Control device and control method

Abstract

The present invention provides a control device and a control method with which the safety of a saddle-riding type vehicle can be suitably improved. In this control device and control method, the control device performs inter-vehicle distance control for controlling the inter-vehicle distance between a saddle-riding type vehicle (100) and a target vehicle on the basis of information related to the surrounding environment of the saddle-riding type vehicle (100). A control unit of the control device initiates the inter-vehicle distance control in accordance with a first operation in which a rider of the saddle-riding type vehicle (100) switches an operation part (2R) from a reference state to a state different from the reference state. The control unit terminates the inter-vehicle distance control in accordance with a second operation in which the rider returns the operation part (2R) to the reference state during execution of the inter-vehicle distance control.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device and a control method that can appropriately improve the safety of a saddle-ride type vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventional techniques relating to saddle-ride type vehicles include those for improving safety.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a driver assistance system that warns a motorcycle driver that he or she is inappropriately approaching an obstacle based on information detected by a sensor device that detects an obstacle in the direction of travel or substantially in the direction of travel. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-116882 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Meanwhile, as a technique for improving the safety of a vehicle, there is a vehicle distance control that controls the distance between a vehicle and a target vehicle. Here, it is considered that the vehicle distance control is also used in a saddle-ride type vehicle to improve the safety. In this case, it is desirable to appropriately improve the safety of the saddle-ride type vehicle by the vehicle distance control.

[0006] The present invention has been made in light of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a control device and a control method that can appropriately improve the safety of a saddle-ride type vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The control device of the present invention is a control device that controls the behavior of a saddle-ride type vehicle, and includes a control unit that executes inter-vehicle distance control that controls the inter-vehicle distance between the saddle-ride type vehicle and a target vehicle based on ambient environment information of the saddle-ride type vehicle, and the control unit starts the inter-vehicle distance control in response to a first operation by a rider of the saddle-ride type vehicle to change an operating unit from a reference state to a state different from the reference state, and terminates the inter-vehicle distance control in response to a second operation by the rider to return the operating unit to the reference state while the inter-vehicle distance control is being executed.

[0008] The control method of the present invention is a method for controlling the behavior of a saddle-ride type vehicle, in which a control unit of a control device that executes inter-vehicle distance control to control the inter-vehicle distance between the saddle-ride type vehicle and a target vehicle based on ambient environment information of the saddle-ride type vehicle starts the inter-vehicle distance control in response to a first operation by a rider of the saddle-ride type vehicle to change an operating unit from a reference state to a state different from the reference state, and terminates the inter-vehicle distance control in response to a second operation by the rider to return the operating unit to the reference state during the execution of the inter-vehicle distance control. Effect of the Invention

[0009] In the control device and control method according to the present invention, a control unit of the control device that executes inter-vehicle distance control for controlling the inter-vehicle distance between a saddle-ride type vehicle and a target vehicle based on ambient environment information of the saddle-ride type vehicle starts inter-vehicle distance control in response to a first operation by a rider of the saddle-ride type vehicle to change an operating unit from a reference state to a state different from the reference state, and ends inter-vehicle distance control in response to a second operation by the rider to return the operating unit to the reference state during execution of inter-vehicle distance control. This makes it possible to execute inter-vehicle distance control in accordance with the rider's intention. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately improve the safety of the saddle-ride type vehicle. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a saddle-ride type vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a brake system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a handle and its surroundings according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 5 is a schematic diagram showing a rotation direction of an accelerator grip according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of processing performed by a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow in inter-vehicle distance control performed by a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, a control device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] In the following, a control device used for a two-wheeled motorcycle is described (see saddle-ride vehicle 100 in FIG. 1), but the vehicle controlled by the control device according to the present invention may be any saddle-ride vehicle, and may be a saddle-ride vehicle other than a two-wheeled motorcycle. A saddle-ride vehicle means a vehicle on which a rider straddles and rides. Examples of saddle-ride vehicles include motorcycles (motorcycles and motor tricycles), bicycles, buggies, etc. Motor cycles include vehicles powered by an engine, vehicles powered by an electric motor, etc. Examples of motorcycles include motorcycles, scooters, electric scooters, etc. A bicycle means a vehicle that can be propelled on the road by the rider's pedaling force applied to the pedals. Examples of bicycles include ordinary bicycles, electrically assisted bicycles, electric bicycles, etc.

[0013] In addition, the following describes a case where an engine (specifically, engine 5 in FIG. 1 described below) is installed as a driving source capable of outputting power to drive the wheels, but a driving source other than an engine (e.g., an electric motor) may also be installed as the driving source, and multiple driving sources may also be installed.

[0014] Furthermore, the configurations and operations described below are merely examples, and the control device and control method according to the present invention are not limited to such configurations and operations.

[0015] In the following, the same or similar descriptions are appropriately simplified or omitted. In addition, in each drawing, the same or similar members or parts are not labeled with a reference symbol or are labeled with the same reference symbol. In addition, the detailed structure is appropriately simplified or omitted.

[0016] <Straddle-type vehicle configuration> The configuration of a saddle-ride type vehicle 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 3.

[0017] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a saddle type vehicle 100. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a brake system 10.

[0018] The saddle-ride type vehicle 100 is a two-wheeled motorcycle that corresponds to one example of the saddle-ride type vehicle according to the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the saddle-ride type vehicle 100 includes a body 1, a handlebar 2 rotatably held by the body 1, a front wheel 3 rotatably held together with the handlebar 2 by the body 1, a rear wheel 4 rotatably held by the body 1, an engine 5, a brake system 10, an ambient environment sensor 41, a front wheel speed sensor 42, a rear wheel speed sensor 43, and an inertial measurement device 44. In this embodiment, a control device (ECU) 60 is provided in a hydraulic control unit 50 of the brake system 10, which will be described later.

[0019] The engine 5 corresponds to an example of a drive source of the saddle type vehicle 100, and is capable of outputting power for driving wheels (specifically, the rear wheel 4). For example, the engine 5 is provided with one or more cylinders in which a combustion chamber is formed, a fuel injection valve that injects fuel toward the combustion chamber, and an ignition plug. A mixture containing air and fuel is formed in the combustion chamber by injecting fuel from the fuel injection valve, and the mixture is ignited by the ignition plug and combusted. This causes a piston provided in the cylinder to reciprocate, causing the crankshaft to rotate. In addition, a throttle valve is provided in an intake pipe of the engine 5, and the amount of intake air into the combustion chamber changes according to the throttle opening, which is the opening degree of the throttle valve.

