WO2021095058A1

WO2021095058A1 - Starting system of electric vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2021095058A1
Application number: PCT/IN2020/050957
Authority: WO
Inventors: Madhukar LNU
Original assignee: Hero MotoCorp Limited
Priority date: 2019-11-15
Filing date: 2020-11-13
Publication date: 2021-05-20

Abstract

A starting system (200) for enabling different modes of a vehicle (100) is disclosed. A brake switch (240) configured to output a first voltage signal (V1) indicative of a close state of the brake switch (240) and a second voltage signal (V2) indicative of an open state of the brake switch (240). The throttle position detector (202) configured to output a third voltage signal (V3) indicative of a closed state of the throttle position detector (202) and a fourth voltage signal (V4) indicative of a position of the throttle grip (204) other than a fully closed command position of the throttle grip (204). The control unit (220) configured to determine an initial starting condition basis the first voltage signal (V1) and the fourth voltage signal (V4) and enable the vehicle (100) in a ready mode. Upon determination of the initial starting condition, determine an additional starting condition basis the third voltage signal (V3) and enable the vehicle (100) in a run mode.

Description

“STARTING SYSTEM OF ELECTRIC VEHICLE”

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a starting system of a vehicle and, more particularly, to the starting system for enabling different modes of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Currently, an electric vehicle after a key ON moves forward as soon as throttle grip is opened to drive the vehicle. Generally, the electric vehicle is silent in nature or does not produce noise as produced in an internal-combustion engine vehicle. Thus, a rider will be in a state of confusion whether the vehicle is in an ON or OFF state. Further, an unintentional or accidental opening of throttle in vehicle ON state may be dangerous and may lead to injury to the rider.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0004] In one aspect of the present invention, a starting system for enabling different modes of a vehicle is provided. The starting system for enabling different modes of a vehicle comprising a brake lever configured to actuate a braking operation of the vehicle. The starting system also comprises a throttle grip configured to actuate a throttling up or down operation of the vehicle. A brake switch is operatively coupled with the brake lever, wherein the brake switch configured to output a first voltage signal (VI) indicative of a close state of the brake switch and a second voltage signal (V2) indicative of an open state of the brake switch. A throttle position detector operatively coupled to the throttle grip, wherein the throttle position detector configured to output a third voltage signal (V3) indicative of a closed state of the throttle position detector corresponding to a fully closed command position of the throttle grip and a fourth voltage signal (V4) indicative of a position of the throttle grip other than a fully closed command position of the throttle grip. The starting system (200) further comprises a control unit configured to receive the first voltage signal (VI) and the second voltage signal (V2) from the brake switch , and the third voltage signal (V3) and the fourth voltage signal (V4) from the throttle position detector , the control unit further configured to determine an initial starting condition basis the first voltage signal (V2) and the fourth voltage signal (V4) and enable the vehicle in a ready mode basis the initial starting condition and upon determination of the initial starting condition, determine an additional starting condition basis the third voltage signal (V3) and enable the vehicle in a run mode basis the additional starting condition.

[0005] Based on the foregoing, the present invention helps in ascertaining the intention of the driver to start the vehicle and unintentional starting of the vehicle is prevented. Further, a safe starting of the vehicle is achieved as danger of unintentional over rotation (more than required) of the throttle grip is taken away from the driver and now the vehicle starts only at a fully closed command position of the throttle grip after a certain degree of rotation opening direction in a predetermined time.

[0006] In an embodiment, the control unit further configured to determine the additional starting condition, upon determination of the initial starting condition, basis the third voltage signal (V3) and the second voltage signal (VI) to enable the vehicle in the run mode basis the additional starting condition. This condition ensures that two parameters are met before putting the vehicle in the run mode, thus fully ascertaining the intentions of the rider leading to accidental situations.

