JP7618530B2 - Crankshaft phase measuring device, crankshaft phase measuring method, and internal combustion engine control method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a crankshaft phase measurement device, a crankshaft phase measurement method, and a control method for an internal combustion engine.

In internal combustion engines used in automobiles, ships, etc., multiple pistons move by repeatedly taking in, compressing, expelling, and exhausting air. The vertical forces generated by compression and explosion are transmitted to multiple throw sections of the crankshaft and converted into rotational motion. The throw sections are positioned offset from the central axis of rotation of the crankshaft, and fuel efficiency varies depending on the rotation angle of the throw sections (phase of the crankshaft) when fuel is injected into the pistons. For this reason, the fuel injection timing must be controlled with an error of, for example, less than 1 degree.

To control the fuel injection timing, it is necessary to measure the phase of the crankshaft. A known method for measuring the crankshaft phase is to use a crankshaft timing rotor (gear) that is installed coaxially outside the crankshaft and rotates synchronously with the crankshaft (see, for example, JP 2018-123735 A).

In this known method of measuring the crankshaft phase, a signal tooth is provided as a marker on the rotor gear, and the crankshaft phase is determined by detecting the position of this signal tooth.

JP 2018-123735 A

In the above crankshaft phase measurement method, what is actually measured is the phase of the rotor. Therefore, the rotor phase is regarded as the phase of the crankshaft that is directly connected to it, and the phase of each throw is found from the crankshaft structure.

However, in reality, errors occur in the phase of each throw section calculated from the rotor phase due to the effects of torsional vibration of the crankshaft and machining errors. For this reason, a crankshaft phase measurement method with even less error is required to improve fuel efficiency.

The present invention was made based on the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide a crankshaft phase measurement device that can accurately measure the phase of the throw section, a crankshaft phase measurement method using this crankshaft phase measurement device, and an internal combustion engine control method using this crankshaft phase measurement method.

The crankshaft phase measurement device according to one aspect of the present invention is a crankshaft phase measurement device that measures the phase of a crankshaft having multiple throw sections, and is equipped with multiple measurement units that measure the phase of each throw section, a collection unit that collects measurement data measured by the multiple measurement units, and an analysis unit that analyzes the measurement data collected by the collection units. A part of the measurement path leading from the throw sections to the collection units has an electrically and mechanically discontinuous part, and the collection units are fixed away from the crankshaft so as not to rotate in synchronization with the crankshaft.

The crankshaft phase measurement device includes a measurement unit that directly measures the phase of the rotating slow section, so that the phase of the slow section can be determined based on the measurement results for each slow section. As a result, the phase of the slow section can be measured while taking into account the effects of torsional vibration and processing errors of the crankshaft, so the crankshaft phase measurement device can measure the phase of the slow section with high accuracy. In addition, the crankshaft phase measurement device has an electrically and mechanically discontinuous part in part of the measurement path from the slow section to the collection unit, and the collection unit is fixed away from the crankshaft so that it does not rotate in sync with the crankshaft. As a result, the measurement data collected by the collection unit can be easily extracted and utilized, making it suitable for use in fuel injection timing control of internal combustion engines.

The multiple throw sections are preferably housed in a hollow crankcase, and the multiple measurement sections are preferably arranged inside the crankcase. By arranging the multiple measurement sections inside the crankcase in this manner, it is possible to eliminate anything that interferes with the measurement between the throw sections and the measurement sections, thereby improving the measurement accuracy of the phase of the throw sections.

It is preferable that the collection unit is disposed outside the crankcase. By disposing the collection unit outside the crankcase in this manner, the measurement data collected by the collection unit can be more easily utilized.

The collection unit may be disposed within the crankcase. By disposing the collection unit within the crankcase, which does not rotate synchronously with the crankshaft, it is possible to easily collect measurement data from the multiple measurement units disposed within the crankcase.

The plurality of measuring units are preferably disposed on the inner surface of the crankcase, and the measuring units and the throw section are preferably electrically and mechanically discontinuous. In this configuration, the plurality of measuring units do not rotate in synchronization with the crankshaft, and detect the rotation of the throw section in a non-contact manner. Therefore, the measuring units and the collecting unit can be connected by a signal line, which is an electrical contact, making it easy to configure the crankshaft phase measuring device.

