JP7126593B1 - vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

A vehicle capable of indicating a driving mode in an easy-to-understand manner to the surroundings is provided. A vehicle includes a controller and a display member. The control unit can 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. Identification information for running in the drive mode is displayed on the display member. The display member can be switched between a display valid state and a display invalid state, and the display of the display member can be visually recognized in the display invalid state. [Selection drawing] Fig. 3

Description

The present invention relates to vehicles.

Patent Document 1 discloses a motorized vehicle to which a license plate is attached.

Japanese Patent No. 6814501

Motorized vehicles run using motor power and are required to have license plates. On the other hand, in many cases, bicycles that are driven by the pedal force of the driver are allowed to run even if they do not have a license plate.

If the vehicle with a motor and the vehicle of the pedal force drive type have the same appearance, it is difficult for a viewer existing outside the vehicle to distinguish which type of vehicle it is. It is difficult to achieve both of the two running modes in

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle capable of realizing two driving modes and indicating the driving mode to the surroundings in an easy-to-understand manner.

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.

According to aspects of the present invention, a vehicle having the following configuration is provided. That is, the vehicle includes a control section and a display member. The control unit can 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. Identification information for running in the drive mode is displayed on the display member. The display member can be switched between a display valid state and a display invalid state, and the display of the display member can be visually recognized in the display invalid state. The vehicle includes a translucent cover member. In the display disabled state, at least part of the display on the display member is covered with the cover member, and the display on the display member is visible through the cover member. A negation graphic is arranged on the cover member, and in the display invalid state, the negation graphic overlaps the transparent display of the display member.

With this configuration, even in the suppression mode, the identification information displayed on the display member can be confirmed from the surroundings. Therefore, compared to the case where the identification information is completely hidden, it is possible to suggest to the surroundings that the vehicle is usable in the driving mode in some way.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle capable of realizing two driving modes and indicating the driving modes to the surroundings in an easy-to-understand manner.

1 is a perspective view of a three-wheeled vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the three-wheeled vehicle; The perspective view which shows the license plate apparatus and cover member of 1st Embodiment. The perspective view which shows the state which covered the license plate with the cover member. The perspective view which shows the license plate apparatus of a modification. The perspective view which shows the state corresponding to an electric vehicle mode in the license plate apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the license plate device of FIG. 6 viewed in another direction; Side view of the license plate device. FIG. 9 is a side view showing a state in which the fixing plate is flipped up from the state shown in FIG. 8; FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state corresponding to the bicycle mode by unfolding the bicycle mode display plate from the state of FIG. 9 ; The perspective view which shows the state corresponding to bicycle mode in a license plate apparatus.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. First, an overview of 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 with an exposed license plate. 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 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 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. 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 85, 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 loading platform 17 can be loaded with cargo. The loading platform 17 is arranged behind the seat 15 provided behind the handlebars 12 and above the rear wheels 4 . A loading platform 17 is attached to the rear portion of the frame 11 .

The three-wheeled vehicle 1 includes an operator that can be manually operated by the driver, for example. Although not drawn in the drawing, the manipulator is arranged near the handle 12, for example. When the three-wheeled vehicle 1 runs in the electric vehicle mode, the electric motor 21 is controlled by the driver operating the operator. On the other hand, when the three-wheeled vehicle 1 runs in the bicycle mode, the electric motor 21 is controlled based on the pedaling force of the driver.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the three-wheeled vehicle 1 has an accelerator sensor 81 and a brake sensor 82 . The aforementioned manipulators are provided on the handle 12 respectively. Operation of the manipulator is detected by an appropriate sensor. The three-wheeled vehicle 1 is provided with accessories 85 . The accessories 85 include, for example, horns, signal lamps, brake lamps, headlights, and the like. The three-wheeled vehicle 1 is also provided with a vehicle speed sensor 83 and a meter 84 . The meter 84 can display at least the driving form (driving mode) and the state of the battery 22 . The state of battery 22 can be detected by battery state sensor 86 . The three-wheeled vehicle 1 is further provided with a sensor (for example, a pedaling force sensor 87) for calculating an assist amount in the assisted bicycle mode.

