Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A system (100) for controlling an Idle Stop Start (ISS) module (110) in a vehicle comprising:
an ignition switch (120) configured to generate a start signal; and
a control unit (140) having the ISS module (110) and coupled with the ignition switch (120), the control unit (140) configured to:
receive the start signal;
monitor a number of ISS stop (N) performed by the ISS module (110) since receipt of the start signal; and
activate the ISS module (110) (i) based on value of a first vehicular parameter when the number of ISS stops (N) is equal to or lesser than a predetermined number of ISS stops (NPDT), or (ii) based on value of a second vehicular parameter when the number of ISS stops (N) is greater than the predetermined number of ISS stops (NPDT).

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, comprising one or more vehicular parameter sensors (130) for measuring one or more vehicular parameters.

3. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first vehicular parameter and the second vehicular parameter are obtained from the one or more vehicular parameter sensors (130).

4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predetermined number of ISS stops (NPDT) is zero.

5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predetermined number of ISS stops (NPDT) is greater than zero.

6. The system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the control unit (140) is configured to:
measure value of the first vehicular parameter;
compare the measured value of the first vehicular parameter with a predetermined value of the first vehicular parameter; and
activate the ISS module (110) if: the number of ISS stops (N) is equal to or lesser than the predetermined number of ISS stops (NPDT) and the measured value of the first vehicular parameter is greater than the predetermined value of the first vehicular parameter.

7. The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the predetermined value of the first vehicular parameter is optimized for better charging of a battery (150).

8. The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first vehicular parameter comprises a distance travelled by the vehicle since receipt of the start signal, an engine speed, and an engine temperature.

9. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ISS module (110) is configured to:
stop an engine (160) when ISS stop conditions are satisfied; and
start the engine (160) when ISS start conditions are satisfied, the control unit (140) configured to deactivate the ISS module (110) when the engine starts.

10. The system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the control unit (140) is configured to:
measure value of the second vehicular parameter;
compare the measured value of the second vehicular parameter with a predetermined value of the second vehicular parameter; and
activate the ISS module (110) if: the number of ISS stops (N) is greater than the predetermined number of ISS stops (NPDT), and the measured value of the second vehicular parameter is greater than the predetermined value of the second vehicular parameter.

11. The system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the predetermined value of the second vehicular parameter is optimized for better fuel efficiency.

12. The system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the second vehicular parameter comprises a distance travelled by the vehicle since the engine (160) being stopped by the ISS module (110), an engine speed, and an engine temperature.

13. The system as claimed in claims 3 to 12, wherein the control unit (140) is configured to modify the predetermined values of the first vehicular parameter and the second vehicular parameter based on a vehicle condition.

14. The system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the vehicle condition comprises state of charge of the battery (150).

15. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (140) comprises an Engine Control Unit (ECU) (140a).

16. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (140) comprises an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) controller (140b).

17. A method for controlling an Idle Stop Start (ISS) module (110) in a vehicle, said method comprising the steps of:
generating (300), by the ignition switch (120), a start signal;
receiving (301), by a control unit (140), the start signal;
monitoring (302), by the control unit (140), a number of ISS stop (N) performed by the ISS module since receipt of the start signal; and
activating (303), by the control unit (140), the ISS module (110) (i) based on value of a first vehicular parameter when the number of ISS stops (N) is equal to or lesser than a predetermined number of ISS stops (NPDT), or (ii) based on value of a second vehicular parameter when the number of ISS stops (N) is greater than the predetermined number of ISS stops (NPDT).

18. The method as claimed in claim 17, comprising one or more vehicular parameter sensors (130) for measuring one or more vehicular parameters.

19. The method as claimed in claim 18, wherein the first vehicular parameter and the second vehicular parameter are obtained from the one or more vehicular parameter sensors (130).
20. The method as claimed in claim 19, comprising the steps of:
measuring (305), by the control unit (140), value of the first vehicular parameter;
comparing (306), by the control unit (140), the measured value of the first vehicular parameter with a predetermined value of the first vehicular parameter; and
activating (307), by the control unit (140), the ISS module if: the number of ISS stops (N) is equal to or lesser than the predetermined number of ISS stops (NPDT) and the measured value of the first vehicular parameter is greater than the predetermined value of the first vehicular parameter; wherein the predetermined value of the first parameter is optimized for better charging of a battery.

