DESC:Technical Field
[1] The present subject matter described herein generally relates to an information display system for a vehicle.
Background
[2] In recent times there is an increased demand to control emissions from automobiles, in view of stringent emission norms. As a result, a number of hybrid and electric vehicles are seeing the light of the day in order to minimize the amount of emissions.
[3] Particularly, two kinds of hybrid vehicles, namely parallel type hybrid vehicle and series type hybrid vehicle are known in the art. Whereas the parallel type hybrid vehicle is configured to be operated either by an internal combustion engine or a traction motor, the series type hybrid vehicle is configured to be operated by the traction motor alone with the IC engine being used to charge the battery that powers the traction motor. However, in both types of hybrid vehicles, it is difficult to drive the vehicle on a gradient or a slope using a single power source as propellant as the vehicle experiences increased load. Therefore, it is advantageous to switch a drive mode of said vehicle from a single source power mode to a dual source power mode or a hybrid power mode.
[4] Multiple arts are known which describe various methods to detect a gradient/upslope and accordingly automatically switch the drive mode to the hybrid power mode. For example, a known art discloses a method for gradient detection which involves automatically changing the drive mode to the hybrid power mode on detection of the gradient/upslope. However, none of the known arts provide a means for indicating the mode change to the rider; especially a mode change to hybrid power mode on detection of the gradient. Particularly, since the mode change to hybrid power mode during gradient detection may not be as a result of intended mode change by the rider, there is a possibility that the rider may assume that the sudden change in drive mode is due to a fault in the vehicle or due to insufficient charge in the battery. There is therefore a need to provide appropriate indication to the rider.
Summary of the Invention
[5] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances.
[6] It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle comprising an information display system which is configured to denote vehicle related information including drive mode of said vehicle.
[7] It is another object of the present invention to provide a vehicle comprising an information display system which includes an instrument display panel comprising a plurality of display indicators configured to indicate corresponding vehicle related information.
[8] It is one more object of the present invention to provide a vehicle comprising an instrument display system including a gradient display indicator in an instrument display panel thereof.
[9] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an information display system including an electronic control unit configured to process vehicle related information and communicate the same to the instrument panel for display on an instrument display panel.
[10] Accordingly, with the above and other objects in view, the present invention provides an information display system for a vehicle for displaying various vehicle related information. Said vehicle described in the present invention is configured to operate in two or more operating drive modes, including an EV mode, a hybrid economy mode, a hybrid power mode and a sole engine mode. As per an aspect of the present invention, the information display system includes an instrument display panel for displaying said vehicle related information including ongoing/current mode of operation of the vehicle. Further, the information display system includes an electronic control unit, communicatively connected to said instrument display panel; and a plurality of sensors capable of providing vehicle related information to said electronic control unit. Based on the information received from said plurality of sensors, the electronic control unit controls selection and actuation of each operating drive mode of said two or mode operating drive modes, including EV mode, hybrid economy mode, hybrid power mode and sole engine mode. Operating drive mode thus selected either by the electronic control unit automatically or by the user is displayed on the instrument display panel. For example, a change in operating drive mode of said vehicle from either the EV mode or hybrid economy mode to the hybrid power mode that occurs when a set of predetermined conditions is satisfied; is communicated by said electronic control unit to the instrument panel, for flash actuation of a gradient display indicator in the instrument display panel. Particularly, said gradient display indicator is back lit when a drive mode change to the hybrid power mode occurs on satisfaction of the set of predetermined conditions.
[11] The gradient display indicator as per an embodiment of the present invention is a two-dimensional icon with a border. Further, within the bounds of said border is contained a symbol of a vehicle on a gradient, indicating that the vehicle is climbing a gradient. Therefore, the gradient display indicator when back lit indicates to the user that mode change to the hybrid power mode has occurred as the vehicle is climbing a gradient. Thereby it can be safely presumed by the user that the change in drive mode to hybrid power mode is not due to a fault in the vehicle or due to insufficient charge in the battery.
[12] Further, the present invention also describes a method of operation of said information display system especially that of said electronic control unit for effecting functioning of said gradient display indicator.
[13] Summary provided above explains the basic features of the invention and does not limit the scope of the invention. The nature and further characteristic features of the present invention will be made clearer from the following descriptions made with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Brief Description of Drawings
