Sidewalk / roadway travel electric vehicle

Abstract

To provide a sidewalk / roadway travel electric vehicle having a sidewalk travel mode and a roadway travel mode and enabling a driver to easily grasp the travel mode selected in a state where consumption power of a battery is reduced.SOLUTION: A sidewalk / roadway travel electric vehicle 1 includes: a battery 11; an electric motor 12 configured to generate power for traveling; a control device 13 configured to switch between a roadway travel mode and a sidewalk travel mode; a maximum speed indicator light 14 provided to be visible from the surroundings and whose lighting state changes depending on the travel mode; and a lighting state notification mechanism 16 configured to notify a driver 2 of the lighting state of the maximum speed indicator light 14 emitting light of an LED 141 toward the surroundings of the sidewalk / roadway travel electric vehicle 1 by at least one of optical means 161, stimulation means, and audio means mounted on the sidewalk / roadway travel electric vehicle 1 or carried by the driver 2, at least when the sidewalk / roadway travel electric vehicle 1 travels in the roadway travel mode on the sidewalk.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric vehicle that runs on a pedestrian road. [Background technology]

[0002] Specific small motorized bicycles such as electric kick scooters are known as pedestrian-vehicle-running electric vehicles that can run on both roadways and sidewalks. Specific small motorized bicycles are disclosed, for example, in Non-Patent Document 1. The specific small motorized bicycle disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1 has a running mode for running on roadways and a running mode for running on sidewalks. In the running mode for running on roadways, the maximum speed is limited to, for example, 20 km / h or less, and in the running mode for running on sidewalks, the maximum speed is limited to, for example, 6 km / h or less. Specific small motorized bicycles are required to be provided with maximum speed indicator lights to inform third parties in front and behind of the difference in maximum speed depending on the selected running mode. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, "About specific small motorized bicycles", [online], [searched on March 24, 2023], Internet,<URL:https: / / www.mlit.go.jp / jidosha / jidosha_fr7_000058.html> Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a specific small motorized bicycle is traveling on a roadway, the maximum speed indicator light is lit in a preset pattern to inform third parties that the roadway driving mode has been selected. When a specific small motorized bicycle traveling on a roadway enters a sidewalk, the driving mode is switched from the roadway driving mode to the sidewalk driving mode. The maximum speed indicator light is lit in a pattern different from that in the roadway driving mode to inform third parties that the sidewalk driving mode, which has a slower maximum speed than the roadway driving mode, has been selected. As described below, the inventors have considered that it is desirable to make it possible for not only third parties but also the driver to confirm the driving mode indicated by the lighting state of the maximum speed indicator light, and to reduce the power consumption of electric vehicles traveling on sidewalks and roadways.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to enable a driver to easily understand the selected driving mode in an electric vehicle that runs on pedestrian and roadway and has a roadway driving mode and a sidewalk driving mode, while reducing the power consumption of the battery installed in the vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The inventor has studied the situation in which a pedestrian-vehicle running electric vehicle having a roadway running mode and a sidewalk running mode, such as a specific small motorized bicycle, runs on a roadway and a sidewalk. As a result, the inventor has realized that since the roadway running mode is a running mode in which the maximum speed is limited to 20km / h, even a pedestrian-vehicle running electric vehicle in which the roadway running mode is selected can run at a speed of 6km / h or less depending on the driver's accelerator operation. In other words, the inventor has realized that this type of pedestrian-vehicle running electric vehicle can run on a sidewalk while the roadway running mode is selected by adjusting the speed.

[0007] A driver of an electric vehicle traveling on a pedestrian road, where such a situation may occur, may want to check what driving mode is currently selected while traveling on the sidewalk. In this case, the driver may want to check the lighting status of the maximum speed indicator light, i.e., the lighting pattern of the driving mode. However, the maximum speed indicator light is a lighting device that is turned on toward third parties and is not turned on toward the driver. In addition, when a pedestrian road electric vehicle is traveling on the sidewalk, the driver pays attention to the direction of travel. Therefore, it is not easy for the driver to check the lighting status of the maximum speed indicator light while traveling.

