JP2004308452A - Computer device for engine control - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable control adapted to change in a kind of an engine without providing a dedicated unit and without introducing a tool for changing a program and data. <P>SOLUTION: A main control unit 1 performs control during an operation while monitoring any one of a plurality of kinds of engines 3a and 3b through a program control. An ignition control parameter 6, an injection control parameter 7, and an ISC control parameter 8 are rewritable as control information for adapting control to the plurality of kinds of the engines 3a and 3b. In subsidiary control units 2a and 2b, the control information which is a base of rewriting is provided as data 9 for rewriting. The main control unit 1 is made common to the plurality of kinds of the engine 3a and 3b, thereby dispensing with introducing of the tool for rewriting of the control information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an engine control computer device that is mounted on an automobile and controls the operation of an engine.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, automobile engines, particularly gasoline engines, perform ignition control, idle speed control (hereinafter abbreviated as “ISC”), injection control, and the like by an engine control computer device equipped with a microcomputer. In order to make full use of the performance of the engine, it is necessary to create an engine control computer device according to the engine to be controlled. However, when a plurality of types of engines to be controlled are predetermined, at least a part of a program and a plurality of types of control data are prepared, and the engine control computer device is shared by the plurality of types of engines. There is also.
[0003]
The use of alcohol as fuel for automobile engines and general-purpose engines is also being studied. In controlling the ignition timing of an internal combustion engine, a plurality of maps in which basic control values are predetermined for each alcohol concentration are provided, and the map is switched according to the alcohol concentration in use (for example, see Patent Document 1). For an engine that uses gasoline and alcohol as fuel, an optimal engine control amount is prepared as a map for a plurality of alcohol mixing ratios, and weighted interpolation calculations are performed for intermediate mixing ratios. The engine is controlled (for example, see Patent Document 2). In a two-stroke engine in which gasoline and alcohol mixed fuel are selectively used, an air-fuel ratio correction map suitable for gasoline and alcohol is stored, and a map suitable for gasoline is used. When the reference combustion pressure is exceeded, it is determined that the alcohol-mixed fuel is used, and the map is switched (for example, see Patent Document 3).
[0004]
In a general-purpose engine that selectively uses gas fuel and liquid fuel, the fuel supply control device is provided with three types of programs for a liquid fuel engine, a gas fuel engine, and an engine for switching between liquid fuel and gas fuel (for example, Patent Document 4). In an internal combustion engine that is operated using a second type of fuel such as LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) in addition to the first fuel such as petroleum, the second control device uses the second type of fuel when the second type of fuel is used. The fuel supply amount is controlled, and process parameters, operation parameters, and the like are adjusted with the first control device (for example, see Patent Document 5).
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Publication No. 7-13508
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-5-195938
[Patent Document 3]
JP-A-6-66175
[Patent Document 4]
JP 2000-145488 A
[Patent Document 5]
Japanese Patent Publication No. 9-505653
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the case of using a gasoline engine and another fuel engine as automobile engines, it is conceivable that a program suitable for each engine is prepared in an engine control computer device and switched as in Patent Document 4. Can be However, when the fuel is different, for example, an actuator for fuel injection is different, and characteristics and specifications required for an output circuit for driving are different. For this reason, a dedicated unit for driving the actuator is used as a sub-control unit, and a sub-control unit is installed near the actuator separately from the main control unit that performs overall control. A configuration is conceivable in which connection is made via a communication path such as a LAN (Local Area Network) and engine control is performed by data communication. Even in such a configuration, it is necessary to prepare a plurality of programs in the main control unit, and to switch according to the type of engine.
[0007]
Preparing programs corresponding to the number of types of engines to be used imposes a heavy burden on program development. Further, even if it is known that gasoline and other fuels are basically used for the same engine, development of other fuels may be later than that of gasoline. In such a case, the main control unit must be dedicated to the fuel or the program and control parameters of the main control unit must be set or rewritten later.
