Apparatus and method for detecting a short circuit to the battery voltage when driving piezoelectric elements

[0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for detecting a short circuit to the battery voltage when driving piezoelectric elements.

[0003] Piezoelectric elements can be used as actuators because, as is known, they possess the property of contracting or expanding as a function of a voltage applied thereto or occurring therein.

[0004] The practical implementation of actuators using piezoelectric elements proves to be advantageous in particular if the actuator in question must perform rapid and/or frequent movements.

[0005] The use of piezoelectric elements as actuators proves to be advantageous, inter alia, in fuel injection nozzles for internal combustion engines. Reference is made, for example, to EP 0 371 469 B1 and to EP 0 379 182 B1 regarding the usability of piezoelectric elements in fuel injection nozzles.

[0006] Piezoelectric elements are capacitative elements which, as already partially alluded to above, contract and expand in accordance with the particular charge state or the voltage occurring therein or applied thereto. In the example of a fuel injection nozzle, expansion and contraction of piezoelectric elements is used to control valves that manipulate the linear strokes of injection needles. The use of piezoelectric elements with double acting, double seat valves to control corresponding injection needles in a fuel injection system is shown in German patent applications DE 197 42 073 A1 and DE 197 29 844 A1, which are incorporated herein in their entirety.

[0007] Fuel injection systems using piezoelectric elements are characterized by the fact that, to a first approximation, piezoelectric elements exhibit a proportional relationship between applied voltage and the linear expansion. In a fuel injection nozzle, for example, implemented as a double acting, double seat valve to control the linear stroke of a needle for fuel injection into a cylinder of an internal combustion engine, the amount of fuel injected into a corresponding cylinder is a function of the time the valve is open, and in the case of the use of a piezoelectric element, the activation voltage applied to the piezoelectric element.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a fuel injection system using a piezoelectric element 2010 as an actuator. Referring to FIG. 1, the piezoelectric element 2010 is electrically energized to expand and contract in response to a given activation voltage. The piezoelectric element 2010 is coupled to a piston 2015. In the expanded state, the piezoelectric element 2010 causes the piston 2015 to protrude into a hydraulic adapter 2020 which contains a hydraulic fluid, for example fuel. As a result of the piezoelectric element's expansion, a double acting control valve 2025 is hydraulically pushed away from hydraulic adapter 2020 and the valve plug 2035 is extended away from a first closed position 2040. The combination of double acting control valve 2025 and hollow bore 2050 is often referred to as double acting, double seat valve for the reason that when piezoelectric element 2010 is in an unexcited state, the double acting control valve 2025 rests in its first closed position 2040. On the other hand, when the piezoelectric element 2010 is fully extended, it rests in its second closed position 2030. The later position of valve plug 2035 is schematically represented with ghost lines in FIG. 1.

[0009] The fuel injection system comprises an injection needle 2070 allowing for injection of fuel from a pressurized fuel supply line 2060 into the cylinder (not shown). When the piezoelectric element 2010 is unexcited or when it is fully extended, the double acting control valve 2025 rests respectively in its first closed position 2040 or in its second closed position 2030. In either case, the hydraulic rail pressure maintains injection needle 2070 at a closed position. Thus, the fuel mixture does not enter into the cylinder (not shown). Conversely, when the piezoelectric element 2010 is excited such that double acting control valve 2025 is in the so-called mid-position with respect to the hollow bore 2050, then there is a pressure drop in the pressurized fuel supply line 2060. This pressure drop results in a pressure differential in the pressurized fuel supply line 2060 between the top and the bottom of the injection needle 2070 so that the injection needle 2070 is lifted allowing for fuel injection into the cylinder (not shown).

[0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to develop the apparatus as defined in the preamble of claim 1 and the method as defined in the preamble of claim 6 to reliably detect a short circuit to the battery voltage within, or at the terminals of, one or more of the piezoelectric elements.

[0011] This object is achieved, according to the present invention, by providing a device and a method as described herein.

[0012] These provide for:

[0013] an element selection switch for selecting the piezoelectric element for operation, an operation selection switch for selecting a charging or discharging circuit to be connected to the piezoelectric element, and a control unit that activates the element selection switch for a predetermined time interval before activating the operation selection switch, the control unit further generating an error signal if a current measurement is greater than a predetermined maximum during the predetermined time interval; and for

[0014] closing the element selection switch of the piezoelectric element, monitoring a current measurement for a predetermined time interval before closing a switch to select a charging or discharging circuit to connect to the piezoelectric element, and generating an error signal if the current measurement during the predetermined time interval is greater than a predetermined maximum.

