DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The present subject matter relates to a method for controlling an idle stop start (ISS) of a vehicle and system thereof.
BACKGROUND
[002] Generally, present day automobiles are equipped with idle stop start (ISS) feature that automatically turn-off an Internal Combustion (IC) engine in a state of vehicle idling. In IC engines, combustion of fuel does not take place steadily and varies at intervals of time based on the automobile throttle state. An idling state occurs when such an engine is kept running when the vehicle is not in use or in a standstill position while parking. Vehicle idling results in unnecessary consumption of fuel by the engine and emission of harmful gases into the environment. To overcome this, a system to effectively control the IC engine during idling is placed in such automobiles. Reducing the amount of energy wasted in idling conditions especially at heavy traffic zones significantly helps in gaining better fuel economy for vehicles.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[003] The present invention is described with reference to accompanying figures. This invention is implementable in two-wheeled vehicles/three-wheeled vehicles or four-wheeled vehicles. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components. Further, the inventive features of the invention are outlined in the appended claims.
[004] Figures. 1A-1B exemplarily illustrate left side view and right-side view of a vehicle in which an ISS system may be implemented, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[005] Figure 2 exemplarily illustrates an ISG controller in the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[006] Figure 3 exemplarily illustrates a schematic diagram of an ISS system for controlling an idle stop start (ISS) feature of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[007] Figure. 4 exemplarily illustrates a flowchart showing steps executed by the controller (109) when the vehicle has been started by the rider, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[008] Figures. 5A-5B exemplarily illustrates a flowchart showing steps for ISS start of the engine when the vehicle is in running condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[009] Figure. 6 exemplarily illustrates a flowchart comprising steps for ISS start logic during cranking condition of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[010] Figures. 7A-7B exemplarily illustrates a detailed explanation of the method executed by the ISS system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[011] Figures. 8A-8D exemplarily illustrates a detailed explanation of the method executed by the ISS system (300) as explained in Figures 7A and 7B, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[012] In conventional design of vehicle, the engine is turned off manually using kill switch or ignition switch during an idling condition. The engine is restarted from the idling condition by manually operating an electric switch or ignition switch which in turn consumes a lot of time. Moreover, the frequent use of electric switches reduces their reliability as they are designed for only a limited number (100000-300000) of presses. To overcome these challenges, idle stop start (ISS) system is generally installed in the vehicles.
[013] Typically, the ISS system stops the engine in idling condition and starts the engine when restarting from idling condition. Whereas, in vehicles with conventional ISS mechanism, the customer is mandatorily requested to shift the gear position to neutral for a successful idle stop and idle start to happen. With increasing traffic situations and the increasing idle stop and idle start traffic scenarios, requesting customer to be in neutral for fuel efficiency is practically limiting the effective use of the idle start stop functionality and causes a huge inconvenience.
[014] In the conventional ISS system, a combination of numerous inputs from the vehicle is required to determine the neutral state and gear state of the vehicle. Furthermore, the switching of the vehicle to ISS condition requires change of state from the gear state to the neutral state which requires undivided attention of a rider and thereby causing the rider to divide his focus and attention between the riding of the vehicle as well as controlling the ISS system.
[015] In some existing ISS features in vehicle, a controller controls the start of the vehicle from the idle position based on a rate of throttle raise angle, and engagement of clutch. 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. This inherits potential safety concern if inadvertently throttle is revved suddenly.
[016] In some vehicle having idle start stop system, employ only a single input, such the throttle or only brake signal is used to start the vehicle from the idle state. However, as only one input is provided here, the engine may start unintentionally.
[017] In some vehicle, the ISS system is enabled while receiving a single input from throttle or brake signal. However, there may be instances when the initial starting condition of the vehicle is inadequate as the initial charge of a battery to power an ignition switch may be less than the required power supply. In such cases, starting the ISS system will cause additional burden on the battery and may even damage the battery or may lead to complete failure of the ISS system due to lack of sufficient power.
[018] In other ISS enabled vehicles a combination of two elements is used to start the vehicle, such as, brake and throttle. In this case, if brake switch fails or if the user did not fully apply the brake lever, there could be a possibility that the brake switch is activated but mechanically the brake is not engaged. Thus, leading to potential safety risk upon suddenly revving the throttle. Moreover, a sudden revving of the throttle results in an increased air-to-fuel ratio (AFR) in the engine. The increased AFR hampers the reliable starting of the engine.
[019] Further, the existing ISS utilizes the combination of throttle and clutch or a combination of a certain gear position (may be neutral gear) and clutch, when the brake is released. In this scenario, the rider has to be cautious about providing that particular input when the vehicle is in neutral gear position.
[020] As per conventional known art, when the vehicle is stopped due to ISS and to restart the vehicle if inputs like only brake or throttle are used, then the user has to get the vehicle to neutral condition and then perform ISS restart which causes inconvenience to the user due to additional effort.
