EP1030055A1 - Method and device for controlling the start procedure of an internal combustion engine - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves charging up the short-term energy storage device before starting the engine and discharging it during starting. A starting signal is generated before the starting process and safety functions, including actuating a brake and disengaging the clutch, are performed after generation of the starting signal and before initiation of the starting process. An Independent claim is also included for an arrangement for controlling an internal combustion engine starting process, esp. for a motor vehicle, with a short-term energy storage device.

Description

The invention is based on a method for controlling a starting process Internal combustion engine, in particular a motor vehicle, in which a Short-term energy storage before starting the internal combustion engine and loaded Tempering is discharged.

In vehicles that are mainly used in short-haul operations and their drive motor, which is designed as an internal combustion engine, is frequently switched off and on again is started, a travel time between two parking phases is sufficient and thus associated operating time of an associated alternator is often not enough to after the last starting process, a vehicle battery was discharged by a Compensate the charging process completely. A known way in such Usage profile to avoid a complete discharge of the vehicle battery is the Use a higher capacity vehicle battery or use a switchable additional battery. However, this is with additional costs and additional Weight connected. Another known possibility is to use special short-term energy storage, which before and during operation of the Drive motor can be loaded, then at a subsequent Starting process a largely independent energy for the vehicle battery To be able to provide the starting process. Short-term energy stores are in the form of Flywheels and capacitors known. At a pulse start Starting process using a flywheel is first the flywheel on a Start speed brought and then the drive motor over the closing one Intermediate starting clutch started. With a direct start mentioned Starting process using a capacitor, the capacitor is first charged and then the drive motor is powered by a high energy capacitor electric starter started in a known manner.

DE 195 19 713 A1 describes a method and a device for controlling a Heating element, in particular a glow plug, a self-igniting Internal combustion engine described in which the current flow through the heating element is released when a door contact is actuated and another condition is met is. This enables a quick start-up process, which in the usual way an electric starter powered by the vehicle battery. From the Generic EP 0 390 398 A1 discloses an engine starting device in which a electric starter is powered by a capacitor, being a Control unit charges the capacitor with one opposite the vehicle battery causes increased tension.

In the known starting devices with short-term energy storage, the driver must first wait for the drive motor to start until the short-term energy storage is loaded is. Although the waiting time is usually only a few seconds, this waiting time is from Driver experienced as uncomfortable and uncomfortable.

The present invention is therefore based on the problem of a method to provide, through which the starting process with a short-term energy storage provided internal combustion engine is subjectively shortened for the driver. Furthermore a corresponding device is to be shown.

The problem is solved by a method according to claim 1 and by an apparatus Claim 11 solved. The sub-claims 2 to 10 describe preferred Developments of the method according to the invention, the subclaims 12 to 14 preferred developments of the device according to the invention.

The method for controlling a starting process of an internal combustion engine, in particular of a motor vehicle, provides for a short-term energy store a starting the internal combustion engine is charged and discharged for starting. By using the short-term energy storage is compared to the usage of a conventional electric starter powered by a vehicle battery a largely independent of the vehicle battery and usually also higher performance provided for starting the internal combustion engine. A discharge of the Vehicle battery in an extremely short-haul operation with frequent stopping and Restarting the internal combustion engine is avoided. Before starting safety functions after a first commissioning signal has been triggered performed, for example, an actuation of a brake and a disconnection Starting clutch can include. The application of the brake before starting is useful to start the combustion engine without an unintentional To be able to separate the motor vehicle from rolling away from a remaining drive train, what happens through an opening of the starting clutch. To secure the motor vehicle comes the actuation of a service brake and / or a parking brake, both of which to the equipment standard of motor vehicles in question. By at first Commissioning signal following early execution of the Safety functions as well as by loading the short-term energy storage Starting process initiated so early that the immediate start of the Internal combustion engine for the driver takes place noticeably earlier. The starting process is thus felt short and comfortable by the driver.

Before loading the short-term energy storage and before carrying out the Safety functions can be provided auxiliary energy that is used to operate the Brake and / or can be used to separate the starting clutch. The Auxiliary energy can advantageously be in a hydraulic device via a Hydraulic pump can be generated because hydraulically large forces are connected with one small construction volume can be generated. However, there are other devices for Generation of auxiliary energy is conceivable.

