WO2017119833A1 - Spring return throttle actuator, method of control thereof and throttle assembly - Google Patents

Spring return throttle actuator, method of control thereof and throttle assembly Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017119833A1
WO2017119833A1 PCT/SE2016/051246 SE2016051246W WO2017119833A1 WO 2017119833 A1 WO2017119833 A1 WO 2017119833A1 SE 2016051246 W SE2016051246 W SE 2016051246W WO 2017119833 A1 WO2017119833 A1 WO 2017119833A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
throttle
motor
actuator
return
spring
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/SE2016/051246
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Fredrik STRÅÅT
Sebastian Zamani
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Scania CV AB
Original Assignee
Scania CV AB
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Scania CV AB filed Critical Scania CV AB
Priority to EP16884073.4A priority Critical patent/EP3400377A4/en
Priority to BR112018013036A priority patent/BR112018013036A2/en
Priority to CN201680076805.1A priority patent/CN108431387A/en
Priority to KR1020187021664A priority patent/KR102060097B1/en
Priority to US16/066,624 priority patent/US20190010877A1/en
Publication of WO2017119833A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017119833A1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02D11/00—Arrangements for, or adaptations to, non-automatic engine control initiation means, e.g. operator initiated
    • F02D11/06—Arrangements for, or adaptations to, non-automatic engine control initiation means, e.g. operator initiated characterised by non-mechanical control linkages, e.g. fluid control linkages or by control linkages with power drive or assistance
    • F02D11/10—Arrangements for, or adaptations to, non-automatic engine control initiation means, e.g. operator initiated characterised by non-mechanical control linkages, e.g. fluid control linkages or by control linkages with power drive or assistance of the electric type
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02D9/00—Controlling engines by throttling air or fuel-and-air induction conduits or exhaust conduits
    • F02D9/08—Throttle valves specially adapted therefor; Arrangements of such valves in conduits
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02D11/00—Arrangements for, or adaptations to, non-automatic engine control initiation means, e.g. operator initiated
    • F02D11/06—Arrangements for, or adaptations to, non-automatic engine control initiation means, e.g. operator initiated characterised by non-mechanical control linkages, e.g. fluid control linkages or by control linkages with power drive or assistance
    • F02D11/10—Arrangements for, or adaptations to, non-automatic engine control initiation means, e.g. operator initiated characterised by non-mechanical control linkages, e.g. fluid control linkages or by control linkages with power drive or assistance of the electric type
    • F02D11/106—Detection of demand or actuation
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02D11/00—Arrangements for, or adaptations to, non-automatic engine control initiation means, e.g. operator initiated
    • F02D11/06—Arrangements for, or adaptations to, non-automatic engine control initiation means, e.g. operator initiated characterised by non-mechanical control linkages, e.g. fluid control linkages or by control linkages with power drive or assistance
    • F02D11/10—Arrangements for, or adaptations to, non-automatic engine control initiation means, e.g. operator initiated characterised by non-mechanical control linkages, e.g. fluid control linkages or by control linkages with power drive or assistance of the electric type
    • F02D11/107—Safety-related aspects
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02D9/00—Controlling engines by throttling air or fuel-and-air induction conduits or exhaust conduits
    • F02D9/08—Throttle valves specially adapted therefor; Arrangements of such valves in conduits
    • F02D9/10—Throttle valves specially adapted therefor; Arrangements of such valves in conduits having pivotally-mounted flaps
    • F02D9/1065—Mechanical control linkage between an actuator and the flap, e.g. including levers, gears, springs, clutches, limit stops of the like
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K1/00—Lift valves or globe valves, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closure members having at least a component of their opening and closing motion perpendicular to the closing faces
    • F16K1/16—Lift valves or globe valves, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closure members having at least a component of their opening and closing motion perpendicular to the closing faces with pivoted closure-members
    • F16K1/18—Lift valves or globe valves, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closure members having at least a component of their opening and closing motion perpendicular to the closing faces with pivoted closure-members with pivoted discs or flaps
    • F16K1/22—Lift valves or globe valves, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closure members having at least a component of their opening and closing motion perpendicular to the closing faces with pivoted closure-members with pivoted discs or flaps with axis of rotation crossing the valve member, e.g. butterfly valves
    • F16K1/221—Lift valves or globe valves, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closure members having at least a component of their opening and closing motion perpendicular to the closing faces with pivoted closure-members with pivoted discs or flaps with axis of rotation crossing the valve member, e.g. butterfly valves specially adapted operating means therefor
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K31/00—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices
    • F16K31/02—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices electric; magnetic