[021] Thus, there is a need in the art for a method and a system for controlling an idle stop start (ISS) of a vehicle irrespective of the gear position which addresses at least the aforementioned problems and other problems of known art.
[022] An Idle stop start system for stopping and starting a vehicle is disclosed. The ISS system comprises a plurality of sensors generating a sensor output, the plurality of sensors is mounted on the vehicle. The sensors are a brake position sensor for detecting position of a brake switch of a vehicle, a clutch position sensor for detecting position of a clutch of the vehicle, and a plurality of auxiliary sensors mounted on an engine of the vehicle. A controller is communicatively coupled to the plurality of sensors for controlling the stopping and the starting of the vehicle. The controller receives an ignition switch ON condition, determines if ISS stop conditions are satisfies and stops the engine; determines rising edge transition of the sensor output of both the clutch position sensor and the brake position sensor; and based on the determined rising edge transition of the sensor output and a sensor output from the auxiliary sensors, the ISS starts the engine from the idle stop.
[023] Usage of two signals (Brake and clutch) along with the transition state of the signals helps in avoiding unintentional ISS restart. If only one signal is used then a case may arise where user provides the input signal without any intention to start. User may get into panic condition if sudden restart happens to the vehicle that is in an OFF state. Also checking for the ‘Vehicle at rest’ condition during ISS restart will help in avoiding unintentional restart during uphill and downhill conditions also during traffic conditions thereby eliminating safety risk to the user.
[024] Configuring a clutch signal in ISS to restart as per the present invention, will help in starting the vehicle irrespective of the transmission state of the vehicle. As per the present invention, a clutch input is implemented which helps the user to perform ISS restart irrespective of the transmission state of the vehicle. So as per the present invention, for the customer to start the vehicle from ISS stop, clutch and brake signals are to be provided regardless of the vehicle being in gear or in neutral condition. Unlike certain inputs like throttle for ISS restart, Clutch and Brake signal will help in providing the customer a safe ISS restart without changing the mode of the vehicle to a neutral state.
[025] As per an aspect of the present invention, a controller is implemented to control the idle stop start system. The controller is communicatively connected to a plurality of sensors for controlling stopping and starting of an IC engine of a vehicle. The controller prevents accidental starting of the IC engine due to unintentional actuation of plurality of sensor outputs.
[026] As per the further embodiment, the controller is an ISG controller or an EMS-ECU controller. The controller is located between a frame main pipe and above the IC engine. The plurality of sensor outputs is engine speed, vehicle speed, engine temperature, throttle position value, distance covered by the vehicle before idling condition, clutch signal from the clutch sensor and brake signal from the brake sensor.
[027] As per the further embodiment, the controller determines an ISS enabling conditions during idling condition of the vehicle. The ISS enabling conditions include one or more of the engine temperature to be greater than a predefined value (x deg C), the throttle position to be greater than a predefined value (x%), the vehicle speed to be greater than a predefined value (x kmph), the distance covered by the vehicle prior to idling condition to be greater than a predefined value (x m), and the engine speed to be greater than a predefined engine speed (x rpm) for a predefined idling time of . As per an additional embodiment, the ISS enabling conditions further being engine speed in range of x-y rpm and engine temperature being greater than x deg C during idling condition of the vehicle for a prolonged idling time.
[028] The controller further determines an ISS stop conditions during idling condition of the vehicle. The ISS stopping conditions include one or more of an engine temperature to be greater than a predefined value (x deg C), the throttle position to be lesser than a predefined value (x%), the vehicle speed to be lesser than a predefined value (x kmph), the engine speed to be less than a predefined engine speed (x rpm) and idling time to be greater than predetermined idling time (x mins). As per an additional embodiment, the ISS starting condition being a rising edge transition of the clutch signal and rising edge transition of the brake signal. The controller indicates the activation of ISS by switching ON and blinking of an ISS lamp, said ISS lamp being located on an instrument cluster.
[029] As per another aspect of the invention, a method of idle stop start of the engine by the idle stop start system includes the steps of determining idle start stop (ISS) enabling condition being satisfied, indicating the ISS status to rider by blinking an ISS lamp, determining ISS stop condition being satisfied and stopping the IC engine due to ISS and determining ISS restart condition being satisfied and starting the IC engine (102) due to ISS.
[030] As per another aspect of the invention, a method for non-enablement of idle stop start system during starting or running condition of the vehicle comprising steps of determining a value of failed start counter being greater than a predetermined value, determining a CAN failure, determining an identified ECU error such as a throttle position sensor (TPS) error, a vehicle speed sensor (VSS) error, a roll over error, a side stand switch error, an engine temperature error and an ISG failure, and deactivating ISS and turning OFF the ISS lamp.
[031] As per one aspect on the invention, the rising edge transition of clutch and brake signal as a condition for restarting the IC engine provides ample safety to the rider as unintentional actuation of either brake or clutch signal will not start the engine by ISS.
[032] As per another aspect of the present invention, the determination of system failure conditions and non-enablement of ISS to start the engine will make the rider aware of the system failure conditions and the rider can manually correct the errors if possible, to start the engine thereby preventing accidental starting of the IC engine.
