WO2018178885A1

WO2018178885A1 - An idle start-stop system for a two wheeled vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2018178885A1
Application number: PCT/IB2018/052110
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chidambaram SUBRAMONIAM; Muthuraja ANNAMALAI; Kotha Venkata NAGA SUDHAKAR; Thatavarthi PRAKASAM SURESH; Sankari SUBBIAH; Rohit SINGH PATHANIA; Vigneshwara RAJA KESAVAN
Original assignee: Tvs Motor Company Limited
Priority date: 2017-03-28
Filing date: 2018-03-28
Publication date: 2018-10-04
Also published as: CN110462185B; EP3601769A4; EP3601769A1; CN110462185A; BR112019020392A2; MX2019011550A; PE20191442A1

Abstract

The present subject matter discloses an idle start-stop (ISS) system (200). The idle start- stop (ISS) system (200) comprising a controller unit (201), said controller unit (201) on actuation by an ISS switch (207) configured to continuously receive various vehicle related data from plurality of sensors (214, 212, 215, and 216) to determine the activation and deactivation conditions to activate and deactivate an IC engine (101). The idle start- stop (ISS) system (200) ensures that the actuating mechanism (such as a throttle bar) to activate the IC engine (101) within the desired or permissible safety limits for providing better safety feel to the rider. Further, the present subject matter provides suitable indication to output devices such as ISS lamp (206) to ensure the rider is intimated as to the conditions of ISS mode activation and deactivation.

Description

AN IDLE START-STOP SYSTEM FOR A TWO

WHEELED VEHICLE

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to an idle start-stop system and method of controlling the idle start-stop system for the vehicle.

BACKGROUND

[0002] An internal combustion (IC) engine converts thermal energy obtained from burning of a fuel with air into mechanical energy which provides motive force to a vehicle. But, during operation of the vehicle, there are times wherein the vehicle is stopped for a brief period of time but IC engine is not switched off by operation of the ignition key and are kept in idling conditions. Such conditions include, stopping during road congestion or in traffic signals. Increasingly stringent emission standards and with an aim to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy, it is desirable to increase the efficiency of the vehicle. One of the techniques to improving vehicle efficiency is by using idle start-stop system. Idle start-stop system reduces fuel consumption and exhaust emissions by switching off the IC engine at idling conditions and automatically switching on at speeds exceeding idling speeds with an actuator. In conventional idle start-stop system the automatic restarting of the vehicle occurs by the actuation of any trigger such as the turn of the throttle, brake actuation etc. Since, the throttle is controlled by a rider of the vehicle, smooth operation of the throttle is not possible. The throttle maybe subject to quick wide open throttle, or extremely small throttle which makes quick starting difficult. Sometimes, under wide open throttle, the IC engine is subjected to sudden acceleration which can cause a potential safety risk for the rider in automatic two wheeled vehicles. Further, effective indication to a rider of different modes of idle start-stop system is lacking. Hence to alleviate the drawbacks highlighted above the present subject matter proposes an idle start-stop system described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0001] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.

[0002] Fig. 1. illustrates the isometric view of an exemplary two wheeled vehicle employing the embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0003] Fig. 2. illustrates the block diagram illustrating the idle start-stop system according to the embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0004] Fig. 3. illustrates the flowchart illustrating a method to control the idle start-stop system according to the embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0005] Fig. 4. illustrates the flowchart illustrating the method to control the idle start-stop system including the ISS activation conditions, IC engine deactivation conditions, and IC engine deactivation conditions.

[0006] Fig. 5. illustrates the flowchart illustrating a method to deactivate the idle start-stop mode according to the embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0007] Fig. 6. illustrates the flowchart illustrating a method to control the idle start-stop system according to another embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0008] Fig. 7. illustrates an enlarged view of a single handlebar according to the embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder. In the ensuing exemplary embodiments, the vehicle is a two wheeled vehicle. However it is contemplated that the disclosure in the present invention may be applied to any automobile capable of accommodating the present subject matter without defeating the spirit of the present invention. The detailed explanation of the constitution of parts other than the present invention which constitutes an essential part has been omitted at suitable places.

