JP3815746B2 - Remote engine starter for automobile - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an automobile engine remote starter that remotely starts an automobile engine using a radio signal.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A vehicle engine remote starter that automatically starts a car parked in a remote place while the driver is indoors by remote control using a radio signal is known, for example, from JP-A-6-137238 Yes.
[0003]
A configuration of a general automobile engine remote starter according to the prior art will be described with reference to FIG. The transmitter 100 as a remote controller possessed by the driver is configured to include a built-in power source such as a battery, a microcomputer, a manual switch, and a wireless transmission circuit (all not shown). The identification code is transmitted as a command signal.
[0004]
The receiver 101 provided on the vehicle body side includes a receiving circuit, an identification code storage circuit, a code determination circuit (all not shown), and the like, and when receiving a command signal from the transmitter 100, the identification code When the identification codes match, a start confirmation signal is output to the engine starter controller 102 as a remote start request from a legitimate driver.
[0005]
The engine starter controller 102 includes a microcomputer unit (hereinafter referred to as “MCU”) 103, output transistors 104 to 106, and relays 107 to 109, as will be described later. The MCU 103 electrically generates a signal timing at the time of manual engine start, and a first output transistor 104, a second output transistor 105, and a third output transistor 106 are connected to the output side thereof.
[0006]
The first output transistor 104 drives a START relay 107 that generates a START signal, and is connected to the coil 107 a of the START relay 107. The second output transistor 105 is for driving the IGN relay 108 that generates the IGN signal, and is connected to the coil 108 a of the IGN relay 108. Further, the third output transistor 106 is for driving an ACC relay 109 that generates an ACC signal, and is connected to the coil 109a.
[0007]
Each of the relays 107 to 109 has a normally open contact 107b to 109b, and one terminal of each of the contacts 107b to 109b is connected to an in-vehicle power source (+ B) as a “power supply unit”, and the other terminal is a signal. Output terminal. Further, the coil of the START relay 107 is connected to the in-vehicle power source via the contact 108b of the IGN relay 108, so that it is assumed that the IGN relay 108 is activated and the START relay 107 is activated. It has become.
[0008]
A starter motor relay 111 having a normally open contact point 111b is interposed between the starter motor relay 110 for cranking the engine body and the in-vehicle power source. The coil 111a of the starter motor relay 111 has a START function. A relay 107 is connected.
[0009]
An alternator 112 that generates electric power by rotating the engine includes a generator 113 and a relay 114 driven by the generator 113, and a common terminal (L terminal) of the single-pole double-throw contact 114a is connected via a signal line. Are connected to the MCU 103. When the coil 114b is excited by the generator 113, the alternator 112 inverts the contact 114a, thereby outputting a power generation signal indicating that power generation is started by engine rotation to the MCU 103. Yes.
[0010]
The vehicle engine remote starter according to the prior art has the above-described configuration, and when a command signal is transmitted from the transmitter 100, the receiver 101 checks the identification code to determine whether the command signal is a normal command signal. When it is confirmed that it is a normal command signal, the command confirmation signal is output to the MCU 103. In response to this, the MCU 103 activates the relays 107 to 109 by driving the output transistors 104 to 106 to output signals in the order of ACC → IGN → START. As a result, the starter motor relay 111 is operated, the starter motor 110 is rotated, and the engine is started. Further, when the power generation signal is output from the alternator 112 by this engine start, the MCU 103 confirms the engine start and stops the driving of the START relay 107.
[0011]
As another conventional technique, for example, as shown in JP-A-1-318761, an engine generator placed outdoors is remotely controlled by wire.
[0012]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, according to the above-described prior art, it is possible to start the engine remotely by artificially generating the timing at the time of starting the engine via each of the relays 107 to 109. However, the START driving the starter motor relay 111 is possible. Since the relay 107 opens and closes a direct current, the relay 107 may be welded due to generation of an arc, and the contact 107b may remain closed. In this case, since the starter motor 110 rotates even though the engine is already rotating, the engine may be damaged.
[0013]
The START relay 107 is controlled by the MCU 103. However, when the MCU 103 runs away due to electromagnetic noise from the outside, it cannot be confirmed that the power generation signal is output from the alternator 112, There is a possibility that the operation of the output transistor 104 cannot be stopped. Also in this case, the rotation of the starter motor 110 cannot be stopped, which may cause engine damage. In particular, the engine remote starter for an automobile starts the automobile engine in a state where the driver is away, and the automobile is essentially a means for moving, so that the engine is fixed and cannot be moved. Unlike generators, etc., high reliability and safety are essential. In this sense, there is room for improvement in the conventional automobile engine remote starter.