[033] As per further aspect of the present invention, the prevention of accidental start of the engine protects the rider for any accidents and also protects the neighboring riders from any unforeseen accidental situations.
[034] The present subject matter is further described with reference to accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[035] The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms or particular fields of use disclosed. As such, it is contemplated that various alternate embodiments and/or modifications to the present disclosure, whether explicitly described or implied herein, are possible in light of the disclosure. Having thus described embodiments of the present disclosure, a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is limited only by the claims.
[036] Additionally, all numerical terms, such as, but not limited to, “first”, “second”, “third”, “primary”, “secondary”, “main” or any other ordinary and/or numerical terms, should also be taken only as identifiers, to assist the reader's understanding of the various elements, embodiments, variations and/or modifications of the present disclosure, and may not create any limitations, particularly as to the order, or preference, of any element, embodiment, variation and/or modification relative to, or over, another element, embodiment, variation and/or modification.
[037] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[038] Figures. 1A-1B exemplarily illustrate a left side and a right-side view of a vehicle (100) in which an ISS system may be implemented. In Fig, 1B, a controller (109) is shown mounted under a frame main pipe (107) of the vehicle (100). The vehicle depicted is a motorcycle. However, the implementation is not limited to it but may be feasible in a scooter type vehicle, saddle type vehicle, a straddle type vehicle, a three-wheeler, a multi-wheeled vehicle etc. For brevity, Figure 1A and 1B will be discussed together. A vehicle (100) comprising a front wheel (101) is configured to be supported by a head tube (104) extending from a top side to a bottom side of the vehicle (100). The vehicle (100) is configured to support an internal combustion IC engine (102) under a fuel tank in a downward region of the vehicle (100). The vehicle (100) is further configured to support a rear wheel (103) on the rearward side of the vehicle (100). A seat (105) is configured to be supported by a pair of seat rails (108) on the frame of the vehicle (100).
[039] The vehicle (100) is configured to include a controller (109) located in a downward region of the vehicle (100). The controller (109) is located under the main pipe (107) and above the IC engine (102) of the vehicle. The controller (109) is configured as an ISG cum ISS controller in one embodiment. The vehicle (100) may be a vehicle with manual transmission.
[040] Figure. 2 exemplarily illustrates the controller (109) with its input port (201) and an output port (202). The controller (109) is powered by a battery of the vehicle (100) and controls an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) machine (310) shown in Fig 3 of the vehicle (100). In the vehicle (100), stop-start feature is used to automatically shut down and restart the internal combustion engine to reduce the amount of time the engine spends idling, thereby reducing emission and fuel consumption. An Idle stop start system (300) as shown in Figure-3 in the vehicle (100) majorly comprises an ISG machine (310) and the controller (109). The controller (109) controls the ISG machine (310) and, in an embodiment, performs the ISS function. The controller (109) is being provided with various vehicle inputs based on which it performs the idle stop start as per the predefined logic explained further.
[041] As per an aspect of the present invention, after satisfying the predefined ISS enabling conditions, the vehicle (100) will enter into ISS mode and waits for the vehicle (100) to satisfy all of its ISS stop conditions. Once the predetermined stopping conditions are met the IC engine (102) will be stopped by the ISS system. As per an aspect of the present invention it is proposed to perform ISS restart after an ISS stop with the help of clutch and brake signals.
[042] Clutch and Brake signals being provided by a clutch switch (302) and a brake switch (303) are communicatively connected to the controller (109). Once the IC engine (102) is stopped after satisfying the predetermined stopping conditions, the controller (109) will continuously check for both clutch and brake signals to determine a rising edge transition of both signals i.e., a change from a low to a high state.
[043] Usage of certain inputs like throttle opening for an ISS start may lead to sudden acceleration at unexpected situation followed by panicking of the customer, whereas clutch and brake signals does not create any such situation and usage of two signals will help in reducing unintentional ISS restarts. Additionally, usage of clutch input during ISS restart will help the user to start the IC engine (102) irrespective of the current transmission state being engaged or a neutral state of the vehicle (100).
[044] Figure. 3 exemplarily illustrates a schematic diagram of an ISS system (300) for controlling an idle stop start (ISS) feature of the vehicle (100). The ISS system (300) includes the controller (109) in communication with a one or more of a plurality of sensors (306, 307, 309, 303, 302) mounted on the vehicle (100). The ISS feature is implemented in the controller (109). In an embodiment, the ISS control function can be implemented in any controller in the vehicle (100). Such suitable controllers include, but not limited to, engine control unit (ECU), integrated starter generator, (ISG) controller, and the likes.
