EP0796992B1 - Method and device for controlling a driving contactor for a vehicle starter motor - Google Patents

Method and device for controlling a driving contactor for a vehicle starter motor Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0796992B1
EP0796992B1 EP97400625A EP97400625A EP0796992B1 EP 0796992 B1 EP0796992 B1 EP 0796992B1 EP 97400625 A EP97400625 A EP 97400625A EP 97400625 A EP97400625 A EP 97400625A EP 0796992 B1 EP0796992 B1 EP 0796992B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
signal
open
power contact
starter
closed state
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EP97400625A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0796992A1 (en
Inventor
Gérard Vilou
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Valeo Equipements Electriques Moteur SAS
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Valeo Equipements Electriques Moteur SAS
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02N—STARTING OF COMBUSTION ENGINES; STARTING AIDS FOR SUCH ENGINES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F02N11/00—Starting of engines by means of electric motors
    • F02N11/08—Circuits or control means specially adapted for starting of engines
    • F02N11/0848—Circuits or control means specially adapted for starting of engines with means for detecting successful engine start, e.g. to stop starter actuation
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02N—STARTING OF COMBUSTION ENGINES; STARTING AIDS FOR SUCH ENGINES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F02N11/00—Starting of engines by means of electric motors
    • F02N11/10—Safety devices

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to methods and to devices for controlling a contactor motor vehicle starter.
  • the supply of a starter motor vehicle is controlled by a contactor winding power, controlled by electronics.
  • the role of such a contactor is, on the one hand, to constitute a linear actuator to move a pinion launcher along a motor shaft from a rest position at a meshing position with a ring gear located under a flywheel and, on the other hand, constitute a power relay whose contact allows the starter electric motor supply, said motor driving the starter pinion in rotation.
  • Control electronics generally include a transistor type switch which controls the passage current in the contactor winding.
  • the command is all or nothing or progressive as it has been proposed in patent application FR 2 679 717.
  • the winding is supplied with state of call by a strong current, so as to develop the mechanical forces necessary to propel the pinion starter in the engine starter ring thermal.
  • the contactor has two windings, including a call winding and a holding winding, the supply passes at the end of previous period at sufficient reduced current level to keep the power contactor closed.
  • the contactor winding (whether it is one or more windings) and the control transistor are the seat significant heat release.
  • This operating mode is normally very in short, on the order of a few tenths of a second, this which prevents deterioration by thermal effect of components cited.
  • the operating time in call mode is as long as the duration of keeping the ignition key in the start position.
  • This duration is left to the discretion of the vehicle driver; in practice, it can sometimes reach several tens of seconds, which is more than enough to damage the transistor or contactor winding.
  • the causes of non-closure of the power switch can be numerous: in addition to the mechanical causes, they can also be related to the presence of non-conductive bodies at the contact surface: dust, insulating particles, icing, oxidation, ...
  • An object of the invention is therefore to propose a method and control device which allow avoid deterioration of the transistor or the winding of the contactor when due to a fault in the contactor operating time in call state is too important.
  • a device for the control of a vehicle starter switch automotive, said contactor comprising at least one winding and a power contact whose closure allows the starter to be supplied, said device comprising means for measuring a signal including evolutions are characteristic of the open state or closed the power contact and to process this signal to detect the open or closed state of the contact power, as well as means to cut or reduce the call supply of the winding (s) when the power contact is always open after a predetermined time from the start of the call supply, characterized in that the signal measured is the voltage across the starter, or the intensity that flows in it, or even a signal characteristic of the speed of rotation of the starter or heat engine and in that the means detection of the open or closed state of the contact power include means for smoothing this signal measured before processing for condition detection open or closed of the power contact.
  • a motor is shown electric D which constitutes the starter of the vehicle and whose supply is controlled by a contact of power 1.
  • This electric motor D is mounted between a terminal B + at the supply voltage of the battery and earth.
  • Contact 1 is interposed between the supply terminal B + and the starter D.
  • winding 2 mounted between the supply terminal B + and the ground.
  • the supply of the winding 2 is itself controlled by a switch 3 interposed between the winding 2 and the ground.
  • switch 3 is a MOSFET type transistor, the drain of which is connected to winding 2 and whose source is connected to ground.
  • the gate voltage of this transistor 3 is controlled by electronics 4 which will now be described.
  • This electronics 4 includes a management unit 5, which manages the gate voltage of transistor 5, so to control the feeding sequence of winding 2 according to the different operating phases of the starter (call supply, hold-open) ignition, automatic starter stop after starting the heat engine, etc.).
  • This unit 5 provides also different functions, such as protection thermal starter, restart protection when the engine is running, etc.
  • This management unit 5 receives different information on the operation of starter D. It is also connected to a supply line L at the vehicle battery voltage, controlled by key contact 6.
  • the signal "a" at the output of this management unit 5 is transmitted to means 7 for controlling the blocking of transistor 3, which generates the voltage injected on the gate of transistor 3.
  • These means 7 control by example transistor 3 so that it works in switch or in sequenced supply or progressive.
  • This signal “a” is for example of the signal type binary illustrated in Figure 2a, whose level 1 corresponds to the command to block transistor 3 and whose level 0 controls its opening. The signal “a” goes to level 1 when the key is closed contact.
  • This signal "a” is also transmitted to a unit timer 8.
  • the signal "e” at the output of this unit of timer 8 is delayed by a duration Tc relative to the signal "a" ( Figure 2b).
  • This signal "f” is generated by a unit 10 which detects the open or closed state of power contact 1 depending, for example, on the measurement of the aux voltage terminals of the starter D, or of the measurement of the intensity that flows through it.
  • the signal "f" can be generated in function of a speed measurement of either the motor electric starter or motor thermal.
  • the unit 10 advantageously comprises a circuit for smoothing the input signal, so as not to trigger unwanted electronic protection under the effect of the power contact that could intervene, for example, following contact bounces or to switching noise on the electric motor.
  • the signal "g" at the output of unit 9 is a signal of the type shown in Figure 2d, which is 1 when power contact 1 is not closed at the end of the timer by unit 8, i.e. when the signal "f” is 0 when the signal "e” goes to his level 1.
  • This signal "g" is transmitted with the signal "a” to means 7 for controlling the blocking of the transistor 3.
  • the signal "b” ( Figure 2e) generated by these means 7 controls the blocking of transistor 3 when the signal "a” is at level 1 and the signal "g" is at its level 0.
  • the delay time Tc is chosen small enough so that there is no damage irreversible of transistor 3 or winding 2 if the power contact 1 does not close, but nevertheless sufficient to propel the starter pinion in working position.
  • the means 7 for controlling the grid of the transistor consist of a resistor R1.
  • Unit 8 consists of a circuit standard timer which goes to level 1 after a given delay time Tc, when it receives a level 1 signal.
  • the decision-making unit 9 includes a "NAND" gate 11, a first input e 1 of which is connected to the output of the timing unit 8 and a second input of which e 2 is connected to the collector of a bipolar switching transistor T This collector is charged by a resistor R2 connected to a supply terminal at the battery voltage.
  • the emitter of this transistor T is connected to the mass.
  • the output s of this door 11 is connected to the gate of transistor 3, via a diode 12, which is blocking from said outlet s towards the grid.
  • the transistor T In the absence of a positive signal on its base (signal "f" at level 0), the transistor T is not conductive and the second entry of the NAND gate is at level 1.
  • the output of logic gate 11 is then at level 0 when the signal "e" goes to level 1 at the end time delay.
  • the gate of transistor 3 is then at a voltage close to 0.
  • the inrush current in said transistor 3 and in winding 2 is reduced to a negligible value, which makes the situation safe from thermal point of view.
  • the diode 12 makes it possible to avoid, in these cases, any influence on the command generated by unit 5.
  • the gate voltage of transistor 3 is then directly controlled by the level of signal "a" at the output of the unit management 5.
  • the unit 10 illustrated in FIG. 3 allows the times to calibrate and smooth the voltage on the terminal positive of the electric motor.
  • Zener diode 13 whose anode is connected to ground and whose cathode is connected, by through a resistor R3, at the base of the transistor T.
  • the cathode of this diode 13 is also connected, via a resistor R4, at one end a capacitor 14, the other end of which is connected to the mass. At their common end, the capacitor 14 and resistance R4 are connected to a point between contact 1 and the starter D, via a diode 15.
  • Resistor R4 limits the current in this diode 13 in case of overvoltage.
  • Capacitor 14 eliminates unwanted effects micro-cuts and parasites. Diode 15 avoids quick discharge of capacitor 14 in starter D during micro-cuts.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Motor And Converter Starters (AREA)
  • Control Of Direct Current Motors (AREA)
  • Electric Propulsion And Braking For Vehicles (AREA)
  • Relay Circuits (AREA)
  • Control Of Vehicle Engines Or Engines For Specific Uses (AREA)

