vehicle

Abstract

To prevent erroneous execution of a first mode in which a vehicle travels by first output that is output from a driving source under a state capable of executing a second mode in which the vehicle self-travels by second output that is output from the driving source, thereby making it possible to improve its safety.SOLUTION: A vehicle capable of executing a first mode in which the vehicle travels by first output that is output from a driving source and a second mode in which the vehicle self-travels by second output that is output from the driving source, includes a control unit for controlling the vehicle. The control unit is shifted to a state where the second mode is executable from the first mode when a first instruction device is operated while the driving source does not output power, and executes the second mode when a second instruction device, which is different from the first instruction device, is operated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 describes an electrically assisted bicycle that includes an electric drive unit that assists a pedal drive unit, a manual switch that causes the electric drive unit to self-propel, and a pedal fixing means that restrains the pedals, and the manual switch can be operated only when a detection means detects that the pedals have been fixed by the pedal fixing means. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-324289 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, only when the pedal is fixed by the pedal fixing means can the manual switch be turned on and the power-assisted bicycle be put into a self-propelled state.

[0005] At least one objective of the present disclosure is to safety The aim is to improve [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A vehicle according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: The vehicle is equipped with a motor, a control device capable of executing a first mode in which the motor outputs a first power to run and a second mode in which the motor outputs a second power to run at a speed of 6 km / h or less by controlling an output of the motor, the control device enabling a user to execute the second mode when the vehicle is in a state in which the vehicle cannot be driven in the first mode, and an alarm device connected to the control device and alarming those around the vehicle that the vehicle is in the second mode. It is a vehicle.

[0007] In addition, a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: The vehicle is equipped with a motor, a control device capable of executing a first mode in which the motor outputs a first power to run and a second mode in which the motor outputs a second power to run at a speed of 6 km / h or less by controlling an output of the motor, the control device enabling a user to execute the second mode when the vehicle is in a state in which the vehicle cannot be driven in the first mode, and an alarm device connected to the control device and notifying surrounding people that the vehicle cannot be driven in the first mode. It is a vehicle. Effect of the Invention

[0008] The present disclosure vehicle According to safety can be improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an electrically assisted bicycle according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a saddle flip-up mechanism, partially in cross section, in an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of an indicator device attached to one end of a handle. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram of a configuration focusing on a control device of an electrically assisted bicycle according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] 11A to 11C are diagrams showing a method for causing the control device to transition to execution of the second mode in the power-assisted bicycle of the embodiment. [Figure 6] 5 is a view corresponding to FIG. 4 of an electrically assisted bicycle according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 5 is a view corresponding to FIG. 4 of an electrically assisted bicycle according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] An electrically assisted bicycle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The numerical values, shapes, and positions described below are examples for the purpose of explanation, and can be changed as appropriate according to the specifications of the electrically assisted bicycle. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for equivalent elements in all drawings. Furthermore, in the description in the text, the reference numerals previously described will be used as necessary.

[0011] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an electric power assisted bicycle 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that the electric power assisted bicycle according to the present disclosure is not limited to a city bicycle as exemplified in Fig. 1, and may be, for example, a sports bicycle, a folding bicycle, etc.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the power-assisted bicycle 1 is a bicycle that can execute a first mode as an assist mode when the pedal 7 is depressed, and a second mode in which the motor 21 (FIG. 4) outputs auxiliary power to travel without the user riding the bicycle. In the "first mode," the bicycle travels by adding a first auxiliary power output from the motor 21 according to the magnitude of the pedaling force to the human-powered driving force generated by the pedaling force applied to the pedal 7. The "second mode" is a "push-walking mode" or a "self-propelled mode." In the "push-walking mode," a second auxiliary power from the motor 21 is added to the body of the power-assisted bicycle 1 when a person (user) pushes the power-assisted bicycle 1 and walks. The push-walking mode is executed when a person is not riding the power-assisted bicycle 1 and is walking while pushing the body of the power-assisted bicycle 1. In the "self-propelled mode," the power-assisted bicycle 1 is self-propelled by adding a second auxiliary power from the motor 21 to the body of the power-assisted bicycle 1 while the person supports the power-assisted bicycle 1. Like the pushing-walking mode, the self-propelling mode is executed when a person is not riding the power-assisted bicycle 1 and is walking while supporting the body of the power-assisted bicycle 1. In the self-propelling mode, the person is not exerting any force pushing the body forward. A sensor provided on the grip 4a (FIG. 3) or the like may detect the force applied to the front of the bicycle, and the "pushing-walking mode" and the "self-propelling mode" may be distinguished from each other based on the magnitude of the force. The power-assisted bicycle 1 may also be executed as the second mode without distinguishing between the "pushing-walking mode" and the "self-propelling mode". As will be described later, the power-assisted bicycle 1 of the embodiment is capable of executing the second mode only when it is in a state in which it cannot be ridden in the first mode.

