Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention generally relates to a vehicle comprising an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) machine. Particularly, the present invention relates to a vehicle comprising an ISG controller which is configured to determine if there is fault in an ISG machine or the ISG controller.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] In vehicles with Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) system, if a fault occurs in the ISG machine or in the ISG controller and if not diagnosed, then it can lead to failure of the parts including, but not limited to, ISG machine, battery, engine, or may even become as a safety concern for the customer. The safety concern could be an unsafe temperature or an unsafe capacitor voltage in the ISG machine which may go unnoticed and may lead to catastrophes in the vehicle and the customer. Also, if the ISG fault is not intimated to the customer and the engine does not start, the customer may be panicked.
[003] Some of the vehicles which have the ISG system, but they do not have any means to perform diagnosis on either the ISG machine related or the ISG Controller related faults. So, if a fault occurs in the ISG system and is not diagnosed, then it can lead to failure of the part. Thus, fault diagnosis of the ISG system is unavoidable. So, it is essential to diagnose the fault in the ISG system and to prevent the damage caused due to the fault. All the faults that can occur in the ISG system may not cause damage to the ISG system. Therefore, it is also important to classify the faults that are detected by the ISG system and take a corresponding action. The faults that are diagnosed by the ISG controller can include faults like an unsafe temperature or an unsafe capacitor voltage which gets classified as critical faults, whereas faults like RPM mismatch or missing phase signal gets classified as non-critical faults. When a critical fault occurs, then operating the vehicle with a critical fault can cause damage / part failure and thus the ISG controller will send a signal to an Engine Management System Control Unit (EMS ECU) to cut-off ignition or injection of fuel, once a critical fault is detected and confirmed. If a non-critical fault occurs, it will not cause any damage to the system even if the engine continues to operate with the fault, and the ISG controller will only stop charging a battery if a non-critical fault is detected and confirmed. Also, for systems in which Idle Stop Start (ISS) is controlled by the ISG system, disabling the ISS feature for all the ISG fault condition will act as a hindrance for the customer and will also diminish the ISS feature.
[004] One kind of an existing fault detection device for a vehicle having an alternating current generator detects open / short faults. In this device, a fault detection unit is connected to a battery of the vehicle and whenever a fault is detected, then an indicator light is turned ON to remind the driver to pay attention and to do timely service. This indicator lamp is turned ON the moment ignition key is turned ON, and turned OFF when the engine starts running. The fault detection device of this kind provides a reminder to the driver to pay attention for doing timely maintenance. Further, since the indicator lamp will be turned OFF when the engine starts running, the indication of the fault may go unnoticed by the user / rider.
[005] In the existing device, it does not include fault condition detection of the ISG unit or controller to avoid damage to critical parts, and thus causes safety concerns and inconvenience to users.
[006] Thus, there is a need in the art for a vehicle and a method for determining fault in an integrated starter generator machine or the ISG controller of the vehicle which can address the aforementioned problems, limitations, and other problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[007] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a vehicle including a speedometer, an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) machine, and an ISG controller in communication with the ISG machine and the speedometer. The ISG controller is configured to determine if there is fault in the ISG machine or the ISG controller. The ISG controller is further configured to turn ON an ISG malfunction indicator in the speedometer, if there is fault in the ISG machine or the ISG controller. The ISG controller is further configured to identify a type of the fault and classify the fault as a critical fault or a non-critical fault and communicate a signal to turn ON a headlamp of the vehicle, if the identified fault being the critical fault, whereby providing an indication to a rider of the vehicle about the critical fault for turning OFF ignition of the vehicle.
[008] In an embodiment, the ISG controller being configured to communicate a signal to an Engine Control Unit to cut-off fuel injection or ignition of an engine through a wired or CAN communication, if the identified fault being a critical fault.
[009] In an embodiment, the ISG controller being configured to communicate a signal to stop charging of a battery and to turn OFF the headlamp of the vehicle, if the identified fault is a non-critical fault.
[010] In an embodiment, said ISG controller is configured to determine Idle Stop Start (ISS) enabling conditions of the vehicle, and upon determination of satisfaction of enabling conditions of the Idle Stop Start (ISS), the ISG controller is configured to turn ON an ISS lamp of the speedometer, and communicate to an engine for stopping. Upon determination of the fault being non-critical fault, the ISG controller is configured to determine satisfaction of an Idle restart condition. Upon determination of satisfaction of the Idle restart condition during non-critical fault the ISG controller is configured to communicate to the engine to provide an Idle restart.
