Vehicle ready for card key and radio communication system which utilizes card key

A vehicle ready for a card key and a radio communication system for a vehicle which utilizes a card key wherein transmission and reception functions are incorporated in a card key to be loaded onto a vehicle, thereby allowing communication between vehicles. A card key loaded on a two-wheeled vehicle communicates with a first card key loaded in a first card key receiving slot of a four-wheeled vehicle. Further, a microphone, a speaker and a transmitter-receiver are provided on a helmet for a driver, and the card key communicates also with the transmitter-receiver on the helmet. Similarly, a card key loaded on a second two-wheeled vehicle communicates with a second card key loaded in second card key receiving slot of the four-wheeled vehicle and the transmitter-receiver of the helmet worn by the driver of the second two-wheeled vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a vehicle ready for a card key and a radio communication system for a vehicle which utilizes a card key, and more particularly to a vehicle ready for a card key and a radio communication system for a vehicle which utilizes a card key wherein each card key has transmission and reception functions.

2. Description of Background Art

A vehicle theft prevention apparatus which utilizes a card key has been popularized. In the official gazette of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 9-71275, a vehicle control apparatus is disclosed which reads an ID stored in a card key loaded thereon and collates and discriminates the ID. Then, if it is confirmed that the card key loaded is a regular card key, the control apparatus cancels the warning of a vibration alarming apparatus and releases various locking mechanisms to enable a running state.

Diversification of the leisure has proceeded such that desirable form of sightseeing is to use a two-wheeled vehicle which can be carried on a one-box, four-wheeled car. Once the four-wheeled car has been driven to a destination, and the user determines the place as a base, the user can then remove the two-wheeled from the its box in the car and make a tour around neighboring sightseeing places using the two-wheeled vehicle. In this instance, it is desirable that a car navigation apparatus or an acoustic apparatus such as a car stereo apparatus incorporated in the four-wheeled vehicle can be utilized also for the two-wheeled vehicle.

Meanwhile, thanks to advancement of the semiconductor technique, it has become easy to incorporate an IC into a card to provide transmission and reception functions to the card. If this technique is applied to a card key to be loaded on a vehicle so that the card key functions as an IC card incorporating transmission and reception functions in the vehicle, then the value of the card key can be increased. However, conventionally no attempt has been made to load an IC card onto a vehicle to achieve various functions.

It is an object of the present invention to solve the subject of the prior art described above and provide a vehicle ready for a card key and a radio communication system for a vehicle which utilizes a card key wherein transmission and reception functions are incorporated in a card key to be loaded onto a vehicle thereby to allow communication between vehicles.

SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

In order to solve the subject described above, the present invention provides a card key having transmission and reception functions. The card key is removably loaded on each of a plurality of vehicles and each of the card keys transmits and receives data received from the vehicle on which the card key is loaded.

With the characteristics described above, since communication between vehicles is allowed, a function incorporated only in one of the vehicles can be made available to and used by the other vehicles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1is a perspective view of a motor-driven two-wheeled vehicle of the contraction accommodation type of an embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 2, the motor-driven two-wheeled vehicle includes, as principal components, a front frame1for supporting a front wheel FW and a steering mechanism for the front wheel FW, and a rear frame2for supporting a rear wheel RW serving as a driving wheel and a driving mechanism for the rear wheel RW. Also provided is a center frame3for supporting the front and rear frames1and2and for allowing sliding movement of the front and rear frames1and2in forward and backward directions so that they can be extended and contracted in the forward and backward direction.

The front frame1includes, as principal components thereof, a front fork106for supporting the front wheel FW in a cantilever-like fashion from the left side, a handle bridge108connected to an upper end107of the front fork106, and a pair of right and left handle shafts102(R, L) supported for upward and downward sliding movement at the opposite ends of the handle bridge108. A pair of right and left handle grips104(R, L) split and are fastened to upper ends of the handle shafts102(R, L), a meter unit101for supporting upper portions of the handle shafts102(R, L) for turning motion, and a head pipe103of a tuning fork shape includes two head pipe shaft portions103(R, L) extending rearwardly for supporting the front fork106for steering motion.

The rear frame2includes, as principal components thereof, a swing arm201for supporting the rear wheel RW, in which a drive motor is built, in a cantilever-like fashion from the left side, a swing shaft207for supporting the swing arm201for rocking motion, a seat post202supported for turning motion by the swing shaft207, and a pair of left and right side components208for supporting the swing shaft207. A seat203and a back rest204are attached to the seat post202.

Each of the side components208(R, L) has two openings205and206provided at upper and lower portions thereof and extending in the forward and backward direction therethrough. A secondary battery as a driving source and a control unit are accommodated below the seat203as hereinafter described in detail. Connectors245(R, L) of connector pairs for electrically connecting the rear frame2and the center frame3are provided on the opposite outer sides of the side components208(R, L).

The center frame3includes a pair of right and left frame bodies301(R, L) disposed in parallel to each other, and a pair of guide rollers302(R, L) are secured to upper front portions of the frame bodies301(R, L), respectively. A pair of steps303(R, L) are provided at lower front portions of the frame bodies301(R, L) such that they can be accommodated when they are pivoted upwardly. Connectors345(R, L) for fitting with the connectors245(R, L) of the connector pairs are provided on the opposite sides of rear portions of the frame bodies301(R, L) for electrically connecting the center frame3and the rear frame2.

