acceleration. It is preferred if only a part of the completely possible movement path of the throttle valve is used for the shaking movement of the throttle valve. Preferably, a maximum of 60%, a maximum of 40% or a maximum of 20% of the completely possible movement path of the throttle valve is used for the method according to the invention. Preferably, at least 10%, at least 30%, at least 50% of the completely possible movement path of the throttle valve is used for the method according to the invention.

[0031] Preferably, in general, within the scope of the disclosure of the invention, at any point in the disclosure, the term position can also be understood to mean the term location, and vice versa.

[0032] It is also preferable if, before executing the vibration movement using the throttle valve, the throttle valve is moved to a position between the open and closed positions. This provides the throttle valve with sufficient movement to execute the vibration movement without being limited by a mechanical stop. This can prevent damage to the throttle valve actuator, in particular to a gear of the throttle valve actuator or the throttle valve. Such mechanical stops can be defined, for example, by the open and / or closed positions and formed there.

[0033] A further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the shaking movement is generated by an electric drive of the throttle valve actuator and / or a return spring of the throttle valve actuator.

[0034] The electric drive is preferably an electric motor of the throttle valve actuator, which preferably transmits or can transmit its rotational movement to the throttle valve via a throttle valve shaft. The electric motor is preferably controlled by a control unit or the control unit. By means of the return spring, at least part of the shaking movement can be realized without the application of electrical energy. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the throttle valve to be moved by means of the electric drive into a first position counter to the return force of the return spring, where the electric drive is deactivated and the return spring then moves the throttle valve back to its initial or rest position or is accelerated.

[0035] In general, it is preferred if the shaking movement of the throttle valve comprises an acceleration of the throttle valve in one, preferably in two opposite directions, particularly preferably in the direction of the open position and the closed position.

[0036] A further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the method is performed several times in succession, particularly at intervals. This ensures that the fluid is removed or shaken off the throttle valve as completely as possible.

[0037] A further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the shaking movement comprises a pushing movement of the throttle valve against a mechanical stop of the throttle valve. This increases the shaking effect of the method according to the invention at the expense of the longevity of the throttle valve actuator, in particular the throttle valve or the gear of the throttle valve actuator.

[0038] A further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the shaking movement comprises a maximum acceleration of the throttle valve, which is selected such that the throttle valve actuator is protected from mechanical damage due to the execution of the method.

[0039] This ensures the longevity of the throttle valve actuator.

[0040] In addition to, or independently of, the maximum acceleration, it is preferable for the vibration movement to include a minimum acceleration of the throttle valve. This ensures the removal of fluid from the throttle valve, which can cause the throttle valve to freeze at low ambient temperatures.

[0041] A further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the throttle valve is in contact with a seal during the shaking movement. This seal is preferably a seal of the throttle valve actuator for the throttle valve, wherein the throttle valve rests against the seal in the closed position. It is preferred that, when the throttle valve rests against the seal, in other words is in contact with it, the flow channel is completely, in particular fluidically, closed and / or sealed by the throttle valve and the seal. Preferably, the throttle valve is in contact with the seal for the entire or partial duration of the shaking movement. The seal is preferably an elastic seal and / or an elastomer seal, whereby the shaking movement of the throttle valve is enabled while the throttle valve is in contact with the seal.Preferably, the seal is located on a throttle valve seat, which serves as a valve seat for the throttle valve in the closed position. The contact between the throttle valve and the seal is preferably physical, i.e., touching, contact. The contact between the throttle valve and the seal is preferably configured such that the throttle valve exerts surface pressure on the seal during contact with the seal. Furthermore, it is preferred if the contact between the throttle valve and the seal is periodically interrupted during the shaking movement. This can promote the drainage of water accumulated on the throttle valve.

[0042] In principle, it is preferred if the shaking movement is limited to a maximum of 1%, 2%, 5%, 10% or 20% of the maximum possible movement or rotational movement path of the throttle valve between the closed position and the open position. The object with regard to the throttle valve actuator is achieved in that a throttle valve actuator with a throttle valve is provided, wherein the throttle valve actuator is adapted such that the throttle valve actuator carries out the steps of the method according to the invention. This provides an efficient and cost-effective throttle valve actuator. Furthermore, it is preferred if the throttle valve actuator comprises further means which are adapted such that they carry out the steps of the method according to the invention. An example of such a means is a control unit by means of which the throttle valve actuator or the electric motor of the throttle valve actuator can be operated.Furthermore, it is preferred if a fuel cell system is provided with such a throttle valve actuator. Furthermore, it is preferred if a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, is provided with such a throttle valve actuator or such a fuel cell system. The vehicle is preferably a vehicle with an electric drive, wherein the electric drive can be supplied with electrical energy by means of the fuel cell system.

[0043] The problem regarding the computer program is solved by providing a computer program that includes commands that cause the throttle valve actuator according to the invention to execute the method according to the invention. Such a computer program can be executed, for example, by a control unit or by the control unit of the throttle valve actuator.

[0044] The problem regarding the computer-readable medium is solved by providing a computer-readable medium on which the computer program according to the invention is stored. The computer program is preferably stored in a non-volatile memory. It is preferred if the computer program is stored on a storage medium of the control unit of the throttle valve actuator.

