CONTROL DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ELECTRICALLY SWITCHING A TWO-STAGE SOLENOID VALVE

Abstract

A control device for a two-stage solenoid valve, including an activation unit which outputs a current flowing through a solenoid coil of the solenoid valve as a switching signal. The solenoid valve is switchable from its de-energized switching state into its energized switching state by increasing a current intensity of the switching signal from zero to a switching current intensity. The solenoid valve is switchable from its energized switching state into its de-energized switching state by designing the activation unit to set the current intensity of the switching signal during a switching time interval to at least one current intensity value between zero and the switching current intensity, reduce it to zero after the switching time interval and during the switching time interval, increase it at least twice, each for a predefined pulse time interval, to a predefined current pulse value between zero and the switching current intensity.

Claims

1-10. (canceled)

11. A control device for a two-stage solenoid valve, comprising: an activation unit configured to output a current flowing through at least one solenoid coil of the solenoid valve as a switching signal to the solenoid valve, the solenoid valve being switchable from its de-energized switching state into its energized switching state, using the activation unit, the activation unit being configured to increase a current intensity of the switching signal from zero to a switching current intensity greater than-equal to a holding current predefined by the solenoid valve, using which the solenoid valve is switchable from its de-energized switching state into its energized switching state, and the solenoid valve being switchable from its energized switching state into its de-energized switching state using the activation unit, the activation unit being configured to reduce the current intensity of the switching signal during a switching time interval to at least a current intensity value between zero and the switching current intensity and after the switching time interval to zero; wherein the activation unit is configured to increase the current intensity of the switching signal during the switching time interval at least twice, each for a predefined pulse time interval, to a predefined current pulse value between zero and the switching current intensity, and in times of the switching time interval outside the pulse time intervals, to set the current intensity of the switching signals to at least one current intensity value greater than zero and less than the predefined current pulse value.

12. The control device as recited in claim 11, wherein the activation unit is configured to increase the current intensity of the switching signal during the switching time interval at least three times, each for the predefined pulse time interval, to the predefined current pulse value.

13. The control device as recited in claim 12, wherein the activation device is configured to set the current intensity of the switching signal during the switching time interval to a respective intermediate value during each intermediate time interval between two successive pulse time intervals in such a way that each of the intermediate values is greater than an intermediate value of a subsequent intermediate time interval maintained in the same switching time interval.

14. A braking system for a vehicle, comprising: a control device; and a two-stage solenoid valve activatable using the control device; wherein the control device includes an activation unit configured to output a current flowing through at least one solenoid coil of the solenoid valve as a switching signal to the solenoid valve, the solenoid valve being switchable from its de-energized switching state into its energized switching state, using the activation unit, the activation unit being configured to increase a current intensity of the switching signal from zero to a switching current intensity greater than-equal to a holding current predefined by the solenoid valve, using which the solenoid valve is switchable from its de-energized switching state into its energized switching state, and the solenoid valve being switchable from its energized switching state into its de-energized switching state using the activation unit, the activation unit being configured to reduce the current intensity of the switching signal during a switching time interval to at least a current intensity value between zero and the switching current intensity and after the switching time interval to zero; wherein the activation unit is configured to increase the current intensity of the switching signal during the switching time interval at least twice, each for a predefined pulse time interval, to a predefined current pulse value between zero and the switching current intensity, and in times of the switching time interval outside the pulse time intervals, to set the current intensity of the switching signals to at least one current intensity value greater than zero and less than the predefined current pulse value.

15. The braking system as recited in claim 14, wherein the two-stage solenoid valve is a currentless closed solenoid valve or a currentless open solenoid valve.

16. The braking system as recited in claim 14, wherein the two-stage solenoid valve is a wheel inlet valve or a wheel outlet valve.

17. A method for electrically switching a two-stage solenoid valve, comprising the following steps: switching the solenoid valve from its de-energized switching state into its energized switching state by increasing a current intensity of a current flowing through at least one solenoid coil of the solenoid valve as a switching signal from zero to a switching current intensity greater than or equal to a holding current predefined by the solenoid valve, using which the solenoid valve is switched from its de-energized switching state into its energized switching state; and switching the solenoid valve from its energized switching state into its de-energized switching state by setting the current intensity of the switching signal during a switching time interval to at least one current intensity value between zero and the switching current intensity and reducing the current intensity of the switching signal after the switching time interval to zero; wherein during the switching time interval, the current intensity of the switching signal is increased at least twice, each for a predefined pulse time interval, to a predefinable current pulse value between zero and the switching current intensity, and in times of the switching time interval outside the pulse time interval, the current intensity of the switching signal is set to at least one current intensity value greater than zero and less than the predefined current pulse value.

