(19)
(11) EP 3 147 495 A1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(43) Date of publication:
29.03.2017 Bulletin 2017/13

(21) Application number: 15200562.5

(22) Date of filing: 16.12.2015
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC): 
F02N 11/04(2006.01)
F02N 19/00(2010.01)
(84) Designated Contracting States:
AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR
Designated Extension States:
BA ME
Designated Validation States:
MA MD

(30) Priority: 28.07.2015 TW 104124344

(71) Applicant: Sanyang Motor Co., Ltd.
Hsinchu (TW)

(72) Inventors:
  • Ning, Yu-Wei
    Hsinchu (TW)
  • Chiu, Ching-Chung
    Hsinchu (TW)
  • Tseng, Wei-Ting
    Hsinchu (TW)
  • Pan, Guan-You
    Hsinchu (TW)
  • Yu, Chih-Wen
    Hsinchu (TW)

(74) Representative: Tranter, Andrew David 
Barker Brettell LLP 100 Hagley Road Edgbaston
Birmingham B16 8QQ
Birmingham B16 8QQ (GB)

   


(54) METHOD FOR CONTROLLING ENGINE START/STOP


(57) A method for controlling engine start comprises the following steps:
(A) Determining whether a starting signal is received; (B) Driving reversely the crankshaft to a specific range of angles; (C) Driving forward rotation of the crankshaft so as to start the engine, and determining whether the crankshaft rotates at a speed greater than a threshold of engine start rotation speed, if Yes, then performing step (D), if No, then performing step (C1); (C1) Determining whether the drive exceeds a predetermined time, if Yes, then stopping the drive and returning to step (A), if No, then returning to step (C); and (D) Stopping the drive, and the ISG entering into a generator mode. Also disclosed is method for controlling engine stop, comprising the following steps: (A) Detecting an angle of the crankshaft before the engine stops, and determining whether there is an action of spontaneous reverse rotation, if Yes, then performing step (B), if No, then performing step (C);
(B) Controlling the action of spontaneous reverse rotation so as to make the crankshaft rotate for a specific range of angles, in order to actuate the one-way decompression device, and stopping such control; and (C) Driving forward rotation of the crankshaft to an appropriate range of angles, then driving the crankshaft for a reverse rotation to a specific range of angles, in order to actuate the one-way decompression device, and stopping such control.




Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION


1. Field of the Invention



[0001] The present invention relates to a method for controlling engine start/stop, and more particularly, to a method for controlling engine start/stop adapted for motorcycles.

2. Description of Related Art



[0002] Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) is currently available in the market for increasing energy-saving effect for motorcycles, where the ISG also functions idling stop and restart. Generally speaking, a motorcycle engine, in case of turned off, will stay before the top dead center of the compression stroke, and at this moment, suppose the ISG needs to start the engine, then a high torque will be necessary so as to overcome compression pressure of the engine.

[0003] A conventional measure to start an engine resides in that prior to an engine start, firstly a crankshaft needs to be rotated reversely to a specific predetermined position, then the crankshaft is rotated forward so as to drive the engine with a higher inertia. Thereafter, the crankshaft overcomes resistant torque occurred at the top dead center of compression stroke, where the engine is brought to an appropriate rotation speed of ignition. When the ISG is converted into a charging mode, the ISG continues a power supply to the whole vehicle and charges to a battery.

[0004] The measure that the conventional ISG implements an engine start has a shortage such that prior to each engine start, the crankshaft has to rotate reversely and precisely to a specific predetermined position, and then forward rotates with inertia to overcome the compression torque so as to facilitate the engine start. However, it is difficult to achieve the precise positioning of a specific angle of crankshaft, and as such, cost on a required controlling device is much higher.

[0005] Given the above, in an attempt to solve the problem, as mentioned above, research and experiments for a "Method for Controlling Engine Start/Stop" has been undertaken, eventually resulting in accomplishment of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION



[0006] A first object of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling engine start so as to optimize the process of engine start. This will make the engine, no matter stopping at any angle of crankshaft, rotate reversely a specific range of angles before an engine start and then perform a forward rotation derive. Such will make the crankshaft be driven within a shortest time so as to start the engine and to enhance smoothness of the engine start. Also, such will increase inertia and rotation speed of the crankshaft so as to ensure each time a stable and smooth ignition for the engine start.