[00010] Generally, present day automobiles are equipped with idle start-stop system that automatically turn off an internal combustion (IC) engine in a state of vehicle idling. In internal combustion engine the combustion of fuel does not take place steadily and varies at intervals of time based on the automobile throttle state. An idling state occurs when such an engine is kept running when the vehicle is not in use or in a standstill position while parking. Vehicle idling results in unnecessary consumption of fuel by the engine and emission of harmful gases into the environment. To overcome this, a system to effectively control the IC engine during idling is placed in such automobiles. Reducing the amount of energy wasted in idling conditions especially at heavy traffic zones significantly helps in gaining better fuel economy for vehicles.

[00011] The state of disabling the IC engine during idling is achieved by taking into consideration various parameters. Those conditions include measurement of speed of the automobile, measurement of IC engine revolutions, engine temperature and state of battery charge. The vehicle speed and IC engine revolutions give an indication as to the state of the IC engine that is whether it is in idling or running condition. The state of charge of a battery is an estimate of the amount of energy available in a battery at a given instant of time and is an indication of the approximate duration for which the battery may continue to perform. This gives an indication as to the duration in which the IC engine can be reliably started by using battery power. Measuring engine temperature permits checking of whether IC engine is operating at optimum IC engine temperature at vehicle running speed.

[00012] During IC engine restarting, any actuating mechanisms typically referred to as trigger is used. Such triggers include throttle bar, clutch actuation, brake pedal actuation etc. In a saddle type vehicle e.g. a two wheeled vehicle, if throttle bar is used as actuator for restarting then sudden and accelerated movement of the throttle bar may cause sudden acceleration and sudden rise in revolutions which causes jerk and is also a potential safety risk. Engine should start smoothly without any struggle with one-way clutch system or integrated starter generator system. It should not give any jerk to the rider after starting. Engine starting will also become difficult in wide open throttle condition. If starting is restricted to a small throttle opening, then quick starting and moving of vehicle from an idle stop condition will be difficult. Further if engine starting is restricted to a wide throttle opening, the rider might open the throttle beyond this range to quickly start and move the vehicle and the engine will crank but not start properly. Further, during conditions wherein the ISS system is activated, the IC engine is shut off and the rider may choose to push the two wheeled vehicle by physical force and forget to switch off the ISS mode. Another possibility arises that, the rider can park the two wheeled vehicle and not switched off the ISS mode but keep the ignition switch on. Then, there is possibility that the IC engine may get restarted by actuating any trigger inadvertently. Hence, it is necessary that ISS system should be able to identify and address such conditions.

[00013] In an idle start-stop system various output devices such as an ISS lamp is used to provide an indication to the rider whether the ISS system is actuated or not. But, due to various operating conditions it is essential to indicate to the rider whether ISS mode is activated in the two wheeled vehicle. For example, in cold atmospheric conditions, after starting of the IC engine the engine temperature is not yet within the optimum operating temperature range. In such conditions, it is disadvantageous to activate the ISS mode. Further, after activation of the ISS switch, it is desirable to determine other conditions such as if the vehicle is traveling at very low speeds and battery level is optimum to operate ISS mode. Hence, any ISS system should operate only when one or more vehicular parameters are checked and indication of such activation should be relayed to the rider through use of output devices such as ISS lamp. However, various operating conditions make it difficult for the ISS system to identify and indicate to the rider whether the ISS system is activated or not. [00014] Hence, the primary objective of the present subject matter is an idle start- stop system wherein, plurality of sensors measuring various vehicular parameters including vehicle speed, engine temperature, battery voltage, throttle angle and engine revolutions provide input to a controller unit to control the activation and deactivation of the IC engine and thereby overcoming all the above stated problems such as low fuel economy, poor efficiency, low safety, low reliability, jerk etc..

[00015] Another objective of the present subject matter, is to provide a safety check to ensure that the actuating mechanism (such as a throttle bar) to activate the IC engine is operated within the desired or permissible safety limits.

[00016] Another objective of the present subject matter is to provide ISS mode deactivation conditions to ensure that ISS mode is deactivated when the two wheeled vehicle is pushed by aid of physical force during ISS mode or the IC engine is not started for a certain time.

[00017] Another object of the present subject matter is to provide ISS check conditions to ensure that ISS mode is activated only when ISS system is capable of operating. Further, another object is to provide suitable indication to output devices such as ISS lamp to ensure the rider is intimated as to the conditions of ISS mode activation and deactivation.

[00018] With the above objectives the present subject matter has primary advantage of ensuring safety of the rider by not activating the IC engine if the optimized zone is crossed due to sudden throttle opening.

[00019] The present invention along with all the accompanying embodiments and their other advantages would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following paragraphs.

