Method for shutting down and restarting motorcycle
Patent Information
- Application Number
- TW114112526
- Authority / Receiving Office
- TW · TW
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-01
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-16
- Estimated Expiration
- 2045-03-31
AI Technical Summary
Conventional methods for stopping and restarting a motorcycle require simultaneous pressing of the brake and start buttons, which does not reduce the number of steps and lacks convenience during engine restart.
A method that allows the engine to be started by lowering the kickstand and pressing the brake button, utilizing an engine control system that integrates a starter motor or integrated starter generator to initiate engine startup when both signals are detected.
Enables convenient and safe engine restart without needing to press the brake and start buttons separately, preventing accidental engine lurching.
Smart Images
Figure TWG2TA001079927_001 
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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to a method for stopping and restarting a motorcycle, and more particularly to a method for stopping and restarting a motorcycle equipped with a kickstand. Prior Technology
[0002] Motorcycles are typically equipped with sidestands for convenient temporary parking, allowing the motorcycle to stand upright in a parking position. Some motorcycles also have sidestand switches to detect whether the sidestands are down or up. When the sidestands are down, the signal can be transmitted to the vehicle's electrical system for control via a switch, or sent to the engine control unit to shut off the engine. This offers advantages such as fuel efficiency and convenient engine shutdown. When the sidestands are up, the engine can be started by pressing the brake button and then the start button simultaneously.
[0003] However, although the conventional method of turning off a motorcycle has the advantages of saving fuel and being convenient to turn off the engine directly, the driver still needs to press the brake button and the start button at the same time to start the engine when restarting the vehicle. This does not reduce the number of steps required to start the engine and does not improve the convenience of starting the engine.
[0004] Driven by this, and in the spirit of active invention, the inventor sought a method for stopping and restarting a motorcycle that could solve the aforementioned problems. After several research and experiments, the inventor finally completed this invention. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The main objective of this invention is to provide a method for stopping and restarting a motorcycle. This method allows the driver to start the vehicle more conveniently and safely, reducing the need to restart the vehicle after the side kickstand is down and the vehicle is turned off. It also ensures that the vehicle will not suddenly lurch forward during the starting process because the brake is pressed simultaneously.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention discloses a method for stopping and restarting a motorcycle. The motorcycle includes an engine, a starting control system, an engine control device, and a battery system. The engine has a crankshaft for providing power output. The starting control system is connected to the crankshaft for starting the engine. The engine control device is communicatively connected to the starting control system and can receive a key start signal, a brake signal, a start signal, and a kickstand signal. The battery system is electrically connected to the engine control device as a power supply for the motorcycle. The method for stopping and restarting the motorcycle includes the following steps: (A) The engine is either running or idling, and step (B) is executed; (B) Determine if a tripod signal has been received. If yes, proceed to step (C); otherwise, return to step (A). (C) The engine is turned off, and step (D) is performed; (D) Determine if no tripod signal has been received. If yes, proceed to step (E); otherwise, return to step (C). (E) Determine whether a braking signal has been received synchronously. If yes, proceed to step (G); otherwise, proceed to step (F). (F) Determine whether to wait for the start and brake signals. If yes, proceed to step (G); otherwise, repeat step (F). (G) Start the engine.
[0007] The aforementioned starting control system may include a starter motor and a starter motor switch electrically connected to the starter motor. The engine control unit is communicatively connected to the starter motor switch. The starter motor drives the crankshaft via a reduction gear. Thus, when the engine control unit receives a start signal and a brake signal, it commands the starter motor switch to turn on, allowing power from the battery system to be supplied to the starter motor, which then drives the crankshaft through the reduction gear to start the engine.
[0008] The aforementioned starting control system can be an integrated starter generator control system, which may include a starter generator and a starter generator controller electrically connected to the starter generator. The engine control unit is communicatively connected to the starter generator controller, and the starter generator is coaxially mounted with the crankshaft. Thus, when the engine control unit receives a start signal and a brake signal, the starter generator controller receives the start command from the engine control unit and transmits power from the battery system to the starter generator, causing the crankshaft, which is coaxially mounted with the starter generator, to rotate and start the engine.
[0009] The aforementioned tripod signal can be a side tripod signal or a main tripod signal. The side tripod signal detects whether the side tripod is lowered or retracted, while the main tripod signal detects whether the main tripod is lowered or retracted.
[0010] The aforementioned key unlocking signal can be generated by opening a physical key switch or by unlocking a keyless switch system.
[0011] A high voltage signal indicates the tripod is in a lowered state when a tripod signal is received. A low voltage signal indicates the tripod is in a stowed state when no tripod signal is received.
[0012] The above idling state means that the engine speed is approximately 1800±500 rpm.
[0013] The voltage of the aforementioned battery system can be 12 volts or 48 volts.