[0007] A second object of the present invention is, based on the theory of the first object, to perform such action of reversely rotating a specific range of angles for the crankshaft such that for a subsequent engine restart, the engine start can be smoothly accomplished within a shortest time upon an order of engine start is given.

[0008] To achieve the above-mentioned first object, the method for controlling engine start is used in a motorcycle, wherein the motorcycle is equipped with an engine having a crankshaft and a one-way decompression device, an ISG for driving the engine for a forward rotation or a reverse rotation, an angle sensing device for detecting angles of the crankshaft, and a drive controlling device for controlling the ISG. The method comprises the following steps:

(A) Determining whether a starting signal is received, if Yes, then performing step (B), if No, then returning to step (A);

(B) Driving the crankshaft reversely to a specific range of angles, and actuating the one-way decompression device;

(C) Driving forward rotation of the crankshaft so as to start the engine, and determining whether the crankshaft rotates at a speed greater than a threshold of engine start rotation speed, if Yes, then performing step (D), if No, then performing step (C1);

(C1) Determining whether the drive exceeds a predetermined time, if Yes, then stopping the drive and returning to step (A), if No, then returning to step (C); and

(D) Stopping the drive, and the ISG entering into a generator mode.



[0009] To achieve the above-mentioned second object, the method for controlling engine stop is used in a motorcycle, wherein the motorcycle is equipped with an engine having a crankshaft and a one-way decompression device, an ISG for driving the engine for a forward rotation or a reverse rotation, an angle sensing device for detecting angles of the crankshaft, and a drive controlling device for controlling the ISG. The method comprises the following steps:
  1. (A) Detecting an angle of the crankshaft before the engine stops, and determining whether there is an action of spontaneous reverse rotation, if Yes, then performing step (B), if No, then performing step (C);
  2. (B) Controlling the action of spontaneous reverse rotation so as to make the crankshaft rotate for a specific range of angles, in order to actuate the one-way decompression device, stopping such control; and performing step (D)
  3. (C) Driving forward rotation of the crankshaft to an appropriate range of angles, then driving the crankshaft for a reverse rotation to a specific range of angles, in order to actuate the one-way decompression device, stopping such control.


[0010] The drive controlling device has a function of power delayed switch-off, as such, even after the key-power switch is turned off, the method for controlling engine stop can still be performed.

[0011] The engine has a function of idle stop, as such, upon an engine stop, the method for controlling engine stop can be performed.

[0012] After the drive controlling device has stopped the control, further comprising the following steps:

(D) Determining whether a starting signal is received, if Yes, then performing step (E), if No, then returning to step (D);

(E) Driving forward rotation of the crankshaft so as to start the engine;

(F) Determining whether the crankshaft rotates at a speed greater than a threshold of engine start rotation speed, if Yes, then performing step (G), if No, then performing step (F1);

(F1) Determining whether the drive exceeds a predetermined time, if Yes, then stopping the drive and returning to step (D), if No, then returning to step (E); and

(G) Stopping the drive, and the ISG entering into a generator mode.



[0013] In other words, the first object of the present invention in starting the engine is to ensure that the engine can be driven smoothly such that each time upon receiving a starting signal, a reverse rotation to a specific range of angles will first be performed so as to actuate the one-way decompression device, and to ensure that the first engine compression stroke stands in a decompression status and then follows with a forward rotation drive so as to start the engine smoothly.

[0014] The second object of the present invention relates to a method for restarting the engine after the engine stops, namely, first determining whether there is an action of spontaneous reverse rotation, if there is an action of spontaneous reverse rotation, then controlling the action of spontaneous reverse rotation so as to make the crankshaft rotate for a specific range of angles in order to actuate the one-way decompression device, stopping such control; and if there is no such action of spontaneous reverse rotation, then controlling and driving the crankshaft for a forward rotation to an appropriate range of angles, then driving the crankshaft for a reverse rotation to specific range of angles in order to actuate the one-way decompression device, stopping such control; and thereafter, in case of receiving an engine starting signal, then driving the crankshaft directly for a forward rotation so as to start the engine.