[0015] In the embodiment described herein, an actuator driving circuit drives groups of piezoelectric elements which are connected in parallel with one another. By operation of switches, each piezoelectric element is isolated and operated separately from the others during a fuel injection cycle.

[0016] A short circuit to the battery voltage has many undesirable effects which prevent proper driving of the piezoelectric elements. For example, a short at the positive terminal of a piezoelectric element will prevent it, and other piezoelectric elements connected in parallel with it, from discharging totally during a discharging cycle. A short to the battery voltage at the negative terminal of an unselected piezoelectric element could cause the piezoelectric element to be improperly charged by forming a closed circuit through the branch of a separate selected actuator connected in parallel. A short to the battery voltage at the negative terminal could also prevent a piezoelectric element from charging properly during its intended charging cycle because the polarity of the charging voltage would be opposite from the polarity of the short circuit voltage. The presence of the battery voltage directly at the piezoelectric elements defeats the ability of the piezoelectric element driver circuitry to regulate administration of voltage in an even stepped fashion. A possible consequence of a short from the piezoelectric element to the battery voltage is the unintentional injection of fuel; a situation which is extremely undesirable. Furthermore, a short to the battery voltage at the negative terminal would cause an undesired high current when the corresponding selection switch is closed. This could destroy the current sensor (shunt resistor).

[0017] The piezoelectric element driver circuitry, according to the present invention, includes a number of switches to carry out the charging and discharging cycles for the piezoelectric elements in a fuel injection system. Some switches are used to select which piezoelectric element will be operated at a given time. Other switches control whether a charging or discharging circuit will be connected to a selected piezoelectric element. The operation of these switches is controlled by preprogrammed activation IC and control unit microprocessors.

[0018] According to the present invention, in order to detect a short circuit to the battery voltage the piezoelectric element selection and operation switches are activated in a distinct sequence while currents in the piezoelectric element driver circuitry are monitored.

[0019] First, the piezoelectric element selection switches are activated to select a particular piezoelectric element to be operated. At this time, the operation selection switches have not been activated to connect a charging or discharging circuit to the piezoelectric element. Thus, under normal conditions, no electrical current should flow through any of the piezoelectric elements, or through a piezoelectric shunt resistor connected in series with the piezoelectric elements. If a short circuit to the battery voltage is present at a piezoelectric element, an abnormal current will flow from the short circuit, through any intervening piezoelectric elements, through the piezoelectric shunt resistor, and finally to ground. Thus by monitoring for such an abnormal current for a predetermined time interval after selecting a piezoelectric element, a short circuit to battery voltage can be detected using an apparatus and/or method according to the present invention. If a current greater than a predetermined maximum is detected an error signal is generated, and cycling of the piezoelectric elements 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 is halted. If no currents above the predetermined maximum are detected, then the driving circuit will proceed normally to connect the appropriate circuit for charging or discharging the selected piezoelectric element.

[0020] Advantageous developments of the present invention are evident from the description below, and the figures.

[0021] The invention will be explained below in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments, referring to the figures.

[0022] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a fuel injection system using a piezoelectric element as an actuator;

[0023] FIG. 2 shows a schematic profile of an exemplary control valve stroke;

[0024] FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an arrangement in which the present invention may be implemented;

[0025] FIG. 4A shows a depiction to explain the conditions occurring during a first charging phase (charging switch 220 closed) in the circuit of FIG. 3;

[0026] FIG. 4B shows a depiction to explain the conditions occurring during a second charging phase (charging switch 220 open again) in the circuit of FIG. 3;

[0027] FIG. 4C shows a depiction to explain the conditions occurring during a first discharging phase (discharging switch 230 closed) in the circuit of FIG. 3;

[0028] FIG. 4D shows a depiction to explain the conditions occurring during a second discharging phase (discharging switch 230 open again) in the circuit of FIG. 3;

[0029] FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of components of the activation IC E which is also shown in FIG. 3.

[0030] FIG. 2 shows a double graph representing a schematic profile of an exemplary control valve stroke, to illustrate the operation of a double acting control valve. In the upper graph of FIG. 2, the x-axis represents time, and the y-axis represents displacement of the valve plug (valve lift). In the lower graph of FIG. 2, the x-axis once again represents time, while the y-axis represents a nozzle needle lift to provide fuel flow, resulting from the valve lift of the upper graph. The upper and lower graphs are aligned with one another to coincide in time, as represented by the respective x-axises.

