JP2018003614A - Engine start auxiliary device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To attain an engine start auxiliary device capable of overcoming restriction in which an electric conduction cannot be applied to a heater device over its durable time, improving pre-heating effect of an engine by a heater device and improving start characteristic of the engine.SOLUTION: An engine start auxiliary device of this invention comprises a heater device for pre-heating an engine; first informing means for informing a state of the heater device; and a controller for controlling the heater device and the first informing means. The controller shows a feature that, upon receiving a pre-heating start instruction, the controller instructs the first informing means that the heater device is electrically energized over a first period and after elapsing of the first period instructs that the heater device is kept at a surplus heated state over the second period.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present disclosure relates to an engine start assist device, and more specifically to an apparatus for assisting engine start by preheating the engine and assisting combustion in a combustion cycle.

  A device for preheating the engine may be provided as an engine start assist device, and the engine start using the start assist device is executed as follows, for example. In other words, a preheat position is provided in the key switch of the engine, and when the engine is cold, the user operates the key switch to the preheat position before starting the engine. Then, the start assist device energizes a heater device such as an air heater element provided in the combustion chamber, and heats the air in the combustion chamber, so that the air in the combustion chamber reaches a temperature at which the fuel can be sufficiently combusted. Increase temperature. Thereafter, the key switch is changed to the starting position to rotate the starter (starting motor).

  At this time, if the time for energizing the heater device is too short, the preheating of the engine becomes insufficient, and the engine may fail to start due to misfiring of the engine when the engine is started. On the contrary, if the time for energizing the heater device is too long, it takes time to complete the engine start, and the driver feels inconvenient. Therefore, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 below are techniques for improving engine startability and driver convenience by appropriately controlling the energization time to the heater device during preheating of the engine. Disclosure.

  In the invention described in Patent Document 1, not only the cooling water temperature, the outside air temperature, and the combustion chamber temperature, but also the cranking time at the time of actual engine starting is adjusted to adjust the energization time of the heater device, thereby starting the engine. We are trying to improve the sex. Specifically, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, the energization time of the heater device set from the cooling water temperature is corrected based on the elapsed time from the engine stop and the outside air temperature, and set as the basic energization time. In addition, in the invention described in Patent Literature 1, the basic energization time is learned and corrected based on the cranking time of the engine, and the final energization time is set.

  In the invention of Patent Document 2, the following start control is performed in a start assist device that energizes and cranks the starter circuit when a predetermined waiting time until the preheating of the engine is completed. First, engine preheating and cranking are re-executed until engine start completion is detected, and each time engine start completion is detected, a waiting time until completion of preheating is stored, and a predetermined number of waiting times are stored. The engine type is determined based on the time distribution of the standby time. As a result, in the invention of Patent Document 2, it is possible to reliably start the engine regardless of the engine type by setting a standby time until the completion of preheating thereafter according to the determined engine type.

JP 2008-298048 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-089206

  By the way, in order to prevent the heater device from being burned out or damaged, the heater device cannot continue to pass the current beyond the service life at the time of energization. The engine preheating time may be insufficient. In that case, the air temperature in the combustion chamber may be too low and the engine may fail to start due to misfire. In addition, even if the first explosion in the combustion chamber at the time of the first cranking is successful, if cold supply air that has not been preheated in the subsequent combustion cycle is sent in, the fire will be misfired in the subsequent combustion cycle, and the engine will start. Failure may occur or white smoke may be emitted from the engine due to unburned fuel generated in the combustion chamber.

  However, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 disclose and suggest a device for overcoming the limitation that the heater device cannot be energized beyond the service life to improve engine startability by preheating the engine. Absent. Therefore, in view of the above problems, in some embodiments according to the present invention, overcoming the limitation that the heater device cannot be energized beyond the service life, the preheating effect of the engine by the heater device is improved, Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to obtain an engine start assist device capable of improving the startability of the engine.

(1) An engine start assist device according to some embodiments of the present invention includes:
A heater device for preheating the engine;
First notifying means for notifying the state of the heater device;
A controller for controlling the heater device and the first notification means,
The controller is
When the preheating start command is received, the heater device is energized over a first period, and after the first period, the heater device is informed of a residual heat state over a second period. 1 It is characterized by instruct | indicating to an alerting | reporting means.

  According to the configuration of (1) above, when the controller receives the preheating start command, the controller energizes the heater device over the first period, and after the first period, the heater apparatus is in the remaining heat state over the second period. Is notified by the first notification means. Therefore, if the driver waits for the engine to start for a certain period of time in response to the notification from the first notification means after the energization of the heater device, the engine preheats even after the heater device is energized due to the remaining heat of the heater device. Will continue. As a result, it is possible to improve the preheating effect of the engine without extending the energization time to the heater device, thus overcoming the limitation that the heater device cannot be energized beyond the service life, and the engine startability Can be improved.

(2) In an exemplary embodiment, in the configuration of (1), a starter device for starting the engine;
A battery capable of supplying electric power to the heater device and the starter device,
The controller is configured to energize the starter device when receiving an engine start command, and is configured not to energize the heater device and the starter device from the battery at the same time.

  Since the heater device and the starter device are devices that consume a large amount of current when energized and consume large power, if both the heater device and the starter device are energized simultaneously from the battery, the battery is rapidly discharged and dried up. Therefore, in the configuration of (2) above, when energizing from the battery to the starter device in accordance with the engine start command, both the heater device and the starter device are not energized at the same time. As a result, according to the configuration of the above (2), it is possible to prevent the battery life from being shortened due to the rapid discharge of the battery, the deterioration of the battery or the damage to the battery.

(3) In an exemplary embodiment, in the configuration of (2) above, the generator further includes a generator driven by the engine,
The controller is configured to energize the heater device intermittently over a third period after the starter device is energized and after the start of the engine detects the establishment of the generated voltage in the generator. It is constituted so that re-pre-heat treatment which pre-heats may be pre-heated again may be carried out.

  In the configuration of (3) above, the controller energizes the heater device intermittently over the third period when energization is detected in the generator after the start of the engine and the engine is started. Thereby, in the configuration of (3) above, re-pre-heat treatment is performed to pre-heat the engine again after the start of the engine by the starter device. As a result, according to the configuration of the above (3), after the first explosion in the combustion chamber at the time of the first cranking, even if a cold supply air that has not been preheated in the subsequent combustion cycle is sent, the combustion after the first explosion The engine preheating can be continued intermittently in the cycle.

  Therefore, according to the configuration of (3) above, the air temperature in the combustion chamber can be maintained at or above the flammability limit temperature even in the combustion cycle after engine startup. Therefore, according to the configuration of the above (3), not only assisting the first explosion in the combustion chamber at the time of the first cranking, but also when a cold supply air that is not preheated in the combustion cycle after the first explosion is sent, It is possible to prevent misfire due to a decrease in air temperature in the combustion chamber and generation of white smoke due to generation of unburned fuel.

