Abstract: A fuel injector system according to the present invention has a housing (52) having a valve assembly (56) disposed therein. A solenoid (54) is also disposed within the housing (52). A valve assembly (56) is disposed between an inlet port (82) and an outlet port (80). The valve assembly has a valve seat (74) having an opening (84) therein. A drive pin (108) extends at least partially through valve opening (84). A stop (78) has a spring (86) thereon. A valve element (76) is urged against the valve opening (84) by spring (86). The drive pin is at least partially coated with a lubricating coating. In the preferred embodiment at least a concave surface (144) of drive pin (108) is coated. In addition, a concave surface (140) of stop (108) is also coated. In addition, spring seat (79) may also be coated with a lubricating coating as well.

Abstract: With a cylinder direct injection engine in which fuel is injected directly into combustion chambers and air-fuel mixture is guided by an air flow, it is difficult to secure combustion stability under low engine speed and low load conditions such as during idling. Furthermore, there are needs for improvement of emission characteristics and fuel economy in other operation modes as well. An engine according to the invention injects fuel while dividing the same in plural-parts during a compression stroke. The first injection forms a lean air-fuel mixture around an ignition plug, and the second injection makes a flammable air-fuel mixture reach an area around the ignition plug. This ensures efficient stratified combustion and allows improvement in emission and fuel economy performance.

Abstract: A fuel injector coil control circuit includes high side and low side gates. The current through the coil is increased while being monitored by low side shunt circuitry. The current continues to increase until a predetermined value is reached. When the predetermined value is reached, the low side gate is switched off and the current begins to decay. The off time of the low side gate is controlled for a predetermined period of time. After the predetermined period of time elapses, the low side gate is switched back on, causing the current to rise again toward the predetermined value.

Abstract: Using a control coil having a high response characteristic suited to the valve opening and a hold coil suited to a hold to be held a large force by a small large current, during the valve opening time a high voltage is applied to the control coil suited to the valve opening and during a valve opening hold time a low and stabilized voltage is applied to the hold coil suite to the holding, and then a valve body driven. In a fuel injection apparatus, a drive manner during a valve opening time and a hold time is optimized.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine, the fuel reaches a combustion chamber via at least one fuel-injecting device. The fuel-injecting device includes a piezo actuator. The drive energy (U), which is necessary for a specific stroke (h) of the piezo actuator, is determined from at least one function (34 to 40) which couples the stroke (h), the drive energy (U) and the drive time (t) of the piezo actuator with each other. In order to more accurately adjust the stroke of the piezo actuator, it is suggested that a function (34 to 40) be used for the determination of the drive energy (U). These functions (34 to 40) were previously determined for a typical collective load (L1, L2) to which a piezo actuator is subjected.

Abstract: In a multi-port fuel injection system for a lean burn engine, the attaching of fuel particles from the fuel spray onto a wall surface, which is a problem in atomizing injected fuel, is reduced, and the quality and shape of the mixed gas in the cylinders of the engine is improved. The engine has a fuel injector 1; an intake valve 6 for opening and closing an intake port; and an intake air flow control device 10. The injected fuel is shaped to provide a low penetration fuel spray when the engine is operated in a low load state and at a low rotation speed, and the injected fuel is shaped to provide a high penetration fuel spray when the engine is operated in a high load state and at a high rotation speed. The fuel is injected in synchronism with the intake stroke of the engine, and it is transported by the air flow flowing through the intake air flow control device 10 to suppress the attaching of fuel particles from the fuel spray onto a wall surface of the intake manifold.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a controller for an internal combustion engine having a fuel injection system, which can realize an optimum injection even with a smaller inductance of a solenoid due to a smaller fuel injection valve (injector) and has a good property of minimum amount of fuel injection.

Abstract: The injector has a nozzle closed by a rod which is movable by the fuel pressure in a control chamber having a discharge conduit closed by a plug controlled by an electromagnet. The rod is movable, from a closed position closing the nozzle, to effect a maximum travel, so that the amount of fuel injected following the maximum travel is greater than a maximum amount of fuel required by the power curve. To classify the injectors, a series of injectors is prepared with corresponding rods movable from the closed position to effect the maximum travel; and the amount of fuel injected by each injector, after two strokes of the respective rod smaller than the maximum travel, is tested.

