Straddled vehicle

Abstract

To suppress damage a drive system of a clutch while achieving downsizing of a drive system for a clutch.SOLUTION: A saddle-riding type vehicle includes an engine, a transmission, a clutch, a clutch motor, a rotational output shaft, a potentiometer, a link mechanism, and a control device. After power is turned on and before the straddled vehicle starts traveling, the control device performs inspection driving of the clutch motor towards a movable limit position beyond a connection position in the clutch until rotation of the clutch motor is stopped, thereby, causing a pressure plate to move through the link mechanism including an adjustment mechanism, and prohibits the straddled vehicle from traveling if a positional signal outputted from the potentiometer when the rotation of the clutch motor is stopped indicates a position outside a range corresponding to the movable limit position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a saddle-type vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a saddle-type vehicle equipped with an automatic clutch device. The automatic clutch device in Patent Document 1 includes an electric actuator and a hydraulic cylinder. The automatic clutch device engages and disengages the friction clutch by driving the hydraulic cylinder using the actuator. Patent Document 1 also describes detecting hydraulic oil leakage as an abnormality based on the detection result of the current value of the actuator. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2007-225045 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a saddle-type vehicle, the attitude of the vehicle body is controlled by the weight shift of the rider when traveling and turning. Therefore, it is preferable that the saddle-type vehicle is made small and lightweight so that the attitude can be efficiently controlled by the weight shift of the rider. It is also desirable to make the clutch drive system of the saddle-type vehicle small.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to reduce the size of the clutch drive system of a saddle-type vehicle while suppressing damage thereto. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The inventors have studied the miniaturization of a clutch drive system. When the clutch state changes to an engaged state or a disengaged state due to the movement of the clutch pressure plate, a reaction force is generated on the pressure plate due to the clutch spring. The magnitude of the reaction force generated on the pressure plate changes according to the deformation amount of the clutch spring, i.e., according to the operation amount of the clutch. The present inventors have considered the application of a link mechanism to the transmission of force that operates a clutch. The link mechanism transmits rotation and force, for example, via swing links that swing around two rotation axes and a connecting link that is connected to these two swing links. The link mechanism has the characteristic of being able to change the force output according to the angle formed by the swing link and the connecting link. By adapting the force characteristics of this link mechanism to the reaction force characteristics of the clutch, the motor that is the source of force can be made smaller.

[0007] Unlike a hydraulic cylinder that is filled to the brim with hydraulic oil, a link mechanism requires that the operating position of the link be adjusted when a clutch is replaced, etc. In a link mechanism, the operating position is adjusted by, for example, adjusting the length of the connecting link. However, for example, if the length is not adjusted properly during maintenance such as replacement, or if the length is changed carelessly by the user, a part of the part may come into contact with another part that was not anticipated in the design during the movement of the clutch. If the components and their supporting parts are made more robust in order to prevent damage to the components due to part of the part coming into contact with another part, the clutch and drive system will become larger.

[0008] In order to prevent the clutch and drive system from becoming larger, the inventors have studied a configuration in which the clutch motor is test-driven in the direction of the movable limit position corresponding to the connected or disconnected position until the rotation of the clutch motor is blocked before the saddle-riding vehicle starts to travel, thereby moving the pressure plate via the link mechanism and the adjustment mechanism. The inventors have also studied a configuration in which the saddle-riding vehicle is prohibited from traveling if the position signal when the rotation of the clutch motor is blocked indicates outside the range corresponding to the movable limit position of the clutch. If the rotation stop position of the clutch motor is not at the movable limit position, there is a possibility that a part of a component is in contact with another component due to insufficient adjustment of the length of the link. In this case, by prohibiting the traveling of the saddle-riding vehicle, a situation in which the components come into contact with each other when the components start traveling or during the movement of the components associated with the shifting of the gears is prevented. Therefore, the increase in size required to prevent damage to the components is suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent damage to the clutch and the drive system while reducing the size of the clutch drive system of the saddle-riding vehicle. The present invention was completed based on the above findings.

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, a saddle-type vehicle has the following configuration.

[0010] (1) A saddle-type vehicle, The saddle type vehicle includes: The engine, A transmission having a plurality of gear stages; a clutch that connects and disconnects power transmission between the engine and the transmission device in response to a position of a pressure plate that moves between a connected position and a disconnected position; A clutch motor; a rotation output shaft that outputs a rotational force of the clutch motor; a potentiometer that outputs a position signal representing a rotational position of the rotary output shaft; a link mechanism including a plurality of links coupled to each other and an adjustment mechanism that adjusts a length of at least one of the plurality of links, the link mechanism transmitting a rotational force of the rotation output shaft to move the pressure plate; when the saddle riding type vehicle starts traveling or when the gear stage is changed in the transmission, the clutch motor is controlled to change the position of the pressure plate; a control device which, after power is turned on and before the saddle riding type vehicle starts to travel, test drives the clutch motor in a direction toward a movable limit position beyond the connected position of the clutch until rotation of the clutch motor is prevented, thereby moving a pressure plate via the link mechanism including the adjustment mechanism, and which prohibits the travel of the saddle riding type vehicle if a position signal of the potentiometer when rotation of the clutch motor is prevented indicates a position outside a range corresponding to the movable limit position; Equipped with.