21. The method as claimed in claim 17, comprising the steps of:
stopping (311), by the ISS module (110), an engine (160) when ISS stop conditions are satisfied;
starting (312), by the ISS module (110), the engine (160) when ISS start conditions are satisfied; and
deactivating (313), by the control unit (140), the ISS module (110) when the engine (160) starts.

22. The method as claimed in claim 19, comprising the steps of:
measuring (308), by the control unit (140), value of the second vehicular parameter;
comparing (309), by the control unit (140), the measured value of the second vehicular parameter with a predetermined value of the second vehicular parameter; and
activating (310), by the control unit (140), the ISS module if: the number of ISS stops (N) is greater than the predetermined number of ISS stops (NPDT), and the measured value of the second vehicular parameter is greater than the predetermined value of the second vehicular parameter; wherein the predetermined value of the second parameter is optimized for better fuel efficiency.

23. The method as claimed in any of the preceding claims, comprising the step of modifying (314), by the control unit (140), the predetermined values of the first vehicular parameter and the second vehicular parameter based on a vehicle condition; wherein the vehicle condition comprises state of charge of the battery.
Dated this 27th day of March 2021

TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

(Nikhil Ranjan)
of Khaitan & Co
Reg No IN/PA-1471
, Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 OF 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]

TITLE OF INVENTION
A System for Controlling an Idle Stop Start Module in a Vehicle and Method Thereof

APPLICANT
TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED, an Indian company, having its address at “Chaitanya”, No.12 Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600 006, Tamil Nadu, India.

PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a system for controlling an idle stop start module in a vehicle and method thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Idling state of a motor vehicle occurs when an engine of the vehicle is kept running but the vehicle is not in motion. Vehicle idling results in unnecessary consumption of fuel by the engine and emission of harmful gases into the environment. Reducing the amount of energy wasted in idling conditions especially at heavy traffic zones significantly helps in gaining better fuel economy for vehicles. In this regard, an idle stop start (ISS) system is generally installed in the existing electrical system of the vehicle.
[003] Typically, the ISS system stops the engine in idling condition and starts the engine when restarting from idling condition. In some existing vehicle with the ISS system, a controller controls the start of the vehicle from the idle position based on a rate of throttle raise angle, or engagement of clutch or disengagement of brake alone. In such vehicles, after the flame-out of the engine, when the vehicle is required to be started, a mere pinching of clutch and throttling the accelerator does the job.
[004] In the existing vehicles, there is only single set of predetermined condition for enabling ISS. For example, distance travelled by the vehicle, the minimum throttle condition, minimum rpm condition is some of the known conditions, which are utilized for enabling ISS in the known systems. Moreover, in the existing vehicles, the ISS system is invariably enabled when the vehicle is started and thereafter the ISS system remains in enabled state or is disabled immediately after the engine restart from idle stop. As such, even at the start of the vehicle when the ISS system is ideally not required, existing vehicles enables the ISS system which consumes power from a battery.
[005] Thus, enabling the ISS system at the time of start of the vehicle is not desirable as it can lead to battery being drained immediately. However, not enabling the ISS system will lead to increased fuel consumption and unwanted exhaust gases.
[006] In view of the foregoing, existing systems rely on either state of charge of the battery or fuel saving being fulfilled for controlling the ISS system. For instance, the ISS system is disabled in the existing systems to prevent battery from degradation. Therefore, whenever the battery charge is found to be low, the ISS system is disabled. Such sudden disabling of the ISS system does not only affect user experience but also eventually affect the fuel efficiency of the vehicle.
[007] Thus, there is a need in the art for a system and method for controlling an ISS module.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[008] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a system for controlling an Idle Stop Start (ISS) module in a vehicle. The system includes: an ignition switch configured to generate a start signal; and a control unit having the ISS module and coupled with the ignition switch. The control unit is configured to: receive the start signal; monitor a number of ISS stop performed by the ISS module since receipt of the start signal; and activate the ISS module (i) based on value of a first vehicular parameter when the number of ISS stops is equal to or lesser than a predetermined number of ISS stops, or (ii) based on value of a second vehicular parameter when the number of ISS stops is greater than the predetermined number of ISS stops.
[009] In an embodiment of the invention, the system includes one or more vehicular parameter sensors for measuring one or more vehicular parameters. The first vehicular parameter and the second vehicular parameter are obtained from the one or more vehicular parameter sensors.
[010] In another embodiment of the invention, the predetermined number of ISS stops is zero. In an embodiment, the predetermined number of ISS stops is greater than zero.
[011] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to: measure value of the first vehicular parameter; compare the measured value of the first vehicular parameter with a predetermined value of the first vehicular parameter; and activate the ISS module if: the number of ISS stops is equal to or lesser than the predetermined number of ISS stops, and the measured value of the first vehicular parameter is greater than the predetermined value of the first vehicular parameter.
[012] In still another embodiment of the invention, the predetermined value of the first vehicular parameter is optimized for better charging of a battery.
[013] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first vehicular parameter comprises a distance travelled by the vehicle since receipt of the start signal, an engine speed, and an engine temperature.
[014] In a still further embodiment of the invention, the ISS module is configured to: stop an engine when ISS stop conditions are satisfied; and start the engine when ISS start conditions are satisfied, the control unit configured to deactivate the ISS module when the engine starts.
[015] In another embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to: measure value of the second vehicular parameter; compare the measured value of the second vehicular parameter with a predetermined value of the second vehicular parameter; and activate the ISS module if: the number of ISS stops is greater than the predetermined number of ISS stops, and the measured value of the second vehicular parameter is greater than the predetermined value of the second vehicular parameter.
[016] In still another embodiment of the invention, the predetermined value of the second vehicular parameter is optimized for better fuel efficiency.
[017] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the second vehicular parameter comprises a distance travelled by the vehicle since the engine being stopped by the ISS module, an engine speed, and an engine temperature.
[018] In another embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to modify the predetermined values of the first vehicular parameter and the second vehicular parameter based on a vehicle condition. The vehicle condition comprises state of charge of the battery.
[019] In still another embodiment of the invention, the control unit is an Engine Control Unit (ECU). In an embodiment, the control unit is an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) controller.
[020] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for controlling an Idle Stop Start (ISS) module in a vehicle. The method comprises the steps of: generating, by the ignition switch, a start signal; receiving, by a control unit, the start signal; monitoring, by the control unit, a number of ISS stop performed by the ISS module since receipt of the start signal; and activating, by the control unit, the ISS module (i) based on value of a first vehicular parameter when the number of ISS stops is equal to or lesser than a predetermined number of ISS stops, or (ii) based on value of a second vehicular parameter when the number of ISS stops is greater than the predetermined number of ISS stops.