In the configuration described above, the shaft portions103(R, L) of the front frame1are inserted in openings of the guide rollers302(R, L) of the center frame3, and upper frame pipes313and lower frame pipes314of the center frame3are fitted in the openings205and206of the side components208of the rear frame2.

The battery is accommodated (refer toFIG. 37) below the seat203together with the control unit. Wiring lines L1and L2including a power supply line are connected to the battery and a signal line is connected to the control unit. The wiring line L2which is laid along the frame on the left side of the vehicle body is connected to the drive motor in the swing arm201through a switch209and extends into the center frame3through a pair of connectors245and345.

Further, the wiring line L2extends to the head pipe shaft portion103(L) of the front frame1through a pair of connectors161and162(refer toFIG. 20) which are provided at rear ends of the guide roller302(L) and the head pipe shaft portion103(L) and fit with each other. Furthermore, the wiring line L2is connected to the meter unit101through a pair of connectors191and192which are provided at an end of the handle shaft102(L) and each of the opposite ends of the handle bridge108.

Also the other wiring line L1laid along the frame on the right side of the vehicle body extends into the center frame3and the front frame1in a similar manner except that it is not connected to the switch209.

Next, a method of accommodating the motor-driven two-wheeled vehicle described above into a private four-wheeled vehicle is described. The motor-driven two-wheeled vehicle of the present embodiment is accommodated in a state wherein the vehicle body thereof is contracted in the forward and backward direction in a trunk space secured rearwardly of a rearmost seat in the four-wheeled vehicle. The height of the ceiling of the cabin continues to the rear of the four-wheeled vehicle like a so-called one-box car, or two-box car.

FIG. 3is a perspective view of the motor-driven two-wheeled vehicle of the present embodiment accommodated in a trunk space rearwardly of a rear seat as viewed downwardly from a rear upper location on the left side of the four-wheeled vehicle.FIG. 4is a side elevational view of the same.

An accommodation panel4is incorporated in a trunk space secured rearwardly of rear seats5of a vehicle. In the present embodiment, two motor-driven two-wheeled vehicles can be accommodated in a leftwardly and rightwardly juxtaposed relationship. A wheel guide groove401and a wheel receiver402are provided at each of left and right portions of the accommodation panel4.

Each of the rearmost seats5includes a seat bearing surface51, a seat back frame52, and a pair of hold bars53provided on the opposite side of the seat bearing surface51and has a light-weighted structure without a back rest and a head rest provided therefor. With the rearmost seat5, when the seat post202of the motor-driven two-wheeled vehicle accommodated rearwardly is pulled up forwardly, the seat203functions as a back rest and the back rest204functions as a head rest.

Further, in the present embodiment, in order to provide the seat design with consistency as shown inFIG. 5, the bearing surfaces51and71of the rear seats5and the other seats7, seat back frames52and72, and hold bars53and73are individually formed in a common design. Back rests703and head rests704attached fixedly to the other seats7are formed in a common design to the seats203and the back rests204of the two-wheeled vehicle, respectively. Consequently, the consistency of the design of the rearmost seats5and the design of the other forward seats7in a state wherein the seat posts202of the two-wheeled vehicle accommodated in the trunk space are pulled up is assured.

Now, a method of loading the motor-driven two-wheeled vehicle described above into the vehicle is described with reference toFIGS. 6 and 7.

As shown inFIG. 6, a rear hatch of a vehicle8on which the motor-driven two-wheeled vehicle is carried preferably has a two-door configuration including an upper hatch851which pivots upwardly and a lower hatch852which pivots open downwardly. The road clearance h1of the lower hatch852in its open state preferably is equal to the axle height h2of the motor-driven two-wheeled vehicle.

In order to load the motor-driven two-wheeled vehicle into the trunk space handle grips104may first be gripped to pull up the front wheel FW onto the lower hatch852as shown in FIG.7. Then the rear wheel RW is pulled up onto the lower hatch852, or alternatively, the center frame3of the motor-driven two-wheeled vehicle may be gripped to lift the entire vehicle body and carry the vehicle as it is into the trunk space.

Subsequently, the method of accommodating the motor-driven two-wheeled vehicle described above is described with reference toFIGS. 8to11. It is to be noted that only an outline of the accommodating operation is described, but the structure of the components for achieving the simple accommodation is hereinafter described in detail.

FIG.8(a) shows an extended state of the motor-driven two-wheeled vehicle wherein it can run. The front wheel FW is inserted into one of the wheel guide grooves401of the accommodation panel4until it is abutted with the wheel receiver402, and then a handle lock which is hereafter described is released. Further, the left and right L-shaped handle shafts102are turned to the inner side by 90, and the handle shafts102are pushed downwardly together with the meter unit101as shown in FIG.8(b). Thereupon, since the fitting engagement of the connectors191(R, L) and192(R, L) is cancelled and they are spaced away from each other, electric connection of the power supply/signal lines to the meter unit101and a headlight unit105is cut.

