US 5,467,008 A · Electronic control device for controlling the alternator and the idling RPM of automotive engine

Abstract

An automotive electronic control device includes an electronic control unit 6 for controlling an automotive alternator 2 and the ISCV (Idling Speed Control Valve) 8 of the engine. To improve the mileage of the automobile, the duty factor of the alternator 2 is reduced to zero when the electric load is a light load. Further, when the increase in the load current I.sub.L during the idling is above a load current threshold increment level .DELTA..sub.LT, the ISCV (Idling Speed Control Valve) 8 is controlled to increase the air intake, and, simultaneously, the duty factor of the alternator 2 is reduced to a low level for a predetermined length of time equal to the response time in which the rpm of the engine responds to the increase of the air intake effected by means of the ISCV (Idling Speed Control Valve) 8. The duty factor of the alternator 2 is gradually increased thereafter. The idling rpm of the engine can thus be stably controlled when a heavy electric load is turned on.

Claims7

Dependent claims

An electronic control device for controlling an alternator driven by an automotive engine system, including a battery, comprising:

detector means connected in series with the alternator and the battery for detecting an increase of a load current flowing through a load coupled to said alternator;
comparator means, coupled to said detector means, for comparing said increase of the load current with a threshold level;
and
control means, coupled to said comparator means, for controlling a current supply to a field coil of said alternator, said control means reducing said current supply to a first predetermined level for a first predetermined interval of time when said increase of said load current is greater than or equal to said threshold level, and thereafter gradually increasing said current supply over a second interval of time.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Electronic control device for controlling the alternator and the idling RPM of automotive engine

Life of this patent

Electronic control device for controlling the alternator and the idling RPM of automotive engine

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims7