VEHICLE

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to a vehicle. More particularly but not exclusively the present subject matter relates to a position and actuation sensing device for a handlebar of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

[0002] A security system in the vehicle which is based on Radio Frequency communication starts searching for the D keyD (which in turn is also based on Radio Frequency communication) in its field, i.e. within some specified radius of the vehicle. In case, there is no key in the vehicleDs field, the security system which is activated by one of the triggering mechanisms doesnDt activate the Engine control unit to enable the engine to start. Whereas, when there is a key found (this means the security system has sent some data, and the electronic key has replied back with some acknowledgement) in the specified radius of the vehicle, a particular authentication sequence of data transmission between the key and the vehicle runs over radio frequency, thereby the security system on the vehicle identifies the key as unique or improper, thereby activating or deactivating the ECU(Engine control unit) to enable engine start and lock/unlock the handlebar by electronic means.

[0003] Vehicle security system is used for preventing theft and also helps the rider when the vehicle is in motion. Vehicle anti-theft systems prevent the starting and moving of the vehicle. During riding, the rider can forget to D OND or D OFFD the turn signal lamp which can create problems. Cases 1 and 2, given below discuss the various anti-theft systems and case 3 discusses the need for a sensor to ensure the security of both the vehicle and the rider, during the riding.

[0004] CASE 1 : A vehicle security system is an important technology of the vehicle anti- theft systems. Through communication like radio frequency between the key of the vehicle and the electronic control unit (ECU) placed inside the vehicle, the system identifies the improper keys and enables a system which prevents a vehicle from starting. Thus, protects the vehicle from theft. Immobilization devices usually have both the mechanical and electronic means of preventing or resisting the movement of a vehicle.

[0005] For the purposes of the present subject matter, a security system is a system installed on vehicle which prevents unauthorized access of the vehicle by any person other than the one having the unique electronic key which works with only the predefined vehicle. The security system works in integration with the engine control unit, so, in case someone wants the start a vehicle, he has to start the engine which is controlled by the engine control unit, which in turn is controlled by security system, so for the ECU to start prior the security system has to start, now this security system can be started by several means such as a switch.

[0006] Some of the popular vehicle security systems available today are Remote keyless entry systems, Passive keyless entry system, and Passive keyless go systems used in cars or trucks or motorcycles. In the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) systems, a remote attached to the mechanical key can be used to lock or unlock the vehicle which is at a distance away from the owner assisting him with an ease of access to the vehicle without using the key for opening the doors.

[0007] The state of art vehicle security system presently used in most of the cars or trucks or motorcycles is the Passive keyless entry system which unlocks the doors while the owner touches the door handle in case of cars or trucks; this happens without the interventions like remote press of button by the owner, but just based on the distance of the key (present in the owners pocket) from the vehicle.

[0008] In a motorcycle, the starting mechanism is based on the integrated ignition cum mechanical lock present at the dashboard. Ultimately, even in the presence of such advanced keyless system in a motorcycle. The user has to perform an action of inserting the ignition key in the ignition lock to unlock the ignition as well as the handlebar of the vehicle. Even in the presence of an electronic lock system, there is a need for the user to make some actuation deliberately to enable the security system operation.

[0009] To avoid or to prevent the user from performing the above mentioned actions on the vehicle, there is always a need for triggering system to actuate or to wake-up the security system, unlike conventional operation of the vehicle by the user and without the requirement of extra effort to put into to unlock the vehicle.

[00010] CASE 2: With respect to the above-mentioned case in which, in presence of an

Electronic handlebar lock system in a vehicle to facilitate a user to lock the handlebar based on electronic means; there is always a need for the electronic lock mechanism to know if the position at which it actuates itself to lock or unlock the handlebar is the right one for several safety reasons. Also, the false actuation of the electronic lock mechanism under driving condition can be avoided if the position/angle of the handlebar is sensed.

[00011] CASE 3: Today, vehicle turn indication is done in two ways; first, by manual switching of the turn signal control switch on the handlebar/steering assembly of the vehicle. Second, by sensing the leaning angle of the vehicle while making a turn.

[00012] In the manual actuation of the turn switch by the user, there is always a chance that the user might forget to switch ON the turn signal, or the user might switch ON but forget to switch OFF. In the case of sensing the lean angle of the vehicle, many times while making a turn or while changing a lane the user might not lean, which results in non-actuation of the sensor.

[00013] Hence, to solve the problems stated in both the manual switching of a turn signal and automatic lean sensing based switching of the turn signal, there is a need of an alternate sensor which can sense the intention of the user to take a turn and get back to the straight path in an effective manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00014] Fig. 1 shows the reference positions of a handlebar in a motorcycle type of vehicle.

