ELECTRIC VEHICLE, METHOD OF CONTROLLING ELECTRIC VEHICLE, COMPUTER PROGRAM, AND ELECRIC ROLLATOR

Abstract

 Provided is an electric rollator which does not move against a user's intention. The electric vehicle includes a detector (72) which detects a load applied by a part of a body of a user to a body supporter (14), or contact between the body of the user and the body supporter and generates a detection signal; and a controller (90) which controls braking of a wheel (12 or 13) or a continuous track based on the detection signal.

Description

FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electric vehicle, a method of controlling the electric vehicle, a computer program, and an electric rollator.

BACKGROUND

[0002] There has been known an electric vehicle called a rollator equipped with an electric motor to assist the elderly and people with reduced walking ability in walking. Such an electric vehicle is also called an electric rollator. The electric rollator is used for moving together with a walking person (user) when the user walks, and drives the motors of wheels to generate a force to offset inadequacy of an operation force applied by the user. Thus, the electric rollator assists walking of the user. The user with reduced walking ability can easily walk using the force generated by the electric rollator.

[0003] It is preferable that the electric rollator does not start to move against a user's intention (e.g., malfunction). For example, the electric rollator is also used as a seat for the user when the user goes outside. It is preferable that a vehicle body stops before the user sits thereon and stays still when the user sits thereon. It is preferable that the electric rollator does not go down a slope even when the user releases both hands from the electric rollator for some reason when the electric rollator travels downhill.

[0004] According to the present invention, provided is the electric rollator which does not move against a user's intention.

SUMMARY

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, the electric vehicle includes a detector (72) which detects a load applied by a part of a body of a user to a body supporter (14), or contact between the body of the user and the body supporter and generates a detection signal; and a controller (90) which controls braking of a wheel (12 or 13) or a continuous track based on the detection signal.

[0006] In the electric vehicle, the load applied to the body supporter may be a load applied by the user in a direction perpendicular to a surface on which the electric vehicle is placed.

[0007] In the electric vehicle, the body supporter may be relatively movable according to the load applied thereto with respect to a body frame including the detector. The detection signal may include information specifying a distance between the body supporter and the detector, or information whether the distance is a certain value or less. The controller may release the braking when the distance is the certain value or less, and perform the braking when the distance is not the certain value or less.

[0008] In the electric vehicle, an energization member may is arranged between the body supporter and the body frame, which energizes the body supporter in a direction away from the body frame.

[0009] In the electric vehicle, the detector may be a proximity sensor arranged in the body frame, the body supporter may be provided with an object capable of being detected by the proximity sensor, and the controller may release the braking when the proximity sensor detects the object, and perform the braking when the proximity sensor does not detect the object.

[0010] In the electric vehicle, the body supporter may prevent the user from sitting on a seat of the electric vehicle when the body supporter is in a normal position, and permit the user to sit on the seat when the body supporter is in a retracted position different from the normal position.

[0011] In the electric vehicle, the controller may detect an inclination of the electric vehicle, and switch a type of the braking according to the inclination.

[0012] In the electric vehicle, the controller may perform reverse braking when a magnitude of the inclination of the electric vehicle is a certain value or more, and perform rheostatic braking when the magnitude of the inclination of the electric vehicle is smaller than the certain value.

[0013] In the electric vehicle, the controller may perform rheostatic braking when mechanical braking is performed.

[0014] According to one aspect, a method of controlling an electric vehicle includes: detecting a load applied by a part of a body of a user to a body supporter, or contact between the body of the user and the body supporter, and generating a detection signal; and controlling braking of a wheel or a continuous track based on the detection signal.

[0015] According to one aspect, a computer readable medium stores therein a computer program causing a computer to execute: receiving a detection signal depending on a load applied by a part of a body of a user to a body supporter (14), or depending on contact between the body of the user and the body supporter; and controlling braking of a wheel or a continuous track based on the detection signal.

[0016] According to one aspect, an electric rollator includes: a body frame provided with a wheel; a body supporter supporting a part of a body of a user, which is relatively movable according to a load applied thereto by the user with respect to the body frame; a detector provided in the body frame, which generates a detection signal depending on a distance between the body supporter and the detector; and a controller which controls braking of the wheel based on the detection signal, and which releases the braking when the distance is a certain value or less, and performs the braking when the distance is not the certain value or less.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] 

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an electric rollator as one example of an electric vehicle according to a certain example;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the rollator in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating the rollator with a support pad flipped up;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a detection mechanism that is provided between the support pad and a handle;

FIG. 5 is a graph showing an example of a detection signal of a proximity sensor;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a control system mounted on the rollator in FIG. 1 and a peripheral configuration of the control system;

FIG. 7 (A) and (B) each is a diagram illustrating an example of braking control depending on a magnitude of inclination of the rollator;

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating another configuration example of a detection mechanism;

FIG. 9 is a graph showing an example of differentiating three states of the rollator using a detection signal of a sensor; and

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an operation by a controller according to a certain example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, like components are numbered similarly, and thus the descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an electric rollator (hereinafter referred to as a rollator) 100 as one example of an electric vehicle according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view of the rollator 100 in FIG. 1.

[0020] As illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the rollator 100 includes a body frame 11, a pair of front wheels 12 and a pair of rear wheels 13 that are provided to the body frame 11, and a support pad (body supporter) 14 that is provided to the body frame 11. The rollator 100 is used to assist walking of the elderly and people with reduced walking ability. When using the rollator 100, the user places the forearms or the elbows on the support pad 14 to apply a user's weight (load) to the support pad 14, and performs walking operation while gripping a handle bar 15 and a brake lever 16. The rollator 100 drives motors 20 connected to rear wheels 13 to generate a force to offset inadequacy of a force applied by the user so that the rollator 100 can autonomously travel, thereby performing a walking assist control. A control system (see FIG. 6 described later) for performing such an assist control is mounted on the rollator 100 in FIG. 1. Hereinafter, the rollator 100 in FIG. 1 will be further described in detail.

[0021] The body frame 11 is provided with a pair of support frames 21 inclined by a predetermined angle from a direction perpendicular to a surface (e.g., ground surface) on which the rollator 100 is placed. The support frame 21 is made of a pipe-shaped member, as an example. A pair of lower frames 51 are horizontally disposed at lower ends of the support frames 21, respectively. A pair of front wheels 12 is attached to front ends of the lower frames 51, respectively. A pair of link mechanisms 55 is provided to rear end side of the lower frames 51.

