Control device, electric motorcycle, and control method

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide an electric motorcycle in which the charging amount in a battery is improved by regenerative braking. An electric motorcycle 200 in which a control device 110 is mounted is provided with a friction brake device 35 that generates a friction braking force in a drive wheel 4 in response to an operation amount of at least one brake operation part. The control device 110 is provided with an acquisition unit 111 that acquires operation amount information relating to the operation amount of the brake operation part, and an execution unit 112 that adjusts, on the basis of the operation amount information, the magnitude of the regenerative braking force generated when a drive motor 5 is actuated as a regenerative brake.

Description

[0001] [Document name] Statement

[0002] [Title of invention] Control device, electric motorcycle and control method

[0003] [Technical Field]

[0004]

[001] The present invention relates to a control device mounted on an electric motorcycle, an electric motorcycle equipped with the control device, and a control method used for an electric motorcycle.

[0005] [Background technology]

[0006] [. 0 0 2] Conventionally, electric motorcycles using a motor as a drive source have been proposed in which the motor is operated as a regenerative brake to generate electricity and charge the battery (see Patent Document 1).

[0007] [Prior art documents]

[0008] [Patent documents]

[0009]

〇 0 0 3

[0010] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2 0 1 5 — 5 2 3 2 5 9

[0011] Summary of the Invention

[0012] [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0013] [0 0 4] However, the braking force used to brake an electric motorcycle is usually generated mainly by friction braking. As a result, with conventional electric motorcycles, there are few opportunities to use the motor as a regenerative brake, which poses the problem of not being able to fully charge the battery.

[0014]

[0005] The present invention was made in light of the above-mentioned problems, and has a first object to provide a control device that can increase the amount of charge to the battery through regenerative braking. A second object of the present invention is to provide an electric motorcycle equipped with such a control device. A third object of the present invention is to provide a control method for a control device mounted on an electric motorcycle that can increase the amount of charge to the battery through regenerative braking.

[0015] [Means for solving the problem]

[0016]

[0006] The control device according to the present invention is mounted on an electric motor cycle having a drive motor, which is a motor that serves as a drive source, and is a control device that operates the drive motor as a regenerative brake to generate electricity, wherein the electric motorcycle is equipped with at least one brake operation unit operated by the rider, and at least one friction brake device that generates friction braking force, which is a braking force generated by friction, on a wheel of the electric motorcycle according to the amount of operation of the brake operation unit, and when the wheel of the electric motorcycle that is connected to the drive motor is the drive wheel, the electric motorcycle is equipped with at least a drive wheel side friction brake device that generates friction braking force on the drive wheel as the friction brake device, and the control device is equipped with an acquisition unit that acquires operation amount information related to the operation amount of at least one of the brake operation units, and a second friction brake device that generates friction braking force, which is a braking force generated when the drive motor is operated as a regenerative brake, based on at least one piece of operation amount information acquired by the acquisition unit. and an execution unit that executes a first brake force adjustment operation to adjust the magnitude of the first regenerative braking force.

[0017]

[0007] The electric motorcycle according to the present invention is equipped with the control device according to the present invention.

[0018]

[0008] A control method according to the present invention is a control method for a control device that operates a drive motor, which is a motor that serves as a drive source for an electric motorcycle, as a regenerative brake to generate electricity, wherein the electric motorcycle comprises at least one brake operation unit operated by a rider, and at least one friction brake device that generates frictional braking force, which is braking force generated by friction, on a wheel of the electric motorcycle according to the amount of operation of the brake operation unit, and when the wheel of the electric motorcycle that is connected to the drive motor is the drive wheel, the electric motorcycle comprises at least a drive wheel-side friction brake device that generates frictional braking force on the drive wheel as the friction brake device, and the control method includes an acquisition step in which the control device acquires operation amount information related to the operation amount of at least one of the brake operation units, and a step in which the control device adjusts the magnitude of the regenerative braking force, which is braking force generated when the drive motor is operated as a regenerative brake, based on at least one piece of operation amount information acquired in the acquisition step. and a brake force adjusting operation step for adjusting the brake force.

[0019] [Effects of the Invention]

[0020]

[0009] The control device according to the present invention adjusts the magnitude of the regenerative braking force of the drive motor in accordance with the amount of operation of at least one brake operating unit, thereby improving the amount of charge to the battery by regenerative braking.

[0021] [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [ 0 0 1 0 ]

[0023] [Figure 1] A diagram showing the configuration of an electric motorcycle equipped with a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] [Fig. 2] A diagram showing an example of the configuration of a brake system of an electric motorcycle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] [Fig. 3] A diagram showing an example of the configuration of a brake system of an electric motorcycle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] [Fig. 4] A diagram showing an example of the configuration of a brake system of an electric motorcycle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] [Fig. 5] A diagram showing an example of the configuration of a brake system of an electric motorcycle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] [Figure 6] A block diagram for explaining a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 7 is a flow chart for explaining the operation when the control device according to the embodiment of the present invention executes the first brake force adjusting operation.

[0030] [Fig. 8] A diagram showing the configuration of an electric motorcycle equipped with a modified example of the control device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] [Figure 9] A diagram showing an example of the configuration of a brake system of the electric motorcycle shown in Figure 8.

[0032] [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0033]

[0011] Below, an example of a control device, electric motorcycle, and control method according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following describes an example in which the control device according to the present invention is mounted on a motorcycle, which is an example of an electric motorcycle. However, the electric motorcycle according to the present invention is not limited to motorcycles, and may be any motorcycle that uses a motor as a drive source. Motorcycles include, for example, motorcycles, three-wheeled motorcycles, motorbikes, scooters, etc.