[0011] According to the saddle-ride type vehicle of (1), the clutch disconnects and connects the power transmission between the engine and the transmission in accordance with the position of the pressure plate. The rotational force of the clutch motor is output from the rotary output shaft, transmitted by the link mechanism, and moves the pressure plate. The rotational force transmitted by the link mechanism changes in accordance with the angle formed by the multiple links. By adapting the characteristics of the rotational force transmitted by the link mechanism to the characteristics of the reaction force of the pressure plate, the clutch motor that is the source of the rotational force can be made smaller. The length of at least one of the multiple links of the link mechanism can be adjusted by an adjustment mechanism. Therefore, the position of the pressure plate, which is moved by the rotational force transmitted by the link mechanism, can be adjusted in response to replacement or wear of the clutch. If the length adjustment in the adjustment mechanism is insufficient, a part of the moving part may hit another part when the clutch is operated. The control device for the saddle-riding type vehicle of (1) drives the clutch motor until the rotation of the clutch motor is blocked, thereby moving the pressure plate via the link mechanism, before the saddle-riding type vehicle starts to travel. Then, if the position signal of the potentiometer when the rotation of the clutch motor is blocked is outside the range corresponding to the movable limit position, the control device prohibits the travel of the saddle-riding type vehicle. For example, if the position of the rotation output shaft when the rotation is blocked is not within the range corresponding to the movable limit position of the clutch, there is a possibility that a part of the part hits another part due to insufficient adjustment of the length of the connecting link. In this case, by prohibiting the travel of the saddle-riding type vehicle, a situation in which the parts hit each other due to the movement of the pressure plate when the vehicle starts to travel or when the gear shift is changed is suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the increase in size in order to suppress damage to the parts. The movable limit position is located beyond the connection position where the clutch is connected. In other words, the engagement position to which the clutch moves when the saddle-type vehicle starts moving or when the gears are changed is set with a margin from the limit of movement position. This further reduces the possibility of parts hitting each other due to the movement of the pressure plate when starting to drive or when the gears are changed. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the clutch drive system for the saddle-type vehicle while preventing damage.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, a saddle-type vehicle can employ the following configuration. (2) (1) A saddle-type vehicle, The control device drives the clutch motor to the engagement position of the clutch when the power supply is cut off, and omits the test drive if the position signal of the potentiometer indicates that it is within a range corresponding to the engagement position of the clutch after the power supply is turned on and before the test drive.

[0013] According to the saddle-type vehicle of (2), if the clutch is in the connected position after the power is turned on and before the test drive, there is a high possibility that the clutch moved normally to the connected position when the power was turned off before the power was turned on. In this case, there is a high possibility that the clutch was not replaced before the power was turned on. In this case, there is a low possibility that the actuator will be damaged by the subsequent movement of the clutch to the connected position. In this case, by omitting the test drive, damage to parts due to the test drive can be suppressed, and further, driving can be started in a short time after the power is turned on.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, a saddle-type vehicle can employ the following configuration. (3) A saddle-type vehicle as defined in (1) or (2), The control device moves the clutch motor toward the movable limit position during the inspection drive at a speed slower than the speed at which the clutch motor moves toward the connected position when the gear stage is changed.

[0015] According to the straddle-type vehicle of (3), the possibility of damage caused by the inspection drive can be reduced, and therefore, the drive system of the clutch of the straddle-type vehicle can be made compact while further reducing damage.

[0016] According to one aspect of the present invention, a saddle-type vehicle can employ the following configuration. (4) A saddle-type vehicle according to any one of (1) to (3), The control device, after power is turned on and before the engine is started, checks and drives the clutch motor, and then prohibits the engine from starting if the position signal of the potentiometer when rotation of the clutch motor is prevented indicates a position outside the range corresponding to the movable limit position.

[0017] In the saddle-type vehicle of (4), the situation where parts come into contact with each other as the pressure plate moves is detected before the engine is started. Therefore, an abnormality can be detected earlier after the power is turned on than, for example, when the inspection drive is performed after the engine is started with the transmission in neutral.

[0018] According to one aspect of the present invention, a saddle-type vehicle can employ the following configuration. (5) A saddle-type vehicle according to any one of (1) to (4), The control device detects that rotation is blocked by an increase in the current supplied to the clutch motor, a decrease in the rate of change of the potentiometer position signal, or a deviation between the control target angle of the clutch motor and the potentiometer position signal.