Thereafter, a front lock which is hereinafter described is released and the head pipe shaft portions103(R, L) of the front frame1are retracted along the guide rollers302of the center frame3as shown in FIG.9(a). At this time, since the fitting engagement of the connectors161and162(refer toFIG. 20) for electrically connecting the front frame1and the center frame3is cancelled and the connectors161and162are spaced away from each other, the electric connection between the frames is cut.

Then, after a rear lock which is hereinafter described is released, the advancement switch209provided on one of the side components208is operated to cause the rear wheel RW to be driven at a low speed in the advancing direction so that the rear frame2is advanced as shown in FIG.10. At this time, the direction of the frames is made coincide with the forward and backward direction of the four-wheeled vehicle so that the rear wheel RW may advance in the wheel guide groove401.

It is to be noted that the accommodation procedure into the four-wheeled vehicle is not limited to this, but, for example, the vehicle body may be carried onto the accommodation panel4of the trunk space while it is in a state wherein the handle shafts102are pushed down together with the meter unit101, whereafter the advancement switch209is operated in a state wherein the front wheel FW abuts the wheel receiver402. In this instance, the rear frame2and the center frame3advance simultaneously with respect to the front frame1.

After the contraction of the vehicle body is completed as described above, the seat post202is pulled up around the swing shaft207as shown FIG.9(b) andFIG. 11, and the seat203and the back rest204are pivoted to the back rest position and the head rest position of the rear seat5, respectively.

In this manner, in the present embodiment, since the two-wheeled vehicle is composed of the three frames1,2, and3and the front frame1and the rear frame2are mounted for sliding movement in the forward and backward directions with respect to the center frame3, the overall length of the two-wheeled vehicle in its accommodation state can be reduced even further. Further, since such further reduction in the forward and backward direction can be achieved, the two-wheeled vehicle can be accommodated in the trunk room such that the forward and backward direction thereof coincides with the forward and backward direction of the four-wheeled vehicle. Accordingly, only if the seat post202of the two-wheeled vehicle is pivoted, then the seat203and the back rest204thereof can be caused to function as the back rest and the head rest of a rear seat5, respectively.

In other words, in the present embodiment, since the seat203and the back rest204of the motor-driven two-wheeled vehicle accommodated in the trunk space of the four-wheeled vehicle function as part of a rear seat of the vehicle to achieve common use of the functioning parts, reduction in both space and weight are achieved.

Further, in the present embodiment, since electric connection between the components is cut during the process of contracting the vehicle body frame, not only is the operation of disconnection simplified, but also such disconnection can be positively ensured.

It is to be noted that, in the present embodiment, in response to the turning of the swing shaft207, a fastening element323(described later) protrudes downwardly from the bottom of the side component of the center frame3and further through an opening403of the accommodation panel4, as shown in FIG.3and FIG.9(b), until it is connected to the other fastening element (not shown) provided on the vehicle body side.

The fastening element323has an electric contact of a charging line provided thereon, and when the fastening element323is fastened to the other fastening element, the two fastening elements are mechanically fixed to each other. Simultaneously, charging current is supplied from the power supply line of the vehicle side to the motor-driven two-wheeled vehicle side to charge the secondary battery of the motor-driven two-wheeled vehicle.

Now, the structure of each of the frames1,2, and3and connection mechanisms of them are described in detail.

FIG. 12is an exploded view showing principal components of the center frame3and a connection mechanism of the center frame3to the rear frame2.FIG. 13is a view showing a skeleton structure of the center frame3. InFIGS. 12 and 13, like reference characters to those appearing above denote like or corresponding elements.

The center frame3is formed, as described above with reference toFIG. 1, by connecting the pair of right and left frame bodies301(R, L) disposed in parallel to each other at front lower portions thereof by means of a plate bridge304. Each of the frame bodies301is formed by connecting a front body frame311and a rear body frame312each of a substantially U shape to each other by means of an upper frame pipe313and a lower frame pipe314and has a form of a loop of a substantially trapezoidal shape.

Since, in the present embodiment the center frame3is formed from the pair of right and left frame bodies301(R, L) having a loop-like shape, not only the strength and the rigidity of the frame can be raised, but also it can be transported readily when it is carried on a vehicle or the like.

A pair of right and left guide rollers302(R, L) for supporting the head pipe103of the front frame1for sliding movement thereon are attached to upper portions of front portions of the frame bodies301(R, L), respectively.

Each of the side components208(R, L) of the rear frame2has two openings316and317(FIG. 12) provided at upper and lower portions thereof and extending in the forward and backward direction therethrough. The upper frame pipe313and the lower frame pipe314are fitted for sliding movement in advance in the openings316and317, respectively. Consequently, the rear frame2is supported for sliding movement in the forward and backward directions with respect to the center frame3. The swing shaft207is supported for rotation in the openings319formed in the side components208(R, L) and extending in the leftward and rightward direction through the side components208(R, L).

On side faces of the side components208which oppose to each other, fastening elements323connected to the swing shaft207through crank mechanisms322,320, and321are accommodated for upward and downward movement within a range defined by guide stoppers324and325. Each of the fastening elements323is moved upwardly or downwardly in an interlocked relationship with a turning movement of the swing shaft207when the seat post202is pushed up as described above with reference to FIG.3and FIG.9(b).