[0034] [0 0 1 2] Furthermore, the configurations, operations, etc. described below are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to such configurations, operations, etc. Furthermore, in each drawing, the same or similar members or parts may be designated by the same reference numerals or may not be designated by the reference numerals. Furthermore, detailed structures may be simplified or omitted from the illustration as appropriate.

[0035]

[0013] Embodiments <Configuration of an electric motorcycle> Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an electric motorcycle equipped with a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a brake system of an electric motorcycle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] The electric motorcycle 200 is, for example, a motorcycle. The electric motorcycle 200 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, and a rear wheel 4 rotatably held by the body 1. In other words, the electric motorcycle 200 is equipped with a front wheel 3 and a rear wheel 4 as wheels. The electric motorcycle 200 also has a drive motor 5, which is the drive source, and a battery 7, which supplies power to the drive motor 5.

[0036]

[0015] In the electric motorcycle 200 according to this embodiment, the drive motor 5 is connected to the rear wheel 4. That is, in the electric motorcycle 200 according to this embodiment, the rear wheel 4 is a drive wheel that is driven by the drive motor 5. In the electric motorcycle 200 according to this embodiment, the front wheel 3, which is different from the drive wheel, is a non-drive wheel that is not driven by the drive motor 5. However, in the electric motorcycle 200, the front wheel 3 may be a drive wheel and the rear wheel 4 may be a non-drive wheel. In the electric motorcycle 200 according to this embodiment, the drive motor 5 is an in-wheel motor housed in the drive wheel. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the drive motor 5 may be provided outside the drive wheel and connected to the drive wheel by a transmission mechanism such as a chain.

[0037]

[0016] <Configuration of vehicle body behavior control system> This electric motorcycle 200 is equipped with a vehicle body behavior control system 100. The vehicle body behavior control system 100 is also equipped with a brake system 10 and a control device 110. When the drive motor 5 is not driving the rear wheel 4, the control device 110 operates the drive motor 5 as a regenerative brake to generate electricity and charge the battery 7. The detailed configuration of the control device 110 will be described later.

[0038] [ 0 0 1 7 ]

[0039] <Configuration of Brake System> Brake system 10 includes at least one brake operation unit that is operated by the rider. In this embodiment, brake system 10 includes brake operation unit 11 and brake operation unit 13 that are provided on handlebar 2 as brake operation units. In this embodiment, brake operation unit 11 and brake operation unit 13 are brake levers, but brake operation unit 11 and brake operation unit 13 may be something other than a brake lever, such as a brake pedal.

[0040]

[0018] The brake system i0 also includes at least one friction brake device 35 that generates frictional braking force, which is braking force generated by friction, on the wheels of the electric motorcycle 200 in accordance with the amount of operation of the brake operating unit. In this embodiment, the friction brake device 35 includes a front wheel friction brake device 35a and a rear wheel friction brake device 35b. The front wheel friction brake device 35a presses a brake pad (not shown) against a rotor 3a that rotates together with the front wheel 3 in accordance with the amount of operation of the brake operating unit 11, thereby generating frictional braking force on the front wheel 3. The rear wheel friction brake device 35 presses a brake pad (not shown) against a rotor 4a that rotates together with the rear wheel 4 in accordance with the amount of operation of the brake operating unit 13, thereby generating a friction braking force on the rear wheel 4.

[0041]

[0019] Here, the friction brake device 35 that generates friction braking force on the non-driven wheels is defined as the non-driven wheel side friction brake device. In this case, in this embodiment, the front wheel side friction brake device 35a is the non-driven wheel side friction brake device. Also, the friction brake device 35 that generates friction braking force on the driven wheels is defined as the driven wheel side friction brake device. In this case, in this embodiment, the rear wheel side friction brake device 35b is the driven wheel side friction brake device. Also, the brake operating unit that generates friction braking force by the non-driven wheel side friction brake device is defined as the non-driven wheel side brake operating unit. In this case, in this embodiment, the brake operating unit 11 is the non-driven wheel side brake operating unit. Also, the brake operating unit that generates friction braking force by the driven wheel side friction brake device is defined as the driven wheel side brake operating unit. In this case, in this embodiment, the brake operating unit 13 becomes the driving wheel side brake operating unit.

[0042]

[0020] In this embodiment, the friction brake device 35 is a hydraulic brake device that varies the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid in accordance with the amount of operation of the brake operating unit, thereby generating a friction braking force on the wheel. In other words, in this embodiment, the front wheel friction brake device 35 a and the rear wheel friction brake device 35 b are hydraulic brake devices that vary the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid in accordance with the amount of operation of the brake operating unit, thereby generating a friction braking force on the wheel. However, the friction brake device 35 may be configured to receive a control signal in accordance with the amount of operation of the brake operating unit, operate an electric actuator in accordance with the control signal, press brake pads against a rotor, and generate a friction braking force on the wheel.

[0043]

[0021] The brake system 10 according to this embodiment will now be described in detail. The brake system 10 is filled with brake fluid and includes a hydraulic circuit 12 that connects a brake operating unit 11 to a front wheel friction brake device 35a. The brake system 10 is also filled with brake fluid and includes a hydraulic circuit 14 that connects a brake operating unit 13 to a rear wheel friction brake device 35b.

[0044]

[0022] The hydraulic circuit 12 includes a master cylinder 21 incorporating a piston (not shown) pressed by the brake operating unit 11, a reservoir 22 attached to the master cylinder 21, and a main flow path 41 connecting the master cylinder 21 and a front-wheel friction brake device 35a. The front-wheel friction brake device 35a, which is connected to the hydraulic circuit 12, includes a brake caliper 23 having a brake pad (not shown) and a wheel cylinder 24 that operates the brake pad (not shown) of the brake caliper 23. In other words, the front-wheel friction brake device 35a, which is a hydraulic brake device, is configured to generate friction braking force using the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid stored in the wheel cylinder 24. The main flow path 41 may be composed of a pipe or may be a hole formed in a member such as a metal material.

