JP2022190629A - vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

To urge a driver to become aware of a travel mode during switching among travel modes.SOLUTION: A vehicle comprises a control part that can switch a travel mode of the vehicle between a drive mode in which the vehicle travels by power output by a prime mover and a suppression mode in which output is kept lower than output in the drive mode. When a stop estimation condition corresponding to the stop of the vehicle is satisfied, switching between the drive mode and the suppression mode is permitted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to a vehicle capable of switching running modes.

US Pat. No. 5,300,003 discloses a vehicle that can be driven by a motor and that can be driven in two ways. In the first driving method, the motor is driven using the first manipulator. In the second driving method, the motor is driven using a second operator different from the first operator. Switching between the two driving methods is realized by turning on/off a key switch.

Japanese Patent No. 6814501

Regulations applied to vehicles may differ between the first driving method described in Patent Document 1 and the second driving method. Therefore, it is important for the driver to correctly understand in which driving mode the vehicle is currently being used.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-200001 does not disclose any particular restrictions on switching the driving method. If the degree of freedom in switching the drive method is too high, there is a risk that the driver's awareness of which drive method the vehicle is currently being used may become unclear.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances described above, and an object of the present invention is to make the driver aware of the driving mode when switching the driving mode.

The problems to be solved by the present invention are as described above. Next, the means for solving the problems and the effects thereof will be described.

A first aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle having the following configuration. That is, the vehicle includes a control unit capable of switching the running mode of the vehicle between a drive mode in which the vehicle runs with the power output by the prime mover, and a restraint mode in which the output is suppressed more than the output in the drive mode. Switching between the drive mode and the restraint mode is permitted when a presumed stop condition corresponding to the vehicle stop is met.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the following vehicle control method is provided. That is, it is possible to switch the running mode of the vehicle between a drive mode in which the vehicle runs with the power output by the prime mover, and a suppression mode in which the output is suppressed more than the output in the drive mode. Switching between the drive mode and the restraint mode is permitted when a presumed stop condition corresponding to the vehicle stop is met.

Thus, by forcing the vehicle to stop when the driving mode is switched, it is possible to effectively make the driver aware of the change in the driving mode.

According to the present invention, it is possible to prompt the driver to become aware of the driving mode when switching the driving mode.

1 is a perspective view showing a three-wheeled vehicle; FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a three-wheeled vehicle according to a first embodiment; FIG. The block diagram which shows the electrical structure of the three-wheeled vehicle of 2nd Embodiment. The block diagram which shows the electrical structure of the three-wheeled vehicle of 3rd Embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of changing the configuration of the pedals in the electric vehicle mode; FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing another example of changing the configuration of the pedals in the electric vehicle mode;

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. First, a three-wheeled vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a three-wheeled vehicle 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the three-wheeled vehicle 1. As shown in FIG.

In the following description, the left-right direction of the three-wheeled vehicle 1 is defined by the direction seen by the driver riding the three-wheeled vehicle 1 . Therefore, when the three-wheeled vehicle 1 stands upright as shown in FIG. 1, the front-rear direction corresponds to the vehicle length direction, and the left-right direction corresponds to the vehicle width direction. Also, the vertical direction (vertical direction) coincides with the height direction.

A vehicle according to this embodiment is a three-wheeled vehicle (straddle-type vehicle) 1 . A three-wheeled vehicle 1 has two front wheels 2 and 3 on the front side (one side in the vehicle length direction) and one rear wheel 4 on the rear side (the other side in the vehicle length direction).

A three-wheeled vehicle 1 includes a vehicle body 10 . A vehicle body 10 supports a left front wheel 2 , a right front wheel 3 and a rear wheel 4 .

The vehicle body 10 includes a frame 11 that serves as the skeleton of the three-wheeled vehicle 1 . The frame 11 has a base portion 11a, a left and right wheel connecting portion 11b, a seat support portion 11c, and a handle support portion 11d.