[0015] Further, according to the present invention, not only a key-power switch, but also a main-power switch and a large-power switch, those have a function of delayed switch-off, are located at the connection between the drive controlling device and the battery. As such, even under the circumstance that the key-power switch is shut off, the drive controlling device is still powered, and variation in angles and positions of the crankshaft of the engine can still be detected by the angle sensing device, where the angles of the crankshaft being calculated are used for driving control.

[0016] According to the present invention, the motorcycle can be equipped with a centrifugal decompression device such that through a decompression by the centrifugal decompression device, resistance of the crankshaft prior to an engine start and following a second (included) compression stroke can be reduced so as to enhance smoothness of rotation of the crankshaft, and to facilitate the engine start operation.

[0017] The motorcycle may be arranged with a start button, a throttle actuating device, and an engine control unit. The starting signal for the engine refers to either one of the following: a starting signal transmitted from the engine control unit; or a signal indicating pressing of the start button and a signal indicating actuation of the throttle actuating device. The throttle actuating device relates to providing a micro switch on a throttle cable such that when driving the throttle cable, the micro switch will be triggered; or providing a sensor on a throttle grip for detecting whether the throttle grip has been turned such that either the micro switch or the throttle grip sensor may be regarded as the throttle actuating device.

[0018] According to the present invention, the angle sensing device is arranged on an engine casing, and that the ISG is connected with the crankshaft, so that the angle sensing device can detect, simultaneously, electrical angles of the ISG and angles of the crankshaft. The angle sensing device refers to at least one Hall sensor for detecting phase variation of a rotor of the ISG, based on which, motor driving or a generator mode can be performed. Further, a plurality of protrusions and a pulse-signal sensor are provided on an external surface of the rotor of the ISG where the pulse-signal sensor is connected with the engine control unit.

[0019] Further, according to the present invention, the specific range of angles P refers to 40-140 degrees so as to ensure a successful trigger of the decompression device when the engine starts. Besides, the appropriate range of angles relates to 600-680 degrees such that the crankshaft of the engine can be close to a first compression top dead center as much as possible so as to shorten the time required for starting the engine.

[0020] According to the present invention, the predetermined time for determining the time for driving forward rotation of the crankshaft is four (4) seconds. In case the engine is not started successfully for the crankshaft reaching to a threshold of engine start rotation speed in four (4) seconds, then the drive will be stopped.

[0021] Other objects, advantages, and novel features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS



[0022] 

FIG. 1 is a graph illustrating a comparison between crankshaft-angle positions and resistance of start for ISG according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an engine according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the systematic framework of a whole vehicle according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a framework including an ISG and a drive controlling device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a plane view illustrating a crankshaft-angle sensor laid out on an engine case according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating an ISG-angle sensor laid out on the engine case according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a layout of the drive controlling device and a battery according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling engine start according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a graph illustrating reverse angles of the crankshaft according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling engine stop according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11A is a graph illustrating reverse angles of the crankshaft, with spontaneous reverse rotation after the engine stop, according to the second embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 11B is a graph illustrating angles of crankshaft forward and reverse rotations, without spontaneous reverse rotation after the engine stop, according to the second embodiment of the present invention.


DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT



[0023] Generally speaking, an engine decompression device is provided for releasing some gas pressure during a piston moving in a compression stroke of an engine. Referring to FIG. 1, a graph illustrating a comparison between crankshaft-angle positions and resistance of start for ISG according to the present invention, the vertical axis coordinate indicates a resistance of start for an ISG forward rotation, while the horizontal axis coordinate indicates angles of crankshaft rotation. According to the present invention, the four-stroke engine operational principle is adopted. Namely, the four strokes are divided from positions of movement of the piston in a cylinder. Therefore, every 180 degree of crankshaft rotation will reach to a top dead center (T.D.C) or a bottom dead center (B.D.C). By starting from zero (0) degree of crankshaft rotation, the intervals are divided into a power stroke, exhaust stroke, intake stroke, and compression stroke, during a cycle of which the crankshaft rotates 720 degree. Under general circumstances, in a compression stroke where a decompression device has not been actuated yet, a curve line drawn with resistance of start relative to angles of crankshaft rotation will be shown as an X curve line. However, in a compression stroke where a centrifugal decompression device is actuated, a curve line drawn with resistance of start relative to angles of crankshaft rotation will be shown as a Y curve line. Further, in a compression stroke where a one-way decompression device functions, a curve line drawn with resistance of start relative to angles of crankshaft rotation will be shown as a Z curve line. There is a smaller resistance at left side and right side of 360 degree due to resistance of an engine valve mechanism.

