Straddle-type electric vehicle

Abstract

Straddle-type electric vehicle capable of easily and suitably controlling rotation speed of drive wheel SOLUTION: The straddled electric vehicle 1 includes an electric motor 5 and a rear wheel 9. The rear wheel 9 is driven by the rotation of the electric motor 5. The straddled electric vehicle 1 further includes an accelerator position sensor 13, a rotation sensor 15, a speed sensor 14, and a controller 20. The accelerator position sensor 13 detects an operation amount AP of the accelerator grip 7. The rotation sensor 15 detects a rotation speed R of the electric motor 5. The speed sensor 14 detects a speed V of the straddled electric vehicle 1. The controller 20 controls the torque of the electric motor 5 based on the operation amount AP of the accelerator grip 7, the rotation speed R of the electric motor 5, and the speed V of the straddled electric vehicle 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electric motorcycle. The electric motorcycle includes an accelerator operation amount sensor, an ECU, an electric motor, and drive wheels. The accelerator operation amount sensor detects the accelerator operation amount. The ECU receives the accelerator operation amount detected by the accelerator operation amount sensor. The ECU controls the output of the electric motor according to the accelerator operation amount. The electric motor drives the drive wheels. As a result, for example, when the accelerator operation amount increases, the electric motorcycle enters an accelerating state. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2012 / 157013 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a saddle-type vehicle is traveling, unevenness in the road surface can cause the drive wheels to lift off the road surface. When the drive wheels lift off the road surface, they spin. When the drive wheels spin, excess drive force is converted into rotational energy in the drive wheels, causing the rotation speed of the drive wheels to increase, which can lead to the drive wheels rotating at high speeds. When the saddle-type vehicle is accelerating, the rotation speed of the drive wheels when spinning is even greater.

[0005] When the drive wheels are driven by an electric motor, it is easy for the rotation speed of the drive wheels to increase during idle rotation, because when the drive wheels are driven by an electric motor, the resistance to rotation of the drive wheels is relatively small.

[0006] For example, an engine generates pumping loss. Friction against the rotation of the engine is relatively large. Pumping loss and friction are resistance to the rotation of the drive wheels. Therefore, when the drive wheels are driven by an engine, the resistance to the rotation of the drive wheels is relatively large. Therefore, when the drive wheels are driven by an engine, the rotation speed of the drive wheels is relatively difficult to increase when they are spinning. In contrast, an electric motor does not generate pumping loss. Friction against the rotation of an electric motor is relatively small. Therefore, when the drive wheels are driven by an electric motor, the resistance to the rotation of the drive wheels is relatively small. Therefore, when the drive wheels are driven by an electric motor, the rotation speed of the drive wheels is relatively easy to increase when they are spinning.

[0007] When the drive wheels are driven by an electric motor, it may be easier for the rotation speed of the drive wheels to increase during idle driving, because the drive wheels may be driven by the electric motor without going through a transmission mechanism.

[0008] For example, when the drive wheels are driven by an engine, the drive wheels are driven by the engine via a transmission mechanism. The transmission mechanism limits the rotation speed of the drive wheels to a certain level or below. The transmission mechanism is, for example, a five-speed or six-speed transmission mechanism. When the transmission mechanism is shifted to first or second speed, the rotation speed of the drive wheels is limited to a sufficiently small level. Therefore, when the drive wheels are driven by the engine, the rotation speed of the drive wheels during idle spin is relatively unlikely to increase. In contrast, when the drive wheels are driven by an electric motor, the drive wheels may be driven by the electric motor without using a transmission mechanism. When the drive wheels are driven by the electric motor without using a transmission mechanism, the rotation speed of the drive wheels is not limited. Therefore, when the drive wheels are driven by the electric motor, the rotation speed of the drive wheels during idle spin may be relatively likely to increase.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a straddle-type electric vehicle in which the rotation speed of the drive wheels can be easily and suitably controlled. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has the following configuration. That is, the present invention is A straddled electric vehicle, An electric motor; a driving wheel driven by the rotation of the electric motor; an accelerator position sensor that detects an accelerator operation amount; a rotation sensor for detecting the rotation speed of the electric motor; a speed sensor for detecting a speed of the saddle-ride type electric vehicle; a control unit that controls the torque of the electric motor based on the operation amount of the accelerator, the rotation speed of the electric motor, and the speed of the saddle riding type electric vehicle. It is a saddle-type electric vehicle.

[0011] A saddle-riding type electric vehicle includes an electric motor and drive wheels. The drive wheels are driven by rotation of the electric motor. The saddle-riding type electric vehicle further includes an accelerator position sensor, a rotation sensor, a speed sensor, and a control unit. The accelerator position sensor detects the amount of accelerator operation. The rotation sensor detects the rotation speed of the electric motor. The speed sensor detects the speed of the saddle-riding type electric vehicle. The control unit controls the torque of the electric motor based on the amount of accelerator operation, the rotation speed of the electric motor, and the speed of the saddle-riding type electric vehicle. This makes it easy to appropriately control the rotation speed of the drive wheels. For example, it is possible to reduce the increase in the rotation speed of the drive wheels when the drive wheels lift off the road surface. For example, even if the drive wheels spin, the rotation speed of the drive wheels does not become excessively high. For example, the rotation speed of the drive wheels does not increase suddenly when the drive wheels spin.

[0012] In the above-mentioned saddle-type electric vehicle, The control unit preferably includes a storage unit that stores information defining the relationship between the accelerator operation amount, the rotation speed of the electric motor, the speed of the saddle-type electric vehicle, and the torque command value. The control unit includes a memory unit. The memory unit stores information. The information specifies the relationship between the accelerator operation amount, the electric motor rotation speed, the speed of the saddle-riding type electric vehicle, and the torque command value. This makes it easy for the control unit to obtain the torque command value. The control unit controls the electric motor using the torque command value. For example, the control unit controls the torque of the electric motor so that it is equal to the torque command value. This makes it easy for the control unit to control the torque of the electric motor based on the accelerator operation amount, the electric motor rotation speed, and the speed of the saddle-riding type electric vehicle.

[0013] In the above-mentioned saddle-type electric vehicle, the information sets the torque command value to a first torque command value when the manipulated variable is a first manipulated variable, the rotational speed is a first rotational speed, and the speed is a first speed; the information sets the torque command value to a second torque command value when the operation amount is the first operation amount, the rotation speed is the first rotation speed, and the speed is a second speed; the first speed is less than the second speed; The first torque command value is preferably smaller than the second torque command value. For convenience, the state of the saddle-riding type electric vehicle when the operation amount is a first operation amount, the rotation speed is a first rotation speed, and the speed is a first speed will be referred to as the "first state." When the saddle-riding type electric vehicle is in the first state, the control unit controls the electric motor with a first torque command value. When the control unit controls the electric motor with the first torque command value, the electric motor outputs a first torque. For convenience, the state of the saddle-riding type electric vehicle when the operation amount is the first operation amount, the rotation speed is the first rotation speed, and the speed is the second speed will be referred to as the "second state." When the saddle-riding type electric vehicle is in the second state, the control unit controls the electric motor with a second torque command value. When the control unit controls the electric motor with the second torque command value, the electric motor outputs a second torque. Here, the first speed is smaller than the second speed. The first torque command value is smaller than the second torque command value. The smaller the torque command value, the smaller the torque output by the electric motor. Therefore, the first torque is smaller than the second torque. Therefore, in the first state, it is relatively difficult for the rotation speed of the electric motor to increase. Therefore, the rotation speed of the drive wheels does not become excessively high. In this way, in the first state, the rotation speed of the drive wheels can be appropriately controlled. The second speed is greater than the first speed. The second torque command value is greater than the first torque command value. The larger the torque command value, the greater the torque output by the electric motor. Therefore, the second torque is greater than the first torque. Therefore, in the second state, the rotation speed of the electric motor increases relatively easily. Therefore, in the second state, the saddle-type electric vehicle accelerates smoothly. In this way, the rotation speed of the drive wheels can be appropriately controlled even in the second state.

[0014] In the above-mentioned saddle-type electric vehicle, When the electric motor rotates at the first rotation speed, the peripheral speed of the drive wheels is a first peripheral speed; the first peripheral speed is greater than the first speed; The difference between the first peripheral speed and the second speed is preferably greater than a threshold value. Therefore, the difference between the first circumferential speed and the first speed is relatively large. Therefore, in the first state, it is estimated that the drive wheels are spinning. As described above, in the first state, it is relatively difficult for the rotation speed of the electric motor to increase. Therefore, when it is estimated that the drive wheels are spinning, the rotation speed of the drive wheels does not become excessively high. In this way, when it is estimated that the drive wheels are spinning, it is possible to appropriately control the rotation speed of the drive wheels.

[0015] In the above-mentioned saddle-type electric vehicle, The difference between the first peripheral speed and the second speed is preferably equal to or less than the threshold value. Therefore, the difference between the first peripheral speed and the second speed is relatively small. Therefore, in the second state, it is estimated that the drive wheels are in proper contact with the road surface. As described above, in the second state, the rotation speed of the electric motor is relatively easy to increase. Therefore, when it is estimated that the drive wheels are in proper contact with the road surface, the saddle-type electric vehicle accelerates smoothly. In this way, when it is estimated that the drive wheels are in proper contact with the road surface, it is possible to appropriately control the rotation speed of the drive wheels.

[0016] In the above-mentioned saddle-type electric vehicle, The first reference value is smaller than the first rotation speed, When the manipulated variable is the first manipulated variable and the speed is the first speed, it is preferable that the torque command value decreases as the rotation speed increases within a range greater than the first reference value. Therefore, when the operation amount is the first operation amount and the speed is the first speed, the torque of the electric motor gradually decreases as the rotation speed increases within a range greater than the first reference value. For example, when the rotation speed is greater than the first reference value, the torque of the electric motor changes relatively slowly. Therefore, it is easy to maintain the comfort of the saddle-type electric vehicle. In this way, when the rotation speed is greater than the first reference value, the rotation speed of the drive wheels can be appropriately controlled.