[00015] Fig. 2 shows the location of a sensor magnet in a front fork assembly of a motorcycle type of vehicle.

[00016] Fig. 3 shows the location of a sensor unit fitted to the immovable/non-rotatable frame assembly of a motorcycle type of vehicle.

[00017] Fig. 4 shows the detailed view of a sensor and magnet placement.

[00018] Fig. 5 shows the proposed location of the magnet part of the sensor unit under the front fork assembly. [00019] Fig. 6 shows the process diagram of the proposed solution.

[00020] Fig. 7 shows the flowchart indicating the sequence of control for the actuation of a handlebar lock.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00021] The present subject matter matter relates to a position and actuation sensing device and method for handlebar of a vehicle. The present subject matter also executes locking and unlocking mechanism of the handlebar of a two-wheeled vehicle by electronic means with assistance from the proposed handlebar angle sensor. This handlebar angle sensor always monitors the position of the handlebar (either in vehicle ON state or vehicle OFF state) and communicates the same for any change caused in the position. When the change in position of the handlebar is available to the electronic lock control unit (ECU), it checks if the vehicle is actually in a locked or un-locked state. For the locked state, examines for a considerable change in the angle position with respect to a pre-determined data stored in a controller. A change in the position is an indication to the electronic lock control unit that a user is trying to unlock the handlebar by providing a small movement with a small margin under the locked condition. Hence, the electronic lock control unit requests the vehicle security system to check for the provision of an authentic key from the user who is trying to unlock the vehicle. Upon successful authentication, the electronic lock control unit sends a message to a lock actuator unit to unlock the handlebar electronically. Otherwise, the system does not respond. But a potential theft attempt will include multiple attempts irrespective of non-authentic access. The number of attempts is being recorded by the security system and when the threshold count of attempts is attained, alerts the owner by blaring of siren.

[00022] In this subject matter, under an unlocked state of the handlebar the electronic lock control unit checks for several inputs from other vehicle electronics including vehicle security system, vehicle movement sense and other safety-related parameters. If the checks are satisfied, then the orientation of the handlebar is verified (Left-Hand or Right-Hand end) of its limit. The desired location of the handlebar enables the lock to engage electronically, else an audible or visual alert is provided to the user to check and align the position of the handlebar to facilitate a proper lock engage. [00023] The present subject matter employs a handlebar angle sensor installed in a specified combination to the immovable and movable component of the vehicle frame and handle (or steering) for sensing the angle or position of the handlebar (or steering). The said handlebar position sensor functions as a triggering mechanism for the security system of the vehicle, establishes the right position of the handlebar (left-hand side / right-hand side) to enable the locking or unlocking electronically, actuating the vehicle turn indicator through automatic detection of the user intention to change a lane or take a turn and de-actuation of vehicle turn indicator by detecting vehicleDs straight path position after a lane change and/or a turn. Further, prevention of continuous drainage of the battery due to the 24x7 working of the security system on a two-wheeler, as the security system wakes up from low power mode to running mode only on the operation of the handlebar movement. Thus, avoids unnecessary draining of the battery even when the vehicle is parked for a longer time. The system facilitates the owner of the vehicle to start the vehicle without any manual operation of the vehicle other than the conventional unnoticeable action on the vehicle like the one stated above.

[00024] This invention is illustrated with reference to a two-wheeler, whereas the same can be applied to any vehicle platform like a scooter, motor cycle, three-wheeler, and four- wheeler.

[00025] With respect to the problems, mentioned in the background section of this document. For all the three cases (1, 2 and 3) already discussed, the present subject matter proposes a handlebar position and angle sensing mechanism as a most suitable solution positioned with a specified combination of the placement of sensor with respect to fixed and rotatable parts of a vehicle.

[00026] In an embodiment of the present subject matter, in order to achieve the desirable position or orientation of the handlebar, it is proposed to use a handlebar angle sensor which is usually based on Hall Effect sensor or magneto resistive sensor technology, which uses magnetic fields to conduct the measurement of information between the sensor and the physical value, i.e. angle or linear position. The contactless operating principle allows the isolation of all rotating components, making the entire sensing system robust with respect to environmental influences and mechanical wear. The sensor evaluates the direction of the magnetic field and not the strength of the field. As a result, the magnetic field based sensors are very tolerant with respect to variations in field strength caused by aging of the magnet, its temperature sensitivity or mechanical fluctuations.

[00027] In an embodiment the proposed solution consists of a rotatable part; a rotatable magnet (301) which is diametrically magnetized is placed in proximity longitudinally to the sensor control unit (302) which is a non-rotatable part fixed to the frame of a vehicle, which is depicted in Figure 5.

