Vehicle

Abstract

To more accurately determine a stop state of a vehicle, and execute switching of a travel mode while the vehicle is in a reliably stopping state.SOLUTION: A vehicle 1 is such one as to travel in a plurality of travel modes by a motor 11, and includes a detection part detecting that a vehicle speed is zero, and a control part 50 switching the travel mode. The control part 50 determines stop of the vehicle 1 on the basis of the vehicle speed of zero and predetermined vehicle information, and allows switching of the travel mode when it is determined that the vehicle 1 stops.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle, and more particularly to a vehicle that can be driven in a plurality of driving modes by a drive source. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, vehicles capable of running in multiple driving modes have been known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle equipped with a motor, an operating unit for adjusting the motor's output, a human-powered power transmission body that rotates by human-powered power, and a control unit that executes control related to switching of driving modes based on the vehicle speed. Furthermore, electric kick scooters have become popular in recent years as small vehicles that run solely on motor power. Electric kick scooters that meet the standards of the Road Traffic Act are classified as specified small motorized bicycles, and can be driven by anyone aged 16 or older without a license.

[0003] The maximum speed of specified small motorized bicycles is controlled by a speed control device, and they are required to have a maximum speed indicator light. Furthermore, specified small motorized bicycles that meet the standards set forth in the Road Traffic Act are classified as special specified small motorized bicycles, which are also permitted to ride on sidewalks. The maximum speed of special specified small motorized bicycles is further restricted. For example, a vehicle that can switch between multiple riding modes is limited to a first maximum speed or less when riding as a specified small motorized bicycle, and a second maximum speed or less that is slower than the first maximum speed when riding as a special specified small motorized bicycle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-074446 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In a vehicle capable of running in multiple running modes, it is desirable to switch the running mode while the vehicle is stopped from the viewpoint of safety, and it is generally required to switch the running mode when the vehicle is stopped. However, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, if the vehicle is determined to be stopped based on the vehicle speed and the running mode is permitted to be switched on the condition that the vehicle speed is 0, for example, if a malfunction occurs in the vehicle speed sensor, it is expected that the running mode will be switched while the vehicle is running. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The vehicle of the present invention is a vehicle capable of running in multiple running modes using a drive source, and is equipped with a detection unit that detects that the vehicle speed is 0, and a control unit that switches the running mode, and the control unit determines that the vehicle has stopped based on the vehicle speed being 0 and predetermined vehicle information, and allows the running mode to be switched when it determines that the vehicle has stopped. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the vehicle of the present invention, the stopped state of the vehicle can be determined more accurately, and the driving mode can be switched when the vehicle is reliably stopped. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle that is an example of an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a rear view of a vehicle according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle according to an embodiment; [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for switching a driving mode.

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a vehicle according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described below is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment. Furthermore, forms obtained by selectively combining multiple embodiments and modified examples described below are included within the scope of the present invention.

[0010] 1 and 2 are diagrams showing the appearance of a vehicle 1, which is an example of an embodiment. For the sake of convenience, terms indicating front-rear, up-down, left-right, and other directions will be used below, and these terms refer to the front-rear, up-down, left-right, and other directions of the vehicle 1 and each component in a normal state of use.

[0011] Vehicle 1 is a vehicle capable of running in multiple running modes using a drive source, and can run by switching between a first running mode that limits the vehicle speed to a first maximum speed or less and a second running mode that limits the vehicle speed to a second maximum speed or less that is slower than the first maximum speed. Vehicle 1 is equipped with motor 11 (see FIG. 3 described below) as a drive source. Note that in another example embodiment, the running modes may include a third running mode that limits the vehicle speed to a third maximum speed or less, and a pushing-walking mode that adds auxiliary driving force based on the force pushing the vehicle body forward when the driver pushes vehicle 1 while walking. Furthermore, vehicle 1 is equipped with a maximum speed indicator light 30 to notify those around it of the running mode, but in another example embodiment, a maximum speed indicator light may not be present.

[0012] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the vehicle 1 includes a motor unit 10 including a motor 11, an accelerator grip 20 that is an operation unit for adjusting the output of the motor 11, and a control unit 50 that controls the output of the motor 11 based on the operation of the accelerator grip 20. The control unit 50 also switches the driving mode. As will be described in detail later, the vehicle 1 includes a detection unit that detects that the vehicle speed is 0, and the control unit 50 determines that the vehicle 1 is stopped based on the vehicle speed being 0 and predetermined vehicle information, and permits switching of the driving mode when it determines that the vehicle 1 is stopped. This allows switching of the driving mode to be performed while the vehicle 1 is reliably stopped.

[0013] Similar to an electrically assisted bicycle, the vehicle 1 includes a frame 2, a front wheel 3a, a rear wheel 3b, a handlebar 4 including a brake 21, a saddle 5, and a battery 13 that supplies power to the motor 11 and other components. However, the vehicle 1 differs from an electrically assisted bicycle in that it does not have pedals and cannot be driven by human power. However, the vehicle 1 may have pedals if human power is not added to the power transmission path. In other words, the vehicle 1 is an electric vehicle that runs solely on the power of the motor 11. The grip on the right side of the handlebar 4 is an accelerator grip 20, and the driver can drive the vehicle 1 by turning the accelerator grip 20.

[0014] As described above, the vehicle 1 is equipped with the maximum speed indicator light 30. The maximum speed indicator light 30 is an indicator light for informing the surrounding area of ​​the driving mode of the vehicle 1, and its lighting state changes depending on the driving mode. Other vehicles and passersby can confirm the driving mode of the vehicle 1 by looking at the lighting state of the maximum speed indicator light 30. The vehicle 1 is configured to be able to run by switching between a first driving mode in which the vehicle runs using a first output output from the motor 11, and a second driving mode in which the vehicle runs using a second output output from the motor 11. In this embodiment, the second output is lower than the first output.

[0015] Vehicle 1 is classified, for example, as a specified small motorized bicycle or an exceptional specified small motorized bicycle under the Road Traffic Act. Specified small motorized bicycles are limited to a maximum speed of 20 km / h or less. Exceptional specified small motorized bicycles are specified small motorized bicycles that meet additional standards and are limited to a maximum speed of 6 km / h or less. In this embodiment, the first driving mode is a driving mode that meets the standards for specified small motorized bicycles, and the second driving mode is a driving mode that meets the standards for exceptional specified small motorized bicycles.

[0016] In vehicle 1, the control unit 50 functions to limit the maximum speed depending on the driving mode, and also to change the lighting state of the maximum speed indicator light 30 depending on the driving mode. According to the Road Traffic Act, the maximum speed indicator light 30 must be continuously lit in the first driving mode, and must flash (light intermittently) in the second driving mode. While riding on sidewalks is permitted in the second driving mode, riding on sidewalks is prohibited in the first driving mode. The maximum speed of vehicle 1 and the lighting state of the maximum speed indicator light 30 can be set as appropriate in accordance with legal regulations, etc.

[0017] As described above, vehicle 1 includes frame 2, front wheel 3a, rear wheel 3b, handlebars 4, and saddle 5, and further includes safety parts similar to those of a motorized bicycle. Vehicle 1 includes safety parts such as a maximum speed indicator 30, a headlight 31, a taillight 32, and a turn signal 33. Vehicle 1 may also include other safety parts such as a speedometer, a warning horn, a rearview mirror, and reflective members. Vehicle 1 also includes a chain 6 that transmits power from motor unit 10 to rear wheel 3b, which is the driving wheel. Since vehicle 1 does not have pedals, it includes steps 7 as footrests for the driver. For example, one step 7 is provided on each side of vehicle 1. The motor for driving the vehicle may be a hub motor built into the wheel hub.

