Engine starting control system

• US 3,866,059 A
• Filed: 11/12/1973
• Issued: 02/11/1975
• Est. Priority Date: 11/12/1973
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Walter C. Przywozny
• Original Assignee: Walter C. Przywozny
• Inventors: Przywozny, Walter C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hohauser, Herman J.
• Application Number:
  US05/415,267
• Time in Patent Office: 456 Days
• Field of Search: 307/64,66,67,68,1R,1BP 340/52R 318/481 290/37,38R 123/179 317/9,21
• US Class Current: 307/10.6
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 28/00 Programme-control of engines
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 41/042 for stopping the engine
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 41/062 for starting F02D41/061 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F02N 11/087 Details of the switching means in starting circuits, e.g. relays or electronic switches
• CPC Class Codes: F02N 11/101 for preventing engine starter actuation or engagement

Abstract

A control system for an engine having a starting motor, a battery, an ignition switch for connecting the battery to the engine, and a fuel valve for controlling the flow of fuel to the engine. The ignition switch is closed a predetermined number of times to crank the engine and start it, and means are provided for terminating the flow of fuel to the engine if it has not been started by the successive crankings. The system also includes means for terminating closure of the ignition switch when the engine begins to run and means which prevent closure of the ignition switch for a predetermined time if the engine is coasting to a halt when an engine start command is applied to the system. A predetermined time after the engine has been started, the engine oil pressure is monitored and low oil pressure causes the fuel valve to be closed, thereby stopping the engine. The water temperature and speed of the engine also operate switches which close the fuel valve if either is excessive.

Claims

1. A control system for an engine having a starting motor, a battery, and an ignition switch for connecting the battery to the motor to crank the engine, the system comprising:

a. means for providing a start signal, b. a solid state counter for providing a plurality of periodic pulses in response to a single start signal, c. means responsive to said pulses for closing and opening the ignition switch a plurality of times so as to energize and deenergize the starting motor to periodically crank the engine, and d. means responsive to a predetermined number of pulses from said counter for terminating the output of further pulses from said counter and hence for terminating engine cranking.

2. A control system as defined in claim 1 including means responsive to a predetermined minimum speed of the started engine for terminating the output of further pulses from said counter and hence for terminating engine cranking.

3. A control system as defined in claim 1 including means for producing a signal when the speed of the engine falls below a predetermined value, and means responsive to said signal-producing means for introducing a time delay between the occurrance of a start signal and the output of pulses from said counter, so that the engine will not be cranked while it is cOasting to a stop.

4. A control system as defined in claim 1 wherein said counter is a four flip-flop ripple counter, and said means responsive to a predetermined number of pulses from the counter is a NOR gate having three inputs, each of the inputs being connected to the Q output of a different one of the last three flip-flops of the counter.

5. A control system as defined in claim 1 including means for controlling the flow of fuel to the engine, means responsive to oil pressure in the engine below a predetermined value for causing said control means to discontinue supplying fuel to the engine, means for producing a signal when the speed of the started engine rises above a predetermined value, and means for introducing a time delay between the occurrance of said speed signal and the time said oil pressure responsive means can cause said fuel-controlling means to discontinue supplying fuel to the engine.

6. A control system as defined in claim 1 including means for charging the battery, and means for disconnecting the battery from said battery charging means when the ignition switch is closed.