IDLE STOP START SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is related to and claims the priority
benefit of Indian Provisional Application No. 915/DEL/2013, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to an idle stop start system,
more particularly, to idle stop start system for a vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Now days, fuel efficiency of vehicles, more particularly of
an engine is one of the most critical parameters for engine / vehicle
design. To reduce the fuel consumption and to increase the fuel efficiency,
vehicles are adapted with an Idle 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
rider/operator. 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
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required, thereby enabling to achieve decreased exhaust gas emission
and reduced fuel consumption.
[0004] The European patent application EP2431600A1 titled
"Engine idle stop control system and method for combustion engine" refers
to control automatic idle speed stop and start of the engine of a twowheeled
vehicle. The Idle 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 detemnines 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.
[0005] 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 / computing means.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an Idle stop
start system for a vehicle/engine that addresses the aforesaid lacunae.
[0007] Another object of the invention is to provide an idle stop
start system for the vehicle/engine that does not require engine RPM for
determining the idle state of the vehicle / engine.
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[0008] Yet another object of the invention is to provide an idle stop
start system for the vehicle/engine that does not require throttle position
for determining the idle state of the vehicle/engine.
[0009] Yet another object of the invention is to provide an idle stop
start system for the vehicle/engine which is independent of
configuration/functioning of the ignition control unit and/or ACG and/or
pulse generator.
[0010] Yet another object of the invention is to provide an idle stop
start system for the vehicle/engine wherein electronic control unit does not
require any predetermined set value(s) to be compared with the
vehicle/engine operational parameter(s), thus, making system cheap and
less complex.
[0011] Yet another object of the invention is to provide an idle stop
start system for the vehicle/engine which can be started in the idle mode
based on manual restart input(s).
[0012] Yet another object of the invention is to provide an idle stop
start system for the vehicle/engine which can be started in the idle mode
by conventional start operations of the vehicle including vehicle kickstart.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] 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
[0014] 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 at least one detecting means, the electronic control unit is
configured to receive signal from one of the at least one detecting means,
wherein the signal is indicative of the idle state of the vehicle, 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.
Further, by having such an arrangement the electronic means is not
required to determine whether the idle state of the vehicle is attained or
not. 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.
[0015] 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.
[0016] 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.
[0017] According to yet another embodiment, the at least one
detecting means is one of a sensor device, a switch or combinations
thereof.
[0018] According to an embodiment, the electronic control unit
receives a signal from at least one detecting means when all the detecting
means from among the at least one detecting means detect
predetermined conditions.
[0019] According to an embodiment, the idle stop start system as
claimed in claim 4, wherein the idle state of the vehicle is attained when a
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gear is in neutral position, clutch lever is in released position or
combination thereof
[0020] According to an embodiment, the engine operating means
includes an ignition control unit, a fuel injection system, ignition control
module or combinations thereof.
[0021] According to another embodiment, the electronic control
unit comprises an ignition control module adapted to control ignition timing
of the engine.
[0022] According to another embodiment, the electronic control
unit is configured to receive at least one restart input for enabling the
engine.
[0023] 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
[0024] According to an embodiment, the electronic control unit is
configured to check for restart interlocks before enabling the engine
operating means.
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[0025] According to an embodiment, 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.
[0026] According to an embodiment, the restart interlock is a first
vehicle state parameter and the restart input is a second vehicle state
parameter.
[0027] According to an embodiment, the ignition control unit is a
capacitive discharge ignition or an inductive discharge ignition.
[0028] According to an embodiment the predetermined time
corresponds to Idle revolutions per minute (RPM) of the engine
[0029] According to an embodiment, the idle stop start system
further includes an idle stop start switch electronically coupled with the
electronic control unit.
[0030] According to another embodiment, the idle stop start switch
is configured to enable and disable the idle stop start system.
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[0031] 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.
[0032] 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.
[0033] According to another embodiment, 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.
