EP1446576B1 - Starter device for an internal combustion engine - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a starter device (160) for an internal combustion engine, comprising a starter motor (140) and a switching control device for controlling the starter motor (140). The latter comprises a power switching module (165,170, 175, 180) connecting the starter motor (140) to a voltage source (130). The switching control device also comprises a control electronics system (195) used to control the power switching module (165,170, 175, 180), and an actuating device (135) used to activate the control electronics system (195). The control electronics system (195) is configured in such a way that it can be operated with a supply voltage which is less than 5V, thereby ensuring safe operation of the starter device even if the supply voltage falls off in the wake of the starting process.

Description

The invention relates to a starting device for an internal combustion engine according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such a starting device is from the EP 0 808 420 B1 known. There is proposed to increase the safety of the startup process, the power switching module by providing two series-connected circuit breaker redundant. The starting device can then tolerate certain malfunctions, such. B. the "snagging" of the circuit breaker in a closed switching state. Also, the faulty, not based on an activation of the control electronics driving one of the circuit breaker leads in a suitable design of the in the EP 0 808 420 B1 executed circuit breaker does not lead to an unwanted initiation of the boot process.

Not solved with the starting device of EP 0 808 420 B1 Problems related to a failure of the control electronics during the startup process. Such failures are especially observed when the performance of the voltage source z. B. by their service life or by external factors such. B. low outside temperature, is impaired. In such cases of interference, it happens that the control electronics fails completely during the boot process, so that no defined control of the power switching module can be done.

A control device for an internal combustion engine is also known from the JP 7-279 805 A ,

Such controllers have a minimum supply voltage with which they can work, which also includes a range below 5 volts, according to the JP 00 7279805 A This is eg 3.75 volts or even 3 volts.

It is therefore an object of the present invention, a starting device of the type mentioned in such a way that a failure of the control electronics in the course of a startup process is reliably prevented.

This object is achieved by a starting device with the features of claim 1.

According to the invention it was recognized that the failure of the control electronics is due to a voltage undersupply during startup. Due to the high power consumption of the starter motor just at the beginning of the boot process falls in particular in unfavorable operating conditions, such as high battery life or low outside temperature, the voltage in the supply network of the engine, from which is usually supplied to the control electronics, to the extent that the Control electronics no longer works defined. The falling below a certain voltage limit usually leads to a spontaneous initialization of the control electronics, during which it is not ready, so that the startup process can not be continued in a defined manner. According to the control electronics is designed so that they can tolerate such a shortage. This can be done in alternative ways; It can z. B. to build the control electronics modules are used, which get along with a small, despite a drop in voltage at startup still existing supply voltage. Alternatively or additionally, a power supply independent of the power supply of the control electronics, wherein the independent power supply must have only a low performance. Despite the required independence of the two voltage sources, they do not necessarily have to be completely separate from one another. The additional power supply can be designed as an accumulator, for example be charged during operation of the internal combustion engine from the other power supply. In both variants of the design of the starting device shown above, the control electronics tolerates a voltage drop in the course of the starting process, so that a safe start of the internal combustion engine is ensured. The control electronics according to the invention can retrieve operating parameter data from a previous operating cycle of the internal combustion engine independently of the engine control, whereby the safety of the starting process is increased again. In the control electronics according to the invention, even in cases where the control electronics is part of the engine control, ensures that during startup even during the short period in which possibly the engine control is not working properly due to a voltage undersupply, a safe starting behavior is given.

An electronic control system according to claim 2 offers the possibility to integrate additional safety functions. Thus, the monitoring processor z. B. monitor the temperature, the fuel pressure, the lubricant level or other operating parameters, of which the processor makes the initiation of a startup operation by the control electronics.

The use of a separate control module according to claim 3 leads to the greatest possible independence of the control electronics of other engine control components, which could be influenced by a voltage drop. Since the supply voltage settles quickly after the starting process again to a value sufficient to supply the engine control, the internal combustion engine control is usually ready for operation after the startup process.

An electronic control system according to claim 4 can be performed in a known manner low voltage tolerable.

Electronic circuit breakers according to claim 5 are particularly suitable in connection with an executed as a logic device control electronics. Examples of such power switching modules can be found in the EP 0 808 420 B1 and in the DE 198 11 176 A1 ,

A resettable timer according to claim 6 ensures that the corresponding output of the control electronics is always in a defined state. In this way it can be additionally ensured that the power switching device is always driven in a defined manner.