[0008]
Dedicating the main control unit according to the type of engine complicates production management. Also, compared to gasoline engines, vehicles equipped with engines of other fuels are also produced in small quantities, so developing a dedicated main control unit will increase production costs. In order to be able to set and rewrite the program and control parameters of the main control unit later, it is necessary to introduce a tool for setting and rewriting. Introducing such a tool to a vehicle assembly factory and using it on a production line increases the production cost of the vehicle due to the cost of introducing the tool itself and the cost of the working time required for using the tool. .
[0009]
An object of the present invention is to provide an engine control computer device that enables suitable control such as change of an engine type without specializing or introducing a tool for changing a program or data.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention is an engine control computer device mounted on a vehicle and controlling an engine,
A main control unit that executes a preset program to control the engine;
Connected to the main control unit via a communication path for data communication, for a predetermined partial function of the engine to be controlled, including a sub-control unit having control information added to the program of the main control unit,
The main control unit is
Control information acquisition means for acquiring the control information from the sub-control unit via a communication path,
An engine control computer device, comprising: control information storage means for storing control information obtained by control information obtaining means and being referred to by the program during execution of the program.
[0011]
According to the present invention, an engine control computer device is mounted on a vehicle and includes a main control unit and a sub control unit for controlling an engine. The main control unit executes a preset program to control the engine. The sub-control unit is connected to the main control unit via a communication path for data communication, and has control information to be added to a program of the main control unit for a predetermined partial function of the engine to be controlled.
[0012]
With respect to partial functions determined in advance by a plurality of types of engines, portions having different electrical specifications such as drive circuits can be handled by a sub-control unit. The main control unit stores control information obtaining means for obtaining the control information from the sub control unit via the communication path, and control information obtained by the control information obtaining means, and is referred to by the program during execution of the program. If the sub-control unit is connected via a communication path, control information necessary for controlling the engine to be controlled can be obtained from the sub-control unit. However, a common main control unit can be used. Changes in the electrical specifications of the drive circuit that accompany changes in the type of engine can be handled by changing the sub-control unit.For the main control unit, specialized control such as changing the type of engine, This can be done without introducing tools to change programs and data.
[0013]
In the present invention, the control information is a control parameter used in a program executed by the main control unit.
[0014]
According to the present invention, the program executed by the main control unit is shared, control parameters are obtained from a sub-control unit adapted to the engine to be controlled, and the control parameters are obtained by referring to the program and performing control according to the engine. It can be performed.
[0015]
In the present invention, the control information acquisition means of the main control unit acquires the control information when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and stores the control information in the control information storage means.
[0016]
According to the present invention, the control information obtaining means of the main control unit obtains the control information of the sub-control unit and stores it in the control information storage means when the predetermined condition is satisfied. This can be limited to a certain time, and by setting appropriate conditions, the control information of the sub-control unit can be appropriately reflected in the program of the main control unit.
[0017]
Further, in the present invention, the time when the predetermined condition is satisfied is a time when the first communication is established after the sub-control unit is connected via the communication path.
[0018]
According to the present invention, the main control unit acquires the control information of the sub-control unit and reflects it in the program because the sub-control unit is connected to the main control unit via a communication path and the first communication is established. Since it is time, control suitable for the engine can be performed from the beginning of the operation.
[0019]
Further, in the present invention, the sub-control unit includes a connection unit capable of connecting a tool device capable of editing the control information,
The predetermined condition is satisfied when a tool device is connected to the connection means of the sub-control unit and editing of control information is performed.
[0020]
According to the present invention, for example, in a development section of a new engine, a sub-control unit suitable for the engine under development is connected to the existing main control unit, and the sub-control unit has Since the control information can be edited by setting or rewriting with the tool device and reflected in the program of the main control unit, the development efficiency of the engine can be improved.
[0021]
In the present invention, the control information acquisition means of the main control unit transmits check data for control information stored in the control information storage means during communication with the sub control unit,
The sub-control unit includes an error determination unit that receives the check data and determines whether an information error has occurred in the control information.
The predetermined condition is satisfied when the error determining means determines that an error has occurred.