The base portion 11a extends in the vehicle length direction between the front wheels 2, 3 and the rear wheels 4 to support the front and rear wheels. The left and right wheel connecting portion 11b is connected to the base portion 11a, connects the left front wheel 2 and the right front wheel 3, and extends in the vehicle width direction. The seat support portion 11 c extends upward from the base portion 11 a to support the seat 15 . A handle support portion 11 d extends upwardly from the base portion 11 a to support the handle 12 .

In this embodiment, the three-wheeled vehicle 1 is a type of lean vehicle. A lean-type vehicle means a vehicle in which the posture of the vehicle body 10 with respect to the road surface can be changed, and the vehicle body 10 is inclined with respect to the road surface as the vehicle turns by steering. In FIG. 1, the three-wheeled vehicle 1 is in a state where the handle 12 for steering is operated to a neutral position and the vehicle body 10 is upright with respect to the road surface (in other words, normal straight running state). It has become. The following description assumes this state unless otherwise specified.

The left front wheel 2 and the right front wheel 3 are arranged side by side with a gap in the vehicle width direction. In this embodiment, each front wheel 2, 3 functions as a driven wheel. The left front wheel 2 and the right front wheel 3 are supported by the front part of the frame 11 so that the posture of the vehicle body 10 with respect to the road surface can be changed. Each of the front wheels 2 and 3 functions as a steered wheel, and the direction changes according to the turning operation of the steering wheel 12 .

A left and right wheel connecting portion 11b of the frame 11 has a known parallel link structure. A parallel link structure connects each front wheel 2, 3 to the base portion 11a of the frame 11, respectively. Due to this parallel link structure, the postures of the front wheels 2 and 3 are interlocked and changed according to the posture change of the base portion 11a in a front view.

The rear wheel 4 is arranged at the center position of the vehicle body 10 in the vehicle width direction. The rear wheel 4 is rotatably supported on the rear portion of the frame 11 . In the present embodiment, the rear wheels 4 function as drive wheels that transmit driving force to the road surface.

The three-wheeled vehicle 1 includes a seat 15 , left and right pedals (operators) 16 , an electric motor 21 functioning as a prime mover, a battery 22 , and a controller (control section) 23 .

The seat 15 is provided on the upper side of the middle portion of the frame 11 in the vehicle length direction. A driver can sit on the seat 15 . A driver can sit astride the seat 15 and put his feet on the left and right pedals 16 .

Left and right pedals 16 are provided below the seat 15 . The force of the driver stepping on the pedal 16 with his/her foot on the seat 15 is transmitted to the rear wheel 4 so that the rear wheel 4 can be rotationally driven by human power. Specifically, the three-wheeled vehicle 1 has a power transmission mechanism that transmits the rotation of the crankshaft connected to the pedals 16 to the rear wheels. Therefore, the three-wheeled vehicle 1 has a so-called bicycle mechanism that is driven by the human power of the driver.

The electric motor 21 is provided on the axle portion of the rear wheel 4 in this embodiment. The electric motor 21 is electrically connected to a controller 23 as shown in FIG. The electric motor 21 is controlled by a controller 23 and can rotationally drive the rear wheel 4 .

The electric motor 21 can transmit power to the drive wheels in a state in which the driver's human power is not applied. Further, the electric motor 21 can transmit power to the drive wheels in addition to the state where the human power of the driver is applied. The controller 23 adjusts the output of the electric motor 21 by giving appropriate commands to the electric motor 21 . In the present embodiment, the controller 23 controls the electric motor 21 to output driving force and support in accordance with the human power given by the driver. That is, in the present embodiment, the three-wheeled vehicle 1 functions as an electric vehicle that can travel without the driver's human power, and also functions as an electrically assisted bicycle that electrically assists the driver's driving.

The three-wheeled vehicle 1 of this embodiment can switch between two driving modes, an electric vehicle mode that does not require human power from the driver, and a bicycle mode that requires human power from the driver. When the two driving modes are switched, the control that the controller 23 performs on the electric motor 21 changes.