[0022] A pair of upper frames 54 is disposed above the pair of lower frames 51, respectively. One ends of a pair of rear wheel frames 57 are rotatably coupled to rear ends of the pair of upper frames 54, respectively, through a shaft 56. At the other ends of the pair of rear wheel frames 57, the pair of rear wheels 13 are provided respectively. A pair of motors 20 to drive the respective corresponding rear wheels 13 is connected to the pair of rear wheels 13. The motor 20 used may be any motor such as a servomotor, a stepping motor, an AC motor, or a DC motor. Moreover, a motor integrally formed with a reducer may be used.

[0023] A pair of handles 24 is provided on upper ends of the pair of support frames 21, respectively. The pair of handles 24 are substantially horizontally disposed with respect to the surface on which the rollator 100 is placed, and are made of a pipe-shaped member, as an example. Grips 23 (see FIG. 2) that the user grips are provided at the pair of handles 24, respectively, so that the user can stabilize the posture of the user when the user sits. The pipe-shaped handle bar 15 is formed at front sides of the pair of handles 24 to integrate with the handles 24. One end of the handle bar 15 is connected to one of the pair of handles 24, and the other end of the handle bar 15 is connected to the other of the handles 24. Note that the handle bar 15 may be made of a material different from the material of the handles 24.

[0024] A pair of brake shoes 25 (not illustrated in FIG. 1, but illustrated in FIG. 2) are provided on outer peripheries of the pair of rear wheels 13, respectively, such that they can be mechanically brought into contact with the rear wheels 13. The brake shoes 25 are connected to one ends of brake wires (hereinafter referred to as wires) disposed in the body frame 11, and the other ends of the wires are connected to wire connection mechanisms of a pair of brake units 61 that are provided on both sides of the handle bar 15, respectively. Note that the wires are stored in the body frame 11, but may be arranged outside the body frame to be apparently visible from the user.

[0025] A brake lever 16 is disposed in a front lower direction of the handle bar 15 to face the handle bar 15. The pair of brake units 61 is connected to both ends of the brake lever 16, respectively. The both ends of the brake lever 16 are attached to the brake units 61, respectively, through energizers such as coil springs. The user pulls the brake lever 16 toward the user (in a direction of an arrow R1 in FIG. 2), thereby applying the mechanical braking using wire action. That is, the operation of the brake lever 16 enables the brake shoes 25 to be controlled.

[0026] For example, the user pulls the brake lever 16 toward the user (in a direction of approaching the handle bar 15) to reach a brake activation position. The brake shoes 25 are moved by the action of the wires connected to the brake lever 16 to then be pressed against the outer peripheries of the rear wheels 13. Thus, the mechanical braking is applied. When the user releases the hands from the brake lever 16, the brake lever 16 is returned to an original position (normal position). Then, the brake shoes 25 are also released from the rear wheels 13 to release the mechanical braking. The brake lever 16 can be also moved in a direction opposite to the arrow R1 (downward direction). When the brake lever 16 is moved downward to the parking position, the parking brake is applied to maintain a state in which the brake shoes 25 are pressed against the rear wheels 13 using the wire action. The brake lever 16 may be electrically connected to a user IF substrate (see FIG. 6) through a wire in the body frame 11. In this case, a brake switch is attached to the brake lever 16 or the brake unit 61, to be capable of notifying a state of the brake lever 16 (position of the brake lever 16 such as the normal position, the brake activation position, or the parking position) to the user IF substrate.

[0027] The support pad 14 is mounted above the pair of handles 24 to cover over the pair of handles 24. The support pad 14 is a form of a body supporter for supporting a part of the body of the user. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the forearms, the elbows, or both of them of the user are supported on the support pad 14. Note that a using form for supporting another portion such as a jaw, hands, or a chest may be applied.

[0028] A detection mechanism 71 is provided between the handles 24 and the support pad 14, to detect whether the user uses the rollator 100 for walking. Specifically, the detection mechanism 71 detects whether a load (weight) of the user is applied to the support pad 14, or whether the user is in contact with the support pad 14. The detail of the detection mechanism 71 will be described later. The support pad 14 has a horseshoe shape, as an example, but the support pad 14 is not limited to this shape, and may be any other shape. The support pad 14 is configured by placing a cushion material such as a sponge or a rubber material on a plate material such as a wood plate, or a resin plate to be covered with any coating material made of resin or cloth, as an example. However, the support pad 14 is not limited to this configuration, and may have any other configuration.

[0029] One ends of a pair of arm members 26 are fixed to both right and left sides of a bottom surface of the support pad 14. The other ends of the pair of arm members 26 are rotatably attached to the outer sides of the pair of handle bar 15, respectively. When the user pushes up (flips up) the support pad 14 upwardly, the support pad 14 is rotated in a direction of an arrow R2 in FIG. 2 to be fixed at a predetermined position (retracted position). FIG. 3 illustrates a state of the support pad 14 after being rotated. A space for housing an upper body of the user can be formed above a seat 37. In this state, the user can turn the user's back toward the support pad 14 while gripping the pair of grips 23 with both hands, and sit on the seat 37. The user can stabilize the posture of the user by gripping the grips 23 when the user sits on the seat 37. Thus, the support pad 14 prevents the user from sitting on the seat 37 of the rollator at a position before being flipped up (normal position), and allows the user to sit on the seat 37 at a position after being flipped up (retracted position).

[0030] Here, the support pad 14 is configured to be manually flipped up by the user, but a lock mechanism (not illustrated) may be provided to release the fixing of the support pad 14, and thereby automatically flip up the support pad 14, as another example. Alternatively, an electric mechanism (a motor, or the like) for rotating the arm members 26 is provided to perform the electric mechanism by switch activation, and thereby flip up the support pad 14.

[0031] A storage 27 (see FIG. 2) is provided between the pair of upper frames 54 such that the storage 27 is hung from the pair of upper frames 54. The storage 27 has a bag shape with an upward opening. The storage 27 may be made of resin or cloth. The above-described seat 37 for sitting is provided as a lid for the storage 27. The control system (see FIG. 6) described later is installed in the storage 27, the control system including a main control substrate 81, a user IF substrate 82, a battery 87, a speaker 85, and the like.

