JP4134477B2 - Electronic control unit - Google Patents

Description

【００５３】
尚、表１の*は、ＩＧスイッチ２１のオフ時に、新たに書き込みされたことを示している。また、表１の「今回の始動回数」は、ＩＧスイッチ２１のオフされた時点のＲＡＭ２９のメモリＲＭ１に記憶されている値を示している。
この表１に示す様に、ＥＥＰＲＯＭ１９の各メモリＥＭ１ａ〜ＥＭ１ｅの初期値（Ｎo.１）は０である。
【００５４】
次に、ＩＧスイッチ２１が最初にオンとなってから初めてオフ（No.２）となるまでに、スタータ３３が２回駆動されている。このとき、ＥＥＰＲＯＭ１９のメモリＥＭ１ａ〜ＥＭ１ｅの値は全て初期値の０で同じであるから、その様な値が同じ場合は、予め設定された添字のアルファベット順（左側のメモリから順番）に書き込むようにする。
【００５５】
今回は、初期値の０と今回の２回のスタータ駆動回数の合計は２回となるので、その値を、ＥＥＰＲＯＭ１９のメモリＥＭ１ａに書き込む。
同様に、No.３〜６の場合には、ＥＥＰＲＯＭ１９のメモリＥＭ１ｂ〜ＥＭ１ｅに、順次スタータ駆動回数を書き込んでゆく。
【００５６】
次に、No.７の場合には、今回の始動回数は４であり、また、前回のNo.６までのＥＥＰＲＯＭ１９のメモリＥＭ１の最小値は、メモリＥＭ１ｃの１であるので、今回の始動回数の４と最小値の１とを合計した５の値を、総始動回数として最小値のメモリＥＭ１ｃに書き込む。
【００５７】
以下同様にして、今回の始動回数とＥＥＰＲＯＭ１９のメモリＥＭ１の最小値とを合計し、その合計値を最小値のメモリに書き込む。尚、この場合も、最小値が複数ある場合には、添字のアルファベットの順に各メモリに書き込む。
▲３▼スタータ劣化判定処理
本処理は、スタータ３３の劣化を判定するための処理であり、所定期間毎に実行される。
【００５８】
尚、本処理に先だって、ＩＧスイッチ２１のオン時には、ＥＥＰＲＯＭ１９のメモリＥＭ２のスタータ交換時の総始動回数が読み出され、ＲＡＭ２７のメモリＲＭ３に、スタータ交換時の総始動回数として記憶される。このＥＥＰＲＯＭ１９のメモリＥＭ２及びＲＡＭ２７のメモリＲＭ３は、初期時（新品）はクリアされている。
【００５９】
図４のフローチャートに示す様に、ステップ２００では、スタータ交換後の始動回数を算出し、これをＲＡＭ２７のメモリＲＭ４に記憶する。
具体的には、ＲＡＭ２７のメモリＲＭ２に記憶しているスタータ３３の総始動回数から、ＲＡＭ２７のメモリＲＭ３に記憶しているスタータ交換時の総始動回数を引いて、スタータ交換後の始動回数を算出する。
【００６０】
尚、ＲＡＭ２７のメモリＲＭ２に記憶しているスタータ３３の総始動回数としては、５つのメモリＲＭ２ａ〜ＲＭ２ｅに記憶している値のうちの例えば最大値を用いる。また、ＲＡＭ２７のメモリＲＭ３に記憶しているスタータ交換時の総始動回数とは、ＩＧスイッチ２１のオン時に、ＥＥＰＲＯＭ１９のメモリＥＭ２から読み出した値（例えば１５万回や３０万回）である。
【００６１】
続くステップ２１０では、スタータ交換後の始動回数が、例えば１５万回のスタータ駆動保障回数以上となったか否かを判定する。ここで肯定判断されるとステップ２２０に進み、一方否定判断されると、まだスタータ３３は正常に作動できる少ない始動回数であるので、一旦本処理を終了する。
【００６２】
ステップ２２０では、スタータ駆動回数がスタータ駆動保障回数以上となり、その後のスタータ３３の駆動が保障されないので、そのことを運転者等に報知するために、警告ランプ３５を点灯し、一旦本処理を終了する。
本処理により、スタータ３３の寿命が来たこと、運転者等に正確に知らせることができる。
【００６３】
尚、警告ランプ３５の点灯だけでなく、ＩＳＳ制御を行っている場合には、そのＩＳＳ制御を中止することが望ましい。
▲４▼スタータ交換時処理
本処理は、スタータ３３の交換時に行われる処理であり、ダイアグツールからの指示により実行される。
【００６４】
図５のフローチャートに示す様に、ステップ３００にて、ダイアグツール３７から、スタータ３３の交換が完了したことを報知する信号の入力があったか否かを判定する。ここで肯定判断されるとステップ３１０に進み、一方否定判断されると一旦本処理を終了する。
【００６５】
ステップ３１０では、ＲＡＭ２７のメモリＲＭ２に記憶している総始動回数を、スタータ交換時の総始動回数として、ＲＡＭ２７のメモリＲＭ３に記憶する。
これにより、メモリＲＭ２及びメモリＲＭ３の値は同じになるので、上述したメモリＲＭ４のスタータ交換後の始動回数は、（メモリＲＭ２の値−メモリＲＭ３の値）＝０となり、新しいスタータ３３の始動回数のカウントの準備が完了する。
【００６６】
尚、ＲＡＭ２７のメモリＲＭ２に記憶しているスタータ３３の総始動回数としては、５つのメモリＲＭ２ａ〜ＲＭ２ｅに記憶している値のうちの例えば最大値を用いる。
