Sensor arrangement structure of pedal device

Abstract

The utility model provides a sensor configuration structure of a pedal device. The sensor configuration structure of the pedal device is provided with a pedal (37) for a driver of a bestriding type vehicle (1) to place feet; an operation pedal (35) which is provided with a pedal main body (35c) in front of the footboard and can rotate around a pedal rotating shaft (36); a lever (50) connected to the operation pedal; and an operation input shaft (45) which is linked to the operation pedal via the lever, the lever is provided with an operation sensor (52) for detecting the operation of the operation pedal, the pedal rotation shaft (36) is supported on the front end side of brackets (38, 39) extending in the front-back direction, and the pedal rotation shaft (36) is configured at a position closer to the front than the foot board (37). The operation input shaft (45) is arranged at a position closer to the rear than the foot board, and the lever extends in the front-back direction along the bracket.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a sensor configuration structure for a pedal device.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-046561, filed in Japan on March 22, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] Conventionally, there exists a sensor configuration structure for a pedal device in which a shift lever connected to the shift pedal of a motorized two-wheeled vehicle is equipped with a shift travel sensor (operation sensor) for detecting shift operations. In order to ensure the placement of the shift lever containing the shift travel sensor, the sensor body of the shift travel sensor is positioned in a position that does not overlap with the pivot frame when viewed from the side, while the lever portion without the sensor body is positioned in a position that overlaps with the pivot frame when viewed from the side (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-072967). Utility Model Content

[0004] In the aforementioned conventional structure, the foot pedal and shift pedal are positioned rearwards from the pivot frame, while the transmission's shift spindle is positioned forwards from the pivot frame. Therefore, the distance between the shift pedal and the shift spindle is large, making it easier to incorporate a shift travel sensor in the shift lever.

[0005] However, in vehicles where the pedals and shift lever are positioned further forward than the pivot frame (e.g., cruiser vehicles), the distance between the shift lever and the shift shaft is small, making it difficult to incorporate a shift travel sensor in the shift lever. If the length and angle of the linkage mechanism that connects the shift lever and the shift shaft are altered to obtain the distance between them, it may result in a larger linkage mechanism and a loss of operating force transmission.

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a sensor configuration structure for a pedal device that ensures the length of the rod that transmits the operating force and facilitates the configuration of the operating sensor to the rod.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the sensor configuration structure of the pedal device of this utility model adopts the following structure.

[0008] (1) The present invention relates to a sensor configuration structure for a pedal device, comprising: a footrest 37 for the driver of a straddle-type vehicle 1 to place his feet; an operating pedal 35, which is arranged in front of the footrest 37 and is rotatable about a pedal rotation shaft 36; a rod 50 connected to the operating pedal 35; and an operating input shaft 45 connected to the operating pedal 35 via the rod 50, wherein the rod 50 has an operating sensor 52 for detecting the operation of the operating pedal 35, wherein the pedal rotation shaft 36 is supported on the front end of brackets 38 and 39 extending in the front-rear direction, the pedal rotation shaft 36 is arranged in a position further forward than the footrest 37, the operating input shaft 45 is arranged in a position further rear than the footrest 37, and the rod 50 extends in the front-rear direction along the brackets 38 and 39.

[0009] According to the above scheme (1), the rod extends in the front-to-back direction between the pedal rotation shaft in front of the footplate and the operation input shaft behind the footplate, thus ensuring the length of the rod and facilitating the placement of the sensor. By arranging the rod and sensor along the arm of the bracket, the vertical width of the placement space for the rod, sensor, and bracket can be suppressed, and subsequent installation of the rod, sensor, and bracket can be facilitated.

[0010] (2) In the above-mentioned (1) solution, the sensor configuration structure of the pedal device may include: a frame 20; and a power unit 10A mounted on the frame 20 and including a prime mover 10 for driving the vehicle, wherein the power unit 10A has a unit cover 32 mounted on the side of the operating pedal 35 in the left-right direction, the unit cover 32 has a bulge 32a bulging outward in the vehicle width direction, and the operating sensor 52 is disposed below the bulge 32a.

[0011] According to the above-described (2) scheme, an operation sensor is positioned below the protrusion extending outward in the vehicle width direction within the unit cover of the power unit. This allows for efficient placement of the operation sensor within the empty space below the protrusion. The protrusion also provides protection for the operation sensor from above and from the side.

[0012] (3) In the above (2) scheme, the unit cover 32 may also have a recess 34b that is recessed inward in the vehicle width direction below the bulge 32a, and the operation sensor 52 is disposed below the bulge 32a and to the side of the recess 34b.

[0013] According to the above-described (3) scheme, a recessed portion is provided below the bulge of the unit cover, which is recessed inward in the vehicle width direction. This widens the space below the bulge and facilitates the accommodation of the operation sensor. This widens the placement space for the operation sensor, ensuring the movable space of the operation sensor and the lever, and suppressing the operation sensor from extending outward in the vehicle width direction.

[0014] (4) In any of the above (1) to (3), the operation sensor 52 may be disposed inside the vehicle width direction of the brackets 38 and 39.

[0015] According to the above-described (4) scheme, by configuring the operation sensor inside the bracket in the vehicle width direction (e.g., in an overlapping manner when viewed from the side), the operation sensor can be compactly configured to suppress its extension outward in the vehicle width direction. By forming a configuration in which the operation sensor and the bracket overlap when viewed from the side, the operation sensor can be protected from the outside in the vehicle width direction by the bracket.

[0016] (5) In the above (4) scheme, the operation sensor 52 may also be configured to overlap with the footplate 37 when viewed from the side.

[0017] According to the above scheme (5), by configuring the operation sensor to overlap with the footrest in a side view, the operation sensor can be compactly configured in a side view. By configuring the operation sensor at a position inside the vehicle width direction of the driver's foot (footrest), the operation sensor will not become an obstruction when the driver operates the pedal, and the operation sensor can be protected by the footrest.

[0018] (6) In any of the above (1) to (3), the sensor configuration structure of the pedal device may include: a frame 20; and a power unit 10A mounted on the frame 20 and including a prime mover for driving the vehicle. The frame 20 includes: a head tube 21; a main frame 22 extending rearward and downward from the head tube 21; a pivot plate 24a extending from the rear of the main frame 22 and downward from the power unit 10A; and a down tube 23 extending rearward and downward from the head tube 21 and supporting the front of the power unit 10A. The operation sensor 52 and the brackets 38 and 39 extend in the vehicle longitudinal direction at a position further forward than the pivot plate 24a and further rearward than the down tube 23.

[0019] According to the above-described (6) scheme, the operation sensor and bracket extend along the vehicle's longitudinal direction between the pivot plate and the lower rear end of the downtube, thereby easily ensuring the placement space for the operation sensor and bracket. That is, if the structure is formed such that the pivot plate and the lower rear end of the downtube are separated and there is no frame member between them, it is possible to suppress the extension of the operation sensor and bracket outward in the vehicle width direction and suppress the vertical dimensions of the placement space for the operation sensor. When the operation sensor is placed below the bulge of the unit cover, the operation sensor is positioned approximately horizontally below the bulge, thus effectively utilizing the space below the bulge.

