JP2006194141A - Engine control device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an engine control device being not automatically stopped at traffic jam and temporary stopping in the device for automatically stopping idling. <P>SOLUTION: A shift lever is drive or neutral making traveling of a predetermined speed or more as a condition and after a brake is turned ON and a vehicle speed becomes 0, idling is stopped making passing of a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) as a condition. Further, when a blinker is operated, automatic stopping control is made invalid. Starting after that is performed making turning ON of the brake as a condition and making the case where the shift lever is switched to a neutral position as a condition. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an engine control device that automatically stops or starts an engine in accordance with an operation state.

  Conventionally, for example, in public transportation such as a route bus, the engine is automatically stopped along with the vehicle stop for the purpose of improving the fuel efficiency of the car and suppressing the emission of carbon dioxide and unburned gas. Some vehicles are equipped with an idling stop device.

Such an idling stop device, for example, when the vehicle is temporarily stopped by a stop signal, detects the stop of the vehicle, stops the engine, and further, based on the start operation of the ignition key by the driver, or A device for starting an engine based on a specific driving operation.
Such conventional idling stop devices include the following prior art documents, for example.
JP-A-11-141367. JP2003-193879A.

In the conventional idling stop device, the content of the operation cannot be changed according to the traveling situation.
For example, when the vehicle is stopped to wait for a signal, it is necessary to stop the vehicle for 10 to several tens of seconds, and the conventional idling stop device is made assuming such a situation. Yes. However, when there is a traffic jam, the vehicle may repeatedly stop and start while traveling at a low speed. In such a case, if the engine is stopped each time it is stopped, the operation becomes rather troublesome. Conventionally, in such a case, the idling stop device must be switched on and off repeatedly.

  In the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, a configuration is described in which the idling is stopped by determining that the vehicle has stopped after t seconds have elapsed after stopping, but this is determined to be that the vehicle has stopped in an automatic transmission without a clutch. It is an element for this purpose, and is not intended for driving conditions during traffic jams. In addition, when the vehicle is traveling in a traffic jam, the time during which the vehicle is stopped in an idling state varies, and in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, idling is often stopped when the vehicle is stopped in a traffic jam. , It is not suitable for the driving situation at the time of traffic jam that repeats stopping and starting.

  In Patent Document 2, when the shift lever of the automatic transmission is in the drive position, idling is not stopped even when the vehicle speed becomes zero. In this configuration, when the driver does not want to automatically stop idling, the shift lever may be fixed at the drive position. However, the automatic stopping device for adling has the meaning that a stopping operation is not necessary, and it is meaningful to automatically stop if the shift lever is put in the neutral position each time to stop idling. Will fade.

  On the other hand, as a method for restarting the engine that has been automatically stopped, there are a method for starting the engine when the shift lever is moved to the D range, and a method for starting the engine when the foot brake is released. In these systems, there may be a state in which the power transmission between the engine and the drive wheels is connected at the time of starting, so there is a safety problem that the vehicle may transmit unexpectedly. In particular, with regard to the foot brake, there are many drivers who apply the side brake and take their foot off the foot brake. In such a case, the engine will start against the driver's intention. .

  When making a right turn or a left turn at an intersection, etc., after a temporary stop, confirm the arrival and departure of vehicles on the approaching road and start at the approach timing. In such a case, if the idling is automatically stopped, the starting operation becomes troublesome.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an engine control device that does not automatically stop when there is a traffic jam and that does not perform automatic engine stop control when entering a crossing.

The present invention for solving the above problems has the following configuration.
(1) engine stop means for controlling engine stop;
Shift state detecting means for detecting the position of the shift lever of the automatic transmission,
Braking state detection means for detecting depression of the foot brake;
Vehicle speed detection means for detecting the vehicle speed;
Turn signal detection means for detecting the operating state of the direction indicator;
A time measuring means for measuring elapsed time,
The engine stop means is such that the state of the transmission detected by the shift state detecting means is a drive state or a neutral state, the brake detection means detects the depression of the brake, and the vehicle speed detecting means detects the vehicle speed. Stop to determine engine stop when all the following conditions are satisfied that zero is detected, the engine rotation state has continued for a predetermined time or more after the vehicle speed becomes zero by the time measuring means Judgment means,
Stop means for automatically stopping the engine based on the stop determination of the stop determination means,
The engine stop apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the stop determination unit does not determine whether to stop the engine when the operation of the direction indicator is detected by the winker detection unit.