[0007] In an embodiment, the starting system further comprises at least one sensor adapted to sense at least one operating parameter of the vehicle and the control unit enables the vehicle in the run mode, upon determination of the initial starting condition, when the at least one operating parameter of the vehicle satisfies a predetermine condition. In an embodiment, the starting system further comprises at least one sensor adapted to sense at least one operating parameter of the vehicle and the control unit enables the vehicle in the ready mode when the at least one operating parameter of the vehicle satisfies a predetermine condition. In an embodiment, the at least one sensor is a vehicle speed sensor and the at least one operating parameter is vehicle speed. In an embodiment, the predetermined condition is that vehicle speed is below a predetermined value. This condition ensures that even if the rider has actuated the throttle to the fully closed command position after actuating it to a position of the throttle grip other than a fully closed command position, then even vehicle will not enable the run mode or ready mode if the at least one operating parameter is not satisfying the predetermined condition such as vehicle speed is less than a predetermined speed, this further ensures safety of the rider.

[0008] In an embodiment, the control unit configured with a voltage detection module which detects the voltage output signal (V3, V4) by the throttle position detector and thereby the position of the throttle grip.

[0009] In an embodiment, there are multiple values of the fourth voltage signal (V4) each corresponding to the particular position of the throttle grip.

[00010] In an embodiment, the control unit further configured to calculate a rate of change of the fourth voltage signal (V4) received from the throttle position detector and enables the ready mode when the rate of change is below a predetermined value.

This feature of the invention ensures the throttle is not inadvertently actuated to the fully closed command position by the ensure

[00011] In an embodiment, the ready mode configures at least one electronic component of the vehicle to receive power from a battery of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the run mode configures an electric motor of the vehicle in an ON-state and ready to transmit motive power to the vehicle. Thus, user can full use of the vehicle only it cannot be run in ready mode. [00012] In an embodiment, the vehicle is an electric vehicle having at one electric motor. In an embodiment, the vehicle is a hybrid vehicle having at least one electric motor and at least one combustion engine.

[00013] In an embodiment, the control unit configured to enable the run mode when the voltage signal (V4) is above a first pre -determine value and lower than a second pre-determined value, wherein the second predetermined value is smaller than the first predetermined value. This feature ensures that the user has rotated the throttle sufficiently from the fully closed position, thus capturing the intention of the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [00014] The invention itself, together with further features and attended advantages, will become apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments of the present invention are now described, by way of example only wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which: [00015] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of an exemplary vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00016] Figure 2 illustrates the vehicle alongwith a body frame of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00017] Figure 3 illustrates a battery case mounted over the vehicle body frame of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00018] Figure 4 illustrates a block diagram of a starting system of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00019] Figure 5 a illustrates a voltage output signal generated by an electric switch configured as a throttle position detector, according to an embodiment of the present invention; [00020] Figure 5b illustrates a voltage output signal generated by a potentiometer configured as a throttle position detector, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[00021] Figure 6 illustrates a flow chart depicting steps performed by a control unit to safely start the vehicle.

[00022] The drawings referred to in this description are not to be understood as being drawn to scale except if specifically noted, and such drawings are only exemplary in nature.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [00023] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, an embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described here below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the invention.

[00024] The term “comprises”, comprising, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, structure or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or structure or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.

[00025] For better understanding of this invention, reference would now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying Figures and description here below, further, in the following Figures, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same components in various views. [00026] While the present invention is illustrated in the context of a vehicle, however, the present starting system and aspects and features thereof can be used with other type of vehicles as well. The terms “vehicle”, “two wheeled vehicle” and “motorcycle” have been interchangeably used throughout the description. The term “vehicle” comprises vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, mopeds, scooter type vehicle, all-terrain vehicles (ATV), electric vehicles and the like. For the sake of simplicity of the present disclosure, the invention is described using the two- wheeled electric vehicle and its components.

[00027] The terms “front / forward”, “rear / rearward / back / backward”, “up / upper / top”, “down / lower / lower ward / downward, bottom”, “left / leftward”, “right / rightward” used therein represents the directions as seen from a vehicle driver sitting astride and these directions are referred by arrows Fr, Rr, U, Lr, L, R in the drawing Figures.