[0019] According to the straddle-type vehicle of (5), it is possible to detect that rotation is blocked without using a dedicated detection device for detecting that rotation is blocked, and therefore it is possible to reduce the size of the drive system of the clutch of the straddle-type vehicle while suppressing damage thereto.

[0020] A straddled vehicle is a vehicle in which a driver sits astride a saddle. The straddled vehicle has wheels. An example of a straddled vehicle is a motorcycle. The straddled vehicle is not limited to a motorcycle, and may be, for example, a three-wheeled motor vehicle, an ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle), or the like. A three-wheeled motor vehicle may have two front wheels and one rear wheel, or may have one front wheel and two rear wheels. The straddled vehicle is, for example, a lean vehicle configured to be able to turn in a lean position. A lean vehicle is configured to turn in a position inclined toward the center of a curve. This allows the lean vehicle to counter the centrifugal force applied to the lean vehicle when turning. In a lean vehicle, responsiveness to operations is important, and therefore further miniaturization and weight reduction are required.

[0021] The engine is an internal combustion engine. The engine outputs driving force to drive wheels. The engine includes a single cylinder engine and an engine having two or more cylinders. The engine has a crankshaft and outputs the driving force generated by combustion as torque and rotation speed of the crankshaft.

[0022] The transmission is a stepped transmission having a plurality of gears. The transmission is of a gear type. The transmission changes gears based on an operation by a rider. The transmission is, for example, an electric transmission. The electric transmission changes gears by driving an electric actuator.

[0023] The clutch is a friction clutch. The clutch has a pressure plate that moves between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The engaged position is where the clutch transmits power between the engine and the transmission without slip. The pressure plate can move beyond the engaged position to a limit of travel.

[0024] The clutch motor is an electric motor. The rotary output shaft outputs the rotational force of the clutch motor. The rotary output shaft is, for example, gear-connected to the rotary shaft of the electric motor. When the rotary output shaft is connected to the rotary shaft of the electric motor by a reduction gear, a force (torque) for moving the pressure plate with a small motor can be output from the rotary output shaft. However, the reduction ratio between the clutch motor and the rotary output shaft is not particularly limited, and the rotary output shaft may be, for example, the rotary shaft of the electric motor.

[0025] The potentiometer outputs a position signal that represents the rotational position of the rotary output shaft. The potentiometer is, for example, a non-contact sensor. The potentiometer is not particularly limited and may be a contact type. The potentiometer is, for example, attached to the rotary output shaft. However, the potentiometer is not particularly limited and may be, for example, attached to a gear or clutch motor connected to the rotary output shaft and output a position signal that indirectly represents the rotational position of the rotary output shaft.

[0026] The link mechanism includes a plurality of links that are rotatably connected to each other through joints.

[0027] The adjustment mechanism adjusts, for example, the length of the connecting link. The adjustment mechanism is not particularly limited, and may adjust, for example, the length of the swing link. However, by the adjustment mechanism adjusting the length of the connecting link, it is possible to efficiently adjust the relationship between the input shaft and the output shaft without changing the swing radius of the swing link.

[0028] The control device controls the clutch motor. The control device controls, for example, the clutch motor and the engine. In this case, the part that controls the clutch motor and the part that controls the engine may be separate from each other and disposed in different positions on the saddle-ride type vehicle. Also, the part that controls the clutch motor and the part that controls the engine may be integrated. When starting to travel, the control device, for example, changes the position of the pressure plate from a disconnected state to a connected state. Also, when switching gears in the transmission, the control device, for example, changes the position of the pressure plate from a connected state to a disconnected state and then from the disconnected state to a connected state.

[0029] Turning on the power refers to, for example, turning on a main switch in a saddle-type vehicle, thereby supplying power to the control device.

[0030] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of defining particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any or all combinations of one or more of the associated listed components. As used herein, the use of the terms "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof identifies the presence of the described features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or their equivalents, but may include one or more of the steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the terms "attached," "connected," "coupled," and / or their equivalents are used broadly and include both direct and indirect attachments, connections, and couplings. Furthermore, "connected" and "coupled" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or couplings, but may include direct or indirect electrical connections or couplings. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted to have a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the relevant technology and this disclosure, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein. In the description of the present invention, it is understood that a number of techniques and steps are disclosed. Each of these has separate benefits, and each can also be used with one or more, or in some cases all, of the other disclosed techniques. Thus, for clarity, this description will refrain from unnecessarily repeating all possible combinations of individual steps. Nevertheless, the specification and claims should be read with the understanding that all such combinations are within the scope of the present invention and claims. A new straddle-type vehicle is described herein. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. The present disclosure is to be considered as an example of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention to the specific embodiments shown in the following drawings or description. Effect of the Invention

