Patent Description:
In the related art, in a hybrid vehicle, a technology of stopping an engine during traveling on and improving fuel consumption is known (for example, see <CIT>).

<CIT> shows a method for controlling an automatic transmission unit including at least a transmission with different selectable gear ratios and a clutch and being associated with a propulsion unit for a vehicle. A desired speed of the vehicle is set at a cruise control system, so that the vehicle travels with a set speed. When the vehicle has moved further along the downslope and if no braking has occurred, it is expected that it has reached a speed, which is higher than the initially set speed,. When the vehicle starts to roll down the downslope and there is no fuel demand from the cruise control system in order to maintain the set speed, it assumed that the transmission can be disengaged so that the vehicle enters the freewheeling mode without any engine brake being applied. When the vehicle starts to roll down the downslope and there is no fuel demand from the cruise control system in order to maintain the set speed, it assumed that the transmission can be disengaged so that the vehicle enters the freewheeling mode without any engine brake being applied. When the actual speed becomes higher than a predetermined braking speed, gear is re-engaged in the transmission. The clutch is then released so that the new gear is engaged.

<CIT> shows a powertrain including a prime mover and an electronically controllable clutch. The powertrain structured selectably engages the clutch to provide power from the prime mover to drive one or more ground contacting wheels and to selectably disengage the clutch to decouple with one or more ground contacting wheels. The electronic control system operatively communicates with the prime mover and the electronically controllable clutch, and uses a predictive cruise control (PCC) controller and an idle coast management (ICM) controller, to control vehicle speed during concurrent operation of the PCC controller and the ICM controller. When the vehicle is driven on a downhill grade, a projected vehicle speed is increasing. When the ICM upper limit is hit, the ICM coasting operation is aborted or terminated. At this point, the vehicle speed increases at a reduced rate due to the engagement of the engine with the driveline and reducing acceleration over the downhill until the road grade is zero. The vehicle speed decreases due to a zero fueling condition commanded by the control of PCC controls until the vehicle speed is equal to operator cruise control set speed.

<CIT> shows a method of controlling a motor vehicle with an automated clutch and an automated transmission. A vehicle speed is detected. It is further detected if a brake and/or the gas pedal is actuated and whether or not the engine is running. The clutch is disengaged if it is detected that the engine is running and that at the same time neither the brake nor the gas pedal is actuated while the vehicle is found to be moving faster than a threshold speed. The clutch is subsequently re-engaged if the brake and/or gas pedal is found to be actuated, wherein prior to re-engaging the clutch, a transmission input rpm-rate is determined, and an engine rpm-rate is controlled in such a manner that the respective rpm-rates of the engine and the transmission are brought towards a closer agreement.

<CIT> shows a method for operating a vehicle, wherein a prime mover is coupled to or decoupled from a transmission by means of a clutch. A slip of the clutch is adjusted in more than two steps or continuously in the event of a no-load demand on the prime mover as a function of a drag torque demand. The method has a driving function called slip mode with control of the slip of the clutch. In this case, a clutch position is determined by a control loop, whereby the clutch position and thus the slip thereof are set in such a way that an increase in speed of the vehicle during coasting downhill is limited by means of the engine braking operation with the clutch partially open. Depending on the driving resistance, this results in either the driveline being fully opened, the clutch being fully closed on steeper downhill gradients to implement the engine brake operation and the thrust cutoff, or the clutch being operated in the slip range with a view to low fuel consumption and predetermined speed increase.

Incidentally, in vehicles in recent years, as a technology of stopping an engine during traveling on and improving fuel consumption, a coasting mode which disconnects a clutch on a downhill road or the like without performing an engine braking in order to enable inertial traveling has been able to be performed.

In the coasting mode, since a vehicle speed changes according to a distance or a gradient of a downhill road, consideration is required when the coasting mode is combined with a cruise mode which holds a vehicle speed constant.

The applicant gained knowledge about a combination of the coasting mode and the cruise mode in a process of examining a clutch control device configured to control connection/disconnection of a clutch apparatus.

That is, an aspect of the present invention is directed to enabling an efficient combination of a coasting mode and a cruise mode in a vehicle that controls connection/disconnection of a clutch apparatus.

According to the configuration of the aspect of the above-mentioned (<NUM>), when the brake apparatus is actuated due to the driver's operation or the like during the inertial traveling mode, brake assistance can be efficiently performed under clutch control by increasing the clutch capacity and generating engine braking (engine brake) according to an actuation of the brake apparatus.

According to the aspect of the present invention, it is possible to enable an efficient combination of a coasting mode and a cruise mode in a vehicle that controls connection/disconnection of the clutch apparatus.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Further, directions of forward, rearward, leftward, rightward, and so on, in the following description are the same as directions in a vehicle described below unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In addition, in appropriate places in the drawings used in the following description, an arrow FR indicates a forward direction with respect to a vehicle, an arrow LH indicates a leftward direction with respect to the vehicle, and an arrow UP indicates an upward direction with respect to the vehicle.

As shown in <FIG>, the embodiment is applied to a motorcycle <NUM> as an example of a saddle riding vehicle. A front wheel <NUM> of the motorcycle <NUM> is supported by lower end portions of a pair of left and right front forks <NUM>. Upper sections of the left and right front forks <NUM> are supported by a head pipe <NUM> of a front end portion of a vehicle body frame <NUM> via a steering stem <NUM>. A bar type steering handle 4a is attached onto a top bridge of the steering stem <NUM>.

The vehicle body frame <NUM> includes the head pipe <NUM>, a main frame <NUM> extending downward and rearward from the head pipe <NUM> at a center in a vehicle width direction (leftward/rightward direction), a pivot frame <NUM> provided below a rear end portion of the main frame <NUM>, and a seat frame <NUM> continuously provided behind the main frame <NUM> and the pivot frame <NUM>. A front end portion of a swing arm <NUM> is swingably supported by the pivot frame <NUM>. A rear wheel <NUM> of the motorcycle <NUM> is supported by a rear end portion of the swing arm <NUM>.

A fuel tank <NUM> is supported above the left and right main frames <NUM>. A front seat <NUM> and a rear seat 19a are supported behind the fuel tank <NUM> and above the seat frame <NUM>. Knee grip portions 18a recessed inward in the vehicle width direction are formed at both left and right sides of a rear section of the fuel tank <NUM>. The left and right knee grip portions 18a are formed to match inner sides around the left and right knees of a driver who is sitting on the front seat <NUM>. A step 18b on which the driver rests the feet beyond the ankles is supported on both left and right sides below the front seat <NUM>.

A power unit PU including a prime mover of the motorcycle <NUM> is suspended below the main frame <NUM>. The power unit PU integrally has an engine (internal combustion engine, prime mover) <NUM> located in the front thereof, and a gearbox (output target) <NUM> located in the rear thereof. The engine <NUM> is, for example, a multi-cylinder engine in which a rotary shaft of a crankshaft <NUM> is provided in a leftward/rightward direction (vehicle width direction).

