Engine extended function controller and control method thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to an engine extended function controller and a control method thereof. The controller comprises an engine extended function controller body mounted within the cab or on the chassis near the engine. The extended function controller body is communicatively connected to the engine ECU via the vehicle's CAN bus. The extended function controller body comprises at least a signal input module, a signal output module, a signal processing module, and a CAN bus communication module. The present invention indirectly controls the engine by communicating with the engine ECU via the vehicle's CAN bus. The extended function controller receives various information from the vehicle, including switches and sensors, engine operating status, and vehicle status, and is capable of performing logical analysis on this information, thereby implementing a method for controlling extended functions such as engine speed regulation, exhaust auxiliary braking control, and overspeed alarms in a modified vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an engine extended function controller and a control method thereof, belonging to the technical field of automobile electronic control. Background Art

[0002] Commercial vehicle modification uses a modified chassis to modify different types of modified vehicles. The common operating conditions of the engines vary, placing varying demands on the engine's functionality. Currently, all engine functions are implemented through the engine control unit (ECU). The ECU itself has limited pin resources, and adding extended engine functions requires modifications to both the ECU's hardware and software. This results in long design change cycles and high development costs, making it difficult to meet the diverse and rapidly evolving needs of commercial vehicle development and application. To meet the rapidly evolving needs of the commercial vehicle modification market, a method for controlling engine extended functions has been developed. This method utilizes an extended function controller to receive and process requested information. This information is then communicated to the engine control unit via the CAN bus to achieve engine speed control. Furthermore, the controller receives vehicle and engine operating status information and, through processing by the controller system, controls the operation of the exhaust assist brake. Furthermore, if the vehicle exceeds the speed limit, the controller activates a buzzer to warn the driver to slow down and issues a fuel reduction or even fuel cut-off request to the engine control unit to ensure the vehicle does not exceed the maximum speed. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of the present invention is to address the problems existing in the prior art and propose an engine extended function controller and a control method thereof to quickly realize the diverse functional requirements of commercial modified vehicles, shorten the development cycle and development costs, and allow users to realize the required functions through the engine extended function controller.

[0004] The specific technical solution of the present invention is as follows: an engine extended function controller, comprising an engine extended function controller body mounted in the cab or on the chassis near the engine, the extended function controller body being communicatively connected to the engine ECU via the vehicle CAN bus. The extended function controller body comprises at least a signal input module, a signal output module, a signal processing module, and a CAN bus communication module. The signal input module in the extended function controller body is configured to receive switch information, perform preliminary processing on the switch information, convert the signal into a message, and transmit it to the signal processing module; the signal processing module is configured to perform programming operations, perform logical operations on information from the CAN bus and information from the signal input module, and convert the results of the operations into a message and output it to the signal output module; the signal output module is configured to receive message information from the signal processing module, convert the corresponding message information into a voltage signal, and output a control signal from the corresponding function pin on the controller body to drive the operation of external components.

[0005] A control method for an engine extended function controller includes the following specific steps:

[0006] Step 1: The engine extended function controller obtains relevant information of the peripheral component and determines whether the peripheral component is turned on;

[0007] Step 2: If the peripheral component is in the on state, the engine extended function controller reads its signal and determines whether its working conditions are met;

[0008] Step 3: If the working conditions are met, the engine extended function controller controls the peripheral components according to user needs and enters the corresponding working state.

[0009] Furthermore, the peripheral components include at least an exhaust auxiliary switch, a PTO switch, a speed control switch and an idle speed increase switch.

[0010] Furthermore, the specific steps of the PTO speed adjustment function are as follows:

[0011] Step 101: The engine extended function controller obtains a PTO switch signal and determines whether it is on.

[0012] Step 102: If the PTO switch is on, the engine extended function controller reads the speed control related signal on the CAN bus and determines whether the PTO (Power Take Off) power output device working conditions are met;

[0013] Step 103: If the PTO operating conditions are met, the engine function controller reads the current PTO default speed value, obtains whether the SET+ / SET- switch is pressed and the pressing mode, and calculates the speed value currently required by the user;

[0014] Step 104: Convert the user's required speed value into a bus message and send it to the CAN bus;

[0015] Step 105: The engine controller ECU receives the PTO speed adjustment message on the bus, verifies that the message is complete and correct, parses the corresponding content of the message, and controls the engine to enter the PTO speed adjustment control mode;

[0016] Step 106: The engine assembly operates in the PTO mode and adjusts the speed to the target speed set by the PTO.