  (4) In an exemplary embodiment, in the configuration of (3), the controller starts intermittent energization to the heater device before the engine speed reaches the idling speed. It is characterized by that.

  In general, the engine does not start from the first explosion in the combustion chamber at the time of the first cranking, and does not enter a state where the combustion cycle can be stably repeated until the engine speed reaches the idling speed. Therefore, in the configuration (4), the controller starts intermittent energization to the heater device described in (3) before the engine speed reaches the idling speed. Thereby, according to the configuration of (4) above, the re-pre-heat treatment is performed to pre-heat the engine again in the course of starting the engine from the first explosion in the combustion chamber until the engine speed reaches the idling speed. It becomes possible. As a result, according to the configuration of the above (4), not only the initial explosion in the combustion chamber at the time of the first cranking is assisted, but also the engine start is effective during the engine starting from the initial explosion until the idling speed is reached. Can help.

  (5) In an exemplary embodiment, in the configuration of (3) or (4), the controller performs the re-preheating process by receiving a re-preheating restart operation command after the third period. It is characterized by being implemented again.

  After re-preheating the engine for the third period, when the air temperature in the combustion chamber gradually decreases due to cold outside air in the engine in the idling state, unburned fuel is generated in the combustion chamber, White smoke may come out. Therefore, according to the configuration of (5) above, the controller is configured to perform the re-pre-heat treatment again in response to the re-pre-heat restart operation command after the third period has elapsed. Therefore, according to the configuration of the above (5), after the third period has elapsed, even if the air temperature in the combustion chamber decreases in the engine in the idling state, the re-pre-heat treatment is restarted according to the re-pre-heat restart operation command. Thus, a decrease in the air temperature in the combustion chamber can be prevented.

  (6) In an exemplary embodiment, in the configurations of (3) to (5) above, the controller is configured such that the energization time per time is shorter than the service life in the energized state of the heater device. It is characterized by being.

  Since the heater device includes a thermoelectric element that generates heat when an electric current is passed, if the heater device is energized beyond the service life in the energized state, the heater device breaks down or the thermoelectric element burns out. Therefore, according to the configuration of (6) above, the controller energizes so that the energization time per time is shorter than the service life in the energized state of the heater device. Thereby, according to the configuration of (6) above, the preheating effect of the engine by the heater device is improved, the startability of the engine is improved, and at the same time, the heater device is prevented from being damaged by energization and the heater device is prolonged. Can do.

(7) In an exemplary embodiment, in the configurations of (2) to (6) above, when a predetermined engine start operation is performed, the engine start command is transmitted to the controller. An operation switch;
A second notification means for notifying that the engine is to be started,
The controller is characterized by instructing the second notification means to notify that the engine is started after the second period.

  According to the configuration of (7) above, the controller uses the second notification means to prompt the engine to start after the second period in which the first notification means notifies the driver that the heater device is in the remaining heat state. To inform. In this case, for example, if the length of the second period indicating the remaining heat state of the heater device is appropriately set, the controller may start the engine after the combustion chamber is sufficiently warmed by the remaining heat of the heater device. Can be notified. By doing so, according to the configuration of the above (7), not only the preheating effect of the engine is improved, but also the engine startability is further enhanced by prompting the driver to perform the engine starting operation at an appropriate timing. be able to.

  (8) In an exemplary embodiment, in the configuration of (7), when the temperature of the engine falls below a predetermined temperature, the controller stops informing that the engine is started. The second notification means is instructed to do so.

  In the configuration of (7) above, even if the driver is informed once to start the engine after the combustion chamber has been sufficiently warmed up, if the engine has not been started and the time has passed, the outside air The temperature may drop again. Therefore, even if it is once notified that the engine is to be started, it is not appropriate to prompt the driver to start the engine until such a case.

  Therefore, according to the configuration of (8), the controller notifies the engine that the second notification means prompts the start of the engine in the configuration of (7) when the temperature of the engine falls below a predetermined temperature. Like to stop. By doing so, according to the configuration of (8) above, the driver does not start the engine at an inappropriate timing, and the preheating effect of the engine obtained by the configurations of (1) to (7) above can be reduced. The improvement is made not to be impaired.

(9) In an exemplary embodiment, in the configurations of (2) to (8), when a predetermined engine start operation is performed, the engine start command is transmitted to the controller. Further equipped with an operation switch,
The controller is configured to energize the starter device even when the engine start command is not received when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

  In the configuration of (1) above, for example, if the length of the second period indicating the remaining heat state of the heater device is appropriately set, the combustion chamber is sufficiently warmed by the remaining heat of the heater device after the second period has elapsed. It is possible to be. In such a case, since the engine is sufficiently preheated, the possibility of misfire is low even if the engine is automatically started without waiting for the driver to perform the engine start operation, and the preheat start operation is performed. The driver may feel that it is cumbersome to separately perform the engine starting operation following the above.

  Therefore, in the configuration of (9) above, the controller energizes the starter device even when the engine start command is not received when a predetermined condition is satisfied. For example, in the configuration of (9) above, the controller may determine that a predetermined condition is satisfied when the combustion chamber is sufficiently warmed up by the residual heat of the heater device after the second period has elapsed. As a result, according to the configuration of (9) above, the engine startability is further improved by automatically starting the engine at an appropriate timing without requiring any extra operation from the driver. Can do.

  (10) In an exemplary embodiment, in the configuration of (8) or (9), the operation switch transmits the preheating start command to the controller when a predetermined preheating start operation is performed. It is comprised so that it may be comprised.

  In the configuration (10), when a predetermined preheating start operation is performed by the driver, a preheating start command is transmitted from the operation switch to the controller. Therefore, for example, the controller that has received the preheating start command from the operation switch may continuously perform the energization operation to the heater device until the preheating of the engine is completed by timer control or the like. By doing so, it is possible to continue the energization operation to the heater device until the preheating is completed without continuing the preheating operation until the preheating of the engine is completed by continuously pressing the glow button. As a result, according to the configuration of (10), it is possible to simplify the preheating operation of the engine by the driver.

  (11) In an exemplary embodiment, in the configurations of the above (1) to (10), the controller adjusts the length of the second period according to the outside air temperature.

  When the outside air temperature is low, it takes more time to preheat the engine than when the outside air temperature is high. Therefore, it is desirable to adjust the engine preheating time according to the outside air temperature. Therefore, according to the configuration of (11) above, the controller adjusts the length of the second period in accordance with the outside air temperature, so that the length of time for warming up the engine due to the residual heat of the heater device depends on the outside air temperature. The driver can be encouraged to set the appropriate length.

  (12) In an exemplary embodiment, in the configurations of (1) to (10), the controller sets a time when the engine is preheated to a predetermined temperature as an end time of the second period. Features.