[0020] 1 and 2, the brake system 10 includes a first brake operation unit 11, a front wheel braking mechanism 12 that brakes the front wheels 3 in cooperation with at least the first brake operation unit 11, a second brake operation unit 13, and a rear wheel braking mechanism 14 that brakes the rear wheels 4 in cooperation with at least the second brake operation unit 13. The brake system 10 also includes a hydraulic pressure control unit 50, and a part of the front wheel braking mechanism 12 and a part of the rear wheel braking mechanism 14 are included in the hydraulic pressure control unit 50. The hydraulic pressure control unit 50 is a unit that has the function of controlling the braking force generated on the front wheels 3 by the front wheel braking mechanism 12 and the braking force generated on the rear wheels 4 by the rear wheel braking mechanism 14.

[0021] The first brake operation unit 11 is provided on the handlebars 2 and is operated by the rider's hands. The first brake operation unit 11 is, for example, a brake lever. The second brake operation unit 13 is provided on the lower part of the body 1 and is operated by the rider's feet. The second brake operation unit 13 is, for example, a brake pedal.

[0022] Each of the front wheel braking mechanism 12 and the rear wheel braking mechanism 14 includes a master cylinder 21 incorporating a piston (not shown), a reservoir 22 attached to the master cylinder 21, a brake caliper 23 held in the body 1 and having brake pads (not shown), a wheel cylinder 24 provided in the brake caliper 23, a main flow path 25 for circulating the brake fluid of the master cylinder 21 to the wheel cylinder 24, a secondary flow path 26 for releasing the brake fluid of the wheel cylinder 24, and a supply flow path 27 for supplying the brake fluid of the master cylinder 21 to the secondary flow path 26.

[0023] The main flow passage 25 is provided with an inlet valve (EV) 31. The sub-flow passage 26 bypasses the main flow passage 25 between the wheel cylinder 24 side and the master cylinder 21 side with respect to the inlet valve 31. The sub-flow passage 26 is provided with a release valve (AV) 32, an accumulator 33, and a pump 34, in this order from the upstream side. A first valve (USV) 35 is provided between the end of the main flow passage 25 on the master cylinder 21 side and a point where the downstream end of the sub-flow passage 26 is connected. The supply flow passage 27 communicates between the master cylinder 21 and the suction side of the pump 34 of the sub-flow passage 26. A second valve (HSV) 36 is provided in the supply flow passage 27.

[0024] The inlet valve 31 is, for example, a solenoid valve that opens in a de-energized state and closes in an energized state. The release valve 32 is, for example, a solenoid valve that closes in a de-energized state and opens in an energized state. The first valve 35 is, for example, a solenoid valve that opens in a de-energized state and closes in an energized state. The second valve 36 is, for example, a solenoid valve that closes in a de-energized state and opens in an energized state.

[0025] The hydraulic control unit 50 includes components for controlling the brake hydraulic pressure, including an inlet valve 31, a release valve 32, an accumulator 33, a pump 34, a first valve 35 and a second valve 36, a base 51 on which these components are provided and in which flow paths for forming a main flow path 25, a secondary flow path 26 and a supply flow path 27 are formed, and a control device 60.

[0026] The base 51 may be formed of one member or a plurality of members. When the base 51 is formed of a plurality of members, each component may be provided separately in a different member.

[0027] The operation of the above components of the hydraulic control unit 50 is controlled by a control device 60. As a result, the braking force generated on the front wheels 3 by the front wheel braking mechanism 12 and the braking force generated on the rear wheels 4 by the rear wheel braking mechanism 14 are controlled.

[0028] For example, under normal circumstances, that is, when the following distance control described later is not being executed, the control device 60 opens the inlet valve 31, closes the release valve 32, opens the first valve 35, and closes the second valve 36. In this state, when the first brake operation unit 11 is operated, in the front wheel braking mechanism 12, the piston (not shown) of the master cylinder 21 is pushed in, the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid in the wheel cylinder 24 increases, and the brake pad (not shown) of the brake caliper 23 is pressed against the rotor 3a of the front wheel 3, generating a braking force on the front wheel 3. Also, when the second brake operation unit 13 is operated, in the rear wheel braking mechanism 14, the piston (not shown) of the master cylinder 21 is pushed in, the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid in the wheel cylinder 24 increases, and the brake pad (not shown) of the brake caliper 23 is pressed against the rotor 4a of the rear wheel 4, generating a braking force on the rear wheel 4.

[0029] The surrounding environment sensor 41 detects surrounding environment information related to the environment around the saddle type vehicle 100. For example, the surrounding environment sensor 41 is provided at the front of the body of the saddle type vehicle 100, and detects surrounding environment information in front of the saddle type vehicle 100. The surrounding environment information detected by the surrounding environment sensor 41 is output to the control device 60.

[0030] The surrounding environment information detected by the surrounding environment sensor 41 may be information related to the distance or direction to an object located around the saddle type vehicle 100 (e.g., relative position, relative distance, relative speed, relative acceleration, etc.), or may be characteristics of the object located around the saddle type vehicle 100 (e.g., type of object, shape of the object itself, mark attached to the object, etc.). The surrounding environment sensor 41 is, for example, a radar, a Lidar sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a camera, etc.

[0031] The surrounding environment information may also be detected by a surrounding environment sensor mounted on another vehicle or an infrastructure facility. That is, the control device 60 may obtain the surrounding environment information through wireless communication with the other vehicle or the infrastructure facility.

[0032] The front wheel speed sensor 42 is a wheel speed sensor that detects the wheel speed of the front wheels 3 (for example, the number of rotations per unit time [rpm] or the travel distance per unit time [km / h] of the front wheels 3, etc.) and outputs the detection result. The front wheel speed sensor 42 may also detect other physical quantities that can be substantially converted into the wheel speed of the front wheels 3. The front wheel speed sensor 42 is provided on the front wheels 3.

[0033] The rear wheel speed sensor 43 is a wheel speed sensor that detects the wheel speed of the rear wheel 4 (for example, the number of rotations per unit time [rpm] or the distance traveled per unit time [km / h] of the rear wheel 4, etc.) and outputs the detection result. The rear wheel speed sensor 43 may also detect other physical quantities that can be substantially converted into the wheel speed of the rear wheel 4. The rear wheel speed sensor 43 is provided on the rear wheel 4.