The three-wheeled vehicle 1 has a mode switching sensor 91 . In this embodiment, the mode switching sensor 91 functions as a switch for switching the driving mode. When the mode switching sensor 91 detects that a cover member 61, which will be described later, is attached so as to cover the surface of the license plate 42, it gives a bicycle mode command to the controller. When the mode switching sensor 91 detects that the cover member 61 has been removed from the license plate 42 , it gives an electric vehicle mode command to the controller 23 .

The controller 23 includes a mode determination section 96 , a motor command output section 97 , a motor drive circuit 98 and an accessory control command section 99 .

The mode determination unit 96 determines the driving mode to be selected based on the detection value of the mode switching sensor 91 .

The motor command output unit 97 calculates a motor command based on the detected values of the accelerator sensor 81 and the brake sensor 82 in the electric vehicle mode. At this time, the motor command may be corrected based on the vehicle speed, the state of the battery 22, the state of the electric motor 21, and the like.

The motor command output unit 97 calculates a motor command based on the detection value of the pedal force sensor 87 in the bicycle mode. The motor command may be corrected based on the vehicle speed, battery 22 state, and electric motor 21 state. In the bicycle mode, either the maximum vehicle speed or the maximum output by driving the electric motor 21 is restricted as compared to the electric vehicle mode. In the bicycle mode, the motor command output unit 97 may generate a motor command based on detection information regarding the operation of the operator, as in the electric vehicle mode. In this case, even if the same command is given, the motor command output unit 97 generates a motor command that is suppressed compared to the electric vehicle mode.

The motor drive circuit 98 is configured as a power supply circuit. The motor drive circuit 98 supplies electric power to the electric motor 21 according to the motor command given from the motor command output section 97 .

The auxiliary device control command unit 99 outputs an operation command to each auxiliary device 85 based on the detection value of the operation of the manipulator detected by the sensor. Although not shown, such sensors may include, for example, a direction indicator sensor, a horn indicator sensor, and the like. The accessory control command unit 99 gives an operation command to the accessories 85 at least in the electric vehicle mode. Accessory control command unit 99 may give an operation command to accessories 85 regardless of the running mode, or may give an operation command to accessories 85 only in the electric vehicle mode. If the signal from the sensor that detects the operation of the auxiliary equipment 85 is directly given as an operation command to each auxiliary equipment, the auxiliary equipment control command section 99 may be omitted from the controller 23 .

The three-wheeled vehicle 1 is provided with a license plate device 31 for distinguishing the driving mode from the surroundings (outside) of the three-wheeled vehicle 1 . The license plate device 31 is arranged at the rear end portion of the vehicle body 10 . The license plate device 31 can indicate the current driving mode of the three-wheeled vehicle 1 to the surroundings.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the license plate device 31 is arranged behind the seat 15 with the cargo bed 17 interposed therebetween, and is provided below the cargo bed 17 . The license plate device 31 is arranged behind the rear wheel 4 at a position overlapping the rear wheel 4 in a rear view. The license plate device 31 is positioned outside the three-wheeled vehicle 1 so that it can be seen by people (viewers) existing outside the three-wheeled vehicle 1 without being obstructed by the rear wheels 4 . In form, it is exposed backwards. The configuration of the three-wheeled vehicle 1 and the position of the license plate device 31 are examples, and can be changed arbitrarily.

Next, the license plate device 31 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the license plate device 31 with the license plate 42 exposed and the cover member 61 removed. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the license plate 42 is covered with the cover member 61. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the license plate device 31 includes a fixed plate 41, a license plate 42, and a cover member 61. As shown in FIGS. The license plate 42 is a plate attached to the vehicle and assigned an identification number (identification information) unique to the vehicle so that the vehicle is permitted to run as an electric vehicle.

As shown in FIG. 3, the license plate device 31 is fixed to the vehicle body at a position where the license plate 42 can be seen by people around the vehicle, and the license plate 42 can be exposed to the outside of the three-wheeled vehicle 1. . Hereinafter, the state in which the identification number of the license plate 42 can be easily confirmed from behind as shown in FIG. 3 is sometimes referred to as the display valid state.

As shown in FIG. 4, a translucent cover member 61 can be attached to the license plate device 31 so that the display on the license plate 42 is difficult to discern from those around. Hereinafter, the state in which the identification number of the license plate 42 is more difficult to check from behind than in the display valid state is sometimes referred to as the display invalid state.