[0032] A lever 28 is provided at a rear side of the storage 27, the lever 28 extending downwardly from the pair of upper frames 54. The lever 28 is disposed at a position where the user can press down the lever 28 with the user's foot. By moving the lever 28 downwardly, the pair of rear wheel frames 57 and the pair of rear wheels 13 are brought close to the pair of front wheels 12, resulting in that the link mechanisms 55 are folded up. In this manner, the rollator 100 can be folded up.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the detection mechanism 71. An upper portion of FIG. 4 illustrates a state in which the user does not apply a load to the support pad 14. A lower portion of FIG. 4 illustrates a state in which the user applies a load to the support pad 14.

[0034] As illustrated in the upper portion of FIG. 4, a proximity sensor (detector) 72 that detects a magnet (object to be detected) 77 is fixed and installed in one handle 24 of the pair of handles 24. The proximity sensor 72 can detect the magnet 77 without physically contacting the magnet 77. The proximity sensor 72 is connected to the user IF substrate (see FIG. 6) described later through a wire in the body frame 11. A hall IC, etc. can be used as the proximity sensor 72, for example, the hall IC outputting an on (high-level or conductive) signal in a strength of a magnetic field being a certain value (threshold) or more, and an off (low-level or insulating) signal in a strength of a magnetic field being less than the certain value, but the proximity sensor 72 is not limited thereto. The relationship between the on signal and the off signal may be reversed: however, the configuration that the conductive signal is output in the strength of the magnetic field being the certain value or more is safe because the braking is applied when the signal line is disconnected. Note that the positional relationship between the magnet and the proximity sensor may be reversed.

[0035] A pair of support members 73 is attached to both right and left lower sides of the support pad 14 to extend in a front-rear direction (a right-left direction along a plane of FIG. 4). A width of the support member 73 in the right-left direction (a direction perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 4) is about the same as that of the handle 24 or the grip 23, or is slightly wider or narrower than the handle 24 or the grip 23, but is not limited thereto. The support member 73 is moved downwardly when the load is applied to the support pad 14 by the user (e.g., when the load is applied in the direction perpendicular to the the surface on which the rollator 100 is placed), and the support member 73 is pressed against the handle 24 (including the grip 23). The support pad 14 stops at a position corresponding to the thickness of the support member 73.

[0036] A gap is formed to vertically penetrate the inside at the front end side of each of the pair of support members 73. A spring (energization member) 74 having an energization force in the vertical direction is disposed in the gap. A type of the spring 74 is a coil spring, as an example, but may have any other configuration. The energization member other than the spring may be used. An upper portion of the spring 74 is fixed to the support pad 14 through any protection member 75. A lower portion of the spring 74 is covered with a cap 76. The lower portion of the spring 74 protrudes from the bottom surface of the support member 73 in a state in which the load is not applied to the support pad 14, and is in contact with a top surface of the handle 24 through the cap 76. When the load is applied to the support pad 14 in this state, the spring 74 is compressed, and the portion protruding from the bottom surface of the support member 73 is housed in the gap in the support member 73, so that the support pad 14 is moved toward the handle 24 side, and the bottom surface of the support member 73 is pressed against the handle 24 and the grip 23. Note that the cap 76 and the protection member 75 are made of resin as an example, but the materials of the cap 76 and the protection member 75 are not limited thereto.

[0037] The magnet 77 is installed inside one (the support member on the same side as the handle in which the proximity sensor 72 is installed) of the pair of support members 73. The shape of the magnet 77 may be rectangular, cylindrical, or any other shape. The magnet 77 at least needs to be positioned so that the proximity sensor 72 cannot detect the magnet 77 in a state in which the load is not applied to the support pad 14, and the proximity sensor 72 can detect the magnet 77 in a state in which the load is applied to the support pad 14. If this condition is satisfied, the position of the magnet and the magnetic force can be arbitrary. However, since the support pad 14 may approach the handle 24 due to vibration during traveling even when the load is not applied to the support pad 14, the detection mechanism 71 needs to be configured to prevent the proximity sensor 72 from wrongly detecting the magnet 77 at this time.

[0038] Note that it is preferable that the magnetic force of the magnet be larger than the magnetic force of portable articles and personal ornaments normally used by the user. Thus, when the proximity sensor 72 is in a range in which the proximity sensor 72 does not detect the magnet (e.g., in a state in which the support pad 14 is pulled up) and the user approaches the proximity sensor 72, the proximity sensor 72 can be prevented from misdetection.

[0039] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 4, the operation when the user applies the load to the support pad 14 will be described. As illustrated in the upper portion of FIG. 4, since the energization force of the spring 74 is larger than the weight of the support pad 14 before the user applies the load to the support pad 14, the magnet 77 and the proximity sensor 72 are separated from each other. In this state, the proximity sensor 72 does not detect the magnet 77, and generates and outputs the off (low level) detection signal. Similarly, the proximity sensor 72 does not detect the magnet 77 when the support pad 14 is flipped up (see FIG. 3), and the proximity sensor 72 generates and outputs the off detection signal.

[0040] On the other hand, as illustrated in the lower portion of FIG. 4, since the total of the load applied by the user and the weight of the support pad 14 is larger than the energization force of the spring 74 when the user applies the load to the support pad 14, the spring 74 is compressed, and a distance between the magnet 77 and the proximity sensor 72 is reduced. When the distance from the magnet 77 is a certain value or less, i.e., when a movement amount of the magnet 77 (i.e., a movement amount of the support pad 14) is a certain value or more, the proximity sensor 72 detects the magnet 77 (i.e., support pad 14). The proximity sensor 72 generates and outputs the on (high level) detection signal when detecting the magnet 77.

[0041] The detection signal of the proximity sensor 72 is input to the user IF substrate (see FIG. 6) described later through a wire (not illustrated).

[0042] FIG. 5 is a graph showing an example of detection signal of the proximity sensor. At a time t0, the detection signal of the proximity sensor 72 is an on (high level) signal in a state in which the load is applied to the support pad 14. At a time t1 after the time t0, the detection signal of the proximity sensor 72 is changed to an off (low level) signal in a state in which the user is separated from the support pad 14, and the load is not applied to the support pad 14.

[0043] The controller (see FIG. 6 described later) in the present embodiment controls braking such as activation and release of the braking in accordance with the detection signal (output signal) as one of characteristics of the present embodiment. The details will be described later.

