JP7630220B2 - Vehicle and vehicle control method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a vehicle that can switch driving modes.

Patent document 1 discloses a vehicle that can be driven by a motor and can be driven in two ways. In the first driving method, a first operator is used to drive the motor. In the second driving method, a second operator different from the first operator is used to drive the motor.

Patent No. 6814501

In vehicles such as those described in Patent Document 1, depending on the driver, there may be cases where driving in one of multiple driving modes is restricted by laws and regulations, or where it is preferable to restrict the mode.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to prevent undesirable use of the vehicle's driving modes.

The problem that the present invention aims to solve is as described above. Next, we will explain the means for solving this problem and its effects.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle having the following configuration. That is, the vehicle includes a control unit, an authentication unit, a license plate, and a license plate display switching device . The control unit is capable of switching the driving mode of the vehicle between a drive mode in which the vehicle runs only using power output by a prime mover, and a suppressed mode in which the output is suppressed compared to the output in the drive mode. The authentication unit confirms the legitimacy of the driver using the vehicle in the drive mode. The license plate display switching device switches the display of the license plate between an invalid state and an valid state. The control unit allows operation in the drive mode on the condition that the authentication by the authentication unit is successful and the display of the license plate is in the valid state . The control unit prohibits operation in the drive mode and allows operation in the suppressed mode when the authentication condition by the authentication unit is not satisfied or when the display of the license plate is in the invalid state.

This ensures that only authorized drivers can use the vehicle in drive mode.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling a vehicle, as follows: That is, the driving mode of a vehicle equipped with a license plate display switching device for switching between an invalid state and an valid state of a license plate and a display of the license plate can be switched between a drive mode in which the vehicle runs only with power output by a prime mover, and a suppressed mode in which the output is suppressed compared to the output in the drive mode. Operation in the drive mode is permitted on the condition that an authentication condition indicating that driving in the drive mode is performed by a driver permitted therefor is satisfied, and the display of the license plate is in the valid state. If the authentication condition is not satisfied , or if the display of the license plate is in the invalid state , operation in the drive mode is prohibited and operation in the suppressed mode is permitted.

This allows only pre-authorized drivers to use the vehicle in drive mode.

The present invention makes it possible to prevent undesirable use of a vehicle's driving mode.

FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the three-wheeled vehicle of the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the three-wheeled vehicle of the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a three-wheeled vehicle according to a third embodiment.

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, an overview of a three-wheeled vehicle 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a three-wheeled vehicle 1 with the number plate exposed. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the three-wheeled vehicle 1 of the first embodiment.

In the following explanation, the left-right direction of the three-wheeled vehicle 1 is defined as the direction seen by a driver riding on the three-wheeled vehicle 1. Therefore, when the three-wheeled vehicle 1 is upright as shown in Figure 1, the front-rear direction coincides with the vehicle length direction, and the left-right direction coincides with the vehicle width direction. Additionally, the up-down direction (vertical direction) coincides with the height direction.

The vehicle according to this embodiment is a three-wheeled vehicle (saddle-type vehicle) 1. The three-wheeled vehicle 1 has two front wheels 2, 3 at the front (one side in the vehicle length direction) and one rear wheel 4 at the rear (the other side in the vehicle length direction).

The three-wheeled vehicle 1 has a body 10. The body 10 supports a left front wheel 2, a right front wheel 3, and a rear wheel 4.

The vehicle body 10 includes a frame 11 that forms the skeleton of the three-wheeled vehicle 1. The frame 11 has a base portion 11a, a left and right wheel connecting portion 11b, a seat support portion 11c, and a handlebar support portion 11d.

The base portion 11a extends in the vehicle length direction between the front wheels 2, 3 and the rear wheel 4, supporting the front and rear wheels. The left and right wheel connecting portion 11b is connected to the base portion 11a and extends in the vehicle width direction, connecting the left front wheel 2 and the right front wheel 3. The seat support portion 11c extends upward from the base portion 11a and supports the seat 15. The handle support portion 11d extends upward from the base portion 11a and supports the handle 12.

In this embodiment, the three-wheeled vehicle 1 is a type of lean-type vehicle. A lean-type vehicle refers to a vehicle in which the attitude of the vehicle body 10 relative to the road surface can be changed, and the vehicle body 10 becomes inclined relative to the road surface when the vehicle turns due to steering. In FIG. 1, the three-wheeled vehicle 1 is in a state in which the steering handle 12 is operated to a neutral position, and the vehicle body 10 is upright relative to the road surface (in other words, in a normal straight-ahead driving state). The following description will be given assuming this state, unless otherwise specified.

