JP4293932B2 - Vehicle engine start control device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention is provided with vehicle control means for managing the driving state of the entire vehicle, and is provided so as to be able to communicate with the vehicle control means via communication means, and controls the operation of the engine based on a communication command from the vehicle control means. An engine control means and an engine start device for starting the engine are configured, and when the vehicle control means determines that an engine start condition is satisfied, a command for engine start communication is commanded to the engine control means. The present invention relates to an engine start control device for a vehicle configured to do this.

  In the engine start control device for a vehicle having the above configuration, for example, when a key switch is operated by a driver while the engine is stopped, or when the engine is stopped in an idling state by temporarily stopping traveling. When the engine is started to start the vehicle, the vehicle control means for managing the driving state of the entire vehicle determines that the engine start condition is satisfied, and sends a communication command for engine start to the engine control means. And the engine control means operates the engine starter so as to control the fuel supply state of the engine for starting the engine.

  As a conventional example when applied to a hybrid vehicle as an example of a vehicle, there is one in which the vehicle control means controls the operation of the engine starter (see, for example, Patent Document 1). (Hereinafter referred to as the first conventional example)

  Further, although not disclosed in the patent literature, as another conventional example, when the engine control means receives a communication command for starting the engine from the vehicle control means, the engine control means operates the engine starter. Some were configured to control operation. (Hereinafter referred to as the second conventional example)

JP 2001-99039 A

  The hybrid vehicle as described in the first conventional example is provided with an electric motor for driving that assists the power of the engine, not by the engine starter but by the electric motor for driving. Although the engine may be started, the electric motor for driving the drive consumes a large amount of power, and the electric motor for driving the drive may not be able to start the engine when the state of charge of the mounted battery is low. In such a case, the engine is started using the engine starting device. Therefore, the vehicle control means for managing the driving state of the entire vehicle can start the engine by the engine starting device at an appropriate timing. If it is determined that the engine start condition is satisfied, the engine control means is instructed to send a communication command for starting the engine, and the engine control means adjusts the fuel supply amount for starting the engine. The engine will start properly.

  However, in the configuration described in the first conventional example, the engine starting device is configured to operate only with a command from the vehicle control means, but the vehicle control means should start the engine due to the influence of a disturbance or the like, for example. If the engine start device is commanded to the engine starter due to a malfunction, the engine starter may operate based on an erroneous command from the vehicle control means. As described above, in the configuration described in the first conventional example, the engine starting device is operated only by a command from the vehicle control means, so that the control operation when the engine starting device is operated is controlled. There was a disadvantage that the reliability was low.

  Further, in the configuration described in the second conventional example, the engine starting device is operated only by a command from the engine control means, so that it is the same as the configuration described in the first conventional example. There's a problem. In other words, in a situation where the engine control means should not start the engine due to the influence of a disturbance or the like, if an engine start is commanded due to a malfunction, the engine starter may operate based on the erroneous command. Therefore, in the configuration described in the second conventional example, since the engine starter is operated only by a command from the engine control means, the reliability of the control operation when the engine starter is operated. There was a disadvantage that would be low.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle engine start control device that can prevent malfunction of the engine start device and improve the reliability of the control operation when starting the engine.

  A first characteristic configuration of the present invention includes a vehicle control unit that manages the driving state of the entire vehicle, an engine that is provided so as to be communicable with the vehicle control unit via a communication unit, and that is based on a communication command from the vehicle control unit. Engine control means for controlling the operation of the engine and an engine start device for starting the engine. When the vehicle control means determines that an engine start condition is satisfied, the engine control means When the vehicle control means determines that the engine start condition is satisfied, a command to start the engine is issued to the engine start device. When the engine control means is instructed by the vehicle control means to give a communication command for starting the engine, the engine control means When the engine starter is instructed by either the start start command from the vehicle control means or the start start command from the engine control means. The engine is configured to start.

  According to the first characteristic configuration, when the vehicle control means determines that the engine start condition is satisfied, the engine control means is instructed with an engine start communication command, and the engine start device is instructed with a start start command. . On the other hand, when a communication command for starting the engine is commanded from the vehicle control unit, the engine control unit commands the engine starter to start the engine. The engine starting device starts the engine when both a start start command from the vehicle control means and a start start command from the engine control means are instructed.