[0045]

[0023] Similarly, the hydraulic circuit 14 includes a master cylinder 21 incorporating a piston (not shown) pressed by the brake operating portion 13, a reservoir 22 attached to the master cylinder 21, and a main flow path 41 connecting the master cylinder 21 and the rear wheel friction brake device 35b. The rear wheel friction brake device 35 connected to the hydraulic circuit 14 includes a brake caliper 23 having brake pads (not shown) and a wheel cylinder 24 that operates the brake pads (not shown) of the brake caliper 23. That is, the rear wheel friction brake device 35b, which is a hydraulic brake device, is configured to generate friction braking force using the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid stored in the wheel cylinder 24.

[0046]

[0024] The hydraulic circuit 12 also includes a front-wheel friction braking force reduction mechanism 36a that reduces the friction braking force generated on the front wheels 3. As described above, in this embodiment, the front wheels 3 are non-driven wheels. Therefore, the front-wheel friction braking force reduction mechanism 36a can be defined as a non-driven wheel friction braking force reduction mechanism that reduces the friction braking force generated on the non-driven wheels. When the hydraulic circuit 12 includes the front-wheel friction braking device 35a that is a hydraulic brake device, the front-wheel friction braking force reduction mechanism 36a includes a sub-flow path 42, an inlet valve 25, a release valve 26, an accumulator 27, a pump 50, and a pump motor 51.

[0047]

[0025] One end of the sub-flow path 42 is connected to a main flow path intermediate portion 41a of the main flow path 41, and the other end is connected to a main flow path intermediate portion 41b of the main flow path 41. One end of the sub-flow path 42 may be connected to the master cylinder 21. The other end of the sub-flow path 42 may be connected to the wheel cylinder 24. The sub-flow path 42 may be constituted by piping, or may be a hole formed in a member such as a metal material. The inlet valve 25 is provided in a region of the main flow path 41 between the main flow path intermediate portion 41a and the main flow path intermediate portion 41. The opening and closing operation of the inlet valve 25 opens and closes the flow path portion of the main flow path 41 where the inlet valve 25 is installed, thereby controlling the flow rate of brake fluid flowing through this region. The inlet valve 25 is, for example, an electromagnetic valve that switches the flow of brake fluid at its installation location from open to closed when it is switched from a non-energized state to an energized state.

[0048]

[0026] The release valve 26, the accumulator 27 that stores brake fluid, and the pump 50 are provided in the secondary flow path 42. Specifically, the secondary flow path 42 is provided with, in this order from upstream, the release valve 26, the accumulator 27, and the pump 50. The opening and closing operation of the release valve 26 opens and closes the flow path portion of the secondary flow path 42 where the release valve 26 is installed, thereby controlling the flow rate of brake fluid flowing through this area. The release valve 26 is a solenoid valve that, when switched from a non-energized state to an energized state, switches the flow of brake fluid from closed to open through its installed portion toward the accumulator 27. The pump 50 applies pressure to the brake fluid in the secondary flow path 42, causing the brake fluid to move. The pump 50 is driven by a pump motor 51. In other words, the pump motor 51 is the driving source of the pump 50.

[0049]

[0027] The brake system 10 also includes a master cylinder hydraulic pressure sensor 30 in the hydraulic circuit 12 and the hydraulic circuit 14. The master cylinder hydraulic pressure sensor 30 detects the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid in the master cylinder 21.

[0050]

[0028] When the brake system 10 is equipped with parts to be controlled, it is equipped with a braking force control device 60. In this embodiment, the parts to be controlled are the inlet valve 25, the release valve 26, and the pump motor 51. The brake force control device 60 may be a single device or may be divided into multiple devices. Also, part or all of the brake force control device 60 may be composed of, for example, a microcomputer, a microprocessor unit, etc., or may be composed of updatable firmware, etc., or may be a program module, etc. executed by commands from a CPU, etc.

[0051]

[0029] The brake control device 60 controls the inlet valve 25, the release valve 26, and the pump motor 51 to perform anti-lock brake control for the front wheels 3. During anti-lock brake control, the brake control device 60 closes the inlet valve 25 to stop the increase in hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid in the wheel cylinder 24. The brake control device 60 also opens the release valve 26 to release the brake fluid in the wheel cylinder 24 to the accumulator 27, reducing the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid in the wheel cylinder 24. The brake control device 60 also closes the release valve 26 to stop the reduction in hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid in the wheel cylinder 24. The brake force control device 60 also opens the inlet valve 25 to increase the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid in the wheel cylinder 24. The brake force control device 60 also drives the pump motor 51, which returns the brake fluid in the accumulator 27 to the master cylinder 21. In anti-lock brake control, the brake force control device 60 repeats the above-described control of the inlet valve 25 and the release valve 26 to prevent the front wheels 3 from locking.

[0052]

[0030] The brake system 10 shown in Fig. 2 is one example of a brake system 10. The brake system 10 is only required to include, as the friction brake device 35, at least a drive wheel side friction brake device that generates friction braking force on the drive wheels. In the present embodiment, the brake system 10 is only required to include a rear wheel side friction brake device 35b. An example of the brake system 10 will be introduced below using Figs. 3 to 5.

