DE102011004046A1 - Stop-start control device for combustion engine of car, has microcomputer for stopping and starting engine when autostop and autostart conditions are satisfied, and microcomputer stopping engine when invalidation command is output by switch - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (1) has a microcomputer (11) for stopping and starting a combustion engine (3) when predetermined autostop and autostart conditions are satisfied, where the autostart condition comprises two vehicle state and driving state conditions. A switch (9) outputs an invalidation command for invalidation of one of the conditions when a driver of a car enters the invalidation command. The microcomputer stops the combustion engine when the invalidation command is output by the switch. A connection circuit (15) forms a connection between the microcomputer and an engine control part (5).

Description

The present invention relates to a stop-start control apparatus that automatically stops and restarts an internal combustion engine (hereinafter referred to as "engine") of a vehicle.

It is known to integrate a control device for automatic stopping and restarting (commonly known as idle reduction control apparatus) in a vehicle to automatically stop the engine when a predetermined automatic stop condition (hereafter short as "auto-stop condition"), and to automatically restart the engine when a predetermined automatic-start condition (hereinafter, referred to as "auto-start condition" for short) is satisfied (see, for example, Unexamined Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2004-257272A ).

In this type of stop-start control apparatus, the auto-stop condition includes two conditions: a vehicle condition condition and a driving condition condition. The vehicle condition condition is a condition implemented to confirm that stopping the engine does not cause problems affecting functions and / or components of the vehicle. The vehicle state condition may be satisfied, for example, when a remaining capacity of the battery is sufficient. The driving state condition is a condition implemented to confirm that the current driving state of the vehicle allows stopping the engine without causing problems. The driving state condition may be satisfied, for example, when a brake pedal is depressed while an accelerator pedal is not depressed.

Further, the auto-stop condition may include a re-performance condition. The re-performance condition is a condition implemented to deliberately limit a performance frequency of the stop control (a frequency at which the engine is stopped). The re-performing condition may be satisfied, for example, when a time elapsed from the previous time of automatically stopping the engine has reached a predetermined value. The re-performance condition is implemented to limit the frequency of performing the automatic stop and start of the engine, for example when entering a garage or during a traffic jam.

In the Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-257272A For example, the threshold value that is compared with the time elapsed since the previous time of automatically stopping the engine is set differently based on a position of a rotary knob that can be operated by a driver (occupant) of the vehicle. The driver adjusts the position of the rotary knob to increase or decrease the frequency of the stop control based on his wishes. Here, the stop control refers to the stop of the motor, followed by an automatic restart of the motor.

However, according to the technique of Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-257272A the stop control is not performed at the time desired by the driver; the system takes over the stop control.

Therefore, it is possible that the driver's desired timing of the stop control and the actual timing of the stop control do not coincide with each other. This unfavorably leads to tension of the driver. Furthermore, it is possible that the driver may not really feel that it contributes to a reduction in fuel consumption and thus a reduction in global greenhouse gases.

It is conceivable to construct the system such that it is possible to perform the stop control in response to a certain action performed by the driver by overriding the entire auto-stop condition including the conditions described above (irrespective of whether the auto-stop condition is met ). In this way, the driver can execute the stop control if he so wishes. However, in such a case, the stop control is executed by ignoring the important condition of the auto-stop condition. Thus, under some circumstances, a problem of the functions of the vehicle and / or drivability of the vehicle may occur.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned disadvantages. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a stop-start control apparatus which enables stop control at times desired by the driver without completely overriding an auto-stop condition.

In order to achieve this object, a stop-start control apparatus for an internal combustion engine of a vehicle is proposed. The stop-start control apparatus according to the present invention comprises a control means and a command input means. The control means is for stopping the engine when a predetermined auto-stop condition is met, and then restarting the engine when a predetermined auto-start condition is met is. The predetermined auto-stop condition includes a first condition and a second condition. The command input means is for issuing an override command to override the second condition when the driver inputs a command and stopping the issue of the override command after the driver has input the command. When the override command is issued by the command input means, the control means stops the internal combustion engine even if only the first condition of the first and second conditions is satisfied.

The invention, together with further objects, features and advantages, will best be understood by reference to the following description and the appended claims and drawings. In the drawings are:

1 a diagram showing a stop control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

2 FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a stop execution determination operation according to the first embodiment; FIG.

3 FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a restart execution determination operation according to the first embodiment; FIG.

4 FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a restart execution determination operation according to the second embodiment; FIG.

5 5 is a flowchart showing a restart execution determination operation according to the third embodiment.

