JP2019038512A - Speedometer device, assist display device, and saddle-riding type vehicle having speedometer device and assist display device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a technology for improving the driving assisting effect for a rider using an assist display section.SOLUTION: A speedometer device (220) is used in a straddle-riding type vehicle (100, 102) having an engine (10) and a rotary electric machine (30), in which the power of the engine is assisted by the power of the rotary electric machine. The speedometer device has a speed display section (220) for displaying a running speed of the straddle-riding type vehicle, an assist display section (assist display section 230) for giving a notification that the assistance is performed; and a control section (240) for controlling the notification by the assist display section. The control section causes the assist display section to give the notification during a period in which the assistance is performed, and even after the assistance is ended, continue to give the notification for a predetermined period after the end of the assistance.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

  The present invention relates to a speedometer device, an assist display device, and a straddle-type vehicle including the speedometer device or the assist display device.

  In general, a vehicle using an engine as a power source is equipped with a rotating electric machine that generates electric power by utilizing the rotation of the engine.

  In Patent Documents 1 and 2, a rotating electrical machine that generates electricity is used as a starter motor that drives the crankshaft of the engine when the engine is started, and is further used as an assisting motor that assists the output of the engine as needed during traveling. A riding vehicle is disclosed.

  When the rotating electrical machine is operating as an assisting motor, it may be suitable for driving support for the rider by visually indicating that the engine output is being assisted. In order to enhance the effect of such driving support, it is conceivable to arrange an assist display unit that displays that the engine output assist is being performed in the vicinity of the speed display unit (speedometer). With this arrangement, it is possible to reduce the amount of line-of-sight movement from the speed display unit to the assist display unit.

  On the other hand, in general, riders have a need to know the current traveling speed. In order to meet such needs, it is preferable to secure a considerably large display area of the speed display section.

JP 2004-122925 A JP 2008-24255 A

  However, the larger the display area of the speed display unit, the smaller the display area of the assist display unit.

  Usually, the speed display section is arranged in a central space between the left and right grips of the handle (right side of the left grip and left side of the right grip), so the assist display section is also arranged in the space. It is possible. However, it is difficult to make the space sufficiently large due to layout restrictions. In particular, a small scooter type straddle-type vehicle having a relatively small displacement has a larger space restriction than a large straddle type vehicle because the vehicle itself is originally small. Furthermore, since it is necessary to arrange switches and warning lights in and around the space, there are restrictions on the use of the space.

  As a result, the display area of the assist display unit tends to be small, and there is room for further improvement in the driving support effect for the rider by the assist display unit.

  An object of the present invention is to enhance a driving support effect for a rider of a saddle riding type vehicle by using an assist display unit.

  A speedometer device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is a speedometer device that is used in a straddle-type vehicle that includes an engine and a rotating electric machine and assists the output of the engine with the output of the rotating electric machine. A speed display unit that displays a traveling speed of the saddle riding type vehicle, an assist display unit that notifies that the assist is being performed, and a control unit that controls notification by the assist display unit, The control unit causes the assist display unit to perform the notification during the assisting period, and continues the notification for a predetermined period after the assisting end even after the assisting is terminated.

  By continuing the notification of assistance for a predetermined time after the speedometer device completes the assistance, the rider can be more clearly and sufficiently notified that the assist function has been activated. Therefore, the effect of the rider's driving support can be further enhanced.

  In one embodiment, the area of the assist display unit is smaller than the area of the speed display unit.

  Since the area of the assist display unit is smaller than the area of the speed display unit, the assist display unit is generally less visible than the speed display unit. However, since the assist display unit continues the notification for a predetermined period after the assist ends even after the assist is completed, it is clear to the rider that the assist function has been activated even if the area of the assist display unit is relatively small. And it can inform you more fully. Therefore, the effect of the rider's driving support can be further enhanced.

  The assist is started when a predetermined assist start condition is met. When the assist is being performed, the control unit receives a first level assist state signal, and the first level assist state. In response to receiving the signal, the assist display unit is notified.

  In one embodiment, the assist ends when a predetermined assist end condition is met, and when the assist ends, the control unit outputs an assist state signal of a second level different from the first level. And the counting of the predetermined time is started in response to receiving the second level assist state signal.

  In response to the second level assist state signal received when the assist is completed, counting for a predetermined time is started. That is, the speedometer device continues to notify the assist even after the assist is completed. Thereby, the display of the assist display part after the end of assist is secured.

  In one embodiment, the saddle riding type vehicle includes a lead battery, and the rotating electrical machine rotates using electric power stored in the lead battery to assist the output of the engine.

  Since lead batteries require charging time, there is a limit to the frequency with which they can assist. If the assist function is activated under such restrictions, the rider can clearly notify.

  In one embodiment, the assist display unit includes a display device, and the assist display unit notifies that the assist is being performed by an image displayed on the display device. Since the fact that the assist is being performed is notified by displaying an image on the display device, a lot of information can be visually transmitted to the rider.

  In one embodiment, the assist display unit is a liquid crystal display device using a thin film transistor as a switching element.

  In one embodiment, the assist display unit includes a lamp, and the assist display unit notifies that the assist is being performed by turning on and / or blinking the lamp.

  In one embodiment, the predetermined period is preferably 3 seconds or less, more preferably the predetermined period is 0.5 seconds or more and less than 2 seconds.

  An assist display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is an assist display device used in a straddle-type vehicle that includes an engine and a rotating electrical machine and assists the output of the engine with the output of the rotating electrical machine. And an assist display unit that notifies that the assist is being performed, and a control unit that controls notification by the assist display unit, and the control unit is configured to perform the assist on the assist display unit. The notification is performed during the period, and the notification is continued for a predetermined period after the assist ends even after the assist ends.