(2) engine state detecting means for detecting an engine stop state;
Engine starting means for controlling the starting of the engine,
The engine starting means starts the engine when the engine state detecting means detects that the engine is stopped and the shift state detecting means detects an operation for switching the shift state to the neutral state (1). The engine control device described in 1.

(3) engine stop means for controlling engine stop;
Shift state detecting means for detecting the position of the shift lever of the manual transmission,
Braking detection means for detecting foot brake depression,
Vehicle speed detection means for detecting the vehicle speed;
Turn signal detection means for detecting the operating state of the direction indicator;
A time measuring means for measuring elapsed time,
The stop determination means detects that the state of the transmission detected by the shift state detection means is in a neutral state, detects that the brake has been depressed by the brake detection means, and detects vehicle speed zero by the vehicle speed detection means. Stop determination means for determining that the engine is stopped when all the conditions are satisfied, that the engine rotation state after the vehicle speed becomes zero by the time measuring means has been continued for a predetermined time or more. ,
Stop means for automatically stopping the engine based on the stop determination of the stop determination means,
The engine stop apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the stop determination unit does not determine whether to stop the engine when the operation of the direction indicator is detected by the winker detection unit.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the engine is not stopped until the predetermined time elapses after the vehicle speed becomes zero. Further, even when there is a traffic jam or the like, if the turn signal is used, it is expected that the vehicle will start immediately, so that the engine stop control is released.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the transmission is switched to the neutral state, the engine is started, so that the power is not unexpectedly transmitted to the drive wheels and is safe. In addition, since the engine is started with the shift lever switching operation as a trigger, there is no inconvenience that the engine is started at a timing that matches the driver's intention, and the engine is unexpectedly started against the driver's intention. , Improve safety.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the engine is not stopped until the predetermined time has elapsed after the vehicle speed becomes zero, so that the engine is suppressed from being stopped in a traffic jam. Further, even when there is a traffic jam or the like, if the turn signal is used, it is expected that the vehicle will start immediately, so that the engine stop control is released.

  Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The engine control device 1 of the present invention is a control device that is mounted on a control system circuit that controls an automobile engine and controls engine idling to stop and start.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an automobile engine control system circuit. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the engine control device 1. The engine control device 1 includes a control unit 10 and a relay 20. The control unit 10 includes a speed detection unit S1 as a vehicle speed detection unit, a brake detection unit S2 as a braking state detection unit, an engine state. From the engine state detection unit S3 as detection means, the shift lever state detection unit S4 as shift state detection means, the clutch sensor S5 as clutch detection means, the battery sensor S6 as battery detection means, the winker detection means S8, and the gradient sensor S7 And a selection signal from the input device 16 is supplied. The speed detector S1 detects the vehicle speed. The brake detection unit S2 detects whether the brake is depressed or not.

  The engine state detection unit S3 detects whether the engine is in a driving state or a stopped state. In this embodiment, whether the alternator is driven is detected. When the alternator is driven, the engine is in a driving state, and when the alternator is stopped, the engine is stopped. The engine state may be detected by other methods. The shift lever state detection unit S4 detects whether the position of the shift lever is the neutral position (N), the drive position (D), or any other position. The input device 16 or a predetermined speed for changing the set time of the time (engine rotation time) from when the vehicle speed becomes 0 to when the engine is stopped, and for determining whether or not the vehicle is in a normal running state Used to change (speed threshold). For example, a changeover switch for selecting the engine rotation time from 3 seconds, 4 seconds, and 5 seconds, and a changeover switch for selecting the speed threshold value from 10 km / h, 15 km / h, and 20 km / h are provided.

