Saddle-type vehicle

Abstract

A saddled vehicle (10) includes: an adjustment unit (40) that adjusts the height (H) of a seat (22); and a control device (150) that controls the adjustment unit to adjust the height. The control device includes: a height acquisition unit (170) that acquires the height; a velocity acquisition unit (172) that acquires a velocity (V) at which the saddled vehicle travels; and a display control unit (180) that displays an alert on a display unit (194) when, during travelling of the saddled vehicle, the velocity is no more than a first predetermined value (V3) and, also, the height differs from the height (H0) at a time of starting of travelling of the saddled vehicle.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a saddle-ride type vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-123174 discloses a vehicle height adjustment device that adjusts the seat height of a saddle-ride type vehicle. Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-65388 discloses a vehicle height adjustment device that performs a vehicle height lowering operation to cancel a vehicle height raising operation when a motorcycle is stopped. Summary of the Invention

[0003] As disclosed in JP 2021-123174 A, when the seat height is changed while the saddle-ride type vehicle is traveling, the occupant's foot placement changes before the saddle-ride type vehicle starts traveling and when the saddle-ride type vehicle stops. As a result, when the saddle-ride type vehicle stops, the occupant may fall over along with the saddle-ride type vehicle. This is an issue in terms of safety.

[0004] When a saddle-ride vehicle is driven off-road, it frequently stops and starts. Lowering the vehicle height every time the vehicle stops, as disclosed in JP 2014-65388 A, is cumbersome for the occupants. Therefore, a more effective safety improvement measure is desired.

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems and improve safety, thereby further improving traffic safety and contributing to the development of a sustainable transportation system.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a saddle-ride type vehicle comprising an adjustment unit that adjusts the height of a seat of the saddle-ride type vehicle, and a control device that controls the adjustment unit to adjust the height of the seat, wherein the control device has a height acquisition unit that acquires the height of the seat, a speed acquisition unit that acquires the speed at which the saddle-ride type vehicle is traveling, and a display control unit that displays an alert on a display unit when the following conditions are met while the saddle-ride type vehicle is traveling: the speed is equal to or less than a first predetermined value, and the height is different from the height at which the saddle-ride type vehicle started to travel.

[0007] According to the present invention, safety can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of a saddle-ride type vehicle. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the suspension and the suspension adjustment unit. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control device mounted on a saddle-ride type vehicle. [Figure 4] Fig. 4A is a diagram showing an example of how the speed of a saddle-ride type vehicle changes over time, and Fig. 4B is a diagram showing another example of how the speed of a saddle-ride type vehicle changes over time. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an alert displayed on the display unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the alert display process regarding the change in seat height, which is performed by the control device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the alert display process regarding the change in seat height, which is performed by the control device. [Figure 8] Fig. 8A is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen of a display unit that displays the results of a mode selection made by a rider of a saddle-ride type vehicle, and Fig. 8B is a diagram illustrating an example of the types of modes. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an alert displayed on the display unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen of the display unit that displays the result of the seat height setting input into the control device by the occupant of the saddle-ride type vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Fig. 1 is a side view of a saddle-ride type vehicle 10. In Fig. 1, the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 is positioned upward UP relative to a road surface SR and can travel forward FR. The saddle-ride type vehicle 10 has a body frame 12, an engine 14, a suspension 16, a steering system 18, a swing arm 20, and a seat 22.

[0010] The body frame 12 includes a front frame 12F and a rear frame 12R. The front frame 12F is disposed at the front of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. The rear frame 12R is disposed at the rear of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. A swing arm 20 is attached to the body frame 12 and disposed at the rear of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. The swing arm 20 supports a rear wheel RT. The engine 14 is supported by the body frame 12. The output of the engine 14 is transmitted to the rear wheel RT by a chain 24. In this way, the engine 14 drives the rear wheel RT.

[0011] The steering system 18 is disposed at the front end of the front frame 12F. The steering system 18 includes a pair of front forks 26 and a handlebar 28. One of the pair of front forks 26 is shown in FIG. 1. The other of the pair of front forks 26 is provided on the side of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 opposite the side shown in FIG. 1. The handlebar 28 is disposed at the upper ends of the pair of front forks 26. The front wheel FT is disposed at the lower ends of the pair of front forks 26.

[0012] The seat 22 is provided above the rear frame 12R. When riding in the saddle-ride type vehicle 10, the occupant sits astride on the seat 22. The suspension 16 is disposed between the swing arm 20 and the body frame 12. As the swing arm 20 swings up and down, the coil spring 54 of the suspension 16 expands and contracts. In this way, the suspension 16 absorbs the impact that the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 receives from the road surface SR, and suppresses swaying of the occupant. The height of the seat 22 of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 is adjustable.