[00028] Figure 1, Figure 2 and Figure 3 illustrate an exemplary vehicle (100), in accordance with the present invention. The vehicle (100) comprises a front wheel (102), a vehicle body frame (206), a rear wheel (121), an electric motor (not shown), a battery (308), a charger unit (not shown) and a vehicle body cover (130). In the vehicle (100), the rear wheel (121) is driven by an output produced by the electric motor (not shown) and the electric motor (not shown) is driven by electric power supplied from the battery (308a). In an embodiment, a transmission case (123), acting as a swing arm, includes the electric motor. In an embodiment, the vehicle (100) is an electric vehicle having at least one electric motor. In an embodiment, the vehicle (100) is a hybrid vehicle having at least one electric motor and at least one combustion engine.

[00029] The front wheel (102) supported by the vehicle body frame (206). The vehicle body cover (130) covers the vehicle body frame (206). In an embodiment, a floor board (112) provided between a head tube (206a) and a main frame (160). The floor board (112) constituted over the pair of first frame members (206c). A seat (110) is supported by the vehicle body frame (206), particularly over the main frame (116). A handle bar (3) is pivotally mounted on the vehicle body frame (106). The handle bar (107) is configured to be rotated by a rider to steer the vehicle (100). The front wheel (102) is operatively connected to the handle bar (107). The front wheel (102) is in a front portion of the vehicle (100) and the rear wheel (121) is in a rear portion of the vehicle (100). The handle bar (3) is disposed with a brake lever (180) and a throttle grip. At least one brake lever (180) is disposed at the handle bar (107) such that the at least one brake lever ( 180) is actuated using hands of the rider. In an embodiment, the brake lever (180) is configured to actuate a braking operation of the vehicle (100). The throttle grip is preferably rotatable in a clockwise or an anticlockwise direction by the hand of the rider, preferably the right hand of the rider. The throttle grip is configured to actuate a throttling up or down operation of the vehicle (100). In an embodiment, the clockwise rotation (A, refer figure 4) of the throttle grip (not shown) defines an opening command for throttling up the vehicle (100) and the anti-clockwise rotation (B, refer figure 4) defines a closing command for throttling down the vehicle (100).

[00030] Further, the front portion of the vehicle (100) may comprise a headlight assembly (106a) and an instrumentation cluster (150). In an embodiment, the rear portion of the vehicle (100) may comprise a suspension assembly (124) and a tail light (116). A leg shield (111) that protects legs of the rider is provided on the front side. A centre frame cover (113) is provided behind the leg shield (111). In an embodiment, the centre cover (113) is provided below the front portion of the seat (110). A side frame cover (114) that covers a side surface of the vehicle (100) is provided behind the centre frame cover (113). The tail light (116) and a rear fender (120) are provided at the rear portion of the side frame cover (114). A rear grip (118) is also provided at the rear portion of the side frame cover (114). A stand (122) is provided under the vehicle body frame (206), more particularly it is attached to the transmission case (123) to park the vehicle (100). In an embodiment, the charger unit (not shown) is intermediary electrically connected with an external power supply and the battery (308). In another embodiment, the charger unit (not shown) takes an alternative current input from the external power supply (not shown) and converts it to a direct current to charge the battery (308). [00031] Referring to Figure 2, a dotted line represents the vehicle body frame (206) of the electric vehicle (100). The vehicle body frame (206) comprises a head tube (206a) and a down tube (206b), the down tube (206b) extends rearwardly & downwardly from the head tube (206a), a pair of first frame members (206c) supported by the down tube (206b) and extending substantially in a front-rear direction (Fr-Rr) of the vehicle (100), a main frame (160) coupled to the pair of first frame members (206c), wherein the main frame (160) comprises: a pair of second frame members (206d) extending rearwardly and upwardly from the pair of first frame members (206c), a pair of third frame members (206e) extending rearwardly from the second frame members (206d). In an embodiment, the vehicle body frame (206) surrounded by the vehicle body cover (130).

