WO2020195785A1 - Clutch control device and clutch control method for saddle-type vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

This clutch control device for a saddle-type vehicle is provided with a clutch device (26) for connecting and disconnecting the transmission of power between an engine (13) and a drive wheel (12), and a control unit (60) for controlling the clutch device (26) on the basis of parameters that include the engine rotation speed (G2). When start control is being carried out and the engine rotation speed (G2) exceeds a Ne threshold value (T1), the control unit (60) carries out an inhibitor control for placing the clutch device (26) in the disconnected state.

Description

Clutch control device and clutch control method for saddle-mounted vehicles

The present invention relates to a clutch control device and a clutch control method for a saddle-mounted vehicle.
The present invention claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-059878 filed in Japan on March 27, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Conventionally, a clutch control device that automatically connects a clutch is known. For example, in Patent Document 1, the clutch connection amount is controlled based on the engine speed and the engine rotation acceleration.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-286060

However, if the engine is in-geared at a high engine speed, the driver may start suddenly or receive an impact due to gear connection.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to suppress a sudden start and an impact due to gear connection in a clutch control device and a clutch control method for a saddle-riding vehicle, in a state where the engine speed is higher than expected by the driver. And.

As a means for solving the above problems, the aspect of the present invention has the following configuration.
(1) The clutch control device for a saddle-mounted vehicle according to an aspect of the present invention includes a clutch device (26) for connecting and disconnecting power transmission between the engine (13) and the drive wheels (12), and an engine rotation speed (G2). A control unit (60) that controls the clutch device (26) based on a parameter including), and the control unit (60) has a Ne threshold value for the engine speed (G2) when the start control is performed. If it exceeds (T1), the engine control is performed so that the clutch device (26) is in the disengaged state.

(2) In the clutch control device for the saddle-riding vehicle according to (1) above, the parameter includes the throttle opening (G3), and the control unit (60) controls the start by in-gear from the neutral gear. When the engine speed (G2) exceeds the Ne threshold value (T1) and the throttle opening degree (G3) exceeds the Th threshold value (T2), the inhibitor control may be performed.

(3) In the clutch control device for the saddle-riding vehicle according to (1) or (2) above, the parameter includes the throttle opening (G3), and the control unit (60) is in the in-gear state. When the engine (13) is started, if the throttle opening degree (G3) exceeds the Th threshold value (T2), the indicator control may be performed.

(4) In the clutch control device for the saddle-riding vehicle according to any one of (1) to (3) above, the control unit (60) notifies the driver that the inhibitor control is being executed. A notification unit (71) may be further provided.

(5) In the clutch control device for a saddle-riding vehicle according to any one of (1) to (4) above, the parameter includes a throttle opening (G3), and the control unit (60) When the engine speed (G2) is equal to or less than the Ne threshold value (T1) and the throttle opening degree (G3) is equal to or less than the Th threshold value (T2), the inhibitor control may be canceled.

(6) In the clutch control device for the saddle-riding vehicle according to any one of (1) to (5) above, a release method notification unit (80) for notifying the driver of the release method of the inhibitor control is further added. You may have it.

(7) In the clutch control device for a saddle-riding vehicle according to any one of (1) to (6) above, an operator that can release the inhibitor control by operating the clutch control device during the operation of the inhibitor control (7). 4b) may be further provided.

(8) In the clutch control method for a saddle-mounted vehicle according to an aspect of the present invention, a clutch device (26) for connecting and disconnecting power transmission between an engine (13) and a drive wheel (12) is connected to an engine speed (G2). ) Is included, and in the control step, when the engine speed (G2) exceeds the Ne threshold (T1) when the start control is performed, the clutch device (26) is engaged. It is characterized by performing inhibitor control in a disconnected state.

According to the clutch control device for the saddle-riding vehicle according to the above (1) of the present invention, the control unit disengages the clutch device when the engine speed exceeds the Ne threshold value when the start control is performed. The following effects are achieved by controlling the inhibitor.
Since the clutch is not engaged when the engine speed is high, it is possible to suppress a sudden start and an impact due to gear connection when the engine speed is high, which is more than expected by the driver.

According to the clutch control device for the saddle-riding vehicle according to the above (2) of the present invention, when the control unit performs start control by in-gear from the neutral gear, the engine speed exceeds the Ne threshold value and the throttle opening degree. When the value exceeds the Th threshold value, the following effects are obtained by performing the inhibitor control.
When starting from the neutral gear in gear, if the engine speed is high and the throttle opening is large, the clutch is not engaged, so it is possible to suppress a sudden start than the driver expected.

According to the clutch control device for the saddle-riding vehicle according to the above (3) of the present invention, the control unit controls the inhibitor when the throttle opening exceeds the Th threshold when the engine is started in the in-gear state. The following effects are achieved by performing.
When the engine is started in the in-gear state, if the throttle opening is large, the clutch is not engaged, so it is possible to suppress a sudden start than the driver expected.

