Abstract: Information storage element 102 and transmitter-receiver 103 are molded in resin connector part 101 of fuel injection valve 100 which projects outside of the engine by molding. The precise control of an injection amount is enabled by using directly the characteristic of injection amount stored in information storage element 102, and obtaining the width of the injection command pulse corresponding to the injection amount instruction value. Thereby, the minimum injection amount which is the minimum value of the fuel supply amount which can be controlled is reduced.

Abstract: There is described a method of operating a device (1) controlling electric actuators (3), and having a pair of input terminals (4, 5) connected to an electric energy source (6, 10); a number of pairs of output terminals (7, 8), between each of which a respective electric actuator (3) is connected in use; and controlled switches (11, 12) for connecting the electric actuators (3) to the electric energy source (6, 10) independently of one another; the method including the step of controlling the controlled switches (11, 12) to supply an electric current to the electric actuators (3) via the electric energy source (6, 10).

Abstract: A common rail fuel injection apparatus for an engine is provided which is equipped with a rail pressure sensor working to measure the pressure of fuel in a common rail, fuel injectors, and a controller. When the operation state of the rail pressure sensor monitored to be unusual, the controller changes the value of electricity supplied to an actuator of one of the fuel injectors to induce a change in a preselected operation characteristic of the engine. Upon appearance of such a change, the controller estimates the value of the rail pressure using the changed value of the electricity and a physical property of balance among forces acting on a valve of one of the fuel injectors which has induced the change in operation characteristic of the engine. The estimated value of the rail pressure is used for subsequent injections of the fuel into the engine.

Abstract: A controller for controlling the operation of a fuel injector having a piezoelectric actuator which is operable by the application of a voltage drive profile across the actuator, the controller comprising inputs for receiving data relating to one or more engine parameters and a processor for determining a voltage drive profile for controlling the actuator in dependence upon the one or more engine parameters. The voltage drive profile is arranged to comprise an activating voltage component to initiate an injection event and a deactivating voltage component to terminate the injection event, the activating and deactivating voltage components being separated by a time interval TON. The controller further receives outputs for outputting the voltage drive profile as determined by the processor to the actuator, wherein the processor is arranged to set the time interval TON greater than or equal to a predetermined pressure wave time period (TP) of a pressure wave cycle within the injector.

Abstract: A method of operating a fuel injector having a piezoelectric actuator operable by applying a drive pulse thereto, wherein the drive pulse has a frequency domain signature. The method includes i) determining at least one resonant frequency of an injector installation in which the injector is received, in use, and ii) modifying the drive pulse such that a maximum of the frequency domain signature thereof is remote from the determined resonant frequency of the injector installation.

Abstract: A fuel injector control system and method provides precise fuel injection timing while eliminating the need for a voltage regulator by estimating or predicting ramp times between voltage application and actual fuel injection. In one embodiment, an estimated ramp time injection is calculated from a measured voltage and is used to delay or advance application of the voltage on the coil so that the load current reaches a desired current level at a desired injection start time. In another embodiment, an actual ramp time for a given injection is measured and used to predict future ramp times. A current regulator prevents excessive emissions from being generated when controlling the load current.

Abstract: In a method for enlarging the control range for equalizing injection quantity differences, in particular in internal combustion engines using multiple injections, if the maximum injection quantity of all the individual injections of an injector of the internal combustion engine is lower than the minimum quantity required for control for equalizing the cylinders, then the injection pattern is changed such that the injection quantity of at least one individual injection is greater than or equal to the required minimum quantity, without changing the torque output of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electromagnetic driven type fuel injection valve employing an electromagnetic coil spring for a valve closing spring, which can achieve an accurate valve function over a long period of time while making interference between members caused by the valve closing spring to the minimum.

Abstract: A fuel injection control apparatus for a diesel engine is provided which works to determine the number of a sequence of injection events to inject fuel into the engine in each operating cycle of the engine and increase it based on the temperature of an injector drive circuit. When the temperature of the injector drive circuit is relatively low, the apparatus increases the number of injection events to decrease the degree of combustion in the engine, thereby reducing the combustion noise of the engine.

