JP7615151B2 - Straddled Vehicle - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a saddle-type vehicle.

Saddle-ride vehicles equipped with stepped transmissions are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a saddle-ride vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission that performs gear shifting by an actuator such as a servo motor, rather than by manual gear shifting. For example, the saddle-ride vehicle of Patent Document 1 enables gear shifting by a clutch actuator that operates the clutch and a shift actuator (shift drive device) that operates the gear shifting device.

JP 2011-80604 A

In a saddle-type vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission, it is required to perform quick and smooth gear shifting. The object of the present invention is to provide a saddle-type vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission that can perform quick and smooth gear shifting.

The inventor has studied how to quickly and smoothly change gear stages in a saddle-type vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission. In the course of this study, the inventor has examined the operation of the transmission and the operation of the clutch.

The stepped transmission provided in the saddle-type vehicle is a dog-type stepped transmission. The dog-type stepped transmission has multiple types of dogs as power transmission members. For example, among the multiple types of dogs, the first dog is provided on multiple drive gears or driven gears that can move in the rotation axis direction. A plurality of second dogs are provided so as to be engageable with the first dogs. The first dogs are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction with a space between them for the second dog to enter. The first dog and the second dog move relatively in the rotation axis direction to engage or disengage with each other. With the movement in the rotation axis direction, the second dog enters the space between the first dogs, thereby engaging the first dog and the second dog. The second dog comes out of the space between the first dogs, thereby disengaging the first dog and the second dog. When the first dog and the second dog are engaged, the drive gear or the driven gear rotates integrally with the rotating shaft, and when the first dog and the second dog are disengaged, the drive gear or the driven gear and the rotating shaft rotate independently. The first dog and the second dog are provided corresponding to the drive gear or the driven gear. The effective drive gear and the driven gear are selected by engaging the corresponding first dog and the corresponding second dog.

When changing gear stages in a dog-type stepped transmission, first, the first dog and second dog of the drive gear or driven gear of the gear stage to be changed are disengaged. In other words, the second dog comes out of the space between the first dogs corresponding to the gear stage to be changed. Next, the first dog of the drive gear or driven gear of the gear stage to be changed is engaged with the second dog of the drive gear or driven gear of the gear stage to be changed. In other words, the second dog enters the space between the first dogs corresponding to the gear stage to be changed.

For example, when a saddle-type vehicle is accelerating, the rotational force from the engine is transmitted to the drive wheels via the first and second dogs corresponding to the selected gear. At this time, the first dog pushes the second dog in the rotational direction with a force corresponding to the rotational force. When a force in the direction of the rotational axis is applied in a direction in which the second dog is removed from the first dog to change the gear, a strong frictional force is generated on the contact surface between the first and second dogs due to the force of the first dog pushing the second dog in the rotational direction. Therefore, even if a force in the direction of the rotational axis is applied, the movement of the first or second dog in the direction of the rotational axis may be hindered. Furthermore, for example, when the first and second dogs are dovetail-type dogs having contact surfaces inclined with respect to the direction of the rotational axis, the force in the direction of the rotational axis required to release the engagement is even greater.

For example, when an automatic transmission having a shift actuator as disclosed in Patent Document 1 is introduced, the time required for movement in the direction of the rotation axis to release the engagement between the first dog and the second dog becomes long.
For example, a procedure may be considered in which, when a gear shift is to be changed, the clutch is put into a non-power-transmitting state to cut off the power transmission from the engine to the drive wheels. For example, before releasing the engagement between the first dog and the second dog corresponding to the gear shift to be changed, the frictional force between the first dog and the second dog is reduced.
When changing gears, the clutch is first put into a non-power-transmitting state to disconnect the power transmission from the engine to the drive wheels. In this way, even if a force is applied in the direction of the rotating shaft, the frictional force generated at the contact surface between the first dog and the second dog is small. Therefore, the first dog and the second dog can move relatively in the direction of the rotating shaft in a short time.

Next, while the clutch is in a power non-transmitting state, the first dog and the second dog corresponding to the gear to be changed are engaged with each other. The second dog enters the space between the first dogs, thereby engaging the first dog and the second dog.
The above-mentioned clutch disengagement state and transmission state are switched by moving plates within the clutch, so when a clutch actuator is used, it takes a long time to change gears.

The inventors have conducted detailed research into how to perform gear shifting without putting the clutch into a non-power-transmitting state, in order to achieve smooth gear shifting.

For example, when changing gears, it is possible to adjust the output of the engine. For example, when a saddle-type vehicle is accelerating, in order to change gears while the clutch is in a power transmission state, a control device that controls the engine reduces the output of the engine during the operation of changing gears. The control device reduces the output of the engine, for example, by retarding the ignition of the engine or by stopping the ignition of the engine. This reduces the frictional force generated between the first dog and the second dog. Therefore, the force that moves the first dog and the second dog in the direction of the rotation axis is reduced. This allows the gear change operation to be performed without changing the state of the clutch.
However, when controlling the engine output by retarding the engine ignition, stopping the ignition, or reducing the throttle opening, the change in rotational force is controlled by a phenomenon that occurs only once every two rotations (720°) of the crankshaft. Therefore, the time resolution and responsiveness of the gear shift operation are limited. In other words, it is difficult to perform a smooth gear shift.

The inventor further investigated how to quickly and smoothly change gears while keeping the clutch in a power transmission state in a saddle-type vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission, and discovered that it is possible to change gears by using a permanent magnet electric motor connected to the crankshaft of the engine.
In detail, when the variable speed drive device moves either the first dog or the second dog in the rotation axis direction, the control device drives the permanent magnet type electric motor. The control device drives the permanent magnet type electric motor to reduce the transmission torque transmitted between the first dog and the second dog. This reduces the frictional force generated between the first dog and the second dog. At this time, the state of the clutch is maintained in a state in which the power output from the engine is transmitted to the drive wheels.

For example, when the saddle-type vehicle is accelerating, the control device drives the permanent magnet electric motor so that the dog that transmits the driving force from the engine, of the first and second dogs, decelerates relative to the dog that receives the driving force. The control device drives the permanent magnet electric motor to brake the rotation of the engine. Also, when the saddle-type vehicle is decelerating, the control device drives the permanent magnet electric motor so that the dog that transmits the driving force from the engine, of the first and second dogs, accelerates relative to the dog that receives the driving force. The control device drives the permanent magnet electric motor to accelerate the rotation of the engine. This allows the first dog and the second dog to move relatively in the direction of the rotation axis. As a result, the first dog and the second dog move apart in the direction of the rotation axis, and the engagement between the first dog and the second dog is released.

After the first dog and the second dog are disengaged, the first dog and the second dog are engaged while the clutch is in a power transmission state. The first dog and the second dog are engaged by the second dog entering the space between the two first dogs.

When the crankshaft of the engine is driven by an electric motor connected to it, the rotational force can be controlled in real time, not just once every two revolutions of the crankshaft. This improves the time resolution of the gear shift operation compared to when the engine output is adjusted, and also improves the responsiveness to the gear shift operation. As a result, in a saddle-type vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission, it is possible to perform quick and smooth gear shifting.

