WO2023248236A1

WO2023248236A1 - System and method for controlling a vehicle mode

Info

Publication number: WO2023248236A1
Application number: PCT/IN2023/050214
Authority: WO
Inventors: Avinash Gullyal; S Dhinesh Kumar; Dipanjan MAZUMDAR; Chidambaram SUBRAMONIAM
Original assignee: Tvs Motor Company Limited
Priority date: 2022-06-24
Filing date: 2023-03-07
Publication date: 2023-12-28
Also published as: EP4543730A1

Abstract

System (100) and method (200) for controlling a vehicle mode of a vehicle (150) capable of operating in a plurality of vehicle modes is provided. The system (100) comprises a mode switch (162) in the vehicle (150) for inputting instructions pertaining to switching between the plurality of vehicle modes; a plurality of vehicular sensors (120) for generating and communicating vehicle parameter values; and a plurality of control units (110) including a motor controller (112) and a vehicle control unit (114) in communication with the mode switch (162) and the plurality of vehicular sensors (120). The control units (110) are configured to switch the vehicle (150) between the plurality of vehicle modes based upon at least one of a current vehicle mode, inputs from the mode switch (162) and the vehicle parameter values. The invention provides a single switch for switching between the vehicle modes, thus increasing user/rider experience.

Description

TITLE OF INVENTION

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A VEHICLE MODE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention relates to a system and a method for controlling a vehicle mode in a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] Vehicles are now equipped with multiple drive modes, allowing a driver/rider to select a driving/riding mode as per requirement. Most common driving modes include an economy mode which is a fuel-efficient mode, a power mode which offers improved throttle response, a reverse mode for moving the vehicle in a reverse direction, a smart mode which automatically selects a mode of driving depending upon vehicle driving conditions, etc. However, number of driving modes may differ from vehicle to vehicle.

[003] Usually, a dedicated switch is provided to switch between the multiple drive modes and another start/ON switch is provided to switch on / power on the vehicle. The switching- ON of the vehicle includes switching ON of an ignition of the vehicle or switching the vehicle from an idle mode (non-driving mode) where there is no throttle response to the drive modes and the throttle does not respond. Once switched ON / powered ON, the other dedicated switch may be operated to switch between the multiple drive modes. Since the switching between the multiple drive modes is performed by the rider/driver while driving/riding, it is essential for the dedicated switch to be located on the vehicle within the reach of the driver/rider and it is desired that it require minimal driver/rider interaction. Especially in cases of a two-wheeled vehicle, if the switch is not within reach or if the switch requires the rider’s attention, the switching operation tends to distract the rider and the rider may lose balance of the vehicle, which is undesirable.

[004] It is also known in the art, to provide the two switches on a handle-bar of the vehicle. However, the two switches require more parts to mount and route cables and add to the space crunch in the handle-bar. Also, if multiple switches are given for mode change, there could be confusion when to operate which switch for the rider. It is easier and thus desired to have one switch only.

[005] It is also known in the art, to address the numerous parts issue and the space crunch problem, by providing a single switch. However, there is only a single control unit (a Motor Control Unit) performing all the switching operations based upon the single switch inputs. The single control unit is required to process in real-time based on the duration and frequency of operation of the same switch. This is a burden on the single control unit. Besides, it also requires additional routing from all other sensors such as a side stand sensor, a battery state sensor, different vehicular sensors generating various vehicle parameters such as speed, and the like towards the motor control unit. This is expensive and cumbersome, and long.

[006] Additionally, there may be cases of sudden and inadvertent engagement of the side stand while driving. This becomes dangerous when mode changes are taking place. To prevent this, an interlock for the side stand position with the mode change is mandatory. Between mode changes, any of the accidental conditions in the vehicle, such side stand gets actuated or the vehicle is turned off, the mode change should be disabled. These conditions need to override the mode change. Else mishaps can happen on accidental actuation of side stand or turn-off of the vehicle and yet the mode change is made to a high speed or a high energy mode from a low energy mode [007] Further, in the prior art, the sudden acceleration and deceleration while switching between the multiple modes makes the ride experience jerky and also leads to poor performance of the battery/motor. This makes the whole riding experience uncomfortable to the rider. Usually in existing vehicles, transition from the low energy mode (economy mode) to the high energy mode (power mode) is done smoothly with no jerkiness in the ride. Also, in some vehicles, a default drive mode is set and if the rider desires to go in the other drive mode, then the vehicle is driven for some time only then switch to the other drive mode is permitted.

