DE102017002203A1 - Method for operating a metering device of an internal combustion engine for a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a metering device (38) of an internal combustion engine (10) designed for driving a motor vehicle, which has at least one combustion chamber (14a-d) which can be supplied with a fuel for operating the internal combustion engine (10) and with combustion air in which by means of the metering device (38) a different from the fuel cooling medium (40) for cooling the combustion air can be introduced, wherein at least a portion of the metering device (38) with respect to the cooling medium (40) is emptied, one on the emptying of the portion following time for filling the portion with the cooling medium (40) is determined predictively.

Description

The invention relates to a method for operating a metering device of an internal combustion engine designed for driving a motor vehicle according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

Such a method for operating a metering device of an internal combustion engine designed to drive a motor vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, is for example already known DE 10 2014 204 509 A1 to be known as known. The internal combustion engine has at least one, for example, designed as a cylinder combustion chamber, which can be supplied with air and a fuel, in particular a liquid fuel for operating the internal combustion engine. The air is also referred to as combustion air and forms, for example, with the fuel in the combustion chamber, a fuel-air mixture, which can be burned. In this case, a different cooling medium for cooling the combustion air by means of the metering device can be introduced into the combustion air. As part of the method, at least a portion of the metering device is emptied with respect to the cooling medium. This means that the cooling medium or a part of the cooling medium is initially arranged or accommodated in the subregion. As a result of the emptying of the partial area, the cooling medium is no longer arranged in the partial area, so that, for example, the partial area is free of the cooling medium. The emptying takes place, for example, in that the cooling medium is conveyed out of the partial area.

Furthermore, the DE 10 2012 207 904 A1 a method for suppressing occurring before an ignition pre-ignition in a space of an internal combustion engine.

In addition, the disclosed DE 10 2006 054 226 A1 a motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine, in particular a diesel engine, and at least one heat transfer device. In this case, a device for the extraction, storage and / or use of water to reduce pollutant emissions is connected to the heat transfer device. Also the DE 10 2014 222 461 A1 , the DE 601 14 716 T2 , the EP 2 789 839 A1 , the DE 10 2006 045 422 A1 and the EP 3 029 301 A1 reveal corresponding internal combustion engines.

Object of the present invention is to develop a method of the type mentioned in such a way that a particularly advantageous operational readiness of the metering device can be realized.

This object is achieved by a method having the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments with expedient developments of the invention are specified in the remaining claims.

In order to further develop a method of the type indicated in the preamble of patent claim 1 such that a particularly advantageous operational readiness of the metering device, also referred to as a system or injection system, can be realized, it is provided according to the invention that a time subsequent to the emptying of the partial area for filling the partial area is determined predictively with the cooling medium. The time is thus a point in time at which the partial area is filled with the cooling medium or should be filled, in order to be able to realize a particularly advantageous operation and in particular an advantageous operational readiness of the dosing device. By the predictive determination of the time, it is to be understood that the time, which is also referred to as the first time, is determined at a second time different from the first time, which is earlier in time than the first time. Based on the second time, the first time at which at least the partial area is filled with the cooling medium or should be filled, a future date.

The metering device is also referred to as an injection system, water injection system, metering system, injection system or system, wherein for example an advantageous frost protection of the metering device can be ensured by emptying the partial region. In other words, the emptying of the partial area is carried out, for example, in order to avoid freezing of cooling medium accommodated in the partial area, which can lead to damage or impairment of the operational readiness of the metering device. In this case, the subregion comprises, for example, at least one introduction element for, in particular direct, introduction, in particular injection, of the cooling medium, preferably in the form of a liquid or liquid mixture, into the combustion air, in particular into the combustion chamber formed, for example, as a cylinder. Furthermore, the subregion may alternatively or additionally comprise at least one conduit, by means of which, for example, the cooling medium can be conducted from a reservoir for receiving and at least temporarily storing the cooling medium to the introduction element. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the emptying of the sub-area, which alternatively or additionally the aforementioned and also Reservoir referred to as tank, resulting from the normal operation of the metering device. In the context of normal operation, cooling medium is conveyed from the reservoir through the line to the introduction element, for example, by means of a pump, also referred to as a conveyor, whereby the reservoir is at least partially emptied with respect to the cooling medium. In this case, for example, in the context of filling the portion, in particular of the reservoir, a filling of the portion from the outside, for example, a person from the outside, in particular via a filler neck, new cooling medium in the sub-area, in particular in the reservoir, fills.

