WO2011110445A2

WO2011110445A2 - Device for starting an internal combustion engine

Info

Publication number: WO2011110445A2
Application number: PCT/EP2011/052993
Authority: WO
Inventors: Simon Rentschler; Sven Hartmann; Juergen Gross; Thomas Erler
Original assignee: Robert Bosch Gmbh
Priority date: 2010-03-12
Filing date: 2011-03-01
Publication date: 2011-09-15
Also published as: DE102010029919A1; CN102782306A; WO2011110445A3; EP2545270A2

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for starting an internal combustion engine, having a battery terminal, a starter motor and a switching module arranged between the battery terminal and the starter motor. The switching module comprises a starting current relay, a primary relay and a series resistor. The series resistor is directly connected to the battery terminal.

Description

Description title

Device for starting an internal combustion engine

The invention relates to a device for starting an internal combustion engine.

State of the art

For starting internal combustion engines drives are used, which are fed by a source of energy independent of the fuel supply. In general, DC motors are used, the drive pinion first engages in a ring gear of the internal combustion engine to then drive the internal combustion engine. After the end of the starting process, the drive pinion moves back out of the ring gear of the internal combustion engine. In this case, a common relay is used for the Einspurvorgang and the switching of the main current to drive the DC motor. An associated block diagram is illustrated in FIG. This shows a connected to a terminal 50 relay 1, a switch 2, a control unit 5, the terminal 30 of the motor vehicle and a starter motor M. The control unit 5 has a driver TRO, which is acted upon by a switching signal S ₀ o. When the driver TRO is switched on, the relay 1 is connected via a control line SLO and the terminal 50 to a positive operating voltage +. Thereafter, the relay 1 attracts and closes the switch 2. By closing the switch 2, the starter motor M is connected to the terminal 30 of the motor vehicle and thereby put into operation.

A starting device for starting an internal combustion engine is known from EP 0 848 159 B1, which has a starter motor which can be connected to a voltage source via a starter relay and can be brought into engagement with the internal combustion engine for cranking. Furthermore, to control the starter relay and / or the starter motor provided an electronic control unit. This controls the semiconductor power output stages assigned to the starter relay and / or the starter motor in such a way that, at least in a start-stop operation of the internal combustion engine, the starter relay has its on-tracking position in the stop state of the internal combustion engine. In this starting device, the starter relay is energized after pressing a start switch, so that on the one hand, a contact is closed, which connects the starter motor with a supply voltage and on the other hand, independently of the sprocket of the starter motor in a arranged on a crankshaft of the engine sprocket einspurt.

In DE 10 2009 000 125.5 a device for driving an electromagnetic switching element, in particular a relay, is described, in which the time that elapses between the triggering of the attraction and the tightening, and also the time period between the triggering of the fall and the falling away, is reduced. Such a relay may be used in conjunction with pinion-starter-based start-stop systems. To control such a relay, three control lines are provided, via which a control unit actuates switching elements which, depending on their switching position, permit or block a current flow through two coils of the relay which can be energized independently of one another.

The increasing proliferation of start-stop systems in motor vehicles causes an extended requirement for the starting system and thus also an expansion of the functions. In this case, the ability to start must be realized at any time when the driver wants to get on (mind-change functionality) and reduced voltage dips. Advantageously, this is done by separating the built-in conventional start relay functions meshing and switching. The switching of the main current takes place in the first moment via a series resistor and with a time delay directly. One approach is to use a separate electromagnet for mechanical meshing. Two more

Switches or relays switch the main current of the starter system directly through a series resistor or the main current I30.

In DE 10 2009 028 294.7 a device for starting an internal combustion engine is described, which is a single-track module, which is provided for engaging a drive pinion, a starter motor, a switching module on which a starter current can be supplied to the starter motor, and has a control unit which is provided for controlling the Einspurmoduls and the switching module. The starter motor is connected via the switching module to the terminal 30 of a motor vehicle. The switch module has a start-up current relay, a main current relay and a series resistor, which is directly connected to the starter motor. According to one embodiment, a parallel circuit is provided between the terminal 30 of the motor vehicle and the starter motor, wherein in the first branch of this parallel circuit, a series circuit of a first switch and the series resistor and in the other branch of this parallel circuit, a second switch is arranged. According to a second embodiment, a series connection of two components is provided between the terminal 30 of the motor vehicle and the starter motor. The first of these components is a first switch. The second of these components is a parallel connection of the series resistor R _v with a second switch. According to a third embodiment, a series connection of two components is provided between the terminal 30 of the motor vehicle and the starter motor. The first of these components is a switch on which the main current relay operates. The second of these components is a parallel connection of the series resistor with an NC contact on which the start-up current relay acts.