Since the two-wheeled vehicle and the four-wheeled vehicle are fastened to each other by the fastening element323in an interlocking relationship with a turning movement of the swing shaft207, not only is the necessity for a fastening operation eliminated, but also a situation in that the two-wheeled vehicle is not fastened to the four-wheeled vehicle is prevented. Further, since an electric contact is provided on the fastening element323such that the battery of the two-wheeled vehicle is charged from the power supply of the four-wheeled vehicle through the fastening element323, the battery can be charged making use of a traveling time without specifically connecting a charging apparatus to the battery.

A rear lock mechanism for locking and unlocking sliding movement of the side components208to and from the lower frame pipe314in an interlocking relationship with a taking in/out movement of the step303is built in the lower frame pipe314. The lock mechanism includes a lock shaft331, a lock rubber member333, and a rubber case332as principal components thereof, and the step303is used as an operating element for the lock mechanism.

FIG.14(a) is a view showing a front elevation and FIG.14(b) is a side elevation of the lock shaft331. A small diameter portion351, into which the step303is inserted, is formed at a portion in the proximity of a front end portion of the lock shaft331. Also, a cam384is formed at a portion in the proximity of a rear end portion of the lock shaft331. The lock shaft331is supported for rotation at the opposite ends thereof and is rotated in an interlocking relationship with a taking in/out movement of the step303. The cam384lies horizontally when the step303is in its accommodated position, but stands uprightly when the step303is turned into an operable position.

FIG.15(a) is a view showing a front elevation and FIG.15(b) is a side elevation of the rubber case332. FIG.16(a) is a view showing a front surface view FIG.16(b) is a side view, and FIG.16(c) is a rear surface view of the lock rubber member333.

The lock rubber member333is formed from a resilient member of an arcuate shape which is inscribed with the inner surface of the rubber case332, and has a front surface projection382and a back surface projection383provided at the center of the front and rear faces thereof. The lock rubber member333is securely mounted on the inner side of the rubber case332such that the front surface projection382thereof projects outwardly through an opening381of the rubber case332.

FIGS. 17 and 18are views illustrating a locking operation by the front lock mechanism composed of the components described above.

In a state wherein the step303is turned into an operable position, since the cam384assumes a vertical posture in the longitudinal direction as shown inFIG. 17, the back surface projections383of the lock rubber members333are pushed out by the opposite end portions of the cam384. This causes the front surface projections382thereof to project outwardly by a comparatively great extent through the openings381of the rubber case332. The projected front surface projections382extend through openings385(FIG. 12) of the lower frame pipe314and engage with openings386(FIG. 12) provided in the side component208to prevent sliding movement of the side component208.

On the other hand, when the step303is in an accommodated state, since the cam384assumes a horizontally lying posture as shown inFIG. 18, the front surface projections382of the lock rubber members333are accommodated in the inside of the rubber case332. Accordingly, sliding movement of the side component208along the lower frame pipe314is permitted.

In this manner, since sliding movement of the rear frame2with respect to the center frame3is locked or unlocked in an interlocking relationship with an operation of turning up/down the steps303, the necessity for a locking/unlocking operation for exclusive use is eliminated.

Subsequently, a structure of the front frame1and a connection structure of the front frame1to the center frame3are described.

FIG. 19is an exploded view of the head pipe103which is a principal component of the front frame1. The head pipe103includes a base portion103(c) having a through-hole113formed therein for supporting the front fork106for steering movement, and a pair of right and left head pipe shaft portions103(R, L) extending rearwardly in parallel to each other from the base portion103(c), and has a tuning fork-like shape as a whole. Operation elements141(R, L) of the front lock mechanism for inhibiting sliding movement of the front frame1relative to the center frame3in an extended state, that is, in a traveling state of the two-wheeled vehicle, are assembled to rear end portions of the head pipe shaft portions103(R, L), respectively.

The operation element141(R) includes a hook pipe151, a base plate152, a lever plate153, a lever154, an arresting pin155, and a cover156as principal components. The other operation element141(L) is different from the operation element141(R) in that it includes, in place of the arresting pin155, an engaging tube160which in turn includes an arresting inner tube157, an arresting outer tube158, and arresting balls159held between the arresting inner tube157and the arresting outer tube158.

It is to be noted that, in a process of manufacturing the two-wheeled vehicle, the head pipe shaft portions103(R, L) are fitted into the guide rollers302of the center frame3in advance as shown inFIG. 20, and thereafter, the operation elements141are assembled to the rear end portions of the head pipe shaft portions103(R, L).

A male connector162and a female connector161for establishing electric connection between the frames1and2during contraction of the two-wheeled vehicle, and electrically disconnecting them from each other upon extension of the two-wheeled vehicle, are provided on each of the guide rollers302of the center frame3and each of the operation elements141of the front frame1, respectively. The female connector161is securely screwed to an upper portion of the guide roller302through a mounting member163. The male connector162is securely screwed to the base plate152of the operation element141.