    • F16K31/04—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices electric; magnetic using a motor
    • F16K31/041—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices electric; magnetic using a motor for rotating valves
    • F16K31/042—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices electric; magnetic using a motor for rotating valves with electric means, e.g. for controlling the motor or a clutch between the valve and the motor
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01D—MEASURING NOT SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR A SPECIFIC VARIABLE; ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEASURING TWO OR MORE VARIABLES NOT COVERED IN A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS; TARIFF METERING APPARATUS; MEASURING OR TESTING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01D5/00—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable
    • G01D5/12—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means
    • G01D5/14—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage
    • G01D5/142—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage using Hall-effect devices
    • G01D5/145—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage using Hall-effect devices influenced by the relative movement between the Hall device and magnetic fields
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02P—CONTROL OR REGULATION OF ELECTRIC MOTORS, ELECTRIC GENERATORS OR DYNAMO-ELECTRIC CONVERTERS; CONTROLLING TRANSFORMERS, REACTORS OR CHOKE COILS
    • H02P3/00—Arrangements for stopping or slowing electric motors, generators, or dynamo-electric converters
    • H02P3/02—Details of stopping control
    • H02P3/025—Details of stopping control holding the rotor in a fixed position after deceleration
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02P—CONTROL OR REGULATION OF ELECTRIC MOTORS, ELECTRIC GENERATORS OR DYNAMO-ELECTRIC CONVERTERS; CONTROLLING TRANSFORMERS, REACTORS OR CHOKE COILS
    • H02P3/00—Arrangements for stopping or slowing electric motors, generators, or dynamo-electric converters
    • H02P3/06—Arrangements for stopping or slowing electric motors, generators, or dynamo-electric converters for stopping or slowing an individual dynamo-electric motor or dynamo-electric converter
    • H02P3/18—Arrangements for stopping or slowing electric motors, generators, or dynamo-electric converters for stopping or slowing an individual dynamo-electric motor or dynamo-electric converter for stopping or slowing an AC motor
    • H02P3/22—Arrangements for stopping or slowing electric motors, generators, or dynamo-electric converters for stopping or slowing an individual dynamo-electric motor or dynamo-electric converter for stopping or slowing an AC motor by short-circuit or resistive braking
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02P—CONTROL OR REGULATION OF ELECTRIC MOTORS, ELECTRIC GENERATORS OR DYNAMO-ELECTRIC CONVERTERS; CONTROLLING TRANSFORMERS, REACTORS OR CHOKE COILS
    • H02P6/00—Arrangements for controlling synchronous motors or other dynamo-electric motors using electronic commutation dependent on the rotor position; Electronic commutators therefor
    • H02P6/14—Electronic commutators
    • H02P6/16—Circuit arrangements for detecting position
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02P—CONTROL OR REGULATION OF ELECTRIC MOTORS, ELECTRIC GENERATORS OR DYNAMO-ELECTRIC CONVERTERS; CONTROLLING TRANSFORMERS, REACTORS OR CHOKE COILS
    • H02P7/00—Arrangements for regulating or controlling the speed or torque of electric DC motors
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02D9/00—Controlling engines by throttling air or fuel-and-air induction conduits or exhaust conduits
    • F02D9/02—Controlling engines by throttling air or fuel-and-air induction conduits or exhaust conduits concerning induction conduits
    • F02D2009/0201—Arrangements; Control features; Details thereof
    • F02D2009/0213—Electronic or electric governor

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a spring return throttle
  • actuator including: an electric, plural-coil, DC motor having an output shaft, a throttle return spring, a gear transmission connected to the output shaft, a control unit adapted to control power supply to the DC motor, wherein the actuator has a movement range between closed throttle and opened throttle.
  • the invention also relates to a method for control thereof and a throttle assembly.
  • Throttle assemblies are employed to control gas streams in respect of vehicle engines.
  • the actuator DC motor is typically supplied with an electric current to switch from a normally open to a closed throttle position or from a normally closed to an open throttle position.
  • the return spring tend to move the throttle to a determined "normal" position which will guarantee operation also in the event that the DC motor is without current. It is thereby an aim to maintain the required exhaust gas values etc .
  • the DC motor is supplied with current to create a dynamic electromotive force which, by virtue of the control unit, balances the spring force to obtain a desired stationary throttle position between closed throttle and fully open throttle.
  • the throttle can hereby be impossible or difficult to move properly and at proper speed over the whole or part of its movement range which is detrimental to the operation of the vehicle. Also relatively small restrictions and influences on throttle movements may impair engine control.
  • control unit is arranged to short-circuit at least two of the coils of the DC motor in order to create a DC motor return resist torque
  • control unit includes a movement monitoring circuit being arranged to monitor actuator movement forced by the spring and resisted by the DC motor return resist torque.
  • DC motor return resist torque is meant that a counteracting electromotive force is generated which resists return torque generated by the spring.