続くステップ３２０では、ＩＧスイッチ２１がオンからオフに切り換えられたか否かを判定し、ここで肯定判断されるとステップ３３０に進み、一方否定判断されると一旦本処理を終了する。
【００６７】
ステップ３３０では、ＲＡＭ２７のメモリＲＭ３に記憶しているスタータ交換時の総始動回数を、ＥＥＰＲＯＭ１９のメモリＥＭ２に書き込み、一旦本処理を終了する。
これにより、例えば始動回数の１５万回ごとにスタータ３３が交換される場合には、スタータ交換時に、スタータ交換時の総始動回数として、ＥＥＰＲＯＭ１９のメモリＥＭ２に、１５万回、３０万回、４５万回と順次書き込まれることになる。
【００６８】
ｅ）上述した構成により、本実施例は、下記の効果を奏する。
・本実施例の始動回数記憶処理では、スタータ３３が駆動される毎に今回の始動回数をカウントアップし、ＩＧスイッチ２１がオフになると、ＲＡＭ２７のメモリＲＭ２ａ〜ＲＭ２ｅの最小値に今回の始動回数を加算して総始動回数を求め、その値をＥＥＰＲＯＭ１９の最小値のメモリに書き込んでいる。
【００６９】
それによって、ＥＥＰＲＯＭ１９のメモリＥＭ１ａ〜ＥＭ１ｅのうち、総始動回数が書き込まれるメモリが毎回変更されるので、各メモリＥＭ１ａ〜ＥＭ１ｅにおける書込回数が平均化する。よって、ＥＥＰＲＯＭ１９の書込回数をＥＥＰＲＯＭ１９の書込保障回数より少なくできるので、確実にスタータ駆動回数を記憶できるという効果がある。具体的には、各記憶領域では、書き込みタイミングの５回に１回の書き込みになり、書込保障回数以内で、５０万回をカウントすることができる。
【００７０】
また、従来と比べて、記憶するメモリのアドレスを設定するための記憶領域を必要としないので、メモリ効率がよいという利点がある。
常に正確なスタータ駆動回数を記憶できる。
尚、本実施例では、ＥＥＰＲＯＭ１９の書込保障回数が例えば１０万回の場合に、５０万回のスタータ駆動回数を記憶するときには、５０÷１０の５つの記憶領域に区分しているが、このように、書込保障回数と記憶すべきスタータ駆動回数に応じて、適宜記憶領域の数を設定することが望ましい。
【００７１】
例えば、書込保障回数がＡ回で、Ｂ回のスタータ駆動回数を記憶する場合には、Ｂ÷Ａとした整数の商の個数の記憶領域とすれば、最小の記憶領域で済む。また、割り切れない場合は、（商＋１）の個数の記憶領域を設定すれば、最小の記憶領域ですみ、メモリ効率を向上できる。尚、１つの記憶領域の大きさは、スタータ駆動総回数を記憶できる大きさとする。
【００７２】
・また、本実施例では、スタータの初期時（又はスタータの交換後）からの始動回数がスタータ駆動保障回数以上となった場合には、警告ランプ３５を点灯して、運転者にスタータ３３の交換を促しているので、突然の始動不良が発生し難く、常に安全な運転が可能となる。
【００７３】
・更に、スタータの初期時（又はスタータの交換後）からの始動回数がスタータ駆動保障回数以上となった場合に、ＩＳＳ制御を中止することにより、それ以降のスタータ駆動回数の増加の程度を低減することができる。つまり、スタータ始動回数がスタータ駆動保障回数を上回るにつれて、始動動作が好適に行えない可能性が増加するので、スタータ始動回数の多くなるＩＳＳ制御を中止するのである。これにより、ＩＳＳ制御中止以降は、ＩＧキーによるエンジンの始動のみとするので、スタータ３３の信頼性を確保することができる。
【００７４】
尚、本発明は前記実施例になんら限定されるものではなく、本発明を逸脱しない範囲において種々の態様で実施しうることはいうまでもない。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】 実施例の電子制御装置の概略構成を示す説明図である。
【図２】 実施例のＲＡＭやＥＥＰＲＯＭのメモリを示す説明図である。
【図３】 実施例の始動回数記憶処理を示すフローチャートである。
【図４】 実施例のスタータ劣化判定処理を示すフローチャートである。
【図５】 実施例のスタータ交換時処理を示すフローチャートである。
【符号の説明】
１…電子制御装置
３…マイクロコンピュータ
５…メイン電源回路
１９…ＥＥＰＲＯＭ
２１…イグニッションスイッチ（ＩＧスイッチ）
２３…バッテリ
２７…ノーマルＲＡＭ（ＲＡＭ）
３３…スタータ[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electronic control device that can reliably store, for example, the number of starters of an automobile engine in a nonvolatile memory.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, an electronic control device centered on a microcomputer has been used to control an engine of an automobile.