According to the clutch control device for the saddle-riding vehicle according to the above (4) of the present invention, the following effects can be obtained by further providing a notification unit for notifying the driver that the control unit is executing the inhibitor control. Play.
The notification unit can notify the driver that the inhibitor control is being executed, and make the driver recognize that the vehicle cannot start.

According to the clutch control device for the saddle-riding vehicle according to the above (5) of the present invention, the control unit releases the inhibitor control when the engine speed is equal to or less than the Ne threshold value and the throttle opening is equal to or less than the Th threshold value. By doing so, the following effects are achieved.
Appropriate engine speed can be used in the clutch connection.

According to the clutch control device for the saddle-riding vehicle according to the above (6) of the present invention, the following effects can be obtained by further providing a release method notification unit for notifying the driver of the release method of the inhibitor control.
The release method notification unit notifies the driver of the release method of the inhibitor control, and makes the driver recognize that the inhibitor control can be arbitrarily released.

According to the clutch control device for the saddle-riding vehicle according to the above (7) of the present invention, the following effects can be obtained by further providing an operator capable of releasing the inhibitor control by operating the clutch control device during the operation of the inhibitor control. Play.
Since the inhibitor control can be canceled by operating the operator without satisfying a predetermined condition such as the engine speed being equal to or less than the Ne threshold value, the driver can start arbitrarily.

According to the clutch control method for the saddle-riding vehicle according to the above (8) of the present invention, in the control step, when the engine speed exceeds the Ne threshold value when the start control is performed, the clutch device is disengaged. The following effects are obtained by performing the inhibitor control.
Since the clutch is not engaged when the engine speed is high, it is possible to suppress a sudden start and an impact due to gear connection when the engine speed is high, which is more than expected by the driver.

It is a left side view of the motorcycle of an embodiment. It is sectional drawing of the transmission and the change mechanism of embodiment. It is the schematic explanatory drawing of the clutch operation system including the clutch actuator of embodiment. It is a block diagram of the transmission system of an embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the transition of the clutch control mode of an embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the inhibitor control at the time of starting from a neutral in gear. It is explanatory drawing of the inhibitor control when the engine is started in the in-gear state. It is explanatory drawing of the notification method during execution of an inhibitor control. It is a flowchart of an inhibitor control. It is a flowchart of an inhibitor control when starting from neutral in gear. It is a flowchart of the inhibitor control when the engine is started in the in-gear state.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The orientations of the front, rear, left, right, etc. in the following description shall be the same as the orientations in the vehicle described below unless otherwise specified. Further, in the appropriate place in the figure used in the following description, an arrow FR indicating the front of the vehicle, an arrow LH indicating the left side of the vehicle, and an arrow UP indicating the upper part of the vehicle are shown.

<Whole vehicle>
As shown in FIG. 1, this embodiment is applied to a motorcycle 1 as an example of a saddle-riding vehicle. The front wheels 2 of the motorcycle 1 are supported by the lower ends of a pair of left and right front forks 3. The upper parts of the left and right front forks 3 are supported by the head pipe 6 at the front end of the vehicle body frame 5 via the steering stem 4. A bar-type steering handle 4a is mounted on the top bridge of the steering stem 4.

The vehicle body frame 5 includes a head pipe 6, a main tube 7 extending downward and rearward from the head pipe 6 in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction) center, and left and right pivot frames 8 connected below the rear end portion of the main tube 7. It includes a tube 7 and a seat frame 9 connected to the rear of the left and right pivot frames 8. The front end portion of the swing arm 11 is pivotally supported on the left and right pivot frames 8 so as to be swingable. The rear wheel 12 of the motorcycle 1 is supported at the rear end of the swing arm 11.

A fuel tank 18 is supported above the left and right main tubes 7. A front seat 19 and a rear seat cover 19a are supported side by side in front of and behind the seat frame 9 behind the fuel tank 18. The periphery of the seat frame 9 is covered with a rear cowl 9a.
Below the left and right main tubes 7, a power unit PU including the prime mover of the motorcycle 1 is suspended. The power unit PU is linked to the rear wheel 12 via, for example, a chain type transmission mechanism.

The power unit PU integrally has an engine (internal combustion engine, prime mover) 13 located on the front side thereof and a transmission 21 located on the rear side thereof. The engine 13 is, for example, a multi-cylinder engine in which the rotation axis of the crankshaft 14 is aligned in the vehicle width direction. The engine 13 includes a cylinder 16 that stands upward from the front portion of the crankcase 15. The rear portion of the crankcase 15 is a transmission case 17 that houses the transmission 21.

<Transmission>
As shown in FIG. 2, the transmission 21 is a stepped transmission having a main shaft 22, a counter shaft 23, and a transmission gear group 24 straddling both shafts 22, 23. The counter shaft 23 constitutes an output shaft of the transmission 21 (power unit PU). The end of the counter shaft 23 projects to the rear left side of the crankcase 15. The protruding end of the counter shaft 23 is connected to the rear wheel 12 via a chain-type transmission mechanism including a drive sprocket 27 (see FIG. 1).