[0020] (7) In any of the above (1) to (3), the sensor configuration structure of the pedal device may include: a frame 20; and a power unit 10A mounted on the frame 20 and including a prime mover for driving the vehicle. The frame 20 includes: a head tube 21; a main frame 22 extending rearward and downward from the head tube 21; and a pivot plate 24a extending from the rear of the main frame 22 and downward from the power unit 10A. The brackets 38 and 39 include: a footplate bracket 38 supported on the pivot plate 24a and extending forward from the pivot plate 24a to support the footplate 37; and a pedal bracket 39 extending forward from the footplate bracket 38 to support the operating pedal 35.

[0021] According to the above scheme (7), the bracket has a footplate bracket extending forward of the pivot plate and a pedal bracket extending further forward from the footplate bracket. The pedal bracket supports the operating pedal, thereby ensuring space in the length direction (front and back direction) of the rod and the operating sensor, and improving the design freedom of the linkage mechanism including the rod between the operating pedal and the operating input shaft.

[0022] (8) In the above (7) scheme, the pedal bracket 39 may also be a component that is separately provided from the footboard bracket 38. The pedal bracket 39 is supported on the inside of the footboard bracket 38 in the vehicle width direction. The operation sensor 52 is configured along the pedal bracket 39 and extends together with the pedal bracket 39 in the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0023] According to the above scheme (8), the operation sensor extends along the vehicle's longitudinal direction together with the pedal bracket, thereby separating the pedal rotation shaft from the footrest and allowing for greater design freedom for the operation pedal. The pedal bracket is supported on the inside of the footrest bracket in the vehicle width direction, thus placing the pedal rotation shaft side of the operation pedal on the inside of the vehicle width direction. This allows for the placement of only the pedal body (stepping part) in front of the footrest, facilitating pedal operation. By centrally arranging the operation sensor and bracket on the inside of the vehicle width direction, they can be arranged approximately parallel and compactly to each other.

[0024] (9) In any of the above (1) to (3), the pedal rotation shaft 36 may be arranged below the tangent t1 that is tangent to the upper surface 37a of the footplate 37 and the upper surface 35e of the pedal body 35c of the operating pedal 35 when viewed from the side.

[0025] According to the above (9) scheme, by arranging the pedal rotation shaft at a position lower than the tangent line that is tangent to the upper surface of the footrest and the upper surface of the pedal, the pedal rotation shaft is unlikely to come into contact with the ball of the foot (sole) when the driver places his foot on the upper surface of the footrest and the upper surface of the pedal, thereby improving the pedal operability.

[0026] (10) In the above (9) scheme, the operation sensor 52 may also be arranged at a position lower than the tangent t1.

[0027] According to the above (10) scheme, by arranging the operation sensor at a position lower than the tangent line that is tangent to the upper surface of the footrest and the upper surface of the pedal, the operation sensor is unlikely to come into contact with the sole of the foot (shoe sole) when the driver places his foot on the upper surface of the footrest and the upper surface of the pedal, thereby improving the pedal operability.

[0028] (11) In the above (7) scheme, the operation sensor 52 may also have a wire harness connection part 52a that connects the wire harness 52b, the wire harness 52b transmits the signal from the operation sensor 52 to the outside, and the wire harness connection part 52a is arranged to overlap with the footboard bracket 38 when viewed from the side.

[0029] According to the above scheme (11), the wiring harness connection of the operating sensor overlaps with the footrest bracket when viewed from the side, so the wiring harness connection is located inside the width direction of the footrest bracket, thus protecting the wiring harness connection.

[0030] (12) In any of the above (1) to (3), the sensor configuration structure of the pedal device may include: a frame 20; and a power unit 10A mounted on the frame 20 and including a prime mover for driving the vehicle. The power unit 10A includes: a unit cover 32 mounted on the side of the operating pedal 35 in the left-right direction; and an output shaft 42 for outputting driving force for driving the vehicle. The output shaft 42 is arranged above the operating sensor 52. The unit cover 32 has a side cover 57 that covers the output shaft 42 from the outside in the vehicle width direction. The side cover 57 has a wire harness locking part 58 that supports the wire harness 52b connected to the operating sensor 52 on the inside in the vehicle width direction.

[0031] According to the above (12) scheme, the side cover covering the output shaft in the unit cover has a wire harness locking part that supports the wire harness reaching the operation sensor, thereby enabling the wire harness to be disposed inside the side cover and reliably separated from the output shaft, thereby reducing the deterioration of the wire harness.

[0032] (13) In the above (12) scheme, the wiring harness 52b may extend upward from the operation sensor 52 through the outside of the operation input shaft 45 in the vehicle width direction and pass through the inside of the side cover 57.

[0033] According to the above (13) scheme, the wiring harness extends upward through the outer side of the vehicle width direction of the operation input shaft and is disposed inside the side cover, thereby suppressing the wiring harness from becoming an obstacle to the rotation of rods, etc., that rotate together with the operation input shaft during the period until it reaches the wiring harness locking part of the side cover.

[0034] (14) In any of the above (1) to (3), the operation sensor 52 may be located above the lowest end of the brackets 38 and 39.

[0035] According to the above scheme (14), the operation sensor is located at the top of the bottom of the bracket, which can protect the operation sensor from interference from below.

[0036] According to the present invention, a sensor configuration structure for a pedal device can be provided, which can ensure the length of the rod that transmits the operating force and facilitate the configuration of the operating sensor to the rod. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 This is a left-side view of the motorized two-wheeled vehicle in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0038] Figure 2 This is a left-side view of the main parts of the aforementioned motorized two-wheeled vehicle.

[0039] Figure 3 This is a left-side view of the gear shift pedal device of the aforementioned motorized two-wheeled vehicle.

[0040] Figure 4 This is a front view of the area surrounding the aforementioned gear shift pedal device.

[0041] Figure 5 This is a top view of the area surrounding the aforementioned gear shift pedal device.

[0042] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 The VI-VI sectional view is a sectional view of the area surrounding the aforementioned shift pedal device.

[0043] Figure 7 This refers to a variation of the implementation method. Figure 2 The left-side view.

[0044] Symbol explanation:

[0045] 1. Motorized two-wheeled vehicle (horseback riding type)

[0046] 10. Engine (Prime Mobility Unit)

[0047] 10A power unit

[0048] 20 Frame

[0049] 21 head tube

[0050] 22 Main Frame

[0051] 23 Downlink pipe

[0052] 24a Pivot Plate

[0053] 32 Left Box Cover (Unit Cover)

[0054] 32a ACG Cover (Drum Section)

[0055] 34b concave part

[0056] 35. Gear shift pedal (operation pedal)

[0057] 35c pedal body (pedal section)

[0058] 35d First shot

[0059] 35e pedal upper surface

[0060] 36. Pedal Rotating Shaft

[0061] 37. Footboard

[0062] 37a Upper surface of the footplate

[0063] 38 Footplate bracket (bracket)

[0064] 39. Pedal Bracket (Bracket, Arm)

[0065] 42 auxiliary shafts (output shafts)

[0066] 45-speed shift spindle (operation input axis)

[0067] 45b second shot

[0068] 50 gear shift lever (lever)

[0069] 52. Shift travel sensor (operation sensor)

[0070] 52a Wire Harness Connector

[0071] 52b wiring harness

[0072] 55-bar linkage

[0073] 57 Sprocket Cover (Side Cover)

[0074] 58. Wiring harness locking part

[0075] t1 tangent Detailed Implementation

[0076] The embodiments of this utility model will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the orientations of front, back, left, and right in the following description are the same as those in the vehicle described below. Furthermore, arrows indicating the front of the vehicle (FR), the left side of the vehicle (LH), the top of the vehicle (UP), and the center lines of the left and right sides of the vehicle body (CL) are shown in appropriate positions in the drawings used in the following description. The term "middle" as used in this embodiment refers not only to the center between the two ends of the object but also includes the inner portion between the two ends of the object.

