Control device, saddle-type vehicle, and control method

Abstract

To obtain a control device that can suppress fuel leakage from the fuel tank of a saddle-type vehicle more effectively than conventional devices. [Solution] The saddle-type vehicle includes a locking mechanism that locks a lid that covers the fuel inlet of the fuel tank so that it can be opened and closed, and a locking mechanism control unit that switches the state of the locking mechanism between a locked state and an unlocked state in response to an external command. The control device according to the present invention includes a command output unit that outputs a lock command to the locking mechanism control unit when the lock command condition is met, and when the state in which the saddle-type vehicle is in a state in which there is a possibility of impact being applied and a state in which an impact has been applied is defined as the lock consideration state, the lock command condition is defined as a lock command condition that is met, and the saddle-type vehicle is in the lock consideration state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device mounted on a saddle-type vehicle, a saddle-type vehicle equipped with the control device, and a control method for a saddle-type vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a saddle-type vehicle is configured to include a fuel tank for storing fuel such as gasoline, and to run using the fuel stored in the fuel tank (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In recent years, among such saddle-type vehicles, saddle-type vehicles equipped with a keyless fuel tank have also been proposed. A saddle-type vehicle equipped with a keyless fuel tank includes, for example, a lock mechanism that locks a lid portion that opens and closes a fuel inlet of the fuel tank, and a lock mechanism control unit that switches the state of the lock mechanism between a locked state and an unlocked state according to a command from the outside. Then, when a predetermined key device is located within a prescribed range from the lock mechanism control unit, the lock mechanism control unit receives a signal from the key device and unlocks the lock mechanism. Also, there is a configuration in which the lock mechanism control unit locks the lock mechanism when the key is not located within a prescribed range from the lock mechanism control unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Conventional saddle-type vehicles equipped with keyless fuel tanks unlock the locking mechanism when, for example, the key device is within a specified range from the locking mechanism control unit. Therefore, if the keyless fuel tank is subjected to an impact, such as the saddle-type vehicle tipping over or colliding with another vehicle, the lid covering the fuel filler opening may open due to the impact, potentially causing fuel to leak out.

[0005] The present invention was made against the backdrop of the above-mentioned problems, and its first objective is to provide a control device that can prevent the lid covering the fuel inlet from opening even when a saddle-type vehicle is subjected to an impact. The second objective of the present invention is to provide a saddle-type vehicle equipped with such a control device. The third objective of the present invention is to provide a control method for a control device that can prevent the lid covering the fuel inlet from opening even when a saddle-type vehicle is subjected to an impact. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The control device according to the present invention is a control device mounted on a saddle-type vehicle equipped with a fuel tank, wherein the saddle-type vehicle includes a locking mechanism that locks a lid that opens and closes and covers the fuel inlet of the fuel tank, and a locking mechanism control unit that switches the state of the locking mechanism between a locked state and an unlocked state in response to an external command, wherein the control device includes a command output unit that outputs a lock command to the locking mechanism control unit when the lock command condition is met, and the state in which the saddle-type vehicle is in a state in which there is a possibility of impact and a state in which an impact has been received is defined as the lock consideration state, and the lock command condition is defined as the lock command condition being met, which is a requirement for the lock command condition to be met, and the saddle-type vehicle is in the lock consideration state.

[0007] Furthermore, the saddle-type vehicle according to the present invention is equipped with a control device according to the present invention.

[0008] Furthermore, the control method according to the present invention is a control method for a control device mounted on a saddle-type vehicle equipped with a fuel tank, wherein the saddle-type vehicle includes a locking mechanism that locks a lid that covers the fuel inlet of the fuel tank so as to be openable and closable, and a locking mechanism control unit that switches the state of the locking mechanism between a locked state and an unlocked state in response to an external command, and the control method includes a command step in which the control device outputs a lock command to the locking mechanism control unit, which is a command to set the locking mechanism to the locked state, and when the state in which the saddle-type vehicle is in a state in which there is a possibility of impact being applied and a state in which an impact has been applied is defined as the lock consideration state, the lock command condition is defined as the condition in which the lock command condition is met, which is the condition in which the saddle-type vehicle is in the lock consideration state. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The control device according to the present invention locks the locking mechanism that locks the lid when the saddle-type vehicle enters a locking consideration state (at least one of the states in which an impact may occur or an impact has occurred). Therefore, even if the saddle-type vehicle is subjected to an impact, the control device according to the present invention can prevent the lid covering the fuel filler port from opening due to that impact. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] A side view showing a saddle-type vehicle equipped with a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a rear view showing a saddle-type vehicle equipped with a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view showing the area around the fuel inlet of the fuel tank of a saddle-type vehicle equipped with a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram illustrating a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a control flow diagram showing an example of the operation of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6]A side view showing a saddle-type vehicle equipped with a modified example of the control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a block diagram illustrating a modified example of the control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a block diagram illustrating a modified example of the control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] In the following embodiments, the control device according to the present invention, a saddle-type vehicle equipped with the control device, and the control method according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, an example of the control device according to the present invention being mounted on a motorcycle, which is an example of a saddle-type vehicle, will be explained. However, the control device according to the present invention may also be mounted on other saddle-type vehicles besides motorcycles. Other saddle-type vehicles besides motorcycles include, for example, three-wheeled vehicles and buggies that use an engine as a power source. Furthermore, two-wheeled vehicles and three-wheeled vehicles refer to so-called motorcycles, and motorcycles include motorcycles, scooters, etc. The engine may be configured to use liquid fuel or gaseous fuel.