Abstract: The invention describes a method and apparatus for operating a fuel injection system having a piezoelectric element (10, 20, 30, 40, 50 or 60) for controlling the amount of fuel injected into a combustion engine, characterized in that the piezoelectric element (10, 20, 30, 40, 50 or 60) is controlled based upon the charge it is carrying.

Abstract: A fuel injection control system of low cost for a cylinder injection type internal combustion engine, which system is capable of preventing degradation of fuel injection quantity accuracy which may be brought about by disturbances such as change of a battery voltage, change of resistance of a plunger coil of the fuel injection valve (1) and change of the fuel pressure (Fp) acting on the fuel injection valve (1) which may occur in the course of overexcitation driving of the fuel injection valve (1) at a battery voltage, to thereby allow the fuel injection quantity control to be secured for the fuel injection valve (1) over an extended range.

Abstract: A control circuit for controlling solenoid valves for fuel metering in an internal combustion engine (banks I and II) includes a recharge circuit having a throttle coil in series with a diode and with a storage capacitor, as well as an FET power transistor connected in parallel with the series circuit of the diode and the storage capacitor. The solenoid valves of the individual banks are switched off during the rapid extinguishing with a voltage produced by the recharge circuit. To minimize the influence of the supply voltage, which comprises a wide range, the HS-FET is switched off during the rapid extinguishing phases.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for injecting fuel, having a control valve (16) that has a valve chamber (18). From the valve chamber (18), a high-pressure line (37) leads to the injector; the valve chamber (18) also communicates with a pump chamber (23) for fuel that is at high pressure. The control part of the control valve (16) is actuatable by means of an electromagnet (17). The control valve (16) is coupled with a passive piston (20), which to avoid the pulse change, which acts on the piston (20), is provided with a bore (21).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for triggering a solenoid valve for injecting fuel into an internal combustion engine, the triggering phase of the solenoid valve being subdivided into a pull-up phase (TA), during which a valve needle of the solenoid valve is caused to open by a first current intensity (IA) flowing through a magnetic coil of the solenoid valve, and into a holding phase (TH) during which the valve needle is held in the open state by a second, lower current intensity (IH) flowing through the magnetic coil, and at least once at the beginning of the pull-up phase (TA), a booster phase (B1) being activated during which a pulse-shaped booster current (IBOOST) from a booster capacitor charged to a high voltage (UBOOST) flows through the magnetic coil; and is characterized in that during the triggering phase of the solenoid valve, a plurality of booster pulses (B1, B21, B22) are activated in succession, whose time position within the triggering phase is freely selectable (FIGS.

Abstract: A method and system of adjusting a drive signal to a fuel injector or other electromagnetic device having an electromagnetic coil and an armature. The system includes an amplifier coupled to the electromagnetic coil by a link. A sensor is coupled to the link to measure the electric signal travelling through the link and produces an output signal based on the sensed electric signal. A controller coupled to the amplifier and to the sensor produces a drive signal for the electromagnetic coil. The controller determines the position of the armature based on the output signal of the sensor, and modifies the drive signal based on the position of the armature. The method includes sending a drive signal to a fuel injector, sensing whether the armature contacts the body of the fuel injector, running the injector with the drive signal if no contact is detected, and upon sensing contact between the armature and the body, modifying the drive signal.

Abstract: A fuel injector control circuit reduces the number of gates required by arranging high side and low side gates in a matrix. Each coil is selectively activated by activating a unique pair of a high side gate and a low side gate, thus reducing the total number of gates required.

Abstract: Providing an injector driving control apparatus that operates with minimum power consumption while ensuring linearity (proportionality between the current supply duration and fuel injection volume of the injector) in a wide fuel pressure range. Providing a coil current feedback circuit and controlling the current feedback duration according to fuel pressure after applying the current at a boost voltage. The present invention enables optimal control of the injector and hence, the improvement of its fuel injection volume characteristics (linearity) and the reduction of the heat generated in the injector driving control circuits.