The measurement unit may include a proximity sensor that identifies the phase of the slow portion. By using a proximity sensor in the measurement unit, the phase of the slow portion can be easily detected in a non-contact manner.

The measuring unit is disposed in the throw section, and the measurement data of the multiple measuring units is configured to be transmitted from the measuring unit to the collecting unit by wireless communication, and the measuring unit and the collecting unit are electrically and mechanically discontinuous. In this configuration, the multiple measuring units detect the rotation of the throw section while rotating in synchronization with the crankshaft, so that the phase of the throw section can be measured continuously. In addition, since wireless communication is used to transmit the measurement data, no complex connection configuration is required between the measuring unit that rotates in synchronization with the crankshaft and the collecting unit that does not rotate in synchronization.

At least a part of the crankshaft protrudes from the crankcase, and the crankshaft further includes a relay unit that relays the collection of the measurement data to the collection unit, the measurement units are arranged in the throw unit, the relay unit is arranged at the protruding end of the crankshaft, and the measurement data is transmitted from the relay unit to the collection unit by wireless communication, and the relay unit and the collection unit are electrically and mechanically discontinuous. In this configuration, the measurement units detect the rotation of the throw unit while rotating in synchronization with the crankshaft, so that the phase of the throw unit can be measured continuously. In addition, since the relay unit rotates in synchronization with the crankshaft, the measurement units and the relay unit can be connected by wire, and the measurement data of the measurement units can be reliably relayed. Furthermore, since the relay unit is arranged at the protruding end of the crankshaft protruding from the crankcase, the crankcase is unlikely to be an obstacle in wireless communication with the collection unit arranged outside the crankcase. Therefore, the collection unit can stably collect the measurement data measured by the measurement units.

The measurement unit may include an acceleration sensor that measures the acceleration at the position where the throw unit is disposed, and a gyro sensor that measures the angular velocity. By using an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor in the measurement unit, the phase of the throw unit can be easily detected in all directions.

A crankshaft phase measurement method according to another embodiment of the present invention is a crankshaft phase measurement method using the crankshaft phase measurement device of the present invention, and includes a measurement step for measuring the phase of each throw section, a collection step for collecting measurement data measured in the measurement step, and an analysis step for analyzing the measurement data collected in the collection step, and in the analysis step, the phase of each throw section is independently determined from the measurement data of that throw section.

This crankshaft phase measurement method uses the crankshaft phase measurement device of the present invention to independently determine the phase of the throw section based on the measurement results for each throw section. Therefore, by using this crankshaft phase measurement method, the phase of the throw section is measured taking into account the effects of torsional vibration of the crankshaft and processing errors, so the phase of the throw section can be measured with high accuracy.

A method for controlling an internal combustion engine according to yet another embodiment of the present invention includes a phase measurement process for measuring the phase of a crankshaft using the crankshaft phase measurement method of the present invention, and a control process for controlling the timing of fuel injection into the engine that drives the crankshaft based on the measurement results of the phase measurement process, and the timing control of the control process is performed independently for each throw section based on the phase analysis results of each throw section.

The internal combustion engine control method controls the fuel injection timing independently for each throw section based on the phase of the throw section, taking into account the effects of torsional vibration and processing errors of the crankshaft measured using the crankshaft phase measurement method of the present invention. Therefore, by using the internal combustion engine control method, it is possible to improve the fuel efficiency of the internal combustion engine.

As described above, the crankshaft phase measurement device and crankshaft phase measurement method of the present invention can measure the phase of the throw section with high accuracy. In addition, the internal combustion engine control method of the present invention uses the crankshaft phase measurement method of the present invention, and can improve the fuel efficiency of the internal combustion engine.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a crankshaft phase measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for measuring crankshaft phase according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a phase analysis method for one throw portion in the analysis step of FIG. FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a control method for an internal combustion engine according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of fuel injection timing in the control process of FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a crankshaft phase measuring device according to an embodiment different from that shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a crankshaft phase measuring device according to an embodiment different from that shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a crankshaft phase measuring device according to an embodiment different from that shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 6 and FIG.

