Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
[39 of 1970]
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(Section 10; Rule 13)

SYSTEM PROVIDING SINGLE INPUT CONNECTION FOR SWITCHES OF HIGH CURRENT FUNCTION IN A CONTROL UNIT

ULTRAVIOLETTE AUTOMOTIVE PVT. LTD.
529-530, Intermediate Ring Road, Domlur,
Bangalore – 560071, Karnataka, India
An Indian Company

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to a signal processing device of a vehicle control unit including and particularly to input interfaces, such as switches, in a vehicle control unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A vehicle control unit (VCU) is the main functional unit for electric vehicles. Typically, the VCU generally has two kinds of switches on an electric vehicle: micro switches and mechanical switches. The micro switches are used for low current functions whereas mechanical switches are for high current functions. When a high current is passed, the micro switches are bypassed using the jumper settings to use mechanical switches, otherwise the micro switches will burn when used for high current. In case where the VCU needs redesigning to accommodate micro switches instead of mechanical switches, there arises a problem. The micro switches, which are designed only for milliamps scale of current, cannot directly control high current functions such as a horn that require a current of 3-5A. Typically, the architecture of the existing VCU designs using mechanical switches, allows the mechanical switches to use jumper settings or link for direct flow of high current to control the high current functions. However, when micro switches are used, jumper settings or link cannot be used because the direct flow of high current will burn the switches. For example, if micro switches need to be operated at 16mA and a higher direct current above 16mA is passed, it burns the switches.

Suppose the mechanical switches are used, overtime the switches will get corroded as they are made of copper and due to the oxidation. Once the switches are corroded, the current will not be able to pass through those corroded switches which will eventually stop working. The switch wetting current, which is sufficiently high enough when passed through the mechanical corroded switches, there will be a small spark which in turn will remove the corroded part, because of the sparking effect.

In order to prevent oxidisation and debris build-up on the external switch contacts, it is necessary to ensure a current of at least 4mA is supplied to the closed external switch contacts. Oxidisation and debris build-up on the switch contacts can occur for smaller currents than this and result in a degradation in performance and reliability of the external switches. However, with larger currents flowing through the closed external switches, a significant power loss occurs across the internal resistors of the VCU. This gives rise to undesirable heating effects which can adversely effect the thermal management of the VCU and can degrade the performance and reliability of overheat protection circuitry contained therein.

The existing VCUs have limitations on the scalability aspect. The micro switches on the existing VCU do not withstand passing of high current and are used only for passing of low current.

Also, the cost involved in implementation of micro switches on existing VCU is higher as separate input connections are provided for mechanical switches and micro switches.

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY INVENTION
Hence, it is a primary objective of the current invention to solve the scalability issue and make the micro switches on the VCU adaptable to withstand passing of high current.

Thus, it is another objective of the current invention to reduce the cost by providing the same input connection for either mechanical switches or the micro switches.

The above-mentioned shortcomings, disadvantages and problems are addressed herein and which will be understood by reading and studying the following specification.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Various embodiments herein describe a system to provide single input connection for switches of high current function in a vehicle control unit. As per the current invention, a system to provide a single input connection for switches of a high current function in a vehicle control unit of an electric two-wheeler is disclosed. A switch element is configured to receive an input command for performing the high current function from an end user. A switch detector detects a switch status based on the received input command by the switch element. A controller provides a controlling signal to perform the high current function upon receiving the switch status detected by the switch detector. A solid-state switch performs the high current function based on the controlling signal received from the controller and an input connector configured to receive the switch element for performing the high current function, wherein the switch element comprises of a micro-switch.

As per another feature of the current invention, a system to provide a single input connection for switches of a high current function in a vehicle control unit of an electric two-wheeler. A switch element is configured to receive an input command for performing the high current function from an end user. A switch detector detects a switch status based on the received input command by the switch element. A controller provides a controlling signal to perform the high current function upon receiving the switch status detected by the switch detector. A solid-state switch performs the high current function based on the controlling signal received from the controller and an input connector configured to receive the switch element for performing the high current function, wherein the switch element comprises of a mechanical switch.

As per first embodiment of the current invention, the switch element configured to receive the input command for performing the high current function, the switch element is for horn.