The fixed plate 41 is fixed to the rear end of the loading platform 17 . The fixed plate 41 is formed in a plate shape. The fixing plate 41 is arranged so that one surface in the thickness direction faces rearward, or more precisely, obliquely rearward and upward. The rearward facing surface of the fixed plate 41 also functions as a support surface for supporting the license plate 42 . In this embodiment, the fixing plate 41 is formed to be wide on both sides in the left-right direction and both sides in the up-down direction with respect to the license plate 42 .

Hereinafter, the surfaces of the fixed plate 41 and the license plate 42 that are visible from the rear of the three-wheeled vehicle 1 are sometimes referred to as "front surfaces", and the opposite sides are sometimes referred to as "back surfaces". The front side of the license plate 42 is the side on which characters 43 such as an identification number are attached. The front side can also be said to be the display side of the identification number.

The fixed plate 41 holds the license plate 42 so that the front surface is exposed, as shown in FIG. A cover member 61 for covering the license plate 42 is detachable from the fixed plate 41 .

FIG. 3 shows a state in which the cover member 61 is removed from the fixing plate 41. As shown in FIG. In this state, the front surface of the license plate 42, including the characters 43, is visibly exposed.

A screw hole 44 for attaching the cover member 61 is formed in the fixing plate 41 . A through hole 62 is formed in the cover member 61 at a position corresponding to the screw hole 44 . By inserting a bolt 63 with a knob into the through hole 62 and screwing it into the screw hole 44 , the cover member 61 can be fixed to the fixing plate 41 . Regarding the fixation of the fixing plate 41 to the cover member 61, the above method is an example and can be arbitrarily changed.

The cover member 61 is a plate-like member. The cover member 61 can cover at least the characters 43 of the license plate 42 . The cover member 61 is formed in a translucent shape. Therefore, when the cover member 61 is attached as shown in FIG. 4, although the characters 43 of the license plate 42 are not invisible, their readability is lower than when they are exposed.

The cover member 61 can be made of, for example, translucent synthetic resin. A translucent cover member 61 can also be realized by applying appropriate processing to the surface of a transparent plate-shaped member.

The extent to which the readability of the characters 43 is reduced depends on the color, transparency, etc. of the cover member 61 . If it is configured such that the characters 43 are slightly transparent so that it is difficult to recognize the displayed content through the cover member 61, it is possible to clearly indicate to the surroundings that the license plate 42 is in an invalid state. can.

In this embodiment, when the three-wheeled vehicle 1 is in the bicycle mode, the display is substantially disabled by making the characters 43 of the license plate 42 difficult to see with the cover member 61 as shown in FIG. . In other words, by attaching the cover member 61, the display invalid state of the license plate 42 is realized.

In the state of FIG. 4, the characters 43 are difficult to see, but they are not invisible. Since the identification number of the license plate 42 is slightly visible through it, it is possible to make the surroundings imagine that the three-wheeled vehicle 1 can be used as an electric vehicle but is currently not used as an electric vehicle.

An X-shaped canceling figure 64 is arranged on the cover member 61 . This negation graphic 64 is arranged so as to overlap the characters 43 of the license plate 42 when the cover member 61 is attached to the license plate device 31 . In the state shown in FIG. 4 where the license plate 42 is covered with the cover member 61, the negation graphic 64 appears semi-transparently combined with the characters 43. As shown in FIG. Therefore, it is possible to clearly indicate that the license plate 42 is in an invalid state. The negation graphic 64 may be colored in a different color than its surroundings, for example translucent red. This allows the invalid state to be emphasized. The strike-through graphic 64 may be any figure, such as a single strike-through line or a double strike-through line, instead of the X-shape.

The canceling graphic 64 can also be considered as a graphic that substantially indicates that the three-wheeled vehicle 1 is in the bicycle mode. Therefore, the cover member 61 also functions as a member (second display member) that indicates that the three-wheeled vehicle 1 is in the bicycle mode.

