Abstract: A diagnostic device for the starter of a combustion engine is provided. The electrical system of a motor vehicle includes a battery in whose connecting line a battery disconnect switch is provided, and the electrical system of the motor vehicle is monitored by a vehicle electrical system state detection device which includes starter diagnostic functionality.

Abstract: A driving authorization system comprises an electronic immobilizer function which is coupled to a rotary shaft sensor. The rotary shaft sensor senses the position and/or rotational speed of the rotary shaft by means of a pickup wheel arranged on a rotary shaft, and transmits that information to a vehicle control unit which enables the electronic immobilizer function. According to the invention, the pickup wheel comprises a predefined number of teeth which are arranged distributed along the circumference of the pickup wheel according to a code, and an encoded rotational speed signal which is picked up by the rotary shaft sensor and can be decoded by the vehicle control unit. The vehicle control unit enables the immobilizer function only after successful decoding of the encoded rotational speed signal. A synchronization time for detecting a specific position of the rotary shaft is part of the encoded rotational speed signal.

Abstract: A starter control device includes an auxiliary switch for controlling an operation of a starter main switch, the auxiliary switch having a cap made from an insulating member. The starter control device also includes a control circuit part disposed on the cap, a terminal disposed on the cap, and a connection metal attachment for connecting the control circuit part and the terminal.

Abstract: A process for starting a direct-injecting internal-combustion engine is disclosed. The process includes triggering a separate drive for adjusting the camshaft for causing an angular position change between the crankshaft and the camshaft until the separate drive rotates the crankshaft such that a working medium is compressed by a piston in a cylinder of the internal-combustion engine. The position of the pistons of the internal-combustion engine is determined by using position determining devices to identify the cylinder of the internal-combustion engine in which the working medium is compressed. Fuel is injected into the cylinder in which the working medium is compressed when the cylinder is in a proximity of an upper dead center to start the internal-combustion engine.

Abstract: When cranking is started, a control unit of an ECU determines an advance amount by which an intake valve closing timing is advanced from a fully retarded position toward a bottom dead center, and transmits the determined advance amount to a variable valve timing mechanism. After cranking is started, the control unit determines that there is an abnormality in the variable valve timing mechanism, when the advance amount is larger than 0, and when an actual intake valve closing timing, determined using an intake cam angle from a cam angle sensor and a crank angle from a crank angle sensor, is not advanced from the fully retarded position. When it is determined that there is an abnormality in the variable valve timing mechanism, the control unit outputs a control signal to an inverter to increase an output torque of a motor, which is a driving source for cranking.

Abstract: A system for overriding an EMD locomotive engine protective device which includes a low water pressure sensing device in communication with the engine cooling system for shutting down the engine when low water pressure in the engine is sensed, the override system comprising a water assist pump connected to a source of water and communicating with the protective device for supplying pressurized water to the low water pressure sensing device to maintain relatively high water pressure to prevent the device from shutting down the engine; and a controller for activating the water assist pump during start up of the engine.

Abstract: A control apparatus for an internal combustion engine that is startable by a motor driven by electric power supplied by an electric storage device, includes: a starting mode selection device for selecting either a first mode or a second mode as starting mode of the internal combustion engine; a control device for setting an output mode during outputting the electric power to the motor from the electric storage device, according to a result selected by the starting mode selection device, wherein the control device is adapted to set a flat mode, corresponding to the first mode, in which a predetermined electric power is continuously output and a pulse mode, corresponding to the second mode, in which electric power that varies with amplitude greater than a predetermined amplitude is output.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a controller for turning off the engine when the vehicle is idle, a motor/generator for starting the engine, an inverter for converting a DC auxiliary voltage from a battery into an AC voltage for powering the motor/generator, and a device for isolating a DC voltage from the DC auxiliary voltage to prevent voltage sag in a vehicle system during engine starting. The device includes a transformer, a rectifier/regulator, and an isolator. A mechanical relay opens, or an FET is activated, to isolate the DC voltage during engine start. A method for preventing voltage sag in an auxiliary vehicle system includes detecting a commanded engine start, comparing a measured auxiliary voltage to a threshold, isolating a predetermined DC voltage from a DC auxiliary voltage when the measured auxiliary voltage is less than the threshold, and powering the auxiliary vehicle system using the isolated DC voltage.

