Loader idle stop control system and method

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of loader idle speed control, in particular to a loader idle speed stop control system and method. The vehicle condition sensor is electrically connected with the vehicle control unit and used for detecting vehicle parameters and transmitting the vehicle parameters to the vehicle control unit; the switch module is used for controlling to start or quit an idling stop mode and transmitting the current state of the idling stop mode to the vehicle control unit; and the vehicle control unit judges whether the vehicle parameters meet preset control conditions or not within the starting time of the idling stop mode, if yes, the idling time is calculated, and when the idling time exceeds a preset threshold value, the engine is controlled to stop. The problems that actual benefits cannot be generated generally during idle running of an existing loader, the fuel consumption cost of the loader is increased due to overlong idle waiting, abrasion of an engine is aggravated, and meanwhile pollution is brought to the environment are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of loader idle speed control, and particularly relates to a loader idle stop control system and method. Background Art

[0002] A loader is a kind of earthwork construction machinery widely used in construction projects. It is mainly used for shoveling bulk materials such as soil, sand, gravel, lime, and coal, and can also perform light shoveling operations on ores, hard soil, etc. By replacing different auxiliary working devices, it can also perform operations such as bulldozing, lifting, and loading and unloading of other materials such as wood. In road construction, especially in the construction of high-grade highways, loaders are used for operations such as filling and excavation of subgrade projects, and aggregation and loading of asphalt mixture and cement concrete yards. In addition, it can also perform operations such as pushing soil, leveling the ground, and towing other machinery. Due to the advantages of fast operation speed, high efficiency, good mobility, and easy operation of loaders, they have become one of the main types of machinery in earthwork construction in engineering construction.

[0003] Similar to ordinary automobiles, the total operating time of a loader is divided into idle time and working time, and the idle time usually accounts for 40 - 50% of the total operating time. The idle speed of a loader refers to the engine running without load, only overcoming the friction resistance of its own internal components, not outputting power externally, and maintaining the lowest rotational speed for stable engine operation.

[0004] That is to say, at present, the idle operation of loaders usually cannot generate actual benefits. Excessive idle waiting not only increases the fuel consumption cost of loaders, exacerbates engine wear, but also brings environmental pollution problems.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention proposes a loader idle stop control system and method. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The content of the present invention is to provide a loader idle stop control system and method, which mainly solves the problems that the existing loader idle operation usually cannot generate actual benefits, excessive idle waiting not only increases the fuel consumption cost of loaders, exacerbates engine wear, but also brings environmental pollution problems.

[0007] The present invention proposes a loader idle stop control system, including:

[0008] A vehicle controller;

[0009] And respectively electrically connected to the vehicle controller,

[0010] A vehicle condition detection output module, used to detect vehicle parameters and transmit them to the vehicle controller;

[0011] A switch module for controlling the enabling or exiting of the idle stop mode and transmitting the current state of the idle stop mode to the vehicle controller;

[0012] During the enabling time of the idle stop mode, the vehicle controller determines whether the vehicle parameters meet the preset control conditions. If so, it calculates the idle time, and when the idle time exceeds the preset threshold, it controls the engine to shut down.

[0013] Preferably, it further includes: electrically connected to the vehicle controller:

[0014] An engine control module, with its input end connected to the output end of the vehicle controller, and the output end of the engine control module connected to the engine;

[0015] When the vehicle controller determines that the vehicle parameters meet the preset control conditions, its output end outputs a control signal, and the engine control module determines whether to conduct the engine according to the control signal.

[0016] Preferably, the engine control module includes:

[0017] An ignition-off relay connected to the output end of the vehicle controller;

[0018] An engine electronic control unit, with its input end connected to an output end of the ignition-off relay and its output end connected to the engine;

[0019] When the vehicle controller determines that the vehicle parameters meet the preset control conditions, its output end outputs a high-level signal to conduct the ignition-off relay. The ignition-off relay closes and disconnects the output signal of the current output end. When the engine electronic control unit does not detect an input signal, the engine shuts down.

[0020] Preferably, it further includes a control circuit connecting the ignition-off relay, the engine electronic control unit, and the vehicle controller;

[0021] The control circuit further includes a main relay and a power supply module;

[0022] The power supply module is connected to the input end of the main relay and the input end of the vehicle controller; the output end of the main relay is connected to the input end of the ignition-off relay;

[0023] When the power supply module and the vehicle controller are powered on, the main relay conducts the ignition-off relay, and the current output end of the ignition-off relay outputs a trigger signal for the engine electronic control unit to control the starting of the engine.

