JP2001055938A - Device and system for stopping idling of automobile engine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device and system for stopping idling of an automobile engine capable of reducing wasteful fuel consumption and emission of toxic exhaust gas when stopping the idling and restarting an engine without causing evils by the idling stop, and allowing the restart of the engine without imparting anxiety to a driver. SOLUTION: In this system, switching time ts of a traffic signal is calculated on the basis of a signal received from the traffic signal (104, 106), a stop time T of idling is found on the basis of the calculated time ts (110), and the idling is stopped only in the case that the time T satisfies prescribed conditions (112-118). When the idling is stopped, an engine is restarted after a lapse of the time T (122).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an idling stop device and system for an automobile engine, and more particularly to an idling stop device and system for an automobile engine that automatically stops idling of the automobile engine when the vehicle is temporarily stopped due to a signal or the like. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art While an automobile waits for a signal for a certain period of time, a driver usually keeps an engine idling and waits for a signal to change. If idling is continued, not only will the fuel supplied to the engine during this time be wasted, but also global warming substances such as carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ) and harmful gases such as nitrogen oxides (NO _x ) from the exhaust pipe. To discharge. Therefore, an "idling stop motion" for encouraging the vehicle to stop idling when the vehicle is stopped is being partially performed, and a device for performing engine stop control has conventionally been proposed. The engine stop control device is a device that temporarily stops the engine when the vehicle is stopped due to a red light, a traffic jam, or the like. For example, a technology described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-62650 is proposed. ing.

In the technique described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-62650, a normal driving mode and an idling power saving stop driving mode are previously selected by a mode selection switch. In the idling power saving stop driving mode, a normal driving operation is performed. By stepping on the brake pedal and shifting the shift lever, the engine can be stopped and restarted in the temporary stop state. In this way, an idling stop car that prevents global fuel consumption and air pollution is realized.

[0004]

However, in some cases, it is not always better to stop idling when stopping by a stop signal (red signal) or the like. For example, the following are mentioned.

When the engine is restarted, more fuel is required in the cranking process (the process of starting the engine by rotating the starter motor) than in idling. In this case, unnecessary fuel is consumed by stopping idling.

When the engine is restarted, harmful exhaust gas is discharged in an amount larger than the amount of exhaust gas discharged during idling. In this case, unnecessary idling exhaust gas is discharged by stopping idling.

[0007] When the lights are turned on during night driving or when cooling is used in summer, the load on the battery becomes too large. Therefore, the battery may run out and the engine may not be restarted.

As described above, in the case described above, stopping idling causes a problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to reduce unnecessary fuel consumption and emission of harmful exhaust gas when idling is stopped and the engine is restarted without causing any adverse effects due to idling being stopped. It is an object of the present invention to provide an idling stop device and a system for an automobile engine capable of restarting the engine without giving a driver anxiety.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a receiving means for receiving a signal transmitted from a roadside and representing a time from the present time until the signal changes, and a driving state. Detecting means for detecting the state of the vehicle including: and control means for controlling stop of idling based on the signal received by the receiving means and the state of the vehicle detected by the detecting means. It is characterized by.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the receiving means transmits a signal from a roadside (for example, a traffic control device such as a traffic light or a beacon for detecting traffic congestion) to a time (for example, a red signal) from the present time until the signal changes. (A time from when the vehicle stops due to traffic or when traffic starts to stop).

[0012] The detecting means includes a vehicle state including a traveling state, for example, a traveling speed, a brake operation of a foot brake and a parking brake when the vehicle is stopped, lighting of a light,
Detects the state of the vehicle when the vehicle is running, such as turning on a turn signal and using an air conditioner. The control means controls the idling stop of the vehicle engine based on the signal received by the reception means and the state of the vehicle detected by the detection means. In such a case, it is possible to control to continue idling without stopping.

[0013] Further, the idling stop time is calculated from the signal by the control means, and the idling stop of the vehicle engine is controlled based on whether or not the calculated idling stop time is a time at which the effect of stopping the idling can be obtained. It is possible. For example, if the calculated idling stop time is not the time at which the effect of stopping idling can be obtained, idling can be continued.

Therefore, it is possible to reduce wasteful fuel consumption and emission of harmful exhaust gas when idling is stopped and the engine is restarted without causing any adverse effects due to idling being stopped.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the signal has a first frequency when the traffic light is switched to a stop signal, and a time when the signal is switched from the stop signal. At the second frequency,
It is a signal whose frequency continuously changes from a first frequency to a second frequency according to the duration of the stop signal.