[0031] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a brake system for an electric motorcycle according to an embodiment of the present invention. The hydraulic circuit 12 of the brake system 10 shown in Fig. 3 is configured without a front wheel side friction brake force reduction mechanism 36a. 3 includes a rear-wheel-side friction braking force reduction mechanism 36b. As described above, in this embodiment, the rear wheels 4 are drive wheels. Therefore, the rear-wheel-side friction braking force reduction mechanism 36b can be defined as a drive wheel-side friction braking force reduction mechanism that reduces the friction braking force generated at the drive wheels. When the hydraulic circuit 14 includes the rear-wheel-side friction braking device 35b that is a hydraulic brake device, the rear-wheel-side friction braking force reduction mechanism 36b includes a sub-flow path 42, an inlet valve 25, a release valve 26, and an accumulator 27.

[0053]

[0032] The brake control device 60 controls the inlet valve 25 and the release valve 26 to perform anti-lock brake control for the rear wheels 4. The brake control device 60 also performs anti-lock brake control in cooperation with the control device 110. In anti-lock brake control, the brake control device 60 closes the inlet valve 25 to stop the increase in hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid in the wheel cylinder 24. The brake control device 60 also opens the release valve 26 to release the brake fluid in the wheel cylinder 24 to the accumulator 27, thereby reducing the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid in the wheel cylinder 24. In addition, the brake control device 60 closes the release valve 26 and stops the reduction in the brake fluid pressure in the wheel cylinder 24. Thereafter, the control device 110 adjusts the magnitude of the first regenerative braking force, which is the braking force generated when the drive motor 5 is operated as a regenerative brake while anti-lock brake control of the rear wheel 4 is being executed, to prevent the rear wheel 4 from locking. When the brake operating unit 13 is not operated, the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid in the master cylinder 21 becomes lower than the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid in the accumulator 27. As a result, the brake fluid in the accumulator 27 returns to the master cylinder 21.

[0054]

[0033] In other words, the rear wheel side friction braking force reduction mechanism 36b is a hydraulic pressure reduction mechanism that releases brake fluid in the wheel cylinder 24 to the accumulator 27 and discharges the brake fluid stored in the accumulator 27 from the accumulator 27 without a pump. By configuring the rear wheel side friction braking force reduction mechanism 36b in this way, the pump motor 51 is not required for the rear wheel side friction braking force reduction mechanism 36b, which reduces the cost of the brake system 10 equipped with the rear wheel side friction braking force reduction mechanism 36b and reduces the installation space required for the brake system 10 equipped with the rear wheel side friction braking force reduction mechanism 36b on the electric motorcycle 200.

[0055]

[0034] In this embodiment, the braking force generated when the drive motor 5 is operated as a regenerative brake is referred to as a first regenerative braking force to distinguish it from the braking force generated when the regenerative motor 6, which will be described later as a modified example, is operated as a regenerative brake. When it is not necessary to distinguish it from the braking force generated when the regenerative motor 6, which will be described later as a regenerative brake, the braking force generated when the drive motor 5 is operated as a regenerative brake may simply be referred to as a regenerative braking force.

[0056]

[0035] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a brake system for an electric motorcycle according to an embodiment of the present invention. The hydraulic circuit 12 of the brake system 10 shown in Fig. 4 has the same configuration as the hydraulic circuit 12 shown in Fig. 2. Furthermore, the hydraulic circuit 14 of the brake system 10 shown in Fig. 4 has the same configuration as the hydraulic circuit 14 shown in Fig. 3.

[0057]

[0036] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a brake system for an electric motorcycle according to an embodiment of the present invention. The hydraulic circuit 12 of the brake system 10 shown in Fig. 5 has the same configuration as the hydraulic circuit 12 shown in Fig. 3. Furthermore, the hydraulic circuit 14 of the brake system 10 shown in Fig. 5 has the same configuration as the hydraulic circuit 14 shown in Fig. 2.

[0058] [ 0 0 3 7 ]

[0059] <Configuration of the control device> Fig. 6 is a block diagram for explaining a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. As described above, the control device 110 operates the drive motor 5 as a regenerative brake to generate electricity. The control device 110 may be a single device or may be divided into multiple devices. Furthermore, at least a portion of the control device 110 may be formed integrally with at least a portion of the brake control device 60. Furthermore, part or all of the control device 110 may be formed, for example, by a microcomputer, microprocessor unit, etc., or may be formed by updatable firmware, etc., or may be a program module executed by commands from a CPU, etc.

[0060]

[0038] As shown in FIG. 6, the control device 110 has, as its functional units, an acquisition unit 111 and an execution unit 112. The acquisition unit 111 is a functional unit that acquires operation amount information related to at least one operation amount of the brake operation unit. The operation amount information is the operation amount of the brake operation unit or a physical amount that can be converted into the operation amount. In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 111 is configured to acquire operation amount information of the brake operation unit 11 and the brake operation unit 13. In addition, in this embodiment, the acquisition unit 111 acquires the operation amount information of the brake operation unit 11 based on the detection value of the master cylinder hydraulic pressure sensor 30 of the hydraulic circuit 12, and acquires the operation amount information of the brake operation unit 13 based on the detection value of the master cylinder hydraulic pressure sensor 30 of the hydraulic circuit 14. However, the method for acquiring the operation amount information of the brake operating unit is not limited to this. For example, the acquiring unit 111 may acquire the operation amount information of the brake operating unit using a stroke sensor that detects the stroke amount of the brake operating unit, or a pressure sensor that detects the pressure when the brake operating unit is pressed.