[14] The above and other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will be better understood with regard to the following description and accompanying drawings where:
[15] FIG.1 is a schematic representation of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[16] FIG.2 is a schematic representation of an information display system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[17] FIG.3 illustrates a flow chart depicting steps of a method of functioning of an electronic control unit of the information display system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[18] FIG.4 illustrates a front view of an instrument display panel denoting a gradient display indicator in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Brief Description of the Invention
[19] The present subject matter described herein relates to an information display system for a vehicle which serves to display vehicle related information to a user. Particularly, said information display system including an instrument display panel serves to display to a user, different operating drive modes of said vehicle, and other vehicular information such as vehicle speed, state of charge, fuel level, terrain on which vehicle is travelling and the like.
[20] Exemplary embodiments detailing features of the information display system, in accordance with the present invention will be described hereunder. The embodiments described herein apply to a vehicle powered by two or more power sources including an internal combustion engine, traction motor and a battery. However, the present invention is not restricted in its application and is also applicable to vehicles employing only the traction motor and the battery, say for example an electric vehicle. Further, although the present invention has been exemplified for a two-wheeled vehicle, application of the present invention need not be restricted to a two-wheeled vehicle, and maybe applied to any vehicle including three-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles.
[21] The present invention has been exemplified for a hybrid vehicle as illustrated in FIG.1.
[22] With reference to FIG.1, a description is made of a hybrid vehicle, hereinafter “vehicle”10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.1 is a side view of said vehicle 10. Said vehicle 10 illustrated, has a step-through type frame assembly 15. The step-through type frame assembly 15 includes a head tube 15A, a main tube 15B and a pair of side tubes 15C. Particularly, the main tube 15B extends downwards from a rear portion of the head tube 15A and then extends rearwards in an inclined manner. Further, the pair of side tubes 15C extends rearwardly from the main tube 15B. Thus, the frame assembly 15 extends from a front portion F to rear a rear portion R of the vehicle.
[23] Said vehicle 10 further includes a plurality of body panels for covering the frame assembly 15, and is mounted thereto. In the present embodiment said plurality of body panels includes a front panel 15FP, a leg shield 15LS, an under-seat cover 15SC, and a left and a right side panel 15SP. Further, a glove box may be mounted to said leg shield 15LS.
[24] In a step through space formed between said leg shield 15LS and said under seat cover 15SC, a floorboard 12 is provided. Further, a seat assembly 25 is disposed above said under-seat cover 15SC, and is mounted to the pair of side tubes 15C. A utility box (not shown) is disposed below the seat assembly 25. A fuel tank (not shown) is positioned below the utility box. A rear fender 26 for covering at least a portion of a rear wheel 27 is positioned below the fuel tank.
[25] One or more suspension(s)/shock absorbers 30 are provided in a rear portion of said vehicle 10 for comfortable ride. Further said vehicle 10 comprises of plurality of electrical and electronic components including a headlight 35A, a taillight 35B, a transistor controlled ignition (TCI) unit (not shown), a starter motor (not shown) and the like. A touch screen LCD unit in the form of an instrument display panel101 (shown in FIG.4) is provided on a handle bar 11 to display various operating drive modes, power flow pattern and warning signals. Rear view mirrors 13 are mounted on the right and left sides of the handle bar 11. Said vehicle 10 is also provided with hazard lamps (not shown).
[26] An internal combustion engine 14, hereinafter “engine”, is arranged behind said floorboard 12 and supported between the pair of side tubes 15C. Particularly, said engine 14 is supported by a swing arm 19. The swing arm 19 is attached to a lower portion of the main tube 15B by means of a toggle link (not shown). The other end of the swing arm 19 holds the rear wheel 27. The rear wheel 27 and the swing arm 19 are connected to the pair of side frames 15C by means of a pair of shock absorbers 30 provided on either side of the vehicle.
[27] Said hybrid vehicle 10 further includes a traction motor 53 mounted on a hub of the rear wheel 27. Said traction motor 53 is powered by a battery (not shown) disposed in a rear portion of the vehicle. An electronic control unit 102 (shown in FIG.2) is also provided to control various vehicle operative modes.
[28] The hybrid vehicle 10 is configured to be propelled either by the engine 14 alone or by the traction motor 53 alone or by both engine 14 and traction motor 53 simultaneously. At zero vehicle speed, a rider can select any of the following four operating drive modes with the help of a mode switch. The four operating drive modes of the hybrid vehicle 10 are: (a) a sole engine mode where engine 14 alone powers the vehicle (b) a sole motor mode where the traction motor 53 alone powers the vehicle (c) a hybrid power mode wherein the engine 14 and the traction motor 53 together power the vehicle (d) a hybrid economy mode wherein only the engine 14 or only the traction motor 53 or both power the hybrid vehicle depending on the vehicle operating conditions.