[0024] Preferably, the vehicle condition detection output module includes:

[0025] A vehicle speed sensor for obtaining the vehicle speed;

[0026] A braking device for determining whether the vehicle is in the parking braking mode;

[0027] A steering pressure sensor for obtaining the outlet pressure value of the steering gear;

[0028] An operating handle device for outputting the control current of the working device of the loader;

[0029] An engine speed sensor for obtaining the engine speed;

[0030] A gear position module for sending a gear position signal;

[0031] An acceleration control module for obtaining an acceleration control signal.

[0032] Preferably, determining whether the vehicle parameters meet the preset control conditions includes:

[0033] Determining whether the current vehicle speed is zero and the engine speed is less than a preset engine speed threshold;

[0034] Determining whether it is in the parking braking mode;

[0035] Determining whether the outlet pressure value of the steering gear is less than a preset outlet pressure value threshold;

[0036] Determining whether the control current of the working device of the loader is zero;

[0037] Determining whether the gear position signal is in neutral;

[0038] Determining whether the acceleration control signal is empty.

[0039] Preferably, it further includes those electrically connected to the vehicle controller:

[0040] An alarm for alarming when the vehicle controller controls the engine to shut down.

[0041] The present invention also proposes a method for controlling the idling shutdown of a loader, including the following steps:

[0042] Power on and detect whether the current loader is in the idling shutdown mode. If so, execute the next step;

[0043] Determine whether the current vehicle parameters meet the preset conditions. If so, start the shutdown timing, and when the idling shutdown duration exceeds the preset threshold, turn on the shutdown relay to control the engine to shut down.

[0044] Preferably, determining whether the current vehicle parameters meet the preset conditions includes the following steps:

[0045] Determine whether the current vehicle speed is zero and the engine speed is less than the preset engine speed threshold;

[0046] Determine whether the current loader is in the parking brake mode;

[0047] Determine whether the outlet pressure value of the current steering gear is less than the preset outlet pressure value threshold;

[0048] Determine whether the control current of the working device of the current loader is zero;

[0049] Determine whether the current gear signal is in neutral;

[0050] Determine whether the current acceleration control signal is empty.

[0051] Preferably, it further includes:

[0052] When the idle shutdown duration does not exceed the preset threshold, wait for the duration of a single execution cycle and then return to re-detect whether the current loader is in the idle shutdown mode.

[0053] As can be seen from the above, the following beneficial effects can be obtained by applying the technical solution provided by the present invention:

[0054] First, in the control system and method proposed by the present invention, through the calculation of the idle time by the vehicle controller, when there is an excessive idle time, the engine is directly controlled to shut down and exit the idle state, reducing the fuel consumption of the loader during non-working or idle waiting, and improving the energy utilization rate;

[0055] Second, in the control system and method proposed by the present invention, the working state of the current loader is effectively judged through vehicle parameters, and then it is judged whether to control the engine to shut down based on the judgment of the working state, ensuring the normal operation process of the loader and improving the safety of the loader;

[0056] Third, in the control system and method proposed by the present invention, through the simultaneous compliance of multiple vehicle parameters under preset conditions, the accurate judgment result of the working state of the loader is ensured, thereby improving the safety of the loader. Description of the Drawings

[0057] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for the description of the embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the following drawings are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0058] Figure 1 It is the module block diagram of the idle shutdown control system in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0059] Figure 2 This is the control circuit diagram of the idle stop control system in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0060] Figure 3 This is the flowchart of the idle stop control method in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Detailed implementation manners

[0061] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0062] The existing loaders usually do not generate actual benefits during idle operation. The long idle waiting not only increases the fuel consumption cost of the loaders, exacerbates the wear of the engines, but also brings environmental pollution problems.

[0063] Embodiment 1

[0064] As Figure 1 shown in Figure 2 order to solve the above problems, this embodiment proposes a loader idle stop control system, including a vehicle controller, and a vehicle condition detection output module and a switch module that are electrically connected to the vehicle controller respectively; among them, the vehicle condition detection output module is used to detect vehicle parameters and transmit them to the vehicle controller; the switch module is used to control the enabling or exiting of the idle stop mode and transmit the current state of the idle stop mode to the vehicle controller; the vehicle controller, within the enabling time of the idle stop mode, determines whether the vehicle parameters meet the preset control conditions, and if so, calculates the idle time, and when the idle time exceeds the preset threshold, controls the engine to shut down.