[0017] In the above-mentioned saddle-type electric vehicle, The second reference value is greater than the first reference value, When the operation amount is the first operation amount and the speed is the first speed, it is preferable that the torque command value decreases as the rotation speed increases within a range greater than the first reference value and less than or equal to the second reference value. Therefore, when the operation amount is the first operation amount and the speed is the first speed, the torque of the electric motor gradually decreases as the rotation speed increases in a range greater than the first reference value and equal to or less than the second reference value. Therefore, the torque of the electric motor changes relatively slowly. Therefore, it is easy to maintain the comfort of the saddle-type electric vehicle. In this way, the rotation speed of the drive wheels can be appropriately controlled in a range greater than the first reference value and equal to or less than the second reference value.

[0018] In the above-mentioned saddle-type electric vehicle, The difference between the second reference value and the first reference value is preferably 100 rpm or more. The difference between the second reference value and the first reference value is relatively large. Therefore, when the operation amount is the first operation amount and the speed is the first speed, the torque of the electric motor decreases gradually as the rotation speed increases in a range greater than the first reference value and equal to or less than the second reference value. This makes it easier to maintain comfort in the saddle-type electric vehicle. In this way, the rotation speed of the drive wheels can be appropriately controlled in a range greater than the first reference value and equal to or less than the second reference value.

[0019] In the above-mentioned saddle-type electric vehicle, It is preferable that the torque command value is a minimum value when the manipulated variable is the first manipulated variable, the speed is the first speed, and the rotational speed is equal to or greater than the second reference value. Therefore, when the operation amount is the first operation amount, the speed is the first speed, and the rotation speed is equal to or greater than the second reference value, the torque of the electric motor is minimum. When the torque of the electric motor is minimum, the rotation speed of the drive wheels is unlikely to increase. For example, when the operation amount is the first operation amount, the speed is the first speed, and the rotation speed is equal to or greater than the second reference value, the rotation speed of the drive wheels does not become excessively high. In this way, when the operation amount is the first operation amount, the speed is the first speed, and the rotation speed is equal to or greater than the second reference value, the rotation speed of the drive wheels can be appropriately controlled.

[0020] In the above-mentioned saddle-type electric vehicle, It is preferable that the torque command value is zero when the manipulated variable is the first manipulated variable, the speed is the first speed, and the rotational speed is equal to or greater than the second reference value. Therefore, when the operation amount is the first operation amount, the speed is the first speed, and the rotation speed is equal to or greater than the second reference value, the torque of the electric motor is zero. When the torque of the electric motor is zero, the rotation speed of the drive wheels is unlikely to increase. For example, when the operation amount is the first operation amount, the speed is the first speed, and the rotation speed is equal to or greater than the second reference value, the rotation speed of the drive wheels does not become excessively high. In this way, when the operation amount is the first operation amount, the speed is the first speed, and the rotation speed is equal to or greater than the second reference value, the rotation speed of the drive wheels can be appropriately controlled.

[0021] In the above-mentioned saddle-type electric vehicle, It is preferable that the torque command value is smaller than zero when the manipulated variable is the first manipulated variable, the speed is the first speed, and the rotational speed is equal to or greater than the second reference value. Therefore, when the operation amount is the first operation amount, the speed is the first speed, and the rotation speed is equal to or greater than the second reference value, the torque of the electric motor is less than zero. When the torque of the electric motor is less than zero, it is difficult to increase the rotation speed of the drive wheels. For example, when the operation amount is the first operation amount, the speed is the first speed, and the rotation speed is equal to or greater than the second reference value, the rotation speed of the drive wheels decreases. In this way, when the operation amount is the first operation amount, the speed is the first speed, and the rotation speed is equal to or greater than the second reference value, the rotation speed of the drive wheels can be appropriately controlled.

[0022] In the above-mentioned saddle-type electric vehicle, the information sets the torque command value to a third torque command value when the operation amount is the first operation amount, the rotation speed is the second rotation speed, and the speed is the first speed; the information sets the torque command value to a fourth torque command value when the operation amount is the first operation amount, the rotation speed is the second rotation speed, and the speed is the second speed; the first speed is less than the second speed; The third torque command value is preferably equal to the fourth torque command value. For convenience, the state of the saddle riding type electric vehicle when the operation amount is the first operation amount, the rotation speed is the second rotation speed, and the speed is the first speed will be referred to as the "third state." When the saddle riding type electric vehicle is in the third state, the control unit controls the electric motor with a third torque command value. When the control unit controls the electric motor with the third torque command value, the electric motor outputs a third torque. For convenience, the state of the saddle riding type electric vehicle when the operation amount is the first operation amount, the rotation speed is the second rotation speed, and the speed is the second speed will be referred to as the "fourth state." When the saddle riding type electric vehicle is in the fourth state, the control unit controls the electric motor with a fourth torque command value. When the control unit controls the electric motor with the fourth torque command value, the electric motor outputs a fourth torque. The first speed is smaller than the second speed. The third torque command value is equal to the fourth torque command value. Therefore, the third torque is equal to the fourth torque. Therefore, whether the saddle riding type electric vehicle is in the third state or the fourth state, the rotation speed of the electric motor is relatively easy to increase. For example, the acceleration performance of the saddle riding type electric vehicle in the third state is equal to the acceleration performance of the saddle riding type electric vehicle in the fourth state. In this way, the rotation speed of the drive wheels can be appropriately controlled whether the saddle riding type electric vehicle is in the third state or the fourth state.

[0023] In the above-mentioned saddle-type electric vehicle, When the electric motor rotates at the second rotation speed, the peripheral speed of the drive wheels is a second peripheral speed, the second rotation speed is smaller than the first rotation speed, The difference between the second peripheral speed and the first speed is preferably equal to or less than the threshold value. The second rotation speed is smaller than the first rotation speed. The difference between the second circumferential speed and the first speed is equal to or smaller than the threshold value. Therefore, the difference between the second circumferential speed and the first speed is relatively small. Therefore, in the third state, it is estimated that the drive wheels are in proper contact with the road surface. The third torque command value is equal to the fourth torque command value. As described above, the rotation speed of the electric motor is relatively easy to increase whether the saddle riding type electric vehicle is in the third state or the fourth state. Therefore, when it is estimated that the drive wheels are in proper contact with the road surface, the rotation speed of the electric motor is relatively easy to increase even when the speed of the saddle riding type electric vehicle is low. For example, when it is estimated that the drive wheels are in proper contact with the road surface, it is easy to increase the speed of the saddle riding type electric vehicle. In this way, when it is estimated that the drive wheels are in proper contact with the road surface, it is easy to appropriately control the rotation speed of the drive wheels.

[0024] In the above-mentioned saddle-type electric vehicle, It is preferable that the information includes first information and second information, the first information defining the relationship between the accelerator operation amount, the rotation speed of the electric motor, and the torque command value, and the second information defining the relationship between the accelerator operation amount, the rotation speed of the electric motor, and the torque command value, and that when the speed of the saddle riding type electric vehicle is within a first range, the control unit uses the first information to select the torque command value to control the electric motor, and when the speed of the saddle riding type electric vehicle is within a second range, the control unit uses the second information to select the torque command value to control the electric motor. Therefore, it is easy to reduce the size of the information and the capacity of the storage unit.

[0025] In the above-mentioned saddle-type electric vehicle, the control unit controls the torque of the electric motor to a first torque when the operation amount is a first operation amount, the rotational speed is a first rotational speed, and the speed is a first speed; the control unit controls the torque of the electric motor to a second torque when the operation amount is the first operation amount, the rotational speed is the first rotational speed, and the speed is a second speed; the first speed is less than the second speed; The first torque is preferably smaller than the second torque. When the manipulated variable is a first manipulated variable, the rotational speed is a first rotational speed, and the speed is a first speed, the electric motor outputs a first torque. When the manipulated variable is the first manipulated variable, the rotational speed is the first rotational speed, and the speed is the second speed, the electric motor outputs a second torque. Here, the first speed is smaller than the second speed. The first torque is smaller than the second torque. Therefore, when the operation amount is the first operation amount, the rotation speed is the first rotation speed, and the speed is the first speed, the rotation speed of the electric motor is relatively difficult to increase. Therefore, when the operation amount is the first operation amount, the rotation speed is the first rotation speed, and the speed is the first speed, the rotation speed of the drive wheels does not become excessively high. In this way, when the operation amount is the first operation amount, the rotation speed is the first rotation speed, and the speed is the first speed, the rotation speed of the drive wheels can be appropriately controlled. The second speed is greater than the first speed. The second torque is greater than the first torque. Therefore, when the operation amount is the first operation amount, the rotation speed is the first rotation speed, and the speed is the second speed, the rotation speed of the electric motor is relatively easy to increase. Therefore, when the operation amount is the first operation amount, the rotation speed is the first rotation speed, and the speed is the second speed, the saddle-type electric vehicle accelerates smoothly. In this way, when the operation amount is the first operation amount, the rotation speed is the first rotation speed, and the speed is the second speed, the rotation speed of the drive wheels can be appropriately controlled.

[0026] In the above-mentioned saddle-type electric vehicle, The first reference value is smaller than the first rotation speed, When the operation amount is the first operation amount and the speed is the first speed, it is preferable that the torque of the electric motor decreases as the rotation speed increases within a range greater than the first reference value. Therefore, when the operation amount is the first operation amount and the speed is the first speed, the torque of the electric motor gradually decreases as the rotation speed increases within a range greater than the first reference value. For example, when the rotation speed is greater than the first reference value, the torque of the electric motor changes relatively slowly. Therefore, it is easy to maintain the comfort of the saddle-type electric vehicle. In this way, when the rotation speed is greater than the first reference value, the rotation speed of the drive wheels can be appropriately controlled.