Abstract: This invention provides a battery pack for driving a compact electric motor of a compact engine starting device mounted on a working machine, comprising lithium-based secondary battery comprising two cells, the entire discharge capacity of the cells being 500 to 2000 mAh, charging voltage per one cell being 3.0 to 4.2 V, various electronic circuits like driving and battery protection circuits of an electric motor, maximum discharge current of the battery having high rate of 10 to 60 A, the protection circuit including an overdischarge inhibit circuit (A) interposed in the electric motor driving circuit and automatically stopping the driving operation of the electric motor after time required for starting the engine elapsed, the volume of the battery pack being as extremely low as 2.5×104 to 1.0×105 mm3, the tire required until the engine is started from the actuation of the electric motor being set to an interval as short as 5 to 15 seconds, since high current can flow.

Abstract: A CELO method is carried out when cooling water of an engine is not sufficiently warmed upon the startup of a vehicle in the winter. A CELO is carried out in various modes according to negligence levels a vehicle, wherein the negligence levels are divided into a total negligence level, a partial negligence level and a care level according to inside and outside air temperatures. The CELO is carried out for the total or partial negligence levels but not for the care level. For the total or partial negligence levels, the CELO is operated according to various times. The CELO operation time can be adjusted according to the vehicle speed in addition to the negligence levels of a vehicle. The CELO can thus be appropriately carried out according to vehicle conditions and passenger demands without a cooling water temperature sensor.

Abstract: A battery device of the invention has a high-voltage battery unit, which includes three battery modules C1 through C3, three voltage equalization circuits B1 through B3, and six switches SW1 through SW6. Each of the three battery modules C1 through C3 includes plural lithium secondary cells arranged in series. Each of the voltage equalization circuits B1 through B3 works to equalize the voltages of the respective cells included in a corresponding one of the battery modules C1 through C3. The six switches SW1 through SW6 are individually switched on and off to switch over the connection state of the battery modules C1 through C3 between serial connection and parallel connection. In the battery device of the invention, the voltage equalization process activates the voltage equalization circuits B1 through B3 to respectively equalize the voltages of the plural cells included in each of the three battery modules C1 through C3 in the state of serial connection of the battery modules C1 through C3.

Abstract: A method of controlling an engine during an engine startup or shutdown condition includes operating a valve to open a port of a combustion chamber to allow fluid to flow between the combustion chamber and the port for at least one entire engine cycle. The method also includes preventing combustion of fuel during a combustion stroke of the at least one engine cycle. The engine cycle occurs during the engine startup or shutdown condition.

Abstract: In a process of automatically stopping a diesel engine upon fulfillment of automatic engine stop conditions, an ECU cuts off fuel injection when the engine speed equals a preset first engine speed N1. The ECU limits the amount of intake air at the first engine speed N1 and, then, increases the amount of intake air at a point in time when the engine speed equals a second engine speed N2, at which point a piston in a cylinder which will be on a compression stroke at engine stop is expected to transfer to a last intake stroke, so that the piston in the compression stroke cylinder at engine stop stops at a point within a specified range closer to the bottom dead center than a piston in a cylinder which will be on an expansion stroke at engine stop.

Abstract: In a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine, an enabling condition is a function of at least one operating variable, of the motor vehicle and/or of the internal combustion engine. Starting and/or stopping of the internal combustion engine are enabled as a function of the enabling condition. It is provided that the presence of the enabling condition be checked redundantly within the scope of a 3-level monitoring concept.

Abstract: An engine starting assist system. A battery is selectably coupled to an ultracapacitor with a contactor. In addition, a controller is configured to perform at least one of: monitor the condition of the battery, monitor the condition of the ultracapacitor, control the flow of energy between the battery and the ultracapacitor by selective actuation of the contactor, receive a start input control. The controller issues a start output control to a starter solenoid of the engine, such that energy stored in the ultracapacitor may be used to at least one of charge the battery and provide cranking current to a starter of the engine in conjunction with the battery.