  A straddle-type vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a frame having a head pipe, a steering device supported by the head pipe, a seat provided behind the steering device, and a steering device and a seat. A leg space for a rider to put his / her foot on, an engine, a rotating electric machine for assisting at least the output of the engine, and any of the speedometer devices described above or the assist display device described above And.

  A speedometer device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is a speedometer device used in a straddle-type vehicle that includes an engine and a rotating electric machine and assists the output of the engine with the output of the rotating electric machine. A speed display unit that displays the traveling speed of the riding type vehicle, an assist display unit that notifies that the assist is being performed, and a control unit that controls notification by the assist display unit. The control unit causes the assist display unit to perform notification during the assisting period, and continues the notification for a predetermined period after the assisting end even after the assisting is terminated. This makes it possible to notify the rider that the assist function has been activated more clearly and more sufficiently. Therefore, the effect of the rider's driving support can be further enhanced.

1 is a schematic side view showing a schematic configuration of a scooter type motorcycle. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing the arrangement and configuration of a speedometer device 200 provided on the handle 4. FIG. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the structure of the engine unit EU. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the structure of the engine unit EU. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system of an engine system ES and a configuration of a speedometer device 200. FIG. It is the figure which showed an example of assist start conditions by logic circuit calculation. It is the figure which showed an example of assist end conditions by logic circuit calculation. It is the figure which illustrated the standard notification image | video (A) switched and displayed on the assist display part 230, and the assist notification image | video (B) and (C). It is a figure which shows the timing which switches an assist notification image | video to a normal notification image | video. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure of display processing of a notification video on an assist display unit 230. (A)-(C) are figures which show a mode that the image 62 of assist notification image | video (B) fades out after completion | finish of assist. (A)-(E) are figures which show a mode that the brightness | luminance of the image 62 of an assist notification image | video (B) once becomes high after completion | finish of an assist, and it fades out after that. It is a figure which shows the speedometer apparatus 202 which mounted some LED as the assist display part 230. FIG. 1 is a side view showing a configuration of an underbone type motorcycle 102. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example in which the speed display part 220 and the assist display part 230 were provided in the handle | steering_wheel 4 separately.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of an assist display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, a speedometer device including the assist display device, and a straddle-type vehicle including the speedometer device will be described. In this specification, a motorcycle will be described as an example of a saddle riding type vehicle. In the following description, front, rear, left and right mean front, rear, left and right with reference to the motorcycle driver.

(1) Motorcycle FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing a schematic configuration of a scooter type motorcycle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The motorcycle 100 according to this embodiment includes a rotating electric machine that functions as a starter / generator. The rotating electrical machine generates power using rotation. The rotating electrical machine is used as a starter motor that drives the crankshaft of the engine when the engine is started, and is also used as an assisting motor that assists the output of the engine during travel. A rotating electrical machine that operates as an assisting motor may be simply referred to as a “motor” in this specification.

  A motorcycle 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes a frame 10 having a head pipe 9, a handle 4 (steering device) supported by the head pipe 9, a seat 5 provided behind the handle 4, and a leg space 8. have. The leg space 8 is provided between the handle 4 and the seat 5 and is used by the rider to place his / her foot.

  In the motorcycle 100 of FIG. 1, a front fork 2 is provided at the front portion of the vehicle body 1 so as to be swingable in the left-right direction. A handle 4 is attached to the upper end of the front fork 2, and a front wheel 3 is rotatably attached to the lower end of the front fork 2.

  A seat 5 is provided at a substantially upper center portion of the vehicle body 1. An ECU (Engine Control Unit) 6 and an engine unit EU are provided below the seat 5. The ECU 6 and the engine unit EU constitute an engine system ES. A rear wheel 7 is rotatably attached to the lower rear end of the vehicle body 1. The rear wheel 7 is rotationally driven by the power generated by the engine unit EU.

  The motorcycle 100 includes a speedometer device 200. Details of the speedometer device 200 will be described below with reference to FIG.

(2) Speedometer Device FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing the arrangement and configuration of the speedometer device 200 provided on the handle 4. As shown in FIG. 2, the handle 4 includes a handle bar 40 that extends from side to side. A fixed grip 41 is provided at the left end of the handle bar 40, and an accelerator grip 42 is provided at the right end of the handle bar 40. The accelerator grip 42 is rotatable with respect to the handle bar 40 within a predetermined angle range. By operating the accelerator grip 42, an opening degree of a throttle valve TL (FIG. 3) described later is adjusted.

  The speedometer device 200 is provided near the center of the handle 4. That is, the speedometer device 200 is provided near the middle of the fixed grip 41 and the accelerator grip 42 of the handle 4. The speedometer device 200 is located below the front direction when the rider gets on.

  The speedometer device 200 includes one or more warning lights 210, a speed display unit 220, and an assist display unit 230.

  The speed display unit 220 displays the current traveling speed with a pointer.

  In the present embodiment, the assist display unit 230 is a liquid crystal display device (LCD) that uses a thin film transistor (TFT) as a switching element.

  The assist display unit 230 displays a video (hereinafter referred to as “standard notification video”) including time, remaining amount of fuel, instantaneous fuel consumption, total travel distance, and the like while the motorcycle 100 is stopped or during normal travel. indicate. On the other hand, when the rotating electrical machine assists the output of the engine, such as when the motorcycle 100 starts running, a video (hereinafter referred to as “assist notification video”) that notifies the rider that the rotating electrical machine is assisting. Display). Examples of the standard notification video and the assist notification video will be described later. Note that a liquid crystal display device using a TFT is an example. A display device using an organic EL panel may be used.

