Vehicle and electric power supply device thereof

A vehicle comprises first and second operation units operated to perform switching between an electric power supply state and an electric power cut-off state of respective first and second electric components and a retaining device which starts electric power supply to the second electric component in response to the operation of the first and operation units to form the first and second electric power supply states, and retains the electric power supply to the second electric component, until the second operation unit is operated to form the second electric power cut-off state, despite a rider's operation of the first operation unit to form the first electric power cut-off state, after the retaining device started the electric power supply to the second electric component.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a vehicle and an electric power supply device thereof.

Description of the Related Art

In some cases, a rider wishes to activate a specified accessory load after the rider stops a vehicle and turns OFF an ignition switch. In this case, typically, the accessory load is turned ON by using a switch which is different from the ignition switch and is directly connected to an electric power supply. As another example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application Publication No. Hei. 9-263180 discloses a device which activates a hazard lamp for a specified time after a rider stops a vehicle and turns OFF an ignition switch. This allows the rider to notify a subsequent vehicle that the rider is stopping the vehicle and getting off the vehicle, by blinking a hazard lamp for the specified time from the time point when the rider turns OFF the ignition switch and gets off the vehicle.

However, when the accessory load can be turned ON/OFF by using the switch which is different from the ignition switch and is directly connected to the electric power supply, a third party may mischievously turn ON the accessory load without the rider's permission, and as a result, the electric power may be wasted, unless the switch is configured to be locked. In the device disclosed in the above Patent Literature, a timer mechanism for measuring the specified time is built into a controller, and a voltage is applied to a turn signal relay to blink the hazard lamp for the specified time. The hazard lamp is automatically turned OFF after passage of the specified time. A user cannot choose the timing when the hazard lamp is turned OFF.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses the above-mentioned conditions, and an object of the present invention is to provide a configuration which allows a user to activate a second electric component which can be used in a stopped state of a vehicle after electric power supply to a first electric component used for driving is cut-off, and to choose a timing when the second electric component is turned OFF, while preventing a third party's mischief.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising: a first operation unit which is operated by a rider to perform switching between a first electric power supply state in which an electric power is supplied to a first electric component used for driving of the vehicle and a first electric power cut-off state in which the electric power is not supplied to the first electric component; a second operation unit which is operated by the rider to perform switching between a second electric power supply state in which the electric power is supplied to a second electric component which can be used in at least a stopped state of the vehicle and a second electric power cut-off state in which the electric power is not supplied to the second electric component; and a retaining device which starts electric power supply to the second electric component in response to a command output by operating the first operation unit to form the first electric power supply state and a command output by operating the second operation unit to form the second electric power supply state, and retains the electric power supply to the second electric component, until the second operation unit is operated to form the second electric power cut-off state, despite the rider's operation of the first operation unit to form the first electric power cut-off state, after the retaining device has started the electric power supply to the second electric component.

In accordance with this configuration, after the electric power supply to the second electric component is started, the electric power supply to the second electric component can be retained (maintained), even when the first operation unit is operated to shift from the first electric power supply state to the first electric power cut-off state. To start the electric power supply to the second electric component, the rider is required to operate both of the first operation unit and the second operation unit to form the second electric power supply state. The first operation unit corresponding to the first electric component used for driving is set such that a third party who is someone other than the rider cannot operate the first operation unit in most cases. This makes it possible to prevent a situation in which the third party other than the rider who cannot operate the first operation unit mischievously starts the electric power supply to the second electric component. In addition, by operating the second operation unit to form the second electric power cut-off state after the rider operates the first operation unit to form the first electric power cut-off state, in the state in which the electric power supply to the second electric component is retained, the rider can cease the electric power supply to the second electric component at a desired timing. Since the electric power supply to the second electric component can take place in the state in which the electric power supply to the first electric component is ceased by operating the first operation unit to form the first electric power cut-off state, unwanted electric power consumption can be lessened.

The first operation unit may be operated via a portable member owned by the rider.

In accordance with this configuration, the third party who is someone other than the rider has difficulty operating the first operation unit.

The retaining device may include an activation section which is operative in response to an activation command, and an opening/closing section which is activated by the activation section and connected in series with the second electric component, wherein the activation section may receive the activation command in either one of a first state in which the first operation unit is operated to form the first electric power supply state and a second state in which the activation section operates and the second operation unit is operated to form the second electric power supply state, and wherein the activation section may close the opening/closing section in response to the activation command, and may open the opening/closing section, in a state in which the activation command is not provided to the activation section.

In accordance with this configuration, since the retaining device including the activation section and the opening/closing section is provided, the electric power supply to the second electric component can be suitably retained (maintained), even when the first operation unit is operated to form the first electric power cut-off state after the electric power supply to the second electric component has started.

The vehicle may further comprise a first opening/closing unit which is opened or closed by the first operation unit; and a second opening/closing unit which is opened or closed by the second operation unit and connected in parallel with the first opening/closing unit, wherein the activation section may operate in response to the activation command which is the first electric power supply state formed by closing the first opening/closing unit and the second electric power supply state formed by closing the opening/closing section and the second opening/closing unit.

In accordance with this configuration, the electric power supply to the second electric component can be suitably retained, even when the first operation unit is operated to form the first electric power cut-off state after the electric power supply to the second electric component has started.