According to the invention described in claim 2, according to claim 1
In the invention described in the above, when the traffic light switches to a stop signal such as a red light, the frequency becomes the first frequency, and when it switches from the stop signal, the frequency becomes the second frequency, and the duration of the stop signal Receiving a signal whose frequency continuously changes (for example, linearly changes) from the first frequency to the second frequency in accordance with the signal. It is possible to calculate the time until switching to a start signal such as a green signal. Therefore, it is possible to control the stop of the idling of the automobile engine by the control means based on the calculation time, and without causing the adverse effects of the idling stop, wasteful fuel consumption and harmful exhaust gas at the stop of the idling and restart of the engine. Emissions can be reduced.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the control means determines that the amount of reduction in fuel consumption when idling is stopped is reduced when the engine is restarted. When the amount is exceeded, idling is stopped.

According to the invention described in claim 3, according to claim 1 of the present invention,
In the invention according to the second aspect, when the amount of reduction in fuel consumption when idling is stopped exceeds the fuel consumption when the engine is restarted, that is, when the effect of stopping idling is obtained, control means As a result, idling is stopped, so that unnecessary fuel consumption due to idling can be reduced.

That is, when the fuel consumption at the time of restarting the engine exceeds the reduction amount of the fuel consumption at the time of stopping the idling, the idling is continued. Therefore, unnecessary consumption of fuel can be prevented by stopping the idling of the automobile engine.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the control means determines that the amount of reduction of the harmful exhaust gas when idling is stopped is controlled by the engine restart. The system is characterized in that idling is stopped when the amount of harmful exhaust gas discharged at the time of starting is exceeded.

According to the invention of claim 4, according to claim 1,
In the invention according to any one of claims 3 to 3, when the reduction amount of the harmful exhaust gas when the idling is stopped exceeds the amount of the harmful exhaust gas discharged when the engine is restarted,
That is, when the effect of stopping idling is obtained, idling is stopped by the control means, so that emission of harmful exhaust gas due to idling can be reduced.

That is, if the amount of harmful exhaust gas discharged when the engine is restarted exceeds the reduction amount of harmful exhaust gas when idling is stopped, idling is continued. Therefore, by stopping the idling of the automobile engine, it is possible to prevent unnecessary emission of harmful exhaust gas when the engine is restarted.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the control means restarts the vehicle engine a predetermined time before the traffic light switches. It is characterized by:

According to the invention described in claim 5, according to claim 1,
In the invention according to any one of claims 4 to 5, by starting the engine by a predetermined time before the traffic light is switched by the control means, it becomes possible to start running the automobile at the same time as the traffic light is switched. Therefore, the engine can be restarted without giving anxiety to the driver.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the control means determines that at least a lighting device and a vehicle state detected by the detection means are detected. It is characterized in that idling of the engine is continued when electrical components including the air conditioner are in use.

According to the invention of claim 6, according to claim 1,
6. The vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the state of the vehicle detected by the detecting unit includes at least a lighting device (for example, a headlight, an auxiliary headlight, etc.) and an air conditioner such as an air conditioner. When the electric components are in use, the idling of the vehicle engine is continued by the control means. Therefore, when a large load is applied to the battery required for starting the car engine, stopping the idling of the car engine prevents the battery capacity from being consumed and preventing the engine from being restarted. it can.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an idling stop device for an automobile engine according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, and a time period from a present time until a signal is changed, provided on a road side. Transmitting means for transmitting a signal.

According to the invention described in claim 7, the transmitting means provided on the roadside (for example, a traffic control device such as a traffic light or a beacon for detecting traffic congestion) transmits the time from the present time until the signal changes (for example, a red signal). (The time from when the vehicle stops due to traffic or when traffic starts to stop). Therefore, the signal can be received by the receiving means in the idling stop device for an automobile engine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, and based on the signal, the idling stop is performed as described above. Can be controlled, and the engine can be restarted.

An eighth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the seventh aspect of the present invention, the transmitting means is provided in a traffic light.

According to the invention described in claim 8, according to claim 7,
In the invention described in (1), by providing the transmitting means in the traffic light, it is possible to transmit a signal indicating a time until the traffic light switches from a stop signal (red signal) to a start signal (blue signal, arrow signal, or the like). Therefore, the control means can control the stop of the idling of the automobile engine based on whether or not the transmitted signal has a time at which the effect of stopping the idling can be obtained. That is,
It is possible to reduce unnecessary fuel consumption and emission of harmful exhaust gas at the time of idling stop and engine restart without causing the adverse effect of idling stop, and to restart the engine without giving the driver anxiety Is possible.

