IDLE START STOP SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[OOOI] The present invention relates to an idle stop start system,
more particularly, to idle stop start system for a vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Now days, fuel efficiency of vehicles, more particularly of
an engine is one of the most critical parameters for engine I vehicle
design. To reduce the fuel consumption and to increase the fuel efficiency,
vehicles are adapted with an ldle Start Stop System (ISSS), which is
capable of automatically stopping an engine when the vehicle attains the
idle state, and thereafter, restarts the engine based on inputs from the
riderloperator. Thus, ISSS helps to save the fuel by stopping the engine
when the engine is not intended to run or consume fuel, such events,
generally, occur when vehicle is standing at an intersection or traffic signal
and the like, sometimes, during running through a city traffic. The ISSS
makes it possible to limit the operation of the engine to the time when it is
required, thereby enabling to achieve decreased exhaust gas emission
and reduced fuel consumption.
[0003] The European patent application EP2431600Al titled
"Engine idle stop control system and method for combustion enginen refers
to control automatic idle speed stop and start of the engine of a twowheeled
vehicle. The ldle Start Stop System as described in the reference
includes controller, an engine connected to an ignition unit and a fuel
supply unit, a battery, a starter motor switch connected to the battery, and
a starter motor connected to the starter switch. The engine has a gear
mechanism and a clutch which is connected to a clutch lever. The
electronic controller is connected to a vehicle speed sensor, a throttle
position sensor, and an engine revolution speed sensor. The clutch lever
is provided with a node switch to provide a lever node control signal, the
gear mechanism is provided with a gear node switch to provide a gear
node control signal, and the electronic controller is electrically connected
to the node switch of the clutch lever and the gear node switch of the gear
mechanism, so as to control automatic idle speed stop and start of the
engine. When the electronic controller determines that a vehicle speed is
zero, a throttle position is a predetermined original value, the engine is in
an idle speed state, content information of an acquired gear node control
signal is neutral and content information of a clutch lever node control
signal is "off', after a predetermined period, the electronic controller
controls automatic idle speed stop of the engine.
[0004] However, the above system necessitates throttle position
sensor and the engine revolution speed as a parameter for determining
the idle state of the vehicle thereby increasing the cost of idle start stop
system. Further, the arrangement disclosed in the above prior art
reference essentially requires detection of the throttle opening degree,
thereby requiring a throttle position sensor (throttle opening degree
sensor) and engine revolution speed sensor, therefore, this arrangement
may not be applicable to a vehicle having no throttle position input and
engine revolution input 1 computing means.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[OOOS] An object of the present invention is to provide an idle stop
start system for a vehiclelengine that addresses the aforesaid lacunae.
[OOOS] Another object of the invention is to provide an idle stop
start system for the vehiclelengine that does not require engine RPM for
determining the idle state of the vehicle I engine.
[0007] Yet another object of the invention is to provide an idle stop
start system for the vehiclelengine that does not require throttle position
for determining the idle state of the vehiclelengine.
[OOOS] Yet another object of the invention is to provide an idle stop
start system for the vehiclelengine which is independent of
configuration/functioning of the ignition control unit andlor ACG andlor
pulse generator.
[OOOS] Yet another object of the invention is to provide an idle stop
start system for the vehiclelengine wherein electronic control unit does not
require any predetermined set value(s) to be compared with the
vehiclelengine operational parameter(s), thus, making system cheap and
less complex.
[OOI 01 Yet another object of the invention is to provide an idle stop
start system for the vehiclelengine which can be started in the idle mode
based on manual restart input(s).
[OOI I] Yet another object of the invention is to provide an idle stop
start system for the vehiclelengine which can be started in the idle mode
by conventional start operations of the vehicle including vehicle kickstart.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[OOI 21 This summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the
Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key or
essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be
used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[OOI 31 Briefly, in accordance with aspects of the present invention,
an idle stop start system is provided. The idle stop start system for the
vehicle includes at least one detecting means adapted to detect at least
one vehicle state parameter; an electronic control unit communicatively
coupled to the detecting means, the electronic control unit configured to
determine idle state of the vehicle based on the detected at least one
vehicle state parameter; and wherein the electronic control unit is
configured to disable at least one engine operating means after a preset
time post the idle state of the vehicle is attained and enable the disabled
engine operating means at the end of a predetermined time. By having
such an arrangement an idle start stop system does not require engine
RPM for determining the idle state of the vehicle and a throttle position for
determining the idle state of the vehicle. Furthermore, by having such an
arrangement the engine operating means are automatically stopped when
the vehicle attains idle state and restarted at the end of a predetermined
time.