  In the configuration of (12) above, the controller sets the end point of the period for notifying that the engine is warmed by the remaining heat of the heater device until the point when the engine is preheated to a predetermined temperature. In one example, if this predetermined temperature is set to a temperature sufficiently higher than the flammability limit temperature of the fuel in the combustion chamber, the notification that the heater device is in the remaining heat state is continued until the engine is preheated to the above temperature. can do. As a result, according to the configuration of the above (12), the driver can be prompted to wait for the engine start operation until the engine is sufficiently warmed up and the combustion cycle can be stably and repeatedly continued.

  As described above, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the limitation that the heater device cannot be energized beyond the service life is overcome, and the preheating effect of the engine by the heater device is improved, thereby the engine. The startability of the can be improved.

It is a figure which shows the structure of a part of motive power system containing the engine which is the application object of the engine starting assistance apparatus which concerns on some embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the circuit structure of the engine starting auxiliary device which concerns on some embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the temperature change inside an engine before and behind electricity supply to a heater apparatus. It is a figure explaining the suitable engine starting timing according to the temperature change inside an engine by a heater apparatus. It is a figure explaining the timing which a controller controls a control current and a control voltage in the engine starting auxiliary device concerning some embodiments of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the temperature change inside an engine at the time of performing initial pre-heat treatment and re-pre-heat treatment of an engine based on several different setting parameters. It is a figure explaining the effect of re-pre-heat treatment by an actual machine test result.

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of the components described in the embodiments or shown in the drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, but are merely illustrative examples. Absent.
For example, an expression indicating that things such as “identical”, “equal”, and “homogeneous” are in an equal state not only represents an exactly equal state, but also has a tolerance or a difference that can provide the same function. It also represents the existing state. On the other hand, the expressions “comprising”, “comprising”, “comprising”, “including”, or “having” one constituent element are not exclusive expressions for excluding the existence of the other constituent elements.

  Hereinafter, before describing engine start assist devices according to some embodiments, an example of a power system including an engine to which the engine start assist device is applied will be described with reference to FIG. . Next, the configuration of the engine start assist device will be described with reference to FIG. 2, and the operating principle of the engine start assist device and the effect of improving the preheating performance of the engine will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 exemplifies a part of a power system for a small vessel using an engine 100 as a marine engine as a power source as an application target of an engine start assist device according to some embodiments of the present invention. The engine 100 is installed in an engine room 1 of a small vessel together with a controller 200 and a battery 300 described later. An instrument panel 400 used by the driver to perform a preheating operation and a starting operation of the engine 100 is installed in the steering chamber 2 of the small boat. The instrument panel 400 is used for a driver to operate the power system shown in FIG.

  In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the instrument panel 400 includes a preheat management unit 410 and an operation switch 420. The preheating management unit 410 and the operation switch 420 are connected to the controller 200 via connection lines C1 and C2, respectively. The preheating management unit 410 includes a first notification unit 412a and a second notification unit 412b that notify the driver of the preheating state of the engine in addition to a re-preheating mode switching unit 411 described below. In one example, operation switch 420 may be a key switch that is operated by the driver to perform a preheating operation or a starting operation of engine 100. When the driver uses the operation switch 420 to perform a preheating operation or a starting operation of the engine 100, the fact that the operation has been performed is transmitted to the controller via the connection line C2.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the engine 100 includes a starter device 101 including an electric motor for starting the engine 100 by cranking the engine 100, a heater device 102 for preheating the engine 100 before starting the engine, Is provided. Further, engine 100 includes a generator 103 that generates electric power using the rotational energy of engine 100. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the starter device 101, the heater device 102, and the generator 103 are electrically connected to the controller 200 and the battery 300 via the switching mechanism 110.

  In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the switching mechanism 110 energizes the starter device 101 and the heater device 102 from the battery 300 and the generator 103 based on the control current or the control voltage given from the controller 200 via the control line C3. This is a circuit mechanism for switching on and off. Note that the switching mechanism 110 is not a specific circuit structure but an abstract circuit mechanism shown for convenience in order to simplify the description. That is, the switching mechanism 110 merely represents abstractly that the current flow from the battery 300 and the generator 103 to the starter device 101 and the heater device 102 is switched on and off in accordance with control from the controller 200. Therefore, the specific circuit connection configuration for energizing the starter device 101 and the heater device 102 from the battery 300 and the generator 103 to the starter device 101 and the heater device 102 according to the control from the controller 200 is not necessarily the circuit connection configuration as shown in FIG. A circuit connection configuration which will be specifically described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the configuration of the engine start assist device 10 according to some embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The engine start assisting device 10 shown in FIG. 2 urges the engine 100 to start the heater device 102 that preheats the engine 100 (FIG. 1), first notification means 412 a that notifies the preheating state of the engine 100 by the heater device 102. Second informing means 412b for informing the effect. Further, the engine start assist device 10 includes a starter device 101 for starting the engine 100, a battery 300 capable of supplying electric power to the heater device 102 and the starter device 101, a generator 103 driven by the engine 100, It has. The engine start assisting device 10 includes a controller 200 that controls the heater device 102, the starter device 101, the first notification unit 412a, and the second notification unit 412b.

  In addition, the engine start assist device 10 includes an operation switch 420. The operation switch 420 is configured to transmit a preheating start command to the controller 200 when a predetermined preheating start operation is performed by the driver. The operation switch 420 is configured to transmit an engine start command to the controller 200 when a predetermined engine start operation is performed by the driver. When the driver performs any operation including the above-described preheating start operation and engine start operation on the operation switch 420, the operation content is transmitted from the operation switch 420 to the controller 200 via the connection line C2.

  In one exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the operation switch 420 configured as a key switch has at least three operation positions including an off-state position 420a, a preheat operation position 420b, and a start operation position 420c. ing. Here, when the driver switches the operation position of the operation switch 420 from the off-state position 420 a to the preheat operation position 420 b as the preheating start operation described above, a preheat start command is transmitted from the operation switch 420 to the controller 200. Further, as the engine start operation described above, when the driver switches the operation position of the operation switch 420 from the preheating operation position 420b to the start operation position 420c, an engine start command is transmitted from the operation switch 420 to the controller 200.

  Further, the engine start assisting device 10 includes first notification means 412a and second notification means 412b provided on the preheating management unit 410 shown in FIG. The first notification means 412a is configured to notify the preheating state of the engine 100 by the heater device 102. In one example, the first notification means 412a is a lamp that is supplied with a voltage or current representing the preheating state of the engine 100 by the heater device 102 from the controller 200 and visually displays the preheating state of the engine 100 by turning on or off. May be. The second notification means 412b is configured to notify the driver that the engine 100 is to be started. In one example, the first notification means 412b is ready to start the engine by turning on when the controller 200 is supplied with a voltage or current indicating that the preheating of the engine 100 is completed and the engine is ready to start. It may be a lamp that visually displays the effect.