The first opening/closing unit may be connected in series with the first electric component, the second opening/closing unit may be connected in series with the second electric component, and the first opening/closing unit and the second opening/closing unit may be connected in parallel in an electric circuit via which the electric power is supplied from an electric power supply unit to the first electric component and the second electric component.

In accordance with this configuration, since the electric power for activating the electric components can be utilized as a command for activating the retaining device, the configuration can be made simple.

The activation section may be an electromagnetic coil connected in series with the first opening/closing unit, the opening/closing section may be a contact element which is connected in series with the second opening/closing unit and shifted from an open state to a closed state by excitation of the electromagnetic coil, the retaining device may further include a connection line electrically connecting to each other a first wire on which the electromagnetic coil is provided and a second wire on which the contact element is provided, the electromagnetic coil may be excited in response to the activation command which is a current supplied to the electromagnetic coil through the connection line, the connection line may electrically connect to each other a high potential position of the first wire in which electric potential is higher than that in a position of the first wire on which the electromagnetic coil is provided and a low potential position of the second wire in which the electric potential is lower than that in a position of the second wire on which the contact element is provided and a position of the second wire on which the second opening/closing unit is provided, and the contact element may move to an electric power supply position in a state in which the electromagnetic coil is excited and move to an electric power cut-off position in a state in which the electromagnetic coil is unexcited.

In accordance with this configuration, even when the first operation unit is operated to form the first electric power cut-off state in a state in which the second electric power supply state is formed by operating the second operation unit, a state in which a current flows to the electromagnetic coil of the retaining device via the connection line is maintained. Therefore, even when the first operation unit is operated to form the first electric power cut-off state, the contact element of the retaining device is kept in an electric power supply position, which allows the continued use of the second electric component. When the second operation unit is operated to form the second electric power cut-off state in a state in which a current flows to the electromagnetic coil of the retaining device via the connection line, the electric power supply to the second electric component is ceased, and the current flowing from the connection line to the electromagnetic coil is cut-off. Therefore, no electric power is supplied to the second electric component even when the second operation unit is operated to form the second electric power supply state, unless the first operation unit is operated to form the first electric power supply state. Therefore, in the state in which the first electric power cut-off state is formed by operating the first operation unit, even if the second operation unit is operated to form the second electric power supply state, after the second operation unit is operated to form the second electric power cut-off state, no electric power is supplied to the second electric component, and as a result, the third party's mischief can be prevented.

The vehicle may further comprise a first diode which prevents a current from flowing through the first wire in a direction from the high potential position toward the first opening/closing unit, and a second diode which prevents the current from flowing through the connection line in a direction from the first wire toward the second wire.

In accordance with this configuration, the retaining device can operate stably with a simple configuration.

The vehicle may further comprise a first terminal connected in series with the first opening/closing unit, and a second terminal connected in parallel with the first opening/closing unit, wherein a circuit including the second electric component, the retaining device, and the second opening/closing unit may be provided on a harness module which is removably electrically connected to the first terminal and the second terminal.

In accordance with this configuration, the second electric component, the retaining device, and the second opening/closing unit, as a single harness module, can be easily removably mounted to a vehicle body.

The vehicle may further comprise a third operation unit which is operated by the rider to perform switching between a third electric power supply state in which the electric power is supplied to a third electric component which can be used in at least the stopped state of the vehicle and a third electric power cut-off state in which the electric power is not supplied to the third electric component; and a third opening/closing unit which is opened or closed by the third operation unit and connected in parallel with the second opening/closing unit in a position in which the electric potential is lower than that in the retaining device, wherein the vehicle may be configured such that the activation command is not provided to the activation section in a state in which the first opening/closing unit and the second opening/closing unit are opened.

In accordance with this configuration, in the state in which the second electric component continues to be used, after the second operation unit is operated to form the second electric power supply state and then the first operation unit is operated to form the first electric power cut-off state, the electric power supply to the third electric component can be started or ceased as desired by operating the third operation unit. On the other hand, in the state in which the second electric power cut-off state is formed by operating the second operation unit, the electric power supply to the third electric component remains ceased, even when the third operation unit is operated to form the third electric power supply state. In other words, in the state in which the first electric power cut-off state is formed by operating the first operation unit, whether or not to perform the electric power supply to the third electric component depends on the state of the second operation unit. In this way, a subordinate-to-superior relationship between the second operation unit and the third operation unit can be set with a simple configuration.

The vehicle may be a straddle-type vehicle.