[OOI 41 According to an embodiment, the preset time is equal to
zero. By having the preset time equal to zero the engine operating means
are disabled immediately after the idle state of the vehicle is attained.
[OOI 51 According to another embodiment, the at least one vehicle
state parameter is a position of clutch lever, position of gear, position of at
least one brake lever, seating position of rider, temperature of the engine
or combinations thereof.
[OO 1 61 According to yet another embodiment, the at least one
detecting means is one of a sensor device, a switch or combinations
thereof.
[OOI 71 According to an embodiment, the vehicle state parameter
for determining idle state of the vehicle includes gear in neutral position,
clutch lever in released position, at least one brake lever in actuated
position, rider at a sitting position on the seat, the temperature of the
engine above a predefined temperature and combinations thereof.
[OO 1 81 According to an embodiment, the engine operating means
includes an ignition control unit, a fuel injection system, ignition control
module or combinations thereof.
[OOI 91 According to another embodiment, the electronic control
unit comprises an ignition control module adapted to control ignition timing
of the engine.
[0020] According to another embodiment, the electronic control
unit is configured to receive at least one restart input for enabling the
engine.
[0021] According to another embodiment, the restart input is one
of an actuation of a clutch lever, an actuation of at least one brake lever,
an actuation of a throttle or combinations thereof.
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[0022] According to an embodiment, the electronic control unit is
configured to check for restart interlocks before enabling the engine
operating means.
[0023] According to an embodiment, the the restart interlocks
includes a position of a stand of the vehicle, a position of brake lever, a
seating position of a rider or any combination thereof.
[0024] According to an embodiment, the restart interlock is a first
vehicle state parameter and the restart input is a second vehicle state
parameter.
[0025] According to an embodiment, the ignition control unit is a
capacitive discharge ignition or an inductive discharge ignition.
100261 According to an embodiment the predetermined time
corresponds to idle revolutions per minute (RPM) of the engine
[0027] According to an embodiment, the idle stop start system
further includes an idle stop start switch electronically coupled with the
electronic control unit.
[0028] According to another embodiment, the idle stop start switch
is configured to enable and disable the idle stop start system.
2 6 MAR 2014
[0029] According to an embodiment, the predetermined time
corresponds to time by which a crank shaft of the engine stops rotating
after disabling the engine operating means.
[0030] According to another embodiment, the predetermined time
interval corresponds to time by which crank shaft of the engine slows
down below the engine starting rpm after the engine operating means is
disabled.
[0031] According to an embodiment, the electronic control unit is
configured to compare the detected vehicle state parameters with
predetermined vehicle state parameter conditions for determining the idle
state of the vehicle.
[0032] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
a method for operation of an idle stop start system for a vehicle is
presented. The method includes detecting at least one vehicle state
parameter, the vehicle state parameter indicative of state of the vehicle;
determining idle state of the vehicle based on the detected vehicle state
parameter; disabling at least one engine operating means after a preset
time post the idle state is attained; and enabling the disabled engine
operating means at the end of a predetermined time.
[0033] According to an embodiment, disabling the engine
operating means includes disabling a fuel injection system or disabling an
ignition control unit.
[0034] According to another embodiment, the method further
includes receiving a restart input for enabling the disabled engine
operating means.
[0035] According to another embodiment, the restart input is
provided by a user.
[0036] According to an embodiment, the method further includes
checking at least one restart interlocks before enabling the engine
operating means.
[0037] ' According to another embodiment, the method further
includes comparing the detected vehicle state parameter with
predetermined vehicle state parameter conditions for determining the idle
state of the vehicle.
.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] The invention itself, together with further features and
attended advantages, will become apparent from consideration of the
following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings. One or more embodiments of the present invention are now
described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanied
drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in
which:
[0039] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an idle
stop start system in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0040] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an idle
stop start system in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0041] Figure 3 illustrates a flow chart depicting idle stop
operation of idle stop start system in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention;
[0042] Figure 4 illustrates a flow chart depicting idle restart
operation of idle stop start system in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0043] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications
and alternative forms, spec if^ embodiment thereof has been shown by
way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It
should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the invention
to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to
cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit
and the scope of the invention.
