Internal-combustion engines – Starting device – Control of glow plug during starting
Patent
1997-01-28
1998-07-14
Dolinar, Andrew M.
Internal-combustion engines
Starting device
Control of glow plug during starting
1231425E, 123697, 60284, 219205, F02N 1702, F02P 1902
Patent
active
057788448
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
Prior Art
The present invention relates to a process and a device for controlling a heating element in a motor vehicle, specifically a glow plug in a diesel engine.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
A conventional process and a device for controlling a heating element in a motor vehicle is described, for example, in German Patent Application No. 26 59 264, which described a process and a device including a door contact that allows current to flow through the glow plug when the door contact is actuated.
The disadvantage of this device is that every time the door contact is actuated, in particular, when the door is closed, heating is triggered. This results in a heavy burden being placed on the vehicle battery, since heating is triggered, for example, even when the occupant leaves the vehicle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The object of the present invention is to provide a process and a device for controlling a heating element in a motor vehicle to make quick start-up possible without placing unnecessary burden on the vehicle battery.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of the device according to the present invention.
FIGS. 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d shows various signals plotted against time, during the operation of the device according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 shows a flow chart showing a process according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The process according to the present invention is explained below using the example of a glow plug of a self-igniting internal combustion engine. The process according to the present invention is, however, not limited to the present application. A similar procedure can also be applied with other heating elements used in motor vehicles. Further advantageous is the procedure of heating a lambda sensor or a catalyst of an externally ignited internal combustion engine. In such case, the lambda sensor or the catalyst is already fully operational when the start-up process begins, which improves the emission characteristics of the internal combustion engine.
FIG. 1 shows the essential elements of the device according to the present invention. A heating element 100 is connected to the vehicle body. The second terminal of heating element 100 is connected to a supply voltage Ubat through a first switching means 110.
Supply voltage Ubat is also connected to a controller 130 through a second switching means 120 and a third switching means 140. First switching means 110 receives a control signal from controller 130.
First switching means 110 is preferably a relay or an electronic switch, such as a power transistor, activated by controller 130. Second switching means 120 is a switch coupled to the ignition lock, and can be activated by the driver starting the vehicle. The third switch 140 is a door contact, which can be activated by opening or closing the door. In particular, switch 140 is closed when the door is opened.
In an advantageous embodiment, second switching means 120 and third switching means 140 are provided with a delay function. Thus switching means 120 remains closed for a certain delay period TN even after the driver has actuated the vehicle with the ignition key. The same applies to third switching means 140; thus, third switches mean 140 also remains in its closed position for a certain delay period T.sub.V after the door has been actuated.
Controller 130 activates first switching means 110 depending on the status of second switching means 120 and third switching means 140. The current is allowed to flow through the heating element by actuating first switching means 110.
FIG. 2a-2l show various signals plotted against time. FIG. 2a shows the signal applied to switching means 120. As long as switching means 120 is closed, i.e., the ignition is being actuated, this signal is set high. As long as switching means 120 is open, this signal is set low.
FIG. 2b shows the signal of the third switching means 140, plotted against the position of the door contact. As long as the switching means is o
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Dolinar Andrew M.
Robert & Bosch GmbH
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