[045] The plurality of sensors includes brake switch position sensor of the brake switch (303) providing the brake signal, clutch switch position sensor of the clutch switch (302) providing the clutch signal, engine temperature sensor (308), engine speed sensor (309), crank position sensor (306), and gear position sensor (307), all of which are configured to provide operational data of an internal combustion IC engine (102) (ICE) and the vehicle (100) to the controller (109). The controller (109) in the vehicle (100) controls the ISG machine (310) and changing its stage between a motoring mode and a generating vehicle mode, charging the battery and also facilitates the ISS feature.
[046] The internal combustion IC engine (102) comprises a crankcase above which is disposed a cylinder block and a cylinder head. Air fuel mixture enters the cylinder head through an intake system and is burst inside a combustion chamber between the cylinder head and cylinder block. The burning of air fuel mixture is transferred to a reciprocating piston which reciprocates inside the cylinder block and transfers the rotational motion to a rotary motion to a crankshaft through a slider crank mechanism. The IC engine (102) is started by an electric starter through an electric motor powered by the battery power source. The electric starter cranks the IC engine (102) by providing rotary motion to the crankshaft and is controlled by the controller (109). A manual transmission system is disposed within the IC engine (102) which varies speed and torque on the output of the IC engine (102) and this rotary motion is transmitted to the rear wheel (103) by suitable end transmission means. A magneto assembly is mounted on the crankshaft to generate power to recharge the battery.
[047] An ignition switch is pressed by the rider and a further actuation starts the IC engine (102). The ISS feature is enabled by means of actuation of the ignition switch and/or a separate ISS switch in the handle bar assembly (301) of the vehicle (100). The controller (109) is communicatively connected to the ECU and said ECU receives sensor output from the plurality of sensors (306, 307, 309, 303, 302). In one embodiment, the ECU is also acting as an Engine Management System (EMS) controller and in another embodiment the ECU is additionally an ISG Controller. The sensor output is one or more of the various vehicle related inputs such as vehicle speed, throttle opening position, engine speed, battery voltage, vehicle riding pattern, engine temperature, clutch signal and brake signal from the multiple sensors. With the help of the sensor output, controller (109) performs idle stop once the predetermined stopping conditions are met and performs idle start once it receives clutch and brake signals as explained further.
[048] The ISS feature stopping the vehicle and starting the vehicle (100) automatically during vehicle idling is performed by the controller (109). The controller (109) is also responsible for controlling the starting and charging system of the vehicle (100). ISS feature as per the present invention also helps in reducing fuel consumption and in decreasing emission. This stop and start system works on the basis of the predefined logic for both ISS stop and ISS start. The ISS feature comprising ISS enabling conditions controls the functioning of ISS stop and ISS start.
[049] When ISS stop happens in the vehicle, the controller (109) waits for the brake and clutch signals. The inputs are provided to the controller (109) through any known communication protocol. With the help of these inputs, the controller (109) will automatically start the IC engine (102) from ISS stop. When the inputs are not available for a predetermined duration, then the controller (109) will come out of the ISS mode and the user can start the vehicle using other starting means.
[050] In addition to the Brake and Clutch signals having a rising edge transition, the vehicle (100) should be at rest for the controller (109) to perform ISS restart. Also, the controller (109) has a counter to count down the number of failed starts and if the failed start counter exceeds the predetermined count then ISS start is prohibited.
[051] Figure. 4 exemplarily illustrates a flowchart showing steps executed by the controller (109) when the vehicle has been started by the rider. As exemplarily illustrated in steps (401, 402, 403), once the user turns ON the ignition key, the controller (109) will continuously check for the ISS feature enabling conditions, followed by indicating the same to the user by blinking the ISS lamp and informing the user that ISS is enabled. The ISS enabling conditions are the inputs received from the plurality of sensors and compares the engine rpm with a predefined engine rpm, compares the vehicle speed with a predetermined vehicle speed, compares the engine temperature with a predetermined engine temperature and compares throttle position value with a predetermined throttle position value. The controller (109) compares these inputs for a predetermined distance, the predetermined distance being the minimum distance covered by the vehicle before reaching idling state.
[052] Once ISS enable conditions are met, then the controller (109) will start checking for ISS stop conditions as indicated in step (404). The IC engine (102) will be stopped due to ISS, if all the predetermined stopping conditions are satisfied as depicted in step (405). The predetermined ISS stopping conditions being comparing the engine speed, the vehicle speed, the throttle position value and the engine temperature with a predefined set of parameters. If the predetermined stopping conditions are not met, the engine will not be stopped due to ISS stop. In such circumstances, the rider being capable of manually stopping the engine by turning off the ignition key and the vehicle automatically steps out of ISS.
[053] If the conditions in step (404) are met and engine (102) has been stopped at step 405, the controller (109) then checks for predetermined ISS start conditions to be satisfied for restarting the engine as indicated in step (406). The predetermined ISS start conditions being the rising edge transition of clutch signal and brake signal from 0 to 1, which means that the clutch and the brake has been engaged. Based on ISS start conditions being satisfied, the engine will be restarted by the controller (109) as indicated in step (407). Once the engine is started due to ISS, the controller (109) continues the loop by checking for ISS enabling conditions at step 402 and determine whether to enable ISS or not.