[0031]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a command transmitted from a traffic light is received to stop and restart the idling of the automobile engine.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an idling stop system 10 for an automobile engine. As shown in FIG. 1, an idling stop system 10 for an automobile engine
Is a transmitting means 14 provided on the traffic light 12 (see FIG. 2).
The receiver 1 provided in the automobile 16 receives a command transmitted from the
8, the received command is output to the control means 20, and the control means 20 stops idling of the automobile engine and restarts the engine.

The control means 20 includes a light switch 22, an air conditioner 24, a parking brake switch 26, a foot brake switch 30,
Connected to a vehicle speed sensor 28, a neutral detection switch 32, and an engine control unit 34,
The state of the vehicle is determined based on the signals input from the respective units, and the engine control unit 34 is controlled to perform idling stop and restart of the vehicle engine.

The light switch 22 connected to the control means 20 controls the lighting of a head lamp and a rear combination lamp (not shown) and turns on the head lamp and the rear combination lamp, that is, the switching state of the light switch 22 (ON / OFF). A signal indicating the OFF state is output to the control means 20.

The air conditioner 24 adjusts the temperature inside the automobile and outputs a signal indicating a use state (on / off state) of the air conditioner 24 to the control means 20.

The parking brake switch 26 is provided on a barking brake lever used when the vehicle is stopped, detects the use state of the parking brake, outputs a signal indicating the use state to an instrument panel (not shown), and provides the driver with parking information. It is configured to notify the use state of the brake and outputs a signal indicating the use state to the control means 20.

The foot brake switch 30 is provided on the foot brake 36 and is turned on when the foot brake 36 is operated. The foot brake switch 30 controls the lighting of a rear combination lamp (not shown) to notify the succeeding vehicle of the use state of the foot brake. A signal indicating the use state of the foot brake is output to the control means 20.

The vehicle speed sensor 28 is provided in a transmission 38 which is a drive system of the vehicle, detects the vehicle speed from the rotation speed of the rotating shaft of the transmission 38, and outputs the detected vehicle speed as a signal to a not-shown meter panel (speed meter). In addition, the driving speed is notified to the driver, and a vehicle speed signal is output to the control means 20 based on the detected vehicle speed.

The neutral detection switch 32 is provided in the vicinity of a shift lever for shifting the transmission 38, detects a neutral position, and outputs a signal representing the detection result to the control means 20.

The control means 20 includes the light switch 2 described above.
2, air conditioner 24, parking brake switch 26,
Based on signals output from each of the foot brake switch 30, the vehicle speed sensor 28, and the neutral detection switch 32, the state of the vehicle (running or stopping, battery load, etc.) is detected.

The engine control unit 34
Has a starter motor 4 for starting the engine 42.
0, an ignition switch 44 for starting the engine by rotating the starter motor 40, an igniter and a distributor 46 for performing ignition control of the engine are connected, and the control means 20 is connected. Under the control of the control means 20, the engine 42 is started and stopped. In addition,
Normally, the driver operates the ignition switch 44 to start and stop the engine.

Further, the power source of the electric components mounted on the above-mentioned vehicle is a battery 48 mounted on the engine room.
Supplied by The power supply is performed by connecting the minus terminal of the battery 48 to the body ground, connecting the plus terminal to each of the above-mentioned electric components, and each of the electric components to be body-grounded.

Next, a signal transmitted from the transmitting means 14 provided in the traffic light 12 will be described.

The traffic light 12 switches in the order of red, blue, and yellow, and the switching time is set arbitrarily. In addition, the time until each of red, blue, and yellow is switched may be fixed, or may be changed by an external operation according to traffic congestion or the like.

The signal transmission means 14 of the traffic light 12 outputs a frequency-modulated signal from the time when the traffic light 12 turns red until it is switched to blue. In the frequency modulation, as shown in FIG. 3, when the traffic light 12 turns red, a signal of a predetermined frequency f ₁ is output and modulated to a higher frequency with time, and at a time t _A at which the traffic light changes to blue, the predetermined frequency f ₂ It is modulated so that That is, the time-frequency characteristic of the output signal is a straight line. When the time at which the traffic light 12 switches is changed, the time t at which the traffic light 12 changes to blue is reached.
At the time of _A ′, the slope of the line of the time-frequency characteristic changes so as to have the predetermined frequency f _2, and a signal modulated as shown by the dashed line in FIG. Further, when the traffic light 12 turns red, a signal of a predetermined frequency is output and modulated to a higher frequency with time, but may be modulated to a lower frequency with time.