[021] In an embodiment of the invention, the method includes one or more vehicular parameter sensors for measuring one or more vehicular parameters.
[022] In another embodiment of the invention, the first vehicular parameter and the second vehicular parameter are obtained from the one or more vehicular parameter sensors.
[023] In still another embodiment of the invention, the method includes the steps of: measuring, by the control unit, value of the first vehicular parameter; comparing, by the control unit, the measured value of the first vehicular parameter with a predetermined value of the first vehicular parameter; and activating, by the control unit, the ISS module if: the number of ISS stops is equal to or lesser than the predetermined number of ISS stops and the measured value of the first vehicular parameter is greater than the predetermined value of the first vehicular parameter; wherein the predetermined value of the first parameter is optimized for better charging of a battery.
[024] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the method includes the steps of: stopping, by the ISS module, an engine when ISS stop conditions are satisfied; starting, by the ISS module, the engine when ISS start conditions are satisfied; and deactivating, by the control unit, the ISS module when the engine starts.
[025] In still another embodiment of the invention, the method includes the steps of: measuring, by the control unit, value of the second vehicular parameter; comparing, by the control unit, the measured value of the second vehicular parameter with a predetermined value of the second vehicular parameter; and activating, by the control unit, the ISS module if: the number of ISS stops is greater than the predetermined number of ISS stops, and the measured value of the second vehicular parameter is greater than the predetermined value of the second vehicular parameter; wherein the predetermined value of the second parameter is optimized for better fuel efficiency.
[026] In another embodiment of the invention, the method includes the step of modifying, by the control unit, the predetermined values of the first vehicular parameter and the second vehicular parameter based on a vehicle condition; wherein the vehicle condition comprises state of charge of the battery.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[027] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 illustrates a system for controlling an Idle Stop Start (ISS) module in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates the system of Figure 1 with a control unit comprising an Engine Control Unit (ECU) and an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) controller in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a method for controlling an Idle Stop Start (ISS) module in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 3a and 3b show details of the steps illustrated in Figure 3 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[028] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder. In the ensuing exemplary embodiments, the vehicle is a two wheeled vehicle. However, it is contemplated that the disclosure in the present invention may be applied to any automobile capable of accommodating the present subject matter without defeating the spirit of the present invention.
[029] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a system for controlling an Idle Stop Start (ISS) module.
[030] As shown in Figure 1, the system 100 includes an ignition switch 120 configured to generate a start signal and a control unit 140 having the ISS module 110. The system 100 also includes one or more vehicular parameter sensors 130, a battery 150, and an engine 160.
[031] In an embodiment, the control unit 140 includes an Engine Control Unit (ECU) 140a (shown in Figure 2). In another embodiment, the control unit 140 includes an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) controller 140b (shown in Figure 2). The ISG controller 140b is coupled with an ISG machine (not shown in Figures).
[032] As shown in Figure 2, the ECU 140a and the ISG controller 140b are capable of performing the function of the control unit 140 without deviating from their routine function. Said otherwise, the control unit 140 is replaceable with either or both the ECU 140a and the ISG controller 140b. It is also possible that the ECU 140a replaces the control unit 140 for some functions of the control unit 140, while the ISG controller 140b replaces the control unit 140 for the remaining functions of the control unit 140.
[033] In the present context, components of the system 100 are capable of communicating by means of a controller area network (CAN) and/or hardwiring.
[034] In an embodiment, the control unit 140 is configured to: receive the start signal; monitor a number of ISS stop N performed by the ISS module 110 since receipt of the start signal; and activate the ISS module 110 (i) based on value of a first vehicular parameter when the number of ISS stops N is equal to or lesser than a predetermined number of ISS stops NPDT, or (ii) based on value of a second vehicular parameter when the number of ISS stops N is greater than the predetermined number of ISS stops NPDT.
[035] In an embodiment, the first vehicular parameter and the second vehicular parameter are predetermined parameters that are readily available with the control unit 140 or stored in the control unit 140. The control unit 140 selects these predetermined parameters based on the number of ISS stops N.
[036] In another embodiment, the system also includes one or more vehicular parameter sensors 130 for measuring one or more vehicular parameters. In such a scenario, the first vehicular parameter and the second vehicular parameter are obtained from the one or more vehicular parameter sensors 130.
[037] Accordingly, as shown in Figure 2, the ISG controller 140b includes the ISS module 110 and is coupled with the one or more vehicular parameter sensors 130, the ECU 140a, the battery 150, and the engine 160 (by way of the ISG machine). Similarly, the ECU 140a is coupled with the ignition switch 120, the battery 150, the engine 160 and the ISG controller 140b.
[038] The present invention controls the ISS module 110 advantageously based on the first vehicular parameter and the second vehicular parameter. In an embodiment, the predetermined value of the first vehicular parameter is optimized for better charging of a battery 150. Said otherwise, the first vehicular parameter ensures that the battery charging is optimum. For instance, the first vehicular parameter includes a distance travelled by the vehicle since receipt of the start signal, an engine speed, and an engine temperature.
[039] In another embodiment, the predetermined value of the second vehicular parameter is optimized for better fuel efficiency. Said otherwise, the second vehicular parameter ensures that the fuel efficiency of the vehicle is optimum and not compromised. For instance, the second vehicular parameter includes a distance travelled by the vehicle since the engine 160 being stopped by the ISS module 110, an engine speed, and an engine temperature.