A stop-start control apparatus of various embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

First Embodiment

1 FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a stop-start control apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

The stop-start control device 1 works together with a motor control device 5 that is an internal combustion engine 3 of a vehicle to start a stop-start control operation for automatically stopping and starting the engine 3 perform. The stop-start control device 1 further performs a starter control operation to control a starter 7 to start the engine 3 as part of the stop-start control operation. In the following description, it is assumed that the transmission of the vehicle is a manual transmission.

The stop-start control device 1 receives various signals including a battery voltage signal, a starter signal, a brake signal, an accelerator signal, a clutch signal, a shift position signal, a vehicle speed signal, an absolute pressure brake signal, rotation signals and a signal from a stop control user request switch 9 (hereinafter referred to as "switch 9 "). The signals are used as information for performing the stop-start control operation and the starter control operation. The battery voltage signal indicates an output voltage of an on-board battery (vehicle battery). The starter signal assumes an active level when a driver of the vehicle performs a starting operation (turning a key that is inserted into a lock cylinder and rotated to start the engine, or pressing a start button). The brake pedal signal is output from a sensor that detects a depression of a brake pedal. The accelerator signal is output from a sensor that detects depression of an accelerator pedal. The clutch signal is output from a sensor that detects depression of a clutch pedal. The shift position signal is output from a sensor that detects a shift position of a shift lever. The vehicle speed signal is output from a sensor that detects a traveling speed of the vehicle (vehicle speed). The brake absolute pressure signal is output from a sensor that detects a brake absolute pressure (absolute pressure from a brake booster). The rotation signals are output from a crankshaft sensor and a camshaft sensor.

The stop-start control device 1 includes a microcomputer 11 , an input circuit 13 , a connection circuit 15 and an output circuit 17 , The microcomputer 11 performs the stop-start control operation and the starter control operation. The input circuit 13 leads the microcomputer 11 various signals such as the battery voltage signal and the starter signal described above. The connection circuit 15 establishes a connection between the microcomputer 11 and the engine control device 5 ago. The output circuit 17 controls based on one of the microcomputer 11 signal received the starter 7 at.

The battery voltage is supplied to a voltage divider (resistance divider) which generates an output voltage that is a part of the battery voltage that is the microcomputer 11 can be supplied. When to the microcomputer 11 When this voltage is applied, it converts it from analog to digital through an A / D converter (not shown) to detect a value of the battery voltage. The microcomputer 11 also performs the analog-to-digital conversion of the input circuit 13 received analog signal through the A / D converter to detect the voltage values of these signals. When the battery voltage to the ignition line. is applied (ie, when the ignition is turned on), the microcomputer 11 (and thereby the stop-start control device 1 ) is operated with the electric power from the ignition line.

The following is the function of the microcomputer 11 described.

When the driver of the vehicle performs the above-described start operation to change the starter signal to the active level (eg, a high level), the microcomputer performs 11 the starter control operation through to the starter 7 to drive and thereby the engine 3 to start.

In particular, the microcomputer controls 11 in this operation the starter 7 to start the engine 3 initiate. As a result, the engine control device performs 5 a fuel injection and an ignition of the injected fuel in the engine 3 by. If the engine 3 is a diesel engine, only the fuel injection is performed without performing the ignition of the fuel by means of an igniter. After that, if the microcomputer 11 determines that the starting process of the engine is completed (ie the engine is running independently), the microcomputer stops 11 the starter 7 , The microcomputer 11 calculates the engine speed based on the rotation signal and determines whether the engine is based on the engine speed 3 completed the starting process.

This starter control operation becomes the engine 3 started and put into the running state (operating state).

In driving condition of the engine 3 (during the operating time of the engine 3 ) leads the microcomputer 11 at predetermined intervals, a stop execution determination operation of 2 by.

As it is in 2 is shown, the microcomputer determines 11 when the stop execution determination operation starts, in step S110, whether a vehicle state condition of an auto-stop condition is satisfied. The automatic stop condition is a condition implemented to enable the stop control.

• (a1) Die Batteriespannung ist gleich hoch wie oder höher als ein vorbestimmter Wert. Da die Leistungsquelle des Starters 7 die Batteriespannung ist, ist diese Bedingung implementiert, um zu bestätigen, dass der Motor 3 gestartet werden kann.
• (a2) Ein Absolutbremsdruck (der Absolutdruck des Bremskraftverstärkers) ist gleich hoch wie oder höher als ein vorbestimmter Wert. Diese Bedingung ist implementiert, um zu bestätigen, dass die Bremsleistung aufrecht erhalten werden kann.
• (a3) Die Temperatur des Kühlmittels des Motors 3 liegt innerhalb eines vorbestimmten Bereichs.

The vehicle condition condition is a condition implemented to confirm that stopping the engine 3 no significant problems caused by functions of the vehicle and its components. The vehicle state condition is satisfied when all of the following conditions (a1) to (a3) are satisfied.

