Saddle riding type vehicle

Abstract

To suppress wear of a clutch in a saddle riding type vehicle having a bottom-neutral type transmission.SOLUTION: A saddle riding type vehicle comprises a bottom-neutral type transmission, a power source, a clutch, a shifting operation member, a shift direction indicator that comprises both an upward direction indicator and a downward direction indicator and displays a recommendation direction for shifting operation, and a control device. The control device: when the shift stage of the bottom-neutral type transmission is in the neutral, which is the bottommost stage, while traveling of the saddle riding type vehicle is stopped, causes the upward direction indicator to display recommendation for shift-up operation; and when the shift stage of the bottom-neutral type transmission is the first speed while traveling of the saddle riding type vehicle is stopped, causes the upward direction indicator to display non-recommendation for shift-up operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a saddle-type vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 shows a saddle-type vehicle equipped with a transmission. In the transmission of Patent Document 1, the gear stage is increased by one stage with each upshift operation. Also, the gear stage is decreased by one stage with each downshift operation. The transmission of Patent Document 1 is of a bottom neutral type. The state of the bottom neutral type transmission is changed from first gear to neutral with a downshift operation. That is, the neutral in the bottom neutral type transmission is not between first gear and second gear, but is provided at the lowest stage below first gear. In the bottom neutral type transmission, for example, during a shift operation in which first gear is changed to neutral, a situation in which the gear is changed beyond neutral to second gear is suppressed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-117798 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to reduce clutch wear in a saddle-type vehicle having a bottom neutral type transmission.

[0005] For example, if the bottom neutral type transmission is in neutral before the saddle riding type vehicle starts, the gear stage will be switched to first speed when an upshift operation is performed based on a shift-up operation. This is because first speed in the bottom neutral type transmission is located above neutral. However, for example, if the rider shifts up again, the gear may change to second gear. This is because second gear in a bottom neutral type transmission is located above first gear, i.e., in the same direction as first gear with respect to neutral.

[0006] When a saddle-type vehicle starts in second gear, the clutch is kept in a half-clutch state for a longer period of time to prevent engine stall, which can result in the clutch wearing out more quickly.

[0007] As a result of their investigations, the inventors of the present application have discovered a new means for suppressing clutch wear that is specific to bottom neutral type transmissions. The inventors of the present application have found that the situation in which clutch wear is likely to progress when the gear stage of a bottom neutral type transmission is shifted to second speed before starting is not due to the accuracy of the operation of the bottom neutral type transmission, but due to the rider's memory of the state of the gear stage. In other words, there are cases in which a rider forgets that he or she has performed an upshift operation on a bottom neutral type transmission before starting, and when he or she performs an upshift operation again before starting, the gear stage is shifted to second speed.

[0008] As a result of their investigation, the inventors came up with the idea of ​​displaying a recommendation for an up-shift operation when the vehicle is stopped and the bottom neutral type transmission is in neutral, and also displaying a message indicating that an up-shift operation is not recommended if the vehicle is stopped and the transmission is shifted into first gear by an up-shift operation. This prevents the rider from performing unnecessary upshifting again before starting when the bottom neutral type transmission is switched from neutral to first gear before starting the saddle riding type vehicle. This also prevents the clutch from being left in a half-clutch state for a long period of time in second gear. This reduces clutch wear. The present invention has been completed based on the above findings.

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, a saddle-type vehicle has the following configuration.

[0010] (1) A saddle-type vehicle, The saddle type vehicle is a bottom neutral type transmission having a plurality of in-gear stages from a low gear which is a first speed to a top gear which is the highest speed and a plurality of gear stages including a neutral stage, the gear stages being changed so as to increase by one gear with each upshift operation and to decrease by one gear with each downshift operation, the first speed becoming the neutral stage as a result of the downshift operation; a power source that outputs power for driving the saddle riding type vehicle; a clutch that connects or disconnects a transmission path of power output from the power source and supplied to the bottom neutral type transmission; a gear shift operator that receives an up-shift operation associated with the up-shift operation in the bottom neutral type transmission and a down-shift operation associated with the down-shift operation; a shift direction indicator that displays a recommended direction of a shift operation, the shift direction indicator including both an up direction indicator that displays whether the upshift operation of the gearshift operator is recommended or not recommended, and a down direction indicator that displays whether the downshift operation of the gearshift operator is recommended or not recommended; a control device that, when the saddle riding type vehicle is stopped and the gear stage of the bottom neutral type transmission device is the lowest gear stage, that is, the neutral gear stage, causes the up direction indicator to display a recommendation for the upshift operation, and, when the saddle riding type vehicle is stopped and the gear stage of the bottom neutral type transmission device is the first gear stage, causes the up direction indicator to display a recommendation for the upshift operation. Equipped with.

[0011] The bottom neutral type transmission in a saddle-ride type vehicle (1) has a plurality of gear stages. The plurality of gear stages includes a plurality of in-gear stages and neutral. The plurality of in-gear stages includes low gear to top gear. Low gear is first gear. Top gear is the highest gear. In the bottom neutral type transmission, first gear is switched to neutral by a downshift operation. That is, neutral in the bottom neutral type transmission is the lowest gear. The clutch connects or disconnects the power transmission path. This power is output from a power source and supplied to a bottom neutral type transmission. Between the connected and disconnected states of the clutch, there is a so-called half-clutch state. The half-clutch state is a state in which a part of the power is transmitted to such an extent that the saddle-type vehicle can run. The gear shifting operation element receives up-shifting and down-shifting operations by the rider. The up-shifting operation corresponds to an up-shifting operation in a bottom neutral type transmission. The down-shifting operation corresponds to a down-shifting operation in a bottom neutral type transmission. The shift direction indicator includes both an up direction indicator and a down direction indicator. The up direction indicator indicates whether an upshift operation to the gearshift operator is recommended or not recommended. The down direction indicator indicates whether a downshift operation to the gearshift operator is recommended or not recommended. The controller controls the operation of the shift direction indicator. The control device causes the up direction indicator to display a recommendation for an upshift operation when the bottom neutral type transmission is in neutral, which is the lowest gear, with the saddle riding type vehicle stopped.The control device causes the up direction indicator to display a recommendation for an upshift operation when the bottom neutral type transmission is in first gear with the saddle riding type vehicle stopped.

[0012] According to the saddle riding vehicle of (1), for example, when the gear position of the bottom neutral type transmission is the lowest gear position, neutral, before the saddle riding vehicle starts, the up direction indicator displays a recommendation for an upshift operation. Thereafter, when the state of the bottom neutral type transmission is changed from the lowest gear position, neutral, to first gear by the gear change operator being subjected to an upshift operation before the saddle riding vehicle starts, the up direction indicator of the shift direction indicator displays a recommendation for an upshift operation. In other words, a shift up operation that was displayed as recommended when in neutral is displayed as not recommended when the transmission is switched to first gear. This prevents the rider from performing an unnecessary re-upshift operation before starting. As a result, the bottom neutral type transmission can start in first gear. Therefore, wear on the clutch is suppressed compared to, for example, a case where a recommendation for an upshift operation is not displayed.