[054] Figures. 5A-5B exemplarily illustrates a flowchart showing steps for ISS start of the IC engine (102) when the vehicle is in running condition. As exemplarily illustrated, during the IC engine (102) running condition, if the controller (109) receives information that the Clutch and Brake signals are high or rising edge state, then if the IC engine (102) is stopped due to ISS and automatic ISS start of the IC engine (102) does not occur. In continuation to the above-mentioned situation, if either Clutch or Brake or Clutch and Brake signals go through a falling edge transition (from high state to low state), then again ISS start of the IC engine (102) shall not happen. ISS start of the IC engine (102) will occur only if Clutch or brake or Clutch & Brake signals follow a rising edge transition (from low state to high state) after the IC engine (102) is stopped due to ISS. At step (501), the controller (109) compares the engine speed with a threshold idling speed. At step (502), the controller (109) determines the clutch position is 1 and the brake switch position is 1 implying an engaged or actuated condition of the brake or the clutch after checking the ISS enabling conditions are met, and thereafter turning ON the ISS lamp to indicate that ISS is enabled. If yes, the controller at step (503) determines if the engine was stopped via ISS mode and whether the vehicle (100) is in idle stop mode. If yes, the controller (109) determines that IC engine (102) should not start due to ISS as shown in step (504), and the engine has been stopped due to ISS stop. However, the rider can still start the engine manually and the controller (109), disables the ISS when engine is manually started by the user.
[055] If the engine has been stopped due to ISS as mentioned in step (503), at step (505), the controller (109) determines a falling edge transition of the clutch switch (302) output and the brake switch (303) output from 1 to 0. If Yes, the IC engine (102) shall not be started by ISS as indicated in step (506). If there is no change of state as indicated in step (505), the controller (109) again checks for the change of state and continues the loop until it reaches a condition of rising edge transition. At steps (507, 508, 509), the controller (109) determines the state of the clutch switch (302) and the brake switch (303). At step (507), the controller (109) receives input as Clutch state value as 0 and brake state value as 1, which means that the clutch has been disengaged and the brake has been engaged by the rider. At step (508), the controller (109) receives input as Clutch state as value 1 and Brake state value as 0, which means that the clutch has been engaged and the brake has been disengaged by the user. At step (509), the controller (109) receives input as clutch state value 0 and brake state value as 0, which means that neither the brake nor the clutch has been engaged by the rider. The controller (109) checks each of these conditions multiple times until it reaches the rising edge transition condition of clutch state value as 1 and brake state value as 1, which means both the clutch and the brake are engaged by the rider. The controller (109) checks each of these conditions to conclusively omit any possibility of accidental actuation of brake and clutch and also to omit the possibility of no actuation of brake and clutch and only restarts the engine when the user has intentionally provided the clutch and brake inputs. Only if the condition at step (510) is satisfied that is the clutch signal and the brake signal both have state value as 1, the controller (109) starts the IC engine (102) via the ISS feature as shown in step (511). Once the engine is started by ISS, the controller (109) will go back to step 402 determine the engine enabling conditions to enable ISS as discussed in Figure 4.
[056] Figure. 6 exemplarily illustrates a flowchart comprising steps for ISS start logic during cranking condition of the vehicle. As exemplarily illustrated, the pre-requisite condition is that the IC engine (102) is stopped due to ISS feature as verified at step 601. In another embodiment, the controller (109) will check for vehicle (100) movement, if any vehicle movement is observed, then even though the start inputs are available the controller (109) will not start the IC engine (102). If the vehicle (100) is at rest at step 602, the controller (109) will check for number of failed cranks. Again, if the number of failed cranks is found to be higher than the predetermined value, then ISS start of the IC engine (102) does not occur. At step (603), once it is confirmed that the vehicle (100) is at rest and the number of failed cranks is less than the predetermined value, then the controller (109) will check whether the rising edge transition of the clutch and brake signals meet a true state value and on meeting the true state value within a predetermined time provide a successful ISS start of the IC engine (102) as shown in step (604). If true state value is reached within predetermined time, at step (605), the controller (109) starts the engine (102) via the ISS start feature. If No, the controller (109) determines if the time taken to receive a true state is greater than a predetermined time at step (606) and disables the ISS feature of the vehicle (100) at step (607) implying the user needs to manually start the engine (102).
[057] Figures. 7A-7B exemplarily illustrates an embodiment of the detailed method executed by the ISS system (300) to determine ISS start of the IC engine (102). Figure 7 is the detailed explanation of Figures 4, 5 and 6. As exemplarily illustrated, the controller (109) receives the state of the ignition switch as 1 at step (702) when the user turns ON the ignition key. At step (703), the controller (109) turns ON the ISS switch on the instrument cluster of the vehicle (100) and changes the ISS switch status to be ON after determining that battery voltage is greater than a predetermined battery voltage X value (for example, 11V). Only if the above conditions are received, the ISS feature of the vehicle (100) is activated.
