JPH0733066A - Electric vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Purpose] In an electric motorcycle, to be able to intuitively understand its state. Constitution: When the state detecting means (speed sensor 9) for detecting the state of the electric motorcycle detects that the motorcycle is in a startable stop state, the control device S causes the state notifying means 12 (report sound). By controlling the drive of the device 12A and the vibration generator 12B), the driver can be alerted to the state of the motorcycle through hearing and tactile sensation to take care not to inadvertently operate the throttle. Will be able to.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electric motorcycle having an electric motor as a drive source.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recently, an electric motorcycle (electric motorcycle) has been developed which runs on an electric motor driven by a battery as a drive source, in place of the conventional motorcycle (motorcycle) which uses a gasoline engine as a drive source. .

Since this electric motorcycle does not emit exhaust gas, it has the advantage of not causing environmental damage such as air pollution, and is expected to become popular in the future.

[0004]

However, when trying to switch from a conventional motorcycle equipped with a gasoline engine to an electric motorcycle, the driver sometimes feels confused and uncomfortable.

That is, in a motorcycle equipped with a gasoline engine, the driver can sensuously know that the vehicle is ready to start if the throttle is operated by the engine sound or vibration during idling, and the driver can make a sudden change. I was able to be careful not to perform srolling or the like.

In an electric motorcycle, however, even if the main switch of the electric motor is turned on and the throttle can be operated to start the vehicle, the electric motor is idling (that is, in a state without load) like an engine. It does not rotate at a low speed) and stops without rotating sound or vibration.

[0007] Therefore, the driver cannot perceive (through hearing or tactile sense) that there is a danger such as sudden start if the driver performs an inadvertent throttle operation from this stopped state. was there.

Further, since it is not possible to experience the on / off state of the main switch of the electric motor, it may be confusing to judge whether or not it is possible to immediately start from the signal waiting state.
Alternatively, there is an inconvenience that even if the user forgets to turn off the main switch when getting off the vehicle, he / she cannot understand it.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above problems, and its main object is to provide an electric motorcycle capable of sensuously grasping the state of the motorcycle.

[0010]

The means of the present invention are as follows.

In other words, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an electric motorcycle according to the present invention has a state detecting means for detecting the state of the electric motor cycle in an electric motorcycle having an electric motor as a drive source, and the electric motor. It is detected by the state notifying means for notifying the state of the cycle and the state detecting means (for example, a sensor for detecting the on / off state of the main switch, a speed sensor, etc.) that the motorcycle can be started. In this case, the control means drives and controls the notification means (for example, a microcomputer or the like that controls according to the program data stored in the ROM).

The notifying means may be constituted by a sounding device (for example, a speaker) which outputs a sound according to the state of the electric motor cycle, and the notifying means may also be constituted according to the state of the electric motor cycle. It may be configured by a vibration generator that generates such vibration (for example, a mechanism including an eccentric weight that is rotated by an electric motor).

Further, the control means is based on a change of the traveling speed of the electric motorcycle detected by the state detection means (for example, a speed sensor or the like), and the notification state of the notification means (for example, volume or sound quality, Alternatively, the magnitude of vibration, etc.) can be changed.

[0014]

According to the electric motorcycle of the present invention, when the state detecting unit detects that the motorcycle is in a stop state in which the motorcycle can start, the control unit drives the state notifying unit to activate the electric motor cycle. Since the state is notified, the driver can take precautions such as not performing a rapid throttle operation based on the notification.

In particular, when the notifying means is composed of a sounding device for outputting a sound according to the state of the electric motor cycle or a vibration generating device for generating vibration according to the state of the electric motor cycle, It becomes possible to experience the state of the motorcycle by hearing and touching, and it becomes possible to switch from a motorcycle equipped with a conventional engine without any discomfort.

Further, on the basis of the change in the traveling speed detected by the state detecting means, for example, the volume or sound quality of the notification sound output from the sounding device is changed, or the magnitude of vibration by the vibration generating device is changed. If you want to change
This makes it possible to give the driver a driving feeling similar to that of a motorcycle equipped with an engine, or change the notification state so as not to hinder driving.

[0017]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 is an external view showing an outline of an electric motorcycle 1 according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention.

