Fuel Injector Patents (Class 73/114.45)
  • Patent number: 11874315
    Abstract: A method for testing a device for monitoring an item of equipment of a motor vehicle. The method includes controlling a driver with a microcontroller in order that the driver performs at least one diagnosis, detecting an electrical fault of the monitoring device, positioning a switch connecting the driver and the circuit board in its open position, controlling the driver with the microcontroller in order that the driver reiterates the at least one diagnosis, and, in the event of the electrical fault being detected again, locating the electrical fault on the driver or, in the event of absence of detection of the electrical fault, locating the electrical fault outside the driver and in particular on the circuit board or between the driver and the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Inventors: Cédric Benaben, Sébastien Raget
  • Patent number: 11339757
    Abstract: A fuel injector test machine is provided such that an injector is fixed on a test feature with a manually operable clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES IP LIMITED
    Inventor: Lee R. Jacobs
  • Patent number: 11313890
    Abstract: The invention relates to a control valve for adjusting a process fluid flow of a process plant, comprising a valve housing (8) with a valve seat (14) and a valve member (16) connected to a valve rod (18), which cooperates with the valve seat (14) for opening and closing the control valve (2), wherein the valve rod (18) is electrically connected to the valve housing (8) through a contact device (42, 43, 45). The invention is characterized in that a measuring device (26) for the ohmic transition resistance measurement of the contact device (42, 43, 45) is provided, and that the measuring device (26) is arranged in a measuring line (24) that connects the valve housing (8) to the valve rod (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: SAMSOON AG
    Inventors: Christian Mellinger, Harald Kah
  • Patent number: 11255278
    Abstract: A method for analyzing a fluid that flows from a chamber, in particular a combustion chamber, of an internal combustion engine into a fluid guide. The internal combustion engine includes at least one element, in particular an injector, for the supply of fuel. The analysis takes place with the aid of a sensor, in particular a lambda sensor, on which the fluid in the fluid guide acts. The analysis takes place during cranking of the internal combustion engine, and the fluid acting on the sensor is not influenced by fuel that is supplied in a controlled manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Achim Hirchenhein, Guido Porten, Jochen Hofstaetter, Lorenz Oberlin, Stefan Gottlieb
  • Patent number: 10909776
    Abstract: The invention disclosed in this application is a device to individually test irrigation sprinkler heads. The invention is comprised of a cabinet with a water reservoir and submersible pump. The submersible pump is located in water reservoir in the bottom of the cabinet. The top section of the cabinet is equipped with doors with transparent panels to observe the sprinkler head as it is being tested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Inventors: Justin Todd Russell, Christopher Rodney Stottsberry
  • Patent number: 10781781
    Abstract: An injector testing device includes a fluid pump configured to convey a test oil; a motor mechanically connected to the fluid pump and configured to drive the fluid pump; and a rail configured to receive the test oil conveyed by the fluid pump and to fluidly connect to at least one injector to be tested. The fluid pump, the motor, and the rail are supported elastically in the injector testing device as a common assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhard Hoss, Armin Batha, Daniel Strack
  • Patent number: 10782208
    Abstract: An injector testing device includes a fluid pump, which is configured to convey a test oil; a motor, which is connected mechanically to the fluid pump and is configured to drive the fluid pump; at least one injector holding device for mounting at least one injector to be tested; and a rail, which is configured to receive the test oil conveyed by the fluid pump and to fluidly connect to at least one injector to be tested. In this context, the rail is mounted in the injector testing device in such a manner, that it may be swiveled with respect to the at least one injector holding device, in order to align it with the injector to be tested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhard Hoss, Armin Batha, Daniel Strack
  • Patent number: 10557448
    Abstract: A driveshaft assembly, for example in an Electronic Unit Injector, Unit Injector or Electronic Unit Pump testing machine, wherein an indexing arrangement, such as complementary external and internal splines, enables a cam to be mounted on a shaft at a number of discreet positions, each providing a different offset of a central axis of the base cylinder section from a central axis of the shaft, each position providing a different maximum lift value of a plunger in contact with the cam, directly or via a rocker arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES IP LIMITED
    Inventors: Aaron Walsh, Michael A. Willis
  • Patent number: 10559559