[058] After the controller (109) determines that the ISS feature has to be activated, the controller (109) checks for the ISS enabling conditions as already discussed in figure 4. At step (704), the controller (109) determines the ISS enabling conditions such as one or more of the engine speed to be greater than a predetermined engine speed (x rpm), the vehicle speed to be greater than a predetermined vehicle speed (x kmph), the engine temperature to be greater than a predetermined engine temperature (x deg C), the throttle position value to be greater than a predetermined throttle position value (x%), and distance travelled by the vehicle (100) before idling to be greater than a predetermined distance (x m), and then controller (109) enables the ISS feature and activates blinking of the ISS lamp at step (705) to display that ISS feature is enabled in the vehicle (100). The ISS lamp blinks to indicate that the ISS feature is activated. After this, at step (706), the controller (109) determines the ISS stopping conditions to stop the engine by ISS. Here, the controller (109) determines whether one or more of the engine temperature to be lesser than a predetermined engine temperature (x deg C), the engine speed to be lesser than a predetermined engine speed (x rpm), the vehicle speed to be lesser than a predetermined vehicle speed (x kmph), and the throttle position value to be lesser than a predetermined throttle position value ( x%) in order to determine if the ISS stopping condition is satisfied. Once ISS stop condition is satisfied, the ISS enables the idle mode of the vehicle (100) for a predetermined time. At step (707), controller (109) determines the idle time to be greater than a predetermined time (x seconds). During this predetermined time (x seconds), the ISS lamp blinks at a certain frequency to indicate the idle mode of the vehicle (100) at step (714). At step (715), the controller (109), say an ISG controller, sends Idle Stop Request to the ECU through CAN and hardwire and at step (716), the engine is turned OFF and the ISS lamp is ON to display that the engine has been turned OFF by the ISS.
[059] Further in step (708), the controller (109) determines one or more conditions whether the engine speed is between a threshold range (x-y rpm) and the engine temperature is greater than a predetermined temperature (x degrees) during running condition of the vehicle (100), then the controller (109) enables a prolong idle time at step 708. The controller (109) compares if the prolong idle time is greater than a prolong predetermined idle time (greater than X mins) at step (709) which means that the vehicle (100) after running at a certain speed has been in an idle condition for a prolonged period of time. In such circumstances, the controller (109) actuates the ISS lamp to blink for a predetermined time (X secs) at step (714). After this in step (715), the controller (109) enables the ISS stop mode and sends a stop signal through CAN and hardwire to stop the IC engine (102).
[060] Further, after the IC engine (102) is in Idle stop state at step 716, at step (717), the controller (109) determines whether the vehicle is stationary, the brake switch (303) position is in state value 1 and the clutch position (302) is in state value 1 that is whether the rising edge transition conditions are satisfied to start the IC engine (102). If these conditions at step (717) are satisfied, the controller (109) starts the IC engine (102) as the start conditions are satisfied and the IC engine (102) state is ON and the ISS lamps are turned OFF as shown in step (719) showing that the ISS is disabled. During the idle stop mode at step 716, the headlamp is enabled to be in ON condition by a Pulse Width Modulation PWM module of the for a predetermined time (e.g.3 minutes). At step (718), the controller (109) checks if the idle mode continues for greater than a predetermined time e.g. 300 seconds and the vehicle (100) is stationary. If yes, the controller (109) deactivates the ISS mode and turns OFF the ISS lamp at steps (720) and (721).
[061] Further, there are certain conditions in which ISS is not enabled by the controller (109). This is caused due to system failure or sensor failure during stationary or running condition of the vehicle (100). Further, at step (710), the controller (109) determines unsuccessful cranking of the vehicle (100) for a predetermined number of times (for example 5) using the start counter. If the failed cranking attempts satisfies the condition at step (710), then the ISS is deactivated by the controller (109) and the ISS lamp is turned OFF at step 713. Further, if the CAN bus fails at step (711) , or if the ECU fails to determine the logic due to Throttle position sensor failure or vehicle speed sensor failure or roll over error or side stand switch error or engine temperature error or ISG failure as shown in step (712), the controller (109) deactivates the ISS features and the ISS lamp is turned OFF at step (713).