[011] In an embodiment, the ISG controller being configured to disable an ISS feature and turn OFF the ISS lamp upon determination of the identified fault in the ISG machine or the ISG controller being the critical fault.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[012] 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 side view of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a frame member of the vehicle shown in Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates a top view of a speedometer of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 illustrates a schematic block diagram of the vehicle having the ISG controller in communication with one or more components of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[013] 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 embodiment, the vehicle is a two-wheeled vehicle. However, it is contemplated that the disclosure in the present invention may be applied onto any automobile like a three-wheeled vehicle or a four-wheeled vehicle capable of accommodating the present subject matter without defeating the scope of the present invention.
[014] The present invention generally relates an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) machine. Particularly, the present invention relates to a vehicle and method for determining fault in the ISG machine or ISG controller of the vehicle and to provide an Idle Stop Start during an ISG fault.
[015] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a vehicle 10, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the vehicle 10 is a two-wheeled straddle type vehicle. However, the vehicle 10 may also be any other kind of two-wheeled vehicle like a scooter. Thus, it is to be understood that the illustrated two-wheeled straddle type vehicle should not be construed to be limiting the scope of the present invention. The terms “vehicle” and “two-wheeled vehicle” are interchangeably used in this disclosure. However, both the terms “vehicle” and “two-wheeled vehicle” are one and the same. The term “vehicle” is used in place of “two-wheeled vehicle” more often for brevity.
[016] In the illustrated embodiment in Figures 1 and 2, the two-wheeled vehicle 10 includes an Internal combustion engine 12 that can be vertically disposed. The Internal combustion engine 12 may be a single-cylinder type Internal combustion engine. In another embodiment, the Internal combustion engine 12 may also be a twin-cylinder or multi-cylinder type Internal combustion engine. The vehicle 10 includes a front wheel 14, a rear wheel 16, a frame member 38 (shown in Figure 2), a seat assembly 18 and a fuel tank 46.
[017] An upper portion of the front wheel 14 may be covered by a front fender 28 which can be mounted to a lower portion of a telescopic front suspension 28A. The vehicle 10 further includes a handlebar 36 which is fixed to an upper bracket 42 and can be rotated to both sides of the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 further includes a headlamp 50 and an instrument cluster having a speedometer 20 and are arranged on an upper portion of a head pipe (not shown) of the frame member 38. In an embodiment, the headlamp 50 is configured to illuminate a road when the driver rides the vehicle 10 during day or night. The headlamp 50 turns ON when the vehicle 10 starts, and RPM of the engine 12 raises more than a predetermined RPM. A beam control switch (not shown) may be provided in the vehicle 10 which is used to manually toggle between a high beam mode and a low beam mode in the headlamp 50.
[018] The frame member 38 of the vehicle 10 may further include a down tube 38b that may be located in front of the Internal combustion engine 12 and in one embodiment may extend slantly downward from the head pipe. A main tube 38a of the frame member 38 may be located above the Internal combustion engine 12 and may extend rearwardly from the head pipe. In the illustrated embodiment in Figure 1, the Internal combustion engine 12 is mounted vertically, with a cylinder block extending vertically above a crankcase. In an alternative embodiment, the Internal combustion engine 12 may be mounted horizontally (not shown) with the cylinder block extending horizontally and forwardly from the crankcase. In yet another embodiment, the cylinder block may be disposed rearwardly of the down tube 38b.
[019] The fuel tank 46 of the vehicle 10 is generally mounted in a horizontal portion on the main tube 38a. Seat rails 38c may be joined to the main tube 38a and may extend rearwardly to support the seat assembly 18. A taillight unit 48 is disposed at an end of the vehicle 10 and at a rear of the seat assembly 18. A grab rail 48a may also be provided on a rear of the seat rails 38c. The rear wheel 16 arranged below the seat assembly 18 rotates by a driving force of the Internal combustion engine 12 transmitted through a chain drive (not shown) from the Internal combustion engine 12. A rear fender 52 may be disposed above the rear wheel 16. The vehicle 10 further includes an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) machine 40 (shown in Figures 2 and 3) connected to a frame member 38 of the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the ISG machine 40 is in communication with an ISG controller 100.
[020] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) machine (40), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[021] Figure 4 illustrates a top view of a speedometer 20 of the vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The speedometer 20 in an embodiment can be a part of the instrument cluster (not shown) of the vehicle 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the speedometer 20 includes, but not limited to, an ISG malfunction indicator 22, an Idle Stop Start (ISS) lamp 24 and a headlamp indicator 26.