[0065] Preferably, in this embodiment, the switch mode can receive an external control signal to control the enabling or exiting of the idle stop mode. Preferably but not limited to, in this embodiment, the external control signal comes from the key control signal of the loader operator.

[0066] Preferably, in this embodiment, the vehicle controller selects a microcontroller such as an MCU or an SOC, or can directly use the existing controller of the loader.

[0067] Preferably, in this embodiment, the length of the preset threshold can be the default set value or the self-set value of the loader operator, such as the duration of the normal idle state during long-term work.

[0068] In this embodiment, according to whether the idle stop mode is enabled as feedback by the switch mode, it is determined whether the vehicle controller needs to execute the control judgment process of the engine in the idle mode. When the idle stop mode is enabled, it is further determined whether the vehicle parameters meet the preset control conditions, that is, it is further determined whether the current loader is indeed in a state of idle without output. If so, the engine is controlled to turn off to reduce energy consumption.

[0069] More specifically, it further includes an engine control module electrically connected to the vehicle controller; the input end of the engine control module is connected to the output end of the vehicle controller, and the output end of the engine control module is connected to the engine. The vehicle controller is used to output a control signal at the output end when it determines that the vehicle parameters meet the preset control conditions, and the engine control module determines whether to conduct the engine according to the control signal.

[0070] Preferably, in this embodiment, the engine control module includes a flameout relay and an engine electronic control unit that are electrically connected; the flameout relay is connected to the output end of the vehicle controller; the input end of the engine electronic control unit is connected to an output end of the flameout relay, and the output end is connected to the engine; when the vehicle controller determines that the vehicle parameters meet the preset control conditions, a high-level signal is output at the output end to conduct the flameout relay, the flameout relay closes to disconnect the output signal of the current output end, and the engine turns off when the engine electronic control unit does not detect an input signal.

[0071] Preferably, in this embodiment, the CAN-L terminal and the CAN-H terminal of the vehicle controller are respectively connected to the CAN-L terminal and the CAN-H terminal of the engine electronic control unit to transmit the working voltage.

[0072] Preferably, in this embodiment, the output end of the engine electronic control unit is connected to the starting motor of the engine, thereby controlling the engine to start or stop.

[0073] Preferably, in this embodiment, when the flameout relay is in the conducting state, the coil joint switch closes, disconnecting its connection with the engine electronic control unit. At this time, there is no input signal at the input end of the engine electronic control unit, so the engine stops working.

[0074] In this embodiment, through the combined use of the engine electronic control unit and the flameout relay, the vehicle controller completes the process of controlling the engine to turn off.

[0075] More specifically, it further includes a control circuit connecting the flameout relay, the engine electronic control unit, and the vehicle controller; the control circuit further includes a main relay and a power supply module; the power supply module is connected to the input end of the main relay and the input end of the vehicle controller; the output end of the main relay is connected to the input end of the flameout relay; when the power supply module and the vehicle controller are powered on, the main relay conducts the flameout relay, and the current output end of the flameout relay outputs a trigger signal of the engine electronic control unit to control the starting of the engine.

[0076] In this embodiment, when the negative switch and Key-on are closed, the coil connection switch of the main relay is closed, the Key-on of the vehicle controller has an input signal, the Key-on of the engine electronic control unit has an input signal, the engine electronic control unit sends an Engine-on signal to the starter motor, the starter motor works and drives the engine to work properly, and the vehicle enters the idle state; when the vehicle controller Figure 2 executes according to the control principle and inputs an idle flameout output signal, the coil connection switch of the flameout relay is closed, the Key-on of the engine electronic control unit has no input signal, and the engine stops working.

[0077] More specifically, the vehicle condition detection output module includes a vehicle speed sensor, a braking device, a steering pressure sensor, an operation handle device, a rotation speed sensor, a gear module, and an acceleration control module; among them, the vehicle speed sensor is used to obtain the vehicle speed; the braking device is used to judge whether the vehicle is in the parking brake mode; the steering pressure sensor is used to obtain the outlet pressure value of the steering gear; the operation handle device is used to output the control current of the working device of the loader; the rotation speed sensor is used to obtain the engine speed; the gear module is used to send gear signals; the acceleration control module is used to obtain acceleration control signals.