[00020] Fig. 1. illustrates a two wheeled vehicle (100), having an internal combustion engine (101) in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle (100) further includes a front wheel (110), a rear wheel (103), a body frame assembly (not shown), a fuel tank (109) and seat (108). The Body frame assembly supports all the vehicular components and comprises a head tube, a main tube forming the step-through portion (105), and a pair of side tubes. The head tube supports a steering shaft (not shown) which is attached to two telescopic front suspension (not shown) on which is supported the front wheel (110). The upper portion of the front wheel (110) is covered by a front fender (103). A handlebar (106) and an instrument cluster assembly (107) are fixed to the steering shaft enabling the rider to rotate both sides. A head light (118) is arranged on an upper portion of the head tube (not shown). The IC engine (101) is swingably supported to the body frame assembly and the rear wheel (103) is connected to rear end of the IC engine (101) and supported by a rear wheel suspension (not shown) are arranged between the body frame assembly and the IC engine (101). A rear fender (115) is disposed above the rear wheel (103). A tail light unit (104) is disposed at the rear of the two-wheeled vehicle (100). A grab rail (102) is also provided on the rear of the seat (108). There is front brake (119) and back brake (not shown) arranged on the front wheel (110) and the back wheel (103) respectively. The rear wheel (103) is interchangeably termed as the back wheel (103).

[00021] Fig. 2. illustrates the system block diagram of the system for idle start- stop system according to the embodiment of the present subject matter. The operation of an idle start-stop system (200) comprises a controller unit (201) and plurality of sensors (214, 212, 215, and 216) configured to provide IC engine (101) operational data to the controller unit (201). The IC engine (101) comprises a crankcase (203) above which is disposed a cylinder block and a cylinder head (202). Air fuel mixture enters the cylinder head through an intake system (not shown) and is burnt inside a combustion chamber between the cylinder head and cylinder block. The burning of air fuel mixture is transferred to a reciprocating piston (not shown) which reciprocates inside the cylinder block and transfers the rotational motion to a rotary motion to a crankshaft through a slider crank mechanism. The burning of the air fuel mixture occurs due to a spark generated by a spark plug (204). By stopping power to the spark plug (204), the IC engine (101) can be deactivated. The IC engine (101) is started by an electric starter (205) through an electric motor powered by a battery power source. The electric starter (205) cranks the IC engine (101) by providing rotary motion to the crankshaft and is controlled by the controller unit (201). A transmission system is disposed within the IC engine (101) which varies the speed and torque on the output of the IC engine (101) and this rotary motion is transmitted to the rear wheel (103) by some end transmission means. In the present embodiment, the transmission system used is a continuously variable transmission (CVT) system. The CVT system provides automatic change in gear ratios between the crankshaft rotational speed and the rotational speed of the wheel. The CVT system comprises a front pulley operably attached to the crankshaft, a rear pulley operably connected to the wheel and a belt rests between them. The front pulley comprises a variator mechanism and the rear pulley comprises a centrifugal clutch. Different gear ratios are obtained by changing the effective diameter of the front pulley and the rear pulley while the belt is sitting on them and moving. A magneto assembly (213) is mounted on the crankshaft to generate power to recharge the battery.

[00022] The idle start-stop system comprises plurality of sensors namely, a temperature sensor (214), a rpm sensor (212), a vehicle speed sensor (215), a throttle sensor (216), and a battery measurement device (211). Other sensors are also operated such as intake air temperature sensor, pressure sensor to measure pressure in the combustion chamber, oxygen sensor in the exhaust pipe etc. The temperature sensor (214) can be disposed at any suitable location to measure the temperature of the engine oil circulating in the IC engine (101). In the present embodiment, the temperature sensor (214) is disposed on the cylinder block (202a) of the IC engine (101). The rpm sensor (212) is disposed on the magneto assembly (203) and measures the IC engine revolutions per minute. The vehicle speed sensor (215) is disposed on the wheel (103) of the two wheeled vehicle (100) and measures the real time speed of the vehicle (100) and sends it to the controller unit (201) which sends it to the a speedometer disposed on the instrument cluster assembly (107) of the two wheeled vehicle (100). The throttle sensor (216) is disposed on the throttle pulley (106) of the two wheeled vehicle (100). When, the rider operates the throttle pulley (106) on the handlebar, the throttle sensor (216) receives the angle of throttle pulley (106) rotation and also the rate of throttle rotation per millisecond. The battery measurement device (211) measures and provides input regarding the current state of battery voltage so that the ISS system (200) can be activated.

