Cut-off of a motor vehicle starter
AssigneeValeo Electronique
InventorsJean-Jacques Cabrera, Philippe Baravian
Life of this patent
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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.
Claims8
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.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.