[0018] The frame 2 is a framework that connects the front wheel 3a, rear wheel 3b, handlebars 4, saddle 5, etc. The motor unit 10 and battery 13 are supported by the frame 2. The frame 2 is made up of a plurality of pipes. In this embodiment, the plurality of pipes include a head pipe 2a, a front fork 2b, a down pipe 2c, a seat pipe 2d, a chain stay 2e, a seat stay 2f, and a bottom bracket (not shown). The vehicle 1 may have a top pipe instead of or in addition to the down pipe 2c, and may have a foldable structure.

[0019] In this embodiment, a vehicle similar to a bicycle is exemplified as a vehicle configuration, but the vehicle configuration is not limited to this and may be a stand-up electric vehicle such as an electric kick scooter, an electric wheelchair, or a wheelchair with a built-in motor inside the wheel. The wheel diameter is not particularly limited, but an example of a suitable wheel diameter is 20 inches or less. Vehicle 1 has, for example, front wheels 3a and rear wheels 3b with wheel diameters of 20 inches or less. Under the Road Traffic Act, the body size of a specified small motorized bicycle is 1.9 meters or less in length and 0.6 meters or less in width.

[0020] The vehicle 1 further includes a front carrier 8a and a rear carrier 8b. In this embodiment, a headlight 31 is attached to the front carrier 8a, and a maximum speed indicator light 30, a taillight 32, turn signals 33, and a license plate 34 are attached to the rear carrier 8b. The maximum speed indicator light 30 and the turn signals 33 are also provided on both the left and right ends of the handlebars 4. The taillight 32 is generally called a tail lamp, and is lit in conjunction with the headlight 31, for example, and also functions as a brake lamp.

[0021] The vehicle 1 is equipped with a switch unit 40 including a changeover switch 42 for switching between driving modes. The switch unit 40 is generally called a hand switch and is installed on the steering wheel 4. The driver can switch the driving mode of the vehicle 1 by operating the changeover switch 42, for example, when the vehicle 1 is stopped. When the vehicle 1 is traveling, operation of the changeover switch 42 is disabled. The changeover switch 42 may also be installed in a location separate from the switch unit 40.

[0022] The configuration of the vehicle 1 will be described in further detail below with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the control unit 50 and various devices connected to the control unit 50.

[0023] 3, the vehicle 1 includes a motor 11, a drive circuit 12 for the motor 11, an accelerator grip 20, a switch unit 40, various sensors, various safety devices such as a maximum speed indicator light 30, and a control unit 50. The control unit 50 controls the output of the motor 11 based on the operation of the accelerator grip 20, but limits the maximum speed depending on the driving mode. In other words, when the vehicle speed reaches the maximum speed, the control unit 50 controls the output of the motor 11 so that the vehicle speed remains below the maximum speed regardless of the amount of operation of the accelerator grip 20.

[0024] The motor unit 10 includes a motor 11, a drive circuit 12, some of the various sensors, and a drive mechanism for transmitting the power of the motor 11 to the chain 6. The drive mechanism includes, for example, a reducer and a clutch. In this embodiment, the drive circuit 12 performs a switching operation based on a control signal output from a control unit 50, thereby changing the amount of current supplied to the motor 11 and controlling the output of the motor 11. The motor 11 may be any electric motor that can be driven by power supplied from a battery 13 to run the vehicle 1. An example of the motor 11 is a three-phase brushless DC motor.

[0025] The vehicle 1 is equipped with the following sensors: an AP sensor 14 that detects the amount of operation of the accelerator grip 20, a vehicle speed sensor 15 that detects the vehicle speed, a rotation sensor 16 that detects the rotation speed of the motor 11, an acceleration sensor 17 that detects the acceleration of the vehicle 1, and a saddle sensor 18. The vehicle speed sensor 15 functions as the detector that detects when the vehicle speed is zero. The rotation sensor 16 and the acceleration sensor 17 can also function as detectors. The detection information of each sensor is sent to the control unit 50 and used for output control of the motor 11, driving mode switching control, etc. The vehicle 1 may also be equipped with other sensors, such as a current sensor that detects the amount of current supplied to the motor 11, a voltage sensor that detects the voltage of the battery 13, and a temperature sensor that detects the temperatures of the motor 11, drive circuit 12, battery 13, etc.