[0014]
The present invention has been made in view of the problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle engine remote starter capable of remotely starting a vehicle engine with high reliability and safety. . More specifically, to provide an automobile engine remote starter that detects engine start and can stop the operation of the engine starter even when a problem occurs in the engine starter or the starter controller. is there.
[0015]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
Therefore, according to the present invention, when the engine is started, the operation of the engine starting means is directly stopped without going through the starting control means by providing the interruption relay means outside the control of the starting control means.
That is, the configuration adopted by the automobile engine remote starter according to the present invention includes a transmitting means for transmitting a command signal by radio, a receiving means for receiving the command signal, and the receiving means includes the command signal. In a vehicle engine remote starter comprising a start control means for starting the engine via the engine start means when a signal is received, a shut-off relay means is interposed between the engine start means and the power source, and the engine In response to a power generation signal directly supplied from the power generation means that generates power by starting, the power supply to the engine start means is forcibly stopped by operating the cutoff relay. The engine starting means includes a starter motor, a starter motor relay for controlling power supply to the starter motor, and a drive relay for controlling the operation of the starter motor relay, The driving relay is provided with a minute current supply means for passing a minute current, and the start control means determines whether the driving relay is in a normal state or an abnormal state based on the minute current. It is characterized by that. Therefore, when the engine is started and a power generation signal is output, the interruption relay means stops the operation by stopping the power supply to the engine starting means regardless of the control state of the start control means.
[0016]
In the invention according to claim 2, the start control means stops the engine start by the engine start means when the engine start is confirmed by either the power generation signal or the engine speed signal. It is said. Therefore, the start control means can confirm the start of the engine by both the power generation signal and the engine speed signal, and the probability that both the power generation signal and the engine speed signal are down at the same time is extremely low. The operation of the engine starting means can be stopped.
[0017]
Further, in the invention according to claim 3, the engine starting means includes a starter motor, a starter motor relay for controlling power supply to the starter motor, and a drive relay for controlling the operation of the starter motor relay. And includes a minute current supply means for supplying a minute current to the driving relay, and the start control means determines whether the driving relay is in a normal state or an abnormal state based on the minute current. It is characterized by doing. As a result, when the driving relay is welded abnormally, an electric circuit is formed and a minute current flows, and when the driving relay is not welded normally, a minute current does not flow. By detecting the voltage value change due to the above, it is possible to find an abnormal state of the driving relay before the engine is remotely started.
[0018]
The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that the start control by the start control means is stopped by both the power generation signal and the engine key insertion detection signal. Thereby, after the engine is started, the control by the start control unit is stopped, so that even when strong electromagnetic noise is applied from the outside, it is possible to eliminate the adverse effect due to the malfunction of the start control unit.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. In the following embodiments, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those of the above-described conventional technology, and the description thereof will be omitted.
[0020]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of an automotive engine remote starter according to an embodiment of the present invention. The engine starter controller 1 of this embodiment is an engine starter controller 102 described in the prior art. In the same manner, the MCU 2 includes the output relays 104 to 106, the START relay 3, the IGN relay 108, and the ACC relay 109. In addition to this, the present embodiment further has the following characteristics.
[0021]
First, between the START relay 3 as a “driving relay” and the in-vehicle power source (+ B), a cutoff relay 4 as a “cutting relay means” is provided. More specifically, the normally open contact 3 b of the START relay 3 is connected to the in-vehicle power supply via the normally open contact 4 b of the interruption relay 4. Thus, during normal operation, power is supplied to the START relay 3 via the cutoff relay 4, so that the START relay 3 can output the START signal to the starter motor relay 111 to drive the starter motor 110, but the cutoff relay 4 When is opened, the START signal is not output regardless of the operating state of the START relay 3.
[0022]
Secondly, one terminal of the coil 4 a of the interruption relay 4 is connected to the collector of the NPN transistor 5, and the other terminal of the coil 4 a is connected to the base of the transistor 5 via the resistor 6. The base of the transistor 5 is connected to the collector of another NPN transistor 7, and the base of the transistor 7 is connected to the signal line from the common terminal of the alternator 112 via the current limiting resistor 8. Yes. Thus, when the contact 108a of the IGN relay 108 is closed and the transistor 5 is activated, the coil 4b is excited, the contact 4a of the cutoff relay 4 is closed, and power supply to the START relay 3 is permitted. When a power generation signal is output from the alternator 112 by engine start, the transistor 7 is activated and the transistor 5 is turned off, so that the contact 4b of the cutoff relay 4 returns to the normally open position which is the initial state.