In this electronic control device, RAM (normal RAM), EEPROM, etc. are employed to store various data. Among these, the RAM is a memory whose data is not guaranteed when the ignition key is turned off, and the EEPROM is a non-volatile memory capable of holding data even when the power is turned off.
[0003]
Further, considering the case of counter data, for example, the number of starter driving times (starting frequency) as stored data, the starter has a life due to the starting frequency. Therefore, check whether the start count exceeds the starter drive guarantee count when the start count increases more than usual, especially when performing idle stop & starter control (control of automatic engine stop and automatic start). It is important to. In addition, since the number of times of starting needs to be maintained even when the ignition switch is off or when the battery is replaced, the number of times of starting needs to be stored in a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM.
[0004]
However, the EEPROM has a guaranteed number of times of writing, and if it exceeds that, data may not be written correctly. For example, a technique described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-247165 has been proposed as a data storage means. ing.
This technique sets a plurality of memory addresses (A to C) as a set, divides the contents into an access information part and an actual data part, and every time data is written to the actual data part, the access information part The access information is counted up, and a plurality of memory addresses are specified cyclically based on the access information.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described technique, in order to write data cyclically in the memory, it is necessary to specify an address. Therefore, in addition to the actual data part for storing data in the memory, an access information part for storing access information, etc. Storage area must be provided.
[0006]
In other words, this technique requires a memory for information in addition to data, and thus has a problem of poor memory efficiency.
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide an electronic control device having high memory efficiency in a nonvolatile memory.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention]
(1) The invention of claim 1
A RAM backed up by a power source and a writable non-volatile memory (for example, EEPROM) capable of retaining stored contents even when the power is shut off, and counting the number of times a predetermined event occurs in the non-volatile memory An electronic control device in which a plurality of storage areas for storing counter data to be stored is set, and among the counter data, a storage means for obtaining period data in a predetermined period and storing it in the RAM, and a predetermined write condition are satisfied In this case, the total data obtained by summing the minimum value of the counter data stored in the plurality of storage areas of the nonvolatile memory and the period data stored in the RAM is stored in the nonvolatile memory. A gist of the electronic control device is provided with a writing means for writing in a storage area in which the minimum value is stored.
[0008]
In the present invention, a plurality of storage areas are provided to store predetermined counter data (for example, counter data such as the number of times the starter is driven) in the nonvolatile memory, and a predetermined condition (for example, when the ignition switch is turned off). If the condition is satisfied, the counter data of the specific storage area is changed.
[0009]
Specifically, when a predetermined write condition is satisfied, the minimum value of the counter data stored in the plurality of storage areas of the nonvolatile memory and the period (which is the counter data) stored in the RAM The total data (counter data) summed with the data is written into the storage area in which the minimum value of the nonvolatile memory is stored. The detection of the minimum value and the sum of the minimum value and the period data are preferably performed at a timing when a predetermined write condition is satisfied.
[0010]
Thereby, in the storage area in which the minimum value is stored, a value increased by the period data is stored in the minimum value.
Therefore, since the storage area to which the counter data is written is always changed, the number of writes in the same storage area is reduced, and the number of writes in each storage area is averaged. Therefore, there is an advantage that the number of writings does not easily exceed the number of write guarantees in each storage area of the nonvolatile memory.