[0027] In the above-mentioned saddle-type electric vehicle, The second reference value is greater than the first reference value, When the operation amount is the first operation amount and the speed is the first speed, it is preferable that the torque of the electric motor decreases as the rotation speed increases within a range greater than the first reference value and less than or equal to the second reference value. Therefore, when the operation amount is the first operation amount and the speed is the first speed, the torque of the electric motor gradually decreases as the rotation speed increases in a range greater than the first reference value and equal to or less than the second reference value. Therefore, when the rotation speed is greater than the first reference value and equal to or less than the second reference value, the torque of the electric motor changes relatively slowly. This makes it easy to maintain the comfort of the saddle-type electric vehicle. In this way, the rotation speed of the drive wheels can be appropriately controlled in a range greater than the first reference value and equal to or less than the second reference value. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] According to the straddle-type electric vehicle of the present invention, it is easy to suitably control the rotation speed of the drive wheels. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a right side view of a saddle-type electric vehicle according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a saddle-type electric vehicle. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an information configuration. [Figure 4]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an information configuration. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an information configuration. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an information configuration according to a modified embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an information configuration according to a modified embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] A straddle-type electric vehicle according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.

[0031] 1. Schematic configuration of saddle-type electric vehicle 1 1 is a right side view of a saddle-ride type electric vehicle 1 according to an embodiment. The schematic configuration of the saddle-ride type electric vehicle 1 will be described.

[0032] FIG. 1 shows the front-rear direction X, width direction Y, and up-down direction Z of a saddle riding type electric vehicle 1. The front-rear direction X, width direction Y, and up-down direction Z are defined relative to a driver (also called a rider) riding on the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1. The front-rear direction X, width direction Y, and up-down direction Z are perpendicular to each other. The front-rear direction X and width direction Y are horizontal. The up-down direction Z is vertical.

[0033] The terms "front," "rear," "up," "down," "right," and "left" refer to the directions of a driver riding on the saddle-riding type electric vehicle 1, respectively. Unless otherwise specified, "front" and "rear" in this specification include not only directions parallel to the front-rear direction X but also directions close to the front-rear direction X. A direction close to the front-rear direction X is, for example, a direction that forms an angle of 45 degrees or less with the front-rear direction X. Similarly, unless otherwise specified, "right" and "left" include not only directions parallel to the width direction Y but also directions close to the width direction Y. Unless otherwise specified, "up" and "down" include not only directions parallel to the up-down direction Z but also directions close to the up-down direction Z. In each drawing, FRONT, REAR, UP, DOWN, RIGHT, and LEFT are appropriately indicated for reference.

[0034] The straddle-type electric vehicle 1 is classified as, for example, an off-road vehicle. Off-road vehicles are suitable for traveling on rough terrain, for example. Off-road vehicles include, for example, motocross bikes and dual-purpose vehicles. Dual-purpose vehicles are also called dual-sport motorcycles.

[0035] The straddle-type electric vehicle 1 includes a body frame 2.

[0036] The straddle-type electric vehicle 1 includes a front fork 3. The front fork 3 is supported by a body frame 2. The front fork 3 extends forward and downward from the body frame 2.

[0037] The straddle-type electric vehicle 1 includes a front wheel 4. The front wheel 4 is supported by a lower portion of a front fork 3.

[0038] The saddle-riding type electric vehicle 1 includes an electric motor 5. The electric motor 5 propels the saddle-riding type electric vehicle 1. The electric motor 5 converts electric power into power for propelling the saddle-riding type electric vehicle 1. The electric motor 5 outputs the power. The electric motor 5 is supported by the body frame 2.

[0039] The electric motor 5 is, for example, fixed to the body frame 2. The electric motor 5 is, for example, unable to swing relative to the body frame 2. The electric motor 5 is, for example, an AC motor.

[0040] The saddle-type electric vehicle 1 is equipped with a handlebar 6. The handlebar 6 is supported on the upper part of the front fork 3. An accelerator grip 7 is provided on the right end of the handlebar 6. The accelerator grip 7 is operated by the rider when adjusting the output of the electric motor 5. The accelerator grip 7 is also called the "accelerator."

[0041] The accelerator grip 7 corresponds to the accelerator of the present invention.

[0042] The straddle-type electric vehicle 1 includes a swing arm 8. The swing arm 8 is supported by the body frame 2. The swing arm 8 is swingable relative to the body frame 2. The swing arm 8 extends rearward from the body frame 2.

[0043] The straddle-type electric vehicle 1 includes a rear wheel 9. The rear wheel 9 is supported at the rear of a swing arm 8. The rear wheel 9 is driven by rotation of an electric motor 5.

[0044] The rear wheels 9 correspond to the drive wheels of the present invention.

[0045] The saddle-riding type electric vehicle 1 is provided with a transmission mechanism (not shown). The transmission mechanism is configured to change the gear ratio between the electric motor 5 and the rear wheel 9. The transmission mechanism changes the rotation speed of the rear wheel 9 relative to the rotation speed of the electric motor 5. Note that the saddle-riding type electric vehicle 1 does not necessarily have to be provided with a transmission mechanism. In this case, the gear ratio between the electric motor 5 and the rear wheel 9 is constant. The ratio between the rotation speed of the electric motor 5 and the rotation speed of the rear wheel 9 is constant.

[0046] The straddle-type electric vehicle 1 includes a power transmission mechanism 10. The power transmission mechanism 10 transmits power from the electric motor 5 to the rear wheel 9. The power transmission mechanism 10 includes, for example, at least one of a chain, a belt, and a drive shaft.

[0047] The saddle-type electric vehicle 1 includes a battery 11. The battery 11 supplies electric power to, for example, the electric motor 5. The battery 11 is supported by the body frame 2. The battery 11 is, for example, fixed to the body frame 2. The battery 11 is, for example, unable to swing relative to the body frame 2.

[0048] 2 is a block diagram of the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1. The saddle riding type electric vehicle 1 is equipped with an accelerator position sensor 13. The accelerator position sensor 13 is connected directly or indirectly to the accelerator grip 7. The accelerator position sensor 13 detects the amount of operation of the accelerator grip 7.

[0049] The saddle riding type electric vehicle 1 is equipped with a speed sensor 14. The speed sensor 14 is directly or indirectly connected to the front wheel 4 or the rear wheel 9. The speed sensor 14 detects the speed of the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1, for example, by detecting the rotational speed of the front wheel 4 or the rear wheel 9. The speed sensor 14 detects the speed of the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1.

[0050] The straddle-type electric vehicle 1 includes a rotation sensor 15. The rotation sensor 15 is directly or indirectly connected to the electric motor 5. The rotation sensor 15 detects the rotation speed of the electric motor 5.

[0051] The saddle-type electric vehicle 1 includes a control unit 20 .

[0052] The control unit 20 is electrically connected to the accelerator position sensor 13. The control unit 20 acquires the operation amount of the accelerator grip 7 detected by the accelerator position sensor 13.

[0053] The control unit 20 is electrically connected to the speed sensor 14. The control unit 20 acquires the speed of the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1 detected by the speed sensor 14.

[0054] The control unit 20 is electrically connected to the rotation sensor 15. The control unit 20 acquires the rotation speed of the electric motor 5 detected by the rotation sensor 15.

[0055] The control unit 20 is electrically connected to the electric motor 5. The control unit 20 controls the output of the electric motor 5 based on the amount of operation of the accelerator grip 7, the rotation speed of the electric motor 5, and the speed of the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1. The control unit 20 controls the torque of the electric motor 5 based on the amount of operation of the accelerator grip 7, the rotation speed of the electric motor 5, and the speed of the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1.

[0056] The control unit 20 includes a storage unit 21. The storage unit 21 stores information U. The control unit 20 controls the electric motor 5 based on the information U.

[0057] 2. Composition of Information U The structure of the information U will be described.

[0058] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the information U. The information U defines the relationship between the operation amount AP of the accelerator grip 7, the rotation speed R of the electric motor 5, the speed V of the saddle-riding type electric vehicle 1, and the torque command value T. The information U is expressed, for example, in three-dimensional coordinates. The information U includes a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis. The first axis represents the rotation speed R of the electric motor 5. The unit of the rotation speed R is, for example, [rpm]. The second axis represents the speed V of the saddle-riding type electric vehicle 1. The unit of the speed V is, for example, [km / h]. The third axis represents the torque command value T. The unit of the torque command value T is, for example, [N·m]. For simplicity of illustration, FIG. 3 shows the information U when the operation amount AP of the accelerator grip 7 is the first operation amount AP1.

[0059] The information U may be, for example, a torque map. The information U may be, for example, represented by two-dimensional coordinates. The information U may be, for example, a table.

[0060] The torque command value T is a target value for the torque of the electric motor 5. The torque command value T is used by the control unit 20 to control the electric motor 5. The torque of the electric motor 5 changes according to the torque command value T. When the torque command value T increases, the torque of the electric motor 5 increases. When the torque command value T decreases, the torque of the electric motor 5 decreases.

[0061] Curve K1 shows the relationship between the rotation speed R and the torque command value T when the manipulated variable AP is a first manipulated variable AP1 and the speed V is a first speed V1. Curve K1 includes points P1a, P1b, P1c, and P1d. Curve K1 connects points P1a, P1b, P1c, and P1d.

[0062] Curve K2 shows the relationship between the rotation speed R and the torque command value T when the manipulated variable AP is the first manipulated variable AP1 and the speed V is the second speed V2. The second speed V2 is greater than the first speed V1. Curve K2 includes points P2a, P2b, P2c, and P2d. Curve K2 connects points P2a, P2b, P2c, and P2d.

[0063] The torque command value T depends on the rotation speed R. The torque command value T changes according to the rotation speed R.

[0064] The torque command value T depends on the speed V. The torque command value T changes according to the speed V.

[0065] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the information U. FIG. 4 shows a portion of the information U when the speed V is a first speed V1. The information U is expressed, for example, in two-dimensional coordinates. The information U has a first axis and a second axis. The first axis indicates the rotation speed R of the electric motor 5. The second axis indicates the torque command value T.

[0066] As described above, the curve K1 shows the relationship between the rotation speed R and the torque command value T when the manipulated variable AP is the first manipulated variable AP1 and the speed V is the first speed V1. The curve K1 includes points P1a, P1b, P1c, and P1d. The curve K1 connects points P1a, P1b, P1c, and P1d.