Abstract: An engine start device includes a generator, a battery charged by the generator, a starter, an electric double layer capacitor and a DC/DC converter. The electric double layer capacitor is connected between the starter and the battery. The DC/DC converter has an input terminal connected to the battery and the electric double layer capacitor. The DC/DC converter has an output terminal connected to the starter and the electric double layer capacitor. According to voltage of the battery, internal DC resistance of the battery or internal DC resistance of the electric double layer capacitor, the DC/DC converter effects control of charge voltage of the electric double layer capacitor so as to stabilize voltage applied to a starter motor and stabilize the engine start.

Abstract: The invention relates to a starter device (10) for internal combustion engines (15) in motor vehicles with a controller (19), a starter relay (12), a starter pinion (13) and a starter motor (11), whereby on each start/stop process in the stop phase (first step) the starter relay engages the starter pinion in the toothed ring (14) of the engine and in the start phase (second step) the engine is turned over by the starter motor. According to the invention, the starter pinion (13) may be engaged as quietly as possible for a subsequent starting process on switching off the engine (10) and held in position until starting, whereby, in the first step of the starting process, the armature (28) of the starter relay (12) is withdrawn with reduced force to a position with open switch contact (18) and held there until the start of the second step, whereupon the armature (28) closes the switch contact (18) of the starter motor with full force.

Abstract: An engine starting device including: a battery capacity monitoring portion that estimates a remaining capacity of a battery; a start time starter driving portion that supplies a driving current from the battery to a starter generator for causing cranking of the engine when a start mode of the engine is a normal start mode; and a display portion that displays that the cranking for starting the engine is to be performed by a manual starter when the estimated remaining capacity of the battery is insufficient, wherein the driving of the starter generator is prohibited and the start mode of the engine is switched to the manual start mode when the estimated remaining capacity of the battery is insufficient.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling cycling of high voltage contactors is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes generating a first contactor command and activating the contactor in response to the first contactor command. A timer is initiated upon generation of the first contactor command. The method also includes determining whether a second contactor command should be generated subsequent to the generation of the first contactor command. The method further includes activating the contactor in response to the second contactor command being generated when the timer has expired.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for controlling fuel injection in an internal combustion engine (10) having at least one electric machine (26), wherein a direct injection system (18) for direct injection of fuel into at least one combustion chamber (54) of the internal combustion engine (10) is associated with the internal combustion engine (10), the direct injection system (18) including a mechanically driven high-pressure fuel pump (22) for generating a fuel pressure in an accumulator volume (20) upstream of the at least one combustion chamber (54).

Abstract: A method of starting an engine having a fuel rail, one or more fuel injectors, and one or more spark plugs. In one embodiment, the method includes initializing a starting operation of the engine and suppressing the engine from starting by retarding a spark timing of the one or more spark plugs from normal spark timing. The method also includes purging, while the spark timing is being retarded, the fuel rail of the engine by operating the one or more fuel injectors. Additionally, the method includes advancing the spark timing after a first duration has passed or the engine has started.

Abstract: A method for starting an internal combustion engine, the method comprising identifying cylinder stroke during the engine start responsive to a fuel rail pressure.

Abstract: A method for detecting sustained combustion in the engine of a hybrid electric powertrain that includes a starter/generator driveably connected to the engine, a transmission for driving a load, and an input clutch for opening and closing a drive connection between the electric machine and the transmission, includes the steps of using the starter/generator to produce torque and crank the engine, preparing the engine to produce combustion, producing torque capacity across the input clutch while slipping the clutch, and continuing use of the starter/generator until a sum of the crankshaft torque applied by the starter/generator and the crankshaft torque applied by the transmission is less than some torque threshold for a predetermined period length.

Abstract: There is provided a method of starting a spark ignition engine having multiple cylinders. The method comprises supplying air and fuel for restart into a first cylinder before the engine completely stops, and igniting the mixture of the air and the fuel in the first cylinder in response to an engine start request. In accordance with the method, by supplying air and fuel into the first cylinder before the engine completely stops, the mixture of air and fuel in the first cylinder may be homogeneous at the time of the engine start request. Also, there may be less mixture turbulence and combustion may propagate better within the cylinder. These conditions may reduce the rate of combustion in the first cylinder after a start request is initiated. The slower combustion rate may decrease temperature of the combusted gas while the cylinder wall temperature is relatively low because the engine has stopped.