The engine <NUM> has a cylinder <NUM> that stands up above a front section of a crank case <NUM>. A rear section of the crank case <NUM> is a gearbox case <NUM> configured to accommodate the gearbox <NUM>. A right cover 17a crossing a right side portion of the gearbox case <NUM> is attached to a right side portion of the crank case <NUM>. The right cover 17a is also a clutch cover configured to cover a clutch apparatus <NUM>. The power unit PU is linked to the rear wheel <NUM> via, for example, a chain-type transmission mechanism (not shown).

Referring also to <FIG>, the gearbox <NUM> is a stepped transmission having a main shaft <NUM>, a counter shaft <NUM>, and a shifting gear group <NUM> that bridges between both of the shafts <NUM> and <NUM>. The counter shaft <NUM> constitutes an output shaft of the gearbox <NUM> and the power unit PU. A left end portion of the counter shaft <NUM> protrudes on a left side of the rear section of the gearbox case <NUM> and is connected to the rear wheel <NUM> via the chain-type transmission mechanism.

The main shaft <NUM> and the counter shaft <NUM> of the gearbox <NUM> are disposed behind the crankshaft <NUM>. The clutch apparatus <NUM> is disposed coaxially with the right end portion of the main shaft <NUM>. The clutch apparatus <NUM> connects and disconnects power transmission between the crankshaft <NUM> of the engine <NUM> and the main shaft <NUM> of the gearbox <NUM>. The connection/disconnection of the clutch apparatus <NUM> is actuated by at least one of an operation of the clutch operator by an occupant and an actuation of a clutch actuator <NUM>, which will be described below. For example, the clutch operator is a clutch lever 4b.

The clutch apparatus <NUM> is, for example, a wet multiplate clutch, i.e., a so-called normally closed clutch. Rotating power of the crankshaft <NUM> is transmitted to the main shaft <NUM> via the clutch apparatus <NUM> and transmitted to the counter shaft <NUM> from the main shaft <NUM> via an arbitrary gear pair of the shifting gear group <NUM>. A drive sprocket <NUM> of the chain-type transmission mechanism is attached to a left end portion of the counter shaft <NUM> protruding on the left side of the rear section of the crank case <NUM>.

A change mechanism <NUM> configured to switch a gear pair of the shifting gear group <NUM> is accommodated in the gearbox case <NUM> in the vicinity of the gearbox <NUM>. The change mechanism <NUM> actuates a plurality of shift forks 32a according to a pattern of a lead groove formed on an outer circumference thereof, and switches the gear pair used for power transmission between the shafts <NUM> and <NUM> in the shifting gear group <NUM>, according to rotation of a hollow cylindrical shift drum <NUM> parallel to both of the shafts <NUM> and <NUM>.

Here, the motorcycle <NUM> employs a so-called semi-automatic gear shift system (automatic clutch type gear shift system) in which only a gear shifting operation of the gearbox <NUM> (a foot operation of a shift pedal (not shown)) is performed by a driver, and a connection/disconnection operation of the clutch apparatus <NUM> is automatically performed under electric control according to the operation of the shift pedal.

As shown in <FIG>, the gear shift system <NUM> includes the clutch actuator <NUM>, an electronic control unit <NUM> (ECU, a controller), various sensors 41a to 41f, and various devices <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>.

The ECU <NUM> controls an actuation of the clutch actuator <NUM> while controlling actuations of the ignition device <NUM> and the fuel injection device <NUM> on the basis of detection information of various vehicle states from the acceleration sensor 41a configured to detect a behavior of the vehicle body, the gear position sensor 41b configured to detect a gear shifting level from a rotation angle of the shift drum <NUM>, the shift load sensor 41c (for example, a torque sensor) configured to detect an operation torque input to a shift spindle <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the change mechanism <NUM>, the throttle opening sensor 41d configured to detect a throttle opening, the vehicle speed sensor 41e configured to detect a vehicle speed, the engine rotational speed sensor 41f configured to detect an engine rotational speed, and the like. The vehicle speed sensor 41e may be a wheel speed sensor or may be a rotation speed sensor of the output shaft of the power unit PU.

The motorcycle <NUM> constitutes a by-wire type engine control system (throttle-by-wire) configured to electrically link engine accessories such as a throttle body or the like, and an operator such as a throttle grip or the like operated by a driver.

Referring also to <FIG> and <FIG>, the clutch actuator <NUM> controls a working torque applied to a release shaft <NUM> in order to connect and disconnect the clutch apparatus <NUM>. The clutch actuator <NUM> includes an electric motor <NUM> (hereinafter, simply referred to as the motor <NUM>) as a driving source, and a speed reducer <NUM> configured to transmit a driving force of the motor <NUM> to the release shaft <NUM>. The speed reducer <NUM> includes a first reduction shaft <NUM> and a second reduction shaft <NUM>, and a first rotation angle sensor 57d and a second rotation angle sensor 58d configured to detect rotation angles are provided on the shafts <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively.

The ECU <NUM> calculates a current value supplied to the motor <NUM> in order to connect and disconnect the clutch apparatus <NUM> on the basis of a preset calculation program. A supply current to the motor <NUM> is obtained from a correlation between the current value and the torque output to the motor <NUM>. A target torque of the motor <NUM> is in proportion to a working torque (a release shaft torque, which will be described below) applied to the release shaft <NUM>. The current value supplied to the motor <NUM> is detected by a current sensor 40b included in the ECU <NUM>. The actuation of the clutch actuator <NUM> is controlled according to a variation of the detection value. The clutch actuator <NUM> will be described below in detail.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the clutch apparatus <NUM> of the embodiment is a multi-plate clutch obtained by stacking a plurality of clutch plates <NUM> in the axial direction, and a wet clutch with an oil chamber disposed in the right cover 17a. The clutch apparatus <NUM> includes an outer clutch <NUM> driven by always transmitting the rotating power from the crankshaft <NUM>, a clutch center <NUM> disposed in the outer clutch <NUM> and integrally rotatably supported by the main shaft <NUM>, and the plurality of clutch plates <NUM> stacked between the outer clutch <NUM> and the clutch center <NUM> and configured to frictionally engage them.

A pressure plate <NUM> having substantially the same diameter as the clutch plates <NUM> is disposed on the right side of the stacked the clutch plates <NUM> (an outer side in the vehicle width direction). The pressure plate <NUM> is biased leftward by receiving an elastic load of a clutch spring <NUM>, and the stacked clutch plates <NUM> are joined through pressure welding (frictional engagement). Accordingly, the clutch apparatus <NUM> is in a connection state in which power transmission is possible. The clutch apparatus <NUM> is a normally closed clutch that is in a connection state during a normal time when there is no input from the outside.

Release of the pressure welding (frictional engagement) is performed by an actuation of a release mechanism <NUM> inside the right cover 17a. The actuation of the release mechanism <NUM> is performed by at least one of the operation of the clutch lever 4b by the occupant and the application of a torque by the clutch actuator <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the release mechanism <NUM> includes a lifter shaft <NUM> which is held so as to be reciprocally movable in the axial direction at inside of the right side portion of the main shaft <NUM>, and the release shaft <NUM> which is disposed to be perpendicular to the lifter shaft <NUM> in the axial direction and which is held so as to be movable about an axial at an outer portion of the right cover 17a. Line C3 in the drawings designates a center axis of the release shaft <NUM> extending in an upward/downward direction. The release shaft <NUM> is inclined in the axial direction to be disposed further rearward as it goes upward in a vertical direction when seen in the axial direction of the main shaft <NUM> (when seen in a side view of the vehicle) (see <FIG>). The upper section of the release shaft <NUM> protrudes outward from the right cover 17a, and a driven clutch lever <NUM> is integrally rotatably attached to the upper section of the release shaft <NUM>. The driven clutch lever <NUM> is connected to the clutch lever 4b via an operation cable 54c.