  As understood from FIG. 2, the occupied area of the assist display unit 230 is smaller than the occupied area of the speed display unit 220. Therefore, it can be said that the visibility is generally higher in the speed display unit 220 than in the assist display unit 230. However, an increase in manufacturing cost of the speedometer device 200 can be suppressed as the assist display unit 230 is smaller.

  Hereinafter, other configurations of the handle 4 will be described. A brake lever 43 for operating the brake of the rear wheel 7 (FIG. 1) is provided in front of the fixed grip 41, and a brake lever for operating the brake of the front wheel 3 (FIG. 1) in front of the accelerator grip 42. 44 is provided. The handle bar 40 is covered with a handle cover 45. A starter switch 46 is provided on the handle cover 45 so as to be adjacent to the accelerator grip 42. A main switch MS (FIG. 5 described later) is provided below the handle 4.

(3) Configuration of Engine Unit FIGS. 3 and 4 are schematic diagrams for explaining the configuration of the engine unit EU. As shown in FIG. 3, engine unit EU includes an engine 10 and a rotating electrical machine 30. The rotating electrical machine 30 functions as a starter / generator. The engine 10 includes a cylinder CY, a piston 11, a connecting rod (connecting rod) 12, a crank shaft 13, an intake valve 15, an exhaust valve 16, a cam shaft 17, an injector 18, and an ignition device 19. In the present embodiment, engine 10 is a four-stroke single cylinder engine.

  The piston 11 is provided so as to be able to reciprocate within the cylinder CY, and is connected to the crankshaft 13 via a connecting rod 12. A combustion chamber 20 is defined by the cylinder CY and the piston 11. The combustion chamber 20 communicates with the intake passage 22 through the intake port 21 and communicates with the exhaust passage 24 through the exhaust port 23. An intake valve 15 is provided to open and close the intake port 21, and an exhaust valve 16 is provided to open and close the exhaust port 23. The intake passage 22 is provided with a throttle valve TL for adjusting the flow rate of air guided to the combustion chamber 20. As described above, the opening degree of the throttle valve TL is adjusted by operating the accelerator grip 42 of FIG.

  The injector 18 is configured to inject fuel into the intake passage 22. The ignition device 19 is configured to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber 20. The fuel injected by the injector 18 is mixed with air and led to the combustion chamber 20, and the mixture in the combustion chamber 20 is ignited by the ignition device 19. The piston 11 is driven by the combustion of the air-fuel mixture, and the reciprocating motion of the piston 11 is converted into the rotational motion of the crankshaft 210. The rear wheel 7 is driven by transmitting the rotational force of the crankshaft 13 to the rear wheel 7 in FIG.

  The cam shaft 17 is provided to rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the crankshaft 13. Rocker arms RA1 and RA2 are provided so as to be able to swing so as to come into contact with the cam shaft 17. The camshaft 17 drives the intake valve 15 via the rocker arm RA1 and drives the exhaust valve 16 via the rocker arm RA2.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a cam sprocket CS is provided at one end of the cam shaft 17. The crankshaft 13 is provided with a camshaft drive sprocket DS. A belt BL is wound around the cam sprocket CS and the camshaft drive sprocket DS. The rotational force of the crankshaft 13 is transmitted to the camshaft 17 via the belt BL. The rotational speed of the camshaft 17 is half of the rotational speed of the crankshaft 13.

  The cam shaft 17 includes cam journals 17a and 17b, an intake cam CA1, and an exhaust cam CA2. The cam journal 17 a is disposed adjacent to the cam sprocket CS, and the cam journal 17 b is disposed at the other end of the cam shaft 17. The cam journals 17a and 17b are respectively held by bearing portions (not shown). An intake cam CA1 and an exhaust cam CA2 are provided between the cam journals 17a and 17b. The intake cam CA1 is provided adjacent to the cam journal 17b, and the exhaust cam CA2 is provided adjacent to the cam journal 17a. The intake cam CA1 drives the rocker arm RA1 in FIG. 3 when the crank angle (the rotational position of the crankshaft 13) is in an angle range corresponding to the intake process. Further, when the crank angle is in an angle range corresponding to the exhaust process, the exhaust cam CA2 drives the rocker arm RA2 of FIG.

  The camshaft 17 is provided with a decompression mechanism DE. The decompression mechanism DE lowers the pressure in the cylinder CY by lifting the exhaust valve 16 separately from the exhaust cam CA2. Since the decompression mechanism is well known, its description is omitted.

  The rotating electrical machine 30 includes a stator 31 and a rotor 32. The stator 31 is fixed to a crankcase (not shown) and includes a plurality of U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase stator coils 31a. The plurality of stator coils 31 a are arranged so as to be aligned along a circle centered on the rotation center line of the crankshaft 13. The rotor 32 is fixed to the crankshaft 13 so as to surround the stator 31. The rotor 32 includes a plurality of magnets 32 a, and the plurality of magnets 32 a are arranged along a circle centered on the rotation center line of the crankshaft 220. The rotating electrical machine 30 can drive the crankshaft 13 with electric power supplied from a lead battery described later, and can charge the lead battery with electric power generated by the rotation of the crankshaft 13. Instead of the rotating electrical machine 30, a starter motor and a generator may be provided individually.

(4) Internal Configuration of Engine Unit and Speedometer Device FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the engine system ES and the configuration of the speedometer device 200. The configuration of the control system of the engine system ES and the speedometer device 200 operate using the electric power stored in the lead battery (lead storage battery) 150. Since the lead battery 150 has a performance of discharging a large current in a short time, it can output a large current, for example, when the engine is started. It is also available at a relatively low cost.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the engine system ES includes a crank angle sensor SE1, a throttle opening sensor SE2, and a vehicle speed sensor SE3. The ECU 6 can detect various states of the motorcycle 100 using the output from each sensor.

