Straddle type electric vehicle

Abstract

To provide a rider with more easily recognizable sound information, in a straddle type electric vehicle having a drive wheel driven by an electric motor via a continuously variable transmission or a two-stage transmission or not via a transmission.SOLUTION: A sound data output unit 5 of a straddle type electric vehicle 1 generates and outputs rotational speed sound data DA including data on a main frequency F of a sound corresponding to a rotational speed S of each of an electric motor 2 and a drive wheel 3, as sound data from which a sound signal is sent to a sound generation device 100. At a first rotational speed S1 and a second rotational speed S2, the sound data output unit 5 outputs rotational speed sound data DA in which a first frequency F1 is used as the main frequency F of the sound. At a third rotational speed S3 higher than the first rotational speed S1 and lower than the second rotational speed S2, the sound data output unit outputs rotational speed sound data DA in which a frequency different form the first frequency F1 is used as the main frequency of the sound.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a saddle-type electric vehicle having drive wheels that are driven by an electric motor via a continuously variable transmission or a two-speed transmission, or without a transmission. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, straddle-type electric vehicles such as electric motorcycles are known. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes an electric motorcycle that provides a rider with sound information that is easily recognized by the rider. The electric motorcycle described in Patent Document 1 has a sound generating unit that generates sound, and a sound control unit that controls the sound generating unit to generate sound with a frequency corresponding to the rotation speed of the electric motor. The sound control unit controls the sound generating unit to increase the frequency of the sound as the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels increases, and to decrease the frequency of the sound as the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels decreases. Furthermore, the sound control unit controls the sound generating unit so that the rate of change of the sound frequency with respect to a change (increase or decrease) in the rotation speed of the electric motor in a low-speed region where the rotation speed of the electric motor is low is greater than the rate of change of the sound frequency with respect to a change (increase or decrease) in the rotation speed of the electric motor in a medium-high speed region where the rotation speed of the electric motor is higher than in the low-speed region. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-62320 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Saddle-type vehicles such as motorcycles are generally lighter and more compact than automobiles (four-wheeled vehicles) and tend to have higher mobility than automobiles. Furthermore, riders of saddle-type vehicles such as motorcycles generally tend to grasp the state of the vehicle (e.g., vehicle speed) from changes in information such as vibrations and sounds obtained from the vehicle and changes in the scenery around the vehicle, in addition to checking the vehicle speed and the like on the meter. Therefore, in saddle-type vehicles such as motorcycles, the information obtained from the vehicle is required to be more easily recognized than in automobiles. In a saddle-type electric vehicle driven by an electric motor, the vibrations and sounds obtained from the vehicle are smaller than those obtained from a saddle-type vehicle driven by an engine, so information obtained from the vehicle tends to be less noticeable. Furthermore, for example, with regard to sound information obtained from a vehicle, in saddle-type electric vehicles, particularly in saddle-type electric vehicles in which the drive wheels are driven by an electric motor via a continuously variable transmission or a two-speed transmission, or without a transmission, the rate of change in sound frequency in response to a change (increase or decrease) in the rotational speed of the electric motor tends to be small. Patent Document 1 proposes a technology for increasing the rate of change in sound frequency with respect to changes (increases or decreases) in the rotation speed of an electric motor in the low-speed range in an electric motorcycle. Thus, there is a demand for providing the rider with more easily noticeable sound information in a saddle-type electric vehicle having a drive wheel driven by an electric motor via a continuously variable transmission or a two-speed transmission, or without a transmission.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a rider with sound information that is easier to recognize in a saddle-type electric vehicle having drive wheels that are driven by an electric motor via a continuously variable transmission or a two-speed transmission, or without a transmission. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present inventors have studied the technology of Patent Document 1. In the technology of Patent Document 1, the rate of change in sound frequency with respect to a change (increase or decrease) in the rotation speed of the electric motor in the low-speed range is large, but the rate of change in sound frequency with respect to a change (increase or decrease) in the rotation speed of the electric motor in the medium- to high-speed range is smaller than that in the low-speed range. Therefore, in order to increase the rate of change in the frequency of the sound information over a wider range of rotational speeds, the inventors of the present application have considered changing the frequency of the sound information based on a dependency on rotational speed different from that in the past. As a result, the inventors discovered a new finding that even if sounds of the same frequency are generated at different vehicle speeds, the rider can recognize that the vehicle speeds are different.

[0007] (1) A saddle-type electric vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention has the following configuration. a saddle-type seat on which a rider sits in a saddled state, the saddle-type seat being at least partially disposed above the electric motor or the drive wheels in the vehicle vertical direction; and a sound generating device configured to acquire rotational speed information related to the rotational speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels, and to generate a sound to be heard by the rider seated on the saddle-type seat, the sound generating device acquiring rotational speed sound data including data related to a main frequency of the sound corresponding to the rotational speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels based on the acquired rotational speed information as sound data serving as a source of a sound signal to be sent to the sound generating device. and a sound data output unit that generates and outputs a sound data, wherein when the rotational speed of the electric motor or the drive wheel, which is disposed lower in the vehicle up-down direction than at least a portion of the saddle-type seat, continuously increases from a first rotational speed to a second rotational speed higher than the first rotational speed, the sound data output unit is configured to output the rotational speed sound data having a first frequency as the main frequency of the sound at the first rotational speed and the second rotational speed, and to output the rotational speed sound data having a frequency different from the first frequency as the main frequency of the sound at a third rotational speed that is higher than the first rotational speed and lower than the second rotational speed.

[0008] According to this configuration, the sound data output unit generates and outputs rotation speed sound data as sound data that is the source of a sound signal sent to a sound generating device that generates a sound to be heard by a rider. The rotation speed sound data includes data on a main frequency of a sound corresponding to the rotation speed of an electric motor or a drive wheel disposed lower in the vehicle vertical direction than at least a part of the saddle-type seat. The sound generating device generates a sound based on a sound signal based on the rotation speed sound data output from the sound data output unit. Thus, the sound generating device generates a sound of a main frequency corresponding to the rotation speed of an electric motor or a drive wheel disposed lower in the vehicle vertical direction than at least a part of the saddle-type seat. When the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheel increases continuously from a first rotation speed to a second rotation speed higher than the first rotation speed, the sound data output unit outputs rotation speed sound data having a first frequency as the main frequency of the sound at the first rotation speed and the second rotation speed, and outputs rotation speed sound data having a frequency different from the first frequency as the main frequency of the sound at a third rotation speed higher than the first rotation speed and lower than the second rotation speed. Therefore, while the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheel increases continuously from the first rotation speed to the second rotation speed, the main frequency of the sound in the rotation speed sound data increases at least once and decreases at least once. Therefore, compared with the case where the main frequency of the sound is always increased with respect to the increase in the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheel as in Patent Document 1, the rate of change of the main frequency of the sound with respect to the increase in the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheel can be made larger in a wider range of the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheel without expanding the range of the main frequency of the sound. Moreover, the sound generated by the sound generating device is a sound with a main frequency corresponding to the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheel arranged lower in the vehicle vertical direction than at least a part of the saddle-type seat. Therefore, the rider can easily recognize the sound generated by the sound generating device according to the rotation speed sound data. As a result, in a saddle-type electric vehicle having drive wheels that are driven by an electric motor via a continuously variable transmission or a two-speed transmission, or without a transmission, it is possible to provide the rider with sound information that is easier to recognize.

[0009] (2) The saddle type electric vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention may have the following configuration in addition to the configuration described above in (1). The sound data output unit is configured to output the rotation speed sound data having a second frequency higher than the first frequency as the main frequency of the sound at a fourth rotation speed that is higher than the first rotation speed and lower than the second rotation speed, when the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels continuously increases from the first rotation speed to the second rotation speed, and to output the rotation speed sound data having a third frequency lower than the first frequency as the main frequency of the sound at a fifth rotation speed that is higher than the fourth rotation speed and lower than the second rotation speed.

[0010] According to this configuration, while the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheel increases continuously from the first rotation speed to the second rotation speed, the main frequency of the sound in the rotation speed sound data increases at least twice and decreases at least once. Therefore, compared to the case where the main frequency of the sound is always increased with respect to the increase in the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheel as in Patent Document 1, the rate of change of the main frequency of the sound with respect to the increase in the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheel can be increased while the range of the main frequency of the sound is more restricted in a wider range of the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheel. Therefore, the rider can more easily recognize the sound generated by the sound generating device in accordance with the rotation speed sound data. Therefore, in a saddle-type electric vehicle having a drive wheel driven by an electric motor via a continuously variable transmission or a two-speed transmission or without a transmission, it is possible to provide the rider with sound information that is more easily recognized.