Abstract: A power circuit provided with an operating circuit for each electrical actuator and including a set of switches controlled selectively to regulate the current flowing through the electrical actuator. The operating device includes a control circuit which can cause the operation of the power circuit and in turn includes a set of control modules, each of which can selectively operate the switches of a corresponding operating circuit, and can supply a state signal (SFLAG) indicating the operating state of the control module. A synchronization module receives and processes the state signals (SFLAG), to generate a common synchronization signal (SSINC) which synchronizes the control modules. Each control module being capable of coordinating the operating actions sent to the switches of the corresponding operating circuit with the operating actions sent by the other control modules to the corresponding switches, in accordance with the synchronization signal (SSINC).

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive circuit for an injector arrangement comprising a fuel injector, and method of detecting faults in the drive circuit. The drive circuit comprises diagnostic means (RH, RL) that is operable to sense a measured voltage (VBIAS) between the injector and a known voltage level (VBAT, VGND). The measured voltage (VBIAS) is biased with respect to the known voltage (VBAT, VGND) to a predicted voltage (VPinjN, VBcalc) unless the drive circuit has a fault. A fault signal is provided on sensing of a measured voltage (VBIAS) that differs from the predicted voltage (VPinjN, VBcalc). The drive circuit may additionally, or alternatively, comprise diagnostic means (RF). The diagnostic means (RF) is operable to sense a detected current (Idect) and to provide a fault signal on detection of a fault, when the detected current (Idect) is at variance from a threshold current (Itrip).

Abstract: A valve has a piezoelectric actuator with a valve element, a valve body and a valve seat. In order to control the valve, the valve element is moved into the valve seat from a position remote from the valve seat by means of a charging process at a prescribable first time. A first value is determined being characteristic of the electrical power supplied to the piezoelectric actuator when the valve element meets the valve seat. A second value is determined being characteristic of the electrical power supplied to the piezoelectric actuator when the charging process of the piezoelectric actuator is concluded. An actual difference value between the second value and the first value is determined. A difference between a setpoint difference value and the actual difference value is supplied to a controller. An actuating signal for charging the piezoelectric actuator is determined as a function of the actuating variable.

Abstract: A method for operating a fuel injection device, particularly of a motor vehicle. The fuel injection device is provided with an injection valve which has a piezoelectric element. In using the method, the piezoelectric element is activated in such a way that the injection valve goes over into an opened state. During the activation, an electrical voltage is ascertained and/or prespecified at the piezoelectric element and/or an electrical current is ascertained and/or specified via the piezoelectric element. From the path of the voltage and/or from the path of the current one may infer the point in time of opening of the injection valve.

Abstract: A controller for determining drive pulse structures for controlling the operation of control valves of a fuel-injected engine, the engine comprising a first injector and at least one further injector, and the controller comprising: inputs for receiving fuel value data relating to the quantity of fuel injected per injection cycle per injector for the at least one further injector; outputs for outputting a control function for controlling the injector valves of the first injector, the control function being derived from a control valve drive pulse structure; a processor for controlling the control function output from the controller wherein the processor is arranged to (i) progressively modify the control valve drive pulse structures, (ii) to detect injection events within the first injector by measuring changes in the fuel value data relating to the at least one further injector and (iii) to thereby determine the minimum width of the drive pulse structures that permit injection to take place.

Abstract: In a case that actual values of a fuel injection quantity and fuel pressure are not in consistent with a representative point, an interpolation process is conducted by used of a learn value of a plurality of representative points. During the interpolation process, a computer determines whether the number of learning exceeds a predetermined number N. When the number of learning is less that the number N, the learn value at the representative point is replaced by the learning value at a representative point of the actual values.

Abstract: A description is provided of a device (2) for control of an electro-actuator (3), comprising a first and a second input terminal (4,5) which are connected to an electrical energy source (6); and a first and a second output terminal (10,11) which are connected to the electro-actuator (3). The control device (2) additionally comprises a threshold comparator (30) which can compare the voltage (VHS,VLS) present at the first or second output terminal (10,11) of the control device (2) with a threshold voltage (VTH—EOI) and can generate a signal (VEOI) which is indicative of the instant of end of actuation of the electro-actuator, when this voltage (VHS,VLS) passes through the threshold voltage (VTH—EOI).