Next, the control of the idling stop and restart of the vehicle engine by the control means 20 performed based on the signal transmitted from the transmitting means 14 provided in the traffic signal 12 will be described.

Automobile engines have different engine characteristics (fuel efficiency, exhaust gas characteristics, etc.) depending on the type and specification of the engine. That is, the time (idling stop effective time) until the effect of idling stop (reduction of unnecessary fuel consumption and harmful exhaust gas) is obtained differs depending on each engine. Therefore, according to the idling stop effective time for each engine, whether or not to stop idling is determined by the control means 20 to control idling stop and restart.

The control means 20 determines that the idling stop effective time is reached when the time t _s until the traffic light 12 switches is the condition described below, and stops the idling of the vehicle engine.

With the restart of the engine, as shown in FIG. 5, the fuel consumption increases by M _R (g). On the other hand, the fuel that can be saved by stopping idling at the time t _s until the traffic light switches is represented by m _f × t _s (g), where the fuel consumption at idling is m _f (g / s). be able to. Therefore, the idling stop effect can be obtained when the condition of m _f × t _s > M _R is satisfied. That is, the time t _s until the traffic light 12 is switched is t _s >
When the condition of M _R / m _f is satisfied, the effect of stopping idling can be obtained.

Similarly, when the engine is restarted,
As shown in FIG. 6, nitrogen oxidation
Object (NOx) is M_NOx(G) increase. The traffic light switches
Time t_sStop idling at
NOx emissions that can be reduced by
NOx emissions during ringing_NOx(G / s), m
_NOx× t_sCan be represented by Therefore, m_NOx× t_s> M
_NOxStop idling when the condition of
be able to. That is, until the traffic light 12 is switched
Time t_sIs t_s> M_NOx/ M_NOxWhen the condition of
The effect of stopping the dring can be obtained.

Further, hydrocarbons (HC) discharged from the engine are also increased by restarting the engine, similarly to NOx, the amount of HC discharged at idling is m _HC (g / s), and the amount of _HC is increased when the engine is restarted. When the discharge amount is M _HC (g), the effect of stopping idling can be obtained when t _s > M _HC / m _HC is satisfied.

Next, the calculation of the time t _s until the traffic light 12 is switched will be described with reference to FIG.

The control means 20 controls the transmission means 1 of the traffic light 12.
When the signal transmitted from 4 is acquired via the receiver 18, the time until the signal 12 is switched is calculated as described later.

The time at which the signal transmitted from the transmitting means 14 of the traffic signal 12 is received is t _x , the frequency at that time is f _x ,
When the amount of change in frequency after elapse from t _x Delta] t time to Delta] f, time in the signal transmitted from the transmitter 14 - the slope of the straight line of the frequency characteristic becomes Delta] f / Delta] t. Therefore,
The straight line can be expressed by f = Δf / Δt × t + f ₁ (1).

Here, f _{1 is set} to the transmitting means 14 of the traffic light 12.
Signal transmitted to the time t _x, which has received the Expressed in that time of the frequency f _x from Equation (1), be expressed by f = Δf / Δt × t + f x -Δf / Δt × t x ··· (2) Can be.

Time t until signal 12 switches
_s, the time traffic 12 is required in the calculation the time t _x, which has received the signal from the time t _A which turns blue Delta] t + alpha: value obtained by subtracting the (alpha calculation time coefficient), i.e., t _s = t _A - (t _x + Δt + α) (3) where t _A is the time t _x at which the signal transmitted from the transmitting means 14 of the traffic signal 12 was received, and the frequency f _x at that time.
Expressed in equation (3) is, t _s = become _{(f 2 -f x) × Δt} / Δf- (Δt + α) ··· (4). The time Δt + α required for the calculation can be neglected because it is very short.

[0057] Therefore, if a predetermined frequency f ₂ which is an output signal terminal 12 is modulated when the switches, frequency f _x and Δt time when received initiated by the traffic signal 12 receiver 18 the signals emitted from the it is possible to calculate the time t _s of the frequency Δf when receiving up to the traffic light 12 is switched later. Further, the time until the traffic light 12 is switched is variable (the time t _{A at} which the traffic light 12 turns blue is undefined).
Even if the frequency f ₂ to be output are modulated in the signal generator 12 is switched only to predetermined traffic 1
It is possible to calculate the time t _s until 2 is switched. Incidentally, f ₁ is may be determined in advance, or may be without first determined.