[0013] The power-assisted bicycle 1 includes a frame 2, a front wheel 3a, a rear wheel 3b, a handlebar 4, a saddle 5, crank arms 6, pedals 7, a battery unit 10, and a motor unit 20. When the first mode is executed, the power-assisted bicycle 1 assists the force (pedaling force) applied by the user to the pedals 7 with a motor 21 (FIG. 4) of the motor unit 20. In this embodiment, the pedaling force of the pedals 7 and the output of the motor 21 are transmitted to the rear wheel 3b via a chain 8.

[0014] The frame 2 connects the front wheel 3a, the rear wheel 3b, the handlebars 4, the saddle 5, etc., and supports the battery 10 and the motor unit 20. The frame 2 is made up of a plurality of pipes. In this embodiment, the plurality of pipes include a head pipe 2a, a front fork 2b, a down pipe 2c, a seat pipe 2d, a chain stay 2e, a seat stay 2f, and a bottom bracket (not shown). The bottom bracket is a pipe that connects the down pipe 2c, the seat pipe 2d, and the chain stay 2e.

[0015] A steering column 12 is connected to the lower end of the handlebars 4 via a stem 11. The steering column 12 is rotatably inserted inside the head pipe 2a, and a front fork 2b is supported at the lower end of the steering column 12. The front fork 2b has a pair of legs that rotatably support the front wheel 3a.

[0016] The down pipe 2c is a pipe that connects the head pipe 2a and the bottom bracket. The down pipe 2c is inclined so that it is positioned higher the closer it is to the front of the power-assisted bicycle 1. The seat pipe 2d is a pipe that holds the saddle 5, and is inclined from its upper end to its lower end toward the front of the power-assisted bicycle 1. In this embodiment, the battery unit 10 is attached to the seat pipe 2d, and the motor unit 20 is attached to the bottom bracket.

[0017] The chain stays 2e are pipes connecting the seat stays 2f and the bottom bracket, and extend from the rear end of the bottom bracket to the rear of the bicycle, with one on each side sandwiching the rear wheel 3b. The seat stays 2f are also provided on each side, like the chain stays 2e, with one on each side sandwiching the rear wheel 3b. The left and right seat stays 2f extend from the upper part of the seat pipe 2d to the radial center of the rear wheel 3b, and are connected one-to-one to the left and right chain stays 2e at the center. The rear wheel 3b is rotatably supported at the rear end of the chain stay 2e. A carrier 13 for carrying luggage is disposed behind the saddle 5. The front side of the carrier 13 is connected to the left and right seat stays 2f.

[0018] The electrically assisted bicycle 1 includes an input shaft (not shown) to which one end of the crank arm 6 is attached, a drive sprocket that rotates with the rotation of the input shaft, and a rear wheel sprocket attached to the rear wheel 3b (all not shown), with the drive sprocket and rear wheel sprocket connected via a chain 8. Pedals 7 attached to the crank arm 6 and other parts are provided on each side of the electrically assisted bicycle 1, and one end of the pair of crank arms 6 is connected to each other by the input shaft. In this embodiment, power output from the motor 21 is transmitted to the drive sprocket via a reduction gear or the like, and is transmitted to the rear wheel 3b via the chain 8.

[0019] The battery unit 10 is a power supply device that supplies power to at least the motor unit 20. The battery unit 10 may be configured to supply power to devices other than the motor unit 20, such as the headlamp 9.

