Abstract: An electrical circuit is disclosed having a drive stage and a control stage suitable, for example, for operating an electric motor in an electrical power assisted steering system.

Abstract: When engine shutdown conditions are satisfied while an engine 1 is running, a controller 10 automatically shuts down the engine 1 (idling stop state). When the engine 1 is automatically shut down and engine restart conditions are satisfied, the engine 1 is driven by a motor 2 and the engine 1 is restarted. At this time it is determined that the vehicle is in a deterioration state when the increase rate of the rotation speed of the engine 1 after starting driving the engine 1 with the motor 2 is low. Thereafter idling stop is prohibited. Furthermore when it is determined that the vehicle is on an up-slope, determination of deterioration state is not performed. The engine 1 is driven by the motor 2 and the engine 1 is immediately restarted.

Abstract: In a vehicle remote-control system, an anti-theft unit includes a vehicle control module, which can receive a disarm signal directly from a signal transmitting key, and which can change from an armed state, in which an inactive state of an ignition system is maintained, to a disarmed state, in which the ignition system is activated, upon receipt of the disarm signal. A starting unit includes a starting device, which generates an enable signal upon receipt of a starting control signal from a remote controller, and which controls starting operation of the ignition system when the vehicle control module is at the disarmed state and the starting device receives the starting control signal. A signal connector is enabled by the enable signal so as to relay the disarm signal from the key to the vehicle control module.

Abstract: A vehicle having an internal combustion engine, a cranking motor, and a battery includes a double-layer capacitor characterized by a capacitance greater than 150 farads, and a low internal resistance. First and second electrical paths interconnect the capacitor with the cranking motor. A control circuit is coupled between the positive and negative terminals of the capacitor, and this control circuit includes a switch that applies a variable control voltage to a relay in response to the position of the switch. The relay is included in one of the electrical paths, and the relay isolates the capacitor from the cranking motor when switched to the open-circuit condition by the control voltage and enables the capacitor to supply cranking current to the cranking motor when the control voltage places the relay in the closed-circuit condition.

Abstract: A control device includes a relay device coupled to a processor device, a power device coupled to the processor device and the relay device for energizing the processor device and the relay device, and a load device coupled to the relay device. A device may further be used for supplying control signals to the processor device, in order to switch on and switch off the relay device. The relay device includes two transistors coupled to the processor device, and two coils coupled to the transistors, for being actuated by the processor device with less electric power consumed.

Abstract: A vehicle access system that includes an electronic key ensures that the vehicle transmission is in a proper condition before power to the selected vehicle components is turned off. A control panel within the vehicle allows a driver to activate a switch indicating a desire to turn off the vehicle engine. A controller first determines whether a valid authentication code is received from a passive signaling device. Once validation is complete, the controller turns off the engine. Next, the controller determines that the vehicle is in the appropriate gear. If the transmission must be switched to the appropriate gear, the controller provides an indication to the driver that the transmission must be switched before the power to the accessory components will be turned off.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for short circuit protection to a motor vehicle starter circuit. The invention includes providing a switching mechanism positioned intermediate to a DC power source and the starter. A controller manipulates the switching mechanism between an open position and a closed position, the closed position connecting the starter circuit to the DC power source and the open position disconnecting the starter circuit from the DC power source.

Abstract: A vehicle having a power assist device and an engine protecting apparatus is capable of steering and braking after any abnormality of the engine is detected. The engine protecting apparatus includes a battery, a key switch, a condition switch, a timer and a timer-operative switch. The battery supplies an electric current to the ignition circuit of the engine. The key switch is disposed between the battery and the ignition circuit and has an ignition terminal. The condition switch turns on and off based on engine conditions. The condition switch is connected to the ignition terminal of the key switch. The timer is connected to the ignition terminal of the key switch and has a predetermined period of time. The timer measures a time period from when the condition switch is turned on. The timer-operative switch is actuated by the timer. The timer-operative switch interrupts the electric current flowing to the ignition circuit when the timer measures the predetermined time period.