[00023] In the embodiment of the present invention, the IC engine (101) is activated and deactivated by controlling the electric starter (205) and spark plug (204). For this purpose, a controller unit (201) is used. The controller unit (201) comprises of a processor (not shown) and a memory (not shown). The processor(s) may be implemented as one or more central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that process signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the processor(s) are configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory. The memory can include any computer-readable medium known in the art including, for example, volatile memory (e.g., RAM), and/or non-volatile memory (e.g., EPROM, flash memory, etc.). The controller unit (201) is powered by a battery (210), and the power from the battery (210) flows to the controller unit (201) when the ignition switch is pressed on. An ISS switch (207) is engage-able by the rider in order to activate idle start-stop mode. The idle start-stop system to control the IC engine (101) depends on the operating conditions of the vehicle, which are provided by the plurality of sensors (214, 212, 215, and 216) to the controller unit (201). Further, an audio-visual signalling device such as an ISS lamp (206) is used to indicate to the rider the various conditions of the idle start-stop system (200) to ensure its optimum operation.

[00024] Fig. 3. illustrates a methodology of the system of the idle start-stop system according to the embodiment of the present subject matter. Fig. 4. illustrates the flowchart illustrating the method to control the idle start-stop system including ISS activation conditions, IC engine activation conditions, and IC engine deactivation conditions. The method may be described in the general context of computer executable instructions, and communications sent and received to other elements in the system. Generally, computer executable instructions can include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, procedures, modules, functions, and the like that perform particular functions or implement particular abstract data types.

[00025] The ignition switch is actuated by the rider, and a further actuation starts the IC engine (101) from rest as illustrated in method block (302). At this point, by means of the ISS switch (207) the idle start-stop system is enabled at block (303). In the next step the controller unit (201) takes input from the different sensors (vehicle speed sensor, temperature sensor, battery measurement device and throttle sensor) and activate ISS activation condition (304). A first set of vehicular parameters monitoring operational conditions are checked to activate the ISS mode. The method block (304) has four conditions firstly; at method block (304a) checking if vehicle speed (V_s) received by the vehicle speed sensor (215) is greater than a first predetermined speed (Vi). In the present embodiment of the invention, the first predetermined speed (Vi) is between 2 to 5 kilometers per hour. The first predetermined speed (Vi) is set according to external conditions to ensure that the IC engine is not idling. Secondly, at method block (304b) checking if engine temperature (T_s) received by the engine temperature sensor (214) is greater than a first predetermined temperature (Ti). In the present embodiment of the invention, the first predetermined temperature (Ti) is above 40° centigrade based on IC engine type. Thirdly, at method block (304c) if the battery voltage (Bs) received by the battery measurement sensor (211) is greater than a first predetermined voltage (Bi). In the present embodiment of the invention, the first predetermined voltage (Bi) is greater than 6V based on battery type varying with power requirement of the vehicle. Fourthly, at method block (304d) if the throttle angle (T_s°) received by the throttle sensor (216) is greater than a first predetermined throttle angle (Ti°). In the present embodiment of the invention, the first predetermined throttle angle (Ti°) is 2°. The predetermined throttle angle (Ti°) is adjusted according to the type of vehicle, as care should be taken to ensure the vehicle is not going downhill without operation of the throttle or is in idling condition. The conditions in method block (304) of monitoring the first set of vehicular parameters are executed continuously until each of the four conditions is satisfied. When all the conditions in method block (304) is satisfied, idle start-stop mode is activated as shown in block (305). In alternate embodiments, a combination of any of the method block (304) is implemented e.g. only method block (304a) and method block (304b) are used or method block (304a), method block (304c) and method block (304d) are used etc.