The left front wheel 2 and the right front wheel 3 are arranged next to each other with a gap in between in the vehicle width direction. In this embodiment, each of the front wheels 2, 3 functions as a driven wheel. The left front wheel 2 and the right front wheel 3 are supported at the front of the frame 11 so that the attitude of the vehicle body 10 relative to the road surface can be changed. Each of the front wheels 2, 3 functions as a steering wheel, and changes direction in response to the rotation of the handlebars 12.

The left and right wheel connecting portion 11b of the frame 11 has a known parallel link structure. The parallel link structure connects each of the front wheels 2, 3 to the base portion 11a of the frame 11. This parallel link structure allows the postures of the front wheels 2, 3 to change in tandem in response to changes in the posture of the base portion 11a when viewed from the front.

The rear wheel 4 is disposed at the center of the vehicle body 10 in the vehicle width direction. The rear wheel 4 is rotatably supported at the rear of the frame 11. In this embodiment, the rear wheel 4 functions as a drive wheel that transmits driving force to the road surface.

The three-wheeled vehicle 1 is equipped with a seat 15, left and right pedals (operators) 16, an electric motor 21 that functions as a prime mover, a battery 22, and a controller (control unit) 23.

The seat 15 is located at the upper part of the middle part of the frame 11 in the vehicle length direction. The driver sits astride the seat 15 and can place his/her feet on the left and right pedals 16.

The left and right pedals 16 are provided below the seat 15. The force of the driver stepping on the pedals 16 with his/her feet while straddling the seat 15 is transmitted to the rear wheel 4, which can then be rotated by human power. Thus, the three-wheeled vehicle 1 has a mechanism as a so-called bicycle that is driven by the driver's human power.

In this embodiment, the electric motor 21 is provided on the axle of the rear wheel 4. As shown in FIG. 2, the electric motor 21 is electrically connected to the controller 23. The electric motor 21 is controlled by the controller 23 and can drive the rear wheel 4 to rotate.

The electric motor 21 can transmit power to the drive wheels when no human power is being applied by the driver. The electric motor 21 can also transmit power to the drive wheels in addition to when human power is being applied by the driver. The controller 23 adjusts the output of the electric motor 21 by giving appropriate commands to the electric motor 21. In this embodiment, the controller 23 controls the electric motor 21 to output a driving force to assist in accordance with the human power applied by the driver. That is, in this embodiment, the three-wheeled vehicle 1 functions as an electric vehicle that can run without the human power of the driver, and also functions as an electrically assisted bicycle that electrically assists the driver in driving the vehicle.

The three-wheeled vehicle 1 of this embodiment can switch between two driving modes: an electric vehicle mode that does not require the driver's human power, and a bicycle mode that does require the driver's human power. When switching between the two driving modes, the control that the controller 23 exerts on the electric motor 21 changes.

In electric vehicle mode, the vehicle runs on the power output by the electric motor 21, which is the prime mover. In bicycle mode, the output of the electric motor 21 is suppressed compared to that in electric vehicle mode. The electric vehicle mode is an example of a drive mode. The bicycle mode is an example of a suppression mode.

In bicycle mode, compared to electric vehicle mode, output may be suppressed only in a part of the usage range rather than the entire range. In bicycle mode, for example, the maximum output output by the electric motor 21 may be suppressed, or the maximum vehicle speed at which the electric motor 21 can travel may be suppressed. In bicycle mode, when a predetermined vehicle speed is exceeded, the support ratio of the electric motor 21 to human power may be reduced. In bicycle mode, the vehicle speed range at which the electric motor 21 can operate may be set lower compared to electric vehicle mode. In bicycle mode, the electric motor 21 may not generate any power at all, but may be suppressed to zero.

In electric vehicle mode, the output is set to satisfy the output conditions that allow the three-wheeled vehicle 1 to run as an electric vehicle. In bicycle mode, the output is set to satisfy the output conditions that allow the three-wheeled vehicle 1 to run as a bicycle, in this embodiment as an electrically assisted bicycle.

When driving in electric vehicle mode, there are certain driving requirements in Japan, such as obtaining a driver's license. On the other hand, when driving in bicycle mode, the driving requirements in Japan are less strict than for electric vehicle mode, and there is no need to obtain a driver's license.

