Accelerator position sensor installation structure

Abstract

To improve protection performance of an accelerator position sensor without deteriorating operational feeling of accelerator grips.SOLUTION: An accelerator position sensor (53) is connected via an accelerator cable (52) to accelerator grips (51). A seat (23) is supported by a pair of seat rails (21) from below. An air cleaner case (47) is disposed below the pair of seat rails. An outlet tube (48) extends forward from the air cleaner case. The top surface of the air cleaner case is located lower than the top surface of the outlet tube. The accelerator position sensor is disposed above the outlet tube between the pair of seat rails.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an accelerator position sensor installation structure. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, accelerator position sensors for saddle-ride vehicles that are attached integrally to the accelerator grip are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The accelerator position sensor described in Patent Document 1 is not mechanically connected to the throttle valve by a wire or the like, and the amount of operation of the accelerator grip detected by the accelerator position sensor is sent to an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit determines the throttle opening based on the amount of operation of the accelerator grip, and the electronic control unit sends an instruction to the throttle motor to open or close the throttle valve. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-339945 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when the accelerator grip and accelerator position sensor are integrated as in Patent Document 1, the accelerator grip is not connected to a wire, which impairs the feel of operating the accelerator grip. Additionally, consideration must be given to the water resistance and mud resistance of the accelerator position sensor, as well as damage in the event of a fall.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and aims to provide an accelerator position sensor installation structure that can improve protection performance without impairing the operability of the accelerator grip. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the accelerator position sensor installation structure of the present invention is an accelerator position sensor installation structure connected to an accelerator grip via an accelerator cable, in which a seat is supported from below by a pair of seat rails, an air cleaner case is installed below the pair of seat rails, an outlet tube extends forward from the air cleaner case, the upper surface of the outlet tube is lower than the upper surface of the air cleaner case, and the accelerator position sensor is installed above the outlet tube between the pair of seat rails, thereby solving the above problem. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the accelerator position sensor installation structure of the present invention, the accelerator position sensor is connected to the accelerator grip via an accelerator cable, thereby preventing loss of accelerator grip operability. Furthermore, the accelerator position sensor is installed between a pair of seat rails, which protects the accelerator position sensor from impacts caused by vehicle overturns. The accelerator position sensor is installed using the space created by the step between the air cleaner case and the outlet tube, which minimizes a reduction in the capacity of the air cleaner case. Furthermore, the pair of seat rails and the outlet tube protect the accelerator position sensor from water droplets and mud from the side and below. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the saddle-ride type vehicle of the present embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the center portion of the vehicle body of the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a left side view of the center portion of the vehicle body of the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the accelerator position sensor of the present embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a top view of the center portion of the vehicle body of the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In one aspect of the present invention, the accelerator position sensor is connected to the accelerator grip via an accelerator cable, so the feel of operating the accelerator grip is not impaired. The seat is supported from below by a pair of seat rails, and an air cleaner case is installed below the pair of seat rails. An outlet tube extends forward from the air cleaner case, and the upper surface of the outlet tube is formed lower than the upper surface of the air cleaner case. The accelerator position sensor is installed above the outlet tube between the pair of seat rails. By installing the accelerator position sensor between the pair of seat rails, the seat rails protect the accelerator position sensor from impact when the vehicle rolls over. The accelerator position sensor is installed using the space created by the step between the air cleaner case and the outlet tube, so a reduction in air cleaner capacity is suppressed. In addition, the pair of seat rails and the outlet tube protect the accelerator position sensor from water droplets and mud from the side and below. [Example]

[0010] The saddle-riding type vehicle of this embodiment will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a right side view of the saddle-riding type vehicle of this embodiment. In the following drawings, arrow Fr indicates the front of the vehicle, arrow Re indicates the rear of the vehicle, arrow L indicates the left side of the vehicle, arrow R indicates the right side of the vehicle, arrow U indicates the upper side of the vehicle, and arrow D indicates the lower side of the vehicle.