An independent voltage source for supplying the control electronics according to claim 7 leads, as already stated above, to a secured against voltage fluctuations during startup supply to the control electronics. The independent power supply can be designed so that it is switched on only when needed, d. H. when the supply voltage of the supply network falls below a predetermined value.

A release signal channel according to claim 8 leads to the possibility of processor-controlled to prevent the startup process when presenting unsafe operating parameters of the internal combustion engine.

By monitoring the power switching module according to claim 9 can disturbances of the power switching module, which could lead to an impairment of the starting behavior, recognize.

A monitoring signal line according to claim 10 leads to an increase in the sensitivity of the monitoring, so that sources of error in the power switching module can be accurately detected.

By means of a pulse width modulated signal according to claim 11, a plurality of monitoring information can be transmitted on a single signal line.

A starting device according to claim 12 provides a runflat feature of the internal combustion engine. Despite the presence of a malfunction of a circuit breaker due to the given redundancy of the circuit breaker can continue to start, albeit with reduced security. One of the malfunction of the one circuit breaker associated monitoring information is forwarded or displayed so that it can be eliminated promptly.

A signal extension module according to claim 13 ensures a minimum drive time for the power switching device, so that the starting process can be completed safely.

A delay module according to claim 14 can be used to ensure that at the beginning of the control of the starter motor there is a predetermined fuel pressure, in which it is ensured that the fuel pump has a predetermined period of time to provide the fuel pressure before the start of the actual starting process available.

A connected to an external signal generator enable signal channel according to claim 15 ensures that the startup extemer only when fulfilling Conditions can be done. The external conditions may include in particular: the position of a clutch actuator (claim 16) and the position of a selector lever or selector switch for an automatic transmission (claim 17). An incorrect operation in the course of the starting process of the internal combustion engine is prevented in this way.

By connecting the control electronics with a speed sensor according to claim 18 it can be ensured that the starting process only takes place when the internal combustion engine is stopped, so that damage to the starting device or the internal combustion engine is prevented by initiating a startup process with the internal combustion engine running.

Fig. 1

schematisch eine Brennkraftmaschine mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Startvorrichtung;

Fig. 2

schematisch nähere Details der Startvorrichtung; und

Fig. 3

schematisch eine zur Startvorrichtung von Fig. 2 alternative Startvorrichtung.

Embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawing. In this show:

Fig. 1

schematically an internal combustion engine with a starting device according to the invention;

Fig. 2

schematically details of the starting device; and

Fig. 3

schematically a to the starting device of Fig. 2 alternative starting device.

One in Fig. 1 A total of 100 designated internal combustion engine, which can be started with the starting devices to be described below, is metered via a Kraftstoffzumeßeinrichtung 105 fuel. An electric fuel pump (EKP) 110 delivers the fuel from a reservoir 115 and provides it to the fuel meter 105. The fuel meter 105 and the Fuel pump 110 are driven by an engine controller 120.

The internal combustion engine controller 120 is actuated by a battery 130 switchable with a supply voltage. Via a starter switch 135 and the engine controller 120, the battery 130 is connected to a starter 140 in connection. A arranged on the internal combustion engine 100 speed sensor 145 is sampled by a speed sensor 150, which supplies a corresponding speed signal of the engine control 120.

Fig. 2 schematically shows the modules in more detail in detail, from which a first embodiment of a generally designated 160 starting device for the internal combustion engine 100 builds. In this first embodiment, the components for driving the starter 140 are integrated with the engine controller 120. The starter 140 for the internal combustion engine 100 is controlled via two series-connected starter relay 165, 170, which connect the starter to the battery 130 in the closed state.

The control of the starter relay 165, 170 via two power amplifier of the engine control 120, of which in Fig. 2 schematically two starter output transistors 175, 180 are shown. The latter are controlled via control lines 185, 190 by a control electronics module 195, which is integrated into a monitoring processor 200 for operating parameters of the internal combustion engine 100. The monitoring processor, in turn, is an integral part of the engine controller 120. Via a control line 205 and an EKP output stage transistor 210 controls the control electronics module 195, the EKP 110 (in Fig. 2 not shown).

The monitoring processor 200 and in particular the control electronics module 195 are designed so that they can be operated with a supply voltage which is less than 5 V, z. B. with 3.5 V.