Abstract: A power supply method an apparatus for powering electrical equipment, the electrical equipment operated by using current peaks. The electrical equipment may be connected via at least one capacitive element to a voltage converter which may be connected to a storage battery. The voltage converter may be current-regulated from a reference current. The reference current may correspond to an average current between two peaks (generally corresponding to one cycle of operation). The reference current may be calculated in a predictive manner and the reference current may include a correction factor. The voltage output from the voltage converter may be maintained between an upper limit and a lower limit.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for operating an injection system of an internal combustion engine, triggering of an injection actuator being performed on the basis of at least one state variable of the injection system, in order to enhance the quantitative accuracy with which fuel is metered provision is made that the at least one state variable is sensed and temporarily stored; the at least one injection actuator is triggered with a triggering pulse of definable pulse duration and definable initial pulse height; during the triggering of the at least one injection actuator, an injection detection is performed; the pulse height of the triggering pulse is incremented in definable steps, at the defined pulse duration, until an injection is detected; and when an injection is detected, the pulse height of the triggering pulse causing the injection is permanently stored as a function of the sensed state variable, and in future operation of the injection system is taken as the basis for triggering the at least one inj

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for regulating a current through an inductive load, which can be connected to a power supply, to a prescribed nominal current value, where the method comprises the following method steps: a) turning on and off the power supply in pulsed fashion, with the power supply being turned on when the current (I) flowing through the load (L) reaches a first limit value (I—1), which is below the nominal current value (I_nominal) by a hysteresis value (H), and with the power supply being turned off when the current (I) reaches a second limit value (I—2), which is above the nominal current value (I_nominal) by the hysteresis value (H), b) determining a period duration between two successive turn-on or turn-off times, c) comprising determined the period duration with a given period duration (Tnominal), and d) changing the hysteresis value (H) on the basis of the comparison between the determined period duration and the prescribed period duration (Tnominal).

Abstract: Electronic control apparatus for a vehicle, in particular a heavy goods vehicle, which apparatus includes an electronic control unit (ECU) adapted to control actuation of vehicle brakes. The ECU has a non volatile storage memory for storing braking related control parameters particular to the vehicle and a discretely programmable storage device to carry operating data for one or more auxiliary functions of the vehicle. The ECU is operable to check one or more incoming and outgoing variables and control algorithms against a predefined list such as to safeguard the braking function against error modes.

Abstract: A method for controlling an injection valve of an internal combustion engine, in particular a piezo-injector during the start-up phase of the internal combustion engine, in particular a common-rail direct-injection engine. The crankshaft of the internal combustion engine is rotated by the starting motor, in particular an electric starting motor. Next, the actuator of the injection valve has an activation signal applied to it such that when maximum needle lift of the actuator is reached, the activation signal is changed. This change of the activation signal is then evaluated.

Abstract: A fuel injection system providing both fuel injection devices and methods of fuel injection for internal combustion engines in which a piezoelectric material generates a current discharged to ignite fuel delivered into the engine combustion chamber.

Abstract: A Supplemental Fuel Injector Control Circuit includes a resistor adapted to connected between a voltage output port and an injector control port of an Engine Control Unit. The circuit also includes a diode having a cathode adapted to be connected to the injector control port and an anode adapted to be connected to both an end of a fuel injector coil and to an Auxiliary Fuel Injector Controller. The circuit is operable to allow modification of fuel injector cycle duration while preventing generation of an error code by the Engine Control Unit.

Abstract: In a single device for controlling electro-injectors and electrovalves in an internal-combustion engine, a first control circuit for each electro-injector, a second control circuit for each electrovalve, and a timing circuit, supplying timing signals to the first and second control circuits. In the second control circuit, switches selectively connect the respective electrovalve to a first voltage source in certain given operating conditions, and to a boosted voltage source, constituted by a capacitor for accumulation of energy, in certain other given operating conditions. In this way, part of the electrical energy accumulated in the electrovalve during its normal actuation is transferred to the capacitor, thus causing the latter to be recharged.