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems, devices, circuits, components, mechanisms, and processes in which a switching mechanism can be coupled between components. The switching mechanism is configured to have an on state or an off state, where the on state allows current to pass along a current path. A monitoring mechanism has one or more sensing inputs coupled to sense an electrical characteristic at the current path. The electrical characteristic can be a current, voltage, and/or power by way of example. The monitoring mechanism is configured to output a reporting signal indicating the sensed electrical characteristic. The monitoring mechanism can be integrated with the switching mechanism on a chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: Volterra Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: David Lidsky, Ognjen Djekic, Ion Elinor Opris, Budong You, Anthony J. Stratakos, Alexandr Ikriannikov, Biljana Beronja, Trey Roessig
  • Patent number: 10227890
    Abstract: A system for inspecting spray nozzles includes a nozzle operatively connected to a source of pressurized liquid for issuing a spray from the nozzle. The system also includes a sensor positioned to detect frequencies of resonant modes in the spray. The nozzle and sensor can each be mounted to a spray test booth. A method of inspecting a spray nozzle includes issuing a liquid from a spray nozzle as a spray and using a sensor to detect frequencies of resonant modes in the spray. The sensor can include a diaphragm and detecting frequencies can include impinging at least some of the spray on the diaphragm, and monitoring vibrations of the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Delavan, Inc.
    Inventors: Lev A. Prociw, Jason A. Ryon
  • Patent number: 9964085
    Abstract: A fuel injection device including an injector that injects fuel into a cylinder of an engine; a fuel injection amount obtaining unit that obtains a fuel injection amount of fuel injected by the injector; a heat generation amount obtaining unit that obtains a heat generation amount of the fuel injected by the injector and ignited; and a control unit that determines that injector abnormality occurs, when determining that a difference between a fuel injection amount obtained by the fuel injection amount obtaining unit and a reference fuel injection amount is within a predetermined range and that a heat generation amount obtained by the heat generation amount obtaining unit is greater than a reference heat generation amount corresponding to the reference fuel injection amount. Accordingly, whether or not injection hole corrosion occurs in the injector can be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masato Ikemoto
  • Patent number: 9932923
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine to which the apparatus is applied is a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine that includes a passage injection valve and a cylinder injection valve and that can use gasoline and alcohol as fuel. The apparatus performs abnormality determination for a determination object device, based on a detection signal of an oxygen sensor provided in an exhaust passage of the internal combustion engine. The concentration sensor detects alcohol concentration ALp of the fuel in a first fuel passage through which the fuel is fed to the passage injection valve, and alcohol concentration ALd of the fuel in a second fuel passage through which the fuel is fed to the cylinder injection valve. When a difference ?AL between the alcohol concentrations ALp, ALd is a determination value or greater (S13: YES), the execution of the abnormality determination is prohibited (S12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Isao Nakajima
  • Patent number: 9458788
    Abstract: An injector driver and a method of controlling the injector driver are provided. A defect of a driving channel is detected by enabling an identification of safety inspection for each channel in a driving semiconductor during an idle mode. The injector driver includes a plurality of driving switches that operate an injector and a driving semiconductor that drives of the driving switches. In addition, the driving semiconductor determines a short defect of the injector during an idle mode and detects and stores the defective short in a channel unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, Hyundai Autron Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Choong Seob Park, Ji Haeng Lee, Kang Hee Cho, Doo Jin Jang
  • Patent number: 9419523
    Abstract: A method identifies a short-line fault or line interruption in a circuit configuration having a series circuit of inductive load and controllable switching element. The series circuit is connected between high and low potentials of a supply voltage source. A connecting point between load and switching element is connected through at least one zener element to the high or low potential of the voltage source or the control connection of the switching element so that upon interruption of current flow through the load due to switching off the switching element, magnetic energy stored in the load can be reduced by a zener element becoming conductive. After switching off the switching element, the voltage at the connecting point is ascertained and a voltage pulse duration is compared with a first prescribed duration. If the duration is shorter than the first prescribed duration, a line interruption or a short is inferred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Gunther Wolfarth, Harald Schmauss
  • Patent number: 9395271