[00032] Referring to Figure 3, a dotted line represents the battery case (308). The battery case (308a) comprises a battery (250a, refer figure 4) to deliver power to the electric motor (refer figure 4). The battery case (308a) disposed in between the pair of second frame members (206d) and below the seat (110). In an embodiment, a control unit (220) configured to start the two wheeled electric vehicle (100) in a ready mode or a run mode. The control unit (220) is disposed inside the battery case (308a). In another embodiment, the control unit (220) may be disposed on the vehicle body frame (206). It may be noted that the electric vehicle (100) may also be provided with an additional battery (not shown) to provide power to the at least one electronic component (222) of the vehicle (100). For a sake of brevity, the battery (250a) and the additional battery (not shown) may be collectively referred as the battery (250, refer figure 4) of the vehicle (100).

[00033] It may be noted that the vehicle (100) is shown to have included above stated parts; however, those skilled in the art would appreciate that the vehicle (100) includes other parts which may not be relevant for explaining the present invention and hence are not shown and described.

[00034] Referring to Figure 4, a block diagram depicting a starting system (200) of the electric vehicle (100) is disclosed. The starting system (200) comprises a throttle position detector (202), a brake switch (240), a control unit (220) configured with a voltage detection module (206). The starting system (200) may also comprise at least one sensor (216). The starting system further comprises the battery (250), the brake lever (180), the throttle grip (204), the electric motor (208), and the at least one electronic components (222).

[00035] The brake switch (240) operatively coupled with the brake lever ( 180), wherein the brake switch (240) configured to output a first voltage signal (VI) indicative of a close state of the brake switch (240) and a second voltage signal (V2) indicative of an open state of the brake switch (240). The first voltage signal (VI) may be a zero volts corresponding to a de-actuated state or release state of the brake lever (180) such that the brake switch (240) is closed. The second voltage (V2) may be a non-zero volts, for example 12 volts, corresponding to an actuated state of the brake lever ( 180) such that the brake switch (240) is open. Any person skilled in the art may acknowledge to a fact that a vice-versa of the state of the brake switch (240) is also possible to know the de-actuate state or the actuate state of the brake lever (180), only requirement for the present invention is that the brake switch (240) is configured to provide information of the braking operation of the vehicle (100) to the control unit (220) via the voltage signals (VI, V2).

[00036] The throttle grip (204) configured to actuate a throttling up or down operation of the vehicle (100). The throttle grip (204) operates between a fully closing command position and a fully opening command position. In an embodiment, the clockwise rotation (A) of the throttle grip (204) defines an opening command for throttling up and the anti-clockwise rotation (B) defines a closing command for throttling down the vehicle (100). Similarly, the clockwise rotation (A) of the throttle grip (204) indicates a forward or a positive rotation of the throttle grip (204) and the anti-clockwise rotation (B) indicates a reverse or a negative rotation of the throttle grip (204).

[00037] The throttle position detector (202) configured to detect a particular position of the throttle grip (204) during rotation of the throttle grip (204) either in the forward or the reverse rotation. In an embodiment, the throttle position detector (202) configured to detect a degree of opening of the throttle grip (204). In an embodiment, the throttle position detector (202) may be an electronic switch configured to generate a voltage output signal when a throttle grip is positioned at a particular position during rotation of the throttle grip (204). In another embodiment, one or more electric switches may be configured to detect the predetermined position of the throttle grip (204) during rotation of the throttle grip (204). In still another embodiment, the throttle position detector (202) may be a potentiometer. The potentiometer provides a continuous voltage output signal basis an opening degree of the throttle grip (204).

[00038] In an embodiment, the throttle position detector (202) configured to output a third voltage signal (V3) indicative of a closed state of the throttle position detector (202) corresponding to the fully closed command position of the throttle grip (204). In an embodiment, a fourth voltage signal (V4) indicative of a position of the throttle grip (204) other than a fully closed command position of the throttle grip (204). For example, the third voltage signal (V3) is zero (0) volts indicative of the fully closed command position of the throttle grip (204) and the fourth voltage signal (V4) is a non-zero volts, for example +12 Volts.