The battery 22 is located on the lower side of the midpoint between the front and rear of the frame 11. The battery 22 can supply power to the electric motor 21, the controller 23, various auxiliary devices, etc.

The controller 23 is provided at an appropriate position on the vehicle body 10. The controller 23 is configured with a known computer and is capable of controlling the electric motor 21.

The three-wheeled vehicle 1 is equipped with an accelerator lever (operator) 13 that can be operated by the driver's hand. The accelerator lever 13 is located, for example, near the handlebars 12. When the three-wheeled vehicle 1 runs in electric vehicle mode, the electric motor 21 is controlled by the driver operating the accelerator lever 13. On the other hand, when the three-wheeled vehicle 1 runs in bicycle mode, the electric motor 21 is controlled based on the force with which the driver presses on the pedal 16.

The three-wheeled vehicle 1 is equipped with a display device 17. The display device 17 is disposed, for example, in the center of the handlebars 12 so that it is easily visible to the driver sitting in the seat 15. The display device 17 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and is capable of displaying various information. The display device 17 is provided with an input unit, for example a touch panel device, for inputting instructions from the driver.

The three-wheeled vehicle 1 is equipped with a license plate device 31. A license plate 32 is attached to the license plate device 31. The license plate 32 is equipped to a vehicle to allow it to travel as an electric vehicle, and is a plate bearing an individual vehicle identification number (identification information). The license plate 32 is positioned so that the identification number is easily visible.

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

The method of substantially invalidating the display of the license plate 32 is arbitrary. For example, the license plate display switching device 35 can be configured to include a plate-shaped cover member 36. The cover member 36 can be moved by an appropriate drive unit such as an electric motor between a non-covered position that exposes the license plate 32 and a covered position that covers the license plate 32. By covering the license plate 32 with the cover member 36, the identification number of the license plate 32 is no longer effectively displayed.

The three-wheeled vehicle 1 is equipped with a switching operation member (operating member) 39. The switching operation member 39 is configured, for example, by a switch. The switching operation member 39 is operated by the driver to switch the driving mode between the electric vehicle mode and the bicycle mode. In this embodiment, the switching operation member 39 is disposed near the license plate 32. The position of the switching operation member 39 can be changed as desired.

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

A locking device 70 is attached near the part of the frame 11 that supports the rear wheel 4 as an anti-theft device.

The locking device 70 is configured as a known ring locking device. As shown in FIG. 2, the locking device 70 includes a housing 71, a locking bar 72, and a cylinder portion 73.

The housing 71 is fixed to an appropriate position on the frame 11. The housing 71 is formed in a C-shape.

The lock bar 72 is formed in a long, narrow arc shape. The lock bar 72 is supported on the housing 71 so that it can slide along an arc-shaped path. The lock bar 72 slides between an advanced position where the lock bar 72 closes the open part of the housing 71 and a retracted position where it opens it.

In the advanced position, the lock bar 72 interferes with the spokes of the rear wheel 4, preventing the rear wheel 4 from rotating. The advanced position of the lock bar 72 corresponds to the locked state of the lock device 70, and the retracted position of the lock bar 72 corresponds to the unlocked state of the lock device 70.

The cylinder portion 73 is formed in a cylindrical shape. A key hole is formed in the cylinder portion 73, into which a key (described below) can be inserted. The cylinder portion 73 is rotatably supported in the housing 71. By inserting the correct key into the cylinder portion 73 and rotating it, the locking device 70 can be switched from a locked state to an unlocked state.

In this embodiment, there are two types of keys that can unlock the lock device 70: a first key (authentication device) 81 and a second key (key device) 82.

Each key 81, 82 has a blade portion 91 that can be inserted into the cylinder portion 73 of the locking device 70 to unlock it. The first key 81 has a key communication unit 95 in addition to the blade portion 91. The key communication unit 95 is configured as a small computer and is fixed to the top of the first key 81. The key communication unit 95 has a built-in antenna (not shown). The key communication unit 95 can wirelessly communicate with a communication unit 26 (described below) provided in the controller 23. A memory (not shown) provided in the key communication unit 95 of the first key 81 stores authentication information for using the three-wheeled vehicle 1 in electric vehicle mode. The second key 82 has a blade portion 92 for unlocking the locking device 70, like the first key 81, but does not have the key communication unit 95.

