Vehicle and vehicle control method

Abstract

To prevent undesired use of a travel mode of a vehicle.SOLUTION: A vehicle includes a control section and an authentication section. The control section can switch a vehicle travel mode between a driving mode of driving by power output by a driving motor and a suppression mode of suppressing output more than the output at the driving mode. The authentication section verifies the validity of a driver using a vehicle at the driving mode. The operation at the driving mode is permitted, provided that the authentication by the authentication section has been succeeded.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle capable of switching driving modes. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle that can be driven by a motor and can be driven in two ways. In a first driving method, a first operator is used to drive the motor. In a second driving method, a second operator different from the first operator is used to drive the motor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6814501 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a vehicle such as that described in Patent Document 1, depending on the driver, there are cases where the driver is restricted by laws and regulations to driving in any one of a plurality of driving modes, or where it is preferable to restrict the driving in such a mode.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has an object to prevent undesirable use of a vehicle's driving mode. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present invention has been described above. Next, the means for solving this problem and the effects thereof will be described.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle having the following configuration. That is, the vehicle includes a control unit, an authentication unit, A license plate, a license plate display switching device, The control unit controls the driving mode of the vehicle based on the power output by the prime mover. onlyand a restraint mode in which the output is restrained compared to the output in the drive mode. The authentication unit confirms the legitimacy of the driver using the vehicle in the drive mode. The license plate display switching device switches between an invalid state and an valid state of the license plate display. The authentication by the authentication unit was successful. and the display of the license plate is in the valid state. Operation in said drive mode, subject to the condition of Tolerance do . When an authentication condition by the authentication unit is not satisfied or when the display of the license plate is in the invalid state, the control unit prohibits operation in the driving mode and allows operation in the suppression mode.

[0008] This ensures that only authorized operators can use the vehicle in drive mode.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling a vehicle, comprising the steps of: The system includes a license plate and a license plate display switching device that switches between an invalid state and an effective state of the license plate display. The driving mode of the vehicle is determined by the power output by the engine. only and a suppression mode in which the output is suppressed below the output in the drive mode. and the display of the license plate is in the valid state. If the authentication condition is not met, operation in the drive mode is permitted. or when the display of the license plate is in the invalid state. for, Operation in said drive mode is prohibited and Operation in the suppressed mode is permitted.

[0010] This allows only pre-authorized drivers to use the vehicle in drive mode. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, undesirable utilization of vehicle driving modes can be prevented. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the three-wheeled vehicle of the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a three-wheeled vehicle according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4]FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a three-wheeled vehicle according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, an overview of a three-wheeled vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a three-wheeled vehicle 1 with the license plate exposed. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the three-wheeled vehicle 1 of the first embodiment.

[0014] In the following description, the left-right direction of three-wheeled vehicle 1 is defined as the direction seen by a driver riding on three-wheeled vehicle 1. Therefore, when three-wheeled vehicle 1 is standing upright as shown in Figure 1, the front-rear direction coincides with the vehicle length direction, and the left-right direction coincides with the vehicle width direction. Additionally, the up-down direction (vertical direction) coincides with the height direction.

[0015] The vehicle according to this embodiment is a three-wheeled vehicle (saddle-ride type vehicle) 1. The three-wheeled vehicle 1 has two front wheels 2, 3 on the front side (one side in the vehicle length direction) and one rear wheel 4 on the rear side (the other side in the vehicle length direction).

[0016] The three-wheeled vehicle 1 includes a vehicle body 10. The vehicle body 10 supports a left front wheel 2, a right front wheel 3, and a rear wheel 4.

[0017] The vehicle body 10 includes a frame 11 that serves as the skeleton of the three-wheeled vehicle 1. The frame 11 includes a base portion 11a, a left and right wheel connecting portion 11b, a seat support portion 11c, and a handle support portion 11d.

[0018] The base portion 11a extends in the vehicle length direction between the front wheels 2, 3 and the rear wheel 4, and supports the front and rear wheels. The left and right wheel connecting portion 11b is connected to the base portion 11a, and extends in the vehicle width direction, connecting the left front wheel 2 and the right front wheel 3. The seat support portion 11c extends upward from the base portion 11a and supports the seat 15. The handle support portion 11d extends upward from the base portion 11a and supports the handle 12.

[0019] In this embodiment, the three-wheeled vehicle 1 is a type of lean-type vehicle. A lean-type vehicle refers to a vehicle in which the attitude of the vehicle body 10 relative to the road surface can be changed, and the vehicle body 10 becomes inclined relative to the road surface when the vehicle turns by steering. In FIG. 1, the three-wheeled vehicle 1 is in a state in which the handlebar 12 for steering is operated to a neutral position, and the vehicle body 10 is upright relative to the road surface (in other words, in a normal straight-ahead driving state). The following description will be given assuming this state, unless otherwise specified.