[0024] Further referring to FIG. 2 a cross-sectional view of an engine according to a first embodiment of the present invention; and to FIG. 3, a block diagram illustrating the systematic framework of a whole vehicle according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the engine 30 comprises a cylinder head 36, a crankshaft 31, a power output shaft 34, a transmission device 35, an ISG 23, and a one-way decompression device 32. The ISG is arranged at one end of the crankshaft 31, whereas the transmission device 35 is arranged at one end of the power output shaft 34.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 3, the ISG 23 is arranged in a motorcycle comprising a battery 10, a start button 11, an engine control unit 33, a throttle actuating device 12, and an engine 30. The engine 30 is equipped with the one-way decompression device 32 for decreasing resistance of the crankshaft 31 of the engine 30 so as to enhance smoothness of rotation of the crankshaft 31 and to facilitate a start operation. Namely, the ISG 23 is connected with the battery 10, the start button 11, the throttle actuating device 12, the engine control unit 33, and the engine 30.

[0026] Now references are made to FIG. 4, a block diagram illustrating a framework including an ISG and a drive controlling device according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5, a plane view illustrating a crankshaft-angle sensor laid out on an engine case according to the first embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 3. The ISG 23, a drive controlling device 21, an angle sensing device 22, the battery 10, the engine control unit 33, and the engine 30 are electrically connected. The drive controlling device 21 can detect, through the angle sensing device 22, information including angle phase sequence of the ISG 23, angular positions of the crankshaft 31 of the engine 30, and so forth. In the present embodiment, the angle sensing device 22 includes an ISG angle sensor 221 and a crankshaft angle sensor 222. Through the above design, the angle sensing device 22 can detect signals including electrical angles of the ISG 23 and angles of the crankshaft 31 so as to effectively identify piston strokes of the engine 30.

[0027] Further, the ISG 23 includes a rotor 231 and a stator 232, in connection with the crankshaft 31 of the engine 30. In order to control the state of operation for the ISG 23 and the engine 30, the angle sensing device 22 is arranged on an engine case 301. Referring to FIG. 6, a perspective view illustrating an ISG-angle sensor laid out on the engine case according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the ISG-angle sensor 221 includes three or four Hall sensors 2211, arranged on the engine case 301, and a controlling circuit for detecting variation of the magnet polarity of the rotor 231 such that the control of ISG commutation for driving mode and the generator mode can be determined. Further, the crankshaft angle sensor 222 includes a pulse-signal sensing element 2221 and a plurality of protrusions 2222 correspondingly provided on an external surface of the rotor 231, where the protrusions 2222 are equidistantly provided thereon. Through the pulse-signal sensing element 2221 detecting positions of each protrusion 2222 and feeding back pulse signals, an absolute position at every revolution of the crankshaft 31 can be perceived and such signal can be connected to the engine control unit 33.

[0028] References are made to FIG. 7, a block diagram illustrating a layout of the drive controlling device and a battery according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3. A key-power switch S1, a main-power switch S2, and a large-power switch S3 are arranged between the drive controlling device 21 and the battery 10, where even under the circumstance that the key-power switch S1 is shut off, the drive controlling device 21 is still powered by connecting the battery 10 with the main-power switch S2, which has a function of delayed switch-off, and so does the large-power switch S3. As such, variation in angles and positions of the crankshaft 31 of the engine 30 can still be detected by the angle sensing device 22, where the angles of the crankshaft 31 being calculated are used for driving control.