The clutch sensor S5 detects whether the clutch is engaged or disengaged. Specifically, the state of the clutch is detected by detecting the position of the clutch pedal (a position where the clutch is depressed and a position where the clutch is not depressed) using a touch sensor or the like. The battery sensor S6 detects the remaining battery level. By using a sensor that detects the position of the clutch pedal, retrofitting to an existing automobile is facilitated. The brake detection unit S2 may also be provided with a sensor that directly detects the position of the brake pedal of the foot brake, and a detection sensor similar to the clutch sensor may be used. Note that the brake detection unit S2 has a circuit in which the tail lamp is normally turned on when the foot brake is depressed, and detects the depression of the brake by detecting a voltage, a signal, or the like from such a circuit. Can do.
The turn signal sensor S8 detects the operating state of the direction indicator, and outputs a detection signal when the direction indicator is operating. The gradient sensor S7 detects a vehicle front-rear direction inclination, that is, a road gradient, and outputs a signal carrying the gradient.

  The following signals are supplied from these detection units to the control unit 10. From the speed detection unit S1, a signal indicating the vehicle speed, from the brake detection unit S2, a signal indicating ON / OFF indicating whether or not the brake pedal is depressed, and from the engine state detection unit S3, the engine A signal indicating ON / OFF indicating the presence / absence of drive, from the shift lever state detection unit S4, a signal detecting that the shift lever is in the neutral position, a signal detecting that the shift lever is in the drive position, and from the clutch sensor S5 A signal indicating the clutch on / off state and a signal indicating the remaining battery level are supplied from the battery sensor S6. From the input device 16, an engine rotation time selection signal and a threshold speed selection signal are supplied.

From the shift lever state detection unit S4, two signal lines are connected, and from the first L1, a signal for detecting that the shift lever is at the N position is sent from the second L2 to the drive position of the shift lever. A detection signal is supplied. When the engine control device 1 of the present invention is mounted on an automobile equipped with a manual transmission, the signal line L2 is connected to a clutch sensor S5 that detects the released state of the clutch, and the clutch is disengaged. A signal indicating that there is a signal indicating that the shift lever is in the neutral position is supplied from the signal line L1. A blinker detection signal is supplied from the blinker sensor S8, and a signal indicating a gradient value is supplied from the gradient sensor S7.

  The control unit 10 also supplies a control signal to the engine control output unit 13 to control engine stop and start. Specifically, by supplying a signal to the relay 20, when the engine is stopped, the energization to the engine control output unit 13 is cut off, the fuel injection by the electronically controlled fuel injection device is stopped, and the engine is stopped. Further, when the engine is started, fuel injection by the electronically controlled fuel injection device is started, and the starter motor 31 of the engine 3 is driven via the starter relay 33 to start the engine.

The control unit 10 and the relay 20 that perform such operations constitute an engine stop unit, and the control unit 10, the relay 20 and the starter relay 33 constitute an engine start unit.
Further, a signal is supplied to the LED output unit 14 and the LED as the notification means is turned on to notify the driver that a predetermined time has elapsed since the stop. This predetermined time is set, for example, based on the time during which the red signal is lit. When the time for stopping at the red light has elapsed, the driver is notified of that. This is to prevent the battery 5 from being consumed. This predetermined time may be set to be shortened accordingly when another power consuming device such as an air conditioner, a wiper, or a headlight is driven.

In addition to means for notifying by visual stimulation, such as lighting of an LED, the notifying means may be configured to issue a buzzer or voice to notify by auditory stimulation.
A measurement start signal is supplied to the timer processing unit 15, and a signal related to elapsed time is acquired from the timer processing unit 15.
The engine control device 1 includes connectors 171 and 172 that are respectively connected to connectors 51 and 52 that are provided in wirings that connect the ignition switch 4 and the engine control output unit 13. A connector 171 is connected to the connector 51, and a connector 172 is connected to the connector 52. As a result, the engine control device 1 can be retrofitted to an existing automobile.

The operation of the engine control device 1 configured as described above will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an engine stop operation of the engine control device 1 of the present invention attached to a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission.
Based on the detection value from the gradient sensor S7, it is determined whether or not the vehicle is located on a gradient (such as a slope) (step S100). When the vehicle is located on a slope, the following control is not performed and an indicator lamp indicating that the system does not operate is turned on. This is because when the vehicle is located on a slope, gravity is applied to the vehicle body in the downward direction, which is not suitable for automatically stopping the engine. If it is not located on a slope, the next step is performed. In step S100, a gradient detecting unit is configured.