[00441 The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other
variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such
that a setup, device or method that comprises a list of components or
steps does not include only those components or steps but may include
other components or steps nor expressly listed or inherent to such setup
or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or
apparatus proceeded by "comprises ... a" does not, without more
constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional
elements in the system or apparatus.
[0045] For the better understanding of this invention, reference
would now be made to the embodiment illustrated in greater depth in the
accompanying figures and description here below, further, in the following
figures, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same
components in various views.
[0046] An exemplary idle stop start system 101 is shown and will
now be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 and Figure 2
depict, inter-alia, the components used in the idle stop start system 101,
according to an embodiment of the invention. The idle stop start system
101 comprises an electronic control unit (ECU) 200 configured to
electronically communicate with one or more engine operating means, a
pulse generator 126, a starter motor 206, generally, through a starter
relay 308, ignition switch I self switch 122, at least one detecting means
detecting at least one vehicle state parameters indicative of vehicle I
engine state(s) (VPI, VP2, ..... VPn, commonly referred to as VP,) 208-
214, In an embodiment, at least one detecting means includes but not
limited to sensor devices, switches and the like. In an embodiment, the
one or more engine operating means include an ignition control unit (ICU)
102, fuel Injection system, etc.
[0047] In one embodiment, an idle stop start system switch
(hereinafter referred to as ISSS) 216 can be provided, at suitable location
on the vehicle, preferably on the handle bar or dash board of the vehicle,
electronic control unit 200 is configured to electronically communicate with
the ISSS 21 6. In an embodiment, the idle stop start system 101 does not
change its status even if the ISSS 216 is switched into another position
during running condition of the engine. For example, if the ISSS 216 is
turned off during running of the vehicle, the idle stop start system 101 will
not be disabled, similarly, if the ISSS 216 is turned on during running of
the vehicle, the idle stop start system 101 will not be enabled. In other
words, the electronic control unit 200 will maintain that status of the idle
stop start system 101 which was received by it from the ISSS 216 at the
time of first starting of the engine and will be maintained throughout the
running of the vehicle, to change the status of the idle stop start system
101 in the electronic control unit 200, an operator has to stop the vehicle
by removing the ignition key from ignition key cylinder and restart the
engine again with that position of the ISSS 216 which is desired.
[0048] The idle state of the vehicle can be determined based on
the plurality of vehicle state parameters VPs depending upon requirement
of the system, however, it is needless to mention that the system as
disclosed herein can work even with at least one such vehicle state
parameter VPs. For example, the vehicle state parameters VP, may be
VP, 208, VP2 210, VP3 212 . .. . . . .VP, 214. In one embodiment, the vehicle
state parameter VPs is a position of clutch lever that is, whether the clutch
lever is in a released position or not. In one embodiment, the vehicle state
parameter VPs is a gear position i.e. whether vehicle is in neutral gear or
not. In an embodiment, the vehicle state parameter VPs is a combination
of position of clutch lever and gear position. In one embodiment, vehicle
state parameter VPs is a brake lever position, i.e. whether the brake lever
is in actuated position or not. In one embodiment, vehicle state parameter
VPs is a rider's seating position, that is, whether the rider is sitting on the
seat or not. In one embodiment, the vehicle state parameter VPs is a
temperature of engine i.e. whether the engine temperature is more than a
predetermined level or not. As previously noted, the one or more vehicle
state parameters VPs are detected by the detecting means which include
sensor devices, switches and the like, the detecting means are
communicatively coupled with the electronic control unit 200. More
particularly, the detecting means are in communication with the electronic
control unit 200. It may be noted that this invention is not limited to any
particular state parameter or set of vehicle state parameters. Further, it is
to be noted that the idle stop start system as disclosed herein does not
require engine revolutions per minute (rpm) or throttle position as one of
the vehicle state parameters to determine the idle state.
[0049] The electronic control unit 200 can take form of either a
microprocessor or any similar programmable devices. As an example, the
electronic control unit 200 may be 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,
integrated circuits or the like. The electronic control unit 200 can comprise
either single control unit or multiple control units as each of the control
units being electronically connected with each other using serial bus to
transmit data therebetween.