[0020] The left front wheel 2 and the right front wheel 3 are arranged adjacent to each other with a gap in between in the vehicle width direction. In this embodiment, each of the front wheels 2, 3 functions as a driven wheel. The left front wheel 2 and the right front wheel 3 are supported at the front of a frame 11 so that the attitude of the vehicle body 10 relative to the road surface can be changed. Each of the front wheels 2, 3 functions as a steering wheel, and changes direction in response to the rotation of a handlebar 12.

[0021] The left and right wheel connecting portion 11b of the frame 11 has a known parallel link structure. The parallel link structure connects each of the front wheels 2, 3 to the base portion 11a of the frame 11. This parallel link structure allows the postures of the front wheels 2, 3 to change in conjunction with a change in posture of the base portion 11a when viewed from the front.

[0022] The rear wheel 4 is disposed at the center of the vehicle body 10 in the vehicle width direction. The rear wheel 4 is rotatably supported at the rear of the frame 11. In this embodiment, the rear wheel 4 functions as a drive wheel that transmits driving force to the road surface.

[0023] The three-wheeled vehicle 1 includes a seat 15, left and right pedals (operators) 16, an electric motor 21 that functions as a prime mover, a battery 22, and a controller (control unit) 23.

[0024] The seat 15 is provided on the upper side of a middle portion in the vehicle length direction of the frame 11. The driver sits astride the seat 15 and can place his / her feet on the left and right pedals 16.

[0025] The left and right pedals 16 are provided below the seat 15. The force of a rider stepping on the pedals 16 with his / her feet while sitting astride the seat 15 is transmitted to the rear wheel 4, thereby enabling the rear wheel 4 to be rotated by human power. Thus, the three-wheeled vehicle 1 has a mechanism as a so-called bicycle that is driven by the human power of the rider.

[0026] In this embodiment, the electric motor 21 is provided on an axle portion of the rear wheel 4. As shown in Fig. 2, the electric motor 21 is electrically connected to a controller 23. The electric motor 21 is controlled by the controller 23 and can drive the rear wheel 4 to rotate.

[0027] The electric motor 21 can transmit power to the drive wheels when no human power is being applied by the driver. Furthermore, the electric motor 21 can also transmit power to the drive wheels in addition to when human power is being applied by the driver. The controller 23 adjusts the output of the electric motor 21 by providing appropriate commands to the electric motor 21. In this embodiment, the controller 23 controls the electric motor 21 to output a driving force to assist in accordance with the human power applied by the driver. That is, in this embodiment, the three-wheeled vehicle 1 functions as an electric vehicle that can run without the human power of the driver, and also functions as an electrically assisted bicycle that electrically assists the driver in driving the vehicle.

[0028] The three-wheeled vehicle 1 of this embodiment can switch between two driving modes: an electric vehicle mode that does not require the human power of a driver, and a bicycle mode that does require the human power of a driver. When switching between the two driving modes, the control that the controller 23 performs on the electric motor 21 changes.

[0029] In the electric vehicle mode, the vehicle travels using the power output by the electric motor 21, which is the prime mover. In the bicycle mode, the output of the electric motor 21 is suppressed compared to the electric vehicle mode. The electric vehicle mode is an example of a drive mode. The bicycle mode is an example of a suppression mode.

[0030] In the bicycle mode, compared to the electric vehicle mode, the output may be suppressed not in the entire utilization area but only in a part of it. In the bicycle mode, for example, the maximum output output by the electric motor 21 may be suppressed, or the maximum vehicle speed at which the electric motor 21 can travel may be suppressed. In the bicycle mode, when a predetermined vehicle speed is exceeded, the support ratio of the electric motor 21 to human power may be reduced. In the bicycle mode, the vehicle speed range at which the electric motor 21 can operate may be set lower compared to the electric vehicle mode. In the bicycle mode, the electric motor 21 may not generate any power at all, but may be suppressed to zero.

[0031] In the electric vehicle mode, the output is set so as to satisfy the output conditions that allow the three-wheeled vehicle 1 to run as an electric vehicle. In the bicycle mode, the output is set so as to satisfy the output conditions that allow the three-wheeled vehicle 1 to run as a bicycle, in this embodiment as an electrically assisted bicycle.

[0032] In Japan, there are certain driving requirements for electric vehicle mode, such as obtaining a driver's license. On the other hand, in Japan, the driving requirements for bicycle mode are less strict than for electric vehicle mode, and there is no need to obtain a driver's license.