As part of the evacuation of the sub-area caused by antifreeze reasons, for example, the cooling medium is conveyed by means of the pump from the sub-area, in particular from the line, and in particular promoted back into the reservoir. As part of the filling, in particular a refilling, of the sub-area, for example, the cooling medium by means of the pump from the reservoir back into the sub-area, in particular in the line promoted. By the predictive determination or determination of the time for filling the portion of the metering device, a particularly advantageous and needs-based filling of the sub-area can be realized so that a particularly advantageous operation, in particular a particularly advantageous operational readiness of the metering device can be represented.

The invention is based in particular on the following finding: Due to the unbroken trend of downsizing to reduce the CO ₂ emissions of motor vehicles, in particular passenger cars, with internal combustion engine drive, the specific torque and the specific power of, for example, gasoline engines designed internal combustion engines continue to rise at. This is made possible, inter alia, by charging the internal combustion engine, which is equipped, for example, with direct fuel injection, which is also referred to as an internal combustion engine or engine. The charging takes place for example by means of at least one exhaust gas turbocharger. The charging is to be understood that the combustion air supplied to the combustion chamber, which is designed, for example, as a cylinder, is compressed by means of at least one compressor. The compressor is for example part of an exhaust gas turbocharger of the internal combustion engine, wherein the compressed air is also referred to as charge air.

In order to achieve a favorable efficiency - and thus a low fuel consumption - in the charged operation, the engine should be operated with a favorable combustion center. For this purpose, an effective cooling of the compressed air is of particular importance, which is becoming increasingly important due to the pursuit of increasing the compression ratio with the aim of further improving fuel consumption. In addition, the representable maximum torque - especially at higher engine speed - limited by component-specific limit temperatures. This results in addition to the possibility to move the focus of combustion in the direction of early - if possible - a need for additional cooling measures.

Both with increasing specific torque and increasing specific power of the engine as well as by increasing the compression ratio of the cooling demand of the compressed air and / or the combustion chamber continues to increase. In current, designed for example as gasoline engines internal combustion engines, the cooling of the charge air takes place by means of at least one intercooler, which is flowed through by the compressed air and this thus withdraws heat. The latter is then discharged from a heat exchanger directly to the environment or to a coolant flowing through the heat exchanger, in particular a low-temperature circuit. It is therefore distinguished between the so-called direct or indirect charge air cooling.

Exceeding component-specific limit temperatures at high loads is prevented today by an enrichment of the fuel-air mixture. Due to the lack of oxygen, the additionally injected fuel for cooling purposes leads to increased pollutant emissions, which are to be regarded as critical, in particular by the future exhaust emission legislation with regard to RDE (Real-Driving-Emissions). One alternative known today is the use of higher-grade materials or the use of optimized cooling devices on the hot side of the internal combustion engine. Such cooling measures include, for example, a cooled exhaust manifold and / or a cooled turbine housing of the exhaust gas turbocharger and / or at least one further measure.

Another, very effective way to cool the combustion air and to lower the process temperature is the injection of the aforementioned cooling medium in the example compressed combustion air. By this, basically already known measure the combustion air by the high specific heat capacity and the evaporation of the cooling medium heat withdrawn. In addition to reducing the risk of knocking combustion can also respond to any pre-ignition or prevent it, as for example in of the DE 10 2012 207 904 A1 is described. Possible strategies with the focus of direct injection of the cooling medium into the combustion chamber, which could be expedient for a vehicle application, can be advantageously implemented. Furthermore, it is conceivable to inject the cooling medium into the combustion air during a superstoichiometric operation of the engine, in particular to inject it directly into the combustion chamber. Further, a method for on-board recovery of water as the cooling medium is conceivable, which is introduced into the combustion air, in particular injected directly into the combustion chamber, is. If no or only a small amount of cooling medium is obtained, a refilling of the metering device, in particular of the aforementioned reservoir, with cooling medium is required.