[29] In other words, the rear wheel 27 of the vehicle is driven by either the engine 14 alone or by the motor 53 alone or by both the engine 14 and the motor 53 simultaneously. Particularly, power from the engine 14 to the rear wheel 27 is transmitted by a transmission assembly including a drive system (not shown) as per an embodiment of the present invention. However, when the traction motor 53 drives, power from the motor 53 is directly transmitted to the rear wheel 27. In the present embodiment, said traction motor 53 is covered by a motor shroud from at least one side. As per an aspect of the present invention, said motor shroud serves to at least partially encompass/house one or more parts of the drive system and therefore constitutes a part of the drive system. On another side of the wheel shaft, the motor shroud serves to house a brake drum (not shown).
[30] Said vehicle 10 as described above includes an information display system 100 as shown in FIG.2. As seen in FIG.2, said information display system 100includes an instrument display panel 101 for displaying vehicle related information, an electronic control unit 102 communicatively connected to said instrument display panel 101, and a plurality of sensors 103a, 103b including one or more hall sensors103a, throttle position sensor 103b and the like. In the present embodiment, said electronic control unit 102 is powered by a battery, said battery including a controller of its own, called battery control module (BCM) that receives and sends signals from and to the electronic control unit 102. Further, in the present embodiment, said plurality of sensors 103a, 103b serves to provide vehicle related information to the electronic control unit 102 having a first microcontroller. For example, while said one or more hall sensors 103a serves to provide information relating to vehicle speed, said throttle position sensor 103b provides information relating to percentage throttle opening. The electronic control unit 102 being operatively connected to said plurality of sensors 103a, 103b, processes information received from said plurality of sensors 103a, 103b. Information processed by said electronic control unit102 is communicated to the instrument display panel 101 via controller area network (CAN) communication. In the present embodiment, said instrument display panel 102includes a second microcontroller for communication with said electronic control unit102. Thus, vehicular information processed by the electronic control unit 102 is communicated to the instrument display panel 101 for display to the user. In the present embodiment, said instrument display panel 101 is also configured to display operating drive modes of said vehicle, including EV mode, hybrid economy mode, hybrid power mode and sole engine mode. Thus, any change in operating drive mode may be indicated in the instrument display panel101.
[31] For example, as per an aspect of the present invention, the electronic control unit102 is configured to automatically change an operative drive mode from either the EV mode or the hybrid economy mode to the hybrid power mode, especially when the vehicle encounters gradient conditions. Further, as per another aspect said change in drive mode from either the EV mode or the hybrid economy mode to the hybrid power mode is also communicated to the user. Particularly, since the above described change in drive mode occurs under gradient conditions, said change is conveyed to the user through a gradient display indicator 101c (shown in FIG.4) provided in the instrument display panel101. In other words, said gradient display indicator 101c is flash actuated when the change in drive mode to the hybrid power mode occurs.
[32] FIG.3 illustrates the steps involved in method of operation of the electronic control unit102 for causing the change in drive mode to hybrid power mode from EV mode or the hybrid economy mode. Flowchart 200 in FIG.3 denotes the steps of operation of the electronic control unit for actuating the change in drive mode from either EV mode or hybrid economy mode to hybrid power mode.
[33] In a first step of its operation, in a condition where the ignition switch is ON, at block 201 the electronic control unit 102 determines whether the vehicle is being driven in the EV mode or the hybrid economy mode. In a condition when the vehicle is operating in either the EV mode or the hybrid economy mode as determined by the electronic control unit, it is further determined by the electronic control unit if the vehicle speed is in a predetermined range of 25-35 kmph, for example, at block 202; and if the condition at block 202 is satisfied, the electronic control unit further checks for percentage of throttle opening at block 203. If the percentage of throttle opening is greater than a predetermined value of 50%, for example, the electronic control unit further determines if the rate of change of vehicle speed is lesser than a threshold rate of change of vehicle speed at block 204, and if the rate of change of vehicle speed is lesser than said threshold rate of change of vehicle speed, then said electronic control unit causes a change in drive mode from either the EV mode or the hybrid economy mode to the hybrid power mode. For example, in the present embodiment, said threshold rate of change of vehicle speed stored in the electronic control unit for comparison with actual rate of change of vehicle speed is 0.5 m/s2. Therefore, if the measured actual rate of change of vehicle speed is greater than 10-12m/s and when all other above described conditions are satisfied then operating drive mode is changed to the hybrid power mode. Thus, as per an aspect of the present invention, in