[0011]
Further, unlike the conventional case, there is no need for a memory such as a memory information unit for designating an address other than the memory for actually storing the counter data, so that the memory efficiency is improved.
When there are a plurality of minimum value storage areas, the order of writing may be determined in advance, and writing may be performed in accordance with the order.
[0012]
(2) The invention of claim 2
The gist of the electronic control device according to claim 1, wherein the counter data is an engine starter driving frequency.
The present invention exemplifies counter data. Here, since the starter driving frequency of the engine can be accurately stored in the non-volatile memory, when the starter driving frequency increases excessively (when it exceeds the starter driving guaranteed frequency), for example, a warning is given to the driver. It can be performed.
[0013]
(3) The invention of claim 3
The gist of the electronic control device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined period is a period in which an ignition switch is turned on.
The present invention exemplifies a predetermined period. Here, the ignition switch ON period is an ON period from the ignition switch OFF state to the next OFF state.
[0014]
While the ignition switch is on, the engine is normally operating. However, when automatic engine stop control (for example, idle stop & starter control) is being performed, the engine stops even if the ignition switch is on. There are things to do. Therefore, it is important to store the number of times the starter is driven during the ignition switch ON period for checking the number of times the starter is driven.
[0015]
(4) The invention of claim 4
The counter data stored in a plurality of storage areas of the non-volatile memory is read and stored in the RAM when a predetermined read condition is satisfied. The gist of the electronic control device described.
[0016]
In the present invention, when a predetermined read condition is satisfied, each counter data stored in the plurality of storage areas of the nonvolatile memory is read and stored in the RAM. Thereafter, based on the counter data in the RAM, It is possible to detect the minimum value of the counter data (and therefore the minimum value of each storage area of the EEPROM).
[0017]
(5) The invention of claim 5
The gist of the electronic control device according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined read condition is a timing at which an ignition switch is turned on.
The present invention exemplifies predetermined read conditions.
[0018]
(6) The invention of claim 6
When the predetermined write condition is satisfied, a minimum value of each counter data stored in the RAM is detected, and the total data is calculated by adding the period data to the minimum value. The gist of the electronic control device according to claim 4 or 5 is characterized.
[0019]
The present invention exemplifies processing when a predetermined write condition is satisfied. Here, when a predetermined write condition is satisfied, the minimum value of each counter data stored in the RAM is detected, and period data is added to the minimum value to obtain total data. Write total data to non-volatile memory.
[0020]
In addition to this process, a minimum value may be calculated in advance before the condition is satisfied, and when the condition is satisfied, the subsequent total data calculation and writing process may be performed.
(7) The invention of claim 7
The gist of the electronic control device according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined write condition is a timing when the ignition switch is turned off.
[0021]
The present invention exemplifies conditions for writing counter data (that is, total data). Here, it is assumed that the write condition is satisfied when the ignition switch is turned off.
Normally, when the ignition switch is turned off, the voltage supplied to the electronic control device also decreases. However, for example, by maintaining the voltage higher than a predetermined writable voltage for a predetermined time by well-known main relay control, Counter data can be written.
[0022]
(8) The invention of claim 9
The electronic control device is a device capable of performing automatic engine stop and / or automatic engine start (for example, idle stop & starter control) by a starter. The gist of the electronic control device described.
[0023]
The electronic control device of the present invention is a device that automatically starts the engine by an automatic stop of the engine or a starter. Accordingly, the number of starter drives tends to increase as compared with the case where such control is not performed. In particular, when the engine is automatically started, the starter drive count by the automatic start is added to the starter drive count by the driver's ignition key, so that the starter drive count tends to further increase.
[0024]
Therefore, when performing such an engine automatic stop or automatic start control, it is very important to check whether the starter drive count is equal to or greater than the starter drive guarantee count. When the control is executed, it is possible to surely check the starter driving frequency.
[0025]
Therefore, when the starter drive count becomes equal to or greater than the starter drive guarantee count, it is possible to notify the driver by a warning lamp or the like, thereby prompting replacement of the starter. Alternatively, when the starter drive count becomes equal to or greater than the starter drive guarantee count, it is possible to extend the life of the starter by limiting the automatic start of the engine as necessary.
[0026]
The idle stop & starter control is a control for automatically stopping or starting the engine when a predetermined condition is satisfied.
Specifically, in order to reduce fuel consumption and exhaust gas, for example, the engine is automatically stopped when the signal is stopped, and the engine is automatically started when the signal is started. Or, for example, when the vehicle speed is 0 and the door is opened, the engine is automatically stopped. In addition, various conditions for executing the control are conceivable.