The transmission gear group 24 has gears corresponding to the number of gears supported by both shafts 22 and 23, respectively. The transmission 21 is of a constant meshing type in which the corresponding gear pairs of the shifting gear group 24 are always meshed between the shafts 22 and 23. The plurality of gears supported by the shafts 22 and 23 are classified into a free gear that can rotate with respect to the corresponding shaft and a slide gear (shifter) that is spline-fitted to the corresponding shaft. One of the free gear and the slide gear is provided with a dog that is convex in the axial direction, and the other is provided with a slot that is concave in the axial direction to engage the dog. That is, the transmission 21 is a so-called dog mission.

The main shaft 22 and the counter shaft 23 of the transmission 21 are arranged side by side behind the crankshaft 14 (see FIG. 1). A clutch device 26 operated by a clutch actuator 50 (see FIG. 3) is coaxially arranged at the right end of the main shaft 22. The clutch device 26 is, for example, a wet multi-plate clutch. That is, the clutch device 26 is a so-called normally open clutch in which the clutch device 26 is in a connected state in which power can be transmitted by supplying hydraulic pressure from the clutch actuator 50, and returns to a disengaged state in which power cannot be transmitted when the hydraulic pressure is not supplied from the clutch actuator 50.

The rotational power of the crankshaft 14 is transmitted to the main shaft 22 via the clutch device 26, and is transmitted from the main shaft 22 to the counter shaft 23 via an arbitrary gear pair of the transmission gear group 24.
The clutch device 26 may include a back torque limiter. The back torque limiter mechanically reduces the clutch capacity when a back torque equal to or higher than a specified value acts on the cam mechanism provided in the clutch device 26.

A change mechanism 25 for switching gear pairs of the transmission gear group 24 is housed above the rear of the transmission 21. The change mechanism 25 includes a hollow cylindrical shift drum 36 substantially parallel to both shafts 22 and 23. A lead groove pattern is formed on the outer circumference of the shift drum 36. The change mechanism 25 operates a plurality of shift forks 36a according to the pattern of the lead groove by the rotation of the shift drum 36. As a result, the gear pair used for power transmission between the shafts 22 and 23 in the transmission gear group 24 is switched.

The change mechanism 25 has a shift spindle 31 substantially parallel to the shift drum 36. When the shift spindle 31 is rotated, the shift arm 31a fixed to the shift spindle 31 rotates the shift drum 36, and the shift fork 36a is moved in the axial direction according to the pattern of the lead groove. As a result, the gear pair capable of transmitting power in the transmission gear group 24 is switched (that is, the shift stage is switched).

The shift spindle 31 projects the shaft outer portion 31b to the outside (left side) of the crankcase 15 in the vehicle width direction so that the change mechanism 25 can be operated (see FIG. 1). A shift load sensor 42 (shift operation detecting means, see FIG. 1) is coaxially attached to the shaft outer portion 31b of the shift spindle 31. A swing lever 33 is attached to the shaft outer portion 31b (or the rotation shaft of the shift load sensor 42) of the shift spindle 31. The swing lever 33 has a base end portion 33a clamped and fixed to the shift spindle 31 (or a rotating shaft), and a tip end portion 33b of a portion extending rearward from the base end portion 33a. The upper end of the link rod 34 is swingably connected to the tip 33b of the swing lever 33 via an upper ball joint 34a. The lower end of the link rod 34 is swingably connected to a shift pedal 32 (see FIG. 1) operated by the driver via a lower ball joint (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 1, the front end portion of the shift pedal 32 is supported on the lower portion of the crankcase 15 so as to be vertically swingable via an axis along the left-right direction. At the rear end of the shift pedal 32, a pedal portion for hanging the toes of the driver placed on the step 32a is provided. The lower end of the link rod 34 is connected to the front-rear intermediate portion of the shift pedal 32.

Here, in the motorcycle 1, the driver only performs the shifting operation of the transmission 21 (foot operation of the shift pedal 32), and the clutch device 26 is automatically engaged and disconnected by electric control according to the operation of the shift pedal 32. The so-called semi-automatic transmission system (automatic clutch type transmission system) is adopted.

<Transmission system>
As shown in FIG. 4, the speed change system includes a clutch actuator 50, an ECU 60 (Electronic Control Unit), and various sensors 41 to 45.
The ECU 60 includes detection information from a gear position sensor 41 that detects a shift stage from the rotation angle of the shift drum 36, a shift load sensor 42 (for example, a torque sensor) that detects an operation torque input to the shift spindle 31, and throttle opening. The clutch actuator 50 is operated and controlled, and the ignition device 46 and the fuel injection device 47 are operated and controlled based on various vehicle state detection information from the degree sensor 43, the vehicle speed sensor 44, the engine rotation speed sensor 45, and the like. The engine speed is controlled by a throttle by wire (TBW) including a throttle valve and an accelerator grip.

