A self-unloading vehicle engine and its electric control flameout protection system and control method

Abstract

The application discloses a self-unloading vehicle engine and an electric control extinguishing protection system and control method thereof, which comprises a vehicle controller VCU, a transmission controller DCU, an engine controller ECU, an instrument, an accelerator pedal, a storage battery, a power supply master switch, a key switch, a power supply relay, a delay extinguishing relay, a diode and a 24V generator; the application can realize automatic idling for a period of time after giving an extinguishing command when the engine is running at high speed, and the delay extinguishing time is adjustable; if the extinguishing command is not given and the engine idles for a long time without extinguishing, a prompt is given; if no operation is performed within a predetermined time after the prompt, an extinguishing signal is automatically triggered, so that the maintenance cost is reduced, the service life of the engine is prolonged, and the harm to the engine and the environment is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electronically controlled engine shutdown protection system and control method for dump trucks, belonging to the field of engineering machinery technology. Background Technology

[0002] Existing mining dump trucks are equipped with turbocharged engines. If the engine is turned off immediately after running at high speed for a period of time, the turbine will continue to rotate at high speed due to inertia. However, the engine lubrication system stops working when the engine is turned off and cannot provide oil lubrication to the turbine. Insufficient oil supply can easily damage the turbine, reduce its service life, and increase maintenance costs. Turning off the engine immediately after parking will also cause engine vibration, oil heating and deterioration, and decreased hardness and aging of the metal surfaces inside the engine. If the engine is left to idle for a long time after parking, the combustible mixture will not burn completely, resulting in carbon buildup that damages the engine and excessive pollutants in the exhaust that harm the environment. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention proposes an electronically controlled engine shutdown protection system and control method for dump trucks. This system enables the engine to automatically idle for a period of time after a shutdown command is given, and the shutdown delay time is adjustable. If no shutdown command is given and the engine idles for an extended period without shutting off, a prompt is issued. If no action is taken within a predetermined time after the prompt, a shutdown signal is automatically triggered. This reduces maintenance costs, extends engine lifespan, and minimizes harm to the engine and the environment.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solution: In a first aspect, this invention discloses an electronically controlled engine shutdown protection system for a dump truck, comprising a vehicle control unit (VCU), a transmission control unit (DCU), an engine control unit (ECU), an instrument cluster, an accelerator pedal, a battery, a main power switch, a key switch, a power relay, a time-delay shutdown relay, a diode, and a generator; the data transmission terminals of the VCU, DCU, ECU, and instrument cluster are electrically connected together and communicate with each other; the accelerator pedal is connected to the voltage acquisition terminal of the DCU; the ON position of the key switch is connected to the digital input of the VCU. The acquisition terminal, the anode of the diode, and the digital acquisition terminal of the drive controller DCU are connected; the vehicle controller VCU, engine controller ECU, key switch, and one end of the normally open contact of the time-delayed shutdown relay are all powered by the battery through the main power switch; the cathode of the diode and the other end of the normally open contact of the time-delayed shutdown relay are all connected to the coil in the power relay; the shutdown signal of the engine controller ECU, the drive controller DCU, and the instruments are all powered by the battery through the main power switch and the normally open contact of the power relay, or by the generator through the normally open contact of the power relay; the digital output terminal of the vehicle controller VCU is connected to the coil in the time-delayed shutdown relay.

[0005] In some embodiments, the power relay coil is powered in the following way: 1) When the key switch is in the ON position and there is power, the delay fire stop relay switch contacts are closed, and the power relay coil is powered simultaneously through the key switch ON position, the diode, and the delay fire stop relay switch contacts. 2) When the key switch is in the ON position and the power is off, if the engine is in the delayed shutdown process, the contacts of the delayed shutdown relay switch will remain closed, and the power relay coil will be powered only through the contacts of the delayed shutdown relay switch. 3) When the key switch is in the ON position, the power is off. If the engine is not in the timed shutdown process at this time, the timed shutdown relay switch contacts will open and the power relay coil will be de-energized.

[0006] In some embodiments, the instrument has an engine shutdown delay time setting interface with multiple engine shutdown delay time options. The delay time t1 can be set as needed by adjusting the button or by using a touch screen.

[0007] In some embodiments, the instrument is provided with an idle time setting interface, which has multiple idle time options. The idle time t2 can be set as needed by adjusting the button or by the touch screen.

[0008] In some embodiments, the diode is used to prevent backflow of current from the delay shutdown relay contacts during the delay shutdown countdown, which would cause the vehicle controller VCU input port DI1 to go high, leading the vehicle controller VCU to determine that the system is in a powered-on state.