    Abstract: The present invention provides an abnormality detection device in which the fuel property sensor is disposed in a branch flow path which is such that there is a time where the fuel in the branch flow path drops out therefrom between one start of the internal combustion engine and the next start. An output value of the fuel property sensor generated when the fuel is flowing through the branch flow path is acquired as a first sensor output value. An output value of the fuel property sensor generated when the fuel in the branch flow path drops out therefrom is acquired as a second sensor output value. The first sensor output value and the second sensor output value are used as judgment data to judge whether the fuel property sensor is abnormal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazuchika Tashima, Naoya Okubo
  • Patent number: 9222431
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for estimating a fuel leakage quantity which enters from a leaking injection valve during a shut-down time of a motor vehicle into an intake tract or into a cylinder of an internal combustion engine of the motor vehicle and is added to a fuel mixture to be combusted during a starting process. The method may include: measuring a first start index characteristic of a starting behavior of the engine during a first starting process; determining a first injected fuel quantity during the first starting process; measuring a second start index characteristic of a starting behavior of the engine during a second starting process; determining a second injected fuel quantity during the second starting process; and estimating the fuel leakage quantity based on the measured first start index, the determined first injected fuel quantity, the measured second start index and the determined second injected fuel quantity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventors: Gerd Rösel, Erwin Achleitner
  • Patent number: 9097245
    Abstract: A method for refilling an emptied hydraulic coupler of a fuel injector comprises the steps of: connecting a pressure generator to a return line of the fuel injector; operating the pressure generator in order to generate a return pressure in the return line; operating the fuel injector. The method can also include the step of monitoring the pressure level in the return line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Marc Knoblauch-Xander, Bernd Kohler
  • Publication number: 20150149063
    Abstract: Injector drift for a diesel engine are detected by reconfiguration of injection patterns from one pattern into a pattern with a different number of pulse points while attempting to hold total fuel injected constant. If a particular injector is subject to drift then changes in the pulse pattern result in an increase or decrease in fuel injected and consequential variations in engine speed. By applying alternating injection patterns at constant fuel demand and allowing engine speed time to stabilize, a rhythmic variation in engine speed/torque will appear which can be detected using one of a number of techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Nirav Atul Shah, Mark Brian Michelotti, Sumeet Suresh Yerunkar
  • Patent number: 9027394
    Abstract: An injector test stand for fuel injectors includes: a holder for fixing a fuel injector an injection chamber which is positionable relative to the fuel injector, and a variable injector mounting which includes a rotatable insert having at least one adjustable clamping jaw is accommodated in the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Sven Kordass, Reinhard Hoss
  • Patent number: 9027395
    Abstract: A measuring apparatus may include a first chamber, a second chamber and a membrane separating the first chamber and the second chamber. Furthermore the measuring apparatus may include a notch in an outer wall of the first chamber designed to liquid-tightly arranging an injection valve in this notch such that an injection nozzle of the injection valve opens out into the first chamber. The measuring apparatus may include a sensor designed and arranged to capture a first measured variable representative for a strain of the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Cristiano Mannucci
  • Publication number: 20150122000
    Abstract: A method for detecting an error in the opening behavior of an injector of an internal combustion engine, the injector having an electromagnetically actuated valve element, a ballistic partial injection being carried out, the injector being ballistically activated, so that the valve element is not opened up to a lift stop, a ballistic closing delay period is determined, the determined ballistic closing delay period is compared with a reference value, and an error in the opening behavior of the injector is detected with the aid of the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Markus WILLIMOWSKI, Markus AMLER, Alexander SCHENCK ZU SCHWEINSBERG, Florian STIEF, Klaus JOOS
  • Patent number: 9008948
    Abstract: A fuel injection control apparatus includes a low-side driver, arranged electrically downstream of an injector and operable to drive the injector with a changeover of an ON-OFF state thereof in response to a drive signal from a CPU; a high-side driver, arranged electrically upstream of the injector and downstream of a power source, and having an ON-OFF state thereof which may be changed in response to the drive signal from the CPU; a high-side return signal detection unit and a low-side return signal detection unit. Each of the low-side and high-side drivers includes a transistor arranged inside an ECU. The CPU diagnoses a function of a drive circuit based on the presence or non-presence of return signals received from the high-side return signal detection unit and the low-side return signal detection unit with respect to predetermined driving states of both the low-side and high-side drivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenichi Machida