[0027]
As an electronic control device that performs the idle stop & starter control, “the idle stop & starter control is a stoppable state determination unit that determines whether or not the vehicle engine may be stopped, and a stoppable state determination. An affirmative determination by the means, an automatic stop means for automatically stopping the engine, and a startable state determination means for determining whether or not the vehicle engine may be started when the automatic stop means is executed. An electronic control device comprising an automatic start means for automatically starting the engine when an affirmative determination is made by the startable state determination means.
[0028]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, an example (example) of an embodiment of the electronic control device of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.
(Example)
a) First, the basic configuration of the engine control electronic control device of this embodiment will be described.
[0029]
As shown in FIG. 1, an electronic control device (hereinafter simply referred to as an engine ECU) 1 for engine control according to the present embodiment is a device mainly composed of a microcomputer (shown as CPU in FIG. 1). Along with the idling stop & starter control, it is possible to check the starter driving frequency (starting frequency).
[0030]
The engine ECU 1 includes a main power supply circuit 5 as a power supply system in addition to the microcomputer 3, an input circuit 9 and a waveform shaping circuit 11 as an input system, and first to third output circuits 13 as output systems. 15 and 17 are provided. Also, an EEPROM 19 and the like are provided as various data storage means. This will be described in detail below.
[0031]
When the ignition switch (IG switch) 21 is on, the main power supply circuit 5 is supplied with a voltage (+ B) from the battery 23 and supplies a predetermined voltage (Vom) to the input circuit 9 and the microcomputer 3. Is.
The microcomputer 3 includes a ROM 25 and a RAM (normal RAM) 27. Among these, the RAM 27 is a memory that holds contents (data) by supplying voltage from the main power supply circuit 5 while the IG switch 21 is on.
[0032]
The EEPROM 19 is a non-volatile memory that can retain the contents (for example, counter data of the number of times the starter is driven) even when the main power is down, and when a predetermined voltage (for example, 2 V or more) is supplied. Is a memory in which data can be written.
[0033]
As will be described in detail later, this EEPROM 19 is used to determine that the starter drive count is equal to or greater than the starter drive guarantee count (a guaranteed value for guaranteeing the operation of the starter 33; for example, 150,000 times). The total value (total data) of the starter driving times is stored.
[0034]
Accordingly, the microcomputer 3 receives the voltage (Vom) from the main power supply, and the EEPROM 19 receives the voltage (Vom) from the main power supply, and data can be exchanged between the RAM 27 and the EEPROM 19. For example, the counter data can be written into the EEPROM 19 based on the starter driving frequency data (counter data) stored in the RAM 27.
[0035]
In the configuration of FIG. 1 described above, the engine ECU 1 is activated when the IG switch 21 connected to the battery 23 is turned on by operating an ignition key (IG key) (not shown). Further, when the IG key is turned to the ST position of the IG switch 21, the motor 33a of the starter 33 is driven to start the engine.
[0036]
Further, during operation of the engine, the engine ECU 1 takes in the vehicle operation signals such as the engine speed signal NE and the vehicle speed signal SPD, and sensor signals such as the throttle opening signal TA and the cooling water temperature signal THW, and the solenoid valve 37. Outputs a control signal for fuel injection control or the like.
[0037]
b) Next, the configuration of the RAM 27 and the EEPROM 19 in the configuration of the engine ECU 1 will be described in more detail.
As shown in FIG. 2, in the engine ECU1, the EEPROM 19 includes a memory EM1 as a storage area (hereinafter also referred to as a memory) in which the starter total drive count (that is, the total start count from the initial time (new) of the engine ECU1) is written. In the memory EM1, five storage areas EM1a to EM1e are set.
[0038]
The reason for providing these five storage areas is that the number of times of data writing in the same storage area of the EEPROM 19 has a predetermined limit (the number of times the EEPROM 19 is guaranteed to be written; for example, 100,000 times).
That is, since the number of times that data can be written to one storage area is 100,000 times, if 5 memories EM1a to EM1e are used, a maximum of 500,000 times of 5 × 10 can be written. This is because it is possible to store 500,000 starter drive times exceeding the 10,000 starter drive guarantee times. Note that the size of each of the memories EM1a to EM1e is set to a size of 4 bytes so that a numerical value of 500,000 times can be stored.
[0039]
Each value stored in the memories EM1a to EM1e is the total number of start times calculated when stored in the respective memories EM1a to EM1e, and the difference in the number of times between the memories EM1a to EM1e is about several times. In the order of a few (compared to the total number of starts).