The auxiliary energy can be after a first triggered by a first sensor Commissioning signal are provided, the first sensor by opening and / or closing a driver's door of the motor vehicle to trigger the first Commissioning signals can be initiated. The first sensor can be as simple Door contact switch be formed. However, it can also be a pressure sensor act by the internal pressure of the motor vehicle or when opening and closing pressure peaks occurring in a vehicle door can be detected. In this case, however the additional use of what is already available in most motor vehicles Door contact switch of the driver's door is mostly required to avoid the arising Allocate pressure peaks to the driver's door. The early provision of auxiliary energy after the triggering of the first commissioning signal allows a time advanced sequence of preparatory functions, such as loading the Short-term energy storage and the implementation of the safety functions, so that actual starting of the internal combustion engine can take place faster.

The short-term energy storage can be loaded by a second sensor triggered second commissioning signal and / or after actuation of a Ignition switch done. To ensure that the driver actually has a Intention to start or driving, a combination of the second Commissioning signal with the actuation of the ignition switch as a trigger criterion be used. Under certain circumstances, however, a single condition is sufficient to to recognize a driver's intention to drive. Then only one condition would be met required to trigger the loading of the short-term energy storage.

When using a direct start device, under which a composite of an electrical Starter with an electrical largely independent of a vehicle battery Energy storage, e.g. a capacitor, is understood, the implementation of the Safety functions take place after loading the short-term energy storage. Therefore can be carried out immediately before starting the internal combustion engine and together with the starting of the internal combustion engine after a Engage a start-up gear step and actuation of an accelerator pedal. The Engage one of the start-up stages, i.e. first gear or reverse gear with a manually switchable gearbox or the R, D, 2- or 1-speed step an automatic transmission, as well as the operation of the accelerator pedal are considered The driver's intention to leave is interpreted so that the safety functions and the Starting the internal combustion engine can be carried out at this time. After this The internal combustion engine is advantageously started for control purposes a start-up process, in particular a program-controlled closing of the Starting clutch, switched to a starting program mode.

When using a pulse starting device, e.g. one with a starter clutch connected flywheel can be understood, the starting clutch and the Starter clutch before loading the short-term energy storage, i.e. before a Accelerate the flywheel to a starting speed, open. Therefore, the Execution of the safety functions and loading of the short-term energy storage after the second start-up signal triggered by the second sensor and / or after actuation of the ignition switch, depending on the design one of the both conditions or both conditions are to be met.

When using a pulse starter, starting the Internal combustion engine, which is essentially in a closing of the between the Combustion engine and the flywheel starter clutch exists after the insertion of one of the start-up steps and the actuation of the accelerator pedal. In this case too, after the internal combustion engine has started expediently for controlling the starting process in the starting program mode switched.

Use of a driver's seat can be detected by the second sensor. The sensor can be designed as a simple contact switch, which is under a certain load can be actuated, i.e. can be opened or closed. The sensor However, can also be designed as a pressure-sensitive detector through which a pressure-dependent signal can be generated and used for control. The second The start-up signal can then be exceeded, for example, by exceeding one specified weight value are triggered. However, it is also conceivable that a Weight value is learned and the second commissioning signal only within one certain tolerance range around this weight value is triggered. In this case in a function as an immobilizer by commissioning the motor vehicle a driver with a different weight can be prevented.

To avoid unnecessary energy, e.g. for charging the short-term energy storage and for that Providing the auxiliary energy to consume can be a period of time from the first or second commissioning signal or measured when the ignition switch is actuated become. With the expiry of a specified shutdown time without starting the Internal combustion engine can then be stopped, the starting process Parking time is dimensioned so that the driver has a serious intention to put into operation high probability is not present.

The termination of the start-up process can consequently terminate the provision the auxiliary energy and charging the short-term energy storage.

A device for controlling a starting process of an internal combustion engine, in particular of a motor vehicle, has a short-term energy storage, which before a start of the internal combustion engine can be loaded and can be discharged for starting. It is a control device is provided, by which a Commissioning signals before starting a safety function can be initiated.

Furthermore, actuators that can be actuated by the control unit are used to actuate one Brake and a starting clutch available, the operation of the brake and a Disconnecting the starting clutch must be assigned to the safety functions.

The device can have a first sensor for registering an actuation of a Driver door and / or a second sensor for registering the use of a Driver's seat and / or an ignition switch for starting the motor vehicle exhibit. Commissioning signals are given by the sensors and the ignition switch can be triggered by the preparatory actions for starting the Internal combustion engine can be caused.

As part of the device, a brake sensor assigned to the brake and / or a clutch sensor assigned to the starting clutch can be provided. With help of the brake sensor it can be detected whether a brake is actuated, i.e. if one Parking brake applied or a service brake is currently applied, which e.g. by a driver pedaling a brake pedal. If not applies, one of the brakes, e.g. via an actuator, to be operated unintentional rolling away of the motor vehicle in a subsequent disconnection of the Avoid starting clutch. Disconnecting the starting clutch is to start the Internal combustion engine required, but only needs to be done if the starting clutch is closed, which can be recognized by the clutch sensor.

