A System for Controlling one or more Electrical loads of a Vehicle and Method Thereof

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention relates to a two-wheeled vehicle and more particularly, to a system and a method for controlling one or more electrical loads of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] Idling state of a motor vehicle occurs when an engine of the vehicle is kept running but the vehicle is not in motion. Vehicle idling results in unnecessary consumption of fuel by the engine and emission of harmful gases into the environment. Reducing the amount of energy wasted in idling conditions especially at heavy traffic zones significantly helps in gaining better fuel economy for vehicles. In this regard, an idle stop start (ISS) system is generally installed in the existing electrical system of the vehicle. [003] Typically, the ISS system stops the engine in idling condition and starts the engine when restarting from idling condition. Since ignition switch of the vehicle is in ON state when the ISS system stops the engine, electrical loads of the vehicle still receive power from a battery. For example, a brake lamp will glow if a brake lever is pressed. Accordingly, if a rider inadvertently presses the brake switch when the ISS system has stopped the engine, the brake lamp will continue to glow. This results in unnecessary battery discharge during engine off condition.

[004] Low battery charge can lead to startability issue of the engine. During idle stop start (ISS) conditions, the unintentional switching ON of the brake lamp or any other electrical load can reduce the battery life to a greater extend. Moreover, a weak battery due to regular discharge of battery power can also randomly create issues for other battery-operated features. Hence, it reduces battery life and can possibly create difficulty in starting the vehicle.

[005] Thus, there is a need in the art for a system which can control the operation of various electrical loads of a vehicle and addresses at least the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[006] In one aspect, the present invention is directed towards a system for controlling one or more electrical loads of a vehicle. The system has an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) machine, an engine operatively connected with the ISG machine and a control unit operatively connected to one or more electrical loads and the ISG machine. The first control unit receives a plurality of vehicle parameters. Based on the vehicle parameters, the first control unit determines whether the plurality of vehicle parameters meet a first set of predetermined conditions for idle stop, or the plurality of vehicle parameters meet a second set of predetermined conditions for idle start. Further, based on the vehicle parameters, the first control unit operate the ISG machine to stop the engine in idle stop condition or operate the ISG machine to restart the engine in idle start condition. Furthermore, based on the vehicle parameters, the first control unit deactivate the one or more electrical loads in idle stop condition or activate the one or more electrical loads in idle start condition.

[007] In an embodiment of the invention, a second control unit is in communication with the first control unit. The second control unit obtains the plurality of vehicle parameters from a plurality of sensors and transmit the plurality of vehicle parameters to the first control unit.

[008] In an embodiment of the invention, the first control unit determines whether the vehicle is in an ISS mode.

[009] In an embodiment of the invention, the first set of predetermined conditions for idle stop comprises at least one of the following: (i) determining whether a vehicle speed obtained from a vehicle speed sensor is less than a predetermined speed of the vehicle, (ii) determining whether the vehicle speed obtained from the vehicle speed sensor is equal to zero, (iii) determining whether an engine temperature obtained from an engine temperature sensor is less than a predetermined engine temperature, (iv) determining whether an engine speed obtained from an engine speed sensor is less than a predetermined engine speed, (v) determining whether a throttle position value obtained from a throttle position sensor is less than a predetermined throttle position value.

[010] In an embodiment of the invention, the second set of predetermined conditions for idle start comprises at least one of the following: (i) determining whether a clutch signal value, a brake signal value, and the throttle position value is below a corresponding predefined threshold value, (ii) determining whether the engine temperature obtained from the engine temperature sensor is greater than the predetermined temperature (iii) determining whether a battery voltage is greater than a predetermined battery voltage, (iv) determining whether the throttle position value obtained from the throttle position sensor is less than a predetermined throttle position value, (v) determining whether a rate of throttle rise in milliseconds calculated by the second control unit after obtaining from the throttle position sensor is less than or equal to a predetermined value.

[011] In an embodiment of the invention, the first control unit controls a ground connection of the one or more electrical loads whereby the first control unit activates the ground connection when the vehicle is not in idle stop condition and deactivates the ground connection when the vehicle is in idle stop condition.

[012] In an embodiment of the invention, the one or more electrical loads comprises a brake lamp, a tail lamp, a head lamp, a turn signal light, a horn, an auxiliary light, an indicator light, infotainment system, and an air conditioner (AC). [013] In an embodiment of the invention, the first control unit operates the ISG machine to stop the engine and deactivates the brake lamp when the vehicle is in idle stop condition and a brake lever is pressed.

[014] In an embodiment of the invention, the first control unit operates the ISG machine to start the engine and activates the brake lamp when the vehicle is in idle start condition and the brake lever is pressed.