Description

La présente invention est relative aux procédés et aux dispositifs pour la commande d'un contacteur de démarreur de véhicule automobile.The present invention relates to methods and to devices for controlling a contactor motor vehicle starter.

Classiquement, l'alimentation d'un démarreur de véhicule automobile est commandée par un contacteur de puissance à bobinage, piloté par une électronique.Conventionally, the supply of a starter motor vehicle is controlled by a contactor winding power, controlled by electronics.

Un tel contacteur a pour rôle, d'une part, de constituer un actionneur linéaire pour déplacer un pignon lanceur le long d'un arbre moteur d'une position de repos à une position d'engrènement avec une couronne dentée située sous un volant moteur et, d'autre part, de constituer un relais de puissance dont le contact permet l'alimentation du moteur électrique du démarreur, ledit moteur entraínant en rotation le pignon lanceur.The role of such a contactor is, on the one hand, to constitute a linear actuator to move a pinion launcher along a motor shaft from a rest position at a meshing position with a ring gear located under a flywheel and, on the other hand, constitute a power relay whose contact allows the starter electric motor supply, said motor driving the starter pinion in rotation.

Pour un exemple de structure de démarreur automobile, on pourra par exemple se référer à US 5,345,901.For an example of starter structure automobile, we could for example refer to US 5,345,901.