[0026] The AP sensor 14 is installed inside the accelerator grip 20 and detects the amount of rotation of the accelerator grip 20. The AP sensor 14 is configured to detect the amount of rotation (opening) of the accelerator grip 20 by voltage, for example. The rotation speed of the accelerator grip 20 can also be detected from the slope of the voltage output by the AP sensor 14. The control unit 50 controls the output of the motor 11 based on the amount of operation (amount of rotation) of the accelerator grip 20 acquired by the AP sensor 14, within a range that does not exceed the maximum speed corresponding to each driving mode.

[0027] The vehicle speed sensor 15 is attached to a wheel. The vehicle speed sensor 15 includes, for example, a magnet attached to a spoke of the front wheel 3a and a magnetic sensor attached to the front fork 2b, and the magnetic sensor is configured to detect the magnet rotating with the front wheel 3a. The magnetic sensor measures the rotation speed of the front wheel 3a, and the vehicle speed is calculated from the rotation speed and the circumference of the front wheel 3a. The vehicle speed sensor 15 is placed in a location that is susceptible to external impacts, and therefore is more susceptible to malfunctions, such as magnet loss or misalignment, than sensors installed inside the motor unit 10. For this reason, the vehicle 1 determines whether the vehicle 1 has stopped by taking into account vehicle information other than that from the vehicle speed sensor 15. The vehicle speed sensor 15 may also be attached to the rear wheel 3b.

[0028] The rotation sensor 16 is mounted inside the motor unit 10. The rotation sensor 16 includes, for example, a magnet attached to the rotor of the motor 11 and a magnetic sensor arranged opposite the rotor in the axial direction of the rotor, and is configured so that the magnetic sensor detects the magnet that rotates together with the rotor. The rotation speed of the motor 11 can be determined by the magnetic sensor measuring the rotation speed of the rotor.

[0029] The location where acceleration sensor 17 is installed is not particularly limited, but from the standpoint of improving detection accuracy and minimizing damage, an example of a suitable location for installation is inside motor unit 10. A triaxial acceleration sensor is used as acceleration sensor 17. Acceleration sensor 17 may be a biaxial acceleration sensor as long as it can detect acceleration in the forward direction of vehicle 1 and the direction of gravity. When a triaxial sensor is used as acceleration sensor 17, for example, the X axis of the sensor is set to be able to measure acceleration in the forward direction of vehicle 1, and the Z axis is set to be able to measure acceleration in the direction of gravity of vehicle 1. As will be described in detail later, the tilt angle of vehicle 1 can be calculated from the acceleration in the forward direction and the direction of gravity of vehicle 1 detected by acceleration sensor 17.

[0030] The vehicle 1 may be configured to be switchable between a first state in which the rider can ride and a second state in which the rider cannot ride. To achieve this function, the vehicle 1 is equipped with a switching device 19 that supports the saddle 5 and changes the state of the saddle 5. The saddle 5 is fixed to the seat pipe 2d via the switching device 19. The switching device 19 switches the state of the saddle 5 between the first state in which the seat surface of the saddle 5 is in the normal position facing upward and allowing the rider to ride the bicycle, and the second state in which the seat surface of the saddle 5 is in an abnormal position facing forward. In the second state, the rear end of the saddle 5 is raised significantly higher than the front end, preventing the rider from sitting on it, i.e., preventing the rider from riding the bicycle.

[0031] The vehicle 1 is equipped with a saddle sensor 18 as a sensor that detects at least one of the first and second states. The saddle sensor 18 is, for example, a magnetic proximity sensor that detects the position of a magnet attached to a movable member that constitutes the switching device 19. The movable member to which the magnet is attached moves in conjunction with the saddle 5, so the relative positional relationship between the magnet and the proximity sensor changes. The saddle sensor 18 may not output a detection signal when the magnet is in a reference position (the position when the saddle 5 is in the first state), but may output a detection signal when the saddle 5 is in the second state. In this case, the saddle sensor 18 detects the second state of the saddle 5.