[0011] As shown in Fig. 1, the saddle-ride type vehicle 1 is configured by mounting various parts such as an engine 31 and an electrical system on a body frame 10. A pair of main frames 12 extend diagonally downward and rearward from a head pipe (not shown) of the body frame 10, and the rear portions of the pair of main frames 12 bend downward to form a pair of body frames 13. In addition, down frames 14 extend downward from the head pipe, and a pair of under frames 15 bent rearward are connected to the lower portions of the down frames 14. The rear ends of the pair of under frames 15 are connected to the lower portions of the pair of body frames 13, so that the body frame 10 is formed into a cradle shape.

[0012] A front fork 16 is steerably supported on the head pipe via a steering shaft (not shown). A handlebar 17 is provided on the upper part of the front fork 16, and a front wheel 18 is rotatably supported on the lower part of the front fork 16. A pair of upper seat rails (seat rails) 21 extend rearward from the upper part of the pair of body frames 13, and a pair of lower seat rails 22 extend diagonally rearward from the lower part of the pair of body frames 13. Rear parts of the pair of lower seat rails 22 are fixed to the rear parts of the pair of upper seat rails 21. A seat 23 is supported from below by the pair of upper seat rails 21, and the pair of upper seat rails 21 are supported from below by the pair of lower seat rails 22.

[0013] A swing arm 24 is swingably supported by the body frame 13. The swing arm 24 extends rearward from the body frame 13, and a rear wheel 25 is rotatably supported at the rear end of the swing arm 24. A rear suspension 37 is installed near the front end of the swing arm 24, and the swing arm 24, rear suspension 37, and body frame 13 are connected via a link mechanism. The rear suspension 37 expands and contracts as the swing arm 24 swings, absorbing unevenness in the road surface and suppressing vibrations while improving the contact between the road surface and the rear wheel 25.

[0014] The engine 31 is a four-stroke single-cylinder engine, and is suspended inside the body frame 10 via multiple suspension brackets. A cylinder assembly, which is made up of a stacked cylinder 33, a cylinder head 34, and a cylinder head cover 35, is attached to the top of a crankcase 32 of the engine 31. Intake system components such as an intake pipe 41, a throttle body 42, and an air cleaner 46 are connected to the rear side of the engine 31 (cylinder head 34). The throttle body 42 is installed below the main frame 12, and the air cleaner 46 is installed below the seat rail 21.

[0015] The saddle-ride type vehicle 1 of this embodiment employs an electronically controlled throttle body 42 that is not mechanically connected to an accelerator grip 51 attached to the handlebars 17. Even in this electronically controlled throttle body 42, in order to maintain the operational feel of the accelerator grip 51, an accelerator position sensor 53 is connected to the accelerator grip 51 via an accelerator cable 52. The amount of operation of the accelerator grip 51 is detected by the accelerator position sensor 53 via the accelerator cable 52, and the throttle body 42 is electrically controlled based on the amount of operation of the accelerator grip 51, etc.

[0016] The accelerator position sensor 53 is preferably installed inside the body frame 10 to protect it from impact when the vehicle rolls over. If the accelerator position sensor 53 were installed in the installation space for the air cleaner 46 or the fuel tank (not shown), the capacity of the air cleaner 46 or the fuel tank would have to be reduced or the vehicle size would have to be increased. In addition, the accelerator position sensor 53 must be protected from water droplets and mud splashed from the wheels. Therefore, in this embodiment, the accelerator position sensor 53 is installed in the space above the outlet tube 48 between the pair of seat rails 21.

[0017] The installation structure of the accelerator position sensor will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 4. Figure 2 is a right side view of the center part of the vehicle body of this embodiment. Figure 3 is a left side view of the center part of the vehicle body of this embodiment. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the accelerator position sensor of this embodiment.