[0050] In accordance with aspects of the present invention, the
ignition control unit 102 is a Capacitive Discharge Ignition (CDI) or an
Inductive Discharge lgnition (IDI) or the like apparatus or device. However,
in an embodiment, the electronic control unit 200 may include an ignition
control unit 102 in the form of an ignition control module 202 as shown
with the dotted block in Figures 1 and 2, in such cases, separate ignition
control unit 102 may not be required. In an alternate embodiment, where
ignition control unit 102 is provided, generally, ignition control module 202
may not be required.
[0051] At the time of starting of the engine 312 (as shown in
Figure 2), user actuates an ignition switch I self switch 122 intending to
start a starter motor 206. The electronic control unit 200 receives such
signal from ignition switch I self switch 122 and subject to vehicle
interlock(s) such as the position of clutch lever, the position of the brake
lever, etc, actuates the starter motor relay (not shown) to start the starter
motor 206. In an embodiment, starter motor 206 starts rotating based on
signal from ignition switch I self switch 122 directly. In one embodiment, on
actuation of the ignition switch I self switch 122, starter motor 206 starts
only if the clutch lever is pressed. In one embodiment, on actuation of the
ignition switch 1 self switch 122, starter motor 206 starts only if the at least
one brake lever is pressed. Inputs indicating the actuation of the brake
lever, clutch lever etc. can be generated using switches such as brake
switch or clutch switch, which are known in the art and hence description
of the same is omitted here. The starter motor 206 in turn rotates the crank
shaft of the engine 312. Rotating crank shaft of the engine 312 further
rotates an alternating current generator (ACG) 316 which is generally
fixedly hounted on the crank shaft of the engine 312. A pulse generator
126 which is disposed in close proximity of ACG 316 generate pulse(s) per
rotation of the crank shaft, this input signal from the pulse generator 126 is
supplied to the electronic control unit 200. In an embodiment, pulse
generator 126 is a pulsar coil. The electronic control unit 200 sends this
input signal to the ignition control unit 102, the ignition control unit 102,
using its inbuilt intelligence that controls the ignition timing based on
certain engine / vehicle parameters, enables electric power from electric
source such as a battery 320 or ACG 316, to be applied to a primary
winding of the high tension (HT) coil 104, which further results in a high
voltage across the secondary winding of the HT coil 104 and which further
generates a spark across the electrodes of a spark plug 106. In an
embodiment, the ignition control unit 102 directly receives input or signal
from the pulsar coil. In an embodiment, the vehicles where the fuel
injection system 109, generally in the form of fuel injection pump, is
provided to inject the fuel into the engine, the working of the fuel injection
system, such as quantity of the fuel and injection timing, etc. is also
controlled by the electronic control unit 200 based on the certain engine
parameters, in such situations, sometimes, in place of ignition control unit
102 the ignition control module 202 is used, however, function of ignition
control module 202 can also be integrated inside the electronic control unit
200.
[0052] In an embodiment, the engine can also be started using
kick start mode where ignition switch I self switch 122 subject to interlocks
may not be required.
[OOSS] The idle state of the vehicle can be determined by the
electronic control unit 200 based on the one or more vehicle state
parameters (VPs). In an embodiment, the electronic control unit 200 is
configured to compare the vehicle state parameters detected by the
detecting means with predetermined vehicle state parameter conditions.
The predetermined vehicle state parameter conditions are the one or more
vehicle state parameter (VPs) 208-214 indicative of a situation when the
engine power is not required. If the vehicle state parameter(s) (VPs) attain
the predetermined vehicle state parameter conditions for specified time
duration, the electronic control unit 200 determines the idle state of the
vehicle indicating that engine power is not required. In an embodiment, the
predetermined vehicle state parameter condition is a gear in neutral
position, if the vehicle is in neutral gear (VPI) and specified time has
elapsed satisfying this state of the vehicle, electronic control unit 200
determines that idle state of the vehicle is attained. In an embodiment the
predetermined vehicle state parameter condition is clutch lever position, if
the clutch lever (VP2) is released and specified time has elapsed
satisfying this state of the vehicle, electronic control unit 200 determines
that idle state of the vehicle is attained. In an embodiment, the
predetermined vehicle state parameter condition is both, the position of
neutral gear and clutch lever, if the vehicle is in neutral gear (VPI) and
clutch lever (VP2) is released and specified time has elapsed satisfying
this state of the vehicle, electronic control unit 200 determines that idle
state of the vehicle is attained.
