Vehicle starter starting control circuit, control method and vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle starter control circuit, control method, and vehicle, belonging to the field of automotive technology. The circuit includes a neutral switch, a secondary start button, a starter unit, a neutral switch relay, a starter lock relay, a starter relay, and a starter, all connected in sequence. The neutral switch is connected to a vehicle controller. Compared to the prior art, the present invention eliminates one neutral switch relay and one starter relay, thereby reducing the number of relays without affecting the starter's starting function. This reduces the impact of the relay coil's back electromotive force on the neutral switch's quality, thereby extending the neutral switch's service life.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of automobile technology, and in particular to a vehicle starter starting control circuit, a control method and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Currently, commercial vehicles require the transmission to be in neutral before the engine can start and the cab can be tilted. Furthermore, Cummins engines currently do not control vehicle startup. This means that engine startup cannot be directly controlled by the engine control unit (EECU), but only through the vehicle's electrical circuits.

[0003] Depending on the configuration, there are three ways to start the vehicle: ignition lock start, PEPS start, and operating the auxiliary start button under the vehicle. Figure 1 The figure shows the starting and cab flip control scheme for a certain Cummins engine manual transmission model. The starter lock relay is determined by the existing control scheme of the Cummins engine and is an inherent configuration that cannot be cancelled. The starter relay is installed together with the starter and is provided in a package with the starter. All current models have this relay.

[0004] For vehicles equipped with a mechanical key, when the neutral switch is engaged, the ignition lock is set to ST or the auxiliary start button is engaged. The 1# and 2# relays are energized and connected, and the starter lock relay is energized before the engine starts. After the 1# relay is energized, the starter relay is energized, and the starter is started. Similarly, if the vehicle is equipped with PEPS, when the vehicle is started, the PEPS outputs the ST signal, energizing the starter relay contacts. Subsequent control principles are the same as those for operating the ignition lock key or auxiliary start button. The 2# relay provides the neutral signal to the VECU through its contacts for internal functional logic judgment or calculation.

[0005] In summary, the problems existing in the existing technology are as follows: 1) When the vehicle is driving, each time the driver changes gears, the 1# relay and the 2# relay will be switched on and off once, which greatly reduces the service life of the 1# relay and the 2# relay; 2) The neutral switch is directly connected in series with the three relay coils. The reverse electromotive force of the coils has a great impact on the service life of the neutral switch, resulting in a large number of neutral switches being sold on the market; 3) When matching PEPS, due to the limited driving capability of the pin of the PEPS output ST signal, it cannot directly drive the starter relay. An additional starter relay is required for control, which increases the cost and weight of the vehicle and increases the complexity of the electrical control circuit.

[0006] In summary, the prior art lacks a simple circuit to increase the life of the neutral switch. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of this, it is necessary to provide a vehicle starter starting control circuit, a control method and a vehicle to solve the problem of short service life of the neutral switch in the prior art.

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a vehicle starter starting control circuit, which is connected to a vehicle controller, and includes: a neutral switch, a secondary start button, a starting unit, a neutral relay, a starter lock relay, a starter relay, and a power supply:

[0009] A first end of the neutral relay coil end is connected to a first end of the auxiliary start button and a fixed end of the start unit, and a second end of the neutral relay coil end is grounded;

[0010] The second end of the auxiliary start button is connected to the first end of the neutral switch, the second end of the neutral switch is connected to the power supply, and the common end between the first end of the neutral switch and the second end of the auxiliary start button is connected to the vehicle controller;

[0011] The first end of the neutral relay switch end is connected to the common end, the second end of the neutral relay switch end is connected to the first end of the start lock relay switch end, the second end of the start lock relay switch end is connected to the starter relay, and the starter relay is connected to the starter and the power supply.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the starting unit includes PEPS and / or an ignition lock. When the PEPS of the starting unit sends an ST signal, or the ignition lock is in the ST position, the coil end of the neutral relay is energized, and the first end and the second end of the switch end of the neutral relay are closed.

[0013] In a possible implementation, when the first end and the second end of the neutral switch are closed, the transmission is in a neutral gear state; when the first end and the second end of the neutral switch are disconnected, the transmission is in a non-neutral gear state.

[0014] In a possible implementation, the first end and the second end of the starter lock relay coil are respectively connected to the engine controller.