Abstract: The apparatus and method of regulating a control valve for a Diesel injection system comprises a fuel injector having a pressure amplifier preceded by the control valve (10), the slide (20) of the control valve (10) being moved by two spatially separated magnet coils (30, 32). During an electrical triggering of one of the two magnet coils (30, 32) with a control current, the respective other magnet coil (32, 30) is switched as a sensor, detecting the current induced in the sensor by a motion of the valve slide (20).

Abstract: Method of driving a capacitive actuator of a fuel injection valve of an internal combustion engine for achieving a constant stroke of the actuator, in which the amounts of energy that are supplied to the actuator are determined in dependence on the fuel pressure acting on the actuator.

Abstract: Driving circuitry for an electromagnetic fuel injection valve in which the holding current value is made variable to obtain a minimum necessary holding force from the holding current according to the fuel pressure is disclosed. The driving circuitry has a solenoid for driving the electromagnetic fuel injection valve, a capacitor charged by a high-voltage charge control part connected to a power supply, a switch circuit for on-off controlling a high-voltage current supplied from the capacitor to the solenoid in response to an injection command signal, and a holding current supply circuit for supplying a holding current from the power supply to the solenoid. When the holding current is supplied, a comparator circuit compares a voltage obtained by converting the value of electric current flowing through the solenoid by a resistor for detection and a voltage corresponding to a fuel pressure sensor signal, and the value of the holding current is varied according to an output signal from the comparator circuit.

Abstract: An electromagnetic fuel injection valve in an engine injects fuel by opening/closing a fuel flowing path with a valve element. A controller controls opening/closing of the fuel flowing path and changes magnetic force generated by a control coil driving the valve element so that the magnetic force is less during a valve open state-holding period than at an initial valve-opening time. The controller detects the voltage of a battery and applies the voltage fed from the battery to the control coil, while changing a time interval (Tc), for which current is passed through the control coil, based on the detected voltage, in order to change the magnetic force, without raising the voltage from the battery. The controller also detects increase/decrease of a pressing force on the valve element caused by fuel pressure and changes the time interval (Tc) accordingly.

Abstract: A fuel injection system for an engine includes an improved construction and provides a method for releasing a needle valve which has adhered to a valve seat in a fuel injector. The fuel injector is a normally closed type and the valve is activated by a solenoid to part from the valve seat to inject fuel. A first power supply unit is provided to supply electric power to the solenoid under an ordinary operating condition of the engine. A second power supply unit is additionally provided to supply electric power greater than the power supplied by the first power supply unit. In one embodiment, the second power supply unit includes a booster to raise the voltage. A switchover mechanism, such as detachable couplers, are provided to switch over between the first power supply unit and the second power supply unit.

Abstract: A fuel injection control system and method for controlling multiple fuel injections to a cylinder of an engine during a fuel injection event based upon engine operating conditions, the control system including an electronic controller coupled to an electronically controlled fuel injector, the controller being operable to determine and deliver a fuel injection current signal to the fuel injector to adjust the duration of each fuel shot associated with a particular fuel injection event to compensate for the inherent delay of the fuel injector in responding to the injection current signal, that is, the delay between the start of the injection current signal and the actual start of the fuel injection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a circuit system for operating a solenoid valve (MV), particularly for actuating an electrohydraulic gas-exchange valve control, an injection valve, or an intake or exhaust valve of an internal combustion engine. To permit the simplest possible driving of the solenoid valve (MV), it is proposed that the solenoid valve (MV) be acted upon in a controlled manner in a cycle including three phases, in which in a pull-up phase, the solenoid valve (MV) is connected for a predefined time duration (T—1) to a first voltage (U—1) of predetermined magnitude for generating a pull-up current, in a holding phase is connected to a second voltage (U—2) of predetermined magnitude for generating a holding current, and in a de-energize phase is separated from both voltages (U—1, U—2).

Abstract: A driving apparatus for an electromagnetic valve comprises a conduction control circuit and a current-limit-value setting circuit. The conduction control circuit turns on and off an FET so that a conduction current flowing through the electromagnetic valve has a magnitude equal to a predetermined current limit value while a microcomputer is outputting a driving signal to the conduction control circuit. The predetermined current limit value is set at a first current limit value during a first predetermined period starting at a point of time the microcomputer outputs the driving signal. When the predetermined first period has lapsed, the predetermined current limit value is switched to a second current limit value for a second period. The second limit value is smaller than the first current limit value. A first off-time of the FET for attaining the first current limit value is set to be shorter than a second off-time of the FET for attaining the second current limit value.