In accordance with this configuration, in the straddle-type vehicle in which the operation units operated by the rider are exposed outside, it becomes possible to more effectively prevent a situation in which the third party mischievously operates the second operation unit to use the second electric component without permission.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electric power supply device of a vehicle, the electric power supply device including a first operation unit which is operated by a rider to perform switching between a first electric power supply state in which an electric power is supplied to a first electric component used for driving of the vehicle and a first electric power cut-off state in which the electric power is not supplied to the first electric component, the electric power supply device comprising: a second operation unit which is operated by the rider to perform switching between a second electric power supply state in which the electric power is supplied to a second electric component which can be used in at least a stopped state of the vehicle and a second electric power cut-off state in which the electric power is not supplied to the second electric component; and a retaining device which starts electric power supply to the second electric component in response to a command output by operating the first operation unit to form the first electric power supply state and a command output by operating the second operation unit to form the second electric power supply state, and retains the electric power supply to the second electric component, until the second operation unit is operated to form the second electric power cut-off state, despite the rider's operation of the first operation unit to form the first electric power cut-off state, after the retaining device started the electric power supply to the second electric component.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1is a circuit diagram showing the configuration of an electric power supply device10of a vehicle1according to Embodiment 1. The electric power supply device10is suitably applied to an open-ride-type vehicle in which at least one of a roof and a door is not provided and thereby operation units operated by a rider are exposed outside. Open-ride-type vehicles include a straddle-type vehicle, an ATV (all-terrain vehicle), an open car, a buggy car, a ship (boat), etc. Straddle-type vehicles include a motorcycle, an automated three-wheeled vehicle, a bicycle (bike), a personal watercraft (PWC), etc. Hereinafter, a case where the vehicle1is a motorcycle activated to drive on a road by an internal combustion engine will be exemplarily described.

As shown inFIG. 1, the electric power supply device10includes a first wire4which is a power line connecting the positive electrode of an electric power supply unit2(e.g., battery) to a grounding location, a second wire5which is a power line connected in parallel with the first wire4and connecting the positive electrode of the electric power supply unit2to a grounding location, and a third wire6which is a power line connected in parallel with a portion of the second wire5. The first wire4is provided with a first opening/closing unit3which is opened or closed by a first operation unit27which is operated via a portable member28owned by the rider. For example, the first opening/closing unit3is opened or closed mechanically in response to the movement of the first operation unit27operated by the rider. In the present embodiment, for example, the first operation unit27is a key cylinder, the portable member28is a key, and the first opening/closing unit3is an ignition switch (main switch). The key which is the portable member28is inserted into a key cylinder27of the vehicle1, which is exposed outside, and then rotated, and thereby the first opening/closing unit3is closed.

The first wire4includes a high potential power line21and a low potential power line31connected in series with the high potential power line21. A terminal22of the high potential power line21and a terminal32of the low potential power line31are removably connected to each other. The first opening/closing unit3is provided on the high potential power line21in a position in which electric potential is higher than that in the terminal22.

At least one fourth wire8branches from the first wire4in a position in which the electric potential is lower than that in the first opening/closing unit3and is connected to a grounding location. The fourth wire8is provided with at least one first electric component7(electric component used for driving) used for driving of the vehicle1. The fourth wire8branches from the first wire4in the position in which the electric potential is higher than those in the terminals22,32. The first opening/closing unit3is connected in series with the first electric component7and connected in parallel with the terminal22of the high potential power line21. The examples of the first electric component7are a vehicle controller, an ignition plug, an injector, an engine sensor, a driving actuator, a driving relay, a regulator, etc. The first electric component7may include security components required for driving, such as a brake lamp, a direction indicator, a head light, a buzzer, a gauge, etc., as well as the electric components used for activating the engine. Or, the first electric component7may include a driving assist device such as a brake control device such as ABS (anti-braking system), or an electronically-controlled suspension.

The second wire5includes a high potential power line23, and a low potential power line33which is connected in series with the high potential power line23in a position in which the electric potential is lower. The high potential power line23and the low potential power line33are removably connected to each other in such a manner that a terminal34of the low potential power line33is removably connected to a terminal24of the high potential power line23.

The second wire5is connected to the electric power supply unit2while bypassing the first opening/closing unit3. The second wire5branches from the first wire4in a position in which the electric potential is higher than that in the first opening/closing unit3and is connected to the grounding location. The second wire5is provided with a second electric component14(electric component used in non-driving state) which can be used in at least a stopped state of the vehicle1. The second electric component14is, for example, an accessory load and the like, and includes lamps (e.g., alarm lamp, hazard lamp, head lamp, etc.), a speaker, an accessory electric power supply, an audio device, a navigation device, a heater, etc. The vehicle1can drive on the road in a state in which the second electric component14is not supplied with the electric power and deactivated. In other words, the rider may wish to use the second electric component14in the stopped state of the vehicle1. The second electric component14may be an electric component which is externally removably attached to the vehicle body of the vehicle1. In that case, the second wire5is provided with a connector, a socket, a plug, and the like which allow the electric power to be supplied to the electric component which is externally removably attached to the vehicle body. In the present embodiment, for example, the second electric component14is an auxiliary lamp.

The second wire5is provided with a second opening/closing unit12. The second opening/closing unit12is connected in parallel with the first opening/closing unit3and connected in series with the second electric component14. The second opening/closing unit12is opened or closed (turned OFF or ON) by a second operation unit13operated by the rider. For example, the second opening/closing unit12is opened or closed mechanically in response to the movement of the second operation unit13operated by the rider. For example, a switch such as a button may be used as the second operation unit13.