[0033] The battery 22 is provided on the lower side of the front-rear intermediate portion of the frame 11. The battery 22 can supply power to the electric motor 21, the controller 23, various auxiliary devices, and the like.

[0034] The controller 23 is provided at an appropriate position on the vehicle body 10. The controller 23 is configured with a known computer, and is capable of controlling the electric motor 21.

[0035] The three-wheeled vehicle 1 is equipped with an accelerator lever (operator) 13 that can be operated by the driver's hand. The accelerator lever 13 is located, for example, near the handlebars 12. When the three-wheeled vehicle 1 runs in electric vehicle mode, the driver operates the accelerator lever 13 to control the electric motor 21. On the other hand, when the three-wheeled vehicle 1 runs in bicycle mode, the electric motor 21 is controlled based on the force with which the driver presses on the pedal 16.

[0036] The three-wheeled vehicle 1 is equipped with a display device 17. The display device 17 is disposed, for example, in the center of the handlebars 12 so that it is easily visible to the driver sitting in the seat 15. The display device 17 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and is capable of displaying various information. The display device 17 is provided with an input unit, for example a touch panel device, for inputting instructions from the driver.

[0037] The three-wheeled vehicle 1 is equipped with a license plate device 31. A license plate 32 is attached to the license plate device 31. The license plate 32 is a plate that is equipped to a vehicle to permit it to run as an electric vehicle and that has an individual vehicle identification number (identification information) attached to it. The license plate 32 is positioned so that the identification number is easily visible.

[0038] The license plate device 31 is provided with a license plate display switching device 35. The license plate display switching device 35 operates to substantially disable the display of the license plate 32 in the bicycle mode.

[0039] Any method may be used to substantially disable the display of the license plate 32. For example, the license plate display switching device 35 may be configured to include a plate-shaped cover member 36. The cover member 36 can be moved by an appropriate drive unit such as an electric motor between a non-covering position that exposes the license plate 32 and a covering position that covers the license plate 32. By covering the license plate 32 with the cover member 36, the identification number of the license plate 32 is no longer effectively displayed.

[0040] The three-wheeled vehicle 1 is equipped with a switching operation member (operation member) 39. The switching operation member 39 is configured, for example, by a switch or the like. The switching operation member 39 is operated by the driver to switch the driving mode between the electric vehicle mode and the bicycle mode. In this embodiment, the switching operation member 39 is disposed in the vicinity of the license plate 32. The position of the switching operation member 39 can be changed as desired.

[0041] The switching operation member 39 is electrically connected to the license plate display switching device 35 and the controller 23. The switching operation member 39 outputs a signal indicating the driving mode selected by the driver to the license plate display switching device 35 and the controller 23.

[0042] A lock device 70 is attached to the frame 11 near the portion where the rear wheel 4 is supported, as an anti-theft device.

[0043] The locking device 70 is configured as a known ring locking device and includes a housing 71, a locking bar 72, and a cylinder portion 73, as shown in FIG.

[0044] The housing 71 is fixed at an appropriate position on the frame 11. The housing 71 is formed in a C-shape.

[0045] The lock bar 72 is formed in an elongated arc shape. The lock bar 72 is supported so as to be slidable along an arc-shaped path relative to the housing 71. The lock bar 72 slides between an advanced position where the lock bar 72 closes the open portion of the housing 71 and a retracted position where the lock bar 72 opens the open portion.

[0046] In the advanced position, the lock bar 72 interferes with the spokes of the rear wheel 4, preventing the rear wheel 4 from rotating. The advanced position of the lock bar 72 corresponds to the locked state of the locking device 70, and the retracted position of the lock bar 72 corresponds to the unlocked state of the locking device 70.

[0047] The cylinder portion 73 is formed in a cylindrical shape. A key hole is formed in the cylinder portion 73, and a key described below can be inserted into this key hole. The cylinder portion 73 is rotatably supported by the housing 71. By inserting a correct key into the cylinder portion 73 and rotating it, the locking device 70 can be switched from a locked state to an unlocked state.

[0048] In this embodiment, there are two types of keys capable of unlocking the lock device 70: a first key (authentication device) 81 and a second key (key device) 82.