[0011] (3) The saddle type electric vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention may have the following configuration in addition to the configuration described above in (2). The sound data output unit is configured to output the rotation speed sound data having the second frequency as the main frequency of the sound at the fourth rotation speed, and then output the rotation speed sound data such that, when the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels continuously increases from the fourth rotation speed to the fifth rotation speed, a rate of change of the main frequency of the sound in the rotation speed sound data with respect to an increase in the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels changes from positive to negative at a first change point that is a rotation speed higher than the fourth rotation speed and lower than the fifth rotation speed; and to output the rotation speed sound data having the third frequency as the main frequency of the sound at the fifth rotation speed, and then output the rotation speed sound data such that, when the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels decreases from the fifth rotation speed, a rate of change of the main frequency of the sound in the rotation speed sound data with respect to a decrease in the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels changes from positive to negative at a second change point that is a rotation speed lower than the first change point.

[0012] According to this configuration, when the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheel decreases from the fifth rotation speed, the rate of change of the main frequency of the sound in the rotation speed sound data with respect to the decrease in the rotation speed changes from positive to negative at a rotation speed (second change point) lower than the rotation speed (first change point) at which the rate of change of the main frequency of the sound in the rotation speed sound data with respect to the increase in the rotation speed changes from positive to negative. Therefore, even if the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheel increases or decreases finely so as to be maintained at a rotation speed near the first change point or the second change point, the positive and negative change rate of the main frequency of the sound in the rotation speed sound data with respect to the increase or decrease in the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheel does not frequently switch. Although the sound generated from the sound generating device when the rate of change of the main frequency of the sound in the rotation speed sound data switches between positive and negative is particularly easy for the rider to recognize, frequent switching makes it difficult to recognize the information obtained from the sound. Therefore, with this configuration, in a saddle-type electric vehicle having drive wheels that are driven by an electric motor via a continuously variable transmission or a two-speed transmission, or without a transmission, it is possible to provide the rider with sound information that is easier to recognize.

[0013] (4) The saddle type electric vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention may have the following configuration in addition to the configuration described above in (2). The sound data output unit is configured to output the rotation speed sound data so that the relationship between the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels and the main frequency of the sound in the rotation speed sound data is the same when the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels is increasing and when the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels is decreasing.

[0014] With this configuration, the control for outputting the rotational speed sound data is simple, and yet it is possible to provide the rider with sound information that is easily noticeable in a saddle-type electric vehicle having drive wheels that are driven by an electric motor via a continuously variable transmission or a two-speed transmission, or without a transmission.

[0015] (5) The saddle type electric vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention may have the following configuration in addition to any one of the configurations (2) to (4) above. When the rotation speed at which the rate of change of the main frequency of the sound in the rotation speed sound data changes from positive to negative in response to an increase in the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels is defined as an increase-side change point, and the rotation speed at which the rate of change of the main frequency of the sound in the rotation speed sound data changes from positive to negative in response to a decrease in the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels is defined as a decrease-side change point, the sound data output unit is configured to be able to change at least one of the increase-side change point and the decrease-side change point.

[0016] According to this configuration, at least one of the rotation speed at which the rate of change of the main frequency of the sound in the rotation speed sound data with respect to an increase in the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels changes from positive to negative (increase side change point) and the rotation speed at which the rate of change of the main frequency of the sound in the rotation speed sound data with respect to a decrease in the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels changes from positive to negative (decrease side change point) can be changed. For example, at least one of the increase side change point and the decrease side change point can be changed depending on the difference in the environment such as the route on which the saddle riding type electric vehicle travels, the difference in the rider riding the saddle riding type electric vehicle, or the difference in the saddle riding type electric vehicle. The sound generated from the sound generating device when the rate of change of the main frequency of the sound in the rotation speed sound data with respect to an increase or decrease in the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels changes from positive to negative is particularly easy to recognize. Therefore, by changing at least one of the increase side change point and the decrease side change point, it is possible to provide the rider with more easily recognized sound information so that the rider can more easily utilize it.

[0017] (6) A saddle-type electric vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention may have the following configuration in addition to any one of the configurations (1) to (5) above. The sound data output unit is configured to generate and output, as the sound data that is the source of the sound signal sent to the sound generating device, notification sound data that is different from the rotation speed sound data and that includes data regarding a main frequency of the sound corresponding to the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels.

[0018] According to this configuration, when the sound data output unit outputs the notification sound data, the sound generating device generates a sound based on a sound signal based on the notification sound data. That is, the sound generating device generates a sound according to the notification sound data. The notification sound data is different from the rotation speed sound data. Therefore, the sound generated by the sound generating device according to the notification sound data is different from the sound generated by the sound generating device according to the rotation speed sound data. Therefore, even if the sound generating device generates both a sound according to the notification sound data and a sound according to the rotation speed sound data, the rider can easily recognize these two sounds. In addition, the sound generated by the sound generating device according to the notification sound data can notify the rider of various information depending on the generation timing and type of the sound. Therefore, in a saddle-type electric vehicle having a drive wheel driven by an electric motor via a continuously variable transmission or a two-speed transmission or without a transmission, sound information that is more easily recognized and can notify the rider of more information can be provided to the rider.

[0019] (7) The saddle type electric vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention may have the following configuration in addition to the configuration described above in (6). The vehicle further includes a position information acquisition device that acquires position information of the saddle-type electric vehicle, and the sound data output unit is configured to generate and output the alarm sound data corresponding to the position information of the saddle-type electric vehicle acquired by the position information acquisition device.

[0020] According to this configuration, the sound data output unit outputs notification sound data according to the position information of the saddle riding type electric vehicle. Therefore, the sound generated by the sound generating device according to the notification sound data can inform the rider of information related to the position information of the saddle riding type electric vehicle depending on the timing and type of the sound generated. For example, the notification sound data may be output to inform the rider that the saddle riding type electric vehicle has reached a predetermined position. In this way, in a saddle riding type electric vehicle having drive wheels driven by an electric motor via a continuously variable transmission or a two-speed transmission or without a transmission, sound information that is more easily recognized and can inform the rider of information related to the position information of the saddle riding type electric vehicle can be provided to the rider.

[0021] (8) The saddle type electric vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention may have the following configuration in addition to the configuration described above in (7). The sound data output unit is configured to generate and output the notification sound data in accordance with the position information of the saddle-type electric vehicle acquired by the position information acquisition device and the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels.

[0022] According to this configuration, the sound data output unit outputs notification sound data according to the position information of the saddle-riding type electric vehicle and the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels. Therefore, the sound generated by the sound generating device according to this notification sound data can notify the rider of information related to both the position information of the saddle-riding type electric vehicle and the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels depending on the timing of the sound generation and the type of sound. For example, the notification sound data may be output to notify the rider that the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels when the saddle-riding type electric vehicle reaches a predetermined position is lower or higher than a predetermined speed. In this way, in a saddle-riding type electric vehicle having a drive wheel driven by an electric motor via a continuously variable transmission or a two-speed transmission or without a transmission, sound information that is more easily recognized and can notify the rider of information related to both the position information of the saddle-riding type electric vehicle and the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels can be provided to the rider.

[0023] (9) A saddle-type electric vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention may have the following configuration in addition to any one of the configurations (6) to (8) above. The sound data output unit is configured to generate and output the notification sound data corresponding to a rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels.

[0024] According to this configuration, the sound data output unit outputs notification sound data according to the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels. Therefore, the sound generated by the sound generating device according to this notification sound data can notify the rider of information related to the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels depending on the timing and type of the sound. For example, the notification sound data may be output to notify the rider that the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels has reached a predetermined speed. In this way, in a saddle-type electric vehicle having drive wheels driven by an electric motor via a continuously variable transmission or a two-speed transmission or without a transmission, sound information that is more easily recognized and can notify the rider of information related to the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels can be provided to the rider.

[0025] In the present invention and the embodiments, a saddle-type electric vehicle is a saddle-type vehicle having a drive wheel driven by an electric motor. A saddle-type electric vehicle is a vehicle on which a rider (driver) rides in a saddle-type state. Examples of saddle-type electric vehicles include motorcycles, motor tricycles, four-wheeled buggies (ATV: All Terrain Vehicles), snowmobiles, and the like. In the present invention and the embodiments, the drive wheel driven by the electric motor may be a rear wheel or a front wheel. In the saddle-type electric vehicle, both the front and rear wheels may be driven by the electric motor. The saddle-type electric vehicle may have a driven wheel that is not driven by the electric motor. In the present invention and the embodiments, the saddle-type electric vehicle has a battery that supplies power to the electric motor. In the present invention and the embodiments, the saddle-type electric vehicle may or may not have an engine. When the saddle-type electric vehicle has an engine, the saddle-type electric vehicle is configured to be able to drive the drive wheels by the electric motor when the engine is not driving, and the sound data output unit is configured to generate and output rotation speed sound data according to the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels when the engine is not driving. When the saddle-type electric vehicle has an engine, the drive force of the engine may be transmitted to the rear wheels or the front wheels via a multi-speed transmission.