[0044] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the control system that is mounted in the rollator 100 and a peripheral configuration of the control system. The control system in FIG. 6 includes a main control substrate 81, a user IF (InterFace) substrate 82, an operation panel 83, and adjustment panel 84, a speaker 85, a battery 87, and motors 20 (a right motor, a left motor). The motors 20 correspond to the motors 20 illustrated in FIG. 1, respectively. The main control substrate 81, the user IF substrate 82, the speaker 85, and the battery 87 are disposed in the storage 27, as an example, but they may be partially or wholly disposed in another place. The main control substrate 81, the user IF substrate 82, or both of them may be provided with a clock (not illustrated).

[0045] The battery 87 is used to supply electric power to each element of the motors 20, the main control substrate 81, and the user IF substrate 82. The battery 87 is a battery (secondary battery) capable of charging and discharging, but is not limited thereto.

[0046] The operation panel 83 is a panel used for manually setting by the user such as on/off for a power source of the rollator 100, a voice volume, and the like. The adjustment panel 84 is a panel for setting of on/off for an assist control mode, adjusting the maximum speed, adjusting the strength of the braking. The operation panel 83 and the adjustment panel 84 are configured with liquid crystal touch panels, as an example, but may have any other configuration such as a button-type panel. The operation panel 83 and the adjustment panel 84 are provided at arbitrary positions (positions where the user can easily operate the panels) of the rollator 100. A unit for setting off the proximity sensor 72 may be provided to the operation panel 83. The proximity sensor 72 may be set off in a state in which the support pad 14 is flipped up, to perform the assist control.

[0047] The user IF substrate 82 is connected to the adjustment panel 84, the operation panel 83, the main control substrate 81, the brake switch (brake SW) 86, the proximity sensor (pad switch) 72, and the speaker 85 through respective IFs. When detecting that the user has performed the brake operation or the parking brake operation with the brake lever 16, the brake switch 86 outputs a signal for notifying the operation. When detecting the magnet 77 (i.e., detecting that the support pad 14 has been pressed), the proximity sensor 72 outputs an on-signal, and outputs an off-signal otherwise. A lamp indicating that the brake operation or the parking brake operation has performed may be provided to the operation panel 83 or the adjustment panel 84. A lamp for notifying that the support pad 14 is pressed may be provided to the operation panel 83 or the adjustment panel 84.

[0048] The user IF substrate 82 transmits, to the main control substrate 81, signals input from the proximity sensor 72, the brake SW 86, the adjustment panel 84, and the operation panel 83. The user IF substrate is also provided with the voice guide 89, and the voice guide 89 generates a voice guide signal based on signals input from the proximity sensor 72, the brake SW 86, the adjustment panel 84, and the operation panel 83, or based on a signal input from the main control substrate 81, and outputs it to the speaker 85. The speaker 85 outputs a voice based on the input signal. When the user turns on the power source, for example, the speaker 85 outputs a voice message that "the power source has been turned on." If the brake lever 16 is not moved downwardly (the parking brake is not applied) in a state in which the rollator 100 stops or the load is not applied to the support pad 14 for a certain time, the speaker 85 outputs a voice message prompting the user to apply the parking brake such as "please lower the brake lever.". Alternatively, an LED mounted on the operation panel 83 may be used to visually display the warning.

[0049] The main control substrate 81 includes a controller 90 for performing the entire control. The controller 90 is a program execution and arithmetic device such as a microcomputer, a processor, or a CPU. In the present embodiment, the controller 90 is a microcomputer. A non-volatile memory 91 stores a program code for operating the controller 90, information or data generated by the controller 90, information or data required to operate the controller 90, information or data received from the other elements, and the like. The controller 90 reads out and executes the program code in the non-volatile memory 91 to perform the control. The non-volatile memory 91 may be any memory such as a flash memory (a NAND memory, etc.), an MRAM, or an FRAM. The controller 90 may be not a program execution device, but a device such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0050] The controller 90 calculates the state (posture, etc.) of the rollator 100 using an acceleration sensor 92. As the acceleration sensor 92, one or more of uniaxial, biaxial, and triaxial sensors may be used. A gyro sensor may be used instead of the acceleration sensor 92. The controller 90 specifies the state of the right motor 20 (e.g., rotation position, speed, the number of revolutions and the like of a rotor or a motor shaft) based on a signal of the hall IC incorporated in the right motor 20. The controller 90 specifies the state of the left motor 20 based on a signal of the hall IC incorporated in the left motor 20. The controller 90 controls (performs an assist control) the drive of both right and left motors 20 using these pieces of information to compensate a force to offset inadequacy of a force applied by the user.

[0051] The controller 90 performs braking control based on a detection signal of the proximity sensor 72. Specifically, the controller 90 releases the braking when the detection signal is an on-signal (when the load is applied to the support pad 14), and the controller 90 controls to perform the braking when the detection signal is an off-signal (when the load is not applied to the support pad 14). Examples of the types of brake include a rheostatic braking, and a reverse braking. The type of brake to be used can be preliminarily determined or selected according to a situation (inclination of the rollator) as described later.

[0052] The RHEOSTATIC braking is short-circuited among U, V, W phases of the motor 20 (normal drive is stopped), and obtains a braking force using a counter electromotive force generated by the rotation of the motor 20. Instead of the rheostatic braking, regenerative braking can be employed. As characteristics of the rheostatic braking, the smooth braking can be assured. Especially, in the case of regenerative braking, the electric power can be regenerated. But the rollator 100 cannot be completely stopped, and the breaking force is weak.

[0053] The reverse braking drives the motor backwardly when the wheels are moved in the forward direction, and drives the motor forwardly when the wheels are moved in the backward direction, so that the rollator body is stopped at the current location (i.e., immediately). As characteristics of the reverse braking, the braking force is strong, and the rollator body can be stopped at the current location, but the power consumption is large, and the vibration is caused.

[0054] The controller 90 may control to switch between the rheostatic braking and the reverse braking using the information on inclination of the rollator 100. The inclination of the rollator 100 can be detected using an inclination sensor 119, as an example. The inclination sensor 119 measures the inclination of the rollator body, and outputs a signal indicating the measured inclination as a detection signal.

[0055] FIGS. 7(A) and 7(B) each is a diagram illustrating an example of braking control using the information on the inclination of the rollator 100. As illustrated in FIG. 7(A), the controller 90 determines that the rollator body is placed on an inclined surface (slope, etc.) when a detection signal of the inclination sensor 119 indicates that the inclination angle is a certain angle or more. In this case, the controller 90 selects the reverse braking. On the other hand, as illustrated in FIG. 7(B), the controller 90 determines that the rollator body is placed on a flat surface (flatland) when the detection signal of the inclination sensor 119 indicates that the inclination angle is below the certain angle. In this case, the controller 90 selects the rheostatic braking.