An eccentric cam section 38a is provided in a lower section of the release shaft <NUM> located inside the right cover 17a. The eccentric cam section 38a is engaged with the right end portion of the lifter shaft <NUM>. The release shaft <NUM> moves the lifter shaft <NUM> rightward according to an action of the eccentric cam section 38a through an axial rotation. The lifter shaft <NUM> is configured to make reciprocating movement integrally with the pressure plate <NUM> of the clutch apparatus <NUM>. Accordingly, when the lifter shaft <NUM> is moved rightward, the pressure plate <NUM> is moved (lifted) rightward against the biasing force of the clutch spring <NUM>, and frictional engagement between the stacked clutch plates <NUM> is released. Accordingly, the normally closed clutch apparatus <NUM> becomes in a disconnection state in which power transmission is not possible.

Further, the release mechanism <NUM> is not limited to the eccentric cam mechanism and may include a rack and pinion, a feed screw, or the like. A mechanism configured to connect the clutch lever 4b and the driven clutch lever <NUM> is not limited to the operation cable 54c and may include a rod, a link, or the like.

As shown in <FIG>, a clutch control device 40A of the embodiment has three types of clutch control modes. The clutch control modes are appropriately transitioned between the three types of modes of an automatic mode M1 of performing automatic control, a manual mode M2 of performing a manual operation, and a manual intervention mode M3 of performing a temporary manual operation in accordance with operations of a clutch control mode change switch <NUM> and the clutch lever 4b (any one of which refers to <FIG>). Further, the target including the manual mode M2 and the manual intervention mode M3 is referred to as a manual system M2A.

The automatic mode M1 is a mode of calculating a clutch capacity appropriate for a traveling state under automatic departure/gear shifting control and controlling the clutch apparatus <NUM>. The manual mode M2 is a mode of calculating a clutch capacity according to a clutch operation instruction by the occupant and controlling the clutch apparatus <NUM>. The manual intervention mode M3 is a temporary manual operation mode of receiving a clutch operation instruction from the occupant during the automatic mode M1, calculating the clutch capacity from the clutch operation instruction and controlling the clutch apparatus <NUM>. Further, during the manual intervention mode M3, for example, it may be set to return to the automatic mode M1 when a state in which the occupant stops the operation of the clutch lever 4b (a completely released state) continues for a prescribed time.

For example, the clutch control device 40A starts the control from a clutch ON state (a connection state) in the automatic mode M1 upon starting up the system. In addition, the clutch control device 40A is set to return to the clutch ON in the automatic mode M1 upon stoppage of the engine <NUM> (upon system OFF). In the normally closed clutch apparatus <NUM>, upon performing clutch ON, there is no need for supply of electric power to the motor <NUM> of the clutch actuator <NUM>. Meanwhile, supply of the electric power to the motor <NUM> is maintained in the clutch OFF state (disconnection state) of the clutch apparatus <NUM>.

In the automatic mode M1, it is basic to perform the clutch control automatically, and it is possible to travel the motorcycle <NUM> without lever operation. In the automatic mode M1, the clutch capacity is controlled based on the throttle opening, the engine rotational speed, the vehicle speed, the shift sensor output, and the like. Accordingly, it is possible to depart the motorcycle <NUM> only by the throttle operation without engine stall (meaning of engine stop or engine stall), and it is possible to shift gears only by the shift operation. In addition, in the automatic mode M1, when the occupant grips the clutch lever 4b, it is possible to switch to the manual intervention mode M3 and disconnect the clutch apparatus <NUM> arbitrarily.

Meanwhile, in the manual mode M2, the clutch capacity can be controlled according to the lever operation by the occupant (i.e., connection/disconnection of the clutch apparatus <NUM> is possible). The automatic mode M1 and the manual mode M2 can be switchable to each other by operating the clutch control mode change switch <NUM> (see <FIG>), for example, during stoppage of the motorcycle <NUM> and neutral of the gearbox <NUM>. Further, the clutch control device 40A may include an indicator showing a manual state upon transition to the manual system M2A (the manual mode M2 or the manual intervention mode M3).

In the manual mode M2, it is basic to perform the clutch control manually, and it is possible to control the clutch capacity according to a working angle of the clutch lever 4b (other words, a working angle of the release shaft <NUM>). Accordingly, it is possible to control the connection/disconnection of the clutch apparatus <NUM> at the will of the occupant. Further, even in the manual mode M2, it is possible to intervene the clutch control automatically when the shift operation is performed with no clutch operation. Hereinafter, the working angle of the release shaft <NUM> is referred to as a release shaft working angle.

In the automatic mode M1, while the connection/disconnection of the clutch apparatus <NUM> is performed automatically by the clutch actuator <NUM>, it is possible to temporarily intervene the manual operation in the automatic control of the clutch apparatus <NUM> by performing the manual clutch operation with respect to the clutch lever 4b (the manual intervention mode M3).

Referring also to <FIG>, the clutch lever 4b is connected to the driven clutch lever <NUM>, which is attached to the release shaft <NUM> of the clutch apparatus <NUM>, via the operation cable 54c. The driven clutch lever <NUM> is attached to the upper end portion of the release shaft <NUM>, which is protruding to the upper section of the right cover 17a, in a state they are integrally rotatable.

In addition, for example, the clutch control mode change switch <NUM> (see <FIG>) is provided on the handle switch attached to the steering handle 4a. Accordingly, it is possible for the occupant to easily switch the clutch control mode during normally driving.

As shown in <FIG>, the clutch actuator <NUM> is attached to the rear upper section of the right cover 17a on the right side of the crank case <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG> together, the clutch actuator <NUM> includes the motor <NUM>, and the speed reducer <NUM> configured to transmit a driving force of the motor <NUM> to the release shaft <NUM>.

The motor <NUM> is, for example, a DC motor, and disposed in parallel to, for example, the release shaft <NUM> in the axial direction. The motor <NUM> is disposed such that a driving shaft <NUM> protrudes upward.

In the embodiment, a plurality of (two) motors <NUM> are provided on a single clutch actuator <NUM>. Hereinafter, the motor <NUM> located on the clutch actuator <NUM> on the front side of the vehicle is referred to as a first motor <NUM>, and the motor <NUM> located on the rear side of the vehicle and the inner side in the vehicle width direction with respect to the first motor <NUM> is referred to as a second motor <NUM>. Lines C01 and C02 in the drawings indicate center axes (driving axes) of the motors <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. For convenience of description, both of the motors <NUM> and <NUM> may be collectively referred to as the motor <NUM>. In addition, both of the axes C01 and C02 may be collectively referred to as an axis C0.