Disclosure of the invention

A device for starting an internal combustion engine having the features specified in claim 1 has the advantage that due to the direct connection of the series resistor with the battery connection in a simple way a dissipation of heat from the series resistor can be done in the battery supply. This dissipation of heat is favored when the series resistor is mounted on the housing of the inrush current relay and conforms to this, taking into account an electrical isolation between the series resistor u. Relay housing. As a result, good contact protection is advantageously achieved.

In the case of integration of the series resistor in the interior of the housing of the starting current relay, for example, to the relay winding, a space-saving, compact design of the device is achieved. Further advantageous features of the invention will become apparent from the following explanation with reference to the drawing. It shows:

1 shows a circuit diagram for explaining a known device for starting an internal combustion engine,

2 shows a circuit diagram of an apparatus for starting an internal combustion engine, which has a starting current relay, a main current relay and a series resistor,

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram for explaining a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 shows a sketch for illustrating a practical realization of a device according to the first exemplary embodiment,

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram for explaining a second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a practical realization of a device according to the second embodiment and

Figure 7 Sketches of various embodiments of the series resistor of a device according to the invention.

The invention will accommodate an increasing proliferation of automobiles with start-stop functionality and, in comparison to previous start-stop systems, meets extended requirements for the system and is also associated with an expansion of the functions of the start-stop system. This includes a guarantee of the starting capability of the respective vehicle at each approach of the driver. This also means that no or only minor voltage dips occur when starting. These advantages are achieved in particular by the fact that the main current for the starter motor on the one hand via a series resistor and on the other time is performed directly to the starter motor. This is realized by the functionalities of a conventional starter relay are disconnected. In a device according to the present invention, a Einspurmodul for the engagement of the drive pinion and a switching module for guiding the starter current are provided on the one hand via a series resistor and the other time-delayed directly to the starter motor.

FIG. 2 shows a circuit diagram of a device for starting an internal combustion engine. This device has a starting current relay KA, a main current relay KH and a series resistor R _v . Furthermore, the device shown has a starter motor M, a single-track module EM, a switching module SM and a control unit S. The meshing module EM has an engagement relay ES, an engagement lever 7 and a drive pinion 6. The meshing module EM is provided to engage the drive pinion 6 in a ring gear ZK of the crankshaft KW of the internal combustion engine VM. The switching module SM contains the starting current relay KA, the main current relay KH, a first switch 3 and a second switch 4, wherein the switch 3 is assigned to the starting current relay and the switch 4 to the main current relay. The switches 3 and 4 are designed as mechanical switches. The switching module SM and the single-track module EM or the relays ES, KA and KH are each controlled by the control unit 5. A first terminal of the switch 3 is connected to the terminal 30 of the respective motor vehicle, to which the battery voltage of the motor vehicle is permanently applied. Another connection of the switch 3 is connected via the series resistor R _v to the starter motor M. The control terminal of the switch 3 is connected to the starting current relay KA. A first connection of the switch 4 is likewise connected to the terminal 30 of the motor vehicle. Another connection of the switch 4 is connected directly to the starter motor M. The control terminal of the switch 4 is connected to the main current relay KH. The switching module SM is provided to switch the starter current either via the series resistor R _v or directly to the starter motor M. When starting the vehicle, first the engagement relay ES is actuated in order to engage the drive pinion 6 in the ring gear ZK of the crankshaft KW of the internal combustion engine VM by means of the engagement lever 7. Then, by driving the inrush current relay KA, the first switch 3 is brought into the closed state, so that the terminal 30 is connected to the starter motor M via the first switch 3 and the series resistor R _v . Then, a time-shifted control of the main current relay KH, so that the second Switch 4 is brought into the closed state. As a result, the terminal 30 is connected via the switch 4 directly to the starter motor M.