In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, a saddle-type vehicle has the following configuration.
(1) A saddle-type vehicle,
The saddle type vehicle is
an engine having a rotating crankshaft and outputting power generated by combustion from the crankshaft as torque and rotational force of the crankshaft;
a permanent magnet electric motor connected to the crankshaft so as to rotate at a fixed speed ratio with the crankshaft, receiving a supply of electric power and outputting power;
a driving wheel driven by power output from at least one of the engine and the permanent magnet electric motor;
a multi-speed transmission provided in a power transmission path between the crankshaft and the drive wheels, the multi-speed transmission having an input shaft, an output shaft, first dogs and second dogs, the first dogs and second dogs corresponding to a plurality of gear stages, the first dogs being provided with a space therebetween in the circumferential direction, the second dogs being provided such that they enter the spaces of the first dogs as they move in the rotational axis direction to become engaged with the first dogs and are released from the engaged state by coming out of the spaces of the first dogs, the engaged state of the first dogs and second dogs in a selected gear stage sets the transmission of power valid at the selected gear stage, the first dogs and second dogs being in the engaged state to transmit power between the input shaft and the output shaft and the engaged state to interrupt the transmission of power between the input shaft and the output shaft;
a clutch provided between the crankshaft and the input shaft, which transmits power between the crankshaft and the input shaft or interrupts the transmission of power between the crankshaft and the input shaft;
a variable speed drive device that moves either the first dog or the second dog in the direction of the rotation axis;
When the shift execution condition is satisfied, the following processes (A) and (B) are performed in this order:
(A) controlling the permanent magnet electric motor so as to reduce the magnitude of the torque transmitted between the input shaft and the output shaft of the multi-speed transmission;
(B) a control device that controls the variable speed drive device so that the variable speed drive device moves either the first dog or the second dog in the rotation axis direction to release the fitted state.

The saddle-type vehicle (1) includes an engine, a permanent magnet type electric motor, drive wheels, a clutch, a multi-speed transmission, a variable-speed drive device, and a control device.
The engine has a rotating crankshaft, and outputs power generated by combustion from the crankshaft as torque and rotational force of the crankshaft.
The permanent magnet electric motor is connected to the crankshaft so as to rotate at a fixed speed ratio with the crankshaft, and receives a supply of electric power to output power.
The drive wheels are driven by power output from at least one of an engine and a permanent magnet electric motor.
The multi-speed transmission is provided in a power transmission path between a crankshaft of an engine and a drive wheel. The multi-speed transmission has an input shaft, an output shaft, a first dog, and a second dog. The first dog and the second dog correspond to a plurality of gear stages. The first dog is provided with a space therebetween in the circumferential direction. The second dog is provided so as to be engaged with the first dog by entering the space of the first dog as the second dog moves in the rotation axis direction. The second dog is provided so as to be released from the engaged state by coming out of the space of the first dog. The multi-speed transmission effectively sets the power transmission at a selected gear stage according to the engaged state of the first dog and the second dog at a selected gear stage. The first dog and the second dog transmit power between the input shaft and the output shaft by being engaged, and cut off the transmission of power between the input shaft and the output shaft by being released from the engaged state.
The clutch is provided between the crankshaft of the engine and the input shaft of the multi-speed transmission, and serves to transmit or block power transmission between the crankshaft and the input shaft.
The variable speed drive device moves either the first dog or the second dog in the direction of the rotation axes of the first dog and the second dog.

According to the saddle-type vehicle of (1), the control device is configured to perform the following processes (A) and (B) in order when the shift execution condition is met. (A) controls the permanent magnet electric motor to reduce the magnitude of the torque transmitted between the input shaft and output shaft of the multi-speed transmission. (B) controls the transmission drive device so that the transmission drive device moves either the first dog or the second dog in the direction of the rotation axis to release the engaged state. This reduces the torque transmitted by the engagement in which the first dog and the second dog come into contact in the circumferential direction in the multi-speed transmission.

When the magnitude of the torque transmitted between the input shaft and the output shaft of the multi-speed transmission is reduced, the circumferential torque acting between the first dog and the second dog is reduced. By reducing the circumferential torque acting between the first dog and the second dog, the frictional force generated between the first dog and the second dog is reduced before the first dog or the second dog moves in the rotational axis direction. Therefore, the first dog and the second dog can move relatively in the rotational axis direction. As a result, the first dog and the second dog are separated in the rotational axis direction, and the engagement between the first dog and the second dog is released.
Therefore, for example, the engagement between the first dog and the second dog can be released without interrupting the transmission of power output from the engine by the clutch. In other words, the selection of the original gear in the transmission can be released without waiting for the clutch to operate. Also, the engagement between the first dog and the second dog in the selected gear can be achieved without waiting for the clutch to operate. Here, the original gear refers to the gear selected in the multi-speed transmission before the shift.

In this way, by driving the crankshaft with a permanent magnet electric motor connected to the engine crankshaft, the release of the engagement state of the first and second dogs can be controlled in real time during gear shifting without waiting for the clutch to operate or the engine's combustion cycle to arrive. This improves the time resolution of the gear shifting operation and also improves the responsiveness to the gear shifting operation. This allows for quick and smooth gear shifting in a saddle-type vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a saddle-type vehicle can employ the following configuration.
(2) A saddle-type vehicle according to (1),
The control device includes:
When the condition for executing gear shift is satisfied while the input shaft is receiving torque from the crankshaft in the same direction as the direction of rotation, in the process of (A), the permanent magnet electric motor is controlled so as to output a torque that decelerates the crankshaft.

In the saddle-ride type vehicle of (2), when the transmission drive device disengages the engaged state by moving either the first dog or the second dog in the direction of the rotation axis during acceleration, the permanent magnet electric motor outputs torque that decelerates the crankshaft. The accelerating state of the saddle-ride type vehicle is a state in which the input shaft receives torque from the crankshaft in the same direction as the rotation direction. This reduces the frictional force generated between the first dog and the second dog.
This improves the time resolution of the gear shift operation and improves the responsiveness to the gear shift operation compared to when the engine output is adjusted, thereby enabling quick and smooth gear shifting in a saddle-type vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission.

(3) A saddle-type vehicle according to (1) or (2),
The control device includes:
When the condition for executing gear shifting is satisfied while the input shaft is receiving torque from the output shaft in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation, in the process of (A), the permanent magnet electric motor is controlled so as to output a torque that accelerates the crankshaft.

In the saddle-type vehicle of (3), when the transmission drive device moves either the first dog or the second dog in the direction of the rotation axis to release the mated state during deceleration, the permanent magnet electric motor outputs torque to accelerate the crankshaft. The deceleration state of the saddle-type vehicle is a state in which the input shaft receives torque from the output shaft in the direction opposite to the rotation direction. This reduces the frictional force generated between the first dog and the second dog.
This improves the time resolution of the gear shift operation and improves the responsiveness to the gear shift operation compared to when the engine output is adjusted, thereby enabling quick and smooth gear shifting in a saddle-type vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a saddle-type vehicle can employ the following configuration.
(4) A saddle-type vehicle according to (1) or (2),
When the shift execution condition is satisfied, after the processes (A) and (B),
When the input shaft is receiving torque from the crankshaft in the same direction as the rotational direction and the variable speed drive device moves either the first dog or the second dog in the direction of the rotational axis to enter the engaged state, the control device causes the permanent magnet electric motor to output torque that decelerates the crankshaft.