[0054] In accordance with aspects of the present invention, after
the idle state of the vehicle has been attained, the at least one engine
operating means is I are disabled by the electronic control unit 200. In an
embodiment, the engine operating means are disabled after a preset time
by the electronic control unit 200. In another embodiment, the engine
operating means are disabled immediately after the idle state of the
vehicle is determined, in other words, the preset time in the present
example is zero. Furthermore, the electronic control unit 200 is configured
to enable the disabled engine operating means at the end of a
predetermined time.
[OOSS] It may be noted that when the electronic control unit 200
determines the idle state of the vehicle, it disables the engine operating
means and enables the disabled engine operating means after the
predetermined time. In an embodiment the electronic control unit 200
disables the engine operating means such as the ignition control unit 102
thereby no spark is generated in the ignition device 306 and then enables
the disabled ignition control unit 102 after the predetermined time. Thus,
the electronic control unit 200 disables and enables the ignition control unit
102 thereby controlling the generation of spark in the ignition device 106.
[0056] In an embodiment the electronic control unit 200 disables
the engine operating means such as the fuel injection system 109, for
example a fuel pump, thereby no fuel is supplied to the engine and then
enables the disabled fuel injection system 109 after the predetermined
time . Thus, the electronic control unit 200 disables and enables the fuel
injection system 109 thereby controlling the fuel supply to the engine.
[0057] The predetermined time has a correspondence with the
idle rprn of the engine. This predetermined time is fixed for a particular idle
rprn of the engine. If the predefined value of the idle rprn is changed then
predetermined time may also correspondingly change. As an example, for
one engine, if idle rprn is decided to be 1200 then predetermined time
would be 'X' seconds; if the idle rprn is decided to be 1400 then the
predetermined time would be 'X+Y' seconds. In one embodiment, the
predetermined time is a duration of 1.5 second corresponding to idle rprn
of 1500. The predetermined time is the time by which crank shaft of the
engine stops rotating after the engine operating means are disabled that is
either the ignition or fuel injection is disabled. The predetermined time can
also be decided based on the time by which crank shaft of the engine
slows down and just below the engine starting rpm after the engine
operating means are disabled that is either the ignition or fuel injection
system is disabled. Engine starting rpm is the minimum rpm of crank shaft
below which engine cannot be started or cannot maintain its running
condition. Thus, predetermined time depends on construction, such as
weight of the crank shaft, piston, etc. and other load thereupon and
functioning of the engine. Further, if the throttle is positioned at certain
degree such that the engine rpm is above the predefined value of the idle
rpm, the engine will not be stopped even if the ignition or fuel injection is
disabled by the electronic control unit 200 for a predetermined time.
[0058] When the vehicle or engine is in the idle state and the
engine is stopped, the electronic control unit 200 waits for a restart input
195 from the user intending to restart the engine without requiring
conventional engine starting operation. Optionally, the vehicle may be
started by kick-start during this period. In an embodiment, the restart input
195 is actuation of clutch lever. In an embodiment, the restart input 195 is
actuation of the at least one brake lever. In an embodiment, the restart
input 195 is actuation of throttle, sometimes, the actuation of throttle
beyond a particular degree. In an embodiment, the restart input 195 is
actuation of at least one brake lever and actuation of throttle. In an
embodiment, the restart input 195 is any suitable vehicle parameter. In an
embodiment, the restart input 195 is a combination of more than one
vehicle I engine parameters. When the electronic control unit 200 receives
such restart input 195, the electronic control unit 200 actuates the starter
motor to start the engine.
[0059] The restart inputs 195 and predetermined vehicle state
parameters 280 could be from same sensor device andlor switches.
Alternatively, the restart inputs 195 and the predetermined vehicle state
parameters 280 could be from different sensor devices andlor switches.
As an example, in an embodiment, the idle state parameter 280 and
restart input 195 is based on the clutch lever position that is, for
predetermined vehicle state parameter 280 the clutch lever is in release
position and for restart inputs 195 the clutch lever is pressed.
[OOSO] In an embodiment, when the electronic control unit 200
receives such restart input 195, electronic control unit 200 checks for one
or more restart interlocks and starts the engine subject to such restart
interlocks that means electronic control unit 200 starts the engine if restart
interlocks satisfy a predetermined condition. It may be noted that the
restart input is a first vehicle state parameter and the restart interlock is a
second vehicle state parameter. In an embodiment, the restart interlock is
a position of a side stand of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the restart
interlock is a rider's seating position on the seat of the vehicle. In another
embodiment, the restart interlock is a vehicle brake position. In an
embodiment, the restart interlock is any suitable vehiclelengine parameter.