  Based on the signal from the turn signal sensor S8, it is determined whether or not the direction indicator is operating (step S101). When it is operating, even if it is stopped, it means that the vehicle is just before moving in either direction, so it is not a situation where idling stops, In order to prepare and secure an idling state, the process returns to the beginning of the flow without proceeding to the next step.

  Next, based on the signal supplied from the speed detector S1, it is determined whether the speed is equal to or higher than a predetermined speed (step S102). This speed is 10 km / h in this embodiment, but this threshold value can be appropriately changed by the input device 16.

  If the vehicle speed is not 10 km / h or higher, there is a possibility that the vehicle is not in a normal traveling state. Therefore, it is further determined whether the vehicle speed is 10 km / h or lower continuously for a predetermined time (step S103). In this embodiment, the predetermined time is 20 seconds. When it is 10 km / h or less continuously for 20 seconds, it is determined that it is necessary to continuously move at a low speed, such as when entering or leaving a parking lot or when entering a garage, and the process returns to step S102. The idling stop (engine stop) operation is not performed. Therefore, when the vehicle stops at a low speed, the engine does not automatically stop and the vehicle steering can be continued.

  If it is not 10 km / h or less continuously for 20 seconds, it is determined whether the speed is 10 km / h or less continuously after the engine is started by manual operation of the ignition key (step S105). If it is 10 km / h or less, it is determined that the vehicle has just started and the process returns to step S102 and the idling stop operation is not performed. Even in such a case, when starting the engine manually, the engine is not automatically stopped because it is often not suitable for idling stop, such as being out of the parking lot.

  If it is determined in step S102 that the speed is 10 km / h or higher, it is determined whether the shift lever is in the neutral position or the drive position based on the detection signal from the shift lever state detection unit S4. If it is neither the neutral position nor the drive position, it is determined that the shift lever is located in another range and is not suitable for automatic idling stop, and the process does not proceed to the next step.

  If the shift lever is in the neutral position or the drive position, it is determined whether the brake is turned on (step S109). If the brake is not turned on, it is determined that the driver does not intend to brake, and the engine is not stopped, so the process does not proceed to the next step.

When the brake is turned on, it is determined that the driver intends to brake, and it is determined whether the vehicle speed has reached 0 km / h (step S111). If the vehicle speed has not reached 0 km / h, it is determined that the vehicle is still in an advancing state and is not in an idling state, so that the next step is not performed.

  When the vehicle speed has reached 0 km / h, it is determined that the engine can be stopped, and the timer processing unit 15 is instructed to start measurement. And it is judged whether predetermined time passed since the vehicle speed reached | attained 0 km / h (step S113). This fixed time is preset, and is 3 seconds in this embodiment.

The measurement for 3 seconds is measured by the timer processing unit 15. If the vehicle starts without passing 3 seconds (the vehicle speed exceeds 0 km / h), it is determined that the vehicle is traveling in a traffic jam and is not suitable for idling stop, so the engine is not stopped. The stop determination means is configured by the steps S101 to S113.
When 3 seconds have elapsed, the engine is stopped (step S115). This step S115 constitutes a stopping means.

  The idling time (idling time) 3 seconds measured after the vehicle speed becomes 0 km / h may be set appropriately. The number of times the vehicle speed becomes 0 km / h within a predetermined time may be counted, and the idling time may be changed according to the number of times. For example, the idling time is extended as the number of times increases. The fact that the vehicle speed is often 0 km / h means that the road is congested accordingly, so it is possible to smoothly start and stop during traffic jams by setting a long idling time. . When the number of times exceeds a threshold value, it may be determined that the situation is different from traffic jams such as entering or leaving a parking lot or entering a garage, and the engine may not be automatically stopped. Alternatively, a steering angle sensor is provided, and when the steering angle detected by the sensor reaches a predetermined angle or more, it is determined that the garage or parking operation is performed, and the engine is not automatically stopped. It is good. Alternatively, when a change in steering angle is detected and the number of steering wheel switches is more than a predetermined number of times while the vehicle moves a predetermined distance (for example, three times or more during a 5 m movement) In the same manner, it may be determined that it is a garage entry or parking operation, and the engine is not automatically stopped.

  In step S111, as shown in FIG. 4, the inclination of the speed time diagram M1 is detected, and if the absolute value of the inclination is larger than a predetermined threshold, it is determined that the brake is suddenly applied. The engine may not be stopped.