Detection information from the hydraulic sensors 57 and 58 (see FIG. 3), the shift operation detection switch (shift neutral switch) 48, and the gyro sensor 49 that detects the vehicle body condition (movement) is also input to the ECU 60. The gyro sensor 49 is an IMU (inertial measurement unit). The gyro sensor 49 outputs a signal corresponding to the acceleration component in the detection direction to the ECU 60. The gyro sensor 49 may be built in the ECU 60. Reference numeral 60A in the figure indicates the clutch control device of this embodiment.

With reference to FIG. 3, the clutch actuator 50 can control the hydraulic pressure for connecting and disconnecting the clutch device 26 by controlling the operation by the ECU 60. The clutch actuator 50 includes a motor 52 (for example, an electric motor) as a drive source and a master cylinder 51 driven by the motor 52. The clutch actuator 50 constitutes an integrated clutch control unit 50A together with a hydraulic circuit device 53 provided between the master cylinder 51 and the hydraulic supply / discharge port 50p.
The ECU 60 calculates a target value of the hydraulic pressure supplied to the slave cylinder 28 (hereinafter, also referred to as “target hydraulic pressure”) for engaging and disengaging the clutch device 26 based on a preset calculation program. The ECU 60 controls the clutch control unit 50A so that the oil pressure on the slave cylinder 28 side (slave oil pressure) detected by the downstream oil pressure sensor 58 approaches the target oil pressure.

The master cylinder 51 strokes the piston 51b in the cylinder body 51a by driving the motor 52 so that the hydraulic oil in the cylinder body 51a can be supplied and discharged to the slave cylinder 28. In the figure, reference numeral 55 indicates a conversion mechanism as a ball screw mechanism, reference numeral 54 indicates a transmission mechanism straddling the motor 52 and the conversion mechanism 55, and reference numeral 51e indicates a reservoir connected to the master cylinder 51.

The hydraulic circuit device 53 has a valve mechanism (solenoid valve 56) that opens or shuts off an intermediate portion of a main oil passage (hydraulic oil supply / exhaust passage) 53 m extending from the master cylinder 51 to the clutch device 26 side (slave cylinder 28 side). are doing. The main oil passage 53m of the hydraulic circuit device 53 is divided into an upstream oil passage 53a on the master cylinder 51 side of the solenoid valve 56 and a downstream oil passage 53b on the slave cylinder 28 side of the solenoid valve 56. .. The hydraulic circuit device 53 further includes a bypass oil passage 53c that bypasses the solenoid valve 56 and connects the upstream oil passage 53a and the downstream oil passage 53b.

The solenoid valve 56 is a so-called normally open valve. The bypass oil passage 53c is provided with a one-way valve 53c1 that allows hydraulic oil to flow only in the direction from the upstream side to the downstream side. On the upstream side of the solenoid valve 56, an upstream oil pressure sensor 57 for detecting the oil pressure of the upstream oil passage 53a is provided. On the downstream side of the solenoid valve 56, a downstream oil pressure sensor 58 for detecting the oil pressure of the downstream oil passage 53b is provided.

As shown in FIG. 1, the clutch control unit 50A is housed in, for example, the rear cowl 9a. The slave cylinder 28 is attached to the rear left side of the crankcase 15. The clutch control unit 50A and the slave cylinder 28 are connected via a hydraulic pipe 53e (see FIG. 3).

As shown in FIG. 2, the slave cylinder 28 is coaxially arranged on the left side of the main shaft 22. The slave cylinder 28 presses the push rod 28a penetrating the inside of the main shaft 22 to the right when the hydraulic pressure is supplied from the clutch actuator 50. By pressing the push rod 28a to the right, the slave cylinder 28 operates the clutch device 26 in the connected state via the push rod 28a. When the hydraulic pressure supply is cut off, the slave cylinder 28 releases the pressure on the push rod 28a and returns the clutch device 26 to the disengaged state.

In order to maintain the clutch device 26 in the connected state, it is necessary to continue the hydraulic pressure supply, but power is consumed by that amount. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, a solenoid valve 56 is provided in the hydraulic circuit device 53 of the clutch control unit 50A, and the solenoid valve 56 is closed after supplying hydraulic pressure to the clutch device 26 side. As a result, the supply hydraulic pressure to the clutch device 26 side is maintained, and the hydraulic pressure is supplemented by the pressure drop (recharges by the leak amount) to suppress energy consumption.

<Clutch control mode>
As shown in FIG. 5, the clutch control device 60A of the present embodiment has three types of clutch control modes. The clutch control mode is a clutch control mode changeover switch 59 (FIG. 4) between three modes: an auto mode M1 for automatic control, a manual mode M2 for manual operation, and a manual intervention mode M3 for temporary manual operation. (See) and the clutch lever 4b (see FIG. 1) are operated to make appropriate transitions. The target including the manual mode M2 and the manual intervention mode M3 is referred to as a manual system M2A. The clutch control device 60A also functions as a clutch-by-wire system in which the clutch lever 4b and the clutch device 26 are electrically connected.