[0008] In addition, for electric vehicles that run on pedestrian and roadways and have a sidewalk driving mode, in addition to the maximum speed, the length and width of the vehicle are required to be less than or equal to a certain size (for example, for a specific small motorized bicycle, the length is 1.9 m or less and the width is 0.6 m or less). In addition, such small electric vehicles that run on pedestrian and roadways are required to be maneuverable, light, and convenient. Therefore, it is difficult to install a large battery in this type of electric vehicle that runs on pedestrian and roadways, and it is desirable to reduce power consumption. One possible means of reducing power consumption is to use an LED (Light Emitting Diode) as the light source for the maximum speed indicator. However, since LEDs emit light from one side of the element, the light is easily irradiated in a specific direction and does not spread. Therefore, it becomes more difficult for the driver to check the lighting status of the maximum speed indicator while driving.

[0009] The inventor of the present invention has studied a means for enabling a driver to check the lighting state of the maximum speed indicator lamp while suppressing the power consumption of the battery by adopting an LED as the light source of the maximum speed indicator lamp. As a result, the inventor came up with the following idea of ​​the present invention.

[0010] (1) The pedestrian-road running electric vehicle of the present invention comprises a battery, an electric motor that generates power for running by electricity supplied from the battery, a control device that switches between a roadway running mode in which the vehicle runs on a roadway and the maximum speed is limited to a maximum roadway running speed, and a sidewalk running mode in which the vehicle runs on a sidewalk and the maximum speed is limited to a maximum sidewalk running speed that is lower than that in the roadway running mode, and a maximum speed indicator light that is provided so as to be visible from the surroundings and changes its lighting state depending on the running mode. The pedestrian-road running electric vehicle further comprises a lighting state notification mechanism that notifies the driver of the lighting state of the maximum speed indicator light that irradiates light from an LED that is a light source supplied with power from the battery toward the surroundings of the pedestrian-road running electric vehicle by at least one of an optical means, a stimulation means, and an audio means directed to the driver that is mounted on the pedestrian-road running electric vehicle or carried by the driver, at least when the pedestrian-road running electric vehicle is running on a sidewalk in the roadway running mode.

[0011] In the above-mentioned pedestrian / vehicle running electric vehicle, since an LED is used as a light source of a maximum speed indicator light that notifies surroundings of the selected running mode, the power consumption of the pedestrian / vehicle running electric vehicle can be reduced. Meanwhile, the LED is provided so as to irradiate light toward the surroundings of the pedestrian / vehicle running electric vehicle so that a third party can see the maximum speed indicator light. Therefore, the driver cannot or has difficulty seeing the lighting state of the maximum speed indicator light. Therefore, the above-mentioned pedestrian / vehicle running electric vehicle is provided with a lighting state notification mechanism that notifies the driver of the lighting state of the maximum speed indicator light. As a result, even if an LED is adopted as a light source of the maximum speed indicator light, the driver can know the lighting state of the maximum speed indicator light. Therefore, according to the above-mentioned pedestrian / vehicle running electric vehicle, which has a roadway running mode and a sidewalk running mode, the driver can easily know the selected running mode while suppressing the power consumption of the battery.

[0012] (2) The electric vehicle for running on a pedestrian road as described above in (1) may be equipped with a lighting status notification mechanism that notifies the driver of the lighting status of the maximum speed indicator light by at least one of an optical means that shines light so that it is within the field of vision of the driver facing the direction of travel of the electric vehicle for running on a pedestrian road, a stimulation means that can be sensed by the driver's skin, and an audio means that is directed to the driver's ear.

[0013] In the electric vehicle for running on pedestrian roads described above in (2), the driver can passively know the lighting status of the maximum speed indicator light. Therefore, the driver can know the lighting status of the maximum speed indicator light while remaining in a driving position (for example, facing the direction of travel and holding the steering wheel). Therefore, with this configuration, the driver can more easily know the selected driving mode while suppressing the power consumption of the battery.

[0014] (3) The electric vehicle traveling on a pedestrian road as described in (1) or (2) above may be equipped with a lighting status notification mechanism that notifies the driver of the lighting status of the maximum speed indicator light by at least one of optical means that emits intermittent light, stimulation means that generates intermittent vibrations or changes the feel, and acoustic means that emits intermittent sounds.

[0015] In the electric vehicle for running on pedestrian roads described above in (3), the various means of the lighting status notification mechanism notify the driver of the lighting status of the maximum speed indicator light by giving a physical change to the driver. Therefore, with this configuration, the driver can more easily understand the selected driving mode while suppressing the power consumption of the battery.