[0049] Each of the keys 81, 82 includes a blade portion 91 that can be inserted into the cylinder portion 73 of the locking device 70 to unlock the locking device 70. The first key 81 includes a key communication unit 95 in addition to the blade portion 91. The key communication unit 95 is configured as a small computer and is fixed to the head of the first key 81. The key communication unit 95 includes an antenna (not shown). The key communication unit 95 can wirelessly communicate with a communication unit 26 (described below) included in the controller 23. A memory (not shown) included in the key communication unit 95 of the first key 81 stores authentication information for using the three-wheeled vehicle 1 in electric vehicle mode. The second key 82 includes the blade portion 92 for unlocking the locking device 70, like the first key 81, but does not include the key communication unit 95.

[0050] The first key 81 is used, for example, by the owner who has a driver's license. The second key 82 is used by someone who does not have a license, for example the owner's child. For example, when the owner of the three-wheeled vehicle 1 is provided with the three-wheeled vehicle 1, he or she obtains the above-mentioned multiple keys 81, 82. The owner encourages people who are permitted to drive in electric vehicle mode to use the first key 81, and encourages people who are not permitted to drive in electric vehicle mode to use the second key 82.

[0051] As described above, the requirements for driving the three-wheeled vehicle 1 are different between the electric vehicle mode and the bicycle mode. A driver who does not have a driver's license can only drive in the bicycle mode. A driver who has a driver's license can drive in both the electric vehicle mode and the bicycle mode.

[0052] There are cases where a single three-wheeled vehicle 1 is shared by multiple people. It is also assumed that a single three-wheeled vehicle 1 may be used by an unspecified number of people. In this embodiment, the three-wheeled vehicle 1 determines whether or not operation in electric vehicle mode is possible by authenticating whether or not the driver satisfies the requirements imposed on the driver for driving in electric vehicle mode. This makes it possible, for example, to prevent drivers who do not have a license from driving in electric vehicle mode and encourage them to drive in bicycle mode.

[0053] Next, the configuration of the controller 23 will be described. The controller 23 includes a communication unit 26 and an authentication unit 27. More specifically, the controller 23 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc., which are not shown. The ROM stores a program for implementing the control method of the present invention. The above hardware and software work together to allow the controller 23 to operate as the communication unit 26 and the authentication unit 27.

[0054] The communication unit 26 is capable of transmitting and receiving information to and from a key communication unit 95 included in the first key 81 via wireless communication.

[0055] The authentication unit 27 requests authentication information from the key communication unit 95, and when the authentication information is acquired, judges whether or not the authentication conditions are satisfied. The request for authentication information and the acquisition of the authentication information are performed by wireless communication using the communication unit 26.

[0056] Any authentication method may be used. To give a simple example, the authentication unit 27 can determine that the authentication conditions are met when the key information received as authentication information from the key communication unit 95 matches predefined key information. Key information is stored in advance in both the key communication unit 95 and the authentication unit 27. The key information may be a value determined using random numbers, for example. From the viewpoint of improving security, it is preferable that the key information is different for each three-wheeled vehicle 1. The key communication unit 95 may function as an IC tag, and authentication may be achieved by an authentication method conforming to the RFID standard.

[0057] If the key communication unit 95 of the first key 81 communicates with the controller 23 and authentication by the authentication unit 27 is successful, the controller 23 allows switching from bicycle mode to electric vehicle mode using the switching operation member 39. This allows the three-wheeled vehicle 1 to run in any of the electric vehicle mode and bicycle mode when the first key 81 is used. Therefore, a driver who is authorized to drive in electric vehicle mode can use the first key 81 to switch the three-wheeled vehicle 1 between electric vehicle mode and bicycle mode as appropriate.

[0058] The second key 82 cannot communicate with the controller 23, and therefore fails to be authenticated by the authentication unit 27. In this case, the controller 23 does not allow switching from bicycle mode to electric vehicle mode by the switching operation member 39, and controls the vehicle to forcibly operate in bicycle mode. Therefore, a driver who is not permitted to drive in electric vehicle mode can use the second key 82 to prevent the three-wheeled vehicle 1 from traveling in electric vehicle mode.

[0059] The owner of the three-wheeled vehicle 1 can use the three-wheeled vehicle 1 in both electric vehicle mode and bicycle mode by using the first key 81. Meanwhile, the owner's child can use the three-wheeled vehicle 1 only in bicycle mode by using the second key 82. If the driver does not have a license, driving in electric vehicle mode may violate regulations. With the three-wheeled vehicle 1, use of the electric vehicle mode is essentially prohibited if the authentication conditions of the authentication unit 27 are not met, so it is possible to prevent the three-wheeled vehicle 1 from being used in an inappropriate driving mode.