[0015] In a possible implementation, a cab flip circuit is further included, and the cab flip circuit includes: a cab flip button, a flip relay, a flip motor, and a motor temperature control switch:

[0016] The first end of the cab flip button is connected to the vehicle controller, the second end of the cab flip button is connected to the first end of the flip relay coil end, the second end of the flip relay coil end is connected to the first end of the motor temperature control switch, and the second end of the motor temperature control switch is grounded;

[0017] A first end of the flip relay switch end is connected to a power supply, a second end of the flip relay switch end is connected to a first end of the flip motor, and a second end of the flip motor is grounded;

[0018] The two ends of the flip motor are respectively connected to the two ends of the motor temperature control switch.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the vehicle controller is used to receive a potential signal from a neutral switch when the starter starting circuit is energized, obtain a neutral signal based on the potential signal, and send the neutral signal to a cab flipping circuit to flip the cab.

[0020] In a possible implementation, the neutral switch relay is a four-pin relay.

[0021] In order to solve the above problems, in a second aspect, the present invention further provides a vehicle starter startup control method, which is applied to any one of the vehicle starter startup control circuits described above, and the method comprises:

[0022] Performing a closing operation of the first end and the second end of the neutral switch to turn on the neutral switch on the transmission;

[0023] When the ignition lock key is turned to ST gear, or the PEPS outputs the ST signal, or the first and second ends of the auxiliary start switch are closed, the coil end of the neutral relay is energized, and the first and second ends of the switch end of the neutral relay are closed. At this time, the first and low ends of the switch end of the starter lock relay are in a closed state, the coil end of the starter relay is energized, the first and second ends of the switch end of the starter relay are closed, the power supply is supplied to the starter through the starter relay, and the starter starts.

[0024] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0025] When the starter is started, the neutral switch sends a neutral signal to the vehicle controller;

[0026] The vehicle controller receives the neutral signal and sends a control instruction to the flip relay based on the neutral signal to control the operation of the coil of the flip relay;

[0027] When the first and second ends of the cab flip button are closed, the coil end of the flip relay is energized, the first and second ends of the flip relay switch end are closed, the power supply supplies power to the flip motor through the starter relay, and the flip motor starts.

[0028] In order to solve the above problems, in a third aspect, the present invention further provides a vehicle, comprising the vehicle starter starting control circuit as described in any one of the above.

[0029] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: a vehicle starter starting control circuit provided by the present invention is connected to a vehicle controller, and the circuit includes: a neutral switch, a secondary start button, a start unit, a neutral relay, a start lock relay, a starter relay and a power supply, the first end of the neutral relay coil end is connected to the first end of the secondary start button and the fixed end of the start unit, the second end of the neutral relay coil end is grounded, the second end of the secondary start button is connected to the first end of the neutral switch, the second end of the neutral switch is connected to the power supply, and the common end between the first end of the neutral switch and the second end of the secondary start button is connected to the vehicle controller; the first end of the neutral relay switch end is connected to the common end, the second end of the neutral relay switch end is connected to the first end of the start lock relay switch end, the second end of the start lock relay switch end is connected to the starter relay, and the starter relay is connected to the starter and the power supply. The neutral switch of the starter starting circuit is not associated with any relay coil, thereby avoiding the influence of the reverse electromotive force of the electromagnetic relay coil on the quality of the neutral switch. On the basis of the existing technology, the present invention reduces one neutral switch relay and a starting relay, thereby reducing the use of relays without affecting the starting of the starter, avoiding the influence of the reverse electromotive force of the relay coil on the quality of the neutral switch, and thus improving the service life of the neutral switch. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 A circuit diagram of a vehicle starter control circuit in the prior art;

[0031] Figure 2 A circuit diagram of an embodiment of a vehicle starter control circuit provided by the present invention;

[0032] Among them, 200, vehicle starter starting control circuit; 201, neutral switch; 202, auxiliary start button; 203, starting unit; 204, neutral relay; 205, start lock relay; 206, starter relay; 207, starter; 208, power supply. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The following will provide a clear and complete description of the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0034] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified, “plurality” means two or more.