[First embodiment]
Hereinafter, a crankshaft phase measuring device, a crankshaft phase measuring method, and an internal combustion engine control method according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[Crankshaft phase measuring device]
The crankshaft phase measuring device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a device for measuring the phase of a crankshaft X, and includes a measuring unit 10, a collecting unit 20, and an analyzing unit 30.

<Crankshaft>
The crankshaft X has a shaft X1 that constitutes a central axis of rotation and a plurality of throw sections X2.

As shown in FIG. 1, at least a portion of the shaft X1 protrudes from the crankcase Y. In other words, at least a portion of the crankshaft X protrudes from the crankcase Y.

The multiple throw sections X2 are arranged offset from the central axis of rotation. Specifically, the throw section X2 has a pair of crank arms arranged on the central axis of rotation and a crank pin connected between the pair of crank arms and arranged parallel to the central axis of rotation, with the crank pin being in an offset position. In addition, a connecting rod (not shown) is attached to the crank pin and connected to a piston. Although FIG. 1 illustrates an example having five throw sections X2, the number of throw sections X2 is not limited to five.

The multiple throw sections X2 are housed within the hollow crankcase Y. In other words, the throw sections X2 are arranged at intervals from the inner surface of the crankcase Y.

<Measurement section>
The plurality of measuring units 10 measure the phase of each of the slow portions X2. The measuring units 10 are provided in a one-to-one correspondence with each of the slow portions X2, and the number of the measuring units 10 matches the number of the slow portions X2.

The multiple measurement units 10 are arranged inside the crankcase Y. By arranging the multiple measurement units 10 inside the crankcase Y in this manner, it is possible to eliminate anything that interferes with the measurement between the throw section X2 and the measurement units 10, thereby improving the measurement accuracy of the phase of the throw section X2.

In the crankshaft phase measurement device 1, multiple measurement units 10 are arranged on the inner surface of the crankcase Y, and there is electrical and mechanical discontinuity between the measurement units 10 and the throw unit X2. In other words, there is an electrically and mechanically discontinuous portion in a portion of the measurement path from the throw unit X2 to the collection unit 20.

Specifically, the measurement unit 10 is disposed at a distance from the throw section X2 and detects the rotation of the throw section X2 in a non-contact manner. Furthermore, in this configuration, the multiple measurement units 10 do not rotate in synchronization with the crankshaft X. Therefore, the measurement unit 10, collection unit 20, and analysis unit 30 can all be configured not to rotate, making it easy to configure the crankshaft phase measurement device 1.

A proximity sensor, for example, can be used as a means for detecting the rotation of the slow portion X2 in a non-contact manner. In other words, the measurement unit 10 includes a proximity sensor that determines the phase of the slow portion X2. Since the slow portion X2 is positioned offset from the central axis of rotation, the distance between the measurement unit 10 and the slow portion X2 changes depending on the phase of the slow portion X2. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 1, when the measurement unit 10 observes one point of the slow portion X2 (the tip of the arrow in FIG. 1) with a proximity sensor, the distance to the slow portion X2 is shortest at the proximity point X2A. The measurement unit 10 can, for example, determine the passing timing of this proximity point X2A, and can determine the phase of the slow portion X2 starting from the proximity point X2A.

In the crankshaft phase measurement device 1, the measurement unit 10, which is placed on the inner surface of the crankcase Y, and the collection unit 20 (details will be described later), which is placed outside the crankcase Y, are connected by signal lines that are electrical contacts. In this case, even if the crankcase Y is made of metal, the measurement data measured by the measurement unit 10 can be sent to the collection unit 20.

<Collection Department>
The collecting unit 20 collects measurement data measured by the multiple measuring units 10. The collecting unit 20 is fixed away from the crankshaft X so as not to rotate synchronously with the crankshaft X.

In the crankshaft phase measurement device 1, the collection unit 20 is disposed outside the crankcase Y. By disposing the collection unit 20 outside the crankcase Y in this manner, the collection unit 20 is easily accessible, and the measurement data collected by the collection unit 20 can be easily utilized.

<Analysis section>
The analysis unit 30 analyzes the measurement data collected by the collection unit 20. Through the analysis by the analysis unit 30, the phase of each slow portion X2 is determined from the measurement data of that slow portion X2.