[0012] Furthermore, the configurations and operations described below are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to such configurations and operations. In addition, in each figure, the same or similar components or parts may be denoted by the same reference numeral, or the reference numeral may be omitted. Also, detailed structures have been simplified or omitted from the illustrations as appropriate.

[0013] Embodiment. <Configuration of a saddle-type vehicle and the control device installed on said saddle-type vehicle> Figure 1 is a side view showing a saddle-type vehicle equipped with a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a rear view showing a saddle-type vehicle equipped with a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the area around the fuel inlet of the fuel tank of a saddle-type vehicle equipped with a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 shows a saddle-type vehicle 100 with its body tilted at a bank angle θ. Here, the bank angle θ indicates how much the body of the saddle-type vehicle 100 is tilted toward the ground. In this embodiment, the bank angle θ is defined as the angle at which the body of the saddle-type vehicle 100 is tilted toward the vertical when viewed from the rear or front. That is, the larger the value of the bank angle θ, the more the body of the saddle-type vehicle 100 is tilted toward the ground.

[0014] For example, a saddle-type motorcycle 100 comprises a body 101, a handle 102 that is rotatably held on the body 101, a front wheel 103 that is rotatably held on the body 101 together with the handle 102, and a rear wheel 104 that is rotatably held on the body 101.

[0015] Furthermore, the saddle-type vehicle 100 is equipped with a braking device 110 that generates braking force on the saddle-type vehicle 100. The braking device 110 is equipped with a braking mechanism that generates braking force on the saddle-type vehicle 100 in accordance with the amount of operation of the operating part. In this embodiment, the braking device 110 is equipped with a front wheel braking mechanism 111 and a rear wheel braking mechanism 112 as braking mechanisms. The front wheel braking mechanism 111 generates braking force on the front wheel 103 in accordance with the amount of operation of the brake lever 106, which is an example of an operating part provided on the handle 102, when the driver 200 operates the brake lever 106. The rear wheel braking mechanism 112 generates braking force on the rear wheel 104 in accordance with the amount of operation of the brake pedal 107, which is an example of an operating part provided on the body 101, when the driver 200 operates the brake pedal 107 with the foot.

[0016] Further, the braking device 110 includes a braking mechanism control device 113 that controls the magnitude of the braking force generated by the braking mechanism independently of the operation unit. For example, in the case where the braking device 110 is configured to generate a braking force by the braking mechanism using brake fluid, the braking mechanism control device 113 is a hydraulic control device.

[0017] In addition, the saddle-riding type vehicle 100 includes an engine 105 as a drive source. The saddle-riding type vehicle 100 also includes a fuel tank 120 that stores fuel such as gasoline. That is, the saddle-riding type vehicle 100 is configured to burn the fuel stored in the fuel tank 120 with the engine 105 to generate a driving force.

[0018] The fuel tank 120 according to the present embodiment is a fuel tank configured such that a lid portion 122 that covers the fuel inlet 120a of the fuel tank 120 can be opened without inserting the key 150 into the key cylinder. That is, the fuel tank 120 according to the present embodiment is a keyless fuel tank. For this reason, the saddle-riding type vehicle 100 includes a locking mechanism 130 and a locking mechanism control unit 135. The locking mechanism 130 locks the lid portion 122 that covers the fuel inlet 120a of the fuel tank 120 in an openable and closable manner. The locking mechanism control unit 135 switches the state of the locking mechanism 130 between a locked state and an unlocked state according to a command from the outside. Specifically, when the key 150 is located within a specified range from the locking mechanism control unit 135, the locking mechanism control unit 135 receives a signal from the key 150 and unlocks the locking mechanism 130. Further, when the key 150 is not located within a specified range from the locking mechanism control unit 135, the strength of the signal from the key 150 is below a specified strength, so the locking mechanism control unit 135 sets the locking mechanism in the locked state. <L

[0019] Note that the configuration around the fuel inlet 120a of the fuel tank 120 and the specific configuration of the locking mechanism 130 are not particularly limited, but in the present embodiment, the configuration shown in FIG. 3 is adopted.