Abstract: An electronic driver circuit for reducing power consumed by a solenoid operated device. The end of the solenoid operating stroke or the existence of suitable kinetic energy in a solenoid armature is measured by reference to current flow through the solenoid coil. Current flow through the solenoid coil is subsequently terminated so as to avoid further power waste which is not contributing to any desirable increase in armature kinetic energy. In a preferred embodiment, the magnetic flux built up in the solenoid coil is applied through a suitable diode network back to the power supply, thereby reducing further the power requirements for solenoid operation.

Abstract: A method is described for operating a fuel injector for fuel injection systems of internal combustion engines, particularly for the direct injection of fuel into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, The fuel injector has a magnetic coil, an armature acted upon in a closing direction by a resetting spring, and a valve needle, frictionally connected to the armature, for actuating a valve-closure member which, together with a valve-seat surface , forms a sealing seat.

Abstract: A method of controlling an electromagnetically operated actuator for a valve arrangement. The valve arrangement is responsive to an actuator armature. The actuator has a winding and is preferably of the two-stage lift type. The method includes applying a first, low voltage to the actuator, using a first voltage source, to generate a relatively low rate of current increase through the actuator winding, thereby to impart a force to the armature to cause the armature to move relatively slowly from a rest position to a first intermediate position. The method also includes applying a second, higher voltage to the actuator, using a second voltage source coupled to the first voltage source through a regeneration path, to generate a relatively high rate of current increase through the actuator winding, thereby to impart a force to the armature to cause the armature to move relatively quickly from the first intermediate position to a second position.

Abstract: The fuel injection system includes an injector 7 to be electromagnetically driven, a control device 2 for outputting a drive signal having first current-carrying time T1 and second current-carrying time T2 to this injector 7, and a drive device 6 for passing a large current to open a valve of the injector 7 during the first current-carrying time T1 and passing a small current to hold the injector 7 in a valve opening state during the second current-carrying time T2. The system is constructed so that the first current-carrying time T1 is set to the time shorter than valve opening required time T0 from a current-carrying start of the injector 7 to full opening and this time difference is set to the value shorter than valve closing operation delay time from a current break of the injector 7 in the case of breaking a current in the first current-carrying time T1 to a start of a valve closing operation.

Abstract: A control method for controlling the timing of fuel injection in a fuelling system for an engine comprising a fuel injector supplied with fuel from a source of fuel at high pressure, comprises varying a drive current which is supplied to the fuel injector at a first time so as to initiate or terminate a primary injection of fuel and monitoring the pressure of fuel within the source so as to detect when a variation in fuel pressure occurs. A time delay is measured, which represents the difference in time between the first time and a second, later time at which a variation in fuel pressure within the source is detected. The measured time delay is used to adjust the time at which the drive current is varied so as to initiate or terminate a subsequent injection of fuel, thereby to ensure initiation or termination of the subsequent injection of fuel occurs at a required time.

Abstract: A fuel injector assembly includes a plurality of fuel injectors (22), each of which may have a different performance characteristic. After the performance characteristics have been determined, an internal, energizable voltage or current source (28) is provided within the injector housing (23). Each time the vehicle ignition is turned on, a controller (26) queries each injector (22) to obtain a signal from the individual, internal, energizable voltage or current sources (28). The controller (26) then uses the output of the internal voltage or current source (28) as an indication of the performance characteristics of each injector (22). The controller then customizes the power signal supplied to each injector to accommodate for different performance characteristics.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for charging at least one capacitive control element, in particular a fuel injection valve of an internal combustion engine, charge the capacitive control element with different charging times. In order to shorten a charging time, a charging process is interrupted at a predetermined time, and a tuned circuit is connected to a freewheeling circuit which contains the control element and a ringing or charge reversal coil. If the freewheeling circuit contains a further capacitor, the charging process is further shortened, and a portion of a charge energy is fed back into a charge source while the control element is being discharged.