[0013] 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the suspension 16 and the adjustment unit 40 of the suspension 16. The suspension 16 includes a cylinder member 50, a piston member 52, and a coil spring 54. The cylinder member 50 includes a cylinder body 60, a tubular portion 62, a spring receiving portion 64, and a vehicle body connecting portion 66. The piston member 52 includes a piston body 70, a spring receiving portion 72, and a wheel connecting portion 74.

[0014] The vehicle body connecting portion 66 of the cylinder member 50 is connected to the front frame 12F. The wheel connecting portion 74 of the piston member 52 is connected to the swing arm 20. The inside of the cylinder body 60 is filled with, for example, hydraulic oil. The piston body 70 is slidable within the inside of the cylinder body 60 relatively in the axial direction of the cylinder body 60.

[0015] The coil spring 54 of the suspension 16 is disposed between the spring receiving portion 64 of the cylinder member 50 and the spring receiving portion 72 of the piston member 52. The adjustment portion 40 of the suspension 16 applies a load to the suspension 16. When a load is applied to the suspension 16, the coil spring 54 is compressed. The coil spring 54 biases the piston member 52 in the direction in which the coil spring 54 expands.

[0016] The cylindrical portion 62 engages with the cylinder body 60 so as to cover a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder body 60. The cylindrical portion 62 is capable of sliding relative to the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder body 60 in the axial direction of the cylinder body 60. When the cylindrical portion 62 moves due to the sliding movement, the spring receiving portion 64 also moves accordingly. As will be described below, when the adjustment unit 40 presses the cylindrical portion 62, the spring receiving portion 64 moves in the expansion / contraction direction of the coil spring 54.

[0017] The adjustment unit 40 adjusts the height of the seat 22 of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. An example of height adjustment of the seat 22 by the adjustment unit 40 will be described below, but the height adjustment of the seat 22 is not limited to the following description. The adjustment unit 40 has a fluid accommodating member 100 and a fluid supply unit 102. The fluid accommodating member 100 has a cylindrical shape with a bottom and is fixed to the cylinder member 50. The fluid accommodating member 100 surrounds a cylindrical portion 62 that covers a part of the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder main body 60 and a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder main body 60 that is not covered by the cylindrical portion 62. A space is formed between the fluid accommodating member 100 and the cylindrical portion 62. This space is a fluid chamber 110 in the fluid accommodating member 100.

[0018] The fluid supply portion 102 supplies fluid to the fluid chamber 110 in the fluid accommodating member 100. The supplied fluid is accommodated in the fluid chamber 110. As described above, the fluid accommodating member 100 is fixed to the cylinder member 50. The tubular portion 62 is movable on the outer circumferential surface of the cylinder body 60. Therefore, the fluid accommodated in the fluid chamber 110 in the fluid accommodating member 100 presses the tubular portion 62. The spring receiving portion 64 moves in response to the pressure received by the tubular portion 62, and a load is applied to the suspension 16. The height of the seat 22 of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 is adjusted by applying a load to the suspension 16.

[0019] The fluid supply unit 102 has a cylinder 120, a piston 122, a motor 124, a transmission mechanism 126, and a piston position sensor 128. The transmission mechanism 126 includes gears 126a and 126b. The motor 124 rotates the gear 126a of the transmission mechanism 126. In response to the rotation of the gear 126a, the gear 126b of the transmission mechanism 126 also rotates.

[0020] The piston 122 includes a head 122a and a rod 122b. The rod 122b of the piston 122 is connected to a transmission mechanism 126. Specifically, a male screw is provided on the outer periphery of the rod 122b, and the male screw is screwed into a through hole (female screw) of a gear 126b. The rotation of the motor 124 is converted into linear motion via the transmission mechanism 126. In response to this linear motion, the head 122a of the piston 122 moves within the cylinder 120 in the axial direction of the cylinder 120.

[0021] The piston position sensor 128 measures the amount of protrusion of the rod 122b of the piston 122 from the gear 126b. Based on the amount of protrusion of the rod 122b, the piston position sensor 128 detects the position P of the head 122a of the piston 122 within the cylinder 120. The position P of the head 122a of the piston 122 will be simply referred to as the position P of the piston 122.

[0022] A space is formed between the cylinder 120 and the head 122a of the piston 122. This space is the fluid chamber 130 in the cylinder 120. The fluid to be supplied to the fluid chamber 110 in the fluid accommodating member 100 is stored in the fluid chamber 130. When the position P of the piston 122 changes, the size of the fluid chamber 130 in the cylinder 120 changes, and therefore the amount of fluid in the fluid chamber 130 also changes. In response to the change in the amount of fluid stored in the fluid chamber 130 in the cylinder 120, the amount of fluid A stored in the fluid chamber 110 in the fluid accommodating member 100 changes.