[0078] Preferably, in this embodiment, the gear module is electrically connected to the transmission electronic control unit, and the transmission electronic control unit is bidirectionally connected to the vehicle controller; the acceleration control module and the rotation speed sensor are electrically connected to the engine electronic control unit, and the engine electronic control unit is bidirectionally connected to the vehicle controller. Preferably but not limited to, the transmission electronic control unit sends gear signals to the vehicle controller through a data transmission line; the engine electronic control unit sends engine speed signals to the vehicle controller through a data transmission line.

[0079] Preferably, in this embodiment, the braking device is a parking brake switch on the loader; the acceleration control module is a throttle module on the loader.

[0080] In this embodiment, through the setting of the above-mentioned several vehicle condition detection output modules, numerous vehicle parameters can be obtained and the actual state of the current loader can be judged.

[0081] More specifically, determining whether vehicle parameters meet preset control conditions includes:

[0082] Determining whether the current vehicle speed is zero and the engine speed is less than a preset engine speed threshold;

[0083] Determining whether it is in the parking brake mode;

[0084] Determining whether the outlet pressure value of the steering gear is less than a preset outlet pressure value threshold;

[0085] Determining whether the control current of the working device of the loader is zero;

[0086] Determining whether the gear signal is in neutral;

[0087] Determining whether the acceleration control signal is empty.

[0088] Preferably, in this embodiment, when all the above preset control conditions are met, the vehicle controller will perform corresponding idle time timing and determine whether to control the engine to shut down.

[0089] Preferably, in this embodiment, the preset engine speed threshold is set to 1100 r / min.

[0090] Preferably, in this embodiment, if the idle stop mode is enabled and any vehicle parameter does not meet the preset control conditions, the loader works normally.

[0091] In this embodiment, through the corresponding judgments of multiple vehicle parameters and their respective preset control conditions, it is ensured that the current loader is in an idle state and can be shut down. The vehicle controller can determine that the loader is in a shutdown state according to the judgment result, thereby ensuring the normal working state of the loader and ensuring the safety of the loader.

[0092] More specifically, it further includes an alarm electrically connected to the vehicle controller; the alarm is used to give an alarm when the vehicle controller controls the engine to shut down.

[0093] Embodiment 2

[0094] As Figure 3 shown, to solve the foregoing problems, this embodiment proposes a method for controlling the idle shutdown of a loader, including the following steps:

[0095] S1, power on;

[0096] S2, detecting whether the current loader is in the idle shutdown mode. If so, execute step S3; if not, execute step S6;

[0097] S3, determining whether the current vehicle parameters meet the preset conditions. If so, execute step S4;

[0098] S4, enable the flameout timing;

[0099] S5, determine whether the idle flameout duration exceeds a preset threshold. If so, turn on the flameout relay to control the engine to flame out;

[0100] S6, the loader works normally.

[0101] Preferably, in this embodiment, step S3 specifically includes:

[0102] S30, respectively read the signals of the rotational speed sensor, vehicle speed sensor, parking brake switch, steering pressure sensor, operation handle device, gear module, and throttle module;

[0103] S31, determine whether the current vehicle speed is zero and the engine speed is less than the preset engine speed threshold. If so, execute step S32; if not, execute step S6;

[0104] S32, determine whether the current loader is in the parking brake mode. If so, execute step S33; if not, execute step S6;

[0105] S33, determine whether the outlet pressure value of the current steering gear is less than the preset outlet pressure value threshold. If so, execute step S34; if not, execute step S6;

[0106] S34, determine whether the control current of the working device of the current loader is zero. If so, execute step S35; if not, execute step S6;

[0107] S35, determine whether the current gear signal is in neutral. If so, execute step S36; if not, execute step S6;

[0108] S36, determine whether the current acceleration control signal is empty. If so, execute step S4; if not, execute step S6.

[0109] Preferably, in this embodiment, the order of steps S31 to S36 is only for explanatory purposes, and the front and back order can be adjusted with each other, as long as all the judgment conditions of steps S31 to S36 are met and then step S4 is executed.

[0110] Preferably, the preset engine speed threshold in step S31 of this embodiment is 1100 r / min.

[0111] Preferably, in this embodiment, step S4 can further determine whether the current flameout timing has been enabled. If so, execute step S5; if not, start the idle flameout timing and execute step S5.

[0112] More specifically, step S5 further includes:

[0113] If not, wait for the duration of a single execution cycle and then return to step S2.

[0114] It should be emphasized that the loader body equipped with the control system described in Embodiment 1 should also fall within the protection scope of this embodiment.