The mode switching sensor 91 is a sensor for detecting the attachment state of the cover member 61 to the license plate device 31 . The mode switching sensor 91 has a bar-shaped detector 92 . As shown in FIG. 3, the detector 92 is provided on the fixed plate 41 at a position deviated from the license plate 42 to one of the left and right sides. However, the location of the detector 92 can be changed arbitrarily.

The detector 92 is arranged so as to pass through the fixed plate 41 in the thickness direction and protrude to the surface side of the license plate 42 . The detector 92 is slidably supported with respect to the housing of the mode switching sensor 91, and can move in a direction to increase or decrease the amount of projection. The detector 92 is urged in the protruding direction by a spring (not shown).

When the cover member 61 is attached to the license plate device 31, the cover member 61 contacts the detector 92 from the surface side of the license plate 42, and pushes the detector 92 toward the back side. Thereby, the mode switching sensor 91 detects the covering state of the license plate 42 with the cover member 61 . When the cover member 61 is removed, the detector 92 maintains the state of protruding from the license plate 42 . As a result, the mode switching sensor 91 does not detect the retraction displacement of the detector 92 and detects the uncovered state of the license plate 42 by the cover member 61 . The configuration and position of the detector 92 are not limited to the above.

Switching between the electric vehicle mode and the bicycle mode is performed only by a mode switching sensor 91 near the license plate 42, which is out of reach of the driver in the seated state, instead of a switch arranged on the steering wheel 12, for example. be able to. Therefore, switching between the electric vehicle mode and the bicycle mode must be performed by the driver getting off the three-wheeled vehicle 1 and moving to the rear of the vehicle while the three-wheeled vehicle 1 is always stopped. Therefore, unintended mode switching due to erroneous operation by the driver can be prevented.

A modification of the license plate device 31 is shown in FIG. In the modified license plate device 31, the orientation of the license plate 42 is changed in the bicycle mode so as to be different from that in the electric vehicle mode. FIG. 5 shows an example in which the license plate 42 and the fixed plate 41 are rotated by 180°. The rotation angle is arbitrary, and can be 90°, for example.

In order to change the orientation of the license plate 42, the fixed plate 41 of the license plate device 31 is configured to be rotatable around a rotation axis 45. As shown in FIG.

There are cases where the laws and regulations of each country stipulate that the license plate 42 must not be used while being rotated. Even in this case, if the cover member 61 is attached to indicate that the license plate 42 is invalid, there is a possibility that the license plate 42 can be used with the orientation changed in this way.

When the three-wheeled vehicle 1 is used in the electric vehicle mode, the driver can put the removed cover member 61 into a luggage container such as a rucksack that the driver carries on his or her back while driving. A storage place for storing the removed cover member 61 may be provided at an appropriate place on the three-wheeled vehicle 1 .

As described above, the three-wheeled vehicle 1 of this embodiment includes the controller 23 and the license plate 42 . The controller 23 can switch the running mode of the three-wheeled vehicle 1 between an electric vehicle mode and an automobile 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. The license plate 42 displays identification information for running in the electric vehicle mode with characters 43 . The license plate 42 can be switched between a display valid state and a display invalid state, and the display of the license plate 42 can be visually recognized in the display invalid state.

As a result, even in the bicycle mode of FIG. 4, the display of the license plate 42 can be confirmed from the surroundings. Therefore, compared with the case where the display of the license plate 42 is completely hidden, it is possible to suggest to the surroundings that the vehicle can be used as an electric vehicle in some way.

The three-wheeled vehicle 1 of this embodiment includes a translucent cover member 61 . In the display disabled state, the display on the license plate 42 is covered with the cover member 61 and the display on the license plate 42 is visible through the cover member 61 .

As a result, the display disabled state can be realized with a simple configuration.

In the modified configuration of FIG. 5, the license plate 42 can be oriented. In the display disabled state, the orientation of the license plate 42 is 180° different from that in the display enabled state.

As a result, it is possible to more clearly indicate to the surroundings that the display of the license plate 42 is invalid.

In the modified example of FIG. 5, the orientation of the license plate 42 is changed by rotating the license plate 42 around the rotation axis 45 . The rotation axis 45 is perpendicular to the display surface of the license plate 42 .

This makes it possible to change the orientation of the license plate 42 without requiring much space for rotation.