[0020] The fuel tank 120 has a main body 121 for storing fuel. A fuel inlet 120a is formed in the main body 121. The lid 122 is connected to the main body 121 by a hinge 123. As a result, the lid 122 is pivotable around the hinge 123 as shown by the solid arrow in Figure 3. A knob 125 is attached to the lid 122 by a hinge 126. That is, the knob 125 is pivotable around the hinge 126 as its pivot point. A hook 124 is provided on this knob 125. On the other hand, an engagement part 127 is provided on the main body 121. When the knob 125 is lowered with the fuel inlet 120a blocked by the lid 122, the hook 124 catches on the engagement part 127, and the state in which the fuel inlet 120a is blocked by the lid 122 is maintained. Furthermore, lifting the knob 125 from this position causes the hook 124 to disengage from the engagement portion 127. This allows the lid portion 122 to be lifted and the fuel inlet 120a to be opened.

[0021] The locking mechanism 130 according to this embodiment includes a pin 131 that can reciprocate in the direction indicated by the dashed arrow in Figure 3, and a linear actuator 132 that reciprocates the pin 131 based on a command from the locking mechanism control unit 135. Furthermore, the locking mechanism 130 is configured such that when the fuel inlet 120a is blocked by the cover 122, the pin 131 moves toward the hook 124, and the pin 131 is inserted into the hole 124a of the hook 124. When the pin 131 is inserted into the hole 124a of the hook 124, the movement of the hook 124 and the knob 125 is restricted by the pin 131. Therefore, when the pin 131 is inserted into the hole 124a of the hook 124, it becomes impossible to lift the knob 125 and open the fuel inlet 120a. In other words, when the pin 131 is inserted into the hole 124a of the hook 124, the locking mechanism 130 enters a locked state. Furthermore, when the pin 131 is not inserted into the hole 124a of the hook 124, the locking mechanism 130 becomes unlocked. That is, when the locking mechanism control unit 135 locks the locking mechanism 130, it operates the linear actuator 132 to insert the pin 131 into the hole 124a of the hook 124. Conversely, when the locking mechanism control unit 135 unlocks the locking mechanism 130, it operates the linear actuator 132 to remove the pin 131 from the hole 124a of the hook 124.

[0022] Incidentally, in conventional saddle-type vehicles equipped with a keyless fuel tank, for example, if the vehicle is subjected to an impact such as a fall or collision while the key is within a specified range from the lock mechanism control unit, the lid covering the fuel filler port may open due to the impact, potentially causing fuel to leak out. Therefore, the saddle-type vehicle 100 according to this embodiment is equipped with a control device 10 to suppress fuel leakage from the fuel tank 120 more effectively than in conventional vehicles.

[0023] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The control device 10 includes a command output unit 11 as a functional unit. The control device 10 may be configured as a single device or as multiple separate devices. Furthermore, part or all of the control device 10 may be composed of, for example, a microcontroller, a microprocessor unit, or updatable firmware, or a program module executed by commands from a CPU, etc.

[0024] The command output unit 11 is a functional unit that outputs a lock command to the lock mechanism control unit 135 when the lock command condition is met, which is a command to lock the lock mechanism 130.Here, the state in which the saddle-type vehicle 100 is in at least one of the states in which an impact may be applied or has been applied is defined as the lock consideration state.When the lock consideration state is defined in this way, in the control device 10 according to this embodiment, the lock command success requirement, which is a requirement for the lock command condition to be met, includes the fact that the saddle-type vehicle 100 is in the lock consideration state.For example, if the only requirement for the lock command success is that the saddle-type vehicle 100 is in the lock consideration state, the command output unit 11 outputs a lock command when the saddle-type vehicle 100 is in the lock consideration state.

[0025] Here, a state in which the saddle-type vehicle 100 is subjected to an impact is, for example, a state in which the saddle-type vehicle 100 is overturned. In other words, a state in which the saddle-type vehicle 100 may be subjected to an impact is, for example, a state in which the saddle-type vehicle 100 may be overturned. This overturning includes overturning while the saddle-type vehicle 100 is stationary, and overturning while the saddle-type vehicle 100 is in motion. Furthermore, a state in which the saddle-type vehicle 100 is subjected to an impact is, for example, a state in which the saddle-type vehicle 100 is in collision with an obstacle or vehicle, etc. In other words, a state in which the saddle-type vehicle 100 may be subjected to an impact is, for example, a state in which the saddle-type vehicle 100 may be in collision with an obstacle or vehicle, etc. This collision includes collisions while the saddle-type vehicle 100 is stationary, and collisions while the saddle-type vehicle 100 is in motion. Furthermore, for example, a state in which the saddle-type vehicle 100 is subjected to an impact is a state in which the saddle-type vehicle 100 applies the brakes suddenly. In other words, a state in which the saddle-type vehicle 100 may be subjected to an impact is a state in which the saddle-type vehicle 100 may have applied the brakes suddenly.