[0016] (4) In the electric vehicle for running on a pedestrian road described in (1) or (2) above, the maximum speed indicator light may be intermittently illuminated in at least one of the driving modes of the roadway driving mode and the sidewalk driving mode. The electric vehicle for running on a pedestrian road may be provided with a lighting state notification mechanism that notifies the driver of the lighting state of the maximum speed indicator light by at least one of an optical means that irradiates intermittent light synchronized with the lighting state of the maximum speed indicator light, a stimulation means that generates intermittent vibrations or changes the feel synchronized with the lighting state of the maximum speed indicator light, and an audio means that emits intermittent sounds synchronized with the lighting state of the maximum speed indicator light.

[0017] In the electric vehicle traveling on a pedestrian road described in (4) above, when at least one of an optical means, a stimulating means that generates vibrations, and an acoustic means is employed, each means notifies the driver of the lighting state of the maximum speed indicator light by giving the driver a physical change synchronized with the lighting state (e.g., blinking) of the maximum speed indicator light. This allows the driver to intuitively understand the lighting state of the maximum speed indicator light. Therefore, with this configuration, the driver can more easily understand the selected driving mode while suppressing the power consumption of the battery.

[0018] (5) The electric vehicle traveling on a pedestrian road as described above in (1) or (2) is provided with a lighting status notification mechanism that notifies the driver of the lighting status of the maximum speed indicator light by at least one of optical means, stimulation means, and acoustic means that consume less power per unit time than the LED of the maximum speed indicator light.

[0019] There are various possible means for notifying the driver of the lighting state of the maximum speed indicator light. However, if a means that consumes a lot of power, such as a large device or a complex mechanism, is adopted, it is necessary to install a large battery, and in addition, it leads to a decrease in the mobility, agility, and convenience of the electric vehicle that runs on pedestrian roads and has a sidewalk driving mode. In contrast, the electric vehicle that runs on pedestrian roads described above in (5) uses an LED that consumes less power as the light source of the maximum speed indicator light, and is equipped with a lighting state notification mechanism that consumes less power than the LED or does not consume any power. Therefore, with this configuration, the driver can easily understand the selected driving mode while suppressing the power consumption of the battery.

[0020] Each component and terminology of the present invention will be described below.

[0021] The "pedestrian road electric vehicle" is, for example, a vehicle driven by a person. The pedestrian road electric vehicle is, for example, a vehicle for one person. The pedestrian road electric vehicle is, for example, a specific small motorized bicycle. However, the pedestrian road electric vehicle is not particularly limited, and may have at least two switchable driving modes, for example, a sidewalk driving mode and a roadway driving mode, and may have a maximum speed indicator light that displays the maximum speed limited in each driving mode. The pedestrian road electric vehicle is, for example, an electric kickboard, an electric wheelchair, a scooter, an electrically assisted bicycle, a moped, a skateboard, a parallel two-wheeled vehicle, a self-supporting stable unicycle, etc. The pedestrian road electric vehicle may be, for example, a standing type or a seated type. The pedestrian road electric vehicle may include, for example, a vehicle body that tilts left and right when turning, or may include a vehicle body that does not tilt or does not substantially tilt when turning. The number of wheels of the pedestrian road electric vehicle is not particularly limited. The pedestrian road electric vehicle includes, for example, at least one or more wheels. The electric vehicle for running on a pedestrian road includes, for example, at least one front wheel. The electric vehicle for running on a pedestrian road includes, for example, at least one rear wheel.

[0022] A pedestrian / vehicle traveling electric vehicle moves, for example, by electricity. A pedestrian / vehicle traveling electric vehicle moves, for example, by using electricity supplied from a battery. A pedestrian / vehicle traveling electric vehicle does not include, for example, an internal combustion engine that generates driving force or electricity. A pedestrian / vehicle traveling electric vehicle does not include a hybrid vehicle that generates power using both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. A pedestrian / vehicle traveling electric vehicle does not include, for example, a fuel tank that stores fuel to be supplied to the internal combustion engine. A pedestrian / vehicle traveling electric vehicle does not include, for example, a train or the like that receives electricity via a current collector.

[0023] The "roadway driving mode" is a driving mode in which the maximum speed of the pedestrian / roadway electric vehicle is limited to the maximum roadway driving speed at which the vehicle is permitted to travel on the road. In the roadway driving mode, the pedestrian / roadway electric vehicle is classified as a small, low-speed vehicle. The maximum roadway driving speed is, for example, 20 km / h.

