Open-loop control unit for an injector, method for operating an injector, vehicle, and system

Abstract

The present invention relates to an open-loop control unit (10) for an injector (50), comprising a closed-loop control unit (12) which is designed to acquire at least a first curve (14) of a characteristic variable of an actuator (52) of the injector (50), the closed-loop control unit (12) being designed to determine a starting point (16) and an end point (18) in a drop (20) of the characteristic variable in the first curve (14), and the closed-loop control unit (12) being designed to minimize a difference (22) between an actual position (24) and a target position (26) of a needle element (54) of the injector (50) by means of the starting point (16) and the end point (18).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] title

[0003] Control unit for an injector, method for operating an injector, vehicle and system

[0004] State of the art

[0005] The present invention relates to a control unit for an injector, a method for operating an injector, a vehicle and a system.

[0006] Currently, there are a multitude of different solutions for blowing or injecting fluids into combustion chambers. Due to the increasing efficiency requirements and increased service life requirements, the need for innovative and robust methods for controlling injectors 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 in greater demand.

[0008] Disclosure of the invention

[0009] The control unit according to the invention for an injector with the features of claim 1 has the advantage over the known ones that the excess energy during the opening process of a needle element can be reduced and thus the load or wear on the injector can be reduced or avoided. This can be achieved in particular by the parameters, in particular the characteristics for controlling the actuator, being able to be adapted individually for each blowing or injection process in order to be able to adapt them to different boundary conditions. More preferably, a control loop can be implemented which keeps the extinguishing duration, in particular the rapid extinguishing duration, at a defined level and thus changes in the opening behavior can be continuously detected and compensated for. The rapid extinguishing duration can, for example,This involves reducing the required current level to a lower level (preferably zero) by applying an opposing voltage. This can, in particular, achieve permanently optimized opening of the injector, for example, reducing wear, energy consumption, and noise, as well as increasing the injector's metering accuracy.

[0010] This is achieved according to the invention in that the control unit for an injector has a control unit. The control unit is configured to detect at least a first profile of a characteristic variable of an actuator of the injector, wherein the control unit is configured to determine a starting point and an end point in a decrease of the characteristic variable in the first profile. The control unit is configured to minimize a difference between an actual position and a target position of a needle element of the injector by means of the starting point and the end point.

[0011] In other words, a start or end point of an extinguishing process, in particular during fast extinguishing or fast decay, can be determined in order to be able to determine a movement profile of the needle element in order to determine the position of the needle at a maximum. For example, the first profile can represent a current or voltage profile at the actuator of the injector over an injection or intake process. The first profile can have a first region which is configured to deflect the needle. Furthermore, the first profile can have a second region which is configured to keep the needle open for a predetermined period of time. Due to the dynamics of the needle element movement, the needle element should be deflected in a predetermined position, for example the actual position. However, acceleration or ambient conditions can cause a difference between the target position and the actual position of the needle element.By adjusting the starting point and / or the end point, or the decrease in the characteristic value in the first curve, the difference between the actual position and the target position of the needle element can be minimized or essentially reduced to zero. In particular, a duration between the starting point and the end point can be changed, for example, by adjusting the duration of the booster, which changes the needle movement and thus also the extinguishing duration. Further preferably, a current measurement, a voltage measurement, and / or feedback via a digital interface from the control unit can be determined to determine the extinguishing duration.

[0012] The subclaims show preferred developments of the invention.

[0013] Preferably, the first profile of the characteristic variable has a first level and a second level, wherein at least a first value of the characteristic variable in the first level is greater than at least a second value of the characteristic variable in the second level, wherein the drop is between the first level and the second level.

[0014] An advantage of this embodiment is that by defining the drop between the first level and the second level, the relevant movement sequence of the needle element in the first course is identified or defined, thus enabling the minimization to be carried out. Further preferably, the first level can be at a current or voltage level to deflect or accelerate the needle, and the second level can be configured to keep the needle element substantially constantly open or similar.

[0015] Further preferably, the control unit is configured to determine a movement path of the needle element between the start point and the end point by means of the start point and the end point.

[0016] An advantage of this embodiment is that by determining the movement path of the needle element between the starting point and the end point, a trajectory of the needle element in the blowing or extrusion process can be determined.

[0017] The injection process can be concluded. The actual position of the needle element can be determined based on the movement profile of the trajectory derived therefrom. Further preferably, the control unit is configured to determine the actual position based on the movement profile, wherein the actual position is a maximum deflection of the needle element in the first profile.

[0018] An advantage of this embodiment is that excess energy or movement can be detected using the actual position as the maximum deflection, so that the control unit can adjust the parameter on the actuator accordingly for further processes or further blowing processes.