[008] Similarly, transition from power mode to economy mode is also done with no interlocks, the switchover will be jerky and uncomfortable for the rider. It is desired to have an interlock for transitioning between the high energy and the low energy modes and prohibiting the selection of the low energy mode with lower top speeds from the high energy mode, while driving at higher speeds.

[009] Thus, there is a need in the art for systems and methods for controlling multiple vehicle modes in a vehicle, which address at least the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[010] In one aspect, the present invention is directed at a system for controlling a vehicle mode of a vehicle, which is capable of operating in any one vehicle mode of a plurality of vehicle modes. The system comprises a mode switch, a plurality of vehicular sensors and a plurality of control units in the vehicle. The mode switch is for inputting instructions pertaining to switching between the plurality of vehicle modes. The plurality of vehicular sensors is configured for generating and communicating vehicle parameter values. The plurality of control units is in communication with the mode switch and the plurality of vehicular sensors. The plurality of control units is configured to switch the vehicle between the plurality of vehicle modes. The switching is based upon at least one of a current vehicle mode, inputs from the mode switch and the vehicle parameter values.

[011] In an embodiment, the plurality of vehicle modes includes a default mode / drive mode of the vehicle, when the vehicle is in motion. The default mode / drive mode may be one of an economy mode and a power mode of the vehicle.

[012] In an embodiment, the plurality of control units includes a motor controller and a vehicle control unit. The vehicle control unit is configured to switch the vehicle from an idle mode into the default mode / drive mode and subsequently disregard any further instructions received from the mode switch, while the vehicle remains in the default mode / drive mode. The vehicle control unit disregards the inputs from the mode switch until the vehicle re-enters into the idle mode. The re-entry into the idle mode depends upon at least one of: the vehicle parameter values and an ignition status of the vehicle.

[013] In an embodiment, the motor controller is configured to perform the switching only when the vehicle mode is the default mode / drive mode. The motor controller is configured to disregard the instructions from the mode switch while the vehicle remains in the idle mode. The motor controller is configured to switch the vehicle between the economy mode and the power mode. The switching depends upon the instruction received from the mode switch and at least one of the vehicle parameter values.

[014] In an embodiment, the motor controller switches the vehicle from the power mode to the economy mode only when a speed of the vehicle is less than a predefined threshold speed value and a throttle value is less than a predefined throttle threshold value.

[015] In an embodiment, the mode switch is a press and release switch and the inputted instructions from the mode switch includes a pressed duration for which time the switch is kept pressed before being released. The vehicle control unit is configured to change the vehicle mode from the idle mode to the default mode / drive mode only when the pressed duration is greater than a predefined duration value.

[016] In various embodiments, the vehicle parameter values include at least one of: a current vehicle mode of the vehicle, a side stand status of a side stand of the vehicle, a vehicle speed of the vehicle, a charger connection status, a battery status of a battery of the vehicle and a throttle value of the vehicle.

[017] In another aspect, the invention is directed towards a method for controlling a vehicle mode of a vehicle, which is capable of operating in any one vehicle mode of a plurality of vehicle modes. The method comprises receiving inputs from a mode switch of the vehicle, receiving vehicle parameter values from a plurality of vehicular sensors by the plurality of control units, and switching the vehicle mode based upon a current vehicle mode and at least one of the vehicle parameter values. The inputs are received by a plurality of control units in the vehicle and the switching is performed by one of the plurality of control units.

[018] In an embodiment, the method comprises switching the vehicle from an idle mode to a default mode / drive mode when a mode switch is pressed for more than a predefined duration value and then released. The switching is performed via a vehicle control unit of the plurality of control units. The vehicle is in motion when in the default mode / drive mode. The default mode / drive mode being one of an economy mode and a power mode of the vehicle. The method comprises disregarding, by the vehicle control unit, of the instructions from the mode switch while the vehicle is not in the idle mode and until the vehicle re-enters into the idle mode. The re-entry into the idle mode depends upon the at least one of the vehicle parameter values and the ignition status. The method comprises switching the vehicle between the power mode and the economy mode, by a motor controller, only when the current vehicle mode is the default mode / drive mode. The switching depends upon the input received from the mode switch and at least one of the vehicle parameter values. The method comprises disregarding, by the motor controller, of the inputs from the mode switch when the vehicle is in the idle mode and until the vehicle re-enters into the default mode / drive mode. The switching from the power mode to the economy mode is performed only when a speed of the vehicle is less than a predefined threshold speed value and a throttle value is less than a predefined threshold throttle value. [019] In various embodiments of the invention, the vehicle parameter values include at least one of a current vehicle mode of the vehicle, a side stand status of a side stand of the vehicle, a vehicle speed of the vehicle, a charger connection status, a battery status of a battery of the vehicle and a throttle value of the vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[020] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.

