DE10318848A1 - Engine starting system - Google Patents

Abstract

An engine starting system is disclosed which can be used when starting an automotive engine. The system works in such a way as to detect an engine start malfunction that results in difficulty starting the engine using a starter as a function of a time factor, such as the acceleration of the engine. In the event of an engine malfunction, the system puts another starter on standby to start the engine. This ensures a quick start of the machine, without compromising the comfort of a vehicle driver.

Description

1. area the invention

The present invention relates to generally a machine start system, which with two machine starters equipped and a machine start system which is designed to output power of a machine starter.

2. State of the technology

In recent years there have been idle stop systems gradually come into use that work in such a way that a machine of an automobile is automatically stopped when the vehicle is on at an intersection, to thereby improve the fuel economy or the exhaust gas quality. For example, in Japanese Patent First Publication No. 10-136508, 2001-159385 and the 2001-165019 idle stop systems proposed using equipped with two starters are (e.g. a gear starter and a belt starter) and who work in such a way using a machine first one of the starters to start and using the machine of the other starter after an idle stop.

Typical gear or gear starters that used in machine start systems are with a power transmission mechanism equipped, which consists of a small gear and a ring gear is, which meshes with the small gear, so that undesirable mechanical Sounds can arise.

Typical belt starters are mechanical limitations subjected to a pulley ratio, being a difficulty with the increase the pulley ratio arises. It is therefore difficult, unlike the gear or Transmission starters a big one Reduction gear ratio to accomplish.

It is therefore advisable that the gear or Gearbox starter by hand an ignition switch to start the machine is first switched on and then the Belt starter is used to restart the machine.

If the machine through the starter is activated, forms the start response behavior, i.e. a time interval between switching on the starter and starting the machine (i.e. completion the combustion after cranking the machine) an essential Comfort feature for a vehicle driver. Specifically, it is desirable to have the machine quickly to start. The above publications teach alternate use of the belt starter if the gear starter malfunctions occurred when the machine was started, but remains silent about that how such a malfunction in connection with the start response should be detected. It is difficult to get the machine fast to start when any malfunctions have been detected whereby for the driver feels uncomfortable.

SUMMARY THE INVENTION

It is therefore a main task of the Invention to avoid the disadvantages inherent in the prior art.

Another object of the invention is in this. to create a machine start system that works to start a machine quickly, even if there are any Malfunctions can be detected without compromising the Having to deal with the comfort of an operator.

According to one aspect of the invention a machine start system is created which is used to start a Internal combustion engine for Automobiles can be used.

The machine start system includes: (a) A first starter used to start a machine becomes; (b) a second starter that takes place to start the engine of the first starter is used in a case where an engine malfunction occurs is what creates a difficulty starting or starting the machine leads with the help of the first starter; and (c) an engine start malfunction detector circuit which works in such a way to give a given engine start malfunction as a function of a selected one Detect time factor.

Specifically speaking, when the engine start malfunction is determined to have occurred based on the time factor, the second starter is put on standby to the machine to start instead of the first starter. The usage such a time factor results in early detection of the engine start malfunction.

In the preferred mode of operation Invention Determines Engine Start Malfunction Detector Circuit that the Engine start malfunction has occurred when accelerating the machine that is measured when the machine is started reached a given target machine acceleration. Usually the acceleration of the machine is changed due to the operations of the first starter, an engine power transmission mechanism, the machine, accessories or the status of the battery in the vehicle. Thus, the Determine Engine Start Malfunction Using Machine acceleration the detection of any errors the one explained above Elements.

The engine start malfunction detector circuit can contain a plan in which different values of the Target machine acceleration is included as a function of one or some of the sizes according to the outside air temperature that Temperature of the machine, the temperature of the first starter, the Load of the accessories, which is powered by the machine and the status of the in the vehicle battery.

The target machine acceleration can alternatively be based on an output characteristic of the first Starter and the load characteristics determined when starting the machine become. Specifically, the machine start malfunction becomes dependent on a change in the output characteristic of the first starter or the load characteristic determined when starting the machine, resulting in increased accuracy leads to such a determination. This also eliminates the need for a plan as described above is.

The acceleration of the machine used in determining the engine start malfunction can be determined using the speed of the machine measured in a given period of time after the first Starter actuated has been. Specifically, the machine start malfunction will be without a surveillance the acceleration of the machine is detected for a long period of time, which then leads to a simplification of the detection.

When the engine start malfunction detector circuit has detected a machine start malfunction, the first one Starter except Readiness set during however, the second starter is put on standby at the same time becomes. This saves battery energy, especially when one Failure of an engine of the first starter turns out to be electrical Leak condition results.

When the engine start malfunction detector circuit the engine starter malfunction is detected, the second starter can be put on standby after the first starter is off standby has been set. This is a desirable one in ensuring Engine starting torque useful in a case where the first Starter is in maintenance, but the target engine acceleration is not achieved due to an increased load on the accessories.

Alternatively, the engine start malfunction detector circuit the engine starter malfunction has been detected, the first starter can out of readiness be put on standby after the second starter has been. This prevents a small gear from jumping during one High speed operation of the machine in a case where the second starter is implemented as a gear or gear starter is and is thus constructed so that the small gear with a ring gear engaged, which is connected to the machine is to start the machine.

Alternatively, the engine start malfunction detector circuit has detected a machine start malfunction, the first one Starter except Willingness be set, after which when a speed of the Engine under a given value or decreases to zero, the second starter can be put on standby. This ensures an intervention of the small gear with the ring gear and prevents breakage of or an unwanted mechanical shock at the gears.

