Method and apparatus for controlling a motor-driven oil pump

Abstract

The present invention is a method and apparatus for controlling driving of the electric oil pump. The method includes the steps of deciding whether a predetermined time has elapsed after oil supply to the hydraulic chain tensioner has stopped, deciding whether an engine start prediction signal is inputted to a controller, and driving the electric oil pump to supply oil to the hydraulic tensioner when the engine start prediction signal is inputted. The present invention insures that oil pressure is maintained in the chamber of the hydraulic tensioner before cranking of the engine, thereby preventing oscillation of the chain and tensioner piston at the time of engine start up.

1 . A method for controlling the driving of an electric oil pump in an internal combustion engine comprising: 
 determining whether a predetermined amount of time has elapsed after oil supply to a hydraulic tensioner has been stopped;    determining whether an engine start prediction signal is inputted to a controller after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed once the oil supply to the hydraulic tensioner has been stopped; and    driving the electric oil pump to supply oil to the hydraulic tensioner when the engine start prediction signal is inputted.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the engine start prediction signal is selected from the group consisting of a door lock release signal, a foot brake ON signal, and an ignition key insertion signal.  
   
   
       3 . A method for controlling the driving of an electric oil pump in an internal combustion engine comprising: 
 driving the electric oil pump to supply oil to a hydraulic tensioner prior to an engine start up; and    stopping the electric oil pump after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed when the engine has failed to start.    
   
   
       4 . A method for controlling an electric oil pump in an internal combustion engine comprising driving the electric oil pump for at least a predetermined amount of time after the engine has stopped.  
   
   
       5 . An apparatus for controlling the driving of an electric oil pump in an internal combustion engine comprising an electric oil pump having an oil supply line to supply oil to a hydraulic tensioner for maintaining tension in an engine timing chain; 
 a signal generating means for generating an engine start prediction signal; and    a controller for receiving the engine start prediction signal and for controlling the driving of the electric oil pump.    
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 5  wherein the electric oil pump is driven for a predetermined amount of time after the input of the engine start prediction signal.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the engine start prediction signal is selected from the group consisting of a door lock release signal, a foot brake ON signal, and an ignition key insertion signal.