[0067] Curve K3 shows the relationship between the rotation speed R and the torque command value T when the control input AP is the second control input AP2 and the speed V is the first speed V1. The second control input AP2 is smaller than the first control input AP1. Curve K3 includes points P3a, P3b, P3c, and P3d. Curve K3 connects points P3a, P3b, P3c, and P3d.

[0068] Curve K1 and curve K3 are different. Curve K1 and curve K3 are partially different. For example, in the range where the rotation speed R is equal to or greater than 0 and smaller than the second reference value G2, curve K1 and curve K3 are different. For example, in the range where the rotation speed R is equal to or greater than the second reference value G2, curve K1 and curve K3 are the same. The second reference value G2 is the rotation speed R at point P1c and the rotation speed R at point P3c.

[0069] The torque command value T depends on the manipulated variable AP. The torque command value T changes according to the manipulated variable AP. For example, when the manipulated variable AP is the first manipulated variable AP1, the speed V is the first speed V1, and the number of revolutions R is the number of revolutions RA, the torque command value T is greater than the torque command value T when the manipulated variable AP is the second manipulated variable AP2, the speed V is the first speed V1, and the number of revolutions R is the number of revolutions RA. However, the number of revolutions RA is set to a value greater than or equal to 0 and smaller than the second reference value G2.

[0070] For example, when the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1, the speed V is the first speed V1, and the rotation speed R is the rotation speed RB, the torque command value T is equal to the torque command value T when the operation amount AP is the second operation amount AP2, the speed V is the first speed V1, and the rotation speed R is the rotation speed RB. However, the rotation speed RB is set to a value equal to or greater than the second reference value G2.

[0071] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the information U. FIG. 5 shows a portion of the information U when the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1. As described above, the curve K1 shows the relationship between the rotation speed R and the torque command value T when the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1 and the speed V is the first speed V1. The curve K1 depends on the rotation speed R. The torque command value T of the curve K1 changes according to the rotation speed R. As described above, the curve K2 shows the relationship between the rotation speed R and the torque command value T when the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1 and the speed V is the second speed V2. The curve K2 depends on the rotation speed R. The torque command value T of the curve K2 changes according to the rotation speed R.

[0072] Curve K1 will now be described. In the range where the rotation speed R is equal to or greater than 0 and equal to or less than the first reference value G1, the torque command value T on curve K1 decreases as the rotation speed R increases. When the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1 and the speed V is the first speed V1, the torque command value T decreases as the rotation speed R increases in the range where the rotation speed R is equal to or greater than 0 and equal to or less than the first reference value G1. Note that in the range where the rotation speed R is equal to or greater than 0 and equal to or less than the first reference value G1, the torque command value T on curve K1 does not have to decrease as the rotation speed R increases. For example, in the range where the rotation speed R is equal to or greater than 0 and equal to or less than the first reference value G1, the torque command value T on curve K1 may be constant.

[0073] Therefore, when the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1 and the speed V is the first speed V1, the torque of the electric motor 5 decreases as the rotation speed R increases within a range from 0 to a first reference value G1. The first reference value G1 is the rotation speed R at point P1b.

[0074] In a range where the rotation speed R is greater than the first reference value G1, the torque command value T of the curve K1 decreases as the rotation speed R increases. When the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1 and the speed V is the first speed V1, the torque command value T decreases as the rotation speed R increases in a range where the rotation speed R is greater than the first reference value G1.

[0075] Therefore, when the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1 and the speed V is the first speed V1, the torque of the electric motor 5 decreases as the rotation speed R increases in a range greater than the first reference value G1.

[0076] In the range where the rotation speed R is greater than the first reference value G1 and equal to or less than the second reference value G2, the torque command value T of curve K1 decreases as the rotation speed R increases. The second reference value G2 is greater than the first reference value G1. When the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1 and the speed V is the first speed V1, the torque command value T decreases as the rotation speed R increases in the range where the rotation speed R is greater than the first reference value G1 and equal to or less than the second reference value G2.

[0077] Therefore, when the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1 and the speed V is the first speed V1, the torque of the electric motor 5 decreases as the rotation speed R increases within a range greater than the first reference value G1 and less than the second reference value G2.

[0078] The curve K1 includes a section K1L and a section K1M. The section K1L is the portion of the curve K1 between points P1a and P1b. The section K1L is the portion of the curve K1 in the range where the rotation speed R is equal to or greater than 0 and equal to or less than the first reference value G1. The section K1M is the portion of the curve K1 between points P1b and P1c. The section K1M is the portion of the curve K1 in the range where the rotation speed R is equal to or greater than the first reference value G1 and equal to or less than the second reference value G2.

[0079] The slope of section K1M is greater than the slope of section K1L.

[0080] The difference between the second reference value G2 and the first reference value G1 is defined as difference D1. The difference D1 is, for example, 100 rpm or more. The rotation speed R at point P1b is different from the rotation speed R at point P1c. Therefore, section K1M is tilted.

[0081] In the range where the rotation speed R is equal to or greater than the second reference value G2, the torque command value T of the curve K1 is at its minimum value. When the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1, the speed V is the first speed V1, and the rotation speed R is equal to or greater than the second reference value G2, the torque command value T is at its minimum value.

[0082] In the range where the rotation speed R is equal to or greater than the second reference value G2, the torque command value T of the curve K1 is smaller than zero. When the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1, the speed V is the first speed V1, and the rotation speed R is equal to or greater than the second reference value G2, the torque command value T is smaller than zero.

[0083] In the range in which the rotation speed R is equal to or greater than the second reference value G2, the torque command value T of the curve K1 is constant.

[0084] Curve K2 will now be described. In the range where the rotation speed R is equal to or greater than 0 and equal to or less than the third reference value G3, the torque command value T on curve K2 decreases as the rotation speed R increases. When the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1 and the speed V is the second speed V2, the torque command value T decreases as the rotation speed R increases in the range where the rotation speed R is equal to or greater than 0 and equal to or less than the third reference value G3. Note that, in the range where the rotation speed R is equal to or greater than 0 and equal to or less than the third reference value G3, the torque command value T on curve K2 does not have to decrease as the rotation speed R increases. For example, in the range where the rotation speed R is equal to or greater than 0 and equal to or less than the third reference value G3, the torque command value T on curve K2 may be constant.

[0085] Therefore, when the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1 and the speed V is the second speed V2, the torque of the electric motor 5 decreases as the rotation speed R increases within a range from 0 to a third reference value G3. The third reference value G3 is the rotation speed R at point P2b.

[0086] In the range where the rotation speed R is greater than the third reference value G3 and equal to or less than the fourth reference value G4, the torque command value T of curve K2 decreases as the rotation speed R increases. The fourth reference value G4 is greater than the third reference value G3. When the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1 and the speed V is the second speed V2, the torque command value T decreases as the rotation speed R increases in the range where the rotation speed R is greater than the third reference value G3 and equal to or less than the fourth reference value G4.

[0087] Therefore, when the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1 and the speed V is the second speed V2, the torque of the electric motor 5 decreases as the rotation speed R increases within a range greater than the third reference value G3 and equal to or less than the fourth reference value G4. The fourth reference value G4 is the rotation speed R at point P2c.

[0088] Curve K2 includes section K2L and section K2M. Section K2L is the portion of curve K2 between point P2a and point P2b. Section K2L is the portion of curve K2 in the range where the rotation speed R is equal to or greater than 0 and equal to or less than the third reference value G3. Section K2M is the portion of curve K2 between point P2b and point P2c. Section K2M is the portion of curve K2 in the range where the rotation speed R is equal to or greater than the third reference value G3 and equal to or less than the fourth reference value G4.

[0089] The slope of section K2M is greater than the slope of section K2L.

[0090] The difference between the fourth reference value G4 and the third reference value G3 is defined as difference D2. Difference D2 is, for example, 100 rpm or more. The rotation speed R at point P2b is different from the rotation speed R at point P2c. Therefore, section K2M is tilted.

[0091] In the range where the rotation speed R is equal to or greater than the fourth reference value G4, the torque command value T of the curve K2 is at its minimum. When the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1, the speed V is the second speed V2, and the rotation speed R is equal to or greater than the fourth reference value G4, the torque command value T is at its minimum.

[0092] In the range where the rotation speed R is equal to or greater than the fourth reference value G4, the torque command value T of the curve K2 is smaller than zero. When the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1, the speed V is the second speed V2, and the rotation speed R is equal to or greater than the fourth reference value G4, the torque command value T is smaller than zero.

[0093] In the range where the rotation speed R is equal to or greater than the fourth reference value G4, the torque command value T of the curve K2 is constant.

[0094] Compare curve K1 and curve K2. Curve K1 and curve K2 are different. Curve K1 and curve K2 are partially different.

[0095] Curve K1 and curve K2 are the same when the rotation speed R is in the range of 0 or more and the first reference value G1 or less. When the rotation speed R is in the range of 0 or more and the first reference value G1 or less, the torque command value T of curve K1 is equal to the torque command value T of curve K2 when compared at the same rotation speed R. For example, the information U sets the torque command value T to the third torque command value T3 when the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1, the rotation speed R is the second rotation speed F2, and the speed V is the first speed V1. The information U sets the torque command value T to the fourth torque command value T4 when the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1, the rotation speed R is the second rotation speed F2, and the speed V is the second speed V2. The first speed V1 is smaller than the second speed V2. The third torque command value T3 is equal to the fourth torque command value T4. Here, the second rotation speed F2 is in the range of 0 or more and the first reference value G1 or less.

[0096] For convenience, a state in which the operation input AP is the first operation input AP1, the rotation speed R is the second rotation speed F2, and the speed V is the first speed V1 is referred to as a "third state J3." A state in which the operation input AP is the first operation input AP1, the rotation speed R is the second rotation speed F2, and the speed V is the second speed V2 is referred to as a "fourth state J4." A third torque command value T3 is the torque command value T in the third state J3. A fourth torque command value T4 is the torque command value T in the fourth state J4.