[00039] Figure 5a represents a voltage output signal generated from the voltage detector (202) in the embodiment when the electric switch is configured as the voltage detector (202). The throttle position detector (202) generates the voltage signal to detect position of the throttle grip (204) or a predetermined opening degree of the throttle grip (204). In an embodiment, when the throttle position detector (202) configured as a single electric switch, it generates the third voltage signal (V3) and the fourth voltage signal (V4). When the throttle grip (204) is positioned at the fully closed command position the electric switch provides detection of the position to a voltage detection module (206) by outputting the third voltage signal (V3), for example five (+12) volts. When the throttle grip (204) is positioned other than the fully closed command position, the electric switch (202) provides detection of the position to a voltage detection module (206) through a second predetermined voltage output signal (or no signal) which is different than the third voltage signal, for example Zero (0) volts or +2 volts. Thus, through the voltage output signal generated by the throttle position detector (202) the control unit (220) determines position of the throttle grip (204) during the rotation of the throttle grip (204). It is understood to the person skilled in the art, when single electric switch is configured as the throttle position detector (202), then only one predetermined position of the degree of opening is determined basis the signal generated from the electric switch and when no signal is generated then it not positioned at a predetermined position of the degree of opening. In another embodiment, at least two electric switch may be configured as the throttle position detector (202). In this scenario, at least two predetermined position of the degree of opening is determined basis the signal generated from the electric switches.

[00040] Figure 5b represents a voltage output signal generated from the voltage detector (202), when the potentiometer is configured as the voltage detector (202). When the throttle position detector (202) configured as a potentiometer, it generates a continuous voltage signal that ranges from V3 volts to V4 volt and send it to the voltage detection module (206) configured in the control unit (220). Based on the voltage signal, the voltage detection module (206) determines the degree of opening of the throttle grip (204). For example, when the throttle grip (204) is positioned at the fully closed command position it generates the third voltage signal (V3) indicative of a closed state of the throttle position detector (202), such as five (+12) volts and when it moves away (clockwise direction) from the fully closed command position till the fully open command position it generates continuous voltage signal ranging from +12 volts to zero volts. Thus, basis the voltage value of the fourth voltage signal, the voltage detection module (206) determines the position of the degree of opening of the throttle grip (204).

[00041] In an embodiment, the throttle position detector (202) disposed near the throttle grip (204), preferably at an end of the throttle grip (204), and operatively coupled with the throttle grip (204). In another embodiment, the throttle position detector (202) disposed away from the throttle grip (204) such that it is functionally coupled to the throttle grip (204).

[00042] The at least one sensor (206) gathers data of an operating parameter/s of the vehicle (100) and sends an output signal to the control unit (220). In an embodiment, the at least one sensor (216) includes a vehicle speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, an inertial sensor or their combination thereof. In an embodiment, the operating parameter of the vehicle (100) is speed of the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one sensor (206) is disposed at the front wheel (102).

[00043] The control unit (220) is configured to control starting of the electric motor (208) and thereby the vehicle (100). The control unit (220) configured to provide power to the electric motor (208) based on the output signals of the throttle position detector (202), the brake switch (240) and the at least one sensor/s (216) of the vehicle (100). The control unit (220) is configured with a voltage detection module (206) which detects the voltage output signals (V3, V4) by the throttle position detector (202) and thereby the position of the throttle grip (204). In an embodiment, the control unit (220) is also configured to detect the actuation and the release of the brake switch (240) when the brake lever is pressed and depressed respectively by the rider.

[00044] In an embodiment, the control unit (220) configured to receive the first voltage signal (VI) and the second voltage signal (V2) from the brake switch (240).

The control unit (220) is also configured to receive the third voltage signal (V3) and the fourth voltage signal (V4) from the throttle position detector (202). The control unit (220) further configured to determine an initial starting condition basis the first voltage signal (V2) and the fourth voltage signal (V4) and enable the vehicle (100) in a ready mode basis the initial starting condition. And upon determination of the initial starting condition, determine an additional starting condition basis the third voltage signal. The control unit (220) further configured to determine the additional starting condition, upon determination of the initial starting condition, basis the third voltage signal (V3) and the second voltage signal (VI) to enable the vehicle (100) in a run mode basis the additional starting condition.