The auto mode M1 is a mode in which the clutch device 26 is controlled by calculating the clutch capacity suitable for the running state by automatic start / shift control. The manual mode M2 is a mode in which the clutch capacity is calculated in response to a clutch operation instruction by the occupant to control the clutch device 26. The manual intervention mode M3 is a temporary manual operation mode in which the clutch operation instruction from the occupant is received during the auto mode M1, the clutch capacity is calculated from the clutch operation instruction, and the clutch device 26 is controlled. It is set to return to the auto mode M1 when the occupant stops (completely releases) the operation of the clutch lever 4b during the manual intervention mode M3.

The clutch control device 60A of the present embodiment drives an oil pump (not shown) with the rotational driving force of the engine 13 (see FIG. 1) to generate clutch control hydraulic pressure. Therefore, when the system is started, the clutch control device 60A starts control from the clutch-off state (disengaged state) in the auto mode M1. Further, the clutch control device 60A is set to return to the clutch off in the auto mode M1 because the clutch operation is not required when the engine 13 is stopped.

The auto mode M1 basically performs clutch control automatically, and enables the motorcycle 1 to run without lever operation. In the auto mode M1, the clutch capacity is controlled by the throttle opening, the engine speed, the vehicle speed, and the shift sensor output. As a result, the motorcycle 1 can be started without being stalled only by the throttle operation, and the speed can be changed only by the shift operation. However, the clutch device 26 may be automatically disengaged at an extremely low speed equivalent to idling. Further, in the auto mode M1, the manual intervention mode M3 is set by grasping the clutch lever 4b, and the clutch device 26 can be arbitrarily disengaged.

On the other hand, in the manual mode M2, the clutch capacity is controlled by the lever operation by the occupant. The auto mode M1 and the manual mode M2 can be switched by operating the clutch control mode changeover switch 59 (see FIG. 4) while the vehicle is stopped. The clutch control device 60A may include an indicator indicating that the lever operation is effective at the time of transition to the manual system M2A (manual mode M2 or manual intervention mode M3).

In the manual mode M2, the clutch is basically controlled manually, and the clutch hydraulic pressure can be controlled according to the operating angle of the clutch lever 4b. As a result, the engagement and disengagement of the clutch device 26 can be controlled at the will of the occupant, and the clutch device 26 can be connected and traveled even at an extremely low speed equivalent to idling. However, depending on the lever operation, the engine may stall, and automatic starting is not possible only by operating the throttle. Even in the manual mode M2, the clutch control automatically intervenes during the shift operation.

In the auto mode M1, the clutch actuator 50 automatically engages and disconnects the clutch device 26. In the auto mode M1, the manual clutch operation is performed on the clutch lever 4b, so that the manual operation can be temporarily intervened in the automatic control of the clutch device 26 (manual intervention mode M3).

<Inhibita control>
Next, the inhibitor control of the motorcycle of the present embodiment will be described.
In the present embodiment, when the engine speed exceeds the Ne threshold value, the inhibitor control is performed so that the clutch device 26 (see FIG. 2) is in the disengaged state.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the inhibitor control when starting from neutral in gear. In the figure, reference numeral G1 indicates a gear position, reference numeral G2 indicates an engine speed, and reference numeral G3 indicates a throttle opening degree. In FIG. 6, the gear position G1 is transitioning from the neutral gear to the first gear.

In the example of FIG. 6, when the engine speed G2 exceeds the Ne threshold value T1 and the throttle opening G3 exceeds the Th threshold value T2 when the gear position G1 is changed from the neutral gear to the first gear (G2> T1 and G3). > T2), perform inhibitor control. For example, the Ne threshold T1 is set to 1500 rpm. For example, the Th threshold T2 is set to 0.8 deg.

In the figure, the reference numeral W1 indicates the effective range of the inhibitor. The inhibitor effective range W1 means the range in which the inhibitor control is executed. In the example of FIG. 6, the inhibitor effective range W1 includes both a range in which the engine speed G2 exceeds the Ne threshold value T1 and a range in which the throttle opening G3 exceeds the Th threshold value T2.

In the example of FIG. 6, the start time of the inhibitor control coincides with the time when the engine speed G2 exceeds the Ne threshold value T1. The end time of the inhibitor control coincides with the time when the engine speed G2 becomes Ne threshold T1 or less. In the example of FIG. 6, when the engine speed G2 is Ne threshold T1 or less and the throttle opening G3 is Th threshold T2 or less (G2 ≦ T1 and G3 ≦ T2), the inhibitor control is released (that is, the inhibitor effective range). It will be outside W1).

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the inhibitor control when the engine is started in the in-gear state. In FIG. 7, the gear position G1 maintains the first gear.

In the example of FIG. 7, when the engine is started in the state where the gear position G1 is the first gear, if the throttle opening G3 exceeds the Th threshold value T2 (G3> T2), the inhibitor control is performed. In addition, when the engine is started in the in-gear state, if the engine speed G2 exceeds the Ne threshold value T1 (G2> T1), the inhibitor control is performed. In the example of FIG. 7, the inhibitor effective range W1 includes both a range in which the throttle opening G3 exceeds the Th threshold value T2 and a range in which the engine speed G2 exceeds the Ne threshold value T1.