A vehicle transmission can be used to detect a driver's intention to set off assigned transmission sensor and / or an accelerator pedal assigned Accelerator pedal sensor may be provided. The gear sensor is recognizable and attached to the Control device forwardable whether a gear suitable for starting is engaged or a the appropriate gear is set accordingly. About the accelerator pedal sensor is recognizable whether the accelerator pedal is operated, which is the case when the starting gear is engaged Control unit can be interpreted as the driver's intention to set off and starting the Internal combustion engine can entail. Both a momentary Position of the accelerator pedal as well as a change in position over time Detection of the driver's intention to set off is decisive.

Figur 1:

ein Verfahren zur Steuerung eines Startvorganges eines Verbrennungsmotors bei Verwendung einer Direktstartvorrichtung,

Figur 2:

ein Verfahren zur Steuerung eines Startvorganges eines Verbrennungsmotors bei Verwendung einer Impulsstartvorrichtung, und

Figur 3:

eine Vorrichtung zur Steuerung eines Startvorganges eines Verbrennungsmotors unter Verwendung einer Impulsstartvorrichtung.

Two preferred versions of the method according to the invention are explained below on the basis of signal flow diagrams and an apparatus on the basis of a schematic diagram. Show this

Figure 1:

a method for controlling a starting process of an internal combustion engine when using a direct starting device,

Figure 2:

a method for controlling a starting process of an internal combustion engine when using a pulse starting device, and

Figure 3:

a device for controlling a starting process of an internal combustion engine using a pulse starting device.

FIG. 1 shows how, starting from a waiting mode, the test is first carried out whether a first commissioning signal has been triggered, which e.g. by opening and / or closing a driver's door can take place. In the negative case, in the Waiting mode remained, in the positive case it branches to a start mode. The Start mode starts with a first time measurement. After that it will be executed later certain functions provided auxiliary energy, which e.g. when using a hydraulic system can be done by switching on a hydraulic pump. After the auxiliary energy has been provided, it is checked whether a second Commissioning signal was triggered, which e.g. by one in a driver's seat attached seat contact switch can be done by a seated driver can be actuated. If this test is negative, it will be put on hold for as long branches until either the test is positive or a predetermined first Parking time is reached. When the first switch-off time has been reached, the Resources finished supplying auxiliary energy (turning off the hydraulic pump) and branched back to wait mode. In the event that the second start-up signal a second time measurement is started and then checked whether a Ignition lock is switched on, which is evaluated as a third start-up signal. If the ignition lock is not switched on, it will be put on hold branches until either the test is positive or a predetermined second Parking time is reached. When the second turnaround time is reached, the deployment of the Auxiliary power ended and branched back to waiting mode. Was the ignition switch switched on, a third time measurement is started and a short-term energy storage loaded, which is the case here, i.e. when using a Direct start device, charging an electrical energy store, e.g. one Capacitor high capacity, can imagine. Then it is checked whether on the one hand Approach gear, i.e. a gear suitable for starting in an assigned Vehicle transmission, is inserted, and whether on the other hand an accelerator pedal is operated. The Actuation of the accelerator pedal is the intention to set off when the starting gear is engaged interpreted by the driver. Does the examination of the gear engaged or the examination of the Accelerator pedals negative, it is put on hold until either both tests are positive or a specified third shutdown time has been reached. Is the third shutdown time is reached, the loading of the short-term energy storage and the Auxiliary power supply terminated and branched back to waiting mode. Fall If both tests are positive, safety functions are carried out. Among them are e.g. actuation of a service brake and disconnection of a starting clutch understand what causes an unwanted rolling of the motor vehicle concerned both with a preparatory disconnection of the starting clutch as well as with one subsequent starting of the associated internal combustion engine is avoided. The Starting takes place after the safety functions have been carried out in a conventional manner Way, i.e. via an electric starter. After that it goes into a start-up mode branches, through which a subsequent starting process is controlled.