  In other words, the engine starter is configured to start the engine when both the start start command from the vehicle control unit and the start start command from the engine control unit are instructed. Even if the engine start device is erroneously commanded to the engine start device due to the above, the engine start device does not start the engine unless there is a start start command from the engine control means. Further, even if the engine control means erroneously instructs the engine start device to give the start start command due to a malfunction, the engine start device starts the engine if there is no start start command from the vehicle control means. There is nothing.

  Therefore, even when the vehicle control means or the engine control means malfunctions, it is possible to prevent the engine starter from operating erroneously, and when the engine is started by preventing the engine starter from malfunctioning. It has become possible to provide an engine start control device for a vehicle that can improve the reliability of the control operation.

  In addition to the first feature configuration, the second feature configuration of the present invention includes a monitoring signal line that transmits to the engine control means that the start command is issued from the vehicle control means to the engine starter. When the vehicle control means and the engine control means are connected to each other, and the engine control means determines that the communication between the vehicle control means and the engine control means is abnormal, the vehicle The control means is configured to instruct the engine starter to start the start command when the engine starter is instructed to the engine starter via the monitoring signal line. is there.

  According to the second characteristic configuration, when the engine control means determines that the communication between the vehicle control means and the engine control means is abnormal, a start start command is commanded from the vehicle control means to the engine starter. If this is reported via the monitoring signal line, the engine start device is instructed to start.

  That is, when the communication between the vehicle control means and the engine control means is abnormal, the vehicle control means cannot instruct the engine control means to issue a communication command for starting the engine. Since the engine starter is instructed to the engine starter via the monitoring signal line, the engine controller determines that the starter start is instructed and sends it to the engine starter. A start start command can be issued.

  Therefore, even if a communication abnormality occurs between the vehicle control means and the engine control means, the engine is started if the vehicle control means and the engine control means are operating normally. The reliability of the control operation when starting the engine can be further improved.

  Further, for example, even in the case where the communication abnormality as described above occurs in a situation where the vehicle is performing idling stop that stops the engine that is temporarily stopped before the signal, etc., the engine There is an advantage that it is possible to improve the traveling safety as a vehicle, such as starting the vehicle and moving the vehicle to a safe place or continuing the traveling of the vehicle thereafter.

  According to a third characteristic configuration of the present invention, in addition to the first characteristic configuration or the second characteristic configuration, the engine starting device energizes the starting electric motor for rotationally driving the engine, and the starting electric motor. An energized state switching unit that switches between an energized state to start and a shut-off state to release the energization and stop the operation, and the energized state switching unit includes an engine start command from the vehicle control unit, and When any of the engine start commands from the engine control means is commanded, it is configured to switch to the energized state.

  According to the third characteristic configuration, when the engine start command from the vehicle control unit and the engine start command from the engine control unit are both issued, the energization state switching unit is configured to start the electric motor. Is switched to an energized state in which the engine is started by energizing the motor, and the engine is started by the rotational drive of the starting electric motor.

  That is, since the configuration is such that the energization state for the starter electric motor is directly switched by both the engine start command from the vehicle control means and the engine start command from the engine control means, the control operation when starting the engine As the energization state switching unit, the energization state for the starter electric motor may be switched, so that a simple configuration such as an electromagnetic relay can be used. This makes it possible to reduce the cost.

Hereinafter, a case where an embodiment of a vehicle engine start control device according to the present invention is applied to a hybrid vehicle as an example of a vehicle will be described with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 1, the hybrid vehicle is directly connected so that a travel drive engine 1 and a travel drive electric motor 2 (hereinafter abbreviated as a travel motor) rotate integrally. In other words, the driving motor 2 is provided in a state of being directly connected to the output shaft 1a of the driving drive engine 1, and the driving means is driven so as to drive the left and right wheels 3 as a driving device by these powers. A drive unit KU is configured. The travel motor 2 is connected to the output shaft 1a of the engine 1 so that the rotor 2a rotates integrally with the same axis, and the stator 2b surrounding the outer periphery of the rotor 2a is in a fixed position in a vehicle body support portion (not shown). It is the structure supported by.