[022] Figure 5 illustrates a schematic block diagram of the vehicle 10 having the ISG controller 100 in communication with one or more components of the vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle 10 includes, but not limited to, the engine 12, the speedometer 20, the ISG machine 40, a battery 60, an Engine Fuel Injector 70, the head lamp 50 and the ISG controller 100 in communication with the ISG machine 40 and the speedometer 20. The ISG controller 100 in the vehicle 10 controls the ISG machine 40 between motoring and generating modes, charging the battery 60 and also facilitates the Idle Start Stop feature. In an embodiment, the ISG controller 100 is communicatively connected to the ISG machine 40 which receives various vehicle related inputs such as a vehicle speed, a throttle opening position, an engine speed, battery voltage, vehicle riding pattern, engine temperature, clutch signal, brake signal, neutral signal, etc. With the help of these inputs, the ISG controller 100 can perform idle stop once a predetermined stop conditions are met and performs idle start once it receives the predetermined start conditions. In an embodiment, the ISG controller 100 has a fault detection system to detect the faults that occur in the ISG machine 40 or in the ISG controller 100.
[023] In some embodiments, the ISG controller 100 may include one or more additional components such as, but not limited to, a memory unit (not shown), an input/output module, a pre-processing module etc. In another embodiment, the vehicle 10 may include more than one of same or similar ISG controller(s) 100. In another embodiment, the ISG controller 100 may include only a processor which may be required to process the received instructions / signals from one or more inputs device like sensors and / or switches and process the same. In yet another embodiment, the ISG controller 100 may be in communication with an analytic module (not shown) which is configured to perform additional analysis of the communication information received from the ISG machine 40 of the vehicle 10.
[024] In some embodiments, the memory unit in communication with the ISG controller 100 is capable of storing machine executable instructions. Further, the ISG controller 100 is capable of executing the machine executable instructions to perform the functions described herein. The ISG controller 100 is in communication with components such as the pre-processing module and the analytic module. In another embodiment, the ISG controller 100 is embodied as a multi-core processor, a single core processor, or a combination of one or more multi-core processors and one or more single core processors. For example, the ISG controller 100 is embodied as one or more of various processing devices, such as a coprocessor, a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processing circuitry with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other processing devices including integrated circuits such as, for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a hardware accelerator, a special-purpose computer chip, or the like. In yet another embodiment, the ISG controller 100 is configured to execute hard-coded functionality. In still another embodiment, the ISG controller 100 is embodied as an executor of instructions, where the instructions are specifically configured to the ISG controller 100 to perform the steps or operations described herein for determining fault in the ISG machine 40 and/or the ISG controller 100 of the vehicle 10 and to control Idle Stop Start operation in case of fault in the ISG machine 40 or the ISG controller 100.
[025] In an embodiment, the ISG controller 100 is configured to determine if there is fault in one of the ISG machine 40 and the ISG controller 100. Upon determination of fault in one of the ISG machine 40 and the ISG controller 100, the ISG controller 100 is configured to turn ON an ISG malfunction indicator 22 within the speedometer 20. Thus, the rider or user of the vehicle 10 will be able to notice that there is fault either in the ISG machine 40 or the ISG controller 100 by means of the speedometer 20. The ISG controller 100 is further configured to identify a type of the fault and classify the fault as one of a critical fault and a non-critical fault. Upon determination of the identified fault as critical fault, the ISG controller 100 is configured to communicate a signal to turn ON a headlamp 50 of the vehicle 10 and provide an indication to a rider of the vehicle 10 for turning OFF ignition of the vehicle 10, thereby providing an indication to the rider of the vehicle 10 about the critical fault and alerting the rider for turning OFF ignition of the vehicle 10.
[026] In an embodiment, upon determination of the identified fault as critical fault, the ISG controller 100 is configured to communicate a signal to the Engine Control Unit 104 to cut-off fuel injection through one of the Engine Fuel Injector 70 and ignition of the Internal combustion engine 12 through one of a wired and a CAN communication 102.
[027] In another embodiment, upon determination of the identification fault as non critical fault, the ISG controller 100 is configured to communicate a signal to stop charging of the battery 60 and to turn OFF the headlamp 50 of the vehicle 10.
[028] Further, the ISG controller 100 is configured to determine Idle Stop Start (ISS) enabling conditions of the vehicle 10 in case of one of the ISG machine 40 and the ISG controller 100 fault conditions. In one embodiment, the ISG controller 100 is configured to turn ON the ISS lamp 24 in the speedometer 20, upon determination of satisfaction of enabling conditions of said Idle Stop Start. Furthermore, the ISG controller 100 is configured to determine if an Idle Stop condition of the vehicle 10 is satisfied. In case the Idle Stop condition is satisfied, then the ISG controller 100 is configured to communicate to the Internal combustion engine 12 for stopping the vehicle 10. The ISG controller 100 is further configured to determine if an Idle restart condition is satisfied when the fault is non-critical fault and communicate to the Internal combustion engine 12 to provide an Idle restart, upon determination of satisfaction of the Idle restart condition during non-critical fault. In another embodiment, the ISG controller 100 is configured to disable the ISS feature and turn OFF the ISS lamp 24 upon determination of the identified fault as critical fault.