[0026] In the present invention and its embodiments, a drive wheel driven by an electric motor via a continuously variable transmission or a two-speed transmission, or without a transmission, means a drive wheel driven by the driving force of an electric motor transmitted from an electric motor via a continuously variable transmission or a two-speed transmission, or driven by the driving force of an electric motor transmitted from an electric motor without a transmission. In the present invention and embodiments, the drive wheels may be driven by the electric motor via a continuously variable transmission or a two-speed transmission or without a transmission so that the rotation speed of the electric motor and the rotation speed of the drive wheels correspond one-to-one in a wide range of rotation speeds of the drive wheels. The wide range of rotation speeds of the drive wheels may be, for example, half or a wider range of the rotation speeds of the drive wheels when the drive wheels are driven by the electric motor via a continuously variable transmission or a two-speed transmission or without a transmission. In the present invention and the embodiments, the driving wheels being driven by the electric motor without a transmission means that the driving wheels are driven by the electric motor without a continuously variable transmission or a multi-speed transmission having two or more speeds. The transmission does not include a reduction gear.

[0027] In the present invention and embodiments, the saddle-type seat refers to a portion on which a rider sits, and does not include a portion on which the rider's hips or back rest. The rider sits on the saddle-type seat in a saddled state. The rider sitting in a saddled state means that the rider sits astride the saddle. In the present invention and embodiments, a saddle-type seat at least a portion of which is disposed above the electric motor or the drive wheels in the vehicle vertical direction does not exclude a saddle-type seat at least a portion of which is disposed above both the electric motor and the drive wheels in the vehicle vertical direction. That is, in the present invention and embodiments, at least a portion of the saddle-type seat is disposed above at least one of the electric motor and the drive wheels in the vehicle vertical direction. At least a portion of the saddle-type seat may be disposed above both the electric motor and the drive wheels in the vehicle vertical direction.

[0028] In the present invention and the embodiment, the sound generating device is configured to generate a sound based on a received sound signal. The sound generating device is configured to convert the received sound signal into a sound. The configuration and arrangement of the sound generating device are not particularly limited as long as the configuration and arrangement are such that the rider seated on the saddle-type seat can hear the sound. The sound generating device may be installed in the saddle-type electric vehicle or may be worn by the rider. The sound generating device worn by the rider may be, for example, headphones or earphones worn by the rider. The headphones or earphones may be of the air conduction type or the bone conduction type. The sound generating device worn by the rider may be, for example, an air conduction type or bone conduction type speaker installed in a helmet worn by the rider. The sound generating device installed in the saddle-type electric vehicle is an air conduction type speaker. The sound generating device installed in the saddle-type electric vehicle may be, for example, disposed forward of the saddle-type seat in the vehicle longitudinal direction, disposed rearward of the saddle-type seat in the vehicle longitudinal direction, disposed directly below the saddle-type seat in the vehicle vertical direction, or disposed inside the saddle-type seat. The sound generating device installed in the saddle riding type electric vehicle may be installed, for example, in the front or upper part of a battery box that houses a battery and is at least partially disposed forward in the vehicle front-rear direction from the saddle riding seat. The sound generating device installed in the saddle riding type electric vehicle may be installed in a battery box disposed in a position other than the above.

[0029] In the present invention and the embodiment, the sound signal sent to the sound generating device is generated based on sound data. The sound data is data related to the sound generated by the sound generating device. The sound signal may be generated by the sound data output unit, or may be generated by a device different from the sound data output unit. The device different from the sound data output unit that generates the sound signal may be installed in the saddle-type electric vehicle, or may not be installed. The sound signal may be transmitted to the sound generating device by the sound data output unit, or may be transmitted by a device different from the sound data output unit. More specifically, when the sound signal is generated by the sound data output unit, the sound signal may be transmitted to the sound generating device by the sound data output unit, or may be transmitted by a device different from the sound data output unit. When the sound signal is generated by a device different from the sound data output unit, the sound signal may be transmitted to the sound generating device by a device that generates the sound signal, or may be transmitted by a device different from both the device that generates the sound signal and the sound data output unit. The device different from the sound data output unit that transmits the sound signal may be installed in the saddle-type electric vehicle, or may not be installed.

[0030] In the present invention and the embodiments, the sound data output unit has a processor and a storage device. The processor includes a microcontroller, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a microprocessor, a multiprocessor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic circuit (PLC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and any other circuit capable of executing a process of generating and outputting sound data. The storage device is a device for saving or storing data and programs. The storage device includes semiconductor memories such as registers and cache memories, main memories (main storage devices / RAMs), storages (external storage devices / auxiliary storage devices), and the like. In the present invention and the embodiments, the sound data output unit generating sound data includes reading out sound data previously stored in the storage device. In the present invention and the embodiments, the sound data output unit may be a control device that controls the rotation speed of an electric motor, and the like.

[0031] In the present invention and the embodiment, the rotation speed information acquired by the sound data output unit is information about the rotation speed of the electric motor or the driving wheels, and is not limited to the value of the rotation speed of the electric motor or the driving wheels itself. The information about the rotation speed of the electric motor or the driving wheels includes, for example, a signal for controlling the rotation speed of the electric motor, an output signal of a sensor for detecting the rotation speed of the electric motor, an output signal of a sensor for detecting the rotation speed of the driving wheels or the driven wheels, etc. The information about the rotation speed of the driving wheels may be a vehicle speed calculated from the rotation speed of the driving wheels or the driven wheels. The information about the rotation speed of the driving wheels may be a combination of information about the rotation speed of the electric motor and information about the speed ratio of the continuously variable transmission or the two-speed transmission. The rotation speed of the driven wheels changes according to the rotation speed of the driving wheels and also changes according to the rotation speed of the electric motor. The vehicle speed changes according to the rotation speed of the driving wheels and also changes according to the rotation speed of the electric motor.

[0032] In the present invention and the embodiment, the rotation speed sound data includes data on the main frequency of the sound according to the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels. The data on the main frequency of the sound according to the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels is not limited to data in which the main frequency of the sound is set based on the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels. The data on the main frequency of the sound according to the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels is data on the main frequency of the sound based on the rotation speed information acquired by the sound data output unit. The definition of the rotation speed information acquired by the sound data output unit is as described above. The sound data output unit may change the main frequency of the sound in the rotation speed sound data based on the vehicle speed or the rotation speed of the driven wheels. The main frequency of the sound according to the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels is the frequency with the largest amplitude of the sound among the multiple frequencies when the "sound according to the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels" includes sounds of multiple frequencies. The "sound according to the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels" may be a sound of one frequency. In the present invention and the embodiment, the data on the main frequency of the sound included in the rotation speed sound data is not limited to the data on the frequency value itself. The data on the main frequency may be, for example, data on a magnification factor with respect to a reference frequency. In this case, the value obtained by multiplying the reference frequency by the magnification factor is the main frequency. In the present invention and embodiments, the rotation speed sound data may or may not include data on sound pressure. If the rotation speed sound data includes data on sound pressure, the data on sound pressure may be data on sound pressure according to the rotation speed of the electric motor or the driving wheels. The data on sound pressure may be data on sound amplitude. In the present invention and embodiments, the sound data output unit is configured to generate and output rotation speed sound data corresponding to the current rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels. The sound generated by the sound generating device based on the sound signal based on the rotation speed sound data may be a sound similar to a sound generated in a saddle-type vehicle driven by an engine.

[0033] In the present invention and embodiments, the first rotation speed is the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels. If the first rotation speed is the rotation speed of the electric motor, the second rotation speed and the third rotation speed are also the rotation speed of the electric motor. If the first rotation speed is the rotation speed of the drive wheels, the second rotation speed and the third rotation speed are also the rotation speed of the drive wheels. In the present invention and embodiments, the first rotational speed, the second rotational speed and the third rotational speed may be the rotational speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels within a region in which the rotational speed of the electric motor and the rotational speed of the drive wheels correspond one-to-one.

[0034] In the present invention and the embodiment, the sound data output unit may be configured to output rotation speed sound data having a second frequency higher than the first frequency as the main frequency of the sound at a fourth rotation speed higher than the first rotation speed and lower than the second rotation speed when the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels increases continuously from the first rotation speed to the second rotation speed, and to output rotation speed sound data having a third frequency lower than the first frequency as the main frequency of the sound at a fifth rotation speed higher than the fourth rotation speed and lower than the second rotation speed. Both the fourth rotation speed and the fifth rotation speed correspond to the third rotation speed in the present invention. In this case, at a rotation speed between the first rotation speed and the second rotation speed, the rate of change of the main frequency of the sound in the rotation speed sound data with respect to the increase in the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels changes from positive to negative. When the rotational speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels increases continuously from the first rotational speed to the second rotational speed, the rate of change of the main frequency of the sound in the rotational speed sound data relative to the increase in the rotational speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels may be a positive value at each of the first rotational speed, the second rotational speed, the fourth rotational speed, and the fifth rotational speed. In this specification, the rate of change of the main frequency of the sound in the rotational speed sound data relative to an increase in the rotational speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels means the ratio of the increase in the main frequency of the sound in the rotational speed sound data relative to a unit increase in the rotational speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels when the rotational speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels increases. Here, the rotational speed at which the rate of change of the main frequency of the sound relative to an increase in the rotational speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels changes from positive to negative is defined as the increase-side change point. The increase-side change point may be the rotational speed at which the value of the main frequency of the sound in the rotational speed sound data differentiated by the rotational speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels changes from positive to negative.