  • the invention makes it possible to monitor the condition of the return spring in an advantageous manner.
  • the return spring is dimensioned such that generated spring torque over the whole movement range of the actuator exceeds said DC motor return resist torque for the chosen number of short- circuit coils .
  • the actuator movement is possible to monitor in the complete range, in an intermediate range or part ranges, between fully opened and fully closed.
  • the spring In order to monitor the condition of the return spring, the spring is typically maximally stretched and strained by maximally actuating the throttle against the spring force, whereupon the system is made currentless and a selected number of coils are short-circuited. By thereupon monitoring the movement pattern and compare it as regards movement speed etc. with a desired stored reference movement pattern, it is possible to establish the condition of the spring. This also means that if the spring is unable to move the throttle with the chosen number of coils short-circuited, the spring is probably defective.
  • the invention can also be used to determine the
  • control system can be taught where the throttle meets resistance, in which part of the range the throttle meets resistance and therefore moves unpredictably, and to determine whether the throttle has become stuck or moves with restricted speed and, in that case, in which position it has got stuck or moves with restricted speed.
  • the invention makes it possible to determine that the spring is jamming which could depend on it being broken so that it has obtained unwanted characteristics.
  • elapsed time to open and close the throttle can be measured and compared to stored, prescribed values. Also, even movement speed per time unit and/or other suitable movement parameters of the throttle in question can be measured and compared to stored, prescribed movement curves reflecting movement speed per time unit and other respective suitable parameters of a throttle operating as prescribed.
  • movement pattern is basically intended to be interpreted broadly and can in its simplest form reflect time consumed for a complete opening or closing movement. In a more complex analysis, time consumed for a part of a complete opening or closing movement can be analyzed. In a more complex analysis, time consumed for a part of a complete opening or closing movement can be analyzed. In a more complex analysis, time consumed for a part of a complete opening or closing movement can be analyzed. In a more complex analysis, time consumed for a part of a complete opening or closing movement can be analyzed. In a more complex analysis, time consumed for a part of a complete opening or closing movement can be analyzed. In a more complex analysis, time consumed for a part of a complete opening or closing movement can be analyzed. In a more complex analysis, time consumed for a part of a complete opening or closing movement can be analyzed. In a more complex analysis, time consumed for a part of a complete opening or closing movement can be analyzed. In a more complex analysis, time consumed for a part of a complete
  • the movement speed or acceleration over the complete movement range or part or parts thereof is compared to an exemplary curve reflecting a throttle moving as prescribed.
  • the inventive actuator basically does not require any particular hardware components for the purpose of monitoring. Instead the properties and characteristics of the DC motor can basically be exploited. As an example, information from the DC motor can be obtained by measuring motor voltage which easily gives momentary rotational speed.
  • the DC motor includes three coils and two or all three coils may be subject to short-circuiting.
  • the control unit preferably includes a bridge circuit having one branch connected to each one of the coils.
  • This circuitry makes the actuator easily controlled in an economic and logical manner. This advantage is even more enhanced when each branch includes a transistor switch connected to each one of the coils.
  • At least one movement sensor is preferably positioned to detect DC motor rotor movements in order to guarantee
  • a plurality of Hall sensors is positioned to detect DC motor rotor movements, the Hall sensors of said plurality being distributed around the rotor to increase measurement accuracy.
  • the sensors can also be positioned such that they detect the position of the throttle itself or an element of the transmission, since the position of the motor can be derived therefrom.
  • Controlling pulses from the Hall sensors easily gives the possibility to obtain rotational position and rotational speed .
  • control unit includes an
  • evaluation circuit arranged to evaluate output signals from the movement monitoring circuit for deviations from stored values. Evaluation can result in the problem or problems being diagnosed, in turn making it possible to address the true problem or problems to produce a solution.
  • Preferably said stored values relate to various exemplary problem situations whereby comparing the obtained signal values with stored example signals values makes it possible to specify or at least assume the existing or at least probable problem .
  • the actuator includes: an electric, plural-coil DC motor having an output shaft, a throttle return spring, a gear transmission connected to the output shaft, a control unit adapted to control power supply to the DC motor, wherein the actuator has a movement range between closed throttle and fully opened throttle,
  • the DC motor advantageously includes three coils and two or all three coils are preferably short-circuited.
  • the coils are preferably supplied with power from each one branch of a bridge circuit being included in the control unit .
  • each branch is switched through separate transistor switches.
  • DC motor rotor movements are preferably detected by at least one movement sensor and more preferred by a plurality of Hall sensors being rotationally distributed to increase measurement accuracy.
  • control unit issues a condition message to the user in the cases where it is appropriate, for example when service is required.
