Engine control system and method for controlling activation of solenoid valves

Abstract

A valve controller and method for controlling a valve having a solenoid are disclosed, including receiving a least one input signal, detecting a first edge of the at least one signal and in response to the detection activating the valve. Activating the valve includes activating the valve in a rise-to-peak phase during which the valve is opened, a hold phase following the rise-to-peak phase during which the valve remains open and a current level of the valve is less than a current level of the valve during the rise-to-peak phase, and an ending-of-activation phase following the hold phase during which current ripple in the valve is less than the current ripple in the valve during the hold phase.

Claims

1. A valve controller configured to control a valve having a solenoid, the valve controller comprising: a first input and at least one output for coupling to the valve, the valve controller configured to selectively activate the valve following receipt of a first edge of a first signal at the first input, the valve activation including a rise-to-peak phase followed by a hold phase in which a current level of the valve during the hold phase is less than a current level of the valve in the rise-to-peak phase, and an ending-of-activation phase following the hold phase in which current of the valve during the hold phase is maintained but current ripple of the valve is less than the current ripple of the valve in the hold phase wherein the valve comprises a fuel injector for a motor vehicle having a combustion engine such that the valve controller controls the fuel injector.

2. The valve controller according to claim 1, wherein the valve controller transitions activation of the valve from the hold phase to the ending-of-activation phase following receipt of a second edge of the first input signal at the first input.

3. The valve controller according to claim 2, wherein a duration of the ending-of-activation phase is predetermined.

4. The valve controller according to claim 3, wherein a duration of the hold phase is larger than the duration of the ending-of-activation phase.

5. The valve controller according to claim 2, wherein the first edge of the first signal is a falling edge and the second edge of the first signal is a rising edge which follows the falling edge.

6. The valve controller of claim 2, wherein following receipt of the second edge of the first input signal at the first input, the valve controller transitions activation of the valve from the ending-of-activation phase to a closing phase during which the valve is closed, and wherein the valve is opened during the rise-to-peak phase and is maintained in the opened position throughout both the hold phase and the ending-of-activation phase.

7. The valve controller according to claim 1, wherein the valve controller transitions activation of the valve from the hold phase to the ending-of-activation phase in response to receipt of a second edge of the first input signal at the first input.

8. The valve controller of claim 1, wherein the valve controller comprises an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), the ASIC including at least one state machine, the at least one state machine generating at least one output signal for receipt by the valve which activates the valve in the rise-to-peak phase, the hold phase and the ending-of-activation phase.

9. The valve controller of claim 1, wherein during the ending-of-activation phase, the valve controller increases a switching frequency of drive transistors which control a solenoid of the valve, relative to the switching frequency of the drive transistors during the hold phase.

10. The valve controller of claim 1, wherein a range of current of the valve during the ending-of-activation phase falls within only a portion of a range of the current of the valve during the hold phase.

11. A valve controller configured to control a valve having a solenoid, the valve controller comprising: a first input and at least one output for coupling to the valve, the valve controller configured to selectively activate the valve following receipt of a first edge of a first signal at the first input, the valve activation including a rise-to-peak phase followed by a hold phase in which a current level of the valve during the hold phase is less than a current level of the valve in the rise-to-peak phase, and an ending-of-activation phase following the hold phase in which current ripple of the valve is less than the current ripple of the valve in the hold phase, wherein an amount of current jitter of the valve is less than the amount of current jitter of the valve without the valve being activated in the ending-of-activation phase wherein the valve comprises a fuel injector for a motor vehicle having a combustion engine such that the valve controller controls the fuel injector.

12. A method of controlling a valve having a solenoid, comprising: receiving a least one input signal; detecting a first edge of the at least one input signal; and in response to detecting the first edge of the at least one input signal, activating the valve, comprising activating the valve in a rise-to-peak phase during which the valve is opened, a hold phase following the rise-to-peak phase during which the valve remains open and a current level of the valve is less than a current level of the valve during the rise-to-peak phase, and an ending-of-activation phase following the hold phase during which current ripple in the valve is less than the current ripple in the valve during the hold phase, wherein activating the valve in the ending-of-activation phase comprises increasing a switching frequency of drive transistors which drive a solenoid in the valve, relative to the switching frequency of the drive transistors during the hold phase wherein the valve comprises a fuel injector for a motor vehicle having a combustion engine such that the valve controller controls the fuel injector.

13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising detecting a second edge of the at least one input signal, wherein activating the valve in the ending-of-activation phase occurs in response to detecting the second edge of the at least one input signal.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the first edge is a falling edge of the at least one input signal and the second edge of the at least one input signal is a rising edge of the at least one input signal, the second edge of the at least one input signal being a next edge thereof following the first edge of the at least one input signal.