The system also includes a current limiter that works in such a way to lower a starting current that flows through the first starter, when it is ready. If the target machine acceleration is not reached after the machine is started by the first starter has started, the current limiter is deactivated. Specific said, using the current limiter can cause the target engine acceleration is not reached. To avoid this problem, when such an event occurs, the current limiter goes out of service set. If the current limiter is deactivated, however the acceleration of the machine measured at the start of the machine is not reached the given target machine acceleration, the second starter can be selected to start the machine instead of the first starter. Specifically, the fact that the target machine acceleration can be critical has not been achieved, and not from a decrease in the starting current results, but results from the current limiter, so that therefore the second starter is quickly selected to start the machine.

The system may also include a speed sensor configured to measure the speed of the accessories, which rotates in synchronism with the rotation of the machine, at a speed higher than the speed of the machine. The engine start malfunction detector circuit determines the speed of the accessory, as measured by the speed sensor to measure the acceleration of the machine, which is used in detecting the engine start malfunction. In a case where the speed sensor has essentially the same resolution as that of typical crankshaft sensors, the possibility is created to measure the speed of the accessories exactly within a low speed range (for example 200 revolutions / min or less), which is not possible with the help of the crankshaft angle sensor can be measured. This creates the possibility that the engine start malfunction can be detected early can.

If a period of time by one Driver is admitted from the release of the first starter until the machine is started, defined as start response becomes ta according to a permissible time, then a The amount of time that is required between being on standby the first starter and detecting the engine start malfunction defined as a required acceleration determination time t, and a time required to start the machine after the second starter is ready, is referred to as a second start time tb, the required Acceleration determination time t is set shorter than that permissible Start response time ta minus the second start time tb. Specific expressed when the engine is started by the first starter it possible to quickly detect the engine start malfunction, thereby a quick or short start response time is ensured, as is in the interest of the vehicle driver when the first one Starter is switched to the second starter.

The system can also have an automatic machine stop and starting device, which operates in such a way to stop the machine when a given stop condition fulfilled after starting the machine and the machine is restarted when a given one Restart condition met is. In a case where after starting the machine by the second starter in response to manual actuation of an ignition key switch, carried out by a driver the engine is started again using the first starter after going through the automatic machine stop and start device has been stopped, there will be a period of time between manual operation and is consumed by the second starter when the engine is started, used as second start time. This creates the opportunity that a Engine start malfunction as a function of the bracket of the Vehicle is detected, i.e. depending on the current state of the machine or due to a change in the time required for the second starter is required to start the machine.

The automatic machine stop and starter can operate to learn a time interval between the release of a vehicle brake pedal by a vehicle driver and depressing an accelerator pedal to the Start the machine again with the help of the first starter, after an automatic stop of the machine has taken place and whereby then the allowable Start response time ta as a function of the learned time interval is determined. Expressed specifically, is the allowable start response time determined in the light of the characteristics of individual vehicle drivers, which is essentially the same acceleration of the vehicle reach like that of the typical automatic transmission vehicles Press down the accelerator pedal.

According to the second aspect of the invention created a machine start system which has the following: (a) A starter equipped with a DC motor and works in such a way to start a torque to produce a machine; and (b) a motor control circuit that works in such a way to control a field current flowing through a motor winding of the DC motor flows around an output characteristic the DC motor between a high speed mode and to switch to a high torque mode. The engine control circuit actuated the DC motor in a high speed mode to start the machine. If an acceleration of the machine when starting the machine does not reach a given target machine acceleration, the motor control circuit switches the output characteristic of the DC motor from a high-speed mode to a high-torque mode, to start the engine, which then leads to a quick start of the engine Machine leads.

In the preferred mode the invention is the DC motor of the starter by a Shunt-wound motor implemented with a shunt winding. The motor control circuit works in such a way to the field current to control that flows through the shunt winding to control the output characteristic of the DC motor between a high speed mode and to switch the high torque mode.

The starter DC motor can alternatively be implemented by a double-circuit motor, which is equipped with a shunt winding and a series winding. The motor control circuit works in such a way to the field current to control that flows through the shunt winding to control the output characteristic of the DC motor between the high speed mode and to switch to the high torque mode.

The engine control circuit can Determine target machine acceleration by looking at a plan looks up in which different values of the target machine acceleration as a function of at least one of the variables such as the outside air temperature, the temperature of the machine, the temperature of the DC motor, the load through an accessory device, which is powered by the machine and the status of an im Vehicle carried Battery are listed.

The target machine acceleration can alternatively be determined by the output characteristic of the DC motor and by a load characteristic when the machine is started. Specifically, the engine start malfunction becomes dependent on a change in the output Characteristic of the starter or the load characteristic at the start of the machine is determined, which leads to an increase in accuracy in such a determination. This also eliminates the need for a plan as described above.

If necessary between to switch the high speed mode and the high torque mode, the motor control circuit can control the output characteristic of the DC motor change continuously. this leads to to a decrease in the mechanical shock or tension that while of the transition between the high speed mode and the high torque mode is produced.

The system can also have a second Have starter that works in such a way to the machine to start. When the engine control circuit drives the machine over the Starter in high torque mode starts, but acceleration the machine does not reach the target machine acceleration the engine control circuit uses the second starter to run the machine instead to start with the other starter.

SHORT DESCRIPTION THE DRAWINGS

The present invention can be more fully understood the following detailed description and with reference to the accompanying drawings of preferred embodiments of the invention can be understood, but should not be interpreted in this way are that they limit the invention to specific embodiments, but for illustrative purposes only and understanding serve.