[0009] Secondly, this invention discloses an electronically controlled engine shutdown control method for dump trucks: When the main power switch is closed and the key switch is in the ON position, the vehicle control unit (VCU) receives the power-on signal, its digital input port DI1 goes high, and the control digital output port DO1 outputs a high level. The time-delayed shutdown relay coil is energized and its normally open contact closes. At the same time, the power relay coil is energized through the key switch via a diode or through the time-delayed shutdown relay contact, and its normally open contact closes. The engine control unit (ECU) receives the shutdown signal, the transmission control unit (DCU) and the instruments are energized, and the engine can be controlled normally.

[0010] In some embodiments, when the key switch is in the ON position and the falling edge occurs, if the engine speed is zero, that is, the vehicle is only powered on but not started, the vehicle controller VCU control output port DO1 outputs a low level, which in turn delays the de-energization of the ignition stop relay coil and the contact opening, the power relay coil immediately de-energizes and the contact opening, and the engine controller ECU stops the engine, the transmission controller DCU and the instrument panel lose power.

[0011] In some embodiments, the transmission controller (DCU) receives accelerator pedal opening and engine speed signals. If the dump truck is stopped and the engine speed is greater than or equal to the idle speed, when the falling edge of the key switch ON position is detected, regardless of the accelerator pedal opening and engine speed received at this time, an engine idle speed command is sent to the engine controller (ECU) to make the engine idle.

[0012] In some embodiments, if the dump truck is parked and the engine speed is greater than or equal to the idle speed, when the falling edge of the ON position of the key switch is detected, the instrument panel displays a shutdown interface, allowing selection of either delayed shutdown or immediate shutdown. If neither is selected, the vehicle controller (VCU) continues to control the digital output port DO1 to output a high level, energizing the engine controller (ECU) shutdown signal, and the engine idles normally. If immediate shutdown is selected, the vehicle controller (VCU) receives the immediate shutdown command from the instrument panel, controls the digital output port DO1 to output a low level, de-energizes the power relay coil, opens the normally open contact, de-energizes the engine controller (ECU) shutdown signal, and thus shuts down the engine. If delayed shutdown is selected, the instrument panel displays a shutdown countdown according to the set delay time t1. During the countdown, regardless of whether the shutdown is stopped, the vehicle controller (VCU) controls the digital output port DO1 to output a high level, energizing the engine controller (ECU) shutdown signal, and the engine idles normally. When the countdown ends, the vehicle controller (VCU) controls the digital output port DO1 to output a low level, and thus the engine receives the shutdown signal and shuts down.

[0013] In some embodiments, the vehicle controller (VCU) receives the engine speed signal. When the dump truck is parked and the engine speed is greater than or equal to the idle speed, the VCU calculates the continuous idling time of the engine. If the continuous idling time is greater than the set idling time t2, a prompt interface pops up on the instrument panel, indicating that the engine will automatically shut down. If the dump truck is not operated within a preset time t3 after the prompt, the VCU sends a shutdown command to the transmission controller (DCU) via the bus. After receiving the shutdown command, the DCU sends a command to the engine controller (ECU) to set the engine speed to zero via the bus, thereby controlling the engine to shut down.

[0014] Thirdly, the present invention discloses a dump truck equipped with the aforementioned dump truck engine electronically controlled engine shutdown protection system.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages: It can automatically idle for a period of time and then shut down after the engine is given a shutdown command when it is running at high speed. The shutdown delay time is adjustable. If no shutdown command is given and the engine idles for a long time without shutting down, a prompt will be given. If no action is taken within a predetermined time after the prompt, the shutdown signal will be automatically triggered, which reduces maintenance costs, extends the service life of the engine, and reduces the harm to the engine and the environment. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The accompanying drawings, as part of this invention, are provided to further illustrate the invention. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of the invention are used to explain the invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation thereof. Clearly, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any creative effort.

[0017] In the attached diagram: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the electrical control principle of the flameout protection system of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a signal transmission diagram of the flameout protection system of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the control method for the flameout protection system of the present invention; Attached diagram labels: GB: Battery, QS: Main power switch, Circuit breaker: CB1 / CB2 / CB3 / CB4 / CB5 / CB6, S1: Key switch, VD: Diode, KA1: Power relay, KA2: Delayed engine shutdown relay, RP: Accelerator pedal, VCU: Vehicle controller, ECU: Engine controller, DCU: Transmission controller, YB: Instrument cluster, G: 24V alternator.