[0026] The control device 10 configured in this way can output a lock command to the lock mechanism control unit 135 when the saddle-type vehicle 100 enters a lock-consideration state. In other words, the control device 10 configured in this way can lock the lock mechanism 130 that locks the lid 122 of the fuel tank 120 when the saddle-type vehicle 100 enters a lock-consideration state. Therefore, the control device 10 configured in this way can suppress the lid 122 covering the fuel inlet 120a from opening due to impact, even if the saddle-type vehicle 100 is subjected to an impact such as tipping over or collision while in motion or while stopped, thereby suppressing fuel leakage from the fuel tank 120 more than in the conventional method.

[0027] The method by which the command output unit 11 acquires that the saddle-type vehicle 100 has entered a lock-consideration state is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, for example, the command output unit 11 acquires that the saddle-type vehicle 100 has entered a lock-consideration state as follows.

[0028] As shown in Figure 4, the control device 10 includes an acquisition unit 12 as a functional unit. The acquisition unit 12 is a functional unit that acquires information for determining whether or not the vehicle is in a lock-consideration state. The command output unit 11 in this embodiment then determines whether or not the saddle-type vehicle 100 is in a lock-consideration state based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit 12. In other words, the command output unit 11 in this embodiment determines whether or not the saddle-type vehicle 100 is in a lock-consideration state based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit 12.

[0029] For example, the acquisition unit 12 acquires ambient information regarding the surrounding environment of the saddle-type vehicle 100. The command output unit 11 then determines, based at least on the ambient information acquired by the acquisition unit 12, that the saddle-type vehicle 100 has entered a lock-on state. Ambient information regarding the surrounding environment of the saddle-type vehicle 100 is detected by ambient environment sensors that detect the surrounding environment of the saddle-type vehicle 100.

[0030] Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, for example, the saddle-type vehicle 100 is equipped with surrounding environment sensors 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d. For example, the surrounding environment sensors 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d detect information related to the distance or direction to a subject located around the saddle-type vehicle 100 (e.g., relative position, relative distance, relative velocity, relative acceleration, relative jerk, etc.). The surrounding environment sensors 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d are, for example, radar, Lidar sensors, ultrasonic sensors, cameras, etc. Surrounding environment sensor 1a is located at the front of the saddle-type vehicle 100 and is directed forward of the saddle-type vehicle 100. Surrounding environment sensor 1b is located at the rear of the saddle-type vehicle 100 and is directed backward of the saddle-type vehicle 100. Surrounding environment sensor 1c is located on the side of the saddle-type vehicle 100 and is directed to the right of the saddle-type vehicle 100. The ambient environment sensor 1d is located on the side of the saddle-type vehicle 100 and is oriented to the left of the saddle-type vehicle 100.

[0031] When the saddle-type vehicle 100 overturns, one of the ambient environment sensors 1c and 1d often points downwards, while the other of the ambient environment sensors 1c and 1d points upwards. Also, when the saddle-type vehicle 100 collides, the distance between the saddle-type vehicle 100 and the subject becomes shorter. Therefore, the command output unit 11 can determine that the saddle-type vehicle 100 has entered a lock-up consideration state based on the ambient information acquired by the acquisition unit 12.

[0032] Furthermore, for example, the saddle-type vehicle 100 is equipped with an inertial measuring device 2 as shown in Figure 1. The inertial measuring device 2 measures the inertial motion of the saddle-type vehicle 100. In this embodiment, the inertial measuring device 2 is configured to measure the acceleration in the directions of three mutually orthogonal axes, and the angular velocity around each of the three axes mentioned above. The acquisition unit 12 acquires inertial information related to the measurement results of the inertial measuring device 2, for example. For example, the inertial information related to the measurement results of the inertial measuring device 2 is the measured value of the inertial measuring device 2. Alternatively, for example, the inertial information related to the measurement results of the inertial measuring device 2 is a physical quantity that can be converted from the measured value of the inertial measuring device 2. The command output unit 11 then determines that the saddle-type vehicle 100 has entered a lock-test state based on at least the inertial information acquired by the acquisition unit 12.

[0033] For example, if the saddle-type vehicle 100 collides, or if the saddle-type vehicle 100 applies sudden brakes, the acceleration measured by the inertial measuring device 2 changes rapidly. Therefore, the command output unit 11 can determine, for example, that the saddle-type vehicle 100 is in a lock-up state based on inertial information indicating the acceleration measured by the inertial measuring device 2. In addition, there is a known technique for detecting the bank angle of a saddle-type vehicle based on the measurement results of an inertial measuring device. Furthermore, if the saddle-type vehicle 100 overturns, the bank angle θ increases. Therefore, the command output unit 11 can determine, for example, that the saddle-type vehicle 100 is in a lock-up state based on inertial information indicating that the bank angle θ of the saddle-type vehicle 100 has exceeded a specified angle.