L'électronique de commande comporte généralement un interrupteur du type transistor qui commande le passage d'un courant dans le bobinage du contacteur. La commande est tout ou rien ou progressive, ainsi que cela a été proposé dans la demande de brevet FR 2 679 717.Control electronics generally include a transistor type switch which controls the passage current in the contactor winding. The command is all or nothing or progressive as it has been proposed in patent application FR 2 679 717.

Dans un premier temps, le bobinage est alimenté en état d'appel par un fort courant, de façon à développer les forces mécaniques nécessaires pour propulser le pignon de lanceur dans la couronne de démarrage du moteur thermique.Initially, the winding is supplied with state of call by a strong current, so as to develop the mechanical forces necessary to propel the pinion starter in the engine starter ring thermal.

Dans un deuxième temps, lorsque le contacteur comporte deux enroulements, dont un enroulement d'appel et un enroulement de maintien, l'alimentation passe en fin de période précédente à un niveau de courant réduit suffisant pour maintenir le contacteur de puissance fermé.Secondly, when the contactor has two windings, including a call winding and a holding winding, the supply passes at the end of previous period at sufficient reduced current level to keep the power contactor closed.

En état d'appel, du fait des courants élevés, le bobinage du contacteur (qu'il soit à un ou plusieurs enroulements) et le transistor de commande sont le siège de dégagements de chaleur importants.On call, due to the high currents, the contactor winding (whether it is one or more windings) and the control transistor are the seat significant heat release.

Ce mode de fonctionnement est normalement très bref, de l'ordre de quelques dixièmes de secondes, ce qui empêche la détérioration par effet thermique des composants cités.This operating mode is normally very in short, on the order of a few tenths of a second, this which prevents deterioration by thermal effect of components cited.

Toutefois, en cas de dysfonctionnement de l'interrupteur de puissance, la durée de fonctionnement en mode d'appel est aussi longue que la durée de maintien de la clé de contact en position de démarrage.However, in the event of a malfunction of the power switch, the operating time in call mode is as long as the duration of keeping the ignition key in the start position.

Cette durée est laissée à l'appréciation du conducteur du véhicule ; en pratique, elle peut parfois atteindre plusieurs dizaines de secondes, ce qui est largement suffisant pour détériorer le transistor ou le bobinage de contacteur.This duration is left to the discretion of the vehicle driver; in practice, it can sometimes reach several tens of seconds, which is more than enough to damage the transistor or contactor winding.

Or, les causes de non fermeture de l'interrupteur de puissance peuvent être nombreuses : outre les causes mécaniques, elles peuvent également être liées à la présence de corps non conducteurs à la surface des contacts : poussières, particules isolantes, givrage, oxydation,...However, the causes of non-closure of the power switch can be numerous: in addition to the mechanical causes, they can also be related to the presence of non-conductive bodies at the contact surface: dust, insulating particles, icing, oxidation, ...

Un but de l'invention est donc de proposer un procédé et un dispositif de commande qui permettent d'éviter la détérioration du transistor ou du bobinage du contacteur lorsque du fait d'une défaillance du contacteur la durée de fonctionnement en état d'appel est trop importante.An object of the invention is therefore to propose a method and control device which allow avoid deterioration of the transistor or the winding of the contactor when due to a fault in the contactor operating time in call state is too important.

On connaít déjà par US 4,345,554 une électronique de commande d'un démarreur qui désactive l'alimentation de celui-ci lorsque le moteur n'a pas démarré à l'issue d'un temps prédéterminé. Toutefois, cette commande n'est pas pleinement satisfaisante. Elle peut amener à couper l'alimentation du démarreur alors que le contact de puissance est effectivement fermé.We already know by US 4,345,554 a starter control electronics that deactivate power to it when the engine hasn't started after a predetermined time. However, this order is not fully satisfactory. She may cause the starter power to be cut off then that the power contact is effectively closed.

Selon l'invention, on propose un dispositif pour la commande d'un contacteur de démarreur de véhicule automobile, ledit contacteur comportant au moins un enroulement et un contact de puissance dont la fermeture permet l'alimentation du démarreur, ledit dispositif comportant des moyens pour mesurer un signal dont des évolutions sont caractéristiques de l'état ouvert ou fermé du contact de puissance et pour traiter ce signal pour détecter l'état ouvert ou fermé du contact de puissance, ainsi que des moyens pour couper ou réduire l'alimentation d'appel du ou des enroulements lorsque le contact de puissance est toujours ouvert à l'issue d'un temps prédéterminé par rapport au début de l'alimentation d'appel, caractérisé en ce que le signal mesuré est la tension aux bornes du démarreur, ou l'intensité qui circule dans celui-ci, ou encore un signal caractéristique de la vitesse de rotation du démarreur ou du moteur thermique et en ce que les moyens de détection de l'état ouvert ou fermé du contact de puissance comportent des moyens de lissage de ce signal mesuré avant son traitement pour la détection de l'état ouvert ou fermé du contact de puissance.According to the invention, a device is proposed for the control of a vehicle starter switch automotive, said contactor comprising at least one winding and a power contact whose closure allows the starter to be supplied, said device comprising means for measuring a signal including evolutions are characteristic of the open state or closed the power contact and to process this signal to detect the open or closed state of the contact power, as well as means to cut or reduce the call supply of the winding (s) when the power contact is always open after a predetermined time from the start of the call supply, characterized in that the signal measured is the voltage across the starter, or the intensity that flows in it, or even a signal characteristic of the speed of rotation of the starter or heat engine and in that the means detection of the open or closed state of the contact power include means for smoothing this signal measured before processing for condition detection open or closed of the power contact.