[0060] As described above, the three-wheeled vehicle 1 of this embodiment includes the controller 23 and the authentication unit 27. The controller 23 can switch the driving mode of the three-wheeled vehicle 1 between electric vehicle mode and bicycle mode. In electric vehicle mode, the three-wheeled vehicle 1 drives using power output by the electric motor 21. In bicycle mode, the output of the electric motor 21 is suppressed compared to the output in drive mode. The authentication unit 27 confirms legitimacy, indicating whether or not the driver is authorized to use the three-wheeled vehicle 1 in electric vehicle mode. On the condition that authentication by the authentication unit 27 is successful, operation in electric vehicle mode is permitted.

[0061] This allows only drivers who are authorized to drive in electric vehicle mode to use three-wheeled vehicle 1 in electric vehicle mode.

[0062] The three-wheeled vehicle 1 of this embodiment can operate in bicycle mode even if the authentication conditions set by the authentication unit 27 are not met.

[0063] As a result, even if the authentication conditions are not met, the bicycle can be used in bicycle mode with reduced output, preventing a decrease in convenience.

[0064] The three-wheeled vehicle 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a communication unit 26. Authentication is performed by the authentication unit 27 as a result of communication between the communication unit 26 and a first key 81 that the driver can carry. In this way, by properly managing the first key 81, it is possible to prevent unauthorized persons from using the three-wheeled vehicle 1 in electric vehicle mode. In the three-wheeled vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the first key 81 and the communication unit 26 communicate wirelessly. This eliminates the need for the hassle of connecting cables, etc., making the authentication process easier.

[0065] The three-wheeled vehicle 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a locking device 70 that can be switched between a locked state and an unlocked state. In the locked state, the locking device 70 prevents the three-wheeled vehicle 1 from being driven, thereby preventing theft. In the unlocked state, the locking device 70 is released. The first key 81 also serves as a key for switching the locking device 70 to the unlocked state.

[0066] This allows the first key 81 for unlocking to be used as an authentication device as well, thereby reducing the burden of carrying and managing the authentication device.

[0067] In the three-wheeled vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the authentication conditions by the authentication unit 27 differ for each three-wheeled vehicle 1.

[0068] This can improve the security of authentication.

[0069] In the above embodiment, authentication is performed wirelessly, but the authentication means is not limited to this. For example, the locking device 70 can be configured to output a specific signal when the first key is inserted into the locking device 70, and not output the signal when the second key is inserted. The locking device 70 can be configured, for example, as follows. The locking device 70 can be unlocked by either the first key or the second key, but the first key and the second key have different shapes of a specific portion of the blade portion. In the locking device 70, an electric circuit provided in the locking device 70 is switched between open and closed depending on the shape of the relevant portion of the inserted key. The signal output by this electric circuit is input to the authentication unit 27 as an authentication signal. In this way, by using a mechanical authentication means instead of wireless communication, the configuration of the key and the three-wheeled vehicle 1 can be simplified.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the locking device 70 is manually unlocked, but the locking device 70 may be provided with an appropriate actuator, and the actuator may drive the lock bar 72 to enter an unlocked state in response to wireless authentication. The actuator may be configured in the same manner as in the second embodiment described below. Both the first key and the second key are provided with a key communication unit 95 and can transmit authentication information to the controller 23 by wireless. Both the first key and the second key are non-insertion type keys that do not have a blade portion. The key communication unit 95 of the first key transmits authentication information indicating that the key can be used in both the electric vehicle mode and the bicycle mode in response to a request from the controller 23. The key communication unit 95 of the second key transmits authentication information indicating that the key can be used only in the bicycle mode in response to a request from the controller 23. When authentication is successful through communication with the first key or the second key, the controller 23 automatically unlocks the locking device 70. This configuration can improve security compared to mechanical unlocking. When the first key is used, the locking device 70 is unlocked and the three-wheeled vehicle 1 can be driven in both electric vehicle mode and bicycle mode. When the second key is used, the locking device 70 is unlocked and the three-wheeled vehicle 1 can be driven only in bicycle mode. If authentication to use the three-wheeled vehicle 1 (in other words, unlocking the locking device 70) is successful, but use of the electric vehicle mode is not permitted, this falls under the case where authentication of the legitimacy of use in electric vehicle mode has failed.

[0071] In the first key, the key for unlocking the lock device 70 and the key communication unit 95 for authenticating the electric vehicle mode may be physically separate keys. In the three-wheeled vehicle 1, the configuration for locking and unlocking the three-wheeled vehicle 1 may be omitted. In this case, the first key simply has a configuration equivalent to the key communication unit 95, and the second key is omitted.

[0072] Next, a second embodiment will be described. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a three-wheeled vehicle 1p of the second embodiment. In the following description of this embodiment, the same or similar members as those in the previous embodiment are given the same reference numerals in the drawings, and their description may be omitted.

