Method and apparatus for controlling a solenoid operated fuel injector
US4922878A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 15, 1988 |
| Grant date | May 8, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 15, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF02D2041/2027
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A solenoid control circuit provides energy to selected solenoids to control actuation of a control valve of a fuel injector and, hence, the timing and duration of fuel delivered to each cylinder of an internal combustion engine. The current provided to each solenoid is also controlled to provide a three tier current waveform having a pull-in current level, a hold-in current level, and an intermediate current level. Energizing the solenoid at the pull-in current level starts movement of the control valve. After the control valve starts to move, the current level is reduced to the intermediate level, which is less than the pull-in current level, but great enough to continue movement of the control valve. Further reduction of the current level to the hold-in level, which is less than either of the other current levels but sufficient to hold the control valve at the moved position. The solenoid is then de-energized and the control valve returned to its initial position to stop the flow of fuel to the engine. The foregoing is repeated for each of the other control valves of the fuel injectors to save energy and reduce the heat to be dissipated.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.