[0022]
According to the present invention, for control information acquired from the sub control unit and stored in the control information storage means of the main control unit, the control information acquisition means of the main control unit transmits check data to the sub control unit, If the error determination means of the control unit determines that an error has occurred, the control information obtaining means obtains the control information, so that when a control information transmission error or a change in the sub-control unit occurs, the program of the main control unit is It is possible to prevent a logical malfunction or a control abnormality.
[0023]
Further, in the present invention, the predetermined condition is set in advance so as not to include at least when the engine is started, when the engine is cold, or when the vehicle is running.
[0024]
According to the present invention, when the engine is started, when the engine is cold, or when the vehicle is not running, the condition is satisfied, and control information can be obtained and stored in the control information storage means. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the engine from operating abnormally due to the influence of a change in the control information or the like.
[0025]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of an engine control computer device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 (a) and 1 (b) show a use mode applied to an engine using a different fuel, respectively, and FIG. 1 (c) shows a development mode in which control information is set or rewritten. . The engine control computer device of the present embodiment includes a common main control unit 1 and sub-control units 2a and 2b. For example, the sub-control units 2a and 2b are dedicated to engines 3a and 3b having different types of fuel. Is becoming Different fuel injection actuators 4a and 4b are required for engines 3a and 3b with different types of fuel, and specifications required for a drive circuit and the like are different. The main control unit 1 and the sub-control units 2a and 2b are in a state where data communication is possible with a communication cable 5 such as CAN (Controller Area Network), LIN (Local Interconnect Network), J1850, and FlexRey, which are widely used as an in-vehicle LAN. Connected.
[0026]
The main control unit 1 controls the operation while monitoring one of the plurality of types of engines 3a and 3b by program control. The ignition control parameter 6, the injection control parameter 7, the ISC control parameter 8, and the like can be rewritten as control information for adapting control to any of the plurality of types of engines 3a and 3b. The control information to be rewritten is prepared as rewriting data 9 in the sub-control units 2a and 2b.
[0027]
As shown in FIG. 1C, the main control unit 1 includes an arithmetic unit 11, a communication circuit 12, and a memory 13 in the unit. The unit memory 13 is realized by a flash ROM, EEPROM, SRAM, or the like, and can store and store ignition control parameters 6, injection control parameters 7, ISC control parameters 8, and other control information 14 together with check data 15. It functions as a simple control information storage unit. Flash ROMs and EEPROMs have non-volatility that retains information to be stored even when power is not supplied. An SRAM can operate at higher speed than a nonvolatile memory. Although the SRAM is not nonvolatile, it can be made substantially nonvolatile by backing it up with a battery or the like. As will be described later, if the control information is transferred prior to the operation, a volatile memory can be used as the in-unit memory 13. The arithmetic unit 11 and the communication circuit 12 function as control information obtaining means for obtaining control information from the sub-control units 2a and 2b via the communication cable 5 as a communication path and storing the control information in the in-unit memory 13.
[0028]
The sub-control units 2a and 2b include an arithmetic unit 21, a communication circuit 22, and a unit memory 23. The in-unit memory 23 uses a nonvolatile and rewritable memory such as a flash ROM and an EEPROM. The rewrite parameters 9 and the check data 24 are set in the unit memory 23. The setting and rewriting of the rewriting parameter 9 and the check data 24 can be performed by connecting an engine development tool device 30 to the outside via a communication cable 31. As the communication cable 31, a general LAN cable or a parallel or serial interface cable can be used.
[0029]
FIG. 2 shows a main routine for a control procedure of the engine control computer of the present embodiment. When the procedure is started from step a0 and the main control unit 1 and the sub-control units 2a and 2b are connected by the communication cable 5, mutual communication is established in step a1. At step a2, the sub-control units 2a and 2b transmit the rewriting parameter 9 to the main control unit 1 and request transmission of the check data 15. In the main control unit 1, the arithmetic unit 11 converts the ignition control parameter 6, the injection control parameter 7, the ISC control parameter 8, the other 14 parameters and the like stored in the in-unit memory 13 based on the received rewriting parameter 9. Then, the check data 24 is calculated. The check data 14 is generated as, for example, a parity or a checksum. At step a3, the check data 15 is transmitted from the main control unit 1 to the sub control units 1a and 2b. In step a4, the sub-control units 2a and 2b compare the check data 15 received from the main control unit 1 with the check data 24 set in the memory 23 in the unit. The rewriting routine is called at a5. After the end of the rewriting routine in step a5, or when it is determined in step a4 that the check data 15, 24 match, the procedure ends in step a6.