Ce dispositif est avantageusement complété par les différentes caractéristiques suivantes prises seules ou selon toutes leurs combinaisons techniquement possibles :

  • des moyens pour générer un signal de commande du démarrage, notamment lors de la fermeture de la clé de contact, un élément pour la régulation du courant d'alimentation du ou des enroulements, des moyens pour la commande de cet élément de régulation, ces moyens recevant le signal de commande de démarrage, les moyens pour couper ou réduire l'alimentation d'appel comportant des moyens de temporisation auxquels le signal de commande de démarrage est transmis, ainsi que des moyens décisionnels qui reçoivent en entrée les signaux en sortie d'une part des moyens de temporisation et d'autre part des moyens de détection de l'état ouvert ou fermé du contact de puissance, ces moyens décisionnels émettant en sortie un signal qui indique aux moyens de commande de l'élément de régulation que le contact de puissance est ouvert à l'issue de la temporisation ;
  • les moyens décisionnels comportent une porte logique dont une entrée reçoit le signal en sortie des moyens de temporisation et dont une autre entrée reçoit un signal correspondant au signal en sortie des moyens de détection de l'état ouvert ou fermé du contact de puissance, la sortie de ladite porte logique étant reliée à la sortie des moyens de commande de l'élément de régulation par l'intermédiaire d'une diode
  • la porte logique est une porte NON ET ;
  • la deuxième entrée de la porte logique est reliée à une borne d'alimentation par l'intermédiaire de moyens principalement résistifs, ainsi qu'à une extrémité d'un interrupteur dont l'autre extrémité est reliée à la masse et qui est commandé par le signal en sortie des moyens de détection de l'état ouvert ou fermé du contact de puissance ;
  • les moyens de détection comportent une diode Zener dont la tension de cathode est le signal qui commande l'interrupteur, la cathode de ladite diode étant reliée à un point entre le contact de puissance et le démarreur, son anode étant reliée à la masse ;
  • les moyens de détection comportent en outre des moyens principalement résistifs pour la limitation du courant dans ladite diode en cas de surtension ;
This device is advantageously supplemented by the following different characteristics taken alone or in all their technically possible combinations:
  • means for generating a start control signal, in particular when closing the ignition key, an element for regulating the supply current of the winding (s), means for controlling this regulating element, these means receiving the start control signal, the means for cutting off or reducing the call supply comprising delay means to which the start control signal is transmitted, as well as decision-making means which receive the input signals from the output on the one hand the time delay means and on the other hand means for detecting the open or closed state of the power contact, these decision-making means outputting a signal which indicates to the control means of the regulating element that the contact power is opened at the end of the time delay;
  • the decision-making means include a logic gate, one input of which receives the signal at the output of the delay means and the other of which receives a signal corresponding to the signal of the output of the means for detecting the open or closed state of the power contact, the output of said logic gate being connected to the output of the control means of the regulating element by means of a diode
  • the logic gate is a NAND gate;
  • the second input of the logic gate is connected to a supply terminal by means of mainly resistive means, as well as to one end of a switch whose other end is connected to ground and which is controlled by the signal at the output of the means for detecting the open or closed state of the power contact;
  • the detection means comprise a Zener diode, the cathode voltage of which is the signal which controls the switch, the cathode of said diode being connected to a point between the power contact and the starter, its anode being connected to ground;
  • the detection means also comprise mainly resistive means for limiting the current in said diode in the event of an overvoltage;

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention ressortiront encore de la description qui suit. Cette description est purement illustrative et non limitative. Elle doit être lue en regard des dessins annexés sur lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est un schéma illustrant un mode de réalisation possible pour le dispositif conforme à l'invention ;
  • les figures 2a à 2e illustrent une séquence de commande possible pour le dispositif de la figure 1 ;
  • la figure 3 est une représentation schématique semblable à celle de la figure 1 et illustre une autre variante possible pour le dispositif conforme à l'invention.
Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the description which follows. This description is purely illustrative and not limiting. It must be read in conjunction with the appended drawings in which:
  • Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a possible embodiment for the device according to the invention;
  • Figures 2a to 2e illustrate a possible control sequence for the device of Figure 1;
  • Figure 3 is a schematic representation similar to that of Figure 1 and illustrates another possible variant for the device according to the invention.

Sur la figure 1, on a représenté un moteur électrique D qui constitue le démarreur du véhicule et dont l'alimentation est commandée par un contact de puissance 1.In Figure 1, a motor is shown electric D which constitutes the starter of the vehicle and whose supply is controlled by a contact of power 1.

Ce moteur électrique D est monté entre une borne B+ à la tension d'alimentation de la batterie et la masse.This electric motor D is mounted between a terminal B + at the supply voltage of the battery and earth.