  In this hybrid vehicle, as long as the traveling motor 2 can be normally operated, the driving force applied to the output shaft 1a of the engine 1 by the traveling motor 2 when the operation of the engine 1 is stopped. After the engine 1 is started, the traveling motor 2 gives a driving force in the same direction as the engine rotation direction to the output shaft 1a to assist the power. That is, it is configured to be switchable between a power running state in which assistance is performed and a regenerative state in which driving force is applied from the output shaft 1a to generate power.

  That is, by executing a power running operation in which the traveling motor 2 outputs torque in the same direction as the rotation direction to the output shaft 1a that is rotationally driven by the engine 1, the engine while outputting a desired traveling driving force. The power can be assisted with respect to the output of the engine 1 so that 1 is in a low fuel consumption state. In addition, the regenerative power obtained by generating electricity can be charged to the battery 4 by regenerating the traveling motor 2 when the traveling speed is reduced or when the vehicle is traveling steadily. It can be configured.

  The power of the drive unit KU is transmitted to the transmission 6 via the torque converter 5, and after being shifted by a gear-type automatic transmission mechanism inside the transmission 6, is transmitted to the left and right wheels 3 via the differential mechanism 7. It has a configuration.

  In this hybrid vehicle, for example, when the state of charge of the battery 4 is lowered to a level lower than the set state of charge and the power running operation of the travel motor 2 cannot be executed, or an operation abnormality of the travel motor 2 occurs. An engine starting device 20 for starting the engine 1 is provided when the traveling motor 2 cannot operate properly. The engine starter 20 includes a starter motor 21 having a well-known configuration as a starter electric motor that rotates a gear that meshes with a ring gear of the engine 1, and an electromagnetic as an energization state switching unit that switches driving power to and from the starter motor 21. The relay 22 is provided.

Next, a control configuration in this hybrid vehicle will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a vehicle control unit 8 serving as a vehicle control unit that manages the driving state of the entire vehicle, and a motor that controls the operation of the traveling motor 2 based on control information from the vehicle control unit 8. Engine as engine control means for automatically adjusting the output of the engine 1, specifically, the throttle opening of the electronic throttle valve 10 and the fuel supply amount by the injector 11 based on control information from the control unit 9 and the vehicle control unit 8 A potentiometer type accelerator operation amount detection sensor S1 that is provided with each control unit 12 and detects the operation amount of the accelerator operation tool 13, and a switch type brake operation detection sensor that detects whether or not the brake operation tool 14 is depressed. S2, rotational speed detection means for detecting the rotational speed of the traveling motor 2, in other words, the rotational speed of the output shaft 1a of the engine 1 The rotational speed sensor S3, the vehicle speed sensor S4 for detecting the vehicle speed as the traveling state of the vehicle based on the rotational speed of the axle of the wheel 3, the shift position sensor S5 for detecting the position of the shift position lever 17, and the battery 4 Various detection information by the charging state detection unit S6 or the like that detects the charging state SOC is input to the vehicle control unit 8.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the motor control unit 9 converts the DC power supplied from the battery 4 into three-phase AC power and controls the driving power supplied to the traveling motor 2 or travels by regenerative operation. An inverter 28 for controlling the regenerative power generated by the motor 2 and supplied to the battery 4, and pulse drive signals pulse-width modulated (PWM) based on the control information from the vehicle control unit 8. It is configured with a PWM control circuit 29 or the like that supplies each base terminal of the switching transistor, and adjusts the torque and rotational speed by changing the magnitude of the current flowing to the traveling motor 2 and the frequency of the alternating current, The regenerative power charged in the battery 4 can be adjusted.

  When a description is given of a configuration for generating mechanical braking force by operating the mechanical braking means KS by the brake operating tool 14, when the brake operating tool 14 is operated by a driver's stepping operation, A master cylinder 15 having a known configuration that generates a hydraulic operating force for braking corresponding to the stepping operating force is provided, and the vicinity of the wheel 3 is generated by the hydraulic operating force output from the master cylinder 15 through the hydraulic oil supply passage 15a. The vehicle body is braked by operating a friction braking device 16 provided on the vehicle. Such a mechanical braking means KS is configured to be adjustable so that the hydraulic operating force, that is, the mechanical braking force increases as the operating force of the driver with respect to the brake operating tool 14 increases. .