[0030]
According to the above control procedure, if the sub-control units 2a and 2b are connected to the main control unit 1 first, the check data is checked in step a4, and if necessary, the rewriting parameters are transmitted from the beginning. Can be performed. That is, the main control unit 1 acquires the control information possessed by the sub-control units 2a and 2b and reflects the acquired control information on the program by connecting the sub-control units 2a and 2b to the main control unit 1 via the communication path. Since the first communication is established, control suitable for the engines 3a and 3b can be performed from the beginning of the operation. Such transfer of the first control information may be performed unconditionally.
[0031]
The arithmetic unit 21 and the communication circuit 22 of the sub-control units 2a and 2b serve as error determination means for determining whether an information error has occurred in the control information in the collation using the check data 9 and 15. The main control unit 1 re-transmits the control information when it determines that an error has occurred, and the main control unit 1 reliably obtains the control information. Therefore, when a control information transmission error or a change in the sub-control units 2a and 2b occurs, the main control unit 1 It is possible to prevent the program of the control unit 1 from logically malfunctioning and occurrence of control abnormality.
[0032]
FIG. 3 shows a schematic processing procedure of the rewriting routine called in step a5 of FIG. The procedure is started from step b0. In step b1, a rewrite request is transmitted from the sub control units 2a and 2b to the main control unit 1. In step b2, the main control unit 1 determines whether rewriting is permitted. Rewriting is permitted under conditions that are unlikely to have a significant effect on the operation of the engine. If rewriting is not permitted, a rewriting prohibition routine is executed in step b3. If it is determined in step b2 that rewriting is permitted, a rewriting permission signal is transmitted from the main control unit 1 to the sub-control units 2a and 2b in step b4. In step b5, a rewriting lamp (not shown) is turned on, and rewriting parameters 9 are transmitted from the sub control units 2a and 2b to the main control unit 1 in step b7. In step b8, the main control unit 1 rewrites the parameters stored in the in-unit memory 13, and in step b8, performs processing to turn off the rewriting lamp. When step b8 or step b3 ends, the processing procedure ends in step b9.
[0033]
FIG. 4 shows a schematic processing procedure of the rewrite prohibition routine in step b3 of FIG. The procedure starts from step c0. In step c1, the main control unit 1 blinks a rewrite inhibition lamp (not shown). In step c2, it is determined whether or not rewriting is permitted by the main control unit 1. When rewriting is permitted, a rewriting permission signal is transmitted from the main control unit 1 to the sub-control units 2a and 2b in step c3. In step c4, the main control unit 1 performs the lighting process of the rewriting lamp. In step c5, the rewriting parameters 9 are transmitted from the sub control units 2a and 2b to the main control unit 1, and in step c6, the parameter rewriting in the main control unit is executed. After the execution of the rewriting, in step c7, the light-off process is performed on the rewriting lamp of the main control unit 1, and the process ends in step c8. If the rewrite is not permitted in step c2, the process ends in step c8.
[0034]
As described above, the engine control computer device of the present embodiment executes the preset program to monitor the operation of the engines 3a and 3b and derive the control signals while monitoring the operation of the engines 3a and 3b. Is connected to the main control unit 1 via a communication cable 5 which is a communication path for data communication, and adds predetermined partial functions of the engines 3a and 3b to be controlled to a program of the main control unit 1. A sub-control having a rewriting parameter 9 as control information and performing control of the fuel injection actuators 4a and 4b as a partial function based on a control signal derived from the main control unit via one communication path. Unit and 2a, 2b. The main control unit 1 includes an arithmetic unit 11 and a communication circuit 12 functioning as control information acquisition means for acquiring rewrite parameters 9 as control information from the sub control units 2a and 2b via a communication path, and a control information acquisition means. It has an in-unit memory 13 that stores the acquired control information as an ignition control parameter 6, an injection control parameter 7, and an ISC control parameter 8, and functions as control information storage means that is referred to by the program during execution of the program.