The drawings show:

1 a block diagram showing an engine start system according to a first embodiment of the invention;

2 a flowchart of a machine start program, which by the system of 1 is performed;

3 . 4 . 5 and 6 Schedules that illustrate starter operations and engine speed in different control modes;

7 a diagram showing a circuit structure of a belt starter according to the second embodiment of the invention;

8th 4 is a diagram illustrating a modified circuit structure of a belt starter according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

9 and 10 Schedules showing the operations of the starters and the speed of an engine in the second embodiment;

11 FIG. 12 is a graph illustrating a variation in the number of revolutions of an engine in the engine start control of the third embodiment of the invention;

12 11 is an explanatory view showing how a required acceleration determination time is determined;

13 a block diagram showing an engine start system according to the fourth embodiment of the invention;

14 a circuit diagram of the engine start system of the fourth embodiment;

15 a graph showing a relationship between the torque of a crankshaft of an engine and the rotational speed of the crankshaft in terms of output characteristics of a starter;

16 a flowchart of an engine start program, which by the engine start system of 14 is performed;

17 4 is a timing chart showing an operation of a starter and the number of revolutions of an engine in the fourth embodiment;

18 a block diagram illustrating an engine start system according to the fifth embodiment of the invention;

19 a flowchart of an engine start program. which is carried out by an engine starting system according to a sixth embodiment of the invention; and

20 3 is a flowchart of an engine start program executed by an engine start system according to a seventh embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

According to the drawings, in which like reference numerals designate like parts in several views, especially in FIG 1 a machine starting system according to the first embodiment of the invention is shown, which with two starters 4 and 5 is also equipped with a machine ECU (electronic control unit) 2 that works in such a way to operate an internal combustion engine 1 to control, and with an idle stop ECU 3 that works in such a way to start and restart the machine 1 to control automatically.

The ignition 4 consists of a belt driven type and is used when starting the machine 1 used in a usual condition. The ignition 5 is of a gear drive type and is used when starting the machine 1 used at low ambient temperatures or when any malfunction (e.g. breakdown of the belt starter 4 , a malfunction of the machine 1 or wear of the belt has occurred). Everyone of the starters 4 and 5 can also work as a generator motor, which then generates electricity and supplies electricity to a battery (not shown) carried in the vehicle.

The belt starter 4 has a pulley 6 which is mounted on an output shaft thereof and which has a crankshaft pulley 7 the machine 1 over a strap 8th ge is engaged and works in such a way to output torque to the crankshaft pulley 7 to start the machine 1 transferred to.

additional equipment 9 such as an AC machine, an air conditioning compressor and a water pump are installed around the machine 1 and these are mechanically driven by the machine 1 over the strap 8th driven.

The gear starter 5 includes a small gear (not shown) that meshes with a ring gear (not shown) attached to the machine 1 is installed and has a typical mechanical construction which is well known as an engine starting device for automobiles. Explanation thereof in detail is therefore omitted here.

The engine ECU 2 receives sensor outputs that indicate an intake air amount, an engine speed, and an engine coolant temperature, etc., to determine the amount of fuel that must be injected to provide an optimal air-fuel ratio, and also determines an appropriate ignition timing as a function of the engine speed and the load for electronically controllable electronic fuel injectors 10 (only one is shown for the sake of brevity).

The engine ECU 2 is also connected to sensors to determine an operating condition or operating condition of the machine 1 to determine a battery condition and an ambient temperature, and acquires information from it (e.g. vehicle speed, angular position of the machine 1 , Accelerator pedal position, engine coolant temperature 1 , battery condition and ambient temperature) used to control the machine 1 required are.

The idle stop ECU 3 operates in such a way as to perform an idle stop control as described below and when there is some difficulty in starting the engine 1 using the belt starter 4 occurs, this switches the belt starter 4 on the gear starter 5 to the machine 1 to start.

The idle stop control serves the machine 1 automatically stop when the vehicle stops at an intersection and around the machine 1 then start again when the given starting conditions are met. More specifically, when the engine stop conditions occur, the idle stop ECU outputs 3 Engine stop signals (ie, a fuel cut signal and an ignition cut signal) to the engine ECU 2 , When the engine starting conditions occur, the idle stop ECU gives 3 Machine start signals to the machine ECU 2 off (one fuel injection and one ignition signal).

The starter control by the engine start system of this embodiment for starting the engine 1 is now described below with reference to a control program which is in 2 is illustrated.

After entering the program, the routine goes to step 10 where the engine ECU 2 determines whether a start signal has been issued and has been detected or not. The start signal is supplied by an on signal from an ignition key switch or in the form of a restart signal which is output to the idle stop control device. If the answer is YES, which means that the start signal has been issued, the routine goes to step 20, at which the idle stop ECU 3 the belt starter 4 turns.

The routine then proceeds to step 30, where the acceleration of the machine 1 is determined. This determination can be achieved by differentiating an output variable of a speed sensor (not shown), which then indicates the speed of one of the devices such as the crankshaft, the drive shaft, a wheel and a transmission.

The routine then proceeds to step 40, where the determination is made. whether a machine start malfunction that creates a difficulty starting the machine 1 performs using the belt starter 4 occurred or not based on the acceleration of the machine 1 that was derived in step 30. Specifically, it is determined whether engine acceleration a 'when the engine starts 1 , as in 3 is shown, has reached a target machine acceleration a or not. The machine acceleration a 'can be a function of the speed of the machine 1 be determined, which is continuously monitored after the belt starter 4 was switched on or immediately after a preselected period of time after the belt starter 4 was switched on.

If a YES answer is obtained in step 40, which means that an engine start malfunction has occurred, that is, the engine acceleration a 'has not yet reached the target engine acceleration a, the routine proceeds to step 50 where the belt starter 4 on the gear starter 5 is switched.