  • Output signals from the movement monitoring circuit are preferably evaluated by an evaluation circuit of the control unit for deviations from a stored values.
  • a typical sequence to monitor the condition of the return spring could for example include the following steps:
  • the spring is stretched and strained by maximally actuating the throttle against the spring force.
  • the spring is stretched and strained by maximally actuating the throttle against the spring force.
  • the system is made currentless and two coils are short- circuited.
  • the spring is stretched and strained by maximally actuating the throttle against the spring force.
  • the system is made currentless and three coils are short- circuited.
  • the invention also relates to a throttle assembly
  • Fig. 1 illustrates a throttle assembly including a spring return throttle actuator according to the invention
  • Fig. 2 shows a control circuit for the inventive throttle actuator
  • Fig. 3 shows a simplified flow chart over an inventive method.
  • FIG. 1 shows a throttle assembly whereof a spring return throttle actuator is generally depicted with reference number 1.
  • the actuator 1 includes a DC motor 2 having three coils CI, C2 and C3 in its stator S.
  • the rotor R is as usual provided with a permanent rotor magnet 3 and an output shaft 4.
  • a gear transmission 5 is connected to the output shaft 4 and an outgoing shaft 6 from the gear transmission 5 is coupled with its distal end to a throttle shaft 7 of a
  • the actuator has a movement range between closed throttle and fully opened throttle.
  • the throttle 8 is arranged in a channel 9 to control a gas stream flowing through the channel 9.
  • a throttle return spring 10 is positioned around the outgoing shaft 6 and functions to provide a spring torque urging the outgoing shaft 6 to rotate towards a "normal" position of the throttle 8 which may be fully open or fully closed depending on the nature of the throttle as explained above .
  • a control unit CPU is connected to the DC motor and is adapted to control supply of power to the DC motor and thereby to control the throttle position.
  • Movement sensors preferably Hall effect sensors, are indicated with D.
  • Fig. 2 illustrates a bridge circuit 11 positioned between a 24 Volts current source 12 for the supply of power to the three coils CI, C2 and C3 of the DC motor 3.
  • the bridge circuit includes a set of transistor switches ⁇ - ⁇ that are made conductive - non conductive to controllably power supply the DC motor 3.
  • the transistor switches ⁇ - ⁇ are made conductive and electric voltage is cut off. It is possible to make variations of the duration of conductivity of the transistor switches in order to apply force of different magnitudes by varying and by controlling transistor switches. It is also possible to short- circuit only two of the coils, whereby obviously a reduced rotation resist torque will arise compared to when all three coils are short-circuited.
  • a plurality of detectors is preferably being used. This gives information about throttle position.
  • the detectors are suitably stationary and for example cooperating with a ring being rotationally associated with the rotor or with one of the shafts, said ring having a great number of evenly distributed marks or holes. Monitoring the durations between pulses from three distributed mark or hole detectors results in information of position and rotational speed. There is also a possibility to detect rotor
  • 16 indicates monitoring throttle or rotor movements effected by the return spring with short-circuited coils. 17 indicates evaluating monitored throttle movement pattern in relation to a stored exemplary movement curve.
  • control circuitry can be laid out differently as can be the DC motor, for instance, the number of coils of the DC motor can be other than three.
  • closed throttle is intended to include a case with totally blocked opening as well as a case with a certain minimum opening that might exist.
  • opened throttle is intended the maximum opening achievable for the throttle in question.
  • sensors may be employed and they can be positioned in various places in association with the throttle assembly, for example close to the throttle itself.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Control Of Throttle Valves Provided In The Intake System Or In The Exhaust System (AREA)
  • Electrical Control Of Air Or Fuel Supplied To Internal-Combustion Engine (AREA)
  • Combined Controls Of Internal Combustion Engines (AREA)
  • Electrically Driven Valve-Operating Means (AREA)

Abstract

A spring return throttle actuator (1) including: an electric, plural-coil (C1, C2, C3), DC motor (2) having an output shaft 4, a throttle return spring (10), a gear transmission (5) connected to the output shaft, a control unit (CPU) adapted to control power supply to the DC motor (2), wherein the spring return throttle actuator (1) has a movement range between closed throttle and opened throttle. The control unit (CPU) is arranged to short-circuit at least two DC motor coils (C1, C2, C3) in order to create a DC motor return resist torque, and the control unit (CPU) includes a movement monitoring circuit being arranged to monitor actuator movement forced by the throttle return spring (10) and resisted by the DC motor return resist torque. The invention also relates to a method and a throttle assembly.