[0017] Furthermore, the signal in step 102 at least includes a brake signal, a clutch signal, and a vehicle speed signal of the vehicle.

[0018] Furthermore, the specific steps of the exhaust assist function are as follows:

[0019] Step 201: Obtain the exhaust assist switch status through the engine extended function controller and determine whether the exhaust assist switch is turned on;

[0020] Step 202: If the exhaust assist switch is on, the engine extended function controller reads the relevant signal on the CAN bus and determines whether the exhaust assist working conditions are met;

[0021] Step 203: If the clutch is engaged, the engine speed is higher than the exhaust assist operation threshold speed, and the throttle opening is 0, the engine extended function controller controls the exhaust assist solenoid valve to operate and lights up the exhaust assist operation indicator light.

[0022] Furthermore, the signal in step 202 at least includes a clutch signal, an engine speed signal, and a throttle signal.

[0023] Furthermore, the specific steps of the exhaust assist function are as follows:

[0024] Step 301: Read the current vehicle speed value on the CAN bus through the engine extended function controller;

[0025] Step 302: The engine extended function controller compares the current vehicle speed with the set speed limit. If the speed limit is ≥ the current vehicle speed or ≥ 95% of the speed limit, the engine extended function controller reads the current engine torque and speed on the CAN bus, sends a command to the buzzer to sound an alarm, and simultaneously sends a torque and speed reduction message to the engine controller ECU. If the current vehicle speed is ≥ the speed limit, the engine extended function controller reads the current engine torque and speed, sends a command to the buzzer to sound an alarm, and simultaneously sends a fuel cut-off message to the engine controller ECU.

[0026] Step 303: After receiving the torque reduction, speed reduction, or fuel cut-off request message signal from the engine extended function controller via the CAN bus, the engine controller ECU controls the engine to enter the torque reduction, speed reduction, or fuel cut-off operation mode after verification and confirmation.

[0027] Step 304: The engine torque is reduced, the speed is lowered, and the vehicle speed is reduced.

[0028] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0029] The engine extended function controller proposed in the present invention can expand the engine speed regulation function, exhaust auxiliary braking, overspeed alarm function and other functions required by commercial modified vehicles. The engine controller ECU does not require any changes to the software or hardware, and does not involve data calibration and updating. It has a short development cycle and low cost, and is suitable for use in various commercial modified vehicles.

[0030] The present invention has high functional integration, precise control method, and is easy to use, and can meet various modification function requirements of commercial vehicles. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the process of the engine PTO speed regulation function in the present invention.

[0034] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the exhaust assist function in the present invention.

[0035] Figure 4 It is a flow chart of the vehicle overspeed alarm function in the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Example

[0037] This embodiment provides an engine extended function controller, the structure of which is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the system includes an engine assembly 1, an engine controller (ECU) 2, a CAN bus 3, an engine extended function controller 4, a PTO switch 5, a SET+ self-reset switch 6, a SET- self-reset switch 7, an exhaust assist switch 8, an exhaust assist brake 9, an instrument / exhaust assist indicator light 10, and a buzzer / indicator light 11. The engine assembly's operating status is controlled by the engine controller ECU. The engine controller receives and transmits status data from various functional components of the vehicle via the CAN bus, and during development, it reserves the ability to receive status bus messages for various functions. The engine extended function controller can receive switch or analog input information, process the received information, and output the required control voltage values ​​or converted message information for each functional actuator. It also has the ability to exchange information with various node controllers on the vehicle's CAN bus network. The PTO (Power Take Off) switch is used to activate or deactivate the PTO function. The SET+ and SET- self-reset speed control switches are used to increase or decrease the speed after the PTO function is activated. The exhaust assist switch is used to activate and deactivate the exhaust assist function. The exhaust assist brake controls the operation of the engine's exhaust assist brake. The instrument panel / displacement indicator light indicates whether the displacement brake is in operation. The buzzer / indicator light reminds the driver of the current overspeed condition.