[0056] In other words, on the flat surface such as a flatland, the rollator body can be stopped even by the rheostatic braking. When the user sits on the seat 37 for a long time, the use of the reverse braking causes increase in consumption power, but the use of the rheostatic braking with small power consumption saves the power consumption. Therefore, it is desirable to select the rheostatic braking on the flat surface. On the other hand, on the inclined surface such as a slope, there is a risk that the rollator body may travel down the slope if the reverse braking is not selected. Therefore, it is desirable to select the reverse braking on the inclined surface.

[0057] Note that the other brake that can stop the rollator body at the current location may be applied instead of the rheostatic braking or the reverse braking. As an example of the other brake, there is the mechanical braking using the brake shoe 25.

[0058] The controller 90 may be configured to control the mechanical braking, or the rheostatic braking or the reverse braking using a signal from a brake switch.

[0059] In the present embodiment, the inclination sensor 119 is used to measure the inclination of the rollator 100, but the acceleration sensor 92 may be used to calculate the inclination of the rollator 100. In this case, the acceleration sensor 92 measures gravity acceleration to calculate the inclination. Accordingly, the acceleration sensor is one kind of the inclination sensor.

[0060] In the configuration of FIG. 6, there are two substrates of the main control substrate 81 and the user IF substrate 82, but components mounted in these substrates may be collectively mounted in one substrate. A communication circuit that wiredly or wirelessly communicates in a predetermined communication scheme may be provided in the main control substrate 81 or the user IF substrate 82 to be communicable with an external device. The state of the rollator may be notified to the external device through communication, and the program in the non-volatile memory 91 may be updated by obtaining the update data from the external device. A threshold for controlling on/off of the proximity sensor 72 can be adjusted through communication. Examples of the states of the rollator 100 to be notified to the external device include a current position using a GPS (Global Positioning System), etc., and presence/absence of an occurrence of fault in the rollator 100, but are not limited thereto. For example, the communication circuit may notify information for differentiating among a plurality of states: the state in which the load is applied to the support pad 14, the state in which the load is not applied to the support pad 14, and the state in which the support pad 14 is flipped up.

[0061] In the present embodiment, the motor 20 is attached to each of the rear wheels 13, but the attachment of the motor 20 is not limited to the rear wheel 13, and the motor 20 may be attached only to each of the pair of front wheels 12. Alternatively, the motors 20 may be attached to all of the pair of front wheels 12 and the pair of rear wheels 13. The motor 20 has been used a brake of the wheel (rear wheel 13) in the description explained previously, but another brake for the wheel may be provided separately from the motor 20; the mechanical brake or an electromagnetic brake.

[0062] The present embodiment has been described using an example in which the pair of rear wheels (wheels) 13 are driven by the motor 20, but is not limited thereto, and a continuous track in which a continuous band of track plates surrounds starting wheels, rollers, and idling wheels (guide wheels) may be driven by the motor. In this case, the continuous track is to be braked.

[0063] In the present embodiment, the proximity sensor 72 is disposed in one of the pair of handles 24, and the magnet 77 is disposed in the support member 73 facing the one of the pair of handles 24 in which the proximity sensor 72 is disposed; however, the proximity sensors 72 may be disposed in both of the pair of handles 24, respectively, and the magnets 77 may be disposed in the pair of support members 73, respectively.

[0064] In the present embodiment, the proximity sensor 72 and the magnet 77 are used to detect that the support pad 14 approaches the handle 24, but a magnetic sensor and a magnet may be used to detect it. A metal such as copper may be used as an object to be detected instead of the magnet. In this case, the proximity sensor for the metal is used as the detector. A distance measurement sensor that outputs a signal according to a distance between the distance measurement sensor and the support pad 14 (a signal according to the movement amount of the support pad 14) may be used as the detector, and in this case, the object to be detected such as a magnet or a metal is not required. An infrared sensor or an ultrasonic wave sensor may be used as an example of the distance measurement sensor. The distance measurement sensor outputs an on signal when a distance from the target (e.g., support pad 14) is a certain value or less. A limit sensor may be used as the detector instead of the distance measurement sensor. In this case, the support pad 14 approaches the limit sensor to push a switch of the limit sensor, so that the limit sensor is turned on, and outputs the on signal. Various modifications are possible to enhance the detection sensitivity of the sensor according to the type of sensor to be used such as a proximity sensor, a magnetic sensor, or a distance measurement sensor. For example, a gap may be formed in a handle surface facing the sensor, or a material different from that of the handle may be used for this handle surface.

[0065] The present embodiment is configured to move the support pad 14 downwardly (a direction perpendicular to the surface on which the rollator 100 is placed) by applying the load to the support pad 14 when the rollator is used, but may be configured to fixedly arrange the support pad 14 so that the position of the support pad 14 is not moved even when the load is applied to the support pad 14. In this case, a load sensor or a strain sensor may be used as the detector instead of the proximity sensor or the distance measurement sensor. The load sensor or the strain sensor may be provided in the support pad 14, or may be attached to the handle 24 or the frame such as the support frame 21. The type of the load sensor to be used can be arbitrary if the load sensor can distinguish between the weight of the support pad 14 itself and the total of the load by the user and the weight of the support pad 14. The type of the load sensor may be an electrostatic capacitance type or a strain gauge type. In either of both types, the controller 90 can determine that the load is applied to the support pad 14 (the user uses the rollator for walking) if the detected value is the threshold or more, or below the threshold.

[0066] The sensor may detect whether the user touches the support pad 14 to specify whether the user uses the rollator 100 for walking. When the user sits on the seat, for example, the user does not touch the support pad 14. Then, it is determined that the user does not use the rollator for walking. An electrostatic sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, or a pressure sensor may be used as an example of the detector to detect the presence/absence of contact with the support pad 14 by the user. By using at least any sensor of these sensors, the sensor can detect whether the user touches the support pad 14 based on variation in electrostatic capacitance or pressure. It is assumed that the sensor is installed within the support pad 14 which the user contacts with (presses) in walking; however, the sensor may be provided at any other position.