In the example of FIG. 7, the start time of the inhibitor control coincides with the time when the throttle opening G3 exceeds the Th threshold value T2. The end time of the inhibitor control coincides with the time after the throttle opening G3 becomes Th threshold T2 or less and the engine speed G2 becomes Ne threshold T1 or less. In the example of FIG. 7, when the throttle opening G3 is Th threshold T2 or less and the engine speed G2 is Ne threshold T1 or less (G3 ≦ T2 and G2 ≦ T1), the inhibitor control is canceled (that is, the inhibitor effective range). It will be outside W1).

In the present embodiment, when the inhibitor control is being executed, the notification unit 71 for notifying the driver that the inhibitor control is being executed is further provided (see FIG. 8).
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a notification method during execution of inhibitor control. In the figure, reference numeral 70 indicates a meter panel provided at the front of the vehicle. The instrument panel 70 includes an indicator 71, an engine speed meter 72, and a speedometer 73.

In the example of FIG. 8, the indicator 71 is arranged above the engine speed meter 72. When the indicator 71 is executing the inhibitor control, the indicator 71 functions as a notification unit for notifying the driver that the inhibitor control is being executed. For example, the indicator 71 blinks when the inhibitor control is being executed. As a result, the driver is notified that the inhibitor control is being executed.

In the present embodiment, the release method notification unit 80 for notifying the driver of the release method of the inhibitor control is further provided. The arrow 81 and the sentence 82 displayed on the instrument panel 70 function as the release method notification unit 80. In the example of FIG. 8, the arrow 81 is displayed on the engine speed meter 72. Sentence 82 is displayed below the speedometer 73. For example, the arrow 81 points in the direction in which the engine speed decreases, and moves from the current engine speed to the engine speed for releasing the inhibitor control. For example, sentence 82 is "Please close the throttle and wait for the engine speed to drop."

An example of inhibitor control will be described with reference to FIG.
First, in step S1, the ECU 60 determines whether or not the engine speed exceeds the Ne threshold value. For example, the Ne threshold is set to 1500 rpm. If YES in step S1 (the engine speed exceeds the Ne threshold value), the process proceeds to step S2. If NO (engine speed is equal to or less than the Ne threshold value) in step S1, the process ends.

In step S2, the ECU 60 executes the inhibitor control (the clutch device is in the disengaged state). After step S2, the process proceeds to step S3.

In step S3, the ECU 60 notifies the driver that the inhibitor control is being executed by the notification unit 71. For example, the notification unit 71 is an indicator provided on the instrument panel 70 (see FIG. 8). For example, the blinking indicator notifies the driver that the inhibitor control is being executed.

Further, in step S3, the ECU 60 notifies the driver of the release method of the inhibitor control by the release method notification unit 80. For example, the release method notification unit 80 is an arrow 81 and a sentence 82 displayed on the instrument panel 70 (see FIG. 8). For example, the arrow 81 points in the direction in which the engine speed decreases, and moves from the current engine speed to the engine speed for releasing the inhibitor control (see FIG. 8). For example, sentence 82 is "close the throttle and wait for the engine speed to drop" (see FIG. 8).

An example of the inhibitor control related to the gear position will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an inhibitor control when starting from neutral in gear.
First, in step S11, the ECU 60 determines whether or not it is in a state of in-gearing from neutral and starting. For example, if the gear position is neutral when the vehicle is upright and stopped, the ECU 60 determines that the vehicle is in a state of in-gearing from neutral and starting. If YES in step S11 (a state in which the vehicle starts in gear from neutral), the process proceeds to step S12. If NO in step S11 (not in the state of starting from neutral), the process ends (inhibitor control is not executed).

In step S12, the ECU 60 determines whether or not the engine speed exceeds the Ne threshold value and the throttle opening exceeds the Th threshold value. For example, the Ne threshold is set to 1500 rpm. For example, the Th threshold is set to 0.8 deg. If YES in step S12 (the engine speed exceeds the Ne threshold value and the throttle opening exceeds the Th threshold value), the process proceeds to step S13. If NO (engine speed is equal to or less than Ne threshold value or throttle opening is equal to or less than Th threshold value) in step S12, the process ends (inhibitor control is not executed).

In step S13, the ECU 60 executes the inhibitor control (the clutch device is in the disengaged state). After step S13, the process proceeds to step S14.

In step S14, the ECU 60 determines whether or not the engine speed is equal to or less than the Ne threshold value and the throttle opening degree is equal to or less than the Th threshold value. If YES in step S14 (the engine speed is equal to or less than the Ne threshold value and the throttle opening degree is equal to or less than the Th threshold value), the process proceeds to step S15. If NO in step S14 (the engine speed exceeds the Ne threshold value or the throttle opening exceeds the Th threshold value), the process returns to step S13 (continue the inhibitor control).