A further component of the monitoring processor 200 is in addition to the control electronics module 195, an electronic monitoring module 215. This is a monitoring signal line 220 with a line section between the starter 140 and the closer along the electrical connection to the battery 130 adjacent starter relay 170th and via a monitoring signal line 222 with a line section between the starter relay 170 and the starter relay 140 along the electrical connection to the battery 130 remote starter relay 165 in combination. Furthermore, the monitoring module 215 has a monitoring signal line 225 with a line section between the starter output stage transistor 175 and the starter relay 165 associated therewith and with a monitoring signal line 230 with a line section between the starter output stage transistor 180 and the starter relay 170 associated therewith in connection. Finally, with a monitoring signal line 235, the monitoring module 215 is connected to a line section between the EKP output stage transistor 210 and the EKP 110.

Integrated into the monitoring module 215 are analog-to-digital (A / D) converters (not shown) assigned to the monitoring signal lines 220, 222, 225, 230, 235.

Via a supply module 240 of the monitoring processor 200, the latter is connected to a voltage selection module 245. This is connected via a first supply line 250 with a powered by the battery 130 supply network (not shown) of the internal combustion engine and a second supply line 255 with an internal, independent of the supply voltage of the battery 130 voltage source 260 of the engine control 120, z. As a mono cell, in conjunction.

Via an activation line 265, in which the starter switch 135 is arranged as an actuator for initiating the start of the internal combustion engine 100 by the user, the control electronics module 195 for driving the output stage transistors 175, 180, 210 is activated. Via an enable line 270, the control electronics module 195 is connected to an external signal transmitter in the form of a monitoring sensor 275. The monitoring sensor 275 may, for. B. in an automatic transmission, a position sensor for the position of a selector lever or selector switch of the transmission of the internal combustion engine 100 be. In a manual transmission, the monitoring sensor 275 may be a position sensor for the position of the clutch of the engine 100.

The control electronics module 195 is connected via an interface unit 280 to a main processor 285 of the engine controller 120. The interface unit 280 provides in particular for a bidirectional data exchange of operating parameter data for operation of the internal combustion engine 100. The control electronics module 195 has a rewritable memory module 325.

The control electronics module 195 is connected to a speed data conditioning unit 295 of the engine controller 120 via a signal line 290. The speed data superevolution unit 295 is connected via a signal line 300 to the speed sensor 150 (not shown in FIG Fig. 2 ) connected. The speed data processing unit 295 is connected to the main processor 285 via a signal line 305.

The main processor 285 is connected to the first supply line 250 via a supply line section 310. Via a signal line 315, the main processor 285 is connected to a crash signal generator (not shown). The main processor 285 has a rewritable memory module 320 for storing operating parameter data of the internal combustion engine 100.

• Im Normalbetrieb der Startvorrichtung 160 stellt der Spannungs-Auswahlbaustein 245 die Versorgung des Überwachungsprozessors 200 durch das Versorgungsnetz über die erste Versorgungsleitung 250 sicher. In Fällen, in denen die Versorgungsspannung auf der ersten Versorgungsleitung 250 unter einen kritischen Wert von z. B. 3,5 V abfällt, schaltet der Spannungs-Auswahlbaustein 245 von der ersten Versorgungsleitung 250 auf die zweite Versorgungsleitung 255 um und gewährleistet eine unterbrechungsfreie Fortsetzung der Spannungsversorgung des Überwachungsprozessors 200 über die interne Spannungsquelle 260.

The starting device 160 acc. Fig. 2 works like this:

• During normal operation of the starting device 160, the voltage selection module 245 ensures the supply of the monitoring processor 200 through the supply network via the first supply line 250. In cases where the supply voltage on the first supply line 250 below a critical value of z. B. 3.5 V, the voltage selection module 245 switches from the first supply line 250 to the second supply line 255 and ensures an uninterrupted continuation of the power supply of the monitoring processor 200 via the internal voltage source 260th

To start the internal combustion engine 100, the starter switch 135 is activated when the mains supply is activated. The control electronics module 195 receives thereby via the activation line 265 an activation signal. The electronic control module 195 then checks whether the control of the output stage transistors 175, 180, 210 for controlling the EKP 110 and the starter 140 can take place.

At a primal start, d. H. during an initial startup of the starting device 160, in which no operating parameter data is stored in the memory module 325 of the control electronics module 195, the control electronics module 195 checks for this purpose, whether an enable signal is present on the enable line 270. This is the case when, in an automatic transmission, the selector lever or selector switch is positioned in the "P" or "N" positions or when the clutch has been engaged in a manual transmission. Furthermore, the control electronics module 195 checks by querying the signal line 290, whether the internal combustion engine 100 is. Only in this case, the output stage transistors 175, 180, 210 are driven.