Le contact 1 est interposé entre la borne d'alimentation B+ et le démarreur D.Contact 1 is interposed between the supply terminal B + and the starter D.

Il est commandé par un enroulement 2 monté entre la borne d'alimentation B+ et la masse. L'alimentation de l'enroulement 2 est elle-même commandée par un interrupteur 3 interposé entre l'enroulement 2 et la masse.It is controlled by a winding 2 mounted between the supply terminal B + and the ground. The supply of the winding 2 is itself controlled by a switch 3 interposed between the winding 2 and the ground.

Dans l'exemple ici décrit, l'interrupteur 3 est un transistor de type MOSFET, dont le drain est relié à l'enroulement 2 et dont la source est reliée à la masse.In the example described here, switch 3 is a MOSFET type transistor, the drain of which is connected to winding 2 and whose source is connected to ground.

La tension de grille de ce transistor 3 est commandée par une électronique 4 qui va maintenant être décrite.The gate voltage of this transistor 3 is controlled by electronics 4 which will now be described.

Cette électronique 4 comporte une unité de gestion 5, qui gère la tension de grille du transistor 5, de façon à contrôler la séquence d'alimentation de l'enroulement 2 selon les différentes phases de fonctionnement du démarreur (alimentation d'appel, maintien de la fermeture du contact, arrêt automatique du démarreur après le démarrage du moteur thermique, etc.). Cette unité 5 assure également différentes fonctions, telles que la protection thermique du démarreur, la protection anti-redémarrage lorsque le moteur thermique fonctionne, etc.This electronics 4 includes a management unit 5, which manages the gate voltage of transistor 5, so to control the feeding sequence of winding 2 according to the different operating phases of the starter (call supply, hold-open) ignition, automatic starter stop after starting the heat engine, etc.). This unit 5 provides also different functions, such as protection thermal starter, restart protection when the engine is running, etc.

Cette unité de gestion 5 reçoit différentes informations sur le fonctionnement du démarreur D. Elle est également reliée à une ligne L d'alimentation à la tension de la batterie du véhicule, commandée par la clé de contact 6.This management unit 5 receives different information on the operation of starter D. It is also connected to a supply line L at the vehicle battery voltage, controlled by key contact 6.

Le signal "a" en sortie de cette unité de gestion 5 est transmis à des moyens 7 pour la commande du blocage du transistor 3, qui génère la tension injectée sur la grille du transistor 3. Ces moyens 7 commandent par exemple le transistor 3 de façon qu'il fonctionne en commutateur ou encore en alimentation séquencée ou progressive.The signal "a" at the output of this management unit 5 is transmitted to means 7 for controlling the blocking of transistor 3, which generates the voltage injected on the gate of transistor 3. These means 7 control by example transistor 3 so that it works in switch or in sequenced supply or progressive.

Ce signal "a" est par exemple du type du signal binaire illustré sur la figure 2a, dont le niveau 1 correspond à la commande du blocage du transistor 3 et dont le niveau 0 commande son ouverture. Le signal "a" passe à son niveau 1 lors de la fermeture de la clé de contact.This signal "a" is for example of the signal type binary illustrated in Figure 2a, whose level 1 corresponds to the command to block transistor 3 and whose level 0 controls its opening. The signal "a" goes to level 1 when the key is closed contact.

Ce signal "a" est également transmis à une unité de temporisation 8.This signal "a" is also transmitted to a unit timer 8.

Le signal "e" en sortie de cette unité de temporisation 8 est retardé d'une durée Tc par rapport au signal "a" (figure 2b).The signal "e" at the output of this unit of timer 8 is delayed by a duration Tc relative to the signal "a" (Figure 2b).

Il est transmis à une unité décisionnelle 9 en même temps qu'un signal "f" (figure 2c), qui est un signal binaire représentatif de l'état fermé ou ouvert du contact 1.It is transmitted to a decision-making unit 9 in same time as a signal "f" (figure 2c), which is a signal binary representative of the closed or open state of the contact 1.

Ce signal "f" est généré par une unité 10 qui détecte l'état ouvert ou fermé du contact de puissance 1 en fonction, par exemple, de la mesure de la tension aux bornes du démarreur D, ou encore de la mesure de l'intensité qui circule dans celui-ci.This signal "f" is generated by a unit 10 which detects the open or closed state of power contact 1 depending, for example, on the measurement of the aux voltage terminals of the starter D, or of the measurement of the intensity that flows through it.

En variante, le signal "f" peut être généré en fonction d'une mesure de la vitesse soit du moteur électrique que constitue le démarreur, soit du moteur thermique.As a variant, the signal "f" can be generated in function of a speed measurement of either the motor electric starter or motor thermal.

Dans l'exemple illustré sur les figures, on a représenté en trait plein sur la figure 2c un signal binaire qui correspond au signal "f" lorsque le contact de puissance 1 se ferme immédiatement après la commande du démarrage par le signal "a", ainsi qu'en traits interrompus le signal "f" lorsque le contact de puissance ne se ferme pas pendant la durée de la temporisation.In the example illustrated in the figures, we have shown in solid line in Figure 2c a signal binary which corresponds to the signal "f" when the contact of power 1 closes immediately after ordering the start with signal "a", as well as in lines interrupted signal "f" when the power contact does not close for the duration of the timer.

