JP2023009308A - Ride and vehicle control method - Google Patents

Abstract

To appropriately control various devices of a ride according to change in a running mode.SOLUTION: A ride includes a control unit and a to-be-controlled device. The control unit is capable of changing the running mode of the ride between a drive mode to run by power output by an engine, and a suppression mode to suppress output in comparison with the output in the drive mode. The to-be-controlled device is different from the engine. The control unit controls the to-be-controlled device so as to operate differently in the drive mode and in the suppression mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

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

US Pat. No. 5,300,003 discloses a vehicle that can be driven by a motor and that can be driven in two ways. In the first driving method, the motor is driven using the first manipulator. In the second driving method, the motor is driven using a second operator different from the first operator.

Japanese Patent No. 6814501

Vehicles capable of switching driving modes are equipped with various devices other than the motor. These devices may have different optimum operating modes depending on the driving mode.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances described above, and an object of the present invention is to appropriately control various devices provided in a vehicle in response to switching of driving modes.

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

A first aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle having the following configuration. That is, the vehicle includes a control unit and a controlled device. 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. The controlled device is different from the prime mover. The control unit performs control such that the operation of the controlled device differs between the drive mode and the suppression mode.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the following vehicle control method is provided. That is, this control method 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. The drive mode is a prime mover mode. The restraint mode is a bicycle mode. Control is performed so that the operation of a device to be controlled, which is different from the prime mover, is different between the drive mode and the restraint mode.

As a result, the controlled device can be appropriately operated in response to different demands in each driving mode.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the various apparatuses with which a vehicle is equipped can be controlled appropriately according to the switching of driving modes.

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; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example in which the display of the display device changes according to the running mode; The schematic diagram which shows another example in which the display of a display apparatus changes according to driving modes.

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

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

A vehicle according to this embodiment is a three-wheeled vehicle 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.

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. The parallel link structure has two link members extending in the vehicle width direction and having equal joint lengths, and connects the axle support portion and the base portion 11a at the joint positions at both ends of the link members. As a result, when viewed from the front, the postures of the front wheels 2 and 3 change in conjunction with the change in posture of the base portion 11a. Therefore, when viewed from the front, the direction in which the base portion 11a extends in the vertical direction and the direction in which the front wheels 2 and 3 extend in the vertical direction (perpendicular to the axle) are maintained parallel to each other.

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 . In this embodiment, the front wheels 2 and 3 are configured to be angularly displaceable about the steering axis with respect to the left and right connecting portions. Specifically, each of the front wheels 2 and 3 is connected via a link member to an angularly displaceable portion that is angularly displaced in conjunction with the steering wheel 12 . As a result, the front wheels 2 and 3 are angularly displaced about the steering shaft via the link member in accordance with the angular displacement operation of the steering wheel 12 by the driver.

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. As will be described later, the three-wheeled vehicle 1 has two modes: a running mode in which the output of the prime mover is transmitted to the road surface as running driving force, and a running mode in which the output of the driver's pedaling force is transmitted to the road surface as running driving force. It is configured to be able to run in

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

The seat 15 is provided on the upper side of the middle portion of the frame 11 in the vehicle length direction. A driver can sit on the seat 15 . The driver can straddle the seat 15 and place his/her feet on the left and right pedals 16 . Thus, in this embodiment, the three-wheeled vehicle 1 is a type of vehicle in which the driver straddles the seat 15 (straddle-type vehicle).

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

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 is an example of a prime mover.

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 (motor vehicle) that can run without the human power of the driver, and also as an electrically assisted bicycle that electrically assists the driver's driving. Function.

The three-wheeled vehicle 1 of this embodiment can switch between two driving modes, an electric vehicle mode (driving 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 drive 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. For example, in the case of Japan, the output range of the electric motor 21 is an output range that satisfies the output range of an ordinary vehicle stipulated by the Road Traffic Law and that of a motorized bicycle stipulated by the Road Transport Vehicle Law (the so-called minicar output range). is set to Specifically, in the electric vehicle mode, the three-wheeled vehicle 1 is set to a speed limit of 60 km/h and a rated output of 0.6 kW or less.

