DE202015004890U1 - Charge controller for a motor vehicle accumulator and motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

Charge controller for controlling a charging process of a motor vehicle accumulator (8), wherein a state of charge meter (14) for determining a state of charge of the motor vehicle battery (8) is provided, wherein the charge controller (12) is adapted, after a recognized starting an internal combustion engine (4) loading of the motor vehicle accumulator (8) to omit, if by means of the state of charge meter (14, 15) a state of charge of the motor vehicle accumulator (8) is detected above a limit, wherein the limit is less than 100% of the maximum charge of the motor vehicle battery (8).

Description

A charge controller for controlling a charging process of a motor vehicle accumulator and a corresponding motor vehicle will be described below.

Automotive vehicles with internal combustion engines require an energy source to start the engine in order to start up. In general, an electric starter is used for this purpose, which is operated by a motor vehicle accumulator. Conventional motor vehicle batteries have only a limited supply of energy and must therefore be charged regularly. For this purpose, by means of a generator, called alternator in motor vehicles, kinetic energy of the engine is converted into electrical energy and the motor vehicle accumulator for charging again provided.

Since the respective operating time of the motor vehicle engine between starting and stopping the engine is unknown, this process is initiated in known motor vehicles immediately after a successful start. This is to ensure that the motor vehicle accumulator always has the greatest possible capacity and the motor vehicle can be started as often as possible in as short a time as possible.

Due to this, conventional motor vehicle accumulators are designed to always be operated in as full a state as possible. Lower charge states than full charge can reduce the life of corresponding motor vehicle accumulators.

On the other hand, with a freshly cranked engine, the internal friction forces are highest. On the one hand, this is due to the fact that a cold engine does not have optimal tolerances, on the other hand because the lubricant, usually an engine oil, is not yet optimally distributed after starting. In addition, the lubricant itself is still cold and thus usually has a higher viscosity than a warm lubricant.

Charging the motor vehicle battery immediately after starting increases the power requirement of the still cold engine and can thus increase engine wear. In addition, the efficiency at this time for the above reasons is not optimal, so that the consumption of fossil fuels and with this the CO2 emissions, which is necessary for charging the Kraftfahrzeugakkumulators, is higher than in a motor vehicle, in which the engine is a higher temperature Has.

Thus, the task of developing a charge controller and a motor vehicle of the type mentioned in such a way that the burden of the cold engine and the necessary for charging the motor vehicle battery fuel consumption and the associated CO2 emissions are reduced.

The object is achieved by a charge controller according to claim 1 and by a motor vehicle according to the independent claim 9. Further embodiments of the charge controller are the subject of the dependent claims.

Hereinafter, a charge controller for controlling a charging of a motor vehicle battery will be described in more detail. In this case, a state of charge meter is provided for determining a state of charge of the motor vehicle accumulator. The charge controller is set up to refrain from charging the motor vehicle accumulator after a recognized starting of an internal combustion engine if a state of charge of the motor vehicle accumulator above a limit value is detected by means of the state of charge meter, the limit being less than 100% of the respective maximum charge of the motor vehicle accumulator.

In this way, a charging of the motor vehicle accumulator can be avoided if the motor vehicle accumulator has a state of charge that is above the limit value. In this case, it is possible to reduce fuel consumption and engine wear.

In a first possible further embodiment, the limit value may be between 90 and 99% or between 95 and 99% or between 98 and 99% or at 99% of the maximum charge of the motor vehicle accumulator. The limit value selected in each case can depend on the type of motor vehicle accumulator and be coupled to other criteria, for example the country in which the motor vehicle is operated. On the one hand this serves to take account of local regulations and on the other hand to take account of climatic conditions. In average very warm countries, the load of the vehicle accumulator for starting can be so low that the limit can be set relatively low, for example between 90 and 99%. In very cold countries, on the other hand, the limit can be set high because the energy required to start the vehicle may be so high that a low set limit could jeopardize successful repeated starting. In addition, the capacities of the motor vehicle batteries are usually lower at low temperatures. There it can be more useful to operate the motor vehicle accumulator always with high states of charge.