[00028] In an another embodiment of the present arrangement of the sensor in the vehicle is to track the position and orientation of the handlebar at repeated intervals of time to assist the handlebar electronic lock system to check if the handlebar is positioned at the right orientation to activate the lock / unlock means in the first embodiment. To provide a signal to the vehicle security system indicating a probable action (movement of handlebar by a very small angle) by the user to unlock the handlebar electronically when it is in a locked condition in the second embodiment.

[00029] In an embodiment the handlebar angle sensor for continuous tracking of the orientation of the handlebar to activate the turn signal mechanism in the vehicle during the vehicle movements including changing lanes, taking a turn and getting back to the straight path.

[00030] The present illustrated positions of the sensor elements can be realized in the same way with other vehicle body structures like scooter type of vehicle or an auto-rickshaw or a four-wheeled vehicle.

[00031] Cases 1 and 2, given herein below, discuss the various anti-theft systems and case

3 discusses the need for a sensor to ensure the security of both the vehicle and the rider, during riding.

[00032] In one embodiment: (CASE 1): In any conventional vehicle access by a user, a common procedure followed first is unlocking the handle before he/she uses it for any purpose. Taking this as an inception to the idea of possible triggering mechanisms; the following disclosure discusses a sensor which senses the slightest change in the angle of the position of the handlebar, thereby sends a wake-up signal to the vehicle security system. This initiates the authentication process if the person causing the change in angle of the handlebar has an authentic key if the authentication fails; wake-up mechanism goes unnoticed or upon multiple similar consecutive fails may cause a vehicle alarm actuation indicating theft. In the case of an authentic key, once the authentication happens successfully, the vehicle electronics checks if the handlebar is positioned at the right required angle with respect to the reference for proper unlocking. In the case of which an actuation of the electronic lock mechanism to unlock the handlebar can occur successfully without any faults.

[00033] In second embodiment: (CASE 2): In the case of performing locking of the handlebar either intentionally by the rider of a vehicle or automatically by the vehicle electronics (under pre-defined conditions), there is always a need of the handlebar to be at one of the ends of its orientation angle range for proper automatic locking. The proposed sensor exactly determines the exact position of the handlebar for performing the required actions at the desired times.

[00034] Figure 1 illustrates the possible orientations of a vehicle (100) handlebar (101) during standstill as well as in the running conditions. The maximum angle to which the handlebar can be oriented in either of the left-hand and right-hand side is denoted by 0Θ0 with the reference axis shown.

[00035] Considering a motorcycle type of vehicle (100), its front fork assembly (201) is a rotating part at the axis of the fork tube, and main frame (206) of the vehicle is the immovable/rotatable part. Taking into account, the principle of operation of a magnetic field based rotation sensor, there is a need of a fixed sensor control unit (302) and a rotatable magnet (301) placed in close proximity to each other for the sensor control unit (302) to precisely measure a fraction of change in the orientation of the rotatable magnet (301) at its axis of rotation. The sensor control unit (302) consists of a sensor IC (303) being powered by the power supply of the vehicle (100) .The sensor IC (303) interfaces with other control units via any of the communication protocols like CAN, LIN, etc.

[00036] Figures 2 illustrates the front fork assembly (201) of a motorcycle type of vehicle

(100) , with a location of the rotatable magnet (301) placed in an orifice provided in a supporting frame (300). The orifice provided in the supporting frame (300) provides protection to the rotatable magnet (301) from external factors like direct impact due to dirt, water, air.

[00037] Figure 3 illustrates the rotation of the handlebar (101) and the movement of the handlebar (101) is continuously monitored for any change of angle or position of the handlebar

(101) which is sensed by the sensor control unit (302). The rotatable magnet(301) rotates when the there is any movement in the handlebar(lOl) which is ,in turn, sensed by the sensor IC (303) mounted on the sensor control unit (302). The rotation of handlebar (101) is along the head tube (202) axis. [00038] Figure 4 illustrates the main frame (206) of a motorcycle type of the vehicle

(100) with an arrangement for placement of the sensor control unit (302), hence making it non- rotatable as per the requirement of angle sensing principle. The sensor control unit (302) is an integrated sensor unit with signal conditioning electronics and sensor IC (303) which takes care of the sensing and thereby the signal conditioning of the sensed signal to further communicate with the electronic lock control unit through a data communication line. The sensor control unit (302) is mounted on a mounting plate (309) fastened on the main frame (206) of the vehicle (100) through holes (308) provided on the mounting plate (309). The mounting plate (309) allows reducing the gap between the sensor control unit (302) and rotatable magnet (301) for improved results.