• (a1) The battery voltage is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. Because the power source of the starter 7 the battery voltage is, this condition is implemented to confirm that the motor 3 can be started.
• (a2) An absolute brake pressure (the absolute pressure of the brake booster) is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. This condition is implemented to confirm that the braking performance can be maintained.
• (a3) The temperature of the coolant of the engine 3 is within a predetermined range.

This condition is implemented to confirm that the engine is warming up 3 and cooling the engine 3 with a radiator fan is not required.

If it is determined in step S110 that the vehicle condition is not satisfied, the stop execution determination operation is ended. In contrast, when it is determined in step S110 that the vehicle condition condition is satisfied, the operation proceeds to step S120. In step S120, it is determined whether a driving state condition is satisfied.

• (b1) Das Bremspedal ist niedergedrückt.
• (b2) Die momentane Schaltstellung ist die Neutralstellung, oder das Kupplungspedal ist niedergedrückt, während die momentane Schaltstellung nicht die Neutralstellung ist.
• (b3) Das Gaspedal ist nicht niedergedrückt.
• (b4) Die Fahrzeuggeschwindigkeit ist gleich hoch wie oder niedriger als ein vorbestimmter Wert.
• (b5) Ein Lenkwinkel des Lenkrades ist gleich groß wie oder niedriger als ein vorbestimmter Wert.

The driving state condition is a condition that is set to confirm that the current driving state of the vehicle is stopping the engine 3 allowed without causing significant problems. The driving state condition is satisfied when all of the following conditions (b1) to (b5) are satisfied.

• (b1) The brake pedal is depressed.
• (b2) The current shift position is the neutral position or the clutch pedal is depressed while the current shift position is not the neutral position.
• (b3) The accelerator pedal is not depressed.
• (b4) The vehicle speed is equal to or lower than a predetermined value.
• (b5) A steering angle of the steering wheel is equal to or lower than a predetermined value.

If it is determined in step S120 that the driving state condition is not satisfied, the stop execution determination operation is ended. In contrast, the operation proceeds to step S130 when it is determined in step S120 that the driving state condition is satisfied. In step S130, it is determined whether a re-execution condition is satisfied.

The re-performance condition is a condition that corresponds to a stop-frequency limitation condition and is implemented to limit an execution frequency of the stop control to improve the operability of the vehicle. The re-performance condition is satisfied if all of the following conditions (c1) and (c2) are satisfied.

(c1) The vehicle speed has been since the previous time of automatically stopping the engine 3 reaches a predetermined value.

(c2) An elapsed time has been since the previous time of automatically stopping the engine 3 reaches a predetermined value.

In the condition (c2), a running distance of the vehicle may be used instead of the elapsed time. That is, the condition (c2) may be that the traveling distance of the vehicle has been since the previous time of automatically stopping the engine 2 has reached a predetermined value. Alternatively, both the elapsed time and the driving distance may be used. That is, the condition (c2) may be that the elapsed time since the previous time of automatically stopping the engine 3 has reached the predetermined value and also the travel distance of the vehicle since the previous time of the automatic stop of the engine 3 reaches the predetermined value. Further, the timing of starting the measurement of the elapsed time and / or the travel distance may be up to the time of restarting the engine 3 after the time of the automatic stop of the engine 3 to be changed. Further, in step S130, if at least one of the conditions (c1), (c2) is satisfied, it may be determined that the re-performing condition is satisfied, if desired.

If it is determined in step S130 that the re-passing determination is satisfied, the auto-stop condition is satisfied. In such a case, the microcomputer moves 11 proceeding to step S150 where it initiates the autostop operation to automatically stop the engine 3 performs. Then the microcomputer stops 11 the stop execution determination operation.

In particular, the microcomputer transmits 11 in step S150, an engine stop command to the engine control device 5 , Thereafter, the engine control device stops 5 the engine 3 for example, by stopping the fuel injection in the engine 3 and / or by closing an air supply supply via the engine 3 Air is supplied.

If the engine 3 is stopped by the operation in step S150, the engine 3 restarted automatically when an autostart condition described below is met. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the stopping of the engine 3 by the operation in step S150, the stop control (the automatic stopping of the engine 3 ), and the time from the moment the engine stops 3 in step S150 until the time of the automatic restart of the engine 3 is a stop-start time (ie, a period during which the engine is running) 3 automatically stopped).

If it is determined in step S130 that the re-execution condition is not satisfied, the microcomputer will run 11 proceed to step S140.

Subsequently, in step S140, it is determined whether a stop control user request switch 9 ("Switch 9 ") Is closed, based on one of the switches 9 received signal.