The first wire4and the second wire5are provided with a retaining device11which retains (maintains) the electric power supply to the second wire5for a predetermined desired period. Specifically, the retaining device11is provided on the low potential power lines31,33of the first and second wires4,5. In the present embodiment, the retaining device11includes a relay device18. The relay device18includes an electromagnetic coil18bconnected in series with the first opening/closing unit3, a contact element18awhich is connected in series with the second opening/closing unit12and the second electric component14and shifts from an open state to a closed state by excitation of the electromagnetic coil18b, and a relay terminal18celectrically connected to the electromagnetic coil18b. The retaining device11further includes a connection line19electrically connecting to each other the first wire4provided with the electromagnetic coil18band the second wire5provided with the contact element18a. The connection line19electrically connects a high potential position19aof the first wire4in which the electric potential is lower than that in the first opening/closing unit3and is higher than that in a position of the first wire4on which the electromagnetic coil18bis provided, and a low potential position19bof the second wire5in which the electric potential is lower than that in a position of the second wire5on which the contact element18ais provided and that in a position of the second wire5on which the second opening/closing unit12is provided.

In other words, the relay terminal18cserves as a receiver section which receives a current flowing to the relay terminal18cthrough the connection line19, as an activation command, and allows the electric power to be supplied to the electromagnetic coil18b. The electromagnetic coil18bserves as an activation section which is excited in response to the current received in the relay terminal18c, as the activation command. The contact element18aserves as an opening/closing section which is activated by the electromagnetic coil18b. The electromagnetic coil18bof the relay device18is excited in response to the activation commands which are an electric power supply state formed by closing the first opening/closing unit3, and an electric power supply state formed by closing both of the contact element18aand the second opening/closing unit12. The contact element18ais activated to move to an electric power supply position in the state in which the electromagnetic coil18bis excited and to an electric power cut-off position in the state in which the electromagnetic coil18bis unexcited.

The first wire4is provided with a first diode25in a position in which the electric potential is higher than that in the connecting point of the first wire4and the connection line19and lower than that in a position on which the first opening/closing unit3is provided, and permits a current to flow only in a direction from the first opening/closing unit3toward the electromagnetic coil18b. The first diode25serves to prevent a current from flowing from the connection line19toward the first opening/closing unit3. The connection line19is provided with a second diode26which permits a current to flow only in a direction from the second wire5toward the first wire4. The second diode26serves to prevent a current from flowing through the connection line19in a direction from the first wire4toward the second wire5.

The low potential power line31of the first wire4is provided with the first diode25and the electromagnetic coil18b. The low potential power line33of the second wire5is provided with the contact element18a, the second opening/closing unit12, and the second electric component14. The connection line19connects to each other the low potential power line33of the second wire5and the low potential power line31of the first wire4.

The high potential power lines21,23of the first and second wires4,5constitute a first harness module50, while the low potential power lines31,33of the first and second wires4,5constitute a second harness module51. The second harness module51is provided with a circuit including the retaining device11, the second opening/closing unit12, the first diode25and the second diode26. The second harness module51includes a ground terminal which is grounded to a vehicle body frame. The first harness module50and the second harness module51are removably coupled to each other by the terminals22,24,32, and34. The second operation unit13and a wire connected to the second operation unit13are preferably unitarily connected to the second harness module51. This makes it possible to easily additionally removably mount a system associated with the second harness module51to the vehicle body, according to the rider's preference.

The third wire6is connected in parallel with a portion of the low potential power line33of the second wire5and connected to the electric power supply unit2while bypassing the first opening/closing unit3. Specifically, the third wire6is connected to the second wire5in a position which is between the contact element18aand the second opening/closing unit12and in a position in which the electric potential is lower than that in a position on which the second electric component14is provided. The third wire6is included in the second harness module51. The third wire6is provided with a third electric component17(electric component used in a non-driving state) which can be used in at least the stopped state of the vehicle1.

The third electric component17is, for example, an accessory load and the like, and includes lamps (e.g., alarm lamp, hazard lamp, head lamp, etc.), a speaker, an accessory electric power supply, an audio device, a navigation device, a heater, etc. The vehicle1can drive on the road in a state in which the third electric component17is not supplied with the electric power and deactivated. In other words, the rider may wish to use the third electric component17in the stopped state of the vehicle1. In the present embodiment, for example, the third electric component17is a speaker.

The third wire6is provided with a third opening/closing unit15. The third opening/closing unit15is connected in parallel with the first opening/closing unit3and the second opening/closing unit12, and connected in series with the third electric component17. Specifically, in an electric circuit in which the electric power is supplied from the electric power supply unit2to the first to third electric components7,14,17, the first to third opening/closing units3,12,15are connected in parallel. The third opening/closing unit15is opened or closed by a third operation unit16operated by the rider. For example, the third opening/closing unit15is opened or closed mechanically in response to the movement of the third operation unit16operated by the rider.

The negative terminal of the electric power supply unit2is connected to a grounding location, while the low potential end portions of the first to fourth wires4,5,6,8are connected to locations in which the electric potential is equal to that in the grounding location. In the present embodiment, the electric potential of the vehicle body frame is set to a ground potential, and the low potential end portions of the first to fourth wires4,5,6,8are connected to the vehicle body frame.

Next, the operation of the electric power supply device10will be described.

FIG. 2is an operation transition diagram showing the operation of the electric power supply device10ofFIG. 1. In the example ofFIG. 2, “IG” indicates the first opening/closing unit3, “lamp” indicates the second electric component14, and “lamp SW” indicates the second opening/closing unit12. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, in the state in which both of the first and second opening/closing units3,12are opened (S1), the rider operates the first operation unit27by using the portable member28to form the electric power supply state. Thereby, the first opening/closing unit3is closed and the electric power supply to the first electric component7is started (S2). At this time, the contact element18ais closed by the excitation of the electromagnetic coil18b, but the second opening/closing unit12is opened. Therefore, the second electric component14remains in the electric power cut-off state (lamp OFF).