Abstract: An electromagnetic fuel injection valve in an engine injects fuel by opening/closing a fuel flowing path with a valve element. A controller controls opening/closing of the fuel flowing path and changes magnetic force generated by a control coil driving the valve element so that the magnetic force is less during a valve open state-holding period than at an initial valve-opening time. The controller detects the voltage of a battery and applies the voltage fed from the battery to the control coil, while changing a time interval (Tc), for which current is passed through the control coil, based on the detected voltage, in order to change the magnetic force, without raising the voltage from the battery. The controller also detects increase/decrease of a pressing force on the valve element caused by fuel pressure and changes the time interval (Tc) accordingly.

Abstract: A method and a device for controlling an internal combustion engine, having a control element for controlling the fuel injection. The fuel injection is divided into at least a first partial injection and a second partial injection. A start of triggering of the second partial injection takes place a specifiable first time span after an end of triggering of the first partial injection.

Abstract: A fuel injection control system is arranged to decide the execution of a pilot fuel injection based on evaluation functions indicative of degree of a pilot fuel injection demand, to decide an engine operating condition, to calculate a fuel injection quantity for each cylinder when the engine operating condition is in the predetermined low-load operating region, to calculate a pilot fuel injection quantity for each cylinder by multiplying a predetermined ratio to the fuel injection quantity in the predetermined low-load operating region and when the pilot fuel injection is executed, and to calculate a main fuel injection quantity by subtracting the pilot fuel injection quantity from the fuel injection quantity. Therefore, this arrangement enables accurate decision as to the execution of the pilot fuel injection and proper control of pilot and main fuel injection quantities.

Abstract: A method for calibrating an electronic control unit for an internal combustion engine. The electronic control unit may have multiple channels with each channel being adapted to provide an input drive signal to a fuel delivery apparatus. A first channel is selected for calibration. A reference signal of desired and known parameters is also defined. The reference signal is defined such that it is indicative of the cyclical performance of a fuel delivery apparatus such as a fuel injection device. A command signal is generated and passed through the circuitry of the selected channel. The channel circuitry generates a drive signal in response to the command signal. A desired parameter of the drive signal is measured for comparison with the known parameter of the reference signal. If necessary, the command signal is then adjusted so as to produce a modified drive signal which has a parameter with reduced variation from the known reference parameter.

Abstract: The device has an electric circuit for generating a first electric current of such a predetermined value as to excite the electromagnet to open the metering valve, and a second electric current of a lower value such as to keep the electromagnet excited; and timing means for controlling the electric circuit as a function of operating conditions of the engine. The timing means also control the electric circuit in such a manner as to vary the duration of the first current as a function of the operating temperature of the engine.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling fuel injection signals to an engine during a sudden acceleration event. The present apparatus and method includes an electronic controller coupled to the electronically controlled fuel injectors of the engine and operable to recognize a sudden acceleration condition based upon certain sensed conditions associated with the acceleration of the engine. The controller is further operable to increase the pull-in current level and/or the hold-in current level of the fuel injection signals to improve fuel injector performance, fuel consumption, and emissions when a sudden acceleration event is recognized. Shortening the duration of the fuel shots associated with the fuel injection signal helps offset additional electrical power requirements associated with the higher current levels.

Abstract: Using a control coil having a high response characteristic suited to the valve opening and a hold coil suited to a hold to be held a large force by a small large current, during the valve opening time a high voltage is applied to the control coil suited to the valve opening and during a valve opening hold time a low and stabilized voltage is applied to the hold coil suite to the holding, and then a valve body driven. In a fuel injection apparatus, a drive manner during a valve opening time and a hold time is optimized.

Abstract: A fuel injector control circuit reduces the number of gates required by arranging high side and low side gates in a matrix. Each coil is selectively activated by activating a unique pair of a high side gate and a low side gate, thus reducing the total number of gates required.

Abstract: A fuel injection apparatus of an internal combustion engine includes a valve body movably disposed for back and forth movement in a fuel passage to open and close a fuel injection hole of the fuel injection apparatus. An armature is attached to the valve body. A valve-opening solenoid coil drives the armature in a valve-opening direction. A valve-closing solenoid coil drives the armature in a valve-closing direction. A controller that sets an overlap time, which is a time by which starting of electrifying of the valve-closing solenoid coil precedes stopping of electrifying of the valve-opening solenoid coil, controls the solenoid coils in accordance with a fuel pressure supplied to the fuel injection apparatus such that a valve-closing force on the valve body does not exceed an open valve holding force on the valve body prior to the time when stopping of the electrifying of the valve-opening solenoid coil occurs.