[0067] The sensor such as the proximity sensor used in the present embodiment outputs an on-signal (indicating that the distance or the load reaches a certain value) or an off-signal (indicating that the distance or the load does not reach the certain value) according the load applied to the support pad 14 or the distance to the support pad 14. As another configuration, the sensor may detect a value (analog value) in a fixed range as a sensing value according to a physical amount (distance, weight, strain, pressure, etc.) measured by the sensor, and output a signal (voltage or current) indicating the detected value. In this case, the detected value is equivalent the load applied to the support pad 14 or the information specifying the distance to the support pad 14. The controller 90 of the main control substrate 81 determines whether the user applied the load to the support pad 14 (the user uses the rollator 100 for walking) based on a value of voltage or current indicated by the signal. When the voltage or current is a threshold or more (or below the threshold), for example, the controller 90 determines that the load is applied to the support pad 14 (the user uses the rollator 100 for walking) to control to release the braking. On the other hand, when the voltage or current is below the threshold (or the threshold or more), the controller 90 determines that the load is not applied (the user does not use the rollator 100 for walking), to control to perform the braking.

[0068] An inclination sensor or an acceleration sensor may be attached to the support pad 14, the support member 73, or the arm member 26, or an angle sensor may be attached to a joint between the arm member 26 and the handle bar 15. Thereby, it is possible to measure an angle between the handle bar 15 and the support pad 14, the support member 73 or the arm member 26 (i.e., an angle between the handle bar 15 and the support pad 14, an angle between the handle bar 15 and the support member 73 or an angle between the handle bar 15 and the arm member 26). In this case, the angle between the handle bar 15 and the support pad 14, the support member 73 or the arm member 26 when the load is not applied to the support pad 14 is larger than that when the load is applied to the support pad 14. Therefore, based on this, the sensor can detect the presence/absence of the load. For example, the support pad 14 is substantially parallel to the handle bar 15 when the load is applied to the support pad 14, but the support pad 14 has a certain angle or more with respect to the handle bar 15 when the load is not applied to the support pad 14. Therefore, the sensor can detect the presence/absence of the load. Alternatively, the angle between the handle bar 15 and the support pad 14, the support member 73 or the arm member 26 when the load is applied to the support pad 14 may be larger than that when the load is not applied to the support pad 14, depending on how to arrange the support pad 14, the support member 73 or the arm member 26. Also even in this case, the sensor can detect the presence/absence of the load similarly.

[0069] The proximity sensor 72 and the magnet 77 may be disposed at positions different from those illustrated in FIG. 4. The example is illustrated in FIG. 8. A length of a connection part 80 of the arm member 26 with the handle bar 15 extends in a direction opposite to the arm member 26, and the magnet 79 is disposed at a side of one end of the connection 80. The proximity sensor 78 is disposed in the handle bar 15 in the vicinity of the magnet 79. As illustrated in the upper portion of FIG. 8, since the magnet 79 and the proximity sensor 78 are separated by a certain distance when the load is not applied to the support pad 14, the proximity sensor 78 does not detect the magnet 79. As illustrated in the lower portion of FIG. 8, the one end of the connection 80 is rotated to approach the proximity sensor 78 when the load is applied to the support pad 14, so that the magnet 79 approaches the proximity sensor 78, and then the proximity sensor 78 detects the magnet 79. The arrangement of the magnet 79 and the proximity sensor 78 may be reversed. As another configuration, the load sensor and a distance sensor may be used instead of the magnet 79 and the proximity sensor 78. For example, the distance sensor is disposed in the vicinity of the one end of the connection 80, and a distance from a predetermined position (e.g., a predetermined portion of the handle bar 15) may be measured by the distance sensor.

[0070] The present embodiment has been described mainly using an example in which the sensor outputs an on-signal or an off-signal. Since as described above, the sensing value can be detected as an analog value depending on a type of the sensor, and based on this, not only binary signal (low level and high level) but also signal with more levels can be determined. Examples of the sensor include a magnetic sensor, a distance measurement sensor, and a load sensor. The controller 90 can determine three states, i.e., a state in which the load is applied to the support pad 14, a state in which the user is separated from the support pad 14 (the user releases the hand from the support pad 14), and a state in which the support pad 14 is flipped up. For example, the sensor outputs a high-level signal if a sensing value is a threshold A or more as a detection signal, the sensor outputs a middle-level signal if the sensing value is below the threshold A and a threshold B or more as the detection signal, and the sensor outputs a low-level signal if the sensing value is below the threshold B. The controller 90 determines that the load is applied to the support pad 14 if the high-level signal is output, determines that the user is separated from the support pad 14 if the middle-level signal is output, and determines that the support pad 14 is flipped up if the low-level signal is output. Note that the controller 90 may receive a signal of the sensing value from the sensor, and compare the sensing value with the threshold A, the threshold B, or both of the threshold A and the threshold B.

[0071] FIG. 9 is a graph showing an example of a detection signal of a magnetic sensor when the magnetic sensor is used instead of the proximity sensor 72. If the distance measurement sensor or the load sensor is used, a similar graph is even obtained. At a time t2, the detection signal of the magnetic sensor is a high-level signal in a state in which the load is applied to the support pad 14. At a time t3, the detection signal of the magnetic sensor is changed to a middle-level signal in a state in which the user leaves from the support pad 14, and the support pad 14 containing the magnet 77 is separated from the magnetic sensor. Then, at a time t4, the detection signal is changed to a low-level signal in a state in which the user flips up the support pad 14 to sit on the seat, and the magnet 77 is further separated from the magnetic sensor. Identification of respective levels can be determined by properly determining the threshold A and the threshold B. Since according to this configuration, it can be distinguished when the user releases the hand from the support pad 14 and when the user sits on the seat, the reverse braking can be selected when the user releases the hand from the support pad 14, and the rheostatic braking can be selected when the user sits on the seat. At this time, information on whether the inclined surface or a flat surface may be used for further processing or may not be used. For example, when on the inclined surface, the user flips up the support pad 14 to sit on the seat, the speaker 85 can warn the user to not sit on the seat on an inclined surface.