According to the current state of the art and taking into account the aforementioned methods and measures is suitable as the cooling medium in particular water or a water mixture, that is, a mixture which comprises at least water. When using water, there is a greater or lesser risk of biocontamination, depending on factors such as water quality, light incidence, temperature, etc., which could result in failure of the system. For frost protection reasons, the metering device can be provided with a heater on or in the reservoir, wherein the heater is realized for example by a cooling system for cooling the internal combustion engine. Of the DE 10 2014 204 509 A1 Such a device is already known to be known. Furthermore, for example, the cooling medium formed in particular as water can be protected against biocontamination by heating, wherein the water is heated, for example, by means of a, in particular of the reservoir, integrated heating device.

Significant problems with the use of water as the cooling medium were the availability and thus the operational readiness as well as the frost resistance of the system and the frost resistance of all system components. Freezing of components that are not appropriately designed or parts of the system can thus lead to damage and, as a result, failure of the entire system.

In current, produced in mass production and designed, for example, as gasoline engines internal combustion engines currently no system for injecting a cooling medium, in particular water, is used in the combustion air. However, use of such systems is to be expected in the near future, since small series are already being offered with corresponding systems.

An effective measure for protecting the system from damage due to the freezing of the cooling medium is the use of a corresponding emulsion as the cooling medium, as practiced for example in the field of windscreen cleaning system. The emulsion is designed so that it only solidifies at temperatures that are significantly lower than 0 degrees Celsius. In the SCR technology of a motor vehicle with diesel engine drive, an emulsion is used, which solidifies only at temperatures of -11 degrees Celsius. In order to protect all components from frost damage at lower outside temperatures, the emulsion is conveyed back, for example, by a backward-conveying delivery unit into a tank which is designed to be frost-proof. For this purpose, for example, a trained for introducing the emulsion or the cooling medium into the exhaust gas or in the combustion air and also referred to as Gemischbildner Einbringelement energized, that is supplied with electricity and thereby actuated, thus aeration of the system with gas, in particular with air, too cause. By conveying back the example, liquid emulsion or the example liquid cooling medium and aerating the system with gas, in particular to the tank or to the reservoir, it is ensured that at least the Gemischbildner or possibly provided, several Gemischbildner of the system at low temperatures no damage or take.

For a water injection system of a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car, with ottomotorischem drive is a similar to this SCR technology measure into consideration. The problem in this regard is that usually a large number of mixture forming or Einbringelementen is provided so that the number of insertion elements is substantially greater than 2 and usually corresponds to the number of combustion chambers or cylinders. Furthermore, the Einbringelemente are often installed with their injector tip down. Consequently, in a return conveyance of the cooling medium, a remainder of the cooling medium can remain in mixture formers and / or in a distribution element, for example, which connects the mixture former, which is also referred to as a rail, and lead to damage upon solidification. The mixture forming agents are supplied with the cooling medium via the distribution element which is common to the mixture formers. Furthermore, a frost-proof design of the reservoir for storing the cooling medium is possible.

One conceivable method for protecting the water injection system in the event of frost is, for example, to empty at least the subarea or components of the system, so that a Solidification of the cooling medium can be prevented within critical components of the system. This requires a particularly always functioning and complete emptying. Preferably, the filling, in particular refilling, of the portion of the metering device is preferably coupled to a consumption of the cooling medium and its available remaining amount in the reservoir and, for example, to a recorded in a fuel tank residual amount of fuel also referred to as a primary fuel or a refill of the primary fuel to the number to be able to keep particularly low on required filling operations.

In particular, the point in time is a point in time at which the filling, in particular refilling, of at least the subarea is started or started. Furthermore, the point in time may be a point in time at which at least the partial area, in particular from the outside, should be refilled with cooling medium. At the time is, for example, a time for information output, wherein at the time, for example, in the interior of the motor vehicle at least one visually and / or acoustically and / or haptic perceptible indication signal is output to indicate, for example, the driver of the motor vehicle that at least the Part area, in particular the reservoir, should be filled with cooling medium.

• - die Befüllung sollte nicht zu früh erfolgen, um ein anschließendes Entleeren zu vermeiden;
• - die Befüllung sollte bei laufender Verbrennungskraftmaschine erfolgen;
• - die Befüllung des Teilbereichs, insbesondere des Reservoirs, sollte bedarfsgerecht in so großen Zeitabständen wie möglich erfolgen und nach Möglichkeit zeitgleich mit dem Nachfüllen des Kraftstofftanks zum Aufnehmen des Primärkraftstoffs durchgeführt werden.