[0023] As the amount of fluid A contained in the fluid chamber 110 changes, the pressure received by the cylindrical portion 62 changes. This causes the spring receiving portion 64 to move. As the load L applied to the suspension 16 changes, the height H of the seat 22 of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 changes. The relationship between the amount of change ΔP in the position P of the piston 122, the amount of change ΔA in the amount of fluid A contained in the fluid chamber 110, the amount of change ΔL in the load L applied to the suspension 16, and the amount of change ΔH in the height H of the seat 22 is expressed by the following equations (1) to (3).

[0024] The piston position sensor 128 of the fluid supply unit 102 detects a change ΔP in the position P of the piston 122. A change ΔA in the amount of fluid A accommodated in the fluid chamber 110 in the fluid accommodating member 100 is expressed by equation (1) using the change ΔP in the position P of the piston 122 and the bottom area B1 of the fluid chamber 130 in the cylinder 120. ΔA=B1 ΔP (1)

[0025] The amount of change ΔH in the height H of the seat 22 is expressed by equation (2) using the amount of change ΔP in the position P of the piston 122, the bottom area B1 of the fluid chamber 130 in the cylinder 120, and the bottom area B2 of the fluid chamber 110 in the fluid containing member 100. The amount of change ΔL in the load L applied to the suspension 16 is expressed by equation (3) using the spring constant k of the coil spring 54 and the amount of change ΔH in the height H of the seat 22. ΔH=(B1 / B2) ΔP (2) ΔL=k ΔH (3)

[0026] The position P of the piston 122 changes as the drive of the motor 124 is adjusted. Therefore, the adjustment unit 40 of the suspension 16 changes the height H of the seat 22 of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 by adjusting the drive of the motor 124. If the height H of the seat 22 is changed while the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 is traveling, a change occurs in the ability of the occupant to reach the ground before the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 starts traveling and when it is subsequently stopped. Therefore, there is a possibility that the occupant will fall over together with the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 when the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 is stopped.

[0027] The control device 150 according to this embodiment displays an alert indicating that the height H of the seat 22 has been changed when the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 is stopped. The alert display can draw the attention of the occupant riding in the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 regarding the ability of the occupant to reach the ground with their feet. This can improve safety.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control device 150 mounted on the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. The control device 150 controls the adjustment unit 40 to adjust the height H of the seat 22 of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. The control device 150 has a processing circuit 152 and a storage unit 154. The processing circuit 152 includes a processor such as a CPU or a GPU. The storage unit 154 includes a volatile memory such as a RAM and a non-volatile memory such as a ROM or a flash memory. The volatile memory is used as a working memory for the processor. The non-volatile memory stores programs executed by the processor and other necessary data.

[0029] The processing circuit 152 has a height acquisition unit 170, a speed acquisition unit 172, a determination unit 174, an adjustment control unit 176, a storage control unit 178, and a display control unit 180. The height acquisition unit 170, the speed acquisition unit 172, the determination unit 174, the adjustment control unit 176, the storage control unit 178, and the display control unit 180 are realized by the processing circuit 152 executing a program stored in the storage unit 154. At least some of the height acquisition unit 170, the speed acquisition unit 172, the determination unit 174, the adjustment control unit 176, the storage control unit 178, and the display control unit 180 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA, or an electronic circuit including a discrete device.

[0030] The height acquisition unit 170 acquires the height H of the seat 22 of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10, which is adjustable in height H of the seat 22. The height H of the seat 22 is obtained based on the position P of the piston 122 detected by the piston position sensor 128 of the adjustment unit 40.

[0031] The speed acquisition unit 172 acquires the speed at which the saddle type vehicle 10 is traveling based on sensor data from the speed sensor 190. The speed sensor 190 is attached to at least one of the front wheel FT and the rear wheel RT.

[0032] The determination unit 174 determines whether the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 has started traveling based on the speed of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. The determination unit 174 determines whether the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 has stopped traveling based on the speed of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. The determination unit 174 determines whether the speed of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 is larger or smaller than various predetermined values (described later) stored in the storage unit 154. The determination unit 174 further determines whether the acquired height H of the seat 22 is different from the height H of the seat 22 when the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 started traveling.

[0033] The adjustment control unit 176 controls the adjustment unit 40 to adjust the height H of the seat 22 of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. The load L that the fluid applies to the suspension 16 changes in accordance with the rotation of the motor 124 of the adjustment unit 40. The height H of the seat 22 is adjusted in accordance with the load L applied to the suspension 16 of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. The operation unit 192 is, for example, a button on a switch box attached to the handlebars 28, or a touch panel. In this embodiment, the height H of the seat 22 is adjusted in accordance with operation of the operation unit 192 by the rider while the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 is traveling. Note that the height H of the seat 22 may be automatically adjusted while the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 is traveling.

[0034] The memory control unit 178 stores the height H of the seat 22 when the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 starts traveling as height information in the memory unit 154. The memory control unit 178 updates the height information stored in the memory unit 154 to the height H of the seat 22 when the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 stops traveling.