[0038] like Figure 2 The example shown is an example of the present invention realizing the engine PTO speed regulation function. The specific implementation includes the following steps:

[0039] Step P101: 4 The engine extended function controller passes the PTO switch signal;

[0040] Step P102: If the PTO switch is on, the side engine extended function controller reads the brake signal, clutch signal, and vehicle speed signal on the 3CAN bus and determines whether the PTO working conditions are met;

[0041] Step P103: If the PTO operating conditions are met, the engine function controller reads the current PTO default speed value, obtains whether the SET+ / SET- switch is pressed and the pressing mode, and calculates the speed value currently required by the user;

[0042] Step P104: convert the user's required speed value into a bus message and send it to the CAN bus;

[0043] Step P105: The engine controller ECU receives the speed adjustment message sent by the PTO on the bus, verifies that the message is complete and correct, parses the corresponding content of the message, and controls the engine to enter the PTO speed adjustment control mode;

[0044] Step P106: The engine assembly operates in PTO mode and adjusts the speed to the target speed set by the PTO.

[0045] In this implementation, if the PTO switch is not pressed and the PTO operating conditions are not met, the engine extended function controller will not send the corresponding speed message, and the engine controller will not enter PTO speed control mode. PTO mode can be exited by pressing the clutch or brake pedal, or by turning off the PTO switch. When exiting PTO mode, the engine speed set at the time of exit will be used as the default speed for the next time PTO is entered.

[0046] Figure 3 This is the specific implementation process of the engine extended function controller to realize the exhaust auxiliary braking function. The specific steps of this implementation case are as follows:

[0047] Step P201: The engine extended function controller obtains the exhaust auxiliary switch status;

[0048] Step P202: If the exhaust assist switch is on, the engine extended function controller reads the clutch signal, engine speed signal, and throttle signal on the CAN bus to determine whether the exhaust assist working conditions are met;

[0049] Step P203: If the clutch is engaged, the engine speed is higher than the exhaust assist working threshold speed, the throttle opening is 0, the engine extended function controller controls the exhaust assist solenoid valve to work, and lights up the exhaust assist working indicator light.

[0050] In this implementation case, the exhaust assist operation will be exited when the exhaust assist switch is turned off, the clutch is depressed, and the engine speed is lower than the exhaust assist exit speed. The engine speed for exiting the exhaust assist operation is usually set to be about 300r / min higher than the engine idle speed. This can avoid the engine stalling when the speed is too low due to the exhaust assist being constantly working; the engine speed for entering the exhaust assist operation is usually set to be 300r / min higher than the exit speed to avoid frequent entry or exit of the exhaust assist.

[0051] Figure 4 This is the specific implementation process of the engine extended function controller to realize the vehicle overspeed alarm function. The specific steps of this implementation case are as follows:

[0052] Step P301: The engine extended function controller reads the current vehicle speed value on the CAN bus;

[0053] Step P302: The engine extended function controller compares the current vehicle speed with the set speed limit. If the speed limit is ≥ the current vehicle speed or ≥ 95% of the speed limit, the engine's current torque and speed are read from the CAN bus. The engine extended function controller sends a command to the buzzer to sound an alarm and simultaneously sends a torque and speed reduction message to the engine controller ECU. If the current vehicle speed is ≥ the speed limit, the engine's current torque and speed are read, a command to the buzzer to sound an alarm, and a fuel cut-off message is sent to the engine controller ECU.

[0054] Step P303: After the engine controller ECU receives the torque reduction, speed reduction, or fuel cut-off request message signal from the engine extended function controller via the CAN bus, it controls the engine to enter the torque reduction, speed reduction, or fuel cut-off operation mode after verification and confirmation;

[0055] Step P304: The engine torque decreases, the speed decreases, and the vehicle speed decreases.

[0056] When the vehicle speed is lower than the speed limit, the function controller exits the overspeed alarm.

[0057] In addition to the above-mentioned embodiment of the peripheral component, this embodiment can also receive other component functions, such as an idle speed increase switch to increase the engine idle speed.

[0058] In addition to the above examples, the present invention may also have other implementations. Any technical solution formed by equivalent replacement or equivalent transformation falls within the scope of protection of this claim.