[0031] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the size of the drive system for the clutch of a saddle-type vehicle while suppressing damage thereto. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a saddle riding type vehicle according to a first embodiment, in which part (A) is a side view of the saddle riding type vehicle, part (B) is a diagram illustrating an electric clutch system of the saddle riding type vehicle, and part (C) is a time chart illustrating a clutch control operation. [Diagram 2] 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control device. [Diagram 3] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating an operating state when the adjustment mechanism is in an abnormal state. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a control device for a saddle-ride type vehicle according to a second embodiment. [Diagram 5] 13 is a time chart illustrating a clutch control operation in a control device for a saddle-ride type vehicle according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] Hereinafter, a saddle-type vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment described below is merely an example. The present invention should not be construed as being limited in any way by the embodiment described below.

[0034] [First embodiment] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a saddle riding type vehicle according to a first embodiment. Part (A) of Fig. 1 is a side view of the saddle riding type vehicle. Part (B) is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of an electric clutch system of the saddle riding type vehicle. Part (C) is a time chart explaining a clutch control operation.

[0035] The saddle-type vehicle 1 shown in part (A) of FIG. 1 includes an engine 10, a clutch system 20, a transmission system 30, and a control device 40. 1(B), the clutch system 20 includes a clutch 21, a clutch motor 22, a rotation output shaft 23, a potentiometer 25, and a link mechanism 24. The transmission system 30 includes a transmission 31 and a shift motor (not shown). In other words, the saddle-type vehicle 1 includes the engine 10, the transmission 31, the clutch 21, the clutch motor 22, the rotation output shaft 23, the potentiometer 25, the link mechanism 24, and a control device 40. The clutch motor 22, the rotation output shaft 23, the link mechanism 24, and the potentiometer 25 configure a clutch drive system that drives the clutch 21.

[0036] The transmission 31 has a plurality of gear stages. Different gear ratios are set for the plurality of gear stages. The gear ratio is the ratio between the rotation speed of the input shaft and the rotation speed of the output shaft of the transmission 31. In the transmission 31, the gear ratio changes discontinuously as the gear stages are changed. The saddle riding type vehicle 1 has an electric gear shifting function. The saddle riding type vehicle 1 has a semi-automatic gear shifting function that changes gears based on, for example, a rider's operation of a shift switch. The saddle riding type vehicle 1 can also have an automatic gear shifting function that changes gears based on, for example, the rotation speed of the engine 10 or the rotation speed of a member that rotates in conjunction with the engine 10. The clutch system 20 operates in synchronization with the shifting of gears in the gear shifting system 30.

[0037] The clutch 21 is a multiple plate clutch. The clutch 21 has a pressure plate 211. The clutch 21 disconnects and connects the power transmission between the engine 10 and the transmission 31 depending on the position of the pressure plate 211 which moves between an engaged position and a disengaged position. More specifically, the clutch 21 further includes a plate shaft 212, a clutch spring 213, a main shaft 214, a clutch housing 215, a clutch boss 216, friction plates 218, and clutch plates 219. Power from the engine 10 is transmitted to the clutch housing 215. The friction plates 218 are attached to the clutch housing 215. The clutch boss 216 is fixed to the main shaft 214. The main shaft 214 functions as an input shaft of the transmission 31. The main shaft 214 transmits power to the transmission 31. The clutch boss 216 has the clutch plates 219 attached thereto.

[0038] The clutch 21 connects and disconnects the power transmission between the engine 10 and the transmission 31 depending on the position of the pressure plate 211. The pressure plate 211 moves between a connected position and a disconnected position, thereby switching the clutch 21 between a connected state and a disconnected state. The pressure plate 211 is biased toward the connected position by the reaction force of the clutch spring 213. When the pressure plate 211 moves to the connected position, the friction plate 218 and the clutch plate 219 are pressed. As a result, the driving force of the engine 10 is transmitted to the transmission 31 via the friction force of the friction plate 218 and the clutch plate 219. When the pressure plate 211 moves to the disconnected position, the friction force of the friction plate 218 and the clutch plate 219 decreases. As a result, the transmission of the driving force of the engine 10 to the transmission 31 is disconnected. At this time, the amount of elastic deformation of the clutch spring 213 increases. When the pressure plate 211 moves from the disconnected position toward the connected position, it can move to a movable limit position beyond the connected position. In other words, the connected position of the pressure plate 211 is between the movable limit position and the disconnected position.