The speed reducer <NUM> reduces the rotating power output from the motor <NUM> and transmits the reduced rotating power to the release shaft <NUM>. The speed reducer <NUM> includes, for example, a gear row parallel to the release shaft <NUM> in the axial direction. The speed reducer <NUM> includes driving gears 55a provided integrally with the driving shafts <NUM> of the motors <NUM> and <NUM>, a first reduction gear 57a with which each of the driving gears 55a is meshed with, a first small diameter gear 57b in coaxial with the first reduction gear 57a, a second reduction gear 58a with which the first small diameter gear 57b is meshed, a second small diameter gear 58b in coaxial with the second reduction gear 58a, a driven gear 63a with which the second small diameter gear 58b is meshed, and a gear case <NUM> configured to accommodate the gears.

The first reduction gear 57a and the first small diameter gear 57b are rotatably supported integrally with a first support shaft 57c, and constitute the first reduction shaft <NUM>. The second reduction gear 58a and the second small diameter gear 58b are rotatably supported integrally with a second support shaft 58c, and constitute the second reduction shaft <NUM>. The first support shaft 57c and the second support shaft 58c are rotatably supported by the gear case <NUM>. The second reduction gear 58a is a fan-shaped gear about the second support shaft 58c, and provided to widen toward a front side of the second support shaft 58c and an outer side in the vehicle width direction. Line C1 in the drawings indicates a center axis of the first reduction shaft <NUM>, and line C2 indicates a center axis of the second reduction shaft <NUM>.

The driven gear 63a is rotatably provided integrally with the release shaft <NUM>. The driven gear 63a is a fan-shaped gear about the release shaft <NUM>, and provided to expand in front of the release shaft <NUM>. A gear of the speed reducer <NUM> on a downstream side has a small rotation angle, and the second reduction gear 58a and the driven gear 63a can be used as a fan-shaped gear with a small rotation angle.

As a result, reduction in size of the speed reducer <NUM> and the clutch actuator <NUM> becomes possible. That is, even when a large-diameter reduction gear is installed to earn a reduction ratio, by cutting out the other parts than the meshing range of the reduction gear to form a fan shape, in particular, it is possible to suppress the speed reducer <NUM> from extending outward in the vehicle width direction and achieve reduction in weight of the speed reducer <NUM>.

With this configuration, the motor <NUM> and the release shaft <NUM> can always be linked via the speed reducer <NUM>. Accordingly, a system is configured to connect and disconnect the clutch apparatus <NUM> directly with the clutch actuator <NUM>.

Each of the gears is a flat spur gear with a thickness reduced in the axial direction thickness, and the gear case <NUM> is also formed in a flat shape with a thickness reduced in the axial direction. Accordingly, the speed reducer <NUM> becomes less noticeable when seen in a side view of the vehicle. The first rotation angle sensor 57d and the second rotation angle sensor 58d which are connected to one end portions of the first reduction shaft <NUM> and the second reduction shaft <NUM>, respectively, and configured to detect rotation angles thereof are provided in the gear case <NUM> on an upper surface side.

The motor <NUM> is disposed to protrude downward from a front section of the gear case <NUM>. Accordingly, the motor <NUM> can be disposed forward avoiding a bulging portion 17b that covers the clutch apparatus <NUM> in the right cover 17a, and the clutch actuator <NUM> is suppressed from overhanging outward in the vehicle width direction.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the right cover 17a defines a circular range coaxial with the clutch apparatus <NUM> when seen in a side view of the vehicle as the bulging portion 17b that bulges outward in the vehicle width direction. A cover concave section 17c is formed in an area facing a rear upper side in the bulging portion 17b by changing the outer side surface towards an inner side in the vehicle width direction with respect to the remaining part. A lower end portion of the cover concave section 17c is a step difference section 17d where an outer side surface of the bulging portion 17b is changed to a stepped shape. An upper section of the release shaft <NUM> protrudes upward and rearward diagonally from the step difference section 17d.

A driving force of the motor <NUM> is reduced between the driving gears 55a and the first reduction gear 57a, reduced between the first small diameter gear 57b and the second reduction gear 58a, further reduced between the second small diameter gear 58b and the driven gear 63a, and transmitted to the release shaft <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the release shaft <NUM> is divided into a plurality of elements so as to be rotatable by separately receiving the input from the clutch actuator <NUM> and the input by the operation of the occupant.

The release shaft <NUM> includes an upper section release shaft <NUM> that constitutes an upper section, a lower release shaft <NUM> that constitutes a lower section, and an intermediate release shaft <NUM> disposed to cross between a lower end portion of the upper section release shaft <NUM> and an upper end portion of the lower release shaft <NUM>.

The upper section release shaft <NUM> forms a columnar shape, and is rotatably supported by an upper boss section 59b of the gear case <NUM>. The upper section release shaft <NUM> has an upper end portion protruding on an outer side of the gear case <NUM>, and the driven clutch lever <NUM> is integrally rotatably supported by the upper end portion. A return spring <NUM>, which is configured to apply a biasing force in a direction opposite to rotation by the operation of the clutch lever 4b (rotating in a clutch disconnection direction) to the driven clutch lever <NUM>, is attached to the driven clutch lever <NUM>.

The lower release shaft <NUM> forms a columnar shape, and a lower section is rotatably supported on an inner side of the right cover 17a. The eccentric cam section 38a of the release mechanism <NUM> is formed in the lower section of the lower release shaft <NUM> which is facing the inside of the gear case <NUM>. A lower return spring <NUM>, which is configured to apply a biasing force in a direction opposite to rotation in the clutch disconnection direction to the lower release shaft <NUM>, is attached to the lower end portion of the lower release shaft <NUM>.

A manual operation-side cam 61b forming a fan-shaped cross section and extending in the axial direction is provided on the lower end portion of the upper section release shaft <NUM>.

A clutch-side cam 62b forming a fan-shaped cross section and extending in the axial direction is provided on the upper end portion of the lower release shaft <NUM> within a range that avoids the manual operation-side cam 61b in the circumferential direction or in the axial direction.

The lower end portion (the manual operation-side cam 61b) of the upper section release shaft <NUM> and the upper end portion (the clutch-side cam 62b) of the lower release shaft <NUM> overlap the positions in the axial direction with each other while avoiding each other in the circumferential direction (or overlap the positions in the circumferential direction with each other while avoiding each other in the axial direction). Accordingly, it is possible to press one side surface 61b <NUM> of the manual operation-side cam 61b in the circumferential direction against the other side surface 62b2 of the clutch-side cam 62b in the circumferential direction and to rotate the lower release shaft <NUM> (see <FIG>).

The other side surface 61b2 of the manual operation-side cam 61b in the circumferential direction and one side surface 62b1 of the clutch-side cam 62b in the circumferential direction are separated from each other in the circumferential direction or the axial direction. Accordingly, when an input from the clutch actuator <NUM> is provided in the clutch-side cam 62b, the lower release shaft <NUM> can rotate independently from the upper section release shaft <NUM> (see <FIG>).

The intermediate release shaft <NUM> is formed in a cylindrical shape through which engaging portions (upper and lower shaft engaging portions) of the lower end portion of the upper section release shaft <NUM> and the upper end portion of the lower release shaft <NUM> can be inserted. The driven gear 63a is supported rotatably and integrally with the intermediate release shaft <NUM>. A control operation-side cam 63b forming a fan-shaped cross section and extending in the axial direction is provided on the intermediate release shaft <NUM>.