FIG. 21is a view showing a positional relationship between the head pipe shaft portions103(R, L) and the guide rollers302in a frame contraction state, that is, in an accommodation state. Each of the female connectors161is covered with a cover341together with the guide roller302, and each of the male connectors162is covered with a cover149.

In the frame contraction state, since the guide rollers302are positioned forwardly of the head pipe shaft portions103(R, L) and the male connectors162and the female connectors161are spaced away from each other, the front frame1and the center frame3are electrically isolated from each other. The operation elements141assume an uprightly standing posture.

If, from this contraction state, the frame is extended to a maximum extension position, that is, to a traveling permission state ofFIG. 22, then the guide rollers302are slidably moved to the last end portions of the head pipe shaft portions103(R, L), and the male connectors162and the female connectors161are fit together. Consequently, they are electrically connected to each other, and electric connection between the front frame1and the center frame3is established.

In this manner, since the electric connection between the components is cut in the accommodation state wherein the frame is contracted, even if a switch is operated in error while the two-wheeled vehicle is in its accommodation state, no electric apparatus is made to be operative.

Further, since the electric connection by the connectors161and162is established only at the maximum extension position of the vehicle body frame, traveling of the two-wheeled vehicle when the vehicle body frame has not completely extended can be prevented.

FIG. 23is a perspective view showing the connectors161and162in their fitted state. Guide members164and163for guiding the connectors161and162relatively to appropriate positions when they are fitted with each other are formed at upper portions of the connectors161and162, respectively. As shown inFIG. 24, the guide member,164has a through-hole163bformed therein, and a tapered portion164afor facilitating guidance of a pin member163aof the mounting member163into the through-hole163bis formed at an opening end of the through-hole163b.

FIG. 46is a sectional view of the connectors161and162in the fitting state. InFIG. 46, like reference characters to those appearing above denote like or corresponding elements.

The connector162is resiliently mounted on the base plate152(FIG. 20) by screws195through bosses193and springs194. According to such a mounting method as just described, the connector162can normally be maintained in a resiliently floating state with respect to the base plate152by the bosses193resiliently acted upon by the springs194. Accordingly, when the guide rollers302are slidably moved to the terminal end portions of the head pipe shaft portions103(R, L) as shown inFIG. 22, even if the relative position between the connectors161and162suffers from an error, the error is absorbed. Consequently, a good fit between them can be achieved.

Further, since tapered portions161aand162afor facilitating fitting between the connectors161and162are formed at fitting portions of the connectors161and162in addition to the guide members164and163, a good fitting state can be achieved. A good fit is made possible, even if the relative position of the connectors161and162suffers from an error, since they are guided to their normal fitting positions relative to each other,

Furthermore, contacts195′ of the female connector161are spring pins, and a spring pin196projecting resiliently from a tip of each contact195is resiliently pressed against a recess197aprovided at an end of a contact197of the male connector162, and as shown in FIG.47. Accordingly, since vibrations or positional displacement between the connectors161and162is absorbed, the electric connection at the frame connection portion can always be maintained in a rood condition.

FIG. 26is a sectional view of the operation elements141(R, L). After the guide rollers302are slidably moved to the terminal ends of the head pipe shaft portions103(R, L) as shown inFIG. 22, the operation elements141are grasped by the left and right hands. When this occurs, the operation element141(R) on the right side is turned in the counterclockwise direction, and the operation element141(L) on the left side is turned in the clockwise direction both by 90 from the uprightly standing posture of FIG.26(a) to the horizontally tying posture of FIG.26(b).

Thereafter, the levers154of the operation elements141are grasped and slidably moved to the inner side as shown in FIG.26(c). At this time, in the operation element141(R) on the right side, the arresting pin155projects from the opening148(R), and in the operation element141(L) on the left side, the engaging tube160projects from the opening148(L). This causes the arresting pin155to be inserted into the engaging tube160until they are arrested by each other by the arresting balls159. Consequently, the right and left head pipe shaft portions103(R, L) are mechanically connected to each other as shown in FIG.27. Therefore, the frame rigidity during traveling is augmented.

Further, in the traveling state wherein the operation elements141lie horizontally, the hook pipes151(refer toFIG. 19) in the head pipe shaft portions103(R, L) are pivoted to the inner side by 90 (as shown in FIG.25), and engage with side portion openings191′ of the shaft portions103(R, L) and side portion openings391of the guide rollers302. Consequently, the guide rollers302and the shaft portions103(R, L) are locked to each other, thereby inhibiting relative sliding movement therebetween.

In this manner, in the present embodiment, only when the left and right operation elements141are turned, is the front frame1locked to the center frame3. Moreover, since the operation elements are disposed in the proximity of each other, a locking/unlocking operation can be performed readily.

Now, a lock mechanism for each of the handle shafts102is described.FIG. 28is a partial perspective view showing a lock mechanism between the handle shaft102and the handle bridge108.FIGS. 29 and 30are views showing the handle lock mechanism as viewed from the rear side of the handle bridge108. While the handle lock mechanism is provided for both of the left and the right of the handle shafts102, the description given here of the mechanism provided for the handle shaft102(R) on the right side is only an example.