[0077] Figure 1 The motorized two-wheeled vehicle (horseback type) 1 shown is a cruiser type vehicle with a low and long body. The front wheel 2 of the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 is supported on the lower end of a pair of left and right front forks 3, which are angled to the rear at the upper part of the front of the vehicle body. The upper part of the left and right front forks 3 is supported on the front end of the frame 20 via a steering rod 4. A handlebar 5 for steering is mounted on the upper part of the steering rod 4.

[0078] The rear wheel 7 of the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 is supported on the rear end of a swing arm 8 that extends longitudinally along the lower rear side of the vehicle body. The front end of the swing arm 8 is supported on the lower rear side of the frame 20, allowing it to swing up and down. The rear wheel 7 is connected to a power unit 10A, for example, via a chain drive mechanism 6 located on the left rear side of the vehicle body. This power unit 10A includes an engine (internal combustion engine) 10, which serves as the prime mover of the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1. The lower ends of a pair of left and right rear buffers 9 are connected to the rear of the left and right arms of the swing arm 8.

[0079] Refer to together Figure 2 The power unit 10A is mounted inside the frame 20. The power unit 10A includes: an engine 10 with a crankshaft (only the rotation center axis (axis) C1 is shown) running along the vehicle width direction (left-right direction); and a transmission 40 integrally mounted behind the engine 10. The engine 10 causes the cylinders 12 to be positioned above and in front of the crankcase 11. The rear of the crankcase 11 houses the transmission case 40.

[0080] Refer to together Figure 6 For example, transmission 40 is an existing stepped transmission, which has: a main shaft and a countershaft (denoted by symbols 42 and C3, respectively) having rotational axes parallel to the rotational axis C1 of the crankshaft; and a set of gears 43 spanning these two shafts. The countershaft 42 of transmission 40 constitutes the output shaft of transmission 40, and consequently the power unit 10A. The left end of the countershaft 42 protrudes outward from the rear left side of the crankcase 11. A drive sprocket 6a of a chain drive mechanism 6 is mounted on the left end of the countershaft 42 protruding outward from the crankcase. A drive chain 6c is wound around the drive sprocket 6a and the driven sprocket 6b mounted on the left side of the hub of the rear wheel 7, constituting the chain drive mechanism 6.

[0081] A shift mechanism (not shown) for switching the gear stages of the transmission 40 is housed at the rear of the crankcase 11. The shift mechanism switches the gear pairs used for power transmission between the two shafts of the transmission gear set 43 by rotating a shift drum parallel to the two shafts of the transmission 40, which actuates multiple shift forks. The shift mechanism operates via the operation of the shift pedal (operating pedal) 35. The shift mechanism includes a shift spindle 45, which serves as an input shaft for receiving an external operating force. The shift spindle 45 extends parallel to the two shafts of the transmission 40 in a left-right direction, with its left end protruding outwards from the rear left side of the crankcase 11. The left end of the outward-protruding shift spindle 45 is input via a linkage mechanism 55, for example, by the driver's swinging operation of the shift pedal 35. When the shift spindle 35 rotates, the shift spindle 45, through the operation of the shift drum and shift forks, switches the gear pairs (i.e., shift stages) of the transmission gear set 43 capable of power transmission.

[0082] The crankcase 11 is divided into left and right halves at the center of the vehicle body (only the left half is indicated by the symbol 31). A left cover (unit cover) 32 is installed on the outer side of the left half 31 in the vehicle width direction. The left cover 32 forms an ACG cover (bulge) 32a that covers the alternator (ACG) 33, which is coaxially supported on the left side of the crankshaft. The ACG cover 32a is a bottomed cylindrical shape that bulges outward in the vehicle width direction relative to the rest of the left cover 32. Although not shown, a right cover is installed on the outer side of the right half in the vehicle width direction. The right cover forms a clutch cover that covers the clutch located on the outer side of the right half in the vehicle width direction.

[0083] An intake passage 13, including the throttle body area, is connected to the rear of the cylinder head 12a of cylinder 12. The base end of an exhaust pipe 14 is connected to the front of the cylinder head 12a. The exhaust pipe 14 bends downward in the forward direction of the engine 10 and then bends rearward, extending downward and rearward in the lower direction of the engine 10. The rear end of the exhaust pipe 14 is connected, for example, to an exhaust muffler 14a located on the right rear side of the vehicle body.

[0084] A fuel tank 15 for storing fuel for the engine 10 is disposed above the engine 10. A seat 16 for the driver is disposed behind the fuel tank 15. A pair of footrests 37 for the driver to place his feet are disposed on the left and right sides below the front of the seat 16. Auxiliary equipment 17 such as an air filter is disposed below the rear of the fuel tank 15 and the front part 16b of the seat 16, and is covered by a vehicle side cover 18.

[0085] Figure 1 The motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 shown has removed the rear passenger seat and footrest, but it can also have these features.

[0086] The frame 20 is constructed by joining various types of steel together using welding or other methods. The frame 20 includes: a head tube 21 located at the front end and supporting the steering rod 4; a pair of main frames 22 extending to the left and right from the upper rear side of the head tube 21 and downward and rearward in side view; a pair of down tubes (down frame) 23 extending to the left and right from the lower rear side of the head tube 21 and downward and rearward in side view at a steeper incline than the main frames 22; a pair of pivot frames 24 extending downward from the rear ends of the left and right main frames 22 and including a pair of pivot plates 24a supporting the front end of the swing arm 8 in the upper and lower middle parts; and a rear frame 25 extending rearward by joining the rear upper part of the left and right main frames 22 at the front end.

[0087] The main frame 22 and the downcomer tube 23 are each formed of circular steel tubes. Multiple gusseted tubes are installed between the main frame 22 and the front of the downcomer tube 23 on the same left and right sides in a truss structure. A suspension bracket 23a is provided at the lower end of the downcomer tube 23 to support the front end of the crankcase 11. The rear end of the crankcase 11 is appropriately supported by a pivot plate 24a.