In the electric vehicle mode, the vehicle travels with the power output by the electric motor 21, which is the prime mover. In the bicycle mode, the output of the electric motor 21 is suppressed compared to the electric vehicle mode. The electric vehicle mode is an example of a driving mode. Bicycle mode is an example of restraint mode.

In the bicycle mode, compared to the electric vehicle mode, the output may be suppressed in only a part of the utilization range instead of the entire utilization range. In the bicycle mode, for example, the maximum output output by the electric motor 21 may be suppressed, or the maximum vehicle speed at which the electric motor 21 can travel may be suppressed. In the bicycle mode, when the vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined speed, the assist ratio of the electric motor 21 to human power may decrease. In the bicycle mode, the vehicle speed range in which the electric motor 21 can operate may be set lower than in the electric vehicle mode. In the bicycle mode, the electric motor 21 may not generate any power and may be suppressed to zero.

In the electric vehicle mode, the output is set so as to satisfy the output conditions under which the three-wheeled vehicle 1 can run as an electric vehicle. In the bicycle mode, the output is set so as to satisfy the output conditions under which the three-wheeled vehicle 1 can travel as a bicycle, in this embodiment as an electrically assisted bicycle.

The battery 22 is provided on the lower side of the frame 11 in the middle of the front and rear. The battery 22 can supply electric power to the electric motor 21, the controller 23, various accessories, and the like.

The controller 23 is provided at an appropriate position on the vehicle body 10 . The controller 23 is composed of a known computer and can control the electric motor 21 .

The three-wheeled vehicle 1 includes an accelerator lever (manipulator) 13 . The accelerator lever 13 is arranged near the handle 12 . When the three-wheeled vehicle 1 runs in the electric vehicle mode, the driver operates the accelerator lever 13 to control the electric motor 21 . On the other hand, when the three-wheeled vehicle 1 travels in the bicycle mode, the electric motor 21 is controlled based on the force applied to the pedals 16 by the driver.

The three-wheeled vehicle 1 has a brake lever 14 . A pair of left and right brake levers 14 are arranged in the vicinity of the handle 12 . A driver can brake the front wheels 2 and 3 by operating one brake lever 14 , and can brake the rear wheel 4 by operating the other brake lever 14 .

The three-wheeled vehicle 1 has a lean lock lever 17 . The lean lock lever 17 is arranged near the handle 12 . By operating the lean lock lever 17, the driver can fix the lean posture of the vehicle body. The lean lock lever 17 is provided with an operation lock mechanism (not shown). By locking the lean lock lever 17 in an operated state, even if the driver leaves the three-wheeled vehicle 1, the lean posture of the vehicle body can be maintained in a fixed state.

The three-wheeled vehicle 1 has a license plate device 31 . A license plate 32 is attached to the license plate device 31 . The license plate 32 is a plate attached to the vehicle and assigned an identification number (identification information) unique to the vehicle in order to allow the vehicle to run as an electric vehicle. The license plate 32 is arranged so that the identification number is easily visible.

A license plate display switching device 35 is provided in the license plate device 31 . The license plate display switching device 35 operates to substantially disable the display of the license plate 32 in the bicycle mode.

Any method may be used to substantially disable the display of the license plate 32 . For example, the license plate display switching device 35 can be configured to have a plate-shaped cover member 36 . The cover member 36 can be moved between a non-covering position where the license plate 32 is exposed and a covering position where the license plate 32 is covered by an appropriate drive unit such as an electric motor. By covering the license plate 32 with the cover member 36, the identification number of the license plate 32 is not displayed effectively.

A locking device 70 as an anti-theft device is attached near the portion where the frame 11 supports the rear wheel 4 .

The lock device 70 is configured as a known ring lock device. The lock device 70 includes a housing 71, a lock bar 72, a lock knob 73, and a cylinder portion (operation member) 74, as shown in FIG.

The housing 71 is fixed at an appropriate position on the frame 11 . The housing 71 is formed in a C shape. An opening is formed in the housing 71 . The C-shaped housing 71 is arranged to surround the periphery of the rear wheel 4 .

