Claims:We claim:
1. A switch (120) to control functions of a vehicle (100), said switch (120) connected to a controller (110), characterized in that
said switch (120) operable as two distinct switches based on conditions detected by said controller (110), said two distinct switches are selectable from a first set (126) comprising a start switch (118) and a mode switch (122), and a second set (128) comprising said start switch (118) and an ignition switch (124).

2. The switch (120) as claimed in claim 1, wherein while said switch (120) is implemented as any one of said first set (126) and said second set (128), to enable said switch (120) to function as said start switch (118), said controller (110) configured to
measure and detect an engine speed (102) below a first threshold, and
detect a powertrain state (104) as not engaged.

3. The switch (120) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said controller (110) configured to
detect at least one parameter selected from a brake signal (106), a vehicle speed (108) and a throttle position (112) with respective thresholds, said at least one parameter is in addition to said engine speed (102) and said powertrain state (104).

4. The switch (120) as claimed in claim 1, wherein while said switch (120) is implemented as first set (126), said controller (110) configured to
detect an engine speed (102) above a first threshold irrespective of a powertrain state (104) of said vehicle (100), and
enable said switch (120) to function as said mode switch (122).

5. The switch (120) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said controller (110) configured to
measure at least one parameter selected from a brake signal (106), a vehicle speed (108) and a throttle position (112), and
process said at least one parameter with respective threshold values, before said switch (120) is enabled to function as said mode switch (122).

6. The switch (120) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said mode switch (122) is operated for at least two modes, wherein said mode is selected based on frequency of press, time interval between press and duration of said press.

7. The switch (120) as claimed in claim 1, wherein while said switch (120) is implemented as second set (128), said controller (110) configured to
detect an engine speed (102) above a first threshold speed, and
enable said switch (120) to function as an ignition switch (124).

8. The switch (120) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said controller (110) configured to
detect a duration of press of said switch (120), before said switch (120) is enabled to function as said ignition switch (124).

9. A method for controlling functions of a vehicle (100), said vehicle (100) comprising a switch (120) in connection with a controller (110), characterized by, said method comprising the steps of:
detecting and comparing, by said controller (110), an engine speed (102) with at least one threshold, and
enabling, by said controller (110), based on said comparison and at least one additional parameter, said switch (120) to function as two distinct switches, said two distinct switches are selected from a first set (126) comprising a start switch (118) and a mode switch (122), and a second set (128) comprising said start switch (118) and an ignition switch (124).

10. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein
while said switch (120) is implemented as any one of said first set (126) and said second set (128), enabling said switch (120) as said start switch (118) comprises the steps of
detecting said engine speed (102) below a first threshold, and
detecting a state of a powertrain state (104) of said vehicle (100) as not engaged;
while said switch (120) is implemented as said first set (126), enabling said switch (120) as said mode switch (122) comprises the step of
detecting said engine speed (102) above a second threshold irrespective of said powertrain state (104);
while said switch (120) is implemented as said second set (128), enabling said switch (120) as said ignition switch (124) comprises the step of
detecting said engine speed (102) above a second threshold.
, Description:Complete Specification:
The following specification describes and ascertains the nature of this invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:

Field of the invention:
[0001] The present invention relates to a switch to control functions of a two wheeler vehicle and method thereof.

Background of the invention:
[0002] In the modern two wheeler vehicles with Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) or Manual Throttle Control (MTC), a feature of ride modes is commonly seen. A rider/driver can choose various ride modes such as city mode, eco mode, highway mode, etc. through a switch which is input to an Electronic Control Unit (ECU). Based on the switch input, the ECU activates various strategies and gives various characteristics to the ride quality. However, this feature comes with an additional hardware switch, wires to the ECU and a digital pin reserved for this switch input in the ECU along with the software modifications to achieve the desired ride characteristics, incurring a cost burden to the user.

[0003] According to a patent literature US4191866, a three-function switch for a motorcycle is disclosed. The three-function single-lever switch for the motorcycle includes two mutually pivoted mounts and a slider on one of the mounts, whereby the slider is rotatable around two axes and slidable on a third, whereby selectively to make three possible circuit connections.