[015] In an embodiment of the invention, the first control unit operates the ISG machine to start the engine and activates the turn signal light and/or a horn, when the vehicle is in idle start condition and a turn signal switch is pressed.

[016] In an embodiment of the invention, the horn comprises a high tone horn or a low tone horn.

[017] In an embodiment of the invention, the low tone horn is activated when the turn signal switch is pressed thereby alerting the user, pedestrians and other vehicle riders.

[018] In an embodiment of the invention, the first control unit selectively activates or deactivates the one or more electrical loads based on intensity of ambient lighting around the vehicle and conditions of a battery in the vehicle, wherein the intensity of ambient lighting around the vehicle is determined using an ambient light sensor mounted on the vehicle.

[019] In an embodiment of the invention, the first control unit comprises an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) controller. [020] In an embodiment of the invention, the second control unit comprises a vehicle control unit.

[021] In another aspect, the present invention is directed towards a method for controlling one or more electrical loads of a vehicle. The method comprises the steps for receiving, by a first control unit, a plurality of vehicle parameters. The method comprises the step for determining, by the first control unit, whether the plurality of vehicle parameters meet a first set of predetermined conditions for idle stop, or the plurality of vehicle parameters meet a second set of predetermined conditions for idle start. The method comprises the step for operating, by the first control unit, an ISG machine to stop the engine in idle stop condition or operating the ISG machine to restart the engine in idle start condition. The method comprises the step for deactivating, by the first control unit, one or more electrical loads in idle stop condition or activating the one or more electrical loads in idle start condition.

[022] In an embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step for obtaining, by a second control unit, the plurality of vehicle parameters from a plurality of sensors and transmitting, by the second control unit, the plurality of vehicle parameters to the first control unit.

[023] In an embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step for determining, by the first control unit, whether the vehicle is in an ISS mode. [024] In an embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step for determining, by the first control unit, the first set of predetermined conditions for idle stop which comprises at least one of the following: (i) determining whether a vehicle speed obtained from a vehicle speed sensor is less than a predetermined speed of the vehicle, (ii) determining whether the vehicle speed obtained from the vehicle speed sensor is equal to zero, (iii) determining whether an engine temperature obtained from an engine temperature sensor is less than a predetermined engine temperature, (iv) determining whether an engine speed obtained from an engine speed sensor is less than a predetermined engine speed, (v) determining whether a throttle position value obtained from a throttle position sensor is less than a predetermined throttle position value.

[025] In an embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step for determining, by the first control unit, the second set of predetermined conditions for idle start comprises at least one of the following: (i) determining whether a clutch signal value, a brake signal value, and the throttle position value is below a corresponding predefined threshold value, (ii) determining whether the engine temperature obtained from the engine temperature sensor is greater than the predetermined temperature (iii) determining whether a battery voltage is greater than a predetermined battery voltage, (iv) determining whether the throttle position value obtained from the throttle position sensor is less than a predetermined throttle position value, (v) determining whether a rate of throttle rise in milliseconds calculated by the second control unit after obtaining from the throttle position sensor is less than or equal to a predetermined value.

[026] In an embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step for controlling, by the first control unit, a ground connection of the one or more electrical loads whereby the first control unit activates the ground connection when the vehicle is not in idle stop condition and deactivates the ground connection when the vehicle is in idle stop condition.

[027] In an embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step for operating, by the first control unit, the ISG machine to stop the engine and deactivating the brake lamp when the vehicle is in idle stop condition and a brake lever is pressed.

[028] In an embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step for operating, by the first control unit, the ISG machine to start the engine and activating the brake lamp when the vehicle is in idle start condition and the brake lever is pressed.

[029] In an embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step for operating, by the first control unit, the ISG machine to start the engine and activating the turn signal light and/or a horn, when the vehicle is in idle start condition and a turn signal switch is pressed.

[030] In an embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step for selectively activating or deactivating, by the first control unit, the one or more electrical loads based on intensity of ambient lighting around the vehicle and conditions of a battery in the vehicle, wherein the intensity of ambient lighting around the vehicle is determined using an ambient light sensor mounted on the vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[031] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.

Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 illustrates position of control unit on the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3 illustrates a block diagram of a system for controlling one or more electrical loads of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4 illustrates a method for controlling one or more electrical loads of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 5 illustrates a flowchart for a method for controlling one or more electrical loads of a vehicle, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[032] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder.