[0035] When a predetermined condition is met, the display control unit 180 displays an alert on the display unit 194. The display unit 194 is, for example, a meter panel that displays the speed of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. When the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 stops after the alert is displayed, the display control unit 180 cancels the display of the alert. Note that, as will be described later, even when a predetermined condition is met, the display control unit 180 may not display the alert on the display unit 194 depending on the speed of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10.

[0036] FIG. 4A is a diagram showing an example of how the speed V of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 changes according to time T. In the example shown in FIG. 4A, the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 starts traveling at time T0. The speed V of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 starts accelerating from 0. At time T1, the speed V of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 reaches a predetermined value V1. When the speed V exceeds the predetermined value V1, the determination unit 174 of the processing circuit 152 determines that the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 has started traveling. The height acquisition unit 170 acquires the height H of the seat 22 of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. The acquired height H of the seat 22 is stored in the memory unit 154 by the memory control unit 178 as height information. The predetermined value V1 is, for example, 7 km / h.

[0037] Thereafter, at time T2, the speed V of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 reaches a predetermined value V2. Subsequently, at time T3, the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 stops accelerating, and the speed V maintains a constant speed VA until time T4. As shown in Fig. 4A, the constant speed VA is greater than the predetermined value V2. The predetermined value V2 is a value greater than the predetermined value V1, and is, for example, 35 km / h.

[0038] At time T4, the speed V of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 begins to decelerate. After the deceleration starts, at time T5, the speed V of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 decreases to a predetermined value V3. When the speed V decreases to or below the predetermined value V3, the height acquisition unit 170 acquires the height H of the seat 22 of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. After it is determined that the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 has started traveling at time T1, the occupant operates the operation unit 192, thereby changing the height H of the seat 22 of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. In this case, the current height H of the seat 22 differs from the height H stored in the memory unit 154 (the height H when the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 started traveling).

[0039] 4A, the following conditions are met: while the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 is traveling, the speed V is equal to or less than a predetermined value V3, and the current height H of the seat 22 is different from the height H of the seat 22 when the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 starts traveling. In this case, the display control unit 180 displays an alert on the display unit 194. Note that the predetermined value V2 is greater than the predetermined value V3. The predetermined value V3 is, for example, 30 km / h.

[0040] The deceleration continues, and at time T6, the speed V of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 drops to a predetermined value V4. The deceleration continues after time T6. If a time Ts has passed from time T6 to time T7 with the speed V remaining equal to or less than the predetermined value V4, the determination unit 174 determines that the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 has stopped traveling. The display control unit 180 cancels the display of the alert. The height acquisition unit 170 acquires the height H of the seat 22 of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. The memory control unit 178 updates the height information stored in the memory unit 154 to the height H of the seat 22 acquired by the height acquisition unit 170. The predetermined value V4 is, for example, 5 km / h.

[0041] At time T8, the saddle type vehicle 10 actually stops, and its speed V becomes 0. If the reason for stopping the saddle type vehicle 10 is, for example, waiting at a traffic light, the saddle type vehicle 10 starts moving again at time T9. The height information already stored in the storage unit 154 is used as the height H of the saddle type vehicle 10 when it starts moving.

[0042] FIG. 4B is a diagram showing another example of how the speed V of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 changes according to time T. In the example shown in FIG. 4B, the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 starts moving at time T20. The speed V of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 starts to accelerate from 0. At time T21, the speed V of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 reaches the predetermined value V1 described above. When the speed V exceeds the predetermined value V1, the determination unit 174 of the processing circuit 152 determines that the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 has started moving. The height acquisition unit 170 acquires the height H of the seat 22 of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. The acquired height H of the seat 22 is stored in the memory unit 154 by the memory control unit 178 as height information.

[0043] Thereafter, at time T22, the saddle riding type vehicle 10 stops accelerating, and the speed V maintains a constant speed VB until time T23. As shown in Fig. 4B, the constant speed VB is smaller than the above-mentioned predetermined value V2. In other words, the speed V does not exceed the predetermined value V2.

[0044] At time T23, the speed V of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 begins to decelerate. After the deceleration starts, at time T24, the speed V of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 drops to the above-mentioned predetermined value V3. After it is determined that the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 has started traveling at time T21, the rider operates the operation unit 192, thereby changing the height H of the seat 22 of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. In this case, the current height H of the seat 22 is different from the height H stored in the memory unit 154 (the height H when the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 started traveling).

[0045] 4A, in the example shown in Fig. 4B, the conditions are met that while the saddle type vehicle 10 is traveling, the speed V is equal to or less than a predetermined value V3, and the current height H of the seat 22 is different from the height H of the seat 22 when the saddle type vehicle 10 started traveling. However, as in the example shown in Fig. 4B, if the conditions are met without the speed V exceeding the predetermined value V2, the display control unit 180 does not display the above-mentioned alert on the display unit 194. Thereafter, the saddle type vehicle 10 continues to decelerate, and at time T25, the saddle type vehicle 10 stops and its speed V becomes 0.