Since the time is determined predictively, the method or the determination of the time is based on a prediction. In the context of such a prediction based method - for example, the exhaust aftertreatment of diesel engines, as in DE 10 2014 215 052 A1 is described or with respect to the operating strategy for vehicles with electrical, in particular partially electric, drive, as described for example in the DE 10 2014 004 817 A1 is described - one speaks of a so-called Most Probable Path application or an electronic time horizon. Possible criteria for the predictive determination of the appropriate time to start the filling or to issue the warning signal are:

• - filling should not take place too early to avoid subsequent emptying;
• - filling should be done while the internal combustion engine is running;
• - The filling of the sub-area, in particular of the reservoir, should be carried out as needed at as large a time interval as possible and if possible carried out simultaneously with the refilling of the fuel tank for receiving the primary fuel.

With the aid of the method according to the invention, the cooling requirement can be predictively predicted by means of the introduction of the cooling medium on the basis of a load profile of the internal combustion engine predicted using environmental parameters and / or environmental parameters affecting the load profile, so that the system or partial area is filled at a favorable time can.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment and from the drawing. The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or in the figures alone can be used not only in the respectively specified combination but also in other combinations or in isolation, without the scope of To leave invention.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung einer Verbrennungskraftmaschine, welche zum Durchführen eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens ausgebildet ist;
• 2 ein Flussdiagramm zum Veranschaulichen zumindest eines Teils des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens;
• 3 ein Flussdiagramm zum Veranschaulichen des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens; und
• 4 ein weiteres Flussdiagramm zum Veranschaulichen des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens.

The drawing shows in:

• 1 a schematic representation of an internal combustion engine, which is designed for carrying out a method according to the invention;
• 2 a flowchart for illustrating at least part of the method according to the invention;
• 3 a flowchart illustrating the method according to the invention; and
• 4 a further flowchart for illustrating the method according to the invention.

In the figures, the same or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

1 shows a schematic representation of a generally designated 10 internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, which by means of the internal combustion engine 10 is drivable. The motor vehicle is designed in particular as a motor vehicle and, for example, as a passenger car. The internal combustion engine 10 is also referred to as an engine, internal combustion engine or internal combustion engine and is designed for example as a gasoline engine. The internal combustion engine 10 comprises a cylinder housing designed as a cylinder crankcase, for example 12 , by which at least one, for example, designed as a cylinder combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine 10 is formed. At the in 1 illustrated embodiment are by the cylinder housing 12 four as a cylinder 14a-d trained combustion chambers formed with combustion air and a fuel for operating the internal combustion engine 10 are available. During a fired operation of the internal combustion engine 10 become the combustion air and the preferably liquid fuel for operating the internal combustion engine 10 in the respective cylinder 14a-d introduced so that in the respective cylinder 14a-d a fuel-air mixture is created. In particular, the internal combustion engine 10 or the motor vehicle at least one fuel tank for receiving the fuel, which is also referred to as primary fuel, for operating the internal combustion engine 10 on.

In this case, the internal combustion engine 10 one of the combustion air permeable intake tract 16 by means of which the combustion air, which is simply referred to as air, to the and in particular in the cylinder 14a-d is directed. The respective fuel-air mixture is, in particular ignited by means of a spark-ignition device such as a spark plug, and thereby burned, resulting in exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine 10 results. In this case, the internal combustion engine 10 an exhaust gas tract through which the exhaust gas can flow 18 on, by means of which the exhaust gas from the cylinders 14a-d is dissipated.

The internal combustion engine 10 is designed as a supercharged internal combustion engine and for this purpose comprises at least one exhaust gas turbocharger 20 which is one in the exhaust tract 18 arranged and driven by the exhaust turbine 22 and one in the intake tract 16 arranged and to the turbine 22 drivable compressor 24 includes. By means of the compressor 24 becomes the intake tract 16 compressed air flows through, wherein the compressed air is also referred to as charge air. Since the compressor 24 from the turbine 22 is driven, energy contained in the exhaust gas is used to compress the air. In 1 illustrates an arrow 26 the inflow into the intake 16 and the intake tract 16 air flowing through. In the flow direction of the intake tract 16 flowing air is upstream of the compressor 24 an air filter 28 arranged, by means of which the intake tract 16 air flowing through is filtered.