[0032] It should be noted that, instead of the switching device 19, a sensor that detects the load acting on the saddle 5 can be used to detect whether or not a driver is riding in the vehicle 1. Alternatively, the states of components other than the saddle 5, such as the handlebars 4 and the footpegs 7, can be switched between a first state and a second state. As will be described in detail later, the above information acquired by the saddle sensor 18 or information regarding whether or not a driver is riding, acquired by a load sensor or the like, may be used to control switching of the driving mode.

[0033] As described above, the accelerator grip 20 is an operating unit for adjusting the output of the motor 11, and is provided on the grip on the right side of the handlebars 4. The rider can adjust the output of the motor 11, and therefore the vehicle speed, by rotating the accelerator grip 20. The accelerator grip 20 can be the same as those applied to general motorized bicycles, motorcycles, etc. The configuration of the operating unit is not limited to the accelerator grip 20, and may be, for example, a lever-type or push-button-type operating unit.

[0034] The maximum speed indicator light 30 indicates the maximum speed of the vehicle 1 while it is traveling. As described above, the maximum speed indicator light 30 lights up continuously in the first traveling mode (for example, a maximum speed of 20 km / h) and flashes in the second traveling mode (for example, a maximum speed of 6 km / h). By checking the lighting state of the maximum speed indicator light 30, other vehicles and passersby can recognize the traveling mode of the vehicle 1, and ultimately the maximum speed of the vehicle 1. The maximum speed indicator light 30 is, for example, a light that can emit green light.

[0035] The maximum speed indicator light 30 is constantly lit or flashes while the vehicle 1 is traveling. The vehicle 1 is not provided with a switch for operating the maximum speed indicator light 30. The vehicle 1 is provided with a turn signal lever or the like for turning on the direction indicators 33. In this embodiment, the maximum speed indicator light 30 is provided separately from the direction indicators 33, but an indicator light that performs both of these functions may be provided.

[0036] The switch unit 40 includes, for example, a power switch 41, a selector switch 42, and a display unit. The power switch 41 is an operation unit for starting the control unit 50. When the power switch 41 is turned on, output control of the motor 11 is executed. A conventionally known monitor such as a liquid crystal monitor or an organic EL monitor can be used as the display unit. For example, the driving mode of the vehicle 1, the vehicle speed, the remaining battery power, the time, etc. are displayed on the display unit.

[0037] As described above, the selector switch 42 is an operation unit for switching the driving mode of the vehicle 1. In this embodiment, by operating the selector switch 42, the driving mode of the vehicle 1 can be switched from the first driving mode to the second driving mode, and from the second driving mode to the first driving mode. The control unit 50 sets the driving mode of the vehicle 1 based on the operation of the selector switch 42, and stores the setting information in memory. When the selector switch 42 is operated, the control unit 50 switches the driving mode if it determines that the vehicle 1 is stopped.

[0038] The control unit 50 is configured, for example, by a microcomputer equipped with a processor, memory, input / output interface, etc. The processor realizes the functions of each of the above-mentioned processing units by reading and executing a control program. The memory stores the control program, various setting information, etc. The memory includes non-volatile memory such as ROM, HDD, SSD, etc., and volatile memory such as RAM. The control unit 50 is built into the motor unit 10, and may be mounted on the same printed circuit board as the drive circuit 12.

[0039] When the control unit 50 sets the driving mode of the vehicle 1 to the first driving mode or the second driving mode based on the operation signal of the selector switch 42, it controls the output of the motor 11 and the lighting state of the maximum speed indicator light 30 according to the set driving mode. In the first driving mode, the maximum speed indicator light 30 is kept lit continuously, and the output of the motor 11 is controlled so that the maximum speed of the vehicle 1 is 20 km / h or less. In the second driving mode, the maximum speed indicator light 30 is flashed, and the output of the motor 11 is controlled so that the maximum speed of the vehicle 1 is 6 km / h or less.

[0040] The following describes in detail the control of switching between driving modes using the functions of the control unit 50. The vehicle 1 has at least one selected from the functions described below, and may have all of the functions.