[0039] The clutch motor 22 moves the pressure plate 211 in response to the control of the control device 40. The clutch motor 22 drives the pressure plate 211 without using hydraulic pressure. The control device 40 controls the clutch motor 22 and a shift motor (not shown) to operate the clutch 21 and the transmission 31. The control device 40 is a device different from a device that controls the operation of the engine 10. However, the control device 40 is not limited to this, and may also have a function of controlling the operation of the engine 10, for example. The rotation output shaft 23 outputs the rotational force of the clutch motor 22. In the illustrated example, the rotation output shaft 23 is connected to the clutch motor 22 via a gear 201. However, the connection configuration of the rotation output shaft 23 is not limited to this, and the rotation output shaft 23 may be directly connected to the clutch motor 22, for example.

[0040] Potentiometer 25 outputs a position signal representing the rotational position of rotary output shaft 23. The position signal output from potentiometer 25 indirectly represents the rotational position of clutch motor 22. In addition, the position signal output from potentiometer 25 indirectly represents the position of pressure plate 211. In the illustrated example, the potentiometer 25 is provided on the rotary output shaft 23. However, the position of the potentiometer 25 is not particularly limited, and it may be provided on the clutch motor 22, for example.

[0041] The link mechanism 24 has a plurality of links 241, 242, 243 and an adjustment mechanism 244. The plurality of links 241, 242, 243 are connected to each other. More specifically, the links 241, 242, 243 are connected to each other in a freely rotatable manner in order. The link mechanism is a four-bar link mechanism. The links 241, 243 correspond to swing links. The link 242 corresponds to a connecting link connected to the swing link. The link 241 is fixed to the rotation output shaft 23 and rotates together with the rotation output shaft 23. The link 243 is connected to the plate shaft 212 by a rack-and-pinion mechanism. The plate shaft 212 rotatably supports the pressure plate 211 and moves together with the pressure plate 211 between a connected position and a disconnected position. This causes the clutch 21 to be in a connected state or a disconnected state.

[0042] When the adjustment mechanism 244 is properly adjusted, the clutch motor 22 can move the pressure plate 211 to a limit position beyond the connected position. The limit position is the limit position at which the clutch motor 22 can rotate. Movement to the limit position is used for inspection. The regulating member 234 is configured to prevent the clutch motor 22 from rotating. The limit position is the position at which the rotation of the clutch motor 22 is prevented by the regulating member 234. In the illustrated example, the restricting member 234 is configured to prevent movement of the rotation output shaft 23. However, the restricting member 234 is not limited to this, and may be configured to prevent movement of members such as the clutch motor 22 or the links 241, 242, and 243, for example.

[0043] The restricting member 234 and the potentiometer 25 may be provided upstream of the clutch 21 in the transmission direction of the force that drives the clutch motor 22. In this case, the restricting member 234 and the potentiometer 25 are not provided in the clutch 21. In this configuration, it is easy to connect the clutch lever via a mechanical wire or a hydraulic transmission unit, instead of the drive mechanism of the pressure plate 211, such as the clutch motor 22 and the link mechanism 24. In other words, both a type of vehicle that is provided with an electric clutch and a type of vehicle that is provided with a clutch lever can be easily designed and manufactured. Therefore, there is a high degree of freedom in the variations of the saddle riding type vehicle 1.

[0044] The rotational force of the clutch motor 22 is output from the rotation output shaft 23, transmitted by the link mechanism 24, and moves the pressure plate 211. The link mechanism 24 transmits the rotational force of the rotation output shaft 23, thereby moving the pressure plate 211. Arrow C in Fig. 1 indicates the rotational direction or movement direction of each member when the clutch 21 is in the engaged state. The rotational force transmitted by the link mechanism 24 changes according to the angle formed by the links 241, 242, and 243. In response to this, a reaction force is generated in the pressure plate 211 of the clutch 21 due to the elastic force of the clutch spring 213. The reaction force generated in the pressure plate 211 changes according to the amount of movement of the pressure plate 211, i.e., the amount of elastic deformation of the clutch spring 213. In the clutch system 20, the link mechanism 24 is used in the path of transmission of the rotational force. Therefore, the characteristics of the rotational force transmitted by the link mechanism 24 can be adapted to the characteristics of the reaction force of the pressure plate 211. This makes it possible to reduce the maximum rotational force required of the clutch motor 22 compared to a case in which the link mechanism 24 is not used. Therefore, the clutch motor 22 can be made smaller. Accordingly, the rotation output shaft 23 or the link mechanism 24 that transmits the rotational force can also be made smaller.