Abstract: A power management system comprises a busboard for selectively managing the power from a forty-two volt source and a fourteen volt source in a vehicle dual voltage electrical system. The busboard has a lower plate with recesses for receiving variously configured busbars. The busbars have upright terminals for electrical connection with the voltage sources. The power from the voltage sources is directed along the busbars to other terminals extending at assorted locations from the busboard. An upper cover fits over the lower plate and covers the recesses. The upper cover has an area accommodating the forty-two volt source and housings for partially enclosing the other terminals. One of the housings forms a forty-two volt jump start post. Another of the housings forms a fourteen volt jump start post.

Abstract: A safety switch apparatus for use in a remote starter system of a vehicle, the apparatus having a magnetically actuated electrical switch for disabling the starter system when the switch is closed and a transmission of the vehicle is in-gear, and a magnet for urging the switch into a switched position when the magnet is adjacent thereto. The switch is securely mountable at a fixed mounting position on a frame of the vehicle, and the magnet is directly and securely mountable on a translatable portion of a user actuator for shifting the transmission. The translatable portion of the user actuator is operatively interposed between the transmission and a shifter handle portion of the user actuator. Both the fixed mounting position and the translatable portion are substantially concealed and substantially exterior relative to an interior seating compartment of the vehicle.

Abstract: A motorcycle wiring harness for use with aftermarket motorcycle frames and one of several types of Harley Davidson® engines that permit the engine to be operated without one or more of the factory provided features or interlocks.

Abstract: A starting system for an engine of an automotive vehicle having an ignition system includes a fingerprint sensor (26) that generates a fingerprint signal. A memory has a plurality of authorized fingerprint signals stored therein. A switch (28) is used to generate a start signal. A controller is coupled to the ignition system (20), the fingerprint sensor (26), the memory (18), and switch (28). The controller compares the fingerprint signal with the authorized fingerprint signal stored in the memory and enables the ignition system in response to the start signal and the fingerprint signal being substantially equal to an authorized fingerprint signal.

Abstract: An engine control device is provided, capable of restarting the engine when starting the vehicle rapidly and without giving any feeling of unease to the driver at the time of starting the vehicle by restarting the engine from the idle stop state.

Abstract: A self-contained safety and security system and method that performs the multiple functions of theft deterrence, battery saving, battery analysis system, accident protection, and telemetry and control data communication for vehicles is disclosed. The electronically-based system for a vehicle having an existing power transmission circuit including a battery that can be readily installed and made operational by an individual having no special training using common household tools. The system requires the installation of no dedicated wiring in the vehicle. Furthermore, the system preferably installs without any cutting or splicing of the wiring in the vehicle's electrical system. The system preferably includes an electrical activity sensor sensing electrical activity on the power transmission circuit, a motion sensor sensing vibration associated with the vehicle, a battery-disconnect switch, and a controller to receive signals from the electrical activity and motion sensors and control the switch.

Abstract: The wiring harness includes a first electrical cable having a diameter corresponding to a first current rating of a low voltage load and a second electrical cable having a diameter corresponding to a second current rating of a high voltage load. The diameters of the first and second electrical cables are unified to have the same diameter. The second current rating is determined to be smaller than the first current rating, and the cables are unified to the first electrical cable for the low voltage load.

Abstract: A vehicle engine starting apparatus that allows a driver to start an engine easily. The apparatus has a plurality of operation modes. The apparatus includes a starter motor, an ignition switch, and a control circuit. The ignition switch is pressed to generate an operation signal. The control circuit is connected to the starter motor and the ignition switch. The control circuit changes the current operation mode or activates the starter motor to start the engine depending on the nature of the operation signal.