[0088] A curved portion 22a and a forward-sloping portion 22b, forming part of the pivot frame 24, are continuously formed at the rear lower end of the rear end portion of the main frame 22. The curved portion 22a is connected to the rear lower end of the rear end portion of the main frame 22 and curves into a rearward convex arc shape when viewed from the side. The forward-sloping portion 22b is connected to the front lower end of the curved portion 22a and extends forward and downward in a straight line when viewed from the side to reach the pivot frame 24 and then the lower end of the frame 20. A parking rack bracket 26 supporting the opposite parking rack 26a is fixed to the lower end of the left pivot frame 24.

[0089] A pivot plate 24a, which is approximately crescent-shaped when viewed from the side, is joined to the front surface (inner circumferential side) of the curved portion 22a and the forward downward inclined portion 22b. A pivot support portion 24b is provided on the front side of the upper and lower middle portions of the pivot plate 24a to support the swing axis (pivot 8a) of the swing arm 8. The pivot plate 24a is formed, for example, by stamping or casting of steel plate. The pivot frame 24 is composed of the pivot plate 24a, the curved portion 22a, and the forward downward inclined portion 22b.

[0090] Refer to together Figures 3-5 A shift pedal 35 for the occupant (driver) to operate the gear shift with their left foot is positioned in front of the left footrest 37. The shift pedal 35 is rotatably supported on the side of the vehicle body (frame 20, power unit 10A, or components fixed to them) about a pedal rotation axis 36 in the left-right direction. The shift pedal 35 includes: a base 35a supported on the pedal rotation axis 36; an arm 35b extending forward of the base 35a; and a pedal body (step portion) 35c extending outward in the vehicle width direction from the front end of the arm 35b. The pedal body 35c is positioned overlapping the footrest 37 in the left-right direction, allowing for pressing or lifting by placing a foot on the footrest 37. The arm 35b is plate-shaped and approximately orthogonal to the vehicle width direction, positioned in the left-right direction to avoid the footrest 37. By forming the arm 35b into a plate with its thickness direction facing the vehicle width direction, interference with the foot that operates the pedal body 35c can be avoided.

[0091] The base 35a of the shift pedal 35, located at the rear end of the arm 35b, allows the pedal rotation shaft 36 to rotatably pass through it, or to rotate integrally with the pedal rotation shaft 36. Below the base 35a is a first lever 35d that can rotate integrally. The first lever 35d connects to the front end of the shift lever 50, which extends in the front-rear direction, enabling it to rotate. The rear end of the shift lever 50 is connected to a second lever 45b mounted on the shift spindle 45, also enabling it to rotate. The gear shifting operation of the shift pedal 35 is transmitted to the shift spindle 45 via the linkage mechanism 55, which includes the levers 35d and 45b and the shift lever 50.

[0092] Reference Figure 3 The shift lever 50 includes: a main body (sensor body) of the shift travel sensor 52; a rod 51 as a rigid member; and joints 53 and 54 that are rotatable and connected to the shift pedal 35 and the shift spindle 45, respectively. The rod 51 is connected to at least one of the joints 53 and 54 (the front joint 53 in the figure) by a combination of a threaded shaft and a nut hole, and a lock nut is used, thereby allowing the length of the shift lever 50 to be adjusted (the position of the pedal body 35c can be adjusted by adjusting the length).

[0093] Reference Figure 2 In this embodiment, in a side view, a crankshaft center C1 is positioned above the front of the pedal 37, and an output shaft center C3 is positioned above the rear of the pedal 37. In a side view, the front and rear center portions of the footrest surface (upper surface 37a of the pedal 37) are located below the middle portion between the crankshaft center C1 and the output shaft center C3. The crankshaft center C1, the output shaft center C3, and the front and rear center portions of the upper surface 37a of the pedal are arranged in a manner that roughly depicts an inverted equilateral triangle shape in a side view.

[0094] In a side view, the shift spindle 45 is located below the countershaft 42 and above and behind the footplate 37. The shift spindle 45 is positioned forward of the pivot frame 24 and close to the footplate 37 in a side view. For example, when the rotation axis (pedal rotation axis 36) of the shift pedal 35 is configured to be coaxial or nearly coaxial with the footplate 37, the shift linkage mechanism 55 that transmits the shift operation between the shift pedal 35 and the shift spindle 45 is miniaturized. When the shift lever 50 is equipped with a shift travel sensor 52, its diameter and length increase compared to a typical shift lever 50 without a sensor. Therefore, if the linkage mechanism 55 including the shift lever 50 is small, it is difficult to mount the shift travel sensor 52. "Coaxial with the footplate 37" refers to an axis (including a hypothetical axis) that overlaps with the footplate 37 along the vehicle width direction in a side view.

[0095] It was also considered to expand the configuration space of the shift lever 50 by deforming the levers 35d and 45b of the shift pedal 35 and the shift spindle 45, but the following issues exist. Specifically, in order to efficiently transmit the operating load to the shift travel sensor 52 (while maintaining good sensor sensitivity), it is desirable to position the shift lever 50 and the shift travel sensor 52 on the tangents of the two circles drawn by the rotational trajectories of the levers 35d and 45b. However, if the lever configuration space is to be expanded while maintaining sensor sensitivity, the levers 35d and 45b would need to be unnecessarily enlarged, thus reducing the degree of freedom in configuration relative to the vehicle body.

[0096] In this embodiment, to ensure sufficient space for the shift travel sensor 52, the pedal bracket 39 extends forward from the footrest bracket 38, and the pedal rotation shaft 36 is separately positioned in front of the footrest 37. Consequently, the pedal rotation shaft 36 and the first lever 35d of the shift pedal 35 are positioned forward of the footrest 37, while the shift spindle 45 and the second lever 45b are positioned rearward of the footrest 37. Therefore, the length of the shift lever 50 between the first lever 35d and the second lever 45b is ensured, facilitating the placement of the shift travel sensor 52.

[0097] The shift travel sensor 52 is an existing sensor that detects the axial compressive and tensile loads on the shift lever 50, which acts as a push-pull rod. The shift travel sensor 52 can be a pressure sensor, strain sensor, or any other type. Besides being used in so-called quick-shifters where gear changes can be made solely through the operation of the shift pedal 35 without clutch operation, the shift travel sensor 52 is also used as an aid during gear changes and as an operating switch for various actuators.

[0098] In this embodiment, the pedal bracket 39, shift pedal 35, shift lever 50, and shift travel sensor 52 are disposed below the bulge (ACG cover 32a) of the left housing 32 and in the space outside the oil pan 34 in the vehicle width direction. The outer end 32a1 of the ACG cover 32a is located on the outermost left side of the engine 10. At least a portion (in this embodiment, the entire shift travel sensor 52) is disposed in a position inside the vehicle width direction than the outer end 32a1 of the ACG cover 32a. The shift travel sensor 52 is partially disposed in a position inside the vehicle width direction than the outer side of the pivot plate 24a. At least a portion (in this embodiment, the entire shift travel sensor 52) is disposed within the vertical width h1 of the oil pan 34.

[0099] The outer end (outer wall 34a) of the oil pan 34 is located inside the vehicle width direction relative to the outer end 32a1 of the ACG cover 32a, forming an outer wall extending in the vertical direction. The outer end of the oil pan 34 forms a recess 34b that is recessed inward in the vehicle width direction relative to the outer end 32a1 of the ACG cover 32a. This recess 34b widens the space below the ACG cover 32a (recess 34b), facilitating the placement of the shift travel sensor 52, and suppressing the outward extension of the ACG cover 32a in the vehicle width direction.