The control operation-side cam 63b of the intermediate release shaft <NUM> and the clutch-side cam 62b of the lower release shaft <NUM> overlap the positions in the axial direction with each other while avoiding each other in the circumferential direction (or overlap the positions in the circumferential direction with each other while avoiding each other in the axial direction). Accordingly, it is possible to press one side surface 63b1 of the control operation-side cam 63b in the circumferential direction against the other side surface 62b2 of the clutch-side cam 62b in the circumferential direction and to rotate the lower release shaft <NUM>.

In addition, the control operation-side cam 63b is disposed avoiding the manual operation-side cam 61b of the upper section release shaft <NUM> in the axial direction or the radial direction. Accordingly, when the input from the clutch actuator <NUM> is transmitted to the clutch-side cam 62b, the lower release shaft <NUM> can be rotated independently from the upper section release shaft <NUM>. In addition, when there is a manual operation, the upper section release shaft <NUM> can be rotated independently from the intermediate release shaft <NUM> on the control side.

The other side surface 63b2 of the control operation-side cam 63b in the circumferential direction and the one side surface 62b1 of the clutch-side cam 62b in the circumferential direction are separated from each other in the circumferential direction. Accordingly, when an input from a manual operation-side cam 61b is provided in the clutch-side cam 62b, the lower release shaft <NUM> can be rotated independently from the intermediate release shaft <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the clutch actuator <NUM> holds the upper section release shaft <NUM> and the intermediate release shaft <NUM> in the gear case <NUM> in a rotatable manner. The clutch actuator <NUM> constitutes an actuator unit 50A integrally including the upper section release shaft <NUM> and the intermediate release shaft <NUM>.

The lower release shaft <NUM> is held on the right cover 17a in a rotatable manner. In the step difference section 17d of the cover concave section 17c of the right cover 17a, an opening section 17e through which an upper end portion of the lower release shaft <NUM> protrudes and a fastening section 17f of the gear case <NUM> is provided. An opening section 59c configured to cause the upper end portion of the lower release shaft <NUM> to face into the gear case <NUM> is provided in a portion of the gear case <NUM> facing the step difference section 17d of the cover concave section 17c.

In this configuration, when the actuator unit 50A is attached to the right cover 17a, the upper section release shaft <NUM>, the intermediate release shaft <NUM> and the lower release shaft <NUM> are connected to each other to configure the release shaft <NUM> in a linear shape.

The power unit PU of the embodiment can be configured by replacing the right cover 17a and the release shaft <NUM> and retrofitting the actuator unit 50A with respect to a manual clutch type power unit operated by an operation of a driver without performing the connection/disconnection operation of the clutch apparatus <NUM> using the electric control. For this reason, the actuator unit 50A can also be attached to power units of different models, and the actuator unit 50A can be shared among multiple models to easily configure a semi-automatic gear shift system (an automatic clutch type gear shift system).

Next, clutch control of the embodiment will be described with reference to a graph of <FIG>. The graph of <FIG> shows clutch characteristics in the automatic mode M1. In the graph of <FIG>, a vertical axis indicates a torque (Nm) applied to the release shaft <NUM> and a clutch capacity (%), and a horizontal axis indicates a working angle (deg) of the release shaft <NUM>.

A torque generated in the release shaft <NUM> corresponds to a torque value calculated by multiplying the torque value, which is obtained based on the supply current value to the motor <NUM> from a correlation between the supply current to the motor <NUM> and the torque generated by the motor <NUM>, by a reduction ratio of the speed reducer <NUM>. Hereinafter, the torque of the release shaft <NUM> is referred to as a release shaft torque. A correlation between the release shaft working angle and the release shaft torque is shown by a line L11 in the graph. A correlation between the release shaft working angle and the clutch capacity is shown by a line L12 in the graph. The line L11 is also a line showing an output value (a reference output value) of the clutch actuator <NUM> when the clutch apparatus <NUM> is connected and disconnected in a state in which there is no intervention of the manual operation.

In the automatic mode M1 of the normally closed clutch, when the release shaft torque (the motor output) is "<NUM>," there is no operation input to the clutch apparatus <NUM> (input toward a disconnection side), and the clutch capacity is <NUM> %. That is, the clutch apparatus <NUM> maintains a connection state. The state corresponds to a region A of the horizontal axis of <FIG>. The region A is a play region of the driven clutch lever <NUM>. In the region A, there is no motor output, and the release shaft torque changes at "<NUM>. " In the region A, there is no actuation of the clutch apparatus <NUM>, the clutch capacity changes at <NUM> %.

Referring also to <FIG>, in the region A, the one side surface 61b <NUM> of the manual operation-side cam 61b of the release shaft <NUM> in the circumferential direction does not press the other side surface 62b2 of the clutch-side cam 62b in the circumferential direction, and is separated from the clutch-side cam 62b by a biasing force of the return spring <NUM> (shown by a dotted line in <FIG>). In the region A, the driven clutch lever <NUM> is in a play state in which the manual operation-side cam 61b can approach and separate from the clutch-side cam 62b by an angle A1 in the drawings. For example, in the region A, the one side surface 63b <NUM> of the control operation-side cam 63b in the circumferential direction is abutting the other side surface 62b2 of the clutch-side cam 62b in the circumferential direction.

Referring to <FIG>, when the release shaft working angle increases and passes the play region A, the release shaft working angle shifts to a half clutch region B.

Referring also to <FIG>, in the half clutch region B, the control operation-side cam 63b presses the clutch-side cam 62b and rotates the lower release shaft <NUM>. When the release shaft torque increases, the release mechanism <NUM> lifts the clutch apparatus <NUM> and reduces a clutch capacity. That is, the clutch apparatus <NUM> becomes in a half-clutch state in which partial power transmission is possible. Reference sign SP in <FIG> indicates a starting position of an actuation of switching to the half clutch region B from the play region A (an actuation starting position). When the manual operation is intervened in the half clutch region B, the manual operation-side cam 61b abuts the clutch-side cam 62b and cooperates with the control operation-side cam 63b to rotate the lower release shaft <NUM> (see <FIG>).

When the release shaft working angle passes a touch point TP that is an ending point of the half clutch region B, an increase in release shaft torque is slower than that in a region B. A region after the touch point TP at the release shaft working angle is, for example, a clutch disconnection region C in which the clutch capacity remains equivalent to "<NUM>. " The clutch disconnection region C is, for example, an actuation marginal region in which the release shaft <NUM> or the like actuates to a mechanical actuation limit position. In the clutch disconnection region C, the release shaft torque is slightly increased. The increment corresponds to an increment of a clutch spring load according to movement of lift parts of the clutch apparatus <NUM>. Reference sign EP in <FIG> is a full lift position that is an ending point of the clutch disconnection region C.

For example, a standby position DP is set in the middle of the clutch disconnection region C. At the standby position DP, a slightly higher release shaft torque than the touch point TP where the clutch apparatus <NUM> starts the connection is applied. While torque transmission slightly occurs at the touch point TP due to an actuation error, torque transmission of the clutch apparatus <NUM> becomes completely disconnected by applying the release shaft torque to the standby position DP. In addition, a slight low release shaft torque with respect to a full lift position EP is applied at the standby position DP, and thus, it is possible to invalidate the clutch apparatus <NUM>. That is, at the standby position DP, it is possible to cancel the backlash of each part and the actuation reaction force in the clutch apparatus <NUM>, and to increase actuation responsiveness upon connection of the clutch apparatus <NUM>.