[0040]
In addition to the memory EM1, the EEPROM 19 is provided with a memory EM2 for storing the starter driving frequency. In the memory EM2, when the starter 33 is replaced, the total number of times the starter is driven (the total number of start times when the starter is replaced) is written. Therefore, the value of the memory EM2 normally increases approximately every 150,000 times when the starter 33 is properly replaced.
[0041]
On the other hand, in the RAM 27 of the CPU 3, a memory RM1 for storing the current start count (start count in the ON period of the current IG switch 21), which is period data detected based on the STA signal, and memories EM1a to EEP1 of the EEPROM 19 are stored. A memory RM2 for temporarily storing the starter driving times read from EMe (specifically, memories RM2a to RM2e corresponding to the respective memories EM1a to EM1e), and a memory for temporarily storing the total number of times of starter replacement read from the memory EM2 of the EEPROM 19 RM3 and a memory RM4 that stores the number of times of start after replacement of the starter (the number of times of start that is counted when the starter is replaced).
[0042]
c) Next, the idle stop & starter control (ISS control) performed by the engine ECU 1 will be briefly described.
This ISS control is a control for reducing the unnecessary operating period of the engine to save fuel and reduce exhaust gas.
[0043]
For example, by automatically stopping the engine when it stops at a red light and automatically starting the engine when starting at a green light, it is possible to reduce the unnecessary operation period of the engine and save fuel and reduce exhaust gas. is there. Further, for example, when the vehicle speed is 0 and the vehicle door is opened, the engine may be automatically stopped without automatically starting the engine.
[0044]
Therefore, in the case of ISS control, the number of starter driving operations is increased compared to the case where it is not, but the number of starter driving operations is limited by the number of starter driving guarantees described above.
Therefore, in this embodiment, as described below, the starter drive count is counted, and it is always checked whether or not the starter drive count is equal to or greater than the starter drive guarantee count. The driver is warned such as turning on the warning lamp 35.
[0045]
d) Next, processes such as the above-described check of the starter driving frequency performed by the engine ECU 1 will be described.
(1) Start count storage process
This process is a process of counting the number of starter driving (starting frequency) by manual starting and automatic starting, and writing the total number of starting times in the EEPROM 19, and is executed every predetermined period.
[0046]
As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3, first, in step 100, it is determined whether or not the IG switch 21 is on. If an affirmative determination is made here, the process proceeds to step 110, while if a negative determination is made, the process proceeds to step 140.
In step 110, the total number of start times stored in the memories EM1a to EM1e of the EEPROM 19 is read out and stored in the memories RM2a to RAM2e of the RAM 27, respectively.
[0047]
In the following step 120, it is determined whether or not the starter 33 is driven depending on whether or not the STA signal is input. If an affirmative determination is made here, the process proceeds to step 130, whereas if a negative determination is made, the present process is temporarily terminated.
Even when the IG switch 21 is operated manually and the starter 33 is driven, or when the starter 33 is automatically started by a signal from the second output circuit 15, the STA signal is input to the engine ECU 1. It can be detected that the starter 33 is driven.
[0048]
In step 130, since the starter 33 has been driven, the current start counter KK is counted up, the value is stored in the memory RM1 of the RAM 27, and this process is temporarily terminated.
On the other hand, in step 140 that proceeds with a negative determination in step 100, it is determined whether or not the IG switch 21 has been switched from on to off. If an affirmative determination is made here, the process proceeds to step 150, whereas if a negative determination is made, the present process is temporarily terminated.
[0049]
In step 150, since the IG switch 21 is turned off, the minimum value of the values (total start count) stored in the memories RM2a to RM2e of the RAM 27 is detected.
In the following step 160, the current start count (the value of the counter KK) stored in the memory RM1 of the RAM 27 is added to the minimum value of the memories RM2a to RM2e of the RAM 27 to calculate the total start count that is total data. .
[0050]
Here, since the current number of starts is added to the minimum value of the total number of starts so far, the total data may not be the total number of starts, but the number of starts between the memories RM2a to RM2e. Since the difference is small, it can be regarded substantially as the total number of start-ups.
[0051]
In the subsequent step 170, the total number of start times calculated in step 160 is written (that is, rewritten) in the memory having the minimum value among the memories EM1a to EM1e of the EEPROM 19, and the present process is temporarily terminated.
{Circle around (2)} Here, the manner in which the start count is written in the EEPROM 19 by the processing of FIG. 3 will be described with reference to Table 1 below.
[0052]
[Table 1]

[0053]
Note that * in Table 1 indicates that new writing was performed when the IG switch 21 was turned off. In addition, “current start count” in Table 1 indicates a value stored in the memory RM1 of the RAM 29 when the IG switch 21 is turned off.