[0034] The inertial measurement unit 44 includes a three-axis gyro sensor and a three-directional acceleration sensor, and detects the attitude of the saddle-ride type vehicle 100. The inertial measurement unit 44 is provided, for example, in the body of the saddle-ride type vehicle 100. For example, the inertial measurement unit 44 detects the lean angle of the saddle-ride type vehicle 100 and outputs the detection result. The inertial measurement unit 44 may detect other physical quantities that can be substantially converted into the lean angle of the saddle-ride type vehicle 100. The lean angle corresponds to an angle that represents the inclination in the roll direction of the body (specifically, the body 1) of the saddle-ride type vehicle 100 relative to the vertically upward direction. The inertial measurement unit 44 may include only a part of the three-axis gyro sensor and the three-directional acceleration sensor.

[0035] Here, the handlebar 2 and its surrounding structure will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the handlebar 2 and its surrounding structure. Specifically, Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the upper front part of the body 1 of the saddle-ride type vehicle 100 as viewed vertically from above.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 3, the handlebar 2 includes a right grip 2R and a left grip 2L. The handlebar 2 extends in the vehicle width direction. The right grip 2R is formed at the right end of the handlebar 2 and is held by the rider's right hand when riding. The left grip 2L is formed at the left end of the handlebar 2 and is held by the rider's left hand when riding. In particular, the right grip 2R is an accelerator grip used when the rider operates the accelerator (i.e., an operation to accelerate the saddle riding type vehicle 100). The operation of rotating the accelerator grip corresponds to the accelerator operation. Hereinafter, the right grip 2R will also be referred to as the accelerator grip 2R.

[0037] A first brake operation unit 11 is provided near the right grip (accelerator grip) 2R. The rider can grip the first brake operation unit 11 with his right hand. The operation of gripping the first brake operation unit 11 corresponds to a brake operation (i.e., an operation to decelerate the saddle riding type vehicle 100). Note that the operation of depressing the second brake operation unit 13 described above also corresponds to a brake operation. In addition, a clutch operation unit 15 is provided near the left grip 2L. The clutch operation unit 15 is, for example, a clutch lever. The rider can grip the clutch operation unit 15 with his left hand. The operation of gripping the clutch operation unit 15 corresponds to a clutch operation (i.e., an operation to release a clutch that disconnects the transmission of power from the engine 5 to the drive wheels).

[0038] As shown in Fig. 3, the saddle-ride type vehicle 100 is equipped with a display device 70. The display device 70 is a device that visually displays various information. For example, the display device 70 may display an object indicating the vehicle speed, an object indicating the remaining fuel level, etc. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the display device 70 is provided in front of the handlebars 2 of the saddle-ride type vehicle 100.

[0039] Here, the accelerator grip 2R of the handlebar 2 will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the rotation direction of the accelerator grip 2R. Specifically, Fig. 4 is a diagram of the accelerator grip 2R as seen in the direction of arrow A in Fig. 3 (i.e., as seen from the right side of the vehicle along the axial direction of the accelerator grip 2R).

[0040] The accelerator grip 2R corresponds to an example of an operating portion according to the present invention that is used when operated by a rider to execute inter-vehicle distance control, which will be described later.

[0041] Specifically, the accelerator grip 2R is cylindrical or columnar and can rotate around the central axis of the accelerator grip 2R. The accelerator grip 2R includes a structure that returns the rotation position of the accelerator grip 2R to a reference position P0 in an unloaded state (i.e., a state in which no load is input from the outside to the accelerator grip 2R). Such a structure can be realized, for example, by utilizing the restoring force of a spring or the like. In this case, a biasing force that returns the rotation position of the accelerator grip 2R to the reference position P0 can act on the accelerator grip 2R in both a first direction D1, which is a counterclockwise direction as seen from the right side of the vehicle, and a second direction D2, which is a clockwise direction as seen from the right side of the vehicle. When the inter-vehicle distance control described later is released and the rotation position of the accelerator grip 2R is at the reference position P0, the driving force generated in the saddle-ride type vehicle 100 is minimized. The state in which the rotation position of the accelerator grip 2R is at the reference position P0 is the reference state of the accelerator grip 2R.

[0042] Furthermore, in a state in which the inter-vehicle distance control described below is released, a driving force can be generated in the saddle-ride type vehicle 100 by rotating the accelerator grip 2R from the reference position P0 in the first direction D1. Here, the driving force generated in the saddle-ride type vehicle 100 increases as the relative angle of the rotational position of the accelerator grip 2R with respect to the reference position P0 increases. For example, when the rotational position of the accelerator grip 2R is at position P1 in Fig. 4 (specifically, a position rotated by angle θ1 in the first direction D1 from the reference position P0), a driving force according to the angle θ1 is generated in the saddle-ride type vehicle 100.

[0043] When the vehicle distance control described below is released and a driving force is being generated in the saddle-ride type vehicle 100 (specifically, when the rotation position of the accelerator grip 2R is on the first direction D1 side relative to the reference position P0), when the rider rotates the accelerator grip 2R in the first direction D1, the driving force increases, and when the rider rotates the accelerator grip 2R in a second direction D2 opposite to the first direction D1, the driving force decreases.

[0044] The control device 60 controls the behavior of the saddle type vehicle 100. For example, a part or all of the control device 60 is configured with a microcomputer, a microprocessor unit, or the like. Also, for example, a part or all of the control device 60 may be configured with an updatable component such as firmware, or may be a program module executed by commands from a CPU, or the like. The control device 60 may be, for example, one unit, or may be divided into multiple units.

[0045] Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the control device 60. As shown in Fig. 5, the control device 60 includes, for example, an acquisition unit 61 and a control unit 62.

[0046] The acquisition unit 61 acquires information output from each device mounted on the saddle type vehicle 100 and outputs the information to the control unit 62. For example, the acquisition unit 61 acquires information indicating various detection results output from the surrounding environment sensor 41, the front wheel speed sensor 42, the rear wheel speed sensor 43, and the inertial measurement unit 44. In addition, for example, the acquisition unit 61 acquires information indicating the operation amounts of various operations accepted by the accelerator grip 2R, the first brake operation unit 11, the second brake operation unit 13, and the clutch operation unit 15 from each of these operation units. Note that in this specification, acquisition of information may include extraction or generation of information.

[0047] The control unit 62 includes, for example, a drive control unit 62a and a braking control unit 62b.

[0048] The drive control unit 62a controls the driving force transmitted to the wheels. Specifically, the drive control unit 62a controls the operation of the engine 5 by outputting a command to an engine control device (not shown) that outputs a signal for controlling the operation of each device of the engine 5 (throttle valve, fuel injection valve, spark plug, etc.). This controls the driving force transmitted from the engine 5 to the wheels, and controls the acceleration of the saddle type vehicle 100. Note that the drive control unit 62a may output a signal for controlling the operation of each device of the engine 5, and directly control the operation of each device of the engine 5.