In an embodiment, the restart interlock is a combination of more than one
vehicleleng ine parameters.
[0061] In accordance with aspects of the present invention, the
engine can also be started from idle state by directly using the ignition
switchlself switch or a kick-start mechanism subject to (not shown in any
of the figures) one or more vehicle restart interlocks. It may be noted that
the restart input 195 from user and the restart interlocks are different
vehicle state parameters (VPs).
[0062] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate a flowchart of operation of the idle
stop start system 101 in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention. Referring now to Figure 3, the operation of the idle stop start
system 101 starts from the step ST400. At step ST402, electronic control
unit determines if idle state of the vehicle is attained or not, in one form the
vehicle state parameters detected by the one or more detecting means are
compared by the electronic control unit 200 with predetermined vehicle
state parameter conditions to determine idle state of the vehicle, for
example, the predetermined vehicle state parameter condition(s) can be
suitable vehicle 1 engine state parameters VPs as explained hereinabove.
In step ST404, the electronic control unit 200 determines whether the
vehicle state parameter(s) VPs are satisfying the predetermined vehicle
state parameter conditions or not. If not, the operation goes back to step
ST402. In case the condition is satisfied, the operation proceeds to step
ST406. At step ST406, the electronic control unit 200 disables the engine
operating means such as the fuel injection system and I or the ignition
control unit. As previously noted, the engine operating means may be
disabled after a preset time. In one embodiment, the preset time is zero,
thereby immediately disabling the engine operating means.
[0063] At step ST408, a predetermined time is provided after
disabling the engine. At step ST410, the electronic control unit 200
enables the engine operating means such as the ignition control unit
andlor the fuel injection system after the predetermined time. If the engine
is off, the idle stop start system identifies this as an idle stop of the vehicle
and awaits for the restart input, as at step ST412.
[0064] Figure 4 illustrates a flow chart regarding operation of the
idle stop start system 101 to restart the engine operating means in the idle
stop mode of the vehicle. The engine restart operation starts from the step
ST500. At step ST500, restart input are generated by the user. The restart
input may include vehicle state parameter(s) as explained hereinabove. At
step ST502, the electronic control unit 200 checks for one or more restart
interlocks. The restart interlocks could be any one of or combination of a
side stand position of the vehicle, a rider's seating position on the seat, a
vehicle brake position and 1 or the like parameters. At step ST504, the
electronic control unit 200 determines whether the restart interlocks satisfy
a predetermined condition or not. If the predetermined condition is not
satisfied, the operation goes back to step ST502. If the predetermined
condition is satisfied, the operation proceeds to step ST508. In step
ST508, the electronic control unit 200 starts the starter motor to crank the
engine 312. Optionally, the engine can be started by kick-start mechanism
directly (not shown in any of the figures). In step ST510, a predetermined
delay is provided. Further, in step 512, the starter motor is switched off. In
step 514, a second predetermined delay is provided. In step 518, it is
determined whether the engine 312 is in running state (engine on) or not.
If not, the operation goes back to step ST502. If yes, the operation
proceeds to step 516 which takes system to ST 400 of the Figure 3. In an
embodiment whether engine is in on condition or not can be decided
based on the ACG output. This completes the restart operation of the
vehicle using the idle stop start system 102.
[OOSS] The invention provides idle stop start system 102 that
automatically stops the engine operating means when the vehicle attains
idle state indicative of a situation when the engine power is not required
and restarts the engine operating means based on the user input, such as
actuating the clutch lever. This prevents unnecessary wastage of fuel.
[OOSS] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on
the particular features of this invention, it will be appreciated that various
modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the
preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the
invention. These and other modifications in the nature of the invention or
the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from
the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the
foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the
invention and not as a limitation.

1. An idle stop start system for a vehicle, comprising:
at least one detecting means adapted to detect at least one vehicle
state parameter;
an electronic control unit communicatively coupled to the detecting
means, the electronic control unit configured to determine idle state of
the vehicle based on the detected at least one vehicle state parameter;
and
wherein the electronic control unit is configured to disable at least one
engine operating means after a preset time post the idle state of the
vehicle is attained and enable the disabled engine operating means at
the end of a predetermined time.