[040] As described hereinbefore, the control unit 140 is configured to activate the ISS module 110 based on the number of ISS stops N and the first vehicular parameter or the second vehicular parameter. In this regard, reference is now made to Figures 3, 3a and 3b which illustrate configuration of the system 100 and a method controlling the ISS module 110. As shown in Figure 3, at step 300, the ignition switch 120 generates the start signal upon actuation by a user.
[041] At step 301, the control unit 140 receives the start signal. Subsequently, at step 302, the control unit monitors the number of ISS stops N performed by the ISS module 110 since receipt of the start signal.
[042] At step 303, the control unit 140 activates the ISS module 110 (i) based on value of the first vehicular parameter when the number of ISS stops N is equal to or lesser than the predetermined number of ISS stops NPDT, or (ii) based on value of the second vehicular parameter when the number of ISS stops N is greater than the predetermined number of ISS stops NPDT.
[043] Referring to Figure 3a which shows detailed steps of the method. At step 304, the control unit 140 receives the one or more vehicular parameters from the one or more vehicular parameter sensors 130.
[044] Thereafter, at step 302a, the control unit 140 checks for the ISS module 110 activation conditions based on the first vehicular parameter if the number of ISS stops N is equal to or lesser than the predetermined number of ISS stops NPDT. Alternately, at step 302b, the control unit 140 checks for the ISS module 110 activation conditions based on the second vehicular parameter if the number of ISS stops N is greater than the predetermined number of ISS stops NPDT.
[045] In an embodiment, the predetermined number of ISS stops NPDT is zero. Said otherwise, the control unit 140 monitors the number of ISS stops N and activates the ISS module 110 based on the first vehicular parameter for a first time after starting the vehicle to ensure that the charging level of the battery 150 is optimum. This ensures that if the battery 150 is not sufficiently charged, the ISS module will not be activated immediately upon starting the vehicle, but after the first vehicular parameter is determined by the control unit 140. If the user is already in a journey, the number of ISS stops N will be greater than the predetermined number of ISS stops NPDT. Hence, the ISS module 110 will be activated based on the second vehicular parameter to ensure that the fuel efficiency is optimum. Thus, in another embodiment, the predetermined number of ISS stops NPDT is greater than zero.
[046] Referring to Figure 3b which shows the detailed steps for activating the ISS module 110 based on the number of ISS stops N and the first vehicular parameter. At step 305, the control unit 140 measures the value of the first vehicular parameter. Thereafter, at step 306, the control unit 140 compares the measured value of the first vehicular parameter with a predetermined value of the first vehicular parameter. At step 307, the control unit 140 activates the ISS module 110 if: the number of ISS stops N is equal to or lesser than the predetermined number of ISS stops NPDT and the measured value of the first vehicular parameter is greater than the predetermined value of the first vehicular parameter.
[047] In an embodiment, the predetermined value of the first vehicular parameter is 500 meters.
[048] Figure 3b also shows the detailed steps for activating the ISS module 110 based on the number of ISS stops N and the second vehicular parameter. At step 308, the control unit 140 measures the value of the second vehicular parameter. Thereafter, at step 309, the control unit 140 compares the measured value of the second vehicular parameter with the predetermined value of the second vehicular parameter. At step 310, the control unit 140 activates the ISS module 110 if: the number of ISS stops N is greater than the predetermined number of ISS stops NPDT, and the measured value of the second vehicular parameter is greater than the predetermined value of the second vehicular parameter.
[049] In an embodiment, the predetermined value of the second vehicular parameter is 50 meters.
[050] Once the ISS module 110 activation conditions are satisfied and the ISS module 110 is activated at step 303, the ISS module 110 stops the engine 160 when ISS stop conditions are satisfied, as shown at step 311. Suitable ISS stop conditions are known to a person skilled in the art. For instance, the ISS module 110 can be configured to stop the engine 160 based on the engine speed, speed of the vehicle, throttle position and the likes.
[051] At step 312, the ISS module 110 can also start the vehicle when the ISS start conditions are satisfied. Suitable ISS start conditions are known to the person skilled in the art. For instance, the ISS module 110 can be configured to start the engine 160 based on the throttle position, brake position, clutch position, and the likes.
[052] At step 313, the control unit 140, is configured to deactivate the ISS module 110 when the engine 160 has started. This ensures that the ISS module 110 does not continuously drain the battery while maintaining the optimum fuel efficiency.
[053] At step 314, the control unit 140 is configured to modify the predetermined values of the first vehicular parameter and the second vehicular parameter based on a vehicle condition. In the present context, the vehicle condition includes the state of charge of the battery 150. For example, if the control unit 140 detects that the state of charge of the battery 150 is low at the first vehicular parameter, i.e., the number of ISS stops performed is equal to or less than the predetermined number of ISS stops NPDT, the predetermined value of the first vehicular parameter can be suitably increased to a value which would ensure that the state of charge of the battery 150 is sufficient enough to activate the ISS module 110.
[054] Advantageously, the present invention considers the first vehicular parameter and the second vehicular parameter for activating the ISS module 110 for optimum battery 150 and fuel efficiency, respectively. This ensures that a tradeoff between the battery 150 and the fuel efficiency is maintained.
[055] Further, the present invention also provides flexibility in terms of modifying the predetermined values of the first vehicular parameter and the second vehicular parameter based on the vehicle condition. This results in extended battery life and optimum fuel efficiency.
[056] Moreover, the present invention also does not require high computation and can be performed on the components already existing in a typical vehicular system. This results in savings in terms of cost.
[057] Since one of the parameters is engine temperature, the present invention also ensures that the engine temperature reaches a suitable starting temperature before the ISS module 110 is activated.
[058] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.