Figure 1 illustrates a system for controlling a vehicle mode of a vehicle, which is capable of operating in any one mode from a plurality of vehicle modes, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a vehicle mode of a vehicle capable of operating in any one vehicle mode of a plurality of vehicle modes, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3 (3A-B) is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for controlling the vehicle modes of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[021] The present invention relates to a systems and methods for controlling a vehicle mode of a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for controlling the vehicle mode of the vehicle capable of operating in a plurality of vehicle modes.

[022] Figure 1 illustrates a system 100 for controlling a vehicle mode of a vehicle 150, which is capable of operating in any one mode from a plurality of vehicle modes, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As an example, the vehicle 150 is a twowheeler vehicle. In various embodiments, the vehicle 150 may be any multi-wheeled vehicle such as an EV (Electric Vehicle), an HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle), an ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) based vehicle and the like. The vehicle 150 has a motor 152 for providing traction and a brake 154 connected to a brake switch 164. The system 100 controls and manages the vehicle mode of the vehicle 150 by switching the vehicle 150 between the plurality of vehicle modes based upon vehicle parameters, a vehicle current mode, inputs from a user/rider and the like. The vehicle parameter values include at least one of a side stand status of a side stand of the vehicle 150, a vehicle speed of the vehicle 150, a charger connection status, a battery status of at least one battery 158 of the vehicle

150, a throttle value of the vehicle 150, and the like. [023] The system 100 further comprises a mode switch 162 in the vehicle 150, a plurality of vehicular sensors 120 for generating and communicating the vehicle parameter values and a plurality of control units 1 10 in the vehicle 150. The mode switch 162 is configured for inputting instructions pertaining to switching between the plurality of vehicle modes. The inputs may be provided by the user by operating the mode switch 162. In an embodiment, the mode switch 162 may be a physical hardwired switch embedded on a handle-bar of the vehicle 150 in proximity to an instrument cluster on the handle bar of the vehicle 150. In another embodiment, the mode switch 162 may be a soft switch provided in one of user interfaces of the instrument cluster. The mode switch 162 is an input device for the rider/user of the vehicle 150 to operate and change the vehicle mode between the plurality of vehicle modes. In various embodiments, the mode switch 162 is a press and release switch. The inputted instructions from the mode switch 162 includes a pressed duration for which time the switch is kept pressed before being released. In another embodiment, the mode switch 162 may be a rotary switch or a joystick switch.

[024] The plurality of control units 110 is in communication with the mode switch 162 and the plurality of vehicular sensors 120. The plurality of control units 1 10 is configured to switch the vehicle 150 between the plurality of vehicle modes based upon at least one of a current vehicle mode, inputs from the mode switch 162, and the vehicle parameter values. [025] The plurality of vehicle modes includes an economy mode and a power mode. During both the vehicle modes, the vehicle 150 is in motion and may operate in any one of them. The economy mode or the power mode may be a default mode of the vehicle 150 as set by the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer).

[026] In an embodiment, the plurality of control units 110 includes a motor controller 1 12 and a vehicle control unit 114 in the vehicle 150. The motor controller 112 drives a traction motor such as the motor 152. A throttle 156 located at the handle-bar of the vehicle 150 provides the input received from the rider/user to the motor controller 112. The input of the throttle pertains to acceleration, deceleration and the like. The motor controller 112 also receives other inputs such as from the brake 154 through the brake switch 164. The motor controller 112 receives a hall sensor signal indicative of the speed of motor 152 and thus computes the vehicle speed accordingly.