  In the configuration shown in FIG. 2, the generator 103 and the battery 300 are connected to the B terminal 101 </ b> B of the starter device 101, and the heater device 102 is connected via the relay switch 111. Further, the B terminal 101B of the starter device 101 is also connected to the S terminal 101S of the starter device 101 via the relay switch 112. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the controller 200 switches the relay switch 111 on and off via the connection line C <b> 32, so that the current flowing from at least one of the generator 103 and the battery 300 to the heater device 102 is switched on and off. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the controller 200 switches the relay switch 112 on and off via the connection line C31, whereby the conduction state between the B terminal 101B and the S terminal 101S of the starter device 101 is switched on and off. . Therefore, the relay switch 111, the relay switch 112, and the connection lines C51 to C56 shown in FIG. 2 realize a function corresponding to the switching mechanism 110 shown in FIG.

  In some embodiments of the present invention, the controller 200 shown in FIG. 2 performs the following operations. When receiving a preheating start command from the operation switch 420, the controller 200 energizes the heater device 102 over the first period. At this time, the length of the first period corresponds to the energization time per time for the heater device 102 and is preferably set to be shorter than the service life in the energized state of the heater device 102. This is because the heater device 102 includes a thermoelectric element that generates heat when an electric current flows, and if the heater device 102 is energized beyond the service life in the energized state, the heater device 102 breaks down or the thermoelectric element burns out. Because. By doing so, damage to the heater device 102 due to energization of the heater device 102 can be prevented, and the heater device 102 can be prolonged.

  Subsequently, after the elapse of the first period, the controller 200 instructs the first notification unit 412a to notify that the heater device 102 is in the remaining heat state over the second period. At that time, if the driver waits for the engine to start for the second period in response to the notification from the first notification means 412a after the energization to the heater device 102 is completed, the heater device 102 is energized by the remaining heat of the heater device 102. Preheating of engine 100 is continued even after the end. As a result, the preheating effect of engine 100 can be improved without extending the energization time to heater device 102. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the startability of engine 100 by overcoming the limitation that the heater device 102 cannot be energized beyond the service life.

  In an exemplary embodiment, the controller 200 may set the end point of the second period as the time point when the engine 100 is preheated to a predetermined temperature. In one example, if the predetermined temperature is set to a temperature sufficiently higher than the flammability limit temperature of the fuel in the combustion chamber of the engine 100, the heater device 102 remains in the preheated state until the engine 100 is preheated to the above temperature. Notification to that effect can be continued. As a result, the driver can be encouraged to wait for the engine start operation until the engine 100 is sufficiently warmed up and the combustion cycle can be stably and repeatedly continued.

  In an exemplary embodiment, the controller 200 may adjust the length of the second period according to the outside air temperature. This is because if the outside air temperature is low, it takes more time to preheat the engine 100 than when the outside air temperature is high. Therefore, it is desirable to adjust the preheating time of the engine 100 according to the outside air temperature. Therefore, the controller 200 adjusts the length of the second period according to the outside air temperature so that the length of time for warming up the engine 100 by the residual heat of the heater device 102 is set to an appropriate length according to the outside air temperature. The driver can be encouraged.

  Subsequently, after the elapse of the second period, the controller 200 instructs the second notification unit 412b to notify the driver that the engine 100 is to be started. Subsequently, when the driver is informed that the engine 100 is to be started by the second notification means 412b, the driver may perform a predetermined engine start operation on the operation switch 420. As a result, when a predetermined engine start operation is performed on the operation switch 420, an engine start command is transmitted from the operation switch 420 to the controller 200 via the connection line C2. When the controller 200 receives an engine start command from the operation switch 420, the controller 200 starts energization of the electric motor in the starter device 101. Thereby, the electric motor in the starter device 101 rotates to crank the engine 100, and the engine 100 is started.

FIG. 3 shows a specific example of how the engine 100 continues to be preheated even after the energization of the heater device 102 is completed due to the residual heat of the heater device 102 as described above. In FIG. 3 (A), to set the first period to be supplied to the heater unit 102 to _T ^{1 A,} shows a graph of the temperature change of each part of the engine 100 when a current is passed to the heater unit 102 for a period _T ^{1 A,} The horizontal axis is the time axis. For example, when the heater device 102 is energized over the period T ₁ ^A, the surface temperature of the thermoelectric element included in the heater device 102 changes as indicated by a curve g31 indicated by a solid line in FIG. Further, when the heater device 102 is energized over the period T ₁ ^A, the air temperature measured near the outlet of the combustion chamber of the engine 100 changes as shown by a curve g32 indicated by a dotted line in FIG. Further, the air temperature measured in the vicinity of the tip of the exhaust duct connected to engine 100 changes as shown by a curve g33 indicated by a one-dot chain line in FIG.

Referring to the curve graph g31 in FIG. 3A, the surface temperature of the thermoelectric element of the heater device 102 reaches a peak at the end of the period T ₁ ^A in which the heater device 102 is energized (slightly before time t ₁ ), and thereafter Since the heater device 102 is not energized, the surface temperature of the thermoelectric element is lowered. However, after finishing the power to the heater device 102, since the preheating of the combustion chamber is continued by the remaining heat of the heater device 102, the air temperature measured in the vicinity of the outlet of the combustion chamber rises in the time t ₃ to time past little continuing. Therefore, if the second period is set from the end point of the period T ₁ ^A (slightly before the time t ₁ ) to the time t ₃ and the engine start is waited until the end of the second period, the remaining heat of the heater device 102 Thus, preheating of the engine 100 can be continued even after the energization of the heater device 102 is completed. As a result, the preheating effect of engine 100 can be improved without extending the energization time to heater device 102.

FIG. 3 (B) is the same as FIG. 3 (A) except that the first period in which the heater device 102 is energized is set to a period T ₁ ^B that is longer than the period T ₁ ^A shown in FIG. 3 (A). Is a result of measuring the temperature change of each part in the engine 100 under the same experimental conditions as those shown in FIG. In FIG. 3B, when the heater device 102 is energized over a period T ₁ ^B , the surface temperature of the thermoelectric element included in the heater device 102 changes as indicated by a curve g34 indicated by a solid line in FIG. Further, when the heater device 102 is energized over the period T ₁ ^B, the air temperature measured in the vicinity of the outlet of the combustion chamber of the engine 100 changes as shown by a curved line g35 shown by a dotted line in FIG. Further, the air temperature measured in the vicinity of the tip of the exhaust duct connected to engine 100 changes as shown by a curve g36 indicated by a one-dot chain line in FIG.

Referring to the curve graph g34 in FIG. 3B, the surface temperature of the thermoelectric element of the heater device 102 reaches a peak at the end of the period T ₁ ^B in which the heater device 102 is energized (slightly after time t ₁ ), and thereafter Since the heater device 102 is not energized, the surface temperature of the thermoelectric element is lowered. However, after the power distribution end to the heater device 102, since the preheating of the combustion chamber is continued by the remaining heat of the heater device 102, the air temperature measured in the vicinity of the outlet of the combustion chamber continues to rise until around the time t _4. Therefore, if the second period is set from the end of the period T ₁ ^B (slightly after the time t ₁ ) to the time t ₄ and the engine start is waited until the end of the second period, the remaining heat of the heater device 102 Thus, preheating of the engine 100 can be continued even after the energization of the heater device 102 is completed. As a result, the preheating effect of engine 100 can be improved without extending the energization time to heater device 102.

