CONTROLLER AND METHOD FOR ACCOMMODATING AGING OF A QUICK SHIFT SENSOR IN A VEHICLE - Patent application

Abstract

The quick shift sensor (102) is mounted on one of the gear shift pedal, the shift shaft of the gearbox, and the linkage therebetween. The controller (110) is configured to receive an input signal from the quick shift sensor (102), compare an actual value detected from the input signal with a threshold value for one of an upshift request and a downshift request, and activate a quick shift function. The quick shift function corresponds to an adjustment of engine torque by the controller (110) without disengaging a clutch between the engine and the gearbox of the vehicle. The controller (110) is configured to detect a no-load condition of the quick shift sensor (102), measure an actual value from the quick shift sensor (102) in response to the detection of the no-load condition, and calculate a deviation of the actual value of the quick shift sensor (102) from a reference value. The controller (110) then adapts the calculated deviation.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a controller and method for accommodating aging of a quick shift sensor in a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Background of the Invention Indian Patent Application Publication No. 202017010595 discloses a gear position learning device for an automatic clutch transmission. The gear position learning device for an automatic clutch transmission includes a transmission configured to be shifted by the operation of a vehicle driver, a clutch device arranged in a shift path between the transmission and the engine and configured to be connected and disconnected by the operation of a clutch actuator, a controller configured to control the connection and disconnection of the clutch device performed by the clutch actuator, a shift drum configured to rotate in response to a shift operation performed by the driver on the shift operation device to switch the gear stage of the transmission, and a rotational position definition mechanism configured to define the rotational position of the shift drum, wherein the controller has a learning mode for learning the rotational angle of the shift drum, and is configured to control the connection and disconnection of the clutch device so that the shift drum is in a rotational position defined by the rotational position definition mechanism during the learning mode.

[0003] An embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0004] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a controller for adapting to aging of a quick shift sensor in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a basic graph illustrating quick shift sensor adaptation to actual values ​​according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 illustrates a method for adapting to aging of a quick shift sensor in accordance with the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0005] Detailed Description of the Embodiments FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a controller for adapting to aging of a quick shift sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention. The quick shift sensor 102 is mounted on one of the gear shift pedal, the gear shift shaft of the gearbox, and the linkage therebetween. The controller 110 is configured to receive an input signal from the quick shift sensor 102, compare an actual value detected from the input signal with a threshold value for one of an upshift request and a downshift request, and activate a quick shift function. The quick shift function corresponds to an adjustment of the engine torque by the controller 110 without disengaging a clutch between the engine and the gearbox of the vehicle. The controller 110 is characterized in that it is configured to detect a no-load condition of the quick shift sensor 102, measure an actual value from the quick shift sensor 102 in response to the detection of the no-load condition, and calculate a deviation of the actual value from a reference value of the quick shift sensor 102. In this case, the controller 110 adapts the reference value and the threshold value according to the calculated deviation. The actual value corresponds to a current value detected each time the quick shift sensor 102 is used. The engine torque is adjusted by the controller 110 through at least one of ignition control using a spark plug system, throttle control using an electronic throttle control (ETC) system, and fuel injection control using a fuel injection system. The term aging corresponds to wear and tear or normal use conditions, and due to such aging, the quick shift sensor 102 undergoes degradation in detecting the corresponding parameter.