[0024] The "sidewalk driving mode" is a driving mode in which the maximum speed of the electric vehicle traveling on the pedestrian road is limited to the maximum speed for sidewalk driving permitted for traveling on the sidewalk. In the sidewalk driving mode, the electric vehicle traveling on the pedestrian road is classified as a vehicle category for sidewalk vehicles. The maximum speed for sidewalk driving is, for example, 6 km / h.

[0025] The "maximum speed indicator light" notifies, for example, third parties around the electric vehicle traveling on the sidewalk / vehicle of the selected traveling mode. The maximum speed indicator light is electrically connected to, for example, a control device. The maximum speed indicator light receives a signal from, for example, the control device and turns on in accordance with the selected traveling mode. The maximum speed indicator light has a different lighting state, for example, between the roadway traveling mode and the sidewalk traveling mode. The maximum speed indicator light is always on in either the roadway traveling mode or the sidewalk traveling mode, and flashes in the other traveling modes. The maximum speed indicator light may emit light of different colors, for example, between the roadway traveling mode and the sidewalk traveling mode. However, the difference in lighting state depending on the traveling mode is not particularly limited as long as it complies with laws and regulations.

[0026] The maximum speed indicator light includes an LED as a light source. The lighting state of the maximum speed indicator light changes as the lighting state of the LED changes. The maximum speed indicator light is, for example, located outward of the driver from the pedestrian / vehicle running electric vehicle in a top view. The maximum speed indicator light is, for example, provided so that the optical axis of the LED faces outward from the pedestrian / vehicle running electric vehicle in a top view. The maximum speed indicator light is, for example, provided so that the optical axis of the LED does not intersect with the driver. The maximum speed indicator light is, for example, provided so that the optical axis of the LED does not face the face of the driver. The maximum speed indicator light is, for example, provided so that the optical axis of the LED faces forward from the pedestrian / vehicle running electric vehicle. The maximum speed indicator light is, for example, provided so that the optical axis of the LED faces backward from the pedestrian / vehicle running electric vehicle.

[0027] When the pedestrian / vehicle traveling electric vehicle has a front basket, the maximum speed indicator light may be provided, for example, in the front basket. The front basket is, for example, a component for storing luggage. The front basket is provided, for example, in front of the center in the front-rear direction of the pedestrian / vehicle traveling electric vehicle. The front basket is provided, for example, so that at least a portion of it is located in front of the handlebars. The front basket is provided, for example, so that at least a portion of it is located above the front wheels. The maximum speed indicator light is provided, for example, on the front surface of the front basket. The maximum speed indicator light is provided, for example, below the center in the up-down direction of the front basket. When the pedestrian / vehicle traveling electric vehicle has one maximum speed indicator light, the maximum speed indicator light is provided, for example, in the center in the left-right direction of the front basket. When the pedestrian / vehicle traveling electric vehicle has multiple maximum speed indicator lights, the maximum speed indicator light is provided, for example, on each of both side surfaces of the front basket. The multiple maximum speed indicator lights are provided, for example, symmetrically. However, in an electric vehicle for running on pedestrian and roadway that has a front basket, the maximum speed indicator light may be provided on a part other than the front basket. The maximum speed indicator light may be provided, for example, on the handlebars of the electric vehicle for running on pedestrian and roadway. When an electric vehicle for running on pedestrian and roadway has one maximum speed indicator light, the maximum speed indicator light is provided, for example, in the center in the left-right direction of the handlebars. When an electric vehicle for running on pedestrian and roadway has multiple maximum speed indicator lights, the maximum speed indicator lights are provided, for example, on both the right and left sides of the handlebar, sandwiching the center in the left-right direction of the handlebars. The multiple maximum speed indicator lights are provided, for example, symmetrically.

[0028] The maximum speed indicator light is provided, for example, at a position different from the driver in the fore-and-aft direction of the electric vehicle running on the pedestrian road. The maximum speed indicator light is provided, for example, in front of and / or behind the driver. The maximum speed indicator light is provided, for example, at a position different from a seat or standing area of ​​the electric vehicle running on the pedestrian road in the fore-and-aft direction of the electric vehicle running on the pedestrian road. The maximum speed indicator light is provided, for example, in front of and / or behind a seat or standing area of ​​the electric vehicle running on the pedestrian road.