Although the electric motorcycle 1 is almost the same as the conventional engine-mounted type motorcycle in appearance, a battery storage portion 2a is formed inside the step portion 2 on which the driver puts his / her foot to charge the vehicle. The battery 3 of the formula is stored.

The battery 3 is provided with a voltage sensor 6 which is a battery voltage detecting means for detecting a charging voltage.

Further, inside the front cover portion 5 for accommodating the headlights 4 and the like, a control device S or the like as a control means is arranged.

Although not shown in the figure, on the front side of the front cover portion 5, a power source is turned on / off along with a speedometer and the like.
A main switch MS that turns off is provided.

At the lower end of the front fork 8 which supports the front wheels 7, a speed sensor 9 for detecting the speed of the electric motorcycle 1 (when the speed is zero, a stopped state can be detected) is provided as a state detecting means. It is arranged.

In the cowl 11 below the seat 10, a drive system including an electric motor (not shown) driven by the battery 3 and a speed change mechanism is arranged.

A sounding device (speaker) 12A as a first embodiment of the notification means 12 is arranged at a predetermined position on the side portion of the cowl 11.

In addition, inside the throttle grip 13 for adjusting the speed of the electric motorcycle 1, the notification means 1 is provided.
A vibration generator 12B as a second embodiment of No. 2 (the detailed structure will be described later) is provided.

Next, with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG. 2, the connection state of each of the means and devices will be described.

The control device S as the control means is composed of, for example, a one-chip microcomputer or the like,
In the control device S, the main switch MS, the voltage sensor 6 as the battery voltage detecting means, the speed sensor 9 as the state detecting means, the alarm device 12A and the vibration generating device 12B as the notifying means 12, and the read-only A ROM 14 as a memory is connected.

The sounding device 12A is composed of, for example, a speaker having an amplifier, and based on a sound signal output from the control device S, sounds a notification sound imitating, for example, an engine sound. There is.

Program data for controlling the control device S, sound data D stored as a memory map, and the like are stored in a predetermined storage area of the ROM 14.

The sound data D has a predetermined correlation between the battery voltage level detected by the voltage sensor 6 and the speed detected by the speed sensor 9, as shown in the memory map of FIG. It is stored with.

That is, for example, in the case where the speed is zero (that is, the electric motor cycle 1 is stopped) and the voltage level of the battery 3 is close to full charge, the engine idle sound is generated. The simulated large-volume continuous sound data D1 is stored, and the continuous sound data of the same sound quality in which the volume gradually decreases as the voltage level decreases is stored over a plurality of stages (D2 to D6).

Further, even at the same voltage level, as the speed gradually increases, for example, D1 → D7 → D13 → D19 → ... → D corresponding to the case of near full charge.
The sound data is stored in a plurality of stages of 43 so that the sound quality gradually changes (for example, the engine sound gradually increases), or the volume changes (for example, the volume increases as the speed increases). Memory map is configured.

The operation of the electric motorcycle 1 provided with the sounding device 12A will be described as the first embodiment of the present invention.

First, when a driver inserts a start key (not shown) and operates the main switch MS to turn it on, the control device S, the voltage sensor 6, the speed sensor 9 and the like are activated. Start.

Then, the speed sensor 9 outputs, for example, a signal indicating a zero speed state (that is, a stopped state in which the electric motorcycle 1 can start) to the control device S, and the voltage sensor 6 outputs, for example. When a detection signal indicating that the voltage level of the battery 3 is high (that is, a state close to full charge) is output to the control device S,
The microcomputer constituting the control device S reads out the sound data D1 corresponding to the state from the memory map of the predetermined storage area of the ROM 14 according to the predetermined program data and outputs it to the speaker constituting the alarm device 12A. To do.

Then, the sounding device 12A produces a large-volume continuous sound simulating the engine idling sound based on the sound data D1.

As a result, the driver can hear the fact that the electric motorcycle 1 is ready to start, the voltage of the battery 3 is sufficiently high, and the speed is high, so that a sudden throttle is applied. Care can be taken not to perform operations.

Further, when the sound imitating the engine sound is output as in the present embodiment, it becomes possible to drive without a feeling of discomfort even when changing from a conventional motorcycle equipped with an engine. .