[0046] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an alert displayed on the display unit 194. The display unit 194 shown in FIG. 5 is a meter panel that displays the speed V of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. When the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 is stopped, a message 200 is displayed superimposed on the screen that displays the speed V as an alert indicating that the height H of the seat 22 has been changed. A passenger who sees the alert display can pay attention to the ability to reach the ground with their feet. This reduces the possibility of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 tipping over when stopped. In other words, safety can be improved.

[0047] 6 and 7 are flowcharts showing the processing procedure of the control device 150 for displaying an alert regarding a change in the height H of the seat 22. This processing procedure is performed, for example, by the processing circuit 152 of the control device 150 executing a program stored in the storage unit 154. This processing procedure is started, for example, when a power switch (not shown) of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 is turned on. When this processing procedure is started, in step S1, the speed acquisition unit 172 acquires the speed V at which the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 is traveling.

[0048] In step S2, the determination unit 174 determines whether the speed V acquired in step S1 is greater than the above-mentioned predetermined value V1 (for example, 7 km / h). If the result in step S2 is YES, the process proceeds to step S3. If the result in step S2 is NO, the process repeats step S2. In step S3, the determination unit 174 determines that the saddle type vehicle 10 has started traveling, based on the determination result regarding the speed V in step S2.

[0049] In step S4, the height acquisition unit 170 determines whether or not the height H0 of the seat 22 at the time when the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 starts traveling is stored in the memory unit 154. If the result is YES in step S4, the processing procedure proceeds to step S7. If the result is NO in step S4, the processing procedure proceeds to step S5. In step S5, the height acquisition unit 170 acquires the height H of the seat 22. In step S6, the memory control unit 178 stores the height H acquired in step S5 in the memory unit 154 as the height H0 of the seat 22 at the time when the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 starts traveling.

[0050] In step S7, the speed acquisition unit 172 acquires the speed V at which the saddle riding type vehicle 10 is traveling. In step S8, the determination unit 174 determines whether the speed V acquired in step S7 exceeds a predetermined value V2 (e.g., 35 km / h) stored in the memory unit 154. If the result in step S8 is YES, the process proceeds to step S9. If the result in step S8 is NO, the process proceeds to step S21, which will be described later.

[0051] In step S9, the speed acquisition unit 172 acquires the speed V at which the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 is traveling. In step S10, the determination unit 174 determines whether the speed V acquired in step S9 is equal to or less than a predetermined value V3 (e.g., 30 km / h) stored in the storage unit 154. If the result is YES in step S10, as shown in FIG. 4A, the speed V of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 has exceeded a predetermined value V2 (e.g., 35 km / h) and then dropped to equal to or less than the predetermined value V3 (e.g., 30 km / h). In this case, the process proceeds to step S11. If the result is NO in step S10, the process returns to step S9.

[0052] In step S11, the height acquisition unit 170 acquires the current height H of the seat 22. In step S12, the determination unit 174 determines whether the current height H of the seat 22 is different from the height H0 of the seat 22 when the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 starts traveling. The height H0 of the seat 22 when the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 starts traveling is stored in the memory unit 154.

[0053] In this embodiment, in step S12, it is determined whether the current height H of the seat 22 is greater than the height H0 of the seat 22 when the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 starts traveling. However, in step S12, it may also be determined whether the current height H of the seat 22 is less than the height H0 of the seat 22 when the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 starts traveling. In step S12, it may also be determined whether the current height H of the seat 22 is a value different from the height H0 of the seat 22 when the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 starts traveling.

[0054] If step S12 returns YES, the following conditions are met: while the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 is traveling, the speed V is equal to or less than a predetermined value V3 (e.g., 30 km / h), and the current height H of the seat 22 is different from the height H0 of the seat 22 when the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 started traveling. In this case, the process proceeds to step S13. If step S12 returns NO, the process proceeds to step S14.

[0055] In step S13, the display control unit 180 displays the alert shown in Fig. 5 on the display unit 194. In step S14, the speed acquisition unit 172 acquires the speed V at which the saddle type vehicle 10 is traveling.

[0056] In step S15, the determination unit 174 determines whether the speed V acquired in step S15 exceeds a predetermined value V2 (for example, 35 km / h) stored in the storage unit 154. If the result is YES in step S15, the process proceeds to step S60. In this case, the saddle type vehicle 10 has accelerated, and therefore the alert display is canceled in step S60 and thereafter, which will be described later. If the result is NO in step S15, the process proceeds to step S16.