[0035] The terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof in the embodiments of the present invention are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, apparatus, product or device comprising a series of steps or modules is not necessarily limited to those steps or modules explicitly listed, but may include other steps or modules not explicitly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0036] The naming or numbering of the steps in the embodiments of the present invention does not mean that the steps in the method flow must be executed in the time / logical sequence indicated by the naming or numbering. The execution order of the named or numbered process steps can be changed according to the technical purpose to be achieved, as long as the same or similar technical effects can be achieved.

[0037] References herein to "embodiments" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it constitute a separate or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive of other embodiments. It is understood, both explicitly and implicitly, by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments.

[0038] Before presenting the embodiments, the following terms are explained.

[0039] PEPS (Power Electronic Steering System) is a vehicle steering system based on electric power steering technology. PEPS is a smart entry and start system for vehicles, also known as a keyless system or smart key. When the driver approaches the vehicle within a certain distance, the doors automatically unlock and disarm the security system. When the driver leaves the vehicle, the doors automatically lock and enter the security state. The system also records all service and diagnostic information, including settings for the air conditioning and infotainment systems. PEPS works as follows: When the driver approaches the vehicle with the key, presses a button, or pulls the door handle, the vehicle receives the ignition or unlock signal and sends it to a low-frequency antenna. The antenna then sends a low-frequency trigger signal to the key. The key then receives the low-frequency trigger signal and transmits a high-frequency unlock signal. The high-frequency receiver receives the high-frequency unlock signal, unlocking or starting the vehicle.

[0040] The VECU (Vehicle Electronic Control Unit) is an electronic device responsible for controlling all aspects of an electric vehicle. It plays a crucial role in the operation of electric vehicles. Through sensors, controllers, actuators, and other components, it enables real-time management and adjustment of various control systems in electric vehicles, ensuring efficient, safe, stable, environmentally friendly, and energy-efficient operation. Furthermore, the VECU can collaborate with other devices to achieve a more intelligent, automated, and advanced electric vehicle control system.

[0041] The EECU (Engine Electronic Control Unit) primarily controls the exhaust brake solenoid valve, electronic fan, and injector solenoid valves by collecting information from various engine sensors and exchanging data with other components (such as the VECU) via the CAN bus, thereby ensuring proper engine operation. The EECU can be thought of as a computer that collects various signals and controls the engine's normal operation. If CAN bus communication fails, the engine will not start.

[0042] The EECU also involves the engine's control system, collecting information from various sensors to monitor engine operating status and make appropriate adjustments. The data transmitted between the EECU and other components is called a message, which contains various engine operating parameters and fault conditions. When an engine malfunction occurs, the EECU generates a fault code (also called a trouble code or diagnostic code) to indicate the type and location of the fault.

[0043] A relay is an electrical control device that causes a predetermined step change in the controlled quantity in an electrical output circuit when the change in the input quantity (stimulation quantity) reaches a specified level. It operates through an interactive relationship between the control system (also known as the input circuit) and the controlled system (also known as the output circuit). Commonly used in automated control circuits, it acts as an "automatic switch" that uses a small current to control a large current. Therefore, it performs functions such as automatic regulation, safety protection, and circuit switching within circuits.

[0044] The present invention provides a vehicle starter starting control circuit, a control method and a vehicle, which are described below respectively.

[0045] Figure 2 A circuit diagram of an embodiment of a vehicle starter control circuit provided by the present invention is shown as follows: Figure 2As shown, the vehicle starter start control circuit 200 is connected to the vehicle controller and includes: a neutral switch 201, a secondary start button 202, a start unit 203, a neutral relay 204, a start lock relay 205, a starter relay 204 and a power supply 208:

[0046] A first end of the coil end of the neutral relay 204 is connected to a first end of the auxiliary start button 202 and a fixed end of the start unit, and a second end of the coil end of the neutral relay 204 is grounded;

[0047] The second end of the auxiliary start button 202 is connected to the first end of the neutral switch, the second end of the neutral switch 201 is connected to the power supply 208, and the common end between the first end of the neutral switch 201 and the second end of the auxiliary start button is connected to the vehicle controller;

[0048] The first end of the switch end of the neutral relay 204 is connected to the common end, the second end of the switch end of the neutral relay 204 is connected to the first end of the switch end of the start lock relay 205, the second end of the switch end of the start lock relay is connected to the starter relay 206, and the starter relay 206 is connected to the starter 207 and the power supply.