  In the curve M2 shown in FIG. 4, when 10 km / h or less continues for 20 seconds or more, the engine stop operation is not performed even though 3 seconds have elapsed after the stop. Also, in the same figure, in the curve M01, if the vehicle starts within 3 seconds after the stop (0 km / h) or more, the engine does not stop, and then stops and stops after 3 seconds.

  A curve M03 indicates a case where the engine is subsequently started by an automatic start routine.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the engine automatic start operation. When the engine is started after being automatically stopped by the operation shown in FIG. 3, the ignition key is turned on and the engine is automatically started under predetermined conditions in addition to the manual start. be able to.

  It is determined whether the alternator is driven (step S201). The drive of the alternator means the drive of the engine, and is for preventing a starting operation from being applied to the driving engine. If the alternator is not off, the subsequent steps are not executed. If the alternator is off, it is determined whether the brake is on (step S203). If the engine is started in a state where the brake is not turned on, a sudden start may occur when the driving force is transmitted to the wheels. Therefore, the brake on is set as a condition for starting the engine. Therefore, when the brake is not turned on, the next step is not executed.

  If the brake is on, it is determined whether the shift lever has been switched from the drive position to the neutral position (step S205). When such a switching operation is detected, the engine is started (step S207). This step S207 constitutes an engine starting means.

  If the shift lever is in the neutral position, the driving force of the engine is not transmitted to the drive wheels, so there is no risk of sudden start, and the operation of switching to the neutral position is used as a trigger for starting the engine. A trouble such as starting the engine against the will of the driver due to an erroneous operation such as stepping on the engine is prevented. The determination in step S205 is not simply detecting that the shift lever is in the neutral position (N position), but detecting whether or not an operation for switching the shift lever from another position to the neutral position has been performed. . In other words, it is determined whether or not the sensor that detects the neutral position of the shift lever has been switched from the non-detection state to the detection state. That is, if the shift lever is in the neutral position when the brake is on, the engine is not started. In this case, once the shift lever is moved to a position other than the neutral position (for example, drive position, R position, etc.), the shift lever is moved again to the neutral position. Thereby, step S205 performs the next step S207.

  By this step S205, the engine is started based on the clear intention of starting the driving vehicle. By such an operation, a clear intention of “starting the engine” is confirmed with the driver.

  The engine stop operation when the engine control device 1 of the present invention is mounted on a vehicle mounted with a manual transmission will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

When the setting switch state detection unit 12 detects that the setting switch is set to “M / T vehicle”, the following operation is executed. The configuration not particularly described in the following description is the same as that of the AT vehicle.

  Based on the detection value from the gradient sensor S7, it is determined whether or not the vehicle is located on a gradient (such as a slope) (step S300). When the vehicle is located on a slope, the following control is not performed and an indicator lamp indicating that the system does not operate is turned on. This is because when the vehicle is located on a slope, gravity is applied to the vehicle body in the downward direction, which is not suitable for automatically stopping the engine. If it is not located on a slope, the next step is performed. In step S300, a gradient detecting unit is configured.

  Based on the signal from the turn signal sensor S8, it is determined whether or not the direction indicator is operating (step S301). When it is operating, even if it is stopped, it means that the vehicle is just before moving in either direction, so it is not a situation where idling stops, In order to prepare and secure an idling state, the process returns to the beginning of the flow without proceeding to the next step.

  Based on the signal supplied from the speed detector S1, it is determined whether the vehicle speed is 10 km / h or higher (step S302). By this step S302, vehicle speed acquisition means is configured. Similar to the above embodiment, the determination speed for determining whether the vehicle is traveling at a low speed is 10 km / h. If the vehicle speed is not 10 km / h or higher, there is a possibility that the vehicle is not in a normal traveling state. Therefore, it is further determined whether the vehicle speed is 10 km / h or lower continuously for a predetermined time (step S303). The predetermined time is 20 seconds. When it is 10 km / h or less continuously for 20 seconds, it is determined that it is necessary to continuously move at a low speed, such as when entering or leaving a parking lot or when entering a garage, and the process returns to step S302. The idling stop (engine stop) operation is not performed. Therefore, when the vehicle stops at a low speed, the engine does not automatically stop and the vehicle steering can be continued.