The first key 81 is used, for example, by the owner who has a driver's license. The second key 82 is used by an unlicensed person, for example, the owner's child. For example, when the owner of the three-wheeled vehicle 1 is provided with the three-wheeled vehicle 1, he or she obtains the above-mentioned multiple keys 81, 82. The owner encourages people who are permitted to drive in electric vehicle mode to use the first key 81, and encourages people who are not permitted to drive in electric vehicle mode to use the second key 82.

As described above, the requirements for driving the three-wheeled vehicle 1 are different between the electric vehicle mode and the bicycle mode. A driver who does not have a driver's license can only drive in the bicycle mode. A driver who has a driver's license can drive in both the electric vehicle mode and the bicycle mode.

There are cases where a single three-wheeled vehicle 1 is shared by multiple people. It is also conceivable that a single three-wheeled vehicle 1 may be used by an unspecified number of people. In this embodiment, the three-wheeled vehicle 1 determines whether operation in electric vehicle mode is possible by authenticating whether the driver satisfies the requirements imposed on the driver for driving in electric vehicle mode. This makes it possible, for example, to prevent drivers who do not have a license from driving in electric vehicle mode and encourage them to drive in bicycle mode.

Next, the configuration of the controller 23 will be described. The controller 23 includes a communication unit 26 and an authentication unit 27. More specifically, the controller 23 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., which are not shown. The ROM stores a program for implementing the control method of the present invention. The above hardware and software work together to allow the controller 23 to operate as the communication unit 26 and the authentication unit 27.

The communication unit 26 can transmit and receive information via wireless communication with the key communication unit 95 possessed by the first key 81.

The authentication unit 27 requests authentication information from the key communication unit 95, and when the authentication information is acquired, it determines whether the authentication conditions are satisfied. The request for authentication information and the acquisition of the authentication information are performed by wireless communication using the communication unit 26.

The authentication method is arbitrary. To give a simple example, the authentication unit 27 can determine that the authentication conditions are met when the key information received as authentication information from the key communication unit 95 matches predefined key information. Key information is stored in advance in both the key communication unit 95 and the authentication unit 27. The key information can be a value determined using random numbers, for example. From the perspective of improving security, it is preferable for the key information to be different for each three-wheeled vehicle 1. The key communication unit 95 may function as an IC tag, and authentication may be achieved by an authentication method conforming to the RFID standard.

If the key communication unit 95 of the first key 81 communicates with the controller 23 and authentication by the authentication unit 27 is successful, the controller 23 allows switching from bicycle mode to electric vehicle mode using the switching operation member 39. As a result, when the first key 81 is used, the three-wheeled vehicle 1 can run in any of the electric vehicle mode and bicycle mode. Therefore, a driver who is authorized to drive in electric vehicle mode can use the first key 81 to switch between electric vehicle mode and bicycle mode of the three-wheeled vehicle 1 as appropriate.

The second key 82 cannot communicate with the controller 23, so authentication by the authentication unit 27 fails. In this case, the controller 23 does not allow switching from bicycle mode to electric vehicle mode using the switching operation member 39, and controls the vehicle to forcibly operate in bicycle mode. Therefore, a driver who is not permitted to drive in electric vehicle mode can use the second key 82 to prevent the three-wheeled vehicle 1 from running in electric vehicle mode.

The owner of the three-wheeled vehicle 1 can use the three-wheeled vehicle 1 in both electric vehicle mode and bicycle mode by using the first key 81. Meanwhile, the owner's child can use the three-wheeled vehicle 1 only in bicycle mode by using the second key 82. If the driver does not have a driver's license, driving in electric vehicle mode may violate regulations. With the three-wheeled vehicle 1, use of the electric vehicle mode is essentially prohibited if the authentication conditions of the authentication unit 27 are not met, so it is possible to prevent the three-wheeled vehicle 1 from being used in an inappropriate driving mode.

As described above, the three-wheeled vehicle 1 of this embodiment includes the controller 23 and the authentication unit 27. The controller 23 can switch the driving mode of the three-wheeled vehicle 1 between electric vehicle mode and bicycle mode. In electric vehicle mode, the three-wheeled vehicle 1 runs using power output by the electric motor 21. In bicycle mode, the output of the electric motor 21 is suppressed compared to the output in drive mode. The authentication unit 27 checks the legitimacy, indicating whether or not the driver is authorized to use the three-wheeled vehicle 1 in electric vehicle mode. Operation in electric vehicle mode is permitted on the condition that authentication by the authentication unit 27 is successful.