[0049] Compared with the prior art, this embodiment provides a vehicle starter starting control circuit, which is connected to the vehicle controller. The circuit includes: a neutral switch, a secondary start button, a start unit, a neutral relay, a start lock relay, a starter relay and a power supply. The first end of the neutral relay coil end is connected to the first end of the secondary start button and the fixed end of the start unit, the second end of the neutral relay coil end is grounded, the second end of the secondary start button is connected to the first end of the neutral switch, the second end of the neutral switch is connected to the power supply, and the common end between the first end of the neutral switch and the second end of the secondary start button is connected to the vehicle controller; the first end of the neutral relay switch end is connected to the common end, the second end of the neutral relay switch end is connected to the first end of the start lock relay switch end, the second end of the start lock relay switch end is connected to the starter relay, and the starter relay is connected to the starter and the power supply. The neutral switch of the starter starting circuit is not associated with any relay coil, thereby avoiding the influence of the reverse electromotive force of the electromagnetic relay coil on the quality of the neutral switch. On the basis of the existing technology, the present invention reduces one neutral switch relay and a starting relay, thereby reducing the use of relays without affecting the starting of the starter, avoiding the influence of the reverse electromotive force of the relay coil on the quality of the neutral switch, and thus improving the service life of the neutral switch.

[0050] It should be noted that the vehicle starter starting control circuit of this embodiment is applicable to vehicles using Cummins engines. It can be understood that this technical solution is also applicable to vehicles that realize vehicle starter starting through the vehicle electrical circuit.

[0051] It should be noted that when the coil end of the neutral relay is energized, electromagnetic induction is generated, and the armature of the neutral relay will overcome the pulling force of the return spring under the action of electromagnetic force and be attracted toward the iron core, thereby driving the moving contact of the armature and the static contact (normally open contact) to attract, that is, the first end and the second end of the neutral relay switch end are closed, and the relay is in the attracted state.

[0052] In some embodiments of the present invention, the starting unit includes PEPS and / or an ignition lock. When the PEPS of the starting unit sends an ST signal, or the ignition lock is in the ST position, the coil end of the neutral relay is energized, and the first end and the second end of the switch end of the neutral relay are closed.

[0053] It's important to note that ST is the starting position, primarily powering the engine starting system. ST plays a critical role during vehicle startup, especially when the engine needs to be started. When the vehicle is in ST, the ACC circuit is typically disconnected to ensure a smooth engine start. ST also activates the vehicle's electronic systems. For example, in Toyota S-CVT models, turning the key to ST activates the vehicle's electronic systems, preparing for driving. In practice, ST is often closely tied to the vehicle's starting process. For example, when starting a large truck, the key is turned to ST to start the vehicle, followed by depressing the clutch pedal, engaging the appropriate gear, and then pressing the accelerator to move the vehicle forward. In Toyota S-CVT models, ST operation involves ensuring the vehicle is completely stationary, applying the brake pedal for safety, then turning the key to ST to activate the electronic systems, releasing the gear lever lock, and finally selecting the appropriate gear by gently pulling back on the gear lever. Finally, pressing the accelerator to feel the vehicle's power response. In some embodiments of the present invention, when the PEPS of the starting unit sends an ST signal, or the ignition lock is in the ST position, the starting circuit of the starter 207 is energized and the contacts of the neutral switch relay 204 are connected.

[0054] Specifically, the PEPS sends an ST signal, indicating that the starter 207 needs to be started. Placing the ignition lock in the ST position also indicates that the starter needs to be started.

[0055] It should be noted that the motor temperature control switch monitors the temperature of the motor through a built-in temperature sensing element. When the temperature of the motor rises to the set threshold, the temperature control switch will act quickly to cut off the power supply, thereby preventing the motor from being damaged due to overheating. This protection mechanism is crucial to ensuring the long-term stable operation of the motor. The response speed of the motor temperature control switch is very fast, and it can usually cut off the power supply to the motor within a few milliseconds, effectively protecting the motor from damage. In some embodiments of the present invention, a motor temperature control switch is provided on the flip motor. Specifically, the flip motor is used to flip the cab, and the motor temperature control switch is used to protect the flip motor from overheating.