[00026] After activation of ISS, next step is block (306) wherein in the controller unit (201) continuously monitors a second set of vehicular parameters taken from plurality of sensors to check IC engine deactivation conditions (306). The method block (306) has three conditions. Firstly, at method block (306a) checking if vehicle speed (V_s) received by the vehicle speed sensor (215) is equal to zero, which indicates vehicle is in stop condition. Secondly, at method block (306b) checking if the IC engine (101) revolutions received by the rpm sensor (212) are lesser than a first predetermined revolutions value. In the embodiment of the present invention the first predetermined revolutions value is between 1300 to 1800 revolutions per minute. This indicates that the IC engine (101) is in idling condition and not in running state. Thirdly, at method block (306c) if the throttle angle (T_s°) received by the throttle sensor (216) is lesser than a second predetermined throttle angle (T₂ ⁰) to indicate that the throttle pulley (106) is not being operated or lightly operated by the rider. In the embodiment of the present invention, the second predetermined throttle angle (T₂ ⁰) is less than 5° based on the type of throttle pulley (106). Further, the above conditions should be stable for a given first predetermined time (ti). The IC engine (101) is deactivated only if, the above three conditions are observed for the first predetermined time (ti) at method block (307). In the embodiment of the present invention, the first predetermined time (ti) is between 2 seconds to 15 seconds which can be set based on climatic conditions. The conditions in method block (306) are executed continuously until each of the three conditions is satisfied within the first predetermined time (ti). When all the conditions in method block (306) is satisfied, the IC engine (101) is deactivated by the controller unit (201) by controlling the spark plug (204). Otherwise, the controller unit (201) continuously monitors the second set of vehicular parameters. In an alternate embodiment, a combination of any of the one or more blocks of (306) is implemented e.g. only method block (306a) is used.

[00027] After IC engine deactivation (307), the condition block (308) is executed. Here, the conditions for activation of the IC engine (101) or deactivating the idle start-stop system (200) are checked by monitoring a third set of vehicular parameters. In Idle stop start feature engine stops in idling after meeting the above conditions. The IC Engine (101) can be restarted by any of the actuating mechanisms like throttle /clutch/ brake etc. In vehicles (100) using continuously variable transmission, if throttle is alone used as actuator for restarting then sudden revving may cause potential safety risk. This problem can be avoided by restricting the engine start only at low throttle opening

[00028] The restarting zone is the trade-off between the power output from engine and the smooth starting. The 21 deg max throttle is tuned by considering the power output of the engine and clutch rpm and also considering the safety of the customer. If throttle is pulled suddenly and cross the zone, then the vehicle will not start and the vehicle will start only when the throttle is released. On gradual pulling of the throttle within the optimized zone the vehicle (100) will start and will not move.

[00029] Here, the controller unit (201) continuously monitors (308) separate vehicle parameters to verify whether conditions to activate the IC engine (101) exist or not. The conditions are as follows: Firstly, at method block (308a) checking if engine temperature (T_s) received by the engine temperature sensor (214) is greater than the first predetermined temperature (Ti). As highlighted in the preceding paragraphs, the first predetermined temperature (Ti) is set greater than 40° centrigrade based on the IC engine type. Secondly, at method block (308b) if the battery voltage (B_s) received by the battery measurement sensor (211) is greater than a first predetermined voltage (Bi). As highlighted in the preceding paragraphs, the first predetermined voltage (Bi) is greater than 6V based on battery type varying with power requirement of the vehicle. Thirdly, at method block (308c) if the throttle angle (Ts°) received by the throttle sensor (216) is greater than a third predetermined throttle angle (T₃ ⁰) and lesser than a fourth predetermined throttle angle (T4⁰). In the embodiment of the present invention, the third predetermined throttle angle (T₃ ⁰) less than 21°. Fourthly, at method block (308d) if the rate of throttle rise in milliseconds (RT_S ms) calculated by the controller unit (201) after received by the throttle sensor (216) is lesser than or equal to a first a first predetermined number (RT1⁰ /ms). In the embodiment of the present invention, the first predetermined number (RT1⁰ /ms) is between 0.3° /ms to 1° /ms as the rate of throttle rise depends on throttle force and throttle grip diameter. If all the four conditions (308a, 308b, 308c, and 308d) are satisfied, the idle start stop system (200) of the IC engine (101) is activated at block (309) and the process of monitoring the third set of vehicular parameters is continuously repeated (from block 306). In an alternate embodiment, a combination of any of the one or more method blocks of (308) is implemented e.g. only method block (308a) and method block (308b) are used and method block (308c) and method block (308d) are deleted.

[00030] If none of the conditions in block (308) is satisfied, the IC engine deactivation conditions (Fig. 4) are checked in block (310). Once the deactivation conditions are achieved, the ISS mode is disabled (311) and the IC engine (101) is still switched off. To activate ISS mode the rider has to again activate the ISS switch (207) and start the IC engine (101), then process flow from the ISS activation check (see block 304) is repeated again.