[0029] The maximum speed indicator light is provided at a position different from the driver's eye position in the height direction of the electric vehicle running on the pedestrian road, for example. The maximum speed indicator light is provided at a position lower than the driver's eye position, for example. The maximum speed indicator light may be provided at a position higher than the driver's eye position, for example. The driver's eye position is determined, for example, by the posture of an adult of average build driving the electric vehicle running on the pedestrian road. When the electric vehicle running on the pedestrian road has a wide range of users, the driver's eye position may have a certain range, for example, in the height direction. The maximum speed indicator light is provided, for example, below the steering operator of the electric vehicle running on the pedestrian road. The steering operator is, for example, a steering wheel, a joystick, etc. The maximum speed indicator light may be provided, for example, above the steering operator of the electric vehicle running on the pedestrian road.

[0030] In this way, the maximum speed indicator light shines light toward third parties around the electric vehicle traveling on the pedestrian road, so the driver in a driving position cannot see or cannot substantially see the illuminated state of the maximum speed indicator light. "Substantially invisible" means, for example, that the light from the LED of the maximum speed indicator light is not directly illuminated into the driver's eyes. "Directly" here means that it is not reflected or refracted.

[0031] The "lighting state notification mechanism" refers to a mechanism that notifies the driver of the lighting state of the maximum speed indicator light by at least one of optical means, stimulation means, and audio means, for example. The lighting state notification mechanism only needs to notify the driver of the lighting state of the maximum speed indicator light at least when the pedestrian-roadway running electric vehicle is running on the sidewalk in roadway running mode, and may notify in other cases. The lighting state notification mechanism may notify the driver of the lighting state of the maximum speed indicator light, for example, when the pedestrian-roadway running electric vehicle is running on the roadway in roadway running mode, running on the roadway in sidewalk running mode, or running on the sidewalk in sidewalk running mode. The optical means, stimulation means, and audio means will each be described below.

[0032] The optical means, for example, visually notifies the driver of the lighting state of a maximum speed indicator. The optical means, for example, irradiates light toward the driver's face. The optical means, for example, irradiates light toward the driver's eyes. The optical means, for example, irradiates light directly into the driver's eyes.

[0033] The optical means is mounted on, for example, a pedestrian-running electric vehicle. In this case, the optical means itself constitutes a lighting state notification mechanism. The optical means notifies the driver of the lighting state of the maximum speed indicator lamp by using, for example, a part of the light emitted by an LED that is a light source of the maximum speed indicator lamp. The optical means includes, for example, a light guide that guides the light of the LED that is a light source of the maximum speed indicator lamp so that it can be seen by the driver in a driving position. The light guide is provided, for example, in a lamp chamber of the maximum speed indicator lamp. The light guide guides, for example, the light received from the LED toward the driver. The optical means may include, for example, a reflector. However, the optical means is not limited to the case where it uses a part of the light of the LED of the maximum speed indicator lamp. The optical means may use, for example, a part of the light of a light source of another functional part mounted on the pedestrian-running electric vehicle. The other functional parts are, for example, a meter, a clock, a switch, etc. In addition, the optical means may use, for example, light of a light source provided separately from the maximum speed indicator lamp. The separately provided light source is, for example, a light source (lighting state notification light) provided exclusively for notifying the driver of the lighting state of the maximum speed indicator light.

[0034] The optical means is not limited to being mounted on an electric vehicle traveling on a pedestrian road, and may be carried by the driver, for example. The optical means may include, for example, a visor, glasses, etc. having a display function. When the optical means is not mounted on an electric vehicle traveling on a pedestrian road, the optical means itself does not constitute a lighting state notification mechanism. The lighting state notification mechanism is composed of a communication device that transmits a signal to the optical means so that the driver is notified of the lighting state of the maximum speed indicator light by the optical means carried by the driver. The signal may be transmitted wirelessly or wired.

[0035] The stimulating means notifies the driver of, for example, the lighting state of the maximum speed indicator light in a tactile manner. The stimulating means notifies the driver, who is maintaining a driving posture, of, for example, the lighting state of the maximum speed indicator light. The stimulating means notifies the driver, who is holding the steering wheel, of, for example, the lighting state of the maximum speed indicator light. The stimulating means contacts the driver directly or indirectly, for example. That is, the stimulating means may contact the driver's skin directly, for example, or through clothing, etc. The stimulating means gives, for example, a vibration that the driver can sense. The vibration is generated by the stimulating means, for example, and is different from vibrations that occur when the vehicle is traveling due to unevenness of the road surface, etc. The stimulating means may change the feel, for example. The stimulating means may be any means that the driver can sense tactilely, and may use sensory stimuli such as temperature, contact pressure, etc.