In the saddle-type vehicle of (4), when changing gear stages, for example, after the first dog and the second dog in the original gear stage are disengaged, the first dog and the second dog in the gear stage to be changed are engaged. Before the engaged state, the difference between the rotational speed of the first dog and the rotational speed of the second dog is likely to increase due to the torque output by the engine. The control device of the saddle-type vehicle of (4) causes the permanent magnet electric motor to output torque that decelerates the crankshaft when the gear change drive device moves either the first dog or the second dog in the direction of the rotation axis to enter the engaged state during acceleration. The permanent magnet electric motor outputs torque that decelerates the crankshaft, thereby suppressing an increase in the difference between the rotational speed of the first dog and the rotational speed of the second dog.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a saddle-type vehicle can employ the following configuration.
(5) A saddle-type vehicle according to any one of (1) to (4),
When the shift execution condition is satisfied, after the processes (A) and (B),
When the input shaft is receiving torque from the output shaft in a direction opposite to the rotational direction and the variable speed drive device moves either the first dog or the second dog in the rotational axis direction to enter the engaged state, the permanent magnet electric motor outputs a torque that accelerates the crankshaft.

In the saddle-type vehicle of (5), when changing gear stages, for example, after the first dog and the second dog in the original gear stage are disengaged, the first dog and the second dog in the gear stage to be changed are engaged. Before the engaged state, the difference between the rotational speed of the first dog and the rotational speed of the second dog is likely to increase due to the torque output by the engine. The control device of the saddle-type vehicle of (5) causes the permanent magnet electric motor to output torque to accelerate the crankshaft when the gear change drive device moves either the first dog or the second dog in the direction of the rotation axis to enter the engaged state in a deceleration state. The permanent magnet electric motor outputs torque to accelerate the crankshaft, thereby suppressing an increase in the difference between the rotational speed of the first dog and the rotational speed of the second dog.

In the saddle-type vehicles (4) and (5), gear changes can be performed even more quickly and smoothly.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a saddle-type vehicle can employ the following configuration.
(6) A saddle-type vehicle according to (2),
The control device controls ignition of the engine,
When the shift execution condition is satisfied, in the process of (A), the permanent magnet electric motor is controlled to output a torque that decelerates the crankshaft, and the ignition of the engine is retarded or stopped.

In the saddle-type vehicle of (6), the control device controls the permanent magnet electric motor to output torque that decelerates the crankshaft, and the engine ignition is retarded or stopped. This prevents, for example, a situation in which the torque caused by engine combustion prevents the first and second dogs from being disengaged from the engaged state when the disengagement of the first and second dogs is assisted by the application of torque by the permanent magnet electric motor.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a saddle-type vehicle can employ the following configuration.
(7) A saddle-type vehicle according to any one of (1) to (6),
At least one of the first dog and the second dog has a projection that projects in the direction of the rotation axis and enters into a space between the mating dogs, and the projection has a shape whose circumferential width increases toward its tip.

In the saddle-type vehicle (7), when the power transmission state is in which power is transmitted in the acceleration or deceleration direction by the engagement of the first dog and the second dog in the circumferential direction, it is possible to prevent either the first dog or the second dog from easily coming out of the space between the mating dog. Therefore, the mated state of the first dog and the second dog is easily maintained. Moreover, when the gear stage is changed, the mated state is easily released by reducing the rotational force applied to the first dog and the second dog. Therefore, it is possible to easily maintain the mated state in the power transmission state and to easily release the mated state when the gear stage is changed.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a saddle-type vehicle can employ the following configuration.
(8) A saddle-type vehicle according to any one of (1) to (7),
The variable speed drive device includes a shift motor for driving at least one of the first dog and the second dog in the direction of the rotation axis, and a shift cam that rotates at a fixed speed ratio relative to the shift motor and has a cam groove that determines the movement of at least one of the first dog and the second dog in the direction of the rotation axis as the shift cam rotates.

In the variable speed drive device for a saddle-type vehicle (8), a cam groove is formed and the shift cam rotates at a fixed speed ratio relative to the shift actuator, for example without the use of a ratchet mechanism. Because the shift cam rotates at a fixed speed ratio relative to the shift actuator, the positions of the first dog and the second dog in the direction of the rotation axis can be more precisely controlled by the operation of the shift actuator. The timing of the control of the rotation of the first dog and the second dog by the operation of the permanent magnet electric motor can be more precisely matched with the timing of the control of the positions in the direction of the rotation axis.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a saddle-type vehicle can employ the following configuration.
(9) A saddle-type vehicle according to any one of (1) to (8),
The saddle-type vehicle includes a throttle grip that receives an operating force from a rider, and a throttle valve that changes the amount of fuel supplied to the engine by changing the opening degree according to the operating force received by the throttle grip.

In the saddle-type vehicle of (9), the permanent magnet electric motor adjusts the engine output torque when changing gears. Therefore, the throttle valve opening is not adjusted by electronic control or the like, and the gears can be changed smoothly even if the throttle valve is operated by the rider's operating force. Therefore, in the saddle-type vehicle of (9), the throttle grip and throttle valve can be created with a simple structure.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of defining particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. The term "and/or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed components. As used herein, the use of the terms "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof identifies the presence of the described features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or their equivalents, but may include one or more of the steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the terms "attached," "connected," "coupled," and/or their equivalents are used broadly and include both direct and indirect attachments, connections, and couplings. Furthermore, "connected" and "coupled" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or couplings, but may include direct or indirect electrical connections or couplings. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. Terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted to have a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the relevant technology and this disclosure, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein. It is understood that a number of techniques and steps are disclosed in the description of the present invention. Each of these has separate benefits, and each can also be used with one or more, or in some cases all, of the other disclosed techniques. Thus, for the sake of clarity, this description will refrain from unnecessarily repeating all possible combinations of individual steps. Nevertheless, the specification and claims should be read with the understanding that all such combinations are within the scope of the present invention and claims.

In this specification, a new saddle-type vehicle is described. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. This disclosure is to be considered as an example of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated in the following drawings or description.

A straddled vehicle is a vehicle in which the driver sits astride a saddle. Examples of straddled vehicles include scooter, moped, off-road, and on-road motorcycles. A lean vehicle that is configured to be able to turn in a lean position so as to lean to the inside of a curve is one example of a straddled vehicle. A straddled vehicle is not limited to motorcycles, and may be, for example, a three-wheeled motor vehicle or an ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle). A three-wheeled motor vehicle may have two front wheels and one rear wheel, or may have one front wheel and two rear wheels. The drive wheels of a straddled vehicle may be the rear wheels or the front wheels.