[0018] 2 and 3, an air cleaner 46 is installed in a space that is triangular in side view in the center of the vehicle body and is surrounded by the body frame 13, upper seat rails 21, and lower seat rails 22. The dirty side of the air cleaner 46 is formed by an air cleaner case 47, and the clean side of the air cleaner 46 is formed by an outlet tube 48. The air cleaner case 47 is formed in a box shape that is triangular in side view, and is installed below the pair of upper seat rails 21. A filter is installed in the air cleaner case 47, and air taken in by the air cleaner case 47 is filtered by the filter.

[0019] An outlet tube 48 is connected to the front surface of the air cleaner case 47 and extends forward from the air cleaner case 47. The outlet tube 48 is connected to the rear surface of the cylinder head 34 via the throttle body 42 and the intake pipe 41. An intake passage is formed by the outlet tube 48, throttle body 42, and intake pipe 41. Air is sent from the outlet tube 48 to the throttle body 42, and after the intake amount is adjusted by the throttle body 42, the air is supplied from the throttle body 42 through the intake pipe 41 to the cylinder head 34.

[0020] A throttle valve (not shown) is provided in the intake passage of throttle body 42, and an actuator 43 is provided on the side of throttle body 42. Actuator 43 is provided with a reduction gear train that transmits the motor driving force to a valve shaft 44 of the throttle valve, and an electronic board for motor control. The electronic board is housed inside a rectangular side cover of actuator 43, and this side cover is attached to throttle body 42 so that it faces outside the vehicle. The motor driving force is transmitted to valve shaft 44 by actuator 43, and the throttle valve in the intake passage opens and closes to adjust the amount of intake air.

[0021] The upper portions of the pair of body frames 13 protrude diagonally upward and rearward, and this protrusion 26 is connected via frame bridges 27, 28 (see Figure 5). A bracket 29 is provided in the center of the lower frame bridge 28 in the vehicle width direction, and an upper end portion 38 of a rear suspension 37 is fixed to the bracket 29. The rear suspension 37 is installed in front of an air cleaner case 47, and an outlet tube 48 extends forward from the air cleaner case 47, passing through the left side of the rear suspension 37 (one side in the vehicle width direction). A reservoir tank 39 is provided on the right side of the rear suspension 37 (the other side in the vehicle width direction).

[0022] An intake air temperature sensor 70 is provided on the right side (the side on the other side in the vehicle width direction) of the outlet tube 48, and detects the temperature of intake air inside the outlet tube 48. The intake air temperature sensor 70 is positioned between the front of the air cleaner case 47 and the reservoir tank 39 in a side view. By providing the intake air temperature sensor 70 on the right side of the outlet tube 48, the space above the outlet tube 48 can be used as space for other components. In addition, because the outlet tube 48 is curved so as to pass to the left of the rear suspension 37, the intake air temperature sensor 70 on the right side of the outlet tube 48 is unlikely to protrude outside the vehicle, and is protected from water droplets, mud, impacts, and the like.

[0023] The top surface of the outlet tube 48 is lower than the top surface of the air cleaner case 47, and an accelerator position sensor 53 is installed in the space above the outlet tube 48. The accelerator position sensor 53 is installed above the outlet tube 48 and between the pair of upper seat rails 21. The pair of upper seat rails 21 and the outlet tube 48 cover the accelerator position sensor 53 from the sides and below, protecting the accelerator position sensor 53 from water droplets, mud, impacts, etc. An accelerator cable 52 is connected to the accelerator position sensor 53.

[0024] As shown in Figure 4, a rotating shaft (not shown) is rotatably supported within a sensor case 54 of the accelerator position sensor 53. The rotating shaft protrudes from the underside of the sensor case 54, and a pulley 55 is attached to the lower end of the rotating shaft. A wire 59 of an accelerator cable 52 extending from an accelerator grip 51 (see Figure 1) is wound around the pulley 55, and when the accelerator grip 51 is operated, the pulley 55 and the rotating shaft rotate together via the accelerator cable 52. A coil-shaped return spring 56 is attached to the rotating shaft, and the spring force of the return spring 56 presses the pulley 55 in the closing direction of the accelerator grip 51.

