Starter driving semiconductor switch apparatus

摘要

A starter driving semiconductor switch apparatus energizes and de-energizes a starter according to a command from an outside. A series circuit to which semiconductor switches are connected in series is provided between a battery serving as a power supply and the starter. The starter is energized by bringing all the semiconductor switches into conduction. A voltage or a current at a predetermined point in the series circuit is monitored to make a self-diagnosis on whether the starter is allowed to start and whether there is a failure in the semiconductor switches according to a monitor output. The starter driving semiconductor switch apparatus is thus expected to have a longer useful life by energizing the starter not by using mechanical contacts but by using semiconductor switches.

主权项

1. A starter driving semiconductor switch apparatus that energizes and de-energizes a starter according to commands from an outside, comprising:
a series circuit provided between a battery serving as a power supply and the starter, to which a plurality of semiconductor switches are connected in series; and an engine control unit (ECU), wherein: all of the plurality of semiconductor switches are brought into conduction for a short time to monitor a current flowing into the semiconductor switches, and in one case where a current equal to or higher than a first predetermined current value is detected and a case where a current below a second predetermined current value is detected, a result of the diagnosis indicating that the starter is not allowed to restart is outputted, the plurality of semiconductor switches are provided outside of the ECU, and a result of the self-diagnosis is output to the ECU.