Another advanced aspect of the charge controller provides that the state of charge meter a voltmeter is. The provided voltage of conventional motor vehicle accumulators is often proportional to the state of charge, so that each voltage value can be assigned a state of charge. Corresponding voltmeters are fast and comparatively precise. In addition, the voltmeters can also be used for other purposes. Thus, with the help of voltmeters possible acute or impending defects of the motor vehicle battery can be detected.

A further possible embodiment of the charge controller provides that a starter-state sensor is used, by means of which starting of the internal combustion engine can be detected.

In some embodiments, the state of charge meter and the starter condition sensor may be combined because starting the engine is associated with a temporary voltage drop in the voltage of the automotive battery.

In another further embodiment, the charge controller may be connected to an engine control of the motor vehicle. The charge controller can also be part of the engine control. About the engine control can also be a signaling of a successful annealing happen.

According to another further aspect of the charge controller described here, an outside temperature sensor can be provided, wherein the limit value can be determined as a function of the outside temperature. Thus, the limit can be set lower at higher outside temperatures, so that charging of the motor vehicle battery only takes place when the motor vehicle accumulator is further discharged.

In another further embodiment, an engine temperature sensor can be provided, wherein the limit value can be defined as a function of the engine temperature. If the engine is still cold, the limit can be set higher than when the engine is warm.

In another further embodiment of the charge controller, a memory may be provided in which a currently measured maximum charge can be stored after the charge has been completed. The memory can be designed so that even historical maximum charges or reference values can be stored, for example, that of a brand-new motor vehicle accumulator. Thus, on the one hand, a correct reference point can be provided which corresponds to the actual conditions and, on the other hand, a constant charge of the motor vehicle accumulator after successful starting can be achieved so that a no longer optimal motor vehicle accumulator can be operated as gently as possible.

A first independent article relates to a motor vehicle with a charge controller of the type described above.

• a) Verfahren zum Betrieb eines Kraftfahrzeuges, wobei ein Verbrennungsmotor des Kraftfahrzeugs mittels eines elektrischen Anlassers gestartet wird, wobei der Anlasser aus einem Kraftfahrzeugakkumulator gespeist wird, wobei nach erfolgtem Start des Motors ein Ladezustand des Kraftfahrzeugakkumulators gemessen wird, wobei ein Laden des Kraftfahrzeugakkumulators unterbleibt, wenn der Ladezustand des Kraftfahrzeugakkumulators oberhalb eines Grenzwertes liegt, wobei der Grenzwert unterhalb eines maximalen Ladezustands des Kraftfahrzeugakkumulators liegt.
• b) Verfahren nach Aspekt a), wobei der Grenzwert zwischen 90% und 99% oder zwischen 95% und 99% oder zwischen 98% und 99% oder bei 99% der Maximalladung des Kraftfahrzeugakkumulators liegt.
• c) Verfahren nach Aspekt a) oder b), wobei der Ladezustand des Kraftfahrzeugakkumulators nach dem Anlassen des Verbrennungsmotors gemessen wird.
• d) Verfahren nach einem der vorgenannten Aspekte, wobei der Grenzwert in Abhängigkeit von der Außentemperatur festgesetzt wird.
• e) Verfahren nach einem der vorgenannten Aspekte, wobei der Grenzwert in Abhängigkeit von einer Motortemperatur festgesetzt wird.

Another independent subject relates to a method of operating a motor vehicle according to the following aspects:

• a) method for operating a motor vehicle, wherein an internal combustion engine of the motor vehicle is started by means of an electric starter, wherein the starter is fed from a Kraftfahrzeugakkumulator, wherein after the start of the engine, a state of charge of the motor vehicle battery is measured, wherein a charging of the motor vehicle battery is omitted, if the state of charge of the motor vehicle accumulator is above a limit value, the limit value being below a maximum state of charge of the motor vehicle accumulator.
• b) Method according to aspect a), wherein the limit value is between 90% and 99% or between 95% and 99% or between 98% and 99% or at 99% of the maximum charge of the motor vehicle accumulator.
• c) Method according to aspect a) or b), wherein the state of charge of the motor vehicle accumulator is measured after starting the internal combustion engine.
• d) Method according to one of the aforementioned aspects, wherein the limit value is set as a function of the outside temperature.
• e) Method according to one of the aforementioned aspects, wherein the limit value is set as a function of an engine temperature.