[0034] According to another embodiment, at least two from among
the at least one detecting means are connected in series.
[0035] According to another embodiment, all the from among the
at least one detecting means detecting the essential vehicle state
parameters indicative of idle state of the vehicle are connected in series.
[0036] According to another embodiment, all the from among the
at least one detecting means detecting the optional vehicle state
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parameters for the essential vehicle state parameters are not connected in
series to the essential vehicle state parameters.
[0037] 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 by at least one detecting means, receiving an signal from at
least one detecting means, wherein the signal is indicative of idle state of
the vehicle, 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.
[0038] According to an embodiment, disabling the engine
operating means comprises disabling a fuel injection system or disabling
an ignition control unit.
[0039] According to another embodiment, the method further
includes receiving a restart input for enabling the disabled engine
operating means.
[0040] According to another embodiment, the restart input is
provided by a user.
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[0041] According to an embodiment, the method further includes
checking one or more restart interlocks before enabling the engine
operating means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0042] 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:
[0043] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an idle
stop start system in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0044] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an idle
stop start system in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0045] Figure 3 illustrates a flow chart depicting idle stop
operation of idle stop start system in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention;
[0046] Figure 4 illustrates a flow chart depicting idle restart
operation of idle stop start system in accordance with an embodiment of
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the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0047] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications
and alternative fonns, specific 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 fomris 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.
[0048] 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 not 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.
[0049] For the better understanding of this invention, reference
would now be made to the embodiment illustrated in greater depth in the
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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.
[0050] 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 (electronic control unit) 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 / self switch 122, at least one
detecting means detecting vehicle state parameters indicative of
vehicle/engine state(s) (VP1, VP2, VPn, commonly referred to as VPs)
208-214, such vehicle state parameters can be detected by one or more
detecting means, commonly referred as VPnSW, such as but not limited to
sensor devices, switches and the like. In an embodiment, the detecting
means VPnSW includes electrical swltch(es), electronic switch(es),
electro-mechanical switch(es), solid state relay(s), and sensor device(s) or
combinations thereof. In yet another embodiment, the vehicle state
detecting means VPnSW includes any combination of electrical switch(es),
electronic switch(es), electro-mechanical switch(es), solid state relay(s) or
sensor device(s) as apparent to a person skilled in the art. The one or
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more detecting means VPnSW are associated with one or more vehicle
state parameters, commonly referred as VPs. In an embodiment, engine
operating means includes an ignition control unit (ICU) 102, fuel Injection
system, etc.
[0051] 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 and the rider's seating position. In
one embodiment, the engine state parameter VPs is a temperature of
engine. 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 216. 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
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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.
[0052] 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 VPs may be
VPi 208, VP2 210. VP3 212 VPn214. In one embodiment, the vehicle
state parameter VPs is a position of clutch lever i.e whether the clutch
lever is in 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 released position or not. In one embodiment, vehicle state parameter
VPs is a rider's seating position i.e whether rider is seating 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
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state parameters VPs are detected by the detecting means VPnSW which
include sensor devices, switches and the like.. The invention is not limited
to any particular 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.
[0053] 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.
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[0054] In accordance with aspects of the present invention, the
ignition control unit 102 is a Capacitive Discharge Ignition (GDI) or an
Inductive Discharge Ignition (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.
[0055] At the time of starting of the engine 312, user actuates an
ignition switch/self switch 122 intending to start a starter motor 206. The
electronic control unit 200 receives such signal from ignition switch/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 / self switch 122
directly. In one embodiment, on actuation of the ignition switch/self switch
122, starter motor 206 starts only if the clutch lever is pressed. In one
embodiment, on actuation of the ignition switch/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
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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 the ACG 316 which
is generally fixedly mounted 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 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
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control module 202 can also be integrated Inside the electronic control unit
200.
[0056] In an embodiment, the engine can also be started using
kick start mode where ignition switch/self switch 122 and / or some other
interlocks may not be required.
