Apparatus for limiting horsepower output of an engine and method of operating same

• US 5,457,633 A
• Filed: 02/24/1994
• Issued: 10/10/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 02/24/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Caterpillar Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Caterpillar Incorporated
• Inventors: Palmer, Marvin K., Vance, Rick D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Teska, Kevin J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): LOUIS JACQUES, JACQUES H
• Application Number:
  US08/200,976
• Time in Patent Office: 593 Days
• Field of Search: 364/431.01, 364/426.01, 364/431.03, 364/426.02, 364/431.02, 364/431.09, 180/197, 180/282, 477/30, 477/181, 60/39.04, 60/39.25, 60/39.281, 60/445, 60/489, 60/490, 60/39.161, 60/39.03, 60/39.163, 123/364, 123/500
• US Class Current: 701/112
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 31/009 for maximum speed control

Abstract

A horsepower limiting engine control limits the maximum engine horsepower output during operating conditions that might result in torque outputs that are greater than the transmission component ratings. The control includes an electronic controller connected to solenoid driver circuitry, an engine speed sensor and a gear selector. The solenoid driver circuitry energizes a solenoid in response to an engine speed less than a first predetermined engine speed value. The solenoid causes a moveable stop to retract permitting the engine to produce full rated power. The electronic controller causes the solenoid circuitry to de-energize and extend the moveable stop in response to the engine speed exceeding a second predetermined engine speed value and the gear selector being in a predetermined position.

Claims

1. An apparatus for limiting the power output of an engine, comprising:

an electronic controller;

a fuel rack associated with the engine;

a gear selector lever positionable at a plurality of positions for indicating a desired gear ratio;

an electronically controlled plunger connected to said electronic controller, said plunger having a first position and a second position;

an engine speed sensor connected to said electronic controller and attached to said engine, wherein said engine speed sensor produces an engine speed signal as a function of engine speed;

wherein said electronically controlled plunger is positioned at a first position in response to the gear selector lever being in a predetermined position and the engine speed signal exceeding a first predetermined engine speed value; and

wherein said electronically controlled plunger limits the maximum position of the fuel rack when the electronically controlled plunger is in said first position.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

said electronic controller biases said electronically controlled plunger to the second position in response to said gear selector being in said predetermined position and said engine speed signal being less than said first predetermined engine speed value.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein:

said electronic controller biases said electronically controlled plunger from said first position to said second position in response to said gear selector lever not being in said predetermined position.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said first predetermined engine speed value corresponds to a value of approximately 1800 revolutions per minute.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said second predetermined engine speed value corresponds to a value of approximately 2000 revolutions per minute.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said predetermined position corresponds to a gear selector position of first gear.

7. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said electronic controller biases said electronically controlled plunger from said second position to said first position in response to said engine speed signal exceeding a second predetermined engine speed level.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said electronic controller biases said plunger to said second position in response to said gear selector lever being in a position other than said predetermined position.

9. An engine control for use with an internal combustion engine, comprising:

an electronic controller;

fuel delivery means connected to said controller for delivering fuel to the engine;

a gear selector, said gear selector being positionable at a plurality of positions;

an engine speed sensor connected to said electronic engine controller, said engine speed sensor producing an engine speed signal;

wherein said electronic engine controller produces a fuel delivery command and said controller limits the maximum fuel delivery command in response to said gear selector being in a predetermined position and said engine speed signal greater than a first predetermined engine speed value.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said electronic controller permits a maximum fuel delivery command in response to said gear selector being in said predetermined position and said engine speed signal being less than a first predetermined engine speed value.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said electronic controller limits the maximum fuel delivery command in response to said engine speed exceeding a second predetermined engine speed value.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said electronic controller permits a maximum fuel delivery command in response to said gear selector being in a position other than said predetermined position.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said first predetermined engine speed value corresponds to a value of approximately 1800 revolutions per minute.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said second predetermined engine speed value corresponds to a value of approximately 2000 revolutions per minute.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said predetermined position corresponds to a gear selector position of first gear.

16. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said electronic controller permits a maximum fuel delivery command in response to said gear selector being in a position other than said predetermined position.

17. A method for controlling a solenoid controlled plunger stop of a fuel delivery rack on an internal combustion engine, said internal combustion engine including an electronic controller, fuel delivery means connected to said controller, an engine speed sensor, said engine speed sensor producing an engine speed signal, a transmission with a plurality of gear ratios and gear selection means for selecting one of said plurality of gear ratios, said method comprising the steps of:

determining the selected gear ratio of the plurality of gear ratios;

measuring the engine speed signal;

comparing said engine speed signal to a predetermined engine speed value;

de-energizing said solenoid controlled plunger stop in response to said engine speed exceeding said first predetermined engine speed value and said selected gear ratio corresponding to a predetermined gear ratio; and

wherein said plunger stop limits the travel of the fuel delivery rack.

18. The method according to claim 17, including the steps of:

energizing the solenoid controlled plunger in response to said engine speed being less than said first predetermined engine speed value and said selected gear ratio corresponding to other than the predetermined gear ratio; and

wherein said plunger stop permits free travel of the fuel delivery rack.

19. The method according to claim 18, including the steps of:

de-energizing the solenoid controlled plunger subsequent to said step of energizing in response to said engine speed exceeding a second predetermined engine speed value or said selected gear ratio being other than said predetermined gear ratio.

20. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein said first predetermined engine speed value corresponds to a value of approximately 1800 revolutions per minute.

21. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein said second predetermined engine speed value corresponds to a value of approximately 2000 revolutions per minute.

22. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said predetermined position corresponds to a gear selector position of first gear.