A lean vehicle is a saddle-type vehicle configured to be able to turn in a lean position, for example by leaning inward into a curve. A saddle-type vehicle configured to be able to turn in a lean position is configured to turn in a position tilted toward the inside of a curve. In this way, a saddle-type vehicle configured to be able to turn in a lean position counters the centrifugal force applied to the saddle-type vehicle when turning. A saddle-type vehicle configured to be able to turn in a lean position requires lightness, so responsiveness of the vehicle's progress to a starting operation is important. A saddle-type vehicle configured to be able to turn in a lean position does not have a torque converter that utilizes the dynamic action of a fluid in the power transmission path from the power source to the drive wheels, for example.

The engine is the power source of the saddle-type vehicle. The engine includes, for example, a single-cylinder engine and an engine having two or more cylinders. The engine may be a gasoline engine or a diesel engine.

A permanent magnet electric motor is a rotating electric machine capable of both starting and driving an engine. A permanent magnet electric motor may also be a rotating electric machine capable of generating electricity. A permanent magnet electric motor may be an outer rotor type or an inner rotor type. A permanent magnet electric motor may also be an axial gap type instead of a radial gap type. A permanent magnet electric motor connected to a crankshaft so as to rotate at a fixed speed ratio with respect to the crankshaft means that there is no power disconnection means or speed change means such as a clutch between the permanent magnet electric motor and the crankshaft.

A clutch is a power transmission device that is installed in the power transmission path between a power source and a driving wheel. The clutch is, for example, a friction clutch that presses a disk on an input shaft against a disk on an output shaft, and transmits torque by the frictional force caused by the pressing. Examples of friction clutches include, but are not limited to, wet multi-plate clutches and dry single-plate clutches. However, in the present invention, the clutch does not include a torque converter that transmits power via a fluid.

The multi-speed transmission is, for example, a dog-type transmission. The dog-type transmission includes a transmission in which at least one drive gear is always meshed with a driven gear. The multi-speed transmission includes a constant mesh type transmission in which all drive gears are always meshed with a driven gear. The multi-speed transmission outputs a set gear ratio by selectively combining a drive gear provided on an input shaft with a driven gear provided on an output shaft. The multi-speed transmission includes, for example, a gear setting mechanism. The gear setting mechanism has, for example, a shift cam and a shift fork, and moves the shift fork in the direction of the rotation axis by rotating the shift cam. This moves a sleeve (power transmission member ring) provided on the rotating shaft (at least one of the input shaft and the output shaft) of the multi-speed transmission in the axial direction of the rotating shaft. At this time, the engagement between the dog of the drive gear or driven gear of the original gear stage and the dog of the sleeve that rotates the drive gear or driven gear of the original gear stage together with the rotating shaft is released. Next, the dog of the drive gear or driven gear of the gear stage to be switched is engaged with the dog of the sleeve that rotates the drive gear or driven gear of the gear stage to be switched together with the rotary shaft.

For example, when the second dogs are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction that are greater than the circumferential length of the first dogs, and the first dog is arranged between two second dogs arranged adjacent to each other, the gap that occurs between the two second dogs and the first dog is backlash. For example, when the state of the power source switches from a deceleration state to an acceleration state, the first dog between the two adjacent second dogs moves away from one second dog and then recontacts a different second dog arranged in a position in the opposite direction. This causes the first dog to engage with the second dog. The distance that the first dog moves from a second dog to a different second dog arranged in a position in the opposite direction is backlash.

For example, the first dog member is provided on either the drive gear or the driven gear. The second dog, which comes into contact with the first dog with play in the circumferential direction, has a shape that generates play between the first dog when located in a gap between adjacent first dogs in the circumferential direction, and is provided so as to move relative to the first dog in the circumferential direction and come into contact with the first dog in the circumferential direction. The second dog may be provided on either the drive gear or the driven gear, or may be provided on a sleeve that is a member separate from the drive gear and the driven gear. The first dog or the second dog may be a protrusion, or may be a side wall portion that defines a hole or a groove into which the other dog fits. The gear setting mechanism of the multi-speed transmission has a first dog and a second dog at each gear. However, this does not necessarily mean that the gear setting mechanism has a first dog and a second dog individually for each gear. The gear setting mechanism may have a first dog and a second dog so as to perform an operation for mechanically and selectively effectively setting the power transmission at each gear. For example, one dog ring as the second dog may be provided so as to correspond to two gears.
The circumferential direction in which the first dog comes into contact with the second dog is a direction along the rotation direction of the drive gear or driven gear on which the first dog is provided.

In a saddle-type vehicle, the input shaft of the multi-speed transmission is connected to the crankshaft of the engine, for example, via a clutch. In a saddle-type vehicle, the output shaft of the multi-speed transmission is connected to the drive wheels, for example, via a power transmission mechanism such as a chain. When the saddle-type vehicle is accelerating, the input shaft receives power output from either the engine or the permanent magnet electric motor. The power transmitted to the input shaft is transmitted from the input shaft to the output shaft via the first dog and the second dog, and then to the drive wheels via the power transmission mechanism. When the saddle-type vehicle is decelerating, the rotational power of the drive wheels is transmitted from the output shaft to the input shaft, via the first dog and the second dog. The transmitted rotational power is transmitted from the input shaft to the crankshaft via the clutch.

The torque transmitted between the input shaft and the output shaft is a circumferential force acting between the first dog and the second dog. The circumferential force acting between the first dog and the second dog is a circumferential force applied by the first dog to the second dog, or a circumferential force applied by the second dog to the first dog. For example, when either the engine or the permanent magnet electric motor drives the drive wheels, that is, when the saddle-type vehicle is in an accelerating state, the torque transmitted between the input shaft and the output shaft is the torque applied by the input shaft to the output shaft. In detail, when the drive gear is provided with the first dog, the torque transmitted between the input shaft and the output shaft in the accelerating state of the saddle-type vehicle is a circumferential force applied by the first dog to the second dog. Also, when the drive gear is provided with the second dog, the torque transmitted between the input shaft and the output shaft in the accelerating state of the saddle-type vehicle is a circumferential force applied by the second dog to the first dog. Furthermore, when the drive wheels apply a load to the crankshaft, i.e., when the saddle-ride type vehicle is in a deceleration state, the torque transmitted between the input shaft and the output shaft is the torque that the output shaft applies to the input shaft. In particular, when the drive gear is provided with a first dog, the torque transmitted between the input shaft and the output shaft when the saddle-ride type vehicle is in a deceleration state is the circumferential force that the first dog receives from the second dog. Furthermore, when the drive gear is provided with a second dog, the torque transmitted between the input shaft and the output shaft when the saddle-ride type vehicle is in a deceleration state is the circumferential force that the second dog receives from the first dog.