[0057] In step S16, the determination unit 174 determines whether the speed V acquired in step S14 is equal to or less than a predetermined value V4 (for example, 5 km / h). If the result in step S16 is YES, the process proceeds to step S17. If the result in step S16 is NO, the process returns to step S14.

[0058] In step S17, the determination unit 174 determines whether or not a time Ts has elapsed since the determination process in step S16. If the result in step S17 is YES, the process proceeds to step S18. If the result in step S17 is NO, the process repeats the process in step S17.

[0059] In step S18, the determination unit 174 determines that the saddle riding type vehicle 10 has stopped traveling based on the fact that the time Ts has elapsed while the speed V is equal to or less than the predetermined value V4. In step S19, the display control unit 180 determines whether or not an alert is being displayed on the display unit 194. If the result in step S19 is YES, the process proceeds to step S20. If the result in step S19 is NO, the process proceeds to step S21.

[0060] In step S20, the display control unit 180 cancels the display of the alert. In step S21, the height acquisition unit 170 acquires the current height H of the seat 22 at the time when it is determined that the saddle riding type vehicle 10 has stopped traveling. In step S22, the memory control unit 178 stores the height H (latest value) acquired in step S21 in the memory unit 154 as the height H0 of the seat 22 at the start of the next traveling of the saddle riding type vehicle 10. When the processing of step S22 is completed, this processing procedure ends.

[0061] As described above, if the result of step S15 is YES, the process proceeds to step S60. In step S60, the display control unit 180 determines whether an alert is being displayed on the display unit 194. If the result of step S60 is YES, the process proceeds to step S61. If the result of step S60 is NO, the process returns to step S9 described above. In step S61, the display control unit 180 cancels the display of the alert. When the process of step S61 is completed, the process returns to step S9 described above.

[0062] [Variations] The above embodiment may be modified as follows.

[0063] (Variation 1) The height H of the seat 22 of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 may be adjusted in a mode selected in response to the occupant's operation of the operation unit 192. By operating the operation unit 192, the occupant can select one mode from a plurality of modes related to the adjustment of the height H of the seat 22. The operation unit 192 is, for example, a switch box or a touch panel.

[0064] Fig. 8A is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen of the display unit 194 that displays the results of a mode selection by the occupant of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. The display unit 194 shown in Fig. 8A is a meter panel that displays the speed V of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. Three icons 210 are displayed on the display unit 194. The three icons 210 indicate settings related to the load applied to the suspension 16 of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. The three icons 210 include icons 210A, 210B, and 210C.

[0065] The icon 210A indicates whether or not the occupant driving the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 is riding in the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. When the occupant driving the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 is riding in the saddle-ride type vehicle 10, the icon 210A is displayed in a selected state. The icon 210A is always selected by default. FIG. 8A shows the icon 210A displayed in a selected state.

[0066] The icon 210B indicates whether or not a passenger other than the occupant driving the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 is riding in the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. If a passenger is riding in the saddle-ride type vehicle 10, the icon 210B is displayed in a selected state. When the occupant operates the operation unit 192, the icon 210B is displayed in a selected state or in a non-selected state. Fig. 8A shows the state in which the icon 210B is displayed in a selected state.

[0067] The icon 210C indicates whether or not luggage is loaded on the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. If luggage is loaded on the saddle-ride type vehicle 10, the icon 210C is displayed in a selected state. When the occupant operates the operation unit 192, the icon 210C is displayed in a selected state or an unselected state. Fig. 8A shows the icon 210C displayed in an unselected state.

[0068] Fig. 8B is a diagram illustrating the types of modes. The modes M1, M2, M3, and M4 shown in Fig. 8B correspond to the above-mentioned multiple modes related to adjusting the height H of the seat 22 of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. The modes M1, M2, M3, and M4 are associated with the loads L1, L2, L3, and L4 applied to the suspension 16 of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10, respectively. The association between the modes M1, M2, M3, and M4 and the loads L1, L2, L3, and L4 is stored in advance in the storage unit 154.

[0069] In mode M1, the occupant driving the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 rides in the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. There are no passengers other than the occupant driving the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. No luggage is carried on the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. In other words, mode M1 is a mode in which only the occupant driving the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 rides in the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. The load corresponding to mode M1 is the lightest, L1.

[0070] In mode M2, the occupant driving the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 rides in the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. There are no passengers other than the occupant driving the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. Luggage is loaded onto the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. In other words, mode M2 is a mode in which the occupant driving the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 rides in the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 and luggage is loaded onto the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. The load corresponding to mode M2 is L2.

[0071] In mode M3, the occupant driving the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 rides in the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. There are also passengers other than the occupant driving the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. No luggage is carried on the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. In other words, mode M3 is a mode in which the occupant driving the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 and the passenger ride in the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. The load corresponding to mode M3 is L3.

