초록 ▼

Electronic controls for compression release engine retarders of internal combustion engines which provide electronic signals to control hydraulic valves assembled in the hydraulic actuators of the retarders, to open engine exhaust valves to provide compression release events. The electronic controls

Electronic controls for compression release engine retarders of internal combustion engines which provide electronic signals to control hydraulic valves assembled in the hydraulic actuators of the retarders, to open engine exhaust valves to provide compression release events. The electronic controls may produce signals for both opening and/or closing the controlled valves. The electronic controls may monitor various engine operating conditions and/or parameters with one or more sensors distributed in the engine and vehicle in which the engine is installed. The timing of valve actuation, particularly that for compression release events, can be automatically modified responsive to the level of engine operating conditions and parameters. Various operating routines for the electronic controls are also disclosed.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A method of controlling a means for selectively actuating a valve, said valve providing communication between an internal combustion engine exhaust manifold and a cylinder, so that a desired predetermined compression release valve event may be achieved, the method comprising the st

[ We claim:] [1.] A method of controlling a means for selectively actuating a valve, said valve providing communication between an internal combustion engine exhaust manifold and a cylinder, so that a desired predetermined compression release valve event may be achieved, the method comprising the steps of:sensing, during engine braking, one or more engine parameters selected from the group consisting of: a cylinder temperature, an exhaust manifold pressure, and the pressure of a hydraulic source in communication with said means for selectively actuating the valve;determining, for an engine exhibiting the one or more of said sensed engine parameters, one or more desired valve event parameters selected from the group consisting of: a valve opening time, a valve closing time, and a valve lift; andactuating said valve in accordance with said one or more valve event parameters.