When the time t _s until the traffic light 12 is switched is calculated, the control means 20 is controlled based on the above conditions.
Determines whether to stop idling. As shown in FIG. 4, the time t _s until the traffic light 12 is switched is not the time until the traffic light is actually switched, but the time when the engine is restarted prior to the traffic light 12 being switched (the psychological idling precedence). It is desirable to use a time obtained by subtracting (time) from the time t _s until the traffic light 12 is actually switched. By providing the psychological idling advance time and restarting the engine in advance before the traffic light 12 is switched, it is possible to smoothly restart the engine without giving the driver anxiety.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, it is determined whether or not the vehicle is in a state where the vehicle can be stopped idling. In the present embodiment, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the light is on based on the signal output from the light switch 22 in step 100. If the determination is negative, it is determined that the vehicle is not in a state in which idling can be stopped, idling is continued, and this processing ends. If the determination is affirmative, in a subsequent step 102, the control means 20 determines whether or not the air conditioner is used based on a signal output from the air conditioner. If the determination is negative, as in step 100, it is determined that the vehicle is not in a state in which idling can be stopped, idling is continued, and this processing ends. If the determination is affirmative, the routine proceeds to the subsequent step 104.

In step 104, the signal from which the signal modulated as described above is transmitted from the signal
8 to determine whether or not it has been received. If the determination is negative, step 104 is repeated until a signal transmitted from the traffic light 12 is received.

The determination in step 104 is affirmed.
Then, the process proceeds to step 106 to receive the
Until the traffic light 12 switches based on the signal received
Interval t _sIs calculated as described above.

At step 108, it is determined whether or not the vehicle is in a stopped state. It is determined whether or not the vehicle is in the stopped state, whether the signal output from the vehicle speed sensor 28 is in the stopped state (vehicle speed 0 km / h), whether the foot brake switch 30 is in the on state, and whether the vehicle is parked. It is determined whether the brake switch 26 is in the ON state and whether the neutral detection switch 32 is in the ON state (neutral position). Note that the determination in step 108 is not limited to this. For example,
Only one of the determinations for the vehicle speed sensor 28, the foot brake switch 30, the parking brake switch 26, and the neutral detection switch 32 may be performed, or two or more determinations may be performed in combination. .

If the determination in step 108 is negative, steps 100 to 108 are repeated until it is determined that the vehicle is stopped. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to the subsequent step 110, and
Time t _s till the traffic light 12 calculated in 6 is switched
From the reception of the signal from the vehicle until the vehicle stops, and the time T obtained by subtracting the above-mentioned psychological idling time.
(Stop idling time) is calculated.

In step 112, the control means 20 determines whether or not the stop idling time T is the idling stop effective time for the fuel which increases when the idling is stopped and restarted. If the determination is negative, it is determined that more fuel is consumed when the andling is stopped and restarted, idling is continued, and the present process is terminated. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 114.

In step 114, the control means 20 determines whether or not the stop idling time T is an idling stop effective time with respect to the exhaust NOx amount that increases when idling is stopped and restarted.
If the determination is negative, it is determined that the amount of NOx to be discharged is larger when idling is stopped and restarted, idling is continued as in step 112, and this process ends. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 116.

In step 116, the control means 20 determines whether or not the stop idling time T is an idling stop effective time with respect to the exhaust HC amount that increases when the idling is stopped and restarted. If the determination is negative, it is determined that the amount of HC discharged is larger when idling is stopped and restarted, and step 1 is performed.
Idling is continued as in steps 12 and 114, and the process ends. If the determination is affirmative, the following step 11 is performed.
Move to 8.

In step 118, the control means 20 controls the ignition of the engine by the distributor 46 via the engine control unit 34 to cause the engine to misfire and stop idling.

In step 120, the idling is stopped by the control means 20 and then the stop idling time T
Is determined. If the judgment is negative,
The process proceeds to step 124 to determine whether to restart the engine. Note that the determination in step 124 is that the driver operates the ignition switch 44 (starter motor 4
0 is started). If the determination in step 124 is negative, step 120
Steps 120 and 124 are repeated until the determination in step 124 or the determination in step 124 is affirmed.

If the determination at step 124 is affirmative, it is determined that the engine has been restarted by the driver's intention, and the routine proceeds to step 126, where the starter motor 40 is started by the ignition switch 44 and the engine is started. Restart is performed, and a series of processing ends.