18. The method as recited in claim 17, wherein during the switching time interval, the current intensity of the switching signal is increased at least three times, each for the predefined pulse time interval, to the predefined current pulse value.

19. The method as recited in claim 18, wherein during the switching time interval, the current intensity of the switching signal during each intermediate time interval between two successive pulse time intervals is set to a respective intermediate value in such a way that each of the intermediate values is greater than an intermediate value of a subsequent intermediate time interval subsequently maintained in the same switching time interval.

20. The method as recited in claim 17, wherein solenoid valve is a two-stage solenoid valve of a braking system of a vehicle, the solenoid valve being a wheel inlet valve and/or a wheel outlet valve.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Further features and advantages of the present invention are explained below with reference to the figures.

[0011] FIGS. 1a and 1b show a flowchart and a coordinate system for explaining one specific embodiment of the method for electrically switching a two-stage solenoid valve, in accordance with the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 2 schematically shows a representation of the control device and of a braking system for a vehicle equipped therewith, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0013] FIGS. 1a and 1b show a flowchart and a coordinate system for explaining one specific embodiment of the method for electrically switching a two-stage solenoid valve.

[0014] The two-stage solenoid valve electrically switched with the aid of the method described below is understood to mean a switching valve, which is switchable only into its energized switching state or into its de-energized switching state. Thus, the two-stage solenoid valve is able only to be switched back and forth between these two switching states. The two-stage solenoid valve is closed either in its energized switching state or in its de-energized switching state, while the two-stage solenoid valve is open in the other of the two switching states. The two-stage solenoid valve may thus be a currentless closed solenoid valve or a currentless open solenoid valve.

[0015] The method described below is preferably designed for electrically switching a two-stage solenoid valve of a braking system of a vehicle/motor vehicle. The advantages of the method described below may thus be utilized in spatial surroundings, in which persons present are easily irritated by noises. For example, the two-stage solenoid valve in the form of a wheel inlet valve or a wheel outlet valve of the braking system may be electrically switched. It is noted, however that a feasibility of the method described below is limited neither to particular, spatial surroundings nor to a specific valve type.

[0016] In a method step S1 of the method for electrically switching the two-stage solenoid valve, the solenoid valve is switched from its de-energized switching state into its energized switching state. This occurs by increasing a current intensity I of a current flowing through at least one solenoid coil of the solenoid valve as a switching signal from (almost) zero to a switching current intensity I.sub.s greater than or equal to a holding current predefined by the design of the solenoid valve. The holding current is understood to mean a current intensity just sufficient enough, with the aid of which the solenoid valve is switchable/maintainable from its de-energized switching state into its energized switching state. The current flowing through the at least one solenoid coil of the solenoid valve having a switching current intensity I.sub.s, effectuates a magnetic field, which is sufficient for adjusting an adjustable valve element of the solenoid valve from its initial position corresponding to the de-energized switching state into an end position corresponding to the energized switching state, at least one spring of the solenoid valve counteracting the adjusting movement of the adjustable valve element from the initial position into the end position.

[0017] In a method step S2 alternatingly carried out with method step S1, the solenoid valve is switched from its energized switching state into its de-energized switching state. This occurs by setting current intensity I of the switching signal during a switching time interval Δ.sub.total to at least one current intensity value between zero and switching current intensity I.sub.s and by reducing current intensity I of the switching signal after switching time interval Δ.sub.total to (almost) zero. In addition, current intensity I of the switching signal is increased during switching time interval Δ.sub.total at least twice, each for a predefined pulse time interval Δt.sub.pulse, to a predefined current pulse value I.sub.high between zero and switching current intensity I.sub.s. In the times of switching time interval Δ.sub.total outside pulse time intervals Δt.sub.pulse on the other hand, current intensity I of the switching signal is set to at least one current intensity value greater than zero and less than predefined current pulse value I.sub.high.

[0018] FIG. 1b shows a coordinate system, whose abscissa is a time axis t, while current intensity I of the current conducted as switching signal through the at least one solenoid coil of the solenoid valve is represented with the aid of the ordinate of the coordinate system.

[0019] For example, during the times t from 0 to a point in time t.sub.0, the solenoid valve is held in its energized switching state with the aid of switching current intensity I.sub.s of 250 mA (milliamperes).

[0020] The implementation of method step S2 is started from time t.sub.0 by setting current intensity I of the switching signal during subsequent switching time interval Δ.sub.total between times t.sub.0 and t.sub.end to the at least one current intensity value between (almost) zero and switching current intensity I.sub.s. During switching time interval Δ.sub.total, at least two so-called high current pulses 2 are also conducted through the at least one solenoid coil of the solenoid valve by increasing current intensity I of the switching signal at least twice, each for predefined pulse time interval Δt.sub.pulse, to predefined current pulse value I.sub.high between zero and predefined switching current intensity I.sub.s. Current pulse value I.sub.high may, for example, be 120 mA (milliamperes).