[0020] The motor unit 20 is a drive unit that assists the pedaling force of the pedal 7. The output of the motor unit 20 is controlled to drive the motor 21, for example, based on the pedaling force, which is the torque acting on the input shaft, and the number of rotations of the input shaft per unit time. The driving of the motor 21 is controlled by a control device 40 (FIG. 4) described later. At least a portion of the control device 40 may be housed together with the motor 21 (FIG. 4) in the housing of the motor unit 20, and may be unitized with the motor 21.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a saddle flip-up mechanism in an embodiment, partially in cross section. The saddle 5 is a portion on which a user can sit. A pipe upper end member 23 is fixed to the upper end of the seat pipe 2d. The saddle 5 is attached to the pipe upper end member 23 so as to be rotatable about an axis O1 extending in the left-right direction of the bicycle (the front-to-back direction of the paper surface of FIG. 2). A locking portion 5a is formed on the inside of the saddle 5, and a spring 24 is provided between the locking portion 5a and the pipe upper end member 23. The spring 24 biases the saddle 5 in a direction in which the saddle 5 is rotated about the axis O1 as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 2 to flip up. In addition, a locking piece 25 is supported on the pipe upper end member 23 so as to be rotatable about an axis in the left-to-right direction of the bicycle. When the saddle 5 is rotated to a position where the user can ride, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 2, the tip of the locking piece 25 can be engaged with a locking hole 5b formed in the locking portion 5a. A spring 29 is provided between the pipe upper end member 23 and the locking piece 25, and this spring 29 urges the locking piece 25 in the direction of engaging with the locking hole 5b. One end of a wire 26 is connected to the tip of the locking piece 25. The other end of the wire 26 is connected to an operating lever 28 (described later) that is provided on the periphery of the handle 4 shown in FIG.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an operating lever 28, which is an instruction device attached to one end of the handlebar 4 in the embodiment. A grip 4a and a brake lever 4b are attached to both ends of the handlebar 4. FIG. 3 shows only one end of the handlebar 4. The grip 4a is a part that the user holds with the hand when riding the bicycle. The grip 4a is also used as a part that the user holds when the user gets off the bicycle and pushes it. The brake lever 4b is operated to drive a brake device attached to the rear wheel 3b. The brake lever attached to the other end of the handlebar 4, not shown in FIG. 3, is operated to drive a brake device attached to the front wheel 3a.

[0023] At one end of the handle 4, a lever support part 27 is fixed near the grip 4a. An operating lever 28 is attached to the lever support part 27 so as to be rotatable about an axis O2. As a result, the operating lever 28 is provided forward of the saddle 5 of the power-assisted bicycle 1. The operating lever 28 can be operated by the user. For example, the operating lever 28 is preferably provided in a position where it can be operated when the user gets off the bicycle and starts pushing it. By providing the operating lever 28 near the grip 4a of the handle 4, the operability of the user is improved. The other end of the wire 26 is connected to the side opposite to the operating end (lower end in FIG. 3) of the operating lever 28. A spring (not shown) may be provided between the operating lever 28 and the lever support part 27, and the spring may bias the operating lever 28 in a direction to rotate in a predetermined direction (the direction of the arrow A1 in FIG. 3). When the operating lever 28 is rotated in a predetermined direction, one end of the wire 26 is pushed toward the saddle 5 as shown by the solid line of the wire 26 in Fig. 2, and the locking piece 25 is locked in the locking hole 5b of the locking portion 5a by the biasing force of the spring 29. In this state, the user can sit on the saddle 5.

[0024] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, when the user operates the operation lever 28 to rotate in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction (the direction of the arrow A2 in FIG. 3), the wire 26 is pulled toward the handlebar 4, and the locking piece 25 shown in FIG. 2 rotates as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 2. In this state, the locking piece 25 is disengaged from the locking hole 5b of the locking portion 5a, and the saddle 5 is flipped up as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 2 by the biasing force of the spring 24. This makes it impossible for the user to sit on the saddle 5. The state in which the user cannot sit on the saddle 5 of the power-assisted bicycle 1 corresponds to a state in which the power-assisted bicycle 1 cannot be driven in the first mode. Therefore, when the operation lever 28 is operated by the user, it mechanically shifts the power-assisted bicycle 1 to a state in which it cannot be driven in the first mode. The saddle 5, the wire 26, the locking piece 25, and the spring 24 constitute a saddle-push-up mechanism operated by the operation lever 28.

[0025] 3, an instruction device operation sensor 31 is disposed on the lever support portion 27 for detecting an operation of the operation lever 28 by a user. The instruction device operation sensor 31 is, for example, a limit switch. Information indicating a detection value of the instruction device operation sensor 31 is transmitted to the control device 40.