[00031] Fig. 5. illustrates the methodology of the various deactivation conditions according to the embodiment of the present subject matter. In the present embodiment, there are two deactivation conditions (310) wherein the ISS mode is deactivated (311) and IC engine (101) is not switched on at all. First deactivation condition (310a) is checking if vehicle speed is lies between a second predetermined speed (V₂ km/hr) and a third predetermined speed (V3 km/hr) for a second predetermined time (t₂). In the present embodiment, the vehicle speed for the second predetermined speed is 1 km/hr and the third predetermined speed is 5 km/hr for the second predetermined time (t₂) varying between 3 to 8 seconds. The second predetermined time is adjusted based on the weight of the vehicle (100) dictating the pulling capacity of an average rider. The second deactivation condition (310b) is to check whether the IC engine (101) is deactivated by the ISS mode and remains deactivated for a fourth predetermined time (t ). In the present embodiment, the fourth predetermined time (t_<i) is more than 255 seconds.

[00032] Fig. 6. illustrates a methodology of the system of the idle start-stop system according to the embodiment of the present subject matter with use of output device such as an ISS lamp (206) disposed on the instrument cluster assembly (107) of the two wheeled vehicle (100). Further, in another embodiment, the output device can be seen on a digital speedometer through the digital indication. When ISS switch (207) is switched on by the rider, the ISS lamp (206) is enabled for a short duration which is fixed for a predetermined time (t) and then turned off. This check ensures that the ISS lamp (206) is functioning and gives an indication of the same to the driver. On enabling the ISS switch (207) by the rider the ISS activation conditions are checked at method block (304). But, in another embodiment, the ISS lamp (206) is enabled as soon as ISS switch (207) is enabled and the ISS lamp (206) remains switched on for the fourth predetermined time (t ). If ISS mode is not activated within the fourth predetermined time (t ), then the ISS lamp (206) is switched off. Further, the ISS lamp (206) is switched on only when all the activation conditions at method block (304) are met. By adjusting this fourth predetermined time (t_<i) for ISS lamp (206) remains ON during checking of activation conditions, we can adopt the ISS system (206) for various weather conditions. For example, during cold conditions, when the time taken to achieve all the first set of parameters provided in method block (304) is greater, the ISS lamp (206) is deactivated to indicate to the rider that ISS mode is still not activated. In hot weather conditions, when the first set of parameters takes lesser time as compared to vehicle running in cold conditions the time is adjusted accordingly. The fourth predetermined stop timing can also be seen on the digital speedometer (107). [00033] When all the conditions at method block (306) are satisfied, the Controller unit (201) deactivates the IC engine (101). At this time, the ISS lamp (206) is made to blink. This indicates to the rider that, the ISS mode is active and has deactivated the IC engine (101). On meeting conditions in method block (308), the ISS lamp (206) stops blinking and glows continuously signalling to the rider that ISS mode is active and IC engine (101) is running. On meeting ISS mode deactivation conditions, the ISS lamp (206) is turned off to indicate that the ISS mode is no longer active. This will indicate to the rider, to switch ON the ISS switch (207) again after the IC engine (101) is manually started by traditional starting methods such as electric start or kickstart.

[00034] Fig. 7. illustrates the enlarged view of a single handlebar according to the embodiment of the present subject matter. At block (308) in the preceding paragraphs, a separate third set of vehicle parameters are monitored to verify whether conditions to activate the IC engine (101) exist or not. It is seen that, the engine throttle is tuned from 0 deg to 21 deg for restarting and further the rate of throttle rise is within 0.3° /ms to 1 ° /ms. If the rider is not properly educated about this safety feature, then the rider may cross a range (602a, 602b) of a throttle band (602) while operating a throttle lever (601) in the handlebar (106). This does not actuate the ISS system (200) and the IC engine (101) will not get activated creating confusion in the minds of the rider. As, the throttle lever (601) is functionally coordinating with a throttle band (602) to activate and deactivate said IC engine (101) only in the range (602a, 602b) of said throttle band (602) through an idle start stop system (200). Hence, another feature of the present subject matter is to introduce a marking as a clear indication disposed next to the throttle bar, and another corresponding indicator on the throttle bar. This will provide a visual indication to the rider to operate the throttle bar within the given ranges only.

[00035] During deactivation of IC engine (101) in Idling, the head lamp and position lamp are switched off if the lamps are running on AC current. During night such deactivation results in complete darkness. Hence, the position lamp is connected to the battery and connected to the ISS switch (207) when the ISS mode is activated by the rider. Since position lamp consumes less energy than head lamp, available vehicle battery will support the function. This avoids the major modifications in alternator, wiring harness and battery.