This allows only drivers authorized to drive in electric vehicle mode to use the three-wheeled vehicle 1 in electric vehicle mode.

In this embodiment, the three-wheeled vehicle 1 can operate in bicycle mode even if the authentication conditions set by the authentication unit 27 are not met.

This allows the vehicle to be used in bicycle mode with reduced output even if the authentication conditions are not met, minimizing any loss of convenience.

The three-wheeled vehicle 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a communication unit 26. Authentication is performed by the authentication unit 27 as a result of communication between the communication unit 26 and a first key 81 that can be carried by the driver. In this way, by properly managing the first key 81, it is possible to prevent unauthorized persons from using the three-wheeled vehicle 1 in electric vehicle mode. In the three-wheeled vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the first key 81 and the communication unit 26 communicate wirelessly. This eliminates the need for cable connections and makes the authentication process easier.

The three-wheeled vehicle 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a locking device 70 that can be switched between a locked state and an unlocked state. In the locked state, the locking device 70 prevents the three-wheeled vehicle 1 from being driven, thereby preventing theft. In the unlocked state, the locking device 70 is released. The first key 81 also serves as a key for switching the locking device 70 to the unlocked state.

This allows the first key 81 used for unlocking to also be used as an authentication device, reducing the hassle of carrying and managing the authentication device.

In the three-wheeled vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the authentication conditions by the authentication unit 27 are different for each three-wheeled vehicle 1.

This can improve the security of authentication.

In the above embodiment, authentication is performed wirelessly, but the authentication means is not limited to this. For example, the locking device 70 can be configured to output a specific signal when the first key is inserted into the locking device 70, and not output the signal when the second key is inserted. The locking device 70 can be configured, for example, as follows. The locking device 70 can be unlocked with either the first key or the second key, but the shape of a specific part of the blade part is different between the first key and the second key. In the locking device 70, an electric circuit provided in the locking device 70 is switched between open and closed depending on the shape of the part of the inserted key. The signal output by this electric circuit is input to the authentication unit 27 as an authentication signal. In this way, by using a mechanical authentication means instead of wireless communication, the configuration of the key and the three-wheeled vehicle 1 can be simplified.

In the above embodiment, the locking device 70 is manually unlocked, but the locking device 70 may be provided with an appropriate actuator, and the actuator may drive the lock bar 72 to enter an unlocked state in response to wireless authentication. The actuator may be configured in the same manner as in the second embodiment described below. Both the first key and the second key are provided with a key communication unit 95 and can transmit authentication information to the controller 23 by wireless. Both the first key and the second key are non-insertion type keys that do not have a blade portion. The key communication unit 95 of the first key transmits authentication information indicating that the key can be used in both the electric vehicle mode and the bicycle mode in response to a request from the controller 23. The key communication unit 95 of the second key transmits authentication information indicating that the key can be used only in the bicycle mode in response to a request from the controller 23. If authentication is successful through communication with the first key or the second key, the controller 23 automatically unlocks the locking device 70. This configuration can improve security compared to mechanical unlocking. When the first key is used, the locking device 70 is unlocked and the three-wheeled vehicle 1 can be driven in both electric vehicle mode and bicycle mode. When the second key is used, the locking device 70 is unlocked and the three-wheeled vehicle 1 can be driven only in bicycle mode. If authentication to use the three-wheeled vehicle 1 (in other words, unlocking the locking device 70) is successful, but use of the electric vehicle mode is not permitted, this includes cases where authentication of the legitimacy of use in the electric vehicle mode has failed.

In the first key, the key for unlocking the lock device 70 and the key communication unit 95 for authenticating the electric vehicle mode may be physically separate keys. In the three-wheeled vehicle 1, the configuration for locking and unlocking the three-wheeled vehicle 1 may be omitted. In this case, the first key simply has a configuration equivalent to the key communication unit 95, and the second key is omitted.

Next, the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the three-wheeled vehicle 1p of the second embodiment. In the following descriptions of this embodiment, the same or similar components as those in the previous embodiment are given the same reference numerals in the drawings, and descriptions thereof may be omitted.

In the second embodiment, a mobile terminal device is used to unlock the lock device 70 instead of a physical key. The mobile terminal device is capable of wireless communication with the controller 23 provided in the three-wheeled vehicle 1. Any standard for wireless communication may be used, but Bluetooth may be used, for example. Bluetooth is a registered trademark.