[0034] Furthermore, for example, it is conceivable that a control device other than the control device 10 mounted on the saddle-type vehicle 100 may acquire information indicating that the saddle-type vehicle 100 may be subjected to an impact. Information indicating that the saddle-type vehicle 100 may be subjected to an impact is information that directly or indirectly indicates the possibility of an impact on the saddle-type vehicle 100. Furthermore, for example, it is conceivable that a control device other than the control device 10 mounted on the saddle-type vehicle 100 may acquire information indicating that the saddle-type vehicle 100 has been subjected to an impact. Information indicating that the saddle-type vehicle 100 has been subjected to an impact is information that directly or indirectly indicates that the saddle-type vehicle 100 has been subjected to an impact. For this reason, for example, the acquisition unit 12 acquires collision information from an external control device indicating at least one of the following: that the saddle-type vehicle 100 may be subjected to an impact, and that an impact has been subjected to an impact. The command output unit 11 then determines, based at least on the collision information acquired by the acquisition unit 12, that the saddle-type vehicle 100 has entered a lock-up consideration state.

[0035] Here, when the command output unit 11 outputs a lock command to the lock mechanism control unit 135 and the lock mechanism 130 is locked, it is necessary to unlock the lock mechanism 130 at some point. In this embodiment, the lock mechanism 130 is unlocked as follows.

[0036] The command output unit 11 is configured to output an unlock command to the lock mechanism control unit 135 when the unlock command condition is met, which is a command to put the lock mechanism 130 into an unlocked state. As a result, the lock mechanism control unit 135 puts the lock mechanism 130 into an unlocked state. In this embodiment, the unlock command condition is met, and this condition includes the bank angle θ of the saddle-type vehicle 100 becoming smaller than a specified angle after the lock command is output. That is, in this embodiment, when the bank angle θ of the saddle-type vehicle 100 becomes smaller than a specified angle after the lock command is output, the control device 10 is configured to put the lock mechanism 130 into an unlocked state.

[0037] If the bank angle θ of the saddle-type vehicle 100 is small, even if the lid 122 is opened, the possibility of fuel leaking from the fuel tank 120 is small. By setting the lock mechanism 130 to the unlocked state in this way, when the saddle-type vehicle 100 is in a position where the possibility of fuel leaking from the fuel tank 120 is small, the driver 200 can unlock the lock mechanism 130 without having to perform any operation to unlock it, thus improving the usability of the saddle-type vehicle 100. The specified angle used in the requirements for the unlock command to be established may be the same as or different from the specified angle described above.

[0038] <Operation of the control device> Figure 5 is a control flow diagram showing an example of the operation of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. When the conditions for disclosing the operation shown in Figure 5 are met, the control device 10 starts the operation shown in Figure 5 in step S1. The conditions for starting the operation are, for example, when power is supplied to the control device 10. Step S2, following step S1, is the first determination step. The first determination step is a step to determine whether or not the lock command condition is met. In this embodiment, in step S2, the command output unit 11 determines whether or not the saddle-type vehicle 100 has entered a lock consideration state based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit 12. The command output unit 11 then determines that the lock command condition is met when the saddle-type vehicle 100 is in a lock consideration state. If the lock command condition is met, the control device 10 proceeds to step S3. On the other hand, if the lock command condition is not met, the control device 10 proceeds to step S6.

[0039] Step S3 is the lock command step. The lock command step is a step in which, when the lock command condition is met, the control unit 11 outputs a lock command to the lock mechanism control unit 135, which is a command to lock the lock mechanism 130. In step S3, the command output unit 11 outputs a lock command to the lock mechanism control unit 135. Step S4, following step S3, is the second determination step. The second determination step is a step in which it is determined whether or not the unlock command condition is met. In step S4, the command output unit 11 determines whether or not the unlock command condition is met. If the unlock command condition is met, the control device 10 proceeds to step S5. On the other hand, if the unlock command condition is not met, the control device 10 proceeds to step S6.

[0040] Step S5 is the unlock command step. The unlock command step is the step in which the control device 10 outputs an unlock command to the lock mechanism control unit 135, which is a command to put the lock mechanism 130 into an unlocked state, when the unlock command condition is met. In step S5, the command output unit 11 outputs an unlock command to the lock mechanism control unit 135. Step S6, which follows step S5, is the termination determination step. In step S6, the control device 10 determines whether or not the termination condition for the operation has been met. The termination condition for the operation is, for example, when the power supply to the control device 10 is terminated. If the termination condition for the operation has been met, the control device 10 proceeds to step S7 and terminates the operation shown in Figure 5. On the other hand, if the termination condition for the operation has not been met, the control device 10 returns to step S2.