[0049] The braking control unit 62b controls the operation of each component of the hydraulic pressure control unit 50 of the brake system 10, thereby controlling the braking force acting on the wheels of the saddle-ride type vehicle 100. For example, the braking control unit 62b can increase the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid in the wheel cylinder 24 and automatically increase the braking force of the wheels by opening the inlet valve 31, closing the release valve 32, closing the first valve 35, and opening the second valve 36, and then driving the pump 34 in this state. This controls the deceleration of the saddle-ride type vehicle 100. The braking control unit 62b can individually control the braking force of the front wheels 3 and the braking force of the rear wheels 4 by individually controlling the operation of the front wheel braking mechanism 12 and the rear wheel braking mechanism 14.

[0050] As described above, the control unit 62 can control the acceleration and deceleration of the saddle type vehicle 100 by controlling the operation of each device mounted on the saddle type vehicle 100 .

[0051] Here, the control unit 62 can execute inter-vehicle distance control. In the inter-vehicle distance control, the inter-vehicle distance between the saddle type vehicle 100 and the target vehicle is controlled based on the surrounding environment information of the saddle type vehicle 100. The inter-vehicle distance may mean the distance in a direction along the lane (specifically, the driving lane of the saddle type vehicle 100) or may mean the straight-line distance. In addition, the inter-vehicle distance control may control the inter-vehicle distance itself, or may control another physical quantity that can be substantially replaced by the inter-vehicle distance. The other physical quantity that can be substantially replaced by the inter-vehicle distance is, for example, a passing time difference that is the time difference between the timing when the saddle type vehicle 100 passes the same point and the timing when the target vehicle passes, or the time required for the saddle type vehicle 100 to catch up with the target vehicle, etc.

[0052] For example, the surrounding environment sensor 41 detects the distance between the saddle riding vehicle 100 and a preceding vehicle traveling in front of the saddle riding vehicle 100, and the relative speed of the saddle riding vehicle 100 with respect to the preceding vehicle, as the surrounding environment information. Then, for example, in the following distance control, the control unit 62 sets the preceding vehicle as a target vehicle and controls the following distance between the saddle riding vehicle 100 and the preceding vehicle based on the surrounding environment information. The following distance control is realized by controlling at least one of the acceleration and deceleration of the saddle riding vehicle 100.

[0053] <Control device operation> The operation of the control device 60 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0054] 6 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the control device 60. Step S101 in FIG. 6 corresponds to the start of the control flow shown in FIG.

[0055] When the control flow shown in Fig. 6 starts, in step S102, the control unit 62 determines whether or not a first operation has been performed. The first operation is an operation by the rider to change the accelerator grip 2R from a reference state to a state different from the reference state. Specifically, the first operation is an operation by the rider to rotate the accelerator grip 2R from the reference position P0 shown in Fig. 4 in the second direction D2. In other words, the first operation is an operation to rotate the accelerator grip 2R in the same direction as when reducing the driving force by operating the accelerator.

[0056] For example, the first operation is a motion to rotate the accelerator grip 2R from a reference position P0 to a position P2 in FIG. 4 (specifically, a position rotated from the reference position P0 in the second direction D2 by an angle θ2). In this case, it is possible to prevent the accelerator grip 2R from being erroneously determined to have been performed in the second direction D2 if the accelerator grip 2R is rotated slightly in the second direction D2 against the rider's intention. Note that the accelerator grip 2R may be able to rotate further in the second direction D2 than the position P2.

[0057] If it is determined that the first operation has not been performed (step S102 / NO), step S102 is repeated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the first operation has been performed (step S102 / YES), the process proceeds to step S103.

[0058] If the determination in step S102 is YES, in step S103, the control unit 62 executes inter-vehicle distance control. Hereinafter, an example of the flow of processing in the inter-vehicle distance control will be described with reference to FIG.

[0059] Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the process flow in the inter-vehicle distance control performed by the control device 60. Specifically, the control flow shown in Fig. 7 is an example of the process performed in step S103 in the control flow shown in Fig. 6. Step S201 in Fig. 7 corresponds to the start of the control flow shown in Fig. 7. Step S205 in Fig. 7 corresponds to the end of the control flow shown in Fig. 7.

[0060] In the following, an example will be described in which the inter-vehicle distance control controls the deceleration of the saddle type vehicle 100 to avoid a collision with a preceding vehicle, which is a target vehicle. However, as described later, in the inter-vehicle distance control, the inter-vehicle distance may be controlled by controlling the acceleration of the saddle type vehicle 100. Also, the inter-vehicle distance control may be a control for maintaining the inter-vehicle distance.

[0061] When the control flow shown in FIG. 7 starts, in step S202, the control unit 62 determines a target deceleration based on the surrounding environment information.

[0062] In step S202, the control unit 62 determines the target deceleration based on, for example, the distance between the preceding vehicle and the saddle type vehicle 100 and the relative speed of the saddle type vehicle 100 with respect to the preceding vehicle. Here, the control unit 62 determines a deceleration that can avoid a collision with the preceding vehicle as the target deceleration. For example, the shorter the distance between the preceding vehicle and the saddle type vehicle 100, the greater the deceleration that the control unit 62 determines as the target deceleration. Also, for example, the greater the relative speed of the saddle type vehicle 100 with respect to the preceding vehicle, the greater the deceleration that the control unit 62 determines as the target deceleration.

[0063] Next, in step S203, the control unit 62 determines whether or not the deceleration of the saddle type vehicle 100 is smaller than the target deceleration. The deceleration of the saddle type vehicle 100 can be acquired based on the transition of the vehicle speed of the saddle type vehicle 100. The vehicle speed of the saddle type vehicle 100 can be acquired based on the detection result of the front wheel speed sensor 42 and the detection result of the rear wheel speed sensor 43.

[0064] If it is determined that the deceleration of the saddle type vehicle 100 is smaller than the target deceleration (step S203 / YES), the process proceeds to step S204. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the deceleration of the saddle type vehicle 100 is smaller than the target deceleration (step S203 / NO), the control flow shown in FIG. 7 ends.

[0065] If the determination in step S203 is YES, in step S204, the control section 62 executes control to increase the deceleration of the saddle type vehicle 100 to the target deceleration, and the control flow shown in FIG. 7 ends.

[0066] In step S204, the control unit 62 automatically generates a braking force on the wheels of the saddle type vehicle 100 by controlling the operation of each component of the hydraulic control unit 50 of the brake system 10. This makes it possible to automatically increase the deceleration of the saddle type vehicle 100 without the rider performing a brake operation using the first brake operation unit 11 or the second brake operation unit 13.