[0031] During an injection cycle, the piezoelectric element is charged resulting in an expansion of the piezoelectric element, as will be described in greater detail, and causing the corresponding valve plug to move from the first closed position to the second closed position for a pre-injection stroke, as shown in the upper graph of FIG. 2. The lower graph of FIG. 2 shows a small injection of fuel that occurs as the valve plug moves between the two seats of the double acting control valve, opening and closing the valve as the plug moves between the seats.

[0032] In general, the charging of the piezoelectric element can be done in two steps. The first step is to charge the element to a certain voltage causing the valve to open. The second step is to further charge the element causing the valve to close again as the valve plug comes into contact with the second closed position. Between both steps a time delay may be employed.

[0033] After a preselected period of time, a discharging operation is then performed, as will be explained in greater detail below, to reduce the charge within the piezoelectric element so that it contracts, as will also be described in greater detail, causing the valve plug to move away from the second closed position, and hold at a point between the two seats. The activation voltage within the piezoelectric element is to reach a value corresponding to a maximum fuel flow during the period of time allocated to a main injection. The upper and lower graphs of FIG. 2 show the holding of the valve lift at a intermediary point, resulting in a main fuel injection.

[0034] At the end of the period of time for the main injection, the piezoelectric element is discharged to an activation voltage of zero, resulting in further contraction of the piezoelectric element, to cause the valve plug to move away from the intermediary position, towards the first closed position, closing the valve and stopping fuel flow, as shown in the upper and lower graphs of FIG. 2. At this time, the valve plug will once again be in a position to repeat another pre-injection, main injection cycle, as just described above. Of course, any other injection cycle can be performed.

[0035] FIG. 3 provides a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an arrangement in which the present invention may be applied.

[0036] In FIG. 3 there is a detailed area A and a non-detailed area B, the separation of which is indicated by a dashed line c. The detailed area A comprises a circuit for charging and discharging piezoelectric elements 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60. In the example being considered these piezoelectric elements 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 are actuators in fuel injection nozzles (in particular in so-called common rail injectors) of an internal combustion engine. Piezoelectric elements can be used for such purposes because, as is known, and as discussed above, they possess the property of contracting or expanding as a function of a voltage applied thereto or occurring therein. The reason to take six piezoelectric elements 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 in the embodiment described is to independently control six cylinders within a combustion engine; hence, any other number of piezoelectric elements might be suitable for any other purpose.

[0037] The non-detailed area B comprises a control unit D and a activation IC E by both of which the elements within the detailed area A are controlled, as well as a measuring system F for measuring system characteristics. Activation IC E receives various measurements of voltages and currents from throughout the rest of the actuator driver circuit. According to the present invention, the control unit D and activation IC E are programmed to control activation voltages and the activation timing for the piezoelectric elements. The control unit D and/or activation IC E are also programmed to monitor various voltages and currents throughout the actuator driver circuit.

[0038] The following description firstly introduces the individual elements within the detailed area A. Then, the procedures of charging and discharging piezoelectric elements 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 are described in general. Finally, the ways both procedures are controlled and monitored by means of control unit D and activation IC E are described in detail.

[0039] The circuit within the detailed area A comprises six piezoelectric elements 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60.

[0040] The piezoelectric elements 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 are distributed into a first group G1 and a second group G2, each comprising three piezoelectric elements (i.e. piezoelectric elements 10, 20 and 30 in the first group G; 40, 50 and 60 in the second group G2). Groups G1 and G2 are constituents of circuit parts connected in parallel with one another. Group selector switches 310, 320 can be used to establish which of the groups G1, G2 of piezoelectric elements 10, 20 and 30, and 40, 50 and 60, respectively, will be discharged in each case by a common charging and discharging apparatus (however, the group selector switches 310, 320 are meaningless for charging procedures, as is explained in further detail below).

[0041] The group selector switches 310, 320 are arranged between a coil 240 and the respective groups G1 and G2 (the coil-side terminals thereof) and are implemented as transistors. Side drivers 311, 321 are implemented which transform control signals received from the activation IC E into voltages which are eligible for closing and opening the switches as required.

[0042] Diodes 315 and 325 (referred to as group selector diodes), respectively, are provided in parallel with the group selector switches 310, 320. If the group selector switches 310, 320 are implemented as MOSFETs or IGBTs, for example, these group selector diodes 315 and 325 can be constituted by the parasitic diodes themselves. The diodes 315, 325 bypass the group selector switches 310, 320 during charging procedures. Hence, the functionality of the group selector switches 310, 320 is reduced to select a group G1, G2 of piezoelectric elements 10, 20 and 30, and 40, 50 and 60, respectively, for a discharging procedure only.