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. For example, in the case of Japan, the maximum ratio of human power and electric power assistance is set to 1:2 when the vehicle speed is 10 km/h or less, and when the vehicle speed is over 10 km/h and less than 24 km/h. , the maximum ratio linearly decreases from 1:2 as the speed increases, and is set to 1:0 at speeds of 24 km/h or higher. Such a difference in output for each mode may be appropriately set according to the regulations of each country in which the three-wheeled vehicle 1 travels.

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

The controller 23 is provided at an appropriate position on the vehicle body 10 . The controller 23 is composed of a known computer and can control the electric motor 21 . A storage unit of the controller 23 stores a program for implementing the control method of the present invention.

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

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

The three-wheeled vehicle 1 has a display device 17 . The display device 17 is arranged, for example, in the center of the steering wheel 12 so as to be easily visible to the driver sitting on the seat 15 . The display device 17 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and can display various information. The display device 17 can display, for example, vehicle speed, remaining battery level, and the like. Therefore, the display device 17 also functions as a meter.

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

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

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

The three-wheeled vehicle 1 includes a switching operation member (operation member) 39 . The switching operation member 39 is configured by a switch or the like, for example. The switching operation member 39 is operated by the driver to switch the running mode between the electric vehicle mode and the bicycle mode. In this embodiment, the switching operation member 39 is arranged near the license plate 32 . The position of the switching operation member 39 can be changed arbitrarily.

The switching operation member 39 is electrically connected to the license plate display switching device 35 and the controller 23 . The switching operation member 39 outputs a signal indicating the driving mode selected by the driver to the license plate display switching device 35 and the controller 23 .

As shown in FIG. 2 , the three-wheeled vehicle 1 includes an accelerator sensor 81 , a brake sensor 82 , a vehicle speed sensor 83 and a pedaling force sensor 87 . The accelerator sensor 81 detects the operating position of the accelerator lever 13 . A brake sensor 82 detects the operating position of the brake lever 14 . A vehicle speed sensor 83 detects the vehicle speed of the three-wheeled vehicle 1 . A pedaling force sensor 87 is provided to calculate an assist amount in the assisted bicycle mode.

The three-wheeled vehicle 1 is provided with accessories 85 . The accessories 85 include, for example, horns, turn signal lamps, brake lamps, headlights, taillights, license lights, and the like.

The three-wheeled vehicle 1 is equipped with various safety devices in order to travel on public roads in the electric vehicle mode. A safety device is a device that must be installed in order to ensure safety for vehicles traveling on public roads. The above-mentioned horn (horn), turn signal lamp (direction indicator), brake lamp, headlight (headlight), taillight (taillight), license light, etc. are one type of security device.

The display device 17 can display the driving mode (driving mode) and the state of the battery 22 in this embodiment. The state of battery 22 can be detected by battery state sensor 86 .

The switching operation member 39 outputs a signal indicating the electric vehicle mode or the bicycle mode to the controller 23 by the driver's operation.

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 signal input from the switching operation member 39 .

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 the detected information regarding the operation of the manipulator, 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. The accessory control command unit 99 may give an operation command to the accessories 85 regardless of the running mode, or may give an operation command to the 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 .

A specific example of control of the auxiliaries 85 will be described below.

Accessories 85 include turn signal lamps, brake lamps, headlights, and horns, as described above. The accessory control command unit 99 controls at least one of these devices to be energized in the electric vehicle mode and not to be energized in the bicycle mode. Thereby, consumption of the battery 22 can be suppressed. This makes it possible to extend the assist support period (support distance) in the bicycle mode and increase the operating period (operating distance) when returning to the electric vehicle mode, compared to the case where the consumption of the battery 22 is not suppressed. . Thus, various lamps and horns are examples of devices to be controlled.