The object described above in aspects relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle, wherein an internal combustion engine of the motor vehicle is started by means of an electric starter, wherein the starter is fed from a Kraftfahrzeugakkumulator, wherein after the start of the engine, a state of charge of the motor vehicle accumulator is measured, wherein a Charging the motor vehicle battery is omitted when the state of charge is above a threshold, the limit is below a maximum state of charge of the motor vehicle battery.

According to a first further aspect of the method, the limit value is between 90 and 99% or between 95 and 99% or between 98 and 99% or at 99% of the maximum charge of the motor vehicle accumulator.

In another further embodiment, the state of charge of Kraftfahrzeugakkumulators measured after starting the internal combustion engine in order to be able to use a current value.

In another further embodiment of the method, the maximum charge of the motor vehicle accumulator can be measured after charging and stored in a memory. So can always be based on the current maximum charge of the motor vehicle battery. Automobile accumulators are subject to wear, so that the maximum charge begins to decrease after a certain time. In this way, an always accurate reference value can be used. In addition, when the maximum charge is greater than the maximum charge of a brand new motor vehicle battery, the method may be suspended to optimize the life of the motor vehicle battery.

Another independent aspect relates to an apparatus for operating a motor vehicle, wherein an internal combustion engine of the motor vehicle is started by means of an electric starter, wherein the starter is fed from a motor vehicle accumulator, wherein means are provided for measuring a state of charge of the motor vehicle accumulator after the start of the engine , wherein means are provided for inhibiting the charging of the motor vehicle accumulator, which prevent charging of the motor vehicle battery when the state of charge of the motor vehicle accumulator is above a limit value. The limit is below a maximum state of charge of the motor vehicle battery.

According to a further embodiment, the limit value is between 90% and 99% or between 95% and 99% or between 98% and 99% or at 99% of the maximum charge of the motor vehicle accumulator.

According to another further aspect, means are provided for measuring the state of charge of the motor vehicle battery after starting the internal combustion engine.

According to another further aspect, means are provided for setting the limit as a function of an outside temperature.

According to another further aspect, means are provided for setting the limit value as a function of an engine temperature.

According to another further aspect, there are provided means for inhibiting the discharge of charging when the condition of the vehicle battery is worse than a limit state.

Further features and details will become apparent from the following description, in which - where appropriate, with reference to the drawings - at least one embodiment is described in detail. Described and / or illustrated features form the subject matter, or independently of the claims, either alone or in any meaningful combination, and in particular may additionally be the subject of one or more separate applications. The same, similar and / or functionally identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals. Here are shown schematically:

1 a plan view of a motor vehicle as well

2 a flowchart of the method.

1 shows a plan view of a motor vehicle 2 ,

The car 2 has an internal combustion engine 4 on, with the help of a starter 6 is started. The ignition 6 is with a motor vehicle accumulator 8th connected via the starter 6 is energized.

The automobile accumulator 8th is from an alternator 10 charged by the internal combustion engine 4 is driven. The alternator 10 is a generator that generates kinetic energy from electrical energy. The from the alternator 10 generated friction depends on their power consumption. If the power consumption is low, the friction is the alternator 10 produced, also low.

A charge controller 12 serves to charge the motor vehicle battery 8th by means of the alternator 10 to regulate. The charge controller 12 is with a motor control 14 connected, on the one hand, the charge controller 12 controls and on the other hand provides the information necessary for loading. This includes information that the starter 6 for starting the internal combustion engine 4 was actuated and information about the state of charge of the motor vehicle battery 8th ,

For determining the state of charge of the motor vehicle accumulator, the motor controller has a voltmeter 15 on.