[0023]
Thirdly, the contact 3b of the START relay 3 is connected to a vehicle-mounted power supply via a monitoring resistor 9 as "a minute current supply means". More specifically, one terminal of the contact 3b is connected to the other terminal of the contact 4b of the interruption relay 4, and is connected to the monitor resistor 9 at the detection point DP. The contact 3b is energized through. However, the resistance value of the monitoring resistor 9 is set so that a minute current that does not activate the starter motor relay 111 flows. Therefore, even if a current flows through the START relay 3 by bypassing the cutoff relay 4 by the monitoring resistor 9, the starter motor relay 111 does not operate and the starter motor 110 does not rotate. Then, the voltage at the voltage detection point DP is input to the MCU 2 through the signal line, whereby the MCU 2 determines whether the START relay 3 is in a normal state or an abnormal state. That is, since the impedance of the coil 111a of the starter motor relay 111 is small, if the contact 3b of the START relay 3 is closed, the detection voltage at the voltage detection point DP becomes “L” level, and if the contact 3b is open, the detection voltage Becomes “H” level. Therefore, the welding state of the contact 3b can be confirmed before the engine is remotely started by this detected voltage value.
[0024]
In the figure, 10 is a diode and 11 is a capacitor.
[0025]
Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the main part of the remote start process. This process is started by a power-on reset, and in step (hereinafter referred to as “S”) 1, for example, based on the insertion state of the engine key, It is determined whether the user requests a registration mode for registering a new identification code.
[0026]
Specifically, for example, after the engine is manually started by the engine key, the engine is once stopped, and within a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) after the engine is stopped, the engine key is turned an odd number of times (for example, 5 times. Is terminated with the engine key inserted), and the MCU 2 confirms the registration mode request by monitoring the insertion / removal operation of this predetermined pattern by the engine key insertion detection sensor. Here, what is characteristic is that it is possible to enter the registration mode by using only the engine key without using the transmitter 100 as a remote controller. Thereby, it is possible to easily associate with a new transmitter while ensuring the anti-theft property.
[0027]
If the registration mode is requested, registration processing is performed in S2. As a specific example, when the registration mode is entered, both ACC and IGN are automatically turned on, and when the driver operates the manual switch of the new transmitter 100 at this stage, the transmitter 100 Is transmitted to the receiver 101, and the receiver 101 registers this new identification code. When this registration is normally performed, both ACC and IGN are automatically turned off in S3, and when the registration fails, the signal from the transmitter 100 is waited again. It should be noted that it is preferable to operate until the confirmation sound flows from the electronic buzzer so that the receiver 101 can receive the identification code signal.
[0028]
In a normal case where registration processing is not requested, S1 to S2 are bypassed to reach S3, and in S4, reception of a command signal from the transmitter 100 is awaited. If a command signal is received, it is determined in S5 whether or not an engine start condition is satisfied. Here, the engine start condition is a condition for determining whether or not the engine start by remote operation is in an appropriate state. For example, whether the gear is in the parking position, the door is locked, the door or bonnet is It means various conditions such as closing. This is also a configuration unique to the automobile engine remote starter that requires high reliability.
[0029]
If even one of the engine start conditions is not satisfied, the remote start is not permitted, and the process proceeds to S13 and the engine stop process is performed for confirmation. On the other hand, when safety is confirmed, the process proceeds to S6 and a relay check is performed. In this relay check, the detected voltage value at the voltage detection point DP is read, and it is determined from this voltage value whether or not the contact 3b of the START relay 3 is welded. Since both ACC and IGN are turned off at the stage of S6, the normally open contact 3b is open if it is normal, and the detected voltage value is at the “H” level. However, if it is in the welded state, an electric circuit is formed and the detected voltage value becomes “L” level. Therefore, the MCU 2 can confirm whether the START relay 3 is welded before starting the engine based on the detected voltage value.
[0030]
In S7, the state of the START relay 3 is determined. If it is determined that the START relay 3 is in an abnormal state, an abnormality determination process such as sounding an alarm buzzer is performed in the next S8, and the process proceeds to S13. On the other hand, when it is determined that the state of the START relay 3 is normal, the process proceeds to S9, where an ST timer for detecting the automatic stop time ST of the engine start is started. In other words, unless the driver gets in and the engine key is inserted within this automatic stop time ST, the engine that is remotely started automatically stops, thereby reducing unnecessary fuel consumption and ensuring safety. is doing. The automatic stop time ST is preferably set to about 15 minutes, for example.