• 1. Der Riemenanlasser 4 wird ausgeschaltet und zur gleichen Zeit wird der Zahnradanlasser 5 eingeschaltet (siehe 3).
• 2. Der Zahnradanlasser 5 wird eingeschaltet, bevor der Riemenanlasser 4 ausgeschaltet wird (siehe 4).
• 3. Der Zahnradanlasser 5 wird eine vorgewählte Zeitperiode eingeschaltet, nachdem der Riemenanlasser 4 ausgeschaltet wurde (siehe 5).
• 4. Der Zahnradanlasser 5 wird eingeschaltet, wenn die Maschinendrehzahl unter einem gegebenen Wert oder auf Null (0) abfällt, nachdem der Riemenanlasser 4 ausgeschaltet worden ist (siehe 6).

At step 50, the idle stop ECU 3 Determine when to start the belt 4 should be turned off and when the gear starter 5 should be switched on in four different operating modes, as specified below.

• 1. The belt starter 4 is turned off and at the same time the gear starter 5 switched on (see 3 ).
• 2. The gear starter 5 is turned on before the belt starter 4 is switched off (see 4 ).
• 3. The gear starter 5 is a preselected Time period turned on after the belt starter 4 has been switched off (see 5 ).
• 4. The gear starter 5 turns on when the machine speed is below a given value or to zero ( 0 ) drops after the belt starter 4 has been switched off (see 6 ).

As is apparent from the above explanation, the engine starting system of this embodiment is designed so that the gear starter 5 to start the machine 1 is used quickly if there is any error or failure when starting the machine 1 with the help of the belt starter 4 is observed. Specifically, the engine start system operates to monitor the occurrence of the engine start malfunction as a function of a time factor (ie, based on engine acceleration a 'when the engine starts 1 ), so that an early determination of the engine start malfunction is made possible. This represents a start response behavior of the machine 1 without compromise combined with comfort for the driver.

The four different operating modes described above, which relate to the times when the belt starter 4 should be turned off and when the gear starter 5 Should be turned on, offer the following effects.

If the belt starter 4 malfunctioning (ie, if a starter motor failure 4 is present, which results from the occurrence of an electrical leakage current), the first operating mode can be carried out in which the belt starter 4 is turned off and the gear starter 5 is switched on at the same time, which saves battery energy. If there are no errors in the operation of the belt starter 4 occur, but an increasing load on the accessories 9 causes the engine acceleration a 'not to reach the target engine acceleration a, the second mode can be carried out in which the gear starter 5 is switched on before the belt starter 4 is switched off, ie with both the starter 4 as well as 5 kept on for a predetermined period of time, thereby ensuring a required engine starting torque.

The third mode, in which the gear starter 5 is switched on according to a preselected period of time after the belt starter 4 has been turned off, is effective in preventing the small gear of the starter from jumping 5 during the rotation of the machine 1 (especially at a high speed revolution), which prevents the gear from breaking and a larger physical impact on the starter 5 is kept to a minimum.

The fourth mode in which the gear starter 5 is switched on when the machine speed drops below a given value or to zero ( 0 ) drops after the belt starter 4 has been turned off, is effective similarly to the third mode of operation to prevent the small gear of the starter 5 from jumping during the rotation of the machine 1 (especially a high speed revolution).

The engine ECU 2 or the idle stop ECU 3 may include an engine acceleration map to determine the target engine acceleration a as a function of one or some of the parameters such as the ambient temperature, the temperature of the engine 1 , the temperature of the belt starter 4 , the load through the accessories 9 and the status of the battery. The use of such a plan minimizes the adverse effects of these parameters on the machine acceleration a 'when the machine is started 1 , which increases the accuracy of determining the engine start malfunction.

The target machine acceleration a can be a function of the output characteristics of the belt starter 4 and the load characteristics when starting the machine 1 can be determined, thereby increasing the accuracy of determining the engine start malfunction. The starting characteristics of the belt starter 4 can based on the temperature of the belt starter 4 and the status of the battery. The load characteristics when starting the machine 1 can based on the temperature of the machine 1 and the load and the inertial load in connection with the accessories 9 be preserved.

The speed sensor used in determining engine acceleration a 'may be implemented as a typical crank angle sensor or as a speed sensor or speed sensor designed to measure the speed of the belt starter 4 to measure or the speed of one of the accessories 9 (e.g. from an alternator or a water pump) that works mechanically with the machine 1 connected and in sync with the rotation of the machine 1 at a higher speed than the speed of the machine 1 are rotated by means of a pulley which works in such a way to increase the speed of the machine. Specifically, an output quantity of the crank angle sensor or the speed sensor is used as the acceleration quantity of the engine 1 when starting the engine 1 to determine the occurrence of the engine start malfunction. If the speed sensor has essentially the same revolution as that of the typical crank angle sensor, the possibility is created that the speed of the accessory device 9 can be measured precisely within a low speed range (eg 200 revolutions / min or less), which is not possible with the help of the crank angle sors can be measured. This creates the possibility that an engine start malfunction can be detected early.

The 7 and 8th show circuit designs of the belt starter 4 according to a second embodiment of the invention, each of which has a current limiter 11 is equipped.

If the belt starter 4 the current limiter 11 has, this leads to a reduction in the starting current by the belt starter 4 flows so that from the motor of the belt starter 4 generated energy is lowered, which can result in the target engine acceleration a not at the start of the machine 1 is achieved. To avoid this problem, if the machine acceleration a 'when the machine starts 1 does not reach the target engine acceleration a, the engine starting system of this embodiment operates in such a way around the current limiter 11 off to thereby start the belt starter 4 to increase. However, if the target engine acceleration a is still not achieved, the engine start system operates in such a way that the belt starter 4 on the gear starter 5 is switched.

The on-off control of the current limiter 11 is made using relay switches 12 and 13 in the constructions of 7 and 8th achieved in each case.