[0045] The adjustment mechanism 244 adjusts the length of at least one of the multiple links 241, 242, and 243. In the example shown in the figure, the adjustment mechanism 244 adjusts the length of the link 242. In the example shown in the figure, the adjustment mechanism 244 adjusts the length of the link 242 by a screw mechanism. However, the adjustment method of the adjustment mechanism 244 is not particularly limited, and for example, replacement of a member or a clamp mechanism may also be adopted. The length of the link 242 can be adjusted by an adjustment mechanism 244. Therefore, for example, when the clutch 21 is replaced, the position of the pressure plate 211 with respect to the operating target of the clutch motor 22 can be adjusted. The adjustment of the adjustment mechanism 244 is usually performed by the manufacturer when manufacturing or assembling the saddle riding type vehicle 1, or by a dealer when replacing or maintaining the clutch 21. In the adjustment, for example, the rotation output shaft 23 is fixed at a predetermined adjustment position by mounting a position fixing pin. In this state, the length of the adjustment mechanism 244 is adjusted so that the pressure plate 211 is at a reference position.

[0046] When the saddle riding type vehicle 1 starts traveling or when the transmission 31 changes gears, the control device 40 controls the clutch motor 22 to change the position of the pressure plate 211. In addition, the control device 40 inspects whether the state of the adjustment mechanism 244 is appropriate.

[0047] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control device. The operation will be explained with reference to the chart in part (C) of Figure 1 as well.

[0048] First, the control device 40 inspects the state of the adjustment mechanism 244. More specifically, the control device 40 performs inspection driving after power is turned on and before the saddle riding type vehicle 1 starts traveling (S11). Power is turned on in response to, for example, the operation of a main switch (not shown). The control device 40 test drives the clutch motor 22 in the direction of the movable limit position. The movable limit position is a limit position at which the clutch motor 22 can rotate. More specifically, the control device 40 test drives the clutch motor 22 with a position beyond the movable limit position as the control target angle. 1, at time t1, the control device 40 test-drives the clutch motor 22, causing the pressure plate 211 to move toward the movable limit position. The control device 40 controls the position and rotation speed of the clutch motor 22 by sequentially supplying a current to the clutch motor 22 according to a control target angle. The pressure plate 211 receives the force of the clutch motor 22 via the link mechanism 24 including the adjustment mechanism 244 and moves.

[0049] The control device 40 checks whether the rotation of the clutch motor 22 is blocked (S12). The control device 40 detects that the rotation is blocked by, for example, an increase in the current supplied to the clutch motor 22. However, the detection method is not limited to this, and the control device 40 may detect that the rotation is blocked by a decrease in the amount of change in the position signal of the potentiometer 25, or an increase in the deviation between the control target angle and the position signal (actual angle) of the potentiometer 25. Alternatively, the control device 40 may execute, for example, a combination of the above detection methods. The control device 40 may execute, for example, both detection by an increase in the current and detection by the deviation between the control target angle and the position signal of the potentiometer 25. The control device 40 reads out the position signal of the potentiometer 25 when the rotation of the clutch motor 22 is prevented (Yes in S12) (S13). When the position signal of the potentiometer 25 indicates within the range R (part (C) of FIG. 1) corresponding to the movable limit position (Yes in S14), the control device 40 executes the traveling operation (S15). After the inspection in step S14 and before the traveling operation (S15), an inspection other than that of the adjustment mechanism 244 may be executed.

[0050] In the traveling operation (S15), the control device 40 operates the clutch 21 and the transmission 31 in response to the operation of the rider or the rotation speed of the engine 10. This enables the saddle riding type vehicle 1 to travel. More specifically, for example, when the saddle riding type vehicle 1 starts in response to the operation of the rider, the control device 40 disengages the clutch 21. Thereafter, the control device 40 shifts the gear stage of the transmission 31 from neutral to first gear. Thereafter, the control device 40 engages the clutch 21. More specifically, the control device 40 engages the clutch 21 via half-clutch control. Furthermore, when the gear stage is changed, the control device 40 disengages the clutch 21. Thereafter, the control device 40 shifts the gear stage of the transmission 31. Thereafter, the control device 40 engages the clutch 21. Furthermore, when the saddle riding type vehicle 1 stops, the control device 40 disengages the clutch 21. The control device 40 controls the clutch 21 and the transmission 31 based on the state of a switch operated by the rider. The control device 40 can also control the clutch 21 and the transmission 31 based on the rotation speed of the engine 10 or the rotation speed of a part that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the engine 10.

[0051] If the position signal of the potentiometer 25 indicates outside the range R (part (C) of FIG. 1) corresponding to the movable limit position in step S14 (No in S14), the control device 40 prohibits traveling (S16).

[0052] In this embodiment, the inspection drive (S11) and the reading of the position signal of the potentiometer 25 (S13) may be performed in parallel with the starting of the engine 10. For example, when the transmission 31 is in a neutral state, if a starting operation is performed by the rider during the inspection drive (S11), the engine 10 is started.

[0053] 1C, the dashed line indicates the change in the position signal of the potentiometer 25 after power is turned on when the state of the adjustment mechanism 244 is normal. The solid line indicates the change in the position signal of the potentiometer 25 when the state of the adjustment mechanism 244 is abnormal. The position signal of the potentiometer 25 indirectly represents the position of the pressure plate 211.