Abstract: In the fuel cylinder injection engine with the supercharging machine, the ignitability deteriorates because the density of the fuel at the spray center becomes excessive due to the shrinkage of the fuel spray under the supercharging. As a result, the density of the smoke and the hydrocarbon exhaust rate increase. The mixture of the fuel and the air under the supercharging is promoted by the control by TCV installed in the suction port which is a divided spray and air flow generation mechanism and the valve timing control of the suction and exhaust valve, etc.

Abstract: A system for actuating sequential engine function transducers such as fuel injector solenoids comprising a plurality of switch nodes equal in number to the number of cylinders of the engine. Each switch node includes a high current switch such as a transistor and an individually addressable driver circuit for causing the transistor to conduct when an address unique to the driver is received. The nodes are preferably disposed in close physical proximity to the injector solenoids. Low current address carrying lines are connected between the address generator and the individual switch drivers to activate them in sequence. Only a single high voltage high current supply line need be provided. The transducers may also be intake and/or exhaust valve actuators or spark ignition devices.

Abstract: A device and a method are described for controlling an electromagnetic user, especially a magnetic valve for influencing the fuel quantity to be injected into an internal combustion engine. At least one switching time of the user is taken into consideration in the control. The at least one switching time is ascertained starting from a current value.

Abstract: A drive device for electrical injectors of a common rail fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine has a power circuit, in turn having a drive circuit, for each electrical injector, with a number of switches controlled selectively to regulate the current flowing through the electrical injector; and a control circuit for controlling operation of the power circuit; the control circuit having a number of control modules, each for selectively controlling the switches of a respective drive circuit, and for supplying a state signal (SFLAG) indicating the operating state of the control module; and a synchronization module for receiving and processing the state signals (SFLAG) to generate a common synchronization signal (SSINC) for synchronizing the control modules; each control module synchronizing and coordinating, as a function of the synchronization signal (SSINC), the drive actions imparted to the switches of the respective drive circuit, with the drive actions imparted by the other control modules

Abstract: A control system for a fuel injector is disclosed. The control system has a valve element movable between a first position and a second position, an armature connected to the valve element, a solenoid configured to move the armature and connected valve element, and a controller in communication the solenoid. The controller is configured to energize the solenoid at a first current level to initiate movement of the valve element from the first position toward the second position, at a second current level less than the first current level during movement of the valve element from the first position toward the second position, at a third current level less than the second current level after the valve element has reached the second position, and at a fourth current level less than the third current level after the valve element has been in the second position for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A Supplemental Fuel Injector Control Circuit includes a resistor adapted to connected between a voltage output port and an injector control port of an Engine Control Unit. The circuit also includes a diode having a cathode adapted to be connected to the injector control port and an anode adapted to be connected to both an end of a fuel injector coil and to an Auxiliary Fuel Injector Controller. The circuit is operable to allow modification of fuel injector cycle duration while preventing generation of an error code by the Engine Control Unit.

Abstract: Electrically controlled fuel injection systems should be able to operate at low voltage. In order to operate an electrically controlled fuel injection system at low voltage, the voltage available to an electrical actuator is monitored. The electrical actuator is coupled to a valve positioned within a passageway in which high pressure actuation fluid flows to and from an hydraulically actuated device, such as a fuel injector and/or an engine brake. If the voltage available to the electrical actuator falls below a predetermined voltage, the pressure differential across the valve is reduced. Although the principal application of the present invention is in the fuel injection system, the present invention has application in any electrically controlled fluid system at low voltage.

Abstract: A method for controlling a fuel injector provided with an electrically operated electomagnetic actuator in such a manner as to open the injector for a determined injection time; the method providing that the injector be operated with a first current waveform if the injection time is greater than a predetermined threshold value, and that the injector be operated with a second current waveform if the injection time is less than the predetermined threshold value; both the current waveforms have an identical initial portion, during which the current passing through the injector is caused to rise until it reaches a peak value, which is maintained by cyclic switching of the voltage applied to the injector between two different values.

Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine is described, in which fuel is injected by an injector into a combustion chamber. The injector has an activatable piezoactuator. In the method, a precontrol setpoint for activating the piezoactuator is generated. The precontrol setpoint is combined with a charge regulation of the charge quantity conveyed to the piezoactuator.

Abstract: A fuel injection control apparatus and fuel injection method are provided for injecting a suitable fuel with a quick response in accordance with variations in required fuel injection amounts, while improving the energy efficiency, and enabling support for an electromagnetic fuel injection apparatus. The control apparatus controls the electromagnetic fuel injection apparatus that pressurizes fuel to be injected, and has a driving circuit for driving a solenoid for fuel injection, a driving signal generating circuit for generating a solenoid driving signal based on an injection cycle signal for specifying a fuel injection period and a PWM cycle signal to provide to the driving circuit, and a control circuit for generating the PWM cycle signal with a duty ratio corresponding to a required fuel injection amount, and providing the PWM cycle signal and the injection cycle signal to the driving signal generating circuit.

Abstract: A fuel-injection system for injecting fuel into an internal combustion engine, having at least one fuel injector and a fuel-distributor line, is provided for each fuel injector with a connecting piece, which is connectable to an inflow section of the fuel injector. The connecting piece is connectable to the fuel injector via a screw connection made up of a screw cap and a thread. A retaining sleeve is able to be slipped with form locking over the screw cap and a counter-hold section, matched in form, on the side of the thread, in order to prevent a twisting of the screw cap and the thread relative to one another.

Abstract: A fuel injector control system and method provides precise fuel injection timing while eliminating the need for a voltage regulator by estimating or predicting ramp times between voltage application and actual fuel injection. In one embodiment, an estimated ramp time injection is calculated from a measured voltage and is used to delay or advance application of the voltage on the coil so that the load current reaches a desired current level at a desired injection start time. In another embodiment, an actual ramp time for a given injection is measured and used to predict future ramp times. A current regulator prevents excessive emissions from being generated when controlling the load current.

Abstract: A piezoelectric fuel injection system and a method of controlling same, the system including a piezoelectric fuel injector having a piezoelectric element, a power source adapted to provide power to the piezoelectric element to actuate the piezoelectric fuel injector, and a controller adapted to cyclically modulate power provide to the piezoelectric element by the power source during at least a portion of the injection event. The controller cyclically modulates the power between a predetermined first voltage and a predetermined second voltage that is less than the first voltage to control the rate of fuel injected by the piezoelectric fuel injector during the portion of the injection.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine (10), especially of a motor vehicle, is operated with a method wherein the fuel is injected directly into a combustion chamber (12) of the internal combustion engine (10) with at least one injection (36) per work cycle. In order to reduce the fuel consumption and to improve the emission performance of the internal combustion engine (10), it is suggested that a fuel injection (36) includes a plurality of short injection pulses (32) spaced in time from each other.

Abstract: An engine control unit (ECU) of an internal combustion engine performs energy changing control for changing a charging amount (an upper limit value of charging voltage, charging speed or target energy) to a piezo stack of a piezo injector in accordance with common rail pressure. During the energy changing control, the ECU contracts a command injection period as the target energy charged to the piezo stack increases so that actual injection end timing or valve closing timing of a nozzle portion is unchanged even if the target energy is changed. Meanwhile, the ECU delays command injection timing as the target energy increases so that actual injection start timing or valve opening timing of the nozzle portion is unchanged even if the target energy is changed.

Abstract: A fuel injection valve driving method includes control of an overexciting current and a holding current supplied to the fuel injection valve in accordance with a target fuel supply pressure as obtained from an operating condition. Thereby the opening and holding of the open position of the fuel injection valve is controlled.

Abstract: The invention relates to the return stroke between an actuator and an element. In order to displace the element the actuator (A) is impinged upon by a control voltage (ANS). The control voltage (ANS) is selected in such a manner that it is dependent on the size of return stroke in order to compensate the alteration in the return stroke.