Abstract: A remote start control system may include an engine speed data bus reader at the vehicle for reading the engine speed signal on the vehicle data communications bus, and a remote start controller at the vehicle and connected to a receiver and the engine speed data bus reader for operating the engine starter based upon a remote start transmitter and based upon the engine speed signal. In some embodiments, the engine speed signal may include a digital code, and the engine speed data bus reader reads the digital code and converts the digital code into a pulsed tachometer emulation signal for the remote start controller. In other embodiments, the engine speed data bus reader generates an output level based upon the digital code exceeding at least one threshold, such as an engine started or engine overspeed threshold. The remote start control system is readily interfaced to a vehicle having a data communications bus to thereby be able to operate using an engine speed signal.

Abstract: An improved over-voltage protection circuit for a motor vehicle electrical system includes an over-voltage responsive circuit for momentarily disconnecting the vehicle storage battery and alternator from vehicle electrical loads, and an auxiliary storage battery for supplying a safe operating voltage to the electrical loads during the momentary disconnection. The over-voltage responsive circuit includes a MOSFET device that couples the vehicle storage battery and alternator to the electrical loads and auxiliary storage battery, and a voltage responsive circuit that turns the MOSFET device off to decouple the electrical loads and auxiliary storage battery from the vehicle storage battery and alternator so long as an over-voltage condition is detected.

Abstract: A keyless engine controlling unit has a set switch for setting an engine in a running state, a selected state detecting mechanism for detecting the position of a select lever of an automatic transmission, and an engine drive controlling mechanism for bypassing a contact point of an ignition switch. During engine operation, the selected state detecting mechanism detects that the select lever is in park, the set switch is set, and the contact point of the ignition switch is bypassed. Thus, the engine is maintained in the running state even if the key is extracted from the ignition switch.

Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle engine involves determining a predetermined start operation, which is usually performed by a driver when the driver starts a parked vehicle, and that is not exclusively performed for starting the vehicle engine, verifying a code with a portable device after determining the predetermined start operation, and starting an engine automatically after successfully verifying the code. An engine control device has a start determining means for determining a predetermined start operation, which is usually performed by a driver when the driver starts a parked vehicle, and that is not exclusively performed for starting a vehicle engine, a verifying means for verifying a code with a portable device after determining the predetermined start operation, and a starting means for controlling an automatic engine start after successfully verifying the code.

Abstract: A safety switch is coupled to a control line of a vehicle starting system, and includes a first electrical connector that terminates a second branch of the control line, a first resistor that connects a first branch of the control line to a first voltage source, a switch element having a first end connected to a second voltage source, and a second end terminated by a second electrical connector that mates with the first electrical connector, and a second resistor connected in parallel with the switch element. The switch element makes or breaks electrical connection between the first and second ends according to a detected position state of an engine hood of the vehicle. The starting system is enabled so as to permit remote-controlled activation of the vehicle only when a voltage drop, the magnitude of which is between the voltage outputs of the first and second voltage sources, is present at the control line.

Abstract: An automotive electric power unit is provided to reduce the occurrence of electromagnetic noise caused by change in magnetic fields when the current dropps to zero when an ignition switch is being switched off. When the ignition switch is switched off, an input voltage to an ON/OFF control terminal of a DC/DC converter gently decreases through a potential difference between terminals of a motor driving load connected thereto. Accordingly, a control device, for which a detecting voltage is set relatively high, first detects an OFF state of the ignition switch and disconnects power loads such as a cooling fan, air conditioner, and defroster from the DC/DC converter by regulating relays. Then, the DC/DC converter, for which a detecting voltage is set lower than the detecting voltage for the control device, detects the OFF state of the ignition switch and stops stepping down the voltage so that a charging current for a battery of the load current thereof is shut off.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic key system for a vehicle which is a type of starting the engine with pressing a button switch and can be operated at familiar mechanical movements thus easing the user or driver of an unfamiliar conception as well as improved in the operability and the protection against theft. When a quick-start switch mounted on the steering wheel is pressed after the code identification is valid, a CPU switches on the start switch to energize a starter motor. The CPU judges from a change in the voltage of an alternator that the engine starts running. As the engine runs, an ignition switch is automatically turned to the II position with a valet key inserted. The engine can be stopped by the valet key turning to the 0 position. In the parking state, the valet key may be detached from or accommodated in the ignition switch.