[0061]

[0039] The execution unit 112 is a functional unit that executes a first braking force adjustment operation to adjust the magnitude of the first regenerative braking force of the drive motor 5 based on at least one of the operation amount information acquired by the acquisition unit 111. For example, the execution unit 112 executes the first braking force adjustment operation as follows:

[0062] For example, suppose the acquisition unit 111 acquires non-drive wheel side operation amount information related to the non-drive wheel side operation amount, which is the operation amount of the brake operation unit 11. In this case, the execution unit 112 adjusts the magnitude of the first regenerative braking force based on the non-drive wheel side operation amount information in the first brake force adjustment operation. Specifically, in the brake system 10 shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the execution unit 112 adjusts the magnitude of the first regenerative braking force so that the ratio between the first regenerative braking force of the drive motor 5 and the friction braking force generated on the front wheels 3 is within a specified range. For example, the execution unit 112 adjusts the magnitude of the first regenerative braking force so that the ratio between the first regenerative braking force of the drive motor 5 and the friction braking force generated on the front wheels 3 is approximately 3:7.

[0063]

[0041] Normally, when engine braking is applied to the rear wheel, a rider of a saddle-riding type vehicle adjusts the friction braking force on the drive wheel side according to the magnitude of the engine braking so that the vehicle behavior of the saddle-riding type vehicle is stabilized. The first regenerative braking force of the drive motor 5 acts on the electric motorcycle 200, just like engine braking on a saddle-riding type vehicle. For this reason, the rider of the electric motorcycle 200 adjusts the friction braking force generated on the rear wheel 4 by the rear wheel-side friction brake device 35b according to the first regenerative braking force of the drive motor 5 so that the vehicle behavior of the electric motorcycle 200 is stabilized. For this reason, by the execution unit 112 performing the first brake force adjustment operation in this way, it is possible to generate electricity at the drive motor 5 while suppressing a decrease in the stability of the vehicle behavior of the electric motorcycle 200. In other words, by having the execution unit 112 perform the first brake force adjustment operation in this manner, it is possible to improve the amount of charge to the battery 7 while suppressing a decrease in the stability of the vehicle behavior of the electric motorcycle 200.

[0064] For example, the acquisition unit 111 acquires non-driven wheel side operation amount information relating to the non-driven wheel side operation amount, which is the operation amount of the brake operation unit 11, and driven wheel side operation amount information relating to the driven wheel side operation amount, which is the operation amount of the brake operation unit 13. In this case, the execution unit 112 adjusts the magnitude of the first regenerative braking force based on the non-driven wheel side operation amount information and the driven wheel side operation amount information in the first brake force adjustment operation.

[0065]

[0043] Specifically, in the brake system 10 shown in Figs. 2 to 5, the execution unit 112 adjusts the magnitude of the first regenerative braking force so that the ratio of the braking force generated on the rear wheels 4 to the braking force generated on the front wheels 3 falls within a specified range when comparing the case where the first braking force adjustment operation is performed with the case where it is not performed. For example, the execution unit 112 adjusts the magnitude of the first regenerative braking force so that the ratio of the braking force generated on the rear wheels 4 to the braking force generated on the front wheels 3 is approximately 3:7. The braking force generated on the rear wheels 4 is the sum of the first regenerative braking force of the drive motor 5 and the friction braking force generated by the rear-wheel friction brake device 35b. The braking force generated on the front wheels 3 is the friction braking force generated by the front-wheel friction brake device 35a. Even when the execution unit 112 executes the first braking force adjustment operation in this manner, it is possible to generate electricity in the drive motor 5 while suppressing any reduction in the stability of the vehicle behavior of the electric motorcycle 200. In other words, even when the execution unit 112 executes the first braking force adjustment operation in this manner, it is possible to improve the amount of charge to the battery 7 while suppressing any reduction in the stability of the vehicle behavior of the electric motorcycle 200.

[0066]

[0044] In this case, in the brake system 10 shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the friction braking force generated on the rear wheel 4 is reduced by the rear wheel friction braking force reduction mechanism 36b, thereby making it possible to further increase the first regenerative braking force of the drive motor 5. This makes it possible to further improve the amount of charge to the battery 7 while suppressing a decrease in the stability of the vehicle behavior of the electric motorcycle 200.

[0067]

[0045] When the execution unit 112 executes the first braking force adjustment operation based on the non-driven wheel side operation amount information and the driven wheel side operation amount information, in the brake system shown in Fig. 4, the execution unit 112 may adjust the magnitude of the first regenerative braking force as follows: When the execution unit 112 executes the first braking force adjustment operation, the brake force control device 60 executes at least one of reducing the friction braking force generated on the front wheels 3 by the front wheel side friction braking force reduction mechanism 36 a and reducing the friction braking force generated on the rear wheels 4 by the rear wheel side friction braking force reduction mechanism 36 b. The execution unit 112 then adjusts the magnitude of the first regenerative braking force so that the difference between the sum of the braking force generated on the rear wheel 4 and the braking force generated on the front wheel 3 falls within a specified range when comparing a case where the first braking force adjustment operation is performed with a case where it is not performed. Even when the execution unit 112 performs the first braking force adjustment operation in this way, it is possible to generate electricity in the drive motor 5 while suppressing a decrease in the stability of the vehicle behavior of the electric motorcycle 200. In other words, even when the execution unit 112 performs the first braking force adjustment operation in this way, it is possible to increase the amount of charge to the battery 7 while suppressing a decrease in the stability of the vehicle behavior of the electric motorcycle 200. Furthermore, when the friction braking force generated on the rear wheel 4 is reduced by the rear wheel friction braking force reduction mechanism 36b, it is possible to further increase the amount of charge to the battery 7.

[0068]

[0046] For example, suppose the acquisition unit 111 acquires driving wheel side operation amount information related to the driving wheel side operation amount, which is the operation amount of the brake operation unit 13. In this case, the execution unit 112 adjusts the magnitude of the first regenerative braking force based on the driving wheel side operation amount information in the first braking force adjustment operation.