As shown in Table 1, the initial values (No. 1) of the memories EM1a to EM1e of the EEPROM 19 are zero.
[0054]
Next, the starter 33 is driven twice from when the IG switch 21 is first turned on until it is turned off (No. 2) for the first time. At this time, since the values of the memories EM1a to EM1e of the EEPROM 19 are all the same with an initial value of 0, when such values are the same, the values are written in alphabetical order of preset subscripts (in order from the left memory). To.
[0055]
In this case, the total of the initial value 0 and the current two starter driving times is two times, and the value is written in the memory EM1a of the EEPROM 19.
Similarly, in the case of Nos. 3 to 6, the starter drive count is sequentially written in the memories EM1b to EM1e of the EEPROM 19.
[0056]
Next, in the case of No. 7, the current start count is 4, and the minimum value of the memory EM1 of the EEPROM 19 up to the previous No. 6 is 1 in the memory EM1c. A value of 5 that is the sum of 4 and 1 of the minimum value is written in the memory EM1c of the minimum value as the total number of start times.
[0057]
In the same manner, the current start count and the minimum value of the memory EM1 of the EEPROM 19 are summed, and the sum is written in the minimum value memory. In this case as well, if there are a plurality of minimum values, they are written in each memory in the order of subscript alphabets.
(3) Starter deterioration judgment process
This process is a process for determining the deterioration of the starter 33, and is executed every predetermined period.
[0058]
Prior to this processing, when the IG switch 21 is turned on, the total number of start times when the starter of the memory EM2 of the EEPROM 19 is replaced is read and stored in the memory RM3 of the RAM 27 as the total number of start times when the starter is replaced. The memory EM2 of the EEPROM 19 and the memory RM3 of the RAM 27 are cleared at the initial time (new).
[0059]
As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4, in step 200, the number of start times after starter replacement is calculated and stored in the memory RM <b> 4 of the RAM 27.
Specifically, the total number of starts at the starter replacement stored in the memory RM3 of the RAM 27 is subtracted from the total number of starters 33 stored in the memory RM2 of the RAM 27 to calculate the number of starts after the starter replacement. To do.
[0060]
For example, the maximum value among the values stored in the five memories RM2a to RM2e is used as the total number of times the starter 33 is stored in the memory RM2 of the RAM 27. Further, the total number of times of start-up when replacing the starter stored in the memory RM3 of the RAM 27 is a value (for example, 150,000 times or 300,000 times) read from the memory EM2 of the EEPROM 19 when the IG switch 21 is turned on.
[0061]
In the subsequent step 210, it is determined whether or not the number of start-ups after the starter replacement is equal to or greater than, for example, 150,000 starter driving guarantee times. If an affirmative determination is made here, the process proceeds to step 220. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made, the starter 33 is still a small number of start times that can be normally operated, and thus this process is temporarily terminated.
[0062]
In step 220, the starter drive count becomes equal to or greater than the starter drive guarantee count, and the subsequent starter 33 drive is not guaranteed. Therefore, the warning lamp 35 is turned on to notify the driver and the like, and the process is temporarily terminated. To do.
By this processing, it is possible to accurately notify the driver that the starter 33 has reached the end of its life.
[0063]
In addition to lighting of the warning lamp 35, it is desirable to stop the ISS control when the ISS control is performed.
(4) Starter replacement process
This process is performed when the starter 33 is replaced, and is executed by an instruction from the diagnosis tool.
[0064]
As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5, in step 300, it is determined whether or not a signal for notifying that the replacement of the starter 33 is completed is received from the diagnosis tool 37. If a positive determination is made here, the process proceeds to step 310, whereas if a negative determination is made, the present process is temporarily terminated.
[0065]
In step 310, the total number of starts stored in the memory RM2 of the RAM 27 is stored in the memory RM3 of the RAM 27 as the total number of starts at the time of starter replacement.
As a result, the values of the memory RM2 and the memory RM3 become the same, so that the number of start times after the starter replacement of the memory RM4 is (value of the memory RM2−value of the memory RM3) = 0, Preparation for counting is completed.
[0066]
For example, the maximum value among the values stored in the five memories RM2a to RM2e is used as the total number of times the starter 33 is stored in the memory RM2 of the RAM 27.
In the following step 320, it is determined whether or not the IG switch 21 has been switched from on to off. If an affirmative determination is made here, the process proceeds to step 330, whereas if a negative determination is made, the present process is temporarily terminated.
[0067]
In step 330, the total number of times of starter replacement stored in the memory RM3 of the RAM 27 is written in the memory EM2 of the EEPROM 19, and this process is temporarily terminated.