[0041] As described above, the control unit 50 determines that the vehicle 1 is stopped based on the vehicle speed being 0 and predetermined vehicle information, and allows the driving mode to be switched if it determines that the vehicle 1 is stopped. Whether the vehicle speed is 0 can be confirmed from the vehicle speed acquired by the vehicle speed sensor 15, and can also be confirmed from the number of rotations of the motor 11 acquired by the rotation sensor 16 and the acceleration of the vehicle 1 acquired by the acceleration sensor 17. In this embodiment, the detection information of the vehicle speed sensor 15 or the acceleration sensor 17 is used to confirm that the vehicle speed is 0.

[0042] When determining whether the vehicle 1 has stopped, the control unit 50 takes into account predetermined vehicle information in addition to the vehicle speed being 0. That is, even if the vehicle speed acquired by the vehicle speed sensor 15 is 0, if the predetermined vehicle information does not satisfy a specific condition, switching of the driving mode is prohibited. If switching of the driving mode is permitted only on the condition that the vehicle speed is 0, problems may arise if a malfunction occurs in the vehicle speed sensor 15. For example, even if the vehicle 1 is actually moving, if a malfunction in the vehicle speed sensor 15 causes the vehicle speed detected by the sensor to become 0, it is expected that the driving mode will be switched while the vehicle 1 is moving. According to the vehicle 1, by taking into account the predetermined vehicle information, switching of the driving mode is performed while the vehicle 1 is reliably stopped.

[0043] For example, the control unit 50 permits switching of the driving mode when the vehicle speed and the rotation speed of the motor 11 are 0. In this case, the predetermined vehicle information is the rotation speed of the motor 11 acquired by the rotation sensor 16. When the vehicle speed acquired by the vehicle speed sensor 15 is 0 km / h and the rotation speed of the motor 11 acquired by the rotation sensor 16 is 0 rpm, it can be determined more reliably that the vehicle 1 is stopped, and the control unit 50 switches the driving mode of the vehicle 1 based on the operation signal of the selector switch 42.

[0044] The control unit 50 confirms that the rotation speed of the motor 11 is 0 rpm from the information acquired by the rotation sensor 16, and then confirms that the vehicle speed is 0 km / h from the information acquired by the vehicle speed sensor 15. The rotation sensor 16 has a higher resolution and a faster detection speed than the vehicle speed sensor 15, so by processing in this order it is possible to more quickly determine that the vehicle 1 has stopped. Note that if the wheels and the rotating shaft of the motor 11 are connected without a clutch, it is also possible to detect that the vehicle speed is 0 km / h from the rotation speed of the motor 11.

[0045] The control unit 50 can also determine that the vehicle 1 has stopped by confirming that the vehicle speed is 0 km / h and other predetermined vehicle information from the information acquired by the acceleration sensor 17. That is, the control unit 50 can determine that the vehicle 1 has stopped using only the information acquired by the acceleration sensor 17, without using the information acquired by the vehicle speed sensor 15 and the rotation sensor 16. In this case, the predetermined vehicle information is the acceleration acquired by the acceleration sensor 17. When determining that the vehicle 1 has stopped based on the acceleration of the vehicle 1, the vehicle speed sensor 15 can be omitted, and the number of parts of the vehicle 1 can be reduced.

[0046] For example, the control unit 50 can determine that the vehicle 1 is stopped when the acceleration acquired by the acceleration sensor 17 is only gravitational acceleration, i.e., when substantially no acceleration in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 1 is detected and no noise components caused by vibrations during driving are detected. The control unit 50 can also determine that the vehicle 1 is stopped when an integrated value of acceleration over a predetermined period of time is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. The control unit 50 may determine that the vehicle 1 is stopped based on information acquired by the vehicle speed sensor 15 and the acceleration sensor 17, or based on information acquired by the vehicle speed sensor 15, the rotation sensor 16, and the acceleration sensor 17.