  The crank angle sensor SE1 is a sensor that detects a crank angle. By detecting the crank angle, the rotational speed (the number of revolutions per minute; rpm) of the engine 10 can be acquired. The throttle opening sensor SE2 detects the opening of the throttle valve TL in FIG. 3 (hereinafter referred to as the throttle opening). The vehicle speed sensor SE3 detects the traveling speed (vehicle speed) of the motorcycle 100.

  The vehicle speed sensor SE3 will be described in more detail. Consider an example in which the vehicle speed sensor SE3 detects 30 pulses when the front wheel 3 rotates once. Let L be the circumference of the front wheel 3 and t be the time required for the vehicle speed sensor SE3 to detect 30 pulses. In the vehicle speed sensor SE3, the moving speed (vehicle speed) V of the motorcycle 100 is obtained by L / t. The vehicle speed sensor SE3 may detect the pulse signal, and the ECU 6 may perform the above-described calculation to obtain the vehicle speed.

  The detection results obtained by the crank angle sensor SE1, the throttle opening sensor SE2, and the vehicle speed sensor SE3 are given to the ECU 6 as detection signals. Further, the operation of the main switch MS and the operation of the starter switch 46 are respectively given to the ECU 6 as operation signals.

  The ECU 6 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory. A microcomputer may be used instead of the CPU and the memory. The ECU 6 is a control unit of the motorcycle 100. The ECU 6 controls the injector 18, the ignition device 19, and the rotating electrical machine 30 based on the supplied detection signal and operation signal.

  For example, when the main switch MS is turned on and the starter switch 46 is turned on, the ECU 6 operates the rotating electrical machine 30 to drive the crankshaft 13 of the engine 10. As a result, the engine 10 is started. The starting of the engine 10 means that the combustion of the air-fuel mixture is started by starting the fuel injection by the injector 18 and the ignition by the ignition device 19.

  When the motorcycle 100 stops and the main switch MS is turned off, the engine 10 is stopped. The stop of the engine 10 means that the combustion of the air-fuel mixture is stopped by stopping at least one of fuel injection by the injector 18 and ignition by the ignition device 19.

(4-1) Start of assistance by rotating electric machine After the engine 10 is started, when the rider operates the accelerator grip 42 and the opening of the throttle valve TL increases, more fuel is supplied to the engine 10. Thereby, the motorcycle 100 starts traveling. At this time, if it is determined that the “assist start condition” is satisfied, the ECU 6 drives the rotating electrical machine 30 to assist the output of the engine 10 with the output of the rotating electrical machine 30. At this time, the ECU 6 outputs to the microcomputer 240 of the speedometer device 200 an assist state signal indicating that the rotating electrical machine 30 is assisting. The “assist state signal” is, for example, a voltage signal, and is maintained at a relatively high voltage level (high level) during the period of assisting by the rotating electrical machine 30. The “relatively high voltage level” is a voltage higher than 0 volts, for example.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of the assist start condition by a logic circuit operation. In the exemplary embodiment, four determinations, that is, “engine speed determination”, “stop determination”, “throttle opening change rate determination”, and “throttle opening change amount determination” are performed.

The engine rotation speed determination ECU 6 performs a determination process related to the rotation speed of the engine 10. Specifically, the ECU 6 determines whether or not the rotational speed of the engine 10 is equal to or lower than a predetermined rotational speed. This is because the need for assist is high when the rotational speed of the engine 10 is low. For example, the ECU 6 inputs “1” to the AND circuit 50 when “the rotational speed of the engine 10 is 4000 rpm or less”, and “0” otherwise.

The stop determination ECU 6 performs a stop determination process for the motorcycle 100. Specifically, the ECU 6 determines whether or not the vehicle speed of the motorcycle 100 has fallen below a predetermined speed. That is, one assist is executed per one stop. For example, the ECU 6 inputs “1” to the AND circuit 50 when “the vehicle speed is 1 km or less per hour”, and “0” otherwise.

The throttle opening change rate determination ECU 6 performs a determination process related to the change rate of the throttle opening. Specifically, the ECU 6 determines whether or not the throttle opening (speed) for one second is equal to or greater than a predetermined throttle opening (speed). This is to determine the rider's intention to accelerate. One assist is executed for each stop. For example, the ECU 6 inputs “1” to the OR circuit 52 when “the throttle opening (speed) is 200 degrees or more” or “0” otherwise.

The throttle opening change amount determination ECU 6 performs a determination process related to the change amount of the throttle opening. Specifically, the ECU 6 determines whether or not the throttle opening (angle) is equal to or greater than a predetermined throttle opening (angle). This is to determine the rider's intention to accelerate. For example, the ECU 6 inputs “1” to the OR circuit 52 when “the throttle opening (angle) is 30 degrees or more” and “0” otherwise.

  The output of the AND circuit 50 and the output of the OR circuit 52 are input to the AND circuit 54. The ECU 6 starts assisting by the rotating electrical machine 30 if the output of the AND circuit 54 is “1”, and does not assist if it is “0”.

When the ECU 6 is operated by a computer program, the ECU 6 determines whether or not to assist by performing the above-described various determination processes according to the instructions of the computer program. In the exemplary embodiment, when the ECU 6 determines that the following condition is satisfied, the rotating electrical machine 30 assists the output of the engine 10:
“The rotational speed of the engine 10 is a predetermined rotational speed (for example, 4000 revolutions per minute) or less”, “the vehicle speed is a predetermined speed (for example, 1 km per hour) or less”, and “the throttle opening (speed) is a predetermined throttle opening. The degree (speed) (for example, 200 degrees per second) or more or the throttle opening (angle) is a predetermined throttle opening (angle) (for example, 30 degrees or more) ".