The handle lock mechanism includes an L-shaped operation lever181, a rod182, an eccentric crank183, another rod184, a pusher185, and a pusher guide186. In the extension state shown inFIG. 31, since the L-shaped operation lever181is pushed in to the rear side of the handle bridge108as shown inFIG. 29, a tip of the pusher185enters an opening187provided at a side portion of the handle shaft102to stop the handle shaft102against sliding movement.

On the other hand, in the contraction state, if the L-shaped operation lever181is pulled out, then the eccentric crank183is pivoted in the counterclockwise direction and the pusher185is pulled out through the rod184, as shown in FIG.30. Accordingly, if the left and right L-shaped operation levers181are operated to release the handle lock and the handle shafts102are pushed down in this state, then the handle shafts102slidably move downwardly with respect to the handle bridge108, as shown in FIG.32.

The connectors191(R, L) and192(R, L), similar to the connectors161and162for electrically connecting the front frame1and the center frame3, are provided at the opposite side portions of the handle bridge108and the lower ends of the handle shafts102(R, L). If fitting between the connectors191(R, L) and the connectors192(R, L) is cancelled, and they are spaced away from each other as a result of the sliding movement described above, then the handle bridge108and the handle shafts102are electrically disconnected from each other.

FIG. 33is an exploded view showing a configuration of the front wheel FW. InFIG. 33, like reference characters to those appearing above denote like or corresponding elements.

The front wheel FW includes a mounting flange133, a front wheel134, a disk rotor135, and a tire137as principal components thereof, and the disk rotor135is securely screwed to the front wheel134. The front wheel FW is fitted on and supported in a cantilever-like manner on a front wheel axle199extending from an end of the front fork106together with left and right wheel caps131and138and is fastened by a nut132. A brake caliper136is securely screwed to the front fork106together with a wheel cap138. A caliper cover139is secured to the wheel cap138by screws140.

FIG. 34is an exploded view showing a configuration of the rear wheel RW. InFIG. 34, like reference characters to those appearing above denote like or corresponding elements.

The swing arm201includes a drum brake239and a rear wheel axle240, and a stator231is securely screwed to an outer periphery of the drum brake239. On the rear wheel237side, a sensor235and a magnet rotor233are fitted coaxially and secured by a clip232.

FIG. 35is an exploded view showing another configuration of the rear wheel RW. InFIG. 35, like reference characters to those appearing above denote like or corresponding elements.

The rear wheel RW includes a rear wheel tire236, and the rear wheel237for the rear wheel tire236, a drive motor226accommodated on the inner side of the rear wheel237, a disk rotor229, and a caliper288for the disk rotor229as principal components. The drive motor226includes a stator226S and a magnet rotor226R which rotates on the outer side of the stator.

The rear wheel237is supported on a rear wheel shaft286through a center shaft281and left and right bearings252and282. Left and right dust seals224and283, a collar284, and a bracket223are fitted on the rear wheel shaft286and are securely fastened to a rear fork289by a nut222.

The stator226S of the drive motor226is secured to the rear fork289with the bracket223by screws221. The disk rotor229is securely fastened to the right side of the rear wheel237by screws230. The caliper288is securely fastened to the rear frame2through a caliper stay285by screws287. The rear fork289is connected and secured at one end thereof to the swing shaft207as shown in FIG.36. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the rear fork289is secured to the vehicle body frame without being rocked relative to the latter.

FIG. 37is a view showing a configuration of a power supply accommodation section244assured below the seat203. Two battery units251(R, L) each including a plurality of unit cells juxtaposed like barrels and shrink-packed into a unitary block are accommodated in the power supply accommodation section244together with breaker switch247and248, a control unit242including a DC-DC converter, and a high capacitance capacitor243.

FIG. 38is a perspective view of the headlight unit105,FIG. 39is a perspective view of a light source section175built in the headlight unit105,FIG. 40is a front elevational view of the light source section175, andFIG. 41is a side elevational view of the light source section175.

As shown inFIGS. 40 and 41, the light source section175in the present embodiment includes, a base member189, a base plate178mounted on the base member189, and a plurality of LEDs177held three-dimensionally by the base member189.

The base member189has a curved base face176in which a large number of openings are provided in the directions of rows and columns, and a stepped abutting face188is formed on the bottom of each of the openings. Each of the white LEDs177of high luminance is accommodated in one of the openings such that it is partly exposed forwardly by a predetermined distance from the base face176. Each of the LEDs177is securely soldered at electrode pins thereof to the base plate178in a pushed-in state such that the rear face thereof is abutted with the abutting face188. Accordingly, the length of the exposed portion of each of the LEDs177is defined by the step of the abutting face188. A drive circuit for driving the LEDs177to be lit is carried on the base plate178.

In this manner, LEDs can be disposed three dimensionally without using a curved base plate. Further, since the heights or the directions of the LEDs do not rely upon soldering between the base plate178and the LED electrodes, the LEDs can be disposed three-dimensionally with a high degree of light distribution accuracy and without individual differences.

FIG. 42is a view partly broken showing a configuration of the right side handle grip and associated elements. A winker unit166(described later) is mounted on a handle pipe170, and the grip104is mounted on an outer periphery of the winker unit166. A brake lever167and an accelerator lever168are provided at an inner side end portion of the grip104, that is, within a range within which, when the grip is gripped with the right hand, the thumb of the right hand reaches. The opening of the accelerator lever168is detected by an accelerator opening sensor169.