[0047] The control unit 50 may permit the switching of the driving mode when the vehicle speed is 0 km / h and the vehicle 1 is in the second state. In this case, the predetermined vehicle information is, for example, information acquired by the saddle sensor 18. When the vehicle speed is 0 km / h and the vehicle 1 is in the second state in which the driver cannot get into the vehicle 1, it is highly likely that the vehicle 1 is stopped, and therefore the control unit 50 switches the driving mode of the vehicle 1 based on the operation signal of the selector switch 42, provided that this condition is met.

[0048] The control unit 50 may permit the switching of the driving mode when the vehicle speed is 0 km / h and no driver is riding in the vehicle 1. In this case, the vehicle 1 is provided with a means for detecting whether or not a driver is riding in the vehicle 1, such as a sensor that detects the load acting on the saddle 5. When the vehicle speed is 0 km / h and no driver is riding in the vehicle 1, it is highly likely that the vehicle 1 is stopped, and therefore the control unit 50 switches the driving mode of the vehicle 1 based on the operation signal of the selector switch 42, provided that this condition is met.

[0049] If the vehicle 1 has a push-walking mode, the control unit 50 may allow switching to the push-walking mode on the condition that the vehicle speed is 0 km / h and the vehicle is in a second state in which the driver cannot ride in the vehicle 1, or that the driver is not riding in the vehicle 1.

[0050] The vehicle 1 may further include a reservation function for reserving a change of driving mode. For example, when a reservation for a change of driving mode is made by the driver, the control unit 50 switches to the reserved driving mode the next time the vehicle 1 is stopped. The reservation for a change of driving mode may be made by operating the switch unit 40 or by voice operation. The vehicle 1 may include, for example, a microphone for capturing voice. The reservation operation can be made while the vehicle 1 is traveling.

[0051] The vehicle 1 is equipped with a brake switch 45 for turning on the taillights 32 when the brakes 21 are applied. If the brake switch 45 malfunctions, it may be possible to prohibit the driving of the motor 11, but prohibiting the driving of the motor 11 across the board would significantly impair usability. For example, when the control unit 50 determines that the brake switch 45 is malfunctioning, it executes at least one process selected from reducing the output of the motor 11, increasing the deceleration rate of the motor 11 when the operation amount of the accelerator grip 20 decreases, and issuing a notification to the driver urging them to inspect the brakes 21.

[0052] The control unit 50 may determine that the brake switch 45 has failed when an operation signal from the accelerator grip 20 and an ON signal from the brake switch 45 are simultaneously acquired. If a malfunction has occurred in the brake switch 45 but the brake 21 is operating normally, this will not impair driving performance, and the vehicle 1 may continue to run after sufficiently ensuring safety by reducing the output of the motor 11, for example.

[0053] An example of a process related to the control of switching between driving modes will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0054] 4, the control unit 50 determines whether the rotation speed of the motor 11 acquired by the rotation sensor 16 is 0 rpm (step S1). Subsequently, the control unit 50 determines whether the vehicle speed acquired by the vehicle speed sensor 15 is 0 km / h (step S2). Then, when an operation signal of the changeover switch 42 is acquired (Yes in step S3), the control unit 50 executes switching of the driving mode based on the operation signal (step S4) on the condition that the rotation speed of the motor 11 is 0 rpm and the vehicle speed is 0 km / h (Yes in steps S1 and S2).

[0055] The control unit 50 does not permit switching of the driving mode simply because the vehicle speed acquired by the vehicle speed sensor 15 is 0 km / h, but determines that the vehicle 1 is stopped and permits switching of the driving mode only if the vehicle speed is 0 km / h and the rotation speed of the motor 11 is 0 rpm. In other words, if the vehicle speed or the rotation speed of the motor 11 is not 0, operation of the selector switch 42 is invalidated and switching of the driving mode is prohibited. Note that, in addition to or instead of checking the rotation speed of the motor 11, the driver's riding / non-riding state may be checked, and it may be determined that the vehicle speed is 0 km / h from the acceleration of the vehicle 1.