The analysis unit 30 is fixed away from the crankshaft X so as not to rotate in synchronization with the crankshaft X, similar to the collection unit 20. The analysis unit 30 can be composed of, for example, a calculation device such as a CPU and a display device. The method for determining the phase of the throw portion X2 will be described later in the explanation of the crankshaft phase measurement method.

The analyzed phase of the slow portion X2 may be displayed on the display device. The analyzed phase of the slow portion X2 is transmitted in real time to, for example, a control unit (not shown) that controls the fuel injection timing to the engine that drives the crankshaft X. Note that "transmitting in real time" includes a case where the transmission operation is performed at a predetermined interval, and the predetermined interval is 0.2 ms or less, preferably 0.1 ms or less.

<Advantages>
The crankshaft phase measurement device 1 includes a measurement unit 10 that directly measures the phase of the rotating slow section X2, and therefore can obtain the phase of the slow section X2 based on the measurement results for each slow section X2. Therefore, the phase of the slow section X2 can be measured while taking into account the effects of torsional vibration and processing errors of the crankshaft X, and the crankshaft phase measurement device 1 can measure the phase of the slow section X2 with high accuracy. Furthermore, the crankshaft phase measurement device 1 has an electrically and mechanically discontinuous portion in a portion of the measurement path from the slow section X2 to the collection unit 20, and the collection unit 20 is fixed away from the crankshaft X so as not to rotate in synchronization with the crankshaft X. Therefore, the measurement data collected by the collection unit 20 can be easily extracted and utilized, and can be suitably used for fuel injection timing control of an internal combustion engine.

[Crankshaft phase measurement method]
The crankshaft phase measuring method shown in Fig. 2 uses the crankshaft phase measuring device 1 shown in Fig. 1. The crankshaft phase measuring method includes a measuring step S11, a collecting step S12, and an analyzing step S13.

<Measurement process>
In the measurement step S11, the phase of each of the throw portions X2 is measured. This step is performed by using the measurement unit 10.

In the crankshaft phase measuring device 1, a proximity sensor is used in the measuring unit 10, so the timing at which the proximity point X2A of the throw section X2 is closest to the measuring unit 10 can be determined. If this timing is taken as the starting point (0°) of the phase, the position of the phase 0° is intermittently extracted, as shown by the circle in Figure 3.

<Collection process>
In the collecting step S12, the measurement data measured in the measuring step S11 is collected. This step is performed by using the collecting unit 20.

In the crankshaft phase measurement device 1, the multiple measurement units 10 and the collection unit 20 are connected by signal lines, which are electrical contacts. The collection unit 20 can collect the measurement data measured by the multiple measurement units 10 via these signal lines.

<Analysis process>
In the analysis step S13, the measurement data collected in the collection step S12 is analyzed. This step is performed by using the analysis unit 30.

Specifically, the procedure is as follows. If we assume that the crankshaft X moves at a constant angular velocity, the analysis unit 30 can estimate the phase of the throw section X2 as shown by the solid line in Figure 3 based on the measurement data (circles in Figure 3).

In this analysis step S13, the phase of each throw section X2 is determined independently from the measurement data of that throw section X2. By determining the phase of each throw section X2 independently, the influence of torsional vibrations of the crankshaft X and processing errors that are superimposed on the measurement results of other throw sections X2 can be minimized.

<Advantages>
The crankshaft phase measuring method uses the crankshaft phase measuring device 1 of the present invention to independently determine the phase of the throw section X2 based on the measurement results of each throw section X2. Therefore, by using the crankshaft phase measuring method, the phase of the throw section X2 is measured taking into account the effects of torsional vibration and processing errors of the crankshaft X, so that the phase of the throw section X2 can be measured with high accuracy.

[Method of controlling an internal combustion engine]
The control method for an internal combustion engine shown in FIG. 4 includes a phase measurement step S1 and a control step S2.

<Phase measurement process>
In the phase measuring step S1, the phase of the crankshaft X is measured. In this phase measuring step S1, the crankshaft phase measuring method of the present invention described above is used, and the phase of each throw portion X2 is determined independently, as shown in Fig. 5. Note that Fig. 5 illustrates a case in which there are five throw portions X2 in accordance with the crankshaft phase measuring device 1 shown in Fig. 1, but the number of throw portions X2 is not limited to five.