Abstract: In an automatic stop device that automatically stops the operation of an internal combustion engine after a predetermined automatic stop condition is satisfied, a load acting on the engine is removed when the automatic stop condition is satisfied. When the automatic stop condition is satisfied, the between the magnitude of the load on the internal combustion engine before and after of the automatic stop condition is satisfied is determined, and an ignition timing retard amount of an ignition plug is decided such that the retard amount is increased as the difference becomes greater. The ignition timing is retarded by the retard amount substantially at the same moment as the load removing operation before the automatic stop control is initiated.

Abstract: Provided is an engine starting system which is highly reliable in that a battery does not run out even if a manual switch is tampered and operated many times by a third party. Equipment on the propelled object side (2) includes an actuation signal refusing unit (22a) which avoids responding to an actuation signal from a switch (31) for a third predetermined time in at least one of the states where a number of actuation signals successively transmitted from the switch without producing an answer signal thereto has become equal to or larger than a prescribed number of times predetermined in a first predetermined time period and where the actuation signal has been kept tuned ON for a period equal to or longer than a second predetermined time period without producing an answer signal thereto.

Abstract: A rotation speed calculation interval is set near a combustion top dead center of each cylinder of an engine. An interval rotation time necessary for a crankshaft to rotate through the rotation speed calculation interval is calculated as angular speed information of the crankshaft in the rotation speed calculation interval for each combustion stroke of the engine. Engine rotation speed is calculated based on the interval rotation time. The angular speed information of the crankshaft in the rotation speed calculation interval set near the combustion top dead center reflects a combustion state or generated torque. By calculating the engine rotation speed based on the angular speed information, the engine rotation speed highly correlated with the combustion state or the generated torque of the engine can be calculated.

Abstract: A starter control system for a combustion engine is disclosed. The starter control system may have a first starter and a second starter each coupled to independently initiate cranking of the combustion engine, and a sensor to generate a first signal indicative of an operational condition. The starter control system may further include a controller communicatively coupled to the first and second starters and the sensor. The controller may be configured to determine a status of the first starter and a status of the second starter based on the first signal, and command one of the first and second starters to crank the combustion engine to an ignition speed based the status of the first starter and the status of the second starter in response to a request to start the engine.

Abstract: An engine start method of a vehicle having starter and ISG considers the temperature of an engine coolant and the voltage of a battery. The objective start rpm of the starter is raised and the objective start rpm of the ISG is lowered as the engine temperature is lowered.

Abstract: To achieve a reliable and exhaust-optimized combustion starting already from the beginning of a combustion phase in the startup of an internal combustion engine, the internal combustion engine is brought to a target speed by an electric motor in a drag phase, the target speed being higher than the previously known starting speed. The target speed corresponds approximately to an idling speed assigned to the internal combustion engine, for example. After exceeding the starting speed, first a mixture enrichment is determined, taking into account a prevailing state of a wall film here in particular. Only after reaching the target speed is the fuel metered and does the combustion take place in the combustion phase. The fuel is metered here in particular on the basis of the mixture enrichment determined after exceeding the starting speed.

Abstract: An engine start controller having a starter motor that is driven by battery to start engine, an activation switch that sends to the starter motor a START command for starting the engine, an activation circuit that connects the starter motor to the battery to supply a drive current, and an engine start control unit that issues an OPERATE command for operating the activation circuit when receiving the START command from the activation switch, and supplies the drive current to the starter motor. The controller is provided with a bypass circuit that directly sends to the activation circuit the START command that has been sent from the activation switch.

Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine having at least one triggerable intake valve and at least one triggerable discharge valve, in which the internal combustion engine is directly started in a start-up operating mode and, following the start, is operated in at least one other operating mode. A starting discharge instant of a discharge valve of the internal combustion engine that is used during the start-up operating mode is retarded in time with respect to a standard discharge instant so as to improve the direct start-up characteristics of the internal combustion engine. In addition, to further improve the direct start-up characteristics, it is possible to retard a closing instant of an intake valve that is used during the start-up operating mode with respect to a standard closing instant.