Then, the rider operates the second operation unit13to form the electric power supply state, while maintaining the state in which the first opening/closing unit3is closed, and as a result, electric power supply to the second electric component14is started (lamp ON) (S3). Specifically, the lamp14is ON in the state in which the vehicle1can drive. At this time, the contact element18aand the second opening/closing unit12are closed, and therefore a current which has flowed through the second wire5and the connection line19is supplied to the electromagnetic coil18b. Then, the rider operates the first operation unit27by using the portable member28to form the electric power cut-off state, while maintaining the state in which the second opening/closing unit12is closed, and thereby the first opening/closing unit3is opened to cease the electric power supply to the first electric component7(S4). At this time, a current is supplied from the electric power supply unit2to the electromagnetic coil18bvia the second wire5and the connection line19. Therefore, the contact element18ais maintained in the closed state and the electric power supply to the second electric component14is retained (maintained) (lamp ON). In other words, even after the rider operates the first operation unit27by using the portable member28to form the electric power cut-off state and takes away the portable member28from the vehicle1, the electric power supply to the second electric component14can be continued. In the present embodiment, the vehicle1is locked so that the vehicle1cannot start to drive, when the key as the portable member28is pulled out from the key cylinder as the first operation unit27(e.g., handle is locked).

Then, the rider operates the second operation unit13to form the electric power cut-off state, while maintaining the state in which the first opening/closing unit3is opened, and thereby the electric power supply to the second electric component14is ceased (S1). At this time, since the second opening/closing unit12is opened, no current flows through the second wire5. Therefore, a current which was supplied to the electromagnetic coil18bvia the connection line19is ceased, and the contact element18ais opened. Therefore, the state in which both of the first opening/closing unit3and the second opening/closing unit12are opened is formed again. In this state (S1), even when the second operation unit13is operated to close the second opening/closing unit12so that the electric power supply state is formed, no current is supplied to the second electric component14(S5). In other words, after the rider operates the second operation unit13to open the second opening/closing unit12so that the electric power cut-off state is formed, in the state in which the first opening/closing unit3is opened, the state in which the second electric component14is supplied with the electric power cannot be formed, if the rider operates only the second operation unit13to close the second opening/closing unit12so that the electric power supply state is formed. To resume the electric power supply to the second electric component14, the rider is required to operate the first operation unit27by using the portable member28to close the first opening/closing unit3so that the electric power supply state is formed (S2), and to operate the second operation unit13to close the second opening/closing unit12so that the electric power supply state is formed (S3).

In accordance with the above configuration, after the electric power supply to the second electric component14was started, the electric power supply to the second electric component14can be retained, even when the first operation unit27is operated to shift from the electric power supply state to the electric power cut-off state. In addition, to start the electric power supply to the second electric component14, the rider is required to operate both of the first operation unit27and the second operation unit13to form the electric power supply state. Typically, the first operation unit27for the first electric component7used for driving cannot be operated by a third party who is someone other than the rider. This makes it possible to prevent a situation in which the third party who is someone other than the rider and is not permitted to operate the first operation unit27mischievously starts the electric power supply to the second electric component14. After the rider operated the first operation unit27to form the electric power cut-off state, the electric power supply to the second electric component14can be ceased at a desired timing by the rider's operation of the second operation unit13to form the electric power cut-off state. The second electric component14can be supplied with the electric power in the state in which the electric power supply to the first electric component7is ceased as a result of the rider's operation of the first operation unit27to form the electric power cut-off state. This can suppress unwanted electric power consumption.

When the rider operates the second operation unit13to form the electric power cut-off state, in the state in which the first opening/closing unit3is opened and a current is supplied to the electromagnetic coil18bvia the connection line19, the electric power supply to the second electric component14is ceased, and no current is supplied to the electromagnetic coil18bthrough the connection line19. Therefore, even when the rider operates the second operation unit13to form the electric power supply state, no current is supplied to the second electric component14, unless the first operation unit27is operated to form the electric power supply state. Therefore, in the state in which the electric power cut-off state is formed as a result of the rider's operation of the first operation unit27, even if the second operation unit13is operated to form the electric power supply state after the second operation unit13was operated to form the electric power cut-off state, no electric power is supplied to the second electric component14. This makes it possible to easily prevent the third party's mischief.

The electric power supply device10is divided into the first harness module50and the second harness module51such that the first harness module50and the second harness module51are removably coupled to each other. The second harness module51includes the retaining device11, the second opening/closing unit12, the third opening/closing unit15, the first diode25and the second diode26. To provide the above described function, it is sufficient that only the second harness module51is changed with respect to the existing components. It is not necessary to change the first harness module50, with respect to the existing components. Therefore, it becomes possible to easily incorporate the function into a vehicle of an existing kind.

Since the retaining device11is provided on the power line, the present configuration can be easily added without using special control. In addition, it is not necessary to adjust the output of the retaining device11on the power line, as compared to a case where the retaining device11is provided on a signal line. The retaining device11provided on the power line is less susceptible to a noise, and can be easily implemented.