[0021] During switching time interval Δ.sub.total, current intensity I of the switching signal is at least temporarily no longer sufficient to effectuate the magnetic field counteracting the at least one spring of the solenoid valve. The adjustable valve element of the solenoid valve is therefore pressed by the at least one spring from its end position again in the direction toward its initial position. The at least two high current pulses 2 conducted through the at least one solenoid coil of the solenoid valve during switching time interval Δ.sub.total effectuate, however, a short-term “recovery” of the magnetic field, or a short-term increase of its magnetic force, as a result of which the effect of the at least one spring with respect to an acceleration of the adjustable valve element of the solenoid valve is temporarily weakened. The at least two high current pulses 2 carried out during switching time interval Δ.sub.total thus effectuate a slight delay of the valve element driven with the aid of the at least one spring. The at least two high current pulses 2 thereby counteract an undesirably strong acceleration of the adjustable valve element. A hard or loud striking of the valve element adjusted with the aid of the at least one spring in its initial position (for example, at a valve seat of the solenoid valve) may thus be prevented with the aid of the at least two high current pulses 2. Thus, there is also no need to fear any “valve switching noises” or “valve knocking noises” during the implementation of method step S2. Persons in spatial surroundings of the solenoid valve such as, for example, occupants of a vehicle/motor vehicle equipped with the solenoid valve are therefore also not irritated by such noises. With the aid of the at least two high current pulses 2, it is possible to reduce undesirable “valve switching noises” or “valve knocking noises” by at least 50% as compared to the related art.

[0022] During switching time interval Δ.sub.total, current strength I of the switching signal is preferably increased at least three times each for predefined pulse time interval Δt.sub.pulse, to predefined current pulse valve I.sub.high. As a result of a high number of high current pulses 2 conducted through the at least one solenoid coil of the solenoid valve during switching time interval Δ.sub.total, it is possible to comparatively quickly and relatively frequently switchover between pulse time intervals Δt.sub.pulse and so-called intermediate time intervals Δt.sub.inter, each intermediate time interval Δt.sub.inter being limited by two successive pulse time intervals Δt.sub.pulse. Each pulse time interval Δt.sub.pulse may thus have a relatively short duration between 1 ms (millisecond) and 10 ms (milliseconds), for example, a duration of 5 ms (milliseconds). Each intermediate time interval Δt.sub.inter may accordingly also have a comparatively short duration between 1 ms (millisecond) and 10 ms (milliseconds), for example, a duration of 5 ms (milliseconds). The frequent switchover between pulse time intervals Δt.sub.pulse and intermediate time intervals Δt.sub.inter effected in this way reliably counteracts an excessively strong acceleration of the adjustable valve element of the solenoid valve during its adjusting movement from the end position into the initial position.

[0023] In the specific embodiment of the method depicted with the aid of FIGS. 1a and 1b, current intensity I of the switching signal is set during each intermediate time interval Δt.sub.inter to a respective intermediate value in such a way that each of the intermediate values is greater than an intermediate value of a subsequent intermediate time interval Δt.sub.inter subsequently maintained in the same switching time interval Δt.sub.inter. For example, the respective intermediate value between two successive intermediate time intervals Δt.sub.inter may be gradually reduced by a permanently predefined step height d.sub.step. Step height d.sub.step may, for example, be 15 mA (milliamperes). In this way, it is ensurable that despite the comparatively frequent implementation of high current pulses 2, the solenoid valve is reliably switched from its energized switching state into its de-energized switching state and still, no “valve switching noises” or “valve knocking noises” are to be feared. One further advantage of the gradual reduction of the intermediate value respectively maintained in intermediate time intervals Δt.sub.inter by step height d.sub.step is that in this specific embodiment, the holding current, above which the solenoid valve is switchable/maintainable from its de-energized switching state into its energized switching state, need not be known.

[0024] As is apparent based on the coordinate system of FIG. 1b, current intensity I, starting initially from switching current intensity I.sub.s, may first be reduced at the beginning of switching time interval Δ.sub.total to an initial current intensity I.sub.s for a predefined time span t.sub.init. Once predefined time span t.sub.init has expired, first high current pulse 2 is then implemented. Initial current intensity I.sub.init may, for example, be 80 mA (milliamperes). Predefined time span t.sub.init may, for example, be 5 ms (milliseconds). In first intermediate time interval Δt.sub.inter following first high current impulse 2, current intensity I may then be reduced compared to initial current intensity I.sub.init by step height d.sub.step.

[0025] FIG. 2 schematically shows a representation of the control device or of a braking system equipped therewith for a vehicle.