[00036] 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.

Claims

1/ We claim:

1. A method for an idle start stop system (200) in a vehicle (100) comprising:

monitoring (308) of IC engine activation conditions by a controller unit (201), the IC engine activation conditions compares a rate of throttle rise (RT_S ms) from a throttle sensor (216) against a first predetermined rate of throttle rise (RTi° /ms);

activating (309) the idle start stop system (200) of the IC engine (101), by the controller unit (201) upon detection of the rate of throttle rise (RT_S 7ms) is lesser than or equal to a first predetermined rate of throttle rise (RTi° /ms) and continuously repeating the monitoring (308) the IC engine activation conditions; and

deactivating (311) the idle start stop system (200) of the IC engine (101), by the controller unit (201) upon satisfaction of an idle start stop deactivation conditions at method block (310), else monitoring (308) continuously for the IC engine activation conditions.

2. A method for an idle start stop system (200) in a vehicle (100) comprising the steps of: starting (301) by operation of an ignition switch (209);

starting (302) an internal combustion (IC) engine (101);

enabling (303) an ISS switch (207);

checking (304) by a controller unit (201);

activating (305) the idle start stop system (200) upon satisfaction of ISS activation conditions, else monitoring continuously for ISS activation conditions;

checking (306) by the controller unit (201);

deactivating (307) the IC engine (101) upon satisfaction of the IC engine deactivation conditions are achieved, else monitoring continuously for said IC engine deactivation conditions;

monitoring (308) of IC engine activation conditions by a controller unit (201), the IC engine activation conditions compares a rate of throttle rise (RT_S 7ms) from a throttle sensor (216) against a first predetermined rate of throttle rise (RTi° /ms);

activating (309) the idle start stop system (200) of the IC engine (101), by the controller unit (201) upon detection of the rate of throttle rise (RT_S 7ms) is lesser than or equal to a first predetermined rate of throttle rise (RTi° /ms) and continuously repeating the monitoring (308) the IC engine activation conditions; and deactivating (311) the idle start stop system (200) of the IC engine (101), by the controller unit (201) upon satisfaction of an idle start stop deactivation conditions at method block (310), else monitoring (308) continuously for the IC engine activation conditions.

3. The method for the idle start stop system (200) in the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein ISS activation conditions comprises:

checking (304) four different conditions (304a, 304b, 304c, 304d) by the controller unit (201), first condition (304a) where a vehicle speed (V_s) from a vehicle speed sensor (215) is greater than a first predetermined speed (Vi), second condition (304b) where an engine temperature (Ts) from an engine temperature sensor (214) is greater than a first predetermined temperature (Ti), third condition (304c) where a battery voltage (Bs) from a battery measurement sensor (211) is greater than a first predetermined voltage (Bi), and fourth condition (304d) where a throttle angle (T_s°) from a throttle sensor (216) is greater than a first predetermined throttle angle (Ti°).

4. The method for the idle start stop system (200) in the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the IC engine (101) deactivation conditions comprises:

checking (306) by the controller unit (201), firstly (306a) the vehicle speed (V_s) from the vehicle speed sensor (215) is equal to zero for a predetermined time (ti), secondly (306b) an engine revolutions (RPM_S) from a rpm sensor (212) is lesser than an engine revolutions (RPM) at first predetermined time (ti), and thirdly (306c) the throttle angle (T_s°) from the throttle sensor (216) is lesser than a second predetermined throttle angle (T₂°) at a first predetermined time (ti).

5. The method for the idle start stop system (200) in the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the IC engine (101) activation conditions comprises:

monitoring (308) by the controller unit (201), firstly (308a) the engine temperature (T_s) from the engine temperature sensor (214) is greater than the first predetermined temperature (Ti), secondly (308b) the battery voltage (Bs) from the battery measurement sensor (211) is greater than the first predetermined voltage (Bi), thirdly (308c) the throttle angle (T_s°) from the throttle sensor (216) is greater than a third predetermined throttle angle (T₃°) and lesser than a fourth predetermined throttle angle (T4⁰), and fourthly (308d) the rate of throttle rise (RT_S° /ms) from the throttle sensor (216) is lesser than or equal to a first predetermined rate of throttle rise (RTi° /ms).