  It can be said that the above two conditions regarding the throttle opening reflect the rider's intention to start the motorcycle 100. In the exemplary embodiment, the assist is not performed when any of the three conditions in the brackets described above is not satisfied.

(4-2) End of assist by rotating electric machine Assist continues until an “assist end condition” described below is satisfied. If it is determined that the “assist end condition” is satisfied, the ECU 6 stops driving the rotating electrical machine 30 and ends the assisting by the rotating electrical machine 30. At this time, the ECU 6 outputs to the microcomputer 240 of the speedometer device 200 an assist state signal indicating that the rotating electrical machine 30 is not assisting. The “assist state signal” is maintained at a relatively low voltage level (low level) in response to the end of assist by the rotating electrical machine 30. A “relatively low voltage level” is, for example, a voltage of 0 volts or less.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of the assist end condition by a logic circuit operation. In the exemplary embodiment, four determinations, that is, “engine speed determination”, “throttle opening change rate determination”, “throttle opening change amount determination”, and “assist duration determination” are performed.

The engine rotation speed determination ECU 6 performs a determination process related to the rotation speed of the engine 10. Specifically, the ECU 6 determines whether or not the rotational speed of the engine 10 is equal to or lower than a predetermined rotational speed. For example, the ECU 6 inputs “1” to the OR circuit 56 when “the rotational speed of the engine 10 is greater than 5500 revolutions per minute”, and “0” otherwise.

The throttle opening change rate determination ECU 6 performs a determination process related to the change rate of the throttle opening. Specifically, the ECU 6 determines whether or not the throttle opening (speed) for one second is larger than a predetermined throttle opening (speed). For example, the ECU 6 inputs “1” to the OR circuit 56 when “the throttle closing degree (speed) is greater than (−200) degrees per second”, and “0” otherwise.

The throttle opening change amount determination ECU 6 performs a determination process related to the change amount of the throttle opening. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the throttle opening (angle) is equal to or greater than a predetermined throttle opening (angle). For example, the ECU 6 inputs “1” to the OR circuit 56 when “the throttle opening (speed) is 5 degrees or less”, and “0” otherwise.

The assist duration determination ECU 6 performs a determination process related to the assist duration. Specifically, the ECU 6 determines whether or not the assist continuation time is a predetermined time or more. For example, the ECU 6 inputs “1” to the OR circuit 56 when “assist duration is longer than 3 seconds”, and “0” otherwise. The “assist duration time” is an elapsed time from the start of assist to the present.

  The ECU 6 ends the assist by the rotating electrical machine 30 if the output of the OR circuit 56 is “1”, and continues the assist if the output is “0”.

The ECU 6 determines whether to end or continue the assist by performing the above-described various determination processes according to instructions of the computer program. In the exemplary embodiment, when at least one of the following holds, the ECU 6 ends the assist of the output of the engine 10 that the rotating electrical machine 30 has performed: “The rotational speed of the engine 10 is a predetermined rotational speed ( For example 5500 revolutions per minute) "
・ "Throttle closing degree (speed) is larger than a predetermined throttle opening degree (speed) (for example, -200) degree per second"
・ "Throttle opening (angle) is below a predetermined throttle opening (angle) (for example, 5 degrees)"
・ "Assist duration is longer than 3 seconds"
If all the above conditions are not satisfied, the assist is continued.

  Among the four conditions described above, it can be said that the conditions regarding the throttle closing degree and the opening reflect the rider's intention to decelerate. In addition, the condition regarding the assist duration is provided in order to avoid long-time assist in consideration of the characteristics of the lead battery 150 that requires a certain time for charging.

  The logical operation using the above-described AND circuit and OR circuit is an example. The logical operation described above may be implemented using, for example, a NAND circuit, or may be implemented using another logic circuit.

  Specific individual conditions constituting the above-described assist start condition and end condition are examples and do not limit the present invention. In addition, associating the level of the voltage of the “assist state signal” with whether or not the assist is being performed is an example, and is not essential. A person skilled in the art can appropriately change the design.

  Next, the configuration of the speedometer device 200 will be described.

  The speedometer device 200 further includes a microcontroller (microcomputer) 240. The microcomputer 240 is a control unit on the speedometer device 200 side. The microcomputer 240 communicates with the ECU 6 and receives a signal necessary for the operation of the speedometer device 200 from the ECU 6.

  For example, the microcomputer 240 receives the detection signal of the vehicle speed V from the ECU 6 and moves the pointer of the speed display unit 220 to the position of the vehicle speed indicated by the received detection signal. Thereby, the rider can know the current traveling speed.

  Further, the microcomputer 240 receives an assist state signal from the ECU 6 and changes the video displayed on the assist display unit 230 according to the presence or absence of assist by the rotating electrical machine 30. In the present embodiment, the microcomputer 240 switches the video displayed on the assist display unit 230 to “standard notification video” or “assist notification video”.

(5) Switching Process of Video Displayed on Assist Display Unit 230 FIG. 8 illustrates a standard notification video (A) displayed by switching to the assist display unit 230, and assist notification videos (B) and (C). doing. The microcomputer 240 determines whether to display the standard notification video (A) or the assist notification video (B) or (C) according to the voltage level of the assist state signal received from the ECU 6. Specifically, the microcomputer 240 displays the standard notification video (A) on the assist display unit 230 as a general rule when the voltage level of the assist state signal is low, and the assist notification video (B) when high. ) Or (C) is displayed.

  The standard notification video (A) includes displays such as time, remaining amount of fuel, instantaneous fuel consumption, total travel distance, and the like. In the standard notification video (A), an image 60 indicating a waveform is shown in a region indicated by a broken-line rectangle.