[0031]
After starting the counting of the automatic stop time ST, in S10, the starter motor 110 is driven by generating the same timing (ACC: ON → IGN: ON → START: ON) as in the case of manual operation. Start the engine.
[0032]
If an engine stall occurs due to fuel shortage or ignition plug covering, the engine stop process is detected in S13 and detected in a determination step in S11. As described above, the automatic stop time ST is monitored in the determination step of S12, and when the time is up without canceling the remote start program, the engine stop process is performed in S13, and the process returns to S3.
[0033]
According to this embodiment configured as described above, the following effects can be obtained.
[0034]
First, a shut-off relay 4 is interposed between the start relay 3 for driving the starter motor relay 111 and the in-vehicle power source, and the shut-off relay 4 is directly operated without the MCU 2 by the power generation signal from the alternator 112. Therefore, even if the contact 2b of the START relay 3 is welded or the MCU 2 cannot output the operation stop signal of the START relay 3 due to electromagnetic noise or the like, the starter motor relay 111 is mechanically supplied with power by starting the engine. Can be prevented. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the starter motor 110 from rotating despite the engine being started, to prevent damage to the engine, and to further improve reliability and safety. “Directly operating the interrupting relay 4” is an expression considering the presence of the transistors 5 to 7 for operating the interrupting relay 4.
[0035]
Secondly, a minute current is passed through the contact 3b of the START relay 3 via the monitoring resistor 9, and the voltage generated by this minute current is detected at the voltage detection point DP to determine in advance whether the START relay 3 is welded or not. Because of the configuration to be investigated, the reliability of the START relay 3 can be confirmed in advance before the engine is remotely started, and damage to the engine can be further prevented.
[0036]
Thirdly, in the present embodiment, the contact 4b of the interrupting relay 4 is configured as a normally open contact, and the contact 4b is opened by the output of the power generation signal. Therefore, the contact 3b of the START relay 3 is welded. Even when the engine is stopped, it is possible to prevent the starter motor relay 111 from being energized after the engine is stopped.
[0037]
The technology described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1-318761 relating to wired remote operation of the engine generator discloses a configuration that can correspond to the START relay 3, but corresponds to the cutoff relay 4 that is a feature of the present invention. No configuration is disclosed, and problems and configurations peculiar to remote control of a vehicle engine by wireless are not disclosed.
[0038]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the following embodiments, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. The feature of this embodiment is that when both the insertion of the engine key and the start of power generation by the alternator are detected, it is determined that the engine is started, the MCU 22 is reset, and the start control is stopped.
[0039]
That is, FIG. 3 is an overall configuration diagram of the automobile engine remote starter according to the present embodiment. On the input side of the reset circuit 21, an engine key detection signal for detecting the insertion state of the engine key and power generation by the alternator 112 are shown. The output side of the reset circuit 21 is connected to the reset terminal of the MCU 22. The reset circuit 21 can be expressed as, for example, “reset means”. When both the detection of the engine key and the start of power generation of the alternator 112 are confirmed at the same time, a reset signal is output to the MCU 22, thereby the MCU 22. Is forcibly stopped from the engine control system.
[0040]
In this embodiment configured as described above, the reset circuit 21 that exhibits all the effects of the first embodiment and outputs a reset signal when both the engine key detection signal and the power generation signal are detected simultaneously. As a result, the function of the MCU 22 can be reliably stopped after the engine is remotely started. Therefore, even when strong electromagnetic noise is applied, there is no possibility of malfunctioning in the reset MCU 22, and as a result, it is possible to avoid such a situation that the starter motor 110 rotates during running and damages the engine. And can be more reliable than just stopping the remote start control on the software.
[0041]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The feature of this embodiment is that the remote start of the engine by the MCU 32 is stopped by either the power generation signal of the alternator 112 or the engine speed signal detected by the tachometer.
[0042]
That is, FIG. 4 is an overall configuration diagram of the automobile engine remote starter according to the present embodiment. The pulse signal from the tachometer as the “engine speed signal” is a pulse voltage converter (hereinafter referred to as “PVC”). The reset circuit 21 is input to the MCU 32 via the MCU 31, and the reset circuit 21 is connected to the MCU 32. As a result, in this embodiment, the engine key insertion detection signal and the power generation signal or the engine rotation signal are detected at the same time to detect the engine start, and when the engine start is confirmed, to the START relay 3 Is stopped, and the remote start of the engine is stopped.