[0067] 7, the control unit 62 controls the deceleration of the saddle type vehicle 100 based on the surrounding environment information in the inter-vehicle distance control. Here, from the viewpoint of optimizing the deceleration of the saddle type vehicle 100, it is preferable that the control unit 62 controls the deceleration of the saddle type vehicle 100 (and thus the inter-vehicle distance between the saddle type vehicle 100 and the target vehicle) based on other information in addition to the surrounding environment information in the inter-vehicle distance control.

[0068] For example, in the inter-vehicle distance control, the control unit 62 may control the deceleration of the saddle type vehicle 100 based on the vehicle speed of the saddle type vehicle 100 in addition to the surrounding environment information. Here, if a large deceleration is applied to the saddle type vehicle 100 when the vehicle speed of the saddle type vehicle 100 is low, the posture of the saddle type vehicle 100 is likely to become unstable. Therefore, in the inter-vehicle distance control, the control unit 62 may reduce the deceleration of the saddle type vehicle 100 as the vehicle speed of the saddle type vehicle 100 becomes lower.

[0069] Furthermore, for example, in the inter-vehicle distance control, the control unit 62 may control the deceleration of the saddle type vehicle 100 based on the degree of slip occurring in the wheels of the saddle type vehicle 100 in addition to the surrounding environment information. The degree of slip is an index showing the degree to which the wheels are slipping on the road surface, and as the degree of slip, for example, a slip ratio obtained by dividing the difference between the vehicle speed and the wheel speed of the wheels by the vehicle speed is used. The slip ratio can be obtained based on the detection results of the front wheel speed sensor 42 and the rear wheel speed sensor 43.

[0070] For example, when a wheel has a slippage exceeding an allowable slippage, the control unit 62 determines that the wheel is locked or has the possibility of locking, and controls the slippage of the wheel to be equal to or less than the allowable slippage by reducing the braking force acting on the wheel. This control is called anti-lock brake control, which adjusts the braking force acting on the wheel to prevent the wheel from locking. The control unit 62 may execute anti-lock brake control in the following distance control.

[0071] Furthermore, for example, in the inter-vehicle distance control, the control unit 62 may control the deceleration of the saddle type vehicle 100 based on the detection results of the inertial measurement unit 44 mounted on the saddle type vehicle 100 in addition to the surrounding environment information. For example, if a large deceleration occurs in the saddle type vehicle 100 while the saddle type vehicle 100 is tilted in the roll direction with respect to the vertical direction, the saddle type vehicle 100 is more likely to tilt with respect to the vertical direction. Therefore, in the inter-vehicle distance control, the control unit 62 may reduce the deceleration of the saddle type vehicle 100 as the lean angle of the saddle type vehicle 100 increases.

[0072] Also, for example, in the inter-vehicle distance control, the control unit 62 may control the deceleration of the saddle type vehicle 100 based on the state amount of the first operation in addition to the surrounding environment information. The state amount of the first operation is an index indicating the operation amount of the first operation (specifically, the rotation angle of the accelerator grip 2R).

[0073] The control unit 62 may control the deceleration of the saddle type vehicle 100 based on, for example, the amount of operation of the first operation. Here, it is expected that the rider is more likely to desire a larger deceleration of the saddle type vehicle 100 as the amount of operation of the first operation is larger. Therefore, in the inter-vehicle distance control, the control unit 62 may increase the deceleration of the saddle type vehicle 100 as the amount of operation of the first operation is larger. For example, when the rotation angle of the accelerator grip 2R in the first operation is larger than the angle θ2 in FIG. 4, the control unit 62 may change the deceleration of the saddle type vehicle 100 according to the angle by which the accelerator grip 2R is further rotated beyond the position P2 in FIG. 4.

[0074] The control unit 62 may control the deceleration of the saddle type vehicle 100 based on, for example, the degree of change in the operation amount of the first operation. Here, it is expected that the rider is more likely to desire a large deceleration in the saddle type vehicle 100 as the degree of change in the operation amount of the first operation increases. Therefore, in the inter-vehicle distance control, the control unit 62 may increase the deceleration of the saddle type vehicle 100 as the degree of change in the operation amount of the first operation increases. For example, the control unit 62 may change the deceleration of the saddle type vehicle 100 according to the rate of change in the rotation angle of the accelerator grip 2R in the first operation.

[0075] Furthermore, for example, in the inter-vehicle distance control, the control unit 62 may control the deceleration of the saddle type vehicle 100 based on the state quantity of an operation unit (e.g., the first brake operation unit 11 or the second brake operation unit 13) other than the accelerator grip 2R of the saddle type vehicle 100, in addition to the surrounding environment information. The state quantity of the first brake operation unit 11 is an index indicating the operation amount of the first brake operation unit 11. The state quantity of the second brake operation unit 13 is an index indicating the operation amount of the second brake operation unit 13.

[0076] Here, during execution of the inter-vehicle distance control, the rider may perform a brake operation using the first brake operation unit 11 or the second brake operation unit 13. When the rider performs a brake operation using the first brake operation unit 11, a braking force corresponding to the operation amount of the first brake operation unit 11 is applied to the front wheel 3. When the rider performs a brake operation using the second brake operation unit 13, a braking force corresponding to the operation amount of the second brake operation unit 13 is applied to the rear wheel 4. When the rider performs a brake operation in this manner, the control unit 62 may increase the braking force of the front wheel 3 relative to the braking force corresponding to the operation amount of the first brake operation unit 11, and may increase the braking force of the rear wheel 4 relative to the braking force corresponding to the operation amount of the second brake operation unit 13. For example, the deceleration generated in the saddle type vehicle 100 during the inter-vehicle distance control may be increased by the deceleration generated by the braking force corresponding to the operation amount of the brake operation, compared to when the rider does not perform a brake operation using the first brake operation unit 11 or the second brake operation unit 13. Note that the shortfall of the braking force corresponding to the amount of brake operation with respect to the target braking force (that is, the braking force necessary to generate the target deceleration) may be compensated for by the inter-vehicle distance control.

[0077] In step S204, the control unit 62 may increase the braking force of both the front wheels 3 and the rear wheels 4, or may increase the braking force of only one of the front wheels 3 and the rear wheels 4. Here, the control unit 62 may determine the allocation of braking force between the front wheels 3 and the rear wheels 4 in the inter-vehicle distance control. For example, the control unit 62 may determine the allocation of braking force between the front wheels 3 and the rear wheels 4 in the inter-vehicle distance control based on information on the running state of the saddle type vehicle 100 (for example, vehicle speed or deceleration, etc.). Thereby, the allocation of braking force between the front wheels 3 and the rear wheels 4 of the saddle type vehicle 100 can be set to, for example, an allocation that stabilizes the posture of the saddle type vehicle 100.