[0029] Now referring to FIG. 8, a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling engine start according to the first embodiment of the present invention; and to FIG. 9, a graph illustrating reverse angles of the crankshaft 31 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the method for controlling engine start comprises the following steps:

(A) Determining whether a starting signal is received, if Yes, then performing step (B), if No, then returning to step (A);

(B) At a reverse rotation starting point L1, driving reversely the crankshaft 31 to a specific range of angles P, and actuating the one-way decompression device 32;

(C) Driving forward rotation of the crankshaft 31 so as to start the engine 30, and determining whether the crankshaft 31 rotates at a speed greater than a threshold of engine start rotation speed, if Yes, then performing step (D), if No, then performing step (C1);

(C1) Determining whether the drive exceeds a predetermined time, if Yes, then stopping the drive and returning to step (A), if No, then returning to step (C); and

(D) Stopping the drive, and the ISG 23 entering into a generator mode.



[0030] Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 9, no matter where the reverse rotation starting point L1 is, the one-way decompression device 32 can be triggered for decompression simply by reversely rotating the crankshaft 31 for the specific range of angles P; thereafter, driving the ISG 23 for a forward rotation at a forward rotation drive starting point L2 so as to start the engine 30 successfully. Differences between the reverse rotation starting point L1 and the forward rotation drive starting point L2 fall within the specific range of angles P.

[0031] In the first embodiment, the specific range of angles P refers to 40-140 degrees so as to ensure a successful actuating of the one-way decompression device 32 when the engine 30 starts. Further, the predetermined time for driving the crankshaft 31 is four (4) seconds so as to determine whether the crankshaft 31 rotates at a speed greater than the threshold of engine start rotation speed. In case the engine 30 is not started successfully in four (4) seconds, then the drive will be stopped, and returning to step (A). On the other hand, suppose it is greater than the threshold of engine start rotation speed within four (4) seconds, namely the engine 30 starts successfully, then performing step (D) to stop the drive and the ISG 23 entering into a generator mode.

[0032] Further referring to FIG. 10, a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling engine stop according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and to FIG. 11A, a graph illustrating reverse angles of the crankshaft, with spontaneous reverse rotation after the engine stop, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment as far as the structural framework is concerned, references may be made to the description directed to FIGs. 2 to 7. In the second embodiment, the method for controlling engine stop comprises: (A) Detecting an angle of the crankshaft 31 before the engine 30 stops, and determining whether there is an action of spontaneous reverse rotation, if Yes, then performing step (B), if No, then performing step (C). When there is an action of spontaneous reverse rotation, as shown in FIG. 11A, step (B), at a spontaneous reverse rotation starting point M1, controls the action of spontaneous reverse rotation to make the crankshaft 31 reversely rotate to a specific range of angles P and to actuate the one-way decompression device 32, and after which the control stops. Namely, when the engine 30 stops, no matter whether the key-power switch S1 turns off, the angle sensing device 22, during a engine stop process of the engine 30, will detect variation in angles and positions of the crankshaft 31 of the engine 30, and use angles of the crankshaft 31 being calculated to perform a driving control. In other words, even under the circumstance that the key-power switch S1 turns off, the drive controlling device 21 is still powered by connecting the battery 10 with the main-power switch S2, which has a function of delayed switch-off, and so does the large-power switch S3. As such, variation in angles and positions of the crankshaft 31 of the engine 30 can still be detected by the angle sensing device 22, where the angles of the crankshaft 31 being calculated are used for the driving control.

[0033] Further, as shown in FIG. 11A, suppose the crankshaft 31 has a spontaneous reverse rotation, then no matter where the spontaneous reverse rotation starting point M1 locates, only reversely rotating the specific range of angles P then actuating the one-way decompression device 32 can be performed. After receiving an engine starting signal, the ISG 23 is driven for a forward rotation at a forward rotation drive starting point M2.