Therefore, in some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 4, the preheating in the combustion chamber continues due to the residual heat of the heater device 102 even after the energization of the heater device 102 is completed in the vicinity of time t ₁ . The driver is informed to wait for the start operation of the engine 100 until time t ₂ ′. Therefore, the driver waits for the start operation of the engine 100 until the time t ₂ ′ according to the notification, so that the preheating effect of the engine 100 can be obtained without extending the energization time to the heater device 102 even in the cold time when the outside air temperature is low. It is possible to improve and reduce the possibility of misfire when starting the engine.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, conventionally, the engine start operation is performed immediately after the energization of the heater device 102 is completed near the time t _{1 and} the surface temperature of the thermoelectric element of the heater device 102 reaches the peak. The prompting lamp was turned on. As a result, when the engine 100 is started immediately after the energization of the heater device 102 in a cold environment where the outside air temperature is low, the engine 100 cannot be preheated sufficiently, and the engine 100 fails to start due to misfire of the engine 100. The possibility increases.

  In one exemplary embodiment, the control operation of the controller 200 as described above is realized by the following circuit structure and circuit operation described later with reference to FIG.

  The relay switch 111 illustrated in FIG. 2 includes terminals 111a to 111c. In the relay switch 111, the conduction state between the terminal 111a and the terminal 111b is switched on and off by switching on and off the control voltage or control current applied from the controller 200 to the terminal 111b via the connection line C32. Therefore, when the controller 200 receives the preheating start command from the operation switch 420 via the connection line C2, the controller 200 applies the control voltage or the control current applied to the terminal 111b of the relay switch 111 via the connection line C32 from the OFF state over the first period. Switch on. As a result, the conduction state between the terminal 111a and the terminal 111b that is in the OFF state in the relay switch 111 is in the ON state over the first period, so that the heater device 102 is energized from the battery 300 via the relay switch 111.

  Subsequently, when the first period expires, the controller 200 switches the control voltage or control current applied to the terminal 111b of the relay switch 111 via the connection line C32 from the on state to the off state. As a result, the conduction state between the terminal 111a and the terminal 111b that has been turned on in the relay switch 111 is turned off, so that power supply from the battery 300 to the heater device 102 is stopped. Then, when the controller 200 stops energizing the heater device 102 after the first period has elapsed, the controller 200 switches the control current applied to the first notification unit 412a via the connection line C1 from the off state to the on state over the second period. . As a result, the first notification means 412a configured as a display lamp is switched from the unlit state to the lit state, and informs the driver that the heater device 102 is in the remaining heat state.

  At that time, if the driver waits for the engine to start for the second period in response to the notification from the first notification means 412a after the energization to the heater device 102 is completed, the remaining heat of the heater device 102 causes the heater device 102 to Preheating of engine 100 is continued even after energization is completed.

  Here, referring to FIG. 2 again, after the second period has elapsed, the controller 200 instructs the second notification means 412b to notify the driver that the engine 100 is to be started. For example, after the elapse of the second period, the controller 200 switches the control current supplied to the second notification unit 412b via the connection line C1 from the off state to the on state, thereby the second notification unit 412b configured as a display lamp. Switch from off to on. As a result, the driver is informed that the preheating of engine 100 is completed and the engine 100 is ready to start.

  Subsequently, when the driver is informed that the engine 100 is to be started by the second notification means 412b, the driver may perform a predetermined engine start operation on the operation switch 420. As a result, when a predetermined engine start operation is performed on the operation switch 420, an engine start command is transmitted from the operation switch 420 to the controller 200 via the connection line C2. When receiving an engine start command from the operation switch 420, the controller 200 starts the engine 100 by starting energization from the battery 300 to the electric motor in the starter device 101. The controller 200 starts energization from the battery 300 to the electric motor in the starter device 101 by the following circuit operation described later with reference to FIG.

  In the starter device 101 shown in FIG. 2, a B terminal 101B is a terminal to which driving power for cranking the engine 100 is supplied by an electric motor in the starter device. Further, in the starter device 101, the S terminal 101S is a terminal for voltage-driving an electromagnetic switch (not shown) that switches on and off the conduction state between the B terminal 101B and the electric motor in the starter device 101. . Specifically, when the voltage from the battery 300 is not applied to the S terminal 101S, the B terminal 101B and the electric motor in the starter device 101 are in an insulated state. On the other hand, when the battery 300 is energized to the S terminal 101S, the B terminal 101B and the electric motor in the starter device 101 are in a conductive state, and driving power from the battery 300 is started to be supplied to the electric motor in the starter device 101. The

  On the other hand, the relay switch 112 includes terminals 112a to 112c. In the relay switch 112, the conduction state between the terminal 112a and the terminal 112b is switched on and off by switching on and off the control voltage or the control current applied from the controller 200 to the terminal 112b via the connection line C31. Therefore, when the controller 200 receives an engine start command from the operation switch 420 via the connection line C2, the controller 200 switches the control voltage or control current applied to the terminal 112b of the relay switch 112 via the connection line C31 from the off state to the on state. . Then, in the relay switch 112, the conductive state between the terminal 112a and the terminal 112b which are in the off state is turned on. As a result, the B terminal 101B and the S terminal 101S of the starter device 101 are electrically connected directly, and the voltage from the battery 300 is applied to the S terminal 101S. Therefore, the electric motor in the starter device 101 from the battery 300 via the B terminal 101B. The driving power is started to be supplied. As described above, the controller 200 starts energization from the battery 300 to the electric motor in the starter device 101.

  Further, in an exemplary embodiment, after the preheating start operation is performed by the driver, the controller 200 that receives the preheating start command from the operation switch 420, until the preheating of the engine 100 is completed by timer control or the like. You may make it carry out the electricity supply operation | movement to the apparatus 102 continuously. By doing so, the energization operation to the heater device 102 can be continued until the preheating is completed without continuing the preheating operation until the preheating of the engine 100 is completed, for example, by continuously pressing the glow button. As a result, according to this embodiment, it is possible to simplify the engine preheating operation by the driver.

  Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the controller 200 starts energization of the electric motor in the starter device 101 even when the engine start command is not received when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Also good. Thus, the following advantages can be obtained by automatically starting energization of the electric motor in the starter device 101 when a predetermined condition is satisfied even when there is no engine start command.

  For example, if the length of the second period indicating the remaining heat state of the heater device 102 is appropriately set, the combustion chamber is sufficiently warmed by the remaining heat of the heater device 102 after the second period has elapsed. It is possible. In such a case, since the engine 100 is sufficiently preheated, there is little possibility of misfire even if the engine is automatically started without waiting for the driver to perform the engine start operation. The driver may feel that it is cumbersome to separately perform the engine start operation after the operation.