As per second embodiment of the current invention, the switch element configured to receive the input command for performing the high current function, the switch element is for lamps.

As per third embodiment of the current invention, the switch element configured to receive the input command for performing the high current function, the switch element is for ignition.

As per fourth embodiment of the current invention, the switch detector detects the switch status based on the received input command by the switch element, the switch status is ON.

As per fifth embodiment of the current invention, the switch detector detects the switch status based on the received input command by the switch element, the switch status is OFF.

As per sixth embodiment of the current invention, the switch detector receives the switch status after the solid-state switch performs the high current function.

As per seventh embodiment of the current invention, the controller monitors the switch status after the solid-state switch performs the high current function.

As per eighth embodiment of the current invention, the mechanical switch performs the high current function directly using a link which connects the mechanical switch to the high current function.

The foregoing has outlined, in general, the various aspects of the invention and serves as an aid to better understanding the more complete detailed description which is to follow. In reference to such, there is to be a clear understanding that the present invention is not limited to the method or application of use described and illustrated herein. It is intended that any other advantages and objects of the present invention that become apparent or obvious from the detailed description or illustrations contained herein are within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:

Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating implementation of micro switch on the VCU for passing of high current according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating implementation of mechanical switch on the VCU for passing of high current according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present invention.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, sub-systems, elements, structures, components, members, additional devices, additional sub-systems, additional elements, additional structures or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying figures.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the VCU provides a single input connection for switches of high current function. The switches could be either micro switches or mechanical switches on a switch console. The micro switches are expensive and are for low current functions such as navigation of screens on a display unit of an electric vehicle. The mechanical switches are less expensive and are for high current functions such as horn, lamps and ignition. The micro switches are Ingress Protected (IP), that is they are protected from dust and water. They do not corrode even if low current is passed as there would be no oxidation. The VCU also provides a switch wetting current option to remove corroded parts in either micro switches or mechanical switches. The micro switches connected to the VCU are enabled to operate the high current functions that require a current of 3-5A through the solid state switches.

According to Figure 1, the present invention describes a system to provide a single input connection for switches of a high current function (107) in a vehicle control unit (10) of an electric two-wheeler. A switch element (102, 103) is configured to receive an input command for performing the high current function (107). The input command is provided by an end user. A switch detector (104) detects a switch status (108) based on the received input command by the switch element (102, 103). A controller (105) provides a controlling signal to perform the high current function (107) upon receiving the switch status (108) detected by the switch detector (104). A solid-state switch (106) performs the high current function (107) based on the controlling signal received from the controller (105). An input connector (101) is configured to receive the switch element (102, 103) for performing the high current function (107), wherein the switch element (102, 103) comprises a micro-switch (102).

According to an alternative embodiment, the present invention describes a system to provide a single input connection for switches of a high current function (107) in a vehicle control unit (10) of an electric two-wheeler. A switch element (102, 103) is configured to receive an input command for performing the high current function (107). The input command is provided by an end user. A switch detector (104) detects a switch status (108) based on the received input command by the switch element (102, 103). A controller (105) provides a controlling signal to perform the high current function (107) upon receiving the switch status (108) detected by the switch detector (104). A solid-state switch (106) performs the high current function (107) based on the controlling signal received from the controller (105). An input connector (101) is configured to receive the switch element (102, 103) for performing the high current function (107), wherein the switch element (102, 103) comprises a mechanical switch (103).

According to Figure 2, the mechanical switch (103) performs the high current function (107) directly using a link (109) which connects the mechanical switch (103) to the high current function (107). The link may be an electrical link. In an exemplary embodiment, when the mechanical switch is directly communicating with the high current function (107), the switch detector (104), the controller (105) and the solid-state switch (106) may remain under an idle state (110). In another exemplary embodiment, even in the idle state (110), the controller (105) monitors the switch status (108) after the solid-state switch (106) performs the high current function (107).

As per first embodiment of the current invention, the switch element (102, 103) configured to receive the input command for performing the high current function (107), the switch element (102, 103) is for horn.

As per second embodiment of the current invention, the switch element (102, 103) configured to receive the input command for performing the high current function (107), the switch element (102, 103) is for lamps.