Also, as the voltage of the battery 3 decreases, the sound data (D1 to D6) read from the memory map of the ROM 14 changes, and the volume gradually decreases, for example. It is also possible to grasp the state.

When the passenger dismounts, the engine sound continues to be output as long as the main switch MS is turned on.
It is also possible to prevent forgetting to turn off the main switch MS.

On the other hand, when the driver operates the throttle grip 13 while the electric motorcycle 1 is stopped, the electric motor is driven to start traveling.

Then, based on the speed detection signal from the speed sensor 9 and the voltage level signal from the voltage sensor 6, the control device S reads the sound data corresponding to the state from the memory map of the ROM 14. And outputs it to the sound emitting device 12A.

As a result, the output sound quality and volume change according to the change in speed and the exhaustion state of the battery 3, so that the driver can perceive the running state and the exhaustion state of the battery during running by hearing. Becomes

In particular, when a sound imitating the engine sound in which the number of revolutions increases is output as the running speed increases, a running feeling similar to that of a motorcycle equipped with an engine can be obtained. it can.

When the volume is gradually reduced as the traveling speed increases, the state of the electric motor cycle 1 is clearly notified with a large volume in the stopped state, and in the traveling state. It is possible to give a notification at a low volume so as not to hinder driving.

Further, in the present embodiment, the case has been described in which a sound imitating the engine sound is output from the sounding device 12A, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the sound quality is such that the driver can be informed of the state of the electric motorcycle 1. Anything will do.

Further, the sounding device (speaker) 12A is
The present invention is not limited to the case where it is provided on the side surface of the cowl 11 below the seat 10 as in the present embodiment, but may be provided, for example, on the front cover portion 5 or the like, or at a position where the driver can hear the sound. You can place it anywhere you want.

Further, the sound emitting device 12A is not limited to the case where it is constituted by a speaker, and may be a buzzer or the like.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, a structural example of the vibration generator 12B as the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of the vibration generator 12B, and FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line AA of FIG.

In this embodiment, the vibration generating device 12B as the notifying means 12 is incorporated in the throttle grip 13.

In the figure, 20 is a handlebar made of a metal pipe, and a non-slip grip rubber 2 is provided on the outer periphery thereof.
1 is provided.

An electric motor 23 is disposed in the handlebar 20 via a motor support member 22.

An eccentric metal or resin weight 25 is fixed to a rotary shaft 24 of the electric motor 23, and the other end of the rotary shaft 24 is supported by a bearing member 26.

The electric motor 23 is connected to the control device S.

Then, the electric motor 23 rotates based on the drive signal from the control device S to rotate the eccentric weight 25.

As a result, the throttle grip 13 is vibrated in accordance with the rotational speed of the eccentric weight 25.

Although not shown, the drive data of the vibration generator 12B in which the voltage level and speed of the battery 3 are correlated in a predetermined storage area in the ROM 14 as in the memory map of FIG. Is stored in a memory map, and the vibration generator 12 is stored in accordance with the memory map.
The vibration state of B can be changed.

Here, the operation of the electric motorcycle 1 provided with the vibration generator 12B having the above-mentioned structure will be described.

First, as in the case of the first embodiment, when the driver operates the main switch MS to turn it on from the state where the start key is inserted, the control device S, the voltage sensor 6, and the speed are set. The sensor 9 and the like start operating.

Then, the speed sensor 9 outputs, for example, a signal indicating a stopped state in which the electric motorcycle 1 can start, and the voltage sensor 6 outputs, for example, the battery 3
When a detection signal indicating that the voltage level of R is high is output to the control device S, the control device S causes the R
The drive data corresponding to the state is read from the memory map of the predetermined storage area of the OM 14, and the electric motor 2 is read.
3 is rotated at a predetermined rotation speed.

As a result, the eccentric weight 25 rotates and vibration is generated in the throttle grip 13, so that the driver can start the electric motorcycle 1 and the voltage of the battery 3 is sufficient. Since it is possible to experience through tactile sensation that the speed is extremely high, it is possible to take care not to perform a sudden throttle operation.

If the memory map of drive data is constructed so that the rotation speed of the electric motor 23 gradually decreases as the voltage of the battery 3 decreases,
Since the vibration also gradually decreases, the player can grasp the consumption state of the battery 3 through the sense of touch.