  • Publication number: 20150096361
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a characteristic of an injector are set forth. In one example, a compressed gas is applied to the inlet chamber of the injector while the spoolvalve is closed until the pressure of the compressed gas in the inlet chamber reaches a predetermined pressure. A change in pressure of the compressed gas in the inlet chamber is measured over time while the spool valve is closed. The pressure change measurement corresponds to the characteristic of the injector that is to be determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Curtis Paul Curtis, Raymond Mueller Raymond Mueller
  • Patent number: 8989994
    Abstract: A method for fault diagnosis in a fuel injection system having first and second fuel injectors. The method includes initiating a current flow in the first and second fuel injectors. Further, a rise duration of the current flow to reach a threshold level is measured. The method further includes comparing the rise duration and a preset duration. The fuel injection system is controlled based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Love, Frank Lombardi, Daniel R. Puckett, Kiran S. Prakash, Aaron L. Thomas
  • Patent number: 8973553
    Abstract: A multi-sensing fuel injection system for internal combustion engines. The system includes a fuel injector for injecting fuel into the internal combustion chamber. The fuel injector is electrically insulated from an engine body of the internal combustion engine by way of a first electrically insulated member. A second electrically insulated member is provided for fixedly disposing the fuel injector within the combustion chamber. The electrical insulation of the fuel injector, in conjunction with the integration of an ion sensing circuit including a resistor and a power source for supplying voltage to the fuel injector, allows for a full measurement of the ionization current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Wayne State University
    Inventor: Fadi Adly Anis Estefanous
  • Patent number: 8939019
    Abstract: A holding device for a fuel injector has a mounting device to accommodate the fuel injector, and a fixing device which has a first part and a second part, which are supported in a guidance in a displaceable manner with respect to the mounting device. The second part is fixable on the guidance and between the first part and the second part of the fixing device an elastic element is situated in such a way that it is in a position to press the first part of the fixing device against a fuel injector situated in the mounting device, in order to fix it in the holding device. Also described is a clamping device for fuel injectors having at least one holding device, which is fastened elastically to the clamping device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Sven Kordass, Joerg Staib, Reinhard Hoss, Neela Lohith Paruchuri
  • Patent number: 8938349
    Abstract: A method is described for operating a fuel injection system, in particular of an internal combustion engine, in which fuel under pressure is made available in a pressure reservoir and a fuel pressure prevailing in the pressure reservoir is ascertainable with the aid of a pressure sensor. Fuel is removed from the pressure reservoir over a predefinable pressure reduction time period, measured pressure values are ascertained (determined) with the aid of the pressure sensor at least two different points in time during the pressure reduction period, and an actual fuel pressure at the beginning of the pressure reduction period is inferred from the measured pressure values ascertained (determined) during the pressure reduction period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Sommerer, Patrick Amann
  • Patent number: 8935044
    Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting a refueling event for diagnostics are disclosed. In one example approach a method comprises discontinuing leak diagnostics in response to a temperature change in a fuel vapor canister coupled to a fuel tank in an emission control system while the leak diagnostics are being performed in the emission control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Seung-Man Yang, Mark Daniel Bunge, Aed M. Dudar
  • Patent number: 8924131
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a diagnostic module for an exhaust gas sensor in a vehicle is provided. The exhaust gas sensor is located in an exhaust pathway in the vehicle. The diagnostic module may be configured to perform a signal range verification of an oxygen sensor portion of the exhaust gas sensor. A controller is operatively connected to the exhaust gas sensor and to the vehicle engine. The controller disables the diagnostic module when one or more entry conditions are satisfied. The entry conditions may include requiring the engine speed to be greater than a fuel cut-off threshold, the fuel cut-off threshold being the engine speed at which the fuel to the engine is terminated. The entry conditions may include: no fuel being delivered to the engine; and a vehicle exhaust brake mode being activated such that the exhaust pathway from the engine is obstructed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Janean E. Kowalkowski, Jason J. Chung, Scott T. Feldmann, Chad E. Marlett
  • Patent number: 8915126