L'unité 10 comporte avantageusement un circuit de lissage du signal d'entrée, de façon à ne pas déclencher intempestivement la protection électronique sous l'effet de microcoupure du contact de puissance qui pourrait intervenir, par exemple, suite à des rebonds du contact ou à des parasites de commutation sur le moteur électrique.The unit 10 advantageously comprises a circuit for smoothing the input signal, so as not to trigger unwanted electronic protection under the effect of the power contact that could intervene, for example, following contact bounces or to switching noise on the electric motor.

Le signal "g" en sortie de l'unité 9 est un signal du type de celui illustré sur la figure 2d, qui vaut 1 lorsque le contact de puissance 1 n'est pas fermé à l'issue de la temporisation par l'unité 8, c'est-à-dire lorsque le signal "f" vaut 0 lorsque le signal "e" passe à son niveau 1.The signal "g" at the output of unit 9 is a signal of the type shown in Figure 2d, which is 1 when power contact 1 is not closed at the end of the timer by unit 8, i.e. when the signal "f" is 0 when the signal "e" goes to his level 1.

Ce signal "g" est transmis avec le signal "a" aux moyens 7 pour la commande du blocage du transistor 3.This signal "g" is transmitted with the signal "a" to means 7 for controlling the blocking of the transistor 3.

Le signal "b" (figure 2e) généré par ces moyens 7 commande le blocage du transistor 3 lorsque le signal "a" est à son niveau 1 et que le signal "g" est à son niveau 0.The signal "b" (Figure 2e) generated by these means 7 controls the blocking of transistor 3 when the signal "a" is at level 1 and the signal "g" is at its level 0.

Par contre, dès que le signal "g" passe à son niveau 1, c'est-à-dire lorsque l'on détecte l'ouverture du contact 1 à l'issue du temps de temporisation, le signal "b" passe au niveau 0 et le transistor 3 est ouvert.On the other hand, as soon as the signal "g" passes to its level 1, that is to say when the opening of the contact 1 at the end of the delay time, the signal "b" goes to level 0 and transistor 3 is open.

La durée de temporisation Tc est choisie suffisamment petite pour qu'il n'y ait aucun endommagement irréversible du transistor 3 ou de l'enroulement 2 si le contact de puissance 1 ne se ferme pas, mais néanmoins suffisante pour assurer la propulsion du pignon de lanceur en position de travail.The delay time Tc is chosen small enough so that there is no damage irreversible of transistor 3 or winding 2 if the power contact 1 does not close, but nevertheless sufficient to propel the starter pinion in working position.

En pratique, des valeurs comprises entre 0,5 et 10 secondes conviennent.In practice, values between 0.5 and 10 seconds are fine.

On se réfère maintenant à la figure 3.We now refer to Figure 3.

Les différents moyens du dispositif de la figure 1 y ont été détaillés.The different means of the device of Figure 1 were detailed there.

Les moyens 7 pour la commande de la grille du transistor sont constitués par une résistance R1.The means 7 for controlling the grid of the transistor consist of a resistor R1.

L'unité 8 est constituée par un circuit de temporisation standard qui passe au niveau 1 après une durée de temporisation Tc donnée, lorsqu'il reçoit un signal de niveau 1.Unit 8 consists of a circuit standard timer which goes to level 1 after a given delay time Tc, when it receives a level 1 signal.

L'unité décisionnelle 9 comporte une porte "NON ET" 11 dont une première entrée e1 est reliée à la sortie de l'unité de temporisation 8 et dont une deuxième entrée e2 est reliée au collecteur d'un transistor bipolaire de commutation T. Ce collecteur est chargé par une résistance R2 reliée à une borne d'alimentation à la tension de la batterie.The decision-making unit 9 includes a "NAND" gate 11, a first input e 1 of which is connected to the output of the timing unit 8 and a second input of which e 2 is connected to the collector of a bipolar switching transistor T This collector is charged by a resistor R2 connected to a supply terminal at the battery voltage.

L'émetteur de ce transistor T est relié à la masse.The emitter of this transistor T is connected to the mass.

La sortie s de cette porte 11 est reliée à la grille du transistor 3, par l'intermédiaire d'une diode 12, qui est blocante de ladite sortie s vers la grille.The output s of this door 11 is connected to the gate of transistor 3, via a diode 12, which is blocking from said outlet s towards the grid.

En l'absence de signal positif sur sa base (signal "f" au niveau 0), le transistor T n'est pas conducteur et la deuxième entrée de la porte NON ET est au niveau 1.In the absence of a positive signal on its base (signal "f" at level 0), the transistor T is not conductive and the second entry of the NAND gate is at level 1.

La sortie de la porte logique 11 est alors au niveau 0 lorsque le signal "e" passe au niveau 1 à l'issue de la temporisation. La grille du transistor 3 est alors à une tension voisine de 0. Le courant d'appel dans ledit transistor 3 et dans l'enroulement 2 est réduit à une valeur négligeable, qui rend la situation sans risque du point de vue thermique.The output of logic gate 11 is then at level 0 when the signal "e" goes to level 1 at the end time delay. The gate of transistor 3 is then at a voltage close to 0. The inrush current in said transistor 3 and in winding 2 is reduced to a negligible value, which makes the situation safe from thermal point of view.