[0054] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an operating state when the adjustment mechanism is in an abnormal state.

[0055] A test operation is performed after power is turned on at time t11 in the chart of part (C) of Fig. 1. The dashed line in the chart also indicates a control position target of the clutch motor 22.

[0056] When the state of the adjustment mechanism 244 is appropriate, the clutch motor 22 follows the control position target, as indicated by the dashed line. That is, when the state of the adjustment mechanism 244 is appropriate, the clutch motor 22 rotates past the engagement position of the clutch 21 to the movable limit position, as indicated by the dashed line. At time t3, the clutch motor 22 is prevented from rotating at the movable limit position and stops. That is, the rotation of the clutch motor 22 is prevented by the regulating member 234 at the movable limit position. That is, the pressure plate 211 moves to the movable limit position. If the position signal of the potentiometer 25 when the rotation of the clutch motor 22 is prevented is within the range R of the movable limit position, such as the value at time t3, the control device 40 determines that the state of the adjustment mechanism 244 and the state of the rotation output shaft 23 are appropriate. In this case, the control device 40 allows the saddle riding type vehicle 1 to travel. More specifically, if the position signal is within the movable limit range R, the control device 40 executes an operation for traveling the saddle riding type vehicle 1. For example, as shown by the dashed line, after the engine 10 is started, the control device 40 disengages the clutch 21 in response to the rider's operation at time t11, changes the gear position of the transmission 31, and engages the clutch 21 at time t12. The control device 40 may also carry out an inspection other than the inspection of the adjustment mechanism 244 before the operation for traveling of the saddle riding type vehicle 1.

[0057] When the state of the adjustment mechanism 244 is not appropriate, the clutch motor 22 is prevented from rotating at a position (time t2) before the limit of movement position, as shown by the solid line in part (C) of Fig. 1. This may be caused, for example, by insufficient adjustment of the adjustment mechanism 244 during maintenance at the time of replacement. Also, the length of the adjustment mechanism 244 may be inadvertently changed by the user.

[0058] 3, when the clutch motor 22 is moved toward the connected position, the plate shaft 212 comes into contact with the main shaft 214 before the rotation of the clutch motor 22 is prevented by the restricting member 234. As a result, the rotation of the clutch motor 22 is prevented. As shown by the solid line from time t2 to t3 in part (C) of Fig. 1, the clutch motor 22 is prevented from rotating at a position before the movable limit position. Therefore, the position signal of the potentiometer 25 when the rotation of the clutch motor 22 is prevented represents a position outside the range R corresponding to the movable limit. In this case, the control device 40 prohibits the saddle riding type vehicle 1 from traveling. For example, the control device 40 does not operate the clutch 21 and the transmission 31 even if the rider operates them. This prevents parts such as the plate shaft 212 and the main shaft 214 from hitting each other when the pressure plate 211 moves at the start of traveling or when changing gears. This prevents damage to parts. For example, damage to the clutch motor 22, the gear 201, or the rotation output shaft 23 is prevented. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, for example, if the position fixing pin attached during adjustment work when replacing the clutch 21 is forgotten to be removed, the position signal indicates outside the range R corresponding to the movable limit. This prevents damage caused by forgetting to remove the position fixing pin. This makes it possible to prevent the size of the part from increasing in order to prevent damage to the part.

[0059] [Second embodiment] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control device for the saddle-ride type vehicle of the second embodiment.

[0060] When the power supply is cut off (Yes in S17), the control device 40 according to this embodiment drives the clutch motor 22 to the connection position of the clutch 21 (S28). More specifically, when the control device 40 detects, for example, a power supply cut-off operation by the rider (Yes in S17), it drives the clutch motor 22 to move it to the connection position of the clutch 21. Thereafter, the power supply is cut off. Furthermore, the control device 40 according to this embodiment reads out (S21) the position signal of the potentiometer 25 after power-on and before the test drive (S11). If the position signal indicates that the position is within the range corresponding to the engagement position of the clutch 21 (range T in part (C) of FIG. 1) (Yes in S22), the control device 40 omits the test drive (S11).

[0061] If clutch 21 is in the engaged position before the inspection drive after power is turned on, there is a high possibility that clutch 21 moved to the engaged position without any abnormality the previous time power was turned off. There is also a high possibility that clutch 21 has not been replaced. In this case, by omitting the inspection drive (S11), damage to parts due to the inspection drive can be suppressed, and furthermore, traveling can be started in a short time after power is turned on.

[0062] Other configurations and operations in this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, so the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment are used for configurations corresponding to those in the first embodiment, and the illustrations and explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0063] [Third embodiment] FIG. 5 is a time chart illustrating the clutch control operation in the control device for the saddle riding type vehicle of the third embodiment.