[0100] In this embodiment, the lower part of the crankcase 11 of the engine 10 is referred to as the "oil pan". This is a name used as the part where engine oil flows down, and it is also called the "oil pan" in engines such as dry-type engines or engines with a closed crankcase. When the prime mover is a power unit 10A that is an electric motor, the structure that replaces the "oil pan" is called the "lower part of the unit housing". In addition, the structure that houses the motor control components and the reducer instead of the "ACG cover" is called the "bulge".

[0101] The shift travel sensor 52 is positioned on the inside of the vehicle width direction, relative to the pedal bracket 39 and the footrest bracket 38. This allows for a compact configuration that prevents the shift travel sensor 52 from protruding outward in the vehicle width direction.

[0102] The portion of the front end of the pedal bracket 39 containing the pedal rotation shaft 36 is positioned on the inside side of the vehicle width direction, which is closer to the outer end face of the footboard bracket 38, to avoid interference with the foot placed on the footboard 37.

[0103] The shift travel sensor 52 is configured to overlap with the footrest 37 when viewed from the side. Specifically, when viewed from the side, it is configured to overlap with the base 37c of the footrest 37 and the front part (particularly the retaining part 38c) of the footrest bracket 38. Therefore, the shift travel sensor 52 becomes inconspicuous when viewed from the side, allowing for a compact configuration. Furthermore, interference from the outer side in the vehicle width direction is less likely to reach the shift travel sensor 52. The base 37c of the footrest 37 refers to the portion connected to the inner side of the footrest body 37b forming the upper surface 37a of the footrest in the vehicle width direction, and held in place at the front part (retaining part 38c) of the footrest bracket 38.

[0104] The base 37c of the pedal 37 and the retaining portion 38c of the pedal bracket 38, when viewed from the side, are rectangular in shape, with their front and rear edges inclined along the pedal rotation axis 38d relative to the vertical direction. The lower corner of the base 37c of the pedal 37 and the retaining portion 38c of the pedal bracket 38, when viewed from the side, protrude downwards from the cylindrical shift travel sensor 52, which extends approximately horizontally in the front-rear direction. This suppresses interference from below reaching the shift travel sensor 52. The shift travel sensor 52, when viewed from the side, is located above the lower surface of the crankcase 11 (oil pan 34), which also suppresses interference from below reaching the shift travel sensor 52.

[0105] The shift travel sensor 52 is positioned inside the foot pedal 37 and foot pedal bracket 38 in the vehicle width direction. As a result, when the driver operates the pedal by placing his foot on the foot pedal 37, the shift travel sensor 52 is unlikely to become an obstacle (it is difficult for the foot operating the pedal to make contact), thus improving the operability of the shift pedal 35.

[0106] The shift travel sensor 52 and each bracket extend in a manner along the vehicle's longitudinal direction (in a manner that is substantially parallel to their respective extension directions) within a range that is forward of the pivot plate 24a and rearward of the lower rear end of the downpipe 23 (suspension bracket 23a).

[0107] In this embodiment, "along the (A) direction" means that the extension direction, length direction and axial direction of the part being objected are consistent with the (A) direction, or are within ±45 degrees relative to the (A) direction.

[0108] The footrest bracket 38 has a crankshaft-shaped bend 39a located in front of the bolt 39b1 on the front side, which is displaced along the vehicle width direction when viewed from above. The bend 39a serves as the starting point for bending when an external force is applied in the vehicle width direction, thereby suppressing the load input to the peripheral components of the footrest bracket 38 and thus suppressing damage to the peripheral components.

[0109] In the vehicle frame 20 of this embodiment, the downpipe 23 and the pivot plate 24a are separated front and rear, and there are no frame members between them, thus easily ensuring the placement space for the shift travel sensor 52 and the bracket. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the outward extension of the shift travel sensor 52 and the bracket in the vehicle width direction, and to suppress the vertical dimension of the placement space for the shift travel sensor 52.

[0110] The frame 20 of this embodiment is a so-called diamond frame, in which the downtube 23 and pivot plate 24a are separated and there is no frame member (base tube) between them. This easily ensures the placement space for the shift travel sensor 52 and the bracket, but it is not limited to this structure. For example, it could also be a cradle frame in which the downtube 23 and pivot plate 24a are connected via a base tube.

[0111] The footplate 37 is supported on the front end of the footplate bracket 38 that extends forward toward the pivot plate 24a.

[0112] The footrest bracket 38 includes: a first arm 38a extending forward from the lower end of the pivot plate 24a; a second arm 38b extending forward and downward from the upper and lower middle portions of the pivot plate 24a at a position above the first arm 38a; and a retaining portion 38c, which is rectangular in shape when viewed from the side, connecting the front ends of the first arm 38a and the second arm 38b to each other and retaining the base 37c (inner part in the vehicle width direction) of the footrest 37. The rear ends of each arm 38a, 38b are fastened and fixed to the pivot plate 24a by bolts along the vehicle width direction. The retaining portion 38c supports the footrest rotation axis 38d between the upper and lower wall portions that are inclined at the front and rear. The base 37c of the footrest 37 is rotatably held in the retaining portion 38c via the footrest rotation axis 38d. The footrest 37 stops rotating downward in the use position that protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction, and can rotate upward and backward from the use position.

[0113] The pedal bracket 38 extends obliquely forward and outward from the outer side of the pivot plate 24a, and then bends forward. Thus, the pedal bracket 38 bends in a manner that surrounds the area of ​​the shift travel sensor 52 from the rear to the outer side.

[0114] The pedal bracket 39 is fixed (fastened) to the inside of the front part of the footrest bracket 38 in the vehicle width direction by a plurality of bolts 39b1, 39b2 arranged in the front-rear direction. In the embodiment, the pedal bracket 39 is fastened to the axis overlapping with the footrest body 37b in a side view by the front bolt 39b1, and fastened to the rear by the rear bolt 39b2. The bolt insertion hole of one of the two fixing parts (e.g., the rear one) is an elongated hole that is longer in the distance direction between the two fixing parts.

[0115] The pedal bracket 39 is a plate-shaped structure approximately orthogonal to the vehicle width direction, bent appropriately in the vehicle width direction, and extends forward of the footrest bracket 38. The rotation shaft of the shift pedal 35 is supported at the front end of the pedal bracket 39. Extending the pedal bracket 39 further forward from the footrest bracket 38 ensures sufficient space along the length (front-to-back direction) of the shift lever 50 and the shift travel sensor 52. The pedal bracket 39 is formed as a plate with its thickness oriented towards the vehicle width direction, thereby suppressing interference with the foot operating the shift pedal 35.

[0116] In this embodiment, the pedal bracket 39 and the footrest bracket 38 are separate components, but they can also be integrated. The footrest bracket 38 extends from the pivot plate 24a, but is not limited to this structure. For example, it can be any cradle frame, or it can be a bracket extending from the downpipe 23. It is not limited to a structure extending from the frame 20; it can also be a bracket extending from the power unit 10A. Besides supporting the footrest 37, the footrest bracket 38 can also shield the shift travel sensor 52 from the outside in the vehicle width direction; its shape is arbitrary.