[0072] In mode M4, the occupant who drives the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 rides in the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. There are also passengers other than the occupant who drives the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. Luggage is loaded onto the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. In other words, mode M4 is a mode in which the occupant who drives the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 and the passenger ride in the saddle-ride type vehicle 10, and luggage is loaded onto the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. The load corresponding to mode M4 is the heaviest, L4.

[0073] While the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 is traveling, the rider operates the operation unit 192 to select one mode. In this case, the adjustment control unit 176 of the processing circuit 152 controls the adjustment unit 40 to apply a load corresponding to the selected mode to the suspension 16. In this way, while the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 is traveling, the adjustment control unit 176 adjusts the height H of the seat 22. For example, when mode M3 is selected, a load L3 is applied to the suspension 16. In response to mode M3, icons 210A and 210B are displayed in a selected state, as shown in FIG. 8A .

[0074] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an alert displayed on the display unit 194. In Fig. 9, when the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 is stopped, at least some of the three icons 210 are displayed while flashing as an alert indicating that the height H of the seat 22 has been changed. Specifically, of the icons 210A, 210B, and 210C, the icon 210 that is displayed in a selected manner flashes.

[0075] For example, when the icons 210A and 210B are displayed in a selected state as shown in FIG. 8A, the icons 210A and 210B flash as shown in FIG. 9. The flashing of the icons 210A and 210B displays an alert indicating that the height H of the seat 22 has been changed. A passenger who sees the alert display can pay attention to the ability to reach the ground with their feet. This reduces the possibility of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 tipping over when stopped. In other words, safety can be improved.

[0076] (Variation 2) The height H of the seat 22 of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 may be adjusted based on a setting value input by the occupant. The occupant can input the setting value of the height H of the seat 22 to the control device 150 by operating the operation unit 192. The operation unit 192 is, for example, a switch box or a touch panel.

[0077] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen of the display unit 194 that displays the result of an occupant of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 inputting a set value for the height H of the seat 22 into the control device 150. The display unit 194 shown in FIG. 10 is a meter panel that displays the speed V of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. A plurality of icons 220 are displayed on the display unit 194. The plurality of icons 220 include icons 220A, 220B, 220C, and 220D that the occupant can select to input the set value for the height H of the seat 22.

[0078] Icon 220A indicates that the height H of the seat 22 is set to a standard value selected by default. Icon 220B indicates that the height H of the seat 22 is set to a value d1 [mm] higher than the standard value. Icon 220C indicates that the height H of the seat 22 is set to a value d2 [mm] higher than the standard value. Icon 220D indicates that the height H of the seat 22 is set to a value d3 [mm] higher than the standard value. FIG. 10 shows the state in which icon 220B is displayed in a selected state.

[0079] While the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 is traveling, the occupant operates the operation unit 192 to input a set value for the height H of the seat 22. In this case, the adjustment control unit 176 of the processing circuit 152 controls the adjustment unit 40 to adjust the height H of the seat 22 to the set value input by the occupant.

[0080] [Inventions Obtained from the Embodiments] The invention that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and modifications will be described below.

[0081] (1) A saddle-ride type vehicle (10) includes an adjustment unit (40) that adjusts the height (H) of a seat (22) of the saddle-ride type vehicle, and a control device (150) that controls the adjustment unit to adjust the height of the seat. The control device includes a height acquisition unit (170) that acquires the height of the seat, a speed acquisition unit (172) that acquires the speed (V) at which the saddle-ride type vehicle is traveling, and a display control unit (180) that displays an alert on a display unit (194) when the following conditions are met: the speed is equal to or less than a first predetermined value (V3) and the height is different from the height (H0) at the start of the saddle-ride type vehicle traveling. This alerts the occupant of the saddle-ride type vehicle to the ability of the occupant to reach the ground. This improves safety.

[0082] (2) The display control unit may display the alert on the display unit when the condition is met after the speed exceeds a second predetermined value (V2) that is greater than the first predetermined value, and may not display the alert on the display unit when the speed does not exceed the second predetermined value. This makes it possible to prevent the alert from being displayed when the saddle-ride type vehicle travels at a low speed and then stops. When the saddle-ride type vehicle travels at a low speed and then stops, there is little possibility that the occupant will fall over along with the saddle-ride type vehicle, so there is little need for the alert to be displayed.

[0083] (3) The control device may further include a memory control unit (178) that stores the height at the start of travel as height information in a memory unit (154), thereby making it possible to detect a change in the seat height of the saddle-ride type vehicle.

[0084] (4) The control device may further include a determination unit (174) that determines whether the saddle-ride type vehicle has stopped based on the speed, and the memory control unit may update the height information stored in the memory unit to the height when the saddle-ride type vehicle stopped. This eliminates the need to obtain the seat height when the saddle-ride type vehicle starts its next journey.