[0072] Here, an example in which the three states are differentiated using the magnetic sensor capable of detecting in analog value has been described, but the three states can be also differentiated using a plurality of proximity sensors having different detection levels. For example, in FIG. 4, another proximity sensor (hereinafter referred to as an auxiliary sensor) is disposed on the grip 23 side relative to the proximity sensor 72, and another magnet (hereinafter referred to as an auxiliary magnet) is disposed in the support member 73 so that the auxiliary magnet faces the auxiliary sensor. In the state in which the load is not applied to the support pad 14, the proximity sensor 72 does not detect the magnet 77, but the auxiliary sensor detects the auxiliary magnet. In the state in which the load is applied to the support pad 14, the proximity sensor 72 detects the magnet 77, and the auxiliary sensor also detects the auxiliary magnet. In the state in which the support pad 14 is flipped up, the proximity sensor 72 does not detect the magnet 77, and the auxiliary sensor does not detect the auxiliary magnet. Therefore, the above-described three states can be differentiated using the detection signal of the proximity sensor 72 and the detection signal of the auxiliary sensor. The auxiliary sensor and the auxiliary magnet are not limited to the above-described example, and may be the proximity sensor 78 and the magnet 79 illustrated in FIG. 8, for example. The three states can be also determined using a plurality of proximity sensors and one magnet without using the auxiliary magnet. At this time, there are two cases; (1) the plurality of proximity sensors having the same detection level are used, and (2) the plurality of proximity sensors having different detection levels are used. In the case (1), each proximity sensor is disposed (in a direction perpendicular to the surface on which the electric vehicle is placed, for example) so that distances between the magnet and the proximity sensors are different from each other. In the state in which the load is not applied to the support pad 14, one proximity sensor does not detect the magnet, and the other proximity sensor detects the magnet. In the state where in which the load is applied to the support pad 14, both of the proximity sensors detect the magnet. In the state in which the support pad 14 is flipped up, both of the proximity sensors do not detect the magnet. Therefore, the above-described three states can be differentiated using the detection signals of the plurality of proximity sensors. On the other hand, in the case (2), the proximity sensors may be disposed at any position as long as the following conditions are satisfied: one proximity sensor does not detect the magnet, and the other proximity sensor detects the magnet in the state in which the load is not applied to the support pad 14, both of the proximity sensors detect the magnet in the state in which the load is applied to the support pad 14, and both of the proximity sensors do not detect the magnet in the state in which the support pad 14 is flipped up. Therefore, the above-described three states can be differentiated using the detection signals of the plurality of proximity sensors.

[0073] FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an example of an operation by the controller 90 according to the present embodiment.

[0074] The controller 90 performs an assist control mode (S101). That is, the controller 90 drives the motor 20 to generate a force to offset inadequacy of an operation force applied by the user, to assist the rotation of the rear wheel 13.

[0075] The controller 90 receives a detection signal of the proximity sensor 72, and determines whether the user presses the support pad 14 (the load is applied to the support pad 14) based on the detection signal (S102). When the support pad 14 is moved from a predetermined position by a certain distance or more, the proximity sensor 72 detects the support pad 14 (more specifically, the magnet 77 attached to the support pad 14), and outputs an on-signal. The proximity sensor 72 outputs an off-signal otherwise. The controller 90 determines that the user presses the support pad 14 when the detection signal is the on-signal, and determines that the user does not press the support pad 14 when the detection signal is the off-signal. Another sensor such as a load sensor may be used instead as described above. The controller 90 may determine whether the user touches the support pad 14 instead of determining whether the support pad 14 is pressed. In this case, the electrostatic sensor, or the pressure sensor may be used as described above.

[0076] When determining that the user presses the support pad 14 (YES in S102), the controller 90 continues the assistance of the rotation of the rear wheel 13 without braking the rear wheel 13 (i.e., without activating the braking).

[0077] On the other hand, when determining that the user does not press the support pad 14 (NO in S102), the controller 90 determines whether the rollator 100 is placed on the flat surface or the inclined surface (S103). Specifically, the controller 90 identifies the detection signal received from the inclination sensor 119, determines that the rollator 100 is placed on the inclined surface when the detection signal indicates an inclination of a certain angle of more, and determines that the rollator 100 is placed on the flat surface when the detection signal indicates the inclination below the certain angle. The inclination may be a front-rear direction, a right-left direction or both of them.

[0078] The controller 90 applies the rheostatic braking when determining that the rollator 100 is placed on the flat surface (S104). On the other hand, the controller 90 applies the reverse braking when determining that the rollator 100 is placed on the inclined surface (S105). The controller 90 determines whether to finish the assist control mode (S106).

[0079] To finish the assist control mode, for example, the user may input an instruction for turning off the power source to the operation panel 83. Alternatively, the user may input an instruction for completing the assist control mode to the adjustment panel 84. Alternatively, when the braking (the rheostatic braking or the reverse braking) is continuously applied for a certain time or more, the assist control mode may be forcibly finished. When the assist control mode is finished (YES), this process ends. Note that when the assist control mode is forcibly finished in a state in which the reverse braking is applied, the controller 90 may control to automatically apply the mechanical braking.

[0080] When the assist control mode is not finished (NO in S106), the state in which the braking is applied is kept while the off-signal is received from the proximity sensor 72 (until the on-signal is received). Note that when the rollator 100 is moved to the inclined surface in the state in which the rheostatic braking is applied, the controller 90 changes the braking to be used to the reverse braking ("inclined surface" in S103, 5105). When the controller 90 determines that detection signal of the proximity sensor 72 is changed to the on-signal in the state in which the braking is applied (YES in S102), i.e., the user uses the rollator 100 for walking (the user is walking using the rollator 100, or the user attempts to walk using the rollator 100), the controller 90 stops the braking of the rear wheel 13 (releases the braking) and continues the assistance of the rotation of the rear wheel 13.

[0081] Note that when the brake lever 16 is moved downwardly to apply the mechanical braking, the rheostatic braking may be used regardless of the magnitude of the inclination of the rollator 100. When the mechanical braking is applied, for example, the rheostatic braking may be used even in the inclined surface. This can effectively prevent the motor from seizing up due to overcurrent by the reverse braking when the mechanical braking is applied. Even when the braking force of the mechanical braking is weak, the braking force can be obtained from the rheostatic braking.

[0082] According to the present embodiment, the rollator 100 can be effectively prevented from being automatically moved by automatically activating braking (i.e., applying the braking) in the state in which the user is separated from the support pad 14. Therefore, the user can use the rollator 100 with confidence.

[0083] In the state in which the rollator 100 is stopped or travels at a constant speed (note that the state in which the rollator 100 is stopped is one example of the state in which the rollator 100 travels at a constant speed), the controller 90 can detect that the user applied the load to the support pad 14 to grasp the user uses the rollator 100 for walking (the user attempts to walk or is walking). In this case, the controller 90 releases the braking, or keeps the release of the braking. Therefore, the user can walk using the rollator 100.

