Method for testing the functionality of a tank venting system of a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine

• US 7,073,376 B2
• Filed: 01/18/2005
• Issued: 07/11/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 02/17/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
• Original Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
• Inventors: Mueller, Andreas, Pfeil, Michael, Lederle, Karl-Bernhard, Hassdenteufel, Armin
• Primary Examiner(s): Lefkowitz, Edward
• Assistant Examiner(s): Kirkland, III, Freddie
• Application Number:
  US11/039,229
• Publication Number:
  US 20050178192A1
• Time in Patent Office: 539 Days
• Field of Search: 731/181
• US Class Current: 73/114.39
• CPC Class Codes: F02M 25/0809 Judging failure of purge control system

Abstract

A method for testing the functionality of a tank system of a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine, including a controllable tank venting valve connected to an intake manifold and at least one pressure source for testing the tightness of the tank venting system using overpressure or underpressure, the functionality of the tank venting valve being tested via its activation in an opening and/or closing manner during pressurizing the tank system using overpressure or underpressure and by registering and evaluating at least one operating variable of the pressure source. The tank system is pressurized with overpressure or underpressure and the at least one operating variable of the pressure source is registered and evaluated during operation of the engine.

Claims

1. A method for testing a functionality of a tank venting system of a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine, including a controllable tank venting valve connected to an intake manifold, and including at least one pressure source for testing a tightness of the tank venting system using one of an overpressure and underpressure, the method comprising:

testing a functionality of the tank venting valve via its activation in at least one of an opening and a closing manner during pressurization of the tank system using one of an overpressure and underpressure and by registering and evaluating at least one operating variable of the pressure source,

wherein the tank system is pressurized using one of an overpressure and underpressure and the at least one operating variable of the pressure source is registered and evaluated during operation of the internal combustion engine;

registering the operating variable of the pressure source while the tank system has a fluidic connection to the surroundings, and storing the registered operating variable as a comparison value;

introducing one of an overpressure and underpressure into the tank system;

opening the tank venting valve and registering the operating variable of the pressure source during an opening of the tank venting valve; and

comparing the registered operating variable to the comparison value and drawing conclusions about the functionality of the tank venting valve and a functionality of a connection of the tank venting valve to the intake manifold based on the comparison.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein a functional tank venting valve and a functional connection of the tank venting valve to the intake manifold are assumed when the registered operating variable is smaller than the comparison value by a predefined value.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein a functional tank venting valve and a non-functional connection of the tank venting valve to the intake manifold are assumed when the registered operating variable substantially corresponds to the comparison value.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein a jammed closed tank venting valve is assumed when the operating variable does not change after the opening of the tank venting valve.

5. A method for testing a functionality of a tank venting system of a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine, including a controllable tank venting valve connected to an intake manifold, and including at least one pressure source for testing a tightness of the tank venting system using one of an overpressure and underpressure, the method comprising:

testing a functionality of the tank venting valve via its activation in at least one of an opening and a closing manner during pressurization of the tank system using one of an overpressure and underpressure and by registering and evaluating at least one operating variable of the pressure source,

wherein the tank system is pressurized using one of an overpressure and underpressure and the at least one operating variable of the pressure source is registered and evaluated during operation of the internal combustion engine, and

wherein ajanimed open tank venting valve is assumed when the operating variable of the pressure source does not change after the tank venting valve has been activated in a closing manner.