초록 ▼

A method for starting a marine internal combustion engine is independent of a continued signal received from a starting switch. If the operator of the marine vessel momentarily depresses a starting switch, a predetermined procedure is followed by a microprocessor which does not require continued inv

A method for starting a marine internal combustion engine is independent of a continued signal received from a starting switch. If the operator of the marine vessel momentarily depresses a starting switch, a predetermined procedure is followed by a microprocessor which does not require continued involvement of the marine vessel operator. Various parameters are checked during the starting sequence and various actuators are activated to assure a safe and reliable starting procedure.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method for controlling the starting procedure of an internal combustion engine, comprising the steps of:providing said internal combustion engine which is connectable in torque transmitting relation with a propulsion system of a marine vessel;providing a first switch;connecting a microprocessor

1. A method for controlling the starting procedure of an internal combustion engine, comprising the steps of:providing said internal combustion engine which is connectable in torque transmitting relation with a propulsion system of a marine vessel;providing a first switch;connecting a microprocessor in signal communication with said first switch;providing a starter motor connected in torque transmitting association with said internal combustion engine;receiving a first signal from said first switch, said first signal being received by said microprocessor;activating said starter motor subsequent to said first signal receiving step;measuring a preselected operating parameter associated with said internal combustion engine; anddeactivating said starter motor if said preselected operating parameter does not achieve a predetermined status within a predetermined time period subsequent to said activating step, said preselected operating parameter being the operating speed of said internal combustion engine, said predetermined status is achievement of a minimum threshold speed indicating movement of a crankshaft of said internal combustion engine. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein:said predetermined time period being a magnitude which is less than one second. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein:said first switch is a manually operated key switch. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein:said first signal from said first switch is a momentary signal. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein:said activating step is not dependant on said first signal being maintained subsequent to said first signal receiving step. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:providing a second switch;receiving a second signal from said second switch, said second signal being received by said microprocessor; andactivating said starter motor subsequent to said first signal receiving step and said second signal receiving step. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein:said second switch is a manually operated pushbutton. 8. The method of claim 6, wherein:said second signal is momentary; andsaid activating step is not dependant on said second signal being maintained subsequent to said second signal receiving step. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein:said internal combustion engine is a marine propulsion engine. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising:providing a communication bus, said microprocessor being connected in signal communication with said communication bus; andconnecting a helm control unit in signal communication with said communication bus.