[0078] In the above example, if the determination in step S203 is NO, the deceleration of the saddle type vehicle 100 is not controlled, and the control flow shown in Fig. 7 ends. However, if the determination in step S203 is NO, the control unit 62 may cause the saddle type vehicle 100 to generate a predetermined deceleration without performing a brake operation using the first brake operation unit 11 or the second brake operation unit 13.

[0079] Returning to FIG. 6, the explanation will be continued below.

[0080] Following step S103, in step S104, the control unit 62 determines whether or not a second operation has been performed. The second operation is an operation by the rider to return the accelerator grip 2R to a reference state. Specifically, the second operation is an operation by the rider to rotate the accelerator grip 2R in the first direction D1 to the reference position P0 shown in FIG. 4. For example, when the accelerator grip 2R is rotated to position P2 in FIG. 4 by the first operation, the second operation is an action to rotate the accelerator grip 2R from position P2 in FIG. 4 to the reference position P0.

[0081] As described above, the accelerator grip 2R includes a structure that returns to the reference position P0 in an unloaded state. Therefore, when the rider releases the first operation (specifically, by removing the hand performing the first operation from the accelerator grip 2R), the accelerator grip 2R can be rotated in the first direction D1 to the reference position P0. In this way, the second operation may be an operation in which the rider releases the first operation to put the accelerator grip 2R into an unloaded state.

[0082] If it is determined that the second operation has not been performed (step S104 / NO), the process returns to step S103. On the other hand, if it is determined that the second operation has been performed (step S104 / YES), the process proceeds to step S105.

[0083] If the determination in step S104 is YES, in step S105, the control unit 62 ends the inter-vehicle distance control, and the process returns to step S102.

[0084] As described above, the control unit 62 starts the inter-vehicle distance control in response to the first operation by the rider to change the accelerator grip 2R from a reference state to a state different from the reference state. Then, while the inter-vehicle distance control is being executed, the control unit 62 ends the inter-vehicle distance control in response to the second operation by the rider to return the accelerator grip 2R to the reference state. For example, in the control flow shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 62 executes the inter-vehicle distance control while the first operation is being executed, and ends the inter-vehicle distance control at the timing when the second operation is executed.

[0085] In the case where a specific process is performed in response to a specific operation, the timing when the specific operation is performed and the timing when the specific process is performed may or may not strictly match. For example, the timing when the first operation starts and the timing when the inter-vehicle distance control starts may or may not strictly match. Also, for example, the timing when the second operation is performed and the timing when the inter-vehicle distance control ends may or may not strictly match.

[0086] According to this embodiment, the rider can start and end the inter-vehicle distance control by performing the first operation and the second operation. Therefore, the inter-vehicle distance control can be executed according to the rider's intention. For example, in a situation where the saddle-ride type vehicle 100 is decelerating by engine braking without performing the accelerator operation and the brake operation, when the saddle-ride type vehicle 100 approaches a preceding vehicle, the inter-vehicle distance control can be executed at the intended timing by performing the first operation and the second operation without using the first brake operation unit 11 or the second brake operation unit 13. As a result, the inter-vehicle distance control can be executed according to the rider's intention by a simple operation, and a collision can be avoided. In particular, since the posture of the saddle-ride type vehicle 100 is more likely to be unstable than a four-wheeled automobile, etc., if the inter-vehicle distance control (for example, the control of the deceleration) is executed at a timing not intended by the rider, there is a risk that the safety will be impaired. Therefore, it is important from the viewpoint of improving safety to execute the inter-vehicle distance control according to the rider's intention. In this way, according to this embodiment, the safety of the saddle-ride type vehicle 100 can be appropriately improved.

[0087] In the above, an example has been described in which the operation unit used in the first operation and the second operation, which are operations for executing inter-vehicle distance control, is the accelerator grip 2R, but the operation unit according to the present invention may be something other than the accelerator grip 2R (i.e., various operation units other than the operation unit that accepts accelerator operation). For example, the operation unit according to the present invention may be rotatable around an axis other than the central axis of the operation unit. Also, for example, the operation unit according to the present invention does not have to be cylindrical or columnar. Also, for example, the operation unit according to the present invention may not be rotatable but may be capable of translational movement. Note that when an operation unit capable of translational movement is used in the first operation and the second operation, the first operation and the second operation may be operations that cause the operation unit to translate.

[0088] In the above, an example has been described in which the deceleration of the saddle type vehicle 100 is controlled based on the surrounding environment information in the inter-vehicle distance control. However, the control unit 62 may control the acceleration of the saddle type vehicle 100 based on the surrounding environment information in the inter-vehicle distance control. For example, the control unit 62 may determine a target acceleration based on the surrounding environment information in the inter-vehicle distance control, and control the driving force of the engine 5 without accelerator operation, thereby controlling the acceleration of the saddle type vehicle 100 to the target acceleration. In this case, the target acceleration may be, for example, an acceleration that maintains the inter-vehicle distance between the preceding vehicle and the saddle type vehicle 100 at the target distance.

[0089] In addition, from the viewpoint of optimizing the acceleration of the saddle-ride type vehicle 100, it is preferable that the control unit 62 controls the acceleration of the saddle-ride type vehicle 100 (and thus the distance between the saddle-ride type vehicle 100 and the target vehicle) based on other information in addition to the surrounding environment information in the inter-vehicle distance control.

[0090] For example, in the inter-vehicle distance control, the control unit 62 may control the acceleration of the saddle type vehicle 100 based on the degree of slip occurring in the wheels of the saddle type vehicle 100 in addition to the surrounding environment information. For example, when the degree of slip of a drive wheel exceeds an allowable degree of slip, the control unit 62 determines that the drive wheel is spinning and controls the degree of slip of the drive wheel to be equal to or less than the allowable degree of slip by reducing the drive force generated in the drive wheel. This control is called traction control, which adjusts the drive force generated in the drive wheel to suppress the drive wheel from spinning. The control unit 62 may execute traction control in the inter-vehicle distance control.