[0004] There is a need for a simple and economical switch configuration.

Brief description of the accompanying drawings:
[0005] An embodiment of the disclosure is described with reference to the following accompanying drawing,
[0006] Fig. 1 illustrates a switch to control function of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention, and
[0007] Fig. 2 illustrates a method for controlling functions of the vehicle, according to the present invention.

Detailed description of the embodiments:
[0008] Fig. 1 illustrates a switch to control function of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle 100 shown is a motorcycle, but is equally possible to be a scooter, a bike, an auto-rickshaws and the like. The switch 120 is connected to a controller 110, characterized in that, the switch 120 operable as two distinct switches based on the conditions detected by the controller 110. The two distinct switches are selectable from a first set 126 comprising a start switch 118 and a mode switch 122, and a second set 128 comprising the start switch 118 and an ignition switch 124. Further, for the vehicle 100, any one of the first set 126 and the second set 128 is implemented at a time. For example, a first vehicle 100 is configured with first set 126 and a second vehicle 100 is configured with second set 128. A handlebar 116 is detailed to show the switch 120 for clarity. The controller 110 controls the output unit 114 for controlling the vehicle 110. The output unit 114 comprises at least one of starter motor, fuel injector, throttle body and the like.

[0009] The controller 110 comprises a processor, memory element, timers, clocks and other circuits such as Analog To Digital (ADC) and/or DAC, etc. all connected by communication channel such as Bus. In an embodiment, the controller 110 is an engine controller of the vehicle 100. Alternatively, the controller 110 is separate control unit in communication with the engine controller.

[0010] In accordance to an embodiment of the present invention, while the switch 120 is operated as any one of the first set 126 and the second set 128, in order to enable the switch 120 to function as the start switch 118, the controller 110 is configured to measure and detect an engine speed 102 below a first threshold, and detect a powertrain state 104 as not engaged. The engine speed 102 is measured with an engine speed sensor, whereas the powertrain state 104 is obtained from the clutch and/or gear position sensors/switches. The not engaged powertrain state 104 corresponds to a clutch lever is pressed or clutch plates are open or gear is in neutral position. For example, consider a key of the vehicle 100 is inserted and rotated to ignition position. Now, when the engine speed 102 is detected as zero and powertrain state 104 is detected as open, then the controller 110 enables the switch 120 to function as start switch 118. A driver presses the switch 120 to start the engine.

[0011] In accordance to another embodiment, the controller 110 is configured to detect at least one additional parameter selected from a brake signal 106, a vehicle speed 108 and a throttle position 112. The brake signal 106 is detected through a brake lever, the vehicle speed 108 is either estimated or detected from wheel speed sensor, and the throttle position 112 is detected through a position sensor. The additional parameters are optional and enables even more robust detection of conditions to enable the function to be activated. The at least one parameter is in addition to the engine speed 102 and the powertrain state 104. The controller 110 then compares the at least one parameter with respective threshold, and enables the switch 120 to function as start switch 118. For example, the controller 110 checks for the brake is applied, the vehicle speed 108 and the throttle position 112 below a speed limit and threshold position, respectively, in addition to the engine speed 102 and the powertrain state 104. Once the required conditions are satisfied, the controller 110 enables the switch 120 to function as the start switch 118.

[0012] In accordance to yet another embodiment of the present invention, while the switch 120 is implemented as per the first set 126, the controller 110 is configured to detect engine speed 102 above the first threshold speed irrespective of the powertrain state 104 of the vehicle 100, to enable the switch 120 to function as the mode switch 122. Once the vehicle 100 starts, the switch 120 is not used for any purpose as long as the engine speed 102 is above the first threshold. During this time the switch 120 is used as the mode switch 122. For example, if the engine is idling at neutral gear position, or the vehicle 100 is being driven at some gear position, the engine speed 102 is checked to be above the first threshold speed (such as a speed below the idle speed). If the engine speed 102 is detected above the first threshold, then the controller 110 enables the switch 120 to function as mode switch 122.