[0035] In the present invention and the embodiment, the relationship between the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels and the main frequency of the sound in the rotation speed sound data may be the same or different when the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels increases and when the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels decreases. Here, the rotation speed at which the rate of change of the main frequency of the sound with respect to the decrease in the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels changes from positive to negative is defined as the decrease-side change point. In this specification, the rate of change of the main frequency of the sound with respect to the decrease in the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels means the ratio of the decrease in the main frequency of the sound in the rotation speed sound data with respect to the unit decrease in the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels when the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels decreases. If the relationship between the rotational speed of the electric motor or drive wheels and the main frequency of the sound in the rotational speed sound data is the same when the rotational speed of the electric motor or drive wheels increases and when the rotational speed of the electric motor or drive wheels decreases, the increase-side change point is the same as the rotational speed at which the rate of change of the main frequency of the sound with respect to the decrease in the rotational speed of the electric motor or drive wheels changes from negative to positive, and the decrease-side change point is the same as the rotational speed at which the rate of change of the main frequency of the sound with respect to the increase in the rotational speed of the electric motor or drive wheels changes from negative to positive.

[0036] In the present invention and the embodiment, the increasing side change point may be the same as or different from the rotation speed at which the rate of change of the main frequency of the sound in the rotation speed sound data with respect to an increase in the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels changes from negative to positive. The decreasing side change point may be the same as or different from the rotation speed at which the rate of change of the main frequency of the sound in the rotation speed sound data with respect to a decrease in the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels changes from negative to positive. If the increase-side change point is the same as the rotational speed at which the rate of change of the main frequency of the sound in the rotational speed sound data changes from negative to positive with respect to an increase in the rotational speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels, the sound data output unit may be configured to output the rotational speed sound data so that, when the rotational speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels increases, the main frequency of the sound in the rotational speed sound data increases from a predetermined rotational speed lower than the increase-side change point to the increase-side change point, the main frequency of the sound in the rotational speed sound data decreases at the increase-side change point, and the main frequency of the sound in the rotational speed sound data increases from the increase-side change point to a predetermined rotational speed higher than the increase-side change point. If the decrease-side change point is the same as the rotational speed at which the rate of change of the main frequency of the sound in the rotational speed sound data changes from negative to positive with respect to a decrease in the rotational speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels, the sound data output unit may be configured to output the rotational speed sound data so that, when the rotational speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels decreases, the main frequency of the sound in the rotational speed sound data decreases from a predetermined rotational speed higher than the decrease-side change point to the decrease-side change point, the main frequency of the sound in the rotational speed sound data increases at the decrease-side change point, and the main frequency of the sound in the rotational speed sound data decreases from the decrease-side change point to a predetermined rotational speed lower than the decrease-side change point. When the increase side change point is different from the rotation speed at which the rate of change of the main frequency of the sound in the rotation speed sound data with respect to an increase in the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels changes from negative to positive, the sound data output unit may be configured to output the rotation speed sound data so that the rate of change of the main frequency of the sound in the rotation speed sound data with respect to an increase in the rotation speed from a predetermined rotation speed lower than the increase side change point to the increase side change point is smaller than the absolute value of the rate of change of the main frequency of the sound in the rotation speed sound data with respect to an increase in the rotation speed from the increase side change point to a predetermined rotation speed higher than the increase side change point. When the decrease-side change point is different from the rotational speed at which the rate of change of the main frequency of the sound in the rotational speed sound data with respect to a decrease in the rotational speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels changes from negative to positive, the sound data output unit may be configured to output the rotational speed sound data such that the rate of change of the main frequency of the sound in the rotational speed sound data with respect to a decrease in the rotational speed from a predetermined rotational speed higher than the decrease-side change point to the decrease-side change point is smaller than the absolute value of the rate of change of the main frequency of the sound in the rotational speed sound data with respect to a decrease in the rotational speed from the decrease-side change point to a predetermined rotational speed lower than the decrease-side change point.

[0037] In the present invention and the embodiment, the sound data output unit may be configured to be unable to change both the increasing side change point and the decreasing side change point, or may be configured to change at least one of the increasing side change point and the decreasing side change point. When the increasing side change point (rotation speed) between the first rotation speed and the second rotation speed is changed, the increasing side change point after the change may be between the first rotation speed and the second rotation speed, may be lower than the first rotation speed, or may be higher than the second rotation speed. When the increasing side change point is changed, the main frequency at the increasing side change point may not be changed. When the decreasing side change point is changed, the main frequency at the decreasing side change point may not be changed. The sound data output unit may be configured to be able to change at least one of the main frequency at the increasing side change point and the main frequency at the decreasing side change point. When the increasing side change point is changed, the main frequency at the increasing side change point may be changed. The main frequency at the increasing side change point may be changed without changing the increasing side change point. When the decreasing side change point is changed, the main frequency at the decreasing side change point may be changed. The main frequency at the decrease-side change point may be changed without changing the decrease-side change point. When the sound data output unit is configured to be able to change at least one of the main frequencies at the increase-side change point and the increase-side change point, the sound data output unit may be configured, for example, as in the following three examples. For example, the sound data output unit may automatically change at least one of the main frequencies at the increase-side change point and the increase-side change point in response to at least one of the state of the saddle riding type electric vehicle and the state around the saddle riding type electric vehicle. Also, for example, the sound data output unit may change at least one of the main frequencies at the increase-side change point and the increase-side change point by a user (including a rider) operating an input unit of the saddle riding type electric vehicle before traveling or while traveling. Also, for example, the sound data output unit may change at least one of the main frequencies at the increase-side change point and the increase-side change point by receiving a change instruction from a device that wirelessly communicates with the saddle riding type electric vehicle. Note that the configuration of the sound data output section configured to be able to change at least one of the increasing side change point and the main frequency at the increasing side change point is not limited to these examples.A specific example when the sound data output unit is configured to be able to change at least one of the decrease side change point and the main frequency at the decrease side change point is similar to a specific example when the sound data output unit is configured to be able to change at least one of the increase side change point and the main frequency at the increase side change point.

[0038] In the present invention and the embodiment, the sound data output unit may be configured to generate and output notification sound data different from the rotation speed sound data as sound data that is the source of the sound signal sent to the sound generating device. The notification sound data is data for generating a type of sound different from the rotation speed sound data. The notification sound data may be data for generating a sound of a frequency different from the main frequency of the sound in the rotation speed sound data. The notification sound data may be data for generating a sound of a frequency higher than the main frequency of the sound in the rotation speed sound data. The notification sound data may or may not include data related to the frequency of the sound. The notification sound data may be data that only instructs the generation of a sound. In the present invention and the embodiment, the notification sound data may be data for generating a sound for notifying a rider of at least one of the state of the saddle riding type electric vehicle and the state around the saddle riding type electric vehicle. For example, the sound data output unit may automatically generate and output notification sound data according to at least one of the state of the saddle riding type electric vehicle and the state around the saddle riding type electric vehicle. Also, for example, the sound data output unit may generate and output the notification sound data by a user (including a rider) operating an input unit of the saddle riding type electric vehicle before or while the saddle riding type electric vehicle is traveling. Also, for example, the sound data output unit may generate and output the notification sound data by receiving a change instruction from a device that wirelessly communicates with the saddle riding type electric vehicle. In this case, the sound data output unit may output the notification sound data immediately upon receiving the change instruction. Alternatively, the sound data output unit may output the notification sound data when a predetermined condition based on a change instruction acquired in advance is satisfied. The sound data output unit may be configured to generate and output the notification sound data when a condition different from the condition for generating and outputting the rotation speed sound data is satisfied. The notification sound data may be data for providing information to the rider depending on the timing at which the sound generating device generates a sound corresponding to the notification sound data.