[0018] It should be noted that these accompanying drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0020] like Figure 1 As shown, a dump truck engine electronically controlled shutdown protection system includes a vehicle controller (VCU), a transmission controller (DCU), an engine controller (ECU), an instrument panel (YB), an accelerator pedal (RP), a battery (GB), a main power switch (QS), a key switch (S1), a power relay (KA1), a time-delay shutdown relay (KA2), a diode (VD), and a 24V generator (G).

[0021] The data transmission terminals of the vehicle controller (VCU), transmission controller (DCU), engine controller (ECU), and instrument cluster (YB) are electrically connected together for communication. The accelerator pedal (RP) is connected to the voltage acquisition terminal of the transmission controller (DCU). The ON position of the key switch is connected to the digital acquisition terminal of the vehicle controller (VCU), the anode of diode VD, and the digital acquisition terminal of the transmission controller (DCU). One end of the normally open contact of the vehicle controller (VCU), engine controller (ECU), key switch (S1), and time-delayed shutdown relay (KA2) is powered by the battery GB through the main power switch (QS). The cathode of diode VD and the other end of the normally open contact of time-delayed shutdown relay (KA2) are connected to the coil in the power relay (KA1). The shutdown signal of the engine controller (ECU), transmission controller (DCU), and instrument cluster (YB) are powered by the battery GB through the main power switch (QS) and the normally open contact of power relay (KA1), or by the 24V generator G through the normally open contact of power relay (KA1). The digital output terminal of the vehicle controller (VCU) is connected to the coil in the time-delayed shutdown relay (KA2).

[0022] Furthermore, a circuit breaker CB1 is connected in series at the power supply terminal of the vehicle controller (VCU), a circuit breaker CB2 is connected in series at the key switch (S1), a circuit breaker CB3 is connected in series at the power supply terminal of the engine controller (ECU), a circuit breaker CB4 is connected in series at the stop signal terminal of the engine controller (ECU), a circuit breaker CB5 is connected in series at the power supply terminal of the transmission controller (DCU), and a circuit breaker CB6 is connected in series at the power supply terminal of the instrument panel (YB).

[0023] Furthermore, the power supply for the KA1 coil has two paths: 1) the ON position of the key switch S1 and diode VD; 2) the switch contacts of the time-delayed engine shutdown relay KA2. Specifically, there are three possible scenarios: 1) When the ignition switch S1 is in the ON position, the contact of the delayed shutdown relay KA2 is closed. The coil of the power relay KA1 is simultaneously powered through the ON position of the ignition switch S1, the diode VD path, and the contact of the delayed shutdown relay KA2. (The reason for retaining the power supply from the ON position of the ignition switch S1 is to avoid a situation where the vehicle controller VCU fails during the operation of the dump truck, making it unable to control the delayed shutdown relay KA2, which in turn causes the power relay KA1 to lose power and cause a sudden power outage in the dump truck.) 2) When the key switch S1 is in the ON position and the power is off, if the delay shutdown process is in progress, the contacts of the delay shutdown relay KA2 will remain closed, and the coil of the power relay KA1 will be powered only through the contacts of the delay shutdown relay KA2. 3) When the key switch S1 is in the ON position, if the engine is not in the delayed shutdown process, the contacts of the delayed shutdown relay KA2 switch will open and the coil of the power relay KA1 will be de-energized.

[0024] Furthermore, the instrument panel YB is equipped with an engine shutdown delay time setting interface, which has multiple engine shutdown delay time options. The delay time t1 can be adjusted by buttons or the touch screen as needed.

[0025] Furthermore, the instrument panel YB is equipped with an idle time setting interface, which has multiple idle time options. The idle time t2 can be set as needed by adjusting the button or by the touch screen.

[0026] Furthermore, diode VD is used to prevent backflow of current from the delay shutdown relay contacts during the delay shutdown countdown, which would cause the vehicle controller VCU input port DI1 to go high, thus causing the vehicle controller VCU to determine that the system is in a powered-on state.

[0027] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, a method for controlling the electronic shutdown of a dump truck engine is described. When the main power switch QS is closed and the key switch S1 is in the ON position, the vehicle controller VCU acquires the power-on signal, its digital input port DI1 is at a high level, and the control digital output port DO1 outputs a high level. The coil of the time-delayed shutdown relay KA2 is energized and its normally open contact is closed. At the same time, the coil of the power relay KA1 is simultaneously energized through the key switch S1 via diode VD or through the contact of the time-delayed shutdown relay KA2, and its normally open contact is closed. The engine controller ECU's shutdown signal, the transmission controller DCU, and the instrument YB are energized, and the engine can be controlled normally.