[0091] Furthermore, for example, in the inter-vehicle distance control, the control unit 62 may control the acceleration of the saddle type vehicle 100 based on the detection results of the inertial measurement unit 44 mounted on the saddle type vehicle 100 in addition to the surrounding environment information. For example, if a large acceleration occurs in the saddle type vehicle 100 while the saddle type vehicle 100 is tilted in the roll direction with respect to the vertical direction, the saddle type vehicle 100 is likely to rise up in the vertical direction. Therefore, in the inter-vehicle distance control, the control unit 62 may increase the acceleration of the saddle type vehicle 100 as the lean angle of the saddle type vehicle 100 increases.

[0092] Also, for example, in the inter-vehicle distance control, the control unit 62 may control the acceleration of the saddle-ride type vehicle 100 based on the state amount of the first operation in addition to the surrounding environment information. The control unit 62 may control the acceleration of the saddle-ride type vehicle 100 based on the operation amount of the first operation, for example. For example, in the inter-vehicle distance control, the control unit 62 may increase the acceleration of the saddle-ride type vehicle 100 as the operation amount of the first operation increases. Also, the control unit 62 may control the acceleration of the saddle-ride type vehicle 100 based on the degree of change in the operation amount of the first operation, for example. For example, in the inter-vehicle distance control, the control unit 62 may increase the acceleration of the saddle-ride type vehicle 100 as the change amount of the operation amount of the first operation increases.

[0093] Also, for example, when the operation part used in the first operation and the second operation is other than the accelerator grip 2R, the control unit 62 may control the acceleration of the saddle riding type vehicle 100 in the following distance control based on the state quantity of the operation part of the saddle riding type vehicle 100 other than the operation part (for example, the accelerator grip 2R) in addition to the surrounding environment information. When the accelerator operation is performed by the rider, the control unit 62 may, for example, increase the output of the engine 5 with respect to the output corresponding to the operation amount of the accelerator operation. For example, the acceleration generated in the saddle riding type vehicle 100 in the following distance control may be increased by the acceleration generated by the driving force corresponding to the operation amount of the accelerator operation compared to when the accelerator operation is not performed. Note that the following distance control may compensate for a shortage of the driving force corresponding to the operation amount of the accelerator operation with respect to the target driving force.

[0094] <Effects of the control device> The effects of the control device 60 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0095] In the control device 60, the control unit 62 starts inter-vehicle distance control in response to a first operation by the rider of the saddle riding type vehicle 100 to change an operating part (e.g., the accelerator grip 2R) from a reference state to a state different from the reference state, and ends inter-vehicle distance control in response to a second operation by the rider to return the operating part to the reference state during execution of inter-vehicle distance control. This makes it possible to execute inter-vehicle distance control in accordance with the rider's intention. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately improve the safety of the saddle riding type vehicle 100.

[0096] Preferably, in the control device 60, the operating unit includes a structure that returns to a reference state in an unloaded state, and the second operation is an operation in which the rider releases the first operation to put the operating unit into an unloaded state. This reduces the effort required for the rider to perform the second operation. Therefore, the vehicle distance control can be ended by a simpler operation. Therefore, the safety of the saddle riding type vehicle 100 can be more appropriately improved.

[0097] Preferably, in the control device 60, the operation unit is an accelerator grip 2R that, at least when the vehicle distance control is released, increases the driving force generated in the saddle riding type vehicle 100 when the rider turns the accelerator grip 2R in a first direction, and decreases the driving force when the rider turns the accelerator grip 2R in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Here, when traveling, the accelerator grip 2R is basically kept in a state where it is held by the rider's hand. Therefore, by using the accelerator grip 2R as the operation unit, it is possible to eliminate the need for the rider to move his / her hand from the accelerator grip 2R to another operation unit when performing the first operation. Therefore, the safety of the saddle riding type vehicle 100 can be more appropriately improved.

[0098] Preferably, in the control device 60, the first operation is an operation of rotating the accelerator grip 2R in the second direction, and the second operation is an operation of rotating the accelerator grip 2R in the first direction. As a result, the first operation can be performed by rotating the accelerator grip 2R in the same direction as when the driving force is reduced during accelerator operation. Therefore, the rider can easily appropriately distinguish between the accelerator operation using the accelerator grip 2R and the first operation, and can perform the first operation without erroneous operation.

[0099] Preferably, in the control device 60, the reference state is a state in which the rotation position of the accelerator grip 2R is at a position where the driving force generated in the saddle riding type vehicle 100 is minimum when the following distance control is released. This makes it easier for the rider to appropriately distinguish between the accelerator operation using the accelerator grip 2R and the first operation, and allows the rider to perform the first operation without erroneous operation.

[0100] Preferably, in the control device 60, the control unit 62 controls the deceleration of the saddle type vehicle 100 based on the surrounding environment information in the inter-vehicle distance control. This makes it possible to prevent the inter-vehicle distance between the saddle type vehicle 100 and the target vehicle from becoming excessively short. Therefore, for example, a collision with the target vehicle can be avoided.

[0101] Preferably, in the control device 60, the control unit 62 controls the deceleration in the inter-vehicle distance control based on the surrounding environment information as well as the vehicle speed of the saddle type vehicle 100. This makes it possible to prevent the posture of the saddle type vehicle 100 from becoming unstable, while preventing the inter-vehicle distance between the saddle type vehicle 100 and the target vehicle from becoming excessively short.

[0102] Preferably, in the control device 60, the control unit 62 determines the distribution of braking force between the front wheels 3 and the rear wheels 4 in the inter-vehicle distance control. This makes it possible to optimize the distribution of braking force between the front wheels 3 and the rear wheels 4, for example, to a distribution that stabilizes the posture of the saddle type vehicle 100, while preventing the inter-vehicle distance between the saddle type vehicle 100 and the target vehicle from becoming excessively short.

[0103] Preferably, in the control device 60, the control unit 62 controls the acceleration of the saddle type vehicle 100 based on the surrounding environment information in the inter-vehicle distance control. This makes it possible to prevent the inter-vehicle distance between the saddle type vehicle 100 and the target vehicle from becoming excessively long. Therefore, for example, the inter-vehicle distance from the target vehicle can be maintained at a target distance.

[0104] Preferably, in the control device 60, the control unit 62 controls the inter-vehicle distance based on the degree of slippage occurring in the wheels in addition to the surrounding environment information in the inter-vehicle distance control. For example, the control unit 62 may execute anti-lock brake control in the inter-vehicle distance control. This makes it possible to suppress wheel lock in the inter-vehicle distance control. Also, for example, the control unit 62 may execute traction control in the inter-vehicle distance control. This makes it possible to suppress spinning of the drive wheels in the inter-vehicle distance control.