[0026] Furthermore, a manual switch 32 is attached near the grip 4a at one end of the handle 4. In FIG. 3, the manual switch 32 is arranged on the opposite side of the operating lever 28 and the handle 4 in the front-rear direction (the up-down direction in FIG. 3), but is not limited to this arrangement. The manual switch 32 is preferably arranged in a position where it can be operated when the user gets off the bicycle and walks while pushing it. The manual switch 32 accepts operation by the user to execute the second mode. The manual switch 32 is, for example, a momentary switch, and only when it is pressed down by the user, it continues to output a second mode on signal to the control device 40 to execute the second mode. If the manual switch 32 is not pressed down, the manual switch 32 does not output a second mode on signal to the control device 40. This allows the user to operate the operating lever 28 to transition the power-assisted bicycle 1 to a state in which it cannot be driven in the first mode, and then press down the manual switch 32 to execute the second mode. This reduces the force with which the user pushes the bicycle forward when the user gets off the bicycle and walks while pushing it. The manual switch 32 and the operating lever 28 may be provided at the other end of the handle 4 .

[0027] A detailed description will be given of the configuration centered on the control device 40 for shifting the power-assisted bicycle 1 to the second mode with reference to Figs. 4 and 5. Fig. 4 is a block diagram of the configuration centered on the control device 40 of the power-assisted bicycle 1 of the embodiment. The motor 21, the sensor switch group 30, the first mode impossible notification device 38, and the second mode execution notification device 39 are connected to the control device 40. The control device 40 is, for example, a microcomputer, and includes a processor that executes arithmetic processing, a memory that stores measurement data used for the calculation, the calculation results, a processing program, and the like, and an input / output port. The processor is, for example, a CPU, and has a function of reading and executing the processing program stored in the memory. In general, each function of the control device 40 is realized by executing the processing program. The memory is a non-volatile memory such as a ROM, a volatile memory such as a RAM, and the like. The control device 40 has a function of determining whether the power-assisted bicycle 1 is in a state where it cannot be driven in the first mode, a function of executing the first mode, and a function of executing the second mode.

[0028] The output of the motor 21 is controlled by the control device 40 via a drive circuit (not shown) included in the motor unit 20. The motor 21 is, for example, a three-phase brushless DC motor. The motor 21 can have various configurations as long as it is an electric motor driven by power supplied from the battery unit 10.

[0029] The sensor switch group 30 includes a pedal force sensor 33, a vehicle speed sensor 34, a crank rotation sensor 35, an indicator operation sensor 31, a power switch 36, and a manual switch 32. The pedal force sensor 33 is, for example, a magnetostrictive torque sensor, and detects the human driving force generated by the input shaft rotating based on the human driving force, which is the pedal force applied to the pedal. Information indicating the detection value of the pedal force sensor 33 is transmitted to the control device 40.

[0030] The vehicle speed sensor 34 is provided, for example, at the lower end of the front fork 2b, and detects the traveling speed of the power-assisted bicycle 1 from the number of rotations per unit time of the front wheel 3a. Information indicating the detection value of the vehicle speed sensor 34 is transmitted to the control device 40. The vehicle speed sensor 34 is, for example, a speed sensor such as a wheel sensor. The vehicle speed sensor 34 may be attached to a rotation support part of the rear wheel 3b, and detect the traveling speed of the power-assisted bicycle 1 from the number of rotations of the rear wheel 3b.

[0031] The crank rotation sensor 35 detects the number of rotations per unit time of the input shaft. Information indicating the detection value of the crank rotation sensor 35 is transmitted to the control device 40. The crank rotation sensor 35 includes, for example, a gear-shaped rotating body and a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit on both sides of the gear-shaped rotating body.

[0032] The power switch 36 is a switch for allowing the user to execute the first mode. The first mode is executed when the power switch 36 is turned on and the user depresses the pedal 7. For example, the first mode is executed when the user rides the power-assisted bicycle 1, depresses the pedal 7, and the pedaling force due to the operation reaches a predetermined value or more. When the first mode is executed, the control device 40 calculates a first auxiliary power to be output by the motor 21 based on the detection value of the pedaling force on the pedal 7 and the detection value of the vehicle speed sensor 34, and drives the motor 21 with the calculated first auxiliary power.