[0043] Within each group G1, G2 the piezoelectric elements 10, 20 and 30, and 40, 50 and 60, respectively, are arranged as constituents of piezo branches 110, 120 and 130 (group G1) and 140, 150 and 160 (group G2) that are connected in parallel. Each piezo branch comprises a series circuit made up of a first parallel circuit comprising a piezoelectric element 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 and a resistor 13, 23, 33, 43, 53, 63, respectively, (referred to as branch resistors) and a second parallel circuit made up of a selector switch implemented as a transistor 11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, respectively, (referred to as branch selector switches) and a diode 12, 22, 32, 42, 52, 62, respectively, (referred to as branch diodes).

[0044] The branch resistors 13, 23, 33, 43, 53, 63 cause each corresponding piezoelectric element 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, respectively, during and after a charging procedure to continuously discharge themselves, since they connect both terminals of each capacitive piezoelectric element 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, respectively, one to another. However, the branch resistors 13, 23, 33, 43, 53, 63 are sufficiently large to make this procedure slow compared to the controlled charging and discharging procedures as described below. Hence, it is still a reasonable assumption to consider the charge of any piezoelectric element 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 or 60 as unchanging within a relevant time after a charging procedure (the reason to nevertheless implement the branch resistors 13, 23, 33, 43, 53 and 63 is to avoid remaining charges on the piezoelectric elements 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 in case of a breakdown of the system or other exceptional situations). Hence, the branch resistors 13, 23, 33, 43, 53 and 63 may be neglected in the following description.

[0045] The branch selector switch/branch diode pairs in the individual piezo branches 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, i.e. selector switch 11 and diode 12 in piezo branch 110, selector switch 21 and diode 22 in piezo branch 120, and so on, can be implemented using electronic switches (i.e. transistors) with parasitic diodes, for example MOSFETs or IGBTs (as stated above for the group selector switch/diode pairs 310 and 315; 320 and 325).

[0046] The branch selector switches 11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61 can be used to establish which of the piezoelectric elements 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 or 60 will be charged in each case by a common charging and discharging apparatus: in each case, the piezoelectric elements 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 or 60 that are charged are all those whose branch selector switches 11, 21, 31, 41, 51 or 61 are closed during the charging procedure which is described below. Usually, at any time, only one of the branch selector switches will be closed.

[0047] The branch diodes 12, 22, 32, 42, 52 and 62 serve for bypassing the branch selector switches 11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, respectively, during discharging procedures. Hence, in the example considered for charging procedures any individual piezoelectric element can be selected, whereas for discharging procedures either the first group G1 or the second group G2 of piezoelectric elements 10, 20 and 30 and 40, 50 and 60, respectively, or both have to be selected.

[0048] Returning to the piezoelectric elements 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 themselves, the branch selector piezo terminals 15, 25, 35, 45, 55, 65, respectively, may be connected to ground either through the branch selector switches 11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, respectively, or through the corresponding diodes 12, 22, 32, 42, 52, 62, respectively, and in both cases additionally through resistor 300.

[0049] The purpose of resistor 300 is to measure the currents that flow during charging and discharging of the piezoelectric elements 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 between the branch selector piezo terminals 15, 25, 35, 45, 55, 65, respectively, and the ground. A knowledge of these currents allows a controlled charging and discharging of the piezoelectric elements 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60. In particular, by closing and opening charging switch 220 and discharging switch 230 in a manner dependent on the magnitude of the currents, it is possible to set the charging current and discharging current to predefined average values and/or to keep them from exceeding or falling below predefined maximum and/or minimum values as is explained in further detail below. Resistor 300 can also be used to detect currents that flow during any abnormal circuit conditions, such as, according to the present invention, to detect a short to the battery voltage at one of the piezoelectric elements 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, or 60.

[0050] In the example considered, the measurement itself further requires a voltage source 621 which supplies a voltage of 5 V DC, for example, and a voltage divider implemented as two resistors 622 and 623. This is in order to prevent the activation IC E (by which the measurements are performed) from negative voltages which might otherwise occur on measuring point 620 and which cannot be handled be means of activation IC E: such negative voltages are changed into positive voltages by means of addition with a positive voltage setup which is supplied by said voltage source 621 and voltage divider resistors 622 and 623.