Abstract: In the construction machinery equipped with an engine, a hydraulic control unit and a machine controller, there is provided an antitheft device for the construction machinery, which can prevent the engine from starting and the hydraulic control unit from working with reliability no matter how the starter circuit of the engine is modified. The initial state of the machine controller is so set that the fuel injection by a fuel injection unit of the engine is halted and that the operations of control units in the hydraulic control unit are halted, and an antitheft control unit is provided to release the initial state of the machine controller upon receiving a release signal from the antitheft control unit.

Abstract: A system for automatically stopping and starting an engine of a vehicle which enables proper determination of whether the stopping of the engine is possible, in accordance with the state of a battery. A power brought out from the battery by auxiliaries is subtracted from a power generated by a generator, thereby calculating a difference corresponding to a power for actually charging the battery. By sequentially adding the value, an integrated value of power charged in the battery is calculated. Meanwhile, a value of a known power WBRK consumed by a brake lamp plus a current power consumed by the auxiliaries is multiplied by a beforehand determined target value of idling-stoppage duration, thereby evaluating an evaluated integrated value of power consumed by the battery during stoppage of an idling. If the integrated value is not less than the evaluated integrated value, the stopping of the engine E is permitted.

Abstract: A housing for a remote car starter that activates such starter at pre-set times of the day, and/or in response to a telephonically-originated message, comprises a cavitated area, an activation panel, a servomotor, and a timer and/or a dial-up sub-unit. The user places the transmitter of an existing remote car starter into the housing, places pins into the hole(s) opposite the start button(s) of the remote car starter, closes the housing and places the housing into the glove box or trunk of the car. The activation panel contains a series of holes arranged in two-dimensional fashion for positioning one or more pins opposite the transmitter's button or other activator. The timer includes means for setting at least one time of day for the timer cause activation of the servo-motor. In the dial-up embodiment, the dial-up sub-unit functions in manner similar to conventional beepers: a telephonically-originated message causes it to activate the servomotor.

Abstract: An electronic ignition starter switch and steering wheel locking apparatus for a motor vehicle which includes a steering wheel locking unit for locking and unlocking a vehicle steering element, an ignition starter switch unit for switching an engine ignition on and off and for starting the vehicle engine, and a coupling device. The apparatus ensures that the steering wheel locking unit is in its unlocked state during starting of the engine. The coupling device contain state interrogation and starting blocking circuits, which interrogate the locking state of the steering wheel locking unit and allow the engine to be started only when the steering wheel locking unit is in its unlocked state.

Abstract: A warning system for a hood of a vehicle is provided which includes a switch electrically connected to a vehicle ignition, a vehicle starter, warning indicia, and a power source. The warning indicia receives power from the power source and the starter is unconnected to the power when the switch is in an open position. The vehicle ignition and the vehicle starter receives power from the power source when the switch is in a closed position. The switch includes a movable contactor to close the switch when the hood is locked to the vehicle and to open the switch when said hood is not locked to the vehicle.

Abstract: A starting system for an engine of an automotive vehicle having an ignition system includes a fingerprint sensor (26) that generates a fingerprint signal. A memory has a plurality of authorized fingerprint signals stored therein. A switch (28) is used to generate a start signal. A controller is coupled to the ignition system (20), the fingerprint sensor (26), the memory (18), and switch (28). The controller compares the fingerprint signal with the authorized fingerprint signal stored in the memory and enables the ignition system in response to the start signal and the fingerprint signal being substantially equal to an authorized fingerprint signal.