By compressing the air, it is heated. In order to still be able to realize a particularly high degree of supercharging, is in the intake 16 downstream of the compressor 24 one as intercooler 30 formed cooling device provided by means of which the compressed and thus heated air is cooled. Further, in the intake tract 16 and in the present case downstream of the intercooler 30 an example designed as a throttle valve element 32 provided or arranged, by means of which a quantity of the intake tract 16 flowing air is adjustable. In the exhaust tract 18 is in the flow direction of the exhaust tract 18 flowing exhaust gas downstream of the turbine 22 at least one exhaust aftertreatment device 34 arranged, by means of which the exhaust gas is treated. Also illustrated in 1 an arrow 36 that the exhaust tract 18 flowing exhaust gas. The internal combustion engine 10 also has a metering device 38 which is also referred to as a system, injection system or injection system. The metering device 38 is - as will be explained in more detail below - designed to be different from the fuel and preferably liquid cooling medium 40 for injecting the combustion air into the combustion air to introduce, in particular inject.

Out 1 it can be seen that the respective cylinder 14a-d an injector 42 is assigned, by means of which the fuel for operating the internal combustion engine in the respective cylinder 14a-d einbringbar, in particular directly injectable, is. The metering device 38 includes at the in 1 illustrated embodiment per cylinder 14a-d one from the respective injector 42 different, additionally provided further injector 44 , by means of which the cooling medium 40 into the combustion air can be introduced, in particular injectable, is. The respective injector 42 respectively 44 is for example also referred to as Gemischbildner or Einbringelement. Here is the respective injector 42 in the respective cylinder 14a-d positioned so that a direct fuel injection is shown. The respective injector 44 is upstream of the respective cylinder 14a-d arranged so that by means of the respective injector 44 the cooling medium 40 at an upstream of the respective cylinder 14a-d arranged point is injected into the combustion air or is injected.

The metering device 38 includes a tank 46 , which is also referred to as a reservoir and at least one receiving space 48 in which the cooling medium 40 recorded or is receivable. In addition, the metering device includes 38 cables 50 and 52 over which the injectors 44 fluidly with the tank 46 or with the recording room 48 are connected. This can be done first in the tank 46 recorded cooling medium 40 via lines 50 and 52 to the injectors 44 be guided so that the injectors 44 over the wires 50 and 52 with the cooling medium 40 from the tank 46 are available. In addition, the metering device includes 38 a pump, also referred to as a conveyor 54 , by means of which, for example, the cooling medium 40 in a first conveying direction of the tank 46 to the injectors 44 can be promoted or promoted. Preferably, the pump 54 adapted to the cooling medium in a second conveying direction opposite to the first conveying direction and thereby for example by the injectors 44 in the recording room 48 or to the tank 46 to promote.

At the cooling medium 40 For example, it is water. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the cooling medium 40 is a mixture comprising, for example, at least water. The first in the tank 46 recorded cooling medium 40 for example, from the pump 54 sucked and in the first direction of delivery to the injectors 44 promoted. In this case, the metering device comprises 38 for example, the injectors 44 common distribution element 56 , which is also referred to as Rail. In the injectors 44 common distribution element 56 For example, the cooling medium 40 be absorbed with a pressure, the first in the distribution element 56 recorded cooling medium 40 by means of the distribution element 56 on the injectors 44 can be distributed. From the distribution element 56 from the formed, for example, as water cooling medium to the injectors formed as Gemischbildner 44 distributed and introduced by the same in the combustion air. Especially in map areas high engine load, the cooling medium 40 by means of injectors 44 introduced into the combustion air, in particular injected.

Further, another is the injectors 42 common distribution element 57 assigned, in which the fuel for operating the internal combustion engine 10 is absorbable with a pressure. By means of the distribution element 57 the fuel is on the injectors 42 distributed by which then the fuel with the pressure in the cylinder 14a-d introduced, in particular directly injected, can be or will.