[0033] Furthermore, when the second mode is executed by turning on the manual switch 32, the control device 40 causes the motor 21 to output the second auxiliary power so as to enable execution of the second mode only if the power-assisted bicycle 1 is in a state in which it cannot be driven in the first mode. For this purpose, the control device 40 determines whether the power-assisted bicycle 1 is in a state in which it cannot be driven in the first mode.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a method of shifting to execution of the second mode by the control device 40 in the power-assisted bicycle 1 of the embodiment. The flowchart in FIG. 5 is executed by the control device 40. In step S10, the operating lever 28, which is an instruction device, is operated, and it is determined whether or not driving in the first mode is impossible (driving in the first mode is impossible). If the determination in step S10 is a positive determination (YES), it is determined in step S12 whether or not the manual switch 32 is turned on. If the determination in step S12 is a positive determination (YES), the process proceeds to step S14, the second mode is executed, and the process ends. As described above, the saddle 5 is flipped up at this time, so that the user cannot sit on it. In the second mode, the motor 21 is caused to output the second auxiliary power while the manual switch 32 is turned on. This makes it possible to execute the second mode, such as a push-walk mode or a self-propelled mode, when the user has dismounted from the bicycle. At this time, in the second mode, the control device 40 limits the self-propelled speed of the power-assisted bicycle 1 to a predetermined speed or less, for example, 6 km / h or less, 3 km / h or less, etc. If the determination in step S10 or step S12 is negative (NO), the process returns to step S10 and is repeated.

[0035] Returning to FIG. 4, the first mode unnoticeable device 38 is operated by the control device 40 when the power-assisted bicycle 1 is in a state where it cannot be driven in the first mode. The first mode unnoticeable device 38 is a lamp such as the headlight 9 mounted on the front side of the power-assisted bicycle 1 or a taillight mounted on the rear side, or a notification sound generating unit such as a buzzer or a sound generating unit. The lamp visually notifies the outside that the power-assisted bicycle 1 is in a state where it cannot be driven in the first mode. The notification sound generating unit audibly notifies the outside that the power-assisted bicycle 1 is in a state where it cannot be driven in the first mode. This allows the user or people around the power-assisted bicycle 1 to recognize that the power-assisted bicycle 1 is in a state where it cannot be driven in the first mode. The first mode unnoticeable device 38 may also be configured as a transmitter connected to the control device 40, and the transmitter may be configured to transmit a wireless signal indicating that the power-assisted bicycle 1 is in a state where it cannot be driven in the first mode to a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or an external computer such as a server via a communication network or the like to notify the outside. A separate notification device may be provided that generates vibrations in the grip 4a to tactilely notify the user that the power-assisted bicycle 1 cannot be driven in the first mode. In this case, the notification is directed to the user.

[0036] The second mode execution notification device 39 is operated by the control device 40 when the second mode is being executed. The second mode execution notification device 39 is a lamp, a notification sound generating unit, or a vibration generating unit similar to the first mode non-notification device 38. The second mode execution notification device 39 notifies the outside that the second mode is being executed. This allows people nearby who are located away from the power-assisted bicycle 1 to recognize that the power-assisted bicycle 1 is executing the second mode. For this reason, people nearby, such as police officers, can easily detect, by visual inspection, illegal acts such as sitting on the carrier 13 behind the bicycle saddle 5 or turning on the manual switch 32 while standing on the pedals 7 to make the bicycle move independently, and therefore illegal acts can be suppressed.

[0037] The second mode execution notification device 39 may also be configured as a transmitter connected to the control device 40, which can send a wireless signal indicating that the power-assisted bicycle 1 is in the second mode to a mobile information terminal such as a smartphone or an external computer such as a server via a communication network, etc. For example, a police officer can easily confirm that the user is engaging in fraudulent behavior using the mobile information terminal.

[0038] One or both of the first mode impossible notification device 38 and the second mode execution notification device 39 may be lights such as headlights 9 or taillights, and may have a different lighting state when notifying a person who has left the bicycle, such as by flashing the light emission pattern of the light. In this case, the first mode impossible notification device 38 or the second mode execution notification device 39 may be lights of taillights arranged separately on the left and right sides of the bicycle, and may have a different light emission color from the normal lighting state.

[0039] According to the above-described electrically assisted bicycle 1, the second mode can be executed only when the bicycle cannot be driven in the first mode, and the user's operations to enable the second mode can be prevented from becoming cumbersome. Specifically, the second mode can be executed by the user operating the operation lever 28 to transition the electrically assisted bicycle 1 to a state in which it cannot be driven in the first mode. This prevents the user's operations to enable the second mode from becoming cumbersome.