  The position of the shift position lever 17 includes “P” (parking position), “R” (reverse travel position), “N” (neutral position), and “D” (forward travel position). The switching operation is appropriately performed according to the situation.

  The vehicle control unit 8 detects the detection information of the shift position sensor S5, the detection information of the accelerator operation amount detection sensor S1, the detection information of the vehicle speed sensor S4, and the charge state SOC of the battery 4 detected by the charge state detection unit S6. And the like. The motor control unit 9 and the engine control unit 12 are configured to instruct control information to the motor control unit 9 and the engine control unit 12, and the motor control unit 9 and the engine control unit 12 are based on the command information. It is comprised so that the action | operation of may be controlled.

  Each of the vehicle control unit 8, the motor control unit 9, and the engine control unit 12 includes a communication bus 18 as an example of communication means including an address bus and a data bus as shown in FIG. The control information is connected to each other via a communication terminal and is configured to be able to communicate various kinds of control information as described above. Therefore, the engine control unit 12 as the engine control unit is provided so as to be communicable with the vehicle control unit 8 via the communication bus 18 as the communication unit, and operates the engine 1 based on the communication command from the vehicle control unit 8. Configured to control.

Next, control of the engine 1 and the traveling motor 2 will be described.
When the shift position lever 17 is at “P” (parking position) or “N” (neutral position), the engine 1 is basically stopped and the power running operation and the regenerative operation by the traveling motor 2 are not performed. However, in a case where the state of charge SOC of the battery 4 decreases to a set amount or less and the battery 4 needs to be charged, the engine 1 is operated and the power of the engine 1 is regenerated by the regenerative operation of the traveling motor 2. The operation of the engine 1 and the traveling motor 2 is controlled so as to charge the generated power to the battery 4.

  When the shift position lever 17 is operated to “D” (forward travel position) and the forward direction is commanded as the vehicle body travel direction, the accelerator operation tool 13 is depressed to start the vehicle body. If the engine 1 is stopped at that time, the driving motor 2 is rotated to start the engine 1, and when the vehicle body travels forward, the output of the engine 1 is adjusted according to the accelerator operation amount, and will be described later. The traveling motor 2 is configured to execute a power running operation and a regenerative operation. Even if the shift position lever 17 is operated to “D” (forward travel position), the vehicle stops traveling in a state where the accelerator operation is not performed, and the state of charge SOC of the battery 4 is greater than or equal to the set value. When the engine is in a high state, idle stop control for stopping the engine 1 is executed. By executing the idle stop control in this way, the fuel consumption of the engine 1 is minimized.

  When the shift position lever 17 is operated to “R” (reverse travel position) and the reverse direction is commanded as the vehicle body travel direction, the output of the engine 1 is adjusted according to the accelerator operation amount. However, neither the power running operation nor the regenerative operation is performed on the traveling motor 2.

  The power running operation of the travel motor 2 will be described. Control information corresponding to the target value of the power running torque so that the travel motor 2 outputs the target value of the power running torque in the same direction as the rotation direction of the engine 1. Is applied to the PWM control circuit 29, and a pulse signal corresponding to the target torque for powering is applied from the PWM control circuit 29 to the base terminal of each switching transistor of the inverter 28, and the traveling motor 2 is driven to the engine 1 with the target torque. Will assist. In the regenerative operation, control information corresponding to the target value of the regenerative torque is supplied to the PWM control circuit so that the traveling motor 2 outputs the target value of the regenerative torque in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the engine 1. 29, and the PWM control circuit 29 applies a pulse signal corresponding to the target torque for regeneration to the base terminal of each switching transistor of the inverter 28, so that the traveling motor 2 has a reverse torque with respect to the engine 1, That is, the regenerative braking force is applied. Then, the traveling motor 2 is driven by the power of the engine 1 to act as a generator, and the battery 4 is charged while being changed and adjusted to regenerative power corresponding to the regenerative braking force by the inverter 28.