[033] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In the present embodiment, the vehicle 100 is a two-wheeled vehicle. The vehicle 100 comprises an Internal combustion engine 136 (hereinafter referred to as ‘engine 136’) that is vertically disposed. Preferably, the engine 136 is a single-cylinder type internal combustion engine. The vehicle 100 comprises a front wheel 140, a rear wheel 126, a frame member (not shown), a seat assembly 156 and a fuel tank 154. The frame member comprises a head pipe 146, a main tube 154, a down tube (not shown), and seat rails (not shown). The head pipe 146 supports a steering shaft (not shown) and two telescopic front suspensions 142 (only one shown) attached to the steering shaft through a lower bracket (not shown). The two telescopic front suspensions 142 support the front wheel 140. The upper portion of the front wheel 140 is covered by a front fender 144 mounted to a lower portion of the telescopic front suspension 142 at the end of the steering shaft. A handlebar 150 is fixed to upper bracket (not shown) and can rotate to both sides. A head lamp 148, a visor guard (not shown) and instrument cluster (not shown) are arranged on an upper portion of the head pipe 146. The frame member comprises a down tube (not shown) that may be located in front of the engine 136 and extends slantingly downward from head pipe 146. The main tube 152 of the frame member is located above the engine 136 and extends rearward from head pipe 146. The engine 136 is mounted at the front to the down tube and a rear of the engine 136 is mounted at the rear portion of the main tube 152.

[034] In an embodiment, the engine 136 is mounted vertically, with a cylinder block (not shown) extending vertically above a crankcase (not shown). In an alternative embodiment, the engine 136 is mounted horizontally (not shown) with the cylinder block extending horizontally forwardly from the crankcase. In an embodiment, the cylinder block is disposed rearwardly of the down tube.

[035] The fuel tank 154 is mounted on the horizontal portion of the main tube 152. Seat rails (not shown) are joined to main tube 152 and extend rearward to support a seat assembly 156. A swing arm 130 is connected to the frame member to swing vertically, and the rear wheel 126 is connected to a rear end of the swing arm 130. Generally, the swing arm 130 is supported by a mono rear suspension 132 (as illustrated in the present embodiment) or through two suspensions on either side of the vehicle 100. A tail lamp unit 248 is disposed at the end of the vehicle 100 and at the rear of the seat assembly 156. A grab rail 160 is also provided on the rear of the seat rails. The rear wheel 126 arranged below seat 156 rotates upon receiving a driving force or motive force generated in the engine 136 through a chain drive (not shown). A rear fender 122 is disposed above the rear wheel 126. A turn signal light 124 is disposed on the rear portion of the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the turn signal light 124 is disposed on the rear fender 122 of the vehicle 100.

[036] Further, an exhaust pipe 138 of the vehicle 100 extends vertically downward from the engine 136 up to defined length and thereafter extends horizontally along a rear direction of the vehicle 100 and terminates as a muffler 128. The muffler 128 is typically disposed adjoining the rear wheel 126.

[037] Referring to Figure 2, the engine 136 is operatively connected with an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) machine 226 (shown in Figure 3). The ISG machine 226 is further connected to a first control unit 164 which controls the ISG machine 226 to monitor and generate different riding modes, charging the battery and facilitating an Idle Stop Start feature. In an embodiment of the present invention, the first control unit 164 is an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) controller. Further, the first control unit 164 is connected to one or more electrical loads. The term ‘one or more electrical loads’ is interchangeably used henceforth in the description for referring to a single electrical load or multiple electrical loads, without defeating the scope of the present invention. In an embodiment, the one or more electrical loads comprises a brake lamp 120, a tail lamp 248, a head lamp 148, a turn signal light 124, a horn 252, (shown in Figure 3) an auxiliary light, an indicator light, infotainment system, and an air conditioner (AC). In an embodiment, the brake lamp 120 is operatively connected with a brake lever 162 wherein the brake lamp is turned ON when the brake lever 162 is actuated.

[038] Figure 3 illustrates a block diagram of a system 200 for controlling one or more electrical loads of a vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The system 200 comprises the first control unit 164 which is operatively connected to one or more electrical loads 124, 248, 148, 120, 252 and the ISG machine 226.

The system 200 further comprises a second control unit 228 which receives a plurality of vehicle parameters from a plurality of sensors (not shown in figure). The vehicle parameters comprise, but are not limited to, a vehicle speed, a throttle position value, an engine speed, a battery voltage, a vehicle riding mode, an engine temperature, a clutch signal, a brake signal, a neutral signal. In the present embodiment, the second control unit 228 is a vehicle control unit. The second control unit 228 is in communication with the first control unit 164 and configured to transmit the plurality of vehicle parameters to the first control unit 164.