[0073] In the second embodiment, a portable terminal device is used to unlock the lock device 70 instead of a physical key. The portable terminal device is capable of wireless communication with the controller 23 provided in the three-wheeled vehicle 1. Any standard for wireless communication may be used, for example Bluetooth. Bluetooth is a registered trademark.

[0074] In this embodiment, there are two types of keys capable of unlocking the lock device 70: a first portable terminal (authentication device) 81p and a second portable terminal (key device) 82p.

[0075] The first mobile terminal 81p and the second mobile terminal 82p are each configured as a small computer capable of wireless communication. The first mobile terminal 81p and the second mobile terminal 82p are, for example, known smartphones. An application for managing the three-wheeled vehicle 1p is pre-installed in each of the first mobile terminal 81p and the second mobile terminal 82p.

[0076] In the first portable terminal 81p, authentication information for unlocking the lock device 70 and authentication information for using the electric vehicle mode are registered in advance at an appropriate timing.

[0077] In the second portable terminal 82p, authentication information for unlocking the lock device 70 is registered at an appropriate timing in advance. However, authentication information for using the electric vehicle mode is not registered in the second portable terminal 82p.

[0078] The timing at which the authentication information is registered in the first portable terminal 81p and the second portable terminal 82p can be, for example, when the above-mentioned application is installed, but is not limited to this.

[0079] The first portable terminal 81p is used, for example, by a licensed owner, and the second portable terminal 82p is used, for example, by an unlicensed person, the owner's child.

[0080] In this embodiment, the lock device 70p includes an actuator 74 for unlocking. The actuator 74 may be, for example, but is not limited to, a solenoid or a motor. The actuator 74 is electrically connected to the controller 23.

[0081] The controller 23 includes an unlock authentication unit 28 that performs authentication to unlock the lock device 70p. The configuration of the unlock authentication unit 28 is almost the same as that of the authentication unit 27. The lock device 70p cannot be unlocked unless the authentication by the unlock authentication unit 28 is successful.

[0082] The authentication format of the unlocking authentication unit 28 can be the same as that of the authentication unit 27. The key information for authentication of the unlocking authentication unit 28 and the key information for authentication of the authentication unit 27 are different from each other.

[0083] Consider the case where an owner of a three-wheeled vehicle 1p carrying a first portable terminal 81p starts using the three-wheeled vehicle 1p.

[0084] First, the unlock authentication unit 28 of the controller 23 communicates with the first portable terminal 81p via the communication unit 26 to request authentication information for unlocking the lock device 70. In response to this request, the first portable terminal 81p transmits the authentication information. If this first stage of authentication is successful, the controller 23 controls the actuator 74 of the lock device 70 to switch the lock device 70 from a locked state to an unlocked state.

[0085] If the first stage authentication is successful, the authentication unit 27 of the controller 23 communicates with the first portable terminal 81p via the communication unit 26 to request authentication information for use in the electric vehicle mode. In response to this request, the first portable terminal 81p transmits the authentication information. If the second stage authentication is successful, the controller 23 allows switching from the bicycle mode to the electric vehicle mode by the switching operation member 39. This allows the three-wheeled vehicle 1p to travel in any of the electric vehicle mode and bicycle mode.

[0086] Next, consider a case where a child carrying the second portable terminal 82p starts using the three-wheeled vehicle 1p.

[0087] When the controller 23 communicates with the second portable terminal 82p, the authentication by the unlock authentication unit 28 will be successful, but the authentication by the authentication unit 27 will fail. Therefore, the three-wheeled vehicle 1p will be able to travel only in bicycle mode.

[0088] As described above, in the three-wheeled vehicle 1p of this embodiment, the communication unit 26 is capable of communicating with both the first portable terminal 81p and the second portable terminal 82p. The first portable terminal 81p sets the locking device 70 to an unlocked state and is successfully authenticated by the authentication unit 27. The second portable terminal 82p sets the locking device 70 to an unlocked state and is unsuccessful in authentication by the authentication unit 27.

[0089] This makes it possible to appropriately switch between a state in which the vehicle can be used in both electric vehicle mode and bicycle mode, and a state in which the vehicle can be used only in bicycle mode, depending on the device carried by the rider.

[0090] Next, a description will be given of a third embodiment. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a three-wheeled vehicle 1q according to the third embodiment.

[0091] In the three-wheeled vehicle 1q of the third embodiment, a driver's license (license) 81q carried by the driver functions as an authentication device. The first portable terminal 81p includes a semiconductor chip (not shown). Various information related to the driver's license granted to the driver is stored in this semiconductor chip.