If in the construction of 7 the relay switch 12 is turned off, it is caused by the current limiter 11 consisting of a resistor is turned on. If alternatively the relay switch 12 is switched on, this has the consequence that the current limiter 11 is turned off.

If in the construction of 8th the relay switch 13 Placed in a first position, as indicated by a solid line in the drawing, causes the current limiter 11 , which consists of a winding, parallel to the field winding 14 is switched so that the current limiter 11 is switched on. If alternatively the relay switch 13 Placed in a second position, as indicated by a broken line, will result in field winding 14 the current limiter 11 bypasses so that the current limiter 11 is turned off.

When the current limiter activity is in operation 11 to a decrease in the starter starting current 4 leads so that the machine acceleration a 'when starting the machine 1 does not reach the target engine acceleration a, the engine start system operates in such a way that the current limiter 11 is turned off as in 9 is shown in order to bring the engine acceleration a 'into line with the target engine acceleration a.

If the current limiter 11 is turned off, but the target engine acceleration a is still not achieved, the engine start system operates in such a way that the gear or gear starter 5 as shown in 10 to start the machine 1 instead of the belt starter 4 is used.

The engine starting system of the third embodiment will now be described below with reference to FIG 11 described.

11 shows a variation in the speed of the machine 11 , The engine starting system of this embodiment is designed to set a time interval between the turning on of the belt starter 4 and the detection of an engine start malfunction is consumed, which is also referred to as a required acceleration determination time t hereinafter.

The required acceleration determination time t is determined as a function of an allowable start response time ta and a second start time tb, as in FIG 12 is shown. The permissible start response time ta is a time or period that is typical for a vehicle driver from switching on the belt starter 4 until the machine starts 1 is allowed. The second start time tb is a period of time required to start the machine 1 after switching on the gear starter 5 is required. The required acceleration determination time t is less than the permissible start response time ta minus the second start time tb (t <ta - tb).

In a case where some engine start malfunction occurs and the machine is required 1 using the gear starter 5 instead of the belt starter 4 To start, the engine start system of this embodiment operates in such a way that the engine 1 is started within the permissible start response time ta, which is permitted by the vehicle driver. More specifically, if the machine needs it 1 using the belt starter 4 To start, the engine start system sets the required acceleration determination time t in the manner explained above, resulting in a quick determination of the engine start malfunction. This ensures a quick engine start response when the belt starter 4 on the gear starter 5 is switched.

The engine starting system may alternatively be designed to measure the time between the activation of the gear starter 5 and the response to manual actuation of an ignition key switch is lost or consumed (for example, an ignition switch) and for starting the machine 1 is required, in which case this measured time is used as the second start time tb and is also used in determining the required acceleration determination time t. Specifically speaking, when the vehicle driver gets in the vehicle and the machine 1 starts, the gear starter first 5 preferred because of the starter 5 a higher reliability of torque transmission than the belt starter 4 , Thus, the amount of time actually taken by the gear starter 5 to start the machine 1 from the manual actuation of the ignition key switch is determined as the second start time tb, so that the possibility is offered to determine the required acceleration determination time t as a function of the aging of the vehicle, ie as a change in the state of the machine 1 or the machine start time.

The engine start system may also be designed to provide a time interval between the driver's release of a brake pedal and the accelerator pedal depression to restart the engine 1 via the belt starter 4 after the machine stops automatically 1 learns and determines the allowable start response time ta as a function of the learned time interval. Specifically, the allowable start response time ta is determined based on the characteristics of individual vehicle drivers who achieve substantially the same acceleration of the vehicle as that of typical automatic transmission vehicles after the accelerator pedal is depressed. The engine start system of this embodiment can also be used in connection with motor vehicles that are designed not to stop the engine idling. The engine start system can be constructed around the gear starter 5 preferred over the belt starter 4 to use.

In addition, the machine start system can Automobiles are used that are designed to operate the machine to start by a generator engine.

Furthermore, the engine starting system can be used in automobiles that have two belt starters 4 or two gear starters 5 use to start the machine.

13 shows an engine start system according to the fourth embodiment of the invention.

The machine start system contains a machine starter 15 , an engine ECU 2 that works in such a way to the operation of the machine 1 to control, and a start control ECU 16 that works in such a way to the output characteristics of the starter 15 to control. The engine ECU 2 and the accessories 9 are identical to those in the first embodiment, and an explanation thereof in detail is therefore omitted here.

The ignition 15 is implemented as a gear starter with a shunt-wound DC motor that transmits an output torque of the shunt-wound motor to a ring gear through a small gear to the machine 1 boost.

The starter's shunt-wound motor 15 contains an anchor 7 with an armature winding (not shown) and a shunt winding 19 is equipped with a driver circuit 18 are connected. The shunt-wound motor is powered by the battery in the vehicle 23 via a starter relay 21 and a solenoid switch 22 supplied in response to the activation of an ignition key switch 20 (ie a switch position ST).

The driver circuit 18 consists of four controlled elements 24 such as MOSFETs, which are connected in the form of a bridge and which have an input terminal 18a to a positive connection of the battery carried in the vehicle 23 via the solenoid switch 22 is connected and at an input terminal 18b is connected to earth or earth.

The start control ECU 16 works in such a way that a field current flows through the shunt winding 18 flows through the driver circuit 18 is controlled. Specifically, the start control ECU controls 16 the amount of electricity generated by the shunt winding 19 flows as a function of a duty cycle of a signal applied to each of the controlled elements 24 the driver circuit 18 is created. As in 15 it is shown that the starter 15 rotates at a high speed that increases as the field current decreases and produces a high torque that increases as the field current increases.

16 Fig. 4 is a flowchart of a program or a sequence of logical steps executed by the engine start system of the fourth embodiment.