[062] Figures. 8A-8D exemplarily illustrates detailed explanation of the method executed by the ISS system (300) as explained in Figure 7A and 7B. As exemplarily illustrated in Fig.8A, at step (801), the controller (109) determines the ignition key position is equal to 1, or if the ignition key is turned ON. Further, the controller (109) determines if the ISS switch is ON and the battery voltage is above a predetermined voltage, i.e. e.g. 11.8V at step (802). If yes, at step (803), the controller (109) further checks if the CAN has failed. If No, at step (804), the controller (109) checks the number of cranking attempts to be greater than 5 attempts. At step (805), the controller (109) determines the failure conditions, that is if there are faults one or more of a throttle position sensor, the engine temperature sensor, the vehicle speed sensor, malfunction in ISG, side stand is engaged, or the vehicle roll over is determined. If no errors and malfunctions are determined, the controller (109) determines if the ISS features of the vehicle (100) is started via the ISS feature at step (808) and if vehicle is in idle state. At the same time the controller (109) determines the ISS enabling conditions in step (806) during running condition of the vehicle by determining if the engine speed is between a predetermined range e.g.1000-1800 rpm and the engine temperature is greater than a predetermined value e.g. 50 degrees as also discussed in Figure 7A in step (708). The controller (109) in step (807) further checks if the vehicle has been in an idle state for a prolonged time which must be greater than 20 seconds as already discussed in Figure 7A in step (709). Thereafter, the controller (109) in step (808) checks if the engine has been activated by ISS feature and determines if the vehicle is in idle state. If yes, then at step (810), the controller (109) determines one or more of whether the engine temperature to be greater than a predefined value , the throttle position to be greater than a predefined value , the vehicle speed to be greater than a predefined value , the distance covered by the vehicle prior to idling condition to be greater than a predefined value , and the engine speed to be greater than a predefined engine speed .
[063] If No, that is the vehicle is not at the idle condition due to ISS, then, at step (809), the controller (109) determines one or more of whether the engine temperature to be greater than a predefined value , the throttle position to be greater than a predefined value , the vehicle speed to be greater than a predefined value , the distance covered by the vehicle prior to idling condition to be greater than a predefined value , and the engine speed to be greater than a predefined engine speed . If Yes, that is the vehicle is at idle condition due to ISS Stop, then, at step (810), the controller (109) determines one or more of whether the engine temperature to be greater than a predefined value , the throttle position to be greater than a predefined value , the vehicle speed to be greater than a predefined value , the distance covered by the vehicle prior to idling condition to be greater than a predefined value , and the engine speed to be greater than a predefined engine speed .
[064] If either of the conditions in steps (809 and 810) are satisfied, then at step (811), the controller (109) blinks the ISS lamp in the instrument cluster at a certain frequency to indicate that ISS is enabled. At step (812), the controller (109) determines the conditions for ISS stop as already discussed in Figure 7A at step (706) and checks one or more of whether the engine temperature to be greater than a predefined value , the throttle position to be less than a predefined value , the vehicle speed to be less than a predefined value and the engine speed to be less than a predefined engine speed. Further at step (813), the controller (109) checks if these conditions prevail for an idle time which is greater than a predefined idle time of at least 5 seconds. If the conditions are satisfied, the controller (109) blinks the ISS lamp at step (814) and the controller (109) idle stops the vehicle (100) at step (816) by sending Idle Stop Request to the ECU via CAN and Hardwire at step (815).
[065] Subsequently, during the idle stop mode, the headlamp is in ON condition by PWM module for a predetermined time (e.g. 3 minutes). At step (817), the controller (109) checks one or more of whether the idle mode continues for greater than a predefined time period, and the vehicle is stationary. If the condition as step (817) is met, the controller deactivates the ISS mode and the ISS lamp off at step (819). If conditions at steps (802, 803, 804, 805) are also met, then the controller (109) deactivates the ISS mode and the ISS lamp off. Also, at step (818), the controller (109) confirms one or more of whether the vehicle (100) is at rest, clutch switch (302) is actuated and the brake switch (303) is also actuated, that is the rising edge transition inputs are received. If yes, the controller (109) starts the IC engine (102) using the ISS feature and the ISS lamp is turned OFF as shown in step (820).
[066] In an embodiment, the start of the IC engine (102) by the ISS feature is also provided with only brake signal when the vehicle (100) is in neutral and with clutch and brake signal when the vehicle (100) is in gear condition. In another embodiment, for a vehicle in which the front and rear brakes are distinguishable, ISS restart happens with the front brake signal for ease of access. In another embodiment, the vehicle’s transmission state can be identified with the help of either a neutral switch or a gear position sensor. The transmission state being already known to the controller (109), the controller (109) provide an ISS restart with predetermined inputs such as Clutch and Brake if the vehicle is in gear & if the vehicle is in neutral condition ISS restart happens with only Brake signal.
[067] The ISS system reduces the unintentional ISS restarts which will also act as a feature enhancement. Also, the user can restart the vehicle (100) from an ISS stop irrespective of the transmission state of the vehicle (100).
[068] While the present invention has been shown and described with reference to the foregoing preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes in form, connection, and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Reference Numerals:


100 Vehicle
102 Front Wheel
102 IC engine
103 Rear Wheel
104 Head tube
105 Seat
107 Main Pipe
108 Pair of Seat Rails
109 Controller
300 ISS system
301 Handlebar assembly
302 Clutch Switch
303 Brake Switch
306 Crank Position Sensor
307 Neutral Switch
308 Engine Temperature Sensor
309 Speed Sensor
310 Starter Generator
,CLAIMS:We Claim:
1. A controller (109) for an Idle stop start system (300) for an Internal Combustion (IC) engine (102), said controller (109) being:
communicatively coupled to a one or more sensors,
said one or more sensors being adapted to provide a one or more signal corresponding to a one or more parameter of said engine (102) and a vehicle (100),
said controller (109) being configured for stopping and starting of said IC engine (102),
wherein said controller (109) being configured for preventing starting of said IC engine (102) during unintentional actuation of a one or more sensor outputs.