[0105] Preferably, in the control device 60, the control unit 62 controls the inter-vehicle distance based on the detection result of the inertial measurement unit 44 mounted on the saddle type vehicle 100 in addition to the surrounding environment information during the inter-vehicle distance control. This makes it possible to control the inter-vehicle distance while preventing the posture of the saddle type vehicle 100 from becoming unstable.

[0106] Preferably, in the control device 60, the control unit 62 controls the inter-vehicle distance based on the state quantity of the first operation in addition to the surrounding environment information in the inter-vehicle distance control. This makes it possible to control the inter-vehicle distance between the saddle riding type vehicle 100 and the target vehicle in accordance with the rider's intention.

[0107] Preferably, in the control device 60, the control unit 62 controls the inter-vehicle distance based on the surrounding environment information as well as state quantities of operation units other than the above-mentioned operation units of the saddle riding type vehicle 100. This makes it possible to control the inter-vehicle distance between the saddle riding type vehicle 100 and the target vehicle in accordance with the rider's intention.

[0108] The present invention is not limited to the description of the embodiment. For example, only a part of the embodiment may be implemented. In addition, for example, the above-mentioned inter-vehicle distance control may be adaptive cruise control in which the speed of the saddle type vehicle 100 is automatically controlled without the rider's acceleration / deceleration operation, and inter-vehicle distance maintenance control is performed to maintain the inter-vehicle distance between the saddle type vehicle 100 and a target vehicle at a target distance. In addition, for example, inter-vehicle distance control (for example, adaptive cruise control) may be started in response to a first operation during execution of auto cruise control in which the speed of the saddle type vehicle 100 is automatically controlled without the rider's acceleration / deceleration operation, but inter-vehicle distance maintenance control is not performed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 1 fuselage, 2 handle, 2L left grip, 2R right grip (accelerator grip), 3 front wheel, 3a rotor, 4 rear wheel, 4a rotor, 5 engine, 10 brake system, 11 first brake operation unit, 12 front wheel braking mechanism, 13 second brake operation unit, 14 rear wheel braking mechanism, 15 clutch operation unit, 21 master cylinder, 22 reservoir, 23 brake caliper, 24 wheel cylinder, 25 main flow path, 26 secondary flow path, 27 supply flow path, 31 inlet valve, 32 release valve, 33 accumulator, 34 pump, 35 first valve, 36 second valve, 41 ambient environment sensor, 42 front wheel speed sensor, 43 rear wheel speed sensor, 44 inertial measurement unit, 50 hydraulic control unit, 51 base, 60 control device, 61 acquisition unit, 62 control unit, 62a Drive control unit, 62b braking control unit, 70 display device, 100 saddle-ride type vehicle, D1 first direction, D2 second direction, P0 reference position.

Claims

1. A control device (60) for controlling a behavior of a saddle-ride type vehicle (100), comprising: a control unit (62) that executes a vehicle distance control for controlling a vehicle distance between the saddle type vehicle (100) and a target vehicle based on surrounding environment information of the saddle type vehicle (100); The control unit (62) the inter-vehicle distance control is started in response to a first operation by a rider of the saddle-ride type vehicle (100) for changing an operation unit (2R) from a reference state to a state different from the reference state; During the execution of the inter-vehicle distance control, the inter-vehicle distance control is terminated in response to a second operation by the rider for returning the operation unit (2R) to the reference state; the operation unit (2R) is an accelerator grip (2R) which, when rotated in a first direction by the rider, increases a driving force generated in the saddle riding type vehicle (100) and which, when rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction by the rider, decreases the driving force, at least in a state in which the vehicle distance control is released; The first operation is an operation of rotating the accelerator grip (2R) in the second direction from the reference state, The second operation is an operation for rotating the accelerator grip (2R) in the first direction to return it to the reference state. Control device.

2. The operating unit (2R) includes a structure that returns to the reference state in an unloaded state, The second operation is an operation in which the rider releases the first operation to place the operating unit (2R) in the unloaded state. The control device according to claim 1 .

3. The reference state is a state in which the rotation position of the accelerator grip (2R) is at a position where the driving force generated in the saddle type vehicle (100) is minimum when the inter-vehicle distance control is released. The control device according to claim 1 .

4. The control unit (62) controls the deceleration of the saddle type vehicle (100) based on the surrounding environment information in the inter-vehicle distance control. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The control unit (62) controls the deceleration based on the vehicle speed of the saddle type vehicle (100) in addition to the surrounding environment information in the inter-vehicle distance control. The control device according to claim 4.

6. The control unit (62) determines a distribution of braking force between the front wheels (3) and the rear wheels (4) in the vehicle distance control. The control device according to claim 4.

7. The control unit (62) controls the acceleration of the saddle type vehicle (100) based on the surrounding environment information in the inter-vehicle distance control. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. The control unit (62) controls the inter-vehicle distance based on the degree of slip occurring in the wheels (3, 4) in addition to the surrounding environment information in the inter-vehicle distance control. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. In the inter-vehicle distance control, the control unit (62) controls the inter-vehicle distance based on a detection result of an inertial measurement unit (44) mounted on the saddle-ride type vehicle (100) in addition to the surrounding environment information. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

10. The control unit (62) controls the inter-vehicle distance based on the state quantity of the first operation in addition to the surrounding environment information in the inter-vehicle distance control. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

11. In the inter-vehicle distance control, the control unit (62) controls the inter-vehicle distance based on state quantities of operation units (11, 13) other than the operation unit (2R) of the saddle type vehicle (100) in addition to the surrounding environment information. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

12. A method for controlling the behavior of a saddle-ride type vehicle (100), comprising: A control unit (62) of a control device (60) that executes inter-vehicle distance control for controlling an inter-vehicle distance between the saddle-ride type vehicle (100) and a target vehicle based on surrounding environment information of the saddle-ride type vehicle (100), the inter-vehicle distance control is started in response to a first operation by a rider of the saddle-ride type vehicle (100) for changing an operation unit (2R) from a reference state to a state different from the reference state; During the execution of the inter-vehicle distance control, the inter-vehicle distance control is terminated in response to a second operation by the rider for returning the operation unit (2R) to the reference state; the operation unit (2R) is an accelerator grip (2R) which, when rotated in a first direction by the rider, increases a driving force generated in the saddle riding type vehicle (100) and which, when rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction by the rider, decreases the driving force, at least in a state in which the vehicle distance control is released; The first operation is an operation of rotating the accelerator grip (2R) in the second direction from the reference state, The second operation is an operation for rotating the accelerator grip (2R) in the first direction to return it to the reference state. Control methods.

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