The third wire6is not provided with a connection line which is electrically connected to the terminal18cof the relay device18while bypassing the first opening/closing unit3or the second opening/closing unit12. Specifically, in the state in which the first opening/closing unit3and the second opening/closing unit12are opened, the third wire6is electrically disconnected from the terminal18cof the relay device18. Because of this, in the state in which the second electric component14is not supplied with the electric power, the third electric component17cannot be placed in the electric power supply state even when the third opening/closing unit15is closed. On the other hand, in the state in which the second electric component14is supplied with the electric power, the third electric component17can be placed in the electric power supply state by closing the third opening/closing unit15or can be placed in the electric power cut-off state by opening the third opening/closing unit15.

In other words, when the first operation unit27is operated to form the electric power cut-off state in the state in which the electric power supply state is formed by operating the second operation unit13, and the second electric component14continues to be used, the third electric component17can be placed in the electric power supply state or the electric power cut-off state (turned ON or OFF), as desired, by operating the third operation unit16. On the other hand, in the state in which the electric power cut-off state is formed by operating the second operation unit13, the electric power supply to the third electric component17remains ceased, even when the third operation unit16is operated to form the electric power supply state. In brief, in the state in which the first operation unit27is operated to form the electric power cut-off state, whether or not the third electric component17can be supplied with electric power, depends on the operation of the second operation unit13. Therefore, in this way, a subordinate-to-superior relationship between the second operation unit13and the third operation unit16can be set with a simple configuration.

A lock operation for inhibiting the vehicle body from driving, such as handle locking, may be performed in response to the operation of the first operation unit27. This makes it possible to easily prevent a situation in which the third party mischievously moves the vehicle body, while activating the second electric component14.

FIG. 3is a circuit diagram showing the configuration of an electric power supply device110of a vehicle101according to Embodiment 2. In Embodiment 2, the same components as those of Embodiment 1 are designated by the same reference symbols, and will not be described repeatedly. As exemplarily shown inFIG. 3, in Embodiment 2, a thyristor118is used instead of the relay device18of Embodiment 1. The thyristor118is provided on a low potential power line133of a second wire105. The thyristor118is placed in such a manner that its anode is connected to the second wire105in a position in which the electric potential is higher and its cathode is connected to the second wire105in a position in which the electric potential is lower. A low potential power line131of the first wire104is provided between two bias resistors160,161which are connected in series. A portion of the first wire104which is between the bias resistors160,161, is connected to the gate of the thyristor118via a connection line119. In brief, the thyristor118and the connection line119constitute a retaining device111.

The gate of the thyristor118serves as an activation section which is operative in response to a voltage applied thereto as an activation command. A portion of the thyristor118which is between the anode and cathode serves as an opening/closing section which is placed in a continuity state in which a current flows therethrough, when a voltage is applied to the gate. The portion of the thyristor118which is between the anode and cathode is not placed in the continuity state unless a gate current flows therethrough. Once the portion of the thyristor118which is between the anode and cathode is placed in the continuity state, this state is not terminated even when the gate current is cut-off, and is retained until the flow of the current between the anode and the cathode is ceased.

Next, the operation of the electric power supply device110will be described. When the first opening/closing unit3is closed in the state in which all of the first to third opening/closing units3,12,15are opened, the electric power supply to the first electric component7is started. At this time, a voltage is applied to the gate of the thyristor118. However, the second opening/closing unit12is opened and no forward bias is applied between the anode and the cathode of the thyristor118. Therefore, the second electric component14remains in the electric power cut-off state. Then, the second opening/closing unit12is closed, and thereby the electric power supply to the second electric component14is started.

Then, the first opening/closing unit3is opened and the gate current is cut-off. In this state, a current is flowing between the anode and the cathode of the thyristor118, so that the portion of the thyristor118between the anode and the cathode is maintained in the continuity state, and the electric power supply to the second electric component14is retained (maintained). Then, the second opening/closing unit12is opened. In this state, no forward bias is applied between the anode and the cathode of the thyristor118, and the electric power supply to the second electric component14is ceased. Even when the second opening/closing unit12is closed again in this state, the first opening/closing unit3is opened and no voltage is applied to the gate of the thyristor118, so that the electric power supply to the second electric component14is not resumed. To resume the electric power supply to the second electric component14, the rider is required to operate the first operation unit27by using the portable member28to close the first opening/closing unit3so that the electric power supply state is formed.

In accordance with the above configuration, the retaining device111can be implemented as an electric switch rather than a physical switch in which the contact element moves by electromagnetic force. This can prevent an operation failure which is attributed to the movement of the contact element, and improve reliability. The other configuration is the same as that of Embodiment 1 and will not be described repeatedly.

FIG. 4is a circuit diagram showing the configuration of an electric power supply device210according to Embodiment 3. In Embodiment 3, the same components as those of Embodiment 1 are designated by the same reference numerals and will not be described repeatedly. As exemplarily shown inFIG. 4, in Embodiment 3, a transistor circuit218is used instead of the relay device18of Embodiment 1. The transistor circuit218is a circuit which is equivalent to the thyristor118of Embodiment 2, and is a combination of a NPN transistor T1and a PNP transistor T2. The base of the NPN transistor T1is connected to a first electric circuit204via a connection line119. In brief, the transistor circuit218and the connection line119constitute a retaining device211.