[0036] The stimulating means is mounted on, for example, the electric vehicle traveling on the pedestrian road. In this case, the stimulating means itself constitutes the lighting state notification mechanism. The stimulating means, for example, vibrates a contact portion between the driver and the electric vehicle traveling on the pedestrian road. The stimulating means includes, for example, a vibrator that vibrates a handle of the electric vehicle traveling on the pedestrian road held by the driver. The stimulating means may include, for example, an input device that the driver can touch with his / her hand. The input device is, for example, a switch, a lever, etc. The input device is used, for example, to switch between driving modes. The input device is provided so that, for example, the driver in a driving position can operate it while holding the handle. The input device is provided, for example, within a range that the driver in a driving position can touch while holding the handle. The driver, for example, checks the state (for example, switch on / off, lever position) of the input device by touching it with his / her hand while in the driving position.

[0037] The stimulation means is not limited to being mounted on the electric vehicle traveling on the pedestrian road, and may be carried by the driver, for example. The stimulation means may include, for example, a wristband, gloves, clothing, a mobile terminal, a smart ring, a smart watch, etc., having a vibration function. When the stimulation means is not mounted on the electric vehicle traveling on the pedestrian road, the stimulation means itself does not constitute the lighting state notification mechanism. The lighting state notification mechanism is composed of a communication device that transmits a signal to the stimulation means so that the driver is notified of the lighting state of the maximum speed indicator light by the stimulation means carried by the driver. The signal may be transmitted wirelessly or wired.

[0038] The acoustic means audibly notifies the driver of, for example, the illumination state of the maximum speed indicator light. The acoustic means emits, for example, a sound directed toward the driver's hearing. That is, the acoustic means emits, for example, a sound that is substantially audible only to the driver.

[0039] The acoustic means is mounted on, for example, an electric vehicle traveling on a pedestrian road. In this case, the acoustic means itself constitutes the lighting state notification mechanism. The acoustic means includes, for example, a directional speaker. The acoustic means is not limited to being mounted on an electric vehicle traveling on a pedestrian road, and may be carried by, for example, a driver. In the case where the driver wears a helmet, the acoustic means may include, for example, an intercommunication device attached to the helmet. In the case where the acoustic means is not mounted on an electric vehicle traveling on a pedestrian road, the acoustic means itself does not constitute the lighting state notification mechanism. The lighting state notification mechanism is, for example, constituted by a communication device that transmits a signal to the acoustic means so that the driver is notified of the lighting state of the maximum speed indicator light by the acoustic means carried by the driver. The signal transmission may be wireless or wired. Effect of the Invention

[0040] According to the present invention, in an electric vehicle that travels on pedestrian and roadway surfaces and has a roadway travel mode and a sidewalk travel mode, the driver can easily understand the selected travel mode while reducing power consumption of the battery mounted on the vehicle. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0041] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an electric vehicle running on a pedestrian road and a driver in a driving posture according to this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0042] Hereinafter, an electric vehicle traveling on a pedestrian road according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment described below is merely an example. The present invention should not be interpreted in any way as being limited by the embodiment described below.

[0043] 1 is a diagram showing an electric vehicle running on a sidewalk and a driver in a driving position according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the electric vehicle running on a sidewalk and road is an electric scooter that is classified as a specific small motor-driven bicycle. The electric vehicle running on a sidewalk and road is equipped with a battery 11, an electric motor 12, a control device 13, and maximum speed indicator lights 14 and 15.

[0044] The battery 11 supplies power to the pedestrian / roadway traveling electric vehicle 1. The battery 11 is attached to a frame of the pedestrian / roadway traveling electric vehicle 1. The battery 11 is provided so as to be replaceable.

[0045] The electric motor 12 generates power for the travel of the pedestrian / roadway electric vehicle 1. The electric motor 12 receives power from the battery 11. The electric motor 12 transmits the generated power to the drive wheels of the pedestrian / roadway electric vehicle 1. The electric motor 12 may be provided in any location, but in this embodiment, it is attached to the rear wheels, which are the drive wheels. In this embodiment, the electric motor 12 is an in-wheel motor. The electric motor 12 may drive either the front wheels or the rear wheels, or may drive both.