  In the assist notification video (B), an image 62 indicating that the assist by the rotating electrical machine 30 is being executed in addition to the time, the remaining amount of fuel, and the instantaneous fuel consumption. The assist notification video (C) shows an image 64 that is another example of the image 62. The image 64 of the assist notification video (C) is different in color from the image 60 of the assist notification video (A). The assist notification video (B) does not need to include part or all of the time, the remaining amount of fuel, and the instantaneous fuel consumption, and may include other video.

  When the standard notification video (A) is switched to the display of the assist notification video (B) or (C), the rider can easily know that the output of the engine 10 is assisted by the output of the rotating electrical machine 30. By visually indicating on the liquid crystal display device using TFT that the engine output is being assisted, the rider can know that he / she is traveling while suppressing the gasoline consumption of the saddle riding type vehicle, for example. In addition, the rider can know that a stronger driving force is obtained when starting uphill. Therefore, visual notification during assist execution contributes to driving support for the rider.

  In the present embodiment, the microcomputer 240 controls the switching timing of the video displayed on the assist display unit 230. More specifically, the microcomputer 240 does not switch from the assist notification video (B) or (C) displayed on the assist display unit 230 to the normal notification video (A) at the same time as the end of the assist. This is performed after a predetermined time has elapsed. Hereinafter, this will be described in detail with reference to FIG. For convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the assist notification video is the assist notification video (B) of FIG.

  FIG. 9 shows the timing for switching the assist notification video to the normal notification video. The horizontal axis of FIG. 9 represents time.

  Until the time T1, for example, the motorcycle 100 is stopped, and a standard notification image (A) is displayed on the assist display unit 230.

  Assume that the assist of the output of the engine 10 by the rotating electrical machine 30 is started at time T1. The ECU 6 sends a high level assist state signal to the microcomputer 240. In response to the reception of the assist state signal, the microcomputer 240 switches the standard notification video (A) displayed on the assist display unit 230 to the assist notification video (B). Thereafter, an assist notification image (B) is displayed on the assist display unit 230.

  Assume that the assist ends at time T2. The ECU 6 sends a low level assist state signal to the microcomputer 240. Even if the microcomputer 240 responds to the reception of the assist state signal, the assist notification video (B) is not immediately switched and the display of the assist notification video (B) is continued. That is, the notification that the rider is assisting is continued.

  The microcomputer 240 starts counting the internal timer of the microcomputer 240 in response to receiving the low level assist state signal. For example, the internal timer increases the count value by 1 in synchronization with a clock signal for operating the speedometer device 200.

  The microcomputer 240 determines whether or not the count value of the internal timer has reached a predetermined value. The predetermined value determined in advance is, for example, a count value corresponding to α (seconds). At time T3 when α seconds have elapsed from time T2, the microcomputer 240 switches the assist notification video (B) displayed on the assist display unit 230 to the standard notification video (A). From time T3 until the assist is started again, the microcomputer 240 displays the standard notification image (A) on the assist display unit 230.

  The above-described α (second) is preferably 3 seconds. More preferably, α (second) is 0.5 second or more and less than 2 seconds. The present inventor considered that it is appropriate to determine the above-mentioned α as “a time shorter than the time when the rider feels uncomfortable”. If the assist notification video (B) continues to be displayed even though the assist by the rotating electrical machine 30 has been completed, a state different from the actual state is displayed. Even when the rider can no longer feel the improvement of the assist force by the rotating electrical machine 30, the rider may feel uncomfortable if the assist notification video (B) is displayed indefinitely. Therefore, the display of the assist notification video (B) is continued for a certain time only for a time shorter than the time when the user feels such a sense of incongruity.

  The “time when the rider feels uncomfortable” may vary depending on the rider, and may vary depending on the magnitude of the assist by the rotating electrical machine 30. The above α (seconds) may be determined comprehensively.

  According to the present embodiment, even after the assist by the rotating electrical machine 30 is completed, a notification (assist notification video (B)) indicating that the assist has been performed is continuously presented to the rider. Thereby, it is possible to notify the rider more clearly and more sufficiently that the assist function has been activated. In particular, in a saddle-ride type vehicle, the engine speed (rpm) is likely to be higher than that of a four-wheeled vehicle, and the vehicle weight is light, so that acceleration is easy.

  When the area of the assist display unit 230 is smaller than the area of the speed display unit 220 as in this embodiment, the visibility of the assist display unit is generally inferior to the visibility of the speed display unit 220. . However, since the assist display unit 230 continues the notification for a predetermined period after the assist is finished even after the assist is finished, the assist function is activated even if the area of the assist display unit 230 is relatively small. Makes it clearer and more informative. Therefore, the effect of the rider's driving support can be further enhanced.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the notification video display process on the assist display unit 230. This display process is executed by the microcomputer 240.

  In step S <b> 1, the microcomputer 240 displays the standard notification video (A) on the assist display unit 230. In step S2, the microcomputer 240 determines whether or not the assist state signal is at a high level, that is, whether or not the assist by the rotating electrical machine 30 has been started. The microcomputer 240 displays the standard notification video (A) on the assist display unit 230 until the assist state signal becomes high level. When the assist state signal becomes high level and assist by the rotating electrical machine 30 is started, the process proceeds to step S3.

  In step S3, the microcomputer 240 switches the standard notification video (A) to the assist notification video (B). Thereafter, in step S4, the microcomputer 240 determines whether or not the assist state signal is at a low level, that is, whether or not the assist by the rotating electrical machine 30 has been completed. Until reaching the low level, the microcomputer 240 displays an assist notification image (B) on the assist display unit 230. When the assist state signal becomes a low level and the assist by the rotating electrical machine 30 ends, the process proceeds to step S5.