<Control process>
In the control step S2, the timing of fuel injection into the engine that drives the crankshaft X is controlled based on the measurement result in the phase measurement step S1.

The timing control of this control process S2 is performed independently for each slow section X2 based on the phase analysis results of each slow section X2. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, fuel injection is performed at timings t1 to t5 at which the phase of each slow section X2 coincides with the optimal phase ψ of fuel injection.

<Advantages>
The control method for an internal combustion engine controls the fuel injection timing independently for each throw portion X2 based on the phase of the throw portion X2 that is measured using the crankshaft phase measurement method of the present invention, taking into account the effects of torsional vibration and processing errors of the crankshaft X. Therefore, by using the control method for an internal combustion engine, it is possible to improve the fuel efficiency of the internal combustion engine.

[Second embodiment]
Hereinafter, a crankshaft phase measurement device and a crankshaft phase measurement method according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that a method of controlling an internal combustion engine using the crankshaft phase measurement device and the crankshaft phase measurement method according to the second embodiment is similar to the method of controlling an internal combustion engine according to the first embodiment, so detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[Crankshaft phase measuring device]
The crankshaft phase measurement device 2 shown in FIG. 6 is a crankshaft phase measurement device that measures the phase of a crankshaft X having a plurality of throw sections X2, and includes a plurality of measurement units 12 that measure the phase of each throw section X2, a collection unit 20 that collects measurement data measured by the plurality of measurement units 12, and an analysis unit 30 that analyzes the measurement data collected by the collection unit 20. A portion of the measurement path from the throw section X2 to the collection unit 20 has an electrically and mechanically discontinuous portion, and the collection unit 20 is fixed away from the crankshaft X so as not to rotate synchronously with the crankshaft X.

The crankshaft phase measuring device 2 shown in FIG. 6 has the same configuration as the crankshaft phase measuring device 1 shown in FIG. 1 except for the measuring unit 12, so the same reference numerals are used and detailed explanations are omitted.

<Measurement section>
In the crankshaft phase measurement device 2, the multiple measurement units 12 are arranged inside the crankcase Y. Specifically, the measurement units 12 are arranged in the throw section X2, and are configured so that measurement data of the multiple measurement units 12 are transmitted from the measurement units 12 to the collection unit 20 by wireless communication, and the measurement units 12 and the collection unit 20 are electrically and mechanically discontinuous.

As a means for measuring the phase of the throw section X2, for example, an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor can be combined and used. That is, the measurement unit 12 includes an acceleration sensor that measures the acceleration at the position where the throw section X2 is disposed, and a gyro sensor that measures the angular velocity. The acceleration sensor and gyro sensor can specify the inclination and position by simultaneously analyzing their outputs. Therefore, by using an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor in the measurement unit 12, the phase of the throw section X2 can be easily detected in all directions.

The position where the measuring unit 12 is disposed is preferably the farthest point from the rotation axis of the crankshaft X of the throw section X2. This farthest point is where the change in acceleration is greatest, making it easier to improve the detection accuracy of the phase of the throw section X2. From the viewpoint of detection accuracy, the measuring unit 12 is also preferably disposed on the side of the connecting rod attached to the crankpin of the throw section X2. Alternatively, the measuring unit 12 may be disposed on the back chamfer of the crankpin.

For the wireless communication, known wireless interfaces such as WiFi and BlueTooth (registered trademark) can be used.

In addition, since the crankshaft phase measurement device 2 performs wireless communication inside and outside the crankcase Y, it is necessary to select a material for the crankcase Y that is capable of wireless communication. Specifically, it is necessary to avoid using metals with a fixed potential.

<Advantages>
In the crankshaft phase measurement device 2, the multiple measurement units 12 detect the rotation of the throw section X2 while rotating in synchronization with the crankshaft X, so that it is possible to continuously measure the phase of the throw section X2. In addition, since wireless communication is used to transmit the measurement data, no complicated connection structure is required between the measurement units 12 that rotate in synchronization with the crankshaft X and the collection unit 20 that does not rotate in synchronization with the crankshaft X.

