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US006895917B2
(12) United States Patent ao) Patent No.: us 6,895,917 B2
Itoh et al. (45) Date of Patent: May 24,2005
(54) AUTOMATIC STOP/START CONTROLLER FOR ENGINE
(75) Inventors: Yoshiki Itoh, Shizuoka-ken (JP);
Tatsuji Mori, Shizuoka-ken (JP);
Norihiro Noda, Shizuoka-ken (JP)
(73) Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation,
Shizuoka-ken (JP)
( * ) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term ol this patent is extended or adjusted under 35 U.S.C. 154(b) by 39 days.
(21) Appl. No.: 10/761,179
(22) Filed: Jan. 20, 2004
(65) Prior Publication Data
US 2004/0149246 Al Aug. 5, 2004 (30) Foreign Application Priority Data
Jan. 21, 2003 (JP) 2003-012128
(51) Int. C I. B60H 1 00
(52) U.S. CI 123/179.4; 62/133; 62/158;
62/228.1
(58) Field of Search 123/179.3, 179.4,
123/179.5; 62/132, 133, 158, 228.1, 236
(56) References Cited
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
5,317,998 A * 6/1994 Hanson et al 123/179.4
An automatic stop/start controller for an engine, having an air conditioner which employs a coolant or driving force ol the engine to control the air in a driver's compartment. The engine can be stopped and started without operation ol an ignition key. Alter a predetermined automatic stop condition is satisfied and the engine is automatically stopped, a control unit maintains the engine in a stopped state as long as the duration ol an automatic stop ol the engine is shorter than an automatic stop maximum time set based on air temperature at an inlet ol the air conditioner.
8 Claims, 4 Drawing Sheets