[0039] In the present invention and the embodiment, the sound data output unit may be configured to generate and output notification sound data corresponding to position information of the saddle-type electric vehicle acquired by a position information acquisition device provided in the saddle-type electric vehicle. The position information acquisition device may be, for example, a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver. The GNSS receiver is a device that receives radio waves from GNSS satellites. The position information acquisition device may be, for example, a device that acquires position information generated using a GNSS receiver not installed in the saddle-type electric vehicle from outside the saddle-type electric vehicle by wireless communication. The sound data output unit may be configured to generate and output notification sound data corresponding to the position information of the saddle-type electric vehicle acquired by the position information acquisition device and the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels. The sound data output unit may be configured to generate and output notification sound data corresponding to the rotation speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels. In the present invention and embodiments, the sound data output unit may be configured to generate and output alarm sound data corresponding to position information of the saddle-riding type electric vehicle, alarm sound data corresponding to the position information of the saddle-riding type electric vehicle and the rotational speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels, and alarm sound data corresponding to the rotational speed of the electric motor or the drive wheels.

[0040] In this specification, when A is disposed above B in the vertical direction of the vehicle, this refers to the following state: A is disposed above a plane that passes through the uppermost end of B and is perpendicular to the vertical direction of the vehicle. In this specification, when A is disposed below B in the vertical direction of the vehicle, this refers to the following state: A is disposed below a plane that passes through the lowermost end of B and is perpendicular to the vertical direction of the vehicle. In this case, A and B may or may not be aligned along the vertical direction of the vehicle. In this specification, "A is disposed forward of B in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction" refers to the following state: A is disposed forward of a plane that passes through the foremost end of B and is perpendicular to the vehicle fore-and-aft direction. In this specification, "A is disposed rearward of B in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction" refers to the following state: A is disposed rearward of a plane that passes through the rearmost end of B and is perpendicular to the vehicle fore-and-aft direction. In this case, A and B may or may not be aligned along the vehicle fore-and-aft direction. In this specification, the vehicle up-and-down direction refers to the up-and-down direction when the saddle-riding type electric vehicle is upright on a horizontal road surface and is a direction perpendicular to the horizontal surface. In this specification, the vehicle up-and-down direction refers to the up-and-down direction for the rider when the saddle-riding type electric vehicle is upright on a horizontal road surface and is a direction perpendicular to the vehicle up-and-down direction.

[0041] In this specification, at least one (one side) of a plurality of options includes all possible combinations of the plurality of options. At least one (one side) of a plurality of options may be any one of the plurality of options, or may be all of the plurality of options. For example, at least one of A, B, and C may be only A, only B, only C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A, B, and C.

[0042] In the claims, if the number of a certain component is not clearly specified and the component is expressed in the singular when translated into English, the present invention may have a plurality of the component. Also, the present invention may have only one of the component. For example, the saddle-type electric vehicle of the present invention may have a plurality of drive wheels. The plurality of drive wheels may be all front wheels, all rear wheels, or may include both front and rear wheels.

[0043] It should be noted that in the present invention and embodiments, the words including, having, comprising, and their derivatives are used herein and are intended to encompass additional items in addition to the listed items and equivalents thereof.

[0044] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the present specification and claims have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted to have a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the relevant technology and this disclosure, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense.

[0045] In this specification, the term "preferable" is non-exclusive. "Preferable" means "preferable, but not limited to." In this specification, a configuration described as "preferable" exhibits at least the above-mentioned effects obtained by the present invention. In this specification, the term "may (may)" is non-exclusive. "may (may)" means "may (may) but is not limited to this." In this specification, "may (may)" implicitly includes the possibility that "does not (is not)." In this specification, a configuration described as "may (may)" provides at least the above-mentioned effect obtained by the present invention.

[0046] Before describing the embodiments of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of embodiments other than those described below. The invention is also capable of embodiments with various modifications to the embodiments described below. Effect of the Invention

[0047] According to the present invention, in a saddle-type electric vehicle having drive wheels that are driven by an electric motor via a continuously variable transmission or a two-speed transmission, or without a transmission, it is possible to provide the rider with sound information that is more easily noticeable. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0048] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a saddle-type electric vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a graph showing an example of positive rotation speed sound data output by a sound data output unit of a saddle-type electric vehicle according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a graph showing another example of the positive rotation speed sound data output by the sound data output unit of the saddle riding type electric vehicle according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4(A) is a graph showing an example of positive rotation speed sound data output by a sound data output unit of a saddle-type electric vehicle according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4(B) is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 4(A). [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a graph showing another example of the positive rotation speed sound data output by the sound data output unit of the saddle riding type electric vehicle according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a graph showing an example of positive rotation speed sound data output by a sound data output unit of a saddle-type electric vehicle according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a graph showing another example of the positive rotation speed sound data output by the sound data output unit of the saddle riding type electric vehicle according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a saddle-type electric vehicle according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0049] First Embodiment A saddle-type electric vehicle 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 includes an electric motor 2, a driving wheel 3, a saddle-type seat 4 on which a rider R sits in a saddled state, and a sound data output unit 5. The driving wheel 3 is driven by the electric motor 2 via a continuously variable transmission (not shown) or a two-speed transmission (not shown), or without a transmission. Note that, although the driving wheel 3 is a rear wheel in FIG. 1, the driving wheel 3 may be a front wheel. At least a part of the saddle-type seat 4 is disposed above the electric motor 2 or the driving wheel 3 in the vehicle up-down direction. Note that the positional relationship between the saddle-type seat 4, the electric motor 2, and the driving wheel 3 is not limited to the positional relationship shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 1, U indicates the vehicle up-down direction, and D indicates the vehicle down-down direction.

[0050] The sound data output unit 5 is configured to acquire rotational speed information related to the rotational speed S, which is the rotational speed of the electric motor 2 or the driving wheel 3. The sound data output unit 5 is configured to generate and output rotational speed sound data DA based on the acquired rotational speed information as sound data that is the source of a sound signal sent to the sound generating device 100 configured to generate a sound to be heard by the rider R seated on the saddle-type seat 4. The rotational speed sound data DA includes data related to a main frequency F of a sound corresponding to the rotational speed S of the electric motor 2 or the driving wheel 3. Note that in FIG. 1, an example of the sound generating device 100 installed on the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 is shown by a dashed line, and an example of the sound generating device 100 not installed on the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 is shown by a two-dot chain line. The position of the sound generating device 100 is not limited to the position shown in FIG. 1. Furthermore, FIG. 1 includes a graph showing an example of the relationship between the main frequency F of the sound in the rotational speed sound data DA and the rotational speed S of the electric motor 2 or the driving wheel 3 when the rotational speed S of the electric motor 2 or the driving wheel 3 increases continuously. The range of rotational speed S, which is the horizontal axis of the graph in Figure 1, may be the entire range of rotational speed S of the electric motor 2 or the driving wheels 3 when the driving wheels 3 are driven by the electric motor 2 via a continuously variable transmission or a two-speed transmission, or without a transmission, or it may be a part of the entire range.

[0051] The sound data output unit 5 is configured to output rotation speed sound data DA having a first frequency F1 as a main frequency F of the sound at the first rotation speed S1 and the second rotation speed S2 when the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3, which are arranged lower in the vehicle up-down direction than at least a portion of the saddle-type seat 4, continuously increases from a first rotation speed S1 to a second rotation speed S2 higher than the first rotation speed S1, and to output rotation speed sound data DA having a frequency different from the first frequency F1 as the main frequency F of the sound at a third rotation speed S3 that is higher than the first rotation speed S1 and lower than the second rotation speed S2. That is, the sound data output unit 5 outputs rotation speed sound data DA with the first frequency F1 as the main frequency F of the sound when the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 is the first rotation speed S1 and when the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 is the second rotation speed S2, and outputs rotation speed sound data DA with a frequency different from the first frequency F1 as the main frequency F of the sound when the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 is the third rotation speed S3. Note that, although the graph in FIG. 1 shows the third rotation speed S3a and the third rotation speed S3b as two examples of the third rotation speed S3, the third rotation speed S3 in the rotation speed sound data DA in FIG. 1 is not limited to these.

[0052] According to the configuration of this embodiment, in a saddle-type electric vehicle 1 having a drive wheel 3 driven by an electric motor 2 via a continuously variable transmission or a two-speed transmission or without a transmission, it is possible to provide the rider R with sound information that is more easily recognized. Therefore, compared to a case where the main frequency F of the sound is always increased with an increase in the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheel 3, the rider R can more easily grasp the state of the saddle-type electric vehicle 1, such as the vehicle speed, from the sound generated by the sound generating device 100 according to the rotation speed sound data DA. Therefore, the rider R can easily perform a driving operation that changes the vehicle speed, etc., of the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 at a desired vehicle speed. As a result, for example, when traveling multiple laps around the same course in a race, the difference in the fluctuation of the vehicle speed from lap to lap can be reduced.