[0013] (2) (1) A saddle-type vehicle, The bottom neutral type transmission includes a shift actuator that electrically switches the gear stages, The control device operates the shift actuator in response to the up-shift operation or the down-shift operation on the gear shift operator.

[0014] According to the saddle riding type vehicle of (2), the gears are electrically switched. According to the saddle riding type vehicle of (2), unnecessary re-upshifting by the rider before starting off is suppressed. Therefore, unnecessary re-upshifting of the gear shift actuator before starting off is suppressed. Therefore, wear on the clutch is suppressed.

[0015] (3) (2) A saddle-type vehicle, When the saddle-type vehicle is stopped and the bottom neutral type transmission changes gear from the lowest gear, neutral, to the first gear as a result of the gear change operator receiving the up-shift operation, the control device causes the up direction indicator to display an indication that the up-shift operation, which is an operation in the same direction as the previous operation, is not recommended, and prohibits operation of the shift actuator in response to the up-shift operation on the gear change operator.

[0016] In the saddle-type vehicle of (3), when the gear shift stage is changed to first gear while the vehicle is stopped, the operation of the shift actuator in response to an up-shift operation is prohibited. Therefore, even if the rider performs an unnecessary up-shift operation again before starting off, the gear shift stage is not changed to second gear. Therefore, the possibility of suppressing wear on the clutch is further increased. Furthermore, when the operation is prohibited, the up-shift operation is not recommended in the up-direction indicator. Therefore, when the shift actuator does not operate in response to the up-shift operation, the reason is displayed as being that an unnecessary up-shift operation was performed again before starting off. Therefore, when the transmission does not operate, the rider can easily understand the cause through the display.

[0017] (4) A saddle-type vehicle according to any one of (1) to (3), When the saddle-riding vehicle is stopped and the bottom neutral type transmission is in the lowest gear position, neutral, the control device causes the down direction indicator to display that the downshift operation is not recommended, and when the saddle-riding vehicle is stopped and the gear shift operator receives the upshift operation, causing the bottom neutral type transmission to switch from the lowest gear position, neutral, to first gear, the control device causes the down direction indicator to display that the downshift operation is recommended.

[0018] According to the saddle riding type vehicle of (4), when the saddle riding type vehicle is stopped and the gear is in the lowest gear, i.e., neutral, a message indicating that a downshift is not recommended is displayed. Also, when the gear is shifted to first gear, a message indicating that a downshift is recommended is displayed on the down direction indicator. Therefore, when the gear is in neutral, i.e., the lowest gear in the bottom neutral type transmission, unnecessary downshift operations are suppressed. Also, when the gear is shifted to first gear, the rider knows that the gear can be shifted to neutral by a downshift operation. In other words, the operation direction specific to the bottom neutral type transmission can be easily notified via the display.

[0019] (5) A saddle-type vehicle according to any one of (1) to (4), When the gear stage of the bottom neutral type transmission is the first gear, When the saddle riding type vehicle is stopped, the up direction indicator is caused to indicate that the upshift operation is not recommended, and the down direction indicator is caused to indicate that the downshift operation is recommended; When the clutch is in a half-clutch state between an engaged state and a disengaged state, causing the up direction indicator to indicate that the upshift operation is not recommended, and causing the down direction indicator to indicate that the downshift operation is not recommended; When the clutch is in the engaged state, the up direction indicator is caused to display that the upshift operation is recommended, and the down direction indicator is caused to display that the downshift operation is not recommended.

[0020] According to the saddle-type vehicle of (5), when the gear remains in first gear, when the vehicle is stopped, a message is displayed indicating that upshifting is not recommended and that downshifting is recommended; when the clutch is in a half-clutch state, a message is displayed indicating that upshifting is not recommended and that downshifting is not recommended; and when the clutch is engaged, a message is displayed indicating that upshifting is recommended and that downshifting is not recommended. For this reason, even if the gear position is maintained in first gear, the display state of the recommendation / non-recommendation of shifting up and down changes as the saddle riding type vehicle starts from a stopped state. Therefore, in a saddle riding type vehicle that does not have a clutch lever and does not require the rider to operate the clutch, the state of connection of the driving force can be grasped by looking at the change in the display on the shift direction indicator.

[0021] (6) A saddle-type vehicle according to any one of (1) to (5), When the saddle riding type vehicle is traveling and the gear position of the bottom neutral type transmission is the first gear, the control device When the traveling speed of the saddle riding type vehicle exceeds a reference speed, the up direction indicator displays that the upshift operation is recommended, and when the traveling speed of the saddle riding type vehicle is below the reference speed, the up direction indicator displays that the upshift operation is not recommended, and regardless of the rotational speed of the output of the power source, the down direction indicator displays that the downshift operation is not recommended, and the reference speed is the traveling speed of the saddle riding type vehicle at which the rotational speed of the output of the power source becomes an idling rotational speed when the bottom neutral type transmission is in second gear.

[0022] According to the saddle riding vehicle of (6), when the saddle riding vehicle is traveling and the gear position is the first gear, the down-direction indicator displays a message indicating that a down-shift operation is not recommended, so that transition to the neutral state due to a down-shift operation is suppressed. Also, when the speed of the saddle riding vehicle falls below the reference speed, a situation in which the rotation speed of the power source falls below the idling rotation speed due to an up-shift operation to second gear, resulting in a long period of time required for acceleration, is suppressed.

[0023] (7) A saddle-type vehicle according to any one of (2) to (6), When the clutch is in the half-clutch state, the control device causes the up direction indicator to indicate that the upshift operation is not recommended, and causes the down direction indicator to indicate that the downshift operation is not recommended, The control device prohibits operation of the shift actuator in response to the up-shift operation of the gearshift operator, and allows operation of the shift actuator in response to the down-shift operation of the gearshift operator.

[0024] According to the saddle-type vehicle of (7), a message is displayed indicating that upshifting and downshifting are not recommended during a shift operation in a half-clutch state. In this situation, upshifting is prohibited, but downshifting is permitted. Therefore, further upshifting during a shift operation is prohibited. This prevents the shift operation from becoming complicated. However, downshifting is permitted. Therefore, for example, continuous downshifting in a short period of time can be performed. Therefore, for example, it is possible to perform downshifting over multiple gears in response to sudden deceleration.

[0025] (8) A saddle-type vehicle according to any one of (1) to (7), The clutch includes a clutch actuator that electrically connects or disconnects the transmission path.

[0026] According to the straddle-type vehicle of (8), the upshift operation or downshift operation can be completed by simply operating a switch as a gear change operation element, without directly operating the clutch. In a vehicle in which the upshift operation can be performed by a simple operation, the rider is prevented from performing an unnecessary second upshift operation before starting off. As a result, the bottom neutral type transmission can start in first speed. Therefore, wear on the clutch is reduced in a vehicle in which the upshift operation can be performed by a simple operation.

[0027] (9) A saddle-type vehicle according to any one of (1) to (7), The clutch is a centrifugal clutch that connects or disconnects the transmission path in response to the rotational speed of the output of the power source.