[0117] Figure 2 , Figure 3 The centerline t1 represents the tangent line that, when viewed from the side, is tangent to the upper surface of the footrest 37a and the upper surface of the pedal body 35c (pedal upper surface 35e, the footing surface) of the shift pedal 35. The pedal rotation shaft 36 is positioned entirely below the tangent line t1. Furthermore, the linkage mechanism 55, which includes the shift travel sensor 52, is also positioned entirely below the tangent line t1. Therefore, when the driver places their foot on the upper surface of the footrest 37a and the upper surface of the pedal 35e, the pedal rotation shaft 36 and the shift travel sensor 52, among other components, are unlikely to come into contact with the foot resting on the footrest 37a, resulting in good operability of the shift pedal 35.

[0118] In addition, the rotation axis position (parking bracket 26) of the side parking rack 26a is located behind and below the shift travel sensor 52, which can suppress the situation where the foot touches the shift travel sensor 52 when the parking rack is operated.

[0119] Figure 6 The diagram shows an example where the linkage mechanism 55, including the shift travel sensor 52, is positioned generally above the tangent t1. In this configuration, the first lever 35d of the pedal rotation shaft 36 and shift pedal 35 is positioned forward of the footplate 37, while the shift spindle 45 and second lever 45b are positioned rearward of the footplate 37. Therefore, the length of the shift lever 50 between the first lever 35d and the second lever 45b is ensured, thus guaranteeing sufficient space for the shift travel sensor 52.

[0120] A sprocket cover (side cover) 57 is installed on the left cover 32, which covers the left and right sides of the power unit 10A and the side of the shift pedal 35 (left side). The sprocket cover 57 covers the left end of the countershaft 42 and the area around the drive sprocket 6a from the outer side (left side) in the vehicle width direction. The sprocket cover 57 is positioned between the rear end of the ACG cover 32a and the front end of the pivot plate 24a. The sprocket cover 57 is formed to widen towards the rear when viewed from the side. The front part 57a of the sprocket cover 57 is displaced outward in the left and right directions to be at the same height as the outer part of the ACG cover 32a in the left and right directions. The rear part 57b of the sprocket cover 57 is displaced inward in the left and right directions to be at the same height as the outer part of the pivot plate 24a in the left and right directions.

[0121] A wiring harness retaining part 58 is provided on the inner side of the front portion 57a ​​of the sprocket cover 57 in the vehicle width direction, which supports the wiring harness 52b connected to the shift travel sensor 52. The wiring harness retaining part 58 includes: a vertical wall 58a that rises outward in the vehicle width direction from the inner side of the cover body in the front portion 57a ​​of the sprocket cover 57; and an inner wall 58b that bends forward from the inner edge of the vertical wall 58a. When viewed from above, the wiring harness retaining part 58 holds the wiring harness 52b in a space 58c surrounded by the cover body, the vertical wall 58a, and the inner wall 58b, and fixes the wiring harness 52b with retaining members 58d such as clips, so that it is separated from the countershaft 42 and the drive sprocket 6a. The wiring harness retaining part 58 receives the wiring harness 52b extending upward and backward towards the rear of the shift travel sensor 52 from below into the space 58c, and guides the wiring harness 52b diagonally forward and upward along the vertical wall 58a. Then, the wire harness 52b is led out from the upper end of the front part 57a of the sprocket cover 57 to the outside of the cover and merges with the main wire harness disposed near the main frame 22.

[0122] In the figure, symbol 52a represents a wiring harness connector that protrudes upwards from the rear of the shift travel sensor 52 and connects to the wiring harness 52b. The wiring harness 52b, extending upwards from the wiring harness connector 52a, is positioned so as to pass outside the vehicle width direction of the shift spindle 45 and the second lever 45b. That is, the wiring harness 52b is positioned to avoid the rotation range of the second lever 45b, thus suppressing interference with the second lever 45b.

[0123] As described above, the sensor configuration structure of the pedal device in the above embodiment includes: a footrest 37 for the rider of the straddle-type vehicle (motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1) to place their feet; an operating pedal (shift pedal 35) that is rotatable about a pedal rotation axis 36 in the left-right direction and is arranged in front of the footrest 37 with a pedal body 35c disposed therein; and an operating input shaft (shift spindle 45) that is separately disposed from the pedal rotation axis 36 and extends in the left-right direction and is used to transmit operating force to the shift pedal 35. A first lever 35d that is rotatably mounted on the shift pedal 35 and a second lever 45b that is rotatably mounted on the shift spindle 45 are connected by a shift lever 50 to be able to move together. The shift lever 50 is equipped with an operating sensor (shift stroke sensor 52) for detecting pedal operation. The pedal rotation shaft 36 is supported on the bracket (an assembly of the pedal bracket 39 and the footplate bracket 38). The bracket supports the pedal rotation shaft 36 on the front end side of the arm (pedal bracket 39) extending in the front-rear direction. The pedal rotation shaft 36 and the first lever 35d are positioned in front of the footplate 37. The shift main shaft 45 and the second lever 45b are positioned behind the footplate 37. The shift lever 50 extends in the front-rear direction along the pedal bracket 39.

[0124] According to this structure, the shift lever 50 extends in the front-to-back direction between the first lever 35d extending from the pedal rotation shaft 36 in front of the pedal 37 and the second lever 45b extending from the shift main shaft 45 behind the pedal 37. Therefore, the length of the shift lever 50 is easily ensured, making the configuration of the shift travel sensor 52 easy. By arranging the shift lever 50 and the shift travel sensor 52 along the pedal bracket 39, the vertical width of the configuration space for the shift lever 50, the shift travel sensor 52, and the pedal bracket 39 can be suppressed, and subsequent installation of the shift lever 50, the shift travel sensor 52, and the pedal bracket 39 is easy.

[0125] The sensor configuration structure of the aforementioned pedal device includes a frame 20 and a power unit 10A mounted on the frame 20 and including a prime mover for vehicle operation. The power unit 10A has a left cover 32 mounted on the side of the shift pedal 35 in the left-right direction. The left cover 32 has a bulge (ACG cover 32a) that bulges outward in the vehicle width direction. The shift travel sensor 52 is disposed below the ACG cover 32a.

[0126] According to this structure, the shift travel sensor 52 is positioned below the ACG cover 32a that bulges outward in the vehicle width direction within the left cover 32 of the power unit 10A. This allows for efficient placement of the shift travel sensor 52 within the empty space below the ACG cover 32a. The shift travel sensor 52 can be protected from above and from the side by the ACG cover 32a.

[0127] In the sensor configuration structure of the pedal device described above, the left cover 32 has a recess 34b that is recessed inward in the vehicle width direction below the ACG cover 32a, and the shift travel sensor 52 is disposed below the ACG cover 32a and to the side of the recess 34b.