The accessory control command unit 99 illuminates various lamps in the electric vehicle mode with an output corresponding to the amount of light required in the electric vehicle mode. In the bicycle mode, the accessory control command unit 99 can perform control so as to illuminate with a lower output than the output set in the electric vehicle mode. The accessory control command unit 99 can also control various lamps so that they light in different colors in the electric vehicle mode and the bicycle mode. For example, in the electric vehicle mode, since it is assumed that the traveling speed is high, it is required to illuminate the road surface in a relatively wide range and to be recognizable from other vehicles. For this reason, a large amount of light is required for various lamps in the electric vehicle mode. On the other hand, in the bicycle mode, since the assumed speed is lower than in the electric vehicle mode, it may be allowed to suppress the light amount (irradiation range) of various lamps. For example, in the bicycle mode, power supply may be stopped to control lighting, the supply current may be suppressed to control the amount of light, or the supply interval may be changed for flashing. Also, in the bicycle mode, compared to the electric vehicle mode, the energization state may be changed according to various lamps. For example, even in the bicycle mode, the headlights and taillights for allowing others to recognize the own vehicle may be maintained in an energized state (including a state in which the output is suppressed). In the bicycle mode, if there is little demand to make others aware of the operation of the own vehicle, the brake lamps and turn signal lamps may be extinguished. In this way, the present invention also includes a case where power supply is partially suppressed among a plurality of auxiliaries. In bicycle mode, the brake lamps, turn signal lamps, etc. are controlled in a lighting state different from that in electric vehicle mode (always on in the output restraint state) as a light to make other people recognize the own vehicle. can be

The accessory control command unit 99 controls the horn so that it sounds at a legally stipulated volume in the electric vehicle mode. The accessory control command unit 99 may control the sound volume to be smaller in the bicycle mode than in the electric vehicle mode. As a result, in the bicycle mode, it is possible to suppress the discomfort felt by others, who are relatively close to each other in many cases, compared to the electric vehicle mode. The accessory control command unit 99 can also control the horn so that different warning sounds are emitted in the electric vehicle mode and the bicycle mode. For example, in the bicycle mode, a sound similar to a warning bell may be sounded, or the sound may be controlled to sound for a predetermined time in response to the depression of the operating tool in response to the warning bell.

As shown in FIG. 3, in the electric vehicle mode, the accessory control command unit 99 displays a display indicating the electric vehicle mode, for example, the characters "EV" on the display device 17, and in the bicycle mode, The display indicating the electric vehicle mode, for example, the letters "EV" are controlled so as not to be displayed. This allows the driver to easily understand the current driving mode. Thus, the display device 17 is an example of a device to be controlled. The character display described above is an example, and other display modes may be used. For example, pictograms or icons may be displayed to make the difference between the electric vehicle mode and the bicycle mode recognizable. Alternatively, the selected mode may be recognized by changing the background color of the meter display. Also, for the bicycle mode, display items to be displayed on the instrument may be omitted. Also, in the bicycle mode, the meter may not be energized. By varying the display mode of the meter in this way, the driver who visually recognizes the meter can grasp the selected mode.

An indicator lamp may also be provided on the vehicle body 10 to inform the driver of the current driving mode. With this configuration, the accessory control command unit 99 controls the indicator lamp so that, for example, in the electric vehicle mode, the indicator lamp is always lit, and in the bicycle mode, the indicator lamp blinks at predetermined time intervals. In this configuration, the indicator lamp is one type of controlled device.

As shown in FIG. 4, the accessory control command unit 99 can display the estimated cruising distances in both the electric vehicle mode and the bicycle mode side by side. In FIG. 4, "EV" means an electric vehicle mode, and "ASSIST" means a bicycle mode. The estimated value of the cruising distance can be obtained by the controller 23 appropriately calculating based on the detection value of the battery state sensor 86 . This display provides the driver with useful information for selecting the driving mode.