Further, at the time of getting off the vehicle, vibration continues to be generated as long as the main switch MS is turned on, so it is possible to prevent forgetting to turn off the main switch MS.

In this embodiment, the vibration generator 12B is incorporated only in the throttle grip 13, but the same vibration generator 1 is used in the grip on the opposite side.
2B may be incorporated so that vibration can be felt with both hands.

A vibration generator 12B of the same principle is also used.
May be provided in the seat 10, the step portion 2, or the like.

Further, as the vibration generator, in addition to the mechanical vibration generator shown in this embodiment, a pulse voltage may be applied to a piezoelectric element or the like to generate the vibration.

As shown in FIG. 1, it is also possible to dispose both the sounding device 12A and the vibration generating device 12B as the informing means 12, and in this case, it is possible to more surely through both hearing and tactile sense. In addition, the state of the electric motorcycle 1 can be perceived by experience. Further, the notifying means 12 is not limited to the sound generating device 12A and the vibration generating device 12B shown in the present embodiment, and can be visually notified by turning on a lamp, an LED or the like corresponding to the state of the electric motorcycle 1. It is also possible to

Although the present invention relates to an electric motorcycle, the same effect can be obtained by applying the present invention to a four-wheel electric vehicle.

[0071]

As described above, according to the electric motorcycle of the present invention, when the state detecting means detects that the motorcycle is in the stop state in which the motorcycle can start, the control means causes the state notifying means. Since the state of the electric motorcycle is informed by driving the vehicle, there is an effect that the driver can take precautions such as not to perform a rapid throttle operation based on the information.

Particularly, when the notifying means is composed of a sounding device for outputting a sound according to the state of the electric motor cycle or a vibration generating device for generating vibration according to the state of the electric motor cycle, There is also an effect that it becomes possible to experience the state of the motorcycle through hearing and tactile sensation, and it becomes possible to switch from a motorcycle equipped with a conventional engine without a feeling of strangeness.

Further, on the basis of the change in the traveling speed detected by the state detecting means, for example, the volume or sound quality of the notification sound output from the sounding device is changed, or the magnitude of vibration by the vibration generating device is changed. If you want to change
There is also an effect that the driver can have a running sensation similar to that of a motorcycle equipped with an engine, or the notification state can be changed so as not to hinder driving.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view showing a schematic configuration of an electric motorcycle according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electric motorcycle according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a memory map of sound data D of the sound emitting device 12A according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a vibration generator 12B according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a side sectional view showing the schematic configuration of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along the line AA.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Electric Motorcycle 2 Step 2a Battery Storage 3 Battery 5 Front Cover MS Main Switch S Controller (Control Means) 6 Battery Voltage Detection Means (Voltage Sensor) 8 Front Fork 8 ROM (Read Only Memory) 9 Speed Sensor ( State detection means) 11 cowl 12 notification means 12A sound device (speaker) 12B vibration generator 13 throttle grip 14 ROM 20 handlebar 23 electric motor 24 rotating shaft 25 eccentric weight

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] September 28, 1994

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be amended] Title of invention

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Title of invention Electric vehicle

[Procedure Amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be amended] Claims

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[Claims]

[Procedure 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0001

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electric vehicle such as an electric motorcycle which uses an electric motor as a drive source.

[Procedure amendment 4]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0002

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, electric vehicles such as electric motorcycles (electric motorcycles) that travel using electric motors driven by batteries as drive sources have replaced the conventional motorcycles (motorcycles) that use gasoline engines as drive sources. Being developed.

[Procedure Amendment 5]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0003

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Since this electric vehicle does not emit exhaust gas, it has the advantage of not causing environmental damage such as air pollution, and is expected to become popular in the future.

[Procedure correction 6]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0004

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[0004]

However, when trying to switch from a conventional vehicle equipped with a gasoline engine to an electric vehicle , the driver may feel confused and uncomfortable.

[Procedure Amendment 7]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0005

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

That is, for example, in a motorcycle equipped with a gasoline engine, the driver can sensuously understand that the vehicle is ready to start if the throttle is operated by the engine sound or vibration during idling, I was able to be careful not to perform a serious sroll operation.

[Procedure Amendment 8]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0009

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and its main object is to provide an electric vehicle capable of sensuously grasping the state of a vehicle such as a motorcycle.