[0097] Curve K1 and curve K2 are different in the range where the rotation speed R is greater than the first reference value G1 and less than the fourth reference value G4. When compared at the same rotation speed R in the range where the rotation speed R is greater than the first reference value G1 and less than the fourth reference value G4, the torque command value T of curve K1 is smaller than the torque command value T of curve K2. For example, the information U sets the torque command value T to the first torque command value T1 when the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1, the rotation speed R is the first rotation speed F1, and the speed V is the first speed V1. The information U sets the torque command value T to the second torque command value T2 when the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1, the rotation speed R is the first rotation speed F1, and the speed V is the second speed V2. The first torque command value T1 is smaller than the second torque command value T2. Here, the first rotation speed F1 is greater than the first reference value G1 and less than the fourth reference value G4. The first reference value G1 is smaller than the first rotation speed F1. The second rotation speed F2 is smaller than the first rotation speed F1.

[0098] Therefore, when the operation input AP is the first operation input AP1, the rotation speed R is the first rotation speed F1, and the speed V is the first speed V1, the control unit 20 controls the torque of the electric motor 5 to the first torque. When the operation input AP is the first operation input AP1, the rotation speed R is the first rotation speed F1, and the speed V is the second speed V2, the control unit 20 controls the torque of the electric motor 5 to the second torque. The first torque is smaller than the second torque.

[0099] For convenience, a state in which the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1, the rotation speed R is the first rotation speed F1, and the speed V is the first speed V1 is referred to as a "first state J1." A state in which the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1, the rotation speed R is the first rotation speed F1, and the speed V is the second speed V2 is referred to as a "second state J2." The first torque command value T1 is the torque command value T in the first state J1. The second torque command value T2 is the torque command value T in the second state J2.

[0100] In the range where the rotation speed R is equal to or greater than the fourth reference value G4, the curves K1 and K2 are the same. When compared at the same rotation speed R in the range where the rotation speed R is equal to or greater than the fourth reference value G4, the torque command value T of the curve K1 is equal to the torque command value T of the curve K2. For example, the information U sets the torque command value T when the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1, the rotation speed R is the third rotation speed F3, and the speed V is the first speed V1 to a fifth torque command value T5. The information U sets the torque command value T when the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1, the rotation speed R is the third rotation speed F3, and the speed V is the second speed V2 to a sixth torque command value T6. The fifth torque command value T5 is equal to the sixth torque command value T6. Here, the third rotation speed F3 is equal to or greater than the fourth reference value G4.

[0101] For convenience, a state in which the operation input AP is the first operation input AP1, the rotation speed R is the third rotation speed F3, and the speed V is the first speed V1 is referred to as a "fifth state J5." A state in which the operation input AP is the first operation input AP1, the rotation speed R is the third rotation speed F3, and the speed V is the second speed V2 is referred to as a "sixth state J6." A fifth torque command value T5 is the torque command value T in the fifth state J5. A sixth torque command value T6 is the torque command value T in the sixth state J6.

[0102] 3. Limiting the torque command value T The following describes the limitation of the torque command value T. The following describes the range in which the torque command value T is not limited on the curve K1. As described above, when compared at the same rotation speed R in the range in which the rotation speed R is equal to or greater than 0 and equal to or less than the first reference value G1, the torque command value T on the curve K1 is equal to the torque command value T on the curve K2. For this reason, when the manipulated variable AP is the first manipulated variable AP1, the speed V is the first speed V1, and the rotation speed R is in the range in which the rotation speed R is equal to or greater than 0 and equal to or less than the first reference value G1, the torque command value T is not limited.

[0103] Therefore, when the manipulated variable AP is the first manipulated variable AP1, the speed V is the first speed V1, and the rotation speed R is in the range of 0 or more and the first reference value G1 or less, the torque of the electric motor 5 is not limited.

[0104] Therefore, when the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1, the speed V is the first speed V1, and the rotation speed R is in the range of 0 or more and the first reference value G1 or less, the rotation speed R of the electric motor 5 is relatively likely to increase. Therefore, when the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1, the speed V is the first speed V1, and the rotation speed R is in the range of 0 or more and the first reference value G1 or less, the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1 accelerates smoothly.

[0105] The range in which the torque command value T is limited on the curve K1 will be explained. As described above, when compared at the same rotation speed R in the range in which the rotation speed R is greater than the first reference value G1 and less than the fourth reference value G4, the torque command value T on the curve K1 is smaller than the torque command value T on the curve K2. As described above, in the range in which the rotation speed R is equal to or greater than the second reference value G2, the torque command value T on the curve K1 is the minimum value. Therefore, when the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1, the speed V is the first speed V1, and the rotation speed R is in the range in which it is greater than the first reference value G1, the torque command value T is limited.

[0106] Therefore, when the manipulated variable AP is the first manipulated variable AP1, the speed V is the first speed V1, and the rotation speed R is in a range greater than the first reference value G1, the torque of the electric motor 5 is limited.

[0107] Therefore, when the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1, the speed V is the first speed V1, and the rotation speed R is in a range greater than the first reference value G1, it is relatively difficult for the rotation speed R of the electric motor 5 to increase. Therefore, when the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1, the speed V is the first speed V1, and the rotation speed R is in a range greater than the first reference value G1, the rotation speed of the rear wheels 9 does not become excessively high.

[0108] On the curve K1, the first reference value G1 corresponds to the lower limit of the range of the rotation speed R within which the torque command value T is limited. The first reference value G1 corresponds to the lower limit of the range of the rotation speed R within which the torque command value T is limited when the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1 and the speed V is the first speed V1.

[0109] On the curve K1, the second reference value G2 corresponds to the lower limit of the range of the rotation speed R in which the torque command value T is at its minimum. The second reference value G2 corresponds to the lower limit of the range of the rotation speed R in which the torque command value T is at its minimum when the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1 and the speed V is the first speed V1.

[0110] The range in which the torque command value T is not limited on the curve K2 will be explained. When the manipulated variable AP is the first manipulated variable AP1, the speed V is the second speed V2, and the rotation speed R is in the range from 0 to the third reference value G3, the torque command value T is not limited.

[0111] Therefore, when the manipulated variable AP is the first manipulated variable AP1, the speed V is the second speed V2, and the rotation speed R is in the range of 0 or more and the third reference value G3 or less, the torque of the electric motor 5 is not limited.

[0112] Therefore, when the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1, the speed V is the second speed V2, and the rotation speed R is in the range of 0 or more and the third reference value G3 or less, the rotation speed R of the electric motor 5 is relatively likely to increase. Therefore, when the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1, the speed V is the second speed V2, and the rotation speed R is in the range of 0 or more and the third reference value G3 or less, the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1 accelerates smoothly.

[0113] The range in which the torque command value T is limited on the curve K2 will be explained. When the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1, the speed V is the second speed V2, and the rotation speed R is in a range greater than the third reference value G3, the torque command value T is limited. When the rotation speed R is in a range greater than or equal to the fourth reference value G4, the torque command value T on the curve K2 is at its minimum value.

[0114] Therefore, when the operation amount AP is in a range greater than the first operation amount AP1, the speed V is in a range greater than the second speed V2, and the rotation speed R is in a range greater than the third reference value G3, the torque of the electric motor 5 is limited.

[0115] Therefore, when the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1, the speed V is the second speed V2, and the rotation speed R is in a range greater than the third reference value G3, it is relatively difficult for the rotation speed R of the electric motor 5 to increase. Therefore, when the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1, the speed V is the second speed V2, and the rotation speed R is in a range greater than the third reference value G3, the rotation speed of the rear wheels 9 does not become excessively high.

[0116] On the curve K2, the third reference value G3 corresponds to the lower limit of the range of the rotation speed R within which the torque command value T is limited. The third reference value G3 corresponds to the lower limit of the range of the rotation speed R within which the torque command value T is limited when the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1 and the speed V is the second speed V2.

[0117] On the curve K2, the fourth reference value G4 corresponds to the lower limit of the range of the rotation speed R in which the torque command value T is at its minimum. The fourth reference value G4 corresponds to the lower limit of the range of the rotation speed R in which the torque command value T is at its minimum when the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1 and the speed V is the second speed V2.

[0118] When the manipulated variable AP is the same, as the speed V increases, the lower limit of the range of the rotation speed R within which the torque command value T is limited increases. For example, when the speed V increases from a first speed V1 to a second speed V2, the lower limit of the range of the rotation speed R within which the torque command value T is limited increases from a first reference value G1 to a third reference value G3.

[0119] When the manipulated variable AP is the same, the lower limit of the range of the rotation speed R at which the torque command value T is minimum increases as the speed V increases. For example, when the speed V increases from the first speed V1 to the second speed V2, the lower limit of the range of the rotation speed R at which the torque command value T is minimum increases from the second reference value G2 to the fourth reference value G4.

[0120] For example, when the speed V increases from the first speed V1 to the second speed V2, the range from the first reference value G1 to the second reference value G2 on the curve K1 shifts to the range from the third reference value G3 to the fourth reference value G4 on the curve K2.

[0121] For example, when the speed V increases from a first speed V1 to a second speed V2, the section K1M shifts to the section K2M.

[0122] When the rear wheels 9 are in proper contact with the road surface, it is preferable that the torque command value T is not limited. When the rear wheels 9 are not spinning on the road surface, it is preferable that the torque command value T is not limited.

[0123] When the rear wheels 9 are not in proper contact with the road surface, it is preferable to limit the torque command value T. When the rear wheels 9 are spinning relative to the road surface, it is preferable to limit the torque command value T.

[0124] It is easy to estimate whether the rear wheel 9 is in proper contact with the road surface based on the rotation speed R and the speed V. It is easy to estimate whether the rear wheel 9 is spinning relative to the road surface based on the rotation speed R and the speed V.