FIG. 43is a perspective view of the winker unit166. FIG.44(a) is a sectional view and FIG.44(b) is an end portion front elevational view of the winker unit166.

The winker unit166in the present embodiment includes, as shown inFIG. 44, a support pipe171fitted in the handle pipe170, a base plate179, a circular supporting portion173provided at an end of the support pipe171and swollen spherically at a central portion thereof, and five LEDs174. The end portion of the support pipe171at which the LEDs174are exposed are covered with a transparent cap172, as shown in FIG.43.

The five LEDs174are secured to the base plate179such that four LEDs are disposed in a spaced relationship by 90 from each other around the remaining one LED which is positioned as the center thereof. The optical axis of this remaining LED is displaced a little outwardly from the center axis. Adjustment of the optical axis of each of the LEDs174is performed such that the LED174is inserted until the bottom thereof is abutted with the spherical face of the circular supporting portion173and electrodes thereof are fixed to the base plate179.

With the configuration just described, the light distribution characteristic of the winker can be defined accurately by the shape of the circular supporting portion173. Further, since the winker can be formed in a small size at an end portion of the handle, the operability of the handle is not damaged by the winker at all.

FIG. 45is a rear elevational view of the motor-driven two-wheeled vehicle. InFIG. 45, like reference characters to those appearing above denote like or corresponding elements.

In the present embodiment, a large number of red LEDs are disposed three-dimensionally at rear portions of frame bodies312(R, L) to form brake lamps361(R, L). Orange LEDs are disposed three-dimensionally on the lower side of the brake lamps361(R, L) to form winker lamps362(R, L). A number plate6is disposed rearwardly of the seat203.

In this manner, in the present embodiment, since LEDs are adopted as light sources for the headlight, brake lamps, and winkers, power saving essential to an electrically operated vehicle can be achieved. Further, since LEDs are adopted for a light source, restrictions in design are moderated, and consequently, augmentation in appearance can be achieved.

Subsequently, communication functions incorporated in two-wheeled vehicles and a four-wheeled vehicle are described. In the present embodiment, each of two-wheeled vehicles and a four-wheeled vehicle has a receiving slot for a card key in which transmission and reception functions are built together with an identification code (ID). The card keys removably loaded in such card key receiving slots in the two vehicles can communicate with each other by radio.

FIG. 48is a view of the meter unit101of the above-described two-wheeled vehicle as viewed from obliquely rearwardly. A card key receiving slot121is provided on a side face of the meter unit101which opposes to the driver. A CCD camera122is provided at an upper portion of a front face of the meter unit101, and an LCD display unit124is provided at an upper face of the meter unit101.

The CCD camera122is supported for pivotal motion in the forward and backward directions by a rotatable shaft not shown. In a pivoted position of the CCD camera122shown inFIG. 48, the CCD camera122is directed to the position of the face of the driver, but when the CCD camera122is pivoted forwardly, it is directed to the front in the advancing direction. Accordingly, by changing the pivotal position of the CCD camera122, the expression of the driver and the view in the advancing direction can be selectively picked up as an image.

FIG. 49is a front elevational view of a central portion of an instrument panel of the vehicle8and associated elements around the same. A car navigation system832is mounted below a blowing hole831. Two card key receiving slots833aand833bare provided below the car navigation system832.

FIG. 50is a view schematically showing an example of a form of communication through card keys loaded in the card key receiving slots121,833a, and833b.

The card key901aloaded on a two-wheeled vehicle A communicates with the card key911aloaded in the card key receiving slot833aof the vehicle8. Further, in the present embodiment, a microphone951, a speaker952, and a transmitter-receiver953are provided on each of helmets of drivers, and the card key911acommunicates also with the transmitter-receiver953.

The card key901bloaded in another two-wheeled vehicle B communicates with the card key911bloaded in the card key receiving slot833bof the vehicle8and the transmitter-receiver953of the helmet. In the present embodiment, since two card keys can be loaded on the vehicle8, the vehicle8can communicate in parallel with both of the two-wheeled vehicles A and B.

FIG. 51is a block diagram showing a configuration of the vehicle communication system described above. InFIG. 51, like reference characters to those appearing above denote like or corresponding elements.

The car navigation system832incorporated in the four-wheeled vehicle includes a CPU865, a GPS antenna861, a CD-ROM (or DVD-ROM)862in which map software is stored, a CCD camera863directed to the position of the face of the driver, and an LCD display unit864. Each of the card keys911aand911bloaded in the two card key receiving slots includes an ID unique to itself and a transmitter-receiver.

Each of the meter units101of the two-wheeled vehicles A and B includes a CPU123, a GPS antenna125, a CCD camera122, and an LCD display unit124. Each of the card keys901aand901bloaded in the card key receiving slots includes an ID unique to itself and a transmitter-receiver.