[0040] Note that a configuration other than the saddle flip-up mechanism may be adopted to mechanically set the power-assisted bicycle 1 in a state in which it is not possible to operate the power-assisted bicycle 1 in the first mode by operating the instruction device by the user. For example, the position of the pedal 7 may be locked by operating the instruction device, the rotation of the crank arm 6 associated with the operation of the pedal 7 may be prevented, or the handlebars 4 may be locked so that the orientation cannot be changed. For example, the wire may be pulled by operating the operating lever 28, and the pedal 7 or the crank arm 6 may be locked by a locking device connected to the wire, or the handlebars 4 may be locked. When the position of the pedal 7 is locked as described above, or when the rotation of the crank arm 6 associated with the operation of the pedal 7 is prevented, the user is unable to ride the power-assisted bicycle 1 and operate it by stepping on the pedal 7. This state corresponds to a state in which the power-assisted bicycle 1 cannot be operated in the first mode.

[0041] Moreover, the indicating device is preferably provided in front of the saddle 5, but the indicating device may be provided on a part other than the handlebars 4, for example, on the stem 11, the steering column 12, or the head pipe 2a.

[0042] FIG. 6 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 4, showing an electric power-assisted bicycle of another example of the embodiment. The electric power-assisted bicycle of this example is not provided with the operation lever 28 and the saddle flip-up mechanism. In the case of the electric power-assisted bicycle of this example, the sensor switch group 30a includes a first mode prohibition switch 41 connected to the control device 40. The first mode prohibition switch 41 corresponds to an instruction device. For example, the first mode prohibition switch 41 can be disposed forward of the saddle 5, such as near the grip 4a of the handlebar 4, similar to the position where the operation lever 28 was disposed in FIG. 3. The first mode prohibition switch 41 controls the electric power-assisted bicycle to transition to a state in which it cannot be driven in the first mode. The first mode prohibition switch 41 is, for example, a push button or a rocker switch. The state of the control device 40 is changed by the first mode prohibition switch 41 being turned on. Specifically, the control device 40 receives a signal indicating that the switch is on and prohibits the execution of the first mode, so that the first mode is not executed. The state in which the first mode is not executed is a state in which the electric power-assisted bicycle cannot be driven in the first mode. In the state where the first mode is not being executed, the second mode can be executed while the user turns on the manual switch 32. In this configuration, the number of parts can be reduced compared to the configuration in which the operating lever 28 and the saddle flip-up mechanism are provided as in the configuration in Figures 1 to 5. In this example, the other configurations and functions are the same as those in the configuration in Figures 1 to 5.

[0043] In the configuration of FIG. 6, the instruction device may be provided with a first mode permission switch (not shown) in addition to the first mode prohibition switch 41. The first mode prohibition switch 41 may also have the function of the first mode permission switch. For example, the first mode prohibition switch 41 may be a push button that is pressed once to turn on and then pressed again to turn off. A signal indicating that the first mode permission switch is on or the first mode prohibition switch 41 is off is output to the control device 40. The control device 40 enables the execution of the first mode by receiving an input of a signal indicating that the first mode permission switch is on or the first mode prohibition switch 41 is off. At this time, the second mode cannot be executed.

[0044] Also, referring to FIG. 6, as another example of the embodiment, the electrically assisted bicycle may be configured to include a saddle load sensor 42 that detects the weight applied on the saddle. For example, instead of the seat pipe 2d (FIG. 2), an outer tube and an inner tube slidably disposed inside the outer tube are used to configure the seat pipe to be extendable and retractable, and a spring is provided between the outer tube and the inner tube to bias the seat pipe in the direction of extension. Also, a spring and a push-down switch serving as the saddle load sensor 42 are provided to be sandwiched between the outer tube and the inner tube in the longitudinal direction. Information indicating the detection value of the saddle load sensor 42 is transmitted to the control device 40. The control device 40 enables the saddle load sensor 42 when the first mode prohibition switch 41 is turned on. Then, only when the user sits on the saddle 5 and the saddle load sensor 42 detects that a weight equal to or greater than a predetermined value is applied, the control device 40 configures the motor 21 not to output either the first auxiliary power or the second auxiliary power, and transitions the electrically assisted bicycle to a state in which it cannot be driven in the first mode. When the first mode prohibition switch 41 is turned on while the user has dismounted from the electrically assisted bicycle, the output of the first auxiliary power by the motor 21 is stopped, but the second auxiliary power may be output by turning on the manual switch 32. In this case, when the first mode prohibition switch 41 is turned on, the control device 40 controls the motor 21 so that the first auxiliary power is not output in a state in which the second mode is being executed by turning on the manual switch 32. This prevents the first mode from being executed even if the user's body hits the pedal 7 after accidentally pressing the power switch 36 when the user dismounts from the electrically assisted bicycle and walks while holding the bicycle. This prevents the first auxiliary power of the motor 21 from being rapidly output in the first mode with the rotation of the pedal 7, which would otherwise cause the bicycle to accelerate significantly. This improves the safety of the electrically assisted bicycle. In this way, in a configuration in which the first mode prohibition switch 41 is provided as an instruction device, the degree of freedom in the arrangement position of the instruction device can be increased. This makes it easier to place the instruction device in a position that is easy for the user to operate, improving operability for preventing the power-assisted bicycle from being driven in the first mode.