[0125] For example, when the electric motor 5 rotates, the rear wheel 9 rotates. Specifically, when the electric motor 5 rotates at a rotation speed R, the rear wheel 9 has a peripheral speed S. The unit of the peripheral speed S is the same as that of the speed V. The unit of the peripheral speed S is, for example, [km / h]. The relationship between the peripheral speed S and the rotation speed R is expressed, for example, by the following equation: S=2πr·k·R·60 / 1000 Here, r is the radius of the rear wheel 9. k is the ratio of the rotation speed R to the rotation speed of the rear wheel 9.

[0126] When the difference between the peripheral speed S and the speed V is greater than the threshold M, it is estimated that the rear wheel 9 is not in proper contact with the road surface. When the difference between the peripheral speed S and the speed V is greater than the threshold M, it is estimated that the rear wheel 9 is spinning relative to the road surface.

[0127] When the difference between the peripheral speed S and the speed V is equal to or less than the threshold value M, it is estimated that the rear wheel 9 is in proper contact with the road surface. When the difference between the peripheral speed S and the speed V is equal to or less than the threshold value M, it is estimated that the rear wheel 9 is not spinning relative to the road surface.

[0128] The threshold value M is a threshold value for determining slippage. The threshold value M may be, for example, a constant or a variable. If the threshold value M is a constant, the threshold value M is, for example, 10 [km / h]. If the threshold value M is a variable, the threshold value M is, for example, the first speed V1 × 10 [%].

[0129] For curve K1, it is preferable to set the first reference value G1 to, for example, the following value: The circumferential speed S when the rotation speed R is the first reference value G1 is set to the first reference circumferential speed SG1. The first reference value G1 is the rotation speed R that generates the first reference circumferential speed SG1. Therefore, when the rotation speed R is equal to or less than the first reference value G1, the circumferential speed S is equal to or less than the first reference circumferential speed SG1. When the rotation speed R is greater than the first reference value G1, the circumferential speed S is greater than the first reference circumferential speed SG1.

[0130] The first reference value G1 is preferably set so that the first reference circumferential speed SG1 is equal to the sum of the first speed V1 and the threshold value M. In other words, the first reference value G1 is preferably set so that the difference between the first reference circumferential speed SG1 and the first speed V1 is equal to the threshold value M.

[0131] If the first reference value G1 is set so that the difference between the first reference peripheral speed SG1 and the first speed V1 is equal to the threshold value M, when the rotation speed R is equal to or less than the first reference value G1, the difference between the peripheral speed S and the first speed V1 is equal to or less than the threshold value M. Therefore, when the speed V is the first speed V1 and the rotation speed R is equal to or less than the first reference value G1, it is estimated that the rear wheel 9 is in proper contact with the road surface. When the speed V is the first speed V1 and the rotation speed R is equal to or less than the first reference value G1, it is estimated that the rear wheel 9 is not spinning relative to the road surface.

[0132] The second rotation speed F2 is smaller than the first rotation speed F1. The peripheral speed S of the rear wheel 9 when the electric motor 5 rotates at the second rotation speed F2 is defined as the second peripheral speed S2. The second rotation speed F2 is equal to or less than the first reference value G1. Therefore, the difference between the second peripheral speed S2 and the first speed V1 is equal to or less than the threshold value M. Therefore, when the speed V is the first speed V1 and the rotation speed R is the second rotation speed F2, it is estimated that the rear wheel 9 is in proper contact with the road surface. When the speed V is the first speed V1 and the rotation speed R is the second rotation speed F2, it is estimated that the rear wheel 9 is not spinning relative to the road surface.

[0133] If the first reference value G1 is set so that the difference between the first reference peripheral speed SG1 and the first speed V1 is equal to the threshold value M, when the rotation speed R is greater than the first reference value G1, the difference between the peripheral speed S and the first speed V1 is greater than the threshold value M. Therefore, when the speed V is the first speed V1 and the rotation speed R is greater than the first reference value G1, it is estimated that the rear wheel 9 is not in proper contact with the road surface. When the speed V is the first speed V1 and the rotation speed R is greater than the first reference value G1, it is estimated that the rear wheel 9 is spinning relative to the road surface.

[0134] The peripheral speed S of the rear wheel 9 when the electric motor 5 rotates at the first rotation speed F1 is defined as the first peripheral speed S1. The first peripheral speed S1 is greater than the first speed V1. The first rotation speed F1 is greater than the first reference value G1. Therefore, the difference between the first peripheral speed S1 and the first speed V1 is greater than the threshold value M. Therefore, when the speed V is the first speed V1 and the rotation speed R is the first rotation speed F1, it is estimated that the rear wheel 9 is not in proper contact with the road surface. When the speed V is the first speed V1 and the rotation speed R is the first rotation speed F1, it is estimated that the rear wheel 9 is spinning relative to the road surface.

[0135] For curve K2, it is preferable to set the third reference value G3 to, for example, the following value: The peripheral speed S when the rotation speed R is the third reference value G3 is set to the third reference peripheral speed SG3. The third reference value G3 is the rotation speed R that generates the third reference peripheral speed SG3. Therefore, when the rotation speed R is equal to or less than the third reference value G3, the peripheral speed S is equal to or less than the third reference peripheral speed SG3. When the rotation speed R is greater than the third reference value G3, the peripheral speed S is greater than the third reference peripheral speed SG3.

[0136] The third reference value G3 is preferably set so that the third reference circumferential speed SG3 is equal to the sum of the second speed V2 and the threshold value M. In other words, the third reference value G3 is preferably set so that the difference between the third reference circumferential speed SG3 and the second speed V2 is equal to the threshold value M.

[0137] If the third reference value G3 is set so that the difference between the third reference peripheral speed SG3 and the second speed V2 is equal to the threshold value M, when the rotation speed R is equal to or less than the third reference value G3, the difference between the peripheral speed S and the second speed V2 is equal to or less than the threshold value M. Therefore, when the speed V is the second speed V2 and the rotation speed R is equal to or less than the third reference value G3, it is estimated that the rear wheel 9 is in proper contact with the road surface. When the speed V is the second speed V2 and the rotation speed R is equal to or less than the third reference value G3, it is estimated that the rear wheel 9 is not spinning relative to the road surface.

[0138] The first rotation speed F1 is equal to or less than the third reference value G3. Therefore, the difference between the first peripheral speed S1 and the second speed V2 is equal to or less than the threshold value M. Therefore, when the speed V is the second speed V2 and the rotation speed R is the first rotation speed F1, it is estimated that the rear wheel 9 is in proper contact with the road surface. When the speed V is the second speed V2 and the rotation speed R is the first rotation speed F1, it is estimated that the rear wheel 9 is not spinning relative to the road surface.

[0139] If the third reference value G3 is set so that the difference between the third reference peripheral speed SG3 and the second speed V2 is equal to the threshold value M, when the rotation speed R is greater than the third reference value G3, the difference between the peripheral speed S and the second speed V2 is greater than the threshold value M. Therefore, when the speed V is the second speed V2 and the rotation speed R is greater than the third reference value G3, it is estimated that the rear wheel 9 is not in proper contact with the road surface. When the speed V is the second speed V2 and the rotation speed R is greater than the third reference value G3, it is estimated that the rear wheel 9 is spinning relative to the road surface.

[0140] 4. Effects of the embodiment The saddle riding type electric vehicle 1 includes an electric motor 5 and a rear wheel 9. The rear wheel 9 is driven by the rotation of the electric motor 5. The saddle riding type electric vehicle 1 further includes an accelerator position sensor 13, a rotation sensor 15, a speed sensor 14, and a control unit 20. The accelerator position sensor 13 detects the operation amount AP of the accelerator grip 7. The rotation sensor 15 detects the rotation speed R of the electric motor 5. The speed sensor 14 detects the speed V of the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1. The control unit 20 controls the torque of the electric motor 5 based on the operation amount AP of the accelerator grip 7, the rotation speed R of the electric motor 5, and the speed V of the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1. This makes it easy to appropriately control the rotation speed R of the rear wheel 9. For example, it is possible to reduce the increase in the rotation speed of the rear wheel 9 when the rear wheel 9 lifts off the road surface. For example, even when the rear wheel 9 spins, the rotation speed of the rear wheel 9 does not become excessively high. For example, the rotation speed of the rear wheel 9 does not increase abruptly when the rear wheel 9 spins.

[0141] The control unit 20 includes a memory unit 21. The memory unit 21 stores information U. The information U defines the relationship between the operation amount AP of the accelerator grip 7, the rotation speed R of the electric motor 5, the speed V of the saddle-riding type electric vehicle 1, and the torque command value T. Therefore, it is easy for the control unit 20 to obtain the torque command value T. The control unit 20 controls the electric motor 5 using the torque command value T. For example, the control unit 20 controls the torque of the electric motor 5 so that it is equal to the torque command value T. Therefore, it is easy for the control unit 20 to control the torque of the electric motor 5 based on the operation amount AP of the accelerator grip 7, the rotation speed R of the electric motor 5, and the speed V of the saddle-riding type electric vehicle 1.

[0142] The information U sets the torque command value T to a first torque command value T1 when the operation amount AP is a first operation amount AP1, the rotation speed R is a first rotation speed F1, and the speed V is a first speed V1. The information U sets the torque command value T to a second torque command value T2 when the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1, the rotation speed R is a first rotation speed F1, and the speed V is a second speed V2. The first speed V1 is smaller than the second speed V2. The first torque command value T1 is smaller than the second torque command value T2. In the first state J1 described above, the control unit 20 controls the electric motor 5 with the first torque command value T1. When the control unit 20 controls the electric motor 5 with the first torque command value T1, the electric motor 5 outputs a first torque. In the second state J2 described above, the control unit 20 controls the electric motor 5 with the second torque command value T2. When the control unit 20 controls the electric motor 5 with the second torque command value T2, the electric motor 5 outputs the second torque. Here, the first speed V1 is smaller than the second speed V2. The first torque command value T1 is smaller than the second torque command value T2. The smaller the torque command value T, the smaller the torque output by the electric motor 5. Therefore, the first torque is smaller than the second torque. Therefore, in the first state J1, the rotation speed R of the electric motor 5 is relatively difficult to increase. Therefore, the rotation speed of the rear wheels 9 does not become excessively high. In this way, in the first state J1, the rotation speed of the rear wheels 9 can be appropriately controlled. The second speed V2 is larger than the first speed V1. The second torque command value T2 is larger than the first torque command value T1. The larger the torque command value T, the larger the torque output by the electric motor 5. Therefore, the second torque is larger than the first torque. Therefore, in the second state J2, the rotation speed R of the electric motor 5 is relatively easy to increase. Therefore, in the second state J2, the straddle-type electric vehicle 1 smoothly accelerates. In this way, the rotation speed of the rear wheel 9 can be appropriately controlled even in the second state J2.