The desk 9 is a push button switch which is located within reach of the driver in a passenger compartment of the vehicle and is only closed while being pressed. The signal (switching signal) coming from the switch 9 is supplied to the stop-start control device is set to an active level (eg, a low level) as long as the switch 9 is pressed, the switch 9 so closed. The switching signal, however, is set to a non-active level (eg, a high level) as long as the switch 9 not pressed, the switch 9 so it is open.

Therefore, in step S140, in other words, it is determined whether the switch 9 the active level signal (hereinafter referred to as "CLOSED signal") outputs the depressed state of the switch 9 displays.

In the present embodiment, the switch is used 9 as a command input means, and the printing of the switch 9 serves as a command input. The CLOSED signal coming from the switch 9 to the start-stop control device 1 is output serves as an override command.

If it is determined in step S140 that the switch 9 is not closed (ie the CLOSED signal is not from the switch 9 output), the microcomputer stops 11 the stop execution determination operation.

In contrast, the microcomputer drives 11 to step S150 in which the microcomputer 11 the auto-stop operation for automatically stopping the engine 3 even if the Re-performance condition is not met, if it is determined in step S140 that the switch 9 closed is.

The microcomputer 11 repeats a restart execution determination operation of during the stop-start time 3 at predetermined intervals.

When in 3 the restart execution determination operation is started, the microcomputer determines 11 in step S210, whether the auto-start condition for automatically restarting the engine 3 is satisfied.

• (d1) Das Bremspedal ist gelöst.
• (d2) Obwohl das Bremspedal niedergedrückt ist, wird das Lösen des Kupplungspedals (der Vorgang des Einkuppelns der Kupplung durch schrittweises Lösen oder Zurücknehmen des Kupplungspedals) in der von der Neutralstellung verschiedenen Schaltstellung begonnen.
• (d3) Obwohl das Bremspedal niedergedrückt ist, wird die Schaltstellung von der Neutralstellung zu der weiteren Stellung, die nicht die Neutralstellung ist, geändert (zu diesem Zeitpunkt ist das Kupplungspedal noch niedergedrückt).
• (d4) Die Fahrzeugzustandsbedingung, die in Schritt S110 von 2 bestimmt wird, ist nicht erfüllt.

The auto start condition is satisfied when at least one of the following conditions (d1) to (d4) is satisfied.

• (d1) The brake pedal is released.
• (d2) Although the brake pedal is depressed, the release of the clutch pedal (the operation of engaging the clutch by gradually releasing or disengaging the clutch pedal) is started in the shift position other than the neutral position.
• (d3) Although the brake pedal is depressed, the shift position is changed from the neutral position to the other position other than the neutral position (at this time, the clutch pedal is still depressed).
• (d4) The vehicle condition, which in step S110 of FIG 2 is determined, is not fulfilled.

Thereafter, if it is determined in step S210 that the auto-start condition is not satisfied, the restart execution determination operation is ended. In contrast, if it is determined in step S210 that the auto-start condition is satisfied, the operation proceeds to step S220. In step S220, the engine becomes 3 automatically restarted. In particular, the starter control operation is performed. Thereafter, the restart execution determination operation is completed.

Furthermore, the microcomputer repeats 11 the stop execution determination operation of 2 at predetermined intervals when the engine 3 is restarted by the operation in step S220.

In the start-stop control device 1 the microcomputer stops 11 when the CLOSE signal from the switch 9 is output, the engine 3 even if the re-execution condition of the auto-stop condition is not satisfied (ie, NO in step S130), if the other conditions (the vehicle condition and the vehicle condition) of the auto-stop condition are satisfied (proceed to step S150 if a YES is returned in step S140). Therefore, the microcomputer stops 11 in the time in which the engine 3 running, this immediately (performing the stop control of the engine 3 ) when the driver turns the switch 9 in the state in which the re-execution condition of the auto-stop condition is not satisfied while the other two conditions (the vehicle state condition and the vehicle state condition) of the auto-stop condition are satisfied.

Therefore, it allows the stop-start control device 1 the present embodiment, the stop control of the engine 3 then, if the driver desires, without overriding the entire auto-stop condition (ie, without overriding the vehicle condition, the vehicle condition, and the auto-stop condition re-execution condition). In particular, the other conditions of the auto-stop condition, ie, the vehicle condition and the driving condition, which are not the re-performing condition, are still in effect (effective) even when the driver is the switch 9 actuated. Therefore, the stop control of the engine 3 be implemented at the desired time while the other required conditions (ie, maintaining the efficiency or effectiveness of the other required conditions) are in force that must be met by the satisfaction, the vehicle condition condition, and the driving condition condition before the engine's auto-stop condition 3 is carried out.

In particular, the re-performance condition is the condition that does not significantly affect the safety of the vehicle. Therefore, the stop-start control device 1 the present embodiment, the stop control of the engine 3 Implement at the time desired by the driver while ensuring the safety of the vehicle.