[Procedure Amendment 9]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0011

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[0011] That is, in order to solve the above problems, an electric vehicle according to the present invention is the electric vehicle <br/> to the electric motor as a drive source, a state detecting means for detecting a state of the electric vehicle,
The state informing means for informing the state of the electric vehicle and the state detecting means (for example, a sensor for detecting the on / off state of the main switch, a speed sensor, etc.) detect that the vehicle is in a startable stop state. In this case, the control means (for example, a microcomputer that controls according to the program data stored in the ROM) that drives and controls the notification means is configured.

[Procedure Amendment 10]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0012

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[0012] Incidentally, the notification means, sounding device for outputting sound corresponding to the state of the electric vehicle (e.g., speakers, etc.) may be configured by, also in accordance with the state of the electric vehicle vibration A vibration generating device (for example, a mechanism including an eccentric weight that is rotated by an electric motor) may be configured.

[Procedure Amendment 11]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0013

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Further, the control means is configured to notify the notification state (for example, sound volume) of the notification means on the basis of a change in traveling speed of the electric vehicle detected by the state detection means (for example, speed sensor). , Sound quality, or the magnitude of vibration).

[Procedure Amendment 12]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0014

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[0014]

According to the electric vehicle such as the electric motorcycle according to the present invention, when the state detecting means detects that the vehicle is in a startable stop state, the control means causes the state notifying means to operate. Since the state of the electric vehicle is informed by driving, the driver can take precautions such as not to perform a rapid throttle operation based on the informing.

[Procedure Amendment 13]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0015

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[0015] In particular, the notification means, sounding apparatus and outputting sound corresponding to the state of the electric vehicle, when configured by the vibration generator for generating vibrations according to the state of the electric vehicle,
It becomes possible to experience the state of the vehicle by hearing and touching, and it becomes possible to switch from a vehicle equipped with a conventional engine without any discomfort.

[Procedure Amendment 14]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0016

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Further, on the basis of the change in the traveling speed detected by the state detecting means, for example, the volume or sound quality of the notification sound output from the sounding device is changed, or the magnitude of vibration by the vibration generating device is changed. If you want to change
It becomes possible to give the driver a running sensation similar to that of a vehicle equipped with an engine, or to change to a notification state that does not hinder driving.

[Procedure Amendment 15]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0070

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Although the present embodiment relates to an electric motorcycle, the same effect can be obtained by applying the present invention to a four-wheel electric vehicle.

[Procedure Amendment 16]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0071

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[0071]

As described above, the electric vehicle according to the present invention.
According to both , when the state detection means detects that the vehicle is in a stop state in which the vehicle can start, the control means drives the state notification means to notify the state of the electric vehicle. Based on the above, there is an effect that attention can be paid such as not performing a rapid throttle operation.

[Procedure Amendment 17]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0072

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[0072] In particular, the notification means, sounding apparatus and outputting sound corresponding to the state of the electric vehicle, when configured by the vibration generator for generating vibrations according to the state of the electric vehicle,
There is also an effect that the state of the vehicle can be sensed through hearing and touch, and it is possible to switch from a vehicle equipped with a conventional engine without feeling awkward.

[Procedure 18]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0073

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Further, on the basis of the change in the traveling speed detected by the state detecting means, for example, the volume or sound quality of the notification sound output from the sounding device is changed, or the magnitude of vibration by the vibration generating device is changed. If you want to change
There is also an effect that the driver can have a driving feeling similar to that of a vehicle equipped with an engine, or the notification state can be changed so as not to hinder driving.

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An electric motor cycle using an electric motor as a drive source, a state detecting means for detecting the state of the electric motor cycle, a state notifying means for notifying the state of the electric motor cycle, and a motor by the state detecting means. An electric motor cycle, comprising: a control unit that drives and controls the notification unit when it is detected that the cycle is in a startable stop state. 2. The electric motorcycle according to claim 1, wherein the notifying means is a sounding device that outputs a sound according to the state of the electric motorcycle. 3. The electric motorcycle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the notifying means is constituted by a vibration generator that generates vibration according to a state of the electric motorcycle. 4. The control means changes the notification state of the notification means based on a change in the traveling speed of the electric motorcycle detected by the state detection means. The electric motorcycle according to any one of 1.