[Crankshaft phase measurement method]
As shown in FIG. 2, a crankshaft phase measuring method using the crankshaft phase measurement device 2 shown in FIG. 6 includes a measuring step S11 for measuring the phase of each throw section X2, a collecting step S12 for collecting measurement data measured in the measuring step S11, and an analyzing step S13 for analyzing the measurement data collected in the collecting step S12. In the analyzing step S13, the phase of each throw section X2 is independently determined from the measurement data of that throw section X2.

In this crankshaft phase measurement method, the crankshaft phase measurement device 2 shown in FIG. 6 is used, so that the phase of the throw section X2 can be obtained continuously in real time in the measurement step S11. Therefore, in the analysis step S13, it is not necessary to estimate the phase of the throw section X2 based on the measurement data.

Except for the above points, the crankshaft phase measurement method is the same as the crankshaft phase measurement method according to the first embodiment, so further explanation will be omitted.

[Third embodiment]
Hereinafter, a crankshaft phase measurement device according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that a crankshaft phase measurement method and an internal combustion engine control method using the crankshaft phase measurement device according to the third embodiment are similar to the crankshaft phase measurement method and the internal combustion engine control method of the second embodiment, respectively, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[Crankshaft phase measuring device]
The crankshaft phase measurement device 3 shown in FIG. 7 is a crankshaft phase measurement device that measures the phase of a crankshaft X having a plurality of throw sections X2, and includes a plurality of measurement units 12 that measure the phase of each throw section X2, a collection unit 23 that collects measurement data measured by the plurality of measurement units 12, and an analysis unit 30 that analyzes the measurement data collected by the collection unit 23. A portion of the measurement path from the throw section X2 to the collection unit 23 has an electrically and mechanically discontinuous portion, and the collection unit 23 is fixed away from the crankshaft X so as not to rotate synchronously with the crankshaft X.

The crankshaft phase measurement device 3 shown in FIG. 7 has the same configuration as the crankshaft phase measurement device 2 shown in FIG. 6 except for the collection unit 23, so the same reference numerals are used and detailed description is omitted.

<Collection Department>
In the crankshaft phase measurement device 3, the collection unit 23 is disposed inside the crankcase Y. The collection unit 23 can also be disposed on a beam, a rib, or the like inside the crankcase Y, but is preferably disposed on the inner surface of the crankcase Y in terms of ease of wireless communication with the measurement unit 10.

Except for the above points, the collection unit 23 is similar to the collection unit 20 according to the second embodiment, so further description will be omitted.

In addition, in the crankshaft phase measurement device 3, wireless communication is limited to within the crankcase Y, so the material of the crankcase Y does not matter; for example, metal may be used.

<Advantages>
In the crankshaft phase measurement device 3, by arranging the collection unit 23 inside the crankcase Y, which does not rotate in synchronous with the crankshaft X, it is possible to easily collect measurement data from multiple measurement units 12 arranged inside the crankcase Y.

[Fourth embodiment]
A crankshaft phase measurement device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Note that a crankshaft phase measurement method and an internal combustion engine control method using the crankshaft phase measurement device according to the fourth embodiment are similar to the crankshaft phase measurement method and the internal combustion engine control method of the second embodiment, respectively, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The crankshaft phase measurement device 4 shown in FIG. 8 is a crankshaft phase measurement device that measures the phase of a crankshaft X having multiple throw sections X2, and includes multiple measurement units 14 that measure the phase of each throw section X2, a collection unit 20 that collects measurement data measured by the multiple measurement units 14, and an analysis unit 30 that analyzes the measurement data collected by the collection unit 20. A part of the measurement path from the throw section X2 to the collection unit 20 has an electrically and mechanically discontinuous part, and the collection unit 20 is fixed away from the crankshaft X so as not to rotate in synchronization with the crankshaft X. The crankshaft phase measurement device 4 also includes a relay unit 40 that relays the collection of the above measurement data to the collection unit 20.

The collection unit 20 and analysis unit 30 of the crankshaft phase measurement device 4 shown in FIG. 8 are similar to those of the crankshaft phase measurement device 2 shown in FIG. 6, so they are given the same reference numerals and detailed description is omitted.