6. The method for the idle start stop system (200) in the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 or claim 5, wherein the rate of throttle rise (RT_S° /ms) depends on throttle force and throttle grip diameter.

7. The method for the idle start stop system (200) in the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the IC engine (101) activation conditions comprises:

checking (308) if the vehicle (100) speed is lies between a second predetermined speed (ν₂) and a third predetermined speed (V₃) for a second predetermined time (t₂), else checking whether the IC engine (101) is deactivated by the ISS mode and remains deactivated for a third predetermined time (t₃).

8. The method for the idle start stop system (200) in the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein an ISS lamp (206) disposed on an instrument cluster assembly (107) of the vehicle (100) for indicating the rider.

9. The method for the idle start stop system (200) in the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 or claim 8, wherein the ISS lamp (206) is made to blink when all the conditions at method block (306) are satisfied and the Controller unit (201) deactivates the IC engine (101).

10. An idle start stop system (200) for an internal combustion engine (101) of a vehicle (100) comprising:

an ignition switch (209) capable of enabling and disabling the IC engine (101);

an ISS switch (207) capable of activating and deactivating the idle start stop system

(200);

a vehicle speed sensor (215) capable of measuring the speed of the vehicle (100); an engine temperature sensor (214) to measure the temperature of the IC engine

(101);

a battery measurement sensor (211) to measure the voltage of a battery disposed on the vehicle (100);

a rpm sensor (212) to measure the revolutions of the IC engine (101); a throttle sensor (216) disposed on a handlebar (106) of the vehicle (100) to measure the throttle angle actuated by the rider;

said idle start stop system (200) comprising a controller unit (201), said controller unit (201) on actuation by the ISS switch (207) configured to continuously receive vehicle speed data from the vehicle speed sensor (215), engine temperature data from the engine temperature sensor (214), battery voltage data from the battery measurement sensor (211), engine revolutions data from the rpm sensor (212) and throttle angle data from the throttle sensor (216) to determine the activation and deactivation conditions to activate and deactivate the IC engine (101).

11. An idle start stop system (200) for an internal combustion engine (101) of a vehicle (100) comprising:

a controller unit (201); said controller unit (201) monitors (308) an IC engine activation conditions, the IC engine activation conditions (308) compares a rate of throttle rise (RT_S ms) from a throttle sensor (216) against a first predetermined rate of throttle rise (RTi° /ms).

12. The idle start stop system (200) for the internal combustion engine (101) of the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the controller unit (201) activates (309) the idle start stop system (200) of the IC engine (101), by the controller unit (201) upon detection of the rate of throttle rise (RT_S 7ms) is lesser than or equal to a first predetermined rate of throttle rise (RTi° /ms) and continuously repeating the monitoring (308) the IC engine activation conditions.

13. The idle start stop system (200) for the internal combustion engine (101) of the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the controller unit (201) deactivates (311) the idle start stop system (200) of the IC engine (101), by the controller unit (201) upon satisfaction of an idle start stop deactivation conditions at method block (310), else monitoring (308) continuously for the IC engine activation conditions.

14. The idle start stop system (200) for the internal combustion engine (101) of the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 or claim 11 or claim 13, wherein checking (310) of the idle start stop deactivation conditions comprises a first deactivation condition (310a) and a second deactivation condition (310b); the first deactivation condition (310a) checks vehicle speed between a second predetermined speed (V₂) and a third predetermined speed (V₃) for a second predetermined time (t₂) and second deactivation condition (310b) checks the IC engine (101) deactivation by the ISS mode for a fourth predetermined time (I4).

15. A vehicle (100) comprising:

an IC engine (101);

an instrument cluster assembly (107);

a handlebar (106) fixed to the steering shaft enabling the rider to rotate both sides, said handlebar (106) comprises a throttle lever (601); said throttle lever (601) is functionally coordinating with a throttle band (602) to activate and deactivate said IC engine (101) only in a range (602a, 602b) of said throttle band (602) through an idle start stop system (200), said idle start stop system (200) comprising a controller unit (201), said controller unit (201) on actuation by an ISS switch (207) configured to continuously receive vehicle speed data from a vehicle speed sensor (215), engine temperature data from an engine temperature sensor (214), battery voltage data from a battery measurement sensor (211), engine revolutions data from a rpm sensor (212) and throttle angle data from a throttle sensor (216) to determine the activation and deactivation conditions to activate and deactivate said IC engine (101).