Abstract: A safety switch is coupled to a control line of a vehicle starting system, and includes a first electrical connector that terminates a second branch of the control line, a first resistor that connects a first branch of the control line to a first voltage source, a switch element having a first end connected to a second voltage source, and a second end terminated by a second electrical connector that mates with the first electrical connector, and a second resistor connected in parallel with the switch element. The switch element makes or breaks electrical connection between the first and second ends according to a detected position state of an engine hood of the vehicle. The starting system is enabled so as to permit remote-controlled activation of the vehicle only when a voltage drop, the magnitude of which is between the voltage outputs of the first and second voltage sources, is present at the control line.

Abstract: A control circuit between a control port of a microprocessor and an actuator has a control stage whose terminal connection is connected to an actuator terminal and whose control connection is connected to the control port of the microprocessor. In normal operation, the control port is switched as an input and, depending on the terminal voltage, the control stage outputs a control signal which is amplified in a driver stage. By switching the control port as an output and applying a low level to the control connection, the control stage can be inhibited in special cases, such as when the supply voltage dips below a given threshold.

Abstract: A battery is disposed at the portion beneath the rear seat of a vehicle. The positive electrode of the battery is connected through a power bus for power supply to a rear junction block (R-JB). A rear integration module (RIM) can be coupled to the R-JB through a plug-in operation. The positive electrode of the battery is also connected through a power bus to an under dash junction block (UD-JB). A body control module (BCM) can be coupled to the UD-JB through a plug-in operation. The power bus connection terminal of the UD-JB is connected to a fuse relay block (F-JB) through a power bus. A front integration module (FIM) can be coupled to the F-JB through a plug-in operation. The power bus connection terminal of the F-JB is connected to a starter motor through a power supply line and further connected to an alternator through a power supply line from the starter.

Abstract: A system, capacitor having auxiliary cells, and associated methods for starting an engine is provided. The capacitor is an enhanced-power capacitor that provides enhanced cranking power. The capacitor is isolated from the battery and the rest of the engine's electrical system at preselected times. The capacitor is electrically connected to the alternator when the engine is running and is charged by the alternator. When the engine is not running, the capacitor is electrically isolated to prevent the capacitor discharging by powering accessory devices; the battery can power devices while the capacitor remains electrically isolated. During starting, the capacitor provides all the power supplied to the starter solenoid. If the battery is too weak to energize the electrical system during starting, an override allows the capacitor to provide power for all starting functions.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an authentication device for automobile vehicles that controls door locking and/or engine starting and is able to interchange data over a certain distance with an identifier, intended to be carried by a user, when said identifier lies within the emission/reception coverage zone of said authentication device, to enable “hands-free” vehicle access and/or engine starting when said identifier has been authenticated by said authentication device, wherein said authentication device is connected to a single antenna inside the vehicle passenger compartment and is able to emit via said antenna at least two distinct emission powers, a first emission power enabling said antenna to cover a first zone including at least part of said passenger compartment, and a second emission power greater than said first emission power enabling said antenna to cover a second zone including at least the whole of said passenger compartment and possibly a coverage zone outside said vehicle.

Abstract: A keyless entry system for a motor vehicle is modified to be operable when the vehicle's engine is running and the vehicle's park brake is set. Keyless entry systems conventionally include an ignition switch position signal source and a door lock module having an enable input connected to the source of the ignition position signal. The disclosure teaches connecting the output of the ignition switch position sensor to the door lock modulo enable input through the part brake lamp. The enable input to the door lock module is then connected in common with the a park brake lamp switch. When the park brake lamp switch is closed by setting the park brake and activates the park brake lamp, the ignition position feed signal on the enable input is sunk by the switch and the potential level on the enable Is reduced, enabling the door lock module to operate as though the ignition switch had been moved to off.