<Measurement section>
The plurality of measuring units 14 are disposed in the throw section X2. Although wireless communication between the plurality of measuring units 14 and the relay section 40 may be used, it is preferable that they are connected by a signal line, which is an electrical contact. By connecting them by a signal line in this manner, the measurement data can be transmitted stably. In addition, since the plurality of measuring units 14 and the relay section 40, which will be described later, both rotate in synchronization with the crankshaft X, they can be easily connected by a signal line.

Except for the above points, the measurement unit 14 is similar to the measurement unit 12 according to the second embodiment, so further description will be omitted.

<Relay section>
The relay portion 40 is disposed at the protruding end of the shaft X1. That is, the relay portion 40 rotates in synchronization with the crankshaft X1.

The relay unit 40 receives measurement data from the multiple measurement units 14 and transmits the measurement data as is to the collection unit 20. The measurement data is transmitted from the relay unit 40 to the collection unit 20 by wireless communication. In other words, in the crankshaft phase measurement device 4, the measurement path from the throw section X2 to the collection unit 20 is electrically and mechanically discontinuous between the relay unit 40 and the collection unit 20.

The wireless communication between the relay unit 40 and the collection unit 20 can be the same as the wireless communication described in the second embodiment.

In addition, in the crankshaft phase measurement device 4, wireless communication is limited to the outside of the crankcase Y, so the material of the crankcase Y does not matter; for example, metal may be used.

<Advantages>
In the crankshaft phase measurement device 4, the multiple measurement units 14 detect the rotation of the throw section X2 while rotating in synchronization with the crankshaft X, so that the phase of the throw section X2 can be continuously measured. In addition, since the relay unit 40 rotates in synchronization with the crankshaft X, a wired connection can be established between the measurement units 14 and the relay unit 40, and measurement data of the multiple measurement units 14 can be reliably relayed. Furthermore, since the relay unit 40 is disposed at the protruding end of the crankshaft X protruding from the crankcase Y, the crankcase Y is unlikely to be an obstacle in wireless communication with the collection unit 20 disposed outside the crankcase Y. Therefore, the collection unit 20 can stably collect measurement data measured by the multiple measurement units 14.

[Other embodiments]
It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

In the above embodiment, a measurement unit is provided in a one-to-one correspondence with each throw section, and the number of measurement units is the same as the number of throw sections, but the two do not necessarily have to be the same number. For example, multiple measurement units may be provided for one throw section. For example, in a diesel engine, fuel injection may be divided into multiple stages. If multiple measurement units are provided for one throw section, it is possible to provide a measurement unit corresponding to each stage for such an engine in which fuel injection is divided into multiple stages. Therefore, it is possible to provide optimal timing information for each stage.

In the first embodiment, the measurement unit and the collection unit are connected by a signal line that is an electrical contact, but it is also possible to provide a relay unit on the outer surface of the crankcase, for example, and transmit the measurement data measured by the measurement unit from the relay unit to the collection unit by wireless communication.

In the above first to third embodiments, at least a portion of the crankshaft protrudes from the crankcase, but the entire crankshaft may be housed within the crankcase.

In the above embodiment, the crankshaft phase measurement method was described as a method in which the phase of each throw section is determined independently from the measurement data of that throw section in the analysis process, but this analysis can also be performed taking into account the correlation between multiple throw sections. In this case, by taking into account the correlation between multiple throw sections, it is possible to estimate the twist of the crankshaft itself and processing errors.

The crankshaft phase measurement device and crankshaft phase measurement method of the present invention can measure the phase of the throw section with high accuracy. In addition, the internal combustion engine control method of the present invention uses the crankshaft phase measurement method of the present invention, and can improve the fuel efficiency of the internal combustion engine.