[0025] A cable guide 57 is provided on the underside of the sensor case 54, and the accelerator cable 52 is attached to a pair of guide holes 58 of the cable guide 57. A sensor unit 61 is provided on the top surface of the sensor case 54, and the upper end of the rotating shaft is connected to the sensor unit 61. The sensor unit 61 detects the amount of operation of the accelerator grip 51 from the amount of rotation of the pulley 55, which rotates integrally with the rotating shaft. A coupler 62 is provided on the sensor unit 61, and an electric cable (not shown) is connected to the coupler 62. The amount of operation of the accelerator grip 51 is sent from the sensor unit 61 to an electronic control unit (not shown) via the electric cable.

[0026] The accelerator position sensor 53 is supported by a pair of upper seat rails 21 (see FIG. 5 ) via a seat bracket 63 and a sensor bracket 64. The seat bracket 63 consists of a horizontal plate extending in the vehicle width direction and a vertical plate continuing to one end of the horizontal plate in the vehicle width direction, and is fixed to the pair of upper seat rails 21 at both ends of the horizontal plate of the seat bracket 63 in the vehicle width direction. The sensor bracket 64 consists of a horizontal plate extending in the vehicle width direction and a pair of vertical plates continuing to both ends of the horizontal plate in the vehicle width direction, and the horizontal plate of the seat bracket 63 overlaps the horizontal plate of the sensor bracket 64, and the vertical plate of the seat bracket 63 overlaps the vertical plate on one side of the sensor bracket 64.

[0027] The horizontal plate of the seat bracket 63 and the horizontal plate of the sensor bracket 64 are fixed with bolts 67 via rubber bushings 65, and the vertical plate of the seat bracket 63 and one vertical plate of the sensor bracket 64 are fixed with bolts 68 via rubber bushings (not shown). In addition, the sensor case 54 is fixed to the vertical plate on the other side of the sensor bracket 64. Since the sensor bracket 64 is supported floating relative to the seat bracket 63 via the rubber bushings 65, vibrations transmitted from the pair of upper seat rails 21 to the accelerator position sensor 53 are effectively absorbed by the rubber bushings 65.

[0028] The layout of the accelerator position sensor will be described in detail with reference to Figures 2 and 5. Figure 5 is a top view of the center part of the vehicle body of this embodiment.

[0029] 2 and 5, an accelerator position sensor 53 is installed between the pair of upper seat rails 21, utilizing the difference in level between the air cleaner case 47 and the outlet tube 48. The accelerator position sensor 53 is located inside positions P1, P2 of both ends of the outlet tube 48 in the vehicle width direction, and the outlet tube 48 effectively protects the accelerator position sensor 53 from water droplets, mud, and the like from below. The axis C of the pulley 55 of the accelerator position sensor 53 is oriented in the vertical direction, which reduces the height dimension of the accelerator position sensor 53 and increases the degree of freedom in locating the accelerator position sensor 53 above the outlet tube 48.

[0030] In a side view, the sensor unit 61 of the accelerator position sensor 53 is covered from the side by the upper seat rail 21, and the pulley 55 (see FIG. 3) of the accelerator position sensor 53 is located below the upper seat rail 21. The top surface of the sensor unit 61 is located below the top surface of the upper seat rail 21 and above the top surface of the air cleaner case 47. Although the sensor unit 61 is vulnerable to impacts, the upper seat rail 21 protects the sensor unit 61 from impacts when the vehicle rolls over. Because the pulley 55 protrudes below the upper seat rail 21, it is easy to wrap the accelerator cable 52 around the pulley 55.

[0031] An accelerator position sensor 53 is located between the front surface of the air cleaner case 47 and the upper end 38 of the rear suspension 37. The accelerator position sensor 53 is installed in the narrow space between the front surface of the air cleaner case 47 and the upper end 38 of the rear suspension 37, thereby minimizing the effect on other parts below the seat 23 (see FIG. 1). The upper end 38 of the rear suspension 37 is fixed to the frame bridge 28, and the accelerator position sensor 53 is located behind this upper end 38 of the rear suspension 37. Therefore, installation of the accelerator position sensor 53 does not impair the maintainability of the rear suspension 37.