    Abstract: A device and a method for testing fuel injectors, in particular, of the piezo type. The device includes at least one, in particular, bidirectional interface for connecting an operator control unit, at least one outlet for connecting at least one fuel injector, at least one integrated circuit, as well as a microcontroller for controlling the integrated circuit, the integrated circuit and the microcontroller cooperating in a way that allows the fuel injector to be tested as a function of the type and/or subtype thereof, including at least the piezo type having the subtypes active high and active low.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Jochen Friedmann, Joachim Goeser, Karl-Martin Kutteruf, Markus Vogel
  • Patent number: 8905003
    Abstract: In a fuel injector, a body has formed therein a spray hole and a fuel supply passage. Fuel supplied to the fuel supply passage is delivered to the spray hole. A fuel pressure sensor produces a signal indicative of a pressure of the fuel. First terminals are attached to the fuel pressure sensor and include a terminal for outputting the signal. The fuel pressure sensor is threadedly installed in the body while the first terminals are rotated. A connector includes a housing attached to the body, and second terminals supported by the housing for external electric connection of the fuel pressure sensor. Wires are operative to establish electrical connection between the first terminals and the second terminals. A wire holder is configured to hold each of the plurality of wires at least partly around the fuel pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Kouji Morita, Yutaka Miyamoto, Jun Kondo, Tomoki Fujino
  • Patent number: 8893685
    Abstract: A method is provided for estimating a hydraulic dwell time between a first injection pulse and a second injection pulse performed by a fuel injector of an internal combustion engine. The method includes, but is not limited to determining a value of an electric dwell time between the first injection pulse and the second injection pulse, estimating a value of an injector closing delay between an instant in which an electric closing command of the first injection pulse is generated and an instant in which the fuel injector closes, estimating a value of an injector opening delay between an instant in which an electric opening command of the second injection pulse is generated and an instant in which the fuel injector opens, and calculating a value of the hydraulic dwell time as a function of the electric dwell time value, of the injector closing delay value and of the injector opening delay value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Massimiliano Melis, Matteo Allasia, Vincenzo Rampino
  • Patent number: 8875566
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for monitoring the state of a piezoelectric injector of the fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine, the piezoelectric injector having a piezoelectric actuator and a nozzle needle that can be moved by said piezoelectric actuator. The piezoelectric injector can be operated in a partial-stroke mode and a full-stroke mode. In the partial-stroke mode, the curve of an electrical parameter over time is recorded, the maximum value of the curve is determined, a constant parameter value that arises after the presence of the maximum value is determined, the duration between the presence of the maximum value and the reaching of the constant parameter value is determined, the difference between the maximum value and the constant parameter value is determined, and conclusions about the state of the piezoelectric injector are drawn on the basis of the determined duration and the determined difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Robert Hoffmann, Michael Katzenberger, Nicolas Nozeran
  • Patent number: 8880322
    Abstract: A vehicle including an internal combustion engine provided with a plurality of cylinders, and a control unit that determines that an abnormality of the internal combustion engine has occurred when an atmospheric pressure has a first value and an operation state represented by at least one of an output shaft revolution speed and a load of the internal combustion engine is within a preset region and determines that an abnormality of the internal combustion engine has occurred when the atmospheric pressure has a second value that is lower than the first value and the operation state is outside the region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Toshikazu Kato, Yusuke Fujitsu
  • Publication number: 20140318227
    Abstract: A method for assessing an injection behavior of at least one injection valve of an internal combustion engine includes putting the internal combustion engine into a special operating mode defined by control parameters and operating the engine in the special operating mode during a diagnostic time period, at least one operating parameter of the internal combustion engine being determined at least during the diagnostic time period, and at least one quantity characterizing the injection behavior of the at least one injection valve being evaluated at least during a segment of the diagnostic time period and being evaluated on the basis of the at least one operating parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Klaus Joos, Werner Hess, Andreas Koch, Ruben Schlueter, Holger Rapp, Haris Hamedovic, Joerg Koenig, Harry Friedmann, Achim Hirchenhein, Christoph Heisen, Christian Reschke, Stephanie Wirth
  • Patent number: 8869605