[0115] In summary, for the loader idle-stop control system and method proposed in Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, by controlling the vehicle to idle and shut down according to signals such as vehicle speed, engine speed, gear position, and steering pressure on the existing loader, the idle working time can be effectively reduced and fuel consumption can be decreased.

[0116] The above-described embodiments do not constitute a limitation on the protection scope of the technical solution. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the above embodiments shall be included within the protection scope of the technical solution.

Claims

1. A loader idle stop control system, characterized in that: include: Vehicle controller; and are electrically connected to the vehicle controller respectively, A vehicle condition detection output module, used to detect vehicle parameters and transmit them to the vehicle controller; A switch module, used for controlling the activation or exit of the idle stop mode, and transmitting the current state of the idle stop mode to the vehicle controller; The vehicle controller determines whether the vehicle parameters meet the preset control conditions during the activation time of the idle stop mode, and if so, calculates the idle time, and controls the engine to shut down when the idle time exceeds a preset threshold.

2. A loader idle stop control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also included is: An engine control module, the input end of which is connected to the output end of the vehicle controller, and the output end of the engine control module is connected to the engine; The vehicle controller is used to output a control signal at the output end when it determines that the vehicle parameters meet the preset control conditions, and the engine control module determines whether to turn on the engine according to the control signal.

3. A loader idle stop control system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The engine control module comprises: A flameout relay connected to the output end of the vehicle controller; An engine electronic control unit, the input end of which is connected to an output end of the flameout relay, and the output end of which is connected to the engine; The vehicle controller is used to determine that when the vehicle parameters meet the preset control conditions, the output end outputs a high-level signal to turn on the flameout relay, and the flameout relay closes and disconnects the output signal of the current output end. If the engine electronic control unit does not detect the input signal, the engine will be turned off.

4. A loader idle stop control system according to claim 3, characterized in that: It also includes a control circuit connecting the flameout relay, the engine electronic control unit, and the vehicle controller; The control circuit also includes a main relay and a power supply module; The power supply module is connected to the input end of the main relay and the input end of the vehicle controller; the output end of the main relay is connected to the input end of the ignition off relay; When the power module and the vehicle controller are powered on, the main relay turns on the flameout relay, and the current output end of the flameout relay outputs a trigger signal of the engine electronic control unit to control the start of the engine.

5. A loader idle stop control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The vehicle condition detection output module comprises: Vehicle speed sensor, used to obtain vehicle speed; a brake device for determining whether the vehicle is in a parking brake mode; Steering pressure sensor, used to obtain the outlet pressure value of the steering gear; An operating handle device, used for outputting a control current of a working device of the loader; Speed ​​sensor, used to obtain engine speed; A gear module, used for sending a gear signal; The acceleration control module is used to obtain an acceleration control signal.

6. A loader idle stop control system according to claim 5, characterized in that: Determining whether the vehicle parameters meet the preset control conditions includes: Determining whether the current vehicle speed is zero and the engine speed is less than a preset engine speed threshold; Determine whether it is in parking brake mode; Determine whether the outlet pressure value of the steering gear is less than a preset outlet pressure value threshold; Determine whether the control current of the working device of the loader is zero; Determine whether the gear position signal is neutral; Determine whether the acceleration control signal is empty.

7. A loader idle stop control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: Also included is: The alarm is used to sound an alarm when the vehicle controller controls the engine to shut down.

8. A loader idle stop control method, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: Power on and check whether the current loader is in idle stop mode. If so, proceed to the next step; Determine whether the current vehicle parameters meet the preset conditions. If so, enable the flameout timing, and when the idle flameout duration exceeds the preset threshold, turn on the flameout relay to control the engine to shut down.

9. A loader idle stop control method according to claim 8, characterized in that: Determining whether the current vehicle parameters meet the preset conditions includes the following steps: Determine whether the current vehicle speed is zero and the engine speed is less than a preset engine speed threshold; Determine whether the loader is currently in parking brake mode; Determine whether the current outlet pressure value of the steering gear is less than a preset outlet pressure value threshold; Determine whether the current control current of the working device of the loader is zero; Determine whether the current gear position signal is neutral; Determine whether the current acceleration control signal is empty.

10. A loader idle stop control method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that: Also includes: When the idling shutdown time does not exceed the preset threshold, the system returns after waiting for the single execution cycle time and re-detects whether the current loader is in the idling shutdown mode.

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