The magnitude of torque is the amount of torque excluding the directional component. The magnitude of torque transmitted between the input shaft and the output shaft is the amount of torque transmitted between the input shaft and the output shaft. In detail, the magnitude of torque transmitted between the input shaft and the output shaft is the magnitude of the circumferential force acting between the first dog and the second dog, that is, the amount excluding the directional component of the force. Reducing the magnitude of torque transmitted between the input shaft and the output shaft means reducing the amount of circumferential force acting between the first dog and the second dog when the first dog and the second dog are in an engaged state. For example, when the saddle-type vehicle is in an accelerating state, reducing the magnitude of torque transmitted between the input shaft and the output shaft means reducing the amount of torque applied from the input shaft to the output shaft via the first dog and the second dog. In detail, when the drive gear is provided with a first dog, reducing the magnitude of torque transmitted between the input shaft and the output shaft in the accelerating state of the saddle-type vehicle means reducing the amount of circumferential force applied by the first dog to the second dog. In addition, when the drive gear is provided with a second dog, reducing the magnitude of the torque transmitted between the input shaft and the output shaft in the accelerating state of the saddle-riding type vehicle means reducing the amount of circumferential force applied by the second dog to the first dog. In addition, for example, when the saddle-riding type vehicle is in a decelerating state, reducing the magnitude of the torque transmitted between the input shaft and the output shaft means reducing the amount of torque applied from the output shaft to the input shaft via the first dog and the second dog. In detail, when the drive gear is provided with a first dog, reducing the magnitude of the torque transmitted between the input shaft and the output shaft in the decelerating state of the saddle-riding type vehicle means reducing the amount of circumferential force that the first dog receives from the second dog. In addition, when the drive gear is provided with a second dog, reducing the magnitude of the torque transmitted between the input shaft and the output shaft in the decelerating state of the saddle-riding type vehicle means reducing the amount of circumferential force that the second dog receives from the first dog.

The variable speed drive device has a drive device (shift actuator) that drives the speed change mechanism of the multi-speed change device. In the variable speed drive device, for example, a shift drum rotates to move the position of the gears of the multi-speed change device. The shift actuator is a shift motor. The shift actuator is, for example, a servo motor. The variable speed drive device may also have an actuator other than a servo motor. In the variable speed drive device, for example, a shift cam is driven to move the shift fork in the direction of the rotation axis of the shift cam. The variable speed drive device is configured to drive the shift cam via, for example, a change mechanism (crab claw mechanism). The variable speed drive device may also be configured to drive the shift cam directly without via, for example, a change mechanism.

The multi-speed transmission is, for example, an electric multi-speed transmission equipped with a motor. The multi-speed transmission is, for example, an automatic multi-speed transmission. The automatic multi-speed transmission is, for example, configured to automate the control of the clutch operation and the shift change operation. The automatic multi-speed transmission is, for example, configured to execute the control of the clutch operation and the shift change operation when the shift execution condition described later is satisfied. The automatic multi-speed transmission may be, for example, configured to execute the control of the clutch operation and the shift change operation at the determined timing by the control device. The automatic multi-speed transmission may be, for example, equipped with a shift input device to which a command regarding the shift change timing is input by the rider. In this case, the shift change timing is determined by the rider. The automatic multi-speed transmission may be, for example, configured to execute the control of the clutch operation and the shift change operation at the shift change timing input by the rider via the shift input device. The shift input device is not particularly limited. The gear shift input device may be, for example, a button, a lever, a pedal, or any other input device of a known type. The gear shift input device is configured so that, for example, an instruction to shift up or shift down is also input. The control related to the clutch operation is the control of the clutch actuator. The control related to the shift change operation is the control of the gear shift drive device having a shift actuator.

The control device may have a processor that executes a program, or it may be an electronic circuit.

"Gear-shifting execution conditions" are conditions for determining the timing of gear-shifting, and also determine whether to shift up or down from the current gear stage. When the gear-shifting execution conditions are met, control related to clutch operation and gear-shifting operation is executed. When the gear-shifting timing is determined by the control device, the control device determines whether the gear-shifting execution conditions are met based on at least one parameter related to the traveling of the saddle-type vehicle. Examples of such parameters include vehicle speed, engine rotation speed, and the current gear stage. When the gear-shifting timing is determined in response to the rider's operation of the gear-shifting input device, the control device determines whether the gear-shifting execution conditions are met based on a gear-shifting command input via the gear-shifting input device.

When a permanent magnet electric motor outputs torque, the torque applied in the positive rotation direction of the crankshaft is acceleration torque, the torque that stops the rotation of the crankshaft is zero torque, and the torque applied in the opposite direction to the positive rotation direction of the crankshaft is deceleration torque. Here, the positive rotation direction of the crankshaft is the same as the direction of the torque that the engine outputs to the crankshaft by burning gas. The control device changes the torque transmitted between the input shaft and the output shaft by controlling the permanent magnet electric motor to output torque. Below, the control device's control of the permanent magnet electric motor will be explained separately for when the saddle-ride vehicle is accelerating and when it is decelerating.

The above processes (A) and (B) are executed sequentially, for example, by a control device in the order of (A) and (B).

According to the present invention, quick and smooth gear changes can be achieved in a saddle-type vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission.

1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a saddle-ride type vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating the operation of a permanent magnet type electric motor and a first dog and a second dog of a multi-speed transmission of a saddle-ride type vehicle according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating the operation of a control device for a saddle-type vehicle according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of a multi-speed transmission for a saddle-type vehicle according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a multi-speed transmission for a saddle-type vehicle according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a side view showing, in a simplified form, the configuration of a saddle-ride type vehicle according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

The present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.

[First embodiment]
Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a saddle riding type vehicle 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Here, Fig. 1(a) is a side view showing a simplified configuration of the saddle riding type vehicle 1. Fig. 1(b) is an enlarged view showing the operation of a part of an engine 20, a clutch 50, and a multi-stage transmission 40 of the saddle riding type vehicle. Figs. 1(c) to 1(e) are diagrams showing the operation of a permanent magnet type electric motor 30 and a first dog 43 and a second dog 44 of the multi-stage transmission 40. In Figs. 1(c) to 1(e), a part of the first dog 43 and the second dog 44 is shown in a circumferential cross section.
In this specification and the drawings, F indicates the front of the saddle riding type vehicle 1. B indicates the rear of the saddle riding type vehicle 1. FB indicates the front-rear direction of the saddle riding type vehicle 1. U indicates the upper side of the saddle riding type vehicle 1. D indicates the lower side of the saddle riding type vehicle 1. UD indicates the up-down direction of the saddle riding type vehicle 1.

As shown in FIG. 1( a ), the saddle-type vehicle of FIG. 1 includes an engine 20 , a permanent magnet type electric motor 30 , drive wheels 15 , a clutch 50 , a multi-speed transmission 40 , a variable-speed drive device 45 , and a control device 80 .
The engine 20 has a rotating crankshaft 24. The engine 20 outputs power generated by combustion of an air-fuel mixture from the crankshaft 24 as torque and rotational force of the crankshaft 24.
The permanent magnet electric motor 30 is connected to the crankshaft 24 so as to rotate at a fixed speed ratio with the crankshaft 24. The permanent magnet electric motor 30 receives a supply of electric power and outputs power. In this embodiment, the permanent magnet electric motor 30 is directly connected to the crankshaft 24.
The drive wheels 15 are driven by power output from at least one of an engine 20 and a permanent magnet electric motor 30 .