[0143] When the electric motor 5 rotates at the first rotation speed F1, the peripheral speed S of the rear wheel 9 is a first rotation speed S1. The first rotation speed S1 is greater than the first speed V1. The difference between the first rotation speed S1 and the first speed V1 is greater than the threshold value M. Therefore, the difference between the first rotation speed S1 and the first speed V1 is relatively large. Therefore, in the first state J1, it is estimated that the rear wheel 9 is spinning freely. As described above, in the first state J1, it is relatively difficult for the rotation speed R of the electric motor 5 to increase. Therefore, when it is estimated that the rear wheel 9 is spinning freely, the rotation speed of the rear wheel 9 does not become excessively high. In this way, when it is estimated that the rear wheel 9 is spinning freely, it is possible to appropriately control the rotation speed of the rear wheel 9.

[0144] The difference between the first circumferential speed S1 and the second speed V2 is equal to or less than the threshold value M. Therefore, the difference between the first circumferential speed S1 and the second speed V2 is relatively small. Therefore, in the second state J2, it is estimated that the rear wheel 9 is in appropriate contact with the road surface. As described above, in the second state J2, the rotation speed R of the electric motor 5 is relatively likely to increase. Therefore, when it is estimated that the rear wheel 9 is in appropriate contact with the road surface, the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 accelerates smoothly. In this way, when it is estimated that the rear wheel 9 is in appropriate contact with the road surface, it is possible to appropriately control the rotation speed of the rear wheel 9.

[0145] The first reference value G1 is smaller than the first rotation speed F1. When the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1 and the speed V is the first speed V1, the torque command value T decreases as the rotation speed R increases in a range greater than the first reference value G1. Therefore, when the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1 and the speed V is the first speed V1, the torque of the electric motor 5 gradually decreases as the rotation speed R increases in a range greater than the first reference value G1. For example, when the rotation speed R is greater than the first reference value G1, the torque of the electric motor 5 changes relatively slowly. Therefore, it is easy to maintain the comfort of the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1. In this way, when the rotation speed R is greater than the first reference value G1, the rotation speed of the rear wheel 9 can be appropriately controlled.

[0146] The second reference value G2 is greater than the first reference value G1. When the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1 and the speed V is the first speed V1, the torque command value T decreases as the rotation speed R increases in a range greater than the first reference value G1 and equal to or less than the second reference value G2. Therefore, when the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1 and the speed V is the first speed V1, the torque of the electric motor 5 gradually decreases as the rotation speed R increases in a range greater than the first reference value G1 and equal to or less than the second reference value G2. Thus, the torque of the electric motor 5 changes relatively slowly. Therefore, it is easy to maintain the comfort of the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1. In this way, the rotation speed of the rear wheel 9 can be appropriately controlled in a range in which the rotation speed R is greater than the first reference value G1 and equal to or less than the second reference value G2.

[0147] The difference D1 between the second reference value G2 and the first reference value G1 is 100 rpm or more. Therefore, the difference between the second reference value G2 and the first reference value G1 is relatively large. When the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1 and the speed V is the first speed V1, the torque of the electric motor 5 decreases gradually as the rotation speed R increases in a range greater than the first reference value G1 and equal to or less than the second reference value G2. Therefore, it is even easier to maintain the comfort of the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1. In this way, the rotation speed of the rear wheel 9 can be appropriately controlled in a range in which the rotation speed R is greater than the first reference value G1 and equal to or less than the second reference value G2.

[0148] When the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1, the speed V is the first speed V1, and the rotation speed R is equal to or greater than the second reference value G2, the torque command value T is at its minimum. Therefore, when the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1, the speed V is the first speed V1, and the rotation speed R is equal to or greater than the second reference value G2, the torque of the electric motor 5 is at its minimum. When the torque of the electric motor 5 is at its minimum, the rotation speed R of the rear wheels 9 is unlikely to increase. For example, when the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1, the speed V is the first speed V1, and the rotation speed R is equal to or greater than the second reference value G2, the rotation speed of the rear wheels 9 does not become excessively high. In this way, when the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1, the speed V is the first speed V1, and the rotation speed R is equal to or greater than the second reference value G2, the rotation speed of the rear wheels 9 can be appropriately controlled.

[0149] When the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1, the speed V is the first speed V1, and the rotation speed R is equal to or greater than the second reference value G2, the torque command value T is less than zero. Therefore, when the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1, the speed V is the first speed V1, and the rotation speed R is equal to or greater than the second reference value G2, the torque of the electric motor 5 is less than zero. When the torque of the electric motor 5 is less than zero, it is difficult for the rotation speed of the rear wheels 9 to increase. For example, when the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1, the speed V is the first speed V1, and the rotation speed R is equal to or greater than the second reference value G2, the rotation speed of the rear wheels 9 decreases. In this way, when the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1, the speed V is the first speed V1, and the rotation speed R is equal to or greater than the second reference value G2, the rotation speed of the rear wheels 9 can be appropriately controlled.

[0150] The information U sets the torque command value T when the operation input AP is the first operation input AP1, the rotation speed R is the second rotation speed F2, and the speed V is the first speed V1 to a third torque command value T3. The information U sets the torque command value T when the operation input AP is the first operation input AP1, the rotation speed R is the second rotation speed F2, and the speed V is the second speed V2 to a fourth torque command value T4. The first speed V1 is smaller than the second speed V2. The third torque command value T3 is equal to the fourth torque command value T4. In the third state J3 described above, the control unit 20 controls the electric motor 5 at the third torque command value T3. When the control unit 20 controls the electric motor 5 at the third torque command value T3, the electric motor 5 outputs a third torque. In the fourth state J4 described above, the control unit 20 controls the electric motor 5 at the fourth torque command value T4. When the control unit 20 controls the electric motor 5 with the fourth torque command value T4, the electric motor 5 outputs a fourth torque. The first speed V1 is smaller than the second speed V2. The third torque command value T3 is equal to the fourth torque command value T4. Therefore, the third torque is equal to the fourth torque. Therefore, the rotation speed R of the electric motor 5 is relatively likely to increase in both the third state J3 and the fourth state J4. For example, the acceleration performance of the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1 in the third state J3 is equal to the acceleration performance of the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1 in the fourth state J4. In this way, the rotation speed of the rear wheel 9 can be appropriately controlled in both the third state J3 and the fourth state J4.

[0151] When the electric motor 5 rotates at the second rotation speed F2, the peripheral speed S of the rear wheel 9 is the second rotation speed S2. The second rotation speed F2 is smaller than the first rotation speed F1. The difference between the second rotation speed S2 and the first speed V1 is equal to or smaller than the threshold value M. Therefore, the difference between the second rotation speed S2 and the first speed V1 is relatively small. Therefore, in the third state J3, it is estimated that the rear wheel 9 is in proper contact with the road surface. The third torque command value T3 is equal to the fourth torque command value T4. As described above, the acceleration performance of the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1 in the third state J3 is equal to the acceleration performance of the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1 in the fourth state J4. When it is estimated that the rear wheel 9 is in proper contact with the road surface, the rotation speed R of the electric motor 5 is relatively easy to increase, even if the speed V of the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1 is low. Therefore, when it is estimated that the rear wheel 9 is in proper contact with the road surface, it is easy to increase the speed V of the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1. In this way, when it is estimated that the rear wheels 9 are in proper contact with the road surface, it is easy to control the rotation speed of the rear wheels 9 appropriately.

[0152] The control unit 20 controls the torque of the electric motor 5 to a first torque when the operation input AP is a first operation input AP1, the rotation speed R is a first rotation speed F1, and the speed V is a first speed V1. The control unit 20 controls the torque of the electric motor 5 to a second torque when the operation input AP is the first operation input AP1, the rotation speed R is a first rotation speed F1, and the speed V is a second speed V2. The first speed V1 is smaller than the second speed V2. The first torque is smaller than the second torque. Therefore, when the electric motor 5 outputs the first torque, the rotation speed R of the electric motor 5 is relatively unlikely to increase. Therefore, when the electric motor 5 outputs the first torque, the rotation speed of the rear wheels 9 does not become excessively high. In this way, when the electric motor 5 outputs the first torque, the rotation speed of the rear wheels 9 can be appropriately controlled. The second speed V2 is greater than the first speed V1. The second torque is greater than the first torque. Therefore, when the electric motor 5 outputs the second torque, the rotation speed R of the electric motor 5 is relatively likely to increase. Therefore, when the electric motor 5 outputs the second torque, the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1 accelerates smoothly. In this way, when the electric motor 5 outputs the second torque, the rotation speed of the rear wheel 9 can be appropriately controlled.

[0153] The first reference value G1 is smaller than the first rotation speed F1. When the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1 and the speed V is the first speed V1, the torque of the electric motor 5 decreases as the rotation speed R increases in a range greater than the first reference value G1. Therefore, when the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1 and the speed V is the first speed V1, the torque of the electric motor 5 gradually decreases as the rotation speed R increases in a range greater than the first reference value G1. For example, when the rotation speed R is greater than the first reference value G1, the torque of the electric motor 5 changes relatively slowly. Therefore, it is easy to maintain the comfort of the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1. In this way, when the rotation speed R is greater than the first reference value G1, the rotation speed of the rear wheel 9 can be appropriately controlled.