[0085] (5) The control device may further include a determination unit (174) that determines whether the saddle-ride type vehicle has stopped based on the speed, and when the saddle-ride type vehicle has stopped, the display control unit may cancel the display of the alert. This prevents the alert from being displayed even when the saddle-ride type vehicle has stopped without tipping over. This reduces the inconvenience to the occupant of the saddle-ride type vehicle.

[0086] (6) The saddle-ride type vehicle may further include an operation unit (192) for allowing a rider of the saddle-ride type vehicle to select one mode from a plurality of modes (M1, M2, M3, M4) related to the height adjustment, and the control device may further include an adjustment control unit (176) that controls the adjustment unit to apply a load corresponding to the one selected mode to the suspension (16) of the saddle-ride type vehicle, thereby adjusting the height. This allows the rider to easily select a mode while the saddle-ride type vehicle is traveling.

[0087] (7) The plurality of modes may include a mode (M1) in which only the occupant rides in the saddle-ride type vehicle, a mode (M3) in which the occupant and a passenger ride in the saddle-ride type vehicle, and a mode (M2) in which the occupant rides in the saddle-ride type vehicle and luggage is loaded in the saddle-ride type vehicle, thereby allowing the occupant to adjust the seat height in accordance with the load applied to the suspension of the saddle-ride type vehicle.

[0088] (8) The saddle-ride type vehicle may further include an operation unit (192) through which a rider of the saddle-ride type vehicle inputs the set value of the height, and the control device may further include an adjustment control unit (176) that controls the adjustment unit to adjust the height to the set value. This allows the rider to easily adjust the seat height while the saddle-ride type vehicle is traveling.

[0089] The present invention is not limited to the above disclosure, and various configurations can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present invention.

Claims

1. A saddle-ride type vehicle (10), an adjustment unit (40) for adjusting the height (H) of the seat (22) of the saddle-ride type vehicle (10); a control device (150) that controls the adjustment unit (40) to adjust the height (H) of the seat (22); Equipped with The control device (150) a height acquisition unit (170) that acquires the height (H) of the seat (22); a speed acquisition unit (172) that acquires a speed (V) at which the saddle-ride type vehicle (10) is traveling; a display control unit (180) that displays an alert on a display unit (194) when the following conditions are met: the speed (V) is equal to or less than a first predetermined value (V3) while the saddle-ride type vehicle (10) is traveling; and the height (H) is different from the height (H0) at the start of traveling of the saddle-ride type vehicle (10). A saddle-ride type vehicle (10) having the above.

2. A saddle-ride type vehicle (10) according to claim 1, The display control unit (180) displays the alert on the display unit (194) when the condition is met after the speed (V) exceeds a second predetermined value (V2) that is greater than the first predetermined value (V3), and does not display the alert on the display unit (194) when the speed (V) does not exceed the second predetermined value (V2).

3. A saddle-ride type vehicle (10) according to claim 1 or 2, The control device (150) of the saddle-ride type vehicle (10) further comprises a memory control unit (178) that stores the height (H0) at the start of travel in a memory unit (154) as height information.

4. A saddle-ride type vehicle (10) according to claim 3, The control device (150) further includes a determination unit (174) that determines whether the saddle-ride type vehicle (10) has stopped based on the speed (V), The storage control unit (178) updates the height information stored in the storage unit (154) to the height (H) when the saddle-ride type vehicle (10) is stopped.

5. A saddle-ride type vehicle (10) according to claim 1 or 2, The control device (150) further includes a determination unit (174) that determines whether the saddle-ride type vehicle (10) has stopped based on the speed (V), When the saddle-ride type vehicle (10) stops, the display control unit (180) cancels the display of the alert.

6. A saddle-ride type vehicle (10) according to claim 1 or 2, The vehicle further includes an operation unit (192) for allowing a rider of the saddle-ride type vehicle (10) to select one mode from a plurality of modes (M1, M2, M3, M4) relating to adjustment of the height (H), The control device (150) further includes an adjustment control unit (176) that controls the adjustment unit (40) to apply a load corresponding to the selected one mode to a suspension (16) of the saddle-ride type vehicle (10), thereby adjusting the height (H).

7. A saddle-ride type vehicle (10) according to claim 6, The plurality of modes (M1, M2, M3, M4) include a mode (M1) in which only the occupant rides in the saddle-ride type vehicle (10), a mode (M3) in which the occupant and a passenger ride in the saddle-ride type vehicle (10), and a mode (M2) in which the occupant rides in the saddle-ride type vehicle (10) and luggage is loaded in the saddle-ride type vehicle (10).

8. A saddle-ride type vehicle (10) according to claim 1 or 2, The vehicle further includes an operation unit (192) for an occupant of the saddle-ride type vehicle (10) to input a set value of the height (H), The control device (150) further includes an adjustment control section (176) that controls the adjustment section (40) to adjust the height (H) to the set value.

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