Further, the vehicle condition condition and the driving state condition of the auto-stop condition are necessary conditions that must be satisfied to stop the engine 3 to implement without causing major problems. In contrast, the re-performing condition is the condition implemented to the frequent occurrence of the stop control and the restart of the engine 3 in certain situations, such as a traffic jam, entering a garage or decelerating the vehicle in the state just prior to stopping the vehicle. Therefore, it is assumed that not all users are satisfied with the re-performance condition. Thus, in the present embodiment, the switch 9 that is designed only the Reclamble condition provided. The re-performance condition is immediately overridden to perform the stop control when the switch 9 is operated in a state in which the stop control is not performed due to the non-fulfillment of the re-performing condition and the simultaneous satisfaction of the other conditions (ie, the vehicle condition condition and the running condition condition).

With the stop-start control device 1 In the present embodiment, the driver may feel that the stop control is at his own will by operating the switch 9 perform. Thus, the driver actually feels that he is contributing to reducing fuel consumption and thus global greenhouse gases.

The desk 9 is also a key switch. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of the condition of continuous override of the re-performing condition.

In the present embodiment, the microcomputer is used 11 as the regulatory agent. Further, the vehicle condition condition and the driving condition condition of the auto-stop condition may serve as a first condition. Further, the re-execution condition of the auto-stop condition may serve as a second condition. However, the first and second conditions are not limited to these conditions. Further, the auto-stop condition itself may not be limited to that described above.

In the 2 The operation shown may be modified as follows.

If a NO is returned in step S130, it may be that the operation of 2 finished. Further, the decision step S140 may also be arranged between the step S120 and step S130. Then, if a NO is determined in step S140, the operation may proceed to step S130. In contrast, the operation may skip step S130 and proceed to step S150 if a YES is returned in step S130.

Second Embodiment

A stop-start control device 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention differs from that according to the first embodiment by the presence of a control lamp (indicator lamp) 9a in the switch 9 as indicated by the dotted line in 1 is shown. When the control lamp 9a is switched on, a button on the switch lights up 9 ,

Furthermore, the microcomputer 11 a start execution determination operation of 4 instead of the operation of 2 carry out. In 4 are the steps taken by those 2 correspond, with the same number and not described again.

The stop execution determination operation of 4 is similar to the operation of 2 with the exception that steps S136, S138 and S142 are related to the operation of 2 are added.

Specifically, the stop execution determination operation proceeds to step S138 if it is determined in step S110 that the vehicle condition is not satisfied (ie, NO in step S110), or if it is determined in step S120 that the running condition is not satisfied (ie, NO in FIG Step S120). In step S138, the control lamp becomes 9a of the switch 9 switched off; after that, the stop execution determination operation is finished.

Further, the operation proceeds to step S136 when it is determined in step S130 that the re-execution condition is not satisfied. In step S136, the control lamp becomes 9a of the switch 9 and the operation proceeds to step S140.

If it is determined in step S140 that the switch 9 is closed, or if it is determined in step S130 that the re-execution condition is satisfied, the operation proceeds to step S142. In step S142, the control lamp becomes 9a of the switch 9 turned off and the operation proceeds to step S150, in which the engine 3 is automatically stopped.

Thus, in the present embodiment, only the control lamp 9a when the conditions of the auto-stop condition (ie, the vehicle condition and the vehicle condition) that are not the re-performing condition are met, and the switch 9 in the activated (closed) state.

Therefore, turning on the control lamp 9a Show the driver that the engine 3 can be stopped by the switch 9 is now operated (ie the engine 3 is activated by pressing the switch 9 to stop). Thereby, the driver can recognize that the current state is the state in which the stop control by operating the switch 9 can be done immediately. In this way the usability is increased. Further, it is possible to prevent the driver from accidentally (mistakenly) switching the switch 9 actuated.

In the present embodiment, the control lamp is used 9a of the switch 9 as a notification means.

As a modification of the present embodiment, step S136 may be arranged / performed between steps S120 and S130.

It is also possible, instead of the control lamp 9a turn on a message of the type "The engine 3 can now by pressing the switch 9 be stopped "as a voice message or displayed on a display.

It is also possible, in addition to or as an alternative to switching off the control lamp 9a , pressing the switch 9 mechanically block. Furthermore, it is possible, in addition to or alternatively to switching on the control lamp 9a , pressing the switch 9 to enable. The blocking of the switch 9 can be realized, for example, that the operable portion of the switch 9 is locked or blocked so that it can not be operated, or one in front of the operable portion of the switch 9 arranged cover can be closed, or the actuatable portion of the switch 9 can be arranged at such a great distance from the driver that he can not reach him in normal sitting position.