[0045] In the configuration shown in FIG. 6, an instruction device for shifting the state in which the power-assisted bicycle cannot be driven in the first mode and a manual switch 32 for executing the second mode are separately provided, but the instruction device may also serve as an operating device for starting the execution of the second mode. For example, when the instruction device is turned on by pressing down or the like, the instruction device may be configured to shift the state in which the power-assisted bicycle cannot be driven in the first mode, and an instruction to have the motor output the second auxiliary power so as to execute the second mode in that state may be transmitted from the instruction device to the control device 40. At this time, the control device 40 controls the motor 21 so that the first auxiliary power is not output in the state in which the second mode is being executed. In other words, the first mode is not executed while the second mode is being executed. As a result, even if the pedal 7 accidentally hits the user's body or a protrusion such as a step when the user gets off the power-assisted bicycle and walks while holding the bicycle, the first mode is not executed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first auxiliary power of the motor 21 from being rapidly output with the rotation of the pedal 7 in the first mode, which would cause the bicycle to accelerate significantly. This improves the safety of the power-assisted bicycle. Furthermore, if the instruction device is a push button, pressing the instruction device once may transition the electrically assisted bicycle to a state in which it cannot be driven in the first mode, and pressing the instruction device again may cause the motor to output a second auxiliary power so as to execute the second mode. In this way, when a single instruction device has both the function of transitioning the electrically assisted bicycle to a state in which it cannot be driven in the first mode and the function of executing the second mode, user operation becomes easier and user convenience is improved.

[0046] Fig. 7 is a diagram corresponding to Fig. 4 of an electrically assisted bicycle of another example of the embodiment. In the configuration of this example, the first mode prohibition switch 41 is omitted from the sensor switch group 30b in the configuration of Fig. 6. Instead, the electrically assisted bicycle of this example has a receiver 43 connected to the control device 40. The location of the receiver 43 is not limited as long as it is attached to the electrically assisted bicycle, but it can be located, for example, near the control device 40. The receiver 43 receives, via wireless communication, an instruction signal for transitioning the electrically assisted bicycle to a state in which it cannot be driven in the first mode, and transmits information indicating that the instruction signal has been received to the control device 40.

[0047] Meanwhile, a portable information terminal 44 such as a smartphone, which is a portable communication device separate from the power-assisted bicycle and serves as an instruction device, is used to transmit an instruction signal to the receiver 43. For example, a specific application program is stored in the portable information terminal 44, and the program is executed by the user's operation, thereby transmitting the instruction signal to the receiver 43. When the control device 40 receives the instruction signal via the receiver, it prohibits the execution of the first mode. As a result, while the execution of the first mode is prohibited, the second mode can be executed while the user is operating the manual switch 32 to ON.

[0048] In the configuration of Fig. 7, the instruction device may be a portable terminal such as a spare key with a communication function. For example, the spare key may be provided with an operation unit such as a push button, and when the user operates the operation unit, an instruction signal for transitioning the power-assisted bicycle to a state in which it cannot be driven in the first mode is transmitted from the spare key to receiver 43 via wireless communication. In this example, the other configurations and operations are the same as those of Figs. 1 to 5 or Fig. 6.