15. The method according to claim 12, further comprising detecting a second edge of the at least one input signal, wherein activating the valve in the ending-of-activation phase occurs following detecting the second edge of the at least one input signal.

16. The method according to claim 12, wherein activating the valve in the ending-of-activation phase occurs over a predetermined period of time.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the predetermined period of time is fixed at the predetermined period of time in each instance in which the valve is activated.

18. The method according to claim 12, wherein a duration of the hold phase is greater than a duration of the ending-of-activation phase.

19. The method according to claim 12, wherein a duration of the ending-of-activation phase is greater than a duration of the hold phase.

20. The method of claim 12, wherein during the ending-of-activation phase current is maintained at the current level of the valve in the hold phase, with a range of the current of the valve during the ending-of-activation phase being within only a portion of a range of the current during the hold phase.

21. The method of claim 12, wherein an amount of current jitter of the valve is less than the amount of current jitter of the valve without the valve being activated in the ending-of-activation phase.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Other advantages of the disclosed subject matter will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 is a waveform of a known current profile for operating a solenoid valve;

(3) FIG. 2 is a waveform of a detailed portion of the current profile of FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3 is a diagram of a vehicle having an engine control system, according to an example embodiment;

(5) FIG. 4 is waveform of a current profile for operating a solenoid valve according to an example embodiment;

(6) FIG. 5 is a waveform of a detailed portion of the current profile for operating a solenoid valve of FIG. 4; and

(7) FIG. 6 is flowchart of a method of controlling a solenoid valve according to an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(8) Referring to the FIGS. 3-6, wherein like numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views, an engine control system and method of controlling actuation of a solenoid valve are shown and described herein.

(9) Referring to FIG. 3, the engine control system 100 of an example embodiment is utilized to control at least one aspect of an engine 104 of a vehicle 106. The engine 104 may be an internal combustion engine fueled with, for example, a petroleum product such as gasoline or diesel fuel. Of course, those skilled in the art appreciate that other fuels may be utilized with the engine 104 and/or that other types of engine 104 may be implemented. The vehicle 106 may be an automobile, truck, tractor, motorcycle, boat, aircraft, etc., as is readily appreciated by those skilled in the art.

(10) The engine control system 100 includes a processor 108. The processor 108 is capable of performing calculations, manipulating data, and/or executing instructions, i.e., running a program. The processor 108 may be implemented with a microprocessor, microcontroller, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and/or other device(s) (not shown) as appreciated by those skilled in the art. The processor 108 may include a memory (not shown) for storing data and/or instructions as is also appreciated by those skilled in the art.

(11) The engine control system 100 also includes a valve controller 110. In the example embodiment, the valve controller 110 is independent from the processor 108 and is implemented with an ASIC. The valve controller 110 generates control signals for controlling one or more valves 112. The valve controller 110 may include one or more state machines which generate the control signals for the valves 112. However, it should be appreciated that the valve controller 110 may be implemented with other devices and/or circuitry as appreciated by those skilled in the art.

(12) The valve controller 110 is in communication with the processor 108. As such, instructions and/or data may be sent at least from the processor 108 to the valve controller 110, as described in greater detail below.

(13) In the illustrated embodiment, the valve controller 110 is also in communication with a plurality of valves 112. As shown in FIG. 3, four valves 112 are utilized, each in communication with the valve controller 110 such that each valve 112 is controlled thereby. In this example embodiment, the valves 112 are each direct injection valves 112 for directly injecting fuel into a cylinder (not shown) of the engine 104. However, it should be appreciated that the valves 112 may be other types of fuel valves and/or serve other purposes. For example, one or more of the valves 112 may be an intake valve for regulating air and/or fuel flow to the cylinder(s).

(14) In the example embodiment, each valve 112 includes a solenoid 102 mentioned above. As appreciated by those skilled in the art, the solenoid 102 activates and/or actuates the valve 112 between positions and/or states, such as an open position and a closed position. That is, the solenoid 102 opens the valve to allow fluid, in this case fuel, to flow therethrough and closes the valve to prevent fluid from flowing. The solenoid 102 is in communication with the valve controller 110. As such, the valve controller 110 may generate one or more output control signals 113 and/or other data for controlling activation of each valve 112 and/or the solenoid 102 thereof. In an example embodiment, each valve 112 and/or solenoid 102 is controlled by a distinct set of one or more control signals 113. Each control signal 113 may be a pair of differential signals.