Third Embodiment

• (I) Der Mikrocomputer 11 zählt die Anzahl der Durchführungen der Stopp-Regelung (die Gesamtanzahl der Stoppdurchführungen des Motors 3 in Schritt S150) und speichert diese Anzahl in einem wieder beschreibbaren, nicht flüchtigen Speicher (nicht gezeigt) wie etwa einem elektrisch löschbaren, programmierbaren Nurlesespeicher (EEPROM).
• (II) Der Mikrocomputer 11 führt eine Diagnoseoperation durch, um eine Fehlfunktion des Schalters 9 zu erfassen, und speichert das Ergebnis der Diagnoseoperation zum Beispiel in dem oben beschriebenen nicht-flüchtigen Speicher.

A stop-start control apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention differs from that of the second embodiment in the following items (I) to (III).

• (I) The microcomputer 11 counts the number of times the stop control is performed (the total number of engine stopper operations 3 in step S150) and stores that number in a rewritable nonvolatile memory (not shown) such as an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM).
• (II) The microcomputer 11 performs a diagnostic operation to malfunction the switch 9 and stores the result of the diagnostic operation in, for example, the nonvolatile memory described above.

The diagnostic operation can proceed as follows. Through the microcomputer 11 may be the CLOSED / OPEN state of the switch 9 at the time of starting the microcomputer 11 be determined when switching on the ignition switch. If it is determined that the switch 9 is in the CLOSED state, the microcomputer 11 determine that the switch 9 in the CLOSED state "stuck" (ie the switch 9 is blocked in its CLOSED position). Alternatively, the CLOSED / OPEN state of the switch 9 through the microcomputer 11 on the basis of a predetermined tent since the start of the microcomputer 11 be determined. If it is determined that the switch 9 during the predetermined time is held in the CLOSED state, microcomputer 11 determined that the switch has stuck in the CLOSED state.

Furthermore, the diagnostic operation may alternatively proceed as follows. The microcomputer 11 can determine that the switch 9 stuck in the CLOSED state when the switch 9 during a predetermined time after stopping the engine 3 is held in a closed state in step S150, which is performed after it is determined in step S40 that the switch 9 closed is. in such a case, it is assumed that the switch 9 does not work properly and therefore can not be restored to its initial state (OPEN state).

Furthermore, the diagnostic operation may alternatively proceed as follows. That is, the microcomputer 11 can determine if the switch 9 during a time during which the control lamp 9a is turned off (ie in the state in which the switch 9 normally not operated) was closed at a predetermined frequency or more frequently. If the microcomputer 11 that determines the switch 9 closed at the predetermined frequency or more frequently, the microcomputer 11 determine that an electrical contact of the switch 9 not working properly.

• (III) Der Mikrocomputer 11 kann eine Stopp-Durchführungsbestimmungsoperation von 5 statt der Operation von 4 durchführen. In 5 sind die Schritte, die jenen von 4 entsprechen, mit den gleichen Bezugszeichen versehen und werden daher nicht erneut beschrieben.

That is, the diagnostic operation may be any operation that malfunctions the switch 9 detected, for example, the driver not intended closing the switch 9 ,

• (III) The microcomputer 11 may be a stop execution determination operation of 5 instead of the operation of 4 carry out. In 5 are the steps that those of 4 correspond, provided with the same reference numerals and will therefore not be described again.

The stop execution determination operation of 5 is similar to that of 4 with the exception of steps S132 and S134 leading to the operation of 4 are added.

Specifically, the operation proceeds to step S132 when, in step S130, the stop execution determination operation of 5 it is determined that the re-execution condition is not satisfied. In step S132, it is determined whether the Number of times the stop control is now equal to or smaller than a predetermined value Nth. If it is determined in step S132 that the number of times of execution of the stop control is not equal to or less than the predetermined value Nth (ie, exceeds the predetermined value Nth), the operation proceeds to step S138. In step S138, the control lamp becomes 9a is turned off and the stop execution determination operation is ended.

In contrast, when it is determined in step S132 that the number of times of the stop control is equal to or smaller than the predetermined value Nth, the operation proceeds to step S134. In step S134, it is determined whether the switch is on the basis of the diagnosis result of the above-described diagnosis operation 9 not working properly. If it is determined in step S134 that the switch 9 is functioning properly, the operation proceeds to step S136. In contrast, the operation proceeds to step S138 when it is determined in step S134 that the switch 9 not working properly. In step S138, the control lamp becomes 9a of the switch 9 is turned off, and then the stop execution determination operation is ended.

Thus, in the present embodiment, when it is determined in step S132 that the number of times of the stop control is greater than the predetermined value Nth (ie, NO in step S132), the switch 9 disabled (disabled). Further, if it is determined in step S134 that the switch 9 is not functioning properly (ie, YES in step S134), the switch becomes 9 put in its disabled state.