The processes shown in FIG. 2 largely correspond to those in FIG. 1. Da however, if a pulse starting device is used here, the Safety functions, not as when using a direct start device (figure 1) immediately before starting the internal combustion engine, but already after the positive test of the ignition lock or after the start of the third time measurement carried out. In this case, the safety functions also include disconnecting one existing starting clutch, which is shown separately in Figure 2 for clarity becomes. In the present case, the short-term energy store is loaded by a Accelerate a flywheel to a specified starting speed, e.g. by means of an electric machine. For this purpose, the flywheel is previously under the Safety functions after actuation of the service brake by both Disconnect the starting clutch from the vehicle transmission as well as by separating the Starter clutch separated from the internal combustion engine. The later starting of the The internal combustion engine then takes place by closing the starter clutch. After that branches to the start-up mode in the same way as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a device 1 for controlling a starting process Internal combustion engine 2 using a pulse starter. The Internal combustion engine 2 is connected to a vehicle transmission 4 via a flywheel 3 in connection. There is a between the internal combustion engine 2 and the flywheel 3 Starter clutch 5 provided; between the flywheel 3 and the Vehicle transmission 4 is a starting clutch 6. The flywheel 3 is from an electric machine 7 drivable and arranged. The starter clutch 5 and the starting clutch 6 are each designed as multi-plate clutches and stand with a hydraulic system 8 in connection. The hydraulic system 8 has one Pressure tank 9, in the oil pump 11 driven by an electric motor 10th Pressure oil can be pumped from a pressureless reservoir 12. The The starter clutch 5 and the starting clutch 6 each have a control valve 13, 13 ' with the pressure tank 9 in connection. By opening the control valves 13, 13 ' Starter clutch 5 and the starting clutch 6 each by being acted upon Pressure oil can be closed and by means of a circuit on the unpressurized reservoir 12 connected closing can be separated accordingly. To control the pressure in the Pressure tank 9, a switching valve 14 is provided, through the pressure oil in the open state back into the unpressurized reservoir 12 is conductive.

The control device 1 has a control device 15, which via input control lines 16 is connected to associated sensors 17. By means of a pressure sensor 17a an operating pressure prevailing in the pressure tank 9 can be measured. Through a closing sensor 17b is an opening and / or closing of a driver's door Motor vehicle registrable. A seat sensor 17c allows the use of a Driver's seat of the motor vehicle detectable. With the help of a switch sensor 17d ascertainable whether an existing ignition switch is switched on or off. Through a Brake sensor 17e can be determined whether a brake is applied or applied or not. By means of a transmission sensor 17f is a currently engaged gear or one Idle position can be determined. An actuation of the Accelerator pedals lockable. The control unit 15 is connected via output control lines 18 associated actuators 19 in connection. With a pump switch 19a the oil pump 11 connected electric motor 10 connectable to a vehicle battery 20 or separable therefrom, whereby the oil pump 11 is started or stopped can. By means of a flywheel drive switch 19b, the one with the flywheel 3 in Connected electrical machine 7 can be connected to the vehicle battery 20 or separable from this, thereby driving the flywheel 3 through the Electric machine 7 can be switched on and off. By means of a pressure valve switch 19c the switching valve 14 for regulating the operating pressure in the pressure tank 9 if necessary be opened or closed. By means of a brake actuator 19d Service brake can be operated. By a starter clutch actuator 19e that is the Starter clutch 5 associated control valve 13 operable, whereby the starter clutch 5th can be closed or separated. In the same way, by one Starting clutch actuator 19f the control valve 13 'assigned to the starting clutch 6 can be actuated, whereby the starting clutch 6 can be closed and disconnected. In addition it stands Control device 15 also via a control line 21 with a time measuring device 22 in Connection, whereby a signal flow can take place in both directions. By the Control device 15, time measurement processes in the time measurement device 22 can be set in motion and by Timepiece 22 available measurement values available.

The device 1 is used to control a starting process of the internal combustion engine 2 designed and arranged such that by opening and / or closing the Driver door of the motor vehicle via the closing sensor 17b a first Commissioning signal can be triggered and forwarded to the control unit 15. By the Control unit 15 is then a first time measurement in the control line 21 Timer can be triggered. Furthermore, this is to provide auxiliary energy Hydraulic system 8 by closing the pump switch 19a and thereby effecting switching on of the electric motor 10 driving the oil pump 11 in motion settable. The operating pressure in the pressure tank 9 can be determined by the pressure sensor 17a and forwardable to the control unit 15, so that it is known whether the operating pressure is sufficiently large and the auxiliary energy is available. By taking a seat Driver in the driver's seat is a second start-up signal via the seat sensor 17c triggerable and forwardable to the control unit 15. Through the switch sensor 17d determine whether the ignition switch is turned on. By the control unit 15 are then safety functions can be initiated. The safety functions include the Actuation of the service brake by the brake actuator 19d, the separation of the Starter clutch 5 by its depressurization via the Starter clutch actuator 19e actuatable control valve 13, and the disconnection of the Starting clutch 6 by depressurizing it via the Start-up clutch actuator 19f actuatable control valve 13 '. As Short-term energy storage usable flywheel 3 is by closing the Swing drive switch 19b driven by the electric machine 7 and on a Start speed can be brought. The internal combustion engine 2 is closed by a Starter clutch 5 can be connected to the flywheel 3 brought to the starting speed and to start with the impulse start procedure. To do this is the intention of the Driver recognizable in that it can be determined by means of the transmission sensor 17f whether in Vehicle transmission 4 a gear suitable for starting is engaged, and that over the Accelerator pedal sensor 17g can be determined whether the accelerator pedal is operated. Closing the Starter clutch 5 is by opening the control valve 13 on the Starter clutch actuator 19e triggerable. The start-up of the Motor vehicle by closing the starting clutch 6, which by a Starting clutch actuator 19f controllable opening of the control valve 13 'takes place.