Abstract: A method for starting an internal combustion engine of a hybrid-electric vehicle having a controller, the engine having a plurality of cylinders, each with at least an intake and exhaust valve, each of which may be held in a position for a cycle of a cylinder, the method comprising of deactivating a plurality of cylinders in said engine in response to a signal from the controller of the hybrid-electric vehicle by mechanically deactivating valves in each cylinder of the engine, the deactivation in response to a request from the controller of the hybrid-electric vehicle and to reduce a number of operating valves in each cylinder of the engine.

Abstract: An engine starting control apparatus is basically provided with a motor control section, a valve timing control section and a start control section. The motor control section is configured to operate an electric motor to crank an engine with an output of the electric motor being adjustable. The valve timing control section is configured to operate a variable valve operating mechanism when the engine is started to change at least a close timing of an intake valve of the engine from an initial timing corresponding to a state in which the engine is stopped to a start timing for starting the engine. The start control section is configured to adjust the output of the electric motor as the close timing of the intake valve changes from the initial timing to the start timing.

Abstract: The present invention provides as tarter capable of keeping a state where a pinion and a ring gear maintain meshing with each other when an engine stops without providing a plunger stopper using a solenoid or the like. The state where the pinion and the ring gear maintain meshing with each other in the engine stop mode continues by movement resistance which occurs when a torque transmission member moves. Concretely, an inclination angle of a helical spline in a helical spline engagement part is set so that the above state continues. The helical spline engagement part is a part where a helical spline on the outer periphery of an output shaft of a starter motor and a helical spline on the inner periphery of the torque transmission member mesh with each. Consequently, the above state continues without a plunger stopper using a solenoid or the like.

Abstract: A device for starting an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle includes a starter motor having an actuator for engaging a pinion, drivable by the starter motor, with a ring gear, and a control unit which activates a switching output stage associated with the actuator and a switching output stage associated with the starter motor. The starting time of the internal combustion engine is substantially reduced by providing the starter device with a control unit.

Abstract: The invention essentially concerns a method for fast starting of a hybrid vehicle. Said method uses a power transmission device (1.1) comprising a traction chain consisting of a heat engine (2), a clutch (3), an electrical machine (4), and wheels (6). The invention is characterized in that said method, in order to rapidly accelerate the vehicle when it is stopped, consists in starting the heat engine (2) concurrently with the actuation of the electrical machine, using a starting system (7) mechanically independent of the electrical machine (4).

Abstract: An engine control apparatus in which, when it is detected by a starter switch that a starter has changed-over from a drive state into a non-drive state, an ECU (engine control unit) predicts a time period in which an engine is completely stopped, on the basis of a revolution speed of the engine at that time, so as to turn OFF an output of a starting motor relay for the predicted period.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a flywheel, a starter for rotatably driving the flywheel, at least one starter parameter indicator, and an engine control module. Each indicator provides an output signal representing a start or no-start condition for the starter. The engine control module is coupled with the starter and one or more indicators. The engine control module controllably actuates the starter, dependent upon the output signal from each indicator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for switching on a power switch (S1, S2) arranged between capacitive elements (C1, DLC, B36) a choke (L) being connected in parallel to the switching contacts of the still open power switch (S1, S2). Said choke enables compensating currents to flow between the elements (C1, B36, DLC) to be interconnected and to decay before the power switch (S1, S2) is then closed in a de-energized manner.

Abstract: A start control apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes first and second control mechanisms which are individually arranged to vary at least one of a compression ratio and an expansion ratio of a cylinder of the internal combustion engine. The start control apparatus measures a state of the internal combustion engine before cranking the internal combustion engine, wherein the state includes a state of the second control mechanism; sets a first control signal in accordance with the measured state of the internal combustion engine; and outputs the set first control signal to the first control mechanism before cranking the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A method for the closed-loop speed control of an internal combustion engine-generator unit with a coupling, in which method, when the engagement of the coupling is detected, a change is made from a first set of parameters to a second set of parameters. In the second set of parameters, a second run-up ramp is set, which determines the presetting of the set speed, and second controller parameters are set as the determining factors for computing controller components of a speed controller.