As shown in Figs. 1(a) and (b), the multi-speed transmission 40 is provided in a power transmission path between the crankshaft 24 of the engine 20 and the drive wheels 15. As shown in Fig. 1(b), the multi-speed transmission 40 has an input shaft 41, an output shaft 42, a first dog 43, and a second dog 44. The first dog 43 and the second dog 44 are provided for each of a plurality of gear stages. The first dog 43 is provided with a space therebetween in the circumferential direction. The second dog 44 is provided so as to be engaged with the first dog by entering the space of the first dog 43 as it moves in the rotation axis direction. In addition, the second dog 44 is provided so as to be released from the engaged state by coming out of the space of the first dog 43. The multi-speed transmission 40 effectively sets the power transmission at a selected gear stage depending on the engaged state of the first dog 43 and the second dog 44 at the selected gear stage. The first dog 43 and the second dog 44 transmit power between the input shaft 41 and the output shaft 42 when they are in an engaged state, and cut off the transmission of power between the input shaft 41 and the output shaft 42 when they are disengaged.
The clutch 50 is provided between the crankshaft 24 of the engine 20 and the input shaft 41 of the multi-speed transmission 40. The clutch 50 transmits power between the crankshaft 24 and the input shaft 41, or blocks the transmission of power between the crankshaft 24 and the input shaft 41.
The variable speed drive device 45 moves either the first dog 43 or the second dog 44 in the direction of the rotation axis of the first dog 43 or the second dog 44 .

The control device 80 controls the permanent magnet electric motor 30 and the variable speed drive device 45. In detail, as shown in Figs. 1(c) to (e), the control device 80 is configured to perform the following processes (A) and (B) in order when the shift execution condition is met. (A) controls the permanent magnet electric motor 30 so as to reduce the magnitude of the torque T1 transmitted between the input shaft 41 and the output shaft 42 of the multi-stage transmission 40 (Figs. 1(c) to (d)). (B) controls the variable speed drive device 45 so that the variable speed drive device 45 moves either the first dog 43 or the second dog 44 in the direction of the rotation axis to release the engaged state (Fig. 1(e)). As a result, the torque transmitted by the engagement in which the first dog 43 and the second dog 44 hit each other in the circumferential direction in the multi-stage transmission 40 is reduced.

A torque T is transmitted between the input shaft 41 and the output shaft 42 of the multi-stage transmission 40 of the saddle-ride type vehicle 1. At this time, the first dog 43 applies a circumferential force G to the second dog 44, or the second dog 44 applies a circumferential force G to the first dog 43 (FIG. 1(c)). When the magnitude of the torque T1 transmitted between the input shaft 41 and the output shaft 42 of the multi-stage transmission 40 is reduced, the circumferential force G acting between the first dog 43 and the second dog 44 is reduced. In this embodiment, the control device 80 controls the permanent magnet electric motor 30 to output, for example, a torque T2 in the opposite direction to the torque T1 (FIG. 1(d)). By reducing the circumferential force G acting between the first dog 43 and the second dog 44, the frictional force generated between the first dog 43 and the second dog 44 is reduced before the first dog 43 or the second dog 44 moves in the direction of the rotation axis. Therefore, the first dog 43 and the second dog 44 are relatively movable in the rotation axis direction, so that the first dog 43 and the second dog 44 are separated from each other in the rotation axis direction, and the engagement between the first dog 43 and the second dog 44 is released ( FIG. 1( e )).
Therefore, for example, the engagement between the first dog 43 and the second dog 44 can be released without interrupting the transmission of power output from the engine 20 by the clutch 50. In other words, the selection of the original gear in the multi-speed transmission 40 can be deselected without waiting for the clutch 50 to operate. Also, the engagement between the first dog 43 and the second dog 44 in the selected gear can be performed without waiting for the clutch 50 to operate.

In this way, by driving the crankshaft 24 with the permanent magnet electric motor 30, the disengagement of the first dog 43 and the second dog 44 can be controlled in real time during gear shifting without waiting for the operation of the clutch 50 or the start of the combustion stroke of the engine 20. This improves the time resolution of the gear shifting operation and also improves the responsiveness to the gear shifting operation. Therefore, in the saddle-type vehicle 1 equipped with the automatic transmission of this embodiment, quick and smooth gear shifting can be performed.

[Second embodiment]
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, the permanent magnet electric motor and the first and second dogs of the multi-stage transmission are configured to operate as follows in the accelerating and decelerating states. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the operation of the permanent magnet electric motor 30 of the saddle riding type vehicle and the first dogs 43-1 to 43-2 and the second dogs 44-1 to 44-2 of the multi-stage transmission 40 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Here, FIGS. 2(a-1) to (a-5) show the operation of the permanent magnet electric motor 30 and the first dogs 43-1 to 43-2 and the second dogs 44-1 to 44-2 of the multi-stage transmission 40 in the accelerating state of the saddle riding type vehicle 2. Also, FIGS. 2(b-1) to (b-5) show the operation of the permanent magnet electric motor 30 and the first dogs 43-1 to 43-2 and the second dogs 44-1 to 44-2 of the multi-stage transmission 40 in the decelerating state of the saddle riding type vehicle 2. In this embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the saddle riding type vehicle 1 shown in Fig. 1, and some of the descriptions thereof will be omitted. Also, the configuration and control of this embodiment may be combined with the first embodiment.

First, the accelerating state of the saddle riding type vehicle 2 will be described. The accelerating state of the saddle riding type vehicle 2 is a state in which the input shaft 41 receives a torque T3 from the crankshaft 24 in the same direction as the rotation direction X. At this time, the first dog 43-1 in the original gear shift stage applies a circumferential force G1 to the second dog 44-1 (FIG. 2(a-1)). The control device 80 (see FIG. 1(a)) of the saddle riding type vehicle 2 disengages the first dog 43-1 and the second dog 44-1 in the original gear shift stage of the multi-stage transmission 40, and then engages the first dog 43-2 and the second dog 44-2 in the selected gear shift stage.
In the saddle riding type vehicle 2 of this embodiment, when the shift execution condition is satisfied in the accelerating state (FIG. 2(a-1)), the control device 80 controls the permanent magnet type electric motor 30 so as to reduce the magnitude of the torque T3 transmitted between the input shaft 41 and the output shaft 42 of the multi-stage transmission 40 (processing (A)). At this time, the control device 80 controls the permanent magnet type electric motor 30 so as to output the torque T4 that decelerates the crankshaft 24 (FIG. 2(a-2)). Next, the control device 80 controls the transmission drive device 45 so as to move either the first dog 43-1 or the second dog 44-1 (the second dog 44-1 in this embodiment) in the rotation axis direction to release the engaged state (FIG. 2(a-3), processing (B)). After the processes (A) and (B), the control device 80 causes the permanent magnet type electric motor 30 to output the torque T5 that decelerates the crankshaft 24 (FIG. 2(a-4)). Next, the control device 80 controls the transmission drive device 45 to move either the first dog 43-2 or the second dog 44-2 (the second dog 44-2 in this embodiment) in the rotation axis direction to enter an engaged state (Figure 2 (a-5)).