    Abstract: The invention relates to a deposit amount estimation device for estimating a deposit amount by calculating an amount of a deposit on an injection hole wall face of a fuel injector (22). An increment judgment of whether an actual fuel injection amount is larger than the required fuel injection amount corresponding thereto when a fuel injection command value corresponding to a required fuel injection amount smaller than a predetermined amount is given to the fuel injector, is performed, and when it is judged that the actual fuel injection amount is larger than the required fuel injection amount corresponding thereto by the increment judgment, the deposit amount is estimated on the basis of the difference between the actual fuel injection amount and the required fuel injection amount corresponding thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masato Ikemoto
  • Patent number: 8833147
    Abstract: Based on a detection signal of a fuel pressure sensor provided in a first fuel injector, an ECU determines whether a fuel pressure in a first fuel injector is increased over a specified amount when a second fuel injector provided with no fuel pressure sensor terminates a fuel injection. When the ECU determines that the fuel pressure in the first fuel injector is increased over a specified amount, it is diagnosed that the second fuel injector does not have a malfunction of continuous injection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Toyomori Tsuiki
  • Patent number: 8833148
    Abstract: An injector relay diagnostic system is provided. The system comprises a first fuel injector, a first electrical relay disposed between an electrical potential and the first fuel injector, wherein the first electrical relay is configured to connect the first fuel injector to the electrical potential upon receipt of a first control signal, and a control module configured to transmit the first control signal to the first electrical relay, receive an output from the first fuel injector, and determine a state of the first electrical relay by comparing the output from the first fuel injector to a predetermined parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Robert G. Stack, Michael Cottrell
  • Patent number: 8833149
    Abstract: A piston fuel injector detecting device, comprising a base (1), a perspective platform (2), an observation cover (3), a sliding groove (4), an adjusting handle (5), a conducting wire column (6), a supporting plate (7), a tact switch (8), a limit plate (9), an infrared-ray emitting tube (10), an illuminating device (11) and a positioning pin (12), wherein the base (1) is connected with the perspective platform (2) and the positioning pin (12); the perspective platform (2) is connected with the observation cover (3) which is provided with the sliding groove (4); the adjusting handle (5) is connected with the observation cover (3); the conducting wire column (6) is vertically connected with the base (1) and is connected with the supporting plate (7) which is provided with the tact switch (8); the conducting wire column (6) is connected with the limit plate (9) which is connected with the infrared-ray emitting tube (10) and the illuminating device (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Dalian Dexin M & E Technology Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xun Zhao, Yuejin Huang
  • Patent number: 8776763
    Abstract: There is provided an internal combustion engine controller that realizes a reduction in maximum current value and current regulation without sacrificing boost performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chikara Omori, Ryoichi Oura, Mitsuhiko Watanabe, Takuya Mayuzumi
  • Publication number: 20140182366
    Abstract: A temperature of a heated component is determined for control and monitoring. The heater driver, upon receipt of a turn-on signal, generates a current within a component of a heated fuel injector, wherein the current through the component generates an appropriate loss to generate heat for a variable spray fuel injection system. The heater driver regulates the energy to the heated component based on the electrical resistance of that component as a function of temperature and a predetermined reference value for that temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Inventors: Perry Robert Czimmek, Michael Joseph Hornby, Douglas Edward Cosby
  • Patent number: 8756986
    Abstract: In a method for operating an internal combustion engine having multiple cylinders, a cylinder to be checked is diagnosed for an injection quantity error. During a normal operation, a first air/fuel ratio is predefined for the multiple cylinders, and a first uneven running is ascertained. During an adjustment operation, a second air/fuel ratio for the cylinder to be checked is predefined during a number of working cycles. During the adjustment operation, a second uneven running is ascertained. The injection quantity error is ascertained for the cylinder to be checked as a function of the first uneven running and the second uneven running.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Holger Jessen, Wolfgang Tiebel
  • Patent number: 8756920
    Abstract: The invention concerns a procedure for controlling a metering device for metering fuel into the exhaust gas duct of a combustion engine for the regeneration of a particle filter, whereby the metering device supplies the fuel to the exhaust gas duct over a security valve, a first fuel pipe, a metering valve, a second fuel pipe and an injection check valve and whereby the pressure of the fuel is determined between the metering valve and the injection check valve in the second fuel pipe. It is thereby provided that an opening pressure of the injection check valve is determined from the pressure course between the metering valve and the injection check valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Damian Dyrbusch, Ignacio Garcia-Lorenzana Merino, Markus Boerner, Natalie Kuestner