Dans tous les autres états des signaux "e" et "f" en entrée de la porte 11, le signal "g" en sortie de ladite porte 11 est au niveau 1.In all other states of the signals "e" and "f" at the input of door 11, the signal "g" at the output of said door 11 is at level 1.

La diode 12 permet d'éviter, dans ces cas, toute influence sur la commande générée par l'unité 5. La tension de grille du transistor 3 est alors directement commandée par le niveau du signal "a" en sortie de l'unité de gestion 5.The diode 12 makes it possible to avoid, in these cases, any influence on the command generated by unit 5. The gate voltage of transistor 3 is then directly controlled by the level of signal "a" at the output of the unit management 5.

L'unité 10 illustrée sur la figure 3 permet à la fois de calibrer et de lisser la tension sur la borne positive du moteur électrique.The unit 10 illustrated in FIG. 3 allows the times to calibrate and smooth the voltage on the terminal positive of the electric motor.

Elle comporte une diode Zener 13 dont l'anode est reliée à la masse et dont la cathode est reliée, par l'intermédiaire d'une résistance R3, à la base du transistor T.It includes a Zener diode 13 whose anode is connected to ground and whose cathode is connected, by through a resistor R3, at the base of the transistor T.

La cathode de cette diode 13 est également reliée, par l'intermédiaire d'une résistance R4, à une extrémité d'un condensateur 14, dont l'autre extrémité est reliée à la masse. A leur extrémité commune, le condensateur 14 et la résistance R4 sont reliés à un point entre le contact 1 et le démarreur D, par l'intermédiaire d'une diode 15.The cathode of this diode 13 is also connected, via a resistor R4, at one end a capacitor 14, the other end of which is connected to the mass. At their common end, the capacitor 14 and resistance R4 are connected to a point between contact 1 and the starter D, via a diode 15.

Lorsque le contact 1 est fermé, le signal "f" en sortie de l'unité 10 est à la tension Zener de la diode 13, la tension aux bornes du démarreur D, sujette à des effets selfiques, étant limitée par ladite diode Zener 13.When contact 1 is closed, the signal "f" in output of unit 10 is at the Zener voltage of the diode 13, the voltage across the starter motor D, subject to inductive effects, being limited by said Zener diode 13.

La résistance R4 limite le courant dans cette diode 13 en cas de surtension.Resistor R4 limits the current in this diode 13 in case of overvoltage.

Le condensateur 14 élimine les effets indésirables des microcoupures et parasites. La diode 15 évite une décharge rapide du condensateur 14 dans le démarreur D pendant les microcoupures.Capacitor 14 eliminates unwanted effects micro-cuts and parasites. Diode 15 avoids quick discharge of capacitor 14 in starter D during micro-cuts.

Lorsque le contact 1 est ouvert, le signal "f" en sortie de cette unité 10 se trouve à son niveau 0, puisque la tension d'entrée est nulle.When contact 1 is open, the signal "f" in output of this unit 10 is at its level 0, since the input voltage is zero.

Le dispositif qui vient d'être décrit présente de nombreux avantages.The device which has just been described presents many advantages.

Il permet de réduire le coût de l'électronique de commande du démarreur, puisque les contraintes thermiques sur le transistor 3 et l'enroulement 2 sont réduites.It reduces the cost of electronics by starter control, since thermal stresses on transistor 3 and winding 2 are reduced.

Il en résulte en outre une plus grande facilité d'implantation de l'électronique de commande du démarreur.It also results in greater ease installation of the starter control electronics.

Par ailleurs, la fiabilité de la commande est améliorée.Furthermore, the reliability of the control is improved.

Claims (7)

  1. Apparatus for controlling a contactor of a motor vehicle starter, said contactor including at least one winding (2) and a power contact (1) which, on being closed, serves to supply power to the starter, said apparatus including means (10) for measuring a signal having variations that are characteristic of the open or closed state of the power contact, and for processing the signal so as to detect the open or closed state of the power contact (1), and means (8, 9) for interrupting or reducing the start power supply to the winding(s) (2) whenever the power contact (1) is still open after a predetermined time delay from the beginning of start power supply, the apparatus being characterized in that the measured signal is the voltage across the terminals of the starter (D), and in that the means (10) for detecting the open or closed state of the power contact include means (14) for smoothing the measured signal before it is processed to detect the open or closed state of the power contact.
  2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes means (5) for generating a start control signal, in particular when the vehicle key (6) is closed, a regulator element (3) for regulating the power supply current to the winding(s) (2), control means (7) for controlling said regulator element (2), said control means (7) receiving the start control signal, the means for interrupting or reducing the start power supply including delay means (8) to which the start control signal is applied, and decision means (9) which receive as inputs the output signals firstly from the delay means (8) and secondly from the means (10) for detecting the open or closed state of the power contact (1), said decision means (9) issuing an output signal that informs the control means (7) for controlling the regulator element (3) that the power contact (1) is open at the end of the time delay.
  3. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the decision means (9) comprise a logic gate (11) having one input receiving the output signal from the delay means (8) and another input receiving a signal corresponding to the output signal from the means (10) for detecting the open or closed state of the power contact, the output from said logic gate (11) being connected by means of a diode (12) to the output of said control means (10) for controlling the regulator element (3).
  4. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the logic gate (11) is a NAND gate.
  5. Apparatus accordion to claim 4, characterized in that the second input of the logic gate (11) is connected to a power supply terminal via means (R2) that are mainly resistive, and also to one end of a switch (T) whose other end is connected to ground and which is controlled by the output signal from the means (10) for detecting the open or closed state of the power contact.
  6. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the detector means comprise a zener diode (13) whose cathode voltage constitutes the signal controlling the switch, the cathode of said diode being connected to a point between the power contact (1) and the starter (D), its anode being connected to ground.
  7. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the detector means further include mainly resistive means (R4) for limiting the current flowing through said diode (13) in the event of excess voltage.
EP97400625A 1996-03-21 1997-03-20 Method and device for controlling a driving contactor for a vehicle starter motor Expired - Lifetime EP0796992B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9603509 1996-03-21
FR9603509A FR2746449B1 (en) 1996-03-21 1996-03-21 METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING A POWER CONTACTOR OF A MOTOR VEHICLE STARTER