Possibly. For example, the starter output transistors 175, 180 may be driven a predetermined amount of time after the EKP output stage transistor 210, so as to ensure that the EKP 110 has already established a predetermined fuel pressure when the starter 140 is activated. Upon activation of the starter output transistors 175, 180, the starter relays 165, 170 are closed so that the starter 140 latches and the engine 100 starts.

If by switching through the starter relay 165, 170 for a short time a high power consumption from the battery 130, it may cause a drop in the supply voltage in the supply network. When the supply voltage on the first supply line 250 falls below 3.5 V, the voltage selection module 245 switches to the second supply line 255 um, so that an uninterruptible power supply of the control electronics module 195 is given.

In a startup process following the original start, operating parameter data are present in the memory module 325 of the control electronics module 195, since in the meantime the main processor 285 has been initialized and a data exchange has taken place between the main processor 285 and the control electronics module 195 via the interface unit 280. The main processor 285 transmits to the control electronics module 195 in this case whether there is a crash signal on the crash signal line 315 and sets in the memory module 325 a corresponding crash identifier. Such a crash signal is generated, for example, by an accident of a vehicle having the internal combustion engine 100. If the crash identifier is present in the memory module 325, the final stage transistors 175, 180, 210 are not activated by the control electronics module 195.

Furthermore, the main processor 285 can set via the interface unit 280 an enable / stop identification character in the memory module 325, which in the presence of specific operating situations of the internal combustion engine 10.0 main processor-controlled when the starter switch 135 is closed enable the activation of the control electronics module 195 (enable) or prevent (stop) can. Such an operating state can be given for example by an increased temperature of the internal combustion engine 100, which is transmitted to the main processor 285 via a corresponding sensor (not shown).

About the monitoring signal lines 220 to 235 and the monitoring module 215 are in the memory module 325 of the control electronics module 195 identification mark set that allow conclusions about the operating state of the output stage transistors 175, 180, 210 and the starter relay 165, 170. In this case, for example, it can be detected whether one of the starter relays 165, 170 can no longer be opened.

In such a case, a corresponding error identifier is stored in the memory device 325. Via the interface unit 280, a corresponding diagnostic information is forwarded to the main processor 285, which transmits this diagnostic information to a display device in the cockpit of the vehicle (not shown). The starter 140 can be, if one of the two starter relay 165, 170 can not be opened, although on the other starter relay 165, 170 still operate, the safety of the startup process is, however, by the lack of redundancy, normally by the two operable Starter relay 165, 170 is provided, impaired.

The presence of a crash identifier in the memory module 325 causes the activation of the control electronics module 195 can not take place until the reset of the crash identification mark. Such a reset can only by qualified personnel, eg. In a workshop.

Fig. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of a starting device 160. Components that correspond to those already with reference to the Fig. 1 and 2 have been described, the same reference numerals and will not be explained again in detail.

In the execution according to Fig. 3 the control electronics module of the starting device is designed as a logic module 340 that is designed to be separate from the internal combustion engine controller 120. The logic module 340 is designed as a low-voltage logic module, which operates with an operating voltage of z. B. 3.5 V can work. It has two integrated electronic circuit breakers 345, 350 connected in series. The electronic circuit breaker 345 acc. Fig. 3 has the combined function of the starter output transistor 175 and the starter relay gem. Fig. 2 , The electronic line switch 350 acc. Fig. 3 has the combined function of the starter output transistor 180 and the starter relay 170 gem. Fig. 2 , From the starter 140 is in the Fig. 3 only one of these actuated magnetic switch 355 shown. The electronic power switches 345, 350 are supplied via a supply line 360 via the supply network of the internal combustion engine 100.

• Ein Steuereingang des elektronischen Leistungsschalters 345 steht über eine Steuerleitung 365 mit dem Ausgang eines logischen LTND-Glieds 370 in Verbindung. Ein erster Eingang des UND-Glieds 370 ist mit dem Ausgang eines logischen ODER-Glieds 375 über eine Signalleitung 380 verbunden.

The logic control of the electronic circuit breakers 345, 350 runs for each of the power switches 345, 350 in the same way, so that in the course of this description, only the wiring of the electronic circuit breaker 345 is explained:

• A control input of the electronic power switch 345 is connected via a control line 365 to the output of an LTND logical gate 370. A first input of the AND gate 370 is connected to the output of an OR gate 375 via a signal line 380.