[0056] When the control unit 50 disables the operation of the selector switch 42, the control unit 50 may output predetermined information to the display unit of the switch unit 40 to notify the user that switching of the driving mode is prohibited. At this time, information urging the user to perform an appropriate operation, such as "Please switch the driving mode only after the vehicle has completely stopped," may be output. Furthermore, since it is conceivable that the vehicle speed or the number of rotations of the motor 11 will not become 0 due to a malfunction of a sensor even when the vehicle 1 is actually stopped, information urging the user to inspect the vehicle 1 may be output.

[0057] As described above, with vehicle 1 having the above configuration, it is possible to more accurately determine the stopped state of vehicle 1, and switching of driving modes is performed when vehicle 1 is reliably stopped. Since vehicle speed sensor 15, which detects vehicle speed, is more prone to malfunction than sensors installed inside motor unit 10, switching of driving modes while vehicle 1 is traveling can be more reliably prevented by determining whether vehicle 1 is stopped based on predetermined vehicle information such as the number of rotations of motor 11, the acceleration of vehicle 1, and whether the driver is in or out of the vehicle.

[0058] In addition to the above-mentioned modifications, the above embodiment can be modified in various ways without impairing the object of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 1 vehicle, 2 frame, 2a head pipe, 2b front fork, 2c down pipe, 2d seat pipe, 2e chain stay, 2f seat stay, 3a front wheel, 3b rear wheel, 4 handlebars, 5 saddle, 6 chain, 7 footpegs, 8a front carrier, 8b rear carrier, 10 motor unit, 11 motor, 12 drive circuit, 13 battery, 14 AP sensor, 15 vehicle speed sensor, 16 rotation sensor, 17 acceleration sensor, 18 saddle sensor, 19 switching device, 20 accelerator grip, 21 brake, 30 maximum speed indicator, 31 headlight, 32 taillight, 33 turn signal, 34 license plate, 40 switch unit, 41 power switch, 42 selector switch, 45 brake switch, 50 control unit

Claims

1. In a vehicle that can run in multiple driving modes using a drive source, a detection unit that detects that the vehicle speed is 0; a control unit for switching the driving mode; Equipped with The control unit determines whether the vehicle is stopped based on the vehicle speed being 0 and predetermined vehicle information, and allows the driving mode to be switched when it determines that the vehicle is stopped.

2. 2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of driving modes include a first driving mode that limits vehicle speed to not more than a first maximum speed, and a second driving mode that limits vehicle speed to not more than a second maximum speed that is lower than the first maximum speed.

3. The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the detection unit includes a vehicle speed sensor attached to a wheel.

4. the drive source is a motor, Further, a rotation sensor is provided to detect the rotation speed of the motor. the predetermined vehicle information is the number of rotations of the motor acquired by the rotation sensor, The vehicle according to claim 3 , wherein the control unit permits the switching of the driving mode when the vehicle speed and the number of rotations of the motor are zero.

5. 5. The vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the control unit confirms that the number of rotations of the motor is 0 from the information acquired by the rotation sensor, and then confirms that the vehicle speed is 0 from the information acquired by the vehicle speed sensor.

6. the vehicle is configured to be switchable between a first state in which a driver can ride and a second state in which a driver cannot ride, and includes a sensor that detects at least one of the first state and the second state; the predetermined vehicle information is information acquired by the sensor, The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit permits the switching of the driving mode when the vehicle speed is 0 and the vehicle is in the second state.

7. Further, a sensor for detecting whether a driver is in the vehicle is provided, the predetermined vehicle information is whether or not a driver is in the vehicle, which is acquired by the sensor; The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit permits the switching of the driving mode when the vehicle speed is 0 and a driver is not in the vehicle.

8. Further provided is a reservation function for reserving switching of the driving mode, The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit switches the reserved driving mode the next time the vehicle is stopped.

9. the detection unit includes an acceleration sensor, The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit determines that the vehicle is stopped by confirming that the vehicle speed is 0 from the information acquired by the acceleration sensor and the predetermined vehicle information.

Images