[0056] In some embodiments of the present invention, when the first and second ends of the neutral switch 201 are closed, the transmission is in a neutral gear state, and when the first and second ends of the neutral switch 201 are disconnected, the transmission is in a non-neutral gear state.

[0057] It's important to note that a relay's operating process consists of two states: engaged and released. When a certain voltage is applied across the coil, a certain current flows through it, generating electromagnetic induction. The electromagnetic force pulls the armature toward the core, overcoming the pull of the return spring. This causes the armature's moving contact to close with the stationary contact (normally open), marking the relay's engaged state. When the coil is de-energized, the electromagnetic force disappears, and the spring's reaction force causes the armature to return to its original position, releasing the moving contact from the original stationary contact (normally closed). The relay is now in its released state.

[0058] Relays operate in two main states: normally open and normally closed. When the relay is de-energized, its contacts are open, known as the normally open state. When energized, the contacts close under electromagnetic force, known as the normally closed state. The primary function of a relay is to automatically connect or disconnect one or more pairs of contacts, controlling large currents with small currents, thereby reducing the current load on control switches and protecting the control switches within the circuit. Relays are commonly used in automated control circuits, providing automatic regulation, safety protection, and circuit switching. For example, in air conditioning circuits, relays can be used to control the start and stop of high-voltage loads such as compressors, fans, and solenoid valves, achieving the goal of controlling high voltage and high current with low voltage and low current.

[0059] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first and second ends of the coil of the starter lock relay 205 are respectively connected to an engine controller. Specifically, after the engine is started, an engine start signal is sent to the engine controller. The engine controller receives the engine start signal and generates a control instruction based on the engine start signal to control the starter lock relay 205 to disconnect, thereby protecting the starter.

[0060] In some embodiments of the present invention, a cab flip circuit is further included, and the cab flip circuit includes: a cab flip button, a flip relay, a flip motor, a motor temperature control switch, and a power supply:

[0061] A first end of the cab flip button is connected to the vehicle controller, a second end of the cab flip button is connected to a first end of a flip relay coil, a second end of the flip relay coil is connected to a first end of a motor temperature control switch, and a second end of the motor temperature control switch is grounded;

[0062] A first end of the flip relay switch end is connected to a power supply, a second end of the flip relay switch end is connected to a first end of the flip motor, and a second end of the flip motor is grounded;

[0063] The two ends of the flip motor are respectively connected to the two ends of the motor temperature control switch.

[0064] Specifically, the cab rollover circuit is directly connected to the VECU. The neutral switch is not directly related to cab rollover, but is isolated through the VECU controller. This means the VECU outputs a neutral signal to the cab rollover control circuit, without affecting the neutral switch. This control also eliminates the need to increase VECU resources. When equipped with an automatic transmission, the VECU already outputs the neutral signal via its 2nd pin. This ensures that the neutral signal source for both manual and automatic transmissions remains consistent.

[0065] Compared to the prior art, this embodiment of the present invention eliminates one starter relay and one second relay, reducing cost and weight. Regardless of which of the three starting methods is used to start the engine, the control circuit remains the same. The auxiliary start switch, the ST signal output by the PEPS, and the ST signal output by the ignition key are connected in parallel, eliminating the need for additional relays when adding a PEPS. The control circuit logic is clear and simplified, extending the lifespan of the neutral switch and reducing the likelihood of claims.

[0066] Furthermore, if the driver changes gears while the vehicle is in motion, the neutral switch is connected only in series with the relay contacts, preventing any relays from switching on or off, thus minimizing the lifespan of any relays. Since the neutral switch is connected in series with only one relay contact, the coil's back electromotive force (EMF) does not affect the neutral switch's lifespan, minimizing the risk of losses and reducing the likelihood of claims. Because the ST signal output by the PEPS controls the coil of the #1 neutral relay, there's no need for an additional relay to control the high-current starter relay, reducing the number of relays and simplifying the complexity of the starting control circuit.

[0067] In some embodiments of the present invention, the vehicle controller is used to receive the potential signal of the neutral switch 201 when the starter starting circuit is energized, obtain a neutral signal based on the potential signal, and send the neutral signal to the cab flipping circuit to flip the cab.

[0068] In some embodiments of the present invention, the neutral switch relay is a four-pin relay.