Therefore, the stop control is not executed even when the vehicle condition condition and the running condition condition are satisfied when the number of times of the stop control is greater than the predetermined value Nth. Thus, it is possible to limit an excessive increase in the number of times of execution of the stop control. Therefore, it is possible to increase the likelihood of increasing the number of starts of the starter 7 increase over a specified executable number (lifetime). For this reason, the predetermined value becomes smaller than the set executable value of the operations of the starter 7 set.

Further, the stop control is not performed when the switch 9 does not function properly and thereby is closed, regardless of whether it is operated by the driver, even when the vehicle condition condition and the running condition condition are satisfied. Therefore, it is possible to fulfill the actual purpose of the re-performing operation, and it is possible to limit the excessive increase in the number of times of the stop control.

In the operation of 5 Therefore, even if NO is returned in step S132, the judgment in step S140 is skipped, as well as the case in which a YES is returned in step S134. Therefore, even if the CLOSE signal from the switch 9 is possible to block the reception of the CLOSED signal and thereby the switch 9 put in the disabled state. Alternatively, in the case where a NO is returned in step S132, the mechanical operation of the switch 9 be blocked to the switch 9 in the deactivated state (blocked state).

Further, in the present embodiment, step S132 serves as an auto-stop number determining means, and step S134 serves as a malfunction determining means.

In the case where the malfunction of the switch 9 detected by the diagnostic operation, the control lamp 9a of the switch 9 be kept in an off state, or the operation of the switch 9 can be independent of the operation of 5 be blocked.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. That is, the above embodiments may be variously modified without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

For example, the command input means is not the above-described switch 9 but may be a touch panel (a touch panel button displayed on a display device) or a voice input device. In the case of the voice input device, if the driver says a certain wait (or words) such as "stop control," this can detect that word and a corresponding signal to the microcomputer 11 output. The microcomputer 11 In step S140, the 2 . 4 or 5 determine whether such a signal is output from the voice input device.

Furthermore, the microcomputer 11 if in step S110 or S120 of the stop execution determination operation, in the disabled (blocked) state of the switch 9 a NO is returned (ie, if the first condition is met) and then the switch 9 is actuated by the visual display on the driver Notification device or by voice notification that the switch 9 is in the deactivated state.

Furthermore, the microcomputer 11 when the switch 9 during the predetermined time or longer, issue a warning to the driver through the visual display on the display or through voice notification.

Furthermore, the switch 9 once it has been operated, be blocked for a predetermined time from the moment of actuation.

• – Eine Automatikgetriebefluid (ATF; automatic transmission fluid) – Temperatur liegt innerhalb eines vorbestimmten Bereichs (um einen bei gegebener Viskosität des Automatikgetriebefluids erforderlichen Druck zu gewährleisten), wenn das Getriebe ein Automatikgetriebe ist (AT oder CVT; automatic transmission bzw. continuously variable transmission).
• – Ein Bremshauptzylinderdruck ist gleich hoch oder höher als ein vorbestimmter Wert (um die erforderliche Bremsleistung zu gewährleisten).
• – Das Fahrzeug befindet sich nicht in einer Schräglage (um eine unbeabsichtigte Abwärtsbewegung des Fahrzeugs zu begrenzen).
• – Eine elektrische Ölpumpe für das AT oder das CVT funktioniert ordnungsgemäß (um das AT bzw. das CVT zu schützen).
• – Der Starter 7 ist normal (um zu bestätigen, dass der Motor neu gestartet werden kann).
• – Eine Motorhaube des Fahrzeugs ist geschlossen (um zu bestätigen, dass das Fahrzeug fährt).
• – Eine Tür des Fahrzeugs ist geschlossen (um zu bestätigen, dass das Fahrzeug fährt).
• – Ein Sitzgurt des Fahrzeugs ist angelegt (um zu bestätigen, dass das Fahrzeug fährt).
• – Ein Befehl oder eine Anforderung zur Unterdrückung der Stopp-Regelung wird von keiner anderen Vorrichtung empfangen.

Further, the first condition of the auto-stop condition may include one or more conditions of the following conditions.

• An automatic transmission fluid (ATF) temperature is within a predetermined range (to ensure a pressure required for a given viscosity of the automatic transmission fluid) when the transmission is an automatic transmission (AT or CVT; ,
• - A brake master cylinder pressure is equal to or higher than a predetermined value (to ensure the required braking performance).
• - The vehicle is not in an inclined position (to limit an unintentional downward movement of the vehicle).
• - An electric oil pump for the AT or CVT is working properly (to protect the AT or CVT).
• - The starter 7 is normal (to confirm that the engine can be restarted).
• - A bonnet of the vehicle is closed (to confirm that the vehicle is driving).
• - One door of the vehicle is closed (to confirm that the vehicle is driving).
• - A seat belt of the vehicle is put on (to confirm that the vehicle is driving).
• - A command or request to suppress the stop control is not received from any other device.

