Cut-off of a motor vehicle starter
First Claim
1. A method of controlling the cutting off of power supplied to a motor vehicle starter, in a motor vehicle having an engine and including the starter for starting the engine, a power source selectively supplying power to the starter, and a control device coupled to the power source and the starter, the control device including a starter contacter connected between the power source and the starter, the method comprising the steps of:
- closing the starter contacter to supply power from the power source to the starter, thereby energizing the starter;
during a first time window while energizing the starter after closing the starter contacter, measuring a maximum value assumed by the output voltage of the power source;
determining a first threshold value as a function of said maximum value measured during said first time window; and
opening the closed said starter contacter to cut off the power to the starter when the output voltage of the power source increases to said first threshold value.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The power supply to a starter of a motor vehicle engine is cut off when the power supply voltage to the starter reaches a threshold value. On closing of the starter power contacter, a time window is commenced, and during this time window the maximum value assumed by the supply voltage is measured. The threshold value is determined as a function of the maximum value measured during this time window, and may also be a function of the value of the supply voltage prior to initiation of the starting process, and/or a function of operating temperature.
22 Citations
8 Claims
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1. A method of controlling the cutting off of power supplied to a motor vehicle starter, in a motor vehicle having an engine and including the starter for starting the engine, a power source selectively supplying power to the starter, and a control device coupled to the power source and the starter, the control device including a starter contacter connected between the power source and the starter, the method comprising the steps of:
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closing the starter contacter to supply power from the power source to the starter, thereby energizing the starter; during a first time window while energizing the starter after closing the starter contacter, measuring a maximum value assumed by the output voltage of the power source; determining a first threshold value as a function of said maximum value measured during said first time window; and opening the closed said starter contacter to cut off the power to the starter when the output voltage of the power source increases to said first threshold value. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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Specification