In this embodiment, there are two types of keys that can unlock the lock device 70: a first portable terminal (authentication device) 81p and a second portable terminal (key device) 82p.

The first mobile terminal 81p and the second mobile terminal 82p are each configured as a small computer capable of wireless communication. The first mobile terminal 81p and the second mobile terminal 82p are, for example, well-known smartphones. An application for managing the three-wheeled vehicle 1p is pre-installed on each of the first mobile terminal 81p and the second mobile terminal 82p.

Authentication information for unlocking the lock device 70 and authentication information for using the electric vehicle mode are registered in the first mobile terminal 81p at an appropriate time in advance.

Authentication information for unlocking the lock device 70 is registered in the second mobile terminal 82p at an appropriate time in advance. However, authentication information for using the electric vehicle mode is not registered in the second mobile terminal 82p.

The timing at which authentication information is registered on the first mobile terminal 81p and the second mobile terminal 82p can be, for example, when the above-mentioned application is installed, but is not limited to this.

The first mobile terminal 81p is used, for example, by a licensed owner. The second mobile terminal 82p is used, for example, by an unlicensed person, the owner's child.

In this embodiment, the lock device 70p is equipped with an actuator 74 for unlocking. The actuator 74 can be, for example, but is not limited to, a solenoid or a motor. The actuator 74 is electrically connected to the controller 23.

The controller 23 includes an unlock authentication unit 28 that performs authentication to unlock the lock device 70p. The configuration of the unlock authentication unit 28 is almost the same as that of the authentication unit 27. The lock device 70p cannot be unlocked unless authentication by the unlock authentication unit 28 is successful.

The authentication format of the unlocking authentication unit 28 can be the same as that of the authentication unit 27. The key information for authentication of the unlocking authentication unit 28 and the key information for authentication of the authentication unit 27 are different from each other.

Let us consider a case where the owner of a three-wheeled vehicle 1p carrying a first mobile terminal 81p starts using the three-wheeled vehicle 1p.

First, the unlock authentication unit 28 of the controller 23 communicates with the first portable terminal 81p via the communication unit 26 to request authentication information for unlocking the lock device 70. In response to this request, the first portable terminal 81p transmits the authentication information. If this first stage of authentication is successful, the controller 23 controls the actuator 74 of the lock device 70 to switch the lock device 70 from a locked state to an unlocked state.

If the first stage authentication is successful, the authentication unit 27 of the controller 23 communicates with the first portable terminal 81p via the communication unit 26 to request authentication information for use in the electric vehicle mode. In response to this request, the first portable terminal 81p transmits the authentication information. If the second stage authentication is successful, the controller 23 allows switching from bicycle mode to electric vehicle mode using the switching operation member 39. This allows the three-wheeled vehicle 1p to travel in any of the electric vehicle mode and bicycle mode.

Next, consider the case where a child with a second mobile terminal 82p starts using a three-wheeled vehicle 1p.

When the controller 23 communicates with the second mobile terminal 82p, the authentication by the unlock authentication unit 28 is successful, but the authentication by the authentication unit 27 fails. Therefore, the three-wheeled vehicle 1p can only be driven in bicycle mode.

As described above, in the three-wheeled vehicle 1p of this embodiment, the communication unit 26 can communicate with both the first portable terminal 81p and the second portable terminal 82p. The first portable terminal 81p sets the locking device 70 to an unlocked state and is successfully authenticated by the authentication unit 27. The second portable terminal 82p sets the locking device 70 to an unlocked state and is unsuccessful in authentication by the authentication unit 27.

This allows the driver to appropriately switch between a state in which the vehicle can be used in both electric vehicle mode and bicycle mode, and a state in which the vehicle can be used only in bicycle mode, depending on the device they are carrying.

Next, the third embodiment will be described. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a three-wheeled vehicle 1q of the third embodiment.

In the three-wheeled vehicle 1q of the third embodiment, the driver's license (license) 81q carried by the driver functions as the authentication device. The first mobile terminal 81p is equipped with a semiconductor chip (not shown). This semiconductor chip stores various information related to the driver's license granted to the driver.

The three-wheeled vehicle 1q is equipped with a card reader 29. The location of the card reader 29 is arbitrary, but it can be attached to the handle 12 in FIG. 1, for example.