[0069] In order to solve the above problems, in a second aspect, the present invention further provides a vehicle starter startup control method, which is applied to any one of the vehicle starter startup control circuits described above, and the method comprises:

[0070] Performing a closing operation of the first end and the second end of the neutral switch to turn on the neutral switch on the transmission;

[0071] When the ignition lock key is turned to ST gear, or the PEPS outputs the ST signal, or the first and second ends of the auxiliary start switch are closed, the coil end of the neutral relay is energized, and the first and second ends of the switch end of the neutral relay are closed. At this time, the first and low ends of the switch end of the starter lock relay are in a closed state, the coil end of the starter relay is energized, the first and second ends of the switch end of the starter relay are closed, the power supply is supplied to the starter through the starter relay, and the starter starts.

[0072] In some embodiments of the present invention, the method further comprises:

[0073] When the starter is started, the neutral switch sends a neutral signal to the vehicle controller;

[0074] The vehicle controller receives the neutral signal and sends a control instruction to the flip relay based on the neutral signal to control the operation of the coil of the flip relay;

[0075] When the first and second ends of the cab flip button are closed, the coil end of the flip relay is energized, the first and second ends of the flip relay switch end are closed, the power supply supplies power to the flip motor through the starter relay, and the flip motor starts.

[0076] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, before starting the engine, the transmission is shifted to neutral. At this point, the neutral switch 201 on the transmission is turned on, outputting a high voltage from the neutral switch to the VECU, informing the VECU that the transmission is in neutral. Power is then supplied to the neutral relay contact circuit via the neutral switch. At this point, the engine can be started in three ways:

[0077] Method 1: If the ignition lock key is operated to the ST gear at this time, the neutral relay coil is powered by the ignition lock key ST gear, and the contacts of the neutral relay are connected. Before the engine is started, the start lock relay is in the energized state. Since the start lock relay contacts are in the combined state at this time, the starter relay coil is energized, the starter relay contacts are combined, and the power is supplied to the starter through the starter relay. The starter starts to run and the engine starts.

[0078] Method 2: If the vehicle is equipped with PEPS, operate the vehicle start switch, PEPS outputs ST signal, supplies power to the neutral relay coil, the neutral relay contacts are connected, and before the engine is started, the starter lock relay is in the energized state. Since the starter lock relay contacts are in the engaged state at this time, the starter relay coil is energized, the starter relay contacts are engaged, and the power is supplied to the starter through the starter relay. The starter starts to run and the engine starts.

[0079] Method three: If you do not start the engine in the cab, you can operate the auxiliary start switch on the chassis. When the auxiliary start switch is turned on, the power is supplied to the neutral relay coil through the neutral switch auxiliary start button, and the neutral relay contacts are connected. Before the engine is started, the starter lock relay is in the energized state. Since the starter lock relay contacts are in the combined state at this time, the starter relay coil is energized, the starter relay contacts are combined, and the power is supplied to the starter through the starter relay. The starter starts to run and the engine starts.

[0080] Specifically, the starter circuit employs this connection method. While the vehicle is in motion, if the driver changes gears, the neutral switch is connected only in series with the relay contacts, preventing any relays from switching on or off, thus minimizing the service life of any relays. Furthermore, since the neutral switch is connected in series with only one relay contact, the coil's back electromotive force (EMF) does not affect the neutral switch's service life, minimizing the risk of damage to the neutral switch and reducing the likelihood of claims. Because the ST signal output by the PEPS controls the coil of the neutral switch relay, there is no need for an additional relay to control the high-current starter relay, reducing the number of relays and simplifying the complexity of the starter circuit.

[0081] After neutral switch 201 outputs to the VECU, VECU pin 1, VECU pin 2 then outputs a neutral signal to the cab flip circuit. At this point, operating the cab flip up button energizes the flip relay coil. Under normal temperature, the motor temperature control switch is in the on state, the flip relay contacts are connected, and power is supplied to the flip motor through the flip relay contacts. The flip motor starts to rotate, driving the cab to flip.

[0082] Specifically, the direct connection between the cab rollover circuit and the VECU provides the technical benefit of isolating the neutral switch from the cab rollover control circuit. This isolation is achieved through the VECU, which in turn outputs a neutral signal to the cab rollover control circuit without affecting the neutral switch. This control also eliminates the need to increase VECU resources. When equipped with an automatic transmission, the VECU already outputs the neutral signal via its second pin. This ensures that the neutral signal source remains consistent for both manual and automatic transmissions.