[0084] According to the present embodiment, the controller 90 detects that the user uses the rollator 100 for walking based on the distance to the support pad 14 from the detector. Therefore, the user can sensuously inform to the rollator 100 that the user uses the rollator 100 for walking.

[0085] According to the present embodiment, the support pad 14 is held at a position for activating the braking (brake activation position) by the spring (energization member) 74. Thus, the rollator 100 can be effectively prevented from being moved in the state in which the load against the spring 74 is not applied by the user. Therefore, the user can use the rollator 100 at ease. When the user uses the rollator 100 for walking, the user leans on the support pad 14, and applies the load (the weight). Thus, the force against the spring 74 is generated, so that the support pad 14 can move the brake activation position. Therefore, the braking is released, so that the user can walk using the rollator 100.

[0086] According to the present embodiment, since the load is not applied to the support pad 14 when the support pad 14 is flipped up (retracted position), the state in which the braking is performed is kept. Thus, the rollator 100 can be effectively prevented from being moved. Therefore, the user can sit on the seat 37 of the rollator 100 at ease.

[0087] According to the present embodiment, the proximity sensor 72 installed in the support frame 21 and the magnet (object to be detected) 77 installed in the support pad 14 are used. When the user applied the load to the support pad 14, the support pad 14 is moved, the magnet 77 approaches the proximity sensor 72, and the proximity sensor 72 detects the magnet 77 (i.e., support pad 14). When the proximity sensor 72 is installed in the body frame, the wire connecting between the proximity sensor 72 and the controller 90 can be housed in the body frame. Thereby, the wire is bundled with the brake wire and the brake sensor harness to simplify the wiring. The proximity sensor 72 is completely housed inside the frame, thereby capable of preventing the breakage caused by a physical external force, and easily maintaining waterproof and dustproof. The proximity sensor 72 is disposed in a position where the proximity sensor 72 does not detect the magnet 77 when the support pad 14 is in a brake activation position. Thereby, misdetection is effectively prevented.

[0088] According to the present invention, the controller 90 determines whether the rollator 100 is located on either the flat surface or the inclined surface based on inclination information of the rollator 100, and switches the type of the braking to be used between the rheostatic braking and the reverse braking. When the rollator 100 is placed on the flat surface, the rheostatic braking is selected, thereby reducing the power consumption. When the rollator 100 is placed on the inclined surface, the reverse braking is selected to surely stop the rollator 100 at the current location. The mechanical braking may be selected instead of the rheostatic braking or the reverse braking. Thus, by using the inclination information of the rollator 100, an appropriate brake can be selected according to the state of the rollator 100.

[0089] According to the present embodiment, when the brake lever 16 is moved downwardly to apply the mechanical braking, the rheostatic braking is used regardless of the magnitude of the inclination of the rollator 100 (even when the rollator 100 is placed on the inclined surface). This can effectively prevent the motor from seizing up due to overcurrent by the reverse braking when the mechanical braking is applied. Even when the braking force of the mechanical braking is weak, the braking force can be obtained from the rheostatic braking.

[0090] While certain arrangements have been described, these arrangements have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. The apparatuses described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the apparatuses described herein may be made.

Claims

1. An electric vehicle comprising:

a detector (72) which detects a load applied by a part of a body of a user to a body supporter (14) or detects contact between the body of the user and the body supporter, and generates a detection signal; and

a controller (90) which controls braking of a wheel (12 or 13) or a continuous track based on the detection signal.

2. The electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein
the load applied to the body supporter (14) is a load applied by the user in a direction perpendicular to a surface on which the electric vehicle is placed.

3. The electric vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein
the body supporter (14) is relatively movable according to the load applied thereto with respect to a body frame (11) including the detector,
the detection signal includes information specifying a distance between the body supporter (14) and the detector (72), or information whether the distance is a certain value or less, and
the controller (90) releases the braking when the distance is the certain value or less, and performs the braking when the distance is not the certain value or less.

4. The electric vehicle according to claim 3, further comprising:
an energization member (74) arranged between the body supporter and the body frame (11), which energizes the body supporter in a direction away from the body frame.

5. The electric vehicle according to claim 3 or 4, wherein
the detector (72) is a proximity sensor arranged in the body frame (11),
the body supporter (14) is provided with an object (77) capable of being detected by the proximity sensor, and
the controller (90) releases the braking when the proximity sensor (72) detects the object, and performs the braking when the proximity sensor (72) does not detect the object (77).

6. The electric vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein
the body supporter (14) prevents the user from sitting on a seat (37) of the electric vehicle when the body supporter (14) is in a normal position, and permits the user to sit on the seat when the body supporter (14) is in a retracted position different from the normal position.

7. The electric vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein
the controller (90) detects an inclination of the electric vehicle, and switches a type of the braking according to the inclination.

8. The electric vehicle according to claim 7, wherein
the controller (90) performs reverse braking when a magnitude of the inclination of the electric vehicle is a certain value or more, and performs rheostatic braking when the magnitude of the inclination of the electric vehicle is smaller than the certain value.

9. The electric vehicle according to claim 7 or 8, wherein
the controller (90) performs rheostatic braking when mechanical braking is performed.

10. A method of controlling an electric vehicle, comprising:

detecting a load applied by a part of a body of a user to a body supporter (14), or contact between the body of the user and the body supporter, and generating a detection signal; and

controlling braking of a wheel (12 or 13) or a continuous track based on the detection signal.

11. A computer program causing a computer to execute:

detecting a load applied by a part of a body of a user to a body supporter (14), or contact between the body of the user and the body supporter, and generating a detection signal; and

controlling braking of a wheel (12 or 13) or a continuous track based on the detection signal.

12. An electric rollator comprising:

a body frame (11) provided with a wheel (12 or 13);

a body supporter (14) supporting a part of a body of a user, which is relatively movable according to a load applied thereto by the user with respect to the body frame (11);

a detector (72) provided in the body frame (11), which generates a detection signal depending on a distance between the body supporter (14) and the detector (72); and

a controller (90) which controls braking of the wheel (12 or 13) based on the detection signal, and which releases the braking when the distance is a certain value or less, and performs the braking when the distance is not the certain value or less.

Drawing