초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for controlling a solenoid-operated valve element are provided. The valve element is movable between first and second end positions, and is urgable toward the first end position by magnetic attraction caused by activation of the solenoid and is normally urged toward the second

A method and apparatus for controlling a solenoid-operated valve element are provided. The valve element is movable between first and second end positions, and is urgable toward the first end position by magnetic attraction caused by activation of the solenoid and is normally urged toward the second end position. The method further enables detection of the time at which the valve element returns to the second end position from the first end position after deactivation of the solenoid. The method includes activating the solenoid by sending current from a current source through the solenoid to urge the valve element to the first end position, deactivating the solenoid by disconnecting the solenoid from the current source so that the valve element is urged toward the second end position, reconnecting the second end of the solenoid to the second pole of the current source a predetermined time after the solenoid is deactivated such that remaining energy in the solenoid generates a measuring current, and measuring the measuring current to detect a first predetermined characteristic change in the measuring current which occurs when the valve element has returned to the second end position.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A method for controlling a solenoid-operated valve element, the valve element being movable between first and second end positions, the valve element being urgable toward the first end position by magnetic attraction caused by activation of the solenoid and being normally urged tow

[ We claim:] [1.] A method for controlling a solenoid-operated valve element, the valve element being movable between first and second end positions, the valve element being urgable toward the first end position by magnetic attraction caused by activation of the solenoid and being normally urged toward the second end position, and the method being further for detecting the time at which the valve element returns to the second end position from the first end position after deactivation of the solenoid, the method comprising the steps of:activating the solenoid by connecting a first end of the solenoid to a first pole of a current source and connecting a second end of the solenoid to a second pole of the current source for sending current from the current source through the solenoid for urging the valve element to the first end position;deactivating the solenoid by disconnecting the solenoid from the poles of the current source for permitting the valve element to be urged toward the second end position;reconnecting the second end of the solenoid to the second pole of the current source a first predetermined time after the solenoid is deactivated such that remaining energy in the solenoid generates a measuring current; andmeasuring the measuring current to detect a first predetermined characteristic change in the measuring current which occurs when the valve element has returned to the second end position.