[0028] According to the straddle-type vehicle of (9), the simple structure does not have a clutch actuator, and the upshifting or downshifting can be completed by simply operating a switch as a gear change operation element, without directly operating the clutch. In a vehicle with a simple structure and in which the upshifting can be performed by a simple operation, the rider is prevented from performing an unnecessary second upshifting operation before starting off. As a result, the bottom neutral type transmission can start in first speed. Therefore, wear on the clutch is reduced in a vehicle in which the upshifting can be performed by a simple operation.

[0029] A straddled vehicle is a vehicle in which a driver sits astride a saddle. The straddled vehicle has wheels. An example of a straddled vehicle is a motorcycle. The straddled vehicle is not limited to a motorcycle, and may be, for example, a three-wheeled motor vehicle or an ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle). A three-wheeled motor vehicle may have two front wheels and one rear wheel, or may have one front wheel and two rear wheels. The straddled vehicle is, for example, a lean vehicle configured to be able to turn in a lean position. A lean vehicle is configured to turn in a position inclined toward the center of a curve. In this way, the lean vehicle counters the centrifugal force applied to the lean vehicle when turning. When the saddle riding type vehicle is stopped, the vehicle is not traveling.

[0030] The bottom neutral type transmission is a sequential shift type. The bottom neutral type transmission switches so that the gear stage increases by one step with each upshift operation. Also, the bottom neutral type transmission switches so that the gear stage decreases by one step with each downshift operation. The bottom neutral type transmission is, for example, a manual type transmission in which the shift operation is driven by the operating force of the shift operation. However, the bottom neutral type transmission is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, an electric type in which the shift operation is driven by a shift actuator. The shift actuator is, for example, an electric actuator. The electric actuator is, for example, a motor. However, the shift actuator is not particularly limited, and may be an electromagnetic solenoid. Also, the shift actuator may be a combination of an electric motor, a hydraulic pump, and an electric actuator. A bottom neutral type transmission is a type of transmission in which 1st gear changes to neutral when you downshift. That is, neutral is located below 1st gear. In other words, 1st gear is located above neutral. Here, up is the direction in which the gear number increases with the shift action. In other words, in a bottom neutral type transmission, shifting up sequentially switches neutral to the higher gears: 1st gear, 2nd gear, 3rd gear, ... top gear. The first gear is a low gear. The top gear is the highest gear. The top gear is, for example, the sixth gear. However, the top gear is not particularly limited and may be, for example, the fifth gear or the fourth gear. A bottom neutral type transmission has, for example, gear sets corresponding to gear stages. A bottom neutral type transmission is, for example, a constant mesh type in which each of the gear sets is constantly meshed. A bottom neutral type transmission is, for example, a dog type in which power changed in speed is output by engagement of dogs.

[0031] The power source is, for example, an internal combustion engine. However, the power source is not particularly limited and may be, for example, an electric motor.

[0032] The clutch has an engaged state, a disengaged state, and a half-clutch state. The engaged state is a state in which the power transmission path is engaged. The disengaged state is a state in which the transmission path is disengaged. The half-clutch state is a state between the engaged state and the disengaged state. The half-clutch state is neither the engaged state nor the disengaged state. In the half-clutch state, a part of the power is transmitted. In the half-clutch state, for example, a driving force is transmitted to an extent that the saddle-type vehicle can start moving when the brakes of the saddle-type vehicle are not operating. In the engaged state, the input speed and the output speed of the clutch are equal. In the half-clutch state, the input speed and the output speed of the clutch are different from each other. Strictly speaking, even in the disengaged state, a part of the power can be transmitted through friction of the members. However, the magnitude of the power transmitted in the disengaged state is such that the saddle-type vehicle does not start moving.

[0033] The gear shift operator is, for example, a shift pedal operated by the rider's foot. A bottom neutral type transmission changes gears using the operating force received by the shift pedal as the driving force for the shift operation. However, the gear shift operator is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a shift switch operated by the rider's hand, or a pedal-type shift switch operated by the rider's foot. In this case, the bottom neutral type transmission is electric. A saddle-ride type vehicle may have both a shift switch and a pedal-type shift switch as the gear shift operator. The gear shift operator receives an up-shift operation associated with an up-shift operation and a down-shift operation associated with a down-shift operation.

[0034] The shift direction indicator is a device that visually indicates whether an upshift operation and a downshift operation are recommended or not recommended. The shift direction indicator includes both an up direction indicator and a down direction indicator. The up direction indicator and the down direction indicator are, for example, lamps. For example, the up direction indicator is a lamp that indicates an upward arrow. The down direction indicator is a lamp that indicates a downward arrow. The shapes of the up direction indicator and the down direction indicator are not particularly limited. For example, the up direction indicator may be a triangular lamp oriented such that the apex is located at the top and the base is located at the bottom, and the down direction indicator may be a triangular lamp oriented such that the apex is located at the bottom and the base is located at the top. For example, the indicator indicates that the operation is recommended by lighting, and indicates that the operation is not recommended by turning off. However, the form of recommendation or non-recommendation is not particularly limited, and for example, the indicator may flash. In addition, the indicator is not limited to a lamp, and may be, for example, a mechanism that changes the display form by changing the physical position of an indicator displayed in a display window.

[0035] The control device is, for example, a computer having a processor that sequentially executes a program and a storage device that stores the program. However, the configuration of the control device is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a logic circuit that executes control logic, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The control device may also have a function of controlling a shift actuator of the electric transmission. However, the configuration of the control device is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a device different from the device that controls the shift actuator. Effect of the Invention

[0036] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress wear of the clutch in a saddle-type vehicle having a bottom neutral type transmission. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0037] [Figure 1]1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of a saddle-type vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control device shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an outline of a saddle-type vehicle according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control device shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] 13 is a chart showing a display mode of a shift direction indicator and a permitted / prohibited state of a shift operation in a saddle riding type vehicle according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 13 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a control device in the third embodiment. [Figure 7] 13 is a chart showing a display mode of a shift direction indicator and a permitted / prohibited state of a shift operation in a saddle riding type vehicle according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a control device in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of a saddle-type vehicle according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0038] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0039] [First embodiment] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of a saddle-type vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Part (a) of Fig. 1 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of the saddle-type vehicle. Part (b) of Fig. 1 is a chart showing a configuration of gear stages of a transmission. Part (c) of Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a shift direction indicator. Part (d) of Fig. 1 is a chart showing a display mode of the shift direction indicator.

[0040] 1 includes a power source 11, a clutch 12, a bottom neutral type transmission 13, a transmission operator 13a, a shift direction indicator 15, and a control device 14. The saddle-type vehicle 10 is, for example, a motorcycle.

[0041] The power source 11 outputs power to drive the saddle riding type vehicle 10. The power source 11 is, for example, an engine. The clutch 12 connects or disconnects a transmission path of the power output from the power source 11 and supplied to the bottom neutral type transmission 13. The clutch 12 in this embodiment connects or disconnects the transmission path in response to the operation of a clutch lever 16.