[0128] According to this structure, by providing a recess 34b that is recessed inward in the vehicle width direction below the ACG cover 32a of the left cover 32, the space below the ACG cover 32a can be widened, making it easier to accommodate the shift travel sensor 52. This widens the placement space for the shift travel sensor 52, ensuring sufficient space for movement of both the shift travel sensor 52 and the shift lever 50, and preventing the shift travel sensor 52 from extending outward in the vehicle width direction.

[0129] In the sensor configuration structure of the pedal device described above, the shift travel sensor 52 is disposed on the inside of the bracket (pedal bracket 39 and footrest bracket 38) in the vehicle width direction.

[0130] According to this structure, by configuring the shift travel sensor 52 on the inner side of the bracket in the vehicle width direction (e.g., in an overlapping manner when viewed from the side), the shift travel sensor 52 can be compactly configured to suppress its extension outward in the vehicle width direction. By configuring the shift travel sensor 52 and the bracket to overlap in a side view, the shift travel sensor 52 can be protected from the outside in the vehicle width direction by the bracket.

[0131] In the sensor configuration structure of the pedal device described above, the shift travel sensor 52 is configured to overlap with the footplate 37 when viewed from the side.

[0132] According to this structure, by configuring the shift travel sensor 52 to overlap with the footrest 37 in a side view, the shift travel sensor 52 can be compactly configured in a side view. By configuring the shift travel sensor 52 at a position inside the vehicle width direction of the driver's foot (footrest 37), the shift travel sensor 52 will not become an obstruction when the driver operates the pedal, and the footrest 37 can protect the shift travel sensor 52.

[0133] In the sensor configuration structure of the pedal device described above, the frame 20 includes a head tube 21, a main frame 22 extending rearward and downward from the head tube 21, a pivot plate 24a extending from the rear of the main frame 22 towards the lower part of the power unit 10A, and a down tube 23 extending rearward and downward from the head tube 21 to support the front part of the power unit 10A. The shift travel sensor 52 and the bracket (pedal bracket 39 and footrest bracket 38) extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle at a position further forward than the pivot plate 24a and further rearward than the down tube 23.

[0134] According to this structure, the shift travel sensor 52 and its bracket extend along the vehicle's longitudinal direction between the pivot plate 24a and the lower rear end of the downpipe 23, thereby easily ensuring sufficient space for the shift travel sensor 52 and its bracket. That is, if the structure is formed such that the lower rear end of the pivot plate 24a and the downpipe 23 are separated and there is no frame member between them, the outward extension of the shift travel sensor 52 and its bracket in the vehicle width direction can be suppressed, and the vertical dimensions of the space for the shift travel sensor 52 can be reduced. When the shift travel sensor 52 is positioned below the ACG cover 32a of the left cover 32, the shift travel sensor 52 is positioned approximately horizontally below the ACG cover 32a, thus effectively utilizing the space below the ACG cover 32a.

[0135] In the sensor configuration structure of the pedal device described above, the bracket includes: a pedal bracket 38 supported on the pivot plate 24a and extending forward of the pivot plate 24a to support the pedal 37; and a pedal bracket 39 extending forward from the pedal bracket 38 to support the shift pedal 35.

[0136] According to this structure, the bracket has a footplate bracket 38 extending forward toward the pivot plate 24a and a pedal bracket 39 extending further forward from the footplate bracket 38. The shift pedal 35 is supported by the pedal bracket 39, thereby ensuring space in the longitudinal direction (front-back direction) of the shift lever 50 and the shift stroke sensor 52, and improving the design freedom of the linkage mechanism 55 containing the shift lever 50 between the shift pedal 35 and the shift spindle 45.

[0137] In the sensor configuration structure of the pedal device described above, the pedal bracket 39 is a separate component from the footrest bracket 38. The pedal bracket 39 is supported on the inside of the footrest bracket 38 in the vehicle width direction. The shift travel sensor 52 is configured along the pedal bracket 39 and extends along the vehicle front-rear direction together with the pedal bracket 39.

[0138] According to this structure, the shift travel sensor 52 extends along the vehicle's longitudinal direction together with the pedal bracket 39, thereby separating the pedal rotation shaft 36 from the footrest 37 and positioning it forward, thus increasing the design freedom of the shift pedal 35. The pedal bracket 39 is supported on the inside of the footrest bracket 38 in the vehicle width direction, so the pedal rotation shaft 36 of the shift pedal 35 is positioned on the inside of the vehicle width direction. Therefore, only the pedal body (stepping part) 35c can be positioned in front of the footrest 37, facilitating pedal operation. By concentrating the shift travel sensor 52 and the bracket on the inside of the vehicle width direction, they can be arranged approximately parallel and compactly to each other.

[0139] In the sensor configuration structure of the pedal device described above, when viewed from the side, a pedal rotation shaft 36 is positioned below the tangent line t1 that is tangent to the upper surface of the footplate 37 (upper surface of the footplate 37a) and the upper surface of the pedal body 35c of the shift pedal 35 (upper surface of the pedal 35e, the step surface).

[0140] According to this structure, the pedal rotation shaft 36 is positioned below the tangent t1 that is tangent to the upper surface of the footrest 37a and the upper surface of the pedal 35e. As a result, when the driver places his foot on the upper surface of the footrest 37a and the upper surface of the pedal 35e, the pedal rotation shaft 36 is unlikely to come into contact with the ball of the foot (shoe sole), thereby improving pedal operability.

[0141] In the sensor configuration structure of the pedal device described above, a shift travel sensor 52 is arranged at a position lower than the tangent t1.

[0142] According to this structure, the shift travel sensor 52 is positioned below the tangent t1 that is tangent to the upper surface of the footrest 37a and the upper surface of the pedal 35e. As a result, when the driver places his foot on the upper surface of the footrest 37a and the upper surface of the pedal 35e, the shift travel sensor 52 is unlikely to come into contact with the ball of the foot (shoe sole), thereby improving pedal operability.

[0143] In the sensor configuration structure of the pedal device described above, the shift travel sensor 52 includes a wiring harness connection portion 52a that connects to the wiring harness 52b. The wiring harness 52b transmits the signal from the shift travel sensor 52 to the outside. When viewed from the side, the wiring harness connection portion 52a is arranged to overlap with the pedal bracket 38.

[0144] According to this structure, the wiring harness connection portion 52a of the shift travel sensor 52 overlaps with the footrest bracket 38 when viewed from the side. Thus, the wiring harness connection portion 52a is disposed inside the footrest bracket 38 in the vehicle width direction, thereby protecting the wiring harness connection portion 52a.

[0145] In the sensor configuration structure of the pedal device described above, there is an output shaft (sub-shaft 42) for outputting driving force for vehicle driving. The sub-shaft 42 is arranged above the shift travel sensor 52. The left cover 32 has a sprocket cover 57 that covers the sub-shaft 42 from the outside in the vehicle width direction. The sprocket cover 57 has a wire harness locking part 58 that supports the wire harness 52b connected to the shift travel sensor 52 on the inside in the vehicle width direction.