[039] The first control unit 164 is configured to determine whether the vehicle 100 is in ISS mode. In case the vehicle 100 is in ISS mode, the first control unit 164 further determines whether the plurality of vehicle parameters meet a first set of predetermined conditions for idle stop or the plurality of vehicle parameters meet a second set of predetermined conditions for idle start. Depending upon the predetermined conditions, the first control unit 164, operate the ISG machine 226 to stop the engine 136 in idle stop condition or operate the ISG machine 226 to restart the engine 136 in idle start condition. Consequently, the first control unit 164 also deactivates the one or more electrical loads in idle stop condition or activate the one or more electrical loads in idle start condition.

[040] The first set of predetermined conditions for idle stop incudes at least one of the following conditions. One such condition is checked by determining whether the vehicle speed obtained from a vehicle speed sensor is less than a predetermined speed of the vehicle 100. If the vehicle speed is below a predetermined speed then it indicates that the vehicle 100 is in idle stop condition. The other condition is checked by determining whether the vehicle speed obtained from the vehicle speed sensor is equal to zero. If it is zero then it indicates that the vehicle 100 is in idle stop condition. In addition to the speed of the vehicle 100, it is also possible that other parameters of the vehicle 100 are considered for determining the vehicle stop condition. The other condition is checked by determining whether the engine temperature obtained from the engine temperature sensor is less than a predetermined engine temperature. If the engine temperature is below a predetermined engine temperature then it indicates that the vehicle 100 is in idle stop condition. Similarly, the other condition is checked by determining whether the engine speed obtained from an engine speed sensor is less than a predetermined engine speed. If the engine speed is below a predetermined engine speed then it indicates that the vehicle 100 is in idle stop condition. Similarly, the other condition is checked by determining whether the throttle position value obtained from a throttle position sensor is less than a predetermined throttle position value. If the throttle position value is below a predetermined throttle position value then it indicates that the vehicle 100 is in idle stop condition. Further, the above conditions should be stable for a given predetermined time. The engine is deactivated only if, the above conditions are observed for the predetermined time. For example, the predetermined time is between 2 seconds to 15 seconds. The predetermined time can be set based on climatic conditions. When all or at least one of these predetermined stop conditions are satisfied for the predetermined time, the first control unit 164 performs the idle stop operation.

[041] The second set of predetermined conditions for idle start incudes at least one of the following conditions. Such conditions are checked by determining whether a clutch signal value, a brake signal value, and the throttle position value is below a corresponding predefined threshold value. If the clutch signal value, the brake signal value, and the throttle position value is below a corresponding predefined threshold value then it indicates that the vehicle 100 is in idle start condition. The other condition is checked by determining whether the engine temperature obtained from the engine temperature sensor is greater than the predetermined temperature. If the engine temperature is greater than the predetermined engine temperature then it indicates that the vehicle 100 is in idle start condition. Another such condition is checked by determining whether a battery voltage is greater than a predetermined battery voltage. If the battery voltage is greater than a predetermined battery voltage then it indicates that the vehicle 100 is in idle start condition. Similarly, another condition is checked by determining whether the throttle position value obtained from the throttle position sensor is less than a predetermined throttle position value. If the throttle position value is below a predetermined throttle position value then it indicates that the vehicle 100 is in idle start condition. Also, another condition is checked by determining whether a rate of throttle rise in milliseconds calculated by the second control unit 228 after obtaining from the throttle position sensor is less than or equal to a predetermined value. If the throttle position value is less than or equal to a predetermined throttle position value then it indicates that the vehicle 100 is in idle start condition. If all the above conditions are satisfied, then the first control unit 164 will perform an idle start operation by cranking the engine 136 of the vehicle 100. In another embodiment, even if at least one of the above conditions is satisfied then the first control unit 164 will perform an idle start operation by cranking the engine 136 of the vehicle 100.

[042] In an embodiment, the first control unit 164 operates the ISG machine 226 to stop the engine 136 and then deactivates the brake lamp 120 when the vehicle 100 is in idle stop condition and the brake lever 162 (shown in Figure 2) is pressed. In idle start condition when the brake lever 162 is pressed, the first control unit 164 operates the ISG machine 226 to start the engine 136 and activates the brake lamp 120.

[043] In another embodiment, the first control unit 164 controls a ground connection of the one or more electrical loads whereby the first control unit 164 activates the ground connection when the vehicle 100 is not in idle stop condition and deactivates the ground connection when the vehicle 100 is in idle stop condition. When ground connection is activated, power path of the electrical load is completed and thus can be operated to turn ON or turn OFF.