[0035]
Regarding predetermined partial functions such as fuel injection actuators 4a and 4b adapted to the fuels used in a plurality of types of engines 3a and 3b, sub-control units 2a and 2b Can be made to correspond. The main control unit 1 obtains control information from the sub-control units 2a and 2b via the communication path. Therefore, if the sub-control units 2a and 2b are connected via the communication path, the main control unit 1 controls the engines 3a and 3b to be controlled. Control information necessary for control can be obtained from the sub-control units 2a and 2b, and a common main control unit 1 can be used even if the types of the engines 3a and 3b are different. A change in the electrical specifications of the drive circuit accompanying a change in the type of the engine 3a, 3b can be accommodated by a change in the sub-control units 2a, 2b. For the main control unit 1, a change in the type of the engine 3a, 3b Such a control can be achieved without specialization or the introduction of tools for changing programs and data.
[0036]
FIG. 5 shows that during the development of the engine 3b, the engine development tool device 30 is connected to the sub-control unit 2b via the communication cable 31 as a connecting means, and the engine 3b is operated while rewriting the rewriting parameter 9 to obtain the fuel. The form which controls the injection actuator 4b is shown. The engine development tool device 30 may be located in the engine development department, and need not be located on the production line. The main control unit 1 is completed, for example, in accordance with the development of another engine 3a, and another sub-control unit 2a and a fuel injection actuator 4a are used for the engine 3a.
[0037]
FIG. 6 shows a processing procedure for rewriting control parameters during engine control as shown in FIG. The procedure starts from step d0, and in step d1, a sub-control unit 2b issues a rewriting request during control. In step d2, a rewriting request under control is transmitted from the sub control unit 2b to the main control unit 1. In step d3, the main control unit 1 determines whether rewriting during control is permitted. If it is not permitted, at step d4, the process proceeds to the rewrite prohibition routine of FIG. When it is determined in step d3 that rewriting during control is permitted, a rewriting permission signal is transmitted from the main control unit 1 to the sub control unit 2b in step d5. In step d6, the main control unit 1 turns on the rewriting lamp.
[0038]
In step d7, the rewriting parameter 9 is transmitted from the sub control unit 2b to the main control unit 1. This transmission preferably corresponds to partial processing of only the changed part, for example, one byte at a time. In step d8, the main control unit 1 executes parameter rewriting. In step d9, the check data 15 is transmitted from the main control unit 1 to the sub control unit 2b. In step d10, the sub-control unit 2b determines whether the check data 15 and the check data 9 are equal. If it is determined that they are not equal, the process returns to step d7, and rewrite parameter 9 is retransmitted. When it is determined in step d10 that they are equal to each other, in step d11, a normal writing end signal is transmitted from the sub control unit 2b to the main control unit 1, and in step d12, the main control unit 1 performs a process of turning off the rewriting lamp. Then, the process ends in step d13.
[0039]
In addition, when the engine 3a, 3b is not mounted at the time of starting, when the engine is cold, or when the vehicle is running, the control is performed only when the engine 3a, 3b is mounted on an actual vehicle, not when the engine is developed. Preferably, rewriting of information is permitted. This is because if the control parameters are rewritten during this period, an undesirable situation such as an engine stop may occur.
[0040]
In the above description, although the control parameters referred to during the operation of the program of the main control unit 1 are rewritten or set, a part of the program can be changed or added. Also, although the difference in the type of engine is explained by the difference in fuel, even if different parts are installed with the same fuel, or even if all of the ignition control, ISC control, injection control are not necessarily performed, The invention is equally applicable.