  Therefore, in the above embodiment, the controller 200 starts energizing the electric motor of the starter device 101 even when the engine start command is not received when a predetermined condition is satisfied. For example, the controller 200 may determine that a predetermined condition has been satisfied when the combustion chamber is sufficiently warmed by the residual heat of the heater device 102 after the second period has elapsed. As a result, according to the above embodiment, the startability of the engine 100 can be further improved by automatically starting the engine at an appropriate timing without requiring an extra operation from the driver. .

  Referring again to FIG. 2, a generator 103 is connected to the B terminal 101B of the starter device 101, and the generator 103 is electrically connected to the battery 300 via the B terminal 101B. The generator 103 is configured to be electrically connectable to the heater device 102 via the B terminal 101B and the relay switch 111. Here, the generator 103 is driven by the engine 100, and in one example, the generator 103 may be a dynamo driven by rotation of the crankshaft of the engine 100. Further, the controller 200 is connected to the generator 103 via the connection line C41 so that a signal representing the terminal voltage of the generator 103 is constantly transmitted from the generator 103 to the controller 200 via the connection line C41. It has become. Thereby, the controller 200 can always monitor the terminal voltage of the generator 103 via the connection line C41.

  Therefore, when the engine 100 is cranked by the electric motor in the starter device 101, the generator 103 is driven by the rotation of the crankshaft of the engine 100 and starts power generation. That is, when the controller 200 that has received the engine start command starts energizing the electric motor in the starter device 101 and starts the engine 100, immediately after that, the generator 103 starts generating electricity by the rotation of the engine 100, The level of the generated voltage output from the generator 103 rises rapidly. Here, the electric power generated by the generator 103 after the engine 100 is started may be charged to the battery 300 as regenerative electric power. Further, the electric power generated by the generator 103 after the engine 100 is started may be supplied to the heater device 102 in order to further preheat the engine 100 after the engine is started.

  Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, after the start of energization of the starter device 101, the controller 200 intermittently starts over the third period after the establishment of the generation voltage is detected in the generator 103 by starting the engine 100. In addition, a re-pre-heat treatment for pre-heating the engine 100 again may be performed by energizing the heater device 102 from at least one of the generator 103 and the battery 300. At that time, surplus power that cannot be consumed by the heater device 102 among the power output from the generator 103 can be regenerated from the generator 103 to the battery 300.

  Thus, according to the above-described embodiment, even after the first explosion in the combustion chamber at the time of the first cranking of the engine 100, the cold charge air that has not been preheated in the subsequent combustion cycle is sent into the combustion chamber. In subsequent combustion cycles, preheating of engine 100 can be continued intermittently. Therefore, according to the above embodiment, the air temperature in the combustion chamber can be maintained at the flammable limit temperature or higher even in the combustion cycle after engine startup. Therefore, according to the above-described embodiment, not only the first explosion in the combustion chamber at the time of the first cranking is assisted, but also the cold charge air that is not preheated in the combustion cycle after the first explosion is sent in. It is possible to prevent misfire due to a decrease in air temperature and generation of white smoke due to generation of unburned fuel.

  Next, in the circuit configuration shown in FIG. 2, the controller 200 changes the control current and the control voltage for on / off control of the energization to the first notification unit 412a, the second notification unit 412b, the heater device 102, and the starter device 101. Timing will be described with reference to FIG.

Referring to the timing chart of FIG. 5, g57 represents the level change of the current flowing from the battery 300 to the heater device 102 via the relay switch 111. Specifically, when the preheating start operation using the operation switch 420 at time t ₅₀ shown in FIG. 5 is performed, energization line from time t ₅₀ to the heater unit 102 in the first period T1 from time t ₅₁ Is called. Therefore, during this period, the current flowing through the heater device 102 (g57 in FIG. 5) changes from the low level to the high level. Further, g56 shown in FIG. 5 represents a change in the control current supplied from the controller 200 to the first notification unit 412a, and changes from a low level to a high level in the first period T1 during energization of the heater device 102. ing. As a result, in the first period T1 during energization of the heater device 102, the first notification means 412a configured as a display lamp changes from the unlit state to the lit state.

Subsequently, the first period T1 ends and energization of the heater device 102 expires at time t ₅₁ shown in FIG. 5, the current flowing through the heater unit 102 (G57 in FIG. 5) changes from the high level to the low level. Then, the second period T2 starts from time _{t 51,} the second period T2 continues until time _{t 52.} In the second period T2, preheating of the engine 100 is continued due to the remaining heat of the heater device 102 after energization, and the control current (g56 in FIG. 5) given from the controller 200 to the first notification means 412a is pulsed in a short cycle. To change. As a result, in the second period T2, the first notification means 412a configured as a display lamp repeatedly blinks at short intervals and notifies the driver to wait for the engine start operation. Incidentally, as shown in g54 in FIG. 5, when the preheating start operation is at time _{t 50,} the supply air temperature in the combustion chamber of the engine 100, the first period T1 both over (time _{t 50} in the second period T2 from up to time t ₅₂₎ it shows a sustained upward trend.

Subsequently, when the second period T2 expires at time _{t 52,} the control current supplied from the controller 200 to the second notification unit 412b (G55 in FIG. 5) changes from the off state to the on state. As a result, in the second period T2, the second notification means 412b configured as a display lamp changes from the extinguished state to the lit state, and notifies the driver that the engine start operation is urged. Subsequently, when the engine starting operation if the driver using the operation switch 420 at time t _53, as shown in g52 in FIG. 5, the change from the current low level flowing from the battery 300 to the starter 101 to the high level To do. Further, when the engine start operation is performed at time t ₅₃ , as shown by g 51 in FIG. 5, the cranking when the rotation speed of the engine 100 that was zero until time t ₅₃ is cranked by the starter device 101 is performed. It rises to the rotation speed.

Thus, after the time t ₅₃ shown in FIG. 5, when the engine 100 is cranked by the starter device 101, the generator 103 is driven by the rotation of the crank shaft of the engine 100, to start power generation. That is, at time t ₅₃ shown in FIG. 5, when starting the starting of the engine 100, immediately thereafter, the generator 103 to start power generation by the rotation of the engine 100, the level of the power voltage generator 103 outputs rapidly stand up. At that time, the electric power generated by the generator 103 after the engine 100 is started can be supplied to the heater device 102 in order to further preheat (re-preheat treatment) the engine 100 after the engine starts.

Following cranking of the engine 100 by the starter device 101, initial combustion of the fuel occurs in the combustion chamber of the engine 100 at time _{t 54.} Then, as shown in g51 in FIG. 5, the rotational speed of the engine during the period from the time t ₅₄ to time t ₅₆ is Yuki gradually increased from cranking rotation speed, at time t ₅₆ the rotational speed of the engine 100 is idling The rotation speed is reached and stabilized, and the combustion chamber is in a complete explosion state. Further, when the initial explosion of the fuel occurs in the combustion chamber of the engine 100 at time t _54, since the cranking by the starter device 101 is not required, the controller 200 terminates the energization of the electric motor of the starter apparatus 101. As a result, as shown in g52 in FIG. 5, the current flowing from the battery 300 to the starter 101 is changed from high level to low level at time t _54.