[0026] Control device 10 schematically depicted in FIG. 2 is designed to electrically switch a two-stage solenoid valve 12. The two-stage design of solenoid valve 12 is understood to mean that solenoid valve 12 is switchable only into its de-energized switching state or into its energized switching state. Thus, solenoid valve 12 outlined in FIG. 2 as currentless closed solenoid valve 12 may also be a currentless open solenoid valve in another specific embodiment.

[0027] In the example of FIG. 2, two-stage solenoid valve 12 switchable with the aid of control device 10 is, for example, a valve of a braking system for a vehicle, control device 10 may also be a component of the braking system. It is noted, however, that a usability of control device 10 is not limited to a particular intended purpose of solenoid valve 12 switchable therewith. Even the design of solenoid valve 12 as wheel outlet valve 12 and 14 switchable with the aid of control device 10 is to be interpreted as merely exemplary. For example, a wheel inlet valve 16 and 18, a high pressure switching valve 20 and/or a switchover valve 22 may be activatable with the aid of control device 10. Moreover, a functionality of control device 10 is also not limited to the electrical switching of only the one solenoid valve 12, as is visually depicted in FIG. 2. Instead, multiple valves such as, for example, all valves 12 through 22 of the braking system are switchable with the aid of the approach described below. Although only one brake circuit of the braking system is depicted in FIG. 2, valves 12 through 22 of multiple brake circuits may also be switched with the aid of control device 10. Further components of the braking system outlined in FIG. 2 such as, for example, a pump motor 24 of at least one pump 26, may be switchable with the aid of control device 10.

[0028] Control device 10 includes an activation unit 10a, which is designed to output a current flowing through at least one solenoid coil of solenoid valve 12 as switching signal 28 to solenoid valve 12. Solenoid valve 12 is switchable from its de-energized switching state into its energized switching state with the aid of activation device 10a by designing activation unit 10a, if necessary, to increase a current intensity of switching signal 28 from (almost) zero to a switching current intensity greater than-equal to a holding current predefined by the design of the solenoid valve, with the aid of which solenoid valve 12 is switchable from its de-energized switching state into its energized switching state. The currentless closed solenoid valve 12 may be switched from its de-energized switching state into its energized switching state with the aid of activation unit 10a, for example, as a driver forces brake fluid from a downstream main brake cylinder 34 into at least one connected brake circuit with the aid of his/her driver brake force 32 applied to a brake actuation element 30. With the aid of the switching of currentless closed solenoid valve 12 into its energized switching state, it is possible in this case to limit or prevent a pressure build-up in at least one wheel brake cylinder 38 and 40 of the respective brake circuit due to the resultant displacement of the brake fluid forced into the respective brake circuit via switched open, currentless closed solenoid valve 12 into a downstream reservoir chamber/low-pressure reservoir chamber 36 (see FIG. 2). The actuation of brake actuation element 30 by the driver may be indicated to control device 10 with the aid of at least one sensor signal 42a of a brake actuation element sensor 42. Control device 10 may also be designed to verify the limitation/prevention of the brake pressure build-up in the respective brake circuit based on at least one sensor signal 44a of at least one pressure sensor 44. The example of a “regenerative braking” with the aid of the switching of currentless closed solenoid valve 12 described herein is not to be interpreted as restrictive.

[0029] Solenoid valve 12 is also switchable from its energized switching state into its de-energized switching state with the aid of activation unit 10a by designing activation device 10a, if necessary, to set the current intensity of switching signal 28 during a switching time interval to at least one current intensity value between zero and the switching current intensity and to reduce it after the switching time interval to (almost) zero.

[0030] Activation unit 10a is specifically designed to increase the current intensity during the switching time interval at least twice, each for a predefined pulse time interval, to a predefined current pulse value between zero and the switching current intensity and to set the current intensity of the switching signal in the times of the switching time interval outside the pulse time intervals to at least one current intensity value greater than zero and less than the predefined current pulse valve. Thus, control device 10 also yields the advantages of the above-explained method.

[0031] Control device 10/its activating unit 10a may, in particular, be designed to carry out the above-described method. For example, activation device 10a may be designed to increase the current intensity of the switching signal during the switching time interval at least three times, each for the predefined pulse time interval, to the predefined current pulse value. Activation unit 10a is preferably also designed to set the current intensity of the switching signal during the switching time interval to a respective intermediate value during each intermediate time interval between two successive pulse time intervals in such a way that each of the intermediate values is greater than an intermediate value of a subsequent intermediate time interval maintained in the same switching time interval.

[0032] A braking system including control device 10 also yields the above-described advantages. It is expressly noted, however, that the design of such a braking system including control device 10 visually depicted in FIG. 2 is to be interpreted as merely exemplary. Components 14 through 44, as well as brake booster 46, a brake fluid reservoir 48 and a filter 50 are also only examples of braking system components of such a braking system.