[0014] The above overview and the following detailed description are illustrative in nature and are intended to further illustrate the scope of the invention. Other objects and advantages of the invention will be explained in the subsequent description and illustrations. Simple Explanation of the Diagram
[0015] Figure 1 is a system configuration diagram of a motorcycle according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a system configuration diagram of a motorcycle according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a flowchart of the method for stopping and restarting a motorcycle, applicable to both the first and second embodiments of the present invention. Figure 4 is a timing diagram of the method for stopping and restarting a motorcycle, applicable to both the first and second embodiments of the present invention. Implementation
[0016] Please refer to Figure 1, which is a system configuration diagram of a motorcycle according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The figure shows a motorcycle 1a, mainly including an engine 2, a starting control system 3a, an engine control device 4, and a battery system 5. The engine 2 has a crankshaft 21 for providing power output. The starting control system 3a is used to start the engine 2. In this embodiment, the starting control system 3a is a conventional starter motor control system, including a starter motor 31a and a starter motor switch 32a electrically connected to the starter motor 31a. The engine control device 4 is communicatively connected to the starter motor switch 32a. The starter motor 31a drives the crankshaft 21 via a reduction mechanism 6, which can be a reduction gear or other reduction mechanism. The engine control device 4 can receive a key unlock signal S1, a brake signal S2, a start signal S3, and a kickstand signal (side kickstand signal S4 or main kickstand signal S5). The key unlock signal S1 can be generated by opening a physical key switch or by unlocking a keyless switch system. The brake signal S2 can be generated by the driver pressing a brake button. The start signal S3 can be generated by the driver pressing a start button. The kickstand signal can be either the side kickstand signal S4 or the main kickstand signal S5. The side kickstand signal S4 detects whether the side kickstand is lowered or retracted, and the main kickstand signal S5 detects whether the main kickstand is lowered or retracted. The battery system 5 is electrically connected to the engine control unit 4, and the voltage of the battery system 5 is 12 volts or 48 volts, serving as the power supply for the motorcycle 1a. The power supply voltage setting can vary depending on the model. When the engine control unit 4 receives the start signal S3 and the brake signal S2, it commands the starter motor switch 32a to turn on, allowing the power from the battery system 5 to flow to the starter motor 31a, which then drives the crankshaft 21 through the reduction gear 6 to start the engine 2.
[0017] Please refer to Figure 2, which is a system configuration diagram of a motorcycle according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The figure shows a motorcycle 1b, whose basic structure is the same as that of the first embodiment, except that the starting control system 3b in this embodiment is an integrated starter and generator (ISG) control system, including a starter generator 31b and a starter generator controller 32b electrically connected to the starter generator 31b. The engine control device 4 is communicatively connected to the starter generator controller 32b, and the starter generator 31b is coaxially mounted with the crankshaft 21. When the engine control device 4 receives the start signal S3 and the brake signal S2, the starter generator controller 32b receives the start command from the engine control device 4 and transmits power from the battery system 5 to the starter generator 31b, causing the crankshaft 21, coaxially mounted with the starter generator 31b, to rotate and start the engine 2.
[0018] Please refer to Figure 3, which is a flowchart of the method for stopping and restarting a motorcycle applicable to the first and second embodiments of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the method for stopping and restarting a motorcycle 1a and 1b in the first and second embodiments includes the following steps: (A) The engine 2 is in an running state or an idling state, and step (B) is executed, wherein the idling state means that the engine speed is approximately 1800±500 rpm. (B) Determine whether the side kickstand signal S4 is received. If yes, proceed to step (C); otherwise, return to step (A). In this embodiment, the side kickstand signal S4 is used as an example, but it can also be replaced by the main kickstand signal S5 of the same concept. When the side kickstand signal S4 is received, it is a high potential voltage signal (e.g., 5 volts or 12 volts); when the kickstand signal S4 is not received, it is a low potential voltage signal (e.g., 0 volts). (C) The engine 2 is stopped, and step (D) is executed. (D) Determine if the side landing gear signal S4 has not been received. If yes, proceed to step (E); otherwise, return to step (C). This step determines whether the driver retracted the side landing gear after the engine 2 was turned off. (E) Determine if the brake signal S2 has been received simultaneously. If yes, proceed to step (G); otherwise, proceed to step (F). This step determines whether the driver pressed the brake button when or before retracting the side landing gear to avoid accidentally pressing the accelerator and causing the vehicle to lurch forward. (F) Determine if the driver waits to receive the start signal S3 and the brake signal S2. If yes, proceed to step (G); otherwise, repeat step (F). This step determines whether the driver can start the engine 2 by pressing the brake button and simultaneously pressing the start button even if the brake button was not pressed when or before retracting the side landing gear. (G) Start engine 2.