[0146] According to this structure, the sprocket cover 57 covering the countershaft 42 in the left housing 32 has a wire harness locking part 58 that supports the wire harness 52b reaching the shift stroke sensor 52, thereby enabling the wire harness 52b to be disposed inside the sprocket cover 57 and reliably separated from the countershaft 42, thus reducing the deterioration of the wire harness 52b.

[0147] In the sensor configuration structure of the pedal device described above, the wiring harness 52b extends upward from the shift travel sensor 52 through the outer side of the second rod 45b of the shift spindle 45 in the vehicle width direction, and passes through the inner side of the sprocket cover 57.

[0148] According to this structure, the wiring harness 52b extends upward through the outer side of the second lever 45b of the shift spindle 45 in the vehicle width direction and is disposed inside the sprocket cover 57, thereby preventing the wiring harness 52b from becoming an obstacle to the rotation of the second lever 45b during the period until it reaches the wiring harness locking part 58 of the sprocket cover 57.

[0149] In the sensor configuration structure of the pedal device described above, the shift travel sensor 52 is located at the lowermost and uppermost position of the bracket.

[0150] According to this structure, the shift travel sensor 52 is located at the uppermost position of the bottom of the bracket, which protects the shift travel sensor 52 from interference from below.

[0151] This invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, the sensor configuration structure of the pedal device in this embodiment can also be applied to straddle-type vehicles other than motorized two-wheeled vehicles. The aforementioned straddle-type vehicles include all vehicles in which the driver straddles the vehicle, including not only motorized two-wheeled vehicles (including bicycles and small motorcycles with a prime mover), but also three-wheeled (including vehicles with two front wheels and one rear wheel, in addition to those with one front wheel and two rear wheels) or four-wheeled (four-wheeled buggies, etc.) vehicles. It can also be applied to vehicles whose prime mover includes an electric motor.

[0152] Operating pedals are not limited to gear shift pedals. For example, they can also be pedals for the accelerator, brake, clutch, etc. Operating input shafts are not limited to gear shift spindles. For example, they can also be operating input shafts for the aforementioned devices and relay mechanisms.

[0153] Furthermore, the structure described above is an example of this utility model, and the constituent elements of the embodiment can be replaced with well-known constituent elements, etc., and various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of this utility model.

Claims

1. A sensor configuration structure for a pedal device, comprising: Footrests (37) for the driver of a straddle-type vehicle (1) to place his feet; A pedal body (35c) is arranged in front of the footplate (37), and an operating pedal (35) is rotatable about the pedal rotation axis (36). The rod (50) connected to the operating pedal (35); and The operating input shaft (45) is connected to the operating pedal (35) via the rod (50) to form a movable shaft. The lever (50) is equipped with an operation sensor (52) for detecting the operation of the operating pedal (35). The sensor configuration structure of the pedal device is characterized by the following features: The pedal rotation shaft (36) is supported on the front end of a bracket (38, 39) extending in the front-rear direction. The pedal rotation shaft (36) is positioned further forward than the footplate (37). The operation input shaft (45) is positioned further back than the footplate (37). The rod (50) extends in the front-to-back direction along the bracket (38, 39).

2. The sensor configuration structure of the pedal device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor configuration structure of the pedal device includes: Frame (20); and A power unit (10A) mounted on the frame (20) and including a prime mover (10) for vehicle operation, The power unit (10A) has a unit cover (32) mounted on the side of the operating pedal (35) in the left-right direction. The unit cover (32) has a bulge (32a) that bulges outward in the vehicle width direction. The operation sensor (52) is disposed below the bulge (32a).

3. The sensor configuration structure of the pedal device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The unit cover (32) has a recess (34b) that is recessed inward in the vehicle width direction below the bulge (32a). The operation sensor (52) is disposed below the bulge (32a) and to the side of the recess (34b).

4. The sensor configuration structure of the pedal device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The operation sensor (52) is disposed inside the vehicle width direction of the bracket (38, 39).

5. The sensor configuration structure of the pedal device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The operation sensor (52) is configured to overlap with the footplate (37) when viewed from the side.

6. The sensor configuration structure of the pedal device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The sensor configuration structure of the pedal device includes: Frame (20); and A power unit (10A) mounted on the frame (20) and including a prime mover for vehicle operation, The frame (20) includes: Head tube (21); The main frame (22) extends rearward and downward from the head tube (21); A pivot plate (24a) extending from the rear of the main frame (22) downwards toward the power unit (10A); and A downcomer tube (23) extends rearward and downward from the head tube (21) to support the front of the power unit (10A). The operation sensor (52) and the brackets (38, 39) extend in the vehicle longitudinal direction at a position that is forward of the pivot plate (24a) and rearward of the downpipe (23).

7. The sensor configuration structure of the pedal device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The sensor configuration structure of the pedal device includes: Frame (20); and A power unit (10A) mounted on the frame (20) and including a prime mover for vehicle operation, The frame (20) includes: Head tube (21); The main frame (22) extends rearward and downward from the head tube (21); and A pivot plate (24a) extending from the rear of the main frame (22) toward the underside of the power unit (10A), The brackets (38, 39) are equipped with: A footplate bracket (38) supported on the pivot plate (24a) and extending forward of the pivot plate (24a) to support the footplate (37); as well as A pedal bracket (39) extends forward from the footplate bracket (38) and supports the operating pedal (35).

8. The sensor configuration structure of the pedal device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The pedal bracket (39) is a separate component from the footrest bracket (38). The pedal bracket (39) is supported on the inside of the footrest bracket (38) in the vehicle width direction. The operation sensor (52) is configured along the pedal bracket (39) and extends together with the pedal bracket (39) in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

9. The sensor configuration structure of the pedal device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, When viewed from the side, the pedal rotation shaft (36) is positioned below the tangent line (t1) that is tangent to the upper surface (37a) of the footplate (37) and the upper surface (35e) of the pedal body (35c) of the operating pedal (35).

10. The sensor configuration structure of the pedal device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The operation sensor (52) is positioned below the tangent (t1).

11. The sensor configuration structure of the pedal device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The operation sensor (52) includes a wire harness connector (52a) for connecting a wire harness (52b), the wire harness (52b) transmitting signals from the operation sensor (52) to the outside. The wiring harness connector (52a) is arranged to overlap with the footplate bracket (38) when viewed from the side.

12. The sensor configuration structure of the pedal device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The sensor configuration structure of the pedal device includes: Frame (20); and A power unit (10A) mounted on the frame (20) and including a prime mover for vehicle operation, The power unit (10A) includes: a unit cover (32) mounted on the side of the operating pedal (35) in the left-right direction; and an output shaft (42) for outputting driving force for vehicle movement. The output shaft (42) is positioned above the operating sensor (52). The unit cover (32) has a side cover (57) that covers the output shaft (42) from the outside in the vehicle width direction. The side cover (57) has a wire harness locking part (58) on the inner side in the vehicle width direction, which supports the wire harness (52b) connected to the operation sensor (52).

13. The sensor configuration structure of the pedal device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The wiring harness (52b) extends upward from the operation sensor (52) through the operation input shaft (45) in the vehicle width direction and passes through the inside of the side cover (57).

14. The sensor configuration structure of the pedal device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The operation sensor (52) is located above the lowest end of the bracket (38, 39).

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