In such a configuration as described above, if the card key901ais loaded into one of the card key receiving slots of the two-wheeled vehicle A, the ID registered in the card key is read and collated for discrimination. If it is confirmed that the card key901ais a regular card key, then an enabling signal is transmitted from the meter unit101to an ECU126, and driving of the motor and feeding to the electric parts are enabled. If the card key901ais not a regular card key, then an inhibition signal is transmitted from the meter unit101to the ECU126, and driving of the motor and operation to the electric components of the two-wheeled vehicle are inhibited.

After the enabling signal is transmitted, if GPS radio waves transmitted from a plurality of GPS satellites are detected by the GPS antenna125of the two-wheeled vehicle A, then the CPU123recognizes the longitude and the latitude of the vehicle itself based on the received radio waves and transmits them as navigation information to the car navigation system832of the four-wheeled vehicle through the card key901aof the vehicle itself. In the car navigation system832, the CPU865produces peripheral map information of the two-wheeled vehicle A based on the map software stored in the CD-ROM862and the received navigation information, and transmits the produced peripheral map information to the two-wheeled vehicle A through the card key911a. On the two-wheeled vehicle A, the map information received by the card key901ais displayed on the LCD display unit124.

In this manner, since the car navigation apparatus incorporated in the four-wheeled vehicle can be utilized on the two-wheeled vehicles, the configuration of the two-wheeled vehicles can be simplified, and any increase in weight and cost can be minimized.

On the other hand, video data of the driver or the view picked up as an image by the CCD camera122of the two-wheeled vehicle A is encoded and compressed by the CPU123and then transmitted to the car navigation system832by the transmitter-receiver of the card key901a. In the car navigation system832, the CPU865decodes the video data, and the video data is displayed on the LCD display unit864. Similarly, video data of the driver picked up as an image by the CCD camera863of the four-wheeled vehicle is encoded and compressed by the CPU865and then transmitted to the two-wheeled vehicle A by the transmitter-receiver of the card key911a. In the meter unit101of the two-wheeled vehicle A, the CPU123decodes the video data, and the video data is displayed on the LCD display unit124. In this manner, since a video image can be exchanged between the two-wheeled vehicles and the four-wheeled vehicle, comfortable communication can be achieved.

Further, in the present embodiment, the transmitter-receiver953is provided on the helmet to be worn by the driver of each of the two-wheeled vehicles, and an audio signal detected by the microphone951is transmitted from the transmitter-receiver953and transmitted to the four-wheeled vehicle through the card key901a(901b) of the two-wheeled vehicle.

It is to be noted that, also when the two-wheeled vehicle B and the driver of the two-wheeled vehicle B communicate with the four-wheeled vehicle, the communication is performed in a similar manner to that described above except that the card key901bof the two-wheeled vehicle B and the card key911bof the four-wheeled vehicle communicate with each other. Therefore, description of the communication is omitted.

Further, in the present embodiment, an audio signal transmitted from a helmet and received by the card key901a(901b) of a two-wheeled vehicle is fetched also into the meter unit101. The CPU LCD123recognizes the audio signal by speech recognition to discriminate an instruction of the driver and changes a display mode or a display item of the LCD display unit124.

With the present embodiment, since a video image picked up by a CCD camera incorporated in a two-wheeled vehicle can be enjoyed on the four-wheeled vehicle (or vice versa), each of the driver of the two-wheeled vehicle and a passenger of the four-wheeled vehicle can confirm the expression of the other party. Further, since a microphone, a speaker and a transmitter-receiver are incorporated in a helmet to be worn by each driver and the transmitter-receiver can communicate with the other card key of any other vehicle through the card key of the vehicle itself, the drivers of the vehicles can communicate with each other while observing the face of the other party on the display unit.

It is to be noted that, while, in the embodiment described above, the car navigation apparatus incorporated in the four-wheeled vehicle can also be utilized from a two-wheeled vehicle, an acoustic apparatus such as a car audio system or a radio unit incorporated in the four-wheeled vehicle can be utilized from a two-wheeled vehicle through a similar procedure.

According to the present invention, the following effects are achieved.

(1) Since a card key in which transmission and reception functions are built is loaded into each of vehicles to allow communication between the vehicles, a function which is incorporated in only one of the vehicles can be utilized also from the other vehicle by remote control.

(2) Since identification information is registered in the card key and is utilized to manage the power supply of a two-wheeled vehicle, a theft prevention function and transmission and reception functions can be provided on the single card.

(3) Since a plurality of card keys can be loaded on one vehicle, the vehicle can communicate in parallel with a plurality of other vehicles.

(4) Apparatus, such as car navigation apparatus or an acoustic apparatus, tends to be expensive and large in volume, and therefore is incorporated in the four-wheeled vehicle. Since it can be utilized by remote control from the two-wheeled vehicles, the configuration of the two-wheeled vehicles can be simplified, and the increase in weight and the economical burden on the two-wheeled vehicles can be minimized.

(5) Where a video image picked up by the CCD camera incorporated in any of the two-wheeled vehicles can be enjoyed on the four-wheeled vehicle, each of the drivers of the two-wheeled vehicle and the passenger of the four-wheeled vehicle can confirm the expression of the other party.

(6) Since head set and transmission and reception functions are incorporated in a helmet such that the transmission and reception functions can communicate with a card key of another vehicle through a card key, the passengers of the vehicles can communicate with each other.