Abstract: A fuel supply system detects the detects operating condition of an engine, calculates the width of the fuel injection pulse including valve-opening signal and holding signal based on the detected operating condition, and supplies valve-opening current to the solenoid located in the fuel injector based on the fuel injection pulse width and a holding current for holding the valve-opening condition after the valve-opening current has reached the predetermined current value. Current is supplied to the solenoid when the logical product of the valve-opening signal and the holding signal has been formed. The fuel supply system diagnoses an abnormality of the fuel injector when the time period from the start of the fuel injection pulse until the valve-opening current reaches the predetermined current value is shorter than the predetermined one.

Abstract: During the starting phase of an internal combustion engine with fuel injection so-called pilot injectors (I) are used to establish a film on the cylinder walls and at the same time to provide an ignitable mixture for the first combustion. At this point in time the cam shaft and the crankshaft are not yet synchronized and the position of the pistons is unknown. The method according to the invention allows determination of the sequence of the pilot injectors (I) depending on the possible relative positions during the stop periods of the internal combustion engine, said positions being known beforehand.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine (10) is operated by a method wherein the fuel is supplied via a magnetic valve (28) having a coil (34). The injected fuel quantity is influenced by the duration of the drive of the magnetic valve (28). In the method, the temperature (evtmod) of a region (26) of the magnetic valve (28) is determined and the drive duration is corrected in dependence upon temperature. In order to make the correction still more precise, a temperature (evtmod) of the magnetic valve (28) is determined from at least one usually measured temperature (tans, tmot) and the drive duration (ti_tvu_w) is so corrected (tvsp_w) that the temperature dependency of the characteristics of the magnetic coil (34) of the magnetic valve (28) is considered. Furthermore, a model is suggested in which (starting from an operating temperature) the temperature trace is simulated after shut-off of the engine and/or for the restart of the engine by means of two factors for the warmup and cool down.

Abstract: A capacitive actuating element is driven using a control signal of duration T1. This duration T1 is related to prescribed or measured values for charging, discharging and open periods T2, T3 and T4: (T1+T3?T2?T4)?|X| and is compared with a magnitude (limit value |X|). If a magnitude greater than |X| is obtained, then a fault is inferred.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for trimming a fuel injector located on an engine. The method and apparatus includes modifying an engine speed control, interrupting at least one injection event, monitoring a change associated with an engine speed, and responsively trimming the injector.

Abstract: A device and a method are described for controlling an electromagnetic user, especially a magnetic valve for influencing the fuel quantity to be injected into an internal combustion engine. At least one switching time of the user is taken into consideration in the control. The at least one switching time is ascertained starting from a current value.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for retrofitting a low impedance fuel injection system to a high impedance fuel injection system internal combustion engine is disclosed. The original high impedance electronic control system may be retained, while system modification circuitry is added along the fuel injector control path. In one aspect, an original fuel injector control signal is intercepted along the fuel injector control wire. The intercepted signal is then modified from a simple on-off signal to a signal which varies the fuel injector current as a function of time, such that the on-state from the original high impedance system is converted to a current controlled signal. Moreover, using a plurality of parameters, the fuel injector pulsewidth may be modified, as well as the peak and hold current levels provided to the fuel injectors.

Abstract: An electromagnetic fuel injector of an internal combustion engine having a plurality of electromagnetic coils for valve driving wound separately on a bobbin in an axial direction. The bobbin has a step difference of the outer diameter so that the bobbin outer diameter in the region with the second coil to be wound thereon is smaller then the bobbin outer diameter in the region with the first coil to be wound thereon, and the bobbin inner diameter has a step difference in that the bobbin inner diameter in the region with the first coil to be wound thereon is made large partially so as to secure an annular space to interpose a seal ring therein.

Abstract: A method for identifying particular characteristics of a physical system includes assigning codes information to the system based upon two distinct characteristics. The code increases in value, with increasing code numbers being assigned to combination of the characteristics in such a way that between any two adjacent code values, only one of the two characteristics change, and the increasing value only changes by one value level.