[0041] <Effects of the control device> The control device 10 according to this embodiment is a control device mounted on a saddle-type vehicle 100 equipped with a fuel tank 120. The saddle-type vehicle 100 is equipped with a locking mechanism 130 and a locking mechanism control unit 135. The locking mechanism 130 locks a lid 122 that covers the fuel inlet 120a of the fuel tank 120 in an openable and closable manner. The locking mechanism control unit 135 switches the state of the locking mechanism 130 between a locked state and an unlocked state based on an external command. The control device 10 is equipped with a command output unit 11 that outputs a lock command to the locking mechanism control unit 135 when the lock command condition is met, which is a command to set the locking mechanism 130 to a locked state. The state in which the saddle-type vehicle 100 is in a state in which there is a possibility of impact and a state in which an impact has been applied is defined as the locking consideration state. When the locking consideration state is defined in this way, the control device 10 includes the fact that the saddle-type vehicle 100 is in the locking consideration state as a lock command fulfillment requirement, which is a requirement for the lock command condition to be met.

[0042] As described above, the control device 10 configured in this way can lock the locking mechanism 130 that locks the lid 122 of the fuel tank 120 when the saddle-type vehicle 100 enters a locked state. Therefore, even if the saddle-type vehicle 100 is subjected to an impact, the control device 10 configured in this way can suppress the lid 122 covering the fuel inlet 120a from opening due to the impact, thereby suppressing fuel leakage from the fuel tank 120 more effectively than conventional systems.

[0043] <Variation> In the control device 10 described above, the lock command condition was that the saddle-type vehicle 100 entered a lock-consideration state. The control device 10 may also include, in addition to the saddle-type vehicle 100 entering a lock-consideration state, the bank angle θ of the saddle-type vehicle 100 becoming greater than or equal to a specified angle as a lock command condition. If the bank angle θ of the saddle-type vehicle 100 is small, even if the lid 122 opens, the possibility of fuel leaking from the fuel tank 120 is small. For this reason, by including the bank angle θ of the saddle-type vehicle 100 becoming greater than or equal to a specified angle as a lock command condition, the control device 10 can keep the lock mechanism 130 unlocked when the possibility of fuel leaking from the fuel tank 120 is small. The specified angle used in the lock command condition may be the same as or different from the specified angle described above.

[0044] In the control device 10 described above, the unlock command success requirement, which is the condition for the unlock command to be met, was that the bank angle θ of the saddle-type vehicle 100 became smaller than a specified angle after the lock command was output. Hereinafter, the condition that the bank angle θ of the saddle-type vehicle 100 became smaller than a specified angle after the lock command was output will be referred to as the unlock command success requirement related to the bank angle θ. However, the unlock command success requirement is not limited to the unlock command success requirement related to the bank angle θ. The control device 10 may also include the condition that the magnitude of the impact applied to the saddle-type vehicle 100 was less than or equal to a specified value as an unlock command success requirement. Hereinafter, the condition that the magnitude of the impact applied to the saddle-type vehicle 100 was less than or equal to a specified value will be referred to as the unlock command success requirement related to the impact. By including an unlock command activation requirement related to impact as a requirement for the unlock command to be activated, the lock mechanism 130 can be unlocked without the driver 200 having to perform any operation to unlock the lock mechanism 130 when there is a low probability that the lid 122 is open, thus improving the usability of the saddle-type vehicle 100.

[0045] Furthermore, the command output unit 11 can determine whether the magnitude of the impact applied to the saddle-type vehicle 100 was below a specified value, based on the acceleration, etc., measured by the inertial measuring device 2, which is acquired by the acquisition unit 12. Also, for example, the saddle-type vehicle 100 may be equipped with a force sensor, etc., for detecting the magnitude of the impact applied to the saddle-type vehicle 100. In this case, the command output unit 11 can determine whether the magnitude of the impact applied to the saddle-type vehicle 100 was below a specified value, based on the detection result, for example, which is acquired by the acquisition unit 12. Here, the control device 10 may include only the unlock command conditions related to impact as the unlock command conditions, or it may include both the unlock command conditions related to impact and the unlock command conditions related to bank angle θ as the unlock command conditions. Furthermore, if the control device 10 includes both of these unlock command conditions, it may set the lock mechanism 130 to the unlocked state when both are met, or it may set the lock mechanism 130 to the unlocked state when either one is met.

[0046] The control device 10 may include the condition that the saddle-type vehicle 100 is in a running state as a requirement for the unlock command to be successful. Hereinafter, the condition that the saddle-type vehicle 100 is in a running state will be referred to as the unlock command success requirement related to the running state. Normally, the driver 200 drives the saddle-type vehicle 100 when the lid 122 is closed. Therefore, by including the unlock command success requirement related to the running state as a requirement for the unlock command to be successful, the lock mechanism 130 can be unlocked without the driver 200 having to perform an operation to unlock the lock mechanism 130 when there is little possibility that the lid 122 is open, thus improving the usability of the saddle-type vehicle 100.