[0057] During operation, the at least one detecting means VPnSW
which is in communication with the electronic control unit generates and
sends a signal to the electronic control unit when idle state of the vehicle is
attained. Such signal is generated when all the detecting means VPnSW,
which are meant for sensing the vehicle state parameters, which are
necessary for deciding the idle state of the vehicle, are satisfying the
predetermined condition. In an embodiment, the predetermined condition
of the vehicle state parameter for deciding the idle state of the vehicle is a
gear in neutral position i.e. if the vehicle is in neutral gear (VP1), indicating
that idle state of the vehicle is attained. In an embodiment the
predetermined condition of the vehicle state parameter for deciding the
idle state of the vehicle is clutch lever position i.e. if the clutch lever (VP2)
is released, indicates that idle state of the vehicle is attained. In an
embodiment, the predetermined condition of the vehicle state parameters
for deciding the idle state of the vehicle is both, the position of gear and
clutch lever, i.e. if the vehicle is in neutral gear (VP1) and clutch lever
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(VP2) is released, indicates that idle state of the vehicle is attained. It is to
be noted that scope of the invention is not limited to any one or
combination of or set of particular vehicle state parameters (VPs) for
determining the idle state of the vehicle.
[0058] The electronic control unit is configured to receive an
operating signal from at least one detecting means VPnSW , such signal is
an indication that the vehicle has attained the idle state and running of the
engine is not required. In an embodiment, the operating signal is an output
signal of one of the plurality of detecting means VPnSW connected in
series. For example, gear switch is connected in series with a clutch lever
switch and the electronic control unit is coupled to the gear switch. Here,
clutch lever has no communication with the electronic control unit for the
purpose of decide idle state of the vehicle. Therefore, the electronic
control unit will receive a signal from the gear switch if the clutch lever is in
released position and gear is in neutral position. However, the electronic
control unit will not receive the signal from the gear switch if either the
clutch lever is in engaged position or the gear is not in neutral position, in
an embodiment, the clutch switch can be in communication with the
electronic control unit and not the gear switch. In an embodiment, more
than such detecting means can be used to detemiine idle state of the
vehicle. In an embodiment, all the detecting means detecting the essential
vehicle state parameters indicative of idle state of the vehicle are
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connected in series. In an embodiment, all the detecting means detecting
the optional vehicle state parameters for the essential vehicle state
parameters are not connected in series to the essential vehicle state
parameters. For example, gear switch is connected in series with a
combination of one brake lever switch and clutch switch connected
parallel. Therefore, the electronic control unit will receive the operating
signal from the gear switch only if the gear is in neutral position, and one
of the conditions i.e. clutch lever is released or the brake lever is pressed.
Similarly, many other combinations and configurations of detecting means
VPnSW may be used which is apparent to a person skilled in the art.
Furthermore, the electronic control unit disables the at least one engine
operating means upon receiving the operating signal from at least one
detecting means VPnSW and then enable the at least one engine
operating means at the end of a predetermined time.
[0059] 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 / 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 an 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.
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Furthermore, the electronic control unit 200 is configured to enable the
disabled engine operating means at the end of a predetermined time.
[0060] It may be noted that when idle state is attained the
electronic control unit 200 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.
[0061] 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. The
predetemined time interval correspondence to the idle rpm of the engine.
This predetermined time is fixed for a particular idle rpm of the engine. If
the predefined value of the idle rpm is changed then predetermined time
may also correspondingly change. As an example, for one engine, if idle
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rpm is decided to be 1200 then predetermined time would be 'X' seconds;
if the idle rpm is decided to be 1400 then the predetermined time would be
'X+Y' seconds. In one emtx)diment, the predetermined time is a duration
of 1.5 second corresponding to idle rpm of 1500. The predetermined time
is the time by which crank shaft of the engine stops rotating after the
engine operating means are disabled i.e. 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 i.e
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
throftle 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 predetemriined time.
[0062] 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
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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 / 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.