[0019] Preferably, the control unit is configured to output a control signal based on the difference in the first curve, which control signal is configured to minimize the difference in a second curve of the characteristic variable.

[0020] An advantage of this embodiment is that the control signal allows the injection process to be further optimized or continuously optimized over multiple injection processes. For example, the difference between the actual position and the target position can be determined in the first process, and the movement of the needle element or the characteristic value on the actuator can be adjusted accordingly in the second process to minimize the difference.

[0021] Further preferably, the control signal is configured to change the starting point and / or the end point in the second curve so that the difference is minimized.

[0022] An advantage of this embodiment is that by adjusting the starting point and / or the end point using the parameter in the first and / or second curves, a blowing process can be further optimized. For example, the starting point can be selected earlier or later in the second curve, just like the end point.

[0023] Further preferably, the control unit is configured to detect and / or receive at least one environmental parameter of the injector, wherein the control unit is configured to minimize the difference based on the environmental parameter. An advantage of this embodiment is that, with the aid of the environmental parameter, such as the ambient temperature or the like, the difference can be minimized, or the starting point and / or the end point can be adjusted accordingly, thus reducing the difference between the actual position and the target position.

[0024] Preferably, the control unit is configured to store and / or receive a reference profile of the characteristic variable of the actuator, wherein the control unit is configured to minimize the difference based on the reference profile of the characteristic variable.

[0025] An advantage of this embodiment is that, for example, a reference curve can be recorded under standard conditions or in the rest position or in the completely open position or similar in order to be able to further optimize the minimization of the difference.

[0026] Further preferably, the control unit is configured to send a test signal to the actuator, wherein the test signal is configured to generate a test profile of the characteristic, wherein the control unit is configured to determine a test start point and / or a test end point in a test drop of the characteristic in the test profile, wherein the test signal is configured such that the actuator is substantially free from a deflection of the needle element, wherein the control unit is configured to minimize the difference based on the test start point and the end point.

[0027] An advantage of this embodiment is that, for example, if there is high backpressure at the needle element, the actuator can be controlled for testing purposes, thus generating a test control sequence during which a test start point and a test end point can be determined to further minimize the difference. The control can be configured such that the backpressure is so high that the injector cannot open. Therefore, the actuator can only be controlled but is not deflected.

[0028] Preferably, the characteristic variable is a voltage applied to the actuator and / or a current applied to the actuator. An advantage of this embodiment is that the respective characteristic variable can be selected depending on the application scenario. For example, the current and the voltage applied to the actuator can be a voltage and / or a current configured to generate a magnetic field for moving the needle element.

[0029] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating an injector, comprising the steps:

[0030] - Recording a first curve of a characteristic of an actuator of the injector,

[0031] - Determining a starting point and an end point of a drop in the

[0032] Parameter in the first course,

[0033] - Minimizing a difference between an actual position and a target position of a needle element of the injector using the start point and the end point.

[0034] A further aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle which has a control unit as described above and below and / or a control device which is configured to carry out steps of the method as described above and below.

[0035] A further aspect of the invention relates to a system which has a control unit as described above and below and / or a control device which is configured to carry out steps of the method as described above and below.

[0036] Preferably, the vehicle and / or the system may comprise an internal combustion engine which is at least connected by means of the control unit.

[0037] Short description of the drawings

[0038] Embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawing:

[0039] Figure 1 shows a control unit according to an embodiment,

[0040] Figure 2a-2f diagrams to illustrate the operation of the control unit according to an embodiment, Figure 3 a circuit diagram to illustrate the operation of the

[0041] Control unit according to an embodiment,

[0042] Figures 4a-4d are diagrams illustrating the operation of the control unit according to an embodiment,

[0043] Figure 5a-5c are diagrams illustrating the operation of the control unit according to an embodiment,

[0044] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the steps of the method according to an embodiment and

[0045] Figure 7 shows a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0046] Embodiments of the invention

[0047] Preferably, all identical units, elements and / or steps in all figures are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0048] Figure 1 shows a control unit 10 according to one embodiment. The control unit 10 for an injector 50 can be connected to an actuator 52 of the injector 50 in a signal- and / or energy-conducting manner. Further preferably, the actuator 52 can be configured to deflect a needle element 54 of the injector 50. Further preferably, the control unit 10 for an injector 50 has a control unit 12. The control unit 12 can preferably be configured to detect at least a first curve 14 of a characteristic variable of an actuator 52 of the injector 50, wherein the control unit 12 is configured to determine a starting point 16 and an end point 18 in a drop 20 of the characteristic variable in the first curve 14, wherein the control unit 12 is configured to minimize a difference 22 between an actual position 24 and a desired position 26 of a needle element 54 of the injector 50 by means of the starting point 16 and the end point 18.