1, 2, 3, 4 Crankshaft phase measuring device 10, 12, 14 Measuring unit 20, 23 Collecting unit 30 Analyzing unit 40 Relay unit X Crankshaft X1 Shaft X2 Slow portion X2A Adjacent point Y Crankcase

Claims (12)

1. A crankshaft phase measurement device for measuring the phase of a crankshaft having a plurality of throws, comprising:
A plurality of measurement units for measuring the phase of each throw section;
a collection unit that collects measurement data measured by the plurality of measurement units;
and an analysis unit that analyzes the measurement data collected by the collection unit,
a part of the measurement path extending from the throw section to the collection section is electrically and mechanically discontinuous;
the collector is fixed away from the crankshaft so as not to rotate synchronously with the crankshaft;
A crankshaft phase measuring device, wherein the measuring unit measures directly based on a change in distance to the throw portion, or the measuring unit is disposed in the throw portion . The plurality of throw sections are housed in a hollow crankcase,
2. The crankshaft phase measurement device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of measurement units are disposed within the crankcase. The crankshaft phase measuring device according to claim 2, wherein the collecting unit is disposed outside the crankcase. The crankshaft phase measuring device of claim 2, wherein the collecting unit is disposed within the crankcase. The plurality of measuring units are disposed on an inner surface of the crankcase,
4. The crankshaft phase measurement device of claim 3, wherein there is electrical and mechanical discontinuity between said measurement portion and said throw portion. The crankshaft phase measurement device of claim 5, wherein the measurement unit includes a proximity sensor that identifies the phase of the throw portion. The measurement data of the plurality of measurement units is configured to be transmitted from the measurement units to the collection unit by wireless communication;
5. The crankshaft phase measurement device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the measurement unit and the collection unit are electrically and mechanically discontinuous. At least a portion of the crankshaft protrudes from the crankcase,
A relay unit that relays the collection of the measurement data to the collection unit,
the relay portion is disposed at a projecting end of the crankshaft,
The measurement data is transmitted from the relay unit to the collection unit by wireless communication;
4. The crankshaft phase measurement device according to claim 3, wherein the relay section and the collecting section are electrically and mechanically discontinuous. 1. A crankshaft phase measurement device for measuring the phase of a crankshaft having a plurality of throws, comprising:
A plurality of measurement units for measuring the phase of each throw section;
a collection unit that collects measurement data measured by the plurality of measurement units;
and an analysis unit that analyzes the measurement data collected by the collection unit,
The measuring unit and the collecting unit are electrically and mechanically discontinuous;
the collector is fixed away from the crankshaft so as not to rotate synchronously with the crankshaft;
The measurement unit is disposed in the throw unit,
The measurement data of the plurality of measurement units is configured to be transmitted from the measurement units to the collection unit by wireless communication;
The crankshaft phase measuring device, wherein the measuring section includes an acceleration sensor that measures the acceleration at the position where the throw section is disposed, and a gyro sensor that measures the angular velocity. 1. A crankshaft phase measurement device for measuring the phase of a crankshaft having a plurality of throws, comprising:
A plurality of measurement units for measuring the phase of each throw section;
a collection unit that collects measurement data measured by the plurality of measurement units;
an analysis unit that analyzes the measurement data collected by the collection unit;
a relay unit that relays the collection of the measurement data to the collection unit,
The relay section and the collecting section are electrically and mechanically discontinuous,
The plurality of throw sections are housed in a hollow crankcase,
The plurality of measuring units are disposed within the crankcase,
the collecting unit is fixed away from the crankshaft and disposed outside the crankcase so as not to rotate synchronously with the crankshaft;
At least a portion of the crankshaft protrudes from the crankcase,
The plurality of measuring units are disposed in the throw section,
the relay portion is disposed at a projecting end of the crankshaft,
The measurement data is transmitted from the relay unit to the collection unit by wireless communication;
The crankshaft phase measuring device, wherein the measuring section includes an acceleration sensor that measures the acceleration at the position where the throw section is disposed, and a gyro sensor that measures the angular velocity. A crankshaft phase measurement method using the crankshaft phase measurement device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising:
a measuring step of measuring the phase of each throw;
a collection step of collecting measurement data measured in the measurement step;
and an analysis step of analyzing the measurement data collected in the collection step,
A crankshaft phase measuring method in which, in the above analysis step, the phase of each throw portion is independently determined from the measurement data of that throw portion. The crankshaft phase measuring method according to claim 11, further comprising: a phase measuring step of measuring a phase of a crankshaft using the crankshaft phase measuring method;
and a control step of controlling a fuel injection timing into an engine that drives the crankshaft based on a measurement result of the phase measurement step,
A control method for an internal combustion engine, in which the timing control of the control process is performed independently for each throw section based on the phase analysis results of each throw section.

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