  • Publication number: 20140103137
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a fuel injector assembly including a valve and a cable assembly for actuating the valve. The cable can include a plurality of strands, and each strand can be an optical fiber, an electrical conductor, or a tensile member capable of withstanding a tensile stress caused when the valve actuator actuates the valve, or any combination thereof. The cable can also include a brush bearing with bristles extending from the cable to maintain the cable at least generally centered within a channel as the cable moves in the channel. The bristles can be electrically conductive and can convey a voltage to an electrode pair near the valve to ionize at least a portion of the fuel to urge the fuel from the injector through the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: McAlister Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: McAlister Technologies, LLC
  • Patent number: 8700288
    Abstract: A method for assessing a method of functioning of a fuel injector in response to the application of a control voltage to at least one actuator of the fuel injector, including the steps of applying the control voltage to the at least one actuator of the fuel injector for a no-torque-generating injection into an engine, determining a fuel content in an exhaust tract disposed at an engine, comparing the determined fuel content with a specified comparison value, and assessing the method of functioning of the fuel injector based on the comparison result. Furthermore, also described is an evaluation device for assessing a method of functioning of a fuel injector in response to the application of a control voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Huber, Thomas Breitbach, Rainer Peck, Christian Kriechbaum
  • Publication number: 20140060165
    Abstract: An injector relay diagnostic system is provided. The system comprises a first fuel injector, a first electrical relay disposed between an electrical potential and the first fuel injector, wherein the first electrical relay is configured to connect the first fuel injector to the electrical potential upon receipt of a first control signal, and a control module configured to transmit the first control signal to the first electrical relay, receive an output from the first fuel injector, and determine a state of the first electrical relay by comparing the output from the first fuel injector to a predetermined parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: CHRYSLER GROUP LLC
    Inventors: Robert G. Stack, Michael Cottrell
  • Publication number: 20140060488
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining the idle travel of a piezo-injector which has a piezo-actuator and a nozzle needle which is activated directly by the piezo-actuator. A test pulse is applied to the piezo-actuator, which pulse brings about a continuous increase in the piezo-travel. The time period is measured which passes between the starting of the test pulse and the time when the idle travel is overcome. The idle travel of the piezo-injector is then determined from the measured time period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Continental Automotive GMBH
    Inventors: Michael Katzenberger, Manfred Kramel, Nicolas Nozeran
  • Patent number: 8650941
    Abstract: A method for checking the functionality of at least one injector (10) of an internal combustion engine (8), in which at least the functionality of a lambda sensor (12), which is designed to ascertain a state of the at least one injector (10) is checked, a steady-state operating condition of the internal combustion engine (8) being set, and a check being performed as to whether at least one signal of the lambda sensor (12) is stable for the set operating condition. Depending on whether the signal of the lambda sensor (12) is stable, a lambda value for the at least one injection valve (10) is measured using the lambda sensor (12) at the set operating condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Johannes Zeidler, Steffen Peischl
  • Publication number: 20140007665
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining the force acting on the nozzle needle of a directly driven piezo injector, in which an electrical voltage is built on the piezo actuator which drives the nozzle needle by means of a charging process. After the charging process has ended, the voltage at the piezo actuator is measured again. A voltage gradient is determined from consecutive voltage values. Conclusions of the force acting on the nozzle needle are drawn from the voltage gradients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventors: Michael Katzenberger, Robert Hoffmann, Simon Ruscheinski
  • Publication number: 20130340513
    Abstract: A measuring apparatus may include a first chamber, a second chamber and a membrane separating the first chamber and the second chamber. Furthermore the measuring apparatus may include a notch in an outer wall of the first chamber designed to liquid-tightly arranging an injection valve in this notch such that an injection nozzle of the injection valve opens out into the first chamber. The measuring apparatus may include a sensor designed and arranged to capture a first measured variable representative for a strain of the membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventor: Cristiano Mannucci