[0049] Figure 2a shows a diagram 300 to illustrate the functioning of the control unit 10 according to one embodiment. The diagram 300 has a first axis 301, which describes a deflection of the needle element 54, and a second axis 302, which plots time. During the course of the deflection 304 of the needle element 54, a movement course 32 can be determined, which is located in time between the starting point 16 and the end point 18. More preferably, a difference 22 between an actual position 24 and a target position 26 can be determined, wherein the target position 26 is plotted as a line in Figure 2a. As shown in Figure 2a, the maximum deflection of the needle element 54, i.e. the actual position 24, is essentially equal to the target position 26 and thus zero.

[0050] Figure 2b shows a diagram 400 illustrating the curve of the characteristic variable of the actuator 52. The current and / or the voltage can be plotted on a first axis 402. Time is preferably plotted on a second axis 404. The first curve 14 preferably has a first level 28, which is configured to bring about a movement of the needle element 54, and a second level 30, which is configured to decelerate the needle element 54 again. Between the two levels 28, 30, a drop 20 of the characteristic variable takes place in the first curve 14, which can be defined by the starting point 16 and the end point 18.

[0051] Figure 2c shows a diagram 300 illustrating the functionality of the control unit 10 according to one embodiment. The diagram 300 preferably has a first axis 301, which plots a deflection 304 of the needle element 54, and a second axis 302, which plots time. As can be seen in Figure 2c, the actual position 24, which could be determined using the movement pattern 32, is preferably greater than the target position 26, resulting in a difference 22.

[0052] Figure 2d shows a diagram 400 representing the current and / or voltage curve of diagram 300 in Figure 2c. Figure 2d shows a drop 20 of the characteristic value in the curve 14 between the starting point 16 and the end point 18. As can be seen in Figure 2d, the rate of decrease during the drop is high.

[0053] Figure 2e shows a diagram 300 illustrating the deflection 304 of the needle element 54 with a first axis 301, which plots the path, and a second axis 302, which plots the time 302. Further preferably, an actual position 24 and a desired position 26 of the needle element 54 can be determined using the movement pattern 32 in order to minimize the difference 22.

[0054] As shown in Figure 2e, the difference 22 is essentially zero.

[0055] Figure 2f shows a diagram 400 to illustrate the functionality of the control unit 10 according to one embodiment. The diagram 400 has a first axis 402, which represents a current and / or voltage, and a second axis 404, which represents time. As can be seen in the diagram 400, a movement profile 32 is determined by the drop 20 between the starting point 16 and the end point 18 in order to be able to determine both the actual position and the target position. As can be seen in comparison to Figures 2d and 2f, the drops 20 are different, with Figure 2e showing a difference of essentially zero, while Figure 2c shows a difference. For example, the profile in Figure 2c can be a first detection and the profile in Figure 2f an adjusted profile to minimize the difference.

[0056] Figure 3 shows a circuit diagram 500 to illustrate the functionality of the control unit 10 according to one embodiment. The circuit diagram 500 has a first step 502, which can describe the boundary conditions or the exemplary properties of the injector. In step 504, a target value for the extinguishing duration can be calculated or the distance between the starting point 16 and the end point 18 can be determined based on the boundary conditions in step 502. In step 506, in particular, the target value as well as the actual value of the extinguishing duration or the position of the needle element 54 can be used to determine an adjustment of the parameters of the injector 50 in step 510. Preferably, the difference 22 can be minimized in step 510. More preferably, the parameters from step 510 can be fed into the injector in step 512 in order to be able to adjust the actual position.

[0057] Figure 4a shows a diagram 400 to illustrate the functionality of the control unit 10 according to one embodiment. The diagram 400 has a first axis 402, which plots a current or a voltage, and a second axis 404, which plots time. Preferably, a drop 20 can be determined between a starting point 16 and an end point 18. In particular, the drop 20 can occur between the first level 28 and the second level 30. Figure 4b shows a similar diagram 400 to that shown in Figure 4a, wherein the first curve 14 deviates from the first curve 14 in Figure 4a. For example, the first level 28 can also be located in a half-step or similar, wherein the second level 30 is essentially zero.

[0058] Figure 4c shows a preferred control of the diagram 400 compared to Figure 4a, wherein the drop 20 between the first level 28 and the second level 30 is selected such that the first level 28 is a higher value than the second level 30, wherein the second level 30 is not zero.

[0059] Figure 4d shows a further progression of the diagram 400, in particular of the first progression 14, wherein the second level 30 is preferably essentially constant over the open phase of the needle element 54.

[0060] Figure 5a shows a diagram 300 illustrating the functionality of the control unit 10 according to one embodiment. A deflection of the needle element 54 is represented on the first axis 301, and the time point is represented on the second axis 302. The profile 304 of the deflection of the needle element 54 preferably has, in particular, a maximum position in the actual position 24, which essentially corresponds to the target position 26. During the drop 20, in particular, a movement profile 32 of the needle element 54 can be determined.