This separation of the functionalities of a conventional starter relay allow a gentle engagement of the drive pinion of the starter motor in the ring gear of the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine and also a smooth and silent, but still reliable cranking of the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine at each approach of the driver. In addition, the starter and the toe are independent of each other, which is advantageous for engagement in the outgoing engine.

In the following, individual components of the device shown in FIG. 2 will be described in greater detail.

The starter motor M, which is provided for engaging the drive pinion 6 in the ring gear of the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine and for cranking the crankshaft, is realized as a DC machine.

The single-track module EM has either a mechanical relay ES or alternatively an electric servomotor. The function of contacting the starter current is not realized by the single track module.

A mechanical relay has, for example, a magnetically conductive housing, a magnet winding, a magnetic core, a return spring, a magnet armature and an engagement driver.

The switching module SM is intended to supply the main starter current through the series resistor and also directly to the starter motor.

In the case of the device shown in FIG. 2, the series resistor R _v is connected directly to the starter motor M and is connected to the terminal 30 via the switch 3.

According to the present invention, unlike the device shown in FIG. 2, the series resistor R _{v is} connected directly to the terminal 30, which is a battery terminal of the respective motor vehicle. delt, which is constantly connected to the battery of the motor vehicle, such as a 12V battery. This will be explained in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7.

3 shows a circuit diagram for explaining a first embodiment of the invention. This first embodiment differs from the device shown in Figure 2 by the shading shown in Figure 3 of the components shown there.

In the apparatus shown in FIG. 3, the inrush current relay KA acting on the switch 3 and the main current relay KH acting on the switch 4 constitute a series circuit disposed between the terminal 30 and the starter motor M. The series resistor R _v is the switch 3 and thus the starting current relay KA connected in parallel.

In order to carry out a starting process in which the starting current is reduced, the starting current relay KA is actuated, wherein its switch 3 can be realized as a normally closed contact or alternatively as a make contact. By this actuation of the starting current relay KA, the switch 3 is opened, so that the current path via the series resistor R _v runs. By switching the main current relay KH, which is realized in the form of a closer, the starting process of the starter motor M is initiated.

Thereafter, the starter motor M continues to operate without a current reduction. For this purpose, the starting current relay KA is deactivated again, so that the switch 3 is closed. As a result, the current path now extends from the terminal 30 via the closed switch 3 and the closed switch 4 to the starter motor M.

To switch off the starter motor M, the main current relay KH is deactivated and thus the switch 4 is brought into the open state. As a result, the current path to the starter motor M is interrupted.

An advantage of the device shown in FIG. 3 is that, due to the direct connection of the series resistor R _v to the terminal 30, a disconnection is possible. tion of heat from the series resistor can be done. This is illustrated in FIG. 3 by the dotted line.

FIG. 4 shows a sketch to illustrate a practical realization of a device according to the first exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. In this illustration, the terminal 30, the starting current relay KA, the resistor R _v , the main current relay KH and the starter motor M are shown. The series resistor R _v is attached to the outer jacket of the housing of the starting current relay and nestles against this. Ensure electrical insulation between the series resistor and the relay housing. This improves a dissipation of heat from the series resistor and allows a space-saving design of the switching module.

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram for explaining a second embodiment of the invention. This second embodiment differs from the device shown in Figure 2 by the interconnection shown in Figure 5 of the components shown there.

In the apparatus shown in FIG. 5, the starting current relay KA acting on the switch 3 and the main current relay KH acting on the switch 4 constitute a parallel circuit disposed between the terminal 30 and the starter motor M. Here, the starting current relay K _V or its switch 3, the series resistor R _{v is connected} in series, said resistor Rv is connected directly to the terminal 30.

To carry out a starting process, in which the starting current is reduced, the starting current relay KA is first actuated, the switch 3 is realized here in the form of a closer. As a result, the switch 3 is closed, as a result of which the current path runs via the series resistor R _v . By switching the main current relay KH, through which its switch 4 is brought into the closed state, the starting operation of the starter motor M is initiated.

Thereafter, the starter motor M is operated without a current reduction on. For this purpose, the switching relay KA is deactivated, so that the switch 3 is brought into the open state. To switch off the starter motor M, the main current relay KH is deactivated, so that the system is returned to its original position.