[0045] Advantageous developments of the present invention are described in the dependent claims and in the following description of the figures. Brief description of the drawings

[0046] The invention is explained in detail below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. In the drawings:

[0047] Fig. 1 shows a vehicle with a throttle valve actuator according to the invention,

[0048] Fig. 2 of the throttle valve actuator according to the invention, and

[0049] Fig. 3 is a flow chart of the method according to the invention.

[0050] Preferred embodiment of the invention

[0051] Figure 1 shows a vehicle 1 with a fuel cell system 2 and a throttle valve actuator 3 according to the invention. The vehicle 1 is an electric vehicle with an electric drive, wherein the electric drive can be supplied with electrical energy by means of the fuel cell system 2. The throttle valve actuator 3 is operable by means of a control unit 4. The control unit 4 comprises a computer-readable medium 4a, which is designed as a non-volatile memory and on which a computer program 4b is stored. The computer program 4b comprises commands that cause the throttle valve actuator 3 to execute the method according to the invention.

[0052] Figure 2 shows the throttle valve actuator 3 from Figure 1, which comprises a flow channel 7 in which a throttle valve 5a, 5b, 5c is arranged, which is movable by means of a throttle valve shaft 6. The throttle valve shaft 6 is movable by an electric motor which is controlled by the control unit. The throttle valve 5a, 5b, 5c is shown in different positions. The throttle valve 5a, which is indicated by dashed lines, is in its closed position and thereby completely closes the flow channel 7. The throttle valve 5b, which is also indicated by dashed lines, is in its open position and thereby ensures the maximum possible flow cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel 7. The throttle valve 5c is in a position between the open position and the closed position. In addition, the vibration movement directions 8 in the direction of the open position and the closed position are shown.

[0053] Figure 3 shows a flow chart of the method according to the invention, which can be carried out by means of the throttle valve actuator according to the invention from Figures 1 and 2. The first method step 9 determines whether the method according to the invention should be carried out at all. In this example, it is only carried out if the fuel cell system from Figure 1 is deactivated and the ambient temperature of the vehicle from Figure 1 is below 4°C. If these conditions are met, the second method step 10 takes place, which comprises moving the throttle valve into a position between the closed position and the open position. This is followed by the third method step 11, which comprises executing a shaking movement by means of the throttle valve in the shaking movement directions. The third method step 11 can be carried out multiple times, preferably at intervals in time.This ensures the almost complete removal of fluid from the throttle valve, reliably preventing the throttle valve from freezing to the throttle valve seat. The fourth method step 12 involves moving the throttle valve to its rest position, thus concluding the method according to the invention. The throttle valve is preferably moved to its rest position by means of a return spring of the throttle valve actuator.

[0054] The different features of the individual embodiments can also be combined with each other.

[0055] The embodiments of Figures 1 to 3 are not limiting in nature and serve to clarify the inventive concept. List of reference symbols

[0056] 1 vehicle

[0057] 2 Fuel cell system 3 Throttle valve actuator

[0058] 4 Control unit

[0059] 4a Computer-readable medium

[0060] 4b Computer program

[0061] 5 a - c Throttle valve 6 Throttle valve shaft

[0062] 7 Flow channel

[0063] 8 Vibration direction

[0064] 9 first procedural step

[0065] 10 second process step 11 third process step

[0066] 12 fourth procedural step

Claims

Patent claims 1. A method for preventing a malfunction of a throttle valve actuator (3) in a fuel cell system (2), wherein the throttle valve actuator (3) comprises a throttle valve (5a, 5b, 5c) which is movable into an open position and a closed position, the method comprising the following step: - Performing a shaking movement using the throttle valve (5a, 5b, 5c).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the method is carried out when or after the fuel cell system (2) is deactivated.

3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method is initialized at a time interval from the deactivation of the fuel cell system (2).

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method is initialized as a function of an ambient temperature of the throttle valve actuator (3) or of the fuel cell system (2) or of a vehicle (1) which comprises such a throttle valve actuator (3) or such a fuel cell system (2).

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shaking movement comprises at least one movement of the throttle valve (5a, 5b, 5c) in the direction of the open position and at least one movement of the throttle valve (5a, 5b, 5c) in the direction of the closed position.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shaking movement is generated by an electric drive of the throttle valve actuator (3) and / or a return spring of the throttle valve actuator (3).

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method is carried out several times in succession, in particular at intervals of time.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shaking movement comprises a pushing movement of the throttle valve (5a, 5b, 5c) against a mechanical stop of the throttle valve (5a, 5b, 5c).

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shaking movement comprises a maximum acceleration of the throttle valve (5a, 5b, 5c) which is selected such that the throttle valve actuator (3) is protected from mechanical damage due to the implementation of the method.

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the throttle valve (5a, 5b, 5c) is in contact with a seal during the shaking movement.

11. Throttle valve actuator (3) with a throttle valve (5a, 5b, 5c), wherein the throttle valve actuator (3) is adapted such that the throttle valve actuator (3) carries out the steps of the method according to one of the preceding claims.

12. A computer program (4b) comprising instructions causing the device of claim 11 to carry out the method steps according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. A computer-readable medium (4a) on which the computer program according to claim 12 is stored.

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