[0061] Figure 5b shows a diagram 400 illustrating the functionality of the control unit 10 according to one embodiment. A current, which may be present at the actuator 52, is plotted on the first axis 402, and time is plotted on a second axis 404. As shown in Figure 5b, a drop 20 is preferably present between the first level 28 and the second level 30. The drop 20 is defined in particular by the starting point 16 and the end point 18, with the starting point 16 and the end point 18 lying in the first curve 14.

[0062] Figure 5c shows a diagram 600 to illustrate the functionality of the control unit 10 according to one embodiment. Figure 5c preferably shows the corresponding voltage curve for Figure 5b, zoomed to the range from 16 to the end of 30. The current drop between 16 and 18 preferably occurs by applying a negative voltage and corresponds exactly to the duration of the plateau at a negative level. Time 18 is at the end of the plateau. Preferably, the voltage curve 606 after the end point 18 can contain further information about the stroke curve, which can be used to adjust the extinguishing duration or the starting point 16 or the end point 18.

[0063] Figure 6 shows a flowchart illustrating steps of the method 100 according to one embodiment. The method 100 for operating an injector 50 comprises the following steps:

[0064] - detecting S1 a first curve 14 of a characteristic of an actuator 52 of the injector 50,

[0065] - Determining S2 a starting point 16 and an end point 18 of a decrease 20 of the characteristic in the first curve 14,

[0066] - Minimizing S2 a difference 22 between an actual position 24 and a desired position 26 of a needle element 54 of the injector 50 by means of the starting point 16 and the end point 18.

[0067] Figure 7 shows a vehicle 200 according to one embodiment. The vehicle 200 has a control unit 10, as described above and below, and / or a control device 202, which is configured to perform steps of the method 100, as described above and below.

Claims

Claims 1 . Control unit (10) for an injector (50), comprising a control unit (12) which is configured to detect at least a first profile (14) of a characteristic variable of an actuator (52) of the injector (50), wherein the control unit (12) is configured to determine a starting point (16) and an end point (18) in a drop (20) of the characteristic variable in the first profile (14), wherein the control unit (12) is configured to minimize a difference (22) between an actual position (24) and a desired position (26) of a needle element (54) of the injector (50) by means of the starting point (16) and the end point (18).

2. Control unit (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first profile (14) of the characteristic has a first level (28) and a second level (30), wherein at least a first value of the characteristic in the first level (28) is greater than at least a second value of the characteristic in the second level (30), wherein the drop (20) is between the first level (28) and the second level (30).

3. Control unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (12) is configured to determine a movement path (32) of the needle element (54) between the starting point (16) and the end point (18) by means of the starting point (16) and the end point (18).

4. Control unit (10) according to claim 3, wherein the control unit (12) is configured to determine the actual position (24) based on the movement course (32), wherein the actual position (24) is a maximum deflection (34) of the needle element (54) in the first course (14).

5. Control unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (12) is configured to output a control signal based on the difference (22) in the first curve (14), which control signal is used to is arranged to minimize the difference in a second curve (36) of the characteristic variable.

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

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

8. Control unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (12) is configured to store and / or receive a reference profile of the characteristic variable of the actuator (52), wherein the control unit (12) is configured to minimize the difference (22) based on the reference profile of the characteristic variable.

9. Control unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (12) is configured to send a test signal to the actuator (52), wherein the test signal is configured to generate a test profile of the characteristic, wherein the control unit (12) is configured to determine a test start point and / or a test end point in a test drop of the characteristic in the test profile, wherein the test signal is configured so that the actuator (52) is substantially free of a deflection of the needle element (54), wherein the control unit (12) is configured to minimize the difference (22) based on the test start point and the end point.

10. Control unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the characteristic variable is a voltage applied to the actuator (52) and / or a current applied to the actuator (52).

11. Method (100) for operating an injector (50), comprising the steps of: - detecting (S1) a first profile (14) on the characteristic of a Actuator (52) of the injector (50), - determining (S2) a starting point (16) and an end point (18) of a decrease (20) of the characteristic in the first curve (14), - Minimizing (S2) a difference (22) between an actual position (24) and a desired position (26) of a needle element (54) of the injector (50) by means of the starting point (16) and the end point (18).

12. Vehicle (200) comprising a control unit (10) according to one of claims 1 to 10 and / or a control device (202) which is configured to carry out steps of the method (100) according to claim 11.

13. System comprising a control unit (10) according to one of claims 1 to 10 and / or a control device (202) which is configured to carry out steps of the method (100) according to claim 11.

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