Also, the device shown in Figure 5 has the advantage that due to the direct connection of the resistor R _v with the terminal 30, a dissipation of heat from the series resistor can be done. This is illustrated in FIG. 5 by the dotted line.

FIG. 6 shows a sketch for illustrating a practical realization of a device according to the second exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. In this illustration, the terminal 30, the starting current relay KA, the resistor R _v , the main current relay KH and the starter motor M are shown.

The series resistor R _v is U-shaped or meander-shaped. One limb of the series resistor clings to the outside of the housing of the starting current relay KA, another leg of the series resistor outside of the housing of the main current relay KH. The area connecting the two legs of the series resistor is arranged in the space between the starting current relay KA and the main current relay KH. By this thermal but not electrical contact with the housings of the relay and its direct connection to the terminal 30, a dissipation of heat from the series resistor is possible in this embodiment, for example in the relay housing and it is a space-saving design of the switching module allows.

FIG. 7 shows sketches of various embodiments of the series resistor of a device according to the invention.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 7a corresponds to the embodiment of the series resistor shown in FIG. This illustration shows, inter alia, that provided on the outer jacket of the housing of the inrush current relay and conforming to this series resistor due to its shape covers part of the outer jacket of the housing of the starting current relay, so that heat is transferred from the series resistor to the relay housing in an effective manner can. Furthermore, the series resistor has two annular openings which, for the purpose of attaching the series resistor, of the starting current relay can be plugged over two from the starting current relay outwardly projecting pins.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 7b corresponds to the embodiment of the series resistor shown in FIG. From this representation it can be seen that the series resistor is U- or meander-shaped, two legs, a leg connecting this region and on the top two tabs, in which annular recesses are introduced. One of these legs conforms to the outer jacket of the inrush current relay, the other to the outer jacket of the main current relay. The area connecting the two limbs is - as can be seen in FIG. 6 - arranged in the intermediate region between the two relays. The said annular openings are used for attachment of the series resistor to the relay and are plugged for this purpose via an out of the respective relay outwardly projecting pin.

FIGS. 7c and 7d show exemplary embodiments of series resistors which are integrated in the housing of the inrush current relay and are placed there, for example, on the relay winding. This allows a particularly space-saving design of the overall device.

In the case of an external attachment of the series resistor to the outer jacket of a relay or between the two relays in addition to a dissipation of heat and a good contact protection is given. In particular, the series resistor is provided with a heat-dissipating shock protection, which is to pay attention to an el. Isolation between series resistor and relay housing.

The device shown is advantageously suitable for starting an internal combustion engine, which is equipped with a 12V vehicle battery. The resistance values of the series resistor are preferably between 2 mOhm and 15 mOhm.

Claims

claims

1 . Device for starting an internal combustion engine, having a battery connection, a starter motor and a switching module arranged between the battery connection and the starter motor, which has a starting current relay (KA), a main current relay (KH) and a series resistor (Rv), characterized that the series resistor (R _v ) is directly connected to the battery connection (Kl.30).

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the starting current relay (KA) and the main current relay (KH) form a series circuit and the series resistor (R _v ) is connected in parallel to the starting current relay (KA).

3. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the starting current relay (KA) and the main current relay (KH) are arranged parallel to each other and the series resistor (R _v ) in series with the starting current relay (KA) and between the starting current relay and the battery terminal is arranged.

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the series resistor has a resistance value for which applies: 2 mOhm <R <15 mOhm and the battery terminal (Kl.30) is connected to a 12 V battery.

5 Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the series resistor (R _v ) is mounted externally on the housing of the starting current relay and is nestled on this.

6. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that the series resistor (R _v ) is U-shaped or meander-shaped, between the housings of the starting current relay (KA) and the main current relay (KH) angeord- net is, a leg of the series resistor to the housing of the inrush current relay (KA) is nestled, another leg of the series resistor to the housing of the main current relay (KH) is nestled and connecting the two legs of the series resistor in the space between the starting current relay (KA) and the main current relay (KH) is arranged.

Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the series resistor is provided with a heat-dissipating contact protection.

Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the series resistor is integrated in the housing of the starting current relay (KA).