[0019] Please refer to Figure 4, which is a timing diagram of the method for stopping and restarting a motorcycle applicable to the first and second embodiments of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the horizontal axis represents the actions performed in different timing sequences, including a first timing sequence T1, a second timing sequence T2, a third timing sequence T3, a fourth timing sequence T4, a fifth timing sequence T5, and a sixth timing sequence T6. The vertical axis represents the state changes of different signal sources, including the key-on signal S1, the brake signal S2, the start signal S3, the side kickstand signal S4, and the engine starting state. In the first timing sequence T1, the driver turns on the key switch of motorcycle 1a, 1b and starts the engine 2. At this time, the key-on signal S1 is received, and the engine 2 is in the starting state. In the second timing sequence T2, the driver lowers the side kickstand. At this time, the side kickstand signal S4 is received, and the engine 2 is stopped. In the third time sequence T3, the driver presses the brake button before retracting the side landing gear. At this time, no side landing gear signal S4 is received, but a brake signal S2 is received, causing engine 2 to start. In the fourth time sequence T4, the driver lowers the side landing gear. At this time, a side landing gear signal S4 is received, and engine 2 is turned off. In the fifth time sequence T5, the driver does not press the brake button but only retracts the side landing gear. At this time, no side landing gear signal S4 is received, and no brake signal S2 is received, keeping engine 2 in the off state. In the sixth time sequence T6, the side landing gear remains in the retracted state, and the driver presses the brake button and simultaneously presses the start button. At this time, no side landing gear signal S4 is received, but a brake signal S2 is received, and a start signal S3 is received, causing engine 2 to start.
[0020] With the above design, the method for stopping and restarting a motorcycle according to the present invention can start the engine immediately when the rider folds up the side stand, without having to press the brake button and the start button again after folding up the side stand, thus increasing the convenience of starting the engine.
[0021] The above embodiments are merely examples for the purpose of illustration. The scope of the claims made in this invention should be determined by the claims of the patent application, and not limited to the above embodiments.
[0022] 1a, 1b: Motorcycles 2: Engine 21: Crankshaft 3a, 3b: Start the control system 31a: Start the motor 31b: Start the generator 32a: Motor start switch 32b: Start the generator controller 4: Engine control unit 5: Battery System 6: Reduction Mechanism S1: Key unlock signal S2: Brake signal S3: Start Signal S4: Side tripod signal S5: Main tripod signal T1: First timing sequence T2: Second timing sequence T3: Third Timing T4: Fourth Time Sequence T5: Fifth Time Sequence T6: Sixth Timing AG: Steps
Claims
1. A method for stopping and restarting a motorcycle, the motorcycle comprising: an engine having a crankshaft; a starting control system connected to the crankshaft; an engine control device communicatively connected to the starting control system and capable of receiving a key start signal, a brake signal, a start signal, and a kickstand signal; and a battery system electrically connected to the engine control device; wherein, The method for stopping and restarting the motorcycle includes the following steps: (A) The engine is in an started state or an idle state, and step (B) is executed; (B) It is determined whether the kickstand signal is received. If yes, step (C) is executed; otherwise, return to step (A); (C) The engine is stopped, and step (D) is executed; (D) It is determined whether the kickstand signal is not received. If yes, step (E) is executed; otherwise, return to step (C); (E) It is determined whether the brake signal is received simultaneously. If yes, step (G) is executed; otherwise, step (F) is executed; (F) It is determined whether to wait for the start signal and the brake signal to be received. If yes, step (G) is executed; otherwise, step (F) is repeated; and (G) The engine is started.
2. The method for stopping and restarting a motorcycle as described in claim 1, wherein, The starting control system includes a starter motor and a starter motor switch electrically connected to the starter motor. The engine control unit is communicatively connected to the starter motor switch. The starter motor drives the crankshaft via a reduction gear.
3. The method for stopping and restarting a motorcycle as described in claim 1, wherein, The starting control system is an integrated starting generator control system, including a starter generator and a starter generator controller electrically connected to the starter generator. The engine control device is communicatively connected to the starter generator controller, and the starter generator is coaxially mounted with the crankshaft.
4. The method for stopping and restarting a motorcycle as described in claim 1, wherein, The tripod signal is either a side tripod signal or a main tripod signal.
5. The method for stopping and restarting a motorcycle as described in claim 1, wherein, The key unlocking signal can be generated by opening a physical key switch or by unlocking a keyless switch system.
6. The method for stopping and restarting a motorcycle as described in claim 1, wherein, A high-potential voltage signal is received when the tripod signal is received, and a low-potential voltage signal is received when the tripod signal is not received.
7. The method for stopping and restarting a motorcycle as described in claim 1, wherein, This idle speed means that the engine speed is approximately 1800±500 rpm.
8. The method for stopping and restarting a motorcycle as described in claim 1, wherein, The battery system has a voltage of 12 volts or 48 volts.