Process and control unit for determining the crankshaft angle of an engine and drive train

US6778899B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Mannesmann Sachs AG · DE

Inventors

• Jürgen Weimer · Euerbach, DE
• Markus Kramer · Seligenstadt, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 6, 2001
• Grant date: Aug 17, 2004
• Expiry date: Jul 21, 2022

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02T10/62
• WIPO field: Engines, pumps, turbines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

In an engine having a crankshaft and a camshaft, the current angular position of a rotor fixed to the crankshaft is detected, and a top dead center (TDC) position of the crankshaft is determined based on the current angular position of the rotor, wherein the TDC position is one of an ignition top dead center (ITDC) and a gas transfer top dead center (GTDC). This determination may be made using a learning routine the first time the engine is started. The camshaft angle is then determined based on the TDC value and the current rotor position, and transmitted to a control unit for the engine. The current angular position of the rotor and the camshaft angle are stored in a memory unit when the engine stops, for use the next time the engine is started.