  If it is not 10 km / h or less continuously for 20 seconds, it is determined whether the speed is 10 km / h or less continuously after the engine is started by manual operation of the ignition key (step S305). If it is 10 km / h or less, it is determined that the vehicle has just started and the process returns to step S302, and the idling stop operation is not performed. Even in such a case, when starting the engine manually, the engine is not automatically stopped because it is often not suitable for idling stop, such as being out of the parking lot. Even if the vehicle speed is 10 km / h or less, if the vehicle speed is not 10 km / h or less continuously for 20 seconds and is not 10 km / h or less after manual start, step S307 described later is executed.

  In this embodiment, it is determined whether the state is suitable for idling stop by measuring the speed for a predetermined time. In addition, the frequency of switching on / off of the clutch is detected, and the predetermined frequency is determined. In the case described above (for example, when the clutch is repeatedly turned on and off three times or more in 15 seconds), it may be determined that it is necessary to travel at a low speed, and the idling stop may not be performed.

  If it is determined in step S302 that the speed is 10 km / h or higher, it is determined whether the brake is turned on (step S307). Step S307 constitutes a brake signal acquisition unit. If the brake is not turned on, it is determined that the driver does not intend to brake, and the engine is not stopped, so the process does not proceed to the next step. When the brake is turned on, it is determined that the driver intends to brake, and it is determined whether the vehicle speed has reached 0 km / h (step S309). If the vehicle speed has not reached 0 km / h, it is determined that the vehicle is still in an advancing state and is not in an idling state, so that the next step is not performed.

  When the vehicle speed has reached 0 km / h, it is determined that the engine can be stopped, and the timer processing unit 15 is instructed to start measurement. Then, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the vehicle speed reached 0 km / h (step S311). This fixed time is preset, and is 3 seconds in this embodiment. The above steps S301 to S311 constitute stop determination means.

  The measurement for 3 seconds is measured by the timer processing unit 15. If the vehicle starts without passing 3 seconds (the vehicle speed exceeds 0 km / h), it is determined that the vehicle is traveling in a traffic jam and is not suitable for idling stop, so the engine is not stopped. If 3 seconds have elapsed, the engine is stopped (step S313). Alternatively, the measurement for 3 seconds may be canceled when the clutch is switched from OFF to ON. Step S313 constitutes stop means.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the engine automatic start operation. When the engine is started after being automatically stopped by the operation shown in FIG. 6, the engine can be automatically started under a predetermined condition described below.

  It is determined whether or not the alternator is driven (step S401). The drive of the alternator means the drive of the engine, and is for preventing a starting operation from being applied to the driving engine. If the alternator is not off, the subsequent steps are not executed. If the alternator is off, it is determined whether the shift lever is in the neutral position (step S403). If the engine is started in a state where the shiverer is not in the neutral position, the driving force may be transmitted to the wheels, so that it is in the neutral position. Therefore, if the shiver is not in the neutral position, the next step is not executed. Note that step S403 may be omitted. This is because the driving force can be prevented from being transmitted to the wheels if the clutch is disengaged.

  If the shift lever is in the neutral position, it is determined whether the clutch pedal has been depressed (step S405). If it is depressed, the engine is started (step S407). This step S407 constitutes engine starting means.

  The clutch pedal is depressed or the neutral position of the shift lever is a necessary condition for preventing power from being transmitted to the drive wheels when the engine is started, and the depression of the clutch pedal is an operation performed when the engine is started. For this reason, since the clutch pedal on operation (the operation of releasing the clutch) can be regarded as an intention to start the engine, the engine start is triggered by the clutch pedal being turned on.

  In the embodiment described above, the measurement time Ts (3 seconds) in Steps S113 and S311 may be changed according to the time during which the vehicle travels at a low speed (10 km / h or less). For example, a fixed time αt (for example, 5% (αt = 0.05)) with respect to the low-speed traveling time Tlow is set as a time Ts (= Tlow · αt) from when the vehicle is stopped until idling is automatically stopped. You can also.