[027] The vehicle control unit 114 is configured to switch the vehicle 150 from an idle mode into the default mode and subsequently disregard any further instructions received from the mode switch 162, while the vehicle 150 remains in the default mode or any of the vehicle modes other than the idle mode. When the vehicle 150 is powered ON or vehicle ignition is turned ON, for example by operating a key lock using a mechanical key, the vehicle 150 enters into the idle mode. In the idle mode, the vehicle 150 is ready to get started but there is no mobility based on throttle input. In the idle mode, the throttle 156 of the vehicle is not responsive and the vehicle 150 is not moving. The user needs to exit the idle mode and enter one of the drive modes such as the power mode, the economy mode and the like for the vehicle 150 to move and to perform the mobility function based on the throttle input. The re-entry into the idle mode depends upon at least one of: the vehicle parameter values and an ignition status of the vehicle 150.

[028] In an embodiment, the motor controller 112 is configured to perform the switching only when the vehicle mode is the default mode or one of the drive modes. The motor controller 112 is configured to disregard the instructions/inputs from the mode switch 162 while the vehicle 150 remains in the idle mode. The motor controller 112 is configured to switch the vehicle 150 between the economy mode and the power mode. The switching depends upon the instruction received from the mode switch 162 and at least one of the vehicle parameter values. In an embodiment, once the drive mode change is decided based on the inputs from the mode switch 162 and at least one of the vehicle parameter values, then the vehicle control unit 114 sends a message to the motor controller 112 over CAN bus to deliver the output according to the mode change determined by the motor controller 112.

[029] In an embodiment, the motor controller 112 is configured to switch the vehicle 150 from the power mode to the economy mode only when a speed of the vehicle 150 is less than a predefined threshold speed value and a throttle value is less than a predefined threshold throttle value. In various embodiments, additional conditions for switching the vehicle 150 between the power mode and the economy mode include: that the current vehicle mode is other than the idle mode or the park assist mode and a side stand status is in OFF. The side stand status is sensed and communicated by a side stand switch 166 connected to the vehicle control unit 114.

[030] In an exemplary embodiment, once the vehicle 150 is in the drive mode, switching of the vehicle modes between the power mode and economy mode is performed using the mode switch 162 by the user/rider. The mode switch 162 is operated by the rider to switch between the drive modes. The switch from the economy mode to the power mode is allowed while the switch from the power mode to the economy requires fulfilment of the conditions such as: the speed of the vehicle 150 is less than the predefined threshold speed value and the throttle input value is less than the predefined threshold throttle value. If the vehicle 150 is in idle mode, then the mode switch 162 operation is disregarded by the motor controller 112.

[031] For example, in the economy mode the speed of the vehicle 150 is limited to a top speed of 45 km/h and in the power mode the speed of the vehicle 150 is limited to a top speed of 80 km/h. The predefined threshold speed value is 40 km/h and the predefined threshold throttle value is 40%. Here, when the speed of the vehicle 150 is 80 km/h and the throttle is 100%, if the mode switch 162 is operated, then the vehicle 150 is not allowed to enter the economy mode. The rider needs to decelerate the vehicle 150 first before the motor controller 112 is allowed to switch the vehicle mode from the power mode to the economy mode. As a result, the rider does not enter the economy mode feeling loss of throttle control over the vehicle 150.

[032] In an embodiment, the vehicle control unit 114 is configured to change the vehicle mode from the idle mode to the default mode or the drive mode only when the pressed duration of the mode switch 162 is greater than a predefined duration value. The vehicle control unit 114 is configured to read the input from the mode switch 162 and compare the pressed duration of operation of the mode switch 162 to the predefined duration value. When the pressed duration exceeds the predefined duration value, the vehicle control unit 1 14 changes the mode from the idle mode to the default mode / drive mode. In an embodiment, the other conditions which are considered for the switch are charger connection status, side stand status, electrical faults status and the like.

[033] In an exemplary embodiment, while in the idle mode, the user/rider applies the brake 154 and presses the mode switch 162. The rider /user holds on and keeps both the brake 154 and the mode switch 162 pressed for more than the predefined duration value. For example, the predefined duration value is in the order of three to five seconds. For example, the predefined duration value is four seconds. Consequently, both the motor controller 112 and the vehicle control unit 114 receive the signals pertaining to the brake 154 and the mode switch 162 as input. Since the vehicle 150 is in the idle mode, the motor controller 112 disregards the inputs and the vehicle control unit 114 responds to the inputs and compares the input of the mode switch 162 - duration for which it is pressed to the predefined duration. If the pressed duration is more than the predefined pressed duration, the vehicle 150 is switched into the drive mode. As there are multiple drive modes in vehicle 150, the vehicle control unit 114 will enter the vehicle 150 into a default driving mode as configured at the time of designing. Subsequently, the vehicle control unit 114 disregards the inputs from the mode switch 162 until the vehicle 150 re-enters the idle mode due to any of the following: turned OFF and turned ON again, side stand operated, charger connected, vehicle kept idle for predefined time and the like.