[0049] 6 and 7, a second mode execution notification device 39 is provided to notify the outside that the second mode is being executed. This makes it easier for people around the bicycle, such as police officers, to discover fraudulent acts such as a user turning on the manual switch 32 while seated on the saddle 5 to propel the bicycle while prohibiting execution of the first mode, and thus makes it possible to prevent fraudulent acts. In addition, while the above-mentioned embodiments are provided with the first mode non-execution notification device 38 and the second mode execution notification device 39, one or both of the notification devices 38, 39 may be omitted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] 1 Electrically assisted bicycle, 2 Frame, 2a Head pipe, 2b Front fork, 2c Down pipe, 2d Seat pipe, 2e Chain stay, 2f Seat stay, 3a Front wheel, 3b Rear wheel, 4 Handle, 4a Grip, 4b Brake lever, 5 Saddle, 5a Locking part, 5b Locking hole, 6 Crank arm, 7 Pedal, 8 Chain, 9 Headlight, 10 Battery unit, 11 Stem, 12 Steering column, 13 Carrier, 20 Motor unit, 21 Motor, 23 Pipe upper end member, 24 Spring, 25 Locking piece, 26 Wire, 27 Lever support part, 28 Operation lever, 29 Spring, 30, 30a, 30b Sensor switch group, 31 Indicator operation sensor, 32 Manual switch, 33 Pedal force sensor, 34 Vehicle speed sensor, 35 Crank rotation sensor, 36 Power switch, 38 First mode non-notification device, 39 second mode execution notification device, 40 control device, 41 first mode prohibition switch, 42 saddle load sensor, 43 receiver, 44 portable information terminal.

Claims

1. A motor; a control device that controls the output of the motor to execute a first mode in which the motor outputs a first power to run the vehicle, and a second mode in which the motor outputs a second power to run the vehicle at a limited speed of 6 km / h or less, and that allows a user to execute the second mode when the vehicle is in a state in which the vehicle cannot be driven in the first mode; an alarm device connected to the control device and configured to notify a surrounding area that the device is in the second mode; an indicator for transitioning the vehicle to a state in which the vehicle cannot be driven in the first mode; a manual switch that is disposed at a position different from the instruction device and receives an operation by the user to execute the second mode; Equipped with The control device executes the second mode when the manual switch is operated after the state in which the vehicle cannot be operated in the first mode is entered by the operation of the instruction device. vehicle.

2. A motor; a control device that controls the output of the motor to execute a first mode in which the motor outputs a first power to run the vehicle, and a second mode in which the motor outputs a second power to run the vehicle at a limited speed of 6 km / h or less, and that allows a user to execute the second mode when the vehicle is in a state in which the vehicle cannot be driven in the first mode; an alarm device connected to the control device and configured to notify people around that the vehicle cannot be operated in the first mode; an indicator for transitioning the vehicle to a state in which the vehicle cannot be driven in the first mode; a manual switch that is disposed at a position different from the instruction device and receives an operation by the user to execute the second mode; Equipped with The control device executes the second mode when the manual switch is operated after the state in which the vehicle cannot be operated in the first mode is entered by the operation of the instruction device. vehicle.

3. A motor; a control device that controls the output of the motor to execute a first mode in which the motor outputs a first power to run the vehicle, and a second mode in which the motor outputs a second power to run the vehicle at a limited speed of 6 km / h or less, and that allows a user to execute the second mode when the vehicle is in a state in which the vehicle cannot be driven in the first mode; an alarm device connected to the control device and configured to notify people around that the vehicle cannot be operated in the first mode; an indicator for transitioning the vehicle to a state in which the vehicle cannot be driven in the first mode; a manual switch that is disposed at a position different from the instruction device and receives an operation by the user to execute the second mode; Equipped with When the state in which the vehicle cannot be driven in the first mode is changed due to the operation of the instruction device, the notification device notifies people around the vehicle that the vehicle cannot be driven in the first mode. vehicle.

4. the notification device has a light, and notifies people around the vehicle that the vehicle is in the second mode by flashing the light; The lights are disposed on the left and right sides of the vehicle and have a different emission color from the headlights attached to the vehicle.

2. The vehicle of claim 1.

5. the notification device has a light, and notifies people around the vehicle that the vehicle cannot be driven in the first mode by flashing the light; The lights are disposed on the left and right sides of the vehicle and have a different emission color from the headlights attached to the vehicle. A vehicle according to claim 2 or claim 3.

6. The indicator and the manual switch are provided on one end of a steering wheel of the vehicle, The operation unit of the indicating device is disposed on the rear side of the handle. A vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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