[0053] <Second embodiment> A saddle-type electric vehicle 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 2 and 3. The second embodiment has the configuration of the first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the main frequency F of the sound in the rotation speed sound data DA and the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 in the second embodiment. Fig. 3 is a graph showing another example of the relationship between the main frequency F of the sound in the rotation speed sound data DA and the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 in the second embodiment. Figs. 2 and 3 show the relationship between the main frequency F of the sound in the rotation speed sound data DA and the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 when the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 increases. The region of the rotation speed S, which is the horizontal axis of the graphs in Figs. 2 and 3, may be the entire region of the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 when the drive wheels 3 are driven by the electric motor 2 via a continuously variable transmission or a two-speed transmission or without a transmission, or may be a part of the entire region.

[0054] 2 and 3, when the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 continuously increases from the first rotation speed S1 to the second rotation speed S2, the sound data output unit 5 of the second embodiment is configured to output rotation speed sound data DA having a second frequency F2 higher than the first frequency F1 as the main frequency F of the sound at a fourth rotation speed S4 higher than the first rotation speed S1 and lower than the second rotation speed S2, and output rotation speed sound data DA having a third frequency F3 lower than the first frequency F1 as the main frequency F of the sound at a fifth rotation speed S5 higher than the fourth rotation speed S4 and lower than the second rotation speed S2. Both the fourth rotation speed S4 and the fifth rotation speed S5 correspond to the third rotation speed S3 in the first embodiment.

[0055] Here, the rotation speed S at which the rate of change of the main frequency F of the sound in the rotation speed sound data DA changes from positive to negative with respect to an increase in the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 is defined as an increasing side change point SiP. In the second embodiment, there is at least one increasing side change point SiP between the first rotation speed S1 and the second rotation speed S2. In Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the number of increasing side change points SiP between the first rotation speed S1 and the second rotation speed S2 is one.

[0056] As shown in Fig. 3, the sound data output unit 5 of the second embodiment may be configured to generate and output the rotation speed sound data DA so that the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 passes through a plurality of increasing side change points SiP when increasing from the first rotation speed S1 to a sixth rotation speed S6 higher than the second rotation speed S2. In the speed range from the first rotation speed S1 to the sixth rotation speed S6, the rotation speed of the electric motor 2 and the rotation speed of the drive wheels 3 may be in one-to-one correspondence. Note that, in Fig. 3, there are four increasing side change points SiP between the first rotation speed S1 and the sixth rotation speed S6, but the number of increasing side change points SiP is not limited to this.

[0057] 2 and 3, when the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 increases, the main frequency F of the sound in the rotation speed sound data DA decreases sharply at the increasing side change point SiP. In the example of Fig. 2 and 3, the increasing side change point SiP is the same as the rotation speed at which the rate of change of the main frequency F of the sound in the rotation speed sound data DA with respect to the increase in the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 changes from negative to positive, but may be different.

[0058] In the example of Fig. 3, while the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 increases from one increase side change point SiP to the next increase side change point SiP, the rate of change of the main frequency F of the sound in the rotation speed sound data DA relative to the increase in the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 is constant, but it does not have to be constant. In the example of Fig. 3, the minimum value of the main frequency F of the sound is the same at each increase side change point SiP, but it does not have to be the same. Also, in the example of Fig. 3, the maximum value of the main frequency F of the sound is the same at each increase side change point SiP, but it does not have to be the same.

[0059] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, if the main frequency F of the sound in the rotational speed sound data DA is suddenly reduced at the increasing change point SiP when the rotational speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 increases, the rider R can more easily grasp the state of the saddle-type electric vehicle 1, such as the vehicle speed, from the sound generated by the sound generating device 100 in accordance with the rotational speed sound data DA. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, when the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 increases, if the main frequency F of the sound in the rotation speed sound data DA is suddenly decreased at a plurality of increasing side change points SiP, the change in frequency of the sound generated with respect to the increase in vehicle speed is similar to the change in frequency of the sound obtained from a saddle-type vehicle having an engine and a multi-speed transmission with respect to the increase in vehicle speed. If the main frequency F of the sound in the rotation speed sound data DA is decreased at a plurality of increasing change points SiP when the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 increases, the rider R can more easily grasp the vehicle speed of the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1 from the sound generated by the sound generating device 100 in a wider range of the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 when the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 increases. Therefore, while the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1 is accelerating, the rider R can easily perform a driving operation that changes the vehicle speed, etc. of the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1 at a desired vehicle speed. This can reduce the difference in the variation in the vehicle speed from lap to lap when, for example, traveling multiple laps around the same course in a race.

[0060] <Third embodiment> A saddle-type electric vehicle 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 4(A), 4(B) and 5. The third embodiment has the configuration of the first and second embodiments. Fig. 4(A) is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the main frequency F of the sound in the rotation speed sound data DA and the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 in the third embodiment. Fig. 5 is a graph showing another example of the relationship between the main frequency F of the sound in the rotation speed sound data DA and the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 in the third embodiment. The region of the rotation speed S, which is the horizontal axis of the graphs in Figs. 4(A) and 5, may be the entire region of the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 when the drive wheels 3 are driven by the electric motor 2 via a continuously variable transmission or a two-speed transmission or without a transmission, or may be a part of the entire region.

[0061] 4(A) and 5, the relationship between the main frequency F of the sound in the rotation speed sound data DA and the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 when the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 increases continuously is shown by a straight line. In Fig. 4(A) and 5, the two-dot chain line shows the relationship between the main frequency F of the sound in the rotation speed sound data DA and the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 when the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 decreases.

[0062] 4(A) and 5, the sound data output unit 5 of the third embodiment is configured to output the rotation speed sound data DA having the second frequency F2 as the main frequency F of the sound at the fourth rotation speed S4, and then output the rotation speed sound data DA so that when the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 increases continuously from the fourth rotation speed S4 to the fifth rotation speed S5, the rate of change of the main frequency F of the sound in the rotation speed sound data DA with respect to the increase in the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 changes from positive to negative at the first change point SP1, which is a rotation speed S higher than the fourth rotation speed S4 and lower than the fifth rotation speed S5. The first change point SP1 is the increase side change point SiP described in the second embodiment. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4(A) and 5, the sound data output unit 5 of the third embodiment is configured to output rotation speed sound data DA having the third frequency F3 as the main frequency F of the sound at the fifth rotation speed S5, and then, when the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 decreases from the fifth rotation speed S5, output the rotation speed sound data DA such that the rate of change of the main frequency F of the sound in the rotation speed sound data DA with respect to the decrease in the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 changes from positive to negative at a second change point SP2 lower than the first change point SP1. The second change point SP2 is a rotation speed S higher than the fourth rotation speed S4, a rotation speed S equal to the fourth rotation speed S4, a rotation speed S lower than the fourth rotation speed S4 and higher than the first rotation speed S1, a rotation speed S equal to the first rotation speed S1, or a rotation speed S lower than the first rotation speed S1. Fig. 4(A) shows an example where the second change point SP2 is a rotation speed S lower than the fourth rotation speed S4 and higher than the first rotation speed S1. Fig. 5 shows an example where the second change point SP2 is a rotation speed S lower than the first rotation speed S1.

[0063] FIG. 4(B) is an enlarged view of a portion of the graph in FIG. 4(A). In FIG. 4(B), a symbol "◯" near an arrow indicates that the relationship between the rotation speed S and the main frequency F can change along the arrow, and a symbol "×" near an arrow indicates that the relationship between the rotation speed S and the main frequency F cannot change along the arrow. For example, in the example of FIG. 4(B), it is assumed that the sound data output unit 5 outputs the rotation speed sound data DA with the third frequency F3 as the main frequency F of the sound at the fifth rotation speed S5, and then the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the driving wheels 3 decreases from the fifth rotation speed S5 to the fourth rotation speed S4. Thereafter, when the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the driving wheels 3 increases from the fourth rotation speed S4 to the first change point SP1, the sound data output unit 5 outputs the rotation speed sound data DA so that the main frequency F increases while the relationship between the rotation speed S and the main frequency F satisfies the relationship shown by the two-dot chain line.

[0064] 4 and 5, when the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 increases, the main frequency F of the sound in the rotation speed sound data DA decreases abruptly at the first change point SP1, and when the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 decreases, the main frequency F of the sound in the rotation speed sound data DA increases abruptly at the second change point SP2. In the examples of FIGS. 4 and 5, the first change point SP1 is the same as the rotation speed at which the rate of change of the main frequency F of the sound in the rotation speed sound data DA with respect to an increase in the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 changes from negative to positive, and the second change point SP2 is the same as the rotation speed at which the rate of change of the main frequency F of the sound in the rotation speed sound data DA with respect to a decrease in the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 changes from negative to positive, but is not limited to this configuration.