On the other hand, if the determination in step 120 is affirmative, the routine proceeds to step 122, where the control means 20 rotates the starter motor 40 via the engine control unit 34 to restart the engine. A series of processing ends.

As described above, based on the signal from the traffic light 12, the time t _s until the traffic light 12 is switched is calculated (steps 104 and 106), and the calculated time t _s until the traffic light 12 is switched and the idling stop are performed. It is determined whether to stop idling based on the time until the effect is obtained (steps 110 to 118).
Therefore, it is possible to reduce unnecessary fuel consumption and emission of harmful exhaust gas due to idling stop and engine restart without causing any adverse effect due to idling stop.

Further, the engine is restarted before the stop idling time T elapses, that is, before the traffic light 12 is switched (prior to the idling advance time).
The engine can be restarted without giving anxiety to the driver.

In the above embodiment, the traffic light 12
The idling stop is performed based on the transmitted signal, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the beacon for detecting traffic congestion may be provided with the transmitting means 14 in the present embodiment. . This case is effective when waiting for a traffic light at a place distant from the traffic light 12 due to heavy traffic or the like. Also, when the vehicle is stopped due to traffic congestion, not when the traffic light 12 turns red, the stop time is calculated based on the information obtained from the beacon, and the idling stop effective time is calculated based on the calculated stop time. If it is determined whether or not, similar to the above embodiment, no adverse effect due to idling stop occurs,
It is possible to reduce unnecessary fuel consumption and emission of harmful exhaust gas caused by stopping idling and restarting the engine, and to restart the engine without giving a driver anxiety.

Further, in the above embodiment, when the light is turned on and the air conditioner is used, it is determined that the vehicle is not in a state where idling can be stopped, and idling is continued. However, the current vehicle state is stored and stored. ,
The idling may be stopped after the lights are turned off and the air conditioner is turned off, and may be returned to the original state and restarted when restarting.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case of controlling the stop and restart of idling based on the time until switching from the red signal to the green signal has been described. However, a straight arrow signal or a right / left arrow signal is used. As for the signal, if a signal of a frequency in a different frequency band is transmitted from the transmitting means, or if the detecting means detects the use state of the turn signal indicator or the like as the state of the vehicle, as in the case of the present embodiment, the adverse effect caused by stopping the idling is eliminated. It is possible to reduce unnecessary fuel consumption and emission of harmful exhaust gas due to idling stop and restart of the engine without causing any trouble, and to restart the engine without giving the driver anxiety.

Further, in the above embodiment, the transmitting means 1
4, a signal modulated to a different frequency with the passage of time is transmitted to transmit the information for switching the traffic signal 12, but the present invention is not limited to this.
The switching information of the traffic light 12 may be transmitted using infrared rays, electromagnetic waves, lasers, or the like, or the traffic light 1 may be transmitted.
The information to be switched may be transmitted as a digital signal.

[0078]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to reduce unnecessary fuel consumption and harmful exhaust gas emission during idling stop and engine restart without causing any adverse effect due to idling stop. ,
The present invention has an excellent effect of providing an idling stop device and system for an automobile engine that can restart the engine without giving a driver anxiety.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an automobile engine idling stop system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an idling stop system for an automobile engine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a signal transmitted from a transmitting unit.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a timing of restarting after stopping the idling of the automobile engine.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating conditions under which the effect of stopping idling in consumed fuel can be obtained.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining conditions under which an effect of stopping idling of exhaust gas (NOx) can be obtained.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing of an idling stop system for an automobile engine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Idling stop system of automobile engine 12 Traffic light 14 Transmission means 16 Automobile 18 Receiver 20 Control means 22 Light switch 24 Air conditioner 26 Parking brake switch 28 Vehicle speed sensor 30 Foot brake switch 32 Neutral detection switch 42 Engine

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] June 29, 2000 (2006.2.
9)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Claims

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Claims]

[Procedure amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0010

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a receiving means for receiving a signal transmitted from a roadside and representing a time from a present time until a traffic light changes, Detecting means for detecting a state of the vehicle including a state, and a signal based on the signal received by the receiving means.
Reduction in fuel consumption when idling is stopped
Is calculated, and the calculated amount of reduction is
Detected when the consumption amount exceeds the
Stop idling based on the condition of the car
And control means for performing control.