The internal combustion engine 10 further includes a tank 46 assigned and formed for example as a heater or heater tempering 58 which at least one heat exchanger 60 having. The heat exchanger 60 is at least partially, in particular at least predominantly, at or in the tank 46 and in particular in the recording room 48 arranged. The heat exchanger 60 is, for example, in a circuit designed in particular as a cooling circuit 61 the internal combustion engine 10 arranged, with the circulation 61 can be flowed through by a coolant. The coolant is preferably a cooling fluid, in particular cooling water. By means of the cycle 61 , in particular by means of the circulation 61 flowing coolant, the internal combustion engine 10 , in particular the cylinder housing 12, cooled. This cooling takes place by a heat transfer, in the context of which heat from the cylinder housing 12 to the cylinder housing 12 passing coolant passes. This will cause the cylinder housing 12 cooled, wherein the coolant is heated. In the flow direction of the circulation 61 flowing through the coolant, for example, the heat exchanger 60 downstream of the cylinder housing 12 arranged so that the heat exchanger 60 can be flowed through by the heated as a result of said heat transfer coolant. This can do that in the tank 46 , especially the recording room 48 , recorded cooling medium 40 over the heat exchanger 60 by means of the heat exchanger 60 flowing coolant through a heat transfer from the heated coolant through the heat exchanger 60 to that in the tank 46 recorded cooling medium 40 he follows.

To the cooling medium 40 from the tank 46 to the injectors 44 To promote, the pump 54 operated in a first operating state in which the cooling medium 40 from the tank 46 to the injectors 44 in one by an arrow 62 is promoted. The pump 54 is also operable in a different from the first operating state, the second operating state in which by means of the pump 54 a return of the cooling medium 40 is realized. As part of this return promotion, the cooling medium 40 in one of the first conveying direction opposite, in 1 through an arrow 64 illustrated and also referred to as the return direction second conveying direction promoted while the injectors 44 carried away and especially in the tank 46 or in the recording room 48 promoted. As a result, at least a portion of the metering device, also referred to as a system or injection system, in particular a water injection system, can be used 38 from the cooling medium 40 or with respect to the cooling medium 40 be emptied, so that the cooling medium 40 , which was previously arranged in said portion, not disposed in said portion and thus can not freeze in said portion and thus cause no damage.

The concerning the cooling medium 40 emptiable portion of the metering device 38 includes, for example, at least the injectors 44 and / or the line 50 and / or the line 52 and / or the pump 54 and / or the tank 46 , The Tank 46 is emptied, for example, in the first operating state, wherein the cooling medium 40 by means of the pump 54 to the injectors 44 promoted and by means of injectors 44 is introduced into the combustion air. This will initially be in the tank 46 absorbed cooling medium 40 consumed, so the tank 46 at least partially with respect to the cooling medium 40 is emptied.

At the in 1 illustrated embodiment is the internal combustion engine 10 designed as a four-cylinder gasoline engine. The combustion air is also called fresh air. For example, at least two gas exchange valves per cylinder 14a-d are provided, via which the fresh air into the respective cylinder 14a-d arrives. In addition, for example, at least two further gas exchange valves designed as exhaust valves are provided per cylinder over which the exhaust gas is expelled and into the exhaust gas tract 18 can flow in.

Now to a particularly advantageous operation of the internal combustion engine 10 and in particular a particularly advantageous operational readiness of the metering device 38 To be able to realize it is within the context of a method for operating the metering device 38 provided that a time subsequent to the emptying of said portion for filling the portion with the cooling medium 40 is determined predictively. In particular, the time for filling the subarea by means of an electronic computing device, not shown in the figures, of the metering device 38 or the internal combustion engine 10 determined predictively.

2 shows a flowchart for illustrating an application for predictive determination and thus for the prediction of said time at which, for example, the refilling is started or to which, for example, in the interior of the motor vehicle, a warning signal is issued, thereby indicating to the driver of the motor vehicle, that at least the sub-area, in particular the tank 46 , should be filled with new cooling medium. For example, the time is determined depending on different parameters. For example, using in-vehicle sensors, navigation and communication systems become environmental parameters 66 detected. Such an environmental parameter is, for example, a parameter which characterizes at least a portion of the surroundings of the motor vehicle. To the environmental parameters 66 For example, the outside temperature, the current location of the motor vehicle, another route ahead of the motor vehicle, and boundary conditions such as speed limits, gradients, gradients, possible traffic delays or traffic situations, wind force and wind direction. Non-current parameters are referred to below as the electronic horizon. While the prediction of the electronic horizon based on an active route planning of the driver of the motor vehicle by a navigation system is relatively simple, the prediction can alternatively or additionally be carried out on the basis of a statistical analysis of the traffic situation and / or on the basis of recorded usage data with appropriately stored probabilities. In this regard, the daily route to work and / or the preferred use of major roads in comparison to detouring secondary roads are mentioned as examples.