[0065] As shown in Figures 4(A) and 5, if the main frequency F of the sound in the rotation speed sound data DA is suddenly decreased at a first change point SP1 when the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 increases, and the main frequency F of the sound in the rotation speed sound data DA is suddenly increased at a second change point SP2 when the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 decreases, the rider R can more easily grasp the state of the saddle-type electric vehicle 1, such as the vehicle speed, from the sound generated by the sound generating device 100 in accordance with the rotation speed sound data DA. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, if the main frequency F of the sound in the rotation speed sound data DA is suddenly decreased at multiple rotation speeds S including the first change point SP1 when the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 increases, and the main frequency F of the sound in the rotation speed sound data DA is suddenly increased at multiple rotation speeds S including the second change point SP2 when the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 decreases, the change in frequency of the sound generated in response to changes in vehicle speed (increase and decrease) is similar to the change in frequency of the sound obtained from a saddle-type vehicle having an engine and a multi-speed transmission in response to changes in vehicle speed. In the case where the main frequency F of the sound in the rotation speed sound data DA is decreased at a plurality of rotation speeds S when the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 increases, and the main frequency F of the sound in the rotation speed sound data DA is increased at a plurality of rotation speeds S when the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 decreases, the rider R can more easily grasp the vehicle speed of the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1 from the sound generated by the sound generating device 100 in a wider range of the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 when the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 changes (increases and decreases). Therefore, regardless of the acceleration of the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1, the rider R can easily perform a driving operation that changes the vehicle speed of the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1, etc., at a desired vehicle speed. As a result, for example, when traveling multiple laps around the same course in a race, the difference in the fluctuation of the vehicle speed from lap to lap can be reduced.

[0066] <Fourth embodiment> A saddle-type electric vehicle 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The fourth embodiment has the configurations of the first and second embodiments. The fourth embodiment does not have the configuration of the third embodiment. The sound data output unit 5 according to the fourth embodiment is configured to output the rotation speed sound data DA so that the relationship between the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 and the main frequency F of the sound in the rotation speed sound data DA is the same when the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 increases and when the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 decreases. In this case, the increase side change point SiP is the same as the rotation speed at which the rate of change of the main frequency F of the sound in the rotation speed sound data DA with respect to the decrease in the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 changes from negative to positive. For example, the relationship between the main frequency F of the sound in the rotation speed sound data DA and the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 may be the relationship shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3.

[0067] <Fifth embodiment> A straddle-type electric vehicle 1 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 6 and 7. The fifth embodiment has the configuration of the first and second embodiments. The fifth embodiment has the configuration of the third or fourth embodiment. Fig. 6 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the main frequency F of the sound in the rotation speed sound data DA and the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 in the fifth embodiment. Fig. 7 is a graph showing another example of the relationship between the main frequency F of the sound in the rotation speed sound data DA and the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 in the fifth embodiment. Figs. 6 and 7 show at least the relationship between the main frequency F of the sound in the rotation speed sound data DA and the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 when the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 increases. The range of rotational speed S, which is the horizontal axis of the graphs in Figures 6 and 7, may be the entire range of rotational speed S of the electric motor 2 or the driving wheels 3 when the driving wheels 3 are driven by the electric motor 2 via a continuously variable transmission or a two-speed transmission, or without a transmission, or may be a part of the entire range.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the sound data output unit 5 of the fifth embodiment is configured to be able to change the increasing side change point SiP. The definition of the increasing side change point SiP is as described in the second embodiment. In FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the relationship between the main frequency F and the rotation speed S in the rotation speed sound data DA before the increasing side change point SiP is changed is shown by a solid line, and the relationship between the main frequency F and the rotation speed S in the rotation speed sound data DA when the increasing side change point SiP is increased is shown by a two-dot chain line. In FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the change amount of the increasing side change point SiP is small, but the change amount of the increasing side change point SiP may be large. In FIG. 7, all the multiple increasing side change points SiP are changed, but only some of the multiple increasing side change points SiP may be changed. In FIG. 7, the change amount of the multiple increasing side change points SiP is almost the same, but the change amount of the multiple increasing side change points SiP may be different. The change in the main frequency F of the sound in the rotation speed sound data DA in response to an increase in the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 is not limited to those shown in FIG. 6 and FIG.

[0069] The increase side change point SiP may be changed, for example, according to the difference in the environment around the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1. More specifically, for example, the increase side change point SiP may be changed according to the shape of the route. Also, the increase side change point SiP may be changed, for example, according to the difference in the rider R riding the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1. More specifically, for example, the increase side change point SiP may be changed according to the driving technique of the rider R. Also, the increase side change point SiP may be changed, for example, according to the difference in the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1. The increase side change point SiP may be changed by combining these examples. Also, for example, in a race to compete for the running time, the increase side change point SiP may be changed to shorten the running time. When the increase side change point SiP is slightly increased, the vehicle speed that the rider R feels from the sound generated by the sound generating device 100 may be slightly slowed. Therefore, the running time may be shortened.

[0070] The sound data output unit 5 of the fifth embodiment may be configured to be able to change both the increase side change point SiP and the main frequency F of the sound at the increase side change point SiP. At least one of the increase side change point SiP and the main frequency F of the sound at the increase side change point SiP may be changed, for example, according to the difference in the environment around the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1. At least one of the increase side change point SiP and the main frequency F of the sound at the increase side change point SiP may be changed, for example, according to the difference in the rider R riding on the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1. At least one of the increase side change point SiP and the main frequency F of the sound at the increase side change point SiP may be changed, for example, according to the difference in the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1. By combining these examples, at least one of the increase side change point SiP and the main frequency F of the sound at the increase side change point SiP may be changed. At least one of the increase side change point SiP and the main frequency F of the sound at the increase side change point SiP may be changed to shorten the running time, for example, in a race to compete for running time.

[0071] The rotation speed S at which the rate of change of the main frequency F of the sound in the rotation speed sound data DA changes from positive to negative relative to the decrease in the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 is defined as the decrease-side change point. When the saddle-riding type electric vehicle 1 of the fifth embodiment has the configuration of the fourth embodiment, the sound data output unit 5 is configured to be able to change the increase-side change point SiP and the decrease-side change point. When the saddle-riding type electric vehicle 1 of the fifth embodiment has the configuration of the third embodiment, the sound data output unit 5 may be configured to be able to change the decrease-side change point, or may be configured to be unable to change the decrease-side change point.

[0072] Although not shown in the figures, if the main frequency F of the sound in the rotational speed sound data DA is suddenly increased at the decrease-side change point when the rotational speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 decreases, the rider R can more easily grasp the state of the saddle-type electric vehicle 1, such as the vehicle speed, from the sound generated by the sound generating device 100 in accordance with the rotational speed sound data DA. Also, although not shown in the figures, if the main frequency F of the sound in the rotation speed sound data DA is suddenly decreased at multiple increase side change points SiP when the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 increases, and the main frequency F of the sound in the rotation speed sound data DA is suddenly increased at multiple decrease side change points when the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 decreases, the change in frequency of the sound generated in response to changes in vehicle speed (increase and decrease) will be similar to the change in frequency of the sound obtained from a saddle-type vehicle having an engine and a multi-speed transmission in response to changes in vehicle speed. In the case where the main frequency F of the sound in the rotation speed sound data DA is decreased at a plurality of increasing side change points SiP when the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 increases, and the main frequency F of the sound in the rotation speed sound data DA is increased at a plurality of decreasing side change points when the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 decreases, the rider R can more easily grasp the vehicle speed of the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1 from the sound generated by the sound generating device 100 in a wider range of the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 when the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 changes (increases and decreases). Therefore, regardless of the acceleration of the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1, the rider R can easily perform a driving operation that changes the vehicle speed of the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1 at a desired vehicle speed. As a result, for example, when traveling multiple laps around the same course in a race, the difference in the fluctuation of the vehicle speed from lap to lap can be reduced.

[0073] Sixth Embodiment A straddle-type electric vehicle 1 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 8. The sixth embodiment has the configuration of the first embodiment. The sixth embodiment may have the configuration of at least one of the second to fifth embodiments. As shown in FIG. 8, the sound data output unit 5 according to the sixth embodiment is configured to generate and output notification sound data DB different from the rotation speed sound data DA (see FIG. 1) including data on the main frequency F of the sound according to the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the driving wheel 3 as sound data that is the source of the sound signal sent to the sound generating device 100. The sound generated by the sound generating device 100 according to the notification sound data DB can notify the rider R of various information depending on the timing and type of the sound. Therefore, according to the straddle-type electric vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, sound information that is more easily recognized and can notify the rider R of more information can be provided to the rider R.

[0074] The sound data output unit 5 may be configured to output the notification sound data DB when outputting the rotation speed sound data DA. The sound generating device 100 may generate a sound based on both a sound signal based on the rotation speed sound data DA and a sound signal based on the notification sound data DB. The sound generating device 100 may generate a sound based on a sound signal based on both the rotation speed sound data DA and the notification sound data DB. The sound data output unit 5 may be configured to output the notification sound data DB when the rotation speed sound data DA is not being output. The sound data output unit 5 may be configured to output the notification sound data DB both when the rotation speed sound data DA is being output and when the rotation speed sound data DA is not being output.