[0047] Specifically, when the execution unit 112 executes the first braking force adjustment operation in the brake system 10 shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the braking force control device 60 executes a reduction in the friction braking force generated on the rear wheel 4 by the rear wheel side friction braking force reduction mechanism 36b. The execution unit 112 then adjusts the magnitude of the first regenerative braking force so that the difference in braking force generated at the rear wheel 4 when the first braking force adjustment operation is performed is within a specified range when compared with when the first braking force adjustment operation is not performed. Even when the execution unit 112 performs the first braking force adjustment operation in this way, it is possible to generate power at the drive motor 5 while suppressing any reduction in the stability of the vehicle behavior of the electric motorcycle 200. In other words, even when the execution unit 112 performs the first braking force adjustment operation in this way, it is possible to increase the amount of charge to the battery 7 while suppressing any reduction in the stability of the vehicle behavior of the electric motorcycle 200.

[0069]

[0048] <Operation of the Control Device> The operation of the control device according to this embodiment when performing the first braking force adjusting operation will be described.

[0070]

[0049] Fig. 7 is a flow chart for explaining the operation when the control device according to the embodiment of the present invention performs a first brake force adjusting operation. When a start condition for performing the first brake force adjusting operation is met, the control device 110 starts the control shown in Fig. 7 in step s1. The start condition is, for example, when at least one of the brake operating unit 11 and the brake operating unit 13 is operated. Step S2 after step S1 is an acquisition step. In step S2, the acquisition unit 111 of the control device 110 acquires operation amount information related to the operation amount of at least one of the brake operating units. Step S3 after step S2 is a brake force adjusting operation step. In step S3, the execution unit 112 of the control device 11O adjusts the magnitude of the first regenerative braking force of the drive motor 5 based on at least one of the operation amount information acquired by the acquisition unit 111.

[0071]

[0050] Step S4 after Step S3 is an end determination step. In Step S4, the control device 110 determines whether or not the end condition of the control shown in Fig. 7 has been met. The end condition is, for example, when the brake operating unit 11 and the brake operating unit 13 are no longer being operated. If it is determined in Step S4 that the end condition of the control shown in Fig. 7 has been met, the control device 110 proceeds to Step S5 and ends the control shown in Fig. 7. On the other hand, if it is determined in Step S4 that the end condition of the control shown in Fig. 7 has not been met, the control device 110 returns to Step S2.

[0072]

[0051] <Effects of the Control Device> The control device 110 according to this embodiment is mounted on an electric motorcycle 200 having a drive motor 5, which is a motor that serves as a drive source, and is a control device that operates the drive motor 5 as a regenerative brake to generate electricity. The electric motorcycle 200 is equipped with at least one brake operation unit operated by the rider, and at least one friction brake device 35 that generates friction braking force, which is a braking force generated by friction, on the wheels of the electric motorcycle 200 according to the amount of operation of the brake operation unit. Furthermore, if the wheels of the electric motorcycle 200 that are connected to the drive motor 5 are considered to be drive wheels, the electric motorcycle 200 is equipped with at least a drive wheel-side friction brake device as the friction brake device 35 that generates friction braking force on the drive wheels. The control device 110 includes an acquisition unit 111 that acquires operation amount information relating to at least one operation amount of the brake operation unit, and an execution unit 112 that executes a first brake force adjustment operation to adjust the magnitude of a first regenerative braking force, which is a braking force generated when the drive motor 5 is operated as a regenerative brake, based on at least one of the operation amount information acquired by the acquisition unit 111.

[0073]

[0052] Some conventional electric motorcycles designed to improve the charge capacity of the battery do not have a friction brake device that generates friction braking on the drive wheels (the wheels on the driving side), and are configured so that only regenerative braking acts on the drive wheels. In an electric motorcycle with such a configuration, a drive motor larger than the size necessary to drive the drive wheels is required to generate sufficient braking force on the drive wheels, which can result in the drive motor and electric motorcycle becoming larger.

[0074]

[0053] On the other hand, in the electric motorcycle 200 equipped with the control device 110 according to this embodiment, the amount of charge to the battery 7 can be improved, as described above. Furthermore, as described above, the control device 110 according to this embodiment can be mounted on an electric motorcycle 200 in which friction braking force acts on the drive wheels. Therefore, the control device 110 according to this embodiment can also prevent the drive motor 5 from becoming larger. Therefore, the control device 110 according to this embodiment can improve the amount of charge to the battery 7 while preventing the drive motor 5 from becoming larger.

[0075] [ 0 0 5 4 ]

[0076] <Modification> Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of an electric motorcycle equipped with a modification of the control device according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a brake system for the electric motorcycle shown in Fig. 8. The electric motorcycle 200 shown in Fig. 8 is equipped with a regenerative motor 6. The regenerative motor 6 is connected to one of the wheels of the electric motorcycle 200 that is different from the drive wheel driven by the drive motor 5. In Fig. 8, the rear wheel 4 is the drive wheel driven by the drive motor 5. In Fig. 8, the front wheel 3 is the regenerative wheel that is connected to the regenerative motor 6.

[0077]

[0055] The control device 110 shown in Fig. 8 is configured to operate the regenerative motor 6 as a regenerative brake to generate electricity and charge the battery 7. The execution unit 112 of the control device 110 executes a second brake force adjustment operation to adjust the magnitude of a second regenerative brake force, which is a brake force generated when the regenerative motor 6 is operated as a regenerative brake, based on at least one of the operation amount information acquired by the acquisition unit 111.