Description

SPRING RETURN THROTTLE ACTUATOR, METHOD OF CONTROL THEREOF AND
THROTTLE ASSEMBLY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a spring return throttle
actuator including: an electric, plural-coil, DC motor having an output shaft, a throttle return spring, a gear transmission connected to the output shaft, a control unit adapted to control power supply to the DC motor, wherein the actuator has a movement range between closed throttle and opened throttle.
The invention also relates to a method for control thereof and a throttle assembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Throttle assemblies are employed to control gas streams in respect of vehicle engines. The actuator DC motor is typically supplied with an electric current to switch from a normally open to a closed throttle position or from a normally closed to an open throttle position.
It could be mentioned that in respect of for example an air inlet throttle valve, the throttle is normally open whereas in an EGR valve the throttle is normally closed.
As a rule, the return spring tend to move the throttle to a determined "normal" position which will guarantee operation also in the event that the DC motor is without current. It is thereby an aim to maintain the required exhaust gas values etc .
In a background art throttle assembly, for reaching intermediate positions between closed throttle and fully opened throttle, the DC motor is supplied with current to create a dynamic electromotive force which, by virtue of the control unit, balances the spring force to obtain a desired stationary throttle position between closed throttle and fully open throttle.
It is previously known that there are occasionally problems with throttles for example because of a mechanical deficiencies or some sort of obstruction preventing
unrestricted movement of the throttle. This might depend on the formation of ice or the accumulation of dirt around the seat of the throttle or in throttle shaft bearings, or a defective spring which for example has been damaged and
obtained unwanted properties.
The throttle can hereby be impossible or difficult to move properly and at proper speed over the whole or part of its movement range which is detrimental to the operation of the vehicle. Also relatively small restrictions and influences on throttle movements may impair engine control.
AIM AND MOST IMPORTANT FEATURES OF THE INVENTION
It is an aim of the present invention to provide measures to be able to address the problems of the background art so as to be able to at least reduce these problems.
This aims are obtained in a respect of a throttle
actuator according to the above in that the control unit is arranged to short-circuit at least two of the coils of the DC motor in order to create a DC motor return resist torque
(counteracting electromotive force EMF), and that the control unit includes a movement monitoring circuit being arranged to monitor actuator movement forced by the spring and resisted by the DC motor return resist torque.
With the term "DC motor return resist torque" is meant that a counteracting electromotive force is generated which resists return torque generated by the spring.
The invention makes it possible to monitor the condition of the return spring in an advantageous manner. Basically the return spring is dimensioned such that generated spring torque over the whole movement range of the actuator exceeds said DC motor return resist torque for the chosen number of short- circuit coils .
Furthermore, the actuator movement is possible to monitor in the complete range, in an intermediate range or part ranges, between fully opened and fully closed.
According to the invention, in a system where a plurality of elements co-act it is important to be able to analyze each single component such that the problem can be isolated and the failing component or existing problem be attended to.
In order to monitor the condition of the return spring, the spring is typically maximally stretched and strained by maximally actuating the throttle against the spring force, whereupon the system is made currentless and a selected number of coils are short-circuited. By thereupon monitoring the movement pattern and compare it as regards movement speed etc. with a desired stored reference movement pattern, it is possible to establish the condition of the spring. This also means that if the spring is unable to move the throttle with the chosen number of coils short-circuited, the spring is probably defective.
The invention can also be used to determine the
mechanical spring constant for a perfectly operating
component. It is thereupon possible to adapt possible control systems to this information in order to optimize control performance .
Having knowledge of a throttle actuation problem that exists and in which part of the movement range of the throttle there are, in fact, deviations, it is also possible, according to the invention, to adapt engine control to the prevailing throttle actuation conditions. Hereby vehicle control can be performed with increased usability and reduced error value. According to the invention, two or more coils of the DC motor are short-circuited, thereby creating a determined resistance (electro motive force) for a spring to act against. This electro motive force can be more or less continuous or even at the same level through the entire movement range.
Furthermore, the control system can be taught where the throttle meets resistance, in which part of the range the throttle meets resistance and therefore moves unpredictably, and to determine whether the throttle has become stuck or moves with restricted speed and, in that case, in which position it has got stuck or moves with restricted speed.
In these cases it is not necessary to take notice of elapsed time, since it is possible to perform digital
monitoring over the entire throttle movement range.
With the aid of the inherent feedback from the DC motor and/or from movement detectors such as Hall effect sensors or the like the movement pattern can be established since
throttle movement hereby is easily detected.
Furthermore, the invention makes it possible to determine that the spring is jamming which could depend on it being broken so that it has obtained unwanted characteristics.
For example, according to the invention, elapsed time to open and close the throttle can be measured and compared to stored, prescribed values. Also, even movement speed per time unit and/or other suitable movement parameters of the throttle in question can be measured and compared to stored, prescribed movement curves reflecting movement speed per time unit and other respective suitable parameters of a throttle operating as prescribed.