[Procedure amendment 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0013

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0013] The control means receives the data by the receiving means.
The fuel when idling is stopped based on the
The amount of reduction in fuel consumption is calculated, and the calculated amount of reduction in fuel consumption is calculated.
Exceeds the reduction in fuel consumption when restarting the engine
Time, that is, by stopping idling
Is obtained based on the state of the vehicle detected by the detection means.
Then, idling is stopped by the control means. Follow
Useless fuel consumption and harmful exhaust by idling
Gas emissions can be reduced. In other words,
When the effect of stopping idling is not obtained
Stops idling because it continues idling
・ Reducing unnecessary fuel consumption by restarting the engine
Can be. As a result, adverse effects due to idling stop may occur.
Stop idling and restart the engine without
Wasteful fuel consumption and harmful exhaust emissions
be able to.

[Procedure amendment 4]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0015

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a signal transmitted from a road side is transmitted.
And a signal representing the time from the current time until the traffic light changes
The receiving means for receiving and detecting the state of the vehicle including the running state
Output means, and the reception means
Hazardous exhaust when idling is stopped based on signal
The amount of gas reduction is calculated, and the calculated amount of reduction is
When the amount of harmful exhaust gas at restart is exceeded, the detection means
Based on the state of the vehicle detected by
And control means for controlling the stopping of the tuning .

[Procedure amendment 5]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0016

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

According to the second aspect of the present invention, receiving means
Is the roadside (for example, a traffic light or a beacon that detects traffic jams, etc.)
Traffic control device), and the traffic light changes
Time (for example, due to a stop or traffic jam due to a red light)
Time from when the vehicle stops to when it can be started)
I do. The detecting means is a state of the vehicle including a running state, for example,
For example, the running speed, foot brake and parking
King brake operation, lighting, direction indication
Cars related to running cars, such as lighting devices and using air conditioners
Detect the state of. And the control means is provided by the receiving means.
And the signal detected by the detection means
Based on the condition of the car, the idling of the car engine
Control the engine stop, which is necessary to restart the car engine.
If the battery is under heavy load,
It is possible to control to continue without stopping
You. In addition, the control means controls the signal received by the receiving means.
Harmful exhaust gas when idling is stopped
The reduction amount is calculated, and the calculated reduction amount of the harmful exhaust gas is
Exceeds the amount of harmful exhaust gas emitted when the engine is restarted
Time, that is, by stopping idling
Is obtained based on the state of the vehicle detected by the detection means.
Then, idling is stopped by the control means. Follow
Emissions and waste of harmful exhaust gas by idling
Fuel consumption can be reduced. In other words,
When the effect of stopping idling is not obtained
Keeps idling, so when the engine is restarted
Of harmful exhaust gas that is not necessary
can do. Therefore, adverse effects due to idling stop
Stop idling and restart the engine without causing harm
Fuel consumption and harmful exhaust emissions
Can be reduced.

[Procedure amendment 6]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0017

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0017] The invention described in claim 3 is claim 1 or claim 3.
In the invention described in claim 2, the signal is a signal that is stopped.
When the stop signal is switched to the first frequency, the frequency becomes the first frequency, and
The second frequency at the time of switching from the stop signal.
And the frequency according to the duration of the stop signal.
Is a signal that continuously changes from the first frequency to the second frequency.
It is characterized by being a number.

[Procedure amendment 7]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0018

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

According to the invention described in claim 3, according to claim 1 of the present invention,
Alternatively, in the invention according to claim 2, the traffic light is a red light.
When the stop signal is switched to the first frequency,
At the time of switching from the stop signal,
Frequency and depending on the duration of the stop signal
The frequency changes continuously from the first frequency to the second frequency
(E.g., linearly changing) signal is received by the receiving means.
Signal stops the traffic light after receiving the signal.
When switching from a stop signal to a start signal such as a green signal
The interval can be calculated. Therefore, based on the time of the calculation,
Control means to control the idling of the vehicle engine.
Stop can be controlled, and the adverse effect of idling stop
Stop idling and restart the engine without causing harm
Fuel consumption and harmful exhaust emissions
Can be reduced.

[Procedure amendment 8]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0019

[Correction method] Deleted

[Procedure amendment 9]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0020

[Correction method] Deleted

[Procedure amendment 10]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0021

[Correction method] Deleted

[Procedure amendment 11]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0022

[Correction method] Deleted

[Procedure amendment 12]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0023

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

The invention described in claim 4 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control means performs the restart of the automobile engine before a predetermined time traffic is switched It is characterized by:

[Procedure amendment 13]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0024

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

According to the invention of claim 4 , according to claim 1,
In the invention according to any one of the third to third aspects, by starting the engine a predetermined time before the traffic light is switched by the control means, it becomes possible to start driving the automobile at the same time as the traffic light is switched. Therefore, the engine can be restarted without giving anxiety to the driver.