Next, a second embodiment will be described. 6 and 7 are perspective views showing the license plate device 31x of the second embodiment. In the description of this embodiment, the same or similar members as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and description thereof may be omitted.

In this embodiment, switching between the display valid state and the display invalid state of the license plate 42 is realized by changing the orientation of the display surface of the license plate 42 when viewed from the side.

The license plate device 31x of this embodiment includes a base member 32, a fixing plate 41, and a bicycle mode display plate (second display member) 55. As shown in FIG.

The base member 32 is formed in an inverted U shape. The base member 32 is fixed to the rear end portion of the loading platform 17 . The base member 32 includes a pair of left and right base arms 33 . Each base arm 33 extends rearward and downward.

An end portion of the fixing plate 41 is connected to the rear end portion of the base member 32 via a first hinge 51 . A license plate 42 is fixed to the fixed plate 41 in the same manner as in the above-described embodiments. A license light 25 is fixed to the top of the fixing plate 41 .

The fixed plate 41 can rotate with respect to the base member 32 around the vehicle width direction support shaft of the first hinge 51 .

An arm member 35 is fixed to a surface of the plate-like fixing plate 41 facing away from the license plate 42 . The arm member 35 includes a pair of left and right first fixed arms 36 . Each first fixed arm 36 extends in an arc shape toward the base member 32 .

Each first fixed arm 36 can be fixed to the base arm 33 of the base member 32 by a bolt 71 with a knob. As shown in FIG. 8, the base arm 33 is formed with one through hole into which the bolt 71 can be inserted. Two screw holes for screwing the bolts 71 are formed in the first fixed arm 36 . By changing the position where the first fixed arm 36 is fixed to the base member 32, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the angle of the fixed plate 41 can be changed in two stages.

The license plate 42 rotates together with the fixed plate 41 and changes its posture. The state of FIG. 8 can be said to be a state in which the characters 43 of the license plate 42 are easily visible from the rear of the three-wheeled vehicle 1 . Since the license plate 42 is flipped up in the state of FIG. 9, it is difficult to see the characters 43 from behind the three-wheeled vehicle 1 . In this embodiment, the display invalid state of the license plate 42 is realized by setting the license plate 42 in such a flipped posture. 8 shows the display enabled state, and FIGS. 9 and 10 show the display disabled state. In the display disabled state, the characters 43 are difficult to see from behind, but they are not invisible. For example, by looking down at the license plate 42 from above, the characters 43 can be visually recognized without any problem.

As shown in FIG. 6 , an extension portion 47 is integrally formed on the fixed plate 41 on the side opposite to the first hinge 51 with the license plate 42 interposed therebetween. A bicycle mode display plate 55 is connected to the extension portion 47 via a second hinge 52 .

The bicycle mode display plate 55 is a plate-like member. As shown in FIG. 7, one side surface of the bicycle mode display plate 55 is provided with a pictogram 56 showing a figure of a bicycle. This pictogram 56 indicates that it is in the bicycle mode. Hereinafter, with respect to the bicycle mode display plate 55, the side on which the pictogram 56 is attached is sometimes called the "front side", and the opposite side is sometimes called the "back side".

6 and 7 , the bicycle mode display plate 55 is positioned forwardly and downwardly of the fixing plate 41 . A bicycle mode display plate 55 is located between the fixed plate 41 and the rear wheel 4 . In this state, the front surface of the bicycle mode display plate 55 faces forward and downward. Therefore, it is impossible to see the pictogram 56 from behind the three-wheeled vehicle 1 .

The bicycle mode display plate 55 can rotate relative to the fixed plate 41 about the vehicle width direction support shaft of the second hinge 52 .

The fixed plate 41 includes a pair of left and right second fixed arms 46 . The second fixed arm 46 extends in a direction approaching a later-described plate arm 57 provided on the bicycle mode display plate 55 .

A pair of left and right plate arms 57 are integrally formed with the bicycle mode display plate 55 . The plate arms 57 are arranged at both left and right ends of the bicycle mode display plate 55 .

Each plate arm 57 can be fixed to the second fixing arm 46 of the fixing plate 41 by a bolt 72 with a knob. As shown in FIG. 9, the second fixed arm 46 is formed with two through holes into which bolts 72 can be inserted. The plate arm 57 is formed with one screw hole into which the bolt 72 is screwed. By changing the position where the plate arm 57 is fixed to the second fixed arm 46, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the angle of the bicycle mode display plate 55 can be changed in two stages.