Further, vehicle parameters 68 taken into account in the determination of the time. Here are the vehicle parameters 68 For example, stored in a motor control or in the aforementioned electronic computing device.

The environmental parameters 66 and the vehicle parameters 68 are, for example, input variables on the basis of which the favorable point in time at which the filling of at least the subarea is started is determined. The vehicle parameters 68 include, for example: the mass of the motor vehicle, the load state of the motor vehicle, the air resistance of the motor vehicle and / or a fill level of a fuel tank for storing the fuel and / or a fill level of the tank 46 , Furthermore, the following parameters can be taken into account: the environmental parameters 66, the recognition of the driver of the motor vehicle, a selected driving mode, etc.

The environmental parameters 66 and the vehicle parameters 68 become, for example, a digital processing unit 70 , in particular the electronic computing device, in particular within the engine control, supplied and for estimating a load profile 72 , in particular the internal combustion engine 10 and / or the motor vehicle used. By the load profile 72 becomes, for example, the load 74 the internal combustion engine 10 over time or driving distance 76 described. The load profile 72 includes several load points, for example, for at least part of the load points, in particular for each load point, taking into account different boundary conditions such as driving mode and / or gear on the basis of a stored engine map 78 and on the basis of an exhaust gas temperature model 80 a combustion center position and an exhaust gas temperature can be predicted. The combustion center position and the exhaust gas temperature are output variables 82 , Based on the predicted output variables 82 , which thus represent a prognosis, and based on the environmental parameters 66 For example, a cooling requirement can be achieved 84 determine or deduce which by introducing the cooling medium 40 should be satisfied in the combustion air or can.

3 shows a flow chart for determining the time to fill the system. The determination starts, for example, at a block 86 , In particular, the determination begins with the starting of the motor vehicle by the driver. After the start of the motor vehicle by the driver are at a block 88 the environmental parameters 66 and the vehicle parameters 68 detected. Further, for example, especially at the block 88 or at the block 90 decided whether it might be necessary to fill the system with cooling medium. Further, at the block 90 decided whether the system or at least the sub-area with respect to the cooling medium 40 is emptied. If the system is at least in the sub-area emptied and a filling is necessary, is at a block 92 decided if there is a spontaneous request. If this is not the case, it will be at a block 94 queried whether the route is known, for example, based on an active route planning in the navigation system. In particular, it is queried whether the end of the journey is known. It is ensured at all times that the filling is initiated by the aforementioned spontaneous request. In the case of a known route is at a block 96 decided whether a need to introduce the cooling medium 40 is present in the combustion air. If this is the case, then takes place at a block 98 the filling of the system or at least of the sub-area.

If the route is not known, but a filling may be necessary, takes place at a block 100 a consideration of the electronic horizon, for example according to 2 and in particular on the basis of a must probable path application. On this basis is at a block 102 a decision is made whether the filling is required. If so, the system or subsection is at the block 98 filled. In the other case, the electronic horizon continues to be considered. After filling, for example, at a block 104 decided whether a change of ignition is present, that is, for example, whether the motor vehicle is deactivated or activated. If there is a change of ignition, the procedure becomes one block 106 completed.

For example, after filling the system or the sub-area is monitored whether the system is emptied in the course. If this is the case, it may be necessary to refill it, as indicated by the 3 illustrated query is secured. The flowchart according to 3 illustrates such a filling of at least the portion of the metering device 38, that in the context of the filling at least a portion of the first in the tank 46 recorded cooling medium 40 by means of the pump 54 is conveyed in the first conveying direction, in particular after previously the cooling medium by means of the pump 54 was promoted in the second funding direction.

4 shows a flow or flow chart for determining the time to fill the tank 46 , so in 4 Such filling at least the portion of the metering device 38 is illustrated that cooling medium, in particular from the outside and thereby for example via a filler neck, is filled into the tank 46. This is done, for example, by one person.

The method or the determination of the time point begins at a block 108. In particular, the determination begins at or after the start of the motor vehicle, in particular by the driver. After the start of the determination will be at a block 110 the environmental parameters 66 and the vehicle parameters 68 and decide whether it might be necessary to fill the system.