REFERENCE SIGN LIST

1

Device (for controlling a starting process)

2nd

Internal combustion engine

3rd

flywheel

4th

Vehicle transmission

5

Starter clutch

6

Starting clutch

7

Electric machine

8th

Hydraulic system

9

Pressure tank

10th

Electric motor

11

Oil pump

12th

Storage container

13

Control valve (of the starter clutch)

13 '

Control valve (of the starting clutch)

14

Switching valve

15

Control unit

16

Input control line

17th

sensor

17a

Pressure sensor

17b

Closing sensor

17c

Seat sensor

17d

Switching sensor

17e

Brake sensor

17f

Transmission sensor

17g

Accelerator pedal sensor

18th

Output control line

19th

Actuator

19a

Pump switch

19b

Swing drive switch

19c

Pressure valve switch

19d

Brake actuator

19e

Starter clutch actuator

19f

Starting clutch actuator

20th

Vehicle battery

21

Control line

22

Timepiece

Claims (16)

Method for controlling a starting process of an internal combustion engine, in particular of a motor vehicle, in which a short-term energy store is charged before starting the internal combustion engine (2) and discharged for starting, characterized in that a first start-up signal is triggered before the start and after the start-up signal and safety functions are performed before starting. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the safety functions include actuation of a brake and disconnection of a starting clutch (6). A method according to claim 2, characterized in that auxiliary energy is provided before the short-term energy store is loaded and before the safety functions are carried out, and that the auxiliary energy is used to actuate the brake and / or to disconnect the starting clutch (6). Method according to Claim 3, characterized in that the first start-up signal is triggered by a first sensor, in that the first sensor (17) is triggered by opening and / or closing a driver's door of the motor vehicle to trigger the first start-up signal, and in that after the triggering of the first commissioning signal the auxiliary energy is provided. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the loading of the short-term energy store takes place after a second start-up signal triggered by a second sensor (17) and / or after an ignition switch has been actuated. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a direct starting device is used and that the implementation of the safety functions and the starting of the internal combustion engine (2) is carried out after engagement of a starting gear and actuation of an accelerator pedal. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that a pulse starting device is used and that the safety functions are carried out after the second start-up signal triggered by the second sensor (17) and / or after the ignition switch has been actuated. A method according to claim 7, characterized in that the starting of the internal combustion engine (2) takes place after one of the start-up drive stages has been engaged and the accelerator pedal has been actuated. Method according to claim 5 or 7, characterized in that the second sensor (17) detects the use of a driver's seat. Method according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that a period of time is measured from the first or second start-up signal or from the actuation of the ignition switch, and that the starting process is terminated when a predetermined switch-off time has elapsed without the internal combustion engine (17) having been started . Method according to claim 10, characterized in that the termination of the starting process includes an end to the provision of the auxiliary energy and the charging of the short-term energy store. Device for controlling a starting process of an internal combustion engine, in particular a motor vehicle, with a short-term energy storage device which can be loaded and unloaded before the internal combustion engine (2) is started, characterized in that a control device (15) is provided, by which after a triggering a Commissioning signals prior to starting a safety function can be initiated. Apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that there are actuators (19) which can be controlled by the control device (15) for actuating a brake and a starting clutch (6). Apparatus according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that a first sensor (17) for registering an actuation of a driver's door and / or a second sensor (17) for registering a use of a driver's seat and / or an ignition switch for starting the motor vehicle is provided. Device according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that a brake sensor (17e) assigned to the brake and / or a clutch sensor assigned to the starting clutch is provided. Device according to one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that a transmission sensor (17f) assigned to a vehicle transmission (4) and / or an accelerator pedal sensor (17g) assigned to an accelerator pedal is provided.

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