  The vehicle control unit 8 operates the accelerator when the key switch 19 is turned on by the driver while the engine 1 is stopped, or when the engine 1 is stopped by executing the idle stop control. When the tool 13 is depressed, it is determined that the engine 1 needs to be started. At that time, when the state of charge SOC of the battery 4 is higher than the set state of charge and the traveling motor 2 is operating normally, the vehicle control unit 8 starts the engine 1 by powering the traveling motor 2. It is the composition which makes it.

  However, when the vehicle control unit 8 determines that the engine 1 needs to be started, the state of charge of the battery 4 is lower than the set charge state, and the power running operation of the traveling motor 2 cannot be executed. If it is determined that the traveling motor 2 is not operating properly due to an abnormal operation of the traveling motor 2, the engine starting condition for starting the engine 1 by the engine starting device 20 is determined. It is the structure which discriminate | determines from what was materialized. Note that the determination that the operation abnormality of the traveling motor 2 has occurred is, for example, that the rotational speed sensor S3 is in spite of the fact that the vehicle control unit 8 has commanded the rotating motor 2 to rotate. There are cases where it is determined from the detection result that the traveling motor 2 does not rotate.

Next, a configuration for operating the engine starter 20 will be described.
When the vehicle control unit 8 determines that the engine start condition is satisfied, the vehicle control unit 8 is configured to instruct the engine control unit 8 to issue a communication command for starting the engine 1, and when it is determined that the engine start condition is satisfied. The engine starter 20 is configured to issue a start start command. Further, the engine control unit 12 is configured to instruct a start start command to the engine starter 20 when a communication command for engine start is instructed from the vehicle control unit 8. The engine starter 20 is configured to start the engine 1 based on the start start command from the vehicle control unit 8 and the start start command from the engine control unit 12.

  In addition, a monitoring signal line 23 is provided in a state where the vehicle control unit 8 and the engine control unit 12 are connected to transmit to the engine control unit 12 that a start command has been issued from the vehicle control unit 8 to the engine starter 20. When the engine control unit 12 determines that the communication between the vehicle control unit 8 and the engine control unit 12 is abnormal, a start start command is commanded from the vehicle control unit 8 to the engine starter 20. When this is transmitted via the monitoring signal line 23, the engine starting device 20 is instructed to start.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the positive electrode (+) side of the driving power supply is connected to one end side 22a of the contact point of the electromagnetic relay 22 in the engine starting device 20, and the other end side 22b of the contact point. Is connected to the negative (−) side (body earth) of the driving power supply via the starter motor 21. Accordingly, when the contact of the electromagnetic relay 22 is switched to the connected state, the starter motor 21 is switched to the rotational drive state. One end side of the exciting coil 22c of the electromagnetic relay 22 is connected to a starter terminal (STR +) 24 of the vehicle control unit 8, and the other end side of the exciting coil 22c is a starter drive terminal ( STR-) 25.

  When the vehicle control unit 8 determines that the engine start condition is satisfied, the starter terminal (STR +) 24 is set to a low level state (L) as shown in FIG. 7 as a start start command for the engine starter 20. ) To the high level state (H) and the engine starter 20 is instructed to start. On the other hand, when a communication command for starting the engine is instructed from the vehicle control unit 8, the engine control unit 12 sets the starter drive terminal (STR-) 25 to a high level state (H) as a start start command to the engine starter 20. The engine starter 20 is instructed to start starting by switching from the low level state (L) to the engine starting device 20.

  That is, if the vehicle control unit 8 and the engine control unit 12 are normally communicating, when the engine start condition is satisfied, the starter terminal (STR +) 24 of the vehicle control unit 8 is switched to a high level state. The starter drive terminal (STR−) 25 of the engine control unit 12 is switched to the low level state, and the engine control unit 12 is passed from the starter terminal (STR +) 24 of the vehicle control unit 8 through the exciting coil 22c of the electromagnetic relay 22. Current flows into the starter drive terminal (STR-) 25 of the motor, excitation current flows through the excitation coil 22c of the electromagnetic relay 22, the contact of the electromagnetic relay 22 switches to the connected state, and the starter motor 21 is driven. It will be.