[0078]

[0056] For example, in the brake system 10 shown in Fig. 9, when the execution unit 112 executes the second brake force adjustment operation, the brake force control device 60 executes a reduction in the friction brake force generated on the front wheel 3 by the front wheel friction brake device 35a. The execution unit 112 then adjusts the magnitude of the second regenerative brake force so that the difference in the braking force generated on the front wheel 3 when comparing a case where the second brake force adjustment operation is executed with a case where it is not executed falls within a specified range. By executing the second brake force adjustment operation by the execution unit 112, electricity can be generated by the regenerative motor 6 in addition to electricity generated by the drive motor 5. Therefore, by executing the second brake force adjustment operation by the execution unit 112, the amount of charge to the battery 7 can be further improved.

[0079]

[0057] The regenerative motor 6 may be configured to drive the front wheels 3, which are regenerative wheels. By configuring the regenerative motor 6 in this way, the number of types of electric motor cycles 200 that can be equipped with the control device 110 increases, improving the versatility of the control device 110.

[0080]

[0058] In the brake system 10 shown in Fig. 9, a brake force control device 60 controls the inlet valve 25 and the release valve 26 of the front wheel-side friction braking force reduction mechanism 36a to perform anti-lock brake control for the front wheels 3. The brake force control device 60 also performs anti-lock brake control in cooperation with the control device 110. In anti-lock brake control, the brake force control device 60 closes the inlet valve 25 to stop the increase in hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid in the wheel cylinder 24. The brake force control device 60 also opens the release valve 26 to release the brake fluid in the wheel cylinder 24 to the accumulator 27, thereby reducing the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid in the wheel cylinder 24. In addition, the brake force control device 60 closes the release valve 26 and stops the reduction in the brake fluid pressure in the wheel cylinder 24. Thereafter, the control device 110 adjusts the magnitude of the second regenerative braking force, which is the braking force generated when the regenerative motor 6 is operated as a regenerative brake while anti-lock brake control of the front wheels 3 is being executed, to prevent the front wheels 3 from locking. When the brake operating unit 11 is not operated, the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid in the master cylinder 21 becomes lower than the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid in the accumulator 27. As a result, the brake fluid in the accumulator 27 returns to the master cylinder 21. The front wheel side friction braking force reduction mechanism 36a can be defined as a regenerative wheel side friction braking force reduction mechanism that reduces the friction braking force generated in the regenerative wheel.

[0081]

[0059] In other words, the front wheel side friction braking force reduction mechanism 36a is a hydraulic pressure reduction mechanism that releases brake fluid in the wheel cylinder 24 to the accumulator 27 and discharges the brake fluid stored in the accumulator 27 from the accumulator 27 without a pump. By configuring the front wheel side friction braking force reduction mechanism 36a in this way, the pump motor 51 is not required for the front wheel side friction braking force reduction mechanism 36a, which reduces the cost of the brake system 10 equipped with the front wheel side friction braking force reduction mechanism 36a and reduces the installation space required for the brake system 10 equipped with the front wheel side friction braking force reduction mechanism 36a on the electric motorcycle 200.

[0082] Although an example of the control device according to the present invention has been described above in the embodiment, the control device according to the present invention is not limited to the description of the embodiment. For example, the control device according to the present invention may be implemented in a manner that is only part of the description of the embodiment.

[0083] [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] [ 0 0 6 1 ]

[0085] ! Fuselage, 2 Steering wheel, 3 Front wheel, 3a rotor, 4 Rear wheel, 4a rotor, 5 Drive motor, 6 Regenerative motor, 7 Battery, 10 Brake system, 11 Brake operation unit, 12 Hydraulic circuit, 13 Brake operation unit, 14 Hydraulic circuit, 21 Master cylinder, 22 Reservoir, 23 Brake caliper, 24 Wheel cylinder, 25 Fill valve, 26 Release valve, 27 Accumulator, 3 〇 Master cylinder hydraulic pressure sensor, 35 Friction brake device, 35a Front wheel friction brake device, 35b Rear wheel friction brake device, 3

[0086] 6 a Front wheel friction braking force reduction mechanism, 3 6 Rear wheel friction braking force reduction mechanism, 4 1 Main flow path, 4 1 a Main flow path intermediate portion, 4 1 b Main flow path intermediate portion, 4 2 Sub-flow path, 5 ○ Pump, 5 1 Pump motor, 6 ○ Brake force control device, 1 0 0 Vehicle behavior control system, 1

[0087] 1 〇 Control device, 1 1 1 Acquisition unit, 1 1 2 Execution unit, 2 0 0 Electric motorcycle.

Claims

【Document Name】 Claims

1. A control device (110) mounted on an electric motor cycle (200) having a drive motor (5) serving as a drive source, the control device (110) operating the drive motor (5) as a regenerative brake to generate electricity, wherein the electric motor cycle (200) includes at least one brake operation unit operated by a rider, and at least one friction brake device (35) configured to generate a friction brake force, which is a brake force generated by friction, on a wheel of the electric motor cycle (200) according to an operation amount of the brake operation unit; when a wheel of the electric motor cycle (200) connected to the drive motor (5) is defined as a drive wheel (4), the electric motor cycle (200) includes, as the friction brake device (35), at least a drive wheel side friction brake device (35b) configured to generate the friction brake force on the drive wheel (4); the control device (110) includes an acquisition unit (111) configured to acquire operation amount information regarding at least one of the operation amounts of the at least one brake operation unit, and an execution unit (112) configured to execute a first brake force adjustment operation for adjusting a magnitude of a first regenerative brake force, which is a brake force generated when the drive motor (5) is operated as a regenerative brake, based on at least one of the operation amount information acquired by the acquisition unit (111).