The lock bar 72 is formed in an elongated circular arc shape. The lock bar 72 is slidably supported on the housing 71 along an arcuate path. By sliding the lock bar 72 , the lock bar 72 can switch between an advanced position to close the open portion of the housing 71 and a retracted position to open the open portion.

At the advanced position, the lock bar 72 interferes with the spokes of the rear wheel 4, so the rear wheel 4 cannot rotate. The advanced position of the lock bar 72 corresponds to the locked state of the lock device 70 , and the retracted position of the lock bar 72 corresponds to the unlocked state of the lock device 70 .

A spring (not shown) is arranged in the housing 71 . This spring biases the lock bar 72 toward the retracted position.

The lock knob 73 is connected to the lock bar 72 and moves together with the lock bar 72 . When the driver presses the locking knob 73 against the force of the spring, the lock bar 72 can be switched from the retracted position to the advanced position.

The cylinder portion 74 is formed in a cylindrical shape. A key hole is formed in the cylinder portion 74, and a key can be inserted into this key hole. The cylinder portion 74 is rotatably supported by the housing 71 . The cylinder part 74 can be switched between three operating positions by rotating it.

The three operating positions are a "motorized vehicle mode" position, a "locked" position, and a "bicycle mode" position. In FIG. 2, EV means an electric vehicle mode, L means a lock mode, and A means a bicycle mode. The cylinder portion 74 functions as a known cylinder lock. Therefore, unless the correct key is inserted into the key hole, the cylinder portion 74 cannot be rotated from the "locked" position to the "electric vehicle mode" position and the "bicycle mode" position.

The "electric vehicle mode" position is an operation position for instructing the controller 23 to set the traveling mode to the electric vehicle mode. At this operating position, the lock bar 72 is at the retracted position.

The "lock" position is an operation position when locking the rotation of the rear wheel 4 with the lock bar 72 at the advanced position.

The "bicycle mode" position is an operation position for instructing the controller 23 to set the running mode to the bicycle mode. At this operating position, the lock bar 72 is at the retracted position.

A key holding mechanism is provided in the cylinder portion 74 . This key holding mechanism mechanically holds the key inserted into the key hole so as not to come off when the cylinder portion 74 is in the "bicycle mode" position or the "electric vehicle mode" position. When the cylinder portion 74 is in the "locked" position, the key inserted in the keyhole can be removed.

The locking device 70 is provided with an interlocking mechanism. In this interlocking mechanism, when the lock knob 73 is pushed to move the lock bar 72 to the advanced position while the cylinder portion 74 is at the "bicycle mode" position or the "electric vehicle mode" position, the cylinder portion 74 is automatically activated. automatically move to the "locked" position. Also, the interlocking mechanism automatically fixes the lock bar 72 at the advanced position.

Unless the lock bar 72 moves to the advanced position, the cylinder portion 74 cannot move from the "bicycle mode" position or the "electric vehicle mode" position to the "lock" position.

When the interlocking mechanism is operated from the "locked" position to the "bicycle mode" position or the "electric vehicle mode" position with the key inserted into the key hole of the cylinder portion 74, the lock bar 72 is at the advanced position. automatically unfixed. As a result, the lock bar 72 automatically moves to the retracted position by the force of the spring.

The key holding mechanism and interlocking mechanism can be realized by appropriate mechanisms using cams, links, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the lock device 70 includes an operation detection sensor 75 that detects the operation position of the cylinder portion 74 . The operation detection sensor 75 is electrically connected to the controller 23 and the license plate display switching device 35 . The operation detection sensor 75 outputs signals corresponding to three operation positions of the cylinder portion 74 to the controller 23 .

When the signal input from the operation detection sensor 75 indicates the "electric vehicle mode" position or the "bicycle mode" position, the controller 23 sets the corresponding running mode.

The license plate display switching device 35 sets the cover member 36 to the uncovered position when the signal input from the operation detection sensor 75 indicates the "electric vehicle mode" position, and sets the cover member 36 to the uncovered position when the signal indicates the "bicycle mode" position. Let 36 be the covering position.