Abstract: A minimum reference voltage and an operation inhibiting reference voltage are set as the criteria for detecting the conditions of power supply of a low voltage power source system including a low voltage battery. The operation inhibiting reference voltage is lower than the minimum reference voltage and represents a threshold value ensuring the normal operation of an apparatus that establishes the power source of a high voltage power source system. When the power source voltage of the low voltage battery is lower than the minimum reference voltage but is not lower than the operation inhibiting reference voltage, a converter is activated to charge the low voltage battery to the minimum reference voltage whole system of, for normal functions. When the power source voltage of the low voltage battery is lower than the operation inhibiting reference voltage, on the other hand, operation of the whole system is inhibited.

Abstract: An arrangement for automatically switching on and switching off an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle includes a first sensor system for detecting an operating state of at least one of the internal combustion engine and the motor vehicle; a second sensor system for detecting a traffic situation in the surroundings of the motor vehicle; and, a control apparatus for switching the internal combustion engine on and/or off in dependence upon the operating state and the traffic situation.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an electrical circuit for operating warning lights that are commonly used on emergency and service vehicles. The electric circuit enables the use of pairs of 21 volt DC halogen lamps on a light bar installed on an emergency vehicle equipped with a 42 volt electrical system.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, the ignition cutoff assembly includes fork switch 48, ignition coil kill circuit 50, upper bracket support clamps 55, switch activation collar 58, rod 67, upper bracket 73, and lower bracket 76. Fork switch 48 is a commercially available lever-actuated microswitch capable of signaling ignition coil kill circuit 50 upon actuation by switch activation collar 58. Ignition coil kill circuit 50 comprises commercially available electronic circuitry including at least one high voltage transistor 40a and/or 40b or 41a and/or 41b and/or 41c and/or 41d. Upper bracket support clamps 55 are commercially available clamps made of metal, plastic, or other suitable material capable of retaining upper bracket 73. Upper bracket 73 is custom made of metal, plastic, or other suitable material capable of providing a mounting location for fork switch 48. Lower bracket 76 is made of metal, plastic, or other suitable material capable of providing a mounting location for rod 67.

Abstract: An ignition system has a spark plug and a positive voltage applying unit. The spark plug includes a central electrode, a porcelain insulator for holding the central electrode, a main metallic shell for holding the porcelain insulator, and a ground electrode electrically connected to the main metallic shell. The positive voltage applying unit applies a positive voltage to the central electrode of the spark plug in comparison with the ground electrode, so that an ignition high voltage is applied between the central electrode and the ground electrode. In the spark plug, a spark discharge gap is formed between the ground electrode and a distal end portion of the central electrode. The ground electrode is positioned so that a rear edge of a mating face opposed to a peripheral side of the central electrode is positioned in the side of the distal end of the central electrode in comparison with an end face of the porcelain insulator.

Abstract: An ignition switch sensor having a plurality of contacts arranged on a sensor to make intermittent contact with a movable contact and generate a first plurality of outputs corresponding to the position of the movable contact relative to the plurality of contacts. A power mode module receives the first plurality of outputs and compares the outputs to data stored within the memory of the module and provides a second plurality outputs according to the value of the first plurality of outputs. A theft resistor may be integrated into the ignition switch sensor circuitry to facilitate protection from tampering and unauthorized starting of the vehicle's engine.

Abstract: Power supply equipment for a motor vehicle, comprising a motor generator, an inverter for driving said motor generator, a battery and a capacitor of an electrical double layer, wherein the capacitor is directly connected to a DC side of the inverter and the battery is connected in parallel with the capacitor via a first switching unit. When an engine is started up, the power stored in the capacitor is used, and the switching units are turned off to separate the battery from the start-up of the engine.

Abstract: A tachometer apparatus of a remote vehicle starting system for providing tachometric information. The apparatus includes an antenna disposed proximate to the engine compartment of the vehicle and adapted to pick up an RF signal generated by the firing of the spark plugs in the engine compartment. The apparatus also includes an RF detector having the antenna coupled to the input thereof and providing at its output a tachometer signal for coupling to a controller and providing a signal indicative of the running status of the vehicle engine and of the tach speed of the engine.