[0028] Furthermore, when the key switch S1 is in the ON position and the falling edge is reached, if the engine speed is zero, meaning the vehicle is only powered on but not started, the vehicle controller VCU output port DO1 will output a low level, which will cause the delayed shutdown relay KA2 coil to lose power and its contacts to open. The power relay KA1 coil will immediately lose power and its contacts to open, and the engine controller ECU's shutdown signal, the transmission controller DCU, and the instrument YB will lose power.

[0029] Furthermore, the transmission controller DCU receives the accelerator pedal RP opening degree and engine speed signals. If the dump truck is stopped and the engine speed is greater than or equal to the idle speed, when the falling edge of the key switch S1 ON position is detected, regardless of the accelerator pedal RP opening degree and engine speed received at this time, an engine idle speed command is sent to the engine controller ECU to make the engine idle.

[0030] Furthermore, if the dump truck is parked and the engine speed is greater than or equal to idle speed, when the falling edge of the key switch S1 ON position is detected, the instrument panel YB will display a shutdown interface, allowing users to choose between delayed shutdown or immediate shutdown. If neither is selected, the vehicle controller VCU continues to control the digital output port DO1 to output a high level, energizing the engine controller ECU's shutdown signal, and the engine idles normally. If immediate shutdown is selected, the vehicle controller VCU receives the immediate shutdown command from the instrument panel YB, controls the digital output port DO1 to output a low level, de-energizes the power relay KA1 coil, opens its normally open contact, de-energizes the engine controller ECU's shutdown signal, and thus shuts off the engine. If delayed shutdown is selected, the instrument panel YB displays a shutdown countdown based on the set delay time t1. During the countdown, regardless of whether the shutdown is stopped, the vehicle controller VCU controls the digital output port DO1 to output a high level, energizing the engine controller ECU's shutdown signal, and the engine idles normally. When the countdown ends, the vehicle controller VCU controls the digital output port DO1 to output a low level, thus the engine receives the shutdown signal and shuts off.

[0031] Furthermore, the vehicle control unit (VCU) receives the engine speed signal. When the dump truck is parked and the engine speed is greater than or equal to the idle speed, the VCU calculates the continuous idling time of the engine. If the continuous idling time is greater than the set idling time t2, the instrument panel (YB) displays a prompt interface indicating that the engine will automatically shut off. If the dump truck is not operated within the preset time t3 after the prompt, the VCU sends a shutdown command to the transmission controller (DCU) via the bus. After receiving the shutdown command, the DCU sends a command to the engine controller (ECU) to set the engine speed to zero via the bus, thus controlling the engine to shut off.

[0032] As described above, the present invention provides an electronically controlled engine shutdown protection system and control method for dump trucks, which can automatically shut down the engine after a period of idling when a shutdown command is given after the engine has been running at high speed. The shutdown delay time is adjustable. If no shutdown command is given and the engine idles for a long time without shutting down, a prompt will be given. If no operation is performed within a predetermined time after the prompt, a shutdown signal will be automatically triggered, thereby reducing maintenance costs, extending the service life of the engine, and reducing harm to the engine and the environment.

[0033] Numerous specific details are set forth in the specification provided herein. However, it will be understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known methods, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure the understanding of this specification.

[0034] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that although some embodiments described herein include certain features found in other embodiments but not others, combinations of features from different embodiments are also within the scope of protection of this invention and form different embodiments. For example, in the embodiments described above, those skilled in the art can use them in combination based on known technical solutions and the technical problems to be solved by this application.

[0035] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-described technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An engine electronic control flameout protection system for a dump truck, characterized by, include: Vehicle control unit (VCU), transmission control unit (DCU), engine control unit (ECU), instrument cluster, accelerator pedal, battery, main power switch, key switch, power relay, time-delayed engine shutdown relay, diodes, generator; The data transmission terminals of the vehicle control unit (VCU), the transmission control unit (DCU), the engine control unit (ECU), and the instrument cluster are electrically connected together to communicate with each other. The accelerator pedal is connected to the voltage acquisition terminal of the transmission controller (DCU); The ON position of the key switch is connected to the digital acquisition terminal of the vehicle control unit (VCU), the anode of the diode, and the digital acquisition terminal of the transmission control unit (DCU). The vehicle control unit (VCU), engine control unit (ECU), key switch, and one normally open contact of the time-delayed engine shutdown relay are all powered by the battery via the main power switch. The cathode of the diode and the other end of the normally open contact of the time-delayed flameout relay are both connected to the coil in the power relay. The engine controller ECU's shutdown signal, transmission controller DCU, and instruments are all powered by the battery through the main power switch and the normally open contact of the power relay, or by the generator through the normally open contact of the power relay. The digital output terminal of the vehicle controller VCU is connected to the coil in the delayed shutdown relay. The instrument has an interface for setting the flameout delay time. This interface has multiple flameout delay time options. The delay time t1 can be set as needed by adjusting the button or by using the touch screen. The power supply method for the relay coil is as follows: 1) When the key switch is in the ON position and there is power, the delay fire stop relay switch contacts are closed, and the power relay coil is powered simultaneously through the key switch ON position, the diode, and the delay fire stop relay switch contacts. 2) When the key switch is in the ON position and the power is off, if the engine is in the delayed shutdown process, the contacts of the delayed shutdown relay switch will remain closed, and the power relay coil will be powered only through the contacts of the delayed shutdown relay switch. 3) When the key switch is in the ON position, the power is off. If the engine is not in the timed shutdown process at this time, the timed shutdown relay switch contacts will open and the power relay coil will be de-energized.