After entering the program, the routine proceeds to step 100, where an engine start command signal is provided or not. This determination is made in the machine ECU 2 by monitoring a turn-on signal from the key switch 20 is issued, which is operated manually by a vehicle driver.

If the answer is YES, which means the machine 1 If the routine had to be started again, the routine proceeds to step 120, at which it is determined whether or not the engine temperature Tw (eg the temperature of an engine coolant) is within a given range (x <Tw <y). If the answer 1A is obtained, the routine goes to step 130. The determination at step 120 may alternatively be made using the ambient temperature (ie, outside air temperature) or based on the temperature of the starter 15 (ie the DC motor). It should be noted that the lower and upper limits x and v of the temperature range can be set, for example to -10 ° C and +100 ° C, respectively. These values depend on the type of machine 1 from. If the engine temperature Tw falls outside the range of -10 ° C to +100 ° C, the starting torque is greatly increased.

At step 130, the start control ECU controls 16 As described above, the starter 15 to run at high speed when starting the engine 1 to turn. Specifically, the start control ECU reduces 16 the field current or bring it to zero through the shunt winding 19 of the starter 15 via the driver circuit 18 flows.

The routine then proceeds to step 140, where the acceleration of the machine 1 is determined. This determination or determination can be achieved by differentiating an output variable from a speed sensor (not shown), which then indicates the speed of one of the variables such as the crankshaft, the drive shaft, a wheel and a transmission.

The routine then proceeds to step 150, where it is determined whether or not an engine start malfunction has occurred based on the acceleration of the engine 1 as derived in step 130. More specifically, it is determined whether the engine acceleration a 'when the engine starts 1 how this in 17 (b) is shown, the target engine acceleration a has reached or not. If the answer is no, which means that no malfunction has occurred, the routine is ended.

Alternatively, if the answer is YES, the routine proceeds to step 160. Engine acceleration a 'may be a function of engine speed 1 be determined, which is continuously monitored after the starter 15 has been turned on, or is currently being monitored for a preselected period of time after the starter 15 has been switched on.

At step 160, the start control ECU controls 16 as described above, the starter 15 to, as in 17 (a) is shown, a higher torque to start the machine 1 to create. Specifically, the start control ECU increases 16 the field current through the shunt winding 19 of the starter 15 via the driver circuit 18 flows. To avoid a physical shock resulting from a sudden change in the starter's output characteristics 15 results, the start control ECU 16 increase the duty cycle of the signal applied to each of the controlled elements 24 the driver circuit 18 is applied, in a gradual form, thereby the starting characteristic of the starter 15 to continuously change from the high speed mode to the high torque mode.

As is apparent from the above explanation, the engine starting system of the present embodiment operates in such a manner as to establish a high-speed mode in which the starter 15 spins around the machine at high speed 1 start at a high speed when the temperature of the machine 1 is within or has fallen within the given range, causing exhaust emissions from the engine 1 is reduced.

If the temperature of the machine 1 is outside the given range, this leads to an increase in the torque, which starts the machine 1 is required. This is because when the machine 1 is cold, the viscosity of the machine oil increases, which leads to an increase in the engine starting torque, however, when the machine 1 is warm, a certain degree of airtightness of the cylinder of the machine 1 is increased, resulting in an increase in engine starting torque. Therefore, the engine starting system switches the starter's output characteristic or characteristic 15 from the high speed mode to the high torque mode to the machine 1 start quickly when the temperature of the machine 1 is outside the given range.

If the temperature of the machine 1 is actually outside of the given range, but at step 120 an erroneous determination is made that this temperature is within the given range, in the event of a failure of the engine temperature sensor, for example, this can cause difficulty in starting the machine 1 cause the machine starting torque to increase due to the cause described above. To avoid this problem when the engine acceleration a 'does not reach the target engine acceleration a in a case where the starter output characteristic 15 to the high speed mode to start the machine 1 is switched over, the engine start system can conclude that the engine is difficult 1 to start and then the starting property of the starter 15 change to high torque mode to quickly start the machine 1 to reach.

18 shows an engine starting system according to the fifth embodiment of the invention, which differs from the fourth embodiment in the construction of the DC motor of the starter 15 different.

The DC motor is implemented by a double-circuit motor, which consists of a series winding 25 which is in series with an anchor 17 is switched, and from a shunt winding 19 exists with a driver circuit 18 connected is.

The start control ECU 16 works in such a way to control the size and direction of the current flowing through the shunt winding 19 flows as a function of a duty cycle of a signal applied to each of the controlled elements 24 the driver circuit 18 is created. The other arrangements and operations are the same as those in the fourth embodiment, and a detailed explanation thereof will be given here omitted.

An engine start system according to the sixth embodiment, which is designed to run the engine, will now be described below 1 start again after an automatic idle stop of the machine 1 has occurred when the vehicle stops at an intersection, to give an example.

The engine start system of this embodiment is a modification of the fourth or fifth embodiment in which the idle stop ECU that operates in such a manner around the engine 1 to stop and start again automatically instead of the ECU 16 is used. The other arrangements are identical to those of the fourth or fifth embodiment and a detailed explanation thereof is omitted here.

19 Fig. 14 is a flowchart of a program executed by the engine start system of the sixth embodiment.

After entering the program, the routine proceeds to step 210 where it is determined whether or not a start request signal has been generated. The start request signal is generated either when the key switch 20 , as in 14 is shown is turned on to the machine 1 start first, or if necessary, the machine 1 start again after the machine 1 has been stopped under the automatic idle stop control.