Claims

1. A control method for an engine extended function controller, characterized in that: The specific steps include: Step 1. The engine extended function controller obtains relevant information of the peripheral component through the signal input module, and the signal processing module determines whether the peripheral component is turned on; wherein, the engine extended function controller can extend the engine speed adjustment function, exhaust auxiliary braking and overspeed alarm function required for commercial modified vehicles; it includes an engine extended function controller body installed in the cab or on the chassis, the extended function controller body is connected to the engine ECU through the vehicle CAN bus, and the extended function controller body at least includes a signal input module, a signal output module, a signal processing module and a CAN bus communication module; the signal input module in the extended function controller body is used to receive switch information, the switch information includes exhaust auxiliary switch information, PTO speed adjustment switch information, speed control switch information and idle speed increase switch information; and performs preliminary processing on the switch information, converts the signal into a message and transmits it to the signal processing module; the signal processing module has programming capability for performing programming operations, and can compile a program to perform logical operations on information from the CAN bus and information with the signal input module; the signal output module is used to receive message information from the signal processing module, and convert the corresponding message information into a voltage signal, output a control signal from the corresponding function pin on the controller body, and drive the external component to work; Step 2: If the peripheral component is in the on state, the signal is read by the engine extended function controller signal input module, and the signal processing module determines whether the working conditions are met; Step 3: If the working conditions are met, the engine extended function controller signal output module controls the peripheral components according to user needs and enters the corresponding working state; the specific steps of the PTO speed adjustment switch function are as follows: Step 101: Obtain a PTO speed adjustment switch signal through the engine extended function controller and determine whether the PTO speed adjustment switch is turned on; Step 102: If the PTO speed adjustment switch is on, the engine extended function controller reads the speed adjustment related signal on the CAN bus and determines whether the working conditions of the power take-off device are met; Step 103: If the PTO speed adjustment working conditions are met, the engine function controller reads the current PTO speed adjustment default speed value, obtains whether the speed adjustment switch is pressed and the pressing mode, and calculates the speed value currently required by the user; Step 104: The user's required speed value is converted into a bus message through the controller signal processing module and sent to the CAN bus; Step 105: The engine controller ECU receives the PTO speed adjustment message on the bus, verifies that the message is complete and correct, parses the corresponding content of the message, and controls the engine to enter the PTO speed adjustment control mode; Step 106: The engine assembly operates in the PTO mode and adjusts the speed to the target speed set by the PTO.

2. The control method of the engine extended function controller according to claim 1, characterized in that: The peripheral components include at least an exhaust auxiliary switch, a PTO speed adjustment switch, a speed control switch and an idle speed increase switch.

3. The control method of the engine extended function controller according to claim 1, characterized in that: The signals in step 102 at least include a brake signal, a clutch signal, and a vehicle speed signal of the vehicle.

4. The control method of the engine extended function controller according to claim 2, characterized in that: The specific steps of the exhaust assist function are as follows: Step 201: Obtain the exhaust assist switch status through the engine extended function controller and determine whether the exhaust assist switch is turned on; Step 202: If the exhaust assist switch is on, the engine extended function controller reads the relevant signal on the CAN bus and determines whether the exhaust assist working conditions are met; Step 203: If the clutch is engaged, the engine speed is higher than the exhaust assist operation threshold speed, and the throttle opening is 0, the engine extended function controller controls the exhaust assist solenoid valve to operate and lights up the exhaust assist operation indicator light.

5. The control method of the engine extended function controller according to claim 4, characterized in that: The signals in step 202 at least include a clutch signal, an engine speed signal, and a throttle signal.

6. The control method of the engine extended function controller according to claim 1, characterized in that: The specific steps of the exhaust assist function are as follows: Step 301: Read the current vehicle speed value on the CAN bus through the engine extended function controller; Step 302: The engine extended function controller compares the current vehicle speed with the set speed limit. If the speed limit is ≥ the current vehicle speed or ≥ 95% of the speed limit, the engine extended function controller reads the current engine torque and speed on the CAN bus, sends a command to the buzzer to sound an alarm, and simultaneously sends a torque and speed reduction message to the engine controller ECU. If the current vehicle speed is ≥ the speed limit, the engine extended function controller reads the current engine torque and speed, sends a command to the buzzer to sound an alarm, and simultaneously sends a fuel cut-off message to the engine controller ECU. Step 303: After receiving the torque reduction, speed reduction, or fuel cut-off request message signal from the engine extended function controller via the CAN bus, the engine controller ECU controls the engine to enter the torque reduction, speed reduction, or fuel cut-off operation mode after verification and confirmation. Step 304: The engine torque is reduced, the rotation speed is lowered, and the vehicle speed is reduced.

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