[0042] The bottom neutral type transmission 13 is a sequential type transmission. In the bottom neutral type transmission 13, the gear stage is increased by one step with each upshift operation U. Also, in the bottom neutral type transmission 13, the gear stage is decreased by one step with each downshift operation D. As shown in part (b) of FIG. 1, the bottom neutral type transmission 13 has a plurality of gear stages. The plurality of gear stages in the bottom neutral type transmission 13 includes a plurality of in-gear stages and a neutral N. The plurality of in-gear stages range from a low gear, which is the first speed, to a top gear, which is the highest speed. In this embodiment, the highest speed is, for example, a sixth speed. The highest speed is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a fifth speed or a fourth speed. The gear stages (N, 1 to 6) are shifted to increase by one gear with each up-shift operation U, and are shifted to decrease by one gear with each down-shift operation D. In the gear arrangement in this specification, the direction from neutral N to top gear is the upward direction, and the direction from top gear to neutral N is the downward direction.

[0043] The gear shift operator 13a receives an upshift operation and a downshift operation from the rider. The upshift operation is associated with an upshift operation U in the bottom neutral type transmission 13. The downshift operation is associated with a downshift operation D in the bottom neutral type transmission 13. The gear shift operator 13a in this embodiment is a shift lever provided in a bottom neutral type transmission 13. The bottom neutral type transmission 13 in this embodiment changes gears using the operating force applied by the rider to the shift lever. An upward operation of the shift lever serving as the gear shift operator 13a is an upshift operation. A downward operation of the shift lever serving as the gear shift operator 13a is a downshift operation. The gear shift operator 13a is provided with a shift operation sensor 13b. The shift operation sensor 13b detects the operation of the gear shift operator 13a.

[0044] The shift direction indicator 15 displays the recommended direction of a shift operation. The shift direction indicator 15 is provided in a position visible to a rider riding on the saddle-type vehicle 10 while driving. The shift direction indicator 15 is attached to, for example, a handlebar or the vehicle body. Note that the shift direction indicator 15 may also be provided on, for example, a meter. As shown in part (c) of Fig. 1, the shift direction indicator 15 includes both an up direction indicator 15U and a down direction indicator 15D. The up direction indicator 15U indicates whether an upshift operation is recommended or not recommended. The down direction indicator 15D indicates whether a downshift operation is recommended or not recommended. The up direction indicator 15U is, for example, a lamp shaped to indicate an upward direction. The down direction indicator 15D is, for example, a lamp shaped to indicate a downward direction. As shown in part (c) of FIG. 1, the up direction indicator 15U is, for example, a triangle symbolizing an upward direction. The down direction indicator 15D is, for example, a triangle symbolizing a downward direction. Part (c) of FIG. 1 shows an example in which the up direction indicator 15U is lit and the down direction indicator 15D is unlit. In this embodiment, the illumination of the up direction indicator 15U indicates that an upshift operation is recommended. The extinction of the up direction indicator 15U indicates that an upshift operation is not recommended. The illumination of the down direction indicator 15D indicates that a downshift operation is recommended. The extinction of the down direction indicator 15D indicates that a downshift operation is not recommended.

[0045] The form of the up direction indicator 15U is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, an upward arrow, or a pictogram or character representing the upward direction. The form of the down direction indicator 15D is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a downward arrow, or a pictogram or character representing the downward direction. The display by the up direction indicator 15U and the down direction indicator 15D may be, for example, a change in the color of the light, a movement of the light position, or a display of a video. The up direction indicator 15U and the down direction indicator 15D may have, for example, a mechanism for mechanically moving the display plate between a position where it is visible through the window and a position where it is hidden. The shift direction indicator 15 may also show information other than the up direction indicator 15U and the down direction indicator 15D. The shift direction indicator 15 may be, for example, aligned with the display of the type of gear shift mode.

[0046] The control device 14 in this embodiment also controls the output of the power source 11 in response to the operation of the shift operation element 13a. The control device 14 in this embodiment performs a so-called quick shifter function. More specifically, the control device 14 controls the output of the power source 11 in response to the traveling state of the saddle riding type vehicle 10 and the detection result of the shift operation sensor 13b. The control device 14 controls the output by, for example, controlling the ignition timing or the amount of fuel supplied to the engine, or by controlling the power supplied to the motor. More specifically, when the saddle riding type vehicle 10 is traveling and the gear shift operator 13a is operated to shift up, the control device 14 reduces the output of the power source 11 and then restores the output. A temporary reduction in the output of the power source 11 makes it easier for the bottom neutral type transmission 13 to disengage from the gear stage. As a result, the bottom neutral type transmission 13 can easily perform an upshift operation U by the operating force of the gear shift operator 13a without operating the clutch lever 16. Furthermore, when the shift operating element 13a is subjected to a downshift operation, the control device 14 increases the output of the power source 11, and then restores the output. A temporary increase in the output of the power source 11 makes it easier to disengage the gear stage in the bottom neutral type transmission 13. As a result, the bottom neutral type transmission 13 is easier to downshift with the operating force of the shift operating element 13a, without operating the clutch lever 16. The quick shifter function can be used while driving. Shifting up to start moving from a stopped state requires operating the clutch lever 16.

[0047] The controller 14 controls the display of a shift direction indicator 15 . The control device 14 controls the display of the up direction indicator 15U and the down direction indicator 15D. The control device 14 controls the display of the up direction indicator 15U and the down direction indicator 15D depending on the traveling state of the saddle riding type vehicle 10 and the state of the bottom neutral type transmission 13.

[0048] 1, when the saddle riding type vehicle 10 is stopped and the bottom neutral type transmission 13 is in the lowest gear position, neutral N, the control device 14 causes the up direction indicator 15U to display a recommendation for an upshift operation. In addition, when the saddle riding type vehicle 10 is stopped and the bottom neutral type transmission 13 is in first gear, the control device 14 causes the up direction indicator 15U to display a recommendation for an upshift operation.

[0049] More specifically, when the saddle riding type vehicle 10 is stopped and the bottom neutral type transmission 13 is in the lowest gear position, neutral N, the control device 14 causes the up direction indicator 15U to display a recommendation for an upshift operation. When the gear shift operator 13a receives an upshift operation and the bottom neutral type transmission 13 is switched from the lowest gear position, neutral N, to first gear, the control device 14 causes the up direction indicator 15U to display a recommendation for an upshift operation. This upshift operation is an operation in the same direction as the previous operation. In other words, the recommendation for an upshift operation is displayed in neutral N, and after the upshift operation, the display of the upshift operation changes to a recommendation for the upshift operation.

[0050] For example, when the bottom neutral type transmission 13 is in the lowest gear, neutral N, before the saddle riding vehicle 10 starts, the up direction indicator 15U displays that an upshift operation is recommended. Thereafter, when the gear change operator 13a receives an upshift operation before the saddle riding vehicle 10 starts, causing the state of the bottom neutral type transmission 13 to switch from the lowest gear, neutral N, to first gear, the up direction indicator 15U of the shift direction indicator 15 displays that an upshift operation is not recommended. In other words, an upshift operation that was displayed as recommended when in neutral N is displayed as not recommended when the gear is switched to first gear. This prevents the rider from performing an unnecessary re-upshift operation before starting. For example, it prevents the rider from forgetting that he or she performed an upshift operation on the bottom neutral type transmission 13 once before starting and performing an upshift operation again before starting. In other words, it prevents the bottom neutral type transmission 13 from going into second gear due to an unnecessary re-upshift operation. The rider can start in the state where the bottom neutral type transmission 13 is in first gear. Therefore, wear on the clutch 12 is reduced compared to, for example, a case where a message indicating that a shift-up operation is not recommended is not displayed.