Focusing on the operation position of the cylinder portion 74, the "lock" position is located between the "electric vehicle mode" position and the "bicycle mode" position. Therefore, when switching the running mode between the electric vehicle mode and the bicycle mode, the lock bar 72 of the lock device 70 must be once set to the advanced position. In this embodiment, this control method is implemented by cooperation between the lock device 70 and the controller 23 .

Normally, the lock bar 72 cannot be moved to the advanced position unless the three-wheeled vehicle 1 is stopped. Therefore, the situation where the lock bar 72 is in the advanced position strongly suggests that the three-wheeled vehicle 1 is stopped.

In this embodiment, the driving mode cannot be switched between the electric vehicle mode and the bicycle mode unless the lock bar 72 is moved to the advanced position. This control method ensures that the three-wheeled vehicle 1 comes to a standstill when the driving mode is switched between the electric vehicle mode and the bicycle mode.

When the driver wants to switch the driving mode, the driver operates the cylinder part 74 while the three-wheeled vehicle 1 is stopped. At this time, the driver can easily recognize the stoppage of the three-wheeled vehicle 1 as a kind of delimitation for changing the driving mode. Therefore, it is possible to prompt the driver to correctly understand the current driving mode.

As described above, the three-wheeled vehicle 1 of this embodiment includes the controller 23 that can switch the running mode between the electric vehicle mode and the bicycle mode. In the electric vehicle mode, the three-wheeled vehicle 1 runs with power output by the electric motor 21 . In the bicycle mode, the output of the electric motor 21 is suppressed more than in the electric vehicle mode. When the stop estimation condition corresponding to the stop of the three-wheeled vehicle 1 (specifically, the lock bar 72 of the lock device 70 is in the advanced position) is satisfied, the operation between the drive mode and the restraint mode is performed. Switching is allowed.

Thus, by forcing the three-wheeled vehicle 1 to stop when the driving mode is switched, it is possible to effectively make the driver aware of the change in the driving mode.

In the three-wheeled vehicle 1 of the present embodiment, the estimated stop condition includes a condition regarding the lock device 70 handled by the user when the three-wheeled vehicle 1 is in a stopped state.

Thus, the locking device 70 can be used to ensure that the three-wheeled vehicle 1 is stopped.

The three-wheeled vehicle 1 of this embodiment includes rear wheels 4 and a locking device 70 . Rear wheels 4 are provided for running. The locking device 70 can lock the rear wheel 4 so that it does not move. The lock device 70 can be switched between a locked state in which the rear wheel 4 is locked and an unlocked state in which the lock is released. The stop presumed condition includes that the lock device 70 is in the locked state.

Thus, by locking the rear wheels 4 that need to rotate for running, the three-wheeled vehicle 1 can be reliably stopped.

In the three-wheeled vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the locking device 70 is provided for anti-theft.

As a result, the lock device 70 can realize both a function to ensure that the three-wheeled vehicle 1 stops running when the running mode is switched, and a theft prevention function. Therefore, simplification of the configuration can be realized.

Next, a second embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the three-wheeled vehicle 1p of the second embodiment. It should be noted that, in the description of the present embodiment and subsequent embodiments, the same or similar members as those of the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and description thereof may be omitted.

In the second embodiment, the operation of the brake lever 14 instead of the operation of the locking device 70 is the condition for switching the running mode between the electric vehicle mode and the bicycle mode.

FIG. 3 depicts a brake lever 14 for braking the rear wheels 4 . The brake lever 14 is connected via a first brake wire 81 to a brake device 18 for braking the rear wheel 4 .

The brake device 18 brakes the rear wheels 4 while the three-wheeled vehicle 1 is running, and can be used to brake the rear wheels 4 even when the three-wheeled vehicle 1 is stopped. Therefore, the brake device 18 is a type of device that is handled by the user when the three-wheeled vehicle 1 is in a stopped state.

The brake lever 14 is connected to the license plate display switching device 35 via a second brake wire 82 .