[0006] According to the present invention, the controller 110 comprises memory elements 112, such as random access memory (RAM) and / or read only memory (ROM), analog-to-digital converters (ADC) and digital-to-analog converters (DAC), clocks, timers and at least one processor (capable of implementing machine learning), connected to each other and to other components via communication bus channels. The memory elements 112 prestore logic or instructions or programs or applications or modules and thresholds, reference values ​​and conditions that are accessed by the processor according to a defined routine. The reference values ​​correspond to values ​​in the quiescent or default state of the quick shift sensor 102. The internal components of the controller 110 are not detailed as being of the prior art, but should not be understood as being limited to the prior art. The controller 110 may comprise a communication unit for communicating with a cloud server via wireless or wired means, such as Global System For Mobile Communications (GSM), 3G, 4G, 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, serial network, etc.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the controller 110 is at least one of an internal control unit and an external control unit. The internal control unit is one of an engine management system (EMS) control unit and an engine control unit (ECU). The external control unit is a control unit that is externally interfaced to the controller 110. In one embodiment, the internal control unit is responsible for the self-adaptation functionality described below. Alternatively, the self-adaptation functionality may be handled by an external control unit that is interfaced to the internal control unit.

[0008] In accordance with the present invention, the controller 110 is preferably for a geared motorcycle, although the controller 110 is equally applicable for implementation in other geared vehicles, such as other motorcycle-type two-wheeled vehicles, auto-rickshaws, automobiles, snowmobiles, water sports vehicles, and the like.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the controller 110 is configured to allow self-adaptation to aging or wear of the quick shift sensor 102. The no-load condition includes a post-drive cycle of the vehicle. The post-drive cycle is detected from a key-off event of the vehicle. The no-load condition further includes at least one selected from the group including gear position in neutral position, side stand status or main stand status during operation, and zero vehicle speed. The gear position is detected by the gear position sensor 104, the stand status is detected by the stand switch sensor 106, and the vehicle speed is detected from the speed sensor 108. The listed sensors are used based on their availability in the vehicle.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the multiple actual values ​​are processed together before adapting the reference values ​​and thresholds. The multiple actual values ​​are stored in a memory element 112 of the controller 110.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the quick shift sensor 102 is any one selected from a group including a strain gauge type load sensor, a force sensor, a displacement sensor, a rotation sensor, a Hall effect sensor, etc., that measures the rider or driver's shifting intent.

[0012] The operation of the controller 110 will be described according to the present invention, but this operation should not be understood as limiting. The vehicle is a geared motorcycle with the quick shift sensor 102 installed at the top or middle of the linkage connecting the gear shift pedal and the shift shaft of the gearbox. The rider stops the vehicle in a parking spot after driving. When the rider switches off the vehicle and removes the key, the controller 110, which is an EMS, detects the status as a no-load condition. The controller 110 then starts the adaptation process. The controller 110 measures the actual value from the quick shift sensor 102. The controller 110 then calculates the deviation of the actual value from the reference value, and then adapts the reference value and the threshold value according to the calculated deviation. In one embodiment, the adaptation is completed if the deviation exceeds the minimum threshold requirement, otherwise the adaptation is skipped.

[0013] In an alternative embodiment, the controller 110 waits for at least one more no-load condition associated with the post drive cycle, such as when the controller 110 detects the main stand or side stand operational status from the stand switch sensor 106, or detects zero vehicle speed from the wheel sensors or vehicle speed sensor 108, or detects a neutral gear position using the gear position sensor 104. The additional no-load condition ensures that adaptation of the quick shift sensor 102 is performed in an absolute no-load condition by eliminating false positives, such as a foot resting on the gear shift pedal.

[0014] According to the present invention, the controller 110 is configured to reduce the possibility of mis-learning due to the rider's foot on the gear lever during self-adaptation. The controller 110 performs the storing of the learned actual value in the memory element 112 according to a preset routine (stored in the memory element 112) after a calibratable time delay after KL15 is turned off in the post drive cycle. When the learning routine is performed on the quick shift sensor 102, learning is allowed only if the voltage value is within the range of the upper and lower thresholds.