Abstract: The present device provides a fuel injector including a two-input, self-triggering monostable driver circuit for an electromechanical valve is disclosed. Upon receipt of an initiation signal, the driver circuit generates a predetermined current profile in a coil. A current sensing mechanism senses the current flowing through the coil, enabling a current threshold generator to detect a preset peak current threshold state. Upon detection of the preset peak current threshold state, the current threshold generator establishes a new hold current threshold state in the coil. A rapid decay generator forces a rapid transition from peak current to hold current within the coil. The hold current is maintained within preset hysteretic limits until the valve cycle is terminated by removing the initiation signal from the inputs.

Abstract: A fuel injector control circuit reduces the number of gates required by arranging high side and low side gates in a matrix. Each coil is selectively activated by activating a unique pair of a high side gate and a low side gate, thus reducing the total number of gates required.

Abstract: A method and device for driving at least one electromagnetic load, in particular a solenoid valve, for controlling an injection of fuel into an internal combustion engine, using a drive circuit equipped with an electronic switching device and at least one booster capacitor. The booster capacitor includes a recharging device that recharges a voltage of the booster capacitor to a desired voltage value influencing an opening speed of the solenoid valve, and thus an injection time, each time the booster capacitor is partially or completely discharged. The recharging device is functionally connected to a detecting device for detecting at least a speed and a load of the internal combustion engine. The recharging device includes a regulating device that regulates an intensity of a recharging current needed for the desired voltage value and the necessary recharging time, at least as a function of the speed and the load detected by the detecting device.

Abstract: The apparatus and method of regulating a control valve for a Diesel injection system comprises a fuel injector having a pressure amplifier preceded by the control valve (10), the slide (20) of the control valve (10) being moved by two spatially separated magnet coils (30, 32). During an electrical triggering of one of the two magnet coils (30, 32) with a control current, the respective other magnet coil (32, 30) is switched as a sensor, detecting the current induced in the sensor by a motion of the valve slide (20).

Abstract: An ECU calculates a command injection amount based on a driving condition, and calculates an injection timing based on a detected fuel pressure. Further, the ECU calculates a provisional injection period, and calculates again an injection period based on the injection timing fuel pressure and the command injection amount when the injection timing fuel pressure is correctly detected.

Abstract: An adjusting pipe is being inserted into a housing while increasing an electric current frequency for a coil to control a fluid flow amount being constant. Since the electric current frequency is increased while keeping the fluid flow amount constantly, there is no need to wait until the flow amount becomes stable. Since both an insertion amount of the adjusting pipe and the frequency of the electric current supplied into the coil are simultaneously, continuously, and dynamically changed and adjusted, an adjusting time thereof is reduced.

Abstract: The invention describes a method and an apparatus for a fuel injection system with a piezoelectric element for controlling the amount of injected fuel by charging and/or discharging the piezoelectric element, wherein the fuel injection system comprises a current flow controller for charging and/or discharging the piezoelectric element based upon the gradient of a voltage across the piezoelectric element due to a charge the piezoelectric element is carrying.

Abstract: A capacitive actuator is driven with a control signal st. The duration ti of actual actuator actuation is compared with the duration tst of the control signal st. Proper operation is determined, and the actuator is assumed to be operating correctly, if the measured duration ti is within a range determined by the duration tst of the control signal.

Abstract: A method for control of an injector in an internal combustion engine in which for a specific engine cycle, a control unit calculates a desired value of the opening time of the injector and forwards this desired value to a drive circuit of the injector, a supervision device calculates an actual value of the opening time of the injector during the injection phase, compares this actual value with the desired value and generates an error signal if the difference between the desired value and the actual value is outside a predetermined acceptability range.

Abstract: A method and device for driving an injector in an internal combustion engine in which a current wave which is variable over time, which comprises an initial section substantially of a pulse type and having a relatively high current intensity, an intermediate section during which the current intensity is rapidly reduced to substantially zero values and a final section having a substantially constant and relatively low current intensity, is caused to circulate through a control circuit of the injector.