[0051] Furthermore, when the saddle riding type vehicle 10 is stopped and the bottom neutral type transmission 13 is in neutral N, the control device 14 causes the down direction indicator 15D to display that a downshift operation is not recommended. And when the gear shift stage of the bottom neutral type transmission 13 is switched from neutral N to first gear as a result of the gear shift operator 13a receiving an upshift operation while the saddle riding type vehicle 10 is stopped, the control device 14 causes the down direction indicator 15D to display that a downshift operation is recommended. As a result, when the bottom neutral type transmission 13 is in neutral N while the saddle riding type vehicle 10 is stopped, a display indicates that a downshift operation is not recommended. Also, when the gear stage has been switched to first gear, a display indicates that a downshift operation is recommended. Therefore, when the gear stage is neutral N, i.e., the lowest gear stage in the bottom neutral type transmission 13, unnecessary downshift operations are suppressed. Also, when the gear stage has been switched to first gear, the rider knows that it is possible to switch to neutral N by a downshift operation. In other words, the unique operation direction of the bottom neutral type transmission 13 can be easily notified via the display.

[0052] Fig. 2 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the control device shown in Fig. 1. The operation of the control device 14 will be explained with reference to part (d) of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The control device 14 controls the display of the shift direction indicator 15 by executing the process shown in FIG.

[0053] The control device 14 repeatedly executes the process shown in FIG. 2, for example. When the saddle riding type vehicle 10 is stopped (Yes in S11) and the bottom neutral type transmission 13 is in neutral N (Yes in S12), the control device 14 causes the up direction indicator 15U to display the recommendation of an upshift operation and the down direction indicator 15D to display the recommendation of a downshift operation (S13). When the saddle riding type vehicle 10 is stopped (Yes in S11) and the bottom neutral type transmission 13 is not in neutral N (No in S12), the control device 14 causes the up direction indicator 15U to indicate that an upshift operation is not recommended and causes the down direction indicator 15D to indicate that a downshift operation is recommended (S14). 1, when the saddle riding type vehicle 10 is stopped and the bottom neutral type transmission 13 is in the lowest gear position, neutral N, the up direction indicator 15U indicates that an upshift operation is recommended. Then, when the gear shift operator 13a receives an upshift operation and the bottom neutral type transmission 13 changes from the lowest gear position, neutral N, to first gear, the up direction indicator 15U indicates that an upshift operation is not recommended. In other words, after the upshift operation, the indication of the upshift operation changes to not recommended.

[0054] When the saddle riding type vehicle 10 is starting (Yes in S15), the control device 14 causes the up direction indicator 15U to display that an upshift operation is not recommended, and causes the down direction indicator 15D to display that a downshift operation is not recommended (S16). During starting, the clutch 12 is in a half-clutch state between a disengaged state and an engaged state. During starting, the clutch 12 is changed from a disengaged state, and a part of the power from the power source 11 is transmitted to the bottom neutral type transmission 13. During starting, the clutch 12 is in a state before it is changed from a disengaged state to an engaged state. The control device 14 can detect the starting state from, for example, the output rotation speed of the power source 11, the traveling speed of the saddle riding type vehicle 10, and the relationship between the transmissions. When starting off, a message is displayed indicating that upshifting and downshifting are not recommended, thereby suppressing shifting operations while starting off.

[0055] When the saddle riding type vehicle 10 is traveling (Yes in S21) and the bottom neutral type transmission 13 is in first speed (Yes in S22), the control device 14 causes the up direction indicator 15U to indicate that an upshift operation is recommended and the down direction indicator 15D to indicate that a downshift operation is not recommended (S23). When traveling, the clutch 12 is in an engaged state. As shown in part (d) of FIG. 1, when the vehicle is stopped, an indication is displayed that upshifting is not recommended and a downshifting is recommended; when the vehicle is starting and the clutch 12 is in a half-clutch state, an indication is displayed that upshifting is not recommended and a downshifting is not recommended; and when the vehicle is moving and the clutch 12 is in an engaged state, an indication is displayed that upshifting is recommended and a downshifting is not recommended.

[0056] When the saddle riding type vehicle 10 is traveling (Yes in S21) and the bottom neutral type transmission 13 is in the first to fifth gears (Yes in S24), the control device 14 causes the up direction indicator 15U to indicate a recommendation for an upshift operation and the down direction indicator 15D to indicate a recommendation for a downshift operation (S25). When traveling, it is recommended to perform a shift operation to any gear except neutral N. When the saddle riding type vehicle 10 is traveling (Yes in S21) and the bottom neutral type transmission 13 is in the sixth gear (Yes in S26), the control device 14 causes the up direction indicator 15U to indicate that an upshift operation is not recommended and causes the down direction indicator 15D to indicate that a downshift operation is recommended (S27). This prevents unnecessary upshift operations when in the top gear. When the saddle riding type vehicle 10 is traveling (Yes in S21) and the bottom neutral type transmission 13 is in neutral N (No in S26), the control device 14 causes the up direction indicator 15U to display that an upshift operation is recommended, and the down direction indicator 15D to display that a downshift operation is not recommended (S28). There are few opportunities for the bottom neutral type transmission 13 to be in neutral N while traveling, but if it is forced into neutral N, unnecessary downshift operations are suppressed.

[0057] When the saddle riding type vehicle 10 is shifting gears (Yes in S31), the control device 14 causes the up direction indicator 15U to display that an upshift operation is not recommended, and causes the down direction indicator 15D to display that a downshift operation is not recommended (S32). In this embodiment, the shifting is a period during which the gear shift operator 13a is being operated. More specifically, the shifting is a period during which it is detected that the gear shift operator 13a is being operated, according to the detection result of the shift operation sensor 13b. During the shifting, the control device 14 controls the output of the power source 11 for the shifting operation. As shown in part (d) of FIG. 1, a message indicating that upshifting and downshifting are not recommended during gear shifting is displayed, so that shifting operations during gear shifting are suppressed.

[0058] When a gear shifting operation, i.e., an upshifting operation or a downshifting operation, is detected, the control device 14 executes the gear shifting operation (S41). In this embodiment, the actual upshifting operation and downshifting operation are performed by utilizing the operating force of the gear shifting operator 13a. The control device 14 in this embodiment also controls the output of the power source 11 in the gear shifting operation (S41). This allows the bottom neutral type gear shifting device 13 to perform gear shifting operation without operating the clutch lever 16.

[0059] [Second embodiment] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an outline of a saddle-type vehicle according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] The saddle riding type vehicle 10 shown in Fig. 3 is an electrically-driven transmission type vehicle. The saddle riding type vehicle 10 is equipped with a transmission operation device 21, a shift actuator 13c, and a clutch actuator 12c. The control device 14 controls the shift actuator 13c and the clutch actuator 12c. The control device 14 also controls the display of the shift direction indicator 15, and sets whether or not the bottom neutral type transmission 13 is permitted or prohibited from changing gear positions.