[0034] Now referring to FIG. 11B, a graph illustrating angles of crankshaft forward and reverse rotations, without spontaneous reverse rotation after the engine stop, according to the second embodiment of the present invention; and also to FIG. 10, in the case of step (A), when detecting angles of the crankshaft 31 prior to stop of the engine 30 and determining no action of spontaneous reverse rotation, as shown in FIG. 11B, then continued with step (C) directly so as to drive the crankshaft 31 for a forward rotation to an appropriate range of angles Q. Thereafter, the crankshaft 31 is driven for a reverse rotation to a specific range of angles P so as to actuate the one-way decompression device 32, and after which such control is stopped. Namely, in case there is no spontaneous reverse rotation for the crankshaft 31, no matter where a forward rotation starting point N1 for the crankshaft 31 is, it is necessary to drive the crankshaft 31 for a forward rotation to be within the appropriate range of angles Q, then again at a reverse rotation starting point N2 to reversely rotate the crankshaft 31 to the specific range of angles P so as to actuate the one-way decompression device 32 to proceed with a decompression. Thereafter, when receiving a starting signal, the ISG 23 is driven at a forward rotation drive starting point N3 for a forward rotation. As shown in FIG. 11B, the reverse rotation starting point N2 falls within the appropriate range of angles Q.

[0035] Further, in the second embodiment, after the drive controlling device 21 stops controlling, then continued with step (D) so as to determine whether a starting signal is received, if Yes, then performing step (E), if No, then returning to step (D). In step (E), the crankshaft 31 is driven for a forward rotation so as to start the engine 30; then continued with step (F) so as to determine whether the crankshaft 31 rotates at a speed greater than an engine start threshold, if Yes, then performing (G), if No, then performing step (F1). In step (F1), the drive is determined as to whether or not exceeding a predetermined time, if Yes, then stopping the drive and returning to step (D), if No, then returning to step (E). Further, in step (G), the drive is stopped, and the ISG 23 enters into a generator mode.

[0036] In the second embodiment, the specific range of angles P refers to 40-140 degrees so as to ensure a successful actuating of the one-way decompression device 32 when the engine 30 starts. Further, the appropriate range of angles Q relates to 600-680 degrees such that the crankshaft 31 of the engine 30 can be close to a first compression top dead center as much as possible so as to shorten the time required for starting the engine 30. In addition, the predetermined time for driving the crankshaft 31 is four (4) seconds so as to determine whether the crankshaft 31 rotates at a speed greater than the threshold of engine start rotation speed. In case the engine 30 is not started successfully in four (4) seconds, then the drive will be stopped, and returning to step (D). On the other hand, suppose it is greater than the threshold of engine start rotation speed within four (4) seconds, namely the engine 30 starts successfully, then performing step (G) to stop the drive and the ISG 23 entering into a generator mode.

[0037] In the first and second embodiments, whether for the method for controlling engine stop or the method for controlling engine start, the starting signal for the engine 30 refers to either one of the following: a starting signal transmitted from the engine control unit 33; or a signal indicating pressing of the start button 11 and a signal indicating actuation of the throttle actuating device 12. The throttle actuating device 12 relates to providing a micro switch on a throttle cable such that when driving the throttle cable, the micro switch will be triggered; or providing a sensor on a throttle grip for detecting whether the throttle grip has been turned such that either the micro switch or the throttle grip sensor may be regarded as the throttle actuating device 12.

[0038] In the first and second embodiments, the engine control unit 33 can control the engine 30 so as to make it have a function of idle stop.

[0039] Further, in the first and second embodiments, in addition to the one-way decompression device 32, a centrifugal decompression device can be installed as well. As such, during a starting process, the engine 30 can, at the first compression stroke, release most compression pressure through the one-way decompression device 32, so that the engine 30 can start under a minor resistance. The one-way decompression device 32 requires a reverse rotation to the specific range of angles P in order to actuate a decompression function. The one-way decompression device 32 then follows with a stroke of forward rotation, and after which, the decompression function is deactivated. Prior to the engine rotation speed reaching to a specific rotation speed, the centrifugal decompression device actuates a decompression function. Accordingly, the subsequent compression stroke, after the one-way decompression device 32 has deactivated, can release part of the compression pressure so as to lower resistance for the engine 30, however maintaining a compression pressure for a condition of combustion for starting the engine 30.