The license plate display switching device 35 includes a display controller 37 , a sensor 38 , and a switching operation member (operation member) 39 .

The display controller 37 is configured by a known computer. The display controller 37 can control a drive section (for example, an electric motor) provided to drive the cover member 36 . The display controller 37 is electrically connected to the controller 23 .

Sensor 38 is configured as a contact or non-contact sensor. A sensor 38 can detect the position of the second brake wire 82 .

The switching operation member 39 is configured by a switch or the like, for example. The switching operation member 39 is operated by the driver to switch the running mode between the electric vehicle mode and the bicycle mode. Although the position of the switching operation member 39 is arbitrary, it can be arranged near the license plate 32 shown in FIG. 1, for example.

The display controller 37 monitors the position of the second brake wire 82 with the sensor 38 . The display controller 37 accepts the operation of the switching operation member 39 only when the brake lever 14 is operated to the braking position.

The license plate display switching device 35 sets the cover member 36 to the retracted position when the switching operation member 39 is operated to the electric vehicle mode, and sets the cover member 36 to the cover position when the switching operation member 39 is operated to the bicycle mode. do.

The display controller 37 of the license plate display switching device 35 outputs to the controller 23 a signal indicating the driving mode instructed by the switching operation member 39 when receiving the operation of the switching operation member 39 . The controller 23 switches the running mode between the electric vehicle mode and the bicycle mode according to the signal input from the display controller 37 .

The situation in which the brake lever 14 is being operated makes it presumed that the three-wheeled vehicle 1p is stopped. In this embodiment, the driving mode cannot be switched unless the driver operates the brake lever 14 . Therefore, when the driving mode is switched between the electric vehicle mode and the bicycle mode, it is ensured that the three-wheeled vehicle 1p is stopped.

As a modified example, the three-wheeled vehicle 1p can be configured to include a rotation sensor (sensor) 90 that detects rotation of the rear wheels 4 . The rotation sensor 90 can be configured, for example, as an optical sensor. A situation in which the rotation sensor 90 does not detect the rotation of the rear wheel 4 strongly suggests that the three-wheeled vehicle 1p is stopped. In this configuration, in addition to the fact that the brake lever 14 is being operated, the fact that the rear wheel 4 is not rotating can be the condition for switching the driving mode. This makes it possible to reliably detect the stopped state of the three-wheeled vehicle 1p.

As described above, in the three-wheeled vehicle 1p of the present embodiment, the estimated stop condition includes the condition regarding the brake device 18 handled by the user when the three-wheeled vehicle 1p is in the stopped state. .

Thus, the brake device 18 can be used to ensure that the three-wheeled vehicle 1p is stopped.

In a modification of the present embodiment, the three-wheeled vehicle 1p includes rear wheels 4 and a rotation sensor 90. FIG. The rear wheels 4 rotate when the three-wheeled vehicle 1p is running. A rotation sensor 90 detects rotation of the rear wheel 4 . The estimated stop conditions include conditions related to the detection result of the rotation sensor 90 in addition to conditions related to the brake device 18 .

Thus, the rotation sensor 90 can be used to accurately determine whether the three-wheeled vehicle 1p has stopped.

Instead of providing the rotation sensor 90, the lock of the locking device 70 may be released by a mechanical configuration (brake wire, etc.).

Next, a third embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the three-wheeled vehicle 1q of the third embodiment.

A storage container 95 is provided below the seat 15 in the three-wheeled vehicle 1q of the third embodiment. The container 95 is hollow. The upper side of the container 95 is open.

The seat 15 is connected to the container 95 by a hinge mechanism 96 . The seat 15 can open and close the open portion of the container 95 by rotating. The storage container 95 is hollow and can store luggage. By opening the seat 15, luggage can be taken in and out of the storage container 95. - 特許庁

In this embodiment, a switching operation member 39 for the driver to instruct switching of the driving mode is arranged inside the container 95 . Therefore, in the present embodiment, the driver cannot physically access the switching operation member 39 unless the seat 15 is opened, and thus cannot switch the running mode between the electric vehicle mode and the bicycle mode.