The card reader 29 includes a communication unit 26. The communication unit 26 can read information stored in the driver's license 81q using a known short-range wireless communication standard. The driver's license 81q and the card reader 29 are a type of RFID device.

The authentication unit 27 of the controller 23 determines whether the information of the driver's license 81q read by the communication unit 26 is valid. The determination of validity can be made, for example, by checking whether the last day of the license's validity is after the current date. If the information of the driver's license 81q is valid, the authentication unit 27 determines that the authentication conditions are met. Accordingly, the controller 23 allows switching from bicycle mode to electric vehicle mode by the switching operation member 39.

For those who do not carry a driver's license 81q (including the owner's children), the authentication unit 27 will not be successful in authenticating them, and the three-wheeled vehicle 1q can only be used in bicycle mode. In this embodiment, the three-wheeled vehicle 1q does not have any anti-theft features, but an appropriate anti-theft device may be provided.

As described above, in the three-wheeled vehicle 1q of this embodiment, the communication unit 26 can read the license information, which is the information registered on the license, by communicating with the driver's license 81q as an authentication device. Authentication by the authentication unit 27 is performed based on the license information read by the communication unit 26.

This allows the license to confirm the legitimacy of using the three-wheeled vehicle 1q in electric vehicle mode.

The above describes a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the above configuration can be modified, for example, as follows. A single modification may be made, or multiple modifications may be combined in any desired manner.

Authentication can be performed in any format. For example, the driver can input a password into the display device 17, and the authentication condition for the authentication unit 27 can be whether the password is correct. A personal identification number may be used instead of a password. In this way, cases in which authentication is performed using information other than information stored electronically in advance are also included in the present invention.

Biometric authentication may also be performed. For example, the display device 17 may be equipped with a fingerprint authentication device, and the authentication unit 27 may be configured to perform fingerprint authentication. Also, the three-wheeled vehicles 1, 1p, and 1q may be equipped with an imaging device, and the authentication unit 27 may be configured to perform authentication by image (for example, facial authentication).

The conditions for legitimacy of a driver using three-wheeled vehicles 1, 1p, 1q in electric vehicle mode are not necessarily strict and can be interpreted in various ways. For example, if the driver is simply the owner of three-wheeled vehicles 1, 1p, 1q, regardless of whether or not the driver has a driver's license, it may be determined that the driver is authorized to drive in electric vehicle mode and is therefore legitimized. It may also be determined that the driver is legitimized if the driver is over a certain age. It may also be determined that the driver is legitimized if the driver can be identified by, for example, an ID card.

In the third embodiment described above, the condition for authentication is that the driver's license 81q has not expired. Alternatively, the condition for authentication may be that the name and date of birth are read from the information stored in the semiconductor chip of the driver's license 81q and match the name and date of birth preregistered in the controller 23.

In the controller 23 of the second embodiment, it may be possible to register for each mobile device whether or not to permit the use of electric vehicle mode.

For example, the identification information of the first portable terminal 81p and the second portable terminal 82p is registered in the controller 23 as the identification information of the terminal that allows the use of the three-wheeled vehicle 1p, and the key information of the first portable terminal 81p and the second portable terminal 82p is also registered in the controller 23. Furthermore, it is registered in the controller 23 that the use of the electric vehicle mode is permitted for the first portable terminal 81p, and that the use of the electric vehicle mode is not permitted for the second portable terminal 82p. During the authentication process, the authentication unit 27 identifies the portable terminal by receiving identification information from the terminal carried by the driver. If the authentication of the portable terminal is successful, the controller 23 unlocks the lock device 70p and controls the portable terminal to allow or block operation in the electric vehicle mode by referring to information on whether the use of the electric vehicle mode is permitted for the portable terminal.

In the above configuration, even if authentication of the mobile device is successful, if the mobile device is not permitted to use electric vehicle mode, this is included in cases where authentication of the legitimacy of use in electric vehicle mode has failed.

The controller 23 may be provided with a wired communication port. In this case, by connecting the first mobile terminal 81p or the second mobile terminal 82p to the controller 23 via a communication cable, the communication unit 26 can perform wired communication and send and receive information for authentication.

The locking devices 70, 70p as anti-theft devices are not limited to the above configuration. For example, instead of locking the rear wheels 4, the locking devices may lock the front wheels 2, 3, the handlebars 12, etc. If the members necessary for the running or operation of the three-wheeled vehicles 1, 1p, 1q can be locked, operation can be substantially prevented.