At a block 112 it is decided whether there is a change of ignition. If this is not the case, then at a block 114 decided whether the route or the end of the ride is known. If this is the case, then at a block 116 decided if there is a need to refill the tank 46 is present. If the route is not known, this question regarding the need for refilling is addressed by looking at the electronic horizon, for example according to 2 , at a block 118 and answered in particular on the basis of a Most Probable Path application.

Should be due to the block 118 at a block 120 show that the refilling or refilling is required, takes place at a block 122 the query whether this refill or refilling before the next stop to refill the fuel tank will be necessary.

If this is true, it is done in one block 124 immediately an informational release, the tank 46 to replenish soon. The information output means that at least one notification signal is output in the interior. The indication signal is, for example, visually and / or acoustically and / or haptically perceptible and indicates the driver of the motor vehicle to point out the tank 46 refill. Is enough one in the tank 46 absorbed residual amount of the cooling medium 40 until the next refueling stop, then at a block 126 decided whether a refueling is detected and the information output is retained until such a refueling stop at the block 126 , for example based on geographic data. Becomes a refueling detected, so follows the block 126 the block 124 , Then the process ends at a block 128 ,

Overall, it can be seen that the method allows the determination of an advantageous time for filling the system. By determining the opportune time to fill the system, the same can be carried out particularly efficiently and effectively protected against frost damage. In addition, unnecessary filling operations are avoided. Furthermore, the determination of the time to reservoir filling allows long time intervals between the filling operations. Furthermore, further advantages can be realized: cost-effective implementation and reduction of the number of liquid fillings (system and tank 46 ).

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

Internal combustion engine

12

cylinder housing

14a-d

cylinder

16

intake system

18

exhaust tract

20

turbocharger

22

turbine

24

compressor

26

arrow

28

air filter

30

Intercooler

32

valve element

34

exhaust treatment device

36

arrow

38

metering

40

cooling medium

42

injector

44

injector

46

tank

48

accommodation space

50

management

52

management

54

pump

56

distribution element

57

distribution element

58

tempering

60

heat exchangers

61

circulation

62

arrow

64

arrow

66

environmental parameters

68

vehicle parameters

70

processing unit

72

load profile

74

load

76

Time or distance

78

Engine map

80

Exhaust gas temperature model

82

outputs

84

cooling requirements

86

block

88

block

90

block

92

buck

94

block

96

block

98

block

100

block

102

block

104

block

106

block

108

block

110

block

112

block

114

block

116

block

118

block

120

block

122

block

124

block

126

block

128

block

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102014204509 A1 [0002, 0015]
• DE 102012207904 A1 [0003, 0014]
• DE 102006054226 A1 [0004]
• DE 102014222461 A1 [0004]
• DE 60114716 T2 [0004]
• EP 2789839 A1 [0004]
• DE 102006045422 A1 [0004]
• EP 3029301 A1 [0004]
• DE 102014215052 A1 [0022]
• DE 102014004817 A1 [0022]

Claims (5)

Method for operating a metering device (38) of an internal combustion engine (10) designed for driving a motor vehicle, which has at least one combustion chamber (14a-d), which can be supplied with a fuel for operating the internal combustion engine (10) and with combustion air, into which the metering device (38) is a different cooling medium (40) for cooling the combustion air can be introduced, wherein at least a portion of the metering device (38) with respect to the cooling medium (40) is emptied, characterized in that following the emptying of the portion Time for filling the portion with the cooling medium (40) is determined predictively. Method according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the at least the partial area is filled at the time by means of a pump (54), by means of which the cooling medium (40), in particular from a reservoir (46), is conveyed into the partial area. Method according to Claim 2 , characterized in that the cooling medium (40) is conveyed by the pump (54) in a first conveying direction, thereby to empty the partial area with respect to the cooling medium (40), at which time the cooling medium (40) by means of the pump (54 ) is conveyed in a second conveying direction opposite to the first conveying direction, thereby to fill the partial area with the cooling medium (40). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one time signal indicative of the time signal is output in the interior of the motor vehicle. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the time in dependence on a consumption of the cooling medium (40) and / or in dependence on a in a reservoir (46) received residual amount of the cooling medium (40) and / or in dependence on a determined in a fuel tank residual amount of the fuel is determined.

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