If the answer is YES, the routine proceeds to step 220, where it is determined whether or not the start request signal indicates a start request for economical driving (ie, a restart request under the automatic idle stop control). If the answer is YES, which means that an economical driving request has been made, the routine proceeds to step 230. Alternatively, if the answer is NO, which means that the start request has not been made in response on switching on the key switch 20 , the routine proceeds to step 260.

At step 230, the starter becomes 15 in the high speed mode to start the machine 1 actuated. The routine then proceeds to step 240, where the acceleration of the machine 1 is determined in the same manner as described above. The routine then proceeds to step 250, where it is determined whether or not an engine start malfunction has occurred based on the acceleration of the engine 1 as derived at step 240 in the same manner as described above.

If a NO answer is received, which means that no malfunction has occurred, the routine is ended. Alternatively, if the answer is YES, then the routine proceeds to step 260 where the starter output characteristic 15 high torque mode to start the machine 1 is switched. To avoid a physical shock caused by a sudden change in the starter output characteristics 15 results in the idle stop control ECU 16 increase the duty cycle of the signal applied to each of the controlled elements 24 the driver circuit 18 is gradually applied to the output characteristics of the starter 15 to continuously change from the high speed mode to the high torque mode.

Specifically speaking, if necessary, the machine 1 The machine was started again in the start mode according to an economical driving style 1 already warmed up, which means that the engine starting torque is lower. The ECU 16 thus switches the starter's output characteristic or output characteristic 15 the high-speed mode, which then leads to a quick start of the machine without compromising on comfort for the vehicle driver.

If necessary, the machine 1 in response to the key switch being turned on 20 to start is the machine 1 still cold, which means that the engine starting torque is higher. The ECU 16 thus actuates the starter 15 in the high torque mode to the machine 1 to start, which makes the starting process of the machine stable 1 is ensured.

If the ECU 16 the starting characteristic of the starter 15 has switched to the high-speed mode, namely in the start mode according to an economical driving style, but the engine acceleration a 'has not yet reached the target engine acceleration a, the ECU pulls 16 the conclusion that the machine is difficult 1 to start normally and then switch the output characteristics of the starter 15 from the high speed mode to the high torque mode. This then enables the machine to be started quickly 1 ,

An engine start system according to the seventh embodiment of the invention will now be described below, which is a modified embodiment of the fourth and fifth embodiments and with a second starter (not shown) in addition to the starter 15 is equipped.

20 Fig. 11 is a flowchart of a program executed by the engine start system of the seventh embodiment.

Steps 310 to 360 are identical to steps 210 to 260 in the sixth embodiment, as in FIG 19 is illustrated, and detailed explanation thereof is therefore omitted here.

After step 360, the routine proceeds step 370, in which the acceleration of the machine 1 is determined again. The routine then proceeds to step 380, where it is determined whether or not an engine start malfunction has occurred based on the acceleration of the engine 1 as derived at step 370. If a NO answer is received, which means that no malfunction has occurred, the routine is ended. If alternatively the answer 1A is obtained, the routine goes to step 390, where the ECU 16 the starter 15 disengages and puts the second starter on standby to the machine 1 to start.

More specifically, if it is difficult to get the engine over the starter 15 To start in the start mode according to an economical driving style, the engine start system operates in such a way that a change from the starter 15 to the second starter to start the machine 1 is made. If the starter 15 to start the machine 1 the system monitors the acceleration of the machine 1 to determine if it is possible the machine 1 to start normally or not so as to enable early detection of an engine start malfunction. This creates the possibility that the machine 1 is started quickly with the help of the second starter in a case in which an engine start malfunction is present, thereby ensuring a quick engine start response without compromising on the comfort of the vehicle driver.

The engine ECU 2 and the start control ECU 16 (which also works as an idle stop ECU) in each of the fourth to sixth embodiments may have an engine acceleration schedule that lists different values of the target engine acceleration a, which is determined as a function of one or a combination of some parameters, such as for example the outside air temperature, the temperature of the machine, the temperature of the starter 16 , the load through the accessories 9 and the status of the battery (ie available energy). The use of such a plan minimizes adverse effects of the above parameters on the machine acceleration a 'when the machine is started 1 , which increases the accuracy of determining the engine start malfunction.

The target engine acceleration a can be a function of the starter's output characteristics 15 and the load characteristics when starting the machine 1 can be determined, thereby increasing the accuracy of determining the engine start malfunction. The starting characteristics of the starter 15 can based on the temperature of the starter 15 and the status of the battery. The load characteristics when starting the machine 1 can based on the temperature of the machine 1 and the load and inertial load of the accessories 9 be preserved.

The speed sensor used in determining engine acceleration a 'may be implemented by a typical crank angle sensor or a sensor designed to measure the speed of the starter 15 to measure, or by one of the additional devices 9 be implemented (e.g. an alternator or a water pump) that mechanically to the machine 1 connected and in sync with the rotation of the machine 1 rotates at a higher speed than the speed of the machine 1 , If the sensor has substantially the same resolution as that of a typical crank angle sensor, this enables the speed of the accessory 9 can be measured precisely within a low speed range (for example 200 revolutions / min or less), which cannot be measured with the crank angle sensor. This creates the possibility that an engine start malfunction can be detected early.

Although the present invention disclosed in connection with preferred embodiments, for a better understanding To simplify the same, it should be noted that the invention Different types can be realized without losing sight of the principle to leave the invention. The invention is therefore to be understood that she all sorts embodiments and modified versions additionally to the embodiments shown comprises which deviate from the principle of the invention, as described in the attached claims is recorded, can be realized.