2. An engine auto shutdown protection system for a dump truck as defined in claim 1, wherein: The instrument panel has an idle time setting interface with multiple idle time options. The idle time t2 can be set as needed via buttons or touch screen.

3. An electronically controlled engine flameout protection system for a dump truck as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that: The diode is used to prevent backflow of current from the delay shutdown relay contacts during the delay shutdown countdown, which would cause the vehicle controller VCU input port DI1 to go high, thus causing the vehicle controller VCU to determine that the system is in a powered-on state.

4. A method for controlling the electronic shutdown of a dump truck engine, implemented using the electronic shutdown protection system for a dump truck engine as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: When the main power switch is closed and the key switch is in the ON position, the vehicle control unit (VCU) receives the power-on signal, its digital input port DI1 goes high, and the control digital output port DO1 outputs a high level. The delayed shutdown relay coil is energized and its normally open contact closes. At the same time, the power relay coil is energized through the key switch via a diode or through the delayed shutdown relay contact, and its normally open contact closes. The engine control unit (ECU) receives the shutdown signal, the transmission control unit (DCU) and the instruments are energized, and the engine can be controlled normally. If the dump truck is parked and the engine speed is greater than or equal to idle speed, when the falling edge of the ON position of the key switch is detected, the instrument panel will display a shutdown interface, allowing users to choose between delayed shutdown or immediate shutdown. If neither is selected, the vehicle controller (VCU) continues to control the digital output port DO1 to output a high level, energizing the engine controller (ECU) shutdown signal, and the engine will idle normally. If immediate shutdown is selected, the VCU receives the immediate shutdown command from the instrument panel, controls the digital output port DO1 to output a low level, de-energizes the power relay coil, opens the normally open contact, de-energizes the engine controller (ECU) shutdown signal, and the engine shuts down. If delayed shutdown is selected, the instrument panel displays a shutdown countdown based on the set delay time t1. During the countdown, regardless of whether the shutdown is stopped, the VCU controls the digital output port DO1 to output a high level, energizing the engine controller (ECU) shutdown signal, and the engine will idle normally. When the countdown ends, the VCU controls the digital output port DO1 to output a low level, and the engine receives the shutdown signal and shuts down.

5. The control method according to claim 4, characterized in that: When the key switch is in the ON position and the falling edge is at the same time, if the engine speed is zero, that is, the vehicle is only powered on but not started, the VCU control output port DO1 outputs a low level, which in turn causes the ignition stop relay coil to lose power and the contacts to open. The power relay coil immediately loses power and the contacts to open, and the engine controller ECU stops the engine, the transmission controller DCU and the instrument panel lose power.

6. The control method according to claim 4, characterized in that: The transmission controller (DCU) receives accelerator pedal opening and engine speed signals. If the dump truck is stopped and the engine speed is greater than or equal to the idle speed, when the falling edge of the key switch ON position is detected, regardless of the accelerator pedal opening and engine speed received at this time, an engine idle speed command is sent to the engine controller (ECU) to make the engine idle.

7. The control method according to claim 4, characterized in that: The vehicle control unit (VCU) receives the engine speed signal. When the dump truck is parked and the engine speed is greater than or equal to the idle speed, the VCU calculates the continuous idling time of the engine. If the continuous idling time is greater than the set idling time t2, a prompt interface pops up on the instrument panel, indicating that the engine will automatically shut down. If the dump truck is not operated within the preset time t3 after the prompt, the VCU sends a shutdown command to the transmission control unit (DCU) via the bus. After receiving the shutdown command, the DCU sends a command to the engine control unit (ECU) to set the engine speed to zero via the bus, thus controlling the engine to shut down.

8. A dump truck, characterized in that: The dump truck is equipped with the electronically controlled engine shutdown protection system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3.

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