  A monitoring signal line 23 is connected across the starter terminal (STR +) 24 of the vehicle control unit 8 and the starter start request terminal (STRQ) 26 of the engine control unit 12. This monitoring signal line 23 informs the engine control unit 12 that a start start command has been commanded from the vehicle control unit 8 to the engine starter 20 in the case of a communication abnormality in which communication information is not communicated via the communication bus 18. It has a function. That is, when the communication with the vehicle control unit 8 is abnormal, the engine control unit 12 starts the engine when an output request state, for example, a high level signal is input to the starter start request terminal (STRQ). It is determined that there is a request, and the starter drive terminal (STR−) 25 is switched from the high level state to the low level state to instruct the engine starter 20 to start.

Next, the engine start process in the vehicle speed control unit 8 will be described based on the control flowchart shown in FIG.
In the vehicle control unit 8, the accelerator operating tool 13 is depressed when the key switch 19 is turned on when the engine 1 is stopped or when the engine 1 is stopped by executing the idle stop control. If it is determined that the engine 1 has to be started after determining that it has been operated (step 1), the state of charge SOC of the battery 4 is higher than the set state of charge, and the driving motor 2 is operated appropriately. If this is possible, the running motor 2 is powered to start the engine 1 (steps 2, 3, 4). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the engine 1 has been started from the detection information of the rotational speed sensor S3, and if it is confirmed that the rotational speed of the engine 1 has increased to a set rotational speed or more and started, The engine starting process by the motor 2 is terminated (steps 5 and 6).

  When it is determined that the engine 1 needs to be started, the state of charge SOC of the battery 4 is lower than the set state of charge, and the power running operation of the traveling motor 2 cannot be executed, or for traveling When it is determined that the operation abnormality of the motor 2 has occurred and the traveling motor 2 cannot operate properly, the starter terminal (STR +) 24 is connected to start the engine 1 by the engine starting device 20. Switching to the high level state (steps 2, 3, and 7). Then, a start start command is commanded via communication via the communication bus 18 (step 8). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the engine 1 has been started from the detection information of the rotational speed sensor S3, and if it is confirmed that the rotational speed of the engine 1 has increased to a set rotational speed or higher, the starter is started. The terminal (STR +) 24 is switched to a low level state, communication with the engine control unit 12 is stopped, and the engine start process is terminated (steps 9, 10, and 11).

Next, engine start processing in the engine control unit 12 will be described based on the control flowchart shown in FIG.
When the communication with the vehicle control unit 8 is normally performed, the engine control unit 12 determines whether or not a start start command is commanded by communication from the vehicle control unit 8, and the start start command If NO is instructed, the starter drive terminal (STR-) 25 is maintained in a high level state (steps 21, 22, and 23). If it is determined that the start start command is instructed, the starter drive terminal (STR-) 25 is switched to the low level state so that the throttle opening and the fuel supply amount necessary for starting the engine 1 are obtained. The throttle valve 10 and the injector 11 are automatically adjusted (steps 24 and 25). As a result, an exciting current flows through the exciting coil 22c of the electromagnetic relay 22, the contact of the electromagnetic relay 22 is switched to the connected state, and the starter motor 21 is driven. Thereafter, when the start start command communicated from the vehicle control unit 8 is finished, the starter drive terminal (STR-) 25 is switched to the high level state, and the engine start process is finished (steps 26 and 27).

  If communication between the engine control unit 12 and the vehicle control unit 8 is not normally performed, it is determined whether the starter start request terminal (STRQ) 26 is turned on. If it is not determined that it is turned on, the starter drive terminal (STR-) 25 is maintained in a high level state (steps 28 and 29). When it is determined that the starter start request terminal (STRQ) 26 is turned on, the starter drive terminal (STR-) 25 is switched to the low level state, and the throttle opening and the fuel supply amount necessary for starting the engine 1 are obtained. Thus, the electronic throttle valve 10 and the injector 11 are automatically adjusted (steps 30 and 31). As a result, an exciting current flows through the exciting coil 22c of the electromagnetic relay 22, the contact of the electromagnetic relay 22 is switched to the connected state, and the starter motor 21 is driven. Thereafter, when the starter start request terminal (STRQ) 26 is switched to the OFF state, the starter drive terminal (STR-) 25 is switched to the high level state and the engine start process is terminated (steps 32 and 27).