[034] Switches 160 including the mode switch 162 and the brake switch 164 are all connected to the motor controller 112 with hardwire. Upon operation of the switches 160, there is an electrical signal in the form of voltage, which is transmitted to the motor controller 112. The motor controller 112 is configured to receive these electrical signals as inputs. The mode switch 162 is also connected to the vehicle control unit 114 with hardwire. Hence, a single switch - the mode switch 162 is connected to two different control units - the motor controller 112 and the vehicle control unit 114.

[035] The motor controller 112 is connected to traction motor such as the motor 152 for powering the motor 152 and also receive the speed and temperature of the motor 152. The motor controller 112 thus receives motor speed signals and computes the vehicle speed.

[036] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method 200 for controlling a vehicle mode of a vehicle 150 capable of operating in any one vehicle mode of a plurality of vehicle modes, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The method 200 comprises steps of receiving 210 inputs from a mode switch 162 of the vehicle 150 by a plurality of control units 110 in the vehicle 150; receiving 220 vehicle parameter values from a plurality of vehicular sensors 120 by the plurality of control units 110; and switching 230 the vehicle mode, by one of the plurality of control units 1 10, based upon a current vehicle mode and at least one of the vehicle parameter values.

[037] In an embodiment, the method 200 comprises step of switching 232 the vehicle 150 from an idle mode to a default mode when the mode switch 162 is pressed for more than a predefined duration and then released and/or the brake is also pressed for the same duration. The step of switching 232 is performed by the vehicle control unit 114 of the plurality of control units 110. The vehicle 150 is in motion when in the default mode. The default mode is one of an economy mode and a power mode of the vehicle 150. The method 200 comprises step of disregarding 212, by the vehicle control unit 114, of the instructions from the mode switch 162 while the vehicle 150 is not in the idle mode and until the vehicle 150 re-enters into the idle mode. The re-entry into the idle mode depends upon at least one of the vehicle parameter values and the ignition status. The method 200 comprises step of switching 234 the vehicle 150 between the power mode and the economy mode, by a motor controller 1 12, only when the current vehicle mode is the default mode or one of the drive modes. The switching 234 depends upon the input received from the mode switch 162 and at least one of the vehicle parameter values. The switching 234 from the power mode to the economy mode is performed only when a speed of the vehicle 150 is less than a predefined threshold speed value and a throttle value is less than a predefined threshold throttle value. The method 200 comprises disregarding 214, by the motor controller 112, of the inputs from the mode switch 162 when the vehicle 150 is in the idle mode and until the vehicle 150 re-enters into the default mode / drive mode.

[038] In accordance with various embodiments of the method 200, the vehicle parameter values include at least one of a current vehicle mode of the vehicle 150, a side stand status of a side stand of the vehicle 150, a vehicle speed of the vehicle 150, a charger connection status, a battery status of a battery 158 of the vehicle, a throttle value of the vehicle 150 and the like.

[039] Figure 3 (3A-B) is a flow chart illustrating a method 300 for controlling the vehicle modes of the vehicle 150, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The method 300 is an exemplary embodiment comprising step 302 to 326, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[040] At step 302, the method checks if an ignition of the vehicle 150 is ON. When the vehicle 150 is powered ON or the ignition is ON, for example by operating a key lock using a mechanical key, the vehicle 150 enters into the idle mode. At step 304, the method checks if the vehicle 150 is in the idle mode. When in the idle mode, step 306 is performed wherein the motor controller 1 12 disregards the inputs of the mode switch 162 and the vehicle 150 is ready to get started but there will be no mobility based on the throttle input. In the idle mode, a throttle 156 of the vehicle 150 is not responsive and the vehicle 150 is not moving.