  In step S5, the microcomputer 240 continues to display the assist notification video (B) even after the assist state signal becomes low level, and counts the time from the time when the assist state signal becomes low level.

  In step S6, the microcomputer 240 determines whether or not a predetermined time (α seconds) has elapsed. Until the predetermined time elapses, the process returns to step S5 and the process is repeated. When the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S7.

  In step S <b> 7, the microcomputer 240 switches the assist notification video (B) to the standard notification video (A) and displays it on the assist display unit 230.

  Through the above processing, the rider can be notified clearly and more sufficiently that the assist function has been activated, and the driving assistance effect of the rider can be further enhanced.

  In the above description, it has been described that the assist notification video (B) continues to be displayed even after the assist of the engine 10 by the rotating electrical machine 30 is completed. Here, “continue” means that the assist notification video (B) is displayed without switching to the standard notification video (A). The display mode of the assist notification video (B) is not limited. For example, the display of the assist notification video (B) is not limited to being performed continuously, but may be performed intermittently or may blink. Furthermore, all or part of the video may fade out.

  11A to 11C show how the image 62 of the assist notification video (B) fades out after the assist is finished. The fade-out is performed during the period in which the assist notification video (B) is continuously displayed (between times T2 and T3 in FIG. 9). When the assist ends, a part of the image 62 of the assist notification video (B) disappears gradually, so that the rider does not feel uncomfortable in the display mode.

  12A to 12E show a state where the brightness of the image 62 of the assist notification video (B) once increases after the assist ends, and then fades out. First, the brightness of the image 62 of the assist notification video (B) gradually increases from (A) to (C) in FIG. Thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 12D and 12E, the luminance of the image 62 gradually decreases, and the color gradually fades and fades out. According to such a display mode, the rider can visually confirm that the assist has ended. Thereafter, a part of the image 62 of the assist notification video (B) gradually disappears, so that the rider can be more surely notified that the assist has been performed.

  In any of the above-described examples, in addition to continuously displaying the assist notification video (B), the fact that the assist has been performed is obtained from a speaker (not shown) mounted on the speedometer device 200. Sound may be output.

  In the above example, the assist display unit 230 is a liquid crystal display device (LCD), but may be another device such as a lamp for performing notification. An example of a lamp is a light emitting diode (LED).

  FIG. 13 shows a speedometer device 202 in which a plurality of LEDs are mounted as the assist display unit 230. The plurality of LEDs notify that the assist by the rotating electrical machine 30 is being performed by lighting and / or blinking. The microcomputer 240 controls the turning on and off of each LED. In the illustrated example, the microcomputer 240 can turn on a plurality of LEDs corresponding to the number of assists of the rotating electrical machine 30.

  Also in this example, the microcomputer 240 continues to light each LED that was lit during the assisting period for a predetermined period (α seconds) after the assisting is completed. The rider can be notified. Similarly to the example of FIG. 11, the lit LED may be faded out during the lit period for a predetermined period. Further, as in the example of FIG. 12, the light amount of the LED that is lit may be temporarily increased and then faded out during a period in which the light is continuously lit for a predetermined period.

  Although FIG. 1 shows a scooter type motorcycle as an example of a saddle riding type vehicle, the present invention can also be applied to a so-called underbone type motorcycle.

  FIG. 14 is a side view showing the configuration of the underbone type motorcycle 102.

  The underbone type motorcycle 102 includes a head pipe 9, a body frame 10 that extends rearward and obliquely downward from the head pipe 9, and an engine unit EU that is disposed below the body frame 10. In the underbone type motorcycle 102, a space is formed in front of the seat 5, and the height of the portion between the handle 4 and the seat 5 is low, but the leg as in the motorcycle 100 (FIG. 1). Space 8 does not exist. Also in the underbone type motorcycle 102, the handle 4 may be provided with the speedometer devices 200 and 202 described above.

  The speedometer device of the present invention can also be employed in a body mount type motorcycle. In a body-mounted motorcycle, the speedometer device is attached to the vehicle body instead of the handle. Therefore, even if the handle is operated, the direction of the speedometer device does not change. The speedometer device described above can be adopted even for a body-mounted motorcycle. Thereby, the effect mentioned above can be acquired.

  In the above example, the speedometer device 200 has the speed display unit 220 and the assist display unit 230. However, if the rider can notify the rider that the assist is being performed and that the assist has been performed using the assist display unit 230, the effect of the present invention can be obtained. May be provided alone.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the speed display unit 220 and the assist display unit 230 are separately provided on the handle 4. The microcomputer 240 and the assist display unit 230 constitute an assist display device 260. The microcomputer 240 and the assist display unit 230 perform the processes and operations described above. The assist display device 260 may be manufactured and sold separately from the meter unit that is the speed display unit 220.

  An exemplary speedometer device 200 or 202 according to the present invention includes an engine 10 and a rotating electrical machine 30 and is used in a straddle-type vehicle 100 or 102 that assists the output of the engine with the output of the rotating electrical machine. The apparatus includes a speed display unit 220 that displays a traveling speed of the saddle type vehicle, an assist display unit 230 that notifies that the assist is being performed, and a control unit that controls notification by the assist display unit. 240, and the control unit causes the assist display unit to perform the notification during a period in which the assist is performed, and even after the assist is completed, a predetermined period after the assist is completed. Continues the notification.

  The speedometer device can notify the rider more clearly and more sufficiently that the assist function has been activated by continuing the notification of the assist for a predetermined time after the assist is completed. Therefore, the effect of the rider's driving support can be further enhanced.

  In one embodiment, the area of the assist display unit 230 is smaller than the area of the speed display unit.