  Therefore, according to the said structure, even if the vehicle control part 8 and the engine control part 12 malfunction, it can be avoided that the engine starting apparatus 20 act | operates accidentally. In addition, even when the communication between the engine control unit 12 and the vehicle control unit 8 is not normally performed, the vehicle control unit 8 determines that the engine 1 needs to be started. Sometimes, the engine control unit 12 and the vehicle control unit 8 are driven by switching the starter drive terminal (STR−) 25 to a low level state and driving the starter motor 21 based on information transmitted from the monitoring signal line 23. If each is operating normally, the engine 1 can be started.

[Another embodiment]
Hereinafter, other embodiments are listed.

(1) In the above embodiment, an electromagnetic relay is provided as an energization state switching unit in the engine starter. Instead of this configuration, for example, an energization state switching unit includes a switching transistor for energization state switching, When both an engine start command from the vehicle control unit and an engine start command from the engine control unit are commanded, various configurations such as a configuration including a drive circuit that turns on a switching transistor can be implemented. .

(2) In the above embodiment, the monitoring signal line is provided in a state of connecting the vehicle control unit and the engine control unit, and the engine control unit communicates between the vehicle control unit and the engine control unit. When it is determined that there is an abnormality, the engine start device is instructed to start a start based on the information transmitted through the monitoring signal line. It is good also as a structure which does not provide.

(3) In the above embodiment, the vehicle control means is configured to instruct a communication command for starting the engine to the engine control means via a communication bus as communication means. Not only a wired communication means but also a wireless communication means may be used.

(4) In the above-described embodiment, the hybrid vehicle having a configuration in which the output shaft of the driving drive engine and the driving drive electric motor are directly connected is illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the engine and the electric motor are planetary. A hybrid vehicle having a transmission configuration that transmits power to the traveling device via a gear mechanism or the like may be used.
Further, the present invention is not limited to a hybrid vehicle, and can be applied to a vehicle that is driven by only the power of an engine without an electric motor for driving.

Diagram showing schematic configuration of hybrid vehicle Control block diagram The figure which shows the control composition of the electric motor The figure which shows the structure for driving an engine starter Flow chart showing control operation Flow chart showing control operation Engine start processing timing chart

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Engine 8 Vehicle control means 12 Engine control means 20 Engine starter 21 Start electric motor 22 Current supply state switching part 23 Monitoring signal line

Claims (3)

Vehicle control means for managing the driving state of the entire vehicle, and engine control means provided so as to be communicable with the vehicle control means via the communication means and controlling the operation of the engine based on a communication command from the vehicle control means And an engine starting device for starting the engine, and when the vehicle control means determines that an engine start condition is satisfied, the engine control means is configured to instruct a communication command for engine start. An engine start control device for a vehicle,
When the vehicle control means determines that the engine start condition is satisfied, the vehicle control means is configured to instruct a start start command to the engine start device,
The engine control means is configured to command a start start command to the engine start device when the communication command for engine start is commanded from the vehicle control means,
The engine of the vehicle configured to start the engine when the engine start device receives both a start start command from the vehicle control means and a start start command from the engine control means. Start control device. A monitoring signal line for transmitting to the engine control means that the start command has been commanded from the vehicle control means to the engine starter is provided in a state of connecting the vehicle control means and the engine control means;
The engine control means is
The monitoring signal line indicates that when the communication between the vehicle control means and the engine control means is abnormal, the start command is issued from the vehicle control means to the engine starter. The engine start control device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the start command is sent to the engine start device when the start start command is transmitted to the engine start device. The engine starter switches between an electric start motor that rotationally drives the engine, an energized state for energizing the start electric motor to start the engine, and an interrupted state for releasing the energization and stopping the operation. And comprising
The energization state switching unit is configured to switch to the energization state when both an engine start command from the vehicle control unit and an engine start command from the engine control unit are commanded. Item 3. The vehicle engine start control device according to Item 1 or 2.

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