• – Eine vorbestimmte Zeit ist seit dem Zeitpunkt des Einschaltens der Zündung verstrichen.
• – Eine vorbestimmte Zeit ist seit der Betätigung des Schalthebels verstrichen.
• – Eine Warnlampe des Fahrzeugs blinkt.
• – Eine Fahrtrichtungsanzeigelampe des Fahrzeugs blinkt.
• – Das Fahrzeug ist gestoppt, während darauf gewartet wird, in einem Lenkzustand des Lenkrades nach rechts abzubiegen.

Further, the second condition of the auto-stop condition (ie, the condition that must be satisfied about the engine 3 by overriding the condition by the operation of the switch 9 ) include one or more of the following conditions:

• - A predetermined time has elapsed since the time of switching on the ignition.
• - A predetermined time has elapsed since the operation of the shift lever.
• - A warning lamp of the vehicle flashes.
• - A turn signal lamp of the vehicle flashes.
• The vehicle is stopped while waiting to turn right in a steering state of the steering wheel.

Further, the driving state condition may additionally include the following condition. A remaining time during which the red light of a traffic light is located in front of the vehicle is equal to or longer than a predetermined time. Alternatively, a remaining time during which a green light of a traffic light located in front of the vehicle is equal to or longer than a predetermined time. That is, the driving condition is satisfied only in the case where the likelihood is high that the vehicle is stopped at the red traffic light and all conditions (b1) to (b5) are met. Further, only when the driving state condition is satisfied, stopping the engine by operating the switch 9 or turning ON the control lamp 9a possible. As described above, when the infrastructure information (eg, the traffic information) received from outside of the vehicle is included in the driving state condition, the driver may actually feel that he is contributing to the reduction of fuel consumption and thus supplying global greenhouse gases. Further, apart from the information from the traffic lights (the remaining time during which the traffic light is still red or still green), a technique known as Cooperative Vehicle Infrastructure (CVIS) technology may be used to: by the operation of the switch 9 to allow the stopping of the engine or the pilot light 9a ON based on vehicle-vehicle communication information (eg, vehicle position information, vehicle speed information, acceleration information, brake information, stop-start information) and / or vehicle road communication information (eg, a degree of congestion at a driveway or accident information).

Further, when the engine is started, since the auto start condition (d2) is satisfied, and the driver depresses only the brake pedal before engaging after starting the engine, a rotational speed of an input shaft (clutch disc) based on the vehicle speed signal and the shift position signal calculated so that the engine speed with the calculated speed of the input shaft (clutch disc) can match. When this operation is performed, the clutch can be coupled in the state in which the engine-side rotational speed (flywheel) and the input-shaft-side rotational speed (clutch) coincide with each other, without the need for depressing both the brake pedal and accelerator pedal simultaneously or depressing the accelerator pedal while releasing the brake pedal. That is, the driver can restart the engine while concentrating on the operation of the brake pedal.

Other advantages and modifications of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. The present invention is thus not limited to the embodiments described above.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• JP 2004-257272 A [0002, 0005, 0006]

Claims (5)

Stop-start control device ( 1 ) for an internal combustion engine ( 3 ) of a vehicle, comprising: - a control means ( 11 ) for stopping the internal combustion engine when a predetermined auto-stop condition is satisfied, and then restarting the internal combustion engine when a predetermined auto-start condition is satisfied, the auto-stop condition including a first condition and a second condition; and a command input means ( 9 ) for issuing a decommissioning command to override the second condition when a driver of the vehicle inputs the command, and for issuing the override command when the driver has finished the input of the command, the control means ( 11 ) stops the engine when only the first condition of the first and second conditions is satisfied, if the override command is issued from the command input means. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes malfunction determination means (S134) for overriding the override command of the command input means (S134). 9 ) when the malfunction determination means (S134) determines that the command input means (S134) 9 ) does not work properly. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a notification means ( 9a ) for notifying the driver that the internal combustion engine ( 3 ) is stopped when the driver using the command input means ( 9 ) enters the command if the first condition is met while the internal combustion engine ( 3 ) running. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it includes auto-stop number determining means (S132) for overriding the command input means (S132). 9 ) when the auto-stop number determining means (S132) determines that the number of times of stopping the engine ( 3 ) with the aid of the regulatory 11 ) is greater than a predetermined value. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the second condition is a condition which is implemented to a stop frequency of the internal combustion engine by means of the control means ( 11 ) to limit.

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