[00045] The at least one sensor (216) adapted to sense at least one operating parameter of the vehicle (100) and the control unit (220) enables the vehicle (100) in the run mode, upon determination of the initial starting condition, when the at least one operating parameter of the vehicle (100) satisfies a predetermine condition. The at least one sensor (216) adapted to sense at least one operating parameter of the vehicle (100) and the control unit (220) enables the vehicle (100) in the ready mode when the at least one operating parameter of the vehicle (100) satisfies a predetermine condition. The at least one sensor (216) is a vehicle speed sensor and the at least one operating parameter is vehicle speed. The predetermined condition is that vehicle speed is below the predetermined value, for example 2 km/sec.

[00046] The control unit (220) is further configured to calculate a rate of change of the fourth voltage signal (V4) received from the throttle position detector (202) by the voltage detection module (206) and enables the ready mode for the vehicle (100) when the rate of change is below a predetermined value. In other words, when the rider rotates the throttle grip (204) in the positive direction slowly and then this intention is judged to configure the vehicle (100) in the ready. This eliminates the unintentional opening of the throttle grip (204).

[00047] In another embodiment, the control unit (220) is configured to enable the run mode when the voltage signal (V4) is above a first pre-determine value and lower than a second pre-determined value, wherein the second predetermined value is smaller than the first predetermined value. When a throttle grip (204) is rotated to certain degree in the reverse direction (B) after the vehicle is already in the ready mode than only the vehicle (100) is configured in the run mode. This also eliminates unintentional starting of the vehicle (100).

[00048] The ready mode configures at least one electronic component (222) of the vehicle (100) to receive power from a battery (250) of the vehicle (100), whereas the run mode configures an electric motor (208) of the vehicle (100) in an ON-state and ready to transmit motive power to the vehicle (100).

[00049] In an embodiment, the control unit (220) may be a microprocessor or any similar programmable devices. In another embodiment, the electronic control unit (220) may be one or more of various processing devices, such as a co-processor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processing circuitry with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other processing devices including integrated circuits such as, for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a hardware accelerator, a special-purpose processor, a type of integrated circuit (IC), a state machine, and alike. In still another embodiment, may be combination of any type of processing devices. In still another embodiment, the control unit (220) may comprise a single control unit or the multiple control units as each of the control units being electronically connected with each other and configured to transmit data there in between.

[00050] In an embodiment, the control unit (220) further configured to calculate the predetermined time interval (tl) when the throttle grip (204) returns to the fully closed command position after specified/certain degree of opening of the throttle grip in clockwise direction, wherein the throttle grip (204) is positioned initially at the fully closed command position. Referring to Figure 5a, the control unit (220) calculates the predetermined time interval (tl) between the consecutive voltages values (VI) generated by the electric switch. Similarly, referring to Figure 5b, the control unit (220) calculates the predetermined time interval (tl) voltage (VI) which is indicative of the throttle grip (204) positioned at the fully command position. Therefore, the control unit (220) allows power from the power source (not shown) to the electric motor (208) only when it again detects the first predetermined voltage value (VI) signal in a predetermined time interval. In this way, when the throttle grip (204) positioned away from the fully closed position for more than predetermined time interval than inadvertent start of the vehicle (100) is eliminated. [00051] In an embodiment, the control unit (220) operates the vehicle (100) in a ready state and a run state. The control unit (220) configures the vehicle (100) in the ready state when the brake switch (220) gets actuated and the throttle grip (204) is rotated to a certain degree in the clockwise direction (A). The ready state, referred herein as, where electric power is provided to the at least one electrical component (222) such as winkers, headlights, horn etc., but not to the electric motor (208). The control unit (220) configures the vehicle (100) in the run state when the brake switch (220) gets released, the throttle position detector (202) again generates the first predetermined voltage value (Vi) (throttle grip again regains the fully closed command position) in a predetermined time interval (tl) and a vehicle speed sensor (216) provides speed value less than or equal to a predetermined vehicle speed. The run state, referred herein as, where electric power is also provided to the electric motor (208) and the control unit (220) starts honoring the throttle grip command to propel the vehicle (100).