[0032] The accelerator position sensor 53 is supported from the rear by a seat bracket 63 and a sensor bracket 64. The cable guide 57 of the accelerator position sensor 53 faces right, and the accelerator cable 52 extends rightward from the cable guide 57. In top view, the accelerator cable 52 extends forward across the rear suspension 37 and on the opposite side of the outlet tube 48, allowing the accelerator cable 52 to be laid in the fore-and-aft direction without interfering with intake system components. Similarly, the coupler 62 of the accelerator position sensor 53 also faces right, and an electric cable (not shown) extends rightward from the coupler 62.

[0033] As described above, according to the installation structure for accelerator position sensor 53 of this embodiment, accelerator position sensor 53 is connected to accelerator grip 51 via accelerator cable 52, so that the operability of accelerator grip 51 is not impaired. Furthermore, by installing accelerator position sensor 53 between the pair of upper seat rails 21, the upper seat rails 21 protect accelerator position sensor 53 from impact when the vehicle rolls over. By installing accelerator position sensor 53 using the space created by the step between air cleaner case 47 and outlet tube 48, a reduction in the capacity of air cleaner case 47 is suppressed. Furthermore, the pair of upper seat rails 21 and outlet tube 48 protect accelerator position sensor 53 from water droplets and mud from the sides and below.

[0034] In this embodiment, the accelerator position sensor is supported on the pair of upper seat rails via the seat bracket and the sensor bracket, but the support structure for the accelerator position sensor is not particularly limited. The accelerator position sensor may be supported on one of the upper seat rails, the frame bridge, or the like.

[0035] In this embodiment, the shaft of the accelerator position sensor pulley is oriented in the vertical direction, but the direction of the shaft of the accelerator position sensor pulley is not particularly limited. For example, the shaft of the accelerator position sensor pulley may be oriented in the vehicle width direction.

[0036] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the upper end of the rear suspension is fixed to the frame bridge, but it is sufficient that the upper end of the rear suspension is fixed to the body frame.

[0037] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the accelerator position sensor is located behind the upper end of the rear suspension, but the accelerator position sensor may be located above the upper end of the rear suspension.

[0038] Furthermore, the accelerator position sensor installation structure of this embodiment is not limited to the above-mentioned off-road straddle-type vehicle, but may be adopted in other types of straddle-type vehicles. Note that a straddle-type vehicle is not limited to all vehicles in which the driver sits astride the seat, but also includes scooter-type vehicles in which the driver does not sit astride the seat.

[0039] As described above, the first aspect is an installation structure for an accelerator position sensor (53) connected to an accelerator grip (51) via an accelerator cable (52). The seat (23) is supported from below by a pair of seat rails (upper seat rails 21). An air cleaner case (47) is installed below the pair of seat rails. An outlet tube (48) extends forward from the air cleaner case, with the upper surface of the outlet tube lower than the upper surface of the air cleaner case. The accelerator position sensor is installed above the outlet tube between the pair of seat rails. With this configuration, the accelerator position sensor is connected to the accelerator grip via the accelerator cable, so that the feel of operating the accelerator grip is not impaired. Furthermore, by installing the accelerator position sensor between the pair of seat rails, the seat rails protect the accelerator position sensor from impact when the vehicle rolls over. Installing the accelerator position sensor using the space created by the step between the air cleaner case and the outlet tube minimizes a reduction in the capacity of the air cleaner case. Additionally, the pair of seat rails and the outlet tube protect the accelerator position sensor from water droplets and mud that may come from the side or below.

[0040] In the second aspect, in the first aspect, the accelerator position sensor is located inside both ends of the outlet tube in the vehicle width direction. With this configuration, the outlet tube effectively protects the accelerator position sensor from water droplets, mud, etc. from below.

