Method of determining transition from starter to alternator function by monitoring battery voltage or current

• US 7,342,382 B1
• Filed: 02/03/2004
• Issued: 03/11/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 02/03/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLC (Dana, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Dana Corporation (Dana, Inc.)
• Inventors: Blackburn, Scott Evart, Manning, Eric Keith
• Primary Examiner(s): Vu; Bao Q.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Muralidar; Richard V.
• Application Number:
  US10/769,881
• Time in Patent Office: 1,498 Days
• Field of Search: 320103-104, 322/39, 307/10.6
• US Class Current: 322/16
• CPC Class Codes: F02N 11/04 the motors being associated with current generators
• CPC Class Codes: F02N 11/0848 with means for detecting successful engine start, e.g. to stop starter actuation
• CPC Class Codes: F02N 2200/062 Battery current
• CPC Class Codes: F02N 2200/063 Battery voltage
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0047 with monitoring or indicating devices or circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/14 for charging batteries from dynamo-electric generators driven at varying speed, e.g. on vehicle

Abstract

The present invention is directed to determining and controlling the appropriate moment at which a combined starter/alternator should transition from start-up mode to alternator/generator mode following an IC engine start-up sequence. The method relies on battery voltage or battery current monitoring to establish the timing of the transition.

Claims

1. An automated method of controlling a starter/alternator in a start-up sequence of an IC engine driven generating system including a battery and a starter/alternator controller, said starter/alternator controller performing the automated method comprising the steps of:

detecting a first value of a battery electrical characteristic;

initiating a start-up sequence of said IC engine by signaling said starter/alternator to operate in starter mode;

detecting a second and third value of said battery electrical characteristic as said start-up sequence is proceeding, said second value indicating an engine cranking condition and said third value indicating an engine running condition prior to cessation of said starter/alternator operating in starter mode;

comparing said first, second, and third detected battery characteristic values; and

,

signaling said starter/alternator to cease operation in starter mode and, immediately thereafter, transition to alternator/generator mode when said second detected value is between said first and third detected values.

2. A method as in claim 1, wherein:

said battery electrical characteristic is voltage, and said first detected value is the highest of said first, second and third detected values.

3. A method as in claim 1, wherein:

said battery electrical characteristic is current, and said first detected value is the lowest of said first, second and third detected values.

4. An automated method of controlling a starter/alternator in a start-up sequence of an IC engine driven generating system including a battery and a starter/alternator controller, said starter/alternator controller performing the automated method comprising the steps of:

detecting a first value of battery voltage V₀;

initiating a start-up sequence of said IC engine by signaling said starter/alternator to operate in starter mode;

detecting a second and third value of said battery voltage V₁ and V₂ respectively as said start-up sequence is proceeding V₁ being indicative of an engine cranking condition and V₂ being indicative of an engine running condition prior to cessation of said starter/alternator operating in starter mode;

comparing said first, second, and third detected battery voltages; and

,

signaling said starter/alternator to cease operation in said starter mode and, immediately thereafter, transition to alternator/generator mode when V₁<

V₂<

V₀.

5. An automated method of controlling a starter/alternator in a start-up sequence of an IC engine driven generating system including a battery and a starter/alternator controller, said starter/alternator controller performing the automated method comprising the steps of:

detecting a first value of battery current I₀;

initiating a start-up sequence of said IC engine by signaling said starter/alternator to operate in starter mode;

detecting a second and third value of said battery current I₁ and I₂ respectively as said start-up sequence is proceeding, I₁ being indicative of an engine cranking condition and I₂ being indicative of an engine running condition prior to cessation of said starter/alternator operating in starter mode;

comparing said first, second, and third detected battery currents; and

,

signaling said starter/alternator to cease operation in starter mode and, immediately thereafter, transition to alternator/generator mode when I₀<

I₂<

I₁.