Claims (19)

Machine start system, with: a first Starter that works to start a machine; a second Starter used to start the machine instead of the first starter for one Case is used that a given engine start malfunction that creates a difficulty in Starting the engine by the first starter leads; and one the engine start malfunction detecting circuit that operates in such a way to a given engine start malfunction as a function of a preselected time factor to detect. Machine start system according to claim 1, wherein the Detector circuit for the engine start malfunction determines that the engine start malfunction occurred when the machine accelerated at Starting the machine is measured, not a given target machine acceleration reached. The engine start system of claim 2, wherein the detector circuit is for the machines start malfunction has a list listing different target engine acceleration values as a function of one or some of the sizes according to an outside air temperature, engine temperature, first starter temperature, a load due to accessories, which is driven by the machine and is determined by a status of a battery. Machine start system according to claim 2, wherein the Target machine acceleration based on an output characteristic of the first starter and on a load characteristic at the start the machine can be determined. Machine start system according to one of claims 2 to 4, in which the acceleration of the machine when determining the Engine start malfunction is used using a Speed of the machine is determined and measured a given Time period after actuation of the first starter. Machine start system according to one of claims 1 to 5, when the detector circuit for the engine start malfunction has detected an engine start malfunction, the first starter except Readiness is set, but the second starter is on standby is set. Machine start system according to one of claims 1 to 5, when the detector circuit for the engine start malfunction has detected the engine start malfunction, the second starter is put on standby after the first starter is out of standby has been set. Machine start system according to one of claims 1 to 5, when the detector circuit for the engine start malfunction has detected an engine start malfunction, the first starter except Readiness is set, whereupon the second starter is on standby is set. Machine start system according to claim 8, in which then if the detector circuit for the engine start malfunction an engine start malfunction has detected that the first starter is deactivated, whereupon when a machine speed falls below a given Value drops or drops to zero, the second starter is put on standby. Machine start system according to one of claims 2 to 9, furthermore with a current limiter which operates in such a way, to reduce a starting current from the first starter flows when this is ready and when the target machine acceleration is not reached after the machine is started by the first starter has started, the current limiter is deactivated. Machine start system according to claim 10, in which then if the current limiter except Readiness is set, but the acceleration of the machine, which is measured at the start of the machine, does not reach the given target machine acceleration, the second starter instead of the first starter to start the Machine selected becomes. Machine start system according to one of claims 2 to 10, further comprising a speed sensor, which is designed to detect a speed an accessory device to measure, which rotates synchronously with the rotation of the machine at a higher speed than the speed of the engine, the detector circuit for the engine start malfunction the speed of the accessories determined, measured by the speed sensor, from which the acceleration the machine for use in detecting engine start malfunction derive. Machine start system according to one of claims 2 to 12, where if a period of time approved by a driver from the time the first starter is ready until the time the machine is started as one permissible Start response time ta is definable, a time between the standby of the first starter and detecting the Engine start malfunction as a required acceleration determination time t is defined and a time required to start the machine is ready after the second starter is defined as a second start time tb, the required Acceleration determination time t is set shorter than that permissible Start response time ta minus the second start time tb. The engine start system of claim 13, further comprising an automatic engine stop and start device which operates to stop the machine when a given stopping condition is met after the engine is started and which starts the machine again when one given restart condition is met, and in a case where after the engine is started by the second starter in response to manual operation of a key switch performed by a driver, the engine is restarted by the first starter after it has been stopped by the automatic engine stop and start device, a period of time consumed or required between the manual operation and the start of the engine by the second starter is used as the second start time. The engine start system of claim 13, further comprising an automatic engine stop and start device, which in works in such a way to stop the machine when a given Stop condition met is after the machine is started and what the machine is starts again when a given restart condition is met, the automatic machine stop and start device in such Way works to a time interval between the release of a Brake pedal of a vehicle by the vehicle driver and depressing one Accelerator pedals to restart the machine by the first starter to learn, after an automatic stop of the machine and to determine the allowable Start response time ta as a function of the learned time interval. Machine start system, which has the following: one Starter equipped with a DC motor which works in such a way to generate torque to start a machine to create; and a motor control circuit that is used in such Wise works to control a field current through a motor winding of the DC motor flows, an output characteristic of the DC motor between one To switch high speed mode and a high torque mode, wherein the motor control circuit puts the DC motor in the high speed mode actuated to start the machine, if the machine does not accelerate when the machine starts reaches a given target engine acceleration, the engine control circuit the output characteristic of the DC motor from the high speed mode switches to high torque mode to start the machine. The engine start system of claim 16, wherein the DC motor using the starter as a shunt-wound motor a shunt winding is implemented, and in which the motor control circuit works in such a way to control the field current flowing through the shunt winding flows, the output characteristic of the DC motor between one Switch high speed mode and a high torque mode. The engine start system of claim 16, wherein the DC motor of the starter implemented by a double-circuit motor is equipped with a shunt winding and a series winding and in which the motor control circuit operates in such a way to control the field current flowing through the shunt winding to the Output characteristic of the DC motor between a high speed mode and switch to a high torque mode. Machine start system according to one of claims 16 to 18, in which the engine control circuit is the target engine acceleration determined by reading a plan in which different values the target machine acceleration as a function of at least one of the sizes according to one Outside air temperature, Machine temperature, DC motor temperature, one Load on the accessories, which is powered by the machine and a status of one Battery are listed.Machine starting system according to one of claims 16 to 18, where the target machine acceleration by the output characteristic of the DC motor and the load characteristic when starting the Machine can be determined. Machine start system according to one of claims 16 to 20, where, if necessary, between the high speed mode and to switch to the high torque mode, the motor control circuit Output characteristics of the DC motor are continuously changing according to one of the claims 16 to 21, further with a second starter operating in such a way works to start the machine and when the engine control circuit the engine is started by the starter in the high torque mode, however, the acceleration of the machine is not the target machine acceleration reached, the engine control circuit instead of the second starter of the starter used to start the machine.