[00052] Referring to Figure 6, a flow chart depicting steps performed by the control unit (220) to start the vehicle (100). As illustrated at Step (300), when a rider inserts an ignition key in the vehicle (100), the control unit (220) is switched ON. At step 304, the control unit (220) detects for initial starting conditions and if satisfied then step moves to Step 306. At Step 306, the control unit (220) puts the vehicle (100) in ready state. Initial starting conditions, referred herein as, the brake lever (220) gets actuated and the throttle grip (204) rotated to a certain opening of degree in clockwise direction (A). In another embodiment, the brake actuation may be a left brake lever, a right brake lever or both the brake levers. At Step 318, for the convenience to the rider, indication of the ready state is communicated to the rider. In an embodiment, the indication may be an audio or a visual indication in nature. In an embodiment, the indication is communicated through the instrumentation cluster (150). At Step 308, the control unit (220) detects that vehicle speed is less than or equal to a predetermined/threshold value of vehicle speed, then the steps moves to Step 310 else the vehicle (100) remains in the ready state. At Step 310, the control unit (220) detects for the additional starting condition/s and if satisfied then steps moves to Step 314. Additional starting condition, referred herein as, the brake lever (220) gets released and the throttle grip (204) rotated back to fully closed position. At step 314, the control unit (220) configures the vehicle (100) in run state. At Step 316, for the convenience to the rider, indication of the run state is communicated to the rider. In an embodiment, the indication may be an audio or a visual indication. To start the vehicle (100) through the present starting system (200), the throttle grip (200) requires to be rotated in the anticlockwise (reverse) direction (B) to the fully closed command position within a predetermined time after the throttle grip (200) is rotated in the clockwise (forward) direction (A) to a certain degree of rotation, wherein the throttle grip (204) initially positioned at the fully closed position. Thus, clear intention to propel the vehicle (100) is adjudged when the throttle grip (200) rotated by the rider in the anticlockwise (reverse) direction (B) to the fully closed command position within a predetermined time after the throttle grip (200) is rotated in the clockwise (forward) direction (A) to a certain degree of rotation, wherein the throttle grip (204) initially positioned at the fully closed position and the brake lever is released.

[00053] Based on the foregoing, the present invention helps in ascertaining the intention of the driver to start the vehicle (100) and unintentional starting of the vehicle (100) is prevented. Further, a safe starting of the vehicle (100) is achieved as danger of unintentional over rotation (more than required) of the throttle grip is taken away from the driver and now the vehicle (105) starts only at a fully closed command position of the throttle grip (204) after a certain degree of rotation opening direction in a predetermined time. In an embodiment, the certain degree of rotation of the throttle grip (204) involves rotating the throttle grip (204) to an intermediate position between the fully closed command position and fully opened command position; however, the throttle grip (204) is required to be at fully closed command position to make the vehicle (100) start. In another embodiment, the certain degree of rotation of the throttle grip (204) involves rotating the throttle grip (204) to the fully closed command position. Furthermore, the indication of the vehicle states also provides convenience to the rider about the vehicle ON or OFF. Hence, accident is avoided due to the silent nature of the electric vehicle (100). [00054] While few embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the above embodiments and modifications may be appropriately made thereto within the spirit and scope of the invention. [00055] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this invention, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the invention. These and other modifications in the nature of the invention or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.