[0061] The shift actuator 13c electrically changes the gear positions of the bottom neutral type transmission 13. The bottom neutral type transmission 13 is operated electrically. The saddle riding type vehicle 10 is provided with a shift switch as a gear shift operator 21, instead of a shift pedal as the gear shift operator 13a shown in Fig. 1. The gear shift operator 21 is a lever-type switch operated by the rider's hand, for example, as shown in part (e) of Fig. 3. The gear shift operator 21 accepts upshift operations and downshift operations depending on the direction of operation. The type of the gear shift operator 21 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a push button type switch or a pedal type switch operated by the foot. The saddle riding type vehicle 10 is provided with a clutch actuator 12c, but is not provided with a clutch lever. The clutch 12 of the saddle riding type vehicle 10 is operated by a driving force outputted from the clutch actuator 12c. The clutch 12 is electrically operated.

[0062] The above points are the main differences from the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the elements common to the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

[0063] The control device 14 controls the shift actuator 13c and the clutch actuator 12c in response to the operation of the gear shift operator 21. For example, when the gear shift operating element 21 is operated, the control device 14 causes the clutch actuator 12c to change the clutch 12 from an engaged state to a disengaged state or a half-clutch state, then causes the shift actuator 13c to change the gear stage of the bottom neutral type transmission 13, and then causes the clutch actuator 12c to connect the clutch 12. When the saddle riding type vehicle 10 is stopped and the bottom neutral type transmission 13 is in first gear, the clutch 12 is changed from a disengaged state to a half-clutch state or an engaged state in response to accelerator operation.

[0064] Part (d) of Fig. 3 is a chart showing the display mode of the shift direction indicator 15 in this embodiment and the setting states of permission and prohibition of gear shifting. The display content of the shift direction indicator 15 is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in part (d) of Fig. 1. In this embodiment, when a message indicating that a shift-up operation is not recommended is displayed, the shift-up operation is prohibited. Conversely, when a message indicating that a shift-up operation is recommended is displayed, the shift-up operation is permitted. Furthermore, when a message indicating that a shift-down operation is not recommended is displayed, the shift-down operation is prohibited. Conversely, when a shift-down operation is recommended is displayed, the shift-down operation is permitted.

[0065] For example, when the saddle riding type vehicle 10 is stopped and the bottom neutral type transmission 13 is in the first gear, the control device 14 causes the up direction indicator 15U to display that an upshift operation is not recommended, and prohibits an upshift operation in response to the upshift operation ("UP: Prohibited"). In other words, the operation of the shift actuator 13c and the clutch actuator 12c is prohibited. In this case, the bottom neutral type transmission 13 does not perform an upshift operation even if an upshift operation is performed. Also, in this case, the control device 14 causes the down direction indicator 15D to display that a downshift operation is recommended, and permits an operation in response to the downshift operation ("DN: Permitted"). In this case, when a downshift operation is performed, the bottom neutral type transmission 13 performs a downshift operation.

[0066] In the saddle riding type vehicle 10 of this embodiment, when the gear shift stage is shifted from neutral N to first gear while stopped, the operation of the shift actuator 13c and the clutch actuator 12c in response to an upshift operation is prohibited. Therefore, even if the rider performs an unnecessary upshift operation again before starting, the gear shift stage is not shifted to second gear. Therefore, the possibility of suppressing wear of the clutch 12 is further increased. Furthermore, when operation is prohibited, the up-direction indicator 15U displays a message indicating that up-shifting is not recommended. Therefore, when the shift actuator 13c and the clutch actuator 12c do not operate in response to an up-shifting operation, the display shows that the reason is that an unnecessary up-shifting operation was performed again before starting off. Therefore, when the bottom neutral type transmission 13 does not operate in response to a shifting operation, the rider can easily understand the cause through the display.

[0067] Furthermore, when the saddle riding type vehicle 10 is stopped and the bottom neutral type transmission 13 is in neutral N, the control device 14 causes the down direction indicator 15D to display that a downshift operation is not recommended. And when the gear shift stage of the bottom neutral type transmission 13 is switched from neutral N to first gear as a result of the gear shift operator 21 receiving an upshift operation while the saddle riding type vehicle 10 is stopped, the control device 14 causes the down direction indicator 15D to display that a downshift operation is recommended. As a result, when the bottom neutral type transmission 13 is in neutral N while the saddle riding type vehicle 10 is stopped, a display indicates that a downshift operation is not recommended. Also, when the gear stage has been switched to first gear, a display indicates that a downshift operation is recommended. Therefore, when the gear stage is neutral N, i.e., the lowest gear stage in the bottom neutral type transmission 13, unnecessary downshift operations are suppressed. Also, when the gear stage has been switched to first gear, the rider knows that it is possible to switch to neutral N by a downshift operation. In other words, the unique operation direction of the bottom neutral type transmission 13 can be easily notified via the display.

[0068] The control device 14 changes the display content of the down direction indicator 15D according to the traveling state of the saddle riding type vehicle 10 while the bottom neutral type transmission 13 is maintained in first speed. First, when the saddle riding type vehicle 10 is stopped, the control device 14 causes the up direction indicator 15U to display that an upshift operation is not recommended, and the down direction indicator 15D to display that a downshift operation is recommended. Next, when the saddle riding type vehicle 10 is starting, that is, when the clutch 12 is in a half-clutch state, the control device 14 causes the up direction indicator 15U to display that an upshift operation is not recommended, and the down direction indicator 15D to display that the downshift operation is not recommended. Next, when the saddle riding type vehicle 10 is traveling, that is, when the clutch 12 is in an engaged state, the control device 14 causes the up direction indicator 15U to display that an upshift operation is recommended, and the down direction indicator 15D to display that a downshift operation is not recommended. In this way, even if the gear position is maintained at first gear, the display state of recommendation / non-recommendation of shifting up and down changes as the saddle riding type vehicle 10 starts from a stopped state. Therefore, in an electronic shift type saddle riding type vehicle 10 that does not require clutch operation, the connection of driving force can be grasped by looking at the change in display on the shift direction indicator 15.

[0069] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control device shown in FIG. As described above, the control device 14 shown in FIG. 4 not only controls the display of the shift direction indicator 15, i.e., the display of recommended / not recommended, but also sets whether to allow / prohibit the shifting of gears in the bottom neutral type transmission 13. For example, the description "recommended / allowed" in FIG. 4 means that the indicator displays recommended and a shift operation is allowed. Also, the description "not recommended / prohibited" means that the indicator displays not recommended and a shift operation is prohibited. For example, the description "Up<-recommended / allowed" means that the up direction indicator 15U displays recommended and an upshift operation is allowed. The same applies to the down direction indicator 15D and "Down" which represents a downshift.

[0070] In this embodiment, the control device 14 allows a shift operation when the indicator displays a recommendation. Also, the control device 14 prohibits a shift operation when the indicator displays a non-recommended operation. Therefore, when a recommendation is displayed on the indicator, a shift operation in the direction of the indicator is allowed. Also, when a non-recommended operation is displayed on the indicator, a shift operation in the direction of the indicator is prohibited. Therefore, when an operation is not compatible with a shift operation in all states, the reason, that is, the prohibition of the operation, is displayed on the indicator. Therefore, all settings regarding the permission / prohibition of operations in the electric shift can be notified via the display.