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EP0796992A1 EP0796992A1 (en) 1997-09-24
EP0796992B1 true EP0796992B1 (en) 2003-01-15

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EP97400625A Expired - Lifetime EP0796992B1 (en) 1996-03-21 1997-03-20 Method and device for controlling a driving contactor for a vehicle starter motor

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US (1) US5831804A (en)
EP (1) EP0796992B1 (en)
JP (2) JP4175677B2 (en)
DE (1) DE69718366T2 (en)
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FR (1) FR2746449B1 (en)

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US6024065A (en) * 1994-07-05 2000-02-15 Chrysler Corporation Starter motor control circuit and method
FR2760910B1 (en) * 1997-03-14 1999-05-28 Valeo Equip Electr Moteur DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING A MOTOR VEHICLE STARTER CONTACTOR
FR2771780B1 (en) * 1997-12-03 2000-02-18 Valeo Equip Electr Moteur METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING THE POWER OF THE WINDING OF A MOTOR VEHICLE STARTER CONTACTOR
FR2772085B1 (en) * 1997-12-10 2000-02-25 Valeo Equip Electr Moteur IMPROVEMENT IN DEVICES FOR CONTROLLING A MOTOR VEHICLE STARTER
FR2783371B1 (en) * 1998-09-16 2000-12-01 Valeo Equip Electr Moteur DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING THE POWER SUPPLY OF A VEHICLE STARTER ELECTRIC MOTOR AND STARTER COMPRISING SUCH A DEVICE
DE10034779A1 (en) * 2000-07-18 2002-01-31 Bosch Gmbh Robert Control device for starters of internal combustion engines
JP3831191B2 (en) * 2000-10-13 2006-10-11 株式会社東海理化電機製作所 Vehicle engine starter and engine start method
FR2839344B1 (en) 2002-03-29 2005-12-02 Valeo Equip Electr Moteur ELECTRONIC CONTROL CIRCUIT FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE STARTER CONTACTOR EQUIPPED WITH CORRECTING MEANS IN THE EVENT OF NON-CLOSING OF THE POWER CONTACT
US6806585B2 (en) * 2002-12-04 2004-10-19 Valeo Mando Electrical Systems Korea Limited Stabilization circuit of magnet switch for starter
JP3861876B2 (en) * 2003-12-22 2006-12-27 日産自動車株式会社 ENGINE START CONTROL DEVICE AND METHOD
US7084588B2 (en) * 2004-07-30 2006-08-01 Ballard Power Systems Corporation Method, apparatus and article for motor control voltage dropout detection
US7728704B2 (en) 2007-06-07 2010-06-01 Trombetta, Llc Method for reducing continuous charge
DE102009027828A1 (en) * 2009-07-20 2011-01-27 Robert Bosch Gmbh Control and method of a starter motor for a starting device
US9434261B2 (en) * 2011-10-17 2016-09-06 Robert Bosch Gmbh Welded contactor checking systems and methods
JP5505449B2 (en) 2012-04-06 2014-05-28 株式会社デンソー Control device for multi-phase rotating machine
CN105869576A (en) * 2015-01-24 2016-08-17 深圳富泰宏精密工业有限公司 Device and method for improvement of display stability

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US5601058A (en) * 1995-03-06 1997-02-11 The United States Of America As Represented By The Department Of Energy Starting apparatus for internal combustion engines

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FR2746449A1 (en) 1997-09-26
ES2191155T3 (en) 2003-09-01
DE69718366D1 (en) 2003-02-20
JPH1026068A (en) 1998-01-27
EP0796992A1 (en) 1997-09-24
FR2746449B1 (en) 1998-06-12
JP4613197B2 (en) 2011-01-12
US5831804A (en) 1998-11-03
JP4175677B2 (en) 2008-11-05
JP2008019872A (en) 2008-01-31
DE69718366T2 (en) 2003-09-04

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