Claims

The claims:

1. A starting system (200) for enabling different modes of a vehicle (100) comprising: a brake lever (180) configured to actuate a braking operation of the vehicle (100); a throttle grip (204) configured to actuate a throttling up or down operation of the vehicle (100); a brake switch (240) operatively coupled with the brake lever (180), wherein the brake switch (240) configured to output a first voltage signal (VI) indicative of a close state of the brake switch (240) and a second voltage signal (V2) indicative of an open state of the brake switch (240); a throttle position detector (202) operatively coupled to the throttle grip (204), wherein the throttle position detector (202) configured to output a third voltage signal (V3) indicative of a closed state of the throttle position detector (202) corresponding to a fully closed command position of the throttle grip (204) and a fourth voltage signal (V4) indicative of a position of the throttle grip (204) other than a fully closed command position of the throttle grip (204); and a control unit (220) configured to receive the first voltage signal (VI) and the second voltage signal (V2) from the brake switch (240), and the third voltage signal (V3) and the fourth voltage signal (V4) from the throttle position detector (202), the control unit (220) further configured to: determine an initial starting condition basis the first voltage signal (V2) and the fourth voltage signal (V4) and enable the vehicle (100) in a ready mode basis the initial starting condition; and upon determination of the initial starting condition, determine an additional starting condition basis the third voltage signal (V3) and enable the vehicle (100) in a run mode basis the additional starting condition. 2. The starting system (200) for enabling different modes of the vehicle (100) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein the control unit (220) further configured to determine the additional starting condition, upon determination of the initial starting condition, basis the third voltage signal (V3) and the second voltage signal (VI) to enable the vehicle (100) in the run mode basis the additional starting condition.

3. The starting system (200) for enabling different modes of the vehicle (100) as claimed in the claim 1, further comprises at least one sensor (216) adapted to sense at least one operating parameter of the vehicle (100) and the control unit (220) enables the vehicle (100) in the run mode, upon determination of the initial starting condition, when the at least one operating parameter of the vehicle (100) satisfies a predetermine condition.

4. The starting system (200) for enabling different modes of the vehicle (100) as claimed in the claim 1, further comprises at least one sensor (216) adapted to sense at least one operating parameter of the vehicle (100) and the control unit (220) enables the vehicle (100) in the ready mode when the at least one operating parameter of the vehicle (100) satisfies a predetermine condition.

5. The starting system (200) for enabling different modes of the vehicle (100) as claimed in the claims 3 and 4, wherein the at least one sensor (216) is a vehicle speed sensor and the at least one operating parameter is vehicle speed.

6. The starting system (200) for enabling different modes of the vehicle (100) as claimed in the claims 3, 4 and 5, wherein the predetermined condition is that vehicle speed is below a predetermined value.

7. The starting system (200) for enabling different modes of the vehicle (100) as claimed in the claim 1 , wherein the control unit (220) configured with a voltage detection module (206) which detects the voltage output signal (V3, V4) by the throttle position detector (202) and thereby the position of the throttle grip (204).

8. The starting system (200) for enabling different modes of the vehicle (100) as claimed in the claim 1 , wherein there are multiple values of the fourth voltage signal (V4) each corresponding to the particular position of the throttle grip (204).

9. The starting system (200) for enabling different modes of the vehicle (100) as claimed in the claims 1 and 8, wherein the control unit (220) further configured to calculate a rate of change of the fourth voltage signal (V4) received from the throttle position detector (202) and enables the ready mode when the rate of change is below a predetermined value.

10. The system (200) of a vehicle (100) for enabling different modes of the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ready mode configures at least one electronic component (222) of the vehicle (100) to receive power from a battery

(250) of the vehicle (100).

11. The starting system (200) for enabling different modes of the vehicle (100) as claimed in the claim 1 , wherein the run mode configures an electric motor (208) of the vehicle (100) in an ON-state and ready to transmit motive power to the vehicle (100).

12. The starting system (200) for enabling different modes of the vehicle (100) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein the vehicle (100) is an electric vehicle having at one electric motor.

13. The starting system (200) for enabling different modes of the vehicle (100) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein the vehicle (100) is a hybrid vehicle having at least one electric motor and at least one combustion engine.

14. The starting system (200) for enabling different modes of the vehicle (100) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein the control unit (220) configured to enable the run mode when the voltage signal (V4) is above a first pre-determine value and lower than a second pre-determined value, wherein the second predetermined value is smaller than the first predetermined value.