The emitter of the NPN transistor T1is connected to a second electric circuit205in a position in which the electric potential is lower, while the collector of the NPN transistor T1is connected to the base of the PNP transistor T2. The emitter of the PNP transistor T2is connected to the second electric circuit205in a position in which the electric potential is higher, while the collector of the PNP transistor T2is connected to the base of the NPN transistor T1.

The transistor circuit218is not placed in a continuity state unless a voltage is applied to the base of the NPN transistor T1. When both of the first opening/closing unit3and the second opening/closing unit12are closed, a base current flows through the NPN transistor T1, and thereby a collector current flows therethrough. The collector current of the NPN transistor T1becomes the base current of the PNP transistor T2. Therefore, the collector current also flows through the PNP transistor T2. The collector current of the PNP transistor T2becomes the base current of the NPN transistor T1and therefore increases the collector current of NPN transistor T1. In this way, the NPN transistor T1and the PNP transistor T2are kept in the continuity state, by mutual action. Therefore, once the transistor circuit218is placed in the continuity state, this state is retained even when a current supplied to the transistor circuit218through the connection line119is cut-off.

Next, the operation of the electric power supply device210will be described. When the first opening/closing unit3is closed in the state in which all of the first to third opening/closing units3,12,15are opened, the electric power supply to the first electric component7is started. At this time, a voltage is applied to the base of the NPN transistor T1, but the second opening/closing unit12is opened, and thereby the second electric component14remains in the electric power cut-off state. Then, the second opening/closing unit12is closed, and thereby the electric power supply to the second electric component14is started.

Then, the first opening/closing unit3is opened, and thereby a current supplied to the NPN transistor T1through the connection line119is cut-off. In this state, the PNP transistor T2remains in the continuity state and thereby the base current flows through the NPN transistor T1. Therefore, the transistor circuit218is retained in the continuity state and the electric power supply to the second electric component14is retained. Then, the second opening/closing unit12is opened, and thereby the electric power supply to the second electric component14is ceased. Even when the second opening/closing unit12is closed again in this state, the electric power supply to the second electric component14remains ceased, because the first opening/closing unit3is opened, and no voltage is applied to the gate of the NPN transistor T1. To resume the electric power supply to the second electric component14, the rider is required to operate the first operation unit27by using the portable member28to close the first opening/closing unit3so that the electric power supply state is formed.

In accordance with the above configuration, the retaining device211can be implemented as an electric switch rather than a physical switch in which the contact element moves by electromagnetic force. This can prevent an operation failure which is attributed to a movement of the contact element, and improve reliability. The other configuration is the same as that of Embodiment 1 and will not be described repeatedly.

FIG. 5is a circuit diagram showing the configuration of an electric power supply device410of a vehicle according to Embodiment 4. As exemplarily shown inFIG. 5, the electric power supply device410includes a first wire404provided with a first opening/closing unit403and a second wire405provided with a second opening/closing unit412. The second opening/closing unit412is connected to the second electric component14via a retaining device411. The retaining device411includes a RS-type flip flop circuit470, an AND circuit471, and a NOT circuit472.

The first wire404and the second wire405are connected to the inputs of the AND circuit471. The output of the AND circuit471is connected to the input S of the RS-type flip flop circuit470. The second wire405is connected to the input of the NOT circuit472. The output of the NOT circuit472is connected to the input R of the RS-type flip flop circuit470. The output Q of the RS-type flip flop circuit470is connected to the base terminal of a transistor465. The second electric component14is connected between the electric power supply unit2and the collector terminal of a transistor465. When the transistor465is turned ON according to the output Q of the RS-type flip flop circuit470, the second electric component14is placed in the electric power supply state.

Next, the operation of the electric power supply device410will be described. It is supposed that the state “0” of a logic circuit indicates a low voltage state and the state “1” of the logic circuit indicates a high voltage state. When both of the first opening/closing unit403and the second opening/closing unit412are closed, the input S becomes “1”, the input R becomes “0”, and thereby the output Q becomes “1”, which allows the electric power supply to the second electric component14to be started. Then, the first opening/closing unit403is opened with the second opening/closing unit412closed. Thereby, the input S becomes “0”, the input R becomes “0”, and the output Q remains “1”. In this state, the electric power supply to the second electric component14is retained (maintained). Then, the second opening/closing unit412is opened, and thereby the output Q becomes “0”, which causes the electric power supply to the second electric component14to be ceased. In this state, even when the second opening/closing unit412is closed again, the first opening/closing unit403is opened, and thereby the input S remains “0” and the output Q remains “0”. Therefore, the second electric component14remains in the electric power cut-off state. To resume the electric power supply to the second electric component14, it is necessary to close the first opening/closing unit403. The other configuration is the same as that of Embodiment 1 and will not be described repeatedly.

Although in Embodiment 4, the logic circuit is configured by the electric circuit including electric elements, the same operation as that of the logic circuit may be performed by executing a program stored in a controller. In this case, the controller may receive as inputs commands input by the rider's operation of the first and second operation units, and output a signal indicating whether or not to permit the electric power supply to the second electric component. By using the program in this way, particular electric elements may be omitted. In Embodiment 4, the controller (electric circuit) outputs an activation signal which is different from an activation electric power, electric power consumption in the determination as to the operation of the second electric component can be lessened.