  Since the area of the assist display unit is smaller than the area of the speed display unit, the assist display unit is generally less visible than the speed display unit. However, since the assist display unit continues the notification for a predetermined period after the assist ends even after the assist is completed, it is clear to the rider that the assist function has been activated even if the area of the assist display unit is relatively small. And it can inform you more fully. Therefore, the effect of the rider's driving support can be further enhanced.

  The assist is started when a predetermined assist start condition is met, and when the assist is being performed, the control unit 240 receives a first level assist state signal and receives the first level assist. In response to receiving the status signal, the assist display unit is notified.

  In one embodiment, the assist ends when a predetermined assist end condition is met, and when the assist ends, the control unit 240 has an assist state of a second level different from the first level. A signal is received, and the counting of the predetermined time is started in response to receiving the second level assist state signal.

  In response to the second level assist state signal received when the assist is completed, counting for a predetermined time is started. That is, the speedometer device continues to notify the assist even after the assist is completed. Thereby, the display of the assist display part after the end of assist is secured.

  In one embodiment, the straddle-type vehicle has a lead battery 150, and the rotating electrical machine uses the electric power stored in the lead battery to rotate to assist the output of the engine.

  Since lead batteries require charging time, there is a limit to the frequency with which they can assist. If the assist function is activated under such restrictions, the rider can clearly notify.

  In one embodiment, the assist display unit includes a display device, and the assist display unit notifies that the assist is being performed by an image displayed on the display device. Since the fact that the assist is being performed is notified by displaying an image on the display device, a lot of information can be visually transmitted to the rider.

  In one embodiment, the assist display unit is a liquid crystal display device using a thin film transistor as a switching element.

  In one embodiment, the assist display unit includes a lamp 230, and the assist display unit notifies that the assist is being performed by turning on and / or blinking the lamp.

  In one embodiment, the predetermined period is preferably 3 seconds or less, more preferably the predetermined period is 0.5 seconds or more and less than 2 seconds.

  An assist display device 260 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes an engine 10 and a rotating electrical machine 30 and is used in a straddle-type vehicle that assists the output of the engine with the output of the rotating electrical machine. And an assist display unit 230 for notifying that the assist is being performed, and a control unit 240 for controlling notification by the assist display unit. The notification is performed during the period when the assist is performed, and the notification is continued for a predetermined period after the assist ends even after the assist ends.

  A straddle-type vehicle 100, 102 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a frame 10 having a head pipe 9, a steering device 4 supported by the head pipe, and a seat 5 provided behind the steering device. A leg space 8 between the steering device and the seat for the rider to put his / her foot on, an engine 10, a rotating electrical machine 30 for at least assisting the output of the engine, and any of the speeds described above The meter device 200 or 202 or the assist display device 260 described above is provided.

  The present invention is useful for a straddle-type vehicle that assists the output of an engine using the output of a rotating electrical machine.

4 Handle 6 ECU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Engine 13 Crankshaft 30 Electric rotating machine 100, 102 Motorcycle (saddle-ride type vehicle)
150 Lead battery (lead-acid battery)
200 Speedometer device 220 Speed display unit 230 Assist display unit 240 Microcomputer (control unit)
260 Assist display device EU Engine unit SE1 Crank angle sensor SE2 Throttle opening sensor SE3 Vehicle speed sensor

Claims (12)

A speedometer device used in a straddle-type vehicle having an engine and a rotating electrical machine, and assisting the output of the engine with the output of the rotating electrical machine,
A speed display for displaying the traveling speed of the saddle riding type vehicle;
An assist display unit for notifying that the assist is being performed;
A control unit that controls notification by the assist display unit, and the control unit includes the assist display unit,
During the period when the assist is performed, the notification is performed,
The speedometer device that continues the notification for a predetermined period after the assist ends even after the assist ends.   The speedometer device according to claim 1, wherein an area of the assist display unit is smaller than an area of the speed display unit. The assist is started when a predetermined assist start condition is met, and when the assist is performed,
3. The speedometer according to claim 1, wherein the control unit receives a first level assist state signal and causes the assist display unit to make a notification in response to receiving the first level assist state signal. apparatus. The assist ends when a predetermined assist end condition is met, and when the assist ends,
The control unit receives a second level assist state signal different from the first level;
4. The speedometer device according to claim 3, wherein counting of the predetermined time is started in response to receiving the second level assist state signal. The saddle riding type vehicle has a lead battery,
The rotating electrical machine assists the output of the engine by rotating using the electric power stored in the lead battery,
The speedometer device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The assist display unit has a display device,
The speedometer device according to claim 1, wherein the assist display unit notifies that the assist is being performed by an image displayed on the display device.   The speedometer device according to claim 6, wherein the assist display unit is a liquid crystal display device using a thin film transistor as a switching element. The assist display unit has a lamp,
The speedometer device according to claim 1, wherein the assist display unit notifies that the assist is being performed by lighting and / or blinking the lamp.   The speedometer device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined period is 3 seconds or less.   The speedometer device according to claim 9, wherein the predetermined period is 0.5 seconds or more and less than 2 seconds. An assist display device used in a straddle-type vehicle having an engine and a rotating electrical machine, and assisting the output of the engine with the output of the rotating electrical machine,
An assist display unit for notifying that the assist is being performed;
A control unit that controls notification by the assist display unit, and the control unit includes the assist display unit,
During the period when the assist is performed, the notification is performed,
An assist display device that continues the notification for a predetermined period after the assist ends even after the assist ends. A frame having a head pipe;
A steering device supported by the head pipe;
A seat provided behind the steering device;
Leg space for riders to put their feet on between the steering device and the seat,
Engine,
A rotating electrical machine for assisting at least the output of the engine;
A straddle-type vehicle comprising the speedometer device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 or the assist display device according to claim 11.

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