order to detect that the vehicle is moving on a gradient, said electronic control unit is configured to perform steps 201-204 concurrently. Therefore, as soon as conditions for detection of gradient are satisfied, the electronic control unit changes the drive mode to hybrid power mode at block 205. Further, when the mode change to the hybrid power mode occurs as per the conditions set out between blocks 201-204, the electronic control unit communicates the mode change to the instrument display panel via Controller Area Network (CAN) communication. The second microcontroller in the instrument display panel further decodes the CAN communication at block 206 and causes flash actuation of the gradient display indicator, thereby indicating to the user that vehicle is moving on a gradient. Thus, the electronic control unit is not only configured to cause a change in drive mode on detection of gradient conditions but is also configured to communicate said mode change to the user through the instrument display panel.
[34] In another embodiment of the present invention, an inclination sensor may be used along with other sensors such as hall sensors and throttle position sensor as described in the above paragraphs for detecting gradient conditions. In said embodiment, said inclination sensor may be located close to the electronic control unit. In one of the implementations, said inclination sensor may be located in the electronic control unit.
[35] In yet another embodiment, an accelerometer may be used along with other sensors such as hall sensors and throttle position sensor as described in the above paragraphs for detecting gradient conditions. In said embodiment, said accelerometer may be located in the instrument display panel.
[36] FIG.4 illustrates a front view of the instrument display panel 101 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As per a preferred embodiment of the present invention, said instrument display panel 101 is polygonal in shape and includes at least three display zones. In the present embodiment said instrument display panel 101 includes a primary display zone 101a and two or more secondary display zones 101b. Whereas said primary display zone 101a is formed centrally in the instrument display panel 101, said two or more secondary display zones101b are formed on either sides of said primary display zone 101a. In the present embodiment, the primary display zone 101a is configured to display an iconic representation of said vehicle. Particularly, icon of said vehicle is represented together with a traction motor icon, an energy storage device icon, and an engine icon. Power flow indicators are denoted between each of said traction motor icon, energy storage device icon and the engine icon to represent flow of power in the vehicle based on ongoing operative drive mode of the vehicle. Further, as per the present embodiment, said primary display zone101a is also configured to represent other vehicular information such as vehicle speed, state of charge of the battery, fuel level and the like.
[37] As per an aspect of the present invention, said two or more secondary display zones 101b formed on either side of said primary display zone 101aare configured to display a plurality of display indicators for displaying secondary information such as turn signal indication, and the like, and includes a gradient display indicator 101c. As per an embodiment of the present invention, the gradient display indicator 101c is a two-dimensional icon with a border101cb. Further, within the bounds of said border a symbol of a two wheeled vehicle climbing a gradient is contained. The gradient display indicator 101c is provided as per an aspect of the present invention to indicate to the user/rider the change in operative drive mode that occurs when said vehicle enters gradient like conditions. Thus, when the change in operative drive mode to hybrid power mode occurs as per the conditions set out in the above described paragraphs, the gradient display indicator is flash actuated or back lit. The present form of indication serves as a signal for the user that the vehicle has entered gradient and therefore the change in operative drive mode to hybrid power mode has occurred, thereby reassuring the user that drive mode change has not occurred due to any fault in the battery or due to low state of charge of the battery.
[38] 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.
,CLAIMS:We claim:
1. An information display system (100) for a vehicle (10), said vehicle (10) adapted to be driven by a plurality of power devices (14, 53), said vehicle (10) being configured to be driven in one of at least two operating drive modes, wherein said vehicle (10) is adapted to be operated in one of said at least two operating drive modes based on operation of one or more of said plurality of power devices (14, 53), wherein said information display system (100) comprises:
an instrument display panel (101), said instrument display panel (101) operable to display vehicle related information of the vehicle (10);
an electronic control unit (102), said electronic control unit (102) being communicatively connected to the instrument display panel (101), wherein said vehicle related information is transmitted by the electronic control unit (102) to the instrument display panel (101);
a plurality of sensors (103a, 103b) capable of providing vehicle related information to said electronic control unit (102) for controlling selection and actuation of each operating drive mode of said at least two operating drive modes;
characterized in that, the instrument display panel (101) comprises a plurality of display indicators, wherein at least one of the plurality of display indicators is a gradient display indicator (101c), said gradient display indicator being a two-dimensional icon displaying a symbol of the vehicle (10) on an inclined gradient.