[0075] The notification sound data DB may be data for generating a sound for notifying the rider R of at least one of the state of the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1 and the state around the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1. Specific examples of the notification sound data DB will be described below. However, the notification sound data DB of this embodiment is not limited to these.

[0076] In this embodiment, the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1 may include a position information acquisition device (not shown) that acquires position information of the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1. In this case, the sound data output unit 5 may generate and output the notification sound data DB according to the position information of the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1 acquired by the position information acquisition device. For example, the notification sound data DB may be output to notify the rider R that the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1 has reached a predetermined position. More specifically, for example, the notification sound data DB may be output when the distance to a corner ahead in the course has reached a predetermined distance. This makes it possible to inform the rider R of the timing to start decelerating, for example.

[0077] When the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1 includes a position information acquisition device (not shown), the sound data output unit 5 may generate and output the notification sound data DB according to the position information of the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1 acquired by the position information acquisition device and the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheel 3. For example, the notification sound data DB may be output to notify the rider R that the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheel 3 when the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1 reaches a predetermined position is lower or higher than a predetermined speed. More specifically, for example, the notification sound data DB may be output when the vehicle speed when the distance to a corner ahead of the course reaches a predetermined distance is higher than the predetermined speed. This makes it possible to urge the rider R to decelerate at a timing suitable for deceleration, for example. Also, for example, the notification sound data DB may be output when the vehicle speed when the predetermined position is reached is lower than the predetermined speed. This makes it possible to urge the rider R to accelerate at a timing suitable for acceleration, for example.

[0078] In this embodiment, the sound data output unit 5 may generate and output the notification sound data DB according to the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3. For example, the notification sound data DB may be output to notify the rider R that the rotation speed S of the electric motor 2 or the drive wheels 3 has reached a predetermined speed. More specifically, for example, when the vehicle speed is higher than a predetermined speed, the notification sound data DB may be output. This can, for example, prompt the rider R to decelerate. Also, for example, when the vehicle speed is lower than a predetermined speed, the notification sound data DB may be output. This can, for example, prompt the rider R to accelerate.

[0079] The embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the second to sixth embodiments described above. For example, the sound data output unit 5 may be configured to be unable to change the increase side change point SiP and to be able to change the main frequency F of the sound at the increase side change point SiP. Also, for example, the sound data output unit 5 may be configured to be unable to change the increase side change point SiP and to be able to change the decrease side change point. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 1: saddle-type electric vehicle, 2: electric motor, 3: drive wheel, 4: saddle-type seat, 5: sound data output unit, 100: sound generating device, DA: rotational speed sound data, DB: notification sound data, F: main frequency, F1: first frequency, F2: second frequency, F3: third frequency, R: rider, S: rotational speed of electric motor or drive wheel, S1: first rotational speed, S2: second rotational speed, S3, S3a, S3b: third rotational speed, S4: fourth rotational speed, S5: fifth rotational speed, SiP: increasing side change point, SP1: first change point, SP2: second change point

Claims

1. An electric motor (2); a driving wheel (3) driven by the electric motor (2) via a continuously variable transmission or a two-stage transmission or without a transmission; a saddle-type seat (4) at least a portion of which is disposed above the electric motor (2) or the drive wheels (3) in the vehicle vertical direction, on which a rider (R) sits in a saddle-type state; a sound data output unit (5) that acquires rotational speed information related to the rotational speed (S) of the electric motor (2) or the drive wheels (3), and generates and outputs rotational speed sound data (DA) including data related to a main frequency (F) of the sound corresponding to the rotational speed (S) of the electric motor (2) or the drive wheels (3) based on the acquired rotational speed information as sound data that serves as a source of a sound signal to be sent to a sound generating device (100) that is configured to generate a sound to be heard by the rider (R) seated on the saddle-type seat (4); A saddle-type electric vehicle (1) comprising: The sound data output unit (5) When the rotation speed (S) of the electric motor (2) or the drive wheels (3), which are disposed below at least a portion of the saddle-ride type seat (4) in the vehicle vertical direction, continuously increases from a first rotation speed (S1) to a second rotation speed (S2) which is higher than the first rotation speed (S1), At the first rotation speed (S1) and the second rotation speed (S2), the rotation speed sound data (DA) is output, the first frequency (F1) being the main frequency (F) of the sound, and a saddle-type electric vehicle (1) configured to output the rotational speed sound data (DA) having a main frequency (F) of the sound that is a frequency different from the first frequency (F1) at a third rotational speed (S3, S3a, S3b) that is higher than the first rotational speed (S1) and lower than the second rotational speed (S2).

2. The sound data output unit (5) When the rotation speed (S) of the electric motor (2) or the driving wheels (3) continuously increases from the first rotation speed (S1) to the second rotation speed (S2), At a fourth rotation speed (S4) that is higher than the first rotation speed (S1) and lower than the second rotation speed (S2), the rotation speed sound data (DA) is output, the second frequency (F2) being higher than the first frequency (F1) as the main frequency (F) of the sound; and 2. The saddle-type electric vehicle (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, at a fifth rotational speed (S5) that is higher than the fourth rotational speed (S4) and lower than the second rotational speed (S2), the rotational speed sound data (DA) is output, the main frequency (F) of the sound being a third frequency (F3) that is lower than the first frequency (F1).

3. The sound data output unit (5) At the fourth rotation speed (S4), after outputting the rotation speed sound data (DA) having the second frequency (F2) as the main frequency (F) of the sound, when the rotation speed (S) of the electric motor (2) or the drive wheels (3) continuously increases from the fourth rotation speed (S4) to the fifth rotation speed (S5), the rotation speed sound data (DA) is output so that a rate of change of the main frequency (F) of the sound in the rotation speed sound data (DA) with respect to an increase in the rotation speed (S) of the electric motor (2) or the drive wheels (3) changes from positive to negative at a first change point (SP1) which is a rotation speed higher than the fourth rotation speed (S4) and lower than the fifth rotation speed (S5); and 3. The straddle-type electric vehicle (1) according to claim 2, wherein after outputting the rotation speed sound data (DA) having the third frequency (F3) as the main frequency (F) of the sound at the fifth rotation speed (S5), when the rotation speed (S) of the electric motor (2) or the drive wheels (3) decreases from the fifth rotation speed (S5), the rotation speed sound data (DA) is output such that a rate of change of the main frequency (F) of the sound in the rotation speed sound data (DA) with respect to the decrease in the rotation speed (S) of the electric motor (2) or the drive wheels (3) changes from positive to negative at a second change point (SP2) which is a rotation speed lower than the first change point (SP1).

4. The sound data output unit (5) 3. The saddle-type electric vehicle (1) according to claim 2, wherein the rotational speed sound data (DA) is output so that a relationship between the rotational speed (S) of the electric motor (2) or the drive wheels (3) and the main frequency (F) of the sound in the rotational speed sound data (DA) is the same when the rotational speed (S) of the electric motor (2) or the drive wheels (3) is increasing and when the rotational speed (S) of the electric motor (2) or the drive wheels (3) is decreasing.

5. The rotation speed at which a rate of change of the main frequency (F) of the sound in the rotation speed sound data (DA) relative to an increase in the rotation speed (S) of the electric motor (2) or the drive wheels (3) changes from positive to negative is defined as an increase side change point (SiP); When the rotation speed at which the rate of change of the main frequency (F) of the sound in the rotation speed sound data (DA) changes from positive to negative with respect to a decrease in the rotation speed (S) of the electric motor (2) or the drive wheels (3) is defined as a decrease-side change point, The saddle-type electric vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the sound data output unit (5) is configured to be able to change at least one of the increase side change point (SiP) and the decrease side change point.

6. The sound data output unit (5) 2. The saddle-type electric vehicle (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sound generating device (100) is configured to generate and output, as the sound data that is the source of the sound signal sent to the sound generating device (100), notification sound data (DB) different from the rotational speed sound data (DA), which includes data on a main frequency (F) of the sound corresponding to the rotational speed (S) of the electric motor (2) or the drive wheels (3).

7. The vehicle further includes a position information acquisition device for acquiring position information of the saddle riding type electric vehicle (1), The sound data output unit (5) The saddle-type electric vehicle (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the notification sound data (DB) is generated and output in accordance with the position information of the saddle-type electric vehicle (1) acquired by the position information acquisition device.

8. The sound data output unit (5) The saddle-type electric vehicle (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the position information of the saddle-type electric vehicle (1) acquired by the position information acquisition device and the alarm sound data (DB) corresponding to the rotation speed (S) of the electric motor (2) or the drive wheel (3) are generated and output.

9. The sound data output unit (5) 7. The saddle-type electric vehicle (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the notification sound data (DB) is generated and output in accordance with the rotation speed (S) of the electric motor (2) or the drive wheels (3).

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