Further, when the clutch apparatus <NUM> is actuated from the connection state toward a disconnection side, a point where the release shaft torque rises (a starting point of the half clutch region B) is an actuation starting position SP, and a point where the clutch apparatus <NUM> is completely disconnected (an ending point of the half clutch region B) is the touch point TP.

On the contrary, when the clutch apparatus <NUM> is actuated from the disconnection state toward a connection side, a point where the clutch apparatus <NUM> starts the connection is the touch point TP, and a point where the clutch apparatus <NUM> is completely connected is the actuation starting position SP.

Referring to <FIG>, in the half clutch region B, driving of the motor <NUM> is controlled based on the lift load.

In this control, first, a clutch spring load is previously set based on the repulsive force of the clutch spring <NUM>. Next, a lift load applied to the clutch apparatus <NUM> (an operation load against the clutch spring load) is estimated according to the release shaft torque. Then, a load obtained by reducing the lift load from the clutch spring load is a clutch pressing load applied to the clutch apparatus <NUM> in actuality.

The clutch capacity is obtained by "a clutch pressing load/clutch spring load. " The supply electric power to the motor <NUM> is controlled such that the clutch capacity is a target value, and the release shaft torque and the lift load are controlled. A motor current value and a lever working angle at each of the actuation starting position SP and the touch point TP are set in advance to default values, or as described below, set by learning control upon ON or OFF of a power supply of the motorcycle <NUM>.

As an example of a sensing configuration, a configuration in which the current sensor 40b is provided in the motor control device (the ECU <NUM>), and the detection value is converted into the motor torque and further converted into the release shaft torque (clutch operation torque) is exemplified.

As shown in <FIG>, in the half clutch region B, when there is an intervention of the operation (manual operation) of the clutch lever 4b, a measured value of the torque of the release shaft is reduced with respect to the correlation line L11 of the preset release shaft torque (see a portion F in the drawings). Here, when a decrement of the release shaft torque exceeds a predetermined threshold d1, it is determined that there is an intervention of the manual operation, and shifts to a predetermined manual operation intervention control.

In the manual operation intervention control, for example, the motor <NUM> is feedback-controlled so as to maintain a torque d2, which is a torque after the release shaft torque has reduced by the threshold d1, from detection of the manual operation intervention until the increment of the release shaft working angle becomes a predetermined angle or more. During the current control at this time, a current restriction according to the angle after the touch point TP is provided, and the motor output is substantially <NUM> on the way. Since the load at this time is substantially low, it is determined that there is a manual intervention. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress discomfort due to sudden disappearance of the torque from the motor <NUM> after the operation of the clutch lever 4b. After the increment of the release shaft working angle has become the prescribed angle or greater, by gradually reducing the release shaft torque (see a portion G in the drawings), it is possible to suppress electric power consumption by continuing to drive the motor <NUM> while suppressing the discomfort.

In the clutch disconnection region C, the driving of the motor <NUM> is controlled based on the lever position (angle).

As described above, in the clutch disconnection region C, the increase in release shaft torque associated with the lift of the clutch apparatus <NUM> is small. For this reason, in the clutch disconnection region C, the supply electric power to the motor <NUM> is controlled based on the release shaft working angle. Accordingly, after the touch point TP when the clutch apparatus <NUM> starts the connection, it is possible to control a disconnection amount of the clutch apparatus <NUM> more finely.

As an example of the sensing configuration, a configuration in which the first rotation angle sensor 57d and the second rotation angle sensor 58d are provided on the first reduction shaft <NUM> and the second reduction shaft <NUM>, respectively, and these detection values are converted into release shaft working angles (clutch operation angles) can be exemplified. The first rotation angle sensor 57d and the second rotation angle sensor 58d are provided as a pair for fail, but only one of these may be used.

As shown in <FIG>, in the clutch disconnection region C, when there is an intervention of the operation (manual operation) of the clutch lever 4b, a measured value of the release shaft torque is reduced with respect to the correlation line L11 of the preset release shaft torque (see a portion H in the drawings).

Referring also to <FIG>, for example, in the automatic mode M1, the torque applied to the clutch-side cam 62b by the control operation-side cam 63b is limited to the torque up to the standby position DP. The torque until the clutch-side cam 62b exceeds the standby position DP to reach the full lift position EP is a case when the manual operation that grips the clutch lever 4b is intervened, and a torque exceeding the standby position DP is applied from the manual operation-side cam 61b to the clutch-side cam 62b (see <FIG>). Here, the control operation-side cam 63b is separated from the clutch-side cam 62b, and the motor output is substantially <NUM>.

Even before reaching the standby position DP, when the release shaft working angle is in the clutch disconnection region C beyond the touch point TP, the measured value of the release shaft torque is substantially <NUM> due to the intervention of the manual operation. Accordingly, in the clutch disconnection region C, when the measured value of the release shaft torque is changed to a range of substantially <NUM>, it is determined that there is an intervention of the manual operation and shifts to the predetermined manual operation intervention control.

In the manual operation intervention control, for example, the motor output is maintained so that the release shaft working angle maintains the touch point TP, which is substantially a clutch disconnection position, until the increment of the release shaft working angle becomes the predetermined angle or more after the manual operation intervention has been detected. Accordingly, occurrence of an engine stall is suppressed even when the clutch lever 4b is abruptly released after the intervention of the manual operation.

In this way, more detailed clutch control (optimal control according to a state or characteristics of the clutch apparatus <NUM>) can be performed by properly using the load (current) control and the position (angle) control according to the situation of the clutch apparatus <NUM>.

In the embodiment, the release shaft working angle (the rotation angle of the gear shaft of the speed reducer <NUM>) is detected, a control in which weighting of the current value is increased is performed in the region to the touch point TP that is preset (or learned) (the half clutch region B), and a control in which weighting of the working angle is increased is performed in the region after the touch point TP (the clutch disconnection region C).

In addition, in the embodiment, a change of the current value (conversion to the torque value) of the motor <NUM> with respect to the release shaft working angle is learned (updated) at a predetermined timing, and the target value according to the situation of the clutch apparatus <NUM> is set. The driving of the motor <NUM> is feedback-controlled based on the target value and the detection value of the current sensor 40b of the ECU <NUM>.

A time chart of <FIG> shows a process when the motorcycle <NUM> returns to the flat ground again via a downhill road during traveling on the flat ground in a cruise traveling state (a traveling state in a cruise mode (a constant speed traveling mode)).

In a time range t0 before a timing t1 in the drawings, the motorcycle <NUM> is traveling on the flat ground above the slope. The "flat ground" of the embodiment refers to a place where the inclination of the road surface is less than a prescribed angle θr, which will be described below. Here, when a driver operates a cruise control switch <NUM> (see <FIG>) under a prescribed traveling condition (for example, a vehicle speed V1 of a prescribed speed or greater), the motorcycle <NUM> shifts to a cruise mode. In the cruise mode, engine accessories and the like are controlled in order to hold the vehicle speed V1 constant at the time of the switch operation. In the cruise mode, the vehicle speed V1 can be maintained without the need for the driver's operation. In the cruise mode, the value of the vehicle speed V1 can be increased or decreased by the operation of the speed adjustment switch (not shown). In the cruise mode, even when the driver releases his/her hand from the throttle grip, traveling on at the vehicle speed V1 can be continued.