[041] At step 308, if the mode switch 162 is pressed for more than the predefined duration value, steps 310 and 312 are performed. At step 310, the vehicle is switched from the idle mode into the default mode / drive mode via the vehicle control unit 114. At step 312, the vehicle control unit 114 disregards the inputs from the mode switch 162 until the vehicle 150 re-enters the idle mode. The re-entry into the idle mode depends upon at least one of: the vehicle parameter values and an ignition status of the vehicle 150.

[042] In an exemplary embodiment, the user/rider applies the brake 154 and presses the mode switch 162. The rider /user holds on and keeps both the brake 154 and the mode switch 162 pressed for more than the predefined duration value. Since the vehicle 150 is in the idle mode, the motor controller 112 disregards the inputs and the vehicle control unit 1 14 responds to the inputs and checks for the signals received with pre-defined thresholds and then enters the vehicle 150 into the default mode. The default mode may be one of the drive modes such as the economy mode and the power mode.

[043] Subsequent to step 312; and also, if at the step 304, the vehicle 150 is not in the idle mode; step 314 and subsequent steps are performed. At step 314, traction is provided to the motor 152 of the vehicle 150 by the motor controller 112 as per the input from the throttle 156. Further steps 316 and 318 check if the vehicle 150 is in the power mode or the economy mode. As there are multiple drive modes in vehicle 150, the vehicle control unit 1 14 will enter the vehicle 150 into a default mode as configured at the time of designing. The user needs to exit the idle mode and enter one of the drive modes such as the power mode, the economy mode and the like for the vehicle 150 to move and to perform the mobility function based on the throttle input.

[044] Further, at step 320, if the mode switch 162 is operated and the speed of the vehicle 150 is less than the predefined threshold speed value and the throttle value is less than the predefined threshold throttle value, step 322 is performed wherein the motor controller 1 12 switches the vehicle 150 into the economy mode.

[045] At step 324, if the mode switch 162 is operated and the throttle value is less than the predefined threshold throttle value, step 326 is performed wherein the motor controller 1 12 switches the vehicle 150 into the power mode.

[046] Subsequently, the vehicle control unit 1 14 disregards the inputs from the mode switch 162 until the vehicle 150 re-enters the idle mode due to any of the following: Turned OFF and turned ON again, side stand operated, charger connected, vehicle kept idle for predefined time and the like. [047] Advantageously, the system and the method provided by the invention provides a single switch operation for controlling the vehicle modes of the vehicle. The provision of extra switch and associated wiring required and the confusion related to which switch to operate and when to operate is done away with.

[048] Since the switch from the power mode to the economy mode is based upon speed and throttle condition and is restricted by the predefined speed and throttle values criteria, jerky ride due to sudden shift in speed is avoided and this increases ride comfort and user experience improves. Further, there is no processing load on a single control unit and both existing control units are being utilised optimally. This also improves the redundancy of algorithmic steps of the process and the reliability of the system and the method in the vehicle increases.

[049] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that multiple changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

List of Reference Numerals:

SYSTEM: 100

CONTROL UNITS: 1 10

MOTOR CONTROLLER: 1 12

VEHICLE CONTROL UNIT: 1 14

VEHICLE: 150

MOTOR: 152

BRAKE: 154 Y1

THROTTLE: 156

BATTERY: 158

SWITCHES: 160

MODE SWITCH: 162 BRAKE SWITCH: 164

SIDE STAND SWITCH: 166

VEHICULAR SENSORS: 120

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A system (100) for controlling a vehicle mode of a vehicle (150), the vehicle (150) being capable of operating in any one vehicle mode of a plurality of vehicle modes, the system (100) comprising: a mode switch (162) in the vehicle (150) for inputting instructions pertaining to switching between the plurality of vehicle modes; a plurality of vehicular sensors (120) for generating and communicating vehicle parameter values; and a plurality of control units (110) in the vehicle (150) in communication with the mode switch (162) and the plurality of vehicular sensors (120), the plurality of control units (1 10) configured to switch the vehicle (150) between the plurality of vehicle modes, the switching being based upon at least one of a current vehicle mode, inputs from the mode switch (162) and the vehicle parameter values.

2. The system (100) for controlling the vehicle mode of the vehicle (150) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the plurality of vehicle modes includes a default mode of the vehicle (150), the vehicle (150) being in motion when in the default mode, the default mode being one of an economy mode and a power mode of the vehicle (150).