[0092] The three-wheeled vehicle 1q includes a card reader 29. The location of the card reader 29 is arbitrary, but it can be attached to the handle 12 in FIG.

[0093] The card reader 29 includes a communication unit 26. The communication unit 26 can read information stored in the driver's license 81q by using a known short-range wireless communication standard. The driver's license 81q and the card reader 29 are a type of RFID device.

[0094] The authentication unit 27 of the controller 23 determines whether the information of the driver's license 81q read by the communication unit 26 is valid. The determination of validity can be made, for example, by checking whether the last day of the license's validity is after the current date. If the information of the driver's license 81q is valid, the authentication unit 27 determines that the authentication condition is satisfied. Accordingly, the controller 23 allows the switching operation member 39 to switch from the bicycle mode to the electric vehicle mode.

[0095] For those not carrying a driver's license 81q (including the owner's children), the authentication by the authentication unit 27 will not be successful and the three-wheeled vehicle 1q can only be used in bicycle mode. Although the three-wheeled vehicle 1q of this embodiment does not include any anti-theft mechanism, an appropriate anti-theft device may be provided.

[0096] As described above, in the three-wheeled vehicle 1q of this embodiment, the communication unit 26 can read the license information, which is the information registered in the license, by communicating with the driver's license 81q as an authentication device. Authentication by the authentication unit 27 is performed based on the license information read by the communication unit 26.

[0097] This allows the license to verify the legitimacy of using the three-wheeled vehicle 1q in electric vehicle mode.

[0098] Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the above configuration can be modified, for example, as follows. Each modification may be made alone, or multiple modifications may be made in any combination.

[0099] The authentication can be performed in any format. For example, the driver can input a password into the display device 17, and the authentication condition of the authentication unit 27 can be whether the password is correct. A personal identification number may be used instead of a password. In this way, cases where authentication is performed using information other than information stored electronically in advance are also included in the present invention.

[0100] Biometric authentication may also be performed. For example, the display device 17 may be equipped with a fingerprint authentication device, and the authentication unit 27 may be configured to perform fingerprint authentication. Also, the three-wheeled vehicles 1, 1p, 1q may be equipped with an imaging device, and the authentication unit 27 may be configured to perform authentication by image (for example, face authentication).

[0101] The conditions for the legitimacy of a driver using three-wheeled vehicles 1, 1p, 1q in electric vehicle mode are not necessarily strict and can be interpreted in various ways. For example, if a driver is simply the owner of three-wheeled vehicles 1, 1p, 1q, regardless of whether or not he or she has a driver's license, it may be determined that the driver is authorized to drive in electric vehicle mode and is therefore legitimized. It may also be determined that the driver is legitimized if he or she is over a certain age. It may also be determined that the driver is legitimized if the driver can be identified by, for example, an ID card.

[0102] In the third embodiment described above, the condition for authentication is that the driver's license 81q has not expired. Alternatively, the condition for authentication may be that the name and date of birth are read from the information stored in the semiconductor chip of the driver's license 81q and match the name and date of birth registered in advance in the controller 23.

[0103] In the controller 23 of the second embodiment, whether or not to permit use of the electric vehicle mode may be registered for each mobile terminal.

[0104] For example, identification information of the first portable terminal 81p and the second portable terminal 82p is registered in the controller 23 as identification information of the terminal permitted to use the three-wheeled vehicle 1p, and key information of the first portable terminal 81p and the second portable terminal 82p is also registered in the controller 23. Furthermore, it is registered in the controller 23 that the first portable terminal 81p is permitted to use the electric vehicle mode, and the second portable terminal 82p is not permitted to use the electric vehicle mode. During the authentication process, the authentication unit 27 identifies the portable terminal by receiving identification information from the terminal carried by the driver. If authentication of the portable terminal is successful, the controller 23 unlocks the lock device 70p and controls the portable terminal to permit or prohibit operation in the electric vehicle mode by referring to information on whether the portable terminal is permitted to use the electric vehicle mode.

[0105] In the above configuration, even if authentication of the mobile terminal is successful, if the mobile terminal is not permitted to use the electric vehicle mode, this is included in cases where authentication of the legitimacy for use in the electric vehicle mode has failed.

[0106] The controller 23 may include a wired communication port. In this case, by connecting the first portable terminal 81p or the second portable terminal 82p to the controller 23 via a communication cable, the communication unit 26 can perform wired communication to transmit and receive information for authentication.

[0107] The locking devices 70, 70p as anti-theft devices are not limited to the above configuration. For example, the locking device may lock the front wheels 2, 3, the handlebars 12, etc., instead of the rear wheel 4. If the members necessary for running or driving the three-wheeled vehicles 1, 1p, 1q can be locked, driving can be substantially prevented.