Normally, the seat 15 cannot be opened unless the driver gets off the seat 15. - 特許庁Therefore, the situation in which the seat 15 is open strongly presumes that the three-wheeled vehicle 1q is stopped.

Also in this embodiment, as a modification, the three-wheeled vehicle 1q can be configured to include a rotation sensor (sensor) 90 that detects the rotation of the rear wheels 4 . Rotation sensor 90 is electrically connected to controller 23 . In this configuration, in addition to the fact that the seat 15 is open, the fact that the rotation sensor 90 does not detect the rotation of the rear wheel 4 is a condition for switching the running mode. As a result, the stopped state of the three-wheeled vehicle 1q can be ensured more reliably.

As described above, the three-wheeled vehicle 1q of this embodiment includes the seat 15 and the switching operation member 39. As shown in FIG. A driver sits on the seat 15 . The switching operation member 39 is operated by the driver to instruct switching between the electric vehicle mode and the bicycle mode. The switching operation member 39 is arranged at a place where the driver sitting on the seat 15 cannot operate it.

As a result, the driver can be forced to get off the seat 15 when switching the driving mode. Therefore, the three-wheeled vehicle 1q can be reliably stopped.

In the three-wheeled vehicle 1q of this embodiment, the controller 23 can determine whether the three-wheeled vehicle 1q is stopped.

As a result, the controller 23 can appropriately determine whether to allow or block the switching of the driving mode.

A three-wheeled vehicle 1q of the present embodiment includes rear wheels 4 and a rotation sensor 90. As shown in FIG. The rear wheels 4 rotate when the three-wheeled vehicle 1q is running. A rotation sensor 90 detects the movement of the rear wheel 4 . The controller 23 determines whether or not the three-wheeled vehicle 1q is stopped based on the detection result of the rotation sensor 90. FIG.

This allows the controller 23 to reliably detect the stopped state of the three-wheeled vehicle 1q.

Next, the configuration around the pedal 16 will be described.

The pedal 16 has a function of inputting the pedaling force of the driver in the bicycle mode, but this function is unnecessary in the electric vehicle mode. Therefore, in the electric vehicle mode, the position or direction of the pedals 16 may be different from that in the bicycle mode.

FIG. 5 shows an example in which the mounting phase of the left and right cranks is changed by 180° so that the left and right pedals 16 are in the same phase. This configuration can be realized, for example, by making the crank attachable to and detachable from the crankshaft and by making it possible to switch the phase at the time of attachment by 180°. When switching from the bicycle mode to the electric vehicle mode, the driver performs work to change the state shown in FIG. 1 to the state shown in FIG. When switching from the electric vehicle mode to the bicycle mode, the driver performs work to change the state shown in FIG. 5 to the state shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 shows an example in which the direction of the rotation axis of the pedal 16 is changed so as to match the longitudinal direction of the crank. This configuration can be realized, for example, by providing a hinge mechanism at the connecting portion between the crank and pedal 16 .

The pedals 16 may be removed from the cranks in electric vehicle mode, or both the pedals 16 and cranks may be removed from the vehicle.

With these configurations, it is possible to clearly indicate to the surroundings that the three-wheeled vehicle is not being used as a bicycle, in other words, that it is being used in the electric vehicle mode.

Although the preferred embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described above, the above configuration can be modified as follows, for example. A single change may be made, or multiple changes may be made in any combination.

Movable members provided for traveling or driving are not limited to the rear wheels 4, but include, for example, the front wheels 2 and 3, the steering wheel 12, the steering wheel shaft, the pedals 16, the cranks, and the like. By locking the movement of these members with an appropriate locking device, the three-wheeled vehicle 1 can be stopped.

Devices handled by the user when the three-wheeled vehicle 1 is in a stopped state include, in addition to the lock device 70 and the brake device 18, the lean lock lever 17, the stand, the battery, the charger, and the like. can be mentioned. In the running stop state, the lean lock lever 17 is operated to the locked state, the stand is used, the battery is removed, and the charger is connected to the external power supply. At least one of the above phenomena can be detected by an appropriate sensor and included in the conditions for allowing switching of the running mode.

