Method of starting an electromagnetic actuator operating a cylinder valve of a piston-type internal-combustion engine

US6333843A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• FEV MOTORENTECHNIK GMBH · DE

Inventors

• Christian Boie · Aachen, DE
• Lutz Kather · Würselen, DE
• Gunter Schmitz · Duisburg, DE
• Frank van der Staay · Aachen, DE
• Gunter Feyerl · Alsdorf, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 15, 2000
• Grant date: Dec 25, 2001
• Expiry date: Dec 15, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F01L9/20
• WIPO field: Engines, pumps, turbines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A method for starting up an electromagnetic actuator operating an engine cylinder valve. The actuator has two spaced electromagnets, between which an armature, connected to the cylinder valve, is reciprocated against a restoring spring from a center position to lie against a magnet pole face. An ECU alternatingly supplies the electromagnets with a capturing current, the level of which is regulated as a function of the approach of the armature toward a pole face, as detected by a sensor assembly. A reference temperature is detected for the magnets, and, at a normal temperature, the armature starts oscillating due to the alternating energization of the electromagnets, and is brought into contact with a pole face. Or, at a low temperature level, one of the electromagnets is supplied with a high current pulse.