[0046] The control device 13 switches the driving mode of the pedestrian / roadway running electric vehicle 1. When the pedestrian / roadway running electric vehicle 1 runs on the roadway, the control device 13 sets the driving mode to the roadway driving mode. In the roadway driving mode, the control device 13 limits the maximum speed of the pedestrian / roadway running electric vehicle 1 to 20 km / h. On the other hand, when the pedestrian / roadway running electric vehicle 1 runs on the sidewalk, the control device 13 sets the driving mode to the sidewalk driving mode. In the sidewalk driving mode, the control device 13 limits the maximum speed of the pedestrian / roadway running electric vehicle 1 to 6 km / h. The control device 13 limits the maximum speed of each mode by controlling the output of the electric motor 12.

[0047] The control device 13 switches the driving mode based on a changeover switch (not shown) operated by the driver 2. However, the control device 13 may automatically switch the driving mode without the operation of the driver 2. In this case, the control device 13 switches the driving mode based on the detection result of a detection device mounted on the pedestrian / vehicle traveling electric vehicle 1. The detection device is, for example, a camera, a position detection device, etc.

[0048] The control device 13 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control device 13 executes various controls by the processor reading and executing one or more programs recorded in a non-volatile memory. The control device 13 may be provided in any location, but in this embodiment, it is attached to the frame of the electric vehicle 1 traveling on a pedestrian road.

[0049] The maximum speed indicator lights 14, 15 change their illumination state depending on the driving mode of the pedestrian / roadway electric vehicle 1. In this embodiment, the maximum speed indicator lights 14, 15 are always lit in the roadway driving mode and flash in the sidewalk driving mode. The maximum speed indicator lights 14, 15 are provided so as to be visible to third parties around the pedestrian / roadway electric vehicle 1. In this embodiment, the maximum speed indicator light 14 is provided on the front surface of the main frame bar extending upward from the front wheels, and faces forward of the pedestrian / roadway electric vehicle 1. The maximum speed indicator light 15 is provided on the rear surface of the rear fender covering the rear wheels, and faces backward of the pedestrian / roadway electric vehicle 1.

[0050] The maximum speed indicator light 14 includes an LED 141 as a light source. The LED 141 is directed toward the front of the pedestrian road electric vehicle 1, and is provided so that its optical axis is aligned along the forward direction when the vehicle is not steered. The LED (not shown) of the maximum speed indicator light 15, directed toward the rear of the pedestrian road electric vehicle 1, is provided so that its optical axis is aligned along the rear when the vehicle is not steered. The driver 2 is positioned between the maximum speed indicator lights 14, 15 provided at the front and rear of the pedestrian road electric vehicle 1 in the longitudinal direction of the pedestrian road electric vehicle 1, and drives the pedestrian road electric vehicle 1. The driver 2 in such a driving position may be able to see the light of the maximum speed indicator light 14 at night, but is hardly able to see it during the day. Therefore, the pedestrian road electric vehicle 1 is provided with a lighting state notification mechanism 16.

[0051] The lighting status notification mechanism 16 notifies the driver 2 of the lighting status of the maximum speed indicator light 14. In this embodiment, the lighting status notification mechanism 16 notifies the driver 2 by optical means 161. The optical means 161 is a light guide provided in the lamp chamber of the maximum speed indicator light 14. The optical means 161 is provided so that its rear end is exposed to the outside from the rear surface of the lamp chamber. The optical means 161 receives light from the LED 141 facing forward, and guides the light rearward. The optical means 161 is configured to irradiate the guided light towards the face of the driver 2.

[0052] With this configuration, the driver 2 can know the lighting state of the maximum speed indicator light 14. Furthermore, since the lighting state notification mechanism 16 uses part of the light of the maximum speed indicator light 14, which is an existing device, the power consumption of the battery 11 per unit time is less than that of the LED 141 of the maximum speed indicator light 14, and the optical means 161 irradiates the driver 2 with intermittent light synchronized with the lighting state of the maximum speed indicator light 14. Therefore, according to the pedestrian / vehicle road traveling electric vehicle 1, the lighting state notification mechanism 16 in addition to the maximum speed indicator light 14 suppresses the power consumption of the battery 11, while allowing the driver 2 to easily know the selected driving mode.