8 and 9 can be said to be a state in which the bicycle mode display plate 55 is folded with respect to the fixing plate 41. FIG. The state of FIG. 10 can be said to be a state in which the bicycle mode display plate 55 is unfolded.

A mode switching sensor 91 is attached to the rear surface of the bicycle mode display plate 55 . A detector 92 of the mode switching sensor 91 penetrates the plate arm 57 and protrudes to the surface side. The configuration of the mode switching sensor 91 is substantially the same as that of the above-described first embodiment, so description thereof will be omitted.

One side of the rotation angle range of the plate arm 57 is regulated by the contact of the plate arm 57 with the tip of the extension portion 47 . In order to determine the posture of the bicycle mode display plate 55 in the unfolded state, the tip of the extension portion 47 is bent at an appropriate angle when viewed from the side.

When the plate arm 57 is in contact with the extension 47 , the detector 92 hits the tip of the extension 47 and is pushed. As a result, the mode switching sensor 91 can detect the state in which the bicycle mode display plate 55 is unfolded.

8 in which the display surface of the license plate 42 faces rearward and upward, rotating the bicycle mode display plate 55 around the pivot of the second hinge 52 interferes with the bicycle mode display plate 55 with the rear wheel 4. is impossible because Therefore, the state in which the detector 92 is pushed in by the extension portion 47 practically means the state in which the license plate 42 is flipped up as shown in FIG.

6 to 8 depict states in which the license plate device 31x indicates the electric vehicle mode. In this state, the fixing plate 41 is changed from the normal posture to the flipped-up posture, and then, in the state of FIG. Thus, the license plate device 31x can be in a state indicating the bicycle mode.

When the license plate device 31x indicates the bicycle mode, instead of the characters 43 of the license plate 42, the pictogram 56 of the bicycle mode display plate 55 is exposed toward the rear of the three-wheeled vehicle 1 as shown in FIG. Therefore, it is possible to clearly indicate to the surrounding people that the three-wheeled vehicle 1 is in the bicycle mode.

In the state shown in FIG. 10, it is impossible to return the fixing plate 41 from the flip-up posture without returning the bicycle mode display plate 55 from the unfolded state to the folded state because the bicycle mode display plate 55 interferes with the rear wheel 4. . Therefore, both the license plate 42 and the bicycle mode display plate 55 are prevented from facing backward. This can prevent display confusion.

The direction in which the license plate 42 is moved and the structure for displaying the bicycle mode display plate 55 are not limited to the above, and can be arbitrarily changed. The shapes of the base arm 33, the first fixed arm 36, the second fixed arm 46, and the bolts 71 and 72 are not limited to those described above.

As described above, in the three-wheeled vehicle 1 of the present embodiment, the orientation of the license plate 42 is changed by rotating the license plate 42 about the support shaft of the first hinge 51 . A support shaft of the first hinge 51 extends in the vehicle width direction of the three-wheeled vehicle 1 .

This makes it possible to change the orientation of the license plate 42 with a simple configuration.

In the three-wheeled vehicle 1 of the present embodiment, the license plate 42 is in a rear-down position as shown in FIG. 8 when the display is enabled. In the display-ineffective state, the license plate 42 is in an upright posture as shown in FIG.

As a result, in the display disabled state, the characters 43 of the license plate 42 can be visually recognized, but can be made difficult to be visually recognized from behind.

The three-wheeled vehicle 1 of this embodiment includes a bicycle mode display plate 55 that displays that the three-wheeled vehicle 1 is in the bicycle mode when the license plate 42 is in the disabled display state.

This makes it possible to clearly indicate to the surroundings that the running mode is the bicycle 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.

Instead of making the cover member 61 detachable from the fixed plate 41, it may be attached to the fixed plate 41 so as to be openable and closable by a known hinge. When the cover member 61 is closed, the cover member 61 covers the license plate 42 and the display is disabled.

In the modification of FIG. 5, the display invalid state may be realized by simply rotating the license plate 42 to reduce the readability of the characters 43 without attaching the cover member 61 .