Abstract: A system is provided for remote starting of a vehicle. The system includes a transmitter adapted to transmit a command signal and a vehicle. Onboard the vehicle is an engine, a receiver, adapted to accepting the command signal, and an occupant detection system. The occupant detection system may be part of an airbag occupant detection system, for example. The occupant detection system generates a signal indicating whether at least one occupant is in the vehicle. A processor generates a start request signal in response to the command signal and occupant signal if the occupant signal indicates that no occupants are in the vehicle. Occupant detection can be by means of detecting pressure, weight or capacitance on a seat or other suitable means.

Abstract: A method of operating a motor vehicle drive train having a hybrid drive including an internal combustion engine, an electric motor and an automatic transmission. A clutch is located between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor, and a clutch or a torque converter is located between the electric motor and the automatic transmission such that, when the drive train is powered exclusively by the electric motor, the internal combustion engine can be started by engagement of the clutch located between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor. The clutch, arranged between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor, is engaged during the process of downshifting when the internal combustion engine is started.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device (1) for controlling an internal combustion engine upon starting, having a detection means (420) which detects operating parameters of the engine, in which a calculation means (410), taking the detected operating parameters before the start of the engine into account, specifies a starting strategy, and the calculation means (410), as a function of the specified starting strategy, defines control parameters for controlling a runup to engine operating speed, and a control means (430) monitors the runup to engine operating speed, and in the event of a runup to engine operating speed that deviates from the starting strategy, the control means (430), adapts the control parameters accordingly.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine starting control system for a vehicle which has an internal combustion engine as a driving source of the vehicle. The system includes a motor for driving the internal combustion engine; and a control device for performing driving control of the motor by making an actual rotation speed of the motor approach a predetermined target rotation speed. The driving control is a response designation feedback control based on a predetermined state quantity of the vehicle. Typically, the control device changes a response condition in the response designation feedback control in accordance with one of possible starting states of the internal combustion engine, by using a response designation parameter for designating the response condition, by which an approach condition in the operation for making the actual rotation speed of the motor approach the predetermined target rotation speed is changeable.

Abstract: A control apparatus includes a driving device that is capable of operating regardless whether the engine is running or not. A variable valve actuation mechanism is driven by the driving device. During an idling operation of the engine, a control section controls the driving device such that the variable valve actuation mechanism maintains the valve timing at a valve timing advanced relative to a most retarded valve timing. The control section controls the driving device such that the variable valve actuation mechanism changes the valve timing to the most retarded valve timing after a stopping operation of an autonomous operation of the engine is initiated. Therefore, shock due to the initiation of the engine starting operation is reduced without decreasing fuel economy.

Abstract: A control apparatus for an internal combustion engine that is startable by a motor driven by electric power supplied by an electric storage device, includes: a starting mode selection device for selecting either a first mode or a second mode as starting mode of the internal combustion engine; a control device for setting an output mode during outputting the electric power to the motor from the electric storage device, according to a result selected by the starting mode selection device, wherein the control device is adapted to set a flat mode, corresponding to the first mode, in which a predetermined electric power is continuously output and a pulse mode, corresponding to the second mode, in which electric power that varies with amplitude greater than a predetermined amplitude is output.

Abstract: An auxiliary power unit automatic start-up system is configured to assist a main engine start of a machine. The auxiliary power unit automatic start-up system may include an auxiliary power unit and a controller. The controller may monitor a parameter of the machine, automatically start the auxiliary power unit if the parameter is outside a first predetermined range, and bring the parameter within a second predetermined range using the auxiliary power unit.

Abstract: At the time of (i.e., during) cranking of an internal combustion engine, an engine cranking-caused vibration suppressing apparatus and method controls the operation of an electric motor that cranks the internal combustion engine based on the rotational phase of the crankshaft detected by a crankshaft rotational phase detector so that the output torque of the motor fluctuates similarly to fluctuations in resistance torque against the cranking of the engine that the crankshaft presents in accordance with the rotational phase thereof. Thus, the apparatus and method are able to suppress vibrations during the cranking of the engine, leading to improvements in the riding comfort and the noise suppression of a vehicle.