3. The system (100) for controlling the vehicle mode of the vehicle (150) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the plurality of control units (110) includes a motor controller (112) and a vehicle control unit (114), the vehicle control unit (114) being configured to switch the vehicle (150) from an idle mode into the default mode and subsequently disregard any further instructions received from the mode switch (162), while the vehicle (150) remains in the default mode.

4. The system (100) for controlling the vehicle mode of the vehicle (150) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the vehicle control unit (114) disregards the inputs from the mode switch (162) until the vehicle (150) re-enters into the idle mode, the re-entry into the idle mode depending upon at least one of: the vehicle parameter values and an ignition status of the vehicle (150).

5. The system (100) for controlling the vehicle mode of the vehicle (150) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the motor controller (112) is configured to perform the switching only when the vehicle mode is the default mode, the motor controller (112) being configured to disregard the instructions from the mode switch (162) while the vehicle remains in the idle mode.

6. The system (100) for controlling the vehicle mode of the vehicle (150) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the motor controller (112) is configured to switch the vehicle between the economy mode and the power mode, the switching depending upon the instruction received from the mode switch (162) and at least one of the vehicle parameter values.

7. The system (100) for controlling the vehicle mode of the vehicle (150) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the motor controller (112) switches the vehicle from the power mode to the economy mode only when a speed of the vehicle (150) is less than a predefined threshold speed value and a throttle value is less than a predefined threshold throttle value.

8. The system (100) for controlling the vehicle mode of the vehicle (150) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the mode switch (162) is a press and release switch, the inputted instructions from the mode switch (162) including a pressed duration for which time the switch is kept pressed before being released.

9. The system (100) for controlling the vehicle mode of the vehicle (150) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the vehicle control unit (114) is configured to change the vehicle mode from the idle mode to the default mode only when the pressed duration is greater than a predefined duration value.

10. The system (100) for controlling the vehicle mode of the vehicle (150) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the vehicle parameter values include at least one of a current vehicle mode of the vehicle (150), a side stand status of a side stand of the vehicle (150), a vehicle speed of the vehicle (150), a charger connection status, a battery status of a battery (158) of the vehicle (150) and a throttle value of the vehicle (150).

1 1. A method (200) for controlling a vehicle mode of a vehicle (150), the vehicle (150) being capable of operating in any one vehicle mode of a plurality of vehicle modes, the method (200) comprising steps of: receiving (210) inputs from a mode switch (162) of the vehicle (150), the inputs being received by a plurality of control units (110) in the vehicle (150); receiving (220) vehicle parameter values from a plurality of vehicular sensors by the plurality of control units (110); and switching (230) the vehicle mode, by one of the plurality of control units, based upon a current vehicle mode and at least one of the vehicle parameter values. The method (200) for controlling the vehicle mode of the vehicle (150) as claimed in claim 11 comprises: switching (232) the vehicle (150) from an idle mode to a default mode when the mode switch (162) is pressed for more than a predefined duration value and then released, the switching being performed via a vehicle control unit (114) of the plurality of control units (1 10), the vehicle (150) being in motion when in the default mode, the default mode being one of an economy mode and a power mode of the vehicle (150); disregarding (212), by the vehicle control unit (114), of the instructions from the mode switch (162) while the vehicle (150) is not in the idle mode and until the vehicle (150) re-enters into the idle mode, the re-entry into the idle mode depends upon the at least one of the vehicle parameter values and the ignition status; switching (234) the vehicle (150) between the power mode and the economy mode, by a motor controller (112), only when the current vehicle mode is the default mode, the switching depending upon the input received from the mode switch (162) and the at least one of the vehicle parameter values; and disregarding (214), by the motor controller (112), of the inputs from the mode switch (162) when the vehicle (150) is in the idle mode and until the vehicle (150) re-enters into the default mode. 13. The method (200) for controlling the vehicle mode of the vehicle (150) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the switching (234) from the power mode to the economy mode is performed only when a speed of the vehicle (150) is less than a predefined threshold speed value and a throttle value is less than a predefined threshold throttle value. 14. The method (200) for controlling the vehicle mode of the vehicle (150) as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the vehicle parameter values include at least one of a current vehicle mode of the vehicle (150), a side stand status of a side stand of the vehicle (150), a vehicle speed of the vehicle (150), a charger connection status, a battery status of a battery (158) of the vehicle (150) and a throttle value of the vehicle (150).