[0040] Given the above, in the first and second embodiments, no matter under the circumstance of engine start with a reverse rotation drive or of engine restart after an engine stop, either type of engine start has its own corresponding measure to start the engine 30, and incorporates with the one-way decompression device 32 to ensure that the ISG 23, during a process of driving the engine 30 for a start, stands in a decompression status at the first compression stroke, and then follows with a forward rotation drive so as to start the engine 30 smoothly. The above-mentioned two controlling measures can make the engine start successfully within a shortest time upon an order for engine start has been given.

[0041] Although the present invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.


Claims

1. A method for controlling engine start, being used in a motorcycle, wherein the motorcycle is equipped with an engine having a crankshaft and a one-way decompression device, an ISG for driving the engine for a forward rotation or a reverse rotation, an angle sensing device for detecting angles of the crankshaft, and a drive controlling device for controlling the ISG, the drive controlling device being featured in a method for controlling engine start, comprising the following steps:

(A) Determining whether a starting signal is received, if Yes, then performing step (B), if No, then returning to step (A);

(B) Driving reversely the crankshaft to a specific range of angles, and actuating the one-way decompression device;

(C) Driving forward rotation of the crankshaft so as to start the engine, and determining whether the crankshaft rotates at a speed greater than a threshold of engine start rotation speed, if Yes, then performing step (D), if No, then performing step (C1);

(C1) Determining whether the drive exceeds a predetermined time, if Yes, then stopping the drive and returning to step (A), if No, then returning to step (C); and

(D) Stopping the drive, and the ISG entering into a generator mode.


 
2. A method for controlling engine stop, being used in a motorcycle, wherein the motorcycle is equipped with an engine having a crankshaft and a one-way decompression device, an ISG for driving the engine for a forward rotation or a reverse rotation, an angle sensing device for detecting angles of the crankshaft, and a drive controlling device for controlling the ISG, the drive controlling device being featured in a method for controlling engine stop, comprising the following steps:

(A) Detecting an angle of the crankshaft before the engine stops, and determining whether there is an action of spontaneous reverse rotation, if Yes, then performing step (B), if No, then performing step (C);

(B) Controlling the action of spontaneous reverse rotation so as to make the crankshaft rotate for a specific range of angles, and after actuating the one-way decompression device, stopping such control; and

(C) Driving forward rotation of the crankshaft to an appropriate range of angles, then driving the crankshaft for a reverse rotation to specific range of angles, and after actuating the one-way decompression device, stopping such control.


 
3. The controlling method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the drive controlling device has a function of power delayed switch-off, as such, even after shutting off power of the drive controlling device, the method for controlling engine stop can still be performed.
 
4. The controlling method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the engine has a function of idle stop, as such, upon an engine stop, the method for controlling engine stop can be performed.
 
5. The controlling method as claimed in claim 2, wherein after the drive controlling device has stopped the control, further comprising the following steps:

(D) Determining whether a starting signal is received, if Yes, then performing step (E), if No, then returning to step (D);

(E) Driving forward rotation of the crankshaft so as to start the engine;

(F) Determining whether the crankshaft rotates at a speed greater than a threshold of engine start rotation speed, if Yes, then performing step (G), if No, then performing step (F1);

(F1) Determining whether the drive exceeds a predetermined time, if Yes, then stopping the drive and returning to step (D), if No, then returning to step (E); and

(G) Stopping the drive, and the ISG entering into a generator mode.


 
6. The controlling method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the specific range of angles refers to 40-140 degrees.
 
7. The controlling method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the appropriate range of angles relates to 600-680 degrees.
 
8. The controlling method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the motorcycle is further equipped with a centrifugal decompression device.
 
9. The controlling method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the motorcycle is further arranged with a start button, a throttle actuating device, and an engine control unit; and wherein the starting signal for the engine refers to either one of the following: a starting signal transmitted from the engine control unit, or a signal indicating pressing of the start button and a signal indicating actuation of the throttle actuating device.
 
10. The controlling method as claimed in claim 1 or 5, wherein the predetermined time is four (4) seconds.
 




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Search report