Sensors used by the controller 23 or the display controller 37 in the three-wheeled vehicle to determine whether the vehicle is stopped include, instead of the rotation sensor 90, (1) wheels for detecting the rotation speed of the rear wheels 4; (2) a current sensor that detects the current of the electric motor 21; (3) an accelerator sensor that detects the operating position of the accelerator lever 13; (4) a pedal rotation sensor that detects the rotation of the pedal 16; (6) an attitude sensor for detecting the lean attitude of the vehicle body; (7) a GNSS positioning device for positioning the vehicle body; (9) A suspension sensor provided in a suspension device (not shown) can be used.

The present invention is not limited to the three-wheeled vehicle 1, but can also be applied to a vehicle such as a paddle boat equipped with an electric motor.

1 Three-wheeled vehicle (vehicle)
14 brake lever 15 seat 21 electric motor (prime mover)
23 controller (control unit)
38 sensor 39 switching operation member (operation member)
70 locking device 70 locking device (anti-theft device)
74 cylinder part (operation member)
90 rotation sensor (sensor)

A first aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle having the following configuration. That is, the vehicle includes a control unit capable of switching the running mode of the vehicle between a drive mode in which the vehicle runs with the power output by the prime mover, and a restraint mode in which the output is suppressed more than the output in the drive mode. The drive mode and the restraint mode are modes in which the driver of the vehicle is on board. Switching between the drive mode and the restraint mode is permitted when a presumed stop condition corresponding to the vehicle stop is met.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the following vehicle control method is provided. That is, it is possible to switch the running mode of the vehicle between a drive mode in which the vehicle runs with the power output by the prime mover, and a suppression mode in which the output is suppressed more than the output in the drive mode. The drive mode and the restraint mode are modes in which the driver of the vehicle is on board. Switching between the drive mode and the restraint mode is permitted when a presumed stop condition corresponding to the vehicle stop is met.

Claims (9)

A control unit capable of switching the driving mode of the vehicle between a drive mode in which the vehicle runs with the power output by the prime mover and a suppression mode in which the output is suppressed more than the output in the drive mode,
A vehicle, wherein switching between said drive mode and said restraint mode is permitted when a presumed stop condition corresponding to said vehicle stop is satisfied. A vehicle according to claim 1,
A vehicle, wherein the estimated stop condition includes a condition regarding devices handled by the user when the vehicle is in a stopped state. A vehicle according to claim 2,
a movable member that moves when the vehicle is in a running state;
a sensor that detects movement of the movable member;
with
A vehicle according to claim 1, wherein said estimated stop condition includes a condition related to a detection result of said sensor in addition to a condition related to said device. A vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
a movable member provided for traveling or driving;
a locking device capable of locking the movable member so that it does not move;
with
The locking device is switchable between a locked state in which the movable member is locked and an unlocked state in which the lock is released,
A vehicle, wherein the estimated stop condition includes that the locking device is in the locked state. A vehicle according to claim 4,
A vehicle, wherein the locking device is an anti-theft device. A vehicle according to claim 1,
a seat for the driver and
an operation member operated by a driver to instruct switching between the drive mode and the suppression mode;
with
A vehicle according to claim 1, wherein said operating member is arranged at a position incapable of being operated by a driver sitting on said seat. A vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
A vehicle, wherein the control unit is capable of determining whether the vehicle is stopped. A vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
a movable member that moves when the vehicle is in a running state;
a sensor that detects movement of the movable member;
with
The vehicle, wherein the control unit determines whether the vehicle is stopped based on the detection result of the sensor. A driving mode of the vehicle can be switched between a drive mode in which the power output by the prime mover is used and a suppression mode in which the output is suppressed more than the output in the drive mode,
A method of controlling a vehicle, wherein switching between the drive mode and the restraint mode is allowed when a stop presumed condition corresponding to the stop of the vehicle is satisfied.

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