In the example of FIG. 4, the display corresponding to the current driving mode is displayed by enclosing it in a square. As a result, the driver can recognize the current driving mode in addition to understanding the approximate cruising distance in each driving mode. The current running mode can also be displayed by decorating the characters so that they are underlined, instead of displaying the characters by enclosing them in a square. The current driving mode can also be indicated by, for example, displaying an arrow mark pointing to one of the letters "EV" and "ASSIST."

As described above, the three-wheeled vehicle 1 of this embodiment includes the controller 23, the display device 17, and the auxiliary equipment 85, such as a horn. The controller 23 can switch the running mode of the three-wheeled vehicle 1 between an electric vehicle mode and a bicycle mode. In the electric vehicle mode, the three-wheeled vehicle 1 runs with power output by the electric motor 21 . In the bicycle mode, the output of the electric motor 21 is suppressed more than in the electric vehicle mode. The auxiliary equipment 85 is a device different from the electric motor 21 . The controller 23 controls the operation of the display device 17 and the horn to differ between the electric vehicle mode and the bicycle mode.

As a result, the display device 17 and the auxiliaries 85 can be appropriately operated according to the running mode.

In the three-wheeled vehicle 1 of the present embodiment, for example, the horn is used during running in the electric vehicle mode.

As a result, when the three-wheeled vehicle 1 is running, it is possible to realize appropriate operation of the horn according to the running mode.

In this embodiment, the display device 17, which is controlled to operate differently depending on the electric vehicle mode and the bicycle mode, can visually display information to the driver.

Thereby, useful information can be presented to the driver according to the driving mode.

In the three-wheeled vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the display device 17 displays the currently selected driving mode.

This allows the driver to easily understand the driving mode.

In the three-wheeled vehicle 1 of this embodiment, for example, the horn is used as a safety component when traveling in the electric vehicle mode.

As a result, it is possible to perform control according to the required degree of safety in the electric vehicle mode and the bicycle mode.

In this embodiment, in the bicycle mode, for example, the horn is controlled so as to consume less power than in the electric vehicle mode.

As a result, energy saving can be realized, and the cruising distance by the electric power of the battery 22 can be extended.

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.

Not only various lamps, horns, and the display device 17, but also devices other than the electric motor 21 can be controlled differently by the accessory control command unit 99 in the electric vehicle mode and the bicycle mode.

As indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 1, the three-wheeled vehicle 1 can be provided with a known electronically controlled suspension system 19 . The suspension device 19 is used for the purpose of stabilizing the behavior of the vehicle body or giving the behavior of the vehicle body a specific characteristic. Suspension device 19 is therefore a type of behavioral device. The auxiliary device control command unit 99 controls to change the damping force of the suspension device 19 between the electric vehicle mode and the bicycle mode. As a result, different running stability and riding comfort can be achieved in the electric vehicle mode and the bicycle mode.

As described above, the three-wheeled vehicle 1 is configured as a lean vehicle, but the spring for returning the vehicle body from the tilted state to the receding state can be configured as, for example, an electronically controlled spring. This spring is a type of behavior device as it affects the behavior of the vehicle body. The accessory control command unit 99 can perform control to change the elastic force of the spring between the electric vehicle mode and the bicycle mode.

The three-wheeled vehicle 1 can be provided with a seat height adjustment device that automatically adjusts the height of the seat 15 . The seat height adjustment device changes the height of the seat 15 by a driving part such as an electric motor. The accessory control command section 99 can control the seat height adjustment device so that the height of the seat 15 differs between the electric vehicle mode and the bicycle mode.

Instead of using the switching operation member 39, any method can be used to switch the running mode. For example, the driver can operate a touch panel included in the display device 17 to select from the electric vehicle mode and the bicycle mode.

When the three-wheeled vehicle 1 is driven in the electric vehicle mode, the operation of the pedals 16 by the driver's stepping force may be reflected in the output of the electric motor 21 .