  By the way, the engine 100 does not enter a state in which the combustion cycle can be stably repeated continuously from the first explosion in the combustion chamber at the time of the first cranking until the engine speed reaches the idling speed. Therefore, not only preheating the engine 100 before the engine starting operation, but also preheating the engine 100 again during the engine starting from the first explosion in the combustion chamber until the engine speed reaches the idling speed ( Re-preheating treatment) may be performed. By performing such re-pre-heat treatment, the engine start can be effectively assisted even during the engine start-up from the initial explosion until the idling speed is reached.

Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, the controller 200 determines that at least one of the generator 103 and the battery 300 during the period from time t ₅₄ to time t ₅₆ before the engine speed reaches the idling speed. From the start, intermittent energization to the heater device 102 may be started. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the controller 200 at time t ₅₅ is the time before the rotational speed of the engine 100 reaches the idle speed, be started intermittent energization of the heater device 102 Good. As a result, after the engine 100 is started, a re-pre-heat treatment is performed to pre-heat the engine 100 again. At this time, as shown in g53 in FIG. 5, the voltage applied from the at least one heater unit 102 of the generator 103 and the battery 300 is changed from low level to high level at time t _55.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the controller 200 stops energizing the electric motor of the starter device 101 at time _{t 54,} to start the energization of the heater unit 102 at time _{t 55.} That is, the controller 200 is configured not to energize the heater device 102 and the starter device 101 from the battery 300 and the generator 103 simultaneously. This is because the heater device 102 and the starter device 101 are devices that consume a large amount of power and consume a large amount of power when energized. Therefore, if both the heater device 102 and the starter device 101 are energized simultaneously from the battery 300 and the generator 103, the battery 300 is suddenly discharged and dried up. Therefore, in the above configuration, when the starter device 101 is energized according to the engine start command, both the heater device 102 and the starter device 101 are not energized at the same time. As a result, according to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the battery life from being shortened due to the rapid discharge of the battery 300, the deterioration of the battery 300, or the damage of the battery 300.

Incidentally, the rotational speed is the time t ₅₆ after having reached the idling speed of the engine 100 also be continued intermittent energization from the generator 103 to the heater unit 102 for a third period T3 shown in FIG. 5 Good. Thus, even after the engine start is completed, it is possible to prevent unburned fuel from being generated in the combustion chamber due to a decrease in the supply air temperature in the combustion chamber, so that white smoke is generated from the engine 100 after the start is completed. It is possible to prevent the occurrence. As shown in FIG. 5, the re-preheat treatment in the third period T3 includes an ON section in which the energization to the heater device 102 is performed over the time width τ _p and an OFF section in which the energization to the heater apparatus 102 is interrupted over the time width τ _p. It is implemented by providing them alternately. In other words, re-preheating process in the third period T3 is performed by intermittently performing the energization of the heater unit 102 in cycle period tau _p. In parallel with this, the first notification means 412a for notifying that the heater device 102 is energized by the display lamp also repeatedly turns on and off intermittently in the cycle of the period τ _p in the third period T3.

Subsequently, when the third period T3 has expired at time t ₆₂ shown in FIG. 5, the re preheating is terminated, intermittent energization from the generator 103 to the heater 102 is stopped. However, after the re-preheating process of the engine 100 is performed over the third period T3, when the air temperature in the combustion chamber gradually decreases due to cold outside air in the engine 100 in the idling state, unburned fuel is generated in the combustion chamber. It may occur and white smoke may come out from the engine. For example, in a small ship using the engine 100 as a power source, consider a case where the engine is successfully started and the small ship returns to the port after finishing operation. In that case, if the engine 100 continues idling in a small vessel moored at the port, the air temperature in the combustion chamber gradually decreases due to the seawater temperature and the outside air temperature, and white smoke is emitted from the engine 100. May come.

  Therefore, in an exemplary embodiment, the controller 200 receives a re-preheating restart operation command via the connection line C1 from the preheating management unit 410 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 after the third period T3 has elapsed. The re-preheating process described above may be performed again. As a result, according to this embodiment, after the third period T3 has elapsed, even if the air temperature in the combustion chamber decreases in the engine 100 in the idling state, the re-pre-heat treatment is restarted in response to the re-pre-heat restart operation command. Thus, a decrease in the air temperature in the combustion chamber can be prevented. In one example, the driver switches the re-preheating mode switching unit 411 (FIGS. 1 and 2) provided on the preheating management unit 410 from the starting position 411a to the return port position 411c, thereby causing the controller from the preheating management unit 410 to the controller. A re-preheating restart operation command may be transmitted to 200.

Hereinafter, the relationship between the function of the re-preheating mode switching unit 411 provided in the preheating management unit 410 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and the above-described re-preheating process will be described in detail. Because from the time t ₅₅ shown in FIG. 5 again preheating process performed until the time t ₆₂ is the end of the third period T3 is a re-preheating process is automatically executed after starting operation of the engine 100, Implemented in re-preheat mode at start-up. Therefore, when the engine 100 is started, the re-preheating mode switching unit 411 must be set to the starting position 411a so that the re-preheating process is performed in the re-preheating mode at the time of starting.

  On the other hand, the re-preheat treatment is temporarily stopped after the third period T3 has elapsed, and then the re-preheat treatment performed by the controller 200 receiving the re-preheat resumption operation command is the re-preheat mode at the time of returning to the port. To be implemented. Therefore, in this case, the re-preheating resumption operation command is transmitted from the preheating management unit 410 to the controller 200 by switching the re-preheating mode switching unit 411 from the starting position 411a to the return port position 411c. Note that the changeover switch of the re-preheating mode switching unit 411 may be configured to be switched from the starting position 411a to the port return position 411c via the off-state position 411b as shown in FIG. At that time, when the re-preheating mode switching unit 411 is switched to the off-state position 411b, the above-described re-preheating process is temporarily stopped. As a result, when the re-preheating mode at the start is switched to the re-preheating mode at the time of returning to the port, it is possible to temporarily stop the re-preheating and then carry out the re-preheating based on the re-preheating mode at the time of returning to the port. Become.

  In the above-described configuration shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, even if the second notification means 412 b once notifies that the engine 100 is started after the combustion chamber has been sufficiently warmed up, the engine is not started after that time. When elapses, the temperature in the combustion chamber may decrease again due to the outside air. Therefore, even if the second notification means 412b notifies the user that the engine 100 is to be started, it is not appropriate to continue prompting the driver to start the engine until such a case. Therefore, when the temperature of the engine 100 falls below a predetermined temperature, the controller 200 may stop the notification that the second notification unit 412b prompts the engine to be started. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the driver from starting the engine at an inappropriate timing, and to prevent the improvement of the preheating effect of the engine obtained by the above-described configuration shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 from being impaired. .