2. The information display system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of power devices (14, 53) includes an internal combustion engine (14) and traction motor (53), wherein the traction motor (53) is powered by a battery.

3. The information display system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of power devices (14, 53) includes a traction motor (53), wherein the traction motor (53) is powered by a battery.

4. The information display system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the instrument display panel (101) comprises a primary display zone (101a) and a plurality of secondary display zones (101b), wherein the primary display zone (101a) is centrally placed in the information display system (101), and wherein at least two of the plurality of secondary display zones (101b) are disposed adjacent to the primary display zone (101a).

5. The information display system (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 4, wherein at least one of the plurality of the secondary display zones (101b) of the instrument display panel (101) displays said gradient display indicator (101c).

6. The information display system (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein climb of the vehicle (10) on an upward inclination is detected by the electronic control unit (102), and wherein at least one of the plurality of display indicators including said gradient display indicator (101c), is operable to be backlit to indicate the climb of the vehicle (10) on an upward inclination.

7. A control method for effecting a change in operating drive mode from one of at least two operating drive modes including electric mode and hybrid economy mode to hybrid power mode, wherein the control method for effecting the change in the operating drive mode to the hybrid power mode comprises the steps of
detecting predetermined set of vehicle related information by a plurality of sensors (103a, 103b), said predetermined set of vehicle related information including vehicle speed, percentage of throttle opening and rate of change of vehicle speed;
transmitting said predetermined set of vehicle related information by the plurality of sensors (103a, 103b) to an electronic control unit (102);
selecting and actuating hybrid power mode by the electronic control unit (102) upon detecting said predetermined set of vehicle related information, and wherein said selecting and actuating of hybrid power mode is effected when
the vehicle speed as detected lies within a predefined range of vehicle speed;
the percentage of throttle opening as detected exceeds a predetermined threshold value of throttle opening; and
the rate of change of vehicle speed is lesser than a predefined value of rate of change of vehicle speed;
communicating said vehicle related information by the electronic control unit (102) to an instrument display panel (101), said instrument display panel (101) operable to display change in the operating drive mode to hybrid power mode.

8. The control method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the predetermined range of speed of the vehicle (10) is 25 kilometres per hour and 35 kilometres per hour.

9. The control method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the predetermined threshold value of percentage of throttle opening is 50%.

10. The control method as claimed in claim 7, wherein predetermined value of rate of change of speed of the vehicle (10) is 0.5m/s2.