[0063] The restart inputs 195 and vehicle state parameters 280
could be from same sensor device and/or switches. Alternatively, the
restart inputs 195 and the predetermined vehicle state parameters 280
could be from different sensor devices and/or 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 vehicle state parameter 280
the clutch lever is in release position and for restart inputs 195 the clutch
lever is pressed.
[0064] In an embodiment, when the electronic control unit 200
receives such restart input 195, electronic control unit 200 checks for one
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or more restart interiocks 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. 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 vehicle/engine parameter.
In an embodiment, the restart interlock is a combination of more than one
vehicle/engine parameters. The restart input is first vehicle state
parameter and the restart interlock is second vehicle state parameter.
[0065] In accordance with aspects of the present invention, the
engine can also be started from idle state by directly using the ignition
switch/self 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).
[0066] 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, the vehicle state
parameters detected by the one or more detecting means VPnSW. In step
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ST404, the electronic control unit receives a signal from at least one
detecting means VPnSW indicating that the vehicle has attained the idle
state,. At step ST406, the electronic control unit 200 disables the engine
operating means such as the fuel injection system and / 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.
[0067] 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
and/or 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.
[0068] Figure 4 illustrates a flow chart on 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
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vehicle brake position and/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
detemiined 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.
[0069] 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.
[0070] 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.

[We claim:]

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 at least
one detecting means, the electronic control unit is configured to receive
signal from one of the at least one detecting means, wherein the signal is
indicative of the idle state of the vehicle, 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, a gear position, a
brake lever position, a seating position of rider, temperature of the engine
and combinations thereof.
4. The idle stop start system according to claim 1, wherein the
electronic control unit receives a signal from at least one detecting means
when all the detecting means from among the at least one detecting
means detect predetermined conditions.
5. The idle stop start system according to claim 4, wherein the idle
state of the vehicle is attained when a gear is in neutral position, a clutch
lever is in released position or combinations thereof.
6. The idle stop start system according to claim 1, wherein the
detecting means includes switch, sensor device.
7. 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.
8. The idle stop start system according to claim 1, wherein the
electronic control unit comprises ignition control module adapted to control
ignition timing of the engine.
9. The idle stop start system according to claim 1, wherein the
electronic control unit is configured to receive at least one restart input for
enabling the engine.
10. The idle stop start system according to claim 10, 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 beyond a particular degree or
combinations thereof.
11. 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.
12. The idle stop start system according to claim 11, wherein the restart
interlocks include a position of a stand of the vehicle, a position of the
brake lever, a seating position of a rider or any combination thereof.
13. The idle stop start system according to claim 7, wherein the ignition
control unit includes 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 1, 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 1, 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 system
does not require engine revolutions per minute or a throttle position as the
vehicle state parameters to determine the idle state.
20. The idle stop start system according to claim 1, wherein at least two
from among the at least one detecting means are connected in series.
21. The idle stop start system according to claim 1, wherein all from
among the at least one detecting means detecting the essential vehicle
state parameters indicative of idle state of the vehicle are connected in
series.
22. The idle stop start system according to claim 20 or claim 21,
wherein all from among the at least one detecting means detect the
optional vehicle state parameters for the essential vehicle state
parameters are not connected in series to the essential vehicle state
parameters.
23. An idle stop start system as described herein with reference to me
accompanying drawings.
24. A method for operation of an idle stop start system for a vehicle,
comprising:
- detecting at least one vehicle state parameter by at least one detecting
means;
- receiving a signal from at least one detecting means, wherein the signal
is indicative of idle state of the vehicle;
- 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.
25. The method according to claim 24, wherein disabling the engine
operating means comprises disabling a fuel injection system or disabling
an ignition control unit.
26. The method according to claim 24, further comprising receiving a
restart input for enabling the disabled engine operating means.
27. The method according to claim 24, further comprising checking one
or more restart interlocks before enabling the engine operating means.