[0064] In the test drive (S11 in FIG. 2), the control device 40 according to this embodiment moves the clutch motor 22 toward the movable limit position at a speed slower than the moving speed of the clutch motor 22 toward the connected position when the gear shift is changed. 5, the slope A of the dashed line starting at t21 represents the movement speed of the clutch motor 22 toward the movable limit position during inspection drive. The slope B of the dashed line starting at t32 represents the movement speed of the clutch motor 22 toward the connected position when the gear shift is changed. The movement speed (slope A) of the clutch motor 22 toward the movable limit position during inspection drive is slower than the movement speed (slope B) of the clutch motor 22 toward the connected position when the gear shift is changed.

[0065] According to the saddle riding type vehicle 1 of the present embodiment, the possibility of damage due to inspection driving can be reduced. Therefore, the drive system of the clutch 21 can be made compact, while further reducing damage.

[0066] Other configurations and operations in this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, so the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment are used and the description will be omitted.

[0067] [Fourth embodiment] The control device 40 in this embodiment prohibits the starting of the engine 10 when the adjustment of the adjustment mechanism 244 is insufficient. Referring to the flowchart of FIG. 2, the control device 40 in this embodiment prohibits the starting of the engine 10 after the power is turned on until the vehicle starts traveling (S15). Furthermore, after driving the clutch motor 22 for inspection (S11), if the position signal of the potentiometer 25 when rotation is prevented is outside the range R corresponding to the movable limit position (No in S14), the control device 40 prohibits the saddle riding type vehicle 1 from traveling (S16). In step S16, the control device 40 prohibits the start of the engine 10. According to this embodiment, for example, an abnormality can be detected earlier after power is turned on, compared with a case in which the inspection drive (S11) is performed after the engine 10 is started in a neutral state.

[0068] Other configurations and operations in this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, so the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment are used and the description will be omitted.

[0069] The features of the above-described embodiments can be combined in any manner. For example, the third embodiment in which the clutch motor 22 is moved at a low speed during inspection drive can be combined with the second embodiment in which inspection drive is omitted. Also, the fourth embodiment in which starting of the engine 10 is prohibited can be combined with the second embodiment in which inspection drive is omitted. Also, the second, third, and fourth embodiments can all be combined. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1 Saddle-type vehicle 10 Engine 21 Clutch 22 Clutch motor 23 Rotating output shaft 24 Link mechanism 25 Potentiometer 31 Gearbox 40 Control device 211 Pressure Plate 241,242,243 Link 244 Adjustment mechanism

Claims

1. A saddle-type vehicle, The saddle type vehicle includes: The engine, A transmission having a plurality of gear stages; a clutch that connects and disconnects power transmission between the engine and the transmission device in response to a position of a pressure plate that moves between a connected position and a disconnected position; A clutch motor; a rotation output shaft that outputs a rotational force of the clutch motor; a potentiometer that outputs a position signal representing a rotational position of the rotary output shaft; a link mechanism including a plurality of links coupled to each other and an adjustment mechanism that adjusts a length of at least one of the plurality of links, the link mechanism transmitting a rotational force of the rotation output shaft to move the pressure plate; when the saddle riding type vehicle starts traveling or when the gear stage is changed in the transmission, the clutch motor is controlled to change the position of the pressure plate; a control device which, after power is turned on and before the saddle riding type vehicle starts to travel, test drives the clutch motor in a direction toward a movable limit position beyond the connected position of the clutch until rotation of the clutch motor is prevented, thereby moving a pressure plate via the link mechanism including the adjustment mechanism, and which prohibits the travel of the saddle riding type vehicle if a position signal of the potentiometer when rotation of the clutch motor is prevented indicates a position outside a range corresponding to the movable limit position; Equipped with.

2. 2. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1, The control device drives the clutch motor to the engagement position of the clutch when the power supply is cut off, and omits the test drive if the position signal of the potentiometer indicates that it is within a range corresponding to the engagement position of the clutch after the power supply is turned on and before the test drive.

3. 3. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, The control device moves the clutch motor toward the movable limit position during the inspection drive at a speed slower than the speed at which the clutch motor moves toward the connected position when the gear stage is changed.

4. A saddle-type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The control device, after power is turned on and before the engine is started, checks and drives the clutch motor, and then prohibits the engine from starting if the position signal of the potentiometer when rotation of the clutch motor is prevented indicates a position outside the range corresponding to the movable limit position.

5. A saddle-type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The control device detects that rotation is blocked by an increase in the current supplied to the clutch motor, a decrease in the rate of change of the potentiometer position signal, or a deviation between the control target angle of the clutch motor and the potentiometer position signal.

Images