The term "movement pattern" is basically intended to be interpreted broadly and can in its simplest form reflect time consumed for a complete opening or closing movement. In a more complex analysis, time consumed for a part of a complete opening or closing movement can be analyzed. In a more
sophisticated analysis, the movement speed or acceleration over the complete movement range or part or parts thereof is compared to an exemplary curve reflecting a throttle moving as prescribed.
It is also possible to store different movement pattern curves for actuators having respective differently damaged or otherwise defective return springs giving an opportunity to easily analyze the nature of a defect.
The inventive actuator basically does not require any particular hardware components for the purpose of monitoring. Instead the properties and characteristics of the DC motor can basically be exploited. As an example, information from the DC motor can be obtained by measuring motor voltage which easily gives momentary rotational speed.
When coils of the DC motor are short-circuited, a current flows through the stator which leads to the creation of a counter-force even when a very small movement is induced to the rotor. This is in particular the case for brushless DC- motors and permanent magnet synchronic motors.
Suitably the DC motor includes three coils and two or all three coils may be subject to short-circuiting.
The control unit preferably includes a bridge circuit having one branch connected to each one of the coils. This circuitry makes the actuator easily controlled in an economic and logical manner. This advantage is even more enhanced when each branch includes a transistor switch connected to each one of the coils.
At least one movement sensor is preferably positioned to detect DC motor rotor movements in order to guarantee
stability and maintained settings and adjustability. In particular it is advantageous when a plurality of Hall sensors is positioned to detect DC motor rotor movements, the Hall sensors of said plurality being distributed around the rotor to increase measurement accuracy. The sensors can also be positioned such that they detect the position of the throttle itself or an element of the transmission, since the position of the motor can be derived therefrom.
Controlling pulses from the Hall sensors easily gives the possibility to obtain rotational position and rotational speed .
It is preferred that the control unit includes an
evaluation circuit arranged to evaluate output signals from the movement monitoring circuit for deviations from stored values. Evaluation can result in the problem or problems being diagnosed, in turn making it possible to address the true problem or problems to produce a solution.
Preferably said stored values relate to various exemplary problem situations whereby comparing the obtained signal values with stored example signals values makes it possible to specify or at least assume the existing or at least probable problem .
In an inventive method of controlling a spring return throttle actuator, wherein the actuator includes: an electric, plural-coil DC motor having an output shaft, a throttle return spring, a gear transmission connected to the output shaft, a control unit adapted to control power supply to the DC motor, wherein the actuator has a movement range between closed throttle and fully opened throttle,
- wherein at least two DC motor coils are short-circuited by the control unit in order to create a DC motor return resist torque, and wherein the movement forced by the spring and resisted by the return resist force is monitored over the whole movement range of the actuator.
Advantages corresponding to the above are gained in respect of the inventive method. The DC motor advantageously includes three coils and two or all three coils are preferably short-circuited.
The coils are preferably supplied with power from each one branch of a bridge circuit being included in the control unit .
Advantageously each branch is switched through separate transistor switches.
DC motor rotor movements are preferably detected by at least one movement sensor and more preferred by a plurality of Hall sensors being rotationally distributed to increase measurement accuracy.
Preferably, the control unit issues a condition message to the user in the cases where it is appropriate, for example when service is required.
Output signals from the movement monitoring circuit are preferably evaluated by an evaluation circuit of the control unit for deviations from a stored values.
It is highly preferred, in order to enhance analysis of the spring that result obtained from movement forced by the spring being monitored with at least two DC motor coils being short-circuited is supplemented with movement forced by the spring being monitored without any one of the DC motor coils being short-circuited in order to create DC motor return resist torques of different levels. Hereby the movement pattern/return speed will differ with the different resist torques allowing more detailed analysis and possibilities of discovering also relatively small defects.
A typical sequence to monitor the condition of the return spring could for example include the following steps:
- the spring is stretched and strained by maximally actuating the throttle against the spring force.
- the system is made currentless and no coils are short- circuited . - the movement pattern/return speed is monitored.
- the spring is stretched and strained by maximally actuating the throttle against the spring force.
- the system is made currentless and two coils are short- circuited.
- the movement pattern/return speed is monitored
- the spring is stretched and strained by maximally actuating the throttle against the spring force.
- the system is made currentless and three coils are short- circuited.
- the movement pattern/return speed is monitored.
- the results of the three captured movements indicated above (or only two therof) are compared with desired stored
reference movement pattern/return speed.
The invention also relates to a throttle assembly
including a throttle and a throttle actuator wherein the throttle actuator is according to what is stated above.