In step S15, the ECU 60 releases the inhibitor control (makes the clutch device connectable). This allows the driver to start at will.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the inhibitor control when the engine is started in the in-gear state.
First, in step S21, the ECU 60 determines whether or not the engine is started in the in-gear state. For example, when the vehicle is upright and stopped, the ECU 60 determines that the engine is started in the in-gear state when the gear position is in a gear position other than neutral (for example, in the case of the first gear). If YES in step S21 (the engine is started in the in-gear state), the process proceeds to step S22. If NO in step S21 (the engine is not started in the in-gear state), the process ends (the inhibitor control is not executed).

In step S22, the ECU 60 determines whether or not the throttle opening degree exceeds the Th threshold value. If YES in step S22 (throttle opening exceeds Th threshold value), the process proceeds to step S23. If NO (throttle opening is equal to or less than the Th threshold value) in step S22, the process ends (inhibita control is not executed).

In step S23, the ECU 60 executes the inhibitor control (the clutch device is in the disengaged state). After step S23, the process proceeds to step S24.

In step S24, the ECU 60 determines whether or not the engine speed is equal to or less than the Ne threshold value and the throttle opening degree is equal to or less than the Th threshold value. If YES in step S24 (the engine speed is equal to or less than the Ne threshold value and the throttle opening is equal to or less than the Th threshold value), the process proceeds to step S25. If NO in step S24 (the engine speed exceeds the Ne threshold value or the throttle opening exceeds the Th threshold value), the process returns to step S23 (continue the inhibitor control).

In step S25, the ECU 60 releases the inhibitor control (makes the clutch device connectable). This allows the driver to start at will.

As described above, the clutch control device 60A of the motorcycle 1 of the above embodiment is based on the clutch device 26 for connecting and disconnecting the power transmission between the engine 13 and the drive wheels 12 and the parameters including the engine rotation speed G2. The ECU 60 includes an ECU 60 that controls the clutch device 26, and the ECU 60 performs an inhibitor control that puts the clutch device 26 in the disengaged state when the engine speed G2 exceeds the Ne threshold T1 when the start control is performed.
According to this configuration, when the engine speed G2 is high, the clutch is not engaged. Therefore, when the engine speed G2 is high, a sudden start and an impact due to gear connection are generated than the driver expected. It can be suppressed.

In the above embodiment, the ECU 60 performs the inhibitor control when the engine speed G2 exceeds the Ne threshold value T1 and the throttle opening G3 exceeds the Th threshold value T2 when the start control is performed by the in-gear from the neutral gear. The following effects are achieved.
When starting from the neutral gear in gear, if the engine speed G2 is high and the throttle opening G3 is large, the clutch is not engaged, so that it is possible to suppress a sudden start than the driver expected.

In the above embodiment, when the engine is started in the in-gear state, the ECU 60 achieves the following effects by performing the inhibitor control when the throttle opening G3 exceeds the Th threshold value T2.
When the engine is started in the in-gear state, if the throttle opening G3 is large, the clutch is not engaged, so that it is possible to suppress a sudden start than the driver expected.

In the above embodiment, the following effects are obtained by providing the notification unit 71 for notifying the driver that the ECU 60 is executing the inhibitor control.
The notification unit 71 can notify the driver that the inhibitor control is being executed, and make the driver recognize that the vehicle cannot start.

In the above embodiment, when the engine speed G2 is Ne threshold T1 or less and the throttle opening G3 is Th threshold T2 or less, the ECU 60 exerts the following effects by canceling the inhibitor control.
Appropriate engine speed can be used in the clutch connection.

In the above embodiment, the following effects are obtained by providing the release method notification unit 80 for notifying the driver of the release method of the inhibitor control.
The release method notification unit 80 can notify the driver of the release method of the inhibitor control, and make the driver recognize that the inhibitor control can be arbitrarily released.

The clutch control method for the motorcycle 1 of the above embodiment includes a control step of controlling the clutch device 26 for connecting and disconnecting the power transmission between the engine 13 and the drive wheel 12 based on a parameter including the engine speed G2. In the control step, if the engine speed G2 exceeds the Ne threshold T1 when the start control is performed, the inhibitor control that disengages the clutch device 26 is performed.
According to this method, when the engine speed G2 is high, the clutch is not engaged. Therefore, when the engine speed G2 is high, a sudden start and an impact due to gear connection are generated than expected by the driver. It can be suppressed.

<Modification example>
In the above embodiment, the ECU 60 will be described with reference to an example of performing inhibitor control when the engine speed exceeds the Ne threshold value and the throttle opening exceeds the Th threshold value when the start control is performed by the in-gear from the neutral gear. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the ECU 60 may perform the inhibitor control when the engine speed exceeds the Ne threshold value or the throttle opening exceeds the Th threshold value when the start control is performed by the in-gear from the neutral gear.

In the above embodiment, the driver is notified by blinking the indicator 71 that the inhibitor control is being executed, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the driver may be notified that the inhibitor control is being executed by lighting the indicator 71 in a color different from the color during which the inhibitor control is being released.