The present invention is not limited to the three-wheeled vehicle 1, but can be applied to various vehicles. For example, the invention is equally applicable to vehicles with other wheel counts, such as two-wheeled or four-wheeled vehicles. For example, in a two-wheeled vehicle, a traveling mode in which the output is suppressed and functions as an assisted bicycle may be set as the suppression mode, and a traveling mode in which the output suppression is released and the vehicle functions as a prime mover may be set as the driving mode. In the bicycle mode, instead of the assist assistance that assists the pedaling force of the driver, the suppression mode may be set to the case where the running power is only by human power, for example, the pedaling force, and the motor is not assisted. For example, in the case of an assisted bicycle, in the restraint mode, the pedal acts as the first operator, and the motor output is adjusted according to the rotation of the first operator. Further, in the drive mode, the motor output is adjusted according to the amount of operation of a second operator other than the pedal, such as an accelerator lever. If the exterior shape is set as a motor vehicle (for example, the license plate is exposed), the driving mode may be set, and if the exterior shape is set as a bicycle (the license plate is not exposed), the restraint mode may be controlled.

1 Three-wheeled vehicle (vehicle)
17 display device (device to be controlled)
19 Suspension device (controlled device, behavior device)
21 electric motor (prime mover)
23 controller (control unit)

A first aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle having the following configuration. That is, the vehicle includes a control unit and a controlled device. The control unit is configured by a computer. 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. The controlled device is different from the prime mover. The control unit performs control such that the operation of the controlled device differs between the drive mode and the suppression mode.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the following vehicle control method is provided. That is, in this control method , a control unit configured by a computer selects a driving mode in which the vehicle travels with the power output by the prime mover, and a suppression mode in which the output is suppressed more than the output in the driving mode. It is switchable between modes. The drive mode is a prime mover mode. The restraint mode is a bicycle mode. The control unit controls the controlled device such that the operation of the controlled device, which is different from the prime mover, differs between the drive mode and the suppression mode .

A first aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle having the following configuration. That is, the vehicle includes a control unit and a controlled device. The control unit is configured by a computer. 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. The controlled device is different from the prime mover. The control unit performs control such that the operation of the controlled device differs between the drive mode and the suppression mode. The controlled device includes a horn. In the suppression mode, the control section controls the volume of the horn to be smaller than that in the drive mode.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the following vehicle control method is provided. That is, in this control method, a control unit configured by a computer selects a driving mode in which the vehicle travels with the power output by the prime mover, and a suppression mode in which the output is suppressed more than the output in the driving mode. It is switchable between modes. The drive mode is a prime mover mode. The restraint mode is a bicycle mode. The control unit controls the controlled device such that the operation of the controlled device, which is different from the prime mover, differs between the drive mode and the suppression mode. The controlled device includes a horn. In the suppression mode, the control section controls the volume of the horn to be smaller than that in the drive mode.

Claims (8)

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 controlled device different from the prime mover;
with
The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs control so that the operation of the controlled device differs between the drive mode and the restraint mode. A vehicle according to claim 1,
A vehicle, wherein the device to be controlled is used in at least one of the drive mode and the restraint mode when traveling. A vehicle according to claim 1 or 2,
A vehicle, wherein the controlled device includes a display device for visually displaying information to a driver. A vehicle according to claim 3,
A vehicle, wherein the display device displays the currently selected driving mode. A vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A vehicle, wherein the device to be controlled includes a safety device used as a safety component when traveling in the drive mode. A vehicle according to claim 5,
A vehicle, wherein in said restraint mode, said security device is controlled to consume less power than in said drive mode. A vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
A vehicle, wherein the controlled device includes a behavior device that changes a vehicle body behavior of the vehicle. A driving mode of the vehicle can be switched between a driving mode in which the vehicle is driven by the power output by the prime mover, and a suppression mode in which the output is suppressed more than the output in the driving mode,
the drive mode is a prime mover mode;
the restraint mode is a bicycle mode;
A control method for a vehicle, wherein control is performed so that the operation of a device to be controlled, which is different from the prime mover, is different between the drive mode and the restraint mode.

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