The present invention is not limited to the above described embodiment, and its constituents may be changed, added, or deleted without departing from the spirit of the invention. The embodiments may be combined as desired. For example, a part of the constituents or a method in one embodiment may be applied to another embodiment. For example, in the case of a vehicle incorporating a keyless entry system, a transmitter which wirelessly transmits a signal including authentication information may be used as the portable member28, and a starter operation unit (e.g., starter button) configured to close the first opening/closing unit3only when the operation of the starter operation unit satisfies a predetermined authentication condition, may be used as the first operation unit27. Or, in a case where the vehicle is an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle including an electric motor as a driving power source for moving the vehicle body, a main switch which turns ON or OFF a main electric power supply of the vehicle may be used as the first opening/closing unit3. In brief, the first opening/closing unit3may allow the stopped state of the vehicle to be retained, when the first operation unit27is operated to form the electric power cut-off state.

The first opening/closing unit may be an accessory switch or the like, instead of the main switch. A limit time may be set in a time period for which the electric power supply to the second electric component14is continued after the first opening/closing unit3,303,403is closed in the state in which the second opening/closing unit12,312,412is closed, and a protecting device which automatically ceases the electric power supply to the second electric component14even in the state in which the second opening/closing unit12,312,412is closed, may be used. Or, plural sets of an accessory load, an accessory opening/closing unit, and an inverse inhibiting diode may be prepared, the sets may be connected in parallel, and the electric power may be supplied only to a desired set. The first to third operation units27,13,16may be operated to mechanically move the first to third opening/closing units3,12,15so that the continuity state is formed. Or, the first to third operation units27,13,16may provide a command to an actuator to form the continuity state.

A timer which counts time that passes from when the first opening/closing unit3is closed until a current starts to flow through the second electric component14, or another protecting device may be used as the above protecting device. For example, the protecting device may be configured to cease the electric power supply to the second electric component14, when the integrated value of the current that flowed through the second electric component14from a time point when the first opening/closing unit3is closed exceeds a predetermined value, or a battery voltage reaches a predetermined SOC (state of charge) or less. Thus, the protecting device may be configured to cease the electric power supply to the second electric component14, when the state which changes with time satisfies a predetermined condition. Also, the protecting device may be configured to increase the SOC of the battery by an electric generator under running of the engine when the battery voltage reaches the predetermined SOC or less.

As the second electric component14, a device which is activated when the rider moves away from the vehicle body can be suitably used. For example, the second electric component14may be a device indicating the existence of the vehicle body, such as an alarm light or a hazard lamp, a theft prevention device, etc. The second electric component14is not limited to a device used in the stopped state of the vehicle1, and may be used during driving and during the stopped state. It is sufficient that the second opening/closing unit12is connected in series with the contact element18aand placed on the second wire5in a position in which the electric potential is higher than the connection position (low potential position)19bat which the connection line19is connected to the second wire5.

In a case where each of the first wire4and the second wire5is configured to be separable into a high potential side and a low potential side, the second operation unit13is preferably removably attached to another switch attached to the vehicle body. In this configuration, when a power supply circuit relating to the second electric component14is unnecessary, the second operation unit13may be detached from the vehicle body. As a result, the components can be reduced.

The second wire5may be configured to be separable into the high potential side and the low potential side, by the terminals22,32. In this case, it is sufficient that the fourth wire8is configured to branch from the second wire5in a position in which the electric potential is higher than that in the connection position (high potential position)19aat which the connection line19is connected to the second wire5and is lower than that in the first opening/closing unit3. In this case, the first electric component7is connected in series with the first opening/closing unit3and connected in parallel with the electromagnetic coil18b.

The first operation unit27is preferably operated by the rider and configured so that a person which is other than the rider has difficulty in the operation of the first operation unit27. In an alternative example of the configuration of the present embodiment, the first operation unit27may be operated according to the operation procedure preset by the rider. For example, the operation of the first operation unit27may be permitted when a password is input or a procedure set by the rider is executed.

Although in the above described embodiments, the first electric component7is placed in the position in which the electric potential is lower than that in the first opening/closing unit3, it is sufficient that the first electric component7is configured to be supplied with the electric power when the first opening/closing unit3is closed. In other words, the first electric component7may be placed in the position in which the electric potential is higher than that in the first opening/closing unit3. In this case, it is sufficient that the electromagnetic coil18bmay be placed in the position in which the electric potential is lower than that in the first opening/closing unit3such that a current flows through the electromagnetic coil18bwhen the first opening/closing unit3is closed.

The above configuration may be applied to the electric vehicle as well as the vehicle including the engine. Although the configuration is suitable for use with the vehicle in which the operation units operated by the rider are exposed outside, such as the motorcycle, it may be applied to, for example, a four-wheeled vehicle in which the operation units are covered with a body. The configuration is not limited to the above so long as the retaining device receives as inputs the commands from the two operation units and outputs the command indicating whether or not to perform the electric power supply to the second electric component14.

As should be appreciated from the foregoing directions, the vehicle and the electric power supply control device thereof of the present invention are effectively applied to vehicles such as a straddle-type vehicle including a motorcycle, personal watercraft (PWC), an automated three-wheeled vehicle, an open car, a buggy car, an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), a ship (board), etc.