[00039] Fig. 5 illustrates the handlebar angle sensor (500).The handlebar angle sensor

(500) comprises two parts. One part is a fixed part which comprises a sensor control unit (302) mounted on the mounting plate (309) where the mounting plate (309) is fastened on the main frame (206) of the vehicle (100).The second part is a moving part where the rotatable magnet

(301) is aligned longitudinally, along the same axis of rotation as that of sensor control unit

(302) . The sensor control unit (302) is provided with a sensor IC (303) to sense any change of angle or position of the handlebar (101). Sensor control unit (302) is kept at close proximity with the rotatable magnet (301). The distance between the sensor control unit (302) and rotatable magnet (301) is in the range 1mm to 2mm. The sensor control unit (302) is stationary with respect to rotatable magnet (301). The sensor control unit (302) is fixed onto the fixed/non- moving part of the vehicle (100) and the rotatable magnet (301) is mounted on moving part of the vehicle (100).

[00040] With respect to Figure 6, the power supply unit (304) which is a battery, supplies power to all vehicle electronics of which handlebar angle sensor (500) where rotatable magnet (301) is a moving part and sensor control unit (302) is fixed part, an electronic lock control unit (305) are the parts for consideration in this proposal. With respect to the continuous reporting of the status of handlebar position by the sensor to the electronic lock control unit (305) coupled with various other inputs (307) (vehicle security system is one of them) from other electronics of the vehicle, the electronic lock control unit (305) takes a decision whether it is the right time to lock / unlock the handlebar by electronic means using a mechanism of lock actuation (306). [00041] Figure 7 indicates the flow of control to execute the handlebar (101) lock / unlock by electronic means with assistance from the proposed handlebar angle sensor (500). The entire process of the present subject matter has been show in steps SI to S12. Step SI involves handle bar position sensing where the sensor control unit (302) always monitors the position of the handlebar (101) (either in vehicle ON condition or vehicle OFF condition) and tries to communicate the same to the electronic lock control unit (305) in the case of any change in the same. Once the position/ change in position of the handlebar are available to the electronic lock control unit (305); electronic lock control unit (305), in step S2, checks if the vehicle is actually in the locked or un-locked state. In step S3, under condition of locked state, electronic lock control unit (305) checks if the change in angle position is considerable with respect to predetermined data and predetermined angle stored in the controller; under which it is an indication to the control unit that user is trying to unlock the handlebar by giving a small movement with a small margin which every vehicle has under locked condition. Hence, the electronic lock control unit (305) requests the vehicle security system to check if the user trying to unlock the vehicle has an authentic key with him/her in step S4. In case authentication is successful or unsuccessful depending on the key and vehicle security system decides the authentication in step S5. In step S6 the control unit sends a message to lock actuator unit to unlock the handlebar electronically if the authentication is successful. Otherwise the system doesnDt respond in step S7. But a potential theft attempt can include multiple attempts irrespective of non-authentic access, which the security system keeps a record of and alerts with a siren upon reaching a threshold count of attempts.

[0001] Under condition of unlocked state of handlebar (101) in step S2, electronic lock control unit (305) checks for several inputs in step S8 from other vehicle electronics including vehicle security system, vehicle movement sense and other safety related parameters upon satisfaction of all of them, checks if the orientation of the handlebar is actually either at Left-Hand or Right- Hand end in step S10 of its limit. Also, it is checked whether the vehicle is in standstill condition in step S9. In case, it is at the desired location, sends a message to lock the handlebar (101) through lock actuation in step Sll to engage the lock electronically, otherwise alerts the user to check the position of handlebar (101) and align accordingly for a proper lock engage by audible or visual means in step S12. When vehicle (100) is not in standstill condition (A) in step S9 the electronic lock control unit (305) senses the intention of the user while driving and checks for the position of the handlebar (101) and if not shifted from the reference axis then there is response otherwise if there is shift in the position of the handlebar (101) and the direction of shift is right then electronic lock control unit (305) will look for the time elapsed and if the time elapsed is greater than predetermined time then right turn indicator actuates. Similarly, if there is shift of handlebar (101) in left hand side for a time period greater than predetermined time then the left turn indicator gets actuated. When the handlebar (101) aligns along reference axis ,turn off indicator actuates .In the vehicle (100) standstill condition the user has predetermined number of attempts to unlock the vehicle (100) in S8 otherwise siren goes off to alert the owner by audible or visual means. During owner authentication step accepting key for said authentication process is in the range lm to 1.2m.The vehicle will switch off ignition if it remains in standstill condition for predetermined period of time.

[0002] Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible in the light of above disclosure. Therefore, within the scope of claims of the present subject matter, the present disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described.