[0051] The other terminal of each piezoelectric element 10, 20, 30140, 50 and 60, i.e. the group selector piezo terminal 14, 24, 34, 44, 54, 64, respectively, may be connected to the plus pole of a voltage source via the group selector switch 310, 320 or via the group selector diode 315, 325 as well as via a coil 240 and a parallel circuit made up of a charging switch 220 and a charging diode 221, and alternatively or additionally connected to ground via the group selector switch 310, 320 or via diode 315, 325 as well as via the coil 240 and a parallel circuit made up of a discharging switch 230 or a discharging diode 231. Charging switch 220 and discharging switch 230 are implemented as transistors, for example which are controlled via side drivers 222, 232.

[0052] The voltage source comprises an element having capacitive properties which, in the example being considered, is the (buffer) capacitor 210. Capacitor 210 is charged by a battery 200 (for example a motor vehicle battery) and a DC voltage converter 201 downstream therefrom. DC voltage converter 201 converts the battery voltage (for example, 12 V) into substantially any other DC voltage (for example 250 V), and charges capacitor 210 to that voltage. DC voltage converter 201 is controlled by means of transistor switch 202 and resistor 203 which is utilized for current measurements taken from a measuring point 630.

[0053] For cross check purposes, a further current measurement at a measuring point 650 is allowed by activation IC E as well as by resistors 651, 652 and 653 and a 5 V DC voltage source 654, for example; moreover, a voltage measurement at a measuring point 640 is allowed by activation IC E as well as by voltage dividing resistors 641 and 642.

[0054] Finally, a resistor 330 (referred to as total discharging resistor), a stop switch implemented as a transistor 331 (referred to as stop switch), and a diode 332 (referred to as total discharging diode) serve to discharge the piezoelectric elements 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 (if they happen to be not discharged by the “normal” discharging operation as described further below). Stop switch 331 is preferably closed after “normal” discharging procedures (cycled discharging via discharge switch 230). It thereby connects piezoelectric elements 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 to ground through resistors 330 and 300, and thus removes any residual charges that might remain in piezoelectric elements 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60. The total discharging diode 332 prevents negative voltages from occurring at the piezoelectric elements 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60, which might in some circumstances be damaged thereby.

[0055] Charging and discharging of all the piezoelectric elements 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 or any particular one is accomplished by way of a single charging and discharging apparatus (common to all the groups and their piezoelectric elements). In the example being considered, the common charging and discharging apparatus comprises battery 200, DC voltage converter 201, capacitor 210, charging switch 220 and discharging switch 230, charging diode 221 and discharging diode 231 and coil 240.

[0056] The charging and discharging of each piezoelectric element works the same way and is explained in the following while referring to the first piezoelectric element 10 only.

[0057] The conditions occurring during the charging and discharging procedures are explained with reference to FIGS. 4A through 4D, of which FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate the charging of piezoelectric element 10, and FIGS. 4C and 4D the discharging of piezoelectric element 10.

[0058] The selection of one or more particular piezoelectric elements 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 or 60 to be charged or discharged, the charging procedure as described in the following as well as the discharging procedure are driven by activation IC E and control unit D by means of opening or closing one or more of the above introduced switches 11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61; 310, 320; 220, 230 and 331. The interactions between the elements within the detailed area A on the on hand and activation IC E and control unit D on the other hand are described in detail further below.

[0059] Concerning the charging procedure, firstly any particular piezoelectric element 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 or 60 which is to be charged has to be selected. In order to exclusively select the first piezoelectric element 10 for charging, the branch selector switch 11 of the first branch 110 is closed, whereas all other branch selector switches 21, 31, 41, 51 and 61 remain opened. In order to exclusively charge any other piezoelectric element 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 or in order to charge several ones at the same time they would be selected by closing the corresponding branch selector switches 21, 31, 41, 51 and/or 61.

[0060] Generally, within the example considered, the charging procedure requires a positive potential difference between capacitor 210 and the group selector piezo terminal 14 of the first piezoelectric element 10. However, as long as charging switch 220 and discharging switch 230 are open no charging or discharging of piezoelectric element 10 occurs. In this state, the circuit shown in FIG. 3 is in a steady-state condition, i.e. piezoelectric element 10 retains its charge state in substantially unchanged fashion, and no currents flow.

[0061] In accordance with the present invention, a predetermined time interval passes before the charging of the piezoelectric element 10 is begun by closing the charging switch 220. During this interval, a short circuit from a piezoelectric element 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, or 60 to battery voltage can be detected by monitoring for a current through the piezoelectric shunt resistor 300 detected via measuring point 620. If during the predetermined time interval, a current is detected via measuring point 620 that is higher than a predetermined maximum, an error signal is generated and the cycling of the piezoelectric elements 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 is discontinued.