[044] In an another such embodiment, the first control unit 164 operates the ISG machine 226 to start the engine 136 and activates the turn signal light 124 and/or a horn 252, when the vehicle 100 is in idle start condition and a turn signal switch is pressed. The horn 252 can be either a low tone horn or a high tone horn. The low tone horn is activated when the turn signal switch is pressed thereby alerting the user, pedestrians and other vehicle riders that their turn signal light is ON.

[045] In another embodiment, the first control unit 164 selectively activates or deactivates the one or more electrical loads based on intensity of ambient lighting around the vehicle 100 and conditions of a battery in the vehicle 100. The intensity of ambient lighting around the vehicle 100 is determined using an ambient light sensor 258 which is mounted on the vehicle 100. In first scenario, if a battery charge level is greater than a threshold value and the ambient light is less than a threshold value then deactivate the brake lamp 120 but keep the head lamp 148 ON. In second scenario, if the battery charge level is less than the threshold value and the ambient light is greater than the threshold value then deactivate both the brake lamp 120 and the head lamp 148. In third scenario, if the battery charge level is less than the threshold value and the ambient light is less than the threshold value then deactivate all other electrical loads and keep the head lamp 148 in ON state.

[046] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method 300 for controlling one or more electrical loads of a vehicle 100, as referenced above. Figure 4 illustrates, the method steps involved in the method 300. At step 304, a plurality of vehicle parameters which are captured by a plurality of sensors located in the vehicle 100, are received by the second control unit 228 and then transmitted to first control unit 164. At step 306, the first control unit 232 determines whether the vehicle 100 is in the ISS mode. At step 308, the first control unit 164 determines whether the plurality of vehicle parameters received at step 304 meet a first set of predetermined conditions for idle stop or the plurality of vehicle parameters received at step 304 meet a second set of predetermined conditions for idle start. At step 310, the first control unit 164 operates the ISG machine 226 to stop the engine 136 in idle stop condition or operate the ISG machine 226 to restart the engine 136 in idle start condition. At step 312, the first control unit 164 deactivates the one or more electrical loads in idle stop condition or activate the one or more electrical loads in idle start condition.

[047] In an embodiment, method 400 for controlling one or more electrical loads of a vehicle 100, as illustrated in Figure 5, starts when the ignition is in ON state. At step 404, once the ignition is ON, the first control unit 164, determines whether the vehicle 100 is in the ISS mode. And if the vehicle 100 is in ISS mode, then at step 406, the first control unit 164 determine whether the idle stop conditions are satisfied based upon the plurality of vehicle parameters received. If the idle stop conditions are not satisfied, then it checks for the idle start condition. But if the idle stop conditions are satisfied, then at step 408, engine 136 is stopped by the first control unit 164 and at step 410, deactivates the one or more electrical loads. After deactivating loads, the first control unit 164 will check the plurality of vehicle parameters to satisfy for idle start conditions at step 406. At step 408, once the idle start conditions are satisfied, the first control unit 164, will start the engine 136, and at step 410, it will activate the one or more electrical loads.

[048] Advantageously, the present invention prevents the battery from discharging. Hence, improves the battery life. The present invention provides the system 200 and the method 300 for controlling the operations of one or more electrical loads depending upon various predetermined conditions in idle stop or idle start condition. The invention also reduces the unintentionally switching ON of various electrical loads and thus save battery power. By saving battery power the present invention reduces the startability issues of the engine 136.

[049] Further, the present invention ensures that the activation of the electrical loads is more controlled. Hence, increases the working efficiency of the vehicle 100. Moreover, it also leads to customer satisfaction as it reduces the startability issue of the engine 136.

[050] Furthermore, one or more computer-readable storage media may be utilized in implementing embodiments consistent with the present invention. A computer-readable storage medium refers to any type of physical memory on which information or data readable by a processor may be stored. Thus, a computer-readable storage medium may store instructions for execution by one or more processors, including instructions for causing the processor(s) to perform steps or stages consistent with the embodiments described herein. The term "computer- readable medium" should be understood to include tangible items and exclude carrier waves and transient signals, i.e., be non-transitory. Examples include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), volatile memory, nonvolatile memory, hard drives, CD ROMs, DVDs, flash drives, disks, and any other known physical storage media.

[051] The claimed steps as discussed above are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed steps enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. The claimed steps solve the technical problem of battery discharge due to the unintentionally switching ON of various electrical loads. Hence, the claimed steps improve the battery life by deactivating the one or more electrical loads based on satisfying one of the first set of predetermined conditions or the second set of predetermined conditions. The claimed steps also reduce the startability issues of the engine 136 by saving the battery power.

[052] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.