  In addition, when a certain time has elapsed after the engine has been automatically stopped, the LED output unit 14 serving as a notification unit can turn on the LED to prompt the driver to start the engine. By notifying in this way, battery consumption can be suppressed. As the notification means, in addition to notification by visual stimulation such as lighting of an LED, a notification device by auditory stimulation by buzzer, voice or the like can be used. The time until notification is set, for example, to the time (about 40 to 50 seconds) from when the signal turns red to when it turns blue. Or it is good also as a structure which alert | reports when a battery remaining charge becomes below a predetermined value based on the value supplied from a battery sensor, without setting with time. Specifically, it may be configured to notify when the output (voltage) of the battery is 80% or less during full charge. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which performs the control action which does not perform an engine stop based on detection of a battery remaining charge. In this case, for example, a step of detecting the output of the battery is provided before and after executing Steps S102 and S302, and when the remaining battery level is smaller than a predetermined value, the subsequent engine stop flowchart is not executed. To do.

  If manual mode is selected, has manual switch-on been detected instead of steps S113 and S311? If the switch is on, the next engine stop step (step S115 or S313) is executed. If switch-on is not detected, the process returns to step S107 or S307.

The above embodiment discloses the following configuration.
An engine control device connected to an engine control circuit of an automobile,
Engine stop means for controlling engine stop; and
Brake signal acquisition means for acquiring a brake detection signal for detecting depression of the brake;
Vehicle speed acquisition means for detecting the vehicle speed;
A detection signal acquisition means for acquiring a detection signal;
The detection signal acquisition means acquires either one of a detection signal for detecting at least one of a neutral position or a drive position of the shift lever position of the automatic transmission or a detection signal for detecting a clutch engagement state,
The engine stop means automatically stops the engine when three conditions are satisfied: the brake is depressed, the vehicle speed is 0, and the detection signal acquisition means acquires a signal. Engine control device.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the engine control system circuit of a motor vehicle. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of an engine control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows an engine stop operation | movement. It is a graph showing the speed time correlation diagram at the time of a stop. It is a flowchart which shows an engine starting operation | movement. It is a flowchart which shows an engine stop operation | movement. It is a flowchart which shows an engine starting operation | movement.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Engine control apparatus 10 Control part 20 Relay 3 Engine S1 Speed detection part S2 Brake detection part S3 Engine state detection part S4 Shift lever / clutch detection part

Claims (3)

Engine stop means for controlling engine stop; and
Shift state detecting means for detecting the position of the shift lever of the automatic transmission,
Braking state detection means for detecting depression of the foot brake;
Vehicle speed detection means for detecting the vehicle speed;
Turn signal detection means for detecting the operating state of the direction indicator;
A time measuring means for measuring elapsed time,
The engine stop means is such that the state of the transmission detected by the shift state detecting means is a drive state or a neutral state, the brake detection means detects the depression of the brake, and the vehicle speed detecting means detects the vehicle speed. Stop to determine engine stop when all the following conditions are satisfied that zero is detected, the engine rotation state has continued for a predetermined time or more after the vehicle speed becomes zero by the time measuring means Judgment means,
Stop means for automatically stopping the engine based on the stop determination of the stop determination means,
The engine stop apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the stop determination unit does not determine whether to stop the engine when the operation of the direction indicator is detected by the winker detection unit. Engine state detecting means for detecting an engine stop state;
Engine starting means for controlling the starting of the engine,
The engine starting means starts the engine when the engine state detecting means detects that the engine is in a stopped state and the shift state detecting means detects an operation for switching the shift state to the neutral state. The engine control device described. Engine stop means for controlling engine stop; and
Shift state detecting means for detecting the position of the shift lever of the manual transmission,
Braking detection means for detecting foot brake depression,
Vehicle speed detection means for detecting the vehicle speed;
Turn signal detection means for detecting the operating state of the direction indicator;
A time measuring means for measuring elapsed time,
The stop determination means detects that the state of the transmission detected by the shift state detection means is in a neutral state, detects that the brake has been depressed by the brake detection means, and detects vehicle speed zero by the vehicle speed detection means. Stop determination means for determining that the engine is stopped when all the conditions are satisfied, that the engine rotation state after the vehicle speed becomes zero by the time measuring means has been continued for a predetermined time or more. ,
Stop means for automatically stopping the engine based on the stop determination of the stop determination means,
The engine stop apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the stop determination unit does not determine whether to stop the engine when the operation of the direction indicator is detected by the winker detection unit.

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