As per third embodiment of the current invention, the switch element (102, 103) configured to receive the input command for performing the high current function (107), the switch element (102, 103) is for ignition.

As per fourth embodiment of the current invention, the switch detector (104) detects the switch status (108) based on the received input command by the switch element (102, 103), the switch status (108) is ON.

As per fifth embodiment of the current invention, the switch detector (104) detects the switch status (108) based on the received input command by the switch element (102, 103), the switch status (108) is OFF.

As per sixth embodiment of the current invention, the switch detector (104) receives the switch status (108) after the solid-state switch (106) performs the high current function (107).

As per seventh embodiment of the current invention, the controller (105) monitors the switch status (108) after the solid-state switch (106) performs the high current function (107).

As per eighth embodiment of the current invention, the mechanical switch (103) performs the high current function (107) directly using a link (109) which connects the mechanical switch (103) to the high current function (107).

FURTHER ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
So, the current invention prevents the burning of micro-switches (102) when high current is passed through them by making the VCU (10) adaptable to receive micro-switches (102) for high current.

The current invention further simplifies implementation on the VCU (10) by providing same input connection for either mechanical switches (103) or the micro switches (102).

While specific language has been used to describe the invention, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.

S.No. Name Numbering
1. A vehicle control unit 10

2. an input connector 101
3. a micro-switch 102
4. a mechanical switch 103
5. a switch detector 104
6. a controller 105
7. a solid-state switch
106
8. a high current function 107
9. a switch status 108
10. a link 109
11. an idle state 110 , Claims:We claim:

1. A system to provide a single input connection for switches of a high current function (107) in a vehicle control unit (10) of an electric two-wheeler, the system comprising of:

a switch element (102, 103) configured to receive an input command for performing the high current function (107) from an end user;

a switch detector (104) detects a switch status (108) based on the received input command by the switch element (102, 103);

a controller (105) provides a controlling signal to perform the high current function (107) upon receiving the switch status (108) detected by the switch detector (104);

a solid-state switch (106) performs the high current function (107) based on the controlling signal received from the controller (105); and

an input connector (101) configured to receive the switch element (102, 103) for performing the high current function (107), wherein the switch element (102, 103) comprises of a micro-switch (102).

2. A system to provide a single input connection for switches of a high current function (107) in a vehicle control unit (10) of an electric two-wheeler, the system comprising of:

a switch element (102, 103) configured to receive an input command for performing the high current function (107) from an end user;

a switch detector (104) detects a switch status (108) based on the received input command by the switch element (102, 103);

a controller (105) provides a controlling signal to perform the high current function (107) upon receiving the switch status (108) detected by the switch detector (104);

a solid-state switch (106) performs the high current function (107) based on the controlling signal received from the controller (105); and

an input connector (101) configured to receive the switch element (102, 103) for performing the high current function (107), wherein the switch element (102, 103) comprises of a mechanical switch (103).

3. The system of claim 1 and 2 wherein the switch element (102, 103) configured to receive the input command for performing the high current function (107), the switch element (102, 103) is for horn.

4. The system of claim 1 and 2 wherein the switch element (102, 103) configured to receive the input command for performing the high current function (107), the switch element (102, 103) is for lamps.

5. The system of claim 1 and 2 wherein the switch element (102, 103) configured to receive the input command for performing the high current function (107), the switch element (102, 103) is for ignition.

6. The system of claim 1 and 2 wherein the switch detector (104) detects the switch status (108) based on the received input command by the switch element (102, 103), the switch status (108) is ON.

7. The system of claim 1 and 2 wherein the switch detector (104) detects the switch status (108) based on the received input command by the switch element (102, 103), the switch status (108) is OFF.

8. The system of claim 1 and 2 wherein the switch detector (104) receives the switch status (108) after the solid-state switch (106) performs the high current function (107).

9. The system of claim 1 and 2 wherein the controller (105) monitors the switch status (108) after the solid-state switch (106) performs the high current function (107).

10. The system of claim 2 wherein the mechanical switch (103) performs the high current function (107) directly using a link (109) which connects the mechanical switch (103) to the high current function (107).