[0015] In FIG. 2, a basic graph of adapting the quick shift sensor to an actual value according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The graph is a simple representation for understanding only and should not be understood as limiting. A first graph 210 represents the actual value and the reference value of the quick shift sensor 102. A second graph 220 represents the adapted value of the quick shift sensor 102. In both graphs, the Y-axis 202 is the value of the voltage generated by the quick shift sensor 102, and the X-axis is simply a baseline for understanding. In the first graph 210, the first curve 204 is the upshift threshold, the second curve 206 is the reference value at rest, and the third curve 208 is the downshift threshold. If the actual value crosses either the upshift threshold or the downshift threshold, the quickshift function is activated by the controller 110 to complete the gear shift. The first graph 210 shows that the first curve 204, the second curve 206, and the third curve 208 have shifted to the first dotted line 214, the second dotted line 216, and the third dotted line 218 due to aging or wear and tear, where there is a deviation 212 due to such effects and therefore a false shift intent is likely to be detected by the controller 110.

[0016] By implementing the present invention, the controller 110 can learn and adapt or adjust the deviation 212 such that false shift intent is prevented. As can be seen in the second graph 220, the second curve 206 changes to the actual value of the quick shift sensor 102, which is the second dotted line 216. The second curve 206 is a default value generated by the quick shift sensor 102 when there is no load on the quick shift sensor 102. Similarly, the first curve 204 adapts to the first dotted line 214 and the third curve 208 adapts to the third dotted line 218. Here, the controller 110 works with an aged or worn quick shift sensor 102 without any false shift detection.

[0017] FIG. 3 shows a method for adapting to aging of a quick shift sensor in a vehicle according to the present invention. The vehicle includes a quick shift sensor 102 mounted on one of a gear shift pedal, a gearbox shift shaft, and a linkage therebetween. A controller 110 is configured to receive an input signal from the quick shift sensor 102, compare an actual value detected from the input signal with a threshold value for one of an upshift request and a downshift request, and activate a quick shift function. The quick shift function corresponds to an adjustment of engine torque by the controller 110 without disengaging a clutch between the engine and the gearbox of the vehicle. The method includes step 302, which includes detecting a no-load condition of the quick shift sensor 102. Step 304 includes measuring an actual value from the quick shift sensor 102 in response to the detection of the no-load condition, and calculating a deviation of the actual value from a reference value of the quick shift sensor 102. Step 306 includes adapting the reference value and the threshold value according to the calculated deviation.

[0018] According to the method, the no-load condition includes a post-drive cycle of the vehicle, where the detection of the post-drive cycle is performed by monitoring a key-off event of the vehicle. The no-load condition further includes at least one of the group including a gear position in a neutral position, a side stand or main stand status during operation, and a vehicle speed of zero. The gear position is detected by the gear position sensor 104. The stand status is detected by the stand switch sensor 106, and the vehicle speed is detected from the speed sensor 108. The method may include processing the multiple actual values ​​together before adapting the reference values ​​and the threshold values. The multiple actual values ​​are stored in a memory element 112 of the controller 110. Furthermore, the method is performed by at least one of an internal control unit and an external control unit. The internal control unit is one of an engine management system (EMS) control unit and an engine control unit (ECU). The external control unit is a control unit that is externally interfaced to the controller 110.

[0019] According to the present invention, a controller 110 and a method for learning the quick shift sensor are provided. The present invention is applicable to various types of quick shift sensors 102, such as strain gauge type. The controller 110 and the method eliminate the adaptation of unintended aging behavior, which may be considered as aging or wear of the sensor, when a situation may exist where the rider keeps his foot on the gear pedal. The present invention intelligently avoids unintended adaptation. The actual value from the quick shift sensor 102 is averaged over the period when the gear shift pedal is in a stationary or neutral position. This is done in particular when the vehicle is at a standstill, the gear is in neutral, the side stand is in the park position, and the ignition key is in the off state. The present invention allows convenient and refreshing gear shifting without clutch engagement. Torque control during upshifts and downshifts is achieved by throttle control, fuel injection control, and ignition control. The present invention provides a comfortable, relaxed ride without the need for clutch and throttle intervention for all gear shifts and faster gear shift times, reducing rider strain for longer trips. The controller 110 and method also provide the feasibility to routinely learn and adapt the tolerance of the quick shift sensor 102 depending on the type of sensor.