(15) In an example embodiment, the valve controller 110 includes a memory 114 for storing, among other things, at least one current profile. A current profile defines the electric current in each solenoid 102 and/or valve 112 throughout valve activation. FIG. 4 depicts a current profile 400 for each solenoid 102 and/or valve 112 during valve activation, according to an example embodiment. Similar to the conventional current profile of FIG. 1, the current profile includes a rise-to-peak phase 10 during which current levels in the solenoid 102 are such as to open the corresponding valve 112, and a hold phase 20 which follows the rise-to-peak phase 10 and during which current levels in the solenoid 102 are sized to maintain valve 112 in the open position. FIG. 4 illustrates the amount of current ripple IR.sub.HP during this activation phase. According to example embodiments, the current profile 400 includes another phase 30 which follows the hold phase 20 and during which the amount of current ripple IR.sub.EOA in solenoid 102 is reduced compared to the amount of current ripple IR.sub.HP during the hold phase 20. The amount of current ripple is reduced by, for example, increasing the switching frequency of the drive transistors (not shown) in the valve controller 110 for the valve 112. Increasing the switching frequency will lead to greater switching losses in the phase 30. However, by limiting the time duration of this phase 30, the increase in power loss during the phase 30 is relatively limited and unappreciable. The phase 30 occurs after the hold phase 20 and just prior to the end of the activation period for valve 112, and is hereinafter referred to as the ending-of-activation phase 30. In this way, the example embodiments effectively separate the hold phase 20 from the ending-of-activation phase 30 having reduced current ripple IR.sub.EOA, thereby maintaining no increase in power loss during the hold phase 20.

(16) Valve activation in the rise-to-peak phase 10 occurs in response to a triggering and/or asserting edge of control signal 113, which in the embodiment illustrate in FIGS. 1 and 4 is the falling edge of control signal 113. In addition, valve activation transitions from the hold phase 20 to the ending-of-activation phase 30 following and in response to a rising (de-asserting) edge of control signal 113 which follows the above-identified falling edge thereof.

(17) In an example embodiment, ending-of-activation phase 30 has a time duration that is fixed at a predetermined amount such that the time duration of the ending-of-activation phase 30 in each instance of valve activation is the same. In an example embodiment, the valve controller 110 is implemented as or otherwise includes a state machine having timing circuitry for, among other things, setting the time duration of the ending-of-activation phase 30.

(18) FIG. 5 illustrates that as a result of the reduced current ripple IR.sub.EOA in a valve 112 during the ending-of-activation phase 30, relative to the amount current ripple IR.sub.HP during the corresponding hold phase 20, the amount of jitter J.sub.EOA following the ending-of-activation phase 30 is reduced relative to the amount of jitter J.sub.HP seen in existing valve activations of FIG. 1 which do not include the ending-of-activation phase 30. The reduced jitter J.sub.EOA results in valve activation having better accuracy and repeatability. Further, the time delay TD.sub.EOA between the end of the ending-of-activation phase 30 and the time when current in the valve 112 no longer exists is noticeably smaller due to the reduced current ripple IR.sub.HP, relative to the time delay TD.sub.HP seen in the current profile of FIG. 2 which does not include an ending-of-activation phase 30.

(19) The valve controller 110 described above is configured to execute the method 600 of controlling the activation of the solenoids 102, as described below and with reference to FIG. 6. However, it should be appreciated that the method 600 described herein may be practiced with other devices besides the vehicle 106, engine 104, valve controller 110 and engine control system 100 described above.

(20) With reference to FIG. 6, method 600 illustrates the operation of the valve controller 110 according to an example embodiment. For simplicity, the method 600 will be described with respect to controlling a single valve 112, and it is understood that the described method is applicable to each valve 112 of the engine 104. Method 600 includes the valve controller 110 receiving control signal 113 for a valve 112 at 602 and determining, at 604, whether an asserting (in this case, falling) edge of control signal 113 occurs. A negative determination results in the valve controller 110 returning to act 602. A positive determination that an asserting (falling) edge of control signal 113 occurs results in the valve controller 110 causing the execution of a valve activation cycle at 606, including the acts of executing a rise-to-peak phase 10 at 606A, followed by executing a hold phase 20 at 606B. Next, and while the valve 112 is in the hold activation phase 20, the valve controller 110 determines whether a de-asserting (rising) edge of the control signal 113 occurs at 606C. If no such edge is detected/determined, the valve controller 110 continues activating the valve 112 in the hold phase 20. Upon a de-asserting edge of the control signal 113 being determined/detected, the valve controller 110 in response causes at 606D the execution of the ending-of-activation phase 30. As mentioned, the ending-of-activation phase 30 is performed for a predetermined period of time, during which current ripple IR.sub.EOA is reduced relative to the amount of current ripple IR.sub.HP during the hold phase 20. This is accomplished by increasing the switching frequency of the drive transistors in the valve controller 110 which drive the solenoid 102 of the valve 112. Though the amount of power loss is increased during this phase 30, the amount of power loss during the longer hold phase 30 is unaffected. The present invention has been described herein in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Obviously, many modifications and variations of the invention are possible in light of the above teachings. The invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described within the scope of the appended claims.