[0083] In order to solve the above problems, in a third aspect, the present invention further provides a vehicle, comprising the vehicle starter starting control circuit as described in any one of the above.

[0084] The vehicle starter starting control circuit of this embodiment is applicable to vehicles using Cummins engines. It is understandable that this technical solution is also applicable to vehicles that use the vehicle starter starting through the vehicle electrical circuit.

[0085] The above description is only a preferred specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily thought of by any technician familiar with this technical field within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention should be covered by the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A vehicle starter control circuit connected to a vehicle controller, characterized in that: include: Neutral switch, auxiliary start button, starter unit, neutral relay, starter lock relay, starter relay and power supply: A first end of the neutral relay coil end is connected to a first end of the auxiliary start button and a fixed end of the start unit, and a second end of the neutral relay coil end is grounded; The second end of the auxiliary start button is connected to the first end of the neutral switch, the second end of the neutral switch is connected to the power supply, and the common end between the first end of the neutral switch and the second end of the auxiliary start button is connected to the vehicle controller; A first end of a neutral relay switch terminal is connected to the common terminal, a second end of the neutral relay switch terminal is connected to a first end of a starter lock relay switch terminal, a second end of the starter lock relay switch terminal is connected to a starter relay, and the starter relay is connected to a starter and a power supply; The starting unit includes a PEPS and an ignition lock. When the PEPS of the starting unit sends an ST signal, or the ignition lock is in the ST gear position, the coil end of the neutral relay is energized, the first end and the second end of the switch end of the neutral relay are closed, and the ST signal output by the auxiliary starting button, the PEPS and the ignition lock key are in parallel.

2. The vehicle starter control circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the first end and the second end of the neutral switch are closed, the transmission is in a neutral gear state, and when the first end and the second end of the neutral switch are disconnected, the transmission is in a non-neutral gear state.

3. The vehicle starter control circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first end and the second end of the starter lock relay coil are respectively connected to the engine controller.

4. The vehicle starter control circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cab flip circuit includes a cab flip button, a flip relay, a flip motor, and a motor temperature control switch. The first end of the cab flip button is connected to the vehicle controller, the second end of the cab flip button is connected to the first end of the flip relay coil end, the second end of the flip relay coil end is connected to the first end of the motor temperature control switch, and the second end of the motor temperature control switch is grounded; A first end of the flip relay switch end is connected to a power supply, a second end of the flip relay switch end is connected to a first end of the flip motor, and a second end of the flip motor is grounded; The two ends of the flip motor are respectively connected to the two ends of the motor temperature control switch.

5. The vehicle starter control circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vehicle controller is used to receive the potential signal of the neutral switch when the starter starting circuit is energized, obtain a neutral signal based on the potential signal, and send the neutral signal to the cab flipping circuit to flip the cab.

6. The vehicle starter control circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The neutral switch relay is a four-pin relay.

7. A vehicle starter start control method, characterized in that: Applied to the vehicle starter starting control circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the method comprises: Performing a closing operation of the first end and the second end of the neutral switch to turn on the neutral switch on the transmission; When the ignition lock key is turned to ST gear, or the PEPS outputs the ST signal, or the first and second ends of the auxiliary start button are closed, the coil end of the neutral relay is energized, and the first and second ends of the switch end of the neutral relay are closed. At this time, the first and low ends of the switch end of the starter lock relay are in a closed state, the coil end of the starter relay is energized, the first and second ends of the switch end of the starter relay are closed, the power supply is supplied to the starter through the starter relay, and the starter starts.

8. The vehicle starter startup control method according to claim 7, characterized in that: Also includes: When the starter is started, the neutral switch sends a neutral signal to the vehicle controller; The vehicle controller receives the neutral signal and sends a control instruction to the flip relay based on the neutral signal to control the operation of the coil of the flip relay; When the first and second ends of the cab flip button are closed, the coil end of the flip relay is energized, the first and second ends of the flip relay switch end are closed, the power supply supplies power to the flip motor through the starter relay, and the flip motor starts.

9. A vehicle, characterized in that: The vehicle comprises the vehicle starter starting control circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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