In the saddle-ride type vehicle 2, when the transmission drive device 45 moves either the first dog 43-1 or the second dog 44-1 in the direction of the rotation axis to release the engaged state during acceleration, the permanent magnet type electric motor 30 outputs a torque T4 that decelerates the crankshaft 24. This reduces the frictional force generated between the first dog 43-1 and the second dog 44-1. In addition, in the saddle-ride type vehicle 2, when switching gear stages, for example, after the engagement between the first dog 43-1 and the second dog 44-1 in the original gear stage is released, the first dog 43-2 and the second dog 44-2 in the gear stage to be switched are engaged. Before the engaged state, the difference between the rotation speed of the first dog 43-2 and the rotation speed of the second dog 44-2 is likely to increase due to the torque T3 output by the engine 20. When the transmission drive device 45 moves either the first dog 43-2 or the second dog 44-2 in the rotational axis direction to enter the fitted state during acceleration, the control device 80 of the saddle riding type vehicle 2 causes the permanent magnet electric motor 30 to output a torque T5 that decelerates the crankshaft 24. By the permanent magnet electric motor 30 outputting the torque T5 that decelerates the crankshaft 24, an increase in the difference between the rotational speed of the first dog 43-2 and the second dog 44-2 is suppressed.

Next, the deceleration state of the saddle riding type vehicle 2 will be described.
The deceleration state of the saddle riding type vehicle 2 is a state in which the crankshaft 24 receives a torque T6 in the opposite direction to the rotation direction X from the output shaft 42 via the input shaft 41. That is, the deceleration state of the saddle riding type vehicle 2 is a state in which the output shaft 42 applies a torque T6 in the opposite direction to the rotation direction X to the crankshaft 24 via the input shaft 41. At this time, the second dog 44-1 in the original gear shift stage applies a circumferential force G2 to the first dog 43-1 (FIG. 2(b-1)). In the saddle riding type vehicle 2 of this embodiment, when the shift execution condition is satisfied in the deceleration state, the control device 80 controls the permanent magnet type electric motor 30 so as to reduce the magnitude of the torque T6 transmitted between the input shaft 41 and the output shaft 42 of the multi-stage transmission 40 (processing (A)). At this time, the control device 80 controls the permanent magnet type electric motor 30 so as to output a torque T7 that accelerates the crankshaft 24 (FIG. 2(b-2)). Next, the control device 80 controls the speed change drive device 45 so that the speed change drive device 45 moves either the first dog 43-1 or the second dog 44-1 (the second dog 44-1 in this embodiment) in the rotation axis direction to release the engaged state (FIG. 2(b-3), process (B)). After processes (A) and (B), the control device 80 causes the permanent magnet type electric motor 30 to output a torque T8 that accelerates the crankshaft 24 (FIG. 2(b-4)). Next, the control device 80 controls the speed change drive device 45 so that the first dog 43-2 or the second dog 44-2 (the second dog 44-2 in this embodiment) in the rotation axis direction to move to the engaged state (FIG. 2(b-5)).

In a saddle-type vehicle, when the transmission drive device 45 moves either the first dog 43-1 or the second dog 44-1 in the direction of the rotation axis to release the engaged state during deceleration, the permanent magnet electric motor 30 outputs a torque T7 that accelerates the crankshaft 24. This reduces the frictional force generated between the first dog 43-1 and the second dog 44-1. In addition, in a saddle-type vehicle 2, when switching gears, for example, after the engagement between the first dog 43-1 and the second dog 44-1 in the original gear is released, the first dog 43-2 and the second dog 44-2 in the gear to be switched are engaged. Before the engaged state, the difference between the rotational speed of the first dog 43-2 and the rotational speed of the second dog 44-2 is likely to increase due to the torque T6 transmitted from the drive wheel 15. When the transmission drive device 45 moves either the first dog 43-2 or the second dog 44-2 in the rotational axis direction to enter the engaged state during deceleration, the control device 80 of the saddle riding type vehicle 2 causes the permanent magnet electric motor 30 to output a torque T8 that accelerates the crankshaft 24. By the permanent magnet electric motor 30 outputting the torque T8 that accelerates the crankshaft 24, an increase in the difference between the rotational speed of the first dog 43-2 and the rotational speed of the second dog 44-2 is suppressed.

In the saddle-type vehicle 2 of this embodiment, the time resolution of the gear shift operation is improved and the responsiveness to the gear shift operation is improved compared to when the output of the engine 20 is adjusted. Therefore, in the saddle-type vehicle 2 equipped with the automatic transmission of this embodiment, quick and smooth gear shifting can be performed.

[Third embodiment]
A third embodiment of the present invention will now be described. In this embodiment, the control device for the saddle riding type vehicle 1 according to the first embodiment is further configured as follows. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the operation of a control device 83 for a saddle riding type vehicle 3 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals as those in the saddle riding type vehicle 1 shown in Fig. 1, and some of the descriptions will be omitted. Furthermore, the configuration and control of this embodiment may be combined with the first and second embodiments.

The control device 83 of the saddle riding vehicle 3 of this embodiment controls the ignition of the engine 20. When the shift execution condition is met (step S101), the control device 83 controls the permanent magnet electric motor 30 to output a torque that decelerates the crankshaft 24 in the process (A) (step S102) and retards the ignition of the engine (step S103). The control device 83 may also control the permanent magnet electric motor 30 to output a torque that decelerates the crankshaft 24 and stop the ignition of the engine in the process (A) (step S103). Thereafter, the control device 83 performs the process (B) (step S104).

In the saddle-type vehicle 3 of this embodiment, when the release of the engagement between the first dog 43 and the second dog 44 is assisted by the application of torque by the permanent magnet electric motor 30, the occurrence of a situation in which the torque resulting from the combustion of the engine 20 prevents the release of the engagement is prevented.

[Fourth embodiment]
A fourth embodiment of the present invention will now be described. In a saddle riding type vehicle 4 of this embodiment, a multi-speed variable speed device 40 is configured as follows. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a portion of a multi-speed variable speed device 40 of a saddle riding type vehicle 4 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, components corresponding to those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals as those in the saddle riding type vehicle 1 shown in Fig. 1, and some of the description will be omitted. Also, the configuration and control of this embodiment may be combined with any of the first to third embodiments.

At least one of the first dog 43-3 or the second dog 44-3 of the multi-stage transmission 40 of the saddle-ride type vehicle 4 of this embodiment has a protrusion that protrudes in the rotation axis direction and enters into the space between the mating dogs. The protrusion has a shape in which the circumferential width increases toward the tip. The protrusion of the second dog 44-3 in the example shown in FIG. 4 has a shape in which the circumferential width increases toward the tip. The first dog 43-3 has a shape corresponding to the protrusion of the second dog 44-3. In other words, the first dog 43-3 has a shape in which the circumferential width of the space between two first dogs 43-3 lined up in the circumferential direction, i.e., the space into which the second dog 44-3 enters, becomes wider toward the back.
In this embodiment, the control device 80 releases the engagement between the first dog 43-3 and the second dog 44-3 of the multi-speed transmission 40 in the same manner as in the first embodiment (FIGS. 4(a) to 4(c)).