[0043]
Even in this embodiment configured as described above, all the effects of the first embodiment can be obtained, and the engine start can be confirmed not only by the power generation signal of the alternator 112 but also by the engine speed signal output from the tachometer. Due to the configuration, the reliability can be further increased. That is, in the case of confirming the end of the remote start of the engine only by the power generation signal of the alternator 112, the MCU cannot know the completion of the remote start of the engine in the unlikely event that the alternator 112 breaks down. There is a possibility that the engine will be delayed and the engine may be damaged. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the end of engine start can be confirmed also by the engine speed signal, and in view of the extremely small probability of both the alternator 112 and the tachometer failing simultaneously, the reliability is further increased. It improves. The PVC 31 may be incorporated in the MCU 32.
[0044]
Next, FIG. 5 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the same components as those in the third embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. The feature of the present embodiment is that the power supply to the MCU 32 is stopped by detecting the engine start.
[0045]
That is, the switch means 41 provided between the in-vehicle power supply B and the MCU 32 is turned on / off by the reset output of the reset circuit 21. Thus, after the engine start is confirmed, the power supply to the MCU 32 is cut off by the reset signal, thereby reliably preventing the MCU 32 from running out of control. The switch means 41 may be incorporated in the MCU 32. This embodiment can be expressed as follows, for example. 2. The automobile use according to claim 1, wherein the start control means stops power supply to the engine start means when engine start is confirmed by either the power generation signal or the engine speed signal. Engine remote starter. "
In each of the above-described embodiments, it is described that a predetermined operation is performed when a power generation signal or an engine speed signal is output. To be precise, these signals are “when a predetermined value or more”. The case where a predetermined operation is performed is also included.
[0046]
Further, the gist of the present invention is described in the configuration diagram and the flowchart, and those skilled in the art can make various changes, additions or deletions without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
[0047]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the automobile engine remote starter according to the present invention, the operation of the engine starter can be stopped using the power generation signal regardless of the control state of the starter control. Even when a failure occurs in the start control means or the engine start means, it is possible to prevent the engine body from being damaged and improve the reliability.
[0048]
In addition, when the engine start is confirmed by either the power generation signal or the engine speed signal, the engine start by the engine start means is stopped, so that the completion of the engine start can be detected more reliably, Can increase the sex.
[0049]
Furthermore, because it is configured to determine whether the drive relay is in a normal state or an abnormal state based on a minute current passed through the drive relay, the state of the drive relay can be confirmed before remote start. Reliability can be further increased.
[0050]
In addition, since the start control by the start control means is stopped when both the power generation signal and the engine key insertion detection signal are detected, the start control means can be disconnected from the engine control system after the remote start is completed. It is possible to eliminate adverse effects caused by malfunction of the start control means.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of an automotive engine remote starter according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a remote start process of an automobile engine.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of an automotive engine remote starter according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of an automotive engine remote starter according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of an automotive engine remote starter according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a configuration explanatory view showing the overall configuration of a vehicle engine remote starter according to the prior art.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ... Engine starter controller
2, 22, 32 ... microcomputer unit
3 ... START relay (drive relay, engine starting means)
4 ... Cutoff relay (cutoff relay means)
9 ... Monitor resistance (micro current supply means)
100: Transmitter (transmission means)
101 ... Receiver (receiving means)
110 ... Starter motor (engine starting means)
111 ... Starter motor relay (engine starting means)
112 ... Alternator (power generation means)
+ B ... In-vehicle power supply (power supply unit)

Claims (1)

Transmitting means for transmitting a command signal by radio; receiving means for receiving the command signal; and starting control means for starting the engine via the engine starting means when the receiving means receives the command signal; In an automobile engine remote starter comprising:
A shut-off relay means is interposed between the engine start means and the power supply unit, and the shut-off relay is operated by a power generation signal directly supplied from the power generation means that generates power when the engine is started. Forcibly stopping power supply, and
The engine starting means includes a starter motor, a starter motor relay for controlling power supply to the starter motor, and a drive relay for controlling the operation of the starter motor relay. the minute current supply means for supplying a minute current to the relay provided, the starting control means for automotive you and judging whether the drive relay is or abnormal state in a normal state by the small current Remote engine starter.

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