A first input of the OR gate 375 is connected to the activation line 265, wherein the activation line 265 is arranged in a known manner for generating a logical signal level. One The second input of the OR gate 375 is connected via a signal line 385 to the output of a logic signal extension module 390 in connection. The input of the logic signal extension module 390 is connected to the input side of the magnetic switch 355 via a signal line 395, the latter being arranged in a known manner to form a logic signal level.

A second input of the AND gate 370 is connected to the output of an RS flip-flop 400 via a signal line 405. The set input of the RS flip-flop 400 is connected to the main processor 285 of the engine controller 120 via a processor enable line 408.

The reset input of the RS flip-flop 400 is connected to the main processor 285 via a processor shutdown line 410.

A third input of the AND gate 370 is connected via a signal line 415 to the output of a logic inverter 420 whose input is connected to the enable line 270. The latter is set up in a known manner to form a logic signal level.

Via monitoring signal lines 425, 430, the electronic power switches 345, 350 communicate with the inputs of an AND gate 435 whose output is connected to the main processor 285 via a diagnostic line 440.

• Über den in Fig. 3 nicht dargestellten Anlasserschalter und die Aktivierungsleitung 265 wird der Logikbaustein 340 zur Ansteuerung des Magnetschalters 355 über die in Reihe zueinander geschalteten elektronischen Leistungsschalter 345, 350 aktiviert, wie dies analog im Zusammenhang mit den Leistungsschaltern der Startvorrichtung 160 der Fig. 2 beschrieben wurde. Beim Logikbaustein 340 muß hierzu an jedem Eingang der den Leistungsschaltern 345, 350 jeweils zugeordneten UND-Glieder 370 ein logischer H-(High-)Pegel anliegen.

The starting device 160 according to Fig. 3 works like this:

• About the in Fig. 3 not shown starter switch and the activation line 265 is the logic block 340 for driving the magnetic switch 355 activated via the series-connected electronic circuit breakers 345, 350, as described in connection with the circuit breakers of the starting device 160 of the Fig. 2 has been described. In logic module 340, a logical H (high) level must be present at each input of the respective AND gates 370 assigned to the power switches 345, 350 for this purpose.

When activated via the activation line 265, a logical H level is applied to the first input of the AND gates 370. The second input of the AND gates 370 then has a logic H level when the RS flip-flop 400 is set above the processor enable line 408. The third inputs of the AND gates 370 are then at an H level when the enable line 270 is at an L (low) level, i. h., If in an automatic transmission, the selector lever or selector switch in the position "P" or "N" is arranged or if the clutch has entered a manual transmission. When an H level is present on all three inputs of the AND gates 370, the electronic power switches 345, 350 are energized, and via these, the magnetic switch 355, so that the starter 140 engages and the engine 100 starts.

If no H level is present at one of the three inputs of the AND gates 370, the electronic power switches 345, 350 are not activated. This is z..B. then the case when the signal line 405 is reset to an L level via the processor shutdown line 410 and the RS flip-flop 400 and thus on the second inputs of the AND gates 370 is an L level. Alternatively or additionally, this is the case when the third inputs of the AND gates 370 due to an H-level on the enable line 270 due to the logic effect of the inverter 420 have an L level. This way is via the processor enable line 408 and the processor shutdown line 410 achieved the same effect as by the identification characters "Enable" and "Stop" in the starting device 160 of Fig. 2 ,

At the in Fig. 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the operation of the main processor 285 is required for the function of the starting device 160, so that it must also be designed to be low-voltage capable. In a non-low voltage main processor 285, the embodiment of FIG Fig. 3 can be modified by connecting the processor enable line 408 to the enable line 265 and the processor shutdown line 410 to the enable line 270. The logic device 340 then operates separately from the main processor 285.

If only a brief activation of the activation line 265 takes place, this may possibly not be sufficient for safely starting the internal combustion engine 100. In this case, the logical signal extension module 390 is provided. This generates when at its input via the signal line 395 is an H level, for a predetermined period of time an H level on the signal line 385. Regardless of whether on the activation line 265 is still an H level, remain in this case the first inputs of the AND gates 370 via the OR gate 375 on an H-Pege1, so that the electronic power switches 345, 350 can drive the magnetic switch 355 during the time specified by the logical signal extension block 390 period.
The engine 100 can safely start in this way.

The control outputs 185, 190, 205 in the execution according to Fig. 2 or 365 in the execution according to Fig. 3 can with resettable timers (Watchdog timers) to ensure that these outputs always have a defined operating state.