Further features of and advantages of the invention will be explained below at the background of embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The invention will now be described in greater detail by way of embodiments and with reference to the annexed drawings, wherein :
Fig. 1 illustrates a throttle assembly including a spring return throttle actuator according to the invention,
Fig. 2 shows a control circuit for the inventive throttle actuator, and
Fig. 3 shows a simplified flow chart over an inventive method.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Fig. 1, shows a throttle assembly whereof a spring return throttle actuator is generally depicted with reference number 1. The actuator 1 includes a DC motor 2 having three coils CI, C2 and C3 in its stator S. The rotor R is as usual provided with a permanent rotor magnet 3 and an output shaft 4.
A gear transmission 5 is connected to the output shaft 4 and an outgoing shaft 6 from the gear transmission 5 is coupled with its distal end to a throttle shaft 7 of a
throttle 8. The actuator has a movement range between closed throttle and fully opened throttle.
The throttle 8 is arranged in a channel 9 to control a gas stream flowing through the channel 9.
A throttle return spring 10 is positioned around the outgoing shaft 6 and functions to provide a spring torque urging the outgoing shaft 6 to rotate towards a "normal" position of the throttle 8 which may be fully open or fully closed depending on the nature of the throttle as explained above .
A control unit CPU is connected to the DC motor and is adapted to control supply of power to the DC motor and thereby to control the throttle position. Movement sensors, preferably Hall effect sensors, are indicated with D.
Fig. 2 illustrates a bridge circuit 11 positioned between a 24 Volts current source 12 for the supply of power to the three coils CI, C2 and C3 of the DC motor 3.
The bridge circuit includes a set of transistor switches Τι-Τβ that are made conductive - non conductive to controllably power supply the DC motor 3.
In order to short-circuit all coils CI, C2 and C3, the transistor switches Τι-Τβ are made conductive and electric voltage is cut off. It is possible to make variations of the duration of conductivity of the transistor switches in order to apply force of different magnitudes by varying and by controlling transistor switches. It is also possible to short- circuit only two of the coils, whereby obviously a reduced rotation resist torque will arise compared to when all three coils are short-circuited.
It is possible to receive information from the DC motor and associated cables about its operation. If the motor is rotated, the rotational speed is directly proportional to the voltage. It is also possible to measure voltage which
momentarily results in knowledge of rotational speed. For detection of rotational position of the rotor of the motor, a plurality of detectors is preferably being used. This gives information about throttle position.
The detectors are suitably stationary and for example cooperating with a ring being rotationally associated with the rotor or with one of the shafts, said ring having a great number of evenly distributed marks or holes. Monitoring the durations between pulses from three distributed mark or hole detectors results in information of position and rotational speed. There is also a possibility to detect rotor
acceleration if required for some reason.
In the simplified flow chart in Fig. 3, an exemplary method sequence related to the invention is briefly
illustrated .
13 indicates start of sequence.
14 indicates initiating DC motor to position throttle in desired position where the return spring is strained and stretched and verifying that throttle has reached the desired position .
15 indicates cutting current to DC motor and initiating circuit to short-circuit DC motor coils to obtain a resist torque .
16 indicates monitoring throttle or rotor movements effected by the return spring with short-circuited coils. 17 indicates evaluating monitored throttle movement pattern in relation to a stored exemplary movement curve.
18 indicates amending and adapting engine control values to established prevailing throttle actuation conditions.
19 indicates issuing a condition message to the user and ending of sequence.
The sequence may be supplemented with additional steps and is repeated as required.
The invention can be modified within the scope of the annexed claims. For example, the control circuitry can be laid out differently as can be the DC motor, for instance, the number of coils of the DC motor can be other than three.
The feature "closed throttle" is intended to include a case with totally blocked opening as well as a case with a certain minimum opening that might exist. With the feature
"opened throttle" is intended the maximum opening achievable for the throttle in question.
Different kinds of sensors may be employed and they can be positioned in various places in association with the throttle assembly, for example close to the throttle itself.

Claims

CLAIMS :
1. Spring return throttle actuator (1) including:
- an electric, plural-coil (CI, C2, C3), DC motor (2) having an output shaft 4,
- a throttle return spring (10),
- a gear transmission (5) connected to the output shaft,
- a control unit (CPU) adapted to control power supply to the DC motor (2) ,
wherein the spring return throttle actuator (1) has a movement range between closed throttle and opened throttle,
characterized in
- that the control unit (CPU) is arranged to short-circuit at least two DC motor coils (CI, C2, C3) in order to create a DC motor return resist torque, and
- that the control unit (CPU) includes a movement monitoring circuit being arranged to monitor actuator movement forced by the throttle return spring (10) and resisted by the DC motor return resist torque.
2. Actuator according to claim 1, characterized in
- that the DC motor (2) includes three coils (CI, C2, C3) .