Abstract: When a restart of an engine is performed due to the requirement of a vehicle state unintended by a driver, a creep force which is initially generated is suppressed to a small value so that a vehicle is prevented from moving off. When automatic stop conditions are satisfied, the engine 1 stops, and when restart conditions are satisfied, a starting motor 2 is started so as to restart an engine 1. A condition for engine restart unintended by the driver is determined, and during a predetermined time when the engine restarts unintended by the driver, a smaller creep drive force is generated than when the engine restarts which is intended by the driver. During this predetermined time, only the motor 2 is rotated without starting the engine, and the creep force is suppressed low.

Abstract: A vehicle control system include at least one uniquely coded transmitter to be carried by a user, a receiver at the vehicle for receiving signals from the at least one uniquely coded transmitter, and a controller at the vehicle and being connected to the receiver and the vehicle data communications bus. The controller is for communicating with the at least one vehicle device via the data communications bus, learning the at least one uniquely coded transmitter to permit control of a vehicle function by the user, and causing an indication of whether at least one new uniquely coded transmitter has been learned. In other embodiments, a biometric characteristic sensor is used in place of the receiver.

Abstract: An engine starter system includes a current switching device for controlling an armature current, a shorting relay for electrically shorting the current switching device, and an electronic control circuit. In a normal starting mode, the electronic control circuit gradually increases the armature current by varying a duty ratio of the current switching device. When the armature current becomes larger than an allowable current value of the current switching device, an armature is energized through the shorting relay. In an economy-running starting mode, the armature current is controlled through the current switching device until the engine is completely started.

Abstract: A multivoltage vehicle electrical system for supplying electrically operated loads in motor vehicles, specific loads being respectively assigned to each vehicle electrical circuit which is respectively operated with a different voltage, is characterized in that cross-connecting means are provided which, in the event of a failure or fault in a circuit, automatically ensure that the loads connected to this failed vehicle electrical circuit are supplied from one of the other vehicle electrical circuits.

Abstract: The technique of the present invention reduces or even omits potential shocks and vibrations arising due to the coupling action of a coupling mechanism at the time of starting an internal combustion engine, and ensures a quick restart of the internal combustion engine. In a vehicle with an idling stop control apparatus of the present invention mounted thereon, a control unit inputs an inverted phase current Eon, which is determined according to the energy absorbing state of a transmission belt, into an auxiliary machinery driving electric motor, so as to brake rotations of the auxiliary machinery driving electric motor. After the input of the inverted phase current Eon into the auxiliary machinery driving electric motor, the control unit couples an electromagnetic clutch to link a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine with the auxiliary machinery driving electric motor. The value of the inverted phase current Eon is varied according to the energy absorbing state of the transmission belt.

Abstract: A vehicle having an internal combustion engine, a cranking motor, and a battery includes a double-layer capacitor characterized by a capacitance greater than 150 farads, and a low internal resistance. First and second electrical paths interconnect the capacitor with the cranking motor. A control circuit is coupled between the positive and negative terminals of at least one of the capacitor and battery, and this control circuit includes a switch that applies a variable control voltage to a relay in response to the position of the switch. The relay is included in one of the electrical paths, and the relay isolates the capacitor from the cranking motor when switched to the open-circuit condition by the control voltage and enables the capacitor to supply cranking current to the cranking motor when the control voltage places the relay in the closed-circuit condition.

Abstract: A control system is provided for the drive system of automotive vehicles. A control determines a combination of torque to be applied from an integrated starter-generator and compression torque to be applied from an engine. The combination of the integrated starter-generator torque and engine compression torque results in a desired deceleration torque. The control preferentially applies torque from the integrated starter-generator over the compression torque, thus maximizing regeneration.