Thus, for example, when the starter 33 is replaced every 150,000 start times, the total number of start times at the starter replacement at the starter replacement is stored in the memory EM2 of the EEPROM 19 at 150,000, 300,000, 45 It will be written sequentially with 10,000 times.
[0068]
e) With the above-described configuration, this example has the following effects.
In the start count storage processing of this embodiment, the current start count is counted up every time the starter 33 is driven, and when the IG switch 21 is turned off, the current start count is reduced to the minimum value of the memories RM2a to RM2e of the RAM 27. Is added to obtain the total number of start times, and the value is written in the minimum value memory of the EEPROM 19.
[0069]
As a result, among the memories EM1a to EM1e of the EEPROM 19, the memory to which the total number of starts is written is changed each time, so the number of writes in each of the memories EM1a to EM1e is averaged. Therefore, since the number of times of writing in the EEPROM 19 can be made smaller than the number of times of guaranteed writing in the EEPROM 19, there is an effect that the number of starter driving times can be surely stored. Specifically, in each storage area, writing is performed once every five writing timings, and 500,000 times can be counted within the guaranteed number of times of writing.
[0070]
Further, as compared with the conventional case, there is an advantage that the memory efficiency is good because a storage area for setting the memory address to be stored is not required.
Accurate starter drive count can always be stored.
In this embodiment, when the number of write guarantees of the EEPROM 19 is 100,000, for example, when storing the number of starter driving of 500,000, it is divided into five storage areas of 50 ÷ 10. As described above, it is desirable to appropriately set the number of storage areas in accordance with the number of write guarantees and the number of starter drives to be stored.
[0071]
For example, when the write guarantee count is A times and B starter drive counts are stored, the minimum storage area is sufficient if the storage area is an integer quotient number B ÷ A. If it is not divisible, setting (quotient + 1) number of storage areas requires only the minimum storage area, and the memory efficiency can be improved. Note that the size of one storage area is a size that can store the total number of starter drives.
[0072]
In addition, in this embodiment, when the starter count from the initial starter (or after the starter replacement) exceeds the starter drive guarantee count, the warning lamp 35 is turned on to inform the driver of the starter 33. Since replacement is promoted, sudden start-up failure is unlikely to occur, and safe operation is always possible.
[0073]
・ Furthermore, when the number of starters from the initial starter (or after starter replacement) exceeds the starter drive guarantee count, the ISS control is stopped to reduce the degree of increase in the subsequent starter drive count. can do. In other words, as the starter start count exceeds the starter drive guarantee count, the possibility that the start operation cannot be suitably performed increases, so the ISS control in which the starter start count increases is stopped. Thereby, after the ISS control is stopped, only the engine is started by the IG key, so that the reliability of the starter 33 can be ensured.
[0074]
Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an electronic control device according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a RAM or an EEPROM memory according to an embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a start count storage process according to the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating starter deterioration determination processing according to the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a starter replacement process according to the embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ... Electronic control unit
3 ... Microcomputer
5 ... Main power circuit
19… EEPROM
21 ... Ignition switch (IG switch)
23 ... Battery
27 ... Normal RAM (RAM)
33 ... Starter

Claims (8)

RAM backed up by a power supply,
Writable non-volatile memory that can retain stored contents even when the power is turned off,
With
An electronic control device in which a plurality of storage areas for storing counter data for counting the number of times a predetermined event occurs is set in the nonvolatile memory,
Storage means for obtaining period data in a predetermined period out of the counter data and storing it in the RAM;
When a predetermined write condition is satisfied, total data obtained by summing the minimum value of the counter data stored in the plurality of storage areas of the nonvolatile memory and the period data stored in the RAM is calculated. Writing means for writing in a storage area in which the minimum value of the nonvolatile memory is stored;
An electronic control device comprising: The electronic control device according to claim 1, wherein the counter data is an engine starter driving count. The electronic control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined period is a period in which an ignition switch is turned on. The counter data stored in a plurality of storage areas of the non-volatile memory is read and stored in the RAM when a predetermined read condition is satisfied. The electronic control device described. 5. The electronic control device according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined read condition is a timing when an ignition switch is turned on. When the predetermined write condition is satisfied, a minimum value of each counter data stored in the RAM is detected, and the total data is calculated by adding the period data to the minimum value. 6. The electronic control device according to claim 4, wherein the electronic control device is characterized. The electronic control apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined write condition is a timing at which an ignition switch is turned off. The electronic control device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic control device is a device capable of automatically stopping the engine and / or automatically starting the engine with a starter.

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