[029] Advantageously, in the present invention critical and non-critical fault detection is made to decide whether to run the vehicle or not and indicate the same to the rider / customer.
[030] When a critical fault occurs, then operating the vehicle with the critical fault can cause damage/ part failure. Typically, the ISG controller send signal to the Engine Control Unit to cut-off ignition or fuel injection, once the critical fault is detected and confirmed. Thus, on occurrence of a critical fault, the engine gets stopped and causes sudden panicking to the rider. Present invention avoids this, by alerting the rider by turning ON the headlamp on detection of the critical fault and till the rider turns off the ignition key. In another case, if a non-critical fault occurs, it will not cause any damage to the ISG machine or ISG controller even if the engine continues to operate with the fault. Thus, the ISG controller in the present invention is configured to only stop charging the battery when a non-critical fault is detected and confirmed. Thus, the present invention improves convenience and safety to the rider / customer.
[031] Further, the ISG controller in the present invention operates the ISS in case of a non-critical fault is detected. Generally, the vehicle cannot be started through ISS since the ISS feature gets disabled on detection of any ISG related fault. The ISG controller in the present invention firstly, classifies the type of fault in the ISG machine or ISG controller and after diagnosing the type of fault, the ISG controller provides a single ISS restart in the vehicle. Thus, the present invention enhances ISS feature even during the fault in the ISG machine or the ISG controller.
[032] 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.

List of Reference numerals

10: Vehicle 36: Handlebar
12: Internal combustion engine 38: Frame member
14: Front wheel 38a: Main tube
16: Rear wheel 38b: Down tube
18: Seat Assembly 38c: Seat rails
20: Speedometer 40: ISG machine
22: ISG malfunction indicator 42: Upper bracket
24: Idle Stop Start (ISS) lamp 46: Fuel tank
48: taillight unit
48a: Grab rail
26: Headlamp indicator 50: Headlamp
28: Front fender (28) 52: Rear fender
28A: Telescopic front suspension 60: Battery
70: Engine Fuel Injector 100: ISG controller
102: CAN communication 104: Engine Control Unit
, Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A vehicle (10) comprising:
a speedometer (20);
an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) machine (40); and
an ISG controller (100), wherein said ISG controller (100) is configured to communicate with said ISG machine (40) and said speedometer (20),
wherein upon determination of fault in one of said ISG machine (40) and said ISG controller (100), said ISG controller (100) is configured to turn ON an ISG malfunction indicator (22) within said speedometer (20),
wherein said ISG controller (100) is configured to identify a type of fault and classify said identified fault as one of a critical fault and a non-critical fault, and
wherein upon determination of said identified fault as critical fault, said ISG controller (100) is configured to communicate a signal to turn ON a headlamp (50) of said vehicle (10) and provide an indication to a rider of said vehicle (10) for turning OFF ignition of said vehicle (10).
2. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein upon determination of said identified fault as critical fault, said ISG controller (100) is configured to communicate a signal to an Engine Control Unit (104) to cut-off one of the fuel injection and ignition of an engine (12) through a one of a wired and CAN communication (102).
3. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein upon determination of said identification fault as non critical fault, said ISG controller (100) is configured to communicate a signal for stop charging of a battery (60) and for turning OFF said headlamp (50) of said vehicle (10).
4. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1,
wherein said ISG controller (100) is configured to determine Idle Stop Start (ISS) enabling conditions of said vehicle (10), and upon determination of satisfaction of enabling conditions of said Idle Stop Start (ISS), said ISG controller (100) is configured to turn ON an ISS lamp (24) of said speedometer (20), and communicate to an engine (12) for stopping; and
wherein upon determination of said fault being non-critical fault, said ISG controller (100) is configured to determine satisfaction of an Idle restart condition, and upon determination of satisfaction of the Idle restart condition during non-critical fault, said ISG controller (100) is configured to communicate to said Engine Control Unit (104) to provide an Idle restart.
5. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 4, wherein upon determination of the identified fault in one of said ISG machine (40) and said ISG controller (100) being critical fault, said ISG controller (100) is configured to disable an ISS feature and turn OFF said ISS lamp (24).