The monitoring signal on the monitoring Signalleiiungen 425, 430 is pulse width modulated, so that it can be decided by the main processor 285 by evaluation of the diagnostic line 440, which electronic circuit breaker 345, 350 is assigned to which monitoring state.

Claims (18)

1. Starting apparatus (160) for an internal combustion engine (100) having a starter motor (140) and having a switching control device for actuating the starter motor, comprising a circuit breaker module (165, 170, 175, 180; 345, 350) which connects the starter motor (140) to a voltage source (130), a control electronics system (195; 340) for actuating the circuit breaker module (165, 170, 175, 180; 345, 350) and an operating device (135) for activating the control electronics system (195; 340),
   characterized in that

   - the control electronics system (195; 340) is designed in such a way that it can be operated with a supply voltage which is lower than 5 V,

   - the control electronics system (195) has a rewritable memory module (325) and communicates with a main processor (285) of the internal combustion engine controller (120) via at least one data line or an interface (280),

   - the control electronics system (195) is designed such that it actuates the circuit breaker module (165, 170, 175, 180) at least temporarily independently of the main processor (285) of the internal combustion engine controller (120).
2. Starting apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized in that the control electronics system (195) is integrated in a processor (200) for monitoring operating parameters of the internal combustion engine (100) .
3. Starting apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized that the control electronics system (340) is designed as a control module which is separate from an internal combustion engine controller (120) which monitors the operation of the internal combustion engine (100).
4. Starting apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control electronics system (195; 340) is designed as a logic module.
5. Starting apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the circuit breaker module is designed as an electronic circuit breaker (345, 350).
6. Starting apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one resettable timer which prespecifies the logic state of at least one output (185, 190, 205) of the control electronics system (195).
7. Starting apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control electronics system (195) is connected (240, 245) to a voltage source (260) which is independent of the electrical power supply system (130, 250) of the other components of the internal combustion engine (100).
8. Starting apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control electronics system (195; 340) is connected to a processor (285) of an internal combustion engine controller (120) via at least one signal channel (270, 280; 270, 405, 410) which controls enabling of the actuation of the circuit breaker module (165, 170, 175, 180; 345, 350).
9. Starting apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control electronics system (195; 340) is connected to a diagnosis device (215; 285) or a display device via at least one monitoring signal line (220, 222, 225, 230, 235; 425, 430, 440) by means of which it is possible to monitor the circuit breaker module (165, 170, 175, 180; 345, 350).
10. Starting apparatus according to Claim 9, characterized in that an A/D converter is arranged in the monitoring signal line (220, 222, 225, 230, 235).
11. Starting apparatus according to Claim 9 or 10, characterized in that a signal which transmits monitoring information on the monitoring signal line (425, 430, 440) is designed as a pulse-width-modulated signal.
12. Starting apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the circuit breaker module (165, 170, 175, 180; 345, 350) comprises two circuit breakers (165, 170; 345, 350) which are connected in series, with the circuit breaker module (165, 170, 175, 180; 345, 350) being connected to a diagnosis device (215, 285) which is connected to each circuit breaker (165, 170; 345, 350) via a monitoring signal line (220, 222; 425; 430) and is designed such that, when a circuit breaker module (165, 170, 175, 180; 345, 350) can no longer be actuated in a switching state in which it connects the starter motor (140) to the voltage source (130), it forwards a corresponding item of monitoring information to an internal combustion engine controller (120) or a display device.
13. Starting apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control electronics system (195; 340) has a signal-lengthening module (390) which ensures that the circuit breaker module (165, 170, 175, 180; 345, 350) actuates the starter motor (140) during a prespecified period of time.
14. Starting apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control electronics system (195) has a delay module which ensures that the circuit breaker module (165, 170, 175, 180) controls the starter motor (140) after a prespecified period of time.
15. Starting apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control electronics system (195; 340) is connected to an external signal generator (275) via at least one signal channel (270) which controls enabling of the actuation of the circuit breaker module (165, 170, 175, 180; 345, 350).
16. Starting apparatus according to Claim 15, characterized in that the external signal generator (275) detects the position of an operating device for a clutch of the internal combustion engine (100).
17. Starting apparatus according to Claim 15, characterized in that the external signal generator (275) detects the position of the selector lever or selector switch for an automatic gearbox of the internal combustion engine (100).
18. Starting apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control electronics system (195) is connected to a rotational speed sensor (145, 150) for the rotational speed of the internal combustion engine (100) via at least one signal input (290, 295, 300).

Images