[0053] In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the lighting state notification mechanism 16 notifies the driver 2 of the lighting state of the maximum speed indicator light 14 only by the optical means 161. However, the lighting state notification mechanism 16 may notify the driver by any one of an optical means, a stimulation means, and an audio means, or may notify the driver by a combination of these means.

[0054] In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the lighting state notification mechanism 16 notifies the driver 2 of the lighting state of the maximum speed indicator light 14 provided facing the front of the pedestrian / roadway traveling electric vehicle 1. However, the lighting state notification mechanism 16 may also notify the driver 2 of the lighting state of the maximum speed indicator light 15 provided facing the rear of the pedestrian / roadway traveling electric vehicle 1, or may notify the driver 2 of the lighting states of both maximum speed indicator lights 14, 15.

[0055] In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the lighting state notification mechanism 16 notifies the driver 2 of the lighting state of the maximum speed indicator light 14 by intermittent light (optical means 161) synchronized with the lighting state of the maximum speed indicator light 14. However, the lighting state notification mechanism 16 may radiate light that is not synchronized with the maximum speed indicator light 14. The lighting state notification mechanism 16 may also radiate light that is not intermittent. The same applies to the stimulation means and the sound means. In short, it is sufficient that the lighting state notification mechanism 16 is configured to enable the driver to grasp the driving mode. The driver may check in an instruction manual or the like which driving mode is indicated by the content notified by the lighting state notification mechanism 16. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 1: Electric vehicles traveling on pedestrian and roadways 11: Battery 12: Electric motor 13: Control device 14: Maximum speed indicator light 141: LED 15: Maximum speed indicator light 16: Light status notification mechanism 161 :Optical means 2: Driver

Claims

1. A battery; an electric motor that generates power for traveling using the power supplied from the battery; a control device that switches between a roadway driving mode in which the vehicle travels on a roadway and the maximum speed is limited to a maximum roadway driving speed, and a sidewalk driving mode in which the vehicle travels on a sidewalk and the maximum speed is limited to a sidewalk driving speed that is lower than the roadway driving mode; A pedestrian road traveling electric vehicle including a maximum speed indicator light that is provided so as to be visible from the surroundings and whose lighting state changes depending on the traveling mode, The pedestrian / roadway traveling electric vehicle further comprises: The vehicle is provided with a lighting status notification mechanism that notifies the driver of the lighting status of the maximum speed indicator light, which irradiates light from an LED, which is a light source powered by the battery, toward the surroundings of the vehicle, at least when the vehicle is traveling on the sidewalk in the roadway traveling mode, by at least one of an optical means, a stimulation means, and an audio means mounted on the vehicle or carried by the driver.

2. The electric vehicle for traveling on a pedestrian road according to claim 1, The pedestrian / roadway traveling electric vehicle includes: The lighting status notification mechanism notifies the driver of the lighting status of the maximum speed indicator light by at least one of the optical means which irradiates light so that it is within the field of vision of the driver facing the direction of travel of the electric vehicle running on the pedestrian road, the stimulation means which can be sensed by the driver's skin, and the acoustic means which is directed to the driver's ear.

3. The electric vehicle for running on a pedestrian road according to claim 1 or 2, The pedestrian / roadway traveling electric vehicle includes: The lighting status notification mechanism notifies the driver of the lighting status of the maximum speed indicator light by at least one of the optical means which emits intermittent light, the stimulation means which generates intermittent vibrations or changes the feel, and the acoustic means which emits intermittent sounds.

4. The electric vehicle for running on a pedestrian road according to claim 1 or 2, The maximum speed indicator light is The light is intermittently turned on in at least one of the roadway driving mode and the sidewalk driving mode, The pedestrian / roadway traveling electric vehicle includes: The lighting state notification mechanism notifies the driver of the lighting state of the maximum speed indicator light by at least one of the optical means which irradiates intermittent light synchronized with the lighting state of the maximum speed indicator light, the stimulation means which generates intermittent vibrations or changes the feel synchronized with the lighting state of the maximum speed indicator light, and the acoustic means which emits intermittent sounds synchronized with the lighting state of the maximum speed indicator light.

5. The electric vehicle for running on a pedestrian road according to claim 1 or 2, The pedestrian / roadway traveling electric vehicle includes: The lighting status notification mechanism notifies the driver of the lighting status of the maximum speed indicator light by at least one of the optical means, the stimulation means, and the acoustic means, which consume less power per unit time than the LED of the maximum speed indicator light.

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