2. The idle stop start system according to claim 1, wherein the preset time
is equal to zero.
3. The idle stop start system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one
vehicle state parameter is position of clutch lever, position of gear,
position of at least one brake lever, seating position of rider,
temperature of the engine or combinations thereof.
4. The idle stop start system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one
detecting means is one of a sensor device, a switch or combinations
thereof.
5. The idle stop start system according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle
state parameter for determining idle state of the vehicle includes gear
in neutral position, clutch lever in released position, at least one brake
lever in actuated position, rider at a sitting position on the seat, the
temperature of the engine above a predefined temperature and
combinations thereof.
6. The idle stop start system according to claim 1, wherein the engine
operating means includes ignition control unit, fuel injection system,
ignition control module or combinations thereof.
7. The idle stop start system according to claim 1, wherein the electronic
control unit comprises an ignition control module adapted to control
ignition timing of the engine.
8. The idle stop start system according to claim 1, wherein the electrqnic
control unit is configured to receive at least one restart input for
enabling the engine.
9. The idle stop start system according to claim 8, wherein the restart input
is one of an actuation of a clutch lever, an actuation of at least one
brake lever, an actuation of a throttle or combinations thereof.
10. The idle stop start system according to claim 1, wherein the electronic
control unit is configured to check for restart interlocks before enabling
the engine operating means.
11. The idle stop start system according to claim 10, wherein the restart
interlocks includes a position of a stand of the vehicle, a position of
brake lever, a seating position of a rider or any combination thereof.
12. The idle stop start system according to claim 10, wherein the restart
interlock is a first vehicle state parameter and the restart input is a
second vehicle state parameter.
13. The idle stop start system according to claim 6, wherein the ignition
control unit is a capacitive discharge ignition, an inductive discharge
ignition.
14. The idle stop start system according to claim 1, wherein the
predetermined time corresponds to idle revolutions per minute (RPM)
of the engine.
15. The idle stop start system according to claim 1, further comprising an
idle stop start switch electronically coupled with the electronic control
unit.
16. The idle stop start system according to claim 15, wherein the idle stop
start switch is configured to enable and disable the idle stop start
system.
17. The idle stop start system according to claim 14, wherein the
predetermined time corresponds to time by which a crank shaft of the
engine stops rotating after disabling the engine operating means.
18. The idle stop start system according to claim 14, wherein the
predetermined time interval corresponds to time by which crank shaft
of the engine slows down below the engine starting rpm after the
engine operating means is disabled.
19. The idle stop start system according to claim 1, wherein the electronic
control unit is configured to compare the detected vehicle state
parameters with predetermined vehicle state parameter conditions for
determining the idle state of the vehicle.
20. The idle stop start system according to claim 1, wherein the system
does not require engine revolutions per minute or a throttle position as
the vehicle state parameters to determine the idle state.
21. An idle stop start system as described herein with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
22. A method for operation of an idle stop start system for a vehicle,
comprising:
detecting at least one vehicle state parameter, the vehicle state
parameter indicative of state of the vehicle;
determining idle state of the vehicle based on the detected vehicle
state parameter;
disabling at least one engine operating means aher a preset time post
the idle state is attained; and
enabling the disabled engine operating means at the end of a
predetermined time.
23. The method according to claim 22, wherein disabling the engine
operating means comprises disabling a fuel injection system or
disabling an ignition control unit.
24. The method according to claim 22, further comprising receiving a
restart input for enabling the disabled engine operating means.
25. The method according to claim 22, wherein the restart input is
provided by a user.
26. The method according to claim 22, further comprising checking at least
one restart interlocks before enabling the engine operating means.
27. The method according to claim 22, further comprising comparing the
detected vehicle state parameter with predetermined vehicle state
parameter conditions for determining the idle state of the vehicle.
28. A method for operation of an idle stop start system as described herein
with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Dated this 2cU day df b%20&14 y;h(xJ&> *
Agent for the Applicant
MR. VIKAS DIXIT (INRA- 141 1)
C/o LUTHRA & LUTHRA, LAW OFFICES,
103 ASHOKA ESTATE, BARAKHAMBA ROAD
NEW DELHI - 110 001
To
The Controller of Patents
The Patent Office
At New Delhi