[0047] Conventionally, various methods are known for detecting the running state of a saddle-type vehicle, such as a method for detecting the running state of the saddle-type vehicle based on the wheel speed of the saddle-type vehicle. The command output unit 11 can determine, for example, that the saddle-type vehicle 100 has entered a running state based on information acquired by the acquisition unit 12 for detecting the running state of the saddle-type vehicle 100 using a conventional method. Here, the control device 10 may include only the unlock command success requirements related to the running state as the unlock command success requirements, or it may include the unlock command success requirements related to the running state along with at least one of the above-mentioned unlock command success requirements. Furthermore, if the control device 10 includes multiple unlock command success requirements, it may set the lock mechanism 130 to an unlocked state when all of them are met, or it may set the lock mechanism 130 to an unlocked state when any of them are met.

[0048] Figure 6 is a side view showing a saddle-type vehicle equipped with a modified example of the control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating a modified example of the control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The control device 10 described above was configured to unlock the locking mechanism 130 without requiring the driver 200 to perform any operation to unlock the locking mechanism 130. However, the control device 10 may also be configured to unlock the locking mechanism 130 through an operation by the driver 200, as shown in Figures 6 and 7.

[0049] Specifically, the control device 10 shown in Figures 6 and 7 includes a receiving unit 13 that receives a signal instructing the lock mechanism 130 to be in an unlocked state. The control device 10 shown in Figures 6 and 7 includes the receiving unit 13 receiving the aforementioned signal as a requirement for the unlock command condition to be met. The signal instructing the lock mechanism 130 to be in an unlocked state is transmitted to the receiving unit 13, for example, as follows. For example, the saddle-type vehicle 100 shown in Figure 6 is equipped with a display device 3 that functions as a notification device. The display device 3 is also equipped with a touch panel. For example, when the driver 200 presses a capacitive switch displayed on the touch panel, a signal instructing the lock mechanism 130 to be in an unlocked state is transmitted to the receiving unit 13. The saddle-type vehicle 100 shown in Figure 6 is also equipped with a mechanical switch 4. The mechanical switch 4 is a switch that switches electrical signals by mechanical operation, such as a push-button switch or a rocker switch. As shown in Figure 7, for example, when the driver 200 operates the mechanical switch 4, a signal is sent to the receiving unit 13 instructing it to unlock the locking mechanism 130. With the control device 10 configured in this way, the locking mechanism 130 can be unlocked by the driver 200's operation.

[0050] In this case, it is preferable that the signal instructing the lock mechanism 130 to be in the unlocked state is transmitted from the mechanical switch 4. When the saddle-type vehicle 100 is subjected to an impact, the control device that controls the display device 3 may malfunction. By configuring the system so that the signal instructing the lock mechanism 130 to be in the unlocked state is transmitted from the mechanical switch 4, the lock mechanism 130 can be unlocked even if the control device that controls the display device 3 malfunctions.

[0051] Figure 8 is a block diagram illustrating a modified example of the control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The command output unit 11 of the control device 10 shown in Figure 8 is configured to output a notification command to the display device 3, which functions as a notification device, when a lock command is output. The notification command is a command to execute a notification indicating that the lock mechanism 130 is in a locked state. With the control device 10 configured in this way, the driver 200 can be made aware that the lock mechanism 130 is in a locked state, thereby improving the usability of the saddle-type vehicle 100.

[0052] The notification method by the display device 3 is not particularly limited, as long as it is recognizable by the driver 200. For example, the notification method may be a method of displaying characters or marks. Alternatively, for example, the notification method may be a method of turning on or flashing a light source. Alternatively, for example, the notification method may be a method of outputting sound such as voice. Furthermore, the notification device is not limited to the display device 3. For example, the notification device may be a device other than the display device 3, such as a smart helmet worn by the driver.

[0053] Although an example of a control device according to the present invention has been described above in the embodiments, the control device according to the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described. For example, in this embodiment, the control device 10 was configured as a separate control device from the braking mechanism control device 113. However, it is not limited to this, and the control device 10 may be provided inside the braking mechanism control device 113. Also, for example, in this embodiment, the fuel tank 120 was a keyless fuel tank. However, it is not limited to this, and the fuel tank 120 may be a fuel tank configured to open and close the lid 122 by inserting a key 150 into a key cylinder. Even in a saddle-type vehicle 100 equipped with such a fuel tank 120, by mounting the locking mechanism 130, the locking mechanism control unit 135 and the control device 10 on the saddle-type vehicle 100, it is possible to suppress the lid 122 covering the fuel inlet 120a from opening due to impact, and to suppress fuel leakage from the fuel tank 120 more than in the conventional method. Also, for example, the control device according to the present invention may only implement a part of the embodiments described. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0054] 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d Surrounding environment sensors, 2 Inertial measurement device, 3 Display device, 4 Mechanical switch, 10 Control device, 11 Command output unit, 12 Acquisition unit, 13 Receiving unit, 100 Saddle-type vehicle, 101 Body, 102 Handle, 103 Front wheel, 104 Rear wheel, 105 Engine, 106 Brake lever, 107 Brake pedal, 110 Braking device, 111 Front wheel braking mechanism, 112 Rear wheel braking mechanism, 113 Braking mechanism control device, 120 Fuel tank, 120a Fuel inlet, 121 Main body, 122 Lid, 123 Hinge, 124 Hook, 124a Hole, 125 Knob, 126 Hinge, 127 Engagement part, 130 Locking mechanism, 131 Pin, 132 Linear actuator, 135 Locking mechanism control unit, 150 keys, 200 drivers, θ bank angle.