[0062] Otherwise, the charging procedure itself may take place:

[0063] In order to charge the first piezoelectric element 10, charging switch 220 is closed. Theoretically, the first piezoelectric element 10 could become charged just by doing so. However, this would produce large currents which might damage the elements involved. Therefore, the occurring currents are measured at measuring point 620 and switch 220 is opened again as soon as the detected currents exceed a certain limit. Hence, in order to achieve any desired charge on the first piezoelectric element 10, charging switch 220 is repeatedly closed and opened whereas discharging switch 230 remains open.

[0064] In more detail, when charging switch 220 is closed, the conditions shown in FIG. 4A occur, i.e. a closed circuit comprising a series circuit made up of piezoelectric element 10, capacitor 210, and coil 240 is formed, in which a current i_LE(t) flows as indicated by arrows in FIG. 4A. As a result of this current flow both positive charges are brought to the group selector piezo terminal 14 of the first piezoelectric element 10 and energy is stored in coil 240.

[0065] When charging switch 220 opens shortly (for example, a few μs) after it has closed, the conditions shown in FIG. 4B occur: a closed circuit comprising a series circuit made up of piezoelectric element 10, charging diode 221, and coil 240 is formed, in which a current i_LA(t) flows as indicated by arrows in FIG. 4B. The result of this current flow is that energy stored in coil 240 flows into piezoelectric element 10. Corresponding to the energy delivery to the piezoelectric element 10, the voltage occurring in the latter, and its external dimensions, increase. Once energy transport has taken place from coil 240 to piezoelectric element 10, the steady-state condition of the circuit, as shown in FIG. 3 and already described, is once again attained.

[0066] At that time, or earlier, or later (depending on the desired time profile of the charging operation), charging switch 220 is once again closed and opened again, so that the processes described above are repeated. As a result of the re-closing and re-opening of charging switch 220, the energy stored in piezoelectric element 10 increases (the energy already stored in the piezoelectric element 10 and the newly delivered energy are added together), and the voltage occurring at the piezoelectric element 10, and its external dimensions, accordingly increase.

[0067] If the aforementioned closing and opening of charging switch 220 are repeated numerous times, the voltage occurring at the piezoelectric element 10, and the expansion of the piezoelectric element 10, rise in steps.

[0068] Once charging switch 220 has closed and opened a predefined number of times, and/or once piezoelectric element 10 has reached the desired charge state, charging of the piezoelectric element is terminated by leaving charging switch 220 open.

[0069] Concerning the discharging procedure, in the example considered, the piezoelectric elements 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 are discharged in groups (G1 and/or G2) as follows:

[0070] Firstly, the group selector switch(es) 310 and/or 320 of the group or groups G1 and/or G2 the piezoelectric elements of which are to be discharged are closed (the branch selector switches 11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61 do not affect the selection of piezoelectric elements 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 for the discharging procedure, since in this case they are bypassed by the branch diodes 12, 22, 32, 42, 52 and 62). Hence, in order to discharge piezoelectric element 10 as a part of the first group G1, the first group selector switch 310 is closed.

[0071] As in the charging cycle, in accordance with the present invention, a predetermined time interval passes before the discharging of the piezoelectric element 10 is begun by closing the discharging switch 230. During this interval, a short circuit from a piezoelectric element 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, or 60 to battery voltage can be detected by monitoring for a current through the piezoelectric shunt resistor 300 detected via measuring point 620. If during the predetermined time interval, a current is detected via measuring point 620 that is higher than a predetermined maximum, an error signal is generated and the cycling of the piezoelectric elements 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 is discontinued.

[0072] When discharging switch 230 is closed, the conditions shown in FIG. 4C occur: a closed circuit comprising a series circuit made up of piezoelectric element 10 and coil 240 is formed, in which a current i_EE(t) flows as indicated by arrows in FIG. 4C. The result of this current flow is that the energy (a portion thereof) stored in the piezoelectric element is transported into coil 240. Corresponding to the energy transfer from piezoelectric element 10 to coil 240, the voltage occurring at the piezoelectric element 10, and its external dimensions, decrease.

[0073] When discharging switch 230 opens shortly (for example, a few μs) after it has closed, the conditions shown in FIG. 4D occur: a closed circuit comprising a series circuit made up of piezoelectric element 10, capacitor 210, discharging diode 231, and coil 240 is formed, in which a current i_EA(t) flows as indicated by arrows in FIG. 4D. The result of this current flow is that energy stored in coil 240 is fed back into capacitor 210. Once energy transport has taken place from coil 240 to capacitor 210, the steady-state condition of the circuit, as shown in FIG. 3 and already described, is once again attained.