[0041]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, for a partial function predetermined by a plurality of types of engines, portions having different electrical specifications such as drive circuits are handled by a sub control unit, and the main control unit Since control information necessary for controlling the engine to be controlled can be obtained from the sub-control unit via the road, the main control unit can be commonly used even if the type of engine is different. With respect to the main control unit, it is possible to perform suitable control such as changing the type of engine without specializing or introducing a tool for changing programs and data. Even if the engine to be mounted on the vehicle is mainly developed for gasoline, for example, and natural gas fuel etc. is developed for small-volume production, the number of varieties will be reduced and control computer equipment will be developed and produced efficiently. This eliminates the need for capital investment for introducing a tool for rewriting program control information into the process.
[0042]
Further, according to the present invention, the program executed by the main control unit can be made common, and the difference in the type of engine can be dealt with by changing the sub-control unit using the existing main control unit.
[0043]
Further, according to the present invention, the control information acquisition means of the main control unit can restrict the acquisition of the control information when the condition is satisfied, and can appropriately reflect the control information of the sub-control unit in the program of the main control unit. it can.
[0044]
Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to perform control suitable for the engine from the first communication established when the sub-control unit is connected to the main control unit via the communication path.
[0045]
According to the present invention, for example, an engine development department or the like prepares an editing tool device for setting and rewriting the control information of the main control unit of the sub control unit, and While controlling the engine by connecting to the control unit, the control information can be edited and the development efficiency of the engine can be improved.
[0046]
Further, according to the present invention, the control information acquired from the sub control unit and stored in the control information storage means of the main control unit, when a transmission error occurs or when the control information is changed in the sub control unit, the program of the main control unit is It is possible to prevent a logical malfunction or a control abnormality from occurring, thereby improving reliability.
[0047]
Further, according to the present invention, the control information is not changed during the period including the time of starting the engine, the time of the cold, or the time of running of the vehicle. Abnormal operation can be prevented.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an engine control computer device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a main routine of a control procedure of the engine control computer of the embodiment of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a rewriting routine called in step a5 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a schematic processing procedure of a rewrite prohibition routine in step b3 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a mode of rewriting control parameters while controlling an engine 3b in the embodiment of FIG.
6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for rewriting control parameters during engine control as shown in FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Main control unit
2a, 2b Sub-processing unit
3a, 3b engine
4a, 4b fuel injection actuator
5,31 Communication cable
6 Ignition control parameters
7 Injection control parameters
8 ISC control parameters
9 Rewriting parameters
11,21 arithmetic unit
12,22 Communication circuit
13,23 Unit memory
15, 24 Check data

Claims (7)

An engine control computer device mounted on a vehicle and controlling an engine,
A main control unit that executes a preset program to control the engine;
Connected to the main control unit via a communication path for data communication, for a predetermined partial function of the engine to be controlled, including a sub-control unit having control information added to the program of the main control unit,
The main control unit is
Control information acquisition means for acquiring the control information from the sub-control unit via a communication path,
An engine control computer device, comprising: control information storage means for storing control information acquired by control information acquisition means and being referred to by the program during execution of the program. 2. The engine control computer device according to claim 1, wherein the control information is a control parameter used in a program executed by the main control unit. 3. The engine control device according to claim 1, wherein the control information acquisition unit of the main control unit acquires the control information when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and stores the control information in the control information storage unit. 4. The engine control device according to claim 3, wherein the time when the predetermined condition is satisfied is a time when the first communication is established after the sub-control unit is connected via the communication path. The sub-control unit includes a connection unit capable of connecting a tool device capable of editing the control information,
5. The engine control computer device according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined condition is satisfied when a tool device is connected to the connection means of the sub-control unit to edit control information. The control information acquisition means of the main control unit, during communication with the sub-control unit, transmits check data for control information stored in the control information storage means,
The sub-control unit includes an error determination unit that receives the check data and determines whether an information error has occurred in the control information.
6. The engine control computer device according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined condition is satisfied when an error determining unit determines that an error has occurred. The engine control according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the predetermined condition is set so as not to include at least when the engine is started, when the engine is cold, or when the vehicle is running. Computer equipment.

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