In the cover member 61, for example, only a partial area overlapping the characters 43 of the license plate 42 may be translucent, and the surrounding area may be transparent.

Instead of the cover member shown in FIG. 3, a cover member such as a film whose transparency changes depending on the presence or absence of electricity may be attached so as to cover the surface of the license plate 42 . For example, by energizing the film in the electric vehicle mode, the film can be made transparent, and by not energizing the film in the bicycle mode, the film can be made translucent. With this configuration, the work of attaching and detaching the cover member 61 can be omitted.

In the license plate 42 , only a part corresponding to the part of the characters 43 can be made a separate member from the background of the characters 43 (in other words, the surroundings of the characters), and this part can be removed from the fixed plate 41 . In the bicycle mode, the part of the fixing plate 41 corresponding to the letters 43 is removed from the fixing plate 41 and placed, for example, in the rider's rucksack.

In the second embodiment, the orientation of the license plate 42 in the electric vehicle mode may be a vertical orientation instead of an oblique orientation. The posture of the license plate 42 in the bicycle mode can be a horizontal posture instead of the backward rising posture.

In the second embodiment shown in FIG. 6 and subsequent figures, instead of the pictogram 56, for example, the words "bicycle mode" can be displayed on the bicycle mode display plate 55. FIG. The bicycle mode display plate 55, the second hinge 52, etc. may be omitted. Alternatively, the translucent cover member 61 described in the first embodiment may be attached to the license plate 42 in the flipped-up posture.

As the mode switching sensor 91, both a contact sensor and a non-contact sensor can be used. A limit switch can be mentioned as an example of a contact-type sensor. Examples of non-contact sensors include optical sensors such as infrared sensors, and inductive sensors using magnetic field changes.

The present invention is not limited to the three-wheeled vehicle 1. For example, it can be widely applied to vehicles in which the driving mode is switched depending on whether or not the license plate is displayed. The present invention can also be applied to, for example, a rowing boat equipped with an electric motor.

1 Three-wheeled vehicle (vehicle)
21 electric motor (prime mover)
23 controller (control unit)
42 License plate (display member)
45 Axis of rotation 55 Bicycle mode display plate (second display member)

Claims (4)

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 suppression mode in which the output is suppressed more than the output in the drive mode;
a display member displaying identification information for traveling in the driving mode;
with
the display member can be switched between a display valid state and a display invalid state, and the display of the display member is visible in the display invalid state ;
Equipped with a translucent cover member,
in the display disabled state, at least part of the display of the display member is covered with the cover member, and the display of the display member is visible through the cover member;
A vehicle according to claim 1, wherein a negation graphic is arranged on said cover member, and in said display disabled state, said negation graphic overlaps the display of said display member which is visible through said display member . 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 suppression mode in which the output is suppressed more than the output in the drive mode;
a display member displaying identification information for traveling in the driving mode;
with
the display member can be switched between a display valid state and a display invalid state, and the display of the display member is visible in the display invalid state;
The display member is changeable in orientation,
In the display invalid state, the orientation of the display member is different from that in the display valid state,
A vehicle, wherein the orientation of the display member is changed by rotating the display member about a rotation axis perpendicular to a display surface. 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 suppression mode in which the output is suppressed more than the output in the drive mode;
a display member displaying identification information for traveling in the driving mode;
with
the display member can be switched between a display valid state and a display invalid state, and the display of the display member is visible in the display invalid state;
The display member is changeable in orientation,
In the display invalid state, the orientation of the display member is different from that in the display valid state,
The orientation of the display member is changed by rotating the display member around an axis extending in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle,
In the display valid state, the display member is in a vertical or backward-down posture,
2. A vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein said display member is in a rear-up posture in said display disabled state . 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 suppression mode in which the output is suppressed more than the output in the drive mode;
a display member displaying identification information for traveling in the driving mode;
with
the display member can be switched between a display valid state and a display invalid state, and the display of the display member is visible in the display invalid state;
The display member is changeable in orientation,
In the display invalid state, the orientation of the display member is different from that in the display valid state,
a second display member for displaying that the vehicle is in the suppression mode when the display member is in the display disabled state ;
A vehicle , wherein the entire display member is exposed to the outside in the display disabled state .

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