The present invention is not limited to the three-wheeled vehicle 1, but can be similarly applied to vehicles with a number of wheels other than three, such as two-wheeled or four-wheeled vehicles. For example, in a two-wheeled vehicle, it can be applied to a configuration that switches between a driving mode (restricted mode) in which the output is restricted and the vehicle functions as an assisted bicycle, and a driving mode (driving mode) in which the output restriction is released and the vehicle functions as a motor vehicle. The bicycle mode may be a restricted mode in which the driving power is provided only by human power, for example pedaling force, instead of an assist function that assists the pedaling force of the driver, and no assistance is provided by a motor.

For example, in the case of an assisted bicycle, in suppression mode, the pedal becomes the first operator, and the motor output is adjusted according to the rotation of the first operator. Also, in drive mode, the motor output is adjusted according to the amount of operation of a second operator different from the pedal, for example, an accelerator lever. If the external shape is set as a motor vehicle (e.g., with the license plate exposed), it may be controlled as the drive mode, and if the external shape is set as a bicycle (e.g., with the license plate not exposed), it may be controlled as the suppression mode.

In addition to the electric motor 21, an internal combustion engine, for example, may be used as the driving source for the vehicle.

In the above embodiment, it is assumed that the condition for driving in electric mode is a driver's license, but driving in electric mode may be permitted based on other requirements. For example, driving in electric mode may be permitted based on any condition different from a driver's license, such as when using private property. For example, the legitimacy of driving in electric mode may be set based on passing a test different from a driver's license, or based on unique conditions (age, growth, years of experience, driving area).

1 Three-wheeled vehicle 21 Electric motor (prime mover)
23 Controller (control unit)
26 Communication unit 27 Authentication unit 29 Card reader (reading device)
70, 70p Locking device (anti-theft device)
81 First key (authentication device)
81p First mobile terminal (authentication device)
81q Driver's license (authentication device, license)
82 Second key (key device)
82p Second mobile terminal (key device)

Claims (7)

a control unit capable of switching a driving mode of the vehicle between a drive mode in which the vehicle runs only using power output by a prime mover, and a suppression mode in which the output is suppressed compared to the output in the drive mode;
an authentication unit that validates the driver's right to use the vehicle in the drive mode;
License plate and
A license plate display switching device for switching between an invalid state and an valid state of the license plate display;
Equipped with
The control unit is
permitting operation in the driving mode on the condition that the authentication by the authentication unit has been successful and the display of the license plate is in the valid state ;
A vehicle characterized in that operation in the driving mode is prohibited and operation in the suppression mode is permitted when the authentication conditions by the authentication unit are not met or when the display of the license plate is in the invalid state . 2. The vehicle of claim 1,
A vehicle characterized in that the control unit allows operation in both the driving mode and the suppression mode when authentication by the authentication unit is successful and the display of the license plate is in the valid state . 3. A vehicle as claimed in claim 2 ,
A vehicle comprising a switching operation member that outputs a signal indicating a driving mode selected by the driver to the control unit . A vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3,
The vehicle is provided with an anti-theft device that can be switched between a locked state in which the vehicle is prevented from being driven to thereby prevent theft, and an unlocked state in which the locked state is released,
The control unit always allows operation in the suppression mode when the anti-theft device is in the unlocked state . A vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
The vehicle is provided with an anti-theft device that can be switched between a locked state in which the vehicle is prevented from being driven to thereby prevent theft, and an unlocked state in which the locked state is released,
the anti-theft device can be switched to the unlocked state by a first key and a second key,
A vehicle , wherein the authentication unit satisfies an authentication condition by the first key, but does not satisfy the authentication condition by the second key . A vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
A vehicle characterized in that the authentication conditions by the authentication unit differ for each vehicle. A vehicle equipped with a license plate display switching device that switches between an invalid state and an valid state of a license plate and a display of the license plate , the driving mode of the vehicle being switchable between a drive mode in which the vehicle runs only using the power output by a prime mover, and a suppression mode in which the output is suppressed compared to the output in the drive mode,
Operation in the driving mode is permitted on the condition that an authentication condition indicating that driving in the driving mode is performed by a driver authorized to drive the vehicle is satisfied and the display of the license plate is in the valid state ;
A method for controlling a vehicle, characterized in that if the authentication condition is not met or if the display of the license plate is in the invalid state , operation in the driving mode is prohibited and operation in the suppression mode is allowed.

Images