In the above embodiment, the notification unit 71 has been described with reference to an example of an indicator provided on the meter panel 70, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the notification unit may be a component other than an indicator such as a speaker (horn). For example, the driver may be notified that the inhibitor control is being executed by the speaker producing a sound.

In the above embodiment, an example including a notification unit 71 for notifying the driver that the ECU 60 is executing the inhibitor control has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the clutch control device may not include the notification unit 71.

In the above embodiment, the release method notification unit 80 has been described with reference to both the arrow 81 and the sentence 82 displayed on the instrument panel 70, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the release method notification unit 80 may be either an arrow 81 or a sentence 82 displayed on the instrument panel 70. Further, the display positions of the arrows 81 and the sentence 82 may be any positions as long as they can be recognized by the driver on the instrument panel 70.

In the above embodiment, the release method notification unit 80 has been described by giving an example provided on the meter panel 70, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the release method notification unit may be a component other than the instrument panel 70 such as a speaker. For example, the driver may be notified of the method of canceling the inhibitor control by sounding from the speaker.

In the above embodiment, an example including a cancellation method notification unit 80 for notifying the driver of the cancellation method of the inhibitor control has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the clutch control device may not include the release method notification unit 80.

In the above embodiment, an example of canceling the inhibitor control by satisfying a predetermined condition such as an engine speed of Ne threshold value or less has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the clutch control device 60A may include a clutch lever 4b that can release the inhibitor control by operating the clutch control device 60A during operation (see FIG. 3). As a result, the inhibitor control can be released by operating the clutch lever 4b without satisfying a predetermined condition such as the engine speed being equal to or less than the Ne threshold value, so that the driver can start arbitrarily.

For example, the inhibitor control may be released by the operation of grasping the clutch lever.
Further, the operator is not limited to the clutch lever 4b, and various operators can be adopted as long as the lever can be operated by the driver.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the saddle-riding vehicle includes a general vehicle in which a driver straddles a vehicle body, and is a motorcycle (motorized bicycle and scooter-type vehicle). (Including), but also three-wheeled vehicles (including front two-wheeled and rear one-wheeled vehicles in addition to front one-wheeled and rear two-wheeled vehicles). Further, the present invention can be applied not only to motorcycles but also to four-wheeled vehicles such as automobiles.
The configuration in the above embodiment is an example of the present invention, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention, such as replacing the components of the embodiment with well-known components.

1 Motorcycle (saddle-riding vehicle)
4b Clutch lever (operator)
12 Rear wheels (driving wheels)
13 Engine 26 Clutch device 60 ECU (control unit)
60A Clutch control device 71 Indicator (notification unit)
80 Release method Notification unit G2 Engine speed G3 Throttle opening T1 Ne threshold T2 Th threshold

Claims (8)

1. A clutch device (26) that connects and disconnects the power transmission between the engine (13) and the drive wheels (12),
   A control unit (60) that controls the clutch device (26) based on a parameter including an engine speed (G2) is provided.
   When the start control is performed, the control unit (60) performs the inhibitor control to disengage the clutch device (26) when the engine speed (G2) exceeds the Ne threshold value (T1). A characteristic clutch control device for saddle-riding vehicles.
2. The parameters include throttle opening (G3).
   When the control unit (60) performs start control by in-gear from the neutral gear, the engine speed (G2) exceeds the Ne threshold value (T1) and the throttle opening degree (G3) is the Th threshold value (T2). The clutch control device for a saddle-riding vehicle according to claim 1, wherein if the above value is exceeded, the inhibitor control is performed.
3. The parameters include throttle opening (G3).
   The control unit (60) is characterized in that when the engine (13) is started in the in-gear state, if the throttle opening degree (G3) exceeds the Th threshold value (T2), the inhibitor control is performed. The clutch control device for a saddle-riding vehicle according to claim 1 or 2.
4. The saddle riding according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a notification unit (71) for notifying the driver that the control unit (60) is executing the inhibitor control. Clutch control device for type vehicles.
5. The parameters include throttle opening (G3).
   When the engine speed (G2) is equal to or less than the Ne threshold value (T1) and the throttle opening degree (G3) is equal to or less than the Th threshold value (T2), the control unit (60) releases the inhibitor control. The clutch control device for a saddle-riding vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the clutch control device is characterized.
6. The clutch control device for a saddle-riding vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a release method notification unit (80) for notifying the driver of the release method of the inhibitor control.
7. The clutch of a saddle-riding vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising an operator (4b) capable of releasing the inhibitor control by operating the clutch while the inhibitor control is in operation. Control device.
8. It includes a control step that controls a clutch device (26) that engages and disengages power transmission between the engine (13) and the drive wheels (12) based on parameters including engine speed (G2).
   In the control step, when the engine speed (G2) exceeds the Ne threshold value (T1) when the start control is performed, the saddle is controlled to disengage the clutch device (26). Clutch control method for riding vehicles.

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