[0071] In this embodiment, the control device 14 operates the shift actuator 13c and the clutch actuator 12c in the gear shift operation (S142), thereby changing the gear position of the bottom neutral type transmission 13. The control device 14 operates the shift actuator 13c and the clutch actuator 12c in accordance with the shift operation permission / prohibition state set in accordance with the gear position and the running state.

[0072] In this embodiment, the control device 14 prohibits a shift operation when causing the indicator to display that a shift operation is not recommended. As shown in part (d) of Fig. 3, when the saddle riding type vehicle 10 is stopped and the bottom neutral type transmission 13 is in first gear, an upshift operation is not recommended. In fact, upshifting is prohibited. Therefore, when the saddle riding type vehicle 10 is stopped and the bottom neutral type transmission 13 is not in neutral N (No in S12), the bottom neutral type transmission 13 is limited to first gear. Furthermore, when the saddle riding type vehicle 10 is traveling and the bottom neutral type transmission 13 is in first gear, a downshift operation is not recommended. In fact, downshifting is prohibited. In other words, when the saddle riding type vehicle 10 is traveling, the bottom neutral type transmission 13 does not enter neutral N. Therefore, when the saddle riding type vehicle 10 is traveling and the bottom neutral type transmission 13 is not in first gear or any of second to fifth gears (No in S24), the bottom neutral type transmission 13 is in sixth gear.

[0073] [Third embodiment] FIG. 5 is a chart showing the display manner of the shift direction indicator and the permitted / prohibited states of the shift operation in a saddle-type vehicle according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The chart in Fig. 5 shows the display mode and the permitted / prohibited state when the saddle riding type vehicle 10 is traveling at a low speed and when the saddle riding type vehicle 10 is traveling. The other cases are the same as those in the second embodiment shown in Fig. 3, so illustrations and explanations are omitted.

[0074] This embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that a state during low-speed driving is provided. More specifically, this embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that the display manner and the permitted / prohibited state are different between during low-speed driving and during the remaining driving time. When the saddle riding vehicle 10 is traveling at a speed lower than the reference speed, the saddle riding vehicle 10 is in a state where it is traveling at a speed other than the reference speed. When the saddle riding vehicle 10 is not traveling at a low speed, the saddle riding vehicle 10 is in a state where it is traveling at a speed higher than the reference speed. The reference speed is the speed of the saddle riding vehicle 10 at which the rotation speed of the output of the power source 11 becomes the idling rotation speed when the bottom neutral type transmission 13 is in second gear. The idling rotation speed is a rotation speed that is preset in the saddle riding vehicle 10. When the bottom neutral type transmission 13 is in first speed and the saddle riding type vehicle 10 is traveling at a low speed, the control device 14 causes the up direction indicator 15U to display that an upshift operation is not recommended. Furthermore, when the bottom neutral type transmission 13 is in first speed and the saddle riding type vehicle 10 is traveling, the control device 14 causes the up direction indicator 15U to display a recommendation for an upshift operation. When the bottom neutral type transmission 13 is in first gear, whether the vehicle is traveling at a low speed or while traveling, the control device 14 causes the down direction indicator 15D to indicate that an upshift operation is not recommended.

[0075] According to this embodiment, when the speed of the saddle riding type vehicle 10 falls below the reference speed, the rotation speed of the power source 11 is prevented from falling below the idling rotation speed by the upshift operation to second speed. When the rotation speed of the power source 11 falls below the idling rotation speed, the output of the power source 11 for acceleration is likely to decrease. When the rotation speed of the power source 11 falls below the idling rotation speed by the upshift operation to second speed, the decrease in the output for acceleration is prevented. Furthermore, when the bottom neutral type transmission 13 is in first gear while the saddle riding vehicle 10 is moving or traveling at a low speed, the down direction indicator 15D displays a message indicating that a downshift operation is not recommended. This prevents the vehicle from transitioning to the neutral state while moving or traveling at a low speed due to a downshift operation.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the bottom neutral type transmission 13 is in first gear and the saddle riding vehicle 10 is traveling at a low speed, the control device 14 prohibits an upshift operation. Furthermore, when the bottom neutral type transmission 13 is in first gear and the saddle riding vehicle 10 is traveling, the control device 14 allows an upshift operation. This further prevents the rotation speed of the power source 11 from falling below the idling rotation speed due to an upshift operation to second gear when the speed of the saddle riding vehicle 10 falls below the reference speed. The control device 14 prohibits an upshift operation both when the vehicle is running at a low speed and when the vehicle is running. A transition to the neutral state caused by a downshift operation while the vehicle is running at a low speed is further suppressed.

[0077] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control device in the third embodiment. When the saddle riding type vehicle 10 is traveling at a low speed and the bottom neutral type transmission 13 is in first gear (Yes in S51), the control device 14 in this embodiment causes the up direction indicator 15U to indicate that an upshift operation is not recommended and causes the down direction indicator 15D to indicate that a downshift operation is not recommended. The control device 14 also prohibits an upshift operation and a downshift operation. The other processes shown in FIG. 6 are the same as those in the second embodiment shown in FIG.

[0078] [Fourth embodiment] FIG. 7 is a chart showing the display manner of the shift direction indicator and the permitted / prohibited states of the shift operation in a saddle riding type vehicle according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The chart in Fig. 7 differs from the chart in the second embodiment shown in part (d) of Fig. 3 in the permitted / prohibited states during gear shifting. Other cases are the same as those in the second embodiment shown in Fig. 3, so only the different parts will be described and illustrations and explanations will be omitted.

[0079] In this embodiment, the control device 14 prohibits an upshift operation during a gear shift but allows a downshift operation. The control device 14 allows a downshift operation while causing the downdirection indicator 15D to display a message indicating that a downshift operation is not recommended during a gear shift. That is, in this embodiment, there are some differences between the display regarding the operation and the operation that is actually permitted. More specifically, while the bottom neutral type transmission 13, which has been in second to sixth gear, is performing a downshift operation, the control device 14 causes the down direction indicator 15D to indicate that a downshift operation is not recommended, but allows the downshift operation. When the bottom neutral type transmission 13 is in first gear, the control device 14 causes the down direction indicator 15D to indicate that a downshift operation is not recommended, and prohibits the downshift operation. In other words, when the bottom neutral type transmission 13 is in first gear, as shown in part (d) of FIG. 3, the permitted / prohibited state during gear shifting is prohibited, as in the chart shown in part (d) of FIG. 3.

[0080] According to this embodiment, a message indicating that upshifting and downshifting are not recommended is displayed during gear shifting. In this situation, upshifting is prohibited and downshifting is permitted. Further upshifting during the shifting operation is prohibited, and the shifting operation is prevented from becoming complicated. However, downshifting is permitted. This allows, for example, continuous downshifting in a short period of time. Therefore, further downshifting during gear shifting is not recommended, but it is possible to perform downshifting over multiple stages in a short period of time in response to, for example, sudden deceleration. However, when the bottom neutral type transmission 13 is in first gear, downshifting is prohibited, and therefore the bottom neutral type transmission 13 is prevented from transitioning to the neutral state while driving.