  Next, the temperature change inside the engine 100 when the pre-heat treatment and the re-pre-heat treatment before starting the engine 100 are performed based on a plurality of different setting parameters will be examined with reference to the experimental results of FIG. FIG. 6A shows that the preheating before the engine start (preheating in the first period T1) is performed for 15 seconds, and the repreheating treatment performed in the third period T3 is performed in a 20-second cycle. The temperature change of each part is shown. FIG. 6B shows that the engine 100 is preheated before the engine is started (preheating in the first period T1) for 20 seconds, and the repreheat treatment performed in the third period T3 is performed in a cycle of 20 seconds. The temperature change of each part is shown. FIG. 6 (C) shows that the engine 100 is preheated before starting the engine (preheating in the first period T1) for 15 seconds, and the repreheat treatment performed in the third period T3 is performed in a 30 second cycle. The temperature change of each part is shown. FIG. 6D shows that the engine 100 is preheated before starting (preheating in the first period T1) for 20 seconds, and the repreheat treatment performed in the third period T3 is performed in a 30 second cycle. The temperature change of each part is shown.

  Comparing FIGS. 6A to 6D, when the preheating time before the engine is started (preheating in the first period T1) is increased, the surface temperature at the peak of the thermoelectric element in the heater device 102 becomes conspicuous. Although it increases, there is no significant difference in the change in the air temperature in the combustion chamber. From this, it is suggested that sufficient engine preheating effect can be obtained even if the energization time to the heater device 102 is slightly shortened if the preheat treatment using the remaining heat of the heater device 102 after energization is sufficiently performed. Yes. Further, comparing FIGS. 6A to 6D, when the energization cycle to the heater device 102 in the re-preheating process is made longer, the fluctuation range of the air temperature in the combustion chamber becomes larger and the energization cycle is made shorter. Then, the fluctuation range of the air temperature in the combustion chamber is reduced. Therefore, in order to stabilize the air temperature in the combustion chamber by the re-preheating process, the energization cycle to the heater device 102 in the re-preheating process should be shortened. On the other hand, if the energization cycle to the heater device 102 is too short, the life of the thermoelectric element in the heater device 102 may be shortened due to frequent on / off of the current. Should be.

Next, the difference in the residual heat effect of the engine 100 when the re-preheat treatment is performed and not performed in the third period T3 shown in FIG. 5 will be described with reference to the experimental results of FIG. In FIG. 7, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the air temperature measured near the tip of the exhaust duct connected to the engine 100. A curve graph g71 shown in FIG. 7 shows a temperature change when the length of the third period T3 in which the re-preheating treatment is performed is 3 minutes and the energization cycle to the heater device 102 is a 10 second period. A curve graph g72 shown in FIG. 7 shows a temperature change when the length of the third period T3 in which the re-preheating treatment is performed is 2 minutes and the energization cycle to the heater device 102 is a 10 second period. A curve graph g73 shown in FIG. 7 shows a temperature change when the length of the third period T3 in which the re-pre-heat treatment is performed is 2 minutes and the energization cycle to the heater device 102 is 15 seconds. Incidentally, the interval _{t 00} in FIG. 7 corresponds to the first period T1, in the interval _{t 00,} preheating prior to starting operation of the engine 100 is being performed.

  Referring to FIG. 7, as described above with reference to FIG. 6, in order to stabilize the air temperature in the combustion chamber by the re-preheat treatment, the energization cycle to the heater device 102 in the re-preheat treatment should be shortened. . Referring to FIG. 7, it has been demonstrated that the longer the third period T3 during which the re-preheating treatment is performed, the higher the air temperature in the combustion chamber can be maintained over a longer period. In addition, when the curve graph g74 indicating the change in the air temperature in the combustion chamber when no re-preheat treatment is performed is compared with the curve graphs g71 to g73 corresponding to the case where the re-preheat treatment is performed, the engine is started by re-preheat treatment. It can be seen that the subsequent decrease in the supply air temperature is prevented, and the pre-heat treatment of the engine 100 is effectively continued even after the engine is started.

  As described above, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the limitation that the heater device 102 cannot be energized beyond the service life is improved, and the preheating effect of the engine 100 by the heater device 102 is improved. Thereby, the startability of engine 100 can be improved.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Engine room 2 Steering room 10 Engine start auxiliary device 100 Engine 101 Starter device 101B B terminal 101S S terminal 111a, 111b, 111c, 112a, 112b, 112c Terminal 102 Heater apparatus 103 Generator 110 Switching mechanism 111, 112 Relay switch 200 Controller 300 Battery 400 Instrument panel 410 Preheating management unit 411 Re-preheating mode switching unit 411a Start position 411b Off state position 411c Return port position 412a First notification means 412b Second notification means 420 Operation switch 420a Off state position 420b Preheating operation position 420c Start Operation position

Claims (12)

A heater device for preheating the engine;
First notifying means for notifying the state of the heater device;
A controller for controlling the heater device and the first notification means,
The controller is
When the preheating start command is received, the heater device is energized over a first period, and after the first period, the heater device is informed of a residual heat state over a second period. 1. An engine start assisting device that instructs an informing means. A starter device for starting the engine;
A battery capable of supplying electric power to the heater device and the starter device,
The controller is configured to energize the starter device upon receiving an engine start command, and configured not to energize the heater device and the starter device from the battery at the same time. Item 4. The engine start assist device according to Item 1. Further comprising a generator driven by the engine;
The controller is configured to energize the heater device intermittently over a third period after the starter device is energized and after the start of the engine detects the establishment of the generated voltage in the generator. The engine start assisting device according to claim 2, wherein re-preheating treatment is performed to preheat the engine again. The engine start assisting device according to claim 3, wherein the controller starts intermittent energization to the heater device before the rotational speed of the engine reaches an idling rotational speed. The engine according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the controller is configured to perform the re-pre-heat treatment again by receiving a re-pre-heat restart operation command after the third period. Start assist device. The engine start assist according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the controller is configured such that a current-carrying time per one is shorter than a service life in a current-carrying state of the heater device. apparatus. An operation switch configured to transmit the engine start command to the controller when a predetermined engine start operation is performed;
A second notification means for notifying that the engine is to be started,
The engine according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the controller instructs the second notifying unit to notify that the engine is started after the second period. Start assist device. 8. The controller according to claim 7, wherein when the temperature of the engine falls below a predetermined temperature, the controller instructs the second notification means to stop reporting that the engine is urged to start. The engine start assist device according to 1. An operation switch configured to transmit the engine start command to the controller when a predetermined engine start operation is performed;
9. The controller according to claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to energize the starter device even when the engine start command is not received when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The engine start assist device according to Item 1. The engine start assisting device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the operation switch is configured to transmit the preheating start command to the controller when a predetermined preheating start operation is performed. The engine start auxiliary device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the controller adjusts the length of the second period according to an outside air temperature. 11. The engine start assist device according to claim 1, wherein the controller sets a time point at which the engine is preheated to a predetermined temperature as a time point at which the second period ends. 11.

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