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 adapting to aging of a quick shift sensor in a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] 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 operation of a vehicle driver, a clutch device disposed in a gear path between the transmission and an engine and configured to be connectable and disconnectable by 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 gear change operation performed by the driver on a gear change operation device to switch gears of the transmission, and a rotational position defining mechanism configured to define the rotational position of the shift drum, wherein the controller has a learning mode that learns 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 at a rotational position defined by the rotational position defining mechanism during the learning mode.

[0003] An embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation 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. [Figure 2] 1 is a basic graph illustrating quick shift sensor adaptation to actual values ​​according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 illustrates a method for adapting to aging of a quick shift sensor in accordance with the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[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 one embodiment of the present invention. The quick shift sensor 102 is mounted on one of the gear shift pedal, the gearbox shift shaft, 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 either an upshift request or a downshift request, and activate a quick shift function. The quick shift function corresponds to the controller 110 adjusting engine torque without disengaging a clutch between the vehicle's engine and gearbox. 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 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 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 experiences degradation in detecting the corresponding parameter.

[0006] According to the present invention, the controller 110 includes memory elements 112, such as random access memory (RAM) and / or read-only memory (ROM), an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), a clock, a timer, and at least one processor (capable of implementing machine learning), all connected to each other and to other components via a communication bus channel. The memory elements 112 pre-store logic, instructions, programs, applications, modules, thresholds, reference values, and conditions that are accessed by the processor according to a defined routine. The reference values ​​correspond to values ​​of the quick shift sensor 102 in a quiescent or default state. The internal components of the controller 110 are not described in detail as being conventional, but should not be construed as limiting the scope of the prior art. The controller 110 may include 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, a serial network, etc.

[0007] According to one 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, etc.

[0009] According to one 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 gear position in neutral, Enabled state and at least one selected from the group including side stand status or main stand status of zero, and vehicle speed of zero. Gear position is detected by gear position sensor 104, stand status is detected by stand switch sensor 106, and vehicle speed is detected from 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 actual values ​​are processed together before adapting the reference values ​​and thresholds. The actual values ​​are stored in the 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 the 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 now be described in accordance with the present invention, but this operation should not be understood as limiting. Assume that 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 gearbox shift shaft. After driving, the rider stops the vehicle in a parking spot. When the rider switches off the vehicle and removes the key, the EMS, which is the controller 110, detects the status as a no-load condition. The controller 110 then initiates an 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 threshold value according to the calculated deviation. In one embodiment, the adaptation is completed if the deviation exceeds a 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. For example, if the controller 110 receives a signal from the stand switch sensor 106 indicating that the main stand or side stand is on, the controller 110 waits for at least one more no-load condition associated with the post-drive cycle. Enabled state or zero vehicle speed detected from the wheel sensors or vehicle speed sensor 108, or a neutral gear position detected using the gear position sensor 104. The additional no-load condition ensures that adaptation of the quick shift sensor 102 is performed under absolute no-load conditions by eliminating false positives such as a foot on the gear shift pedal.

[0014] In accordance with the present invention, the controller 110 is configured to reduce the possibility of false learning due to the rider's foot being 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 threshold values.

[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates basic graphs for adapting the quick shift sensor to an actual value according to one embodiment of the present invention. The graphs are simplified representations for ease of understanding and should not be construed as limiting. A first graph 210 represents the actual and reference values ​​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 represents the voltage value generated by the quick shift sensor 102, and the X-axis merely serves as a baseline for understanding. In the first graph 210, the first curve 204 represents the upshift threshold, the second curve 206 represents the stationary reference value, and the third curve 208 represents the downshift threshold. When the actual value intersects either the upshift threshold or the downshift threshold, the quick shift function is activated by the controller 110 to complete a gear shift. The first graph 210 shows that the first curve 204, second curve 206, and third curve 208 have shifted due to aging or wear and tear to the first dotted line 214, second dotted line 216, and third dotted line 218. Now, there is a deviation 212 due to this effect, which will likely result in an erroneous shift intent being detected by the controller 110.

[0016] By implementing the present invention, the controller 110 can learn and adapt or adjust the deviation 212 so 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 the default value generated by the quick shift sensor 102 when no load is acting 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 functions with an aged or worn quick shift sensor 102 without any false shift detections.

[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates 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 initiate a quick shift function. The quick shift function corresponds to the controller 110 adjusting engine torque without disengaging a clutch between the vehicle's engine and gearbox. 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 detecting the post-drive cycle is performed by monitoring a key-off event of the vehicle. The no-load condition further includes detecting a gear position in a neutral position. 、Side stand or main stand Stand in active state The reference values ​​and thresholds may include at least one of the following: a vehicle speed, a vehicle start status, and a 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 may include processing a plurality of actual values ​​together before adapting the reference values ​​and thresholds. The plurality of 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 externally interfaced to the controller 110.

[0019] According to the present invention, a controller 110 and method for quick shift sensor training are provided. The present invention is applicable to various types of quick shift sensors 102, such as strain gauge-type sensors. The controller 110 and method eliminate unintended adaptation of sensor aging behavior, which may be attributed to sensor aging or wear, when a rider keeps their foot on the gear pedal. The present invention intelligently avoids unintended adaptation. The actual value from the quick shift sensor 102 is averaged over a period when the gear shift pedal is stationary or in neutral. This occurs specifically when the vehicle is stationary, the gear is in neutral, the side stand is in park, and the ignition key is off. The present invention enables convenient and refreshing gear shifting without clutch engagement. Torque control during upshifts and downshifts is achieved through 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 of routinely learning and adapting the quick shift sensor 102 tolerance depending on the sensor type.

[0020] It should be understood that the above-described embodiments are merely exemplary 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 mounted on any one of a gear shift pedal, a shift shaft of a gearbox, 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 value for one of an upshift request and 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 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 includes at least one selected from the group including a gear position in a neutral position, a stand status with the side stand or the main stand in an active state, and a 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, and said plurality of actual values ​​are 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 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). 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 linkage 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 characterized by:

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 of claim 6.

8. The no-load condition further includes at least one selected from the group including a gear position in a neutral position, a stand status with the side stand or the main stand in an active state, and a 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 value and the threshold value, the plurality of actual values ​​being stored in a memory element (112) of the controller (110). The method of claim 6.

10. the method being 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). The method of claim 6.

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