[0108] The present invention is not limited to the three-wheeled vehicle 1, but can be similarly applied to vehicles with a number of wheels other than three, such as two-wheeled vehicles or four-wheeled vehicles. For example, in a two-wheeled vehicle, the present invention can be applied to a configuration in which a driving mode (restricted mode) in which the output is restricted and the vehicle functions as an assisted bicycle, and a driving mode (driving mode) in which the output restriction is released and the vehicle functions as a motor vehicle can be switched. The bicycle mode may be a restricted mode in which the driving power is provided only by human power, for example pedaling force, instead of an assist function that assists the pedaling force of the driver, and no assistance is provided by a motor.

[0109] For example, in the case of an assisted bicycle, in the suppression mode, the pedal becomes the first operator, and the motor output is adjusted according to the rotation of the first operator. Also, in the drive mode, the motor output is adjusted according to the operation amount of a second operator different from the pedal, for example, an accelerator lever. If the external shape is set as a motor vehicle (for example, with the license plate exposed), the mode may be controlled as the drive mode, and if the external shape is set as a bicycle (for example, with the license plate not exposed), the mode may be controlled as the suppression mode.

[0110] As a drive source for the vehicle, other than the electric motor 21, for example, an internal combustion engine may be used.

[0111] In the above embodiment, it is assumed that the condition for driving in the electric mode is a driver's license, but driving in the electric mode may be permitted under other conditions. For example, driving in the electric mode may be permitted according to any condition different from a driver's license, such as when using private property. For example, the legitimacy of driving in the electric mode may be set according to passing a test different from a driver's license or according to unique conditions (age, height, years of experience, driving area). [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 1 Three-wheeled vehicle 21 Electric motor (prime mover) 23 Controller (control unit) 26 Communications Department 27 Authentication Section 29 Card reader (reading device) 70,70p Locking device (anti-theft device) 81 First key (authentication device) 81p First mobile terminal (authentication device) 81q Driver's license (authentication device, license) 82 Second key (key device) 82p Second mobile terminal (key device)

Claims

1. a control unit capable of switching a driving mode of the vehicle between a drive mode in which the vehicle runs only using power output by a prime mover, and a suppression mode in which the output is suppressed compared to the output in the drive mode; an authentication unit that validates the driver's right to use the vehicle in the drive mode; License plate and A license plate display switching device for switching between an invalid state and an valid state of the license plate display; Equipped with The control unit is permitting operation in the driving mode on the condition that the authentication by the authentication unit has been successful and the display of the license plate is in the valid state; A vehicle characterized in that operation in the driving mode is prohibited and operation in the suppression mode is permitted when the authentication conditions by the authentication unit are not met or when the display of the license plate is in the invalid state.

2. 2. The vehicle of claim 1, A vehicle characterized in that the control unit allows operation in both the driving mode and the suppression mode when authentication by the authentication unit is successful and the display of the license plate is in the valid state.

3. 3. A vehicle as claimed in claim 2, A vehicle comprising a switching operation member that outputs a signal indicating a driving mode selected by the driver to the control unit.

4. A vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, The vehicle is provided with an anti-theft device that can be switched between a locked state in which the vehicle is prevented from being driven to thereby prevent theft, and an unlocked state in which the locked state is released, The control unit always allows operation in the suppression mode when the anti-theft device is in the unlocked state.

5. A vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, The vehicle is provided with an anti-theft device that can be switched between a locked state in which the vehicle is prevented from being driven to thereby prevent theft, and an unlocked state in which the locked state is released, the anti-theft device can be switched to the unlocked state by a first key and a second key, A vehicle, wherein the authentication unit satisfies an authentication condition by the first key, but does not satisfy the authentication condition by the second key.

6. A vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, A vehicle characterized in that the authentication conditions by the authentication unit differ for each vehicle.

7. A vehicle equipped with a license plate display switching device for switching between an invalid state and an valid state of a license plate and the display of said license plate, the driving mode of which can be switched between a drive mode in which the vehicle runs only on the power output by a prime mover, and a suppression mode in which the output is suppressed compared to the output in said drive mode, Operation in the driving mode is permitted on the condition that an authentication condition indicating that driving in the driving mode is performed by a driver authorized to drive the vehicle is satisfied and the display of the license plate is in the valid state; A method for controlling a vehicle, characterized in that if the authentication condition is not met or if the display of the license plate is in the invalid state, operation in the driving mode is prohibited and operation in the suppression mode is allowed.

Images