[Procedure amendment 14]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0025

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

The invention described in claim 5 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, at least the lighting device is state of the automobile detected by said detection means and It is characterized in that idling of the engine is continued when electrical components including the air conditioner are in use.

[Procedure amendment 15]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0026

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

According to the invention described in claim 5 , claim 1 is
5. The vehicle according to claim 4 , wherein the state of the vehicle detected by the detecting unit includes at least a lighting device (for example, a headlight, an auxiliary headlight, etc.) and an air conditioner such as an air conditioner. When the electric components are in use, the idling of the vehicle engine is continued by the control means. Therefore, when a large load is applied to the battery required for starting the car engine, stopping the idling of the car engine prevents the battery capacity from being consumed and preventing the engine from being restarted. it can.

[Procedure amendment 16]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0027

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an idling stop device for an automobile engine according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the idle time stop device is provided on a road side and measures a time from a present time until a traffic light changes. Transmitting means for transmitting a signal representing the signal.

[Procedure amendment 17]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0028

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the transmitting means provided on the road side (for example, a traffic control device such as a traffic light or a beacon for detecting traffic congestion) transmits the time (for example, red light) until the traffic light changes from the present time. A signal representing the time from when the vehicle is stopped by a signal or when the vehicle is stopped due to traffic congestion, etc.). Therefore, the signal can be received by the receiving means in the idling stop device for an automobile engine according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , and the idling stop is performed based on the signal as described above. Can be controlled, and the engine can be restarted.

[Procedure amendment 18]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0029

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

The invention described in claim 7 is the invention of claim 6, said transmitter means, is characterized in that provided in the traffic.

[Procedure amendment 19]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0030

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

According to the invention of claim 7 , according to claim 6,
In the invention described in (1), by providing the transmitting means in the traffic light, it is possible to transmit a signal indicating a time until the traffic light switches from a stop signal (red signal) to a start signal (blue signal, arrow signal, or the like). Therefore, the control means can control the stop of the idling of the automobile engine based on whether or not the transmitted signal has a time at which the effect of stopping the idling can be obtained. That is,
It is possible to reduce unnecessary fuel consumption and emission of harmful exhaust gas at the time of idling stop and engine restart without causing the adverse effect of idling stop, and to restart the engine without giving the driver anxiety Is possible.

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Koji Komatsu, the inventor F-term (reference) 3G092 AA01 AC03 BA10 CA02 CB04 EA09 EA17 FA17 FA18 FA24 FA30 GA04 HB01Z HD04Z 1-24-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo HF04Z HF07Z HF21Z HF26Z HG04Z 3G093 AA04 BA19 BA20 BA21 BA22 BA24 CA04 DA08 DA11 DB00 DB05 DB15 DB23 DB24 DB25 EA12 EB00 FA11 5H180 AA01 BB04 CC09 CC12 JJ28

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A receiving means for receiving a signal transmitted from a roadside and representing a time from a present time until a signal is changed; a detecting means for detecting a state of a vehicle including a running state; Control means for controlling stop of idling based on a signal and a state of the vehicle detected by the detection means. 2. The signal has a first frequency when the traffic light is switched to a stop signal, and has a second frequency when the traffic light is switched from the stop signal. The idling stop device for an automobile engine according to claim 1, wherein the signal is a signal whose frequency continuously changes from a first frequency to a second frequency. 3. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein the control unit stops idling when the amount of reduction in fuel consumption when stopping idling exceeds the fuel consumption when restarting the engine. 3. The idling stop device for an automobile engine according to 2. 4. The control means stops idling when the amount of harmful exhaust gas reduced when idling is stopped exceeds the amount of harmful exhaust gas discharged when the engine is restarted. The idling stop device for an automobile engine according to any one of claims 1 to 3. 5. The vehicle engine according to claim 1, wherein the control unit restarts the vehicle engine a predetermined time before the traffic light switches. apparatus. 6. The control means continues idling of the engine when the state of the vehicle detected by the detection means is at least when electric components including a lighting device and an air conditioner are in use. The idling stop device for an automobile engine according to any one of claims 1 to 5. 7. An idling stop device for an automobile engine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, and a transmission means provided on a road side and transmitting a signal indicating a time from a present time until a signal changes. An idling stop system for an automobile engine, comprising: 8. The idling stop system for an automobile engine according to claim 7, wherein said transmission means is provided in a traffic light.