[0081] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control device in the fourth embodiment. In this embodiment, during a gear shift (Yes in S31), the control device 14 causes both the up direction indicator 15U and the down direction indicator 15D to indicate that an upshift operation is not recommended. In addition, the control device 14 prohibits an upshift operation but allows a downshift operation (S62). More specifically, when a gear change is in progress (Yes in S31) and the bottom neutral type transmission 13 is in second to sixth gear (No in S61), the control device 14 displays on both the up direction indicator 15U and the down direction indicator 15D that an upshift operation is not recommended. The control device 14 also prohibits an upshift operation but allows a downshift operation (S62). When a gear change is in progress (Yes in S31) and the bottom neutral type transmission 13 is in first gear (Yes in S61), the control device 14 displays on both the up direction indicator 15U and the down direction indicator 15D that an upshift operation is not recommended. The control device 14 also prohibits both an upshift operation and a downshift operation (S63). The other processes shown in FIG. 8 are the same as those in the second embodiment shown in FIG.

[0082] [Fifth embodiment] FIG. 9 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of a saddle-type vehicle according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. 9 includes a centrifugal clutch as the clutch 52. This clutch 52 switches between connection and disconnection of the power transmission path in accordance with the rotation speed of the input shaft. In other words, the clutch 52 is not controlled by the control device 14, and switches between connection and disconnection of the power transmission path in accordance with the rotation speed of the output of the power source 11. For example, the clutch 52 disconnects the power transmission path when the rotation speed of the output of the power source 11 is an idling rotation speed. For example, the clutch 52 connects the power transmission path when the rotation speed of the output of the power source 11 exceeds a connection speed. The connection speed is a speed higher than the idling rotation speed. The control device 14 does not directly control the clutch 52. However, when the control device 14 detects the operation of the shifting operator 21, it controls the output of the power source 11 to put the clutch 52 into a disengaged state or into a half-clutch state. This facilitates the gear shifting operation of the bottom neutral type gear change device 13.

[0083] According to the saddle riding type vehicle 10 of this embodiment, the simple structure does not have a clutch actuator, and an upshift operation or downshift operation can be completed by a simple operation of a switch serving as the gear shift operation element 21, without a direct operation of the clutch 52. In this way, in the saddle riding type vehicle 10 which has a simple structure and allows the upshift operation to be performed by a simple operation, the rider is prevented from performing an unnecessary second upshift operation before starting off. Therefore, wear on the clutch 52 is suppressed in a vehicle which allows the upshift operation to be performed by a simple operation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 10 Saddle-type vehicles 11 Power source 12, 52 Clutch 12c Clutch Actuator 13 Bottom neutral type transmission 13a, 21 Gear shift operator 13c Shift actuator 14 Control device 15 Shift direction indicator 15D Down Direction Indicator 15U Up Direction Indicator

Claims

1. A saddle-type vehicle, The saddle type vehicle includes: a bottom neutral type transmission having a plurality of in-gear stages from a low gear which is a first speed to a top gear which is the highest speed and a plurality of gear stages including a neutral stage, the gear stages being changed so as to increase by one gear with each upshift operation and to decrease by one gear with each downshift operation, the first speed becoming the neutral stage as a result of the downshift operation; a power source that outputs power for driving the saddle riding type vehicle; a clutch that connects or disconnects a transmission path of power output from the power source and supplied to the bottom neutral type transmission; a gear shift operator that receives an up-shift operation associated with the up-shift operation in the bottom neutral type transmission and a down-shift operation associated with the down-shift operation; a shift direction indicator that displays a recommended direction of a shift operation, the shift direction indicator including both an up direction indicator that displays whether the upshift operation of the gearshift operator is recommended or not recommended, and a down direction indicator that displays whether the downshift operation of the gearshift operator is recommended or not recommended; a control device that, when the saddle riding type vehicle is stopped and the gear stage of the bottom neutral type transmission device is the lowest gear stage, that is, the neutral gear stage, causes the up direction indicator to display a recommendation for the upshift operation, and, when the saddle riding type vehicle is stopped and the gear stage of the bottom neutral type transmission device is the first gear stage, causes the up direction indicator to display a recommendation for the upshift operation. Equipped with.

2. 2. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1, The bottom neutral type transmission includes a shift actuator that electrically switches the gear stages, The control device operates the shift actuator in response to the up-shift operation or the down-shift operation on the gear shift operator.

3. 3. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 2, When the saddle-type vehicle is stopped and the bottom neutral type transmission is switched from the lowest gear, neutral, to the first gear as a result of the gear change operator receiving the up-shift operation, the control device causes the up direction indicator to display an indication that the up-shift operation, which is an operation in the same direction as the previous operation, is not recommended, and prohibits operation of the shift actuator in response to the up-shift operation on the gear change operator.

4. A saddle-type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, When the saddle-type vehicle is stopped and the bottom neutral type transmission is in the lowest gear position, neutral, the control device causes the down direction indicator to display that the downshift operation is not recommended, and when the saddle-type vehicle is stopped and the gear shift operator receives the upshift operation, causing the bottom neutral type transmission to switch from the lowest gear position, neutral, to first gear, the control device causes the down direction indicator to display that the downshift operation is recommended.

5. A saddle-type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, When the gear stage of the bottom neutral type transmission device is the first gear, When the saddle riding type vehicle is stopped, the up direction indicator is caused to indicate that the upshift operation is not recommended, and the down direction indicator is caused to indicate that the downshift operation is recommended; When the clutch is in a half-clutch state between an engaged state and a disengaged state, causing the up direction indicator to indicate that the upshift operation is not recommended, and causing the down direction indicator to indicate that the downshift operation is not recommended; When the clutch is in the engaged state, the up direction indicator is caused to display that the upshift operation is recommended, and the down direction indicator is caused to display that the downshift operation is not recommended.

6. A saddle-type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, When the saddle riding type vehicle is traveling and the gear position of the bottom neutral type transmission is the first gear, the control device When the traveling speed of the saddle riding type vehicle exceeds a reference speed, the up direction indicator displays that the upshift operation is recommended, and when the traveling speed of the saddle riding type vehicle is below the reference speed, the up direction indicator displays that the upshift operation is not recommended, and regardless of the rotational speed of the output of the power source, the down direction indicator displays that the downshift operation is not recommended, and the reference speed is the traveling speed of the saddle riding type vehicle at which the rotational speed of the output of the power source becomes an idling rotational speed when the bottom neutral type transmission is in second gear.

7. A saddle-type vehicle according to any one of claims 2 to 6, When the clutch is in the half-clutch state, the control device causes the up direction indicator to indicate that the upshift operation is not recommended, and causes the down direction indicator to indicate that the downshift operation is not recommended, The control device prohibits operation of the shift actuator in response to the up-shift operation of the gearshift operator, and allows operation of the shift actuator in response to the down-shift operation of the gearshift operator.

8. A saddle-type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The clutch includes a clutch actuator that electrically connects or disconnects the transmission path.

9. A saddle-type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The clutch is a centrifugal clutch that connects or disconnects the transmission path in response to the rotational speed of the output of the power source.

Images