2. When a wheel of the electric motorcycle (200) different from the drive wheel (4) is a non-drive wheel (3), the electric motorcycle (200) includes, as the friction brake device (35), a non-drive wheel side friction brake device (35a) that generates the friction braking force on the non-drive wheel (3), and includes, as the brake operation unit, a non-drive wheel side brake operation unit (11) that generates the friction braking force by the non-drive wheel side friction brake device (35a). The acquisition unit (111) is configured to acquire non-drive wheel side operation amount information regarding a non-drive wheel side operation amount that is an operation amount of the non-drive wheel side brake operation unit (11). The execution unit (112) is configured to adjust the magnitude of the first regenerative braking force based on the non-drive wheel side operation amount information in the first brake regeneration adjustment operation. The control device (110) according to claim 1.

3. The electric motorcycle (200) includes, as the brake operation unit, a drive wheel side brake operation unit (13) that generates the friction braking force by the drive wheel side friction brake device (35b). The acquisition unit (111) is configured to acquire the non-drive wheel side operation amount information and drive wheel side operation amount information regarding a drive wheel side operation amount that is an operation amount of the drive wheel side brake operation unit (13). The execution unit (112) is configured to adjust the magnitude of the first regenerative braking force based on the non-drive wheel side operation amount information and the drive wheel side operation amount information in the first brake regeneration adjustment operation. The control device (110) according to claim 2.

4. The electric motor cycle (200) includes, as the brake operation unit, a drive wheel side brake operation unit (13) that generates the frictional braking force by the drive wheel side friction braking device (35b). The acquisition unit (111) is configured to acquire drive wheel side operation amount information regarding the drive wheel side operation amount that is the operation amount of the drive wheel side brake operation unit (13). The execution unit (112) is configured to adjust the magnitude of the first regenerative braking force based on the drive wheel side operation amount information in the first brake C adjustment operation. The control device (110) according to claim 1.

5. The electric motor cycle (200) includes a drive wheel side friction brake force reduction mechanism (36b) that reduces the frictional braking force generated on the drive wheel (4). The control device (110) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The electric motor cycle (200) includes, as the drive wheel side friction braking device (35b), a hydraulic braking device that generates the frictional braking force using the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid stored in the wheel cylinder (24). As the drive wheel side friction brake force reduction mechanism (36b), it includes a hydraulic pressure reduction mechanism that releases the brake fluid in the wheel cylinder (24) to the accumulator (27) and discharges the brake fluid stored in the accumulator (27) from the accumulator (27) without a pump. During the execution of the antilock brake control of the wheel connected to the drive motor (5), the control device (110) is configured to adjust the magnitude of the first regenerative braking force. The control device (110) according to claim 5. 【Claim?】When a wheel of the electric motorcycle (200) different from the drive wheel (4) is defined as a non-drive wheel (3), the electric motorcycle (200) is provided with a non-drive wheel side friction brake reduction mechanism (36a) for reducing the friction braking force generated on the non-drive wheel (3). The control device (110) according to claim 5.

8. When a wheel of the electric motorcycle (200) different from the drive wheel (4) is defined as a non-drive wheel (3), the electric motorcycle (200) is provided with a non-drive wheel side friction brake reduction mechanism (36a) for reducing the friction braking force generated on the non-drive wheel (3). The control device (110) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

9. The electric motorcycle (200) is provided with a regeneration motor (6) connected to a wheel of the electric motorcycle (200) different from the drive wheel (4). When the wheel of the electric motorcycle (200) connected to the regeneration motor (6) is defined as a regeneration wheel (3), the control device (110) is configured to operate the regeneration motor (6) as a regenerative brake to generate electricity. The execution unit (112) performs a second brake adjustment operation for adjusting the magnitude of a second regenerative braking force, which is the braking force generated when the regeneration motor (6) is operated as a regenerative brake, based on at least one of the operation amount information acquired by the acquisition unit (111). It is configured to perform. The control device (110) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

10. The regeneration motor (6) is a motor for driving the regeneration wheel (3). The control device (110) according to claim 9.

11. The electric motor cycle (200) includes a hydraulic brake device that generates the frictional braking force using the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid stored in the wheel cylinder (24) as the frictional brake device (35) that generates the frictional braking force on the regenerative wheel (3). As a regenerative wheel side frictional brake reduction mechanism (36a) that reduces the frictional braking force generated on the regenerative wheel (3), the brake fluid in the wheel cylinder (24) is released to the accumulator (27), and the brake fluid stored in the accumulator (27) is discharged from the accumulator (27) without a pump. During the execution of the antilock brake control of the regenerative wheel (3), the control device (110) is configured to adjust the magnitude of the second regenerative braking force. The control device (110) according to claim 9.

12. An electric motor cycle (200) including the control device (110) according to any one of claims 1 to 4. A control method for a control device (110) that operates a drive motor (5), which is a motor serving as a drive source of an electric motor cycle (200), as a regenerative brake to generate electricity, wherein the electric motor cycle (200) includes at least one brake operation unit operated by a rider and at least one friction brake device (35) that generates a friction brake force, which is a brake force generated by friction, on a wheel of the electric motor cycle (200) according to an operation amount of the brake operation unit. When a wheel of the electric motor cycle (200) connected to the drive motor (5) is a drive wheel (4), the electric motor cycle (200) includes, as the friction brake device (35), at least a drive wheel side friction brake device (35b) that generates the friction brake force on the drive wheel (4). The control method includes an acquisition step (S2) in which the control device (110) acquires operation amount information regarding at least one of the operation amounts of the at least one brake operation unit, and a brake force adjustment operation step (S3) in which the control device (110) adjusts a magnitude of a regenerative brake force, which is a brake force generated when the drive motor (5) is operated as a regenerative brake, based on at least one of the operation amount information acquired in the acquisition step (S2). 14

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