In the cruise mode, unless there is a particular factor that hinders the constant speed traveling of the motorcycle <NUM>, each of an engine rotational speed Ne, a throttle grip opening degree Gθth, a throttle body (valve) opening degree Bθth and a clutch capacity Cap changes constant.

In the cruise mode, for example, when the ECU <NUM> detects that the motorcycle <NUM> approaches the downhill road on the basis of the detection information of the acceleration sensor 41a (see <FIG>) (the timing t1 in the drawings), the motorcycle <NUM> shifts to a coasting mode (an inertial traveling mode). The shift to the coasting mode is performed, for example, when the acceleration sensor 41a detects a downward gradient of the prescribed angle θr or greater (for example, <NUM> degrees or more). The shift to the coasting mode may be performed, for example, when the acceleration sensor 41a continuously detects the downward gradient of the prescribed angle θr or greater for a prescribed time or more. In the coasting mode, the clutch apparatus <NUM> shifts to the disconnection state, and a free running state (inertial traveling state) in which engine braking is not operated is created. In the coasting mode, for example, the engine <NUM> shifts to a stoppage state, fuel consumption is improved by eliminating the consumption of fuel to an extend to an inertial traveling distance. In the coasting mode, the engine <NUM> may shift to an idling state. A change-over switch configured to select whether the shift to the coasting mode is possible may be provided.

In the coasting mode, the clutch capacity Cap is reduced from the capacity Cap1 during the cruise mode (for example, <NUM> % when the clutch apparatus <NUM> is in a connection state). In the coasting mode, the clutch capacity Cap is a capacity Cap2 for a coasting mode (for example, <NUM> % when the clutch apparatus <NUM> is in a disconnection state).

In the coasting mode, the valve opening degree Bθth of the throttle body is reduced from an opening degree Bθ1 during cruise traveling on according to the change of the clutch capacity Cap. In the coasting mode, the valve opening degree Bθth is reduced to an opening degree Bθ2 for a coasting mode (for example, an angle where a throttle is fully closed).

Accordingly, in the coasting mode, the engine rotational speed Ne is reduced from the rotational speed Ne1 during cruise traveling. In the coasting mode, the engine rotational speed Ne is reduced to a rotational speed Ne2 (for example, <NUM> rpm) during coasting. That is, in the coasting mode, the engine <NUM> is stopped.

Further, in the coasting mode, the opening degree Gθth of the throttle grip does not have to change just by shifting to the coasting mode.

In addition, in the coasting mode, a vehicle speed V gradually increases within a range less than a threshold V2 by disconnecting the clutch apparatus <NUM> from a cruise mode of a constant vehicle speed V1 and initially traveling on the downhill road.

In the coasting mode, the motorcycle <NUM> terminates the coasting mode when the ECU <NUM> detects that the inclination of the downhill road during current traveling is reduced (less than the prescribed angle θr) (a timing t2 in the drawings) based on the detection information of the acceleration sensor 41a. That is, the clutch apparatus <NUM> is reconnected while the engine <NUM> is started again. Here, immediately after the timing t2, first matching control is performed within a time range t23 during the timing t2 to t3 in the drawings. The first matching control matches the engine rotational speed Ne to the rotational speed Ne1 during cruise traveling before fully connecting the clutch apparatus <NUM>. The first matching control connects the clutch apparatus <NUM> within a half-clutch range while converging the engine rotational speed Ne to the rotational speed Ne1 during cruise traveling.

After the first matching control, second matching control is performed within a time range t34 in timings t3 to t4 in the drawings. The second matching control is control of matching a transmission capacity toward the gearbox <NUM> (smoothly converging the vehicle speed V to the target vehicle speed V1 during cruise traveling) after the engine rotational speed Ne has converged to the rotational speed Ne1.

In the second matching control, the clutch capacity Cap is gradually increased as the inclination of the downhill road becomes gentle, and at the end of the detection of the downhill road, the clutch apparatus <NUM> is set to the capacity Cap1 in which the connection state is established.

In the second matching control, the clutch capacity Cap is feedback-controlled such that the current vehicle speed V coincides with the set vehicle speed V1 during cruise traveling, and the clutch apparatus <NUM> shifts to the connection state. The time range t34 of the second matching control is set longer than the time range t23 of the first matching control.

As described above, the shift from the coasting mode to the engine traveling mode (cruise mode) is completed.

A time chart of <FIG> shows a variant including correspondence when the vehicle speed V is the threshold V2 or more between the timings t11 and <NUM> during the coasting mode with respect to the embodiment of <FIG>.

In <FIG>, when the vehicle speed V is increased to the threshold V2 or more, the ECU <NUM> performs control of increasing the clutch capacity Cap temporarily and generating engine braking. That is, the clutch apparatus <NUM> is temporarily actuated toward the connection side, and the engine rotational speed Ne is started up by the input from the side of the rear wheel <NUM>. Accordingly, engine braking can be generated and the vehicle speed can be reduced. Here, while the increasing target value of the clutch capacity Cap may be the capacity Cap1 where the clutch apparatus <NUM> is connected, it may be lower than the capacity Cap1 as long as the engine brake can be obtained.

A time chart of <FIG> shows a variant including correspondence when a driver performs a brake operation between the timings t13 and <NUM> during the coasting mode with respect to the embodiment of <FIG>.

In <FIG>, when the brake operation is performed by the driver (when the brake switch is turned ON), the ECU <NUM> performs control of increasing the clutch capacity Cap temporarily and generating the engine brake, like the example of <FIG>. That is, the clutch apparatus <NUM> is actuated toward the connection side temporarily, and the engine rotational speed Ne is started up by the input from the side of the rear wheel <NUM>. Accordingly, engine braking is generated, and the vehicle speed can be reduced in combination with the brake actuation by the driver's operation. Further, if a brake system of the motorcycle <NUM> is a by-wire type configured to electrically line the brake operator and the brake apparatus and a brake assistance by automatic control is obtained, the brake control and the clutch control may be appropriately linked.

Hereinafter, the processing including switching control between the coasting mode and the cruise mode will be described with reference to the flowchart of <FIG>. The processing is repeatedly executed at a predetermined period when the power supply is ON (a main switch of the motorcycle <NUM> is ON).

First, in step S1, it is determined whether the constant speed traveling switch (the cruise control switch <NUM>) is ON. In the case of YES (the constant speed traveling switch is ON) in step S1, the processing shifts to step S2. In the case of NO (the constant speed traveling switch is OFF) in step S1, the processing is terminated once.

In step S2, it is determined whether the motorcycle <NUM> is traveling on a downhill road with a prescribed gradient or more. The determination is made, for example, depending on whether the detection value of the acceleration sensor 41a is the predetermined threshold (the prescribed angle θr) or more. In the case of YES (the threshold or more) in step S2, the processing shifts to step S3. In the case of NO (less than the threshold) in step S2, the processing shifts to step S8.