Claims

1. A control device (10) mounted on a saddle-type vehicle (100) equipped with a fuel tank (120), The aforementioned saddle-type vehicle (100) is A locking mechanism (130) locks the lid (122) that covers the fuel inlet (120a) of the fuel tank (120) in an openable and closable manner, A lock mechanism control unit (135) switches the state of the lock mechanism (130) between a locked state and an unlocked state based on an external command, Equipped with, The control device (10) When the lock command condition is met, the lock mechanism control unit (135) is equipped with a command output unit (11) that outputs a lock command, which is a command to put the lock mechanism (130) into the locked state. When the state in which the saddle-type vehicle (100) is in at least one of the states in which an impact may occur or has occurred is defined as the locking consideration state, The conditions for the lock command to be met include the fact that the saddle-type vehicle (100) has entered the lock consideration state, Control device (10).

2. The conditions for the lock command to be established include the bank angle (θ) of the saddle-type vehicle (100) becoming greater than or equal to a specified angle, The control device (10) according to claim 1.

3. The control device (10) The vehicle (100) is equipped with an acquisition unit (12) that acquires surrounding information regarding the surrounding environment of the vehicle. The command output unit (11) determines that the locking consideration state has been reached, based at least on the surrounding information. The control device (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The control device (10) The system includes an acquisition unit (12) that acquires inertial information relating to the measurement results of an inertial measuring device (2) that measures the inertial motion of the aforementioned saddle-type vehicle (100), The command output unit (11) determines that the locking consideration state has been reached, at least based on the inertia information. The control device (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. The control device (10) The system includes an acquisition unit (12) that acquires collision information indicating at least one of the following: that there is a possibility of impact being applied to the saddle-type vehicle (100) and that an impact has been applied. The command output unit (11) determines that the lock-down state has been reached, at least based on the collision information. The control device (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2.

6. The system includes a receiving unit (13) that receives a signal instructing the locking mechanism (130) to be in the unlocked state, The command output unit (11) is configured to output an unlock command to the lock mechanism control unit (135), which is a command to put the lock mechanism (130) into the unlocked state when the unlock command condition is met. The unlock command conditions, which are requirements for the unlock command conditions to be met, include the receiving unit (13) receiving the signal, The control device (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2.

7. The aforementioned signal is transmitted from a mechanical switch (4). The control device (10) according to claim 6.

8. The command output unit (11) is configured to output an unlock command to the lock mechanism control unit (135), which is a command to put the lock mechanism (130) into the unlocked state when the unlock command condition is met. The unlock command conditions, which are requirements for the unlock command conditions to be met, include the bank angle (θ) of the saddle-type vehicle (100) becoming smaller than a specified angle after the lock command is output. The control device (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2.

9. The command output unit (11) is configured to output an unlock command to the lock mechanism control unit (135), which is a command to put the lock mechanism (130) into the unlocked state when the unlock command condition is met. The unlock command conditions, which are requirements for the unlock command conditions to be met, include the fact that the magnitude of the impact applied to the saddle-type vehicle (100) was less than or equal to a specified value. The control device (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2.

10. The command output unit (11) is configured to output an unlock command to the lock mechanism control unit (135), which is a command to put the lock mechanism (130) into the unlocked state when the unlock command condition is met. The unlock command conditions, which are requirements for the unlock command conditions to be met, include the fact that the saddle-type vehicle (100) has entered a driving state. The control device (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2.

11. The command output unit (11) is, When the aforementioned lock command is output, the system is configured to output a notification command to the notification device (3), which is a command to perform notification indicating that the lock state is in place. The control device (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2.

12. The fuel tank (120) is a keyless fuel tank. The control device (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2.

13. The control device (10) is provided according to claim 1 or claim 2. Saddle-type vehicle (100).

14. A control method for a saddle-type vehicle (100) equipped with a fuel tank (120), The aforementioned saddle-type vehicle (100) is A locking mechanism (130) locks the lid (122) that covers the fuel inlet (120a) of the fuel tank (120) in an openable and closable manner, A lock mechanism control unit (135) switches the state of the lock mechanism (130) between a locked state and an unlocked state based on an external command, Equipped with, The control method described above is When the lock command condition is met, the lock mechanism control unit (135) is provided with a lock command step (S3) which outputs a lock command, which is a command to put the lock mechanism (130) into the locked state. When the state in which the saddle-type vehicle (100) is in at least one of the states in which an impact may occur or has occurred is defined as the locking consideration state, The conditions for the lock command to be met include the fact that the saddle-type vehicle (100) has entered the lock consideration state, Control method.

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