[0013] The controller 110 is further configured to measure at least one parameter selected from any one of the brake signal 106, the vehicle speed 108 and the throttle position 112, and process the at least one parameter with respective threshold values, before the switch 120 is enabled to function as the mode switch 122. Again, the at least one parameters are optional but assist the controller 110 to affirm the activation of the switch 120 as the mode switch 122. In an embodiment, the mode switch 122 is operated for at least two modes. The mode is selected based on frequency of press, time interval between press and duration of the press. For example, if the switch is a spring biased, then each press toggles the modes.

[0014] In accordance to yet another embodiment of the present invention, while the switch 120 is operated as per the second set 128, the controller 110 is configured to detect the engine speed 102 above a second threshold speed, and only then enable the switch 120 to function as the ignition switch 124. The controller 110 is configured to detect a duration of press of the switch 120 before the switch 120 is enabled to function as ignition switch 124. Also, the first threshold is either same as the second threshold or different. For example, when the vehicle 100 is being driven the function of start switch 118 is not needed. However, if the engine speed 102 is above the second threshold speed, the controller 110 enables the switch 120 to function as ignition switch 124, allowing the driver to switch OFF the ignition and thereby the engine, such as while waiting in a traffic. Now, once the engine is OFF, the controller 110 detects the engine speed 102 less than the second threshold, and now enables the switch 120 to function as start switch 118. All the aforementioned examples are provided for clarity only, and the same must not be understood in limiting manner.

[0015] In accordance to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a controller 110 for a vehicle 100 is provided. The controller 110 enables use of a single switch 120 in place of two switches. Thus, the unused switch is usable for a different function altogether.

[0016] In accordance to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a start switch 118 is adapted to function as mode switch 122 based on the conditions detected by the controller 110. In other embodiment, the start switch 118 is adapted to function as ignition switch 124 based on the conditions detected by the controller 110. The ignition switch 124 is also referred to as kill switch.

[0017] Fig. 2 illustrates a method for controlling functions of the vehicle, according to the present invention. The vehicle 100 comprising the switch 120 in connection with the controller 110. The method is characterized by steps of, a step 202 comprises detecting and comparing, by the controller 110, an engine speed 102 with at least one threshold, the first threshold for the first set 126, and the second threshold for the second set 128. A step 204 comprises enabling, by the controller 110, based on the comparison and at least one additional parameter, the switch 120 to function as two distinct switches. The two distinct switches are selected from a first set 126 comprising the start switch 118 and the mode switch 122, and a second set 128 comprising the start switch 118 and the ignition switch 124.

[0018] In continuation to the method, while the switch 120 is implemented as any one of the first set 126 and the second set 128, a step 206 comprises enabling the switch 120 to function as the start switch 118. The step 206 comprises sub-steps of detecting the engine speed 102 below the first threshold, and detecting the state of a powertrain state 104 of the vehicle 100 as not engaged.

[0019] While the switch 120 is implemented as first set 126, a step 208 (directly after step 204) comprises enabling the switch 120 to function as the mode switch 122, which comprises the step of detecting the engine speed 102 above the second threshold irrespective of the powertrain state 104. This step is performed only when the switch 120 is implemented as per the first set 126.

[0020] While the switch 120 is implemented as second set 128, a step 210 comprises enabling the switch 120 as ignition switch 124, which comprises the step of detecting the engine speed 102 above the second threshold. Further, whether the first set 126 or the second set 128, at least one additional parameter selected from the brake signal 106, the vehicle speed 108 and the throttle position 112 is compared with respective threshold to select the type of switch 120 to be activated. The at least one parameter is optional.

[0021] According to the present invention, the switch 120 and the controller 110 saves the hardware cost of providing the separate switches on the vehicle 100. The switch 120 is also referred to as hybrid switch 120 or dual function switch 120. The start switch 118 activates a starter motor of the vehicle 100. The controller 110 is configured to decide the start switch 118 is pressed or the mode switch 122 is pressed, by monitoring various parameters.

[0022] It should be understood that embodiments explained in the description above are only illustrative and do not limit the scope of this invention. Many such embodiments and other modifications and changes in the embodiment explained in the description are envisaged. The scope of the invention is only limited by the scope of the claims.