2. The controller (109) for an idle stop start system (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more sensors being capable of generating a one or more sensor output, said one or more sensors being mounted on said vehicle (100).
3. The controller (109) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said controller (109) being an ISG controller.
4. The controller (109) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said controller (109) being an EMS-ECU controller.
5. The controller (109) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said controller (109) being configured to be located between a frame main pipe (107) of said vehicle (100) and above said IC engine (102).
6. The controller (109) for an idle stop start system (300) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said one or more sensor output being
an engine speed;
a vehicle speed;
an engine temperature;
a throttle position value;
a distance covered by the vehicle (100) prior to an idling condition;
a clutch signal from a clutch sensor; and
a brake signal from a brake sensor.
7. The controller (109) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said controller (109) being configured for determining conditions for enabling an idle stop start system (ISS) (300), said ISS enabling conditions being one or more of
said engine temperature being greater than a predefined value (x deg C), said throttle position value being greater than a predefined value (x%), said vehicle speed being greater than a predefined value (x kmph), said distance covered by the vehicle prior to idling condition being greater than a predefined value (x m), and said engine speed being greater than a predefined engine speed (x rpm) during idling condition of said vehicle (100) for a predefined idling time.
8. The controller (109) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said wherein said controller (109) being configured for determining conditions for enabling an idle stop start system (ISS) (300) upon determining said engine speed being in a range of x rpm to y rpm and said engine temperature being greater than x deg C, during idling condition of said vehicle (100) for a prolonged time, after starting of said vehicle (100).
9. The controller (109) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said controller (109) being configured for determining conditions for stopping an idle stop start system (ISS) (300), said ISS stopping conditions being one or more of
said engine temperature being greater than a predefined value (x deg C), said throttle position value being lesser than a predefined value (x%), said vehicle speed being lesser than a predefined value (x kmph), and said engine speed being less than a predefined engine speed (x rpm) and said idling time being greater than predetermined idling time (x mins).
10. The controller (109) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said controller (109) being configured for determining conditions for starting an idle stop start system (ISS) (300), said ISS start conditions being a rising edge transition of said clutch signal and said brake signal.
11. The controller (109) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said controller (109) indicates an enabled state of said idle stop start system (300) by switching ON and blinking of an ISS lamp, said ISS lamp being located on an instrument cluster.
12. A method of starting an IC engine (102) by an idle stop start system (300), said method comprising steps of:
determining an idle start stop (ISS) enabling condition being satisfied and enabling ISS status;
indicating said ISS status to a rider by blinking an ISS lamp;
determining an ISS stop condition being satisfied and stopping the IC engine (102) due to ISS; and
determining ISS start condition being satisfied and starting the IC engine (102) by said ISS system (300).
13. The method of starting an IC engine (102) by said idle stop start system (300) as claimed in claim 11, wherein said ISS enabling conditions being one or more of
an engine temperature being greater than a predefined value (x deg C), a throttle position value being greater than a predefined value (x%), a vehicle speed being greater than a predefined value (x kmph), a distance covered by said vehicle prior to a idling condition being greater than a predefined value (x m), and an engine speed being greater than a predefined engine speed (x rpm) during idling condition of said vehicle (100) for a predefined idling time; and
said engine speed being in a range of x rpm to y rpm and an engine temperature being greater than a predetermined value x deg C during idling condition of said vehicle (100) after starting of said vehicle (100) during prolonged idling time.
14. The method of starting an IC engine (102) by said idle stop start system (300) as claimed in claim 11, wherein said ISS stopping conditions being one or more of
an engine temperature being greater than a predefined value (x deg C), a throttle position value being lesser than a predefined value (x%), a vehicle speed being lesser than a predefined value (x kmph), and an engine speed being less than a predefined engine speed (x rpm) and an idling time being greater than predetermined idling time (x mins).
15. The method of starting an IC engine (102) by said idle stop start system (300) as claimed in claim 11, wherein said ISS start conditions being a rising edge transition of said clutch signal and said brake signal.
16. A method for non-enablement of an idle stop start system (300) for an engine (102) during starting or running condition of a vehicle (100), said method comprising steps of:
determining a failed start counter being greater than a predetermined value;
determining a CAN failure;
determining an identified ECU failure;
deactivating ISS and turning OFF the ISS lamp.
17. The method for non-enablement of an idle stop start system (300) for an engine (102) during starting or running condition of a vehicle (100), wherein said ECU failure being
a throttle position sensor (TPS) error;
a vehicle speed sensor (VSS) error;
a roll over error;
a side stand switch error;
an engine temperature error;
an ISG failure.