[0041] In the third aspect, in the first and second aspects, the accelerator position sensor has a pulley (55) around which the accelerator cable is wound, and the axis of the pulley is oriented in the vertical direction. This configuration reduces the height of the accelerator position sensor, allowing for greater freedom in placement above the outlet tube.

[0042] In a fourth aspect, in the third aspect, the accelerator position sensor has a sensor unit (61) that detects the amount of operation of the accelerator grip from the amount of rotation of the pulley, and in a side view, the sensor unit is covered by a pair of seat rails, and the pulley is located below the pair of seat rails. With this configuration, the sensor unit, which is vulnerable to impacts, is protected by the pair of seat rails from impacts when the vehicle rolls over, and it becomes easy to wrap the accelerator cable around the pulley.

[0043] In a fifth aspect, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, a rear suspension (37) is installed in front of the air cleaner case, and the accelerator position sensor is located between the front surface of the air cleaner case and the upper end portion (38) of the rear suspension. With this configuration, the accelerator position sensor is installed in the narrow space between the air cleaner and the rear suspension, thereby minimizing the influence on other components below the seat.

[0044] In a sixth aspect, in the fifth aspect, the upper end of the rear suspension is fixed to the body frame (10), and the accelerator position sensor is located behind the upper end of the rear suspension. With this configuration, even if the accelerator position sensor is installed, the maintainability of the rear suspension is not impaired.

[0045] In a seventh aspect, in the fifth or sixth aspect, the accelerator cable extends forward across the rear suspension and passes on the opposite side of the outlet tube in a top view. This configuration allows the accelerator cable to be laid in the fore-and-aft direction without interfering with intake system components.

[0046] Although the present embodiment has been described, other embodiments may be made by combining the above-described embodiments and modifications in whole or in part.

[0047] Furthermore, the technology of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes, substitutions, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the technical idea. Furthermore, if the technical idea can be realized in a different way due to technological advances or other derived technologies, it may be implemented using that method. Therefore, the claims cover all embodiments that may fall within the scope of the technical idea. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] 1: Saddle-type vehicle 10: Body frame 21: Upper seat rail (seat rail) 23: Sheet 37: Rear suspension 38: Upper end of rear suspension 47: Air cleaner case 48: Outlet tube 51: Accelerator Grip 52: Accelerator cable 53: Accelerator position sensor 55: Pulley 61: Sensor section C: Pulley shaft

Claims

1. An installation structure for an accelerator position sensor connected to an accelerator grip via an accelerator cable, The seat is supported from below by a pair of seat rails, An air cleaner case is installed below the pair of seat rails, An outlet tube extends forward from the air cleaner case, an upper surface of the outlet tube is lower than an upper surface of the air cleaner case; 2. An accelerator position sensor installation structure, wherein the accelerator position sensor is installed above the outlet tube between the pair of seat rails.

2. 2. The accelerator position sensor installation structure according to claim 1, wherein the accelerator position sensor is located inside both ends of the outlet tube in the vehicle width direction.

3. 3. The accelerator position sensor installation structure according to claim 1, wherein the accelerator position sensor has a pulley around which the accelerator cable is wound, and an axis of the pulley is oriented in the vertical direction.

4. 4. The accelerator position sensor installation structure according to claim 3, characterized in that the accelerator position sensor has a sensor unit that detects an amount of operation of the accelerator grip from an amount of rotation of the pulley, the sensor unit being covered by the pair of seat rails in a side view, and the pulley being located below the pair of seat rails.

5. A rear suspension is installed in front of the air cleaner case, 3. The accelerator position sensor installation structure according to claim 1, wherein the accelerator position sensor is located between a front surface of the air cleaner case and an upper end portion of the rear suspension.

6. The upper end of the rear suspension is fixed to the vehicle body frame, 6. The accelerator position sensor installation structure according to claim 5, wherein the accelerator position sensor is located behind an upper end of the rear suspension.

7. 6. The accelerator position sensor installation structure according to claim 5, wherein, in a top view, the accelerator cable extends forward through the opposite side of the outlet tube, sandwiching the rear suspension therebetween.

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