[0074] At that time, or earlier, or later (depending on the desired time profile of the discharging operation), discharging switch 230 is once again closed and opened again, so that the processes described above are repeated. As a result of the re-closing and re-opening of discharging switch 230, the energy stored in piezoelectric element 10 decreases further, and the voltage occurring at the piezoelectric element, and its external dimensions, also accordingly decrease.

[0075] If the aforementioned closing and opening of discharging switch 230 are repeated numerous times, the voltage occurring at the piezoelectric element 10, and the expansion of the piezoelectric element 10, decrease in steps.

[0076] Once discharging switch 230 has closed and opened a predefined number of times, and/or once the piezoelectric element has reached the desired discharge state, discharging of the piezoelectric element 10 is terminated by leaving discharging switch 230 open.

[0077] The interaction between activation IC E and control unit D on the one hand and the elements within the detailed area A on the other hand is performed by control signals sent from activation IC E to elements within the detailed area A via branch selector control lines 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460, group selector control lines 510, 520, stop switch control line 530, charging switch control line 540 and discharging switch control line 550 and control line 560. On the other hand, there are sensor signals obtained on measuring points 600, 610, 620, 630, 640, 650 within the detailed area A which are transmitted to activation IC E via sensor lines 700, 710, 720, 730, 740, 750.

[0078] The control lines are used to apply or not to apply voltages to the transistor bases in order to select piezoelectric elements 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 or 60, to perform charging or discharging procedures of single or several piezoelectric elements 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, or 60 by means of opening and closing the corresponding switches as described above. The sensor signals are particularly used to determine the resulting voltage of the piezoelectric elements 10, 20 and 30, and 40, 50 and 60, respectively, from measuring points 600, 610 and the charging and discharging currents from measuring point 620.

[0079] As is indicated in FIG. 3, the control unit D and the activation IC E are connected to each other by means of a parallel bus 840 and additionally by means of a serial bus 850. The parallel bus 840 is particularly used for fast transmission of control signals from control unit D to the activation IC E, whereas the serial bus 850 is used for slower data transfer.

[0080] In FIG. 5 some components are indicated, which the activation IC E comprises: a logic circuit 800, RAM memory 810, digital to analog converter system 820 and comparator system 830. Furthermore, it is indicated that the fast parallel bus 840 (used for control signals) is connected to the logic circuit 800 of the activation IC E, whereas the slower serial bus 850 is connected to the RAM memory 810. The logic circuit 800 is connected to the RAM memory 810, to the comparator system 830 and to the signal lines 410, 420, 430, 440, 450 and 460; 510 and 520; 530; 540, 550 and 560. The RAM memory 810 is connected to the logic circuit 800 as well as to the digital to analog converter system 820. The digital to analog converter system 820 is further connected to the comparator system 830. The comparator system 830 is further connected to the sensor lines 700 and 710; 720; 730, 740 and 750 and—as already mentioned—to the logic circuit 800.

[0081] The above listed components may be used in a charging procedure for example as follows:

[0082] By means of the control unit D a particular piezoelectric element 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 or 60 is determined which is to be charged to a certain target voltage. Hence, firstly the value of the target voltage (expressed by a digital number) is transmitted to the RAM memory 810 via the slower serial bus 850. The target voltage can be, for example, the value for U_optused in a main injection. Later or simultaneously, a code corresponding to the particular piezoelectric element 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 or 60 which is to be selected and the address of the desired voltage within the RAM memory 810 is transmitted to the logic circuit 800 via the parallel bus 840. Later on, a strobe signal is sent to the logic circuit 800 via the parallel bus 840 which gives the start signal for the charging procedure.

[0083] The start signal firstly causes the logic circuit 800 to pick up the digital value of the target voltage from the RAM memory 810 and to put it on the digital to analog converter system 820 whereby at one analog exit of the converters 820 the desired voltage occurs. Moreover, said analog exit (not shown) is connected to the comparator system 830. In addition hereto, the logic circuit 800 selects either measuring point 600 (for any of the piezoelectric elements 10, 20 or 30 of the first group G1) or measuring point 610 (for any of the piezoelectric elements 40, 50 or 60 of the second group G2) to the comparator system 830. Resulting thereof, the target voltage and the present voltage at the selected piezoelectric element 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 or 60 are compared by the comparator system 830. The results of the comparison, i.e. the differences between the target voltage and the present voltage, are transmitted to the logic circuit 800. Thereby, the logic circuit 800 can stop the procedure as soon as the target voltage and the present voltage are equal to one another.