3. Actuator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in
- that the control unit (CPU) includes a circuit (11) having one branch connected to each one of the coils (CI, C2, C3) .
4. Actuator according to claim 3, characterized in
- that each branch includes a transistor switch (Ti - Ίβ) connected to each one of the coils (CI, C2, C3) .
5. Actuator according to any one of claims 1 - 4,
characterized in - that at least one movement sensor (D) is positioned to detect DC motor rotor movements.
6. Actuator according to claim 5, characterized in
- that a plurality of Hall sensors (D) are positioned to detect DC motor rotor movements, said plurality of Hall sensors (D) being rotationally distributed to increase measurement accuracy.
7. Actuator according to any one of claims 1 - 6,
characterized in
- that the control unit includes an evaluation circuit arranged to evaluate output signals from the movement
monitoring circuit for deviations from a stored values.
8. Method of controlling a spring return throttle actuator including :
- an electric, plural-coil, DC motor (2) having an output shaft (4),
- a throttle return spring (10),
- a gear transmission (5) connected to the output shaft (4),
- a control unit (CPU) adapted to control power supply to the DC motor (2) ,
wherein the actuator (1) has a movement range between closed throttle and fully opened throttle,
characterized in
- that at least two DC motor coils (CI, C2, C3) are short- circuited by the control unit (CPU) in order to create a DC motor return resist torque and that movement forced by the spring and resisted by the return resist force is monitored over the whole movement range of the actuator.
9. Method according to claim 8, wherein the DC motor includes three coils, characterized in
- that two or three coils (CI, C2, C3) are short-circuited.
10. Method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in
- that the coils (CI, C2, C3) are supplied with power from each one branch of a circuit (11) being included in the control unit (CPU) .
11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in
- that each branch is switched through separate transistor switches (Ti - T6) .
12. Method according to any one of claims 8 - 11,
characterized in
- that DC motor rotor movements are detected by at least one movement sensor (D) .
13. Method according to claim 12, characterized in
- that DC motor rotor movements are monitored by a plurality of Hall sensors (D) being distributed around the rotor to increase measurement accuracy.
14. Method according to any one of claims 8 - 13,
characterized in
- that output signals from the movement monitoring circuit are evaluated by an evaluation circuit of the control unit for deviations from a stored values.
15. Method according to any one of claims 8 - 14,
characterized in
- that result obtained from movement forced by the spring being monitored with at least two DC motor coils (CI, C2, C3) being short-circuited is supplemented with movement forced by the spring being monitored without DC motor coils (CI, C2, C3) being short-circuited in order to create DC motor return resist torques of different levels.
16. Throttle assembly including a throttle (8) and a throttle actuator (1) according to any one of claims 1 - 7.
PCT/SE2016/051246 2016-01-05 2016-12-12 Spring return throttle actuator, method of control thereof and throttle assembly Ceased WO2017119833A1 (en)

Priority Applications (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP16884073.4A EP3400377A4 (en) 2016-01-05 2016-12-12 Spring return throttle actuator, method of control thereof and throttle assembly
BR112018013036A BR112018013036A2 (en) 2016-01-05 2016-12-12 spring return butterfly valve actuator, spring control method and butterfly valve assembly
CN201680076805.1A CN108431387A (en) 2016-01-05 2016-12-12 Spring reset throttle actuator, its control method and air throttle component
KR1020187021664A KR102060097B1 (en) 2016-01-05 2016-12-12 Spring Return Throttle Actuators, Methods of Controlling Spring Return Throttle Actuators and Throttle Assemblies
US16/066,624 US20190010877A1 (en) 2016-01-05 2016-12-12 Spring return throttle actuator, method of control thereof and throttle assembly

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SE1650011-8 2016-01-05
SE1650011A SE539525C2 (en) 2016-01-05 2016-01-05 Spring return throttle actuator, method of control thereof and throttle assembly

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Publication Number Publication Date
WO2017119833A1 true WO2017119833A1 (en) 2017-07-13

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EP (1) EP3400377A4 (en)
KR (1) KR102060097B1 (en)
CN (1) CN108431387A (en)
BR (1) BR112018013036A2 (en)
SE (1) SE539525C2 (en)
WO (1) WO2017119833A1 (en)

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SE539525C2 (en) 2017-10-10
BR112018013036A2 (en) 2018-12-04
KR102060097B1 (en) 2019-12-27
EP3400377A1 (en) 2018-11-14
CN108431387A (en) 2018-08-21
EP3400377A4 (en) 2019-09-11
KR20180098628A (en) 2018-09-04
US20190010877A1 (en) 2019-01-10
SE1650011A1 (en) 2017-07-06

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