[0020] It should be understood that the above described embodiments are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the present invention. Many such embodiments and other modifications and variations are contemplated in the embodiments described herein. The scope of the present invention is limited only by the claims.

Claims

1. A controller (110) for adapting to aging of a quick shift sensor (102) in a vehicle, comprising: The quick shift sensor (102) is provided on any one of a gear shift pedal, a shift shaft of a gear box, and a link mechanism therebetween; the controller (110) is configured to receive an input signal from the quick shift sensor (102), compare an actual value detected from the input signal with a threshold for one of an upshift request and a downshift request, and initiate a quick shift function; the quick shift function corresponds to the adjustment of engine torque by the controller (110) without disengaging a clutch between the engine and the gearbox of the vehicle; In the controller (110), The controller (110) Detecting a no-load condition of the quick shift sensor (102); measuring the actual value from the quick shift sensor (102) in response to detecting the no load condition; and calculating a deviation of the actual value from a reference value of the quick shift sensor (102); adapting the reference value and the threshold value according to the calculated deviation. It is configured as follows: A controller (110).

2. the no-load condition includes a post-drive cycle of the vehicle, the post-drive cycle being detected from a key-off event of the vehicle; The controller (110) of claim 1.

3. The no-load condition further comprises at least one selected from the group including gear position in neutral position, side stand / main stand status during operation, and vehicle speed of zero; The gear position is detected by a gear position sensor (104), the stand status is detected by a stand switch sensor (106), and the vehicle speed is detected from a speed sensor (108). The controller (110) of claim 2.

4. a plurality of said actual values ​​are processed together before adapting said reference values ​​and said threshold values, said plurality of actual values ​​being stored in a memory element (112) of said controller (110); The controller (110) of claim 1.

5. The controller (110) is at least one of an internal control unit and an external control unit; the internal control unit being one of an engine management system (EMS) control unit and an engine control unit (ECU); The external control unit is a control unit that is externally interfaced to the controller (110). The controller (110) of claim 1.

6. 1. A method for adapting to aging of a quick shift sensor (102) in a vehicle, comprising: The vehicle includes a quick shift sensor (102) mounted on any one of a gear shift pedal, a shift shaft of a gearbox, and a link mechanism therebetween, and a controller (110) configured to receive an input signal from the quick shift sensor (102), compare an actual value detected from the input signal with a threshold value for either an upshift request or a downshift request, and activate a quick shift function, the quick shift function corresponds to the adjustment of engine torque by the controller (110) without disengaging a clutch between the engine and the gearbox of the vehicle; In the method, The method comprises the following steps: detecting a no-load condition of the quick shift sensor (102); measuring the actual value from the quick shift sensor (102) in response to detecting the no load condition and calculating a deviation of the actual value from a reference value of the quick shift sensor (102); adapting the reference value and the threshold value according to the calculated deviation; Including, A method comprising:

7. the no-load condition includes a post-drive cycle of the vehicle, and detecting the post-drive cycle is performed by monitoring a key-off event of the vehicle. The method according to claim 6.

8. The no-load condition further comprises at least one selected from the group including gear position in neutral position, side stand / main stand status during operation, and vehicle speed of zero; The gear position is detected by a gear position sensor (104), the stand status is detected by a stand switch sensor (106), and the vehicle speed is detected from a speed sensor (108). The method of claim 7.

9. The method includes processing a plurality of the actual values ​​together before adapting the reference values ​​and the threshold values, the plurality of actual values ​​being stored in a memory element (112) of the controller (110). The method according to claim 6.

10. The method is performed by at least one of an internal control unit and an external control unit; the internal control unit being one of an engine management system (EMS) control unit and an engine control unit (ECU); The external control unit is a control unit that is externally interfaced to the controller (110). The method according to claim 6.

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