In the saddle-type vehicle 4, when the first dog 43-3 and the second dog 44-3 are engaged in a circumferential direction to transmit power in an accelerating or decelerating direction, it is possible to prevent either the first dog 43-3 or the second dog 44-3 from easily coming out of the space between the other dog. Therefore, the mating state of the first dog 43-3 and the second dog 44-3 is easily maintained. Moreover, when the gear shift is changed, the mating state is easily released by reducing the rotational force applied to the first dog 43 and the second dog 44. Therefore, in the saddle-type vehicle of this embodiment, it is easy to maintain the mating state in the power transmission state and to release the mating state when the gear shift is changed.

[Fifth embodiment]
A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, a multi-speed variable speed device 40 for a saddle-riding type vehicle is configured as follows. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a multi-speed variable speed device 40 for a saddle-riding type vehicle 5 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, elements corresponding to those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals as those in the saddle-riding type vehicle 1 shown in Fig. 1, and some explanations will be omitted. Also, the configuration and control of this embodiment may be combined with any of the first to fourth embodiments.

The speed change drive device 45 of the saddle-ride type vehicle 5 of this embodiment has a shift motor 46 and a shift cam 47. The shift motor 46 drives at least one of the first dog 43 and the second dog 44 in the direction of the rotation axis. The shift cam 47 rotates at a fixed speed ratio to the shift motor 46. The shift cam 47 has a cam groove formed therein that regulates the movement of at least one of the first dog 43 and the second dog 44 in the direction of the rotation axis as the shift cam 47 rotates.

In the variable speed drive device 45 of the saddle-ride type vehicle 5 of this embodiment, a cam groove 471 is formed and the shift cam 47 is connected to the shift motor 46 without, for example, a ratchet mechanism. The shift cam 47 rotates at a fixed speed ratio to the shift motor 46. For this reason, the positions of the first dog 43 and the second dog 44 in the rotational axis direction can be more precisely controlled by the operation of the shift motor 46. Therefore, the timing of the control of the rotation of the first dog 43 and the second dog 44 by the operation of the permanent magnet electric motor 30 can be more precisely matched with the timing of the control of the positions in the rotational axis direction.

Sixth Embodiment
A sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, a saddle-ride type vehicle is configured as follows. Fig. 6 is a side view showing a simplified configuration of a saddle-ride type vehicle 6 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals as those in the saddle-ride type vehicle 1 shown in Fig. 1, and some of the descriptions will be omitted. In addition, the configuration and control of this embodiment may be combined with any of the first to fifth embodiments.

The saddle-type vehicle 6 of this embodiment is equipped with a throttle grip 11 that receives the operating force of the rider, and a throttle valve 12 that changes the amount of fuel supplied to the engine 20 by changing its opening degree in response to the operating force received by the throttle grip 11.

In the saddle-ride type vehicle 6 of this embodiment, the permanent magnet electric motor 30 adjusts the output torque of the engine 20 when changing gears. Therefore, the gears can be changed smoothly even if the throttle valve 12 opening is not adjusted by electronic control or the like, but is operated by the rider's operating force transmitted via a mechanical wire 121, for example. Therefore, in the saddle-ride type vehicle 6, the throttle grip 11 and throttle valve 12 can be created with a simple structure.

Reference Signs List 1 to 6 saddle-type vehicle 15 drive wheel 20 engine 30 permanent magnet electric motor 40 multi-stage variable speed device 43-1 to 43-3 first dog 44-1 to 44-3 second dog 45 variable speed drive device 50 clutch 80, 83 control device

Claims (9)

A saddle-type vehicle,
The saddle type vehicle is
an engine having a rotating crankshaft and outputting power generated by combustion from the crankshaft as torque and rotational force of the crankshaft;
a permanent magnet electric motor connected to the crankshaft so as to rotate at a fixed speed ratio with the crankshaft, receiving a supply of electric power and outputting power;
a driving wheel driven by power output from at least one of the engine and the permanent magnet electric motor;
a multi-speed transmission provided in a power transmission path between the crankshaft and the drive wheels, the multi-speed transmission having an input shaft, an output shaft, first dogs and second dogs, the first dogs and second dogs corresponding to a plurality of gear stages, the first dogs being provided with a space therebetween in the circumferential direction, the second dogs being provided such that they enter the spaces of the first dogs as they move in the rotational axis direction to become engaged with the first dogs and are released from the engaged state by coming out of the spaces of the first dogs, the engaged state of the first dogs and second dogs in a selected gear stage sets the transmission of power valid at the selected gear stage, the first dogs and second dogs being in the engaged state to transmit power between the input shaft and the output shaft and the engaged state to interrupt the transmission of power between the input shaft and the output shaft;
a clutch provided between the crankshaft and the input shaft, which transmits power between the crankshaft and the input shaft or interrupts the transmission of power between the crankshaft and the input shaft;
a variable speed drive device that moves either the first dog or the second dog in the direction of the rotation axis;
When the shift execution condition is satisfied, the following processes (A) and (B) are performed in this order:
(A) controlling the permanent magnet electric motor so as to reduce the magnitude of the torque transmitted between the input shaft and the output shaft of the multi-speed transmission;
(B) a control device that controls the variable speed drive device so that the variable speed drive device moves either the first dog or the second dog in the rotation axis direction to release the fitted state. 2. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1,
The control device includes:
When the condition for executing gear shift is satisfied while the input shaft is receiving torque from the crankshaft in the same direction as the direction of rotation, in the process of (A), the permanent magnet electric motor is controlled so as to output a torque that decelerates the crankshaft. 3. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1 or 2,
The control device includes:
When the condition for executing gear shifting is satisfied while the input shaft is receiving torque from the output shaft in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation, in the process of (A), the permanent magnet electric motor is controlled so as to output a torque that accelerates the crankshaft. 3. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1 or 2,
When the shift execution condition is satisfied, after the processes (A) and (B),
When the input shaft is receiving torque from the crankshaft in the same direction as the rotational direction and the variable speed drive device moves either the first dog or the second dog in the direction of the rotational axis to enter the engaged state, the control device causes the permanent magnet electric motor to output torque that decelerates the crankshaft. A saddle-type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
When the input shaft receives torque from the output shaft in a direction opposite to the rotation direction,
When the shift execution condition is satisfied, after the processes (A) and (B),
When the variable speed drive device moves either the first dog or the second dog in the rotational axis direction to enter the engaged state, the control device causes the permanent magnet electric motor to output a torque that accelerates the crankshaft. 3. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 2,
The control device controls ignition of the engine,
When the shift execution condition is satisfied, in the process of (A), the permanent magnet electric motor is controlled to output a torque that decelerates the crankshaft, and the ignition of the engine is retarded or stopped. A saddle-type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
At least one of the first dog and the second dog has a projection that projects in the direction of the rotation axis and enters into a space between the mating dogs, and the projection has a shape whose circumferential width increases toward its tip. A saddle-type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The variable speed drive device includes a shift motor for driving at least one of the first dog and the second dog in the direction of the rotation axis, and a shift cam that rotates at a fixed speed ratio relative to the shift motor and has a cam groove that determines the movement of at least one of the first dog and the second dog in the direction of the rotation axis as the shift cam rotates. A saddle-type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The saddle-type vehicle includes a throttle grip that receives an operating force from a rider, and a throttle valve that changes the amount of fuel supplied to the engine by changing the opening degree according to the operating force received by the throttle grip.

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