[0154] The second reference value G2 is greater than the first reference value G1. When the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1 and the speed V is the first speed V1, the torque of the electric motor 5 decreases as the rotation speed R increases in a range greater than the first reference value G1 and equal to or less than the second reference value G2. Therefore, when the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1 and the speed V is the first speed V1, the torque of the electric motor 5 gradually decreases as the rotation speed R increases in a range greater than the first reference value G1 and equal to or less than the second reference value G2. Thus, the torque of the electric motor 5 changes relatively slowly. Therefore, it is easy to maintain the comfort of the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1. In this way, the rotation speed of the rear wheel 9 can be appropriately controlled in a range in which the rotation speed R is greater than the first reference value G1 and equal to or less than the second reference value G2.

[0155] 5. Modified Embodiments The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be modified as follows.

[0156] (1) In the embodiment, when the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1, the speed V is the first speed V1, and the rotation speed R is equal to or greater than the second reference value G2, the torque command value T is less than zero. However, this is not limited to this. When the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1, the speed V is the first speed V1, and the rotation speed R is equal to or greater than the second reference value G2, the torque command value T may be zero. When the torque of the electric motor 5 is zero, the rotation speed of the rear wheels 9 is unlikely to increase. For example, when the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1, the speed V is the first speed V1, and the rotation speed R is equal to or greater than the second reference value G2, the rotation speed of the rear wheels 9 decreases. In this way, when the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1, the speed V is the first speed V1, and the rotation speed R is equal to or greater than the second reference value G2, the rotation speed of the rear wheels 9 can be appropriately controlled.

[0157] (2) For example, the information U may include first information U1 and second information U2. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the first information U1. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the second information U2. The first information U1 defines the relationship between the rotation speed R and torque command value T of the electric motor 5 when the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1 and the speed V is within the first range W1. The second information U2 defines the relationship between the rotation speed R and torque command value T of the electric motor 5 when the operation amount AP is the first operation amount AP1 and the speed V is within the second range W2.

[0158] When the speed V of the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1 is within the first range W1, the control unit 20 uses the first information U1 to select the torque command value T to control the electric motor 5. When the speed V of the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1 is within the second range W2, the control unit 20 uses the second information U2 to select the torque command value T to control the electric motor 5.

[0159] The first range W1 and the second range W2 do not overlap. For example, the first range W1 and the second range W2 are continuous. The first range W1 is, for example, a range equal to or greater than 40 km / h and less than 50 km / h. The second range W2 is, for example, a range equal to or greater than 50 km / h and less than 60 km / h.

[0160] The first information U1 is used when the speed V is in the first range W1, and the second information U2 is used when the speed V is in the second range W2.

[0161] Therefore, it is easy to reduce the size of the information U. It is also easy to reduce the capacity of the storage unit 21.

[0162] (3) In the embodiment, the difference D1 between the second reference value G2 and the first reference value G1 is 100 rpm or more. However, this is not limited to this. The difference D1 between the second reference value G2 and the first reference value G1 may be 300 rpm or more. The difference D1 between the second reference value G2 and the first reference value G1 may be 500 rpm or more. Furthermore, the difference D1 between the second reference value G2 and the first reference value G1 may be less than 100 rpm.

[0163] (4) In the embodiment, the unit of the torque command value T is, for example, [N·m]. However, this is not limiting. The unit of the torque command value T may be, for example, [%]. In this case, the torque command value T is expressed as a ratio to the maximum value of the torque command value T.

[0164] (5) In the embodiment, the electric motor 5 drives the rear wheels 9. However, this is not limited to this. The electric motor 5 may drive the front wheels 4. When driving the front wheels 4, the front wheels 4 correspond to the drive wheels of the present invention. The electric motor 5 may drive both the front wheels 4 and the rear wheels 9. When driving the front wheels 4 and the rear wheels 9, the front wheels 4 and the rear wheels 9 correspond to the drive wheels of the present invention.

[0165] (6) For example, the saddle-ride type electric vehicle 1 may be a vehicle having a plurality of front wheels 4. For example, the saddle-ride type electric vehicle 1 may be a vehicle having a plurality of rear wheels 9.

[0166] (7) In the embodiment, an off-road vehicle is shown as an example of the saddle-riding type electric vehicle 1. However, this is not limiting. The saddle-riding type electric vehicle 1 may be changed to other types of vehicles, such as a street type, a sports type, or an all-terrain vehicle.

[0167] (8) The embodiment and each of the modified embodiments described above in (1) to (7) may be further modified as appropriate by replacing or combining each configuration with the configuration of another modified embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0168] 1: Saddle-type electric vehicle 2: Body frame 3: Front fork 4: Front wheel 5: Electric motor 6: Handle 7: Accelerator grip 8: Swing arm 9: Rear wheels (drive wheels) 10: Power transmission mechanism 11: Battery 13: Accelerator position sensor 14: Speed ​​sensor 15: Rotation sensor 20: Control section 21: Storage section AP: Manipulated amount AP1: 1st manipulated variable AP2: 2nd manipulated variable G1: First standard value G2: Second standard value G3: Third standard value G4: 4th standard value J1: First state J2: Second state J3: Third state J4: Fourth state J5: Fifth state J6: 6th state K1 :Curve K2 :Curve K3 :Curve R: Rotation speed F1: First rotation speed F2: Second rotation speed F3: Third rotation speed S: Circumferential speed S1: 1st peripheral speed S2: 2nd peripheral speed T: Torque command value T1: First torque command value T2: Second torque command value T3: Third torque command value T4: Fourth torque command value T5: Fifth torque command value T6: 6th torque command value U: Information V: speed V1: 1st speed V2: 2nd speed W1: First range W2: Second range

Claims

1. A saddle-type electric vehicle, An electric motor; a driving wheel driven by the rotation of the electric motor; an accelerator position sensor that detects an accelerator operation amount; a rotation sensor for detecting the rotation speed of the electric motor; a speed sensor for detecting a speed of the saddle-ride type electric vehicle; a control unit that controls the torque of the electric motor based on the operation amount of the accelerator, the rotation speed of the electric motor, and the speed of the saddle riding type electric vehicle. Saddle-type electric vehicle.

2. The saddle-type electric vehicle according to claim 1, The control unit a storage unit that stores information that defines the relationship between the accelerator operation amount, the rotation speed of the electric motor, the speed of the saddle-ride type electric vehicle, and a torque command value; Saddle-type electric vehicle.

3. The straddle-type electric vehicle according to claim 2, the information sets the torque command value to a first torque command value when the manipulated variable is a first manipulated variable, the rotational speed is a first rotational speed, and the speed is a first speed; the information sets the torque command value to a second torque command value when the operation amount is the first operation amount, the rotation speed is the first rotation speed, and the speed is a second speed; the first speed is less than the second speed; The first torque command value is smaller than the second torque command value. Saddle-type electric vehicle.

4. The straddle-type electric vehicle according to claim 3, When the electric motor rotates at the first rotation speed, the peripheral speed of the drive wheels is a first peripheral speed; the first peripheral speed is greater than the first speed; The difference between the first peripheral speed and the second speed is greater than a threshold value. Saddle-type electric vehicle.

5. The straddle-type electric vehicle according to claim 4, The difference between the first peripheral speed and the second speed is equal to or less than the threshold value. Saddle-type electric vehicle.

6. The straddle-type electric vehicle according to claim 3, the first reference value is smaller than the first rotation speed; When the operation amount is the first operation amount and the speed is the first speed, the torque command value decreases as the rotation speed increases within a range greater than the first reference value. Saddle-type electric vehicle.

7. 7. The straddle-type electric vehicle according to claim 6, The second reference value is greater than the first reference value, When the operation amount is the first operation amount and the speed is the first speed, the torque command value decreases as the rotation speed increases in a range greater than the first reference value and equal to or less than the second reference value. Saddle-type electric vehicle.

8. The straddle-type electric vehicle according to claim 7, The difference between the second reference value and the first reference value is 100 rpm or more. Saddle-type electric vehicle.

9. The straddle-type electric vehicle according to claim 7, When the manipulated variable is the first manipulated variable, the speed is the first speed, and the rotational speed is equal to or greater than the second reference value, the torque command value is a minimum value. Saddle-type electric vehicle.

10. The straddle-type electric vehicle according to claim 7, When the manipulated variable is the first manipulated variable, the speed is the first speed, and the rotational speed is equal to or greater than the second reference value, the torque command value is zero. Saddle-type electric vehicle.

11. The straddle-type electric vehicle according to claim 7, When the operation amount is the first operation amount, the speed is the first speed, and the rotational speed is equal to or greater than the second reference value, the torque command value is smaller than zero. Saddle-type electric vehicle.

12. The straddle-type electric vehicle according to claim 2, The information includes first information and second information, the first information defining the relationship between the accelerator operation amount, the rotation speed of the electric motor, and the torque command value, and the second information defining the relationship between the accelerator operation amount, the rotation speed of the electric motor, and the torque command value, and when the speed of the saddle riding type electric vehicle is within a first range, the control unit uses the first information to select the torque command value to control the electric motor, and when the speed of the saddle riding type electric vehicle is within a second range, the control unit uses the second information to select the torque command value to control the electric motor. Saddle-type electric vehicle.

13. The saddle-type electric vehicle according to claim 1, the control unit controls the torque of the electric motor to a first torque when the operation amount is a first operation amount, the rotational speed is a first rotational speed, and the speed is a first speed; the control unit controls the torque of the electric motor to a second torque when the operation amount is the first operation amount, the rotational speed is the first rotational speed, and the speed is a second speed; the first speed is less than the second speed; The first torque is smaller than the second torque. Saddle-type electric vehicle.

14. The straddle-type electric vehicle according to claim 13, the first reference value is smaller than the first rotation speed; When the operation amount is the first operation amount and the speed is the first speed, the torque of the electric motor decreases as the rotation speed increases within a range greater than the first reference value. Saddle-type electric vehicle.

15. The straddle-type electric vehicle according to claim 14, The second reference value is greater than the first reference value, When the operation amount is the first operation amount and the speed is the first speed, the torque of the electric motor decreases as the rotation speed increases within a range greater than the first reference value and equal to or less than the second reference value. Saddle-type electric vehicle.

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