[0084] Secondly, the logic circuit 800 applies a control signal to the branch selector switch 11, 21, 31, 41, 51 or 61 which corresponds to any selected piezoelectric element 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 or 60 so that the switch becomes closed (all branch selector switches 11, 21, 31, 41, 51 and 61 are considered to be in an open state before the onset of the charging procedure within the example described).

[0085] According to the present invention, logic circuit 800 waits for a predetermined time interval in order to monitor for short circuit currents through piezoelectric shunt resistor 300 via measuring point 620. If logic circuit 800 detects a current through shunt resistor 300 that is greater than a predetermined maximum, then logic circuit 800 generates an error signal and discontinues cycling of the piezoelectric elements 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60. The error signal is recorded as an entry in an error memory of the activation IC E or the control unit D.

[0086] If no short circuit errors are detected, the logic circuit 800 applies a control signal to the charging switch 220 so that the switch becomes closed. Furthermore, the logic circuit 800 starts (or continues) measuring any currents occurring on measuring point 620. Hereto, the measured currents are compared to any predefined maximum value by the comparator system 830. As soon as the predefined maximum value is achieved by the detected currents, the logic circuit 800 causes the charging switch 220 to open again.

[0087] Again, the remaining currents at measuring point 620 are detected and compared to any predefined minimum value. As soon as said predefined minimum value is achieved, the logic circuit 800 causes the charging switch 220 to close again and the procedure starts once again.

[0088] The closing and opening of the charging switch 220 is repeated as long as the detected voltage at measuring point 600 or 610 is below the target voltage. As soon as the target voltage is achieved, the logic circuit stops the continuation of the procedure.

[0089] The discharging procedure takes place in a corresponding way: Now the selection of the piezoelectric element 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 or 60 is obtained by means of the group selector switches 310, 320. Again, according to the present invention, logic circuit 800 waits for a predetermined time interval, as in the charging phase, in order to monitor for short circuit currents through piezoelectric shunt resistor 300 via measuring point 620. If logic circuit 800 detects a current through shunt resistor 300 that is greater than a predetermined maximum, then logic circuit 800 generates an error signal and discontinues cycling of the piezoelectric elements 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60. The error signal is recorded as an entry in an error memory of the activation IC E or the control unit D.

[0090] If no short circuit error is found, the discharging switch 230 instead of the charging switch 220 is opened and closed and a predefined minimum target voltage is achieved.

[0091] The timing of the charging and discharging operations and the holding of voltage levels in the piezoelectric elements 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 or 60, as for example, the time of a main injection, can be according to a valve stroke, as shown, for example, in FIG. 2.

[0092] It is to be understood that the above given description of the way charging or discharging procedures take place are exemplary only. Hence, any other procedure which utilizes the above described circuits or other circuits might match any desired purpose and any corresponding procedure may be used in place of the above described example.

[0093] The target voltages for activating the piezoelectric actuators are stored in RAM memory 810.

[0094] The values can change as a function of operating characteristics of the fuel injection system, such as, for example, fuel pressure, as fully described in the co-pending application Ser. No. 09/824,154 ‘Method and Apparatus for Charging a Piezoelectric Element’, filed on even date herewith. Thus, the values stored in the RAM memory 810 include delta values added to or subtracted from the set initial voltages, as a function of measured fuel pressure, as described in that co-pending application. The stored target voltages can also be modified and continuously optimized as described in the co-pending application Ser. No. 09/829,081 ‘Online Optimization of Injection Systems Having Piezoelectric Elements’, filed on same date herewith.

[0095] Thus, the present invention for detecting a short circuit to battery voltage while driving the piezoelectric elements can be readily implemented using the embodiment described above. As discussed above, the present invention detects a short circuit to battery ground by monitoring the current through piezoelectric shunt resistor 300 during a predetermined interval between the closing of switches (i.e. branch selector switches 11, 21, 31, 41, 51, and 61 and group selector switches 310 and 320) to select a piezoelectric element and the closing of switches (i.e. charging and discharging switches 220 and 230) to select a charging or discharging operation of the current detected via measuring point 620 through resistor 300 is greater than a predetermined minimum an error signal is generated. The error signal can be used to create an error memory in the activation IC E or control unit D.

[0096] When a short circuit error signal causes the charging and discharging cycle to stop, it is important to ensure that any piezoelectric elements 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 or 60 that have been unintentionally charged be completely discharged. Therefore, after detecting a short circuit and stopping the driving cycle, activation IC E causes the stop switch 331 and group selector switches 310 and 320 to close for a predetermined period of time to ensure that the any charged piezoelectric elements are fully discharged.