In step S3, the clutch capacity Cap is reduced to Cap2 (for example, becomes a clutch disconnection state). In addition, in step S4, the engine rotational speed Ne is reduced to Ne2 (for example, becomes an engine stoppage state).

After that, in step S5, it is determined whether the current vehicle speed V is the set value (the threshold V2) or more. In the case of YES (the set value or more) in step S5, the processing shifts to step S6. In the case of NO (less than the set value) in step S5, the processing is terminated once.

In step S6, the speed restriction control is performed. The speed restriction control also includes a brake actuation by a driver's operation, in addition to the control of increasing the clutch capacity Cap. With the execution of step S6, in step S7, it is determined whether the vehicle speed V is less than the set value. In the case of YES (less than the set value) in step S7, the processing is terminated once. In the case of NO (exceeding the set value) in step S7, the processes of steps S6 and S7 are repeated until it becomes the set value or less.

In the case of NO (the constant speed traveling switch is OFF) in step S <NUM> and in the case of NO (less than the threshold) in step S2, the processing shifts to step S8, and it is determined whether the engine <NUM> is in stoppage. In the case of NO (not in the engine stoppage) in step S8, the processing is terminated once. In the case of YES (in the engine stoppage) in step S8, control of shifting to step S9 to start the engine and shifting to step S10 to increase the clutch capacity is performed, and the processing is terminated once.

As described above, in the clutch control device 40A according to the embodiment including the clutch apparatus <NUM> configured to connect and disconnect power transmission between the engine <NUM> and the gearbox <NUM>, the clutch actuator <NUM> configured to output a driving force to actuate the clutch apparatus <NUM>, and the ECU <NUM> configured to drive the clutch actuator <NUM>, the motorcycle <NUM> on which the clutch control device 40A is mounted can hold the vehicle speed V constant and execute a cruise mode, a coasting mode in which the engine <NUM> is stopped or in an idling state can be performed while decreasing the clutch capacity Cap when it is detected that the motorcycle <NUM> travels a downhill road during the cruise mode, and the motorcycle <NUM> terminates the coasting mode to return to the cruise mode when it is detected that the downhill road has terminated during the coasting mode.

According to the configuration, when the motorcycle <NUM> on which the clutch control device 40A is mounted approaches the downhill road during the cruise mode, the clutch capacity Cap is decreased (as a clutch disconnection state) to shift to the coasting mode, and when a state in which the vehicle is traveling on the downhill road has terminated, the coasting mode is terminated so as to return to the cruise mode. In this way, the fuel consumption improvement can be efficiently achieved while suppressing discomfort by appropriately switching between the coasting mode and the cruise mode.

In addition, in the clutch control device 40A, the motorcycle <NUM> increases the clutch capacity Cap to generate engine braking when it is detected that the vehicle speed V is increased to the threshold V2 or more during the coasting mode.

According to the configuration, when the vehicle speed V is increased to a predetermined level or more due to the downhill road during the coasting mode, speed adjustment can be easily performed under the clutch control by increasing the clutch capacity Cap and generating the engine brake.

In addition, in the clutch control device 40A, the motorcycle <NUM> increases the clutch capacity Cap to generate the engine brake when it is detected that the brake apparatus is actuated during the coasting mode.

According to the configuration, when the brake apparatus is actuated by the driver's operation during the coasting mode, the brake assistance can be efficiently performed under the clutch control by increasing the clutch capacity Cap and generating the engine brake according to the actuation of the brake apparatus.

In addition, in the clutch control device 40A, the motorcycle <NUM> controls the clutch capacity Cap such that the current vehicle speed V coincides with the target vehicle speed of the cruise mode when the traveling on the downhill road has terminated and the coasting mode is terminated to return to the cruise mode.

According to the configuration, when the coasting mode is terminated to return to the cruise mode together with the termination of the downhill road, the clutch capacity Cap is controlled while comparing the current vehicle speed V with the target vehicle speed of the cruise mode, and the current vehicle speed V is quickly converged to the target vehicle speed of the cruise mode. Accordingly, the processing can be efficiently returned to the cruise mode while suppressing the discomfort.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the example, and for example, the clutch operator is not limited to the clutch lever 4b but may be various operators such as a clutch pedal or the others. The clutch apparatus is not limited to being disposed between the engine and the gearbox and may be disposed between a prime mover and an arbitrary output target other than the gearbox. The prime mover is not limited to an internal combustion engine and may also be an electric motor.

Like the embodiment, it is not limited to the application to the saddle riding vehicle in which the clutch operation is automated, and can also be applied to a saddle riding vehicle including a so-called clutchless transmission in which gear shifting can be performed by adjusting a driving force without performing a manual clutch operation under a predetermined condition while setting the manual clutch operation to basic.

In addition, all vehicles on which a driver rides on the vehicle body are included as the saddle riding vehicle, and in addition to a motorcycle (including a motorized bicycle and a scooter-type vehicle), a three-wheeled vehicle (including a two-front-wheeled and one-rear-wheeled vehicle in addition to one-front-wheeled and two-rear-wheeled vehicle) or a four-wheeled vehicle may also be included, and a vehicle in which an electric motor is included in a prime mover may also be included.

Then, the configuration in the embodiment is an example of the present invention, and various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

Claim 1:
A vehicle (<NUM>) comprising a controller (<NUM>) configured to switch between a constant speed traveling mode in which a vehicle speed (V) is held constant and an inertial traveling mode in which a prime mover (<NUM>) is stopped or in an idling state, and a clutch apparatus (<NUM>) configured to connect and disconnect power transmission between the prime mover (<NUM>) and an output target (<NUM>),
wherein the controller (<NUM>) is configured to control the clutch apparatus (<NUM>) and to decrease a clutch capacity (Cap) so as to transit to the inertial traveling mode when detected that the vehicle is traveling on a downhill road during the constant speed traveling mode,
characterised in that the controller (<NUM>) is configured to terminate the inertial traveling mode of the vehicle (<NUM>), to control the clutch apparatus (<NUM>) and to increase the clutch capacity (Cap) so as to transit to the constant speed traveling mode by performing a first matching control and a second matching control when detected that an inclination of the downhill road has become less than a prescribed angle (θr) during the inertial traveling mode,
wherein the second matching control is performed after the first matching control has been performed,
wherein the first matching control is a control which connects the clutch apparatus (<NUM>) within a half-clutch range while converging an engine rotational speed (Ne) of the prime mover (<NUM>) to a rotational speed (Ne1) during traveling in the constant speed traveling mode so as to match the engine rotational speed (Ne) of the prime mover (<NUM>) to the rotational speed (Ne1) during traveling in the constant speed traveling mode before fully connecting the clutch apparatus (<NUM>), when terminating the inertial traveling mode and returning to the constant speed traveling mode,
wherein the second matching control is a control which gradually increases the clutch capacity (Cap) as the inclination of the downhill road becomes gentle and performs a feedback control which fully connects the clutch apparatus (<NUM>) so that a current vehicle speed (V) coincides with a set vehicle speed (V1) of the constant speed traveling mode, and
wherein a time range (t34) of the second matching control is set longer than a time range (t23) of the first matching control.