The engine control 14 has a memory 16 for storing information about the motor vehicle accumulator 8th on. In the store 16 can current and historical maximum load information of the motor vehicle battery 8th be filed.

The engine control 14 is with a motor temperature sensor 18 and with an outside temperature sensor 20 connected. The corresponding information is sent to the charge controller 12 forwarded. Depending on the input variables state of charge of the motor vehicle battery 8th , recently started starting the internal combustion engine 4 , Engine temperature and outside temperature, determined by the charge controller 12 taking into account the maximum load information from the memory 16 whether charging the motor vehicle battery 8th to be done or not.

2 shows a flowchart of the method.

In a first step it is determined if the starter 6 was pressed. If the answer is no, the process is repeated until the answer is yes and the starter 6 was pressed.

In a second step, the state of charge of the motor vehicle battery 8th checked. In a third step, the state of charge is compared with a limit value. If the state of charge is greater than the limit value, charging is omitted.

In some embodiments, the threshold may be set. The steps to take are shown in dashed lines. The limit may depend on the overall condition of the vehicle battery, the engine temperature and the outside temperature. If the condition of the motor vehicle accumulator is too bad, continuous charging of the motor vehicle accumulator can be achieved, which can be done on the one hand by setting the limit to 100% and, on the other hand, by completely suspending the method.

The limit can be provided in several ways. On the one hand, the limit can be set as a percentage. On the other hand, a conversion of the limit value into a specific battery voltage can take place, as a result of which the limit value can be determined by voltage measurement.

Although the subject matter has been further illustrated and explained in detail by way of embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations can be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art. It is therefore clear that a multitude of possible variations exists. It is also to be understood that exemplary embodiments are only examples that are not to be construed in any way as limiting the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention. Rather, the foregoing description and description of the figures enable one skilled in the art to practice the exemplary embodiments, and those of skill in the knowledge of the disclosed inventive concept may make various changes, for example as to the function or arrangement of particular elements recited in an exemplary embodiment, without Protected area, which is defined by the claims and their legal equivalents, such as further explanation in the description.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

2

motor vehicle

4

internal combustion engine

6

Starter

8th

Kraftfahrzeugakkumulator

10

alternator

12

charge controller

14

motor control

15

voltmeter

16

Storage

18

Engine temperature sensor

20

Outside temperature sensor

Claims (9)

Charge controller for regulating a charging process of a motor vehicle accumulator ( 8th ), wherein a state of charge meter ( 14 ) for determining a state of charge of the motor vehicle accumulator ( 8th ), the charge controller ( 12 ) is adapted to, after a recognized starting an internal combustion engine ( 4 ) charging the motor vehicle accumulator ( 8th ) when using the state of charge meter ( 14 . 15 ) a state of charge of the motor vehicle accumulator ( 8th ) is detected above a limit value, the limit value being less than 100% of the maximum charge of the motor vehicle accumulator ( 8th ) lies. Charge controller according to claim 1, wherein the limit value is between 90% and 99% or between 95% and 99% or between 98% and 99% or at 99% of the maximum charge of the motor vehicle accumulator ( 8th ) lies. Charge controller according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the state of charge meter ( 14 ) a voltmeter ( 15 ) having. Charge controller according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a starter condition sensor ( 14 ) is provided, by means of which a starting of the internal combustion engine ( 4 ) is recognizable. Charge controller according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the charge controller ( 12 ) with a motor control ( 14 ) of the motor vehicle ( 2 ) connected is. Charge controller according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an outside temperature sensor ( 20 ), wherein the limit value can be determined as a function of the outside temperature. Charge controller according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an engine temperature sensor ( 18 ), wherein the limit value can be determined as a function of the engine temperature. Charge controller according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a memory ( 16 ) is provided for depositing a maximum charge currently measured after charging. Motor vehicle with a charge controller ( 12 ) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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